Quantifying the interfacial triboelectricity in inorganic-organic composite mechanoluminescent materials

Mechanoluminescence (ML) sensing technologies open up new opportunities for intelligent sensors, self-powered displays and wearable devices. However, the emission efficiency of ML materials reported so far still fails to meet the growing application requirements due to the insufficiently understood mechano-to-photon conversion mechanism. Herein, we propose to quantify the ability of different phases to gain or lose electrons under friction (defined as triboelectric series), and reveal that the inorganic-organic interfacial triboelectricity is a key factor in determining the ML in inorganic-organic composites. A positive correlation between the difference in triboelectric series and the ML intensity is established in a series of composites, and a 20-fold increase in ML intensity is finally obtained by selecting an appropriate inorganic-organic combination. The interfacial triboelectricity-regulated ML is further demonstrated in multi-interface systems that include an inorganic phosphor-organic matrix and organic matrix-force applicator interfaces, and again confirmed by self-oxidization and reduction of emission centers under continuous mechanical stimulus. This work not only gives direct experimental evidences for the underlying mechanism of ML, but also provides guidelines for rationally designing high-efficiency ML materials.

[Retrospective study of 70 cases with the head and neck non-parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma]

Objective: To analyze the treatment outcomes and prognoses of children with head and neck non-parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (HNnPM RMS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with HNnPM RMS admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2022. The clinical features, comprehensive treatment modes and prognoses of the patients were analyzed. The overall survival rate (OS) and event free survival rate (EFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate analysis was performed using the Log-rank test. Results: A total of 70 children were included in this study, 38 males and 32 females, with a median age of 47 months (2-210 months). Pathological subtypes including the embryonal in 27 cases, the alveolar in 36 cases and the spindle cell and sclerosing in 7 cases. Thirty children (83.3%) with alveolar type were positive for FOXO1 gene fusion. All 70 children underwent chemotherapy, including 38 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 32 with adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixty of 70 children underwent surgery, of whom, 10 underwent two or more surgeries. There were 63 children underwent radiotherapy, including 54 with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, 4 with particle implantation and 5 with proton therapy. The median follow-up was 45 (5-113) months, the 5-year OS was 73.2%, and the 5-year EFS was 57.7%. Univariate analysis showed lymph node metastasis (χ2=5.022, P=0.025), distant metastasis (χ2=8.258, P=0.004), and high Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) group (χ2=9.859, P=0.029) as risk factors for poor prognosis. Before June 2016, the 5-year OS based on BCH-RMS-2006 scheme was 63.6%, and after 2016, the 5-year OS based on CCCG-RMS-2016 scheme was 79.6%. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary combined standardized treatment can offer good treatment outcome and prognosis for children with HNnPM RMS. Local control is a key to the efficacy of comprehensive treatment.

Controlling the Fluorescence Behavior of Hydrophobic Pigments by Supramolecular Self-Assembling on Organic Layered Silicate Minerals

This research focused on the supramolecular self-assembly of organic fluorescent molecules on organically modified layered silicate minerals to design and prepare layered nanocomposites with excellent fluorescence properties. Aromatic hydrocarbons are hydrophobic and poorly loaded on the hydrophilic surface of layered silicate minerals, but they are easily captured by an organically modified mineral surface. Montmorillonite (MMT) and saponite (SAP), typical 2:1 type layered silicate minerals with different octahedral cations, were modified with the cationic surfactant octadecyl trimethylammonium chloride (OTAC) and loaded with pyrene (an aromatic hydrocarbon dye) with different molar ratios to the cationic surfactant by supramolecular self-assembling to construct fluorescent nanocomposites. The effect of pyrene concentration and the octahedral cation of the 2:1 type layered silicate minerals on photoluminescence properties was investigated. The fluorescence spectra of the nanocomposites prepared under low pyrene concentrations showed two bands at around 400 and 470 nm, corresponding to the monomer and excimer emissions; the band intensity of the excimer shoots up with the increase of pyrene concentration, reflecting different contributions from monomer and dimer species and the formation of radical aggregates. The excellent heat resistance of the layered silicate structure can effectively protect pyrene molecules from external environmental influences.

Vacancy-Enhanced Self-Reduction of Eu in Pyrophosphate Phosphor

The self-reduction mechanism in pyrophosphate phosphors is currently explained through nonequivalent substitution for charge compensation. Nevertheless, the impact of oxygen vacancies on the self-reduction enhancement requires further investigation. Herein, heterovalent Ba_1-xZn_1-yP₂O₇:xEu^2+/3+, yMg phosphors with rigid structures were prepared through conventional solid-phase technology in air. The cation substitution strategy leads to different chemistry electronegativity and adjustable crystal field environments and creates vacancy defects. Crystal structure and component analysis indicate the gradual phase segregation change from BaZnP₂O₇ to BaMgP₂O₇ with increasing Mg²⁺ content. The CIE coordinates that are tuned from (0.514, 0.334) to (0.326, 0.152) and realize color-tunable emission from red-orange to blue-violet can be used as multicolor functional materials. Besides, the phosphor demonstrates its maximum S_a of 0.4725% K^-1 (498 K) and S_r of 1.376% K^-1 (423 K). These results demonstrate that the phosphors have the potential for contactless optical temperature measurement and anticounterfeiting. This work not only investigates the self-reduction of the Eu³⁺ → Eu²⁺ phenomenon but also provides a supplementary explanation and data support to complete the effect of the oxygen vacancy on self-reduction.

Facile synthesis strategy for cesium tin halide perovskite crystals toward light emitting devices and anti-counterfeiting flexible fiber

All-inorganic metal halide perovskites are widely studied because of their excellent photoelectric properties. However, due to the toxicity of CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskites, it is difficult to apply them on a large scale. The lead-free nature and air stability make Cs₂SnX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskites possible candidates to replace CsPbX₃ perovskites. Herein, we report the perovskite crystals (PCs) based on Te(IV)-doped Cs₂SnCl₆: Cs₂Sn_1-xTe_xCl₆. Cs₂Sn_1-xTe_xCl₆ PCs showed yellow emission under a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of Cs₂Sn_0.94Te_0.06Cl₆ PCs was 57.09%, which was proposed to be from the triplet Te(IV) ion ³P₁ → ¹S₀ self-trapping excitons (STE) recombination. The perovskite crystals can be used to fabricate light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The fiber paper prepared from aramid chopped fibers (ACFs) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibers showed a bright yellow light under 365 nm ultraviolet light after being post-processed with Cs₂Sn_1-xTe_xCl₆ PCs solution. The ACFs/PPS compound fiber paper modified with Cs₂Sn_1-xTe_xCl₆ PCs maintained exceptional optical properties and could be stored in air for more than 4500 h. The fluorescence performance of the modified ACFs/PPS compound fiber paper could be applied to fluorescence anti-counterfeiting. The modification strategy and the applications in this work will provide a good choice for studying the optical performance of perovskites and broaden the application of ACFs/PPS compound fiber paper.

Cesium Manganese Halide Perovskite-Analogue Nanocrystals with Highly Efficient Energy Conversion for Flexible Multifunctional Fibers

In recent years, all-inorganic perovskite materials have been considered and applied in various fields. In this work, we have used an improved method to synthesize a novel zero-dimensional (0D) lead-free...

Structure, luminescence properties and energy transfer of terbium and samarium co-doped barium based apatite phosphor with tunable emission colour

Ba₂La_2.85-x Tb_0.15Sm _x (SiO₄)₃F (BLSOF:0.15Tb³⁺,xSm³⁺) is a polychromatic phosphor with an apatite structure that was manufactured through a solid-state process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were utilized to examine the phosphor's phase and morphology. Using the Rietveld technique, the as-prepared phosphor structure was validated. By progressively raising the doping contents of the samarium, the phosphors emitted multicoloured luminescence from short to long wavelengths as indicated by analysis of the optical performance. Overall, the data provide strong evidence that the transfer of energy in BLSOF:0.15Tb³⁺,xSm³⁺ is responsible for the phosphor's colour-tunable property.

Structure and Photoluminescence Properties of Dy3+ Doped Phosphor with Whitlockite Structure

Whitlockite has the advantages of a low sintering temperature, high stability, and a low fabrication cost, and it is widely used as the host for luminescent material. In this study, Ca_1.8Li_0.6La_0.6−x(PO₄)₂:xDy³⁺ phosphor was prepared by the high-temperature solid-state method, and its structure, composition, and luminescence properties were systematically studied. The results showed that a new whitlockite type matrix was prepared by replacing Ca²⁺ in whitlockite with monovalent and trivalent cations. The prepared phosphors belonged to a hexagonal crystal system with a particle size in the range of 5–20 μm. Under the excitation of 350 nm UV light, the samples emitted white light, and there were mainly two stronger emission peaks at 481 nm in the blue band and 573 nm in the yellow band, which correspond to the electron transitions at ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 of Dy³⁺, respectively. The optimal doping concentration of Dy³⁺ in Ca_1.8Li_0.6La_0.6(PO₄)₂ matrix was 0.03 (mol%). The main mechanism of concentration quenching in the sample was dipole–dipole energy transfer. When the temperature was 130 °C, the luminescence intensity of the samples was 78.7% of that at 30 °C, and their thermal quenching activation energy was 0.25 eV. The CIE coordinates of the sample at 30 °C were (0.2750, 0.3006), and their luminescent colors do not change with temperature. All the results indicate that Ca_1.8Li_0.6La_0.6−x(PO₄)₂:xDy³⁺ phosphor is a luminescent material with good luminescence performance and thermal stability, which shows a promising application in the field of LED display.

Perceptions of NZ orthodontists and periodontists on the management of gingival recession in orthodontic patients

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and opinions of orthodontists and periodontists on the management of gingival recession in orthodontic patients.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to 29 periodontists and 80 orthodontists registered and currently practising in New Zealand. All participants answered questions about the timing and clinical indications of mucogingival surgeries in orthodontic patients diagnosed with mucogingival deformities.

RESULTS

Most periodontists and orthodontists believed that gingival grafts should ideally be performed after orthodontic treatment. In clinical practice, 40% of periodontists indicated that they would receive referrals after completion of orthodontic treatment. However, 29.6% of orthodontists indicated that they would refer to a periodontist before orthodontic treatment in clinical practice. The most crucial factor that affected periodontists' decision-making was 'evidence-based guidelines' (35.0%), followed by 'clinical experience' (30.0%) and 'patient concerns' (15.0%). All four factors of 'gingival phenotype', 'presence of gingival recession', 'amount of keratinised tissue' and 'planning specific tooth movements' were equally considered by orthodontists regarding their decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the surveyed New Zealand periodontists and orthodontists expressed a belief that the ideal timing for the management of gingival recessions would be after the completion of orthodontic treatment.

Simultaneous Spectral Tuning and Thermal Stability Adjustment in Ca8ZnGa(1-x)Lax(PO4)7:Eu2+ Phosphors

The modifications of local structure in solid solution are a crucial step to regulate the photoluminescence properties of rare-earth ion-based phosphors. However, the structural diversity of host matrices and the uncertain occupation of activators make it challenging to obtain phosphors with both high stability and tailored emission. Herein, We synthesized a series of β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂-type Ca₈ZnGa_(1-x)La_x(PO₄)₇:Eu²⁺ solid solution phosphors by design. By modifying the Ga/La ratio, controllable regulation of the emission spectrum and thermal stability of the phosphors can be achieved at the same time. The introduction of La³⁺ can regulate the crystal field splitting strength of the Eu²⁺ activators, causing redshifts in the emission spectrum while increasing Ga³⁺ content will lead to enhanced energy transfer between the oxygen vacancy and Eu²⁺, as well as improved thermal stability. Through local structure modification, the spectrum and thermal stability of phosphors can be facilely tuned. The results indicate that this series of phosphors have versatile potentials in various applications.

Tb3+ and Sm3+ co-doped Ca2La3(SiO4)3F phosphor: synthesis, color regulation, and luminescence properties

The photoluminescence spectra of Ca2La2.85−x(SiO4)3F:0.15Tb3+,xSm3+ phosphors (left) could emit typical multicolor light with increasing doping contents of samarium (right).

Controllable crystal form transformation and luminescence properties of up-conversion luminescent material K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ with cryolite structure

In this paper, a novel cryolite-type up-conversion luminescent material K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ with controllable crystal form was synthesized by a high temperature solid state method. K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ can crystallize in monoclinic or cubic form at different temperatures. The composition, structure and up-conversion luminescence (UCL) properties of K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ samples with different crystal form were investigated in detail. It is impressive that both monoclinic and cubic forms of K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ show green emission (2H11/2/4S3/2→4I15/2). The luminescence intensity of cubic K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6 is much higher than that of the monoclinic form, and the reasons are also discussed in detail. The results show that the luminescence intensity of up-conversion materials can be effectively tuned by controlling the crystal form. According to the power dependent UCL intensity, the UCL mechanism and electronic transition process were discussed. In addition, the fluorescence decay curves were characterized and the thermal coupling levels (TCLs) of Er3+ (2H11/2/4S3/2 → 4I15/2) in the range of 304-574 k were used to study the optical temperature sensing characteristics. All the results show that K3Sc0.5Lu0.5F6: Er3+, Yb3+ can be used in electronic components and have potential application value in temperature sensing fields.

A novel and facile synthesis strategy for highly stable cesium lead halide nanowires

As promising low-dimensional semiconductor materials, cesium lead halide (CsPbX₃, X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite-like nanowires (NWs) can be widely applied to the field of semiconductor devices and integrated optoelectronics. Therefore, developing a facile and efficient synthesis method of cesium lead halide perovskite-like NWs can bring both fundamental and practical impacts to the field of optoelectronics. Here, we developed a synthesis strategy of all-inorganic cesium lead halide CsPbI₃ perovskite-like NWs under catalyst-free, solution-phase, and low-temperature conditions. The synthesis strategy was designed such that no inert gas is required and thus enables the synthesis to be carried out in air, which significantly reduces temperature, steps, time, and cost required for the reaction. The as-synthesized NWs were 7 μm in length and 80–100 nm in diameter with ideal morphology. Most of the CsPbI₃ NWs were crystallized in orthorhombic phases that were arranged orderly with a uniform growth direction. In addition, the CsPbI₃ NWs showed a photoluminescence peak near 610 nm and the fluorescence lifetime was 7.34 ns. The photoluminescence mechanism of CsPbI₃ NWs involves the self-trapping behaviour in the radiative recombination process. The composition of CsPbI₃ NWs is highly related to the synthesis temperature. The facile synthesis strategy has opened up a novel path for the synthesis of perovskite-like NWs, laying the foundation for the application of nano-optoelectronic devices, fluorescent anti-counterfeiting, and fluorescent composite materials.

Under air ambient, low temperature, and short reaction time conditions, a facile operation step is proposed to synthesize CsPbI₃ nanowires.

Phenotypic homogeneity of emetic Bacillus cereus isolates in China

Emetic Bacillus cereus strains produce a potent cereulide cytotoxin, which can cause acute and fatal cases of food poisoning. We isolated 18 emetic B. cereus strains from a food poisoning event, and from clinical and non-random food surveillance in China and phenotypic characteristics of haemolysis, starch hydrolysis, salicin fermentation, gelatin liquefaction, cytotoxicity, and susceptibility to antibiotics were assessed. All isolates were positive for haemolysis and gelatin liquefaction, and negative for starch hydrolysis and salicin fermentation. Their haemolytic potentials were intermediate to Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus ATCC 14579 (a non-emetic strain). All isolates were cytotoxic to CHO, Hep-2, and Vero cells, and were sensitive to ampicillin. The homogeneous phenotypes of emetic isolates from China are similar to the corresponding traits of European and Japanese isolates that have been characterized, suggesting highly similar phenotypes of emetic B. cereus worldwide.

Low-temperature sintering of silver patterns on polyimide substrate printed with particle-free ink

In this study, a transparent particle-free reactive silver ink was used to fabricate conductive patterns on a flexible substrate. Thermal annealing and plasma irradiation at low temperature were utilized to improve the conductivity of the as-printed patterns. The effects of sintering process parameters on the microstructure and resistivity of the patterns were investigated. Under the optimized processing conditions, the resistivity of the pattern reached 1.2 × 10 ^-7 Ω · m by thermal sintering, while it was 8 × 10 ^-8 Ω · m after plasma sintering. Combined with these two sintering techniques, the resistivity was reduced to 6 × 10^-8 Ω · m, close to that of bulk silver. This work provides an alternative solution for the fabrication of highly conductive feature patterns on common flexible substrates.

Structure and luminescence properties of a novel broadband green-emitting oxyapatite-type phosphor

In recent years, synthetic apatite-doped rare-earth luminescent materials and their optical properties have attracted extensive worldwide attention. In this study, a series of novel green phosphors Sr₂Y₃(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)O:Eu²⁺ with apatite structure was fabricated via a high temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction, structure refinement, photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra, and temperature-dependent emission intensity were employed to describe the phase and property of the samples. Under the excitation of 365 nm, the phosphors emit strong green emission in the broad band range from 400 nm to 700 nm, which almost covers the visible light spectrum. The quenching concentration of Eu²⁺ in Sr₂Y₃(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)O was about 0.05, which was attributed to the dipole–dipole interactions. The evidence that the as-prepared phosphor can be successfully excited by near ultraviolet light indicates that it can be potentially used as a near UV-convertible phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.

A single-phase novel green phosphor Sr₂Y₃(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)O₂:Eu²⁺ with apatite structure was obtained for the first time.

Preparation, structure and up-conversion luminescence properties of novel cryolite K3YF6:Er3+, Yb3

Cryolite is a suitable host for up-conversion luminescent materials due to its low phonon energy and good optical transparency. In this work, a novel up-conversion material K₃YF₆:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ with a cryolite structure was prepared successfully by a solid state method. The crystal structure, morphology, composition and up-conversion luminescence properties of the as-prepared sample were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrometer in detail. K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ has a cryolite structure. Under 980 nm excitation, the as-prepared sample can generate slight green emission at 524 and 546 nm (attributed to ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺) and strong red emission at 661 and 672 nm (corresponding to ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, ⁴I_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺). All the green and red up-conversion emission of K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ transfer and electronic transition process of the red and green light the sample emitted, the possible luminescence mechanism is discussed in this paper.

Single-phase up-conversion luminescent materials K₃YF₆:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ with cryolite structure were obtained for the first time.

Synthesis of Ce-doped Mn3Gd7-xCex(SiO4)6O1.5 for the enhanced catalytic ozonation of tetracycline

A novel cerium doped compounds Mn₃Gd_7–xCe_x(SiO₄)₆O_1.5 with an apatite structure was found and used to achieve high-efficiency degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solution. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, EDS and other techniques. The characteristic results indicated that the catalytic activity of the compound was improved due to the introduction of Ce in the structure, because Ce³⁺ which was stably present in the apatite structure can serve as an active site for the reaction, and in addition, there was a high presence between Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺ on the surface of the catalyst. The redox potential and high oxygen storage capacity were also beneficial for the catalytic reaction. The results of free radical capture indicated that both superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals participated in the catalytic oxidation process and played an important role in the reaction. The decomposition of tetracycline followed the pseudo second-order reaction kinetics. In addition, the catalyst exhibited long-term stability and low metal leaching during the reaction, which indicated that the novel cerium-doped apatite structure material could be a promising wastewater treatment material.

Multiple antibodies targeting tumor-specific mutations redirect immune cells to inhibit tumor growth and increase survival in experimental animal models

BACKGROUND

T cell therapy for cancer involves genetic introduction of a target-binding feature into autologous T cells, ex vivo expansion and single large bolus administration back to the patient. These reprogrammed T cells can be highly effective in killing cells, but tumor heterogeneity results in regrowth of cells that do not sufficiently express the single antigen being targeted. We describe a cell-based therapy that simultaneously targets multiple tumor-specific antigens.

METHODS

High-affinity polyclonal rabbit antibodies were generated against nine different surface-related tumor-specific mutations on B16F10 cells. Unsorted splenic effector cells from syngeneic mice were incubated with a cocktail of the nine anti-B16F10 antibodies. These 'armed' effector cells were used to treat mice previously inoculated with B16F10 melanoma cells.

RESULTS

The cocktail of nine antibodies resulted in dense homogeneous binding to histological sections of B16F10 cells. Five treatments with the armed effector cells and PD1 inhibition inhibited tumor growth and improved survival. Shortening the interval of the five treatments from every three days to every day increased survival. Arming effector cells with the four antibodies showing best binding to B16F10 cells even further increased survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that ex vivo arming a mixed population of immune effector cells with antibodies targeting multiple tumor-specific mutated proteins in conjunction with PD1 inhibition delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice inoculated with an aggressive melanoma. A remarkably low total antibody dose of less than 5 µg was sufficient to accomplish tumor inhibition. Scaling up to clinical level may be feasible.

Halitosis: prevalence, risk factors, sources, measurement and treatment - a review of the literature

Halitosis, an offensive breath odour, has multiple sources and negative impacts on people's social interactions and quality of life. It is important for health care professionals, including general physicians and dental professionals, to understand its aetiology and risk factors in order to diagnose and treat patients appropriately. In this study, we have reviewed the current literature on halitosis regarding its prevalence, classification, risk factors, sources, measurement and treatment.

High Thermal Stability Apatite Phosphors Ca2La8(SiO4)6O2:Dy3+/Sm3+ for White Light Emission: Synthesis, Structure, Luminescence Properties and Energy Transfer

What ideal w-LED phosphors always aim to do is to achieve a single phase near-sunlight emission phosphor simultaneously with both high luminescence efficiency and high thermal stability at operation temperature. And It is well known that apatite compound phosphors are one of the most promising optical materials to realize those above because of their unique structure enhanced luminescence properties and thermal stability. Here, we synthesized a co-doped single phase apatite phosphors Ca₂La₈(SiO₄)₆O₂:Dy³⁺/Sm³⁺ (CLSO:Dy³⁺/Sm³⁺) for white light emission, which was provided with excellent thermal stability and of which luminescence intensity at 150 °C still was 92 percentage of that at room temperature. Moreover, X-ray diffraction technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope were employed to characterization of phase structure and morphology, and consequently pure apatite structure and gravel-like morphology of phosphors were proved. Analysis of photoluminescence spectra indicated that concentration quenching effect exist in single-doped CLSO:Dy³⁺ phosphors owing to dipole-dipole interaction between Dy³⁺ ions. It is revealed that maybe exist Dy³⁺ ↔ Sm³⁺ bilateral non-radiative energy transfer processes in Dy³⁺/Sm³⁺ co-doped CLSO system by PL spectra and decay curves. And variation of Sm³⁺ ion concentration can control color emission, namely CIE chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperature, finally to achieve white light emission (0.309,0.309) with CCT 6848 K, able to be a potential candidate for commercial lighting applications.

Genetic Polymorphisms in FGFR2 Underlie Skeletal Malocclusion

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 ( FGFR2) in craniofacial bones mediates osteoprogenitor proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The distortion of proper craniofacial bone growth may cause class II and class III skeletal malocclusion and result in compromised function and aesthetics. Here, we investigated the association between variations in FGFR2 and skeletal malocclusions. First, 895 subjects were included in a 2-stage case-control study with independent populations (stage 1: n = 138 class I, 111 class II, and 81 class III; stage 2: n = 279 class I, 187 class II, and 99 class III). Eight candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FGFR2 were screened and validated. Five SNPs (rs2162540, rs2981578, rs1078806, rs11200014, and rs10736303) were found to be associated with skeletal malocclusions (all P < 0.05). That is, rs2162540 was significantly associated with skeletal class II malocclusion, while others were associated with skeletal class III malocclusion. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the common genotypes of rs2981578 and rs10736303 contained the binding sites of RUNX2 and SMAD4. Compared with the common genotypes, the minor genotypes at these 2 SNPs decreased the binding affinity and enhancer effect of RUNX2 and SMAD4, as well the levels of FGFR2 expression. In addition, FGFR2 expression contributed positively to osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Thus, we identified FGFR2 as a skeletal malocclusion risk gene, and FGFR2 polymorphisms regulated its transcriptional expression and then osteogenic differentiation.

[An analysis of the results of video head impulse test in benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood]

Objective:This study was to analyze the results of video head impulse test (vHIT) of benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) in order to determine the potential value of vHIT in the diagnosis and treatment for BPVC and to discuss its possible pathogenesis of BPVC. Method:Thirty-six children with BPVC were enrolled. No hearing loss and skull abnormality were found in these children as assessed by pure tone audiometry, acoustic impedance, CT or MRI scan. The vHIT was carried out, and main outcome measures were the gain of vestibulo-ocular reflex, gain asymmetry, and refixation saccades. Eleven healthy children were selected as normal control who came to our hospital for doing a routine checkup and have no history of dizziness. The differences of vHIT results between these two groups were analyzed. Result:①The vHIT results in control group were normal. In all BPVC subjects, abnormalities were detected in 9 patients (25.0%),including vHIT gains decline in 3 patients, abnormal symmetry in 4 patients, and abnormal isolated overt saccades in 2 patients.②The average saccadic gain in different canals of BPVC group was 1.03±0.14, 1.01±0.15, 1.13±0.31, 1.18±0.36, 1.21±0.33, 1.14±0.30 in left horizontal, right horizontal, left anterior, right posterior, right anterior, left posterior canal, respectively; while in normal group, it was 1.14±0.15, 1.18±0.09, 1.16±0.30, 1.18±0.40, 1.34±0.26, 1.30±0.20, respectively. Significant statistical difference was found only in horizontal canals between these two groups (P<0.05). ③Asymmetry of the three pairs of conjugated semicircular canals was 0.04±0.07 (horizontal canal), 0.06±0.04 (left anterior and right posterior canal), 0.06±0.04 (right anterior and left posterior canal) in BPVC group, respectively; while in control group, it was 0.02±0.02, 0.04±0.03, 0.04±0.04,respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion:A certain proportion of abnormal peripheral vestibule function in children with BPVC was found. vHIT is a "child friendly," relatively easytouse, and simple tool to evaluate each of the 6 semicircular canals, which may offer some potential clinical information for assessing the vestibule dysfunction for BPVC.

A clinical study of paraspinal nerve block on treatment of herpes zoster under ultrasonic guidance

OBJECTIVE

To study the ultrasound guiding by methylenum coeruleum thoracic paravertebral block analgesia effect and promote healing of herpes zoster.

METHODS

A total of 87 patients with herpes zoster were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, and the two groups received the same treatment including antiviral drug, nerve nutrition, in order to increase the body's resistance. The observation group were given thoracic paravertebral block with methylenum coeruleum guided by ultrasound, recorded visual analogue scale (VAS) of the two groups of patients for their hypersensitivity to pain 1d, 3d, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month after treatment, skin lesion healing time, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), patients' satisfaction, etc. RESULTS: After administration of thoracic paravertebral block with methylenum coeruleum, VAS of the observation group expectedly decreased. At the same time, the VAS in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, the skin healing time in the observation group was obviously shorter, and the incidence of PHN was lower than that in the control group. The satisfaction of observation group patients was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

To implement thoracic paravertebral block with methylenum coeruleum guided by ultrasound can help reduce the degree of hypersensitivity to pain, promoting the healing of herpes zoster could reduce the incidence of PHN, greatly improving patients' satisfaction.

Facile Controlled Synthesis of Spinel LiMn2O4 Porous Microspheres as Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Although the electrochemical properties of porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres are usually improved compared to those of irregular LiMn₂O₄ particles, the effects of the different synthesis conditions on the preparation of the porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres are rarely discussed in detail. In the present work, porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres were successfully synthesized by using molten LiOH and porous Mn₂O₃ spheres as a template. Multiple factors were considered in the preparation process, including reagent concentration, pH, adding mode, heating time, etc. The morphology of the MnCO₃ template was crucial for the preparation of porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres and it was mainly affected by the concentration of reactants and the pH value of the solution during the precipitation process. During the lithiation of Mn₂O₃ microspheres, the heating temperature and the ratio between Mn₂O₃ and lithium salt were the most significant variables in terms of control over the morphology and purity of the LiMn₂O₄ microspheres. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres presented better rate capability and cyclability compared to commercial LiMn₂O₄ powder as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study not only highlights the shape-controllable synthesis of LiMn₂O₄ microspheres as promising cathode materials, but also provides some useful guidance for the synthesis of porous LiMn₂O₄ microspheres and other LIB' electrode materials.

Structure and luminescence properties of multicolor phosphor Ba2La3(GeO4)3F:Tb3+,Eu3+

A new kind of multicolor phosphor Ba₂La₃(GeO₄)₃F:0.15Tb³⁺,xEu³⁺ (BLGOF:0.15Tb³⁺,xEu³⁺) has been acquired through the traditional high temperature solid phase synthesis method. The structural information of the phosphor was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Rietveld refinement. The optical properties of the phosphor have also been studied in detail, including its photoluminescence spectra (PL), photoluminescence excitation spectra (PLE), fluorescence decay curves, energy transfer mechanism and thermal quenching spectra. It has been found that the optimum concentration of Eu³⁺ in BLGOF:0.15Tb³⁺,xEu³⁺ is 0.24 mol and the energy transfer mechanism from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ in BLGOF is quadrupole–quadrupole. The color of BLGOF:0.15Tb³⁺,xEu³⁺ phosphors can be changed from green to yellow/orange to red. Some details of the energy transfer are reviewed and the effect of complex anion regulation on thermal stability has also been studied. All the properties are good and can contribute to the promotion from the laboratory to practical application for the phosphor.

Single-phase Ba₂La₃(GeO₄)₃F:Tb³⁺,Eu³⁺ phosphors were obtained for the first time.

Luminescence properties and energy transfer of K3LuF6:Tb3+,Eu3+ multicolor phosphors with a cryolite structure

In recent years, compounds with a cryolite structure have become excellent hosts for luminescent materials. In this paper, Tb³⁺ doped and Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ co-doped K₃LuF₆ phosphors were prepared via a high temperature solid phase sintering method. The XRD, SEM, as well as photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectra were measured to investigate the structure and luminescence properties of the as-prepared samples. In the Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ co-doped K₃LuF₆ samples, both characteristic emission spectra of Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ could be observed and the emission color of the K₃LuF₆:0.12Tb³⁺,xEu³⁺ phosphors could be adjusted from green to yellowish pink and the corresponding CIE values could be regulated from (0.2781, 0.5407) in the green area to (0.4331, 0.3556) in the yellowish pink area by controlling the concentration ratio of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺. In addition, the energy transfer mechanism in Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ co-doped K₃LuF₆ was calculated to be a quadrupole–quadrupole interaction from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ based on the Dexter's equation.

Single-phase multicolor phosphors with a cryolite structure were obtained via energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺.

Preparation, crystal structure and luminescence properties of a novel single-phase red emitting phosphor CaSr2(PO4)2:Sm3+,Li+

Single-phase CaSr₂(PO₄)₂:Sm³⁺,Li⁺ phosphors were prepared via a high-temperature solid-state method under air. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy images, photoluminescence spectra, and concentration-dependent emission spectra were measured to characterize the as-prepared phosphors and luminescence decay curves. The results showed that the CaSr₂(PO₄)₂:Sm³⁺,Li⁺ phosphors exhibited red luminescence, and the emission spectra of the phosphors consisted of four sharp peaks at around 565, 601 (the strongest one), 647 and 707 nm. The optimum doping concentration of Sm³⁺ ions was 0.09 (mol concentration), and the mechanism of energy transfer among Sm³⁺ ions was defined to be quadrupole–quadrupole (q–q) interactions using Dexter's theory. The Blasse concentration quenching method was used to determine the critical distance R_c for energy transfer among Sm³⁺ as 10.99 Å. The results indicate that the as-prepared phosphors have good thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.773 eV via temperature-dependent emission spectra. Therefore, CaSr_2−2x(PO₄)₂:xSm³⁺,xLi⁺ materials can be used as red-emitting phosphors for UV-pumped white-light emitting diodes.

Single-phase red emitting CaSr₂(PO₄)₂:Sm³⁺,Li⁺ phosphors with good thermal stability were obtained.

Ultrathin Si/CNTs Paper-Like Composite for Flexible Li-Ion Battery Anode With High Volumetric Capacity

Thin and lightweight flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high volumetric capacities are crucial for the development of flexible electronic devices. In the present work, we reported a paper-like ultrathin and flexible Si/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite anode for LIBs, which was realized by conformal electrodeposition of a thin layer of silicon on CNTs at ambient temperature. This method was quite simple and easy to scale up with low cost as compared to other deposition techniques, such as sputtering or CVD. The flexible Si/CNT composite exhibited high volumetric capacities in terms of the total volume of active material and current collector, surpassing the most previously reported Si-based flexible electrodes at various rates. In addition, the poor initial coulombic efficiency of the Si/CNT composites can be effectively improved by prelithiation treatment and a commercial red LED can be easily lighted by a full pouch cell using a Si/CNT composite as a flexible anode under flat or bent states. Therefore, the ultrathin and flexible Si/CNT composite is highly attractive as an anode material for flexible LIBs.