Search Results (211)

With the progressive depletion of conventional oil and gas resources and the increasing demand for alternative energy, organic-rich sedimentary rock—oil shale—has attracted widespread attention as a key unconventional hydrocarbon resource. Pyrolysis is the essential process for converting the organic matter in oil shale into recoverable hydrocarbons, and a detailed understanding of its behavior is crucial for improving development efficiency. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on the pyrolysis characteristics of oil shale under laboratory conditions. It focuses on the applications of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in identifying pyrolysis stages, extracting kinetic parameters, and analyzing thermal effects; the role of coupled spectroscopic techniques (e.g., TG-FTIR, TG-MS) in elucidating the evolution of gaseous products; and the effects of key parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, particle size, and reaction atmosphere on product distribution and yield. Furthermore, the mechanisms and effects of three distinct heating strategies—conventional heating, microwave heating, and autothermic pyrolysis—are compared, and the influence of inherent minerals and external catalysts on reaction pathways is discussed. Despite significant advances, challenges remain in quantitatively describing reaction mechanisms, accurately predicting product yields, and generalizing kinetic models. Future research should integrate multiscale experiments, in situ characterization, and molecular simulations to construct pyrolysis mechanism models tailored to various oil shale types, thereby providing theoretical support for the development of efficient and environmentally friendly oil shale conversion technologies. Full article

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with a rising global incidence. Natural conjugated taurocholic acid (TCA) possesses anti-inflammatory properties and shows potential therapeutic effects against UC, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study employed an integrative approach—combining network pharmacology, bioinformatics, machine learning, immune infiltration analysis, and molecular docking—to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of TCA in UC. UC-related gene expression datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and potential TCA targets were predicted using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and TargetNet platforms. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and analyzed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results: Four machine learning algorithms (XGBoost, RF, SVM, and NNet) were used to identify six hub genes (TGM2, MMP9, ABCB1, NOS2, ABCG2, CASP1), which were further validated using an artificial neural network. Immune infiltration analysis with CIBERSORT revealed significant alterations in immune cell populations in UC tissues. Further validation through an artificial neural network model confirmed their predictive ability. The enrichment analysis of the hub genes highlighted their roles in immune-related pathways, while the immune infiltration analysis indicated significant differences in immune cell populations between ulcerative colitis tissues and control tissues. The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of these six proteins to TCA were lower than −5 kcal/mol, with TGM2 having the strongest binding affinity (−10 kcal/mol). The intervention of TCA on colitis mice could improve the inflammatory response by regulating the expression of the TGM2 gene. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study suggests that taurocholate alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting key genes such as TGM2 and modulating immune-related pathways, providing a novel basis for future therapeutic exploration. Full article

Petroleum oily sludge (OLS), a hazardous by-product of the petroleum industry, and high-alkali lignite (HAL), an underutilized low-rank coal, pose significant challenges to sustainable waste management and resource efficiency. This study systematically investigated the combustion behavior, reaction pathways, and gaseous-pollutant-release mechanisms across varying blend ratios, utilizing integrated thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry analysis (TG-MS), interaction analysis, and kinetic modeling. The key findings reveal that co-combustion significantly enhances the combustion performance compared to individual fuels. This is evidenced by reduced ignition and burnout temperatures, as well as an improved comprehensive combustion index. Notably, an interaction analysis revealed coexisting synergistic and antagonistic effects, with the synergistic effect peaking at a blending ratio of 50% OLS due to the complementary properties of the fuels. The activation energy was found to be at its minimum value of 32.5 kJ/mol at this ratio, indicating lower reaction barriers. Regarding gas emissions, co-combustion at a 50% OLS blending ratio reduces incomplete combustion products while increasing CO₂, indicating a more complete reaction. Crucially, sulfur-containing pollutants (SO₂, H₂S) are suppressed, whereas nitrogen-containing emissions (NH₃, NO₂) increase but remain controllable. This study provides novel insights into the synergistic mechanisms between OLS and HAL during co-combustion, offering foundational insights for the optimization of OLS-HAL combustion systems toward efficient energy recovery and sustainable industrial waste management. Full article

Salinomycin is a polyether ionophorous antibiotic with promising antineoplastic properties. Published studies have revealed that the compound also exerts pronounced antidotal activity against cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) intoxications. It has been proven that salinomycin with Cd(II) forms a coordination compound of a composition [Cd(C₄₂H₆₉O₁₁)₂(H₂O)₂] and an octahedral molecular geometry, while the coordination compound of the antibiotic with Pb(II) has a square pyramidal structure and composition [Pb(C₄₂H₆₉O₁₁)(NO₃)]. To date, there is no published information about the ability of salinomycin to form complexes with the mercury ion (Hg(II)). Herein, we report, for the first time, a synthetic procedure for a complex compound of salinomycin with Hg(II). The coordination compound was characterized by a variety of methods, such as elemental analysis, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), powder X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), thermogravimetry with differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and thermogravimetry with mass spectrometry (TG-MS). The elemental analysis data revealed that the new compound is of the chemical composition [Hg(C₄₂H₆₉O₁₁)(H₂O)(OH)]. Based on the results from the spectral analyses, the most probable structure of the complex was proposed. Full article

In the methylation of pseudocumene with methanol over IM-5 zeolite, the yield of durene can be enhanced. However, poorer stability of the catalytic activity was observed, especially at a higher methanol/pseudocumene ratio. In this paper, conventional characterization methods (XRD, XRF, TGA, SEM, physical adsorption, OH-IR, NH₃-TPD, and Py-IR) were used to characterize fresh and deactivated IM-5 zeolite and ZSM-5. FT-IR, XPS, TG-MS, GC-MS, FT-ICR MS, and NMR were employed to characterize deactivated IM-5 zeolite. It was found that the deactivation of IM-5 zeolite was mainly due to the severe coverage of acidic sites and pore channels by carbon deposits. The carbon deposits within the internal surface had a higher abundance, mainly in the form of linear unsaturated chain-like structures with a high degree of unsaturation. The carbon deposits on the external surface were mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with alkyl side chains and a high degree of saturation, accompanied by unreacted methanol. Moreover, graphitized carbon existed on both the internal and external surfaces, which made the conventional coke-burning regeneration method unable to restore the activity of the post-reaction IM-5 zeolite. This work had certain reference significance for modulating the acidity and pore channels of zeolite catalysts, thus improving the activity and stability of the catalysts and extending their service life. Full article

Hair luster, a key component of visual hair quality, depends largely on the integrity of the cuticle. While cosmetic products offer temporarily enhanced luster, their effects are limited due to a poor understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we employed a UVB-induced mouse model of hair luster loss to identify differentially expressed genes via quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Key candidate genes were subsequently validated in vitro using human hair follicle dermal papilla cells and in ex vivo human scalp hair follicle tissue models. Subsequently, we evaluated the effects of minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin on gene expression and luster restoration. UVB exposure suppressed several luster-related genes, with COL7A1 consistently downregulated across all models. Treatment with minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin restored the expression of COL7A1 along with KRTAP5-5, KRTAP5-4, TGM3, and PTK7. These findings highlight COL7A1 as a novel molecular marker for hair luster and support its modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Full article

This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel moisturizing cream using a sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced skin damage model, supported by advanced imaging with two-photon microscopy (TPM). TPM’s capabilities allow for in-depth, non-invasive visualization of skin repair processes, surpassing traditional imaging methods. The innovative formulation of the cream includes ceramide NP, ceramide NS, ceramide AP, lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, and bacillus ferment, targeting the enhancement of skin hydration, barrier function, and structural integrity. In SLS-stimulated 3D skin models and clinical settings, the cream significantly improved the expression of key barrier proteins such as filaggrin (FLG), loricrin (LOR), and transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), while reducing inflammatory markers like IL-1α, TNF-α, and PGE2. Notably, the cream facilitated a significant increase in epidermal thickness and improved the dermal–epidermal junction index (DEJI), as observed through TPM, indicating profound skin repair and enhanced barrier functionality. Clinical trials further demonstrated the cream’s reparative effects, significantly reducing symptoms in participants with sensitive skin and post-intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment scenarios. This study highlights the utility of TPM as a groundbreaking tool in cosmetic dermatology, offering real-time analysis of the effects of skincare products on skin structure and function. Full article

The use of tunnel kiln firing in clay brick production offers a promising approach for disposing of Cl-containing solid waste, with lower chlorine (Cl) and heavy metal volatilization compared to cement kiln processes. However, the effects of Cl salts on brick properties and the volatilization mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the behaviors of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl₂ during sintering. Adding 15 wt% Cl salts significantly alters pore structure, increasing water absorption by 80–100% and reducing compressive strength by 70–80%. At 1050 °C, 10.8–16.4% of Cl volatilizes mainly as HCl (g), 24.4–26.2% remains in original salt form, and over half is immobilized within the brick matrix. Thermodynamic and TG-MS analyses reveal Cl salts are stable below 800 °C but release HCl (g) at higher temperatures due to lower reaction energy barriers than Cl₂ (g). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that H⁺ for HCl (g) formation primarily originates from water vapor (H₂O), with organic decomposition having minimal effect. The presence of Cl salts promotes feldspar and silicate phase formation, enhancing densification but increasing porosity from HCl release. To reduce HCl emissions, a two-stage temperature control strategy is proposed: organic decomposition and moisture removal below 600 °C, followed by sintering at 800–1000 °C. This work clarifies the volatilization mechanisms of Cl salts and provides guidance for optimizing industrial brick production using Cl-containing waste. Full article

A ternary geopolymer mortar (TGM) was synthesized using steel slag (SS), granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and fly ash (FA) as raw materials. The effect of the SS content (0–60%) and the GGBS/FA mass ratio (5:1 to 1:5) on the TGM’s setting time was studied. To address the issue of rapid setting, the impact of different mixing methods ((A) dry mixing, (B) pre-dissolution, and (C) pre-coating) and dosages of BaCl₂ on the setting and hardening properties of TGM was further explored. The hydration product evolution and microstructural characteristics were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), with an in-depth analysis of the retarding mechanism of BaCl₂. The results indicate that, as the steel slag content increases, the setting time of TGM significantly shortens. The setting time decreases slightly with an increase in the GGBS/FA mass ratio. The mixing method influences the retarding effect of BaCl₂, with the C method showing significant advantages over both the A and B methods. Under the C mixing method, BaCl₂ consumes the alkaline components (SiO₃²⁻) in the alkaline activator and forms a BaSiO₃ coating layer on the precursor surface, which further delays the hydration process of the precursor particles. This study provides a promising approach for the high-value utilization of multi-source solid waste and suggests that future research should focus on large-scale application strategies and long-term performance evaluation to support its practical use in sustainable construction. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as effective tools for monitoring air pollution across varying altitudes, including assessing atmospheric mercury (Hg) levels. However, studies on the vertical distribution of atmospheric Hg (i.e., total gaseous mercury–TGM) concentrations remain limited, particularly in Southeast Asia. This study utilized a UAV equipped with a TGM sampling device to measure concentrations at different altitudes in Ben Cat City, an industrial area in Southern Vietnam. The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of UAV in investigating the altitudinal distribution of TGM and to analyze specific case studies related to Hg emissions from stack. A total of 36 flight experiments were conducted (including 36 concurrently ground level measurements), including 50 m (20 flights), 200 m (7 flights), and 500 m (9 flights). TGM concentrations increase noticeably with altitude under stack emission conditions, while they remain relatively consistent at all altitudes during non-emission conditions. Under the emission conditions, three vertical distribution patterns were observed: (1) elevated TGM concentrations at higher altitudes compared to ground level; (2) lower TGM concentrations at higher altitudes relative to ground level; and (3) nearly equivalent TGM concentrations between ground level and higher altitudes, with differences less than 0.4 ng m⁻³. The observed distributions imply the important role of atmospheric dynamics in understanding the dispersion of pollutants and the impact of emissions. This study pioneers the use of UAVs in Vietnam for simultaneous TGM measurements across altitudes, highlights their potential for atmospheric Hg monitoring, and improves stack emission management. Full article

This study investigated the influence of particle size on combustion performance using equivalent characteristic spectrum analysis (ECSA) on a TG-MS platform. The experiments were conducted at heating rates of 10 °C/min and 20 °C/min for three granular coal types with particle sizes of 1 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm. The results showed that the ignition temperature, burnout temperature, and burnout time generally increased with particle size, while the combustion characteristic index for the 8 mm particles was 28.81% lower than that for 1 mm particles. The particle size effects were more pronounced at lower heating rates. Combustion kinetics revealed that the pre-combustion endothermic stage had a significant impact on the ignition temperature, followed by the volatilization stage. For Shenmu bituminous coal (SBC), a 1 kJ/mol reduction in apparent activation energy during the endothermic stage increased the ignition temperature by 13.02 °C (10 °C/min) or 17.11 °C (20 °C/min). Similar trends were observed for Datong bituminous coal (DBC) and Jincheng anthracite coal (JAC). A gas product analysis indicated that the peak release temperatures rose with particle size, and particle size variations affected the maximum release rates and combustion stage duration. Smaller particles generally released less NO during combustion. Full article

This study aimed to develop an aromatic thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) line in indica rice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The TMS5 and FGR in the high-quality conventional rice variety Huahang 48 were targeted for editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. CRISPR/Cas9 vectors designed for TMS5 and FGR were constructed and introduced into rice calli through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic seedlings were subsequently regenerated, and the target sites of the edited plants were analyzed via sequencing. A total of fifteen T₀ double mutants were successfully obtained. Three mutants without T-DNA insertion were screened in the T₁ generation by the PCR detection of hygromycin gene fragments, and homozygous mutants without T-DNA insertion were screened in the T₂ generation by the sequencing analysis of the mutation sites, named Huahang 48s. Huahang 48s exhibited complete sterility at 24 °C and pollen transfer at 23 °C. The 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content was detected in the young panicles, leaves, and stems of Huahang 48s. The leaves of Huahang 48s had the highest 2-AP content, contrasting with the absence of 2-AP in HuaHang 48. F₁ hybrids that crossed Huahang 48s with two high-quality restorer lines were superior to the two parents in terms of yield per plant and 1000-grain weight. Huahang 48s has a certain combining ability and application potential in two-line cross breeding. The successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in Huahang 48 established a foundation for developing aromatic TGMS lines, providing both theoretical insights and practical materials for breeding efforts. Full article

This study shows how the fire regulations for railway seats used in international traffic have changed over the last 30 years. In the past, a paper cushion was used as a flame source, and today, a 15 kW burner is used; consequently, the requirements have increased. In the paper cushion test, a foam with a density of between 60 and 95 kg/m³, a flame-retardant fleece, and a cover fabric was usually sufficient in terms of fire safety. Today, a high-quality flame-retardant foam is necessary to meet the requirements for flaming with the 15 kW burner. Two comparable seat structures show very different heat release and smoke formation in the paper cushion test due to different foam additives. If high-quality flame-retardant foams with a cover fabric are used for the 15 kW flame treatment, the results of the two test institutes show good agreement. If the seats that meet the requirements of the paper cushion test are flamed using the 15 kW treatment, they can catch fire and thus exhibit very different heat release rates, as the CERTIFER interlaboratory test with 12 participating test institutes shows. The heat release of old and new leather was examined, and it was found that the flame retardant applied to the leather surface appeared to have aged over the years and that the flame retardant was therefore no longer effective. The heat release of flame-retardant foams with a cover fabric was measured using irradiation with a cone calorimeter and flame treatment. Very different curves were observed, which means that it is not possible to draw simple conclusions about the heat release during flame treatment from the cone measurement. Full article

In this study, the mechanisms of SO₂ adsorption on lignite char and char-supported Fe-Zn-Cu sorbent (FZC sorbent) were investigated. The FZC sorbent was prepared by the impregnation of metal components on raw coal followed by steam gasification. Flue gas desulfurization experiments were carried out on a fixed-bed reactor at 100–300 °C by using simulated flue gas containing SO₂/O₂/H₂O balanced by N₂. The flue gas composition was monitored by using an online flue gas analyzer. The solid samples before and after desulfurization were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis–Mass Spectroscopy (TG-MS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The experimental results showed that both lignite char and the FZC sorbent can effectively adsorb SO₂ under the present experimental conditions. The presence of O₂ and H₂O in the flue gas promoted the adsorption of SO₂ on the FZC sorbent. The SO₂ adsorption capacity of the FZC sorbent increased with the increase in the temperature up to 250 °C. When the temperature was further increased to 300 °C, the SO₂ adsorption capacity of the sorbents decreased rapidly. Under optimum experimental conditions with a space velocity of 1500 h⁻¹, a desulfurization temperature of 250 °C, and 5% (vol) O₂ and 10% (vol) H₂O in the flue gas, the sorbents exhibited the longest breakthrough time of 280 min and breakthrough SO₂ adsorption capacity of about 2200 mg (SO₂) per gram sorbent. Full article

To investigate concentration and potential sources of total gaseous mercury (TGM) in a concentrated non-ferrous metals smelting area in southwest China, a high temporal resolution automatic mercury meter was used to measure TGM in the environment and the emissions from major sources of Mengzi city. The average concentration of TGM in urban air was 2.1 ± 3.5 ng·m⁻³ with a range of 0.1~61.1 ng·m⁻³ over the study period. The highest TGM concentration was in fall (3.3 ± 4.3 ng·m⁻³). The daytime TGM concentration (2.8 ± 3.5 ng·m⁻³) was significantly higher than that in the nighttime (1.6 ± 1.1 ng·m⁻³), which may be attributed to the increased emissions of mercury from the high volume of vehicle activity during the day. To discuss the contributions of local sources and long-range transport, eight pollution events were identified based on the ratio of ΔTGM/ΔCO (Carbon Monoxide), which can be found that local sources are a key contributor to the major TGM pollution events. Concentrations of TGM in flue gases from eight non-ferrous industrial sources were also measured in Mengzi, which were found that the highest TGM emission concentration was up to 4.6 mg·m⁻³. Simultaneously, the concentrations of TGM in ambient air around these industries and Xidu Tunnel were also detected, the concentrations were 1 to 4 times higher than that in the urban air sampling site. Based on the analysis of air mass and PSCF, when northwest wind happened, these emissions of industries and vehicles can be identified as the primary sources of TGM in urban air of Mengzi. Full article