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As can be retained by Fe components in coal during high-temperature combustion, which is beneficial for reducing As emissions. In this study, high-temperature As adsorption experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed experimental system with As model compound and minerals. The adsorption amount of As was much higher when Fe 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , and Al 2 O 3 acted together than when they acted alone. As was mainly distributed in the Fe-Si-Al minerals generated by the reaction of the three oxides, for which the Fe 2 O 3 :SiO 2 :Al 2 O 3 mass ratio of 1:1:1 was the most favorable, and the maximum adsorption amount of As was 18.2 mg·g−1. Density functional theory calculations were carried out for the adsorption of As 2 O 3 by Fe 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3, and Fe 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18. Fe 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18 had the highest adsorption energy for As 2 O 3 , indicating the most stable adsorption. As 2 O 3 was adsorbed on the Fe and Si sites. The adsorption ability of the Fe site was strengthened in Fe 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18 relative to that in Fe 2 O 3. The formation of Fe-O-Si and Fe-O-Al in the mineral promoted electron transfer from the adsorbent to As 2 O 3 molecule, thereby strengthening adsorption. These results can guide the optimization of coal blending methods and the modification of adsorbents to control As emissions in coal-fired systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dismal prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is linked to the presence of pancreatic cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that respond poorly to current chemotherapy regimens. The epigenetic mechanisms regulating CSCs are currently insufficiently understood, which hampers the development of novel strategies for eliminating CSCs. By small molecule compound screening targeting 142 epigenetic enzymes, we identified that bromodomain-containing protein BRD9, a component of the BAF histone remodeling complex, is a key chromatin regulator to orchestrate the stemness of pancreatic CSCs via cooperating with the TGFβ/Activin-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Inhibition and genetic ablation of BRD9 block the self-renewal, cell cycle entry into G0 phase and invasiveness of CSCs, and improve the sensitivity of CSCs to gemcitabine treatment. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of BRD9 significantly reduced the tumorigenesis in patient-derived xenografts mouse models and eliminated CSCs in tumors from pancreatic cancer patients. Mechanistically, inhibition of BRD9 disrupts enhancer-promoter looping and transcription of stemness genes in CSCs. Collectively, the data suggest BRD9 as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC treatment via modulation of CSC stemness. [Display omitted] This study has discovered a potential new target for treating pancreatic cancer. By inhibiting a protein called BRD9, researchers were able to block the growth and invasiveness of cancer stem cells, as well as improve their sensitivity to chemotherapy. This finding could lead to the development of novel strategies for eliminating cancer stem cells in patients with pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental systems allowing aerosol exposure (AE) of cell cultures at the air-liquid-interface (ALI) are increasingly being used to assess the toxicity of inhaled contaminants as they are more biomimetic than standard methods using submerged cultures, however, they require detailed characterisation before use. An AE-ALI system combining aerosol generation with a CULTEX® exposure chamber was characterised with respect to particle deposition and the cellular effects of filtered air (typical control) exposures. The effect of system parameters (electrostatic precipitator voltage, air flowrate to cells and insert size) on deposition efficiency and spatial distribution were investigated using ICP-MS and laser ablation ICP-MS, for an aerosol of CeO 2 nanoparticles. Deposition varied with conditions, but appropriate choice of operating parameters produced broadly uniform deposition at suitable levels. The impact of air exposure duration on alveolar cells (A549) and primary small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) was explored with respect to LDH release and expression of selected genes. Results indicated that air exposures could have a significant impact on cells (e.g., cytotoxicity and expression of genes, including CXCL1, HMOX1, and SPP1) at relatively short durations (from 10 mins) and that SAECs were more sensitive. These findings indicate that detailed system characterisation is essential to ensure meaningful results. • Aerosol exposure at air-liquid-interface systems need characterisation before use. • Laser ablation ICP-MS can show the deposition pattern of metallic particle on cells. • Air-only control exposures can induce cytotoxicity and changes in gene expression. • LDH release and gene expression changes increase with flowrate and duration. • Small airway epithelial cells are more sensitive to air exposures than A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Studying coupled effects of hydrogen, temperature, and surface on GS80A mechanics. • Analyzing microstructures in fractures of GS80A at diverse environmental conditions. • Proposing heuristic micro-mechanisms governing temperature and hydrogen effects. In a hydrogen (H) rich environment, metal materials are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement (HE), resulting in a reduction in mechanical properties and raising safety concerns. Moreover, the mechanical behavior of metals can be markedly influenced by temperature and surface roughness. In the context of ensuring the safety of high-strength GS80A steel bolts submerged in underwater seawater conditions, this study systematically conducts mechanical tests with and without H pre-charging at varying temperatures, using specimens with different surface roughness. It is found that the combined effect of H and temperature on mechanical property losses surpasses the individual effects of H or temperature alone. Notably, observations of fracture surfaces in the broken specimens reveal a significant impact on the area fraction of cleavage steps, strongly associated with material ductility, by both H and temperature. Furthermore, the influence of surface roughness on the H-affected mechanical behavior is minimal compared to the temperature effect, based on our experiments. Finally, the micro-mechanics of the coupled environmental effects are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-hoc explaining approaches for deep learning (DL) models has attracted much attention in safety–critical applications such as rotating machinery intelligent fault diagnosis (IFD). However, with the help of the explanation techniques, the models are still fragile to domain shifts caused by varying speeds and loads without help for improving their cross-domain performance. Since humans in the decision-making loop are essential for a reliable diagnostic system to determine the reliability of diagnosis, this paper proposes a causal explaining guided domain generalization (CXDG) method to realize trust worthy IFD with human in the decision loop. Specifically, an explaining model is trained with the conditional mutual information, which is a causal strength metric, and utilized to tell the causal features in the input data as the attributions of the diagnostic model. A translation process of the attributions is proposed to make the explaining process understandable. Furthermore, the aim of this paper is not only explaining but also beyond that the diagnostic model is guided to focus on the causal features to improve its generalization ability in unseen domains. The effectiveness of the method is validated on two experiment datasets. The results show that the proposed method can both explain the attributions of the diagnosis model and be beneficial to the generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A steady flow with a high flow rate, oscillating flow, and audible sound waves can enhance the heat transfer performance in air-to-air heat exchangers, while the comparison of influence mechanisms and degrees of different methods is ignored. This study investigates flow instability and heat transfer characteristics in an air-to-air heat exchanger under steady flow, oscillating flow and sound waves. The results show that steady flow and oscillating flow with different amplitudes have little effect on the distribution characteristics of velocity and vortices. However, the vortices disappear and generate periodically under 140 dB. Moreover, oscillating flow and sound waves exert distinct influences on flow instability. The cold side experiences the highest increase in turbulence kinetic energy when subjected to high-amplitude oscillating flow, while the greatest increase on the hot side occurs under high-amplitude sound waves, and the influence of steady flow on turbulence kinetic energy is relatively low. Additionally, the steady flow enhances the heat transfer performance by increasing flow rate, while the oscillating flow and sound waves promote the heat transfer between the fluid and surface. Under the effect of steady flow, oscillating flow, and sound waves, the values of heat flux are 1.22, 1.24, and 1.31 times that of the initial condition with the amplitude increasing to 0.683 m/s (140 dB). The results demonstrate that with the increase in amplitude acting on the inlet, the sound waves have the greatest impact on heat transfer performance, followed by oscillating flow, and the effect of steady flow is relatively slight. The research can provide guidelines for the development of heat transfer enhancement in air-to-air heat exchangers. • Effects of steady, oscillating flow, and sound waves on heat transfer are compared. • Oscillating flow and sound waves exert the distinct effects on flow instability. • Sound waves with high amplitude alter the evolution of vortex structure. • Increase in flow instability contributes more to heat transfer than that in velocity. • Sound waves with high amplitude enhance the air heat transfer significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, inorganic phosphate bonded coatings (IPBCs) via embedding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl trimethoxysilane (FAS) were prepared through sol-gel method. Aim of this paper is to research the corrosion resistance of IPBCs with the addition of rGO modified with FAS. Firstly, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and surface morphology of GO and rGO modified with and without FAS were characterized. Results indicated that the hydrophobic –CF 2 – and –CF 3 groups were successfully introduced into GO and rGO after modification. And IPBCs with rGO-FAS exhibited higher hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance than IPBCs with the addition of GO or GO-FAS. That is because the hydrophobicity and the introduction of low surface energy material is conducive to overcoming the interaction of rGO itself, thus rGO can be better utilized and played, which resulting the excellent corrosion performance of IPBC@rGO-FAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stepwise morphologic transformation is highly desirable but rarely reported for promoting drug penetration at tumor sites via reducing transport barriers. Herein, an adhesive multifunctional nano-transformer (CTMF NPs) with cascading structural transformation was constructed, which afforded tumor microenvironment (TME)-activatable zero-background 19F-magnetic resonance imaging and ratiometric photoacoustic imaging-guided synergistic tumor therapy. CTMF NPs were synthesized via a one-pot encapsulation and dynamic coordination strategy, where copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs, photothermal agent) were co-encapsulated with perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (PFCE, 19F MRI agent) by the dopamine grafted amphiphilic polymer, followed by coating with metal (Mn2+)-polyphenol shell (19F signal quencher and therapeutic agent). Benefiting from polyphenol enhanced cell adherence as well as in situ generated reactive quinone, the CTMF NPs attached to tumor sites and exhibited efficient internalization under TME promoted decomposition and oxidation. Moreover, these nano-platforms were further decomposed under laser irradiation, which amplified cellular oxidative stress, leading to mitochondrial structural damage and dysfunction, as well as facilitating cuproptosis by interfering with the lipoylated tricarboxylic acid cycle. Cell apoptosis subsequently resulted in significant immunogenic cell death and afforded a versatile nano-transformer for precise imaging-guided bladder cancer therapy. [Display omitted] ● A stepwise morphology transformation promoted drug internalization at lesion site. ● In situ produced reactive quinone endowed these nano-transformers excellent bio-adhesive capacity. ● The dynamic metal-polyphenol coating acts as signal actuator for specific imaging. ● The synergistic tumor therapy was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-driven recycling of sulfur-containing wastewater and hydrogen production is a novel concept that integrates environmental protection and new energy development. In this study, we designed for the first time a Zn-air battery self-driven coupling system for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) and developed a trifunctional catalyst suitable for this system capable of HER, SOR, and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). By synthesizing cobalt sulfide (Co 3 S 4) in situ on nickel foam (NF), we obtained Co 3 S 4 /NF monolithic catalyst. It only requires 0.312 V and 0.244 V in SOR and HER, respectively, at 100 mA cm−2. Based on this achievement, the SOR||HER coupled electrolysis system was assembled, which achieved 0.69 V at 100 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the Zn-air battery (using Co 3 S 4 as ORR catalyst) could spontaneously drive the SOR||HER system to achieve high-rate hydrogen production. These findings provide promising opportunities for zero-energy consumption H 2 production and recycling of sulfur-containing wastewater. [Display omitted] • The self-driven SOR||HER hybrid electrolysis system was successfully designed. • Co 3 S 4 electrocatalysts were grown on Ni foam as three-dimensional catalyst for HER, SOR and ORR. • The electrolysis can be realized without energy consumption. • The sulfur-containing waste water can be recycled and H 2 generation occurs spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrialization-driven surface ozone (O 3) pollution significantly impairs plant growth. This study evaluates the effectiveness of exogenous protectants [3 mg L⁻1 abscisic acid (ABA), 400 mg L⁻1 ethylenediurea (EDU), and 80 mg L⁻1 spermidine (Spd)] on Trifolium repens subjected to O 3 stress in open-top chambers, focusing on plant growth and dynamics of culturable endophytic fungal communities. Results indicate that O 3 exposure adversely affects photosynthesis, reducing root biomass and altering root structure, which further impacts the ability of plant to absorb essential nutrients such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn). Conversely, the application of ABA, EDU, and Spd significantly enhanced total biomass and chlorophyll content in T. repens. Specifically, ABA and Spd significantly improved root length, root surface area, and root volume, while EDU effectively reduced leaves' malondialdehyde levels, indicating decreased oxidative stress. Moreover, ABA and Spd treatments significantly increased leaf endophytic fungal diversity, while root fungal abundance declined. The relative abundance of Alternaria in leaves was substantially reduced by these treatments, which correlated with enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthesis. Concurrently, EDU and Spd treatments increased the abundance of Plectosphaerella , enhance the absorption of K, Ca, and Mg. In roots, ABA treatment increased the abundance of Paecilomyces , while Spd treatment enhanced the presence of Stemphylium , linked to improved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and K uptake. These findings suggest that specific symbiotic fungi mitigate O 3 -induced stress by enhancing nutrient absorption, promoting growth. This study highlights the potential of exogenous protectants to enhance plant resilience against O 3 pollution through modulating interactions with endophytic fungal communities. [Display omitted] • Elevated O 3 impairs T. repens growth by reducting photosynthesis. • Exogenous protectants enhance biomass and especially promote root growth of T. repens under O 3 stress. • Exogenous protectants alter fungi community and affect nutrient uptake of T. repens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure issue of electromagnetic railgun rails is a widely researched problem, but effective research methods are lacking in studying the microstructure of rail materials. The high current and high strain rate tensile (HCHST) testing platform was designed to simulate the high current density and high strain rate deformation service conditions of pure copper rails used in electromagnetic guns. The microstructural and mechanical properties of commercially pure copper were analyzed using TEM and EBSD under high current density (2680 A/mm2) and various high strain rates (ε ̇ = 3404 s − 1 , ε ̇ = 6808 s − 1)using the HCHST test platform. The obtained results were then compared with those obtained from the as-received state and the quasi-static current-assisted tensile (QCAT) test. The findings indicate that the deformation mechanism of pure copper specimen under HCHST is similar to that of QCAT, where dislocation and slip are the main mechanisms. However, distinct differences in microstructure were observed. Specifically, a significant number of dislocation walls were present in the grains under QCAT, whereas numerous dislocation cells were formed in the grains under HCHST. In the high-current density environment of 2680 A/mm2, as the strain rate increased, the number of dislocation cells increased while their size decreased. The grains became extremely refined, and the KAM value also increased. Furthermore, the Vickers hardness of pure copper significantly improved after undergoing the HCHST. Based on the experimental findings, it was observed that during the service process of the pure copper rail in electromagnetic railguns (under the influence of high current density and high strain rate deformation), the surface of the rail material experienced significant dislocation entanglement. This resulted in a significant increase in the strength and hardness of the surface of the rail with high strain rate deformation. However, the uneven distribution of strength and hardness throughout the surface layer of the rail eventually made it more susceptible to deformation and failure. • The experiment designed for high current and high strain rate stretching (HCHST). • The HCHST experiment aims to simulate the service environment of electromagnetic railgun rails. • The rail surface exhibits increased strength and hardness due to the excessive entanglement of dislocations. • The HCHST test offers a new approach to investigate the failure of electromagnetic railgun rails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible aniline-based conjugated microporous polymers with N–H and C–N bonds have excellent performances, but the flexible aniline-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have not been reported. In this paper, the flexible aniline-based COFs (TAPBDA and HAPBDA) were prepared by Schiff base reactions with flexible triazine-based aldehydes (TPT − 3 − CHO) and cyclophosphazene-based aldehydes (NOP − 6 − CHO), and flexible N1-(4-aminophenyl)benzene-1,4-diamine (APBDA) for the first time. They have 2D hexagonal and 3D triangular pores and flexible units which make the pores elastic and self-adaptable abilities. The resulting flexible aniline-based COFs exhibit high heat stability and some crystallization, and have fairly maximum adsorption capacities for I 2 of 3.87 and 4.14 g g−1 with good recyclability. The flexible aniline-based COFs show good fluorescent properties both in solid and dispersion states and can be used for sensing picric acid (PA) with high quenching constants (K SV) of 2.82 × 104 and 1.66 × 104 L mol−1. Impressively, HAPBDA has excellent fluorescence sensing performance for iodine with K SV up to 9.98 × 104 L−1 mol. [Display omitted] • The flexible aniline-based COFs can uptake iodine and fluorescence sense PA and I 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]