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• DTI along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) is a sensitive approach for assessing the activity of the glymphatic system. • Decreased DTI-ALPS index in PD patients with or without freezing of gait suggests glymphatic system dysfunction. • Glymphatic dysfunction in PD individuals were highly related to motor symptoms and treatment complications. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegeneration disease associated with the abnormal deposition and spread of misfolded proteins (α-synuclein and Tau protein), which progressively damages the glymphatic system. This research intended to investigate the activity of the glymphatic system in PD individuals with freezing of gait (PD-FOG) and PD patients without it (PD-nFOG), as well as their relationship to the clinical neural scale. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 28 PD-FOG individuals, 31 PD-nFOG individuals, and 34 healthy controls (HC). The DTI analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index was computed after post-processing of DTI images, representing brain glymphatic functions. The DTI-ALPS index was assessed for the association with the clinical variables. Compared to the HC group, the DTI-ALPS index of both PD-FOG and PD-nFOG patients was significantly decreased; however, no notable difference was found between the PD-FOG and PD-nFOG group. In addition, the DTI-ALPS index of PD-nFOG patients were positively correlated with disease duration, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating-III Right (UPDRS-III R), UPDRS-III TOTAL, UPDRS-IV. Taken together, these findings highlighted the weakening of function of the glymphatic system in PD individuals, which is associated with motor symptoms and treatment complications. We speculate that treatment aimed at enhancing the flow and clearance of the glymphatic system may alleviate clinical symptoms of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of measuring cough decibel level as predictive markers for extubation outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. A prospective observational study. Three interdisciplinary medical-surgical intensive care units across China. The primary outcomes assessed were extubation results in patients. Secondary measures included the cough decibel level, semiquantitative cough intensity scores, and white card test results recorded prior to extubation. A total of 71 patients were included, 55 patients were in the extubation success group and 16 in the failure group. The mean age was 78(71,83) years, mainly male (73.2 %). Despite the baseline characteristics being mostly consistent across both groups, significant differences were noted in duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care units and hospital stay. Remarkably, the cough decibel was substantially lower in the extubation failure group compared to the other group (78.69 ± 8.23 vs 92.28 ± 7.01 dB). The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis revealed that a cough decibel below 85.77 dB is the optimal threshold for predicting extubation failure, exhibiting an 80 % sensitivity and 91.67 % specificity. The study corroborates that the cough decibel level serves as a quantifiable metric in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. It posits that the likelihood of extubation failure escalates when the cough decibel falls below 85.77 dB. Quantification of coughing capacity in decibels may be a good predictor of extubation outcome, thus offering assistance to healthcare professionals in evaluating the readiness of patients for extubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape design and planning can play a role in beautifying the human living environment while improving the ecological protection of plants. However, it is difficult because it involves ornamental, ecological, social and other factors. Remote sensing data can be acquired and analyzed from vegetation distribution, ecological environment, land use and other information to support rational planning and design of plant protection landscape. Deep learning technology provides a powerful tool for the comprehensive use of remote sensing data to support plant protection landscape design. In this paper, a multiple dense network (MP-DenseNet) model is constructed based on Densenet to accomplish the task of classifying the vegetation cover of remotely sensed data, which provides data support for the design and planning of plant protection landscapes. The algorithm proposed in this paper is competitive in comparison with several models. Using the MP-DenseNet model, this paper categorizes the vegetation cover of the study area and proposes an overall planning scheme that balances plant protection and regional sustainable development. • Constructing RSI vegetation classification model MP-DenseNet based on DenseNet. • The MP-DenseNet model is trained with RSI and verified for superior performance. • Development planning scenarios for the study area using the MP-DenseNet model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the immobilization of heavy metals in the bio-char during microwave pyrolysis, the immobilization efficiency and mechanism of heavy metals in the microwave pyrolysis of sludge with different alkaline catalysts were explored. Results showed that the leaching concentrations of heavy metals reduced greatly after pyrolysis, which were lower when catalyzed by CaO than those of Fe 2 O 3 . CaO was more favorable for the immobilization of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni while Fe 2 O 3 was more favorable for Cd. Different species distributions of heavy metals in the bio-char affected the leaching concentrations. Adding catalyst could significantly reduce the ecological risks of heavy metals in the bio-char, and CaO (RI = 15.17–20.43) had a better performance than Fe 2 O 3 (RI = 16.88–21.79). When catalyzed by CaO, the formation of pores and co-crystal compounds in the bio-char determined the immobilization efficiencies of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological tissues like bone, wood, and sponge possess hierarchical cellular topologies, which are lightweight and feature an excellent energy absorption capability. Here we present a system of bio-inspired hierarchical honeycomb structures based on hexagonal, Kagome, and triangular tessellations. The hierarchical designs and a reference regular honeycomb configuration are subjected to simulated in-plane impact using the nonlinear finite element code LS-DYNA. The numerical simulation results show that the triangular hierarchical honeycomb provides the best performance compared to the other two hierarchical honeycombs, and features more than twice the energy absorbed by the regular honeycomb under similar loading conditions. We also propose a parametric study correlating the microstructure parameters (hierarchical length ratio r and the number of sub cells N ) to the energy absorption capacity of these hierarchical honeycombs. The triangular hierarchical honeycomb with N  = 2 and r  = 1/8 shows the highest energy absorption capacity among all the investigated cases, and this configuration could be employed as a benchmark for the design of future safety protective systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchy has been identified as a principle underlying the organization of human brain networks. In Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait (PD-FOG), it remains unclear whether and how the network hierarchy is disrupted. Additionally, the associations between changes in the brain network hierarchy of PD patients with FOG and clinical scales remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore alterations in the network hierarchy of PD-FOG and their clinical relevance. In this study, the brain network hierarchy of each group was described through a connectome gradient analysis among 31 PD-FOG, 50 PD patients without FOG (PD-NFOG), and 38 healthy controls (HC). Changes in the network hierarchy were assessed by comparing different gradient values of each network between the PD-FOG, PD-NFOG and HC groups. We further examined the relationship between dynamically changing network gradient values and clinical scales. For the second gradient, Salience/ventral attention network-A (SalVentAttnA) network gradient of PD-FOG group was significantly lower than that of PD-NFOG, while both PD subgroups had a Default mode network-C gradient that was significantly lower than that of the HC group. In the third gradient, somatomotor network-A gradient of PD-FOG patients was significantly lower than the PD-NFOG group. Moreover, reduced SalVentAttnA network gradient values were associated with more severe gaits, fall risk, and frozen gait in PD-FOG patients. The brain network hierarchy in PD-FOG is disturbed, this dysfunction is related to the severity of frozen gait. This study provides novel evidence for the neural mechanisms of FOG. • The SalVentAttnA network gradient of PD-FOG patients was lower than that of PD-NFOG patients. • The SomMotA gradient in PD-FOG patients was lower than that in PD-NFOG patients. • SalVentAttnA network gradients are associated with gait, fall risk, and frozen gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make a better understanding of the characteristics of N 2 O emission in A/O wastewater treatment plant, full-scale and pilot-scale experiments were carried out and a back propagation artificial neural network model based on the experimental data was constructed to make a precise prediction of N 2 O emission. Results showed that, N 2 O flux from different units followed a descending order: aerated grit tank > oxic zone ≫ anoxic zone > final clarifier > primary clarifier, but 99.4% of the total emission of N 2 O (1.60% of N-load) was monitored from the oxic zone due to its big surface area. A proper DO control could reduce N 2 O emission down to 0.21% of N-load in A/O process, and a two-hidden-layers back propagation model with an optimized structure of 4:3:9:1 could achieve a good simulation of N 2 O emission, which provided a new method for the prediction of N 2 O emission during wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding catalyst could improve the yields and qualities of bio-gas and bio-oil, and realize the oriented production. Results showed that the catalytic gas-production capacities of CaO were higher than those of Fe 2 O 3 , and the bio-gas yield at 800 °C reached a maximum of 35.1%. Because the polar cracking active sites of CaO reduced the activation energy of the pyrolysis reaction and resulted in high catalytic cracking efficiencies. In addition, the quality of bio-oil produced by CaO was superior to that by Fe 2 O 3 , although the bio-oil yield of CaO was relatively weak. The light bio-fuel oriented catalytic pyrolysis could be realized when adding different catalysts. At 800 °C, CaO was 45% higher than Fe 2 O 3 in aspect of H 2 production while Fe 2 O 3 was 103% higher than CaO in aspect of CH 4 production. Therefore, CaO was more suitable for H 2 production and Fe 2 O 3 was more suitable for CH 4 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with quartz, polymer optical fiber is more suitable for monitoring strain since it is with low cost and high strain sensitivity. This paper introduces the characteristics and sensing loss mechanism of polymer optical fiber, including micro bending and macro bending loss. The sensitivity of the sensor is analyzed from the aspect of the influence of fiber diameter, numerical aperture and other parameters. The mathematical model of the optical fiber strain-bending loss is established under ideal conditions. Further, two experiments on the sensor structure are designed. During the loading, the light intensity loss is recorded by the optical power meter. According to the experimental data, the curve of the bending loss-strain is drawn. As a consequence, according to the experimental result, the variable amplitude waveform sensor with better linearity and sensitivity is proposed, which enlarges the measurement range of strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical investigation of cold-seep Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259 led to the isolation of three new compounds, and this was the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp. • Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed broad antibacterial activity, among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µg/ mL. One new glycosylated macrolactin compound, 6′- O -succinyl methyl ester macrolactin O (1), two new hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids (3 and 4), together with three known compounds succinyl macrolactin O (2), macrolactin O and F (5 and 6), were isolated from the liquid culture of Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259. The chemical structures of 1 – 6 were elucidated by extensive NMR, MS, ECD, Mosher's method and thiocarbamoyl-thiazolidine derivatization with reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed extensive antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli , among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µ g/ mL. This is the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TheAcinetobactersp. HITLi 7 was isolated from the Songhua River and shown to be capable of heterotrophic nitrification ability at 2°C. To predict the ammonium reduction performance in drinking water at low temperature, the kinetics of strain HITLi 7 were investigated using Monod kinetic models. The results of calculations showed that the substrate half saturation constantKswas 9.9 mg/L of total ammonium, and the maximum specific rateμmaxwas 7.9 × 10−4 h−1at 8°C, C/N 2, pH 6.0 while shaking at 100 r/min. The effects of temperature (2, 5 and 8°C), C/N (2, 4, and 10), and pH (6.0, 7.0, and 7.5) on kinetic parameters were also evaluated.Ksandμmaxincreased consistently with an increase in temperature and decreased as C/N ratio increased. The specific affinitya0(a0 = μmax/Ks) for ammonium was the highest for a C/N of 10. This value was 2.1-fold higher than the affinity observed for a C/N of 2. The results demonstrated that the affinity of HITLi 7 for ammonium was higher when a sufficient carbon source was present. The maximum ammonium reduction rate was 0.18 mg-N/L/h at a C/N of 10. These results suggest that HITLi 7 may be used for ammonium removal in drinking water at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Skeletal muscle transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) continuous excessive phosphorylation was observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and mdx mice. Inhibiting TAK1 phosphorylation ameliorated fibrosis and muscular atrophy, while TAK1 knockout also impaired muscle regeneration. The definite effect and mechanism of p -TAK1 in muscle regeneration disorder is still obscure. In this study, BaCl 2 -induced acute muscle injury model was used to investigate the role of p -TAK1 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation phase. The results showed that TAK1 phosphorylation was significantly up-regulated in proliferation phase along with Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway activation, which was down-regulated in differentiation phase yet. In C2C12 cells, inhibiting TAK1 phosphorylation markedly suppressed the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and both myoblast proliferation and differentiation were inhibited. As for activation, p -TAK1 promoted myoblast proliferation via up-regulating HO-1 level. However, excessive TAK1 phosphorylation (induced by 20 ng·mL−1 TGF-β1) notably up-regulated HO-1 expression, inhibiting myogenic differentiation antigen (MyOD) and myogenic differentiation. A mild p -TAK1 level (induced by 5 or 10 ng·mL−1 TGF-β1) was beneficial for myoblast differentiation. In mdx mice, robust myoblast proliferation and differentiation arrest were observed with high p -TAK1 level in skeletal muscle. HO-1 expression was significantly up-regulated. TAK1 phosphorylation inhibitor NG25 (N-[4-[(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yloxy)benzamide) significantly inhibited HO-1 expression, relieved excessive myoblast proliferation and differentiation arrest, promoted new myofiber formation, and eventually improved muscle function. In conclusion, p -TAK1 acted as "a switch" between proliferation and differentiation phase. Mitigating p -TAK1 level transformed myoblast excessive proliferation phase into differentiation phase in mdx mouse via regulating HO-1 expression. [Display omitted] • p -TAK1 shows a "rise first and fall later" process in muscle regeneration. • Excessive p -TAK1 causes endless myoblast proliferation and differentiation arrest. • Mitigating p- TAK1 transforms myoblast proliferation into differentiation phase. • p -TAK1 controls muscle regeneration via regulating HO-1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As absorbable hemostatic dressings, chitosan with a deacetylation degree of 40% (CS-40) and 73% (CS-73) have been fabricated into sponges via a modified method. The hemostatic, biocompatible and biodegradable properties were evaluated through in vivo assays. In a hepatic hemorrhage model, the chitosan sponges, with excellent blood compatibility, achieved less blood loss than the gelation sponge (GS). In addition, CS-40 showed better hemostatic capability and biodegradability than CS-73. After implantation, a histological analysis indicated that CS-40 exhibited the best biodegradability, tissue regeneration and least tissue adhesion. By contrasting CS-40 and CS-73, the deacetylation degree is confirmed to be a key factor for the hemostatic effect, biodegradability, biocompatibility and tissue regeneration. Our overall results demonstrated the potential application of CS-40 for use in absorbable hemostatic dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) was purified from a heterotrophic nitrifierAcinetobactersp. Y16 by anion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme was a membrane-bound monomer with a molecular mass of approximately 31 kDa. It could catalyze the oxidation of ammonium without stabilizing agentsin vitroat low temperature. Addition of CuCl2could stimulate AMO activityin vitro. The enzyme was stable in the temperature range of 4–15°C with less than 9% change in its activity. The optimal activity temperature was 15°C. Above 20°C, the enzyme completely lost its activity. The enzyme activity was stable when stored at 4°C for five days, at 10°C for two days, and at 15°C for one day. This study purified a highly pure AMO from a heterotrophic nitrifierAcinetobactersp. for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Cold-adapted Acinetobacter sp. Y16 was isolated from oligotrophic niche. [•] It could utilize ammonium to produce nitrogen gas at 2°C. [•] Strain Y16 possessed heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification ability. [•] Strain Y16 could efficiently remove ammonium at low C/N ratio and low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demethyleneberberine (DMB) is a natural active component of medicinal plant Cortex phellodendri chinensis with favorable bioactivity. However, the role of DMB in suppressing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown.Purpose: In this study, we aimed to examine the effect and underlying mechanism of DMB in suppressing NSCLC.Methods: CCK8 assay and colony formation assay were utilized to assess the efficiency of DMB on the viability and colony formation capacity of NSCLC cells. Flow cytometry and β-Galactosidase Staining Kit were utilized to determine the efficiency of DMB on the cell cycle and cellular senescence of NSCLC cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the effect of DMB on cell cycle and cellular senescence related gene and protein expression of NSCLC cells. In vivo tumor model was established to evaluate the anti NSCLC effect of DMB. In addition, RNA-seq analysis was performed to detect the differential gene expression after DMB treatments.Results: In this study, we revealed that DMB exhibits efficient inhibitory effect on NSCLC cell proliferation and tumor xenografts growth in vivo. We also demonstrated that DMB could inhibit cell migration by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and trigger cell cycle arrest by down-regulating the expression of cell cycle related genes in NSCLC cells. In addition, DMB treatment efficiently induces cellular senescence of NSCLC cells. From the RNA-seq analysis, we found that DMB accelerates senescence through suppressing HIF-1α expression, which was further elucidated by overexpressing HIF-1α in NSCLC to reduce the inhibitory effect of DMB. Furthermore, we also revealed that DMB decreases the expression of c-Myc, an up-stream protein of HIF-1α.Conclusions: Taken together, we first report that DMB inhibits NSCLC progress through inducing cell cycle arrest and triggering cellular senescence by downregulating c-Myc/HIF-1α pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious pseudoaneurysm of the intracavernous carotid artery is rare, often caused by sphenoid sinusitis or transsphenoidal surgery. Management of intracranial infectious aneurysms (IIAs) remains a controversial topic lacking randomized controlled trials to guide clinical decision making. For this case, we used an antibiotic to treat the patient in the initial stage. Because IIAs enlarge rapidly, endovascular treatment was performed in the emergency department. Unfortunately, the patient died because the IIA recurred and ruptured. Therefore we speculated that stent-assisted coil placement for the treatment of ruptured infectious pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery may not be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement attracts attention for its low carbon emissions, but the reaction mechanism of ternesite (C 5 S 2 $) and ye'elimite (C 4 A 3 $) remains unclear. In this work, the hydration process of C 5 S 2 $, C 4 A 3 $, and the C 5 S 2 $-C 4 A 3 $ (TY) binary system were studied. The cumulative heat release of the TY binary system depends on the content of C 4 A 3 $, the highest cumulative heat in the system is TY-F about 250 J/g. The pore solution analysis reveals that C 5 S 2 $ dissolves slowly in contact with water, releasing Ca2+, SO 4 2- and OH- at the initial hydration. The C 5 S 2 $ is activated by C 4 A 3 $, the degree of C 5 S 2 $ in TY system is approximately 40%. In the hydration of the TY binary system, the dissolution of C 5 S 2 $ produces gypsum at an early age, while the other hydration products (strätlingite, C-S-H) are slowly form after 28d of hydration. The presence of C 5 S 2 $ reduces the crystallinity of monosulfate(AFm) and aluminum hydroxide(AH 3), resulting in an amorphous content of up to 40–50% in the TY system after 90 days of hydration. Based on the experimental data, when the mass ratio of C 4 A 3 $/C 5 S 2 $ is lower than 1, C 2 ASH 8 was detected by XRD, the content of C 2 ASH 8 was 17.50% in the TY-A system after 90 d of hydration. • The hydration process of the C 5 S 2 $-C 4 A 3 $ system was studied. • The hydration degree of C 5 S 2 $ in the system could reach over 40%. • The presence of C 5 S 2 $ affects the crystallinity of AFm and AH 3. • The C 4 A 3 $/C 5 S 2 $ (≤1) favors the stabilization of the AFt and the formation of strätlingite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-optical hot atomic sensing systems such as optical pumping magnetometers (OPM) and comagnetometers, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnetometers and gyroscopes, have the ability to sense magnetic field, anomalous field and inertial rotation, thus having a wide potential for applications in precision measurement, fundamental physics research and inertial navigation. System noise limits the minimum value of the signal that can be measured and there is coupling effect between the noises. Therefore, the quantification and suppression of various noise are challenging and should be investigated. As one of the major noises, the light intensity fluctuation of the probe light and the pump light affects the sensitivity of the all-optical hot atomic sensing systems. However, there has been no in-depth research on the quantification of the light intensity noise. In this paper, a method of measuring the light intensity noise is proposed, which can be applied to kinds of all-optical hot atomic sensing systems. For verification, the effects of probe and pump light intensity fluctuations on system noise are simulated and experimentally verified in a spin exchange relaxation free (SERF) comagnetometer. Besides, it is found that the optical non-orthogonality amplifies the probe light intensity noise by more than 3.4 times and a quantification method of optical non-orthogonality is proposed. Finally, a suppression method of the light intensity noise is presented by suppressing the optical non-orthogonality and the noise is suppressed by 59%. A universal light intensity noise quantification method is proposed for all-optical hot atomic sensing systems, and a light intensity noise suppression method is proposed for SERF comagnetometers, which can be applied to the suppression of noises coupled with atomic polarization. [Display omitted] • A model of light intensity noise for comagnetometers is established and verified. • A universal noise quantification method is proposed. • An amplifying effect of optical non-orthogonality on light intensity noise is found. • A quantification method of the optical non-orthogonality is proposed. • The light intensity noise decreases by 59% with the proposed suppression method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Wuhan was the first Chinese city to be lockdown for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in springtime of 2020. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep status, body mass index, anxiety and depression in college students during the post-pandemic era in the universities of Wuhan, China.Methods: A total of 1457 college students completed the online surveys from December 25, 2020 to January 16, 2021. Collected data included gender, age, school name, native place, grade, major, body mass index (BMI), the scores of self-assessment lists of sleep (SRSS), Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and Zung depression self-rating scale (SDS).Results: 1445 valid questionnaires (99.18%) were received. Of all the respondents, the prevalence of insomnia, overweight and obesity, anxiety and depression were 32.73%, 19.45%, 15.43% and 62.91%, respectively. Female students were more likely to have insomnia and anxiety than male students. The rate of insomnia, overweight and obesity in postgraduates were higher than undergraduates. Non-medical students were more likely to be overweight and obese than medical students. In addition, insomnia severity was positively correlated to anxiety severity, and BMI was positively correlated to anxiety or depression severity. There was also a positive correlation between the severity of anxiety and depression.Conclusion: During the post-pandemic era, insomnia and depression are common problems among college students in Wuhan, suggesting that we should strengthen the sleep education of college students to improve sleeping disorders and psychosomatic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Microbacterium sp. SFA13 with heterotrophic nitrifying ability at 5°C. [•] The putative nitrogen removal process was: NH4 +→NH2OH→NO2 −→NO3 −, then NO3 −→NO2 −→N2. [•] Strain SFA13 attached on activated carbon could effectively remove ammonium in surface water at C/N 2–10, temperature 10°C, and DO>5.2mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein we report on the formation and characterization of mixed-matrix ultrafiltration (UF) membranes hand-cast by nonsolvent induced phase inversion. We evaluated nanometer-to-micrometer sized inorganic fillers (silver, copper, silica, zeolite, and silver-zeolite) materials with polysulfone (PSf) as the polymeric dispersing matrix. In general, mixed-matrix membranes were rougher, more hydrophilic, and more mechanically robust. Only sub-micron zeolite-PSf mixed-matrix membranes exhibited simultaneous improvements in water permeability and solute selectivity; all other mixed-matrix membranes were more permeable, but less selective due to defects associated with poor polymer-filler binding. Protein and bacterial fouling resistance of mixed-matrix membranes containing silver, zeolite, and silver-zeolite nanoparticles were compared to a low-fouling, poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) UF membrane. Zeolite and silver containing membranes exhibited better protein fouling resistance (due to higher hydrophilicity), whereas silver and silver-zeolite based membranes produce better bacterial fouling resistance due to antimicrobial properties. Overall, zeolite-PSf and silver exchanged zeolite-PSf membranes offered the best combination of improved permeability, selectivity, and fouling resistance — superior to the commercial PAN membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research work, the parameters of the preset powder feeding laser cladding process of Ni60A-25% tungsten carbide (WC) powder were optimized by using the response surface methodology of the central composite design. The dilution rate η and unit effective area ϕ of the laser cladding layer were considered as the response. Based on the factors and levels in the design matrix, the Ni60A-25% WC powder was fused on the 42CrMo alloy structural steel substrate with the laser cladding process to form a high-microhardness cladding layer. In this work, the microstructural characterization and crystal orientation analysis of the laser cladding layer obtained from the optimal process parameters were performed by using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and the Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) technique. The microhardness of the specimen processed with the optimal process parameters was evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester. The results show the order of influence of four laser cladding process parameters on the dilution rate η and unit effective area ϕ. The developed mathematical models for the dilution and the unit effective area were validated. The errors between the experimentally obtained dilution rate η and unit effective area ϕ and predicted values were within acceptable limits. The EBSD analysis revealed that there was no meritocratic orientation of the substrate, while the laser cladding layer showed a pronounced meritocratic orientation. A large amount of martensite was produced within the coating after the laser cladding, resulting in a significant increase in the microhardness compared with the substrate. The microhardness test results were consistent with the microstructure morphology. • Applying the RSM for optimization the laser cladding technique variables. • Predictive process models are developed. • High-hardness laser cladding layer are designed through process optimization. • EBSD analysis shows a meritocratic orientation on the optimized Ni60A-25% WC coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A failure probability calculation model based on modification factors. • Dynamic risk assessment model of buried gas pipelines based on system dynamics. • SD model constructed by considering failure probability and accident consequences. • Equations derived to accurately describe dynamic evolution behavior of system. • Proposed model can be used to realize "pre-prevention" and "pre-warning". The risks associated with buried gas pipeline are dynamic because of the variable operating environment as well as numerous accident-causing factors. However, most risk analysis studies provide a static overview of the system. This paper proposes a dynamic risk assessment model based on system dynamics (SD) to deal with both the complexity of a given system and changes therein with time, because SD offers unique advantages in revealing the dynamic characteristics of system behavior. For corrosion failure, which is closely related to time, our preliminary results are used to calculate the dynamic failure probability. For the time-independent failure causes, a failure probability calculation model based on the modification factors is proposed. Then, the accident consequences are analyzed according to the evolution process of gas accidents. The SD model for the risk assessment of gas pipelines is constructed by considering failure probability and accident consequences. The failure probability, accident consequences, and individual risk are simulated by considering a natural gas pipeline in Zhuhai, China, as an example. The results show that the dynamic development laws of buried gas pipeline risk are consistent with the actual situation and the proposed model can effectively characterize the temporal and spatial laws of risk evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy is recognized as one of the indispensable treatment for solid tumors. However, the emergent drug resistance and undesirable side effects have become a substantial challenge and the bottleneck of cancer chemotherapy. Magnolol (MAG) is a natural polyphenol with various bioactivities. Sulforaphane (SFN) is identified as one of the most effective naturally occurring anticancer agents. In this study, we successfully synthesized the magnolol-sulforaphane (MAG-SFN) hybrid CT1-3, showcasing more efficient anticancer activity than its lead compounds MAG and SFN with IC 50 values ranging from 5.10 to 14.06 μM in multiple cancer cells. We also demonstrated that CT1-3 elicited a strong antitumor effect in vivo but has no hepatic and renal toxicity. Furthermore, we found out CT1-3 treatment resulted in reduction of Bcl-2 and XIAP levels, in addition to increase of phospho-JNK and Bax levels, leading to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human cancer cells. Moreover, we revealed that CT1-3 could reduce the capacity of migration and invasion of human cancer cells via regulating the E-cadherin/Snail axis. Taken together, we provided strong evidences that the first example of MAG-SFN hybrid CT1-3 is a promising anticancer drug candidate without apparent adverse effects, which suppresses tumorigenesis partly through inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Image 1 • Novel magnolol-sulforaphane hybrids were designed and synthesized. • CT1-3 can be a chemotherapeutic drug candidate to broadly target human cancers. • CT1-3 inhibits cancers by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. • CT1-3 induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by regulating JNK/Bcl-2/Bax/XIAP pathway. • CT1-3 suppresses the EMT potential of HCCs via regulating the E-cadherin/Snail axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature control and power control in microwave pyrolysis were compared. • The lower heating value of bio-fuels was higher in the temperature control mode. • Temperature control mode was energy-saving for microwave pyrolysis of sludge. • The change of the dielectric constant was the key to determining energy efficiency. • The heat conversion mechanisms of microwave pyrolysis were preliminarily explored. In order to explore the different characteristics of bio-fuels generated by microwave pyrolysis of sludge in the temperature and power control modes, the differences in the distribution, composition, lower heating value and energy utilization efficiency have been analyzed. The heat conversion mechanism was preliminarily explored via changes in the dielectric constants of the sludge. The results showed that: First, there were differences between the two modes during the pyrolysis process. This was the main reason that the lower heating value of the products in the temperature control mode was higher than it in the power control mode. For instance, the lower heating values of bio-gas and bio-oil generated at 800 °C were 16.04 MJ/kg and 35.96 MJ/kg, respectively. Second, the energy utilization efficiency of the temperature control mode was higher than that of the power control mode. This was because the required microwave energy input in the temperature control mode (40.32–65.52 MJ) was lower than that in the power control mode (72.80–88.00 MJ). This can be proven by the integral calculation results of output power and reaction time. Third, during the process of microwave pyrolysis, the ability of sludge to absorb microwave energy and convert it into heat (tan θ) first decreased and then increased due to the water evaporation and subsequent formation of pyrolysis residues. Therefore, choosing a suitable pyrolysis mode (temperature control mode) and condition (800 °C) is crucial to improving the efficiencies of resource recovery and energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnolol, a major bioactive component found in Magnolia officinalis with anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation activities as well as minimized cytotoxic effects. Although magnolol has a wide range of clinical applications, the anti-tumor activity of magnolol is not efficient. Herein, we reported the synthesis and anti-cancer activities of three novel magnolol analogues CT2-1, CT2-2, CT2-3, among which CT2-3 revealed more efficient anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activity than magnolol. Our data showed that CT2-3 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of human NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we revealed CT2-3 could induce cell cycle arrest through down-regulating mRNA expression of CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1. Moreover, we verified that CT2-3 could cause ROS generation, leading to apoptosis of human NSCLC cells. Further more, we also provided strong evidences that CT2-3 down-regulates the expression of c-Myc and topoisomerases, and contributes to the apoptosis of human NSCLC cells. Taken together, the current study is the first to report a promising new chemotherapeutic drug candidate CT2-3 that can efficiently eliminate human NSCLC cells through triggering cell cycle arrest as well as ROS-mediated and c-Myc/topoisomerases-mediated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Explosion hazard level: dalbergia cochinchinensis > cupressus funebris > pine sawdust. • Combustion behavior of biomass at three different heating rates was observed. • Different kinetic models were used to investigate apparent activation energy (E α). • The main gas products of biomass are CO 2 , CO, CH 3 COOH, and H 2 O. • Volatile matter content of biomass is predictable via its explosion hazard. In this study, a 20-L spherical explosion vessel, hot plate apparatus, Godbert-Greenwald furnace apparatus, and TG-FTIR were used to investigate the explosion and combustion characteristics of three biomass dusts: dalbergia cochinchinensis (DC), pine sawdust (PS), and cupressus funebris (CF). DC with lower minimum explosible concentration (70–80 g/m3), larger maximum explosion pressure (0.742 MPa) and larger maximum explosion pressure rise rate (80.14 MPa/s) had the greatest explosion hazard in three biomass dusts. The apparent activation energy of DC and CF were lower than that of PS, and the main gas products of three samples included CO 2 , CO, CH 3 COOH, and H 2 O. The volatile matter content of DC characterized by the weight loss and the number of gas products of combustion process was higher than those of PS and CF, showing that the volatile matter content of biomass dust was one of the main factors affecting combustion and explosion hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • let-7a levels decreased but CKIP‑1 levels increased after ICH. • CKIP‑1 was the target gene of let-7a. • Let-7a overexpression decreased the protein levels of CKIP‑1. • let-7a could inhibit expression of proinflammatory cytokines. • let-7a could improve neurological functions in ICH mice. Abstract Microglia polarization plays a crucial role in initiating brain inflammatory injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Casein Kinase 2 Interacting Protein 1(CKIP-1) has been identified as a transcriptional molecular to manipulate microglia polarization. MiRNAs regulate gene expression and microglia polarization. In the experiment, CKIP-1 has been predicted as a target gene of let-7a. Let-7a, CKIP-1 and downstream proinflammatory mediator production of ICH mice were analyzed. In addition, inflammation, brain edema, and neurological functions in ICH mice were also assessed. Furthermore, let-7a mimic or inhibitors was administrated to study the potential role to manipulate microglia polarization after ICH. We reported that let-7a levels decreased but CKIP-1 levels increased after ICH. Using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, it was demonstrated that CKIP-1 was the target gene of let-7a. Let-7a overexpression decreased the protein levels of CKIP-1 and inhibition of let-7a increased the protein levels of CKIP-1. In addition, our results indicate that let-7a could inhibit expression of proinflammatory cytokines, reduce brain edema, and improve neurological functions in ICH mice. The study indicated that CKIP-1 was a target gene of let-7a and that let-7a regulated microglia M2 polarization by targeting CKIP-1 following ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • IL-17A induced ER stress in macrophages and promoted inflammation in vitro. • ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways contributed to IL-17A induced ER stress of macrophage. • ER stress inhibition significantly attenuated brain water content and brain injury of ICH mice. • IL-17A induced ER stress represented a novel clue in ICH. Abstract IL-17A contributes to the initiation of inflammation following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress acts on protein folding and contributes to inflammatory diseases. The role of IL-17A in the regulation of ER stress following ICH has not been well characterized. In this study, macrophages were stimulated with IL-17A, and then, ER stress and downstream pro-inflammatory factors were measured in vitro. In addition, brain edema and brain injury in ICH mice were assessed in vivo. We demonstrated that IL-17A induced ER stress in macrophages and thus promoted inflammation in vitro. Conversely, IL-17A inhibition attenuated ER stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways mediated IL-17A-induced ER stress in macrophages. We also showed that IL-17A inhibition significantly attenuated ER stress and brain injury in ICH mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that IL 17A increases ER stress in macrophages and represents a novel mechanism in ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]