Search

Magnetorheological polishing is a potential process for the low-damage manufacture of optics, semiconductors, and related devices. However, due to magnetic materials’ size and magnetic field strength limitations, a high-efficiency material removal rate can hardly be achieved in practical application. This work presents a novel high-efficiency magnetorheological polishing process, which employs Halbach array as magnetic field excitation to improve the processing efficiency. The Halbach array provides a large-area, high-intensity magnetic field, which is verified by finite element simulation and experiments. The force analysis of carbonyl iron particles in the magnetic field revealed the distribution of polishing pressure and polishing marks. The polishing performance of the process as well as the distribution of polishing pressure and polishing marks were investigated by polishing experiments. The effects of process parameters on the removal rate and surface roughness have also been systematically investigated. The novel magnetorheological polishing process can achieve 3.8 times material removal rate compared with the previous process. In the polishing processes of fused silica, the surface roughness reduced from 1979.154 nm to 0.544 nm in 60 minutes. To sum up, Halbach array could significantly improve the efficiency of magnetorheological polishing while preserving polishing quality.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in human cancers. HOXA11 anti-sense RNA (

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis because it is often detected at an advanced stage, and drug resistance interferes with treatment. However, the mechanism underlying drug resistance in PDAC remains unclear. Here, we investigated metabolic changes between a parental PDAC cell line and a gemcitabine (GEM)-resistant PDAC cell line. We established a GEM-resistant cell line, MIA-G, from MIA-PaCa-2 parental (MIA-P) cells using continuous therapeutic-dose GEM treatment. MIA-G cells were also more resistant to 5-fluorouracil in comparison to MIA-P cells. Metabolic flux analysis showed a higher oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in MIA-G cells than in MIA-P cells. Notably, OCR was suppressed by GEM treatment only in MIA-G cells. GEM treatment increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MIA-P cells, but not in MIA-G cells. Glutamine uptake and peroxidase levels were elevated in MIA-G cells. The antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and vitamin C increased the sensitivity to GEM in both cell lines. In MIA-G cells, the expression of the mitochondrial transcription factor A also decreased. Furthermore, rotenone reduced the sensitivity of MIA-P cells to GEM. These findings suggest that the suppression of oxidative phosphorylation contributes to GEM resistance by reducing ROS production. Our study provides a new approach for reducing GEM resistance in PDAC.

The development of grinding wheels that are capable of improving the grinding accuracy and the finished surface roughness via the grinding process is increasingly sought in industries. The refinement of grinding wheels comprising abrasive grains is an effective means of improving the ground surface quality. The general methods used for fabricating grinding wheels tend to facilitate the aggregation of fine abrasive grains, resulting in poor abrasive distribution. Therefore, we focused on the electro-spinning mode of Patterning with Electrostatically Injected Droplet (PELID), which is capable of forming micro resin fibers. Subsequently, we attempted to fabricate fibrous grinding wheels containing abrasive grains by using the twin nozzle PELID technique that applies this mode. We confirmed through experiments that resin fibers containing abrasive grains can be manufactured efficiently using PELID and succeeded in manufacturing fibrous grinding wheels containing abrasive grains.

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is known to be a chemotactic factor for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), but the effect of post-translational modification on its function is not clear. In this study, we hypothesized that differences in the oxidation state of HMGB1 would lead to differences in the function of MSCs in cancer. In human colorectal cancer, MSCs infiltrating into the stroma were correlated with liver metastasis and serum HMGB1. In animal models, oxidized HMGB1 mobilized three-fold fewer MSCs to subcutaneous tumors compared with reduced HMGB1. Reduced HMGB1 inhibited the proliferation of mouse bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) and induced differentiation into osteoblasts and vascular pericytes, whereas oxidized HMGB1 promoted proliferation and increased stemness, and no differentiation was observed. When BM-MSCs pretreated with oxidized HMGB1 were co-cultured with syngeneic cancer cells, cell proliferation and stemness of cancer cells were increased, and tumorigenesis and drug resistance were promoted. In contrast, co-culture with reduced HMGB1-pretreated BM-MSCs did not enhance stemness. In an animal orthotopic transplantation colorectal cancer model, oxidized HMGB1, but not reduced HMGB1, promoted liver metastasis with intratumoral MSC chemotaxis. Therefore, oxidized HMGB1 reprograms MSCs and promotes cancer malignancy. The oxidized HMGB1-MSC axis may be an important target for cancer therapy.

The tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-4 (CLDN4) is overexpressed in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and correlates with cancer progression. However, the mechanism of CLDN4 upregulation and promotion of malignant phenotype is not clear. Here, we analyzed 157 cases of BUC and investigated the hypomethylation of CpG island in the

Myocardial damage in cancer patients is emphasized as a cause of death; however, there are not many murine cachexia models to evaluate cancer-derived heart disorder. Using the mouse cachexia model that we established previously, we investigated myocardial damage in tumor-bearing mice. In cachexic mice, decreased heart weight and myocardial volume, and dilated left ventricular lumen, and atrophied cardiomyocytes were noted. The cardiomyocytes also showed accumulated 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, decreased leucine zipper and EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein-1, and increased microtubule-associated protein light chain3-II. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and high-mobility group box-1 proteins in the myocardium were increased, and nuclear factor κB, a signaling molecule associated with these proteins, was activated. When rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2 cells) were treated with mouse cachexia model ascites and subjected to flux analysis, both oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis were suppressed, and the cells were in a quiescent state. These results are in good agreement with those previously reported on cancerous myocardial damage. The established mouse cachexia model can therefore be considered useful for analyzing cancer-derived myocardial damage.

Amorphous-nanocrystalline (a-nc) boron carbide thin films were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by using ortho-carborane as a single-source precursor for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) application. The effects of deposition temperature (Tdep) and total pressure (Ptot) on chemical composition, microstructure, stoichiometry and morphology of the boron carbide films were investigated. The TEM results show that the structure of the film is mainly composed of amorphous boron carbide with dispersive nano-grains, which will be able to improve the mechanical properties of the film with relatively low roughness. The hardness of the (a-nc) boron carbide film obtained in this study reached 20.6 GPa, and roughness of 3.21 nm. The deposited films sized 0.2–1.9 μm in thickness with B/C atomic ratio ranged from 0.14 to 3.29. The deposition rate decreased with increasing deposition temperature and Ptot, while B/C ratio increased.

Linoleic acid (LA) has been shown to cause inflammation and promote development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, many literatures show that LA is associated with cancer metastasis. Metastatic cancer cells have high stemness, suggesting that LA might affect the stemness of cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effect of LA on the hedgehog system, which affects cancer stemness. In CT26 cells, LA treatment induced the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh); the signal transduction factor, and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) 2, whereas the expression of SRY-box transcription factor (Sox) 17 was suppressed. Furthermore, LA reduced GLI2 ubiquitination, resulting in an increase in the N-terminal fragment of GLI2, known as suppressive GLI2, produced by cleavage of GLI2. LA-induced cleaved GLI2 was also detected in Colo320 and HT29 human CRC cells. Knocking down Gli2 abrogated the LA-mediated suppression of Sox17 expression. These results suggest that LA promotes tumor cell stemness by increasing of suppressive GLI2 fragments via GLI2 modification. In mouse liver metastasis models, LA enhanced metastasis with production of the suppressive GLI2 fragments in CT26 and HT29 cells, whereas knockdown of GLI2 abrogated LA-induced metastatic activity. In human CRCs, the cases with liver metastasis showed the suppressive GLI2 fragments. This study provides mechanistic insights into LA-induced stemness in colon cancer cells. This finding suggests that dietary intake of LA might increase the stemness of cancer cells and enhance metastatic activity of the cancer.

Skeletal muscle volume is associated with prognosis of cancer patients. Maintenance of skeletal muscle is an essential concern in cancer treatment. In nutritional intervention, it is important to focus on differences in metabolism between tumor and skeletal muscle. We examined the influence of oral intake of glucose (0%, 10%, 50%) and 2% medium‐chain fatty acid (lauric acid, LAA, C12:0) on tumor growth and skeletal muscle atrophy in mouse peritoneal metastasis models using CT26 mouse colon cancer cells and HT29 human colon cancer cells. After 2 weeks of experimental breeding, skeletal muscle and tumor were removed and analyzed. Glucose intake contributed to prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy in a sugar concentration‐dependent way and also promoted tumor growth. LAA ingestion elevated the level of skeletal muscle protein and suppressed tumor growth by inducing tumor‐selective oxidative stress production. When a combination of glucose and LAA was ingested, skeletal muscle mass increased and tumor growth was suppressed. Our results confirmed that although glucose is an important nutrient for the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, it may also foster tumor growth. However, the ingestion of LAA inhibited tumor growth, and its combination with glucose promoted skeletal muscle integrity and function, without stimulating tumor growth. These findings suggest novel strategies for the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy.

This study proposes a new grinding system using grinding fluid containing oxygenic fine bubbles (O2FBs) to realize high-performance electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) using a conductive rubber bond grinding wheel. It was found that grinding fluid containing O2FBs dramatically increases the dissolved oxygen in the grinding fluid. In addition, the O2FBs in the fluid are drawn to the conductive rubber bond grinding wheel, which is the positive pole, during ELID. These effects are thought to enhance the dressing performance of the conductive rubber bond grinding wheel. Grinding of pure titanium using the proposed grinding system was found to realize mirror surface finishing while increasing the amount of removed workpiece material, compared to when ELID was not applied and to when ELID grinding was conducted using a normal grinding fluid. Effects of ELID grinding on surface modification were also observed, confirming that the proposed grinding system is able to form a thick oxidized film on pure titanium.

Epitaxial 3C–SiC films were fabricated on Si(001) by laser chemical vapor deposition using hexamethyldisilane as the precursor source and H2 as the dilution gas. The effect of the H2 flow rate on the density of microtwins in 3C–SiC films was investigated. Crystallographic defects were mainly composed of {111} twins, which tilted 15.8° to the surface of the substrate and refer to the multiple twins mirrored by the first-order twins; these defects were characterized by pole figure. With the flow rate of H2 increased from 1.0 to 3.0 slm (standard liter per minute), the relative twin density first decreased from 24.0 to 1.2 and then increased to 16.0. The mechanism of the formation and elimination of the defects is also discussed.

Cachexia frequently occurs in cancer patients and is correlated with reduced therapeutic responsiveness and poor prognosis. Although skeletal muscle atrophy is an important factor related to cachexia, biomarkers for its early diagnosis are not yet definitive. In this study, weight loss, body mass index, skeletal muscle index (SMI), serum carcinoembryonic antigen, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, serum interleukin (IL)-6, serum high mobility group box (HMGB)-1, and SDS-soluble myosin light chain 1 (SDS-MYL1) of the psoas muscle were examined in 8 autopsied cases of death from colorectal cancer (CRC) as biomarkers of cachexia. SDS-MYL1 was positively correlated to SMI and TNF-α was negatively correlated, but the other factors did not show any correlations with SMI. Multivariate analysis showed that of the 3 cytokines, TNF-α and HMGB1 were correlated with SMI. Furthermore, when the biochemical skeletal muscle maturation marker, SDS-MYL1, was compared with serum cytokines, TNF-α and HMGB1 were negatively correlated but IL-6 was not. In multivariate analysis, only TNF-α was associated with SDS-MYL1. A positive correlation was found between TNF-α and HMGB1. These findings suggest that since TNF-α was inversely correlated with SMI and SDS-MYL1, TNF-α is a serum marker of skeletal muscle atrophy in CRC. Moreover, SDS-MYL1 might be established as a biomarker linked to clinical sarcopenia in experiments in vitro and in vivo.

The tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-4 (CLDN4) is overexpressed in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and correlates with cancer progression. However, the mechanism of CLDN4 upregulation and promotion of malignant phenotype is not clear. Here, we analyzed 157 cases of BUC and investigated the hypomethylation of CpG island in the CLDN4 promoter DNA and its correlation with cancer progression. In hypomethylated cases, CLDN4 expression, cell proliferation, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were increased. Treatment of three human BUC cell lines with the demethylating agent aza-2′-deoxycytidine (AZA) led to excessive CLDN4 expression, and, specifically, to an increase in CLDN4 monomer that is not integrated into the TJ. The TJ-unintegrated CLDN4 was found to bind integrin β1 and increase stemness, drug resistance, and metastatic ability of the cells as well as show an anti-apoptosis effect likely via FAK phosphorylation, which reduces upon knockdown of CLDN4. Thus, CLDN4 is overexpressed in BUC by an epigenetic mechanism and the high expression enhances the malignant phenotype of BUC via increased levels of TJ-unintegrated CLDN4. CLDN4 promoter DNA methylation is expected to be a novel indicator of BUC malignant phenotype and a new therapeutic target.

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp with dysplasia (SSA/P-D) is an SSA/P with cellular dysplasia and has a higher risk of progressing to colon carcinogenesis. Previously, we reported that tight junction impairment by Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) leads to activation of the transcriptional co-activator yes-associated protein (YAP) in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we investigated whether CPE activates YAP to promote the malignant progression of SSA/P. E-cadherin expression was lower in the 12 cases with SSA/P-D examined than that in normal mucosa, SSA/P, or tubular adenoma (TA). Furthermore, intracellular translocation of claudin-4 (CLDN4) and nuclear translocation of YAP were observed. The CPE gene was detected in DNA extracted from SSA/P-D lesions, but not in SSA/P or TA. Treatment of the rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC6 with low-dose CPE resulted in intracellular translocation of CLDN4 to the cytoplasmic membrane. Cytoplasmic CLDN4 showed co-precipitation with transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, large tumor suppressor, and mammalian Ste20-like. Additionally, YAP co-precipitated with ZO-2 under CPE treatment led to decreased YAP phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. YAP activation promoted increase in nuclear TEA domain family member level, expression of cyclin D1, snail, vimentin, CD44, NS and decrease in E-cadherin levels, thereby inducing stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). The Hippo complex with the incorporation of CLDN4 increased stability. Upon low-dose CPE treatment, HT29 cells with BRAFV600E gene mutation showed increased growth, enhanced invasive potential, stemness, and induced EMT phenotype, whereas HCT116 cells, which carry KRASG13D gene mutation, did not show such changes. In an examination of 10 colorectal cancers, an increase in EMT and stemness was observed in CPE (+) and BRAF mutation (+) cases. These findings suggest that C. perfringens might enhance the malignant transformation of SSA/P-D via YAP activation. Our findings further highlight the importance of controlling intestinal flora using probiotics or antibiotics.

Graphene/SiC (G/SiC) composite coatings with -orientation were in-situ deposited using hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) as precursor by laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD). The concentration and distribution of graphene sheets in SiC matrixes were controlled by changing total pressure (Ptot) in the reaction chamber. The investigation of growth mechanism showed that the photolytic of laser played an important role during the depositions. Observation by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that graphene nucleated on SiC(111) lattice planes. As the increase of Ptot, the concentration of graphene decreased and the grain size of SiC grains and graphene sheets increased. The distribution of graphene in SiC matrix significantly affected the electrical conductivity (σ) of the composite coating. The highest σ is over 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of the graphene/semiconductor composites fabricated by other strategies. The high σ makes the G/SiC(111) composite coating very promising for the applications in mechanical, energy, and sensor-related areas.

ZrC-ZrB2-SiC composites were prepared by arc-melting in Ar atmosphere using ZrC, ZrB2 and SiC as starting materials. The ternary eutectic composition of 20ZrC-30ZrB2-50SiC (mol%) was first identified. SiC about 7 μm in length and 500 nm in diameter, ZrC about 4 μm in length and 1 μm in diameter, in rod-like microstructure, were uniformly dispersed in ZrB2 matrix of eutectic composite. The eutectic temperature of ZrC-ZrB2-SiC composite was approximately 2550 K. The Vickers Hardness and fracture toughness of eutectic composite was 23 GPa and 6.2 MPa m1/2, respectively. The electrical conductivity decreased from 7.2 × 107 to 1.75 × 106 S m−1 with the temperature increasing from 287 to 800 K. The thermal conductivity decreased from 85 to 61 W K−1 m−1 with increasing temperature from 287 to 973 K.

The role of metastasis-related genes in cisplatin (CDDP) chemoresistance in gastric cancer is poorly understood. Here, we examined the expression of four metastasis-related genes (namely, c-met, HMGB1, RegIV, PCDHB9) in 39 cases of gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy with CDDP or CDDP+5-fluorouracil and evaluated its association with CDDP responsiveness. Comparison of CDDP-sensitive cases with CDDP-resistant cases, the expression of c-met, HMGB1, and PCDHB9 was correlated with CDDP resistance. Among them, the expression of HMGB1 showed the most significant correlation with CDDP resistance in multivariate analysis. Treatment of TMK-1 and MKN74 human gastric cancer cell lines with ethyl pyruvate (EP) or tanshinone IIA (TAN), which are reported to inhibit HMGB1 signaling, showed a 4&ndash, 5-fold increase in inhibition by CDDP. Treatment with EP or TAN also suppressed the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in the HMGB1 signal transduction pathway and suppressed the activity of NF&kappa, B in both cell lines. These results suggest that the expression of these cancer metastasis-related genes is also related to anticancer drug resistance and that suppression of HMGB1 may be particularly useful for CDDP sensitization.

Few layer graphene (FLG) has attracted tremendous interest in recent years because of its unique properties. However, how to synthesize graphene quickly and control the layer number is an important issue. Herein, high-quality and layer-controlled graphene was obtained on polycrystalline nickel foil by laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) within a few minute, which is a cold-wall CVD type based on irradiation of a continuous wave laser with Super-Gaussian distribution spot. The number of graphene layers and quality was controlled by controlling the growth time, laser power and cooling rate. The growth mechanism of the FLG has also been discussed.

The transfer process before graphene device fabrication could worsen the performance of graphene device greatly, so a transfer-free growth method for preparing graphene films is demanded urgently. Herein, we propose a novel three-step method to achieve transfer-free graphene films on Al2O3 (0001) substrates. Cu (111) films and carbon source were co-deposited on α-Al2O3 (0001) substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at one step, then graphene was synthesis by a rapid annealing process, transforming the carbon source in copper into graphene films. Finally, a transfer-free graphene film with an ultra-smooth surface (∼3.49 nm) is achieved by etching the copper film on Al2O3(0001). Crystallographic characterization demonstrated the as-deposited Cu films show a nature of epitaxial single crystal, with a smooth surface (∼6.89 nm). Few layer graphene films (3–4 layers) with least defect concentration were grown at annealing time of 20 min.

This paper summaries advancements in fixed abrasive machining of non-metallic materials, which include reinforced concretes, stones, rocks, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, metal and ceramic matrix composites, wood, wood-fiber plastic composite, biomaterials (bone, plaque, and enamel), and structural and electronic ceramics. The broad impacts, diverse applications, and innovations of fixed abrasive machining processes are presented. Benefits of the engineered deterministic distribution of abrasive grain grinding tools are demonstrated. Industrial perspectives and future research on innovative fixed abrasive machining technologies that enable new processes and improve the productivity are highlighted.

Epitaxial NdBa2Cu3O7−x films were prepared on (100) LaAlO3 single crystal substrates by laser chemical vapor deposition (laser CVD). The effect of deposition temperature on preferred orientation, crystallinity, microstructure, deposition rate of films was investigated. The preferred orientation of the NdBCO films changed from a, c-axis to c-axis, then back to a, c-axis, as the deposition temperature was increased from 993 to 1093 K. The highly c-axis-oriented epitaxial NdBa2Cu3O7−x film with critical transition temperature of 87 K was obtained at Tdep = 1033 K, with the in-plane epitaxial orientation relationship of NdBCO [100]∥LAO [010] and NdBCO [010]∥LAO [001]. The growth orientation varied from a-axis to c-axis as the film thickness increased in the case of the a, c-co-oriented NdBCO film. The contribution of thickness-dependent strain relaxation to preferred orientation of the NdBCO films was also discussed.

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM) is a degradation product of β-casein, a milk component, and has been suggested to affect the immune system. However, its effect on mucosal immunity, especially anti-tumor immunity, in cancer-bearing individuals is not clear. We investigated the effects of BCM on lymphocytes using an in vitro system comprising mouse splenocytes, a mouse colorectal carcinogenesis model, and a mouse orthotopic colorectal cancer model. Treatment of mouse splenocytes with BCM in vitro reduced numbers of cluster of differentiation (CD) 20+ B cells, CD4+ T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and increased CD8+ T cells. Administration of BCM and the CD10 inhibitor thiorphan (TOP) to mice resulted in similar alterations in the lymphocyte subsets in the spleen and intestinal mucosa. BCM was degraded in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by the neutral endopeptidase CD10, and the formed BCM degradation product did not affect the lymphocyte counts. Furthermore, degradation was completely suppressed by TOP. In the azoxymethane mouse colorectal carcinogenesis model, the incidence of aberrant crypt foci, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma was reduced by co-treatment with BCM and TOP. Furthermore, when CT26 mouse colon cancer cells were inoculated into the cecum of syngeneic BALB/c mice and concurrently treated with BCM and TOP, infiltration of CD8+ T cells was promoted, and tumor growth and liver metastasis were suppressed. These results suggest that by suppressing the BCM degradation system, the anti-tumor effect of BCM is enhanced and it can suppress the development and progression of colorectal cancer.

(111)-oriented β-SiC films were prepared by laser chemical vapor deposition using a diode laser (wavelength: 808 nm) from a single liquid precursor of hexamethyldisilane (Si(CH3)3-Si(CH3)3, HMDS) without H2. The effects of laser power (PL), total pressure (Ptot) and deposition temperature (Tdep) on the microstructure, carbon formation and deposition rate (Rdep) were investigated. β-SiC films with carbon formation and graphite films were prepared at PL ≥ 170 W and Ptot ≥ 1000 Pa, respectively. Carbon formation strongly inhibited the film growth. β-SiC films without carbon formation were obtained at Ptot = 400 to 800 Pa and PL = 130 to 170 W. The maximum Rdep was about 50 μm h−1 at PL = 170 W, Ptot = 600 Pa and Tdep = 1510 K. The investigation of growth mechanism shows that the photolytic of laser played an important role during the depositions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) possesses highly aggressive phenotype, treatment with limited options, and a poor prognosis. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effect of anti-claudin (CLDN)-4 extracellular domain antibody, 4D3, on TNBC. Methods The expression of CLDN4 and CLDN1 in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was examined in 78 IDCs (from 2004 to 2009 in a single center). CLDN expression and the effect of 4D3 on proliferation were examined in in human IDC cell lines MCF-7 (luminal subtype) and MDA-468 (TNBC). Results In IDC cases, CLDN1 had lower expression than CLDN4 and correlated with histological grade. In contrast, expression of CLDN4 correlated with histological grade, receptor subtype, and stage. CLDN4 expression in the two cells was at the same level. In both cells, paclitaxel (PTX)-induced growth suppression was enhanced by 4D3. Furthermore, 4D3 increased both intracellular PTX concentration (in both cells) and apoptosis. In the mouse model, 4D3 promoted the antitumor effect of PTX on subcutaneous tumors and reduced lung metastasis. The combination of PTX and 4D3 reduced M2 macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells in the tumor. 4D3 also reduced stemness of the tumors in association with increase in the intratumoral pH. Moreover, concurrent treatment of 4D3, PTX, or tamoxifen; or with PTX and tamoxifen in MDA-468 also showed the same level of antitumor activity and survival as MCF-7. Furthermore, in bone metastasis model, combination of PTX and bisphosphonate with 4D3 promoted tumor growth in both cells. Conclusions CLDN4 targeting of the antibody facilitated existing therapeutic effects.

The JEM-EUSO (Joint Experiment Missions for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory) program aims at developing Ultra-Violet (UV) fluorescence telescopes for efficient detections of Extensive Air Showers (EASs) induced by Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) from satellite orbit. In order to demonstrate key technologies for JEM-EUSO, we constructed the EUSO-Balloon instrument that consists of a ∼1 m 2 refractive telescope with two Fresnel lenses and an array of multi-anode photo-multiplier tubes at the focus. Distinguishing it from the former balloon-borne experiments, EUSO-Balloon has the capabilities of single photon counting with a gate time of 2.3 µs and of imaging with a total of 2304 pixels. As a pathfinder mission, the instrument was launched for an 8 h stratospheric flight on a moonless night in August 2014 over Timmins, Canada. In this work, we analyze the count rates over ∼2.5 h intervals. The measurements are of diffuse light, e.g. of airglow emission, back-scattered from the Earth's atmosphere as well as artificial light sources. Count rates from such diffuse light are a background for EAS detections in future missions and relevant factor for the analysis of EAS events. We also obtain the geographical distribution of the count rates over a ∼780 km 2 area along the balloon trajectory. In developed areas, light sources such as the airport, mines, and factories are clearly identified. This demonstrates the correct location of signals that will be required for the EAS analysis in future missions. Although a precise determination of count rates is relevant for the existing instruments, the absolute intensity of diffuse light is deduced for the limited conditions by assuming spectra models and considering simulations of the instrument response. Based on the study of diffuse light by EUSO-Balloon, we also discuss the implications for coming pathfinders and future space-based UHECR observation missions., 0, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

A novel adaptive shearing-gradient thickening polishing (AS-GTP) method is first proposed to improve surface accuracy and restrain subsurface damage on lithium niobite (LiNbO3 or LN) crystal. The material removal rate (MRR) in AS-GTP is established according to adaptive real-shearing flow, temperature-induced gradient thickening (GT) mechanism, and plastic indentation on active GT abrasive concept. The MRR prediction model is verified by the AS-GTP experiments. Results from the theoretical calculation based on the MRR prediction model are closed to that from experimental data, and the maximal difference between the experiment results and theoretical calculation is no greater than 9.5%. The microstructure of the thermosensitive particle (NIPAM-ODA, the copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and octadecyl acrylate) has amphiphilic property and results in the gradient thickening for AS-GTPS. Under the conditions of temperature of T 38 °C, average abrasive size of Da 0.6 μm, rotational speed of vr 600 min−1, abrasive concentration of W 12 vol % and gradient-thickening threshold (shear rate 300 s−1), surface damage depth (Dd) and surface roughness (Ra) also decline to a minimum critical threshold (

The effects of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) on cardiovascular disorders have been extensively studied, and the effect of TFAs on cancers has recently been recognized. This study examined the effects of elaidic acid (EA), a TFA, on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. We demonstrated that EA enhanced the growth, survival, and invasion of the CRC cell lines, CT26, and HT29. Tumor growth and metastasis in the lung, liver, and peritoneum were significantly more enhanced in CRC cells treated with EA than those treated with the cis form of EA, oleic acid (OA), or vehicle. Spheres of CRC cells were formed at more pronounced numbers in EA-treated cells than in OA-treated cells. Compared to OA, EA treatment also induced expression of the stemness factors, nucleostemin, CD133, and Oct4. Moreover, spheres of EA-treated CRC cells were larger and more proliferative than spheres of OA-treated cells. Oral intake of EA also enhanced liver metastasis and CD133 expression of CRC cells in a dose-dependent manner. EA intake also increased resistance to 5-fluorouracil. Inhibition of Wnt and ERK1/2 abrogated EA-induced enhancement of metastasis. Our findings demonstrate that EA might provide prominent metastatic potential to CRC cells, which shows important implications for the treatment of CRC.

Grinding is currently still an important method for surface finishing. At FPTM JEPU is realized the research, which deals with this issue. There are carried out experiments with grinding various materials under different conditions and then are evaluated the selected components of the surface integrity, which are generally roughness Ra, Rz, Rt and Rmax, material ratio curve (Abbott Firestone curve) and also obtained roudness. This article deals with grinding nickel alloy Inconel 718, when selected cutting grinding conditions were used and subsequently the surface roughnesses Ra, Rz, Rt and Rmax were measured and evaluated.

A laser-induced surface treatment in wet conditions was developed for improving the biocompatibility of titanium alloys. Disk-shaped titanium samples were soaked in a calcium nitrate solution and subsequently irradiated by a Yb fiber pulse laser beam, creating a modified surface layer containing calcium and oxygen elements. The modified layer exhibited optimal properties for treatment at a defocus distance of −1 mm and for a calcium nitrate concentration of 10%. The apatite-forming ability of the modified surface was affirmed in bioactivity tests performed in the simulated body fluid. It was shown that a Ca-rich layer was stably generated by the modified treatment process. The generated Ca-rich layer demonstrated superior biocompatibility, suggesting increased hydroxyapatite content.

Bladder cancer displays an aggressive phenotype in the muscle-invasive phase, and is associated with a high mortality rate. Therefore, novel molecular therapeutic targets are needed to improve patient survival. A monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of the claudin-4 (CLDN4) tight junction protein was established by immunizing rats with a plasmid vector encoding human CLDN4. A hybridoma clone, producing a rat monoclonal antibody recognizing CLDN4 (clone 4D3), was obtained. Immunohistochemistry by using the 4D3 antibody showed that CLDN4 expression was associated with local invasion, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced stage in 86 cases of bladder cancer. The 4D3 antibody inhibited growth, invasion, and survival, associated with abrogation of the intratumoral microenvironment; lowered concentrations of epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were found in three-dimensional cultures of T24 and RT4 cells. In combination with cisplatin therapy, 4D3 enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity by increasing cellular permeability, leading to increased intracellular cisplatin concentrations. In mouse models of subcutaneous tumors and lung metastasis, 4D3 enhanced tumor growth inhibition, alone and with concurrent cisplatin treatment. The anti-tumor activity of the newly established 4D3 antibody suggests that it may be a powerful tool in CLDN4-targeting therapy, and in combination with chemotherapy.

High electrical conductivity graphene/epitaxial-3C–SiC (G/epi-3C–SiC) composite films have the potential to the applications such as micro-electro-mechanical systems, distributed Bragg reflectors, solar cells, and photocatalysis in harsh environments. In this study, G/epi-3C–SiC composite films were prepared through laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) using hexametyldisilane (HMDS) as a safe single precursor. The electrical conductivity (σ) of the composite films reached 2.23 × 104 S/m, which is 2.2 times of the highest σ reported for G/epi-3C–SiC composite. The deposition rate (Rdep) of the composite film with the highest σ is 8.2 times of that of the G/epi-3C–SiC with the highest σ ever reported. σ of the pure epitaxial 3C–SiC film is only 81.2 S/m, which is the lowest value reported to date of 3C–SiC prepared through CVD using HMDS as a single precursor. Elimination of carbon is beneficial for increasing the breakdown field intensity and decreasing the leakage current of heterojunction when epitaxial 3C–SiC is used as semiconductor material.