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The utilization of captured CO 2 for fuel, chemicals and materials is currently a focus of significant research effort as a method that can simultaneously mitigate greenhouse gas effect while reduce fossil fuel depletion. In this work, CO 2 source is provided by a desirable three-stage Fe-based chemical looping combustion power system that can achieve zero-energy-penalty CO 2 capture while simultaneously obtain pure H 2 source. The aim of this study is to present this designed process for the first time with demonstrating it as an energy-efficient and environmental-friendly CO 2 -to-liquid fuel pathway. Within this context, the liquid fuels energy output and carbon emissions are compared with different CO 2 utilization ratios to the thermodynamic assessment, intending to disclose the insufficiency location within system. With conceivable improvements in an optimum condition, the fuel energy saving ratio and CO 2 emission ratio of this process are projected to be 12.19% and 98.46%, respectively in relative to separate production system. The maximal exergy destruction, though projected to be located in chemical looping hydrogen generation unit (as represented by 37.56% of total exergy destruction), still has opportunities to reduce in some extent by elevating oxygen carries high-temperature resistance along with future research needs. Finally the sensitivity analysis is also projected to assess the strong influencing parameters that affect the system performance. • An energy-efficiency and environmental-friendly CO 2 -to-liquid fuel pathway is proposed. • Thermodynamic analysis as well as environmental assessment is included. • Economic feasibility of this novel system has also been demonstrated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is seen as a highly promising technology supporting the transition towards low-carbon societies. In this paper, a systematic assessment of the coal-based SNG (synthetic natural gas) and power cogeneration system with CLC was presented to justify the environmental unsustainability of such process. The results shows that lifetime of the oxygen carrier (OC) is the key element to determine the sustainability of decarbonized polygeneration system and the benefits from integrating CLC are significantly highlighted unless the lifetime exceeds 3000 h since the global warming impact (GWI) is almost independent. Besides, higher environmental disadvantages by using Cu-based OC (i.e. lowest energy output and highest global warming potential (GWP) by manufacturing copper oxides) as against Fe-based and Ni-based cases at the similar operating conditions. And similar environmental impacts by comparing with traditional cogeneration system that achieves a GWI of 45.03 kg/MW h increment, In addition, the effects of key parameters (e.g. steam to carbon ratio (O/C), recycling unreacted gas (Ru), etc.) on system performance and the carbon emissions allocation of products in terms of this polygeneration system have been discussed in detail. Highlights • The relationship between the GWI and thermodynamic performances of SNG-CLC system is expounded in detail. • The effects of types of oxygen carriers and lifetime are disclosed. • Quantifying the carbon emissions allocation in polygeneration system. • The role of oxygen carrier lifetime on determining the GWI is weakened before it reaches 3000 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane pyrolysis, as a bridge for the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, is regarded as a potential low-carbon hydrogen production method. However, there are still critical issues such as the deactivation of catalyst carbon deposits and indirect greenhouse gas emissions caused by combustion for heating. Accordingly, this study put forward a methane pyrolysis system by melting method coupled with chemical looping combustion (MPM-CLC) for heating, aiming to solve the above-mentioned concerns and further demonstrate the thermodynamic and economic feasibility of the system. Thermodynamically, more than 27% of fuel energy input and more than 98% of CO 2 emissions can be avoided in the novel system compared with that in conventional standalone production system. The overall system exergy efficiency was calculated to be 85.06%, with CO 2 emissions of about 0.51 kg/MWh. Economically, due to lower total equipment costs and lower additional fuel requirements, as well as profit from by-product solid carbon and electricity sales, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is only 1.12 $/kg, which is 33% lower than that of steam methane reforming (SMR) and 52% lower than that of SMR with carbon capture. Moreover, although increasing the conversion rate will increase the fuel and total investment costs, the benefits brought by the increased by-product output could offset this part of the cost and help further reduce the LCOH. Importantly, the price of solid carbon played a decisive role in the LCOH. This new system brings a new insight into the low-carbon hydrogen production from methane. • CLC has been used in methane pyrolysis system for achieving nearly zero carbon emissions. • Energy saving rate as well as carbon emission reduction potential are assessment. • Economic feasibility of this novel system has also been demonstrated in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current coal-to-SNG (synthetic natural gas) projects are facing two main issues, addressing on insufficient energy utilization and large amount of carbon emissions. For this reason, we proposed a coal-based SNG and power cogeneration process, at the ability to achieve high-efficiency and achieve zero-energy-penalty separation of CO 2 , by incorporation with chemical looping combustion (CLC). The main objective of this paper is to estimate thermodynamic performances under the effects of key parameters in order to pre-examine whether the proposed process is thermodynamically viable. At optimal condition (oxygen to carbon ratio ( O/C)  = 0.4, steam to carbon ratio ( S/C)  = 0.8 and recycling ratio of unreacted gas (Ru)  = 3), the overall plant energy efficiency, exergy efficiency and energy saving ratio are 58.84%, 56.59% and 10.82%, respectively. The proposed process is compared with several traditional systems that aims to further demonstrate the superiority of such process design in terms of thermodynamic and preliminarily economic assessment. A sensitivity analysis is also included to examine the effects of different coal feedstocks and oxygen carriers of CLC on system performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is regarded as the most promising technology for CO 2 capture to mitigate greenhouse gas effect. In this work, a technical and economic performance of CH 4 -feed CLC power plant by means of utilizing promising nickel-, copper-, and ilmenite-based oxygen carriers is studied. Nickel-based CLC power plant has the highest net power efficiency of 50.14%, followed by 48.02% for ilmenite-based case and 45.59% for copper-based case. By contrast nickel-based case has a specific CO 2 emission of 1.44 kg/MW h, which is dramatically lower than the referenced NGCC with CCS system (40.10 kg/MW h). The economic analyse reveal nickel-based case is most economic-benefits due to the lowest cost of electricity (COE) of 71.66€/MW h, approximately 0.32 €/MW h and 13.06 €/MW h COE reduction benefits have been increased in comparison with ilmenite-based and copper-based case, respectively. The natural gas price has an important influence on COE, as approximately 49.73%, 48.60% and 56.30% of COE enhancement is expected with the natural gas price ranging in 4–8 €/GJ for nickel-based, copper-based, and ilmenite-based case, respectively. Finally a comparison between NGCC and CLC-related power system in terms of economic performance further demonstrates the feasibility of the latter system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal degeneration following neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is incompletely understood. Understanding the mechanisms of degeneration and cell loss may point toward specific treatments to limit injury. We evaluated the role of hemoglobin (Hb) in cell death after intraventricular injection in neonatal rats. Hb was injected into the right lateral ventricle of post-natal day 7 rats. Rats exposed to anesthesia were used for controls. The CA-1 region of the hippocampus was analyzed via immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Fluoro-Jade C staining, Western blots, and double-labeling stains. Compared to controls, intraventricular injection of Hb decreased hippocampal volume (27% decrease; p <0.05), induced neuronal loss (31% loss; p <0.01), and increased neuronal degeneration (2.7 fold increase; p <0.01), which were all significantly reduced with the iron chelator, deferoxamine. Hb upregulated p-JNK (1.8 fold increase; p <0.05) and increased expression of the Hb/haptoglobin endocytotic receptor CD163 in neurons in vivo and in vitro (cultured cortical neurons). Hb induced expression of the CD163 receptor, which co-localized with p-JNK in hippocampal neurons, suggesting a potential pathway by which Hb enters the neuron to result in cell death. There were no differences in neuronal loss or degenerating neurons in Hb-injected animals that developed hydrocephalus versus those that did not. Intraventricular injection of Hb causes hippocampal neuronal degeneration and cell loss and increases brain p-JNK levels. p-JNK co-localized with the Hb/haptoglobin receptor CD163, suggesting a novel pathway by which Hb enters the neuron after IVH to result in cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although low exercise capacity is a risk factor for stroke, the exact mechanisms that underlie this connection are not known. As a model system for exploring the association between aerobic capacity and disease risks we applied two-way artificial selection over numerous generations in rats to produce low capacity runners (LCR) and high capacity runners (HCR). Here we compared intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced brain injury in both genders of these rat lines. HCR and LCR rats had 100μl blood injected into the right caudate and were killed at days 1, 3, 7 and 28 for brain water content determination, immunohistochemistry, histology, Western blot, and behavioral tests. Compared to male HCRs, male LCRs had more severe ICH-induced brain injury including worse brain edema, necroptosis, brain atrophy, and neurological deficits, but not increased numbers of Fluoro-Jade C positive cells or elevated cleaved caspase-3 levels. This was associated with greater microglial activation, and heme oxygenase-1 and protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 upregulation. In females, edema was also greater in LCRs than in HCRs, although it was less severe in females than in males for both LCRs and HCRs. Thus, ICH-induced brain injury was more severe in LCRs, a model of low exercise capacity, than in HCRs. Increased activation of microglia and PAR-1 may participate mechanistically in increased ICH-susceptibility. Females were protected against ICH-induced brain edema formation in both HCRs and LCRs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent results have suggested a role for autophagy in acute brain injury but an involvement in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has not been investigated. Although, autophagy is a regulated process essential for cellular homeostasis, it may represent an additional type of cell death mechanism. This study employed a modified endovascular perforation rat model under guidance by intracranial pressure monitoring to investigate whether autophagy pathway is involved in the early brain injury following SAH. Sham-operated control rats underwent an identical procedure without vessel perforation. Electron microscopy was performed to examine the ultrastructural changes in neural cells after SAH. Additionally, microtubule-associated protein light chain-3 (LC3), cathepsin-D and beclin-1 were investigated by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopically, there was a marked increase in autophagosomes and autolysosomes in neurons at Day 1 following SAH. Although LC3 could be detected in sham-operated control rats, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was significantly increased at Day 1 (P <0.01) and Day 3 (P <0.05). The time-course of beclin-1 expression paralleled the LC3 conversion. Cathepsin-D expression was also elevated at Day 1 (P <0.01). Immunohistochemical study with antibodies against cathepsin-D and beclin-1 showed numerous positive stained cells after SAH, especially in deep layers of the fronto-basal cortex. Double immunolabeling revealed beclin-1 expression predominantly in neurons. This present study showed that the autophagy pathway is activated in neurons in the acute phase after SAH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Underground and ocean CO 2 storage is facing a series of hazard like leakages, earth movement and seismic activity, which has attracted more international attention on CO 2 utilization. It can potentially not only reduce the anthropogenic carbon emissions which is the main cause of climate change, but produce valuable fuels and chemicals through synthesis. This paper explored the environmental benefits of CO 2 utilization through the reverse water gas shift into syngas for the production of liquid fuel and power. CO 2 source is an ideal three-stage hydrogen production unit based on the Fe-based chemical looping combustion, which can capture carbon with nearly zero-energy-consumption. The life cycle emission was calculated as 129.98 kg CO 2 -eq/MW h, and the proportion of carbon emissions that correspond to the production of liquid fuel is 60% (taking exergy allocation as an example). Compared with the conventional NGCC and GTL standalone production system with carbon capture at same outputs, this system could achieve an energy savings of 18.19% and a life-cycle carbon emission reduction rate of 46.87%. Carbon emissions mainly came from natural gas mining and transportation, and the CO 2 recompression process, which accounts for 74.54% and 15.12% of life cycle emissions, respectively. In addition, the effects of key parameters, such as CCU/CCS , solid inventory and lifetime of oxygen carrier, and different allocation methods, on these LCA results were discussed in detail to further reveal the system carbon emission reduction potential. • An energy-efficiency and environmental-friendly CO 2 -to-liquid fuel pathway is proposed. • Quantifying the carbon emissions allocation in polygeneration system by different allocation methods. • Effects of main regions and key parameters on life cycle carbon emissions are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: EphB2/ephrinBs has been recently demonstrated to regulate cell proliferation in the neurogenic subventricular zone (SVZ). However, little is known about the role of EphB2 in adult neurogenesis following cerebral infarction. In the present study, we investigated the role of EphB2 in proliferation and differentiation of precursor cells within the SVZ, as well as the neurological function recovery after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in hypertensive rats. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was given twice per day starting from 24h after MCAO for 6-consecutive days. Recombinant EphB2-Fc or IgG-Fc was preclustered by incubation with anti-human Fcγ and then intraventricularly administrated at 24h after MCAO. The neurological function was evaluated before operation and at 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO respectively. The infarct size and immunoreactivities of BrdU, Nestin, DCX, GFAP and NeuN were measured at 7, 14 and 21 days after MCAO respectively. Treatment with EphB2-Fc markedly improved the neurological function recovery within 3 weeks after MCAO. In parallel, EphB2-Fc significantly increased the number of BrdU-labeled cells and led to marked increases in BrdU+/DCX+ and BrdU+/Nestin+ cells within the ipsilateral SVZ for 2 weeks after MCAO respectively (all p < 0.05). The BrdU+/NeuN+ cells in the peri-infarct area and neighboring ipsilateral striatum were significantly increased following EphB2-Fc infusion within 3 weeks after MCAO (all p < 0.05). Our data suggest that administration of exogenous clustered EphB2-Fc at 24h can enhance the endogenous neurogenesis and concomitantly improve neurological recovery after cerebral infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The synovial sarcoma X breakpoint (SSX) gene family contains nine members. The SSX proteins are CT (cancer/testis) antigens and can be expressed in many tumor types. T cell immune response against SSX protein can be detected in tumor patients and mice expressing any SSX. Screening predominant protective epitopes might improve the low immunogenicity against these “self” CT antigens. Herein, we predicted HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes for all nine SSX family members, followed by validation with epitope molecular modeling, peptide/HLA-A*0201 affinity, and binding stability assays. We obtained four highly homologous candidate epitopes with the high immunogenicity scores designated P1, P4, P5 and P6, from the nine SSX members. Each of the four candidates could elicit strong epitope-specific CTL immune responses, but P4 could evoke more interferon γ (IFN-γ)-producing T cells and more potent CTLs that could lyse more target cells. Importantly, almost all of the four epitopes induced CTLs could cross-lyse the mutual targets both in vitro in human PBMCs and HLA-A2.1/Kb transgenic mice, but P4 showed superiority to other epitopes in term of cross-cytolysis. All of these results demonstrate that P4 can induce anti-tumor immunity in a fashion superior to other candidates, and may be the “common” CTL epitope among all SSX-expressing tumors. Due to its documented responses herein, P4 has potential application in peptide-mediated immunotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Two different carbon capture and utilization processes to produce liquid fuels are proposed. • A comprehensive evaluation of thermodynamic, economic and exergoeconomic assessments is implemented. • Economic performance of CH-CLHG system is more sensitive to the electricity price compared with CCR system. Recently, the concept of carbon utilization has been widely investigated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate dependence on fossil fuels. For this purpose, two different carbon capture and utilization processes to produce liquid fuels, carbon looping cyclic reforming (CCR) and carbon dioxide hydrogenation based on chemical looping hydrogen generation (CH-CLHG), are introduced. This article aims to identify which utilization method holds more potential for future technical development. To achieve it, comprehensive thermodynamic, economic and exergoeconomic assessments are implemented. The results indicate that the exergy efficiency of CH-CLHG system is 3.84% more than that of CCR system, and the cost of liquid fuels production is 36.64% less. It is also suggested that CCR system is superior to CH-CLHG system in terms of the liquid fuels output. When the electricity price is below 0.068 $/kWh, the cost of liquid fuels of CCR system is more competitive than that of CH-CLHG system. Since the higher fuel cost and larger exergy destruction, CCR system's exergy destruction cost is more significant. In addition, the exergy destruction and exergy efficiency as well as exergoeconomic performance of each main component are presented in detail to reveal the cost formation process, and to find out the measure that would improve system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 hydrogenation technology is pivotal for achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals by curbing carbon dioxide emissions and enabling new value chains. Traditional CO 2 hydrogenation systems face challenges like excessive unreacted gas cycling and inefficient component usage. This study employed direct CO 2 hydrogenation for methanol production, and integrated the chemical looping combustion (CLC) concept to enhance energy efficiency and carbon cycle utilization in methanol-electricity production. The proposed method has yielded remarkable results, attaining an exergy efficiency of 57.72 %, with CO 2 equivalent emissions at 0.27 kg CO 2 / kg CH 3 OH . Furthermore, it has demonstrated a reduction of approximately 9.60 % in energy consumption and an impressive 83.63 % decrease in carbon emissions compared to the reference system. Exergoenvironmental analysis was conducted for the entire process and individual units. The results indicated superior environmental performance of the cogeneration system compared to the single-production system when the recycling ratio of unreacted gas (Ru) ranged from 1.64 to 2.72. Furthermore, CLC was identified as a key area requiring optimization within the system and determined by the values of r b , k and B ˙ D , k . This observation remains consistent even as Ru changes. The system showcases significant potential in thermodynamics and environmental sustainability, and lays a theoretical foundation and innovative perspective for CO 2 utilization technologies. • The system for environmentally friendly conversion of CO 2 to CH 3 OH has been proposed. • The exergy efficiency of this process is 57.72 % with a 99.2 % carbon capture rate. • Energy consumption is decreased by 26.08 % compared to a single production system. • When Ru > 1.64, this system offers better environmental benefits than single production system. • A comprehensive evaluation of exergoenvironmental assessment is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for sustainable energy solutions has been underscored by escalating greenhouse gas emissions and the global commitment to net-zero emissions. Clean hydrogen energy, despite its potential for the global low-carbon transition, faces challenges such as high production and transport costs and significant carbon emissions. Herein, we investigate the molten-medium-catalyzed pyrolysis of natural gas (MPN) for hydrogen production and refueling. We highlight the urgent environmental and economic motivations for cleaner energy, specifically addressing the existing challenges faced by traditional hydrogen production methods. Our research introduces an innovative integrated system for onsite hydrogen production, showcasing its economic advantages, carbon emission reduction potential, and compatibility with current infrastructures. The study meticulously evaluates the MPN technology's economic feasibility, including a detailed analysis of cost drivers and the market value of by-product carbon materials. Furthermore, we stress the importance of further research to optimize the technology and promote its adoption for a low-carbon future. This investigation presents MPN as a promising alternative, potentially revolutionizing the hydrogen supply chain and contributing significantly to global decarbonization efforts. • Introduces molten-medium-catalyzed pyrolysis for clean hydrogen production. • Evaluates economic and environmental benefits for sustainable energy. • Showcases compatibility with existing energy infrastructures. • Analyzes cost drivers and market value of by-product carbon materials. • Advocates for research to optimize technology for low-carbon transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new conceptual layout of transforming distributed co-generation plants into quad-generation plants, which combines the generation of hydrogen, cooling, heating, and power, is derived and analyzed. Two chemical looping techniques are developed in this methane-based quad-generation system, namely, calcium looping CO2 absorption and nickel-based chemical looping combustion (CLC). The objective of the present study is to produce hydrogen as the main product with both high purity and high flux through CLC thermally coupled with sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (CLC–SESMR) and simultaneously to integrate combined cooling, heating, and power production as by-products through the combined cycle. The implementation of CLC integrated with the SESMR system is designed to fulfill the heat requirements of the reformer and calciner and provide straightforward carbon capture at a relatively low energy penalty. The efforts of four prime parameters, including calcium oxide-to-methane ratio, steam-to-methane ratio, reforming pressure, and reforming temperature, seem to exert significant impact on the properties of the regarded process. Therefore, detailed studies related to these variations have been examined. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic performance of this suggested process, including system efficiencies and the fuel energy saving ratio (FESR), is evaluated under design conditions and reaction parameters. In parallel, the exergy destruction analysis of the whole process is also under discussion. As a result, the total energy and exergy efficiencies as well as FESR are calculated to be 83.91%, 74.05%, and 21.27% in summer and 83.17%, 74.42%, and 21.36% in winter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, adopting H 2 to convert CO 2 into value-added products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or dependence on fossil fuels has been widely investigated. For this purpose, two production processes of methanol are investigated: direct hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol (DHCM) and reverse water gas conversion of CO 2 and H 2 to methanol (GS-HCM). In this study, comprehensive thermodynamic and exergoenvironmental assessments are carried out to identify which CO 2 utilization technologies are appropriate for future sustainable development. The results indicated that the exergy efficiency of the DHCM method is 2.49% higher than that of the GS-HCM process, showing obvious advantages in terms of energy utilization. However, from an exergoenvironmental perspective, the GS-HCM system is regarded to be more promising than the DHCM system because the environmental impact of generated methanol is 38.49 mPt/kg, lower than the DHCM method. Besides, the environmental impact caused by exergy destruction constituted the major environmental impact of both systems. In addition, the exergy and exergoenvironmental performance were introduced to disclose the formation of environmental impact from the component level in detail, and optimization measures were proposed to improve the efficiency and environmental benefits of the main components. • Two different carbon utilization processes to produce methanol are proposed. • A comprehensive evaluation of thermodynamic and exergoenvironmental are implemented. • Exergy efficiency of the DHCM method is 2.49% higher than that of the GS-HCM system. • Environmental benefit of GS-HCM system is more superior compared with DHCM system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the incorporation of chemical looping combustion (CLC) and sCO 2 Brayton cycle has been regarded as a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation. The intrinsic characteristics of the CLC reactors (interconnected circulating fluidized bed or fixed bed) allow them to operate at different pressures, leading to different technological directions. Therefore, a pair of "CLC coupled sCO 2 cycle" systems was proposed, namely the atmosphere CLC (A-CLC-sCO 2) and pressurized CLC (P-CLC-sCO 2). The purpose of this paper is to determine which configuration holds more benefits from a combined exergetic and economic perspective. The operational boundary conditions for thermodynamic advantage of P-CLC-sCO 2 over the optimized A-CLC-sCO 2 was firstly investigated. Under respective optimal conditions, the exergy efficiency of P-CLC-sCO 2 (51.09%) was found to be 1.16% higher than that of A-CLC-sCO 2 (49.91%). Besides, the P-CLC-sCO 2 exhibited a lower levelized cost of electricity (79.59 $/MWh) than A-CLC-sCO 2 (81.31 $/MWh) when using a nickel-based oxygen carrier (OC), but the A-CLC-sCO 2 could further reduce LCOE to 78.93 $/MWh by adopting ilmenite-based OC. In addition, the exergy and exergoeconomic analysis of the main components was carried out to find the system improvement strategies. • The sCO 2 cycle was thermally coupled with CLC unit for power generation. • The boundary conditions for P -CLC-sCO 2 to be superior to A-CLC-sCO 2 were studied. • Cost reduction potential for A-CLC-sCO 2 system was revealed. • Comparative exergoeconomic analysis was exerted to find improvement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel biomass power generation system, comprising of CO 2 -assisted gasification unit, chemical looping air separation (CLAS) unit, semi-closed supercritical CO 2 (sCO 2) cycle with the bottoming ORC unit, was proposed to overcome the problems of low-efficiency and high-pollution rendered by traditional biomass utilization method. And the heat integration between those subunits was well designed based on the principle of energy cascade utilization. The sensitive analysis was carried out to clarify the reasons behind thermodynamic performance variation, and the optimized net power efficiency reached 38.76% when the CO 2 /C ratio was 0.25, gasification temperature was 830 °C, sCO 2 turbine inlet temperature and pressure were 1200 °C and 300 bar respectively, which was superior to 28.01% of biomass integrated gasification combined cycle system. In addition, the exergy analysis found that modification efforts should be exerted on CLAS and sCO 2 compression pump, whose exergy destruction were 7.58 MW and 5.15 MW, respectively. Besides, its environmental and economic merits were obvious with the CO 2 specific emission at 0.31 kg/MWh, and the levelized cost of electricity at 57.38 $/MWh. Furthermore, three typical biomasses were examined for the proposed system, the results showed that the dryer and carbon-richer biomass could benefit system thermodynamic and economic performance. • The traditional combined cycle was substituted by the semi-closed sCO 2 cycle in biomass power plant to improve its overall efficiency up to 38.76%. • The chemical looping air separation unit could efficiently provideoxygen required by the gasifier and combustor. • The CO 2 /C ratio of 0.25 in biomass gasification process could optimize syngas composition. • The proposed system was further examined by different biomasses from the perspective of tech-economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An efficient biomass CO 2 gasification coupled SOFC process which enables cooling, heating, and power cogeneration has been presented. • Adopting CO 2 as an assistant gasification agent achieves efficient conversion of coke and increases the calorific value of syngas. • This novel process maintains a maximum energy efficiency of 70.2%, while achieves a CO 2 specific emission as 0.64 kg/MWh. Extensive studies on coupling biomass as a fuel to power systems for clean and efficient energy conversion provides a realistic path towards carbon neutrality. Therefore, a novel system was proposed, which featured biomass CO 2 gasification, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with carbon capture, and ammonia Rankine cycle. A thermodynamic model of the system process was developed and used to comprehensively assessment of the performance in terms of thermodynamic, CO 2 reduction potential, and economic. The results indicate a net electrical efficiency of 50.41%, a net electrical output of 9124.5 kW, a CHP efficiency of 70.2%, and an exergy efficiency of 45.6%. The key sources of irreversibility identified through exergy analysis were found to be the gasifier, SOFC, and afterburner. Moreover, in this system, an impressive maximum CO 2 capture rate of 99.9% was achieved, and a low CO 2 specific emission of 0.64 kg/MWh was recorded, highlighting its emission reduction potential compared to conventional CCHP systems. Economic analysis further supports the feasibility of this system, revealing the levelized cost of electricity at 58.17 $/MWh and the swift initial investment recovery period of 4.34 years. This novel system signifies a promising pathway towards a sustainable and economically viable energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SOFC and sCO 2 cycle were integrated to form a high-efficient generation system. • Biomass/coal mixed fuels were used to explored the exergoeconomic performance. • The system achieved energy efficiency of 59.18% and exergy efficiency of 55.02%. • The highest improvement potential in terms of exergoeconomic analysis owned to SOFC. Coal-biomass cogeneration technology can not only diversify energy supply, but improve the combustion characteristics of coal and enhance system performance. This work developed a power generation system for co-gasification of coal and biomass to supply solid oxide fuel cell, and coupled with a dual system of supercritical carbon dioxide cycle and organic Rankine cycle to achieve energy cascade utilization. A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis was conducted to evaluate and optimize this system more intuitively. Constrained optimization algorithms elucidated the optimal parameters, identifying an oxygen-to-fuel mass ratio of 0.48 and a steam-to-fuel ratio of 0.18. These conditions led to a higher gasification temperature and optimal syngas yield. And sensitivity analysis on three biomass types confirms that dry and carbon-rich biomass is ideal for system doping. With a 20% doping amount, the system achieves 59.18% maximum thermal efficiency and 2.43 kg/MWh net carbon emission, outperforming the single fuel cell system by 11.14% and 4.79% respectively. The discount rate has the greatest impact on system costs in economic analysis, with a 30% fluctuation causing system costs to vary by about 14.31%. In addition, the exergy and exergoeconomic analyses identify cost formation, propose efficiency measures, and enhance cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a renewable source, solar energy plays an important role in meeting energy demand for human beings and in relieving global warming. In this paper, the concentrated solar heat is utilized to drive the high-endothermic methane reforming with carbon looping. In so doing, the process increases the utilization of CO 2 and reduces the carbon emissions as well as saves the extra fuel consumption for combustion, leading to high efficiency of energy utilization. By optimizing this proposed system, the energy efficiency can reach approximate 67.13% with simultaneously reducing CO 2 emissions by 34.98% compared with SMR process. Exergy analysis is used to assess the location of irreversibility within process. The maximal part of exergy destroyer was localized in reformer with a contribution of 68%. In addition, the effects of hourly variation of direct normal irradiation on thermodynamic performance and methane conversion on the four typical days (spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, winter solstice) were analyzed in this work. The current work might be insightful for solar-hydrogen production field. • A mid-temperature solar fuel system by combining with carbon-looping combustion was proposed for hydrogen production. • The hourly variation of DNI and the solar share on the four seasons were analyzed. • The efficient use of carbon dioxide as well as the improvement of energy efficiency were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autophagy occurs in the brain after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and thrombin contributes to ICH-induced brain injury and cell death. In this study, we investigated whether thrombin may activate autophagy (in vivo and in cultured astrocytes) and its potential role in ICH. Autophagy was examined using electron microscopy, conversion of light chain 3(LC3) from the LC3-I form to LC3-II, cathepsin D Western blotting and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining to detect autophagic vacuoles. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was used as an autophagy inhibitor. In vivo, we found that intracaudate injection of thrombin increased conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, cathepsin D levels, and formation of autophagic vacuoles in the ipsilateral basal ganglia. ICH-induced upregulation of LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and cathepsin D levels was reduced by a thrombin inhibitor, hirudin. In cultured astrocytes, thrombin enhanced the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and increased MDC-labeled autophagic vacuoles. 3-MA inhibited thrombin-induced autophagic vacuole formation and exacerbated thrombin-induced cell death. These results indicate that thrombin activates autophagy in the brain and that thrombin has a role in ICH-induced autophagy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]