Special economic zone and infant mortality: Evidence from China.

By exploiting the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in China as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper evaluates how such zones affect infant mortality. Difference-in-differences analysis reveals that SEZs significantly decrease the local infant mortality rate, and the impact is larger for male infants and infants with less-educated mothers. Further studies show that the SEZs, which acts as an economic growth shock, improve infant survival by increasing the local income. Furthermore, there is no supportive evidence that the SEZs significantly alter either women's fertility-associated behaviors or environmental pollution. These results highlight the previously ignored human capital-related consequences of place-based policies in China.

Case report: Minimally invasive removal of a dislodged thoracoamniotic shunt with an integral cystoscope in a preterm infant.

Introduction: Fetal pleural effusion is a rare condition that is associated with significant mortality. Although the insertion of fetal thoracoamniotic shunts can improve perinatal outcomes, there are several associated complications, such as intrathoracic dislodgement of the shunts. The optimal neonatal treatment for retained shunts remains uncertain. Case Description: A male infant was born at 32 weeks of gestation. He had antenatal hydrothorax that was detected at 27 weeks of gestation and was managed by intrauterine thoracoamniotic shunting. However, the shunt catheter dislodged into the fetal chest, which caused reaccumulated pleural effusion and respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support after birth. After the patient's condition stabilized, minimally invasive removal of the retained catheter was performed on day 17 of life using an integral pediatric cystoscope via a 3-mm thoracic incision. The procedure took approximately 5 min. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient, who was discharged 39 days postnatally, is thriving at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: We present a novel and effective approach to the management of an intrathoracic shunt using an integral cystoscope. This approach may offer a valuable alternative to traditional thoracoscopy in the neonatal period.

All-Organic Composite Films for High Flexibility and Giant Nonlinear Optical Limiting Responses.

Given the substantial π-electron delocalization observed in 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST), a high third-order nonlinear optical response can be expected that might manifest itself in various ways for potential applications. To probe the possibility and assess its potential, all-organic DAST-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite films were prepared by a simple solution casting method, and their nonlinear absorption performances were measured by an open-aperture Z-scan system. The results reveal that under irradiation by a 380 fs laser pulse at 520 nm or a 6 ns laser pulse at 532 nm, the DAST-PMMA composite films with a DAST concentration of 0.125 wt % exhibit similar giant optical limiting (OL) responses with OL threshold of 7.84 or 0.37 GW cm-2, both superior to those of most organic and inorganic OL materials measured under similar conditions. These all-organic composite films show high flexibility, and interestingly, their OL responses can remain stable even after exposure to air for 3 months. The superior OL behaviors of such materials in the femtosecond and nanosecond regimes are attributed to the two-photon absorption and the combination of two-photon absorption and excited-state absorption, respectively. The simple preparation, high flexibility, giant OL responses, and excellent environmental stability suggest that such novel all-organic composite films hold great potential for applications in flexible OL devices.

Porous and nanowire-structured NiO/AgNWs composite electrodes for significantly-enhanced supercapacitive and electrochromic performances.

NiO/AgNWs composite films which specially contain both porous and one-dimensional (1D) nanowire structures are prepared uniformly via a simple chemical bath deposition method. The supercapacitive electrodes constructed by the as-prepared NiO/AgNWs composite films exhibit a high specific capacitance (980 F g-1at 1 A g-1), much higher than that of the pure NiO films. Particularly, a large optical modulation (84.3% at 550 nm) and short switching times for the coloration and bleaching (5.4 and 6.5 s) are also observed if these NiO/AgNWs films serve as the electrochromic materials. The superior capacitive and electrochromic properties of the NiO/AgNWs composite films are attributed to the large electrochemically effective surface areas and enhanced conductivity induced by the addition of 1D AgNWs, which efficiently shorten the ions/electrons diffusion paths and accelerate the reversible redox reactions. Therefore, the NiO/AgNWs composite films hold a great potential for applications as a novel electrode material in supercapacitive and electrochromic devices.

Stimuli-responsive behavior of naphthyl acylhydrazone derivative and its application in information security protection.

Acylhydrazone derivatives containing naphthyl group, namely, 3,5-bis-octyloxy-benzoic acid naphthalen-1-ylmethylene-hydrazide (NTH-mB8) and 4-methoxy-benzoic acid naphthalen-1-ylmethylene-hydrazide (NTH-P1) were synthesized. π-π interactions between naphthalene groups and -N-H···O=C- intermolecular hydrogen bondings were observed in NTH-P1 single crystal, in which -C=N- bonds exhibited trans-isomer. NTH-mB8 showed photo-responsive behavior due to photo-induced trans-cis isomerizations of -C=N- bonds. Interestingly, the NTH-mB8 films fumed by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/triethylamine (TEA) (or standing at room temperature) vapors show reversible fluorescence on/off switching property. The cast film of NTH-mB8 exhibited almost no fluorescence. The NTH-mB8 film fumed by TFA vapor exhibited intensive cyan emission, which was quickly quenched by TEA vapor. The reversible remarkable fluorescence on/off switching properties suggested that the organic solution of NTH-mB8 could be used as security ink without needing a covering reagent in information security protection.

Salisbury Screen Terahertz Absorber Formed with an Insulator: 4-N,N-Dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl-stilbazolium Tosylate (DAST).

A novel Salisbury screen absorber (SSA) based on a 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-N'-methyl-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystalline film was designed and fabricated. Different from the conventional SSA, an insulating organic DAST film replaced the normally highly conductive top surface metal layer. The absorption spectra and the structure of this SSA were optimized with a transmission line model to correspond to the DAST absorption peak at 1.1 THz, whose results were further verified by numerical simulations. If the thickness of the DAST film is 4 µm, a nearly perfect terahertz (THz) absorption is possible with this strategy, whereas the absorption of a bare 4 µm thick DAST film would be 4 times lower. The design allows the terahertz response of this DAST system to be tuned by adjusting either the thickness of the DAST film or the spacer, both of which remain in deep sub-wavelength to broaden the range of applications.

A colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for the detection of both fluoride ions and trifluoroacetic acid based on acylhydrazone derivatives.

An acylhydrazone-based colorimetric and fluorescent sensor (PAH-8) for the detection of fluoride ions (F-) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/triethylamine (TEA) has been studied. PAH-8 solution and organogel are highly selective and sensitive to F- among various tested anions (F-, Cl-, Br-, AcO-, and H2PO4-) in DMSO. Upon addition of F-, the maximum absorption wavelength of PAH-8 in DMSO solution shows a big red shift from 377 nm to 464 nm with a marked color change from colorless to yellow, and the fluorescence emission also displays a red shift from 438 nm to 532 nm with its fluorescence emission switching from blue to yellow. Both Job's plot and the Benesi-Hildebrand plot confirm a 1 : 1 stoichiometric relationship between PAH-8 and F-. The detection limit of PAH-8 for the analysis of F- can reach 8.31 × 10-7 M. Very interestingly, an expeditious 'naked eye' detection of F- can be realized by the reversible gel-sol transition, along with a color change from slight yellow to bright red and fluorescence quenching. In addition, the cast film of PAH-8 (the solution was developed from the DMSO gel upon the addition of TBAF) can detect water in air by color switching or fluorescence on/off. In both solution and solid states, PAH-8 also exhibits obvious acid-base stimulated fluorescence conversion. The solution of PAH-8 can convert the blue emission into intensive sky blue emission after adding trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and the solid film exhibits no fluorescence after fuming with TFA vapors, while fuming with triethylamine (TEA) vapors resulted in intensive green emission.

Electrochemical oxygen reduction mechanism on FeN2-graphene.

Metal-coordinated nitrogen-doped carbons are highly active in promoting electrochemical oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The detailed kinetic and thermodynamic ORR behavior on three different FeN2-graphene [FeN2-G (A), (B) and (C)] structures was investigated in this work. The results show that formation of these FeN2-G configurations is energetically favorable; however, not all of them are effective for ORR. The higher HOMO energy and smaller HOMO-LUMO gap of FeN2-G (A) and (C) make them have strong adsorption strengths to ORR intermediates, which leads to occupation the active sites on the catalysts during ORR, and thus loss of catalytic activity. Examination of the results of ∆G of each reduction step also drew the same conclusion. The ∆G of the elementary steps of the ORR at zero electrode potential vs. standard hydrogen electrode are downhill only on FeN2-G (B). Throughout the entire four-electron ORR, the reduction of O to OH displays the highest reaction barrier. When the potential is >0.19 V, the reduction of OH species into water is uphill. Therefore, ORR activity is limited by two rate-determining steps on FeN2-G (B) at high potential: O and OH reduction steps.

E-Z isomerization of the -C[double bond, length as m-dash]N- bond in anthracene-based acylhydrazone derivatives under visible light.

The photoresponsive behaviour of AHP-mB8 upon irradiation by visible light was demonstrated to be due to the E-Z isomerizations of the -C[double bond, length as m-dash]N- group, rather than the photodimerization of anthracene groups. In addition, the Z-isomer of AHP-mB8 was stable at room temperature. AHP-mB8 organogels showed visible light induced gel-sol transition and its mechanism was proposed.

Reductive Removal of Selenate in Water Using Stabilized Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles.

Polysaccharide-stabilized zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles were synthesized using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or starch as stabilizer, and tested for reductive removal of selenate in water. Batch kinetic tests showed that the stabilized ZVI nanoparticles offer much faster selenate removal than bare ZVI particles at both pH 6.0 and pH 8.4. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed Se(VI) was transformed to Se(IV) and Se(0), which are removed along with the nanoparticles. Neutral pH (~7) was found to be most favorable for the reductive removal. Decreasing pH to 5.0 or increasing it to 8.0 reduced the removal rate of CMC-stabilized ZVI by a factor of 4.6 or 1.3, respectively, based on the observed first-order-rate constant. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) at 5 mg/L as total organic carbon (TOC) had modest inhibitive effect, but DOM at 25 mg/L TOC decreased selenate removal by 25%. The stabilized nanoparticles hold the potential to facilitate in situ remediation of selenate-contaminated soil and groundwater.

[Analysis of XPS in the removal of Se(IV) from groundwater with pyrite].

Selenium (Se) is an elementary trace nutrient element for human but there is a very narrow range between deficit and toxic levels. Furthermore, excessive intake of Selenium is harmful for human. The product species of selenite which was removal by pyrite particles was studied in the present research In the experiments, the pyrite particles were prepared by the wet ball mill method, and surface analyses of pyrite before and after contact with Se(IV) were conducted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Besides, the prepared pyrite samples were also characterized using both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the purity of the prepared pyrite particles was above 97%, and the characteristic diffraction peaks of the particles well matched with that of FeS2 crystalline. Scanning electron microscope determination showed the shape of the particles was approximate ball and the size was range from 80 to 180 nm. And thus the pyrite particles prepared by the wet ball mill method had less particle size, larger specific surface area and higher reactive ability. The batch experiments exhibited the pyrite particles were able to remove 95% of Se(IV) (20 mg x L(-1)) from water within 12 hours. And the kinetic tests indicated reaction process between pyrite and Se(IV) fits a pseudo-first order kinetic model, which gives a pseudo-first order rate constant(kobs) of 0.26 h(-1). XPS analyses were using the XPSPEAK program which has a Gaussian Lorentzian function. The results clearly displays that Se(IV) prefer to react with the surface-bound S2(2-) rather than reacted with the surface-bound Fe2+ of pyrite particles. From XPS graph, it can be seen that the binding energy of sulfur element and iron element composed of pyrite shifted to the left a little, which means expensive state of sulfur element and iron element appeared on the pyrite surface. Analysis of the oxidation state of Se on the surface of pyrite particles by X-ray photoelectron spectra showed evidence for the reduction of Se(VI) to insoluble element Se(0) species. Besides, a spot of Se(IV) was existence on the surface of pyrite particles. The calculation results displayed that zero-valent selenium was dominarnt. At that, redox reaction was the main process when removal of Se( IVN)in aqueous environment with pyrite, along with sorption reaction at the same time. The results of removal of Se(IV) in groundwater using pyrite offer important theoretical value and practical significance.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Cu/Cu2O hollow spheres with enhanced photocatalytic and gas sensing activities at room temperature.

Cu/Cu2O nano-heterostructure hollow spheres with a submicron diameter (200-500 nm) were prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using Cu(OAc)2·H2O, PVP and ascorbic acid solution as the precursors. The morphology of the products could evolve with the hydrothermal time from solid spheres to thick-shell hollow spheres, then to thin-shell hollow spheres, and finally to nanoparticles. Moreover, the content of Cu in the products could be controlled by adjusting the hydrothermal time. The spontaneous forming of the hollow structure spheres was found to result from the Ostwald ripening effect during the low temperature (100 °C) hydrothermal reaction process. The photocatalytic degradation activities on MO under visible-light irradiation and the gas sensing activities toward the oxidizing NO2 gas of different Cu/Cu2O nano-heterostructure hollow spheres were investigated. As a result, the Cu/Cu2O nano-heterostructure hollow spheres obtained at the hydrothermal time of 30 min, with a rough/porous thin-shell structure and a Cu content of about 10.5 wt%, exhibited the best photocatalytic and gas sensing performances compared with others.

Absence of Ligamentum Teres in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

BACKGROUND: Ligamentum teres is hypertrophied and should be resected in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We have observed a relatively high prevalence of absence of ligamentum teres (ALT) in severe DDH. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) the percentage of ALT in DDH; (2) the risk factors correlating with ALT; and (3) the pathologic characteristics of DDH with ALT. METHODS: In 2012, 123 patients were hospitalized for open reduction of DDH. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. The distribution of ALT was discerned. The risk factors correlating with ALT were analyzed. The pathologic changes of the DDH with ALT were observed. RESULTS: For the 123 patients, there were 14 males and 109 females with a mean age of 2.2±1.7 years old. Forty-one cases were diagnosed with bilateral DDH, and 27 of them had open reduction for both hips. Thus, 150 hips were included. According to the Tonnis grading, there were 1 grade I, 43 II, 67 III, and 39 IV patients. During operation, the ligamentum teres was confirmed absent in 24 patients (28 hips, 18.67%), 22 of the hips with ALT was Tonnis grade IV (78.57%). It was present in the other 99 patients (122 hips). The difference of ALT among different grade (χ2=43.959, P=0.000) and different age (χ2=10.748, P=0.008) showed statistical significance, respectively. Logistic regression revealed only grading was the correlation factor of ALT (P=0.000). Pathologically, the femoral head was extremely small. The cartilage surface showed erosion-like change. The acetabulum was also diminutive but could match the femoral head well. CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, 18.67% of DDH needing open reduction was combined with ALT. The degree of dislocation was the only correlation factor of ALT. If the Tonnis grade was high, the hip was often associated with ALT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study defines the prevalence of ALT and its risk factor in DDH, which will help to better understand the imaging, pathologic findings, and clinical outcome of DDH.

[Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in congenitally infected neonates].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes and clinical features in neonates with congenital infections. METHODS: Urine samples were obtained from 67 neonates with HCMV infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The gB gene fragment was amplified by nested PCR. HCMV gB genotyping was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: In all these cases, the most prevalent genotype was gBl (50.7%), followed by gB3 (23.9%), gB2 (17.9%), and gBl/gB3 coinfection (7.5%); gB4 was not found. Moreover, gB1 was more prevalent in infants with liver damage (27/37, 73.0%) than in other symptomatic infants without liver damage (13/30, 43.3%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gBI genotype is the most prevalent in infants with congenital symptomatic HCMV disease, especially in those with liver damage, followed by genotypes gB3, gB2, and gB4.

[One-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation for young children with congenital scoliosis].

OBJECTIVE: to discuss the feasibility and efficacy of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation for young children with congenital scoliosis. METHODS: thirty-five patients undergoing one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation were retrospectively studied. The mean followed-up period was 5.3 years (range: 1.2 - 8.7). The Cobb's angle of scoliosis at pre and post-operation was compared. RESULTS: all children's parents were satisfied with the outcome. The Cobb's angle of scoliosis was corrected from (42.5 ± 6.7)° to (16.2 ± 3.2)° at post-operation. The coronal correction rate was 64.7%. The angle of kyphosis improved from preoperative (33.5 ± 5.2)° to postoperative (13.3 ± 5.6)° in 14 cases. Operative duration was 210 - 280 minutes with an average of 240 minutes. The intra-operative blood loss was 80 - 200 ml with an average of 120 ml. There was no significant correction loss at follow-up. No neurological complication, infection or pedicular fracture was reported. CONCLUSION: the procedure of one-stage anteroposterior hemi-vertebra resection and segmental internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment for scoliosis by congenital hemi-vertebra in young children. A satisfactory correction may be achieved with a short fusion segment.