Polymerization Mechanism of α-Linear Olefin

The density functional theory on the level of B3LYP/6-31G was empolyed to study the chain growth mechanism in polymerization process of α-linear olefin in TiCl3/AlEt2Cl catalytic system to synthesize drag reduction agent. Full parameter optimization without symmetry restrictions for reactants, products, the possible transition states, and intermediates was calculated. Vibration frequency was analyzed for all of stagnation points on the potential energy surface at the same theoretical level. The internal reaction coordinate was calculated from the transition states to reactants and products respectively. The results showed as flloes： （i） Coordination compounds were formed on the optimum configuration of TiCl3/AlEt2Cl.（ii） The transition states were formed. The energy di？erence between transition states and the coordination compounds was 40.687 kJ/mol. （iii） Double bond opened and Ti-C（4） bond fractured, and the polymerization was completed. The calculation results also showed that the chain growth mechanism did not essentially change with the increase of carbon atom number of α-linear olefin. From the relationship between polymerization activation energy and carbon atom number of the α-linear olefin, it can be seen that the α-linear olefin monomers with 6-10 carbon atoms had low activation energy and wide range. It was optimum to synthesize drag reduction agent by polymerization.

Oxygen metabolism-balanced engineered hydrogel microspheres promote the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus by inhibiting acid-sensitive complexes

Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD)is commonly caused by imbalanced oxygen metabolism-triggered inflammation.Overcoming the shortcomings of antioxidants in IVDD treatment,including instability and the lack of targeting,remains challenging.Microfluidic and surface modification technologies were combined to graft chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with strong reductive black phosphorus quantum dots(BPQDs)onto GelMA microspheres via amide bonds to construct oxygen metabolism-balanced engineered hydrogel microspheres(GM@CS-BP),which attenuate extracellular acidosis in nucleus pulposus(NP),block the inflammatory cascade,reduce matrix metalloproteinase expression(MMP),and remodel the extracellular matrix(ECM)in intervertebral discs(IVDs).The GM@CS-BP microspheres reduce H_(2)O_(2) intensity by 229%.Chemical grafting and electrostatic attraction increase the encapsulation rate of BPQDs by 167%and maintain stable release for 21 days,demonstrating the antioxidant properties and sustained modulation of the BPQDs.After the GM@CS-BP treatment,western blotting revealed decreased acid-sensitive ion channel-3 and inflammatory factors.Histological staining in an 8-week IVDD model confirmed the regeneration of NP.GM@CS-BP microspheres therefore maintain a balance between ECM synthesis and degradation by regulating the positive feedback between imbalanced oxygen metabolism in IVDs and inflammation.This study provides an in-depth interpretation of the mechanisms underlying the antioxidation of BPQDs and a new approach for IVDD treatment.

AN APPROACH TOWARDS HOLISM IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

This paper posits the desirability of a shift towards a holistic approach over reductionist approaches in the understanding of complex phenomena encountered in science and engineering. An argument based on set theory is used to analyze three examples that illustrate the shortcomings of the reductionist approach. Using these cases as motivational points, a holistic approach to understand complex phenomena is proposed, whereby the human brain acts as a template to do so. Recognizing the need to maintain the transparency of the analysis provided by reductionism, a promising computational approach is offered by which the brain is used as a template for understanding complex phenomena. Some of the details of implementing this approach are also addressed.