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In the past several years, rechargeable zinc batteries, featuring the merits of low cost, environmental friendliness, easy manufacturing, and enhanced safety, have, attracted much attention. Zinc (Zn) anodes for zinc metal batteries play an important role. In this review, the fundamental understanding of these batteries and modification strategies to deal with the problematic issues for Zn anodes, including dendrite growth, corrosion, and the hydrogen evolution phenomenon will be summarized. The practical application of Zn anodes can still lead to Zn dendrites, various side reactions, and serious safety risks. Therefore, metal-free anodes for "rocking chair" zinc ion batteries to replace Zn anodes are systemically reviewed. The performance and the zinc storage mechanism of metal-free anodes will be discussed. Subsequently, a "rocking chair" zinc ion battery prototype selected as a recent example is assessed to explore the merits and demerits of Zn anodes and metal-free anodes. To conclude, a perspective on the future of zinc metal batteries and "rocking chair" zinc ion batteries is presented. It is hoped that this review may provide for further improvement of commercial rechargeable zinc batteries.

Indirubin is considered to have promising potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical application. We produced indirubin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (INPs) and characterized their drug encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading capacity, capacity to release indirubin

N-doped graphite with uniform defects as ion channels exhibits improved kinetics and sodium storage at low temperatures.

A binder-free free-standing sulfide electrode was synthesized and fabricated with a three dimensional (3D) porous nanostructure. In order to strengthen the adhesion between the substrate and active materials, the surface of the employed nickel foam substrate was modified by an alloy strategy of pre-planting copper seeds onto the nickel foam surface. The obtained electrode presents excellent electrochemical performance in sodium-ion batteries. It delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 1107 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 85.6%. Excellent rate and cycle performances were also exhibited. Even at 2 A g−1, it still can deliver a capacity of 475 mA h g−1. The capacity retention is 61.8% after 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.

Carbonaceous materials as anode materials are one of the candidates for commercial lithium ion batteries; meanwhile, they are potential for commercial sodium ion batteries. Graphite, as a member of them, plays an important role and needs to be further researched and modified. In this work, an inorganic sulfur-modified expanded graphite anode was prepared via both a liquid fusion process and a thermal expansion process, which presented a large interlayer distance of 3.77 A. Furthermore, the capacity retention of more than 98% after 500 cycles at 0 °C was presented with a capacity of 245 mA h g−1 at 1C. In addition, in the most cold environment of high-latitude areas, when the temperature decreases to −20 °C, a capacity of 66 mA h g−1 means an actual availability. In addition, research of kinetics and cycled anodes showed a nice stability. Na+ diffusion coefficients show nearly the same trend and values at room and low temperatures, and even after cycling still retain the same order of magnitude. Therefore, the inorganic sulfur-modified expanded graphite anode deserves to be considered a qualified anode material for the commercial application of sodium storage.

Background As a chronic autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to oxidative stress, which may lead to the occurrence and persistence of inflammation in RA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential antioxidant effect of triptolide in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Methods We examined the severity of arthritis, levels of local and systemic oxidative stress, periarticular bone erosion and weight of organs in CIA rats treated with triptolide. Results We found that triptolide decreased the paw thickness and clinical arthritis score, significantly. The mRNA expression and activity of myeloperoxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase were remarkably decreased in the paws of the CIA rats after triptolide treatment. Triptolide significantly inhibited the levels of nitrite and nitrate in serum, as well as the urinary level of dityrosine. Triptolide treatment also markedly increased bone volume of tibia, but suppressed epiphyseal plate thickness of both femur and tibia. In addition, there was no significant difference in the weight of organs after the therapy, except decreased spleen weight. Conclusions These results suggested that the local and systemic oxidative stress was enhanced in the CIA rats and the therapeutic dose of triptolide had a definite antioxidant effect.

Phosphate-based cathode materials attract much more attention and are widely used as energy storage materials based on their high economic efficiency and eco-friendly property, their stable potential plateau, and their high thermodynamic stability. A new phosphate family member, Zn

Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries have attracted increasing attention for large-scale energy storage system. Restricted by the zinc deposition and dendrite growth, the practical application was hindered seriously by the poor rechargeability and instability. The strategy of utilizing Zn-Al-layered double hydroxides hexagonal nanoplates modifying zinc metal anode was employed by a scalable method of spinning coating. This integrated electrode can not only realize ions well-distributed reaction on the electrode surface due to the dense protection layer weak adsorption behavior and low surface area, but also can efficiently avoid excessive zinc deposition and growth of zinc dendrites. The nucleation and dissolution energy barriers in the phase transition between zinc ions and the integrated electrode are decreased as well. The integrated electrode harvests a long-term stability of 1000 h at 1.0 mAh cm-2 and effectively suppresses side reactions in the Zn//Zn symmetric cells. In addition, coupled with MnO2 as full cell, the capacity remains 195 mAh g-1 with the retention of 81.2% after 200 cycles. It is promising that the employed scalable strategy will provide new pathway into Zn metal anode protection and accelerate the practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries.

The novel composite photocatalyst of trimodal porous silica (TPS)/g-C 3 N 4 nanotubes was fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal synthesis method with intermediate pretreatment. The TPS was extracted from rice husk, which is agricultural waste, to further reduce the cost of photocatalyst preparation. A series of characterization results, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption–desorption, and pore size analysis, illustrated the properties of crystal, pore structure, and morphology of the composite photocatalyst. The TPS/g-C 3 N 4 presented a hollow tubular shape with a large surface area and CO 2 adsorption capacity, so there were more catalytic active reaction sites. The photocatalytic activity measurement was operated, and only ethanol was detected when g-C 3 N 4 NT and composite TGNT were used as photocatalysts. In particular, the ethanol yield of TGNT2 was 196 μ m /g, and after 10 cycles of running, the photocatalytic activity decreased by less than 5%. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, and photoelectrochemical analysis revealed the mechanism of the photocatalytic activity enhancement from the aspects of visible light absorption, photo-generated electron–hole pair separation and transfer, and charges recombination. It theoretically explained the prospect of this fabrication strategy. It demonstrated that TGNT is a low-cost, stable, efficient, and promising photocatalyst to reduce CO 2 to ethanol under visible light.

Objective To evaluate the short term adjuvant effect of Er:YAG laser in non surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis.Methods Thirty patients were included into this split-mouth single blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Teeth in the test group were treated with a single application of Er:YAG laser and scaling and root planing (SRP), while teeth in the control group were treated with SRP alone. Periodontal inflammatory parameters, plaque index, gingival index, and probing pocket depth were measured at baseline, 4-week and 3-month follow-up. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from the periodontal pockets of teeth.Results At 4-week follow-up, probing pocket depth and gingival crevicular fluid showed significant difference between test group and control group (P

Photosynthesis controls crop growth and yield, and differences in planting methods and soil moisture can significantly affect the photosynthetic characteristics of crops. Grain filling stage and milking stage are two important stages of maize from flowering to maturity, which are essential for maize grain formation and dry matter accumulation. The effects of different mulching and drip irrigation patterns on the photosynthetic characteristics and maize yield at grain filling and milking stages were investigated in a field experiment in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia. Maize leaf photosynthesis during the grain filling stage was not significantly different under the different treatments. During the milking stage, photosynthetic and transpiration rates under both partial (B光合作用是作物生长发育和产量形成的基础,栽培方式和土壤含水量变化显著影响作物的光合作用.灌浆期和乳熟期是玉米花粒期2个重要阶段,是玉米籽粒形成和干物质积累的关键时期.通过大田试验研究了河套灌区不同覆膜方式与滴灌水平对不同生育时期玉米光合特征及产量的影响.结果表明: 灌浆期玉米叶片光合特征在不同处理下无显著差异,乳熟期净光合速率和蒸腾速率在半覆膜(B

Objective To observe the effect of needle-retaining time in scalp acupuncture on therapeutic efficacy for post-stroke hemiplegia.

Cloud storage, which is composed of a large number storage devices and servers, provides large-scale flexible storage services through Internet. BCSS (Bupt-Cloud-Storage System) based on some cheap irresponsible PCs is designed as a mass storage platform to offer high reliable and available storage services. Meanwhile, it improves performance of data access by providing support of multi-user concurrent control. The experimental results verify efficiency of storage services and the performance of BCSS.

Highly ordered mesoporous aluminaosilicate was successfully synthesized for water purification by using fly ash as aluminium and silica sources, which is the major component of suspended particulate matter (PM2.5). The adsorption performance of this adsorbent was investigated by the removal capability of methylene blue and crystal violet. The thermodynamics and kinetics for the dyes adsorption mechanism were also evaluated by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The results show that the obtained adsorbent exhibits high adsorption performances for dyes; in particular, a remarkably high methylene blue adsorption (2003 mg g−1) was recorded. This study highlighted a great potential of using fly-ash based adsorbents for removing dyes from wastewater.

Using 1949~2005 data from the Tropical Cyclone (Typhoon) Year-Book of CMA, this paper investigates the features of the TC (tropical cyclone) activities in the western Pacific as well as TCs landing on the coastal areas of southeastern China, indicating that the numbers have dropped slightly, while the intensity of the landing TCs increased significantly. In 2005, the number of TCs of the western Pacific origin was fewer than normal but the landing typhoons were greatly stronger than the mean. Analysis of the abnormal phenomena resulting from the large-scale circulation background shows that prior to the generation, the south-Asian high (SAH) and the western Pacific subtropical high (sub-high) are stronger than the mean, together with the weaker sub-high and East Asian summer monsoon, vertical shear of zonal wind etc. in the TC season all working together prevent TCs from formation. On the other hand, the onland TCs are stronger than normal, which may be the result of abnormal vapor transport in the west part of the western Pacific, weak vertical wind shear, SSTA and the interaction between weather systems at mid- and low- latitudes.

Study on the effect of a community-based early education and service program regarding intelligenceTo assess the effect on a community-based early education and service programs regarding the development of infants' intelligence.A community-based intervention study was carried out among 359 infants and their families. Base-line survey were carried out when infants reached their one month, where after infants and their families in the intervention group received instructions and services focused on baby fostering and intelligence development. When the infants reached their six-months and twelve-months of age, their families were informed to complete the follow-up surveys, using both questionnaire investigation and testing the infants' intelligence quotients. The infants' intelligence quotients were measured by Development Screening Test for children under six. By comparing intelligence quotients of infants in two study groups in the follow-up surveys, this paper evaluated the impacts of community intervention on the infants' intelligence development.During two follow-ups, no statistical difference had been detected between the two groups of infants in term of gender or delivery process. Baseline data showed that infants' mental index (MI) scored 98.26 in the intervention group and 101.79 in the control one, and development quotient (DQ) scored 94.50 and 99.36 in respective groups. Infants' MI score increased 6.07 and 8.86 at the six-month and twelve-month follow-up periods respectively in the intervention group compared during the baseline, higher than the MI increments of the control group at the two follow-up periods (-2.46 and 1.05 respectively). DQ score of infants in the intervention group increased 12.94 and 11.24 respectively in the two follow-up surveys, which were also higher than increments in the control group (-0.18 and 0.34). The group x time effect(interaction effect) of MI and DQ in six-month and twelve-month follow-ups were both significantly higher than that of the baseline level.The community-based early education and service programs could effectively improve the infants' intelligence.

To analyze polysomnogram characteristics of children with suspected obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and to explore the role of obstructive apnea index (OAI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and arousal index for pediatric OSAHS diagnosis.Sixty one suspected pediatric OSAHS cases had overnight polysomnography for at least 8 h in a quiet, dark room. Sleep studies were interpreted according to diagnostic criteria of Guangzhou Children's Hospital (Obstructive apnea was defined as cessation of nose and mouth airflow, while the respiratory effort continues for any duration. Hypopnea was defined as reduction of oronasal flow50% accompanied by a desaturation of 0. 04 or greater) and Urumqi diagnostic criteria (Obstructive apnea was defined as cessation of airflow at the nose and the mouth, while the respiratory effort continues for at least two breaths. Hypopnea was defined as reduction of oronasal flow50% accompanied by a desaturation of more than 0.03, or/and by an arousal) respectively. The OAI, AHI and arousal index were recorded and analyzed according to the two different diagnostic criteria respectively.(1) Forty - one children (67.2%) had 206 obstructive apneas. Fifty - four children (88.5%) had 2249 obstructive hypopneas. Apnea - hypopnea events mainly occurred during rapid eye movement sleep. (2) OAI and AHI were analyzed by diagnostic criteria of Guangzhou Children's Hospital and Urumqi diagnostic criteria respectively. OAI1 was observed in 68. 9% and 75.4% children respectively and AHI5 occurred in 34.4% and 24.6% children respectively. (3) Statistically significant difference found between spontaneous arousal index and respiratory - related arousal index (z = -5.787, P = 0.000).As the criteria of pediatric OSAHS, arbitrary OAI number should be determined on the basis of large sample investigation, the significance of spontaneous arousal index still needs further investigation.

To study the effects of caesarean section on breastfeeding.Six hundred and two [301 cases was caesarean section (caesarean section group) and 301 cases was vaginal delivery (vaginal delivery group)] nulliparas were interviewed face-to-face at antepartum and postpartum in an indication-matched prospective study.There was a significantly lower postpartum prolactin (PRL) level in the caesarean section group (8.48 nmol/L, 95% CI: 7.80 - 9.21 nmol/L) compared with vaginal delivery group (9.61 nmol/L, 95% CI: 8.99 - 10.26 nmol/L) during 6 - 24 hours in the daytime after delivery. The median time of breastfeeding initiation was 12 hours and 2 hours after birth for caesarean section and vaginal delivery groups respectively. Caesarean section was an important hazard for a shorter duration of breastfeeding (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.33) within one year after childbirth.Caesarean section is associated with significantly lower postpartum PRL, which is in line with the longer breastfeeding initiation and lower rate of successful breastfeeding. Necessary measures including promoting the secretion of postpartum PRL such as early contact, early sucking and analgesic method should be taken to improve the successful breastfeeding rate.

To summarize the clinical manifestation, operative method and therapeutic effect of various type of laryngeal web in infants.The clinical data of 12 cases were analyzed, 5 cases of which were congenital laryngeal web (4 cases, glottic type; 1 case, subglottic type), 7 cases of which were secondary laryngeal web (1 case, tuberculous laryngeal web; 6 cases, traumatic laryngeal web). Diagnosis was mainly depended on history and clinical manifestation. Final diagnosis was depended on fibrolaryngoscope and pathological report. Microlaryngoscopic surgery was the main operative method. However, specific infection should be cured before operation.During 3-18 months follow-up, 4 glottic laryngeal webs were cured. One subglottic laryngeal web case well recovered and secondary surgery is not needed at least recently. One tuberculous laryngeal web was followed up for 6 months, no vocal adhesion was observed. During 3-6 months follow-up, 1 traumatic laryngeal web was cred, while the other 6 cases need secondary surgery.Final diagnosis of congenital laryngeal web is mainly depended on fibrolaryngoscope. And prognosis of it is well. Laryngeal web induced by specific infection should be cured specific infection before operation. The prevention is the key for traumatic laryngeal web because the surgery outcome is not satisfactory.

To explore how obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects children's sleep architecture.Eighty-three children with OSAS were reviewed; every patient was monitored with polysommography for 7 hours at night for 11 parameters, including the number of arousal, snoring index, nadir O(2) desaturation, stage I %, stage II %, show wave sleep (SWS)% and rapid eye movement (REM)%. The basis for diagnosis of OSAS was the widely accepted pediatric diagnostic criteria of apnea/hypopnea index, apnea/ hypopnea index of1 episode/hour, nadir O(2) desaturation92%. Sleep was scored manually according to the standard set by Rechtschaffen.In OSAS group, the number of arousal was 22.5 +/- 1.4, snoring index was 70.6 +/- 16.5, and/or SaO(2) was (73.8 +/- 1.9)%. OSAS group had increased stage I : (45.8 +/- 2.0)% vs. (2.3 +/- 1.1)%, t = 22.46, P0.01 and decreased stage II : (23.9 = 1.7)% vs (47.9 = 4.4)%, t = - 14.18, P0.01, SWS (15.6 +/- 1.8)% vs. (21.1 +/- 5.0)%, t = - 3.123, P0.01, REM (14.7 +/- 1.5)% VS. (28.2 +/- 4.1)%, T = -8.923, p0.01.The severity of OSAS relates to changes of sleep architecture in children. Intermittent nocturnal hypoxia secondary to apnea/hypopnea, and frequent electroencephalogram arousals from sleep may result in significant sleep fragmentation. Children with OSAS had learning problems and failure to thrive.

To find out the occurrence of cesarean section (CS) and to probe the factors associated with CS.Women with CS as "case group" and women without CS as "control group" were chosen in a case-control study.Among 14 071 childbirth women, 6 421 had CS (case group) with the occurrence rate of 45.6% and 7 650 (54.4%) had normal delivery (control group). In comparison with the control group, the CS group had following several higher rates [with significant differences between case group and control group (P0.01)]: well-educated (78.9% vs 69.5%), white collar jobs (38.0% vs 32.3%), urban residents (79.1% vs 70.6%), high monthly income (/= 500 Yuan) (81.0% vs 70.6%), of older age (/= 25 years) (73.3% vs 63.0%), heavier baby weight (4 000 gram) (8.3% vs 2.9%), male babies (53.9% vs 51.4%), BMI of mother (24) (8.8% vs 4.8%), cephalopelvic disproportion (21.1% vs 0.9%), intrauterine asphysia (20.3% vs 6.7%), abnormality of force of labor (4.2% vs 2.7%), prolonged labor (2.9% vs 1.0%) and placenta previa (1.4% vs 0.4%). Our study also indicated that the higher the educational level was, the higher the rate of CS appeared; and the older the pregnant women was, the higher the rate of CS was. In CS group, over 70% primipara were over 24 years, and over 20% primipara had cephalopelvic disproportion and over 20% had intrauterine asphysia in CS group.At present, the occurrence rate of cesarean section was rather high (45.6%) in China. The high rate of CS was more likely to associate not only with abnormal physiological/medical factors (eg. cephalopelvic disproportion, intrauterine asphysia, abnormality of force of labor, and prolonged labour, etc.), but also with some demographic factors as education, occupation, income and age, etc. It is necessary to take measures to reduce the unnecessary CS in China.