The role of quality of care and attitude towards disability in the relationship between severity of disability and quality of life: findings from a cross-sectional survey among people with physical disability in China

Background: People with physical disability (PWPD) is the largest subgroup of people with disability (PWD) in China, but few studies have been conducted among this vulnerable population. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of quality of life (QoL), self-perceived quality of care and support (QOCS), severity of disability and personal attitude towards disability among people with physical disability in China, as well as to identify how QoL can be affected by severity of disability through QOCS and personal attitude towards disability among PWPD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,853 PWPD in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected on participants’ QoL, QOCS, personal attitude towards disability and severity of disability. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of the other variables on QoL. Results: Even with a mild disability (mean score:1.72), relatively low levels of QoL (mean score: 2.65- 3.22) and QOCS (mean score: 2.95 to 3.28), as well as unfavorable personal attitude towards disability (mean score: 2.75 to 3.36) were identified among PWPD. According to SEM, we found that the influence of severity of physical disability on QoL is not only exerted directly, but is also indirectly through QOCS and their personal attitudes towards disability, with QOCS playing a more important mediating role than PWPD’s attitudes towards their own disability. Conclusions: Unfavorable health status was identified among PWPD in China. Focusing on improvement of assistance and care services has the potential to substantially improve PWPD’s QoL. Further research should focus on understanding the needs and their current state of health care of PWPD in China thus being able to develop better interventions for them

The LAMOST Survey of Background Quasars in the Vicinity of the Andromeda and Triangulum Galaxies -- II. Results from the Commissioning Observations and the Pilot Surveys

We present new quasars discovered in the vicinity of the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxies with the LAMOST during the 2010 and 2011 observational seasons. Quasar candidates are selected based on the available SDSS, KPNO 4 m telescope, XSTPS optical, and WISE near infrared photometric data. We present 509 new quasars discovered in a stripe of ~135 sq. deg from M31 to M33 along the Giant Stellar Stream in the 2011 pilot survey datasets, and also 17 new quasars discovered in an area of ~100 sq. deg that covers the central region and the southeastern halo of M31 in the 2010 commissioning datasets. These 526 new quasars have i magnitudes ranging from 15.5 to 20.0, redshifts from 0.1 to 3.2. They represent a significant increase of the number of identified quasars in the vicinity of M31 and M33. There are now 26, 62 and 139 known quasars in this region of the sky with i magnitudes brighter than 17.0, 17.5 and 18.0 respectively, of which 5, 20 and 75 are newly-discovered. These bright quasars provide an invaluable collection with which to probe the kinematics and chemistry of the ISM/IGM in the Local Group of galaxies. A total of 93 quasars are now known with locations within 2.5 deg of M31, of which 73 are newly discovered. Tens of quasars are now known to be located behind the Giant Stellar Stream, and hundreds behind the extended halo and its associated substructures of M31. The much enlarged sample of known quasars in the vicinity of M31 and M33 can potentially be utilized to construct a perfect astrometric reference frame to measure the minute PMs of M31 and M33, along with the PMs of substructures associated with the Local Group of galaxies. Those PMs are some of the most fundamental properties of the Local Group.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures, AJ accepte

Metal-free graphene-carbon nitride hybrids for photodegradation of organic pollutants in water

Hybrid photocatalysts of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were prepared in one-pot via a thermal condensation of melamine with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO). As metal-free hybrids, the prepared photocatalysts presented enhanced performances in photooxidation of both methylene blue and phenol in water solutions under various light irradiations. The level of rGO significantly affected MB photodegradation efficiencies. The introduced graphene can improve the MB adsorption and optical absorption in visible light region, therefore enables the hybrids to efficiently degrade MB under visible light with wavelengths longer than 430 nm. The metal-free photocatalysts were also able to degrade phenol effectively and the effects of catalyst loading and initial phenol concentration were investigated. This study provided an efficient and environmentally benign photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants in water, with complete prevention of secondary contamination from metal-leaching

Calibration of the Timing Performance of GECAM-C

As a new member of the Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) after GECAM-A and GECAM-B, GECAM-C (originally called HEBS), which was launched on board the SATech-01 satellite on July 27, 2022, aims to monitor and localize X-ray and gamma-ray transients from $\sim$ 6 keV to 6 MeV. GECAM-C utilizes a similar design to GECAM but operates in a more complex orbital environment. In this work, we utilize the secondary particles simultaneously produced by the cosmic-ray events on orbit and recorded by multiple detectors, to calibrate the relative timing accuracy between all detectors of GECAM-C. We find the result is 0.1 $\mu \rm s$, which is the highest time resolution among all GRB detectors ever flown and very helpful in timing analyses such as minimum variable timescale and spectral lags, as well as in time delay localization. Besides, we calibrate the absolute time accuracy using the one-year Crab pulsar data observed by GECAM-C and Fermi/GBM, as well as GECAM-C and GECAM-B. The results are $2.02\pm 2.26\ \mu \rm s$ and $5.82\pm 3.59\ \mu \rm s$, respectively. Finally, we investigate the spectral lag between the different energy bands of Crab pulsar observed by GECAM and GBM, which is $\sim -0.2\ {\rm \mu s\ keV^{-1}}$.Comment: submitte

Targeted gene delivery in tumor xenografts by the combination of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction and polyethylenimine to inhibit survivin gene expression and induce apoptosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Noninvasive and tissue-specific technologies of gene transfection would be valuable in clinical gene therapy. This present study was designed to determine whether it could enhance gene transfection <it>in vivo </it>by the combination of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) with polyethylenimine (PEI) in tumor xenografts, and illuminate the effects of gene silencing and apoptosis induction with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference therapy targeting human survivin by this novel technique.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Two different expression vectors (pCMV-LUC and pSIREN) were incubated with PEI to prepare cationic complexes (PEI/DNA) and confirmed by the gel retardation assay. Human cervical carcinoma (Hela) tumors were planted subcutaneously in both flanks of nude mice. Tumor-bearing mice were administered by tail vein with PBS, plasmid, plasmid and SonoVue microbubble, PEI/DNA and SonoVue microbubble. One tumor was exposed to ultrasound irradiation, while the other served as control. The feasibility of targeted delivery and tissue specificity facilitated by UTMD and PEI were investigated. Moreover, immunohistochemistry analyses about gene silencing and apoptosis induction were detected.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Electrophoresis experiment revealed that PEI could condense DNA efficiently. The application of UTMD significantly increases the tissue transfection. Both expression vectors showed that gene expressions were present in all sections of tumors that received ultrasound exposure but not in control tumors. More importantly, the increases in transgene expression were related to UTMD with the presence of PEI significantly. Silencing of the survivin gene could induce apoptosis effectively by downregulating survivin and bcl-2 expression, also cause up-regulation of bax and caspase-3 expression.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This noninvasive, novel combination of UTMD with PEI could enhance targeted gene delivery and gene expression in tumor xenografts at intravenous administration effectively without causing any apparently adverse effect, and might be a promising candidate for gene therapy. Silencing of survivin gene expression with shRNA could be facilitated by this non-viral technique, and lead to significant cell apoptosis.</p

The Minimum Variation Timescales of X-ray bursts from SGR J1935+2154

The minimum variation timescale (MVT) of soft gamma-ray repeaters can be an important probe to estimate the emission region in pulsar-like models, as well as the Lorentz factor and radius of the possible relativistic jet in gamma-ray burst (GRB)-like models, thus revealing their progenitors and physical mechanisms. In this work, we systematically study the MVTs of hundreds of X-ray bursts (XRBs) from SGR J1935+2154 observed by {\it Insight}-HXMT, GECAM and Fermi/GBM from July 2014 to Jan 2022 through the Bayesian Block algorithm. We find that the MVTs peak at $\sim$ 2 ms, corresponding to a light travel time size of about 600 km, which supports the magnetospheric origin in pulsar-like models. The shock radius and the Lorentz factor of the jet are also constrained in GRB-like models. Interestingly, the MVT of the XRB associated with FRB 200428 is $\sim$ 70 ms, which is longer than that of most bursts and implies its special radiation mechanism. Besides, the median of MVTs is 7 ms, shorter than the median MVTs of 40 ms and 480 ms for short GRBs or long GRBs, respectively. However, the MVT is independent of duration, similar to GRBs. Finally, we investigate the energy dependence of MVT and suggest that there is a marginal evidence for a power-law relationship like GRBs but the rate of variation is at least about an order of magnitude smaller. These features may provide an approach to identify bursts with a magnetar origin.Comment: accepted for publication in ApJ

Graphene in Lithium-Ion/Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

In order to deal with the energy demand of the increasing global population,the use of sustainable sources of energy has become mandatory to attenuate theenvironmental problems that come along with the use of fossil sources of energy.However, one of the problems of renewable energy sources, such as wind or sun,is that they are intermittent. So, in order to make the best use of them, we needgood energy storage systems able to capture, manage and store energy at a largescale and low cost. If we are also capable of replacing the gasoline powered transportationwith electric vehicles, the greenhouse emissions would be significantlyreduced. As well, it is necessary a change in the energetic matrix for stationarydevices to solve the transport cost and the greenhouse emission provokes for theuse of natural gas. Considering this, the major promises to accomplish the needsof high gravimetric, volumetric and power density is given by lithium batteries.In the past decades and up to nowadays, they have become the energy source ofalmost all electronic portable devices and made possible a huge number of technologicalapplications. Graphene based materials, due to their unique properties,have become of great interest to be used in different components of the battery:anode, cathode and separator. As part of the electrodes, used adequately, graphenematerials improve the electron and ionic mobility providing not only higher electricalconductivity, but also higher capacity. Due to the rich carbon chemistry,graphene can be easily functionalized with different groups leading to changes inits properties. In this sense, the nano-sized dimension and elevated specific surfacearea makes it a perfect candidate for improving conductivity, connectivity andlithium-ion transport in both cathode and anode active materials. Functionalizedgraphene is also used in the modification of separators of lithium-sulfur batteriesfor the suppression of the polysulfide shuttle mechanism due to its interaction/repulsion with the charged intermediate polysulfide species. This chapter presentsa critical overview of the state-of-art in the optimization and application ofgraphene derived materials for anodes, cathodes and separators in lithium batteries.Besides a thorough description of novel designs and general discussion of theattained electrochemical performances, this chapter also aims to discuss desiredproperties and current drawbacks for massive industrial application in lithiumbatteries.Fil: Luque, Guillermina Leticia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Para, Maria Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Primo, Emiliano Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Calderón, Andrea Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Bracamonte, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Otero, Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Rojas, María del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: García Soriano, Francisco Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; ArgentinaFil: Lener, German. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; Argentin

Search for a scalar partner of the X(3872)X(3872) via ψ(3770)\psi(3770) decays into γηη′\gamma\eta\eta' and γπ+π−J/ψ\gamma\pi^{+}\pi^{-}J/\psi

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb$^{-1}$ collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773~GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for a scalar partner of the $X(3872)$, denoted as $X(3700)$, via $\psi(3770)\to \gamma\eta\eta'$ and $\gamma\pi^{+}\pi^{-}J/\psi$ processes. No significant signals are observed and the upper limits of the product branching fractions ${\cal B}(\psi(3770)\to\gamma X(3700))\cdot {\cal B}(X(3700)\to \eta\eta')$ and ${\cal B}(\psi(3770)\to\gamma X(3700))\cdot {\cal B}(X(3700)\to\pi^{+}\pi^{-}J/\psi)$ are determined at the 90\% confidence level, for the narrow $X(3700)$ with a mass ranging from 3710 to 3740 MeV/$c^2$, which are from 0.8 to 1.8 $(\times 10^{-5})$ and 0.9 to 3.4 $(\times 10^{-5})$, respectively