Consonant aspiration in Mandarin-speaking children: a developmental perspective from perception and production.

Introduction: This study investigates Mandarin-speaking children's acquisition of aspirated/unaspirated voiceless consonants in terms of perception and production, to track children's developmental profile and explore the factors that may affect their acquisition, as well as the possible association between perception and production.

Methods: Mandarin-speaking children ( = 95) aged 3-5 and adults ( = 20) participated in (1) a perception test designed based on the minimal pairs of unaspirated/aspirated consonants in the quiet and noisy conditions respectively; (2) a production test where participants produced the target words, with syllable-initial consonants focusing on aspiration and non-aspiration. Six pairs of unaspirated/aspirated consonants in Mandarin were included.

Coalescence of multiple topological orders in quasi-one-dimensional bismuth halide chains.

Topology is being widely adopted to understand and to categorize quantum matter in modern physics. The nexus of topology orders, which engenders distinct quantum phases with benefits to both fundamental research and practical applications for future quantum devices, can be driven by topological phase transition through modulating intrinsic or extrinsic ordering parameters. The conjoined topology, however, is still elusive in experiments due to the lack of suitable material platforms.

Integration of ratiometric, ultrafast, sensitive detection as well as rapid and efficient removal of tetracycline based on a novel Zn (II) functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework.

Background: Based on the low volatility and refractory nature of Tetracycline (TC), excessive use leads to its continuous accumulation in water environments, posing serious risks to the ecological environment and human health. Although a very limited number of nanomaterials capable of simultaneously detecting and removing TC have been fabricated, they generally exist issues associated with a single detection signal ("on" or "off") or low adsorption rates with low adsorption capacities. As a result, it is crucial to develop a reliable technique to achieve ratiometric detection as well as rapid and efficient removal of TC.

S100A8 regulates postoperative responses following tooth extraction in rats.

The reduction in alveolar ridge height and width after tooth extraction poses a substantial challenge for dental implant restoration. This study aimed to observe the roles of S100A8 in the inflammatory response and bone resorption following tooth extraction. Rat mandibular second molars were extracted.