Nomogram Analysis Based on Clinical and Sonographic Characteristics for the Assessment of Postpartum Stress Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram integrating clinical and sonographic characteristics for the individualized SUI risk evaluation in the early postpartum stage. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. From June 2020 to September 2022, singleton primiparas who underwent TPUS examination at 6-8 weeks postpartum were recruited. They were divided into the training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 8:2 according to the temporal split. All subjects were interviewed before TPUS examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to develop three models: the clinical, sonographic, and combined models. The ROC curve was plotted to evaluate model discrimination ability. Finally, the combined model was selected to establish the nomogram. The nomogram's discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness were evaluated in the training and validation cohorts. RESULTS: The performance of the combined model was better than that of the clinical and sonographic models. Six predictors (BMI, delivery mode, lateral episiotomy, SUI during pregnancy, cystocele, and bladder neck funneling) remained in the combined model. The nomogram based on the combined model had good discrimination with AUCs of 0.848 (95% CI: 0.796-0.900) and 0.872 (95% CI: 0.789-0.955) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, and the calibration curve showed good efficiency in assessing postpartum SUI. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram was clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram based on clinical and sonographic characteristics showed good efficiency in assessing postpartum SUI risk and can be a convenient and reliable tool for individual SUI risk assessment.

MicroRNA-29b regulates DNA methylation by targeting Dnmt3a/3b and Tet1/2/3 in porcine early embryo development.

MicroRNA-29b (miR-29b) is a member of the miR-29 family, which targets DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten eleven translocation enzymes (TETs), thereby regulating DNA methylation. However, the role of miR-29b in porcine early embryo development has not been reported. In this study, we examined the effects of miR-29b in porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos to investigate the mechanism by which miR-29b regulated DNA methylation. The interference of miR-29b by its special miRNA inhibitor significantly up-regulated Dnmt3a/b and Tet1 but downregulated Tet2/3; meanwhile it increased DNA methylation levels of the global genome and Nanog promoter region but decreased global DNA demethylation levels. The inhibition of miR-29b also resulted in a decrease in the development rate and quality of blastocysts. In addition, the pluripotency genes Nanog and Sox2 were significantly downregulated, and the apoptosis genes Bax and Casp3 were upregulated, but anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 was downregulated in blastocysts. Our study indicated that miR-29b could regulate DNA methylation mediated by miR29b- Dnmt3a/b - Tet1/2/3 signaling during porcine early embryo development.

Epigenetic states of donor cells significantly affect the development of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos in pigs.

The type and pattern of epigenetic modification in donor cells can significantly affect the developmental competency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. Here, we investigated the developmental capacity, gene expression, and epigenetic modifications of SCNT embryos derived from porcine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and fetal fibroblasts (FFs) donor cells compared to embryos obtained from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Compared to FFs, the donor BMSCs had more active epigenetic markers (Histone H3 modifications: H3K9Ac, H3K4me3, and H3K4me2) and fewer repressive epigenetic markers (H3K9me3, H3K9me2, and DNA methyltransferase 1). Embryos derived from BMSC nuclear-transfer (BMSC-NT embryos) and IVF embryos had significantly higher cleavage and blastocyst rates (BMSC-NT: 71.3 ± 3.4%, 29.1 ± 2.3%; IVF: 69.2 ± 2.2%, 30.2 ± 3.3%; respectively) than FF-NT embryos (58.1 ± 3.4%, 15.1 ± 1.5%, respectively). Bisulfite sequencing revealed that DNA methylation at the promoter regions of NANOG and POU5F1 was lower in BMSC-NT embryos (30.0%, 9.8%, respectively) than those in FF-NT embryos (34.2%, 28.0%, respectively). We also found that BMSC-NT embryos had more H3K9Ac and less H3K9me3 and 5-methylcytosine than FF-NT embryos. In conclusion, our finding comparing BMSCs versus FFs as donors for nuclear transfer revealed that differences in the initial epigenetic state of donor cells have a remarkable effect on overall nuclear reprogramming of SCNT embryos, wherein donor cells possessing a more open chromatin state are more conducive to nuclear reprogramming.

Microscopic and macroscopic characterization of the charging effects in SiC/Si nanocrystals/SiC sandwiched structures.

Microscopic charge injection into the SiC/Si nanocrystals/SiC sandwiched structures through a biased conductive AFM tip is subsequently characterized by both electrostatic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The charge injection and retention characteristics are found to be affected by not only the band offset at the Si nanocrystals/SiC interface but also the doping type of the Si substrate. On the other hand, capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements investigate the macroscopic charging effect of the sandwiched structures with a thicker SiC capping layer, where the charges are injected from the Si substrates. The calculated macroscopic charging density is 3-4 times that of the microscopic one, and the possible reason is the underestimation of the microscopic charging density caused by the averaging effect and detection delay in the KPFM measurements.

Nonradiative Energy Transfer Enables a hv < Eg Response of Perovskite Quantum Dots in Si-Based Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Solar Cells.

High performance is a crucial factor in seeking a more competitive levelized cost of electricity for the extensive popularization of c-Si solar cells. Here, CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) have been first applied as the light-converting layer to enhance the full-spectrum light response, resulting in an ∼71% enhancement of power conversion efficiency within silicon-based solar cells. Remarkably, even if the photon energy is smaller than the bandgap of CsPbBr3 QDs, the long-wavelength external quantum efficiency shows a significant increase. Such surprising results can be attributed to the nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) mechanism of CsPbBr3 QDs, which can transfer long-wavelength-generated dipoles into the Si base with the assistance of a Coulomb force. Furthermore, a dipole-transferring model, which considers that the Al2O3 passivation layer would play a negative role in the NRET process, is creatively but supportively proposed. These results highlight a simple, low-cost but promising strategy to improve the performance of c-Si solar cells.

The electronic properties of boron-doped germanium nanocrystals films.

Various doping concentrations of boron (B)-doped germanium nanocrystal (Ge NC) films were prepared using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique followed by thermal annealing treatment. The electronic properties of B-doped Ge NCs films combined with the microstructural characterization were investigated. It is worthwhile mentioning that the Hall mobilities [Formula: see text] of Ge NCs films were enhanced after B doping and reached to the maximum of 200 cm2 V-1, which could be ascribed to the reduction in surface defects states in the B-doped films. It is also important to highlight that the temperature-dependent mobilities [Formula: see text] exhibited different temperature dependence trends in the Ge NCs films before and after B doping. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to examine the distinct carrier transport properties in B-doped Ge NC films, and a detailed discussion was presented, focusing on the scattering mechanisms involved in the transport process.

[Source Apportionment of PM2.5 Based on Hybrid Chemical Transport and Receptor Model in Chongqing].

In order to further improve the accuracy of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) source apportionment results, a hybrid source apportionment approach (CTM-RM) combining the capabilities of a receptor model (RM) and chemical transport model (CTM) was developed. The CTM-RM method was evaluated and applied according to a typical PM2.5 pollution process from January 21 to 27, 2019 in Chongqing. The average value of square prediction error based on CTM-RM was 84.58% lower than that of CAMx/PSAT during the campaign. Compared with that of CAMx/PSAT, the fractional error of PM2.5 and its chemical component concentrations decreased by 15.69%-92.86%. Furthermore, the temporal and spatial variations in PM2.5 source impacts could be obtained using the CTM-RM method in Chongqing. The average adjustment factor (R) values were 1.39±0.38 (agriculture sources), 1.54±0.48 (industrial sources), 1.01±0.13 (power sources), 1.02±0.58 (residential sources), 0.86±0.59 (transportation sources), and 0.58±0.67 (other sources) in the main urban areas of Chongqing. Additionally, the cumulative distribution functions of R were found to be distinct among the six sources. The residential and industrial sources were the main sources of PM2.5, with contributions of 46.23% and 28.23%, respectively. In contrast to that of the other sources, the transportation source impacts of PM2.5 (8.62%) increased significantly from the clear period to pollution period (P<0.001), indicating that the increase in PM2.5 concentrations was mainly driven by vehicular emissions during the pollution period in the main urban areas of Chongqing. The fitting functions between the initial simulated concentrations and R values of each source in the main urban areas of Chongqing could be used to evaluate PM2.5 concentrations at 47 air quality monitoring stations in Chongqing, and the correlation between the refined simulated concentrations and measured concentration of PM2.5 was significant (r=0.82, P<0.001). Compared with that during the clear period, the increases in the percentages of industrial source impacts of PM2.5 in Northeast Chongqing and residential source impacts of PM2.5 in Southeast Chongqing were 17.20% and 9.15% higher, respectively, than that in other areas during the pollution period. By contrast, the increasing percentage of transportation source impacts of PM2.5 in the main urban areas of Chongqing (66.39%) and Western Chongqing (84.16%) from the clear period to the pollution period were higher than that in other areas. The results of CTM-RM on January 26 indicated that the residential source impacts in Northeast Chongqing (64.56%) were higher than those in other areas, and the industry source impacts of PM2.5 were primarily observed in the main urban areas of Chongqing and Western Chongqing, with contributions of 25.26% and 21.20%, respectively.

Structures, Electronic Properties and Carrier Transport Mechanisms of Si Nano-Crystalline Embedded in the Amorphous SiC Films with Various Si/C Ratios.

Recent investigations of fundamental electronic properties (especially the carrier transport mechanisms) of Si nanocrystal embedded in the amorphous SiC films are highly desired in order to further develop their applications in nano-electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, Boron-doped Si nanocrystals embedded in the amorphous SiC films were prepared by thermal annealing of Boron-doped amorphous Si-rich SiC films with various Si/C ratios. Carrier transport properties in combination with microstructural characteristics were investigated via temperature dependence Hall effect measurements. It should be pointed out that Hall mobilities, carrier concentrations as well as conductivities in films were increased with Si/C ratio, which could be reached to the maximum of 7.2 cm2/V∙s, 4.6 × 1019 cm-3 and 87.5 S∙cm-1, respectively. Notably, different kinds of carrier transport behaviors, such as Mott variable-range hopping, multiple phonon hopping, percolation hopping and thermally activation conduction that play an important role in the transport process, were identified within different temperature ranges (10 K~400 K) in the films of different Si/C ratio. The changes from Mott variable-range hopping process to thermally activation conduction process with temperature were observed and discussed in detail.

Down-Shifting and Anti-Reflection Effect of CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots/Multicrystalline Silicon Hybrid Structures for Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties.

Over the past couple of decades, extensive research has been conducted on silicon (Si) based solar cells, whose power conversion efficiency (PCE) still has limitations because of a mismatched solar spectrum. Recently, a down-shifting effect has provided a new way to improve cell performances by converting ultraviolet (UV) photons to visible light. In this work, caesium lead bromide perovskite quantum dots (CsPbBr3 QDs) are synthesized with a uniform size of 10 nm. Exhibiting strong absorption of near UV light and intense photoluminescence (PL) peak at 515 nm, CsPbBr3 QDs show a potential application of the down-shifting effect. CsPbBr3 QDs/multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) hybrid structured solar cells are fabricated and systematically studied. Compared with mc-Si solar cells, CsPbBr3 QDs/mc-Si solar cells have obvious improvement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) within the wavelength ranges of both 300 to 500 nm and 700 to 1100 nm, which can be attributed to the down-shifting effect and the anti-reflection property of CsPbBr3 QDs through the formation of CsPbBr3 QDs/mc-Si structures. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of contact resistance and interface defects is provided. As a result, the coated CsPbBr3 QDs are optimized to be two layers and the solar cell exhibits a highest PCE of 14.52%.

Variation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-Al-N Films Induced by RF-ICP Ion Source Enhanced Reactive Nitrogen Plasma Atmosphere.

Acquiring the optimum growth conditions of Ti-Al-N films, the effects of gas atmosphere, especially the reactive plasma on the material microstructures, and mechanical properties are still a fundamental and important issue. In this study, Ti-Al-N films are reactively deposited by radio frequency inductively coupled plasma ion source (RF-ICPIS) enhanced sputtering system. Different nitrogen gas flow rates in letting into the ion source are adopted to obtain nitrogen plasma densities and alter deposition atmosphere. It is found the nitrogen element contents in the films are quite influenced by the nitrogen plasma density, and the maximum value can reach as high as 67.8% at high gas flow circumstance. XRD spectra and FESEM images indicate that low plasma density is benefit for the film crystallization and dense microstructure. Moreover, the mechanical properties like hardness and tribological performance are mutually enhanced by adjusting the nitrogen atmosphere.

[Component Characteristics and Source Appointment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Lianyungang City].

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors of ozone and particulate matter; thus, their impacts on air quality are particularly significant. To study the composition characteristics and sources of VOCs in Lianyungang City, four national control sites were selected to conduct VOCs sampling and analysis on typical days in spring, summer, and autumn. Concentrations of VOCs, the effects of different components of VOCs on ozone formation were quantified, and the sources of VOCs were analyzed using the Positive Matrix Factorization model. The VOC concentrations were in the range of 27.46×10-9-40.52×10-9 in spring, 45.79×10-9-53.45×10-9 in summer, and 38.84×10-9-46.66×10-9 in autumn. Concentrations of oxygenated compounds accounted for 41%-48% of all measured VOCs. VOC species with higher concentrations were acetone, acrolein, and propionaldehyde, and the concentration of isoprene was higher in summer. Generally, VOC concentrations were higher at 09:00 than at 13:00 when acrolein, ethylene, and dichloromethane concentrations changed greatly. The ozone formation potential (OFP) of oxygenated compounds was the highest, followed by aromatics and alkenes, and the OFP of alkanes was the smallest. The VOC species with higher OFP were acrolein, propylene, and ethylene. The main sources of VOCs in Lianyungang were industry (49%), solvent usage (23%), transportation (14%), paint usage (10%), and natural sources (4%). The results suggest further investigating the oxygenated compounds with higher concentrations and higher OFP in Lianyungang City, and studying the impacts of industrial sources on VOCs.

The Effect of Decomposed PbI2 on Microscopic Mechanisms of Scattering in CH3NH3PbI3 Films.

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) exhibit long electronic carrier diffusion length, high optical absorption coefficient, and impressive photovoltaic device performance. At the core of any optoelectronic device lie the charge transport properties, especially the microscopic mechanism of scattering, which must efficiently affect the device function. In this work, CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) films were fabricated by a vapor solution reaction method. Temperature-dependent Hall measurements were introduced to investigate the scattering mechanism in MAPbI3 films. Two kinds of temperature-mobility behaviors were identified in different thermal treatment MAPbI3 films, indicating different scattering mechanisms during the charge transport process in films. We found that the scattering mechanisms in MAPbI3 films were mainly influenced by the decomposed PbI2 components, which could be easily generated at the perovskite grain boundaries (GBs) by releasing the organic species after annealing at a proper temperature. The passivation effects of PbI2 in MAPbI3 films were investigated and further discussed with emphasis on the scattering mechanism in the charge transport process.

Doping induced dielectric anomaly below the Curie temperature in molecular ferroelectric diisopropylammonium bromide.

A dielectric anomaly induced by doping has been observed at about 340 K in chlorine-doped diisopropylammonium bromide. The dielectric anomaly has a switchable behaviour, which indicates potential applications on switches and sensors. Temperature-dependent Raman spectrum, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry do not show any anomaly around the dielectric anomaly temperature, which prove that the dielectric anomaly does not come from structure phase transition and has no specific heat variety. It is assumed that this dielectric anomaly can be attributed to the freezing of ferroelectric domain walls induced by the pinning of point defects.

Substantial Improvement of Short Wavelength Response in n-SiNW/PEDOT:PSS Solar Cell.

We report herein on the effects of silicon nanowire with different morphology on the device performance of n-SiNW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the SiNW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells can be optimized by varying the length of the silicon nanowires. The optimal length of silicon nanowires is 0.23 µm, and the hybrid solar cell with the optimal length has the V oc of 569 mV, J sc of 30.1 mA/cm(2), and PCE of 9.3 %. We fabricated more isolated silicon nanowires with the diluted etching solution. And the J sc of the hybrid solar cell with more isolated nanowires has a significant enhancement, from 30.1 to 33.2 mA/cm(2). The remarkable EQE in the wavelength region of 300 and 600 nm was also obtained, which are in excess of 80 %. Our work provides a simple method to substantially improve the EQE of hybrid solar cell in the short wavelength region.

Enhanced photovoltaic property by forming p-i-n structures containing Si quantum dots/SiC multilayers.

Si quantum dots (Si QDs)/SiC multilayers were fabricated by annealing hydrogenated amorphous Si/SiC multilayers prepared in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. The thickness of amorphous Si layer was designed to be 4 nm, and the thickness of amorphous SiC layer was kept at 2 nm. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed the formation of Si QDs after 900°C annealing. The optical properties of the Si QDs/SiC multilayers were studied, and the optical band gap deduced from the optical absorption coefficient result is 1.48 eV. Moreover, the p-i-n structure with n-a-Si/i-(Si QDs/SiC multilayers)/p-Si was fabricated, and the carrier transportation mechanism was investigated. The p-i-n structure was used in a solar cell device. The cell had the open circuit voltage of 532 mV and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.28%. PACS: 81.07.Ta; 78.67.Pt; 88.40.jj.

Further treatment of decolorization liquid of azo dye coupled with increased power production using microbial fuel cell equipped with an aerobic biocathode.

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) incorporating a recently developed aerobic biocathode is designed and demonstrated. The aerobic biocathode MFC is able to further treat the liquid containing decolorization products of active brilliant red X-3B (ABRX3), a respective azo dye, and also provides increased power production. Batch test results showed that 24.8% of COD was removed from the decolorization liquid of ABRX3 (DL) by the biocathode within 12 h. Metabolism-dependent biodegradation of aniline-like compound might be mainly responsible for the decrease of overall COD. Glucose is not necessary in this process and contributes little to the COD removal of the DL. The similar COD removal rate observed under closed circuit condition (500 Ω) and opened circuit condition indicated that the current had an insignificant effect on the degradation of the DL. Addition of the DL to the biocathode resulted in an almost 150% increase in open cycle potential (OCP) of the cathode accompanied by a 73% increase in stable voltage output from 0.33 V to 0.57 V and a 300% increase in maximum power density from 50.74 mW/m(2) to 213.93 mW/m(2). Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the decolorization products of the ABRX3 contained in the DL play a role as redox mediator for facilitating electron transfer from the cathode to the oxygen. This study demonstrated for the first time that MFC equipped with an aerobic biocathode can be successfully applied to further treatment of effluent from an anaerobic system used to decolorize azo dye, providing both cost savings and high power output.

Explore various co-substrates for simultaneous electricity generation and Congo red degradation in air-cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cell.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) holds a great promise to harvest electricity directly from a wide range of ready degradable organic matters and enhance degradation of some recalcitrant contaminants. Glucose, acetate sodium and ethanol were separately examined as co-substrates for simultaneous bioelectricity generation and Congo red degradation in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) air-cathode single-chamber MFC. The batch test results showed that more than 98% decolorization at the dye concentration of 300 mg/L were achieved within 36 h for all tested co-substrates during electricity generation. The decolorization rate was different with the co-substrates used. The fastest decolorization rate was achieved with glucose followed by ethanol and sodium acetate. Accumulated intermediates were observed during Congo red degradation which was demonstrated by UV-Visible spectra and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Electricity generation was sustained and not significantly affected by the Congo red degradation. Glucose, acetate sodium and ethanol produced maximum power densities of 103 mW/m(2), 85.9 mW/m(2) and 63.2 mW/m(2), respectively, and the maximum voltage output decreased by only 7% to 15%. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using various co-substrates for simultaneous decolorization of Congo red and bioelectricity generation in the MFC and showed that glucose was the preferred co-substrate.

Simultaneous decolorization of azo dye and bioelectricity generation using a microfiltration membrane air-cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cell.

Electricity generation from readily biodegradable organic substrates accompanied by decolorization of azo dye was investigated using a microfiltration membrane air-cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). Batch experiment results showed that accelerated decolorization of active brilliant red X-3B (ABRX3) was achieved in the MFC as compared to traditional anaerobic technology. Biodegradation was the dominant mechanism of the dye removal, and glucose was the optimal co-substrate for ABRX3 decolorization, while acetate was the worst one. Confectionery wastewater (CW) was also shown to be a good co-substrate for ABRX3 decolorization and a cheap fuel source for electricity generation in the MFC. Low resistance was more favorable for dye decolorization than high resistance. Suspended sludge (SS) should be retained in the MFC for accelerated decolorization of ABRX3. Electricity generation was not significantly affected by the ABRX3 at 300 mg/L, while higher concentrations inhibited electricity generation. However, voltage can be recovered to the original level after replacement with anodic medium not containing azo dye.