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We report the detection of the ordered alignment between the magnetic field and kpc-scale bubbles in the nearby spiral galaxy, NGC 628. Applying the Velocity Gradient Technique on CO spectroscopic data from the ALMA-PHANGS, the magnetic field of NGC 628 is measured at the scale of 191 pc (∼4″). The large-scale magnetic field is oriented parallel to the spiral arms and curves around the galactic bubble structures in the mid-infrared emission observed by the James Webb Space Telescope. A total of 21 bubble structures have been identified at the edges of spiral arms with scales over 300 pc, which includes two kpc-scale structures. These bubbles are caused by supernova remnants and prolonged star formation and are similar to the outflow chimneys found in neutral hydrogen in galactic disks. At the edge of the bubbles, the shocks traced by the O iii emission present a curved magnetic field that parallels the bubble's shell. The magnetic field follows the bubble expansion and binds the gas in the shell to trigger further star formation. By analyzing the larger sample of 1694 bubbles, we found a distinct radial-size distribution of bubbles in NGC 628 indicating the star formation history in the galaxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPartnership is a typical “Flag” of China’s foreign relations, playing a significant role in promoting bilateral trade. This study examines the impact and mechanism of China’s partnerships on trade with empirical evidence, revealing that establishing a partnership increases bilateral trade by 25%; each level-up of the partnership will lead to a 6.8% increase in bilateral trade, with a dynamic impact lasting about five years. Partnership building mainly impacts bilateral trade through political interaction, bilateral investment, and cultural exchange between two countries, with cultural exchange playing a dominant role in the mechanism. Strengthening partnerships with Asia-Pacific, Latin America, African countries, low-income, and low trade size countries can create more potent bilateral trade effects. Furthermore, higher levels of partnership have an exemplary effect, bringing a positive spatial spillover effect on trade. This study affirms the significant role of partnership in foreign relations and trade, providing valuable insights to reduce trade risk and achieve high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of the tube in submerged floating tunnels (SFTs) plays a critical role in determining their performance and safety in marine environments. In this study, a gradient optimization procedure based on the discrete adjoint method is performed to minimize the drag force under uniform currents action. The free form deformation approach is employed to parameterize the design variables. The physical mechanisms of the optimization process are revealed via unsteady numerical simulations and experimental tests. Moreover, the hydrodynamic performance of the tube with the optimal shapes subjected to a wave–current combination is also evaluated. The results show that the drag coefficient is significantly reduced through optimization by reducing the pressure amplitude in the negative-pressure area. Additionally, the lift oscillation is also suppressed to delay structural fatigue, owing to the strength reduction and increased distance of the wake vortex. The experimental analysis indicates the advantage of the optimal shape in reducing the loads under wave–current actions, accompanied by changes in the frequency distribution of the force and vortex structure. The elliptical shape of the SFT's tube provides significant advantages in drag reduction at high Reynold number. Suggestions on the shape design of the section of SFT are given according to different types of constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat constitutes one the main protein sources worldwide. However, ethical and health concerns have limited its consumption over the last years. To overcome this negative impact, new ingredients from natural sources are being applied to meat products to obtain healthier proteinaceous meat products. Algae is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, and vitamins, which can nutritionally enrich several foods. On this basis, algae have been applied to meat products as a functional ingredient to obtain healthier meat-based products. This paper mainly reviews the bioactive compounds in algae and their application in meat products. The bioactive ingredients present in algae can give meat products functional properties such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antigenotoxic, resulting in healthier foods. At the same time, algae addition to foods can also contribute to delay microbial spoilage extending shelf-life. Additionally, other algae-based applications such as for packaging materials for meat products are being explored. However, consumers' acceptance for new products (particularly in Western countries), namely those containing algae, not only depends on their knowledge, but also on their eating habits. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the nutritional properties of algae-containing meat products to overcome the gap between new meat products and traditional products, so that healthier algae-containing meat can occupy a significant place in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microalgae contain a diverse range of high-value compounds that can be utilized directly or fractionated to obtain components with even greater value-added potential. With the use of microalgae for food and medical purposes, there is a growing interest in their digestive properties and impact on human gut health. The extraction, separation, and purification of these components are key processes in the industrial application of microalgae. Innovative technologies used to extract and purify microalgal high-added-value compounds are key for their efficient utilization and evaluation. This review’s comprehensive literature review was performed to highlight the main high-added-value microalgal components. The technologies for obtaining bioactive compounds from microalgae are being developed rapidly, various innovative, efficient, green separation and purification technologies are emerging, thus helping in the scaling-up and subsequent commercialization of microalgae products. Finally, the digestive behavior of microalgae nutrients and their health effects on the human gut microbiota were discussed. Microalgal nutrients exhibit favorable digestive properties and certain components have been shown to benefit gut microbes. The reality that must be faced is that multiple processes are still required for microalgae raw materials to final usable products, involving energy, time consumption and loss of ingredients, which still face challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a stochastic SIS epidemic model with constant time delay and Holling type II incidence rate is investigated. We firstly show the existence, uniqueness, and moment boundedness of the global positive solution. Then we extend the initial value space to a complete nonnegative continuous function space and obtain the existence of invariant measures for this system. Furthermore, the analysis of the asymptotic behavior around the disease-free equilibrium is given. To demonstrate, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) affords a sustainable way for nitrate mitigation and ammonia synthesis, but there are still some problems such as poor nitrate conversion, low ammonia selectivity, and slow reaction kinetics. A clear structure-performance relationship is essential for designing efficient catalysts and understanding the reaction mechanisms. Herein, ultrathin nickel metal–organic framework (Ni-MOF) nanosheets supported on Ni foam featuring a well-defined stable structure, large electrochemically active surface area, and low electron transport resistance were prepared by a one-step solvothermal process. At −1.4 V, the nitrate reduction, rate constant, ammonia selectivity, and yield reached 96.4%, 0.448 h−1, 80%, and 110.13 ug·h−1·cm−2, respectively. Experimental and theoretical studies demonstrated that the hydroxyl-ligated Ni atoms exhibited higher nitrate adsorption properties and lower activation energy towards NitRR compared to carboxylic acid-ligated Ni atoms. Mechanism investigations revealed a nitrate-to-ammonia reaction pathway involving multiple intermediate species on Ni-MOF nanosheet catalysts. This work offers a new avenue to construct highly efficient electrocatalysts for the selective transformation of nitrate to valuable ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro relative sliding exists on the contact surface of the main primary equipment's surface structures, resulting in serious fretting fatigue. The plastic effect causes serious fatigue to the structure under alternating loads. Existing fatigue life prediction models fail to fully consider the shortcomings of fretting and plastic effects, which causes the prediction results to be significantly different to real-lifeworld in engineering situations. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a fretting damage fatigue life prediction model of contact structures which considers plastic effects. In this study, a plastic fretting fatigue life prediction model was established according to the standard structural contact theory. The location of dangerous points was evaluated according to a finite element simulation. The cyclic load maximum stress value was compared with the fretting fatigue test data to confirm the error value, and the error between the proposed fretting fatigue life model and the test value was within 15%. Concurrently, we combined this with mass data analysis and research, as it is known that the contact zone parameters have an impact on fretting fatigue and affect the structural lifespan. With the help of ABAQUS, the fretting numerical calculation of the dovetail tenon model was carried out to analyze the sensitive factors affecting the fretting fatigue life of the dovetail tenon structure. By keeping the fretting load unchanged, the contact area parameters such as contact surface form, contact area width and friction coefficient were changed in order to calculate the fretting stress value, σfretting and the dovetail structure was improved to extend its fretting fatigue life. Finally, it was concluded that fretting fatigue was most sensitive to the width and contact form of the contact area. In actual engineering design, multiple factors should be considered comprehensively to determine a more accurate and suitable width and form of the contact area. For the selection of friction coefficient, on the premise of saving costs and meeting the structural strength requirements, the friction coefficient should be as small as possible, and the problem can also be solved through lubrication during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study performed a two-dimensional experiment to reveal the load characteristics of a submerged horizontal cylinder with vortex patterns in the wake region under wave–current flows. Wave–current conditions were tested with both following and opposing currents. Instantaneous representations of the velocity field, streamline topology, and vorticity patterns, obtained using particle image velocimetry, provided insight into the origin of the unsteady loading of the cylinder. The spatiotemporal characteristics of the pressure distribution on the cylinder were analyzed using Fourier series expansion across the circumference of the cylinder. The results demonstrate that, unlike the action of current only, the presence of waves modifies the frequency and position of vortex shedding, resulting in three distinct modes in the frequency domain of the vertical force on the cylinder, where each mode exhibits a distinct mode of vortex shedding. The variation in frequency domain of Fourier coefficients of pressure around the cylinder is consistent with the force corresponding to different modes. Moreover, velocity rate β and the frequency relationship between the wave and current-induced vortex shedding play important roles in the frequency characteristics of the vertical force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a notion of viscosity solutions is introduced for second-order Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equations with delays associated with optimal control problems for stochastic differential equations with delays. We identify the value functional of optimal control problem as the unique viscosity solution to the second-order HJB equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Normal motion with hybrid mesh construction is proposed for three-dimensional coking simulation. • Competing effect between flow speed and temperature governs the pyrolysis of fuel. • Higher thermal risk and pressure drop are the penalties of coking. • Buoyancy effect is reflected and analyzed by Gr-based criterion. • The method is applicable in other deposition-involved fields. Coking is an inevitable phenomenon in regenerative cooling system of hypersonic vehicles using endothermic hydrocarbon fuels (EHF) as coolant, which affects cooling performance and even clogs cooling channels. This work proposes an upgraded dynamic mesh method, normal motion with O-type-based hybrid mesh construction, which successfully breaks 2D dimension barrier of normal elementary numerical method and realizes 3D simulation. The framework is tested in two circular tubes with different diameters (Tube A and Tube B) and one elliptical tube (Tube C) under supercritical pressure of 4 MPa. Under heavy deposition (the cross-sectional area reduces to 70 % of its initial), the circumferential and axial distribution of the deposit are simulated and its effect on flow, heat transfer, pyrolysis, and cooling capacity is discussed. Results indicate that the deposition elevates the maximum temperature and pressure drop, leading increased thermal risk and flow resistance. The acceleration effect from reduced cross-sectional area outweighs the thermal effect from deteriorated heat transfer, manifested as increased outlet temperature but decreased n -decane conversion and cooling capacity. The buoyancy effect is significant in Tube B, resulting in non-uniform circumferential distribution of coke deposit. It is proved that the dimensionless Gr q / Gr th with criterion of 1.0 can well explain the buoyancy effect quantitatively. The upgraded dynamic mesh method well achieves the coking effect evaluation in real 3D regenerative cooling, which also shows great potential to be applied to other field involving deposition phenomenon such as petroleum industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical remote sensing (RS) satellites perform imaging in the visible and infrared electromagnetic spectrum to collect data and analyze information on the optical characteristics of the objects of interest. However, optical RS is sensitive to illumination and atmospheric conditions, especially clouds, and multiple acquisitions are typically required to obtain an image of sufficient quality. To accurately reproduce surface information that has been contaminated by clouds, this work proposes a generative adversarial network (GAN)-based cloud removal framework using a distortion coding network combined with compound loss functions (DC-GAN-CL). A novel generator embedded with distortion coding and feature refinement mechanisms is applied to focus on cloudy regions and enhance the transmission of optical information. In addition, to achieve feature and pixel consistency, both coherent semantics and local adaptive reconstruction factors are considered in our loss functions. Extensive numerical evaluations on RICE1, RICE2, and Paris datasets are performed to validate the good performance achieved by the proposed DC-GAN-CL in both peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and visual perception. This system can thus restore images to obtain similar quality to cloud-free reference images, in a dynamic range of over 30 dB. The restoration effect on the coherence of image semantics produced by this technique is competitive compared with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extremely small size of micro-/nanomaterials limits the application of conventional thermal measurement methods using a contact heating source or probing sensor. Therefore, non-contact thermal measurement methods are preferable in micro-/nanoscale thermal characterization. In this review, one of the non-contact thermal measurement methods, photothermal (PT) technique based on thermal radiation, is introduced. When subjected to laser heating with controllable modulation frequencies, surface thermal radiation carries fruitful information for thermal property determination. As thermal properties are closely related to the internal structure of materials, for micro-/nanomaterials, PT technique can measure not only thermal properties but also features in the micro-/nanostructure. Practical applications of PT technique in the thermal measurement of micro-/nanomaterials are then reviewed, including special wall-structure investigation in multiwall carbon nanotubes, porosity determination in nanomaterial assemblies, and the observation of amorphous/crystalline structure transformation in proteins in heat treatment. Furthermore, the limitations and future application extensions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we investigate infinite horizon optimal control problems driven by a class of stochastic delay evolution equations in Hilbert spaces and the corresponding adjoint equation is given by an anticipated backward stochastic evolution equation (ABSEE). We first establish a priori estimate for the solution to ABSEEs by imposing restriction on unbounded operator A ∗ , that is, the operator A ∗ is maximal dissipative. In this way, the Itô inequality is applicable in our study, and we can also avoid the problem that neither Itô formula nor energy equation is available. Next, we obtain the existence and uniqueness results of solutions of linear backward stochastic evolution equations on infinite horizon by using approximating methods. Then, the existence and uniqueness results of ABSEEs on infinite horizon is obtained via the fixed-point theory. That is the highlight of innovation in this paper. Eventually, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality of the control problem on infinite horizon, in the form of Pontryagin's maximum principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining infrared and submillimeter observations and applying a two-temperature modified blackbody (TMBB) model with a hierarchical Bayesian technique, we model the spectral energy distribution of 12 nearby dwarf irregular (dIrr) galaxies. We aim to probe potential submillimeter excess emission at 350, 500, and 850 μm and investigate the properties of cold dust parameters. Based on the TMBB model with cold dust emissivity index (βc) fixed to 2, one galaxy shows 500 μm excess emission and nine galaxies show excess at 850 μm (five of them still show 850 μm excess in the case of free βc). We find that the 850 μm excess emission is easily detected in the dIrr galaxies with low star formation activity. The 850 μm excess is more frequent and more prominent in dIrr galaxies with low molecular hydrogen gas mass fraction or low ratios between cold dust mass and gas mass. As galaxies evolve, the ratios between atomic hydrogen gas mass and stellar mass decrease and the 850 μm excess emission tends to decrease or even disappear. Our results suggest that the cold dust temperature may increase, as the dIrr galaxies have more intense star formation or richer metallicity. There is a weak anticorrelation between the cold dust-to-stellar mass ratio and the specific star formation rate for our galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to a higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such us inflammatory disorders, allergy and obesity. Specific dietary strategies, including the use of specific food supplements targeted to microbiota modulation, have been suggested to be especially relevant in reducing the risk of NCDs. In this regard, marine environment is considered as a pivotal source of nutrients and bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides and active peptides. These compounds, including algae- (alginate, fucoidan) and animal-derived polysaccharides (chitin, chitosan), among others, have been widely studied. The use of these active substances from marine organisms as a food supplements has been reported to affect human health. This review provides the evidence-base information on the potential effects of various active substances from marine organisms, including fatty acids, proteins and polysaccharides, on the structure of gut microbiota and their effects on host health. These compounds could regulate the gut microbiota structure and thus, intestinal and systemic level with potential human health benefits. The exploration and evaluation of the relationship between these substances and gut microbiota may provide a new direction for further exploration of the influence of high-added-value components on gut microbiota with potential health effects. These high-added-value compounds have been explored to not only improve the utilization rate of aquatic products, but also reduce waste and contribute to the environment and economy sustainability. Meanwhile, it is possible to expand the commercial applications of these products by the industry. • High-added-value compounds (HAVC) from aquaculture could affect gut microbiota (GM). • HAVC may reduce the risk of some non-communicable diseases by modulating GM. • Different types of HAVC have different effects on GM composition and activity. • ω-3 PUFA improves intestinal homeostasis and influences metabolic dysfunction. • Protein and carbohydrate can regulate the GM composition and its SCFAs production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxy-α-sanshool was synthesized in a 13% overall yield through eight steps, which included two Wittig reactions that were used to form the carbon skeleton with ethyl 2-oxoacetate and 2 E,4 E -hexadienal being reacted with the appropriate ylides. Impurities in the processes could easily be separated. Ethyl 6-hydroxy-2Z-hexenoate was converted to its E -isomer with catalysis by I2 and 2E,6Z,8E,10E-dodecatetraenoic acid was crystallized from a solution in 1% ethyl acetate in n -hexane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature fluctuation damages the quality of starch-based foods, and the freeze-thaw cycle (FTC) can simulate this process. This study investigated how Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLP) affect the freeze-thaw stability and digestibility of wheat starch (WS). During FTC, MLP reduced the syneresis and retarded the water migration of WS gel. Meanwhile, MLP delayed the recrystallization of starch, which reduced the enthalpy value and crystallinity of WS gel during FTC. The addition of MLP significantly reduced the hardness of WS gel. Furthermore, MLP could prevent the deterioration of the rheological characteristic and preserve the network structure of the WS gel. In addition, MLP boosted the resistant starch and decreased the fast-digesting starch content in the freeze-thaw gel. Our findings suggested that MLP could enhance the freeze-thaw stability of WS gel, decrease the starch digestibility, and be an effective component in improving the quality of wheat starch-based frozen food. [Display omitted] • Mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLP) increased freeze-thaw stability of starch gel. • MLP delayed the migration of water and retrogradation of starch gel. • MLP decreases the starch digestibility of starch gel after freeze-thaw cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the Nd–Fe–B material cost and balance the utilization of rare earth sources, the misch metal (MM) substitution for Nd in the sintered magnet attracts interest. Under the processing of fabricating Nd–Fe–B magnet, hydrogen decrepitation (HD) is widely used to obtain magnetic powder; however, the HD behaviors of RE–Fe–B strips based on MM may be complex. The HD behaviors of the [(Pr, Nd)1–xMMx]30.8FebalCo1.4 B0.97 ($x $ = 0–1) strips were studied under 0.2 MPa pressure. We find that it is similar to the Nd–Fe–B, 2:14:1 tetragonal structure of RE–Fe–B strips based on MM which is not broken during hydrogen decrepitating. But the REFe2 phase in MM30.8FebalCo1.4B0.97 disappears dramatically as a result of hydrogenation. For the samples with MM, the HD process is quicker and the particle size gets smaller than that for free MM, especially for samples with 35 wt.% MM, which may be attributed to La and Ce elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We select 13 nearby spiral galaxies from the Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey (NGLS) project and perform spectral energy distribution fitting for each galaxy applying two-component modified blackbody models on a global scale aim to probe the potential submillimeter (submm) excess. We find that NGC 2976, NGC 3351, and NGC 4631 show excess emission at 850 μm when using βc = 2.0. The contributions of CO(3–2), free–free emission or synchrotron radiation cannot explain their 850 μm excess. Our results suggest that a submm excess at 850 μm may be more easily detected for galaxies with faint total infrared luminosity and low cold dust mass. The colder temperature of cold dust, the more radiation of dust there is at 850 μm. The submm excess are prone to be detected in spiral galaxies with low stellar mass. As the metallicity of galaxies become poor, the submm excess is more obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bubble G15.684-0.29 has a radius of 15.7 pc. Its large size indicates that it may have enough time to trigger star formation. We identify 39 dense cold clumps around the bubble from the Hi-GAL survey. All of them satisfy the criteria for forming massive stars, and most of them lie in the bubble shell. We identify 19 molecular clumps around the bubble from the 12CO(3–2) survey, all of which are gravitationally bound. We found 9 Class I YSOs, 28 Class II YSOs, and 12 transition disks (TDs) around the bubble. For those young stellar objects (YSOs) located within the bubble boundary, 6 of 7 Class I YSOs lie in the shell, 15 of 22 Class II YSOs lie inside the bubble, and 3 of 5 TDs lie inside the bubble. The dynamical age of G15.684-0.29 in a turbulent medium is ∼4 Myr, which is much greater than the shell fragmentation time, ∼0.82–1.74 Myr. We suggest that triggered star formation may be ongoing in the shell of the bubble, and the collect and collapse model may work here. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that the radiation-driven implosion model may work on the formation of some YSOs. As we expected, the larger bubble has a much longer dynamical age, but we failed to find a clear age gradient for YSOs around the bubble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeast cell wall (YCW) preparations are important nutritional additives in the aquaculture industry. Head-kidney macrophages play important roles in innate immune functions in fish. However, the mechanisms underlying their stimulation are not yet characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of YCW on immunological functions of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) head-kidney macrophages. Our results showed that YCW preparations not only improved the proliferation and phagocytosis of macrophages but also induced the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). At a concentration of 500.0 μg/mL, YCW preparations stimulated macrophage proliferation and phagocytosis to 1.98 and 1.8 times, respectively, when compared with the negative group. Equally, YCW preparations raised the production of NO by inducing iNOS and ROS in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, these preparations enhanced TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels to multiple digits from 1.2 to 3.0 times, respectively. In conclusion, the stimulatory effects of YCW on the phagocytic activity of the fish macrophages were associated with respiratory bursts coupled with nitric oxide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, three-dimensional material of g-C3N4/MgO was prepared by pyrolysis method. The adsorption behavior for Pb(II) onto g-C3N4/MgO was systematically investigated. The adsorption experiments confirmed that the g-C3N4/MgO exhibited remarkable adsorption performance owing to its rough morphology and abundant active sites on the surface. The maximum adsorption capacities for Pb(II) reached to 220.3, 226.2 and 235.1 mg/g at 308 K, 318 K and 328 K, respectively. The optimum adsorbent dosage was 1.0 g/L. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm could be well described by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RF power characteristics of hydrogen-terminated diamond metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors operating at 10 GHz have been reported, and an output power density of 182 mW/mm has been achieved. The diamond devices were fabricated by using a self-aligned process combined with 0.1 μm gate-length T-shaped gates. A high quality atomic layer deposition Al2O3 film with low leakage current was deposited as a gate dielectric by using H2O as the oxidant at a low temperature of 90 °C. The direct current output characteristics of the devices were measured by applying gate voltage in opposite directions, and a maximum drain current density of 741 mA/mm has been obtained. By small-signal measurements, the diamond device demonstrates a high extrinsic cutoff frequency fT of 66 GHz and a maximum frequency of oscillation fmax of 55 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 188 high-mass outflows have been identified from a sample of 694 clumps from the Millimetre Astronomy Legacy Team 90 GHz survey, representing a detection rate of approximately 27 per cent. The detection rate of outflows increases from the proto-stellar stage to the H  ii stage, but decreases again at the photodissociation (PDR) stage suggesting that outflows are being switched off during the PDR stage. An intimate relationship is found between outflow action and the presence of masers, and water masers appear together with 6.7 GHz methanol masers. Comparing the infall detection rate of clumps with and without outflows, we find that outflow candidates have a lower infall detection rate. Finally, we find that outflow action has some influence on the local environment and the clump itself, and this influence decreases with increasing evolutionary time as the outflow action ceases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, optimal control problems of differential equations with delays are investigated for which the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equations are nonlinear partial differential equations with delays. This type of HJB equation has not been previously studied and is difficult to solve because the state equations do not possess smoothing properties. We introduce a new notion of viscosity solutions and identify the value functional of the optimal control problems as the unique solution to the associated HJB equations. An analytical example is given as application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PLE and digestion have positive effects on the antioxidant capacity of extract. • PLE-assisted improves recovery of minerals in extracts, up to 6 times. • Recovery rates and bioaccessibility are different for different fish and minerals. • PLE did not show a positive effect on the bioaccessibility of all minerals. • PLE can be considered as a method to improve mineral bioaccessibility. The recovery of antioxidants and minerals as well as the content of contaminants of rainbow trout and sole side streams (head, skin and viscera) extracts obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were evaluated. Then, the effect of the gastrointestinal digestion was tested. No mycotoxins were detected in the extracts, while heavy metals contents (mg/kg) were up to 2.9 (As), 0.054 (Cd), 0.16 (Hg) and 0.073 (Pb), being below maximum legislated limits. A positive effect of PLE was found for the antioxidant capacity recovery, being the oxygen radical capacity of sole head and skin extracts significantly enhanced after digestion (∼3.8 times). PLE significantly increased Mg, Fe, Zn, Se and P (K PLE > 1) contents of rainbow trout side streams, Zn (K PLE 5.97) and Fe (K PLE 2.80) of head sole and Mg, Se and P of all samples. Moreover, Mg, Ca and Fe bioaccessibility was lower in all sole extracts compared to rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submerged floating tunnels (SFT) are innovative deep-water transportation infrastructures for crossing waterways. This study experimentally investigated the dynamic behavior of SFTs subjected to regular waves, uniform currents, and their combination. Binocular stereo vision and particle image velocimetry techniques were adopted to measure instantaneous characteristics of the fluid–structure system in a non-intrusive manner. The time- and frequency-domain characteristics of the dynamic response of SFT, vortex patterns in the wakefield and spatiotemporal evolution of the energy distribution were analyzed. The results show that under current action, the frequency of vortex shedding gradually dominates in dynamic response and the wake vortices are generated from asymmetrically to periodically and alternately with increase of current velocity. The presence of waves in the following and opposing currents weakens and enhances the amplitude of the model response, respectively. The effect of the primary and secondary relationship of wave and current on the frequency distribution of the response is summarized. For the fluid-structure system, the wake vortices exhibit various forms of shedding frequency and spatial distribution under different wave–current combinations. In the presence of waves, the upper and lower vortices are generated almost simultaneously when the sway reaches peak values. This experimental research provides an engineering basis for revealing the mechanism and control of the wave and current-induced vibration of SFTs. • The action of wave-current on submerged floating tunnels were tested. • Dominant flow structures were investigated by POD analysis. • Three control regimes of waves-currents for model response were identified. • Relationship of vortex pattern and tube motion in whole system was addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lubrication failures of axle box bearings can lead to accidents, such as bearing burnout and hot axle cutting. Presently, the modeling of the vehicle-track system dynamics rarely considers the nonlinear contact load of axle box bearings, and this leads to imperfection in the vehicle-track system dynamics calculation. And then, the load distribution and lubrication characteristics of axle box bearings are difficult to obtain. Therefore, in this paper, we fully consider the time-varying nonlinear contact load of bearings and track irregularity in establishing the bearing-wheel-rail system coupling-dynamics model. The dynamic response of axle box bearings is obtained by taking the vertical, strong impact-time-varying load on the carrying saddles as the external excitation. The load-balance equation of dynamic pressure lubrication is then obtained, according to the slicing method of bearing rollers. Finally, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model of axle box bearings is established considering thermal and scale effects. The results show that the central film thickness under thermal EHL was decreased by 13.61% compared with that under isothermal EHL. As the velocity of the contact pair increases, the thickness difference between thermal and isothermal EHL became larger. Thermal effects should be considered in the EHL model, in order to truly reflect the characteristics of EHL under a high speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activated biochar (ABC) was prepared, characterized and examined the feasibility of removing ethylparaben (EP) from aqueous solution. The characterization results showed that ABC possessed multi-porous structure and high surface area. The adsorption isotherm was well fitted the Langmuir isotherm and the adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of EP onto ABC was 349.65 mg/g at 298 K. The adsorption capacity maintained 90.82% after five successive adsorption/desorption cycles. ABC possessed high adsorption capacity, usability and stability, which indicating that ABC has great potential to be a promising adsorbent for removal of EP from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: Predictive factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are not well established. We sought to identify the value of MR imaging features in preoperatively predicting the lymph node metastasis of pNETs.Materials and methods: In this study, we enrolled 108 consecutive patients with pNETs between January 2009 and June 2018. MR morphologic features and quantitative data were evaluated. Predictors of LNM were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Results: A total of 108 patients with pNETs were finally enrolled, including 82 LNM-negative and 26 LNM-positive patients. Features significantly related to the LNM of pNETs at univariate analysis were tumor size > 2 cm (P = 0.003), Ki-67 > 5% (P = 0.002), non-enhancement pattern (P < 0.001), apparent diffusion coefficient value (P < 0.001), main pancreatic duct dilation (P < 0.001) and pancreatic atrophy (P = 0.032) and extrapancreatic tumor spread (P = 0.001), CNRs during arterial, portal and delay phase (P = 0.005, 0.047, and 0.045, respectively), and histological classification (P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, non-enhancement pattern (P = 0.019; odds ratio, 6.652; 95% CI 1.369, 32.321) and main pancreatic duct dilation (P = 0.018; odds ratio, 6.745; 95% CI 1.379, 32.991) were independent risk factors for predicting the LNM of pNETs.Conclusion: The non-enhancement characteristic and main pancreatic duct dilation appear to be linked with LNM in pNETs. These radiological predictors can be easily obtained preoperatively, and may help to avoid missing pNETs with a high risk of LNM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Boron implanted edge terminations have been demonstrated to enhance the breakdown voltages and stabilities of diamond Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). The edge terminations were achieved by boron implant to form nonconductive amorphous regions under the edges of the Schottky contacts. Direct current measurements show the implanted regions did not contribute to the forward currents and high current densities of about 4000 A/cm2 were obtained at −5 V. By using boron implanted edge terminations, although an increase in leakage currents was observed, the average breakdown voltage of the devices was significantly improved from 79 V to 125 V, which is increased by more than 50%. In addition, the breakdown voltages of the devices without edge terminations degraded quickly after each repeating measurement, whereas the devices with edge terminations became much more stable and no obvious drop in breakdown voltages was observed. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Boron implant was studied to terminate the diamond SBDs. • Boron implanted regions became nonconductive and did not contribute to the forward currents of the diamond SBDs. • Boron implanted edge terminations significantly improved the breakdown voltages of the diamond SBDs. • The stabilities of the diamond SBDs were dramatically improved by using boron implanted edge terminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the influence of microscopic features on the tooth surface of a geared rotor-bearing system on the system's dynamic behavior. First, by upgrading the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot function to redefine the gear backlash equation and combining this with a nonlinear dynamic model of a geared system, an improved nonlinear dynamic model is established. Second, the effects of four crucial model parameters on the gear dynamics are examined through a series of numerical simulations, allowing us to explore the corresponding dynamic response and the model's feasibility. The results show that surface roughness plays a significant role in the dynamic behavior of the gears, with lower surface roughness corresponding to better dynamic performance. The fractal dimension is found to be a non-negligible factor with respect to gear dynamics, and decreasing the fractal dimension proves advantageous to the dynamic response. As the stiffness coefficient decreases and the gear meshing damping increases, the stability of the system improves. Finally, the model is validated through a comparison of our theory with experimental data and another certified model. Our theory constructs a mathematical relationship between the gear dynamics and tooth surface micro-characteristics, forming a basis for future tooth surface topographies as well as a reference for the dynamic analysis of other highly paired systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel iminodiacetic acid magnetic biochar (MBCI) was prepared, characterized and evaluated its adsorption performance for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution. The biochar (BC) derived from palm fiber was served as a novel matrix, first oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (BCO) and loaded of Fe 3 O 4 nano-particles (MBCO), followed by a coupling reaction and functional modification (MBCI). The characterization results showed that the Fe 3 O 4 nano-particles were successfully loaded on the surface of biochar and the carboxyl groups of MBCI were obviously more than that of the pristine BC. The mass ratio for magnetization was well determined to be 1.8:1–2.3:1, which could guarantee high removal and recovery efficiency. The adsorption kinetics could be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model and adsorption isotherm was well described by the Langmuir model. The surface complexation model was established to illustrate the adsorption process and adsorption of Cd (II) on MBCI was controlled by the surface complexation mechanism between functional groups in MBCI and Cd (II). MBCI possessed high adsorption capacity (197.96 mg/g at 323 K), reusability (retained 82.18% after five successive cycles) and sharing magnetic property (16.88 emu/g), which guaranteed it readily and efficient separation from the aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carboxyl-modified biochar derived from palm fiber was prepared through pyrolysis and oxidation. The adsorption behavior for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) on the carboxyl-modified biochar was systematically investigated. The experimental results demonstrated that the carboxyl-modified biochar exhibited impressive adsorption performance owing to its multi-porous structure and abundant adsorption sites on the surface. The maximum adsorption capacities for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) reached 218.5, 132.1 and 79.9 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm could be well described by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. After five successive adsorption/desorption cycles, the removal efficiency was still more than 90%, 86% and 83% for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the temporal decay for the three-dimensional coupled chemotaxis–fluid equations with low regularity assumptions on initial data in homogeneous Besov spaces. By using the Fourier splitting argument, we establish two weighted energy inequalities, which show that certain weighted negative Besov norms of solutions are preserved along time evolution. Combining such scaled energy estimates and the interpolation in Besov norms, we obtain the optimal decay rates of global solutions by solving an ordinary differential inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simultaneously improve the storage stability of epoxy/imidazole systems and flame retardancy without sacrificing the thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of thermosets, a novel multifunctional polyetherimide containing benzimidazole and phosphorus (mPI) was synthesized and used as a hardener for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). In addition to retaining the effective curing behavior of imidazole, mPI, a macromolecular hardener and flame retardant, could endow the mixture of DGEBA and mPI (EP/mPI) with the long latent period and thermosets with the high performance. The results showed that mPI was unreactive at ambient temperature and underwent the rapid curing reaction at 170 °C that is a little higher than its glass transition temperature (T g) of 164.7 °C, and EP/mPI showed the long thermal latent period of 70 days or more. Meanwhile, the cured EP/mPI attained the UL-94 V-0 rating with the LOI value of 31.2%. Besides, EP/mPI thermoset showed a 42.9 °C, 47.6 °C, 18.2 °C, 135.4% and 60.6% increase in the T g , heat deflection temperature, temperature at 5% mass loss, storage modulus and Young's modulus, respectively, as well as a 3.6% decrease in the dielectric constant at 100 MHz, in comparison with those of the traditional cured DGEBA/benzimidazole (EP/BIM). This work provides a facile strategy to prepare one-pot epoxy/imidazole formulations and flame-retarded epoxy thermosets with high performance by using the well-designed multifunctional polyetherimides as a hardener and flame retardant, which has good application prospects in electronics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the combination of ultrasound (USN) + membrane ultrafiltration (UF) was used to separate Spirulina saccharides (SPS). The results showed that USN significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average high-added-value compounds yield (mainly protein 572.8 mg/g, saccharides 133.6 mg/g and polyphenols 33.6 mg/g, dw) when the setting of 400 W/10 min was applied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that USN treatment effectively destroyed Spirulina microstructure. The extraction efficiency differed according to USN total energy consumption, with higher extraction efficiency observed when a cooling system was not used. Different molecular weight cut-offs (MWCOs) membranes were used to separate SPS. Relative high purity SPS (∼70%) were obtained when 4 and 10 kDa membranes were used, while a higher separation efficiency occurred when using 100 and 150 kDa membranes. USN treatment increased the concentration of relatively low molecular weight SPS (4, 10 kDa) in the permeate (p < 0.05) but there was no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the high molecular weight SPS (300, 500 kDa). Membrane fouling was observed during the saccharides UF process, thus indicating that the process could be further improved. • Ultrasonic extraction of algae nutrients without cooling system saves energy • Ultrasonic effect greatly destroys the microscopic morphology of Spirulina • Ultrasonic extraction enhances membrane ultrafiltration of saccharides • Membrane fouling in ultrafiltration process is related to membrane pore size [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mononuclear Co(II) complexes [Co(L) 4 (NO 3 ) 2 ] (L = 3-phenylpyrazole for 1 and 4-methylpyridine for 2 ) featuring distorted octahedral geometry were prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallographic analyses. Direct-current magnetic and high-frequency/field electron paramagnetic resonance measurements reveal that both complexes have the large and positive D values with the non-negligible transverse anisotropy ( E ). Slow magnetic relaxation effects were observed under the applied direct-current field in 1 and 2 by dynamic alternative-current magnetic susceptibility measurements, which provide two interesting examples of six-coordinate Co(II)-based single ion magnets constructed by nitrate groups and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds in mono-dentate coordination modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel magnetic biochar was prepared via pyrolysis method and modification. The influence factors of contact time, initial concentration, temperature, and pH on the adsorption were investigated. The experimental results exhibited that the adsorption ability of methyl salicylate onto biochar was higher than that of phenol and para-chlorophenol under the same condition, which may be owing to the effect of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobicity, and π-π interaction. The maximum adsorption capacities of phenol, para-chlorophenol and methyl salicylate were 62.6, 131.6, and 169.7 mg/g at 298 K, respectively. This magnetic biochar exhibited high reusability (retained 82.1% after five cycles) and sharply magnetic performance (21.4emu/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the potential of Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging(IVIM-DWI) for the assessment of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), using histopathology as a reference standard. Methods Eighty-five CKD patients and twenty healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. IVIM-DWI was performed in all of the participants, and all of the CKD patients underwent renal biopsy. The mean values of the true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f) in the renal cortex and medulla were compared between the CKD patients and healthy volunteers. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationship between the D, D*,f values and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine level (SCr), 24 h urinary protein level (24 h-UPRO), histopathological fibrosis scores. Results The D, D* and f values were significantly lower in medulla than in the cortex for all of the participants. All of the IVIM parameters were significantly lower in the CKD patients than in the healthy controls. In the CKD patients, a significant negative correlation was found between the renal parenchymal D, D*,f values and the 24 h–UPRO, as well as between the renal parenchymal D, f values and the SCr. There was a significant positive correlation between all of the IVIM parameters and the eGFR. All of the IVIM parameters exhibited a significant negative correlation with the histopathological fibrosis score. Conclusion IVIM-DWI shows great potential in the noninvasive assessment of renal fibrosis in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a class of infinite-horizon optimal control problems for stochastic differential equations with delays for which the associated second order Hamilton−Jacobi−Bellman (HJB) equation is a nonlinear partial differential equation with delays. We propose a new concept for the viscosity solution including time t and identify the value function of the optimal control problems as a unique viscosity solution to the associated second order HJB equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination geometries of the Co(ii) site in the two complexes [Co(imidazole)6][BPh4]2·0.3CH3CN (1) and [Co(imidazole)6][NO3]2 (2) were observed to display the ideal symmetries Ci and D3d, respectively. Both complexes were shown to be field-induced single-ion magnets. The effective energy barrier was found to decrease as the local symmetry changed from low-symmetry Ci to high-symmetry D3d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing concern about the sustainable chemistry, a fern plant-cyclosorus interruptus that contains plentiful multi-porous structure and puckered morphology can be considered as an ideal carrier to load various nanoparticles for synthesis of impressive functional materials. Herein, magnetic biomaterial was fabricated via coating a layer of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AS) on the surface of activated cyclosorus interruptus after incorporated with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, and exhibited highly effective separation and impressive adsorption ability for lead ion from aqueous solution. Their morphology and property were investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption equilibrium isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of lead ion onto the magnetic biomaterial were studied to evaluate the performance of their practical application. These results indicated that the magnetic property of the prepared adsorbent could be easily tailored by adjusting the feedstock ratio, and these adsorption processes were endothermic and spontaneous reaction. The maximum adsorption capacity of lead ion on the bio-based magnetic adsorbent was 133.3 mg/g. The results of five successive adsorption/desorption cycles exhibited that all the adsorption abilities maintain above 90% of the original adsorption ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isostructural mononuclear Dy and Er pentanitrate complexes with an LnO10 coordination geometry have been synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, luminescence and magnetic measurements. Slow relaxation of the magnetization behavior is simultaneously observed in two complexes with the same coordination environment, despite the different types of the 4f-shell electron distribution. Meanwhile, both complexes exhibit the respective characteristic Ln(iii) photoluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel magnetic bio-material (MCIT) was synthesized via coupling reaction and functional modification after load of Fe 3 O 4 nano-particle on the puckered surface of cyclosorus interruptus (CI). The synthesized material was characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD). The influence factors like pH, temperatures, contact time, initial concentration and cycle times on the adsorption of Hg (II) in aqueous solution were studied. Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, selectivity and mechanism were investigated. The results indicated that the isotherm model well agreed with monolayer adsorption model. The adsorption process could be divided into three steps, which included a fast step controlled by chemical adsorption, a slow step limited by intraparticle diffusion and an equilibrium stage. The maximum adsorption capacity of Hg (II) was 385.3 mg/g at 318 K. MCIT possessed high reusability (retained 93% after five successive cycles) and sharply magnetic nature (9.5 emu/g), which endowed it easy and efficient separation from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the hydrodynamic processes in a large and complex river network located in the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, China. The main stem of the river is connected to two large lakes, Dongting and Poyang, through many branches. A mass conservation method was used to determine the lateral inflows from local basins along the river. The model was verified against measured data at a large number of hydrological stations over a 2-year period. The water levels and discharges predicted by the model were found to generally agree well with the measured data. The model was then used to reproduce the flow process during a large flood event that occurred in 1998. It was found that the two large lakes could store a large volume of water and thus played an important role in attenuating the flood impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the association between the numbers of oocytes retrieved and the cumulative live birth rates (LBR) in women aged 35-40 years undergoing long GnRH agonist IVF/ICSI cycles.Methods: A total of 931 women aged 35-40 years who underwent their first cycle of IVF/ICSI treatment between January 2010 and December 2013 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were identified and reviewed. The main endpoint of this study was the cumulative LBR after one complete oocyte retrieval, which included fresh and all subsequent frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycles. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for live birth were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, all the women were divided into four groups based on the number of oocytes retrieved: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14 or ≥15 oocytes group. Variables were then compared among groups.Results: We found that 634 out of the 931 patients (68.1%) achieved at least one live birth. The number of oocytes retrieved was an independent predictive factor for live birth, with OR 1.20 (95% CI 1.15-1.26) when adjusted for age (years), duration of infertility and Gn (gonadotrophin) doses. The cumulative LBR in the four different oocyte groups was 35.6, 68.8, 83.4 and 89.2%, respectively. When the 1-4 oocytes group was issued as a reference, the ORs for cumulative LBR gradually increased to 3.66, 6.74 and 11.77 in other three oocytes groups, respectively. The moderate-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate was dramatically increased in the ≥15 oocytes group (6.9%) when compared to that in the 10-14 oocytes group (0.8%), while the cumulative LBR only increased 5.8% (from 83.4 to 89.2%).Conclusions: The ideal number of oocytes retrieved in women aged 35-40 years is 10-14 oocytes, which achieves a high cumulative LBR while maintaining an acceptable low OHSS rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord (UC) are a favorable source for allogeneic cell therapy. Here, we successfully isolated the stem cells derived from three different compartments of the human UC, including perivascular stem cells derived from umbilical arteries (UCA-PSCs), perivascular stem cells derived from umbilical vein (UCV-PSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSCs). These cells had the similar phenotype and differentiation potential toward adipocytes, osteoblasts, and neuron-like cells. However, UCA-PSCs and UCV-PSCs had more CD146+ cells than WJ-MSCs (P<0.05). Tube formation assay in vitro showed the largest number of tube-like structures and branch points in UCA-PSCs among the three stem cells. Additionally, the total tube length in UCA-PSCs and UCV-PSCs was significantly longer than in WJ-MSCs (P<0.01). Microarray, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis showed that UCA-PSCs had the highest expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 (JAG1), which is crucial for blood vessel maturation. Knockdown of Jagged1 significantly impaired the angiogenesis in UCA-PSCs. In summary, UCA-PSCs are promising cell populations for clinical use in ischemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel imide oligomer was applied as a multifunctional co-curing agent for EP. • The cured resins showed satisfactory flame retardancy and dielectric properties. • Thermal and mechanical properties of the cured resins were improved. Challenges remain in the design and construction of robust epoxy thermosets with concurrently improved flame retardancy, thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties. In this work, a novel method has been exploited to synthesize anhydride-terminated imide oligomer containing phosphorus and fluorine (FPI) in the mixed solvents consisting of benzoic acid and acetic acid by single-step reaction. Compared to the ones synthesized by the conventional methods, FPI possessed a much higher content of anhydride groups, and was more suitable to be used as co-curing and flame-retarded agents for epoxy resins. With multifunctional groups, FPI can endow epoxy thermosets with a series of excellent properties. At the loading of 28.5 wt% FPI (only 0.87 wt% phosphorus), the epoxy thermoset (EP/FPI-3) passed the UL-94 V-0 test with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 31.1%. Instead of the reduction in other properties of most polymeric materials after being flame-retarded, the overall performance of EP/FPI-3 was improved, hereinto, the glass transition temperature, heat deflection temperature, 5 wt% mass loss temperature (under N 2) and Young's modulus were increased by 37.2 °C, 42.4 °C, 10.2 °C, 50.6%, respectively, and the dielectric constant, dielectric loss and water adsorption were decreased by 9.9% (100 MHz), 33.3% (100 MHz), 16.2%, respectively, compared to those of the original epoxy thermoset. This work provides a simple and practical way to prepare the flame-retarded epoxy thermosets with improved overall properties by the bespoke multifunctional imide oligomers used as co-curing and flame-retarded agents, and the resulting epoxy thermosets are highly competitive as the advanced electrical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]