Distinguishing plasmonic absorption modes by virtue of inversed architectures with tunable atomic-layer-deposited spacer layer.

We demonstrated the distinguishing between plasmonic absorption modes by exploiting an inversed architecture with tunable atomic-layer-deposited dielectric spacer layer. The dielectric spacer layer was manipulated between the bottom metal-nanoparticle monolayer and the upper metal film to inspect the contributions of metal nanoparticles and dielectric film in a step-by-step manner. The experimental and simulated differences between the two peak absorption positions (Δf) and between the corresponding half width at half maxima (Δw) confirmed the evolutions of gap plasmon and interference-enhanced local surface plasmon resonance absorption modes in the plasmonic metamaterial absorbers (PMAs), which were useful for understanding the underlying mechanism of amorphous PMAs.

Improve accuracy for automatic acetabulum segmentation in CT images.

Separation of the femur head and acetabulum is one of main difficulties in the diseased hip joint due to deformed shapes and extreme narrowness of the joint space. To improve the segmentation accuracy is the key point of existing automatic or semi-automatic segmentation methods. In this paper, we propose a new method to improve the accuracy of the segmented acetabulum using surface fitting techniques, which essentially consists of three parts: (1) design a surface iterative process to obtain an optimization surface; (2) change the ellipsoid fitting to two-phase quadric surface fitting; (3) bring in a normal matching method and an optimization region method to capture edge points for the fitting quadric surface.

Effects of flue gas compositions on nitrosamine and nitramine formation in postcombustion CO2 capture systems.

Amine-based technologies are emerging as the prime contender for postcombustion CO2 capture. However, concerns have arisen over the health impacts of amine-based CO2 capture associated with the release of nitrosamines and nitramines, which are byproducts from the reactions between flue gas NOx and solvent amines. In this study, flue gas compositions were systematically varied to evaluate their effects on the formation of nitrosamines and nitramines in a lab-scale CO2 capture reactor with morpholine as a model solvent amine.

Vapor-deposited amorphous metamaterials as visible near-perfect absorbers with random non-prefabricated metal nanoparticles.

Spatial order or periodicity is usually required and constructed with tens of nanometers in the feature size, which makes it difficult to process the near-perfect metamaterial absorbers (PMAs) working in the visible range in large-area and mass-production scale. Although many established technologies and theoretical modeling methods used for order-based metamaterials, aperiodic or disordered structures have been gradually recognized to achieve similar functionalities for which the ordered structures are overwhelmingly used. Here, we demonstrated the vapor-deposited 'amorphous' metamaterials as controlled-reflectance surfaces and tunable PMAs without the use of the lithographically ordered arrays, the prefabricated colloidal metal nanoparticles (MNPs) or the multilayer of nanoparticles.

The microbiota regulates neutrophil homeostasis and host resistance to Escherichia coli K1 sepsis in neonatal mice.

Neonatal colonization by microbes, which begins immediately after birth, is influenced by gestational age and the mother's microbiota and is modified by exposure to antibiotics. In neonates, prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy is associated with increased risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS), a disorder controlled by neutrophils. A role for the microbiota in regulating neutrophil development and susceptibility to sepsis in the neonate remains unclear.

Antioxidant properties of proanthocyanidins attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced steatosis and liver injury in rats via CYP2E1 regulation.

Liver steatosis is characterized by lipid dysregulation and fat accumulation in the liver and can lead to oxidative stress in liver. Since proanthocyanidins are present in plant-based foods and have powerful antioxidant properties, we investigated whether proanthocyanidins can prevent oxidative stress and subsequent liver injury. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment can cause steatosis in rats that models both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in humans.

Application of three-dimensionally area-selective atomic layer deposition for selectively coating the vertical surfaces of standing nanopillars.

We describe a strategy for selectively coating the vertical surfaces of standing nanopillars using area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD). Hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are utilised to selectively inhibit the coating of oxides on the modified horizontal regions to ensure that only the vertical surfaces of vertical standing nanorods are coated using ALD processes. This method makes it possible to fabricate vertical nanodevices using a simple process of depositing oxide layer on a vertical surface, and can also be applied to the area-selective surface passivation of other standing structures.

Cell surface ABP1-TMK auxin-sensing complex activates ROP GTPase signaling.

Auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP1) was discovered nearly 40 years ago and was shown to be essential for plant development and morphogenesis, but its mode of action remains unclear. Here, we report that the plasma membrane-localized transmembrane kinase (TMK) receptor-like kinases interact with ABP1 and transduce auxin signal to activate plasma membrane-associated ROPs [Rho-like guanosine triphosphatases (GTPase) from plants], leading to changes in the cytoskeleton and the shape of leaf pavement cells in Arabidopsis. The interaction between ABP1 and TMK at the cell surface is induced by auxin and requires ABP1 sensing of auxin.

Chronic gastritis in China: a national multi-center survey.

Background: Chronic gastritis is one of the most common findings at upper endoscopy in the general population, and chronic atrophic gastritis is epidemiologically associated with the occurrence of gastric cancer. However, the current status of diagnosis and treatment of chronic gastritis in China is unclear.

Methods: A multi-center national study was performed; all patients who underwent diagnostic upper endoscopy for evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms from 33 centers were enrolled.

Prevalence of obesity among secondary school students from 2009 to 2014 in China: a meta-analysis.

Background: In recent years, obesity was a major public health problem in many countries. It was estimated that 8% of their children are obese. However, little is known about the overall prevalence of obesity among secondary students in China, the aim of this study was to evaluate the overall obesity prevalence of student from Chinese secondary school.

Influence of amine structural characteristics on N-nitrosamine formation potential relevant to postcombustion CO2 capture systems.

Concerns have arisen for the possible contamination of air or drinking water supplies downwind of amine-based CO2 capture facilities by potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines formed from reactions between flue gas NOx and amine solvents. This study evaluated the influence of amine structure on the potential to form total N-nitrosamines within the absorber and washwater units of a laboratory-scale CO2 capture reactor, and in the solvent after a pressure-cooker treatment as a mimic of desorber conditions. Among 16 amines representing 3 amine classes (alkanolamines, straight-chain and cyclic diamines, and amino acids), the order of the amine was the primary determinant of total N-nitrosamine formation in the absorber unit, with total N-nitrosamine formation in the order: secondary amines ≈ tertiary amines ≫ primary amines.

Solution-processed hybrid cathode interlayer for inverted organic solar cells.

A novel hybrid material CdS/2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (CdS·BCP) was prepared from the decomposition of its organic soluble precursor complex Cd(S2COEt)2·(BCP) by low-temperature treatment. CdS·BCP, which integrated the favorable properties of solvent durability, and high electron mobility of CdS as well as the good hole blocking property of BCP, was designed and developed as the interface modification material to improve electron collection in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). The inverted OSCs with CdS·BCP as buffer layer on ITO showed improved efficiency compared with the pure CdS or BCP.

Surface-dependent localized surface plasmon resonances in CuS nanodisks.

We demonstrated revertible shifts of surface-dependent localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in CuS nanodisks. Oleylamine (OYA) served as a solvent and surface ligand covering on CuS nanodisks during the thermolysis of single-source precursor copper ethylxanthate (Cu(ex)2). When OYA ligand was unloaded and reloaded on the surface of CuS nanodisks, the wavelength of LSPRs blue-shifted due to more oxygen exposure and then reverted through surface repassivation.

Effect of different coping designs on all-ceramic crown stress distribution: a finite element analysis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of differential coping designs on the stress distributions of an all-ceramic crown on, the upper central incisor under varying loads.

Methods: 3D finite element models with three differential coping designs of an all-ceramic crown on, the upper central incisor were constructed using CAD (computer aided design) software. The coping, designs included: CC (conventional coping), MCL (modified coping without veneer coverage in lingual, surface) and MCM (modified coping without veneer coverage in lingual margin).

Bloating and distention in irritable bowel syndrome: the role of gas production and visceral sensation after lactose ingestion in a population with lactase deficiency.

Objectives: Bloating and distention are often attributed to dietary factors by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study examined the effects of gas production and visceral hypersensitivity on digestive symptoms after lactose ingestion in a population with lactase deficiency.

Methods: IBS patients (n=277) and healthy controls (HCs, n=64) underwent a 20-g lactose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) with evaluation of hydrogen gas production and lactose intolerance (LI) symptoms.

The TMK subfamily of receptor-like kinases in Arabidopsis display an essential role in growth and a reduced sensitivity to auxin.

Mechanisms that govern the size of plant organs are not well understood but believed to involve both sensing and signaling at the cellular level. We have isolated loss-of-function mutations in the four genes comprising the transmembrane kinase TMK subfamily of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) in Arabidopsis. These TMKs have an extracellular leucine-rich-repeat motif, a single transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic kinase domain.

Relative importance of N-nitrosodimethylamine compared to total N-nitrosamines in drinking waters.

A U.S.-wide occurrence survey conducted as part of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 2 found that N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was present in 34% of chloraminated drinking water samples but was the most prevalent of the six N-nitrosamines evaluated using U.

Application of ultraviolet, ozone, and advanced oxidation treatments to washwaters to destroy nitrosamines, nitramines, amines, and aldehydes formed during amine-based carbon capture.

Although amine-based CO(2) absorption is a leading contender for full-scale postcombustion CO(2) capture at power plants, concerns have been raised about the potential release of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N-nitramines formed by reaction of exhaust gas NO(x) with the amines. Experiments with a laboratory-scale pilot unit suggested that washwater units meant to scrub contaminants from absorber unit exhaust could potentially serve as a source of N-nitrosamines via reactions of residual NO(x) with amines accumulating in the washwater. Dosage requirements for the continuous treatment of the washwater recycle line with ultraviolet (UV) light for destruction of N-nitrosamines and N-nitramines, and with ozone or hydroxyl radical-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for destruction of amines and aldehydes, were evaluated.

Preparation of monodispersed CuInS2 nanopompons and nanoflake films and application in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Monodispersed nanopompons and thin films of CuInS2 with hierarchical nanostructure are obtained via a solvothermal method. The hierarchical thin film of CuInS2 has been reported for the first time to display excellent catalytic activity as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells, and a power conversion efficiency of 4.8% is achieved.

mTOR complex 2 phosphorylates IMP1 cotranslationally to promote IGF2 production and the proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Lack of IGF2 in mice results in diminished embryonic growth due to diminished cell proliferation. Here we show that mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking the RNA-binding protein IMP1 (IGF2 mRNA-binding protein 1) have defective splicing and translation of IGF2 mRNAs, markedly reduced IGF2 polypeptide production, and diminished proliferation. The proliferation of the IMP1-null fibroblasts can be restored to wild-type levels by IGF2 in vitro or by re-expression of IMP1, which corrects the defects in IGF2 RNA splicing and translation.

Prevalence and presentation of lactose intolerance and effects on dairy product intake in healthy subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background & Aims: The effects of lactase deficiency on digestive symptoms and diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not been well defined. We assessed lactose absorption and tolerance and the intake of dairy products in healthy volunteers (controls) and patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS).

Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with D-IBS at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China and 60 controls were given hydrogen breath tests to detect malabsorption and intolerance after administration of 10, 20, and 40 g lactose in random order 7-14 days apart; participants and researchers were blinded to the dose.

Logic circuit function realization by one transistor.

Bottom-up nanowires are very attractive building blocks for functional devices due to their controllable properties. Meanwhile, assembling nanowires into large-scale integrated circuits is a daunting challenge because for the present circuits diverse nanowires are needed to grow simultaneously together closely. Here, a nanowire trigate transistor structure is proposed which can accomplish the functions of the logic gate circuits.

[Finite element stress analysis of all-ceramic crown of the upper central incisor in differential thickness].

Objective: To investigate the stress distributions under load in an all-ceramic crown of the upper central incisor in differential thickness.

Methods: The 3-dimensional finite element model of all-ceramic crown of the upper central incisor in differential thickness was applied with differential loads (100, 150, 200 N). The stress values and distributions of all-ceramic crown were calculated and expressed.

Measurement of nitrosamine and nitramine formation from NOx reactions with amines during amine-based carbon dioxide capture for postcombustion carbon sequestration.

With years of full-scale experience for precombustion CO(2) capture, amine-based technologies are emerging as the prime contender for postcombustion CO(2) capture. However, concerns for postcombustion applications have focused on the possible contamination of air or drinking water supplies downwind by potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N-nitramines released following their formation by NO(x) reactions with amines within the capture unit. Analytical methods for N-nitrosamines in drinking waters were adapted to measure specific N-nitrosamines and N-nitramines and total N-nitrosamines in solvent and washwater samples.