Organo-layered double hydroxides for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soil washing effluents containing high concentrations of surfactants

Zhang, Ming,Zhao, Cheng,Li, Jinye,Xu, Liheng,Wei, Fang,Hou, Deyi,Sarkar, Binoy,Ok, Yong Sik Elsevier 2019 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.373 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Disposal of soil washing effluent (SWE) resulting from the surfactant-enhanced remediation of soil containing hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs)is complicated because of the presence of high levels of surfactants. The synthesized layered double hydroxides (LDHs), modified with sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) in different loading amounts (organo-LDHs),were evaluated in this study as sorbents for the removal of two typical HOCs, phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR),from a simulative SWE. The results showed that the organo-LDHs can effectively sorb PHE and PYR from the SWE within an equilibrium time of 2 h. All isotherms were linear and the sorption capabilities of the organo-LDHs increased almost linearly with the increase in the amount of SDS loaded on the LDHs. Besides, the surface areas of the organo-LDHs decreased sharply with the increase in SDS loading owing to the hindrance of the exposed surface of the LDHs by the incorporated SDS. These findings indicated that partitioning dominated the sorption process rather than adsorption, and the strong affinity of HOCs towards the organic phase in LDHs assisted in the effective removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the SWE. Furthermore, the sorption capabilities of organo-LDHs towards PHE and PYR at the higher loading amounts of SDS were much greater than that of commercial activated carbon at the higher concentration ranges of PAHs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Dodecyl sulfonate anion modified LDHs are employed for the removal of PHE and PYR in soil washing effluent (SWE). </LI> <LI> Organo-LDHs showed superior performance in PHE removal from SWE than that of commercial activated carbon. </LI> <LI> Partitioning of PHE and PYR in the organic fraction of the organo-LDHs was the main mechanism. </LI> <LI> Using organo-LDHs for the separation of HOCs from surfactants in SWE facilitated reuse of the surfactants. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Dietary exposure and human risk assessment of phthalate esters based on total diet study in Cambodia

Cheng, Zhang,Li, Han-Han,Wang, Hong-sheng,Zhu, Xue-Mei,Sthiannopkao, Suthipong,Kim, Kyoung-Woong,Yasin, Mohamed Salleh Mohamed,Hashim, Jamal Hisham,Wong, Ming-Hung Elsevier 2016 Environmental research Vol.150 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Phthalate esters are used in a wide variety of consumer products, and human exposure to this class of compounds is widespread. Nevertheless, studies on dietary exposure of human to phthalates are limited. In this study, to assess the daily intakes of phthalate esters and the possible adverse health impacts, different food samples were collected from three areas of Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in the world. The ∑phthalate ester concentrations in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Kandal provinces ranged from 0.05 to 2.34 (median 0.88) μgg<SUP>−1</SUP>, 0.19–1.65 (median 0.86) μgg<SUP>−1</SUP> and 0.24–3.05 (median 0.59) μgg<SUP>−1</SUP> wet weight (ww), respectively. Di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) were the predominant compounds among all foodstuffs. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of phthalate esters for the general population in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Kandal was 34.3, 35.6 and 35.8μgkg<SUP>−1</SUP> bw d<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. The dietary daily intake of DEHP, benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in Kampong Cham, Kratie and Kandal were below the tolerable daily intakes (TDI) imposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and reference doses (RfD) imposed by The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Rice contributed the greatest quantity of DEHP to the daily intake in Cambodia so may deserve further exploration. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the occurrence and the daily intakes of phthalate esters in Cambodia.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Phthalate esters concentration in daily foodstuffs collected from Cambodia. </LI> <LI> Investigate the bioaccessbility of phthalate esters via the foodstuffs consumption. </LI> <LI> Health risk evaluation of dietary exposure to phthalate esters. </LI> </UL> </P>

Morphological Factors and Cardiac Doses in Whole Breast Radiation for Left-sided Breast Cancer

Guan, Hui,Dong, Yuan-Li,Ding, Li-Jie,Zhang, Zi-Cheng,Huang, Wei,Liu, Cheng-Xin,Fu, Cheng-Rui,Zhu, Jian,Li, Hong-Sheng,Li, Miao-Miao,Li, Bao-Sheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.7

Background: To investigate the impact of the breast size, shape, maximum heart depth (MDH), and chest wall hypotenuse (the distance connecting middle point of the sternum and the length of lung draw on the selected transverse CT slice) on the volumetric dose to heart with whole breast irradiation (WBI) of left-sided breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients with left-sided breast cancer undergoing adjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were enrolled in the study. The primary breast size and shape, MHD and DCWH (chest wall hypotenuse) were contoured on radiotherapy (RT) planning CT slices. The dose data of hearts were obtained from the dose-volume histograms (DVHs). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test and linear regression analysis. Results: Breast size was independent of heart dose, whereas breast shape, MHD and DCWH were correlated with heart dose. The shapes of breasts were divided into four types, as the flap type, hemisphere type, cone type and pendulous type with heart mean dose being $491.8{\pm}234.6cGy$, $752.7{\pm}219.0cGy$, $620.2{\pm}275.7cGy$, and $666.1{\pm}238.0cGy$, respectively. The flap type of breasts shows a strong statistically reduction in heart dose, compared to others (p=0.008 for V30 of heart). DCWH and MHD were found to be the most important parameters correlating with heart dose in WBI. Conclusions: More attention should be paid to the heart dose of non-flap type patients. The MHD was found to be the most important parameter to correlate with heart dose in tangential WBI, closely followed by the DCWH, which could help radiation oncologists and physicsts evaluate heart dose and design RT plan in advance.

Highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalysis based on MoS₂/CdS/TiO₂ porous composites

Du, Jimin,Wang, Huiming,Yang, Mengke,Zhang, Fangfang,Wu, Haoran,Cheng, Xuechun,Yuan, Sijie,Zhang, Bing,Li, Kaidi,Wang, Yina,Lee, Hyoyoung Elsevier 2018 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.43 No.19

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Efficient production of hydrogen through visible-light-driven water splitting mechanism using semiconductor-based composites has been identified as a promising strategy for converting light into clean H<SUB>2</SUB> fuel. However, researchers are facing lots of challenges such as light absorption and electron-hole pair recombination and so on. Here, new sheet-shaped MoS<SUB>2</SUB> and pyramid-shaped CdS <I>in-situ</I> co-grown on porous TiO<SUB>2</SUB> photocatalysts (MoS<SUB>2</SUB> CdSTiO<SUB>2</SUB>) are successfully obtained <I>via</I> mild sulfuration of MoO<SUB>3</SUB> and CdO coexisted inside porous TiO<SUB>2</SUB> monolith by a hydrothermal route. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results exhibit that the MoS<SUB>2</SUB> CdSTiO<SUB>2</SUB> composites have average pore size about 500 nm. The 3%MoS<SUB>2</SUB> 10%CdSTiO<SUB>2</SUB> demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity and high stability for a hydrogen production with a high H<SUB>2</SUB>-generation rate of 4146 μmol h<SUP>−1</SUP> g<SUP>−1</SUP> under visible light irradiation even without noble-metal co-catalysts. The super photocatalytic performance of the visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution is predominantly attributed to the synergistic effect. The conduction band of MoS<SUB>2</SUB> facilitates in transporting excited electrons from visible-light on CdS to the porous TiO<SUB>2</SUB> for catalytic hydrogen production, and holes to MoS<SUB>2</SUB> for inhibiting the photocorrosion of CdS, respectively, leading to enhancing the efficient separation of electrons and holes.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> MoS<SUB>2</SUB>-CT photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized by two-step method. </LI> <LI> The porous structure can enhance photogenerated electron-hole pairs separation. </LI> <LI> The 3% MoS<SUB>2</SUB>-CT shows an excellent H<SUB>2</SUB> evolution rate of 4146 μmol h<SUP>−1</SUP> g<SUP>−1</SUP>. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

K-doping effect of the superconductivity in K2xFeTe1-xSx (0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.3)

Cheng Cheng,Zhenjie Feng,Qing Li,Tao Li,Qiang Hou,Fei Chen,Zhongmin Ou,Jun-Yi Ge,Shixun Cao,Jincang Zhang 한국물리학회 2019 Current Applied Physics Vol.19 No.4

Bulk samples of K doping K2xFeTe1-xSx with x=0.07, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 are successfully prepared by using easy-to-use stable compound K2S as the reactant. The lattice constant calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that K ions enter the Fe-Te-S layers. K doping is beneficial enhance the superconductivity transition temperature from the R-T curves. The apparent diamagnetic signal is observed in M-T curves when the content of K is smaller than 0.1. However, differential curves (dM/dT) in K-rich samples appear sharp slope mutations, which means that the Meissner effect signal is covered by the increased excess ferromagnetic ions. The number of excess Fe magnetic ions is proportional to K content, which may play an important role in determining the superconductivity.

A synthetic decursin analog with increased in vivo stability suppresses androgen receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo.

Zhang, Yong,Shaik, Ahmad Ali,Xing, Chengguo,Chai, Yubo,Li, Li,Zhang, Jinhui,Zhang, Wei,Kim, Sung-Hoon,L?, Junxuan,Jiang, Cheng M. Nijhoff ; Kluwer Academic Publishers 2012 Investigational new drugs Vol.30 No.5

<P>Targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling with agents distinct from current antagonist drugs remains a rational approach to the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). Our previous studies have shown that decursin and isomer decursinol angelate (DA), isolated from the Korean medicinal herb Angelica gigas Nakai, interrupt AR signaling and possess anti-PCa activities in vitro. In the LNCaP PCa cell model, these pyranoccoumarin compounds exhibit properties distinct from currently used antagonists (e.g., Casodex). However, both are rapidly de-esterified to decursinol, a partial AR agonist. We report here that a synthetic decursin analog, decursinol phenylthiocarbamate (DPTC), has greater in vivo stability than the parent compounds. DPTC-decursinol conversion was undetectable in mice. Furthermore, in LNCaP cells, DPTC decreased prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression, down-regulated AR abundance and mRNA and inhibited AR nuclear translocation. The effect of DPTC on AR and PSA mRNA and protein abundance was also observed in VCaP cells expressing wild type AR. DPTC inhibited growth of both PCa cell lines through G(1) cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as did decursin and DA. Furthermore, i.p. administration of DPTC for 3 weeks suppressed the expression of AR target genes probasin and Nkx3.1 in mouse prostate glands. Overall, our data suggest that DPTC represents a prototype lead compound for development of in vivo stable and active novel decursin analogs for the prevention or therapy of PCa.</P>

Influence of FeSe doping on superconducting properties of MgB2 by hybrid microwave method

Cheng Cheng,Zhenjie Feng,Qing Li,Xu Wang,Chuan Yu,Hao Chu,Ya Yang,Changqin Liu,Yiming Cao,Zhe Li,Jingzhe Chen,Chao Jing,Shixun Cao,Jincang Zhang 한국물리학회 2017 Current Applied Physics Vol.17 No.11

The effect of FeSe doping on the physical properties of MgB2 is studied. Bulk samples of the FeSe doped MgB2 with weight ratio x ðFeSe : MgB2Þ ¼ 0%; 3%; 7% and 10% were prepared by hybrid microwave method. It is proved that FeSe is not stable together with MgB2. Fe2þ enters into MgB2 lattice, some Mg2þ and Se2『 are combined into the new impurity compound MgSe. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) slightly decreased with increasing doping content of FeSe from R-T and M-T curves, which results from the substitution of Mg2þ by Fe2þ in the MgB2 lattice. The Jc increase slightly with the FeSe doping content increasing from 3 wt % to 10 wt %, which results from the increasing MgSe impurity pinning centers.

Renormalization of Thalamic Sub-Regional Functional Connectivity Contributes to Improvement of Cognitive Function after Liver Transplantation in Cirrhotic Patients with Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

Cheng Yue,Li Jing-Li,Zhou Jia-Min,Zhang Gao-Yan,Shen Wen,Zhang Xiao-Dong 대한영상의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.22 No.12

Objective: The role of preoperative overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in the neurophysiological mechanism of cognitive improvement after liver transplantation (LT) remains elusive. This study aimed to explore changes in sub-regional thalamic functional connectivity (FC) after LT and their relationship with neuropsychological improvement using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data in cirrhotic patients with and without a history of OHE. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 cirrhotic patients, divided into the OHE group (n = 21) and no-OHE group (n = 30), and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Each patient underwent rs-fMRI before and 1 month after LT. Using 16 bilateral thalamic subregions as seeds, we conducted a seed-to-voxel FC analysis to compare the thalamic FC alterations before and after LT between the OHE and no-OHE groups, as well as differences in FC between the two groups of cirrhotic patients and the control group. Correction for multiple comparisons was conducted using the false discovery rate (p < 0.05). Results: We found abnormally increased FC between the thalamic sub-region and prefrontal cortex, as well as an abnormally decreased FC between the bilateral thalamus in both OHE and no-OHE cirrhotic patients before LT, which returned to normal levels after LT. Compared with the no-OHE group, the OHE group exhibited more extensive abnormalities prior to LT, and the increased FC between the right thalamic subregions and right inferior parietal lobe was markedly reduced to normal levels after LT. Conclusion: The renormalization of FC in the cortico-thalamic loop might be a neuro-substrate for the recovery of cognitive function after LT in cirrhotic patients. In addition, hyperconnectivity between thalamic subregions and the inferior parietal lobe might be an important feature of OHE. Changes in FC in the thalamus might be used as potential biomarkers for recovery of cognitive function after LT in cirrhotic patients.

Study on economic performances of multi-span suspension bridges part 2: parametric study

Zhang, Li-Wen,Xiao, Ru-Cheng,Sun, Bin,Jiang, Yang,Zhang, Xue-Yi,Zhuang, Dong-Li,Zhou, Yun-Gang,Tu, Xue Techno-Press 2013 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.47 No.2

Economic performances of consecutive multi-span suspension bridges are studied. The material amount and cost estimation formulas of the bridges have been derived in the part 1 of the study. A parametric study is carried out based on the formulas for investigating the different factors' effect on the bridge cost. The factors include the bridge sag, the bridge span, the bridge foundation and the environment condition, etc. Then, an economical layout of the bridges is proposed for different conditions. Lastly, a selection of suspension bridge types is discussed based on the economy of bridges.

Impact of Caspase-8 (CASP8) -652 6N Del and D302H Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer in Different Ethnic Groups

Zhang, Cheng-Dong,Li, Hong-Tao,Liu, Kun,Lin, Zhi-Di,Peng, Qi-Liu,Qin, Xue,He, Min,Wu, Hua,Mo, Zeng-Nan,Yang, Xiao-Li Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Background: Despite evidence suggesting roles for caspase-8 (CASP8) -652 6N del and D302H polymorphisms in prostate cancer (PCa), the association of these polymorphisms with PCa risk remains inconclusive. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to more precisely estimate the association of CASP8 -652 6N del and D302H polymorphisms with PCa susceptibility. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all case-control studies of CASP8 D302H and -652 6N del polymorphisms and PCa risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association and the precision of the estimate, respectively. Results: Nine -625 6N del studies and 4 D302H studies were included. CASP8 -652 6N del and D302H polymorphisms were not significantly associated with PCa risk in the overall analyses. However, in the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity, -625 6N del was significantly associated with PCa risk in the East Asian and Indian populations under the recessive model. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis strongly suggested that D302H was associated with lower PCa risk in the Non-Indian population under the dominant model. Conclusions: In our meta-analysis, ethnic-specific differences were evident in the association of CASP8-625 6N del and D302H polymorphisms with PCa risk.