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Background: Pisa syndrome (PS) is rarely reported in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence rate of PS and the correlation with clinical features evaluated in patients with DLB.Methods: A total of 209 DLB patients were consecutively recruited and underwent standardized clinical evaluation in our multicenter study. The associations between PS and clinical factors were evaluated.Results: The prevalence rate of PS in patients with DLB was 15.3%, which was higher in the moderate and severe stages than mild cognitive impairment and mild stages (81.2% vs. 18.8%). Patients with PS had a longer duration of disease (P = 0.020) and parkinsonism (P = 0.003), higher scores of NPI (P = 0.028), ADL (P = 0.002) and UPDRS part III (P < 0.001), lower scores of clock drawing test (P = 0.009), visuospatial/executive abilities (P = 0.018), attention (P = 0.020), language and praxis (P = 0.020), registration (P = 0.012), greater H&Y stage (P < 0.001), and higher proportion of cholinesterase inhibitors used (P = 0.044) than those without PS. Longer disease duration (OR = 1.166, P = 0.023), presence of parkinsonism (OR = 7.971, P = 0.007), moderate and severe dementia (OR = 3.215, P = 0.021) were associated with the presence of PS. Patients had a longer duration of PS (P = 0.014) and lower mean age of onset (P = 0.040) in the group with severe lateral trunk flexion.Conclusion: The development of PS may be associated with longer disease duration, the presence of parkinsonism and severe stages of dementia in DLB. Cholinesterase inhibitors may have a correlation with PS. The severity of lateral flexion is related to the duration of PS and mean age of onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of a group of European Monetary System (EMS) member countries shows that the changes in the long-term interest rates influence the common trend component of a domestic term-structure. Changes in the term structures are not isolated, both in the short and long term. The movements in the German term structure are found to be not accountable for the movements in the term structures in other nations in the EMS.

• A methodology for condition-based maintenance planning and crew scheduling for railway track. • A distributed optimization scheme to apply the proposed approach to large-scale railway networks. • A chance-constrained formulation to achieve a robust but conservative maintenance plan. We develop a multi-level decision making approach for optimal condition-based maintenance planning of a railway network divided into a large number of sections with independent stochastic deterioration dynamics. At higher level, a chance-constrained Model Predictive Control (MPC) controller determines the long-term section-wise maintenance plan, minimizing condition deterioration and maintenance costs for a finite planning horizon, while ensuring that the deterioration level of each section stays below the maintenance threshold with a given probabilistic guarantee in the presence of parameter uncertainty. The resulting large MPC optimization problem containing both continuous and discrete decision variables is solved using Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition to improve the scalability of the proposed approach. At a lower level, the optimal short-term scheduling of the maintenance interventions suggested by the high-level controller and the optimal routing of the corresponding maintenance crew is formulated as a capacitated arc routing problem, which is solved exactly by transforming it into a node routing problem. The proposed approach is illustrated by a numerical case study on the optimal treatment of squats of a regional Dutch railway network. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is robust, non-conservative, and scalable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, mobile charging stations (MCSs) have attracted more attentions compared with fixed charging stations (FCSs). Electric vehicles (EVs) can be easily provided with charging service through MCSs. However, most of existing approaches cannot be properly used to design the optimal pricing strategy for MCSs, leading to the inefficiency of power in MCSs. Thus, it is necessary to study new incentive mechanisms to improve MCSs' profits. In this paper, we propose a contract-based scheme to maximize MCSs' profits in the heterogeneous networks. Considering the power trading between EV users and MCSs, we develop the utility function with EV users' types. Aiming to maximize MCSs' profits, we formulate this problem as an optimization problem under the complete and incomplete information of EV users, respectively. Through the theoretical analysis, we prove the existence of optimal contract items, which also ensure the feasibility of EV users. Then optimal solutions can be achieved based on our proposed algorithm. Numerical and simulation results validate the effectiveness of our proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ventilation is commonly thought to be helpful for improving indoor air quality. However, this may not be true when the outdoor air is polluted. For example, in the event of fog or haze in developing countries, outdoor particulate matter (PM) can be drawn into rooms by ventilation systems. In such circumstances, ventilation must be accompanied by indoor particle filtration. This investigation incorporated a particulate-filtration model into the EnergyPlus software. The validated software was then used to evaluate ventilation together with indoor particle filtration in a typical Chinese residential apartment. The ventilation modes included natural, mechanical, and hybrid ventilation. Transient air change rate, indoor CO 2 and PM2.5 concentrations, air temperature, annual energy consumption, and utility costs were solved. For the mechanical systems, demand-controlled outdoor air rates and clean air delivery rates (CADRs) that ensure acceptable indoor air quality were also solved. It was found that indoor particulate filtration must be utilized in northern Chinese dwellings. A combination of natural ventilation and portable demand-controlled particulate filtration has the lowest operating cost, but the ventilation rate may occasionally be insufficient. Among the mechanical ventilation modes, decentralized systems operating only during the occupied period have great potential to minimize utility costs. Mechanical ventilation in demand-controlled operation and its hybrid with natural ventilation can further reduce energy consumption. Highlights • A particle-filtration model was incorporated into EnergyPlus. • Demand-controlled outdoor air rates and CADRs ensuring air quality were solved. • Natural ventilation plus portable filtration cost least but provide insufficient outdoor air. • Decentralized mechanical systems operating only in the occupied period save utility costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a multi-level decision making approach for the optimal planning of maintenance operations of railway infrastructures, which are composed of multiple components divided into basic units for maintenance. Scenario-based chance-constrained Model Predictive Control (MPC) is used at the high level to determine an optimal long-term component-wise intervention plan for a railway infrastructure, and the Time Instant Optimization (TIO) approach is applied to transform the MPC optimization problem with both continuous and integer decision variables into a nonlinear continuous optimization problem. The middle-level problem determines the allocation of time slots for the maintenance interventions suggested at the high level to optimize the trade-off between traffic disruption and the setup cost of maintenance slots. Based on the high-level intervention plan, the low-level problem determines the optimal clustering of the basic units to be treated by a maintenance agent, subject to the time limit imposed by the maintenance slots. The proposed approach is applied to the optimal treatment of squats, with real data from the Eindhoven-Weert line in the Dutch railway network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic ulcers, which are characterized by chronic nonhealing wounds with a long-lasting inflammatory state, are a typical symptom in individuals with diabetes, and there is still no effective treatment for these lesions. Angelica dahurica plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases. Among numerous monomeric compounds, phellopterin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.Purpose: To research the bioactive constituents in Angelica dahurica and their mechanism of action in treating diabetic ulcers.Study Design: Chemical research of Angelica dahurica led to the identification of a new coumarin, dahuricoumarin A (1), along with seven known compounds (2 - 8). All compounds were tested for anti-inflammatory activity, and phellopterin, compound (3), significantly decreased the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a representative indicator of inflammation. Phellopterin can also increase SIRT1 protein, a key target for inflammation. In our research, we confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of phellopterin on diabetic ulcers and explored the underlying mechanism of action.Methods: The expression of IFN-γ, SIRT1, and ICAM-1 in human diabetic ulcer tissues was studied using immunohistochemistry. Streptozotocin was used to induce a diabetic model in C57BL/6J mice, and ulcers were surgically introduced. After phellopterin treatment, the skin lesions of diabetic mice were observed over a period of time. The protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT1 and ICAM-1 were measured using H&E, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. A HaCaT cell inflammatory model was induced by IFN-γ. Using a lentiviral packaging technique, MTT assay, and Western blotting, the effect of phellopterin on the proliferation of HaCaT cells and the expression of ICAM-1 was evaluated under normal and SIRT1 knockdown conditions.Results: High levels of ICAM-1 and IFN-γ were identified, but low levels of SIRT1 were found in human diabetic ulcer tissues, and phellopterin showed therapeutic benefits in the healing process by attenuating chronic inflammation and promoting re-epithelialization, along with SIRT1 upregulation and ICAM-1 downregulation. However, inhibiting SIRT1 reversed its proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo, phellopterin exerts anti-inflammatory and proliferative effects that promote diabetic wound healing, and the potential mechanism depends on SIRT1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxytocin (OXT), a nonapeptide posterior hormone of the pituitary, is mainly synthesized and secreted in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). The present study was to investigate in which level, brain or periphery, OXT effecting on the behavioral activity in the behavioral despair depression rat model. The results showed that (1) either the forced swimming or the tail suspension significantly increased OXT concentration in the brain (PVN, SON, frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, lumbar spinal cord) and in the periphery (posterior pituitary and serum); (2) intraventricular injection (icv) of OXT decreased the animal immobility time, whereas OXT receptor antagonist-desGly-NH2, d(CH2)5[D-Tyr2, Thr-sup-4]OV (icv) increased the animal immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in forced swimming test (FST) and in tail suspension test (TST); (3) neither OXT nor OXT receptor antagonist (intravenous injection) influenced the animal immobility time in FST and in TST. OXT levels were increased in several areas of the brain and in the periphery following the behavioral despair, one stressor, yet pre-treatment with OXT appeared to be beneficial in term of reducing immobility time. The data suggested that behavioral despair could enhance OXT synthesis and secretion not only in the brain but also in the periphery, and OXT in the brain rather than the periphery played a role in the behavioral despair depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) in acute pancreatitis (AP)-induced intestinal barrier injury via the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B (TLR4/NF-κB) signal pathway. Rat models of acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) were established by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein and retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct, respectively. Separate groups of model rats were pretreated with the TRAF6 inhibitor, MG-132. Rats were sacrificed at 12 h after the last injection for inducing AP. Histopathological changes, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier function, and protein expression levels were assessed by pathological score, ELISA, TUNEL, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Rat models of AEP and ANP were successfully established as evidenced by the pathological changes in the pancreas and intestine. Pre-treatment with MG-132 significantly alleviated pancreatic and intestinal pathological scores, reduced serum levels of amylase, IL-1β, and IL-6, and ameliorated apoptosis of mucosal cells. MG-132 reduced intestinal barrier injury, including serum levels of diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide, and intestinal expressions of ZO-1 and occludin. Moreover, it significantly suppressed the activation of the intestinal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. TRAF6 inhibitor alleviated pancreatic and intestinal injury in AEP and ANP. This effect may be mediated through inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which in turn regulates the inflammatory response and intestinal barrier injury. • Acute pancreatitis can cause intestinal barrier injury which related to inflammatory response. • TLR4/NF-κB pathway participate in the mechanism of acute pancreatitis-induced intestinal barrier injury. • TRAF6 inhibitor alleviated pancreatic and intestinal injury in acute pancreatitis via TLR4/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• V 2 O 5 yolk-shell microsphere with hierarchical structure as aqueous Li+ battery anode. • V 2 O 5 yolk-shell microspheres show high capacity and ultrafast rate capability. • V 2 O 5 yolk-shell microspheres exhibit a fast electrochemical kinetics. • V 2 O 5 //LiMn 2 O 4 aqueous Li+ full cells achieve favorable cycle life. Aqueous rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (ARLBs) are promising candidates in grid-scale energy storage systems due to their high safety and low cost. However, it remains a major challenge to develop advanced anode materials with favorable specific capacity and long cycle life. Herein, we fabricate V 2 O 5 yolk-shell microspheres with hierarchical nanostructure as anode material of ARLBs. Annealing temperature-dependent experiments are carried out to investigate the evolution of crystallinity, morphology and structure of the samples. As the annealing temperature varies from 300 °C to 350 °C to 400 °C, the building blocks of microspheres gradually change from nanoplates to nanoclusters to larger nanoparticles. The electrochemical performances of different samples are compared and analyzed. In half-cell tests, the sample annealed at 350 °C (VO-350) achieves a high capacity of 258.6 mA h g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 and ultrafast rate capabilities such as 149.7 mA h g −1 at 15 A g −1. In full-cell tests, the VO-350//LiMn 2 O 4 coin cells exhibit favorable cycle life with a capacity retention of 71.5% after 500 cycles at 1 A g −1 and ultrafast rate capabilities such as 87.4 mA h g −1 at 15 A g −1. In addition, the electrochemical kinetics and energy storage mechanism of V 2 O 5 in ARLBs are investigated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Li4Ti5O12/C (LTO/C) is synthesized by solid-state reaction with citric acid added as the conductive carbon source, and the residual carbon is only 0.47wt%. For comparison, bare LTO is prepared under similar conditions. The electrodes for both samples are prepared without commercial carbon black added. It shows that the LTO/C composite electrodes perform much better than that of LTO. Combined with XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM analysis, it is suggested that the particle size effect could be dismissed, and the main factors influencing the performances should be attributed to the Ti (III) existence and/or the in situ generated residual carbon, both of which are introduced by citric acid. The two main factors influencing the character can not be separated here, but they both improve the conductivity. So, it indicates that with proper strategies to enhance the electronic conductivity of the material, the electrode of spinel lithium titanium oxide with no carbon black added will exhibit better electrochemical behavior, though the metallic Li7Ti5O12 exists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) always induces severe hand, foot, and mouth disease with neurological complications, such as encephalitis. Interleukin (IL)-7 augments CD8+ T cells activity in chronic viral infection and cancers. However, few studies have focused on common γ-chain (γc) cytokine expression and regulatory function of IL-7 to CD8+ T cells in EV71 associated encephalitis. In this study, twenty-one patients with EV71 associated encephalitis, twenty-seven patients with febrile convulsion (FC), and twenty healthy individuals were enrolled. γc cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7 and IL-15) concentration was measured by ELISA. IL-7 receptor α chain (membrane/soluble CD127) expression was also investigated. Purified CD8+ T cells were stimulated with recombinant human IL-7 in vitro. The regulatory activity of IL-7 to CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) was investigated in direct and indirect contact co-culture with U-87MG cells. IL-7 in the serum and CSF, but not IL-2, IL-4, or IL-15, was significant increased in EV71 associated encephalitis. Both total CD127 mRNA relative level and membrane/soluble CD127 expression was comparable among three groups. IL-7 stimulation promoted CD8+ T cells proliferation, up-regulated perforin/granzyme B level, but reduced programmed death-1 expression in CD8+ T cells from EV71 associated encephalitis patients. Cytotoxicity and interferon-γ production of CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood and CSF was also augmented in response to IL-7 stimulation in both direct and indirect co-culture systems in EV71 associated encephalitis. The present data indicated that IL-7 induced cytolytic and non-cytolytic functions of CD8+ T cells in EV71 associated encephalitis. IL-7 might be considered as one of the immunomodulatory therapeutic candidates for EV71 infection. • IL-7 expression was down-regulated in EV71 associated encephalitis. • IL-7 promoted proliferation of CD8+ T cells. • IL-7 enhanced perforin/granzyme B expression in CD8+ T cells. • IL-7 reduced PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells. • IL-7 elevated cytolytic and non-cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZIF-67 derived CoNi 2 S 4 /Carbon/MXene composites are fabricated. • The CoNi 2 S 4 have a structure of the hollow nanocages. • Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene adding are operated to reduce the reunion phenomenon and improve the conductivity of the composites. • Carbonization process are operated to improve the conductivity and structure stability of the composites. • The CNS/C/MXene electrode exhibits high rate capability and cycling stability. Supercapacitors have received widespread attention from scientific researchers due to the advantages of high power density, fast charging/discharging rate and long cycle life. Among them, the development of high performance and high safety electrode materials are important research topics in the field of supercapacitors. Herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) derivatives is a good candidate material for supercapacitors electrode because of its controllable pore rate, constant cavity and larger specific area. However, the reunion phenomenon and the damaged structure during the reaction seriously affected its electrochemical properties, especially its stability. To solve this problem, the few-layer MXene was added into ZIF-67 to inhibit the reunion of single materials and the carbonization process was operated to improve its conductivity and structure stability. In addition, the CoNi 2 S 4 /carbon/MXene (CNS/C/MXene) obtained by the solvent thermal method successfully inherited the hollow cages structure and rough surface from the precursor, expressing a better electrochemical performance. In three-electrode system, the CNS/C/MXene electrode can exhibit the specific capacitance of 1221.6 F g−1 (169.7 mAh g−1) at 1 A g−1 and still maintain a high capacitance of 966.4 F g−1 (134.2 mAh g−1) at 20 A g−1 (79.1 % of the former). After assembling it with activated carbon into asymmetric supercapacitor, the device can provide a high energy density of 19.82 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 469.31 W kg−1 and maintain about 71.17 % of the initial capacitance after 30,000 cycles under a current density of 20 A g−1, representing excellent cycle stability and rate capability. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A decision support approach is proposed for condition-based maintenance of rails. • The methodology uses big data analysis and expert systems. • ABA measurements, video images and prior knowledge of the track are employed. • Integrated estimation of the rail health condition supports maintenance decisions. • Measurements from the track Amersfoort-Weert in the Dutch railway network are used. Abstract In this paper, a decision support approach is proposed for condition-based maintenance of rails relying on expert-based systems. The methodology takes into account both the actual conditions of the rails (using axle box acceleration measurements and rail video images) and the prior knowledge of the railway track. The approach provides an integrated estimation of the rail health conditions to support the maintenance decisions for a given time period. An expert-based system is defined to analyse interdependency between the prior knowledge of the track (defined by influential factors) and the surface defect measurements over the rail. When the rail health conditions is computed, the different track segments are prioritized, in order to facilitate grinding planning of those segments of rail that are prone to critical conditions. In this paper, real-life rail conditions measurements from the track Amersfoort-Weert in the Dutch railway network are used to show the benefits of the proposed methodology. The results support infrastructure managers to analyse the problems in their rail infrastructure and to efficiently perform a condition-based maintenance decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to difficulties with scalability and practical utilization, Si/graphene composites are not yet used as anodes for commercially available lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, we report an accessible and cost-effective ball-milling route to synthesize Si and graphene composites. By introducing amino- and carboxyl-groups, covalent linkage between Si nanoparticles and graphene is created, which solves serious issues of hybrids like poor dispersion and weak connection. This composite features a unique structure, where Si nanoparticles are uniformly attached to the surface or embedded into the inter-layers of the graphene. When used as anodes of lithium-ion batteries, this composite can retain a reversible capacity of 1516.23 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1. It also exhibited excellent ultra-long-term cycling stability and high rate performance. The electrochemical performance is superior to most reported Si/graphene composites without chemical bonds at the interface, which indicates that covalent bonding can effectively inhibit the irreversible sliding of Si nanoparticles. In addition, EIS measurement had revealed a lower transfer resistance and faster Li-ions diffusion of Si@APTES/ f -Gr, suggesting the integrity of graphene after functionalization. The proposed functionalization-assisted ball-milling approach, therefore, probably enables the large-scale production of Si/Graphene as anodes in high-performance batteries in the future. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first time to use laser back-injection interferometry to measure laser spot size through scanning-slit. • The spot size measurement device is simple, accurate and cost-effective. • The errors of spot size between our measurement device and CCD imaging system are all within 4%. Spot size is an important parameter of the laser, which not only represents the resolution of laser, but is also involved in the calculation of other parameters. Nowadays, CCD imaging systems, scanning imaging systems, and other sensors are used to measure the laser spot size. But they are all lacking flexibility when measuring the spot size in different locations, not to mention their high cost. In this study, a new spot size measurement device based on laser back-injection interferometry was presented. The photodiode integrated with the laser diode was used to collect the feedback laser, then the laser spot size was calculated by the feedback current. A commercial CCD imaging system was used to provide the laser spot size as a reference. Results show that our spot size measurement device could measure the spot size (Full Width Half Maximum) of 5 laser diode modules both in the x (Gaussian-like profile) and y (top-hat-like profile) direction through scanning-slit. Though there are variations between the scanning-slit results and spot sizes from the CCD imaging system due to the diffuse and specular reflection, the accuracy of the spot size measurement device ranges from 96.07 % to 99.46 %, which proves the reliability of our device. It is believed that our device could provide an alternate method for laser spot size measurement, which is cost-effective, easy to operate, and accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Give play to the advantages of information and communication. • Analyzes the conceptual connotation of smart city and smart city system. • Integrated broadcast systems play an important role in the development of urban intelligence. Smart cities use the resources of the new generation of information technology and broadband networks to leverage the advantages of information and communication to build a smart environment for urban development, provide efficient and flexible support for urban management and operations, and provide more humane and more convenient services to the public. The ability to manage and control is a necessary condition for realizing a smart city. This paper uses video streaming media forwarding technology to create a digital creative industry based on the concept of smart city to encourage the public to actively participate in it, effectively promote the promotion and dissemination of cultural heritage. Based on the design goals, architecture, user groups and licensing operations, this paper expounds the idea of constructing cultural heritage management based on the concept of smart city. On this basis, the application selection and effect of the platform are evaluated initially, and the prospect is put forward. With the continuous development of digital multimedia technology in intelligent, wireless and high-definition technology, platform "intellectualization" is the next area to be improved. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through new 3-D seismic data, we present relationship between maximum throw and fault length and fault segment length in fault zones, and relationship among length, width, throw and separation in overlap and tip zones of a conjugate strike-slip fault system in the intracratonic Tarim Basin, NW China. The results show that: (1) the major fault zones are in range of 23–76 km in length, and compose of 3–8 segments with low maximum throw less than 140 m; (2) a good power–law-scaling relationship of throw-segment length but not of throw-fault length; (3) more mature in NNW trending faults than in NNE trending faults; (4) the hard-linked overlap zones concentrate most deformation and exceptional high throws, with better linear correlation between throw and overlap zone length rather than soft-linked segments; (5) length/width, length/throw and separation/throw ratios from the transpressional overlap zones varies in a range of 4.6–11.2, 59–130 and 6.1–12.3, which are quite larger than those from extensional settings. Our study suggest that: (1) the fault growth depends on the stages of segment linkage (maturity); (2) the linear trends of scaling relationship between fault elements are mainly controlled by mechanical properties, while the scattered distribution of data is related to the stage of fault linkage and overlapping; (3) the deformation and displacement are localized in the overlap zones after hard-linkage following fault segments interaction; (4) fault elements could be useful to understanding fault growth and evolution stages in the deep subsurface. These results provide new insight into a better understanding of fault linkage and interaction from the subsurface seismic data in strike-slip fault zones. • Fault elements scaling in fault segments, overlap zones and tip zones from the seismic data. • Fault evolution in this area strongly depends on segment linkage. • The overlap zone growth in strike-slip fault zones is quite different from that in extensional settings. • Exceptionally higher displacements and lengths in the hard-linked overlap zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Microbial EPS was used for sulfonamides pollution treatment in aqueous system. • The highest adsorption capacity of EPS were 70.0% for SMX. • Chemisorption and hydrophobic Trp and Tyr played the key role for sorption. Abstract The pollution of sulfonamide antibiotics in aqueous system has attracted an increasing attention, however, interactions between the effective biomaterial and sulfonamide antibiotics are not clear. In this study, adsorption capacity and interaction mechanism of EPS from Klebsiella sp. J1 and sulfonamide antibiotics were investigated. The biosorption efficiency of EPS were 70.0%, 55.1%, 51.8%, and 46.7% for SMX, SM1, SM2, and SDZ, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative analysis displayed the almost consistent adsorption mechanism for four sulfonamides on EPS. The adsorption behavior could be described by Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Model parameters indicated the chemisorption was the major adsorption type responsible for the adsorption process and demonstrated a good adsorption capacity of EPS for sulfonamides, also confirmed by the SEM observation. Interestingly, 3D-EEM suggested that the driving force was mainly from the hydrophobic interaction of tryptophan and tyrosine during the binding process of EPS and sulfonamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first time to use laser self-mixing interference to perform beam profiling. • The beam profiling prototype is easy to operate and cost-effective. • Our prototype has achieved an accuracy of 98.74% on the prediction of laser beam size. Laser is widely used in industry, biomedical and other kinds of fields. Beam size is the most important parameter among the laser variables. Typical state-of-the-art profiling techniques employ either a scanning-based or camera-based system, using photodiodes or image sensors as the signal receiver. Despite their profiling capabilities, these systems do not tend to be budget-friendly and easy to operate. In this paper, a novel cost-effective beam profiling prototype based on self-mixing interference was developed to measure the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of a range of laser diodes by the knife-edge approach. The difference between our prototype and other systems is that the photodiode is placed behind the laser source, and beam size is calculated by analyzing the feedback signal. A commercial camera beam profiler was used to benchmark our prototype. Results show that though there is a variation of 45.29 % and 65.44 % between the measured beam size and the integrated beam size in the x and y directions due to diffuse and specular reflection, our USD 200 prototype has an accuracy ranging from 89.59 % to 98.74 % on the prediction of laser beam sizes. Our prototype could provide accurate predicted beam size both for Gaussian-alike beam and top-hat-alike beam. This is the very first study to explore the application of self-mixing interference in laser beam profiling. It is believed that our proposed approach has contributed to the on-going development of laser beam profiling methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquid–solid heterogeneous non-catalytic reaction between acid and minerals is the foremost principle of matrix acidizing. Previous mathematical models failed to describe the acid etching issue of rock particle clusters with the property of fractal surface in a three-dimensional space. We apply fractal geometry principles to characterize the area and volume of the rough rock particles on the basis of a mathematical model of a single particle. Based on chemical reaction kinetics and mass transfer theory, we present a modified shrinking core model for the acid–rock reaction of a mineral particle cluster that is undergoing a surface reaction. Using logarithmic normal distribution functions to describe the grain distribution of rocks, we describe the variations of the extent of leaching under surface reaction control. Our analysis indicates that clusters with larger fractal dimensions, smaller mean sizes and less disperse particles will be less dissolved when most of the other factors are kept constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the in vivo chronomodulated radiosensitizing effect of topotecan (TPT) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its possible mechanisms. Methods and Materials: Xenografted BALB/c (nu/nu) NPC mice were synchronized with an alternation of 12 hours of light from 0 to 12 hours after light onset (HALO) and 12 hours of darkness to establish a unified biological rhythm. Chronomodulated radiosensitization of TPT was investigated by analysis of tumor regrowth delay (TGD), pimonidazole hydrochloride, histone H2AX phosphorylation, (γ-H2AX) topoisomerase I (Top I), cell cycle, and apoptosis after treatment with (1) TPT (10 mg/kg) alone; (2) radiation therapy alone (RT); and (3) TPT+RT at 3, 9, 15, and 21 HALO. The tumor-loaded mice without any treatment were used as controls. Results: The TPT+RT combination was more effective than TPT or RT as single agents. The TPT+RT combination at 15 HALO was best (TGD = 58.0 ± 3.6 days), and TPT+RT at 3 HALO was worst (TGD = 35.0 ± 1.5 days) among the 4 TPT+RT groups (P<.05). Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a significantly increased histone H2AX phosphorylation expression and decreased pimonidazole hydrochloride expression in the TPT+RT group at the same time point. The results suggested that the level of tumor hypoxia and DNA damage varied in a time-dependent manner. The expression of Top I in the TPT+RT group was also significantly different from the control tumors at 15 HALO (P<.05). Cell apoptosis index was increased and the proportion of cells in S phase was decreased (P<.05) with the highest value in 15 HALO and the lowest in 3 HALO. Conclusions: This study suggested that TPT combined with chronoradiotherapy could enhance the radiosensitivity of xenografted NPC. The TPT+RT group at 15 HALO had the best therapeutic effect. The chronomodulated radiosensitization mechanisms of TPT might be related to circadian rhythm of tumor hypoxia, cell cycle redistribution, DNA damage, and expression of Top I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With FeCu 30 pre-alloy powder as the main component of the bond, a new type of nano‑vanadium nitride (VN) additive with different concentrations was introduced into Fe-Cu-based diamond composites to investigate the effect of nano-VN on the microstructure and properties of Fe-Cu-based diamond composites. The hardness, relative density, bending strength and wear loss weight of the fabricated specimens were tested, and then the fracture surfaces and worn surfaces of those specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results show that the Fe-Cu-based diamond composites with nano-VN addition exhibited an improvement in the mechanical properties, plasticity and wear resistance, which can be attributed to the dispersion strengthening and grain refinement caused by nano-VN. And the nano-VN can also activate sintering, which can significantly improve the wettability of the binder to diamonds, resulting in more binder elements wetting and diffusion on the diamond surface during the sintering process. Besides, the diamond composites showed the best properties with the addition of 2% nano-VN. That is, the bending strength and the HRB hardness of the diamond composites increased by 25% and 20%, respectively, and the wear resistance of the matrix and holding force coefficient of the matrix to diamond were improved significantly. But an excessive amount of nano-VN was detrimental to the mechanical properties of Fe-Cu-based diamond composites. • The addition of nano-VN enhanced the holding force coefficient of matrix to diamond. • Nano-VN promoted more binder elements wetting and diffusion on the diamond surfaces during sintering process. • Nano-VN can play a role of grain refinement and strengthening precipitates. • The plasticity of the matrix increased with the increase of nano-VN concentration. • The diamond composites showed the best properties with the addition of 2% nano-VN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the rock-breaking efficiency in hard rock formations, this paper presents an impregnated diamond bit with a special matrix structure. The grid-shaped matrix is designed to achieve large volume breakage so that the rock breaking efficiency can be greatly improved. The calculated specific pressure on the bottom surface lip of the newly proposed bit increased by 67%, from 68 kgf/cm2 to 113 kgf/cm2, compared to the conventional impregnated diamond bit. In such case, the grid piece can be effectively pressed into rocks to produce more cracks to effectively break them. In this paper, to study the rock-breaking mechanism of this impregnated diamond bit with grid-shaped matrix (IDBGM), subjected to different grid spacing and rock properties, rock cutting tests were conducted by using a TXCB-5P precision microtome and two 3D-printed grid pieces. The results indicate that the optimum grid spacing is 2 mm, because of the largest-scale cuttings when breaking rock ridges produced by the proposed bit. And the mineral particle size is the dominant factor affecting the height of weakened layer of rock. Besides, the IDBGM can more fully exert its structural advantages when applied to the hard rock layer with larger particle size. At the same time, the monitored real-time electric current is consistent with the above results, and further reveals the rock breaking mechanism characteristic of the IDBGM. • A new designed impregnated diamond bit (IDBGM) was proposed, which can be manufactured by 3D printing technology. • The specific pressure on the bottom working face of IDBGM was compared with the traditional impregnated diamond bit. • Rock cutting test were used to evaluate effect of spacing distance and rock characteristics on cutting efficiency of IDBGM. • The optimum grid piece spacing and the applicable rock formation for the 3D-printed grid pieces were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]