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Using slag to produce low-carbon building materials is a sustainable strategy to recycle industrial byproducts. However, with a high clinker substitution rate, the delayed early strength development of slag–cement binders severely limits their applicability in practical engineering. This study investigated the mechanism of action by which aluminum sulfate promotes early strength. Its influence on hydration, microstructure, hydration products, mechanical properties, and CO2 emissions was investigated. The analysis indicated that aluminum sulfate accelerated the dissolution of C3S during the induction period, but the precipitation of a large amount of ettringite hindered further hydration. However, this hindering effect decreases as hydration continues. At a 1% dosage, the CO2 emission per unit strength is the lowest. At a 2% dosage, the early strength can be effectively increased by 38.01%. By comparison, alkali-free aluminum sulfate improves the sustainability and mechanical properties better than an alkaline accelerator (sodium carbonate).

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongxin Formula in the treatment of coronary microvascular disease. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study simultaneously in two hospitals, consisting of 80 participants. Using a random number table, we assigned patients to the treatment and control groups. Patients in both groups received conventional Western medicine for coronary microvascular disease. In addition, those in the treatment group received Tongxin formula granules, while those in the control group received a placebo. The treatment course for both groups was three months, and the follow-up duration was six months. The primary efficacy indicators were coronary blood flow reserve and cardiovascular adverse events; the secondary efficacy indicators were the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the angina symptom score, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score, left ventricular function, and adverse reactions. Results: After treatment, patients in the treatment group showed significantly higher variation in the coronary flow reserve (CFR) levels (CFR >2) and improvement of diastolic function (peak filling rate, or PFR >2.5) than those in the control group (P 0.05). Conclusion: We found that Tongxin Formula combined with conventional Western medicine can significantly improved the level of coronary blood flow reserve, reduced the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events, improved the clinical symptoms of patients, and enhanced the quality of life of patients with coronary microvascular disease with favorable safety.

Environmentally friendly chemical admixtures are becoming important in the cement industry. The research objective of this paper is to use aluminum sulfate as an early-strengthening agent to achieve the goals of a large increase in early strength and a reduction in CO2 emissions. The experimental design was as follows: The macroscopic properties and microscopic characteristics of aluminum sulfate were experimentally investigated on five different replacement ratios of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% paste specimens of cement at different ages. The results show that (1) AS4 demonstrated a notable enhancement in early strength, while AS2 and AS3 contributed to increased late-stage strength. Over time, the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) of all samples exhibited a steady rise. Additionally, aluminum sulfate was found to reduce the electrical resistivity of the samples. (2) aluminum sulfate increased the rate of exothermic heat release of samples at induction and acceleration phases, advanced the accumulated heat was high in the samples with high aluminum sulfate content, and the accumulated heat was strongly correlated with the compressive strength. FT-IR and XRD results show that aluminum sulfate promoted the formation of AFt while depleting the CH content, and the TGA results show the content of bound water in the samples increased from Day 1 to Day 28, which had a positive effect on the compressive strength. UHR-SEM results show that increasing aluminum sulfate substitution results in the formation of a denser microstructure. (3) for all the various mixtures, AS2 has the lowest CO2 emissions per unit strength.

Improving operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption are common objectives for all ports. In previous research by authors, a new high operation platform mode was proposed. It had been proven to reduce energy consumption and be economically feasible. On this basis, this paper studied the influence of high operation platform mode on automated container terminal (ACT) efficiency. This paper took U-shaped ACT as the research object, put forward the operation characteristics of U-shaped ACT under high operation platform mode, and constructed the operation time model of high and low operation platform mode respectively. This paper took 30 containers at the same bay as an example to calculate and verify. The computational results shows that when $V_{v}^{1}/V_{h}^{1}$ is above the $V_{v}^{1}/V_{h}^{1}-\alpha $ curve, the operation time of high platform mode is shorter, and the operation efficiency of ACT is higher ( $V_{v}^{1}$ represents the speed of spreader with container vertically moving; $V_{h}^{1}$ represents the speed of spreader with container horizontally moving.); when $V_{v}^{1}/V_{h}^{1}$ is under the $V_{v}^{1}/V_{h}^{1}-\alpha $ curve, the shortening time of quay cranes operation is greater than the increasing time of yard cranes operation, so the overall operational efficiency of ACT is still improved. Therefore, high operation platform mode can improve efficiency of ACT.

In this research, the effects of biochar on the evolutions of the LC3's residual compressive strength, cracking, and ultrasonic pulse velocity were investigated after being heated to 300, 550, and 900 °C. The novelty of this study lies in the dual effect of adapting to climate change while optimizing high temperature resistance by encapsulating biochar in LC3. Moreover, an experimental design that applies multiple analytical methods and macro-micro mutual verification. The compositional changes in the hydration products and interface microstructure were analyzed in detail. The results showed that biochar increased the residual compressive strengths and curbed the crack's development. Especially at 900 °C, 1% and 2% of biochar increased its strength by 14.86% and 27.55%, respectively. These improvements may be closely related to the porous structure of biochar. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for the high temperature resistance of LC3 and help to deepen its understanding.

The large quantities of nondegradable waste glass led to landfill overflow, causing severe environmental harm. Measures need to be taken to reduce the environmental problems associated with waste glass. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) has excellent performance and a low-carbon footprint. However, its environmental benefits still require improvement. This study proposes a strategy to partially replace LC3 with recycled glass powder (RGP) to utilize waste glass while reducing CO2 emissions further. RGP replacement percentages are 10 and 20 %. Experimental studies were systematically conducted to investigate the performance, product composition, and CO2 emission of RGP-LC3. Experimental tests on a macro scale include workability, mechanical properties, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The composition and microstructure of the material were characterized using thermogravimetric, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The CO2 emissions of LC3 at different stages of its lifecycle were compared and discussed how RGP can reduce these emissions. The results show that RGP helps to increase the workability of the slurry. LC3 containing 10 % RGP showed similar compressive strength to the control group, and 20 % RGP resulted in a decrease in strength. As the replacement percentages increase from 0 to 10 and 20 %, the CO2 emissions per unit volume decrease from 606.46 to 545.14 and 484.43 kg m3/MPa.

Limestone-slag-Portland cement mixtures have a low carbon footprint but have low early compressive strength. This study proposes a method to improve the early strength of ternary mixture mortar using aluminum sulfate, evaluates its effectiveness, and tests the optimal dosage. The fresh paste hydration heat and mortar macroscopic properties, such as mechanical performance, resistivity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity, were measured at different dosages (0, 1, 2, and 3%) of aluminum sulfate. Microscopic testing methods, such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to analyze the interaction mechanism between aluminum sulfate and the ternary mixture. The research findings demonstrated that aluminum sulfate enhanced the early mechanical properties and significantly improved the 28-day resistivity. Dosages of 1% and 2% had no adverse effects on the 28 d strength, whereas a 3% dosage reduced the 28 d strength. In the presence of aluminum sulfate, the early hydration heat release of the mixture increased significantly, ettringite became the main early hydration product, and portlandite decreased significantly. Considering the changes in the early strength, 28 d strength, and surface electrical resistivity, a 1% aluminum sulfate dosage was determined as the optimal addition level.

Biochar is a green material derived from agricultural waste and other biomasses via thermochemical conversion under anaerobic conditions. Improving the utilization of biochar can reduce agricultural waste and carbon emissions. Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is low-carbon hybrid cementitious material with significant potential. The hydration, microstructure, and physical properties of a novel green biochar-added LC3 were investigated in this study. The biochar replacement amounts were 1% and 2%. The composition of the material was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and other methods. The engineering performance of the material was evaluated by testing its compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and surface resistivity. The aim of this study was to analyze and explore whether the organic combination of biochar and LC3 can further improve the performance of cement and identify new approaches to reusing waste biomass. The addition of biochar delayed cement hydration, increased the content of the hydration products, and slightly reduced the compressive strength of LC3. Moreover, we observed that the hydration products of cement could be formed owing to the porous characteristics of biochar. Furthermore, the 1% biochar increased the surface resistivity of the material, whereas the 2% biochar decreased it. The combination of biochar and LC3 can further improve the environmental benefits of cement and promote the transition from the cement industry to green production.

Cement–slag–limestone ternary cementitious materials are cement-based materials with significant potential for applications, it exhibits extremely low carbon emissions and excellent workability. Now, to lower CO2 emissions of concrete industry the use of ternary blends is gradually popularized, and the investigation of their self-healing properties of it is of interest to the construction industry. So far, the effect of sodium carbonate on the self-healing of cement-slag-limestone ternary cementitious materials is not clear. In this study, we prepared ternary blends with different concentrations of sodium carbonate (0 %, 2.5 %, and 5 %) were prepared. And systematically investigated the self-healing ability of the samples through a combined macro-microscopic experimental method. Macroscopic aspects: The compressive strength of the samples was tested after 28 days of curing, and the changes in the crack width and relative permeability coefficients were recorded during the self-healing period. Microscopic aspects: The samples were examined for calcium and sodium ion leaching using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The crack interiors were observed using a scanning electron microscope. And the healing compounds were tested using X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The result shows, sodium carbonate reduced the 28-day compressive strength of the slurries and the number of leached calcium ions. The addition of 2.5 % sodium carbonate promoted the early permeability resistance repair of the ternary cement, and the addition of 5 % sodium carbonate reduced the self-healing ability of the ternary cement.

Blast furnace slag (BFS) is an industrial by-product of iron and steel plants that is widely used in alkali-activated materials. Tiles collected during building destruction can be recycled and used as environmentally friendly construction materials. The addition of waste ceramic powder (WCP) to alkali-activated materials relieves pressure on landfills and protects the environment. This study investigated the properties of WCP and BFS mixed pastes activated using different composite activators when heated to 400, 600, and 800 °C for 2 h. Macroscopic dimensional change, residual compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) at high temperatures were measured. Microstructural studies, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction(XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were performed. The main findings can be summarized as follows. After adding K+, the high-temperature resistance of the mixed slurry was improved. After simultaneously adding K+ and CO32-, and after exposure to 800 °C, the NH-Kc sample exhibited the least shrinkage compared to the NH-NS and KH-NS samples, and the residual coefficient of compressive strength was the highest. In conclusion, the introduction of K+ and CO32- into the composite activator is an effective approach to improve the high-temperature resistance of alkali-activated materials exposed to 800 °C.

This research presents a framework for the mixture design of sustainable SF-modified concrete. The design strength at 28 days was scaled to different values (e.g., 30, 40, 50, and 60 MPa). CO2 emissions and cost were chosen as the design variables to optimize. Strength, slump, and carbonation durability with global warming were applied as constraints of optimal design. The analysis revealed that, for low-CO2 concrete, when the design strength was 30 or 40 MPa, to fulfill the requirement of carbonation, the actual concrete strength ought to be 45.39 MPa, which was much greater than the design strength. Carbonation did not affect the mixtures scaled to a high design strength (50 and 60 MPa). The SF/binder ratio was maximum for low-CO2 concrete. Furthermore, for low-total-cost concrete, when the design strength was 30 MPa, the actual strength was 31.28 MPa after considering carbonation. Moreover, when considering global warming, the actual strength should be 33.44 MPa. The SF/binder ratio was minimum for low-cost concrete. Lastly, for low-material-cost concrete, the design was equivalent to the low-total-cost concrete, along with much lower CO2 emissions. In summary, the suggested technique is valuable for the design of sustainable SF-modified concrete with low CO2 and low cost.

This research describes a genetic algorithm-based process for the optimization design of sustainable concrete with limestone powder. The objective of the optimization design was set as the embodied energy. The restraints of the optimization design consist of strength, workability, and carbonation resistance along with stress. The result of the research is shown as follows: (1) for low-strength concrete, carbonation dominates the mixture design of limestone hybrid concrete. Furthermore, the levels of stress and stress types modify the carbonation and optimization mixtures. The influence of tensile stress on optimization mixtures was much more apparent than compressive stress. (2) For concrete with high strength, strength dominates the mixture design of limestone hybrid concrete. (3) The optimization mixtures with low carbon footprints overlapped with those with low embodied energy. In addition, the new knowledge of the research is shown as follows: (1) find the decisive factor of concrete mixture design, (2) show a material design method considering structural stress, and (3) validate for various aims of optimal material design. In summary, the proposed model can be regarded as a common approach for the design of concrete mixture in consideration of strength, workability, carbonation resistance, and structural stress.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are amongst the most important breakthroughs in cancer therapeutics. However, high cost and short acting time limits its affordability and clinical application. Therefore, an economical and durable alternative is urgently needed. Previously, we identified an IL-17RB targeting mAb which intercepts IL-17B/IL-17RB signal transduction and suppresses tumorigenesis in many types of cancer. We reason that active immunity against the antigenic epitope of IL-17RB can reproduce the anti-cancer effect of mAbs with better sustainability. Here, we present a cancer vaccine composed of multiple synthesized epitope peptides chemically conjugated onto CRM197, a highly immunogenic carrier protein. Combining mass spectrometry with immunoassay, we standardized hapten density determination and optimized vaccine design. Furthermore, orthotopically transplanted syngeneic mouse tumor 4T1 showed that administration of this vaccine therapeutically mitigates primary cancer growth as well as distance metastasis. In conclusion, we demonstrate preparation, characterization and pre-clinical application of a novel peptide cancer vaccine.

Background/Objective: This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of Chinese herbal Fufang Xian Ling Gu Bao (XLGB) with antiadipogenic compounds for the prevention of corticosteroid (CS)-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). Methods: Patients of both genders, aged between 18 and 65 years, with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, nephrosis, dermatosis and rheumatoid arthritis indicated for CS treatment and who did not show magnetic resonance imaging of ONFH at baseline were recruited into the study and then randomised into either XLGB group (n = 129) with daily oral administration of XLGB or placebo group (n = 146). Results: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a total of 30 ONFH cases at 6 months after CS treatment, with 6.98% (9 of 129 cases) and 14.4% (21 of 146 cases) in the XLGB group and placebo group, respectively, (p

Slag is increasingly unitized for the production of sustainable concrete. This paper presents a procedure with which to analyze the property development of slag composite concrete. Experimental studies of the hydration heat and compressive strength development and simulation studies using a kinetic hydration model and a thermodynamic model were performed. First, we performed an experimental study of the isothermal hydration heat of cement–slag blends. Based on the results of the experimental study on cumulative hydration heat, the reaction degree of slag was determined. We found that the reaction degree of slag decreased as the slag content increased. Second, the reaction degree of slag and cement were used as the input parameters for the Gibbs energy minimization (GEM) thermodynamic equilibrium model. Moreover, the phase assemblage of hydrating cement–slag was determined. The trends of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) are similar to those of strength. Based on the CSH content, the strength of hardening cement–slag blends was determined. In addition, the calcium hydroxide (CH) content resulting from the thermodynamic model shows good agreement with the experimental results. In summary, the integrated kinetic–thermodynamic model is useful for analyzing the properties of cement–slag blends.

This study focuses on the effects of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and belite-rich Portland cement (BPC) on the compressive strength, autogenous shrinkage (AS), and micro- and macroscopic performance of sustainable, ultra-high-performance paste (SUHPP). Several experimental studies were conducted, including compressive strength, AS, isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), attenuated total reflectance (ATR)–Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultra-sonic pulse velocity (UPV), and electrical resistivity. The following conclusions can be made based on the experimental results: (1) a small amount of SAP has a strength promotion effect during the first 3 days, while BPC can significantly improve the strength over the following 28 days. (2) SAP slows down the internal relative humidity reduction and effectively reduces the development of AS. BPC specimens show a lower AS than other specimens. The AS shows a linear relationship with the internal relative humidity. (3) Specimens with SAP possess higher cumulative hydration heat than control specimens. The slow hydration rate in the BPC effectively reduces the exothermic heat. (4) With the increase in SAP, the calcium hydroxide (CH) and combined water content increases, and SAP thus improves the effect on cement hydration. The contents of CH and combined water in BPC specimens are lower than those in the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) specimen. (5) All samples display rapid hydration of the cement in the first 3 days, with a high rate of UPV development. Strength is an exponential function of UPVs. (6) The electrical resistivity is reduced due to the increase in porosity caused by the release of water from SAP. From 3 to 28 days, BPC specimens show a greater increment in electrical resistivity than other specimens.

To verify the function of malic enzyme (ME1), the ME1 gene was endogenously overexpressed in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Overexpression of ME1 increased neutral and total lipid content and significantly increased saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in transformants, which varied between 23.19 and 25.32% in SFAs and between 49.02 and 54.04% in PUFAs, respectively. Additionally, increased ME1 activity was accompanied by elevated NADPH content in all three transformants, indicating that increased ME1 activity produced additional NADPH comparing with that of WT. These results indicated that ME1 activity is NADP-dependent and plays an important role in the NADPH levels required for lipid synthesis and fatty acid desaturation in P. tricornutum. Furthermore, our findings suggested that overexpression of endogenous ME1 represents a valid method for boosting neutral-lipid yield in diatom.