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Summary: Although early-stage cervical cancer can be treated by surgery, distant metastases can be life threatening. It has been a challenge to identify reliable biomarkers as indicators of metastasis or poor prognosis. We investigated the prognostic impact of vimentin, E-cadherin, and β-catenin expression measured by immunohistochemistry staining in samples from 135 patients with clinical stage I or II cervical squamous cell cancer and in normal cervical tissues from 55 patients who underwent hysterectomy for reasons other than neoplasia. Down-regulation of E-cadherin and β-catenin was positively related to histologic differentiation (P < .001), metastasis (P < .001), and recurrence (P < .001), whereas up-regulation of vimentin was inversely related to histologic differentiation, metastasis, and recurrence (P < .0001, .020, and .000, respectively). In univariate Cox regression analysis, high expression of E-cadherin or β-catenin was a positive prognostic indicator for overall survival (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively), whereas high expression of vimentin was a negative indicator (P < .001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high expression of E-cadherin was a positive prognostic indicator for overall survival (P = .002), whereas high expression of vimentin was a negative indicator (P = .034). The expression of E-cadherin and vimentin was associated with survival, and the 2 proteins were independent prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analyses. The combination of a decrease of E-cadherin and an increase in vimentin might be a valuable survival indictor in cervical squamous cell cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Driving on a busy road, eluding a group of predators, or playing a team sport involves keeping track of multiple moving objects. In typical laboratory tasks, the number of visual targets that humans can track is about four. Three types of theories have been advanced to explain this limit. The fixed-limit theory posits a set number of attentional pointers available to follow objects. Spatial interference theory proposes that when targets are near each other, their attentional spotlights mutually interfere. Resource theory asserts that a limited resource is divided among targets, and performance reflects the amount available per target. Utilising widely separated objects to avoid spatial interference, the present experiments validated the predictions of resource theory. The fastest target speed at which two targets could be tracked was much slower than the fastest speed at which one target could be tracked. This speed limit for tracking two targets was approximately that predicted if at high speeds, only a single target could be tracked. This result cannot be accommodated by the fixed-limit or interference theories. Evidently a fast target, if it moves fast enough, can exhaust attentional resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of the current study is to investigate the protective effect of carboxymethylpachymaran (CMP) on the immune system of mice via multiple infections with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). The in vivo results showed that CMP administration significantly improved the spleen or thymus index, promoted the proliferation activities of T or B lymphocytes, and increased the production of glutathione, the superoxidase dismutase capacity, and the total antioxidant capacity in the spleen or thymus of PCV2-infected mice. The administration of different CMP doses to PVC2-inoculated mice resulted in the upregulation of IL-2 and IFN-α or the downregulation of IL-10 levels in the serum. These findings suggest that CMP has potential applications in regulating immunological functions to overcome the immunosuppresion caused by PCV2 infection in mice. The findings may also prove useful in designing effective therapies against PCV2 infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A gradient structure was produced in a pure copper plate by means of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The microstructure of the surface layer was reduced to nanoscale and the grain size increased gradually along the depth of the treated sample. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observation was performed on the nanocrystalline copper after implantation of carbon. Carbon atoms first precipitated along the edges of the copper substrate or at the surface, then formed amorphous carbon layers. Subsequently, onion-like fullerenes were formed under electron-beam irradiation. The effects of ion implantation, electron beam irradiation, nanostructure of the substrate and interaction of C and Cu atoms on the formation of the onion-like fullerenes are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents an on-line transient moving chemical reaction boundary (MCRB) method for simply but efficiently stacking analytes in capillary electrophoresis (CE). The CE technique was developed for a rapid determination of fumaric and maleic acid. Based on the theory of MCRB, Effects of several important factors such as the pH and concentration of running buffer and the conditions of stacking analytes were investigated to acquire the optimum conditions. The optimized separations were carried out in a 20mmol/L sulphate neutralized with ethylenediamine to pH 6.0 electrolytes using a capillary coated with poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and direct UV detection at 214nm. The optimized preconcentrations were carried out in 50mmol/L borax (pH 9.0). The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 1.0×10−7–1.0×10−4 mol/L and 5.0×10−7–1.0×10−4 mol/L for fumaric and maleic acid with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9991. The detection limits were 5.34×10−8 mol/L for fumaric acid and 1.92×10−7 mol/L for maleic acid. This method was applied for determination of fumaric acid in apple juice and of fumaric and maleic acid in dl-malic, the recovery tests established for real samples were within the range 95–105%. This work provided a valid and simple approach to detect fumaric and maleic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanism for the formation of amphiphilic core–shell particles in water is elucidated via a kinetic study of semi-batch polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) grafted from polyethylenimine (PEI) initiated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in an emulsion polymerization. The monomer conversion, the polymerization kinetics, the particle size, the particle number density, the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core diameter, the percentage of unbound PEI, and the grafting efficiency of PMMA were determined at various times during the polymerization. The particle number density and the percentage of unbound PEI were almost independent of the controllable variables. The particle sizes and the core diameters increased with each consecutive batch of monomer addition, while the grafting efficiency of PMMA decreased. These data supported the hypothesis that the PEI-g-PMMA graft copolymers were formed early in the polymerization and later self-assembled to a new phase, micellar microdomains. These microdomains act as loci for subsequent MMA polymerization as the monomer is fed into the reaction, without subsequent formation of new particles. The size of the resulting highly uniform core–shell particles (99–147 nm) can be controlled by choosing the amount of monomer charged. Thus, this polymerization method is viable for a large scale production of core–shell particles with high solids content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At present methods of high energy shot peening (HESP), one of the severe plastic deformation (SPD) has been used to process ultrafine-grained (UFG) (nano- and submicrocrystalline) materials. It has been found that during SPD of AZ91 magnesium alloy the structure of the surface layer develops from a cell structure to a fragmented structure with high angle misorientations and a mean grain size of 40nm. According to X-ray and transmission electron microscopy data, the nanostructure is the single phase which is the supersaturated solid solution by β-phases re-dissolution in Mg matrix. Fast diffusion during deformation is conditioned by the high stresses acting on the grain boundaries and the volumes of the fine grains. During deformation of the nanocrystalline the volume diffusion coefficient is equal to about D v =2.2×10−15 cm2/s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The corrosion behaviour of die-cast AZ91D magnesium alloys in sulphate solutions was investigated by SEM, FTIR and polarization measurements. For immersion times less than 48h, no pitting corrosion occurred and only generalized corrosion was apparent. According to the polarization curves, the corrosion rate order of the die-cast AZ91D Mg alloy in three aqueous solutions was: NaCl>MgSO4 >Na2SO4. The main corrosion products were Mg(OH)2 and MgAl2(SO4)4·22H2O in the sulphate solutions and the product film was compact. Precipitation of MgAl2(SO4)4·22H2O required a threshold immersion time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2,3-Seco-dioic acids derived from four different triterpene skeletons were prepared and evaluated for their anti-HIV-1 protease activity. Two A-seco derivatives showed potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease (3c and 3e, IC50 5.7 and 3.9μM, respectively), while four other derivatives showed moderate to weak inhibition (3a, 3b, 3d and 3f, IC50 15.7–88.1μM). The combination of a 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid functional group in ring A and a free acid group at C-28 or C-30 significantly enhanced HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity (3a, 3c–3e, IC50 3.9–17.6μM). On the other hand, all A-seco derivatives were found to be very weak inhibitors of HCV, renin and trypsin proteases (IC50 >80μM). These findings indicate that A-seco triterpenes with a carboxyl group at C-28 or C-30 are novel and highly selective HIV-1 protease inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with comorbidities have an increased risk of ulcer rebleeding, especially within the 28 days after endoscopic therapy. Omeprazole infusion can prevent rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. However, the optimal duration is uncertain, especially for those patients with comorbidities. Objective: To determine whether prolonged low-dose intravenous omeprazole could reduce rebleeding for patients with comorbidities. Design: A prospective randomized control study. Setting: National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Patients: A total of 147 patients with comorbidities and peptic ulcer bleeding controlled by endoscopic hemostasis were enrolled. Interventions: The enrolled patients were randomized into either the 7-day low-dose group or the 3-day high-dose group, who received 3.3 mg/h or 8 mg/h continuous omeprazole infusion, respectively. After omeprazole infusion, oral esomeprazole 40 mg every day was given. Main Outcome Measurements: To compare the rebleeding rates within 28 days after gastroscopy between the 2 study groups. Results: The 7-day cumulative rebleeding rate was similar between the 2 groups (9.5% vs 9.7%, P > .05), but the 7-day low-dose group had a lower risk of rebleeding between the 8th and 28th day compared with the 3-day high-dose group (0% vs 10.7%, P = .03; relative risk, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.43-0.63]). The Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that the 7-day low-dose group had a significantly higher cumulative rebleeding-free proportion between the 8th and 28th day than the 3-day high-dose group (P = .02, log-rank test). Conclusions: In Asian patients, prolonged low-dose omeprazole infusion for 7 days may reduce peptic ulcer rebleeding during the first 28 days in patients with comorbidities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epitope vaccine is a promising option for therapeutic vaccination against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In this study, we constructed a multi-epitope vaccine with five epitopes and mucosal adjuvant E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) named HUepi-LTB and evaluated its therapeutic effect against H. pylori infection in BALB/c mice model. HUepi-LTB containing three Th epitopes from UreB and two B cell epitopes from UreB and HpaA was constructed and expressed in E. coli. Oral therapeutic immunization with HUepi-LTB significantly decreased H. pylori colonization compared with oral immunization with PBS, and the protection was correlated with antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and IgG and mucosal IgA antibody responses. This multi-epitope vaccine may be a promising vaccine candidate that may help to control H. pylori infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three artificial triterpenoids, (20R)-20,25-epoxy-dammaran-2-en-6α,12β-diol (1), (20R)-20,25-epoxy-3-methyl-28-nordammaran-2-en-6α,12β-diol (2) and isodehydroprotopanaxatriol (3), were isolated from an acidic hydrolysate of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, along with three known triterpenes, (20R)-panaxadiol (4), (20R)-panaxatriol (5) and oleanolic acid (6). Compounds 1–3 and 6 showed inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease with IC50 of 10.5, 10.3, 12.3 and 6.3μM, respectively. The results indicated that acid treatment of Ginseng extract could produce diverse structures with interesting bioactivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the heat and fluid flows in a free burning GTAW-arc under changing process conditions have been developed by a steady two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric model. The temperature profiles, velocity profiles, distribution of potential and current density of the arc have been studied. A series of arc models are established by changing the welding process conditions, including welding current, flow rate of shielding gas, arc length and the kind of shielding gas. Governing equations, including heat and mass transfer equations, electromagnetic transport equations, are solved by finite volume method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We synthesized dammarane-type triterpene derivatives and evaluated their ability to inhibit HIV-1 and HCV proteases to understand their structure–activity relationships. All of the mono- and di-succinyl derivatives (5a–5f) were powerful inhibitors of HIV-1 protease (IC50 <10μM). However, only di-succinyl (5e) and 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (3b) derivatives similarly inhibited HCV protease (IC50 <10μM). A-nor dammarane-type triterpenes (4a and 4b, IC50 10.0 and 29.9μM, respectively) inhibited HIV-1 protease moderately or strongly, but were inactive against HCV protease. All compounds that powerfully inhibited HIV-1 or HCV protease did not appreciably inhibit the general human proteases, renin and trypsin (IC50 >1000μM). These findings indicated that the mono-succinyl dammarane type derivatives (5a–5d) selectively inhibited HIV-1 protease and that the di-succinyl (5e, 5f) as well as 2,3-seco-2,3-dioic acid (3b) derivatives preferably inhibited both viral proteases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, microstructures and properties of die casting components with various thicknesses made of AZ91D alloy have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), etc. It is concluded that mechanical properties of the die casting components mainly depend on grain size of α-Mg phase. At the same time, however, the voids formed by entrapping air during die casting process have a remarkable detrimental effect on the mechanical properties. To what extent the effect is caused is determined by quantity, size and shape of the voids, which are related to the thicknesses and position of the component in die. Nanometer particles found on the wall of the voids are magnesium oxide compounds, which are formed when oxygen from the entrapped air reacts with magnesium during die casting process. The compounds have no obvious effect on the mechanical properties even though there is possibly volume change present to form other compounds in the course of the components’ being used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a novel methodology for designing reconfigurable continuous-time modulator topologies while considering circuit-level implementation constraints. Topologies are optimized for minimizing their structural complexity, maximizing their robustness with respect to circuit nonidealities, and maximizing the feasibility of their circuit-level implementation. A case study for a three mode reconfigurable modulator shows that the produced topologies avoid circuit-level implementation difficulties existing in other approaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the microstructures of a thin-wall die-cast commercial magnesium (Mg) alloy, aged at 200°C for various times, were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. A martensite-like phase was observed. The crystal lattice parameters of this phase are a =0.30948nm, c =0.50498nm, and axial ratio c/a =1.6314. Orientation relationship of the martensite-like phase and the parent has been determined as , and or . The driving force of the possible martensitic transformation (MT) might came from the residual microstructure stresses left during die-cast process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A component for a mobile phone, made of AZ91D alloy, is manufactured by die cast. After chemical conversion treatment, it was found that there were some bright spots on the component surface. The formation mechanism of the bright spots was studied by means of SEM and metallgraphic microscope. The corrosion resistance of coatings was measured by potentiodynamic polarization test. The reason of bright spots formation is that the coarse primary α is dissolved into a dent during acid activation process because of little netted β and little aluminum. Besides, the coatings on bright spots are thin, the dimensions of primary α grains are large, and the surfaces are smooth relatively, so they are prone to reflecting light and become bright spots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Central Plains Economic Region (CPER) located along the transport path to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area has experienced severe PM 2.5 pollution in recent years. However, few modeling studies have been performed on the sources of PM 2.5 , especially the impacts of emission reduction strategies. In this study, the Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System (NAQPMS) with an online tracer-tagging module was adopted to investigate source sectors of PM 2.5 and a series of sensitivity tests were conducted to investigate the impacts of different sector-based mitigation strategies on PM 2.5 pollution. The response surfaces of pollutants to sector-based emission changes were built. The results showed that resident-related sector (resident and agriculture), fugitive dust, traffic and industry emissions were the main sources of PM 2.5 in Zhengzhou, contributing 49%, 19%, 15% and 13%, respectively. Response surfaces of pollutants to sector-based emission changes in Henan revealed that the combined reduction of resident-related sector and industry emissions efficiently decreased PM 2. 5 in Zhengzhou. However, reduced emissions in only the Henan region barely satisfied the national air quality standard of 75 μg/m3, whereas a 50%–60% reduction in resident-related sector and industry emissions over the whole region could reach this goal. On severely polluted days, even a 60% reduction in these two sectors over the whole region was insufficient to satisfy the standard of 75 μg/m3. Moreover, a reduction in traffic emissions resulted in an increase in the O 3 concentration. The results of the response surface method showed that PM 2.5 in Zhengzhou decreased by 19% in response to the COVID-19 lockdown, which approached the observed reduction of 21%, indicating that the response surface method could be employed to study the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on air pollution. This study provides a scientific reference for the formulation of pollution mitigation strategies in the CPER. [Display omitted] • Main source sectors of PM 2.5 in the Central Plains Economic Region are revealed. • The response surfaces of pollutants to sector-based emission changes are built. • The response surfaces can be used to study the impacts of COVID-19. • Multisector and regional joint control are needed to reduce pollution. Response surfaces of PM 2.5 to sector-based emission changes in the Central Plains Economic Region were constructed and can be used to study the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An ionic liquid (IL) BMIZn3Cl7 has been synthesized by directly mixing zinc chloride and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) with molar ratio 3/1 under dry argon atmosphere according to the procedure of Lecocq and Abbott. The density and surface tension of the ionic liquid were measured in the temperature range from 318.2 to 343.2±0.1K. The estimation of physico-chemical properties of BMIZn3Cl7 was carried out. The thermal expansion coefficient and surface entropy were derived from the experimental data. In terms of Glasser''s theory, the standard molar entropy and lattice energy of the ionic liquid were estimated. Using the methods of Kabo and Rebelo the molar enthalpy of vaporization of the ionic liquid, at 298K and at the hypothetical normal boiling point were estimated. According to the interstice model, the calculated thermal expansion coefficient is in the same order of magnitude as the experimental value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic kidney disease has become one of the most threatening diseases to human health worldwide. Kidney lesions can lead to a series of diseases such as damage to other organs and elevated blood lipids. In this study, perilla peptide, a small molecule peptide prepared by enzymatic digestion of perilla protein, ameliorated adenine-induced apoptotic kidney injury and oxidative stress, attenuated organ inflammatory response, and improved kidney injury status. In addition, perilla peptides maintained the integrity of intestinal barrier function in mice, increased the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, and reduced the multiplication of multiple pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, thus reducing the accumulation of endotoxins in the blood. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that perilla peptides have positive ameliorative effects in kidney diseases and have potential applications in the development of functional foods. [Display omitted] • Perilla peptides can improve apoptotic kidney damage. • Perilla peptides can improve antioxidant capacity in mice. • Perilla peptides can affect intestinal microorganisms in mice. • Perilla peptides can maintain intestinal barrier function in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helium bubble formation was examined by scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) in Fe-9/10Cr binary alloys and two dispersion strengthened nanostructured alloys (CNA3 and 14YWT containing 5–10 nm diameter carbide and oxide particles, respectively) after ex-situ and in-situ He implantation to ~10,000 appm at 500 to 900 °C. The combination of high-resolution STEM images and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) revealed that the Y-Ti-O nanoparticles in 14YWT were uniformly distributed and exhibited a one-to-one relationship for bubble attachment to the nanoclusters. In the in-situ experiment at 900 °C, grain boundary cracking was severe in the Fe-10Cr model alloy, but not in the nanostructured alloys. From 500 to 900 °C, the bubble size generally increased with increasing irradiation temperature, while the bubble density decreased with increasing temperature. At the same temperatures, the bubble size in the implanted materials was in the order of Fe-9/10Cr > CNA3 > 14YWT, while the bubble density showed the opposite order. The observed bubble number densities for the nanostructured alloys are comparable to the nanoparticle density, suggesting that the nanoparticles in both alloys were effective in trapping He. Our results indicate that very high He concentrations can be managed in nanostructured alloys by sequestering the helium into smaller bubbles (which leads to a lower volume swelling value) and to shield He from the grain boundaries. This can be attributed to the much higher sink strength associated with the nanoclusters or the He trapping ability between different types of nanoclusters. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloy 709 stainless steel (A709 SS) has gained an increased interest in nuclear applications due to its advanced properties at high temperatures over the widely used Type 316 SS. However, how this alloy behaves under irradiation with concurrent environmental factors, such as mechanical deformation and/or thermal annealing, has not been studied. In this work, we used in-situ ion irradiation inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to investigate the effects of irradiation on the microstructures of A709 SS samples with different prior processing histories, including as-received, annealed, and creep-deformed. It was found that, compared to room temperature irradiation, 600°C irradiation led to larger dislocation loop sizes and lower loop densities. With 600°C irradiation, the creep-deformed sample, which had the highest precipitate density and the highest dislocation density, had the smallest loop size and the lowest loop density compared to others. This observation has been rationalized with quantitative evaluation of the sink strength factors in each sample. This study shows that in-service deformation can significantly affect the irradiation performance in structural materials at reactor operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three triterpenoids, 16β-hydroxy-2,3-seco-lup-20(29)-ene-2,3-dioic acid (1), 3β,21β,24-trihydroxy-30-noroleana-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid (2) and 16β-hydroxylupane-1,20(29)-dien-3-one (3), along with eleven known triterpenes were isolated from stems of Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. intermedia (Y.C. Wu) T. Chen. Their structures were determined by analysis of HR-EI/FAB-MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and comparison with those in the literature. Ten of the compounds showed inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite significant improvement in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF), it still is a major worldwide public health problem. Currently, cell-based regenerative medicine has been developed as a promising therapeutic option for patients with CHF. Considering the large and growing population, it is estimated that over 5 million patients in China may need such a cell-based therapy to replace or repair the damaged myocardium. Cardiac surgery has emerged as an important player in heart cell therapy in China in recent years. Here, we summarize our achievements in both preclinical and clinical studies of intraoperative cell transplantation, and present our understanding of future research in this attractive field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By means of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT), a nanocrystalline (NC) surface layer about 40μm was synthesized on an AZ91D Mg alloy. The microstructural features of the surface layer produced by SMAT were systematically characterized by optical microscopy (OM) observations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations, and hardness measurement was also carried out in order to examine the hardness variation along the depth. Experimental results show that the microstructure is inhomogeneous along the depth. In the region from top surface to about 10μm in depth, the grain size increases from about 50nm to 100nm. In the adjacent region of about 10–40μm in depth, the grain size increases from about 100nm to 400nm. The grain refinement can be attributed to the activity of dislocation and occurrence of dynamic recrystallization. Moreover, emergence of stacking faults in the grain interior is a novel discovery. After the SMAT, the micro-hardness of the surface layer was enhanced significantly compared with that of the original sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A notebook personal computer casing, made of AZ91D alloy, is manufactured by precision die casting. When the computer casing was kept for some time, it was found that there were some small pits on the surface of the casing. The formation mechanism of the pits was investigated by means of scanning electron microscope and fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. It is concluded that MgO inclusions in the Mg–Al alloy are an important factor, which leads to the formation of small pits. MgO turns into Mg(OH)2 by absorbing water or steam. Because of density difference between MgO and Mg(OH)2, volume expansion takes place. A basic way of reducing pits is to cut down the content of MgO inclusions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: When coronal mass ejections (CMEs) interact with the solar corona and the interplanetary medium, emissions at different wavelengths occur. On the basis of study of the various radiation mechanisms of space plasma in the case of absence of CMEs, the radio radiation mechanisms of the plasma close to the Lagrange point L1 and affected by large CMEs from February to August 1999 are statistically analyzed. As shown by the results, the main radiation mechanisms are the Bremsstrahlung, a small amount of cyclotron radiation and a still weaker recombination radiation. Also, solar microwave bursts which are associated with CMEs in the same period are investigated. The results show that the microwave bursts are of the gradual type as well as spike bursts, and that the chief radiation mechanisms are the Bremsstrahlung, cyclotron resonance radiation, plasma radiation and electronic cyclotron maser radiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In space plasma, especially in the interior of plasma with weak magnetic field, Bremsstrahlung is the main mechanism of loss of the plasma energy. As shown by our calculations of the Bremsstrahlung of plasma at 1 A.U. in times of quiet sun and flare activity, the variation of intensity of plasma radiation If is directly related to the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. When the frequency f is close to that of plasma fpe , the intensity of radiation is greatly enhanced. With increasing frequency, the enhancement of the radiation intensity with frequency exhibits a slow logarithmic decrease. The brightness temperature Tb is directly proportional to the electron temperature of plasma Te and to the optical depth of medium. The overall tendencies of variations of Tb and If with frequency are identical. For the same frequency, the values of If and Tb are lower in time of quiet sun than in time of flare activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of rice peptide (RP) and collagen peptide (CP) in reducing uric acid (UA) in hyperuricemia mice. RP and CP were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis method. The two peptides determined by gel chromatography mothed were mainly distributed between 150 and 1000 Da indicating the small peptides composed of 2–7 amino acids were the main components. The functional evaluation was carried out by establishing hyperuricemia mouse model. The results showed that they suppressed the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), and showed significantly difference in reducing the activity of ADA. RP, CP and RCP could reduce the reabsorption of UA in renal though inhibit the expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 level and promote the expression of OAT1 level both in gene and protein level. Moreover, the three peptides play an important role in inhibiting renal function injury by reduce the content of BUN and CRE in serum. And, the combination of RP and CP has a better effect than the two peptides alone on preventing the occurrence of hyperuricemia and protecting kidney. These findings suggest that RP and CP have potential application prospects in prevention and therapy of hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zuojin Pill (ZJP) has been a classic prescription for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in China since ancient times. But its effect on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induced gastric injury (GI) is still uncharted. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of ZJP on indomethacin (IDO) induced gastric injury. GI was induced in rat by oral administration of 5 mg/kg IDO. Then the rats were treated with ZJP (1.26, 2.52, 5.04 g/kg, ig). The changes of food intake, body weight, gastric pH and general state observation were carried out to determine the improvement of ZJP in IDO-induced GI: HE staining and AB-PAS staining was analyzed to characterize the thickness of gastric mucosa and micro mucosal injury; in order to elucidate the effect of ZJP on IDO-induced inflammatory injury, the inflammatory infiltration of gastric tissue was observed by MPO immunohistochemical method, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of ZJP in treating IDO-induced GI was predicted with the help of network pharmacology, and the expression levels of key proteins ERK, p-ERK, P38, p-P38, JNK, p-JNK were determined to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZJP. Current data strongly demonstrated that ZJP alleviated food intake reduction, weight loss and gastric injury caused by IDO and made gastric pH and mucosal thickness return to normal. In addition, ZJP could reduce the level of MPO to alleviate the inflammatory infiltration of gastric tissue. Simultaneously, ZJP could down regulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 and up regulate the expression of IL-10 to reduce the damage caused by inflammatory, and create a healing environment. Furthermore, ZJP could significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK, which leaded to the increase of inflammatory factors and the damage of gastric mucosa. ZJP improved local inflammation by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway, and had a good therapeutic effect on IDO-induced GI. This study has reference significance for the study of ZJP in the prevention and treatment of NSAID induced gastric injury. In addition, ZJP may be a new treatment option for the prevention and treatment of NSAID induced gastric disease. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The TCH removal was achieved by combined DBD with BCs from enteromorpha prolifera. • Approximately 89.36% of the TCH was removed in the DBD/BC600 system. • Both OH and O 2 – contributed to the TCH removal. • Three possible removal pathways were proposed based on the intermediate products. The use of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) coupled with biochars (BCs) to remove tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in aqueous was studied, where enteromorpha prolifera was used to prepare BCs (BC350, BC500, and BC600). The physicochemical properties of the BCs before and after plasma treatment were systematically investigated. The DBD/BC600 system showed the best removal performance, and approximately 89.36% of the TCH was removed and 6.21 g kWh−1 of energy yield was obtained at 5 min. The removal efficiency of TCH increased with an increase of peak voltage, and the higher TCH removal efficiency was observed from pH = 7.2 to 9.2. Both OH and O 2 – contributed to TCH removal, implying that the presence of other active species was also involved in the TCH removal. During discharge plasma process, the specific surface areas and the amount of oxygen-containing functional groups of the BC600 increased due to the interaction of BC600 and reactive species. Three possible removal pathways were proposed based on the detected intermediate products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • RPH improved antioxidant capacity on UVB-irradiated photodamage in Hartley guinea pig skin. • RPH provided effective protection to the skin tissue against the UVB irradiation-induced photodamage. • Characteristic peptides of LPK and pEK increased the expression of type I collagen by regulating the AP-1/MMP-1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. This study examined the ameliorative effects of rice protein hydrolysate (RPH) on UVB irradiation-induced photodamage in Hartley guinea pigs, particularly its influence on antioxidant indicators, moisture content, hydroxyproline (HYP) content and skin histopathology. The molecular mechanisms of RPH characteristic peptides Leu-Leu-Lys (LLK), Leu-Pro-Lys (LPK), and pyroGlu-Lys (pEK) were explored, and the results showed that RPH improved antioxidant capacity, prevented the loss of both water and HYP, and provided effective protection to the skin tissue. LPK and pEK increased the expression of type I collagen by regulating the AP-1/MMP-1 (pEK) and TGF-β/Smad (LPK) signaling pathways, with the LPK exhibiting the most significant effect. These findings indicate that RPH and its characteristic peptides can play vital roles in skin protection and, thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for RPH to become a novel, functional cosmetic ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Thermal-initiation and photo-initiation are widely used for the preparation of hydrogels. But few studies were found to explore the difference between the hydrogel prepared by these two methods, especially the surface wettability. In this study, both methods were adopted for the synthesis of SNHM (SiMA-NVP-HEMA-MAA) silicone hydrogels. An interesting phenomenon was found that the surface of silicone hydrogels prepared by thermal polymerization was significantly more hydrophilic than the surface made by photo-initiation polymerization. Surface chemical groups on both hydrogels were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and the results showed no obvious difference. Furthermore, no significant distinction presented in the composition of the surface of the hydrogel either analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). However, atomic force microscope (AFM) images revealed difference, where the surface prepared by thermal polymerization was covered with nanoscale hills, while the surface by photo polymerization was supplied with a lot of nanoscale pits. The distinct wettabilities caused by different surface morphologies can be explained by Wenzel model and Cassie-Baxter model. This study concluded that the polymerization methods can lead to distinguish surface morphology, so as to surface wettabilities, which should be chosen thoughtfully in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of rutaecarpine (RUT) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer (GU) in mice by integrated approaches. At first, the efficacy was determined through the macroscopic and microscopic state of stomach tissue and the expression levels of GU-related factors. Then, the serum metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to explore the specific metabolites and metabolic pathways. Finally, the upstream key protein targets of these specific metabolites were analyzed by network pharmacology and verified by PCR to explore the potential mechanism. RUT alleviated the histological and pathological damage of gastric tissue caused by ethanol, and could remarkably ameliorate the level of GU-related factors. Subsequently, a total of 7 potential metabolites involved in 9 metabolic pathways were identified by metabolomics analysis. Then, a 'component-targets-metabolites' interaction network was constructed, and therefore 4 key target proteins (PLA2G1B, PDE5A, MIF and SRC) that may regulate the specific metabolites were obtained. This case was further verified by the results of PCR. ALL the above results strongly demonstrated that RUT exerted a gastroprotective effect against GU. And it is the first time to combine metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanism of RUT on GU, which may be related to the regulation of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and these pathways may be regulated through the upstream protein PLA2G1B, PDE5A, MIF and SRC. [Display omitted] • RUT notably alleviated damage of gastric tissue triggered by ethanol. • RUT could remarkably ameliorate the level of GU-related factors. • potential metabolites involved in 9 metabolic pathways were identified. • 4 key target proteins that may regulate the specific metabolites were obtained. • The mechanism may be related to energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have collected research on infrared stealth textiles in recent years. • At present, most of the existing infrared stealth textiles have single function and complex materials. • The application of infrared stealth technology in textiles and clothing should be modified or new materials should be found to achieve simple, durable and multi-functional. With the rapid growth of infrared detectors, infrared stealth technology is becoming increasingly vital in military conflict. As a result, there is a growing demand for infrared stealth textiles. Many countries are currently giving significant attention to the research and development of these textiles.This article introduces the fundamental principles of infrared stealth and provides a detailed overview of the latest research progress. First of all, the basics of infrared stealth are briefly explained. Subsequently, the current developments are reviewed, encompassing low emissivity coating technology, low emissivity fiber, heat absorption and temperature control technology, as well as heat insulation temperature and control technology. This article focuses on the development and application of infrared adaptive camouflage in dynamic scenarios. It discusses the challenges and opportunities for future advancements in infrared stealth textiles, with a specific emphasis on adaptive infrared camouflage textiles. The article also suggests potential research areas for future exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PCSK9 exacerbates atrial structural remodeling and promotes AF in collagen-induced arthritis rats by enhancing M1 macrophages polarization. • The PCSK9 is increased in RA patients complicated with AF and the level of PCSK9 is independently associated with AF risk in RA patients. • Evolocumab (a monoclonal antibody of PCSK9) reduces AF susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis rats. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), while whether PCSK9 is involved in the onset of AF among RA patients remains unclear. To explore the role of PCSK9 in the occurrence of AF in RA patients and decipher the underlying mechanism. We established a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by immunization with type II collagen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Atrial electrophysiological test was used to evaluate AF susceptibility. We performed a clinical study to examine the correlation between PCSK9 level and AF, which recruited healthy control, RA patients and RA patients complicated with AF. Evolocumab (a monoclonal antibody of PCSK9) is administered via intraperitoneal injection in CIA rats to assess the role of PCSK9 in RA-related AF. LPS-RS (LPS inhibitor), clodronate liposomes (depletion of macrophages), and cell co-culture model were used to dissect the mechanism underlying PCSK9 promotes AF. AF inducibility and duration were higher in CIA rats, accompanied by elevated plasma and atrial PCSK9. Interestingly, compared with healthy control subjects, patients with RA showed an increase in PCSK9, and the PCSK9 is much higher in RA patients complicated with AF. The level of PCSK9 was independently associated with AF risk in RA patients. In the in vivo experiment, evolocumab reduced AF susceptibility, and ameliorated atrial structural remodeling of CIA rats. Mechanistically, augmented LPS in CIA rats led to an increase in PCSK9, which exacerbated fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and apoptosis of cardiac myocytes by enhancement of M1 macrophages polarization and inflammation, thereby contributing to AF. This study suggests that elevated PCSK9 causes atrial structural remodeling by enhancement of M1 macrophages polarization in atria, and evolocumab can effectively protects CIA rats from AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochemically upcycling waste plastics to value-added products is emerging to alleviate the waste crisis. This study aims to develop highly active and stable Ni-based catalysts for coupling pyrolysis and catalytic reforming of waste plastics to produce syngas. A series of confined NiO@S-1 catalysts with various Ni loadings (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were constructed by employing dissolution-recrystallization strategy. They were in situ reduced and 15%NiO@S-1 sample showed the highest catalytic activity in terms of yield of syngas with high CO selectivity and was superior to 15%NiO/S-1 and 15%NiO/SiO 2 samples prepared by impregnation method. The TEM images of 15%NiO@S-1 catalyst after reaction showed that metallic Ni nanoparticles with average size of 10.1 nm were kept dispersive due to the confinement effect. In contrast, the apparent agglomeration of Ni nanoparticles with average size of 54.9 nm were found on the surface of 15%NiO/S-1 after reaction. This provides an effective strategy for design robust Ni-based confined catalysts for thermochemically upcycling waste plastics. [Display omitted] • Pyrolysis and catalytic O 2 reforming technology was used to produce syngas from polypropylene. • NiO@S-1 catalyst showed higher catalytic activity than NiO/S-1 and NiO/SiO 2. • The migration and agglomeration of Ni particles was limited in NiO@S-1 catalyst. • No evident coke was observed on the surface of NiO@S-1 catalyst after reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three Ni powders were sprayed on AZ31B by cold spray for corrosion protection. • Coating microstructures and corrosion performances were correlated with powder feature. • Powder surface protruding granules will hinder inter-particle intimate contact. • The gas-atomized smooth Ni powder can give > 3000 h corrosion protection for AZ31B. Three nickel (Ni) powders, i.e. gas-atomized spherical Ni (GA-Ni), carbonyl irregular Ni (C-Ni), and electrolytic dendritic porous Ni (E-Ni), were sprayed on magnesium alloys by an in-situ micro-forging assisted cold spray method. Although all deposited coatings present extremely low porosity, the C-Ni and E-Ni coatings reveal poorer inter-particle bonding than GA-Ni coating. Electrochemical tests reveal that the inter-particle gaps will act as fast pathways for the corrosive media to penetrate the coatings, thereby the GA-Ni coating with intimate inter-particle boundaries can isolate the corrosive media for 3000 h and the C-Ni and E-Ni coatings fail after <10 h corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attractive mechanical properties and superior resistance to void-swelling make ferritic/martensitic alloys a promising structural material for advanced nuclear reactors. However, one anomaly that has intrigued researchers for more than 50 years is the proportion of two types of dislocation loops in Fe and Fe-Cr alloys with Burger vectors b =½<111> and b =<100>. Although the possible mechanisms responsible for the presence of 〈100〉 loops continue to be the subject of intense modeling studies, there remains incomplete experimental understanding of fundamental irradiation processes in Fe(Cr) alloys. Here, the dose dependence of the irradiation-induced microstructural evolution was examined from 0 to 20 displacement per atom (dpa) in high purity Fe and Fe-10Cr during simultaneous dual-beam (1 MeV Kr + 10 appm He/dpa) irradiation at 435 °C. We experimentally revealed that the mechanism for the formation of 〈100〉 loops may not follow the conventional simple dislocation reaction between two ½<111> loops. Real-time dynamic formation and evolution of defects including black dot loops, loop coarsening, loop decoration, network dislocations, and cavities were demonstrated. Several results indicated that the addition of Cr and He could impede dislocation loop motion. The evolution of the defect size/density and relative fraction of ½<111> vs 〈100〉 loops were quantitatively summarized. With increasing dose, ½<111> loops became the dominant type of loop in both materials. Notably, 〈100〉 loops were predominantly observed near grain boundaries only for pure Fe, while arrays of nanoscale black dot defects composing the 〈100〉 loop strings were observed in plenty in Fe-10Cr. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• pTRIM proteins contain the characteristic consensus C3HC4 type zinc-binding motif. • The expression of pTRIM5, 21 and 26 is significantly up-regulated after PRRSV infection both in vivo and in vitro. • pTRIM21 RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase is essential for anti-PRRSV activity. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) causes substantial economic losses to the global pig industry. Members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family are the important effectors of the innate immune response against viral infections. We have previously characterized the entire porcine TRIM (pTRIM) family, and predicted pTRIM5, 14, 21, 25 and 38 as host restriction factors against PRRSV infection. However, little is known about whether and how pTRIMs restrict the infection of PRRSV. In this study, we firstly performed the amino acid alignments of the RING domain of pTRIM5, 21, 25 and 38, and found that pTRIM proteins contained the characteristic consensus C3HC4 type zinc-binding motif which is important for the ubiquitination function. Then we detected the mRNA changes of pTRIMs in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) by transcriptome sequencing after PRRSV infection in piglets. Transcriptional profiles showed that the expression of pTRIM5, 21 and 26 was significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated, consistent with their expression in vitro. Finally, as the most up-regulated gene after PRRSV infection both in vivo and in vitro , pTRIM21 was investigated for its anti-PRRSV activity in immortalized PAMs (iPAMs) in two aspects: knockdown and overexpression of pTRIM21. Knockdown of endogenic pTRIM21 could significantly promote PRRSV replication at 12 and 24 h post infection in iPAMs. Meanwhile, overexpression of pTRIM21 could significantly suppress PRRSV replication but not affect its attachment and endocytosis. Moreover, pTRIM21 RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase was essential for anti-PRRSV activity. Our data enhance our understanding of the pTRIMs against PRRSV infection, which may help us develop novel therapeutic tools to control PRRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) white organic light emitting diodes (WOLED) featuring high power efficiencies faces a challenge in balancing carrier transport, energy transfer and quenching suppression. Here, we demonstrate that host matrix is crucial for the modification of optoelectronic process in emissive layers (EML) and the achievement of high power efficiency. Through asymmetrically introducing two or three diphenylphosphine oxide (DPPO) groups, three phosphine oxide (PO) hosts 24DBFDPO , 26DBFDPO and 248DBFTPO were constructed, in which dibenzofuran (DBF) chromophore is embedded by rationally spatial distribution of DPPO groups in 26DBFDPO and 248DBFTPO. Direct steric effect of DPPOs suppresses the host-dopant and dopant-dopant interaction induced quenching and mitigates excessive dopant-dopant energy transfer. Dually-doped white TADF films of 248DBFTPO reveal the improved white color purity with a high quantum yield of ~ 90%. Simultaneously, remote steric and electron-withdrawing effects of DPPOs remedy carrier transport in 248DBFTPO films. Based on a simple trilayer single-EML device structure, 248DBFTPO endowed its full-TADF WOLEDs with the state-of-the-art performance, especially the top-rank power efficiency beyond 70 lm W−1. This work indicates host engineering can provide a feasible approach to realize the practical application of TADF daily lighting. [Display omitted] • Host engineering based Asymmetric phosphine oxide hosts were implemented for white TADF diodes. • Intermolecular interactions in host matrixes are accurately adjusted with spatial asymmetry of phosphine oxide groups. • Carrier mobility of 10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1 for neat films and ~ 90% PLQYs of blue and white TADF doped films are achieved. • High power efficiency beyond 70 lm W−1 was realized by a simple trilayer single-emissive-layer TADF WOLED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the helium effects and their interactions with displacement damage in irradiated materials, an in situ dual-ion beam irradiation capability with transmission electron microscopy was recently established at the IVEM-Tandem Facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Pure nickel was irradiated in situ individually with 1 MeV Kr ions for displacement damage study, 16 keV He ions for helium implantation, and simultaneously with 1 MeV Kr ions and 16 keV He ions at the rate of 1 at.% He/dpa to study the interaction of helium and displacement damage at 500 °C. Helium bubbles were formed and segregated within dislocation loops during the He implantation experiment and no bubbles were observed outside the loops. The loop size increased with increasing helium concentration. In contrast, helium bubbles were formed uniformly in the matrix when nickel was irradiated simultaneously with 1 MeV Kr ions and 16 keV He ions. It is suggested that the uniformly-distributed defect clusters formed under 1 MeV Kr ion irradiation serve as trapping sites of helium atoms resulting in homogeneous nucleation of helium bubbles under the dual-ion beam irradiation in nickel. • In situ TEM study of interaction of helium implantation and displacement damage under dual-ion beams. • Heterogenous distribution of helium bubbles was observed inside dislocation loops under 16 keV helium ion implantation. • Distinctly different distributions of helium bubbles and dislocation loops were observed by TEM in pure nickel under in situ single and dual-beam irradiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]