Lung segmentation method with dilated convolution based on VGG-16 network.

Lung cancer has become one of the life-threatening killers. Lung disease need to be assisted by CT images taken doctor's diagnosis, and the segmented CT image of the lung parenchyma is the first step to help doctor diagnosis. For the problem of accurately segmenting the lung parenchyma, this paper proposes a segmentation method based on the combination of VGG-16 and dilated convolution.

Effects of polyethylene microplastic on the phytotoxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort).

The increase in the proportion of microplastics in the environment has intensified the interest in phthalate and microplastic contamination in recent years. In this study, we investigated the response of photosynthetic parameters and the antioxidant system of lettuce to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) stress and exposure to various concentrations of microplastic polyethylene (MP) for different durations (14 d and 28 d). Lettuce growth, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll content were reduced significantly after MP- and DBP-only treatments and after the combined (MP + DBP) treatments with both pollutants (P < 0.

Fluctuation of electrode potential based on molecular regulation induced diversity of electrogenesis behavior in multiple equilibrium microbial fuel cell.

In this study, the electrogenesis behaviors and mechanisms in multiple equilibrium microbial fuel cells (MEMFCs) which volatile fatty acids as multiple electron donors are investigated. The electrochemical property and energy recovery can be enhanced in propionic acid dominant systems (HPr-D-MEMFCs) which compares to butyric acid dominant systems (HBu-D-MEMFCs), increase power density from 0.04 to 0.

Formation of a thin and continuous MOF membrane with 2-D MOF nanosheets as seeds via layer-by-layer growth.

Current MOF composite membranes usually suffer from unduly thick MOF layers and poor adhesion with the polymer substrate. We prepared a thin MOF film (440 nm) on a polymer support with 2-D MOF nanosheets as seeds via a layer-by-layer growth. These 2-D MOF seeds not only provided bonding between the MOF film and the polymer substrate but also facilitated the formation of a continuous and defect-free MOF membrane, which demonstrated excellent performance in gas separation.

One-Step Bark-Like Imitated Polypropylene (PP)/Polycarbonate (PC) Nanofibrous Meltblown Membrane for Efficient Particulate Matter Removal.

A bark-like imitated polypr opylene (PP)/polycarbonate (PC) nanofibrous membrane was constructed by one-step meltblown technique for efficient particulate matter (PM) removal. The effects of PC content (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on membrane thermal stability, microscopic characteristics, filtration performance, hydrophilicity, and water vapor transmission were investigated. The results demonstrated that using facile design of incompatibility and viscosity difference between PC and PP polymers decreases average fiber diameter, creating a bark-like groove appearance and increasing surface potential, making a new PP/PC membrane with high filtration performance.

Large-Scale Screening and Design of Metal-Organic Frameworks for CH /N Separation.

CH /N separation is one of the great challenges in gas separation, which is of scientific and practical importance, such as in the upgrading of unconventional natural gas. Unfortunately, the separation performance is still quite low so far mainly due to their very close physical properties. In this work, a high-throughput computational screening method was performed to develop metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient CH /N separation.

Realizing a High-Performance Na-Storage Cathode by Tailoring Ultrasmall NaFePOF Nanoparticles with Facilitated Reaction Kinetics.

In this paper, the synthesis of ultrasmall NaFePOF nanoparticles (≈3.8 nm) delicately embedded in porous N-doped carbon nanofibers (denoted as NaFePOF@C) by electrospinning is reported. The as-prepared NaFePOF@C fiber film tightly adherent on aluminum foil features great flexibility and is directly used as binder-free cathode for sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting admirable electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity (117.

Nanofiber membrane of graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile with highly efficient antibacterial activity.

Infection from bacterial resistance to antibiotics has given rise to a grave threat to human health in the world. It is vital to developing highly efficient antibacterial materials that are safe and biocompatible with humans and without bacterial resistance. In this study, nanofiber membranes of graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile (GO/PAN) with highly efficient antibacterial activity were fabricated via electrospinning technique.

Effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hippocampal long-term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 region.

Exposure to environmental electromagnetic fields, especially to the extremely low-frequency (ELF < 300 Hz) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) might produce modulation effects on neuronal activity. Long-term changes in synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) involved in learning and memory may have contributions to a number of neurological diseases. However, the modulation effects of ELF-EMFs on LTP are not yet fully understood.

In Situ Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles on Viscose Cellulose Sponges for Antibacterial Activities.

Antibacterial viscose cellulose sponges (VCSs) were fabricated by heating cellulose xanthogenate (viscose) containing HAuCl·nHO. Viscose was used as the reducing agent and stabilizer for the in situ synthesis of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the VCSs. The morphology, structures, thermal properties, mechanical performance, and antibacterial activities of the sponges were investigated.

The fluorescence mechanism of carbon dots, and methods for tuning their emission color: a review.

Carbon dots (CDs) display tunable photoluminescence and excitation-wavelength dependent emission. The color of fluorescence is affected by electronic bandgap transitions of conjugated π-domains, surface defect states, local fluorophores and element doping. In this review (with 145 refs.

Two-dimensional Acetate-based Light Lanthanide Fluoride Nanomaterials (F-Ln, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd): Morphology, Structure, Growth Mechanism, and Stability.

Discovery of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials is of fundamental importance but remains challenging. In this work, we design a simple and facile bottom-up approach to fabricate a new family of 2D acetate-based light lanthanide fluoride nanomaterials (F-Ln, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) at room temperature and atmosphere pressure, for the first time. Various characterization techniques confirm that as-synthesized F-Ln exhibit an ultrathin morphology with thickness up to 1.

Nanofiltration Membranes with Metal Cation-Immobilized Aminophosphonate Networks for Efficient Heavy Metal Ion Removal and Organic Dye Degradation.

Modifications to the surface of polymeric membranes to integrate supplemental properties like surface charge or catalytic activity are the cornerstone of the membrane process advancement to effectuate improvements in functionality and selectivity. Herein, a new approach is demonstrated to construct nanofiltration membranes with a metal-organic coordinated selective layer. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was integrated with phosphite linkages to form a characteristic aminophosphonate ester polymer based on the Kabachnik-Fields reaction, and a thin polymer layer was deposited on an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane to form the aminophosphonate networks surface-modified membranes.

Preparation of transparent anti-pollution cellulose carbamate regenerated cellulose membrane with high separation ability.

In this study, cellulose pulp and urea were used to synthesize cellulose carbamate (nitrogen content reaches 4.5%) by low-cost and environmentally friendly solid-liquid phase method. Cellulose carbamate fluid was prepared by using sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as solvent.

High-Quality Images Inkjetted on Different Woven Cotton Fabrics Cationized with P(St-BA-VBT) Copolymer Nanospheres.

The porosity, roughness, and thickness of woven fabrics limit inkjet printing quality, which is extremely important for obtaining high-quality inkjet printing images on fabrics. This study reveals the application of poly[styrene-butyl acrylate-(P-vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride)] nanospheres prepared via a soap-free emulsion polymerization approach as a novel kind of the cationization modifier for the inkjet printing of different woven cotton fabrics by the pad-cure process. It was found that the nanospheres exhibited an average diameter of 65.

Metabolism and distribution of dibutyl phthalate in wheat grown on different soil types.

Herein, we investigated the distribution of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the tissues of wheat grown on DBP-contaminated soils and determined the activity of detoxifying enzymes [cytochrome P450 (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] in these tissues at different growth stages of wheat. The content of DBP in wheat grown on all soil types increased with increasing DBP stress concentration, and the DBP content of each tissue decreased as wheat growth progressed. Under the same conditions, the DBP content of roots exceeded that of leaves and stems, and the DBP content of all tissues decreased in the order of brown soil > fluvo-aquic soil > cinnamon soil.

Modification of Supramolecular Membranes with 3D Hydrophilic Slide-Rings for the Improvement of Antifouling Properties and Effective Separation.

A three-dimensional (3D) strategy for the fabrication of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL) membranes with a dynamic surface was developed based on sliding supramolecular polymer brushes (SSPBs). The SSPBs with a 3D hydrophilic structure were introduced into the alkyne-EVAL membrane matrix via an azide-alkyne click coupling reaction. The self-mobile hydrophilic slide-rings in the SSPB provided a proactive exclusion system.

Nitrogen/phosphorus synergistic flame retardant-filled flexible polyurethane foams: microstructure, compressive stress, sound absorption, and combustion resistance.

Compared with a rigid polyurethane foam, a flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) has more diversified applications including filtration, sound absorption, vibration-proofing, decoration, packaging, and heat insulation. However, its most potential hazard is flammability. Therefore, in this study, we focused on improving its flame retardation and then tested its sound absorption with the addition of nitrogen/phosphorus synergistic flame retardants.

Synthesis and characterization of novel porphyrin-cinnamic acid conjugates.

A series of novel porphyrin-cinnamic acid (porphyrin/CA) conjugates (4a-4c) have been synthesized by condensation of 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenyl- porphyrin (1) with different substituted cinnamic acids (CAs) through an alkyl linker due to the biological activities of CAs and the application of porphyrins in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Their related zinc (II) complexes (5a-5c) were also prepared. These novel compounds have been fully characterized by H NMR, Infrared (IR), Mass spectra (Ms) and Elemental analysis.

Mechanical and Static Stab Resistant Properties of Hybrid-Fabric Fibrous Planks: Manufacturing Process of Nonwoven Fabrics Made of Recycled Fibers.

With the development of technology, fibers and textiles are no longer exclusive for the use of clothing and decoration. Protective products made of high-strength and high-modulus fibers have been commonly used in different fields. When exceeding the service life, the protective products also need to be replaced.

Characteristics, Compression, and Buffering Performance of Pomelo-Like Hierarchical Capsules Containing Shear Thickening Fluid.

In this study, a double-walled and pomelo-like hierarchical shear thickening fluid (STF) is successfully encapsulated using the simple and environment-friendly calcium alginate encapsulation technique by instilling STF into sodium alginate (SA) and crosslinking by calcium chloride solution. The encapsulated STF has a pomelo-like structure with a shell thickness of 2.9 μm and core pores with a size of 21.

Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials Based on P(TDA--HDA)/GO Composites.

Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SPCMs) are green, reusable energy storage materials. Because the melting temperature of -alkyl acrylate copolymer is adjustable by controlling the side-chain length, the appropriate melting temperature can be achieved. Poly(tetradecyl acrylate--hexadecyl acrylate) (P(TDA--HDA)) with a molar ratio of 1:1 and SPCMs were fabricated via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method and a solution blending method with P(TDA--HDA) as a thermal storage material and graphene oxide (GO) as a supporting substance.

Direct Observation of Li Ions Trapped in a Mg-Templated Metal-Organic Framework.

Herein we report the first example of a metal-organic framework (MOF) in which the location of Li ions trapped in the porous confinement can be unambiguously defined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, the Li-doped MOF shows significant enhancement in gas uptake as well as selective adsorption of CO over CH.

Accelerated degradation of pollutants via a close interface connection in heterojunction, and special solid-liquid interactions.

The solid-solid or solid-liquid interfaces are vital for the photocatalytic reaction. Herein, AgI nanoparticles (NPs) attached on the (0 1 1) plane of AgWO nanorods were synthesized by a facile method at room temperature. The co-crystalization of the two components caused their phase transformation and the existence of a strong interface interaction.

High-Performance Flexible Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on AZO/ZnO/PVK/PEDOT:PSS Heterostructures Integrated on Human Hair.

Flexible optoelectronics is an emerging research field that has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to the special functions and potential applications of these devices in flexible image sensors, optical computing, energy conversion devices, the Internet of Things, and other technologies. Here, we examine the high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors using AZO/ZnO nanorods/PVK/PEDOT:PSS heterostructures integrated on human hair. Due to the precise interfacial energy-level alignment among all layers and superior mechanical characteristics of human hair, the as-obtained photodetector shows a fast response time, high photoresponsivity, and excellent flexibility.