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The ability of laser pulse was tested for controlled ablation of the copper alloy (CuCrZr) and nanometer-thick impurity layer on the rear surface of a glass window. The target surface was moved across the focus point (FP) to vary the distance from the FP within the depth-of-focus (DOF) of the focusing lens. An Nd:YAG laser was used at its fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm in this experiment. The controlled ablation was performed to remove the impurity from the rear surface of a glass window that was taken from the H-port of the EAST tokamak. The morphology of the laser-produced craters was measured using the 3D laser scanning confocal microscope and scanning electron microscope. The depth and diameter of the craters varied according to the laser energy which focused on the unit area. The spectral intensity increases as the distance from the FP decreases. The threshold fluence values for ablation, ignition of the plasma, and spectral emission were investigated. The laser pulse energy focused before and after the FP resulted in different ablation behaviors, crater morphologies, and spectral intensity. The precise removal of impurities from the rear surface was performed at − 2 mm from the FP. The laser ablation with variable fluence can further improve the selective ablation of impurity deposition to investigate the surface of the plasma-facing components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucuronoxylans have been considered as an alternative polymer for petroleum polymers in coatings, films, emulsifiers, and other industries. In this study, different molecule weight glucuronoxylans were obtained through xylanase hydrolysis. Dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA) was used as a modifying agent to functionalize glucuronoxylans. At the same degree of substitution (DS), higher molecule weight glucuronoxylans led to better emulsifying properties and emulsion stability. Higher molecule weight DDSA modified glucuronoxylans showed smaller droplets size, lower zeta potential, higher EA (emulsifying activity) and better emulsion stability. These results suggested that molecule weight has positive impact on the emulsifying properties of DDSA modified glucuronoxylans. Furthermore, DS had positive impact on the emulsifying properties of DDSA modified glucuronoxylans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more attention is given to green and sustainable industries, an analysis of the industrial impacts on all aspects of life, including inclusive affluence, is gradually developing. Idle rural residential land is a valuable resource and an important factor in promoting sustainable development. Balanced urban and rural development contributes to inclusive prosperity, so understanding the relationship between industry and the balanced development of urban and rural can significantly impact social development. In China, achieving the balanced development requires narrowing the urban-rural income gap. This paper analyzed the impact of reallocating idle rural residential land on promoting the balanced development. The study found that industry development has a positive impact on the balanced development, with a regression coefficient of 1.478. Regions with higher industry indices in counties had better outcomes regarding the balanced development. When the development of rural industry derived from idle residential land was in good condition, the effect increased by 3.326 percentage. The results showed heterogeneity, with the regression coefficient of industry development on the balanced development in county-level cities being 0.498 larger than in urban areas. In summary, the reallocation of idle residential land can promote sustainable development, increase residents' income, and improve overall regional economic development. The results are applicable to the comprehensive reallocation of rural land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studies of co-deposition of plasma-facing materials. • Plasma-wall interactions and material erosion. • Molybdenum, tungsten, and carbon plasma-facing components. • Characterization of surface properties of plasma-exposed samples. Material erosion, migration, mixing, dust formation, and co-deposition were investigated on plasma-facing materials in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST). The test samples (TSs) of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and carbon (C) were irradiated during EAST operations. All exposed TS surfaces are modified by erosion and deposition processes resulting in the formation of thin layers containing a mixture of PFCs (Mo, W, Cu, Cr, Fe) and light elements (Li, C, Ca, N, O). The majority of chemical species are in a layer of thickness <650–900 nm. The particle size and structure of co-deposition were observed on each TS. Depth profiling by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) suggests the presence of local and global impurities on the TSs resulting from the plasma-wall interaction (PWI). The processes involved in the PWI that caused erosion of EAST materials are heat flux and high energy excited impurity particles. The material is sputtered from the first wall plasma-facing components. Erosion and deposition processes occur simultaneously in the EAST. The migrated impurities get deposited globally on remote surfaces. A crack was observed in one of the W TSs due to a high heat load. The spectral intensity of co-deposition and substrate continuously changed during successive laser shots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemicellulose-based hydrogels has been drawn more and more attention in recent years. In this paper, a series of carboxymethyl xylan-based hydrogels consisting carboxymethyl xylan (CMX), acrylamide (AM) and ε-poly-(L-lysine) carbon dot (PL-CD) were synthesized by one-pot strategy via free radical polymerization. The N, N′-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA) was used as the crosslinking agent to form networks of the hydrogels. The PL-CD was used as the antibacterial agent and nano-reinforcing agent to improve the antibacterial properties and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The contents of AM, crosslinking agent and PL-CD had obvious effects on the compressive strength, swelling ratio (SR) and antibacterial properties. With the increase of AM, MBA and PL-CD contents, the mechanical properties were improved. The SEM spectra confirmed the porous structure of the hydrogels. Furthermore, the pH-responsive behavior was also investigated by SR. [Display omitted] • ε-poly-(L-lysine) carbon dot (PL-CD) were prepared. • PL-CD was used as antibaterial agent and nano-reinforcing agent. • The hydrogels showed antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impurity distribution and composition on the surface of a shutter plate for an optical diagnosis in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). • The impurity content increases on the outer side of the shutter plate as proximity to the Last Closed Flux Surface(LCFS). • The outer side of the shutter plate shows a higher impurity content compared to the inner side. • Inner ring of the inner side facing the glass window show fewer metal impurities compared to the outer rings on the edge for the inner side of the shutter plate. The quantification of impurities in tokamak devices is of great significance as it allows for a better understanding of the plasma performance and the lifetime of plasma-facing components (PFCs). This study focuses on the characterization of the impurity distribution and composition on the surface of a shutter plate for an optical diagnosis in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). The primary impurity elements, including copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), lithium (Li), and Sodium(Na), were identified by analyzing the LIBS spectra obtained from the surface of the shutter plate. The spatial distribution of these impurities on both sides of the plate was investigated. The analysis results indicate an increase in impurity content on the outer surface of the shutter plate as proximity to Last Closed Flux Surface (LCFS), followed by a near-linear decrease with the distance from the LCFS. The results of the inner ring on the inner side facing the glass window show fewer metal impurities than the outer rings on the edge for the inner side of the plate. Moreover, the thickness of the deposition layer was determined by estimating the Average Ablation Rate (AAR) through the measurement by confocal microscopy. In addition, Calibration-Free LIBS method were performed to determine the relative content of impurities. The results of this study provide valuable references for studying the migration and transportation of impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C-MFCs have good removal effects on NH 3 N, COD and TP in aquaculture wastewater. • Different N:P affects the microbial community structure in the anode chamber. • Burkholderia may have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with Chlorella. Chlorella microbial fuel cells (C-MFCs) may be an alternative technology for wastewater treatment. Using microalgae and activated sludge as raw materials, the anode of the MFC was connected in series with a chlorella reactor to establish C-MFCs, so that the simulated aquaculture wastewater was first anaerobically treated in the anode chamber and then aerobically treated in the chlorella reactor. The study found that at a 3:1 N:P ratio and 1000 Ω external resistance, NH 3 N, COD, and TP removal rates were 69.93 ± 1.84 %, 80.30 ± 3.4 %, and 54.44 ± 4.5 %, respectively, with a maximum chlorophyll content of 0.1049 mg∙m−3. The maximum voltage and maximum power density of 32.94423 mV and 102.37 mW∙m−2. The microbial community structure of the anode chamber was analyzed and the results were as follows: At N:P = 3:1, the dominant bacteria at the genus level in the anode chamber were Klebsiella (47.23 %) and Glucuronobacterium (28.87 %). It can be concluded that N:P affects the power generation capacity of C-MFCs and the removal of NH 3 N, COD, and TP. The power generation capacity and removal of NH 3 N, COD, and TP by C-MFCs were best when N:P = 3:1. The regulation of nitrogen and phosphorus in aquaculture wastewater can effectively enhance the performance of C-MFCs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is a renewable and the most abundant aromatic source that can be used for extensive chemicals and materials. Although approximately 50 million tons of lignin are produced annually as a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, it is currently underutilized. It is important to know the structural features of technical lignin when considering its application. In this work, we have demonstrated the formation of low-molecular-weight constituents from hardwood (Eucalyptus) lignin, which produces much more low-molecular-weight constituents than softwood (spruce) lignin, after a chemical pulping process, and analyzed the micromolecular compositions in the alkali lignin after fractionation by dichloromethane (DCM) extraction. By applying analytical methods (gel-permeation chromatography, 2D NMR and GC-MS) with the aid of evidence from authenticated compounds, a great treasure trove of lignin-derived phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus alkali lignin were disclosed. Except for some common monomeric products, as many as 15 new lignin-derived monomers and dimers including syringaglycerol, diarylmethane, 1,2-diarylethanes, 1,2-diarylethenes, (arylvinyl ether)-linked arylglycerol dimers and isomeric syringaresinols were identified in the DCM-soluble fraction. Regarding the formation and evolution of the Cα-condensed β-aryl ether structure, a novel route that is potentially responsible for the high content of β-1 diarylethenes and diarylethanes in the lignin low-molecular-weight fraction, in addition to the β-1 (spirodienone) pathway, was proposed. This work not only provides novel insights into the chemical transformation of S–G lignin during the alkali pulping process, but also discovered lignin-derived phenolic monomers and dimers that can potentially be used as raw materials in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the leading cause of death of gynecological malignancies worldwide. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the most potent angiogenic factor, is responsible for tumor growth and angiogenesis, but its role in OvCa chemotherapy resistance remains unclear. Methods: RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect VEGFA expression in tumor cells and normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to analyze GO terms correlated with VEGFA. In in vitro experiments, we knockdown VEGFA in tumor cells and detected the tumor cell viability and apoptosis after chemotherapy drug treatment by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect autophagy and apoptosis related proteins. Results: We proved that VEGFA was highly expressed in tumor cells comparted with normal ovarian surface epithelial cells, and enriched GO analysis of VEGFA showed that VEGFA was involved in anti-apoptotic process. Further in vitro experiments confirmed that expression of VEGFA was correlated with chemotherapy resistance and this effect was mediated by autophagy. Meanwhile tumor cells treated with chemotherapy drugs also promoted the expression of VEGFA. Knockdown VEGFA inhibited autophagy of tumor cells and thus potents the killing efficiency in DDP resistant tumor cells and this effect could be reversed by the addition of recombinant VEGFA. Conclusion: Taken together, our study demonstrates that VEGFA is involved in anti-apoptosis of tumor cells to chemotherapy, killing partly through autophagy, indicating that VEGFA may serve as a potential target to improve chemotherapy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-IR fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is a highly promising technique for improving cancer theranostics in the era of precision medicine. Through the combination with cutting-edge bionanotechnologies, the potential of NIRFI can be greatly broadened. A variety of novel NIRF nanoprobes has been developed with ultimate goals of addressing unmet medical needs. Here, we present recent breakthroughs on the fundamental aspects of NIRFI, such as imaging at long wavelengths (1000–1700 nm), and the use of new approaches (X-rays, chemiluminescence, radioluminescence, etc.) for the excitation of novel nanoprobes. Within two decades, research on NIRF nanoprobes has translated to clinical trials and it will further translate to cancer management. NIRF imaging is a highly versatile molecular imaging modality with high detection sensitivity, resolution, and convenience for in vivo applications. Recent rapid advances in research in this field provide powerful techniques for cancer imaging and management. The emission wavelength at the second NIR window has been used for in vivo imaging and led to a plethora of NIR-II nanoprobes with high imaging performance. New illumination strategies without the use of lasers have been actively pursued, resulting in the discovery of numerous self-illuminating nanoprobes, chemiluminescent nanoprobes, and radioluminescent nanoprobes. A broad range of NIRF nanoprobes have been engineered and developed based on novel nanomaterials and design concepts and the multifunctional nature of nanoplatforms has been applied to construct new multimodality imaging and theranostic nanoprobes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Statistical model was used to study effects of hemi structures on material property. • High Xylan/Arabinan ratio is favorable to the material property of hemicelluloses. • High Mw and low lignin is favorable to the material property of hemicelluloses. Using originally isolated xylan-type hemicelluloses for material application suffers from poor mechanical properties including low tensile strength and brittleness. The subsequent chemical modifications of hemicelluloses are facing the problems of high costs and toxic chemicals. Consequently, this study tried to investigate the factors affecting the film-forming properties of the originally isolated xylan-hemicelluloses and promoting their material properties from the extraction step. Two different extraction methods, a one-step alkali or alkaline peroxide solution method and a two-step alkali extraction-delignification method were used to extract the hemicellulose with different chemical structures from sugarcane bagasse. For the two-step alkali extraction-delignification method, hemicelluloses were first extracted by alkali solution and then delignified by dioxane/water, hydrogen peroxide solution or sodium hypochlorite solution. The lignin contents of all the extracted hemicelluloses ranged from 1.6%–9.5%, of which the lowest value was obtained through delignification by sodium hypochlorite. The number average molecular weight ranged from 8200 to 26800, while the xylan/arabinan ratio ranged from 5.0 to 9.1. The hemicelluloses were characterized and processed into films. Tensile strength of films could be considerably improved up to ˜52% when using sodium hypochlorite solution as the delignification agents and the lignin content was greatly reduced for the hemicellulose fraction. Statistical models were generated between film mechanical properties and hemicellulose structural characteristics. The models predicted that hemicellulose with higher molecular weight, more linear structure and lower lignin content would result in better mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of standard clinical therapies including surgery and chemotherapy are poor in advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC). There are a few reported cases of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive GBC that responded well to trastuzumab. But trastuzumab has not yet been used to treat HER2-negative GBC. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of different combined therapies with trastuzumab and gemcitabine and/or 5-fluorouracil on HER2-negative GBC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Trastuzumab alone showed almost no cytotoxicity to GBC cells with originally low HER2 gene amplification. Sequential therapy with chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab showed superiority over reverse sequential chemotherapy (P<0.05), concurrent combined chemotherapy (P<0.05), chemotherapy alone (P<0.05), and trastuzumab alone (P<0.05) in terms of cytotoxicity. Sequential therapy with chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab nearly completely inhibited cell viability in HER2-negative GBC cells. Similar results were observed with regard to apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that gemcitabine/5-fluorouracil increased the expressions of total and phosphorylated forms of HER2, thus enhancing the cytotoxicity of trastuzumab. In vivo study verified the results of in vitro study by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay and immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, not only the lightest tumor bearing but also the best survival state was detected in sequential therapy with chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab group compared with other groups. Our in vivo and in vitro data suggest that sequential therapy with gemcitabine/5-fluorouracil followed by trastuzumab represents a novel and promising therapeutic strategy against HER2-negative GBC. The upregulation of phosphorylated HER2 and phosphorylated-AKT induced by gemcitabine/5-fluorouracil treatment shows that HER2/AKT pathway is triggered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plasma-wall interaction (PWI) is a crucial issue for high-performance operation and first wall lifetime of future fusion reactors. An in situ measurement and the control of fuel retention in the vacuum-vessel will be an important aspect for the safe operation of nuclear fusion devices. Laser-Induced Ablation Spectroscopy (LIAS) is an attractive option with promising capabilities for in situ characterization of fuel retention and co-deposition during plasma discharges. In this work, an in situ LIAS wall diagnostic system is developed for real-time during discharge diagnosis of the first wall on the EAST superconducting tokamak. A dedicated timing system, which offers the function of multiple temporal settings with high time resolution for LIAS measurement during long-pulse discharges, is successfully commissioned. The experimental setup of the LIAS system for the characterization of the first wall on EAST is presented in detail. First LIAS results obtained in EAST during high power discharges are presented. The results indicate that in situ measurements of deposition, co-deposition and dynamic retention are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective method widely used in geotechnical engineering to solve the shrinkage and cracking issues in cement-stabilized soil (CS) is evenly mixing randomly distributed fibers into it. Dredger fills stabilized with cement and polypropylene fibers (PFCSs) are exposed to rainwater immersion and seawater erosion in coastal areas, influencing their mechanical performance and durability. In this study, direct shear and consolidation compression tests were conducted to investigate the influence of different curing environments on the mechanical properties and compressive behavior of PFCSs. Dominance and regression analyses were used to study the impact of each factor under different curing regimes. The reinforcement mechanism of different curing environments was also explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The results show that the cohesion and elastic modulus of the specimens cured in seawater were reduced compared with those cured in freshwater and standard curing environments. The best fiber content for the strength and compressive modulus of PFCSs was determined to be 0.9% of the mass of dredged fill. The results of value-added contributions and the relative importance of each factor in different curing environments show that the overall average contribution of cement content in the seawater curing environment is reduced by 6.79% compared to the freshwater environment. Multiple linear regression models were developed, effectively describing the quantitative relationships of different properties under different curing conditions. Further, the shear strength was improved by the coupling effect of soil particles, a C-S-H gel, and polypropylene fibers in the PFCSs. However, the shear strength of the PFCSs was reduced due to the structural damage of the specimens in the freshwater and seawater curing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a diverse group of bone marrow disorders and clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by abnormal blood cells, or reduced peripheral blood cell count. Recent clinical studies on combination therapy of decitabine (DAC) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) have demonstrated synergy on MDS treatment, but the treatment can cause significant side effects to patients. In addition, both drugs have to be administered on a daily basis due to their short half-lives. In addressing key issues of reducing toxic side effects and improving pharmacokinetic profiles of the therapeutic agents, we have developed a new formulation by co-packaging DAC and ATO into alendronate-conjugated bone-targeting nanoparticles (BTNPs). Our pharmacokinetic studies revealed that intravenously administered BTNPs increased circulation time up to 3 days. Biodistribution analysis showed that the BTNP facilitated DAC and ATO accumulation in the bone, which is 6.7 and 7.9 times more than untargeted NP. Finally, MDS mouse model treated with BTNPs showed better restoration of complete blood count to normal level, and significantly longer median survival as compared to free drugs or untargeted NPs treatment. Our results support bone-targeted co-delivery of DAC and ATO for effective treatment of MDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the coupled rate equations of the carriers in different energy states, the optical gain of an InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) semiconductor optical amplifier (QD-SOA) related to both the standard deviation of QD relative size fluctuation and the temperature is numerically investigated with a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Our results show that the quasi-flat gain spectra with the full-width at half-maximum more than 150 nm overlapped by the optical gains of both the ground state (GS) and the excited state (ES) can be achieved by either injection current density or temperature. When a pump light is resonant to the GS transition, the peak gain of the GS is not only varied with pump power, but the peak gain of the ES is also changed with this one. The ES may exhibit abnormal gain saturation at room temperature (300 K), which is considerably different from those of bulk and quantum-well SOAs. We predict that the QD-SOA both acting as an optical amplifier is applied to dense wavelength division multiplexing systems and acting as an all-optical wavelength converter implements the wavelength conversion without inverse codes based on the cross gain modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Transmission optical properties of one-dimensional (1-D) InAs/GaAs quantum-dot photonic crystal (QD-PC), composed of 400 elementary cells, were analyzed by using transfer matrix method. In our calculations, a homogeneous broadening with temperature and other inhomogeneous broadening with quantum dot (QD) size fluctuations are introduced. Our results show that a large optical Stark shift occurs at the high energy edge of the transmission photonic band-gap (TPBG) when, which exhibits the function of light with light, an external laser field acts resonantly on the excitons in the InAs QDs. Utilized this TPBG based on the pump-probe geometry, an all-optical switch can be constructed and the on-off switching extinction ratio (SER) is varied with both the temperature and the inhomogeneity of QDs. Significantly, it still maintains switching behavior and can process the data sequence of return-to-zero codes of 250 Gb/s even if the QD standard deviation of relative size fluctuations (SD-RSF) is up to 3% and the temperature is at 100 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantification of impurities in fusion devices is important to improve understanding of all impurity-related issues and their solutions. In this study, the deposition of the impurity layer on the lower hybrid wave gas puffing pipe (LHW-GPP) used in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) was characterized. The calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) was employed to resolve the impurity deposition of the unknown standard by focusing the laser at various spot positions on the sample surface. The impurity elements that appeared in the spectrum of deposition are copper (Cu), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), lithium (Li), silicon (Si), and carbon (C). The laser ablation of impurity showed an uneven deposition pattern. Each laser pulse depicted the different concentrations of the impurity elements. The results obtained from the quantification and the depth profiling showed that the impurity deposition was composed of eroded materials caused by the plasma-surface interactions with the divertors, main wall, limiters, and supporting structure materials. The exponential decrease in impurity signals and constant behavior of substrate intensity were also observed during consecutive laser shots. The study provided the estimation of impurity contents in the fusion plasma. [Display omitted] • Diagnostic study of impurity deposition in the EAST. • Quantification and depth profiling of unknown contents in the mixed materials. • Ablation behavior evolution of the signal intensity of deposition and substrate materials. • calibration-free LIBS for quantification of the trace elements in the matrix. • LIBS is an optical and remote technique to analyze the plasma-facing components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: De novo malignancies occur after liver transplantation because of immunosuppression and improved long-term survival. But the spectrums and associated risk factors remain unclear. Aims: To describe the overall pattern of de novo cancers in liver transplant recipients. Methods: Data from Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients from October 1987 to December 2009 were analyzed. The spectrum of de novo cancer was analyzed and logistic-regression was used to identify predictors of do novo malignancies. Results: Among 89,036 liver transplant recipients, 6,834 recipients developed 9,717 post-transplant malignancies. We focused on non-skin malignancies. A total of 3,845 recipients suffered from 4,854 de novo non-skin malignancies, including 1,098 de novo hematological malignancies, 38 donor-related cases, and 3,718 de novo solid-organ malignancies. Liver transplant recipients had more than 11 times elevated cancer risk compared with the general population. The long-term overall survival was better for recipients without de novo cancer. Multivariate analysis indicated that HCV, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, re-transplantation, combined transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma, immunosuppression regime of cellcept, cyclosporine, sirolimus, steroids and tacrolimus were independent predictors for the development of solid malignancies after liver transplantation. Conclusions: De novo cancer risk was elevated in liver transplant recipients. Multiple factors including age, gender, underlying liver disease and immunosuppression were associated with the development of de novo cancer. This is useful in guiding recipient selection as well as post-transplant surveillance and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Careful control of the available pool of the MAPK scaffold Ste5 is important for mating-pathway activation and the prevention of inappropriate mating differentiation in haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ste5 shuttles constitutively through the nucleus, where it is degraded by a ubiquitin-dependent mechanism triggered by G1 CDK phosphorylation. Here we narrow-down regions of Ste5 that mediate nuclear export. Four regions in Ste5 relocalize SV40-TAgNLS-GFP-GFP from nucleus to cytoplasm. One region is N-terminal, dependent on exportin Msn5/Ste21/Kap142, and interacts with Msn5 in 2 hybrid assays independently of mating pheromone, Fus3, Kss1, Ptc1, the NLS/PM, and RING-H2. A second region overlaps the PH domain and Ste11 binding site and 2 others are on the vWA domain and include residues essential for MAPK activation. We find no evidence for dependence on Crm1/Xpo1, despite numerous potential nuclear export sequences (NESs) detected by LocNES and NetNES1.1 predictors. Thus, Msn5 (homolog of human Exportin-5) and one or more exportins or adaptor molecules besides Crm1/Xpo1 may regulate Ste5 through multiple recognition sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical expression of transient four-wave mixing (TFWM) in inverted semiconductor with carrier-injection pumping was derived from both the density matrix equation and the complex stochastic stationary statistical method of incoherent light. Numerical analysis showed that the TFWM decayed decay is towards the limit of extreme homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadenings in atoms and the decaying time is inversely proportional to half the power of the net carrier densities for a low carrier-density injection and other high carrier-density injection, while it obeys an usual exponential decay with other decaying time that is inversely proportional to half the power of the net carrier density or it obeys an unusual exponential decay with the decaying time that is inversely proportional to a third power of the net carrier density for a moderate carrier-density injection. The results can be applied to studying ultrafast carrier dephasing in the inverted semiconductors such as semiconductor laser amplifier and semiconductor optical amplifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article is mainly concerned with applying generalized fractal derivatives in a macroeconomic model. We propose a discrete model involving four macroeconomic variables, the gross domestic production, exchange rate, money supply and exports/imports by using the generalized fractal derivative. The fractal derivative can describe the power-law phenomenon and memory property of economic variables more accurately. Based on the concrete macroeconomic data of Canada, the coefficients of this nonlinear system are estimated by the method of least squares. The statistical test results show that the four variables we have selected have an apparent causal connection, and the sum of squared residuals of the fitting equations is also acceptable. In simulation, the actual data of Canada from 1990 to 2008 are considered, and the effectiveness of our model is verified. The empirical study shows that in the coming few years, the money supply will grow quickly and hence it may lead to proper inflation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new topology for realizing current-mode reconfigurable nth-order filter for multi-mode wireless communication equipments, which is based on a new active device, namely digitally programmable current differencing transconductance amplifier (DPCDTA). The proposed filter is resistorless, and it employs n DPCDTAs and n grounded capacitors with one input and one output terminals. The signal path of the filter does not contain any switches, and wide tuning coefficient of the filter is implemented using programmable current division network with zero standby power consumption in the DPCDTA. Also, the proposed topology exhibits broader programmable features to accommodate wide range of selectivity requirements, which can be used as the most compatible structure for field-programmable analog array and very suitable for multi-mode filtering applications. The programming ability of variable filter orders from first to fourth providing low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass responses, and programming ability of variable cutoff frequencies from 1.14 to 11.75 MHz are given as application examples. The performance of the circuits have been verified and evaluated through post-layout simulations using Cadence IC5141 with GlobalFoundries' 0.18 μm CMOS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Estrogen plays an important role in the progression of ovarian cancer in humans. FOXP1 belongs to the forkhead/winged-helix transcription factor family, and previous research indicated that FOXP1 functioned as a tumor suppressor gene. FOXP1 may be similar to FOXA1 and is closely related to steroid hormone receptors, but the relationship between FOXP1 and ER currently remains unclear. Methods Ovarian tumors (60 malignant cases, 26 borderline cases, and 13 benign cases) and 14 normal ovarian tissues were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time PCR were used to characterize the expression patterns of FOXP1, ERα, and ERβ both at the mRNA and protein levels. We also used co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent colocalization to investigate whether a correlation exists between FOXP1 and ERα/ERβ in ovarian cancer tissues. Results The mRNA level for FOXP1 and ERβ in ovarian carcinoma tissues decreased, while the expression level of ERα mRNA increased compared with normal ovarian tissues. With an increase in the degree of ovarian carcinoma malignancy, the ERα expression level also increased. The expression pattern of ERβ in ovarian neoplasms was similar to that of the FOXP1 protein; presenting nuclear staining decreased, while cytoplasmic expression increased. Colocalization of FOXP1, ERα, and ERβ was present in the cytoplasm, with ERβ specific co-localization with FOXP1 in the perinuclear area. While immunoprecipitates created with FOXP1 mouse anti-human monoclonal antibody showed a positive reaction to an anti-ER antibody, immunoprecipitates containing anti-ER antibody and react to anti-FOXP1 antibody. Conclusion Interactions between FOXP1 and ER may play a pivotal role in the progression of ovarian cancer, and the activation or induction of FOXP1 and ERβ expression in cancer cells may inhibit tumor proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Liver transplantation is a well-recognized treatment for non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the overall survival and waiting list removal rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC have not been assessed. Methods: The present study included 11,146 patients with HCC and 64,788 patients without HCC, listed for liver transplantation on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database between 2003 and 2010. Results: In a multivariate analysis, HCV infection was an independent predictor of being transplanted or remaining on the waiting list in HCC candidates (HR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.60-0.71, p < 0.001). However, patients in the advanced status (model for end-stage liver disease score over 20, tumor stage exceed tumor-node-metastasis stage II, or alpha fetoprotein lover 400 ng/ml) but without HCV had better post-transplant survival than patients in the advanced status and with HCV (64 vs. 47 % at 5 years, p < 0.001), and comparable survival to patients with HCV but not in the advanced status (62 %, p = 0.461). Conclusions: HCC candidates with HCV infection are more likely to be transplanted, remain on the waiting list for longer, and have worse post-transplant survival. Patients in the advanced status but without HCV also could share a similar post-transplant survival to those not in the advanced status but with HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) surface fucosylation and to determine the effects and significance of Lewis y antigen on HE4-mediated invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells, we investigated four types of ovarian cancer cells and found that six fucosylated antigens (Lewis y, Lewis x, Lewis a, Lewis b, sLewis a, and sLewis x) were identified on HE4 in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, modification of the type II sugar chain (Lewis y, Lewis x, and sLewis x) was significantly higher than the type I sugar chain (Lewis a, Lewis b, sLewis a) of the lactose series. To confirm the effects of Lewis y antigen on HE4-mediated invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells, the CaoV-3 cells with high Lewis y antigen on the HE4 surface and ES-2 cells, with high Lewis x antigen but low Lewis y antigen, were investigated. We found that the expression levels of HE4 and Lewis y increased in both cell lines while the level of Lewis x didn't have any change after transfection. Furthermore, the high expression of Lewis y antigen significantly enhanced the HE4-mediated invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. The invasion and metastasis capacities were significantly decreased after Lewis y antibody blocking. This study demonstrates that overexpression of the Lewis y antigen on HE4 promotes ovarian cancer cell invasion and metastasis, which is likely to be used as a target for the clinical treatment of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salvage liver transplantation (SLT) has recently been proposed for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection; however, criteria for candidate assessment in SLT have not been thoroughly evaluated. Methods and Findings: We retrospectively analyzed outcomes and factors affecting survival of 53 recipients who received SLT in the Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between 2004 and 2012. Thirty recipients fulfilled the Hangzhou criteria, of which 16 also fulfilled the Milan criteria, while the remaining 23 exceeded both criteria. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates and tumor-free survival rates were both superior in patients fulfilling Milan or Hangzhou criteria compared with those exceeding the criteria. For recipients outside Milan criteria but within Hangzhou criteria, the 1-year, 3-year overall survival rates were 70.1%, 70.1%, similar to recipients within Milan criteria, with the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival of 93.8%%, 62.1% and 62.1% (P = 0.586). The tumor-free survival rates were also similar between these two subgroups, with 51.9% and 51.9% vs. 85.6%, 85.6% and 64.2% during the same time interval, respectively (P = 0.054). Cox regression analysis identified Hangzhou criteria (within vs. outside, hazard ratio (HR) 0.376) and diameter of the largest tumor (HR 3.523) to be independent predictors for overall survival. The only predictor for tumor-free survival was diameter of the largest tumor (HR 22.289). Conclusions: Hangzhou criteria safely expanded the candidate pool and are feasible in assessment of candidates for SLT. This is helpful in donor liver allocation in transplant practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-HCC are the main indications for liver transplantation. We compared differences in survival outcomes between these two conditions. Methods and Findings: The China Liver Transplant Registry (CLTR) contains data collated from all transplants performed in 86 liver transplantation centers across China. We analyzed CLTR data from January 1999 to December 2010. In all, 7,658 patients (7,162 with HBV-HCC and 496 with HCV-HCC) were included in this study. Clinical characteristics were compared between the HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC groups; Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate the overall, tumor-free and hepatitis-free survival rates. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival was significantly higher in HBV-HCC recipients than in HCV-HCC recipients (76.65%, 56.61% and 49.10% vs. 64.59%, 42.78% and 39.20%, respectively; P<0.001). The corresponding tumor-free survival rates (63.55%, 47.37%, 40.99% vs. 56.84%, 38.04%, 35.66%, respectively) and hepatitis-free survival rates (75.49%, 54.84%, 47.34% vs. 63.87%, 42.15%, 39.33%, respectively) were both superior in HBV-HCC recipients (both P<0.001). Multivariate analyses identified hepatitis, preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, size of largest tumor, number of tumor nodules, TNM stage, vascular invasion and preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score as independent predictors of overall, tumor-free and hepatitis-free survival. Conclusions: Survival outcomes after liver transplantation were significantly better in HBV-HCC patients than in HCV-HCC patients. This finding may be used to guide donor liver allocation in transplantation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To measure Lewis y antigen and CD44 antigen expression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and to correlate the levels of these antigens with clinical response to chemotherapy. Methods: The study cases included 34 cases of ovarian carcinoma with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, 6 partially drug-sensitive cases, and 52 drug-sensitive cases (92 total). Results: The rates of expression of Lewis y antigen and CD44 antigen were significantly greater in the drug-resistant group than that in the partially-sensitive or sensitive groups. Surgical stage, residual tumor size and expression of CD44 and Lewis y antigen in ovarian carcinoma tissues were independent risk factors for chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Conclusions: Over-expression of Lewis y and CD44 antigen are strong risk factors for chemotherapeutic drug resistance in ovarian carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The temporal responses and the reflected digital signal behaviors of a novel InAs/GaAs one-dimensional quantum dot resonant photonic crystal (QD-RPC) with 400 periods of unit cell, consisting of an InAs quantum dot (QD) layer and other GaAs barrier layer, are theoretically investigated by using a transfer matrix method. We demonstrate that the stopband (resonant photonic band gap) has fast response and the Nyquist rate is up to 1.15THz centered at Bragg reflection wavelength 1242.3nm. The square-wave time series with the duration of 10ps reflected by the stopband is transmitted and the intensity of pump light utilized is only 0.32MW/cm2 when this structure acts as an all-optical switch for a given temperature 45K and relative size fluctuation 0.1%. In addition, the extinction ratios of this optical switch associated with temperatures and signal pulse durations are analyzed and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most high frequency (> 15 MHz) medical ultrasound systems are based on single element transducers mechanically scanned. These systems can provide images with excellent resolution. However, single element transducers are often limited by the fixed focal point and small depth of field. Annular arrays consisting of concentric rings of elements are focused electronically. These arrays are desirable to avoid the fixed focal point of the single element transducers and improve the depth of field. This paper reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of a 5-element equal-area annular array transducer. After electrical impedance matching, the average center frequency was 20 MHz and -6 dB bandwidths ranged from 34 to 42%. The ILs for the matched annuli ranged from 6.1 to 26.5 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third-order optical nonlinear susceptibility χ responsible for phase-conjugate beam in non-degenerate four-wave mixing for a biased asymmetric coupled quantum well (ACQW) structure are given by the doubled-side Feynman diagram technique. It is shown that the photonic echo (PE) in excess of one terahertz pump-probe detuning rate can be achieved under low temperature condition due to electronic wavepaket oscillation when two laser beams interacts with the delocalized excitons in the ACQW structure. Also, the resonant peak position in the frequency domain of the large detuning rate PE depends strongly on an external inverse electric field strength but its peak intensity is insensitive to this one, resulting in the frequency conversion peak maintains a constant in a small bias range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres are attractive delivery vehicles due to their excellent sustained release capabilities. One major problem with PLGA microspheres is that the hydrophobic properties of PLGA generally cause a lag period in the process of drug release, leading to fluctuation of drug concentration in the blood and various resulting adverse reactions. Herein, Mg(OH)2, an inorganic base, and arginine, an organic base, were separately co-encapsulated into risperidone-loaded PLGA microspheres at varying concentration using the solvent evaporation method to improve release profiles from the microspheres. High encapsulation efficiencies were obtained in all formulations. The surface of base-free microspheres was smooth, whereas a few pores formed in base co-encapsulated microspheres. After 7-days degradation, many inter-connecting pores were formed in the interior of the microspheres containing 10mg Mg(OH)2. The final pH in the microspheres with Mg(OH)2 was higher than in those with arginine after 28-days degradation. The initial release of risperidone from microspheres containing Mg(OH)2 was higher than from those containing arginine, and the latter release exhibited a more uniform pattern. Microspheres with 5mg and 10mg arginine exhibited zero-order release kinetics. However, both bases eliminated the lag phase of release. These results indicate that the incorporation of bases has potential in addressing the problem of the lag period in drug release from PLGA microspheres, and improving release behavior toward an ideal model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mechanical properties of the myocardium have been investigated intensively in the last four decades. Many complex strain energy functions have been used to estimate the stress–strain relationship of myocardium because the heart muscle is an inhomogeneous, anisotropic, and nearly incompressible material, which undergoes large deformations. These functions can be effective for fitting in vitro experimental data from myocardial stretch testing. However, it is difficult to model in vivo myocardium using these strain energy functions. Moreover, such estimates have so far been carried out almost exclusively on the left ventricle, because of the relative thinness and complex geometry of the right ventricle. Previous work from our research group has successful estimated the motion and deformation of both the left and the right ventricles, using data from noninvasive tagged magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, we present a novel statistical model to estimate the in vivo material properties and strain and stress distribution in both ventricles, using such data. Two normal hearts and two hearts with right-ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were studied and noticeable differences were found between the strain and stress distributions for normal volunteers and RVH patients. Compared to the strain energy function approach, our model is more intuitively understandable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of diabetes medicines offering self-regulating glycemic efficacy and may best be administrated in long-acting forms. Among GLP-1 receptor agonists, exenatide is the one requiring the least dose so that controlled-release poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres may best achieve this purpose. Based on this consideration, the present study extended the injection interval of exenatide microspheres from one week of the current dosage form to four weeks by simply blending Mg(OH)2 powder within the matrix of PLGA microspheres. Mg(OH)2 served as the diffusion channel creator in the earlier stage of the controlled-release period and the decelerator of the self-catalyzed degradation of PLGA (by the formed lactic and glycolic acids) in the later stage due to its pH-responsive solubility. As a result, exenatide gradually diffused from the microspheres through Mg(OH)2-created diffusion channels before degradation of the PLGA matrix, followed by a mild release due to Mg(OH)2-buffered degradation of the polymer skeleton. In addition, an extruding–settling process comprising squeezing the PLGA solution through a porous glass membrane and sedimentation-aided solidification of the PLGA droplets was used to prepare the microspheres to ensure narrow size distribution and 95% encapsulation efficiency in an aqueous continuous phase. A pharmacokinetic study using rhesus monkey model confirmed the above formulation design by showing a steady blood concentration profile of exenatide with reduced CMAX and dosage form index. Mg(OH)2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of note, HNF1A and HNF1B are associated with Fanconi syndrome and kidney cystic diseases in humans.4,5 Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of Hnf4 target genes (Table S3) corroborated the motif enrichment analysis, as it suggested that Hnf4 target genes were upregulated in PG rats (Figure 3E). The PG rat tubules were dilated compared to WT, thus accounting for the discrepant diameters of the tubules between the WT and PG rats. No histological kidney abnormalities were noted in WT and PS rats, while the PG rats had minimal to moderate histological changes (n = 3 for WT and PS rats, n = 6 for PG rats). Dear editor, We identified angiomotin ( I AMOT i ) as a novel candidate gene for X-linked recessive nephropathy associated with glomerular disease, tubulopathy and progressive kidney cystic disease. [Extracted from the article]

• Combined LIBS and LIAS measurements were applied to determine the dynamic deuterium retention in C and W during EAST discharges. • LIAS measurements show more than three times higher deuterium retention in graphite than in tungsten during EAST discharges. • The deuterium retention on the graphite PFC is saturated within 0.2 s plasma exposure for limited magnetic configuration when the plasma actively touches the first wall. • The deuterium retention in the start-up phase is significantly larger than during the discharge for diverted magnetic configuration. Plasma-wall interactions at the first wall in fusion experimental devices are critical for the life time of plasma-facing components and tokamak operation. In-situ measurements of these plasma-wall interaction processes are required in long pulse devices in order to understand better the underlying mechanisms as well as monitoring of the tritium content of the first wall as an immediate safety application. In this work we present measurements of the deuterium retention in the first wall of EAST using laser-induced ablation spectroscopy. The diagnostic is applied during plasma operation and the dynamic retention for graphite and tungsten as plasma-facing materials are compared, showing more than three times higher short-term retention in graphite than in tungsten. Laser-based analysis is applied during a shift of the vertical positions of the plasma column in limited as well as in the start-up phase of discharges in diverted magnetic configuration. Plasma core densities of n e = (1.5–3.2) × 1019/m3 are chosen to vary the ion flux to the first wall and study saturation effects of deuterium on the surface first wall materials during tokamak plasma operation. A linear dependence of the retention from ion fluence is observed for graphite as PFC up to 3 × 1018D+/cm2, followed by a constant retention up to fluences of 3.5 × 1019D+/cm2 for nearby first wall temperatures of T PFC ≈ 350 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) has become a valuable tool for preclinical imaging because of its ability of reconstructing the three-dimensional distribution and activity of the radiopharmaceuticals. However, it is still far from a mature technology and suffers from relatively low spatial resolution due to the ill-posed inverse problem for the tomographic reconstruction. In this paper, we presented a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-guided reconstruction method for CLT, in which a priori information of the permissible source region (PSR) from SPECT imaging results was incorporated to effectively reduce the ill-posedness of the inverse reconstruction problem. The performance of the method was first validated with the experimental reconstruction of an adult athymic nude mouse implanted with a Na131I radioactive source and an adult athymic nude mouse received an intravenous tail injection of Na131I. A tissue-mimic phantom based experiment was then conducted to illustrate the ability of the proposed method in resolving double sources. Compared with the traditional PSR strategy in which the PSR was determined by the surface flux distribution, the proposed method obtained much more accurate and encouraging localization and resolution results. Preliminary results showed that the proposed SPECT-guided reconstruction method was insensitive to the regularization methods and ignored the heterogeneity of tissues which can avoid the segmentation procedure of the organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional performance as measured by the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale has been linked to the outcomes of liver transplant patients; however, the effect of KPS on the outcomes of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver transplant population has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association between pre-transplant KPS score and long-term outcomes in HCC patients listed for liver transplantation. Methods: Adult HCC candidates listed on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017 were grouped into group I (KPS 80–100%, n = 8,379), group II (KPS 50–70%, n = 8,091), and group III (KPS 10–40%, n = 1,256) based on percentage KPS score at listing. Survival was compared and multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors. Results: Patients with low KPS score had a higher risk of removal from the waiting list. The 5-year intent-to-treat survival was 57.7% in group I, 53.2% in group II and 46.7% in group III (P < 0.001). The corresponding overall survival was 77.6%, 73.7% and 66.3% in three groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that KPS was an independent predictor of intent-to-treat survival (P < 0.001, reference group I; HR 1.19 [95%CI 1.07–1.31] for group II, P = 0.001; HR 1.63 [95%CI 1.34–1.99] for group III, P < 0.001) and overall survival(P < 0.001, reference group I; HR 1.16 [95%CI 1.05–1.28] for group II, P = 0.004; HR 1.53 [95%CI 1.26–1.87] for group III, P < 0.001). The cumulative 5-year recurrence rates was higher in group III patients (7.4%), compared with 5.2% in group I and 5.5% in group II (P = 0.037). However, this was not significant in the competing regression analysis. Conclusions: Low pre-transplant KPS score is associated with inferior long-term survival in liver transplant HCC patients, but is not significantly associated with post-transplant tumor recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences capable of duplicating and reintegrating at new regions within the genome. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that these elements play important roles in host genome evolution, despite being traditionally viewed as parasitic elements. To prevent ectopic activation of TE transposition and transcription, they are epigenetically silenced in most somatic tissues. Intriguingly, a specific class of TEs—retrotransposons—is transiently expressed at discrete phases during mammalian development and has been linked to the establishment of totipotency during zygotic genome activation (ZGA). While mechanisms controlling TE regulation in somatic tissues have been extensively studied, the significance underlying the unique transcriptional reactivation of retrotransposons during ZGA is only beginning to be uncovered. In this review, we summarize the expression dynamics of key retrotransposons during ZGA, focusing on findings from in vivo totipotent embryos and in vitro totipotent-like embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We then dissect the functions of retrotransposons and discuss how their transcriptional activities are finetuned during early stages of mammalian development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionospheric foF2 prediction model GWO-ALSTM is proposed in this paper, which combines the Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm and the attention mechanism based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) model. The datasets used in this model were obtained from the oblique ionosondes of the China Ground-based Seismo-ionospheric Monitoring Network. The data from 2010 to 2012 was used for training, and the data of 2013 was used for verification. The input parameters of the model include local time, day number, sunspot number, F10.7 solar flux, Ap index, Dst index, and foF2 at the previous moment, and the output parameter is foF2 at the current moment. The IRI2016 model, GABP model, LSTM model and GWO-ALSTM model were compared with the observed results for analysis. The results show that the GWO-ALSTM model is superior to the LSTM model, the GABP model and the IRI2016 model. Meanwhile, the comparative analyses of the diurnal variations of foF2 show that the curve of the GWO-ALSTM model fits the observed values more closely than the curve of any other model under the geomagnetic quiet and storm conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose a study on pyrolysis production of biochar through EMI. • Relationship between working voltage of EMI and induction media was determined. • Biochar can be prepared from sewage sludge by electromagnetic induction heating. • EMI pyrolyzed biochar can be used as adsorbent for removal Pb and Cd. Pyrolysis of sewage sludge was studied by electromagnetic induction (EMI) heating method and in a laboratory-scale reaction installation. Basic properties and adsorption of heavy metals Pb and Cd on biochar from EMI pyrolysis of sewage sludge was investigated. Experimental results indicate that EMI pyrolysis temperature was determined by the relationship between working voltage of EMI device and induction media. Biochar yield rate ranged from 89.7% to 51.2% at temperature from 300 to 600 °C. Elements, surface characterizations and micromorphology, thermogravimetric properties as well as gas evolution changed with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Hydroxyl groups were decomposed during EMI pyrolysis process. Heavy metals in biochar was leached through TCLP and higher leachability was obtained in biochar pyrolyzed at 400 °C compared to other biochar products. A higher adsorption removal efficiency of Pb and Cd was obtained by EMI pyrolyzed biochar. Langmuir and pseudo-first-order models were used for description of adsorption isotherm and kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal drying of sewage sludge is not only an effective way to treat the waste, but also an essential step for further energy utilization. This work focused on drying property of sewage sludge by using electromagnetic induction heating. A novel drying method for sewage sludge was designed. The effects of different electromagnetic-induction media materials, working parameters and conditioning reagents on the efficiency of drying were investigated. Then, the kinetics was analyzed. The change of temperature and heat-transfer was analyzed during the drying process. Experimental results showed that sewage sludge combined with three kinds of induction medias can be efficiently dried by applying electromagnetic induction heating. Fast formation and development of cracks indicated that an increase of drying rates of sludge can be obtained. Considering the release of volatile organic compounds from sludge during drying process, estimated moisture content was used to evaluate the drying effect. A Higher working voltage leaded to a more weight reduction of sludge during a shorter drying time, but a lower voltage prolonged the drying time. It was noted that the estimated moisture rate was very close to the experimental moisture content. Sludge content, forming and induction media significantly affected the drying process. Plate and net media were fitted for thin layer and piled sludge, respectively. However, fiber media seemed to show lower drying rate due to no circuit for induction current. An addition of CaO and sawdust improved the drying process. As a result, few volatile organic compounds released from sludge. For kinetics, three periods (warm-up, constant rate and falling rate period) can be observed and the data fitted linear regression of Lewis drying model very well. The effective moisture diffusivity was influenced by the different induction media and the thickness of sludge. Infrared images showed that outside temperature was higher than central part temperature for all sludge samples. A higher evaporation rate and diffusion of moisture can be obtained from outside part of sludge due to the easy collapse of porous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shuiyindong gold mine in Guizhou is used as a case study in this paper to study patterns of dust pollution occurring with traditional electric-rake operation. In particular, the study uses the northern quarry of the twenty-third line in the first middle section of the second mining area and establishes a three-dimensional simulation model of equal size. It uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate and analyse the airflow traces and distribution of dust concentration in the relevant roadway during each stage of the electric-rake operation. The simulation results show that the airflow in the working roadway has a spiral movement and produces reverse dirty-wind circulation towards the end. Dust flows out of the working roadway from the 8th second of operation, and dust concentration reaches a peak in the working roadway at the 12th second of operation at an average dust concentration of 37.5 mg/m³. The dust concentration drops rapidly from the 120th second and reaches the maximum dust concentration permitted for operation at the 180th second of operation. The validity of the simulation is tested by comparing the actual measured data at the site with the simulation results. Finally, the simulation results are analysed using violent Python, and the solution is used to divide the roadway into areas according to the human breathing range. The paper analyses the distribution of dust concentration at an average human breathing height, providing an established theoretical basis for dust-control work in mines. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of the fuel retention and impurity deposition on the plasma facing components (PFCs) is very important for monitoring plasma-wall interactions and improving the performance of long-pulse operation for tokamak devices. In this study, a remote in situ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic (RIS-LIBS) system has been developed to be an effective and routine method for the diagnosis of the composition of the PFCs on Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The RIS-LIBS system can be operated between EAST discharges via a remote network control system. This allows a flexible diagnosis for the PFCs at a specific EAST discharge operation or under planned plasma scenarios according to the experimental requirement. Measurements on the fuel retention and impurity deposition of the PFCs have been performed for the test of the RIS-LIBS system, and the depth resolution and the lateral resolution of the RIS-LIBS system have been achieved to be ∼100 nm and ∼3.0 mm, respectively. For the test of detectable elements, the fuel (deuterium) and impurities have been detected and identified clearly. In addition, the measurement of fuel abundance on the first wall as a function of the days of EAST deuterium plasma discharges has been carried out for the first time. These results well manifest a significant prospect of the RIS-LIBS for the diagnosis of the PFCs in the upcoming fusion devices like China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) and ITER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]