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• Self-reported ambulation classification in 3 levels is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification was used to assess functional ambulation in relation to physical mobility status in polio survivors. • Self-reported functional ambulation consistently corresponded to differences in objective and self-reported physical mobility status. • Walked distance and physical functioning level primarily affected self-reported functional ambulation. • Self-reported ambulation classification can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment in polio. The condensed 3-level version of the self-reported ambulation classification by Perry is a validated, simple-to-use instrument in clinical practice to classify functional ambulation. To further validate the clinical meaning of the classification for polio survivors, we compared physical mobility status across 3 functional ambulation categories and investigated the relation between physical mobility and functional ambulation category. We investigated a convenience sample of 140 individuals with polio [mean (SD) age 59.4 (12.1) years; 74 men] who were able to walk at least indoors. For indicators of physical mobility status, we assessed the walked distance (m) and walking energy cost (Jkg−1m−1) during a 6-min walk test at a comfortable speed. Furthermore, self-reported physical functioning and fatigue were assessed with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical functioning scale (SF36-PF) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively. Self-reported functional ambulation was classified as household walker, limited community walker or full community walker. The mean (SD) walked distance, energy cost, and SF36-PF and FSS scores significantly differed between household walkers (n = 48) and limited community walkers (n = 63) [275 (67) m; 6.35 (1.80) Jkg−1m−1; 27.7 (13.5), 5.53 (1.06), respectively, and 323 (73) m; 5.49 (1.50) Jkg−1m−1; 40.1 (15.1); 4.81 (1.38) (P < 0.018)] and full community walkers (n = 29) [383 (66) m; 4.68 (0.85) Jkg−1m−1; 63.9 (18.5), 3.85 (1.54) (P < 0.001)], with significant differences also present between limited and full community walkers (P < 0.05). Walked distance and SF36-PF score were significantly associated with functional ambulation level, determining 46% of the variance in ambulation level. The simple, self-reported classification of functional ambulation in 3 levels is clinically meaningful for polio survivors because it consistently corresponds to differences in objective and self-reported indicators of physical mobility and, as such, can be used to better manage rehabilitation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatments for early breast cancer have side effects that affect quality of life (QoL) and cause deconditioning. Physical exercise might have a supportive and coadjuvant role in the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors. We aimed to analyse the preliminary results of a community-based supervised exercise training program on QoL and muscle strength in breast cancer survivors. Twenty breast cancer female survivors were recruited to a single-arm clinical trial consisting of sequential 16 weeks (wk) of control phase (CP) and 16 wk intervention phase (IP). Four evaluations were carried out: M1 (8 wk on CP), M2 (immediately previous IP), M3 (8 wk CP) and M4 (16 wk IP). The IP consisted of 3 sessions per week of combined aerobic and strength exercise (60min) at moderate to vigorous exercise (65-85% of maximum heart rate or 6-8 points on OMNI scale). The primary endpoint was QoL, which was evaluated by EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included handgrip strength and sit-to-stand (STS) test. Of the 20 recruited women, 19 initiated and 15 concluded the program, with a mean compliance to the exercise intervention of 63.6%. The median age was 59 years old (39-72). All but 3 were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma. After surgery, 13 (62%) underwent radiotherapy, 15 (71%) chemotherapy and 18 (86%) were under hormonotherapy. During the control phase, no significant differences were observed in the efficacy variables. There was no changes over time for any domain of QoL, except for physical functioning scale (p = 0.038), where it was observed a trend to increase between M2 and M3 (77.3±14.0 to 85.3±10.1, p = 0.051). A significant increase in handgrip strength of non-operated (22.2±3.9 to 25.6±5.3 kg.f, p = 0.004) and operated limb (22.6±4.7 to 26.9±6.6 kg.f, p = 0.001) was shown after exercise training. Similar results were also observed for STS test [12 (11-13.5) to 17 (13-21) repetitions, p = 0.002]. An exercise program appears to be beneficial for QoL, particularly in the physical functioning of breast cancer survivors. Moreover, it seems to have an important role on strength levels. Associação de Investigação e Cuidados de Suporte em Oncologia. Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro. All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The NLO activity of Zn 4 B 6 O 12 S is firstly studied, which exhibits a SHG response 1.9 × KDP. • Zn 8 S 2 (BO 2) 12 can generate distinct photocurrent response with the value of 2.1 μA/cm2. • The experimental results are well explicated by structure analysis and theoretical calculations. sulfide borate Zn 4 B 6 O 12 S features truncated octahedron, exhibits SHG activity with the intensity of 1.9 × KDP, and its photocurrent is 2.1 μA/cm2. [Display omitted] Recently, inorganic functional materials containing multiple anions have received extensive attention in view of their comprehensive physical performances, and chalcogenide borates are such one type of rarely explored novel materials. The combination of chalcogenides and borates are attractive in view of their advantages as potential second-order nonlinear optical materials. Here, borate sulfide Zn 4 B 6 O 12 S crystallized with the I 4 ¯ 3 m structure is synthesized using a solid-state reaction, and its structure features truncated octahedron. Its powder sample presents a largest second-harmonic generation around 1.9 × KDP at 1.604 μm, and its photocurrent is 2. 1 μA/cm2, much higher than that of classical photoelectric material TiO 2 (0. 4 μA/cm2). Theoretical calculations on its electronic structure and optical properties are also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sponge particulates have attracted enormous attention in biomedical applications for superior properties, including large porosity, elastic deformation, capillary action, and three-dimensional (3D) reaction environment. Especially, the tiny porous structures make sponge particulates a promising platform for drug delivery, tissue engineering, anti-infection, and wound healing by providing abundant reservoirs of broad surface and internal network for cargo shielding and shuttling. To control the sponge-like morphology and improve the diversity of drug loading, some optimized preparation techniques of sponge particulates have been developed, contributing to the simplified preparation process and improved production reproducibility. Bio-functionalized strategies, including target modification, cell membrane camouflage, and hydrogel of sponge particulates have been applied to modulate the properties, improve the performance, and extend the applications. In this review, we highlight the unique physical properties and functions, current manufacturing techniques, and an overview of spongy particulates in biomedical applications, especially in inhibition of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity. Moreover, the current challenges and prospects of sponge particulates are discussed rationally, providing an insight into developing vibrant fields of sponge particulates-based biomedicine. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Thermal-acidic-modified kaolin (TAMK) is an inorganic coagulant. • TAMK acts as a physical-chemical conditioner in sludge dewatering. • SiO 2 and Al3+ are the main elements of TAMK in sludge dewatering. • TAMK is competitively priced for inorganic coagulant. In this study, the effect of thermal-acidic-modified kaolin (TAMK) on waste activated sludge (WAS) conditioning and dewatering was investigated for the first time. Using analyses of XRD, XRF, FT-IR, porosity and specific surface area, structural changes of kaolin were evaluated before and after modification. Conditioning with TAMK reduced the specific resistance to filterability (SRF) and time to filter (TTF), capillary suction time (CST) of WAS to 91.2%, 73.1% and 70.8% respectively. WAS conditioning with TAMK resulted in reducing compressibility and increasing filtration yield, the porosity of WAS, that indicating its function as a physical conditioner (skeleton builder). TAMK increased the WAS particle size significantly (from 47.8 μm to 451 μm) and improved their resistance against shear force. TAMK decreased the bound water (58.1%), negative zeta potential (from −31.4 mV to −7.2 mV) and EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) of WAS, indicating its function as a chemical conditioner. This study showed that TAMK acts as a physical-chemical conditioner. Also, the estimated costs of WAS conditioning with TAMK is 35.22 $/ton dry solids (DS). In general, TAMK is an affordable, inexpensive and effective option for sludge conditioning and dewatering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential Mobility Analyzers (DMA) have been studied for decades to classify a wide range of particle sizes. Its correct behavior is determined by the resolution, influenced by Brownian diffusion losses, distortions in the electric and flow field. The design configuration, especially inlets and outlets, can be a reason of these effects, affecting the DMA reliability. One of these configurations is the tangential inlet for polydisperse aerosol, used in the Vienna-type DMA. The use of a tangential inlet reduces the residence time and favored the aerosol flow distribution in the classification chamber. However, in this configuration swirl effects of non-uniform particle behaviors had previously been observed. In this work, the 3D-Computational Fluid-Dynamics has been used to analyze the distortions expected of this DMA in previous studies. The proposed methodology had allowed determining its correct operation and thus, to develop new designs optimizing their operation. The procedure includes the simulation by Ansys Workbench v15.0 and the method to determine an adequate behavior, including the effect on the particle distribution and penetration towards the classification chamber, and the effect on the transfer function. The calculation results have allowed the design of alternative geometries of the aerosol inlet keeping the tangentiality. Using the new geometry, the flow distribution has improved removing the flow disturbances, the particle penetration has increased until 15% and the particle distribution has deviated from the ideal one only in a 2% in some cases. The best behavior has been observed especially at high flow rates and lower particle sizes. • CFD is an adequate tool to evaluate the behavior of instruments based on electrical mobility of the aerosol particles. • The method allows to analyze the flow behavior and particle dynamics on the aerosol tangential inlet and its modification. • The original tangential inlet presents some distortions in the flow: vortex, backward movement of streamlines and flow reentry. • A non-uniform particle distribution and an increase of the particle losses at high flow rates is observed in the original inlet. • The modified inlet presents a flow behavior without disturbances, avoiding the phenomena observed in the original case. • In the modified inlet the particle distribution is more uniform especially at high flow rates, also reducing the particle losses. • The calculated transfer function improves slightly as its width decreases in the case of the modified inlet. • Both designs show a deviation from central mobility in the transfer function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Daily gait performance and physical activity are measurable with inertial sensors. • A 5-sensor setup reliably measures gait performance in children with cerebral palsy. • Better reliability was found when measuring 2 school days than 1 school and 1 weekend day. • Physical activity measures were reliable when comparing the same school day weeks apart. There is a lack of objective and reliable tools to measure walking performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). To evaluate the reliability of inertial measurement units (IMUs) measuring daily life walking performance and physical activity (PA) in children with CP and healthy controls. Algorithms were developed to analyse data collected with IMUs during 2 standard school days of the same week and 1 weekend day in 15 children with CP and 14 controls. Additionally, within a clinical trial, 10 children with CP were measured twice, on the same weekday 2 to 4 weeks apart. Relative and absolute reliabilities of PA (% time walking, standing, sitting/lying) and gait parameters (e.g., velocity, cadence) were evaluated by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC 95), comparing 2 school days of the same week, a school day with a weekend day, and the same weekday 2 to 4 weeks apart. For the 15 children with CP (mean [SD] age 13.5 [3.4] years), ICCs were very high (0.70–0.98) when comparing gait parameters for 2 school days. ICCs were lower when comparing 2 school days for 14 control children (mean [SD] age 13.9 [3.0] years) and lowest when comparing a school day with a weekend day for both CP and control children. ICCs for PA were 0.90–0.91 when measuring the same weekday 2 to 4 weeks apart but were very low when comparing 2 school days of the same week or a school day with a weekend day. MDC 95 values were high for both groups and all comparisons but comparable with findings of in-lab studies of similar parameters. Our IMU and algorithm setup appears to be a reliable tool to measure daily life gait parameters in children with CP when repeatedly measured on 2 school days. PA was also reliably assessed but when measuring the same school day some weeks apart. However, the high MDC 95 values question whether the setup can be used as a responsive outcome measure of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pulmonary function and physical function are often impaired in childhood cancer. • Patients with pulmonary dysfunction are often asymptomatic. • Physical function testing could unmask impairments undetectable by screening. • There is a gap in the literature in diaphragm function in childhood cancer. • Pulmonary function tests could be augmented by inspiratory muscle testing. Children with cancer experience pulmonary and physical function side effects from the cancer itself and the medical interventions. This systematic review examines the known relationship between pulmonary function and physical function in childhood cancer and identifies gaps in the literature. A search of Ovid Medline, CINAHL (EbscoHost) and Embase to identify literature from 2009 to March 2020. Fifty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Thirty-seven studies reported impaired pulmonary function. Incidence of pulmonary dysfunction ranged from 45.5 % to 84.1 %. Eighteen studies reported impaired physical function. Three studies investigated the relationship between pulmonary function and physical function. No studies explored inspiratory muscle strength. Pulmonary function and physical function are related and frequently impaired in children during and after cancer treatment. A literature gap was found in diaphragm function and its relationship with physical function. Future studies should focus on interventions that target the pulmonary mechanisms impacting physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an eco-cement was synthesized primarily from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues and appraised as a stand-alone binder in concrete. In addition to thorough laboratory testing, appraisal was extended to a pilot trial involving full-scale masonry unit production. The raw feed of the contrived eco-cement was supplemented by fractional additions of calcium hydroxide (6 wt %) and sintered at a clinkering temperature of 1100 °C. The resulting clinker (eco-cement) demonstrated latent hydraulicity when reacted with water and strong carbonation reactivity when reacted with carbon dioxide. Carbonation curing was found to both increase and accelerate strength-yield – achieving almost 1.5 times the ultimate 90-day hydraulic strength in just one day – without compromising additional latent strength gains from subsequent hydration. The binder performance was benched against control specimens prepared from ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The study's final "eco-concrete" was activated by carbonation for early strength and further hydrated for latent strength. Eco-concrete demonstrated improved durability over conventional concrete according to surface resistivity, freeze-thaw, and drying-shrinkage evaluations. Moreover, leaching results for commonly regulated heavy metals and chlorine confirmed the environmental stability of eco-concrete according to the adopted standard testing protocol. Finally, the field pilot demonstrably validated eco-concrete's suitability as a commercial product, where manufactured full-size concrete masonry units (CMUs) met all physical and performance requirements of CSA-A165 and ASTM-C90 standards. The synthesis of eco-cement, and its use as a carbon-sequestering alternative binder in eco-concrete, holds reasonable merit for consideration as an adaptable cleaner production to improve current-day MSW incineration practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C9 resin could facilitate the formation and development of liquid crystals in synthetic naphthalene pitch. • A certain amount of alkyl side chains was introduced in the large aromatic molecules of modified mesophase pitch. • The oxidative stabilization of the as-spun pitch fibers derived from the modified mesophase pitch can be accelerated. • The carbon and graphite fibers derived from the modified mesophase pitch possess a relatively high physical performance. A spinnable mesophase pitch with 95 vol.% optical anisotropy and 267 °C softening point was prepared through co-polymerization of 95 wt.% naphthalene pitch and 5 wt.% C9 resin. The effects of introducing C9 resin on the formation, structure and properties of naphthalene-derived mesophase pitch and the oxidative stabilization of resulting pitch fibers as well as the final physical properties of carbon fibers were systematically investigated. The results suggest that C9 resin could effectively facilitate the generation and development of liquid crystals in synthetic naphthalene pitch during the heat soaking process and introduce a certain amount of methyl side chains linking in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules, so as to reduce the melt viscosity of modified mesophase pitch and improve its flow-spinnability and oxidative reaction capability. The pre-oxidation process of the modified pitch-spun fibers could be completed ahead of 4 h at 240 °C in an air atmosphere, compared with unmodified pitch fibers. This shows a possibility to decrease the production cost of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers. Although the tensile strength of 1000 °C carbonized fibers prepared from the modified mesophase pitch (1.23 GPa) is slightly higher than that of original carbon fibers (1.18 GPa), the axial electrical resistivity and the thermal conductivity of corresponding graphite fibers after 3000 °C graphitization are 2.0 μΩ m and 677 W/(m K), respectively, which are significantly enhanced in comparison with those of original graphite fibers (3.2 μΩ m and 473 W/(m K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with diabetic peripheral artery disease (PAD) were more sedentary than non-diabetic PAD patients. • Diabetic PAD patients were less physically active than non-diabetic PAD patients. • Diabetic PAD patients presented lower walking capacity than non-diabetic PAD patients. • Diabetic PAD patients presented impaired cardiac autonomic modulation as compared with non-diabetic PAD patients. Diabetes has been considered a major risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effect of diabetes on daily physical activity level and cardiovascular function in PAD patients is poorly known. To analyze the effect of diabetes on physical activity level, physical function and cardiovascular health parameters in patients with PAD and claudication symptoms. Cross-sectional study of 267 PAD patients, 146 without and 121 with diabetes. Physical activity levels were objectively measured by using an accelerometer, and time spent in sedentary (0-100 counts/min), light (101-1040 counts/min) and moderate to vigorous (≥ 1041 counts/min) physical activity was obtained. Physical function assessment included the 6-min walk test, handgrip strength test and short physical performance battery. Cardiovascular health parameters measured were brachial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and arterial stiffness. Diabetic PAD patients spent more time in sedentary behavior (P = 0.001, effect size [ES] 0.234) and less time in light (P = 0.003, ES = 0.206) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P < 0.001, ES = 0.258) than non-diabetic PAD patients. Diabetic PAD patients presented lower 6-min walk distance (P = 0.005, ES = 0.194) and impaired cardiac autonomic modulation (standard deviation of all NN intervals [SDNN], P < 0.001, ES = 0.357; square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals [RMSSD], P < 0.001, ES = 0.280; and NN50 count divided by the total number of all NN intervals [pNN50], P < 0.001, ES = 0.291) as compared with non-diabetic PAD patients. After adjustment for confounders, diabetes remained associated with sedentary behavior (P = 0.011), light (P = 0.020) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P = 0.008), 6-min walk distance (P = 0.030), SDNN (P < 0.001), RMSSD (P = 0.004), and PNN50 (P = 0.004). Diabetic PAD patients presented lower physical activity level, reduced physical function and impaired autonomic modulation as compared with non-diabetic PAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A MultiFunctional Geoengineering material (MFG) was developed to tackle eutrophication. • Capping treatment by MFG turns sediment from a nutrient (P and N) source to a sink. • O 2 nanobubbles delivered from MFG reverses hypoxia and reduces nutrient loads. • MFG functions as physical capping, nutrient absorber, and delivers O 2. • Contribution of each function on control of internal nutrient loads was quantified. An effective approach for control of internal nutrient loading and sediment hypoxia remains a longstanding challenge to the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. In order to simultaneously tackle these issues, a MultiFunction Geoengineering material (MFG) was developed for sediment remediation through the synergistic functions of physical capping, nutrient adsorption and delivery of O 2 nanobubbles. The MFG, derived from natural zeolite, exhibited superior (1.5–4 times higher) adsorption capabilities for both phosphate (PO 4 3−-P) and ammonium (NH 4 +-N), than pristine zeolite. The O 2 adsorption capacity was also enhanced from 46, observed in the natural zeolite, to 121 mg O 2 /g for the MFG. An in-situ sediment capping experiment in a eutrophic lake demonstrated that the application of MFG dramatically reversed sediment hypoxia (ORP −200 mV) to an aerobic status (ORP 175 mV) and, furthermore, stimulated sediment microbial activity, particularly nitrifying bacteria. The MFG treatment resulted the sediment changing from a nutrient source to a sink through decreasing the cumulative PO 4 3−-P and NH 4 +-N fluxes from the sediment by 124.6% and 131.1%, respectively. Moreover, the comprehensive functionalities of the material have been, for the first time, quantified, from which data O 2 nanobubble delivery was determined to be the largest contributor, reducing the fluxes of PO 4 3−-P and NH 4 +-N by 57.3% and 56.1% of, respectively. Our findings highlight the viability of such multifunctional material for the remediation of internal nutrient loads in lacustrine environments, towards sustainable eutrophication control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics could act as a carrier for pesticides in the water environment and pose a potential risk. This study mainly investigated the effects of reaction time, microplastics dosages, pH, and NaCl salinity on the adsorption characteristics of three pesticides (Imidacloprid, Buprofezin, Difenoconazole) on polyethylene (PE) microplastics in aqueous solution. The results showed that high pH and low NaCl salinity were conducive to the adsorption. The adsorption data were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating that it was mainly controlled by physical function. The adsorption capacity of three pesticides on PE microplastics followed the order of Difenoconazole > Buprofezin > Imidacloprid. The thermodynamic study indicated the adsorption of all pesticides as spontaneous and exothermic processes, and the elevated temperature was favorable to the adsorption. SEM-EDS and FTIR results verified that pesticides were adsorbed on the microplastics but the adsorption process was mainly controlled by intermolecular Van Der Waals Force and the microporous filling mechanism. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results indicated that surface adsorption was the exclusive mechanism for the adsorption of pesticides on microplastics, and the final adsorption configurations revealed that there were complex interactions between the pesticide molecules and the C, H atoms in PE molecules. The results of this study illustrated that PE microplastics are potential carriers for pesticides in the water environment. Image 1 • Adsorption behavior and mechanism of pesticides on PE microplastics were investigated. • Adsorption capacity followed the order of Difenoconazole > Buprofezin > Imidacloprid. • High pH and low NaCl salinity were conducive to the pesticide adsorption. • Adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. • Surface adsorption was the exclusive mechanism for the pesticide adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review evaluated which outcome variables and cut-off values of pretreatment exercise tests are associated with treatment complications in patients with stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines were followed. A total of 38 studies with adult patients undergoing treatment for stage I-III NSCLC who completed pretreatment exercise tests, and of whom treatment-related complications were recorded were included. A lower oxygen uptake at peak exercise amongst several other variables on the cardiopulmonary exercise test and a lower performance on field tests, such as the incremental shuttle walk test, stair-climb test, and 6-minute walk test, were associated with a higher risk for postoperative complications and/or postoperative mortality. Cut-off values were reported in a limited number of studies and were inconsistent. Due to the variety in outcomes, further research is needed to evaluate which outcomes and cut-off values of physical exercise tests are most clinically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pressure resistance during ventilation was measured experimentally for a high variety of conventional wood chip samples that had been produced using various raw materials, chippers and chipper settings (n = 95). Physical fuel properties such as bulk density or particle size distribution were determined according to international standards for solid biofuels. In addition, particle length and particle shape were determined using a continuously measuring image analysis device. Pressure resistance (in Pa m−1) was determined using a custom-built flow cylinder (2 m height, 0.4 m3 filling volume) and related to air flow rate. Pressure resistance increased exponentially with air flow rate for all samples. Thereby, pressure resistance was highly variable among wood chip samples, ranging from 10 to 107 Pa m−1 at low air flow rates (0.1 m3 s−1 m−2) and from 197 to 1240 Pa m−1 at higher air flow rates (0.5 m3 s−1 m−2). Four common equations to describe pressure resistance (Ramsin, Shedd, Hukill & Ives, Ergun) were compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to express pressure resistance as a function of selected fuel quality parameters. Sensitivity analyses of the resulting equations were performed. Results indicate that pressure resistance strongly depends on bulk density, particle size and particle shape as these parameters determine the number, size and shape of free air voids within wood chip fillings. • Air pressure resistance during ventilation was assessed for 95 wood chip samples. • Image analysis was used to determine fuel particle length and particle shape. • Four equations to relate pressure resistance to air flow rate were assessed. • Multiple linear regressions estimated pressure resistance from fuel parameters. • Sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of fuel parameters on pressure resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to study how feasible it is to apply water-based drilling cuttings (WDC), Phosphogypsum (PG) and fly-ash in a coordinated way in aerated concrete, while also adopting non-autoclaved technology which can greatly save energy consumption. So the physiochemical properties, analysis of the microstructure and the environment performance of the WDC were analyzed. In the meantime, the process of hydration of all products of non-autoclaved aerated concrete including WDC were studied by using XRD, FT-IR and SEM. The findings revealed that the benzene series of WDC is all non-detected, and the heavy metals' results of single factor index method and potential ecological environment risk were all meet the standard. The contents of heavy metals in WDC are under the level of national standard. As well as, the WDC are rich in calcium, silicon and aluminium, and the particle size is concentrated in 30 μm. This chemical and particle characteristic makes them have the basic conditions as mineral admixtures. So, the optimum mixture ratio of aerated concrete is 2.7-13.6% for WDC, 13.6-27.3% for fly-ash, 20% for cement, 11.8% for quicklime and 1.8% for phosphogypsum, and premise condition is W/S is 0.62, curing temperature and time are 80 °C and 12 h, respectively. The unit weight together with the mechanical properties of the aerated concrete that has 40% WDC (instead of 40% fly-ash) all satisfy the B06, A3.5 GB/T11968-2006 standards. Other tests were carried out to determine its environmental performance. It established that the production of aerated concrete with 40% WDC does not result in any secondary contamination. Also, based on these properties of WDC aerated concrete we propose main technology and process route of the industrial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet-white tanning system for chrome-free leather processing has been deemed as a feasible alternative from the source to effectively eliminate potential environmental and human health risks of conventional chrome tanning. This work presents a novel sustainable chrome-free leather processing based on lightfast wet-white tanning system of hydrolysable Tara tannins synergized with synthetic clay nanoplatelets (Laponite) and active aluminium salts (Lutan@ BN). The results show that the introduction of BN can significantly enhance the hydrothermal stability of wet-white leathers. The novel wet-white tanning system selected as 10% Tara–1% Laponite–3% BN for 2 h can endow the wet-white leathers with a shrinkage temperature (T s) above 95 °C. Moreover, Tara–Laponite–BN complexes can be in-situ formed on the surface of the collagen fibers or between collagen fibrils within the collagen fiber strands, stabilizing primary and conformational structures of the collagens. Notably, the incorporation of BN within the collagens can increase the isoelectric point (IEP) of the leather matrix and facilitate exhaustions of anionic post-tanning chemicals in chrome-free leather processing. The resultant leather exhibits pleasant pastel color, favorable light-fastness, and reasonable physical performances without containing restricted hazardous Cr(VI) and free formaldehyde in accordance with current Chinese standard requirements for furniture leather and European Union Eco-label criteria. These results will provide more perspectives for designing and rationalizing sustainable chrome-free leather processing towards eco-leather manufacture. Image 1 • A novel sustainable chrome-free leather processing has been developed. • The introduction of aluminium salts enhances exhaustions of anionic chemicals. • The resulting chrome-free leather exhibits improved physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste tires aggravates the two major international problems of energy supply and environmental pollution in the world. Pyrolysis can convert wasted tire to valuable fuel resources, has become attractive technology. Pyrolysis carbon black (CBp) is the main secondary product of the pyrolysis of waste tires, accounting for about 35%. The high value application of CBp is one of the bottlenecks in the waste tire pyrolysis industry. Generally, the properties of CBp/rubber composites cannot meet the requirements of tires because of its poor reinforcement and dispersion. Aim to solve this problem, a novel approach which is atomization dispersion and high temperature sputtering drying (ADSD method) is applied. To evaluate the ADSD method, the performances of CBp/rubber composites prepared by different processing methods were investigated. Experimental results revealed that the performance of CBp/rubber composites prepared by ADSD method is better than that by the traditional method in terms of vulcanization performance, physical and mechanical performance, dynamic performance, etc. The feasibility of preparing rubber composites by using CBp is also verified. Image 1 • A approach for reapplication of carbon black recovered from waste tires pyrolysis (CBp) to composites. • A combination of atomization dispersion and high sputtering temperature drying synergistic treatment. • The feasibility of preparing composites by using CBp is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper alloys with high strength and electrical conductivity are ideal candidates for a wide range of civilian and engineering applications. Traditional methods of alloy design, such as "trial and error" experiments, are costly and time-consuming, limiting the discovery of Cu alloys. Machine learning (ML)-based technology facilitates a better understanding on inter-relationships within massive experimental datasets, and shortens the development cycle of new alloy systems. Herein, we propose a method of material design based on ML to discover high-performance Cu alloys. The ML models are trained from "discarded" experimental data that show undesirable hardness and/or electrical conductivity. We constructed effective Gaussian process regression-based models successfully from limited training data by engaging additional features. The predicted Cu alloys were experimentally synthesized and characterized, exhibiting superior hardness or electrical conductivity with respect to original training data. The increase of hardness is due to precipitation of second-phase Co-Ti and Fe-Ti compounds during aging, while the rise of electrical conductivity is caused by a purification effect of the precipitates on Cu matrix. The impact of physical features on ML models was further evaluated by a genetic algorithm. Our findings suggest that ML holds great potential for developing high-performance Cu alloys. Unlabelled Image • An accelerated multi-objective design strategy from the comprehensive application of machine-learning, experimental characterization, genetic algorithm and theoretical analysis. • The introduction of physical features helps to predict strong and conductive Cu alloys via machine-learning models trained by discarded experimental data. • Effects of the physical features on the performance of machine-learning model are quantitatively analyzed via genetic algorithm. • Our approach is easy to upgrade and portable for the design of other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are often left physically deconditioned and/or with functional deficits. Exercise interventions may improve pulmonary and physical function before and after lung resection. We conducted a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) testing the impact of pre-, post-, and combined pre-and-post surgery exercise interventions on physical and pulmonary function in lung cancer patients. Exercise pre-surgery seems to substantially improve physical and pulmonary function, which are factors associated with improved ability to undergo surgery while reducing post-surgery complications. Evidence is inconsistent for post-surgery interventions, reporting no or moderate effects. Results from pre-and-post surgery interventions are limited to one study. In conclusion, pre- and post-surgery exercise interventions, individually, have shown beneficial effects for lung cancer patients undergoing surgery. The impact of interventions combining both pre- and post-surgery exercise programs remains unknown. More evidence is needed on the ideal exercise setting, and timing across the lung cancer care continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

XLH is a rare, life-long, often debilitating genetic disorder which causes rickets, lower extremity deformity, diminished growth, leading to physical function limitations, pain and fatigue. This study sought to evaluate the item/scale properties, reliability, validity, sensitivity to change of three PROMIS® scales measuring Physical Function Mobility (Phy), Pain Interference (Pain), Fatigue (Ftg) in a small cohort paediatric XLH patients. [Extracted from the article]

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative procedure for a variety of hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, lymphomas, and myeloma. HSCT patients have decreased physical function and quality of life (QOL) 6-7 weeks after HSCT compared to that before (Morishita S, et al. Psychooncology, 2013). Besides graft-versus-host disease and infections, reduced physical function, and particularly high levels of fatigue, negatively affect patients QOL. HSCT patients may require physical exercise to prevent a decrease in physical function or improve physical function and QOL. Our previous study showed that the proportion of daily activities performed at an intensity >3.0 metabolic equivalents (METs) has been shown to increase significantly after HSCT in 30 patients (Morishita S, et al. Eur J Cancer care, 2017). Daily activity time performed at an intensity of 1.6-2.9 METs significantly correlated only with knee strength. The total number of daily steps and the proportion of activity performed at 1.6-2.9 METs and >3.0 METs were positively correlated with the 6MWT. In addition, physical functioning and general health subscales in health-related QOL were found to be positively correlated with daily activities performed at > 3.0 METs. For HSCT patients, it may be important to assess physical activity before the procedure and to increase levels and intensity of physical activity to prevent reduced physical function thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptom burden and reduced quality of life are considerable hurdles in cancer treatment. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assesses physical and psychosocial functional status in clinical and research settings. We use PROMIS scores to establish mean symptom burden within a breast cancer patient population, identifying how subgroups compare to one another, examining potential drivers, and characterizing severe symptom burden between subgroups. New cancer patients at the UCSF Breast Care Center (BCC) receive electronic intake questionnaires assessing demographics, health history, and 8 PROMIS domains: depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep-related impairment and disturbance, cognitive function, applied cognition and physical function. Patients were separated by age and stage of cancer and mean PROMIS reference values for each group were calculated using the NCI's Health Measures scoring system. We computed enrichment of higher levels of anxiety, sleep impairment, fatigue, physical function impairment, and cognitive decline in metastatic patients versus all other cases. Compared to stage 0-III, BCC stage IV patients had lower mean values for all assessed domains (p < 0.05). Within the stage IV population, high levels of anxiety were uniquely predictive of low functional status in 6 out of the other 7 domains. The stage IV population was significantly enriched for severe symptomatology in all domains except sleep-related impairment and disturbance when compared to the stage 0-III population. PROMIS scores indicate that stage IV patients have impaired quality of life in multiple domains. Reference values for demographic groups provide improved guidance in tailoring supportive care referrals. Anxiety emerged as one of the biggest drivers of impairment of other physical, mental, and social functions and thus increased priority addressing anxiety early will likely correspond with improved symptom burden. Our analysis on quality of life will also help determine appropriate thresholds of intervention to trigger referrals and manage a patient's quality-of-life trajectory more systematically. Athena Breast Health Network. Athena Breast Health Network, University of California, San Francisco. All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we aimed to examine the independent effect of baseline QoL and persistent CRT among pts with early BC. We included data stage I-III BC pts treated with chemotherapy who were included in the CANTO prospective cohort study (NCT-01993498) from 03/2012 to 12/2014. The primary outcome was CRT defined as the presence at 3-6 months after the end of treatment, of any of the following toxicities (NCI-CTC-AE): infection, venous or arterial thrombosis, neurological G2-4, digestive G3-4 or pulmonary toxicities G3-4). Treatment deliver including chemotherapy dose reductions were also examined. The independent variable of this study was baseline Qol defined by the EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales of general global health status (GHS) (< or ≥ 70) and physical functioning PF (< or ≥ 90). The defined cutoffs correspond to the average values in the French general population. Clinical relevant adjustment covariates included stage, age, performance status (PS), body mass index (BMI), HR and HER2 status, baseline lymphopenia, albumin, creatinine clearance, alcohol consumption, and smoking status. Multivariable logistic models were performed. Among 3079 BC pts included in this analysis, 33% received neoadjuvant and 77% adjuvant treatment. Median age at diagnosis was 53 years, median BMI= 25 kg/m2, 94% of patients had a PS = 0 and 83% stage I-II disease. Pts reported on average a good GHS = 68 (±19) and PF = 90 (±14). GHS and PF were higher in women with better performance status PS = 0 vs 1+, (68 vs 60 p < 0.001) and 91 vs 78 p < 0.001) respectively. 952 (31%) BC pts developed ≥1 CRT: 23% had an infection, 7% thrombosis, 0.3% G3-4 diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, 4% G2-4 neurological and 0.2% G3-4 pulmonary toxicities. 16% had chemotherapy dose reduction. Pts with a baseline GHS <70 had 19 % higher odds of CRT vs to those with GHS≥70, OR = 1.19 [95% CI 1.02-1.41] and similarly those with a PF < 90 had a 23% higher odds of CRT when compared to those with PF ≥ 90 (OR = 1.23 [95% CI 1.03-1.49]). Global and physical QoL before BC treatments are independently associated with CRT. QoL should be assessed before any treatment to identify patients at risk CRT. NCT01993498. UNICANCER/Villejuif, France, 94805 Principal Investigator: Fabrice André Gustave Roussy – Villejuif. Has not received any funding. All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]