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A magnetic GO-based imprinted adsorbent exhibited a high adsorption capacity, good removal rate and good reusability for Ni(ii) adsorption.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. A small proportion of patients infected with COVID-19 go on to develop pneumonia. We speculated that COVID-19 may be likely to result in psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this study, we conducted an investigation of anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Sixty-five COVID-19 patients were randomly enrolled into this study. Anxiety and depression among participants were measured through the completion of anonymous Chinese-language Zung self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and χ2 tests. RESULTS: The questionnaire results showed that 26.15% and 41.54% of participants suffered from anxiety and depression, respectively, although there was no significantly statistical difference between the proportions of COVID-19 patients with anxiety and depression. Statistically significant differences in employment status, partial pressure of oxygen, and corticosteroid application existed between moderate- and severe COVID-19 patients (P

The complete genomic sequence of a Cassava common mosaic virus Linggao isolate (CsCMV-LG) was determined from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) with mild leafy mosaic symptom to no symptom in China. Excluding the poly(A) tail, the CsCMV-LG genome (GenBank accession No. MT038420) is 6374 nucleotides (nts) in length, with five major open reading frames encoding a 1450-amino acids (aa) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), three triple gene block (TGB) proteins (231-aa, 110-aa and 95-aa), and a 229-aa coat protein (CP). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the complete genome of the CsCMV-LG is closely related to that of CsCMV-Brazilian which has been assigned to the genus Potexvirus, but the sequence identity shared only 88.0%. Notable, the mild CsCMV-LG isolate can also infect Nicotiana benthamiana in laboratory through rub inoculation causing mild vein yellowing at 15-day post inoculation. This is the first full-length genome sequence of a distinct isolate of Cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV) infecting cassava in Hainan, China.

BackgroundA vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with highly effective protection is urgently needed. The anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody response and duration after vaccination are crucial predictive indicators.ObjectivesTo evaluate the response and duration for 5 subsets of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after vaccination and their predictive value for protection.MethodsWe determined the response and duration for 5 subsets of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (neutralizing antibody, anti-RBD total antibody, anti-Spike IgG, anti-Spike IgM, and anti-Spike IgA) in 61 volunteers within 160 days after the CoronaVac vaccine. A logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of the persistence of neutralizing antibody persistence.ResultsThe seropositivity rates of neutralizing antibody, anti-RBD total antibody, anti-Spike IgG, anti-Spike IgM, and anti-Spike IgA were only 4.92%, 27.87%, 21.31%, 3.28% and 0.00%, respectively, at the end of the first dose (28 days). After the second dose, the seropositivity rates reached peaks of 95.08%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 59.02% and 31.15% in two weeks (42 days). Their decay was obvious and the seropositivity rate remained at 19.67%, 54.10%, 50.82%, 3.28% and 0.00% on day 160, respectively. The level of neutralizing antibody reached a peak of 149.40 (101.00–244.60) IU/mL two weeks after the second dose (42 days) and dropped to 14.23 (7.62–30.73) IU/mL at 160 days, with a half-life of 35.61(95% CI, 32.68 to 39.12) days. Younger participants (≤31 years) had 6.179 times more persistent neutralizing antibodies than older participants (>31 years) (PPConclusionsAntibody response for the CoronaVac vaccine was intense and comprehensive with 95.08% neutralizing seropositivity rate, while decay was also obvious after 160 days. Therefore, booster doses should be considered in the vaccine strategies.

Far red-emitting Mn4+-activated oxide phosphor based on the substitution of Mn4+ for Sb5+ in the lattice of Sr3NaSbO6 (SNSO) was prepared via solid state reaction process. The crystal structure of the host was carefully discussed and studied. The resultant phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, temperature-dependent emission spectra (298–548 K), luminescence decay curves and electroluminescence spectra. Excitation and emission spectra indicated that the sample had a wide excitation band in UV(250–400 nm) and exhibited the strong emission band centered at 695 nm. The band structure for SNSO was calculated based on the density functional theory, and the bandgap value of SNSO host is ∼2.92 eV. In addition, the mechanism of quenching concentration and energy-transfer of SNSO:Mn4+ were explored and analyzed in detail through calculation. The UV–Vis diffusion reflectance spectra demonstrated that samples had strong absorption (200–550 nm) in the ultraviolet(UV) and near-ultraviolet(NUV) region. The thermal stability of SNSO:Mn4+ was excellent (I423K/I273K = 39.84%). The internal quantum efficiency is 56.2%. In brief, the prepared phosphors had potential application in indoor plant growth as a LED lamp.

Lu(OH)CO3:Ln3+/LuBO3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanospheres have been synthesized by the soft chemistry route. This synthesis process does not require the addition of any organic solvents and surfactant. The whole process consists of homogeneous precipitation and hydrothermal process. First, uniform spherical Lu(OH)CO3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanoparticles with the sizes of 70 nm were obtained by the classic urea-based homogeneous precipitation. Then, with the above Lu(OH)CO3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanosphere as the precursor, the composites of Lu(OH)CO3:Ln3+/LuBO3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb) nanospheres formed by the simple hydrothermal process. The phases, morphologies, as well as the luminescence properties of as-prepared samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. Under a short wavelength excitation, the down-conversion Eu3+ and Tb3+-doped LuBO3 samples were investigated and explained.

To assess the effects of Bushenantai (BSAT) granule() on angiogenesis-related factors [E2, P, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] at the maternal-fetal interface of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) mice, and to evaluate the role of BSAT in promoting angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface by influencing the expression of sex hormones, and VEGF.A mouse model with normal pregnancy and another with Clark's classic RSA were established. The RSA mice were randomly assigned to six groups: normal, model, progesterone, high-doseBSAT granule (BSAT-H), medium-dose-BSAT granule (BSAT-M), and low-dose-BSAT granule (BSAT-L) (n = 10 for each group). The embryo loss rate and the histopathological changes in the decidual tissues were measured. Serum levels of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), and VEGF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA and protein expressions of estradiol receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), VEGF, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the decidual tissues were identified by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.The embryo loss rate in all groups that received BSAT treatment was reduced, while the number of blood vessels at decidual tissues was increased. The serum levels of E2, P and VEGF were elevated, and the mRNA and protein expressions of ER, PR, VEGF, and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissues were enhanced.BSAT can improve angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface and reduce the embryo loss rate, which may be associated with its ability to increase the serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, and VEGF, in addition to up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of ER, PR, VEGF, and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissue.

ObjectiveCerebral edema is a common complication of brain tumors in the perioperative period. However, there is currently no reliable and convenient method to evaluate the extent of brain edema. The objective of this study is to explore the ability of serum occludin level to predict the extent of perioperative brain edema and outcome in patients with brain tumors.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 55 patients with brain tumors and 24 healthy controls from Sanbo Brain Hospital from June 2019 through November 2019. Serum occludin level was measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. Peritumoral edema was assessed preoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging. Pericavity brain edema on postoperative day 1 was evaluated using computed tomography.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, serum occludin level was higher in patients with brain tumors both preoperatively and postoperatively (P r = 0.78, P r = 0.59, P

The complete genomic sequence of a Cassava common mosaic virus Linggao isolate (CsCMV-LG) was determined from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) with mild leafy mosaic symptom to no symptom in China. Excluding the poly(A) tail, the CsCMV-LG genome (GenBank accession No. MT038420) is 6374 nucleotides (nts) in length, with five major open reading frames encoding a 1450-amino acids (aa) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), three triple gene block (TGB) proteins (231-aa, 110-aa and 95-aa), and a 229-aa coat protein (CP). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the complete genome of the CsCMV-LG is closely related to that of CsCMV-Brazilian which has been assigned to the genus Potexvirus, but the sequence identity shared only 88.0%. Notable, the mild CsCMV-LG isolate can also infect Nicotiana benthamiana in laboratory through rub inoculation causing mild vein yellowing at 15-day post inoculation. This is the first full-length genome sequence of a distinct isolate of Cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV) infecting cassava in Hainan, China.

We report a joint experimental and theoretical investigation on the structures and bonding of a series of di-niobium gold clusters, Nb2Aux− (x = 2–5), using photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. Well-resolved spectral features are observed for the Nb2Aux− clusters at different photon energies. Global minimum searches coupled with density functional calculations are performed to find the low-lying structures of the bimetallic clusters. Vertical detachment energies are calculated and compared with the experimental spectra to determine the global minimum structures. The Nb2Aux− (x = 2–5) clusters are found to feature a multiply-bonded Nb2 dimer coordinated equatorially by the Au atoms with Dxh symmetries for x = 2–5, respectively. Each Au atom interacts with the Nb2 dimer via a 3-center delocalized σ bond, while there are no Au…Au interactions. The Nb Nb bond length is found to increase as the number of gold atoms increases in the Nb2Aux− (x = 2–5) clusters, as a result of the decrease of the bond order for the Nb2 moiety from x = 2 to 5.

Study question Does second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure from husbands have adverse effects on sex hormones, metabolic profiles, clinical phenotypes and fertility outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing ovulation induction? Summary answer SHS exposure is associated with worsened biochemical hyperandrogenism, higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and reduced conception rates in women with PCOS. What is known already Smoking in women impairs fecundity at some stages of the reproductive process including folliculogenesis, embryo transport, endometrial angiogenesis and uterine blood flow. Yet little is known about the hazard of SHS exposure in women with PCOS. Study design, size, duration This study was a secondary analysis of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Acupuncture and Clomiphene Trial (PCOSAct), a large randomized controlled trial conducted at 27 hospitals from 2012 to 2015 in mainland China. Participants/materials, setting, methods Out of 1000 women with PCOS, SHS exposure status were available in 500 women, of whom 271 women were non-exposed and 229 exposed to cigarette smoke (170 women ≤10 cigarettes per day as low-SHS exposed and 59 women >10 cigarettes per day as high-SHS exposed). We compared circulating sex steroids, glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome and phenotypes, fertility and obstetric outcomes between non-exposed and exposed women. Main results and the role of chance Women exposed to SHS, compared to non-exposed women, had a higher serum total testosterone (1.7 vs 1.5 nmol/L, P = 0.01), free androgen index (5.7 vs 4.0, P = 0.001) and lower sex hormone binding globulin (30.1 vs 35.6 nmol/L, P = 0.03). Metabolic syndrome, but not other phenotypes, was more frequent in exposed women as compared to non-exposed women (21.8 vs 13.3%, adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.66; 95% CI, 1.02-2.71, P = 0.04). Ovulation rates between exposed and non-exposed groups were not significantly different (76.9 vs 82.9%, adjusted OR=0.72; 95% CI, 0.45-1.15, P = 0.17). Conception rates were significant lower in the exposed group (26.6 vs 36.9%; adjusted OR=0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.91; P = 0.01), while clinical pregnancy and live birth rates showed a similar trend that was not statistically significant. Gestational age, birth weight and other obstetric outcomes were not affected by SHS exposure. Limitations, reasons for caution Data on SHS exposure were missing in 50% of the women. We did not assay serum nicotine or cotinine levels to quantify the SHS exposure status. Wider implications of the findings These data suggest that smoking partners of infertile women with PCOS who seek treatment should be advised to quit smoking. Study funding/competing interest(s) Funding was provided by the National Public Welfare Projects for Chinese Medicine (201107005 and 200807002) and the National Clinical Trial Base in Chinese Medicine Special Projects (JDZX2012036 and 2015B009). There are no conflicts of interest. Trial registration number ClinicalTrial.gov number: NCT01573858 and chictr.org.cn number: ChiCTR-TRC-12002081.

Systematic experimental and theoretical studies have shown that anionic boron clusters (B-n(-)) possess planar or quasi-planar (2D) structures in a wide range of cluster size. The 2D structures consist of B-3 triangles often decorated with tetragonal and pentagonal defects. As n increases, hexagonal vacancies appear to be a key structural feature, which underlies the stability of borophenes. The correlation of the defects with cluster size is important to understand the stability and structural evolution of boron clusters. Here we report an investigation of the structures and chemical bonding of B-33(-) and B-34(-) using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Global minimum searches reveal that the potential landscapes of B-33(-) and B-34(-) are dominated by 2D isomers. Comparisons between experiment and theory confirm that their global-minimum structures are both 2D with a hexagonal vacancy (C-s B-33(-)) and (C-1 B-34(-)), the latter being a chiral cluster. Bonding analyses indicate that the C-s B-33(-) cluster possesses ten delocalized bonds, analogous to those in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C19H11-. Bonding analyses on the equivalent closed-shell B-34(2-) species show that its 12 delocalized bonds consist of two separate aromatic systems: nine exterior and three interior bonds.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine (CM) improving pregnancy outcomes after surgery for endometriosis-associated infertility.A multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo parallel controlled clinical trial was designed. A total of 202 patients who had laparoscopy for endometriosis-associated infertility with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were included and randomly divided into the CM treatment group and placebo control group at a ratio of 1:1 using a central block randomization from May 2014 to September 2017, 101 patients in each group. The two groups received continuous intervention at 1-5 days after surgery, for 6 menstrual cycles. Before ovulation, the CM group was treated Huoxue Xiaoyi Granule (); after ovulation, Bushen Zhuyun Granule ( was involved. The control group was treated with placebo. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed every menstrual cycle during the treatment, and female hormone levels in the follicular and luteal phases were measured during the 1st, 3rd and 6th menstrual cycles. The analysis was continued until pregnancy. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome, and the secondary outcomes were follicular development and endometrial receptivity. Safety evaluations were performed before and after treatment.(1) Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates: the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of the CM group were significantly higher than those of the placebo group [44.6% (45/101) vs. 29.7% (30/101), 34.7% (35/101) vs. 20.8% (21/101), both P0.05]. (2) Follicle development: the incidence of dominant follicles, rate of cumulative cycle ovulation, and rate of cumulative cycle mature follicle ovulation were significantly higher in the CM group than those in the placebo group [93.8% (350/373) vs. 89.5% (341/381), 80.4% (275/342) vs. 69.1% (253/366), 65.8% (181/275) vs 56.1% (142/253), P0.05 or P0.01]). The incidence of cumulative cycle luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome was significantly lower in the CM group than in the placebo group [11.7% (40/342) vs. 17.8% (65/366), P0.05). (3) Endometrial receptivity: after treatment, both endometrial types and endometrial blood flow types in the CM group were mainly types A and B, while those in the placebo group were mainly types B and C, with a significant difference between the two groups (both P0.05). (4) Adverse events: the incidence of adverse events between the two groups was not significantly different (P0.05).Strategies for activating blood circulation-regulating Gan (Liver)-tonifying Shen (Kidney) sequential therapy can effectively improve the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of endometriosis-associated infertility with qi stagnation and blood stasis after laparoscopy, improve follicular development, promote ovulation, improve endometrial receptivity, while being a safe treatment option. (Trial registration No. NCT02676713).

In order to search for an economical, rapid, and highly efficient nitrogen removal process for sewage, a sulfur/pyrite packed column reactor was fed with low C/N municipal sewage. The effects of temperature, the sulfur-to-pyrite volume ratio, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on nitrogen removal were studied. The results showed that with an influent total nitrogen (TN) of 40 mg·L

We report a photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution photoelectron imaging study of a bimetallic Nb2Au6− cluster. Theoretical calculations, in conjunction with the experimental data, reveal that Nb2Au6−/0 possess high-symmetry D6h structures featuring a Nb–Nb axis coordinated equatorially by an Au6 ring. Chemical bonding analyses show that there are two π bonds and one σ bond in the Nb2 moiety in Nb2©Au6, as well as five totally delocalized σ bonds. The NbNb triple bond is strengthened significantly by the delocalized σ bonds, resulting in an extremely short Nb–Nb bond length comparable to the quintuple bond in gaseous Nb2. The totally delocalized σ bonding in Nb2©Au6 is reminiscent of σ aromaticity, representing a new bonding mode in metal–ligand systems. The unusually short Nb–Nb bond length in Nb2©Au6 shows that the Au6 ring can serve as a bridging ligand to facilitate multiple bonding in transition metal dimers via delocalized σ bonding.

Due to the long service life and corrosion problems of the pipeline in the fourth oil production plant of Huabei Oilfield, the increase of back pressure will increase the probability of pipeline perforation and lead to potential safety accidents. In view of this problem, based on the analysis of the composition and rheological law of crude oil, according to the scientific and reasonable experimental evaluation method, a new type of viscosity reducer system was developed by using the unique performance of surfactant. The viscosity reducer concentration of this system was 2%, compared with the blank crude oil, the average decrease of the freezing point of the crude oil was 5°C, The viscosity reduction rate is more than 60%, yield value reduction rate is more than 75%, and the low temperature fluidity of crude oil is improved. The expected target has been achieved through the dosing operation of two oil wells on site.

Size-selected boron clusters have been found to be predominantly planar or quasi-planar (2D) in the small size regime with the appearance of three-dimensional (3D) borospherene cages of larger sizes. A seashell-like B28− cluster was previously shown to be the smallest borospherene, which competes with a quasi-planar isomer for the global minimum. Here we report a study on the structures and bonding of the B29− and B29 clusters using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and first-principles calculations and demonstrate the continued competition between the 2D and borospherene structures. The PES spectrum of B29− displays a complex pattern with evidence of low-lying isomers. Global-minimum searches and extensive theoretical calculations revealed a complicated potential energy surface for B29− with five low-lying isomers, among which the lowest three were shown to contribute to the experimental spectrum. A 3D seashell-like Cs (2, 1A′) isomer, featuring two heptagons on the waist and one octagon at the bottom, is the global minimum for B29−, followed by a 2D C1 (3, 1A) isomer with a hexagonal hole and a stingray-shaped 2D Cs (1, 1A′) isomer with a pentagonal hole. However, by taking into account the entropic effects, the stingray-shaped isomer 1 was shown to be the lowest in energy at room temperature and was found to dominate the PES spectrum. Isomers 2 and 3, which have lower electron binding energies, were also found to be present in the experiment. Chemical bonding analyses showed that isomer 1 is an all-boron analogue of benzo[ghi]fluoranthene (C18H10), whereas the borospherene isomer 2 possesses 18π electrons, conforming to the 2(N + 1)2 electron counting rule for spherical aromaticity. For the B29 neutral cluster, the seashell-like borospherene isomer is the global minimum, significantly lower in energy than the stingray-shaped quasi-planar structure.

Femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy is used to probe the decay channels of iodide–nitromethane (I−·CH3NO2) binary clusters photoexcited at 3.56 eV, near the vertical detachment energy (VDE) of the cluster. The production of I− is observed, and its photoelectron signal exhibits a mono-exponential rise time of 21 ± 1 ps. Previous work has shown that excitation near the VDE of the I−·CH3NO2 complex transfers an electron from iodide to form a dipole-bound state of CH3NO2− that rapidly converts to a valence bound (VB) anion. The long appearance time for the I− fragment suggests that the VB anion decays by back transfer of the excess electron to iodide, reforming the I−·CH3NO2 anion and resulting in evaporation of iodide. Comparison of the measured lifetime to that predicted by RRKM theory suggests that the dissociation rate is limited by intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution in the re-formed anion between the high frequency CH3NO2 vibrational modes and the much lower frequency intermolecular I−·CH3NO2 stretch and bends, the predominant modes involved in cluster dissociation to form I−. Evidence for a weak channel identified as HI + CH2NO2− is also observed.

Polycrystalline (Pb0.94La0.04) Zr0.6Ti0.4O3 thin films were fabricated by a sol–gel method on the Pt (111)/Ti/SiO2/Si (100) substrates. Results from X-ray diffraction reveal that a strain-induced low-asymmetry monoclinic (MB) phase exists in all the films as compared with its powder counterpart. Also, films exhibit a simple trend of pyrolysis-sensitive (100)-orient growth. Good piezoelectric longitudinal coefficient values are obtained in the films where a maximum around 130 pm/V is reached for the film pyrolyzing at 425 °C. These findings suggest that combined contributions of monoclinic phase and (100)-preferred orientation type as well as good surface quality will account for excellent piezoelectric properties for ferroelectric films.

Relationship between dose and response. Relationship between CAR+ cell dose and complete response. (DOCX 80Â kb)

Genomic copies of LCAR-B38M. Copies of LCAR-B38M per microgram of genomic DNA. (DOCX 90Â kb)

Relationship between BCMA expression and clinical response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival by BCMA expression. (DOCX 15Â kb)

LCAR-B38M lentiviral construct. Figure depicting the LCAR-B38M lentiviral construct. (DOCX 17Â kb)

Interleukin-6 levels by cytokine release syndrome grade. Peak IL-6 levels by CRS grade. (DOCX 47Â kb)

Immunoglobulin levels following LCAR-B38M infusion. Levels of serum IgA, IgG, lambda chain, and kappa chain following CAR T cell infusion. (DOCX 281Â kb)

The electrical automation technology is an advanced technology, in power plants, mainly giving play to the role of monitoring, monitoring analysis for the operation condition of the electric, also can have the data signal feedback function. Electrical automation technology is mostly play the function of monitoring, during the running of the electrical equipment, the equipment running status monitoring, through the analysis of the data and feedback, can timely find problems arising from the operation, and warning. In power plants, the use of automation technology also analysis and remote data transmission, realize the online management of equipment, improving the efficiency and quality of power plants. Electrical automation technology applications for the future development of the power plant provide a favorable environment.

With the development of science and technology, people's demand for energy is more and bigger, in addition to consider renewable energy. Electricity management system to study the effects of energy saving effect is also very necessary measures. Development of a complete set of monitoring, energy saving, control of intelligent power management system has very important practical significance. Finally, the paper puts forward the energy saving effect of validation, the energy saving analysis and evaluation. Based on the research of the content of this article, it finally realizes the intelligent management and scientific control of electric equipment, to solve the management of electric equipment of large power place management control is limited by geographical, effectively eliminate the phenomenon of energy waste. This system has good scalability can be slightly modified to meet more big power.

Modern cameras typically consist up to dozens of individual optical elements to compensate for geometric and chromatic aberrations. In recent year, high-quality single lens imaging has been proved possible by eliminating aberrations with computationally. Point spread function (PSF) calibration is key technique for single lens imaging. However, the existing PSF calibration method is time-consuming and has to be completely repeated for every new lens. This paper proposes a fast PSF calibration to accelerate the process. A PSF model is firstly estimated from a group of single lenses, which is close to the ideal PSF for specific tested single lenses. Then the PSF model is used as the iterative starting point in the calibration optimization. Experimental results show that this method can significantly improve the efficiency of PSF calibration process, and deconvolution performance is competitive with existing methods.

Denoising is an important issue for laser active image. This paper attempted to process laser active image in the low-dimensional sub-space. We adopted the principal component analysis with local pixel grouping (LPG-PCA) denoising method proposed by Zhang [1], and compared it with the conventional denoising method for laser active image, such as wavelet filtering, wavelet soft threshold filtering and median filtering. Experimental results show that the image denoised by LPG-PCA has higher BIQI value than other images, most of the speckle noise can be reduced and the detail structure information is well preserved. The low-dimensional sub-space idea is a new direction for laser active image denoising.

In this paper, we propose a novel two-step seam-searching method based on Dijkstra algorithm in order to improve the seam-searching performance of image mosaic. Parameters of this algorithm are analyzed to improve the overall performance. Experiments show that the proposed method can obtain better seam-searching result than the algorithm based on greedy method and can reduce the computational burden.

In order to get precise thermal conductivity of biomaterial which is usually with a variety of shapes and sizes, small thermal conductivity sensor that could adjust to the features of biomaterial has been produced by MEMS (Micro-electromechanical Systems) technology. Experiments have been performed to test the performance of the sensor, and the results have shown that the sensor has a good performance in the measurement of thermal conductivity of biomaterial. In this paper, a numerical model was built to study the performance of the MEMS-based sensor in theory. Thermal conductivities of a series of materials were measured by numerical method using this model. Compared with the standard thermal conductivities of materials, the simulation results showed that this kind of the sensor is able to get an accurate thermal conductivities efficiently. The results in this paper have some guide meaning in the improvement of the MEMS-based thermal conductivity sensor.

Chirality is vital in chemistry. Its importance in atomic clusters has been recognized since the discovery of the first chiral fullerene, the D2 symmetric C76. A number of gold clusters have been found to be chiral, raising the possibility to use them as asymmetric catalysts. The discovery of clusters with enantiomeric structures is essential to design new chiral materials with tailored chemical and physical properties. Herein we report the first inherently chiral boron cluster of [B30](-) in a joint photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical study. The most stable structure of [B30](-) is found to be quasiplanar with a hexagonal hole. Interestingly, a pair of enantiomers arising from different positions of the hexagonal hole are found to be degenerate in our global minimum searches and both should co-exist experimentally because they have identical electronic structures and give rise to identical simulated photoelectron spectra.

Boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While three-dimensional (3D) structural motifs are prevalent in bulk boron, atomic boron clusters are found to have planar or quasi-planar structures, stabilized by localized two-center-two-electron (2c-2e) σ bonds on the periphery and delocalized multicenter-two-electron (nc-2e) bonds in both σ and π frameworks. Electron delocalization is a result of boron's electron deficiency and leads to fluxional behavior, which has been observed in B13(+) and B19(-). A unique capability of the in-plane rotation of the inner atoms against the periphery of the cluster in a chosen direction by employing circularly polarized infrared radiation has been suggested. Such fluxional behaviors in boron clusters are interesting and have been proposed as molecular Wankel motors. The concepts of aromaticity and antiaromaticity have been extended beyond organic chemistry to planar boron clusters. The validity of these concepts in understanding the electronic structures of boron clusters is evident in the striking similarities of the π-systems of planar boron clusters to those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, naphthalene, coronene, anthracene, or phenanthrene. Chemical bonding models developed for boron clusters not only allowed the rationalization of the stability of boron clusters but also lead to the design of novel metal-centered boron wheels with a record-setting planar coordination number of 10. The unprecedented highly coordinated borometallic molecular wheels provide insights into the interactions between transition metals and boron and expand the frontier of boron chemistry. Another interesting feature discovered through cluster studies is boron transmutation. Even though it is well-known that B(-), formed by adding one electron to boron, is isoelectronic to carbon, cluster studies have considerably expanded the possibilities of new structures and new materials using the B(-)/C analogy. It is believed that the electronic transmutation concept will be effective and valuable in aiding the design of new boride materials with predictable properties. The study of boron clusters with intermediate properties between those of individual atoms and bulk solids has given rise to a unique opportunity to broaden the frontier of boron chemistry. Understanding boron clusters has spurred experimentalists and theoreticians to find new boron-based nanomaterials, such as boron fullerenes, nanotubes, two-dimensional boron, and new compounds containing boron clusters as building blocks. Here, a brief and timely overview is presented addressing the recent progress made on boron clusters and the approaches used in the authors' laboratories to determine the structure, stability, and chemical bonding of size-selected boron clusters by joint photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical studies. Specifically, key findings on all-boron hydrocarbon analogues, metal-centered boron wheels, and electronic transmutation in boron clusters are summarized.

Ferroelectric Pb(Zr 0.60 Ti 0.40 )O 3 thin films deposited on the niobium-doped SrTiO 3 and Pt (111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrates are fabricated by a sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction indicates that the films have a ‘cube-on-cube’ growth with highly (100) preferred orientation and good surface qualities. Using piezoelectric force microscopy, we investigate domain structures and butterfly amplitude loops of ferroelectric thin films. The results indicate that the film deposited on Nb:SrTiO 3 has both kinds of 180° polarizations perpendicular or parallel to the surface while the film deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si has irregular phase differences. Excellent piezoelectric polarization are observed in the films on niobium-doped SrTiO 3 with local d 33 ∗ values around 45 pm/V three times more than that of the films around 13 pm/V deposited on Pt (111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si. Our findings emphasize that nano-domain switching ability and non-180° domains will contribute significantly to enhance piezoelectric responses of ferroelectric thin films.

Small boron clusters are known to be planar, and may be used as ligands to form novel coordination complexes with transition metals. Here we report a combined photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of CoB12(-) and RhB12(-). Photoelectron spectra of the two doped-B12 clusters show similar spectral patterns, suggesting they have similar structures. Global minimum searches reveal that both CoB12(-) and RhB12(-) possess half-sandwich-type structures with the quasi-planar B12 moiety coordinating to the metal atom. The B12 ligand is found to have similar structure as the bare B12 cluster with C3v symmetry. Structures with Co or Rh inserted into the quasi-planar boron framework are found to be much higher in energy. Chemical bonding analyses of the two B12 half sandwiches reveal two sets of σ bonds on the boron unit: nine classical two-center-two-electron (2c-2e) σ bonds on the periphery of the B12 unit and four 3c-2e σ bonds within the boron unit. Both σ and π bonds are found between the metal and the B12 ligand: three M-B single σ bonds and one delocalized 4c-2e π bond. The exposed metal sites in these complexes can be further coordinated by other ligands or become reaction centers as model catalysts.

It has been a long-sought goal in cluster science to discover stable atomic clusters as building blocks for cluster-assembled nanomaterials, as exemplified by the fullerenes and their subsequent bulk syntheses.1, 2 Clusters have also been considered as models to understand bulk properties, providing a bridge between molecular and solid-state chemistry.3 Because of its electron deficiency, boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While bulk boron is known to be dominated by the three-dimensional (3D) B12 icosahedral motifs,4 new forms of elemental boron are continuing to be discovered.5 In contrast to the 3D cages commonly found in bulk boron, in the gas phase two-dimensional (2D) boron clusters are prevalent.6-8 The unusual planar boron clusters have been suggested as potential new bulking blocks or ligands in chemistry.6a Herein we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the [Ta2 B6 ](-) and [Ta2 B6 ] clusters. We found that the most stable structures of both the neutral and anion are D6h bipyramidal, similar to the recently discovered MB6 M structural motif in the Ti7 Rh4 Ir2 B8 solid compound.9.

It has been a long-sought goal in cluster science to discover stable atomic clusters as building blocks for cluster-assembled nanomaterials, as exemplified by the fullerenes and their subsequent bulk syntheses.1, 2 Clusters have also been considered as models to understand bulk properties, providing a bridge between molecular and solid-state chemistry.3 Because of its electron deficiency, boron is an interesting element with unusual polymorphism. While bulk boron is known to be dominated by the three-dimensional (3D) B12 icosahedral motifs,4 new forms of elemental boron are continuing to be discovered.5 In contrast to the 3D cages commonly found in bulk boron, in the gas phase two-dimensional (2D) boron clusters are prevalent.6–8 The unusual planar boron clusters have been suggested as potential new bulking blocks or ligands in chemistry.6a Herein we report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the [Ta2B6]− and [Ta2B6] clusters. We found that the most stable structures of both the neutral and anion are D6h bipyramidal, similar to the recently discovered MB6M structural motif in the Ti7Rh4Ir2B8 solid compound.9

In this paper, the single ionic conductor SiO2(Li+) was first synthesized from Tetraethylorthosilicate and γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) by sol–gel hydrolysis and then neutralized by lithium hydroxide in methanol. The poly(vinylidene fluoride) based composite microporous gel polymer electrolytes (CMGPEs) doped with SiO2(Li+) was prepared by phase inversion method and the desirable CMGPEs was obtained after being activated in liquid electrolyte. The physicochemical properties of the CMGPEs were characterized by FT-IR, DSC, XRD, TG, stress–strain response and electrochemical measurements. It was found that with the addition of SiO2(Li+), the degree of crystallization of microporous polymer membrane was decreased while its porosity increased, which could promote the absorption and gelation of liquid electrolyte. In addition, due to vast amount of Li+ ions in the SiO2(Li+), it would promote ionic conductivity at room temperature for the CMGPEs. When the content of SiO2(Li+) reached 5 %wt, the ionic conductivity of the CMGPEs could reach 10−2S/cm order of magnitude at room temperature and the reciprocal temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of as-prepared CMGPEs follow arrhenius equation, in addition, its electrochemical stability window could reach 5.2 V.

Peripheral nerve defects result in severe denervation presenting sensory and motor functional incapacitation. Currently, a satisfactory therapeutic treatment promoting the repair of injured nerves is not available. As shown in our previous study, acellular nerve xenografts (ANX) implanted with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) replaced allografts and promoted nerve regeneration. Additionally, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been proven to mobilize supplemental cells and enhance vascularization in the niche. Thus, the study aimed to explore whether the combination of G-CSF and BMSC-laden ANX exhibited a synergistic effect. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: ANX group, ANX combined with G-CSF group, BMSCs-laden ANX group, BMSCs-laden ANX combined with G-CSF group and autograft group. Electrophysiological parameters and weight ratios of tibialis anterior muscles were detected at 8 weeks post-transplantation. The morphology of the regenerated nerves was assayed, and growth-promoting factors present in the nerve grafts following G-CSF administration or BMSCs seeding were also investigated. Nerve regeneration and functional rehabilitation induced by the combination therapy were significantly advanced, and the rehabilitation efficacy was comparable with autografting. Moreover, the expression of Schwann cell markers, neurotrophic factors and neovessel markers in the nerve grafts was substantially increased. In conclusion, G-CSF administration and BMSCs transplantation synergistically promoted the regeneration of ANX-bridged nerves, which offers a superior strategy to replace autografts in repairing peripheral nerve injuries.

It has been investigated that the effects of high temperature pretreatment and gaseous ozone on storage quality and microbiolical changes of fresh ginger. The fresh ginger were exposed in air at 30 °C for 7 days, then were treated by gaseous ozone (4 mg/m3) for 1 hour each two days for 28 days. Pretreatment promoted wound healing of ginger rhizome section and gaseous ozone treatment inhibited microbial infection. After 28 days, the PPO activity of samples in combined application of high temperature and ozone treated group, and only ozone treated group were 2.95×103 U and 2.80×103 U respectively, higher than that in control of 2.50×103 U, by 450 U and 300 U. DPPH in the two treated group were 47.38 % and 44.55 %, respectively. Total phenolic and 6-gingerol of samples in combined treated gingers were 57.33 mg/100g and 7.73 mg/g, the control was just 48.42 mg/100g and 5.89 mg/g. The level of microbiology was decreased by 1.4 log CFU/g than that of control. The results highlighted that the positive role of ozonation in combination with pretreatment storage in controlling lignification and microbial spoilage of fresh ginger. Pretreatment-gaseous ozone combined application lead to the most effective results in terms of anticorrosion associated with good results in other indexes.

Femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy is used to probe the decay channels of iodide-nitromethane (I

Size-selected boron clusters have been found to be predominantly planar or quasi-planar (2D) in the small size regime with the appearance of three-dimensional (3D) borospherene cages of larger sizes. A seashell-like B

We report the observation of two Fe-doped boron clusters with wheel-type structures, containing an octa-coordinate ( C 8 v -Fe©B 8 − ) and a nona-coordinate ( D 9 h -Fe©B 9 − ) Fe atom. The clusters were produced in a laser vaporization supersonic molecular beam and characterized by combined photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio studies. Chemical bonding analyses revealed that in the ground state both clusters are doubly (σ + π) aromatic and that the iron atom interacts with the peripheral boron ring exclusively through delocalized bonds. These findings provide further support to the design principle for metal-doped boron clusters with highly symmetric molecular wheel-type structures.