[Carbon Footprint of Spent Ternary Lithium-Ion Battery Waste Recycling].

Road transport is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in China's transportation field. As an important means to achieve the "double carbon" goal in the transportation field, the new energy automobile industry will face a large number of power battery scrapping in the future. In order to quantitatively assess the carbon emission reduction benefits generated by the spent ternary lithium-ion battery waste recycling industry, the carbon footprint accounting model of spent ternary lithium-ion battery waste recycling and utilization was constructed from the life cycle perspective. By optimizing the power structure and transportation structure, the carbon emission reduction potential of spent ternary lithium-ion battery waste recycling was predicted and evaluated. In addition, the uncertainty analysis was conducted using the propagation of uncertainty equation to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the carbon footprint results. The results showed that the current carbon footprint of Chinese enterprises using wet technology to recover 1 kg waste lithium batteries was -2 760.90 g (directional recycling process) and -3 752.78 g (recycling process), and the uncertainty of the carbon footprint was 16 % (directional recycling process) and 15 % (recycling process), respectively. From the analysis of carbon emission contribution, the regenerated product stage was the primary source of carbon reduction in the wet recycling and utilization of waste ternary lithium batteries, whereas the battery acquisition, disassembly, and end treatment stages were the main sources of carbon increase. Compared to optimizing the transportation structure, optimizing the power structure could effectively achieve greater carbon emission reduction potential. Under the collaborative optimization scenario, compared to that before optimization, 14 %-19 % carbon emission reduction could be achieved. Compared with native products, the directional circulation process and recycling process could achieve 9 % and 11 % emission reduction potential, respectively.

Morphology and distribution of sensilla on antennae and mouthparts of the adult bruchid beetles, Bruchidius coreanus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

Bruchidius coreanus is a serious pest on Gleditsia sinensis Lam during seed storage, causing significant losses to their yield in southwest China. To gain insight into their behavioral mechanisms, the external morphology, ultrastructure, and distribution of sensilla on antennae, maxillary palps, and labial palps of both male and female B. coreanus were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that both male and female adults had serrated antennae comprising a scape, a pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (F1-F9). There were eight types and seven subtypes of antenna sensilla observed in both sexes, including Böhm sensilla (BS), two subtypes of sensilla chaetica (SC1 and SC2), two subtypes of sensilla trichodea (ST1 and ST2), three subtypes of sensilla basiconica (SB1, SB2, and SB3), sensilla auricillica (SA), sensilla styloconicum (SS), capitate pegs (CP), and sensilla cavity (SCa). The average length of BS and ST (ST1 and ST2) showed significant differences between males and females. Furthermore, the number of SC (SC1 and SC2), ST1, and SCa differed significantly between the sexes. Four types of sensilla were found on the maxillary palps and labial palps, with the length of ST on these palps significantly differing between males and females. Additionally, SS on male labial palps was significantly longer than in females. The number of SC significantly differed between the male and female maxillary palps and labial palps, while ST and SS showed significant differences in the maxillary palps. These findings will contribute to further electrophysiological recording and behavioral research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The external morphology and distribution of various sensilla on the antennae, maxillary palps, and labial palps of Bruchidius coreanus were described. Eight types and seven subtypes of antenna sensilla were observed on the antennae, while four types of sensilla were observed on the maxillary palps and labial palps. The capitate pegs were found exclusively on the antennae of female B. coreanus.

[Life Cycle Carbon Emission Accounting and Emission Reduction Potential Assessment of Steel Industry].

The steel industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries in China. To analyze the carbon emission and carbon reduction potential of the steel industry in the life cycle, a carbon emission accounting model was built from the perspective of the life cycle. Taking the year 2020 as an example, an empirical analysis was carried out to predict and evaluate the carbon reduction potential of the steel industry in the life cycle by optimizing four variables, namely, scrap usage, fossil fuel combustion, electric power carbon footprint factor, and clean transportation proportion. At the same time, sensitivity analysis was used to determine the key degree of factors affecting carbon emission reduction in the life cycle of steel. The results showed that in 2020, the total life cycle CO2 emissions of the steel industry in China was approximately 2.404 billion tons, of which the acquisition and processing of raw materials were the key links in the carbon emissions of the steel industry, accounting for more than 98% of the total life cycle CO2 emissions of the steel industry. From the analysis of CO2 emission source categories, fossil fuel savings and outsourcing power cleaning were the top priorities of carbon reduction in the steel industry. By 2025, the steel industry could achieve 20%, 6%, 5%, and 1% carbon emission reduction potential by respectively promoting low-carbon technology, optimizing the power structure, increasing the number of steel scraps, and increasing the proportion of clean transportation. The fossil fuel combustion had the most significant impact on the life cycle CO2 emissions of the steel industry, followed by the electric power carbon footprint factor and scrap steelmaking usage. With regard to low-carbon technologies in the steel industry, in the short term, the promotion of low-carbon technologies in the steel rolling process and blast furnace ironmaking process should be the main focus. Later, with the gradual increase in the proportion of electric furnace steelmaking, the promotion of low-carbon technologies in the electric furnace steelmaking process will significantly improve the carbon emission reduction potential of the steel industry throughout its life cycle.

Characterizations of botanical attractant of Halyomorpha halys and selection of relevant deorphanization candidates via computational approach.

Halyomorpha halys has been recognized as a global cross-border pest species. Along with well-established pheromone trapping approaches, there have been many attempts to utilize botanical odorant baits for field monitoring. Due to sensitivity, ecological friendliness, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale implementation, the selection of botanical volatiles as luring ingredients and/or synergists for H. halys is needed. In the current work, botanical volatiles were tested by olfactometer and electrophysiological tests. Results showed that linalool oxide was a potential candidate for application as a behavioral modifying chemical. It drove remarkable attractiveness toward H. halys adults in Y-tube assays, as well as eliciting robust electroantennographic responsiveness towards antennae. A computational pipeline was carried out to screen olfactory proteins related to the reception of linalool oxide. Simulated docking activities of four H. halys odorant receptors and two odorant binding proteins to linalool oxide and nerolidol were performed. Results showed that all tested olfactory genes were likely to be involved in plant volatile-sensing pathways, and they tuned broadly to tested components. The current work provides insights into the later development of field demonstration strategies using linalool oxide and its molecular targets.

[Progress in the Role of Mechanical Stimulus in Cardiac Development].

Mechanical stimulus is critical to cardiovascular development during embryogenesis period.The mechanoreceptors of endocardial cells and cardiac myocytes may sense mechanical signals and initiate signal transduction that induce gene expression at a cellular level,and then translate molecular-level events into tissue-level deformations,thus guiding embryo development.This review summarizes the regulatory roles of mechanical signals in the early cardiac development including the formation of heart tube,looping,valve and septal morphogenesis,ventricular development and maturation.Further,we discuss the potential mechanical transduction mechanisms of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1-vascular endothelial-cadherin-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 complex,primary cilia,ion channels,and other mechanical sensors that affect some cardiac malformations.

Cold tolerance strategy and cryoprotectants of Megabruchidius dorsalis in different temperature and time stresses.

The honey locusts (genus Gleditsia) are a genus of high-value trees in Asia. Seed beetle, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus) (Col.: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), is a Gleditsia oligophagous pest that causes severe yield reduction. To understand the cold tolerance of M. dorsalis adults, this study investigated its cold tolerance strategy and the influence of low temperatures on its physiology and biochemistry. The low-temperature treatments were divided into three groups: long-term temperature acclimation (Group 1; 15°C, or 20°C, or 25°C, or 28°C [control check, CK] for 10 days), short-term low-temperature exposure (Group 2; 0°C or 4°C for 2 h), and long-term low-temperature induction (Group 3; 0°C or 4°C for 1, 3, or 5 d). The supercooling point (SCP; temperature at which spontaneous nucleation and ice lattice growth begin), freezing point (FP; temperature at which insect fluids freeze), low lethal temperature (LLT; temperature at which all individuals are killed), water, lipid, glycerol, and total sugars contents were measured under different temperature stresses. The results showed that M. dorsalis adults were a freeze-avoidant species. The SCP and LLT at 28°C were -10.62°C and -19.48°C, respectively. The SCP and FP of long-term temperature acclimation (15°C, or 20°C, or 25°C) were significantly lower than that of the control group (28°C). The water content of the long-term low temperature induction (0°C) group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The lipid and glycerol content in the acclimated group at 20°C and 25°C were significantly higher than in the control group. M. dorsalis adults may maintain their biofluids in a supercooled state via cryoprotectant accumulation and cryoprotective dehydration to prevent ice nucleation. This study provides a theoretical basis for future research on overwintering and potential distribution and related prediction of M. dorsalis adults.

Effect of Photoperiod on Longevity, Food Consumption, and Reproduction of Holotrichia oblita (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Holotrichia oblita (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a major soil insect pest that damages forest trees, crops, and lawns. Adults of H. oblita fly, forage, and mate at night but remain underground during the day. We studied the effect of photoperiod on H. oblita reproduction. H. oblita females laid more eggs at 8:16 (L:D) h and 0:24 (L:D) h than other photoperiods. As the scotophase increased, the preoviposition period decreased and the oviposition period increased. Female longevity exceeded that of males at all photoperiods, and both males and females at 0:24 (L:D) h had the shortest longevity. The number of eggs laid per female increased with increasing food consumption. Females at 8:16 (L:D) h had the greatest food consumption and laid the most eggs, while females at 24:0 (L:D) h had the lowest food consumption and laid few eggs. The food intake of adults increased gradually and decreased slowly after reaching a peak. Females began to lay eggs when their food consumption reached a maximum. These results indicate that a scotophase is necessary for the reproduction of H. oblita. A long scotophase promotes greater oviposition. The effect of photoperiod on reproduction is affected by food intake.

Clinical efficacy of tocilizumab treatment in severe and critical COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: The main pathophysiological basis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causing respiratory failure is a cytokine storm and interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important component of the COVID-19 cytokine storm. As a specific antagonist of IL-6, tocilizumab may block the cytokine storm of COVID-19. The Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines of New Coronavirus Pneumonia (7th Edition) includes tocilizumab as a recommended drug for immunotherapy in severe and critical COVID-19 patients. However, the specific clinical efficacy of tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID-19 patients is worth studying. AIM: To determine the clinical efficacy of tocilizumab in inhibiting the cytokine storm in COVID-19. METHODS: In total, 19 severe and critical COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study, and were treated with tocilizumab in Optical Valley Campus of Hubei Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from February 20 to March 31, 2020. The imaging manifestations and clinical data before and after treatment were analyzed retrospectively, including routine peripheral venous blood tests, routine blood biochemical tests, coagulation test, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and arterial blood gas analysis. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients in this group, 13 (68.4%) had significantly improved symptoms of COVID-19 (5 patients were discharged directly and 8 patients were transferred after improvement) following treatment. One case was invalid, 1 case was exacerbated, and 4 deaths (21.1%) were observed (all critical cases). The lymphocyte count, CRP, lactic acid, oxygenation index, fibrinogen (FIB) and IL-6 levels were significantly different in the improved group. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab treatment is effective against IL-6 in COVID-19 patients, but it does not completely inhibit the inflammation and cytokine storm in all patients with COVID-19.In the clinical treatment of COVID-19 patients, attention should be paid to the timing of drug administration and other adjuvant treatments.

[Composition of phenolic allelochemicals in Eupatorium adenophorum root zone soils and its effects on soil-borne pathogens].

The allelochemicals released by Eupatorium adenophorum roots is an important factor inducing the changes of the weed soil environment, which provides favorable conditions for the successful invasion of the weed. By using GC/MS technique, the components and their relative contents of phenolic allelochemicals in aphid-infested and non-infested E. adenophorum root zone soils were analyzed, with unplanted soil as the control. Less difference was observed in the components of phenolic allelochemicals among the test soils, but their relative contents differed significantly. The relative contents of benzoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in aphid-infested E. adenophorum root zone soil were significantly higher than the control; whereas that of 4-hydroxylcinnamic acid was in reverse. In the test three soils, the proportions of benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxylcinnamic acid were different. The bacteriostatic test with the three acids and their combinations based on their proportions in test soils showed that at lower concentrations (50-150 mg x L(-1)), the three acids had significant inhibitory effects on five kinds of soil-borne pathogens, but their combinations had different inhibitory effects on the five pathogens, with the effects being significantly higher for the combinations with the proportions in non-infested E. adenophorum root zone soil and the control.

[Priming with an HEV Th epitope can improve the humoral immunogenicity of its native protein].

A dominant H-2d restricted Th epitope P34 was found to be contained in recombinant particulate hepatitis E virus (HEV) vaccine HEV 239. In this paper, the cellular immune response induced in P34 immunized BALB/c mice were studied and the priming effect of P34 was characterized. Groups of BALB/c mice were subcutaneously (s. c.) immunized with P34, splenocytes were then stimulated with P34 and HEV 239 protein, cellular immune response was assayed by IFN-gamma-ELISPOT, flow cytometry and T cell proliferation experiments. Results showed that P34 immunized BALB/c splenocytes responsed to P34 and HEV 239 protein stimulation in IFN-gamma-ELISPOT, flow cytometry and T cell proliferation experiments. After depletion of the CD4+ T cells from the immunized splenocytes by magnetic separation, the response decreased to the background level while almost no influence was observed after CD8 + T cells depletion which showed that the cells responsible for IFN-gamma secretion were mainly CD4+ T cells. Then mice were primed with P34 and boosted with its vector protein, E2, the E2 specific antibody titer were assayed. Results showed that after P34 priming, some of the 10 microg, 20 microg E2 boosted mice could develop anti-E2 antibody 1 week later and all the mice had detectable antibody 3 weeks after boosting. In the control peptide P18 priming group, even after boosting with 20 microg E2, anti-E2 antibody couldn't be detected until the end of this experiment. The results showed that priming with P34 epitope could increase the immunogenicity of its vector protein, E2, in BALB/c mice.