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In order to treat dyes in the wastewater of the printing industry and to reutilize walnut shell (WS) waste generate economic benefits, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) pretreatment technology was developed to prepare porous biochar as a precursor for adsorption material. Orthogonal experiments were conducted at the temperatures of 200, 300, and 400 ℃ with durations of 20, 40, and 60 min, and a control group was set up using N2 pretreatment. Then, KOH activation was employed to prepare biochar adsorption material. The biochars were analyzed and characterized using TGA, BET, SEM, FT-IR, and XRD, and the liquid and gas phase products of the pretreatment process were analyzed semi-quantitatively and quantitatively using GC–MS and gas chromatography. Methylene blue (MB) dye was selected as an indicator to measure the adsorption capacity of biochar, and adsorption kinetics were analyzed based on the data. The results indicate that pretreatment with SC-CO2 effectively enhanced the performance and yield of the activated carbon. The highest specific surface area increased by 18%, and the maximum adsorption of MB increased by 23% compared to the N2 control group. The yield increased by 8–262% and the specific surface area increased by 50–192% compared to the direct activation of walnut shell (WS). During the pretreatment processes for the preparation of biochar adsorption material with the best specific surface area, phenol-enriched bio-oil was produced as a by-product which has economic value. Highlights: The poly-generation of biochar precursor and bio-oil could be realized by supercritical CO2. Prepared activated carbon had great physical performance and excellent dye adsorption capacity. The pretreatment process produced high-value organic liquid by-products. Mild pretreatment conditions were more advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of natural gas (NG) and ammonia in internal combustion engines contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The present study aims to discuss the optimization direction and evaluate the GHG emission reduction potentials of NG engines blending with ammonia. In the present study, the effects of ammonia volume fraction (X NH3) and excess air ratio (λ) on the performance and emission characteristics of a spark-ignition marine NG engine were experimentally and numerically investigated. The in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, brake thermal efficiency, and emissions (e.g. CH 4 , NH 3 , NO x , CO, CO 2 , N 2 O) were analyzed. Results show that the peak values of the in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate decrease with the increase of X NH3 and the optimum brake thermal efficiency increases by 1% compared with the pure NG engine. As for emission characteristics, it is found that NO x emissions increase first and then decrease with ammonia addition and the main NO x is produced from ammonia. With the increase of X NH3 , CH 4 emissions fluctuate, NH 3 and N 2 O emissions monotonously increase. Moreover, the addition of ammonia can reduce CO 2 emissions and the maximum reduction of CO 2 emissions is approximately 44.1%. • Effects of NH 3 addition on a NG engine are experimentally and numerically studied. • The optimum BTE of 33.6% is obtained at λ = 1.3 and X NH3 = 30%. • NO x emissions increase with the addition of ammonia and the fuel NO x is dominant. • 44.1% of CO 2 is reduced with 60% volume fraction of ammonia in a NG engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The maximum carbon gasification efficiency of 95.16% was obtained. • The COD removal rate was up to 99.98%. • The sulfur transformation characteristics and mechanisms were proposed. • Gasification performance showed significant effect on sulfur transformation. • Sulfur compounds of black liquor in SCWG were mainly converted into H 2 S/S2−. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) was a promising technology to treat black liquor harmlessly and recycle energy efficiently, while the sulfur transformation of black liquor during SCWG process remained unknow. Herein, the effects of different parameters on gasification and sulfur transformation was determined in a batch reactor. The results showed that reaction temperature played the most important role. H 2 was the most important gaseous product with the maximum yields of 19.01 mol·kg−1, simultaneously achieving the highest carbon gasification efficiency (95.16 %), COD removal rate (99.98 %) and the pH of 8.5 at 700 °C, 30 min and 25 MPa. After SCWG treatment, most of sulfur existed in the form of sulfide (H 2 S/S2−), and the maximum proportion of which was up to 90.51 % at 700 °C, 30 min and 25 MPa. With the increase in temperature, the organic sulfur (thiol/thioether, sulfone and thiophene) and inorganic sulfur (sulfate and thiosulfate) were transformed into sulfide (H 2 S/S2−). Finally, the sulfur transformation mechanisms of black liquor in SCWG were proposed. This work provided a basis for resource utilization of black liquor and a promising method for sodium sulfide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible coating has been an innovation within the bioactive packaging concept. The comparative analysis upon the effect of edible coating, sodium chlorite (SC) and their combined application on quality maintenance of minimally processed pomelo ( Citrus grandis) fruits during storage at 4 °C was conducted. Results showed that the combination of edible coating and SC dipping delayed the microbial development whereas the sole coating or dipping treatment was less efficient. The synergetic application of edible coating and SC treatment under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 10% O2, 10% CO2) was able to maintain the total soluble solids level and ascorbic acid content, while reduce the weight loss as well as development of mesophiles and psychrotrophs. Nonetheless, the N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan solely coated samples showed significantly higher level of weight loss during storage with comparison to the untreated sample. Furthermore, the combined application of edible coating and SC dipping under active MAP best maintained the sensory quality of minimally processed pomelo fruit during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, H 2 production from supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of chicken manure in a high heating rate batch reactor under different temperatures (500–620 °C) and residence times (1–12 min) was studied, and a quantitative kinetic model was employed to study the reaction mechanism and optimize the H 2 production. The H 2 yield, hydrogen gasification efficiency (HE) and carbon gasification efficiency (CE) were promoted with the growth of temperature and residence time. The maximum H 2 yield, HE and CE reached 22.47 mol/kg, 174.53% and 81.34% at 620 °C and 12 min, respectively. The results of kinetic model indicated that higher temperature accelerated the reaction rate and more intermediates were converted into gas products. H 2 was mainly produced by the steam reforming reaction and the generation rate of each gas decreased to be negligible after 10 min. High temperature from nearly 580 °C was preferred to accelerate water gas shift reaction (WGSR) to promote H 2 production in SCWG of chicken manure. Hydrolysis reaction of chicken manure has a very important effect on H 2 production. [Display omitted] • Supercritical water gasification of chicken manure was studied, and the maximum hydrogen yield reached 22.47 mol/kg. • A kinetic model describing the effects of temperature and different reactions on gas formation was established. • High temperature from nearly 580 °C was preferred to accelerate water gas shift reaction to promote H 2 yield. • Practical methods were suggested to improve hydrogen production from supercritical water gasification of chicken manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcite microcrystals and associated microporosity are ubiquitous and extensively developed in Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate sequences in the Middle East. Clumped isotope analyses of calcite microcrystals in the Lower Cretaceous Thamama-B strata in UAE reservoirs indicate temperatures of 60–90 °C and burial of 1.5–2.5 km suggesting formation synchronous with and updip of Late Cretaceous ophiolite obduction at the Eastern Arabian continental margin. Assuming that recrystallization of precursor calcite to calcite microcrystals requires initially undersaturation to drive dissolution/re-precipitation a basin-scale 2D reactive transport model (RTM) was constructed. The model is constrained by hydro-mechanical simulations and used to quantitatively evaluate the hypothesis that the formation of calcite microcrystals and associated microporosity is driven by expulsion of compaction fluids during rapid burial. The combined influence of fluid flux and cooling results in trace net calcite dissolution (porosity increase <0.1 vol %) focused at depths of 2.7–5.1 km. The presence of even minor amounts of minerals with common ions (dolomite and anhydrite) induces additional dissolution but does not change its' spatial distribution. Whilst RTMs only yield a minimum estimate of the degree of recrystallization that likely occurs driven by calcite disequilibrium, simulations suggest these reactions occur at temperatures of 95–170 °C, markedly higher than those estimated from clumped isotopes of the calcite microcrystals. Mixing of fluids leaked from underlying strata up faults into the lateral flow system could play an important role in burial diagenesis, with the slow leakage dissolving up to ten times greater mass of calcite than a shorter pulse of equivalent fluid volume. A previously unrecognized effect of the introduction of H 2 S(aq)-rich fluids, derived from accelerated thermal maturation or thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR), into formation water with high CO 2 (aq) concentration is CO 2 degassing that drives net calcite precipitation (<3 vol %). This suite of numerical simulations suggest that calcite disequilibrium will have occurred in fluids expelled during ophiolite obduction, but that any associated recrystallization will have occurred at depths greater than those inferred from temperatures measured in the calcite microcrystals. Recrystallization at shallower depths may have been associated by fluid-mixing around the injection points, but reaction kinetics suggests that laterally pervasive alteration would require very rapid flow rates. These results suggest that alternative mechanism(s) are needed to be considered to explain the extensively developed calcite microcrystals and associated microporosity in Mesozoic carbonates of the Middle East. • We investigate whether calcite microcrystals and associated microporosity can be generated in limestone sequences under burial conditions as a result of regional migration of basinal brine caused by a plate collision. • We propose a quantitative approach to evaluate the diagenetic effects of compactional flow using burial fluid expulsion estimates from geomechanical modelling as the injection of fluids in reactive transport simulations. • Cooling of compaction fluid expelled after rapid burial generates calcite dissolution, and thus the potential for recrystallization, with minor net porosity increase over a wide range of burial temperature and pressure conditions with varying CO 2 (aq) concentrations and shows only marginal effect of the presence of gas phase (CO 2) and minerals with common ions (dolomite and anhydrite). • These reactions occur at temperatures higher than suggested from clumped isotopes measurements from calcite microcrystals that appear to have developed synchronous with Late Cretaceous ophiolite obduction onto the Eastern Arabian continental margin. • Mixing between compaction fluid and fluid released from underlying units under dynamic flow conditions shows that the introduction of H 2 S(aq)-rich fluids and mixing with high CO 2 (aq) concentration formation water could induce CO 2 degassing and calcite precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of hematological malignancies characterized by clonal proliferation of immature myeloid cells. Lipid rafts are highly organized membrane subdomains enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids, and gangliosides and play roles in regulating apoptosis through subcellular redistribution. Flotillin1 (FLOT1) is a component and also a marker of lipid rafts and had been reported to be involved in the progression of cancers and played important roles in cell death. However, the role of FLOT1 in AML remains to be explored. In this study, we found that increased expression of FLOT1 was correlated with poor clinical outcome in AML patients. Knockdown of FLOT1 in AML cells not only promoted cell death in vitro but also inhibited malignant cells engraftment in vivo. Mechanically, FLOT1 knockdown triggered apoptosis and pyroptosis. FLOT1 overexpression promoted AML cell growth and apoptosis resistance. Our findings indicate that FLOT1 is a prognostic factor of AML and may be a potential target for AML treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The time K 2 CO 3 promotes the formation of pore structure is during gasification process rather than before gasification. • 0 wt%-8 wt% K 2 CO 3 favors the formation of mesopores and macropores, while 10 wt% K 2 CO 3 K 2 CO 3 blocks the pore structure. • 0 wt%-4 wt% K 2 CO 3 loading made pore structure of an ink-bottle type, and 6 wt%-10 wt% K 2 CO 3 loading made a narrow-slit pore structure. • The pore volume has a good linear relationship with carbon gasification efficiency within 8 wt% K 2 CO 3 loading. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a promising technology for coal utilization and has drawn lots of attention. K 2 CO 3 is an outstanding catalyst for coal gasification and can significantly improve pore structure. The evolution of pore structure in coal particles affects heat and mass transfer efficiency, but little research has investigated the effect of K 2 CO 3 on gasification results from the perspective of pore structure. Hence, this study revealed the variation of pore structure of coal chars with stepped K 2 CO 3 loading during SCWG of coal by conducting experiment in a high-capacity autoclave reactor. Gas products and coal chars were characterized by GC, SEM, and BET to obtain the gasification result, surface morphology, and pore structure characteristics of coal chars. The results show that K 2 CO 3 improved gasification efficiency, gas percentage, and gas yield of H 2 and CO 2. The time when K 2 CO 3 changes pore structure is during the gasification process rather than before gasification. Macropores are dominant in coal chars. 0 wt%-8 wt% K 2 CO 3 favors the formation of mesopores and macropores, while 10 wt% K 2 CO 3 blocks the pore structure. 0 wt%-4 wt% K 2 CO 3 loading makes a pore structure of the ink-bottle type, and 6 wt%-10 wt% K 2 CO 3 loading makes the narrow-slit pore structure. When K 2 CO 3 increases from 0 wt% to 8 wt%, production rate of C-containing gases has a good linear relationship with specific surface area, and pore volume also has a good linear relationship with carbon gasification efficiency. 10 wt% K 2 CO 3 destroys the linear relationship by the blocking effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • R. sphaeroide s was able to utilize perceived common inhibitors: formate and HMF. • Furfural/HMF consumption was expedited by the co-utilization with glucose and xylose. • A mixture of sugars and acetate gained obviously higher H 2 production than the single. • Cultures with hydrolysate achieved better H 2 production over that of the model sugars. • R. sphaeroides is a robust strain to use lignocellulose-derived complex substrates. Biological hydrogen production has received much attention and it is of practical interest to produce H 2 biologically using low-cost lignocellulose-derived mix substrates, usually containing various compounds, such as arabinose, formate, acetate, furfural, HMF, in addition to glucose and xylose. Herein, we systematically evaluated impacts of single/mixed model compounds, and energy sorghum hydrolysate on H 2 production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides. We found (i) obvious cell growth was observed for all single substrates including formate, furfural and HMF, which for the first time, were reported in R. sphaeroides ; (ii) cultures pairing acetate with a mixture of glucose and xylose remarkably improved H 2 production compared to that without acetate; (iii) arabinose/formate had limited effects on the mixed-sugar photo-fermentation; (iv) furfural/HMF degradation was expedited by co-utilization with glucose and xylose. The results support the conclusion that photo-fermentation with hydrolysate achieved comparable, or even advantageous H 2 production over that of model compound mixtures. Metabolic diversity in R. sphaeroides enables the well-performed degradation of complex substrates for biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Considered the coupling effects of MSR, DIT, and EAR. • The regression models were constructed employing GWO-SVR to predict engine performance. • The optimal case was obtained adopting MOGWO and E-TOPSIS. • The maximum MSR reaches 56.16 % in the Pareto optimal set. Marine methanol-diesel compound combustion (DMCC) engines have received extensive attention in the shipping industry. This work aims to further improve the performance and evaluate the carbon reduction potential of the marine DMCC engine. First, the computational fluid dynamic model of the dual-fuel engine was built. Then, an intelligent regression method based on the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm optimized support vector machine regression (SVR) was proposed. The methanol substitution rate (MSR), excess air ratio (EAR), and diesel injection timing (DIT) were adopted as the decision variables to establish the regression models for NOx, CO, and CO 2 emissions and indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC). Subsequently, a multi-objective grey wolf optimizer (MOGWO) and entropy weight TOPSIS were employed to obtain the optimal case for achieving low NOx and CO emissions and ISFC. Finally, the maximum MSR was explored to achieve greater carbon reduction benefits while balancing the NOx emission and ISFC. The results showed that after GWO optimization, the coefficients of determination of the SVR regression models are all greater than 0.95, with mean square errors consistently below 0.015. It indicates that the regression models have excellent consistency and applicability. The optimal case calculated by MOGWO and entropy-weighted TOPSIS enables co-optimization of the NOx emission and ISFC while maintaining the CO emission below 600 ppm. Compared to the original case, the optimal case achieves reductions of 26.22 % for NOx and 13.39 % for ISFC. The exploration of the maximum MSR reveals that in the Pareto optimal set, the maximum MSR reaches 56.16 %, at which point the NOx and CO 2 emissions reduce by 75.85 % and 59.32 % respectively, while the ISFC increases by 21.67 % compared to the original case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A semi-physical kinetic model with two adjustable parameters is proposed for prediction of the isothermal bainite transformation and carbon redistribution in steels. The model incorporates the evolution equation of the carbon concentration in bainite, employing the Fermi-Dirac statistic function, and it can phenomenologically capture the evolution of carbon contents of bainite sheaves and the carbon enrichment in the residual austenite. The parameter α reflects the probability for carbon atoms to escape from bainite sheaves into the surrounding bulky austenite, while the parameter β describes the potential for bainite to contribute to the carbon enrichment in bulky austenite. The influence of α on the kinetics of the bainite transformation is explained on the basis of carbon diffusion and carbon trapping, which show a significant temperature dependence. The present model, with its combined adjustment of α and calibrated β , is capable of reproducing the experimental kinetics of bainite transformation for a variety of different steels. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circuit boards are indispensable components of electronic products. They are difficult to burn as they capture active free radicals, therefore the traditional disposal methods for discarded circuit boards are inefficient and polluting. In this work, discarded circuit boards were gasified in supercritical water. The operating conditions employed were as follows: temperature 500–750 °C; reaction time 1–30 min; feedstock concentration 1–10 wt%; and pressure 23 MPa. Analysis of the components in the gasification products showed that the increase of the reaction temperature and reaction time improved the gasification performance. Furthermore, the reduction in the feedstock concentration could also significantly enhance the conversion rates of both the carbon and hydrogen. It can be concluded that the efficient and economical working condition were as follows: temperature 700 °C; reaction time 10 min; feedstock concentration 5% and the addition of a catalyst. The conversion efficiencies for both carbon and hydrogen were 84.67% and 146.77% under these conditions, representing an increased efficiency with reduced costs. Finally, the conversion process of the bromine atoms in the tetrabromobisphenol A epoxy resin was examined and the bromine atoms in the raw material were converted into the gas phase product, hydrogen bromide, the solid phase products copper bromide and other bromides, and the liquid phase products bromide ions and bromine-containing organic molecules. [Display omitted] • Tetrabromobisphenol A epoxy resin was decomposed in supercritical water. • Factors affecting gasification efficiency were investigated. • Copper was separated from discarded circuit boards. • Bromine in circuit boards was traced in the conversion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is a vital cropping system that can create a conducive growth environment for crops and enhance land productivity. Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) have high oil content and are adaptable to various soil types, making them a promising new oil crop with significant development potential. This study evaluated the plant height, leaf area, tiller numbers, biomass, land equivalent ratio (LER), and root morphological characteristics of tiger nuts. The agronomic traits and root distribution of tiger nuts and other crops were further investigated to achieve the goal of high yield for tiger nuts. Seven intercropping systems were implemented in the experiment: maize–tiger nut intercropping (MT), soybean–tiger nut intercropping (ST), cotton–tiger nut intercropping (CT), monoculture tiger nut (T), monoculture maize (M), monoculture soybean (S), and monoculture cotton (C). The results indicated that under different planting systems, the agronomic traits of tiger nuts in MT and ST modes were superior, with plant height and tiller numbers increasing by 7.6% to 11.6%. However, the plant height and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values in CT mode were slightly lower than in T mode. Additionally, intercropping reduced the leaf area by 6.2% to 37.9%. Root development was more pronounced in intercropping modes, with the ST mode showing the most significant improvement, increasing the 0–20 cm root length density (RLD) by 12.2% to 45.7%. Therefore, each of the three intercropping modes demonstrated distinct advantages. The LER of the intercropping systems ranged from 1.10 to 1.24, enhancing land utilization, with tiger nuts being the dominant species. Compared to monoculture, the ST mode exhibited the best overall effect. Understanding the impact of different planting systems on tiger nuts provides valuable insights for developing tiger nut cultivation in Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, its efficacy remains to be optimized. There are at least two major challenges in effectively eradicating cancer cells by immunotherapy. Firstly, cancer cells evade immune cell killing by down-regulating cell surface immune sensors. Secondly, immune cell dysfunction impairs their ability to execute anti-cancer functions. Radiotherapy, one of the cornerstones of cancer treatment, has the potential to enhance the immunogenicity of cancer cells and trigger an anti-tumor immune response. Inspired by this, we fabricate biofunctionalized liposome-like nanovesicles (BLNs) by exposing irradiated-cancer cells to ethanol, of which ethanol serves as a surfactant, inducing cancer cells pyroptosis-like cell death and facilitating nanovesicles shedding from cancer cell membrane. These BLNs are meticulously designed to disrupt both of the aforementioned mechanisms. On one hand, BLNs up-regulate the expression of calreticulin, an "eat me" signal on the surface of cancer cells, thus promoting macrophage phagocytosis of cancer cells. Additionally, BLNs are able to reprogram M2-like macrophages into an anti-cancer M1-like phenotype. Using a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), an advanced-stage and immunotherapy-resistant cancer model, we demonstrate that BLNs significantly increase T cell infiltration and exhibit an ablative effect against MPE. When combined with PD-1 inhibitor (α-PD-1), we achieve a remarkable 63.6% cure rate (7 out of 11) among mice with MPE, while also inducing immunological memory effects. This work therefore introduces a unique strategy for overcoming immunotherapy resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy with unfavourable prognosis. Despite the effectiveness of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, relapse or drug resistance remains a major threat to AML patients. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation and super‐enhancers (SEs) are extensively involved in the leukaemogenesis of AML. However, the potential relationship between m6A and SEs in AML has not been elaborated. Methods: Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort were analysed to search SE‐related genes. The mechanisms of m6 A‐binding proteins IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 on DDX21 were explored via methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and luciferase reporter assays. Then we elucidated the roles of DDX21 in AML through functional assays in vitro and in vivo. Finally, co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assays, RNA sequencing and ChIP assays were performed to investigate the downstream mechanisms of DDX21. Results: We identified two SE‐associated transcripts IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 in AML. High enrichment of H3K27ac, H3K4me1 and BRD4 was observed in IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3, whose expression were driven by SE machinery. Then IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 enhanced the stability of DDX21 mRNA in an m6A‐dependent manner. DDX21 was highly expressed in AML patients, which indicated a poor survival. Functionally, knockdown of DDX21 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and led to cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, DDX21 recruited transcription factor YBX1 to cooperatively trigger ULK1 expression. Moreover, silencing of ULK1 could reverse the promoting effects of DDX21 overexpression in AML cells. Conclusions: Dysregulation of SE‐IGF2BP2/IGF2BP3‐DDX21 axis facilitated the progression of AML. Our findings provide new insights into the link between SEs and m6A modification, elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 on DDX21, and reveal the underlying roles of DDX21 in AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This paper addresses the problem of 3D object detection in RGB-D images. It is an important and challenging problem in many vision, robotics, and human–machine interaction applications. • It proposes a multilevel fusion network (MFN) model. It presents a new loss function to describe the geometric attribute difference in 3D object bounding boxes and an adaptive depth image filtering algorithm to restore and correct noisy depth images. • It tests the proposed model on challenging datasets and the results outperform the comparison approaches. It also carried out the ablation studies which prove the effectiveness of different modules in the proposed model. 3D object detection is an important yet challenging problem in a myriad of vision, robotics, and human–machine interaction applications. Given an RGB-D image, the task is to infer the class labels and the 3D bounding boxes of the objects in the image. While the previous studies have made remarkable progress over the past decade, how to effectively exploit the feature fusion with neural networks for boosting 3D object detection performance remains an open problem. This paper proposes a multilevel fusion network (MFN) model to detect 3D objects in RGB-D images. The MFN model contains two streams of neural networks which respectively extracts the RGB and depth features with cascaded convolutional modules. To effectively exploit the information of 3D objects, a multilevel fusion mechanism is adopted to fuse the convolutional RGB and depth features at multiple levels. To train the network, we propose a new weighted loss function by encoding the difference of geometric attributes on 3D bounding box regression. Since the original depth data is full of noisy holes, we also develop an adaptive filtering algorithm to restore and correct the depth images. We test the proposed model on challenging RGB-D datasets. The experimental results on the datasets prove the strength and advantage of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were (1) to assess which intercropping system is feasible in enhancing soil moisture and promoting crop root growth and (2) to integrate crop root data to assess which intercropping system can reduce interspecific competition and thus increase system productivity. The optimal cropping system was determined by calculating the land equivalent ratio.In this study, we designed two intercropping systems (intercropped apple–soybean and intercropped apple–alfalfa) and three monocropping systems (monocropped apple, monocropped soybean and monocropped alfalfa) that analysed the effects of these intercropping systems on soil moisture, crop roots, interspecific relationships and yields to determine the most suitable cropping system for local promotion.Within 50–200 cm from the tree, the apple–soybean intercropping and apple–alfalfa intercropping systems increased soil moisture by 27.91% and 30.23%, respectively, compared to apple monocropping. The root system of intercropped apple was mainly distributed in 20–40 cm soil depth, while the root system of intercropped soybean and intercropped alfalfa moved to shallower soil layers, mainly in 0–20 cm soil depth. In addition, within the distance of 100–200 cm from the tree, soybeans were more competitive than apples and apples were more competitive than alfalfa, whereas apples were more competitive than soybeans and alfalfa at 20–60 cm soil depth. The land equivalent ratio for apple–soybean intercropping system was 1.34 and for the apple–alfalfa intercropping system was 1.18. On balance, apple–soybean intercropping system was more suitable for local promotion.These results showed that apple–soybean intercropping system has less interspecific competition than apple–alfalfa intercropping system and that the system is more productive and more suitable for local extension.Methods: The aims of this study were (1) to assess which intercropping system is feasible in enhancing soil moisture and promoting crop root growth and (2) to integrate crop root data to assess which intercropping system can reduce interspecific competition and thus increase system productivity. The optimal cropping system was determined by calculating the land equivalent ratio.In this study, we designed two intercropping systems (intercropped apple–soybean and intercropped apple–alfalfa) and three monocropping systems (monocropped apple, monocropped soybean and monocropped alfalfa) that analysed the effects of these intercropping systems on soil moisture, crop roots, interspecific relationships and yields to determine the most suitable cropping system for local promotion.Within 50–200 cm from the tree, the apple–soybean intercropping and apple–alfalfa intercropping systems increased soil moisture by 27.91% and 30.23%, respectively, compared to apple monocropping. The root system of intercropped apple was mainly distributed in 20–40 cm soil depth, while the root system of intercropped soybean and intercropped alfalfa moved to shallower soil layers, mainly in 0–20 cm soil depth. In addition, within the distance of 100–200 cm from the tree, soybeans were more competitive than apples and apples were more competitive than alfalfa, whereas apples were more competitive than soybeans and alfalfa at 20–60 cm soil depth. The land equivalent ratio for apple–soybean intercropping system was 1.34 and for the apple–alfalfa intercropping system was 1.18. On balance, apple–soybean intercropping system was more suitable for local promotion.These results showed that apple–soybean intercropping system has less interspecific competition than apple–alfalfa intercropping system and that the system is more productive and more suitable for local extension.Results: The aims of this study were (1) to assess which intercropping system is feasible in enhancing soil moisture and promoting crop root growth and (2) to integrate crop root data to assess which intercropping system can reduce interspecific competition and thus increase system productivity. The optimal cropping system was determined by calculating the land equivalent ratio.In this study, we designed two intercropping systems (intercropped apple–soybean and intercropped apple–alfalfa) and three monocropping systems (monocropped apple, monocropped soybean and monocropped alfalfa) that analysed the effects of these intercropping systems on soil moisture, crop roots, interspecific relationships and yields to determine the most suitable cropping system for local promotion.Within 50–200 cm from the tree, the apple–soybean intercropping and apple–alfalfa intercropping systems increased soil moisture by 27.91% and 30.23%, respectively, compared to apple monocropping. The root system of intercropped apple was mainly distributed in 20–40 cm soil depth, while the root system of intercropped soybean and intercropped alfalfa moved to shallower soil layers, mainly in 0–20 cm soil depth. In addition, within the distance of 100–200 cm from the tree, soybeans were more competitive than apples and apples were more competitive than alfalfa, whereas apples were more competitive than soybeans and alfalfa at 20–60 cm soil depth. The land equivalent ratio for apple–soybean intercropping system was 1.34 and for the apple–alfalfa intercropping system was 1.18. On balance, apple–soybean intercropping system was more suitable for local promotion.These results showed that apple–soybean intercropping system has less interspecific competition than apple–alfalfa intercropping system and that the system is more productive and more suitable for local extension.Conclusions: The aims of this study were (1) to assess which intercropping system is feasible in enhancing soil moisture and promoting crop root growth and (2) to integrate crop root data to assess which intercropping system can reduce interspecific competition and thus increase system productivity. The optimal cropping system was determined by calculating the land equivalent ratio.In this study, we designed two intercropping systems (intercropped apple–soybean and intercropped apple–alfalfa) and three monocropping systems (monocropped apple, monocropped soybean and monocropped alfalfa) that analysed the effects of these intercropping systems on soil moisture, crop roots, interspecific relationships and yields to determine the most suitable cropping system for local promotion.Within 50–200 cm from the tree, the apple–soybean intercropping and apple–alfalfa intercropping systems increased soil moisture by 27.91% and 30.23%, respectively, compared to apple monocropping. The root system of intercropped apple was mainly distributed in 20–40 cm soil depth, while the root system of intercropped soybean and intercropped alfalfa moved to shallower soil layers, mainly in 0–20 cm soil depth. In addition, within the distance of 100–200 cm from the tree, soybeans were more competitive than apples and apples were more competitive than alfalfa, whereas apples were more competitive than soybeans and alfalfa at 20–60 cm soil depth. The land equivalent ratio for apple–soybean intercropping system was 1.34 and for the apple–alfalfa intercropping system was 1.18. On balance, apple–soybean intercropping system was more suitable for local promotion.These results showed that apple–soybean intercropping system has less interspecific competition than apple–alfalfa intercropping system and that the system is more productive and more suitable for local extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Investigates the directional transformation of N in pig manure. • 84.62% of N is enriched into liquid during supercritical water gasification. • Maximum NH 4 +-N predominated the liquid N at 620 °C in the presence of K 2 CO 3. • A few of N remained in solid residues with stable quaternary-N. • The conversion and stability of N rely on catalysts rather than temperature. Nitrogen is a valuable nutrient element in pig manure. This work focuses on investigating the distribution, directional transformation, and migration pathways to facilitate the recovery of nitrogen from supercritical water gasification products. Results indicated that no nitrogen-containing gas was detected and 12.65 % of nitrogen remained in solid products. 82.49 % of nitrogen migrated into liquid products, which are predominated by ammonia. Catalysts were employed to promote the conversion of solid nitrogen to liquid nitrogen and organic nitrogen to ammonia. Finally, 85 % of nitrogen is enriched into liquid products and ammonia predominated the liquid nitrogen. The percentage of ammonia increased to 97.51 % at 620 °C in the presence of potassium carbonate. The migration pathways indicated that nitrogen was transformed into ammonia by various intermediates such as indole. The rest of the nitrogen remained in solid products with stable quaternary-nitrogen. These findings provide valuable insights into nitrogen management and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of radioresistance seriously hinders the efficacy of radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms by which radioresistance occurs are still incompletely understood. The N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is involved in cancer progression, but its role in lung cancer radioresistance remains elusive. This study aimed to identify m6A regulators involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity and further explore the underlying mechanisms to identify therapeutic targets to overcome lung cancer radioresistance. Methods: Bioinformatic mining was used to identify the m6A regulator IGF2BP2 involved in lung cancer radiosensitivity. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the downstream factors. Clonogenic survival assays, neutral comet assays, Rad51 foci formation assays, and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays were used to determine the significance of FBW7/IGF2BP2/SLC7A5 axis in lung cancer radioresistance. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR analyses, RNA pull-down analyses, co-immunoprecipitation analyses, and ubiquitination assays were used to determine the feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 and the regulatory effect of FBW7/GSK3β on IGF2BP2. Mice models and tissue microarrays were used to verify the effects in vivo. Results: We identified IGF2BP2, an m6A "reader", that is overexpressed in lung cancer and facilitates radioresistance. We showed that inhibition of IGF2BP2 impairs radioresistance in lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that IGF2BP2 enhances the stability and translation of SLC7A5 mRNA through m6A modification, resulting in enhanced SLC7A5-mediated transport of methionine to produce S-adenosylmethionine. This feeds back upon the IGF2BP2 promoter region by further increasing the trimethyl modification at lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me3) level to upregulate IGF2BP2 expression. We demonstrated that this positive feedback loop between IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 promotes lung cancer radioresistance through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, we found that the ubiquitin ligase FBW7 functions with GSK3β kinase to recognize and degrade IGF2BP2. Conclusions: Collectively, our study revealed that the m6A "reader" IGF2BP2 promotes lung cancer radioresistance by forming a positive feedback loop with SLC7A5, suggesting that IGF2BP2 may be a potential therapeutic target to control radioresistance in lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system. It is an aggressive tumor characterized by rapid proliferation, diffuse tumor morphology, and poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are unable to achieve good outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment targets. A detailed mechanistic exploration of the role of the nuclear pore transporter KPNB1 in GBM is lacking. This study demonstrated that KPNB1 regulated GBM progression through a transcription factor YBX1 to promote the expression of post-protrusion membrane protein NLGN3. This regulation was mediated by the deubiquitinating enzyme USP7. Methods: A tissue microarray was used to measure the expression of KPNB1 and USP7 in glioma tissues. The effects of KPNB1 knockdown on the tumorigenic properties of glioma cells were characterized by colony formation assays, Transwell migration assay, EdU proliferation assays, CCK-8 viability assays, and apoptosis analysis using flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing identified NLGN3 as a downstream molecule that is regulated by KPNB1. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation were performed to analyze the potential interaction between KPNB1 and YBX1. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of YBX1 was determined with nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence staining, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to study DNA binding with YBX1. Ubiquitination assays were performed to determine the effects of USP7 on KPNB1 stability. The intracranial orthotopic tumor model was used to detect the efficacy in vivo. Results: In this study, we found that the nuclear receptor KPNB1 was highly expressed in GBM and could mediate the nuclear translocation of macromolecules to promote GBM progression. Knockdown of KPNB1 inhibited the progression of GBM, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that KPNB1 could regulate the downstream expression of Neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) by mediating the nuclear import of transcription factor YBX1, which could bind to the NLGN3 promoter. NLGN3 was necessary and sufficient to promote glioma cell growth. Furthermore, we found that deubiquitinase USP7 played a critical role in stabilizing KPNB1 through deubiquitination. Knockdown of USP7 expression or inhibition of its activity could effectively impair GBM progression. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the promoting effects of USP7, KPNB1, and NLGN3 on GBM progression. Overall, our results suggested that KPNB1 stability was enhanced by USP7-mediated deubiquitination, and the overexpression of KPNB1 could promote GBM progression via the nuclear translocation of YBX1 and the subsequent increase in NLGN3 expression. Conclusion: This study identified a novel and targetable USP7/KPNB1/YBX1/NLGN3 signaling axis in GBM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk factors associated with niche on the cesarean scar have been reported, however, the degree of these factors associated with large niche and the accumulation effects of these risk factors on the development of large niche are unclear. Methods: Large niche was evaluated by transvaginal sonography during mid-follicular phase. Logistic regression model was used to assess 32 risk factors by univariate analysis. Then, a scoring model based on the screened risk factors was generated. The performance of this model was evaluated by area under curve (AUC). Finally, the scoring model was applied in 123 women to assess the external validation. Result(s): In the training cohort study, 163 women were diagnosed with large niche. The final scoring model involves eight risk factors with the rating scores including age at delivery (30–34 years: 1 point; ≥ 35 years: 4.5 points), retroflexed uterus (8.5 points), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (4.5 points), twice CSs (4.0 points), postpartum endometritis (4.5 points), premature rupture of membranes (2.5 points), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (mild to moderate: 3 points; severe: 6.5 points), and cervical dilatation (1-3 cm: 2.0 points; 4-10 cm: 4.5 points). The accumulation effect with a cut-off value of 8.0 in the scoring was associated with the large niche after CS. Conclusion(s): This is the first scoring model to objectively quantify the risk of a large niche after CS. Optimal risk factors control by avoiding high score factors and multiple factors accumulation may eliminate the risk of large niche development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violates containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were precipitated in the process of fast pyrolysis and gasification of coal and organic substances. PAHs are one of bottlenecks of entire coal gasification for hydrogen production. In current work, the solubility of PAH oil droplets in supercritical water/hydrogen circumstances were investigated based on molecular dynamics simulation, which was beneficial for understanding the solubility behaviors of PAHs in supercritical water/hydrogen environment. The results showed that heavy PAHs were rather stable in the water phase. Supercritical water along with hydrogen promoted the miscibility of PAHs compared with that of pure supercritical water. Furthermore, high density and high temperature facilitated the rapid solvation of PAHs in supercritical water/hydrogen environment. This paper is expected to provide a theoretical support for the development of complete coal gasification technology for hydrogen production. Schematic illustration of an oil droplet in supercritical solvent environment. Image 1 • Solubility of PAHs in SCW/H 2 was studied by MD simulations. • Increasing temperature and density enhanced solubility behaviors. • It was observed that hydrogen penetrated water shells. • Hydrogen promoted the dispersion of PAH oil droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fatty acid oxidation has been considered as an important energy source for tumorigenesis and development. Several studies have investigated the role of CPT1A, a kind of fatty acid oxidation rate-limiting enzyme, in AML. However, prognostic value and regulatory network of another subtype, CPT1B in AML remains elusive. This study aims to clarify the independent prognostic role of CPT1B in CN-AML based on clinical data and molecular level data (mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of CPT1B in AML patients. METHODS: First, we analyzed the CPT1B expression in AML cohort via the online database "GEPIA". Subsequently, miRNA-mRNA and ceRNA networks were constructed to help predict the role of CPT1B in AML. Several molecules which showed the prognostic value and metabolic function of CPT1B were identified. Finally, the expression of CPT1B in our own cohort of 324 CN-AML patients was analyzed to clarify the results. RESULTS: It was found that CPT1B was markedly higher in AML patients compared to normal people and this upregulation was associated with the poor clinical outcome. Several molecules revealed the possible regulatory mechanism of CPT1B in AML. CONCLUSION: CPT1B is a potential prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for AML treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spermatogenesis associated serine rich 2 like (SPATS2L) was highly expressed in homoharringtonine (HHT) resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines. However, its role is little known in AML. The present study aimed to investigate the function of SPATS2L in AML pathogenesis and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse-free survival (RFS) were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of SPATS2L for AML from TCGA database and ourcohort. ShRNA was used to knockdown the expression of SPATS2L. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The changes of proteins were assessed by Western blot(WB). A xenotransplantation mice model was used to evaluate in vivo growth and survival. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of SPATS2L in AML. Results: SPATS2L expression increased with increasing resistance indexes(RI) in HHT-resistant cell lines we had constructed. Higher SPATS2L expression was observed in intermediate/high-risk patients than in favorable patients. Meanwhile, decreased SPATS2L expression was observed in AML patients achieving complete remission (CR). Multivariate analysis showed high SPATS2L expression was an independent poor predictor of OS, EFS, RFS in AML. SPATS2L knock down (KD) suppressed cell growth, induced apoptosis, and suppressed key proteins of JAK/STAT pathway, such as JAK2, STAT3, STAT5 in AML cells. Inhibiting SPATS2L expression markedly enhanced the pro-apoptotic effects of traditional chemotherapeutics (Ara-c, IDA, and HHT). Conclusions: High expression of SPATS2L is a poor prognostic factor in AML, and targeting SPATS2L may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of oily sludge is a potential handling method for resource utilization and pollution reduction. Heavy metals (HMs) in oily sludge were assessed due to their threat to human health and environmental safety. This work investigated the distribution of four HMs (Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr) under different reaction conditions (550–700 °C, 1–60 min). The concentrations of HMs in liquid residues (LRs) decreased continuously at higher temperatures and longer residence times except for Ni. Besides, the concentrations of HMs in solid residues (SRs) increased after SCWG except for Zn, and they varied slightly under different conditions. Then, HMs in LRs and SRs were evaluated in terms of Nemerow index, geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk. The results indicated that the pollution risks of HMs in LRs were minimum at 650 °C and 30 min, while that in SRs changed little. When Na 2 CO 3 was added, pollution risks changed slightly, but nearly complete stabilizations of Cu, Zn and Cr (96.2%, 84.2% and 98.6%) were achieved at 600 °C. Adding Na 2 CO 3 promoted the formation of aluminosilicate to combine with HMs and enhanced their stabilization notably. This work may demonstrate a promising clean way for oily sludge utilization and HMs stabilizing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nitrogen was mainly distributed in the liquid and solid products after SCWG. • Up to 98.82% of the total nitrogen was in liquid products at 750 °C. • Nitrogen in liquid products was mainly in the form of anilines, indoles, and NH 3 -N. • The migration and transformation pathways of nitrogenous components were proposed. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a clean and efficient method for the energy utilization of biomass waste. Studying the behavior of nitrogen in feedstock during the SCWG process is essential because of its significant potential impact on the environment. In this study, the characteristics and mechanisms of nitrogen transformation during chicken manure gasification in supercritical water were investigated in autoclave reactors. The results revealed that temperature plays an important role in raw material conversion and product distribution, especially for nitrogenous components. In particular, the carbon gasification efficiency was 92.66 % at 700 °C, 10 wt%, and K 2 CO 3 as catalysts, implying that the chicken manure was nearly completely converted. NO x was not identified in the gaseous products. As the temperature increased, nitrogen in the raw material was mainly transferred to the liquid. This process is accompanied by the conversion of organic nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen, which is mainly present as NH 3 -N in liquids. Finally, the migration pathways of nitrogenous intermediates were investigated. The hydrolysis of proteins and amino acids in the initial phases creates conditions for the Maillard reaction, forming nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (NHCs). Most NHCs gradually ring-opened and eventually converted to CO 2 , H 2 , NH 3 , and other gases. Only a small number of NHCs undergo a series of polymerization reactions at lower temperatures to form nitrogenous carbon precursors that are challenging to gasify. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the targeted removal of nitrogen components during the SCWG of high-nitrogenous biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This article provided a thorough summary of genetic variations linked to a higher susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). • Susceptibility genes significantly affected immune system regulation and response, potentially triggering AITD onset. • Susceptibility genes emerged as essential markers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AITD. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are organ-specific autoimmune disorders characterized by conditions including goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism, which represent the most severe clinical manifestations of AITDs. The prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders is on the rise, influenced by increased environmental factors and changes in modern lifestyles. Understanding the pathophysiology of AITDs is crucial for identifying key factors that affect the disease's onset, progression, and recurrence, thereby laying a solid foundation for precise diagnosis and treatment. The development of AITDs involves a complex interplay of environmental influences, immune dysfunctions, and genetic predispositions. Genetic predispositions, in particular, are significant, with numerous genes identified as being linked to AITDs. This article focuses on examining the genes vulnerable to AITDs to deepen our understanding of the relevant genetic contributors, ultimately facilitating the development of effective prevention and treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation study on coal gasification process in supercritical water (SCW) can promote the hydrogen production and upgrading of coal utilization. ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation integration with representative coal model was first introduced to investigate the regulation mechanism of liquid organics on coal gasification in SCW. Hongliulin coal model was constructed and verified its rationality and accuracy. Among the liquid organics, phenols exhibit a positive effect with the H 2 number increasing above 34%. The regulation mechanism is dug deeper into from the perspective of the intermolecular interaction and reactive sites. E vdWaals is the main driving force and a maximum of reaction capability of coal molecules reaches 11.01 kJ/mol. The key reaction process in which the hydrogen is greatly improved is the degradation of heavy components under the regulatory effect of phenol. Moreover, the reactive sites of aromatic structure also change from the side chain to conjugated rings. Degradation mechanism of heavy components in the SCWG of coal is summarized. The experimental results verify that H 2 yield is increased by 59% and the solid mass is reduced to 0.72 mg with phenol. This conclusion demonstrated the feasibility of the ReaxFF MD simulation method to guide the clean utilization and industrial application of coal gasification in SCW. • A structural model for Hongliulin bituminous coal was constructed and validated. • Regulation method in SCWG of coal was proposed and simulated. • Regulation mechanism of hydrogen production was revealed theoretically. • Feasibility of the ReaxFF MD method was verified by practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a promising technology for oil-containing wastewater treatment. This paper aims to establish a reaction kinetic model to provide better guidance for optimal industrial reactor design. The model is developed based on the experimental results obtained from K 2 CO 3 -catalyzed SCWG of diesel (the model compound of oil containment in wastewater) at various conditions of 500–650 °C and 15.23–64.45 s. Then the model validation by using the experimental data from other conditions. The validation results showed that the kinetic model can predict the gas concentration with an acceptable deviation. Afterward, the indicators of carbon gasification efficiency and gas yield versus residence time are predicted. The results show that the required residence time for the complete gasification is varied from 214.2 to 2150.8 s when the temperature changes from 500 to 650 °C. Moreover, the reaction rate analysis result indicates that the two reactions contributed most to the hydrogen production are the forward water-gas shift and the reverse CO methanation reaction. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis result reveals that the hydrolysis reaction of diesel has a significant influence at the initial stage, while the CO and CO 2 methane reactions play a vital role at the late stage for gas production. [Display omitted] • A kinetic model with 13 reactions of SCWG of oil-containing wastewater is developed. • Residence time of 239.2 s for complete gasification under 650 °C is predicted. • Reaction rates for gases production and consumption are analyzed. • The hydrolysis reaction of diesel has a significant influence at the initial stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reformed exhaust gas recirculation technology has attracted great attention in internal combustion engines. A platform of an exhaust gas-fuel reformer connected with the marine LNG engine was set up for generating on-board hydrogen. Based on the platform, effects of the methane to oxygen ratio (M/O) and reformed exhaust gas ratio (R EG) from the reformer and excess air ratio (λ) from the engine on the components, hydrogen yield, thermal efficiency and reforming process of the reformer were experimentally investigated. Results shown that hydrogen-rich gases (reformate) can be generated by reforming the mixture of engine exhaust gas (about 400 °C) and methane supplied via the reformer with Ni/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, and the hydrogen concentration of reformate was between 6.2% and 12.6% by volume. The methane supplied rate and λ affected the components and temperature of the reactant in the reformer, while R EG changed the gas hour space velocity during the exhaust gas-fuel reforming processes, resulting in the difference in the components of the reformate and thermal efficiency. At the present experimental condition, the highest H 2 concentration reformate was generated under the M/O of 2.0, λ of 1.55 and R EG of 6%. • Reformate with H 2 up to 12.6% was generated in the presence of engine exhaust gas • Large R E G , M/O and λ were beneficial to H 2 generation • 41–71.1% of methane was consumed via partial oxidation reforming • Highest thermal efficiency was achieved under M/O = 3 and R EG = 8% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microbubbles can enhance CO 2 mass transfer. • Good mixing was induced by millimeter bubbles in the reactor. • The multiscale bubbles feeding strategy can improve biomass concentration. • Chlorella vulgaris shows high potential for biodiesel production. Bubble size plays an important role in microalgae cultivation in bubble column bioreactor. Three bubbling strategies (millimeter bubbles, microbubbles, and multiscale bubbles) were compared in this study for enhancing microalgae growth of Chlorella vulgaris. A higher microalgae growth rate using microbubbles was observed in the initial growth phase; afterwards, millimeter bubbles exhibited better performance in the growth rate of Chlorella vulgaris. CO 2 mass transfer and gas–liquid mixing performance were evaluated, and highly variable between bubble sizes. Therefore, a multiscale bubble strategy was proposed, leading to an increase of 7.47% and 17.84% in biomass concentration compared with the sole use of microbubbles and millimeter bubbles, respectively. Finally, the potential of Chlorella vulgaris as the feedstock for biodiesel production and the performance characteristics of produced biodiesel were investigated. The multiscale bubble feeding method can simultaneously optimize mixing and mass transfer throughout the cultivation process and enhance the photosynthetic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is to utilize low/zero carbon fuels. This study simulated the combustion of a marine spark ignition (SI) ammonia-hydrogen engine, focusing on the effects of hydrogen volume fraction (X H2), air fuel ratio (λ), and compression ratio (CR) on the combustion and emission characteristics. The pathways of nitrogen-based pollutants such as NH 3 , NO, and N 2 O were explained. The results show that increasing X H2 improves Pmax, heat release rate, thermal efficiency, and power. Regarding emission characteristics, when X H2 rises, NH 3 emissions drop; NO x emissions remain almost constant at λ ≤ 1 (2100 ppm at λ = 1) and considerably increase at λ > 1, peaking at 5245 ppm. Moreover, as CR rises, the engine power and thermal efficiency increase, NO x emissions decrease by 10%, and N 2 O emissions are below 20 ppm. Furthermore, chemical kinetic analysis shows that NO comes from N and N 2 , diffuses from the flame front toward the center in the cylinder under λ = 1.2. And NO comes from HNO and is generated in the flame front and the center under λ = 0.9, respectively. N 2 O is produced by NH and NH 2 and is only generated in the flame front. • The effects of X H2 , λ , CR on an SI ammonia-hydrogen engine were investigated. • At λ = 1.0 and X H2 = 20 %, NH 3 and NO x are roughly equal, easier for after-treatment. • Increasing CR reduces NO x emissions by 10 % under stoichiometric condition. • The pathway and distribution of NO are clearly different under λ = 0.9 and λ = 1.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV-induced degradation (UVID) poses a serious concern in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells when operating in the field. Herein, the root cause of UVID of bare SHJ solar cells was investigated. It was found that the major degradation occurs in open-circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF) during UV exposure. The evident increase in series resistance (R s) is the primary cause of FF degradation. The reduced content of Si–H bonds and the increased pore structure in both intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i-a-Si:H) and phosphorus-doped hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide (n-μc-SiO x :H) layers lead to the deterioration of H atoms chemical passivation on the crystalline silicon (c-Si) surface. Additionally, the motion of H atoms from the breakage of Si–H bonds reacts with P dopant atoms to form inactive P–H bonds in the n-μc-SiO x :H layers, which not only poisons field-effect passivation but also significantly reduces the conductivity of the films. Interestingly, an elevated temperature-assisted intensive light soaking can recover the UV-damaged H-passivation and P-doping effect. As a result, the performance of SHJ solar cell is significantly restored. These findings have important implications for understanding UV-induced degradation in SHJ solar cells. • The major degradation of SHJ solar cells without encapsulation occurs in open-circuit voltage (V oc) and fill factor (FF) during UV exposure. • The pore structure forming in silicon layers are attributed to the decreasing of hydrogen passivation on silicon surface. • The P–H bonds formation in the n-μc-SiO x :H layers under UV exposure make the series resistance increasing in solar cells. • An elevated temperature assisted intensive light soaking could recover UV-damaged H-passivation and P-doping effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High temperature and long reaction time promoted the gasification of diesel in SCW. • The carbon gasification efficiency achieved 97.5% at 500 °C with Ni/ZrO 2. • The reaction pathway of diesel was obtained by analyzing liquid intermediates. • The Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst could enhance the steam reforming and pyrolysis reaction. • The Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst could effectively inhibit the formation of tar or coke. Diesel oil, as a petroleum product, can be used as a model of oilfield wastewater to be gasified in supercritical water (SCW). This paper is aimed to obtain the gasification characteristics, detailed reaction pathway of diesel oil and the catalytic mechanism of a Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst in SCW, providing some guidance for supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of oilfield wastewater. The SCWG of 6.8 wt% diesel experiments were carried out in a quartz reactor system with different temperatures (460, 500, 540 °C), reaction time range of 0–90 min. The carbon gasification efficiency achieved 97.5% at 500 °C with the Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst, which was over 3 times higher than 27.6% under non-catalytic condition. The liquid intermediate was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and naphthalene was the most difficulty intermediate to be gasified in diesel SCWG. A kinetic model was established to describe quantitatively the variation of gas yields with experimental conditions. The production and consumption of gases by SCWG of diesel oil under non-catalytic and catalytic conditions were analyzed in detail, and the mechanism of the Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst was proposed. The Ni/ZrO 2 catalyst effectively enhanced the steam reforming and pyrolysis reactions as well as inhibited the polymerization and aromatization reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge gasification in supercritical water was studied with high heating rate batch reactor. Effect of temperature, pressure, residence time and catalyst were investigated. The hydrogen yield, gasification efficiency, carbon gasification efficiency and hydrogen yield potential were mainly affected by temperature. The maximum values of them reached 20.66 mol/kg, 73.49%, 61.16% and 41.34% without catalyst at 750 °C and 30 min respectively. The modified detailed kinetics indicated steam reforming, water-gas shift and pyrolysis promoted the formation of H 2 and CO 2 when temperature was ranged from 550 to 750 °C at the initial residence time. As residence time increased, the water-gas shift was dominant. Meanwhile, the formation of CO and CH 4 were inhibited when temperature and residence time increased. The addition of mixed catalysts promoted the three reactions and formation of hydrogen better at lower reaction condition. The mixed use of both catalysts could enhance the gasification and the formation of hydrogen better. The increased loading of RNi-Mo2 could enhance the formation of hydrogen better because the heterogeneous catalyst could promote steam reforming and alkali catalyst could promote water-gas shift reaction better. [Display omitted] • The maximum values of H 2 reached 20.66 mol/kg without catalyst at 750 °C and 30min. • Mixed catalysts enhanced the formation of H 2 better at lower reaction condition. • The increased loading of RNi-Mo2 promoted the formation of H 2 better. • Modified kinetic explained the reaction mechanism of gas formation without catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is used for over 50 % of cancer patients and can promote adaptive immunity against tumour antigens. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we discovered that RT induces the release of irradiated tumour cell-derived microparticles (RT-MPs), which significantly upregulate MHC-I expression on the membranes of non-irradiated cells, enhancing the recognition and killing of these cells by T cells. Mechanistically, RT-MPs induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in tumour cells, activating the ATM/ATR/CHK1-mediated DNA repair signalling pathway, and upregulating MHC-I expression. Inhibition of ATM/ATR/CHK1 reversed RT-MP-induced upregulation of MHC-I. Furthermore, phosphorylation of STAT1/3 following the activation of ATM/ATR/CHK1 is indispensable for the DSB-dependent upregulation of MHC-I. Therefore, our findings reveal the role of RT-MP-induced DSBs and the subsequent DNA repair signalling pathway in MHC-I expression and provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of MHC-I expression after DSBs. • Irradiated tumor cell-derived microparticles (RT-MPs) upregulate MHC-I expression, marking the first evidence of radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) in this context. • RT-MPs enhance CD8+ T cell-mediated antigen-specific recognition and subsequent killing of tumour cells. • RT-MPs induce double-stand breaks in tumour cells. • Inhibition of ATM/ATR/CHK1 reversed RT-MP induced MHC-I expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, lignin was gasified in supercritical water with catalysis of CuO–ZnO synthesized by deposition precipitation, co-precipitation and sol-gel methods. Sol-gel synthesized CuO–ZnO showed the highest catalytic performance, and the gasification efficiency was increased by 37.92% with it. The XRD, SEM-EDS and N 2 adsorption/desorption analysis showed that the priority of the sol-gel catalyst was the smallest crystallite size, largest specific surface area and high dispersion. For sol-gel synthesized CuO–ZnO, the increase of CuO/ZnO ratio improved the gasification efficiency but reduced H 2 selectivity. And the catalytic activity was reduced with the calcination temperature above 600 °C due to enlarged crystallites and reduced pores. During sol-gel preparation, both the addition of ethanol and PEG in the solvent reduced the agglomeration and improved the catalytic activity. With CuO–ZnO prepared with 1 g PEG + water as the solvent, the highest H 2 yield of 6.86 mol/kg was obtained, which was over 1.5 times of that without catalyst. [Display omitted] • CuO–ZnO improved the gasification efficiency and H 2 production from lignin. • The priority of CuO–ZnO synthesis: sol-gel > co-precipitation > deposition precipitation. • Increasing CuO ratio improved gasification efficiency, but reduced H 2 selectivity. • The increase of calcination temperature above 600 °C reduced the catalytic activity. • Mixing ethanol and PEG in the solvent in catalyst preparation improved the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified that Th17/Treg cells were involved in the occurrence and development of Graves' disease (GD). This study aimed at clarifying the association between GD susceptibility and nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Th17/Treg cell-related genes, including IL2RA, miR27a, miR182, and FoxO1. A two-stage association study was performed in 650 GD patients and 1300 healthy controls. PCR–RFLP assays, real-time PCR, and ELISA were performed. In the first stage, association analysis has identified that IL2RA/rs3118470 TT genotype (Pc = 0.027, OR = 1.688) and IL2RA/rs2104286 AA genotype (Pc = 0.027, OR = 1.658) has significantly increased frequencies in patients with GD than control subjects. In the second stage, the result of rs2104286 was consistent with the first-stage results (AA genotype: Pc = 0.006, OR = 1.618). The combined data showed that IL2RA/rs2104286 AA genotype had increased frequencies in patients with GD (Pc = 8.772 × 10−6, OR = 1.636). Stratification analysis also revealed that rs2104286 AA genotype was significantly associated with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) susceptibility (Pc = 9.150 × 10−4, OR = 1.851). Functional studies showed that carriers of the rs2104286 AA genotype had lower IL2RA mRNA expression than AG genotype carriers (P = 0.021). Cytokine analyses revealed that the rs2104286 AA genotype individuals had lower IL-10 levels (P = 0.015) and increased IL-17 levels than AG genotype carriers (P = 1.467 × 10−4). In conclusion, our findings suggested that IL2RA/rs2104286 was associated with GD and GO susceptibility in Southwest Chinese Han population, which may be involved in the occurrence of GD and GO by affecting the mRNA expression of IL2RA gene and the cytokine production. Key messages: We identified that IL2RA/rs2104286 locus contributed to the predisposition of Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Functional analyses suggested that IL2RA/rs2104286 may participate in the occurrence of GD and GO by affecting the mRNA expression of IL2RA and cytokine (IL-10 and IL-17) secretion. We found that IL2RA (rs3118470, rs7093069), miR27a/rs895819, miR182/rs76481776, and FoxO1 (rs2297626, rs17592236, rs9549241, rs12585277) loci polymorphisms were not associated with GD susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) provides an important source of energy to promote the growth of leukemia cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a(CPT1a), a rate-limiting enzyme of the essential step of FAO, can facilitate cancer metabolic adaptation. Previous reports demonstrated that CPT1a acts as a potential molecular target in solid tumors and hematologic disease. However, no systematic study was conducted to explore the prognostic value of CPT1a expression and possible treatment strategies with CPT1a inhibitor on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Methods: The expression of CPT1a in 325 cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) patients was evaluated using RT-PCR. The combination effects of ST1326 and ABT199 were studied in AML cells and primary patients. MTS was used to measure the cell proliferation rate. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the apoptosis rate. Western blot was used to measure the expression of Mcl-1. RNAseq and GC-TOFMS were used for genomic and metabolic analysis.Results: In this study, we found AML patients with high CPT1a expression (n = 245) had a relatively short overall survival (P = 0.01) compared to patients in low expression group (n = 80). In parallel, downregulation of CPT1a inhibits proliferation of AML cells. We also conducted genomic and metabolic interactive analysis in AML patients, and found several essential genes and pathways related to aberrant expression of CPT1a. Moreover, we found downregulation of CPT1a sentitized BCL-2 inhibitor ABT199 and CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with ABT199 had a strong synergistic effect to induce apoptosis in AML cells and primary patient blasts for the first time. The underlying synergistic mechanism might be that ST1326 inhibits pGSK3β and pERK expression, leading to downregulation of Mcl-1.Conclusion: Our study indicates that overexpression of CPT1a predicts poor clinical outcome in AML. CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT199 showed strong synergistic inhibitory effects on AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]