Study of electron-extraction characteristics of an inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma neutralizer

Inductively coupled radio-frequency（RF） plasma neutralizer（RPN） is an insert-free device that can be employed as an electron source in electric propulsion applications.Electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN are related to the bulk plasma parameters and the device＇s geometry.Therefore,the effects of different electron-extraction apertures and operational parameters upon the electron-extraction characteristics are investigated according to the global nonambipolar flow and sheath model.Moreover,these models can also be used to explain why the electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN strongly depend upon the formation of the anode spot.During the experimental study,two types of anode spots are observed.Each of them has unique characteristics of electron extraction.Moreover,the hysteresis of an anode spot is observed by changing the xenon volume-flow rates or the bias voltages.In addition,the rapid ignited method,gas-utilization factor,electron-extraction cost and other factors that need to be considered in the design of the RPN are also discussed.

Application of the Soft X-Ray TSI Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer to Aerosol Measurements Made by a Grimm SMPS

Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) spectrometers are subject to several restrictions when a radioactive source is employed to bring the aerosol to a steady-state charge distribution. An alternative solution, commercially available, is represented by the soft X-ray neutralizer. The present study investigates the outcome of a combination of a Grimm SMPS, which employs a 241Am radioactive source, with the soft X-ray advanced aerosol neutralizer (TSI model 3087). To date, the latter device has been interfaced only with TSI’s Electrostatic Classifiers. Particle size distribution of sodium chloride aerosol was measured with both neutralizers and it was found that the particle number concentration agreed to be within 9% for the 10 - 700 nm range. This difference mainly corresponds to the bias reported by TSI, when the X-ray device is mounted on a TSI spectrometer. It was concluded that the X-ray neutralizer could be usefully employed, as a standalone device, in combination with Grimm Electrostatic Classifiers.

Generation of antibodies against disintegrin and cysteine-rich domains by DNA immunization: An approach to neutralize snake venom-induced haemorrhage

Objective: To explore whether a DNA immunization approach targeting the major haemorrhage molecule of a prothrombin activator-like metalloproteinase from Echis ocellatus(E. ocellatus) venom could be conceived to inspire antibodies with more prominent specificity and equal adequacy to current conventional antivenoms systems.Methods: The isolated DNA Eo MP-6 was used as the template for PCR amplification using the Eo DC-2-specific forward and reverse primers. A PCR product of approximately700 bp was obtained and cloned into p Sec Tag-B expression vector where anti-Eo DC-2antibodies were generated and analysed for their efficacy to neutralise local haemorrhage in vitro and in vivo.Results: Our results suggest that the generated anti-Eo DC-2 showed a remarkable efficacy by(a) interfering with the interaction of the recombinant disintegrin "Eo DC-2" isolated from the E. ocellatus as well as other viper species to the a2b1-integrins on platelets;(b) complete inhibition of the catalytic site of the metalloproteinase molecules in vitro using an adaptation antibody zymography assay. Furthermore, it has a polyspecific potential and constitutively expressed significant inhibition by cross-reaction and neutralised venom-induced local haemorrhage exerted by different viper species in vivo. The potential characteristic of Eo DC-2 against one part(the non-catalytic domain) as opposed to the whole molecule to neutralise its haemorrhagic activity is of crucial importance as it represents a novel approach with greater immunological specificity and fewer hazards, if any, than conventional systems of antivenom production, by exposure large animals that usually being used for the current antivenom production to a less injurious than expression of the whole molecule containing the catalytic metalloprotease domain. Hence, we report for the first time that our preliminary results hold a promising future for antivenom development.Conclusions: Antibodies generated against the E. ocellatus venom prothrombin activatorlike metalloprotease and disintegrin-cysteine-rich domains modulated and inhibited the catalytic activity both in vitro and in vivo of venom metalloproteinase disintegrin cysteine rich molecules. Thus, generating of venom specific-toxin antibodies by DNA immunization offer a more rational treatment of snake envenoming than conventional antivenom.

Neutralized solar energetic particles for SEP forecasting:Feasibility study of an innovative technique for space weather applications

Energetic neutral atoms(ENAs)are produced by the neutralization of energetic ions formed by shock-accelerated gradual solar energetic particle events(SEP).These high-energy ENAs(HENAs)can reach the Earth earlier than the associated SEPs and thus can provide information about the SEPs at the lower corona.The HENA properties observed at Earth depend on the properties of the coronal mass ejection(CME)-driven shocks that accelerate the SEPs.Using a model of HENA production in a shock-accelerated SEP event,we semi-quantitatively investigate the energy-time spectrum of HENAs depending on the width,propagation speed,and direction of the shock,as well as the density and ion abundances of the lower corona.Compared to the baseline model parameters,the cases with a wider shock width angle or a higher coronal density would increase the HENA flux observed at the Earth,while the case with an Earthpropagating shock shows a softened HENA spectrum.The comparison of expected HENA fluxes in different cases with a flight-proven ENA instrument suggests that solar HENAs can feasibly be monitored with current technologies,which could provide a lead time of 2−3 hours for SEPs at a few MeV.We propose that monitoring of solar HENAs could provide a new method to forecast shock-driven SEP events that are capable of significant space weather impacts on the near-Earth environment.

Impact of Updraft on Neutralized Charge Rate by Lightning in Thunderstorms:A Simulation Case Study

The rate of neutralized charge by lightning（RNCL） is an important parameter indicating the intensity of lightning activity.The total charging rate（CR）,the CR of one kind of polarity（e.g.,negative） charge（CROP）,and the outflow rate of charge on precipitation（ORCP） are proposed as key factors impacting RNCL,based on the principle of conservation of one kind of polarity charge in a thunderstorm.In this paper,the impacts of updraft on CR and CROP are analyzed by using a 3D cloud resolution model for a strong storm that occurred in Beijing on 6 September 2008.The results show that updraft both promotes and inhibits RNCL at the same time.（1） Updraft always has a positive influence on CR.The correlation coefficient between the updraft volume and CR can reach 0.96.Strengthening of the updraft facilitates strengthening of RNCL through this positive influence.（2） Strengthening of the updraft also promotes reinforcement of CROP.The correlation coefficient between the updraft volume and CROP is high（about0.9）,but this promotion restrains the strengthening of RNCL because the strengthening of CROP will,most of the time,inhibit the increasing of RNCL.（3） Additionally,increasing of ORCP depresses the strengthening of RNCL.In terms of magnitude,the peak of ORCP is equal to the peak of CR.Because precipitation mainly appears after the lightning activity finishes,the depression effect of ORCP on RNCL can be ignored during the active lightning period.

Precise quantification of the antibacterial activity of chitosan by NB medium neutralizer

In the present research,nutrient broth(NB)medium was identified to be able to neutralize the antibacterial activity of chitosan and its derivatives.Therefore,an improved test method independent of NB medium was proposed to precisely quantify the antibacterial effectiveness and efficiency of chitosan.The minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)of chitosan was 60μg m L^(-1) against S.aureus and E.coli,and 0.01%(w/v)chitosan could kill 100%of bacteria within 3 min.From another point of view,the neutralizing efficiency of NB could be tripled by adding 25 g L^(-1) of sodium chloride.Then the neutralizing mechanism of NB medium was ascribed to flocculation between chitosan and protein.Adding extra sodium chloride could significantly reduce the size of floccules,and smaller floccules would lose the ability of binding with bacteria directly,showing higher neutralizing rate on the macro scale.

Field study of a soft X-ray aerosol neutralizer combined with electrostatic classifiers for nanoparticle size distribution measurements

Most conventional aerosol neutralizers are based on radioactive sources, which are controlled by strict regulations restricting their handling, transport, and storage. The TSI 3087 soft X-ray （SXR） neutralizer circumvents these legal restrictions. The aim of the present work is to compare the performance of a standalone SXR aerosol neutralizer with that of conventional radioactive aerosol neutralizers based on 85Kr （TSI 3077） and 241Am （Grimm 5522） by performing field tests in a real environmental scenario. The results obtained when the SXR neutralizer was connected to a mobility particle sizer spectrometer （MPS）, different from the device suggested by the manufacturer, were comparable with those obtained with the use of radioactive aerosol neutralizers. In changing the neutralizer, the particle number concentrations, measured with the MPS connected to the SXR neutralizer, almost remained within the 10% uncertainty bounds for the particle size interval 10-300 nm, when diffusion losses inside the SXR tube were considered. Based on our comparisons, the SXR neutralizer can be regarded as a standalone instrument that could solve the problems associated with legal restrictions on radioactive neutralizers and fulfil the need for a portable instrument for different field test purposes.

An ultrapotent RBD-targeted biparatopic nanobody neutralizes broad SARS-CoY-2 variants

The wide transmission and host adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 have led to the rapid accumulation of mutations,posing significant challenges to the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.Although several neutralizing antibodies were authorized for emergency clinical use,convalescent patients derived natural antibodies are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 Spike mutation.

A spike protein S2 antibody efficiently neutralizes the Omicron variant

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)variant B.1.1.529,also named Omicron,is becoming the main circulating strain in many countries worldwide and brings new challenges to preventing COVID-19[1,2,3,4,5].The latest data show that the Omicron variant contains more than 50 mutations.Among them,there are 32 mutations in the spike protein[6],which is the key component that determines the infectivity and antigenicity of the virus.Furthermore,15 mutations are located in the receptor-binding domain(RBD),which is key for viral-cell interactions mediated by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE-2)[7,8].

Significantly reduced abilities to cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants by sera from convalescent COVID-19 patients infected by Delta or early strains

The worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has resulted in more than 4.5 million deaths.Although coronaviruses have a proofreading mechanism to maintain the stability of their long genomic RNAs,mutations emerge continuously,and new variants conferring advantages rapidly become the dominant lineages[1].Strategies to fight the COVID-19 pandemic using either vaccines or nonpharmaceutical interventions have specifically been threatened by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern(VOCs)[2].

A human antibody potently neutralizes RSV by targeting the conserved hydrophobic region of prefusion F

Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) continues to pose serious threats to pediatric populations due to the lack of a vaccine and effective antiviral drugs. RSV fusion(F) glycoprotein mediates viral-host membrane fusion and is a key target for neutralizing antibodies. We generated 23 full-human monoclonal antibodies(hm Abs) against prefusion F protein(pre-F) from a healthy adult with natural RSV infection by single B cell cloning technique. A highly potent RSV-neutralizing hm Ab, named as 25-20, is selected, which targets a new site Φ-specific epitope. Site-directed mutagenesis and structural modelling analysis demonstrated that 25-20 mainly targets a highly conserved hydrophobic region located at the a4 helix and a1 helix of pre-F, indicating a site of vulnerability for drug and vaccine design. It is worth noting that 25-20 uses an unreported inferred germline(i GL) that binds very poorly to pre-F, thus high levels of somatic mutations are needed to gain high binding affinity with pre-F. Our observation helps to understand the evolution of RSV antibody during natural infection. Furthermore, by in silico prediction and experimental verification, we optimized 25-20 with KD values as low as picomolar range. Therefore, the optimized 25-20 represents an excellent candidate for passive protection against RSV infection.

Single-chain variable fragment antibody constructs neutralize measles virus infection in vitro and in vivo

Despite the availability of an effective measles virus(MeV)vaccine and efforts to increase vaccine coverage by the WHO,UNICEF,and their partners,MeV has not been eradicated,and the estimated global measles death rose from 89,780 in 2016 to 207,500 in 2019.1 Because there is an effective measles vaccine,antiviral development for measles has not been prioritized,but recent outbreaks have highlighted the need for drugs to prevent transmission in unvaccinated populations and to protect and treat immunocompromised individuals.We identified several neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)that target the MeV fusion(F)protein in its prefusion state2 and inhibit fusion and viral infection.We engineered a single-chain variable fragment(scFv)from the most potent anti-MeV F mAb.The scFv retains the ability to inhibit fusion and prevents infection in vitro,and intranasal administration of the scFv antibody construct prevents infection in vivo.

An RBD bispecific antibody effectively neutralizes a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Potent neutralizing antibodies(nAbs)against SARS-CoV-2 are a promising therapeutic against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.However,the continuous emergence of neutralizing antibody escape variants makes it challenging for antibody therapeutics based on monospecific nAbs.Here,we generated an IgG-like bispecific antibody(bsAb),Bi-Nab,based on a pair of human neutralizing antibodies targeting multiple and invariant sites of the spike receptor binding domain(RBD):35B5 and 32C7.We demonstrated that Bi-Nab exhibited higher binding affinity to the Delta spike protein than its parental antibodies and presented an extended inhibition breadth of preventing RBD binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2.In addition,pseudovirus neutralization results showed that Bi-Nab improved the neutralization potency and breadth with a lower half maximum inhibitory concentration(IC50)against wild-type SARS-CoV-2,variants being monitored(VBMs)and variants of concern(VOCs).Notably,the IgG-like Bi-Nab enhanced the neutralizing activity against Omicron variants with potent capabilities for transmission and immune evasion in comparison with its parental monoclonal antibody(mAb)32C7 and a cocktail(with the lowest IC50 values of 31.6 ng/mL against the Omicron BA.1 and 399.2 ng/mL against the Omicron BA.2),showing evidence of synergistic neutralization potency of Bi-Nab against the Omicron variants.Thus,Bi-Nab represents a feasible and effective strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Geological conditions,genetic mechanisms and accumulation patterns of helium resources

Based on the methodology for petroleum systems and through the anatomy and geochemical study of typical helium-rich gas fields,the geological conditions,genesis mechanisms,and accumulation patterns of helium resources in natural gas are investigated.Helium differs greatly from other natural gas resources in generation,migration,and accumulation.Helium is generated due to the slow alpha decay of basement U-/Th-rich elements or released from the deep crust and mantle,and then migrates along the composite transport system to natural gas reservoirs,where it accumulates with a suitable carrier gas.Helium migration and transport are controlled by the transport system consisting of lithospheric faults,basement faults,sedimentary layer faults,and effective transport layers.Based on the analysis of the helium-gas-water phase equilibrium in underground fluids and the phase-potential coupling,three occurrence states,i.e.water-soluble phase,gas-soluble phase and free phase,in the process of helium migration and accumulation,and three migration modes of helium,i.e.mass flow,seepage,and diffusion,are proposed.The formation and enrichment of helium-rich gas reservoirs are controlled by three major factors,i.e.high-quality helium source,high-efficiency transport and suitable carrier,and conform to three accumulation mechanisms,i.e.exsolution and convergence,buoyancy-driven,and differential pressure displacement.The helium-rich gas reservoirs discovered follow the distribution rule and accumulation pattern of near helium source,adjacent to fault,low potential area,and high position".To explore and evaluate helium-rich areas,it is necessary to conduct concurrent/parallel exploration of natural gas.The comprehensive evaluation and selection of profitable helium-rich areas with the characteristics of"source-trap connected,low fluid potential and high position,and proper natural gas volume matched with helium’s"should focus on the coupling and matching of the helium"source,migration,and accumulation elements"with the natural gas"source,reservoir and caprock conditions",and favorable carrier gas trap areas in local low fluid potential and high positions.

Current and further trajectories in designing functional materials for solid oxide electrochemical cells:A review of other reviews

Complex oxides are an important class of materials with enormous potential for electrochemical appli-cations.Depending on their composition and structure,such complex oxides can exhibit either a single conductivity(oxygen-ionic or protonic,or n-type,or p-type electronic)or a combination thereof gener-ating distinct dual-conducting or even triple-conducting materials.These properties enable their use as diverse functional materials for solid oxide fuel cells,solid oxide electrolysis cells,permeable membranes,and gas sensors.The literature review shows that the field of solid oxide materials and related electro-chemical cells has a significant level of research engagement,with over 8,000 publications published since 2020.The manual analysis of such a large volume of material is challenging.However,by examining the review articles,it is possible to identify key patterns,recent achievements,prospects,and remaining obstacles.To perform such an analysis,the present article provides,for the first time,a comprehensive summary of previous review publications that have been published since 2020,with a special focus on solid oxide materials and electrochemical systems.Thus,this study provides an important reference for researchers specializing in the fields of solid state ionics,high-temperature electrochemistry,and energyconversiontechnologies.

Porous framework materials for energy&environment relevant applications:A systematic review

Carbon peaking and carbon neutralization trigger a technical revolution in energy&environment related fields.Development of new technologies for green energy production and storage,industrial energy saving and efficiency reinforcement,carbon capture,and pollutant gas treatment is in highly imperious demand.The emerging porous framework materials such as metal–organic frameworks(MOFs),covalent organic frameworks(COFs)and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks(HOFs),owing to the permanent porosity,tremendous specific surface area,designable structure and customizable functionality,have shown great potential in major energy-consuming industrial processes,including sustainable energy gas catalytic conversion,energy-efficient industrial gas separation and storage.Herein,this manuscript presents a systematic review of porous framework materials for global and comprehensive energy&environment related applications,from a macroscopic and application perspective.

The research progress of an E//B neutral particle analyzer

An E//B neutral particle analyzer(NPA)has been designed and is under development at Sichuan University and Southwestern Institute of Physics.The main purpose of the E//B NPA is to measure the distribution function of fast ions in the HL-2A/3 tokamak.The E//B NPA contains three main units,i.e.the stripping unit,the analyzing unit and the detection unit.A gas stripping chamber was adopted as the stripping unit.The results of the simulations and beam tests for the stripping chamber are presented.Parallel electric and magnetic fields provided by a NdFeB permanent magnet and two parallel electric plates were designed and constructed for the analyzing unit.The calibration of the magnetic and electric fields was performed using a 50 kV electron cyclotron resonance ion source(ECRIS)platform.The detection unit consists of 32lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate(LYSO)detector modules arranged in two rows.The response functions ofα,hydrogen ions(H^(+),H_(2)^(+)and H_(3)^(+))andγfor a detector module were measured with^(241)Am,^(137)Cs and^(152)Eu sources together with the 50 kV ECRIS platform.The overall results indicate that the designed E//B NPA device is capable of measuring the intensity of neutral hydrogen and deuteron atoms with energy higher than 20 keV.

Carbon Emission Effects Driven by Evolution of Chinese Dietary Structure from 1987 to 2020

Exploring carbon emission effects based on the evolution of residents’ dietary structure to achieve the carbon neutrality goal and mitigate climate change is an important task.This study took China as the research object(data excluding Hong Kong,Macao and Taiwan) and used the carbon emission coefficient method to quantitatively measure the food carbon emissions from 1987–2020,then analyzed the carbon emission effects under the evolution of dietary structure.The results showed that during the study period,the Chinese dietary structure gradually changed to a high-carbon consumption pattern.The dietary structure of urban residents developed to a balanced one,while that of rural residents developed to a high-quality one.During the study period,the per capita food carbon emissions and total food consumption of Chinese showed an increasing trend.The per capita food carbon emissions of residents in urban and rural showed an overall upward trend.The total food carbon emissions in urban increased significantly,while that in rural increased first and then decreased.The influence of beef and mutton on carbon emissions is the highest in dietary structure.Compared with the balanced dietary pattern,the food carbon emissions of Chinese residents had not yet reached the peak,but were evolving to a high-carbon consumption pattern.

3D Foam-Based MXene Architectures:Structural and Electrolytic Engineering for Advanced Potassium-Ion Storage

MXenes are emerging rapidly as promising electrode materials for energy storage due to their high electronic conductivity and rich surface chemistry,but their potassium storage performance is unsatisfactory because of the large size of K^(+)and irreversible interfacial reaction.Here,a developed 3D foam-like MXene scaffold(3D-FMS)is constructed via an electrostatic neutralization of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)with positive-charged melamine followed with calcination,which offers massive surface-active sites and facilitates fast K^(+)transfer for boosting the potassium-ion storage capacity and dynamics.In addition,using KFSI-based electrolyte,the formation of a robust solid electrolyte interface layer with more inorganic components on MXene anode is revealed for enhancing the Coulombic efficiency.Consequently,the 3DFMS with KFSI-based electrolyte delivers enhanced potassium-ion storage performance in terms of capacity(161.4 mAh g^(-1)at 30 mA g^(-1)),rate capability(70 mAh g^(-1)at 2 A g^(-1)),and cycling stability(80.5 mAh g^(-1)at 1 A g^(-1)after 2000 cycles).Moreover,the assembled 3D-FMS//activated carbon potassium-ion hybrid supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 57 Wh kg^(-1)at a power density of 290 W kg^(-1).These excellent performances demonstrate the great superiority of 3D-FMS in KFSI-based electrolyte and may accelerate the development of MXene-based materials for potassium storage systems.