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• CCBE1 deficiency predicted poor prognosis of HCC patients. • Hyper-methylation of CpG islands led to decreased CCBE1 expression. • CCBE1 functioned as an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission. • CCBE1 alters DRP1 phosphorylation level at Ser616 through binding TGFβR2. The extracellular matrix (ECM), as an important component of the tumor microenvironment, exerts various roles in tumor formation. Mitochondrial dynamic disorder is closely implicated in tumorigenesis, including hyperfission in HCC. We aimed to determine the influence of the ECM-related protein CCBE1 on mitochondrial dynamics in HCC. Here, we found that CCBE1 was capable of promoting mitochondrial fusion in HCC. Initially, CCBE1 expression was found to be significantly downregulated in tumors compared with nontumor tissues, which resulted from hypermethylation of the CCBE1 promoter in HCC. Furthermore, CCBE1 overexpression or treatment with recombinant CCBE1 protein dramatically inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CCBE1 functioned as an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission by preventing the location of DRP1 on mitochondria through inhibiting its phosphorylation at Ser616 by directly binding with TGFβR2 to inhibit TGFβ signaling activity. In addition, a higher percentage of specimens with higher DRP1 phosphorylation was present in patients with lower CCBE1 expression than in patients with higher CCBE1 expression, which further confirmed the inhibitory effect of CCBE1 on DRP1 phosphorylation at Ser616. Collectively, our study highlights the crucial roles of CCBE1 in mitochondrial homeostasis, suggesting strong evidence for this process as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the predictive value of the Singh index for the risk of InterTAN intramedullary fixation failure in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture to guide clinical treatment. Methods: A total of 360 patients were divided into the Singh (I ~ II) (n = 120), Singh (III ~ IV) (n = 120) and Singh (V ~ VI) (n = 120) groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Harris scores were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the operation. The correlation between the Singh index and the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Singh index and internal fixation failure; the types of internal fixation failure were also analyzed. Results: The Harris scores of the Singh (I ~ II) group were lower than those of the Singh (III ~ IV) and Singh (V ~ VI) groups 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The Singh index was significantly correlated with the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck (P = 0.00, r = 0.89; P = 0.00, r = 0.83). The Singh (I ~ II) group had the lowest internal fixation survival rate within 24 months (P = 0.01). The Singh index was an independent predictor of internal fixation failure (P < 0.05). Lag screw cutting-out was the main type of internal fixation failure in the three groups (P = 0.00). Conclusion: The Singh index is significantly correlated with the bone mineral density of the femoral neck and total hip. The Singh (I ~ II) group had lower Harris scores and a lower internal fixation survival rate than the other two groups. The Singh index is an independent predictor of internal fixation failure, especially lag screw cutting-out, after InterTAN fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical outcomes of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) for medial knee osteoarthritis primarily depend on the corrective precision. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of laser correction technology with an ordinary laser pen and surgical instrument box.Methods: This prospective and randomized trial included 71 patients randomly divided into laser (n = 36) and traditional groups (n = 35). In the laser group, the hip centre, knee (Fujisawa point), and ankle centre were located preoperatively using the surgical instrument box lid. The leg was aligned with an ordinary laser pen. In the traditional group, the lower limb alignment was corrected by a metal cable. Radiation exposure, operative time, and rate of outliers (lower limb force line does not pass through 62-66% of the lateral tibial plateau) were evaluated. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were recorded. After 24 months, the femoral tibial angle (FTA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and posterior slope angle (PSA), were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the survival time of affected knees, and postoperative complications were recorded.Results: The radiation exposure, operative time and rate of outliers were lower in the laser correction group (P < 0.05). Six months postoperatively, the VAS and WOMAC scores were significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.001). At 24 months, the FTA, MPTA, and PSA were corrected in both groups (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the postoperative knee survival time from OWHTO to knee arthroplasty between the groups or postoperative complications (P = 0.53; P = 0.61).Conclusions: Laser correction technology can effectively reduce radiation exposure, the operative time, and the rate of outliers (trial identification number (retrospectively registered): ChiCTR2200060480; date of register: 03/06/2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease) is caused by the causative agent, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and it is a widespread zoonosis and vector-borne disease. Chigger mites (trombiculid mites) are the exclusive vectors of this disease. To date, more than 500 species of chigger mites have been documented in China, and six of them have been proved to be the main effective vector species of scrub typhus: Leptotrombidium deliense, L. scutellare, L. rubellum, L. sialkotense, L. wenense and L. insulare. The present paper reviewed the research history and progress of the six vector chigger species in China, which covered their history of nomenclature, vector roles, morphological identification, life cycle, distribution, host selection and seasonal fluctuation, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the predictive value of the Singh index for the risk of InterTAN intramedullary fixation failure in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture to guide clinical treatment.Methods: A total of 360 patients were divided into the Singh (I ~ II) (n = 120), Singh (III ~ IV) (n = 120) and Singh (V ~ VI) (n = 120) groups. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Harris scores were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the operation. The correlation between the Singh index and the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Singh index and internal fixation failure; the types of internal fixation failure were also analyzed.Results: The Harris scores of the Singh (I ~ II) group were lower than those of the Singh (III ~ IV) and Singh (V ~ VI) groups 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The Singh index was significantly correlated with the T-score of the total hip and femoral neck (P = 0.00, r = 0.89; P = 0.00, r = 0.83). The Singh (I ~ II) group had the lowest internal fixation survival rate within 24 months (P = 0.01). The Singh index was an independent predictor of internal fixation failure (P < 0.05). Lag screw cutting-out was the main type of internal fixation failure in the three groups (P = 0.00).Conclusion: The Singh index is significantly correlated with the bone mineral density of the femoral neck and total hip. The Singh (I ~ II) group had lower Harris scores and a lower internal fixation survival rate than the other two groups. The Singh index is an independent predictor of internal fixation failure, especially lag screw cutting-out, after InterTAN fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to designing the robust model reference controller for uncertain second-order descriptor linear systems subject to parameter uncertainties. The parameter uncertainties are assumed to be norm-bounded. The design of a robust controller can be divided into two separate problems: a robust stabilization problem and a robust compensation problem. Based on the solution of generalized Sylvester matrix equations, we obtain some sufficient conditions to guarantee the complete parameterization of the robust controller. The parametric forms are expressed by a group of parameter vectors which reveal the degrees of freedom existing in the design of the compensator and can be utilized to solve the robust compensation problem. In order to reduce the effect of parameter uncertainties on the tracking error vector, the robust compensation problem is converted into a convex optimization problem with a set of linear matrix equation constraints. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to designing a robust model reference controller for uncertain second-order systems subject to parameter uncertainties. The system matrix of the first-order reference model is more general and the parameter uncertainties are assumed to be norm-bounded. The design of robust controller can be devided into two separate problems: problem robust stabilization and problem robust compensation. Based on the solution of generalized Sylvester matrix equations, we obtain some sufficient conditions to guarantee the complete parameterization of the controller. Then, the problem robust compensation of the closed-loop system is estimated by solving a convex optimisation problem with a set of linear matrix equations constraints. Two simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-sensitive probes based on coumarin deserve extensive attention because of their high biocompatibility, quantum yield, and stability. The synthesis of coumarin and its derivatives is mainly based on four classical methods: Perkin synthesis, Knoevenagel synthesis, Wittig synthesis, and Pechmann synthesis. As everyone knows, fluorescent probes consist of a recognition group, a bridging group, and a luminescent group. Mechanism of fluorescent probes can be roughly summarized into four models: Chelation-induced enhanced fluorescence (CHEF), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE), which can instruct the design of coumarin-based photo-sensitive probes. Since the fluorescence-based probe was first reported, probes based on coumarin have found widespread application in analytical chemistry, proving to be a selective, efficient, and convenient tool in ion monitoring, molecular monitoring, cell imaging, drug delivery, and many other fields. In this critical review, the synthetic routes of these compounds and the design for fluorescent probes were reported. Furthermore, the recent researches on the employment of coumarin in analytical chemistry were also introduced. Finally, the future research trends and application foreground of coumarin derivatives were forecasted herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ high-temperature XRD and magnetic field heat treatment (MFHT) under a magnetic field of 50 kOe have been used to investigate the structural and magnetic properties of the D022 Mn3−xGa (x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4). It was found that Mn3−xGa compounds maintain ferrimagnetic D022 phase in the temperature range of 300–700 K, and their magnetic properties were remarkably improved through MFHT. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of Mn3.0Ga at 300 K increased by 37% from 18.3 to 25.0 emu/g after MFHT. All Mn3-xGa samples showed superior thermal stability in magnetization from 300 to 500 K, and they still retained excellent magnetic properties at a temperature of up to 700 K. The magnetization of Mn3.0Ga and Mn2.8Ga showed a positive temperature coefficient from 300 to 400 K. Even at 700 K, Ms and Hc of 24.3 emu/g and 4.5 kOe were retained in Mn2.8Ga, which is excellent for high-temperature applications. In addition, the coercivity mechanism of Mn3−xGa at 700 K was illustrated by minor hysteresis loops measurement, and it was found that the coercivity mechanism of Mn3−xGa at 700 K was dominated by the pinning mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of information technology urgently requires high-frequency soft magnetic materials with excellent electromagnetic performance. Herein, we synthesized the disordered dual-phase Y 2 Fe 16 Si intermetallic compound and introduced nitrogen atoms into its interstitial crystal sites by the gas-solid reaction, remarkably improving its magnetic and electromagnetic properties. The significant magneto-volume effect generated by introduced nitrogen atoms increases the compound's magnetization and Curie temperature, leading to increased permeability of Y 2 Fe 16 Si-paraffin composites. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the magneto-volume and the chemical bonding change the compound's electric polarization by charge neutralization, dramatically decreasing the permittivity of Y 2 Fe 16 Si-paraffin composites upon nitrogenation. The decreased permittivity and increased permeability enhance the impedance matching and magnetic loss capability of the composites. Besides, the introduction of interstitial nitrogen gives rise to a higher ratio of the out-of-plane to in-plane anisotropy field of Y 2 Fe 16 Si due to anisotropic lattice expansion, which combines with enhanced magnetization to raise the Snoek limit and operating frequency of the composites. Consequently, Y 2 Fe 16 SiN y -paraffin composites exhibit the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.84 GHz in a thickness of 1.2 mm, and the minimum reflection loss (RL min) of –50.52 dB in a thickness of 1.5 mm covering the Ku -band, demonstrating strong absorption, broad EAB with thin thickness and high operating frequency. This work shows the superiority of the interstitial atom effect in the high-frequency electromagnetic field, and the effect is applicable and scalable for rare-earth Fe-based intermetallic compounds to develop excellent microwave absorbers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrophobic forces dominated the interactions of Cr(III)/Cr(VI) with lysozyme. • Cr(III) induced greater loosening of lysozyme backbone and enhanced hydrophilicity. • Cr(III) exhibited more significant changes in lysozyme activity compared to Cr(VI). • Cr(III) and Cr(VI) caused different structural and functional changes of lysozyme. Chromium (Cr) poses potential threats on human and ecological health through both food and environmental pathways. However, the response mechanisms of Cr to function-related proteins in human subjects and the differential effects in the case of different valence states of Cr are still lacking. Herein, the binding interactions and mechanisms of lysozyme to Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were investigated by isothermal titration microcalorimetry, multi-spectroscopy, enzyme activity assay, and molecular simulations. Our results indicated that the binding of Cr in different valence states with lysozyme was a relatively affinity process and mainly driven by hydrophobic forces. Both Cr species induced the looseness of backbone for lysozyme and the enhancement of hydrophilicity around the backbone microenvironment. Otherwise, the α-helix of lysozyme was decreased with different valence states of Cr, while Cr(III) showed a greater degree of influence and a stronger regularity. Interestingly, no significant changes in the microenvironment around aromatic amino acid residues were observed under the exposure of different valence states of Cr. Differential structural changes of lysozyme resulted in activity alterations. At 80 mg·L−1 of Cr, Cr (VI) reduced the lysozyme activity to 81.44% of the control, while the lysozyme activity was significantly reduced to 24.45% under the exposure of Cr (III). Further molecular docking showed that amino acids near the binding sites of different valence states of Cr with lysozyme were not identical, but the enzyme active site, Asp52, was all within the binding pocket. This study elucidates the differential toxicity effects and interaction mechanisms of Cr in different valence states, and offers a comprehensive strategy for exploring the in vitro responses of toxicants exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has pointed out that metastasis is the leading cause of death in several malignant tumor, including CRC. During CRC, metastatic capacity is closely correlated with reprogrammed energy metabolism. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier 1 (MPC1), as the carrier of transporting pyruvate into mitochondria, linked the glycolysis and TCA cycle, which would affect the energy production. However, the specific role of MPC1 on tumor metastasis in CRC remains unexplored. Here, by data mining of genes involved in pyruvate metabolism using the TCGA dataset, we found that MPC1 was significantly downregulated in CRC compared to nontumor tissues. Similar MPC1 expression pattern was also found in multiple GEO datasets. IHC staining in both human sample and AOM/DSS induced mouse CRC model revealed significant downregulation of MPC1. What is more, we found that MPC1 expression was gradually decreased in normal tissue, primary CRC, and metastasis CRC. Additionally, poor prognosis emerged in the MPC1 low expression patients, especially in patients with metastasis. Following, functional tests showed that MPC1 overexpression inhibited the motility of CRC cells in vitro and MPC1 silencing enhanced liver metastases in vivo. Furthermore, we uncovered that decreased MPC1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by promoting nuclear translocation of β-catenin to mediate the expression of MMP7, E-cadherin, Snail1, and myc. Collectively, our data suggest that MPC1 has the potential to be served as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and a therapeutic target in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional corridor management has focused on travel speed and efficiency while ignoring interactions between highway corridors and surrounding areas. This study investigates the interaction between the corridor highway system and the built environment around highways by estimating sustainable mode choices with respect to the land use characteristics of surrounding corridor highways throughout 29 regions in the U.S. The results indicate that the D variables at the corridor level matter. D variables at the corridor level, such as activity density, job-population balance, percentage of accessible jobs within 10 min by car, intersection density, percentage of 4-way intersections, and transit stop density, were highly associated with internal capture, walking trips, and transit use. The neighborhoods with higher activity density, job-population balance, intersection density, and better employment accessibility by transit experienced reduced VMT. The likelihood of internal trips, walking trips, and transit use decreased with household size and income; the opposite signs were found with VMT. The regional gasoline price had significant effects on all trips. In conclusion, this study provides planning and transportation researchers and practitioners with new evidence on the importance of built environmental characteristics (D variables) to encourage sustainable mode choices in the proximate neighborhoods of corridor highways. • The D variables at the highway corridor level matter for sustainable travel. • Neighborhoods around highway corridors with richer D variables generate less VMT. • Neighborhoods with richer D variables captured more trips internally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon transition of energy systems is an inevitable trend to address climate change challenges. For developing regions, proper planning is essential for reducing transition costs during low-carbon transition of their energy systems, featuring a higher proportion of intermittent renewable power connected to power grids. Impact of uncertainty must be considered for more feasible planning of peak-shaving and energy storage units. In this study, a chance-constrained programming approach to optimal planning of low-carbon transition of a regional energy system is presented. This approach considers uncertainties of wind power, photovolatic (PV) power and load to ensure power supply reliability. A developing region in central China is taken as a case study. Results show that considering uncertainty, an additional 4.79% of power generation capacity needs to be installed per year on average, with a 3.02% increase in the transition cost. Finally, sensitivity analysis results are provided, showing that a rapid increase in transition costs occurs when the confidence level exceeds 99%. The results in this study provide references for decision-makers to plan the low-carbon transition of energy systems as well as weighing transition costs against energy supply stability. [Display omitted] • A chance-constrained programming energy system optimization model is established. • The uncertainties of wind power, photovoltaic power and load are considered. • The impacts of uncertainty degree on the optimal solution were quantified. • The relationship of investment cost and confidence level is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strict climate goals require a rapid reduction of carbon emissions across society. It is a considerable challenge to design decarbonization pathways considering co-operation in energy and carbon emissions across multiple sectors simultaneously. In order to obtain the decarbonization pathway for the whole society, this paper establishes a long-term multi-sector low-carbon transition pathway planning model. Besides inter-sectoral energy supply and demand, this study fully considers the allocation of carbon emissions quotas among different sectors by modified-grandfathering method, which takes into account both equity and efficiency principles. The decarbonization targets of different sectors, corresponding mitigation pathways and energy consumption can be calculated. China is taken as a case study. Results show that China's total energy consumption peaks at 5 billion tces around 2030, then falls below 4 billion in 2060, with the proportion of primary electricity and other clean energy reaching over 50 percent. Besides, the realisation of carbon neutralisation in China depends heavily on the improvement of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and end-use electrification rate. Moreover, the study of different quota allocation ways shows that the increase in the contribution rate of power system mitigation leads to the reduction of the total low-carbon transition costs, which also aggravates administrative difficulties. • A multi-sector model is set up to plan the long-term low-carbon transition pathway. • Modified-grandfathering allocation method can consider multiple indicator factors. • The clean energy consumption of China accounts for about 55% in 2060. • The end-use electrification rate in China is close to 70% in 2060. • The transition pathway with lower cost increases administrative difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The crystal structures, magnetic properties and electronic structures of pseudo-binary compounds Pr 5 Si x Ge 3-x were investigated. With the increase of the Ge content, structure of Pr 5 Si x Ge 3-x gradually changes from the tetragonal Cr 5 B 3 -type to the hexagonal Mn 5 Si 3 -type. For the compounds with the tetragonal structure, the unit cell volumes as well as the magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) increase with the Ge content, leading to the diminishing of the magnetization and the maximum magnetic entropy changes -Δ S M. As compared to the binary compound Pr 5 Si 3 , the intermetallic compounds with Ge doping show broader working temperature span and considerably large relative cooling power (213.9, and 184.8 J kg−1 at ΔH = 50 kOe for Pr 5 Si 2.5 Ge 0.5 and Pr 5 Si 2 Ge, respectively). For the hexagonal compound Pr 5 Ge 3 , a large MAE and an easy magnetization direction close to c axis (polar angle θ ∼7°) were calculated, which is related to the macroscopic magnetic transition behavior at low temperature. Highlights • Ge doping changes the structures of Pr 5 Si x Ge 3-x from tetragonal to hexagonal type. • Ge doping increases the MAE and leads to the diminishing of the magnetization. • The RCP values of Pr 5 Si x Ge 3-x (x = 2.5, 2.0) are larger than that of Pr 5 Si 3. • The large MAEs affect the magnetic behaviors of Pr 5 Si x Ge 3-x at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidelines for trip and parking generation in the United States come mainly from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). However, their trip and parking manuals focus on suburban locations with limited transit and pedestrian access. This study aims to determine how many fewer vehicle trips are generated and how much less parking demand is generated, by different housing types (single-family attached, single-family detached, and apartment and condo) and in different settings (from low density suburban environments to compact, mixed-use urban environments). Using household travel survey data from 30 diverse regions of the United States, we estimate a multilevel negative binomial model of vehicle trip generation and a multilevel Poisson model of vehicle ownership, vehicle trip generation and vehicle ownership being logically modelled as count variables. The models have the expected signs on their coefficients and have respectable explanatory power. Vehicle trip generation and vehicle ownership (and hence parking demand) decrease with the compactness of neighbourhood development, measured with a principal component that depends on activity density, land use diversity, percentage of four-way intersections, transit stop density and employment accessibility (after controlling for sociodemographic variables). The models capture the phenomena of 'trip degeneration' and 'car shedding' as development patterns become more compact. Reducing the number of required parking spaces, and vehicle trips for which mitigation is required, creates the potential for significant savings when developing urban projects. Guidelines are provided for using study results in transportation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The subjects of this comparative case study are Orenco Station, a transit-oriented development (TOD) in the Portland region, and Station Park, a transit-adjacent development (TAD) in Salt Lake City region. The peak parking demand at Orenco Station is less than one half the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) suburban parking supply guideline. Also, vehicle trip generation rates are about half what is suggested in the ITE guidelines. Vehicle trip generation rates at Station Park show a smaller reduction but still substantial due to the mixed-use nature of Station Park. Parking generation rates are also lower than the ITE guidelines. In terms of metrics often associated with transportation performance, the large-scale TOD dramatically outperforms the large-scale TAD. The adjacent rail station appears to have little effect on the performance of the TAD, but a substantial effect on the performance of the TOD. Highlights • The peak parking demand at Orenco Station TOD is less than one half the ITE suburban parking supply guideline. • Also, vehicle trip generation rates at Orenco Station are about half what is suggested in the ITE guidelines. • Vehicle trip generation rates at the Station Park TAD are lower than the suburban average due to a mix of land uses. • Parking generation rates at Station Park are also lower than the ITE supply guideline. • Regarding metrics associated with transportation performance, the large-scale TOD outperforms the large-scale TAD. • The adjacent rail station may have a substantial effect on the performance of the TOD but little effect on that of the TAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human males absent on the first (hMOF) is a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and is responsible for acetylating histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16). Recent studies have indicated that hMOF is overexpressed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an oncogene. The aim of this study is to profile the prognostic roles of hMOF in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC undergoing definitive radiotherapy (RT) and in the radiosensitivity of human NSCLC cells. Materials and methods: The expression of hMOF was detected in 24 normal and tumor-paired fresh-frozen NSCLC tissue samples. The immunohistochemistry was conducted, and the correlation of hMOF with clinicopathological parameters was studied in tissues from 90 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who underwent definitive RT. Radiation sensitivity was monitored using clonogenic assays in NCI-H1299 and A549 NSCLC cell lines with hMOF knockdown. Results: hMOF was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared with non-cancerous tissues. Compared to patients with downregulated hMOF, upregulated hMOF was observed in 51.1% (46/90) of the patients, who showed a significantly worse 5-year survival rate (5.4% vs 22.9%, P=0.025). hMOF expression was an independent prognostic factor of unresectable stage III NSCLC patients who underwent definitive RT. Silencing hMOF increased in vitro the sensitive enhancing ratio (SER) of NSCLC cell lines and downregulated the expression of phospho-ataxia telangiectasia mutated (p-ATM) and RAD51 after irradiation (IR). Conclusion: Overexpression of hMOF predicts poor prognosis in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC undergoing definitive RT. Downregulating hMOF might be a promising intervention to improve the outcome after RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we review the possible reasons responsible for the occurrence, maintenance and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment, as well as the corresponding mechanisms of their development, diffusion and transfer. Additionally, elimination strategies are also discussed. The factors that influence the development of ARGs are selection pressure, including that from antibiotics, metal and multiple other factors, co-resistance and cross-resistance, microbial consortium structure, nutrients in the environment and oxidative stress responses. Process parameters, transport pathways, and elimination strategies to reduce the health risk caused by ARGs are also reviewed in detail. Moreover, knowledge gaps and future opportunities of ARGs are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photochromic [2]rotaxanes with bidirectional photoswitchability were fabricated, whose colored states exhibit remarkable visible-light and thermal stabilities as revealed by systematically spectroscopic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With years in the market, ride-hailing services have generated broad impacts on almost every aspect of transportation, from the system level – such as congestion, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), transit ridership, etc. – to the household/individual level – such as vehicle ownership, mode choice, destination choice, etc. This study aims to explore the influences of ride-hailing services on VMT and transit usage at the household level by controlling for both socioeconomic and built environmental characteristics by using pre-COVID-19 data from California. While spatial distributions, descriptive statistics, and statistical tests reveal some connections between ride-hailing usage, household VMT generation, and transit usage, a few of these relationships lose statistical significance in multilevel two-stage regressions once the built environment where people reside is controlled for. The two remaining significant relationships include: 1) occasional ride-hailing usage (1–3 times per month) correlates with increased household VMT generation, and 2) frequent ride-hailing usage (4 or more times per month) is linked to a higher likelihood of utilizing any transit services. Together with previous literature, this study suggests that the associations between ride-hailing services and household VMT generation and transit usage may vary at the household level and depend on the frequency of usage, local contexts, household characteristics, etc., such as the built environment of where people live, employment status, household income, etc. Policymakers and planners should consider all factors to create efficient, sustainable and equitable transportation systems for all. • Influences of ride-hailing are less significant after controlling built environment. • Occasional ride-hailing usage is associated with higher VMT generation. • Frequent ride-hailing usage increases the probability of taking any transit. • Influences of ride-hailing services vary at the individual and local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preferential site substitution of the Fe by Si, Ga and Zr in the Y(Fe,M) 9.2 and Y(Fe,M) 9.2 C compounds, and the doping effects on the magnetic properties have been studied by the first-principles calculations. It is found that the doping of the Si or Zr can improve the thermodynamic stability of the 1:9 phase, while the substitution of the Fe by Ga makes it unstable. Si atom tends to enter the 3g crystal site and Zr prefers to occupy the 2e site when Y(Fe,M) 9.2 and their carbides are synthesized. Although the substitution of the Fe by Si and Zr will reduce the total magnetic moments of the YFe 9.2 and their carbides, the volumetric and the d-band narrowing effects caused by the doping can still modify the electron density distributions of the Fe near the Fermi level, improving the magnetic ordering temperature of the non-carbonated compound YFe 9.2 . The calculated magnetic ordering temperatures of Y(Fe,M) 9.2 C decrease with the increasing content of the doping elements M due to the stronger hybridization of the d bands in the carbides. For the rare-earth(RE) iron based intermetallics REFe 9.2 with the TbCu 7 -type structure, it is suggested that Zr is able to stabilize the phase and enhance the magnetic ordering temperature, indicating the possible further application in the field of permanent magnets, which has not been reported before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site preference of N atom for R2Fe14BNx (R= Pr, Nd) and the interstitial nitrogen effect on the magnetic properties have been studied by the first-principles method. It was found that the nitrogen is more likely to occupy the 4e site for Pr2Fe14BNx compound, while 4f site for Nd2Fe14BNx. When N atoms entering some specific crystal sites (such as 2a and 4f), the total magnetic moments of these compounds are not reduced, but slightly increased. Although the doping of N may reduce the total magnetic moments of some R2Fe14B compounds in the cases of optimal occupancy, the volumetric effect caused by N doping can still change the electron density distributions of Fe near the Fermi level, improving the magnetic ordering temperature of such compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From years of research, we know that compact development that is dense, diverse, well-designed, etc. produces fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than sprawling development. But compact development also concentrates origins and destinations. No one has yet determined, using credible urban form metrics and credible congestion data, the net effect of these countervailing forces on area-wide congestion. Using compactness/sprawl metrics developed for the National Institutes of Health, and congestion data from the Texas Transportation Institute's (TTI's) Urban Mobility Scorecard Annual Report database, this study seeks to determine which opposing point of view of sprawl and congestion is correct. It does so by (1) measuring compactness, congestion, and control variables using the best national data available for U.S. urbanized areas and (2) relating these variables to one another using multivariate methods to determine whether compactness is positively or negatively related to congestion. Our model (and earlier studies by the same authors) suggests that an increase in compactness reduces the amount of driving people do, but also concentrates the driving in smaller areas. The former effect is slightly larger than the latter. The relationship between compactness and congestion falls short of statistical significance at the conventional 0.05 level. This analysis does not support the idea that sprawl acts as a “traffic safety valve,” as some have claimed. However, it also does not support the reverse idea that compact development offers a one-stop solution to congestion, as others have claimed. Developing in a more compact manner may help at the margin, but the greatest reduction in congestion appears to be achievable through expansion of surface streets and higher highway user fees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While transportation infrastructure can increase housing price by improving accessibility to opportunities, it generates environmental health risks, such as noise and air pollution, which may have negative effects on housing price. However, the combined effects of accessibility and environmental health risk on housing price have not been well examined in the literature, especially in the auto-oriented urban context of the United States. In this study, we use assessed housing value data and the hedonic model to examine the single-family housing market's reaction to accessibility and environment health risks in Salt Lake County, a growing metropolitan area in Utah experiencing significant air pollution. Three regression models are employed with the consideration of spatial effects: ordinary least squares (OLS), spatial lag regression (SLR), and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM, or multilevel modeling/MLM). By controlling for the influences of structural attributes and socioeconomic conditions, we find that the negative impacts (traffic noise and air pollution) of transportation systems on single-family housing prices are greater than the positive impact (accessibility). Single-family residents in Salt Lake County are willing to pay more to reduce environmental health risks than to get better accessibility. These findings are different from what have been found in some dense and compact urban areas in the literature. These findings suggest that people's willingness to pay for minimizing environmental health risks varies across different urban contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a home-based walk trip generation model, based on the built environment around households, controlling for sociodemographic influences. Two-stage hurdle models are estimated based on a household travel survey in Portland, Oregon. The first stage predicts the probability of households making any home-based walk trips. The second stage predicts the number of home-based walk trips for the subset of households that make such trips. The study also tests built environment variables for three different buffer widths around household locations to see which scale best explains walking behavior. The results show that sociodemographic characteristics are strong predictors of walk trip generation. Specifically, household size, income, and number of workers in the household influence the probability of a household having any walk trips, while household size and number of children in the household affect the number of walk trips made by the subset of households making walk trips. Characteristics of the built environment are also significant. Activity density, transit stop density, employment accessibility, intersection density, and most interestingly, sidewalk quality are associated with the decision to walk as a mode of travel, while land-use entropy, transit stop density, employment accessibility, sidewalk quality, and traffic calming and signal are predictors of the number of walk trips made by households making walk trips. Sidewalk quality is represented by a single principal component that neatly captures the common variance in an array of sidewalk variables. To our knowledge, this is the first walk trip generation model to include a measure of sidewalk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-triggered photoisomerization of the azobenzene (AB) unit in bistable [2]rotaxanes can cause the shuttling of the macrocycle on the dumbbell, resulting in distinctive dual spectral variation characteristics: (1) the spectral change of the photochromic unit and (2) the variation of the charge-transfer band. By employing the CT bond region as an output signal, non-destructive readout of optical information could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular organic framework (SOF) has been constructed through the co-assembly of a triphenylamine-based building block and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). Fluorescence turn-on of the non-emissive building block was observed upon the formation of the 2D SOF, which displayed highly selective and sensitive recognition of picric acid over a variety of nitroaromatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study pools household travel and built environment data from 15 diverse US regions to produce travel models with more external validity than any to date. It uses a large number of consistently defined built environmental variables to predict five household travel outcomes – car trips, walk trips, bike trips, transit trips and vehicle miles travelled (VMT). It employs multilevel modelling to account for the dependence of households in the same region on shared regional characteristics and estimates ‘hurdle’ models to account for the excess number of zero values in the distributions of dependent variables such as household transit trips. It tests built environment variables for three different buffer widths around household locations to see which scale best explains travel behaviour. The resulting models are appropriate for post-processing outputs of conventional travel demand models, and for sketch planning applications in traffic impact analysis, climate action planning and health impact assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stochastic Eigen model proposed by Feng et al. (2007) (Journal of Theoretical Biology, 246, 28) showed that error threshold is no longer a phase transition point but a crossover region whose width depends on the strength of the random fluctuation in an environment. The underlying cause of this phenomenon has not yet been well examined. In this article, we adopt a single peak Gaussian distributed fitness landscape instead of a constant one to investigate and analyze the change of the error threshold and the statistical property of the quasi-species population. We find a roughly linear relation between the width of the error threshold and the fitness fluctuation strength. For a given quasi-species, the fluctuation of the relative concentration has a minimum with a normal distribution of the relative concentration at the maximum of the averaged relative concentration, it has however a largest value with a bimodal distribution of the relative concentration near the error threshold. The above results deepen our understanding of the quasispecies and error threshold and are heuristic for exploring practicable antiviral strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the role of plasma beta-crosslaps (β-Crosslaps) and N-mid fragment of osteocalcin (N- MID) in healthy 3-6-year-old children. Methods Ninety healthy 3-6-year-old children were chosen with stratified sampling method from Guangzhou City Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Yuexiu District from February to April 2013. Ten of them were disqualified. Both males and females were divided into 2. 5 - 3. 5 year group and 4. 5 - 5. 5 year group, with 20 children in each group. The height and weight of these children were recorded, and WAZ and HAZ were counted. The fast venous blood samples were collected. Plasma concentrations of β-Crosslaps and N-MID were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). All date were analyzed using a SPSS 11.0 software. The correlation among bone metabolic and biomechanical parameters and age, height, weight, WAZ, and HAZ of the children was analyzed. Results 1) The serum β-Crosslaps and N- MID showed no significant difference between the gender and age groups (P > 0. 05). Mean plasma concentrations of β-Crosslaps and N-MID in healthy 3-6-year-old children were 1. 28 ± 0. 31 ng/ml and 64. 44 ± 15. 47 ng/ml, respectively. 2) The association between β-Crosslaps level and N-MID was positive in 3 - 4 - year-old boys and girls (P < 0. 05), and the r was 0. 520 and 0. 648, respectively. The association was not significant in 4 - 6 - year-old boys and girls (P > 0. 05). 3) N-MID and WAZ was closely associated in 4 - 6 - year-old male group (r = 0. 541, P < 0. 05). Both P-Crosslaps and N-MID were not significantly associated with age, height, weight, HAZ, and WAZ (P >0. 05) in the rest groups. Conclusion Levels of bone biochemical markers are relatively stable in healthy 3-6-year-old children. Mean plasma concentrations of P-Crosslaps and N-MID in healthy 3-6-year-old children are 1. 28 ±0. 31 ng/ml and 64. 44 ± 15. 47 ng/ml, respectively. Height, weight, age, HAZ, and WAZ can not reflect the present status of bone metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) is a promising modern technique for sensing trace gases with high sensitivity, selectivity, and high time resolution. Mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, operating in a pulsed or continuous wave mode, have potential as spectroscopic sources because of their narrow linewidths, single mode operation, tunability, high output power, reliability, low power consumption, and compactness. This paper reviews some important developments in modern laser absorption spectroscopy based on the use of quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources. Among the various laser spectroscopic methods, this review is focused on selected absorption spectroscopy applications of QCLs, with particular emphasis on molecular spectroscopy, industrial process control, combustion diagnostics, and medical breath analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the bound states in the continuum (BICs) of the periodic structure with three nanobars in one lattice. It shows that both at-Γ BICs and off-Γ BICs can be modulated by the parameters of the center bar. It is also found that the number of BICs of both types are associated with the nanobar array layers, and Q factor can exceed 105. Results form FDTD and CMT are agree well, which are beneficial to the development of the optical devices based on BICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 Vertically aligned PEDOT nanotube array was directly modified on microelectrodes. 2 PEDOT nanotube array improved electrical properties of microelectrodes. 3 PEDOT nanotube array promoted cell attachment and growth. 4 PEDOT nanotube array stimulated neurite extension with more and longer neurites. To obtain long-term success in chronic implantations, a stable neuron-electrode interface which can seamlessly integrate with brain tissues is required. Compared to conventional flat electrodes, neural electrodes modified with nanostructured materials can provide significantly larger active surface area for charge transfer and neuron-electrode integration. In this study, vertically aligned poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanotube arrays have been directly fabricated on microelectrodes via a template-mediated technique. It is expected that the PEDOT nanotube arrays could improve the electrical properties of microelectrodes, promote cell adhesion and growth, and increase neurite extension and branching. From our study, ∼2 orders of interfacial impedance decrease and charge capacity density enhancement have been obtained from the PEDOT nanotube array modified microelectrodes. In vitro cellular compatibility tests using PC12 cells showed that PEDOT nanotube arrays supported cell adhesion and growth even without cell adhesion promoted molecules, e.g. collagen and poly-L-lysine (PLL). When treated with nerve growth factor (NGF), larger number of and longer neurites were observed from the cells cultured on PEDOT nanotube arrays compared to those on PLL coated flat substrates. Vertically aligned PEDOT nanotube arrays were directly fabricated on microelectrodes to interface neurons. The PEDOT nanotube arrays significantly improved the electrochemical properties, promoted the attachment and growth, and stimulated the differentiation of PC12 cells with significantly larger number and longer neurites [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new types of supramolecular polymers have been constructed via the self-assembly of rigid rod-like monomers and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) in water. These supramolecular polymers possessed rigid backbones and further aggregated into stick-like bunched fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral amplification is an interesting phenomenon in supramolecular chemistry mainly observed in complicated systems in which cooperative effect dominate. Herein, chiral, supramolecular, propeller-like architectures have been constructed through coassembly of an achiral disk-shaped molecule and chiral amino acid derivatives driven by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Both the 'sergeants-and-soldiers' principle and 'majority-rules' effect are applicable in these discrete four-component supermolecules, which are the simplest supramolecular system ever reported that exhibit chiral amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Scaphoid fractures are commonly fixed with headless cannulated screws positioned centrally in the scaphoid. Judgement of central placement of the screw may be difficult. We generated a central zone using computer analysis of 3D reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) images. As long as the screw axis is completely contained within this central zone, the screw would be considered as centrally placed. Methods: Thirty cases of 3D CT reconstructions of normal scaphoids in a computerised operation planning and simulation system (Vxwork software) were obtained. The central zone was established after some distance shrinkage of the original scaphoid surface reconstruction model using the function 'erode' in the software. The shape of the central zone was evaluated, and the width of the central zone in the proximal pole, waist portion and distal pole was measured. We also established the long axis of the scaphoid to see whether it stays in the central zone. Results: All central zones could be divided into distal, waist and proximal portions according to the corresponding irregular shape of the scaphoid. As the geometry of the central zone was so irregular and its width very narrow, it was possible to completely contain the screw axis either in the proximal portion alone, waist alone or distal central zone alone. Conclusions: Establishing the central zone of scaphoid 3D CT images provided a baseline for discussion of central placement of a scaphoid screw. The geometry of the scaphoid central zone determined that the screw could hardly be inserted through entire scaphoid central area during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nutritional status has been associated with long-time outcomes in cancer patients. We investigated whether the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), an indicator of nutritional status, affects overall survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods: We enrolled 121 patients with histologically confirmed MPM, who had successfully undergone biopsy by medical thoracoscopy in this study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively. The PNI was calculated as 10× serum albumin value (g/dl) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm 3) in peripheral blood. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors. Results: Mean pretreatment PNI was 44.6. PNI was significantly associated with age ( P = 0.031), smoking habits ( P = 0.039) and weight loss ( P = 0.029). Survival analysis showed PNI to be an independent prognostic factor in MPM. Patients with lower PNIs (PNI < 44.6) had greater risk of death than those with higher PNIs (PNI ≥ 44.6; hazard ratio: 2.290; 95 % confidence interval: 1.415–3.706; P = 0.001). These analyses were adjusted for patient age, gender, smoking habits, dyspnea, chest pain, weight loss, primary site of tumor, histology, platinum-based systemic chemotherapy, hospital and stage. Conclusions: Pretreatment PNI is a novel independent prognostic factor in MPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work was performed to investigate the possibility of using composted herb residues (C1), co-composted sewage sludge with sawdust (C2), co-composted pig manure with sawdust (C3), and co-composted pig manure with spent mushroom (C4) in the production of horticultural seedlings to replace part of peat in the growing media. The proportions of each compost in the mixtures elaborated with peat were 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v), respectively. The substrate of 100% commercial peat was used as the control. First, some physical, physical-chemical, and chemical properties of these substrates were determined. Second, four kinds of plants tomato, cucumber, bermudagrass, and impatiens were used to evaluate the possibility of different composts to replace part of peat. The seed germination rate, fresh weight and nutrient concentrations of seedling were then measured. We found that the physical, physical-chemical and chemical properties of these substrates were statistically influenced by the type and the proportion of compost in the substrates. The substrates elaborated with C1 and C2 showed adequate physical and chemical properties for their use as substrate in horticultural seedlings production. The highest germination of cucumber, tomato, bermudagrass and impatiens all occurred at C1 based substrate. Seedling grown in the C1 and C2 based substrate reached better growth and nutrition than peat. Our results suggested that the C1 and C2 were good alternative to peat-based substrate for seedling production, especially at the rate of 75% and 100% of C1 and 50% of C2, which have shown beneficial effects on the seedling production of cucumber, tomato, bermudagrass and impatiens compared to the control. However, C3 and C4 were not always adequately used in substituting expensive peat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring new noncovalent bonding motifs with reversibly tunable binding affinity is of fundamental importance in manipulating the properties and functions of supramolecular self‐assembly systems and materials. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate a unique visible‐light‐switchable telluro‐triazole/triazolium‐based chalcogen bonding (ChB) system in which the Te moieties are connected by azobenzene cores. The binding strengths between these azo‐derived ChB receptors and the halide anions (Cl−, Br−) could be reversibly regulated upon irradiation by visible light of different wavelengths. The cis‐bidentate ChB receptors exhibit enhanced halide anion binding ability compared to the trans‐monodentate receptors. In particular, the telluro‐triazolium‐based ChB receptor can achieve both high and significantly photoswitchable binding affinities for halide anions, which enable it to serve as an efficient photocontrolled organocatalyst for ChB‐assisted halide abstraction in a Friedel–Crafts alkylation benchmark reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring new noncovalent bonding motifs with reversibly tunable binding affinity is of fundamental importance in manipulating the properties and functions of supramolecular self‐assembly systems and materials. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate a unique visible‐light‐switchable telluro‐triazole/triazolium‐based chalcogen bonding (ChB) system in which the Te moieties are connected by azobenzene cores. The binding strengths between these azo‐derived ChB receptors and the halide anions (Cl−, Br−) could be reversibly regulated upon irradiation by visible light of different wavelengths. The cis‐bidentate ChB receptors exhibit enhanced halide anion binding ability compared to the trans‐monodentate receptors. In particular, the telluro‐triazolium‐based ChB receptor can achieve both high and significantly photoswitchable binding affinities for halide anions, which enable it to serve as an efficient photocontrolled organocatalyst for ChB‐assisted halide abstraction in a Friedel–Crafts alkylation benchmark reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes the self-assembling property of three series of p-phenyleneethynylene based comb-like oligomers, which carry multiple peripheral side chains of different polarity. The new oligomers are prepared readily through the formation of the hydrazone bonds from the corresponding aldehyde and gallic acid-derived benzohydrazides. In polar solvents such as methanol and ethanol, the oligomers that bear n-decyl or 2-(2-(dioctylamino)-2-oxoethyl-amino)-2-oxoethoxyl unit (DOAOE) segments as the side chains are revealed to form vesicular structures, while the oligomers carrying hydrophilic oligo(ethyleneglycol) side chains do not. The structures of the vesicles are evidenced by SEM, AFM, TEM, and dye-encapsulation experiments. UV–vis absorption spectroscopic experiments suggest that the vesicles are generated through the stacking of the conjugated backbones, which is promoted by the solvophobic interaction of the peripheral side chains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The structure and magnetic properties of Pr5Si3 compound have been investigated. A large reversible magnetic entropy change was observed at about 47K accompanied with a second-order magnetic transition from the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state. The maximum values of −ΔS M are 11.6 and 6.0Jkg−1 K−1 at 47K, corresponding to the applied magnetic field changes of 50 and 20kOe, respectively. The study on the magnetocaloric effect of the light rare-earth based compound, may open a field in searching for new magnetic refrigerant materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The content and speciation of heavy metals in composted sewage sludge is the main cause of negative impacts on environment and health of animal and human. An aerobic composting procedure was conducted to investigate the influences of some key parameters on phytotoxicity and speciation of Cu, Zn and Pb during sewage sludge composting. The pH value reached the optimal range for development of microorganisms, and content of organic matter (OM) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) decreased with the composting age. The total amounts of Cu, Zn and Pb were much lower in the final compost. The results from sequential extraction procedure of heavy metals showed that composting process changed the distribution of five fractions of Cu, Zn and Pb, and reduced the total contents and sum percentages of four mobile fractions (exchangeable (EXCH), carbonate (CAR), reducible iron and manganese (FeMnOX), and organic matter bound (OMB)), indicating that the metal mobility and phytotoxicity decreased after aerobic composting. The seed germination and root growth of Pakchoi (Brassica Chinensis L.) were enhanced with composting age and reached the highest value at the end of compost. The decrease of OM and DOC was significantly correlated to changes of metal distribution and germination index (GI) of Pakchoi. Only for Cu in the compost, the GI could be predictable from the sum mobile metal fractions (EXCH+CAR+FeMnOX+OMB) (R =−0.814*). For Zn and Pb, R value was significantly increased by use of other components, such as pH, OM and DOC, which suggested that the transformation of heavy metal speciation and phytotoxicity of sewage sludge during an aerobic composting was rather strongly dependent on multiple components than a single element. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of the flocculant composed of autoclaved fly-ash brick and chitosan for algae Microcystis aeruginosa removal were investigated. The results showed that when 1 mL flocculant was added in 25 mL algae suspension, which initial density was 10 6 cells/mL, the removal rate of algae reached 88.4%. In order to enhance the removal efficiency, pre-oxidation with KMnO 4 was studied. The results indicated that it could improve algae coagulation removal by 9.44% when it was pre-oxidized by KMnO 4 with the concentration of 0.9 mg/L. The cells of M. aeruginosa sunk quickly, thus the algal cells were removed completely. In conclusion, the combined flocculant owns the advantages of low concentration, short reaction time, and could be employed for algae control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The potential harm of heavy metals is a primary concern in application of sludge to the agricultural land. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of two sludges on fractionation of Zn and Cu in soil and their phytotoxicity to pakchoi. The loamy soil was mixed with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% (by weight) of digested sewage sludge (SS) and composted sludge (SC). The additions of the both sludges caused a significant raise in all fractions, resulting in that exchangeable (EXCH) and organic matter (OM) became predominance for Zn and organic bound Cu occupied the largest portion. There was more available amount for Zn and Cu in SS treatments than SC treatments. During the pot experiment, the concentration of Zn in EXCH, carbonate (CAR) and OM and Cu in EXCH and OM fractions decreased in all treatments, so their bioavailability reduced. Germination rate and plant biomass decreased when the addition rate was high and the best yield appeared in 20% mixtures at the harvest of pakchoi. The two sludges increased tissue contents of Zn and Cu especially in the SS treatments. Zn in pakchoi was not only in relationship to ΔEXCH and ΔCAR forms but also in ΔOM forms in the sludge-soil mixtures. Tissue content of Cu in pakchoi grown on SC-soils could not be predicted by ΔEXCH. These correlation rates between Zn and Cu accumulation in pakchoi and variation of different fractions increased with time, which might indicate that sludges represented stronger impacts on the plant in long-term land application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]