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[Display omitted] • STPA-VIKOR method was proposed to assess settlement risk during slurry shield tunneling. • STPA method was used to identify risk factors. • Sensitivity analysis of VIKOR method improves the accuracy of the model. • Measured results of Chunfeng tunnel validates the proposed model. • Proposed model was imported into BIM platform to guide project management. This paper introduces an integrated approach for assessing and managing the risk of ground settlement induced by slurry balance shield tunnel construction. The methodology combines the System Theoretical Process Analysis (STPA) and the Visekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) methods. STPA is used to identify potential factors contributing to ground settlement, and while VIKOR calculates the Q -value related to the risk grade. By fitting the field measurements and corresponding Q -values, a classification principle for risk level is derived. The efficacy of the model is demonstrated through an analysis of the Chunfeng tunnel in Shenzhen. The quadratic fitting results are used to classify the risk level. and the results of risk classification are as follows: Risk level I: Q < 0.57, II:0.57 ≤ Q < 0.74, III: Q ≥ 0.74. Yielding results are consistent with on-site settlement monitoring. To enhance practical application, the model is integrated into the Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform of the Shenzhen Chunfeng tunnel, enabling 3D visualization-based management. Ultimately, this proposed model offers valuable insights and methodologies for the assessment and management of ground-settlement risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt and camphorsulfonic acid were added to the gel-based electrolytes for DSSCs. • Lithium salt and camphorsulfonic acid can enhance the conductivity of the electrolytes. • Adding lithium salt and camphorsulfonic acid to the gel-based electrolytes effectively enhanced the DSSC efficiency. • The DSSC devices with the gel-based electrolytes exhibited a longer stability. Abstract In this study, gel-based electrolytes were produced by mixing a liquid-based electrolyte with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which served as a gelator to enhance the stability of the electrolytes and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Furthermore, bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) and camphorsulfonic acid (C 10 H 16 O 4 S) were separately added to the gel-based electrolytes. The results indicate that adding LiTFSI and C 10 H 16 O 4 S to the gel-based electrolytes effectively enhanced the device efficiency. In particular, the device with the 1:1 + 0.1 M LiTFSI gel-based electrolyte exhibited the optimal efficiency (7.33%), which was higher than that observed in the device with the liquid-based electrolyte. The results also proved that the DSSC devices with the gel-based electrolytes exhibited a longer stability. Therefore, using optimized gel-based electrolytes can enhance the power conversion efficiency and stability of DSSC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) and salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH), two important biologically active chelators, with iron has been investigated by spectrophotometric methods. High iron(III) affinity constants were determined for PIH, logβ 2 = 37.0 and SIH, logβ 2 = 37.6. The associated redox potentials of the iron complexes were determined using cyclic voltammetry at pH 7.4 as + 130 mV ( vs normal hydrogen electrode, NHE) for PIH and + 136 mV( vs NHE) for SIH. These redox potentials are much higher than those corresponding to iron chelators in clinical use, namely deferiprone, − 620 mV; desferasirox, − 600 mV and desferrioxamine, − 468 mV. Although the positive redox potentials of SIH and PIH are similar to that of EDTA, namely + 120 mV, the iron complexes of these two hydrazone chelators, unlike the iron complex of EDTA, do not redox cycle in the presence of vitamin C. These properties render PIH and SIH as excellent scavengers of iron, under biological conditions. Both SIH and PIH scavenge mononuclear iron(II) and iron(III) rapidly. These fast kinetic properties of the hydrazone-based chelators provide a ready explanation for the adoption of SIH in fluorescence-based methods for the quantification of cytosolic iron(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case study of red tide hazards around the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Red tide hazards, meteorological data, and seawater monitoring data were collected from 1996 to 2020 at different locations around the PRE to investigate the internal and external factors influencing the occurrence of red tides. The enhancement of the assessment of estuarine trophic status (ASSETS) method enables us to evaluate the effects of meteorological factors and seawater eutrophication status on the red tide risk level. Using ASSETS, we established a framework for red tide risk assessment of the Pearl River Estuary. We analysed the external and internal factors causing the red tide based on meteorological data and seawater monitoring data in the PRE. The results show that the temperature was higher than the annual monthly average temperature of 1.265 °C, and east and north winds at velocities of 3–4 m/s could result in the formation of red tides. However, precipitation inhibits the formation of the red tide in PRE. [Display omitted] • We analysed the interior factors and external factors effect on red tide occurrence. • The meteorological conditions suitable for algae growth in PRE area were proposed. • Forming mechanism of meteorological factors affecting red tide is described. • Relationship between nutrient concentration and red tide in PRE area was analysed. • ASSETS method was adopted to evaluate the red tide risk level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extant literature has largely overlooked not only the causes of electricity conservation at the firm-level, but also the potential industry-level moderators that shape the relationship. Taiwan faces an impending energy crisis due to overwhelming reliance on foreign fossil fuel and electricity legislation failure (such as raising electricity prices). Drawing on self-regulation theory to ground the study and a sample from Taiwan, this study documents that the existence of a sustainability committee is positively associated with corporate electricity usage reduction. However, the relationship does not seem to be linear. Memberships in environmentally-intensive industries negatively moderate the relationship between electricity usage reduction and the existence of sustainability committees. • Overwhelming reliance on foreign fossil fuel make Taiwan vulnerable to energy market risks. • Sustainability committees represent internal governance mechanisms that respond to reduce electricity use. • Sustainability committees serve as substitutes for statutory control in non-electricity consumption industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a red tide risk assessment method based on intercriteria correlation (CRITIC), technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), assessment of estuarine trophic status (ASSETS) methods and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to calculate the probability of each risk level. The integrated TOPSIS-ASSETS method is used to calculate the risk levels of each year, where index weight is determined by CRITIC method. MCS method is employed to calculate the probability of each risk level. The results showed that level III to level V indicates high possibility of red tides in the case study area (Tolo Harbor). The highest risk rating was level V in 1988. The change of the risk level of red tide is consistent with the real situation of the occurrence of red tide. Another case of the east part of Skagerrak Strait shows that the results of this method are consistent with field situation. When there is an error between the evaluation results and the real situation, MCS can further suggest the probability of error in the evaluation results. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis was used to test the performance of the evaluation model and two comparative methods. The results show that the proposed risk assessment method has better performance than other methods and can provide an effective risk evaluation for red tide management. [Display omitted] • We proposed an integrated approach to evaluate the risk level of red tide. • Proposed model integrated TOPSIS, ASSETS, CRITC methods and Monte Carlo simulation. • The proposed model was applied to Tolo harbor to verify its effectiveness. • The proposed method is more effective compared with the other two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloid leukemia cells maintain a high intracellular ROS level and use redox signals for survival. The metabolism of ROS also affects cell fate, including cell death and differentiation. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are major antioxidant enzymes that have high levels of expression in myeloid leukemia cells. However, the role of SODs in the regulation of myeloid leukemia cells' biological function is still unclear. To investigate the function of SODs in myeloid leukemia cell death and differentiation, we used myeloid leukemia cell lines K562, MEG-01, TF-1, and HEL cells for this study. We found that PMA-induced megakaryocytic differentiation in myeloid leukemia cells is accompanied by cell death and SOD1 down-regulation, while SOD2 expression is not affected. The role of SOD1 is verified when ATN-224, a SOD1 specific inhibitor, inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell death in myeloid leukemia cells without PMA treatment. Moreover, inhibition or silencing of SODs further increases cell death and decreases polyploidization induced by PMA while they were partially reversed by SOD1 overexpression. Thus, SOD1 expression is required for myeloid leukemia cell fate determination. In addition, the knockdown of PKD2 reduces cell death and promotes polyploidization induced by PMA. PMA/PKD2-mediated necrosis via PARP cleavage involves both SOD1-dependent and -independent pathways. Finally, ATN-224 enhanced the inhibition of cell proliferation by Ara-C. Taken together, the results demonstrate that SOD1 regulates cell death and differentiation in myeloid leukemia cells. ATN-224 may be beneficial for myeloid leukemia therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fenofibrate, a fibric acid derivative, is known to possess lipid-lowering effects. Although fenofibrate may activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α and regulate the transcription of several genes, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that incubation of C2C12 myotubes with fenofibrate increased adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression and suppressed fatty acid synthase (FAS) level, thereby decreasing intracellular triglyceride accumulation when cells were incubated at high-glucose condition. Fenofibrate increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which subsequently increased fatty acid β-oxidation. AMPK phosphorylation was reduced by pretreatment with GW9662 (a PPARα inhibitor), suggesting that AMPK may be a downstream effector of PPARα. Pretreatment with compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or GW9662 blocked fenofibrate-induced ATGL expression and the lipid-lowering effect. Our results suggest that AMPK is as an upstream regulator of ATGL. With further exploration, we demonstrated that fenofibrate stimulated FoxO1 translocation from the cytosol to nuclei by immunefluorescence assay, chromatin immuneprecipitation assay, and reporter assay. Furthermore, oral administration of fenofibrate ameliorated the body weight, visceral fat and serum biochemical indexes in db/db mice. Taken together, our results suggest that the lipid-lowering effect of fenofibrate was achieved by activating PPARα and AMPK signaling pathway that resulted in increasing ATGL expression, lipolysis, and fatty acid β-oxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using the 4×4 transfer matrix method, we study the optical properties of a designed structure composing one magnetic film sandwiched between two identical metal films. There is a special resonant effect. At one special wavelength, the incidence of one linearly polarized light result in one pure left-handed circular polarization or one pure right-handed circular polarization with the same intensity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present an analytical solution for describing the head distribution in an unconfined aquifer with a single pumping horizontal well parallel to a fully penetrating stream. The Laplace-domain solution is developed by applying Fourier sine, Fourier and Laplace transforms to the governing equation as well as the associated initial and boundary conditions. The time-domain solution is obtained after taking the inverse Laplace transform along with the Bromwich integral method and inverse Fourier and Fourier sine transforms. The upper boundary condition of the aquifer is represented by the free surface equation in which the second-order slope terms are neglected. Based on the solution and Darcy’s law, the equation representing the stream depletion rate is then derived. The solution can simulate head distributions in an aquifer infinitely extending in horizontal direction if the well is located far away from the stream. In addition, the solution can also simulate head distributions in confined aquifers if specific yield is set zero. It is shown that the solution can be applied practically to evaluate flow to a horizontal well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eugenol-containing restorative materials are commonly used for vital pulp therapy. A well-regulated host defense response is pivotal for the success of vital pulp therapy. The present study was to assess the effects of eugenol on the antimicrobial functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils). Treatment with eugenol (≤1.25 mmol/L) for 30 minutes did not significantly affect the viability of neutrophils. However, preincubation of neutrophils with eugenol (1.25 mmol/L and 2.5 mmol/L) abolished their bactericidal activity against oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, through the suppression of the extracellular release of myeloperoxidase and the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, eugenol at sufficient concentrations impaired the activation of neutrophils by cytochalasin B and fMet-Leu-Phe (CB/fMLP). These results suggested that the antimicrobial functions of neutrophils were interfered by eugenol, and the inhibitory effects of eugenol (≤1.25 mmol/L) were not due to direct killing of neutrophils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT) with submucosal resection (SR) for children with hypertrophic inferior turbinates. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty children with chronic nasal obstruction due to hypertrophic inferior turbinates were enrolled. These children were randomly assigned to receive SR of the inferior turbinate (n =60) or MAIT (n =60). Ten children who did not appear to display any nasal discomfort served as normal controls. Surgical-outcome was evaluated with respect to four distinct parameters: nasal endoscopy, subjective assessment of nasal symptoms by the patient using a visual analogue scale, anterior rhinomanometry, and saccharin test. These evaluations were conducted before surgery and at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after surgery. Results: In the SR group, turbinate edema was decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months after surgery (p <0.05). Nasal secretions and crusting were increased significantly (p <0.05) in the SR group at 1 week after surgery and then decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months after surgery. In the MAIT group, turbinate edema and nasal secretions were decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months after surgery (p <0.05). Nasal crusting was not observed after surgery. Subjective complaints including nasal obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea and hyposmia were significantly improved in both groups from 1 month after surgery (p <0.05). Rhinomanometric assessment did not reveal significant improvement until 3 months after surgery in both groups. Saccharin transit time was significantly increased (p <0.05) compared to baseline at 1 week after surgery in the SR group but was not significantly different in the MAIT group. Conclusion: MAIT and SR are both effective at relieving nasal obstruction due to the presence of hypertrophic inferior turbinates. MAIT is superior to SR with regard to preserving the nasal mucosa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) induces megakaryocytopoeisis in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells which is characterized by the increase in cell size, increase in nuclear polyploidization and expression of megakaryocyte marker, CD41. However, upon treatment with 100nM of selective prostacyclin (IP) agonist beraprost inhibits the induced differentiation. Moreover, selective non-prostanoid IP agonist, BMY 45778 prevents PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells similarly, while prostaglandin E2 and specific EP3 agonist sulprostone have no effect. Thus, IP receptor is involved. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and cAMP analog dibutyryl-cAMP also prevented PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells. Thus, IP agonists inhibition of PMA induced megakaryocytopoeisis in HEL cells may involve a cAMP dependent pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether)s 7a–f were directly synthesized by aromatic nucleophilic polycondensation of bisphthalazinone 4 with the mixture of sulfonated dihalide 5 and non-modified dihalide 6 via N–C coupling reaction. The sulfonated polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, elemental analysis and other technologies. Because of their specially designed molecular structure, the novel sulfonated polymers showed excellent thermal and oxidative stability. The sulfonated polymers also had reasonable water affinity and moderate proton conductivity for the usage in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Display Omitted [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of sperm function and physiological metabolism. Metformin, an inexpensive and effective antioxidant, is known to play an important role in the activation of AMPK. Therefore metformin has potential to improve sperm cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin during semen cryopreservation of sheep and to find the most effective concentration in freezing extender. Semen were cryopreserved with extender containing different concentrations of metformin (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L). Sperm motility, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity were measured after semen freezing and thawing. All results showed that sperm quality was significantly increased in the 1.0 mmol/L metformin-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the study showed that metformin effectively reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of freeze-thawed sperm (P < 0.05). The optimal concentration of metformin was 1.0 mmol/L. Moreover, the results showed that AMPK was localized in the acrosome region, junction and midsection of sperm, and p-AMPK was distributed in the post-acrosomal region, junction and midsection. Western blot analysis indicated that 1.0 mmol/L metformin stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK in sperm. Further results showed that 1.0 mmol/L metformin significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content, glucose uptake and lactate efflux of post-thawed sperm through the AMPK pathway, improved sperm quality, and increased the cleavage rate of in vitro fertilization (P < 0.05). • Metformin improved sheep sperm quality and antioxidant capacity after freezing and thawing, and the optimal concentration was 1.0 mmol/L. • Metformin (1.0 mmol/L) improved sperm mitochondrial function and in vitro fertilization (IVF) via promoted AMPK phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractory high-entropy alloys Al x Hf 0.5 Mo 0.5 NbTa 0.5 TiVZr with the addition of different amounts of low-density aluminum were developed to improve the strength and softening resistance at elevated temperatures. The microstructure and phase formation were investigated, and the mechanical properties and deformation behavior at various temperatures were studied. The primary dendrites consisted of body-centered cubic (Mo,Nb,Ta)-rich multicomponent phase, and the latter solidified interdendrites contained Al-(Hf,V,Zr)-rich second phase initiating from grain boundaries. With an increased aluminum content, the size of dendrites decreased, and the portion of the network-like second phase increased. The hard precipitates improved the yield strength and softening resistance but sacrificed the ductility of the alloys. At an appropriate aluminum content of x = 0.5, the Al 0.5 Hf 0.5 Mo 0.5 NbTa 0.5 TiVZr alloy showed promising softening resistance at 600 °C with a retained strength of 1240 MPa and a compressive strain of 13 %. A large number of dislocations formed a tangled dislocation forest than glided in a planar way, additionally enhancing the work hardening and improving the softening resistance. However, an excessive accumulation of dislocations at the phase boundaries caused the brittle fracture in the latter stage. [Display omitted] • Al x Hf 0.5 Mo 0.5 NbTa 0.5 TiVZr high-entropy alloys with aluminum were developed. • Al-(Hf,V,Zr)-rich second phase was precipitated in the interdendritic regions. • The strength and softening resistance at elevated temperatures were improved. • Al 0.5 Hf 0.5 Mo 0.5 NbTa 0.5 TiVZr showed high softening resistance with plasticity. • Dislocations were generated from phase boundaries to form a tangled forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A range of stilbene-hydroxypyridinone hybrids were prepared starting from kojic acid. • 2-(3,5-Dihydroxystyryl)-1-hexyl-5-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-one (1h) inhibited tyrosinase. • Compound 1h was a reversible and mixed-type inhibitor on diphenolase. • Copper coordination and reduction could be important inhibitory mechanism. • Compound 1h effectively retard the browning of fresh-cut apple slices. In order to develop the tyrosinase inhibitors with potential application in food industry, a series of stilbene-hydroxypyridinone hybrids were prepared. Among these compounds, 1h was found to possess the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory effect on both monophenolase and diphenolase activities, with IC 50 values of 2.72 μM and 15.86 μM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of 1h on monophenolase activity was 4.6 times that of kojic acid. An inhibition kinetic assay indicated that 1h was a mixed-type and reversible inhibitor. The copper-binding and reducing ability assays, molecular docking study, intrinsic and ANS–binding fluorescence assays indicated that copper coordination and reduction is likely to be the causative mechanism for 1h -induced inhibition on tyrosinase. The results of color measurement and browning index determination indicated that treatment with 1h retarded effectively the browning of freshly-cut apples during their storage. Meanwhile, PPO and POD activities in apple slices were found to be effectively inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tantalum-based high-entropy nitride coatings were developed as protective coatings. • A certain level of lattice distortion generated similarly high mechanical properties. • The cocktail effect of constituent elements decided tribological and oxidation resistance. • The role and dominance of lattice distortion and cocktail effect were understood. To understand the dominance of lattice distortion and cocktail effect for an appropriate element selection and optimistic design of multicomponent protective hard coatings, in this study, four groups of Ta-based high-entropy nitride coatings, including (AlCrTa 2 TiZr)N x , (HfNbTaTiZr)N x , (MoNbTaTiZr)N x and (Al 2 Cr 2 HfMoNbTa)N x , were deposited by sputtering in an N 2 + Ar mixed atmosphere. The structures, mechanical properties, wear resistance and oxidation resistance of the coatings were investigated, and the roles of different constituent metallic elements in their performance were examined. Experimental results indicated that, similar to conventional nitride coatings, the sputtering yield and resputtering loss of metallic elements determined the chemical composition. While the high mixing entropy of multiple metallic elements yielded a solid-solution structure, the N 2 -to-total flow ratio dominated the film structure and growth orientation. A certain level of lattice distortion generated similarly high mechanical properties no matter which metallic elements were added, but the cocktail effect of the constituents decided the tribological and oxidation resistance of the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZnGa2O4 nanowires have been synthesized by a direct vapor transport process on c-sapphire substrate without any template under low temperature. Their structural and optical properties were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and photoluminescence (PL). Structural characterization revealed that the as-synthesized samples consist of cubic spinel ZnGa2O4 nanowires with 30–90nm in diameter and 3–5μm long. Room temperature photoluminescence show intense ultraviolet (375nm) and green (530nm) emissions originate from oxygen vacancies. Specifically, a near-band-edge emission centered at 283nm was observed. The photocatalytic activity of ZnGa2O4 nanowires was evaluated by the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under ultraviolet light illumination. The results show that ZnGa2O4 nanowires exhibit high photocatalytic activity and is attributed to the enhanced light absorption and strong redox ability of photo-generated electron–hole pairs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluorene decorated with multiple imidazole units in a non-conjugated fashion and featuring polyaromatic hydrocarbons such as anthracene or pyrene were synthesized and characterized as blue emitters suitable for application in organic light-emitting diodes. The optical absorption and emission peak profiles remained unaltered on increasing the imidazole loading on fluorene. But the molar extinction coefficient progressively increased on introduction of additional imidazole unit attributable to the increment in the chromophore density. Replacement of phenyl group at the C-2 of imidazole nucleus with polyaromatic hydrocarbons such as anthracene and pyrene led to a red-shift in the absorption and emission spectra due to their characteristic absorption features. All the compounds exhibited high thermal decomposition temperature in the range 395–509 °C showing significant thermal robustness. The anthracene and pyrene derivatives were demonstrated as efficient blue emitters in 4,4′-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl host for multilayered organic light-emitting diodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, J.H. He’s Exp-function method is used to obtain a generalized soliton solution with some free parameters of the Zakharov–Kuznetsov-Modified Equal-Width (ZK-MEW) equation. Suitable choice of parameters in the generalized solution leads to Mustafa Inc’s solution [M. Inc, New exact solutions for the ZK-MEW equation by using symbolic computation, Applied Mathematics and Computation 189 (1) (2007) 508–513]. The results show that He’s method is very powerful and convenient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, constant voltage stress (CVS) induced interfacial trap and its effect on subthreshold slope (SS) degradation were studied for the first time by the random telegraph noise (RTN) technique. Part of the generated traps were located in the interfacial layer (IL) under CVS. Both the trap location and trapping number show a large impact on SS degradation, and it could be demonstrated by RTN. If the trap depths are similar, more traps cause more severe SS degradation. If the trap depths are different, shallow trap shows larger impact on SS degradation than that of deep trap even if the trapping charges of deep trap are more than that of shallow trap. Unlabelled Image • CVS induced interfacial trap and its effect on subthreshold slope (SS) degradation was studied by RTN technique. • SS degradation was found when a trap was located in interfacial layer, and the trap location could be extracted by RTN. • Device with one shallow trap shows more severe SS degradation than those of two deep traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three algorithms are developed to process the response current of pulsed Langmuir probes (PLPs) onboard satellites estimating ideal pulse current, residual voltage, and the electron temperature (Te) and electron density (Ne) in the ionosphere. The contaminated layer on the probe surface could result in LPs obtaining unreliable Te and Ne. The PLP is designed to solve this problem, and however, the rise time of pulse signals not approaching to zero will still bring some errors. Meanwhile, after each pulse scan, it requires a certain period for discharging, which affects the spatial resolution of PLP measurements. To resolve these problems, three algorithms estimate the ideal pulse response current, calculate the contaminated layer residual voltage to shorten the inter pulse scan period, and compute Te and Ne accordingly. Measurements of the DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) are used to validate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Results show that the error of Te and Ne can be reduced down to 5% each, and the scanning rate can be increased by about 5–50 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of transgenic technologies in the Cashmere goat ( Capra hircus ) has the potential to improve the quality of the meat and wool. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system is highly efficient and can be used to transpose specific target genes into the genome. Here, we developed a PB transposon system to produce transgenic Cashmere goat fetal fibroblasts (GFFs) with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). We then used the genetically modified GFFs as nuclear donors to generate transgenic embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The embryos (n = 40) were implanted into female goats (n = 20). One transgenic kid that expressed EGFP throughout the surface features of its body was born. This result demonstrated the usefulness of PB transposon system in generating transgenic Cashmere goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New organic luminescent materials containing carbazole and benzimidazole chromophores were synthesized by tethering them together using thiophene or phenyl spacer. Both 3,6- and 2,7-disubstitutions were explored. The functional properties of the new materials were analyzed by photophysical, electrochemical, thermal and electroluminescence properties. The thiophene containing dyes showed red-shifted absorption and emission profiles than that of the phenyl analogs due to effective electronic delocalization in the former. Also, the thiophene-based dyes exhibited low oxidation potentials than that of the phenyl analogs attributable to electron richness. Electroluminescence devices were fabricated using these dyes as emitting layer or dopant in a multi-layered configuration. The devices containing thiophene-based dyes showed relatively low turn-on voltage in the neat devices due to the favorable alignment of energy levels, which facilitated balanced charge transport. A thiophene-based dye exhibited better performance in the series with external quantum efficiency as high as 1.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Mahuang decoction, Ephedra combined with Cassia twig, Bitter apricot kernel and Prepared licorice, has been widely used as a multi-herb prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many modern pharmacological studies have shown that the compatibility application of these four herbs has promising therapeutic effects on respiratory infection, acute glomerulonephritis and chronic renal failure. However, the underlying principles for governing the formulation of Mahuang decoction remain unknown. In this study, we used a Caco-2 cell monolayer model to explicate the possible compatibility mechanism of Mahuang decoction from the perspective of intestinal absorption. Material and methods Firstly, the apical-to-basolateral and basolarteral-to-apical transport of the main characteristic active alkaloids in Ephedra, l -ephedrine (LEP), d -pseudoephedrine (DPEP) and l -methylephedrine (LMEP), as a single compound, was investigated. Secondly, the influence of main components in Cassia twig, Bitter apricot kernel and Prepared licorice on the transport of LEP, DPEP and LMEP was investigated. Finally, the bidirectional transport of these three alkaloids in single Ephedra extract, in Mahuang decoction and in drug pair extracts, such as Ephedra–Cassia twig, Ephedra–Bitter apricot kernel, Ephedra–Prepared licorice, was assessed. Results The investigated LEP, DPEP and LMEP could transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer at a high level, with the efflux ratio (ER) of 1.41, 1.33 and 1.30, respectively, when the cells were treated with each single compound solution. In the presence of verapamil, the permeability from apical side to basolateral side ( P AB ) of the three alkaloids increased significantly ( P <0.05), and their ERs decreased. The treatment of cells with Mahuang decoction and the drug pair extracts from Ephedra–Cassia twig, Ephedra–Bitter apricot kernel and Ephedra–Prepared licorice appreciably decreased P AB of LEP, DPEP and LMEP with increased ERs, compared to the treatment with single Ephedra extract. When concomitant administration with herbal drugs and their main ingredients (including cinnamaldehyde–cinnamyl alcohol–cinnamic acid group, volatile oil from Cassia twig, liquiritin–glycyrrhizic acid group from Prepared licorice, Cassia twig extract, Bitter apricot kernel extract and Prepared licorice extract), was adopted, P AB of LEP, DPEP and LMEP were reduced significantly and the ERs of the corresponding compounds were promoted appreciably. Only amygdalin (from Bitter apricot kernel) had little influence on the transport of Ephedra alkaloids. Conclusion The findings indicate that LEP, DPEP and LMEP in Ephedra extract have similar absorption as in the pure solution of each compound. The intestinal absorption of LEP, DPEP and LMEP is through passive diffusion and these compounds may be P-gp substrates. The compatibility application of Cassia twig, Bitter apricot kernel and Prepared licorice, and their main components except amygdalin can suppress the absorption of the three main Ephedra alkaloids across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. On the basis of our results, Cassia twig, Bitter apricot kernel and Prepared licorice in Mahuang decoction decrease the absorption of Ephedra alkaloids, which may alleviate the drastic diaphoretic function and toxicity of Ephedra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 499 Salmonella isolates including 9 serovars from humans and various animal hosts were collected to compare prevalence of integron and antimicrobial resistance. The integron and gene cassette were detected by PCR, and then the gene cassette type was further determined by sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted by disk diffusion method. The positivity percentage of class 1 integron and the diversity of gene cassettes carried by integron were quite different in various Salmonella serovars, especially comparing those from animals to humans. After sequencing and RFLP analysis, it was identified eight gene cassette types. The gene cassette type D carrying ampicillin/streptomycin resistance genes was the most common one (42.2%) in the integron-positive isolates. More diversity of gene cassette types was identified in humans comparing to that in animals. Several gene cassette types were identified for the first time in some Salmonella serovars. In this study, 31.5% (157/499) of the isolates were multi-resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline (ACSSuT). S. Choleraesuis isolates with the cassette type A1, but S. Typhimurium isolates with the cassette type E1, were frequently associated with ACSSuT-resistant (80.6% and 72.7%, respectively). There was a significant association between the presence of class 1 integron and quinolone resistance in S. Choleraesuis isolates, but not in S. Typhimurium. Our findings imply that transmission efficiency of various gene cassettes through the integron could be different in various Salmonella serovars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iron is a critical element for the survival of bacteria. We have designed and synthesized two novel 3-hydroxypyridin-4-one hexadentate ligands with high affinity for iron(III), which disrupt bacterial iron absorption. Biological studies demonstrate that these two chelators have significant inhibitory effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and therefore have potential as antimicrobial agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]