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Summary: The energy coupling behavior is propagated through the magnetic field and would seriously affect the operation performance of two‐degree‐of‐freedom motion system based on linear‐rotary motor. This paper proposes a novel double‐stator linear‐rotary switched reluctance motor (DSLR‐SRM) to suppress the energy coupling behavior. First, the structure and operation principles of DSLR‐SRM are presented. The two stators of DSLR‐SRM are radially arranged to perform the independent magnetic circuit and suppress the energy coupling behavior through the magnetic field. Then, an equivalent circuit model is established to shorten the modeling and calculation time. It could be found that the energy coupling behavior directly affects the torque and force performance. Next, the sensitivity of the DSLR‐SRM dimensions is developed. Meanwhile, the dimensions of DSLR‐SRM are optimized to enhance the torque and force output via TOPSIS decision‐making. Finally, the validity of equivalent circuit modeling analysis and optimization results are verified through three‐dimensional finite element model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the application of multi-component hydrocracking catalyst grading technology in diesel hydrocracking system to increase naphtha, and studies the influence of catalyst systems with different number of graded beds on the reaction process of diesel hydrocracking. Three hydrocracking catalysts with different physicochemical properties as gradation components, the diesel hydrocracking reaction on catalyst systems of one-component, two-component and three-component graded beds with different loading sequences are carried out and evaluated, respectively. The catalytic mechanism of the multi-component grading system is analyzed. The results show that, with the increase of the number of grading beds, the space velocity of reaction on each catalyst increases, which can effectively control the overreaction process; along the flow direction of feedstock, the loading sequences of catalysts with acidity decreasing and pore properties increasing can satisfy the demand of different catalytic activity for the conversion of reactant with changing composition to naphtha, which has a guiding role in the conversion of feedstock to target products. Therefore, the conversion of diesel, the selectivity and yield of naphtha all increase significantly on the multi-component catalyst system. The research on the grading technology of multi-component catalysts is of great significance to the promotion and application of catalyst systems in various catalytic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-walled tubular structures are widely employed in applications. The current study proposes an innovative cost-saving and eco-friendly thin-walled cylinder concept using recycled beverage cans. Axial compression experiments are conducted to characterize the crushing performance under quasi-static and dynamic loading. Besides, the polyurethane foam (PUF)-filled beverage cans are fabricated to improve the compression resistance and energy absorption capacity. Experimental results show that empty beverage cans behave as a typical Type-II absorber and fail by local buckling of the cylinder belly. The initial peak force increases with deformation rates while the highest mean crushing force is obtained at compressive velocity of 50 mm/min. In contrast, PUF-filled beverage cans collapse with a progressive folding process and present significant improvement in crashworthiness. Experimental results are compared with theoretical analysis and conventional energy absorbers to clarify the crashworthiness. In addition, the interaction effect between the PUF fillings and the recycled beverage cans is discussed comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum morifolium ‗Chuju' is a famous medicinal species in traditional Chinese medicine. ‗Chuju' contains various active ingredients that can be used to treat multiple diseases without toxic side effects. In the present study, we combined metabolomics and network pharmacology to further explore the active ingredients in ‗Chuju', as well as the target and pharmacological mechanisms of the active ingredients. A visualized network analysis model based on chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology was constructed to predict the potential pharmacological mechanism of ‗Chuju'. A total of 424 metabolites of ‗Chuju' were identified, of which 21 ingredients had positive pharmacological effects after ADME screening. The network pharmacology revealed that acacetin and beta-sitosterol in ‗Chuju' could act on GSK3B, MAPK14, ADRA1R, and NOS2 to regulate diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and inflammatory diseases. These results indicated the potential pharmacological effects of the active components in ‗Chuju'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article proposed approach paves a new way to realize multifunctional soft devices and machines by bonding hydrogel with other polymers in three-dimensional forms. It mentions that hydrogel-polymer hybrids have been widely used for various applications such as biomedical devices and flexible electronics.

Reverse cyclic lateral testing was undertaken to investigate the seismic behavior of 1/4 scale steel-plate concrete (SC) composite walls. The experimental program involved seven SC wall pier specimens. A new chamber structure is proposed, using steel diaphragms to connect the two steel faceplates to each other and to divide the SC wall pier into two parts. Conventional wall specimens failed mainly by tensile fracture of the concrete at the junction of the wall side and wall base, crushing of the concrete at the toe of the wall, or buckling of the steel faceplate. Tearing of the welded joints at the steel faceplates and steel diaphragm, buckling of steel, steel diaphragms being pulled out, tensile fracture and crushing of the concrete were the main failure modes of the chamber structure walls. A parametric numerical analysis in ABAQUS was developed to investigate the effects of the stiffening rib, steel web amount, material strength, shear-span ratio, and axial compression ratio on the seismic response of SC walls. The chamber structure of the SC wall piers can improve the peak load, ductility, and energy-dissipating capacity. The steel faceplate thickness and stiffening ribs can improve the behavior of SC wall piers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, metallic pyramidal lattice truss core sandwich structures, including single-layered as well as multi-layered ones, are fabricated from EOS Aluminium AlSi10 Mg, utilizing additive manufacturing method. Out-of-plane and in-plane compression as well as shear tests were carried out in order to measure the stiffness and strength properties of the structures. The out-of-plane compressive strength is determined by buckling of struts, and specimens fail in plastic yielding of face sheets for in-plane tests. And for the shear performance of the specimens, the strength is dominated by the node failure. In addition to experimental testing, finite element models have been developed for simulating the stiffness and strength properties and the numerical results agree well with experimental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite sandwich structures with lattice truss cores have both lightweight characteristics and multifunctional potential, which attract a large number of studies on topological optimization, manufacture process and performance evaluation in recent years. However, reliability study on the joint is an inevitable research subject for engineering application, and few studies on inserts within sandwich panels with lattice truss cores are published. In this paper, composite pyramidal truss core sandwich panels with lightweight metallic quadrangular-prism inserts are designed and fabricated. Pull-out and shear tests are carried out to investigate their load capability and failure behaviors, respectively. It is observed that, compared to the honeycomb panels, the present sandwich panels with quadrangular-prism inserts normally can obtain a similar level of pull-out strength but a higher level of shear load capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One viable seeding mechanism for supermassive black holes is the direct gaseous collapse route in pre-galactic dark matter haloes, producing objects on the order of 104-106M☉. These events occur when the gas is prevented from cooling below 104 K that requires a metal-free and relatively H2-free medium. The initial collapse cools through atomic hydrogen transitions, but the gas becomes optically thick to the cooling radiation at high densities. We explore the effects of Lyman α trapping in such a collapsing system with a suite of Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations in uniform density and isotropic cases that are based from a cosmological simulation. Our method includes both non-coherent scattering and two-photon line cooling. We find that Lyman α radiation is marginally trapped in the parsec-scale gravitationally unstable central cloud, allowing the temperature to increase to 50 000K at a number density of 3 × 104 cm-3 and increasing the Jeans mass by a factor of 5. The effective equation of state changes from isothermal at low densities to have an adiabatic index of 4/3 around the temperature maximum and then slowly retreats back to isothermal at higher densities. Our results suggest that Lyman α trapping delays the initial collapse by raising the Jeans mass. Afterward the high-density core cools back to 104 K that is surrounded by a warm envelope whose inward pressure may alter the fragmentation scales at high densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exact analytical solutions of stress distributions in a hollow cylinder under contact interactions are established. • Governing equations are analytically uncoupled by introducing displacement functions. • Hertz contact is re-written as Fourier series to create a versatile description of contact interactions. • Effects of design parameters on stress fields are comprehensively discussed. • Novel maximum normalized stress maps are created for stress distribution mechanism analysis. Bundled hollow cylinders are extensively found in natural materials and engineering structures. Aiming at a theoretical basis of structural rigidity and integrity, the present study provides exact analytical solutions of stress distribution within a hollow cylinder under contact tractions by the neighbors in one-dimensional chains. Displacement functions are introduced to uncouple the governing equations, and explicit expressions of stress components are obtained. Hertz contact at the interaction surface is considered and re-written by Fourier series to determine the unknown coefficients. Traits of stress distribution within the hollow cylinder are addressed and significant non-uniformity is indicated along both the radius and circumference. Parameter studies are conducted to investigate the effects of material and geometry on the stress distribution. Furthermore, novel maximum normalized stress maps are developed, providing an effective approach to understand stress distribution mechanisms. The ultimate stress transits from the circumferential compressive type to the radial compressive type with the increasing thickness-diameter ratio. If excluding compressive stresses, the hoop tensile and the in-plane shear types are predominant for different thickness-diameter ratios, respectively. The present investigation should help to understand the failure mechanisms and can be utilized to create a versatile method of engineering materials constructed by bundled hollow cylinders. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An eco-friendly and low-cost sustainable sandwich structure with cork stopper cores is proposed. • Natural frequencies of the sustainable sandwich panel are theoretically predicted. • Effect of the cork stopper geometric parameters on modal performance is comprehensively addressed. • Influence of packing configuration of cork stoppers on dynamic behaviors is determined. Cork is a natural sustainable material, which is widely used for wine bottle stopper. This paper proposes an environment-friendly and low-cost sandwich concept consisting of cork stoppers and aluminum covering skins for a novel building material solution. A set of prototypes with natural and agglomerated cork stopper cores are fabricated respectively. Modal tests are carried out to address the effect of arrangement orientations in the cores on natural frequencies. Besides, theoretical and finite element analysis are conducted to determine vibration behaviors of the sustainable sandwich structures. The results show that the natural frequencies of the sustainable sandwich panels are highly affected by the parent materials and packing configurations. Furthermore, the effects of cork stopper core dimensions on the vibration performance are determined by a parametric study, providing comprehensive information for sustainable building structure development and waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered ECM protein deposition is a feature in asthmatic airways. Fibronectin (Fn), an ECM protein produced by human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), is increased in asthmatic airways. This study investigated the regulation of Fn production in asthmatic or nonasthmatic HBECs and whether Fn modulated HBEC proliferation and inflammatory mediator secretion. The signaling pathways underlying transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-regulated Fn production were examined using specific inhibitors for ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, and activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5). Asthmatic HBECs deposited higher levels of Fn in the ECM than nonasthmatic cells under basal conditions, whereas cells from the two groups had similar levels of Fn mRNA and soluble Fn. TGF-β1 increased mRNA levels and ECM and soluble forms of Fn but decreased cell proliferation in both cells. The rate of increase in Fn mRNA was higher in nonasthmatic cells. However, the excessive amounts of ECM Fn deposited by asthmatic cells after TGF-β1 stimulation persisted compared with nonasthmatic cells. Inhibition of ALK5 completely prevented TGF-β1-induced Fn deposition. Importantly, ECM Fn increased HBEC proliferation and IL-6 release, decreased PGE2 secretion, but had no effect on VEGF release. Soluble Fn had no effect on cell proliferation and inflammatory mediator release. Asthmatic HBECs are intrinsically primed to produce more ECM Fn, which when deposited into the ECM, is capable of driving remodeling and inflammation. The increased airway Fn may be one of the key driving factors in the persistence of asthma and represents a novel, therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of recovering low-rank matrices which are heavily corrupted by outliers or large errors. To improve the robustness of existing recovery methods, the problem is solved by formulating it as a generalized non-smooth non-convex minimization functional via exploiting the Schatten p-norm (0 < p ⩽ 1) and Lq(0 < q ⩽ 1) seminorm. Two numerical algorithms are provided based on the augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) and accelerated proximal gradient (APG) methods as well as efficient root-finder strategies. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed generalized approach is more inclusive and effective compared with state-of-the-art methods, either convex or nonconvex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists induce airway relaxation via cAMP. Phosphodiesterase (PDE)s degrade and regulate cAMP, and in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells PDE4D degrades cAMP. Long-acting β2-agonists are now contraindicated as monotherapy for asthma, and increased PDE4D has been speculated to contribute to this phenomenon. In this study we investigated the expression of PDE4D in asthmatic and nonasthmatic ASM cells and its regulation by formoterol and budesonide. Primary ASM cells from people with or without asthma were stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, formoterol, and/or budesonide. PDE4D mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR, or PCR to assess splice variant production. PDE4D protein was assessed by Western blotting, and we investigated the effect of formoterol on cAMP production and PDE activity. Interleukin (IL)-6 was assessed using ELISA. PDE4D mRNA was dose dependently upregulated by formoterol, with a single splice variant, PDE4D5, present. Formoterol did not induce PDE4D protein at time points between 3 to 72 h, whereas it did induce and increase IL-6 secretion. We pretreated cells with actinomycin D and a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, and found no evidence of alterations in mRNA, protein expression, or degradation of PDE4D. Finally PDE activity was not altered by formoterol. This study shows, for the first time, that PDE4D5 is predominantly expressed in human ASM cells from people with and without asthma and that formoterol does not upregulate PDE4D protein production. This leads us to speculate that continual therapy with β2AR agonists is unlikely to cause PDE4-mediated tachyphylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Persistent asthma is characterized by airway remodeling. Whereas we have previously shown that neither β2-agonists nor corticosteroids inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) protein release from airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, the effect of their combination is unknown and this forms the rationale for the present study. Methods. ASM cells from people with and without asthma were stimulated with TGFβ1 (1 ng/ml) with or without budesonide (10-8 M) and formoterol (10-10 and 10-8 M), and fibronectin expression and IL-6 release were measured by ELISA. Bronchial rings from nonasthmatic individuals were incubated with TGFβ1 (1 ng/ml) with or without the drugs, and fibronectin expression was measured using immunohistochemistry. Results. Budesonide stimulated fibronectin deposition, in the presence or absence of TGFβ1, and this was partially reversed by formoterol (10-8> M) in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic cells. Budesonide and formoterol in combination failed to inhibit TGFβ-induced fibronectin in either cell type. A similar pattern of expression of fibronectin was seen in bronchial rings. TGFβ1-induced IL-6 release was inhibited by the combination of drugs. Conclusion. Current combination asthma therapies are unable to prevent or reverse remodeling events regulated by ASM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells contribute to asthmatic airway inflammation by secreting cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, all of which are elevated in asthmatic airways. This study examines the signaling pathways leading to TGFβ1 induced IL-6 and IL-8 in primary HBE cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic volunteers. HBE cells were stimulated with TGFβ1 in the presence or absence of signaling inhibitors. IL-6 and IL-8 protein and mRNA were measured by ELISA and real-time PCR respectively, and cell signaling kinases by Western blot. TGFβ1 increased IL-6, but inhibited IL-8 production in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic cells; however, TGF induced significantly more IL-6 in asthmatic cells. Inhibition of JNK MAP kinase partially reduced TGFβ1 induced IL-6 in both cell groups. TGFβ1 induced Smad2 phosphorylation, and blockade of Smad2/3 prevented both the TGFβ1 modulated IL-6 increase and the decrease in IL-8 production in asthmatic and non-asthmatic cells. Inhibition of Smad2/3 also increased basal IL-8 release in asthmatic cells but not in non-asthmatic cells. Using CHIP assays we demonstrated that activated Smad2 bound to the IL-6, but not the IL-8 promoter region. We conclude that the Smad2/3 pathway is the predominant TGFβ1 signaling pathway in HBE cells, and this is altered in asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells. Understanding the mechanism of aberrant pro-inflammatory cytokine production in asthmatic airways will allow the development of alternative ways to control airway inflammation. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 846-854, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4D printing enables 3D printed structures to change shape over "time" in response to environmental stimulus. Because of relatively high modulus, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been widely used for 4D printing. However, most SMPs for 4D printing are thermosets, which only have one permanent shape. Despite the efforts that implement covalent adaptable networks (CANs) into SMPs to achieve shape reconfigurability, weak thermomechanical properties of the current CAN-SMPs exclude them from practical applications. Here, we report reconfigurable 4D printing via mechanically robust CAN-SMPs (MRC-SMPs), which have high deformability at both programming and reconfiguration temperatures (>1400%), high Tg (75°C), and high room temperature modulus (1.06 GPa). The high printability for DLP high-resolution 3D printing allows MRC-SMPs to create highly complex SMP 3D structures that can be reconfigured multiple times under large deformation. The demonstrations show that the reconfigurable 4D printing allows one printed SMP structure to fulfill multiple tasks.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needle-punched carbon/carbon (NP C/C) composite is widely used in rocket-engine nozzles and re-entry vehicles. Recyclable technology expedited the research on repeated oxidation and residual mechaincal properties of thermal-protection materials. In this study, the critical longitudinal compression strengths before and after oxidation are derived based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Three repetitions of short-term oxidation cycles and compression experiments are investigated. The average oxidation rate of this composite was 5∼6% in 10 min and kept linear increase. In-plane and out-of-plane compressive strengths of NP C/C composite diminish quasi-linearly due to oxidation at 1000°C, with their moduli decreasing in a periodically slow-sharp pattern. After three oxidation cycles, the levels of residual in-plane modulus and strength were 55.20% and 56.89%, respectively, while the resudual out-of-plane modulus and strength were 44.65% and 47.23%, respectively. The results showed that the material exhibited the pesudo-plastical behaviour after oxidation, cracks grew along the punched conical structures formed by the punching technology. In-plane and out-of-plane modulus were more sensitive than their strengths after first oxidation cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway remodeling describes the structural changes that occur in the asthmatic airway that include airway smooth muscle hyperplasia, increases in vascularity due to angiogenesis, and thickening of the basement membrane. Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of transforming growth factor-β on the release of connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor from human airway smooth muscle cells derived from asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. In addition we studied the immunohistochemical localization of these cytokines in the extracellular matrix after stimulating bronchial rings with transforming growth factor-β. Connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were released from both cell types and colocalized in the surrounding extracellular matrix. Prostaglandin E2 inhibited the increase in connective tissue growth factor mRNA but augmented the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 decreased the amount of connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, but not fibronectin deposited in the extracellular matrix. This report provides the first evidence that connective tissue growth factor may anchor vascular endothelial growth factor to the extracellular matrix and that this deposition is decreased by matrix metalloproteinase-2 and prostaglandin E2. This relationship has the potential to contribute to the changes that constitute airway remodeling, therefore providing a novel focus for therapeutic intervention in asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite sandwich panels with lattice truss cores have dramatic static and dynamic characteristics, which are widely used in aerospace industry. Owing to the inability to sustain localized loads of joining, valid inserts are required to enable the interconnection of the sandwich panels. The present study develops a novel boundary insert parallel to the facesheets for pyramidal lattice truss core sandwich panels. Analytical-mechanical models are addressed for the proposed boundary insert subjected to in-plane pull-out, in-plane shear as well as out-of-plane shear loads and experimental tests are carried out to characterize mechanical behaviors. Failure sequences and mechanisms are discussed comprehensively and good correspondence is obtained with analytical prediction. Finite element simulation models are developed for visualization of internal load distribution. Experimental results show that significant improvements in load capacities can be achieved by the developed boundary insert compared with the interconnection concepts for honeycomb sandwich panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to select and cultivate germplasm resources of Leymus chinensis suitable for planting in Hinggan League area, four wild Leymus chinensis germplasm resources from different geographical distribution in Hinggan League were tested for phenological characteristics, morphological indexes, quantitative indexes and nutritional indexes, and correlation analysis and comprehensive evaluation were carried out. The results showed that both morphological and quantitative traits had different degrees of variation, ranging from 2.11%~43.10%. Among the nutritional indexes, the coefficient of variation of dry matter is the smallest, which is 0.26%. The coefficient of variation of crude protein is the highest, which is 20.94%. There was a significant positive correlation between plant height and leaf width (P<0.05) and extremely significant positive correlation with dry weight (P<0.01). The ranking of weighted correlation degree was YC01> YC02>YC04>YC03. The study indicates that YC01 germplasm has good production performance and comprehensive performance in Hinggan League. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some cancers such as human breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer easily metastasize to bone, leading to osteolysis and bone destruction accompanied by a complicated microenvironment. Systemic administration of bisphosphonates (BP) or denosumab is the routine therapy for osteolysis but with non-negligible side effects such as mandibular osteonecrosis and hypocalcemia. Thus, it is imperative to exploit optimized drug delivery systems, and some novel nanotechnology and nanomaterials have opened new horizons for scientists. Targeted and local drug delivery systems can optimize biodistribution depending on nanoparticles (NPs) or microspheres (MS) and implantable biomaterials with the controllable property. Drug delivery kinetics can be optimized by smart and sustained/local drug delivery systems for responsive delivery and sustained delivery. These delicately fabricated drug delivery systems with special matrix, structure, morphology, and modification can minimize unexpected toxicity caused by systemic delivery and achieve desired effects through integrating multiple drugs or multiple functions. This review summarized recent studies about optimized drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer metastatic osteolysis, aimed at giving some inspiration in designing efficient multifunctional drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sophisticated and efficient technique of sandwich attachment for composite sandwich structure assembly is imperatively required by industries. Certain types of joining inserts are widely used to carry the localized loads, but little is known regarding to the joining method for composite lattice truss core sandwich structures. In this study, a novel hybrid insert fastener, which comprises a plurality of carbon-fiber-reinforced grid cells and a metallic part, is developed for pyramidal truss core sandwich structures. Finite element models are developed to predict the failure modes and the load capabilities of different insert locations. Static pull-out and shear experiments are carried out, and the failure behaviors for each load case are discussed. The results show that the shear performance is significantly improved, and the insert position greatly affects the static pull-out behavior. An optimization of the hybrid joining insert to enhance the pull-out characteristic is addressed and verified by the finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valid configuration of inserts is commonly used for assembly in sandwich structures. Inherently, various uncertainty results in variability in mechanical characteristics of inserts, and need to be addressed adequately. This study explores the reliability of inserts in composite pyramidal lattice truss core sandwich panels. Finite element method is utilized to analyze the sources and sensitivity of uncertainty in mechanical properties of constituent materials and geometry of sub-components. To quantify the reliability of the insert structure in the presence of uncertainty, machine learning technology is used to investigate the uncertainty propagation by a statistical description. Failure probability is observed and the insert structure shows outstanding stability under pull-out loading. The thickness of face-sheets and the properties of the bonding interface play large roles in stiffness and strength, respectively. Suitable process controls should be implemented to maintain the both critical parameters at a high and stable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Figuring out rock strength plays essential roles in the sub ground mining activities, such as oil and gas well drilling and hydraulic fracturing, coal mining, tunneling, and other civil engineering scenarios. To help understand the effects of the mineralogical composition on evaluating the rock strength, this research tries to establish indirect prediction models of rock strength by specific input mineral contents for common sedimentary rocks. Using rock samples collected from the outcrops in the Sichuan Basin, uniaxial compression tests have been conducted to sandstone, carbonate, and shale cores. Combining with statistical analysis, the experimental data prove it true that the mineralogical composition can be utilized to predict the rock strength under specific conditions but the effects of mineralogical composition on the rock strength highly depend on the rock lithologies. According to the statistical analysis results, the predicted values of rock strengths by the mineral contents can get high accuracies in sandstone and carbonate rocks while no evidences can be found in shale rocks. The best indicator for predicting rock strength should be the quartz content for the sandstone rocks and the dolomite content for the carbonate rocks. Especially, to improve the evaluation accuracy, the rock strengths of sandstones can be obtained by substituting the mineral contents of quartz and clays, and those of carbonates can be calculated by the mineral contents of dolomite and calcite. Noticeably, the research data point out a significant contrast of quartz content in evaluating the rock strength of the sandstone rocks and the carbonate rocks. Increasing quartz content helps increase the sandstone strength but decrease the carbonate strength. As for shale rocks, no relationship exists between the rock strength and the mineralogical composition (e.g., the clay fractions). To provide more evidences, detailed discussion also provides the readers more glances into the framework of the rock matrix, which can be further studied in the future. These findings can help understand the effects of mineralogical composition on the rock strengths, explain the contrasts in the rock strength of the responses to the same mineral content (e.g., the quartz content), and provide another indirect method for evaluating the rock strength of common sedimentary rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since first developed, the conducting materials in wireless communication and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices have been primarily made of metal-based structures. Here, we present a graphene-assembled film (GAF) that can be used to replace copper in such practical electronics. The GAF-based antennas present strong anticorrosive behavior. The GAF ultra-wideband antenna covers the frequency range of 3.7 GHz to 67 GHz with the bandwidth (BW) of 63.3 GHz, which exceed ~110% than the copper foil-based antenna. The GAF Fifth Generation (5G) antenna array features a wider BW and lower sidelobe level compared with that of copper antennas. EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of GAF also outperforms copper, reaching up to 127 dB in the frequency range of 2.6 GHz to 0.32 THz, with a SE per unit thickness of 6,966 dB/mm. We also confirm that GAF metamaterials exhibit promising frequency selection characteristics and angular stability as flexible frequency selective surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic problem of concrete dams has long been a difficult issue facing academic and engineering researchers. Traditional anti-seismic and isolation measures produce unfavorable results in hydraulic structures. However, the air-cushion seismic isolation technique represents a new development orientation for the anti-seismic method of concrete dams. To study the isolation and anti-cracking effects of the air-cushion, the gas-liquid-solid tri-phase coupling numerical model of the air-cushion isolation control of high arch dams is presented in this paper, in which the cracking behavior of concrete is considered. A 300 m level dam was simulated numerically under three different seismic intensities. The results show that the air-cushion reduces the hydrodynamic pressure significantly. The maximum hydrodynamic pressure is reduced by more than 70 %, and the acceleration of the dam crest is reduced by more than 50 % with a 1 m air-cushion. The reduction in hydrodynamic pressure and dam acceleration increases with increasing seismic intensity. In addition, the air-cushion decreases the cracking range of the dam body effectively. Thus, the isolation effects of the air-cushion are remarkable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an epoxy resin, YZ-05, designed specifically for carbon fiber reinforced polymer prepregs, was characterized and modeled. A degassing method for the highly viscous YZ-05 was established for specimen preparation. To numerically model the behavior of YZ-05 in curing, several components, including the heat transfer, curing kinetics, and viscoelastic constitutive law ones, were developed, and the corresponding material properties to be input were tested. As YZ-05 shows severe creep at high temperature under mechanical loading, the combination of digital image correlation (DIC) and thermography technique was utilized to obtain its thermal expansion and chemical shrinkage. In the aspects of viscoelastic behavior, stress relaxation tests were performed based on time-temperature superposition principle with a numerical method to calculate shift factors. After development and input identification, these modeling components for YZ-05 resin were integrated and the modeling results were validated using experiments, where bending of resin beams was induced during curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle (ASM) within the bronchial wall of asthmatic patients has been well documented and is likely due to increased muscle proliferation. We have shown that ASM cells obtained from asthmatic patients proliferate faster than those obtained from non-asthmatic patients. In ASM from non-asthmatics, mitogens act via dual signaling pathways (both ERK- and PI 3-kinase-dependent) to control growth. In this study we are the first to examine whether dual pathways control the enhanced proliferation of ASM from asthmatics. When cells were incubated with 0.1% or 1% FBS, ERK activation was significantly greater in cells from asthmatic subjects (P < 0.05). In contrast, when cells were stimulated with 10% FBS, ERK activity was significantly greater in the non-asthmatic cells. However, cell proliferation in asthmatic cells was still significantly higher in cells stimulated by both 1% and 10% FBS. Pharmacological inhibition revealed that although dual proliferative pathways control ASM growth in cells from non-asthmatics stimulated with 10% FBS to an equal extent ([3H]-thymidine incorporation reduced to 57.2 ± 6.9% by the PI 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and 57.8 ± 1.1% by the ERK-pathway inhibitor U0126); in asthmatics, the presence of a strong proliferative stimulus (10% FBS) reduces ERK activation resulting in a shift to the PI 3-kinase pathway. The underlying mechanism appears to be upregulation of an endogenous MAPK inhibitor—MKP-1—that constrains ERK signaling in asthmatic cells under strong mitogenic stimulation. This study suggests that the PI 3-kinase pathway may be an attractive target for reversing hyperplasia in asthma. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 673–679, 2008, © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays an immunomodulatory role in asthma. Recently, IL-17A has become of increasing interest in asthma, being found at elevated levels in asthmatic airways and emerging as playing an important role in airway neutrophilia. IL-17A predominantly exerts its neutrophil orchestrating role indirectly via the induction of cytokines by resident airway structural cells. Here, we perform an in vitro study to show that although IL-17A did not induce secretion of the CXC chemokine IL-8 from ASM cells, IL-17A significantly potentiates TNF-α-induced IL-8 protein secretion and gene expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-8 protein produced after 24 h of incubation with TNF-α were enhanced 2.7-fold in the presence of IL-17A, and conditioned media significantly enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. As IL-17A had no effect on the activity of NF-κB, a key transcriptional regulator of IL-8 gene expression, we then examined whether IL-17A acts at the posttranscriptional level. We found that IL-17A significantly augmented TNF-α-induced IL-8 mRNA stability. Interestingly, this enhanced stability occurred via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The decay of IL-8 mRNA transcripts proceeded at a significantly faster rate when cells were pretreated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 (-0.05763 ± 0.01964, t1/2 = 12.0 h), compared with vehicle (-0.0 1030 ± 0.007963, t1/2 = 67.3 h) [results are expressed as decay constant (means ± SE) and half-life (t1/2 in h): P < 0.051. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IL-17A amplifies the synthetic function of ASM cells, acting via a p38 MAPK-dependent posttranscriptional pathway to augment TNF-α-induced secretion of the potent neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 from ASM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is present on human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and can be activated by mast cell tryptase, trypsin, or an activating peptide (AP). Trypsin induced significant increases in PGE[sub 2] release from human ASM cells after 6 and 24 h and also induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA expression and COX-2 protein. Tryptase and the PAR-2 AP did not alter PGE[sub 2] release or COX-2 protein levels, suggesting a lack of PAR-2 involvement. When we compared results in asthmatic and nonasthmatic muscle cells, both trypsin and bradykinin induced less PGE[sub 2] from asthmatic ASM cells, and bradykinin induced significantly less COX-2 mRNA in asthmatic cells. Significantly less PGE[sub 2] was released from proliferating ASM cells from asthmatic patients. In conclusion, trypsin induces PGE[sub 2] release and COX-2 in human ASM cells, which is unlikely to be via PAR-2 activation. In addition, ASM cells from asthmatic patients produce significantly less PGE[sub 2] and COX-2 compared with nonasthmatic cells. These findings may contribute to the increase in muscle mass evident in asthmatic airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the theoretical model of sandwich plate with pyramidal truss cores to investigate the acoustic property of transmission loss. The two-dimensional periodic model is established based on the assumption that the trusses are regarded as Euler-Bernoulli beams. The fluid-structure interaction is considered by imposing velocity continuity condition at fluid-structure interfaces. The periodic governing equations are derived by using space harmonic expansions and the principle of virtual work. Meanwhile, the practical specimens are fabricated by slitting and snap-fit assembly to conduct sound insulation experiment via standing wave tube method. The theoretical result shows satisfactory agreement with experimental data. The numerical discussions are conducted to demonstrate the effects of incident angles and topological parameters which should be helpful for practical design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, design for additive manufacturing has been proposed to maximize product performance through the rational and integrated design of the product, its materials, and their manufacturing processes. Searching design solutions in such a multidimensional design space is a challenging task. Notably, no existing design support method is both rapid and tailored to the design process. In this study, we propose a holistic approach that applies data-driven methods in design search and optimization at successive stages of a design process. More specifically, a two-step surrogate model-based design method is proposed for the embodiment and detailed design stages. The Bayesian network classifier is used as the reasoning framework to explore the design space in the embodiment design stage, while the Gaussian process regression model is used as the evaluation function for an optimization method to exploit the design space in detailed design. These models are constructed based on one dataset that is created by the Latin hypercube sampling method and then refined by the Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling method. This cost-effective data-driven approach is demonstrated in the design of a customized ankle brace that has a tunable mechanical performance by using a highly stretchable design concept with tailored stiffnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Simple blade coating technique to achieve large-scale self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) flakes into anisotropic films with gradient structures and controlled patterning. • Statistical analysis method utilizing scanning electron microscopy images for the characterization of materials with macroscopic surface morphology. • Sensing/actuation behavior, responding to external stimuli such as temperature, humidity, and light. • Robust and flexible materials are suitable for application as integral building elements in the bioinspired design of sustainable smart housing and green constructs. Sustainable structural design, utilizing material to imitate natural biological systems, presents both promise and challenges. By avoiding interfacial problems encountered in composite counterparts, such designs offer self-adaptive materials for smart housing and green architecture, etc. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) flakes into anisotropic films through a simple blade coating technique. Through the application of blade coating to a highly concentrated nematic GO suspension, we successfully fabricate GO films with morphological gradient and patterning. Additionally, we propose a statistical analysis method utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images for the characterization of materials with macroscopic surface morphology. Furthermore, we explore the application of these GO films as low-dimensional soft actuators, revealing their outstanding stimuli-responsive performance and self-adaptation to environment. Such robust and flexible films can be used as integral building elements in the bioinspired design of sustainable smart housing facilitating remote robotization and sensing capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostatin (Mstn) is a negative regulator of muscle development in vertebrates. Although its function in muscle growth has been well studied in mammals and fish, it remains unclear whether or how mstn functions in the immune system. In this study, mstna −/- and mstnb −/- homozygous zebrafish were firstly generated using CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9). Deletion of mstnb but not mstna enhanced growth performance. Although survival rates under normal conditions were slightly decreased in both strains, mortality after dexamethasone-induced stress was increased by ∼30%. Furthermore, transcriptional levels of several critical immune-related genes were decreased, and the ability to withstand exposure to pathogenic E. tarda was decreased, compared with that of controls. In mstnb −/- but not mstna −/- zebrafish, expression of NF-κB subunits and several pro-inflammatory cytokines failed to respond to E. tarda exposure except nfkb1 , c-rel and tnfα . Taken together, these results indicate that mstnb but not mstna plays a key role in zebrafish muscle growth. While each paralogue contributes to the response to bacterial insult, mstnb affects the immune system through activation of the NF-κB pathway, and mstna is likely to act upstream of NF-κB at some as yet unidentified target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel bolt-connected precast concrete walls (PCWs) enhanced by UHPC were proposed. • The PCW enhanced by UHPC exhibited similar seismic behavior to the monolithic wall. • Theoretical calculations for the flexural strength of PCWs were formulated. Existing bolted precast concrete walls (PCWs) have shown disadvantages in terms of high precision in production or insufficient seismic performance compared with cast-in situ walls. Based on this background, new bolt-connected PCWs enhanced by ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and connected by spliced bolted joints for use in low-to mid-rise residential systems were proposed. Seven specimens, including one monolithic concrete wall and six bolt-connected PCWs, were tested at a low axial compression ratio and reversed cyclic loads. The effects of the UHPC enhancement area, bolt arrangement, joint position and bolt hole shape of the steel plate on the seismic performance of the PCW were evaluated. The test results indicate that three types of failure patterns could be observed in PCWs, i.e., wall toe compressive failure, joint shear failure and flexural failure. The PCW enhanced by UHPC was able to achieve equivalent performance to the monolithic wall in terms of lateral resistance and energy dissipation. In addition, theoretical calculations for the flexural strength of PCWs corresponding to different failure modes were proposed. The predicted results approximated the test values and were all within the safe range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice floating on water is a great manifestation of negative thermal expansion (NTE) in nature. The limited examples of natural materials possessing NTE have stimulated research on engineered structures. Previous studies on NTE structures were mostly focused on theoretical design with limited experimental demonstration in two-dimensional planar geometries. In this work, aided with multimaterial projection microstereolithography, we experimentally fabricate lightweight multimaterial lattices that exhibit significant negative thermal expansion in three directions and over a temperature range of 170 degrees. Such NTE is induced by the structural interaction of material components with distinct thermal expansion coefficients. The NTE can be tuned over a large range by varying the thermal expansion coefficient difference between constituent beams and geometrical arrangements. Our experimental results match qualitatively with a simple scaling law and quantitatively with computational models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid composite pyramidal truss sandwich panels combined with multiple damping configurations are fabricated in this work. Modal and quasi-static compressive tests are carried out to investigate the damping and stiffness efficiency of the candidate structures. Experimental results show that such structures combined with damping materials would significantly improve the damping loss efficiency but decrease simultaneously the stiffness efficiency in varying degrees compared with the bare hybrid sandwich panels. In order to evaluate the compatible effect of total damping and stiffness efficiency of the present sandwich structures, a synthetic evaluation criterion is developed, which shows that bare sandwich panels filled with hard polyurethane foam (B-II-HPF) and soft polyurethane foam (B-II-SPF) can yield the best performance up to 2–4 times higher than the base hybrid sandwich panels. It is also shown that multiple patch damping treatments based on the finite element-modal strain energy (FE-MSE) approach are suitable and effective to further improve the total damping efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokines drive many inflammatory diseases, including asthma. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for cytokine secretion will allow us to develop novel strategies to repress inflammation in the future. Harnessing the power of endogenous anti-inflammatory proteins is one such strategy. In this study, we investigate the p38 MAPK-mediated regulatory interaction of two anti-inflammatory proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) and tristetraprolin (TTP), in the context of asthmatic inflammation. Using primary cultures of airway smooth muscle cells in vitro, we explored the temporal regulation of IL-6 cytokine mRNA expression upon stimulation with TNF-α. Intriguingly, the temporal profile of mRNA expression was biphasic. This was not due to COX-2-derived prostanoid upregulation, increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components, or upregulation of the cognate receptor for TNF-α-TNFR1. Rather, the biphasic nature of TNF-α-induced IL-6 mRNA expression was regulated temporally by the RNA-destabilizing molecule, TTP. Importantly, TTP function is controlled by p38 MAPK, and our study reveals that its expression in airway smooth muscle cells is p38 MAPK-dependent and its anti-inflammatory activity is also controlled by p38 MAPK-mediated phosphorylation. MKP-1 is a MAPK deactivator; thus, by controlling p38 MAPK phosphorylation status in a temporally distinct manner, MKP-1 ensures that TTP is expressed and made functional at precisely the correct time to repress cytokine expression. Together, p38 MAPK, MKP-1, and TTP may form a regulatory network that exerts significant control on cytokine secretion in proasthmatic inflammation through precise temporal signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphangiogenesis plays a significant role in metastasis and recurrence of gastric cancer. There is no report yet focusing on the modulation of VEGF pathway and lymphangiogenesis of gastric cancer by targeting Akt/mTOR pathway. This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between Akt/mTOR pathway and VEGF-C/-D in gastric cancer. Methods: We collected surgically resected gastric adenocarcinoma specimens from 55 consented patients. Immunohistochemistry staining of p-Akt, p-mTOR, VEGF-C, VEGF-D were performed and scored by two independent pathologists. The results were presented as staining intensity and positive staining cell rate. We also measured lymphatic vessel density (LVD) by D2-40 staining. Different dosages of p-Akt inhibitor LY294002 (12.5 µM, 25 µM, 50 µM) and p-mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin (25 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM) were given to gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 in vitro. The inhibition rate of cell growth was tested by MTT at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively and protein expressions of Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were examined by Western blot. Results: The positive staining rates of p-Akt, p-mTOR, VEGF-C and VEGF-D in 55 gastric cancer clinical specimens were 74.54%, 85.45%, 72.73% and 58.18%. p-Akt and p-mTOR were positively correlated with VEGF-C and VEGF-D (p < 0.01). The LVD increased with incremental tendency of staining intensity of p-Akt, p-mTOR, VEGF-C and VEGF-D. LY294002 or Rapamycin significantly suppressed SGC-7901 cell growth and the inhibition rate was dose and time dependent (p < 0.001). In addition, the protein expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR were positively correlated with that of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The level of LVD in gastric cancer specimens was significant higher than that of normal gastric tissue and was positively correlated with p-Akt, p-mTOR, VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Inhibition of p-Akt and p-mTOR, in vitro, decreased tumor cell VEGF-C and VEGF-D significantly. Therefore, we concluded that lymphangiogenesis of gastric cancer might be related to Akt/mTOR-VEGF-C/VEGF-D axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of ordinary materials degrade substantially with reduced density because their structural elements bend under applied load. We report a class of microarchitected materials that maintain a nearly constant stiffness per unit mass density, even at ultralow density. This performance derives from a network of nearly isotropic microscale unit cells with high structural connectivity and nanoscale features, whose structural members are designed to carry loads in tension or compression. Production of these microlattices, with polymers, metals, or ceramics as constituent materials, is made possible by projection microstereolithography (an additive micromanufacturing technique) combined with nanoscale coating and postprocessing. We found that these materials exhibit ultrastiff properties across more than three orders of magnitude in density, regardless of the constituent material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway inflammation and respiratory infections are important factors contributing to disease exacerbation in chronic airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and may be involved in the amplification of airway inflammatory responses during infectious exacerbations. We determined whether infectious stimuli (mimicked using Pam3CSK4, a synthetic bacterial lipopeptide that binds to TLR2/TLR1) further enhance ASM cell inflammatory responses to TNFα in vitro and the signaling pathways involved. Human ASM cells were pretreated for 1 h with Pam3CSK4 (1 μg/ml) in the absence or presence of TNFα (10 ng/ml), and IL-6 and IL-8 release was measured after 24 h. As expected, stimulation with Pam3CSK4 or TNFα alone induced significant IL-6 and IL-8 release. Furthermore, Pam3CSK4 significantly increased TNFα-induced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and protein release and neutrophil chemotactic activity. The potentiating effect of Pam3CSK4 on TNFα- induced inflammatory responses was not due to enhanced TLR2 expression nor did it involve augmentation of NF-κB or MAPK signaling pathways. Rather, Pam3CSK4 induced cAMP response element (CRE) binding protein phosphorylation and induced CREmediated transcriptional regulation, suggesting that Pam3CSK4 and TNFα are acting in concert to enhance ASM cytokine secretion via parallel transcriptional pathways. Our findings suggest that ASM cells may be involved in the amplification of airway inflammatory responses during infectious exacerbations in chronic airway disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was first piloted in April 2004 in Yunnan, China, to reduce HIV transmission. This study aimed to examine public support for MMT and was based on cross-sectional data collected in March-April 2006 on a random sample of 411 police staff, medical/health professionals, community members, and drug users. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The support was the strongest amongst the police and medical professionals but the lowest in drug users. A considerable proportion of the respondents viewed MMT as contradictory to China's drug control policies and this factor was negatively associated with support for MMT. Dissemination of more accurate knowledge and the resolution of these conflicts are urgently needed to increase the public support for MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased levels of IL-6 are documented in asthma, but its contribution to the pathology is unknown. Asthma is characterized by airway wall thickening due to increased extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, angiogenesis, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. IL-6 binds to a specific membrane-bound receptor, IL-6 receptor-α (mIL-6Rα, and subsequently to the signaling protein gp130. Alternatively, IL-6 can bind to soluble IL-6 recpetor-s (sIL-6Rα) to stimulate membrane receptor-deficient cells, a process called trans-signaling. We discovered that primary human ASM cells do not express mIL-6Rα and, therefore, investigated the effect of IL-6 trans-signaling on the pro-remodeling phenotype of ASM. ASM required sIL-6Rα to activate signal transducer and activator 3, with no differences observed between cells from asthmatic subjects compared with controls. Further analysis revealed that IL-6 alone or with sIL-6Rα did not induce release of matrix-stimulating factors (including connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, or integrins) and had no effect on mast cell adhesion to ASM or ASM proliferation. However, in the presence of sIL-6Rα, IL-6 increased eotaxin and VEGF release and may thereby contribute to local inflammation and vessel expansion in airway walls of asthmatic subjects. As levels of sIL-6Rα are increased in asthma, this demonstration of IL-6 trans-signaling in ASM has relevance to the development of airway remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Increased airway smooth muscle bulk is a pathological feature of asthma. Asthma is well controlled by the combined inhalation of glucocorticoids and β [sub 2]-adrenoceptor agonists. The basic molecular mechanism of the interaction of the two drugs on proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells is yet to be identified. Our aim was to elucidate how glucocorticoids and β [sub 2] agonists affect the growth of human bronchial airway smooth muscle cells. Methods: We assessed the effect of formoterol and budesonide on the activation and function of transcription factors by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, DNA mobility shift assay, and a luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of the drugs and the involvement of specific transcription factors on cell proliferation was ascertained by direct cell count and confirmed by thymidine incorporation. Findings: Both classes of drugs (10[-8] mol/L) activated C/EBP-α and the glucocorticoid receptor with different kinetic profiles, and inhibited proliferation. The combination of lower doses of drugs (10[-12] to 10[-9] mol/L) resulted in a synchronised activation of the transcription factors and an enhanced antiproliferative effect. The action of the drugs alone or in combination on transcription-factor activity and proliferation was suppressed by either depletion of C/EBP-α or in the presence of a glucocorticoid-receptor blocker. Interpretation: Our findings could provide one explanation for the interaction of β [sub 2 ]agonists and glucocorticoids at a molecular level, and indicate that the concentration of inhaled glucocorticoids can be reduced when combined with β [sub 2] agonists, minimising the side-effects of the drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-storing photocatalyst was prepared by coating light-storing phosphor and TiO2 photocatalyst in sequence on ceramic. The light-storing photocatalyst can store light irradiation and emit slowly. Consequently, the photocatalyst remains active when the irradiation source is cut off. Rhodamine B (RhB) can be decomposed efficiently by this photocatalyst in the dark after it absorbs light irradiation. This photocatalyst is photoreactive in an outdoor environment or can save energy by supplying irradiation intermittently for the photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]