Si Groups Research Articles

Comparative investigation on organosilicon film growth by cyclonic plasma using hexamethyldisilazane and hexamethyldisilazane/nitrogen gas mixture

This study aimed to discover the surface characteristics of cyclonic plasma‐deposited films and the effect of nitrogen gas addition. The influence of nitrogen gas addition on the surface characteristics of organosilicon films in hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and HMDSN/nitrogen (HMDSN/N2) cyclonic plasmas at atmospheric pressure was evaluated. It was found that the addition of nitrogen gas is a crucial factor affecting organosilicon film growth in the plasma cyclone in one atmosphere. SEM, AFM, and ATR‐FTIR results indicated that on adding nitrogen gas, the surface morphology became rougher, the peak corresponding to the Si–O–Si group was detected at approximately 1050 cm−1, the degree of porosity was relatively low, and the proportion of the SiCHx group decreased. In general, the surface energies of the films deposited in the HMDSN discharge and the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge exhibited similar features. SEM and AFM evaluations showed high roughness values of 44.5 nm for the film formation in the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge, while the films grown in the HMDSN discharge exhibited a relatively flat surface with a roughness of 24.5 nm. Based on ATR‐FTIR detection, cyclonic plasma‐deposited films deposited in the HMDSN discharge obtained organic moieties, while the films generated in the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge exhibited strong Si–O–Si absorption signals. A possible nano‐organosilicon film growth that prevails in atmospheric pressure plasma deposition is proposed based on atmospheric‐pressure plasma chemistry, nitrogen gas addition, and experimental observations.

Effects of Different Types of Dietary Fibers on Lipid Metabolism and Bile Acids in Weaned Piglets.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fiber on the serum biochemistry, bile acid profile, and gut microbiota in piglets. Twenty-four pigs (initial body weight: 10.53 ± 1.23 kg) were randomly divided into three treatments with eight replicate pens of one pig per pen for 21 d. The dietary treatments consisted of the following: (1) a fiber-free diet (NS); (2) a fiber-free diet + 3% fructooligosaccharides (SI); (3) a fiber-free diet + 3% dietary fiber mixture (fructooligosaccharides, long-chain inulin, and microcrystalline cellulose at the ratio 1:1:1; MIX). The results showed that compared with the NS group, the 3% SI diet reduced the serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration of the piglets (p < 0.05). The metabolomics results showed that the 3% SI diet increased the level of taurohyocholic acid (THCA) and α-muricholic acid, and the 3% MIX diet increased the level of THCA and cholic acid (p < 0.05). The use of 3% SI or MIX decreased the glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) level in the bile of the piglets (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis shows that the GDCA was positively related to the TC. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that UCG-002 and Holdemanella were enriched in the SI group, while Bacteroides was enriched in the MIX group. The microbial function prediction indicated that SI supplementation tended to elevate the relative abundance of gut bacteria capable of expressing bile acid-metabolizing enzymes. To sum up, the regulatory effect of dietary fiber on lipid metabolism is related to bile acids in piglets. Compared with MIX, SI is more likely to regulate bile acids through the gut microbiota.

Desilicated ZSM‐5 Catalysts: Properties and Ethanol to Aromatics (ETA) Performance

AbstractHerein, desilication in increasingly harsh conditions was used to introduce mesopores into two different industrial ZSM‐5 catalysts (Si/Al ratio 11 or 29). For desilicated samples, increasing BET surface areas, mesopore volumes, and Si(OH) densities were noted. Brønsted acid site (BAS) densities increased upon desilication, as formerly inaccessible BAS in blocked pores became available, while the strength of the BAS was maintained upon desilication. Using KOH instead of NaOH as desilication agent can increase the mesopore volume generated per mass loss. The correlations between desilication strength and properties were largely determined by the parent Si/Al ratio. In general the introduced mesopores increased lifetimes in the ETA conversion, while additional Si(OH) groups introduced by desilication reduce the lifetime again. The lifetime is thus determined by a complex interplay of BAS density, improved reactant transport by introduced mesopores and Si(OH) density. There were no additional aromatics formed in desilicated samples during the conversion of ethanol and the samples were, in terms of aromatic yield, outperformed by a microporous parent. However, as result of longer lifetimes less ethanol was lost due to coke formation. It is concluded that desilication should be combined with other post‐modifications to increase aromatic production and lifetime.

Serum Metabolomics Analysis of Skin-Involved Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association of Anti-SSA Antibodies with Photosensitivity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease in which skin involvement is a common manifestation. It is currently thought that the photosensitivity of SLE skin involvement is associated with anti-SSA antibodies. This study aimed to expand the current state of knowledge surrounding the molecular pathophysiology of SLE skin photosensitivity through Serum metabolomics analysis. The serum metabolites of 23 cases of skin-involved SLE (SI) group, 14 cases of no SI (NSI) group, and 30 cases of healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by using UPLC-MS/MS technology, and subgroup analysis was performed according to the expression of anti-SSA antibodies in SI. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for enrichment analysis and ROC curve construction, identifying serum metabolic markers of skin-involved SLE associated with anti-SSA antibodies. We identified several metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with SLE photosensitivity. Two metabolites, SM (d18:1/24:0) and gamma-CEHC can distinguish between anti-SSA antibody-positive and negative SI, with AUC of 0.829 and 0.806. These two photosensitization-related substances may be potential markers of skin involvement in SLE associated with anti-SSA antibody. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of SI patients, and provides a new molecular biological basis for the association between anti-SSA antibodies and skin photoallergic manifestations of SLE.

Evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters in amputee football players.

The present study aimed to compare electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters of amputee football players (AF) with football players without disability (FP) and sedentary individuals without disability (SI). A total of 32 participants (AF = 9, FP = 11, SI = 12) were included in the study. ECG parameters including P-wave amplitude, P-wave duration, PR interval, QRS duration, RR interval, QT interval, corrected-QT interval (QTc), ST segment duration, Tp-e duration, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were assessed in all the study participants by using a 12-lead ECG device. OneWay ANOVA Test was used for statistical analysis. Of all ECG parameters, P-wave amplitude and QTc were significantly higher in the AF group in comparison to FP and SI groups. QRS duration was found to be lower in the AF group when compared to FP and SI groups. Myocardial repolarization parameters including Tp-e duration, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were similar between groups, as were other parameters such as P-wave duration, PR interval, RR interval, QRS duration and QT interval. It was found that some ECG parameters of amputee football players differ from those with non-disabled players and non-disabled sedentary individuals. These different parameters were within normal limits.

Facile and eco-friendly fabrication of superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic SiC surfaces by nanosecond laser treatment

Superhydrophobic silicon carbide surfaces have garnered substantial attention for their potential applications in aerospace, ship domain, military, etc., fields. In this work, we used a nanosecond laser (λ = 1065 nm) and fluorine-free N-octyltriethoxysilane (OcTES) to fabricate SiC surfaces capable of transitioning from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Superhydrophilic surfaces were produced within minutes through laser treatment, and the time required to convert it to superhydrophobic surfaces is only 1 h. The apparent water contact angle (WCA) of superhydrophilic SiC could reach the saturated Wenzel regime. The number of hydrophilic polar bonds on SiC surfaces increased while nonpolar bonds of hydrophobicity decreased due to oxidation during laser treatment. After OcTES treatment, the SiC surface transformed from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic (WCA of 153° and roll-off angle of 0°). These results indicate that surface roughness and chemical compositions are critical for superhydrophobicity. It was discovered that Si–O–Si groups were formed on SiC surfaces in the atmosphere, thereby enhancing the material surface's hydrophobicity. Superhydrophobic SiC surfaces also have excellent low-adhesion and anti-icing properties, making them of potential interest for functional ceramic surface applications.

STAMBPL1 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting DHRS2 expression

BackgroundLung cancer is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths in the world. We found a significant increase of STAMBPL1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and cells. However, its mechanism has not been clarified. MethodsLUAD tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 62 patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from August 2018 to August 2021. In vivo, the clinical data and STAMBPL1 expression of 62 patients with LUAD were analyzed by qPCR. In vitro, cell experiments were carried out after STAMBPL1 knockdown in A549 and H1299 cells to determine cell growth, migration rate, evasiveness, colony-forming ability, and apoptosis. Gene sequencing was used to explore the expression of various genes in A549 and H1299 cells to verify that DHRS2 was up-regulated after STAMBPL1 knockdown; cell experiments further detected the role of the DHRS2 gene after DHRS2 overexpression in A549 and H1299 cells. A rescue experiment was conducted to certify that STAMBPL1 promotes NSCLC progression by regulating DHRS2 expression. ResultsAfter STAMBPL1 knockdown by siRNA. Migration, invasion, colony formation, and proliferation of siRNA groups were suppressed than those of NC groups in A549 and H1299 cells, while the cell apoptosis rate of siRNA groups increased significantly. By using gene-sequence analysis, we found that the expression level of the DHRS2 gene was up-regulated in STAMBPL1 siRNA groups, compared with STAMBPL1 NC (negative control) groups in A549 and H1299, which was verified by qPCR and WB. Further experiments showed that the DHRS2 OE group was suppressed in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the A549 and H1299 cell lines compared to the DHRS2 NC group, while DHRS2 OE group was significantly enhanced in the cell apoptosis in the A549 and H1299 cell lines. According to the rescue experiment, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 SI group were enhanced compared with the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 NC group in A549 and H1299 cells, while the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 OE group were further decreased. ConclusionsThe expression of STAMBPL1 mRNA is significantly up-regulated in LUAD, promoting the progression of LUAD by down-regulating the expression of DHRS2 and acting as a potential biomarker of LUAD.

Synthesis and performance of hydroxyl‐terminated polysiloxane‐modified polyurethane acrylate films as potential flexible hydrophobic materials

AbstractHydrophobic materials possess exceptional properties, making them extensively useful in daily production and life. However, developing low‐cost and flexible hydrophobic materials remains a challenging task. In this study, a series of composite emulsions were prepared by introducing hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane as a modifier into polyurethane acrylate via a solvent‐free approach. The composite emulsions were then used to fabricate polymer films using the solvent evaporation technique. The effects of varying siloxane content on the properties of composite emulsions and polymer membranes were examined. The results showed that increasing the siloxane content improved the hydrophobic properties and flexibility of the film materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the introduction of the SiOSi group into the polyurethane chain structure, the absorption peak for asymmetric stretching vibration of SiOSi is at 1100 cm−1. The mechanical properties test revealed that the film had excellent elongation at break (278.96 ± 0.01%), and a hydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 101.94° was obtained. The composite materials showed improved water resistance and thermal stability with the increase in siloxane content. The hydrophobic film is a promising material for application in decoration, architecture, and flexible wearable devices.

Four-dimensional characterization of a PFOA-contaminated fractured rock aquifer (FRA) in Bennington, Vermont, U.S.A

Between 2016 and 2019, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation discovered that groundwater from over 50% (355/628) of wells and springs in the Bennington area had perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations &amp;gt; 20 parts/trillion (ppt) (Vermont action level). The distribution of contaminated wells was complex, with very different PFOA concentrations in closely-spaced wells (&amp;lt;100 m apart). PFOA was introduced into the environment by a factory that produced Teflon™-coated fabrics from about 1978–2002. Manufacturing involved PFOA expulsion from smokestacks followed by atmospheric transport, deposition, and downward leaching to the aquifer system. The fractured rock aquifer was characterized through physical components (geologic mapping, spatial analysis of wells, and geophysical logging) to build a Three-dimensional conceptual model and then map the spatial distribution of chemical groundwater tracers (PFOA, major and trace elements, stable isotopes, and and recharge ages), adding a fourth temporal dimension. The field area consists of four imbricated metamorphic rock slices bounded by thrust faults. The dominant fracture sets that overprint these slices control the N-S and E-W topographic “grain.” Geophysical logging divided wells into those completed internal to or on the margins of thrust slices. Major and trace element analysis shows that groundwater can be spatially discriminated into carbonate (TDS, Ca, Mg, HCO3), shaly (Sr, U, SO4), and siliceous (K, Si) groups. Depleted H2O stable isotope signatures characterize the siliceous group. Recharge-ages determined from CFC11, 12, and 113 and tritium correlate with geochemical groups and were divided into “older” (~1953–73) and “younger” (1963–88), which predate and are synchronous with factory operation, respectively. Our conceptual model shows recharge from highlands to the west and east flowing toward the Bennington valley where it is locally tapped by wells along thrust faults or fracture zones. This water has older recharge ages and anomalously low PFOA concentrations (&amp;lt;6.7 ppt in 12 of 15 samples, mean = 7.9 ppt) compared to the majority of wells in this region, which are completed in the internal portions of thrust slices. These wells contain groundwater with younger recharge ages and high PFOA concentrations (mean = 290 ppt) and occurrence (&amp;gt;20 ppt in 28/36 samples), indicating mixing of younger and older waters.

Enhanced Effect of Secondary Administration of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Concurrent with Fat Grafting.

Cell-assisted lipotransfer, a fat graft mixed with adipose-derived stromal cells, is known to enhance fat graft retention. Previously, the authors showed that intravenous injection of adipose-derived stromal cells can improve the survival of grafted fat. In the present study, the authors investigated the effects of a secondary intravenous injection of adipose-derived stromal cells on fat grafting. Wild-type C57BL/6J (B6) mice were used as donors for grafted fat and as recipients. Adipose-derived stromal cells were harvested from green fluorescent protein and DsRed B6 mice. The recipient mice were divided into three groups: SI ( n = 10), RI1 ( n = 10), and RI2 ( n = 11). All groups received intravenous injections of green fluorescent protein adipose-derived stromal cells immediately after fat grafting. The RI1 and RI2 groups received repeated intravenous injections of DsRed adipose-derived stromal cells at 1 and 2 weeks, respectively, after fat grafting. The grafted fat volume was measured using micro-computed tomography. Secondarily injected DsRed adipose-derived stromal cells were recruited to the grafted fat and resulted in a higher retention of graft volume and vascular density ( P < 0.05). The stromal-derived factor-1 and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 genes related to stem cell homing were highly expressed in the grafted fat and adipose-derived stromal cells ( P < 0.05). The RI2 group showed a higher graft volume and vascular density than the SI and RI1 groups ( P < 0.05). A secondary intravenous injection of adipose-derived stromal cells at a 2-week interval enhances the effect of adipose-derived stromal cell enrichment in fat grafting. These findings refine clinical protocols and enhance the therapeutic value of cell-assisted lipotransfer. In a modified animal model of cell-assisted lipotransfer, the authors demonstrated that secondary intravenous administration of adipose-derived stromal cells improved retention of grafted fat.

WIPI2 enhances the vulnerability of colorectal cancer cells to erastin via bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification.

WD Repeat Domain Phosphoinositide Interacting 2 (WIPI2) is a WD repeat protein that interacts with phosphatidylinositol and regulates multiprotein complexes by providing a b-propeller platform for synchronous and reversible protein-protein interactions assembled proteins. Ferroptosis is a novel iron-dependent form of cell death. It is usually accompanied with the accumulation of membrane lipid peroxides. Our study is to focus on investigating the effect of WIPI2 on the growth and ferroptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and its potential mechanism. We analyzed the expression of WIPI2 in colorectal cancer versus normal tissues through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the relationship between clinical traits and WIPI2 expression and prognosis was assessed by univariate and multifactorial cox analysis. Next, we constructed the siRNAs targeting the WIPI2 sequence si-WIPI2 to further investigate the mechanism of WIPI2 in CRC cells through vitro experiments. Public data from the TCGA platform showed that WIPI2 expression was significantly elevated in colorectal cancer tissues compared to paracancerous tissues, and high WIPI2 expressionpredicted poor prognosis for CRC patients. Moreover, we found that the knockdown of WIPI2 expression could inhibit the growth and proliferation of HCT116 and HT29 cells. Furthermore, we found that the expression level of ACSL4 decreased and that of GPX4 increased when WIPI2 was knocked down, suggesting that WIPI2 can potentially positively regulate CRC ferroptosis. Meanwhile, both NC and si groups were able to further inhibit cell growth activity, as well as increase WIPI2 and decrease GPX4 expression when treated with Erastin, but the rate of cell viability inhibition and the trend of protein changes were more significantly in the NC group than si groups, which indicated that Erastin induced CRC ferroptosis through the WIPI2/GPX4 pathway thereby enhancing the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to Erastin. Our study suggested that WIPI2 had a promotional effect on the growth of colorectal cancer cells, and it also played an important role in the ferroptosis pathway.

Microkinetic based growth and property modeling of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition silicon nitride thin film

We demonstrate a microkinetic modeling framework which is a first principle-based surface reaction thermodynamics modeling methodology to describe the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition process of silicon nitride thin film formation. The results illustrating the relationship between silicon nitride growth per cycle (GPC) and quasi self-limiting behavior on both dichlorosilane precursor dose amount and plasma nitridation time are consistent with the experiment. Ultimately, GPC is limited to the equivalent of a half monolayer of a Si3N4 crystalline structure. Importantly, we have observed a strong correlation between subsurface NH terminated Si group concentration and HF wet etch rate by an experiment, which varies with substrate temperature.

Efficient bio-cementation between silicate tailings and biogenic calcium carbonate: Nano-scale structure and mechanism of the interface

Biogenic calcium carbonate (bio-CaCO3) cementing tailings is an efficient technology to immobilize heavy metals in waste tailings. However, the underlying mechanism of interface cementation has not yet been clearly established, which limits the technological development. In this study, we used advanced techniques, including atomic force microscopy-based Lorentz contact resonance (AFM-LCR) spectroscopy, AFM-based nanoscale infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, to reveal the structural, mechanical, and chemical properties of the interface on the nanoscale. Ureolytic bacteria produced bio-CaCO3 to fill in pore space and to bind cement tailings particles, which prevented the formation of leachate containing heavy metals. After cementation, a strong 40–300 nm thin interface was formed between the taillings and bio-CaCO3 particles. Unlike chemically synthesized CaCO3, bio-CaCO3 is strongly negatively charged, which gives it better adhesion ability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), AFM-IR, and 29Si ssNMR spectra indicated that the Si–OH and Si–O–Si groups on the silicate surface were converted to deprotonated silanol groups (≡Si–O-) at a high pH and they formed strong chemical bonds of Si–O–Ca on the interface through a Ca ion bridge. In addition, hydrogen bonding with Si–OH also played a role at the cementation interface. These findings provide the nano-scale interfacial structure and mechanism of bio-CaCO3 cementing silicate tailings and accelerate the development of tailings disposal technology.

Tramadol Administered Intravenously Either as a Bolus or a Slow Injection in Pain Management of Romifidine-Sedated Calves Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Color Stability of Nanoparticles-Modified Dental Resin-Based Composites

To evaluate the effect of beverages (coffee, tea, Cola-Cola, and mineral water) on the color stability of resin-based composite (RBC) materials modified with different nanoparticles (NPs). The specimens (70/beverage) were fabricated from light-cured RBCs and divided according to NPs into four groups: one control, unmodified (N0); and three experimental—ZrO2 (Zr), TiO2 (Ti), and SiO2 (Si) groups. Each experimental group was further subdivided into two subgroups according to NP concentrations: 3 wt.% and 7 wt.% (n = 10). A spectrophotometer was used to assess the color change (∆E) before and after six months of immersion. Data were analyzed and compared using one-way-ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post-hoc test (α = 0.05) and subsequently ∆E value conversion to National Bureau of Standards (NBS) units. The modified light-cured RBCs with ZrO2, TiO2, and SiO2 demonstrated smaller color changes after immersion in the beverages than the unmodified group (p &lt; 0.001). Zr groups showed the lowest ΔE, followed by Ti and Si groups; a 3% concentration resulted in a lower mean ΔE than the 7% concentration. NBS findings showed that coffee and tea produced marked unacceptable color changes (NBS units were &gt;3), and Coca-Cola resulted in noticeable color changes (NBS units between 1.5 and 3), while water produced slight color changes (NBS ≤ 1). Modification of RBCs with both concentrations of ZrO2, as well as 3% of TiO2 and SiO2, may improve its color stability. Based on NBS results, RBCs immersed in mineral water and Coca-Cola showed clinically acceptable color changes, while those immersed in coffee and tea were clinically unacceptable.

Elevating thermal and chemical properties of aluminoborosilicate medical neutral glass via adjusting CaO, BaO and ZnO

For sake of enhancing dependability and broadening application of medical packing glass, this work is designed to develop a new-type aluminoborosilicate neutral glass and optimize its main performances by adjusting CaO, BaO and ZnO amounts. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and performances analysis, the different effects of BaO, CaO and ZnO were interpreted. The partial replacing BaO with CaO facilitated formation of [AlO4] and thermal stability, while entirely substitution of CaO impaired the Si group network connectivity and chemical stability. The ZnO was testified as a weak network former which reversely hindered [BO4] and [AlO4] formations, and boosted the water resistance specifically. In summary, a series of neutral glasses fulfilled requirements for medical packing material was prepared, and improved thermal and chemical properties were obtained whilst BaO/CaO mixed ratio reached about 0.8; the ZnO bearing glasses showed higher water resistance but faintly weaker thermal and partial chemical performances.

Deficits in psychological resilience and problem-solving ability in adolescents with suicidal ideation

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore differences between psychological resilience and problem-solving ability in grade one junior middle school adolescents with and without suicidal ideation, focusing on the relationship between these factors and suicidal ideation.MethodsNinety-nine adolescents (aged 10 to 14) were divided into Suicidal Ideation (SI, n = 49) and Non-Suicidal Ideation (NSI, n = 50) grouped by the Self-rating Idea of Suicide Scale (SIOSS). The Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS) and Tower of Hanoi task (TOH) were applied to assess psychological resilience and problem-solving ability, respectively.ResultsThe SI group scored significantly lower than the NSI group on PRS (p < 0.001) and performed more poorly on TOH than the NSI group, with more mistakes in the number of errors index (p < 0.001) and requiring a longer time in the task completion time index (p < 0.05). Among all the participants in this study, a significant negative correlation was observed between PRS and SIOSS (r = − 0.413, p < 0.01). The sub-dimensions of PRS including emotional control, family support, and interpersonal assistance were significantly negatively correlated with the SIOSS total score (r = − 0.361, − 0.360, − 0.382; p < 0.01).ConclusionsThis study profiled the characteristics and differences in psychological resilience and problem-solving ability between adolescents with and without suicidal ideation. The data suggested adolescents with SI might have deficits in psychological resilience and problem-solving ability, which may serve as potential targets for suicide intervention.

Comparative characteristics of the chemical structure of ormokers and traditional composites

This article presents a review of the advantages of using ormokers rather than composite filling material from a chemical point of view. Ormokers are a modified type of hybrid organo-inorganic dental material. They were developed to reduce the shrinkage of filling material from polymerization, improve edge adaptation and abrasion resistance, and increase biocompatibility (compared to composites). The new matrix is based on inorganic polymers, which are polycondensed siloxanes (triblock copolymers). The formation of an inorganic chain of molecules occurs by hydrolysis and polycondensation of Si(OR) groups. Unstable organosilanols are formed from chlorine-containing silanes, as at least two hydroxyl groups are associated with one carbon atom. Such compounds do not exist, as they are rapidly isomerized to form carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones). The resulting organosilanols are then oligomerized to form polysiloxanes with polymerized groups. The basis for the production of ormokers is the sol-gel process. The classical approach involves the formation of an inorganic grid by hydrolysis and condensation of a monomeric organic alkoxy compound followed by crosslinking of the introduced reactive groups (e.g., ultraviolet polymerization). The traditional synthesis of ormokers begins with the finding that alkoxysilanes are functionalized by metal alkoxides to form Si-O-Si nanostructures. One of the metals that functionalizes alkoxysilanes is titanium. In addition to titanium alkoxide, zirconium- or aluminum-alkoxides can be used. These oligomers replace traditional methacrylic monomers in composites. Composite filling materials available today based on the ormoker technology are not pure ormoker systems. Traditional methacrylate monomers-diluents are used to regulate the viscosity of the condensate, which does not improve biocompatibility. The presence of an amide group in the structure of the ormoker increases their biocompatibility with protein compounds in dental tissues.

Bright, small sizes and hydro-dispersive NIR persistent luminescence nanoparticles modified with Si and amino groups for enhanced bioimaging

Near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) with high brightness, small sizes, good hydro-dispersivity, and intrinsic surface-functional groups are desirable in biological applications. In this work, Cr3+-doped zinc gallogermanates Zn1+x Ga2−2x Ge x O4:Cr (ZGGC) PLNPs were hydrothermally synthesized via 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as an additive, or APTES and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as two co-additives. Addition of APTES not only dramatically enhances the 696 nm NIR luminescence intensity, but also obviously decreases the particle size and introduces amino groups. In particular, the x = 0.1 series ZGGC (ZGGC0.1) with the addition of n moles equivalent APTES (ZGGC0.1-nA) had smaller particle sizes than the x = 0.2 counterpart (ZGGC0.2-nA). The NIR afterglow intensities increased with the APTES introduction. The ZGGC0.2-2.5A sample (also named as ZGGC, Si, -NH2) exhibited maximum luminescence intensities both in solid and aqueous states. With APTES, Si atom is doped and –NH2 groups are modified, the trap depth and density become larger, and the afterglow intensities and decay time are significantly enhanced. More notably, co-addition of CTAB (ZGGC0.2-2.5A-C) (also named as ZGGC, Si, −NH2’) further enhances hydro-dispersivity and luminescence intensity, decreases particle sizes, and results in more prominent amino groups. The trap density is drastically higher than that without CTAB (i.e. ZGGC0.2-2.5A). Change of Cr3+ microenvironment in the crystal and more defects introduction contribute to the enhanced brightness. As expected, the ZGGC,Si,-NH2’ PLNPs possess excellent biocompatibility, deep tissue penetration and distinguished bioimaging properties, and rechargeability with orange LED light. The ZGGC,Si,-NH2’ PLNPs should provide to be an excellent nanomaterial for various functionalization and bioimaging applications.

Re-examining the effectiveness of processing instruction components for teaching the present subjunctive: Do learning styles make a difference?

The present quasi-experimental study investigated which component of processing instruction (PI) is responsible for its beneficial effects and whether EFL learners with different learning styles similarly benefit from PI components. In doing so, a sample of 67 first-year students took part in a study with a non-equivalent control group pretest–posttest design. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: one receiving explicit information without further exercises (EI group), another receiving structured input activities comprising both referential and affective activities without explicit information (SI group), and the third group receiving processing instruction containing both explicit information and structured input activities (PI group). First, Ehrman and Leaver’s (E & L) Construct questionnaire was employed to categorize the participants into ectenic and synoptic learners in each group. Afterward, a General Language Proficiency Test (GLPT) and a Target Structure Test were administered. After the treatment, the learners took a posttest modeling the pretest. The independent samples t-tests run in each group revealed no significant differences between the ectenic and synoptic learners’ performance regarding the components of PI. However, the findings suggested that the ectenic learners benefited least from the SI activities, and the advantageous effect of PI was mainly related to EI. Pedagogical implications of the study for opposing learning styles are discussed, and suggestions are provided for further research.