A Chinese adaptation of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A): factor structure and psychometric properties.

BACKGROUND: To examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) in Chinese children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: A total of 248 MDD patients aged between 12 and 18 years were recruited and evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D), the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ), and the improved Clinical Global Impression Scale, Severity item (iCGI-S). Thirty-one patients were selected randomly to complete the PHQ-A again one week later. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the construct validity of the scale. Reliability was evaluated by Macdonald Omega coefficient. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the item-total correlation and the correlation of PHQ-A with CES-D and MFQ respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess test-retest reliability. The optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity of the PHQ-A were achieved by estimating the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve. RESULTS: CFA reported adequate loadings for all items, except for item 3. Macdonald Omega coefficient of the PHQ-A was 0.87. The Spearman correlation coefficient of the test-retest reliability was 0.70. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the PHQ-A with CES-D and MFQ were 0.87 and 0.85, respectively (p < 0.01). By taking the iCGI-S as the remission criteria for MDD, the optimal cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity of the PHQ-A were 7, 98.7%, 94.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: The PHQ-A presented as a unidimensional construct and demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity among the Chinese children and adolescents with MDD. A cut-off value of 7 was suggested for remission.

[Quantitative Analysis of Copper Impurity in Silver Jewellery by Laser-Ablation Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy].

High spectral analysis sensitivity can be achieved with orthogonal dual-wavelength dual-pulse laser-ablation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy under minimal sample ablation. Therefore, the contradiction between spatial resolution and analytical sensitivity existed in single-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy can be resolved fundamentally in this technique. In order to eliminate the influence of different experimental parameters to the signal intensities and final results of quantitative analysis, the correlation between copper atomic emission and silver atomic emission was studied experimentally in this technique for silver jewellery samples. It was demonstrated that the intensity of atomic emission of copper at 324.75 nm and that of silver at 328.07 nm was linearly correlated with high correlation coefficient. Therefore, it was possible to eliminate the influence of different experimental parameters, such as geometrical arrangement and pulse energy of the ablation laser to the signal of copper atomic emission by selecting 328.07 nm line of silver as internal standard. A quantitative analysis of copper impurity in silver jewellery can be realized by using orthogonal dual-wavelength dual-pulse laser-ablation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. A calibration curve of copper was successfully built based on internal standard method while selecting 328.07 nm line of silver as internal standard. The limit of detection of copper in silver matrix was determined to be 44 ppm in this technique when the crater's diameter was about 17 µm under current experimental condition.

Ultrasonication-assisted one-step self-assembly preparation of biocompatible fluorescent-magnetic nanobeads for rare cancer cell detection.

Multifunctional nanomaterials simultaneously possessing attractive properties, such as strong fluorescent intensity, excellent superparamagnetic behavior, easy modification and good biocompatibility, are always desired in a wide range of applications. In this work, we present a facile ultrasonication-assisted one-step self-assembly strategy for the fabrication of smart fluorescent-magnetic nanobeads (FMNBs) without using a matrix. Via one-step ultrasonication, organic-soluble superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (QDs) were automatically encapsulated by amphiphilic (2-hydroxyl-3-dodecanoxyl) propylcarboxymethylchitosans (HDP-CMCHSs) through hydrophobic interaction to form hydrophilic FMNBs, presenting a good QD fluorescent property and a strong MNP magnetic response. The outer surface of the FMNBs was derived from natural biopolymer chitosans, enabling FMNBs with good biocompatibility and convenience for biological modification. As-prepared FMNBs can be easily modified with streptavidin, facilitating bioconjugation with biotin-labeled human epidermal growth factor (hEGF). hEGF-functionalized FMNBs are able to specifically recognize and capture rare target cells spiked in white blood cells, and the recovered cells can be further cultured for a long time. All of these excellent properties make nanobeads promising for circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection.

Decreasing the incidence of delirium via multi-sensory stimulation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: A protocol for a randomized feasibility study.

Introduction: Delirium is a common acute brain dysfunction syndrome in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Family engagement strategies, based on the theory of multi-sensory stimulation to ameliorate sensory deprivation in patients, may be an effective and scalable method to reduce the burden of delirium. Methods: /design: This is a assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial of the feasibility of multi-sensory stimulation (MS) in patients with delirium. A total of 72 mechanically ventilated patients (n = 24 in each group) admitted to the ICU will be randomised to routine non-pharmacological delirium care (control), family multi-sensory stimulation and nurse multi-sensory stimulation groups. All participants except the control group will receive multi-sensory stimulation, including visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, for 5 days. Our primary aim is to determine the feasibility of the study procedure (recruitment, eligibility, retention and attrition rates, appropriateness of clinical outcome measures), feasibility, acceptability and safety of the intervention (adverse events, satisfaction and other). Our secondary objective is to assess the preliminary efficacy of the MS protocol in reducing the incidence, duration and severity of delirium. Sedation levels and delirium severity will be assessed twice daily. Enrolled participants will be followed in hospital until death, discharge or up to 28 days after treatment. Ethics and dissemination: The current study was approved by the Ethics Review Board of Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, China (KY-2023-031-01). The results of this study will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2300071457.

[Laser ignition assisted spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy for element analysis of aluminum alloy with enhanced sensitivity].

The analytical performance of laser ignition assisted spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LI-SIBS) for the analysis of trace metal in aluminum alloy was reported in the present article. In order to improve the analytical performance of spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy, a low energy laser pulse was focused on the surface of the sample to produce plasma between discharge electrodes to trigger high voltage spark discharge. Under current geometrical arrangement, optimized discharge voltage and capacitance were determined, and copper in aluminum alloy was analyzed under optimized experimental condition. The limit of detection of copper in aluminum alloy was determined to be 0.7 ppm. Both signal stability and measurement accuracy for spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy were improved with the assistance of laser ignition. The discharge voltage could be reduced and the spatial resolution could be improved with the assistance of laser ignition at the same time. It was demonstrated that LI-SIBS has the characteristics of high sensitivity, good stability and better spatial resolution and is suitable for trace elements analysis in different alloys.

[Delivery of megawatts high energy laser pulse with large core diameter silica fiber and its application in dual-wavelength laser-ablation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy].

To resolve the contradiction between spatial resolution and analysis sensitivity in single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a study on dual-wavelength laser-ablation laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LA-LIBS) was carried out by using one Nd : YAG laser which was capable of two laser beam outputs with different wavelengths, where, the second harmonic output, 532 nm laser beam, was used as laser-ablation source, and the fundamental output, 1064 nm laser beam, was delivered with a large core diameter silica fiber to realize nanoseconds time-delay and then used to breakdown the ablated samples. Two laser beams were orthogonally arranged to realize element analysis with high spatial resolution and high sensitivity. Some key techniques on the coupling of 1064 nm laser beam into fiber, the collimation of laser at the fiber end and re-focusing of the laser beam were studied. The energy delivery capabilities of four fibers of different types were studied and the maximum values were determined experimentally. A Q-switched laser pulse with 15 mJ pulse energy was successfully delivered by selecting a 50 meter long silica fiber with 800 microm core diameter and 0. 39 numerical aperture. And 250 ns time-delay was realized. A copper alloy was analyzed by spectra with current established LA-LIBS system and the possibility of realizing dual-wavelength LA-LIBS analysis based on one Nd : YAG laser was demonstrated experimentally. In this technique, only one Nd: YAG laser was required to carry out spectral analysis. It has a few advantages, such as simple equipment structure, and being convenient to miniaturize the whole system etc. This dual-wavelength LA-LIBS technique was suitable for in-situ elements microanalysis for different samples with both high spatial resolution and high sensitivity.

Imaging Features and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions Complicating Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the imaging features and risk factors of PCLs complicating AIP, and investigate its prognosis through continuous imaging follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with AIP from January 2014 to December 2020 in our hospital were recruited. We analyzed the CT and MRI features of PCLs complicating AIP, and investigated its prognosis through imaging follow-up. We also compared subjects with and without PCLs using clinical, laboratory, and imaging data; the related risk factors associated with PCLs were investigated in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In this group, 16 patients had PCLs and 86 did not. A total of 43 PCLs larger than 5mm were found in 15 patients. Among these PCLs, 35 showed homogeneous signal (density); one, bleeding; three, linear separation; and four, small focal low signal on T2WI. Eight patients with 23 PCLs appeared for the follow-up after steroid treatment. Short-term follow-up showed that 11 PCLs disappeared, nine reduced, one unchanged and two enlarged. Of the 12 PCLs that did not disappear, 10 PCLs disappeared at long-term follow-up, except for two reduced PCLs were not re-examined. Logistic regression analysis showed that drinking history was an independent risk factor, age ≥ 65 years was an independent protective factor for PCLs complicating AIP. CONCLUSION: The imaging features of PCLs complicating AIP are various, which can be single or multiple, most of them are homogeneous, and some lesions may be accompanied by hemorrhage, separation and necrosis. Age ≥ 65 years and avoiding drinking may help to reduce the occurrence of these lesions.

Methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an effective additive in electrolyte to improve cathode electrolyte interlayer performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 electrode.

We investigated the effectiveness of using methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an additive in an electrolyte to enhance the overall electrochemical and material properties of an LNCAO (LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) cathode. The cyclic stability of the cathode material measured at 40 °C (@ 0.2 C) showed an enhanced capacity of 144.28 mAh g-1 (@ 100 cycles), a capacity retention of 80%, and a high coulombic efficiency (99.5%), in contrast to these same properties without the electrolyte additive (37.5 mAh g-1, ~ 20%, and 90.4%), thus confirming the effectiveness of the additive. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis distinctly showed that the ADM additive suppressed the EC-Li+ ion coordination (1197 cm-1 and 728 cm-1) in the electrolyte, thereby improving the cyclic performance of the LNCAO cathode. The cathode after 100 charge/discharge cycles revealed that the ADM-containing system exhibited better surface stability of the grains in the LNCAO cathode, whereas distinct cracks were observed in the system without the ADM in the electrolyte. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the presence of a thin, uniform and dense cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) film on the surface of LNCAO cathode. An operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) test identified the high structural reversibility of the LNCAO cathode with a CEI layer formed by the ADM, which effectively maintained the structural stability of the layered material. The additive effectively inhibited the decomposition of electrolyte compositions, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

An atypical primary malignant melanoma arising from the cervical nerve root: A case report and review of literture.

BACKGROUND: Primary melanomas affecting the central nervous system are very rare, and melanomas originating in the spinal canal or origin of the spinal nerve root are even rarer. As a consequence, not much is known about this. CASE SUMMARY: Here we report a case of primary malignant melanoma originating in the cervical spinal cord nerve root. A 64-year-old woman presented with symptoms of numbness in the right side of the neck, pain, and hypoesthesia in the right upper limb which persisted for 1 year. Neurological examination showed that the superficial sensation in the right upper limb had decreased with muscle strength of grade 4. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed a mass (approximately 2.5 cm × 1.4 cm × 1 cm) in the right side of the spinal canal in the C-2 plane. Based on findings obtained during operation, perioperative examination, pathological diagnosis, and the diagnostic criteria of primary central melanoma proposed by Hayward, the mass was confirmed to be a melanoma of intraspinal nerve root origin. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of primary malignant melanoma originating from cervical spinal cord nerve roots and spread along the inside and outside of the spinal canal. The clinical relevance of this case is discussed to provide new insights into the differential diagnosis of intraspinal tumours. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms driving the growth pattern and development of this type of tumour.

The role of permanent and induced electrostatic dipole moments for Schottky barriers in Janus MXY/graphene heterostructures: a first-principles study.

The Schottky barrier height (ESBH) is a crucial factor in determining the transport properties of semiconductor materials and it directly regulates the carrier mobility in opto-electronics devices. In principle, van der Waals (vdW) Janus heterostructures offer an appealing avenue for controlling the ESBH. However, the underlying atomistic mechanisms are far from understood conclusively, which prompts further research in the topic. To this end, here we carry out an extensive first-principles study of the electronic properties and ESHB of several vdW Janus MXY/graphene (M = Mo, W; X, Y = S, Se, Te) heterostructures. The results of the simulations show that by changing the composition and geometry of the heterostructure's interface, it is possible to control its electrical contact, and thence electron transport properties, from ohmic to Schottky with up to a factor seven variation in the ESBH. Detailed analysis of the simulations enables rationalization of this highly attractive property on the basis of the interplay between the permanent dipole moment of the Janus MXY sheet and the induced one due to interfacial charge redistribution at the MXY/Gr interface. Such an interplay is shown to be highly effective in altering the electrostatic potential difference across the vdW Janus heterostructure, determining its ESBH, and thence Schottky (ohmic) contact type. These computational findings contribute guidelines to control the electrical contacts in Janus heterostructures towards the rational design of electrical contacts in nanoscale devices.

[Rapid measurement of trace mercury in aqueous solutions with optical-electrical dual pulse LIBS technique].

A wood slice was used as absorber to transfer liquid sample to solid sample in order to solve the problems existing in directly analyzing aqueous solutions with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). An optical-electrical dual pulse LIBS (OEDP-LIBS) technique was first used to enhance atomic emission of mercury in laser-induced plasma. The calibration curves of mercury were obtained by typical single pulse LIBS and OEDP-LIBS techniques. The limit of detection (LOD) of mercury in these two techniques reaches 2.4 and 0.3 mg x L(-1), respectively. Under current experimental conditions, the time-integrated a tomic emission of mercury at 253.65 nm was enhanced 50 times and the LOD of mercury was improved by one order, if comparing OEDP-LIBS to single pulse LIBS. The required time for a whole analysis process is less than 5 minutes. As the atomic emission of mercury decays slowly while increasing the delay time between electrical pulse and laser pulse, increasing the electrical pulse width can further enhance the time integrated intensity of mercury emission and improve the detection sensitivity of mercury by OEDP-LIBS technique.

Adropin inhibits the phenotypic modulation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells during neointimal hyperplasia by activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains an inevitable problem for some patients receiving drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Intimal hyperplasia is an important biological cause of ISR. It has been previously reported that adropin is a potentially protective factor in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the present study investigated the function of adropin in inhibiting smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype modulation and proliferation, causing intimal hyperplasia. A total of 56 patients who visited the hospital consecutively (25 with ISR and 31 without ISR), who were followed up between April 2016 and March 2019, 1 year following DES, were analyzed to evaluate the association between in-stent neointimal volume and adropin serum levels. Rat aorta smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) were used to determine the effects of adropin on their phenotypic modulation and proliferation using western blot, MTT, PCR and immunofluorescence analyses. Adropin serum levels in the ISR group were significantly lower than those in the non-ISR group. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that only adropin levels were negatively associated with neointimal volume in both groups. The overall adropin levels of the 56 patients and the percentages of neointimal volume revealed a strong negative association. In vitro, adropin suppressed angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced phenotypic modulation in RASMCs by restoring variations of osteopontin and α-smooth muscle actin. Furthermore, compared with the Ang II group, adropin markedly decreased the percentage of G2/M-phase cells. Finally, adropin negatively regulated the phenotypic modulation and proliferation of RASMCs via the AMP-activated protein kinase/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AMPK/ACC) signaling pathway. In conclusion, an independent, negative association was revealed between adropin and intimal hyperplasia; specifically, adropin inhibited the phenotypic modulation and proliferation of RASMCs by activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway. Therefore, adropin may be used as a potential predictor and therapeutic target for intimal hyperplasia and ISR.

A Study Based on the Correlation Between Slit2/Robo1 Signaling Pathway Proteins and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis.

AIMS: To investigate the role of Slit2 and Robo1 during the vascular disease of Polymyositis (PM) / dermatomyositis (DM). BACKGROUND: PM and DM are nonsuppurative inflammatory myopathies that mainly invade the skeletal muscles. OBJECTIVE: This study attempted to explore the specific mechanism of Slit2/Robo1 signaling pathway proteins during the vascular disease of PM/DM. METHODS: The mRNA expressions of Slit2 and Robo1 in the muscle tissue were detected by RT-qPCR between newly-diagnosed PM/DM patients and healthy controls. The number of Slit2 and Robo1 positive cells in the serial sections of muscle paraffin tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry in 10 patients with PM, 10 patients with DM and 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: The study results revealed that the mRNA expressions of Slit2 and Robo1 in muscle tissue in the PM and DM groups were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The positive expression rates of Slit2 and Robo1 in muscle tissue in the PM and DM groups were 80.0%, 80.0%, 70.0% and 70.0%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001), when compared to the control group (the positive expression rates were 0% and 10%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The activation of the Slit2/Robo1 signaling pathway is an important mechanism leading to the development of PM/DM.

Incarviditone: a novel cytotoxic benzofuranone dimer from Incarvillea delavayi Bureau et Franchet.

A novel benzofuranone dimer, named incarviditone (1), along with known rengyolone (2), was isolated from Incarvillea delavayi Bureau et Franchet. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR and MS analyses. Compound 1 is the first example of a benzofuranone dimer connected by a C--C bond, which presents a new C-skeleton. The cytotoxicities of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated against the cell lines A549, LOVO, HL-60, 6T-CEM, and HepG2. Incarviditone (1) exhibited cytotoxicity only against HL-60 and 6T-CEM cell lines with IC(50) values of 14.8 and 22.2 microg/ml, respectively, while rengyolone (2) was more active against all cell lines with IC(50) values between 6.7 and 20.2 microg/ml.

STROBE: The correlation of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF with polymyositis/dermatomyositis.

This study aims to explore the roles of cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61/CCN1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vascular process of polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM).Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA expression of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF in muscle tissues of initially treated PM/DM patients and controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum levels of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF of initially treated PM/DM patients before and after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed using statistical software SPSS 17.0.The mRNA expression levels of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF in muscle tissues were higher in the PM and DM groups than in the control group (P < .05). Differences in the mRNA expression levels of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF in muscle tissues between the PM and DM groups were not statistically significant (P > .05). Before treatment, the serum levels of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF were higher in the PM and DM groups than in the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, in the PM and DM groups, the expression levels of Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF in serum at 6 months after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P < .05).Cyr61, CTGF, and VEGF are involved in the pathogenesis of PM/DM. These may be involved in the pathogenesis mainly by affecting the formation of blood vessels and promoting inflammatory response. This suggests that microvascular lesions play an important role in the immune pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathy PM/DM.

Rasch analysis of the Hospital Anxiety andDepression Scale (HADS) in patients with major depression / Análisis de Rasch de la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) en pacientes con depresión mayor

La Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión] es una herramienta ampliamente utilizada para detección de la depresión y la ansiedad en pacientes con enfermedades médicas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar las propiedades psicométricas de la HADS en la detección de pacientes con depresión mayor utilizando el método de la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Un total de 460 pacientes con depresión mayor completaron el HADS. Se utilizó el análisis de Rasch para examinar la unidimensionalidad, el ajuste de los ítems, la dependencia local, la confiabilidad, el orden de las categorías, el funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems (DIF) y la focalización. La HADS mostró una construcción bidimensional. Todos los ítems se ajustaban al modelo de Rasch. Tres pares de ítems mostraron una dependencia local menor pero desconsiderada. Ambas subescalas tuvieron una confiabilidad aceptable. Ninguno de los ítems mostró categorías desordenadas o DIF. Todos los ítems estaban bien dirigidos y los participantes con niveles altos y bajos de angustia fueron menos objetivo que aquellos con niveles moderados de angustia. Finalmente, se generó una tabla de conversión para transformar las puntuaciones brutas en medidas de intervalo. El HADS demostró propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para evaluar la depresión y la ansiedad en pacientes con depresión mayor. Fue más apropiado para evaluar niveles de angustia moderados que altos o bajos. La tabla de conversión se puede utilizar para una medición más precisa. Estos resultados pueden allanar el camino para métodos eficientes y sensibles para analizar la respuesta a los síntomas de depresión en la investigación y en la práctica clínica.(AU)

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used screening tool for depression and anxiety in patients with medical ill-nesses. This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the HADS in screening for patients with major depression using item response theory method.A total of 460 patients with major depression completed the HADS. Rasch analyses were used to examine unidimensionality, item fit, local dependency, reliability, ordering of categories, differential item functioning (DIF)and targeting. The HADS showed a two-dimensional construct.All items fit the Rasch model.Three pairs of items showed mi-norbut inconsiderate local dependency.Both subscales had acceptable re-liability.None of the items displayed disordered categoriesor DIF.All items werewelltargeted, and participants with high and low levels of dis-tress were less targeted than those with moderate levels of distress.Finally, a conversion table to transform the raw scores into interval measures was generated. The HADS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in assessing depression and anxiety in patients with major depression. It was more appropriate for assessing moderate than high or low levels of dis-tress.The conversion table can be used for more precise measurement.These results may pave the way for efficient and sensitive methods of ana-lyzing depression symptom response in research and in clinical practice.(AU)

Mechanochemical synthesis of Si/Cu3Si-based composite as negative electrode materials for lithium ion battery.

Mechanochemical synthesis of Si/Cu3Si-based composite as negative electrode materials for lithium ion battery is investigated. Results indicate that CuO is decomposed and alloyed with Si forming amorphous Cu-Si solid solution due to high energy impacting during high energy mechanical milling (HEMM). Upon carbonization at 800 °C, heating energy induces Cu3Si to crystallize in nanocrystalline/amorphous Si-rich matrix enhancing composite rigidity and conductivity. In addition, residual carbon formed on outside surface of composite powder as a buff space further alleviates volume change upon lithiation/delithiation. Thus, coin cell made of C-coated Si/Cu3Si-based composite as negative electrode (active materials loading, 2.3 mg cm-2) conducted at 100 mA g-1 performs the initial charge capacity of 1812 mAh g-1 (4.08 mAh cm-2) columbic efficiency of 83.7% and retained charge capacity of 1470 mAh g-1 (3.31 mAh cm-2) at the end of the 100th cycle, opening a promised window as negative electrode materials for lithium ion batteries.

A highly conserved G-rich consensus sequence in hepatitis C virus core gene represents a new anti-hepatitis C target.

G-quadruplex (G4) is one of the most important secondary structures in nucleic acids. Until recently, G4 RNAs have not been reported in any ribovirus, such as the hepatitis C virus. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals highly conserved guanine-rich consensus sequences within the core gene of hepatitis C despite the high genetic variability of this ribovirus; we further show using various methods that such consensus sequences can fold into unimolecular G4 RNA structures, both in vitro and under physiological conditions. Furthermore, we provide direct evidences that small molecules specifically targeting G4 can stabilize this structure to reduce RNA replication and inhibit protein translation of intracellular hepatitis C. Ultimately, the stabilization of G4 RNA in the genome of hepatitis C represents a promising new strategy for anti-hepatitis C drug development.

Comprehensive four-quark interpretation of Ds(2317), Ds(2457), and Ds(2632).

The recently observed new member of the charm-strange family D(s)(2632), which has a surprisingly narrow width, is challenging our theory. D(s)(2317) and D(s)(2457), which were observed earlier, have similar behaviors and receive various theoretical explanations. Some authors use the heavy hadron chiral effective theory to evaluate heavy-light quark systems and obtain a reasonable evaluation on the masses of D(s)(2317) and D(s)(2457). An alternative picture is to interpret them as four-quark or molecular states. In this work, we are following the latter and propose a unitive description for all three new members, D(s)(2632), D(s)(2317), and D(s)(2457), and, at least, so far our picture is consistent with the data.