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Purpose: To explore the high-risk factors for rectal cancer No.253 lymph node metastasis (LNM) and to construct a risk nomogram for the individualized prediction of No.253 LNM. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 425 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical surgery. Independent risk factors for rectal cancer No.253 LNM was identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on the independent risk factors. In addition, the performance of the model was evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and clinical benefit. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that No.253 lymphadenectasis on CT (OR 10.697, P < 0.001), preoperative T4-stage (OR 4.431, P = 0.001), undifferentiation (OR 3.753, P = 0.004), and preoperative Ca199 level > 27 U/ml (OR 2.628, P = 0.037) were independent risk factors for No.253 LNM. A nomogram was constructed based on the above four factors. The calibration curve of the nomogram was closer to the ideal diagonal, indicating that the nomogram had a better fitting ability. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.865, which indicated that the nomogram had high discriminative ability. In addition, decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the model could show better clinical benefit when the threshold probability was between 1% and 50%. Conclusion: Preoperative No.253 lymphadenectasis on CT, preoperative T4-stage, undifferentiation, and elevated preoperative Ca199 level were found to be independent risk factors for the No.253 LNM. A predictive model based on these risk factors can help surgeons make rational clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Third Generation Partnership Project has standardized cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) sidelink Mode 4 to support direct communication between vehicles. In Mode 4, the sensing-based semipersistent scheduling (SPS) scheme enables vehicles to autonomously reserve and select radio resources. In particular, SPS has three processes to realize the resource scheduling, including continuously sensing resources, probabilistically reselecting resources, and periodically reserving resources. However, vehicles randomly select resources from the available resource lists in the resource reselection process, resulting in frequent packet collisions especially when radio resources are insufficient. Unlike the traditional SPS, this paper proposes a multiagent deep reinforcement learning-based SPS (RL-SPS) algorithm to help vehicles select appropriate radio resources with the aim of reducing packet collisions. Furthermore, a multi-head attention mechanism is adopted to improve the training efficiency by helping vehicles selectively pay attention to the observations and actions of neighbouring vehicles. It is worth noting that the RL-SPS algorithm fits the characteristics of Mode 4, which selects resources without requiring any global information. Simulation results show that RL-SPS outperforms other decentralized approaches and demonstrate the scalability and robustness of RL-SPS in a dynamic vehicular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This paper uses the nearest neighbor propagation clustering segmentation algorithm to explore the impact of PET/CT image segmentation technology on lung cancer radiotherapy planning. Methods. In this paper, PET/CT scan was performed on 12 patients with nonmetastatic lung cancer. The self-written automatic segmentation program based on PCNN model is used to segment the PET target area, and then the tumor target area is manually sketched based on CT images and PET/CT images, and the intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan is formulated with the same parameters. Target volume and dose distribution were analyzed. Results. There was no statistical difference between the PET automatic segmentation target area and the PET manual contouring target area (P < 0.05); the segmentation method was accurate and reliable; the difference between the CT manual contouring target area was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion. Based on the nearest neighbor propagation clustering segmentation algorithm, PET/CT image segmentation technology improves the accuracy of tumor target area delineation. The radiotherapy plan based on the segmentation target area can reduce the normal tissue exposure range and reduce the incidence of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter decomposition plays an important role in biogeochemical cycling in boreal peatlands, where mosses, especially Sphagnum species, are a determinant. In recent decades, these peatlands have experienced a decline in moss cover due to abrupt climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. To reveal the effect of the reduction in moss cover on litter decomposition, we adopted a field living moss removal experiment (with the senesced tissues remaining) in a Sphagnum-dominated boreal peatland, and investigated litter mass loss and net N loss of three deciduous woody species decomposing in monocultures and mixtures over 3 years. Based on the observed and predicted mass loss and net N loss of litter mixtures, we divided litter mixing effects into additive (no significant difference), synergistic (observed value greater than predicted value), and antagonistic (observed value lower than predicted value) effects. Across 3 years of decomposition, moss removal increased litter mass loss and net N loss, irrespective of single- or mixed-species compositions. Moss removal generally changed litter mixing effects on mass loss from antagonistic to additive effects in the initial 2 years, but from synergistic to additive effects after 3 years of decomposition. Regarding net N loss of litter mixtures, moss removal often resulted in a shift from additive to synergistic effects or from antagonistic to additive effects after 2 and 3 years of decomposition. Our observations suggest that the declines in living moss cover can accelerate litter decomposition and nutrient release, and highlight that living moss loss makes litter mixture decomposition predictable by reducing non-additive effects in boreal peatlands. Given the widespread occurrence of reduced moss cover in boreal peatlands, the mechanisms explaining living moss controls on litter decomposition and N cycling should receive significant attention in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging of the proteinaceous binders will cause the cultural relics to suffer from diseases such as flaking, cracks, and even peeling. Identifying the type of binders in a timely manner is conducive to restore diseased cultural relics. High-throughput and portable detection system are of great significance for researching cultural relic materials on the archaeological site. Therefore, in this work, a portable electrochemical microfluidic device for the simultaneous detection of casein, ovalbumin, and peach gum binders was developed. The proposed electrochemical immunosensor technology integrated with microfluidic device achieve the goals of miniaturization, portability and reagent-saving. For casein, ovalbumin and peach gum, excellent performance was obtained in terms of their limits of detection (LOD) at 0.237, 0.507, and 0.403 ng mL−1 (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the microfluidic sensing platform exhibited acceptable anti-interference ability, stability, and storage capacity. In order to evaluate the practical application value, the proposed microfluidic sensing device was applied for detecting eight archaeological samples from different historic sites. This work demonstrates great potential for high-throughput, portable detection of cultural relic proteinaceous binder materials. [Display omitted] • Different electrochemical nanotags were prepared for tracing three proteinaceous binders. • Design high-throughput and miniaturized SPCEs for simultaneously detection binders in wall painting. • Design a portable PDMS microchannel for delivering reagents over SPCEs surface. • Applied proposed device for detecting eight archaeological samples from different historical site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitive determination of peach gum in aged wall painting was developed by combining protein A magnetic bead (MB) enrichment and an electrochemical immunosensor based upon a screen-printed electrode. Peach gum antibodies were immobilized onto protein A-functionalized magnetic beads with specific recognition. The prepared immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) efficiently enriched peach gum in archaeological samples, improving the accuracy. After elution, the peach gum was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an electrochemical immunosensor constructed by screen-printing a three-electrode system on polyethylene terephthalate. The carbon working electrode was modified with gold nanoparticles to improve the conductivity. A detection limit of 6.4 pg·mL−1 was obtained using the immunosensor with a linear range from 0.01 to 100 ng·mL−1. Simulated wall paintings were prepared to assess the enrichment by the IMBs and the performance of electrochemical immunosensor. Archaeological samples from the Sulamani Guphaya Temple and Shi Wushe Tomb were analyzed and the results showed that more reliable results were obtained and false negatives were avoided after enrichment and electrochemical detection. Hence, IMBs were suitable for the determination of the peach gum binding medium in archaeological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of trace binding medium in wall paintings is usually challenging due to the aging and degradation of proteinaceous binding medium in a long time. Therefore, immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) with specific enrichment ability for casein and ovalbumin were prepared, and then the beads were applied for capturing target proteinaceous binding medium from ancient Chinese wall paintings. After optimization of experimental conditions, the enrichment performance of magnetic beads was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). In this experiment, archaeological wall painting samples were used to verify the accuracy of the construction enrichment method. The results showed that the OD450nm value of archaeological samples containing binding medium has increased to varying degrees after IMBs enrichment, effectively avoiding the occurrence of false negative results, indicating that the IMBs enrichment method developed in this work could be successfully applied for enriching ovalbumin and casein binding medium from ancient wall paintings for subsequently immunoassay detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About half of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCCs) fulfilling the Amsterdam criteria (AC) do not display evidence of mismatch repair defects, and the difference between microsatellite-stable (MSS) and microsatellite-unstable HNPCC remains poorly understood. The study was to compare overall copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the entire genome in HNPCCs with MSS and microsatellite-instability (MSI) using the Cytoscan HD Array. This was a study carried out in samples from 20 patients with MSS HNPCC and four patients with MSI HNPCC from the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (China). The microsatellite status was examined using a panel of microsatellite markers. MMR expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Tumor samples were analyzed with the Genome-Wide Human CytoScan HD Array. CNV and LOH were determined. Fourteen specific CNVs (eight gains: 5p13.1, 7p13, 7q22.3, 8q11.21, 8q12.2, 19q13.11, 20q11.21, and 20q11.23; and six losses: 8p22, 8p23.1, 8p23.1, 17p13.1, 17p13.2, and 18q21.3) were associated with MSS HNPCC. Of these 14 CNVs, gain on 8q12.2 and loss on 17p13.1 were novel. The total length of 8q gains and 20q gains were greater in MSS tumors than in MSI ( P < 0.05). The presence of similar levels of copy-neutral-LOH in MSS (31.7%) and MSI (29.7%) HNPCC suggested that unknown DNA repair genes might be involved in the tumorigenesis of MSS HNPCC. MSS HNPCC is a genetically specific population with increased CNV, which are different from MSI HNPCC. The results may help to clarify the genetic basis of MSS HNPCC tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MoS 2 /graphene composites were synthesized by a hydrothermal route in the presence of graphene oxide sheets with assistance from poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The results of characterizations show that the MoS 2 /graphene composites exhibit a graphene-like morphology with interconnected network, in which single- or few-layer MoS 2 sheets are homogenously dispersed and well anchored on the graphene surface. The robust heterostructure and morphology of MoS 2 /graphene composites can not only provide more sites and channels for lithium ion accommodation and diffusion, but also facilitate electrolyte access. The heterostructure also maximizes the synergistic effects between MoS 2 and graphene. Therefore, MoS 2 /graphene composites exhibit significantly improved electrochemical performances for reversible lithium storage. In particular, the MoS 2 /graphene composite prepared with monomer concentration of PDDA being 0.02 mol L −1 exhibits a reversible capacity of 1100 mA h g −1 with enhanced rate capability. The reversible capacity of 856 mA h g −1 after 900 cycles at 500 mA g −1 can be remained, indicating its excellent cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiS 2 /graphene composite is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction between NiCl 2 and l -cysteine in the presence of graphene oxide sheets. l -Cysteine serves as both the sulfur source for NiS 2 and reductant for reduction of graphene oxide sheets. The reduced graphene oxides can be used as a platform for growth of NiS 2 particles and restrain NiS 2 from agglomerating during hydrothermal process. The results of characterizations show that the sphere-like NiS 2 particles exhibit smaller sizes and are well dispersed on the surface of reduced graphene sheets. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the NiS 2 /graphene composite delivers a reversible capacity as high as 1200 mAh g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 and enhanced high-rate capability of 740 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 1000 mA g −1 . After 1000 cycles, the NiS 2 /graphene still preserves the reversible capacity about 810 mAh g −1 at a current density of 500 mA g −1 , indicating its excellent cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the association between the CX 37 1019C/T polymorphism and the susceptibility to essential hypertension (EH). Methods A total of 1126 cases of EH were diagnosed in the People's Hospital of Wuxi City, China. A control group consisted of 874 healthy people, i.e., non-EH patients. All cases were genotyped by DNA sequencing. Results Polymorphism C1019T on the Connexin37 gene was found in the whole population. The distribution of three genotype frequencies in both groups was in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the CX37 C allele was higher in EH patients (57.4% vs. 42.1%, χ2 =92.5, P<0.01) compared to the control group. The frequency of C carriers (CC+TC) was 80.5% in EH patients compared to 66.7% in the control (χ2 =49.0, P<0.01). EH risk was significantly increased in carriers of C the allele (CC+TC) over that in the TT homozygote (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.68∼2.52). Subsequent stratified analyses demonstrate that a significant difference exists in the frequency of C carriers between male EH patients and controls (79.2% vs. 69.1%, χ2 =13.4, P<0.01) and in female EH patients and the control group (81.8% vs. 64.4%, χ2 =38.7, P<0.01). The carriers of the C allele had higher EH risk compared with the TT homozygote without sex differences (male: OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.28∼2.27; female: OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.85∼3.31). Conclusion The C allele in the CX37 gene might be associated with the susceptibility to EH in population of Wuxi, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unusual properties of graphene and graphene-like (GL-) layered metal dichalcogenides (LMDs, MoS2, WS2 and SnS2) have stimulated strong interest in GL-LMD/graphene composites. Heterostructures which are constructed by stacking GL-LMD and graphene together are expected to extend the usability of these 2D materials beyond graphene alone. This review will focus on recent progress in the synthesis and applications of GL-LMD/graphene composites in energy storage and conversion. The remarkable electrochemical properties of GL-LMD/graphene for reversible lithium storage are highlighted in particular. The applications of these composites in electrochemical and photochemical water splitting for hydrogen generation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exploring the thermal performance of phase change asphalt mixture. • Equal volume replacement of mineral filler and fine aggregate with CPCMs. • Exploring the mechanical strength of phase change asphalt mixture. Phase change materials (PCMs) have the capabilities of thermal energy storage and temperature regulation. However, the application of PCMs in asphalt pavements is still limited due to the severe leakage and low thermal performance problem. In this research work, the phase change asphalt mixture (PCAM) with Polyethylene glycol/hydrophobic fumed silica composite phase change material (PEG/HFS) and Polyethylene glycol/SiO 2 composite phase change material (PEG/SiO 2) replacing mineral filler and fine aggregate was prepared and tested. The leakage experiment illustrated that the PEG/HFS with PEG content of 45% (wt) and PEG/SiO 2 with PEG content of 70% (wt) had good thermal exudation stability. The results of XRD and FTIR showed that the preparation process of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) was a pure physical mixing process without chemical reactions. In addition, based on the results of the indoor radiation test, Marshall test, and rutting test, we found that when mineral filler and fine aggregate were replaced by 25% of the same volume of CPCMs, the PCAM exhibited a better cooling effect and relatively small decrease in mechanical strength. Therefore, the PCAM developed in this research has great potential for improving the thermal performance of asphalt steel bridge deck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pathogenesis of microsatellite stable hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers (MSS HNPCC) is unclear. To identify genomic regions that might be involved in MSS HNPCC pathogenesis, we selected 20 pairs of MSS HNPCC for a genome-wide study using copy number variation targeted (CNV-targeted) CytoScan HD Array. A remarkably increased frequency of 20q gain (70%) and high levels of copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (40%) were observed. The most frequent tumor-specific CNVs included amplifications (7p21.3-15.1, 8q13.3-24.3, 13q14.1-33.3 and 20q12-13.33) and deletions (8p11.23-23.1, 15q11.2-26.1, 17p13.1-13.3 and 18q11.2-21.33). In addition, 10 novel CNVs were discovered and led to identification of WDR16 and RAPGEF5 as candidate genes involved in tumorigenesis, displaying a robust correlation between expression and genomic alterations. Moreover, WDR16 and RAPGEF5 exhibited altered protein expression levels as assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 41 other independent samples. Finally, high consistencies (68–84%) were observed between CNVs by Array and quantitative PCR. These findings are important for further elucidating MSS HNPCC pathogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet function, cardiovascular prognosis, and bleeding in patients with unstable angina pectoris. Methods: Patients with unstable angina pectoris undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled (January 2018–December 2019). In total, 212 patients were treated with ticagrelor (90 mg twice daily) and 210 patients were treated with clopidogrel (75 mg once daily). Thromboelastography and light transmission aggregometry were used to measure the platelet aggregation rate (PAR). High-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and heart-type fatty acid–binding protein (h-FABP) were measured to assess myocardial injury after PCI. Cardiovascular prognosis and bleeding events were evaluated in hospital and 12 months after discharge. Results: The PAR was significantly slower with ticagrelor (P < 0.001). hs-TnT, NT-proBNP, CRP, and h-FABP increased after compared with before PCI in both groups (P < 0.05). hs-TnT (P < 0.001) and h-FABP (P < 0.001) increased more significantly with clopidogrel. The in-hospital and 12-month major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The in-hospital total bleeding event rate was higher with ticagrelor (P < 0.05). Minor bleeding and total bleeding were more frequent at the 12-month follow-up in the ticagrelor group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ticagrelor was more effective in suppressing the PAR than clopidogrel and reduced PCI-induced myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina pectoris. However, it increased in-hospital and 12-month bleeding events and had no benefit on in-hospital and 12-month MACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) has played an important role in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications. In particular, cities have become GNSS major application scenarios; however, GNSS signals suffer from blocking, reflection and attenuation in harsh urban environments, resulting in diverse received signals, e.g., non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and multipath signals. NLOS signals often cause severe deterioration in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions, which should be identified and excluded. In this paper, we propose a vision-aided NLOS identification method to augment GNSS urban positioning. A skyward omnidirectional camera is installed on a GNSS antenna to collect omnidirectional images of the sky region. After being rectified, these images are processed for sky region segmentation, which is improved by leveraging gradient information and energy function optimization. Image morphology processing is further employed to smooth slender boundaries. After sky region segmentation, the satellites are projected onto the omnidirectional image, from which NLOS satellites are identified. Finally, the identified NLOS satellites are excluded from GNSS PNT estimation, promoting accuracy and stability. Practical test results show that the proposed sky region segmentation module achieves over 96% accuracy, and that completely accurate NLOS identification is achieved for the experimental images. We validate the performance of our method on public datasets. Compared with the raw measurements without screening, the vision-aided NLOS identification method enables improvements of 60.3%, 12.4% and 63.3% in the E, N, and U directions, respectively, as well as an improvement of 58.5% in 3D accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pt–CeO2/C catalysts were synthesized by a one-step microwave polyol process and compared with Pt/C (E-TEK) catalyst in terms of the electrochemical activity for methanol oxidation using the cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results demonstrated that Pt–CeO2/C catalysts exhibited lower onset potential, higher current peak and better stability for methanol electrooxidation than Pt/C (E-TEK) catalyst. The effect of ceria on the catalytic activity was investigated by electrochemical measurements and the highest electrochemical activity was obtained at the molar ratio of Pt to Ce by 2:1. The preliminary mechanism of the enhanced electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An electrodeposition route for preparation of well-controlled magnesium hydroxide nanostructure using sodium acetate as structure-directing agent was presented. The magnesium hydroxide thin films were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. The influence of synthesis parameters on the morphological characteristics and size of magnesium hydroxide thin films deposited from nitrate bath was investigated, such as concentration of sodium acetate additive and applied potential. A possible mechanism responsible for morphologies evolution of thin films was also elucidated. This electrochemical process may be extended to fabricate other nano-/mesostructures with diverse morphologies and unique properties under convenient and mild conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The polycrystalline ZnO thin films with (002) orientation enhancement were prepared by annealing of electrodeposited metallic Zn films from the ethylene glycol solution of zinc acetate without using any catalyst and template. The morphologies of the thin films were evolved from the nanoplate to the nanocolumn structures with increasing of annealing temperature from 100 °C to 500 °C. SEM and XRD studies indicated that the ZnO nanocolumns were enhanced in the (002) orientation along their length direction. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the ZnO films obtained by annealing at 300 °C and 500 °C were carried out and their band gaps were 3.18 eV and 3.20 eV, respectively. A possible growth mechanism of the ZnO nanostructures responsible for the morphologies and orientation evolution was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pr(OH)3 nanorods with uniform diameter of 12 nm and different lengths ranging from 50 to 220 nm were successfully prepared via a facile and rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Pr6O11 nanorods were also obtained from calcination of the as-prepared hydroxide nanorods as precursors at 500 °C for 6 h. The results showed that the Pr(OH)3 with hexagonal phase and Pr6O11 nanorods with cubic phase have high crystallinity and purity. The mechanism for the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Pr(OH)3 nanorods was preliminarily presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A carbon supported hollow Pt nanosphere electrocatalyst was prepared at room temperature in a homogeneous solution employing cobalt metal nanoparticles as sacrificial templates. TEM measurements showed that carbon supported Pt nanospheres were coreless and composed of discrete Pt nanoparticles with the crystallite size of about 2.2±0.2nm. XRD results showed that the hollow Pt nanospheres had a face-centered cubic structure. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the carbon supported hollow Pt nanosphere electrocatalyst exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation compared with carbon supported solid Pt nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pt/C electrocatalysts were prepared from a solution of H2PtCl6 in ethylene glycol in the presence of XC-72 carbon by adding a small amount of sodium acetate as stabilizer. Repeated TEM images showed that the platinum nanoparticles were small and uniform in size and highly dispersed on XC-72 carbon supports when a small amount of sodium acetate solution was added to the synthesis solution. The Pt/C electrocatalysts exhibited very high electrocatalytic activity for liquid methanol oxidation. The effects of adding acetate on Pt particle size and size distribution are discussed. It is demonstrated that acetate can be used as a good stabilizer for preparing Pt/C catalyst with fine and uniform Pt particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uniform platinum nanoparticles with average diameter of about 3.0nm and good dispersion on carbon nanotubes were prepared by microwave heated polyol process and characterized by EDX, XRD, TEM and XPS. TEM observations showed that microwave synthesized Pt nanoparticles had a sharp size distribution and highly dispersed on the surface of carbon nanotubes. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that the microwave synthesized Pt/carbon nanotubes catalysts exhibited higher catalytic activity for methanol electrooxidation at room temperature than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The significant improvement in electrocatalytic activity was due to that the microwave synthesized Pt nanoparticles was uniform in size and well dispersed on the surface of carbon nanotubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aiming at the problems of high labor intensity and low efficiency in manual operation during the pulping process of rice seedling nursing in thin mud in hilly and mountain areas, this paper designed a new type of paddy field blade for seedling nursing, and utilized a rice nursery pulper to help manual operation complete the pulping process. It created a mathematical model of mud-throwing mass and operating power in the operation process of paddy field blade, and obtained the main structure factors that influenced the mud-throwing mass and operating power of paddy field blade, which included the area of mud splashing board, the angle between the front cutting edge and the mud splashing board, and the inclination angle between the front cutting surface and the mud splashing board. To further analyze the degree of influence of the blade's main structure parameters on mud-throwing mass and operating power, it used EDEM discrete element simulation software to establish a discrete element simulation model of paddy field blade and mud particle system, performed simulation analysis with the method of orthogonal experimental design, and conducted a bench test for comparison. The results showed that: (1) the degree of influence of the three structure parameters on mud-throwing mass and operating power from large to small in order was the area of mud splashing board > the inclination angle between front cutting surface and mud splashing board > the angle between front cutting edge and mud splashing board; (2) the maximum relative error for mud-throwing mass between simulation analysis and bench test was 4.53%, and that for operating power was 8.67%; and (3) three reference parameters combinations were selected by P2-1/M2 graph, the mud-throwing mass of the three combinations was 40.43%, 27.52% and 0.16% higher than that of the original blade, and the power consumed was 13.99%, 21.83% and 36.65% lower than that of the original blade, indicating that the new paddy field blade had good operating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has become widely acknowledged that certain underwater cultural relics, in a state of severe decay, should be salvaged for further protection. Underwater temporary reinforcement materials provide the possibility for such protection. These materials can achieve both the reinforcement of cultural relics underwater, as well as their reversible removal after extraction, without causing damage to the cultural relics in either process. In this context, two kinds of hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol-derived polymers were developed in this study. They are denser than water and can undergo gelatinization by UV-induced or oxidant-induced reactions in the underwater environment. Additionally, they possess enough mechanical strength to provide the necessary support in the bonding process. Both hydrogels have been successfully used to extract fragile underwater archaeological wooden artifacts in situ under laboratory conditions. The experimental results revealed that, in the case of UV-induced hydrogels, the compression strength was 115 kPa with a tensile strength of 20 kPa. For oxidant-induced hydrogels, the compression strength was 382 kPa, while the tensile strength was 8.2 kPa. During the actual extraction processes, the UV-induced hydrogel exhibited a lower water absorption ratio, maintained a more stable mechanical property underwater, and was easier to remove after extraction. On the other hand, the oxidant-induced hydrogel could complete the gelation process quickly through a rather convenient operation; however, it tended to absorb surrounding water and swell, thereby reducing its mechanical property. These two methods would be adapted to different underwater archaeological sites as convenient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective novel methods for extracting fragile underwater wooden relics. Two kinds of environmental stimulant-responsive hydrogels successfully solidified and extracted fragile archaeological wood underwater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Renewable and low-cost nitrocellulose nanocrystals (NCNCs) are used as the sensing film of humidity sensor. • NCNCs film exhibited smooth surface with low RMS roughness 9.42 nm. • NCNCs-coated QCM sensors exhibit high sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and repeatability. • Detailed investigation of humidity sensing mechanism. High-sensitivity and inexpensive humidity sensors with rapid response are crucial for humidity detection. In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor based on nitro-modified cellulose nanocrystals (NCNCs) films were developed for rapid and sensitive detection of humidity. The NCNCs films with good hydrophilicity along with fast water adsorption and dehydration were used as the humidity sensitive material. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the chemical and crystalline properties of NCNCs. The morphology, roughness, and thickness of NCNCs deposited on the QCM silver electrode were characterized by atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed that the humidity sensor with NCNCs loading of 2.67 μg (QCM-4) exhibited high sensitivity (25.6 Hz/% RH) and extremely small response/recovery times (18 s / 10 s). In addition, the sensor showed excellent reliability and logarithmic linearity in 11−84 % relative humidity (RH). The adsorption of water on the surfaces of NCNCs and the sensing mechanism was examined by density functional theory (DFT) simulation. From the perspective of a sustainable and renewable material, low-cost NCNCs with high humidity sensitivity seem to be the ideal material for developing high-performance sensors with multiple potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MitoQ can prevent brain injury and neurological deficits after ICH in mice. • MitoQ promotes the absorption of haematoma and the integrity of blood-brain barrier after ICH. • MitoQ shifts microglia toward M2 polarization both in vivo and in vitro models of ICH. • MitoQ skrews microglia M2 polarization via inhibiting mitochondrial ROS/NLRP3 pathway. Microglial phenotype plays an important role in secondary injury after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), with M1 microglia promoting inflammatory injury and M2 microglia inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting haematoma absorption. However, there is no effective intervention for regulating the phenotypic transformation of microglia after ICH. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of MitoQ, a selective mitochondrial ROS antioxidant, against microglial M1 state polarization and secondary brain injury. The in vivo data showed that MitoQ attenuated neurological deficits and decreased inflammation, oedema and haematoma volume after ICH. In addition, MitoQ decreased the expression of M1 markers and increased the expression of M2 markers both in vivo and in vitro after ICH. Mechanistically, MitoQ blocked overproduction of mitochondrial ROS and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in FeCl 2 -treated microglia. Moreover, NLRP3 siRNA shifted FeCl 2 -treated microglia from the M1 to the M2 cells, revealing that MitoQ-induce polarization states may be mediated by the mitochondrial ROS/NLRP-3 pathway. In summary, MitoQ alleviates secondary brain injury and accelerates haematoma resolution by shifting microglia towards the M2 phenotype after ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor function deficit induced by white matter injury (WMI) is one of the most severe complications of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). The degree of WMI is closely related to the prognosis of patients after ICH. However, the current behavioural assessment of motor function used in the ICH mouse model is mainly based on that for ischaemic stroke and lacks the behavioural methods that accurately respond to WMI. Here, a series of easy-to-implement behavioural tests were performed to detect motor deficits in mice after ICH. The results showed that the grip strength test and the modified pole test not only can better distinguish the degree of motor dysfunction between different volumes of blood ICH models than the Basso Mouse Scale and the beam walking test but can also accurately reflect the severity of WMI characterized by demyelination, axonal swelling and the latency of motor-evoked potential delay induced by ICH. In addition, after ICH, the results of grip tests and modified pole tests, rather than the Basso Mouse Scale and the beam walking test, were worse than those observed after intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), which was used as a model of brain haemorrhage in non-white matter areas. These results indicate that the grip strength test and the modified pole test have advantages in detecting the degree of motor deficit induced by white matter injury after ICH in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is the most prevalent cardiac valve lesion in developed countries, and pathogenesis is closely related to aging. DNA methylation-based epigenetic clock is now recognized as highly accurate predictor of the aging process and associated health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between epigenetic clock and AVS by conducting a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: Summary genome-wide association study statistics of epigenetic clocks (HannumAge, HorvathAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) and AVS were obtained and assessed for significant instrumental variables from Edinburgh DataShare (n = 34,710) and FinnGen biobank (cases = 9870 and controls = 402,311). The causal association between epigenetic clock and AVS was evaluated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger methods. Multiple analyses (heterogeneity analysis, pleiotropy analysis, and sensitivity analysis) were performed for quality control assessment. Results: The MR analysis showed that the epigenetic age acceleration of HorvathAge and PhenoAge was associated with an increased risk of AVS (HorvathAge: OR = 1.043, P = 0.016 by IVW, OR = 1.058, P = 0.018 by WM; PhenoAge: OR = 1.058, P = 0.005 by IVW, OR = 1.053, P = 0.039 by WM). Quality control assessment proved our findings were reliable and robust. However, there was a lack of evidence supporting a causal link from AVS to epigenetic aging. Conclusion: The present MR analysis unveiled a causal association between epigenetic clocks, especially HorvathAge and PhenoAge, with AVS. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies for potential interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with T1-3N0M0 gastric cancer (GC) who undergo radical gastrectomy maintain a high recurrence rate. The free cancer cells in the mesogastric adipose connective tissue (Metastasis V) maybe the reason for recurrence in these individuals. We aimed to evaluate whether D2 lymphadenectomy plus complete mesogastrium excision (D2 + CME) was superior to D2 lymphadenectomy with regard to safety and oncological efficacy for T1-3N0M0 GC. Methods: Patients with T1-3N0M0 GC who underwent radical resection from January 2014 to July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed; there were 323 patients, of whom 185 were in the D2 + CME group and 138 in the D2 group. The primary endpoint was 5-year disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary endpoints include the 5-year overall survival (OS), recurrence pattern, morbidity, mortality, and surgical outcomes. Results: D2 + CME was associated with less intraoperative bleeding loss, a greater number of lymph nodes harvested, and less time to first postoperative flatus, but the postoperative morbidity was similar. The 5-year DFS was 95.6% (95% CI 92.7–98.5%) and 90.4% (95% CI 85.5–95.3%) in the D2 + CME group and the D2 group, respectively, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.455 (95% CI 0.188–1.097; p = 0.071). In terms of recurrence patterns, local recurrence was more prone to occur in the D2 group (p = 0.031). Subgroup analysis indicated that for patients with T1b-3N0M0 GC, the 5-year DFS in the D2 + CME group was considerably greater than that in the D2 group (95.3% [95% CI 91.6–99.0%] vs. 87.6% [95% CI 80.7–94.5%], HR 0.369, 95% CI 0.138–0.983; log-rank p = 0.043). Conclusion: Laparoscopic D2 + CME for T1-3N0M0 GC is safe and feasible. Furthermore, it not only reduces the local recurrence rate but also improves the 5-year DFS in cases of T1b-3N0M0 GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereo matching, which is a key problem in computer vision, faces the challenge of radiometric distortions. Most of the existing stereo matching methods are based on simple matching cost algorithms and appear the problem of mismatch under radiometric distortions. It is necessary to improve the robustness and accuracy of matching cost algorithms. A novel encoding pattern is proposed for stereo matching. In the proposed encoding pattern, each of the matching windows in the grey image and gradient images is divided into several isoline‐like sets with different radii. Then, pixel pairs are defined in the isoline‐like sets. An encoding function is used to decide the relative order between the two pixels in each pixel pair. To apply the pattern for matching cost computation and enhance the matching accuracy, an adaptively weighted cost is designed that is related to the isoline‐like sets. Experiments are conducted on the Middlebury and KITTI data sets to show the validity of the proposed method under severe radiometric distortions. Also, the comparisons with some widely used methods are made in the experiments to illustrate the advantage of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To recreate high-quality three-dimensional (3D) models of rock joints for quantitative roughness characterization more economically, portably, and quickly, it is necessary to assess the feasibility and accuracy of 3D reconstruction of rock joints using SfM & MVS photogrammetry with a camera in animation mode. A low-cost approach for 3D reconstruction by shooting videos was conducted to obtain point clouds of rock joints. Besides, to evaluate the accuracy of photogrammetry, high-resolution models of the same cases were collected using 3D laser scanning technology to compare the difference between models reconstructed by these two technologies, and the difference was calculated by one algorithm—Iterative Closest Point (ICP). Comparative analyses demonstrated that the models reconstructed by photogrammetry and the output of the laser scanning were in good agreement. Furthermore, these two different sources of point cloud data were used to realize quantitative characterization of the structural surface roughness via calculating JRC and θ*max/(C+1) values, and the related assessment results also showed good agreement. To ensure the precision of 3D models of rock joints, it is strongly advised that the 3D reconstruction be carried out using a camera that has been properly calibrated. Moreover, there is a significant difference in calibrated camera parameters between animation mode and image mode, which cannot be ignored in 3D reconstruction. Comparative analyses demonstrated that SfM & MVS photogrammetry with a DSLR camera in animation mode can generate a point cloud of multi-scale rock joints with acceptable accuracies for roughness estimation, proving the effectiveness of a low-cost approach for 3D reconstruction by shooting videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Liuhe Pagoda in Hangzhou, China, has a large number of brick carvings from the Southern Song Dynasty (1152 ce), covering an area of 464 m2. However, the exquisite brick carvings in the Liuhe Pagoda have deteriorated due to natural weathering and a high‐humidity environment. Through laboratory analysis and on‐site nondestructive testing, the physical and chemical properties of the brick carvings of Liuhe Pagoda were investigated, and the weathering mechanism of the brick carvings was further analyzed. The brick carving of Liuhe Pagoda is composed of brick, white plastering and black coating. CaCO3 is the main component in white plastering, and the black coating on the top surface contains Chinese lacquer. The weathering products of the brick were analyzed and a trace of CaSO4.2H2O was found. In addition, the brick carvings with high water content have low Leeb hardness and severe weathering. Therefore, water and soluble salt are the main factors in weathering of the brick carvings of the Liuhe Pagoda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • DMSNs/Au nanocomposites for loading electrochemical signal probes was synthesized. • A electrochemical sensor for simultaneously detecting two binders was developed. • An archaeological sample was detected using both ELISA and constructed sensors. • The sensor has great meaning to research the component of ancient wall paintings. In this study, a label-free and double signal Au modified dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs/Au) tag modified electrochemical immunosensor were developed and applied for simultaneously detecting ovalbumin from egg white and casein from milk that are likely to exist in ancient wall paintings. This sensing strategy was designed by introducing two different signals tag based on Au modified DMSNs with porous structure to distinguish corresponding electrochemical signals. The DMSNs with porous structure not only adsorb more electrochemical redox probes, but also immobilize more antibodies, which significantly improved sensitivity of biosensor. Under optimal experiment conditions, the fabricated immunosensor demonstrated excellent performance in the analysis of ovalbumin and casein, with a detection limit of 0.59 ng·mL−1 and 0.36 ng·mL−1, respectively. Finally, the designed sensors were successfully applied to analyze real archaeological samples for evaluating the presence of egg-based, milk-based, or mixed binders in the samples. The proposed immunosensor provides a novel protocol for the analysis and detection of cultural relic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference in age structure and aging population level was an important factor that caused the difference in COVID-19's case fatality rate (CFR) in various regions. To eliminate the age effect on estimating the CFR of COVID-19, our study applied nonlinear logistic model and maximum likelihood method to fit the age-fatality curves of COVID-19 in different countries and regions. We further computed the standardized mortality ratio from the age-fatality curves of COVID-19 in the above regions and found that the risk of COVID-19 death in Wuhan was of a moderate level, while the non-Hubei region was even lower, compared with other regions. Regarding the disparity of CFRs among different regions in the country, we believed that there might be an unascertained phenomenon in high-endemic regions. Based on age-fatality rate curves, we estimated unascertained rates in cities with severe epidemics such as Wuhan and New York, and it was found that the total unascertained rates in Wuhan and New York were 81.6% and 81.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, we also found that the unascertained rates varied greatly with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the high-risk factors for postoperative gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) in right colon cancer and to build a prediction nomogram for personalized prediction of PGS. Methods: Our study retrospectively analyzed 361 patients with right colon cancer who underwent right hemicolectomy at The First Hospital of Putian City in Fujian Province, China and who were hospitalized between January 2012 and July 2022. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for PGS and to establish a nomogram model. Furthermore, discrimination, calibration, and clinical benefits were used to evaluate the model. Results: The multivariate logistic regression revealed that dissection of the subpyloric lymph nodes (No. 206 lymph node) (OR 5.242, P = 0.005), preoperative fasting blood glucose level (OR 3.708, P = 0.024), preoperative albumin level (OR 3.503, P = 0.020), and total operative time (OR 4.648, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors for PGS. Based on the above four factors, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and C-index of the nomogram were 0.831. The prediction nomogram’s calibration curve was closer to the ideal diagonal, and the Hosmer‒Lemeshow test indicated that the nomogram fit well (P = 0.399). Moreover, the decision curve analysis revealed that the model can present better clinical benefits when the threshold probability was between 1 and 28%, and the internal validation verified the dependability of the model (C-index = 0.948). Conclusions: A risk prediction nomogram based on perioperative factors provided the physician with a simple, visual, and efficient tool for the prediction and management of PGS in right colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few-layer molybdenum disulfide/reduced graphene oxide (MoS 2 /rGO) hybrids are fabricated through a facile hydrothermal route with mediation of a supramolecule (N-methylimidazole water-soluble pillar [5]arene, IMWP5). Effects of IMWP5 on the microstructure of MoS 2 /rGO hybrids are investigated. It is found that MoS 2 /rGO hybrids display a graphene-like morphology and few-layer MoS 2 sheets are well dispersed on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). As host materials for electrochemical lithium storage, MoS 2 /rGO hybrid delivers a reversible specific capacity as high as 1289 mAh g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 and exhibits enhanced rate capability of 963 mAh g −1 at a high current density of 1000 mA g −1 . In particular, the reversible capacity of 996 mAh g −1 can be retained after 1100 cycles at current density of 1000 mA g −1 , indicating its excellent cyclic stability. Such great electrochemical performance is ascribed to the robust heterostructure and synergetic effects between few-layer MoS 2 and rGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 /reduced graphene oxide (MoS 2 /rGO-NP) hybrid is fabricated through one-pot hydrothermal route with mediation of a water-soluble N-methylimidazole pillar[5]arene supramolecule. MoS 2 sheets with more exposed active edge sites are well dispersed on the rGO surface. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that MoS 2 /rGO-NP hybrid exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction with a low Tafel slope of 44.5 mV/dec and significantly enhanced kinetics. Thus, the MoS 2 /rGO-NP hybrid holds high potential as a promising earth-abundant electrocatalyst for the cost-effective production of hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile one-pot hydrothermal route with the mediation of ionic liquid (IL, [BMIM]BF 4 ) is presented to synthesize MoS 2 /nitrogen-doped graphene (MoS 2 /NG-IL) composites. It is found that as-prepared MoS 2 /NG-IL composites exhibit that the de-layered MoS 2 sheets with more exposed edge sites and defects are well anchored on the N-doped graphene. Due to the synergism between de-layered MoS 2 and N-doped graphene, MoS 2 /NG-IL composites exhibit better electrochemical performances for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and reversible lithium storage in comparison with MoS 2 . Especially, when 1.0 mL of IL is added in hydrothermal solution, the obtained MoS 2 /NG-IL10 displays very high electrocatalytic activity for HER with a low onset overpotential of 80 mV and a small Tafel slope of 48.0 mV/dec in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 . As anode of lithium ion battery, MoS 2 /NG-IL10 delivers a reversible capacity as high as 1169 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 and enhanced rate capability of 782 mAh g −1 at 1000 mA g −1 . After 800 cycles, a reversible capacity of about 800 mAh g −1 at 500 mA g −1 can be retained, indicating its excellent cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionic liquid (IL, [BMIM]BF 4 ) is employed to mediate the preparation of molybdenum disulfide/graphene composites by hydrothermal route in the presence of graphene oxide sheets. The effects of ionic liquid on the microstructure and hydrogen evolution reaction performances of molybdenum disulfide/graphene are investigated. The molybdenum disulfide/graphene composite (MoS 2 /G-IL10) prepared with 1.0 mL of ionic liquid displays numerous de-layered molybdenum disulfide sheets with short slab length and discontinuous crystal fringes on the surface of grapheme. Due to the rich exposed edge sites, as well as the synergetic effect of de-layered molybdenum disulfide and graphene sheets, the MoS 2 /graphene composite prepared by IL-mediated hydrothermal method shows excellent electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction with a small Tafel slope of 52 mV/dec in acidic medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main problems in representing information in the form of nonsystematic logic is the lack of flexibility, which leads to potential overfitting. Although nonsystematic logic improves the representation of the conventional k Satisfiability, the formulations of the first, second, and third-order logical structures are very predictable. This paper proposed a novel higher-order logical structure, named G-Type Random k Satisfiability, by capitalizing the new random feature of the first, second, and third-order clauses. The proposed logic was implemented into the Discrete Hopfield Neural Network as a symbolic logical rule. The proposed logic in Discrete Hopfield Neural Networks was evaluated using different parameter settings, such as different orders of clauses, different proportions between positive and negative literals, relaxation, and differing numbers of learning trials. Each evaluation utilized various performance metrics, such as learning error, testing error, weight error, energy analysis, and similarity analysis. In addition, the flexibility of the proposed logic was compared with current state-of-the-art logic rules. Based on the simulation, the proposed logic was reported to be more flexible, and produced higher solution diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Few-layer molybdenum disulfide/graphene (FL-MoS2/GNS) composites are fabricated by a facile hydrothermal route and a post-annealing with the assistance of various cationic surfactants (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB; octyltrimethylammonium bromide, OTAB; and tetrabutylammonium bromide, TBAB), which have different alkyl-chain lengths and stereo configurations. The effects of these cationic surfactants on the microstructures and electrochemical performances of the FL-MoS2/GNS for lithium storage are investigated. It is demonstrated the cationic surfactants show some ability to control the microstructure (layer number) of FL-MoS2 in composites. The electrochemical performances of FL-MoS2/GNS composites for lithium storage are greatly improved compared to the bare MoS2. Especially, FL-MoS2/GNS with ∼6 MoS2 layers prepared with the assistance of OTAB exhibits very high reversible capacity of ∼1200 mAh g−1 with excellent cycle stability and enhanced rate capability. Electrochemical impedance spectrum also confirms that the FL-MoS2/GNS composite electrodes exhibit much lower electron-transfer resistance than the MoS2. The remarkable electrochemical performances of FL-MoS2/GNS composites can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between FL-MoS2 and graphene and their quasi-3D architectures, which promote lithium diffusion, electron transfer and electrolyte access. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two dimensional (2D) layered MoS2/graphene and MoS2/XC-72 composites are synthesized by a facile aqueous reduction and heat treatment in N2, and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. It is found that the 2D MoS2 nanosheets with ∼6 layers are well dispersed on the crumpled graphene surface and the curved layered MoS2 with ∼10 layers coated on XC-72 carbon. Due to the outstanding properties of graphene and the synergistic interaction between 2D MoS2 and graphene nanosheets, the 2D MoS2/graphene composite exhibits a very high reversible capacity of 1060 mAh g−1 with excellent cycle stability and significantly enhanced rate capability compared with pristine MoS2 and the MoS2/XC-72 composite. The synthesis presented in this work can also be the blueprint for the facile production of the 2D MoS2/graphene composite on a relatively large scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Zinc peroxide thin films were electrodeposited from aqueous solution at room temperature using H2O2 as the oxidation agent. Nanocrystalline zinc oxide thin films were then obtained from thermal decomposition of zinc peroxide thin films. The grain sizes of ZnO through thermal decomposition of ZnO2 at 200 °C, 300 °C and 400 °C were estimated from the peak width of ZnO(110) obtained from X-ray diffraction and were 6.3 nm, 9.1 nm and 12.9 nm, respectively. The optical properties of zinc oxide thin films have been studied. The photoluminescence results indicate that ZnO thin films have low Stokes blue shift (about 110 meV) and low oxygen vacancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Facile, scale-up, and controllable fabrication of lamellar-like Mg(OH)2 on a magnesium substrate through natural oxidation of Mg metal in formamide/water mixtures has been demonstrated. The one-step, wet-chemical approach has displayed well-controlled growth of densely packed magnesium hydroxide with large-area homogeneity and uniform morphology. The chemical-liquid-deposition process, an analogue to the widely used chemical-vapor-deposition technique, has been well developed for production of specific morphological Mg(OH)2 through continuous supply, transport, and thermal decomposition of magnesium complexes in a liquid phase. The formation mechanism of lamellar-like Mg(OH)2 was also discussed based on experimental phenomena. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Highly textural lamellar mesostructured Mg(OH)2 thin films were obtained through one-step cathodic reduction of magnesium nitrate bath without any surfactant template at room temperature. Its microstructure, stability and morphology were investigated using XRD, TEM, FT-IR, thermal analysis and SEM technique respectively. The results indicate that the porous hydroxide/oxide materials have highly textural lamellar structures with layer spacing around 3.4 nm. The possible formation mechanism has been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acetate-stabilized Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon were prepared by a microwave heating polyol method, in which a small amount of sodium acetate solution was added as a stabilizing agent in the synthesis solution. The Pt/C catalysts were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the Pt nanoparticles were small and uniform in size, and highly dispersed on XC-72 carbon supports. The mean size of the Pt particles was 5.1, 4.3, 3.5 and 2.8nm, respectively, correspondingly for adding 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5mL of 1.0M sodium acetate solution in 50mL of the synthesis solution. The effects of the amount of acetate solution added on the Pt particle size and size distribution were investigated. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the Pt/C catalysts prepared in this way exhibited a much higher electrocatalytic activity for methanol electro-oxidation than a comparative Pt/C catalyst prepared without adding acetate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CdS nanocrystallites were synthesized by the hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, TEM, and XPS, respectively. Different coordination agents were chosen as the template to investigate their effects on the product morphology. It was found that the CdS nanocrystallites displayed a rod-like shape when ethylenediamine or methylamine were employed as the template. In contrast, only nanoparticles of CdS were observed when ammonia or pyridine were used. Based on our experimental results, a complex structure-controlling mechanism is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]