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Purpose: This study aims to investigate the application value of O-arm navigation system in sacroiliac screw placement for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injury. Methods: A total of 40 patients (mean age = 30.75 ± 14.99 years, 25 males, 15 females) were included. From January 2016 to July 2018, 40 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury treated in our hospital were included. Of them, 19 patients underwent O-arm navigation for screw placement (O-arm group) while the other 21 received C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (C-arm group) for sacroiliac screw placement. Intraoperative outcomes and the outcome of screw placement were compared between groups. The quality of radiological images was assessed by Matta's radiological outcome grade. The outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment was evaluated by Majeed Functional score. Results: All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with the C-arm groups, the O-arm group had a shorter surgery time (33.19 ± 3.14 vs. 48.35 ± 4.38 min, P < 0.001), a higher overall good outcome "excellent + good" rate of screw placement (95.45% vs. 73.91%, P < 0.05), and a significantly higher Majeed Functional score better outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment at 1 and 3 months postoperation (both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that O-arm navigation system is feasible and safe for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury and can effectively improve the accuracy and safety of sacroiliac screw placement, shorten the operation time, and help rapid postoperative functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hexagonal boron nitride (BN) is electrically insulating and has a high in‐plane thermal conductivity. However, it has a very low cross‐plane thermal conductivity which limits its application for efficient heat dissipation. Here, large BN pellets with a quasi‐isotropic thermal conductivity are produced from BN nanosheets using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The BN pellets have the same thermal conductivity from both perpendicular and parallel directions to the pellet surface. The high quasi‐isotropic thermal conductivity of the bulk BN is attributed to a quasi‐isotropic structure formed during the SPS process in which the charged BN nanosheets form large sheets in all directions under two opposite forces of SPS compression and electric field. The pellet sintered at 2300 °C has a very high cross‐section thermal conductivity of 280 W m−1 K−1 (parallel to the SPS pressing direction) and exhibits superior heat dissipation performance due to more efficient heat transfer in the vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric-arc-synthesized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles were sonicated in boric acid, dried and sintered under vacuum at 1200°C using a spark plasma sintering process. The nominal boric acid concentrations were 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 12.5% and 15%. This resulted in a nonmonotonic variation of carrier concentration in the resulting samples. The 7.5% boric acid treated sample showed the least magnitude and weakest temperature-dependence for the thermopower with a distinct phonon-drag peak that was absent in the other samples. These results are discussed within the framework of the doping-induced shift of the Fermi level and changes in the electron-phonon coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-polyamidoamine (PAMAM) hybrid was prepared by covalent linkage approach, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectrometry. The PAMAM dendrimers were present on the surface of MWCNTs in high density, and the MWCNT-PAMAM hybrid exhibited good dispersibility and stability in aqueous solution. The interaction between MWCNT-PAMAM with plasmid DNA of enhanced green fluorescence protein (pEGFP-N1), intracellular trafficking of the hybrid, transfection performance and cytotoxicity to HeLa cells were evaluated in detail. We found that the MWCNT-PAMAM hybrid possessed good pEGFP-N1 immobilization ability and could efficiently delivery GFP gene into cultured HeLa cells. The surface modification of MWCNTs with PAMAM improved the transfection efficiency 2.4 and 0.9 times, and simultaneously decreased cytotoxicity by about 38%, as compared with mixed acid-treated MWCNTs and pure PAMAM dendrimers. The MWCNT-PAMAM hybrid can be considered as a new carrier for the delivery of biomolecules into mammalian cells. Therefore, this novel system may have good potential applications in biology and therapy, including gene delivery systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Millimeter long, vertically oriented, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays were pre-aligned and densified using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to form aligned MWCNT bulk samples. The combined results of X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that the MWCNTs largely retain their orientation and individual tubular morphology in the aligned MWCNT bulk samples, and that the SPS process induces inter- and intra-tubular bonding as well as graphene formation. In view of the one-dimensional nature of individual MWCNTs, it is particularly noteworthy that the transverse electrical resistivity ρT is slightly lower than the longitudinal resistivity ρL , whereas the transverse thermal conductivity κT is ∼50% of κL . The room temperature κL is ∼31W/(mK), one of the highest reported in MWCNT bulk samples. In addition, the thermopower measurements show anisotropy and features of phonon drag. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a series of basic biological oxidants involved in physiological and pathological processes. The detection of ONOO− in biological systems has been challenging due to its extremely short half-life and low steady-state concentration. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for ONOO− was constructed by coupling covalently of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with cyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5). This nanoprobe (GQD-Cy5.5) could selectively accumulate in mitochondrial, appears two strong fluorescence emission peaks at 520 and 694 nm. In the presence of ONOO−, the intensity of fluorescence emission peak at 520 nm increased and the intensity of fluorescence emission peak at 694 nm decreased. The ratio (F 520 nm /F 694 nm) of fluorescence intensity at two emission peaks had a good linear relationship with the concentration of ONOO− in the range of 0–6.0 μM, and the detection limit was 0.03 μM. The excellent properties of the nanoprobe enable its applications in the ratiometric fluorescence imaging of endogenous ONOO− in cell mitochondria. [Display omitted] • A novel mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for ONOO− was exploited. • The nanoprobe could rapidly respond to ONOO− with excellent sensitivity (LOD = 30 nM). • The nanoprobe was applied for ratiometric fluorescent imaging of endogenous ONOO− in living cells mitochondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding anesthetic management. Methods. A survey of 55 items was developed and administered preoperatively to 500 patients including 190 men and 310 women in our hospital. Patients were interviewed on their knowledge of the role of anesthesiologists, their preferences regarding anesthetic management, and also their concern about potential anesthetic complications. Results. Patients' perceptions of anesthesiologists' training and role have roached a certain level. Most significant preoperative concerns regarding the anesthesiologists focused on experience, qualifications, and presence or absence during the anesthesia. Patients' concerns also included the possibility of not being waken up following anesthesia, experiencing postoperative pain, and becoming paralyzed. The variations of concerns depended partially on patients' sex, type of anesthesia, and proposed surgical procedure, partially on their education and living environments. Conclusion. It is suggested that anesthesiologists address significant patient concerns during the preoperatire visit to enhance their effectiveness in patient care. Efforts to educate the public on the anesthesiologists' role in preoperative care would improve patients' confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is an important process in electrochemical energy technology, and efficient electrocatalysts are of great significance for renewable and sustainable energy conversion. Here, we report a facile hydrothermal and heat treatment process to synthesize a series of Pt-based nanocapsules (NCs) as an effective hydrogen evolution catalyst. The Pt/TeO x NCs exhibit excellent HER activity in an alkaline medium. The Pt/TeO x NCs only need the overpotential of 33 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2, and the Tafel slope was as low as 29 mV dec−1, which was even better than that of commercial Pt/C. Detailed experimental characterizations demonstrate that the interface between the crystalline Pt/amorphous TeO x and the strong electron transfer contribute to alkaline HER activity. This work opens up a new direction for the preparation of efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic reactions or other conversion filed. The Pt/TeO x NCs with Pt clusters anchored on TeO x amorphous substrate were successfully prepared. The overpotential was only 33 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the Tafel slope was as low as 29 mV dec−1, which was significantly better than that of commercial Pt/C. The excellent HER performance may originate from the strong electronic interaction and optimized binding energy for intermediate. [Display omitted] • The Pt/TeO x NCs with Pt clusters anchored on TeO x amorphous substrate is reported. • The Pt/TeO x NCs exhibit excellent HER activity with low overpotential in 0.1 M KOH. • The presence of Pt-TeO x interface is conducive to improving alkaline HER activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: To validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in China. Methods: The psychometric properties of the HAQ were validated by interviewing subjects with a questionnaire battery containing the HAQ, EQ‐5D, and Short Form 12 (SF‐12). Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, construct validity by assessing a priori hypotheses, and discriminative validity by discriminating subjects in different groups, respectively. To assess the applicability of HAQ in different regions, subgroup analyses were conducted for south and north China, respectively. Results: Questionnaires were administered to a consecutive sample of 133 RA patients. Cronbach's alpha showed a strong reliability among all the items. In particular, the internal reliability was higher when excluding the items about the use of aids and devices: 0.987 when excluding versus 0.963 when including. Construct validity was supported by achieving both of the a priori hypotheses based on correlations between the HAQ scores and scales of EQ‐5D and SF‐12. Overall, HAQ scores were important inferential factors for Global Functional Status in RA, which indicated good discriminative validity. The validation results are generally consistent between subgroups from north and south China. Conclusions: The Chinese HAQ demonstrated good acceptability and psychometric properties in RA patients from China. Two possible improvements for better use and interpretation of the patient‐reported outcomes of RA patients in China could be to cross‐culturally adapt the items about the use of aids and devices and joint use of mental health measurements together with HAQ in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent 56-metal Cd(II)–Sm(III) nanocluster (1, molecular sizes: 4.5 × 2.7 × 2.7 nm) was constructed from a flexible Schiff base ligand, and its crystal structure was determined using the X-ray diffraction method. It shows a rapid triple-emissive response to 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (DCN, a common pesticide) with high sensitivity and selectivity, which can be used to quantitatively analyze the DCN concentrations in fruit extracts. The limits of detection (LODs) of 1 to DCN for the visible ligand-centered and Sm(III) emissions and NIR Sm(III) luminescence are from 0.95 μM to 2.81 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the ease of synthesis and the unique luminescence characteristics for the applications of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), the red-emitting fluoride phosphors activated by Mn4+ ions are critical to achieving WLEDs with ideal color rendering index (CRI). In this work, a new type of Mn4+ doped phosphor KRb 3 Ge 2 F 12 :Mn4+ (KRGF:Mn) has been synthesized by a simple ion-exchange method in atmosphere. A strategy of surface modification by using a weak reducing agent oxalic acid (OA) is proposed, which can essentially improve the moisture stability of phosphor KRGF:Mn. Moreover, the modified phosphors can still maintain bright red light after being completely immersed in water for more than 100 days. A group of LEDs combined with the as-synthesized phosphor KRGF:Mn as a light source can be well applied to artificial lighting for the growth of tomatoes and Chinese cabbage plants. Additionally, the luminescence efficiency of KRGF:Mn has been optimized with high thermal stability. This work will provide high-quality red phosphor for LED lighting sources that being required for indoor plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple low‐temperature self‐assembly strategy is used to synthesize the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite with a relatively high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY, 72%) and product yield (87%). As expected, the nanocomposite exhibits good photoluminescence (PL) performance and stability. Further, 90% of the PLQY is maintained even when heating at 100 °C for 24 h, and almost no emission degradation is observed after storage in ethanol for 10 days. Furthermore, the prepared CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite exhibits the reversible luminescence phenomenon by simply applying the wetting and drying process. This abnormal phenomenon is due to the internal phase transformation of the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocomposite. The potential application of the nanocomposite in anti‐counterfeiting has been demonstrated. This work facilitates the production and application of inorganic metal halide perovskite‐based functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising optoelectronic material, all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention, but there are few studies on zero-dimensional Cs4PbBr6 perovskite NCs. Herein, the in situ growth of the CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs inside amorphous glass has been achieved by adjusting the ratios of Cs2CO3 and PbBr2. The effect of different proportions with raw materials on the phase, microstructure, and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics was discussed in detail. Moreover, CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs glass with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of ∼58.9% was obtained by optimizing the heat treatment condition. In particular, CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs glass realizes low-threshold amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at room temperature. Meanwhile, as a green light source, CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs glass makes white light-emitting diode (WLED) presents a wide color gamut. Importantly, CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs glass displays excellent water/thermal stability. All these results prove that CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 NCs glass has broad application prospects in the field of lasers and backlight displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever‐developing energy storage technologies demand the pursuit of advanced materials with multiple functionalities. Recent studies revealed that multiple heteroatom‐doped carbon has been wildly used for bi‐functional or even tri‐functional energy storage and conversion. However, few efforts have been made to uncover the origin of multi‐functionalities. Herein, a nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur tri‐doped carbon is designed in this work with large porosity, rich heteroatoms doping and high mass density, exhibiting excellent bifunctionalities on supercapacitors and oxygen reduction reaction. Importantly, the density functional theory calculations demonstrate the relevant co‐doping and tri‐doping generate more active sites on neighboring carbon atoms than single doping, and the same type of active sites may enhance bifunctionalities simultaneously. The present investigations provide a promising guidance on the design of multi‐functional materials for future energy storage and conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) on endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in patients with refractory intrauterine adhesion (IUA). Methods: This study included a group of infertile women (n = 12, age 22–40 years), with refractory IUA. Autologous MenSCs isolated from the women's menstrual blood were expanded in vitro and transplanted into their uteruses, followed by hormone replacement therapy. Transvaginal ultrasound examination was performed to assess the endometrial thickness. Transabdominal ultrasound was conducted to detect pregnancy outcome. Results: Autologous MenSCs were successfully isolated and expanded from menstrual blood and transplanted into the uterus of each patient. A significant improvement of the endometrial thickness was observed from 3.9 ± 0.9 to 7.5 ± 0.6 mm (P < 0.001). No adverse reaction was observed. The duration of menstruation was increased from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 5.3 ± 0.6 days (P < 0.001). Five out of 12 patients achieved clinical pregnancy and the pregnancy rate was 41.7%. Conclusions: Intrauterine transplantation of autologous MenSCs results in regeneration of endometrium, a prolongation of menstrual duration and an increase rate of pregnancy in patients with refractory IUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Atomic thinness, excellent transport property and gate-tunable band structure of graphene render it a potential electrode material for assembling ultra thin electronic devices. Here, we present back gate field effect transistor based on exfoliated monolayer (ML) ReS 2 as channel semiconductor and exfoliated ML-graphene as drain-source electrodes. The G and 2D peaks of ML-graphene stiffen significantly and their intensity ratio increases as well when the graphene is encapsulated between the SiO 2 /Si substrate and ReS 2. Owing to the excellent electron transport properties of the ML-ReS 2 and gate-tunable Fermi-level of the underlying ML-graphene, the transistor exhibits on/off current ratio exceeding 106, mobility of ∼1.1 cm2 V−1s−1 and subthreshold swing ∼740 mV per decade. This work indicates that ML-graphene is an excellent electrode material for fabricating atomically thin ReS 2 electronic devices. Highlights • Atomically thin field effect transistors using exfoliated monolayer ReS 2 as channel and exfoliated monolayer graphene as drain-source electrodes were fabricated and investigated. • The transistor exhibits on/off current ratio exceeding 106, mobility of ∼1.1 cm2/(Vs) and subthreshold swing ∼740 mV per decade. • The G and 2D vibrational modes of monolayer graphene stiffen significantly and their intensity ratio increases as well when the graphene is encapsulated between the SiO 2 /Si substrate and ReS 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In order to address the current deficiency of health utility evidence relevant for economic evaluations involving treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Chinese setting, this study aims to develop a mapping algorithm linking the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and EQ-5D-5L in a Chinese population of patients with RA. Methods: An estimation sample was obtained from a cross-sectional study that collected HAQ, the pain Visual Analogue Scale, and EQ-5D-5L in RA patients in two tertiary referral hospitals in China. Mapping algorithms were derived in this study using two alternative regression methods: the beta regression and a multivariate ordered probit regression. The internal validity of the mapping algorithms was assessed in each case by calculating predictive performance using a bootstrapping procedure. Results: Of the several algorithms developed using these data, predictive performance was shown to be better when VAS pain was included as a predictor and when the multivariate ordered probit regression method was used, rather than the beta regression method. The algorithms developed were shown to be comparable, in terms of predictive performance, to existing mapping studies despite the small sample size of the estimation data. Conclusion: It is hoped that the availability of these algorithms will facilitate the development of cost-effectiveness studies evaluating RA treatments in the Chinese health care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To provide a comprehensive estimation of the economic burden of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China, especially for patients from less developed areas, and to explore the cost transferability between regions to assist healthcare decision‐making. Methods: The study was conducted in south and north China from May 2013 to December 2013. The burden of RA was investigated by interviewing participants with a questionnaire battery containing socio‐demographic, cost of illness (COI) and medical treatments. The COI questionnaire captured direct, indirect and intangible costs. Direct costs included hospitalizations, outpatient visits and medications. Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach, and intangible costs valued through the willingness‐to‐pay approach. All cost data were converted to 2013 US dollars by purchasing power parity, and then summarized descriptively and analyzed with mixed models. Results: Questionnaires were administered to 133 RA patients. The average direct costs were $1917.21 ± $2559.06 per patient year, with medications at $1283.89 ± $1898.15 comprising more than 50% of the total. The average indirect costs were $492.88 ± $1739.74 per patient year, while intangible costs were $20396.30 ± $31145.10. There was no significant difference detected between regions. Recent hospitalization was tested as a significant predictor of the direct costs. Age and income were significantly associated with indirect and intangible costs. Conclusions: Besides the substantial burden in terms of direct medical costs and productivity lost, there were notable intangible costs, especially among older patients. This conclusion could be potentially expanded to other provinces in China or even other countries through the adjustments for transferability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction in size of field-effect transistors (FETs) comprised of 3D semiconductors is confronted with the issues such as short-channel effects, tunneling effects and thermal dissipation. The emergence of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) atomic layers has opened up unprecedented opportunities for scaling down of the electronics in view of their unique layered-structure and excellent properties. TMDCs grown directly on high- k dielectric substrates are beneficial for fabricating high-performance FETs. Here, we demonstrate the direct growth of atomically thin MoS flakes on high- κ dielectric (HfO) substrates via a chemical vapor deposition process. The morphology and structure of the as-grown materials were systemically investigated by optical microscope, atomic force microscope, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The MoS flakes are approximately 5-10 µm in size with polycrystalline monolayer structure. The optical properties of the MoS flakes are also found to be substrate-dependent due to optical interference. In addition, back-gate FETs based on the as-grown MoS were fabricated and their performance was investigated. The results indicate that the n-type FETs show high on/off current ratio of ~ 10 and a carrier mobility of 9.75 cm V s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cement leakage is the most common complication of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. So far, the reported risk factors remain conflicting because of limited data and lack of uniform measurement and evaluation. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of potential risk factors for cement leakage after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Methods Relevant literature was retrieved using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, and MEDLINE with no language restriction, supplemented by a hand search of the reference lists of selected articles. A fixed-effects model was used if homogeneity existed among included studies; otherwise, a random-effects model was used. The results were presented with weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Twenty-two studies consisting of 2872 patients with 4187 vertebrae were included in the meta-analysis. The incidences of cement leakage for percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty were 54.7% and 18.4%, respectively. The significant risk factors for new vertebral compression fractures were intravertebral cleft (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09–1.78; P < 0.01), cortical disruption (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.84–16.81; P < 0.01), cement viscosity (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.36–8.07; P < 0.01) and injected cement volume (weighted mean difference, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.02–1.17; P < 0.05). Age, sex and fracture type, operation level, and surgical approach were not significant risk factors. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis suggest that patients with intravertebral cleft, cortical disruption, low cement viscosity, and high volume of injected cement may be at high risk for cement leakage after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Rigorous patient selection and individual therapeutic strategy irrespective of age, sex and fracture type, operation level, and surgical approach may reduce the occurrence of cement leakage. Given the inherent limitation of the meta-analysis, more large sample–sized randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba2+ ions in the cubic double perovskite structure of Ba 2 ZnWO 6 (BZWO) are coordinated with twelve O ions with high symmetry, and a novel orange phosphor Ba 2 ZnWO 6 :Eu3+ (BZWO:Eu) has been obtained by substituting the partial Ba2+ with Eu3+ ions by one-step synthesis. The crystal structure and composition, morphology, optical properties, and temperature resistance of the orange phosphor BZWO:Eu have been studied, respectively. Only a single ultra-sharp emission peaking at 596 nm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 1 nm has been detected in the emission spectrum of BZWO:Eu, which is originated from the magnetic dipole transition 5D 0 →7F 1 of Eu3+. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the phosphor BZWO:Eu has been improved by controlling the experimental condition reaching a PL quantum yield (PLQY) of 53.5%, which is much stronger than that of ZnWO 4 :Eu3+. The emission peak of BZWO:Eu keeps without any discernable change when the measurement temperature arises from 77 to 300 K, which indicates its superior temperature resistance. Only a single ultra-sharp emission peak located at 596 nm with full width at half maximum of 1 nm has been observed in the emission spectrum of Ba 2 ZnWO 6 :Eu3+, which is originated from the magnetic dipole transition 5D 0 →7F 1 of Eu3+. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With unique electronic and optical properties, the size and luminescence color of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals CsPbBr 3 (CPB) are crucial for the potential applications including solid-state lighting, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics. In this work, we have developed a viable design strategy toward cubic CPB nanoplatelet (NPs) with blue emission at 450–467 nm and a large red shift to the green region at 500–512 nm occurs through a cooperative effect of the ligands 4 -bromo-butyric acid (BBA) and oleylamine (OLA). The influence of the molecular ratio of BBA/OLA, reaction time and temperature on the transformation from blue to green has been investigated systematically. The red shift in the PL of CPB NPs is ascribed to the growth of the crystals with decreased quantum confinement. The photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of the blue and green luminescence of the obtained CPB NPs reach 94.4 % and 84.4 %, respectively. This proposed strategy not only experimentally fabricates size-adjustable CPB NPs but also helps to reveal in depth the mechanisms of the large variation of quantum confinement in pure cubic CPB NPs. • The evolution of CsPbBr 3 nanoplatelets with tunable luminescence color changing. • The green and blue luminescence CsPbBr 3 nanoplatelets are due to the different crystal sizes. • The emission spectra of CsPbBr 3 nanoplatelets are time and temperature-dependent. • The green and blue CsPbBr 3 nanoplatelets show highly UV excitation stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniform hydrangea-like multi-scale carbon hollow submicron spheres (HCSSg) are fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method using glucose as carbon source and fibrous silicon dioxides spheres as shape guide. Structure characterization suggests that petal-like partially graphitized carbon nanosheets with the thickness of about 10 nm arranged in three dimensions (3D) to form the hydrangea-like hollow spheres (size ranging from 250 to 500 nm) with mesoporous channels, which can be conducive to be a high specific surface area (934 m 2 g −1 ) and bulk density (0.87 cm g −3 ), hierarchical pores structure with good conductivity. As a result, the HCSSg has been demonstrated to be a supercapacitor electrode material with high gravimetric (386 F g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 ) and outstanding volumetric (335 F cm −3 ) capacitance, good rate capability and cycling stability with 94% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles in aqueous electrolytes, thus suggesting its application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that alkali metal salts, including KCl, NaCl, K 2 SO 4 , Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 CO 3 , and Na 2 CO 3 , can act as catalysts for carbon nanotube (CNT) growth in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The solution of alkali metal salt, water and ethanol was nebulized and was introduced into the CVD reactor, producing CNT with a multi-walled structure. Individual CNT are terminated with an onion-shaped carbon tip even when different alkali metal salt catalysts are used. Through observation and analysis of the catalyst particles and the resulting product, we elucidate the mechanism by which the alkali metal salt nanoparticles are served as “seeds” and provide nucleation sites for CNT growth. The ethanol decomposes to release carbon atoms into the catalyst particles, and the carbon nucleates and then begins to assemble on the surface of the catalyst particles, resulting in the CNT growth. By altering growth conditions, branched CNT and single-walled CNT also can be grown on alkali metal salt nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developinga low-cost route to synthesize mesoporous TS-1 (MTS-1)is of great importance because of its practical application in industry.Herein, we first synthesized a copolymer containing quaternary ammoniumgroups by a mesoporous template comprising inexpensive starting materials.Subsequently, waterglass (sodium metasilicate), TiCl3,and copolymer were dispersed in the preformed seeds emulsion, resultingin a gel for synthesizing MTS-1. The counterpart material (CTS-1)was also synthesized by the same procedure except for the absenceof the copolymer. Compared with CTS-1, the MTS-1 exhibits good crystallinityand well-defined tetrahedral coordinated Ti species (TiIV) in the framework as well as excellent catalytic activity in theoxidation of bulky molecules, such as dibenzothiophene and benzylphenyl sulfide. This feature may be attributed to the fact that thequaternary ammonium groups on copolymer facilitates the formationof the MFI structure and energetically incorporates the Ti speciesinto the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report that 5-fold twinned nanowiresand single twinned rightbipyramids of Pd with high yields can be selectively synthesized ina hydrophilic system with the assistance of acetonitrile and ethanol,respectively. The controlled synthesis is based on an idea that smallorganic molecules (SOMs) that can attract halide ions via electrostaticinteractions of different strengths could well adjust their activityto tune the etching degree of O2/halides for protectingthe twinned Pd crystal nucleus. We consider that relatively strongerinteraction between acetonitrile and halide ions for the formationof nanowires is due to the existence of three C–Hδ+bonds induced by the electron-withdrawing CN group of CH3CN, which is confirmed by an as-called iodine starch test, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and theoretical calculations.On the basis of this finding, we then have successfully expanded SOMsto other molecules, including acetone, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,3,5-trioxane,which have a function similar to that of acetonitrile for the productionof Pd nanowires, and 2-propanol, which has a function similar to thatof ethanol for the fabrication of right bipyramids. Although nanowiresand bipyramids are both mainly bound by {001} planes, nanowires showbetter catalytic performance toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol,indicating that more twin boundaries could offer more active catalyticsites. This work not only provides new information to decrease thedegree of etching of O2/halides for controlling twin structureof noble metals but also supports the idea that creating a twin structureis good for enhancing catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Using OA to etch surface smooth original α-Al 2 O 3 wafer to make the surface appear pore structure. • The PL intensity of CsPbBr 3 @α-Al 2 O 3 composite material exposure to the air after 28 days can maintain over 50%. • The PLQY of CsPbBrI 2 @α-Al 2 O 3 composite material can reach 58%. • The colour purity of CsPbBr 3 @α-Al 2 O 3 and CsPbBrI 2 @α-Al 2 O 3 achieve 97.1% and 99.8%, respectively. • The prepared blue, green, red composites possess a wide color gamut of 114%. Recently, perovskite has received extensive attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties, while the instability of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) has always troubled us. Herein, we proposed a simple coating mechanism to protect PQDs. Using oleic acid (OA) for etching α-Al 2 O 3 wafer to make the surface appear pore structure, and the PQDs was coated within the modified α-Al 2 O 3 wafer, thereby improving the stability of PQDs. The CsPbX 3 @α-Al 2 O 3 composite material can achieve the emission of blue-green–red (436 nm to 636 nm) through adjustable luminescence wavelength. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of CsPbBr 3 @α-Al 2 O 3 composite material exposure to the air after 28 days can maintain over 50%. It is worth noticing that the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of CsPbBrI 2 @α-Al 2 O 3 composite material can reach 58%, the colour purity of CsPbBr 3 @α-Al 2 O 3 and CsPbBrI 2 @α-Al 2 O 3 achieve 97.1% and 99.8%, respectively. It was due to the high colour purity of the composite materials can the selected CIE colour coordinate monochromatic light encompassed 114% of NTSC colour gamut. Moreover, the warm white light-emitting diode (WLED) yielded bright natural white light and showed the luminous efficiency (LE) of 86.58 lm/W, colour rendering index (CRI) of 86.9, correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 4602 K. The LE and CRI reaches a relatively balanced value, which showed that this composite material has a certain development prospect in the WLED field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (∼200 nm diameter) are grown by chemical vapor deposition using catalytic iron particles. Mössbauer spectroscopy enables differentiation among relatively large Fe3C, α-Fe, and nanosized superparamagnetic fcc γ-Fe particles. The antiferromagnetic configuration of γ-Fe nanoparticles yields a significant fraction of uncompensated spins, producing a weak ferromagnetism that allows estimation of size (2–3 nm) via magnetization in zero field versus variable field cooling. This property of γ-Fe nanoparticles has not been previously employed. We propose that the surfaces of 200 nm iron carbide particles are covered with nanosized γ-Fe and graphitized carbon that participate in the catalytic growth of nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying both modern and fossil bamboos to the species and genus level is quite difficult because of the relative homogeneity of bamboo shells and their rare flowering periods. Phytolith analysis has potential taxonomic significance for identifying bamboos at the genus level. We present morphometric and assemblage analyses of phytoliths from 17 woody bamboo species within the genera Phyllostachys , Dendrocalamus and Bambusa in subtropical southwest China. The oblong concave saddle and narrow elliptates are the two most abundant phytolith morphotypes in these samples. The average lengths and widths of oblong concave saddles varied considerably between Phyllostachys (19.2 and 10.5 μm), Dendrocalamus (18.00 and 8.7 μm), and Bambusa (17.2 and 9.4 μm), suggesting that size measurements alone may be used to distinguish these genera. Further, hierarchical cluster analysis of the relative abundance of all phytolith morphotypes in these samples, as well as the morphological parameters of oblong concave saddles, demonstrate that these parameters are able to classify bamboos at the genus level. In sum, the relative abundance of specific phytolith morphotypes (narrow eliliptates and oblong concave saddles), the relative assemblages of all phytolith morphotypes, and the morphological parameters (length and width) of oblong concave saddles, all exhibit taxonomical value at the genus level for the Bambusoideae subfamily. Phytolith analysis provides an ability to taxonomically classify a culturally and ecologically significant subfamily of plants in the past and at present. • The relative abundance of the narrow elliptates and oblong concave saddle can distinguish three genera of woody bamboos. • The size of oblong concave saddle decreases from scattering to sympodial caespitose bamboos. • The sizes of oblong concave saddles can differentiate woody bamboos at genus level. • Phytolith analysis is a good way in bamboo genus and ecotype identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]