Evaluation of the Oxidation Reactivity and Behavior of Exhaust Soot Particles from Diesel Engines with Different Emission Levels

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidation reactivity and behavior of exhaust particulate matter(PM)from diesel engines.PM samples from two diesel engines(1K,CY4102)with different emission levels were collected by a thermophoretic system and a quartz filter.The oxidation reactivity,oxidation behaviors,and physicochemical properties of the PM samples were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM),Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry(FTIR),and Raman spectroscopy.The results showed that there was a great difference in the oxidation reactivity of soot particles emitted by the two different diesel engines.A qualitative analysis of the factors influencing oxidation reactivity showed that the nanostructure,degree of graphitization,and relative concentration of aliphatic C—H functional groups were the most important factors,whereas no significant correlation was found between the primary particle size and activation energy of the diesel soot.Based on the oxidation behavior analysis,the diesel soot particles exhibited both internal and surface oxidation modes during the oxidation process.Surface oxidation was dominant during the initial stage,and as oxidation progressed,the mode gradually changed to internal oxidation.Internal oxidation mode of soot particles from the 1K engine was significantly higher than that of CY4102.

Morphology,Nanostructure,and Oxidation Reactivity of Particulate Matter Emitted by Diesel Blending with Various Aromatics

This study aims to analyze the influence of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH)content in diesel on the physical and chemical properties of diesel soot particles.Four diesel fuels with different PAH content were tested on a 11.6 L direct-injection diesel engine.The raw particulate matter(PM)before the after-treatment devices was collected using the thermophoresis sampling system and the filter sampling system.A transmission electron microscope and Raman spectrometer are used to analyze the physical properties of the soot particles,including morphology,primary particle size distribution,and graphitization degree.A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and thermogravimetric analyzer are used to characterize the surface chemical composition and oxidation reactivity of soot particles,respectively.The results show that as the PAH content in the fuel decreases,the size of the primary soot particles decreases from 29.58 to 26.70 nm.The graphitization degree of soot particles first increases and then decreases,and the relative content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon functional groups of soot particles first decreases and then increases.The T_(10),T_(50),and T_(90) of soot from high-PAH fuel are 505.3,589.3,and 623.5℃,while those from low-PAH fuel are 480.1,557.5,and 599.2℃,respectively.This indicates that exhaust PM generated by the low-PAH fuel has poor oxidation reactivity.However,as the PAH content in fuel is further decreased,the excessively high cetane number may cause uneven mixing and incomplete combustion,leading to enhanced oxidation reactivity.

Experimental investigation into the oxidation reactivity,morphology and graphitization of soot particles from diesel/n-octanol mixtures

Aiming to investigate the impacts of n-octanol addition on the oxidation reactivity,morphology and graphitization of diesel exhaust particles,soot samples were collected from a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine fueled with D100(neat diesel fuel),DO15(85%diesel and 15%n-octanol,V/V)and DO30(70%diesel and 30%n-octanol,V/V).All tests were conducted at two engine speeds of 1370 and 2150 r/min under a fixed torque of 125 N·m.The soot properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analyzer(TGA),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and Raman spectroscopy(RS).The higher volatile organic fraction content,lower soot oxidation temperatures and lower activation energy from TGA results indicated that both the increasing n-octanol concentration and engine speed enhanced the soot oxidation reactivity.Additionally,quantitative analysis of TEM images showed that the soot derived from DO30 had the smallest primary particle diameters and fractal dimension,followed by those of soot produced by DO15 and D100.The RS results demonstrated that the n-octanol addition and higher engine speed led to a larger D1-FWHM(D1-full width at half maximum),A_(D1)/A_(T)(area ratio of D1 band and the total spectral)and A_(D3)/A_(T)(area ratio of D3 band and the total spectral)as well as a smaller L_(a)(crystallite width),revealing a lower degree of graphitization.Furthermore,the correlations between characterization parameters of soot properties and reactivity were nonlinear.

Comparative Study on Soot Reduction, Soot Nanostructure and Oxidation Reactivity of n-heptane/DMC and Isooctane/DMC Inverse Diffusion Flames

Dimethyl carbonate(DMC)is an environmentally oxygenated compound which can be used efficiently for soot reduction.This paper compared the soot reduction,soot nanostructure and oxidation reactivity from inverse diffusion flames(IDFs)of the hydrocarbon fuels,namely n-heptane and isooctane doped with DMC.Effects of DMC additions on soot reduction were discussed.DMC addition is more effective for the soot reduction of n-heptane/DMC IDF than isooctane/DMC IDF.The morphology and nanostructures of soot particles were investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM)and High Resolution TEM(HRTEM),and the soot graphitization and oxidation reactivity were analyzed by X-ray Diflfraction(XRD)and Thermogravimetric Analyzer(TGA),respectively.The results of HRTEM images showed that many larger aggregates were observed for the structures of soot particles from IDFs with DMC additions.The soot particles exhibited more liquid-like material,more amorphous,higher disorganized layers,and less graphitic than that of IDFs without DMC additions.With increasing of DMC blending rate,soot particles changed younger to have shorter fringe length,higher tortuosity,and greater fringe separation.Based on the XRD and TGA results,the degree of the soot graphitization level decreased;the soot mass lost significantly faster,and the soot become more reactive.

Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on liver health:Current understanding and future research directions

With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.

Two-dimensional modeling of the self-limiting oxidation in silicon and tungsten nanowires

Self-limiting oxidation of nanowires has been previously described as a reaction- or diffusion-controlled process. In this letter, the concept of finite reactive region is introduced into a diffusion-controlled model, based upon which a two-dimensional cylindrical kinetics model is developed for the oxidation of silicon nanowires and is extended for tungsten. In the model, diffusivity is affected by the expansive oxidation reaction induced stress. The dependency of the oxidation upon curvature and temperature is modeled. Good agreement between the model predictions and available experimental data is obtained. The de- veloped model serves to quantify the oxidation in two-dimensional nanostructures and is expected to facilitate their fabrication via thermal oxidation techniques.

Characterization of iron diagenesis in marine sediments using refined iron speciation and quantized iron(Ⅲ)-oxide reactivity:a case study in the Jiaozhou Bay,China

As a case study, refined iron（Fe） speciation and quantitative characterization of the reductive reactivity of Fe（Ⅲ）oxides are combined to investigate Fe diagenetic processes in a core sediment from the eutrophic Jiaozhou Bay.The results show that a combination of the two methods can trace Fe transformation in more detail and offer nuanced information on Fe diagenesis from multiple perspectives. This methodology may be used to enhance our understanding of the complex biogeochemical cycling of Fe and sulfur in other studies. Microbial iron reduction（MIR） plays an important role in Fe（Ⅲ） reduction over the upper sediments, while a chemical reduction by reaction with dissolved sulfide is the main process at a deeper（〉 12 cm） layer. The most bioavailable amorphous Fe（Ⅲ） oxides [Fe（Ⅲ）am] are the main source of the MIR, followed by poorly crystalline Fe（Ⅲ） oxides [Fe（Ⅲ）pc）]and magnetite. Well crystalline Fe（Ⅲ） oxides [Fe（Ⅲ）wc] have barely participated in Fe diagenesis. The importance of the MIR over the upper layer may be a combined result of the high availability of highly reactive Fe oxides and low availability of labile organic matter, and the latter is also the ultimate factor limiting sulfate reduction and sulfide accumulation in the sediments. Microbially reducible Fe（Ⅲ） [MR-Fe（Ⅲ）], which is quantified by kinetics of Fe（II）-oxide reduction, mainly consists of the most reactive Fe（Ⅲ）am and less reactive Fe（Ⅲ）pc. The bulk reactivity of the MR-Fe（Ⅲ） pool is equivalent to aged ferrihydrite, and shows down-core decrease due to preferential reduction of highly reactive phases of Fe oxides.

Experimental and Theoretical Study of Hydrogen Atom Abstraction from C2H6 and C4H10 by Zirconium Oxide Clusters Anions

The reactions of anionic zirconium oxide clusters ZrxOy- with C2H6 and C4H10 are investi-gated by a time of flight mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vaporization cluster source.Hydrogen containing products Zr2O5H- and Zr3O7H- are observed after the reaction. Den-sity functional theory calculations indicate that the hydrogen abstraction is favorable in the reaction of Zr2O5- with C2H6, which supports that the observed Zr2O5H- and Zr3O7H- are due to hydrogen atom abstraction from the alkane molecules. This work shows a newpossible pathway in the reaction of zirconium oxide cluster anions with alkane molecules.

Cyanidin suppresses amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting reactive oxygen speciesmediated DNA damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells

Amyloid beta（Aβ）-induced oxidative stress is a major pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer＇s disease. Cyanidin, a natural flavonoid compound, is neuroprotective against oxidative damage-mediated degeneration. However, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of cyanidin pretreatment against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and explored the underlying mechanisms. Cyanidin pretreatment significantly attenuated Aβ-induced cell mortality and morphological changes in PC12 cells. Mechanistically, cyanidin effectively blocked apoptosis induced by Aβ, by restoring the mitochondrial membrane potential via upregulation of Bcl-2 protein expression. Moreover, cyanidin markedly protected PC12 cells from Aβ-induced DNA damage by blocking reactive oxide species and superoxide accumulation. These results provide evidence that cyanidin suppresses Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, by preventing oxidative damage mediated by reactive oxide species, which in turn inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis. Our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of cyanidin in the prevention of oxidative stress-mediated Aβ neurotoxicity.

Induction of endoplasmic reticulum-derived oxidative stress by an occult infection related S surface antigen variant

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress induction by an occult infection related hepatitis B virus S surface antigen(HBsAg)variant.METHODS: We used an HBsAg variant with lower secretion capacity, which was a KD variant from a Korean subject who was occultly infected with the genotype C. We compared the expression profiles of ER stress-related proteins between HuH-7 cells transfected with HBsAg plasmids of a wild-type and a KD variant using Western blot.RESULTS: Confocal microscopy indicated that the KD variant had higher levels of co-localization with ER than the wild-type HBsAg. The KD variant upregulated ER stress-related proteins and induced reactive oxygen species(ROS) compared to the wildtype via an increase in calcium. The KD variant also down-regulated anti-oxidant proteins(HO-1, catalase and SOD) compared to the wild-type, which indicates positive amplification loops of the ER-ROS axis. The KD variant also induced apoptotic cell death via the upregulation of caspase proteins(caspase 6, 9 and 12).Furthermore, the KD variant induced a higher level of nitric oxide than wild-type HBsAg via the up-regulation of the iNOS protein.CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that occult infection related HBsAg variants can lead to ER-derived oxidative stress and liver cell death in HuH-7 cells.

Treatment with dimethyl fumarate ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

To investigate the hypothesis that treatment with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) may ameliorate liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI). METHODSRats were divided into 3 groups: sham, control (CTL), and DMF. DMF (25 mg/kg, twice/d) was orally administered for 2 d before the procedure. The CTL and DMF rats were subjected to ischemia for 1 h and reperfusion for 2 h. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), NO × metabolites, anti-oxidant enzyme expression level, anti-inflammatory effect, and anti-apoptotic effect were determined. RESULTSHistological tissue damage was significantly reduced in the DMF group (Suzuki scores: sham: 0 ± 0; CTL: 9.3 ± 0.5; DMF: 2.5 ± 1.2; sham vs CTL, P < 0.0001; CTL vs DMF, P < 0.0001). This effect was associated with significantly lower serum ALT (DMF 5026 ± 2305 U/L vs CTL 10592 ± 1152 U/L, P = 0.04) and MDA (DMF 18.2 ± 1.4 μmol/L vs CTL 26.0 ± 1.0 μmol/L, P = 0.0009). DMF effectively improved the ATP content (DMF 20.3 ± 0.4 nmol/mg vs CTL 18.3 ± 0.6 nmol/mg, P = 0.02), myeloperoxidase activity (DMF 7.8 ± 0.4 mU/mL vs CTL 6.0 ± 0.5 mU/mL, P = 0.01) and level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (DMF 0.38 ± 0.05-fold vs 0.17 ± 0.06-fold, P = 0.02). The higher expression levels of anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and lower levels of key inflammatory mediators (nuclear factor-kappa B and cyclooxygenase-2 were confirmed in the DMF group. CONCLUSIONDMF improved the liver function and the anti-oxidant and inflammation status following I/RI. Treatment with DMF could be a promising strategy in patients with liver I/RI.

Reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and plant cell death associated with caspase-like protease activity during somatic embryogenesis in Fraxinus mandshurica

Programmed cell death occurs in browning explants of Fraxinus mandshurica during somatic embryogenesis, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, single cotyledons of zygotic embryos of F. mandshurica were used as explants. Mitochondrial structure and function, caspase-3-like protease activity, hydrogen peroxide metabolism, and nitric oxide accumulation induced by high concentrations of sucrose and plant growth regulators were studied. The results show that plant growth regulators induced somatic embryogenesis and also promoted explant browning. High sucrose concentrations had similar effects. High concentrations of sucrose and plant growth regulators led to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide which induced changes in mitochondrial structure and function such as modifications in mitochondrial morphology, increased membrane permeability, decreased membrane potential, and the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. An increase in caspase-3-like protease activity triggered programmed cell death in some browning explant cells. During somatic embryogenesis there were increased activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, which are associated with hydrogen peroxide metabolism and jointly maintain reactive oxygen species levels. Intracellular nitric oxide synthase and nitrate reductase activities were not significantly correlated with nitric oxide content. Instead, intracellular nitric oxide may be derived from non-enzymatic reactions. Our results indicate that hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide may function as signals, playing key roles in somatic embryogenesis and programmed cell death of explant cells of F. mandshurica. The interaction between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species determines the occurrence of programmed cell death in explant cells;somatic embryogenesis and programmed cell death are positively regulated by hydrogen peroxide. However, the regulation of nitric oxide is complex.

Comparison in copper accumulation and physiological responses of Gracilaria lemaneiformis and G. lichenoides (Rhodophyceae)

Heavy metal pollution has become a worldwide problem in aquaculture. We studied copper （Cu^2＋） accumulation and physiological responses of two red algae Gracilaria lemaneiformis and Gracilaria lichenoides from China under Cu^2＋ exposure of 0-500 μg/L in concentration. Compared with G. lemaneiformis, G. lichenoides was more capable in accumulating Cu^2＋, specifically, more Cu〉 on extracellular side （cell wall） than on intracellular side （cytoplasm） and in cell organelles （especially chloroplast, cell nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosome）. In addition, G. lichenoides contained more insoluble polysaccharide in cell wall, which might promote the extracellular Cu^2＋-binding as an efficient barrier against metal toxicity. Conversely, G. lemaneiformis was more vulnerable than G. lichenoides to Cu^2＋ toxin for decreases in growth, pigment （chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, phycobiliprotein, and B-carotene） content, and photosynthetic activity. Moreover, more serious oxidative damages in G. lemaneiformis than in G. lichenoides, in accumulation of reactive oxidative species and malondialdehyde, and in electrolyte leakage, because of lower antioxidant enzyme （superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase） activities. Therefore, G. lichenoides was less susceptible to Cu〉 stress than G. lemaneiformis.

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning improves postoperative cognitive dysfunction by reducing oxidant stress and inflammation

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a crucial public health issue that has been increasingly studied in efforts to reduce symptoms or prevent its occurrence. However, effective advances remain lacking. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning has proved to protect vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and brain. Recently, it has been introduced and widely studied in the prevention of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, with promising results. However, the neuroprotective mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain controversial. This review summarizes and highlights the definition and application of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning, the perniciousness and pathogenetic mechanism underlying postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and the effects that hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning has on postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Finally, we conclude that hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning is an effective and feasible method to prevent, alleviate, and improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and that its mechanism of action is very complex, involving the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammation defense systems.

Toxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Research strategies and implications for nanomedicine

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles （SPIONs） are one of the most versatile and safe nanoparticles in a wide variety of biomedical applications. In the past decades, considerable efforts have been made to investigate the potential adverse biological effects and safety issues associated with SPIONs, which is essential for the development of next-generation SPIONs and for continued progress in translational research. In this mini review, we summarize recent developments in toxicity studies on SPIONs, focusing on the relationship between the physicochemical properties of SPIONs and their induced toxic biological responses for a better toxicological understanding of SPIONs.

Characteristics of alumina particles in dispersion-strengthened copper alloys

Two types of alumina dispersion-strengthened copper（ADSC） alloys were fabricated by a novel in-situ reactive synthesis（IRS） and a traditional internal oxidation（IO） process. The features of alumina dispersoids in these ADSC alloys were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is found that nano-sized γ-Al2O3 particles of approximately 10 nm in diameter are homogeneously distributed in the IRS-ADSC composites. Meanwhile, larger-sized, mixed crystal structure alumina with rod-shaped morphology is embedded in the IO-ADSC alloy. The IRS-ADSC composites can obtain better mechanical and physical properties than the IO-ADSC composites; the tensile strength of the IRS-ADSC alloy can reach 570 MPa at room temperature, its electrical conductivity is 85% IACS, and the Rockwell hardness can reach 86 HRB.

Effect of Mixed Oxide Support for Ni/ZnO in Reactive Adsorption Desulfurization

The effect of mixed oxide support on the performance of Ni/ZnO in the reactive adsorption desulfurization(RADS) reaction was investigated in a fixed bed reactor by using thiophene as the sulfur-containing compound in the model gasoline. A series of oxide supports for Ni/ZnO were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and characterized by XRD, N_2-adsorption, TPR and NH_3-TPD techniques. It was found that the desulfurization capacity of Ni/ZnO was enhanced greatly when active components were supported on the proper mixed oxide. Ni/ZnO supported on oxides exhibited much higher desulfurization efficiency and sulfur adsorption capacity than the unsupported Ni/ZnO and the synthesized Ni/ZnO-SA adsorbent exhibited the highest efficiency for thiophene removal. The higher desulfurization activity and sulfur capacity of Ni/ZnO supported on SiO_2-Al_2O_3 with small particle size, high specific surface area and large pore volume could promote the high dispersion of active metal phase and the transfer of sulfur to ZnO with lower mass transfer resistance. γ-Al_2O_3 species could weaken the interaction of active phases and SiO_2 as well as could increase greatly the amount of weak acids. Therefore, these oxides could impose a great influence on the structure and chemical properties of the catalyst.

Carbon-based single-atom catalysts in advanced oxidation reactions for water remediation:From materials to reaction pathways

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)have been widely recognized as state-of-the-art catalysts in environment remediation because of their exceptional performance,100%metal atomic utilization,almost no secondary pollution,and robust structures.Most recently,the activation of persulfate with carbon-based SACs in advanced oxidation processes(AOPs)raises tremendous interest in the degradation of emerging contaminants in wastewater,owning to its efficient and versatile reactive oxidant species(ROS)generation.However,the comprehensive and critical review unraveling the underlying relationship between structures of carbon-based SACs and the corresponding generated ROS is still rare.Herein,we systematically summarize the fundamental understandings and intrinsic mechanisms between single metal atom active sites and produced ROS during AOPs.The types of emerging contaminants are firstly elaborated,presenting the prior pollutants that need to be degraded.Then,the preparation and characterization methods of carbon-based SACs are overviewed.The underlying material structure–ROS type relationship in persulfate-based AOPs is discussed in depth to expound the catalytic mechanisms.Finally,we briefly conclude the current development of carbon-based SACs in AOPs and propose the prospects for rational design and synthesis of carbon-based SACs with on-demand catalytic performances in AOPs in future research.

Comparing dark-and photo-Fenton-like degradation of emerging pollutant over photo-switchable Bi2WO6/CuFe2O4: Investigation on dominant reactive oxidation species

The extensive use of tetracycline hydrochloride(TCH)poses a threat to human health and the aquatic environment.Here,magnetic p-n Bi2WO6/CuFe2O4 catalyst was fabricated to efficiently remove TCH.The obtained Bi2WO6/CuFe2O4 exhibited 92.1%TCH degradation efficiency and 50.7%and 35.1%mineralization performance for TCH and raw secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant in a photo-Fenton-like system,respectively.The remarkable performance was attributed to the fact that photogenerated electrons accelerated the Fe(III)/Fe(II)and Cu(II)/Cu(I)conversion for the Fenton-like reaction between Fe(II)/Cu(I)and H2O2,thereby generating abundant·OH for pollutant oxidation.Various environmental factors including H2O2 concentration,initial pH,catalyst dosage,TCH concentration and inorganic ions were explored.The reactive oxidation species(ROS)quenching results and electron spin resonance(ESR)spectra confirmed that·O2-and·OH were responsible for the dark and photo-Fenton-like systems,respectively.The degradation mechanisms and pathways of TCH were proposed,and the toxicity of products was evaluated.This work contributes a highly efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst and provides a clear mechanistic explanation for the removal of antibiotic pollutants in environmental remediation.

Cyclic oxidation behavior of Cr-/Si-modified NiAlHf coatings on single-crystal superalloy produced by EB-PVD

The Cr-/Si-modified Ni Al Hf coatings were produced on single-crystal（SC） superalloy N5 by electron beam physical vapor deposition（EB-PVD）. The cyclic oxidation behavior of the coatings at 1100 °C was investigated. The microstructures of the oxide scales grown on the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope（SEM） with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum（EDX）,electron probe micro-analyzer（EPMA） and X-ray diffraction（XRD）. The effects of Cr and Si on the cyclic oxidation behavior of the Ni Al Hf coatings were discussed. The addition of Si to the Ni Al Hf Cr coating not only reduces the oxidation rate but also enhances the oxide scale adherence.Owing to the addition of Si in the coating, the segregation of Cr and Mo beneath the oxide scale is effectively avoided,which contributes to enhancing oxide scale adherence.