Co-Production of High-Grade Dissolving Pulp,Furfural,and Lignin from Eucalyptus via Extremely Low Acid Pretreatment and Pulping Technologies and Catalysis

Hemicellulose and lignin are not reasonably utilized during the dissolved pulp preparation process.This work aimed to propose a process for the co-production of dissolving pulp,furfural,and lignin from eucalyptus.High-grade dissolving pulp was prepared from eucalyptus using a combination of extremely low acid(ELA)pretreatment,Kraft cooking,and elementary chlorine-free(ECF)bleaching.The obtained pre-hydrolysate was catalytic conversion into furfural in a biphasic system,and lignin during Kraft cooking and ECF was recovered.The process condition was discussed as well as the mass flow direction.The results showed that ELA pretreatment could effectively remove 80.1%hemicellulose.Compared with traditional hydrothermal pretreatment,the ELA pretreatment significantly increased the xylose yield from 5.05 to 14.18 g/L at 170℃ for 2 h,which had practical significance for furfural production.The 82.7%furfural yield and 82.9%furfural selectivity were obtained from xylose-rich pre-hydrolysate using NaCl as a phase modifier in a biphasic system with 4-methyl-2-pentanone(MIBK)as an organic phase by ion exchange resin catalysts at 190℃ for 2 h.Subsequently,the pretreated eucalyptus was subjected to Kraft cooking,and the optimal alkali amount was 14%.Then,the Kraft pulp was bleached using the O-D1-EP-D_(2) sequence,and dissolving pulp was obtained with an ISO brightness of 86.0%,viscosity of 463 mL/g,andα-cellulose content of 95.4%.The Kraft lignin which has a potential application was investigated by 2D-HSQC NMR and 31P NMR.The results showed that the S/G ratio of Kraft lignin was 1.93,and the content of phenolic hydroxyl groups was 2.53 mmol/g.Moreover,based on the above proposed process,30.5 g dissolving pulp,5.5 g furfural,and 21.2 g lignin per 100 g eucalyptus chips(oven dry)were produced.This research will provide new catalysis and pulping technical routes for dissolving pulp,furfural,and Kraft lignin products,which are in great demand in the chemical industry.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Premature Infants with Extremely Low and Very Low Birth Weight at Three Years of Age: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify medical conditions impacting neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birth weight and very low birth weight preterm infants at three years of age. Methods: Infants born in Banner Diamond Children’s University Medical Center, receiving services in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and attending Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic were identified. Participants received developmental assessment and follow-up from August 2012 through December 2018. Relevant clinical conditions during initial hospital stay and up to three years of age were obtained by reviewing medical and developmental records. Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (Bayley III) was used to evaluate skill development at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months. Results: Data analysis did not reveal significant p-values;it did demonstrate that some predictor variables impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in cognitive, language and motor skill development. Conclusion: This retrospective study reports significant association between birth weight and low cognitive scores. Correlations were also found between gestational age and Total Language, and the longer an infant stayed in the NICU, the poorer the Total Language Scaled Scores at 8 to 12 months, 15 to 18 months, and 24 to 36 months. Birth weight was found to be the greatest predictor of poor motor scores.

Synthesis, isolation and characterization of methyl levulinate from cellulose catalyzed by extremely low concentration acid

A direct synthesis of methyl levulinate from cellulose alcoholysis in methanol medium under mild condition(180 210 C)catalyzed by extremely low concentration sulfuric acid(0.01 mol/L)and the product isolation were developed in this study.Effects of different process variables towards the catalytic performance were performed as a function of reaction time.The results indicated that sulfuric acid concentration,temperature and initial cellulose concentration had significant effects on the synthesis of methyl levulinate.An optimized yield of around 50%was achieved at 210 C for 120 min with sulfuric acid concentration of 0.01 mol/L and initial cellulose concentration below 100 g/L.The resulting product mixture was isolated by a distillation technique that combines an atmospheric distillation with a vacuum distillation where n-dodecane was added to help distill the heavy fraction.The light fraction including mainly methanol could be reused as the reaction medium without any substantial change in the yield of methyl levulinate.The chemical composition and structural of lower heavy fraction were characterized by GC/MS,FTIR,1H-NMR and13C-NMR techniques.Methyl levulinate was found to be a major ingredient of lower heavy fraction with the content over 96%.This pathway is efficient,environmentally benign and economical for the production of pure levulinate esters from cellulose.

MULTIMODEL CONSENSUS FORECASTING OF LOW TEMPERATURE AND ICY WEATHER OVER CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN CHINA IN EARLY 2008

Based on the daily mean temperature and 24-h accumulated total precipitation over central and southern China, the features and the possible causes of the extreme weather events with low temperature and icing conditions,which occurred in the southern part of China during early 2008, are investigated in this study. In addition, multimodel consensus forecasting experiments are conducted by using the ensemble forecasts of ECMWF, JMA, NCEP and CMA taken from the TIGGE archives. Results show that more than a third of the stations in the southern part of China were covered by the extremely abundant precipitation with a 50-a return period, and extremely low temperature with a 50-a return period occurred in the Guizhou and western Hunan province as well. For the 24- to 216-h surface temperature forecasts, the bias-removed multimodel ensemble mean with running training period(R-BREM) has the highest forecast skill of all individual models and multimodel consensus techniques. Taking the RMSEs of the ECMWF 96-h forecasts as the criterion, the forecast time of the surface temperature may be prolonged to 192 h over the southeastern coast of China by using the R-BREM technique. For the sprinkle forecasts over central and southern China, the R-BREM technique has the best performance in terms of threat scores(TS) for the 24- to 192-h forecasts except for the 72-h forecasts among all individual models and multimodel consensus techniques. For the moderate rain, the forecast skill of the R-BREM technique is superior to those of individual models and multimodel ensemble mean.

Numerical simulation of chorus-driving acceleration of relativistic electrons at extremely low L-shell during geomagnetic storms

During 2018 major geomagnetic storm,relativistic electron enhancements in extremely low L-shell regions(reaching L∼3)have been reported based on observations of ZH-1 and Van Allen probes satellites,and the storm is highly likely to be accelerated by strong whistler-mode waves occurring near very low L-shell regions where the plasmapause was suppressed.It is very interesting to observe the intense chorus-accelerated electrons locating in such low L-shells and filling into the slot region.In this paper,we further perform numerical simulation by solving the two-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation based on the bounce-averaged diffusion rates.Numerical results demonstrate the evolution processes of the chorus-driven electron flux and confirm the flux enhancement in low pitch angle ranges(20◦-50◦)after the wave-particle interaction for tens of hours.The simulation result is consistent with the observation of potential butterfly pitch angle distributions of relativistic electrons from both ZH-1 and Van Allen probes.

Spatial-Temporal Characteristics of Regional Extreme Low Temperature Events in China during 1960-2009

An objective identification technique is used to detect regional extreme low temperature events （RELTE） in China during 1960-2009. Their spatial-temporal characteristics are analyzed. The results indicate that the lowest temperatures of RELTE, together with the frequency distribution of the geometric latitude center, exhibit a double-peak feature. The RELTE frequently happen near the geometric area of 30°N and 42°N before the mid-1980s, but shifted afterwards to 30°N. During 1960-2009, the frequency~ intensity, and the maximum impacted area of RELTE show overall decreasing trends. Due to the contribution of RELTE, with long duratioh and large spatial range, which account for 10% of the total RELTE, there is a significant turning point in the late 1980s. A change to a much more steady state after the late 1990s is identified. In addition, the integrated indices of RELTE are classified and analyzed.

Distribution Characteristics of Winter Continuous Extreme Low Temperature in China

[Objective] The research aimed to study the distribution characteristics of winter continuous extreme low temperature in China. [Method] Based on the daily minimum temperature data in winter during 1961-2008 in 195 observatories, the continuous extreme low temperature event (cold night) which happened in winter in China and the distribution characteristics of accumulated temperature anomaly in 48 years were analyzed by using the actual probability distribution threshold method. [Result] Besides in Northeast China, Northwest China and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau where the geographical position was northerly, and the altitude was high, the long-time (above 5 d) extreme low temperature event was also easy to happen in the south of Yangtze River, especially in Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan and so on. The continuous extreme low temperature event in the middle and lower reaches of Yellow River was the least. Started from the metaphase of the 1980s, the frequency trend of continuous extreme low temperature event decreased. But in 1992, 2000 and 2007, the low temperature event which continued above 7 d was more than the average. The accumulated cold in January in 48 years was the strongest. The second one was in February, and the smallest was in December. The accumulated cold in Northeast China and the north of Inner Mongolia was the biggest in December and January. The accumulated cold in the north of Xinjiang was the biggest in February. In the whole winter, the accumulated cold in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was the smallest. The chilling injury was easier to happen in Guizhou, Guangxi and Hunan than other south areas in December and February. The occurrence probability of chilling injury in most areas of Szechwan Basin, Yunnan and Qinling Mountains in central China was smaller than that in other areas. [Conclusion] The research provided the reference basis for analyzing the influence of chilling injury on the agriculture in China.

EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELD SUSCEPTIBILITY OF VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS

Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field susceptibility is an index of visual display unit (VDU) quality and performance. This paper provided field measured data on the susceptibility for a large variety of VDUs. A test rig was built to study the susceptibility of VDUs to magnetic fields at fundamental and third harmonic frequencies. It was found that the susceptibility level is largely dependent on refresh rate of the VDU and the orientation of the external ELF field. It was also found that the VDU susceptibility is significantly increased in the presence of harmonic frequency magnetic fields. About 30% of the tested samples have susceptibility levels higher than that stated in IEC 1000-4-8 standard.

Study on Temporal-spatial Change Characteristics of the Extremely Low Temperature Climate Event in Winter of China

[ Objective] The research aimed to study temporal-spatial change characteristics of the extremely low temperature climate event in winter of China. [MethodI By using actual probability distribution threshold value method, EOF analysis method and the daily minimum temperature data in winter of 1961 -2008 at 195 observatories of China, temporal-spatial change characteristics of the extremely low temperature climate event in win- ter of China in 48 years were analyzed. [ Result] Threshold value calculated by actual probability distribution was higher than that by traditional method, and increase magnitude in east was bigger than that in west, which could describe climatic change situation in China in 48 years better than traditional method. Cold night number in winter of China did not decrease as latitude declined, and it was more in south and north and was less in Yellow River basin and northwest China. Cold night number was the most in northeast Inner Mongolia. Interannual change of the cold night number presented decline tendency. From the 1960s to the eady 1970s, cold night number consistently increased, and change in middle and late periods of the 1960s was severe. From the early 1970s to the middle 1980s, fluctuation of the cold night number was bigger, and increase of the cold night number was the most in 1976. Cold night number from 1986 to the 21= century continuously declined. Change of the cold night number was the most obvious in east region, Guizhou and north Guangxi. Cold night number in northeast China and north Inner Mongolia presented inverting change relationship with that in Yunnan - Kweichow Plateau and Hexi Corridor. [ Conclusion] The research provided reference for eady warning of the extremely low temoerature event in China.

Ohmic Contact at Al/TiO_2/n-Ge Interface with TiO_2 Deposited at Extremely Low Temperature

TiO2deposited at extremely low temperature of 120°C by atomic layer deposition is inserted between metal and n-Ge to relieve the Fermi level pinning. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy indicate that the lower deposition temperature tends to effectively eliminate the formation of GeOxto reduce the tunneling resistance. Compared with TiO2deposited at higher temperature of 250°C,there are more oxygen vacancies in lower-temperature-deposited TiO2, which will dope TiO2contributing to the lower tunneling resistance. Al/TiO2/n-Ge metal-insulator-semiconductor diodes with 2 nm 120°C deposited TiO2achieves 2496 times of current density at-0.1 V compared with the device without the TiO2interface layer case, and is 8.85 times larger than that with 250°C deposited TiO2. Thus inserting extremely low temperature deposited TiO2to depin the Fermi level for n-Ge may be a better choice.

Influence of laser treatment on the fatigue of notched bar

Fatigue cutting is a new approach for separating material. Man-made fatigue can be realized by applying a rotating bending load to a notched bar. To better utilize the new method, laser treatment is adopted in this study. After laser radiation at the notch root, the fatigue cycle of the bar drops dramatically. Based on the experimental result, we draw the conclusion that the fatigue of the bar is influenced by the shape of the hardened area. A hardened area that has a small axial dimension and a relatively large radial dimension facilitates the fatigue. The desirable hardened area can be obtained by controlling the laser treatment parameters.

Geochemical Mapping:With Special Emphasis on Analytical Requirements

More than 40 national and regional geochemical mapping projects in the world carried out from 1973 to 1988 do not conform to common standards. In particular they have many analytical deficiencies. In the period 1988 to 1992, the International Geochemical Mapping project （Project 259 of UNESCO＇s IGCP Program） prepared recommendations designed to standardize geochemical mapping methods. The analytical requirements are an essential component of the overall recommendations. They included the following： 71 elements should be analyzed in future mapping projects; the detection limits of trace and ultratrace elements must be lower than the corresponding crustal abundances; and the Chinese GSD and Canadian STSD standard sample series should be used for the correlation of global data. A proposal was also made to collect 5000 composite samples, at very low sampling densities to cover the whole Earth＇s land surface. In 1997 an IUGS Working Group on Global Geochemical Baselines was formed to continue the work which began with IGCP 259. From 1997 up to now, new progress has been made especially in China and FOREGS countries under the aegis of this working group, including the study of suitable sampling media, development of a multi-element analytical system, new proficiency test for selection of competent laboratories and role of wide-spaced mapping in mineral exploration. One of the major problems awaiting solution has been the inability of many laboratories to meet the IGCP recommendations to generate high quality geochemical maps. Fortunately several laboratories in China and Europe have demonstrated an ability to meet the requirements and they will be well placed to render technical assistance to other countries.

Combined Effects of 50 Hz Magnetic Field and Magnetic Nanoparticles on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of PC12 Cells

Objective To investigate the bioeffects of extremely low frequency （ELF） magnetic field （MF） （50 Hz, 400 μT） and magnetic nanoparticles （MNPs） via cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays on PC12 cells. Methods MNPs modified by SiO2 （MNP-SiO2） were characterized by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, dynamic light scattering and hysteresis loop measurement. PC12 cells were administrated with MNP-SiO2 with or without MF exposure for 48 h. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated with MTI- assay and annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. The morphology and uptake of MNP-SiO2 were determined by TEM. MF simulation was performed by Ansoft Maxwell based on the finite element method. Results MNP-SiO2 were identified as -20 nm （diameter） ferromagnetic particles. MNP-SiO2 reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. MF also reduced cell viability with increasing concentrations of MNP-SiO2. MNP-SiO2 alone did not cause apoptosis in PC12 cells; instead, the proportion of apoptotic cells increased significantly under MF exposure and increasing doses of MNP-SiO2. MNP-SiO2 could be ingested and then cause a slight change in cell morphology. Conclusion Combined exposure of MF and MNP-SiO2 resulted in remarkable cytotoxicity and increased apoptosis in PC12 cells. The results suggested that MF exposure could strengthen the MF of MNPs, which may enhance the bioeffects of ELF MF.

Prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity in Brunei Darussalam

AIM: To identify the prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm neonates admitted to Department of Neonatology, RIPAS hospital, Brunei Darussalam. ·METHODS: We studied 67 preterm infants fulfilling the eligibility criteria for ROP screening. All infants studied were admitted to the Department of Neonatology, RIPAS Hospital, within a period of one year. Birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), corrected age at each review, initial and final diagnoses and number of reviews required was recorded for each infant. Infants were followed up two weekly until they reach a corrected age of 40 weeks or complete vascularization was noted. Prevalence of ROP was identified. Descriptive analysis, regression analysis and independent-sample t-test were used to statistically check for differences between ROP and non -ROP groups. ·RESULTS: A total number of 201 ROP screenings were carried out for 67 preterm infants. Males outnumbered females (56.7%). The mean number of reviews per child was (3.19 ±1.1) times (range: 1 -6 times), the mean GA among the preterm babies examined was (29.5 ±2.6) weeks (range: 23 -36 weeks), and the mean BW was 1300 ±500g (range: 660 -3600g). The prevalence of ROP among the examined infants was 34.8% . Prevalence of threshold disease that required laser treatment was 25.4% . Prevalence of ROP among those with extremely low BW was 86.7% compared to 27.8% in those with very low BW. Respiratory distress and congenital heart diseases were significantly associated with higher incidence of ROP. ·CONCLUSION: Lower BW, lower GA and female gender are associated with higher risk of developing ROP among preterm infants in Brunei Darussalam.

Extremely low friction on gold surface with surfactant molecules induced by surface potential

An extremely low friction state was observed on the gold surface induced by applying a specific negative potential in cationic surfactant solution.The friction force showed a remarkable reduction from 8.3 to 3.5×10−2 nN(reduced by 99.6%)with increasing the period of negative applied potential,and the final friction coefficient could reduce down to 3×10−4.The extremely low friction state was robust,and it also exhibited an excellent load bearing capacity,which cannot be damaged by a high load.Moreover,the extremely low friction state achieved under negative applied potential could keep stable even after the removal of potential,but failed in a short time,once a specific positive potential was applied.It was demonstrated that there was a stable electro-adsorption of surfactant molecules on the gold surface induced by applying a negative potential,leading to the formation of a bilayer structure on the gold surface.The hydration layers of the bilayer on the gold surface and micelles on the silica probe provided a shear plane with an extremely low shear strength,leading to the extremely low friction state on the gold surface.This study provides a method to achieve extremely low friction state by applied potential.

Round-the-clock water harvesting from dry air using a metal-organic framework

Harvesting water from the atmosphere is an important process to solve the extreme lack of water resources in arid regions. Adsorption-based atmospheric water harvesting(AWH) takes advantage of solar thermal energy to harvest water from air. This technique is particularly suitable for arid regions characterized by low humidity and an abundance of sunshine. Nonetheless, under low humidity conditions, AWH is highly dependent on water-adsorbing materials exhibiting excellent performance. In this work, a metal–organic framework(MOF), namely [Zn_(2)(bpy)(btec)(H_(2)O)_(2)]·2H_(2)O, also denoted as MWH-1, was investigated for application in water harvesting under low humidity conditions(<20%). Notably,MWH-1 displayed outstanding water and thermal stability. At temperatures of 293–333 K and low pressure, activated MWH-1a exhibited competitive water uptake(relative humidity(RH) = 5%,uptake>200 cm^(3)·cm^(-3);RH = 10%, uptake >250 cm^(3)·cm^(-3)). This ensured effective water harvesting at high temperatures during the day. In situ powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared analyses confirmed the sensitive water adsorption process of MWH-1a. The X-ray single-crystal study further demonstrated that single-crystal structures could be completely restored following water harvesting.MWH-1 showed good structural stability and enabled water harvesting under low humidity and high temperature conditions. Thus, it has the potential for application in round-the-clock water harvesting in extremely arid regions.

输电线在不同载流量及改变线路走向时的磁场分布分析(英文)

Transmission power lines are a common source of extremely low frequency(ELF) magnetic fields which are usually analyzed as serial lines in one direction.Overhead vertical-type double-circuit power lines,which are generally used in Japan,sometimes carry different current for each circuit and change direction.In this paper,we focused on both the angle of direction change and the current balance in order to clarify the characteristics of distribution of magnetic fields at a height of 1 m.The magnetic field distributions were analyzed considering both the angle of power lines changing direction and the current balance of each circuit.The total magnetic field under overhead vertical-type double-circuit power lines with same current was generally reduced in comparison with that under a single-circuit power line due to phase difference.The total magnetic fields around the turning point where the change of transmission lines direction increased because each circuit came closer in that area.The component of B_z effect on total magnetic field was greatest around the maximum of total magnetic fields nearby the turning point.

Effects of Different Electromagnetic Fields on Circadian Rhythms of Some Haematochemical Parameters in Rats

Objective To investigate the effects of different electromagnetic fields on some haematochemical parameters of circadian rhythms in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods The study was carried out in 18 male and 18 female rats in good health conditions exposed to 50 Hz magnetic sinusoid fields at the intensity of 1000 μT, 100 μT, and 0 μT （control group） respectively, and in 18 male and 18 female rats in good health conditions exposed to 1.8 GHz electromagnetic fields at the intensity of 50 V/m, 25 V/m and 0 V/m （control group）, respectively. Following haematochemical parameters for glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured. Results Different effects of electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythms of both male and female rats were observed. Different changes occurred in some haematochemical parameters for glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Exposure to different electromagnetic fields is responsible for the variations of some haematochemical parameters in rats.

Longitudinal Evaluation Nocturnal Sleep Behaviors of Healthy and Well Developed Children Born Prematurely

The aim of the study is to examine nocturnal sleep measures of healthy and well developed pre-term infants by birth weight when they were averaged 15 corrected months and became elementary school children. Sleep measures were collected by actigraphs (Micro-mini RC, Ambulatory Monitoring Inc., New York, USA). Nocturnal sleep quality of children born as extremely low birth weight (ELBW) was significantly inferior with that of children born as very low birth weight (VLBW) at 15 corrected months [number of night waking: 6.0 (4.5 - 8.0), ELBW 8.5 (7.0 - 10.3) (Z = 2.47, p < 0.01), wake after sleep onset: VLBW 99.0 (73.0 - 115.0) min, ELBW 146.5 (94.8 - 171.3) min (Z = 2.89, p < 0.01)]. However, these measures did not show any significant differences by birth weight at second data collection period [number of night waking: VLBW 0.0 (0.0-1.0), ELBW 1.0 (0.0 - 2.5) (Z = —0.62, n.s.), wake after sleep onset: VLBW 16.0 (8.0 - 27.0) min, ELBW 15.0 (6.0 - 32.5) min (Z = 0.00, n.s.)]. It was assumed that nocturnal measures were affected by the birth weight at the age of 15 corrected months in ELBW infants, but could not predict the future sleep problems at this point.

Active Field Canceling System in Next Generation Nano-Fab

ELF （extremely low frequency） magnetic fields from power-line current influence the yield of CMOS foundry. The poor yield happens because of ELF magnetic fields inducing directly the measurement or process equipment for cutting-edge chips below 28 nm process. The equipments of electron microscopes, including SEM （scanning electron microscope）, TEM （transmission electron microscopy）, STEM （scanning transmission electron microscopy） and EBLS （electron beam lithography system） are very susceptible to ELF magnetic fields emanating from various electrical power sources outside of the building and within next generation CMOS foundry recommends a maximum of 0.3 mG. The active canceling method uses active coils with current sensing field via sensor and inducing man-made electromagnetic field to reduce the stray magnetic field. Unfortunately, the conventional system takes more time to products field because of parasitical capacitance and resistance in long coil. The longer canceling coil the system construct, the more time it takes. Besides, canceling system should spend more time on calibrating non-linear current amplifier through software design. This research designs simpler anti-electro-magnetic system instead of typical frame and develops one turn canceling coil structure to reduce delaying time. Several parallel cells generate field up to 23.81 mG controlled by MPU （micro processor unit）. This system decreases the power-line inducing filed below 0.3 mG.