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Image-based methods for surface velocity measurements are notable due to the monitoring requirements during flood events. This method is a low-cost and secure approach that has already been commonly utilized to monitor and quantify flood events. This study applied image-based velocimetry below a Japanese dam in the Naka River basin to record the evolution of flow and sediment movement near a sediment replenishment (SR) site. SR is a typical technique of sediment management that requires high flow to erode the emplaced sediment. Consequently, in the field, three significant flow patterns, including surface flow velocity, discharge, and water depth were monitored over long periods during various flushing hydrographs to investigate SR dynamics. Hence, Large-scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) and Space-time image velocimetry (STIV) were utilized to accurately estimate the surface velocity distribution during two recent flood events in 2021. The flow discharge was computed based on the area velocity method at different flood magnitudes. The corresponding water depth was calculated by combining the surface velocity and dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). Finally, the results illustrated that image-based approaches are suitable for flow pattern monitoring during high-erosion periods of placed sediment. TKE utilization is a relevant approach to quantify the water depth and investigate the impacts of bed topography on the developed flow fields. This nonintrusive method with simple devices and inexpensive placement can be adopted to record flow and sediment erosion for SR purposes. • Utilizing Image-based approach to measure flow patterns during sediment replenishment implementation. • Collecting data by a PTZ camera with solar panel and 4G internet. • Performance of LSPIV and STIV approaches to calculate flow velocity and discharge at various stages of flood. • Water depth estimation based on distribution of surface flow velocity using turbulent structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Muscone caused TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells to undergo anoikis, G2/M phase arrest, and DNA damage. • Muscone decreased anoikis resistance in U251-TR cells by downregulating TOP2A expression. • Muscone restored the anoikis sensitivity of TMZ-resistant GBM cells by reducing TOP2A expression via blocking the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway. Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is the main obstacle faced by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. Muscone, one of the primary active pharmacological ingredients of Shexiang (Moschus), can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is being investigated as an antineoplastic medication. However, muscone treatment for GBM has received little research, and its possible mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect and the potential molecular mechanism of muscone on TMZ-resistant GBM cells. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TMZ-resistant GBM cells and TMZ-sensitive GBM cells were screened using GEO2R. By progressively raising the TMZ concentration, a relatively stable TMZ-resistant human GBM cell line was established. The drug-resistance traits of U251-TR cells were assessed via the CCK-8 assay and Western Blot analysis of MGMT and TOP2A expression. Cell viability, cell proliferation, cell migration ability, and drug synergism were detected by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and drug interaction relationship test, respectively. Anoikis was quantified by Calcein-AM/EthD-1 staining, MTT assay, and flow cytometry. Measurements of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed using cell cycle staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling, JC-1 assay, and ROS assay, respectively. DNA damage was measured by TUNEL assay, alkaline comet assay, and γ-H2AX foci assay. GEPIA was used to investigate the link between the anoikis marker (FAK)/drug resistance gene and critical proteins in the EGFR/Integrin β1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking was used to anticipate the probable targets of muscone. The intracellular co-localization and expression of EGFR and FAK were shown using immunofluorescence. The U251-TR cell line stably overexpressing EGFR was constructed using lentiviral transduction to assess the involvement of EGFR-related signaling in anoikis resistance. Western Blot was employed to detect the expression of migration-related proteins, cyclins, anoikis-related proteins, DNA damage/repair-related proteins, and associated pathway proteins. DEGs analysis identified 97 deregulated chemotherapy-resistant genes and 3779 upregulated genes in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Subsequent experiments verified TMZ resistance and the hyper-expression of DNA repair-related genes (TOP2A and MGMT) in continuously low-dose TMZ-induced U251-TR cells. Muscone exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of U251-TR cell migration and proliferation, and its co-administration with TMZ showed the potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. By downregulating FAK, muscone reduced anoikis resistance in anchorage-independent U251-TR cells. It also caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by upregulating p21 and downregulating CDK1, CDK2, and Cyclin E1. Muscone-induced anoikis was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS production, an increase in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as elevated levels of Cytochrome c (Cyt c), cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicated that muscone might trigger mitochondrial-dependent anoikis via ROS generation. Moreover, significant DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the formation of γ-H2AX foci, and a reduction in TOP2A expression are also associated with muscone-induced anoikis. Overexpression of EGFR in U251-TR cells boosted the expression of Integrin β1, FAK, β-Catenin, and TOP2A, whereas muscone suppressed the expression levels of EGFR, Integrin β1, β-Catenin, FAK, and TOP2A. Muscone may influence the expression of the key DNA repair enzyme, TOP2A, by suppressing the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway. We first demonstrated that muscone suppressed TOP2A expression through the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway, hence restoring anoikis sensitivity in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. These data suggest that muscone may be a promising co-therapeutic agent for enhancing GBM treatment, particularly in cases of TMZ-resistant GBM with elevated TOP2A expression. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • DESI-MSI exhibited transform or re-distribution of characteristic metabolites. • 43 non-volatiles and 12 pathways were obtained as biomarkers and key cascades. • The characteristic metabolites influenced the comprehensive flavor of oolong tea. To achieve an integrative understanding of the spatial distribution and chronological flavoring compounds accumulation, desorption-electrospray-ionization coupled mass-spectrometry-imaging (DESI-MSI) and multi-omics techniques were performed on the leaf samples collected from the enzymatic-catalyzed-process (ECP) stage of Tieguanyin oolong tea manufacturing. The result of DESI-MSI visualization indicated transform or re-distribution of catechins, flavonols and amino acids were on-going attributing to the multi-stress over ECP stage. Out of identified 2621 non-volatiles and 45,771 transcripts, 43 non-volatiles and 12 co-expressed pathways were screened out as biomarkers and key cascades in response to adverse conditions. The targeted metabolic analysis on the characteristic flavoring compounds showed that the accumulations of free amino acids were enhanced, while catechins, flavonol glycosides, and alkaloids exhibited dynamic changes. This result suggests withering and turning-over process are compatible and collectively regulate the metabolic accumulation and development of flavoring metabolites, facilitating to the development of characteristic quality of Tieguanyin tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an omnipresent metabolite that participates in redox reactions. Multiple NAD+-consuming enzymes are implicated in numerous biological processes, including transcription, signaling, and cell survival. Multiple pieces of evidence have demonstrated that NAD+-consuming enzymes, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), sirtuins (SIRTs), and sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (SARM1), play major roles in peripheral neuropathic pain of various etiologies. These NAD+ consumers primarily participate in peripheral neuropathic pain via mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Furthermore, NAD+ synthase and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) have recently been found to contribute to the regulation of pain. Here, we review the evidence indicating the involvement of NAD+ metabolism in the pathological mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with NAD+ in peripheral neuropathic pain will facilitate the development of novel treatment options for diverse types of peripheral neuropathic pain. • NAD+ metabolism plays a major role in peripheral neuropathic pain. • The development of peripheral neuropathy involves both PARP1 overexpression and reduced SIRT1 activity. • Axonal degeneration is a predominant driver of disease progression in peripheral neuropathy. • NAMPT has recently been found to be involved in the regulation of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of micro/mesoporous zeolites by treating zeolite crystals with alkaline hydroxides has received a lot of interest, but fundamental understanding is still lacking. Here, we study the reactivity of a crystalline zeolitic material with various alkaline hydroxides, to close this knowledge gap. The use of ex situ and in situ small-angle X-ray scattering has allowed us to determine the reactivity of faujasite (FAU) type zeolite Y at different pH and Si/Al ratio (SAR), with a variety of different organic ammonium hydroxides. Supplemented with ex situ XRD and BET isotherm measurements, we show that the pH of the starting mixture and SAR of the zeolite significantly influence the stability of the microporous structure and the extent of formation of mesoporous material. [Display omitted] • Synchrotron based in situ SAXS. • Dependence of Reactivity of H-Zeolite Y on Silica-Alumina ratio (SAR). • Mesopore formation from H-Zeolite Y. • Effect of the pH of the starting reaction mixture. • Effect of the hydroxide system used on the reactivity of H-Zeolite Y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the Tb modified and adding SrTiO 3 (STO) buffer layer, the BCZT film show the excellent ferroelectric fatigue resistance, which benefits from the reduced pinning influence with lower defect concentration based on a series of experiments and theoretical simulation. • A strategy to systematically improve ferroelectric and fatigue performances of BCZT film by Tb modified and STO layer inserted using PLD method is proposed. • After modification, pinning influence can be depressed by reducing concentration of oxygen vacancy and defect dipole in films, 94.2% of polarization recovery is obtained even after 109 switching cycles. • The P r , d 33 * of modified film increase from 3.6 to 9.0 μC/cm2, 52 to 75 pm/V and loss(tanθ) decrease from 0.028 to 0.017(104 Hz) compare with BCZT grown on Pt film. The ferroelectric properties and fatigue resistance of 47(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3)TiO 3 –53Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8)O 3 (BCZT) film can be enhanced by Tb modified and adding SrTiO 3 (STO) buffer layer using pulsed laser deposition(PLD) method. The 0.4 mol% Tb doped BCZT/STO(0.4Tb-BCZT/STO) film possesses optimal comprehensive electrical properties. Comparing with traditional BCZT film gown on Pt, the residual polarization(P r), piezoelectric coefficient(d 33 *), permittivity(ε r) of 0.4Tb-BCZT/STO film increase from 3.6 to 9.0 μC/cm2, 52 to 75 pm/V, 880 to 1210 and loss(tanθ) decrease from 0.028 to 0.017(104 Hz), respectively. During a high electric field, the degradation of P r is only 5.8% and the increase of E c is about 6.1% in 0.4Tb-BCZT/STO film after 109 switching cycles, which show the excellent fatigue resistance. The improved polarization and fatigue performances of film benefits from the reduced pinning influence with lower defect concentration based on a series of experiments and theoretical simulation. This work demonstrates the potential candidates of lead-free nonvolatile memory micro-devices applied in microelectronic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and design of anti-influenza drugs with novel mechanisms is of great significance to combat the ongoing threat of influenza A virus (IAV). Hemagglutinin (HA) is regarded as a potential target for the therapy of IAV. Our previous research led to the discovery of penindolone (PND), a new diclavatol indole adduct, as an HA targeting leading compound exhibited anti-IAV activity. To enhance the bioactivity and understand the structure-activity relationships (SARs), 65 PND derivatives were designed and synthesized, and the anti-IAV activities as well as the HA targeting effects were systematically investigated in this study. Among them, compound 5g possessed high affinity to HA and was more effective than PND in terms of inhibiting HA-mediated membrane fusion. Compound 5g may act on the trypsin cleavage site of HA to exhibit a strong inhibition on membrane fusion. In addition, oral administration of 5g can significantly reduce the pulmonary virus titer, attenuate the weight loss, and improve the survival of IAV-infected mice, superior to the effects of PND. These findings suggest that the HA inhibitor 5g has potential to be developed into a novel broad-spectrum anti-IAV agent in the future. [Display omitted] • Detailed structure-activity relationships were conducted. • 5g possessed significant inhibition effect on IAV in vitro and in vivo. • 5g exhibited a strong inhibition on membrane fusion through acting on the trypsin cleavage site of HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ceramic thin films of 47(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3 )TiO 3 –0.53Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8 )O 3 (BCZT) + x ( x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) mol% Tb were grown on Pt(111)/Si substrates with various annealing temperature by pulsed laser deposition. The XRD spectra confirm that Tb element can enhance the (l10) and (111) orientations in ceramic films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that Tb-doping can increase particle size effectively. The surface of Tb-doped film annealed at 800 ℃ is uniform and crack-free, and the average particle size and mean square roughness (RMS) are about 280 nm and 4.4 nm, respectively. Comparing with pure BCZT, the residual polarization ( P r ) of 0.4 mol% Tb-doped film annealed at 800 ℃ increase from 3.6 to 9.8 μC/cm 2 . Moreover, the leakage current density value of Tb doped films are one order of magnitude (5.33 × 10 −9 −1.97 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 under 100 kV/cm) smaller than those of pure BCZT films (1.02 × 10 −7 A/cm 2 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free ceramics 47(Ba 0.7 Ca 0.3 )TiO 3 –0.53Ba(Zr 0.2 Ti 0.8 )O 3 (BCZT) + 0.2 mol% Tb and xCaCl 2 (x = 0.1,0.2 and 0.3 wt%) were prepared at different temperatures (1300, 1350 and 1410 ℃) by solid-state reaction method. The experimental results reveal that dopants can effectively promote the growth of grain at relatively low sintering temperature and CaCl 2 as the well sintering aid can produce a pronounced liquid phase to fill the gap between grains sintered at 1410 ℃ with 0.2 wt%. Relative densities and piezoelectric properties of samples can be improved by the introduction of Tb and CaCl 2 . Comparing with pure BCZT, the residual polarization ( P r ) and piezoelectric coefficient ( d 33 * ) of ceramics increase from 8.2 to 11.4 μC/cm 2 and 568–720 pm/V with 0.2 mol% Tb and 0.2 wt% CaCl 2 doped. The enhanced properties of samples may be related to the appearance of liquid phase which can increase relative densities of ceramics to 96% and the form of defect dipole in ceramics. Moreover, introduction of CaCl 2 makes dielectric peaks ( T c ) move to the high-temperature zone about 13 ℃ and become more and more diffuse (γ = 1.71–1.86), which may have the potential electro-caloric effect application in ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the validity of the popular assumption of identical linear spring (ILS) in polymer-colloids aggregated clusters. The ILS assumption suggests that all inter-particle bonds in an aggregated cluster of polymer chains and colloid particles can be represented by identical linear springs. The assumption has been challenged by several experiments that showed the bond stiffness varies across the cluster based on the connectivity of their associated particles. Yet, the predictions of the computational models that used ILS assumption are surprisingly well-aligned with the experiments in some materials. By coupling the coarse-grain Brownian dynamics simulation to a Multi-body dynamics model, a systematic pathway for analyzing the effect of connectivity of particles on elasticity of polymer-colloids aggregated clusters is presented. ILS assumption is found to be valid for systems with a stress path formation mechanism such as close-packed polymer-colloid clusters. We found the assumption irrelevant in systems with wave-like stress distribution mechanism, such as with granular materials, sand piles and jammed systems. Keywords Mechanics; polymer-colloid clusters; Identical springs assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolite itaconate has both anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, its influence on chronic pain is unclear. Here, we demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of the itaconate derivative dimethyl itaconate (DI) alleviated chronic pain symptoms, such as allodynia and hyperalgesia, in spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and inflammatory pain models. Moreover, intraperitoneal DI reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord and hind paw tissues, suppressed the activation of macrophages in the DRG and glial cells in the spinal dorsal horn and decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the DRG and spinal cord. DI boosted nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels in the DRG and spinal cord of SNL mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 abolished the analgesic effect of DI and decreased the expression of Nrf2 in the DRG and spinal cord. Similarly, administration of DI potently reversed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory effect in microglia. Reduction of endogenous itaconate levels by pretreatment with immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) siRNA blocked Nrf2 expression, which impaired the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of DI in vitro. Therefore, our findings revealed for the first time that intraperitoneal DI elicited anti-inflammatory effect and sustained chronic pain relief, which may be regarded as a promising therapeutic agent for chronic pain treatment. • DI alleviated SNL-induced neuropathic pain and inhibited neuroinflammation. • Nrf2 may act as a downstream regulator of DI to exert analgesic effects. • DI also relieved CFA-induced inflammatory pain and inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Co-doped Ni–Fe spinels (NiCo x Fe (2-x) O 4 , x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, 1.8, 2) were prepared at optimum calcination temperature (700 °C) by the sol-gel method and then applied for the electrocatalytic oxidation over glycerol. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel curve, and chronoamperometry (i-t) were performed to investigate electrochemical performance of as-prepared spinel catalysts. The results showed that NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 exhibited distinct redox peaks and the larger CV area (626.2 ± 0.03 μV A cm−2), lower Rct (42.42 ± 0.03 Ω) and Tafel slope (21 mV dec−1) than that of pristine NiFe 2 O 4 and NiCo 2 O 4 , signifying Co-doped NiFe 2 O 4 is beneficial to accelerate the catalytic oxidation of glycerol. Moreover, the ECSA and stability of NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 were also observably improved. This excellent performance is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (20 wt.%)-SA. The enhanced electrocatalytic property of NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 is ascribed to the uneven distribution of oxygen in NiFe 2 O 4 structure caused by Co doping, thus forming oxygen defect sites. [Display omitted] • Co-doped Ni–Fe spinels were prepared and applied for electrocatalytic oxidation over glycerol. • ECSA of NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 is larger than that of pristine NiFe 2 O 4 and NiC 2 O 4 spinels. • Electrocatalytic property of NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C. • The doping of Co can cause uneven distribution of oxygen in NiFe 2 O 4 structure. • The enhanced performance of NiCo 0·8 Fe 1·2 O 4 is due to the forming of oxygen defect sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progesterone suppresses the innate immune function of bovine endometrium, making the uterus susceptible to bacterial infection. The bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEEC) are the first line of defense against bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E.coli) that causes inflammation of endometrium through the recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of progesterone on the inflammatory response and its potential mechanism using E.coli - or LPS-induced BEEC. Concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 ng/mL progesterone were selected. The mRNA expressions of proinflammatory cytokines were determined using qPCR. The activations of NF-κB and MAPK pathways were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. An increase in the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α was observed in BEEC treated with progesterone, LPS or E.coli alone. Progesterone inhibited the E.coli - or LPS-induced gene expression of these cytokines. Progesterone treatment alone showed little influence on NF-κB or MAPK pathway. In BEEC stimulated with E.coli or LPS, progesterone inhibited the phosphorylations of IκB, p65, ERK1/2, p38MAPK and JNK, and the translocation of p65 into the nucleus. These results suggested that progesterone has anti-inflammatory effect, which may be mediated by inhibiting NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation in BEEC. • Progesterone alone increased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in BEEC. • Progesterone inhibited the E.coli - or LPS-induced inflammatory response in BEEC. • Progesterone alone showed no effect on MAPK or NF-κB pathways in BEEC. • Progesterone inhibited the E.coli - or LPS-activated MAPK or NF-κB pathways in BEEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Supplementary LED light was innovatively applied to the processing of oolong tea. • 11 CsCCD family genes were firstly identified in 'Huangdan' genome of tea plant. • Carotenoid-derived volatiles such as β-ionone increased while oolong tea processing. • Supplementary LED light helps the accumulation of antherxanthin and zeaxanthin. Carotenoid-derived volatiles are important contributors to tea aroma quality. However, the profile of the carotenoid pathway and carotenoid-derived volatiles (CDVs) artificial regulation in oolong tea processing has yet to be investigated. In the present work, the content and varieties of carotenoid-derived volatiles, the genome-wide identification of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CsCCD) gene family, the expression level of CsCCD and other key genes in the carotenoid pathway, and the profile of carotenoid substances were analyzed by multi-omics and bioinformatics methods with innovative postharvest supplementary LED light during oolong tea processing. The results showed that during oolong tea processing, a total of 17 CDVs were identified. The content of β-ionone increased up to 26.07 times that of fresh leaves and its formation was significantly promoted with supplementary LED light from 0.54 μg/g to 0.83 μg/g in the third turning over treatment. A total of 11 CsCCD gene family members were identified and 119 light response cis -acting regulatory elements of CsCCD were found. However, the expression level of most genes in the carotenoid pathway including CsCCD were reduced due to mechanical stress. 'Huangdan' fresh tea leaves had a total of 1 430.46 μg/g 22 varieties of carotenoids, which mainly composed of lutein(78.10%), β-carotene(8.24%) and zeaxanthin(8.18%). With supplementary LED light, the content of antherxanthin and zeaxanthin in xanthophyll cycle was regulated and CDVs such as α-ionone, β-ionone, pseudoionone, damascenone, 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one, citral, geranyl acetate and α-farnesene were promoted significantly in different phases during oolong tea processing. Our results revealed the profile of the carotenoid metabolism pathway in oolong tea processing from the perspective of precursors, gene expression and products, and put forward an innovative way to improve CDVs by postharvest supplementary LED light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bovine uterus is subject to infection after calving, which may lead to endometritis. Elevated cortisol levels have been observed in postpartum cattle. However, the role of cortisol in the inflammatory response of the uterus has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cortisol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs). BEECs were treated with various concentrations of cortisol (5, 15 and 30 ng/mL) in the presence of LPS. The mRNA expression of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines was measured with qPCR. The activation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways was detected with Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Cortisol induced the down-regulation of the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Cortisol inhibited the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) via blocking the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB. Cortisol suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), p38MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK). These results demonstrated that cortisol may exert its anti-inflammatory actions by regulating NF-κB activation and MAPK phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrated the wide controllable range of local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for Cu nanowires (Cu NWs). The LSPR of Cu nanospheres (Cu NSs) and Cu NWs were calculated by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD). As the diameter was increased from 75 to 300 nm, the extinction peak of Cu NSs could be mediated from 582 to 599 nm, whereas the extinction peaks for the Cu NWs could be shifted from 568 to 627 nm. This contrast is derived from the anisotropy and enhanced phase delay effect of Cu NWs. In attempts to verify this viewpoint, pure Cu NSs and Cu NWs with controllable diameter were prepared by hydrothermal method. And their LSPR spectrum results are well consistent with the simulation. Moreover, it is simulated that the spacing for NS would alter on LSPR peak for Cu NS. However, the arrangement of Cu NWs shows a negligible influence on their LSPR spectrum. As another anisotropic nanostructure, the LSPR spectrum of Cu nanoplates was investigated. And the experimental results could not be inconsistent well with the simulation, which is derived from the stacking effect of the nanoplates. Considering it is difficult to achieve the arrangement for nanostructures orderly, Cu NWs with negligible stacking effect would be a promising optical material that could apply in real application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted that high pressure could bring out a inner change and atoms redistribution for KTaO 3 (abbreviated as KT). As a result, the dielectricity, conductivity and optical properties of KT would be varied with the increase of pressure. In this paper, the structural, electronic and optical properties of KT under different pressures have been investigated based on the first-principles. When the pressure is below 60 GPa, the band gap of KT would be increased with the rise of pressure. However, when the pressure above 60 GPa, band gap show a sudden decrease. In order to the investigate the optical properties of KT, we calculated the function of dielectric function, refractive index, reflectivity and energy loss with frequency. With the increasing of pressure, the first peak in dielectric, refractive and reflective spectra exhibit a red shift. However, the other peaks show obvious blue shift. With increasing of pressure, the peak for energy loss function shift toward the higher energy. Moreover, in the visible region, the refractive index of KT shows a normal dispersion under high pressure. The controllable refractive index allows KT to be a promising material for optoelectronic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of Hf: Ho: LiNbO3 crystals with a fixed concentration of Ho2O3(0.5mol%) and varied HfO2 were grown. The effect of Hf4+ ion on the dopant occupancy and optical properties of Ho3+ ion in Hf: Ho: LiNbO3 crystals were investigated. To detect the optical properties of the crystals, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and UV–vis spectra were registered. Furthermore, the Judd–Ofelt spectroscopic analysis was employed for the Hf: Ho: LiNbO3 crystals. The results showed that the and parameters increased with the increase of Hf4+ concentration. Notably, HfO2 incorporation exhibited an intensive effect on the radiative lifetime, but less influence on fluorescence branching ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] In:Ce:Mn:LiNbO3 crystals were grown with various [Li]/[Nb] ratios. [•] Distribution coefficients of In3+ decreases with increase [Li]/[Nb] ratios in the melts. [•] Holographic response time and photorefractive sensitivity of In:Ce:Mn:LiNbO3 with the ratios of [Li]/[Nb] 1.38 are improved considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanosphere array and KTN@Ag (nano KTa 0.65 Nb 0.35 O 3 with Ag at it's the surface) core-shell nanoarray are elaborately analyzed based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD). The effects of particle spacing, core size and shell size on LSPR for the KTN@Ag core-shell nanoarray structure are systematically investigated. The results indicate that the core size and shell size for the KTN@Ag core-shell nanoarray structure have a great influence on LSPR. With the increase of the Ag shell radius, the resonance absorption appears blue-shift from 878 nm to 660 nm. With the increase of KTN core radius, the resonance absorption peak exhibits significantly red-shift from 538 nm to 867 nm. Thus, the designed KTN@Ag core-shell nanoarray structure can realize the effective regulation of LSPR in a wider range, which is obviously better than the Ag nanosphere array. The controllable LSPR wavelength enables the KTN@Ag core-shell nanoarray to serve as plasmonic nanosensors. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future application of KTN@Ag core-shell nanoarray structure in optical and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]