Site-Recognition-Induced Structural and Photoluminescent Evolution of the Gold-Pincer Nanocluster

The induced structural transformation provides an efficient way to precisely modulate the fine structures and the corresponding performance of gold nanoclusters, thus constituting one of the important research topics in cluster chemistry. However, the driving forces and mechanisms of these processes are still ambiguous in many cases, limiting further applications. In this work, based on the unique coordination mode of the pincer ligand-stabilized gold nanocluster Au8(PNP)4, we revealed the site-recognition mechanism for induced transformations of gold nanoclusters. The "open nitrogen sites" on the surface of the nanocluster interact with different inducers including organic compounds and metals and trigger the conversion of Au8(PNP)4 to Au13 and Au9Ag4 nanoclusters, respectively. Control experiments verified the site-recognition mechanism, and the femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the electronic and photoluminescent evolution accompanied by the structural transformation.

Asymmetric transformation of achiral gold nanoclusters with negative nonlinear dependence between chiroptical activity and enantiomeric excess

The investigation of chirality at the nanoscale is important to bridge the gap between molecular and macroscopic chirality. Atomically precise metal nanoclusters provide an ideal platform for this research, while their enantiopure preparation poses a challenge. Here, we describe an efficient approach to enantiopure metal nanoclusters via asymmetric transformation, that is, achiral Au₂₃(SC₆H₁₁)₁₆ nanoclusters are converted into chiral and enantiopure Au₂₄(L)₂(SC₆H₁₁)₁₆ nanoclusters by a chiral inducer phosphoramidite (L). Two enantiomers of Au₂₄(L)₂(SC₆H₁₁)₁₆ are obtained and the crystal structures reveal their hierarchical chirality, which originates from the two introduced chiral L molecules, the transformation-triggered asymmetric rearrangement of the staple motifs on the surface of the gold core, and the helical arrangement of nanocluster molecules. The construction of this type of enantiomerically pure nanoclusters is achieved based on the easy-to-synthesize and modular L. Lastly, the chirality-related chiroptical performance was investigated, revealing a negative nonlinear CD-ee dependence.

Preorganized Nitrogen Sites for Au11 Amidation: A Generalizable Strategy toward Precision Functionalization of Metal Nanoclusters

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters have received tremendous attention due to their unique structures and properties. Although synthetic approaches to this kind of nanomaterial have been well developed, methods toward precision functionalization of the as-synthesized metal nanoclusters are extremely limited, hindering their interfacial modification and related performance improvement. Herein, an amidation strategy has been developed for the precision functionalization of the Au₁₁ nanocluster based on preorganized nitrogen sites. The nanocluster amidation did not change the number of gold atoms in the Au₁₁ kernel and their bonding mode to the surface ligands but slightly modified the arrangement of gold atoms with the introduction of functionality and chirality, thus representing a relatively mild method for the modification of metal nanoclusters. The stability and oxidation barrier of the Au₁₁ nanocluster are also improved accordingly. The method developed here would be a generalizable strategy for the precision functionalization of metal nanoclusters.

Open Nitrogen Site-Induced Kinetic Resolution and Catalysis of a Gold Nanocluster

The emerging metal nanocluster provides a platform for the investigation of structural features, unique properties, and structure-property correlation of nanomaterials at the atomic level. Construction of open sites on the surface of the metal nanocluster is a long-pursued but challenging goal. Herein, we realized the construction of "open organic sites" in a metal nanocluster for the first time. Specifically, we introduce the PNP (2,6-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) pincer ligand in the synthesis of the gold nanocluster, enabling the construction of a structurally precise Au₈(PNP)₄ nanocluster. The rigidity and the unique bonding mode of PNP lead to open nitrogen sites on the surface of the Au₈(PNP)₄ nanocluster, which have been utilized as multifunctional sites in this work for efficient kinetic resolution and catalysis. The gold pincer nanocluster and the open nitrogen site-induced performance will be enlightening for the construction of multifunctional metal nanoclusters.

[Identification and genetic analysis of new mutations in EYA1 gene of BOS syndrome]

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations of a patient with branchiootic syndrome(BOS) and her families and to carry out genetic testing in order to specify the biological pathogenesis. Methods: Clinical data of the patient and her families were collected. Genomic DNA in the peripheral blood of the proband and her family members was extracted. All exons of 406 deafness-related susceptible genes as well as their flanking regions were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing, and the mutation sites of the proband and her parents were validated by Sanger sequencing. Results: There were nine members in three generations, of whom four presented with hearing loss, preauricular fistula and branchial fistula which met the diagnostic criteria of BOS. Proband and her mother presented with auricle malformation and inner ear malformation. And no one had abnormalities in the kidneys of all the patients. Pedigree analysis revealed that the mode of inheritance in the family was consistent with the autosomal dominant pattern. Mutational analysis showed that all the affected patients detected a heterozygous frameshift variation c.1255delT in the EYA1 gene, which had not been reported. Genotype and phenotype were co-isolated in this family. Such a frameshift variation produced a premature termination codon, thereby causing premature termination of translation (p.C419VFS*12). ACMG identified that the mutation was pathogenic. This mutation was novel and not detected in controls. A heterozygous missense variation mutation c.403G>A(p.G135S) in EYA1 gene was also detected in three members of this family. ACMG identified that the mutation clinical significance was uncertain. However, two of whom were normal, which seemed the disease was not caused by this mutation in this family. Conclusions: A novel frameshift mutation in EYA1(c.1255delT) is the main molecular etiology of BOS in the Chinese family. This study expands the mutational spectrum of EYA1 gene. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous among patients in this family. The diagnosis of BOS should combine gene tests with clinical phenotypes analysis.

[Analysis of genetic characteristics in two Chinese children of type Ⅱ Waardenburg syndrome]

Objective: To screen and analyze the mutations of MITF gene in two children of type Ⅱ Waardenburg syndrome (WS2) from different families in Yunnan,China,and to explore the possible molecular pathogenesis. Methods: With informed consent, medical history collection, physical examinations, audiological evaluation, and high resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scan of temporal bone were performed on the two WS2 probands and their family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all individuals. The coding regions including all exons, part of introns and promoters of MITF, PAX3, SOX10, SNAI2, END3, ENDRB, and KITLG genes were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing, pathogenic mutations detected in the probands and their parents were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results: The proband 1 carried c.641_643delGAA mutation in the 7th exon of MITF gene, which was a frame-shift mutation resulting in an amino acid change of p.214delR. It was a de novo mutation as the parents of proband 1 showed no variation on this site. The proband 2 carried heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene, which defected the function of MITF protein. Conclusion: Genetic examinations provide important evidence for diagnosis of Waardenburg syndrome. Heterozygous mutation c.641_643delGAA and heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene might be the molecular pathogenesis of the two WS2 probands in this study.

[Treatment of parotid hemangioma in children]

Objective:To summarize the treatment and effect of children with parotid hemangioma. Method:Thirty-three children with parotid hemangioma were treated with drug in 22 cases, 9 of which received propranolol orally, accounting for 27%; 13 cases underwent B-ultrasound guided bleomycin injection, accounting for 40%; another 11 cases were used. The treatment of surgical removal of hemangioma, accounting for 33%. Result:In 22 children with drug therapy, the evaluation criteria were evaluated by Achauer et al. 12 cases of grade Ⅳ, accounting for 54.5%; 7 cases of grade Ⅲ, accounting for 31.8%; 2 cases of grade Ⅱ, accounting for 9%. For example, accounted for 4.5%; 2 of them（1 in gradeⅠand Ⅱ） were treated with drug therapy for 6 months after surgical resection of hemangioma. Eleven children underwent surgical resection of hemangioma, and 8 patients underwent complete resection of the tumor, accounting for 73%. Among them, 3 patients had residual hemangiomas during operation, and the residual tumor was treated with bleomycin. This group of medications showed that children aged<12 months, after oral propranolol, the tumors were reduced to varying degrees, the most significant change within 1 week after administration, and then the tumor was further reduced until the end of treatment. Conclusion:B-ultrasoun lower bleomycin injection in children with parotid hemangioma is effective, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low, but multiple courses of treatment are required. For patients with poor drug treatment, recurrence or limited range, surgical resection of blood vessels can be selected. Tumor surgery should pay attention to the choice of indications and surgical operation skills, reduce the risk of facial nerve injury and postoperative facial scars. There are many different treatments for infantile hemangioma, but there is still no treatment for all children. The drug treatment of this group showed that after oral propranolol, the tumors were all reduced to varying degrees, the color became lighter, the texture became softer, and the change was most significant within 1 week after administration, and then the tumor was further reduced until the end of treatment. B-ultrasound guided bleomycin injection in children with parotid hemangioma is effective. After 1-2 courses of treatment, the tumor shrinks significantly and the incidence of adverse reactions is low. Drug treatment of parotid hemangioma in children is simple. A safe and effective method. For children with poor drug treatment, recurrence or limited range, surgical treatment of hemangioma can be selected. Surgery should pay attention to the choice of indications and surgical operation skills, reduce the risk of facial nerve injury and postoperative facial scars.

Performance evaluations of hybrid modulation with different optical labels over PDQ in high bit-rate OLS network systems

Two orthogonal modulation optical label switching(OLS) schemes, which are based on payload of polarization multiplexing-differential quadrature phase shift keying(POLMUX-DQPSK or PDQ) modulated with identifications of duobinary (DB) label and pulse position modulation(PPM) label, are researched in high bit-rate OLS network. The BER performance of hybrid modulation with payload and label signals are discussed and evaluated in theory and simulation. The theoretical BER expressions of PDQ, PDQ-DB and PDQ-PPM are given with analysis method of hybrid modulation encoding in different the bit-rate ratios of payload and label. Theoretical derivation results are shown that the payload of hybrid modulation has a certain gain of receiver sensitivity than payload without label. The sizes of payload BER gain obtained from hybrid modulation are related to the different types of label. The simulation results are consistent with that of theoretical conclusions. The extinction ratio (ER) conflicting between hybrid encoding of intensity and phase types can be compromised and optimized in OLS system of hybrid modulation. The BER analysis method of hybrid modulation encoding in OLS system can be applied to other n-ary hybrid modulation or combination modulation systems.

[Minimally invasive surgical techniques of cochlear implantation withround window pathways in young children]

Objective:To discuss the minimally invasive surgical techniques and the effect of cochlear implantation with round window pathways in young children(≤3 years).Method:One hundred and sixty patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearin loss received MED-EL cochlear implantation,including 144 cases of normal middle and inner ear,4 cases of Mondini deformity,12 cases of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.Result:Of 160 patients underwent CIs,148 patients were performed with round window pathways,the rate was 92.5%. Iit's difficult to exposure round window in 12 patients,performing from promontory.All electrodes of 158 cases with unilateral CI and 2 cases with bilateral CI were implanted successfully,in which the CI went normally and electrode array were protected well.All implant devices had worked normally and all patients had performed well during an average follow-up period of 8 month-3 years.Post-operatively complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,facial nerve injury haven't been found.Conclusion:Cochlear implantation could be performed in patients wit with round window pathways,and it is a safe and effective way in young children.

[Sclerotherapy for faciocervical lymphatic malformations under digital subtraction angiography in children]

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and advantages of fluoroscopy sclerotherapy treatment for the faciocervical lymphatic malformations (LMs) under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in children. Method:Retrospective analysis of 48 cases of lymphatic malfromations who were treated with intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin and iohexol under DSA and fluoroscopy, and followed up in Kunming children's hospital. Result:Forty-eight cases of children were treated 1 to 5 intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin and iohexol that carried out under DSA and fluoroscopy. Follow up ranged from 6 to 18 months, 22 cases (45.83%) were cured, 19 cases (39.85%) were markedly effective, 5 cases (10.42%) were effective and 2 cases (4.17%) were ineffective. The total effective rate was 95.83% with no scarring, pigmentation and significant postoperative complications. Conclusion:Intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin under DSA is an effective and safe method for treatment of lymphatic malformations in children and has the advantages of positioning accuracy, less damage, fewer complication and no influence on apperarence and function.

Photochemical properties of CeO2-coated ZnO nanorods

Well-aligned ZnO nanorods were deposited by a mild hydrothermal process and coated with nanosized CeO2 particles (approximately 5 nm) by an oxidative-soak-coating method at 45 degrees C. The low growth temperature proved useful in avoiding interfacial reaction between the two phases. Correlation of photoluminescence results indicated that the defects responsible for the deep level emission (DLE) from ZnO were largely located at the surface. The CeO2 coating reduced the DLE but also the photocatalytic activity as surficial hydroxyl groups were involved in the nucleation of the CeO2 phase and thus not available for absorption of the methylene blue species for degradation. Still, CeO2 coated ZnO nanorods retained their photocatalytic ability and could be useful as bifunctional catalyst to treat multiple contaminants simultaneously.

[Observation of deaf-mute students' audition examine and otacoustic effect]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the state of the remnant hearing of deaf-mute students and to check the effect of hearing aids to them.

METHOD

38 cases of deaf and dumb students were examined with the pure tone auditometry, acoustic immitance test, auditory brainstem response, and the environmental sound discrimination test.

RESULT

In 17 cases, the average threshold of air conduction of speech frequency is below 89 dB HL; In 18 cases, it is between 90 dB and 110 dB; In 3 cases, it is above 110 dB. 33 cases have model A curve and 5 cases have model B curve. When 123 dB peSPL was presented, 24 cases generated the waveform but the others didn't. 16 cases could discriminate the environmental sound and the other 22 cases could not, but if the patients weared the hearing aids, the number of the persons who could discriminate the environmental sound increased to 24, only 14 cases had no effect by this means.

CONCLUSION

Examination of deaf-mutes audition can find persons with residual audition. If they wear the hearing aids and go into hearing rehabilitation training at the same time as early as possible, it will improve the environmental sound discrimination rate.

[Analysis on voice acoustic parameters and electroglottographic parameters in normal children of Han, Naxi, Bai nationality]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the normal vocal acoustic parameters and electroglottographic (EGG) parameters and their differences in normal children of the Han, the Naxi, the Bai nationality.

METHOD

By using computer and Dr. speech software, We studied six parameters of voice acoustic and the E.G.G. in 951 children (Han 342, Naxi 224, Bai 385), aged 4-8 years old. We also examined 30 cases who suffered from vocal nodule and local proliferation.

RESULT

The major parameters 1. Jitter, 2. Shimmer, 3. Mean F0, 4. SD F0, 5. NNE) of the voice acoustic and E.G.G. of the three nationality.

CONCLUSION

1. All parameters in Han nationality school-age children and preschool children were not different in years old. But Naxi and Bai nationality school-age children's Mean F0 and SD F0 were different from preschool children. The parameters(Mean F0, SD F0) of school-age children in Han, Naxi and Bai nationality were significant different. 2. The tested parameters were significant different between normal children of the Han nationality and the vocal nodule patients.

Cutaneous infection by Scedosporium apiospermum and its successful treatment with itraconazole

We report the case of a 42-year-old man with a 13-year history of bilateral faciocervical infiltrative erythema, which had been misdiagnosed as tuberculoderma and which had failed to respond to treatment with adrenal corticosteroids and antituberculotics. On admission to the department, Scedosporium apiospermum was identified on lesion biopsies and fungus cultures as the causative agent and a diagnosis of cutaneous infection by S. apiospermum was made. This is the first report of chronic skin granuloma caused by S. apiospermum in China. Treatment with oral itraconazole (100-400 mg/day) led to clinical cure within 4 months.

[A survey of antibodies to arboviruses in residents in south-western part of Yunnan province]

In order to provide serological evidence for arbovirus infection in Yunnan province, 760 Samples of human sera collected from nine counties in south-western part of Yunnan province were examined for HI antibodies to 11 arboviral antigens. The viruses used in this experiment included 3 alphaviruses (MAY, VEE and CHIK) and 8 flaviviruses (JE, MVE, KUN, DEN3, DEN4, KFD, LGT and POW). 275 samples were found positive for HI antibodies to alphaviruses (36.2%) and 189 of them (68.7%) reacted with MAY virus, 61 (22.2%) with CHIK. The GMT of HI titers for VEE, MAY and Chik were 164.4, 94.5 and 66.7, respectively. 588 samples of sera (77.4%) were found positive for HI antibodies to flaviviruses. The positive HI antibody rates were as follows: JE, 27.9%; DEN, 36.6%; KFD, 22.2%; MVE, 22.1%; KUN, 18.7%; POW, 8.8% and LGT, 7.9%, respectively. Its average GMT was 356, and the antibody titers of 403 samples of sera were higher than 1/640. Cross reactions among viruses, especially flaviviruses, were usually found by HI test, and superinfections were present. In addition to the existence of JE and DEN viruses the results clearly showed that many Kinds of arboviruses might exist in Yunan Province.