Nut-like MOF/hydroxylated graphene hybrid materials for adsorptive desulfurization of thiophene

Nowadays, sulfur compounds in fuel oils are the main source of environmental pollution and ultra-deep desulfurization of fuel oils has become a top priority. Many porous materials such as activated carbon and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted attention in the field of adsorption desulfurization in recent years. A series of novel MOF/hydroxylated graphene hybrid materials were successfully designed and synthesized with different ratios for application in the field of ADS. The hydroxylated graphene (HG) was found dispersed not just on the surface but also inserted in the MOF crystals in what we call a nut-like structure. It was found that the introduction of a small amount (<8%) of HG does not hinder the formation of the Cu-BTC structure. Meanwhile, the adsorption performances of these composites for thiophene from oils were evaluated using batch adsorption tests at room temperature. The synergistic effect between Cu-BTC and HG in the hybrid materials can improve the adsorption capacity for thiophene molecules. The experimental equilibrium curve fitted well with the theoretical Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum sulfur adsorption capacity of 35.6 mg S g⁻¹ for the hybrid materials was calculated using the Langmuir adsorption equation, which increased by 48% compared to parent Cu-BTC. Thus, these hybrid materials have great potential for application in the adsorptive desulfurization process, especially for thiophenic compounds.

A series of novel metal–organic framework/hydroxylated graphene hybrid materials were successfully designed and synthesized with different ratios of Cu-BTC and hydroxylated graphene and their adsorption performances for thiophene from oils were evaluated.     

UBXN2A regulates nicotinic receptor degradation by modulating the E3 ligase activity of CHIP

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the α3 subunit are known for their prominent role in normal ganglionic transmission while their involvement in the mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction and smoking-related disease has been emerging only in recent years. The amount of information available on the maturation and trafficking of α3-containing nAChRs is limited. We previously showed that UBXN2A is a p97 adaptor protein that facilitates the maturation and trafficking of α3-containing nAChRs. Further investigation of the mechanisms of UBXN2A actions revealed that the protein interacts with CHIP (carboxyl terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein), whose ubiquitin E3 ligase activity regulates the degradation of several disease-related proteins. We show that CHIP displays E3 ligase activity toward the α3 nAChR subunit and contributes to its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. UBXN2A interferes with CHIP-mediated ubiquitination of α3 and protects the nicotinic receptor subunit from endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD). UBXN2A also cross-talks with VCP/p97 and HSC70/HSP70 proteins in a complex where α3 is likely to be targeted by CHIP. Overall,we identify CHIP as an E3 ligase for α3 and UBXN2A as a protein that may efficiently regulate the stability of CHIP’s client substrates.     

适应良好国际学生的人格特征

目的 探讨适应良好国际学生的人格特征.方法 采用卡特尔16种人格因素测验(16PF)测试53名适应良好的国际学生和73名国内学生.结果 适应良好国际学生组16PF的稳定性、有恒性、自律性量表标准分和次元人格因素X3、Y1、Y2、Y4量表原始分显著高于国内学生组(t=3.724,2.397,2.127,3.532,2.821,2.668,2.268;P＜0.05或0.001);适应良好国际学生组16PF的敏感性、幻想性、世故性量表标准分和次元人格因素X1量表原始分显著低于国内学生组(t=-3.837,-2.047,-3.341,-2.368;P＜0.05或0.001).结论 适应良好国际学生表现出3高3低的人格特征,即较高的稳定性、有恒性、自律性和较低的敏感性、幻想性、世故性.     

High-viscosity α-starch nanogel particles to enhance oil recovery

The formation of dominant water channels is a serious problem for most oilfields, which results in low sweep efficiency. Recently, gels regarded as materials for the conformance improvement of water have attracted significant attention for increasing the sweep efficiency in many reservoirs suffering from water invasion but no effect on oil displacement efficiency. Nanogel particles possessing synergic properties that increase sweep efficiency and oil displacement efficiency have not been previously reported. Herein, economical high-viscosity α-starch nanogel particles were synthesized through a free radical reaction to play the synergistic role of gel and nanoparticles. The average diameter of the nanogel particles was 30 nm with a dispersion viscosity of 250 mPa s at 90 °C. A linear formula describing the relationship among the nanogel particle dispersion viscosity, temperature and concentration was also perfectly fitted. Core flooding experiments have demonstrated that both light and heavy oil recovery rates reached around 30%. The EOR mechanisms and flow behaviors of the nanogel particles were revealed through 2-D visualized model experiments under different conditions. On the one hand, nanogel particles could displace oil droplets from the rock surface due to the creation of the structural disjoining pressure. On the other hand, nanogel particle dispersion with high viscosity could increase the sweep efficiency and drag oil clusters out of the oil phase. Therefore, nanogel particles could be regarded as a potential candidate for enhancing oil recovery.

The formation of dominant water channels is a serious problem for most oilfields, which results in low sweep efficiency.     

Study on the blockage mechanism of carbon dioxide hydrate slurry and its microscopic particle characteristics

In order to better understand the process of carbon dioxide hydrate formation and blockage, a series of experiments were performed in a high pressure hydrate experimental loop which has been constructed. The impacts of varying flow rate, pressure, and restarting of the pump on the plugging have been studied in this paper. The particle chord length distribution in the process of hydrate formation and blockage was monitored in real time by using the advanced device, Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM). The results showed that the time taken for hydrate blockage to occur would significantly decrease at higher pressure, which meant higher pressure promoted the occurrence of hydrate blockage. At the same time, the time needed for carbon dioxide hydrate blockage increased with the flow rate. That is, the time for hydrate blockage increased when the flow rate changed from 754 kg h⁻¹ to 1657 kg h⁻¹. And once the pipeline has been blocked, restarting the pump may make the problem more serious. In addition, particle agglomeration led to a significant change in the particle chord length distribution during the process of hydrate formation and blockage, and the hydrate particle coalescence was the key cause of the hydrate plugging.

In order to better understand the process of carbon dioxide hydrate formation and blockage, a series of experiments were performed in a high pressure hydrate experimental loop which has been constructed.     

Elemental analysis of Egyptian crude oils by INAA using rabbit irradiation system at ETRR-2 reactor

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using rabbit irradiation system at ETRR-2 reactor was utilized to analyze some elements namely Na, Mg, Al, Cl, V, Mn, In, and Br in four different crude petroleum samples from different oil fields in the Suez-Gulf region of Egypt. The INAA was performed by four different standardization methods. Namely absolute, single comparator based on effective cross section concept, single comparator based on k_0,Au factors, and that based on k_0,ic factors defined versus any suitable internal comparator method. A FORTRAN computer program was written to calculate the extracted concentrations by these methods. A reasonable agreement between the obtained results was noticed.