Synergistic effects of graphene microgrooves and electrical stimulation on M2 macrophage polarization.

Macrophages play a crucial role in host response and wound healing, with M2 polarization contributing to the reduction of foreign-body reactions induced by the implantation of biomaterials and promoting tissue regeneration. Electrical stimulation (ES) and micropatterned substrates have a significant impact on the macrophage polarization. However, there is currently a lack of well-established cell culture platforms for studying the synergistic effects of these two factors. In this study, we prepared a graphene free-standing substrate with 20 µm microgrooves using capillary forces induced by water evaporation. Subsequently, we established an ES cell culture platform for macrophage cultivation by integrating a self-designed multi-well chamber cell culture device. We observed that graphene microgrooves, in combination with ES, significantly reduce cell spreading area and circularity. Results from immunofluorescence, ELISA, and flow cytometry demonstrate that the synergistic effect of graphene microgrooves and ES effectively promotes macrophage M2 phenotypic polarization. Finally, RNA sequencing results reveal that the synergistic effects of ES and graphene microgrooves inhibit the macrophage actin polymerization and the downstream PI3K signaling pathway, thereby influencing the phenotypic transition. Our results demonstrate the potential of graphene-based microgrooves and ES to synergistically modulate macrophage polarization, offering promising applications in regenerative medicine.

Maxillofacial growth changes after maxillary protraction therapy in children with class III malocclusion: a dual control group retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the balance between post-treatment effect and continued nature growth after maxillary protraction treatment in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion. METHODS: 31 patients aged 8.79 ± 1.65 years with skeletal Class III malocclusion had been treated with maxillary protraction and the treatment lasted an average of 1.16 years. The average observation duration after treatment in the maxillary protraction group was 2.05 ± 0.39 years. In the control groups, a sample of 22 patients (9.64 ± 2.53 years) with untreated skeletal class III malocclusion and 24 patients (9.28 ± 0.96 years) with skeletal class I malocclusion were matched to the treatment group according to age, sex and observation period. The mean observation interval of the control groups was 2.39 ± 1.29 years in the class III group and 1.97 ± 0.49 years in the class I group. RESULTS: The active orthopedic treatment effect showed a opposite trend to the natural craniomaxillofacial growth effect after treatment in many aspects. In the observation duration of treatment group, decrease in ANB, Wits appraisal and BAr-AAr were statistically significant compared to class I control group (p < 0.001), and there was a significant increase in NA-FH (P < 0.001) which was contrary to class III control group. Treatment group presented a significant increase in Gn-Co (P < 0.01) and Co-Go (P < 0.001), except for changes in the extent of the mandibular base (Pog-Go, P = 0.149) compared to class I control group. The vertical maxillomandibular skeletal variables (Gonial; MP-SN; MP-FH; Y-axis) in treatment group decreased significantly compared to those in class III control group (P < 0.01). U1-SN and L1-MP showed a significant increase, which was similar to the class I group (P > 0.05), and overjet decreased significantly relative to both of the two control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maxillary protraction therapy led to stable outcomes in approximately 77.42% of children with Class III malocclusion approximately 2 years after treatment. Unfavorable skeletal changes were mainly due to the greater protrusion of the mandible but maxillary protraction did have a certain degree of postimpact on the mandibular base. Protraction therapy does not fundamentally change the mode of maxillary growth in Class III subjects except for the advancement of the maxilla. Craniomaxillofacial region tend to restabilize after treatment and lead to skeletal growth rotation and more dentoalveolar compensation.

A cross-sectional study on three-dimensional compensatory characteristics of maxillary teeth in patients with different types of skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular asymmetry.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze three-dimensional dental compensation in patients with different types of skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular asymmetry, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and three-dimensional reconstruction measurement technology, thereby providing clinical guidance and reference for combined orthodontic and orthognathic treatment. METHODS: 81 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular asymmetry were selected in accordance with the inclusion criteria. According to a new classification method based on the direction and amount of menton deviation relative to ramus deviation, patients were divided into three groups called Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. In Type 1, the direction of menton deviation was consistent with that of ramus deviation and the amount of menton deviation was greater than that of ramus deviation. In Type 2, the direction of menton deviation was consistent with that of ramus deviation and the amount of menton deviation was smaller than that of ramus deviation. In Type 3, the direction of menton deviation was inconsistent with that of ramus deviation. The maxillary occlusal plane (OP), anterior occlusal plane (AOP), and posterior occlusal plane (POP) were measured on reconstructed CBCT images. The vertical, transverse, and anteroposterior distances from maxillary teeth to reference planes and the 3D angles between the long axis of these teeth and reference planes were measured. These dental variables measured from the deviated and non-deviated sides were compared within each group, as well as among each other. RESULTS: Of the 81 patients with asymmetrical Class III malocclusion, 52 patients were categorized in Type 1, 12 patients in Type 2, and 17 patients in Type 3. There were significant differences between deviated and non-deviated sides in Type 1 and Type 3 (p < 0.05). In Type 1, the vertical distances of maxillary teeth on the deviated side were lower than those on the non-deviated side, and AOP, OP, and POP on the deviated side were larger than those on the non-deviated side (p < 0.05). In Type 3, the vertical distances of the maxillary teeth on the deviated side were lower (p < 0.05), and the AOP and OP on the deviated side were larger than those on the non-deviated side. In all three groups, the transverse distances of the maxillary teeth from the mid-sagittal plane on the deviated side were larger than those on the non-deviated side (p < 0.05), and the angles between the long axis of maxillary teeth and the mid-sagittal plane on the deviated side were larger, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The maxillary teeth on the deviated side were observed to have smaller eruption heights in Type 1 and Type 3. In Type 1, AOP, POP, and OP were greater on the deviated side, while in Type 3, only AOP and OP were greater on the deviated side. The maxillary teeth of patients in all three groups on the deviated side were buccal and buccally inclined. Larger sample observations are still needed to further verify these findings.

Rab27a-mediated extracellular vesicle secretion contributes to osteogenesis in periodontal ligament-bone niche communication.

Periodontitis, an infectious and common disease worldwide, leads to the destruction of the periodontal ligament-alveolar bone complex. Within the bone metabolic niche, communication between periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) has been considered a major contributor to osteogenesis. PDLSC-derived extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) have shown great potential for bone regeneration. However, the secretion and uptake mechanisms of P-EVs remain elusive. Herein, the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from PDLSCs was observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. PDLSCs were transduced with Ras-associated protein 27a (Rab27a) siRNA (PDLSCsiRab27a) to inhibit EV secretion. The effect of P-EVs on BMMSCs was evaluated using a non-contact transwell co-culture system. We observed that Rab27a knockdown decreased EV secretion, and PDLSCsiRab27a remarkably attenuated co-culture-enhanced osteogenesis of BMMSCs. Isolated PDLSC-derived EVs enhanced osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro and induced bone regeneration in a calvarial defect model in vivo. PDLSC-derived EVs were rapidly endocytosed by BMMSCs via the lipid raft/cholesterol endocytosis pathway and triggered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. In conclusion, PDLSCs contribute to the osteogenesis of BMMSCs through Rab27a-mediated EV secretion, thereby providing a potential cell-free approach for bone regeneration.

Bismuth-Antimony Alloy Embedded in Carbon Matrix for Ultra-Stable Sodium Storage.

Alloy-type anodes are the most promising candidates for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their impressive Na storage capacity and suitable voltage platform. However, the implementation of alloy-type anodes is significantly hindered by their huge volume expansion during the alloying/dealloying processes, which leads to their pulverization and detachment from current collectors for active materials and the unsatisfactory cycling performance. In this work, bimetallic Bi-Sb solid solutions in a porous carbon matrix are synthesized by a pyrolysis method as anode material for SIBs. Adjustable alloy composition, the introduction of porous carbon matrix, and nanosized bimetallic particles effectively suppress the volume change during cycling and accelerate the electrons/ions transport kinetics. The optimized Bi1Sb1@C electrode exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance with an ultralong cycle life (167.2 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 over 8000 cycles). In situ X-ray diffraction investigation is conducted to reveal the reversible and synchronous sodium storage pathway of the Bi1Sb1@C electrode: (Bi,Sb) Na(Bi,Sb) Na3(Bi,Sb). Furthermore, online electrochemical mass spectrometry unveils the evolution of gas products of the Bi1Sb1@C electrode during the cell operation.

Dealloying-Derived Nanoporous Bismuth for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Formate.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2ER) to formate is an attractive approach for CO2 utilization. Here, we report a nanoporous bismuth (np-Bi) catalyst fabricated by chemically dealloying a rapidly solidified Mg92Bi8 alloy for CO2ER. The np-Bi catalyst exhibits a three-dimensional interconnected ligament-channel network structure, which can efficiently convert CO2 to formate with a selectivity of ≤94% and an activity of 62 mA cm-2 in a wide potential range. Remarkably, the np-Bi catalyst delivers an industry-level current density of ∼500 mA cm-2 for formate production at a low overpotential of 420 mV in the flow cell. The outstanding CO2ER performance can be attributed to the enlarged surface area with abundant accessible active sites and highly curved surfaces with enhanced intrinsic activity. This work highlights the structural synergies for enhancing CO2ER.

Big Data Value Calculation Method Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm.

SI is a relatively recent technology that was inspired by observations of natural social insects and artificial systems. This system comprises multiple individual agents who rely on collective behavior in decentralized and self-organized networks. One of the biggest difficulties for existing computer techniques is learning from such large datasets, which is addressed utilizing big data. Big data-based categorization refers to the challenge of determining which set of classifications a new discovery belongs to. This classification is based on a training set of data that comprises observations that have been assigned to a certain category. In this paper, CIN-big data value calculation based on particle swarm optimization (BD-PSO) algorithm is proposed by operating in local optima and to improve the operating efficiency. The convergence speed of the particle swarm optimization (PSO), which operates in the local optima, is improved by big data-based particle swarm optimization (BD-PSO). It improves computing efficiency by improving the method, resulting in a reduction in calculation time. The performance of the BD-PSO is tested on four benchmark dataset, which is taken from the UCI. The datasets used for evaluation are wine, iris, blood transfusion, and zoo. SVM and CG-CNB are the two existing methods used for the comparison of BD-PSO. It achieves 92% of accuracy, 92% of precision, 92% of recall, and 1.34 of F1 measure, and time taken for execution is 149 ms, which in turn outperforms the existing approaches. It achieves robust solutions and identifies appropriate intelligent technique related to the optimization problem.

Changes of the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone in the temporomandibular joints of rats under unilateral mastication and expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define changes in the rat condylar cartilage and subchondral bone using the unilateral mastication model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, forty 4-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). In the experimental group, unilateral dental splints were placed on the occlusal surface of left maxillary molars. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after placement of the splint. Micro-CT scanning and histological staining were performed to observe the changes in the mandibular condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined via immunohistochemistry to analyse the occurrence of osteogenic changes. RESULTS: Micro-CT scanning findings demonstrated the occurrence of asymmetric growth of condyle in the experimental group. The condylar cartilage and subchondral bone exhibited degradation on the chewing side of the experimental group and showed decreased bone mineral density, thinner cartilage thickness, and increased degree of degeneration and osteoclast activity. Compared with the control group, the expression of IGF-1 was remarkably higher on the non-chewing side. CONCLUSION: Long-term unilateral mastication can lead to the occurrence of degenerative changes in the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone during growth and development. IGF-1 may play a role in promoting the process of osteogenesis.

Formation, lithium storage properties, and mechanism of nanoporous germanium fabricated by dealloying.

Germanium (Ge) has become a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and decent electron/ion conductivity, but it exhibits inferior lifespan caused by dramatic volume variations during the (de)lithiation process. Herein, hierarchically, nanoporous Ge (np-Ge) was fabricated by the combination of selective phase corrosion with chemical dealloying. As an anode for LIBs, the np-Ge electrode exhibits marvelous cycling stability with capacity retentions of 1060.0 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and 767.1 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 100 cycles. Moreover, the electrode shows excellent rate capability with a capacity retention of 844.2 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1. Noticeably, the (de)lithiation mechanisms of np-Ge and porous Si-Ge (p-Si6Ge4) were unveiled by operando X-ray diffraction.

Three-dimensional changes of the upper airway in patients with Class II malocclusion treated with functional appliances: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) changes of the upper airway in patients with Class II malocclusion treated with functional appliances (FAs). SEARCH METHODS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A comprehensive search of seven electronic databases was conducted from the date of inception to 12 July 2020. Manual search was also performed in relevant Chinese and English periodicals. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the 3D airway changes after FAs applied on growing patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Risk of bias assessment of each included study was performed referring to ROBINS-I. The effects of FAs on upper airway were evaluated by meta-analysis using STATA software. The outcome variables were the changes of oropharyngeal airway volumes (OAVs), nasopharyngeal airway volumes (NAVs), minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and antero-posterior position of hyoid bone (HB). The overall quality of evidence for each outcome was rated based on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations. RESULTS: Nine studies were ultimately included in the systematic review and five were included and analyzed in meta-analysis. The results indicated that the pooled mean differences among these studies were 2162.80 [95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 1264.97, 3060.62), 382.20 (95 per cent CI: 140.95, 623.44), 59.91 (95 per cent CI: 41.45, 78.38), and 0.63 (95 per cent CI: -1.97, 3.23) for changes of OAVs, NAVs, MCA, and antero-posterior position of HB, respectively. CONCLUSION: Weak evidence suggests that FAs can increase OAVs, NAVs, and MCA in growing patients with Class II malocclusion. Weak evidence also suggests that antero-posterior position of HB cannot be affected by FAs. Further studies are necessary to assess the stability of its effect on the upper airway in the long term. REGISTRATION: The review protocol was not registered prior to the study.

The Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation on Accelerating Tooth Movement in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in clinical practice. Methods: Data from bilingual journals across seven different databases were compiled and analyzed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs regarding the effect of PBMT on OTM in cases with four first premolar extractions in split-mouth design were selected. This study was conducted after approval from the IRB. The outcome variables were the cumulative tooth movement distances in 1, 2, and 3 months. Data extraction was performed by two authors independently and in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed. Results: Eight RCTs and one quasi-RCT were ultimately included and analyzed in meta-analysis. This study revealed that the pooled mean difference (MD) among these trials was 0.30 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.02 to 0.62], 0.69 (95% CI: 0.08 to 1.29), and 0.64 (95% CI: -0.01 to 1.29) for 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. The results remained consistent after sensitivity analysis assessment. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to support that photobiomodulation accelerates tooth movement in orthodontic treatments. Our results suggest that the optimal parameters of PBMT on OTM in human might be about 20 mW, 5-8 J/cm2, 0.5 W/cm2, 0.2 J/point, and 2-10 J/tooth. More large-sample multicenter clinical trials carried out in similar settings are required to confirm and pinpoint treatment efficiency and optimal parameters. Registration: The review protocol was not registered prior to the study.

Tailoring P2/P3 Biphases of Layered Nax MnO2 by Co Substitution for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Battery.

P-type layered oxide is a promising cathode candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but faces the challenge of simultaneously realizing high rate capability and long cycle life. Herein, Co-substituted Nax MnO2 nanosheets with tunable P2/P3 biphase structures are synthesized by a novel dealloying-annealing strategy. The optimized P2/P3-Na0.67 Mn0.64 Co0.30 Al0.06 O2 cathode delivers an excellent rate capability of 83 mA h g-1 at a high current density of 1700 mA g-1 (10 C), and an outstanding cycling stability over 500 cycles at 1000 mA g-1 . This excellent performance is attributed to the unique P2/P3 biphases with stable crystal structures and fast Na+ diffusion between open prismatic Na sites. Moreover, operando X-ray diffraction is applied to explore the structural evolution of Na0.67 Mn0.64 Co0.30 Al0.06 O2 during the Na+ extraction/insertion processes, and the P2-P2' phase transition is effectively suppressed. Operando Raman technique is utilized to explore the structural superiority of P2/P3 biphase cathode compared with pure P2 or P3 phase. This work highlights precisely tailoring the phase composition as an effective strategy to design advanced cathode materials for SIBs.

Banded versus modified appliances for anchorage during maxillary protraction.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare banded versus modified appliances for anchorage during maxillary protraction in Class III malocclusions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample size consisted of 40 growing patients with Class III maxillary deficiency: 20 patients received maxillary protraction with a modified appliance and 20 patients with a banded appliance. Pre- and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs of all subjects were obtained and analyzed. The paired t­test and Wilcoxon ranks test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The patients in the modified appliance group needed fewer appointments and shorter treatment time than those in the banded appliance group. The modified appliance was superior to the banded appliance with respect to simple structure, comfort, retention, and convenience in maintaining oral hygiene. The modified appliance was as effective as the banded appliance in correcting the Class III malocclusion. However, a greater increase was found in mandibular plane angle, anterior facial height, total facial height, mesialization of maxillary molars, and proclination of maxillary incisors in the banded appliance group compared with that in the modified appliance group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed modified appliance may be a promising approach in treating growing Class III patients with maxillary deficiency, which could decrease treatment time, increase treatment efficiency, and reduce anchorage loss.

Composition- and size-modulated porous bismuth-tin biphase alloys as anodes for advanced magnesium ion batteries.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have huge potential for applications in large scale energy storage systems due to their low cost and abundant sources. Nevertheless, not much attention has been paid to the development of alternative anodes for magnesium ion batteries (MIBs). Herein, we demonstrate a scalable strategy to fabricate bismuth (Bi)-tin (Sn) biphase anodes with a porous (P) structure and controllable compositions/sizes, through the design of triphase precursors with immiscible elements (with a positive enthalpy of mixing between elements) and selective phase corrosion. Here, one phase was selected as the sacrificial component to form three-dimensional porous channels, which differs from the mechanism by which a porous structure is generated in a classical dealloying process. We systematically investigate how the composition and size of P-Bi-Sn anodes affect their Mg storage properties. As an anode for MIBs, the P-Bi3Sn2 electrode exhibits an excellent reversible capacity retention of over 93% for 200 cycles at 1000 mA g-1. Most importantly, the Mg storage mechanism of P-Bi-Sn anodes was unveiled by operando X-ray diffraction.

A Comparative Study on Functional Recovery, Complications, and Changes in Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Thoracolumbar Spinal Fracture Complicated with Nerve Injury Treated by Anterior and Posterior Decompression.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 methods to treat patients with thoracic lumbar spine fracture with merging spinal cord injury, including complications of surgery and the influence of inflammatory factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty patients were randomly divided into an anterior decompression group (study group) or a posterior decompression group (control group) to observe perioperative complications, evaluate preoperative and postoperative nerve function, and evaluate the 6-month injured vertebral height and Cobb angle of the vertebral bodies. The expression level of TGF-ß2 on day 1, day 7, day 15, and day 30 after treatment was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The nerve function sensation score, the height of the vertebral body, and the recovery of Cobb angle were better for the anterior decompression group than the posterior decompression group and the effect was significant (P<0.05). The complication rate for the posterior decompression group was lower than the anterior decompression group. The level of TGF-ß2 in the anterior decompression group was higher than in the posterior decompression group for the same times: after day 1, day 7, day 15, and day 30 after treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients who had thoracic lumbar spine fracture with merging spinal cord injury and who had anterior fixation achieved a good fixation effect; their neurologic and vertebral injury recovery was better. However, this relatively complex and traumatic surgery must consider the clinical manifestations and fractures of the patients and select the appropriate surgical approach.

Scalable Fabrication of Core-Shell Sb@Co(OH)2 Nanosheet Anodes for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries via Magnetron Sputtering.

Antimony (Sb) has captured extensive attention as a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and moderate sodiated potential but is held back from practical applications owing to its pulverization induced by dramatic volumetric variations during the (de)sodiation process. Herein, we report a core-shell Sb@Co(OH)2 nanosheet anode fabricated via magnetron sputtering Sb onto the mass-productive Co(OH)2 substrate anchored on stainless-steel mesh, which is scalable and suitable for flow-line production. In SIBs, the Sb@Co(OH)2 anode displays superior rate performance (383.5 mAh/g at 30 A/g), high discharge capacity, and excellent stability. Compared with the sputtered Sb film electrode, the improved performance of the core-shell Sb@Co(OH)2 nanosheet anode can be attributed to the open framework of the Co(OH)2 substrate, not only accelerating the ion and electron transfer but also serving as the buffer for alleviating the volumetric variation and the supporting scaffold for prohibiting the aggregation. More importantly, the (de)sodiation mechanism of the Sb@Co(OH)2 anode was explored by operando ( in situ) X-ray diffraction, and the similar alloying-dealloying processes (Sb ↔ Na xSb ↔ Na3Sb) for the 1st, 13th, and 30th cycles illustrate the excellent stability of the electrode.

Ligament size-dependent electrocatalytic activity of nanoporous Ag network for CO2 reduction.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) depends significantly on the nanostructures of electrocatalysts. Here we show a nanoporous Ag network catalyst (np-Ag) for efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2. The np-Ag samples with an average ligament size of 21 nm (denoted by np-Ag (21 nm)) and 87 nm (denoted by np-Ag (87 nm)) were fabricated by dealloying the rapidly solidified Mg80Ag20 (wt%) alloy ribbons in 1 wt% citric acid and 5 wt% phosphoric acid, respectively. The ligament size effect on the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of CO2 conversion into CO is investigated. When catalysing CO2 reduction in 0.1 M KHCO3, the np-Ag (21 nm) catalyst exhibits a significantly enhanced selectivity with a faradaic efficiency for CO formation of 85.0% at -0.8 V versus RHE, about two times that (41.2%) over the np-Ag (87 nm). Additionally, a superior catalytic activity is also achieved over the np-Ag (21 nm), with a >2.5-fold increase in the CO partial current density relative to the np-Ag (87 nm). The improved selectivity and activity of np-Ag (21 nm) are attributed to the enhanced electrochemical surface area, higher local pH derived from ligament size effect, as well as more defect sites (i.e., grain boundaries) in ligaments.

Nanoporous Platinum/(Mn,Al)3O4 Nanosheet Nanocomposites with Synergistically Enhanced Ultrahigh Oxygen Reduction Activity and Excellent Methanol Tolerance.

At present, metal/metal oxide composites are considered as potential oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for energy-related applications like fuel cells. Here, we fabricated a high-activity, low Pt loading ORR electrocatalyst composed of nanoporous Pt (np-Pt) in intimate contact with lamellar (Mn,Al)3O4 nanosheet (NS). In comparison to Pt/C (Johnson Matthey), the np-Pt/(Mn,Al)3O4 NS catalyst shows a 11.5-fold enhancement in the mass-normalized ORR activity and much better methanol tolerance because of the metal-support interactions between np-Pt and (Mn,Al)3O4. Furthermore, the combination of electrochemical experiments with theoretical calculations verifies that the ORR on the np-Pt/(Mn,Al)3O4 NS catalyst is a direct 4e- pathway in the alkaline solution. In addition, the electrocatalytic mechanisms have also been rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

The effects of increasing occlusal vertical dimension on the deep masseter of rat at different ages.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of increasing the occlusal vertical dimension (iOVD) on the fibre-type distribution and ultrastructure of deep masseter of rat at different ages. DESIGN: A total of forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to age: 'teenage' group (n=24, 1.5 months) and 'young adult' group (n=24, 8 months). Both the teenage and the young adult rats were then randomly divided into the control group (n=12) and the experimental group (n=12). The occlusal vertical dimensions of the rats in the experimental groups were increased by placing composite resin on all maxillary molars. The fibre-type distribution and ultrastructure of the deep masseter were subsequently observed on day 7 and day 14 after iOVD. RESULTS: In the teenage experimental group, the proportion of type IIa fibres increased, while the proportion of type IIb and type IIx fibres decreased by day 7 after iOVD (P<0.05). However, no significant fibre phenotype transformation was observed in the young adult experimental group until day 14 after iOVD. In addition, the proportion of type IIa in the teenage experimental group was higher than that of the young adult experimental group on day 7 and 14 (P<0.05). Under the transmission electron microscope, muscle fibre reconstruction and the compensatory increase in the number and volume of mitochondria appeared earlier in the teenage experimental group. The cellular traumatic reaction was less than that in the young adult experimental group. CONCLUSION: The teenage rat alters masseter muscle structure to a slower phenotype earlier and to a greater degree than that of the young adult rat when increasing the occlusal vertical dimension.

A hybrid intelligent multi-fault detection method for rotating machinery based on RSGWPT, KPCA and Twin SVM.

This paper proposes a hybrid intelligent method for multi-fault detection of rotating machinery, in which three methods, i.e. including the redundant second generation wavelet package transform (RSGWPT), the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and the twin support vector machine (TWSVM), are combined. Firstly, RSGWPT is used to extract feature vectors from representative statistical characteristics in the decomposition frequency band, and then the KPCA in the feature space is performed to reduce the dimension of features and to extract the dominant features for the following classification. Finally, a novel support vector machine, called twin support vector machine is used to construct a multi-class classifier. Inputting superior features to this classifier, the condition of the monitored machine component can be determined. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid method is effective for multi-fault detection of rotating machinery. The TWSVM is also indicated that has better classification performance and faster convergence speed than the normal SVM.