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Hyperuricemia (HUA) makes a chronic inflammation status, which affects immune cells. The association between HUA and immune cells, such as monocytes and neutrophils, has been extensively studied. However, studies on HUA and lymphocytes are still limited. We selected 1543 healthy participants and 258 individuals with HUA to analyze the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and immune cells, and 98 healthy participants and 16 individuals with HUA were used to study the relationship between SUA levels and cytokine levels. Then, we used soluble UA to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro and examined lymphocyte subset counts and activation by flow cytometry. The results revealed that the number of lymphocytes in the HUA group was significantly increased, particularly CD4+ T cell numbers, which were higher than those in the total population (P = 0.0019), females (P = 0.0142), and males (P = 0.0199) of the healthy control group. Concomitantly, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 levels significantly increased in people with HUA (P = 0.0254; P = 0.0019). In vitro, soluble UA promoted the proliferation and activation of CD4+ T and CD19+ B cells. Thus, HUA is accompanied by elevated peripheral CD4+ T cells and may cause a Th2-dominant immune status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wetting and sticking phenomena are the principal factors that lead to dislocation, parasitic grain nucleation, cracking, and other issues during crucible-based crystal growth of Cd-based crystals (CdTe/Cd1−xZnxTe). The trace amount of moisture in raw materials is an important factor influencing the sticking process, but this has not been sufficiently studied. Here, we investigate the chemical reactions between trace moisture and raw Cd materials by introducing H2O intentionally. The X-ray photoelectron spectra of the sticky surface indicate that residual moisture can react with raw Cd and generate more CdO compared with the untreated Cd. The reactive gas atmosphere process (RAP) method with a self-designed crucible was modified for the removal of moisture and reaction products. The waste products of the RAP method were successfully separated and determined to be CdCl2, CdCO3, CdO, and SiO2. The whole chemical process of oxidation and the RAP method was proposed accordingly. The purified Cd showed a spherical shape derived from the surface tension and de-wetting with the bare quartz crucible. These studies provide a comprehensive description of the moisture-driven oxidation behavior of Cd responsible for the sticking problem of the Cd/SiO2 system, which may guide high-quality Cd-based crystal growth techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the existing influence evaluation algorithms often ignore network structure attributes, user interests and the time-varying propagation characteristics of influence. To address these issues, this work comprehensively discusses users' own influence, weighted indicators, users' interaction influence and the similarity between user interests and topics, thus proposing a dynamic user influence ranking algorithm called UWUSRank. First, we determine the user's own basic influence based on their activity, authentication information and blog response. This improves the problem of poor objectivity of initial value on user influence evaluation when using PageRank to calculate user influence. Next, this paper mines users' interaction influence by introducing the propagation network properties of Weibo (a Twitter-like service in China) information and scientifically quantifies the contribution value of followers' influence to the users they follow according to different interaction influences, thereby solving the drawback of equal value transfer of followers' influence. Additionally, we analyze the relevance of users' personalized interest preferences and topic content and realize real-time monitoring of users' influence at various time periods during the process of public opinion dissemination. Finally, we conduct experiments by extracting real Weibo topic data to verify the effectiveness of introducing each attribute of users' own influence, interaction timeliness and interest similarity. Compared to TwitterRank, PageRank and FansRank, the results show that the UWUSRank algorithm improves the rationality of user ranking by 9.3%, 14.2%, and 16.7%, respectively, which proves the practicality of the UWUSRank algorithm. This approach can serve as a guide for research on user mining, information transmission methods, and public opinion tracking in social network-related areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferromagnetic metal-organic semiconductor (FM-OSC) hybrid interfaces have been shown to play an important role for spin injection in organic spintronics. Here, 11,11,12,12-tetracyanonaptho-2,6-quinodimethane (TNAP) is introduced as an interfacial layer in Co-OSCs heterojunctions with an aim to tune the spin injection. The Co/TNAP interface is investigated by use of X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). Hybrid interface states (HIS) are observed at Co/TNAP interfaces, resulting from chemical interactions between Co and TNAP. The energy level alignment at the Co/TNAP/OSCs interface is also obtained, and a reduction of the hole injection barrier is demonstrated. XMCD results confirm sizeable spin polarization at the Co/TNAP hybrid interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We explore in this work the use of Cu as a cathode material in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and find a dual electron–injection enhancement mechanism derived from the LiF layer. Different from what observed previously in Ag- and Au-cathode devices, the LiF buffer layer in the Cu-cathode OLEDs starts to play its role in performance improvement when it is much thinner than 3nm, the optimal value of buffer thickness, and in the case of optimal thickness, the device exhibits excellent performance comparable to conventional Al-cathode device. The phenomenon observed is ascribed to enhanced electron injection as a result of combined effect of interfacial reaction and tunneling barrier reduction mechanism: while chemical reaction plays a key role at the very beginning of interface formation, tunneling dominates in the subsequent stage leading to the tremendous improvement of the characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between BDNF and oocyte maturation and to verify whether BDNF could predict in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Methods: The follicle fluid (FF) for BDNF, E and P assay were obtained from 59 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The women were divided into two groups by pregnancy outcome and their clinical and lab data were compared. And the correlation of BDNF with E, P, age, and IVF data were analyzed. Results: Positive correlation was observed between BDNF and E concentration in FF. BDNF was positively correlated with the rate of mature oocytes collected and cleavage rate. Conclusions: The BDNF in FF could not predict IVF outcome, but BDNF in FF might play an important role in the maturation of oocyte and development of oocyte into preimplantation embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether X-ray radiation induced apoptosis of the proliferative ependymal cells (ECs) in adult rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the effect of X-ray radiation on the proliferative activities of ECs. A rat model with SCI was developed and used to determine the proliferation and apoptosis of ECs in the spinal cords after X-ray exposure. TUNEL assay and BrdU incorporation were used to detect apoptosis and proliferation respectively. We found that there were few TUNEL-positive cells in proliferative ependymal zone (EZ) after SCI except at the epicenter, and approximately half of the irradiated ECs became TUNEL-positive. However, these radiated ECs did not lose their proliferative activity until 1 week later and started to decrease rapidly after 1 week. The observation suggested that only part of ECs were sensitive to radiation and the nonsensitive cells continued their mitosis process. These findings indicated that X-ray exposure of the rats with SCI in early stage induced apoptosis of the proliferative ECs and partially inhibited their proliferative activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess sludge production from wastewater treatment plants has significantly increased, and sludge disposal has become a serious social and environmental problem. In this study, we constructed a microbial electrochemical hybrid system (MEHS) for simultaneous electricity generation, acid and alkali production, desalination, alkali pretreatment, and degradation of sludge. The alkaline solution generated in the MEHS was used for in situ sludge pretreatment. Owing to the efficiency in alkali pretreatment, a higher sludge degradation efficiency was obtained by the MEHS (Total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) removal efficiency of 57.2%) than by the SMFC (TCOD removal efficiency of 51.7%). Moreover, the MEHS (0.165C) could recover more electricity from the sludge than a traditional single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SMFC, 0.133C). Additionally, the MEHS exhibited excellent performance in desalination (> 50%) and acid production. The system developed in this study provides a new solution for sludge degradation and multifunctional utilization. Unlabelled Image • MEHS utilized in-situ generated alkali for sludge treatment. • MEHS shows better sludge degradation performance than SMFC. • MEHS can collect more electricity than SMFC. • MEHS can achieve acid production and desalination. • This study provides a new way for sludge treatment and degradation in BES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising thermoelectric material with (bi)polaron-type transport properties. Dedoping PEDOT:PSS by simply controlling film thickness and the annealing temperature under high relative humidity led to partial reduction and a conformational change in the polymer that improved both the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. When the film was hydrothermally annealed at 170 °C, its Seebeck coefficient was enhanced from 13.8 to 42.3 μV K−1. Water was the reducing agent and at an optimum annealing temperature of 130 °C facilitated separation of reduced PEDOT and protonated PSS chain, resulting in an improved power factor (PF) of 16.9 μW m−1 K−2 and a color change in the annealed PEDOT:PSS films from light to dark blue. The acid-treated PEDOT:PSS film followed by hydrothermal annealing exhibited a conductivity of 1241 ± 272 S cm−1 and 28.7 ± 2.1 μV K−1, and the corresponding PF was 103.9 μW m−1 K−2. These results show the possibility of tuning the thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS films for biomedical applications without the need of toxic or expensive additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inconsistent results according to numerous studies that had investigated the association between serum zinc levels and lung cancer risk were reported. The aim of this study was to explore whether serum zinc levels were lower in lung cancer patients than that in controls. Methods: We systematically retrieved the databases of PubMed, Wanfang, Cochrane, ScienceDirect website, CNKI, and SinoMed databases for comprehensive relevant studies published before December 2018 and conducted a meta-analysis. Standard mean differences (SMD) were pooled using a random effects model. Results: Thirty-two articles were eligible to investigate the correlation between serum zinc levels and lung cancer risk, involving 2894 cases and 9419 controls. The pooled results showed sufficient evidence approving the association between serum zinc levels and lung cancer risk. And the serum zinc levels in lung cancer were significantly lower than that in controls (summary SMD = − 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) = − 0.94, − 0.82). Meanwhile, consistent results were obtained both in European populations and Asian populations. No publication bias was detected in our analysis. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggested that serum zinc levels were significantly lower in lung cancer patients than that in controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. However, there is no consensus regarding the precise time intervals within ICSI cycles [oocyte pick up (OPU), oocyte denudation (DN), and ICSI], and results are inconsistent and contradictory. Thus, we aim to evaluate whether there is a concordance regarding the time intervals used in different laboratories and a concrete time that gives better laboratory and reproductive results. Methods: A systematic review of the literature until July 25, 2020, was performed with the keywords "Oocyte Denudation/Denudation/Oocyte," "Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection/ICSI," "Oocyte/Oocyte maturation/ cumulus," and "Cumulus removal/ removal." Articles and abstracts in English and involving human subjects referring to the effects of oocyte DN time on embryo development and clinical outcomes were included. Results: Of the 294 evaluated articles, 24 (including 20 full articles and 4 abstracts) were included in this review. Eighteen studies analysed the effect of OPU-DN time on embryo development and clinical outcomes. Most of these studies concluded that OPU-DN time did not influence ICSI outcomes, but some suggested that oocytes should be incubated for a short time before DN to improve oocyte maturity and enhance ICSI outcomes. In addition to reports on positive or negligible effects, adverse effects were reported in 12 studies on DN-ICSI timing. Neither OPU-DN nor DN-ICSI time could improve live birth rate. Conclusions: Oocytes should be pre-incubated for a short duration (preferably < 4 h) before DN according to the ART laboratory schedule. More randomised controlled trials are warranted to clarify the effect of DN-ICSI timing on ICSI outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel sliding mode extremum seeking control (SMESC) scheme is proposed to improve the performance of the classic SMESC. In this scheme, the twisting sliding mode is employed to alleviate the chattering at the sliding stage and a gradient-based parameter adjusting strategy is designed to eliminate the oscillation during steady-state stage. The convergence and stability of this scheme are proved in a rigorous way. Moreover, the principle of parameters selection is presented to facilitate the application of this scheme. Finally, the application in proton exchange membrane fuel cell system shows the effectiveness and advantages of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel carbene‐based tetradentated Pt(II) complexes, namely Pt(pibOppy) and Pt(ppbOppy), are developed and found to exhibit radiative metal‐centered (MC) d‐p triplet transition, resulting in highly efficient and configurational‐rigid phosphorescence. The Pt(II) complexes emit green light with peak wavelengths of 512–526 nm. Pt(ppbOppy), with enhanced carbene‐Pt interaction, achieves a high photoluminescent quantum yield of 99% in thin film, better thermo‐ and photo‐stability, and a structured emission spectrum. Device B1, by incorporating Pt (ppbOppy), shows a narrow green emission with Commission Internationale de l'Elcairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.306, 0.633), a long working lifetime of LT95 = 111 h at 1000 cd m−2, and high maximum values of the external quantum efficiency, power efficiency, and current efficiency of 20.4%, 74.1 lm W−1, and 72.1 cd A−1, respectively. The exceedingly flawless device performance highlights the immense potential of Pt(II) complexes with d‐p transition for organic electroluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During controlled ovarian stimulation, the LH rising before triggering can lead to follicular luteinizations. However, LH can be suppressed immediately and no progesterone elevation with GnRH antagonist. This study retrospectively compared fresh IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes in antagonist protocols between the group with and the group without a premature LH surge. Logistic regression models were fitted to reduce the relevant confounders. Compared between premature LH surge group and control group, the implantation rates were 12.9% (30/233) vs 25.0% (141/536), p =.000; clinical pregnancy rates were 21.0% (25/119) vs 41.6% (119/286), p =.000; live birth rates were17.6% (21/119) vs 29.7% (85/286), p =.012. After adjusting for age, BMI, bFSH, and infertility factors, the adverse effects were still as pronounced for the clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.24–0.66) and live birth rates (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32–0.93. In a GnRH antagonist flexible protocol, a transient premature LH surge which can be suppressed immediately after the initiation of antagonist without elevated serum progesterone, will cause a detrimental effect on the development of the embryo and IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in pregnancy is a rare event, but it poses a significant risk to mothers and fetuses. The optimal treatment strategy remains controversial. Methods. We present a consecutive series of twelve pregnant women with pHPT. Results. Twelve women were diagnosed with pHPT during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Four of them presented no symptoms or mild symptoms. Four patients experienced serious complications, including hypercalcaemic crisis, acute pancreatitis, and eclampsia. Another four patients were identified postpartum as the result of neonatal convulsion with hypocalcaemia. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) under cervical plexus block was successfully performed in 11 of them during pregnancy or postpartum. The serum levels of ionized calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were much higher in patients with severe complications in this cohort than those in the group of patients with no symptoms or mild symptoms and patients who were diagnosed postpartum. Conclusions. MIP under cervical plexus block might be a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women with pHPT. Even though both conservative and surgical treatments are applicable for most mothers and fetuses with asymptomatic and mild hyperparathyroidism, serious complications may have catastrophic consequences for both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Researchers have revealed the combined functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to understand the role of nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and miR-381 involving insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in PCOS. Methods: PCOS rat model was established by dehydroepiandrosterone induction. NEAT1, miR-381 and IGF1 expression in ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients and ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were tested. Bioinformatics website and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to verify the relationship between NEAT1 and miR-381 and that between miR-381 and IGF1. Levels of sex hormone, pathological changes and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were detected. Ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed in vitro. Results: NEAT1 and IGF1 expression increased while miR-381 expression decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of patients with PCOS and the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vivo experiments, interference with NEAT1 improved the levels of sex hormones, alleviated pathological changes and suppressed ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vitro cell experiments, interference with NEAT1 suppressed apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells. NEAT1 interference-mediated effect would be reversed by up-regulating miR-381. NEAT1 acted as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-381 to target IGF1. Overexpression of IGF1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-381 on ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Interference with NEAT1 increases miR-381 and reduces IGF1 levels, effectively improving the levels of sex hormones and reducing the pathological damage of ovarian tissue in rats with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Researchers have revealed the combined functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to understand the role of nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and miR-381 involving insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in PCOS. Methods: PCOS rat model was established by dehydroepiandrosterone induction. NEAT1, miR-381 and IGF1 expression in ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients and ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were tested. Bioinformatics website and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to verify the relationship between NEAT1 and miR-381 and that between miR-381 and IGF1. Levels of sex hormone, pathological changes and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in ovarian tissues of PCOS rats were detected. Ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed in vitro. Results: NEAT1 and IGF1 expression increased while miR-381 expression decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of patients with PCOS and the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vivo experiments, interference with NEAT1 improved the levels of sex hormones, alleviated pathological changes and suppressed ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. In in vitro cell experiments, interference with NEAT1 suppressed apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells. NEAT1 interference-mediated effect would be reversed by up-regulating miR-381. NEAT1 acted as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-381 to target IGF1. Overexpression of IGF1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-381 on ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Interference with NEAT1 increases miR-381 and reduces IGF1 levels, effectively improving the levels of sex hormones and reducing the pathological damage of ovarian tissue in rats with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, and I) has attracted increasing attention in the field of laser application due to its excellent stability compared to the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite since affording the radiation of a long pulse pump source requires high thermal stability of the material. However, it is difficult to observe the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of CsPbBr3 using a one-step solution method due to the low solubility of CsBr in the organic solvent. Herein, we fabricate a CsPbBr3 film with a two-step solution method and realize the ASE under the long pulse pumping. Meanwhile, a CsBr aqueous solution is used as an effective additive to increase the concentration of Cs+ in the precursor solution and then to improve the optical amplification properties of the CsPbBr3 films. The films exhibit better crystalline and enhanced photoluminescence intensity. Both the ASE threshold and gain have been significantly improved. Furthermore, the optimized film shows a satisfying stability of ASE after being placed in the air for more than two months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of lead halide perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLED) provides bright prospects for future lighting and display applications. However, the lack of efficient blue light emission, the insufficient device stability, and the shortage of convenient patterning methods greatly impede the development of PeLED applications. In this work, a feasible two‐step fabrication method combined with a block copolymer (BCP) template is introduced to fabricate high quality CH3NH3PbBrxCl3−x 3D perovskite film. The BCP‐templated CH3NH3PbBr3 film possesses a state‐of‐the‐art photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 62% in the champion sample (58% average PLQY) and an outstanding stability at room temperature. Using halide‐free lead acetate trihydrate as the lead source, the color of the photoluminescence can be tuned easily from green to blue by simply controlling the Cl/Br ratio in the second step. A sky‐blue emission is obtained from a CH3NH3PbBr1.5Cl1.5 perovskite film with a PLQY of 23 ± 2%. The two‐step fabrication approach can also enable straightforward patterning, as demonstrated with inkjet printing and Chinese calligraphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole transport materials (HTMs) play an essential role in obtaining efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In particular, PSCs based on dopant-free small molecule hole transport materials (SM-HTMs) have the unique advantages of reproducibility and long-term stability. In this work, we design and synthesis a small molecule, FIMPA-C11, with a D-A-D structure, to serve as a HTM. The corresponding inverted planar PSCs achieve a satisfying efficiency of 17.60%, equivalent to 17.01% of the NiO counterpart, with superior stability and much lower processing temperature. The property and morphology of FIMPA-C11 film make it a better substrate for the crystallization of perovskite absorbing layer. The work enriches the category of HTMs and provides innovation for high-performance dopant-free SM-HTMs in PSCs. [Display omitted] • A small-molecule with D-A-D structure and long alkyl chains was designed and synthesized as a dopant-free HTM for inverted PSCs. • FIMPA-C11 film can reduce the trap density at the HTL/perovskite interface, enhance the carrier migration and improve both efficiency and stability of device. • The device with lower process temperature shows higher PCE and better stability compared to the control device with NiO HTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep learning method is proposed to identify damages in jacket offshore platforms, which integrates the random decrement technique (RDT) and Transformer neural network. RDT is utilized to process the noisy strain response signals from various measurement points on the platform under random excitation, and the Transformer network is used to localize the damages and assess their severities. Numerical simulations and experimental studies are used to demonstrate that the proposed method is effective. The numerical model applied in this study is a jacket platform, including single and multiple damage cases in the entire section and partial section (two-fifths of the entire section) with minor severities (<5%), and different noise levels are considered. Additionally, the effect of measurement positions on identification accuracy of minor and major damage is discussed. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated by experimental studies using a jacket platform model fixed on a shaking table, where different severities of single and multiple damages are considered. Results of the numerical and experimental studies demonstrate that the proposed RDT-Transformer approach can accurately determine the location of structural damage and identify its severity. • Combine the RDT with Transformer for jacket offshore platforms damage identification under random excitation. • RDT can significantly improve the effectiveness of damage identification of Transformer under noise condition. • Validate the RDT-Transformer method through the numerical and experimental studies of jacket offshore platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical constituents from Zhideke granules were rapidly isolated and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) in positive and negative ion modes using both full scan and two-stage threshold-triggered mass modes. The secondary fragment ion information of the target compound was selected and compared with the compound reported in databases and related literatures to further confirm the possible compounds. A total of 47 chemical constituents were identified from the ethyl acetate extract of Zhideke granules, including 21 flavonoids and glycosides, 9 organic acids, 4 volatile components, 3 nitrogen-containing compounds, and 10 other compounds according to the fragmentation patterns, relevant literature, and MS data. The result provides a new method for the analysis of chemical constituents of Zhideke granules which laid the foundation for quality control and the study of pharmacodynamic materials of Zhideke granules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron transport layer (ETL) plays an important role in determining the device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Recently, SnO2 has been used extensively as an ETL due to its many outstanding optoelectronic properties. Herein, we develop Ta doped SnO2 (Ta-SnO2) as an ETL grown by chemical bath deposition, allowing the fabrication of low-temperature PSCs. In contrast to pristine SnO2, the I-V curve and transmittance spectra show a significant conductivity improvement of Ta-SnO2 without declining the light transmittance property. Meanwhile, Ta-doping could accelerate the electron transfer and decrease the recombination probability at the SnO2/perovskite interface, as well as passivate the electron traps, leading to the improvement in the PSC performance. Through a series of optimization methods, the champion device shows a power conversion efficiency of 20.80%, with an open-circuit voltage of 1.161 V, a short-circuit current density of 22.79 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.786. SnO2 with a suitable Ta content is a promising candidate as an ETL for fabricating high-efficiency PSCs via the low-temperature process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, sulfite (S(Ⅳ)), as an alternative to persulfates, has played a crucial role in eliminating antibiotics in wastewater, so there is an urgent need to develop a cheap, environmentally friendly, and effective catalyst. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has great potential for activated S(Ⅳ) removal of organic pollutants, but its reactivity in water is reduced due to passivation. In this study, a micron-scale iron-carbon composite(mZVI@C-800) prepared via high-temperature calcination was coupled with S(Ⅳ) to degrade metronidazole (MNZ). Under the optimized reaction conditions of mZVI@C-800 dosage of 0.2 g/L and S(Ⅳ) concentration of 0.1 g/L, the MNZ removal rate was up to 81.5 % in acidic and neutral environments. The surface chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by different analytical techniques, and the corresponding catalytic mechanism was analyzed based on these analytical results. As a result, Fe2+ is the main active site, and ·OH and SO 4 ·- were the dominant active species. The increase in efficiency was attributed to the introduction of carbon to enhance the corrosion of mZVI further releasing more Fe2+. Additionally proposed were the potential response mechanism, the degradation path, and the toxicity change rule. These results demonstrate that the catalytic breakdown of antibiotics in wastewater treatment can be accelerated by the use of the outstanding catalytic material mZVI@C-800. [Display omitted] • A novel mZVI@C-T composites were developed for removal of MNZ. • MNZ could be effectively removed at the pH range of 3–7. • The enhanced mechanism of mZVI@C-T was explored. • The degradation pathways and ecotoxicity of the intermediates of MNZ were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two perylene diimide (PDI) based polymeric acceptors, PFPDIBT-TT2F and PFPDIT-TT2F, which consist of fused-PDI moieties (FPDIBT and FPDIT) and 3,3′-difluoro-2,2′-bithiophene (TT2F) units, has been designed and synthesized. Compared with the unfused-PDI polymer (PPDI-TT2F) as the control molecule, the influence of structural conformation and π-conjugation extension on the performance of all-polymer solar cells has been investigated. Due to both the extended π-conjugation and the torsional polymer skeleton, the device adopting PFPDIT-TT2F achieved an obviously improved PCE of 5.11% comparing with the devices using the other two polymeric acceptors. This study demonstrates that the fused PDIs bridged by a thiophene enables both extended π-conjugation and twisted molecular conformation, and the latter plays a dominant role in the improvement of device performance. [Display omitted] • Two fused PDI based polymeric acceptors for all-PSCs are designed and synthesized. • Fused PDIs bridged by a thiophene enables both extended π-conjugation and twisted molecular conformation. • Twisted structure plays a dominant role comparing with expansion of π-conjugation. • A rule on the design and selection of the fusing unit for PDI-based polymeric acceptors are proposed as reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiconductor-electrode interface impacts the function and the performance of (opto)electronic devices. For printed organic electronics the electrode surface is not atomically clean leading to weakly interacting interfaces. As a result, solution-processed organic ultrathin films on electrodes typically form islands due to dewetting. It has therefore been utterly difficult to achieve homogenous ultrathin conjugated polymer films. This has made the investigation of the correct energetics of the conjugated polymer-electrode interface impossible. Also, this has hampered the development of devices including ultrathin conjugated polymer layers. Here, Langmuir-Shäfer-manufactured homogenous mono- and multilayers of semiconducting polymers on metal electrodes are reported and the energy level bending using photoelectron spectroscopy is tracked. The amorphous films display an abrupt energy level bending that does not extend beyond the first monolayer. These findings provide new insights of the energetics of the polymer-electrode interface and opens up for new high-performing devices based on ultrathin semiconducting polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the impact of procedures of IVF/ICSI technology on sex ratio in China, we conducted this multi-center retrospective study including 121,247 babies born to 93,895 women in China. There were 62,700 male babies and 58,477 female babies, making the sex ratio being 51.8% (Male: Female  = 107∶100). In univariate logistic regression analysis, sex ratio was imbalance toward females of 50.3% when ICSI was preformed compared to 47.7% when IVF was used (P<0.01). The sex ratio in IVF/ICSI babies was significantly higher toward males in transfers of blastocyst (54.9%) and thawed embryo (52.4%) when compared with transfers of cleavage stage embryo (51.4%) and fresh embryo (51.5%), respectively. Multiple delivery was not associated with sex ratio. However, in multivariable logistic regression analysis after controlling for related factors, only ICSI (adjusted OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.88–0.93; P<0.01) and blastocyst transfer (adjusted OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09–1.20; P<0.01) were associated with sex ratio in IVF/ICSI babies. In conclusion, the live birth sex ratio in IVF/ICSI babies was influenced by the use of ICSI, which may decrease the percentage of male offspring, or the use of blastocyst transfer, which may increase the percentage of male offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning methods for damage detection of thermoplastic composite pipes (TCPs) under noise conditions are presented, which combine the random decrement technique (RDT) with random forest (RF) and long and short-term memory (LSTM) networks. RDT is applied first to process the measured noisy strain response data of the TCP under random excitation. Then the RF or LSTM method is used to conduct the damage localization and severity estimation of the pipe. The applicability of the proposed methods is verified by means of numerical and experimental studies. The numerical example consists of a TCP subjected to internal pressure and random wave excitation considering several noise levels. The damages are simulated as circular holes on different layers of the pipe and varying severity, characterized by their radii and depths. The damage detection is carried out using RDT-RF and RDT-LSTM methods. The experimental studies consist of laboratory tests of a TCP model using Fiber Bragg Grating sensors. The damage cases, simulated as cracks with different lengths and depths on the reinforcement layer, are discussed. Both the numerical simulation and experimental tests show that the proposed RDT-RF and RDT-LSTM methods have an excellent performance in damage detection of TCPs. • Propose machine learning methods, RF and LSTM combined with RDT for damage detection of thermoplastic composite pipes. • RDT can remarkably improve the capability of damage detection of RF and LSTM methods under noise conditions. • Validate RDT-RF and RDT-LSTM through the numerical simulation and experimental test of thermoplastic composite pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and their influence factors in women during menopausal transition and postmenopause. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted with a composed questionnaire on general conditions, social support scoring, the Zung self-evaluating depression and anxiety scoring. All of the parameters were input into a database and analyzed with t-test, χ 2 and logistic regression using SPSS. Results: A total of 1280 women aged 45–59 in Beijing city were interviewed with the questionnaire mentioned above. The prevalence of depression symptoms and anxiety in these women was 306 (23.9%) and 131 (10.2%), respectively. Risk factors associated with depression included strait financial status, social support, dyspareunia and dry vagina, hot flashes and sweating, satisfaction with family, children fail college or job and divorced or separated. Risk factors associated with anxiety included history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hot flashes, vaginal dryness or dyspareunia and some negative life events. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety were common symptoms in Chinese women during menopausal transition and postmenopause. Some psycho-social factors may play a role in the prevalence of them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Use of the World Wide Web (WWW) and electronic media to facilitate medical care has been the subject of many reports in the popular press. However, few reports have documented the results of implementing electronic health portals for essential medical tasks, such as prescription refills and appointments.Methods: At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, "Search & Learn" medical information, Internet-based prescription refills and patient appointments were established in January 2001. A multiphase retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the use of the "Search & Learn" medical information and the relative number of prescription refills and appointments conducted via the WWW compared with conventional methods.Results: From January 2001 to May 2002, there were 34,741 refills and 819 appointments made over the Internet compared with 2,275,112 refills and approximately 500,000 appointments made conventionally. WWW activity accounted for 1.52% of refills and 0.16% of appointments. There was a steady increase in this percentage over the time of the analysis. In April of 2002, the monthly average of online refills had risen to 4.57% and online appointments were at 0.27%. Online refills were projected to account for 10% of all prescriptions in 2 years. The "Search & Learn" medical information portion of our web site received 147,429 unique visits during this same time frame, which was an average of 326 visitors per day.Conclusions: WWW-based methods of conducting essential medical tasks accounted for a small but rapidly increasing percentage of total activity at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Subsequent phases of analysis will assess demographic and geographic factors and aid in the design of future systems to increase use of the Internet-based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]