Searching High-Potential Dihydroxynaphthalene Cathode for Rocking-Chair All-Organic Aqueous Proton Batteries.

The lack of acid-proof high-potential cathode largely limits the development and competitiveness of proton batteries. Herein, the authors systematically investigated six dihydroxynaphthalenes (DHNs) and found that 2,6-DHN delivered the best cathode performance in proton battery with the highest redox potential (0.84 V, vs SHE) and a specific capacity of 91.6 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 . In situ solid-state electropolymerization of DHNs is responsible for the voltage and capacity fading of DHNs, and 2,6-DHN's excellent electrochemical performance is derived from its high polymerization energy barrier. By compounding with rGO, the 2,6-DHN/rGO electrode can maintain a specific capacity of 89 mAh g-1 even after 12 000 cycles at 5 A g-1 . When it is paired with the 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ) anode, the assembled rocking-chair all-organic proton battery exhibited a high cell voltage of 0.85 V, and excellent energy/power densities (70.8 Wh kg-1 /850 W kg-1 ). This study showcases a new-type high-potential proton-containing organic cathode and paves the way for constructing a high-voltage rocking-chair proton battery. Also, in situ solid-state electropolymerization will inspire the further study of phenol-based small-molecule electrodes.

Application of direct observation of operational skills in nursing skill evaluation of pressure injury: A randomized clinical trial.

This was a non-blinded, single-centre, randomized, controlled clinical trial that compared the effectiveness of direct observation of procedural skills (DOPSs)with traditional assessment methods in pressure injury (PI) care skills. The study population included 82 nursing professionals randomly assigned to the study group (n = 41) and the control group (n = 41). Both groups of nurses underwent a 6-month training in PI care skills and were subsequently evaluated. The main outcome variables were the PI skill operation scores and theoretical scores. Secondary outcome variables included satisfaction and critical thinking abilities. Independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were used to assess differences between the two groups of nurses. The results showed no statistically significant difference in PI skill operation scores between the two groups of nurses (p > 0.05). When comparing the PI theoretical scores, the study group scored higher than the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In terms of satisfaction assessment, the study group and the control group showed differences in improving self-directed learning, enhancing communication skills with patients, improving learning outcomes and increasing flexibility in clinical application (p < 0.05). When comparing critical thinking abilities between the two groups of nurses, there was no statistically significant difference at the beginning of the training, but after 3 months following the training, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.01).The results indicated that the DOPS was effective in improving PI theoretical scores, increasing nurse satisfaction with the training and enhancing critical thinking abilities among nurses.

UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase enhances rice survival at high temperature.

High-temperature stress inhibits normal cellular processes and results in abnormal growth and development in plants. However, the mechanisms by which rice (Oryza sativa) copes with high temperature are not yet fully understood. In this study, we identified a rice high temperature enhanced lesion spots 1 (hes1) mutant, which displayed larger and more dense necrotic spots under high temperature conditions. HES1 encoded a UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase, which had UGPase enzymatic activity. RNA sequencing analysis showed that photosystem-related genes were differentially expressed in the hes1 mutant at different temperatures, indicating that HES1 plays essential roles in maintaining chloroplast function. HES1 expression was induced under high temperature conditions. Furthermore, loss-of-function of HES1 affected heat shock factor expression and its mutation exhibited greater vulnerability to high temperature. Several experiments revealed that higher accumulation of reactive oxygen species occurred in the hes1 mutant at high temperature. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and comet experiments indicated that the hes1 underwent more severe DNA damage at high temperature. The determination of chlorophyll content and chloroplast ultrastructure showed that more severe photosystem defects occurred in the hes1 mutant under high temperature conditions. This study reveals that HES1 plays a key role in adaptation to high-temperature stress in rice.

Long-Lived Color-Tunable Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of Boron-Doped Carbon Dots.

Carbon dots (CDs) with long-lived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) or long afterglow properties draw much attention. However, most room-temperature phosphorescent materials are metal containing, and the exploitation of long-lived color-tunable RTP materials faces great challenges. Here, we report metal-free boron-doped CDs (B-CDs) for room-temperature phosphorescence with tunable color and an ultralong lifetime. B-CDs were obtained by simply calcining a mixture of boric acid and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid in the atmosphere. The as-prepared B-CDs were characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and so forth. Under the excitation of 310 nm UV light, B-CDs show RTP that appears as blue with a phosphorescence lifetime of 1042 ms, and after switching the excited wavelength to 365 nm, the RTP appears as green with a phosphorescence lifetime of 590 ms. Due to the unique RTP properties, B-CDs display promising applications in anticounterfeiting and information encryption.

Correlation between patients' power distance and their willingness to participate in patients' safety: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: This study aimed to explore the correlation between patient power distance and their willingness to participate in patient safety. BACKGROUND: The positive significance of patient participation in patient safety has been widely recognized worldwide, but in clinical practice, patients' willingness to participate is uneven and lack of initiative. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey of hospitalized patients (n = 660) from six tertiary hospitals in Shanghai. Pearson's correlation analysis analyzed data. RESULTS: Patients have a higher power distance (4.08 ± 0.59). The willingness of patients to participate in patient safety was moderate (3.50 ± 1.03). Pearson's correlation analysis shows that patients' power distance negatively and slightly affected their willingness of participation (r = -.134, p < .001). The perceived authority dimension of patients' power distance has no significant correlation with patients' willingness of participation (p > .05). The emotional communication dimension of patients' power distance negatively affects patients' disease-related willingness (r = -.077, p < .001). The decision-making participation dimension of patients' power distance negatively affects patients' willingness (R = -.201, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical staff should focus on patients' power distance in medical activities. In addition, appropriate communication methods should be selected according to patients' power distance, so as to help them improve their willingness of participation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers should educate nurses on the knowledge of power distance and its importance. By evaluating patients' power distance, humanistic care and meticulous communication are implemented to encourage patients to actively participate in patient safety.

The moderating effect of cultural intelligence between nurses' relationship conflict and teamwork.

AIMS: To determine if there is a moderating effect of cultural intelligence between the conflict of nursing relationships and teamwork. BACKGROUND: Relationship conflicts that exist in the nursing teamwork cannot be ignored. It would lead to poor teamwork and impact on patients' poor outcomes. In the meantime, cultural intelligence has been proven that people who have a higher cultural intelligence can do better at the work. METHODS: The sample included 550 clinic nurses from five different hospitals in Shanghai. The Cultural Intelligence Scale, the Relationship Conflict Scale, and the Nursing Teamwork Survey Scale were used to investigate. Through the Johnson-Neyman method and SPSS Process Macro, the moderating effect of cultural intelligence was analysed. RESULTS: The findings showed that cultural intelligence was founded to be significant (b = 2.03, p < 0.01). When the cultural intelligence score is greater than or equal to 90.8, the relationship conflict between nurses will not affect teamwork. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study may provide data to improve nurses' performance in team cooperation. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing managers should pay attention to the construction of the nurse's cultural intelligence. Nursing managers should guide nurses in daily work to continuously develop their own cultural intelligence. Enable nurses to effectively transfer social skills from one culture to another, and improve teamwork skills.

MORE FLORET1 Encodes a MYB Transcription Factor That Regulates Spikelet Development in Rice.

Rice (Oryza sativa) spikelets have a unique inflorescence structure, and the mechanisms regulating their development are not yet fully understood. Moreover, approaches to manipulate spikelet development have the potential to increase grain yield. In this study, we identified and characterized a recessive spikelet mutant, namely more floret1 (mof1). The mof1 mutant has a delayed transition from the spikelet to the floral meristem, inducing the formation of extra lemma-like and palea-like organs. In addition, the main body of the palea was reduced, and the sterile lemma was enlarged and partially acquired hull (lemma and/or palea) identity. We used map-based cloning to identify the MOF1 locus and confirmed our identification by complementation and by generating new mof1 alleles using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. MOF1 encodes a MYB domain protein with the typical ethylene response factor-associated amphiphilic repression motifs, is expressed in all organs and tissues, and has a strong repression effect. MOF1 localizes to the nucleus and interacts with TOPLESS-RELATED PROTEINs to possibly repress the expression of downstream target genes. Taken together, our results reveal that MOF1 plays an important role in the regulation of organ identity and spikelet determinacy in rice.

Development of an anti-infective coating on the surface of intraosseous implants responsive to enzymes and bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial proliferation on the endosseous implants surface presents a new threat to the using of the bone implants. Unfortunately, there is no effective constructed antibacterial coating which is bacterial anti-adhesion substrate-independent or have long-term biofilm inhibition functions. METHODS: Drug release effect was tested in Chymotrypsin (CMS) solution and S. aureus. We used bacterial inhibition rate assays and protein leakage experiment to analyze the in vitro antibacterial effect of (Montmorillonite/Poly-L-lysine-Chlorhexidine)10 [(MMT/PLL-CHX)10] multilayer film. We used the CCK-8 assay to analyze the effect of (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films on the growth and proliferation of rat osteoblasts. Rat orthopaedic implant-related infections model was constructed to test the antimicrobial activity effect of (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films in vivo. RESULTS: In this study, the (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films structure were progressively degraded and showed well concentration-dependent degradation characteristics following incubation with Staphylococcus aureus and CMS solution. Bacterial inhibition rate assays and protein leakage experiment showed high levels of bactericidal activity. While the CCK-8 analysis proved that the (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films possess perfect biocompatibility. It is somewhat encouraging that in the in vivo antibacterial tests, the K-wires coated with (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films showed lower infections incidence and inflammation than the unmodified group, and all parameters are close to SHAM group. CONCLUSION: (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films provides a potential therapeutic method for orthopaedic implant-related infections.

OsACL-A2 negatively regulates cell death and disease resistance in rice.

ATP-citrate lyases (ACL) play critical roles in tumour cell propagation, foetal development and growth, and histone acetylation in human and animals. Here, we report a novel function of ACL in cell death-mediated pathogen defence responses in rice. Using ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) mutagenesis and map-based cloning, we identified an Oryza sativa ACL-A2 mutant allele, termed spotted leaf 30-1 (spl30-1), in which an A-to-T transversion converts an Asn at position 343 to a Tyr (N343Y), causing a recessive mutation that led to a lesion mimic phenotype. Compared to wild-type plants, spl30-1 significantly reduces ACL enzymatic activity, accumulates high reactive oxygen species and increases degradation rate of nuclear deoxyribonucleic acids. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated insertion/deletion mutation analysis and complementation assay confirmed that the phenotype of spl30-1 resulted from the defective function of OsACL-A2 protein. We further biochemically identified that the N343Y mutation caused a significant degradation of SPL30N343Y in a ubiquitin-26S proteasome system (UPS)-dependent manner without alteration in transcripts of OsACL-A2 in spl30-1. Transcriptome analysis identified a number of up-regulated genes associated with pathogen defence responses in recessive mutants of OsACL-A2, implying its role in innate immunity. Suppressor mutant screen suggested that OsSL, which encodes a P450 monooxygenase protein, acted as a downstream key regulator in spl30-1-mediated pathogen defence responses. Taken together, our study discovered a novel role of OsACL-A2 in negatively regulating innate immune responses in rice.

Factors associated with adoption of coping strategies among Chinese patients with heart failure in ethnic minority regions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the coping strategies in patients with heart failure (HF) in the ethnic minority regions of China and to explore the factors affecting the adoption of coping strategies. BACKGROUND: Effective coping with illness is an important element that influences the adaptation and increases the patient quality of life. Although different factors have been proposed to be determinants of coping strategy, findings are inconclusive, especially when it comes to the cultural background. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed. METHODS: A total of 360 HF patients in four districts of Xinjiang were enrolled. All participants completed the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire and self-management Questionnaire. RESULTS: Heart failure patients had lower scores in confrontation and higher scores in avoidance and acceptance resignation than patients in the Chinese norm. The multiple regression analysis revealed several factors that indicate confrontation coping including symptom management, employment status and psychological and social management, whereas religion (R2), disease duration, employment status and payment system (P2) were identified as indicators of avoidance coping. In addition, ethnicity (E1), disease duration and employment status were indicators of acceptance resignation coping. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from this study suggest that HF patients in the ethnic minority regions may use less confrontation coping and more avoidance and acceptance resignation coping than patients in the Chinese norm. Moreover, the cultural background, duration of disease, quality of life and self-management play important roles in the selection of HF coping strategy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The disparities of racial/ethnic exist in coping strategy. Healthcare providers are required to better understand the role of religion in the coping process and how it contributes to the selection of coping strategies.

Immigrant nurses' perceptions on cultural differences-based job concerns: A phenomenological study in Shanghai China.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of immigrant nurses working in Shanghai, China. BACKGROUND: With the development of China, population growth has been accelerating. Simultaneously, the number of immigrant nurses in Shanghai has been increasing dramatically. Meanwhile, their turnover rate is abnormally high, primarily because of job concerns stemming from cultural differences. An understanding of immigrant nurses' job concerns caused by cultural differences can be used to help them to work more efficiently and cohesively. We aimed to investigate immigrant nurses' lived experiences regarding job concerns caused by cultural differences in Shanghai, China. METHODS: This is a phenomenological study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen immigrant nurses from January-July 2016. Data were collected using audio-taped face-to-face interviews; the narratives were then transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: The following three major themes emerged from the data: "communication difficulties," "work adjustment difficulties" and "life adjustment difficulties." The eight sub-themes within these were as follows: (i) language barrier, (ii) inability to integrate oneself with the local culture, (iii) feelings of unfairness, (iv) difficulty asking for leave, (v) feeling stressed, (vi) not being acclimatised, (vii) feeling helpless and (viii) feeling guilt at being unable to take care of their family. CONCLUSION: It is important to implement appropriate training programmes on language and cultural adaptation for immigrant nurses. To enhance integrate immigrant nurses into Shanghai's society, more support needs to be provided. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Administrators in hospitals should pay attention to immigrant nurses' job concerns that are caused by cultural differences and provide timely and effective assistance.

Cultural factors influencing dietary and fluid restriction behaviour: perceptions of older Chinese patients with heart failure.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the cultural factors related to dietary and fluid restriction behaviours among older Chinese patients. BACKGROUND: Excess dietary sodium and fluid intake are risk factors contributing to the worsening and rehospitalisation for heart failure in older patients. Managing the complex fluid and diet requirements of heart failure patients is challenging and is made more complicated by cultural variations in self-management behaviours in response to a health threat. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semi-structured in interviews and framework analysis. METHODS: The design of this study is qualitative descriptive. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 heart failure patients. Data were analysed through content analysis. RESULTS: Seven cultural themes emerged from the qualitative data: the values placed on health and illness, customary way of life, preference for folk care and the Chinese healthcare system, and factors related to kinship and social ties, religion, economics and education. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary change and management in response to illness, including heart failure, is closely related to individuals' cultural background. Healthcare providers should have a good understanding of cultural aspects that can influence patients' conformity to medical recommendations. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Heart failure patients need support that considers their cultural needs. Healthcare providers must have a good understanding of the experiences of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The pleiotropic ABNORMAL FLOWER AND DWARF1 affects plant height, floral development and grain yield in rice.

Moderate plant height and successful establishment of reproductive organs play pivotal roles in rice grain production. The molecular mechanism that controls the two aspects remains unclear in rice. In the present study, we characterized a rice gene, ABNORMAL FLOWER AND DWARF1 (AFD1) that determined plant height, floral development and grain yield. The afd1 mutant showed variable defects including the dwarfism, long panicle, low seed setting and reduced grain yield. In addition, abnormal floral organs were also observed in the afd1 mutant including slender and thick hulls, and hull-like lodicules. AFD1 encoded a DUF640 domain protein and was expressed in all tested tissues and organs. Subcellular localization showed AFD1-green fluorescent fusion protein (GFP) was localized in the nucleus. Meantime, our results suggested that AFD1 regulated the expression of cell division and expansion related genes.

Correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients and HER2 status in gastric cancers: pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of gastric cancer obtained from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) correlates with the HER2 status. METHODS: Forty-five patients, who had been diagnosed with gastric cancer through biopsy, were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. Each patient underwent a DWI (b values: 0 and 1,000 sec/mm(2)) prior to surgery (curative gastrectomy or palliative resection). Postoperative microscopic findings, HER2 status by immunohistochemical analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were obtained. HER2 status was compared among gastric cancers with various histopathological features using the chi square test. The ADC values of gastric cancers with positive and negative HER2 were compared using the student t test. RESULTS: A weak yet significant correlation was observed between the mean ADC values and HER2 status (r = 0.312, P = 0.037) and scores (r = 0.419, P = 0.004). The mean ADC value of HER2-positive gastric cancers was significantly higher than those of HER2-negative tumors (1.211 vs. 0.984 mm(2)/s, P = 0.020). The minimal ADC value of HER2-positive gastric cancers was significantly higher than those of HER2-negative tumors (1.105 vs. 0.905 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, we have demonstrated that the ADC values of gastric cancer correlate with the HER2 status. Future research is warranted to see if DWI can predict HER2 status and help in tailoring therapy for gastric cancer.

Preoperative apparent diffusion coefficient value of gastric cancer by diffusion-weighted imaging: Correlations with postoperative TNM staging.

BACKGROUND: To determine if the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of gastric cancers on the preoperative diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) correlate with the postoperative TNMs of the lesions. METHODS: In a retrospective clinical study, seventy patients with gastric cancers were enrolled and each underwent a MRI before surgery. DWI was obtained with a single-shot, echo-planar imaging sequence in the axial plane (b values: 0 and 1000 s/mm(2) ). The mean and minimum ADC values of the gastric cancers were calculated and compared among various postoperative TNM staging. RESULTS: Both mean and minimum ADC values of the gastric cancers correlated with the postoperative T staging (r = -0.464, -0.476; both P < 0.001), N staging (r = -0.402, -0.397; P = 0.001, 0.002) and TNM staging (r = -0.446, -0.437; both P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the differentiating lymph node metastasis were 0.788 for the mean ADC values (P = 0.001) and 0.778 for the minimum ADC values (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The preoperative ADC values of gastric cancers can help to assess the postoperative TNM staging.

Identification and characterization of Mini1, a gene regulating rice shoot development.

The aerial parts of higher plants are generated from the shoot apical meristem (SAM). In this study, we isolated a small rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant that showed premature termination of shoot development and was named mini rice 1 (mini1). The mutant was first isolated from a japonica cultivar Zhonghua11 (ZH11) subjected to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treatment. With bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and map-based cloning method, Mini1 gene was finally fine-mapped to an interval of 48.6 kb on chromosome 9. Sequence analyses revealed a single base substitution from G to A was found in the region, which resulted in an amino acid change from Gly to Asp. The candidate gene Os09g0363900 was predicted to encode a putative adhesion of calyx edges protein ACE (putative HOTHEAD precursor) and genetic complementation experiment confirmed the identity of Mini1. Os09g0363900 contains glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase and NAD(P)-binding Rossmann-like domain, and exhibits high similarity to Arabidopsis HOTHEAD (HTH). Expression analysis indicated Mini1 was highly expressed in young shoots but lowly in roots and the expression level of most genes involved in auxin biosynthesis and signal transduction were reduced in mutant. We conclude that Mini1 plays an important role in maintaining SAM activity and promoting shoot development in rice.

Optical fiber with nanostructured cladding of TiO2 nanoparticles self-assembled onto a side polished fiber and its temperature sensing.

We demonstrated temperature sensing of a fiber with nanostructured cladding, which was constructed by titanium dioxide TiO2 nanoparticles self-assembled onto a side polished optical fiber (SPF). Significantly enhanced interaction between the propagating light and the TiO2 nanoparticles (TN) can be obtained via strong evanescent field of the SPF. The strong light-TN interaction results in temperature sensing with a maximum optical power variation of ~4dB in SPF experimentally for an external environment temperature varying from -7.8°C to 77.6°C. The novel temperature sensing device shows a linear correlation coefficient of better than 99.4%, and a sensitivity of ~0.044 dB/°C. The TN-based all-fiber-optic temperature sensing characteristics was successfully demonstrated, and it is compatible with fiber-optic interconnections and high potential in photonics applications.

Preoperative T staging of gastric cancer: comparison of diffusion- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the clinical feasibility of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in preoperative T staging of gastric cancer prospectively. METHODS: Forty-five patients underwent axial T2-weighted (T2W) and DW (b, 0 and 1000 seconds/mm) MR imaging. Two radiologists interpreted the images for detection and staging of the tumors independently. The McNemar test was used to check differences in diagnostic accuracy with the reference of postoperative histopathological results. RESULTS: Diffusion-weighted and T2W images detected 44 and 42 of 45 histologically confirmed lesions, respectively. Furthermore, DW images detected 11 of 12 pT1 lesions compared to 9 of 12 lesions by T2W images. The staging accuracy of advanced gastric cancer (≥pT2) in DW imaging is significantly higher than that in T2W imaging (87.9% and 69.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted is superior to T2W imaging in detection of early gastric cancers (pT1) and staging advanced cancers (≥pT2).

Nickel-catalyzed hydrodefluorination/deuterodefluorination of CF3-alkenes with formic acid.

The synthesis of deuterated gem-difluoroalkenes via selective deuterodefluorination of ß-CF3-cinnamates using a nickel catalyst has been reported for the first time. Commercially available deuterated formic acid is a cheap and convenient deuterium source. The nickel-catalyst showed high selectivity for monodefluorination and avoided competitive reactions such as multiple defluorination or hydrogenation.