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4-Formylphenyldiphenylphosphine (3f') 6a According to GPC using 4-bromobenzaldehyde (37 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), CuCl SB 2 sb (2.7 mg, 0.02 mmol), 4-methylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine (61 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), DMEDA (6.6 L, 0.06 mmol, 0.3 equiv), Cs SB 2 sb CO SB 3 sb (71 mg, 0.22 mmol, 1.1 equiv), and toluene (0.4 mL) afforded B 3f' b (46 mg, 80%) as a white amorphous solid. 3-(Diphenylphosphino)benzonitrile (3g') 11 According to GPC using 3-bromobenzonitrile (36 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), CuCl SB 2 sb (2.7 mg, 0.02 mmol), 4-methylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine (61 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), DMEDA (6.6 L, 0.06 mmol, 0.3 equiv), Cs SB 2 sb CO SB 3 sb (71 mg, 0.22 mmol, 1.1 equiv), and toluene (0.4 mL) afforded B 3g' b (30 mg, 52%) as a white amorphous solid. 4-(Diphenylphosphino)pyridine (3h') 6a According to GPC using 4-bromopyridine hydrochloride (38.9 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), CuCl SB 2 sb (2.7 mg, 0.02 mmol), 4-methylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine (61 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv), DMEDA (6.6 L, 0.06 mmol, 0.3 equiv), Cs SB 2 sb CO SB 3 sb (71 mg, 0.22 mmol, 1.1 equiv), and toluene (0.4 mL) afforded B 3h' b (40 mg, 76%) as a white amorphous solid. Keywords: Cu catalysis; acylphosphines; C(sp 2)-P bond formation; triarylphosphine; phosphination reagent EN Cu catalysis acylphosphines C(sp 2)-P bond formation triarylphosphine phosphination reagent 2586 2594 9 07/31/23 20230817 NES 230817 Graph Triarylphosphines are widely used as ligands [1] and catalysts [5] for tuning chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities of organic reactions. [Extracted from the article]

Conditional protein splicing is a powerful biotechnological tool that can be used to post-translationally control the activity of target proteins. Here we demonstrated a novel conditional protein splicing approach in which the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protease induced the splicing of an atypical split intein. The engineered Ter DnaE-3 S11 split intein which has a small C-intein segment with only 6 amino acids was used in this study. A SUMO tag was fused to the N-terminus of the C-intein to inhibit the protein trans -splicing in vitro. The splicing products could be detected in 15 min with the addition of SUMO protease by western blotting and the splicing efficiency was ∼4-fold higher than the control without SUMO protease for overnight reaction. This engineered Ter DnaE-3 S11 split intein-mediated protein trans -splicing had been further shown to be triggered by SUMO protease in different exteins in vitro. Our study provides new insights into the regulation of protein splicing and is a promising tool for the control of protein structure and function in vitro. • A novel conditional protein splicing approach was established in vitro. • SUMO protease induced the splicing of an atypical split intein. • SUMO protease triggered conditional protein splicing worked in different exteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technologies can enable secure computing environments among mistrusting parties. Permissioned blockchains are particularly enlightened by companies, enterprises, and government agencies due to their efficiency, customizability, and governance-friendly features. Obviously, seamlessly fusing blockchain and cloud computing can significantly benefit permissioned blockchains; nevertheless, most blockchains implemented on clouds are originally designed for loosely-coupled networks where nodes communicate asynchronously, failing to take advantages of the closely-coupled nature of cloud servers. In this paper, we propose an innovative cloud-oriented blockchain – CloudChain, which is a modularized three-layer system composed of the network layer, consensus layer, and blockchain layer. CloudChain is based on a shared-memory model where nodes communicate synchronously by direct memory accesses. We realize the shared-memory model with the Remote Direct Memory Access technology, based on which we propose a shared-memory consensus algorithm to ensure presistence and liveness, the two crucial blockchain security properties countering Byzantine nodes. We also implement a CloudChain prototype based on a RoCEv2-based testbed to experimentally validate our design, and the results verify the feasibility and efficiency of CloudChain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Diels–Alder (DA) bond containing poly(tetrahydrofuran)-co-(ethyleneoxide) (PET) based linear polyurethane (PET-DA-PU) was synthesized via a prepolymer process using PET as raw material, DA diol as chain extender agent, and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) as coupling agent. The structure of PET-DA-PU was characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (1H NMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (13C NMR). The thermal performance and self-healing behavior of PET-DA-PU were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscope, universal testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and NMR, respectively. The glass transition temperature of PET-DA-PU was found to be −59 °C. Under the heat treatment at 100 °C, the crack on PET-DA-PU film completely disappeared in 9 min, and the self-healing efficiency that was determined by the recovery of the largest tensile strength after being damaged and healed at 100 °C for 20 min can reach 89.1%. SEM images revealed the micro-cracks along with the blocky aggregated hard segments which were the important reasons for fracture. NMR spectroscopy indicated that the efficiency of retro DA reaction of PET-DA-PU was 70% after 20 min heating treatment at 100 °C. Moreover, the PET-DA-PU/Al/Na2SO4 composite was also prepared to simulate propellant formulation and investigated by universal testing machine and SEM; its healing efficiency was up to 87.8% under the same heat treatment process and exhibits good self-healing ability. Therefore, PET-DA-PU may serve as a promising thermally self-healing polymeric binder for future propellant formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we establish two Erdélyi-type integrals for Saran's hypergeometric function F K , which has applications in specific branches of applied physics and statistics (see below). We employ methods based on the k-dimensional fractional integration by parts to obtain our main integral identities. The first integral generalizes Koschmieder's result and the second integral extends one of Erdélyi's classical hypergeometric integral. Some useful special cases and important remarks are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic skin plays an important role in the age of artificial intelligence. Capacitive pressure sensors, capable of sensing pressure changes through contact, still need to improve their basic performance and comfort of use. In this paper, a flexible strontium alginate film with finely folded crater microstructure prepared by spraying method is introduced as a dielectric layer, together with PDMS film and conductive cloth as a capacitive sensor. The internal and external displacement, potential, and elastic volume ratio of the sensor were simulated using finite element analysis. The sensor has good sensitivity (R2 up to 0.99), very low response and relaxation time (≤ 50 ms), and good cyclic stability. The sensor was also used for performing several simple applications tests. • A transparent and ultrathin flexible film with crater microstructure and uniform fine pleated structure prepared by spraying method. • The dielectric constant of the SCA film reached 15.3, which was 1.18 times higher than that of the SA film and 4.5 times higher than that of the PDMS film. • The relative dielectric constant of the dielectric layer increases due to ion displacement polarization generated at the surface of the SCA film. • The capacitive pressure sensor presents high sensitivity, very short response and relaxation times, and good cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the discovery of superconducting properties in thin films with an infinite-layer structured nickelate has paved the way for exploring unconventional superconductivity, opening up new possibilities in this field. However, the challenges related to fabricating these samples have greatly restricted research in this area. In this study, we successfully fabricated superconducting thin films of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and investigated their tolerance to different environmental factors. To analyze the stability of the superconducting La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 thin films, we assessed their tolerance to temperature by examining the peak intensities in X-ray diffraction (XRD) and monitoring the changes in resistance curves at varying temperatures. In addition, we investigated the films' sensitivity to acidity and alkalinity by immersing them in acidic and alkaline solutions for various durations. We also studied the stability of the thin films under various conditions, including heating in air, heating in a vacuum, exposure to acid and alkali, as well as exposure to the organic solvent acetone solution. Our findings highlight the successful preparation of superconducting La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 thin films and shed light on their stability in different environments. This research provides valuable insights for further exploration of their potential applications and laid the foundation for advancements in the field of unconventional superconductivity. [Display omitted] • We successfully fabricated superconducting thin films of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 and investigated their tolerance to different environmental factors. • We investigated the resistance and X-ray diffraction changes in nickelate under various conditions, including heating in air and vacuum, and exposure to 10M NaOH, 1M HCl, and acetone. Our findings indicate that the stability of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 superconductivity is affected by environmental factors, losing its superconductivity at 160°C in air and 220°C in vacuum. • Our research shows that our superconducting sample loses superconductivity upon immersion in an acidic solution but remains stable in an alkaline environment, maintaining zero resistance for up to 2 h in 10M NaOH before losing superconductivity after 3 hours. Additionally, La 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 loses superconductivity and exhibits insulating behavior after 330 minutes in acetone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a potassium-ion battery, concentration gradients of K+ and electrons along electrode thickness usually result in uneven potassiation of electrode material. It is highly possible that the electrode material on the collector side will never reach full stage of charge like that on the separator side especially for thick electrodes. Herein, we develop a unique and huge cobblestone-shaped Fe 3 O 4 /C heterostructure in hope to address this problem by converting unidirectional concentration gradient into a three-dimensional one. This structure that comprises labyrinthine carbon skeleton and encapsulated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles is propitious to reduce tortuosity beyond particles and accelerate K+ transportation to collector on potassiation. In battery use, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles boost K+-storage capability through conversion mechanism, while carbon capsules physically isolate Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and serve as nano-reactors for their conversion reactions. Moreover, the carbon skeleton also improves electronic conductivity of the structure and enhances K+-storage capability/cyclability through electrical double-layer capacitive mechanism. As a result, this structure delivers high capacity of ∼406 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles and exhibits exceptional cyclability over 700 cycles at 2 A g−1 with capacity of 309 mAh g−1. Besides, the full-cell test shows capacity of ∼112 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 500 cycles. [Display omitted] • Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are encapsulated in carbon capsules to form a heterostructure. • It delivers K+-storage capacity of ∼406 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 200 cycles. • It shows good cyclability over 700 cycles at 2 A g−1 with a capacity of 309 mAh g−1. • Its full cell delivers a capacity of ∼112 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to obtain the acoustic attenuation performance of exhaust muffler of diesel engine and the influence of main structural parameters on its acoustic attenuation characteristics, the finite element analysis method and acoustic theory were adopted to numerically investigate the acoustic attenuation performance under the boundary condition of acoustic adiabatic propagation and muffler wall. It suggested that the noise cancellation effect of muffler was poor at the middle and low frequency in range of 0–3000 Hz, and the transfer loss of muffler was basically 0 dB pass frequency at 1100 Hz. According to previous single-factor study experience, the structural factors, such as the expansion ratio, insertion length of outlet perforated pipe, the distance between the diaphragm and the front part of muffler, have influences on the acoustic performance of muffler at low frequency. Thus, they were taken as the starting point to study the influence of multiple interaction factors on the muffling performance by using orthogonal design method combined with the finite element analysis method. The influence degree of different structure parameters on the acoustic performance of muffler and the optimized structure parameters were obtained. Through the analysis on the acoustic characteristic of the optimized muffler, it indicated that the transmission loss of the improved muffler had significant increase in other frequency range except the range of 650–800 Hz and 2500–2700 Hz, especially at frequency of 1100 Hz compared with the original muffler. In the range of 0–3000 Hz, the mean of transmission loss of the improved muffler was about 9.8 dB larger than that of original muffler, which indicated that better noise cancellation effect was achieved. The improved muffler also provided a certain reference for the structural improvement of similar muffler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum camphora fruit extract was used to biosynthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the optimised synthesis system was ascertained through solution colour change and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra. It contained 20 ml of fruit extract, 4 mM Ag nitrate, and pH 7. AgNPs obtained based on such conditions were spherical and finely dispersed, with an average size of 20.3 nm. As‐synthesised AgNPs exhibited excellent antifungal effect against Fusarium oxysporum. At a dose of 400 μg/ml of AgNPs, the inhibition rate of colony growth reached 61.00% and an IC50 value of 154.39 μg/ml. In addition, the conidia germination was totally inhibited at 100 μg/ml of AgNPs. Results of this study provide a new approach for biological control of plant pathogenic fungi, and it makes that possible for developing a brand new fungistat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of electric field on frost crystal growth and jumping is investigated. • The effect of electric field on frost quality was investigated. When the electric field strength reached 6 kV/cm, the frost quality decreased by 54.5 %. • Frost jumping under an electric field is beneficial for anti-icing/frosting. The frosting phenomenon under the influence of an electric field deserves is of interest. It is closely related to the frosting problems of transmission conductors, power devices, etc. In the present study, the growth and jumping characteristics of frost on a frozen droplet were investigated by the visual experiments under an electric field. It is shown that the electric field promotes the growth of primary branch of the frost crystal, while the lateral branch constrains the growth. When the EF (electric field strength) reached 6 kV/cm, the frost crystal became a non-lateral branch structure. In addition, the frost jumping behavior induced by the electric field has changed the frost morphology, and the regularity of frost jumping at different EF has been analyzed. The frequency of frost jumping increases with the increase of EF. When the EF reaches 6 kV/cm, the frost mass drops by 54.5 %. According to the present study, a potential innovation in anti-frosting/icing technology is to propose a rational structural arrangement of the cooling surface under an electric field to maximize the frost jumping effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new modulated structures induced by controllable electron beam irradiation (EBI) were obtained from SrCrO 3 single crystal. The crystal and electronic structures were investigated using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and ab initio calculations. The EELS results revealed that EBI induced ordered oxygen vacancies and generated modulated structures SrCrO 2.5 (I 4 /mmm), SrCrO 2.8 (C 2/ m) and SrCrO 2.67 (C 2 /m) from pristine SrCrO 3 (Pmm). The corresponding structural models were proposed and modified by ab initio calculations. Additionally, the electronic structures of the optimized modulated structures were further investigated. [Display omitted] • SrCrO 3 containing Cr4+ ions possesses anomalous electronic states and physical properties. • By using the aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, we found that the electron beam irradiation induces three kinds of modulated structure. • Our work shows the plentiful properties of the material and deepens our understanding on this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between hyperuricemia (HUA) and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been well established. However, the mechanisms of thrombus generation and the effect of HUA on procoagulant activity (PCA) of erythrocytes remain unclear no matter in uremia or hyperuricemia. Here, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, microparticles (MPs) release, cytosolic Ca2+, TMEM16F expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte were detected by flow cytometer. PCA was assessed by coagulation time, purified coagulation complex and fibrin production assays. The fibrin formation was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that PS exposure, MPs generation, TMEM16F expression and consequent PCA of erythrocyte in HUA patients significantly increased compared to those in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, high UA induced PS exposure, and MPs release of erythrocyte in concentration and time-dependent manners in vitro, which enhanced the PCA of erythrocyte and was inhibited by lactadherin, a PS inhibitor. Additionally, using SEM, we also observed compact fibrin clots with highly-branched networks and thin fibers supported by red blood cells (RBCs) and RBC-derived MPs (RMPs). Importantly, we demonstrated UA enhanced the production of ROS and lipid peroxidation and reduced the generation of glutathione (GSH) of erythrocyte, which enhanced TMEM16F activity and followed PS externalization and RMPs formation. Collectively, these results suggest that Ca2+-dependent TMEM16F activation may be responsible for UA-induced PS exposure and MPs release of RBC, which thereby contribute to the prothrombotic risk in HUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, stimuli-sensitive prodrugs have been extensively studied for the rapid “burst” release of antitumor drugs to enhance chemotherapeutic efficiency. In this study, a novel stimuli-sensitive prodrug containing galactosamine as a targeting moiety, poly(ethylene glycol)–doxorubicin (PEG–DOX) conjugate, was developed for targeting HepG2 human liver cancer cells. To obtain the PEG–DOX conjugate, both galactosamine-decorated poly(ethylene glycol) aldehyde (Gal-PEG-CHO) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) aldehyde (mPEG-CHO) were firstly synthesized and functionalized with dithiodipropionate dihydrazide (TPH) through direct reductive amination via Schiff's base formation, and then DOX molecules were chemically conjugated to the hydrazide end groups of TPH-functionalized Gal-/m-PEG chains via pH-sensitive hydrazone linkages. The chemical structures of TPH-functionalized PEG and PEG–DOX prodrug were confirmed by 1 H NMR analysis. The PEG–DOX conjugate could self-assemble into spherical nanomicelles with a mean diameter of 140 nm, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The drug loading content and loading efficiency in the prodrug nanomicelles were as high as 20 wt.% and 75 wt.%, respectively. In vitro drug release studies showed that DOX was released rapidly from the prodrug nanomicelles at the intracellular levels of pH and reducing agent. Cellular uptake and MTT experiments demonstrated that the galactosamine-decorated prodrug nanomicelles were more efficiently internalized into HepG2 cells via a receptor-mediated endocytosis process and exhibited a higher toxicity, compared with pristine prodrug nanomicelles. These results suggest that the novel Gal-PEG–DOX prodrug nanomicelles have tremendous potential for targeted liver cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To research on the inhibitory effects of polyphenols from Pinus koraiensis seed scale on the proliferation of human cancer cells in vitro. [Methods] Polyphenols from Pinus koraiensis seed scale were prepared into extracting solutions at different concentrations. Suspension cultures of five tumor cells were processed, which were lung carcinoma cell A549, human bone marrow neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5Y, human skin cancer cell A375, human hepatocarcinoma cell HepG-2 and human ovarian cancer cell SKOV3. Inhibitory rate of cell proliferation in vitro was detected by MTT method. [Results] P. koraiensis polyphenols had relatively good inhibitory effects on A549, showing certain correlation with time or concentration. The inhibitory rare was the optimal when the concentration of P. koraiensis polyphenols was 0.4 mg/mL. Under this concentration, the inhibitory rate of extracting solution of P. koraiensis polyphenols reached 55% on lung carcinoma cell A549. P. koraiensis polyphenols showed no significant inhibitory effects on SH-SY5Y, A375, HepG2 or SKOV3. [Conclusions] P. koraiensis polyphenols had inhibitory effects on lung carcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel reduction/pH dual-sensitive HA-based polymer–DOX conjugate is synthesized. [•] Hyaluronic acid–DOX conjugate can self-assemble into spherical nanoparticles (150nm). [•] The nanoparticles may release DOX rapidly in simulated intracellular environments. [•] Gal-modified nanoparticles possess good targeting ability to liver tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The novel honeycomb-like poly(ε-caprolactone)/nano-hydroxyapatite whiskers composite (PCL/nHA) scaffolds were fabricated by an innovative biotemplating technique based on the negative NaCl mold of cane. The microstructure, mechanical properties and in vitro cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were characterized using SEM, mechanical tests and MTT assay. SEM revealed the good transformation of cane structure into PCL/nHA composite. The PCL/nHA scaffolds had a bimodal pore distribution with interconnected channels ranging from 50 to 260μm surrounded by micropores of <20μm. The compressive modulus and porosity were 275.1kPa and 95.87%, respectively. The in vitro biological evaluation with MG-63 cells confirmed that the incorporation of nHA whiskers into PCL matrix significantly improved initial cell attachment and proliferation. The results suggest that the novel PCL/nHA scaffolds are promising for application in bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blockchain creates a secure environment on top of strict cryptographic assumptions and rigorous security proofs. It permits on-chain interactions to achieve trustworthy properties such as traceability, transparency, and accountability. However, current blockchain trustworthiness is only confined to on-chain, creating a “trust gap” to the physical, off-chain environment. This is due to the lack of a scheme that can truthfully reflect the physical world in a real-time and consistent manner. Such an absence hinders further blockchain applications in the physical world, especially for the security-sensitive ones. In this paper, we propose a framework to extend blockchain trust from on-chain to off-chain, and take trustworthy vaccine tracing as an example scheme. Our scheme consists of 1) a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)-enabled trusted environment monitoring system built with the Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller that continuously senses the inside of a vaccine box through trusted sensors and generates anti-forgery data; and 2) a consistency protocol to upload the environment status data from the TEE system to blockchain in a truthful, real-time consistent, continuous and fault-tolerant fashion. Our security analysis indicates that no adversary can tamper with the vaccine in any way without being captured. We carry out an experiment to record the internal status of a vaccine shipping box during transportation, and the results indicate that the proposed system incurs an average latency of 84 ms in local sensing and processing followed by an average latency of 130 ms to have the sensed data transmitted to and been available in the blockchain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the application performance of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) in solid propellant, an energetic copolyurethane binder, (poly[3,3-bis(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxymethyl)oxetane] glycol-block-glycidylazide polymer (PBFMO-b-GAP) was synthesized using poly[3,3-bis(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxymethyl)oxetane] glycol (PBFMO), which was prepared from cationic polymerization with GAP as the raw material and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) as the coupling agent via a prepolymer process. The molecular structure of copolyurethanes was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The impact sensitivity, mechanical performance, and thermal behavior of PBFMO-b-GAP were studied by drop weight test, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS), tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The results demonstrated that the introduction of fluoropolymers could evidently reduce the sensitivity of GAP-based polyurethane and enhance its mechanical behavior (the tensile strength up to 5.75 MPa with a breaking elongation of 1660%). Besides, PBFMO-b-GAP exhibited excellent resistance to thermal decomposition up to 200 °C and good compatibility with Al and cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX). The thermal performance of the PBFMO-b-GAP/Al complex was investigated by a cook-off test, and the results indicated that the complex has specific reaction energy. Therefore, PBFMO-b-GAP may serve as a promising energetic binder for future propellant formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a supply chain coordination problem under production cost disruptions. When a production cost disruption occurs, the coordination scheme designed for the initially estimated production cost needs to be revised. To resolve this issue, it is necessary to explicitly consider the possible deviation costs caused by any changes in the original production plan. How to model the production cost disruptions and their impacts, and how to design coordination schemes under disruptions is discussed. Results obtained under various scenarios including the cases of a single retailer and multiple retailers, the cases of linear and nonlinear demand-price functions, and different wholesale policies are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) usually colonize plant roots, especially in stress environments. However, their relationship with plants ranges from beneficial to harmful and has remained largely uncharacterized. In the present study, 14 DSE species grouped into 11 genera were isolated from the roots of a desert plant, Artemisia ordosica, which is widely distributed in northwest China. Three dominant DSE species—Paraphoma chrysanthemicola (Pc), Alternaria chartarum (Ac), and Acrocalymma vagum (Av)—were selected and tested for their resistance to drought in vitro. Furthermore, we characterized the responses of A. ordosica under drought conditions in relation to the presence of these DSEs following inoculation. The results showed that all three strains grew well under in vitro drought stress, and the biomass of Ac and Av was significantly higher than that of the unstressed control. The effects of DSE inoculation on the growth of A. ordosica under drought stress varied according to the different DSE species but were generally beneficial. Under drought stress, Av and Pc promoted plant growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, and root development of the hosts. The Ac strain conferred obvious positive effects on the antioxidant enzyme activity of the hosts. In general, Av and Pc demonstrated better application potential for improving the drought resistance of A. ordosica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of lead-free Rb2ZrCl6:xTe4+ (x = 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%) perovskite materials were synthesized through a hydrothermal method in this work. The substitution of Te4+ for Zr in Rb2ZrCl6 was investigated to examine the effect of Te4+ doping on the spectral properties of Rb2ZrCl6 and its potential applications. The incorporation of Te4+ induced yellow emission of triplet self-trapped emission (STE). Different luminescence wavelengths were regulated by Te4+ concentration and excitation wavelength, and under a low concentration of Te4+ doping (x ≤ 0.1%), different types of host STE emission and Te4+ triplet state emission could be achieved through various excitation energies. These luminescent properties made it suitable for applications in information encryption. When Te4+ was doped at high concentrations (x ≥ 1%), yellow triplet state emission of Te4+ predominated, resulting in intense yellow emission, which stemmed from strong exciton binding energy and intense electron-phonon coupling. In addition, a Rb2ZrCl6:2%Te4+@RTV scintillating film was fabricated and a spatial resolution of 3.7 lp/mm was achieved, demonstrating the potential applications of Rb2ZrCl6:xTe4+ in nondestructive detection and bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of understanding the mechanism of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), artificial heterostructures based on SrTiO3 have sparked a wealth of exciting experimental and theoretical results. However, to date, the physical origin of this phenomenon still remains controversial. In our endeavor to unravel the mystery, we have synthesized a series of LaTiO3+δ/SrTiO3 films by controlling growth temperature and oxygen pressure, respectively. X-ray absorption results identify the transition of Ti ions from Ti3+ to Ti4+. It is proved that electrical transport properties in the LaTiO3/SrTiO3 film are dominated by oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3. In addition, the metallic behavior observed in the amorphous LaTiO3/SrTiO3 film suggests contributions from growth-induced donor defects to 2DEG. Our work presents direct evidence of competing conduction mechanisms for the observed 2DEG at the LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interface and highlights the important role of oxygen diffusion from the substrate SrTiO3. Meanwhile, we emphasize the significance of LaTiO3 as an oxygen scale meter to investigate interfacial properties of oxide heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The transmission loss variation law of exhaust muffler of agricultural single cylinder diesel engine. • Research and analysis on the prominent parameters of muffler transmission loss in its structural design. • Comparative analysis of the influence degree of various structural parameters of muffler on acoustic performance. The TL (transmission loss) is an important index to evaluate muffler performance. The design of muffler should not only consider acoustic performance, but also its volume, manufacturing cost and its influence on comprehensive performance of diesel engine. If the prominent structural parameters of muffler can be found, the TL can be maximized without sacrificing the overall performance of diesel engine and the exhaust noise can be reduced. In this paper, the sound pressure nephogram of muffler at different frequencies is analyzed in depth, and the TL diagram of muffler under various design parameters is calculated by using the AML (Automatic Matched Layer) technique. According to previous studies, the influence laws of several main parameters of muffler, such as F (length to diameter ratio), N (long and short axis ratio) and T (sieve separator perforation rate), on TL are compared and analyzed. The results show that in low-frequency range, the change of each structural parameters of muffler has little effect on TL, while in high-frequency range, the TL changes are obvious. The study found the TL of muffler is most obviously affected by the change of its F, followed by N and T. It provides a theoretical basis for the design of muffler parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The interaction of oxygen and cerium-free ions in molten 3LiCl-2KCl eutectic K was studied. • Stable states of cerium compounds and the mechanism of interaction have been established. • The solubility constants and principal thermodynamic data of CeOCl and Ce 2 O 3 were calculated. • The Pourbaix diagram was drawn and the characteristics of the stable cerium species were summarized. The interaction of oxygen and cerium-free ions in molten 3LiCl-2KCl eutectic in the temperature range of (723–823) K was studied by the method of potentiometric titration using YZME electrodes. Stable states of cerium compounds in the Ce–O system and the mechanism of interaction of Ce3+ with O2− ions have been established. The solubility constants of cerium oxychloride and oxide compounds at different temperatures were determined. Principal thermodynamic data of CeOCl and Ce 2 O 3 were calculated. The Pourbaix (potential-pO2−) diagram was drawn and summarizes the properties of stable cerium species in the melt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inferring porosity of subsurface from seismic data is of profound significance to many fields of Earth science and engineering applications, including but not limited to: hydrocarbon reservoir characterization, underground water flow modeling, geological CO2 storage, and geothermal energy exploitation. Traditional model‐driven approaches confront the problems of strong nonlinearity and geological heterogeneity, while machine learning is good at nonlinear mapping, providing higher efficiency and accuracy as well. We propose a Random Forest (RF) based method using multiple seismic attributes to predict the underground porosity distribution with uncertainty quantification. The standard deviation of base models' predictions is used to quantify the regression uncertainty of RF. The uncertainty can robustly indicate the prediction quality in numerous experiments, where low uncertainty corresponds to relatively precise prediction and high uncertainty gives a possibility of larger errors. Furthermore, we utilize the quantified uncertainty to improve the RF regression accuracy by correcting the originally predicted porosity according to the statistical relationship between the absolute error and the standard deviation. The application of the proposed method on seismic data shows its potential to characterize spatially varying reservoir parameters, and the quantified uncertainty profile offers insights into risk evaluation for hydrocarbon exploration and development. Plain Language Summary: Estimating underground porosity distributions from seismic data is of considerable interest in a broad range of Earth science, from hydrocarbon reservoir characterization to geological CO2 storage. The relationship between the related seismic attributes and porosity is highly nonlinear, especially in complex geological conditions, which impedes conventional approaches of porosity estimation. However, machine learning provides a more flexible and intelligent means to map directly from seismic data to porosity. In this study, we use a machine learning algorithm named Random Forest, which is an ensemble of many decision trees, to predict the underground porosity distribution from multiple seismic attributes. Meanwhile, the prediction uncertainty that measures the prediction reliability is quantified based on the diversity of predictions from different trees within a forest. We find that the uncertainty is approximately positively correlated with the prediction error. Thus, we further develop a strategy to correct the originally predicted porosity based on the quantified uncertainty for higher accuracy. Using the proposed method, a two‐dimensional profile of porosity distribution with the uncertainty profile is produced, which demonstrates its potential to delineate spatially varying reservoir properties from large‐scale seismic data. Key Points: A machine learning based method is developed to directly estimate porosity from multi‐seismic attributesThe standard deviation derived from the Random Forest regressor is capable of indicating the porosity prediction uncertaintyThe quantified uncertainty is further utilized to improve the performance of porosity prediction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa's oil trade plays a vital role in the global oil market, but it is more vulnerable compared to other regions due to its resource dependency. This study examines the evolution of African countries' oil trade in the context of the changing global oil market, aiming to shed light on the characteristics of resource-dependent oil trade in these areas. By utilizing global oil trade data, an oil trade network of African countries is constructed for the period from 2000 to 2020. The findings reveal that the comparative advantages of most African countries are primarily determined by their abundant resources, with the Gulf of Guinea and North Africa exhibiting greater revealed comparative advantages. However, the over-reliance on primary product exports leaves African countries susceptible to unpredictable changes in the global oil market. Furthermore, due to their single industrial structure, the control over resource flows within the trade network is significantly low for African oil-producing nations. The oil trade of African countries has formed distinct trade communities, including the Gulf of Guinea and North America, North Africa and European countries, and Angola, Sudan, and East Asian countries. These communities exhibit relative independence and self-reinforcement, influenced by factors such as the timing of market entry, international economic trends, energy demand and transformations in consumer countries, and geopolitical risks. • The resources determine most African countries' advantages. • African countries have different preferences in selecting trade partners. • African countries' trade communities are independent and self-reinforcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with the strategy of Ecological Civilization Construction, maintaining and increasing the value of natural resources is a core issue of China's territorial and spatial planning. Ecological space, eco-space in short, is not only the guarantee of a city's ecological security, but also the main body for realizing the value transformation of ecological resources. Currently, it is generally believed that the definition of eco-space is limited by natural attributes, leading to an either/or situation between eco-space and urban space in planning control. Although this approach may assure rigid bottom lines, it results in the freezing of ecological resources and the separation of eco-space from urban space, as well as the missing of many possibilities for future urban development. In order to optimize the planning control on eco-space of the territorial and spatial planning system, this paper reconsiders the concept of eco-space and proposes the theoretical framework of "resilient system, flexible boundary, and dynamic adaptation," as well as the categorization of eco-space into the three zones of mandatory protection, strategic reservation, and potential development. Taking Haicang District of Xiamen as an example, it puts forward an analysis model on the development potential of eco-space by superimposing the weight of five influence factors for a scientific result of zoning. It concludes that the mapping of overall ecological pattern, the spatial interaction crossing flexible boundaries, the management allowing dynamic conversion, and the refined control incorporating both rigid and elastic principles may provide guidelines for increasing the value of eco-space, so as to maximize the ecological benefits of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigate an assembly system that consists of one assembler and two suppliers wherein one supplier possesses private cost information. • Comparisons of contracts between quantity-payment and two-part tariff contracts and decision sequences between simultaneous and sequential movements. • Coordinating the purchase quantities from both suppliers does not always increase the channel's and the assembler's profits. • The assembler obtains the highest profit under a quantity-payment contract with sequential contracting. • The supplier with private information and the channel both prefer a two-part tariff contract over a quantity-payment contract. This paper investigates an assembly system that consists of one assembler and two suppliers wherein one supplier possesses private cost information. We explore how in such a setting, the contract type (quantity-payment versus two-part tariff) and contracting sequence (simultaneous versus sequential) between the assembler and its suppliers influence the channel and individual firms' performances. Our results for the basic model show the following: (1) Coordinating the purchase quantities from both suppliers does not always increase the channel's and the assembler's profits. (2) The assembler obtains the highest profit under a quantity-payment contract with sequential contracting. (3) The supplier with private information and the channel both prefer a two-part tariff contract over a quantity-payment contract. We also extend our basic model to a case where the assembler contracts with one supplier under a two-part tariff contract and with the other under a quantity-payment contract. We identify the firms' equilibrium decisions and preferences over different contract types and contracting sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well and barrier waveguides were fabricated in zinc sulfide (ZnS) single crystals via nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) ion implantation. Elastic collisions between the implanted ions and target nuclei were reconstructed using SRIM software. The prism coupling and end-face coupling methods were applied to capture the dark-mode spectrum and near-field intensity distributions, respectively, at 633 nm. The absorption spectra from the UV to visible band of the ZnS crystals before and after Ni and Cu ion implantation were collected on a spectrophotometer. Magnetic properties at room temperature were evaluated under a magnetic field of 3T. • The well and barrier zinc sulfide waveguide structures were fabricated by Ni and Cu ion implantation. • The optical properties of ZnS single crystals before and after ion implantation were studied. • The magetic properties of ZnS single crystals are studied by Ni and Cu ion implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of fundamental importance to transform carbon monoxide (CO) to petrochemical feedstocks and fine chemicals. Many strategies built on the activation of C=O bond by π-back bonding from the transition metal center were developed during the past decades. Herein, a new CO activation method, in which the CO was converted to the active acyl-like metalloradical, [(por)Rh(CO)]* (por = porphyrin), was reported. The reactivity of [(por)Rh(CO)]* and other rhodium porphyrin compounds, such as (por)- RhCHO and (por)RhC(O)NHnPr, and corresponding mechanism studies were conducted experimentally and computationally and inspired the design of a new conversion system featuring 100% atom economy that promotes carbonylation of amines to formamides using porphyrin rhodium(II) metalloradical. Following this radical based pathway, the carbonylations of a series of primary and secondary aliphatic amines were examined, and turnover numbers up to 224 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drug and small interfering RNA (siRNA) within a single nanovehicle has emerged as a promising combination therapy approach to treating cancers because of their synergistic effect. Nanocarrier delivery systems with low cytotoxicity and high efficiency are needed for such a purpose. In this study, a novel folate-conjugated PEGylated cationic triblock copolymer, poly(acrylhydrazine)- block -poly(3-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide)- block -poly(acrylhydrazine) (PAH- b -PDMAPMA- b -PAH), was synthesized and evaluated as a stimuli-sensitive vehicle for the targeted co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and Bcl-2 siRNA into breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The synthetic process of the PEGylated triblock copolymer involved sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, PEGylation and removal of tert -butoxy carbamate protecting groups. Folate-conjugated and/or -unconjugated poly(ethylene glycol) segments were grafted onto PAH- b -PDMAPMA- b -PAH via a reduction-sensitive disulfide linkage. The synthetic polymers were characterized by 1 H NMR and gel permeation chromatography. The PEGylated triblock copolymer could chemically conjugate DOX onto PAH blocks via pH-responsive hydrazone bonds and simultaneously complex negatively charged Bcl-2 siRNA with cationic PDMAPMA blocks through electrostatic interactions at N/P ratios ≥ 32:1 to form multifunctional nanomicelleplexes. The nanomicelleplexes exhibited spherical shape, possessed a positively charged surface with a zeta potential of + 22.5 mV and had a desirable and uniform particle size of 187 nm. In vitro release studies revealed that the nanomicelleplexes could release DOX and Bcl-2 siRNA in a reduction and pH dual-sensitive manner and the payload release was significantly enhanced in a reductive acidic environment mimicking the endosomes/lysosomes of cancer cells compared to under physiology conditions. Furthermore, the release of both DOX and siRNA was found to follow Higuchi kinetic model. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, flow cytometry and MTT analyses confirmed that, compared with folate-undecorated nanomicelleplexes, folate-decorated nanomicelleplexes could more effectively co-deliver DOX and Bcl-2 siRNA into MCF-7 cells and showed a stronger cell-killing effect. The pristine PEGylated triblock copolymer exhibited good cytocompatibility. Moreover, co-delivery of DOX and Bcl-2 siRNA achieved a significant synergistic antitumor efficacy. These findings suggested that the folate-decorated PEGylated cationic triblock copolymer might be a promising vehicle for targeted intracellular co-delivery of DOX and siRNA in MCF-7 cells, representing a potential clinical combination therapy for breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining radiality within distribution systems is crucial for reasons of control ease and financial efficiency. However, the extraction of a radial network from existing meshes poses significant challenges. Consequently, various approaches have been proposed by scholars to address the issue of maintaining radiality in distribution systems. Nevertheless, the practical application of these methods is limited due to their high tightness or compactness, leading to substantial computational burdens when dealing with real networks. In this paper, we present a novel model for radiality constraints that strikes a balance between tightness and compactness, aiming to enhance scalability and tractability. Furthermore, main feeders are discriminated from laterals in the proposed radiality model to further improve compactness. This idea significantly reduces the computational burden associated with real networks. Moreover, a microgrid (MG) formation problem is developed in which controllable and uncontrollable loads are considered. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed radiality constraints, they are tested in the developed MG formation problem. Meanwhile, the results are compared against other existing models. The comparisons demonstrate the superior performance and efficiency of the proposed radiality constraints and MG formation problem. • A compact and tight linear radiality constraints. • A dynamic parent–child selection equipped with single commodity flow • Creating a balance between tightness and compactness. • Discriminating main feeder sections and laterals in radiality constraints. • Microgrid formation considering controllable and uncontrollable loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal mixer is an important mixing equipment. After working for a long time, the end face of the internal mixer will be worn. The abrasion of the end face can increase the gap between the mixing chamber and the end face, and then material leakage occurs, which reduces the mixing effect and affects the performance of rubber compound. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the wear of the end face in the mixing process. As one‐dimensional nanomaterial, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a perfect hexagonal structure and many unusual mechanical, electrical and chemical properties. In recent years, with the deepening of the research of CNTs and nanomaterial's, their broad application prospects have also been continuously revealed. This paper analyzes the influence of rubber compounds with different CNTs content on the friction and wear of the end face from the perspective of formulation, and the correlation between corrosive wear and abrasive wear is studied. In the present study, it is found that as CNTs increase, the proportion of abrasive wear increases, the proportion of corrosive wear decreases, and the amount of the metal wear decreases. With the increase of CNTs, the hindering effect of CNTs on SiO2 molecules is strengthened, the degree of silanization reaction is reduced, the output of high‐temperature water vapor is reduced, and the corrosive wear of the metal is reduced. The spatial structure of CNTs is a cylinder with hexagonal plane, and it has extremely high toughness and softness, so it has slight wear on the metal. On the one hand, CNTs hinder the movement of SiO2 molecules. On the other hand, because CNTs have the wrapping effect on SiO2 molecules, some silica aggregates have no direct contact with the metal, CNTs become the medium for silica aggregates to contact with the metal. Therefore, with the increase of CNTs, the proportion of abrasive wear gradually increases, but the total amount of the metal wear gradually decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel energetic acrylate-terminated oligomer was designed and prepared. • A new 3D-printed gun propellant with higher energy was fabricated by SLA. • The suitability of this new material and its composites on SLA was demonstrated. Propellants are the main energy source in the internal ballistic process. The use of 3D printing has promised to produce propellants with complex geometries. However, due to the degraded energy properties of propellants using an inert binder, there is a critical need to develop a printable energetic resin. In this paper, a novel energetic acrylate-terminated poly–3–nitratomethyl–3–methyloxetane (APNIMMO) oligomer was prepared and characterized. The performance of a new composite propellant composed of APNIMMO and CL-20 (Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane Dodecane) was also demonstrated. The new energetic printable resin and its composites are suitable for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, offering not only an improved thermodynamic energy, but also a substantially improved burn rate. Compared with the inert binder, the energetic binder offers the possibility to improve the thermodynamic energy by 15% and the burn rate at 100 MPa by 480% for 3D printed propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed the model of exhaust purification muffler. • The transmission loss is much improved in the key improvement frequency band. • The influence of structure factors on transmission loss in different frequency bands. The main purpose of exhaust mufflers design is to improve the TL (transmission loss) of the target frequency band. Therefore, this paper first proposed an exhaust muffler model with foam ceramics as sound-absorbing material for a diesel engine. The finite element AML (Automatic Matched Layer) method is used to simulate the non-reflective boundary conditions and calculate the TL. In addition, the validity and reliability of the solution model are verified by comparing the experimental value and simulation value of the TL. Compared with the prototype muffler, the TL of the exhaust purification muffler has increased by an average of 6.96 dB in the frequency range of 20–4500 Hz. Finally, the influence law of structure factors m (expansion ratio), n (cavity-length ratio) and p (length-diameter ratio) on TL in different frequency bands shows that: when changing the structure factors to increase the TL value of the exhaust purification muffler, the expansion ratio should be prioritized in the low-medium frequency bands, the cavity-length ratio should be prioritized in the medium–high frequency bands, the length-diameter ratio should be prioritized in the high frequency bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between serum uric acid (SUA) and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established. Recent data suggested a causative role of UA in endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism of high UA on thrombogenesis is unknown. We investigate whether high UA induce phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and microparticle (MP) shedding in cultured EC, and contribute to UA‐induced hypercoagulable state. In the present study, we demonstrate that UA induces PS exposure and EMP release of EC in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, which enhances the procoagulant activity (PCA) of EC and inhibited over 90% by lactadherin in vitro. Furthermore, hyperuricemic rat model was used to evaluate the development of thrombi following by flow stasis in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Hyperuricemia group is more likely to form large and hard thrombi compared with control. Importantly, we found that TMEM16F expression is significantly upregulated in UA‐treated EC, which is crucial for UA‐induced PS exposure and MP formation. Additionally, UA increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in EC, which might contribute to increased TMEM16F expression. Using confocal microscopy, we also observed disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that depolymerization of actin filaments might be required for TMEM16F activation and followed by PS exposure and membrane blebbing in UA‐treated EC. Our results demonstrate a thrombotic role of EC in hyperuricemia through TMEM16F‐mediated PS exposure and MPs release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance A high prevalence of retinal abnormalities have been reported in congenital heart disease (CHD), but quantitative analysis of retinal vasculature is scarce. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive method to quantitatively assess the retinal microvasculature. Background: To investigate the retinal microvasculature changes in CHD patients by using OCTA. Design Cross‐sectional study. Participants: A total of 158 participants including 57 cyanotic CHD (CCHD) patients, 60 acyanotic CHD (ACHD) patients and 41 control subjects were included. Methods: All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including refraction measurement, intraocular pressure measurement and OCTA. Main Outcome Measures: Vessel density (VD) was measured within the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC), superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the macula. Results: CCHD patients had significantly lower VD in the RPC, SCP and DCP (all P <.01) compared to control subjects, and significantly lower VD in the RPC and DCP (both P <.05) compared to ACHD patients. Besides, among the CHD group, VD in the RPC was positively correlated with oxygen saturation (whole image, ρ = 0.45; peripapillary, ρ = 0.48) and negatively correlated with haematocrit (whole image, ρ = 0.55; peripapillary, ρ = 0.55) (all P <.001). Conclusions and Relevance: Retinal VD might be a surrogate to reflect the effect of chronic systemic hypoxemia in CHD patients. OCTA could be a convenient and noninvasive tool to evaluate the retinal structure and function in CHD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand rice blast resistance gene patterns in rice landraces from Myanmar and Laos, we analysed the Pita, Pib, Pikh, Pi9 and Pi5 genes in 80 landraces through the use of functional molecular markers and functional fragment sequencing. These landraces were separated into four haplotypes (H1–H4) based upon three mutations identified in the Pita sequence. All four haplotypes were detected among landraces from Myanmar, whereas only the H1 and H2 haplotypes were detected among landraces from Laos. We additionally grouped landraces carrying 0–4 resistance genes into 18 genotypes based upon their resistance-susceptibility patterns and found that 16 of these genotypes were detected among Myanmar landraces at relative frequencies ranging from 2.50–12.50%, while 10 were detected among landraces from Laos at relative frequencies of 2.50–42.50%. The 'Pib(+) pikh(−) pi9(−) pi5(−) pita(−)' genotype was found to be dominant, accounting for 12.5 and 42.5% of landraces from Myanmar and Laos, respectively. The Pib, Pikh, Pi5 and Pita genes were detected in 52.50, 32.50, 37.50 and 30.00% of landraces from Myanmar respectively, whereas they were detected in 52.50, 12.50, 30.00 and 17.50% of landraces from Laos, respectively. The Pi9 gene was rarely detected among analysed landraces and was particularly rare in those from Laos. These findings suggest that rice landraces from Myanmar are more genetically diverse than those from Laos, with clear differences in blast resistance gene patterns between landraces from these two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocrystals of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and 7H-trifurazano[3,4-b:3′,4′-f:3′′,4′′-d]azepine (TFAZ) in a 1 : 1 molar ratio were prepared by both slow evaporation and self-assembly methods. Structure determination showed that they belong to the monoclinic system (space group P21) with a crystal density of 1.932 g cm−3. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds and N–O⋯NO2 type interactions are demonstrated as the predominant driving forces in the cocrystal formation. Furthermore, the cocrystals were successfully synthesized by a self-assembly method using only water as a solvent under mild conditions and the product yield was up to 92.3%. The two types of cocrystals were fully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the thermal behavior, sensitivity, and calculated detonation performance of the cocrystals were evaluated. The cocrystals exhibit good thermal stability (Td = 242.8 °C), low impact sensitivity (H50 = 42 cm) and friction sensitivity (Pf = 38%), high crystal density, and high calculated detonation velocity (9103 m s−1). This work opens up a new perspective in the environment-friendly preparation of energetic cocrystals on a large-scale, as well as providing potential low-sensitivity and high-energy explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VLBI is a differential technique observing at multiple frequencies. Thus, it can independently provide ionospheric delays. GNSS can supply precise ionospheric delays as well, often with comparable or even better spatial coverage. In this presentation, we compare the VLBI differential ionosphere from two sites with multiple VLBI antennas with the co-located GNSS ionospheric calibrations. In S/X VLBI, a linear combination of X-band and S-band delays is used to provide a calibrated group delay measurement that is free of ionospheric effects to first order. In contrast, the VGOS system is designed to provide group delay and ionospheric delay through a simultaneous fit to measurements in 4 frequency bands distributed over a wide frequency range. The CONT17 VGOS data have been calibrated in terms of ionosphere in advance and thus directly provide TEC for each observation. In this work we compare the extracted ionospheric delays from dual-frequency observations of GNSS with the ones from dual-frequency S/X VLBI and from co-located VGOS stations in the CONT17 experiment to better understand how well VLBI can contribute to the study of the ionosphere. Since both source structure and ionosphere effects on geodetic VLBI data analysis are dispersive, in the future we will introduce an optimal match for VLBI and GNSS and compare ionospheric delays obtained from different radio sources to help to improve the modeled structure effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An azide terminated ethylene oxide‐tetrahydrofuran copolymer with urethane segments (ATUPET) as a novel binder pre‐polymer, has been prepared through ethylene oxide‐tetrahydrofuran random copolymer (PET) end‐capping modification via one‐pot method. The structure characterization of the modifier has been analyzed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GPC. In comparison with PET, ATUPET has a slightly higher viscosity because it has additional hydrogen bonding interaction generated by the urethane in ATUPET. Triazole cross‐linked elastomers based on ATUPET with various functional molar ratios were prepared using tripropargylamine as a curing agent and cross‐linker. Mechanical properties indicate that the modulus E and tensile strength σb exhibit a parabolic dependence with the increase in R. At around the stoichiometric ratio, the modulus E and tensile strength σb reach a maximum and the elongation at break exhibit an acceptable value at the same time. Swelling tests demonstrate that the apparent cross‐linking densities (N0) have a maximum value at the stoichiometric ratio. Thermal analysis shows that the ATUPET prepolymer and its polytriazoles elastomers exhibit a satisfactory stability. The results demonstrated that ATUPET might be a promising polymeric binder for future propellant formulations especially in the field of isocyanate‐free curing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to carry out an ex-post assessment of the completed Building Energy Efficiency Special Planning, a comprehensive ex-post assessment methodology is established. The methodology sets out the ex-post assessment criteria from three dimensions and 27 indexes, and apply the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Method to build the ex-post assessment model. Applying the methodology, this research assesses the effectiveness of the Building Energy Efficiency Special Planning in Beijing during the "12th Five-Year Plan" period. The results show that it is generally effective in terms of realizing the main planning targets, reaching the desired development level of Building Energy Efficiency and ensuring the facilitating mechanisms to be in place. To be specific, substantial increase of the proportion of energy efficient buildings and considerable effects of energy saving and carbon emission reduction have been achieved, whilst the electricity consumption per unit area in small and median-sized commercial buildings being increased. The research further identifies the main barriers to the implementation of building energy efficiency program includes high electricity consumption of large-scale commercial buildings, insufficient data information, slow uptake of modern information technology, lack of market participation and lack of wider social recognition. Based on the assessment result and subsequent analysis, commensurate policy recommendations were proposed. This research was the first attempt examining the implementation effects of BEE Special Planning in Beijing. Highlights • We set out the ex-post assessment criteria from three dimensions. • Establish the ex-post assessment framework from target layer, criteria layer and index layer, and 27 indexes are identified. • Establish the ex-post assessment model by applying the FSEM. • The indicators' evaluation standards are the important factors affecting the ex-post assessment result. • Identify the main barriers to BEE implementation in Beijing and propose policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocrystals of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and 2,4-dinitro-2,4-diazapentane (DNDAP) in a 2 : 1 molar ratio were prepared by both slow evaporation and spray drying methods. The structure of the cocrystals was characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction and it showed evidence of hydrogen bonds between HCL-20 and ODNDAP to the primary stabilizing force in cocrystal formation. Infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the polycrystalline product from the spray drying method is consistent with the single crystals from solution crystallization. DSC and TG tests revealed that the exothermic decomposition of the cocrystal occurs via two main continuous steps with peak maxima at 223.5 °C and 254.1 °C and largely increases the melting point of DNDAP by 129.9 °C. The cocrystal possesses high detonation velocity and detonation pressure (8997 m s−1 and 37.5 GPa, respectively); meanwhile it features significantly reduced impact and friction sensitivities relative to those of CL-20. These results demonstrate that the CL-20/DNDAP cocrystal can be utilized as a promising ingredient in explosive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radio sources within the most recent celestial reference frame (CRF) catalog ICRF2 are represented by a single, time-invariant coordinate pair. The datum sources were chosen mainly according to certain statistical properties of their position time series. Yet, such statistics are not applicable unconditionally, and also ambiguous. However, ignoring systematics in the source positions of the datum sources inevitably leads to a degradation of the quality of the frame and, therefore, also of the derived quantities such as the Earth orientation parameters. One possible approach to overcome these deficiencies is to extend the parametrization of the source positions, similarly to what is done for the station positions. We decided to use the multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm to parametrize the source coordinates. It allows a great deal of automation, by combining recursive partitioning and spline fitting in an optimal way. The algorithm finds the ideal knot positions for the splines and, thus, the best number of polynomial pieces to fit the data autonomously. With that we can correct the ICRF2 a priori coordinates for our analysis and eliminate the systematics in the position estimates. This allows us to introduce also special handling sources into the datum definition, leading to on average 30 % more sources in the datum. We find that not only the CPO can be improved by more than 10 % due to the improved geometry, but also the station positions, especially in the early years of VLBI, can benefit greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the relationship between compressional and shear wave velocities and their anisotropic characteristics in self-resourcing reservoir shales is of considerable interest for petrophysical, geophysical, and geomechanical applications of unconventional resources exploration and production. We compile laboratory measurements on the ultrasonic velocity of known shale reservoirs worldwide. Their compressional and shear wave velocities propagating in the vertical and horizontal directions can be characterized by a linear model with the coefficients of determination (R2) close to 0.9. The P-to-S-wave velocity ratio in the vertical direction is overall higher than that in the horizontal direction. The P-to-S-wave velocity ratio decreases with decreasing P-wave velocity due to the increasing organic matter content and hydrocarbon-filled porosity. Mineralogy influences the relationship between compressional and shear wave velocities to a minor degree. Carbonate-rich shales have a higher P-to-S-wave velocity ratio than silica-rich shale when the P-wave velocity is lower than 4 km/s and a lower ratio when the P-wave velocity is higher than 5 km/s. By employing anisotropic fluid substitution, we justify that the model derived from the laboratory measurements can apply to shale reservoirs containing gas or volatile oil. We apply the linear models to predict the shear wave velocity in two vertical wells of shale reservoirs. The predictions of shear wave velocity in the targeted reservoirs have less than 3% errors, demonstrating that the proposed linear models, to the first order, can predict shear wave velocity in unconventional shale reservoirs. • P- and S-wave velocity relationships in anisotropic organic shales are characterized with a linear model. • P-to-S wave velocity ratio decreases with decreasing P-wave velocity due to the increasing TOC and porosity. • The linear relationship is applicable for prediction of S-wave velocity in shale reservoir containing volatile oil and gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, poly( N ɛ -acryloyl- l -lysine)/hyaluronic acid (pLysAAm/HA) interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels were successfully fabricated through the combination of hydrazone bond crosslinking and photo-crosslinking reactions. The HA hydrogel network was first synthesized from 3,3′-dithiodipropionate hydrazide-modified HA and polyethylene glycol dilevulinate by hydrazone bond crosslinking. The pLysAAm hydrogel network was prepared from N ɛ -acryloyl- l -lysine and N , N ′-bis(acryloyl)-( l )-cystine by photo-crosslinking. The resultant pLysAAm/HA hydrogels had a good shape recovery property after loading and unloading for 1.5 cycles (up to 90%) and displayed a highly porous microstructure. Their compressive moduli were at least 5 times higher than that of HA hydrogels. The pLysAAm/HA hydrogels had an equilibrium swelling ratio of up to 37.9 and displayed a glutathione-responsive degradation behavior. The results from in vitro biocompatibility evaluation with pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cells revealed that the pLysAAm/HA hydrogels could support cell viability and proliferation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that the pLysAAm/HA hydrogels allowed cell and tissue infiltration, confirming their good in vivo biocompatibility. Therefore, the novel pLysAAm/HA IPN hydrogels have great potential for bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]