Initial Reaction Research Articles

The collapse of the Caledonian orogen in SW Norway: Insights from quartz textures

Extensional collapse is a common late- to post-collisional feature of orogens. It is particularly prominent in the SW Scandinavian Caledonides, where extensional detachments formed progressively from the initial reactivation of the basal thrust zone to the formation of hinterland-dipping extensional shear zones. A mature stage, documented here, involves the development of bivergent (both hinterland- and foreland-dipping) shear zones and associated vertical basement mobilization. The main foreland-facing extensional shear zone in the study area is the Bergen Detachment – a until recently overlooked or misinterpreted structure. This detachment overprints top-to-W mylonitic fabrics related to the earlier Devonian extension stages and developed in response to the updoming of the Baltica basement west of Bergen (the Øygarden Complex) into a late core complex. Our microstructural and textural examinations suggest that for both the Hardangerfjord Shear Zone and the Bergen Detachment, strain was localized by activation of dislocation creep in quartz through the operation of multiple slip systems in the <a> direction, predominantly prism <a> and rhomb <a>. These examinations and existing radiometric age constraints suggest that the progressive shear zone development occurred over maybe as little as 5 million years, under upper to middle greenschist facies conditions. Synkinematic cooling brought both the Bergen Detachment and Hardangerfjord Shear Zone through the ductile-brittle transition zone. The main explanation for this prolonged collapse development is 1) that the early low-angle detachment became too low-angle for continued shearing, giving rise to the first hinterland-dipping set of shear zones, and 2) that the basement weakened rheologically and mobilized gravitationally with the formation of large upright folds with new detachments along their flanks (the bivergent stage), including the Bergen Detachment.

Enhancing fuel breed-burn performance in a sodium-cooled fast reactor using a novel reactivity control method

This study aims to enhance the fuel cycle and fissile breeding performance of a sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor (FBR) by utilizing minor actinides (MAs) as a means of reactivity control alongside partially-inserted control rods. Choosing the PFBR-500 as the reference design, four core models, designated as Cases A, B, C, and D, utilizing various proportions of minor actinides (MAs) were built and simulated using OpenMC. The MA concentrations were optimized to compensate for the withdrawal of control rods and ensure the same initial reactivity for all cores. Burnup analysis over 365 EFPDs revealed a significant increase in cycle length and burnup for the modified cores along with a modest rise in breeding ratio. Notably, Case C, employing 3.45 wt.% MAs in the 88 inner-core fuel subassemblies achieved an extra 62.25 EFPDs cycle length, a 33.74% rise in single-cycle burnup, and a 3.86% increase in breeding gain compared to the reference. Loading MAs into the inner-core region proved to be more effective in enhancing both fertile-to-fissile conversion (thus extending the cycle length and fuel burnup) and transmutation than utilizing MAs throughout the core due to greater neutron flux at the core center. While Case D utilizing 2.2 wt.% MAs both in the inner and outer core fuel subassemblies had the highest overall MA loading, it demonstrated lower increments in cycle length, burnup, and breeding gain compared to Case C. Case C also exhibited the highest overall destruction rate (approximately 24%/y) for Np and Am isotopes, and successfully transmuted around 24.08 kg 237Np, 9.33 kg 241Am and 3.82 kg 243Am over the course of a single year. The addition of MAs also achieved a slight flattening of the axial and radial flux profile and a decrease in the flux peaking factor. However, it slightly lowered the beta-effective, Doppler constant, and control rod assembly worth, and shifted the coolant void reactivity worth to the positive side.

Superior initiator reactivity and electrochemical properties of In(OTf)3 over Sn(OTf)2 for 1,3-dioxolane based solid polymer electrolyte

The in-situ polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane (PDOL) in battery cells has attracted extensive attention, however, the differences of Lewis acid initiators on the DOL monomer conversion (C%) and electrochemical properties has been ignored. Here, it is demonstrated that compare with Sn(OTf)2 Lewis acid initiator, the gelation of DOL is achieved at the lower addition of In(OTf)3. By optimizing their content in the gelation process, their C% are comparable which are 95.7 % and 93.5 % for In(OTf)3 and Sn(OTf)2, respectively. However, the higher ionic conductivity (7.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature), electrochemical window (~4.5 V) and Li+ transference number (0.42) are obtained for DOL initiated with In(OTf)3, due to its lower molecular weight which is helpful to the intermolecular Li+ transport along PDOL main chain; In addition, the Li/Li symmetrical cell of In(OTf)3 can be stably cycled for >500 h at 3 mA cm−2, with an over-potential of 178mv. The storage and cycling impedances of half cells further proves the stable interface of In(OTf)3 initiated DOL toward to lithium metal in comparison with those of Sn(OTf)2. Scanning electron microscopy results show a denser and thinner interface in the DOL catalyzed by In(OTf)3. Finally, the assembled Li/LiFePO4 battery delivers specific discharge capacity and capacity retention rates of 115.5mAh g−1 and 85 %, respectively after 300 cycles at 1C. Through the initiator selection, the DOL synthesis and electrochemical properties can be tuned, which further broadens the design idea of PDOL based solid polymer electrolyte.

Thermal conductivity of epoxy/multilayered graphene composites prepared with different curing agents

Epoxy/multilayer graphene (ML-graphene) composites were prepared using different curing agents to control the graphene dispersion by changing the curing reactivity. With increasing initial reactivity, the aggregation size of the ML-graphene decreased and their thermal conductivity increased. In particular, the thermal conductivity of the composite prepared with p-phenylenediamine showed a maximum value of 1.46 W/(m·K) at 25 wt% ML-graphene loading because of the highest initial curing reactivity. The application of a magnetic field led to graphene alignment along the applied field, resulting in two times higher thermal conductivity than that of the corresponding system without magnetic field. The relationship between the interfacial affinity for epoxy/graphene and thermal conductivity was also investigated. As a result, resulting in a biphenyl epoxy composite showed higher thermal conductivity (6.17 W/(m·K)) than that of the bisphenol-A epoxy composite. This is derived that the π-conjugated and planar structure of biphenyl epoxy can easily interact with the surface of graphene.

The Initiation Mechanism of the Isoolefin Oligomerization Reaction in the Presence of Ethylaluminum Dichloride – Protonodonor Complex Catalysts

The mechanism of isoolefins initiation in the presence of ethylaluminum dichloride – proton donor (water, phenol, hydrochloric acid) complex catalysts has been studied by ab initio HF.3.21G. The energetics of these reactions was estimated, the values of its activation energy and thermal effects were obtained. It was found that among the studied catalysts, an increase in the activation energy of the reaction of initiation of oligomerization of isoolefins contributes to an increase in the selectivity of the process.

Metal redispersion strategy for regeneration of sepiolite derived Co-phyllosilicate catalyst during glycerol steam reforming

Metal sintering and coke deposition have become main and irreversible obstacles for catalyst deactivation during H2 production from glycerol steam reforming (GSR). The regenerability of 15Co/SEP catalyst with a phyllosilicate derived strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) was probed by five successive GSR/regeneration cycles in order to evaluate the deactivation process and initial reactivity recovery. Two different regeneration methods were selected for the cycles: redox regeneration and combined regeneration. After the combined regeneration, reproducible GSR behaviors were obtained among the whole cycles. An almost recovery of initial activity (∼94 % of conversion and ∼ 73 % of H2 yield) and 50 h stability was noticed at 15Co/SEP-5 catalyst. By various characterizations analysis of fresh and spent catalysts, it was observed that irreversible metal sintering was aggravated by the redox regeneration, thus provoked initial activity loss and accelerated coking deactivation tendency. The combined regeneration achieved phyllosilicate recrystallization and metal exsolution/redispersion by a combination of NH4F-HNO3 assisted recrystallization and redox treatments, which ensured a small increase in Co0 nanoparticle size (13.2 nm vs. 15.3 nm) and coke deposition (23.9 wt% vs. 27.3 wt%) and inconspicuous change in the C1 species selectivity. The results suggested that 15Co/SEP catalyst is a promising candidate for commercialized GSR due to the favorable regenerability.

On excess reactivity control of the advanced high temperature reactor (AHTR)

The Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a large Fluoride salt cooled High temperature Reactor (FHR) with a thermal power of 3400 MWt, utilizing hexagonal fuel elements with TRISO fuel spheres embedded in graphite fuel plates. While its cycle length is relatively short (less than one year), its specific power is high, resulting in high cycle burnup and consequently high initial excess reactivity that needs to be controlled. This is achieved by using both Eu2O3 burnable poison spheres and molybdenum-hafnium-carbon control rods. This work details studies developing and implementing these two reactivity control features over representative AHTR fuel cycles. Various Eu2O3 densities are considered to evaluate both the achieved reactivity control and the residual reactivity penalty of burnable poison at end of cycle. Control rod studies are performed to find integral and partial insertion reactivity worth for control rod banks at various radial locations. Axial power impacts are also evaluated. Focus then shifts toward control rod movement strategies. A manually generated insertion scheme leading to a critical configuration is first investigated to serve as a reference point for automated schemes to follow. Next, automated insertion and withdrawal strategies are evaluated based on their radial power peaking performance. Control rod insertions into the core locations with the highest local power are shown to be more stable than control rod withdrawals from core locations with the lowest local power. Finally, a methodology is introduced for finding a critical control rod insertion configuration. The methodology is intended to be used over a depletion sequence where the positions of the control rods are automatically adjusted to maintain criticality over cycle. In summary, this work presents a possible implementation of AHTR reactivity control and introduces automated control rod movement strategies for use in multi-physics depletion analyses.

Stock Price Reactions to the Information and Bias in Analyst-Expected Returns

ABSTRACT I use a novel decomposition to estimate information and bias components from the returns implied by analyst price targets and provide evidence that prices simultaneously under-react to information and over-react to bias. Price reactions to information are permanent, and prices drift in the direction of their initial reaction for up to 12 months. Price reactions to bias are transitory, and prices reverse their initial reaction after about three months. Price reactions are relatively efficient. Approximately 85 percent of the total price reaction to information occurs during price target announcement months. Market participants are able to mostly (but not fully) debias analyst-expected returns before incorporating them into prices, with the announcement-month reaction to bias being relatively weak at about 15 percent of its reaction to information. A trading strategy analysis implies that mispricing induced by bias is only about one-third of that implied by prior research. JEL Classifications: G12; G14; G40.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Secondary Amines by Combining Oxidative Rearrangement and Biocatalysis in a One-Pot Process.

This contribution describes the development of chemoenzymatic one-pot processes, which combine an oxidative rearrangement and a biotransformation catalyzed by an imine reductase (IRED), for the synthesis of highly enantiomerically enriched secondary amines, such as an aryl-substituted pyrrolidine and a benzazepine. The benefits of this chemoenzymatic one-pot approach include high overall conversions (up to >99%), high enantiomeric excesses (up to >99% ee), and a straightforward synthetic approach toward secondary amines without the need to isolate the formed intermediate. For the initial chemical reaction, namely, the oxidative rearrangement, PhI(OAc)2 in methanol is used as a non-natural reagent, whereas the enzymatic step requires only stoichiometric amounts of d-glucose along with catalytic amounts of IRED, glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and the cofactor NADPH. This methodology, demonstrating the compatibility of a "classic" organic synthesis using a non-natural, highly reactive reagent and a subsequent biocatalytic step, can be applied for different amines as substrates, thus making this concept a versatile tool in synthetic organic chemistry in general and for enantioselective synthesis of heterocyclic secondary amines in particular.

Synergistic effects of CeO2 and Al2O3 on reactivity of CaO-based sorbents for CO2 capture

The calcium looping (CaL) process, comprising reversible calcination and carbonation reactions with CO2 and CaO-based sorbents, stands out as a highly promising industrial approach for CO2 capture. A significant challenge, however, is the swift degradation of the reactivity of CaO-based sorbents. In this study, CeO2-stabilized and CeO2/Al2O3 co-stabilized CaO-based sorbents were produced via a Pechini technique. Results indicated that incorporating CeO2 enhanced the CO2 sorption performance of CaO-based sorbents. The most effective CeO2-stabilized CaO-based sorbents (a CeO2/CaO mass ratio of 15:85) demonstrated an initial sorption capacity of 0.479 gCO2/gmaterial, undergoing a 41% reduction in its initial reactivity by the 20th cycle. To enhance CO2 sorption stability and reduce the high cost linked with the expensive cerium precursor, Al2O3 was introduced as the second stabilizer into the CeO2-stabilized CaO-based sorbents. When the CeO2/Al2O3/CaO mass ratio was adjusted to 5:10:85, the CO2 sorption capacity of CeO2/Al2O3 co-stabilized CaO-based sorbents reached 0.354 gCO2/gmaterial in the 20th cycle. This represented only a 17.7% reduction in its initial performance, surpassing the CeO2-stabilized counterpart by 26.3%. Comprehensive characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), revealed that incorporating Al2O3 into the CeO2-stabilized CaO-based sorbents served a dual purpose: acting as a stable framework to inhibit pore structure deterioration and increasing the concentration of oxygen vacancies. In consequence, the synergistic effect of CeO2 and Al2O3 improved both structural stability and oxygen vacancy concentration of the sorbents, ultimately leading to superior CO2 sorption performance.

Mathematical and computational models for simulating transient nuclear criticality excursions within plutonium nitrate systems

This paper presents a novel methodology for the analysis of transient nuclear criticality in aqueous solutions of plutonium nitrate. The transient methodology includes one-dimensional thermal hydraulics and a detailed description of radiolytic gas formation (including aqueous concentrations of radiolysis species and bubble population, nucleation radius and advection velocity). The positive temperature feedback effect in dilute plutonium solutions, due to a low lying resonance (at ≈ 0.3 eV) in the microscopic fission cross section, is investigated. The solutions’ nuclear properties, such as intrinsic neutron source and mean neutron generation time; thermophysical properties and heat transfer coefficients; linear energy transfer and dynamics of radiolytic gas nucleation; and subcritical power, are also investigated. The effect of step and ramp reactivity insertions on transient nuclear criticality behaviour is examined, alongside the effect of fuel solution ingress and egress from the system. For a solution containing 16.0 g L−1 plutonium with an acidity of 0.2 mol L−1, increasing the width of the prescribed step reactivity insertion from 2.25 to 2.50 s increased the magnitude of the initial power peak, and decreased the time to boil, by an order of magnitude. It was observed that the characteristics of the radiolytic gas were dependent on the magnitude of the initial power peak. For example, the transients with the highest initial power peak produced an initially large quantity of radiolytic gas, with defined oscillations in their quantity (and other properties) as the transient progressed. For transients with lower power peaks, the oscillations became less defined, with a reduced period and magnitude, due to the lower quantity of radiolytic gas produced due to the initial power peak. Many of the presented simulations of nuclear criticality transients were terminated when the solution started to boil, a phenomenon which is not included in the presented methodology. Boiling occurred when the initial reactivity input induced a power spike that raised the solution temperature enough for the positive reactivity feedback effect to sustain the transient even when the reactivity input was removed.

Utilizing even Plutonium Isotopes as burnable absorbers for controlling the reactivity and power distribution in Pressurized Water Reactors

In this paper, a new approach is proposed for controlling the reactivity and power distribution in pressurized water reactor cores without the implementation of burnable absorbers. This approach depended on the homogeneous mixing of uranium oxide with even plutonium isotopes; Pu-238, Pu-240, and Pu-242. Three Plutonium fuels; (99% UO2 + 1% Pu-238), (99% UO2 + 1% Pu-240), and (98% UO2 + 0.5% Pu-238 + 1% Pu-240 + 0.5% Pu-242) were simulated using the MCNPX 2.7 code. The three plutonium fuels are compared with the other three erbium fuels; (99.9% UO2 + 0.1% 167Er2O3), (99.74% UO2 + 0.26% 167Er2O3), and (99.61% UO2 + 0.39% 167Er2O3), which are taken as reference fuels. The weight percent of UO2, plutonium isotopes and enriched erbium is adjusted to provide the same initial reactivity. This is important for holding a fair comparison between the two fuel types. The simulation demonstrated that even plutonium isotopes, like enriched erbium, can improve reactor safety parameters. It was found that Pu-240 added fuel can suppress the initial reactivity by 27% and extend the fuel cycle by 6.9% compared to the conventional UO2. The reason for fuel cycle extension is due to the production of Pu-241. Meanwhile, Pu-238 and Pu-even added fuels provide suppressing the initial keff by 13% and 35% and shortening the fuel cycle by 2.7% and 21%, respectively compared to the reference UO2 fuel. Moreover, the fuel temperature coefficient (FTC), moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) and void reactivity coefficient (VRC) of Plutonium fuels are found to more negative than those of erbium fuels at the later stages of burnup because of the spectrum hardening resulting from Pu-239 production.

Polymerization of Thermo-Responsive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam): Effects of Temperature, Initiator and Monomer Concentration on Percent Conversion

Poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL) is a thermally responsive polymer. Its temperature-responsive properties make it an attractive candidate for various applications. A series of temperature-sensitive PNVCL were synthesized through free radical polymerization, using various of amount of Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator agent and with reaction temperatures set at 60oC, 70oC, 80oC. The percent conversion of polymerization was determined using the Hubl method to investigate the effects of three factors: initiator agent concentration, monomer concentration and reaction temperature. Furthermore, the chemical structure and the responsiveness of the PNVCL polymer were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-vis spectrometer, respectively. The study revealed that increasing the reaction temperature, initiator concentration, and monomer concentration resulted in higher percent conversion of polymerization. Finally, the obtained polymer demonstrated thermal sensitivity within the range of 32oC to 38oC, which is close to human body temperature, suitable for biomedical applications.

Concentrated Solar Light Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting for Stable and High-Yield Hydrogen Production.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising technique for converting solar energy into low-cost and eco-friendly H2 fuel. However, the production rate of H2 is limited by the insufficient number of photogenerated charge carriers in the conventional photoelectrodes under 1 sun (100mWcm-2) light. Concentrated solar light irradiation can overcome the issue of low yield, but it leads to a new challenge of stability because the accelerated reaction alters the surface chemical composition of photoelectrodes. Here, it is demonstrated that loading Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on single crystalline GaN nanowires (NWs) grown on n+-p Si photoelectrode operates efficiently and stably under concentrated solar light. Although a large number of Pt NPs detach during the initial reaction due to H2 gas bubbling, some Pt NPs which have an epitaxial relation with GaN NWs remain stably anchored. In addition, the stability of the photoelectrode further improves by redepositing Pt NPs on the reacted Pt/GaN surface, which results in maintaining onset potential >0.5V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and photocurrent density >60mAcm-2 for over 1500 h. The heterointerface between Pt cocatalysts and single crystalline GaN nanostructures shows great potential in designing an efficient and stable photoelectrode for high-yield solar to H2 conversion.

Initial Decomposition Mechanism of NH3OH+N5- Crystal under Thermal and Shock Loading: A First-Principles Study.

NH3OH+N5- is a novel energetic material (EM) which has attracted much interest for its promising performances, including high energy density, high density, low sensitivity, and low toxicity. In this study, the initial decomposition mechanism of NH3OH+N5- crystal was investigated under thermal and shock loading by molecular dynamics simulation. First, programmed heating and constant temperature simulations were carried out by molecular dynamics simulation on the basis of density functional theory (DFT-MD). Results indicated that the initial decomposition reactions of NH3OH+N5- could be described by three reactions: proton transfer, ring-opening reaction, and cation decomposition and recombination, and three pathways of ring-opening reaction were found, including the ring-opening of N5-, HN5, and H2N6. The first two reactions are the main pathways that produce N2 molecules. Furthermore, we carried out DFT-MD simulations to study the shock decomposition behaviors of NH3OH+N5-, and three initial steps were proposed: N5-, HN5, and N6 ring-opening. The fewer N5- and HN5 ring-opening reactions were found during the shock simulation, accompanied by a significant change in the N5- bond angle. What's more, the transition states of decomposition reactions were investigated through quantum chemical calculations. The results revealed that the proton transfer reaction exhibits lower activation barriers compared to ring-opening reactions, and proton transfer would accelerate ring-opening reactions. In addition, the ring-opening reaction is the main energy-releasing reaction in the early stages of the decomposition. This work could promote the comprehension of the decomposition mechanism and energy release regularity of N5- ions.

Novel method for recovering valuable metals from Sn ash: Vacuum carbothermal reduction-directional condensation

Sn ash recycling is an industry with positive development prospects, as it provides better-protected resources, promotes sustainable development, and lays a solid foundation for future development. In this study, an innovative vacuum carbothermal reduction-directional condensation process was developed. The thermodynamic analysis results indicated that the initial reaction pressure and temperature for the carbothermal reduction of the system was 1–10 Pa and 998–1063 K, respectively. The saturation vapor pressure, separation coefficient, and condensation temperature of Sn, Pb, and Zn in the reduced products differed significantly, and their separation could be achieved by controlling the volatilization and condensation temperatures. A single-factor experiment investigated the effects of carbon ratio, temperature, and time on the reduction efficiency, direct yield, and recovery rate. The optimal experimental conditions were the ratio of MeO to C of 4:1, temperature of 1373 K, and time of 120 min. Sn, Pb, and Zn products were obtained at different positions. This process shortens the traditional process, reduces the reduction cost of Sn, and enables the implementation of the process, making it environmentally friendly.

(034) Two Thousand Two Hundred Patients Treated with Collagenase Clostridium Histolitycum Collagenase in a Single Centre

Abstract Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is a common condition which results in penile curvature making sexual intercourse difficult or impossible. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is the first licensed drug for the treatment of PD and is indicated in patients with palpable plaque and curvature deformity of at least 30° of curvature. Objective To evaluate the results of a group composed of 2200 patients treated with clostridium histolyticum collagenase from December 2016 to March 2023, in a single European center. Methods We proceeded to review the database of 2200 patients diagnosed with PD with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of the treatment, number of injections performed, side effects in the short and long term, comorbidities of the patients, use of anticoagulants, onset of the disease, repercussions on the partner, satisfaction with the result; both objectively with calculation of curvature improvement, and subjectively, with improvement of the patient's clinical picture. All the patients performed a self-photograph in erection before the treatment and at the end of the same, with calculation of the curvature using a goniometer to evaluate the objective improvement, they also answered a simple question on the improvement (YES-NO) for the subjective picture. Patients were classified as mild if &amp;lt; 30° degrees; moderate 30°-60° and severe if &amp;gt; 60° according to Kelami's classification. 55 The protocol we followed was that of 3 applications 36–60 days apart according to the Ralph protocol used in Europe with the possibility of performing 1 to 3 treatments based on the efficacy of the drug, adverse events and costs. Results We evaluated 2200 patients of mean age 54.3 (range 15–77), with partners of mean age 49.8 (range 18–67). Of these, 154 (7%) had curvature less than 30°, 1320 (62%) had curvature between 30–60 degrees, and 726 (33%) had curvature &amp;gt;60°.As regards the stage of the disease, 726 (33%) had an active disease that arose for &amp;lt; 12 months, the remaining 1474 (67%) had a disease in the stabilized phase &amp;gt; 12 months. As regards comorbidities, 1276 patients (58%) were without any, 308 (14%) were hypertensive in pharmacological therapy with 1–3 drugs, 110 (5%) diabetic in therapy; of these 418 patients, 65 (2.95%) had both pathologies; 44 patients (2%) had Dupuytren's disease; 110 (5%) benign prostatic hypertrophy; 88 (4%) prior history of penile trauma with hematoma; 66 (3%) prior congenital curved penis. A further 6% other pathologies. Regarding the outcomes, 1474 (67%) showed an improvement in curvature of 10–30 degrees; 325 (14.7%) despite not having had an improvement in curvature reported that they were satisfied with the treatment. 1799 (81.8%) patients were satisfied with the treatment against 401 (18.2%) in which there was no subjective or objective improvement. With regard to complications, 946 (43%) presented slight edema/hematoma that resolved itself in the 48 hours following treatment, in 25 (1.1%) patients a major hematoma was reported which resolved in 1–2 weeks, in 1 single patient, equal at 0.04%, initial allergic reaction resolved with medical therapy based on cortisone and antihistamines (the patient reported a history of drug allergies). Conclusions Peyronie's disease remains a syndrome yet to be classified as the exact etiology and pathophysiology is not known. The only treatment approved by both the FDA and the EMA is CCH which can improve curvature by about 20 degrees. In expert hands, the possible complications are exclusively the hematoma. The satisfaction of the patient and of the partner is extremely high, the cost and the difficult availability outside the USA remain the two weak points of the treatment. These data, which certainly represent the largest case series in the world, highlight the need to re-evaluate all the literature on the subject of comorbidities and confirm that collagenase is today the gold standard of treatment which probably cannot follow pre-established therapeutic schemes, but the therapy must be set on the basis single patient. Disclosure No.

Improving the early-age properties of eco-binder with high volume waste gypsum: Hydration process and ettringite formation

The long setting times and low early-age mechanical properties resulting from the insufficient hydration products (especially ettringite at early age), limited the application of an eco-binder with minor clinker and without calcination, in which phosphogypsum was intensively reused (45 wt%) as raw material. The external addition of aluminate phase was proposed to promoting the ettringite formation in this study by using sodium aluminate (0∼2.5 wt% of binder). The hydration kinetics and products, microstructure, slag reaction degree, etc. Were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that, with sodium aluminate addition, the setting times were significantly improved and complied with standard requirements, the compressive strengths were increased, especially the 3 d-hydration samples. The hydration heat released in the initial reaction period was highly increased and the induction period was accelerated. And the ettringite and C-A-S-H gels formation at early ages was enhanced, and ettringite morphology was modified. The slag reaction degree was increased from 48% to 70% when 1.5% sodium aluminate was used. The early-age property improvement of this phosphogypsum slag binder could enlarge its application potential.

The Interplay of Culture Mixing Aversion and Acculturative Flourishing: An Exploration among Mainland Chinese Sojourners in Hong Kong

This research investigates the impact of disgust towards culture mixing on acculturation and life satisfaction among mainland Chinese sojourners adapting to life in Hong Kong. In Study 1, drawing from previous research, we developed a measurement tool for assessing disgust towards mainland China-Hong Kong culture mixing and validated it in a sample of mainland Chinese students. We then conducted two longitudinal studies (Study 2 and 3) to examine the effects of disgust towards culture mixing on life satisfaction over 3-month and 6-month periods. Consistent with prior findings, our results showed that mainland Chinese sojourners perceived mixed cultural symbols as more disgusting compared to standalone ones. Cross-lagged analyses revealed that disgust towards culture mixing negatively predicted life satisfaction after 3 and 6 months of stay. Our findings indicate that initial disgust reactions towards culture mixing may have a causal influence on subsequent life satisfaction during the acculturation process. In conclusion, our study highlights the negative impact that disgust towards cultural mixing has on the acculturation process for Mainland Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong. The findings underscore the importance of promoting greater cultural awareness, understanding, and inclusiveness for the acculturative well-being of immigrants.

Unlocking Biradical Character in Diborepins.

Systems that possess open- and closed-shell behavior attract significant attention from researchers due to their inherent redox and charge transport properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of the first diborepin biradicals. They display tunable biradical character based on the steric and electronic profile of the stabilizing ligand and the resulting geometric deviation of the diborepin core from planarity. While there are numerous all-carbon-based biradical systems, boron-based biradical compounds are comparatively rare, particularly ones in which the radical sites are disjointed. Calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and multireference methods demonstrate that the fused diborepin scaffold exhibits high biradical character, up to 95%. Use of a nonsterically demanding diaminocarbene promotes the planarization of the pentacyclic framework, resulting in the synthetic realization of a diborepin containing a dibora-quinoidal core, which possesses a closed-shell ground state and thermally accessible triplet state. The biradicals were structurally authenticated and characterized by both solution and solid-state electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Half-field transitions were observed at low temperatures (about 170 K), confirming the presence of the triplet state. Initial reactivity studies of the biradicals led to the isolation and structural characterization of bis(borepin hydride) and bis(borepin dianion).