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Introduction: To evaluate the association of focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defect with asymmetric visual field (VF) loss in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) through intereye comparisons. Methods: Paired eyes were divided into better and worse eyes according to the mean deviation (MD), and ocular parameters were compared between them. Furthermore, patients in the asymmetric group were classified as subgroup A (one eye with LC defect and the fellow one without), subgroup B (both eyes without LC defect), and subgroup C (both eyes with LC defect). Generalized estimation equation approach was used to evaluate the association between ocular parameters and asymmetric VF. Results: A total of 140 eyes of 70 NTG patients were included in the asymmetric group. LC defects were more common in better eyes than that in worse eyes (27/70 [38.57%] vs. 10/70 [14.29%], p = 0.001), and all eyes with LC defect had myopia. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of LC defect was significantly associated with better eyes in the asymmetric group (odds ratio, 0.27; p = 0.001). For subgroup A, eyes with LC defects exhibited lower peak IOP (p = 0.011) and lower mean IOP (p = 0.018) than the fellow eyes without. In addition, longer AL (p = 0.025) and larger tilt ratio (p = 0.032) were found in eyes with LC defects. For subgroup B without LC defects, larger tilt ratio was shown to be a risk factor for VF loss (odds ratio, 6.13; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference of binocular parameters except for MD (p < 0.001) in subgroup C. Conclusions: LC defects in myopia were suggested to be associated with better eyes in NTG with asymmetric VF loss. However, in patients without LC defect, larger tilt ratio was a risk factor for VF defect. There might be different pathological mechanisms in asymmetric VF loss for different NTG subtypes.

A typical imaging scenario requires three basic ingredients: (1) a light source that emits light, which in turn interacts and scatters off the object of interest; (2) detection of the light being scattered from the object and (3) a detector with spatial resolution. These indispensable ingredients in typical imaging scenarios may limit their applicability in the imaging of biological or other sensitive specimens due to unavailable photon-starved detection capabilities and inevitable damage induced by interaction. Here, we propose and experimentally realize a quantum imaging protocol that alleviates all three requirements. By embedding a single-photon Michelson interferometer into a nonlinear interferometer based on induced coherence and harnessing single-pixel imaging technique, we demonstrate interaction-free, single-pixel quantum imaging of a structured object with undetected photons. Thereby, we push the capability of quantum imaging to the extreme point in which no interaction is required between object and photons and the detection requirement is greatly reduced. Our work paves the path for applications in characterizing delicate samples with single-pixel imaging at silicon-detectable wavelengths.

A series of the K2WO4/γ–Al2O3 catalysts was prepared with different introducing strategy of the K2WO4 to alumina and characterized by means of N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, XPS, CO2/NH3-TPD, H2-TPR. It was found that the different introduction strategy of K2WO4 did not change the valence state of surface species of the catalysts but markedly influenced the structures, dispersion of tungsten and potassium species and acid-basic properties. The catalysts prepared by the sol–gel precipitation method exhibit larger surface area, better dispersion of the W species and more favorable acid-basic properties, thus possess higher activity for the reaction, particularly, at the lower reaction temperature of 320 °C, the methanethiol yield was about 8.3% higher than that over the catalyst prepared by traditional impregnation method. As a model catalyst, the catalysts prepared by sol–gel precipitation method show a higher and more stable reactivity with small dosage of water and CS2, and worth in industrial application.

Lactobacillus casei, a kind of probiotic, was reported as antidepressant effects. However, little is known about the effect of Lactobacillus casei on postpartum depression (PPD). In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus casei in improving PPD and potential mechanisms. Four hours of daily maternal separation from postnatal day 2 to day 21 was performed to establish the PPD model in rats. From postnatal day 2 to day 28, rats were gavage-fed with an equal volume of normal saline, Lactobacillus casei (8 × 10

PURPOSE To assess changes of retinal vessel oxygen saturation and vessel diameter in healthy individuals during high-altitude exposure. METHODS Retinal oxygen saturation and vessel diameter were obtained at sea level (SL, 40 m) and high altitude (HA, 3681 m) on 17 healthy individuals from Beijing (six males, 28.06 ± 8.06 years) using Oxymap T1 and then compared with 21 residents from Yushu (10 males, 28.63 ± 6.00 years). Systemic and ocular parameters were also measured before and after high-altitude exposure. Data were presented as mean ± SD and analysed using paired and independent Student t-test with significance accepted at p

Background: High altitude, characterized by hypobaric hypoxia, low temperature, and intensive ultraviolet radiation, is identifiably one of the examples of scientific enquiry into aviation and space analogs. However, little is known about the ocular physiological response, especially intraocular pressure (IOP) changes at high altitude. Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review of high altitude exposure on IOP for healthy lowlanders with unoperated eyes. Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases until September 1st, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA). We systematically searched the studies conducted over 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l) in healthy lowlanders with measurements of IOP. Meta-analyses (random effect model and heterogeneity tests), subgroup analyses (altitude, duration, type, and pattern of exposure), sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, Begger's and Egger's test for publication bias were performed. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019136865). Results: Of 9595 publications searched, 20 publications (n = 745) qualified for inclusion, with non-significant decrease in overall IOP [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.14, 95% CI: −0.12–0.40; p = 0.30] with high heterogeneity (p < 0.001, I2 = 82%). However, subgroup analyses revealed significant decrease of IOP at high altitude of 3,000–5,500 m a.s.l (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.07–1.06; p = 0.03) whereas increase of IOP at extreme altitude of over 5,500 m a.s.l (SMD: −0.34, 95% CI: −0.61–0.06; p = 0.02). And the duration of exposure more than 72 hours (h) was likely to induce a decrease of IOP bordering on statistical significance at the 5% level (SMD: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.02–2.56; p = 0.05). Simultaneously, we also observed significant decrease of IOP for active exposure (e.g., physical activity and hiking, SMD: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.05–1.57; p = 0.04). Conclusion: Our analysis shows exposure to the altitude over 3,500 m a.s.l, duration of exposure more than 72 h and active exposure pattern may have modest, but significant effects on IOP. The higher altitude, the duration of exposure as well as physical activity seem to play crucial roles in the effects of high-altitude exposure on IOP.

BACKGROUND Higher intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for developing glaucoma, and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. High altitude (HA) may be involved in IOP, but the reported results were conflicting. Ascent to HA directly by plane from low altitude regions is an acute, effortless exposure. However, the effects of such exposure to different altitudes on IOP have rarely been reported. AIM To investigate changes in IOP after rapid effortless exposure to HA in stages and compare it with systemic parameters. METHODS Fifty-eight healthy subjects (116 eyes) were divided into three groups: 17 low-altitude (LA) residents [44 m above sea level (ASL)], 22 HA residents (2261 m ASL) and 19 very HA (VHA) residents (3750 m ASL). The LA group flew to HA first. Three days later, they flew with the HA group to VHA where both groups stayed for 2 d. Then, the LA group flew back to HA and stayed for 1 d before flying back to 44 m. IOP, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate were measured. The linear mixed model was used to compare repeated measurements. RESULTS IOP in the LA group significantly decreased from 18.41 ± 2.40 mmHg at 44 m to 13.60 ± 3.68 mmHg at 2261 m ASL (P < 0.001), and then to 11.85 ± 2.48 mmHg at 3750 m ASL (P = 0.036 compared to IOP at 2261 m ASL) and partially recovered to 13.47 ± 2.57 mmHg upon return to 44 m. IOP in the LA group at HA and VHA was comparable to that in the local residents (12.2 ± 2.4 mmHg for HA,11.5 ± 1.8 mmHg for VHA). IOP was positively associated with SpO2. CONCLUSION IOP in the LA group gradually reduced as altitude elevated in stages and became comparable to IOP in local residents. Hypoxia may be associated with IOP, which deserves further study.

The present study aims to assess the potential difference of biomechanical response of the optic nerve head to the same level of trans-lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD) induced by a reduced cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) or an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). A finite element model of optic nerve head tissue (pre- and post-laminar neural tissue, lamina cribrosa, sclera, and pia mater) was constructed. Computed stresses, deformations, and strains were compared at each TLCPD step caused by reduced CSFP or elevated IOP. The results showed that elevating TLCPD increased the strain in optic nerve head, with the largest strains occurring in the neural tissue around the sclera ring. Relative to a baseline TLCPD of 10 mmHg, at a same TLCPD of 18 mmHg, the pre-laminar neural tissue experienced 11.10% first principal strain by reduced CSFP and 13.66% by elevated IOP, respectively. The corresponding values for lamina cribrosa were 6.09% and 6.91%. In conclusion, TLCPD has a significant biomechanical impact on optic nerve head tissue and, more prominently, within the pre-laminar neural tissue and lamina cribrosa. Comparatively, reducing CSFP showed smaller strain than elevating IOP even at a same level of TLCPD on ONH tissue, indicating a different potential role of low CSFP in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

Purpose To investigate the association between changes in arterial blood gases and intraocular pressure (IOP) after acute, short-term exposure to simulated elevation of 4000 m above sea level. Methods Twenty-five healthy young lowlanders participated in this prospective study. IOP was measured in both eyes with an Accupen tonometer. Arterial blood gas parameters (partial oxygen pressure [PaO2], partial carbon dioxide pressure [PaCO2], pH, and bicarbonate ion [HCO3-]) were checked using a blood gas analyzer. Measurements were taken at sea level (T1), at 15-minute (T2) and at 2-hour (T3) exposure times to simulated 4000 m above sea level in a hypobaric chamber, and upon return to sea level (T4). Associations between arterial blood gas parameters and IOP were evaluated using multivariate linear regression. Results PaO2 significantly decreased at T2 and T3, resolving at T4 (P < 0.001). pH significantly increased at T2 and returned to baseline at T3 (P = 0.004). Actual and standard bicarbonate ion both dropped with IOP at T3 and T4. IOP significantly decreased from 16.4 ± 3.4 mm Hg at T1 to 15.1 ± 2.1 mm Hg (P = 0.041) at T3 and remained lower (14.9 ± 2.4 mm Hg; P = 0.029) at T4. IOP was not correlated with pH. Multivariate linear regression showed that lower IOP was associated with lower standard bicarbonate ion (beta = -1.061; 95% confidence interval, -0.049 to -2.074; P = 0.04) when adjusted for actual bicarbonate and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions Hypobaric hypoxia triggers plasma bicarbonate ion reduction which, rather than pH, may decrease aqueous humor formation and subsequently cause IOP reduction. These findings may shed light on the mechanism of IOP regulation at high altitude. Translational Relevance Hypoxia-triggered reduction in plasma bicarbonate ion may decrease aqueous humor production, leading to IOP reduction at high altitude. These findings may provide new insight into a potential mechanism of IOP regulation. Hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude is an environmental factor that can reduce IOP and, therefore, deserves further study.

Fe 2 O 3 –K 2 O–CeO 2 catalysts with various ratios of K 2 O to CeO 2 were prepared by the wet-chemical method. Their phase compositions, reducibility, valence states of elements and catalytic activities for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation were studied. The results demonstrated that when the weight ratio of K 2 O: CeO 2 was 1.40, the catalyst had highest ethylbenzene conversion and styrene selectivity, which were attributed to the optimization of active phase content and electron transfer ability, etc. Further, higher CeO 2 content not only enhanced styrene selectivity, but also prolonged the life cycle of catalysts.

Frequency nondegenerate entangled photon pairs have been employed in quantum communication, imaging, and sensing. To characterize quantum entangled states with long-wavelength [infrared (IR) or even terahertz (THz)] photons, one needs to either develop the single-photon detectors at the corresponding wavelengths or use a novel tomography technique that does not rely on single-photon detections, such as stimulated emission tomography (SET). We use standard quantum state tomography and SET to measure the density matrix of entangled photon pairs, with one photon at 1550 nm and the other one at 810 nm, and obtain highly consistent results, showing the reliability of SET. Our work paves the way for efficient measurement of entangled photons with highly dissimilar frequencies, even to the frequencies where single-photon detections are not available.

A series of KxMo/γ-Al2O3 catalysts (x = 1, 2, 4, 8), used for the catalytic synthesis of methanethiol from carbon disulfide and hydrogen, were prepared, and characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, in situ pyridine adsorption FT-IR and NH3/CO2-TPD techniques. Experimental results showed that all the KxMo/γ-Al2O3 catalysts can undergo sulfurization process during the reaction, and the alkalinity of the catalysts was significantly enhanced with increasing in the molar ratio of K to Mo. In addition, the alkalinity of the catalysts was found to be conducive to the improvement of yield of methyl mercaptan, while the acidity of the catalysts significantly promoted the disproportionation of CH3SH–CH3SCH3 and the hydrogenation to CH4. The conversion of CS2 was found to be 100 % on all the catalysts in the evaluated temperature range from 533 to 653 K. The optimal yield of CH3SH was found to be 94.6 % over K4Mo/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, when the reaction temperature was at 583 K.

Alkali-treated HZSM-5 zeolite (AT) was modified with Mg species to produce combined modified HZSM-5 catalyst (Mg-AT) for alkylation of benzene with ethanol to ethylbenzene. The catalysts were tested and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), NH3-Temperature Programmed Desorption (NH3-TPD), Nitrogen adsorption–desorption, Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques. The characterization results showed that for the combined modified HZSM-5 sample, the ratio of surface area of mesopores to the total surface area was the highest. The Mg (1 wt%)-AT catalyst was found to exhibit the highest activity (30% of the conversion of benzene) and selectivity to EB (92%) for the reaction, which was confirmed to be due to the proper L/B acid proportion (3.79) and the improvement of the mesopores of the catalyst.

Small amount of cupric silicate was incorporated into copper-based catalyst to produce a series of modified ternary Cu–Zn–Al catalysts for methanol synthesis from synthesis gas. The test results showed that the Cu-based catalyst modified with 1% CuSiO 3 exhibits the highest activity. The cupric silicate-modified Cu-based catalysts exhibit lower bulk density, higher specific surface area and more monovalent copper species, which were confirmed to be responsible for excellent catalytic performance of the catalysts for the reaction.

A series of Ce 20 Cu 5 Ni y O x catalysts for CO oxidation at low temperature were prepared and characterized by N 2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature-program reduction by H 2 , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Ce 20 Cu 5 Ni 0.4 O x exhibited the highest catalytic activity. The addition of NiO increased the amount of copper ions doped into the CeO 2 matrix and gave more oxygen vacancies in ceria by the formation of a Ni-O-Ce solid solution. XPS results showed that large quantities of Cu + , Ce 3+ , and lattice oxygen existed in the fresh Ce 20 Cu 5 Ni 0.4 O x catalyst. Cu + ions in the catalyst can easily migrate to the ceria lattice to form a Cu-O-Ce solid solution, which enhanced the release of the lattice oxygen of the oxides under a reducing atmosphere. The high catalytic activity of Ce 20 Cu 5 Ni 0.4 O x is due to the promoter giving increased amounts of Cu + in the catalyst and the formation of solid solutions of both Cu-O-Ce and Ni-O-Ce.

We investigate the entanglement dynamics of two uniformly accelerated atoms with the same acceleration perpendicular to their separation. The two-atom system is treated as an open system coupled with fluctuating electromagnetic fields in the Minkowski vacuum, and in the Born-Markov approximation the master equation that describes the completely positive time evolution of the two-atom system is derived. In particular, we investigate the phenomena of entanglement degradation, generation, revival and enhancement. As opposed to the scalar-field case, the entanglement dynamics is crucially dependent on the polarization directions of the atoms. For the two-atom system with certain acceleration and separation, the polarization directions of the atoms may determine whether entanglement generation, revival or enhancement happens, while for entanglement degradation, they affect the decay rate of entanglement. A comparison between the entanglement evolution of accelerated atoms and that of static ones immersed in a thermal bath at the Unruh temperature shows that they are the same only when the acceleration is extremely small., Comment: 22 pages, 12 figures, published version

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography is a novel technique by which we can detect the local perfusion of fundus directly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of optic disc and macular flow perfusion parameters in rhesus monkeys using OCT angiography. Methods: Eighteen healthy monkeys (18 eyes) were subjected to optic disc and macula flow index measurements via a high-speed and high-resolution spectral-domain OCT XR Avanti with a split-spectrum amplitude de-correlation angiography algorithm. Right eye was imaged 3 times during the first examination and once during each of the two following examinations. The intra-visit and inter-visit intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were both determined. Results: The average flow indices of the four optic disc area layers were 0.171 ± 0.009 (optic nerve head), 0.015 ± 0.004 (vitreous), 0.052 ± 0.009 (radial peripapillary capillary), and 0.167 ± 0.011 (choroid). Average flow indices of the four macula area layers were 0.044 ± 0.011 (superficial retina), 0.036 ± 0.011 (deep retina), 0.016 ± 0.009 (outer retina), and 0.155 ± 0.013 (choroid). Intra-visit (ICC value: 0.821–0.954) and inter-visit (ICC value: 0.844–0.899) repeatability were both high. Conclusions: The study is about the reproducibility of optic disc and macular perfusion parameters as measured by OCT angiography in healthy rhesus monkeys. Flow index measurement reproducibility is high for both the optic disc and macula of normal monkey eyes. OCT angiography might be a useful technique to assess changes when examining monkeys with experimental ocular diseases.

The thiolation of dimethyl sulfide with H 2 S over a variety of tungsten–zirconia (WO 3 /ZrO 2 ) catalysts with different contents of WO 3 was studied. The maximum yield of methanethiol was obtained at the reaction temperature of 633 K in the presence of 10 wt.%WO 3 /ZrO 2 catalyst. XRD, BET and TPD characterization results reveal that supporting WO 3 species on ZrO 2 gives rise to the improvement of both in structure stability and surface acidity. The MT yield increased first and then decreased with the increase of reaction temperature for all of the catalysts due to the decomposition of methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide. The optimum loading of WO 3 was found to be 5–10 wt.% (with a surface density of 3.5–4.5 w-atom nm −2 ). Furthermore, the WO 3 /ZrO 2 catalyst exhibits high resistance to water.

Hebei University of Science and Technology research foundation [XL201138]; Xiamen University

A series of P-promoted alumina catalysts with phosphorous contents varying in the range of 1–5% for the reaction of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to produce methanethiol (MT) were prepared and characterized by using XRD, SEM, BET, FT-IR and NMR techniques. The activity assay results showed that at the reaction temperature of 593 K, the P-promoted alumina catalyst exhibits as high as 100% selectivity toward MT; the DMS conversion ranges from 44.7% to 51.4% depending on the loading of phosphorus. The characterization results showed that introducing a small amount of phosphorus into γ-Al2O3 increases the specific surface area, pore volume and the amount of Lewis acid sites. The increase of the Lewis acid sites enhances the capacity of the catalyst to break the C S bond of dimethyl sulfide to methylthiolate (CH3S−) and CH3+, and H2S adsorbed on alumina to SH− and H+, both of CH3+ and H+ then interact further with lattice oxygen O2− of the catalyst to form methoxyl (CH3O−) and OH−, respectively, subsequent combination of CH3S− with OH− or CH3O− with SH− leads to the formation of methanethiol.

Silicon-promoted K 2 WO 4 /Al 2 O 3 catalysts for methanethiol synthesis from methanol and H 2 S were prepared and characterized by XRD, in situ pyridine adsorption FT-IR and NH 3 /CO 2 -TPD, etc. techniques. With increasing the amount of Si added, the crystallite sizes of the catalysts decreased, while the surface area increased at first and then decreased. When the content of Si in the catalyst increased in the range from 1 to 5%, the acidity of the catalyst increased, while the basicity decreased. The highest catalytic activity of the catalyst for the reaction can be obtained when Si content in the catalyst is as high as 5%.

The effect of potassium-decoration was studied on the activity of water-gas shift (WGS) reaction over the Co-Mo-based catalysts supported on active carbon (AC), which was prepared by incipient wetness co-impregnation method. The decoration of potassium on active carbon in advance enhances the activities of the CoMo-K/AC catalysts for WGS reaction. Highest activity (about 92% conversion) was obtained at 250 °C for the catalyst with an optimum K2O/AC weight ratio in the range from 0.12 to 0.15. The catalysts were characterized by TPR and EPR, and the results show that activated carbon decorated with potassium makes Co-Mo species highly dispersed, and thus easily reduced and sulfurized. XRD results show that an appropriate content of potassium-decoration on active carbon supports may favors the formation of highly dispersed Co9S8-type structures which are situated on the edge or a site in contact with MoS2, K-Mo-O-S, Mo-S-K phase. Those active species are responsible for the high activity of CoMo-K/AC catalysts.

A comprehensive conversion equation was developed to simulate the catalytic reaction conditions (include temperature, pressure, residence time, and reaction composition) in tubular reactors: X M = 1 − exp [ − exp ( A + B / T r + C T r ) p r n p 0 + n p 1 p r τ r n τ 0 + n τ 1 τ r ∏ i = 1 m y i n y 0 + n y 1 y i ] . This conversion equation is based on the characteristics of the power-exponential function as well as the “variable reaction order” and “virtual reactant” concepts. Its validity was verified by fitting experiment data from three different catalytic systems such as the dehydrogenation of diethyl benzene, the hydrogenation of ethylbenzene, and the hydrodesulfurization of thiophene. The results show that the influences of reaction temperature, pressure, residence time, and reactant composition on the conversion of the reactant can be determined within a wide range of values. By comparison with the experimental data, the calculated conversions were all found to have a total average relative deviation of less than 2%. This suggests that the conversion equation is not limited to a specific catalyst system but could be suitable for various catalyst systems in tubular reactors.

A series of 0.06–0.09 wt% Au/CeO 2 catalysts for CO oxidation at ambient temperature were prepared under different preparation conditions and characterized by BET, XRD, XPS, HRTEM and FT-IR techniques. Experiment results showed that with acid material as support, the catalyst prepared by raising the pH of the acid support suspension before introduction of the HAuCl 4 solution exhibits the highest activity because of the higher Au 0 /Au δ+ ratio existing on the surface. The optimum calcination temperature of the support CeO 2 and the drying temperature of the catalyst, which affect strongly the amount of water-derived species and the activity, were found to be 873 and 333 K, respectively. Base pretreatment for acid CeO 2 support leads to the decrease in Au δ+ and favors the preparation of an excellent catalyst with the specific rate raised from 2.92 to 10.06 mol g Au - 1 h - 1 . Possible active center model and its formation process were proposed.

Copper-based catalysts modified with aluminum precursors having different morphologies for methanol synthesis were prepared and the effect of the addition of aluminum emulsion on the characteristics of the catalyst was studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and differential thermal gravity (DTG). The experiment results show that the copper-based catalyst prepared by mixing a Cu–Zn precipitate with an amorphous aluminum emulsion prepared in advance by precipitating an aluminum salt with ammonia exhibits higher specific surface area and catalytic performance for methanol synthesis from synthesis gas. The catalysts thus prepared were found to have more (Cu,Zn)2CO3(OH)2 phase, from which more Cu/Zn sosoloid was produced during calcination. More sosoloid phase produced and stronger synergy between Cu and ZnO were verified to enhance the activity of the catalyst for methanol synthesis.

Co-Mo/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst was presulfided with ammonium sulfide in aqueous solution and activated with synthesis gas for water gas shift reaction. The assay results indicate that the presulfided Co-Mo/MgO-Al2O3 catalyst exhibits an excellent catalytic activity and stability. XRD and EPR characterization results show that the O-S exchange might occur during the impregnation, leading to the formation of (NH4)2MoS4(or (NH4)2MoxSy) precursor, which was then thermally decomposed and reduced to MoS2. The higher catalytic performance is attributed to an optimization formation of active Co-Mo sulfides, consisting of well dispersed MoS2 and Co-Mo-S phase due to the redispersion of Co sulfide particles over the edges of newly formed MoS2 crystallites.

Ministry of Science and Technology of China [2004CB217805]; Colleges Cooperation Projects [0042-K81009]

Fujian Province Science and Technology Project ; Xiamen Municipal Science and Technology Project

Co-Mo-based catalysts supported on mixed oxide supports MgO-Al 2 O 3 with different Mg/Al atom ratios for water gas shift reaction were studied by means of TPR, Raman, XPS and ESR. It was found that the octahedral Mo species in oxidized Co-Mo/MgO(x)-Al 2 O 3 catalyst and the contents of Mo 5+ , Mo 4+ , S 2− and S 2− 2 species in the functioning catalysts increased with increasing the Mg/Al atom ratio of the support under the studied experimental conditions. This is favorable for the formation of the active Co-Mo-S phase of the catalysts. Catalytic performance testing results showed that the catalysts Co-Mo/MgO-Al 2 O 3 with the Mg/Al atom ratio of the support in the range of 0.475–0.525 exhibited optimal catalytic activity for the reaction.

Small amount of Nickel deposited on SiO2 support by electroless plating was verified to have a significant promoting effect on the catalytic performance of the K2MoO4/SiO2 catalyst for methanethiol synthesis from H2S-rich synthesis gas. The addition of Nickel was found to be in favor of the suppression of the CO2 formation. The results of BET, TPR and Raman characterizations for the Ni-modified SiO2 and the catalyst K2MoO4/Ni-SiO2 showed that the surface properties of Ni-modified SiO2 were similar to those of unmodified SiO2 and that no Raman characteristic band specific to NiO from the catalyst K2MoO4/Ni-SiO2 was detected. For oxidic K2MoO4/Ni-SiO2 catalyst lower reduction temperature was measured. For sulfided catalysts, reduced molybdenum oxides and oxysulfides were detected, which was inferred to be closely related to high catalytic activity of the catalyst.

Activated carbon-supported Ni catalysts for vapor phase carbonylation of ethanol to propionic acid in the presence of ethyl iodide as promoter were investigated. Under optimum reaction conditions, the conversions of carbon monoxide and ethanol were measured to be 81.4% and 98.4%, respectively, while the selectivity for propionic acid was found to be 98.65%. The catalyst was stable within 48 h on stream. XRD and XPS methods were used to characterize the structures and surface properties of the fresh and tested catalysts. The characterization results indicated that aggregation of nickel particles and formation of nickel iodide on the catalyst surface should be responsible for the deactivation of the catalysts.

MgO–Al2O3 mixed oxides were prepared and used as the support of Co–Mo-based water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) catalysts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization showed that the MgO–Al2O3 mixed oxides support is composed of MgO, γ-Al2O3, and magnesia–alumina spinel. The MgO–Al2O3 mixed oxides-supported Co–Mo-based catalysts exhibited high shift activity at high temperature (360–450 °C) and high stability. The addition of potassium enhanced the activities but affected adversely the stabilities of Co–Mo-based catalysts. ESR characterization shows that the Mo5+ species are not connected with the WGSR activity. Magnesium in the support may be closely related with the formation of formate species intermediate for the WGSR.

The direct synthesis of methanethiol from H 2 S-rich syngas was investigated over sulfided Mo-based catalysts supported on SiO 2 . K-promoted Mo/SiO 2 catalysts exhibited a high activity for the synthesis of CH 3 SH. The incorporation of cobalt into the K–Mo/SiO 2 catalyst increased the catalytic activity, but slightly decreased the selectivity to methanethiol. The selected catalysts were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), CO temperature-programmed desorption (CO-TPD), electron spin resonance (ESR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The results showed that the potassium interacts with Mo component and increases the active sites for the CH 3 SH synthesis by changing the concentration of Mo 5+ species after sulfidation. A mechanism for the synthesis of CH 3 SH was proposed.

Tellurium used as promoter was investigated in the preparation of K2MoO4/SiO2 catalyst for methanethiol synthesis from high H2S-containing syngas. The experimental results showed that the addition of Te to K2MoO4/SiO2 improved the activity of catalysts and the selectivity of methanethiol. ESR results reveal that the addition of Te decreases the content of “oxo-Mo5+” species and increase that of the “oxysulfo-Mo5+” species, simultaneously increase the low valence states of sulfur species. XPS results reveal that the addition of Te to K2MoO4/SiO2 increase the amount of low valence states of molybdenum and sulfur species, which are related to the formation of methanethiol.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ab interno trabeculectomy (Trabectome) surgery in Chinese open angle glaucoma patients.Prospective non-comparative case series study. A total of 41 cases (34 primary open angle glaucoma patients, 3 developmental glaucoma patients and 4 pigmentary glaucoma patients) were included in the study. All the cases underwent Trabectome, including 9 cases combined with phacoemulsification cataract extraction. Major outcomes include intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, secondary glaucoma surgery and postoperative complications. Criteria for successful operation were defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), at least 20% IOP reduction in any two consecutive visits after 3 months with or without IOP-lowering drugs and no additional glaucoma surgery. IOP and number of glaucoma medications were compared to baseline using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze the success rate of surgery.In the all 41 patients, 21 cases (51.2%) were followed up for up to 12 months. IOP was reduced from (22.5 ± 8.1) mmHg to (17.6 ± 6.4) mmHg (P = 0.02), meanwhile number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 2.0 ± 0.9 to 1.2 ± 0.9 (P = 0.02) at 12 months. The success rate at one year was 85% and 4 cases required additional glaucoma surgery.Trabectome has many advantages, such as shorter surgery time, simple post-operative care, less intraoperative and postoperative complications and clear IOP-lowering effect. But it slong-term efficacy is still need a large sample, long-term follow-up to verify.

The solution NMR ( 31 P and 1 H ) and FTIR spectroscopies were employed to investigate the structure information of water-soluble complex HRh(CO)[P(m-C6H4SO3Na)3]3 (1) [P(m-C6H4SO3Na)3: trisodium salt of tri-(m-sulfophenyl)-phosphine, TPPTS] supported on SiO2 (1/SiO2). The 31 P ( 1 H ) NMR spectra showed that a pair of new twin-peak at about 31.5, 32.1 ppm while no typical twin-peak at 44.0, 44.7 ppm for the phosphorus species ascribed to the complex 1 were observed at 1/SiO2. However, the typical phosphorus peaks for the complex 1 appeared in the case of using TPPTS or Na2CO3-preimpregnated SiO2 as supports. Moreover, the immobilization caused a considerable oxidation of the liberated TPPTS to OTPPTS (OTPPTS, i.e. OP(m-C6H4SO3Na)3: trisodium salt of tri-(m-sulfophenyl)-phosphine oxide) species as evidenced by 31 P ( 1 H ) NMR spectroscopy. The phosphorus-31 peaks at 31.5, 32.1 ppm at 1/SiO2 were found to be unchanged before and after the propene hydroformylation. The FTIR results revealed that the CO band appeared at about 1870 cm−1 for the 1/SiO2 catalyst, which was lower than that for the precursor complex 1. It is concluded that there exists a strong interaction between the complex 1 and the acidic support of SiO2, resulting in the deformation of the Rh–phosphine complex containing less than three TPPTS ligands, which further transformed by dehydrogenation and dimerization under evacuation to form a species likely [Rh(CO)(TPPTS)2]2 as a main surface complex species at the catalyst 1/SiO2.