Search

Co‐free O3‐type NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries has shown great promise due to its high theoretical capacity and plentiful Na reservoir. However, the rapid capacity recession caused by harmful phase transition and large volume strain severely restricts their practical application. Herein, the obstacle is well addressed by constructing a P2&O3 biphasic structure via a customized boron‐doping strategy. The light‐weight boron doping in the interstitial position reduces the energy gap of the formation energy of P2 and O3 structure, which induces the formation of P2&O3 biphase in high Na state. In addition, the biphasic structure exhibits near zero volume strain due to the lattice interlocking effect of P2&O3, as identified by in situ X‐ray diffraction measurement. As a result, it presents a remarkable cyclability with a capacity retention of 85.2% over 1000 cycles at a high rate of 5 C. More importantly, a pouch‐type full‐cell device can exhibit a long cycling life with 70.8% capacity retention over 150 cycles at 0.1 C. This work can offer a new inspiration for designing advanced high sodium electrode materials via light element doping for future energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium iron phosphate (NaFePO4) has attracted significant attention because of its high theoretical capacity (155 mA h g−1), remarkable structural stability, and abundant elemental composition. However, the electrochemical reversibility of maricite NaFePO4 is generally considered inactive. Herein, a nanoengineering strategy to activate the electrochemical activity of maricite NaFePO4 is presented. This approach involves the construction of ultrasmall maricite NaFePO4 nanoparticles encapsulated within an ultrathin carbon layer (denoted as m‐NFP@C), which greatly improves the electrochemical properties of the material. Notably, the optimized m‐NFP@C nanoparticles exhibit an impressive reversible capacity of 101.4 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 20 mA g−1, demonstrating a remarkable capacity retention of 90.5%. Furthermore, when coupled with the bismuth–carbon microfoam‐like compound (Bi@NC‐MF) anode, the fabricated sodium‐ion full cell exhibits exceptional cycling stability with a capacity retention of 90.6% over 250 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance of this material can be attributed to its excellent structural stability, ultrafine nanostructure, and uniform carbon coating, which effectively shorten the Na+ diffusion pathways, prevent the aggregation and fragmentation of nanoparticles, and enhance electronic conductivity. This work is anticipated to open up a new route for activating maricite NaFePO4 and advancing the development of polyanion‐type electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of equilibrium components for chemical reactions is a considerable section in the metallurgical industry. According to the ion and molecule coexistence theory (IMCT), a modified mass action concentration model based on a thermodynamic database is proposed in this paper, which complys with the law of mass conservation and can be applied in the batching process for Al-Ti-Ca-oxide system that originates from SHS (Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis) metallurgy. The trend for slag and alloy component under different batching conditions are in good agreement with experiment, while the difference between the theoretical calculation and experiment can be attributed to the deviation from the thermodynamic equilibrium. The modified mass action concentration model with melts and slag can be used to predict the composition and content of the system when equilibrium is achieved at a certain temperature under a specific material ratio, which is conducive to reducing the cost of the experiment and predicting the operability of the actual process. Moreover, it is believed that this thermodynamic insight may has certain application prospects in these metallurgical procedure based on the equilibrium process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BP neural network is the most representative computational and research method of current machine learning, BP neural network has gradually developed into the most widely used and now the most widely used in the industry with its powerful nonlinear feature function mapping computing capabilities, good data induction and feature recognition computing capabilities. This paper closely links the actual activities of project engineering technology management with modern machine learning network technology, and proposes a new type of engineering management activity model based on machine-integrated GABP neural network. Based on artificial intelligence technology, this paper discusses the theory of analytical neural learning in depth, discusses the theory of analytical neural learning in combination with genetic algorithms, and systematically discusses the models commonly used in this study based on theoretical foundations such as genetic algorithms. And points out the defects and defects of the neural network structure itself. Good generalization ability, in order to minimize the impact of subjective factors on the valuation results. Although there are many management software specializing in construction project engineering currently on the market, the service scope and demand range of these management software specializing in construction project engineering are relatively narrow. For example, construction project management software can only be used manage a construction project. In the actual operation process, it is also found that unreasonable time arrangements often occur in various links, such as personnel scheduling and material distribution of engineering projects. It will not only cause a large waste of material resources, but also affect the effect of labor. To this end, starting from the government's desire to improve the efficiency of engineering management projects, this paper designs an engineering management system for general projects based on artificial intelligence technology and neural networks, and after a large number of practical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

microRNA-200c-3p (miR-200c-3p) has emerged as an important tumor growth regulator. However, its function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is poorly understood. This study was conducted to investigate the role of miR-200c-3p in the progression of human PTC. The miR-200c-3p expression in human PTC tissues and cell lines was evaluated. The target relationship between miR-200c-3p and candidate genes was predicted through bioinformatic analysis and confirmed with a luciferase reporter assay. miRNA or gene expression was altered using transfection, and cell behavior was analyzed using CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, and colony formation assays. The tumor-promoting effects of miR-200c-3p were evaluated by xenografting tumors with K1 cells in nude mice. The expression level of miR-200c-3p in human PTC tissues and cell lines markedly increased, and this increased expression was significantly associated with a worse overall survival. When inactivated, miR-200c-3p suppressed K1 cells' malignant behaviors, including decreasing proliferation and attenuating colony formation, migration, and invasion. Its inactivation also attenuated the development of xenografted K1 cells in nude mice. The effects of miR-200c-3p mimics on promoting the malignant behaviors of PTC cells were remarkably reversed by the overexpression of ATP2A2, as a downstream target of miR-200c-3p. miR-200c-3p acts as an oncogenic gene and promotes the malignant biological behaviors of human PTC cells, thereby directly targeting ATP2A2. This regulated axis may be used as a potential therapy of PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Alongside the rise of animal-protection awareness in Taiwan, the public has been paying more attention to dog genetic deficiencies due to inbreeding in the pet market. The goal of this study was to isolate novel microsatellite markers for monitoring the genetic structure of domestic dog populations in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 113 DNA samples from three dog breeds--beagles (BEs), bichons (BIs), and schnauzers (SCs)--were used in subsequent polymorphic tests applying the 14 novel microsatellite markers that were isolated in this study. Results: The results showed that the high level of genetic diversity observed in these novel microsatellite markers provided strong discriminatory power. The estimated probability of identity (P(ID)) and the probability of identity among sibs (P(ID)sib) for the 14 novel microsatellite markers were 1.7×10-12 and 1.6×10-5, respectively. Furthermore, the power of exclusion for the 14 novel microsatellite markers was 99.98%. The neighbor-joining trees constructed among the three breeds indicated that the 14 sets of novel microsatellite markers were sufficient to correctly cluster the BEs, BIs, and SCs. The principal coordinate analysis plot showed that the dogs could be accurately separated by these 14 loci based on different breeds; moreover, the Beagles from different sources were also distinguished. The first, the second, and the third principal coordinates could be used to explain 44.15%, 26.35%, and 19.97% of the genetic variation. Conclusion: The results of this study could enable powerful monitoring of the genetic structure of domestic dog populations in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel air-hole-assisted step refractive index fiber. Air holes located in the cladding can ensure the single-mode operation of the proposed fiber. The triangular refractive index ring structure further enlarges large mode field area. Bending performance of the proposed fiber is analyzed by the finite element method with perfectly matched layers, and the influence rule of each structure parameter on bending performance is summarized. Numerical results show that the proposed fiber can achieve stable single-mode operation over a wide wavelength range from 1.5 μm to 1.9 μm at a tight bending scale of 10 cm. Effective mode field area can reach 1002.73 μm2, and the bending loss of fundamental mode (FM) is only 0.000827 dB/m at the working wavelength of 1.55 μm; meanwhile, the loss ratio between higher-order mode (Homs) and fundamental mode is 7240. The proposed fiber is more stable compared to photonic crystal fibers. The change in bending angle does not affect the single-mode operation, and this novel fiber has potential applications in high-power lasers. • A bending-resistant large mode field area fiber based on Multi-rings modulation and hole-assisted. • This novel fiber exhibits large effective mode area with small bending radius, ultralow bending loss simultaneously. • This novel fiber was used to construct high power fiber laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore how the immune system controls clearance of SARS-CoV-2, we used a single-cell, mass cytometry–based proteomics platform to profile the immune systems of 21 patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection without need for admission to an intensive care unit or for mechanical ventilation. We focused on receptors involved in interactions between immune cells and virus-infected cells. We found that the diversity of receptor repertoires on natural killer (NK) cells was negatively correlated with the viral clearance rate. In addition, NK subsets expressing the receptor DNAM1 were increased in patients who more rapidly recovered from infection. Ex vivo functional studies revealed that NK subpopulations with high DNAM1 expression had cytolytic activities in response to target cell stimulation. We also found that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced the expression of CD155 and nectin-4, ligands of DNAM1 and its paired coinhibitory receptor TIGIT, which counterbalanced the cytolytic activities of NK cells. Collectively, our results link the cytolytic immune responses of NK cells to the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 and show that the DNAM1 pathway modulates host-pathogen interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) is a practical and efficient process for the precise synthesis of polymers with special architecture by using simple phenols (2,4,6-trimethylphenol, TMP) or hydrocarbons (xanthene, XT) as efficient organocatalysts. Herein, alkyl iodide (R-I), which was generated from in situ bromine-iodine transformation of alkyl bromide (R-Br) with sodium iodide (NaI), was served as initiator to mediate RTCP with TMP or XT. MMA and other functional methacrylates, including GMA, DEAM, DMAEMA and BzMA, were successfully initiated by combining organocatalysts and azo initiators to yield polymers with low-polydispersity (Mw/Mn=1.1–1.5) and ideal monomer conversions (50%–90%) at moderate temperature. Moreover, 3-armstar polymers were also obtained by this method. The high chain-end fidelity of the obtained poly(methyl methacrylate) with iodine as chain-end group (PMMA-I) was confirmed by chain-extension reaction. The environmentally friendly initiators and organocatalysts exhibit powerful polymerization properties toward RTCP, providing a significant method to synthesize functional polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal zinc (Zn) is being explored as a possible anode for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). However, unrestrained Zn dendrite caused by “tip effect” and chemical corrosion continue to plague the Zn deposition process, limiting the functionality of AZIBs and prohibiting their use at high current densities. This work presents an in situ approach for introducing homogeneous ZnO nanoarrays onto the surface of Zn foil (Zn@ZnO NAs) as a functional protective interphase. On the one hand, well‐distributed ZnO NAs protection layer can regulate the “tip effect” and confine the growth of Zn dendrite. On the other hand, the ZnO NAs layer can enhance the desolvation and diffusion process of Zn2+ on the surface of anode, attributing to low voltage hysteresis and exceptional electrochemical performance at high current densities. As a result, the Zn@ZnO NAs exhibits a low voltage hysteresis of 50.8 mV with a superb lifespan of 1200 h at a current density of 5 mA cm−2. Moreover, Zn@ZnO NAs||α‐MnO2 full‐cell shows a superior cycling performance after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 with a capacity of 216.69 mAh g−1. This work is expected to provide ideas for designing other reversible zinc anode chemical systems, especially under a high current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate an inverse problem for the radiative transfer equation that is coupled with a heat equation in a nonscattering medium in ℝn, n ≥ 2. The two equations are coupled through a nonlinear blackbody emission term that is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature. By measuring the radiation intensity on the surface of the blackbody, we prove that the emission property of the system can be uniquely reconstructed. In particular, we design a reconstruction procedure that uses merely one set of experimental setup to fully recover the emission parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an inverse problem for the Boltzmann equation with nonlinear collision operator in dimensions n ≥ 2. We show that the kinetic collision kernel can be uniquely determined from the incoming-to-outgoing mappings on the boundary of the domain provided that the kernel satisfies a monotonicity condition. Furthermore, a reconstruction formula is also derived. The key methodology is based on the higher-order linearization scheme to reduce a nonlinear equation into simpler linear equations by introducing multiple small parameters into the original equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia-induced long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to induce tumor metastasis. However, lncRNAs that are regulated by hypoxia/HIF-1α and subsequently control the expression of multiple epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators have not been identified. To identify such lncRNAs, analysis of RNA-sequencing datasets was performed. The lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 was shown to be induced by hypoxia and directly activated by HIF-1α. Overexpression of lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 induced EMT and metastasis. LncRNA RP11-390F4.3 was essential for hypoxia-induced EMT and metastasis. LncRNA RP11-390F4.3 overexpression induced the expression of multiple EMT regulators. This report demonstrates that LncRNA RP11-390F4.3 is induced by hypoxia/HIF-1α and is essential for hypoxia-induced EMT and metastasis via the activation of multiple EMT regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A set of microsatellite markers with high polymorphism from Tsaiya duck were used for the genetic monitoring and genetic structure analysis of Brown and White Tsaiya duck populations in Taiwan. Methods: The synthetic short tandem repeated probes were used to isolate new microsatellite markers from the genomic DNA of Tsaiya ducks. Eight populations, a total of 566 samples, sourced from Ilan Branch, Livestock Research Institute were genotyped through novel and known markers. The population genetic variables were calculated using optional programs in order to describe and monitor the genetic variability and the genetic structures of these Tsaiya duck populations. Results: In total 24 primer pairs, including 17 novel microsatellite loci from this study and seven previously known loci, were constructed for the detection of genetic variations in duck populations. The average values for the allele number, the effective number of alleles, the observed heterozygosity, the expected heterozygosity, and the polymorphism information content were 11.29, 5.370, 0.591, 0.746, and 0.708, respectively. The results of analysis of molecular variance and principal component analysis indicated a contracting Brown Tsaiya duck cluster and a spreading White Tsaiya duck cluster. The Brown Tsaiya ducks and the White Tsaiya ducks with Pekin ducks were just split to six clusters and three clusters when K was set equal to 6 and 3 in the Bayesian cluster analysis. The individual phylogenetic tree revealed eight taxa, and each individual was assigned to its own population. Conclusion: According to our study, the 24 novel microsatellite markers exhibited a high capacity to analyze relationships of inter- and intra-population in those populations with a relatively limited degree of genetic diversity. We suggest that duck farms in Taiwan could use the new (novel) microsatellite set to monitor the genetic characteristics and structures of their Tsaiya duck populations at various intervals in order to ensure quality breeding and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we study an inverse problem for the space-time fractional parabolic operator (∂t-∆)s + Q with 0 < s < 1 in any space dimension. We uniquely determine the unknown bounded potential Q from infinitely many exterior Dirichlet-to-Neumann type measurements. This relies on Runge approximation and the dual global weak unique continuation properties of the equation under consideration. In discussing weak unique continuation of our operator, a main feature of our argument relies on a new Carleman estimate for the associated degenerate parabolic Caffarelli- Silvestre extension. Furthermore, we also discuss constructive single measurement results based on the approximation and unique continuation properties of the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the inverse problem for the general transport equation with external field, source term, and absorption coefficient. We show that the source and the absorption coefficients can be uniquely reconstructed from the boundary measurement in a Lipschitz stable manner. Specifically, the uniqueness and stability are obtained by using the Carleman estimate, in which a special weight function is designed to pick up information on the desired parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvothermal reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O with different donor ligands afforded two new Cd(II)-based coordination polymers [Cd(Hcia)(btz)]n (1, H3cia = 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)isophthalic acid, btz = 4,4'-bi(1,2,4-triazole)) and {[Cd(2,2-bpy)(NO3)2(H2O)](DMA)}n (2, 2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Complex 1 shows a 3 D 2-fold interpenetrated network based on 1 D infinite [–btz–Cd–btz–] chains, and complex 2 shows 1 D chain-like network based on the 2,2'-bpy chelating Cd centers extended by the NO3- ions. Furthermore, the CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI detection was performed to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of the two complexes against the Hey ovarian cancer cell lines. Western blot was conducted for the mechanism evaluation of the complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the inverse problem of reconstructing the optical parameters of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) from boundary measurements in the diffusion limit. In the diffusive regime (the Knudsen number Kn ≪ 1), the forward problem for the stationary RTE is well approximated by an elliptic equation. However, the connection between the inverse problem for the RTE and the inverse problem for the elliptic equation has not been fully developed. This problem is particularly interesting because the former one is mildly ill-posed, with a Lipschitz type stability estimate, while the latter is well known to be severely ill-posed with a logarithmic type stability estimate. In this paper, we derive stability estimates for the inverse problem for RTE and examine its dependence on Kn. We show that the stability is Lipschitz in all regimes, but the coefficient deteriorates as e 1/eKn, making the inverse problem of RTE severely ill-posed when Kn is small. In this way we connect the two inverse problems. Numerical results agree with the analysis of worsening stability as the Knudsen number gets smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have designed a novel low bending loss and large mode area single-mode fiber with low NA. The proposed fiber can provide high leakage loss ratio (776) between the high-order modes (HOMs) and fundamental mode (FM). • The bending loss of FM and HOMs as function of number of trenches is researched in the paper. The bending loss and effective mode area will decrease as number of trench increase. Without ring and trench in core and cladding, the bending loss of FM and HOM are small and that cannot realize the single-mode operation. Loss ratio is smallest in all of fibers. • The HOMs suppression is better than the traditional step-index fibers (SIF). Furthermore, bending loss can be reduced to about 0.0074 dB/m which is lower than previous study. Effective mode area can achieve 744.49 μm2 at 15 cm bending radius. This fiber design shows great potential in developing compact high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. A novel design of trench in cladding with resonant ring is proposed in this paper. Performances of proposed fiber have been numerically investigated by the finite element method with a perfectly matched layer boundary. Simulation shows that the proposed fiber can provide high leakage loss ratio (776) between the high-order modes (HOMs) and fundamental mode (FM) which is beneficial to realize robust single-mode operation to enhance the transverse mode instabilities at a wavelength of 1080 nm. The HOMs suppression is better than the traditional step-index fibers (SIF). Furthermore, the bending loss can be reduced to about 0.0074 dB/m due to the trench in the cladding, and the effective mode area can achieve 744.49 μm2 at 15 cm bend radius, which is also beneficial to improve transmission efficiency. The advantage of an all-solid structure along with a much simpler fabrication process makes our approach very suitable for realizing very large mode area fibers for high power fiber laser application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have designed a novel bend-insensitive single mode fiber and provide a good match with SMF. • The Bending loss increases to the maximum with b increasing in proposed fiber which is different from previous studies. • The variation of bending loss has discussed when value of c is greater than 20 µm which has not previous in studied. A novel bend-insensitive single mode fiber is proposed in this paper. A finite element method with a perfectly matched layer boundary is used to analyze characteristics of the mode field distribution, effective area and bending loss. To achieve the proposed fiber with a low bending loss, a symmetrical distribution of air holes on a doped trench is designed. The effects of structural parameters on the bending loss and effective area are discussed. The numerical results show that this structure can achieve a low bending loss and effective model area with smaller bend radius at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The bending loss is only 2.13 × 10−5 dB/m and the mode field diameter (MFD) is 8.71 μm, which can provide a good match with the single mode fiber (SMF). The simulation results show that the existence of air holes in the trenched layer can exist minimum point of bending loss with increasing the values of c , which is different from previous studies. Compared with a single mode fiber-28 (SMF-28) and a trench-assistant fiber (TAF), this structure still has an ultralow bending loss and a smaller effective area with a low-bend radius of 3 mm at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The proposed fiber may be preferable for optical connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of AM60-1Ce-xCa (x=0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5) magnesium alloys were prepared by gravity casting method and analyzed by means of XRD, DSC and SEM. The effects of Ca on normal temperature mechanical properties and high temperature creep behavior of alloys were characterized by tensile and constant creep test. Microstructure analysis indicated that Ca was preferentially combined with Al in the alloy to form the high melting point Al2Ca phase at the grain boundary. The addition of Ca can refine the crystal grains and reduces the content of ß-Mg17Al12 phase. With the increase of Ca content in the alloy, Al2Ca phases at the grain boundary gradually changed to the network of lamellar structure, and replaced the ß-Mg17Al12 phase as the main strengthening phase gradually. The creep resistance of the alloy continuously increases because the high-temperature stable phase Al2Ca firmly nailed at grain boundaries impedes the sliding of grain boundaries. However, when the addition of Ca was more than 1.5%, mechanical properties of the alloy started to decrease, which was probably due to the large amount of irregularly shaped Al2Ca phases at the grain boundary. Experimental results show that the optimal addition amount of Ca is 1.5wt.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study global uniqueness in an inverse problem for the fractional semilinear Schrödinger equation (-Δ)su + q(x, u) = 0 with s ϵ (0, 1). We show that an unknown function q(x, u) can be uniquely determined by the Cauchy data set. In particular, this result holds for any space dimension greater than or equal to 2. Moreover, we demonstrate the comparison principle and provide an L∞ estimate for this nonlocal equation under appropriate regularity assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study quench detection in superconducting accelerator cavities cooled with He-II. A rigorous mathematical formula is derived to localize the quench position from dynamical data over a finite time interval at a second sound detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early prediction of future functional capability is crucial for stroke survivors' care management. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to test the trajectory of change across time in activities of daily living (ADLs) and to determine whether the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score within 24 hours poststroke, gender, and age predict ADLs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months poststroke. Methods: A prospective cohort design was used. Baseline characteristics and neurological deficits were measured in 1,021 stroke survivors. The 13-item NIHSS was used to examine neurological status within 24 hours poststroke. ADLs were measured with the Barthel index at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months poststroke. A latent growth curve model was used to analyze how the dynamic changes in ADLs were related to NIHSS score, gender, and age. Results: The latent growth curve model analyses revealed that, as the time following a stroke increases, survivors tend to gradually improve with regard to ADLs. In addition, lower levels of initial ADLs were associated with higher growth in ADLs over time. However, after 6 months poststroke, further gains in ADLs slowed. Based on further analysis, the findings indicate that a lower NIHSS score, being male, and a young age at time of stroke were associated with higher initial levels of ADLs. Having a higher NIHSS score, being female, and a young age at time of stroke predicted an increase in ADLs over time. Discussion: To promote ADLs of stroke patients, NIHSS score at admission, gender, and age should be included as important predictors of stroke care management. The results highlight that the rehabilitation of stroke patients should be focused more on ADLs at 1-6 months poststroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the self-regeneration feasibility of exsolved Co-Fe nanoparticles on the La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.6Co0.1O3-δ perovskite at intermediate operation temperature (700 °C), the evolution of surface morphology and particle phases during a redox process has been determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Unlike the complete reincorporation of the exsolved metals back to the perovskite lattice at 800 °C during the reoxidation process, the transition-metal oxide remains on the surface as an intermediate phase because of a sluggish reincorporation rate at 700 °C. Although the transition-metal oxide particles grow and coarsen quickly in an oxidizing atmosphere, the nanoparticles could still be formed by a disintegration of the reduced spinel oxide in a reducing atmosphere. The hemispherical-like shape of the nanoparticles can be achieved by minimizing metallic surface energy and maintaining the strong metal-oxide interaction. The redispersion of Co-Fe nanoparticles completes the self-regeneration process at 700 °C. The exsolved nanoparticle size distribution is strongly affected by temperature but not by a redox process, which improves performance stability and reactivation at the relatively lower temperature during long-term operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles exsolved from perovskite oxides have created great interest as anode materials in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to their high catalytic activity and regenerative capability. However, the self-regeneration process generally occurs at relatively high temperatures (>800 °C), which might limit their practical application. Here, we present a perovskite anode material, La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.6Co0.1O3-δ, which allows Co-Fe nanoparticles exsolved on the oxide surface at intermediate operation temperatures (700 °C). The phase stability of the perovskite oxide and the reversibility of the exsolved alloy were carefully examined by the phase characterization and the nanoparticle morphology observation during the redox process. The electrochemical performance was evaluated by an electrolyte-supported single cell with hydrogen and propane fuels. The Co-Fe nanocatalysts enhance the maximum power density of the La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.6Co0.1O3-δ-Gd0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (GDC) composite anode more than 75% in comparison to that of the cobalt-free La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.7O3-δ-GDC composite anode with hydrogen. The self-regeneratable anode drives off carbon deposition with hydrocarbon fuels and facilitates catalytic reactivation by the redox cycles without requiring a higher-temperature process. Additionally, the dispersed Co-Fe nanoparticles with a random distribution and slow particle growth rate ensure long-term performance. The single-cell SOFC evaluation demonstrates that La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.6Co0.1O3-δ with Co-Fe nanoparticles exhibits acceptable H2S tolerance, excellent redox reversibility, and stable long-term performance for more than 200 h with H2 and over 800 h with propane at 700 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to create a set of microsatellite markers with high polymorphism for the genetic monitoring and genetic structure analysis of local goose populations. Methods: Novel microsatellite markers were isolated from the genomic DNA of white Roman geese using short tandem repeated probes. The DNA segments, including short tandem repeats, were tested for their variability among four populations of geese from the Changhua Animal Propagation Station (CAPS). The selected microsatellite markers could then be used to monitor genetic variability and study the genetic structures of geese from local geese farms. Results: 14 novel microsatellite loci were isolated. In addition to seven known loci, two multiplex sets were constructed for the detection of genetic variations in geese populations. The average of allele number, the effective number of alleles, the observed heterozygosity, the expected heterozygosity, and the polymorphism information content were 11.09, 5.145, 0.499, 0.745, and 0.705, respectively. The results of analysis of molecular variance and principal component analysis indicated a contracting white Roman cluster and a spreading Chinese cluster. In white Roman populations, the CAPS populations were depleted to roughly two clusters when K was set equal to 6 in the Bayesian cluster analysis. The founders of private farm populations had a similar genetic structure. Among the Chinese geese populations, the CAPS populations and private populations represented different clads of the phylogenetic tree and individuals from the private populations had uneven genetic characteristics according to various analyses. Conclusion: Based on this study's analyses, we suggest that the CAPS should institute a proper breeding strategy for white Roman geese to avoid further clustering. In addition, for preservation and stable quality, the Chinese geese in the CAPS and the aforementioned proper breeding scheme should be introduced to geese breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study aimed to identify the optimal extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) intensity and to investigate its effect on subchondral bone rebuilt in vivo and Wnt5a/Ca2+ signaling in vitro using an osteoarthritis (OA) rat model and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), respectively. Methods. OA rats treated with (OA + ESW group) or without (OA group) ESW (n=12/group) were compared with healthy controls (control group, n=12). Gait patterns and subchondral trabecular bone changes were measured. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction detected protein expression and gene transcription, respectively. Results. The gait disturbances of OA + ESW group were significantly improved compared with the OA group at 6th and 8th weeks. The micro-CT analysis indicated that the BMD, BSV/BV, BV/TV, Tr.S, and Tr.Th are significantly different between OA group and OA + ESW group. Expression of Wnt5a was increased rapidly after ESW treatment at 0.6 bar and peaked after 30 min. Conclusions. ESW were positive for bone remodeling in joint tibial condyle subchondral bone of OA rat. ESW prevented histological changes in OA and prevented gait disturbance associated with OA progression. Optimal intensity of ESW induced changes in BMMSCs via activation of the Wnt5a/Ca2+ signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of pyrrolidine derived salalen-type {ONNO} ligands (S)-L1–3-H2 with 1 equiv. M(OiPr)4(HOiPr) (M = Zr or Hf) in diethyl ether yielded complexes [L1–3M(OiPr)2] (L = L1, M = Zr (1); L = L2, M = Zr (2), Hf (3); L = L3, M = Zr (4), Hf (5)). All of these complexes were well characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray analysis in the case of complexes 1 and 3–5. X-ray structural determination revealed that these complexes were analogous mononuclear species and had a similar structure in which the metal centers were six-coordinated to two oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms of one ligand and two oxygen atoms of two isopropoxy groups. All of these complexes efficiently initialized the ring-opening polymerization of lactides to afford polymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity. Furthermore, the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide catalyzed by complexes 1–5 afforded isotactic-enriched polymers in solution (Pm = 0.74–0.80) and under melt conditions (Pm = 0.63–0.72). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nattokinase, derived from a traditional Japanese food, has been considered a promising supplement for use in thrombosis prevention. The development of nano-technologies has resulted in new approaches for its bioseparation. A facile synthesis of the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for nattokinase isolation has been developed in this study. The arginine-modified MNPs showed four-fold increase of nattokinase adsorption compared with the carboxylated MNPs. The content of arginine on the modified MNPs was 9.6-30 µmol/mg by using the ninhydrin assay. A dose-dependent relationship between the nattokinase adsorption and the amount of arginine conjugated on MNPs was observed. The Langmuir isotherm model further confirmed the monolayer adsorption of nattokinase onto the surfaces of nanoparticles. The bare and arginine-modified MNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The arginine-modified nanoparticles could efficiently separate nattokinase from natto solution. Purified nattokinase will make further contributions in various biological and clinical fields. The conjugation process developed in the present study can be applied to modification of nanoparticle surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A report published by the World Health Organization indicates that depression typically first manifests during youth. However, adolescents usually lack the capacity for self-help or to seek help proactively from health professionals or other related resources to relieve their emotional distress. Failing to manage depression appropriately places adolescents at risk for self-harm and suicide. Purpose: This study explored the correlations among the depressive symptoms, resourcefulness, and self-harm behaviors of adolescents. In addition, the impact of depressive symptoms and resourcefulness on the self-harm behaviors of adolescents was examined. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. One hundred forty secondary school (junior and senior high school) students in southern Taiwan were recruited for data collection using three questionnaires that measured, respectively, their depressive symptoms, resourcefulness, and self-harm behaviors. Results: Depressive symptoms and self-harm behaviors correlated significantly and positively (r = .79, p < .001). Resourcefulness correlated significantly and negatively with both depressive symptoms (r = -.35, p < .001) and self-harm behaviors (r = -.29, p < .001). Finally, depressive symptoms significantly predicted self-harm behaviors. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: This study provides new findings regarding the significant relationship between resourcefulness and self-harm behaviors in adolescents. Future research is suggested to explore the effect of interventions about resourcefulness training on the mental health of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an aim of enhancing their high-temperature phase stability, oxygen-storage capability, and electrocatalytic activity in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), RBaCo4O7+Δ-based samples have been investigated with a co-substitution at the R site with Y, In, and Ca and Ga substitution at the Co site. YBaCo4-yGayO7+Δ, Y1-xInxBaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ, Y1-xCaxBaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ, In1-xCaxBaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ, and Y0.5In0.5BaCo4-yGayO7+Δ series of materials have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction, and the phase stabilities have been assessed by long-term testing at 600-800 °C for 120 h. The substitution of In for Y mitigates the phase decomposition but decreases the oxygen-storage capacity and electrochemical performance in IT-SOFCs. With In and Y co-dopants, Y0.5In0.5BaCo3.5Ga0.5O7+Δ remains stable even with a smaller amount of Ga. In contrast, Ca doping reduces the phase stability regardless of its content. Via optimization of the compositions, Y0.9In0.1BaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ is found to exhibit the best electrochemical performance without decomposition in the long-term test at 600-800 °C. The anode-supported single cell with the Y0.9In0.1BaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ + GDC composite cathode reaches a maximum power density of 0.91 W cm-2 at 700 °C, which is the highest reported for this class of materials. Moreover, the ideal matching of the relatively low thermal expansion coefficient of Y0.9In0.1BaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ (7.5-9.2 × 10-6 K-1) with those of common electrolytes alleviates the thermal stress during long-term operation in IT-SOFCs. The combination of long-term phase stability, high oxygen-storage capability, and electrocatalytic properties makes the Y0.9In0.1BaCo3.3Ga0.7O7+Δ + GDC composite cathode appealing for practical application in IT-SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenate (SeO42-) bioreduction is possible with oxidation of a range of organic or inorganic electron donors, but it never has been reported with methane gas (CH4) as the electron donor. In this study, we achieved complete SeO42- bioreduction in a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) using CH4 as the sole added electron donor. The introduction of nitrate (NO3-) slightly inhibited SeO42- reduction, but the two oxyanions were simultaneously reduced, even when the supply rate of CH4 was limited. The main SeO42--reduction product was nanospherical Se0, which was identified by scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS). Community analysis provided evidence for two mechanisms for SeO42- bioreduction in the CH4-based MBfR: a single methanotrophic genus, such as Methylomonas, performed CH4 oxidation directly coupled to SeO42- reduction, and a methanotroph oxidized CH4 to form organic metabolites that were electron donors for a synergistic SeO42--reducing bacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of amine-bridged bis(phenolate) protio-ligands N,N-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)aminoacetic acid (L1-H3) and N,N-bis[3,5-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)-2-hydroxybenzyl]aminoacetic acid (L2-H3), with 1 equiv. M[N(SiMe3)2]3 (M = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Y) in THF at room temperature yielded the neutral rare-earth complexes [M2(L)2(THF)4] (L = L1, M = La (1), Nd (2), Sm (3), Gd (4), Y (5); L = L2, M = La (6), Nd (7), Sm (8), Gd (9), Y (10)). All of these complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and in the case of yttrium and lanthanum complexes, 1H NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of 1 revealed dinuclear species in which the eight-coordinate lanthanum centers were bonded to two oxygen atoms of two THF molecules, to three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom of one L1 ligand, and two oxygen atoms of the carboxyl group of another. Complexes 2–10 were also dinuclear species containing seven-coordinate metal centers similar to 1, albeit with bonding to one rather than two carboxyl group oxygens of another ligand. Further treatment of 1 with excess benzyl alcohol provided dinuclear complex [La2(L1)2(BnOH)6] (11), in which each lanthanum ion is eight-coordinate, bonded to three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom of one ligand, three oxygen atoms of three BnOH molecules, as well as one oxygen atom of bridging carboxyl group of the other ligand. In the presence of BnOH, complexes 1–10 efficiently catalyzed the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide in a controlled manner and gave polymers with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. The kinetic and mechanistic studies associated with the ROP of l-lactide using 1/BnOH initiating system have been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, we demonstrate chromate (Cr(VI)) bioreduction using methane (CH4) as the sole electron donor in a membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR). The experiments were divided into five stages lasting a total of 90 days, and each stage achieved a steady state for at least 15 days. Due to continued acclimation of the microbial community, the Cr(VI)-reducing capacity of the biofilm kept increasing. Cr(VI) removal at the end of the 90-day test reached 95% at an influent Cr(VI) concentration of 3 mg Cr/L and a surface loading of 0.37g of Cr m-2 day-1. Meiothermus (Deinococci), a potential Cr(VI)-reducing bacterium, was negligible in the inoculum but dominated the MBfR biofilm after Cr(VI) was added to the reactor, while Methylosinus, a type II methanotrophs, represented 11%-21% of the total bacterial DNA in the biofilm. Synergy within a microbial consortia likely was responsible for Cr(VI) reduction based on CH4 oxidation. In the synergy, methanotrophs fermented CH4 to produce metabolic intermediates that were used by the Cr(VI)-reducing bacteria as electron donors. Solid Cr(III) was the main product, accounting for more than 88% of the reduced Cr in most cases. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis showed that Cr(III) accumulated inside and outside of some bacterial cells, implying that different Cr(VI)-reducing mechanisms were involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we consider stability of recovery of the conductivity and attenuation coefficients of the stationary Maxwell and Schrödinger equations from a complete set of (Cauchy) boundary data. By using complex geometrical optics solutions we derive some bounds which can be viewed as an evidence of increasing stability in these inverse problems when the frequency is growing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new dinuclear group 4 metal alkoxides [Ti 2 ( μ -O i Pr)(O i Pr) 4 L] ( 1 ), [Zr 2 ( μ -O i Pr)(O i Pr) 4 L] ( 2 ) and [Hf 2 ( μ -O i Pr)(O i Pr) 4 L] ( 3 ) have been prepared in good yields from the reaction of N, N-di(salicylidene)-2-hydroxyphenylmethanediamine (L-H 3 ) and two equiv. [M(O i Pr) 4 (HO i Pr) n ], respectively. Complexes 1 – 3 have been characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction analyses. The molecular structures of complexes 1 and 3 reveal dinuclear species in which the metal centers are hexa-coordinated to one oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom of the ligand, to two oxygen atoms of two isopropoxy groups, and to two bridging oxygen atoms of one phenolate group of ligand and one isopropoxy group. Complexes 1 – 3 are excellent catalysts/initiators for ring-opening polymerization of ε -caprolactone and L- and rac -lactide to give the corresponding polyesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of nitrogen addition to AISI H13 die steel is proposed and supported using thermodynamic calculations in addition to observed changes in precipitate, microstructure, crystal structure, and macroproperties. The results indicate that the average impact toughness ak of the novel nitrogen H13 steel is maximally 17.6 J cm −2 and minimally 13.4 J cm −2 . These values result in die steel that reaches premium grade and approximate the superior grade as specified in NADCA#207-2003, additionally the hardness is improved 3–5HRC. Experimental findings indicate that the residual V(C,N) particles undissolved during nitrogen H13 steel austenitizing by quenching helps to suppress growth of original austenitic crystal grains, this in turn results in finer martensitic structures after quenching. In the subsequent tempering process all N atoms are dissolved in the solid state matrix a result of C atoms displacing N atoms in V(C,N). Solid dissolution of N atoms produces a distorted lattice of Fe matrix which results in an increase in the hardness of the steel. Additionally this displacement reaction is important for slow growth of secondary particles in nitrogen H13 steel during the tempering process which helps to increase impact toughness compared to its nitrogen-free counterpart given the same condition of heat-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is of clinical concern. The association between the nervous and immune system is defined as an neuroimmunological theory that supports a model of pathology or treatment for AD. Interleukin (IL)-1β has a pro-inflammatory function in AD; however, the mechanism of its dysregulation in AD remains unknown. It is therefore of significance to understand the molecular mechanisms of IL-1β and how it may regulate AD. Proteins, which have been previously reported to be associated with IL-1β in AD, have been used in the present study as nodes to illustrate a net of protein interaction in Cytoscape. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes was used to further analyze the association of these proteins with the pathology of AD. The present study identified and subsequently compared two AD and six IL-1β pathways with the network produced in Cytoscape. The present study identified important mechanisms in the pathology of AD and constructed two novel networks using Cytoscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the fabrication and characterization of a membrane-type ZnO microcavity (MC). The ZnO membrane was cut from a single crystalline ZnO substrate by using focused ion beam milling, and was then placed onto a SiO² substrate by using glass microtweezers. Through changing the pumping regime, manipulation of P-band exciton lasing and whispering-gallery mode (WGM) photon lasing could be easily achieved. P-band exciton lasing was observed only when the pumping laser was focused at the center of the ZnO MC with a small pumping size because of the innate ring-shaped WGM distribution. Furthermore, the lasing threshold of the ZnO MC could be reduced to an order lower by using a larger pumping spot because of the more favorable spatial overlap between the optical gain and WGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging ( DW-MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ( FDG-PET) or FDG-PET/computed tomography ( CT) in evaluating and predicting pathological response to preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy ( NCRT) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods A comprehensive literature research was conducted to identify the relevant studies for this meta-analysis. Combined sensitivity, specificity, positive ( PPV) and negative predictive values ( NPV) were calculated. Results A total of 33 studies including 1564 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity (81% [95% CI 74-86%] vs 85% [95% CI 75-91%]) and NPV (80% [95% CI 68-89%] vs 91% [95% CI 80-95%]) for FDG-PET or FDG-PET/CT were significantly lower than those for DW-MRI ( P < 0.05). No differences were observed in pooled specificity and PPV between DW-MRI and FDG-PET or FDG-PET/CT. Further subgroup analyses showed that DW-MRI had higher sensitivity on adenocarcinomas alone than on those including mucinous-type adenocarcinomas (92% [95% CI 83-99%] vs 76% [95% CI 63-90%], P = 0.00). Conclusions DW-MRI is superior to FDG-PET or FDG-PET/CT in predicting and evaluating pathological responses to preoperative NCRT in patients with rectal cancer. However, its relatively low specificity and PPV limit its application in clinic, making it currently inappropriate to monitor such patients, especially those with mucinous-type rectal adenocarcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different basic catalysts, NaOH and NH 4 OH, to the formation of mesoporous silica with completely different pore morphology at the same mole concentration with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated. NaOH catalyzed system seemed to have a more ordered structure and larger particle size than NH 4 OH catalyzed system. The addition of PEG tended to promote the charge matching probability for silicate oligomers and micelles, which resulted in the more ordered pore morphology for NH 4 OH system. With increased ammonia concentrations, the pore morphology of disordered wormlike structure was transformed into ordered MCM-41 type mesoporous structure with particle dimension in a few tenths of nanometer to hundred nanometer. With the addition of PEG, at low ammonia concentration, the mesoporous pores became more orderly arranged as well. However, the effect of PEG on the pore and particle morphology of the NaOH catalyzed system was less evident than that of the NH 4 OH system. The catalyst types were also investigated at the same pH to contrast the significance of catalyst effect on the preparation of mesoporous silica, which was often neglected in the literature. NaOH catalyzed system still indicated a more ordered wormlike structure and slightly larger particle size than NH 4 OH catalyzed system. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) results and N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms were in agreement with the TEM (Transmission electron microscope) morphology. The significance of two different catalysts with the addition of PEG in tuning pore morphology was justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization of poly(luminol) (PLM) and poly(neutral red) (PNR) has been successfully performed and further enhanced by a conductive and steric hybrid nanotemplate using graphene oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The morphology of the PLM–PNR–MWCNT–GO mycelium-like nanocomposite is studied by SEM and AFM and it is found to be electroactive, pH-dependent, and stable in the electrochemical system. It shows electrocatalytic activity towards NADH with a high current response and low overpotential. Using amperometry, it has been shown to have a high sensitivity of 288.9 μA mM−1 cm−2 to NADH (Eapp. = +0.1 V). Linearity is estimated in a concentration range of 1.33 × 10−8 to 1.95 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 1.33 × 10−8 M (S/N = 3). Particularly, it also shows another linear range of 2.08 × 10−4 to 5.81 × 10−4 M with a sensitivity of 151.3 μA mM−1 cm−2. The hybridization and activity of PLM and PNR can be effectively enhanced by MWCNTs and GO, resulting in an active hybrid nanocomposite for determination of NADH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel design of photonic crystal optical fiber device with center-doped capillaries is proposed in this paper. A high leakage loss ratio (3551.41) between the high-order modes (HOMs) and the fundamental mode (FM) can be achieved at wavelength 1.064 µm, which is beneficial for robust single-mode operation and enhancing the transverse mode instabilities. The simulation shows that the effective mode area of the proposed fiber can be reached 806.24 µm2 at bend radius of 10 cm. Besides, the FM bending loss can be reached 6.42 × 10−4 dB/m at the diameter of center-doped capillaries of 3 µm. The proposed fiber has improved single-mode operation at a practically allowable bending radii of 5–10 cm. Compared with recent notable designs, the effective mode area and the FM bending loss of FM are improved, even in smaller bend radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that the magnetic anisotropy of the CoFeB/MgO bilayer can be manipulated by adding an aluminum capping layer. After rapid thermal annealing, we can achieve large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of CoFeB with a high thermal stability factor (Δ=72) while the Gilbert damping constant can be reduced down to only 0.011 simultaneously. The boron and residual oxygen in the bulk CoFeB layer are properly absorbed by the Al capping layer during annealing, leading to the enhanced exchange stiffness and reduced damping. The interfacial Fe-O bonding can be optimized by tuning annealing temperature and thickness of Al, resulting in enhanced perpendicular anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of nitrate (NO3- on selenate (SeO42-) reduction, we tested a H2-based biofilm with a range of influent NO3-loadings. When SeO42+ was the only electron acceptor (stage 1), 40% of the influent Se0 was reduced to insoluble elemental selenium (Se0). SeO42- reduction was dramatically inhibited when NO3 was added at a surface loading larger than 1.14 g of N m-2 day-1, when H2 delivey became limiting and only 80% of the input NO3- was reduced (stage 2). In stage 3, when NO3 was again removed from the influent, SeO42- reduction was re-established and increased to 60% conversion to Se0. SeO42- reduction remained stable at 6096 in stages 4 and .5, when the NO3 surface loading was re-introduced at ≤0.53 g of N m-2 day-1, allowing for complete NO3 reduction. The selenate-reducing microbial community was significantly reshaped by the high NO3- surface loading in stage 2, and it remained stable through stages 3-5. In particular, the abundance of α-Proteobacteria decreased from 30% in stage 1 to less than 10% of total bacteria in stage 2. β-Proteobacteria, which represented about 55% of total bacteria in the biofilms in stage 1, increased to more than 90% of phylotypes in stage 2. Hydrogenophaga, an autotrophic denitrifier, was positively correlated with NO3- flux. Thus, introducing a NO3- loading high enough to cause H2 limitation and suppress SeO42- reduction had a long-lasting effect on the microbial community structure, which was confirmed by principal coordinate analysis, although SeO42- reduction remained intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To quantitatively assess the imaging characteristics of sellar lesion in dual-energy computed tomography (CT) imaging for differentiation of sellar meningiomas and pituitary adenomas during the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP). Materials and Methods: 51 patients with sellar/parasellar tumors (33 macroadenomas and 18 meningiomas) were examined with CT spectral imaging during the AP and the VP. Iodine concentrations were derived from iodine-based material-decomposition CT images and normalized to the iodine concentration in the aorta. The difference in Normalized iodine concentrations (NICs), HU curve slope (λHU), and mean CT values of lesions between the AP and VP were calculated. The two-sample t test was performed to compare quantitative parameters between sellar meningiomas and pituitary adenomas. Results: NICs, λHU, and mean CT values in patients with sellar meningiomas differed significantly from those in patients with pituitary adenomas: Mean NICs were 43.52 mg/mL±1.35 versus 9.23 mg/mL ±2.44, respectively, during the AP and 52.13 mg/mL ±1.04 versus 24.37 mg/mL ±2.23 respectively, during the VP. λHU were −3.03±3.42 versus −0.53±0.23, respectively, during the AP and −2.96±0.41 versus −0.47±0.25, respectively, during the VP. Mean CT values were 193.63±2.08 versus 63.98±2.85, respectively, during the AP and 203.98±0.18 versus 77.66±0.91, respectively, during the VP. The combination of NIC and Mean CT value during VP had highest sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (100%) among all phases. Conclusion: Quantitative dual-energy CT imaging has promising potential for diagnostic differentiation of sellar meningiomas and pituitary adenomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High infrared absorption, large temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and small 1/f noise are preferred characteristics for sensing materials used in bolometers. In this paper, we discuss a cytochrome c protein as a potential sensing material for long-wavelength bolometers. We simulated and experimentally proved high infrared absorption of cytochrome c in the wavelength between 8 μm and 14 μm. Cytochrome c thin films were deposited on a hydrophilic surface using the spin coating method. The resistance variation with temperature is measured and we show that the TCR of cytochrome c thin films is consistently higher than 20%. The measured values of 1/f noise were as low as 2.33 x 10-13 V²/Hz at 60 Hz. Finally, we test the reliability of cytochrome c by measuring the resistance changes over time under varying conditions. We found that cytochrome c thin films deteriorated significantly without appropriate packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Introduction: Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disorder characterized by exudative enteropathy resulting from morphologic abnormalities of the intestinal lymphatics. Intestinal lymphangiectasia can be primary or secondary, so the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia must first exclude the possibility of secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A double-balloon enteroscopy and biopsy, as well as the pathology can be used to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia. A polymeric diet containing medium-chain triglycerides and total parenteral nutrition may be a useful therapy.Case Presentation: A 17-year-old girl of Mongoloid ethnicity was admitted to our hospital with a history of diarrhea and edema. She was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia. This was confirmed by a double-balloon enteroscopy and multi-dot biopsy. After treatment with total parenteral nutrition in hospital, which was followed by a low-fat and medium-chain triglyceride diet at home, she was totally relieved of her symptoms.Conclusion: Intestinal lymphangiectasia can be diagnosed with a double-balloon enteroscopy and multi-dot biopsy, as well as the pathology of small intestinal tissue showing edema of the submucosa and lymphangiectasia. Because intestinal lymphangiectasia can be primary or secondary, the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia must first exclude the possibility of secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A positive clinical response to the special diet therapy, namely a low-fat and medium-chain triglyceride diet, can further confirm the diagnosis of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focused ion beam lithography and a two-step anodization have been combined to fabricate a vertical fan-out platform containing an array of unique probes. Each probe comprises three anodic alumina nanochannels with a fan-out arrangement. The lithography is used to pattern an aluminum sheet with a custom-designed array of triangular 'cells' whose apexes are composed of nanoholes. The nanoholes grow into straight nanochannels under proper voltage in the first-step anodization. The second step uses a doubled voltage to induce lateral repulsion among the nanochannels' growth fronts originating in the same cell. Therefore, the fronts fan out. The repulsion roots in the inter-front distance being shorter than the naturally favoured length, which increases with anodization voltage. The fan-out evolution continues until the growth fronts originating in all the cells evolve into a close-packed two-dimensional hexagonal lattice whose spacing is identical to the favoured one. The chemical and physical mechanisms behind the fan-out fabrication are discussed. This novel fan-out platform facilitates probing and handling of many signals from different areas on a sample's surface and is therefore promising for applications in detection and manipulation at the nanoscale level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]