HZSM-5 zeolites undergoing the high-temperature process for boosting the bimolecular reaction in n-heptane catalytic cracking

High-temperature treatment is key to the preparation of zeolite catalysts.Herein,the effects of hightemperature treatment on the property and performance of HZSM-5 zeolites were studied in this work.X-Ray diffraction,N2physisorption,27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance(MAS NMR),and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia results indicated that the hightemperature treatment at 650℃ hardly affected the inherent crystal and texture of HZSM-5zeolites but facilitated the conversion of framework Al to extra-framework Al,reducing the acid site and enhancing the acid strength.Moreover,the high-temperature treatment improved the performance of HZSM-5 zeolites in n-heptane catalytic cracking,promoting the conversion and light olefins yield while inhibiting coke formation.Based on the kinetic and mechanism analysis,the improvement of HZSM-5 performance caused by high-temperature treatment has been attributed to the formation of extra-framework Al,which enhanced the acid strength,facilitated the bimolecular reaction,and promoted the entropy change to overcome a higher energy barrier in n-heptane catalytic cracking.

Valproate reduces retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in rats after optic nerve crush

The retinal ganglion cells of the optic nerve have a limited capacity for self-repair after injury.Valproate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor and multitarget drug,which has been demonstrated to protect retinal neurons.In this study,we established rat models of optic nerve-crush injury and injected valproate into the vitreous cavity immediately after modeling.We evaluated changes in the ultrastructure morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum of retinal ganglion cells over time via transmission electron microscope.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that valproate upregulated the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker glucose-regulated protein 78 and downregulated the expression of transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein,phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α,and caspase-12 in the endoplasmic reticulum of retinal ganglion cells.These findings suggest that valproate reduces apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in the rat after optic nerve-crush injury by attenuating phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α-C/EBP homologous protein signaling and caspase-12 activation during endoplasmic reticulum stress.These findings represent a newly discovered mechanism that regulates how valproate protects neurons.

Screening non-noble metal oxides to boost the low-temperature combustion of polyethylene waste in air

Globally,the efficient utilization of polymer wastes is one of the most important issues for current sustainable development topics.Herein,a green and efficient low-temperature combustion approach is proposed to deal with polymer wastes and recover heat energy,simultaneously alleviating the environment and energy crisis.Non-noble metal oxides(Al_(2)O_(3),Fe_(2)O_(3),NiO_(2),ZrO_(2),La_(2)O_(3)and CeO_(2)) were prepared,characterized and screened to boost the low-temperature combustion of polyethylene waste at 300℃ in air.The mass change,heat release and CO_(x) formation were studied in details and employed to evaluate the combustion rate and efficiency.It was found that CeO_(2)significantly enhanced the combustion rate and efficiency,which was respectively 2 and 7 times that of non-catalytic case.An interesting phenomenon was observed that the catalytic performance of CeO_(2) in polyethylene low-temperature combustion was significantly improved by the 7-day storage in the room environment or water treatment.XPS analysis confirmed the co-existence of Ce^(3+) and Ce^(4+) in CeO_(2),and the 7-day storage and water treatment promoted the amount of Ce^(3+),which facilitated the formation of the oxygen vacancies.That may be the reason why CeO_(2) exhibited excellent catalytic performance in polyethylene low-temperature combustion.

Physical Activity,Sedentary Behavior,and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients:The MIDiab Study

The aim of this study was to explore the associations of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity(MVPA)time and sedentary(SED)time with a history of cardiovascular disease(CVD)and multifactorial(i.e.,blood pressure(BP),body mass index(BMI),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c))control status among type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in China.A cross-sectional analysis of 9152 people with type 2 diabetes from the Multifactorial Intervention on Type 2 Diabetes(MIDiab)study was performed.Patients were grouped according to their self-reported MVPA time(low,<150 min·week−1;moderate,150 to<450 min·week−1;high,≥450 min·week−1)and SED time(low,<4 h·d–1;moderate,4 to<8 h·d–1;high,≥8 h·d–1).Participants who self-reported a history of CVD were identified as having a CVD risk.Odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)of CVD risk and multifactorial control status associated with MVPA time and SED time were estimated using mixed-effect logistic regression models,adjusting for China’s geographical region characteristics.The participants had a mean±standard deviation(SD)age of(60.87±8.44)years,44.5%were women,and 25.1%had CVD.After adjustment for potential confounding factors,an inverse association between high MVPA time and CVD risk that was independent of SED time was found,whereas this association was not observed in the moderate-MVPA group.A higher MVPA time was more likely to have a positive effect on the control of BMI.Compared with the reference group(i.e.,those with MVPA time≥450 min·week−1 and SED time<4 h·d–1),CVD risk was higher in the low-MVPA group:The OR associated with an SED time<4 h·d–1 was 1.270(95%CI,1.040–1.553)and that associated with an SED time≥8 h·d–1 was 1.499(95%CI,1.149–1.955).We found that a high MVPA time(i.e.,≥450 min·week−1)was associated with lower odds of CVD risk regardless of SED time among patients with T2DM.

Experiment and modeling of coke formation and catalyst deactivation in n-heptane catalytic cracking over HZSM-5 zeolites

Since paraffins catalytic cracking was of significant importance to light olefins and aromatics production,this work was intended to gain insights into the feature and model of coke formation and catalyst deactivation in n-heptane catalytic cracking over HZSM-5 zeolites. 18 tests of n-heptane catalytic cracking were designed and carried out over HZSM-5 zeolites in a wide range of operating conditions. A particular attention was paid to the measurement of the conversion, product distribution, coke content, and the porosity and acidity of the fresh and spent HZSM-5 zeolites. It was found that alkene and aromatic promoted coke formation, and it reduced the pore volume and acid site of HZSM-5 zeolites, tailoring its performance in n-heptane catalytic cracking. The specific relationship between HZSM-5 zeolites, n-heptane conversion, product distribution and coke formation was quantitively characterized by the exponential and linear function. Based on the reaction network, the coupled scheme of coke formation and catalyst deactivation were specified for n-heptane catalytic cracking. The dual-model was proposed for the process simulation of n-heptane catalytic cracking over HZSM-5 zeolites. It predicted not only the conversion and product distribution but also coke content with the acceptable errors.

Temperature-regulation liquid gating membrane with controllable gas/liquid separation

Membrane separation technology with the ability to regulate gas/liquid transport and separation is critical for environmental fields, such as sewerage treatment, multiphase separation, and desalination. Although numerous membranes can dynamically control liquid-phase fluids transport via external stimuli, the transport and separation of gas-phase fluids remains a challenge. Here, we show a temperature-regulation liquid gating membrane that allows in-situ dynamically controllable gas/liquid transfer and multiphase separation by integrating a thermo-wettability responsive porous membrane with functional gating liquid. Experiments and theoretical analysis have demonstrated the temperature-regulation mechanism of this liquid gating system, which is based on thermo-responsive changes of porous membrane surface polarity, leading to changes in affinity between the porous membrane and the gating liquid. In addition, the sandwich configuration with dense Au-coated surfaces and heterogeneous internal components by a bistable interface design enables the liquid gating system to enhance response sensitivity and maintain working stability. This temperature-regulation gas/liquid transfer strategy expands the application range of liquid gating membranes,which are promising in environmental governance, water treatment and multiphase separation.

NVG患者房水和血清中VEGF-A和PDGF及PEDF的临床意义

目的:检测新生血管性青光眼(NVG)患者房水和血清中血管内皮生长因子-A(VEGF-A)、血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)、色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)的含量,并分析其意义。方法:前瞻性临床研究。采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测2015-12/2016-12在西京医院眼科住院的NVG患者23例及年龄相关性白内障患者23例房水及血清中VEGF-A、PDGF、PEDF的含量并定量分析。结果:NVG患者房水中VEGF-A、PDGF的含量分别为1130.56±69.32、221.95±56.08ng/L,均显著高于年龄相关性白内障患者组(226.45±37.46、36.25±7.12ng/L)(均P<0.01);NVG患者房水中PEDF的含量为195.69±42.00ng/L,低于年龄相关性白内障患者组(497.89±12.52ng/L)(P<0.01);NVG组血清中VEGF-A、PDGF及PEDF的含量分别为226.45±37.46、29.57±6.31及13.24±1.76ng/L,均与年龄相关性白内障患者组(219±34.89、28.28±7.24、12.96±2.08ng/L)无差异(均P>0.05)。NVG患者房水中VEGF-A和PDGF含量呈正相关(r=0.502,P=0.015),而VEGF-A与PEDF含量呈负相关(r=-0.480,P=0.020)。结论:NVG患者房水中VEGF-A、PDGF的含量显著升高,而PEDF的含量显著降低,且VEGF-A的含量与PDGF含量呈正相关、与PEDF含量呈负相关。联合使用VEGF-A、PDGF抑制剂及PEDF可能为NVG治疗提供新的思路。

Empirical modeling of normal/cyclo-alkanes pyrolysis to produce light olefins

Due to the complexity of feedstock,it is challenging to build a general model for light olefins production.This work was intended to simulate the formation of ethylene,propene and 1,3-butadiene in alkanes pyrolysis by referring the effects of normal/cyclo-structures.First,the pyrolysis of n-pentane,n-hexane,n-heptane,n-octane,n-nonane,n-decane,cyclohexane,methylcyclohexane,n-hexane and cyclohexane mixtures,and n-heptane and methylcyclohexane mixtures were carried out at 650–800℃,and a particular attention was paid to the measurement of ethylene,propene and 1,3-butadiene.Then,pseudo-first order kinetics was taken to characterize the pyrolysis process,and the effects of feedstock composition were studied.It was found that chain length and cyclo-alkane content can be qualitatively and quantitively represented by carbon atom number and pseudo-cyclohexane content,which made a significant difference on light olefins formation.Furthermore,the inverse proportional/quadratic function,linear function and exponential function were proposed to simulate the effects of chain length,cycloalkane content and reaction temperature on light olefins formation,respectively.Although the obtained empirical model well reproduced feedstock conversion,ethylene yield and propene yield in normal/cycloalkanes pyrolysis,it exhibited limitations in simulating 1,3-butadiene formation.Finally,the accuracy and flexibility of the present model was validated by predicting light olefins formation in the pyrolysis of multiple hydrocarbon mixtures.The prediction data well agreed with the experiment data for feedstock conversion,ethylene yield and propene yield,and overall characterized the changing trend of 1,3-butadiene yield along with reaction temperature,indicating that the present model could basically reflect light olefins production in the pyrolysis process even for complex feedstock.

Application of machine learning to process simulation of n-pentane cracking to produce ethylene and propene

Modeling light olefin production was one of the main concerns in chemical engineering field.In this paper,machine learning model based on artificial neural networks(ANN)was established to describe the effects of temperature and catalyst on ethylene and propene formation in n-pentane cracking.The establishment procedure included data pretreatment,model design,training process and testing process,and the mean square error(MSE)and regression coefficient(R2)indexes were employed to evaluate model performance.It was found that the learning algorithm and ANN topology affected the calculation accuracy.GD24223,CGB2423,and LM24223 models were established by optimally matching the learning algorithm with ANN topology,and achieved excellent calculation accuracy.Furthermore,the stability of GD24223,CGB2423 and LM24223 models was investigated by gradually decreasing training data and simultaneously transforming data distribution.Compared with GD24223 and LM24223 models,CGB2423 model was more stable against the variations of training data,and the MSE values were always maintained at the magnitude of 10^-3-10^-4,confirming its applicability for simulating light olefin production in n-pentane cracking.

Electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric materials:From phase field to first-principles based effective Hamiltonian modeling

Electrocaloric effect(ECE)of ferroelectrics has attracted considerable interest due to its potential application in environmentally friendly solid-state refrigeration.The discovery of giant ECE in ferroelectric thin films has greatly renewed the research activities and significantly stimulated experimental and theoretical investigations.In this review,the recent progress on the theoretical modeling of ECE in ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials are introduced,which mainly focuses on the phase field modeling and first-principles based effective Hamiltonian method.We firstly provide the theoretical foundation and technique details for each method.Then a comprehensive review on the progress in the application of two methods and the strategies to tune the ECE are presented.Finally,we outline the practical procedure on the development of multi-scale computational method without experiemtal parameters for the screening of optimized electrocaloric materials.

“Water-in-salt”聚合物电解质制备及其电化学性能研究

为提高柔性锂离子电池安全性和循环稳定性能,本实验以自由基聚合结合冷冻干燥得到的聚丙烯酰胺膜为电解质载体,引入21 mol·kg^(-1)LiTFSI高浓度电解液,得到"water-in-salt"聚合物电解质。通过聚合物膜的形貌和孔道结构表征,红外光谱分析,离子电导率及电化学稳定窗口测试等对其基本物化特性进行了研究。冷冻干燥得到的聚丙烯酰胺膜内部具有大量微孔结构,有利于电解液的载入。将该吸附了电解液的聚合物电解质膜与锰酸锂(LiMn_(2)O_(4))正极和磷酸钛锂(LiTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3))负极组装全电池进行充放电性能测试。结果表明,制得的柔性聚合物电解质具有良好的拉伸性能,高离子电导率(20℃,4.34 m S·cm^(-1))和宽电化学稳定窗口(3.12 V)。以"water-in-salt"聚合物电解质为隔膜组装的LiMn_(2)O_(4)|LiTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)全电池表现出优异的倍率性能和长循环稳定性。

Bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics for brain-like computing

The human brain performs computations via a highly interconnected network of neurons.Taking inspiration from the information delivery and processing mechanism of the human brain in central nervous systems,bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics has been proposed and gradually engineered to overcome the limitations of the conventional electron-based von Neumann architecture,which shows the promising potential to enable efficient brain-like computing.Anomalous and tunable nanofluidic ion transport behaviors and spatial confinement show promising controllability of charge carriers,and a wide range of structural and chemical modification paves new ways for realizing brain-like functions.Herein,a comprehensive framework of mechanisms and design strategy is summarized to enable the rational design of nanofluidic systems and facilitate the further development of bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics.This review provides recent advances and prospects of the bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics,including ion-based brain computing,comprehension of intrinsic mechanisms,design of artificial nanochannels,and the latest artificial neuromorphic functions devices.Furthermore,the challenges and opportunities of bioinspired nanofluidic iontronics in the pioneering and interdisciplinary research fields are proposed,including brain–computer interfaces and artificial neurons.

Microfluidic-based isolation of circulating tumor cells with high-efficiency and high-purity

The isolation of circulating tumor cells(CTCs)from complex biological samples is of paramount signifi-cance for advancing cancer diagnosis,prognosis,and treatment.However,the low concentration of CTCs and nonspecific adhesion of white blood cells(WBCs)present challenges that hinder the efficiency and purity of captured CTCs.Microfluidic-based strategies utilize precise fluid control at the micron level to incorporate specific micro/nanostructures or recognition molecules,enabling effective CTCs separation.Moreover,by employing surface modification designs that exhibit exceptional anti-adhesion properties against WBCs,the purity of isolated CTCs can be further enhanced.This review offers an in-depth explo-ration of recent advancements,challenges,and opportunities associated with microfluidic-based CTCs iso-lation from biological samples.Firstly,we will comprehensively introduce the microfluidic-based strate-gies for achieving high-efficiency CTCs isolation,which includes the morphological design of microchan-nels for physical force-based CTCs isolation and the specific modification of microchannel surfaces for affinity-based CTCs isolation.Subsequently,a review of recent research advances in microfluidic-based high-purity CTCs isolation is presented,focusing on strategies that decrease the nonspecific adhesion of WBCs through surface micro-/nanostructure construction or chemical and biological modification.Finally,we will summarize the article by providing the prospective opportunities and challenges for the future development of microfluidic-based CTCs isolation.

Dynamic asymmetric mechanical responsive carbon nanotube fiber for ionic logic gate

Inspired by biological ion channels,numerous artificial asymmetric ion channels have been synthesized to facilitate the fabrication of ionic circuits.Nevertheless,the creation of biomimetic asymmetric ion channels necessitates expensive scientific apparatus and intricate material processing procedures,which constrains its advancement within the realm of ionic devices.In this study,we have devised dynamic asymmetric ion channels with mechanical responsiveness by combining polymers of varying elastic modulus along the longitudinal axis of carbon nanotube fiber(CNTF).The ion rectification can be modulated via the disparate response of CNTF-based ion channels to mechanical stress.We have effectively employed these asymmetric ion channels with mechanical sensitivity in the design of a logic gate device,achieving logic operations such as“AND”and“OR”.The conception of these dynamic asymmetric ion channels with mechanical sensitivity offers a straightforward,cost-effective,and versatile approach for generating ion channels,highlighting their potential application in intricate,highly integrated ionic circuits.

Green Synthesized Liquid-like Dynamic Polymer Chains with Decreased Nonspecific Adhesivity for High-Purity Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells

The capture of circulating tumor cells(CTCs)is of great significance in reducing cancer mortality and complications.However,the nonspecific binding of proteins and white blood cells(WBCs)weakens the targeting capabilities of the capture surfaces,which critically hampers the efficiency and purity of the captured CTCs.Herein,we propose a liquid-like interface design strategy that consists of liquid-like polymer chains and anti-EpCAM modification processes for high-purity and high-efficiency capture of CTCs.The dynamic flexible feature of the liquid-like chains endows the modified surfaces with excellent antiadhesion property for proteins and blood cells.The liquid-like surfaces can capture the target CTCs and show high cell viability due to the environmentfriendly surface modification processes.When liquid-like surface designs were introduced in the deterministic lateral displacement(DLD)-patterned microfluidic chip,the nonspecific adhesion rate of WBCs was reduced by more than fivefold compared to that in the DLD chip without liquid-like interface design,while maintaining comparable capture efficiency.Overall,this strategy provides a novel perspective on surface design for achieving high purity and efficient capture of CTCs.

Editorial:special topic on biomaterials and bioinspired materials

Biomaterials have been persistently focused owing to their intricate design and efficient operation.In order to satisfy the demands of life and medical sciences,large amounts of biomaterials capable of interacting with living systems have been created,thereby achieving the diagnosis,treatment or replacement of cells,tissues,and organs.After continuous evolution for billions of years,living organisms have eventually developed sophisticated multi-scale structures with diverse biological functions to adapt to the external environment.

Antibacterial evaporator based on reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole aerogel for solar-driven desalination

Solar-driven water evaporation is a sustainable method to purify seawater.Nevertheless,traditional volumetric water-evaporation systems suffer from the poor sunlight absorption and inefficient light-to-thermal conversion.Also,their anti-bacterial and antifouling performances are crucial for the practical application.Herein,we introduce reduced graphene oxide(RGO)with broadband absorbance across the entire solar spectrum,and polypyrrole(PPy),an antibacterial polymer with efficient solar absorption and low thermal conductivity,to develop integrated RGO/PPy aerogel as both the solar absorber and evaporator for highly efficient solar-driven steam generation.As a result,the RGO/PPy aerogel shows strong absorption and good photothermal performance,leading to an evaporation rate of 1.44 kg·m^(−2)·h^(−1)and high salt rejection(up to 99.99%)for real seawater,with photothermal conversion efficiency>90%under one sun irradiation.The result is attributed to the localized heat at the air-water interface by the RGO/PPy and its porous nature with functional groups that facilitates the water evaporation.Moreover,the RGO/PPy demonstrates excellent durability and antibacterial efficiency close to 100%for 12 h,crucial characteristics for longterm application.Our well-designed RGO/PPy aerogel with efficient water desalination performance and antibacterial property provides a straightforward approach to improve the solar-driven evaporation performance by multifunctional materials integration,and offers a viable route towards practical seawater desalination.

具有层级互联孔道的拒盐碳气凝胶太阳能蒸发器用于高盐废水处理

太阳能蒸发是一种可持续的高盐废水处理技术,然而运行中蒸发器表面的盐积累会严重缩短蒸发器的寿命.如何使蒸发器兼具高蒸发效率和良好拒盐性是目前面临的挑战.本研究设计了一种三维碳纳米纤维/氧化石墨烯复合气凝胶(CNF/GOA).氧化石墨烯的引入不仅增强了CNF/GOA的力学性能,同时构建了丰富的分级互连孔道结构,加快了水的传输和盐的扩散,实现了高蒸发速率和良好的拒盐性.此外,通过调控CNF/GOA的浸没深度和孔道结构,抑制了水的热传导损失,降低了水的蒸发焓,在一个太阳照射下实现了3.47 kg m^(-2)h^(−1)的蒸发速率.更重要的是,即使处理高盐水,蒸发器表面也没有产生任何盐结晶.长期实验和户外脱硫废水蒸发实验表明,CNF/GOA具有良好的实际应用前景.

Thermally responsive ionic transport system reinforced by aligned functional carbon nanotubes backbone

Ion transport plays an important role in energy conversion, biosensors, and a variety of biological processes. Carbon nanotubes, especially for the carbon nanotubes arrays with controlled vertically aligned structures, have displayed great potential as a promising material for regulating ion transport behaviors in the applications of the nanofluidic devices and osmotic energy conversion. Herein, we demonstrate the thermo-controlled ion transport system through the vertically aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes arrays membrane modified by the thermo-responsive hydrogel in a simple and reliable way. The functional carbon nanotubes backbone with the inherent surface charge and interstitial channels structure renders the system improved ion transport behaviors and well controlled switching property by thermo. Based on the integrated properties, the energy output from osmotic power in this system could be regulated by the reversible temperature switches. Moreover, it can realize a higher osmotic energy conversion property regulated by the thermos, which may extend the practical application in the future. The system that combines intelligent response with controlled ion transport behaviors and potential osmotic energy utilizations presents a valuable paradigm for the use of carbon nanotubes and hydrogel composite materials and provides a promising way for applications of nanofluidic devices.

眼外伤评分对钝挫伤后外伤性青光眼的预测价值

目的:分析钝挫伤后外伤性青光眼的发生率、手术率和降眼压用药情况,评价眼外伤评分(OTS)对钝挫伤后外伤性青光眼的预测和治疗的价值。方法:回顾性系列病例研究。观察2014年1月至2016年12月西京医院收治的眼钝挫伤患者265例(267眼)。对伤后初始视力、损伤分区和相对性瞳孔传入障碍(RAPD)等伤情给予评估并进行OTS评分。采用卡方检验、直线相关分析、t检验、方差分析进行数据分析。结果:钝挫伤患者最终视力较初始视力整体上有提高(χ2=65.99,P<0.001)。外伤性青光眼发生率为13.1%(35眼),OTS评分越高,外伤性青光眼发生率越低(χ2=8.593,P=0.035);所有青光眼患者Ⅰ、Ⅱ区均有累及,12眼累及到Ⅲ区。OTS评分越低的青光眼患者手术率越高,两者间呈负相关(r=-0.980,P<0.001);评分2分的青光眼患者均接受了3级以上的手术治疗。在伤后6个月时,各OTS评分组青光眼患者眼压较首诊时均显著降低(t=6.93、8.21、8.24、6.36,P<0.01),但各组之间的眼压差异均无统计学意义。除OTS5分评分组患者外,2、3和4分评分组的降眼压药物种类和首次治疗时比较均显著减少(t=13.50、4.75、3.20,P<0.05),但3、4和5分评分组间使用的药物种类差异并无统计学意义。结论:OTS对钝挫伤后外伤性青光眼有一定的预测价值。评分低的伤者出现外伤性青光眼和需手术治疗的可能性高。对于不同评分的患者使用的降眼压药物的数量差异,还需要更多的数据来评价。