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Background: A chronic inflammatory disease caused by disturbances in metabolism, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Pyroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death in many inflammation-related diseases, including DN. Therefore, pyroptosis could be a promising target for DN therapy. Methods: To get the components and pharmacodynamic targets of Chuanxiong, we identified by searching TCMID, TCMSP, ETCM and HERB databases. Then, from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and Gene Ontology (GO) database, pyroptosis genes were collected. Identification of critical genes in DN by bioinformatics analysis and then using the ConsensusClusterPlus package to divide the express data of diff genes into some subgroups with different levels of pyroptosis; the WGCNA machine algorithm was used to simulate the mechanism Chuanxiong improving DN. Results: In this study, we found DHCR24, ANXA1, HMOX1, CDH13, ALDH1A1, LTF, CHI3L1, CACNB2, and MTHFD2 interacted with the diff genes of DN. We used GSE96804 as a validation set to evaluate the changes of APIP, CASP6, CHMP2B, CYCS, DPP8, and TP53 in four different cell proapoptotic states. WGCNA analysis showed that DHCR24, CHI3L1, and CACNB2 had significant changes in different cell proapoptotic levels. In the experimental stage, we also confirmed that the active ingredients of Chuanxiong could improve the inflammatory state and the levels of pyroptosis under high glucose. Conclusion: The improvement of DN by Chuanxiong is related to the change of pyroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat emboli are a serious complication of trauma and bone fracture and may cause sudden death in affected patients. In forensic practice, fat emboli are commonly diagnosed based on a traditional method, adipose staining of lung tissues which is time-consuming and unquantitative. To address these concerns, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was employed in this study to diagnose fat emboli at different postmortem intervals. The absorption peak area ratio at 1743 cm−1 and 2922 cm−1 (A1743/A2922) was used to study the relationship among different emboli doses. This approach contributed to estimating the fat emboli dose when applied to fresh samples but failed for decomposed samples. However, satisfactory prediction performances were obtained using partial least-squares (PLS) regression with determination coefficients of prediction (Rp2) of 0.888 and 0.829 and root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) of 0.115 and 0.139 ml/kg for fresh and decomposed samples, respectively. The spectral regions at approximately 2922 cm−1, 2852 cm−1, 1743 cm−1, and 1159 cm−1 played important roles in this model and were associated with asymmetrical and symmetrical lipid C-H stretching, C = O stretching, and C-O stretching modes, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics as an attractive alternative for estimating the fat emboli dose and has potential their detection in forensic practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial ground freezing (AGF) has been widely used in the construction of subway connection channels to reinforce the soil around the tunnel, especially the water-rich soft soil, to ensure the stability of the tunnel and the overlying buildings. However, the direct contact between the frozen soil curtain and the tunnel segment would cause the loss of cooling capacity, which is not conducive to ensuring the freezing effect. The indoor freezing and thawing model of silty soft soil was established to explore the influence of tunnel insulation measures with different thermal conductivity on the temperature spatiotemporal variation of frozen soil curtain through indoor simulation tests. The effects of thermal insulation materials with different thermal conductivity on the stable temperature and development speed of frozen soil curtains were also compared. The results indicated that the interface of tunnel segments has a significant impact on the freezing speed and stable temperature of frozen soil during the freezing process, as well as the thawing time during the natural thawing process. Compared with steel segment tunnel, the use of thermal insulation coating with low thermal conductivity increased the temperature of the soil at the same distance by 5.88% to 42.5%, and prolonged the freezing time of the soil far from the tunnel by 38.8%. On the contrary, the insulation foam with higher thermal conductivity not only reduced the temperature of frozen soil by 13.8% at most, but also shortened the freezing time by 42.1% at most, which can significantly improve the construction efficiency. For the natural thawing process, the thermal insulation coating would reduce the thawing time of frozen soil by more than 30%, while the thermal insulation foam can increase the thawing time of frozen soil far away from the tunnel by at least 23%, which was more conducive to extending the allowable duration of frozen soil excavation. The results can provide a reference for the selection of segment insulation measures in the AGF construction of subway cross channels in silty soft soil. • An Indoor model was used to simulate temperature changes during AGF. • The thermal conductivity is not the only factor affecting the temperature. • Thermal insulation foam is more suitable for AGF thermal insulation than coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copolymer (PAAN-SiO2) of acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and modified nano-silica (M-SiO2) was synthesized by free radical polymerization in a water solution. The composition, micro-morphology and thermal stability properties of PAAN-SiO2 were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravity analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that AM, AMPS and NVP were successfully grafted onto the surface of M-SiO2 and formed a spherical core-shell structure copolymer. A significant reduction in the filtration volume was achieved after PAAN-SiO2 added, and this phenomenon was even more pronounced after aging at the high temperature. The filtration volume of base slurry containing 2 wt% of calcium chloride after aging at 180 °C was reduced from 186 to 6 ml after adding 2 wt% of PAAN-SiO2, which exhibited a special property of anti-calcium contamination at high temperature. The interaction mechanism between PAAN-SiO2 and bentonite and calcium ions was analyzed by particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, TEM and X-ray diffraction. Because of the stretching of polymer chain under 180 °C that more amide, sulfonic acid groups and cyclic rigid groups were exposed and the strengthening of the connection between PAAN-SiO2 and clay prevents a large amount of ion exchange between Ca2+ and clay layers, reducing the agglomeration of clay. Meantime, the distribution of clay particles was more extensive and some particles with a size of 1-10 μm plugged the micro-nano-pores on the filter cake, and eventually the thin and compact filter cake was formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the major contributor to chronic liver disease. Disorders of lipid metabolism are a major element in the emergence of NAFLD. This research intended to explore lipid metabolism-related clusters in NAFLD and establish a prediction biomarker. Methods: The expression mode of lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) and immune characteristics in NAFLD were examined. The "ConsensusClusterPlus" package was utilized to investigate the lipid metabolism-related subgroup. The WGCNA was utilized to determine hub genes and perform functional enrichment analysis. After that, a model was constructed by machine learning techniques. To validate the predictive effectiveness, receiver operating characteristic curves, nomograms, decision curve analysis (DCA), and test sets were used. Lastly, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was utilized to investigate the biological role of biomarkers in NAFLD. Results: Dysregulated LMRGs and immunological responses were identified between NAFLD and normal samples. Two LMRG-related clusters were identified in NAFLD. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that C2 had much more immune infiltration. GSVA also showed that these two subtypes have distinctly different biological features. Thirty cluster-specific genes were identified by two WGCNAs. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that cluster-specific genes are primarily engaged in adipogenesis, signalling by interleukins, and the JAK-STAT signalling pathway. Comparing several models, the random forest model exhibited good discrimination performance. Importantly, the final five-gene random forest model showed excellent predictive power in two test sets. In addition, the nomogram and DCA confirmed the precision of the model for NAFLD prediction. GSVA revealed that model genes were down-regulated in several immune and inflammatory-related routes. This suggests that these genes may inhibit the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting these pathways. Conclusions: This research thoroughly emphasized the complex relationship between LMRGs and NAFLD and established a five-gene biomarker to evaluate the risk of the lipid metabolism phenotype and the pathologic results of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic condition resulting from microangiopathy in a high-glucose environment. The evaluation of vascular injury in DN has primarily focused on active molecules of VEGF, namely VEGFA and VEGF2(F2R). Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a traditional anti-inflammatory medication, exhibits vascular activity. Therefore, identifying classical drugs with vascular inflammatory protection for the treatment of DN is a valuable pursuit. Methods: The "Limma" method was employed to analyze the glomerular transcriptome data, while the Spearman algorithm for Swiss target prediction was utilized to analyze the drug targets of NGR1. The molecular docking technique was employed to investigate the relationship between vascular active drug targets, and the COIP experiment was conducted to verify the interaction between fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and VEGFA in relation to NGR1 and drug targets. Results: According to the Swiss target prediction, the LEU32(b) site of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) protein, as well as the Lys112(a), SER116(a), and HIS102(b) sites of the Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) protein, are potential binding sites for NGR1 through hydrogen bonding. Additionally, the Co-immunoprecipitation (COIP) results suggest that VEGFA and FGF1 proteins can interact with each other, and NGR1 can impede this interaction. Furthermore, NGR1 can suppress the expression of VEGFA and FGF1 in a high-glucose environment, thereby decelerating podocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: The inhibition of the interaction between FGF1 and VEGFA by NGR1 has been observed to decelerate podocyte apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synchrotron radiation X-ray was used both as the irradiation source and testing tool for the PVDF membranes in-situ. The structural evolution of the PVDF membranes irradiated by the synchrotron radiation X-ray was analyzed by in-situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)/wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and ex-situ (ESR, FTIR and XRD) characterization methods. The alkyl radicals and carbon-carbon double bonds appeared in the irradiated PVDF membranes due to the irradiation effect, which confirmed that PVDF membranes first cracked, followed by cross-linked, during irradiation. The disappearance of the scattering peak at q = 0.05 Å−1 indicated that the synchrotron radiation X-ray destroyed the long periodic structure. The X-ray irradiation destroyed the crystalline region of the irradiated PVDF membranes, thus, leading to a decline in the crystallinity. Thus, overall, the in-situ irradiation and analysis could effectively monitor the structural evolution of the PVDF membranes during the radiation process and reduce the influence of time intervals between irradiation and measurement. • Synchrotron radiation X-ray is used as the radiation source and detection method. • 2.SAXS/WAXD were firstly monitored the internal structure evolution of PVDF in situ. • 3.Synchrotron radiation X-ray destroyed the long periodic structure of irradiated PVDF. • 4.In-situ radiation and analysis could effectively monitor structure evolution real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipartite patella is recognized as a developmental anomaly of ossification. Most of them are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. Bipartite patella is sometimes misdiagnosed as a patella fracture, because the x-ray images of both these conditions may appear very similar. In this case, the patient complained of left knee pain after x-ray films revealed a fracture-like line in the left patella. The patient was then diagnosed as having a patella fracture. In China, the injury degree is categorized as serious injury, minor injury, and trivial injury. As the injury degree of patellar fracture is identified as minor injury, the defendant who injured the patient will be sentenced to prison for ≤3 years. However, the defendant objected to this judgment and applied for the second evaluation of injury degree. On the basis of the site of injury, clinical manifestations, and imaging findings, we diagnosed the patient with bipartite patella which belongs to normal anatomic variant. Therefore, the injury degree of the patient was not minor injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscosity reducer is used to reduce the high viscosity of drilling fluid containing bentonite as a continuous phase. However, the viscosity of drilling fluid increases and the rheology of the drilling fluid deteriorates at high temperature, causing problems such as reduction in rate of penetration and bit balling. As a core component, drilling fluids with bad rheology seriously affect the further development of drilling engineering, especially at high temperatures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for viscosity reducer suitable for high temperature. In this study, a high temperature-resistant viscosity reducer for water-based drilling fluid was prepared. The rheological parameters of drilling fluids containing 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 wt% viscosity reducer after aging at different temperatures were evaluated. The results showed that the rheological parameters, such as apparent viscosity, yield point, plastic viscosity, and gel strength decreased within 200℃. Otherwise, filtration volume of 1.8 and 2.2 g/cm3 compound drilling fluids containing 1 wt% viscosity reducer was less than 10 ml. And its resistance to Na+ contamination reached saturation, that is, 36% NaCl solutions. The mechanism of viscosity reduction was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction. Viscosity reducer adsorbed on the clay particles and destroyed the network structure formed by the clay particles while releasing free water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash (FA) produced during municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) contains hazardous polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is a promising technology for the degradation of organic compounds and was used in this study to detoxify PCBs in FA. This study examined the effects of HT reaction temperature, as well as the addition of coal fly ash and diatomite as a composite silicon‑aluminum additive and tobermorite seed crystals as an inducer, on the efficiency of PCB detoxification. The percent removal of dioxin-like PCBs and of their toxic equivalency both showed a positive correlation with tobermorite content in HT products. We attributed this to an improved Ca/(Si + Al) molar ratio achieved by adding 30% silicon‑aluminum additives before HT. The percent removal of PCBs at a reaction temperature of 200 °C was higher than at 150 °C. Experimental treatments containing added tobermorite seed produced the highest levels of PCB removal, and tobermorite seed addition had a greater influence on PCB detoxification efficiency. The highest percent removal of toxic equivalency of dioxin-like PCBs was 99.8% and was attributed to the improvement in tobermorite purity as achieved by addition of 30% silicon‑aluminum additive, 3% seed, and a reaction temperature of 200 °C. • PCB detoxification positively correlates with tobermorite formation and temperature. • Addition of 30% additives achieved an optimal Ca/(Si + Al) for tobermorite synthesis. • Tobermorite seed addition has a greater influence on PCB detoxification efficiency. • Optimal conditions for HT of FA from MSWI are 30% additive, 3% seed, and 200 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mismatched energy level alignments, back interface defects in the perovskite/carbon back interface, as well as low conductivity of carbon counter electrode are the primary factors for the low photovoltaic behavior of all-inorganic hole transport layer (HTL)-free perovskite solar cells (C–PSCs) using carbon counter electrode-based. Herein, 2D layered Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 are proposed to form Ti 3 C 2 @carbon and N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrodes for modifying the perovskite/carbon back interface. First, the appropriate work function of Ti 3 C 2 can optimize the energy level alignments. Second, nitrogen doping can enhance the conductivity of Ti 3 C 2 which can lower the total resistance of the device. Third, the specific 2D layered structure Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 can reduce back interface defects. Therefore, the perovskite/carbon back interface shows improved charge extraction and transport capabilities disclosed by photoluminescence measurements. Consequently, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of the C–PSCs are enhanced to 7.56 % from 5.94 % by using Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrode, and further to 8.91 % by using N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon counter electrode, indicating remarkable PCE improvements of 27.3 % and 50.0 %. Moreover, the Ti 3 C 2 @carbon and N–Ti 3 C 2 @carbon-based C–PSCs show remarkable stabilities under ambient conditions for 30 days. This work is expected to provide a feasible path to optimize the back interface of the all-inorganic C–PSCs. • 2D layered Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 are proposed as additives for perovskite solar cells. • Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2 can optimized the perovskite/carbon back interface effectively. • The PCE improvements are up to of 27.3 % and 50.0 % by using Ti 3 C 2 and N–Ti 3 C 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) have significant potential as efficient energy conversion and storage systems. Nevertheless, the practical application of their conventional air electrodes, such as La0.8Sr0.2MnO3−δ (LSM), Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (BSCF), and PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ (PBCC), remains unsatisfactory due to interface delamination during prolonged electrochemical operation. Using micro‐focusing X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (µ‐XAS), a decrease (increase) in the co‐valence state from the electrode surface to the electrode/electrolyte interface is observed, leading to the above delamination. Utilizing the one‐pot method to incorporate an oxygen‐vacancy‐enriched CeO2 electrode into these air electrodes, the uniform distribution of the Co valence state is observed, alleviating the structural delamination. PBCC–CeO2 electrodes exhibited a degradation rate of 0.095 mV h−1 at 650 °C during a nearly 500‐h test as compared with 0.907 mV h−1 observed during the 135‐h test for PBCC. Additionally, a remarkable increase in electrolysis current density from 636 to 934 mA cm−2 under 1.3 V and a maximum power density from 912 to 989 mW cm−2 upon incorporating CeO2 into PBCC is also observed. BSCF–CeO2 and LSM–CeO2 also show enhanced electrochemical performance and prolonged stability as compared to BSCF and LSM. This work offers a strategy to mitigate the structural delamination of conventional electrodes to boost the performance of rSOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an unpredictable and potentially fatal disorder. A derailed or unbalanced immune response may be the root of the disease's severe course. Disorders of lipid metabolism are highly correlated with the occurrence and severity of AP. We aimed to characterize the contribution and immunological characteristics of lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) in non-mild acute pancreatitis (NMAP) and identify a robust subtype and biomarker for NMAP. Methods: The expression mode of LMRGs and immune characteristics in NMAP were examined. Then LMRG-derived subtypes were identified using consensus clustering. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to determine hub genes and perform functional enrichment analyses. Multiple machine learning methods were used to build the diagnostic model for NMAP patients. To validate the predictive effectiveness, nomograms, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used. Using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and single-cell analysis to study the biological roles of model genes. Results: Dysregulated LMRGs and immunological responses were identified between NMAP and normal individuals. NMAP individuals were divided into two LMRG-related subtypes with significant differences in biological function. The cluster-specific genes are primarily engaged in the regulation of defense response, T cell activation, and positive regulation of cytokine production. Moreover, we constructed a two-gene prediction model with good performance. The expression of CARD16 and MSGT1 was significantly increased in NMAP samples and positively correlated with neutrophil and mast cell infiltration. GSVA results showed that they are mainly upregulated in the T cell receptor complex, immunoglobulin complex circulating, and some immune-related routes. Single-cell analysis indicated that CARD16 was mainly distributed in mixed immune cells and macrophages, and MGST1 was mainly distributed in exocrine glandular cells. Conclusions: This study presents a novel approach to categorizing NMAP into different clusters based on LMRGs and developing a reliable two-gene biomarker for NMAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thromboembolic events are prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients due to increased thrombin generation leading to a hypercoagulable state. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) by vorapaxar reduces kidney fibrosis. Methods We used an animal model of unilateral ischemia–reperfusion injury-induced CKD to explore the tubulovascular crosstalk mechanisms of PAR-1 in acute kidney injury (AKI)-to-CKD transition. Results During the early phase of AKI, PAR-1-deficient mice exhibited reduced kidney inflammation, vascular injury, and preserved endothelial integrity and capillary permeability. During the transition phase to CKD, PAR-1 deficiency preserved kidney function and diminished tubulointerstitial fibrosis via downregulated transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling. Maladaptive repair in the microvasculature after AKI further exacerbated focal hypoxia with capillary rarefaction, which was rescued by stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor and increased tubular vascular endothelial growth factor A in PAR-1-deficient mice. Chronic inflammation was also prevented with reduced kidney infiltration by both M1- and M2-polarized macrophages. In thrombin-induced human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), PAR-1 mediated vascular injury through activation of NF-κB and ERK MAPK pathways. Gene silencing of PAR-1 exerted microvascular protection via a tubulovascular crosstalk mechanism during hypoxia in HDMECs. Finally, pharmacologic blockade of PAR-1 with vorapaxar improved kidney morphology, promoted vascular regenerative capacity, and reduced inflammation and fibrosis depending on the time of initiation. Conclusions Our findings elucidate a detrimental role of PAR-1 in vascular dysfunction and profibrotic responses upon tissue injury during AKI-to-CKD transition and provide an attractive therapeutic strategy for post-injury repair in AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In catalysis, determining the relationship between the dynamic electronic and atomic structure of the catalysts and the catalytic performance under actual reaction conditions is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism since the structure evolution induced by the absorption of reactants and intermediates affects the reaction activity. Hard x-ray spectroscopy methods are considered powerful and indispensable tools for the accurate identification of local structural changes, for which the development of suitable in situ reaction cells is required. However, the rational design and development of spectroscopic cells is challenging because a balance between real rigorous reaction conditions and a good signal-to-noise ratio must be reached. Here, we summarize the in situ cells currently used in the monitoring of thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis processes, focusing especially on the cells utilized in the BL14W1-x-ray absorption fine structure beamline at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, and highlight recent endeavors on the acquisition of improved spectra under real reaction conditions. This review provides a full overview of the design of in situ cells, aiming to guide the further development of portable and promising cells. Finally, perspectives and crucial factors regarding in situ cells under industrial operating conditions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various advanced catalysts based on sulfur-doped Fe/N/C materials have recently been designed for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); however, the enhanced activity is still controversial and usually attributed to differences in the surface area, improved conductivity, or uncertain synergistic effects. Herein, a sulfur-doped Fe/N/C catalyst (denoted as Fe/SNC) was obtained by a template-sacrificing method. The incorporated sulfur gives a thiophene-like structure (C−S−C), reduces the electron localization around the Fe centers, improves the interaction with oxygenated species, and therefore facilitates the complete 4 e− ORR in acidic solution. Owing to these synergistic effects, the Fe/SNC catalyst exhibits much better ORR activity than the sulfur-free variant (Fe/NC) in 0.5 m H2SO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various advanced catalysts based on sulfur-doped Fe/N/C materials have recently been designed for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); however, the enhanced activity is still controversial and usually attributed to differences in the surface area, improved conductivity, or uncertain synergistic effects. Herein, a sulfur-doped Fe/N/C catalyst (denoted as Fe/SNC) was obtained by a template-sacrificing method. The incorporated sulfur gives a thiophene-like structure (C−S−C), reduces the electron localization around the Fe centers, improves the interaction with oxygenated species, and therefore facilitates the complete 4 e− ORR in acidic solution. Owing to these synergistic effects, the Fe/SNC catalyst exhibits much better ORR activity than the sulfur-free variant (Fe/NC) in 0.5 m H2SO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the synchrotron radiation experiment method based on combined technology offers more information on the formation mechanism of new materials and their physical and chemical properties. In this study, a new small-angle x-ray scattering/ wide-angle x-ray scattering/ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (SAXS/WAXS/FTIR) combined setup was established. Using this combined SAXS/WAXS/FTIR setup, x-ray and FTIR signals can be obtained simultaneously from the same sample. The in situ sample cell was designed to couple two FTIR optical paths for the attenuated total reflection and transmission modes, which greatly saved the time of adjusting and aligning the external infrared light path when switching between the two modes with good accuracy. A transistor–transistor logic circuit was used to trigger the synchronous acquisition from the IR and x-ray detectors. A special sample stage is designed, allowing access by the IR and x-ray with temperature and pressure control. The newly developed, combined setup can be used to observe the evolution of the microstructure during the synthesis of composite materials in real-time at both the atomic and molecular levels. The crystallization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different temperatures was observed. The time-dependent experimental data demonstrated the success of the in situ SAXS, WAXS, and FTIR study of the structural evolution, which is feasible to track the dynamic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of atmosphere and temperature on the electrochemical reversibility of black phosphorus (BP) anodes were investigated. BP anodes prepared in ambient air exhibited much-enhanced electrochemical activity due to the newly formed Cu3P phase. This work highlights the importance of maintaining intragranular electronic conduction for developing advanced BP-based anodes with high reversible capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to elucidate cellular internalization and intracellular biotransformation in order to accurately assess the toxicity and fate of nanoparticles after interaction with organisms. Therefore, this work employed a combination of high resolution imaging andin situdetection spectroscopic techniques to systematically investigate the intracellular localization, morphology and chemical speciation of silver in the cells ofChlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular freshwater green alga, after exposure to AgNPs coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone at a concentration of 2.0 mg/L. High resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction collectively confirmed that after 48 h of exposure, AgNPs entered the periplasmic space after cellular internalization into the algal cells. Silver was also found to coexist with sulfur inside the cytoplasm in both crystalline and amorphous forms, which were further identified as β-Ag2S and silver thiolates with synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In combination, these analyses demonstrated that silver inside algae could be attributed to the uptake and sequestration of Ag+ ion released from AgNPs, which was further sequestrated into cellular compartments. This study provides solid evidence for particle internalization and biotransformation of AgNPs after interaction with algae. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Developing low-cost, high-efficiency and durable trifunctional electrocatalysts for enhancing the speed of oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions (ORR, OER and HER) is critical for expanding the industrial production and the commercial application of rechargeable Zn-air batteries and water electrolysis, but it still exists as a tremendous challenge. Herein, FeCo nanoalloys embedded into N-doped carbon nanofibers was prepared as a superior trifunctional catalyst for ORR, OER and HER by a universal and facile method. Under the synergistic effect of FeCo nanoalloys and N-doped carbon nanofibers, the Fe, Co/N-C catalyst exhibits half-wave potential of 0.86 V for ORR, and overpotentials of 388 mV and 249 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 for OER and HER, respectively. What's more, the Zn-air battery based on Fe, Co/N-C catalyst displayed a considerable open-circuit voltage of 1.5 V and a continuous cycle life span of 210 h. Moreover, this catalyst was also used as the sole catalyst in overall water splitting to show excellent performance. This work provides an effective way to design efficient and durable multifunctional electrocatalysts, which will facilitate the development of high-performance multifunctional catalysts and their application in renewable energy applications. [Display omitted] Synopsis: FeCo nanoalloys embedded into N-doped carbon nanofibers was prepared as a superior trifunctional catalyst for ORR, OER and HER by a universal and facile method. • FeCo nanoalloy embedded into N-doped carbon nanofiber was prepared as a superior trifunctional catalyst by a facile method. • Under the synergistic effect of FeCo nanoalloy and carbon nanofiber, the catalyst showed excellent electrocatalytic activity. • The Zn-air battery based on Fe, Co/N-C catalyst displays a long cycle life of 210 h at current density of 55 mA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Müller glial cells (MGCs) are a group of glial cells in the retina that provide essential support to retinal neurons; however, the understanding of MGC apoptosis and autophagy remains limited. This study was aimed at investigating the role of autophagy in MGCs under normal and oxidative conditions, and identifying the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the sirtuin 4 (SIRT4)-mediated signaling pathway was observed to regulate the autophagic process in MGCs. To assess the effect of autophagy on MGC mitochondrial function and survival, we treated rMC-1 cells—rat-derived Müller glial cells—with rapamycin and 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and found that MGC death was not induced by such treatment, while autophagic dysfunction could increase MGC apoptosis under oxidative stress, as reflected by the expression level of cleaved caspase 3 and PI staining. In addition, the downregulation of autophagy by 3-MA could influence the morphology of the mitochondrial network structure, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidative stress. Moreover, SIRT4 depletion enhanced autophagosome formation, as verified by an increase in the LC3 II/I ratio and a decrease in the expression of SQSTM1/p62, and vice versa. The inhibition of AMPK phosphorylation by compound C could reverse these changes in LC3 II/I and SQSTM1/p62 caused by SIRT4 knockdown. Our research concludes that MGCs can endure autophagic dysfunction in the absence of oxidative stress, while the downregulation of autophagy can cause MGCs to become more sensitized to oxidative stress. Simultaneous exposure to oxidative stress and autophagic dysfunction in MGCs can result in a pronounced impairment of cell survival. Mechanically, SIRT4 depletion can activate the autophagic process in MGCs by regulating the AMPK–mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This study is the first to investigate the function of TREM-1 in neuroinflammation induced by TBI. • We found that inhibition of TREM-1 reduced brain edema, decreased mNSS and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after TBI. We also determined inhibition of TREM-1 alleviated neuroinflammation, which was associated with SYK/p38MAPK signaling pathway. • It suggest that TREM-1 may be a potential therapeutic target to alleviate neuroinflammation after TBI. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a major public health problem, is characterized by high incidence rate, disability rate, and mortality rate. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TBI. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is recognized as an amplifier of the inflammation in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the function of TREM-1 remains unclear post-TBI. This study aimed to investigate the function of TREM-1 in neuroinflammation induced by TBI. Brain water content (BWC), modified neurological severity score (mNSS), and Morris Water Maze (MWM) were measured to evaluate the effect of TREM-1 inhibition on nervous system function and outcome after TBI. TREM-1 expression in vivo was evaluated by Western blotting. The cellular localization of TREM-1 in the damaged region was observed via immunofluorescence staining. We also conducted Western blotting to examine expression of SYK, p-SYK and other downstream proteins. We found that inhibition of TREM-1 reduced brain edema, decreased mNSS and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after TBI. It was further determined that TREM-1 was expressed on microglia and modulated subtype transition of microglia. Inhibition of TREM-1 alleviated neuroinflammation, which was associated with SYK/p38MAPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that TREM-1 can be a potential clinical therapeutic target for alleviating neuroinflammation after TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of high efficiency water splitting catalyst is important for the development of renewable energy economy. Here, the progress in the preparation of high efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst is reported. The support material is based on a polyhexaphenylbenzene material with intrinsic holes, which heals into carbon materials upon heating. The healing process is found to be useful for anchoring various transition metal atoms, among which the supported Ir Single‐atom catalyst (SAC) catalyst shows much higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than the commercial Pt/C and Ir/C in HER. There is only 17 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm–2, which is significantly lower than that of commercial Pt/C and Ir/C catalysts respectively by 26 and 3 mV, and the catalyst has an ultra‐high mass activity (MA) of 51.6 AmgIr−1${\text{ A mg}}_{{\rm{Ir}}}^{ - 1}$ at 70 mV potential and turn over frequencies (TOF) of 171.61 s–1 at the potential of 100 mV. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals the significant role of carbon coordination around the Ir center. A series of monatomic PBN‐300‐M are synthesized by using of designed carbon materials. The findings provide an enabling and versatile platform for facile accessing SACs toward many industrial important reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-driven biogas reforming is an efficient way to produce hydrogen or other chemical product in the near and medium-term by multi-renewable energy complement. However, direct biogas reforming is prone to coke formation on the surface of the catalyst. Adding water steam to the reaction can ease the problem of carbon deposition; however, deionized water consumption and corresponding mid-temperature thermal energy are consumed sharply and inevitably, and addition of water restricts the conversion of carbon dioxide. To address these irreconcilable problems, the study develops a novel solar-driven two-stage biogas reforming process to produce syngas with a higher carbon monoxide/hydrogen molar ratio, which is also properer for chemical synthesis compared with the conventional single biogas steam reforming process. The carbon dioxide conversion rate can be promoted from 27.32% to 63.72% in the new design at a reaction temperature of 750 °C, and the total heating value of produced syngas in the new design has slight advantages. It is worth noting that the new design still exhibits excellent water and energy saving ability. For the reaction temperature from 600 °C to 750 °C, the safe range for critical biogas split ratio is from 0.58 to 0.68, and the optimal water/heat saving ratio can reach 32–42%. This study offers an integration idea for the future studies concerning the performance improvement of biogas reforming. • A two-stage solar-driven biogas reforming system for syngas production is proposed. • Two stage process elevates the carbon dioxide conversion rate from 27.32% to 63.72%. • Thermal energy and water consumption are reduced due to the introduction of biogas dry reforming. • Optimal biogas split ratio can be found based on the carbon deposition analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy of liraglutide to treat type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) remains controversial. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the clinical effect of liraglutide on T2DN patients. Methods: Eight databases (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biology Medicine Database (CBM)) were searched for published articles to evaluate the clinical efficacy of liraglutide in subjects with T2DN. The Revman 5.3 and Stata 13 software were used for analyses and plotting. Results: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1580 diabetic nephropathy patients were screened. We found that the levels of UACR, Scr, Cysc were lower in the experimental group of T2DN patients treated with liraglutide than in the control group intervened without liraglutide. Liraglutide also reduced the levels of blood glucose (including FBG, PBG, and HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and anti-inflammatory indicators (TNF–α, IL-6). However, there was no significant difference in BUN and eGFR between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusions: Liraglutide reduced the levels of Blood Glucose, BMI, renal outcome indicators, and serum inflammatory factors of patients with T2DN, suggesting the beneficial effects of liraglutide on renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faster recovery and fewer scars are ideal wound healing. We have demonstrated that the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist Gp1a is beneficial to skin wound healing, which inhibits inflammation and fibrogenesis while promoting re-epithelialization. However, the systemic administration is imprecise and overqualified for a local skin wound. Herein, we prepared Gp1a-gel using triglycerol monostearate (Tm) hydrogel and detected whether the Gp1a-gel worked effectively on mouse skin excision wounds. The results showed that Gp1a-gel might sustainably increase the CB2 for at least 8 days. It decreased inflammation and fibrogenesis while promoting wound enclosure and re-epithelialization. These results suggested Gp1a-gel may utilize as a potential formulation strategy to treat the skin wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using renewable electricity to drive CO2 electroreduction is an attractive way to achieve carbon‐neutral energy cycle and produce value‐added chemicals and fuels. As an important platform molecule and clean fuel, methanol requires 6‐electron transfer in the process of CO2 reduction. Currently, CO2 electroreduction to methanol suffers from poor efficiency and low selectivity. Herein, we report the first work to design atomically dispersed Sn site anchored on defective CuO catalysts for CO2 electroreduction to methanol. It exhibits high methanol Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 88.6 % with a current density of 67.0 mA cm−2 and remarkable stability in a H‐cell, which is the highest FE(methanol) with such high current density compared with the results reported to date. The atomic Sn site, adjacent oxygen vacancy and CuO support cooperate very well, leading to higher double‐layer capacitance, larger CO2 adsorption capacity and lower interfacial charge transfer resistance. Operando experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the catalyst is beneficial for CO2 activation via decreasing the energy barrier of *COOH dissociation to form *CO. The obtained key intermediate *CO is then bound to the Cu species for further reduction, leading to high selectivity toward methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using renewable electricity to drive CO2 electroreduction is an attractive way to achieve carbon‐neutral energy cycle and produce value‐added chemicals and fuels. As an important platform molecule and clean fuel, methanol requires 6‐electron transfer in the process of CO2 reduction. Currently, CO2 electroreduction to methanol suffers from poor efficiency and low selectivity. Herein, we report the first work to design atomically dispersed Sn site anchored on defective CuO catalysts for CO2 electroreduction to methanol. It exhibits high methanol Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 88.6 % with a current density of 67.0 mA cm−2 and remarkable stability in a H‐cell, which is the highest FE(methanol) with such high current density compared with the results reported to date. The atomic Sn site, adjacent oxygen vacancy and CuO support cooperate very well, leading to higher double‐layer capacitance, larger CO2 adsorption capacity and lower interfacial charge transfer resistance. Operando experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the catalyst is beneficial for CO2 activation via decreasing the energy barrier of *COOH dissociation to form *CO. The obtained key intermediate *CO is then bound to the Cu species for further reduction, leading to high selectivity toward methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by first‐principles calculations, it was found that Cd single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have excellent performance in activating CO2, and the introduction of axial coordination structure to Cd SACs cannot only further decrease the free energy barrier of CO2 reduction, but also suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Based on the above discovery, we designed and synthesized a novel Cd SAC that comprises an optimized CdN4S1 moiety incorporated in a carbon matrix. It was shown that the catalyst exhibited outstanding performance in CO2 electroreduction to CO. The faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO could reach up to 99.7 % with a current density of 182.2 mA cm−2 in a H‐type electrolysis cell, and the turnover frequency (TOF) value could achieve 73000 h−1, which was much higher than that reported to date. This work shows a successful example of how to design highly efficient catalysts guided by theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by first‐principles calculations, it was found that Cd single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have excellent performance in activating CO2, and the introduction of axial coordination structure to Cd SACs cannot only further decrease the free energy barrier of CO2 reduction, but also suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Based on the above discovery, we designed and synthesized a novel Cd SAC that comprises an optimized CdN4S1 moiety incorporated in a carbon matrix. It was shown that the catalyst exhibited outstanding performance in CO2 electroreduction to CO. The faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO could reach up to 99.7 % with a current density of 182.2 mA cm−2 in a H‐type electrolysis cell, and the turnover frequency (TOF) value could achieve 73000 h−1, which was much higher than that reported to date. This work shows a successful example of how to design highly efficient catalysts guided by theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Carbon‐based hole‐transport materials (HTM)‐free perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have received increasing attention in photovoltaic fields thanks to the low priced and superior stability. Nevertheless, the C‐PSCs still suffer from low power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in comparison with conventional PSCs. Here, we report a bimetal Co/Eu co‐doping strategy to modify the electron transportation layer (ETL), simultaneously improving the charge extraction and light absorption and thus the performance of HTM‐free C‐PSCs. Systematic experiments suggest that (i) Co doping passivates the electronic trap‐states in TiO2 ETL, improving the charge transport properties; (ii) Eu doping enhances the photoresponse of PSCs. Combining them together in ETL, all the photovoltaic parameters of C‐PSCs are appreciably enhanced, leading to a PCE leap from 11.12 to 14.06% while keeping a superior device stability. These results may provide possibilities for the exploration of high‐efficiency C‐PSCs by further optimizing ETL with suitable doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are efficient for maximizing electrocatalytic activity, but have unsatisfactory activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, the NaCl template synthesis of individual nickel (Ni) SACs is reported, bonded to oxygen sites on graphene‐like carbon (denoted as Ni‐O‐G SACs) with superior activity and stability for OER. A variety of characterizations unveil that the Ni‐O‐G SACs present 3D porous framework constructed by ultrathin graphene sheets, single Ni atoms, coordinating nickel atoms to oxygen. Consequently, the catalysts are active and robust for OER with extremely low overpotential of 224 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2, 42 mV dec−1 Tafel slope, oxygen production turn over frequency of 1.44 S−1 at 300 mV, and long‐term durability without significant degradation for 50 h at exceptionally high current of 115 mA cm−1, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art OER SACs. A theoretical simulation further reveals that the bonding between single nickel and oxygen sites results in the extraordinary boosting of OER performance of Ni‐O‐G SACs. Therefore, this work opens numerous opportunities for creating unconventional SACs via metal–oxygen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A uniform Au-Pd alloy nanostructure was formed on graphene. • Au-Pd alloy structure was maintained stable by graphene in H 2 /O 2 atmospheres. • A s-p-d hybridization occurred among Au 5d6s, Pd 4d and graphene C 2p orbital. • Au-Pd/Gr exhibited excellent activity in selective oxidation of methanol to MF. The structure and electronic feature evolution of graphene (Gr)- and SiO 2 -supported Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) in H 2 and O 2 at different temperatures were investigated with a series of techniques and DFT calculation method. It was found that a uniform Au-Pd alloy nanostructure was formed on Gr, while a Au@Pd core-shell structure was generated on SiO 2. The formation of Au-Pd alloy nanostructure on Gr originates from a strong s-p-d hybridization among Au 5d6s, Pd 4d and Gr C 2p, which greatly facilitates the electron transfer among Au, Pd and Gr and enhances the reduction of palladium species. The higher stability of the geometric and electronic structures of Au-Pd NPs on Gr than on SiO 2 in both H 2 and O 2 atmospheres below 100 °C results from the fact that Gr could timely supplement the electrons transferring to O 2 from metallic species in O 2 -treatment process, but play a contrary role in H 2 -treatment process. Such unique geometric and electronic structures endow Au-Pd/Gr show higher catalytic activity than Au-Pd/SiO 2 in selective oxidation of methanol to methyl formate. A further investigation of catalytic mechanism reveals that the activation of O 2 is dominated by the methanol-assisted way on Au and Au-Pd alloy NPs, whereas the direct dissociation of O 2 mainly occurs on Pd and Au@Pd NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost, efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts are needed to mediate the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER) in Zn–air batteries. Such catalysts should offer binary active sites and an ability to transfer oxygen‐based species and electrons. A 3D catalyst, composed of nanoparticles of CoFe alloy embedded in N‐doped carbon nanotubes tangled with reduced graphene oxide, was developed, which presents appreciable ORR/OER activity when applied in a Zn–air battery. A high open‐circuit voltage of 1.43 V, a stable discharge voltage of 1.22 V, a high energy efficiency of 60.1 %, and excellent stability after 1 600 cycles at 10 mA cm−2 are demonstrated. An all‐solid‐state battery had an outstanding lifetime and high cell efficiency even upon bending. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that OOH* and O* intermediates induce variations in the Fe−Fe and Co−Co bond lengths, respectively, suggesting that Fe and Co species are crucial to the ORR/OER processes. A bifunctional electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER) is described. The catalyst consists of alloyed CoFe nanoparticles embedded in a conductive nitrogen‐doped 3D carbon matrix (N‐GCT). Applications in highly stable liquid and all‐solid‐state zinc–air batteries are demonstrated, and the origin of bifunctional electrocatalytic activity revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost, efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts are needed to mediate the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR/OER) in Zn–air batteries. Such catalysts should offer binary active sites and an ability to transfer oxygen‐based species and electrons. A 3D catalyst, composed of nanoparticles of CoFe alloy embedded in N‐doped carbon nanotubes tangled with reduced graphene oxide, was developed, which presents appreciable ORR/OER activity when applied in a Zn–air battery. A high open‐circuit voltage of 1.43 V, a stable discharge voltage of 1.22 V, a high energy efficiency of 60.1 %, and excellent stability after 1 600 cycles at 10 mA cm−2 are demonstrated. An all‐solid‐state battery had an outstanding lifetime and high cell efficiency even upon bending. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that OOH* and O* intermediates induce variations in the Fe−Fe and Co−Co bond lengths, respectively, suggesting that Fe and Co species are crucial to the ORR/OER processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present extensive investigations of the crystallographic phase diagram and electronic properties of the Fe-based superconductor FeSe under extreme conditions (high pressure (HP) and low temperature (LT)) by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). An isostructural phase transition (Tetragonal (T) →high-pressure Tetragonal (Tʹ)) is discovered in FeSe at ∼2.8 GPa based on the axial ratio c/a with finer pressure step as observed in Fe-As-based superconductor such as EuFe 2 As 2. We also find a pressure-induced Tʹ → MnP-type phase transition at 7.6 GPa in FeSe, which is consistent with the documented pressure-induced high-spin → low-spin transition (∼6–7 GPa). These results reveal the pressure-induced structural phase transition sequence in FeSe at room temperature to be T → Tʹ → Tʹ+MnP-type at pressures of 0–10.6 GPa, enriching the crystallographic phase diagram. The HPLT XRD data also indicate that a sluggish structural phase transition (Cmma → Pnma) begins at 7.5 GPa, and these two phases coexist up to 26.5 GPa. The HP X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) measurement shows that E o of Se experiences a pressure-induced shift to high energy, evidencing strongly charge transfer between Fe and Se under high pressure. Our results shed lights on the correlation between crystallographic/electronic structure and superconductivity in this material. Highlights • An isostructural phase transition (T → Tʹ) is discovered in FeSe at ∼2.8 GPa. • Another pressure-induced Tʹ → MnP-type phase transition at 7.6 GPa in FeSe. • A sluggish structural transformation (Cmma → Pnma) begins at 7.5 GPa (10 K). • XANES results show pressure-induced charge transfer between Fe and Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective strategy for structural steel with excellent tolerance of impurities is to increase solidification rate to prevent the formation of segregation and intermetallic during fabrication.Carbon (C) and oxygen (O) as impurities in austenitic stainless steel are often controlled at extremely low levels to ease their detrimental effects on toughness and corrosion resistance. Hence, high-quality austenitic stainless steels are poor in impurity tolerance and moderate in strength. Here, we use laser additive manufacturing successfully engineering C, N and O with high contents as interstitial atoms coordinated with Cr in the form of short-range ordered assembly in steel, and develop an impurity-tolerant supersaturated austenitic stainless steel with an ultrahigh strength of 961±40 MPa, a good ductility (37.5 ± 3%), an enhanced corrosion resistance (0.0745 Ecorr/V) and acceptable thermal stability up to 500 °C. First-principles calculations indicate that a coordinated hexahedron C 4 Cr 4 , as a stable unit in the austenite, can be assembled via three basic types of stacking. With the presence of N and O, N 1 C 6 Cr 8 , O 1 C 6 Cr 7 and O 1 C 6 Cr 8 are also stable coordination assembly units. Such short-range ordered assembly of interstitial atoms can produce significant super-saturated interstitial solid solution strengthening, which is responsible for the enhancement of tensile strength while maintaining ductility. The novel approach in engineering impurities by laser additive manufacturing may open up a new avenue in developing advanced high-impurity-tolerance steels for potential industrial applications at a low cost. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the roughness of NASA Stage 35 test compressor. Surface roughness can change the geometric line in the microcosm, which causes the compressor operation to deviate from the design point under working conditions. Wall function was used in this study to describe roughness. Roughness calculation model in non-uniform distribution was established along the chord and spanwise directions. Basing on certain rules, rotor blades were attached with roughness to determine the influence of blade roughness position distribution on the overall performance of the compressor and internal flow. Results show that when roughness was distributed from the blade leading edge to 40% of the chord, the compressor performance was greatly influenced; in severe performance, compressor efficiency decreased by more than 2%. Roughness position distribution in blade height direction exhibited a minimal effect on the entire compressor performance, which can be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Methods for the hydrogenation of CO2 into valuable chemicals are in great demand but their development is still challenging. Herein, we report the selective hydrogenation of CO2 into ethanol over non‐noble cobalt catalysts (CoAlOx), presenting a significant advance for the conversion of CO2 into ethanol as the major product. By adjusting the composition of the catalysts through the use of different prereduction temperatures, the efficiency of CO2 to ethanol hydrogenation was optimized; the catalyst reduced at 600 ° gave an ethanol selectivity of 92.1 % at 140 °C with an ethanol time yield of 0.444 mmol g−1 h−1. Operando FT‐IR spectroscopy revealed that the high ethanol selectivity over the CoAlOx catalyst might be due to the formation of acetate from formate by insertion of *CHx, a key intermediate in the production of ethanol by CO2 hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Methods for the hydrogenation of CO2 into valuable chemicals are in great demand but their development is still challenging. Herein, we report the selective hydrogenation of CO2 into ethanol over non‐noble cobalt catalysts (CoAlOx), presenting a significant advance for the conversion of CO2 into ethanol as the major product. By adjusting the composition of the catalysts through the use of different prereduction temperatures, the efficiency of CO2 to ethanol hydrogenation was optimized; the catalyst reduced at 600 ° gave an ethanol selectivity of 92.1 % at 140 °C with an ethanol time yield of 0.444 mmol g−1 h−1. Operando FT‐IR spectroscopy revealed that the high ethanol selectivity over the CoAlOx catalyst might be due to the formation of acetate from formate by insertion of *CHx, a key intermediate in the production of ethanol by CO2 hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aqueous solution syntheses are mostly based on mixing two solutions with different reactants. It is shown that freezing one solution and melting it in another solution provides a new interesting strategy to mix chemicals and to significantly change the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. For example, a precursor solution containing a certain concentration of AgNO3 was frozen and dropped into a reductive NaBH4 solution at about 0 °C. The ultra‐slow release of reactants was successfully achieved. An ice‐melting process can be used to synthesize atomically dispersed metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold, which can be easily extended to other solution syntheses (such as precipitation, hydrolysis, and displacement reactions) and provide a generalized method to redesign the interphase reaction kinetics and ion diffusion in wet chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aqueous solution syntheses are mostly based on mixing two solutions with different reactants. It is shown that freezing one solution and melting it in another solution provides a new interesting strategy to mix chemicals and to significantly change the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. For example, a precursor solution containing a certain concentration of AgNO3 was frozen and dropped into a reductive NaBH4 solution at about 0 °C. The ultra‐slow release of reactants was successfully achieved. An ice‐melting process can be used to synthesize atomically dispersed metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold, which can be easily extended to other solution syntheses (such as precipitation, hydrolysis, and displacement reactions) and provide a generalized method to redesign the interphase reaction kinetics and ion diffusion in wet chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic sepiolite was synthesized by chemical precipitation of Fe and Fe at sepiolite suspension. Removal kinetics of U(VI) on sepiolite and magnetic sepiolite can be well fitted by pseudo-second-order and pseudo-first-order kinetic models, respectively. At pH < 5.0, U(VI) removal on sepiolite significantly decreased with increasing ionic strength, whereas U(VI) removal on magnetic sepiolite was independent of ionic strength. The maximum removal capacity of sepiolite and magnetic sepiolite at pH 5.0 and 298 K calculated from Langmuir model were 28.17 and 74.63 mg/g, respectively. XANES spectra suggested that U(VI) was partly reduced to U(IV) at long-term conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, titanate nanotubes (denoted as TNTs) synthesized through a simple hydrothermal approach was applied for the decontamination of Zn(II) from aqueous solution. Batch experimental results showed that the removal kinetics process was fast and reached equilibrium after 60 min. The sorption of Zn(II) on TNTs was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength at pH < 6.0, while independent of ionic strength at pH > 6.0. Based on Langmuir model fit, the maximum sorption capacity of Zn(II) at pH 5.5 and 293 K was calculated to be 139.44 mg/g, being higher than a series of currently reported adsorbents. TNTs also exhibited a favorable recycling performance for the removal of Zn(II). According to the desorption experiments, surface complexation modeling, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, cation exchange and/or outer-sphere surface complexation were the predominant removal mechanisms of Zn(II) at lower pH, while inner-sphere surface complexation and/or precipitation were the main driving forces at higher pH. The experimental findings herein demonstrated the application potentiality of TNTs for the highly efficient treatment of Zn(II)-bearing wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we utilized nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded on layered double hydroxide (NZVI/LDH) to immobilize Se(VI) and evaluated the enhancement role of LDH in the NZVI reaction system. The structural characterization indicated that LDH could stabilize and disperse NZVI as well as prevent NZVI from oxidation, thereby increasing iron reactivity. Batch experiments displayed that, compared with those by NZVI, both extent and rate of Se(VI) immobilized by NZVI/LDH significantly increased, owing to the prominent synergistic effect ascribing from adsorption and reduction. Kinetics studies under a series of conditions showed that Se(VI) reaction could be well described by pseudo first-order model. The performance of Se(VI) immobilization was inhibited to a considerable extent by most of co-existing ions, Nevertheless, the presence of Cu 2+ improved performance of NZVI/LDH due to its role as a catalyst or medium of charge transfer during reduction. XANES revealed that LDH acted as a promoter for complete reduction of Se(VI) into Se(0)/Se(-II) over a wide pH range, whereas EXAFS suggested that LDH acted as a scavenger for insoluble products, making more reactive sites exposure to Se(VI) for reduction. These results suggested that NZVI/LDH as a promising candidate exhibited potential application in remediation of wastewaters containing Se(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a promising titanate nanotubes (TNT) anchored nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) nanocomposite (NZVI/TNT) was synthesized, characterized and used for the enhanced scavenging of Cr(VI) and Se(VI) from water. The structural identification indicated that NZVI was uniformly loaded on TNT, thereby, the oxidation and aggregation of NZVI was significantly minimized. The macroscopic experimental results indicated that NZVI/TNT exhibited higher efficiency as well as rate on Cr(VI) and Se(VI) scavenging resulted from the good synergistic effect between adsorption and reduction. Besides, TNT can weaken the inhibitory effect of co-existing humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) on the scavenging of Cr(VI) and Se(VI) by NZVI, since TNT showed strong adsorption for HA and FA that inhibit potential reactivity. XPS analysis suggested that surface-bound Fe(II) played a critical role in Cr(VI) and Se(VI) scavenging. XANES analysis demonstrated that TNT acted as a promoter for the almost complete transformation of Cr(VI) into Cr(III), and Se(VI) into Se(0)/Se(−II) in NZVI system. EXAFS analysis indicated that TNT acted as a scavenger for insoluble products, and thus more reactive sites can be used for Cr(VI) and Se(VI) reduction. The excellent performance of NZVI/TNT provide a potential material for purification and detoxification of Cr(VI) and Se(VI) from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]