Sulfur Migration Enhanced Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer for Efficient CO2 Desorption with Core-Shelled C@Mn3O4

Transforming hazardous species into active sites by ingenious material design was a promising and positive strategy to improve catalytic reactions in industrial applications. To synergistically address the issue of sluggish CO2 desorption kinetics and SO2-poisoning solvent of amine scrubbing, we propose a novel method for preparing a high-performance core-shell C@Mn3O4 catalyst for heterogeneous sulfur migration and in situ reconstruction to active -SO3H groups, and thus inducing an enhanced proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) effect for CO2 desorption. As anticipated, the rate of CO2 desorption increases significantly, by 255%, when SO2 is introduced. On a bench scale, dynamic CO2 capture experiments reveal that the catalytic regeneration heat duty of SO2-poisoned solvent experiences a 32% reduction compared to the blank case, while the durability of the catalyst is confirmed. Thus, the enhanced PCET of C@Mn3O4, facilitated by sulfur migration and simultaneous transformation, effectively improves the SO2 resistance and regeneration efficiency of amine solvents, providing a novel route for pursuing cost-effective CO2 capture with an amine solvent.

Performance and mechanisms of alkaline solid waste in CO2 mineralization and utilization

CO2 mineral sequestration using alkaline solid waste (ASW) is a promising strategy for synergistically reducing CO2 emissions and reusing industrial waste. However, improvement the carbonation degree still remains challenges due to the sluggish leaching rate of Ca/Mg ion at low pH. To the issues, this study proposed an amine-mediated CO2 absorption and mineralization process with six common ASWs, as well an ecological utilization route of CO2-ASW productions. Experimental results indicated that calcium carbide slag (CS) had greater CO2 mineralization capacity (86.2 g-CO2/kg-CS) than other ASWs, while stirring rate and particle size played a more important role during CO2 capture. Amine-mediated CO2 capture was verified to be more excellent with steel slag (SS) as mineral medium. When the MEA concentration was increased to 2 mol/L, the extraction efficiency of Ca2+ was increased by 35 %, leaded to the CO2 removal efficiency significantly promoted from 49 % to 92 %. The characterization of structural morphology referred spherical aragonite or needle-bar calcite was dominant for the porous mineralization products (30.6 m2/g). High germination index of pea seed (112.1 % at a dose of 10 g/L) inferred the negligible toxicological effects of tiny MEA residue over SS mineralization products, after centrifugally washing treatment. Pea seeds cultivated with mineralized products after centrifugal washing can achieve a growth rate of about 4 mm/d. Overall, this work provides a feasible route to apply the porous CO2-ASWs production into water conservation in arid and sandy land.

Comprehensive evaluation of an ionic liquid based deep purification process for NH3-containing industrial gas

Ammonia (NH3) emission has caused serious environment issues and aroused worldwide concern. The emerging ionic liquid (IL) provides a greener way to efficiently capture NH3. This paper provides rigorous process simulation, optimization and assessment for a novel NH3 deep purification process using IL. The process was designed and investigated by simulation and optimization using ionic liquid [C4im][NTF2] as absorbent. Three objective functions, total purification cost (TPC), total process CO2 emission (TPCOE) and thermal efficiency (ηeff) were employed to optimize the absorption process. Process simulation and optimization results indicate that at same purification standard and recovery rate, the novel process can achieve lower cost and CO2 emission compared to benchmark process. After process optimization, the optimal functions can achieve 0.02726 $/Nm3 (TPC), 311.27 kg CO2/hr (TPCOE), and 52.21% (ηeff) for enhanced process. Moreover, compared with conventional process, novel process could decrease over $ 3 million of purification cost and 10000 tons of CO2 emission during the life cycle. The results provide a novel strategy and guidance for deep purification of NH3 capture.

Energy-Efficient Biphasic Solvents for Industrial Carbon Capture: Role of Physical Solvents on CO2 Absorption and Phase Splitting

Physical solvent is a promising alternative for the phase splitting of solvent to drastically reduce the regeneration energy during CO₂ capture. Here, an aqueous biphasic solvent, optimally composed of 30 wt % polyamine (N, N-dimethylpropylamine, DMPA) and 50 wt % physical solvent (polyethyleneglycol dimethyl ether, NHD), is prepared, which presents high cyclic loading, low regeneration energy, and good stability. L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal tests are performed to comprehensively evaluate the mass-transfer kinetics and the effect of crucial conditions, verifying the weak effect of NHD solvent on mass transfer. The solvent effect of NHD could decrease the energy barrier of carbamate generation from zwitterions (DMPA⁺COO^-) to enhance chemical absorption. The low polarity of the NHD solvent provides source motivation and accelerates phase splitting. Time-space resolution distribution of CO₂ capacity is established based on a scale-up separator with 5 L solvent, which supports multiscale force analysis for the various stages during phase splitting. The drag force of the homogeneous cluster was first introduced into separation dynamics, referred to as an important reason for the various splitting behaviors of a scale-up separator.

Controlled growth of a bicomponent supramolecular network by the sergeants & soldiers principle

The co-deposition of 1,4-di(4',4''-pyridyl)benzene and 1,4-di(4',4''-bromophenyl)benzene on Si(111)-B surface leads to the formation of a highly regular self-assembly. The formation of this network has been investigated by STM and has been elucidated in the light of sergeants & soldiers principle due to halogen bonding on a silicon surface.

Influence of Cu adatoms on the molecular assembly of 4,4′-bipyridine on Cu(111)

The formation of highly organized structures based on two ligands with pyridyl functionalities, 4,4′-bipyridine (BPY) and 1,4-di(4,4′′-pyridyl) benzene (BPYB), and Cu adatoms on the Cu(111) surface has been studied with low temperature and variable temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and first-principles calculations.

ITD mutation in FLT3 tyrosine kinase promotes Warburg effect and renders therapeutic sensitivity to glycolytic inhibition

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene (FLT3/ITD) represents an unfavorable genetic change in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with poor prognosis. Metabolic alterations have been involved in tumor progression and attracted interest as a target for therapeutic intervention. However, few studies analyzed the adaptations of cellular metabolism in the context of FLT3/ITD mutation. Here, we report that FLT3/ITD causes a significant increase in aerobic glycolysis through AKT-mediated upregulation of mitochondrial hexokinase (HK2), and renders the leukemia cells highly dependent on glycolysis and sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of glycolytic activity. Inhibition of glycolysis preferentially causes severe ATP depletion and massive cell death in FLT3/ITD leukemia cells. Glycolytic inhibitors significantly enhances the cytotoxicity induced by FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Importantly, such combination provides substantial therapeutic benefit in a murine model bearing FLT3/ITD leukemia. Our study suggests that FLT3/ITD mutation promotes Warburg effect, and such metabolic alteration can be exploited to develop effective therapeutic strategy for treatment of AML with FLT3/ITD mutation via metabolic intervention.

MicroRNA-26a-interleukin (IL)-6-IL-17 axis regulates the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a murine model

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic presentation of obesity and metabolic syndrome. MicroRNA 26a (Mir-26a) has been reported to play functions in cellular differentiation, cell growth, cell apoptosis and metastasis. A recent paper indicated that Mir-26a regulated insulin sensitivity and metabolism of glucose and lipids. However, the role of Mir-26a in NAFLD still needs to be investigated further. In our current study, vectors encoding pre-Mir-26a (LV-26a) and an empty lentiviral vector (LV-Con) delivered approximately 2 × 10⁷ transforming units of recombinant lentivirus were injected into mice through the tail vein. LV-26a-infected mice were protected from glucose dysmetabolism and showed markedly decreased total liver weight, hepatic triglyceride deposition and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration when compared with LV-Con-treated mice. LV-26a-treated mice also exhibited decreased infiltration of immune cells in the liver - something attributed to reduce infiltration of T cell receptor (TCR)-γδ⁺ , granulocyte-differentiation antigen-1 (Gr-1)⁺ cells and CD11b⁺ cells. Next, we found that Mir-26a inhibited the expression of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the decreased expression of IL-17 in the liver tissue induced by Mir-26a was abrogated completely by IL-6 overexpression. The decreased total liver weight, hepatic triglyceride deposition and serum ALT concentration induced by Mir-26a was also abrogated completely by IL-6 over-expression. In conclusion, the Mir-26a-IL-6-IL-17 axis regulates the development of NAFLD in a murine model.

Sulfuryl fluoride as a quarantine treatment for Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in regulated wood packing material

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), was probably introduced into the United States from China with solid wood packing and dunnage during the 1980s, and it has recently become established in limited infestations near several major cities in the United States. Regulated wood packing material (RWPM) arriving in the United States from China is required to undergo fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr), to be heat treated, or kiln dried. Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) is a candidate fumigant to replace MeBr under certain conditions. SF fumigations were conducted in 432-liter Lexan chambers held in a 6.1-m (20-foot) refrigerated container for temperature control. Each fumigation consisted of 12 Populus spp. 10- by 10- by 115-cm timbers, of high moisture content, naturally infested with Asian longhorned beetle. During 2001, we fumigated wood for 24 h at a range of doses (20-112 g/m3) and temperatures (4.4, 10.0, 15.6, and 21.1 degrees C) and subjected the data to probit analysis. Confirmatory fumigations were conducted at doses of 120 and 104 g/m3 at temperatures of 10.0 and 15.6 or 21.1 degrees C, respectively, which resulted in complete kill of all larvae. Pupae that became available later in the year as temperatures warmed were fumigated at 15.6 and 21.1 degrees C with 104 g/m3, which resulted in complete pupal mortality. The next year (2002), we conducted 24-h fumigations with doses of 116 g/m3 at 4.4 and 10.0 degrees C with cold-harvested wood infested with cold-acclimated larvae. Cold-acclimated larvae required much higher concentration times time (CxT) product for control at 4.4 and 10.0 degrees C compared with nonacclimated larvae. Sulfuryl fluoride treatments at a dose of 104 g/m3 and temperature of 15.6 degrees C and above and that achieved a CxT product of 1,095 g-h/m3 or above are recommended for RWPM infested with Asian longhorned beetle larvae and pupae.

Methyl bromide as a quarantine treatment for Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in regulated wood packing material

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), has recently (since 1996) established in limited infestations near several cities in the United States. A. glabripennis was probably introduced into the United States with solid wood packing or dunnage. During 2001, we evaluated the current APHIS Schedule T404-b-1-1 for methyl bromide (MeBr) fumigation. Fumigations were conducted in 432-liter Lexan chambers inside a 6.1-m refrigerated container. Each fumigation consisted of 12 high-moisture, naturally infested Populus spp. timbers. We fumigated wood for 24 h at 4.4 degrees C (80 g/m3), 10.0 degrees C (64 g/m3), 15.6 degrees C (56 g/m3), and 21.1 degrees C (48 g/m3). All schedule doses resulted in 100% kill of A. glabripennis larvae. During 2002, we conducted additional fumigations to determine the basic toxicity of MeBr to A. glabripennis larvae in solid wood timbers of 10 by 10 by 115-cm size. Probit analysis estimated the CxT product at 99.0, 99.9, 99.99, and 99.99683% kill (probit-9). The probit-9 values for CxT were 1,196.1, 918.7, 642.4, and 362.4 g-h/m3 at 4.4, 10.0, 15.6, and 21.1 degrees C, respectively. Applied doses to achieve this level of control were estimated to be 119.6, 82.7, 56.0, and 32.2 g/m3, respectively. These applied doses are satisfactory for wood as a commodity with wood load factors of approximately 25% and may be higher than necessary for container fumigation where sorptive wood load as crating or pallets may only be 5% or less. The APHIS Schedule T404-b-1-1 is adequate if extended for 24 h and should be amended to include intermediate doses at 10.0 and 15.6 degrees C, thus reducing the use of MeBr at these temperatures.

Single cell laser dissection with molecular beacon polymerase chain reaction identifies 2A as the predominant serotonin receptor subtype in hypoglossal motoneurons

We hypothesize that sleep state-dependent withdrawal of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) at upper airway (UAW) dilator motoneurons contributes significantly to sleep-related suppression of dilator muscle activity in obstructive sleep apnea. Identification of 5-HT receptor subtypes involved in postsynaptic facilitation of UAW motoneuron activity may provide pharmacotherapies for this prevalent disorder. We have adapted two assays to provide semi-quantitative measurements of mRNA copy numbers for 5-HT receptor subtypes in single UAW motoneurons. Specifically, soma of 111 hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons in 10 adult male rats were captured using a laser dissection microscope, and then used individually in single round molecular beacon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for real-time quantitation of 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4), 5-HT(5A), 5-HT(5B), 5-HT(6) or 5-HT(7) receptor. Receptor mRNA copy numbers from single XII motoneurons were compared to control samples from within the XII nucleus and lateral medulla. All 20 motoneuronal soma assayed for the 5-HT(2A) receptor had measurable copy numbers (7028+/-2656 copies/cell). In contrast, copy numbers for the 5-HT(2A) receptor in XII non-motoneuronal (n=17) and lateral medulla (n=15) samples were 81+/-51 copies and 83+/-35 copies, respectively, P<0.05. Seven of 13 XII motoneurons assayed had measurable 5-HT(2C) receptor copy numbers of mRNA (287+/-112 copies/cell). XII soma had minimal 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4), 5-HT(5A), 5-HT(5B), 5-HT(6) or 5-HT(7) receptor mRNA. 5-HT(2A) receptor mRNA presence within XII motoneurons was confirmed with digoxigenin-labeled in situ hybridization. In summary, combined use of laser dissection and molecular beacon PCR revealed 5-HT(2A) receptor as the predominant 5-HT receptor mRNA in XII motoneurons, and identified small quantities of 5-HT(2C) receptor. This information will allow a more complete understanding of serotonergic control of respiratory activity.

[Controlling effect of parasitoids on population of vegetable leaf miner Liriomyza sativae Blanchard]

The controlling effect of parasitoids on vegetable leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, was evaluated by using acting factor life tables and exclusion inex of population control(EPIC). The results showed that Chrysocharis pentheus, Neuchrysocharis formosa, Chrysonotomyia okazakii, Hemiptarsenus varicornis, Chrysocharis sp., Opius dimidiatus and Opius dissitus played an important role in controlling the population of vegetable leaf miner. The EIPCs of parasitoids were 1.23, 2.73, 5.98, 5.92 and 5.71, respectively for the five generations of L. sativae on kidney bean planted in spring, from the 1st to the 5th generation and, for the 2nd generation in particular, they were 2.73, 2.87, 2.24 and 1.89, respectively on kidney bean, cowpea, luffa and cucumber, indicating that if the parasitoids were excluded, the population of the next generation of L. sativae would increase by times accordingly. The EIPC of parasitoids for the 3rd instar larvae was usually the largest among different instar larvae and pupae, and the EIPCs for the 3rd to 5th generation of L. sativae on spring kidney bean were higher than those for the 1st and the 2nd. The EIPCs of parasitoids for L. sativae on kidney bean and cowpea were larger than those on luffa and cucumber.

Effects of topical epinephrine on aqueous humor dynamics in the cat

The purpose of this study was to investigate, in cats, the effects of topical epinephrine on aqueous humor dynamics as measured by the non-invasive method of fluorophotometry and by other methods. Measurements were carried out on 12 cats before and after one week of twice daily treatment with 2% epinephrine hydrochloride to one eye. Aqueous flow and outflow facility were determined using fluorophotometry. Uveoscleral outflow was calculated from these results and was evaluated with anterior chamber perfusion of FITC-dextran. Outflow facility also was measured by tonography. Epinephrine-treated eyes, compared with their baseline values, showed a 31% reduction in intraocular pressure (P<0.001), a 23% reduction in aqueous flow (P<0.05), a 60% increase in fluorophotometric outflow facility (P<0.05), and a 43% increase in tonographic outflow facility (P<0.05). Treated eyes, compared with contralateral control eyes, showed a 27% reduction in IOP (P<0.005), a 25% reduction in aqueous flow (P<0.005), a 38% increase in fluorophotometric outflow facility (P<0.05), and a 34% increase in tonographic outflow facility. When evaluated by both fluorophotometry and FITC-dextran tracer methods, epinephrine had no significant effect on uveoscleral outflow. It was concluded that, in cats treated with topical epinephrine twice daily for a week, a reduction in intraocular pressure is induced by an increase in outflow facility and decrease in aqueous flow.

Penetration enhancing effect of tetrahydrogeraniol on the percutaneous absorption of 5-fluorouracil from gels in excised rat skin

Poly(acrylic acid) gels containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and tetrahydrogeraniol (THG) were prepared and the effects of THG on 5-FU permeation across the excised rat skin were studied by in vitro methods. Experiments on in vitro permeation of 5-FU across the skin with vertical diffusion cells showed that addition of THG to the gels markedly enhanced the 5-FU permeability. Increasing the THG concentration in the gels to 8% proportionally increased the permeability of 5-FU. More than 12 h was required to reach a steady-state level of 5-FU after administration of 5-FU-THG gel topically. The permeability parameters such as flux, permeability coefficient and enhancement ratio were determined. The results indicated a maximum flux of 252.91+/-9.61 microgram/cm2 per h, and the enhancement ratio of 31.22+/-1.18 when the THG concentration was 8%. Synergistic effects of propylene glycol (PG) with THG were also investigated and a maximum flux of 256.81+/-9.15 microgram/cm2 per h, was obtained when the PG concentration was 5% and THG was 8%. The corresponding enhancement ratio was 31.71+/-1.13. These results suggest not only that THG would be very useful for increasing the skin permeability of 5-FU, but also that THG being a natural product might be useful for developing transdermal therapeutic systems for the delivery of practically unabsorbable drugs.

Bicyclic derivatives of hexahydroaporphine: novel agents that lower intraocular pressure

We have synthesized a number of novel bicyclic hexahydroaporphines containing a phenethylamine moiety for preliminary study as intraocular pressure lowering agents. The target molecules were synthesized in a twelve step process. The final products were secondary or tertiary amines containing either an aromatic methoxy or phenolic substituent. These molecules, in hydrochloride salt form, were assayed in doses ranging from 0.1-1.5%. All products and vehicle were administered topically to one eye of normotensive rabbits and intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes for up to six hours. Four of the five compounds examined produced a significant and, in some cases, prolonged, ocular hypotensive response. Secondary and N-methylated tertiary amines were equally effective, as were compounds containing either the 10-methoxy group of free phenol. Studies are currently in progress to optimize potency and identify functional and molecular mechanisms of action.

[Plasma and skin tissue endothelin in patients with psoriasis vulgaris]

The levels of plasma endothelin in 46 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and the levels of endothelin in skin tissue of 25 cases were determined by RIA. The results showed that: (1) The plasma levels of endothelin in patients with psoriasis vulgaris was significantly increased compared with that of the controls (P < 0.01), so was the active stage group compared with the stable stage group (P < 0.01); (2) The level of endothelin in skin lesions of patients was significantly higher than that of the uninvolved skin. These findings suggest that endothelin might play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.

Self-concept clarity and preferred coping styles

This study examined the relation between self-concept clarity and (a) preferred general coping styles, (b) coping with a specific event, and (c) coping with a specific ongoing situation in 175 undergraduate students. The results of the regression analyses for general coping styles indicated that self-concept clarity made a reliable but weak positive contribution to active coping styles (e.g., planning and taking action) and a strong negative contribution to passive coping styles (e.g, denial). The unique negative contribution of self-concept clarity to passive coping was replicated with respect to coping with a specific event and to coping with a specific ongoing situation. However, the weaker positive contribution of self-concept clarity to active coping was not replicated with respect to coping with specific events or specific ongoing situations.