Giant nonlinear optical activity in two-dimensional palladium diselenide.

Nonlinear optical effects in layered two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides have been extensively explored recently because of the promising prospect of the nonlinear optical effects for various optoelectronic applications. However, these materials possess sizable bandgaps ranging from visible to ultraviolet region, so the investigation of narrow-bandgap materials remains deficient. Here, we report our comprehensive study on the nonlinear optical processes in palladium diselenide (PdSe) that has a near-infrared bandgap.

Top-down extraction of surface carboxylated-silk nanocrystals and application in hydrogel preparation.

Bionanomaterial based hydrogels originated from natural biopolymer have drawn much attention for advanced applications. However, nanosilk-based hydrogels derived from top-down approaches remain in their infancy. First, nanosilks based on existing methods fail to prepare hydrogels; second, both nanosilk extraction and surface modification remain a challenge due to high crystallinity and sophisticated hierarchical structures.

Genetic diversity of Bartonella species in small mammals in the Qaidam Basin, western China.

Investigation of the prevalence and diversity of Bartonella infections in small mammals in the Qaidam Basin, western China, could provide a scientific basis for the control and prevention of Bartonella infections in humans. Accordingly, in this study, small mammals were captured using snap traps in Wulan County and Ge'ermu City, Qaidam Basin, China. Spleen and brain tissues were collected and cultured to isolate Bartonella strains.

Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Electrode.

The effect of an anode composite electrode on the performance of a micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) is analyzed from sample preparation configurations and discussed in detail, with a specific focus on the catalyst layer and the micro-porous layer on the anode composite electrode. This study investigates the effects of Pt content, Pt-Ru molar ratio, Nafion content, catalyst support, and preparation method in the catalyst layer, along with the carbon loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE )content in the micro-porous layer, on the performance of the anode composite electrode. The results show that the anode composite electrode delivers the best performance with 30% Pt content, a 1:1.

Integrated Strategy Drives Direct Infusion-Tandem Mass Spectrometry as an Eligible Tool for Shotgun Pseudo-Targeted Metabolomics of Medicinal Plants.

Direct infusion (DI) has an extraordinary high-throughput advantage. Pseudo-targeted metabolomics (PTM) has been demonstrated integrating the merits of both nontargeted and targeted metabolomics. Herein, we attempted to implant DI into the PTM concept to configure a new strategy allowing shotgun PTM.

Finite-time cluster synchronization in complex-variable networks with fractional-order and nonlinear coupling.

This paper is primarily concentrated on finite-time cluster synchronization of fractional-order complex-variable networks with nonlinear coupling by utilizing the non-decomposition method. Firstly, two control strategies are designed which are relevant to complex-valued sign functions. Thereafter, by employing fractional-order stability theory and complex function theory, several criteria are deduced to ensure finite-time cluster synchronization under the framework within a new norm consisting of absolute values for real and imaginary components.

Pediatric Tuina (massage) for primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis is one of the common diseases of preschool and school-age children and it will cause adverse effects on the healthy growth. Pediatric Tuina (massage) has been widely used in the treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in China. The study is conducted to summarize the current evidence on the effects and safety of Pediatric Tuina (massage) therapy for the treatment of primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis in children.

Comparative Analysis of the MRI Characteristics of Meningiomas According to the 2016 WHO Pathological Classification.

Objects: To evaluate the performance of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating diagnoses, operation methods and recurrence of meningiomas according to the World health organization (WHO) pathological classification.

Methods: MRI characteristics of 127 meningioma patients were retrospectively analysed according to pathological results (WHO grade) and their association with Simpson's grades (resection) and recurrence.

Results: The T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) signal intensity of WHO grade I meningiomas was slightly hypointense or isointense gray, while the T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) signal intensity was isointense or slightly hyperintense.

[Preparation of compound liquorice microemulsion gel and its pharmacodynamics evaluation].

Based on the previous study of compound liquorice microemulsion, this paper aims to prepare the compound liquorice microemulsion gel and investigate its pharmacodynamics of chronic eczema. The type, dosage and adding method of gel matrix, and formula dosage of humectant were optimized by single factor method to obtain the formula and preparation technique of the gel. With glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetin and oxymatrine used as evaluation indexes, the Franz diffusion cell method was adopted to monitor the in vitro release profile of the gel.

A Novel Optimization of Water-Soluble Compound Polysaccharides from Chinese Herbal Medicines by Quantitative Theory and Study on Its Characterization and Antioxidant Activities.

The present study optimized the extraction characterization and antioxidant activities of water-soluble compound polysaccharides (CPs) from hawthorn, lotus leaf, Fagopyrum tataricum, semen cassiae, Lycium barbarum, and Poria cocos Chinese herbal medicines that have mass ratios of 4 : 2 : 2 : 1.5 : 1 : 1. The CPs yield equation was predicted using quantitative theory, to which a maximum CPs yield of 7.

Rate-Limited Reaction in TEMPO/Laccase/O Oxidation of Cellulose.

The environment-friendly oxidation of cellulose by the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO)/laccase/O system is an alternative route with huge potential to prepare cellulose nanofibers. It is found that the concentration of TEMPO significantly affects the oxidation efficiency. An effective method for improving the oxidation effect is to increase the TEMPO concentration and prolong the oxidation time.

A smartphone-based online tool for prehospital self-triage of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 epidemic has swept across China and spread to other countries. The rapid spreading of COVID-19 and panic combined with the lack of a hierarchical medical system in China have resulted in a huge number of hospital visiting which are overwhelming local medical system and increasing the incidence of cross infection. To meliorate this situation, we adopted the management concept of the system of Tiered Diagnosis and Treatment and developed an online tool for self-triage based on the mostly used multi-purpose smartphone app Wechat in China.

[Establishment of concentration process and physical property parameter model of Carthami Flos extract based on quality by design].

To explore the potential of "physical property model" based on the concept of quality by design(QbD),during the application of process analysis technology(PAT) in the concentration process. The Carthami Flos was used as a model drug. Firstly, the total flavonoid retention rate and the hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA) retention rate of the concentrated solution were used as indicators to determine the concentration temperature range of the Carthami Flos extract.

Model-Driven Architecture of Extreme Learning Machine to Extract Power Flow Features.

Probabilistic power flow (PPF) calculation is an important power system analysis tool considering the increasing uncertainties. However, existing calculation methods cannot simultaneously achieve high precision and fast calculation, which limits the practical application of the PPF. This article designs a specific architecture of the extreme learning machine (ELM) in a model-driven pattern to extract the power flow features and therefore accelerate the calculation of PPF.

Essentiality of CTNNB1 in Malignant Transformation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells under Long-Term Suboptimal Conditions.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) gradually accumulate abnormal karyotypes during long-term suboptimal culture, which hinder their application in regenerative medicine. Previous studies demonstrated that the activation of might be implicated in this process. Hence, the hESC line with stably silenced was established to further explore the role of in the malignant transformation of hESCs.

[Role and application of programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 in immune cell dysfunction in sepsis: An update].

Immunosuppression is increasingly being recognized as one of the causes of increased morbidity and mortality during sepsis. Both innate and adaptive immune system dysfunction have been shown to cause an impaired ability to eradicate the primary infection and also lead to frequent occurrence of secondary opportunistic infections. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), are up-regulated during the immunosuppressive phase of sepsis, not only on adaptive immune cells (such as T cells), but also on innate immune cells (such as macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils) as well as non-immune cells, resulting in functional changes, often with adverse sequelae.

Performance of Dual-Source CT in Calculi Component Analysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 2151 Calculi.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in the component analysis of all types of calculi by doing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CNKI up to February 28, 2020, for in vivo studies investigating the performance of DSCT in the component analysis of calculi. We pooled the sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves using a random-effect model in the meta-analysis.

Makino extract attenuated the collagen-induced arthritis through inhibiting the synovial hyperplasia and inflammation.

Background: Makino (SG) has been traditionally used for rheumatism and joint protection. However, the anti-arthritic effects and underling mechanisms of SG have not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the anti-arthritic effects and mechanisms of SG extract (SGE) on collagen-induced arthritic rats and interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated human synovial SW982 cells.

Determinants of Participation and Detection Rate of Colorectal Cancer From a Population-Based Screening Program in China.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been widely implemented in Europe and the USA. However, there is little evidence of participation and diagnostic yields in population-based CRC screening in China. The participation rate and detection of colorectal lesions in this program were reported and related factors were explored.

Valley-polarized local excitons in WSe/WS vertical heterostructures.

Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) are drawing growing interest in the investigation of their valley polarization properties of localized excitons. However, most of the reported vdWHs were made by micro-mechanical peeling, limiting their large-scale production and practical applications. Furthermore, the circular polarization characters of localized excitons in WSe/WS heterostructures remain elusive.