Optimization of Ni/ZnZr Catalyst for Enhanced Syngas Yield in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Rice Straw

To enhance the catalytic performance of nickel-based catalysts and improve their efficiency in biomass pyrolysis, a nickel-based catalyst supported on a ZnZr composite carrier was synthesized using the sol-gel method. The morphological changes of the catalyst before and after the reaction were observed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen gas adsorption, temperature-programmed reduction, and other methods to analyze its catalytic performance. A series of experiments were conducted to explore the optimal conditions for the catalyst's gas production, including carrier material ratios, loading amounts, residence time, and reaction temperature. The bimetallic carrier of Zn and Zr provided a higher specific surface area, allowing the metallic nickel to enter its mesopores. The synergistic effect of the bimetallic system facilitated the catalytic activity of nickel, significantly enhancing gas production. The maximum CO and H2 production were achieved at Zn/Zr = 6/4. The catalyst achieved an optimal gas yield of 507 mL/g at a residence time of 20 min and a reaction temperature of 800 °C, demonstrating strong stability

Efficacy and Safety of Antidiabetic Agents for Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic agents in the treatment of major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antidiabetic agents in major depressive disorder or bipolar depression were searched in three electronic databases and three clinical trial registry websites from their inception up to October 2023. The differences in changes in the depression rating scale scores from baseline to endpoint or pre-defined sessions, response rate, remission rate, rate of side effects and dropout rate between antidiabetic agents and placebo were meta-analyzed. Results: Six RCTs involving 399 participants were included in the final meta-analysis, which did not find that antidiabetics outperformed the placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in the depression scores from baseline to endpoint was 0.25 (95% CI −0.1, 0.61). However, a subgroup analysis found a significant difference between antidiabetics and placebos in reducing depressive symptoms in Middle Eastern populations, with an SMD of 0.89 (95% CI 0.44, 1.34). Conclusions: The current meta-analysis does not support the efficacy of antidiabetics being superior to the placebo in the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression. However, a subgroup analysis indicates that patients from the Middle East may benefit from adding an antidiabetic medication to their ongoing medication(s) for their depression. Larger studies with good-quality study designs are warranted

Compensation of Frequency Drift in Frequency-Sweep Polarization-Modulation Ranging System

In frequency-sweep polarization-modulation ranging, distance is determined by the frequency of modulated waves and the corresponding wavelength multiple when emitted and returned waves are in phase. However, measurement of the frequency and the wavelength multiple is affected by thermally induced phase delay of the polarized wave. In this article we systematically discuss the principle of the ranging method and analyze the influences of thermally induced phase delay. New approaches to measurement are proposed to eliminate the impact on frequency and the wavelength multiple. Theoretical analysis and experimental results proved the efficiency and applicability of the methods

PHEV infection: A promising model of betacoronavirus-associated neurological and olfactory dysfunction.

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV) is a highly neurotropic coronavirus belonging to the genus Betacoronavirus. Similar to pathogenic coronaviruses to which humans are susceptible, such as SARS-CoV-2, PHEV is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and close contact, entering the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nerves at the site of initial infection. However, the neuroinvasion route of PHEV are poorly understood. Here, we found that BALB/c mice are susceptible to intranasal PHEV infection and showed distinct neurological manifestations. The behavioral study and histopathological examination revealed that PHEV attacks neurons in the CNS and causes significant smell and taste dysfunction in mice. By tracking neuroinvasion, we identified that PHEV invades the CNS via the olfactory nerve and trigeminal nerve located in the nasal cavity, and olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) were susceptible to viral infection. Immunofluorescence staining and ultrastructural observations revealed that viral materials traveling along axons, suggesting axonal transport may engage in rapid viral transmission in the CNS. Moreover, viral replication in the olfactory system and CNS is associated with inflammatory and immune responses, tissue disorganization and dysfunction. Overall, we proposed that PHEV may serve as a potential prototype for elucidating the pathogenesis of coronavirus-associated neurological complications and olfactory and taste disorders

Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production with the Ni-La/Al₂O₃-CaO-C Catalyst from Co-Pyrolysis of Straw and Polyethylene

Ni-based catalysts have been extensively investigated because of their superior catalytic performance. In this study, the Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst was prepared by homogeneous precipitation, employed in the co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene to produce hydrogen. The optimal experimental conditions were identified by discussing the carrier synthesis ratio, feedstock ratio, and addition of La. Additionally, the stability of the catalyst was evaluated. It was established that the carrier was produced using a molar ratio, the raw ingredients ratio of 5:5, and that the optimum catalytic action was obtained when La was added. Co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene (PE) that was catalyzed by Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C generated 55.45 vol% of H2 under ideal experimental circumstances. After six applications, the H2 yield was 33.89 vol%, compared to 27.5 vol% for the Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst. The experimental results indicate that Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C exhibits superior catalytic activity and stability than Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C

Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production with the Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C Catalyst from Co-Pyrolysis of Straw and Polyethylene

Ni-based catalysts have been extensively investigated because of their superior catalytic performance. In this study, the Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst was prepared by homogeneous precipitation, employed in the co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene to produce hydrogen. The optimal experimental conditions were identified by discussing the carrier synthesis ratio, feedstock ratio, and addition of La. Additionally, the stability of the catalyst was evaluated. It was established that the carrier was produced using a molar ratio, the raw ingredients ratio of 5:5, and that the optimum catalytic action was obtained when La was added. Co-pyrolysis of soybean straw with polyethylene (PE) that was catalyzed by Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C generated 55.45 vol% of H2 under ideal experimental circumstances. After six applications, the H2 yield was 33.89 vol%, compared to 27.5 vol% for the Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C catalyst. The experimental results indicate that Ni-La/Al2O3-CaO-C exhibits superior catalytic activity and stability than Ni/Al2O3-CaO-C