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In large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM) for dry hot rock exploration location selection, decision-makers are limited by their professional fields and knowledge background, and it is difficult to provide complete evaluation information. However, brainstorming is the main advantage of LSGDM. To maximize the professional contributions of various decision-makers, a multi-attribute LSGDM method based on three-way decision (TWD) and intuitionistic fuzzy concept-oriented (IFC) is proposed. Firstly, according to the characteristics of IFC, a description of the LSGDM problem based on IFC is given; then, an LSGDM model based on TWD is proposed to classify and rank alternatives. Two algorithmic descriptions are given, namely consensus reaching process algorithm and algorithm for classifying and ranking alternatives. Then, taking dry hot rock exploration location selection as an example, the execution steps of this model were elaborated in detail, and the final classification and ranking results were obtained. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of this model were analyzed based on experimental results, and the influence of various parameters on the results was also studied.

Pipeline intelligent plugging robot (PIPR) realizes braking and anchoring through hard contact of slip and pipeline. This process will cause bite marks on the inner wall of the pipeline, which will aggravate corrosion and shorten the service life of the pipeline. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider slip anchoring performance and degree of pipeline damage, and optimize slip structure parameters of PIPR, to reduce the damage caused by hard contact between slip and pipeline. Based on force analysis and the hard contact mechanism of PIPR in the course of the anchoring process, the damage factors of pipe walls are analyzed, and a finite element analysis model of slip and pipeline is established. The plastic strain of the inner surface of the pipeline, the plastic strain of slip, and the von Mises stress under three parameters of slip tooth top angle, tooth inclination angle, and tooth number are comprehensively evaluated. In addition, visible indoor tests are established to verify the simulation model. The results show that the optimal tooth structure of slip is tooth top angle θ=65∘, tooth inclination angle γ=60∘, and tooth number m=18. This study will provide a reference for the optimal design of the slip of PIPR. It has important engineering significance for the successful implementation of its anchoring operations.

The permeability of the sintering process can be significantly improved by the pellet sintering, but the excessive permeability will impact the heat accumulation of the sinter bed. Thus, it is very essential to clarify the influence of the pellet particle size on the heat transfer process of sintering. Therefore, pilot-scale sinter pot tests of pellet sintering with manganese ore fines of different particle sizes were conducted, and traditional sintering was compared to reveal the heat transfer process of sintering and its impact on the microstructure of sintered ore. The results indicate that under suitable pellet sizes (8–12 mm), the heat transfer efficiency and the heat accumulation effect between the layers of sinter bed are strengthened by the pellet sintering, as well as the highest temperature in the combustion zone and the duration of high-temperature zone. This also leads to the further growth of ferrotephroite or hausmannite in liquid phase and its more reasonable crystal distribution. Ultimately, compared with the traditional sintering process, the total solid fuel consumption can be reduced by 20%–30%, and the productivity can be increased by 11.71%–16.21%.

Background: Surgical quality control is a crucial determinant of evaluating the tumor efficacy. Objective: To assess the ClassIntra grade for quality control and oncological outcomes of robotic radical surgery for gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Data of patients undergoing robotic radical surgery for GC at a high-volume center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups, the intraoperative adverse event (iAE) group and the non-iAE group, based on the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events. The iAEs were further classified into five sublevels (ranging from I to V according to severity) based on the ClassIntra grade. Surgical performance was assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and the General Error Reporting Tool. Results: This study included 366 patients (iAE group: n= 72 [19.7%] and non-iAE group: n= 294 [80.3%]). The proportion of ClassIntra grade II patients was the highest in the iAE group (54.2%). In total and distal gastrectomies, iAEs occurred most frequently in the suprapancreatic area (50.0% and 54.8%, respectively). In total gastrectomy, grade IV iAEs were most common during lymph node dissection in the splenic hilum area (once for bleeding [grade IV] and once for injury [grade IV]). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival of the non-iAE group were significantly better than those of the iAE group (Log rank P< 0.001). Uni- and multi-variate analyses showed that iAEs were key prognostic indicators, independent of tumor stage and adjuvant chemotherapy (P< 0.001). Conclusion: iAEs in patients who underwent robotic radical gastrectomy significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications and a poor long-term prognosis. Therefore, utilization and inclusion of ClassIntra grading as a crucial surgical quality control and prognostic indicator in the routine surgical quality evaluation system are recommended.

An efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical synthesis of phosphorylated oxindoles and indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones mediated by readily available Cp2Fe has been developed, which illustrated a broad substrate scope and diverse functional group compatibility. This protocol featured an external oxidant-free process and was at room temperature, which was proposed to be driven by the anodic oxidation of Cp2Fe.

A general and robust strategy for the synthesis of phosphonylated spirocyclic indolines has been developed through Cp2Fe-catalyzed electrochemical dearomaztizaion of indoles, which has been proven challenging to achieve via chemical oxidants. A range of phosphonylated 3,3-spiroindolines were obtained in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities. The synthetic application was further illustrated by its easy scalability and the antitumor activity of the product.

A robust and green electrochemical dearomatization of indoles was developed by merging a fluorine-containing group to an indole nucleus under oxidant-free conditions, delivering a diverse array of tri- and difluoromethylated 3,3-spiroindolines with good functional group tolerance.

Studying the stability of the open-pit mine slope and risk assessment is of great significance to the safety of the mine and guiding mining operations. The stability study and risk assessment of open-pit mine slopes are a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. Due to the rapid development of information technology, a large number of decision makers (DMs) are allowed to participate in the decision-making process, which is beneficial to improve the quality of decision-making. We proposed a large-scale multi-attribute group decision (LSMGDM) model based on intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) and applied this model to the study of slope stability and risk assessment in open-pit mines. Most existing LSMGDM methods assume that all alternatives are flawless. However, ensuring that all initial alternatives qualify is difficult. In addition, on the issue of LSMGDM, the opinions of some DMs may be very different from the collective opinions, but they are unwilling to make any revisions to the evaluation information. In order to improve the efficiency of the Consensus-Reaching Process (CRP), reasonable and effective management of the non-cooperative behavior of DMs is required. The main contributions of this work are as follows: (1) calculate the defect degree of each alternative with the TOPSIS method, give the method of modifying and perfecting the alternative, and give the corresponding algorithm description and operation steps. (2) A CRP model based on IFS is proposed. DMs were clustered using the intuitionistic fuzzy C-means clustering method. Then a method of identifying and managing non-cooperative behaviors based on IFS is proposed, and the corresponding algorithm description and operation steps are given. (3) An effective LSMGDM method is provided for slope stability research and risk assessment of open-pit mines. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified by comparative analysis.

We study the adjoint Bloch–Kato Selmer groups attached to a classical point in the cuspidal eigenvariety associated with GSp2g. Our strategy is based on the study of families of Galois representations on the eigenvariety, which is inspired by the book of J. Bellaiche and G. Chenevier.

Liver transplantation (LT) candidates often present with poor oral hygiene, which could potentially lead to systemic infections and sepsis owing to their cirrhotic state. In this study, we investigated the oral health status of LT candidates and propose guidance for the detection and treatment of encountered oral lesions among these patients. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was determined through oral examination. The presence of dental calculus was detected using panoramic radiography and defined by the radiopaque dental calculus (RDC). From January 2011 to August 2018, 56 LT candidates were enrolled with a median follow‐up of 39 months. The overall mean numbers of decayed, missing, and filled teeth among these patients were 2.7 ± 2.8, 10.9 ± 8.3, and 5.4 ± 4.5, respectively. Eighteen patients (32.1%) had RDC. The 5‐year survival rates of all 56 patients was 57.7%, while that of those who either received LT (23 patients) or not were 82.1% and 39.8%, respectively. A Cox regression model revealed better overall survival of patients after LT (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.067, p= 0.001), worse survival among patients with RDC (aHR = 3.468, p= 0.010), at Child–Pugh stages B and C (aHR for stage B = 11.889, p= 0.028; aHR for stage C = 19.257, p= 0.013) compared to patients at Child–Pugh stage A, and those with a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥25 (aHR = 13.721, p= 0.018). This study demonstrates that RDC was associated with worse prognosis in LT candidates. We therefore recommend that interprofessional collaboration should be a routine preoperative procedure for the evaluation of oral hygiene among LT candidates.

Mildew resistance locus O(MLO) is a plant-specific gene family that plays an important role in the growth and development of plants and their interactions with the environment. However, the available information on this gene family in pear is limited. Here, 24 PbrMLOgenes were identified and divided into five subfamilies (I, II, III, IV and V). Whole-genome duplication (WGD) and dispersed duplication contributed to the expansion of the PbrMLOfamily. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed that PbrMLOgenes were distributed in various pear tissues, suggesting their diverse functions. We selected PbrMLO23for further functional analysis. Expression profile analysis by qRT-PCR showed that PbrMLO23was highly expressed in pollen. Subcellular localization analysis showed that PbrMLO23 was located on the plasma membrane. When the expression level of PbrMLO23was knocked down by using antisense oligonucleotides, pollen tube lengths increased, indicating that PbrMLO23plays a functional role in inhibiting pollen tube growth. In summary, these results provide evolutionary insight into PbrMLOand its functional characteristics and lay a foundation for further analysis of the functions of PbrMLOmembers in pear.

Cadmium (Cd(II)) is highly toxic to environmental, and while many approaches have been developed to measure cumulative Cd(II) concentration over time, online monitoring of spatiotemporal changes remains challenging. To address this, an electrochemical sensor for determination of ultra-trace Cd(II) was developed, based on gold/graphene oxide/copper oxide (Au/GO/CuO) nanomaterials modifying glassy carbon electrode. CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a green synthesis method using plant extract, and the Au nanoparticles were deposited on the GO/CuO nanosubstrates by an in situ electrochemical method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles are layered flower-like with an average particle size of 200–500 nm. Au/GO/CuO nanocomposites with high specific surface area and excellent electronic transmission capability enhanced the electrochemical signal of the sensor. Owing to the synergistic effect of Au/GO/CuO, the sensor exhibited good performance to Cd(II) in the ultra-wide range of 5 × 10−11–5 × 10−7 M with a detection limit of 2 × 10−11 M. The sensor was successfully quantified for determining Cd(II) with desirable recovery, displaying outstanding long-term stability, high sensitivity, and reproducibility. After validating its accuracy, this sensor was successfully used for detection of Cd(II) in water and cosmetic samples.

Defect-induced nonradiative recombination is the main factor hindering efficiency improvement in CsPbI3perovskite solar cells. It has been recently claimed that the unintentionally incorporated H impurity can potentially cause nonradiative losses due to the deep levels. Using first-principles approaches, we show that, as a matter of fact, the H impurity has a negligible effect on carrier recombination in CsPbI3due to its small nonradiative capture coefficient and low density. This insight rationalizes why the addition of hydriodic acid does not reduce carrier lifetime and could prevent acidic additives being discarded as potential candidates for assisting film growth.

Patient‐dentist discourse is a core nonoperational competency in dental education. The skills of querying patients and responding to questions are noncognitive attributes, and their evaluation by the standardized patient objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is particularly necessary. However, it is not clear whether students' test anxiety affects these attributes. This study aims to examine the relationship between dental students' state‐trait anxiety, noncognitive performance, and examination results during their first OSCE. A single dental school cohort (n = 226) of 5 year students attending their first clinical examination from 2014 to 2017 was studied. Participants completed the Chinese Mandarin Version State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory Y form before taking the OSCE. The difference between state and trait anxiety levels was compared by paired ttest. Gender differences and the effect of age group in these anxiety levels were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Moreover, gender, age group, state anxiety, and trait anxiety scores were compared with the OSCE items of noncognitive performance using a chi‐square test. Students showed significantly higher state anxiety than trait anxiety levels; moreover, women showed significantly higher state anxiety than men. Furthermore, gender, age group, state anxiety, and trait anxiety had no association with the noncognitive performance examination results. Most participants showed moderate state and trait anxiety levels during their first OSCE. Further, the state‐trait anxiety had no significant effect on their noncognitive performance. However, 26.5% of participants did not pass the examination; therefore, dental educators should increase communication skill training courses during clerkship training to improve students' noncognitive attributes.

Chloramphenicol (CAP), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has severely impacted human health and the ecological environment, which brings an increasing demand for an efficient monitoring technology for rapid and sensitive antibiotic residue detection. Herein, a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor was developed for detecting CAP, based on the synergistic effect of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and CuO-nanomaterials modifying glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) spectrometry were used for morphological characterization. β-CD/CuO/GCE sensor with high-specific surface area and cavity structure was prepared by modifying GCE for further electrochemical testing. Experimental parameters were optimized using square wave stripping voltammetry. The developed sensor obtains an ultra-wide linear range from 1.0 × 10−7 mol l−1to 5.0 × 10−4 mol l−1and the limit of detection is 0.5 × 10−7 mol l−1. The sensor displays high sensitivity, remarkable stability, and reproducibility; particularly more convenient than the Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) verification method. Furthermore, the applicability of the developed β-CD/CuO/GCE sensor was demonstrated by detecting CAP in food samples.

With the increasing interest in tackling the “shuttle effect” of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, there is a growing emphasis on investigating effective catalysts to improve redox kinetics and understand the associated reaction pathways. In this study, a series of nonmetal (B, N, Si, P, S, F, and Cl) single-atom-doped graphenes were theoretically investigated as the catalysts for the multistep reduction of S8and the kinetic conversion of the rate-limiting step. Analysis of the Gibbs free energy for the S8reduction process on these catalysts confirms that the rate-limiting step is the conversion of Li2S2to Li2S. Subsequently, six kinetic reaction paths transforming Li2S2to Li2S were constructed. Based on the optimal reaction path with LiS as the intermediate product, a volcano plot was built with the excellent descriptor, −ΔGad(LiS). The peak catalytic efficiency corresponds to a −ΔGad(LiS) value of 1.72 eV. Consequently, pyrrolic N- and Cl-doped graphene are identified as superior catalysts with energy barriers of 0.61 and 0.47 eV for the reversible conversion of Li2S2to Li2S. Furthermore, the strong correlation between ΔGad(LiS) and ΔGad(Li2S) also enables the prediction of catalytic performance using ΔGad(Li2S). These findings have significant implications for future catalyst design and understanding of kinetic reaction pathways in Li–S batteries.

Cp2Fe-mediated electrochemical synthesis of phosphorylated indoles and Trp-containing oligopeptides has been developed, which eliminates the need for external oxidants and yields the desired products in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. Importantly, the synthetic applicability was further demonstrated through its easy scalability and the anticancer activity of the product. Remarkably, it presents the first electrochemical protocol to access the phosphorylation of indoles and Trp-containing oligopeptides.

A novel and efficient copper-tert-butyl hydroperoxide mediated intramolecular spirocyclization of N-p-NO2-benzoylacrylamides through a cascade radical addition–ipso-cyclization–dearomatization–denitration process has been developed, affording a convenient and powerful tool for the preparation of valuable phosphonated or trifluoromethylated azaspiro[4.5]decadientriones under mild conditions in good yields.

Releasing propylene from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) after adsorption is attractive, but remains challenging because of the energy penalty in desorption by traditional techniques. Now, a metal–organic framework composite is constructed by encapsulating Ag nanocubes into ZIF-8 for controllable propylene desorption. ZIF-8 acts as an effective porous shell for accommodating propylene molecules, and Ag nanocubes perform as local “nanoheaters” to elevate the temperature by utilizing optical energy. Based on the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanocubes, light energy can be converted into thermal energy and further transferred to the surroundings. The desorption capacity can be controlled by varying the content of Ag nanocubes introduced, and almost 100% of the propylene is released for the optical sample. Distinct from the electrical heating in industry, light-triggered heating remotely elevated the temperature of adsorbents from the inside out, which is particularly beneficial to heat-insulating MOFs. In addition, this approach heats only adsorbents rather than the entire fixed beds, improving the energy and time efficiency. The present light-triggered desorption may open up a new avenue to develop advanced adsorption/desorption cycles.

The study of multi-dimensional expansion of urban space (MEUS) addresses the laws of urban spatial expansion from all directions and angles. Using Nanjing as an example, this paper constructs multi-temporal, urban three-dimensional models based on RS and GIS technology and then conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis of MEUS using plot ratio change maps and MEUS quantitative index for built-up areas. Based especially on the concept of volume growth contribution rate, this paper analyzes the characteristics of MEUS in different stages. The results show that in 2000–2004, planar expansion played the main role, the internal potential development (IPD) intensity of the urban built-up areas was relatively large, and the volume growth contribution rate was low; in 2004–2008, planar expansion accelerated, and IPD slowed down; in 2008–2012, planar expansion slowed while IPD intensity increased; the contribution rates of volume growth of urban IPD for the three periods were 22.21%, 24.51% and 73.38%, respectively. This study expands the research perspective of urban spatial expansion, and the adopted methods are instructive and meaningful for MEUS research. In addition, the results of this study will deepen the understanding of MEUS laws and help improve scientific decision-making for urban planning and urban land use management.

We report the use of electrochemistry to perform a direct oxidative dearomatization of indoles leading to 2,3-dialkoxy or 2,3-diazido indolines under undivided conditions at a constant current. This operationally simple electro-oxidative procedure avoids the use of an external oxidant and displays excellent functional group compatibility. The formation of the two C–O or C–N bonds is believed to arise from the oxidation of the indoles into radical cation intermediates.

ABSTRACTHere, the L-ascorbic acid (AsA) content as well as activities of enzymes and genes in AsA biosynthesis were investigated in bagged and unbagged fruit of Pyrus pyrifolia‘Cuiguan’ during on-tree development. The contents of AsA/dehydroascorbate (DHA) and glutathione (γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH)/oxidised glutathione (GSSG) couples, the enzyme activities of L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH; EC 1.3.2.3), L-galactose dehydrogenase (GalDH; EC 1.1.1.117), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR; EC 1.6.5.4), glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), and the relative expression levels of GLDHand DHARgenes were highest at 20 days after full bloom (DAFB) and then decreased to their minimum at harvest. When the fruit were grown in the dark induced by bagging, the ascorbate contents, enzyme activities and gene expression amounts had a statistical decline compared to the control in the most sampling dates. However, although L-AsA metabolism was affected and the use of light transmitting fruit bags may be preferable, the drop in vitamin C was not really significant in a dietary sense.

We jointly analyzed the changes in cell cycle arrest and distribution, the accumulation of subphase cells, apoptosis, and proliferation in A549 cells treated with Saikosaponin D (Ssd) and JNK inhibitor SP600125 alone or in combination. Our results indicated that cell cycle arrest at G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases was coupled with the accumulation of subG1, subS, and subG2 cells, corresponding to early apoptosis, DNA endoreplication, and later inhibitory proliferation, respectively. Analyzing the expression of 18 cell cycle regulatory genes and JNK and phosphorylated JNK (pJNK) levels revealed an enhancement in these factors by Ssd. Additional SP600125 weakened or eliminated the Ssd-induced increase of these factors except that p53/p21 and Rassfia levels were further improved. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the interactions of these factors revealed a negative synergistic effect on apoptosis while a positive synergistic effect on proliferative inhibition of the two drugs: (1) Ssd induced apoptosis via the activation of two axes, TGFα-JNK-p53 and TGFα-Rassfia-Mst1. By eliminating the Ssd-induced increase of JNK/pJNK, additional SP600125 weakened the Ssd-induced apoptotic axis of TGFα-JNK-p53 and simultaneously abolished Ssd-induced apoptosis; (2) Ssd inhibited proliferation by the activation of two axes, TGFβ-p53/p21/p27/p15/p16 and TGFα-Rassfia-cyclin D1. By improving the Ssd-induced increase of p53/p21 and Rassfia, additional SP600125 enhanced the two axes of Ssd-induced inhibitory proliferation. Analyzing JNK/pJNK, p53, phospho-p53, and TNF-α levels revealed an opposite association of JNK/pJNK with p53 while consistent with phospho-p53 and TNF-α, which supported the proposals that JNK/pJNK negatively regulated p53 level, while it mediated p53 phosphorylation to transcriptionally activate TNF-α expression of apoptotic gene and trigger apoptosis. With the multiple roles, JNK/pJNK forms a synergetic and antagonistic feedback loop with phospho-p53/p53. Within the feedback loop, (1) Ssd-induced apoptosis depended on JNK/pJNK activities mediating phospho-p53 that activated TNF-α expression; (2) by weakening the negative regulation of JNK/pJNK in p53, SP600125 enhanced p53 level and the Ssd-induced inhibitory proliferation axes of TGFβ-p53/p21/p27/p15/p16. The results indicated the central coordinating roles of the feedback loop in the synergistic and antagonistic effects of the two drugs in A549 cells and provided a rationale for the combination of Ssd with SP600125 in the treatment of lung cancer.

The objective of study was to investigate the correlation between the mechanical strengths [insertion torque (IT); resonance frequency (RF); and horizontal pullout strength (HPS)] and gripping volume (GV) of mini-implants. Thirty mini-implants of three types (Type A: 2 mm × 10 mm, cylindrical, titanium alloy; Type B: 2 mm × 10 mm, tapered, stainless steel; and Type C: 2 mm × 11 mm, cylindrical, titanium alloy) were inserted 7 mm into artificial bones. One-way analysis of variance and Spearman's test were applied to assess intergroup comparisons and intragroup correlations. The null hypothesis was that no statistically significant correlations exist between the GV and mechanical strengths (IT, RF, and HPS). In the IT test, Type C (14.2 Ncm) had significantly (p=0.016) greater values than did Type A (12.4 Ncm). In the RF analysis, no significant difference was observed among the three types of mini-implants. In the HPS test, Type C (388.9 Ncm) was significantly larger than both Type B (294.5 Ncm) and Type A (286 Ncm). In the GV measurement, Type C (14.4 mm3) was significantly larger than Type B (11.4 mm3) and Type A (9.2 mm3). Type A and Type B exhibited no significant correlations among the tests. Therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted. Although no significant correlation was noted between the GV and mechanical strengths (IT, RF, and HPS), we observed a trend that the mechanical strengths (IT, RF, and HPS) of the mini-implants corresponded to the order and values of GV (Type C > Type B > Type A).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between postoperative stability and a change in tongue area after treatment of mandibular prognathism. Twenty‐six patients, who were treated for mandibular prognathism using intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy, were evaluated cephalometrically. A set of three standardized lateral cephalograms were obtained from each participant preoperatively (T1), immediately postoperatively (T2), and after 2 years postoperatively (T3). Student ttest and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Immediately after the surgery (T12), the setback of the menton (Me) was 12.9 mm (p< 0.001) and the tongue area had significantly increased to 105.8 mm2(p= 0.047). At a 2‐year follow‐up to examine postsurgical stability (T23), the Me exhibited a forward movement of 0.6 mm (p= 0.363) and the tongue area had significantly decreased to 124.3 mm2(p= 0.004). Pearson correlation coefficient test revealed no statistical significance between postoperative stability and change in tongue area. The tongue area significantly increased during the T12 period and decreased during the T23 period. There is no significant correlation between postoperative skeletal relapse and a change in tongue area.

We investigates the effect of the anchor area on the mechanical strengths of infrazygomatic mini‐implants. Thirty mini‐implants were divided into three types based on the material and shape: Type A (titanium alloy, 2.0 × 12 mm), Type B (stainless steel, 2.0 × 12 mm), and Type C (titanium alloy, 2.0 × 11 mm). The mini‐implants were inserted at 90° and 45° into the artificial bone to a depth of 7 mm, without predrilling. The mechanical strengths [insertion torque (IT), resonance frequency (RF), and removal torque (RT)] and the anchor area were measured. We hypothesized that no correlation exists among the mechanical forces of each brand. In the 90° tests, the IT, RF, and RT of Type C (8.5 N cm, 10.2 kHz, and 6.1 N cm, respectively) were significantly higher than those of Type A (5.0 N cm, 7.7 kHz, and 4.7 N cm, respectively). In the 45° test, the RFs of Type C (9.2 kHz) was significantly higher than those of Type A (7.0 kHz) and Type B (6.7 kHz). The anchor area of the mini‐implants was in the order of Type C (706 mm2) > Type B (648 mm2) > Type A (621 mm2). Type C exhibited no significant correlation in intragroup comparisons, and the hypothesis was accepted. In the 90° and 45° tests, Type C exhibited the largest anchor area and the highest mechanical strengths (IT, RF, and RT) among the three types of mini‐implants. The anchor area plays a crucial role in the mechanical strength of mini‐implants.

In this study, a simple and sensitive turn on fluorescent sensor for the detection of Al3+ion in an aqueous solution was developed based on carbon dots (C-dots) obtained viaone-step electrolysis of graphite in sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. The as-prepared C-dots exhibit excellent photoluminescence and up-conversion photoluminescence properties and have an average size of 5.0 nm. The as-prepared C-dots showed a light green luminescence emission under 365 nm ultraviolet excitation and could be used as a novel label-free turn on fluorescent probe for the selective detection of Al3+; this is quite different from the case of usual quenching effects of metal ions on fluorescent C-dots. The fluorescence enhancement effect of Al3+ion on the as-prepared C-dots could be attributed to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism. Abundant oxygen functional groups on the surface of C-dots have chelation interaction with Al3+and increase the rigidity of the C-dots, leading to fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, the as-prepared C-dots are highly selective for Al3+over other metal ions, with a detection limit of 0.05 μM, and the linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and concentration of Al3+is in the range of 0.1–7.2 μM. In addition, the as-prepared novel fluorescent probe was successfully applied for the direct analysis of Al3+in a real environmental water sample.

An ultrasensitive and rapid electrochemical detection of trace Hg(II) sensor was developed. The significantly amplified electrochemical signals was caused by the high specific surface area of the electrochemical sensor. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the gold nanospikes were 200 ∼ 300 nm in length and 50 nm in diameter. The electrochemical properties of sensor were characterized by square wave voltammetry. Experimental parameters were optimized using square wave stripping voltammetry. The linear range of sensor for Hg(II) is 3 × 10−10 mol l−1∼ 7 × 10−7 mol l−1and the limit of detection is 1 × 10−10 mol l−1. Hg(II) was successfully quantified in river water and cosmetics. The original Hg(II) in loose powder, Sunblock and whitening lotion using the high ratio surface area electrochemical sensor determination were found to be 2.234, 2.056 and 2.347 mg kg−1respectively. The results are within the range of standard values, the RSD are 1.7%, 1.5% and 2.1%, respectively. HRSA Au electrode sensor displays high sensitive, excellent stability, reproducibility, especially more convenient than ICP-MS and AFS verification methods. We look forward to the possibility that the HRSA Au electrode sensor can be used for real-time monitoring of Mercury ions in water and cosmetics in the future.

This study aimed to compare the insertion torque (IT), resonance frequency (RF), and removal torque (RT) among three microimplant brands. Thirty microimplants of the three brands were used as follows: Type A (titanium alloy, 1.5‐mm × 8‐mm), Type B (stainless steel, 1.5‐mm × 8‐mm), and Type C (titanium alloy, 1.5‐mm × 9‐mm). A synthetic bone with a 2‐mm cortical bone and bone marrow was used. Each microimplant was inserted into the synthetic bone, without predrilling, to a 7 mm depth. The IT, RF, and RT were measured in both vertical and horizontal directions. One‐way analysis of variance and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests were used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons, respectively. In the vertical test, the ITs of Type C (7.8 Ncm) and Type B (7.5 Ncm) were significantly higher than that of Type A (4.4 Ncm). The RFs of Type C (11.5 kHz) and Type A (10.2 kHz) were significantly higher than that of Type B (7.5 kHz). Type C (7.4 Ncm) and Type B (7.3 Ncm) had significantly higher RTs than did Type A (4.1 Ncm). In the horizontal test, both the ITs and RTs were significantly higher for Type C, compared with Type A. No significant differences were found among the groups, and the study hypothesis was accepted. Type A had the lowest inner/outer diameter ratio and widest apical facing angle, engendering the lowest IT and highest RF values. However, no significant correlations in the IT, RF, and RT were observed among the three groups.

In the paper, we developed a sensitive electrochemical sensor for the trace Pb(II) determination using hollow silica microspheres containing amino groups (NH2-HSM) as a sensitive material. The NH2-HSM was prepared by a direct co-condensation method, using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant template and the 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTS) as a co-structure directing agent. The NH2-HSM modified glassy carbon electrode (NH2-HSM/GCE) showed a higher sensitivity and selectivity to Pb(II). The experimental conditions with respect to electrolyte, pH values and preconcentration time were optimized to maximize the sensitivity of the measurement. Under the optimized conditions, the linear response ranges for Pb(II) was 1.0-100.0 nM, with the corresponding detection limit was 0.5 nM (which is well below the guideline value given by the World Health Organization). In addition, the proposed sensor exhibited excellent repeatability and selectivity for Pb(II) over other relevant metal ions, thus can be further practical applied to determine Pb(II) in the real river water samples.

This paper describes a simple and efficient electrochemical assay for the determination of trace Cu(ii) employing l-cysteine functionalized gold nanoparticles/CdS nanospheres/glassy carbon electrode (l-cys/AuNPs/CdS/GCE) as an enhanced sensing platform. The prepared sensor exhibited a high active surface area, excellent electron transfer properties, and greatly enhanced sensitivity for Cu(ii) in comparison with AuNPs/CdS/GCE, l-cys/AuNPs/GCE and CdS/GCE, due to the synergistic effect of l-cysteine, Au nanoparticles and CdS nanospheres. The experimental conditions, namely preconcentration time, electrolyte and pH value, were optimized in order to maximize the sensitivity of the measurements. Under optimal conditions, the SWASV stripping signals for Cu(ii) were linear in the concentration range of 0.5 to 200.0 nmol L−1, and a detection limit of 0.1 nmol L−1(S/N = 3) was obtained. The prepared sensor also exhibited excellent repeatability and selectivity for Cu(ii) over competing environmentally relevant metal ions. It was further applied to determine Cu(ii) in real water samples, and the results agreed satisfactorily with the certified values.

The influence of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on heat resistance and curing kinetics of potting materials were studied. The results showed that POSS can promote the cure, but did not change the potting materials curing mechanism. The research results have important significance for improving the performance of potting materials in electronic products.

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles of nemonoxacin in healthy Chinese volunteers following multiple-dose intravenous infusion once daily for 10 consecutive days. The study was composed of two stages. In the open-label stage, 500 mg or 750 mg of nemonoxacin (n =12 each) was administered at an infusion rate of 5.56 mg/min. In the second stage, with a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design, 500, 650, or 750 mg of nemonoxacin (n =16 in each cohort; 12 subjects received the drug and the other 4 subjects received the placebo) was given at an infusion rate of 4.17 mg/min. The results showed that, in the first stage, the maximal nemonoxacin concentrations (mean ± SD) at steady state (Cmax_ss) were 9.60 ± 1.84 and 11.04 ± 2.18 μg/ml in the 500-mg and 750-mg cohorts, respectively; the areas under the concentration-time curve at steady state (AUC0–24_ss) were 44.03 ± 8.62 and 65.82 ± 10.78 μg · h/ml in the 500-mg and 750-mg cohorts, respectively. In the second stage, the nemonoxacin Cmax_ssvalues were 7.13 ± 1.47, 8.17 ± 1.76, and 9.96 ± 2.23 μg/ml in the 500-mg, 650-mg, and 750-mg cohorts, respectively; the AUC0–24_ssvalues were 40.46 ± 9.52, 54.17 ± 12.10, and 71.34 ± 17.79 μg · h/ml in the 500-mg, 650-mg, and 750-mg cohorts, respectively. No accumulation was found after the 10-day infusion with any regimen. The drug was well tolerated. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the cumulative fraction of response of any dosing regimen was nearly 100% against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The probability of target attainment of nemonoxacin therapy was >98% when the MIC of nemonoxacin against S. pneumoniaewas ≤1 mg/liter. It is suggested that all of the studied intravenous nemonoxacin dosing regimens should have favorable clinical and microbiological efficacies in future clinical studies. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.govunder registration no. NCT01944774.)

ABSTRACTNemonoxacin (TG-873870) is a novel nonfluorinated quinolone with potent broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical pathogens, including vancomycin-nonsusceptible methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), quinolone-resistant MRSA, quinolone-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, and erythromycin-resistant S. pneumoniae. This first-in-human study was aimed at assessing the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous nemonoxacin in healthy Chinese volunteers. The study comprised a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalating safety and tolerability study in 92 subjects and a randomized, single-dose, open-label, 3-period Latin-square crossover pharmacokinetic study in 12 subjects. The study revealed that nemonoxacin infusion was well tolerated up to the maximum dose of 1,250 mg, and the acceptable infusion rates ranged from 0.42 to 5.56 mg/min. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were mild, transient, and confined to local irritation at the injection site. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that after the administration of 250, 500, and 750 mg of intravenous nemonoxacin, the maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) values were 4.826 μg/ml, 7.152 μg/ml, and 11.029 μg/ml, respectively. The corresponding values for the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 72 hours (AUC0–72 h) were 17.05 μg · h/ml, 39.30 μg · h/ml, and 61.98 μg · h/ml. The mean elimination half-life (t1/2) was 11 h, and the mean cumulative drug excretion rate within 72 h ranged from 64.93% to 77.17%. Volunteers treated with 250 to 750 mg nemonoxacin exhibited a linear dose-response relationship between the AUC0–72 hand AUC0–∞. These findings provide further support for the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic properties of intravenous nemonoxacin. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.govunder registration no. NCT01944774.)

In this paper, RuO2-CB/MVQ composites were prepared through following steps. First, the nanoruthenium particles had been prepared by solvent thermo-deoxidization ways. Secondly, the nanoRuO2 particles had been formed by oxidation reaction of nanoruthenium particles in air. Thirdly, the carbon black/silicone rubber mixed rubber was prepared by solvent mixing. Fourthly, the nanoruthenium particles were mixed into carbon black/silicone rubber mixed rubber by rubbing dispersion. Finally, vulcanization molding was carried out at certain preasure and temperature. The piezoresistive properties of CB/MWQ composite materials were tested with pressure-resistance testing systems designed ourselves. The test results showed that suitable amounts of RuO2 could enhance the stability and creep of piezoresistive properties of CB/MWQ composite materials. The microstructure of CB/MWQ composite materials were analyzed with SEM and TEM. The characterization results showed that nanoRuO2 particles dispersed in composite materials in nanolevel. These nanostructure could improve conductive net of carbon black, and reinforce crosslink net of silicone rubber. These factors had advantage to the stability of piezoresistive properties of CB/MWQ composite materials.

Because of alkaline declining the sweep efficiency, causing scale formation problem in the reservoir and the well bottom and the tubular pipes, so polymer/surfactant compound flooding technology is the emphasis in the research of enhanced recovery. So the articles study the regulation of different kinds of surface active agents at different temperature by MARS Rheometer. The testing result showed that the variation of viscocity under the interaction between the surface active agent and association polymer according to “three stage” model .The linear viscoelastic region of stress decrease when different surface active agents are put into polymer liquor, and the higher frequency, the better elasticity of polymer liquor. The hydrophobic association between the surface active agents and polymer decrease with a higher temperature, but the ionic surfactant is aggravate. The systematic study of binary system rheology can contribute to correctly understand and apply binary system.

Several purpose-designed adhering ways have been used for silicone adhesive adhering on silicone foam surface. The stress-strain and relaxing properties of the adhered and non-adhered silicone foam have been tested. By contrasting the effect of each adhering way to the silicone foams property and considering each adhered silicone foams SEM profile photo we found out the better adhering way C for silicone foam adhered by silicone adhesive. This adhering way C has small transmissibility, good compatibility, and little effect to the silicone foams property, so it can fit silicone foams applying demand.

Limbal epithelial stem cell (LSC) transplantation is a prevalent therapeutic method for patients with LSC deficiency. The maintenance of stem cell characteristics in the process of culture expansion is critical for the success of ocular surface reconstruction. Pigment epithelial‐derived factor (PEDF) increased the numbers of holoclone in LSC monolayer culture and preserved the stemness of LSC in suspension culture by evidence of ΔNp63α, Bmi‐1, and ABCG2 expression. BrdU pulse‐labeling assay also demonstrated that PEDF stimulated LSCs proliferation. In air‐lift culture of limbal equivalent, PEDF was capable of increasing the numbers of ΔNp63α‐positive cells. The mitogenic effect of PEDF was found to be mediated by the phosphorylations of p38 MAPK and STAT3 in LSCs. Synthetic 44‐mer PEDF (residues 78–121) was as effective as the full length PEDF in LSC expansion in suspension culture and limbal equivalent formation, as well as the activation of p38 MAPK and STAT3. In mice subjecting to mechanical removal of cornea epithelium, 44‐mer PEDF facilitated corneal wound healing. Microscopically, 44‐mer PEDF advanced the early proliferative response in limbus, increased the proliferation of ΔNp63α‐positive cells both in limbus and in epithelial healing front, and assisted the repopulation of limbus in the late phase of wound healing. In conclusion, the capability of expanding LSC in cell culture and in animal indicates the potential of PEDF and its fragment (e.g., 44‐mer PEDF) in ameliorating limbal stem cell deficiency; and their uses as therapeutics for treating corneal wound. STEMCells2013;31: 1775–1784

A rhodamine-based organic–inorganic hybrid solid fluorescent chemosensor by covalently immobilized R6G derivative on core–shell structured mesoporous silica microspheres with perpendicularly aligned mesopore channels has been prepared. The fluorescent responses of the prepared chemosensor to Hg2+have been investigated, and the results demonstrated that the proposed hybrid solid fluorescent chemosensor featured a high affinity Hg2+-specific fluorescence response in water by considering the highly dense modification of the rhodamine probe. The detection limit for Hg2+is 0.1 nM (S/N= 3, which is well below the guideline value given by the World Health Organization) under optimized conditions. Excellent wide linear range (1.0–100.0 nM) and good repeatability (relative standard deviation of 3.2%) were obtained for Hg2+. The proposed chemosensor also exhibited excellent selectivity for Hg2+over competing environmentally relevant metal ions, and can be used in a wide pH span and regenerated readily. These values, particularly the high sensitivity and excellent selectivity in contrast to the values reported previously in the area of fluorescent Hg2+detection, demonstrated the analytical performance of the proposed chemosensor could be used for efficient determination of Hg2+in natural water samples. Toward the purpose of practical application, the proposed chemosensor was further used to determine Hg2+in real environmental water samples.

A simple, efficient electrochemical assay based on gold nanoparticle dropped TiO2 microsphere (Au/TiO2) hybrids was developed for the highly sensitive and selective determination of Arsenic (As (III)) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). An Au/TiO2 modified glassy carbon electrode (Au/TiO2/GCE) possessed a three-dimensional porous structure and exhibited a high active surface area and excellent electron transfer properties. Due to the synergy effect of Au/TiO2, Au/TiO2/GCE greatly enhances the selectivity, sensitivity, and stability of electrodes with respect to the reduction time and composition of the electrodes compared to gold nanoparticle modified GCE (Au/GCE) and TiO2 modified GCE (TiO2/GCE) for detection As (III). The experimental conditions with respect to reduction time and electrolyte were optimized to maximize the sensitivity of the measurement. Under optimal conditions, the SWASV peak current for As (III) concentration was excellent in the range of 1 x 10[?]7 to 8 x 10[?]6 M. The limit of detection (LOD) of this sensing system was 0.04 uM. Simultaneously, the sensing system's good repeatability and stability prevents the effects of interfering species, which is suitable for As(III) determination in real samples.

Some management information databases (MIBS) have been developed in recent years to help the water resource managers with more effective and fast work. Yet few integrated models of water resources management can be observed so far. This paper discussed and designed the Integrated Water Resources Management Information Database (IWRMI-Database) for Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. In this database, the requirements of water-use statistics, water intake permission and levy on water resources were studied in detail, the data which play a decisive role in management were analyzed, and the concept and physical models of the database were built with the modeling tool, Sybase Power Designer, which greatly saved the development time.

Sufficient and efficient functional testing could efficiently find the defects existed in product development. However, due to the growing complexity of product, sufficient functional and performance testing is more difficult. Integrality of test objectives and correctness of test approach are essential to ensure the sufficient testing of products. This paper focused on the problem of integrality of test objectives and proposed a new functional analysis approach based on physical view to list all the functions and interrelationships between them.

The aims of this preliminary study were to present a modified mandibular splint together with a treatment regimen and to evaluate their effects on the treatment of reciprocal joint sounds of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The study participants were recruited from 312 consecutive patients in the temporomandibular disorder clinic of a medical center in Taiwan from January 2003 to December 2003. From among these, 59 cases with typical reciprocal clicking were selected for this study. All participants were treated with a modified mandibular splint and then followed up for 6 months. Successful treatment was defined as leading to the disappearance of the joint sounds of TMJ, as described by patients. Based on clinical evaluation, the overall success rate was 71.2% (42/59) with minimal temporary complications. Patients with clicking at less than 3.5 cm of interincisal opening had a success rate of 92.5%, which was higher than the success rate of patients with clicking at a mouth opening of 3.5 cm or more. This study showed that a modified mandibular splint can be used to treat reciprocal clicking of the TMJ effectively and encouraged us to conduct further study on the efficacy of this splint to treat disc displacement with reduction of TMJ using magnetic resonance imaging examination.

The gonial region is coincided with harmonious face and masticatory function. The aims of the present study were to assess changes in the gonial region in patients who had mandibular setback surgery by intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and to investigate the contributing factors in relation to skeletal relapse.

The liver is the major site of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) synthesis. Recent evidence suggests a protective role of PEDF in liver cirrhosis. In the present study, immunohistochemical analyses revealed lower PEDF levels in liver tissues of patients with cirrhosis and in animals with chemically induced liver fibrosis. Delivery of the PEDF gene into liver cells produced local PEDF synthesis and ameliorated liver fibrosis in animals treated with either carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide. In addition, suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression, as well as nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B was found in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from fibrotic livers, and both changes were reversed by PEDF gene delivery. In culture-activated HSCs, PEDF, through the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, reduced the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B and prevented the nuclear localization of JunD. In conclusion, our observations that PEDF levels are reduced during liver cirrhosis and that PEDF gene delivery ameliorates cirrhosis suggest that PEDF is an intrinsic protector against liver cirrhosis. Direct inactivation of HSCs and the induction of apoptosis of activated HSCs may be two of the mechanisms by which PEDF suppresses liver cirrhosis.

In this paper the formation and growth of bubbles during the melt foaming process are studied from microcosmic aspect. The forming process of liquid film between two neighboring bubbles is also analyzed. According to the cavity effect of ultrasonic wave, the effect of ultrasonic wave on the fragmentation of cell structures of aluminum foam is investigated. Results show that the effect of ultrasonic wave on the cell structure fragmentation decreases with the increase of the distance from the ultrasonic wave source to the cell structure. Therefore, a new concept, namely aluminum foam of biomimetic gradient structure, is proposed.

In contradiction to the theoretical prediction, the characteristics of the quantum dots are thermally unstable in the relatively high temperature regime. This article briefly summaries the temperature behavior of the self-assembled quantum dots in the In(Ga)As/GaAs system, as experimentally observed in both the time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on thermal anomalies, thermal quenching, relaxation- and radiative-lifetime of the quantum dots. In addition, the efforts made in the relevant patterns to reduce the T sensitivity of the semiconductor lasers based on the quantum dots are described. The article gives a brief review on the recent relevant patents.

An efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical protocol for dearomatization of indoles was developed, delivering a series of azido-containing spirocyclic indolines with good functional group tolerance. This dearomatization process is proposed to result from the oxidation of MnII–N3species, supported by cyclic voltammetry experiments. Moreover, synthetic transformations can provide an alternative approach to a range of functionalized indolines.