On fixed point and almost fixed point problems of lower semicontinuous type multivalued mappings

In the present paper, some new almost fixed point theorems and fixed point theorems for lower semicontinuous type multivalued mappings are obtained in metrizable H-spaces.     

On the existence of positive solutions for a class of singular boundary value problems

In this paper, by the use of a fixed point theorem, many new necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions in C[0,1]∩C¹[0,1]∩C²(0,1) or C[0,1]∩C²(0,1) are presented for singular superlinear and sublinear second-order boundary value problems. Singularities at t=0, t=1 will be discussed.     

利用"对比法"判断气体状态参量的变化趋势

理想气体的温度、体积和压强三个状态参量之间的关系由气体状态方程pV/T=恒量决定。当气体状态发生变化时，判断某一个参量的变化趋势是一个比较复杂的问题。如图1，为p—T图中的状态变化曲线，状态由A变化到B，判断体积的变化趋势。     

Degeneracy in NLP and the development of results motivated by its presence

We study notions of nondegeneracy and several levels of increasing degeneracy from the perspective of the local behavior of a local solution of a nonlinear program when problem parameters are slightly perturbed. Ideal nondegeneracy at a local minimizer is taken to mean satisfaction of second order sufficient conditions, linear independence and strict complimentary slackness. Following a brief exploration of the relationship of these conditions with the classical definition of nondegeneracy in linear programming, we recall a number of optimality and regularity conditions used to attempt to resolve degeneracy and survey results of Fiacco, McCormick, Robinson, Kojima, Gauvin and Janin, Shapiro, Kyparisis and Liu. This overview may be viewed as a structured survey of sensitivity and stability results: the focus is on progressive levels of degeneracy. We note connections of nondegeneracy with the convergence of algorithms and observe the striking parallel between the effects of nondegeneracy and degeneracy on optimality conditions, stability analysis and algorithmic convergence behavior. Although our orientation here is primarily interpretive and noncritical, we conclude that more effort is needed to unify optimality, stability and convergence theory and more results are needed in all three areas for radically degenerate problems.Research supported by National Science Foundation Grant ECS 90-00560 and Grant N00014-89-J-1537 Office of Naval Research     

N-Butyrylated Hyaluronic Acid Achieves Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Vitro and in Adjuvant-Induced Immune Activation in Rats

Previously synthesized N-butyrylated hyaluronic acid (BHA) provides anti-inflammatory effects in rat models of acute gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia. However, the mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. Herein, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BHA and the targeted signaling pathways were explored with LPS-induced RAW264.7 and an adjuvant-induced inflammation in a rat model. Results indicated that BHA inhibited the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6, reduced ROS production and down-regulated JAK1-STAT1/3 signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW264.7. In vivo, BHA alleviated paw and joint swelling, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in paw tissues, suppressed gene expressions of p38 and p65, down-regulated the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and reduced protein levels of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 in joint tissues of arthritis rats. This study demonstrated the pivotal role of BHA in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, suggesting the potential clinical value of BHA in the prevention of inflammatory arthritis and is worthy for development as a new pharmacological treatment.     

Highly Effective Proton-Conduction Matrix-Mixed Membrane Derived from an -SO3H Functionalized Polyamide

Developing a low-cost and effective proton-conductive electrolyte to meet the requirements of the large-scale manufacturing of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells is of great significance in progressing towards the upcoming “hydrogen economy” society. Herein, utilizing the one-pot acylation polymeric combination of acyl chloride and amine precursors, a polyamide with in-built -SO₃H moieties (PA-PhSO₃H) was facilely synthesized. Characterization shows that it possesses a porous feature and a high stability at the practical operating conditions of PEM fuel cells. Investigations of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements revealed that the fabricated PA-PhSO₃H displays a proton conductivity of up to 8.85 × 10⁻² S·cm⁻¹ at 353 K under 98% relative humidity (RH), which is more than two orders of magnitude higher than that of its -SO₃H-free analogue, PA-Ph (6.30 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹), under the same conditions. Therefore, matrix-mixed membranes were fabricated by mixing with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in different ratios, and the EIS analyses revealed that its proton conductivity can reach up to 4.90 × 10⁻² S·cm⁻¹ at 353 K and a 98% relative humidity (RH) when the weight ratio of PA-PhSO₃H:PAN is 3:1 (labeled as PA-PhSO₃H-PAN (3:1)), the value of which is even comparable with those of commercial-available electrolytes being used in PEM fuel cells. Additionally, continuous tests showed that PA-PhSO₃H-PAN (3:1) possesses a long-life reusability. This work demonstrates, using the simple acylation reaction with the sulfonated module as precursor, that low-cost and highly effective proton-conductive electrolytes for PEM fuel cells can be facilely achieved.     

Erratum to "Quantum compact model for thin-body double-gate Schottky barrier MOSFETs"

<正>The statement for the third paragraph of the right column of page 3079 (Chinese Physics B, 2008, Vol. 17,No. 8, pp. 3077-3082 )[1]is inappropriate. This paragraph should be restated as follows.     

微腔内气体抽离的多尺度模拟与分析

基于适用于整个克努森数范围的流动理论,建立了去除惯性约束聚变实验中靶丸内空气的理论模型,并设计实验验证了此模型的可靠性。物理实验要求靶丸内空气浓度低于10×10⁻⁶,数值模拟了去除靶丸内空气的过程,重点分析了靶丸内空气浓度、压力与除气时间的关系。计算并比较了单管路一次抽气法、单管路循环抽气法与双管路流洗法三种去除靶丸内空气方法的时间成本。数值计算结果表明：单管路一次抽气法中,靶丸上的微通道的存在对去除靶丸内空气所需时间的影响不可忽略,在考虑靶丸上微通道与充气管的情况下,需要1961.77 h才能使靶丸内的空气浓度达到标准。单管路循环抽气法中,抽气次数与单次抽气程度会影响去除靶丸内空气所需总时间,在单次抽气程度值取最优的情况下,采用充三次,抽四次的方案可使达标总时间减少至1 h左右,此方案下单次充气和抽气时间分别为6 min和10 min。而采用双管路流洗法则仅需11 min便可使靶丸内空气浓度达标。     

Novel superabsorbent polymer composites based on α-cellulose and modified zeolite: synthesis,characterization, water absorbency and water retention capacity

Cellulose - Most superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are prepared based on synthetic polymers (from petroleum resources), making them costly, nondegradable, and not ecofriendly. To overcome these...     

DIC Challenge 2.0: Developing Images and Guidelines for Evaluating Accuracy and Resolution of 2D Analyses

Experimental Mechanics - The DIC Challenge 2.0 follows on from the work accomplished in the first Digital Image Correlation (DIC) Challenge Reu et al. (Experimental Mechanics 58(7):1067, 1). The...