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An electrochemically induced bismuth iodine oxide/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyvinyl alcohol (BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA) composite membrane electrode with iodide ion trap (I−-trap) was fabricated by prerelease of I− under reduction potential. The I−-trap BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA composite membrane with unique lattice confinement structures was used for the selective extraction of I− in an electrochemically switched ion permselective (ESIP) process. In the ESIP system, the direct uptake and release of I− were realized by applying a cell voltage-pulse potential (CV-PP) coupling circuit on the membranes to switch the oxidation/reduction state. The I−-trap BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA composite membrane exhibited a maximum flux of 8.32 mg·m−2·min−1 and superior electrochemical stability. The separation factors of I−/Br−, I−/Cl−, I−/NO 3 −, and I−/SO 4 2−in the mixed solutions were 2.67, 3.71, 3.82, and 6.70 respectively. Therefore, such a novel I−-trap BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA composite membrane could be used in the ESIP system for the selective extraction of I− ions from low concentration solutions. [Display omitted] • A novel I−-trap BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA composite membrane was prepared for the selective extraction of I−. • An electrochemically induced transmembrane transport mechanism was proposed. • Oxidation/reduction state of the membrane was controlled by cell voltage-pulse potential coupling circuit. • The I−-trap BiOI/MWCNTs/PVA composite membrane in the ESIP system exhibited a high I− flux of 8.32 mg m−2·min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) face a high risk of recurrent stroke despite receiving aggressive medical therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hybrid surgery in treating symptomatic chronic ICAO. Methods: This retrospective case series was conducted at a single center. From January 2019 to December 2022, patients with symptomatic chronic ICAO who underwent hybrid surgery were included. We collected baseline data, lesion characteristics, revascularization rates, perioperative complications, and follow-up outcomes. Results: The study enrolled 27 patients, comprising 22 males and 5 females, with symptomatic chronic ICAO. The hybrid surgery achieved a technical success rate of 100% for revascularization (n = 27), with a perioperative complication rate of 14.8% (n = 4). Following a median follow-up of 6.0 months (IQR, 4–10), 21 patients underwent a DSA or CT angiography reexamination, confirming a vascular patency rate of 90.5% (n = 19). One patient required surgery for severe in-stent restenosis, and another experienced asymptomatic occlusion. Clinical follow-ups were conducted for all 26 patients; no new strokes were reported in the qualifying artery territory, with 13 patients scoring 0, 12 scoring 1, and 1 scoring 2 on the mRS. Conclusion: Although hybrid surgery represent a promising option for treating chronic ICAO, they are also associated with a relatively high incidence of treatment-related complications. The application of composite surgery should be based on standardized technical guidelines and the careful selection of patients who are genuinely at high risk for recurrent strokes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primate‐specific DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) has evolved in the azoospermia factor c (AZFc) locus on the Y chromosome. Loss of DAZ is associated with azoospermia in patients with deletion of the AZFc region (AZFc_del). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAZ in spermatogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the molecular mechanism of DAZ is identified, which is unknown since it is identified 40 years ago because of the lack of a suitable model. Using clinical samples and cell models, it is shown that DAZ plays an important role in spermatogenesis and that loss of DAZ is associated with defective proliferation of c‐KIT‐positive spermatogonia in patients with AZFc_del. Mechanistically, it is shown that knockdown of DAZ significantly downregulated global translation and subsequently decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, DAZ interacted with PABPC1 via the DAZ repeat domain to regulate global translation. DAZ targeted mRNAs that are involved in cell proliferation and cell cycle phase transition. These findings indicate that DAZ is a master translational regulator and essential for the maintenance of spermatogonia. Loss of DAZ may result in defective proliferation of c‐KIT‐positive spermatogonia and spermatogenic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving a high dispersity of deposited transition metal is crucial in the anodization preparation of noble‐metal‐free composites for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, for the first time, an in situ ion pumping anodization method is proposed to confine single‐atom Fe within the spatially ordered structure of anodized TiO2 nanotubes (TNT), assisted by ferric sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an “ion pump” to deliver Fe3+ toward anodes. Both experimental and theoretical calculations confirm that highly dispersed single‐atom Fe can interact with single‐electron‐trapped oxygen vacancies (SETOV), effectively reducing the oxygen vacancy concentration in TiO2 nanotubes. This reduction promotes efficient charge carrier separation through the Fe(III)/Fe(II) pathway and enhances hydrogen desorption, ultimately boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on configuration and dimension optimization of cutter disassembly mechanism. Firstly, a cutter disassembly mechanism configuration is proposed with four components and simple actions, based on the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) contradiction solutions. Furthermore, a comprehensive dimension optimization strategy was developed, including non-dimensional normalization model, kinematic performance atlases and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Then, the optimal relative dimension of crucial parameters was obtained. Combined with the assembly relationship between components, dimension of all parameters was designed for cutter disassembly mechanism. The locking and disassembling process simulation was provided to illustrate the feasibility of the mechanism. The results show that the angular velocity is very smooth and the locking and disassembling actions are realizable without interference for optimized cutter disassembly mechanism. The effectiveness of the configuration and dimension optimization method is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) is an X-linked gene and essential for meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. TEX11 deficiency causes meiotic arrest and male infertility, and many TEX11 mutations have been found in azoospermic and infertile men. Case presentation: This study reported one novel TEX11 mutation (2653G → T, in exon 29, GenBank accession number, NM_031276) in two brothers with azoospermia. This mutation was firstly screened out by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and further verified by amplifying and sequencing the specific exon 29. Surprisingly, the same exonic missense mutation (W856C) was observed in two brothers but not in their mother. Histological analysis of testicular biopsy from both brothers revealed meiotic arrest and no post-meiotic round spermatids and mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules. TEX11 expression was observed strongly in spermatogonia and weakly in spermatocytes, but not in Sertoli cells and interstitial cells. Conclusions: We identified one novel TEX11 mutation in two brothers and summarized the literature regarding TEX11 mutations and male infertility. This study and previous literature indicate that TEX11 mutations are closely associated with male infertility, especially azoospermia, although auxiliary clinical analyses are needed to figure out the causes of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disc cutter is the main rock cutting tool of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), and its wear directly affects the cutter change decision. Therefore, real-time monitoring of disc cutter wear has become an urgent technical problem for boring machines. In this study, an online monitoring system based on an eddy current sensor is designed to monitor disc cutter wear in real time. The effects of three types of rock and muddy water mixture on the measurement data are compared. Results show that measuring the eddy current distance can solve the problem of inaccurate measurement after the disc cutter is covered by rocks. Besides, the error data of this method in measuring disc cutter wear are analyzed. A function test is performed for similar disc cutters on a multi-function disc cutter performance test bench, and a real-time continuous test is conducted for the wear of two disc cutters in a certain TBM project. With a comparison of monitored and measured results, it shows that the error is less than 1 mm, which indicates that the system exhibits stable transmission and high accuracy in measurement and meets engineering requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodialysis metathesis (EDM) is a promising technology in synthesis of electrolyte and high-value reclamation of wastewater. The integration of EDM with other processes is a necessary way to maximize the use of raw solution and achieve zero liquid discharge. The exergy analysis is an efficient method to investigate the effective use and loss of energy, and optimize the process. Therefore, a novel integrated process of EDM-RO-MVR was proposed in this work. Membrane area, energy consumption, equipment cost, specific cost, and exergy of a 100 m3/h process were analyzed and discussed. It was shown that the current density has a great influence on the equipment cost of the process, and the proportion of the equipment cost of EDM decreased with the increase of the current density, while the concentration of raw water shown little effect. The specific cost was lowest when the current density was 200 A·m−2. Exergetic analysis showed that the exergy efficiency of the process was 1.5 %, and the largest exergetic loss occurred in the evaporation process. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the heat transfer efficiency of the evaporator and reduce exergetic loss to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the coupled system. Several similar process fitting for different occasions was also proposed and compared. All above results indicated that EDM-RO-MVR was an economical and feasible methods for high-value conversion of sulfate wastewater and production of potassium sulfate. [Display omitted] • An EDM-RO-MVR integrated process producing K 2 SO 4 from Na 2 SO 4 was proposed and analyzed. • The current density has greater influence on the equipment cost and energy consumption. • The specific cost was lowest when the current density was 200 A·m−2. • The evaporator was a key unit with the largest exergy loss. • The transformations of integrated process could improve the exergy utilization and meet the different production requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperperfusion-induced intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is a relatively rare but potentially devastating event after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (SAP), a 2-stage form of CAS, has been shown to be effective for preventing cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome. The aim of our retrospective single-center study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of SAP to prevent HICH in patients with very severe carotid stenosis (90%–99%) and poor collateral compensation. Between November 2011 and August 2018, 153 patients presented with severe symptomatic carotid artery stenosis ≥90%; 96 were scheduled to undergo regular CAS, and 57 were scheduled for SAP. High risk of HICH were identified based on severe stenosis degree (90%–99%) and poor collateral compensation, which were determined using digital subtraction angiography and qualitative computed tomography perfusion. Patients' clinical data, procedural details, and occurrence of HICH were compared between regular CAS and SAP groups. Of 57 patients scheduled for SAP, 3 were switched to regular CAS because of intraoperative dissection. The median interval between stages I and II was 8 days (IQR: 4–20 days). One patient who was switched to regular CAS experienced HICH. HICH occurred in 1 patient (1.75%; 1/57) in the SAP group and 12 patients (12.5%; 12/96) in the regular CAS group (odds ratio 0.117, 95% confidence interval 0.014–0.990, P = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that SAP was negatively related to cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (odds ratio 0.117; 95% confidence interval 0.014–0.990; P = 0.049). SAP is an effective treatment for avoiding HICH in patients with carotid preocclusive stenosis (90%–99%) and poor collateral compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are ubiquitous pollutants in the aquatic environment. In this study, the sorption behavior of two typical MPs (PVC and PE) to bivalent zinc ions (Zn(II)) and their combined toxic effects on Chlorella vulgaris were systemically studied. The growth inhibition rate, the activities of photosynthesis and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), the cell membrane integrity and the cell apoptosis rate were employed to evaluate the toxicity. Our result showed that PVC and PE have different adsorption capacities for Zn(II), and the combined exposure to Zn(II) and MPs had distinct patterns on the inhibition of the cell growth and induction of oxidative stress. Under our experimental concentrations, PE and Zn(II) showed a synergistic effect, while PVC and Zn(II) exhibited an antagonistic effect. Finally, an action mechanism was proposed to explain the experimental phenomena. This study demonstrated that flow cytometry can be a powerful tool to study the toxic effect of MP composites, and MPs can not only allow a free ride for the water contaminants, but also remarkably alter their toxic effects on phytoplankton. These effects deserve further consideration during evaluation of ecological risks of MPs in the water environment. [Display omitted] • Combined toxic effects of MPs and Zn(II) on Chlorella were investigated. • MPs distinctly alter the toxic effect of Zn(II) on Chlorella. • Stress response varied with MPs types and exposure levels. • Flow cytometry is a powerful tool to investigate the toxic effect of MPs. • PE shows a synergistic effect with Zn(II) while PVC shows an antagonistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction and concentrating of NaCl from brine were promising technologies to solve the disposition problem of seawater desalination. A novel nanofiltration–electrodialysis (NF–ED) integrated membrane technology was proposed and investigated. The separation of monovalent & bivalent ions and concentrating of solute were realized in NF and ED process, respectively. A kind of NF membrane with high SO 4 2 − rejection and common homogeneous ion exchange membrane were investigated. The results showed that the operating pressure and feeding solution concentration have obvious effect on the water permeate flux and ions rejection ratios. Due to the special properties of NF membrane, almost all of the SO 4 2 − in the brine was rejected. The rejection of Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + was 40% and 87%. The concentrations of Ca 2 + in permeate were 392 mg/L in a brine-recycle experiment, which induce lower scaling potential when used as the raw water of ED. The highest NaCl concentration in the concentrating cell could be as high as 160 g/L and the NaCl recovery was about 70% after 5 h under 15 V, while total concentration of “impure ions” (K + , Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + ) was about 5 g/L. A concept process was also proposed attempting to realize comprehensive utilization of brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The applications of BMED for saline wastewater were systematically reviewed. • The economic analysis of typical acids/alkalis generated by BMED was outlined. • Various influencing factors were deeply discussed for BMED systems. • Strategies for improving BMED performance were detailly summarized. • Future prospects of BMED in saline wastewater treatment were proposed. With the development of comprehensive utilization of high-salinity wastewater, salt resources regeneration has been considered as the fundamental requirement for process sustainability and economic benefits. As one of the potential candidates, bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) was rapidly developed in recent years for the treatment of saline wastewater. Different from other methods directly obtaining salts or condensed wastewater, BMED could utilize and convert the dissolved waste salt into higher-value acid and alkali simultaneously, which has various advantages including outstanding environmental effects and economic benefits. In this review, the recent applications of BMED for waste salt recovery and high-value acid/alkali generation from saline wastewater were systematically outlined. Based on the summary above, the economy analysis of BMED was further reviewed from the roles of desalination and resources recovery. In addition, the BMED-based processes integrated with in-situ utilization of the generated acid/alkali resources were discussed. Furthermore, the influence of operating factors on BMED performance were outlined. Finally, the strategies for improving BMED performance were concluded. Furthermore, the future application and prospects of BMED was presented. This work would provide guidance for the applications of bipolar membrane electrodialysis in saline wastewater treatment and the high-value conversion of salt resources into acids and alkalis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe disease in male infertility, but the genetic causes for majority of NOA remain unknown. Methods: Two Chinese NOA-affected patients were recruited to identify the genetic causal factor of infertility. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted in the two patients with NOA. Sanger sequencing and CNV array were used to ascertain the WES results. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) were carried out to evaluate the stage of spermatogenesis arrested in the affected cases. Results: Novel heterozygous deletion (LOH) within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135111754_135427143del) and heterozygous loss of function (LoF) variant in SYCE1 (NM_001143763: c.689_690 del:p.F230fs) were identified in one NOA-affected patient. While homozygous deletion within SYCE1 (seq[GRCh37] del(10)(10q26.3)chr10:g.135340247_135379115del) was detected in the other patient with meiotic arrest. H&E and IF staining demonstrated that the spermatogenesis was arrested at pachytene stage in the two patients with NOA, suggesting these two novel CNVs within SYCE1 could lead to meiotic defect and NOA. Conclusions: We identified that two novel CNVs within SYCE1 are associated with meiotic arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study expands the knowledge of variants in SYCE1 and provides a new insight to understand the genetic etiologies of NOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel superhydrophobic & catalytic bifunctional MnO 2 @Al 2 O 3 composite ceramic membrane was prepared, and characterized for catalytic oxidation of sulfite through membrane aeration. Manganese dioxide on the ceramic membrane was fabricated via the hydrothermal synthesis method with ammonium persulfate and manganese sulfate. The three-dimensional structure and rough surface were formed by the staggered spines of sea urchins-like MnO 2 particles. Stearic acid was used as the hydrophobic modifying reagent to reduce surface free energy. The synthesized composites exhibit excellent superhydrophobicity with a maximum static water contact angle of 164.9° ± 5.3°. The reaction parameters could affect the hydrophobicity by changing the morphology of MnO 2. The bifunctional membrane could also promote the oxidation rate of sulfite, which was increased by 44.0% in Na 2 SO 3 solution and 64.2% in (NH 4) 2 SO 3 solution. [Display omitted] • A novel superhydrophobic-catalysis bifunction ceramic membrane was proposed. • The maximum static water contact angle of bifunctional membrane was 164.9°. • The bifunctional membrane could promote the oxidation rate of Na 2 SO 3 by 44.0% and that of (NH 4) 2 SO 3 by 64.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation, scrapers play the role in shoveling the broken rock fragments, directly contacting with them, which may result in seriously wear and failure, causing high economic loss. Therefore, it is an urgent problem to study the wear mechanism of scraper and how to reduce the blade wear. In this study, the wear prediction model of scraper was established based on working mechanism and wear mechanism analysis. The factors influence on wear characteristic were obtained. Then, the numerical model of TBM scraper shoveling the muck was established using discrete element method. The shovel capacity and wear characteristic of scraper were studied. The structural parameters of blade were optimal designed, comprehensively considering the shovel capacity and wear characteristics. The results indicate that abrasive wear is the main type of scraper wear. The main influencing factors of scraper wear are blade angles. When the front angle of the blade is 25° and the back angle is 8°, the wear performance of the scraper would be improved. The optimal results were successfully applied to a tunneling project and the actual data in the engineering construction of the scraper during the construction were analyzed to verify the structural design method of TBM scraper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale pollution caused by calcium ions (Ca2+) in seawater limits the development of seawater desalination. Emissions of CO 2 and SO 2 in flue gas can cause environmental problems. Under alkaline conditions, Ca2+ in seawater and CO 2 in flue gas are precipitated while SO 2 in flue gas is ionized. Based on the removal of calcium and carbon sequestration by bipolar membrane method, this study explored the feasibility of flue gas carbon fixation and desulfurization by seawater in the electrodialysis device. The effects of current density, aeration, CO 2 content and the crystal form of seeds on pollutant treatment were investigated. The results indicated that the lower energy consumption can be obtained when the current density was 12.5 A/m2, the flue gas flow rate was 40 L/h and the CO 2 content was 10% in flue gas, which established an operating conditions to obtain the decalcification rate greater than 90%, the carbon fixation rate up to 30% and the desulfurization rate close to 100%. Aragonite polymorph of calcium carbonate can be obtained regardless of polymorph of seeds in flue gas. Therefore, bipolar membrane electrodialysis integrated gas absorption and ionic reaction in order to overcome the pollution caused by the addition of traditional chemical reagents. • An alkaline environment was continuously provided by BMED system to absorb acid gases. • Directly use calcium ions in raw seawater to fix carbon dioxide in flue gas without the ion exchange membrane contaminated. • Carbon and sulfur from the flue gas were fixed and removed selectively in the form of solid and liquid phases. • The feasibility of the application of bipolar membrane electrodialysis was further verified in gas-liquid-solid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape, size and polymorph of the crystals will affect their separation, drying and other properties. Surfactants may affect the crystallization process and crystalline products' properties by changing the surface tension in the solution. In this paper, the effects of alkanolamide 6502 as additive on the morphology of calcium carbonate was studied under the conditions of different additive volumes, temperatures and stirring rates. The results showed that the presence of alkanolamide 6502 has a certain effect on the morphology and crystal form of calcium carbonate. The addition of alkanolamide 6502 during the crystallization process was conductive to form vaterite, and the particle size of calcium carbonate was more uniform. Meanwhile, alkanolamide 6502 can change the surface properties of the product from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, preventing the agglomeration. Moreover, vaterite is more likely to form in the presence of alkanolamide 6502, and it is explained from the perspective that adsorption of hydroxyl on the crystal surface changes the physical surface properties of the crystal and inhibits the transformation of polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The schematic diagram of experiment. • BMED system was applied on CO 2 mineralization without chemical reagent added. • It combines membrane adsorption and reactive crystallization. • The film scaling was prevented by inducing crystallizer in seawater. • A valuable chemical product was obtained. Seawater carbon sequestration can not only reduce the greenhouse effect by carbon dioxide mineralization but also achieve seawater calcium removal. Generally, this process requires the addition alkaline reagents to make a high pH environment. This study developed a novel seawater carbon sequestration technology using a bipolar membrane electrodialysis system with a crystallizer. The results showed the new system had excellent synergistic effects. Water dissociation, CO 2 adsorption and precipitation reactions between CO 3 2− and seawater could be carried out in the system without the membrane contamination. With the electric-field, water dissociation occurred on the bipolar membrane and the alkalinity was used to enhance the absorption and ionization of CO 2 in the chamber. Based on the ions selective mobility through the anionic membrane, weak base ions combined with seawater in the salt chamber. However, the cations in seawater, calcium and magnesium ions, could not pass through the anionic membrane, which prevented the pollution of the bipolar membrane. Meanwhile, the ion concentrations of CO 3 2− was controlled and primary nucleation of CaCO 3 could not occur in the salt chamber. The seeded crystallization in the crystallizer increased the reaction area and consumed the supersaturation degree of CaCO 3. This study examined the effects of CO 2 access mode of the membrane stack and the induced crystal seeds in the crystallizer on membrane fouling, seawater decalcification, carbon sequestration and energy consumption. This new system indicated the direction of bipolar membrane application in the adsorption and reactive crystallization of acid gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the hypersaline environment cell of Dunaliella salina can change its morphology, growth, and pigment for adapting to the stress. Despite the fact D. salina cell was accustomed to the salt environment, extreme high salinity threatened cell by releasing reactive oxygen species, which raise relative electrical conductivity. With the purpose of surviving, D. salina saved plenty of glycerol to prevent the harm of high salinity. To find out the molecular basis for salinity tolerance, transcriptome sequencing was used to identify salt-regulated genes in D. salina. A total of 40,682 unigenes were identified and annotated based on the multiple databases analysis. We found out that about 717–1012 unigenes are up- or downregulated in hypersaline compared to hyposaline condition. The results of research showed that salinity stress upregulated key genes in photosynthesis and glycerol metabolism, this research is the largest comparative investigation of transcriptome D. salina adapted to very salinity environment, creating a solid base for analyzing the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance of algae and higher plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Continuous electrodialysis metathesis process was first in situ integrated with CO 2 absorption. • A feeding-diffusing model was first established to derive the minimum feeding rate. • NaHCO 3 and NH 4 Cl could be controllably produced at gas–liquid molar ratio above 1.6. • Na 2 CO 3 and NH 4 Cl could be produced in the range from 0.5 to 0.6 gas–liquid molar ratio. The increasing emission of CO 2 has induced severe ecological problems. In this work, CO 2 absorption was first in situ integrated with continuous electrodialysis metathesis (EDM) for controllable NaHCO 3 /NH 4 Cl or Na 2 CO 3 /NH 4 Cl production from CO 2 , NaCl and NH 3 ·H 2 O. The feeding rate of this combined system was first optimized and a "feeding-diffusing" model was established to simulate the kinetics. Afterwards, the gas–liquid molar ratio was adjusted for controllable production of NaHCO 3 /NH 4 Cl or Na 2 CO 3 /NH 4 Cl. At the gas–liquid molar ratio above 1.6, NaHCO 3 and NH 4 Cl could be controllably produced while Na 2 CO 3 and NH 4 Cl were produced in the range from 0.5 to 0.6 gas–liquid molar ratio. During the whole process, the migration of ammonia hydrated ions was observed as the dominant factor influencing the purities of NaHCO 3 and Na 2 CO 3 while it had little impact on that of NH 4 Cl. Finally, the potential applications of the integrated process were analyzed for the development of integrated CCUS processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, it is commonly observed that ion flux decreases as the separation performance of cation exchange membranes between mono- and double-charged ions improves. Therefore, cation exchange membranes with simultaneously excellent separation performance and high ionic flux must be developed. Herein, a series of pure and organic-inorganic cross-linked membranes were synthesized using UV irradiation. The synthetic membranes showed high ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and large ion flux. The organic-inorganic membranes achieved excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and separation properties owing to the addition of SiO 2. When the silica content was 4 wt%, the three ionic perm-selectivity showed their highest separation performances of 1.70 ± 0.03(P K Na ), 5.84 ± 0.04(P K Mg ), and 25.67 ± 0.04 (P K Ca ), representing an increase of 70% (P K Na ), 279.22% (P K Mg ), and 1236.98% (P K Ca ) compared than those of pure membrane. In addition, the limiting current density of the prepared organic-inorganic membranes was all >8.74 mA/cm2, higher than that of commercial membrane. According to these excellent performances, the prepared membranes showed good prospects for separation performance of cation exchange membranes. The addition of a proper amount of inorganic particles can improve the ion perm-selectivity between mono- and double-charged ions. • Novel organic-inorganic cross-linked membranes were successfully synthesized by UV irradiation with various SiO 2 loadings. • The highest ionic perm-selectivity were 1.70 ± 0.03(P K Na ), 5.84 ± 0.04(P K Mg ), and 25.67 ± 0.04 (P K Ca ), respectively. • The limiting current density of the organic-inorganic membranes were all higher than 8.74 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PME) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and neurological deterioration. Here, we genetically analyzed a Chinese patient affected by infantile-onset progressive myoclonic epilepsy. We applied next-generation whole exome capture sequencing with Sanger direct sequencing to the proband and her unaffected parents. Two compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the KCTD7 gene. The first mutation [c. 434A > G(p.Q145R)] was inherited from her father, while the second [c.631C > T(p.R211X)] was inherited from her mother. The two were co-segregated with disease phenotype in the family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of KCTD7 mutations causing PME in the Chinese population, with c. 434A > G in particular being a novel mutation. Our findings supported the important role of KCTD7 in PME and broadened the gene's mutation spectrum. Thus, this study contributes to genetic diagnoses and counselling of families with PME. • The first report of KCTD7 mutations causing PME in Chinese population. • Two KCTD7 compound heterozygous mutations c. 434A>G and c.631C>T were identified • WES is a valuable approach for the diagnosis of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Not only CO 3 2− but HCO 3 − are removed by accelerated mineral carbonation process. • MgO not only acts as accelerator but also translates to valuable pure products. • Pure calcium carbonate and nesquehonite are obtained as by-products. • The reaction mechanism between CO 2 -MgO-Ca2+、Mg2+ was proposed. Abstract This study describes a two-step accelerated mineral carbonation technology at moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure by choosing the "problematic ions for seawater utilization" as mineralizers in the simplified seawater-MgCl 2 -CaCl 2 -H 2 O system, that is, Ca2+ as the first mineralizer and Mg2+ in the residual solution as the second. Not only can carbonate ions generated from the absorption and ionization of CO 2 be fixed by Ca2+ through the first carbonation process with the added alkali source, MgO, but HCO 3 − in the residual solution can also be mineralized by Mg2+ through the second carbonation process. Meanwhile, pure CaCO 3 and MgCO 3 ·3H 2 O, which have the possible benefit of reuse, can be obtained as by-products. Then, more variables were set to optimize the technical conditions to enhance the decalcification rate and carbon sequestration ratio, reduce the reaction time during the first mineralization and attempt to realize the combination of HCO 3 − and Mg2+ by adding NaOH to produce MgCO 3 ·3H 2 O as another by-product in a moderate environment during the second mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A NiCo LDH/NiO film was successfully prepared for Br− extraction. • Electrochemical coordination and anion exchange mechanism was proposed. • The Br− extraction capacity of NiCo LDH/NiO film was as high as159.25 mg·g−1. • The NiCo LDH/NiO film showed superior electrochemical stability. A potential-driven nickel oxide/NiCo layered double hydroxide (NiO/NiCo LDH) composite film was deposited within the stainless steel wire mesh, showing excellent Br− extraction in an electrochemically switched ion exchange (ESIX) system. In this composite film, NiO with a high specific surface area and porous structure served as the lower layer to improve the electrical conductivity and ion storage capacity of the film, while NiCo LDH served as the main selective separation layer to selectively adsorb the target Br−. The film electrode extracted Br− up to 159.25 mg·g−1 and the separation factors of Br−/Cl−, Br−/NO 3 −, and Br−/I− were 2.04, 8.89, and 5.45, respectively. The film electrode showed excellent adsorption–desorption cyclability and electrochemical stability since the NiO increased the binding force and electrical conductivity between NiCo LDH and substrate, and its porous structure accommodated Br−. The highly efficient extraction of Br− in neutral solution was attributed to the electrochemical coordination and interlayer anion exchange sites of NiO/NiCo LDH. This study provided a deep understanding of the ion selective extraction mechanism of LDH-based materials by ESIX technology and the novel electrochemical reaction design of electrodes, which could be used in other fields such as supercapacitors, sensors, and batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The resource conversion and recovery through EDM were systematically reviewed. • Various influencing factors were deeply discussed for EDM systems. • Limiting factors of EDM and possible solutions were detailly summarized. • The economic analysis of high-value products generated by EDM was outlined. • Future prospects of EDM in resource conversion and recovery were proposed. Over the past few decades, industrial society has undergone rapid development and produced a significant number of wastes, leading to an increased demand for sustainable resource conversion and recovery. Among the various techniques, electrodialysis metathesis (EDM) has exhibited excellent performance and emerged as a potential candidate. In this review, the applications of EDM were systematically summarized, including high-value conversion of salts, resource utilization of saline wastewater, recovery of ionic liquids and green synthesis of substances. Furthermore, the influencing factors including electric field intensity, initial solution concentration, feeding rate and coexisting ions on EDM performance were thoroughly reviewed. Specifically, the limiting factors of EDM and its mechanism were presented, and then the possible solutions were summarized. In addition, the economic analysis of the EDM process was outlined in detail. Finally, the future applications and prospects of EDM were presented. This work would provide guidance for electrodialysis metathesis in implement the resource recovery from the role of green chemistry and optimize process safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on comparisons between the experimental and semi-theoretical forces of CCS disc cutters acting on different rocks. The experimental forces obtained from LCM tests were used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of a semi-theoretical CSM model. The results show that the CSM model reliably predicts the normal forces acting on red sandstone and granite, but underestimates the normal forces acting on marble. Some additional LCM test data from the literature were collected to further explore the ability of the CSM model to predict the normal forces acting on rocks of different strengths. The CSM model underestimates the normal forces acting on soft rocks, semi-hard rocks and hard rocks by approximately 38, 38 and 10%, respectively, but very accurately predicts those acting on very hard and extremely hard rocks. A calibration factor is introduced to modify the normal forces estimated by the CSM model. The overall trend of the calibration factor is characterized by an exponential decrease with increasing rock uniaxial compressive strength. The mean fitting ratios between the normal forces estimated by the modified CSM model and the experimental normal forces acting on soft rocks, semi-hard rocks and hard rocks are 1.076, 0.879 and 1.013, respectively. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy and the reliability of the CSM model have been improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-performance adsorbents to address high concentrations of boron and thus acquirement of drinkable water from seawater is a huge challenge. Most of the boron removal adsorbents reported in the literature have complex and organic solvents involved in preparation processes, which makes industrial production difficult. Herein, the porous cross-linked polyglycidyl methacrylate (CLPGMA) with a rich pore structure is prepared in one step by water-in-oil high internal phase emulsification, and then functionalized using water as a solvent to dissolve glucosamine to obtain the boron removal adsorbent. The whole preparation process is facile and free-organic solvents, making it suitable for further industrial production. The adsorbent demonstrates excellent performance in batch adsorption. Especially, we propose to combine the adsorption with reverse osmosis technology, by which the drinkable desalinated seawater can be obtained. The column adsorption experiments show that the adsorbent can rapidly remove boron from desalinated seawater at high flow rates under dynamic conditions to meet drinking water standards. This research provides a new method for the green large-scale synthesis of high-performance boron adsorbent for seawater desalination. • The sorbent is prepared by a facile and free-organic solvents method. • Promising industrial scale-up preparation of adsorbents. • Combined with reverse osmosis technology to produce drinkable desalinated seawater. • Fixed-bed experiments prove the promise of sorbent for large-scale use in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse electro-dialysis (RED) is a potentially available technology to harvest salinity gradient power, which can be extracted from high-salinity wastewater in industrial processes. This study proposes a hybrid RED/ED system to simultaneous osmotic energy recovery and complete desalination in the phenol-containing wastewater treatment process. Experimental investigation on standalone ED system reveals that the high stack resistance, resulting from the salinity difference between both feed streams, accounts for the inefficient desalination performance in early stages, which implies potential implication of RED as a pre-desalination process with natural driving force to reduce the salinity difference. Pre-desalination rate is related to power generation in RED stage and energy saving in ED stage under optimal operation conditions. Compared with artificial seawater, greater power generation is produced by using phenol-containing wastewater as the high-salinity stream. Economic analysis suggests that average power generation and limiting wastewater treatment capacity can provide insightful guidelines for the design and improvement of the hybrid system. Control conditions are listed as a fundamental criterion to search for potentially applicable wastewater systems in the hybrid system. Therefore, hybrid RED/ED system can realize triplex advantages of salinity energy usage, high-valued resource reclamation, and low-energy desalination in high-salinity wastewater treatment processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• One-stop simultaneous mineralization of CO 2 and removal of SO 2 and NO x. • The solid product is calcium carbonates with pure aragonite type. • Higher concentrations of SO 2 can promote NO x removal but inhibit CO 2 absorption. • The self-crystallization process can effectively reduce the energy consumption of decalcification. This study proposed a new process based on bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) for the one-stop simultaneous removal of SO 2 and NO x and mineralization of CO 2 from flue gas. The process could be divided into two simultaneous aspects: the mineralization of CO 2 into calcium carbonate using calcium ions in seawater; meanwhile, and the removal of SO 2 and NO x by wet scrubbing. During this process, the OH– generated by the bipolar membrane was used as an absorbent, and ozone (O 3) was used as an oxidizer for NO in the flue gas. It was found that at higher current density, the absorption rate of CO 2 could be enhanced, but the calcium and magnesium were precipitated in the form of carbonate at the same time, and the product was no longer pure calcium carbonate product, thus reducing the purity and added value of the product. Enhancing the liquid flow rate could reduce the membrane surface resistance, thus effectively decreasing the energy consumption of the system. The increase of SO 2 concentration and n (O 3 /NO) could significantly improve the NO x removal efficiency, however, higher SO 2 concentration would consume more OH– and inhibit CO 2 absorption. Under the optimal conditions, the average CO 2 absorption rate, decalcification rate, and denitrification rate were 53. 57%, 92.56%, and 87. 61%, respectively, and the desulfurization rate was close to 100%. Given the high energy consumption in the decalcification process and the problem that the by-product was calcium carbonate with mixed crystal form, the experiment was optimized. The electrodialysis process could produce aragonite-type calcium carbonate, which was utilized as crystal seed to ensure the purity of subsequent by-products. Especially, the energy consumption was effectively reduced by utilizing the accumulation of carbonate and bicarbonate in the mother fluid of the electrodialysis process through the self-crystallization process of calcium carbonate induced by crystal seed to shorten the time of the electrodialysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aqueous solutions of LiCl and mixed LiCl-MgCl 2 were investigated using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and MD simulations. • LiCl weakens the tetrahedral hydrogen bond structure and influences the types of hydrogen bonds in the electrolyte solution. • Cl− is easier to form contact ion pairs with Mg2+ than Li+, which could affect the early stages of LiCl crystallization. Lithium resources are abundant in Chinese salt lakes, but the high Mg/Li ratio in such aqueous natural sources has brought difficulties to the separation and purification of lithium. Crystallization processes are highly affected by the solution microstructure, which, in turn, depends on its composition. Synchrotron X-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation methods were used to study the microstructure of aqueous LiCl solutions with different concentrations. In the reduced structure function, F (Q), the double peak around the scattering vector Q = 2.5 Å−1 becomes a single peak, which indicates the addition of LiCl changes the tetrahedral hydrogen bond structure in the aqueous solution. The deconvolution fitting of the Raman spectra show that the DDAA-type (double donor-double acceptor) hydrogen bonds tend to be transformed into DA-type (single donor–single acceptor) hydrogen bonds, confirming that the addition of LiCl breaks the tetrahedral hydrogen bond structure. This hydrogen-bond transformation was confirmed by pair distribution function analysis from molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous KCl solutions. In addition, considering the large number of magnesium ions coexisting with LiCl in the Salt Lake, the microstructure of mixed LiCl-MgCl 2 solution was also studied. According to the X-ray scattering results, the peak in the reduced pair distribution function G (r) near r = 3.25 Å shifted from 3.25 Å to 3.10 Å with increased Mg/Li ratio. This change is likely to result from the Cl-O and O O interactions in the mixed aqueous solution. The deconvolution fitting results of Raman spectra show that the DDAA type hydrogen bond increases with the Mg/Li ratio, while the DA + DDA type hydrogen bond decreases. The molecular dynamics results showed that chlorine ions have a higher tendency to form contact ion pairs with Mg2+ than Li+. We propose this to be one of the processes retarding the separation of pure LiCl crystal from mixed LiCl-MgCl 2 systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the mechanism of the CO 2 participant softening pretreatment process, a series of experiments and analyses have been conducted to study the process of decalcification with NaOH as alkali source and CO 2 as precipitator, which includes the material conversion of precipitate, Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , CO 3 2 − , HCO 3 − , and OH − ion concentrations and pH in solutions. It is found that the decalcification pretreatment process is a complex reaction involving first formation of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 before CO 2 is injected, and then CaCO 3 is nucleated and crystallized, following the dissolving of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 with the continuous influx of CO 2 . MgCO 3 ·3H 2 O is not formed until all the Ca(OH) 2 gradually transformed to CaCO 3 , and it begins to dissolve as there is only CaCO 3 left in the precipitates. Then the added amount of NaOH is changed to study the precipitate before CO 2 is injected, and material transformation of deposit with bubbling CO 2 is investigated. This further study provides a favorable evidence for a new enlightenment, that is, magnesium hydrate may work as the new alkali source for CO 2 participant softening pretreatment technology, which has more economical value than sodium hydroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disc cutter is the main rock breaking tool of TBM. It is angled worn frequently because of locked-rotor; as a result, monitoring relevant operating parameters of TBM disc cutter has become an urgent technical problem. This paper studies nondestructive and non-contact online detection disc cutter rotational speed method of based on eddy current sensor: applies eddy current sensor to detecting six 2 mm-high metal bumps setting on the disc cutter, so as to detect the rotational speed of disc cutter. K60 MCU is applied as the main control core. The experimental results show that the on-line rotational speed monitor system of disc cutter features high anti-jamming ability and is reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An efficient EDM method was proposed to treat ammonia and saline wastewater. • 1.63 mol/L NaOH and 1.85 mol/L NH 4 Cl concentrated solutions could be recovered. • OH− rejection rate, ammonia dissociation and water migration are key process factors. Coal chemical industry typically generated a series of wastewater such as ammonia wastewater and saline wastewater. The inappropriate treatment of these systems not only induced serious water pollution but caused waste of resources. To solve this situation, an efficient electrodialysis metathesis (EDM) route was proposed to transform simulated ammonia wastewater and saline wastewater into concentrated NaOH and NH 4 Cl products with higher added values. During the EDM processes, the influence of operating voltage, simulated ammonia wastewater circulating flow rate and feeding rate was explored and the optimal condition was determined. Under this condition, the NaOH and NH 4 Cl products were concentrated to 1.63 mol/L and 1.85 mol/L with purity at 80.71 wt% and 90.40 wt%, respectively. To further reveal the process mechanism, the ions especially OH− migration were systematically analyzed. It was found that the rejection rate of cation exchange membrane (CEM) towards OH−, dissociation of ammonia and intrinsic water migration were the three main factors dominating the concentration and purity of the final products. This work could provide potential directions for both high-value resources recycling and treatment of coal chemical industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combined toxic effects of different MPs and PBDEs on grouper were examined. • Grouper, a primary mariculture species, was used for toxicity testing. • MPs distinctly alter the toxic effects of PBDEs. • Disturbance of gene expression was investigated. • Non-neglectable impact of MP-mediated pollutant exposure to mariculture species. Emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may pose a serious threat to human health and ecological safety. However, little is known about the MP-mediated PBDEs exposures and their combined toxicities towards farmed fishes. This study investigated the sorption behaviors of two typical PBDEs (BDE-47 and BDE-209) to MPs of different polymer types (PE, PS, PHA and PHB), and examined their combined toxic effects on grouper (Epinephelus moara) by determining the change of oxidative stress markers and comparing gene expression difference through high-throughput sequencing. Our results demonstrated that the sorption of PBDEs on MPs were polymer type-dependent and the sorption capacities were in the order of PHA>PHB>PS>PE. The combined exposures of MPs and PBDEs led to more severe disturbance on the oxidative system compared with individual exposure. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of glutathione were decreased, while the activity of catalase (CAT) and the content of malondialdehyde were increased. The disorder of oxidative system can influence the growth of groupers. High-throughput sequencing confirmed that pathways of ferroptosis, IL-17 and PPAR expressed differently under combined exposure of MPs and BDE-47. IL-17 pathway related genes were inhibited, while genes in PPAR pathway were upregulated. The combined exposure brought more severe effect on grouper's gene expression compared with individual exposure. GPX-related genes and CAT gene in the liver were up-regulated, while SOD-related genes were down-regulated. Our results demonstrated that the combined toxicity of MPs and PBDEs can pose a non-neglectable threat to aquaculture development and food safety, and gained a primary insight into the potential risk of MPs to farmed fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective Electrodialysis Process for the Separation of Potassium: Transmembrane Transport of Ions in Multicomponent Solution Systems. [Display omitted] • Monovalent selective electrodialysis was applied to separate KCl from bittern. • SO 4 2 - inhibits the migration of Mg2+. • The decrease of ionic strength will improve the separation performance of K+. • 74.83% of K+ could be recovered with the K+/Mg2+ permselectivity more than 7.72. With the development of global agriculture, the demand for potash is growing rapidly. The concentration of K+ in bittern can reach 10 g/L, but the economic benefit of existing extraction methods is still a key concern, and a new extraction method is urgently needed. The monovalent selective electrodialysis was proposed in this study to purify K+. The effects of coexisting ion concentration, voltage, temperature, and ionic strength of dilute solution on the separation of K+ from brine were investigated in ternary system, quaternary system, and quinary system, respectively. Monovalent selective electrodialysis was preliminarily applied to separate K+ from actual bittern. The results showed that monovalent selective electrodialysis can effectively extract K+ and reduce the ratio of Mg2+/K+ from 7.11 to 0.92 with a K+ recovery rate of 74.83%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodialysis metathesis is an attractive technology to synthesize electrolyte by electrodialysis technology. It could realize the metathesis reaction and product concentration simultaneously in one process. A semi-empirical mathematical model based on Nernst–Planck equations was built to describe the continuous EDM process converting Na 2 SO 4 to K 2 SO 4. The parameters of mathematical model were determined by the experimental data. The simulated results were verified by the laboratory scale test and a pilot-scale experiment. The economic feasibility of an industrial scale process was evaluated. It was indicated that the current density had a significant effect on the capital cost of EDM, while the effect of feed concentration was small. The specific cost of EDM was lowest when the current density was 150 A·m−2 in this paper. [Display omitted] • A semi-empirical model for continuous EDM process was developed and applied to the simulation of industrial process. • The equation of water flux from different dilute solution was determined by the ion hydration numbers. • The capital cost of membrane occupied about 50% of the total ones. • The capital cost was reduced as the current density was increased, and variated little as the concentration was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of advanced multifunctional phase change materials (PCMs) for solar energy harvesting and storage is an important alternative to conventional energy sources. Herein, a novel flexible superhydrophobic thermal energy storage (FSTES) coating without fluoride is prepared by spraying mesoporous C@SiO 2 nanotubes (NTs) supporting materials, PCMs (industrial paraffin wax, IPW), and adhesives (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) on the cloth. The coating has a high enthalpy (107.29 J/g) because the mesoporous C@SiO 2 NTs have a large loading capacity on IPW (78.6 wt%). Moreover, the coating has good photothermal conversion efficiency (87.6%) due to C@SiO 2 NTs with good light absorption. By the combined effect of C@SiO 2 NTs with hierarchical roughness and PDMS with low surface energy, the coating achieved excellent fluorine-free superhydrophobicity with good corrosion resistance, UV irradiation resistance, and self-cleaning properties, which ensures the sustainably photothermal conversion efficiency and extends the life of the coating. In addition, the coating has excellent flexibility and offers the possibility of wearability. This research provides ideas for the preparation of flexible superhydrophobic coating, which are close to practical application. The fluoride-free superhydrophobic thermal energy storage coating on cloth exhibits excellent flexibility, superhydrophobicity, and photothermal conversion efficiency, offering the possibility of wearability. [Display omitted] • Fluoride-free superhydrophobic thermal energy storage coating was designed. • The coating with good flexibility can withstand various deformations. • The coating with good superhydrophobic properties can withstand extreme conditions. • The coating exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency. • The coating offered the possibility of wearability and thermal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodialysis has been considered to be a competitive technology in the treatment and reclamation of organic saline wastewater. As a kind of typical compounds in industrial wastewater, the mass transfer property of organic electrolyte were important to the operation of the treatment process and product quality. The benzoic acid/sodium benzoate and citric acid/sodium citrate in the electrodialysis process and diffusion process were investigated in this paper. The effects of cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and anions (Cl- and SO 4 2-) were discussed. The mass transfer of organic acids and their salts through the ion exchange membrane has two forms: electromigration and diffusion, both of which were affected by the degree of ionization, molecular size and molecular structure. The contribution of electromigration was found to be predominant over that of diffusion as a current is applied. The influence of inorganic ions mainly includes dehydration of organic matter and water content of the membrane. These opposite effects play different roles in the mass transfer of organic acids and their salts through the ion exchange membrane with and without current. It was also shown that the existence of organic acids and their salts had little effect on the mass transfer properties of inorganic salts. Image 1 • The transfer of weak organic acids & salts were affected by ionization, molecular size and structure. • The transfer of weak organic acids & salts is contributed by the neutral molecules and acid ions. • The hydration capacity of inorganic ions is the critical parameter affecting the organic transfer. • The transfer of salt and water were affected little by the organics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TBM cutters temperature monitoring system was applied to a real in-site. • The effect of installation radius and penetration on cutter temperature was studied. • Sludge fluidity was presented by PTR (ratio of penetration to screw conveyor speed). • PTR is proposed and used to analyze the trend of relative temperature change. Excessive cutter temperature during TBM tunnelling may cause severe cutter wear, mud cake formation, or even blockage of the cutterhead. It will increase construction costs and safety risks. Therefore, in this study, based on the PT100 temperature sensor and wireless transmission technology, a set of cutter temperature online monitoring system has been developed and applied to an TBM construction in-site. Statistical analysis of the in-site temperature data shows that: (1) During excavation, the cutter temperature range was about 13–25 ℃. (2) When penetration is less than 32.4 mm/r, the relative temperature change (ΔT) will increase as the installation radius increases. On the contrary, as the installation radius increases, the ΔT decreases first, then increases. (3) The ΔT is affected by the flow velocity of sludge (PTR). When PTR decreases, if the heat lost by the sludge is higher than the heat generated by the penetration, the ΔT will decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodialytic metathesis is a prospective technology in the treatment of sulfate wastewater. It can converse Na 2 SO 4 solution to K 2 SO 4 solution with high concentration. The effects of coexisting ions (Cl−, CO 3 2−, Mg2+, and Ca2+) on the ion flux, concentration, purity of the target product, energy consumption, and current efficiency were investigated in a continuous electrodialytic metathesis process.96.9 g/L K 2 SO 4 solution with a purity of 95.2% was obtained, where the specific energy consumption was 303.8 kW h/t, using a laboratory-scale experiment. The presence of different coexisting ions has been shown to influence on the electrodialytic metathesis process differently. The influence order was CO 3 2− > Cl− and Mg2+> Ca2+. This influence was closely dependent on the competitive migration rate and ion concentration. The water permeation flux to NaCl compartment was higher than the one to K 2 SO 4 compartment. Image 1 • A continuous EDM conversing Na 2 SO 4 wastewater to K 2 SO 4 fertilizer was proposed. • The effect of coexisting ions on the other ions was based on radius and charge number of hydrated ions. • The effect of coexisting ions on water permeate based on its hydrated water. • Electro and concentration osmosis play different roles in water mass transfer of two productions compartment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel aeration intensified membrane absorption seawater flue gas desulfurization technology was proposed and investigated. • The highest SO 2 removal ratio could be as high as 98%. • O 2 play an important role in the mass trans enhancement due to its oxidation reaction with SO 3 2− system. • Scaling is existed after long term running, and CaSO3/CaSO4 are two of the main compounds. Seawater flue gas desulfurization is an important method for controlling SO 2 pollution. The membrane absorption, as a promising technology, attracted more and more interest in this field. A novel aeration membrane absorption seawater flue gas desulfurization process was proposed to improve the mass transfer by the physical and chemical effect. The flow rates of seawater and flue gas considerably influenced the absorption by improving the fluent turbulence near the membrane surface. The overall mass transfer coefficient (K G) of SO 2 could be increased from 1.15–1.5 × 10−3 m/s without aeration to 1.35–1.85 × 10−3 m/s with 5 L/min aeration flowrate. Three kinds of gas with different Oxygen content (O 2 , N 2 , air) were investigated and compared. Both of the remove rate and K G with the aeration of O 2 were larger than the value with the other two. The introduced gas bubbles could bring a synergistic effect of dual-phase flow and oxidation reaction on the mass transfer of SO 2 , which were also proved by the fluent simulation and oxidation experiments. The morphology and hydrophobicity of membrane after long-term running was tested, which showed a decrease in hydrophobicity. Treatment with the acid solution could improve the hydrophobicity to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The disc cutter wear of engineering 6859 m in Yinsong, Jilin is analyzed. • The calculation formula of inner disc cutters' wear rate is established. • The relationship between wear rate and penetration, rock UCS, thrust is studied. • A general prediction formula of the wear rate of disc cutters is established. • The penetration is conversed into rock breaking volume to analyze the wear rate. Disc cutter consumption takes up a large part of the cost of TBM construction, and the analysis of the wear of disc cutters can provide design guidance for the cutter head and cutter arrangement in practice. Data analysis of the disc cutter wear capacity of engineering 6859 m in Yinsong, Jilin (the diameter of cutter head is 7,920 mm) shows that the wear capacity of the inner disc cutter (under the same cutter space) is linear to the position where the cutter is installed on the cutter head. Therefore, a formula for calculating the wear rate of the inner disc cutter is based on establishment of the disc cutter installation radius. In accordance with the slope coefficient (A) of the wear rate of the disc cutter, the influence of tuff and granite on it is analyzed at first, then the difference of seven different prediction model combinations of penetration (P), rock uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and thrust (Fn) under single action and combination action are analyzed. Then, it shows that the single action based on P is the best with the R2 of 0.7156 and the wear rate of the inner disc cutter based on P and UCS is the best for combination action with the R2 of 0.726. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rough micro-nano composite structure can be obtained by FeCl 3 corrosion. • The reason why FeCl 3 corrodes brass to produce a rough micro-nano composite structure is explained. • Superhydrophobic coating has excellent durability under various extreme conditions. • Superhydrophobic surface has very weak adhesion to water droplets. • Superhydrophobic coating can improve corrosion resistance. Corrosion protection of metals plays an important role in developing economy. Inspired by the lotus leaf in nature, superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent water-repellent properties has great potential to solve corrosion problem. Herein, superhydrophobic surfaces with improved anticorrosion performance were achieved on H62 brass. The hierarchical micro-nano structures required for superhydrophobic surfaces were achieved by integrating chemical etching and electrodeposition. After modification, fabricated structures displayed extraordinary water repellence with a static contact angle of 159.5±1.7° and a sliding angle of 3.3±0.6°. Moreover, the obtained superhydrophobic surface has very weak adhesion to water droplets and exhibits good self-cleaning properties. Finally, the corrosion resistance of the H62 brass substrate and the durability under various extreme conditions were investigated. The results show that the prepared superhydrophobic brass has excellent corrosion resistance with a corrosion inhibition rate of 89.8 % and superior durability, which will further expand its practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by RNA binding proteins is crucial for male germline development. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), an RNA binding protein, is specifically expressed in human and mouse male gonads and is involved in manifold biological processes and tumorigenesis. However, the function of IGF2BP1 in mammalian spermatogenesis remains poorly understood. Herein, we generated an Igf2bp1 conditional knockout mouse model using Nanos3-Cre. Germ cell deficiency of Igf2bp1 in mice caused spermatogenic defects in an age-dependent manner, resulting in decreased numbers of undifferentiated spermatogonia and increased germ cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1, a well-recognized mRNA stabilizer, interacted with IGF2BP1. Single cell RNA-sequencing showed distinct mRNA profiles in spermatogonia from conditional knockout versus wide type mice. Further research showed that IGF2BP1 plays a vital role in the modulation of spermatogenesis by regulating Lin28a mRNA, which is essential for clonal expansion of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Thus, our results highlight the crucial effects of IGF2BP1 on spermatogonia for the long-term maintenance of spermatogenesis., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To analyze the complications and long-term follow-up results of endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial posterior circulation aneurysms and identify outcome predictors., Methods: A total of 194 patients with ruptured intracranial posterior circulation aneurysms treated at our center between January 2014 and June 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. Factors influencing complications during hospitalization and clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed., Results: Complications occurred in 57 patients (29.4%) during hospitalization. The median clinical follow-up time was 46.5 (interquartile range 26.0-65.3) months, with favorable outcomes observed in 81.4% (158/194) and unfavorable outcomes in 18.5% (36/194) of cases, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 11.9% (23/194). The overall 1-year and 5-year complication-free survival rates were 76.4% and 70.7%, respectively. The overall 1-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.5% and 85.4%, respectively. Multifactorial analysis revealed that involvement of the basilar artery (P = 0.032) and perioperative external ventricular drainage (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for complications during hospitalization, while advanced age (P = 0.030), poor World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (P = 0.003), and use of closed cell design laser cut stents (P = 0.041) were independent risk factors for unfavorable outcomes during follow-up. Among the survivors, angiography follow-up was available for 139 patients, with a follow-up rate of 81.3% (139/171) and a median follow-up time of 8 months (interquartile range 6-12). During this period, 9 patients experienced aneurysm recanalization, and the complete occlusion rate was 85.6% (119/139)., Conclusion: Endovascular treatment is feasible and effective for treating ruptured intracranial aneurysms; however, there are still risks of complications and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The involvement of the basilar artery trunk increases the risk of complications, and the use of closed cell design laser cut stents is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Clinicians should be cautious to avoid the risk factors when treating ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms and strive to minimize the occurrence of complications and unfavorable clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To improve the level of modern hospital management and establish a scientific and effective medical equipment maintenance guarantee system, this paper proposes the construction of a dynamic interactive fault repair knowledge base system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment based on knowledge graph technology. This innovative application of intelligent management for large medical equipment involves collecting and organizing actual maintenance data. The paper constructs the medical equipment maintenance knowledge base, with MRI equipment as a case study, and initially implements functions such as fault information retrieval, technical guidance, and training and learning for MRI equipment. These functions aim to provide an objective decision-making basis for the maintenance and management of large medical equipment, enhance the efficiency of fault repair and maintenance, and elevate the construction level of intelligent hospitals.

Organic luminogens with dual-state emission (DSE) have garnered widespread attention due to their versatility in the forms of both dilute solutions and solids. Despite the growing interest, most research on DSE focuses primarily on molecule design and photophysical investigation, with limited exploration of their practical applications. In this study, we introduce a novel fluorescent molecule, PCT, featuring a distinct D-π(A)-D' electronic structure. PCT exhibited efficient DSE properties, with high quantum yields in both dilute solutions (Φ THF  = 52.3 %) and solid-state (Φ solid  = 74.6 %). Taking advantage of PCT's lipophilicity, we demonstrated its potential for targeted lipid droplet (LD) imaging in living cells and its utility in monitoring LD depletion during cellular starvation. To further enhance its applicability in photodynamic therapy (PDT), PCT was encapsulated within the amphiphilic triblock copolymer Pluronic F127, forming PCT@F127 nanoparticles with improved colloidal stability. These nanoparticles efficiently generated singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) under white light irradiation, achieving a 1 O 2 quantum yield of 57.2 %. In vitro studies on MCF-7 cells revealed significant 1 O 2 generation and potent phototoxicity, leading to marked cell apoptosis and necrosis. These results underscore PCT's multifunctionality as a DSEgen, with promising applications in both bioimaging and PDT., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)