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Cortical expansion and folding are often linked to the evolution of higher intelligence, but molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cortical folding remain poorly understood. The hominoid-specific gene TBC1D3 undergoes segmental duplications during hominoid evolution, but its role in brain development has not been explored. Here, we found that expression of TBC1D3 in ventricular cortical progenitors of mice via in utero electroporation caused delamination of ventricular radial glia cells (vRGs) and promoted generation of self-renewing basal progenitors with typical morphology of outer radial glia (oRG), which are most abundant in primates. Furthermore, down-regulation of TBC1D3 in cultured human brain slices decreased generation of oRGs. Interestingly, localized oRG proliferation resulting from either in utero electroporation or transgenic expression of TBC1D3, was often found to underlie cortical regions exhibiting folding. Thus, we have identified a hominoid gene that is required for oRG generation in regulating the cortical expansion and folding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18197.001, eLife digest The outer layer of the mammalian brain the cerebral cortex plays a key role in memory, attention, awareness and thought. While rodents have a smooth cortical surface, the cortex of larger mammals such as primates is organized into folds and furrows. These folds increase the amount of cortex that can fit inside the confines of the skull, and are thought to have allowed the evolution of more advanced thought processes. Mutations in various genes are likely to have contributed to the expansion and folding of the cortex. These mutations may not always have involved changes in the instructions encoded within the genes, but might instead have involved changes in the number of copies of a gene. One plausible candidate gene is TBC1D3, which is only found in the great apes and is active in the cortex. The chimpanzee genome contains a single copy of TBC1D3 whereas the human genome contains multiple copies. Ju, Hou et al. have now shown that introducing the TBC1D3 gene into mouse embryos triggers changes in the embryonic cortex. Specifically, this gene increases the number of a type of cell called the outer radial glial cell in the cortex. These cells give rise to new neurons, and are usually rare in mice but abundant in the brains of animals with a folded cortex. Additional experiments using samples of human brain tissue confirmed that TBC1D3 is required for the outer radial glial cells to form. The samples were collected from miscarried fetuses with the informed consent of the patients and following approved protocols and ethical guidelines. Finally, introducing the TBC1D3 gene into the mouse genome also gave rise to animals with a folded cortex, rather than their usual smooth brain surface. Further work is now required to identify how TBC1D3 helps to generate outer radial glial cells, and to work out how these cells cause the cortex to expand. Testing the behavior of mice with the TBC1D3 gene could also uncover the links between cortical folding and thought processes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18197.002

Two novel narrow bandgap random dithienosilole copolymers based on 3,3′-di-n-octylsilylene-2,2′-bithiophene (DTS), ethylene (E), 4,7-bis(-4-hexyl-2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DTBT), or 6,7-diphenyl-4,9-bis(4,4′-dihexyl-2,2′-bithiophen-5-yl)-[1,2,5]-thiadiazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline (PhDTTQ) have been synthesized by means of Pd-catalyzed Stille coupling reactions. The electrochemical, optical and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were studied. The absorption spectrum of the copolymer PDTSE-DTBTE in thin film has one absorption peak at 668 nm, and the absorption spectrum of the copolymer PDTSE-PhDTTQ displays two absorption peaks at about 594 and 841 nm. The bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated with the as-synthesized copolymers as the donors and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as the acceptor in a 1:1 weight ratio in the device configuration ITO/PEODT/copolymer:PC61BM (1:1)/Al. The power conversion efficiency of the device based on copolymer PDTSE-DTBTE is 0.72 % with open-circuit voltage (V oc) 0.5 V under simulated AM 1.5 G solar irradiation (100 mW/cm2).

Red-emitting hyperbranched polymers utilizing polyfluorene (PF) and poly(fluorene-alt-carbazole) (PFCz) as the branches and the phenyl-isoquinoline iridium complex [(Piq)2Ir(Pytz)] (where Piq is 1-phenylisoquinoline and Pytz is 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole) as the core are synthesized by a Suzuki polycondensation, using the “A2 + A2’ + B3” approach. The HOMO and LUMO levels of the PFCz branch are enhanced compared with those of the PF branches, indicating that the incorporation of the Cz moiety into the fluorene branches can improve hole injection in the polymers, while the potential barrier of electron injection is enlarged. The hyperbranched polymers using fluorene branches exhibit a better device performance. A maximum luminous efficiency of 6.54 cd A−1 (peak external quantum efficiency = 4.88%) at 5.4 V with CIE co-ordinates of (0.65, 0.34) is obtained from the PF-PiqIr2 polymer. The device efficiencies from the copolymers show a reduced roll-off upon an increase of the current density.

A novel solution-processable spirosilafluorene oligomer is synthesized by palladium- catalyzed Stille coupling reaction from 2,2',7,7'-tetrabromospirosilafluorene, 2-(4-biphenyl)- 7-tributyltin-9,9-dioctylfluorene. The oligomer is soluble in common organic solvents and is highly photoluminescent. The electrochemical, optical, photoluminescent (PL) property of the oligomer was studied.

This paper presents an approach to intensify a reactive distillation (RD) process for ethyl acetate (EtAc) production using a mass separation agent (entrainer), and a new process flowsheet with a sidedraw to the RD column. The heterogeneous azeotrope formed by water and EtAc contains less water than that is produced by the esterification reaction. N-butyl acetate is selected as an appropriate entrainer to withdraw the accumulated H 2 O from the RD column rectifying section. The equilibrium stage model based on the RADFRAC module of Aspen Plus is employed for the steady-state simulation of the improved process flowsheet. The stage number of the rectifying section and reactive section, sidedraw location and flowrate, sidedraw aqueous phase reflux flowrate, and overhead organic reflux flowrate are investigated to determine an optimal flowsheet design. The entrainer-enhanced EtAc RD process efficiently uses the raw materials and significantly increases the process efficiency, allowing significant energy savings. Remarkably, compared to previously reported RD processes, the energy consumption of this novel process is about 32% lower while the capital investment almost remains the same.

High molecular weight, readily soluable copolymer was prepared from 9,9-di (2-thienyl-hexyl) fluorene (TF) 2,7-bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-9,9-di octyl fluorene and narrow band gap comonomer 2,3-dimethyl- 5,8-(5-bromo)-dithien-2-yl-quinoxalines (DTQU) using pallad- ium catalyzed Suzuki coupling methods. To compare the copolymer to this without thiophene in the C9 side chain of fluorene, the copolymer from DOF and DTQU was synthesized. The electrochemical, optical and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were studied. The absorption spectra of the copolymers measured in thin films display two absorption peaks. The power conversion efficiency achieved in the device configuration ITO/PEDT/FT- DTQU:PCBM (1:2)/Al is 0.85% with open-circuit voltage (Voc) 0.8V. Further improvement by manipulating polymer/electrode interface and further investigation of more polyfluorene copolymers with narrow band gap aryl-hetero cycle units on the side chain is in progress.

Objective Simultaneous mifepristone 200 mg and vaginal misoprostol 800 μg produces a complete abortion rate of approximately 90% at up to 63 days of gestation. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of concurrent administration of mifepristone 200 mg and vaginal misoprostol 600 μg with respect to early medical abortion. Materials and Methods A total of 254 women with undesired pregnancies of less than 49 days of gestation were enrolled. All women received oral mifepristone 200 mg and vaginal misoprostol 600 μg concurrently. Follow-up assessment by transvaginal ultrasonography was performed 3 days and 2 weeks after treatment. Results Efficacy outcome was analyzed for 242 women (95.3%) after excluding 12 individuals lost to follow-up. The complete abortion rate was 92.6%. The mean induction to abortion interval was about 5.8 hours. The mean bleeding duration was about 12.6 days. The women indicated that the side effects were tolerable and 90% of them said that their experience was satisfactory. Conclusion Concurrent administration of oral mifepristone 200 mg and vaginal misoprostol 600 μg is an efficacious regimen for medical abortion of pregnancies up to 49 days of gestation.

Novel soluble three-component conjugated copolymers are synthesized by palladium- catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF), 9-ethylhexylcarbazole (Cz) and 4,7-dithien-2-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT) with Cz composition varying from 1-15 mol% in the copolymer. All of the polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and are highly photoluminescent. The electrochemical, optical, photoluminescent (PL) and electroluminescent (EL) properties of the copolymers were studied. When the hole transmitting material carbazole is introduced into the copolymer PFO-DBT, the hole mobility of the luminescent layer material is improved. The three-component copolymers compared with copolymer PFO-DBT15, Devices made up of these copolymers still emit saturated red light. The highest external quantum efficiency achieved in the device configuration ITO/PEDT/PFO-Cz-DBT15/Ba/Al is 1.81% for the copolymer for 10% Cz content, higher than that of the device made from PFO-DBT15.

A series of novel polyfluorene copolymers are developed by covalently attaching narrow band gap aryl-heterocycle units of Th–BT–TPA to the side chain of polyfluorene with an alkyl phenyl spacer through Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reactions. The resulting copolymers are soluble in common organic solvents. The electrochemical, optical, and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers are studied. Electrochemical and optical analysis reveal that these polymers exhibit relatively low band gaps from 1.95 to 2.00 eV and exhibit strong absorption in the 300–620 nm region. BHJ solar cells blending copolymers PF-MR15-DBT35 with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) (1:1 weight ratio) as the active layer present a high open-circuit voltage ( V oc ∼1.0 V) and a power conversion efficiency of 0.7% under simulated solar light AM1.5G (80 mW/cm 2 ). Further investigations of other polyfluorene copolymers with narrow band gap aryl-heterocycle units on the side chain are in progress.

We have developed efficient pure white- and red-light-emitting polymers through incorporating of low-band gap orange-light-emitting 4-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTT) moieties into the backbone of a blue-light-emitting poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO). Partial or complete energy transfer from the blue electroluminescent PFO backbone to the orange- light-emitting unit occurred by carefully controlling the relative content of the low-band gap unit BTT in the resulting polymers. Pure white- and red-light electroluminescence from a single polymer has been obtained in a device with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/Ca/Al. The highest external quantum efficiency is 2.4% with luminous efficiency 2.20 cd/A at the luminance of 793 cd/m2 for the red-light emitting copolymer PFO-BTT with emission peak at 607 nm for 15mol% BTT content, the highest external quantum efficiency is 0.5% at the luminance of 81 cd/m2 for the white emitting polymer with color coordinates (0.34, 0.34) very close to the CIE coordinates for National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard white-light emission (0.33,0.33).

White light emitting polymers were synthesized through incorporating of low-band gap red light emitting 4,7-di(4-hexyl-thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DHTBT) moieties into the backbone of a blue-light-emitting poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO). Incomplete energy transfer from the blue electroluminescent PFO backbone to the red light emitting unit occurred by carefully controlling the relative content of the low-band gap unit DHTBT in the resulting polymers. Pure white light electroluminescence from a single polymer has been obtained in a device with a configuration of ITO/PVK/polymer/Ba/Al.The highest external quantum efficiency is 1.04% at the luminance of 249 cd/m2 for the white emitting polymer with color coordinates (0.30, 0.35) very close to the CIE coordinates for National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard white-light emission (0.33,0.33).

Several crude enzymes including cellelase Tv, hemicellulase and lipase, papain as well as cellulase Ac were examined for the effective production of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) from amorphous α-chitin. Among the tested crude enzymes, cellulase Tv was found to be the most effective for directly degrading amorphous α-chitin to GlcNAc. High yield of GlcNAc was achieved by choosing the optimum hydrolytic conditions at pH 4.5 and 37°C. By gradually adding, in three tantamount cases, the amount of cellulase Tv to amorphous α-chitin, the yield of GlcNAc reach 55.0%.

A serial of polyfluorene copolymers have been developed by covalently attaching thiophene units to the side chain of polyfluorene with an alkyl spacer by means of Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reactions. The electrochemical, photophysical and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were studied. The absorption spectra of the copolymers measured in thin films display two absorption peaks. The power conversion efficiency achieved in the device configuration ITO/PEDT/ PFO-FT-DBT: PCBM (1:2)/Al is 0.83% with open-circuit voltage (Voc) 0.75V. Further investigation of more polyfluorene copolymers with narrow band gap aryl-hetero cycle units on the side chain is in progress.

High efficiency stable red light-emitting diodes have been realized employing red copolymer (PFO-DHTBT15) from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 4,7-di(3-hexylthien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DHTBT) blending into green copolymer (PFO-BT15) from 9,9-dioctylfluorene and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BT) as a novel fluorescent emitting layer. The external quantum and luminous efficiency of device from blend film (PFO-DHTBT15:PFO-BT15 = 10:90) reached 5.2% and 3.16 cd/A at the current density of 35 mA/cm 2 , respectively. The corresponding Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage coordinates is (0.64, 0.36). In comparison with the devices from phenyl-substituted poly [ p -phenylene vinylene] derivative (P-PPV) as host of PFO-DHTBT15, the device from PFO-DHTBT15/PFO-BT15 blend film shows higher luminous efficiency and better stability under high current density at the same blend weight ratio. The improved device performance is mainly attributed to the effective energy transfer from PFO-BT15 copolymer to PFO-DHTBT15 copolymer and better carrier confinement.

SUMMARY Objective The aim of this study was to determine the complete abortion rate for the vaginal administration of high-dose misoprostol after a failed medical abortion. Materials and Methods When their medical abortions failed after the conventional oral administration of mifepristone and misoprostol, participants then received 1,000 μg of misoprostol vaginally. The efficacy and side effects of this treatment were evaluated. Results Twenty-seven women who failed to abort after the conventional administration of mifepristone and misoprostol were enrolled in this trial. Fourteen days after the vaginal administration of 1,000 μg misoprostol, the overall complete expulsion rate had reached 88.8% (24/27). Most adverse effects were mild to moderate and did not require treatment. Conclusion The vaginal administration of 1,000 μg misoprostol as a salvage therapy after a failed medical abortion appears to be a safe and highly effective alternative to surgical intervention.

The small molecule 4,7-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT) dye has been synthesized and blended into blue-emitting polyfluorene as a host. The photophysics of the blend films and electroluminescence device performance was compared with that from polyfluorene-co-4,7-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (PFO-DBT) copolymer of the same molar composition, with DBT incorporated covalently into the polyfluorene backbone. The role of intra- and interpolymer chain interaction and energy transfer in the polymer light-emitting devices are discussed. On the basis of the direct comparison of blend and copolymer from the same molecular composition, we can draw the conclusion that, in conjugated polymers, intrachain energy transfer along the polymer backbone is more efficient than that via interchain interaction and plays a more important role in polymer light-emitting devices.

Garlic is a common spicy flavouring agent also used for certain therapeutic purposes. Garlic's effects on blood glucose have been the subject of many clinical and animal studies, however, studies reporting hypoglycemic effects of garlic in humans are conflicting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant trials of garlic or garlic extracts on markers of glycemic control [fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)]. A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic intake on human was done to assess garlic's effectiveness in lowering glucose levels. Two reviewers extracted data from each of the identified studies. Seven eligible randomized controlled trials with 513 subjects were identified. Pooled analyses showed that garlic intake results in a statistically significant lowering in FBG [SMD=-1.67; 95% CI (-2.80, -0.55), p=0.004]. Our pooled analyses did not include PPG control and HbA1c outcomes. Because only 1 study included in the meta-analysis reported PPG variables and only 2 studies reported HbA1c variables. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis showed that the administration of garlic resulted in a significant reduction in FBG concentrations. More trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of garlic on HbA1c and PPG.大蒜是一种常见的辛辣调味剂，也可用于某些疾病的治疗。目前已有关于大蒜 对血糖影响的临床和动物研究。但各研究结论存在争议。本研究通过meta分析 探讨大蒜对人体血糖的影响。全面检索相关数据库，对符合纳入标准的随机对 照研究，由两位评审员按Cochrane系统评价方法独立进行资料提取、质量评价 并交叉核对后进行meta分析。共纳入7篇随机对照试验文章，合计513人。Meta 分析结果显示：与安慰剂对照组相比，大蒜摄入组空腹血糖水平显著降低 [SMD=-1.67；95% CI （-2.80，-0.55），p=0.004]。由于纳入的研究中仅有1个 研究提供了餐后血糖相关数据，2个研究提供糖化血红蛋白相关数据，故本研 究未对餐后血糖和糖化血红蛋白进行meta分析。总之，本研究结果提示大蒜摄 入可以降低空腹血糖水平。仍需更多研究探讨大蒜对糖化血红蛋白及餐后血糖 的影响。.

We collected the experimental dataset of a spring-maize in Hetao irrigation district (Bayannaoer, Inner Mongolia) during 2012 and 2013, as well as the crop data observed in related agrometeorological stations to investigate the impacts of light and temperature variation on maize development during the seedling stage to derive adequate light and temperature indices for different suitability. Furthermore, polynomial fitting was applied to interpolate the temperature indices for each day of the whole seedling period to draw the dynamics of the temperature indices and to better characterize its influence on maize development during the seedling stage. The results suggested that the emergence and development rates increased by 11% and 12%, respectively when the average temperature increased 1 °C during the sowing-emergence period and emergence-jointing period, and the biological lowest temperature was 7.4 and 11.9°C , respectively. The optimum temperature at the sowing-emergence stage ranged from 16.0 to 18.0°C , and the leaf area index at the three-leaf stage reached 0.0172 and above. The optimum temperature at the emergence-jointing stage ranged from 21.6 to 23.0°0C , and the photosynthesis/growth of plant tissue was positively correlated with the temperature. The leaf area index in the jointing period could reach 2.15 and the plant height was 120 cm. At the emergence-jointing stage, when the sunshine percentage 74%, or the daily sunshine hours ≥11.0 h . d-1 , or the total sunshine hours ≥540 h, the dry mass of plant tissue could

Soluble conjugated copolymers (PFN-TPA) derived from 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTDZ), triphenylamine (TPA) and 9,9-bis(3′-( N , N -dimethylamino)propyl)fluorene (DMAPF) were synthesized by palladium(0)-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reactions. Optoelectronic properties of the copolymers were characterized by UV–vis absorption, cyclic voltammetry, photoluminescence and electroluminescence. All these copolymers show excellent EL performances in the devices with Ba/Al, Al and even Au as cathode and are promising candidate for fabrication and patterning of air-stable flat panel displays.

In this work, light-emitting and photovoltaic properties of new low band-gap copolymers (PFO-DBSe) based on 9,9-dioctylfluorene and 4,7-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (DBSe) were investigated. The peak positions of photoluminescence and electroluminescence (EL) of the copolymers reach 758 and 727 nm, respectively, and locate in near-infrared light region. At a current of ∼5 mA, EL emission with peak position of 701 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.62% was achieved from EL device with poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) and the copolymer with DBSe content of 5% as the blend-type emitter, by utilizing of a configuration of ITO/PEDOT/PVK/emitter/CsF/Al. This is a high efficiency for deep red EL emission. The copolymer with DBSe content of 35% possesses good solar light spectral coverage according to its absorption spectrum, and a bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic cell with the copolymer as the electron donor and methanofullerene [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the electron acceptor displayed an energy conversion efficiency of 0.91% under an AM1.5 solar simulator at 100 mW/cm2.

A series of soluble, conjugated, electrophosphorescent copolymers with (meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato-κ4N)platinum(II) (PtTPP) complexes incorporated into the polymer main chain were synthesized through the copolymerization of narrow-band-gap monomeric porphyrin–platinum(II) complexes and wide-band-gap dialkyl-substituted fluorene monomers by a modified Suzuki coupling reaction. The study of the photoluminescence decay indicated that poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)-co-2,12-((meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato-κ4N)platinum(II))] (PFO–PtTPP) was a triplet emitter. The electroluminescence emission from the fluorene segment was completely quenched for copolymers with PtTPP contents as low as 0.5 mol %. The PFO–PtTPP copolymers emitted deep red light. The device based on the porphyrin–platinum(II) copolymer PFO–5PtTPP (with 5 mol % PtTPP in the copolymer) showed the highest external quantum efficiency of 1.95% with an emission peak at 684 nm in an indium tin oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polyvinylcarbazole (PVK)/70:30 (w/w) PFO–5PtTPP: 2-(biphenyl-4-yl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole/Ba/Al device configuration. In comparison with the PFO–PtTPP copolymers synthesized via a postpolymerization metalation route, copolymerization from Pt metal complexes proved to be a more efficient synthetic route for high-efficiency electrophosphorescent polymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4174–4186, 2006

Novel copolymers derived from amino-functionalized fluorene- and selenium-containing heterocycles [2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (BSeD)] were synthesized by the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling method. Their quaternized salt polyelectrolytes of corresponding compositions were obtained by a postpolymerization treatment. The resulting copolymers were soluble in polar solvents. An efficient energy transfer due to exciton trapping on the BSeD sites was observed. Devices from such copolymers emitted orange-red light peaked at 560-610 nm. All the polymers showed good device performance with high-work-function metal Al as a cathode without the use of an additional electron-injection layer and are promising candidates for polymer light-emitting diode applications.

A series of novel near-infrared (NIR) electroluminescence (EL) copolymers based on a host poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) derivative of poly(2-methoxy-5-octyloxy-p-phenylenevinylene) (PMOPV) with different content of narrow band-gap (NBG) unit 4,7-bis(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazolevinylene (DBTV) or 4,7-bis(2-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazolevinylene (TBSV) was prepared by Stille coupling reaction. All the copolymers are soluble in common organic solvents, most of which emit NIR light accompanied by gradually red-shifting with increasing the content of the NBG units. The peak EL emission of the copolymers with around 30% TBSV content is at about 800 nm.

A series of novel soluble conjugated copolymers derived from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF) with metal-free and Pt (II) tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) were synthesized via palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction, with TPP content in the copolymers of 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 20% and 50% respectively. Platinum (II) (Pt) were incorporated into the copolymers by reaction of the copolymers with PtCl 2 . Emission from DOF segment was completely quenched at very low metal-free TPP content (1%). The copolymers of DOF-co-TPP emit saturated red emission that is red-shifted slightly with increasing the TPP contents. After Introducing Pt, the emission peak of the copolymers is blue-shifted. Electroluminescent (EL) quantum efficiency of the devices based on the copolymers was 0.12% for copolymer with 5% TPP content and EL efficiency PFO-PtTPP was 0.15% for metal complex with 1% PtTPP content.

A series of novel soluble conjugated phosphorescent copolymers with tetraphenylporphyrin platinum(II) complexes inserted into the polymer main chain is synthesized through direct metalation of the ...

A series of soluble conjugated copolymers derived from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (FO) and selenophene (SeH) was synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction with various feed ratios of SeH to FO less than or equal to 50%. The efficient energy transfer from fluorene segments to narrow band-gap selenophene sites was observed. In comparison with the very well studied copolymer poly(fluorene-co-thiophene), poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-selenophene) (PFO-SeH) shows redshifted photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) emission. PL spectra of the PFO-SeH copolymers show a significant redshift along with increasing selenophene content in the copolymers and also with increasing polymer concentration in solution. PL quantum efficiency of the selenophene-containing PFO copolymer is much lower than that of corresponding PFO-thiophene (Th) copolymers. All these features of PFO-SeH copolymers can be explained by the difference in aromaticity of selenophene and thiophene heterocycles and the heavy atom effect of Se in comparison with S-atoms. The device fabricated with PFO-SeH15 as the emissive layer exhibited high external quantum efficiency (0.51%) at a luminance of 1570 cd/m2. Device performance is limited by electron injection and the strong quenching effect of Se atoms. Devices with PFO-SeH copolymers blended into PFO homopolymers show significant improvement in device performance. External quantum efficiency as high as 1.7% can be obtained for PFO-SeH30/PFO blend devices. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 823–836, 2005

A novel series of semiconducting conjugated copolymers, derived from alkyl-substituted fluorene, 4,7-diselenophen-2‘-yl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (SeBT), and 4,7-diselenophen-2‘-yl-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (SeBSe), was synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction with various feed ratios. The optical band gap of copolymers is very low, 1.87 eV for SeBT and 1.77 eV for SeBSe. The efficient fast energy transfer from fluorene segments to narrow-band-gap sites was observed. The emission of photoluminescence and electroluminescence is dominated by narrow-band-gap species and peaked at 670−790 nm, in the range from deep-red to near-infrared (NIR). The external electroluminescent (EL) quantum efficiencies reached 1.1% and 0.3% for devices from these two types of copolymers, respectively. Bulk−heterojunction polymer photovoltaic cells (PPVCs) made from composite thin film of the copolymer 9,9-dioctylfluorene and SeBT (PFO−SeBT) in blend with fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ...

Novel soluble conjugated random copolymers are synthesized by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 4,7-di(4-hexylthien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DHTBT) with DHTBT composition varying from 1 to 50 mol % in the copolymer. All of the polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and are highly photoluminescent. Polyfluorene fluorescence is quenched completely at a DHTBT concentration as low as 1% in the solid film. The copolymer films are highly fluorescent under UV irradiation in contrast to its parent analogue, 4,7-di(thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (PFO−DBT), without alkyl substitution on thiophene rings. Devices made up of these copolymers emit saturated red light. The emission peaks are shifted from 613 to 672 nm when the DHTBT content increases from 1 to 50%. The highest external quantum efficiency achieved in the device configuration ITO/PEDT/PVK/PFO−DHTBT/Ba/Al is 2.54% with luminous efficiency 1.45 cd/A for the copolymer with emission peak at 638 n...

A series of high molecular weight, readily soluble copolymers of 9,9-dioctylfluorene with pyridine (less than or equal to 50 mol%) are synthesized by Suzuki polycondensation. Copolymers emit blue light and exhibit high PL efficiency. PL efficiencies show the maximum at 3,5-pyridine content of around 30 mol% in the copolymer. With further the increase of meta-linkage contents, PL efficiencies decrease rapidly to15% for alternating copolymer. Cyclic voltammetry investigation reveals that LUMO levels of copolymers increase with the increase of pyridine content. The introduction of pyridine unit at 3,5-position into polyfluorene backbone significantly depresses the excimer formation. The intensity of excimer emission decreases with the increase of 3,5-pyridine contents. Narrow and pure blue EL emission is obtained for copolymer with pyridine content of 40 mol%. External quantum efficiency is moderately high (0.4–0.5%) for such a pure blue emitter. The threshold voltages of devices from copolymers with the pyridine content of less than 40 mol% are low in the range of 5–6 V based on the device configuration: ITO/PEDOT/polymer/Ba/Al. The results indicate that fluorene-co-3,5-pyridine copolymers are promising blue-emitting electroluminescent materials.

A variety of novel light-emitting copolymers derived from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 2,1,3-naphthozoselenadiazole (NSeD) were prepared by the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. The feed ratios of DOF to NSeD were 99.9:0.1, 99.5:0.5, 99:1, 98:2, 95:5, and 85:15. All of the polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and highly fluorescent in solid state. Devices based on the copolymers emit saturated red light, and the emission slightly red-shifted gradually with increasing NSeD's contents. The maximal external quantum efficiency of the polymer light-emitting devices (PLED) reaches 3.1%, and luminous efficiency is greater than 1.0 cd/A with emission maximum at 657 nm and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.64, 0.33). This is the highest efficiency with saturated red emission for a single-layer device with nonblend type emitter reported so far in the scientific literature. This indicates that the new EL polymers based on fluorene and naphthoselenadiazole are pr...

A novel series of light-emitting copolymers derived from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (BSeD) is prepared by means of palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. The feed ratios of DOF to BSeD were 50:50, 85:15, 92:8, and 98:2, respectively. All of the copolymers are soluble in common organic solvents and highly fluorescent in solid state. Devices from such copolymers emit orange-red light with λmax = 570−600 nm. The maximal EL emissions of the devices slightly red-shifted gradually with increasing BSeD's contents. The maximal external quantum efficiency of the polymer light-emitting devices (PLED) reaches 1.0%, which indicates that this new seleno-containing EL polymer based on fluorene and benzoselenadiazole is a promising candidate for fabricating PLEDs.

Dioctylfluorene (DOF) and 4,7-dithien-2-yl 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT) copolymers synthesized in our lab with different compositions of DBT (1%, 5%, 15% and 25%) were utilized to fabricate bilayered light emitting diodes. External quantum efficiency (QE) of the diode fabricated from the copolymer with 15% DBT content reaches 1.4% (ph/el), over 1.0 cd/A in luminance efficiency at the driving voltage of 4.2 V. The highest luminance can reach 3780 cd/m2 at 8.2 V. Devices emit a saturated red light centered at 675 nm with chromaticity coordinate changed fromx = 0.66,y = 0.32 for PDOF-DBT1 (1% DBT) tox = 0.70,y = 0.28 for PDOF-DBT25 (25% DBT).

A series of novel carbazole-based soluble copolymers of different composition was synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. Efficient energy transfer from the wide-band-gap segment polycarbazole due to exciton trapping on narrow-band-gap bis(thienyl)ben-zothiadiazole sites has been observed. Maximum electro-luminescence wavelengths of the copolymers varied between 668 nm and 716 nm, and the external quantum efficiency for copolymer devices is 0.3% for copolymers with 20% benzothiadiazole content.

By adjusting the molar ratios of antistatic monomer of octyl phenol ethylene oxide acrylate (denoted as AS), rigid monomer of methyl methacrylate (denoted as MMA), and flame-retardant monomer of 2-(phosphoryloxymethyl oxyethylene) acrylate (denoted as FR), a series of flame-retardant antistatic copolymers poly (octyl phenol ethylene oxide acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-phosphoryloxymethyl oxyethylene acrylate) (donated as AMF) were synthesized through radical polymerization. Among the obtained copolymers, two copolymers, AMF162 (the feed molar ratio of AS, MMA, and FR as 1 : 6 : 2) and AMF1104 (the feed molar ratio of AS, MMA, and FR as 1 : 10 : 4) with different concentrations were added into polypropylene (PP) to prepare PP-AMF162 and PP-AMF1104 series of composites. The thermal stability, limiting oxygen index, the antistatic property, and mechanical properties of PP composites were tested and analyzed. PP-AMF162 series composites have excellent antistatic effect. When the AMF162 content was equal to or

Axon guidance (pathfinding) wires the brain during development and is regulated by various attractive and repulsive cues. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a repulsive cue, inducing the collapse of axon growth cones. In the mammalian forebrain, the corpus callosum is the major commissure that transmits information flow between the two hemispheres, and contralateral axons assemble into well-defined tracts. We found that the patterning of callosal axon projections in rodent layer II and III (L2/3) cortical neurons in response to Sema3A was mediated by the activation of Rab5, a small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) that mediates endocytosis, through the membrane fusion protein Rabaptin-5 and the Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Rabex-5. Rabaptin-5 bound directly to Plexin-A1 in the Sema3A receptor complex [an obligate heterodimer formed by Plexin-A1 and neuropilin 1 (NP1)]; Sema3A enhanced this interaction in cultured neurons. Rabaptin-5 bridged the interaction between Rab5 and Plexin-A1. Sema3A stimulated endocytosis from the cell surface of callosal axon growth cones. In utero electroporation to reduce Rab5 or Rabaptin-5 impaired axon fasciculation or caused mistargeting of L2/3 callosal projections in rats. Over-expression of Rabaptin-5 or Rab5 rescued the defective callosal axon fasciculation or mistargeting of callosal axons caused by the loss of Sema3A–Plexin-A1 signaling in rats expressing dominant-negative Plexin-A1 or in NP1-deficient mice. Thus, our findings suggest that Rab5, its effector Rabaptin-5, and its regulator Rabex-5 mediate Sema3A-induced axon guidance during brain development.

To determine the levels of plasma glucagon and associated factors in individuals with different glucose metabolism.One hundred and ten outpatient patients received an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) voluntarily. The patients were divided into three groups according to their OGTT results: normal glucose golerance (NGT) group (n=33), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) group (n=35), newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (DM2) group (n=42). Plasma glucagon (GLC) and insulin (INS) at 0 min (0 h), 30 min (0.5 h), 60 min (1 h) and 120 min (2 h) were measured by radio immunity and electrochemiluminescence assay, respectively. We calculated the area of glucagon under the curve (AUCglc), the value of early phase glucagon secretion (deltaGLC = GLC(0.5 h) - GLC(0 h)) and the ratio of insulin to glucagon (INS/GLC).(1) There was no significant difference in the level of GLC(0 h) among the three groups (P0.05). (2) Patients in the IGR group had higher levels of GLC(0.5 h) and GLC(1 h), greater values of AUC(glc), and deltaGLC, and lower values of INS(0.5 h)/GLC(0.5 h) than those in the NGT group (P0.05). (3) Patients in the DM2 group had higher levels of GLC(0.5 h) and GLC(1 h), greater values of AUC(glc) and deltaGLC, and lower values of INS(0.5 h)/GLC(0.5 h) and INS(1 h)/GLC(1 h) than those in the NGT group (P0.05). (4) Patients in the DM2 group had higher levels of GLC(1 h), greater values of AUC(glc), and lower values of INS(0.5 h)/GLC(0.5 h), INS(1 h)/GLC(1 h), and INS(2 h)/GLC(2 h), than those in the IGR group (P0.05). (5) The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the value of AUC(glc). was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (adjust R2 = 0.219, P = 0.001).There are no significant differences in fasting plasma glucagon levels among the individuals with different glucose metabolism. Hypersecretion of glucagon and reduced glucagon suppressing effect of insulin occur in IGR patients, which is exacerbated when DM2 are developed. HOMA-IR is an important factor associated with glucagon hypersecretion.

To investigate the change of the levels of fasting plasma endotoxin (ET) and assess its correlated factors in individuals with different glucose tolerances and body mass indices.The levels of fasting plasma ET were assayed by the endpoint chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate method in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The height, body mass, waist, hips, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured with the conventional methods; body mass index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. All groups were divided into obesity (BMIor=25 kg/m2) and non-obesity (BMI25 kg/m2) subgroups. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 hours plasma glucose (2 hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), postprandial insulin (PINS), hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc), blood lipids, free fatty acids (FFA), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also analyzed, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The relationship of the levels of plasma ET with age, BMI, WHR, blood pressure, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, PINS, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, blood lipids, FFA, AST and ALT were also analyzed.(1) The levels of plasma ET in T2DM group (n=37) was significantly higher than that in NGT group (n=37) [7. 1 (3. 7-11. 8) EU/mL vs. 4. 5 (2.2-6.3) EU/mL, P0.05]. The levels of plasma ET in IGR group (n=23) C5.0 (2.4-10.3) EU/mLU was lower than that in T2DM group and higher than NGT group but the differences were not significant (P0. 05). (2) The levels of plasma ET in the obesity T2DM subgroup was higher than that in the non-obesity T2DM subgroup but the differences were not significant [7. 3 (3. 8-13. 3) EU/mL vs. 7.0 (3. 6-10. 4) EU/mL, P0. 05]. There was a remarkable difference in the levels of plasma ET between obesity and non-obesity subgroup of IGR (6.8 (2.9-13.2) EU/mL vs. 2.7 (1.6-5. 5) EU/mL, P0. 05), similarly between obesity and non-obesity subgroup of NGT (6.2 (3. 4-12. 7) EU/mL vs. 2. 8 (1. 8-4. 9) EU/mL, P0. 05). (3) Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that ET wasn' t the important factor influencing FBG and 2 hPG. But BMI and FBG were the important factors influencing ET. 2 hPG and WHR weren't the important factors influencing ET.With the increase in glucose metabolic abnormalities and BMI, the levels of plasma ET are gradually increased. ET isn't the important factor influencing FBG and 2 hPG. BMI and FBG are the important factors in influencing ET.

Low band-gap, soluble conjugated copolymers were synthesized from 9,9-dioctylfluorene and 4,7-di-2-thienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (PFO-DBT) and different composition ratios were used for the donor material in bulk heterojunction polymer photovoltaic cells (PVCs). In PVCs made with PFO-DBT:PCBM (methano-fullerene [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester) blends, the spectral response is extended up to 650 nm and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is improved to 0.95 V. The energy conversion efficiency (ηe) in devices with optimized composition reaches 2.24% under an AM1.5 solar simulator (78.2 mW/cm2). In contrast to organic PVCs previously published, these PVCs retain high energy conversion efficiency at illumination up to 5 suns of AM1.5 spectral illumination. This feature allows high efficiency polymer PVC modules made in combination with a light concentrator.

To investigate the efficacy of surgical method with the soleus muscle flap for repairing the soft-tissue defects in the middle and distal thirds of the leg, combined with open tibial fracture and/or osteomyelitis.From May 2007 to December 2011, 8 cases with soft-tissue defects in the middle and distal thirds of the leg were treated with soleus muscle flaps, including 5 cases with chronic osteomyelitis and 3 cases with open tibial fracture and acute osteomyelitis. The defects size ranged from 8 cm x 6 cm to 12 cm x 10 cm. The surface of muscle flaps was covered by split-thickness skin graft. The defects at the donor site were closed directly.All the muscle flaps and skin grafts survived completely and fracture was healed. The patients were followed up for 2 to 54 months with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results.The soleus muscle flap is an effective and feasible method for reconstruction of the soft-tissue defects in the middle and distal thirds of the leg, combined with open tibial fracture and/or osteomyelitis. The morbidity at donor sites is also minor.

To observe the structure of acupoints: "Shangyang" (LI 1), "Erjian" (LI 2), "Sanjian" (LI 3), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Ouchi" (LI 11) of the Yangming Meridian in the rabbit's forelimb.The acupoints were first located in accordance with the related atlas of rabbits and confirmed by low resistance and higher electric potential determinations by using a "multipurpose electronic acupoint detection and therapeutic instrument". Then the animals under anesthesia were killed by intravenous injection of air embolism, perfused with 5% natrium citricum first, acetic ether containing acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and 5% dicapryl phthalate, blue and red pigments for paintings via subclavian artery, respectively. After routinely inserting an acupuncture needle into the acupoint, the local tissues (muscles, blood vessels and nerves) of the acupoints mentioned above were dissected layer by layer and their relations with the needle were observed under microscope."Erjian" (LI 2) is situated at the depression site distal to the second metacarpophalangeal joint on the radial side. "Sanjian" (LI 3) is located at the depression site proximal to the second metacarpophalangeal joint on the radial side. The shallow-layers of "Shangyang" (LI 1), "Erjian" (LI 2), "Sanjian" (LI 3), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Quchi" (LI 11) mainly contain cephalic vein and shallow branches of the radial nerve, and their deep layers chiefly contain radial artery and its branches, and the median nerve."Shangyang" (LI 1), "Erjian" (LI 2), "Sanjian" (LI 3), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Quchi" (LI 11) have a close association with the cephalic vein,radial artery,radial vein and its branches,superficial branch of radial nerve and the median nerve,which constitutes the morphological basis of the five points.

Polymer light-emitting diodes based on copolyfluorene with barium/aluminum cathode were thermally annealed at different temperatures through different time periods. It was found that by annealing just below the glass transition temperature (sub-Tg) of these copolymers the device performance was greatly enhanced. Lower turn-on voltage, higher maximum brightness, and more than two times higher external electroluminescent (EL) quantum efficiency could be achieved in this way. We found out that the enhancement in electron injection and the increase in carrier mobility after thermal annealing at a temperature close to Tg of the EL polymers are responsible for the improvement in device performance.

Nanoparticle-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents have attracted considerable interest because of their potential for clinical oncology and other biomedical research.[1] Versatile nanostructures have been demonstrated for in vivo applications, such as lipid and polymeric nanocapsules for drug delivery,[2] iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging,[3] gold nanoparticles for X-ray computed tomography,[4] and quantum dots (Qdots) for fluorescence imaging.[5] Qdots represent one of the exciting nanotechnologies translated to biology in the past decade. The size-tunable luminescence makes them appealing as multicolor fluorophores for biological labelling, imaging, and sensing.[6,7] For in vivo applications, however, the intrinsic toxicity of Qdots is of critical concern,[8] which may impede their final clinical translation. Therefore, the design of bright probes with biologically benign materials is highly desirable for many in vivo clinical applications.

To study the effects of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the treatment of complicated and refractory wounds.Sixty-seven patients with complicated or refractory wounds admitted to our hospital from September 2005 to November 2008 were randomly divided into NPWT group (n = 35) and conventional treatment (CT) group (n = 32). Wounds of patients in NPWT group were treated with interrupted suction under a pressure of -16.63 kPa for 24 hs, or continuous suction under a pressure of -10.64 kPa for 24 hs. Wounds of patients in CT group were covered with petrolatum gauze overlaid with isotonic saline gauze and dry gauze. Duration of treatment, times of operation, treatment cost, and the process of healing were compared between two groups.The duration of treatment, treatment cost and times of operation of patients in NPWT group were obviously less or fewer than those of CT group (P0.05). Wounds of patients in NPWT group were mainly healed by themselves (40.0%) or healed after free skin grafting (40.0%). While wounds in patients in CT group healed mainly after tissue flap transplantation (66.7%) or free skin grafting (23.3%).Compared with CT, NPWT can shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce operation frequency and treatment cost, and it is easier to carry out in the surgery of treating complicated and refractory wounds, which is worth generalization.

To compare the differences of the clinical effects, side effects and treatment-related cost between two kinds of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT).Forty-four inpatients with acute, subacute, and chronic wounds were divided into simplified NPWT group (A group) and conventional NPWT group (B group) according to the random number table. Wounds of patients in A group were treated with gauze + continuous suction with hospital central negative pressure (-10.64 kPa) for 24 hs; wounds of patients in B group were treated with sponge + interrupted suction with a purpose-designed suction appliance (-16.63 kPa) for 24 hs. Gross wound condition, treatment time, survival rates of skin graft and flap, changes of bacterial species on wound, treatment cost, and ratio of side effects between two groups were compared.There was no significant difference between A and B groups in respect of gross wound condition, treatment time [A group (29 +/- 12) d, B group (26 +/- 13) d, P0.05], changes of bacterial species, survival rates of skin graft [A group (98 +/- 4)%, B group (98 +/- 4)%, P0.05] and flap (A group 98%, B group 100%, P0.05). Treatment cost of A group yen(374 +/- 134) was obviously lower than that of B group yen(9825 +/- 4956) (P0. 01), while more side effects were observed in A group (33.3%) than that in B group (5.0%) (P0.05).Both simplified NPWT and NPWT with purpose-designed appliance can effectively improve wound healing. The simplified method may cause many side effects and has a potential risk of inciting nosocomial infection, but it can be conveniently employed with a low cost. In contrast, the cost of using purpose-designed appliance should be cut down to meet the aim of generalization.

To investigate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in infant's peripheral blood and tumor blood of vascular malformation and peripheral venous blood of hemangioma, and the possibility to differentiate hemangioma from vascular malformations by detecting bFGF level in peripheral blood.The level of bFGF in peripheral blood(49 vascular malformations ,32 hemangioma cases and 23 normal cases) and tumor blood(14 venous malformations) of infants was measured by ELISA.SPSS11.5 software package was used to analyze the data and student's t test and ANOVA were used to determine the difference between different groups.The expression of bFGF in tumor blood from infants with venous malformations was significantly higher than that in peripheral blood (P0.05); No significant difference of bFGF level in peripheral blood was found between hemangioma,vascular malformation and normal infants(P0.05).The level of bFGF in tumor blood of from infants with venous malformation was higher than that in peripheral blood; Examination of bFGF in peripheral blood can not differentiate hemangioma from vascular malformations.