Stable and antibacterial tannic acid-based covalent polymeric hydrogel for highly selective Pb2+ recovery from lead-acid battery industrial wastewater.

The resource of trace lead (Pb2+) from wastewater bearing intricate components is imperative for sustainable progression of the lead-acid battery industry. Herein, we fabricated a tannic acid-based covalent polymeric hydrogel (TA@PMAM) with antimicrobial properties and stability via facile Michael addition reaction. The incorporation of tannic acid (TA) through robust covalent bond leads to a stable porous 3D covalent polymer network with almost no loss of mechanical properties even after 20 compression cycles. Batch adsorption experiments of TA@PMAM revealed an extraordinary adsorption capacity of Pb2+(Qe =196.6 mg/g), achieving 87.2 % of Pb2+ adsorption within the first 5 min owing to porous structure, numerous adsorption sites and good hydrophilicity. Moreover, TA@PMAM demonstrated a strong affinity for Pb2+ in the presence of the interfere metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+etc.) due to the carbonyl and phenolic hydroxyl that can specifically pair with Pb2+. Stable adsorption properties of TA@PMAM were confirmed in fixed bed column adsorption experiment using lead-acid batteries wastewater, retaining 79.56 % of initial adsorption capacity even after 10 times' reuse. Besides, TA@PMAM possesses a broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties. This study sheds novel light on the design and fabrication of adsorbent, which holds great potential for commercialization in recovering lead from battery industrial wastewater.

Compact Chromatic Confocal Lens with Large Measurement Range.

Spectral confocal sensors are effective for measuring displacements. The core of the spectral confocal measurement system is a dispersive objective lens that uses optical dispersion to establish a one-to-one correspondence between the focusing position and wavelength, achieving high-resolution measurements in the longitudinal direction. Despite significant progress in dispersive objective lenses for spectral confocal sensor systems, challenges such as a limited dispersion range, high cost, and insufficient measurement accuracy persist. To expand the measurement range and improve the accuracy of the spectral confocal sensor, we designed a compact, long-axial dispersion objective lens. This lens has a simple structure that requires only six lens elements, two of which form cemented doublets. The system length is 58 mm, with a working distance of 46 ± 6 mm and a dispersion range of 12 mm within the wavelength range of 450-656 nm. The lens has an object-side numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22 and an image-side NA between 0.198 and 0.24, ensuring high light energy utilization. Finally, a spectral confocal measurement system was constructed based on the designed dispersive objective lens, and performance evaluation tests were conducted. The test results showed that the system achieved a resolution of 0.15 µm and a maximum linear error of ±0.7 µm, demonstrating high-precision measurement capabilities. The proposed lens design enables the development of more portable and cost-effective spectral confocal sensors.

Non-Line-of-Sight Imaging and Vibrometry Using a Comb-Calibrated Coherent Sensor.

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging has the ability to reconstruct hidden objects, allowing a wide range of applications. Existing NLOS systems rely on pulsed lasers and time-resolved single-photon detectors to capture the information encoded in the time of flight of scattered photons. Despite remarkable advances, the pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR approach has limited temporal resolution and struggles to detect the frequency-associated information directly. Here, we propose and demonstrate the coherent scheme-frequency-modulated continuous wave calibrated by optical frequency comb-for high-resolution NLOS imaging, velocimetry, and vibrometry. Our comb-calibrated coherent sensor presents a system temporal resolution at subpicosecond and its superior signal-to-noise ratio permits NLOS imaging of complex scenes under strong ambient light. We show the capability of NLOS localization and 3D imaging at submillimeter scale and demonstrate NLOS vibrometry sensing at an accuracy of dozen Hertz. Our approach unlocks the coherent LIDAR techniques for widespread use in imaging science and optical sensing.

Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Furan-Tethered Benzocyclobutenes via Carbene-Mediated 1,4-Sulfinate Migration-Annulation.

A copper-catalyzed intramolecular cascade reaction of conjugated enynones has been achieved via a pivotal 1,4-sulfinate migration step. This process leverages a cost-effective and ecofriendly copper salt as catalyst, enabling the efficient construction of five- and four-membered rings in a rapid, sequential manner, producing furan-tethered benzocyclobutenes in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The reaction is characterized by 100% atom economy, outstanding efficiency, and excellent diastereoselectivity in the cases studied. The robustness of this method is evidenced by its compatibility with air exposure and the use of undistilled, commercially available solvents, further enhancing its practicality.

Fluorine-Rich Supramolecular Nano-Container Crosslinked Hydrogel for Lithium Extraction with Super-High Capacity and Extreme Selectivity.

Extraction and recovery of lithium from reserves play a critical role in the sustainable development of energy due to the explosive growth of the lithium-battery market. However, the low efficiency of extraction and recovery seriously threatens the sustainability of lithium supply. In this contribution, we fabricate a novel mechanically robust fluorine-rich hydrogel, showing highly efficient Li+ extraction from Li-containing solutions. The hydrogel was facilely fabricated by simple one-pot polymerization of supramolecular nanosheets of fluorinated monomers, acrylic acid and a small amount of chemical crosslinkers. The hydrogel exhibits a remarkable lithium adsorption capacity (Qm Li+ =122.3 mg g-1 ) and can be reused. Moreover, it can exclusively extract lithium ions from multiple co-existing metal ions. Notably, the separation of Li+ /Na+ in actual wastewater is achieved with a surprising separation factor of 153.72. The detailed characterizations as well as calculation showed that the specific coordination of Li-F plays a central role for both of the striking recovery capability and selectivity for Li+ . Furthermore, an artificial device was constructed, displaying high efficiency of extracting lithium in various complex actual lithium-containing wastewater. This work provides a new and promising avenue for the efficient extraction and recovery of lithium resource from complex lithium-containing solutions.

Risk factors and clinical outcomes of incomplete endoscopic resection of small rectal neuroendocrine tumors in southern China: a 9-year data analysis.

Background: The histologically complete resection (CR) rate of small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) is unsatisfactory at the first endoscopy. Risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with incomplete resection (IR) have not been explicitly elucidated. This study aims to explore the relevant factors of IR. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed patients with small RNETs (≤10 mm) in eight centers from January 2013 to December 2021. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the CR and IR groups, and the polypectomy and advanced treatment groups. Results: Of the 326 patients included, 83 (25.5%) were diagnosed with IR. Polypectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 16.86), a central depression (OR = 7.50), and treatment in the early period (OR = 2.60) were closely associated with IR. Further analysis revealed that an atypical hyperemic appearance (OR = 7.49) and treatment in the early period (OR = 2.54) were significantly associated with the inappropriate use of polypectomy (both P < 0.05). In addition, a total of 265 (81.3%) were followed up with a median follow-up period of 30.9 months. No death, metastasis, or recurrence was found during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Polypectomy, a central depression, and treatment in the early period were risk factors for IR. Further, an atypical hyperemic appearance and treatment in the early period were significant predisposing factors for inappropriate choice of polypectomy. For histologically incompletely resected small RNETs, follow-up may be a safe and feasible alternative to rigorous salvage therapy.

Improving the thermal structure predictions in the Yellow Sea by conducting targeted observations in the CNOP-identified sensitive areas.

Targeted observation is an appealing procedure for improving model predictions. However, studies on oceanic targeted observations have been largely based on modeling efforts, and there is a need for field validating operations. Here, we report the results of a field targeted observation that is designed based on the sensitive areas identified by the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation approach to improve the 7th day thermal structure prediction in the Yellow Sea. By introducing the technique of cycle data assimilation and the new concept of time-varying sensitive areas, an observing strategy is designed and validated by a set of Observing System Simulation Experiments. Then, the impact of targeted observations was investigated by a choreographed field campaign in the summer of 2019. The results of the in-field Observing System Experiments show that, compared to conventional local data assimilation, conducting targeted observations in the sensitive areas can yield more benefit at the verification time. Furthermore, dynamic analysis demonstrates that the refinement of vertical thermal structures is mainly caused by the changes in the upstream horizontal temperature advection driven by the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass circulation. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted observations on reducing the forecast uncertainty in the ocean.

High exposure effect of the adsorption site significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity and removal rate: A case of adsorption of hexavalent chromium by quaternary ammonium polymers (QAPs).

Enhancing the performance of adsorbents to the utmost extent is an objective but challenging in applying adsorption technology to wastewater treatment. In this work, novel quaternary ammonium polymers (QAPs) with high density adsorption site (i.e., quaternized N, confirmed by FT-IR results) were designed and prepared for rapid selective removal of Cr(VI) from water. The results of EDS analysis indicated the maximum exposure rate of N on the surface of QAPs was as high as 86.1%, which almost doubled comparing to that of Cr(VI) ions imprinted polymers (Cr(VI)-IIP) (46.2%). Interestingly, the maximum adsorption capacity (211.8 mg/g) and initial adsorption rate (h0, 66.6 mg/ (g·min)) of QAPs (i.e., 5:1(TRIM)) for Cr(VI) are about 3.6 times and 4.9 times those of Cr(VI)-IIP (63.0 mg/g and 13.5 mg/(g·min)), respectively. Impressively, flow-through adsorption experiments demonstrated 5:1(TRIM) can completely remove 5 mg/L of Cr(VI) within five seconds. Additionally, 5:1(TRIM) exhibited a remarkable selectivity for Cr(VI) adsorption, and high purity (100%) of chromium can be readily obtained. The proposed idea of high exposure effect of the adsorption site can provide a valuable guidance for designing rapid selective adsorbents to remove and reclaim Cr(VI) from wastewater.

Single-Pixel Photon-Counting Imaging Based on Dual-Comb Interferometry.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate single-pixel photon counting imaging based on dual-comb interferometry at 1550 nm. Different from traditional dual-comb imaging, this approach enables imaging at the photon-counting regime by using single-photon detectors combined with a time-correlated single-photon counter to record the returning photons. The illumination power is as low as 14 pW, corresponding to 2.2 × 10-3 photons/pulse. The lateral resolution is about 50 µm. This technique paves the way for applying dual-comb in remote sensing and imaging.

A high-resolution Asia-Pacific regional coupled prediction system with dynamically downscaling coupled data assimilation.

A regional coupled prediction system for the Asia-Pacific (AP-RCP) (38°E-180°, 20°S-60°N) area has been established. The AP-RCP system consists of WRF-ROMS (Weather Research and Forecast, and Regional Ocean Model System) coupled models combined with local observational information through dynamically downscaling coupled data assimilation (CDA). The system generates 18-day forecasts for the atmosphere and ocean environment on a daily quasi-operational schedule at Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao) (QNLM), consisting of 2 different-resolution coupled models: 27 km WRF coupled with 9 km ROMS, 9 km WRF coupled with 3 km ROMS, while a version of 3 km WRF coupled with 3 km ROMS is in a test mode. This study is a first step to evaluate the impact of high-resolution coupled model with dynamically downscaling CDA on the extended-range predictions, focusing on forecasts of typhoon onset, improved precipitation and typhoon intensity forecasts as well as simulation of the Kuroshio current variability associated with mesoscale oceanic activities. The results show that for realizing the extended-range predictability of atmospheric and oceanic environment characterized by statistics of mesoscale activities, a fine resolution coupled model resolving local mesoscale phenomena with balanced and coherent coupled initialization is a necessary first step. The next challenges include improving the planetary boundary physics and the representation of air-sea and air-land interactions to enable the model to resolve kilometer or sub-kilometer processes.

Attenuation-free non-diffracting Bessel beams.

We report on a versatile method to compensate the linear attenuation in a medium, independently of its microscopic origin. The method exploits diffraction-limited Bessel beams and tailored on-axis intensity profiles, which are generated using a phase-only spatial light modulator. This technique for compensating one of the most fundamental limiting processes in linear optics is shown to be efficient for a wide range of experimental conditions (modifying the refractive index and the attenuation coefficient). Finally, we explain how this method can be advantageously exploited in applications ranging from bio-imaging light sheet microscopy to quantum memories for future quantum communication networks.

Quantitative Correlation between Thermal Cycling and the Microstructures of X100 Pipeline Steel Laser-Welded Joints.

Due to the limitations of the energy density and penetration ability of arc welding technology for long-distance pipelines, the deterioration of the microstructures in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (HAZ) in welded joints in large-diameter, thick-walled pipeline steel leads to insufficient strength and toughness in these joints, which strongly affect the service reliability and durability of oil and gas pipelines. Therefore, high-energy-beam welding is introduced for pipeline steel welding to reduce pipeline construction costs and improve the efficiency and safety of oil and gas transportation. In the present work, two pieces of X100 pipeline steel plates with thicknesses of 12.8 mm were welded by a high-power robot laser-welding platform. The quantitative correlation between thermal cycling and the microstructure of the welded joint was studied using numerical simulation of the welding temperature field, optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the heat-source model of a Gaussian-distributed rotating body and the austenitization degree parameters are highly accurate in simulating the welding temperature field and characterizing the austenitization degree. The effects of austenitization are more significant than those of the cooling rate on the final microstructures of the laser-welded joint. The microstructure of the X100 pipeline steel in the HAZ is mainly composed of acicular ferrite (AF), granular bainite (GB), and bainitic ferrite (BF). However, small amounts of lath martensite (LM), upper bainite (UB), and the bulk microstructure are found in the columnar zone of the weld. The aim of this paper is to provide scientific guidance and a reference for the simulation of the temperature field during high-energy-beam laser welding and to study and formulate the laser-welding process for X100 pipeline steel.

Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 modulates oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through miR-7-5p/ ABCC1 axis.

The underlying functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on chemoresistance in multiple cancers have been testified. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNAs on chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma are still confused. In this study, we concentrated on the function and mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 on oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Results showed that KCNQ1OT1 was significantly up-regulated in oxaliplatin-resistant HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Moreover, knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and reduced the expression of drug-resistant gene (MRP5, MDR1, LRP1). Additionally, bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-7-5p directly targeted the 3'-UTR of miR-7-5p and ABCC1 mRNA, indicating that KCNQ1OT1 regulated the expression of ABCC1 via endogenous sponging miR-7-5p. Conclusively, KCNQ1OT1 modulated oxaliplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through miR-7-5p/ABCC1 axis, indicating a novel approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Discontinuation of Scheduled Infliximab in Crohn's Patients With Clinical Remission: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to determine whether infliximab (IFX) therapy could be safely interrupted in Crohn's disease (CD) patients with clinical remission. The outcome and risk predictors of relapse after IFX therapy stopped are controversial. The aim was to assess the relapse and predictive factors after IFX discontinuation in CD patients with clinical remission. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of CD patients with clinical remission who discontinued scheduled IFX therapy at Nanfang Hospital were included. The primary outcome was relapse. All patients were followed up for more than 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were evaluated for their predictive value of relapse. RESULTS: After a median follow-up period of 12.2(4.8 - 21.2) months, 55.7% (59/106) patients experienced a relapse. The cumulative relapse rate was 39%, 48% and 61% at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Based on multivariable analysis, CD-related surgery before infusion (P = 0.013, hazard ratio (HR): 2.671, 95% confidential interval (CI): 1.230 - 5.798), step-up therapeutic regimen (P = 0.035, HR: 2.073, 95%CI: 1.054 - 4.080), low albumin (Alb) level at week 0 (P = 0.022, HR: 3.431, 95%CI: 1.196 - 9.846) and high C-reactive protein (CRP) level at week 30 (P = 0.007, HR: 2.643, 95%CI: 1.310 - 5.332) were associated with clinical relapse. CONCLUSIONS: After cessation of scheduled IFX therapy in CD patients with clinical remission, nearly half of the patients experienced a relapse within 1 year. In the event of the presence of certain predictive factors, IFX scheduled therapy should probably be continued.

Thalidomide induces mucosal healing in postoperative Crohn disease endoscopic recurrence: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Thalidomide has been successful use in patients with refractory Crohn disease (CD) in recent years. METHODS: We collected the data of a postoperative CD patient who was prescribed thalidomide to induce remission and reviewed the relevant literatures. RESULTS: A 51-year-old female was diagnosed as CD after an urgent terminal intestinal resection and presented endoscopic recurrence despite the prophylactic treatment with azathioprine (AZA). Fortunately, she achieved mucosal healing (MH) at a low dose of thalidomide for 15 months. CONCLUSION: Thalidomide is effective to induce MH in the postoperative CD endoscopic recurrence.

Quantum detector tomography of a single-photon frequency upconversion detection system.

We experimentally presented a full quantum detector tomography of a synchronously pumped infrared single-photon frequency upconversion detector. A maximum detection efficiency of 37.6% was achieved at the telecom wavelength of 1558 nm with a background noise about 1.0 × 10-3 counts/pulse. The corresponding internal quantum conversion efficiency reached as high as 84.4%. The detector was then systematically characterized at different pump powers to investigate the quantum decoherence behavior. Here the reconstructed positive operator valued measure elements were equivalently illustrated with the Wigner function formalism, where the quantum feature of the detector is manifested by the presence of negative values of the Wigner function. In our experiment, pronounced negativities were attained due to the high detection efficiency and low background noise, explicitly showing the quantum feature of the detector. Such quantum detector could be useful in optical quantum state engineering, quantum information processing and communication.

[Study on the Enhancement Intensity of Cd in Rice with Microwave-Assisted Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy].

As food safety problem has become the focus of attention all over the world, green detection methods of the contaminants in food is in accordance with the sustainable development of environment. Heavy metal pollutant Cd element in rice was used as the object of study in this work, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and microwave assisted laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (MA-LIBS) were utilized to detect the blank and laboratory polluted rice samples respectively. The characteristic line of Cd Ⅰ 228.802 nm was employed as analytical line to discuss the enhancement effect of plasmas emission intensity for the analytical line of target element. Meanwhile, the actual concentration of Cd in rice was measured by anodic stripping voltammetry. The result displayed that LIBS can just detect the plasmas signals of the sample which contained 13.69 µg·g-1 cadmium for the laboratory polluted rice samples which concentration range from 2.16 to 13.69 µg·g-1, however, in the same experimental conditions, MA-LIBS can detect the plasmas signals of Cd in all of the contaminated rice samples successfully, and compared with LIBS, the plasmas emission intensity of Cd element was enhanced from 9 to 27 times. The results showed that the plasmas emission intensity of Cd element in rice can be enhanced effectively by MA-LIBS, and the detection sensitivity can be effectively improved.

Quantitative analysis of chromium in potatoes by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with linear multivariate calibration.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with the linear multivariate regression method was utilized to analyze chromium (Cr) quantitatively in potatoes. The plasma was generated using a Nd:YAG laser, and the spectra were acquired by an Andor spectrometer integrated with an ICCD detector. The models between intensity of LIBS characteristic line(s) and concentration of Cr were constructed to predict quantitatively the content of target. The unary, binary, ternary, and quaternary variables were chosen for verifying the accuracy of linear regression calibration curves. The intensity of characteristic lines Cr (CrI: 425.43, 427.48, 428.97 nm) and Ca (CaI: 422.67, 428.30, 430.25, 430.77, 431.86 nm) were used as input data for the multivariate calculations. According to the results of linear regression, the model of quaternary linear regression was established better in comparing with the other three models. A good agreement was observed between the actual content provided by atomic absorption spectrometry and the predicted value obtained by the quaternary linear regression model. And the relative error was below 5.5% for validation samples S1 and S2. The result showed that the multivariate approach can obtain better predicted accuracy than the univariate ones. The result also suggested that the LIBS technique coupled with the linear multivariate calibration method could be a great tool to predict heavy metals in farm products in a rapid manner even though samples have similar elemental compositions.

[Influence of Spectral Pre-Processing on PLS Quantitative Model of Detecting Cu in Navel Orange by LIBS].

Cu in navel orange was detected rapidly by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with partial least squares (PLS) for quantitative analysis, then the effect on the detection accuracy of the model with different spectral data ptetreatment methods was explored. Spectral data for the 52 Gannan navel orange samples were pretreated by different data smoothing, mean centralized and standard normal variable transform. Then 319~338 nm wavelength section containing characteristic spectral lines of Cu was selected to build PLS models, the main evaluation indexes of models such as regression coefficient (r), root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were compared and analyzed. Three indicators of PLS model after 13 points smoothing and processing of the mean center were found reaching 0. 992 8, 3. 43 and 3. 4 respectively, the average relative error of prediction model is only 5. 55%, and in one word, the quality of calibration and prediction of this model are the best results. The results show that selecting the appropriate data pre-processing method, the prediction accuracy of PLS quantitative model of fruits and vegetables detected by LIBS can be improved effectively, providing a new method for fast and accurate detection of fruits and vegetables by LIBS.

[Determination of Cu in Shell of Preserved Egg by LIBS Coupled with PLS].

In this work, the content of copper in the shell of preserved eggs were determined directly by Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and the characteristics lines of Cu was obtained. The samples of eggshell were pretreated by acid wet digestion, and the real content of Cu was obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Due to the test precision and accuracy of LIBS was influenced by a serious of factors, for example, the complex matrix effect of sample, the enviro nment noise, the system noise of the instrument, the stability of laser energy and so on. And the conventional unvariate linear calibration curve between LIBS intensity and content of element of sample, such as by use of Schiebe G-Lomakin equation, can not meet the requirement of quantitative analysis. In account of that, a kind of multivariate calibration method is needed. In this work, the data of LIBS spectra were processed by partial least squares (PLS), the precision and accuracy of PLS model were compared by different smoothing treatment and five pretreatment methods. The result showed that the correlation coefficient and the accuracy of the PLS model were improved, and the root mean square error and the average relative error were reduced effectively by 11 point smoothing with Multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) pretreatment. The results of the study show that, heavy metal Cu in preserved egg shells can be direct detected accurately by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, and the next step batch tests will been conducted to find out the relationship of heavy metal Cu content in the preserved egg between the eggshell, egg white and egg yolk. And the goal of the contents of heavy metals in the egg white, egg yolk can be knew through determinate the eggshell by the LIBS can be achieved, to provide new method for rapid non-destructive testing technology for quality and satety of agricultural products.