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The CoMoO 4 /Co-B heterostructure was synthesized via the water bath deposition and liquid-phase reduction method and its electrochemical properties was investigated. Binary transition metal oxides have received extensive attention because of their multiple oxidation states. However, due to the inherent vices of poor electronic/ionic conductivities, their practical performance as supercapacitor material is limited. Herein, a cobalt molybdate/cobalt boride (CoMoO 4 /Co-B) composite is constructed with cobalt boride nanoflake-like as a conductive additive in CoMoO 4 nanorods using a facile water bath deposition process and liquid-phase reduction method. The effects of CoMoO 4 /Co-B mass ratios on its electrochemical performance are investigated. Remarkably, the CoMoO 4 /Co-B composite obtained at a mass ratio of 2:1 shows highly enhanced electrochemical performance relative to those obtained at other ratios and exhibits an optimum specific capacity of 436 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. This kind of composite could also display great rate capacity (294 F g−1 at 10 A g−1) and outstanding long cycle performance (90.5% capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1). Also, the asymmetric supercapacitor device is prepared by using CoMoO 4 /Co-B composite as the anode with the active carbon as the cathode. Such a device demonstrates an outstanding energy density of 23.18 Wh kg−1 and superior long-term stability with 100% initial specific capacity retained after 10,000 cycles. The superior electrochemical properties show that the CoMoO 4 /Co-B electrode material has tremendous potential in energy storage equipment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast recombination of photo-generated carriers and limited photo-response have greatly hindered the development of TiO 2 -based photocatalysts. Herein, we present a ternary three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) carbon dots (CDs)/Bi:TiO 2 photocatalyst, which affords well-designed charge transmission and allows broad-spectrum absorption, thus delivering enhanced photocatalytic performance. The carbon dots act as effective electron extractors to accelerate the separation of electron-hole pairs, and pore engineering of the 3DOM Bi:TiO 2 skeleton greatly promotes the response of light in the whole solar spectrum range. Impressively, the 3DOM CDs/Bi:TiO 2 catalyst exhibits a greatly enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance toward phenol (92.7% in 2 h), and RhB (96.4% in 40 min) under full-spectra illumination, compared to the pristine 3DOM TiO 2. This work provides a new design strategy for the optimization of carriers transmission pathway in high-quality and low-cost photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Smith's approximation formula for the gamma function is given by Γ (x + 1 2) = 2 π (x e) x (2 x tanh ⁡ 1 2 x) x / 2 (1 + O (1 x 5 )) , as x → ∞. In this paper, by means of a little known power series, we develop this formula to an asymptotic expansions: Γ (x + 1 / 2) 2 π (x / e) x ∼ (2 x tanh ⁡ 1 2 x) x / 2 exp ⁡ (∑ n = 3 ∞ [ (2 n) ! − (2 n − 1) 2 2 n − 1 ] (1 − 2 1 − 2 n) 2 n (2 n − 1) (2 n) ! B 2 n x 2 n − 1 ) , as x → ∞ , and give an estimate of remainder in the above asymptotic series, where B 2 n is the Bernoulli number. Moreover, as relevant results, Ramanujan type asymptotic expansions for the gamma function Γ (x + 1 / 2) are obtained; an asymptotic expansion for Wallis ratio and an estimate of the remainder are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Let f and g be both continuous functions on (0 , ∞) with g (t) > 0 for t ∈ (0 , ∞) and let F (x) = L (f) , G (x) = L (g) be respectively the Laplace transforms of f and g converging for x > 0. We prove that if there is a t ⁎ ∈ (0 , ∞) such that f / g is strictly increasing on (0 , t ⁎) and strictly decreasing on (t ⁎ , ∞) , then the ratio F / G is decreasing on (0 , ∞) if and only if H F , G (0 +) = lim x → 0 + ⁡ ( F ′ (x) G ′ (x) G (x) − F (x)) ≥ 0 , with lim x → 0 + ⁡ F (x) G (x) = lim t → ∞ ⁡ f (t) g (t) and lim x → ∞ ⁡ F (x) G (x) = lim t → 0 + ⁡ f (t) g (t) provided the indicated limits exist. While H F , G (0 +) < 0 , there is at least one x ⁎ > 0 such that F / G is increasing on (0 , x ⁎) and decreasing on (x ⁎ , ∞). As applications, a unified treatment for certain bounds of psi function is presented, and some properties of the modified Bessel functions of the second are established. These show that the monotonicity rules in this paper may contribute to study for certain special functions because many special functions can be expressed as corresponding Laplace transforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of recent progress in developing hollow micro/nanostructures, the synthesis of three-dimensional adsorbents with high adsorption efficiency and capability on the basis of these structures still remains a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a facile hydrothermal strategy to synthesize uniformly dispersed hollow CuWO 4 spheres. The as-prepared CuWO 4 spheres with unique mesoporous structure show favorable selective adsorption for cationic dyes and good recyclability. The adsorption capacity of hollow CuWO 4 towards methylene blue (MB) reaches 59.82 mg g −1 . Furthermore, the hollow CuWO 4 spheres present enhanced photoelectrochemical performance under visible light illumination. This strategy of acquiring specifically functionalized materials from smart design and simple chemical process has opened up wide opportunities on the fabrication of alternative absorbents and photoelectrodes based on CuWO 4 substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a general comparison theorem for two divided differences of a three times differentiable function. This gives a unified treatment for (logarithmically) complete monotonicity, monotonicity and inequalities involving some special functions including gamma, psi and polygamma functions. As their consequences, we not only refine and generalize some important results, but also present simple and interesting alternative proofs of certain earlier results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An electron-rich zinc-modified zeolite has been prepared by the incorporation of zinc vapor into the channels of a dehydrated HY (protonated zeolite Y). The chemical environment of the zinc species in the electron-rich zeolite has been elucidated on the basis of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The formation of univalent zinc (Zn+) within the electron-rich zeolite was observed upon the irradiation of X-ray from either a synchrotron radiation source or a conventional X-ray diffractometer. The X-ray irradiation initiated the electron transfer from the electron-rich framework of zeolite Y to the nearby Zn2+ cations, generating Zn+ species. The variation of the coordination environment of the zinc species upon interaction with water molecules has also been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fine-grained Ti-doped FeVSb half-Heusler alloys were synthesized by combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering and their thermoelectric properties were investigated with an emphasis on the influences of Ti doping and phase purity. It was found that substituting V with Ti can change the electrical transport behavior from n-type to p-type due to one less valence electron of Ti than V, and the sample with nominal composition FeV0.8Ti0.4Sb exhibits the largest Seebeck coefficient and the maximum power factor. By optimizing the sintering temperature and applying annealing treatment, the power factor is significantly improved and the thermal conductivity is reduced simultaneously, resulting in a ZT value of 0.43 at 500°C, which is relatively high as for p-type half-Heusler alloys containing earth-abundant elements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, a sandwich ELISA based on IgY (egg yolk immunoglobulin) and IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb) against excretory-secretory (ES) antigens of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae was developed for detection of circulating antigens (CAg) in serum from mice infected with T. spiralis. The IgY–IgM sandwich ELISA involved the use of chicken antibody IgY as a capture antibody and mouse IgM mAb 5A7G4 as a detecting antibody. This assay was able to detect as little as 1ng/ml of ES antigens added to normal mouse serum. Two groups of BALB/c mice infected with T. spiralis larvae were used: heavily infected mice (20 mice infected with 300 larvae) and lightly infected mice (20 mice infected with 100 larvae) and 10 normal mice as control. The CAg was detectable as early as 4days post infection (dpi) in the sera from both groups of infected mice, then increased rapidly, reached a peak with detection rate of 100% in heavily infected mice at 10dpi and 80% in lightly infected mice at 22dpi, respectively. The anti-Trichinella IgM antibodies was first detected in 40% of heavily infected mice and 20% of lightly infected mice at 8dpi, and reached a peak positive rate of 100% in heavily infected mice at 16dpi and in lightly infected mice at 26dpi, respectively. The novel assay appears to be sensitive for detection of antigens of T. spiralis and valuable to the early diagnosis of trichinellosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We give equivalent conditions for certain parabolically induced representations of and to be irreducible by calculating the action of certain Weyl group element and detecting poles of the first two Langlands–Shahidi L-functions at . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nearly single-phased TiNiSn half-Heusler compound thermoelectric materials were synthesized by combining mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) in order to reduce its thermal conductivity by refining the grain sizes. Although TiNiSn compound powders were not synthesized directly via MA, dense bulk samples of TiNiSn compound were obtained by the subsequent SPS treatment. It was found that an excessive Ti addition relative to the TiNiSn stoichiometry is effective in increasing the phase purity of TiNiSn half-Heusler phase in the bulk samples, by compensating for the Ti loss caused by the oxidation of Ti powders and MA processing. The maximum power factor value obtained in the Ti-compensated sample is 1720μWm−1 K−2 at 685K. A relatively high ZT value of 0.32 is achieved at 785K for the present undoped TiNiSn compound polycrystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we establish a new asymptotic expansion of Gurland's ratio of gamma functions, that is, as x → ∞ , Γ (x + p) Γ (x + q) Γ (x + (p + q) / 2) 2 = exp ⁡ [ ∑ k = 1 n B 2 k (s) − B 2 k (1 / 2) k (2 k − 1) (x + r 0) 2 k − 1 + R n (x ; p , q) ] where p , q ∈ R with w = | p − q | ≠ 0 and s = (1 − w) / 2 , r 0 = (p + q − 1) / 2 , B 2 n + 1 (s) are the Bernoulli polynomials. Using a double inequality for hyperbolic functions, we prove that the function x ↦ (− 1) n R n (x ; p , q) is completely monotonic on (− r 0 , ∞) if | p − q | < 1 , which yields a sharp upper bound for | R n (x ; p , q) |. This shows that the approximation for Gurland's ratio by the truncation of the above asymptotic expansion has a very high accuracy. We also present sharp lower and upper bounds for Gurland's ratio in terms of the partial sum of hypergeometric series. Moreover, some known results are contained in our results when q → p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at investigating the cellular responses of Penaeus monodon haemocytes to poly I:C stimulation using flow cytometric assay. Total haemocyte count (THC), percentages of different haemocyte subpopulations [hyaline cells (HC), semigranular cells (SGC) and granular cells (GC)], non-specific esterase activity (EA), total reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production, nitric oxide (NO) production, apoptotic haemocyte ratio and plasmic phenoloxidase (PO) activity were determined in poly I:C-injected shrimp. Results showed that poly I:C at a low dose (5 μg shrimp −1 ) caused obvious increases in THC, GC proportion, ROS/RNS production and NO production, but had no significant effect on EA, apoptosis and PO activity. In the early stage of poly I:C injection at a high dose (20 μg shrimp −1 ), THC and GC proportion improvements could also be observed, suggesting that GC might be induced to release from hemocytopoietic or other tissues to participate in immune response, and this subpopulation might be the main cell type involved in the cellular defence against virus. In the later period, proportions of both GC and SGC reduced paralleled by THC reduction, indicating that depletion of GC and SGC was mainly contributed to the reduced count of circulating haemocyte. Obvious increases in ROS/RNS production and NO production were induced in haemocyte of shrimp under a high dose of poly I:C stimulation, but only slight rise of EA and suppression of PO activity could be observed in poly I:C-stimulated shrimp, suggesting that ROS/RNS-dependent system was vital in the immune defence of shrimp against virus. On the other hand, increase of apoptotic haemocyte ratio and THC reduction were presented after the drastic increases of ROS/RNS and NO productions, implying that the stimulated ROS/RNS might be excess and harmful, and was the major factor for the haemocyte apoptosis and depletion. THC recovered after 48 h injection, while haemocyte apoptosis also returned to the control level, suggesting that apoptosis might be contributed to eliminate damaged, weak or infected haemocytes to renew the circulating haemocytes, and it could be considered as an important defending strategy against virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous arthropods can diversify as a consequence of evolutionary changes in response to their plant hosts. Current patterns of host association of herbivores are likely to reflect a long evolutionary history of herbivore-plant co-evolution. Here, we used molecular phylogenetics to track the evolutionary history of host shifts and diversification of 66 eriophyoid mites (Acari, Eriophyoidea), and linked past patterns of evolutionary diversification to more recent patterns of divergence by tracking population genetic variation in 13 of the eriophyoid mite species feeding on different gymnosperm hosts. This allowed us to explore the relationship between a past history of diversification and the current potential of mites to undergo host range shifts. We found that population-level diversity across gymnosperm hosts as measured by 28S rRNA markers was greater in species from the mite clade that had radiated across evolutionary time to utilize a variety of hosts including angiosperms, compared to species from the clade that has remained restricted to ancestral gymnosperm hosts. Species from the radiated clade exhibited higher variation in host use. Lineages of mites that have in the past been able to radiate and adapt to diverse plants may therefore be predisposed to continue their expansion on new hosts, although additional clades need to be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3D porous self-supporting electrode with 2D CoMoO 4 nanosheet array is designed. • Reductive gas treatment is used to create oxygen vacancies on CoMoO 4 surface. • CoMoO 4 with oxygen defects show an enhancement of OER and HER catalytic activity. • NF/H-CoMoO 4 produce a cell voltage of 1.56V at 10 mA cm-2 in water electrolyzer. The development of highly efficient, stable and earth-abundant bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting is of great significance for confronting the environmental and energy crisis. In this work, we reported the design and synthesis of oxygen vacancies engineered CoMoO 4 nanosheet arrays grown on three-dimension (3D) porous Ni foam (NF) support by hydrothermal synthesis followed by reducing gas heat treatment used H 2 or NH 3 , and explored their practical application as bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting. The unique 3D nanosheet array can facilitate the interfacial electron transfer and ion transport, as well as promote hydrogen and oxygen gas diffusion, and the formation of oxygen vacancies in CoMoO 4 nanosheets can significantly improve efficiency of both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. When using as self-supported bifunctional electrocatalyst to make an electrolyzer, NF/H-CoMoO 4 approached 10 mA cm−2 under the cell voltages of 1.56 V, along with excellent durability in an alkaline water electrolyzer, which hold great promise in energy conversion application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Glutaredoxin (Grx) is a class molecule oxidoreductase, which can regulate the redox state of proteins and plays a key role in antioxidant defense. However, the informations of Grx cDNA sequences and their functions are lack in decapod crustacea. In the present study, the cDNA of LvGrx 2 was cloned from the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The open reading frame (ORF) of LvGrx 2 was 360 bp, which encoded a polypeptide of 119 amino acids. The molecular mass of the predicted protein is 12.87 kDa with an estimated pI of 8.22. Sequence alignment showed that the amino acid sequence of LvGrx 2 shares 59%, 59% and 58% identity with that of the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae, the plateau frog Nanorana parkeri and the half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis , respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that LvGrx 2 were detected in a wide range of tissues, with highest expression in gill, hepatopancrea and intestine, and weakest expression in muscle. The expression responses of LvGrx 2 were analyzed in hepatopancrea and gill after ammonia-N stress or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. During ammonia-N exposure, the LvGrx 2 transcriptions in hepatopancrea and gill significantly up-regulated, and the peak value appeared after 12 h and 24 h exposure respectively. After LPS injection, expression levels of LvGrx 2 in hepatopancrea obviously increased in the early and late stages, while LvGrx 2 transcription in gill sharply up-regulated in the middle period. These results suggest that LvGrx 2 may play a vital role in shrimp defense system against environmental stress and pathogen infection. RNA interference experiment was designed to further probe roles of LvGrx 2 during ammonia-N exposure. Ammonia-N induced obvious improvement in expression levels of LvGrx 2, LvGrx 3, GPx, GST and Trx, accompanied by increases of protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. However, transcription of GPx and GST were much weaker in LvGrx 2 interfered-shrimp, and oxidative damage in both lipid and protein were more serious. These results further suggest that LvGrx 2 in shrimp participates in oxidative defence and regulation of antioxidant system. Highlights • The cDNA sequence of a glutaredoxin (Grx), named LvGrx 2, was cloned from Litopenaeus vannamei. • LvGrx 2 were expressed in all detected tissues, with highest expression in gill, hepatopancrea and intestine. • LvGrx 2 transcriptions in hepatopancrea and gill up-regulated after ammonia-N exposure and LPS injection. • LvGrx 2 expression silence caused changes in transcription of antioxidant enzymes, and increases in oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An Yb-doped triple-clad fiber with two silica-based cladding was fabricated. • Chelate precursor doping technique and simple overcladding process made the triple-clad fiber. • Ultra-thin substrate tube is instrumental to preventing P 2 O 5 evaporation. • Two-stage deposition process is able to offset element evaporation. • The fiber presented 560 W laser output with optical-to-optical efficiency of 68.7%. Abstract We fabricated an Yb-doped triple-clad fiber consisting in adding to aluminophosphosilicate core and F300-pump cladding, low-refractive-index fluorine doped silica cladding, and demonstrated its laser performance based on an all-fiber oscillator. MCVD system, all-gas-phase chelate precursor doping technique, and a simple overcladding process were applied to make Yb-doped aluminophosphosilicate triple-clad fiber preform. Ultra-thin substrate tube and a two-stage deposition process were proposed to decrease and offset elements evaporation. The outer region of fiber core was tested with ∼1050 ppm Yb 2 O 3 , ∼10,800 ppm Al 2 O 3 , and ∼9950 ppm P 2 O 5 , while the central region was doped with ∼600 ppm Yb 2 O 3 , 8100 ppm Al 2 O 3 , and ∼7000 ppm P 2 O 5 , respectively (ppm is in molar here). Two-stage deposition process and triple-clad design results in pump absorption from Yb3+ ions about 0.67 dB/m at 915 nm. Tested in an all-fiber oscillator configuration forward-pumped by 915 nm laser diodes, 28 m-long triple-clad fiber presented 560 W laser output with optical-to-optical efficiency of 68.7%, and the corresponding beam quality M 2 is ∼1.18. The results indicate all-gas-phase chelate precursor doping technique in combination with overcladding technique is potential to manufacture high power triple-clad fiber, and ultra-thin substrate tube as well as two-stage deposition process are very effective ways to decrease and offset element evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using chelate precursor doping technique and traditional modified chemical vapor deposition system, we fabricated Yb-doped aluminophosphosilicate (Al 2 O 3 -P 2 O 5 -SiO 2 , ternary Yb-APS) large-mode-area fiber and reported on its laser performance. The fiber preform was doped with Al, P and Yb with concentration of ∼8000 ppm, ∼1700 ppm and ∼400 ppm in molar percent, respectively. Tested with master oscillator power amplifier system, the home-made Yb-APS fiber was found to present 1.02 kW at 1061.1 nm with a high slope efficiency of 81.2% and excellent laser stability with power fluctuation less than ±1.1% for over 10 h. Compared with Yb-doped aluminosilicate (Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 , binary Yb-AS) fiber, the introduction of P 2 O 5 effectively suppressed photodarkening effect even the P/Al ratio is much less than 1, indicating that Yb-APS fiber is a better candidate for high power fiber lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast steering mirrors (FSMs) are typically applied for beam stabilization for precision pointing and tracking systems (PPTSs) owing to their high-bandwidth, high-resolution, and high accuracy. In addition to the advantages, the presence of the residual momentum which caused by FSMs' operation usually has noticeable effects on the stabilization of the line of sight (LOS) for PPTSs. Hence, it is necessary and momentous to estimate the effects of these disturbances to give insight into the FSM specification and the PPTS structural performance. However, the characteristic of multidisciplinary coupling makes it a challenge to measure the LOS jitter caused by FSMs. We approach this problem by establishing an integrated model for estimating the LOS jitter. A dynamic model of an FSM is firstly built to value the unbalanced momentum generated from its motion. Then a finite element model for the structure of the tracking system is established to predict the dynamic response excited by the disturbances from the FSM. In addition, with a linear optical model, the system optical performance under the FSM's disturbances is determined. Finally, a test is conducted to verify the validity of the model and the analysis. This paper focuses on estimating the disturbances effects of the FSM on the LOS jitter for a PPTS, and providing potential approaches for reducing these effects. [Display omitted] • An integrated model is established to estimate the line of sight jitter of a precision pointing and tracking system. • Detailed theoretical analysis method is presented to illustrate the proposed model. • Method for obtaining rigid body motion of optical surfaces with large rotation angles is derived. • A field test is carried out, and the results verifies the validity of the integrated model. • The proposed closed loop analysis flow can be used for line of sight jitter predicting and providing potential approaches for suppressing the jitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased evidence has showed that normal high density lipoprotein (HDL) could convert to dysfunctional HDL in diseases states including coronary artery disease (CAD), which regulated vascular endothelial cell function differently. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an extensive role in various important biological processes including endothelial cell function. However, whether lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of HDL metabolism and HDL-induced changes of vascular endothelial function remains unclear. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with HDL from healthy subjects and patients with CAD and hypercholesterolemia for 24 h, then the cells were collected for lncRNA-Seq and the expressions of lncRNAs, genes and mRNAs were identified. The bioinformatic analysis was used to evaluate the relationship among lncRNAs, encoding genes and miRNAs. HDL from healthy subjects and patients with CAD and hypercholesterolemia leaded to different expressions of lncRNAs, genes and mRNAs, and further analysis suggested that the differentially expressed lncRNAs played an important role in the regulation of vascular endothelial function. Thus, HDL from patients with CAD and hypercholesterolemia could cause abnormal expression of lncRNAs in vascular endothelial cells to affect vascular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zr(IV) oxy ion-imprinted particle (Zr-IIP) was prepared using the metal ion imprinting technique in a sol-gel process on the surface of amino-silica. The dosages of zirconium ions as imprinted target, (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) as a functional monomer and teraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a cross-linker were optimized. The prepared Zr-IIP and Zr(IV) oxy ion non-imprinted particle (Zr-NIP) were characterized. pH effect, binding ability and the selectivity were investigated in detail. The results showed that the Zr-IIP had an excellent binding capacity and selectivity in the water. The equilibrium data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Langmuir model for Zr(IV) binding onto Zr-IIP, respectively. The saturate binding capacity of Zr-IIP was found to be 196.08 μmol g-1, which was 18 times higher than that of Zr-NIP. The sequence of binding efficiency of Zr-IIP for various ions was Zr(IV) > Cu(II) > Sb(III) > Eu(III). The coordination number has an important effect on the dimensional binding capacity. The equilibrium binding capacity of Zr-IIP for Zr(IV) decreased little under various concentrations of Pb(II) ions. The analysis of relative selectivity coefficient (Kr) indicated that the Zr-IIP had an appreciable binding specificity towards Zr(IV) although the competitive ions coexisted in the water. The Zr-IIP could serve as an efficient selective material for recovering or removing zirconium from the water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have well demonstrated the beneficial effects of cholesterol-lowering treatment with statins in patients at high risk of vascular disease. However, large statin RCTs were usually restricted to the typical 5–6 years. Moreover, non-cardiovascular events, especially the risk of cancer, probably failed to emerge within a restricted period of 6 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of statin treatment by performing a meta-analysis of statin RCTs with extended follow-up beyond 6 years. Six RCTs with post-trial follow-up were eligible for inclusion, involving 47,296 patients with total follow-up ranging from 6.7 to 14.7 years. During the post-trial period, all the surviving participants were advised to take a statin and the cholesterol level were almost identical between the original statin group and the original placebo group. Over the entire 6.7–14.7 years of follow-up, a significant reduction in the rates of all-cause mortality (relative risk 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.85–0.96; P =0.0009), cardiovascular mortality (0.87, 0.81–0.93; P <0.0001) and major coronary events (0.79, 0.72–0.86; P <0.00001) was observed in favour of the original statin group. During 2-year post-trial period, further reduction in all-cause mortality (0.83, 0.74–0.93; P =0.001), cardiovascular mortality (0.81, 0.69–0.95; P =0.01) and major coronary events (0.77, 0.63–0.95; P =0.01) was observed among initially statin-treated patients. Over the entire follow-up period, statin treatment did not increase the incidence of cancers (0.99, 0.95–1.04; P =0.79), deaths from cancers (1.00, 0.93–1.07; P =0.98) and non-cardiovascular mortality (0.95, 0.90–1.00; P =0.07). In conclusion, statin treatment beyond 6 years is effective and safe in patients at high risk of vascular events. Moreover, earlier treatment with statin may not only preserve the initial benefit but also have further survival benefit for additional 2 years. Further studies are called for to explore the underlying mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A large-scale Yb3+ doped aluminophosphosilicate fiber was theoretically designed and experimentally fabricated. • The characteristics of active fiber for amplifier stage is reported. • A 10 kW-level output power fiber amplifier with domestic fiber based on tandem-pumping was obtained. In this paper, we present a 10 kW-level output power fiber amplifier based on tandem-pumping. The characteristics of active fiber for amplifier stage is reported. To ensure adequate absorption of tandem pumping light in relatively short fiber length, a large-scale Yb3+ doped aluminophosphosilicate (Al 2 O 3 -P 2 O 5 -SiO 2 , APS) fiber with 50 μm core and 400 μm inner-clad in diameter, i.e., a 50/400 Yb-APS fiber, was theoretically designed and experimentally fabricated by using modified chemical vapor deposition system combined with chelate precursor doping technique. The measurements showed that the dopant concentration of Yb 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , and P 2 O 5 was estimated to be 0.17 mol%, 1.4 mol%, and 1.5 mol%, respectively, and the absorption coefficient of the fiber was about 0.77 dB/m at 1018 nm. The amplifier stage with this 40 m Yb-APS fiber tandem-pumped by 1018 nm fiber laser, delivered 9.82 kW laser output at 1080.08 nm with an optical-to optical efficiency of 86.8%. The knowledge of the characteristics of the Yb3+ doped APS fiber can usefully guide future design of high output power fiber amplifier based on tandem pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus) gonad was treated separately with neutral protease, papain, pepsin and trypsin. The resultant hydrolysates were fractionated using a series of ultrafiltration membranes (molecular weight cut-offs of 10, 5, 3 and 1 kDa). Five fractions were prepared from each hydrolysate and the corresponding molecular weight ranges were below 10 kDa, 5–10 kDa, 3–5 kDa, 1–3 kDa and below 1 kDa. The peptide fractions were evaluated for antioxidant activity by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power assay. Results indicated that all peptide fractions possessed DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. For all four hydrolysates, the below 1 kDa fractions exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The below 1 kDa fractions prepared with neutral protease, papain and pepsin, and the 1–3 kDa fraction prepared with trypsin showed the highest reducing capacity among corresponding hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) are regulators of growth hormone secretion. In this article, we examined the difference in growth and mRNA expression of PACAP and GHRH between the sexes in half-smooth tongue sole, an important cultured fish species indicating sexually growth dimorphism in China. Firstly, a significant body weight difference between females and males was first observed at 7months (P <0.05) and at 18months the mean body weight of the females (771.0±44.3g) was as much as 4.9 times higher than that of males (130.6±6.0g). As a result, half-smooth tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis, is a good model to investigate the effects of growth-related genes expression on sexual growth dimorphism. Secondly, the cDNAs encoding PRP/PACAP and GHRH were isolated. Two differently processed mRNA transcripts of PRP/PACAP (PRP-encoding and PRP splice variant) were found. PACAP and GHRH mRNA was highly abundant in brain and less abundant in other tissues. However, PACAP mRNA was expressed in most brain regions, and was lower in the cerebellum. GHRH mRNA was predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus and weakly expressed in all areas of the brain examined. Ontogenetic expression analysis indicated that PACAP and GHRH mRNA was detected in the early stages of embryogenesis. Finally, differential expression showed that there was no significant difference of the expression level of PACAP or GHRH between the sexes before 8months of age. However, between 9 and 12months of age, the GHRH mRNA expression level in males was significantly higher than in females (P <0.05), which might be associated with GH deficiency in males. In contrast, the male PACAP mRNA expression level was not significantly higher than that in females even at 9 and 12months of age. The present results provide important clues for understanding the sexual growth dimorphism mechanisms in half-smooth tongue sole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bismuth sulfide powders were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) and then consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. In order to improve the electrical transport properties of bismuth sulfides, the carrier concentration was optimized by modifying chemical composition of sulfur through producing sulfur vacancies, and the carrier mobility was enhanced by a two-step SPS as a hot-forging process through increasing grain orientation. The electrical resistivity of bismuth sulfides was reduced to 10−4 from 10−2 Ωm by optimizing sulfur content, and further lowered by hot-forging, whereby the power factor was significantly increased from 91 to 254μW/mK2. The hot-forged Bi2S2.90 sample showed the highest ZT=0.11 (at 523K), which is higher than the reported value. The present work revealed that bismuth sulfide compounds as a promising candidate of thermoelectric materials can be synthesized by a simple process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many factors are involved in the development of cancer pain, which is a serious complication of cancer and affects the quality of life of patients, Normally, drugs are used to relieve pain in clinic, but the effect is not satisfactory to patients. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of cancer pain and carry out targeted therapy. Fortunately, the important role of P2X purine receptors dependent on ATP ion channels in the development of cancer pain has been recognized. In the development of cancer, ATP concentration in the tumor microenvironment is high enough to activate P2X purine receptors, sensitive peripheral receptors, enhance sensory nerve fiber information transmission, sensitize the central nervous system, and induce or aggravate pain. Here, we outlined the role of P2X purine receptors in the development of cancer, and discussed the intrinsic correlation between P2X purine receptors and cancer pain. Moreover, we also explored the pharmacological properties of P2X antagonists or inhibitors to inhibit cancer pain, and hope to provide some value for the treatment of cancer pain in the future. In short, up-regulation of P2X expression can induce or aggravate cancer pain, while reducing P2X expression level can inhibit cancer pain. Therefore, P2X may be another potential pharmacological target for the treatment of cancer pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]