Directing Role of Cage Structure for Crystallization of Zeolites

The directing mechanisms of liquid directing agents of zeolite Y and zeolite L were studied by means of light transmission, ultracentrifugation, NMR, XRD and “cross-exchange” experiments. It was discovered that not only microcfystals of zeolites, but also cage structures of zeolites play the directing role for crystallization of zeolites.

Alcohol-assisted synthesis of high-silica zeolites in the absence of organic structure-directing agents

In this work,we show for the first time that high-silica zeolites(MFI,TON,MTT,and*MRE)could be synthesized from a combined strategy of both zeolite seeding and alcohol filling in the absence of organic structure-directing agents(OSDAs).High-silica ZSM-5 zeolites with Si/Al ratios ranging from 38 to 240(TF-Al-ZSM-5)could be synthesized via this route.The key to the success of this technique was the employment of an aluminosilicate precursor with a fully 4-coordinated aluminum species as the initial source,wherein the rearrangement and condensation of the silicate species,rather than the aluminate species,occurred during zeolite crystallization.In addition,heteroatoms,such as Fe and B,could be incorporated into the zeolite frameworks.Catalytic tests for the methanol-to-propylene(MTP)reaction exhibited good catalytic performance for TF-Al-ZSM-5,which was comparable to that of the aluminosilicate ZSM-5 zeolite synthesized with OSDAs.Hence,this method offers viable opportunities for the industrial production and catalytic application of high-silica zeolites in the future.

Eco-friendly synthesis of high silica zeolite Y with choline as green and innocent structure-directing agent

Zeolite synthesis in contemporary chemical industries is predominantly conducted using organic structure‐directing agents(OSDAs),which are chronically hazardous to humans and the environment.It is a growing trend to develop an eco‐friendly and nuisanceless OSDA for zeolite synthesis.Herein,choline is employed as a non‐toxic and green OSDA to synthesize high silica Y zeolite with SiO2/Al2O3 ratios of 6.5–6.8.The prepared Y zeolite samples exhibited outstanding(hydro)thermal stability at ultrahigh temperature owing to the higher SiO2/Al2O3 ratio.The XRF,SEM,29Si‐NMR and 13Na+results suggested that choline plays a structure‐directing role in the synthesis of Y zeolite,while the feed molar fraction of Na+is a crucial determinant for the framework SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and the crystal morphology.

Synthesis of Hierarchically Porous FAU/γ-Al2O3 Composites with Different Morphologies via Directing Agent Induced Method

Zeolite FAU composites with a macro/meso-microporous hierarchical structure were hydrothermally synthesized using macro-mesoporous γ-Al_2O_3 monolith as the substrate by means of the liquid crystallization directing agent(LCDA) induced method. No template was needed throughout the synthesis processes. The structure and porosity of zeolite composites were analyzed by means of X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and N_2adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results showed that the supported zeolite composites with varied zeolitic crystalline phases and different morphologies can be obtained by adjusting the crystallization parameters, such as the crystallization temperature, the composition and the alkalinity of the precursor solution. The presence of LCDA was defined as a determinant for synthesizing the zeolite composites. The mechanisms for formation of the hierarchically porous FAU zeolite composites in the LCDA induced synthesis process were discussed. The resulting monolithic zeolite with a trimodal-porous hierarchical structure shows potential applicability where facile diffusion is required.

Hierarchical SAPO-11 Molecular Sieve for n-Alkane Hydroisomerization Synthesized by Directing Agent Method

Silicoaluminophosphates SAPO-11 molecular sieves with small particle size and hierarchical pores were synthesized using the directing agent method.The effect of crystallization time on the particle structure,morphology,pore structure properties,and acid properties of SAPO-11 molecular sieves were investigated.Unlike the SAPO-11 molecular sieves synthesized with the conventional method,the results of XRD,SEM,BET and NH3-TPD analyses showed that the SAPO-11 molecular sieves synthesized by the directing agent method in a shorter crystallization time exhibited fine and uniform morphology.By increasing the crystallization time,the particle size of SAPO-11 molecular sieve was significantly reduced,and the mesoporous structure(intercrystalline pores)was formed.Furthermore,the external specific surface area and the total specific surface area reached 81.7 m^2/g and 192.0 m^2/g,respectively,which effectively reduced the pore mass transfer resistance and significantly increased the number of acid sites.The results of n-dodecane hydroisomerization revealed that the Pt/SAPO-11 prepared with the novel method exhibited higher catalytic activity and better hydroisomerization selectivity than that synthesized by the conventional hydrothermal method.Thus,the small particle molecular sieve showed a promising industrial application prospect to be used as catalyst support.

Provisional Regulations on Directing Foreign Investment

Article 1 These regulations are formulated according to the rules of the State Law on foreign investment and the requirements of industrial policies to direct foreign investment, ensuring that it adapts to the programmes of China’s national economy and social development and protecting the legal rights and interests of investors.

Transition-metal-catalyzed aromatic C–H functionalization assisted by the phosphorus-containing directing groups

Transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization has attracted tremendous attention as an increasingly important protocol for the construction of C–C and C–X bonds.In particular,C–H bond functionalization assisted by the phosphorus-containing directing groups has made significant progress in the past few years.A series of valuable phosphorous compounds,especially phosphine ligands have been provided conveniently.This review comprehensively describes recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization assisted by the phosphorus-containing directing groups,highlights its potential applications in organic synthesis,and gives some insights into future advances.

Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson’s disease.The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease,which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in clinical practice.However,ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application.Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos,which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy.Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons,without the need for intermediate proliferation states,thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation.Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.However,there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed.This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy,including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research.The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming.These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson’s disease.

Progress,challenges,and prospects of spent lithium-ion batteries recycling:A review

The recycling and reutilization of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have become an important measure to alleviate problems like resource scarcity and environmental pollution.Although some progress has been made,battery recycling technology still faces challenges in terms of efficiency,effectiveness and environmental sustainability.This review aims to systematically review and analyze the current status of spent LIB recycling,and conduct a detailed comparison and evaluation of different recycling processes.In addition,this review introduces emerging recycling techniques,including deep eutectic solvents,molten salt roasting,and direct regeneration,with the intent of enhancing recycling efficiency and diminishing environmental repercussions.Furthermore,to increase the added value of recycled materials,this review proposes the concept of upgrading recycled materials into high value-added functional materials,such as catalysts,adsorbents,and graphene.Through life cycle assessment,the paper also explores the economic and environmental impacts of current battery recycling and highlights the importance that future recycling technologies should achieve a balance between recycling efficiency,economics and environmental benefits.Finally,this review outlines the opportunities and challenges of recycling key materials for next-generation batteries,and proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote the green and sustainable development of batteries,circular economy,and ecological civilization.

Anisotropic time-dependent behaviors of shale under direct shearing and associated empirical creep models

Understanding the anisotropic creep behaviors of shale under direct shearing is a challenging issue.In this context,we conducted shear-creep and steady-creep tests on shale with five bedding orientations (i.e.0°,30°,45°,60°,and 90°),under multiple levels of direct shearing for the first time.The results show that the anisotropic creep of shale exhibits a significant stress-dependent behavior.Under a low shear stress,the creep compliance of shale increases linearly with the logarithm of time at all bedding orientations,and the increase depends on the bedding orientation and creep time.Under high shear stress conditions,the creep compliance of shale is minimal when the bedding orientation is 0°,and the steady-creep rate of shale increases significantly with increasing bedding orientations of 30°,45°,60°,and 90°.The stress-strain values corresponding to the inception of the accelerated creep stage show an increasing and then decreasing trend with the bedding orientation.A semilogarithmic model that could reflect the stress dependence of the steady-creep rate while considering the hardening and damage process is proposed.The model minimizes the deviation of the calculated steady-state creep rate from the observed value and reveals the behavior of the bedding orientation's influence on the steady-creep rate.The applicability of the five classical empirical creep models is quantitatively evaluated.It shows that the logarithmic model can well explain the experimental creep strain and creep rate,and it can accurately predict long-term shear creep deformation.Based on an improved logarithmic model,the variations in creep parameters with shear stress and bedding orientations are discussed.With abovementioned findings,a mathematical method for constructing an anisotropic shear creep model of shale is proposed,which can characterize the nonlinear dependence of the anisotropic shear creep behavior of shale on the bedding orientation.

Complication rates after direct anterior vs posterior approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in elderly individuals with femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND Dislocation rates after hemiarthroplasty reportedly vary from 1%to 17%.This serious complication is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.Approaches to this surgery are still debated,with no consensus regarding the superiority of any single approach.AIM To compare early postoperative complications after implementing the direct anterior and posterior approaches(PL)for hip hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures.METHODS This is a comparative,retrospective,single-center cohort study conducted at a university hospital.Between March 2008 and December 2018,273 patients(a total of 280 hips)underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasties(n=280)for displaced femoral neck fractures using either the PL(n=171)or the minimally invasive direct anterior approach(DAA)(n=109).The choice of approach was related to the surgeons’practices;the implant types were similar and unrelated to the approach.Dislocation rates and other complications were reviewed after a minimum followup of 6 mo.RESULTS Both treatment groups had similarly aged patients(mean age:82 years),sex ratios,patient body mass indexes,and patient comorbidities.Surgical data(surgery delay time,operative time,and blood loss volume)did not differ significantly between the groups.The 30 d mortality rate was higher in the PL group(9.9%)than in the DAA group(3.7%),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.052).Among the one-month survivors,a significantly higher rate of dislocation was observed in the PL group(14/154;9.1%)than in the DAA group(0/105;0%)(P=0.002).Of the 14 patients with dislocation,8 underwent revision surgery for recurrent instability(posterior group),and one of them had 2 additional procedures due to a deep infection.The rate of other complications(e.g.,perioperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures and infection-related complications)did not differ significantly between the groups.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the DAA to bipolar hemiarthroplasty for patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a lower dislocation rate(<1%)than the PL.

Engineering Nano/Microscale Chiral Self‑Assembly in 3D Printed Constructs

Helical hierarchy found in biomolecules like cellulose,chitin,and collagen underpins the remarkable mechanical strength and vibrant colors observed in living organisms.This study advances the integration of helical/chiral assembly and 3D printing technology,providing precise spatial control over chiral nano/microstructures of rod-shaped colloidal nanoparticles in intricate geometries.We designed reactive chiral inks based on cellulose nanocrystal(CNC)suspensions and acrylamide monomers,enabling the chiral assembly at nano/microscale,beyond the resolution seen in printed materials.We employed a range of complementary techniques including Orthogonal Superposition rheometry and in situ rheo-optic measurements under steady shear rate conditions.These techniques help us to understand the nature of the nonlinear flow behavior of the chiral inks,and directly probe the flow-induced microstructural dynamics and phase transitions at constant shear rates,as well as their post-flow relaxation.Furthermore,we analyzed the photo-curing process to identify key parameters affecting gelation kinetics and structural integrity of the printed object within the supporting bath.These insights into the interplay between the chiral inks self-assembly dynamics,3D printing flow kinematics and photopolymerization kinetics provide a roadmap to direct the out-of-equilibrium arrangement of CNC particles in the 3D printed filaments,ranging from uniform nematic to 3D concentric chiral structures with controlled pitch length,as well as random orientation of chiral domains.Our biomimetic approach can pave the way for the creation of materials with superior mechanical properties or programable photonic responses that arise from 3D nano/microstructure and can be translated into larger scale 3D printed designs.

Measurement of the high energyγ-rays from heavy ion reactions usingČerenkov detector

The energetic bremsstrahlung photons up to 100 MeV produced in heavy ion collisions can be used as a sensitive probe for short-range correlation in atomic nuclei. The energy of the γ-rays can be measured by collecting the Čerenkov light in the medium induced by the fast electrons generated in the Compton scattering or electromagnetic shower of the incident γray. Two types of detectors based on pure water and lead glass as sensitive materials were designed for this purpose. The γresponse and optical photon propagation in the detectors were simulated based on electromagnetic and optical processes in Geant4. The inherent energy resolutions of 0.022(4) + 0.51(2)∕E^(1/2)_(γ) for water and 0.0026(3) + 0.446(3)∕E^(1/2)_(γ) for lead glass were obtained. The geometry sizes of the lead glass and water were optimized to 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm and 60 cm × 60 cm ×120 cm, respectively, to detect high-energy γ-rays at 160 MeV. The Hough transform method was applied to reconstruct the direction of the incident γ-rays, providing the ability to experimentally distinguish the high-energy γ-rays produced in the reactions on the target from random background cosmic-ray muons.

Review on laser directed energy deposited aluminum alloys

Lightweight aluminum(Al)alloys have been widely used in frontier fields like aerospace and automotive industries,which attracts great interest in additive manufacturing(AM)to process high-value Al parts.As a mainstream AM technique,laser-directed energy deposition(LDED)shows good scalability to meet the requirements for large-format component manufacturing and repair.However,LDED Al alloys are highly challenging due to their inherent poor printability(e.g.low laser absorption,high oxidation sensitivity and cracking tendency).To further promote the development of LDED high-performance Al alloys,this review offers a deep understanding of the challenges and strategies to improve printability in LDED Al alloys.The porosity,cracking,distortion,inclusions,element evaporation and resultant inferior mechanical properties(worse than laser powder bed fusion)are the key challenges in LDED Al alloys.Processing parameter optimizations,in-situ alloy design,reinforcing particle addition and field assistance are the efficient approaches to improving the printability and performance of LDED Al alloys.The underlying correlations between processes,alloy innovation,characteristic microstructures,and achievable performances in LDED Al alloys are discussed.The benchmark mechanical properties and primary strengthening mechanism of LDED Al alloys are summarized.This review aims to provide a critical and in-depth evaluation of current progress in LDED Al alloys.Future opportunities and perspectives in LDED high-performance Al alloys are also outlined.

Two-photon live imaging of direct glia-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex

Over the past decade,a growing number of studies have reported transcription factor-based in situ reprogramming that can directly conve rt endogenous glial cells into functional neurons as an alternative approach for n euro regeneration in the adult mammalian central ne rvous system.Howeve r,many questions remain regarding how a terminally differentiated glial cell can transform into a delicate neuron that forms part of the intricate brain circuitry.In addition,concerns have recently been raised around the absence of astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in astrocytic lineage-tra cing mice.In this study,we employed repetitive two-photon imaging to continuously capture the in situ astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process following ecto pic expression of the neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in both prolife rating reactive astrocytes and lineage-tra ced astrocytes in the mouse cortex.Time-lapse imaging over several wee ks revealed the ste p-by-step transition from a typical astrocyte with numero us short,tapered branches to a typical neuro n with a few long neurites and dynamic growth cones that actively explored the local environment.In addition,these lineage-converting cells were able to migrate ra dially or to ngentially to relocate to suitable positions.Furthermore,two-photon Ca2+imaging and patch-clamp recordings confirmed that the newly generated neuro ns exhibited synchronous calcium signals,repetitive action potentials,and spontaneous synaptic responses,suggesting that they had made functional synaptic connections within local neural circuits.In conclusion,we directly visualized the step-by-step lineage conversion process from astrocytes to functional neurons in vivo and unambiguously demonstrated that adult mammalian brains are highly plastic with respect to their potential for neuro regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction.

Intrahepatic portal venous systems in adult patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein: Imaging features and a new classification

Background: Cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV) due to portal vein obstruction is a rare vascular anomaly defined as the formation of multiple collateral vessels in the hepatic hilum. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of intrahepatic portal vein in adult patients with CTPV and establish the relationship between the manifestations of intrahepatic portal vein and the progression of CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 14 CTPV patients in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. All patients underwent both direct portal venography(DPV) and computed tomography angiography(CTA) to reveal the manifestations of the portal venous system. The vessels measured included the left portal vein(LPV), right portal vein(RPV), main portal vein(MPV) and the portal vein bifurcation(PVB). Results: Nine males and 5 females, with a median age of 40.5 years, were included in the study. No significant difference was found in the diameters of the LPV or RPV measured by DPV and CTA. The visualization in terms of LPV, RPV and PVB measured by DPV was higher than that by CTA. There was a significant association between LPV/RPV and PVB/MPV in term of visibility revealed with DPV( P = 0.01), while this association was not observed with CTA. According to the imaging features of the portal vein measured by DPV, CTPV was classified into three categories to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: DPV was more accurate than CTA for revealing the course of the intrahepatic portal vein in patients with CTPV. The classification of CTPV, that originated from the imaging features of the portal vein revealed by DPV, may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of CTPV.

A particle-resolved heat-particle-fluid coupling model by DEM-IMB-LBM

Multifield coupling is frequently encountered and also an active area of research in geotechnical engineering.In this work,a particle-resolved direct numerical simulation(PR-DNS)technique is extended to simulate particle-fluid interaction problems involving heat transfer at the grain level.In this extended technique,an immersed moving boundary(IMB)scheme is used to couple the discrete element method(DEM)and lattice Boltzmann method(LBM),while a recently proposed Dirichlet-type thermal boundary condition is also adapted to account for heat transfer between fluid phase and solid particles.The resulting DEM-IBM-LBM model is robust to simulate moving curved boundaries with constant temperature in thermal flows.To facilitate the understanding and implementation of this coupled model for non-isothermal problems,a complete list is given for the conversion of relevant physical variables to lattice units.Then,benchmark tests,including a single-particle sedimentation and a two-particle drafting-kissing-tumbling(DKT)simulation with heat transfer,are carried out to validate the accuracy of our coupled technique.To further investigate the role of heat transfer in particle-laden flows,two multiple-particle problems with heat transfer are performed.Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed coupling model is a promising high-resolution approach for simulating the heat-particle-fluid coupling at the grain level.

Physical and mechanical properties and microstructures of submarine soils in the Yellow Sea

In recent years,the exploration of seabed has been intensified,but the submarine soils of silt and sand in the Yellow Sea area have not been well investigated so far.In this study,the physical and mechanical properties of silt and sand from the Yellow Sea were measured using a direct shear apparatus and their microstructures were observed using a scanning electron microscope.The test results suggest that the shear strength of silt and sand increases linearly with the increase of normal stress.Based on the direct shear test,the scanning electron microscope was used to observe the section surface of sand.It is observed that the section surface becomes rough,with many“V”‐shaped cracks.Many particles appear on the surface of the silt structure and tend to be disintegrated.The X‐ray diffraction experiment reveals that the sand and silt have different compositions.The shear strength of sand is slightly greater than that of silt under high stress,which is related to the shape of soil particles and the mineral composition.These results can be a reference for further study of other soils in the Yellow Sea;meanwhile,they can serve as soil parameters for the stability and durability analyses of offshore infrastructure construction.

Lymphatic plastic bronchitis and primary chylothorax: A study based on computed tomography lymphangiography

BACKGROUND This study presents an evaluation of the computed tomography lymphangio-graphy(CTL)features of lymphatic plastic bronchitis(PB)and primary chylotho-rax to improve the diagnostic accuracy for these two diseases.AIM To improve the diagnosis of lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax,a retrospective analysis of the clinical features and CTL characteristics of 71 patients diagnosed with lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax was performed.METHODS The clinical and CTL data of 71 patients(20 with lymphatic PB,41 with primary chylothorax,and 10 with lymphatic PB with primary chylothorax)were collected retrospectively.CTL was performed in all patients.The clinical manifestations,CTL findings,and conventional chest CT findings of the three groups of patients were compared.The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the differences among the three groups.A difference was considered to be statistically significant when P<0.05.RESULTS(1)The percentages of abnormal contrast medium deposits on CTL in the three groups were as follows:Thoracic duct outlet in 14(70.0%),33(80.5%)and 8(80.0%)patients;peritracheal region in 18(90.0%),15(36.6%)and 8(80.0%)patients;pleura in 6(30.0%),33(80.5%)and 9(90.0%)patients;pericardium in 6(30.0%),6(14.6%)and 4(40.0%)patients;and hilum in 16(80.0%),11(26.8%)and 7(70.0%)patients;and(2)the abnormalities on conven-tional chest CT in the three groups were as follows:Ground-glass opacity in 19(95.0%),18(43.9%)and 8(80.0%)patients;atelectasis in 4(20.0%),26(63.4%)and 7(70.0%)patients;interlobular septal thickening in 12(60.0%),11(26.8%)and 3(30.0%)patients;bronchovascular bundle thickening in 14(70.0%),6(14.6%)and 4(40.0%)patients;localized mediastinal changes in 14(70.0%),14(34.1%),and 7(70.0%)patients;diffuse mediastinal changes in 6(30.0%),5(12.2%),and 3(30.0%)patients;cystic lesions in the axilla in 2(10.0%),6(14.6%),and 2(20.0%)patients;and cystic lesions in the chest wall in 0(0%),2(4.9%),and 2(4.9%)patients.CONCLUSION CTL is well suited to clarify the characteristics of lymphatic PB and primary chylothorax.This method is an excellent tool for diagnosing these two diseases.

Tensile strength and failure behavior of rock-mortar interfaces: Direct and indirect measurements

The tensile strength at the rock-concrete interface is one of the crucial factors controlling the failure mechanisms of structures,such as concrete gravity dams.Despite the critical importance of the failure mechanism and tensile strength of rock-concrete interfaces,understanding of these factors remains very limited.This study investigated the tensile strength and fracturing processes at rock-mortar interfaces subjected to direct and indirect tensile loadings.Digital image correlation(DIC)and acoustic emission(AE)techniques were used to monitor the failure mechanisms of specimens subjected to direct tension and indirect loading(Brazilian tests).The results indicated that the direct tensile strength of the rock-mortar specimens was lower than their indirect tensile strength,with a direct/indirect tensile strength ratio of 65%.DIC strain field data and moment tensor inversions(MTI)of AE events indicated that a significant number of shear microcracks occurred in the specimens subjected to the Brazilian test.The presence of these shear microcracks,which require more energy to break,resulted in a higher tensile strength during the Brazilian tests.In contrast,microcracks were predominantly tensile in specimens subjected to direct tension,leading to a lower tensile strength.Spatiotemporal monitoring of the cracking processes in the rock-mortar interfaces revealed that they show AE precursors before failure under the Brazilian test,whereas they show a minimal number of AE events before failure under direct tension.Due to different microcracking mechanisms,specimens tested under Brazilian tests showed lower roughness with flatter fracture surfaces than those tested under direct tension with jagged and rough fracture surfaces.The results of this study shed light on better understanding the micromechanics of damage in the rock-concrete interfaces for a safer design of engineering structures.