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Background Roux-en-Y (R-Y) anastomoses have been widely used in distal gastrectomy, while the incidence of Roux stasis syndrome remains common. Uncut R-Y anastomosis maintains the neuromuscular continuity, thus avoiding the ectopic pacemaker of the Roux limb and reducing the occurrence of Roux stasis. However, retrospective studies of Uncut R-Y anastomosis remain scarce and randomized controlled trials have not been reported. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the surgical safety, nutritional status, and postoperative quality of life (QOL) between uncut and classic Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction patients. Patients with Stage I gastric cancer were randomly enrolled and underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy followed by uncut or classic R-Y reconstruction. Body mass index and blood test were used to evaluate the nutritional status. QOL was evaluated using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (STO22) and laboratory examinations at postoperative month (POM) 3, 6, 9, and 12. Computed tomography scanning was used to evaluate the skeletal muscle index (SMI) at POM 6 and 12. Endoscopy was performed at POM 12. Results Operation time, blood loss, time to recovery, complication morbidities, and overall survival were similar between the two groups. Compared with the classic R-Y group, the uncut R-Y group displayed a significantly decreased QOL at POM 9, possibly due to loop recanalization, determined to be occupied 34.2% of the uncut R-Y group. Post-exclusion of recanalization, the QOL was still higher in the classic R-Y group than in the uncut R-Y group, despite their hemoglobin and total protein levels being better than those in the classic R-Y group. Preoperative pre-albumin level and impaired fasting glycemia significantly correlated with the postoperative recanalization. Conclusion We found no significant benefit of uncut over classic R-Y reconstruction which challenges the superiority of the uncut R-Y reconstruction. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02644148.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the key to creating a wide variety of 3D structures with unique and programmable functionalities. Direct ink writing is one of the widely used AM technologies with numerous printable materials. However, the extrude-based method is limited by low fabrication resolution, which is confined to printing macrostructures. Herein, a new AM strategy is reported, using a low-cost extrusion 3D printer, to create 3D microarchitectures at the macroscopic level through controlled desiccation of preprinted hydrogel scaffolds followed by infilling objective components. A printable hydrogel with a high-water content ensures maximum shrinkage (≈99.5% in volume) of the printed scaffolds to achieve high resolution. Stable covalent cross-linking and a suitable drying rate enable uniform shrinkage of the scaffolds to retain their original architectures. Particularly, this method can be adapted to produce liquid-metal-based 3D circuits and nanocomposite-based microrobots, indicating its capability to fabricate functional and complex 3D architectures with micron-level resolution from different material systems.

Since the swing of the lifting load and the positioning of the trolley during the operation of a bridge crane seriously affect the safety and reliability of its work, we have not only designed Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers for the anti-swing and positioning control but also proposed a hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm to optimize the gains of the controllers. In updating the PSO algorithm, a nonlinear adaptive method is utilized to update the inertia weight and learning coefficients, and the SA algorithm is also integrated when the PSO algorithm is searching for a global optimal solution, to reduce the probability of falling into the local optimal solution. The simulation results demonstrate that the PSO–SA algorithm proposed in this paper is prone to be a more effective method in searching for the optimal parameters for the controllers, compared with three other algorithms. As shown by the experimental results, the swing angle stabilization time of the novel algorithm is 6.9 s, while the values of the other algorithms range from 10.3 to 13.1 s under a common working condition. Simultaneously, the maximum swing angle of the novel algorithm is 7.8°, which is also better than the other algorithms.

An accurate recurrence risk assessment system and surveillance strategy for hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) remain poorly defined. This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict postoperative recurrence of HAS and guide individually tailored surveillance strategies.The study enrolled all patients with primary HAS who had undergone curative-intent resection at 14 institutions from 2004 to 2019. Clinicopathologic variables with statistical significance in the multivariate Cox regression were incorporated into a nomogram to build a recurrence predictive model.The nomogram of recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on independent prognostic factors, including age, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen, number of examined lymph nodes, perineural invasion, and lymph node ratio, achieved a C-index of 0.723 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.674-0.772) in the whole cohort, which was significantly higher than those of the eighth American Joint Committed on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (C-index, 0.629; 95% CI, 0.573-0.685; P0.001). The nomogram accurately stratified patients into low-, middle-, and high-risk groups of postoperative recurrence. The postoperative recurrence risk rates for patients in the middle- and high-risk groups were respectively 3 and 10 times higher than for the low-risk group. The patients in the middle- and high-risk groups showed more recurrence and metastasis, particularly multiple site metastasis, within 36 months after the operation than those in the low-risk group (low, 2.2%; middle, 8.6%; high, 24.0%; P = 0.003).The nomogram achieved good prediction of postoperative recurrence for the patients with HAS after radical resection. For the middle- and high-risk patients, more active surveillance and targeted examination methods should be adopted within 36 months after the operation, particularly for liver and multiple metastases.

In view of the inherent poor tribological properties of copper, the reinforcement of copper matrix composites with WC particles presents a promising research area with significant industrial influence. Therefore, in the present study, a molecular dynamics approach is used to simulate the process of repeated friction of diamond grinding balls on WC/Cu composites, and the friction force, friction coefficient, abrasion depth, wear rate, abrasion morphology, von-Mises stress, internal defects, workpiece energy, and performance comparison of different layer thicknesses are systematically investigated in the multiple friction process. It is found that the fluctuation amplitude of friction force, friction coefficient, and abrasion depth are smaller and the fluctuation frequency is larger during the initial friction, whereas near the WC phase, there appears extreme values of the above parameters and the von-Mises stress is highly concentrated while the workpiece energy contonues to increase. In the case of the repeated friction, with the increase of friction times, the friction force, friction coefficient, and abrasion depth fluctuation amplitude increase, the fluctuation frequency decreases, the workpiece energy reaches an extreme value near the WC phase, and a large number of dislocations plug, therefore, the region is strengthened. As the distance between the grinding ball and the WC phase decreases, the more obvious the strengthening effect, the stronger the ability of workpiece to resist the wear will be.

In this study, an effective circulating system was developed to remove heavy metals in medical waste incineration (MWI) fly ash. MWI fly ash (MWIFA)-column experiments were performed to remove Cu, ...

In this study, two types of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash (BA) (MSWI-BA-A, water quenched, MSWI-BA-B, natural cooling), are utilized as alternative materials for clinker sintering. Fixed clinker modulus (lime saturation ratio = 0.90 ± 0.01, silica modulus = 2.6 ± 0.1 and alumina modulus = 1.5 ± 0.1), designed gradient addition ratio of MSWIBA (0, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%) and same sintering temperature (1723.15 K) are adopted to conduct the experiments. Raw materials are characterized by XRF, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Clinkers are analyzed and evaluated by XRF, X-ray diffraction, petrographic analysis, compressive and flexural strength tests and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. The major difference of the two types of MSWIBA is LOI value which is supposed to be the most probable reason for huge difference between liquid phase formation temperature variation and incremental introduction of MSWI. MSWI-BA-A increases liquid phase formation temperature. Liquid phase formation temperatures and MSWI-BA-B samples addition ratios nearly present negative linear correlation. All clinkers sintered with addition of MSWIBA slightly reduce water demand for normal consistency. MSWIBA addition poses relatively obvious influence on initial setting time and little effect on final setting time. There is an increase in initial strength and a decrease in 28-day strength of clinkers sintered with MSWIBA, 28-day compressive strength decreases with the incremental introduction of MSWIBA. Distinct characteristics, such as free lime, periclase, orthorhombic tricalcium aluminate (C3A) crystal and secondary Belite crystal, are observed by petrographic analysis. MSWIBA is significant source of free lime and periclase in clinkers. Incremental input of alkali introduced by MSWIBA influences clinker sintering and mineral crystallinzation, further results in orthorhombic C3A crystal and indistinct Alite edge caused by corrosion. Leaching concentration of heavy metals from mortars prepared with the sintering clinkers is lower than corresponding concentration of the Chinese National Standard GB 30760-2014.

In insects, metamorphosis is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E).

Tyrosinase (polyphenol oxidase) is the key enzyme of enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables. In this research, the impact of ascorbic acid on tyrosinase and its anti-browning effect on fresh-cut Fuji apple were investigated. Ascorbic acid had a dual effect on tyrosinase with a half inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of 13.40 ± 0.05 µM. Fluorescence assay demonstrated that ascorbic acid interacted with tyrosinase in a dynamic contaction caused by Forster's resonance energy transfer (FRET) and induced a conformational change of the enzyme. Thermodynamic analysis, copper interaction, and molecular docking further confirmed that ascorbic acid could chelate the copper ions located in active center and interact with amino acid residues of tyrosinase via hydrophobic interaction. In addition, ascorbic acid prevented the browning of fresh-cut apples by increasing APX activity and inhibiting PPO and POD activities which reduce the oxidation of total phenolics and flavonoids. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study demonstrated that ascorbic acid had a strong inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 = 13.40 ± 0.05 µM) and anti-browning activity against fresh-cut Fuji apple. It could delay the browning degree of apple juice, increase APX activity, inhibit PPO and POD activities, and reduce the oxidation of total phenolics and flavonoids. These findings provided a basis for the feasible application of ascorbic acid on the preservation of fruits.

In this study, the inhibitory effect and mechanism of omeprazole on α-glucosidase and nonenzymatic glycation were investigated in vitro by using multi-spectroscopic methods and molecular docking. Enzyme kinetic results showed that omeprazole inhibited α-glucosidase in a reversible and noncompetitive manner (IC50= 0.595 ± 0.003 mM). The results from fluorescence quenching and thermomechanical analyses signified that omeprazole reduced the fluorescence intensity of α-glucosidase by forming an omeprazole-α-glucosidase complex primarily driven by hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking further confirmed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces were the major driving forces for omeprazole binding to α-glucosidase. The nonenzymatic glycation assays revealed that omeprazole had a moderate inhibition against the formation of fructosamine, dicarbonyl compounds, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This study provides a new inhibitor of both α-glucosidase and nonenzymatic glycation and provides a practicable candidate for treating diabetes and its complications.

To evaluate the clinical application of the endoscopic surveillance system (ESS) in transurethral bipolar plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (TUPKRP).We retrospectively analyzed 136 cases of TUPKRP performed with the assistance of ESS from September 2018 to March 2019. According to the prostate volume (PV), we divided the patients into a PV ≥ 60 ml and a PV60 ml group, and compared the surgery-related parameters between the two groups of patients.Operations were successfully completed in all the 136 cases. Statistically significant differences were observed between the PV ≥ 60 ml and a PV60 ml groups in the operation time (［78.93 ± 28.63］ vs ［51.77 ± 14.85］ min, P0.05), intraoperative blood loss (［261.61 ± 204.25］ vs ［69.26 ± 61.13］ ml, P0.05) and absorption of the rinse fluid (［948.20 ± 656.00］ vs ［347.39 ± 256.53］ ml, P0.05), but not in the postoperative red cell count, levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ions, hospital stay, incidence of prostatic perforation or blood transfusion (P0.05). The patients also showed statistically significant differences between the baseline and postoperative parameters in red cell count (［4.62 ± 0.63］ vs ［4.31 ± 0.74］ ×1012/L, P0.05) and levels of hemoglobin (［141.83 ± 18.30］ vs ［135.20 ± 19.91］ g/L, P0.05), K+ (［4.01 ± 0.43］ vs ［3.92 ± 0.54］ mmol/L, P0.05) and Na+ (［141.90 ± 3.11］ vs ［139.42 ± 3.81］ mmol/L, P0.05), but not in the levels of Cl－ (［103.74 ± 9.32］ vs ［103.70 ± 4.50］ mmol/L, P0.05) and Ca2+ (［2.21 ± 0.13］ vs ［2.19 ± 0.21］ mmol/L, P0.05).Large-volume absorption of rinse fluid may overburden the circulatory system and induce left ventricular failure, pulmonary edema or massive bleeding during PKRP for patients with PV ≥ 60 ml due to long operation time and rich blood supply in the hyperplasia gland. The endoscopic surveillance system can provide real-time data on the absorption of rinse fluid and bleeding, reduce complications, and improve surgical safety.

In this study, an effective circulating system was developed to remove heavy metals in medical waste incineration (MWI) fly ash. MWI fly ash (MWIFA)-column experiments were performed to remove Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Ni from MWIFA using EDTA disodium (Na

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a gold standard for the treatment of BPH. However, for large-volume BPH, TURP has its disadvantages of longer operation time, more residual glands, more intraoperative bleeding, lower efficiency, and longer hospital stay, which increase the risks of surgery and postoperative symptomatic recurrence. Therefore, minimally invasive treatment of large-volume BPH remains a clinical challenge. This paper focuses on the status quo and prospects of minimally invasive treatment of large-volume BPH, hoping to give some help with clinical practice.

Micro-scale isotopic compositions determined by micro-beam in situ analysis techniques are expected to provide new information for the understanding of ore genesis. Here we use the Maozu (∼20 Mt of sulfide ore, grading 7.25 wt% Zn and 4.15 wt% Pb) Zn-Pb deposit in the Upper Yangtze Zn-Pb metallogenic province as a case study, utilizing NanoSIMS in situ S, femtosecond LA-MC-ICPMS in situ Pb and conventional bulk Sr isotopes, as well as field data, aimed to reveal its origin and ore formation process. NanoSIMS in situ δ34S values of sulfide minerals from the Maozu deposit have a wider range (+5.9–+20.7‰) than that of bulk δ34 S values (+9.9–+19.9‰). Such S isotope signatures reflect the enrichment of heavy S isotopes in ore-forming fluids , and further indicate the source of S is multiple reservoirs (e.g. marine evaporites , coeval seawater, and metamorphic rocks/fluids). Pb isotopic ratios of galena determined by LA-MC-ICPMS in situ techniques have a narrower range (206Pb/204Pb = 18.20–18.21, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.69–15.71 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.40–38.43) than that of bulk Pb isotopic ratios (206Pb/204Pb = 18.13–18.38, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.64–15.69 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.22–38.58). This implies that in situ Pb isotopes can truly reflect the source of Pb, which is due to impurities enclosed by sulfide crystals and pollutants introduced by chemical analysis could significantly affect the quality of the bulk Pb isotopic data. Compared with previously reported Pb isotopic data of potential source rocks (i.e. late Permian Emeishan basalts , Paleozoic ore-bearing sedimentary rocks and Proterozoic basement metamorphic rocks), the in situ Pb isotopic data are significantly different from those of basalts, but are similar to those of both basements and sediments. This means that metal-rich fluids were mainly derived from and/or flowed through basements and sediments. Sphalerite separates have initial Sr isotopic ratios (0.711–0.719) that are distinctly different from those of ore formation age-corrected basalts ( 87Sr/86Sr200 Ma = 0.704–0.708) and basements (87Sr/86Sr200 Ma = 0.724–0.729), whereas partly overlap with those of age-corrected sediments (87Sr/86Sr200 Ma = 0.707–0.714). Such Sr isotope signatures suggest that hydrothermal fluids were predominantly derived from and/or flowed through basements and sediments with a certain influence from basalts. Hence, the Maozu deposit has complex source rocks that are related to the local geological setting. The mixing of metal-rich fluids (related to basements and sediments, and even basalts) and S-bearing fluids (associated with multiple S reservoirs) plays a key role in the formation of sulfide ores. Therefore, the Maozu deposit, formed during Early Mesozoic (∼196 Ma), is an epigenetic Zn-Pb deposit that hosts in carbonate rocks , occurs along fault-fold structures, and has a mixed source of mineralizing elements and associated fluids.

Objective To explore the effect of hemofiltration combined with alprostadil on the treatment of rhabdomyolysis-related acute renal failure. Methods Forty-two patients with acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis syndrome were divided into the treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=21). Creatine kinase (CK), creatinine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), urine volume (UV), APACHEⅡscore, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) before and after the treatment were measured. Results The levels of CK and CK-MB in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 1, 2, 3 and 5d after treatment (P

Objective To study the effects of alprostadil on acute kidney injury after resuscitation to standard state in septic shock patients. Methods Adopting the method for random, single blind and placebo controlled trial, the patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury due to septic shock at Department of ICU, First Hospital of Lanzhou University during November 2015 to November 2016 were recruited in this study. According to early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), the patients after resuscitation were randomly divided into alprostadil group (PGE group, n=28) and control group (CON group, n=28). The patients of PGE group received the basis treatment of conventional therapy plus a slow intravenous infusion of alprostadil 10μg+100ml saline, 2 times a day for 7 days. The patients of CON group were given physiological saline in the same way, dose and speed. The general baseline data were compared between the two groups of patients. The vital signs, 24-hour urine output, serum creatinine (Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urine protein and urinary NAG (N. acetyl -B- amino acid), gamma -GTP, alpha 1- microspheres, blood and urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) were monitored before and 3rd, 5th and 7th day after the therapy, and the percentage, mortality rate and ICU day of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) observed for 2 weeks. Results There wasno significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the CON group after treatment, 24-hour urine output increased, urine NAG, gamma-GTP, alpha 1- microglobulin, blood and urine NGAL serum creatinine and BUN decreased significantly, and the percentage, mortality rate and the average ICU days of the patients needing CRRT within 2 weeks were also lower in PGE group, with statistically significant differences (P

Key Points Question What are the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS), and what is an accurate and efficient method of predicting overall survival (OS) among these patients? Findings In this prognostic study of 315 patients with HAS, 3 risk factors (perineural invasion, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels ≥5 ng/mL, and pathological node category 3b) were independently associated with worse OS among patients with HAS. Based on these risk factors, a nomogram to predict postoperative OS among patients with HAS was developed. Meaning This study found that, among patients with HAS, perineural invasion, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and pathological node category 3b were independently associated with OS; an individualized nomogram that was developed to predict postoperative OS had good prognostic value and may be useful as a supplement to the current tumor-node-metastasis staging system., Importance Few studies have examined the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS). Objective To explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with HAS and develop a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS). Design, Setting, and Participants This prognostic study involved a retrospective analysis of data from 315 patients who received a diagnosis of primary HAS between April 1, 2004, and December 31, 2019, at 14 centers in China. Main Outcomes and Measures OS and prognostic factors. Patients were randomly assigned to a derivation cohort (n = 220) and a validation cohort (n = 95). A nomogram was developed based on independent prognostic factors identified through a multivariable Cox mixed-effects model. Results Among 315 patients with HAS (mean [SD] age, 61.9 [10.2] years; 240 men [76.2%]), 137 patients had simple HAS (defined as the presence of histologically contained hepatoid differentiation areas only), and 178 patients had mixed HAS (defined as the presence of hepatoid differentiation areas plus common adenocarcinoma areas). Patients with simple HAS had a higher median preoperative α-fetoprotein level than those with mixed HAS (195.9 ng/mL vs 48.9 ng/mL, respectively; P, This prognostic study examines the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with hepatoid adenocarcinoma and develops an individualized nomogram based on independently associated risk factors to predict overall survival among those with this distinct cancer subtype.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of alprostadil in patients with septic shock associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods From January 2015 to June 2016, patients with septic shock associated with ARDS and meeting the inclusion criteria were involved in the study in department of critical care medicine in First Hospital of Lanzhou University and randomly divided into the control group and alprostadil group. The standard treatment was given in control group, alprostadil 10μg 2/d was given in alprostadil group on base of standard treatment. Monitoring indexes were recorded in 1, 3 and 6 days after enrollment. General condition of patients, APACHE Ⅱ score, ventilator conditions (PO2, PCO2, RR, PEEP, FiO2, oxygenation index, airway resistance, lung compliance), mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, hospital follow-up, 28-day follow-up, immune index (CD4+/CD8+), inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, IL-6) were monitored. Results Sixty-five patients were included in this study, 32 in control group and 33 in alprostadil group. At 3 and 6 days after the treatment, APACHE Ⅱ score, respiratory rate (RR), the inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2), airway resistance, and C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) -6 and interleukin (IL-6) levels significantly decreased, compared with pretreatment and 1 day posttreatment, in the two groups and lower in alprostadil group than in the control group on the 6th day (P

An optimal single-photon source should deterministically deliver one and only one photon at a time, with no trade-off between the source's efficiency and the photon indistinguishability. However, all reported solid-state sources of indistinguishable single photons had to rely on polarization filtering which reduced the efficiency by 50%, which fundamentally limited the scaling of photonic quantum technologies. Here, we overcome this final long-standing challenge by coherently driving quantum dots deterministically coupled to polarization-selective Purcell microcavities--two examples are narrowband, elliptical micropillars and broadband, elliptical Bragg gratings. A polarization-orthogonal excitation-collection scheme is designed to minimize the polarization-filtering loss under resonant excitation. We demonstrate a polarized single-photon efficiency of 0.60+/-0.02 (0.56+/-0.02), a single-photon purity of 0.975+/-0.005 (0.991+/-0.003), and an indistinguishability of 0.975+/-0.006 (0.951+/-0.005) for the micropillar (Bragg grating) device. Our work provides promising solutions for truly optimal single-photon sources combining near-unity indistinguishability and near-unity system efficiency simultaneously., 28 pages, 16 figures. partial overlap with arXiv:1809.10992 which was unpublished

The interface state in two-dimensional (2D) sonic crystals (SCs) was obtained based on trying or cutting approach, which greatly limits its practical applications. In this paper, we theoretically demonstrate that one category of interface states can deterministically exist at the boundary of two square-lattice SCs due to the geometric phase transitions of bulk bands. First, we derive a tight-binding formalism for acoustic waves and introduce it into the 2D case. Furthermore, the extended 2D Zak phase is employed to characterize the topological phase transitions of bulk bands. Moreover, the topological interface states can be deterministically found in the nontrivial bandgap. Finally, two kinds of SCs with the [Formula: see text] symmetry closely resembling the 2D Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model are proposed to realize the deterministic interface states. We find that tuning the strength of intermolecular coupling by contacting or expanding the scatterers can effectively induce the bulk band inversion between the trivial and nontrivial crystals. The presence of acoustic interface states for both cases is further demonstrated. These deterministic interface states in 2D acoustic systems will be a great candidate for future waveguide applications.

A series of photocatalysts of un-doped, single-doped and co-doped nanometer titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been successfully prepared by template method using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, La(NO3)3·6H2O, and tetrabutyl titanate as precursors and glucan as template. Scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction, and N2 adsorption-desorption measurement were employed to characterize the morphology, crystal structure and surface structure of the samples. The photo-absorbance of the obtained catalysts was measured by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples under UV and visible light were estimated by measuring the degradation rate of methyl orange in an aqueous solution. The characterizations indicated that the prepared photocatalysts consisted of anatase phase and possessed high surface area of ca. 163–176 m2/g. It was shown that the Fe and La co-doped nano-TiO2 could be activated by visible light and could thus be used as an effective catalyst in photo-oxidation reactions. The synergistic effect of Fe and La co-doping played an important role in improving the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the possibility of cyclic usage of co-doped nano-TiO2 was also confirmed, the photocatalytic activity of codoped nano-TiO2 remained above 89.6% of the fresh sample after being used four times.

In this work, hierarchical tetradecahedral SnO2/Zn2SnO4 composites were synthesized by a simple one-pot method without using surfactants and templates and have a uniform diameter of ~1 μm. Importantly, SnO2/Zn2SnO4 was used to manufacture gas sensor. After testing the sensor, it displays good selectivity to ethanol and excellent repeatability at room temperature (RT). It has ultra-fast response/recovery times with 9 s and 7 s at 200 ppm ethanol, respectively. Such enhanced gas-sensing performances are probably ascribed to the unique hierarchical tetradecahedral SnO2/Zn2SnO4 structure, the strong interfacial interaction and the existence of heterojunctions between Zn2SnO4 and SnO2.

Chromium doped amorphous hydrogenated carbon a-C∶H(Cr) films (2.23 μm in thickness)have been successfully prepared with unbalanced magnetron sputtering technology(UBMS) in this paper. Raman spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to study the structure and thermal stability of the Chromium doped diamond-like carbon films (Cr-DLC). The results indicate that, at the room temperature, the Raman absorption peak “G” near 1 580 cm-1was assigned to C—C stretching vibration mode (E2g) in the Cr-DLC films, while the peak “D” near 1 350 cm-1was assigned to sp2 breathing vibration mode (A1g). The relative concentration of sp3 bond in the film is at 48%. When heated till 300 ℃, the Raman pattern of sample is similar to that of the sample at room temperature, indicating the structure of Cr-DLC film is stable. At 400 ℃, the ratio of ID/IG and the concentration of sp2 bond clearly increase, indicating the change of the structure in the Cr-DLC and the appearance of graphitization. With temperature going up, the rise of ID/IG ratio and the shift of the peak “G” to high wavenumber show that the rise of sp2/sp3 ratio, the intensity of graphitization, and the decline of the disorder of sp2 in the Cr-DLC films lead to the increase of the friction coefficient and wearing rate and the decline of the Cr-DLC thermal stability. When the it is up to 600 ℃, the ratio of ID/IG and the concentration of sp2 bond reach the max value while the Cr-DLC film loses its efficacy.

The purpose of this study is to identify multi-source dynamic loads acting on the practical engineering structure. In this study, we propose a new iterative Tikhonov regularization method (MITR) based on a new functional operator, and strictly prove its stability and definition from the mathematical theory. This inverse technology has been validated by numerical benchmarks and engineering example involving dynamic load identification. Numerical simulations indicate that the proposed method reduces the number of iterations and also can obtain more efficient and numerically stable approximation of the true loads compared with the iterative Tikhonov regularization method (ITR), which verifies the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

BACKGROUND Hyperglycemia has been confirmed to damage endothelial function of vascular and microvascular. The regulation of zinc finger E-box binding protein 2 (ZEB2) on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is reported rarely. Our study investigates the role of ZEB2 on the apoptosis of VECs induced by high glucose through MAPK pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Downregulated and upregulated expression of ZEB2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were performed by plasmids transfection. HUVECs are respectively treated with different concentrations of glucose (5.5 mM, 33 mM). The expression of mRNA and protein were detected by real-time quantified PCR and western blotting. Apoptotic cells were measured by flow cytometry. Proliferation and migration of HUVECs were detected by MTT assay and wound healing assay. RESULTS The apoptosis of HUVECs detected by flow cytometry and western blot revealed that ZEB2 overexpression distinctly suppressed the apoptosis of HUVECs induced by high glucose. ZEB2 overexpression promoted the proliferative and migration activity of HUVECs. Besides, ZEB2 overexpression specifically accelerated the phosphorylation level of JNK, and suppressed the apoptosis and promoted the proliferative of VECs via JNK pathway. CONCLUSIONS ZEB2 suppress apoptosis of VECs induced by high glucose through MAPK pathway activation, which provides a novel insight and therapeutic target for endothelial injury.

Super-grade bauxite, pure silicon carbide, andalusite and metal silicon were used as the raw materials to produce plastic phase mullite-SiC bricks. By analysis of the microstructure, physical and chemical properties, it proves that the introduction of metal plastic phase can improve the properties of bricks, such as lower porosity, higher cold crush strength, and wearing resistance. It also can improve the toughness, and effectively relieve the thermal and mechanical stress when using in cement kilns. By analysis of the comparison with MA spinel bricks and ordinary mullite-SiC bricks, the plastic phase mullite-SiC bricks have good thermal shock resistance and lower thermal conductivity. The result shows that the bricks can replace MA spinel bricks using in the transition zone of cement kilns and realizes the aim of saving energy and a long service life.

The new mullite-SiC bricks were prepared by mullite homogenized grogs to substituted the bauxite clinkers (Al2O3content is 85% or 88%) as raw materials. In this paper, the physico-chemical properties and wear resistance of the new mullite-SiC bricks were studied by comparing with the ordinary mullite-SiC bricks produced by using bauxite clinkers as raw materials. The result shows that the new mullite-SiC bricks have low apparent porosity and bulk density, high compressive strength and refractoriness under load, excellent wear resistance. The mullite homogenized grogs can substitute the bauxite clinkers as materials to produce mullite-SiC bricks and improve the properties of the bricks.

We propose an novel computational method for solving dynamic loads identification problems. The algorithm considered here is detailedly given. The present method is applied to the identification of the multi-source dynamic loads on a surface of plate. Numerical simulations validate the stability and effectivity of the proposed method.

In order to solve the problems of high energy consumption and serious pollution caused by boiler rooms, this paper mainly introduces a preheating boiler feedwater system with air source heat pump, which includes an air source heat pump, plate heat exchanger and so on. The calculating results show that the system can save coal of 35.67 tons, reduce emissions of carbon dioxide of 94.90 tons per year and would recover all the investment eight years later; It has been proved that the system has better characters such as energy-saving, economical efficiency and so on; it is worth popularizing widely in the city as Lanzhou city with heaviest air pollution.

This paper explains sintering properties of Al2O3-70(referred to as the 70 green sample) natural mullite that was prepared by the process of homogenization, wet grinding, vacuum extrusion and high-temperature tunnel kiln sintering. The results show that 70 green sample's dehydroxylation temperature started in 528 °C; 70 green sample's sintering densification started in 1500 °C; 70 green sample had not completed sintering in the 1600 °C, and at this temperature, to prolong the holding time also won't realize densification. After sintering at 1600 °C, the sample's bulk density is 2.82. In this sample, the mullite phase was uniform distribution, density, low porosity and most are closed porosity.

The present explains sintering characters of the Al2O3-86 homogenized bauxite under wet processes homogenization, which includes classified bauxite mine, wet grinding, vacuum extrusion, sintering in tunnel kiln,etc. DSC and TG reveal an evident peak of absorption heat at 531°C, resulting from the dehydroxylation of bauxite. Green samples held at 550°C*6hrs were heated up to different temperatures, and the properties of weight loss, linear change, bulk density and apparent porosity were measured. The data show that liquid-phase emerge and sintering process goes slowly above 1100°C. At 1500°C, large amounts of liquid-phase form, making liquid-phase sintering have a positive effect. The analysis of XRD and SEM indicate that, corundum grains develop more inadequate and most of the corundums interlace in a compact way, which can separate the widespread liquid phase and improve the sintering capability of homogenized bauxite.

In this paper, we propose a new computational inverse method for solving the identification of multi-source dynamic loads acting on a simply supported plate. Using a priori choosing appropriate regularization parameter, the present method can obtain higher optimum asymptotic order of the regularized solution than ordinary Tikhonov regularization method. In the numerical simulations, the identification problem of multi-source dynamic loads on a surface of simply supported plate is successfully solved by the present method. Meanwhile, most of its performances are better than ordinary Tikhonov regularization method.

The Bauxite-based Homogenized Grog (BHG) was industrial producted using bauxite with about 70 wt.% Al2O3 as starting materials and its properties were tested. Through comparing with high-grade bauxite clinker, the applications in LCCs of BHG and bauxite clinker were discussed. The results showed that the BHG with mullite as chief phase, with consistent components and structure and properties using middle or low grade bauxite as starting materials can been prepared industrially by homogenization process, vacuum-extrusion moulding and high-temperature sintering method. It also resulted that the BHG can replace competently high-grade bauxite clinker to apply in LCCs as coarses and the LCCs with BHG as coarses have more outstanding properties.