Understanding the alkyl effect of geminal dinitropropyl ester energetic plasticizers on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene(HTPB):Simultaneous tuning on low temperature behavior and processability

Geminal dinitropropyl ester plasticizers(DNPEPs) possess excellent energetic performances which provide good potentials as insensitive plasticizer. In this study, we design and synthesize DNPEPs with different alkane chain parts, and systematically investigate their structure-property relationships.Results show that DNPEPs have impact sensitivities all higher than 25.2 J, thermal decomposition temperatures all higher than 254 ℃, and glass transition temperatures(T_(g)) lower than-90 ℃.Furthermore, the effects of DNPEPs as plasticizer are studied on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene(HTPB) in detail, including the viscosity, glass transition temperatures and others. It is noteworthy that 2,2-dinitropropyl nonanoate(DNPNc) among these DNPEPs exhibits the most expected simultaneous tuning effects on both viscosity and T_(g) of HTPB systems, providing favorable potentials to replace the conventional plastizers as dioctyl sebacate(DOS) in the HTPB based propellants and explosives.

Effects of Plasticizers,Antioxidants and Burning Rate Modifiers on Aging Performance of the HTPB/HMDI Composite Solid Propellant

The effects of plasticizers,antioxidants and burning rate modifiers on the aging performance of the composite solid propellant based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB)/hexamethylene diisocyanate(HMDI)were explored by apply-ing an accelerated aging program for 90 day at 70 ℃. The HTPB propellant matrix with the diisooctyl sebacate(DOS)as plasti-cizers and diisooctyl azelate(DOZ), antioxidants as N,N ′-Diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine(AO) and 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol)(cyanox 2246)and burning rate modifiers as barium ferrite(BF),copper chromites(CC)and fer-ric oxide(FO)were varied. Results show that sample(S1)which based on DOS decreases the stress value and increases the strain value which considered to be an excellent start for aging program. Sample(S3)containing AO presents the higher resis-tance to oxidation showing the better performance that reflects on increasing the shelf life of the composite solid propellant mo-tor. Sample(S5)which based on BF enhances the ballistic performance among over the other tested two samples. The accelerat-ed aging program allowed us to estimate the motor in-service lifetime.

Reduction of the Additives Migration from Poly Vinyl Chloride Films by the Use of Permanent Plasticizers

This aim of this work is to study the partial replacement of the plasticizer ordinarily used di-octyl phtalate (DOP) by the permanent plasticizers ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) and acrylonytrile-bu- tadiene-styrene (ABS) in order to reduce migration of additives initially contents in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stabilized with expoxidized sunflower oil (ESO). Migration tests with agitation to 40°C in sunflower oil and ethanol at 15% were made. Migration phenomenon was studied on the basis of the PVC samples mass variations, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The results showed the effectiveness of the approach consisting in the partial substitution of DOP by plasticizers of polymeric nature. The following order concerning the migration of additives was found: DOP (40) > DOP:EVA > (30/10) DOP:ABS (30/10). Furthermore, all the measured values of overall migrations were lower than the maximum allowable overall migration: 10 mg-dm-2.

Effect of Plasticizers on Properties of Rice Straw Fiber Film

In order to improve the properties of rice straw fiber film, one factor contrast test method was employed. Plasticizer type was chosen as input variable, dry tension strength and elongation, wet tension strength and elongation, bursting strength and tearing strength were chosen as indexes. The results showed that there were significant differences among the means of dry tension strength, dry elongation and bursting strength of different plasticizers; there were not significant differences among the means of wet tension strength, wet elongation and tearing strength of different plasticizers; for dry tension strength and elongation, glycerol had a significant difference with sorbitol and PEG, no significant difference was observed between sorbitol and PEG, dry tension strength added glycerol had been reduced 6.8% compared with that added sorbitol, reduced 9.5% compared with that added PEG; elongation had been improved 6.1% and 9.4%, respectively; for bursting strength, sorbitol had a significant difference with glycerol and PEG, no significant difference was observed between glycerol and PEG; bursting strength added glycerol and added PEG had been improved 6.9% and 5.6%, respectively compared with that of the added sorbitol. The results provided a theoretical reference for further improving the straw fiber film manufacturing process.

The Effect of Plasticizers on Mechanical Properties and Water Vapor Permeability of Gelatin-Based Edible Films Containing Clay Nanoparticles

The effects of glycerol and sorbitol as two plasticizers on mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, thermal properties, color and capability of heat sealing of gelatin films (of phytophagous fish, bovine gelatin with high gel-forming ability, and bovine gelatin with low gel-forming ability) containing clay nanoparticles were studied in this research. For this purpose, 6 × 2 × 3 factorial experiments using the completely randomized design and comparison of the means at 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) were performed. Higher concentrations of plasticizers increased percentage elongation to the breaking point. When glycerol concentration was raised to over 20%, flexibility of the layers improved but their water vapor permeability increased. The minimum passage of water vapor was that of fish-skin gelatin films containing clay nanoparticles and 30% sorbitol, and the maximum that of bovine gelatin films with high gel-forming ability which contained nanoparticles but no plasticizers (p 0.05). All samples had heat sealing capability, and fish-skin gelatin films containing clay nanoparticles had better heat sealing capability compared with the other samples so that fish-skin gelatin films containing clay nanoparticles with 25% glycerol and 5% sorbitol had the highest flexibility and tensile strength, and remained attached to where they were heat sealed. Electron microscope images showed that films without plasticizers had uniform surfaces, but that samples containing glycerol at concentrations of over 0.20 g/g gelatin exhibited cavities between gelatin chains and that water vapor permeability in gelatin films containing clay nanoparticles.

Revealing the role of pyramidal slip in the high ductility of Mg-Li alloy

The high ductility of Mg-Li alloy has been mainly ascribed to a high activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip to accommodate plastic strain.In the present study,however,a quantitative analysis reveals that Li-addition can only slightly stimulate the activation of pyramidal<c+a>slip under compression along the normal direction of a hot-rolled Mg-4.5 wt.%Li plate,with a relative activity of approximately 18%.Although the limited activity of pyramidal<c+a>slip alone cannot accommodate a large plastic strain,it effectively reduces the number of{10.11}−{10.12}double twins,which are believed to be favorable sites for crack initiation.The evidently reduced activity of double twins leads to a lower cracking tendency,and therefore improves ductility.

Green synthesis of ZSM-5 using silica fume and catalytic co-cracking of lignin and plastics for production of monocyclic aromatics

ZSM-5 with hierarchical pore structure was synthesized by a simple two-step hydrothermal crystallization from silica fume without using any organic ammonium templates.The synthesized ZSM-5 were oval shaped particles with a particle size about 2.0 μm and weak acid-dominated with proper Brønsted(B)and Lewis(L)acid sites.The ZSM-5 was used for catalytic co-cracking of n-octane and guaiacol,lowdensity polyethylene(LDPE)and alkali lignin(AL)to enhance the production of benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene and xylene(BTEX).The most significant synergistic effect occurred at n-octane/guaiacol at 1:1 and LDPE/AL at 1:3,under the condition,the achieved BTEX selectivity were 24%and 33%(mass)higher than the calculated values(weighted average).The highest BTEX selectivity reached 88.5%,which was 3.7%and 54.2%higher than those from individual cracking LDPE and AL.The synthesized ZSM-5 exhibited superior catalytic performance compared to the commercial ZSM-5,indicating potential application prospect.

Timing effect of high temperature exposure on the plasticity of internode and plant architecture in maize

The occurrence of high temperature(HT)in crop production is becoming more frequent and unpredictable with global warming,severely threatening food security.The state of an organ’s growth and development is largely determined by the temperature conditions it is exposed to over time.Maize is the main cereal crop,and its stem growth and plant architecture are closely related to lodging resistance,and especially sensitive to temperature.However,systematic research on the timing effect of HT on the sequentially developing internode and stem is currently lacking.To identify the timing effect of HT on the morphology and plasticity of the stem in maize,two hybrids(Zhengdan 958(ZD958),Xianyu 335(XY335))characterized by distinct morphological traits in the stem were exposed to a 7-day HT treatment from the V6 to V17 stages(Vn presents the vegetative stage with n leaves fully expanded)in 2019-2020.The results demonstrated that exposure to HT during V6-V12 accelerated the rapid elongation of stems.For instance,HT occurring at V7 and V12 specifically promoted the lengths and weights of the 3rd-5th and 9th-11th internodes,respectively.Meanwhile,HT slowed the growth of internodes adjacent to the promoted internodes.Interestingly,compared with control,the plant height was significantly increased soon after HT treatment,but the promotion effect became narrower at the subsequent flowering stage,demonstrating a self-adjusting mechanism in the maize plant in response to HT.Importantly,HT altered the plant architectures,including a rising of the ear position and increase in the ear position coefficient.XY335 exhibited greater sensitivity in stem development than ZD958 under HT treatment.These findings improve our systematic understanding of the plasticity of internode and plant architecture in response to the timing of HT exposure.

Exercise-induced adaptation of neurons in the vertebrate locomotor system

Vertebrate neurons are highly dynamic cells that undergo several alterations in their functioning and physiologies in adaptation to various external stimuli.In particular,how these neurons respond to physical exercise has long been an area of active research.Studies of the vertebrate locomotor system’s adaptability suggest multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of neuronal activity and properties during exercise.In this brief review,we highlight recent results and insights from the field with a focus on the following mechanisms:(a)alterations in neuronal excitability during acute exercise;(b)alterations in neuronal excitability after chronic exercise;(c)exercise-induced changes in neuronal membrane properties via modulation of ion channel activity;(d)exercise-enhanced dendritic plasticity;and(e)exercise-induced alterations in neuronal gene expression and protein synthesis.Our hope is to update the community with a cellular and molecular understanding of the recent mechanisms underlying the adaptability of the vertebrate locomotor system in response to both acute and chronic physical exercise.

Perspectives in human brain plasticity sparked by glioma invasion:from intraoperative(re)mappings to neural reconfigurations

Exploring the aptitude of the human brain to compensate functional consequences of a lesion damaging its structural architecture is a key challenge to improve patient care in various neurological diseases,to optimize neuroscientifically-informed strategies of postlesional rehabilitation,and ultimately to develop innovative neuro-regenerative therapies.The term‘plasticity’,initially referring to the intrinsic propensity of neurons to modulate their synaptic transmission in a learning situation,was progressively transposed to brain injury research and clinical neurosciences.Indeed,in the event of brain damage,adaptive mechanisms of compensation allow a partial reshaping of the structure and activities of the central nervous system,thus permitting to some extent the maintenance of brain functions.

Mitochondrial recruitment in myelin:an anchor for myelin dynamics and plasticity?

Optimal propagation of neuronal electrical impulses depends on the insulation of axons by myelin,produced in the central nervous system by oligodendrocytes.Myelin is an extension of the oligodendrocyte plasma membrane,which wraps around an axon to form a compact multi-layered sheath.Myelin is composed of a substantially higher proportion of lipids compared to other biological membranes and enriched in a small number of specialized proteins.

Enhanced prediction of anisotropic deformation behavior using machine learning with data augmentation

Mg alloys possess an inherent plastic anisotropy owing to the selective activation of deformation mechanisms depending on the loading condition.This characteristic results in a diverse range of flow curves that vary with a deformation condition.This study proposes a novel approach for accurately predicting an anisotropic deformation behavior of wrought Mg alloys using machine learning(ML)with data augmentation.The developed model combines four key strategies from data science:learning the entire flow curves,generative adversarial networks(GAN),algorithm-driven hyperparameter tuning,and gated recurrent unit(GRU)architecture.The proposed model,namely GAN-aided GRU,was extensively evaluated for various predictive scenarios,such as interpolation,extrapolation,and a limited dataset size.The model exhibited significant predictability and improved generalizability for estimating the anisotropic compressive behavior of ZK60 Mg alloys under 11 annealing conditions and for three loading directions.The GAN-aided GRU results were superior to those of previous ML models and constitutive equations.The superior performance was attributed to hyperparameter optimization,GAN-based data augmentation,and the inherent predictivity of the GRU for extrapolation.As a first attempt to employ ML techniques other than artificial neural networks,this study proposes a novel perspective on predicting the anisotropic deformation behaviors of wrought Mg alloys.

Glial progenitor heterogeneity and plasticity in the adult spinal cord

Glial progenitor cells were reported to have the capacity to generate various types of cells in both the central nervous system(CNS)and peripheral nervous system.Glial progenitor cells can respond to diverse environmental signals and transform into distinct populations,each serving specific functions.Notably,the adult spinal cord hosts various populations of glial progenitors,a region integral to the central nervous system.During development,glial progenitors express glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP;Dimou and Gotz,2014).However,the specific identities of GFAP-expressing progenitors in the adult spinal cord were not thoroughly investigated.

Temperature effect on nanotwinned Ni under nanoindentation using molecular dynamic simulation

Temperature effect on atomic deformation of nanotwinned Ni (nt-Ni) under localized nanoindentation is investigated in comparison with nanocrystalline Ni (nc-Ni) through molecular simulation.The nt-Ni exhibits enhanced critical load and hardness compared to nc-Ni,where perfect,stair-rod and Shockley dislocations are activated at (111),(111) and (111) slip planes in nt-Ni compared to only SSockley dislocation nucleation at (111) and (111) slip planes of nc-Ni.The nt-Ni exhibits a less significant indentation size effect in comparison with nc-Ni due to the dislocation slips hindrance of the twin boundary.The atomic deformation associated with the indentation size effect is investigated during dislocation transmission.Different from the decreasing partial slips parallel to the indenter surface in nc-Ni with increasing temperature,the temperaturedependent atomic deformation of nt-Ni is closely related to the twin boundary:from the partial slips parallel to the twin boundary (~10 K),to increased confined layer slips and decreased twin migration(300 K–600 K),to decreased confined layer slips and increased dislocation interaction of dislocation pinning and dissociation (900 K–1200 K).Dislocation density and atomic structure types through quantitative analysis are implemented to further reveal the above-mentioned dislocation motion and atomic structure alteration.Our study is helpful for understanding the temperature-dependent plasticity of twin boundary in nanotwinned materials.

Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex plays multiple roles in the executive function of patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease can affect not only motor functions but also cognitive abilities,leading to cognitive impairment.One common issue in Parkinson’s disease with cognitive dysfunction is the difficulty in executive functioning.Executive functions help us plan,organize,and control our actions based on our goals.The brain area responsible for executive functions is called the prefrontal co rtex.It acts as the command center for the brain,especially when it comes to regulating executive functions.The role of the prefrontal cortex in cognitive processes is influenced by a chemical messenger called dopamine.However,little is known about how dopamine affects the cognitive functions of patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this article,the authors review the latest research on this topic.They start by looking at how the dopaminergic syste m,is alte red in Parkinson’s disease with executive dysfunction.Then,they explore how these changes in dopamine impact the synaptic structure,electrical activity,and connection components of the prefrontal cortex.The authors also summarize the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and dopamine-related cognitive issues.This information may offer valuable insights and directions for further research and improvement in the clinical treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

Upcycling plastic wastes into value-added products via electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis

Plastic,renowned for its versatility,durability,and cost-effectiveness,is indispensable in modern society.Nevertheless,the annual production of nearly 400 million tons of plastic,coupled with a recycling rate of only 9%,has led to a monumental environmental crisis.Plastic recycling has emerged as a vital response to this crisis,offering sustainable solutions to mitigate its environmental impact.Among these recycling efforts,plastic upcycling has garnered attention,which elevates discarded plastics into higher-value products.Here,electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic treatments stand at the forefront of advanced plastic upcycling.Electrocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic treatments involve chemical reactions that facilitate electron transfer through the electrode/electrolyte interface,driven by electrical or solar energy,respectively.These methods enable precise control of chemical reactions,harnessing potential,current density,or light to yield valuable chemical products.This review explores recent progress in plastic upcycling through electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic pathways,offering promising solutions to the plastic waste crisis and advancing sustainability in the plastics industry.

Plastic deformation behavior of a Cu-10Ta alloy under strong impact loading

In this work,a Cu-10Ta alloy with a copper to tantalum mass ratio of 9:1 is prepared using powder metallurgy technology.Physical properties of the alloy,including density,microstructure,melting point,and constant-volume specific heat,are tested.Via the split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)and flyerplate impact experiments,the relationship between equivalent stress and equivalent plastic strain of the material is studied at temperatures of 298-823 K and under strain rates of 1×10^(-3)-5.2×10^(3)s^(-1),and the Hugoniot relationship at impact pressures of 1.46-17.25 GPa and impact velocities of 108-942 m/s is obtained.Evolution of the Cu-10Ta microstructure that occurs during high-strain-rate impact is analyzed.Results indicate that the Cu-10Ta alloy possesses good thermal stability,and at ambient temperatures of up to 50%its melting point,stress softening of less than 15%of the initial strength is observed.A modified J-C constitutive model is employed to accurately predict the variation of yield strength with strain rate.Under strong impact,the copper phase is identified as the primary source of plastic deformation in the Cu-10Ta alloy,while significant deformation of the high-strength tantalum particles is less pronounced.Furthermore,the longitudinal wave speed D is found to correlate linearly with the particle velocity u upon strong impact.Analysis reveals that the sound speed and spallation strength of the alloy increase with increasing impact pressure.

Efficacy of exercise rehabilitation for managing patients with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease characterized by the deterioration of cognitive functions. While a definitive cure and optimal medication to impede disease progression are currently unavailable, a plethora of studies have highlighted the potential advantages of exercise rehabilitation for managing this condition. Those studies show that exercise rehabilitation can enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by AD. Therefore, exercise rehabilitation has been regarded as one of the most important strategies for managing patients with AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the currently available findings on exercise rehabilitation in patients with AD, with a focus on the exercise types which have shown efficacy when implemented alone or combined with other treatment methods, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these positive effects. Specifically, we explain how exercise may improve the brain microenvironment and neuronal plasticity. In conclusion, exercise is a cost-effective intervention to enhance cognitive performance and improve quality of life in patients with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it can potentially become both a physical activity and a tailored intervention. This review may aid the development of more effective and individualized treatment strategies to address the challenges imposed by this debilitating disease, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

The first factor affecting dryland winter wheat grain yield under various mulching measures: Spike number

Water is the key factor limiting dryland wheat grain yield.Mulching affects crop yield and yield components by affecting soil moisture.Further research is needed to determine the relationships between yield components and soil moisture with yield,and to identify the most important factor affecting grain yield under various mulching measures.A long-term 9-yearifeld experiment in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China was carried out with three treatments:no mulch (CK),plastic mulch (M_(P)) and straw mulch (M_(S)).Yield factors and soil moisture were measured,and the relationships between them were explored by correlation analysis,structural equation modeling and significance analysis.The results showed that compared with CK,the average grain yields of M_(P) and M_(S) increased by 13.0and 10.6%,respectively.The average annual grain yield of the M_(P) treatment was 134 kg ha^(–1) higher than the M_(S) treatment.There were no significant differences in yield components among the three treatments (P<0.05).Soil water storage of the M_(S) treatment was greater than the M_(P) treatment,although the differences were not statistically signifiant.Soil water storage during the summer fallow period (SWSSF) and soil water storage before sowing (SWSS) of M_(S) were significantly higher than in CK,which increased by 38.5 and 13.6%,respectively.The relationship between M_(P) and CK was not statistically significant for SWSSF,but the SWSS in M_(P) was significantly higher than in CK.In terms of soil water storage after harvest (SWSH) and water consumption in the growth period(ET),there were no signi?cant differences among the three treatments.Based on the three analysis methods,we found that spike number and ET were positively correlated with grain yield.However,the relative importance of spike number to yield was the greatest in the M_(P )and M_(S) treatments,while that of ET was the greatest in CK.Suifcient SWSSF could indirectly increase spike number and ET in the three treatments.Based on these results,mulch can improve yield and soil water storage.The most important factor affecting the grain yield of dryland wheat was spike number under mulching,and ET with CK.These findings may help us to understand the main factors influencing dryland wheat grain yield under mulching conditions compared to CK.

New possibility for PET plastic recycling by a tailored hydrolytic enzyme

Plastic waste puts a huge burden on the ecosystem due to the current lack of mature recycling technology.Poly(ethylene terephthalate)(PET)is one of the most produced plastics in the world.Enzymatic decomposition holds the promise of recovering monomers from PET plastic,and the monomers can be used to regenerate new PET products.However,there are still limitations in the activity and thermal stability of the existing PET hydrolases.The recent study by Lu et al.introduced a novel PET hydrolase via machine learning-aided engineering.The obtained PET hydrolase showed excellent activity and thermal stability in the hydrolysis of PET and is capable of directly degrading large amounts of postconsumer PET products.This approach provides an effective method for recycling PET waste and is expected to improve the current state of plastic pollution worldwide.