Search

The performance degradation is still a challenge for the development of conventional polymer luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). Liquid LSC (L-LSC) may be an alternative due to polymerization-free fabrication. Here, we have prepared a CsPbBr

This study explored the complex relationships between immigration, volunteering, and life-long learning among older adults. It investigated adult teaching and learning and active ageing from the pe...

It is well known that the excessive accumulation of lipid in hepatocytes is one of the important causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of isosilybin on lipid metabolism in free fatty acids (FFAs) or TO901317-induced HepG2 cells. Cells were treated with FFAs (oleic acid: palmitic acid, 2:1) or TO901317 to induce steatosis in vitro. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) content was quantified using commercial assay kits. The mRNA and protein expression of genes involved in fatty acid uptake, synthesis and oxidation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Selected biological pathways regulated by isosilybin treatment were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. The results showed that isosilybin significantly reduced TG levels in FFAs- and TO901317-induced HepG2 cells. Further studies showed that isosilybin treatment decreased the mRNA and protein expression of lipid synthesis genes Srebp-1c, Pnpla3, Acc and Fas, as well as the mRNA expression of fatty acid uptake gene CD36, whereas increased the mRNA levels of lipid oxidation genes Pparα, Acox1 and Cpt1α, as well as the mRNA expression of lipid export gene Mttp, in FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. Moreover, TO901317 was employed to induce endogenous lipid synthesis and steatosis, and the expression of Srebp-1c and its target genes in TO901317-induced hepatocytes was basically similar to that in FFAs-induced hepatocytes following isosilybin treatment. We also observed the increased level of phosphorylated AMP kinase (AMPK) after isosilybin treatment, while this effect was reversed after further treatment with AMPK inhibitor, compound C. The results of GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the pathways of fatty acid and TG metabolism were regulated by isosilybin. Interestingly, we found that treatment with the diastereoisomer A of isosilybin increased TG level, while exposure to the diastereoisomer B of isosilybin decreased TG level in FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. The above results suggest that isosilybin can inhibit lipid synthesis and activate lipid oxidation through AMPK signaling pathway, thereby improving steatosis of hepatocytes, and isosilybin B is the basis of its active substance.

Co-doping of Yb3+ with Mn2+ is a promising way to realize broadband up-conversion (UC) luminescence. The tunable broadband emission has been widely demonstrated in crystal materials, but the research on Yb3+/Mn2+ co-doped transparent optical glass has been scare, especially in fluoride-based transparent glass ceramics (GC) that can realize the uniform ions incorporation and efficient UC emission. Herein, a series of Yb3+/Mn2+ activated transparent fluorosilicate GCs containing perovskite KMgF3 nanocrystals were successfully prepared, and the effect of heat-treatment process and/or Mn2+ ion content on the UC luminescence modulation has been investigated. Our results show that the spontaneous crystallized precursor sample exhibits only a green emission at ~538 nm, while additional orange-emitting band centered at ~613 nm is noticeable in the GCs with the gradual precipitation of KMgF3 nanocrystals after heat-treatment. The controllable luminescence can be assigned to the formation of Yb3+-Mn2+ dimers that are located in multiple coordination environments provided by the glass matrix and crystalized nanocrystals. In addition, the prepared GC samples exhibit excellent reversible emission characteristics during heating and cooling cycles. This research not only provides a new option to design desirable coordination environment for Yb3+-Mn2+ dimers, also helps to recognize the UC process in the transparent matrix in detail.

Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphors were elaborated by a traditional solid-state reaction method. The luminescence of Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Bi3+ samples, energy transfer from Bi3+ to Eu3+, and the temperature sensing properties of Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Bi3+,Eu3+ samples have been systematically researched. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light, Bi3+ single doped phosphors give 313 and 392 nm emission bands, which origin from the substitutions of Bi3+ instead of Ca2+ and Y3+ sites, respectively. And the color-adjustable emission from blue to red were observed by increasing Eu3+ content in Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Bi3+,Eu3+ samples. Relying on different temperature dependent variation tendency, the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) values present outstanding temperature sensing properties. The absolute and relative sensitivity can be up to 0.826 %K-1 and 0.664 %K-1, respectively. All above results suggest that Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphor is a potential alternative for optical thermometer.

In comparison to narrow-band upconversion (UC) luminescence from lanthanide-doped systems, broadband UC emission enables a broad and tailorable emissive color, which is desirable for tunable lasers and multicolor display applications. Herein, dual continuous broadband UC emission covering the visible spectral region at 480–720 nm has been achieved for the first time in Yb3+/Mn2+ co-doped glass ceramics (GCs) functionalized with the precipitation of dual-phase γ-Ga2O3/β-YF3 nanocrystals. A tunable UC emissive color from yellowish to orange could be obtained under 980 nm excitation by varying the Mn2+ doping content and heat treatment temperature of GCs. We ascribe this phenomenon to the typical transition of exchange-coupled Yb3+-Mn2+ dimers in tetrahedral and octahedral ligand environments. The Stokes and power-dependent UC luminescence properties, fluorescence lifetimes, site occupation and the involved UC mechanism are discussed in detail. This research contributes to a better understanding of the UC process between Yb3+ and Mn2+ in transparent hosts and provides a novel perspective for designing broadband-emitting UC materials.

Germanium-tin (GeSn) alloy is considered a promising candidate for a Si-based short-wavelength infrared range (SWIR) detector and laser source due to its excellent carrier mobility and bandgap tunability. Pulsed laser annealing (PLA) is one of the preeminent methods for preparing GeSn crystal films with high Sn content. However, current reports have not systematically investigated the effect of different pulse-width lasers on the crystalline quality of GeSn films. In addition, the intensity of the spot follows the gaussian distribution. As a result, various regions would have different crystalline properties. Therefore, in this study, we first provide the Raman spectra of several feature regions in the ablation state for single spot processing with various pulse-width lasers (continuous-wave, nanosecond, femtosecond). Furthermore, the impact of laser pulse width on the crystallization characteristics of GeSn film is explored for different single-spot processing states, particularly the Sn content incorporated into GeSn crystals. The transient heating time of the film surface and the faster non-equilibrium transition of the surface temperature inhibit the segregation of the Sn component. By comparing the Raman spectra of the pulsed laser, the continuous-wave laser shows the most acute Sn segregation phenomenon, with the lowest Sn content of approximately 2%. However, the femtosecond laser both ensures crystallization of the film and effective suppression of Sn expulsion from the lattices, and the content of Sn is 8.07%, which is similar to the origin of GeSn film.

GaSbS–AgI–Ag2S glass system was successfully prepared through the traditional method of vacuum melt quenching. The network structure and physical properties of the system response to the substitution of AgI with Ag2S were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Raman, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. The glass transition temperature (Tg), density and hardness of the glass system improved as Ag2S content was increased. The ionic conductivity (room temperature) of the glass system was maintained at the order of ~10−4 S/cm when a high concentration of Ag+ was introduced in the glass matrix. The variation in conductivity originated from structural changes in ionic channels. The optimal glass composition for improving the mechanical and thermal stability and conductivity of solid-state electrolyte materials was inferred from analytical results.

A new glass system of (100-x) (0.2Ga2S3-0.8Sb2S3)-xNaI (x = 5–30 mol%) was investigated through a melt-quenching method for solid-state electrolyte application. Na+ was added into the glass matrix as a conductive ion to study its effect on the properties of glass samples. XRD result indicated that the glasses retained their amorphous state until the NaI content exceeded 30 mol%. With increased NaI component, the density and hardness of glasses slightly decreased. DSC measurement showed that the glass-transition temperature of samples decreased, whereas the glass thermal stability improved. We speculated that the incorporation of NaI may have caused the destruction of [S3Ga–GaS3] ethane-like units and formation of [GaS4−xIx] structure, thereby decreasing the connectivity of the glass network. The conductivity of glass samples was further determined using the AC impedance method.

Interactions of glycans with proteins, cells, and microorganisms play important roles in cell-cell adhesion and host-pathogen interaction. Glycan microarray technology, in which multiple glycan structures are immobilized on a single glass slide and interrogated with glycan-binding proteins (GBPs), has become an indispensable tool in the study of protein-glycan interactions. Despite its great success, the current format of the glycan microarray requires expensive, specialized instrumentation and labor-intensive assay and image processing procedures, which limit automation and possibilities for high-throughput analyses. Furthermore, the current microarray is not suitable for assaying interaction with intact cells due to their large size compared to the two-dimensional microarray surface. To address these limitations, we developed the next-generation glycan microarray (NGGM) based on artificial DNA coding of glycan structures. In this novel approach, a glycan library is presented as a mixture of glycans and glycoconjugates, each of which is coded with a unique oligonucleotide sequence (code). The glycan mixture is interrogated by GBPs followed by the separation of unbound coded glycans. The DNA sequences that identify individual bound glycans are quantitatively sequenced (decoded) by powerful next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, and copied numbers of the DNA codes represent relative binding specificities of corresponding glycan structures to GBPs. We demonstrate that NGGM generates glycan-GBP binding data that are consistent with that generated in a slide-based glycan microarray. More importantly, the solution phase binding assay is directly applicable to identifying glycan binding to intact cells, which is often challenging using glass slide-based glycan microarrays.

Objective This study aimed to establish an ion chromatography for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and azide ions in valsartan. Methods Dionex IonpacAG18 (4 × 50 mm2) and Dionex IonpacAS18 (4 × 250 mm2) were used as the 2D guard column and analytical column, respectively. Dionex AMGTMC18 (4 × 30 mm2) was used as a 1D pre-separation column and Dionex UTAC-ULP1 as the concentration column. KOH solution generated by an online eluent generator (EG) was used as the 2D mobile phase, and gradient elution was performed at 1 mL/min. Water and acetonitrile were used as 1D mobile phase, and gradient elution was performed at 0.5 mL/min. Suppressed conductivity detector (suppressor, ASRS 300 4 mm) was used for detection. The column temperature was 30°C, while that of the detector was 35°C. Results This method showed satisfactory reproducibility and recovery. The linear range and the correlation coefficient for both nitrite and azide ions were 0.01–0.2 mg/L and 0.9998, respectively. However, the recovery rate was 85–115% for nitrite and 90–110% for azide ions. Conclusion This method was suitable for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and azide ions in valsartan and other sartan drugs.

The advancement of glycoscience is critically dependent on the access to a large number of glycans for their functional study. Naturally occurring glycans are considered a viable source for diverse and biologically relevant glycan libraries. A mixture of free reducing glycans released from natural sources can be fluorescently tagged and separated by chromatography to produce a natural glycan library. Anthranilic acid (AA) has been widely used to fluorescently tag reducing glycans for HPLC or LC/MS analysis. However, AA conjugated glycans are not efficiently immobilized on microarray slides due to the lack of a primary alkylamine functional group. In this study, we have developed simple and efficient chemistry for bioconjugation and further functionalization of glycan-AA conjugates. This new approach enables quick preparation of glycan microarrays and neoglycoproteins from glycan-AA conjugates, which can be separated by weak anion exchange (WAX) and C18 reversed-phase HPLC.

Crystalline phase evolution through merely adjusting composition was achieved in silicate glass ceramics containing Lu n O n-1 F n+2 (n = 5–10) nanocrystals. Orthorhombic or cubic phase nanocrystals were precipitated in the aluminosilicate glass matrix after thermal treatment together with varying the Na 2 O/NaF ratio. Oxyfluoride nanocrystals with quasi-spherical shape show homogenous and dense distribution in glass matrix by transmission electron microscopy measurement. Intense upconversion and mid-infrared emissions were realized in these glass ceramics compared to the precursor glass, and the emission spectral shapes, relative emission intensity and fluorescence decay curves of Er 3+ in cubic LuOF embedded samples exhibit remarkable differences due to the crystal phase dependent effect in glass ceramics. These results indicate that the crystallization and luminescence properties of oxyfluoride glass ceramics could be modified through the alteration of glass composition, which could be used for the development of novel glass ceramics and design of luminescent properties.

Intense 2.7 μm emission was achieved in transparent glass ceramics containing NaYF 4 :Er 3+ nanocrystals. The effect of adjusting Na 2 O/NaF ratio in glass composition on the crystallizing and luminescence behavior in the glass ceramics was investigated. The controllable crystallization property of NaYF 4 nanocrystals was remained after modifying the glass composition and the crystallization temperature was largely reduced for the samples with high Na 2 O content. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis evidenced the shrink of lattice parameter with increasing Na 2 O content. High transparency was kept for these glass ceramic samples, and intense upconversion, near- and mid-infrared emissions were obtained in Er 3+ -doped glass ceramics with an increase of red/green ratio and prominent Stark splits in the sample with high Na 2 O content, indicating the change of crystal field around Er 3+ in the host matrix. Our results indicate that the crystallization and luminescence properties of glass ceramics could be modified through adjusting the glass composition, and it is an effective route to develop glass ceramics with favorable properties.

GeS 2.5 chalcogenide glass was selected for studying effects of Ga addition on physical and structural properties. Glassy and partially crystallized samples of (100− x )GeS 2.5 − x Ga (5 mol% ≤ x ≤ 40 mol%) were prepared, and their thermal and optical properties were characterized. With increasing Ga content ( x ), values of T g and optical band gap of glasses initially increased and then decreased, showing a maximal value at x = 25 mol%, that is, with stoichiometric composition of 85.7GeS 2 ·14.3Ga 2 S 3 . These changes were discussed and correlated to evolution of network structure, which was investigated by Raman spectra recorded in glassy matrices of (100− x )GeS 2.5 − x Ga (5 mol% ≤ x ≤ 40 mol%). This work contributes to understanding of composition–structure–property relationship of chalcogenide glasses.

International audience; The design of optical materials with efficient white-light emission performance is still of great interest in the fields of visible lighting and communication. In this paper, Yb3+/Mn2+/Tm3+ tri-doped upconversion (UC) white-emitting transparent glass ceramics have been successfully fabricated by a melt-quenching technique. The structure and luminescent properties of the resultant samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical transmission spectra, and photoemission spectra. Owing to the co-precipitation of dual-phase γ-Ga2O3/β-YF3 nanocrystals in the matrix, the Yb3+/Mn2+ co-doped glass ceramics exhibited tunable dual-to single-broadband UC emission with the content of Mn2+ varying from 0.75 to 4 mol%. After Tm3+ ions were introduced into the co-doped GC sample, a UC white-light luminescence was realized by combining the yellowish emission (510–630 nm) of Yb3+-Mn2+ pair and blue emission (476 nm) of Tm3+. Importantly, the white-emitting glass ceramic sample showed excellent thermal recoverability during a heating and cooling cycle within the temperature range of 303–573 K. Our results indicated the designed Yb3+/Mn2+/Tm3+ tri-doped glass ceramics may be a promising candidate for the white-light lasers source. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Sensitivity and specificity of the variables concluded in nomogram. Table S2. Sensitivity and specificity of nomogram, HAT, SEDAN, SPAN-100, THRIVE and GRASPS in the primary cohort and validation cohort.

Background. The correlation between H-type hypertension and cerebral small-vessel diseases (CSVD) remains uncertain. Objective. The present study was designed to explore the possible relationship between H-type hypertension and CSVD spectrum and total burden. Method. We included 329 patients in the present study and divided them into four groups: the H-type hypertension group, isolated hypertension group, isolated hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) group, and control group. Clinical variables of interest and the MR examination sequences were obtained. We counted the presence of each CSVD feature and rated the total burden of CSVD on an ordinal scale from 0 to 4 according to a recent described score rule. Result. The results showed that H-type hypertension was associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and the severity of white-matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and peripheral vascular space (PVS). CSVD total burden was significantly related to age (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 1.037–1.082), systolic pressure (OR: 1.122, 95% CI: 1.007–1.136), triglycerides (OR: 1.386, 95% CI: 1.037–1.854), isolated HHcy (OR: 4.154, 95% CI 1.836–9.401), and H-type hypertension (OR: 5.028, 95% CI: 2.323–10.883). Also, we further observed hypertension and HHcy had a synergistic effect on CSVD total burden (OR: 2.776, 95% CI: 1.564–4.927). Conclusion. H-type hypertension was associated with CSVD total burden and CSVD spectrum, which deserves further prevention measures. Furthermore, hypertension and HHcy had a synergistic effect on CSVD total burden.

The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarize the results of published studies exploring the effects of expiratory muscle strength training on swallowing and cough functions in patients with neurological diseases.The study used Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library as data sources.Randomized controlled trials or pretest/posttest studies of adults with neurological diseases were included. The data included basic population characteristics, penetration-aspiration scores, peak expiratory flow rate, cough volume acceleration, and maximum expiratory pressure.Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control groups, expiratory muscle strength training in patients with neurological diseases significantly reduced the penetration-aspiration scores (risk ratio = -0.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.27 to -0.61, P0.01) but did not increase the voluntary cough peak expiratory flow rate (risk ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval = 0.62 to 1.77, P = 0.35), cough volume acceleration (risk ratio = 33.87, 95% confidence interval = 57.11 to 124.85, P = 0.47), or maximum expiratory pressure (risk ratio = 14.78, 95% confidence interval = 16.98 to 46.54, P = 0.36).Expiratory muscle strength training might improve swallowing function in patients with neurological diseases. However, conclusive evidence supporting the use of this approach in isolation for improving cough function is unavailable. Additional multicenter, randomized clinical trials performed using reliable and valid cough function outcome measures are required to explore the effects of expiratory muscle strength training on cough function.

Background: The correlation between H-type hypertension and cerebral small-vessel diseases (CSVD) remains uncertain. The present study was designed to explore the possible relationship between H-type hypertension and CSVD spectrum and total burden. Methods: We included 329 patients in the present study and divided them into four groups: H-type hypertension group, the isolated hypertension group, the isolated hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) group and the control group. Clinical variables of interest and the MR examination sequences were obtained. We count the presence of each CSVD feature and rated the total burden of CSVD on an ordinal scale from 0 to 4 according to a recent described score rule. Results: The results showed that H-type hypertension was associated with the presence of CMB and the severity of WMH and PVS. CSVD total burden was significantly related to age (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 1.037-1.082), systolic pressure (OR: 1.122, 95% CI: 1.007-1.136), triglycerides (OR: 1.386, 95% CI: 1.037-1.854), isolated HHcy (OR: 4.154, 95% CI 1.836–9.401) and H-type hypertension (OR: 5.028, 95% CI 2.323-10.883). And we further observed hypertension and HHcy had a synergistic effect on CSVD total burden (OR: 2.776, 95% CI 1.564-4.927). Conclusions: H-type hypertension may act as an independent risk factor of CSVD and cause increased susceptibility to CSVD total burden and CSVD spectrum, which deserved further prevention measures.

Background: Up to 30% of patients with mild ischemic stroke suffer neurologic deterioration. However, optimal medical approaches of such patients remain controversial given the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patients with acute mild stroke stratified with ABCD2 score (the risk of stroke on basis of age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration of symptoms, and presence of diabetes mellitus) could benefit from IVT. Methods: Among 3321 patients with a final diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, we retrospectively included 227 patients identified with acute mild neurologic deficits (National Institution of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS ≤5) treated with or without IVT. Odds ratios (OR) with their confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes between groups were assessed by using multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. And the heterogeneity of treatment effect magnitude for excellent outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-1) was estimated in different subgroups. Results: A total of 227 cases were enrolled, 108 receiving IVT and 119 treated with secondary stroke prevention strategies alone. Patients receiving IVT had more history of atrial fibrillation. At 7 days, 32 (29.6%) patients with IVT treatment versus 17 (14.3%) patients not receiving IVT achieved significant improvement (≥4-point NIHSS score decrease; OR, 2.57; 95%CI, 1.29-5.12; P=0.007). At 90 days, excellent outcome was achieved in 85 (78.7%) patients treated with IVT versus 78 (65.5%) patients without IVT treatment (OR: 2.95; 95% CI, 1.44-6.03; P=0.003), especially in those with ABCD2 score≥4 (78.4% versus 64.6%; OR, 2.81; 95%CI, 1.31-6.03; P=0.008). Besides, 7(6.5%) IVT-treated patients versus 2 (1.7%) non-IVT-treated patients developed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; OR, 4.05; 95%CI, 0.82-19.96; P=0.085), among these only 1 (0.9%) was symptomatic ICH with IVT treatment. Conclusions: For acute mild ischemic stroke patients, we reassured the safety and especially the efficacy of IVT at 7- and 90-days. Patients with 4 or more of ABCD2 score might benefit more from IVT. Keywords: Prognosis, risk scores, stroke, intravenous thrombolysis.

Novel dual valence Eu-doped phospho-alumino-silicate glass-ceramics containing orthorhombic Ba3AlO3PO4 nanocrystals were first fabricated by a traditional melt-quenching method and subsequent heat-treatment in an air atmosphere. Their structural and luminescent properties were systemically investigated by XRD, TEM analysis, and spectroscopic and fluorescence lifetime measurements. The incorporation of Eu3+ into Ba3AlO3PO4 crystallites and the reduction mechanism of Eu3+ to Eu2+ were also discussed based on the optical analyses. Simultaneously, perfect white light emission was obtained under 325 nm excitation. An improved anti-thermal quenching property was achieved resulting from the successful enrichment of Eu3+ and Eu2+ into Ba3AlO3PO4 crystallites, which was evidenced by active energy calculation. Our results indicate that these dual valence Eu-doped transparent Ba3AlO3PO4 glass-ceramics may have potential applications in W-LEDs.

Transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing NaYF 4 :Er 3+ nanocrystals have been prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the precipitation of NaYF 4 nanocrystals in glass. Energy dispersive spectrometer results evidenced the preferential concentration of Er 3+ ions in nanocrystals. Mid-infrared, upconversion, and near-infrared emissions were measured upon excitation with 980 nm laser diode and the luminescence mechanisms were discussed. Intense 2.7 μm emission originating from the Er 3+ : 4 I 11/2 → 4 I 13/2 transition was achieved due to the incorporation of Er 3+ ions into the precipitated low phonon energy fluoride nanocrystals. The results indicate that oxyfluoride glass ceramic containing NaYF 4 :Er 3+ nanocrystals is a promising candidate material for 2.7 μm laser.

International audience; The glass‐ceramics of AgI‐based electroconductive chalcogenide system was realized using an appropriate heat treatment at a fairly high temperature (Tg + 40°C) and different times ranging from 4 to 20 hours. The crystallization behavior and electroconductive properties of the heat‐treated samples were studied in detail. Transmission study was performed, and the results show that the cut‐off edge of the short wavelength is red‐shifted at prolonged annealing time but remains an excellent transmittance in the mid‐infrared (IR) region. XRD and scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the precipitated crystalline phases are mainly β‐/γ‐AgI. Moreover, a small amount of α‐AgI, which rarely existed at room temperature, is precipitated in the AgI‐rich chalcogenide glass‐ceramics. The ionic conductivity of all glass‐ceramics was enhanced by heat treatment in contrast to that of base glass. Raman analysis exhibited the structure variation in the glass sample after heat treatments. This study provided an observation of crystallization in chalcogenide glass containing large amounts of AgI and be of good guidance to fabricate novel AgI‐based chalcogenide glass‐ceramics that can be candidates in infrared optics and solid electrolyte applications.

International audience; AgI-based Ge-Sb-S, Ga-Sb-S, and Ge-Ga-Sb-S chalcogenide glasses were designed and prepared by melt-quenching, thereafter their thermal properties and conductive performance were comparatively investigated on the basis of their composition-induced network structures. Glass transition in each sample was examined by DSC measurements. Results showed that the samples containing Ge had a higher thermal stability than the Ga-Sb-S-AgI sample, and the Ge-Sb-S-AgI sample obtained had the highest conductivity ion. Raman spectrum analysis was performed, and the results indicated that the [GeS4-xIx] structural units and [SbS3-xIx] pyramids in the matrix produced effective ion transport channel for dissolved conductive Ag+ ions. In the matrix containing Ga, the [Ga(Ge)S4-xIx] structure was consumed by part of [S3Ga-GaS3] ethane-like units, which had no contribution to the ion transition framework. The study provided the directions for composition and structure configuration control in effective conductive chalcogenide glasses.

Various types of cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVD) are commonly coexisting and the clinical outcome possibly is determined by their combined effect. The present study was designed to explore the possible relationship between the global burden of CSVD and clinical outcomes after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment of ischemic stroke. We enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after IV rt-PA treatment between August 2016 and July 2018. According to the total burden rating scale of CSVD, we calculated the total CSVD score for white matter hyperintensities, lacunar infarction, cerebral microbleeds, and perivascular spaces. All patients were assessed on the basis of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days after stroke. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between global burden of CSVD and degree of neurological deficit and clinical outcomes. ROC curve analysis was used to determine cut-off values of the total CSVD score in predicting poor outcomes. The results showed that the total CSVD score was independently associated with moderate to severe stroke (OR 2.187, 95%CI 1.495–3.119, P

Dysphagia is a common complication after acute stroke. While there are several innovative treatments being tested to improve the swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia, our aim is to explore the use of readily available natural capsaicin in stroke patients with dysphagia.A randomized, double-blind study.Sixty-nine hospitalized stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The capsaicin intervention group received thermal tactile stimulation with supplementation of natural capsaicin and additional nectar viscosity boluses. The control group received stimulation and boluses with placebo. Swallowing function was evaluated before and after the 3-week treatment, using Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test, Eating Assessment Tool, Standardized Swallowing Assessment, and Water Swallow Test.The score decreases in the Eating Assessment Tool and Standardized Swallowing Assessment of the capsaicin intervention group were significantly greater than that of the placebo control group (P.01). Among the 60 patients, the capsaicin intervention group exhibited effectiveness in a higher number of patients (n = 27, 90%) than the placebo group (n = 9, 30%, P.001).Regular use of natural capsaicin could promote the recovery of swallow function in stroke patients with dysphagia. The ample availability of natural capsaicin could provide a low cost, easily accessible, and safe alternative method to address dysphagia in stoke patients.

Background Monitoring gastric residual volume has been a common practice in intensive care patients receiving enteral feeding worldwide. Recent studies though, have challenged the reliability and necessity of this routine monitoring process. Several studies even reported improvements in the delivery of enteral feeding without monitoring gastric residual volume, while incurring no additional adverse events. However, the benefit of monitoring gastric residual volume remains controversial in intensive care patients. Objective The aim of this review is to identify the effects of not monitoring gastric residual volume in intensive care patients through a meta-analysis of the data pooled from published studies that meet our inclusion criteria. Design A systematic review Data sources An electronic search of Embase, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Library was completed up to April 2018. The data included basic population characteristics, related complications, mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay. Review methods Eligibility and methodological quality of the studies were assessed by two researchers independently according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The Review Manager Software was used to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR), weighted mean difference, and the corresponding 95% confidential interval (95% CI). Sensitivity analyses were done by excluding each study. Publication bias analyses were conducted to avoid the exaggerated effect of the overall estimates. Results Five studies involving 998 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with monitoring gastric residual volume, not monitoring gastric residual volume decreased the rate of feeding intolerance in critically ill patients (RR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.51–0.72), and did not result in an increment in the rate of mortality (RR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.73–1.29, P = 0.84) or the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR = 1.03, 95%CI 0.74–1.44, P = 0.85). There were also no differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = 0.09, 95%CI, −0.99 to 1.16, P = 0.88) or intensive care unit length of stay (MD=−0.18, 95%CI, −1.52 to 1.17, P = 0.79). Conclusion Except for an increased risk of vomiting, the absence of monitoring gastric residual volume was not inferior to routine gastric residual volume monitoring in terms of feeding intolerance development, mortality, and ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care patients. There is encouraging evidence that not measuring gastric residual volume does not induce additional harm to the patients. More multicenter, randomized clinical trials are required to verify these findings.

The structure, spin configuration, magnetocrystalline anisotropy compensation, magnetic properties, and magnetostriction of TbxDy0.9-xNd0.1(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) (0.20 axis (x >= 0.25) to the axis (x >= 0.30) with increasing Tb content, subjected to the anisotropy compensation between Tb3+ and Dy3+ ions. The analysis of X-ray diffraction, EMD and magnetostriction show that TbxDy0.9-xNd0.1(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) is an anisotropy compensation system and the compensation point is realized around x = 0.30. The Laves phase compound Tb0.4Dy0.5Nd0.1(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) has a large spontaneous magnetostriction, the coefficient lambda(111) up to about 1640 ppm. The epoxy bonded 0-3 and pseudo-1-3 composites were fabricated by curing without and with a magnetic field. A high magnetostriction, longitudinal lambda(||) and linear anisotropic lambda(a)(=lambda(||)-lambda(perpendicular to)) up to around 390 and 650 ppm at 6 kOe, respectively, is obtained for the grain -oriented pseudo-1-3 epoxy/Tb0.4Dy0.5Nd0.1(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) composite with 20 vol% alloy particles. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Yb3 +/Tm3 + co-doped fluorogermanate glasses have been prepared by the melt-quenching method. Their luminescent properties were investigated by absorption spectra, excitation and emission spectra, and dynamic luminescence decay curves. The energy transfer parameters were analyzed by the phonon sideband theory and the energy transfer mechanism between Yb3 + and Tm3 + was proposed. An efficient 1.8 μm luminescence with reduced up-conversion emission is achieved under excitation of 980 nm laser diode. It is found that the emission at 800 nm is the main path of energy loss in the up-conversion process and it can be lowered at a higher Tm3 + doping level. In addition, the forward energy transfer parameter from Yb3 + to Tm3 + is approximately two orders of magnitude greater than the backward one, supporting efficient 1.8 μm emission.

The structure, magnetocrystalline anisotropy compensation, magnetic properties, and magnetostriction of TbxHo0.8-xPr0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) (0 axis (x axis (x >= 0.15), accompanied by a rhombohedral distortion with large spontaneous magnetostriction coefficients lambda(m). The analysis of XRD, [MD and magnetostriction shows that TbxHo0.8-xPr0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) is an anisotropy compensation system, and the critical compensation point is realized around x=0.15, which shifts to the Tb-poor side compared with the Pr-free counterpart. An optimized effect on magnetostriction especially at a relatively low field (lambda(S)similar to 445 ppm, lambda(a)similar to 510 ppm/3 kOe) was obtained in Tb0.15Ho0.65Pr0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) compound, which is much larger than that of the Pr-free counterpart Tb0.15Ho0.85(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) (lambda(S)similar to 300 ppm) and the Tb0.15Ho0.85Fe2 (lambda(S)similar to 325 ppm), due to the 20 at% Pr introduction. Low content of heavy rare earth Tb, low anisotropy, high saturation magnetostriction and large low-field magnetostriction are obtained in Tb0.15Ho0.65Pr0.2(Fe0.8Co0.2)(1.93) compound, which may make it a promising magnetostrictive material. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.