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Trace element emissions caused by the entrainment of particulate matter (PM) has led to serious environmental pollution. This research focuses on the distribution, enrichment and migration characteristics of trace elements in different sizes of PM during the typical solid waste combustion. The results indicate that the mass concentration of trace elements in different PM is closely related to their volatility. Volatile trace elements such as Cu, In, Ag, Pb, and Cd tend to distribute in PM 1. Higher temperatures facilitate the volatilization of trace elements, promoting their migration and enrichment in finer PM. The removal effect of Si–Al-based additives on trace elements in PM 1 decreases with the increase of Si/Al ratio. Among them, the removal efficiency of 5% kaolin is the best. After the addition of Si–Al-additives, Zn and In mainly migrate to PM 1-10 , while Cu, V, Mo, As, Se, Cr, Ba, Mn, Co, Sr, and Ti mainly migrate to PM 10+. Ag, Pb, and Cd migrate to both PM 1-10 and PM 10+ simultaneously. [Display omitted] • The distribution and enrichment characteristics of TEs in PM 10 was studied. • Higher temperatures promote the migration and enrichment of TEs in PM 1. • The removal efficiency of TEs in PM 1 decreases with the increase of the Si–Al additive. • The migration paths of different TEs in PM generated by MSW combustion are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistance and impermeability of bacterial biofilms lead to incurable infections. Interference with bacterial respiration is the key to the eradication of bacterial biofilm, but breaking the deep-tissue biofilm barrier to disrupt bacterial respiration still lacks effective means. Here, we report a hydrogel microsphere that disrupts bacterial respiration, supports in situ production of carbon monoxide gas (CO) to enhance the oxygen-depleted environment of biofilms and disrupts the bacterial respiratory chain, eliminating the bacterial biofilm ecotone (BRDMs). Under the specific interaction of α-helical structure and bacterial biofilm, BRDMs rapidly anchored and accumulated on the surface of bacterial biofilm within 8 h. Meanwhile, 8.64 μM CO gas was released in situ under an oxidative stress environment to deeply penetrate the biofilm and continuously destroy bacterial terminal oxidase, block bacterial respiration and finally disintegrate the biofilm. In a model of osteomyelitis, BRDMs disrupt the ecotopic colonization of MRSA biofilms in deep tissues, reduce inflammation, restore internal environmental homeostasis and accelerate tissue regeneration. BRDMs could be designed to remove drug-resistant biofilms from a wide range of deep tissues. [Display omitted] • Interference with bacterial respiration is the key to the eradication of bacterial biofilm. • CO gas enhances the oxygen-depleted environment of biofilms and disrupts its respiratory to eliminate bacterial biofilm. • BRDMs disrupt the ecotopic colonization of biofilms in deep tissues of osteomyelitis and accelerate tissue regeneration. • BRDMs could be designed to remove drug-resistant biofilms from a wide range of deep tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the economy and the increasing demand for carbon emission reduction, syngas production from petroleum coke (PC) gasification has attracted extensive attention. The current paper aimed to summarize the synergistic effects of the co-gasification of PC with various carbon-based feedstocks on gasification reactivity, syngas production, and mineral transformation. The key parameters, including feedstock types, temperature, gasification atmosphere, etc., were reviewed in detail. The main approaches affecting the synergy comprised the following: (1) high temperatures favored the synergistic effect; (2) high volatile content and alkali index of blended feedstocks were preferred for non-isothermal gasification, whereas the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metals promoted synergy during isothermal gasification; (3) strong gasification agent weakened the synergistic effect of blended feedstocks on PC. Meanwhile, the two main synergy mechanisms, including mineral and organic matter catalysis, were discussed. The improvement of syngas quality required the following: (1) increasing the gasification temperature to attain conditions conducive to the production of H 2 and CO; (2) optimization of the gasification agent/fuel ratio; (3) blending of feedstocks with low ash content and high volatile matter. For mineral transformation, (1) blending with coal can generate low-melting substances and convert Ni 3 S 2 to Ni particles, thereby alleviating liquid slagging and fouling problems; (2) blending with biomass needs to be elevated to inhibit the formation of V 2 O 3. Further work is encouraged to address the experimental verification of the synergy mechanism and the influence of tar on the quality of syngas and to deal with the co-gasification of PC and emerging feedstocks. Meanwhile, in-depth studies on mineral transformation and life cycle assessment for integrated PC co-gasification must be conducted. [Display omitted] • Effect on reactivity, syngas production and mineral transformation of petroleum coke co-gasification is reviewed. • Main approaches for improving the reactivity and syngas quality are discussed. • The slagging and fouling behaviors of minerals are clarified. • Advanced industrial technology and challenges for co-gasification are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of versatile, excellent catalyst carriers, mesoporous silicas (mSiO 2) have been widely applied for preparing various supported catalysts with ideal catalytic properties due to their uniform and regular channels, adjustable medium pore size, big surface area, controllable wall composition, high hydrothermal stability, easy functional modification and good accessibility of larger reactant molecules. mSiO 2 not only enhances the dispersity of the active phase and generates more active sites for superior catalytic activity but also improves resulted selectivity and cyclic lifespan for enhanced interaction. And high adsorption capacity of mSiO 2 also increases the reactant molecule enrichment. In addition, mesoporous feature of the mSiO 2 pore wall can ensure diffusion of the substrate molecules and prevent leaching of active components. Thus, related investigation and application have been rapidly growing in the past decades. In this review, the development of mesoporous silica based catalysts on preparation, modification, pore size tune and energy-related applications, especially in hydrogenation reaction, esterification reaction, hydrogen production by alkane dry reforming and alcohol steam reforming and photocatalytic water splitting, is introduced in detail and the design ideas, preparation strategies and corresponding mechanism of different composite catalysts are discussed. • Recent progress on mesoporous silica based catalysts are reviewed. • Design ideas and preparation strategies of mSiO 2 supported catalysts for energy-related reactions were evaluated. • More or new active phases on surface, in pore or skeleton caused by modification. • Universal support suitable for different catalysts toward various catalytic reactions, especially energy-related reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] With the rapid development of wearable electronics, safety hazards and operational stability have drawn widespread attention in recent years. Biopolymers with low cost, eco‐friendly and biocompatibility are competitive candidates to replace traditional petroleum‐based materials in constructing gel polymer electrolytes. Biopolymer-based gel electrolytes (BGPEs) have exhibited broad application prospects through suitable structural designs and functionalization in flexible and smart electrochemical energy storage devices. This review summarized the recent advances of BGPEs with characteristic physicochemical properties and smart functionalities for application in electrochemical energy storage devices. The crosslinking methods and performance validation of BGPEs are also comprehensively reviewed and analyzed. Significantly, the functionalized BGPEs with self‐healing, stretchability, and thermotolerant abilities are emphasized. Finally, the remaining challenges and future directions of BGPEs for application in advanced electrochemical energy storage devices are outlined to provide guidance for their further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the emission reduction efficiency and control mechanisms for particle emissions during waste incineration with Ca-based and Ti-based additives was studied. Experimental research on controlling PM 10 particle emissions during municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration with Ca-based additives (CaCO 3 , CaO) and Ti-based additives (TiO 2) reveals that at a combustion temperature of 1100 °C, the reduction efficiencies of CaCO 3 , CaO, and TiO 2 for PM 0.3 are 30.02 %, 18.01 %, and 25.90 % respectively. However, they have no effect on reducing PM 1-2.5. The Ca in CaO and CaCO 3 additives competes with alkali metals in MSW, inhibiting the formation of volatile alkali metal sulfates in high-temperature flue gas. At high temperatures, TiO 2 reacts with Na and Ca salts in MSW to form Na4TiO 4 and CaTiO 3 respectively. The transformation of Na 4 TiO 4 inhibits the conversion of Na to NaCl and Na 2 SO 4 , while the formation of CaTiO 3 increases the ash fusion point of coarse particles. The increase in ash fusion temperature suppresses the "breakdown" process of coarse mineral particles in ash and weakens the aggregation ability of fine particles. The efficiency of solid additives in reducing PM 10 during MSW incineration decreases with the increase in ash fusion temperature of fly ash particles. • Ca-based and Ti-based additives promote PM 1-2.5 during combustion of MSW. • Ca-based additives regulate PM 10 by curing S in MSW combustion flue gas. • TiO 2 reduces the emission of submicron particles through the conversion of Na 4 TiO 4. • The increase of ash melting characteristic temperature can reduce PM 2.5-10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The corrosivity of PM 1 to 304 stainless steels at 600 °C is 3 ∼ 5 times that of PM 10+. • Addition 5% kaolin reduce the corrosivity of PM to 304 stainless steels by 12%. • The coexistence of alkali chlorides and sulfates can promote the corrosion reaction. • The corrosion mechanism of PM generated by MSW combustion is revealed. The high temperature corrosion behavior and corrosion mitigation of PM with different sizes generated by MSW combustion were studied. The experiment result showed that the corrosion rate of 304 stainless steel increases significantly as the PM size decreases. The corrosive ability of PM 1 on 304 stainless steel was about 3–5 times higher than that of PM 10+ at 600 °C. Kaolin can greatly restrain the corrosiveness of PM. After 5% of kaolin was added, the corrosion rate of the PM generated by MSW combustion on 304 stainless steel was reduced by 12%. Calculating the composition of the particles after the formation of a stable slagging layer and ash deposition layer on the heating surface, the corrosion control efficiency improved to 71%. High-temperature corrosion process of PM was dominated by NaCl, KCl, CaCl 2 , Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 , the corrosion of alkali and alkaline earth chloride was generally stronger than that of sulfate at 600 °C. This study confirms that the addition of kaolin can effectively mitigate high-temperature corrosion in the superheater tubes of waste incineration furnaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among a large variety of energy storage technologies, supercapacitors possess special advantages such as rapid charge/discharge, high power density, safety, and environmental friendliness to meet the requirement of specific applications. The common electrode materials of supercapacitors, including porous carbon, conductive polymers, and metal oxides/hydroxides, have their own benefits and drawbacks in energy density and stability. Owing to the big surface area and controllable porosity, the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been explored as important candidates for supercapacitor applications. This mini-review focuses on the recent advances of MOF-based materials including pristine MOFs, MOFs composite materials, and MOF-derived materials in the development of long cycling life supercapacitors. The devices discussed here mean those with capacitive retention rates of more than 90% after 10,000 cycles and high energy density. In addition, we also describe the fundamental knowledge of supercapacitors, highlight the stabilization mechanism of MOFs, and propose the strategies to enhance the stability of MOF-based supercapacitor electrodes. • The fundamental knowledge of supercapacitor is illustrated. • The fundamental mechanisms of MOFs stabilization are emphasized. • Recent advances of MOF-based long cycling stability supercapacitors are reviewed. • The strategies to enhance the stability of MOF-based supercapacitors are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Triaxial asphalt concrete data are analyzed using the PPR method. • A deviatoric stress / volumetric strain PPR model is used to determine the stress–strain relationship. • A new solution is provided for nonlinear data hypothesis modeling of asphalt concrete. The conventional principal structural theory modeling is constrained by the underlying assumptions that make the established constitutional model incapable of accurately describing the stress–strain relationship of asphalt concrete. Subsequently, in this study, the traditional modeling idea was changed and the projection pursuit regression (PPR) method was used to analyze triaxial test data obtained from asphalt concrete. The PPR models utilized to calculate deviatoric stress and volumetric strain were developed and the validity and applicability of the PPR model and this method were verified. The results show that the modeling method avoids the problem of inconsistency between a priori model assumptions and objective reality. Asphalt concrete has complex strain softening, strain hardening, shear shrinkage, and shear expansion characteristics. The model employed to calculate deviatoric stress and volumetric strain based on PPR method is superior to the E–B and "Nanshui" models in its capacity to reflect the characteristics of strain softening and shear deformation. The results calculated using the PPR model can accurately describe the stress–strain relationship of asphalt concrete. Studying the stress–strain relationship of asphalt concrete from the perspective of the examination of data breaks through the constraints of traditional modeling ideas, which has certain theoretical significance. The research results can provide a new solution for non-hypothesis modeling of nonlinear data and accurately describing the stress–strain relationship of asphalt concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we embedded a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor into a bolt and experimentally examined whether the wavelength in the FBG changes in response to small elongations of the bolt caused by an acting torque. The FBG sensor was fabricated and embedded in the bolt at different depths and positions to investigate whether these factors directly affect the sensitivity. M20 bolts were used in this study. The greatest sensitivity (0.00298 nm/N-m, R2 = 0.9984) was obtained from the bolt in which the FBG sensor was embedded 7.0 mm from the center of a completely penetrated bolt. The findings suggest that the deeper the embedding depth of the sensor and the closer its position to the bolt surface, the higher the sensitivity. The FBG sensor is suitable for the measurement and long-term monitoring and control of bolt torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the synthesis of new 2′-fluoro-2′- C -methyl 8-azanebularine nucleoside derivatives with moderate to good in vitro anti-HBV activity. 2g can efficiently inhibit the wild-type and lamivudine-resistant HBV DNA replication. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health problem requiring more efficient and better tolerated anti-HBV agent. In this paper, a series of novel 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′- C -methyl-β- d -arabinofuranosyl 8-azanebularine analogues (1 and 2a) and N4 -substituted 8-azaadenosine derivatives (2b-g) were designed, synthesized and screened for in vitro anti-HBV activity. Two concise and practical synthetic routes were developed toward the structural motif construction of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′- C -methyl-β- d -arabinofuranosyl 8-azainosine from the ribonolactone 3 under mild conditions. The in vitro anti-HBV screening results showed that these 8-azanebularine analogues had a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of HBV antigens and HBV DNA at a concentration of 20 μM. Among them, halogen-substituted 8-azaadenosine derivative 2g displayed activities comparable to that of 3TC. In particular, 2g retained excellent activity against lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) is the best-studied enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of the Ca2+ messenger cyclic ADP-ribose. It is a single-pass transmembrane protein, but possesses dual orientations. We have documented the natural existence of type III CD38 in cells and shown that it is regulated by a cytosolic activator, calcium- and integrin-binding 1 (CIB1). However, how type III CD38 can be folded correctly in the reductive cytosol has not been addressed. Using the yeast twohybrid technique with CD38's catalytic domain (sCD38) as bait, here we identified a chaperone, Hsp70-interacting protein (Hip), that specifically interacts with both the type III CD38 and sCD38. Immunoprecipitation coupled with MS identified a chaperone complex associated specifically with sCD38. Pharmacological and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Hsp90 chaperones decreased the expression levels of both sCD38 and type III CD38, suggesting that these chaperones facilitate their folding. Moreover, knockdown of Hsc70 or DNAJA2 increased the levels of both CD38 types, consistent with the roles of these proteins in mediating CD38 degradation. Notably, Hip knockdown decreased type III CD38 substantially, but only marginally affected sCD38, indicating that Hip was selective for the former. More remarkably, DNAJA1 knockdown decreased sCD38 but increased type III CD38 levels. Mechanistically, we show that Hsc70 mediates lysosomal degradation of type III CD38, requiring the lysosomal receptor Lamp2A and the C19-motif in the C terminus of CD38. Our results indicate that folding and degradation of type III CD38 is effectively controlled in cells, providing further strong support of its physiological relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, a 600 MWe Babcock & Wilcox boiler is selected as the research object. Numerical simulation and field experiments have been applied to this study under original and new combustion systems. The new approach mainly involves changing the operation mode of swirl burner, rearranging secondary air, and employing separated over-fire air. Numerical results showed that NO x emissions and the unburned combustible in flue dust decrease with the arrangement of the swirl burner changing from co-rotating mode to counter-rotating one. Consequently, counter-rotating mode of adjacent burners was chosen as the optimized arrangement. The introduction of separated over-fire air resulted in a remarkably reduction of the NO x emissions, which reduced from 1085 mg/m3 to 547 mg/m3. With increase of the distance between separated over-fire air and arch from 0.5 m to 3.0 m, NO x emissions changed slightly and the unburned combustible in flue dust were not greatly affected. When the distance continued increase to 6.0 m, NOx generation was suppressed and boiler efficiency declined. Considering the economic efficiency and NOx emissions reduction, the optimal sofa position is 3.0 m above the arch. In situ measurement results are consistent with the modelling predictions This work provides a feasible and economic approach for Babcock & Wilcox down-fired boilers to achieve high efficiency and low pollutant emissions. Highlights • Study the effects of burner rearrangement on low-nitrogen combustion. • Accurate calculate carbon content in fly ash by using CBK model. • Optimize the combustion system based on numerical simulations. • NOx at furnace exit decrease from 1085 mg/m3 to 547 mg/m3 by introduce SOFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper is concerned with the controllability problem of impulsive singularly perturbed systems (ISPSs). A new analytical approach is developed by integrating the merits of the fast–slow decomposition, Chang transformation and Gram-like matrix, and then some ε -independent necessary and sufficient controllable conditions are obtained. In addition, the upper bound of ε is given when deriving the sufficient controllable conditions. Moreover, a new type of heterogeneous multiplex multi-time-scale networks is introduced and can be further modeled by ISPSs. Based on matrix theory and graph theory, some intuitive and easy-to-test criteria are deduced for the controllability of the proposed networks. It is shown that the network topology, the nodal dynamics, the leader selection, and the inner-coupling interconnection are important controllable factors. Several numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed results. Highlights • An effective analytical method is developed to solve the controllability problem of impulsive singularly perturbed systems. • Both the sufficient and necessary controllable conditions are derived. • The upper bound of singular perturbation parameter is deduced explicitly to ensure the controllability of the system. • A new class of impulsive multilayer multi-time-scale networks is introduced and some controllability factors are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract HpaA is considered to be an effective protective antigen for vaccination against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Oral immunization with HpaA significantly decreases bacterial colonization in H. pylori infected mice. In this study, we investigated whether subcutaneous or intranasal immunization with HpaA could protect against H. pylori infection. Mice immunized subcutaneously with HpaA in Complete Freund's adjuvant, but not mice intranasally immunized with HpaA in CpG adjuvant acquired protection against H. pylori infection. However, intranasal immunization with immunodominant epitope peptides in CpG adjuvant protected mice against H. pylori infection, and immunodominant epitope peptides stimulated stronger Th1 responses and mediated more robust protection against H. pylori infection than subdominant ones. Our results suggest that the length of a candidate antigen is critical for particular vaccination routes, and that immunodominant epitope peptides are promising candidates for protection against H. pylori infection through nasal vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is a key control point of energy metabolism and is subject to regulation by multiple mechanisms, including posttranslational phosphorylation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Pharmacological modulation of PDC activity could provide a new treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy, as dysregulated substrate selection is concomitant with decreased heart function. Dichloroacetate (DCA), a classic PDK inhibitor, has been used to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy, but the lack of specificity and side effects of DCA indicate a more specific inhibitor of PDK is needed. This study was designed to determine the effects of a novel and highly selective PDK inhibitor, 2((2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl) isoindoline-4,6-diol (designated PS10), on pyruvate oxidation in diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse hearts compared with DCA-treated hearts. Four groups of mice were studied: lean control, DIO, DIO + DCA, and DIO + PS10. Both DCA and PS10 improved glucose tolerance in the intact animal. Pyruvate metabolism was studied in perfused hearts supplied with physiological mixtures of long chain fatty acids, lactate, and pyruvate. Analysis was performed using conventional ¹H and 13C isotopomer methods in combination with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate in the same hearts. PS10 and DCA both stimulated flux through PDC as measured by the appearance of hyperpolarized [13C]bicarbonate. DCA but not PS10 increased hyperpolarized [1-13C]lactate production. Total carbohydrate oxidation was reduced in DIO mouse hearts but increased by DCA and PS10, the latter doing so without increasing lactate production. The present results suggest that PS10 is a more suitable PDK inhibitor for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma (PPARα/γ) agonists have emerged as important pharmacological agents for improving insulin action. Propane-2-sulfonic acid octadec-9-enyl-amide (N15) is a novel PPARα/γ dual agonist synthesized in our laboratory. The present study investigates the efficacy and safety of N15 on insulin resistance regulation in high fat diet (HFD)-and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and in palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells. Our results showed that N15 remarkably ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in vivo, as well as rectified the glucose consumption and gluconeogenesis in vitro. Moreover, the glucose-lowering effect of N15 was associated with PPARγ mediated up-regulation of hepatic glucose consumption and down-regulation of gluconeogenesis. Meanwhile, N15 exerted advantageous effects on glucose and lipid metabolism without triggering weight gain and hepatotoxicity in mice. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that by alleviating glucose and lipid abnormalities, N15 could be used as a potential prophylactic and therapeutic agent against type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]