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Evaluating the effect of the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) on the decarbonization of the power sector is a basic task in the construction of China’s ETS. We use the energy flow relationship between the power and heat sectors to develop a more accurate accounting framework for CO2 emissions in the power sector and employ the difference-in-differences method to evaluate the impact of China’s ETS on CO2 emissions in the power sector and its dynamic effect. On this basis, we explore the mechanisms by which the ETS facilitates the decarbonization of the power sector, as well as its heterogeneous impacts. We find that the ETS has significantly promoted the decarbonization of the power sector, reducing its CO2 emissions in the pilot provinces by approximately 24.53 Mt compared to the non-pilot provinces. The decarbonization effect of the ETS was continuous and strengthened. In addition, the ETS promotes decarbonization of the power sector through technological advances in power generation and electricity utilization. Finally, the ETS’s decarbonization effect on the power sector is influenced by the heterogeneity of regions, carbon prices and quota allocation methods. Our findings have beneficial implications for the construction of carbon markets in the context of carbon neutralisation and carbon peaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type I interferons (IFN-I) play pivotal roles in tumor therapy for three decades, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the IFN-1 signaling pathway in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the specific mechanism by which IFN-I contributes to these therapies, particularly in terms of activating dendritic cells (DCs), remains unclear. Based on recent studies, aberrant DNA in the cytoplasm activates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, which in turn produces IFN-I, which is essential for antiviral and anticancer immunity. Notably, STING can also enhance anticancer immunity by promoting autophagy, inflammation, and glycolysis in an IFN-I-independent manner. These research advancements contribute to our comprehension of the distinctions between IFN-I drugs and STING agonists in the context of oncology therapy and shed light on the challenges involved in developing STING agonist drugs. Thus, we aimed to summarize the novel mechanisms underlying cGAS-STING-IFN-I signal activation in DC-mediated antigen presentation and its role in the cancer immune cycle in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-based materials have been considered as reinforcement for cement-based materials due to its excellent properties. In this paper, the effects of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based composites are investigated. The results reveal that the incorporation of 0.02 wt% GO and GNPs can enhance the flexural strength by 16.3% and 11.6%, respectively. In addition, GO and GNPs can fill the cracks and form a compacted microstructure in cement mortars. Furthermore, the enhanced mechanism of calcium silicate hydrate composite (C–S–H), which is the main production of cement hydration, is studied by reaction molecular dynamics. The results from simulation show that Young's modulus and tensile strength of C–S–H are enhanced by 32.1% and 23.8% with the incorporation of GO, because the hydrogen-bonds (H-bonds) linkages and Ca2+ near the interface surface play an important role to improve the interface adhesion and transfer more loads between GO and C–S–H. Comparatively, the graphene nanosheet unremarkable enhances the mechanical behaviour of C–S–H composite due to poor binding in the interlayer region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound closure in fluid‐rich and dynamic environments is challenging. Wound closed by suturing or stapling is prone to tear, causing fluid leakage and inflection. Despite recent advances in tissue adhesive for wound sealing, existing tissue adhesive hydrogels are too soft and stretchable to keep wound edges together under dynamic loading. Here a biodegradable gradient modulus tissue adhesive composite (GmTAC), consisting of three functional components including a tissue adhesive matrix, a gradient modulus micro‐mesh, and an oil‐infused anti‐adhesion surface is presented. The 100 µm thick GmTAC patch can rapidly adhere on wet tissue surface to seal the wound, protect the wound from dynamic tear, prevent adhesion with surrounding tissue, and gradually degrade without the need of patch retrieval. Moreover, an optimally designed GmTAC patch can make the wounded intestine deform like its intact counterpart without visible tear or stress concentration even under large tension or inflation. Efficacy of the GmTAC for wound closure and tear prevention in dynamic and fluid‐rich environments is verified in vitro and in vivo with simulation. This study thereby demonstrates that this strategy has the great potential for the management of challenging wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics (BLSF) are promising high-temperature piezoelectric materials, in which large piezoelectricity, good thermal stability and high electrical resistivity are desired. Here highly textured CaBi 4 Ti 4 O 15 BLSF ceramics with orientation factor of 82% have been fabricated by spark plasma sintering technique. The piezoelectric coefficient d 33 is significantly enhanced by 250%, from 7.2 pC/N for the texture-less sample to 25.3 pC/N for the textured one, accompanied by a high Curie temperature T C = 788 °C. The variation of d 33 is below 5% in the temperature range of 25–500 °C, showing excellent thermal stability. The textured sample exhibits high electrical resistivity ρ = 2.1 × 1011 Ω·cm, an order of magnitude larger than that of the texture-less sample. At the temperature as high as 500 °C, the textured sample still maintains excellent electrical properties of d 33 = 24.2 pC/N, tan δ = 9.9% and ρ = 2.7 × 106 Ω·cm, suggesting that the textured CaBi 4 Ti 4 O 15 ceramics could be a potential candidate for high-temperature piezoelectric sensor or detector applications. • Textured CaBi 4 Ti 4 O 15 ceramics are fabricated by spark plasma sintering technique. • Piezoelectricity is enhanced by 250% without reducing Curie Temperature. • Large piezoelectricity, low loss and high resistivity are maintained at 500 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) refers to one of the most common tumors in male's genitourinary system. Emerging research has confirmed that circRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the correlation between circular RNA circITGA7 and PCa still remains unclear. Here, the role of circITGA7 in PCa was explored and the underlying mechanism was investigated as well. The circRNA expression profiles in PCa and the paracancerous tissues were established by high-throughput sequencing. The expression levels of circITGA7 in PCa tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, EdU, and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the effects of circITGA7 on PCa cell proliferation. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis on downstream target genes was carried out. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the direct relationship between miR-370-3p and circITGA7 or P21CIP1. The present results demonstrated that circITGA7 was downregulated in PCa tissues and cells. Gain- or loss-of-function assays showed that circITGA7 inhibited the proliferation of PCa cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, circITGA7 served as a sponge for miR-370-3p, and miR-370-3p could target P21CIP1 in PCa cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation induced by circITGA7 could be reversed by transfecting miR-370-3p mimic. Collectively, our data indicated that circITGA7 played an important role in inhibiting tumor proliferation in PCa and might be a potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations nowadays are under immense external pressure due to advancements in information technology, making it precarious. It also inserts extra pressure to keep the employees motivated and productive. Therefore, while information technology benefits the organization, it also challenges the organization and employees more. In order to meet these challenges, many organizations have begun to flatten their organizational structures and decentralized their management approaches. This study collected 336 valid questionnaires from 20 service companies. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were tested. In addition, the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Relevant analysis and empirical analysis were also carried out using hierarchical regression. The study finds that (1) Goal-setting participation positively affects employees' proactive behavior. (2) Perceived insider status plays a mediating role between goal-setting participation and employee proactive behavior. (3) The power distance positively modifies the goal-setting participation in the relationship of employee's perceived insider status. (4) Power distance positively moderates perceived insider status in the relationship of goal-setting participation on employee proactive behavior through perceived insider status. This research applies goal-setting theory and social cognition theory to build a theoretical framework for the influence mechanism of goal-setting participation on employee's proactive behavior. Expands the application scope of fundamental theoretical research and improve understanding of the relationship between goal-setting participation and employee's proactive behavior. The research conclusions help organizations understand the formation mechanism of employees' proactive behaviors, strengthen the focus on goal-setting participation, and optimize the relationship between leaders and employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene films, with their well‐defined microstructures and chemical functionality, provide a macroscale use of nano‐sized Ti3C2Tx flakes. Ti3C2Tx films have attractive physicochemical properties favorable for device design, such as high electrical conductivity (up to 20 000 S cm–1), impressive volumetric capacitance (1500 F cm–3), strong in‐plane mechanical strength (up to 570 MPa), and a high degree of flexibility. Here, the appealing features of Ti3C2Tx‐based films enabled by the layer‐to‐layer arrangement of nanosheets are reviewed. We devote attention to the key strategies for actualizing desirable characteristics in Ti3C2Tx‐based functional films, such as high and tunable electrical conductivity, outstanding mechanical properties, enhanced oxidation‐resistance and shelf life, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, adjustable porosity, and convenient processability. This review further discusses fundamental aspects and advances in the applications of Ti3C2Tx‐based films with a focus on illuminating the relationship between the structural features and the resulting performances for target applications. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in terms of future research, development, and applications of Ti3C2Tx‐based films are suggested. A comprehensive understanding of these competitive features and challenges shall provide guidelines and inspiration for the further development of Ti3C2Tx‐based functional films, and contribute to the advances in MXene technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing scale of satellites and the increasing demand for Earth observation have led to significant interest in the problem of online multi-task scheduling for Earth observation satellites. Presently, task scheduling mostly relies on meta-heuristic and reinforcement learning algorithms. However, meta-heuristic algorithms possess slow convergence speed and are not suitable for multi-task scheduling scenarios, while reinforcement learning algorithms are unable to ensure solution quality due to unstable environmental states. In this study, we propose an innovative online micro-batch scheduling framework based on pre-trained reinforcement learning model (PTMB). This framework splits the satellite scheduling issue into two phases: task decision-making and task allocation. We leverage the micro-batch processing mode and introduce a pre-trained Markov decision model during the task decision-making phase. Additionally, we incorporate resource pre-allocation, task sequencing, task order shuffle, and other strategies to enhance the overall solution quality. Simulation experiments reveal a significant enhancement in performance of our proposed method. Specifically, when dealing with task sizes of 100 and 300, the task scheduling reward of the proposed framework surpasses that of the improved genetic algorithm by 11.5% and 0.4%, respectively, while reducing time consumption by 97.8% and 99.3%. Furthermore, our framework surpasses online reinforcement learning scheduling method, which is also based on Markov decision process model, achieving improvements of 55.1%, 5.6%, and 15.6% in task scheduling reward and reductions in time consumed by 94.9%, 96.7%, and 99.1% at task sizes of 100, 300, and 500, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, China's municipal solid waste (MSW) management system has been changing from mixed collection and treatment system into separated collection and treatment system. Therefore, the source separated ability of MSW, the relevant policies of MSW classification and the MSW management system are still in the stage of exploration and improvement. This study chooses to integrate waste pickers (WPs) from the informal sector into the MSW management system, so that they can conduct secondary sorting of waste as a supplement to source separation. However, the existing research does not provide a method that allows the evaluation of integrated WPs from a dynamic and long-term perspective. In this paper, the system dynamics model of MSW management is improved to provide the ability to analyze the long-term evolution of social economic benefits of integrating WPs for secondary sorting. Taking Tianjin as an example, the scenario analysis is carried out. The results show that, on the basis of the existing mixed management mode, integrating WPs for secondary sorting (80% separated rate) can reduce the waste management cost per ton by 55 yuan in 2030. Under the current situation in Tianjin where the source separation rate of food waste is 20% and the source separation rate of recyclable waste is 60%, integrating WPs can reduce the social economic cost of Tianjin's urban MSW management system by 422.45 million yuan per year from 2022 to 2030. In addition, the results show that even if the source separated rate of food and recyclable waste increases, there is still room for 20%–80% increase in wages based on giving WPs a salary higher than the national per capita disposable income in 2022. This study provides a basis for integrating WPs into Tianjin MSW management system, as well as methods and quantitative tools to integrate WPs for cities in developing countries. • Dynamics model was developed to analyze the contribution of secondary sorting of WPs. • MSW generation and disposal as well as social economic benefits in Tianjin were simulated. • WPs reduce the social economic cost 422.45 million yuan per year in Tianjin's MSW. • Even with rising labor costs, the social economic benefits of WPs are significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of regional carbon emissions and the optimization of development paths are particularly important. Regional heterogeneity leads to different links between carbon emissions and population, economy, industry, energy, environment, and other factors. However, most of the previous studies carried out the accounting, factor decomposition, prediction, and decision-making of regional carbon emissions alone, which failed to form the sustainable assessment of regional carbon emissions. Therefore, the carbon emissions coefficient, Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index, system dynamics model and Interlink Decision Making Index were selected in this study to establish the regional carbon emissions systems framework. In this study, a mega-city such as Tianjin was taken as an example, the comprehensive assessment and prediction of regional carbon emissions system was carried out. The results show the change in energy intensity had the strongest mitigation effect, reducing carbon emissions by 106.17 million tons in total, and the per capita GDP effect had the strongest promotion effect, with a cumulative contribution of 265.19 million tons of carbon emissions. Among all 13 scenarios in Tianjin, Scenario-12 is identified as the optimal development path and provides policy suggestions. The results of this study not only verify the effectiveness and necessity of the framework, but also provide guidance tools for regional carbon emissions development. The results of this study validate the effectiveness and necessity of the framework to provide guidance for the regional carbon emissions development path. The results of the case also provide help for the optimization of Tianjin's carbon emissions development path. • A regional carbon emissions framework was established to analyze, predict, and optimize carbon emissions. • Energy intensity and per capita GDP are the main mitigating and promoting factors of Tianjin's carbon emissions. • The scenario which can simultaneously achieve the target of carbon peak and high-quality economic growth was selected. • Six policy suggestions for achieving the target of carbon peak in Tianjin were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Compared with monolithic metal sheet, Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) of bimetal composite sheet has attracted increasing attention, as it takes advantages of materials with different superior properties, such as high strength, low density, and good corrosion resistance. However, deformation behaviors of bimetal composite sheet in SPIF may differ from the single-layer sheet, which depends on the layer arrangements and mechanical properties of each layer. In this regard, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the deformation behaviors of roll-bonded Cu-Al composite sheets in SPIF through predictive modeling, including analytical, empirical as well as numerical approaches, and extensive experimental work taking into consideration effects of key process parameters. It was demonstrated that overall, the formability, surface roughness, thickness variation and forming force in different layer arrangements, in terms of various process parameters, follow the similar trends to single-layer sheets. However, it was further revealed that deformation mode of layer-up sheet tends to a compression state and that of layer-down sheet tends to a stretching state. This leads to higher formability and larger forming force in Al/Cu layer arrangement compared to Cu/Al layer arrangement, as the exterior thinner but stronger Cu layer could endure more stretching deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, volatile organic compound (VOC) control directives have been continuously released and implemented for important sources and regions to tackle air pollution. The corresponding control requirements were based on VOC emission amounts (EA), but never considered the significant differentiation of VOC species in terms of atmospheric chemical reactivity. This will adversely influence the effect of VOC reduction on air quality improvement. Therefore, this study attempted to develop a comprehensive classification method for typical VOC sources in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH), by combining the VOC emission amounts with the chemical reactivities of VOC species. Firstly, we obtained the VOC chemical profiles by measuring 5 key sources in the BTH region and referencing another 10 key sources, and estimated the ozone formation potential (OFP) per ton VOC emission for these sources by using the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) index as the characteristic of source reactivity (SR). Then, we applied the data normalization method to respectively convert EA and SR to normalized EA (NEA) and normalized SR (NSR) for various sources in the BTH region. Finally, the control index (CI) was calculated, and these sources were further classified into four grades based on the normalized CI (NCI). The study results showed that in the BTH region, furniture coating, automobile coating, and road vehicles are characterized by high NCI and need to be given more attention; however, the petro-chemical industry, which was designated as an important control source by air quality managers, has a lower NCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes have been considered as a promising electrode material for Na+ or K+ storage due to their high conductivity, large specific surface area and unique 2D layered structure. However, their tendency to restacking limits the penetration of electrolyte, resulting in poor energy storage capacity. In efforts to overcome this obstacle and take full advantage of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, herein, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/CNT hybrid has been rationally fabricated as the anode for high-performance sodium- and potassium-ion storage through a surfactant-free assembly strategy assisted by hydrochloric acid (HCl). The HCl-assisted assembly can realize the assembly of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene and CNT on the nanoscale to make full use of the advantages of CNT as a spacer. Moreover, highly conductive CNT can also provide more diffusion paths for electrons and sodium/potassium ions. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between CNT and Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes, the Ti 3 C 2 T x /CNT hybrid has exhibited excellent electrochemical properties for sodium- and potassium-ion storage. It is worth emphasizing that the Ti 3 C 2 T x /CNT electrode also has superior rate capability, which outperforms that of most reported literatures. This work proposes a new strategy for introducing CNT between MXene layers, which could be expected to be an effective strategy to exert the attracting surface functionality for target applications. [Display omitted] ● Ti 3 C 2 T x /CNT hybrid has been fabricated by a surfactant-free assembly strategy assisted by hydrochloric acid (HCl). ● The HCl-assisted assembly realizes the assembly of Ti 3 C 2 T x and CNT on the nanoscale without contaminating the surface of Ti 3 C 2 T x. ● Ti 3 C 2 T x /CNT hybrids exhibit superior rate capability outperforming that of most reported literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic biological interfaces of the fructose-responsive immunomagnetic beads are capable to realize a fructose-triggered molecule change and the captured exosomes with high purity can be released biofriendly and efficiently. [Display omitted] • Fructose-responsive dynamic biological interfaces were constructed to functionalize the immunomagnetic beads. • Fabricated immunomagnetic beads enabled high-efficient exosome capture and release under mild conditions. • Released exosomes remained good bioactivity, higher purity and better preservation of tumorous molecular information. Enrichment of exosomes with high structural and functional integrity is a critically important step before downstream applications in biological and clinical domains. In this work, dynamic biological interfaces functionalized fructose-responsive immunomagnetic beads (Fr-IMBs) were fabricated by incorporating the dynamic biological interfaces composed of dopamine and 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid with immunomagnetic beads. These fabricated Fr-IMBs were successfully applied to capture the MCF-7 exosomes with a high capture efficacy of 91.0%. After incubation with fructose, the molecular structure of the dopamine-boronic acid complexation can be rearranged and the antibody (anti-CD63) bound exosomes were released competitively, with a yield greater than 79.8%. Those exosomes that underwent both immunomagnetic separation and fructose triggered release remained their good bioactivity to promote MCF-7 cell migration. Better yet, exosomes enriched by Fr-IMBs possessed higher purity and better preservation of tumor-related molecular information of the exosomal proteins than those obtained through the ultracentrifugation approach, as proved by the comparative proteomics. These proposed sugar-responsive immunomagnetic beads may serve as biofriendly candidates in enriching useful biomarkers (e.g., cells, nucleic acids, proteins, etc.) efficiently from complex biological samples with high purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of addressing climate change and promoting high-quality development, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) on China's total factor productivity (TFP). Based on a quasi-experimental design, we provide firm-level evidence of TFP improvement from China's pilot ETSs. Using panel data of Chinese listed firms during 2009–2018, the difference-in-differences method is adopted to evaluate the impact of ETS on the firm-level TFP. The results show that the ETS significantly improves the firm-level TFP, increasing it in pilot regions by approximately 14% when compared with non-pilot regions. Further analysis shows that this improvement is not affected by the heterogeneity of firms' ownership, but by industrial heterogeneity. Moreover, this improvement is realized by promoting firms' operating and profitability capacity. We also find that the impact of ETS on firm-level TFP is stable and exhibits no time lag. Our findings not only improve the effectiveness evaluation framework of the Chinese ETS, but also have some implications for how to promote the construction of a national carbon emissions trading market in the context of high-quality development. [Display omitted] • We evaluate the impact of China's ETS on firm-level TFP with the DID method. • ETS significantly improve the firm-level TFP in the pilot regions. • The policy effects are affected by the heterogeneity across industries. • The impact of the ETS on firm-level TFP is stable and exhibits no time lag. • The promotion of firm-level TFP by the ETS does not stem from innovation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is an important pathological process in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI). Theaflavin (TF) is the main active pigment and polyphenol in black tea. It has been widely reported because of its biological activity that can reduce oxidative stress and protect against many diseases. Here, we explored the role of theaflavin in the pathological process of RIRI. In the present study, the RIRI model of 45 min ischemia and 24 h reperfusion was established in C57BL/6 J male mice, and theaflavin was used as an intervention. Compared with the RIRI group, the renal filtration function, renal tissue damage and antioxidant capacity of the theaflavin intervention group were significantly improved, while the level of apoptosis was reduced. TCMK-1 cells were incubated under hypoxia for 48 h and then reoxygenated for 6 h to simulate RIRI in vitro. The application of theaflavin significantly promoted the translocation of p53 from cytoplasm to nucleus, upregulated the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) in cells, and inhibited oxidative stress damage and apoptosis. Transfection with p53 siRNA can partially inhibit the effect of theaflavin. Thus, theaflavin exerted a protective effect against RIRI by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress via regulating the p53/GPx-1 pathway. We conclude that theaflavin has the potential to become a candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of RIRI. [Display omitted] • Theaflavin exerts beneficial effects in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. • Theaflavin can inhibit the overproduction of reactive oxygen species in renal cells induced by hypoxia reperfusion. • Theaflavin can alleviate apoptosis induced by H/R or RIRI. • Theaflavin promote the translocation of p53 from cytoplasm to nucleus and activate the p53/GPx-1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Room temperature graphene oxide-assisted assembly of 3D Ti3C2Tx MXene aerogels have been realized by introducing interfacial mediators (amino-propyltriethoxysilane, Mn2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Co2+). The methodology not only suppresses the oxidation degradation of Ti3C2Tx, but also generates porous aerogels with a high Ti3C2Tx content (87 wt%) and robustness. As freestanding electrode of the as-prepared Ti3C2Tx-based aerogel with a practical-level mass loading of 12.3 mg cm-2 still delivers an areal capacity of 1.26 mAh cm-2 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. Low-temperature assembly of MXene nanosheets into three-dimensional (3D) robust aerogels addresses the crucial stability concern of the nano-building blocks during the fabrication process, which is of key importance for transforming the fascinating properties at the nanoscale into the macroscopic scale for practical applications. Herein, suitable cross-linking agents (amino-propyltriethoxysilane, Mn2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Co2+) as interfacial mediators to engineer the interlayer interactions are reported to realize the graphene oxide (GO)-assisted assembly of Ti3C2Tx MXene aerogel at room temperature. This elaborate aerogel construction not only suppresses the oxidation degradation of Ti3C2Tx but also generates porous aerogels with a high Ti3C2Tx content (87 wt%) and robustness, thereby guaranteeing the functional accessibility of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and operational reliability as integrated functional materials. In combination with a further sulfur modification, the Ti3C2Tx aerogel electrode shows promising electrochemical performances as the freestanding anode for sodium-ion storage. Even at an ultrahigh loading mass of 12.3 mg cm−2, a pronounced areal capacity of 1.26 mAh cm−2 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 has been achieved, which is of practical significance. This work conceptually suggests a new way to exert the utmost surface functionalities of MXenes in 3D monolithic form and can be an inspiring scaffold to promote the application of MXenes in different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on aerosol-radiation interactions over six cities in this region within the 2015–2019 period. WRF-Chem simulations on 2017 showed that based on the six-city average, the aerosol load (PM 2.5 concentrations) of 121.9, 49.6, 43.3, and 66.3 µg/m3 in January, April, July, and October, mainly lowered the level of downward shortwave radiation by 38.9, 24.0, 59.1, and 24.4 W/m2 and reduced the boundary layer height by 79.9, 40.8, 87.4, and 31.0 m, via scattering and absorbing solar radiation. The sensitivity of meteorological changes to identical aerosol loads varied in the order July > January > October and April. Then, the cooling and stabilizing effects of aerosols further led to increases in PM 2.5 , by 23.0, 3.4, 4.6, and 7.3 µg/m3 respectively in the four months. The sensitivity of the effect of aerosols on PM 2.5 was greatest in January rather than in July, contrary to the effect on meteorology. Moreover, a negative linear relation was observed between daily BLH reductions and aerosol loads in fall and winter, and between PM 2.5 increases and aerosol loads in all seasons. With the PM 2.5 pollution improvements in this region, the aerosol radiative forcing was effectively reduced. This should result in daily BLH increases of 10–24 m in fall and winter, and the estimates in Beijing agreed well with the corresponding results based on AMDAR data. Additionally, the reduction in aerosol radiation effects brought about daily PM 2.5 decreases of 1.6-2.8 µg/m3, accounting for 7.0%–17.7% in PM 2.5 improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of composite cement materials to resist erosion by chloride ions is a critical factor in evaluating their dependability. This study aims to examine the influence of graphene oxide on the transportation of water molecules and chloride ions in modified cement composites. Molecular dynamics analysis suggests that graphene oxide can effectively bond to the substrate of hydrated calcium silicate gel pores, which forms a stronger confined fluid zone under the action of electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces. Graphene oxide has negatively charged oxygen functional groups on its surface, and within a certain size range, it becomes more effective at restricting the penetration of water molecules and chloride ions. In addition, chloride solution immersion experiments were performed on graphene oxide modified cement mortar. The results demonstrated that a small quantity of graphene oxide can significantly improve the resistance of modified cement mortar to chloride ion erosion, whereas excessive amounts are detrimental, which aligns with the simulation results. It is hoped that this study will provide valuable insights into the use of graphene oxide nanoparticles in the corrosion protection of cement composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries are still hampered by severe shuttle effects and sluggish kinetics. Most of the sulfur hosts require high cost and complex synthesis process. Herein, a facile method is proposed to prepare a phosphorous doped porous carbon (CSBP) with abundant defect sites from camellia shell by oxidation pretreatment combined with H3PO4 activation. The pretreatment can introduce pores and adjust the structure of biochar precursor, which facilitates the further activation of H3PO4 and effectively avoids the occurrence of large agglomeration. Profiting from the synergistic effects of physical confinement and doping effect, the prepared CSBP/S cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 804 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C and still maintains an outstanding capacity of 458 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C (1 C = 1675 mA g−1). This work provides new insights into the rational design of the microstructures of carbon hosts for high-performance room temperature sodium–sulfur batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D monolithic Ti 3 C 2 T x /RGO hybrid hydrogel has been fabricated by a room-temperature GO-assisted gelation method with l -cysteine and Na 2 S, which exhibited excellent performances as self-standing anode for electrochemical sodium-ion storage. [Display omitted] • 3D Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/RGO hydrogels have been successfully fabricated at room temperature by introducing Na 2 S as the primary reducing agent and l -cysteine as the auxiliary crosslinker. • This room-temperature gelation method not only effectively inhibits the restacking problem of MXene, but also simultaneously avoids the oxidation issue of MXene. • The resulting aerogels with excellent structural robustness can be used as the self-standing electrode, which delivered remarkable specific capacity and excellent cycling stability for sodium-ion storage. Assembling two-dimensional (2D) MXene nanosheets into monolithic three-dimensional (3D) structures is an efficient pathway to transfer the nanoscale properties to practical applications. Nevertheless, the majority of the preparation schemes described in the literature are carried out at relatively high temperatures, which inevitably leads to the notorious high-temperature oxidation issue of MXenes. Preparing MXene-based hydrogels at lower temperatures or even room temperature is of great research importance. In this study, we report a novel and efficient room-temperature gelation method for fabricating 3D macro-porous Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrid hydrogels, using anhydrous sodium sulfide (Na 2 S) as the primary reducing agent and l -cysteine as the auxiliary crosslinker. This room-temperature preparation technique successfully prevents the oxidation issue of MXenes and generates porous aerogels with excellent structural robustness after freeze-drying. As the self-standing anode for sodium-ion storage, the optimized 3D Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/RGO electrode possesses a specific capacity of 152 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and good cycling stability with no significant capacity degradation after 500 cycles, which is significantly higher than that of the vacuum-filtered MXene film. This work demonstrates a straightforward room-temperature gelation method for constructing 3D MXene-based hydrogels to avoid the oxidation of MXenes, and casts new insight on the mechanism of the graphene oxide (GO)-assisted gelation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme 2C (UBE2C) is an emerging target gene for tumor progression. However, the tumorigenic effect and mechanism of UBE2C in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains unclear. Systematic investigation of the tumorigenic effect of UBE2C may help in understanding its prognostic value in adrenocortical carcinoma. First, we exploited the intersection on DFS-related genes, OS-related genes, highly expressed genes in adrenocortical carcinoma as well as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal, and then obtained 20 candidate genes. UBE2C was identified to be the most significant DEG between tumor and normal. It is confirmed that high expression of UBE2C was strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients with ACC by analyzing RNA-seq data of ACC obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database implemented by ACLBI Web-based Tools. UBE2C expression could also promote m6A modification and stemness in ACC. We found that UBE2C expression is positively associated with the expression of CDC20, CDK1, and CCNA2 using ACLBI Web-based Tools, indicated the hyperactive cell cycle progression present in ACC with high UBE2C expression. In addition, UBE2C knockdown could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT of adrenocortical carcinoma cells as well as the cell cycle progression in vitro. Notably, pan-cancer analysis also identified UBE2C as an oncogene in various tumors. Taken together, UBE2C was strongly associated with poor prognosis of patients with ACC by promoting cell cycle progression and EMT. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the development of UBE2C as a molecular target for the treatment of ACC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooking process can produce abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to environment and human health. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis in which VOCs emissions from multiple cuisines have been sampled based on the simulation and acquisition platform, involving concentration characteristics, ozone formation potential (OFP) and purification efficiency assessments. VOCs emissions varied from 1828.5 to 14,355.1 µg/m3, with the maximum and minimum values from Barbecue and Family cuisine, respectively. Alkanes and alcohol had higher contributions to VOCs from Sichuan and Hunan cuisine (64.1%), Family cuisine (66.3%), Shandong cuisine (69.1%) and Cantonese cuisine (69.8%), with the dominant VOCs species of ethanol, isobutane and n-butane. In comparison, alcohols (79.5%) were abundant for Huaiyang cuisine, while alkanes (19.7%), alkenes (35.9%) and haloalkanes (22.9%) accounted for higher proportions from Barbecue. Specially, carbon tetrachloride, n-hexylene and 1-butene were the most abundant VOCs species for Barbecue, ranging from 8.8% to 14.6%. The highest OFP occurred in Barbecue. The sensitive species of OFP for Huaiyang cuisine were alcohols, while other cuisines were alkenes. Purification efficiency assessments shed light on the removal differences of individual and synergistic control technologies. VOCs emissions exhibited a strong dependence on the photocatalytic oxidation, with the removal efficiencies of 29.0%–54.4%. However, the high voltage electrostatic, wet purification and mechanical separation techniques played a mediocre or even counterproductive role in the VOCs reduction, meanwhile collaborative control technologies could not significantly improve the removal efficiency. Our results identified more effective control technologies, which were conductive to alleviating air pollution from cooking emissions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The violate organic compounds (VOCs) emission from co-processing cement kiln has not been comprehensively investigated and evaluated. In this study, we sampled and determined the VOCs emitted from a typical co-processing cement kiln in Beijing, China. VOCs characteristics, ozone formation potential (OFP), and main odor components for the emitted gas were analyzed. Additionally, a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) was innovatively applied to estimate the priority VOCs. The study shows that aromatic (36.6%) and oxygen contained VOCs (O-VOCs) (30.3%) were the most abundant VOCs, with a high average concentration of benzene (1622.0 μg/m3) and acrolein (1105.5 μg/m3). Acrolein, propene, benzene, 1-butane, and 1,3-butadiene were the dominate OFP compounds, with the corresponding average OFP concentration of 8325.6, 3768.2, 1167.9, 1065.9, and 1027.2 μg/m3, respectively. Acrolein was also found to be the dominate main odor component. Eleven VOCs, including one O-VOC, one halohydrocarbon, and nine alkenes, were screened out by F-AHP. Alkene was the priority VOCs category and acrolein was the most important VOC in the stack gas. The results of this study are helpful to systematically understand the VOCs' characteristics, OFP, main odor components, and priority compounds of VOCs in the stack gas of co-processing cement kiln, and provide a new method for the screening of priority VOCs compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graphical abstract of sEVs capture and release by the constructed ISM-NPs. [Display omitted] Enriching small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with undamaged structure and function is a pivotal step for further applications in biological and clinical fields. It has prompted researchers to explore a carrier material that can efficiently capture sEVs while also gently release the captured sEVs. Here, 1-adamantylamine (1-ADA) responsive immuno-affinitive supramolecular magnetic nanoparticles (ISM-NPs) incorporating ternary host-guest complexation structures mediated by CB[8] were proposed to achieved the goal. In particular, the ternary host-guest complexation was constructed by the host molecule (cucurbit[8]uril, CB[8]) mediated assembly of two guest molecules (naphthol and bipyridine), and served as a cleavable bridge to connect the magnetic core and peripheral antibody. These constructed ISM-NPs performed well in the applications of capturing sEVs with a high capture efficiency of 85.5%. Further, the CB[8]-mediated ternary host-guest complexation structures can be disassembled with addition of the 1-ADA. Thus, the sEVs recognized by the anti-CD63 were released competitively, with a decent release efficiency more than 82%. The released sEVs kept intact morphology and exhibited appropriate size distribution and concentration. This supramolecular magnetic system, with 1-ADA responsive ternary host-guest complexation structures, may contribute to efficient enrichment of any other biomarkers, likely cells, proteins, peptides, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study made a field VOCs (volatile organic compounds) measurement for a petroleum refinery in Beijing by determining 56 PAMS VOCs, which are demanded for photochemical assessment in US, and obtained the characteristics of VOCs emitted from the whole refinery and from its inner main devices. During the monitoring period, this refinery brought about an average increase of 61 ppbv in the ambient TVOCs (sum of the PAMS VOCs) at the refinery surrounding area, while the background of TVOCs there was only 10–30 ppbv. In chemical profile, the VOCs emitted from the whole refinery was characteristic by isobutane (8.7%), n-butane (7.9%), isopentane (6.3%), n-pentane (4.9%%), n-hexane (7.6%), C6 branched alkanes (6.0%), propene (12.7%), 1-butene (4.1%), benzene (7.8%), and toluene (5.9%). On the other hand, the measurement for the inner 5 devices, catalytic cracking units (CCU2 and CCU3), catalytic reforming unit (CRU), tank farm (TF), and wastewater treatment(WT), revealed the higher level of VOCs pollutions (about several hundred ppbv of TVOCs), and the individual differences in VOCs chemical profiles. Based on the measured speciated VOCs data at the surrounding downwind area, PMF receptor model was applied to identify the VOCs sources in the refinery. Then, coupling with the VOCs chemical profiles measured at the device areas, we concluded that CCU1/3 contributes to 25.9% of the TVOCs at the surrounding downwind area by volume, followed by CCU2 (24.7%), CRU (18.9%), TF (18.3%) and WT (12.0%), which was accordant with the research of US EPA (2008). Finally, ozone formation potentials of the 5 devices were also calculated by MIR technique, which showed that catalytic cracking units, accounting for about 55.6% to photochemical ozone formation, should be given the consideration of VOCs control firstly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A field measurement campaign for ozone and ozone precursors (VOCs and NOx) was conducted in summer 2011 around a petroleum refinery in the Beijing rural region. Three observation sites were arranged, one at southwest of the refinery as the background, and two at northeast of the refinery as the downwind receptors. Monitoring data revealed the presence of serious surface O 3 pollution with the characteristics of high average daily mean and maximum concentrations (64.0 and 145.4 ppbV in no-rain days, respectively) and multi-peak diurnal variation. For NO x , the average hourly concentrations of NO 2 and NO were in the range of 20.5–46.1 and 1.8–6.4 ppbV, respectively. For VOC measurement, a total of 51 compounds were detected. Normally, TVOCs at the background site was only dozens of ppbC, while TVOCs at the downwind sites reached several hundreds of ppbC. By subtracting the VOC concentrations at background, chemical profiles of VOC emission from the refinery were obtained, mainly including alkanes (60.0% ± 4.3%), alkenes (21.1% ± 5.5%) and aromatics (18.9% ± 3.9%). Moreover, some differences in chemical profiles for the same measurement hours were observed between the downwind sites; the volume ratios of alkanes with low reactivity and those of alkenes with high reactivity respectively showed an increasing trend and a decreasing trend. Finally, based on temporal and spatial variations of VOC mixing ratios, their photochemical degradations and dispersion degradations were estimated to be 0.15–0.27 and 0.42–0.62, respectively, by the photochemical age calculation method, indicating stronger photochemical reactions around the refinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the Drag-Disturbed Flow device on the startup and operation of HDWT (H-Darrieus wind turbine). The device plays a crucial role in enhancing the startup performance of the HDWT and improving the overall wind energy utilization. This work presents a study where two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) evaluations are performed on various D-DF (Drag-Disturbed) devices. The HDWT utilizes the NACA0018 airfoil type, while the D-DF device employs triangular, oval, and NACA0018 airfoil structures. The text explains the installation process and operational principles of the D-DF device. It also verifies the device's meshing and accuracy. Furthermore, this study conducts 2-D simulations to analyze the impact of various D-DF devices on the moment and wind energy consumption coefficients of the HDWT. Additionally, the process by which D-DF devices enhance the performance of the HDWT is explained by an analysis of the vortex cloud diagram. The results indicate that the HDWTs equipped with D-DF devices experience significant performance improvements during the wind turbine startup phase. Specifically, the Drag blade effectively enhances the moment coefficient of the HDWTs at low tip speed ratios by an average of approximately 41.74 %. Additionally, once the HDWTs are started and operating at high tip speed ratios, all D-DF devices, except for the DF-Tri, can be utilized within the λ = 1.2–2 range to enhance the torque coefficient of the HDWT by an average of about 7.53 %. This study aims to improve the operating performance of the current HDWT, lower the wind turbine cut-in wind speed, and enhance the wind energy consumption of the turbine. • Innovative D-DF device enhances HDWT performance. • D-DF device increases wind energy utilization by 85.5 %. • Reduced dynamic stall effects at high tip speed ratio s. • D-DF device enhances HDWT torque by 41.74 % at low λ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pretraining on abundant 2D molecular graphs to enhance 3D tasks is explored. • The limitations of 3D molecular conformer generation are addressed. • Enhancements are proposed by expanding and pretraining molecular embeddings. • Chemical information is used to anchor molecular embeddings in chemistry principles. • Our approach yields advancements across evaluation metrics, setting new benchmarks. Predicting stable 3D molecular conformations from 2D molecular graphs is a challenging and resource-intensive task, yet it is critical for various applications, particularly drug design. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations set the standard for molecular conformation generation, yet they are computationally intensive. Deep learning offers more computationally efficient approaches, but struggles to match DFT accuracy, particularly on complex drug-like structures. Additionally, the steep computational demands of assembling 3D molecular datasets constrain the broader adoption of deep learning. This work aims to utilize the abundant 2D molecular graph datasets for pretraining a machine learning model, a step that involves initially training the model on a different task with a wealth of data before fine-tuning it for the target task of 3D conformation generation. We build on GeoMol, an end-to-end graph neural network (GNN) method for predicting atomic 3D structures and torsion angles. We examine the limitations of the GeoMol method and introduce new baselines to enhance molecular graph embeddings. Our computational results show that 2D molecular graph pretraining enhances the quality of generated 3D conformers, yielding a 7.7 % average improvement over state-of-the-art sequential methods. These advancements not only facilitate superior 3D conformation generation but also emphasize the potential of leveraging pretrained graph embeddings to boost performance in 3D chemical tasks with GNNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnSe/r-GO composite with SnSe nanorods anchoring on the r-GO surface by Sn–O–C and Sn–C bonds was prepared successfully by in-situ selenization of SnO 2 /r-GO precursor. When employed as lithium ion battery anode, SnSe/r-GO exhibits more superior electrochemical performance than SnO 2 /r-GO composite. [Display omitted] • SnSe/r-GO is prepared by in-situ selenization transformation from SnO 2 /r-GO. • SnSe nanorods are anchored on r-GO surface homogeneously via the Sn–O–C and Sn–C bonds. • The SnSe/r-GO demonstrates much better cycling and rate performance than SnO 2 /r-GO. SnSe is regarded as one of the promising anodes for the next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to high theoretical capacity and good conductivity. Herein, SnSe/r-GO composite is synthesized by in-situ selenization transformation from SnO 2 /r-GO and it displays the structure that SnSe nanorods are dispersed on the surface of r-GO homogeneously via the Sn–O–C and Sn–C bonds. The chemically bonded SnSe/r-GO demonstrates much better cycling and rate performance than SnO 2 /r-GO when used as LIBs anode. It can afford a high discharge capacity of 1196.4 mAh·g−1 in the first cycle and maintained at 606.6 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles. Even at high current density of 1000 mA·g−1, the specific capacity of SnSe/r-GO can reach to 423.8 mAh·g−1. This work provides an in situ synthesis strategy for high-performance tin-based material in the application of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulations for the air-solid two-phase flow in a horizontal pipe with a diameter of 125 mm and a length of 10 m were carried out using the Computational Particle Fluid Dynamics (CPFD) method. The deposition characteristics of particles in the pipe were investigated at various inlet flow rates and velocities, and the effect of the auxiliary inlet with different structural parameters on the evacuation of particles in the pipe after the auxiliary inlet was added to the horizontal pipe was compared. The results show that when the volume fraction of particles in the tube is less than 0.6, the flow of particles is relatively stable, and when the volume fraction of particles is greater than 0.8, the particles are seriously deposited and easily form a blockage; the auxiliary air inlet speed is proportional to the effect at the same tilt angle; when the air inlet speed is constant, the auxiliary air inlet angle increases from 35° to 55°, the effect of auxiliary air inlet increases and then decreases, and the effect of auxiliary air inlet reaches its peak at around 45°. The study's findings have implications for long-distance particle transport in horizontal pipelines. [Display omitted] • Severe sedimentary strata are formed when particle volume fractions exceed 0.8. • The efficiency of particle evacuation varies with the auxiliary air intake velocity. • At an angle of roughly 45°, the effect of supplemental air intake peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sn-C bonding coupled MXene/SnSe 2 composites with SnSe 2 nanosheets vertically dispersed on the MXene surface undergo structural reconstruction and pulverization during cycling process. The large layer spacing of MXene provides enough interior space for SnSe 2 networks and nanoparticles. This structure possesses more and faster ions diffusion channels, demonstrating enhanced Li+ storage kinetics. [Display omitted] • MXene/SnSe 2 bonded by Sn-C displays SnSe 2 nanosheets vertically dispersed on MXene. • MXene/SnSe 2 composite shows excellent lithium and potassium ions storage properties. • MXene/SnSe 2 undergo structural reconstruction and pulverization during cycling process. Sn-C bonding coupled MXene/SnSe 2 composite with SnSe 2 nanosheets vertically coating on the MXene surface was prepared successfully by the solvothermal method, in which MXene matrix etched separately by HF and LiF/HCl was used to explore the improving effect on the electrochemical performance of SnSe 2. It is found that MXene etched by HF acid shows more obvious accordion-like structure with larger layer spacing, and its composite with SnSe 2 demonstrates better lithium and potassium storage properties. When employed as potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) anode, MXene/SnSe 2 electrode can deliver a reversible capacity of 222.8 mAh·g−1 till 300 cycles at the current density of 200 mA·g−1. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), MXene/SnSe 2 could provide high reversible capacity (515.6 mAh·g−1 after 300 cycles at 200 mA·g−1) and rate capacity (1015.1 mAh·g−1 at 500 mA·g−1 and 496.2 mAh·g−1 at 5000 mA·g−1). Even at 2000 mA·g−1, the capacity of MXene/SnSe 2 can be maintained at 322.6 mAh·g−1 after 500 cycles. Further analysis by ex-situ SEM finds that the MXene/SnSe 2 electrode undergoes structural reconstruction at the high current density of 2000 mA·g−1. In the first few cycles, SnSe 2 nanosheets are changed into a network structure and then in-situ pulverized into many small nanoparticles, all which immerged on MXene surface and between layers. Although MXene/SnSe 2 electrode experiences structural transformation, it retains apparent layered structure. This provides a fast channel for electrons and ions migration, resulting in higher Li+ diffusion rate and diffusion-controlled storage capacity. It is believed that the work could be acted as a reference for design composite with MXene and used for anode as well as other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐performance anode materials for potassium‐based energy storage devices with long‐term cyclability requires combined innovations from rational material design to electrolyte optimization. A three‐dimensional K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx MXene with enlarged interlayer distance was constructed for efficient electrochemical potassium‐ion storage. We found that the optimized solvation structure of the concentrated ether‐based electrolyte leads to the formation of a thin and inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx electrode, which is beneficial for interfacial stability and reaction kinetics. As a proof of concept, 3D K+‐Ti3C2Tx//activated carbon (AC) potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) were assembled, which exhibited promising electrochemical performances. These results highlight the significant roles of both rational structure design and electrolyte optimization for highly reactive MXene‐based anode materials in energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐performance anode materials for potassium‐based energy storage devices with long‐term cyclability requires combined innovations from rational material design to electrolyte optimization. A three‐dimensional K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx MXene with enlarged interlayer distance was constructed for efficient electrochemical potassium‐ion storage. We found that the optimized solvation structure of the concentrated ether‐based electrolyte leads to the formation of a thin and inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx electrode, which is beneficial for interfacial stability and reaction kinetics. As a proof of concept, 3D K+‐Ti3C2Tx//activated carbon (AC) potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) were assembled, which exhibited promising electrochemical performances. These results highlight the significant roles of both rational structure design and electrolyte optimization for highly reactive MXene‐based anode materials in energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

l The potential maximum emissions of VOCs were 18,001 ton in Beijing. l The air pollutant emissions in asphalt mixing plants were determined. l The emissions of the base asphalt mixture constituted the largest category. l Road paving and service processes were the main source of VOCs emissions. l The spatial distribution of air pollutant emissions was analyzed. Improving our understanding of air pollutant emissions from the asphalt industry is critical for the development and implementation of pollution control policies. In this study, the spatial distribution of potential maximum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the complete life cycle of asphalt mixtures, as well as the particulate matter (PM), asphalt fume, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), VOCs, and benzoapyrene (BaP) emissions from typical processes (e.g., asphalt and concrete mixing stations, asphalt heating boilers, and asphalt storage tanks) in asphalt mixing plants, were determined in Beijing in 2017. The results indicated that the potential maximum emissions of VOCs in the complete life cycle of asphalt mixtures were 18,001 ton, with a large contribution from the districts of Daxing, Changping, and Tongzhou. The total emissions of PM, asphalt fume, NMHC, VOCs, and BaP from asphalt mixing plants were 3.1, 12.6, 3.1, 23.5, and 1.9 × 10−3 ton, respectively. The emissions of PM from asphalt and concrete mixing stations contributed the most to the total emissions. The asphalt storage tank was the dominant emission source of VOCs, accounting for 96.1% of the total VOCs emissions in asphalt mixing plants, followed by asphalt heating boilers. The districts of Daxing, Changping, and Shunyi were the dominant regions for the emissions of PM, asphalt fume, NMHC, and BaP, while the districts of Shunyi, Tongzhou, and Changping contributed the most emissions of VOCs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there have been a number of studies on bioretention during hot summer, with only few studies reported during low-temperature winters. The application of bioretention in cold areas still lacks effective guidance. In this study, runoff simulation experiments were conducted to explore the influence of wood chips filler and water treatment residue on the removal of runoff pollutants under different packing gradations and low temperature conditions. Under low temperature, nitrate nitrogen removal rate of wood chips filler decreased from 70% to 90% in autumn to −23%- 35% in winter, the total nitrogen removal rate decreased from 75 to 90% in autumn to 20%–50% in winter, the removal rate of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus exceeded 70% during the entire experiment. Water treatment residue filler maintained a high ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus removal rate during the experiment, with the total phosphorus removal rate above 90% and ammonia nitrogen removal rate above 80%. The bioretention effluent concentration of nitrate and total nitrogen was higher than 7.3 mg/L and 8.5 mg/L, respectively, most of the time. However, at low temperature, the COD removal rate of the two fillers was 25%–50%, which was very poor. Therefore, wood chips filler was observed to be better suited for the removal of nitrate and total nitrogen from the runoff, while water treatment residue had a better effect on the removal of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus in winter. Thus, for the application of bioretention in northern China, appropriate fillers should be selected considering the water quality characteristics of the area. [Display omitted] • The removal rate of NH 4 +-N and TP remained high at low temperature. • In winter the solid carbon can't enhance the removal of NO 3 −-N and TN. • The effect of packing gradation on water purification is not obvious. • At low temperature, bioretention could not effectively remove COD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐performance anode materials for potassium‐based energy storage devices with long‐term cyclability requires combined innovations from rational material design to electrolyte optimization. A three‐dimensional K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx MXene with enlarged interlayer distance was constructed for efficient electrochemical potassium‐ion storage. We found that the optimized solvation structure of the concentrated ether‐based electrolyte leads to the formation of a thin and inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the K+‐pre‐intercalated Ti3C2Tx electrode, which is beneficial for interfacial stability and reaction kinetics. As a proof of concept, 3D K+‐Ti3C2Tx//activated carbon (AC) potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) were assembled, which exhibited promising electrochemical performances. These results highlight the significant roles of both rational structure design and electrolyte optimization for highly reactive MXene‐based anode materials in energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which was one of the most common malignant tumors in urinary system, had gradually increased incidence and mortality in recent years. Although significant advances had been made in molecular and biology research on the pathogenesis of RCC, effective treatments and prognostic indicators were still lacking. In order to predict the prognosis of RCC better, we identified 17 genes that were associated with the overall survival (OS) of RCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and a 17-gene signature was developed. Through SurvExpress, we analyzed the expression differences of the 17 genes and their correlation with the survival of RCC patients in five datasets (ZHAO, TCGA, KIPAN, KIRC, and KIRP), and then evaluated the survival prognostic significance of the 17-gene signature for RCC. Our results showed that the 17-gene signature had a predictive prognostic value not only in single pathologic RCC, but also in multiple pathologic types of RCC. In conclusion, the 17-gene signature model was related to the survival of RCC patients and could help predict the prognosis with significant clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, production optimization is performed based on repeatedly running a full-scale reservoir simulation model, which is quite time-consuming. Recently, we developed a computationally efficient data-driven model, which is referred to as interwell-numerical-simulation model (INSIM), for history matching, characterizing interwell connectivity, monitoring, and optimization for a waterflood. In this research, we develop a new workflow for fast optimization of waterflooding performance which only requires one single INSIM forward run. Specifically, the optimized well injection rate and production rate are determined with the help of the new INSIM-derived injection efficiency and the existing injector-centered allocation factor. The basic idea of the proposed optimization workflow is to recover more oil by injecting more water to those injector-producer pairs that have more remaining oil left; whereas decrease water injection for those connections without much oil left. The major criterion to tune the injection rate is based on the injection efficiency calculated with INSIM, a value to measure the effectiveness of injected water from an injector. The larger the injection efficiency is, the more oil can be produced by injecting a unit amount of water. The advantage of this method is that the well controls are optimized based on the reservoir-engineering point of view which is easy to understand and visualize. Also, the new workflow is very easy to implement and is much more computationally efficient than the traditional optimization workflow. We test the proposed workflow with two examples including a large-scale field example. The computational results indicate that, by using the proposed workflow, the field oil production is increased with less producing water. • A novel way to perform production optimization without requirement of detailed reservoir simulation model. • The new method is based on running a physics-based data-driven model. • Different from the traditional method, the required forward run for optimization is only once. • The new method is viable for a large-scale reservoir with many wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urban and rural energy rebound effects in Beijing are studied by LA-AIDS model. • Energy rebound from substitution and income effects is decomposed by Slutsky equation. • Energy rebound effect of rural residents exceeded that of urban residents after 2010. • The income effect is the main source of the energy rebound effect in Beijing. • Energy rebound caused by various commodity groups presents obvious heterogeneity. With Beijing facing greater pressure for energy conservation, improving energy efficiency becomes more necessary. However, the energy rebound effect may weaken this energy-saving effect. Using the LA-AIDS (Linear Approximation of the Almost Ideal Demand System) model and simulation analysis, this paper evaluates the energy rebound effects of different commodity groups in Beijing's urban and rural households during 2000–2019. Then, the Slutsky decomposition equation is introduced to decompose the energy rebound caused by the substitution and income effects. Results suggest that: (1) The energy consumption of urban and rural residents shows a partial rebound in most years, and the energy rebound effect of rural residents exceeded that of urban residents after 2010. (2) The income effect from commodity price changes is the main source of the energy rebound effect both in urban and rural households. (3) The commodity groups Residence, Household facilities & Services, Transportation & Communication and Health care & Medical services have the same influencing direction on the energy rebound effect in urban and rural residents, while the commodity groups Food, Tobacco & Alcohol, Clothing and Culture, Education & Entertainment have different influencing direction. Finally, suggestions are provided for alleviating the energy rebound effect of households in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and hard-to-treat complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Multiple lines of evidence have shown that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation plays an important role in neurovascular dysfunction in diabetes, which is the crucial mechanism for diabetic ED. To investigate the preventive benefit of a PARP inhibitor in a rat model of ED induced by diabetes. Established streptozotocin-diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats were given PJ-34, a selective PARP inhibitor, by oral gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg twice daily for 8 weeks. Erectile responses under electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve, PARP activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms were evaluated by Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR. Nuclear factor-kappa B activition and apoptosis in corpus cavernosa (CC) were also investigated. The effects of PARP inhibition on the development of diabetic ED were determined. Diabetes markedly attenuated the erectile responses (intracavernosal pressure/mean systemic arterial blood pressure) and these were partially prevented by PJ-34 treatment. Promoted oxidative stress associated PARP activation was found in CC from vehicle-treated diabetic rats. PJ-34 blocked PARP activity and the diabetes-associated ROS generation. Decreased expression and activity of constitutive NOS (cNOS), including endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS), associated with enhanced inducible NOS (iNOS) expression and activity were observed in vehicle-treated diabetic rats. Although PJ-34 had no effect on eNOS expression, it significantly prevented the decrease in nNOS expression and cNOS activity, and inhibited iNOS expression and activity in diabetic rats. PARP blockade by PJ-34 to some extent prevented diabetes-associated apoptosis and NF-κB activation. Our results indicate that PARP activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic ED and PARP inhibition may be a promising strategy to prevent development of diabetic ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A water-based dispersant PMASH 1 was synthesized and applied to wet ultrafine grinding. • In ultrafine grinding, Dispersant PMASH 1 results in finer particles with steeper PSD. • Dispersant PMASH 1 can provide good repulsive energy between particles. • Particle breakage in stirred bead mill is due to abrasion and compression. Sodium polyacrylate copolymers, i.e., polymethyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PMASH S) were synthesized with polymethacrylic acid-2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PASH) as water-based dispersants for ultrafine grinding of cobalt aluminate (CoAl 2 O 4) particles in a stirred bead mill. The product size/size distribution, suspension rheological properties, electrokinetic potential and adsorption behavior were analyzed by laser particle size analysis, rheometry, thermogravimetry and electrokinetic potential measurement, respectively. Dispersant PMASH 1 used for grinding the pigment particles for 120 min gives an increased product fineness with a narrower particle size distribution. This is possibly due to the presence of solvated chains of dispersant PMASH 1 on the particle surface generating a proper steric hindrance energy between the particles. Besides, the breakage behavior of CoAl 2 O 4 particles in ultrafine grinding was also discussed by selection and breakage functions from population balance modeling, indicating that the addition of dispersant PMASH 1 in ultrafine grinding has a greater grinding efficiency. The breakage mechanism of the pigment particles in the bead mill is mainly abrasion, accompanied by compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have demonstrated that oxidaive stress-induced apoptosis may be the main pathogenic mechanism of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Theaflavin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from black tea, has been proven to exert strong antioxidant biological function. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential role of theaflavin on renal I/R injury and its potential molecular mechanism both in vitro and in vivo. C57/BL6 J mice were used to create a model of I/R injury wherein mice were ligated with bilateral renal pedicles for 45 min, and then reperfused for 24 h. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of TCMK-1 cells was used to simulate I/R in vitro. Theaflavin were administered to the treatment group first and then established the model. Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and 24-h urinary protein levels were evaluated and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and the ultrastructure of mitochondria were observed. Cell viability, oxidative stress damage, and apoptosis were assessed. The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target genes HO-1 and NQO1 were evaluated. Our results revealed that pretreatment with theaflavin significantly inhibited I/R- and H/R-induced renal injury and cell apoptosis. Theaflavin improved mitochondrial dysfunction by attenuating mitochondrial damage and promoting mitochondrial membrane potential. Theaflavin pretreatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde content, while enhancing superoxide dismutase activity in vivo and in vitro. It also reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis mainly by upregulating Nrf2 and its downstream targets in TCMK-1 cells. Thus, theaflavin exerted a protective effect against renal I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via activation of the Nrf2-NQO1/HO-1 pathway as well as correcting mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby presenting its potential as a clinical therapeutic in cases of acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor cell mediated immune-suppression remains a question of interest in tumor biology. In this study, we focused on the metabolites that are released by prostate cancer cells (PCC), which could potentially attenuate T cell immunity. Methods: Prostate cancer cells (PCC) media (PCM) was used to treat T cells, and its impact on T cell signaling was evaluated. The molecular mechanism was further verified in vivo using mouse models. The clinical significance was determined using IHC in human clinical specimens. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC/MS-MS) was used to identify the metabolites that are released by PCC, which trigger T cells inactivation. Results: PCM inhibits T cells proliferation and impairs their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines. PCM decreases ATP production and increases ROS production in T cells by inhibiting complex III of the electron transport chain. We further show that SHP1 as the key molecule that is upregulated in T cells in response to PCM, inhibition of which reverses the phenotype induced by PCM. Using metabolomics analysis, we identified 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) as a vital molecule that is released by PCC. P5C is responsible for suppressing T cells signaling by increasing ROS and SHP1, and decreasing cytokines and ATP production. We confirmed these findings in vivo, which revealed changed proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) expression in tumor tissues, which in turn influences tumor growth and T cell infiltration. Conclusions: Our study uncovered a key immunosuppressive axis, which is triggered by PRODH upregulation in PCa tissues, P5C secretion in media and subsequent SHP1-mediated impairment of T cell signaling and infiltration in PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]