The enhancement of the intensity of red upconversion(UC)emission has significant implications for biological applications.In KZnF_(3):Yb^(3+),Er^(3+)which inherently produces high-purity red emission,the introduction ...The enhancement of the intensity of red upconversion(UC)emission has significant implications for biological applications.In KZnF_(3):Yb^(3+),Er^(3+)which inherently produces high-purity red emission,the introduction of Fe^(3+)markedly improves the UC intensity by a factor of 13.The mechanism behind the enhanced UC red luminescence is deduced to originate from the Yb^(3+)-Fe^(3+)dimer,as determined by first principle calculation and analysis of UC luminescence properties.The thermometry performance,based on splitting peaks of red emission,demonstrated enhanced temperature sensitivity at lower ranges.Exploring the photothermal properties,it was observed that temperature exhibited a linear correlation with pump power under a 980 nm laser,achieving levels up to 48℃.This temperature range is ideal for applications in mild photothermal therapy(MPTT).This work elucidates the material’s potential in advanced biological applications,merging optical thermometry and photothermics,indicating its multifunctional utility.展开更多
This study aimed to address the challenges of solid waste utilization,cost reduction,and carbon reduction in the treatment of deep-dredged soil at Xuwei Port in Lianyungang city of China.Past research in this area was...This study aimed to address the challenges of solid waste utilization,cost reduction,and carbon reduction in the treatment of deep-dredged soil at Xuwei Port in Lianyungang city of China.Past research in this area was limited.Therefore,a curing agent made from powdered shells was used to solidify the dredged soil in situ.We employed laboratory orthogonal tests to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the powdered shell-based curing agent.Data was collected by conducting experiments to assess the role of powdered shells in the curing process and to determine the optimal ratios of powdered shells to solidified soil for different purposes.The development of strength in solidified soil was studied in both seawater and pure water conditions.The study revealed that the strength of the solidified soil was influenced by the substitution rate of powdered shells and their interaction with cement.Higher cement content had a positive effect on strength.For high-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio of wet soil:cement:lime:powdered shells were 100:16:4:4,while for low-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio was 100:5.4:2.4:0.6.Seawater,under appropriate conditions,improved short-term strength by promoting the formation of expansive ettringite minerals that contributed to cementation and precipitation.These findings suggest that the combination of cement and powdered shells is synergistic,positively affecting the strength of solidified soil.The recommended ratios provide practical guidance for achieving desired strength levels while considering factors such as cost and carbon emissions.The role of seawater in enhancing short-term strength through crystal formation is noteworthy and can be advantageous for certain applications.In conclusion,this research demonstrates the potential of using a powdered shell-based curing agent for solidifying dredged soil in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.The recommended ratios for different strength requirements offer valuable insights for practical applications in the field of soil treatment,contributing to sustainable and efficient solutions for soil management.展开更多
The uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of rocks is a vital geomechanical parameter widely used for rock mass classification,stability analysis,and engineering design in rock engineering.Various UCS testing methods and ...The uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of rocks is a vital geomechanical parameter widely used for rock mass classification,stability analysis,and engineering design in rock engineering.Various UCS testing methods and apparatuses have been proposed over the past few decades.The objective of the present study is to summarize the status and development in theories,test apparatuses,data processing of the existing testing methods for UCS measurement.It starts with elaborating the theories of these test methods.Then the test apparatus and development trends for UCS measurement are summarized,followed by a discussion on rock specimens for test apparatus,and data processing methods.Next,the method selection for UCS measurement is recommended.It reveals that the rock failure mechanism in the UCS testing methods can be divided into compression-shear,compression-tension,composite failure mode,and no obvious failure mode.The trends of these apparatuses are towards automation,digitization,precision,and multi-modal test.Two size correction methods are commonly used.One is to develop empirical correlation between the measured indices and the specimen size.The other is to use a standard specimen to calculate the size correction factor.Three to five input parameters are commonly utilized in soft computation models to predict the UCS of rocks.The selection of the test methods for the UCS measurement can be carried out according to the testing scenario and the specimen size.The engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the UCS testing methods and its potential developments in various rock engineering endeavors.展开更多
Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation(MICP)is an emerging,environmental-friendly,and sustainable technology that has shown great potential for soil stabilization.However,its process efficiency has been re-cognized...Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation(MICP)is an emerging,environmental-friendly,and sustainable technology that has shown great potential for soil stabilization.However,its process efficiency has been re-cognized as a major challenge for its practical application in engineering.Non-fat powdered milk(NFPM)has been shown to have positive effects in enzymatical-induced carbonate precipitation(EICP),so in this study,we evaluated its use as an additive in the MICP process.A comparison between conventional MICP and NFPM-modified MICP was conducted,including chemical conversion efficiency,urea hydrolysis rate,and mechanical performance of sandy soils.A series of laboratory tests including precipitation analysis,unconfined compressive strength(UCS),and microstructure analysis were conducted.The results showed that the addition of NFPM could improve urease activity,enhance chemical conversion efficiency,and lead to superior strength im-provement compared to conventional MICP.Microstructure and particle size analysis revealed that the presence of NFPM was beneficial for larger crystal cluster formation between sand grains,which could result in stronger bonds and better mechanical performance.In summary,this study indicates that the use of NFPM in MICP process can represent a more sustainable and economically viable approach for soil stabilization.The findings provide valuable information for engineers and researchers working in soil stabilization and environmental engineering,highlighting the potential of using natural additives such as NFPM to promote the sustainable development of MICP technique.展开更多
Although soil exhibits excellent mechanical performance,the microstructural changes of biopolymer within soil due to dehydration and rehydration are rarely explored.This study aims to explore xanthan gum soil microstr...Although soil exhibits excellent mechanical performance,the microstructural changes of biopolymer within soil due to dehydration and rehydration are rarely explored.This study aims to explore xanthan gum soil microstructure and strength behavior under different dehydration and rehydration degrees using nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and unconfined compressive strength tests.The results showed that the proportion of large-volume biopolymer gel within the sample decreased from 91.91%to 38.28%during dehydration,but increased to 90.44%upon rehydration when sample moisture returned to its original level.The NMR images revealed that biopolymer gel evaporated from outside during the dehydration process,causing the dehydrated biopolymer to shrink and form a high-strength glass,which directly enhanced the soil's macroscopic mechanical properties.Upon rehydration,the biopolymer reabsorbed moisture and gradually expanded,leading to weakened connections between soil particles and a decrease in strength.Therefore,even when the moisture content of soil remained constant during the dehydration and rehydration processes,their unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and failure patterns exhibited significant differences.Both the UCS and NMR signal of biopolymer-treated soil decreased after the first dehydration and rehydration cycle,stabilizing gradually after subsequent cycles.展开更多
Background:Mesalazine preparations serve as first-line therapy for active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis(UC),however,not all patients respond to mesalazine.Patients with mesalazine-refractory UC often switch to c...Background:Mesalazine preparations serve as first-line therapy for active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis(UC),however,not all patients respond to mesalazine.Patients with mesalazine-refractory UC often switch to corticosteroids,immunological therapy,and biological agents,but their use is limited owing to their well-characterised side effects(e.g.osteoporosis and cushingoid feature).Therefore,there is an unmet medical need for novel treatments with a manageable safety profile for patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.New Wumei Pill is a novel and effective herbal prescription for the treatment of UC,and our preliminary study suggested that New Wumei Pill has a significant effect on patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.However,its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly.Objectives:This trail aims to evaluate efficacy,safety and mechanisms of New Wumei Pill in the treatment of patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.Methods:This is a prospective,randomized,double-blind control trial,in which 72 patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio in the treatment and control group.Patients will be screened for eligibility at the outpatient and ward of the Department of Gastroenterology in Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.72 participants will undergo strict screening to meet the diagnostic criteria of mildly to moderately active UC,with modified Mayo score of 3-10 points.All patients will be administered by mesalazine enteric-coated tablets for 8 weeks,at the same time,the patients in treatment group will receive New Wumei Pill,while patients from control group will be administered by dummy New Wumei Pill.Results:The primary outcomes are clinical efficacy rate and clinical remission rate according to the modified Mayo score.The secondary outcomes are individual symptom score,TCM syndrome score,endoscopic response rate,mucosal healing rate,and quality of life scale score.Finally,biological samples from participants will be preserved to reveal the mechanisms of New Wumei Pill on UC.Conclusions:We hypothesize that the patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will benefit from New Wumei Pill.If successful,this trial will provide evidence of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UC,and hold promises for novel options UC patients and policymakers.展开更多
Urothelial carcinoma(UC)is the 9th most common and the 13th most deadly cancer worldwide1.Despite the availability of platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhib-itors(ICIs),the 5-year survival rate of pat...Urothelial carcinoma(UC)is the 9th most common and the 13th most deadly cancer worldwide1.Despite the availability of platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhib-itors(ICIs),the 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic UC(mUC)remains poor(10-15%)2.展开更多
基金supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD),"Qinglan Project"Young and Middle-aged Academic Leaders Program of Jiangsu Province,and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program).
文摘The enhancement of the intensity of red upconversion(UC)emission has significant implications for biological applications.In KZnF_(3):Yb^(3+),Er^(3+)which inherently produces high-purity red emission,the introduction of Fe^(3+)markedly improves the UC intensity by a factor of 13.The mechanism behind the enhanced UC red luminescence is deduced to originate from the Yb^(3+)-Fe^(3+)dimer,as determined by first principle calculation and analysis of UC luminescence properties.The thermometry performance,based on splitting peaks of red emission,demonstrated enhanced temperature sensitivity at lower ranges.Exploring the photothermal properties,it was observed that temperature exhibited a linear correlation with pump power under a 980 nm laser,achieving levels up to 48℃.This temperature range is ideal for applications in mild photothermal therapy(MPTT).This work elucidates the material’s potential in advanced biological applications,merging optical thermometry and photothermics,indicating its multifunctional utility.
基金Funded by the Science and Technology Project of Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Department(No.2022Y13)。
文摘This study aimed to address the challenges of solid waste utilization,cost reduction,and carbon reduction in the treatment of deep-dredged soil at Xuwei Port in Lianyungang city of China.Past research in this area was limited.Therefore,a curing agent made from powdered shells was used to solidify the dredged soil in situ.We employed laboratory orthogonal tests to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the powdered shell-based curing agent.Data was collected by conducting experiments to assess the role of powdered shells in the curing process and to determine the optimal ratios of powdered shells to solidified soil for different purposes.The development of strength in solidified soil was studied in both seawater and pure water conditions.The study revealed that the strength of the solidified soil was influenced by the substitution rate of powdered shells and their interaction with cement.Higher cement content had a positive effect on strength.For high-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio of wet soil:cement:lime:powdered shells were 100:16:4:4,while for low-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio was 100:5.4:2.4:0.6.Seawater,under appropriate conditions,improved short-term strength by promoting the formation of expansive ettringite minerals that contributed to cementation and precipitation.These findings suggest that the combination of cement and powdered shells is synergistic,positively affecting the strength of solidified soil.The recommended ratios provide practical guidance for achieving desired strength levels while considering factors such as cost and carbon emissions.The role of seawater in enhancing short-term strength through crystal formation is noteworthy and can be advantageous for certain applications.In conclusion,this research demonstrates the potential of using a powdered shell-based curing agent for solidifying dredged soil in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.The recommended ratios for different strength requirements offer valuable insights for practical applications in the field of soil treatment,contributing to sustainable and efficient solutions for soil management.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52308403 and 52079068)the Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering(No.104023005)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2023M731998)for funding provided to this work.
文摘The uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of rocks is a vital geomechanical parameter widely used for rock mass classification,stability analysis,and engineering design in rock engineering.Various UCS testing methods and apparatuses have been proposed over the past few decades.The objective of the present study is to summarize the status and development in theories,test apparatuses,data processing of the existing testing methods for UCS measurement.It starts with elaborating the theories of these test methods.Then the test apparatus and development trends for UCS measurement are summarized,followed by a discussion on rock specimens for test apparatus,and data processing methods.Next,the method selection for UCS measurement is recommended.It reveals that the rock failure mechanism in the UCS testing methods can be divided into compression-shear,compression-tension,composite failure mode,and no obvious failure mode.The trends of these apparatuses are towards automation,digitization,precision,and multi-modal test.Two size correction methods are commonly used.One is to develop empirical correlation between the measured indices and the specimen size.The other is to use a standard specimen to calculate the size correction factor.Three to five input parameters are commonly utilized in soft computation models to predict the UCS of rocks.The selection of the test methods for the UCS measurement can be carried out according to the testing scenario and the specimen size.The engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the UCS testing methods and its potential developments in various rock engineering endeavors.
基金supported by NSFC Major International Joint Research Project POW3M(51920105013)The authors also gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51978315)The corresponding author also acknowledges support from the Jiangsu Government Scholarship for Overseas Studies(UJS-2023-001).
文摘Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation(MICP)is an emerging,environmental-friendly,and sustainable technology that has shown great potential for soil stabilization.However,its process efficiency has been re-cognized as a major challenge for its practical application in engineering.Non-fat powdered milk(NFPM)has been shown to have positive effects in enzymatical-induced carbonate precipitation(EICP),so in this study,we evaluated its use as an additive in the MICP process.A comparison between conventional MICP and NFPM-modified MICP was conducted,including chemical conversion efficiency,urea hydrolysis rate,and mechanical performance of sandy soils.A series of laboratory tests including precipitation analysis,unconfined compressive strength(UCS),and microstructure analysis were conducted.The results showed that the addition of NFPM could improve urease activity,enhance chemical conversion efficiency,and lead to superior strength im-provement compared to conventional MICP.Microstructure and particle size analysis revealed that the presence of NFPM was beneficial for larger crystal cluster formation between sand grains,which could result in stronger bonds and better mechanical performance.In summary,this study indicates that the use of NFPM in MICP process can represent a more sustainable and economically viable approach for soil stabilization.The findings provide valuable information for engineers and researchers working in soil stabilization and environmental engineering,highlighting the potential of using natural additives such as NFPM to promote the sustainable development of MICP technique.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42102324)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China(Grant No.2024AFB686)Open Fund of Badong National Observation and Research Station of Geohazards(Grant No.BNORSG-202102).
文摘Although soil exhibits excellent mechanical performance,the microstructural changes of biopolymer within soil due to dehydration and rehydration are rarely explored.This study aims to explore xanthan gum soil microstructure and strength behavior under different dehydration and rehydration degrees using nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and unconfined compressive strength tests.The results showed that the proportion of large-volume biopolymer gel within the sample decreased from 91.91%to 38.28%during dehydration,but increased to 90.44%upon rehydration when sample moisture returned to its original level.The NMR images revealed that biopolymer gel evaporated from outside during the dehydration process,causing the dehydrated biopolymer to shrink and form a high-strength glass,which directly enhanced the soil's macroscopic mechanical properties.Upon rehydration,the biopolymer reabsorbed moisture and gradually expanded,leading to weakened connections between soil particles and a decrease in strength.Therefore,even when the moisture content of soil remained constant during the dehydration and rehydration processes,their unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and failure patterns exhibited significant differences.Both the UCS and NMR signal of biopolymer-treated soil decreased after the first dehydration and rehydration cycle,stabilizing gradually after subsequent cycles.
基金supported by the Unveiling and Leading Projects of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(No.2023-JYB-JBQN-014)the China Association of Chinese Medicine Young Talent Support Project(No.CACM-2022-QNRC2-A02).
文摘Background:Mesalazine preparations serve as first-line therapy for active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis(UC),however,not all patients respond to mesalazine.Patients with mesalazine-refractory UC often switch to corticosteroids,immunological therapy,and biological agents,but their use is limited owing to their well-characterised side effects(e.g.osteoporosis and cushingoid feature).Therefore,there is an unmet medical need for novel treatments with a manageable safety profile for patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.New Wumei Pill is a novel and effective herbal prescription for the treatment of UC,and our preliminary study suggested that New Wumei Pill has a significant effect on patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.However,its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly.Objectives:This trail aims to evaluate efficacy,safety and mechanisms of New Wumei Pill in the treatment of patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.Methods:This is a prospective,randomized,double-blind control trial,in which 72 patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio in the treatment and control group.Patients will be screened for eligibility at the outpatient and ward of the Department of Gastroenterology in Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.72 participants will undergo strict screening to meet the diagnostic criteria of mildly to moderately active UC,with modified Mayo score of 3-10 points.All patients will be administered by mesalazine enteric-coated tablets for 8 weeks,at the same time,the patients in treatment group will receive New Wumei Pill,while patients from control group will be administered by dummy New Wumei Pill.Results:The primary outcomes are clinical efficacy rate and clinical remission rate according to the modified Mayo score.The secondary outcomes are individual symptom score,TCM syndrome score,endoscopic response rate,mucosal healing rate,and quality of life scale score.Finally,biological samples from participants will be preserved to reveal the mechanisms of New Wumei Pill on UC.Conclusions:We hypothesize that the patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will benefit from New Wumei Pill.If successful,this trial will provide evidence of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UC,and hold promises for novel options UC patients and policymakers.
基金supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.L244024)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82172604 and 82473199)CSCO Clinical Oncology Research Foundation(Grant No.Y-2022HER2AZMS-0258).
文摘Urothelial carcinoma(UC)is the 9th most common and the 13th most deadly cancer worldwide1.Despite the availability of platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhib-itors(ICIs),the 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic UC(mUC)remains poor(10-15%)2.
