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The aim of this work was to explore whether bisoprolol plays a protective role in cardiomyocytes against ischemia-reperfusion injury via PI3K/AKT/ GSK3β pathway. We pretreated male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with bisoprolol by oral administration prior to 0.5 h ischemia/4 h reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size and serum levels of cTnI and CK-MB were measured. In vitro, H9c2 cells were treated with hypoxia and reoxygenation, followed by measurement of cell viability, apoptosis, ROS production, cytometry, activities of AKT, GSK3β, and p-38 in the presence and absence of GSK3β siRNA. We found that bisoprolol reduced infarct size from 44% in I/R group to 31% in treated group (P < 0.05). The levels of cTnI and CK-MB were decreased from 286 ± 7 pg/mL and 32.2 ± 2 ng/mL in I/R group to 196 ± 2 pg/mL and 19.6 ± 0.9 ng/mL in the treated group, respectively (P < 0.05). Bisoprolol also increased cell viability while decreased apoptosis and ROS production in the treatment of hypoxia/ reoxygenation. Furthermore, bisoprolol increased AKT and GSK3β phosphorylation, an effect that was immediately eliminated by LY294002. GSK3β-specific siRNA experiment further confirmed that bisoprolol protected the myocardium against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury via suppressing GSK3β activity. In conclusion, bisoprolol protected myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury via the PI3K/AKT/ GSK3β pathway.

Objective This study was conducted to explore the association of microRNA (miR)‐125a and miR‐125b with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) risk and to investigate their correlation with clinical characteristics and prognosis in sepsis patients. Methods Totally 150 sepsis patients admitted to our hospital were consecutively enrolled and another 150 healthy subjects were enrolled as healthy controls (HCs). Their blood samples were collected for miR‐125a and miR‐125b detection by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Besides, ARDS occurrence and 28‐day mortality were documented in all sepsis patients. Results MiR‐125a and miR‐125b relative expressions were increased in ARDS‐sepsis patients/non‐ARDS‐sepsis patients compared with HCs, while only miR‐125b but not miR‐125a was elevated in ARDS‐sepsis patients compared with non‐ARDS‐sepsis patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve presented that miR‐125a (AUC: 0.650, 95%CI: 0.549‐0.750) and miR‐125b (AUC: 0.739, 95%CI: 0.653‐0.823) could differentiate ARDS‐sepsis patients from non‐ARDS‐sepsis patients, and miR‐125b was of increased predictive value compared with miR‐125a numerically. In sepsis patients, miR‐125a relative expression was positively associated with serum creatinine (Scr), chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and miR‐125b was positively associated with Scr, C‐reactive protein (CRP), APACHE II score, SOFA score, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All sepsis patients were categorized into survivors and deaths according to 28‐day mortality, and miR‐125b but not miR‐125a was upregulated in deaths compared with survivors. Conclusion Both of miR‐125a and miR‐125b predict ARDS risk, while only miR‐125b is of value in prognosis prediction in sepsis patients.

Objective This study aimed to explore the predictive value of microRNA (miR)‐125a and miR‐125b for sepsis risk, and their correlations with inflammation, disease severity, and 28‐day mortality in sepsis patients. Methods Totally, 150 sepsis patients and 150 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Plasma samples were separated from blood samples obtained from sepsis patients and HCs to detect miR‐125a and miR‐125b expressions by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Besides, the 28‐day mortality of sepsis patients was assessed. MiR‐125a and miR‐125b expressions were elevated in sepsis patients compared with HCs, and further receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis displayed that miR‐125a (area under the curve (AUC): 0.749, 95% CI: 0.695‐0.803) and miR‐125b (AUC: 0.839, 95% CI: 0.795‐0.882) could predict sepsis risk. As for inflammation, no correlation of miR‐125a with C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23 was observed in sepsis patients, while miR‐125b was positively associated with CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23. Regarding disease severity, miR‐125a and miR‐125b were positively correlated with acute physiology and chronic health care evaluation II and sequential organ failure assessment score in sepsis patients. Besides, ROC curve analysis exhibited that miR‐125a failed to predict 28‐day mortality risk (AUC: 0.588, 95% CI: 0.491‐0.685) in sepsis patients, while miR‐125b had a potential value in predicting elevated 28‐day mortality risk (AUC: 0.699, 95% CI: 0.603‐0.795). Conclusion Both miR‐125a and miR‐125b predict sepsis risk, while only miR‐125b exhibits the potency for disease management and prognosis prediction in sepsis patients.

Objectives Our study aimed to probe the effects of rosiglitazone treatment on a severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) model induced by caerulein and investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods Differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the mice of a SAP group were screened out by microarray analysis. The inflammatory response pathway was obtained from the online website DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.8. The interactions of caerulein and its target proteins were shown by search tool for interactions of chemicals (STITCH). Functional interactions of the genes associated with pancreatitis and the target proteins of caerulein were obtained with search tool for interactions of chemicals (STRING). SAP mice were established by hourly intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. Rosiglitazone was used as treatment drug, and pancreatic inflammation was assessed. The expression of Socs3 was studied by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1b, and Egr1 were studied by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The GSE77983 data were analyzed, and the results showed that Socs3 was overexpressed in SAP tissues. The inflammation response pathway in pancreas was selected by DAVID, STITCH, and STRING. After injection of rosiglitazone in mice, the serum levels of amylase and lipase were decreased. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of Socs3 and inflammatory cytokines in pancreatic tissues were downregulated. Conclusions Rosiglitazone could protect mice with SAP from injury by downregulating Socs3 and inhibiting the inflammatory response pathway.

Ordered TiO2 nanostructure arrays such as hydrothermal nanorod arrays (NRAs) and anodic nanotube arrays have attracted great attentions in solar cells, photocatalysis and etc., mainly due to their vertically-aligned 1-D architectures. However, the device performances are limited by their poor electronic properties, due to the morphology collapse and surface adsorbates. In this work, a novel freeze-drying technique has been used to post-treat the hydrothermal TiO2 NRAs. The freeze-drying treatment not only leads to well-preserved nano-array morphology, but also induces complete removal of adsorbed chlorine on TiO2 surface. The light scattering feature and the energy band structure have thus changed after freeze-drying as compared to common air-drying. As a result, the charge transfer at TiO2/electrolyte interface and the collection efficiency of photo-excited electrons through the TiO2 NRAs are substantially improved, leading to the performance enhancement of model solar cells.

Ultra-lightweight resistive switching memory based on protein has been demonstrated. The memory foil is 0.4 mg cm(-2) , which is 320-fold lighter than silicon substrate, 20-fold lighter than office paper and can be sustained by a human hair. Additionally, high resistance OFF/ON ratio of 10(5) , retention time of 10(4) s, and excellent flexibility (bending radius of 800 μm) have been achieved.

A novel dioxaborinane-contained solid state polymer electrolyte poly((2-phenyl-1, 3, 2-dioxaborolane-4-yl) methyl methacrylate) (P(GMMA-PBA)) for symmetrical capacitors (SCs) is prepared through solution casting technique. Due to the effect of electron withdrawing of dioxaborinane groups and irregular distributed porous microstructures, the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) exhibits an optimal ionic conductivity of 0.5 mS cm−1 at ambient conditions. The electronic properties of dioxaborinane groups and their interaction with anions of electrolyte salts are further studied with density functional theory calculations. SCs fabricated with this polymer film as electrolyte and reduced graphene oxide as electrodes provide a broad potential window of 2.5 V. The energy density of this capacitor ups to 22.49 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 6.34 kW kg−1 at 5 A g−1. After 3000 charge–discharge cycles, the capacitance of the symmetrical SPE capacitor maintains 90% of its initial values.

Physically transient resistive switching devices based on silk protein are successfully demonstrated. The devices can be absolutely dissolved in deionized water or in phosphate-buffered saline in 2 h. At the same time, a reasonable resistance OFF/ON ratio of larger than 10(2) and a retention time of more than 10(4) s are achieved for nonvolatile memory applications.

Two novel intrinsically microporous copolyimides synthesized by condensation reaction of 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), 3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-1,1'-spirobisindane-5,5'-diamino-6,6'-diol, and 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid with diamine ratios of 80/20 (Co-80/20) and 50/50 (Co-50/50) are reported. Unexpectedly, the Co-80/20 not only demonstrates higher microporosity (300 m(2) g(-1) ) than the PIM-6FDA-OH homopolymer (190 m(2) g(-1) ) but also exhibits simultaneously enhanced CO2 permeability (from 119 to 171 Barrer) and CO2 /CH4 selectivity (from 35 to 41) after thermal annealing at 250 °C. This higher permeability originates from enhanced diffusivity (D CO2 ) and the higher selectivity results from its increased diffusion selectivity (D CO2 /D CH4 ). After crosslinking at 300 °C, the Co-80/20 exhibits an even higher CO2 permeability (261 Barrer) and almost unchanged CO2 /CH4 selectivity.

Pure nanoparticle ammonia borane (NH3 BH3 , AB) was first prepared through a solvent-free, ambient-temperature gas-phase combination of B2 H6 with NH3 . The prepared AB nanoparticle exhibits improved dehydrogenation behavior giving 13.6 wt. % H2 at the temperature range of 80-175 °C without severe foaming. Ammonia diborane (NH3 BH2 (μ-H)BH3 , AaDB) is proposed as the intermediate in the reaction of B2 H6 with NH3 based on theoretical studies. This method can also be used to prepare pure diammoniate of diborane ([H2 B(NH3 )2 ][BH4 ], DADB) by adjusting the ratio and concentration of B2 H6 to NH3 .

In article number 2001820, Feng Xu and co‐workers report a multifunctional hydrogel‐based liquid bandage (LBA) for trauma emergency; the resulting photo‐responsive chitosan‐based hydrogel harvests robust adhesive, hemostatic, and antibacterial performances as a first‐aid tissue adhesive. LBA is simply prepared without any extraneous photo‐initiator and toxic crosslinking agent for its safe use. Moreover, the utilization of this LBA can boost wound healing.

The low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD)-SiNx layer is deposited prior to the ohmic alloying as the passivation layer and gate dielectric layer in GaN device fabrication. The effect of alloying temperature on the LPCVD-SiNx/GaN interface and LPCVD-SiNx dielectric film is evaluated by the capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current–voltage (I–V) characteristics. The C–V analysis by frequency-dependent method and Terman method shows that the higher density of interface states occurs at the higher alloying temperature, while I–V analysis indicates that the higher alloying temperature can lead to smaller current density with slightly deeper traps for Poole–Frenkel conduction. The hydrogen-related bonds may be the cause and affects the interfacial properties of LPCVD-SiNx/GaN as well as the electrical properties of LPCVD-SiNx film.

We report normally off AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors realized by using the thin and high Al composition barrier design in conjunction with O2 plasma implantation. The AlGaN barrier layer under the gate is selectively treated by low-energy O2 plasma in order to positively shift the threshold voltage of devices. The obtained enhancement-mode HEMT exhibits a threshold voltage (VTH) of +1 V, a high peak transconductance of ∼230 mS mm−1, and a maximum drain current of 424 mA mm−1 at a gate bias of 3 V for a gate length of 0.6 µm. A suppressed gate reverse leakage current and a high breakdown voltage of 450 V are achieved. Moreover, gradually partial oxidation of AlGaN barrier layer is determined to be responsible for the plasma-induced VTH modulation effect through a systematic investigation. The results indicate O2 plasma implantation can be a promising method for fabrication of enhancement-mode GaN-based devices.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its associated liver diseases have characteristics of familial clustering in China. However, the reasons for this are not understood fully. To address this issue, the prevalence HBV infection and the characteristics of unfavorable prognoses in clustering of infection in families in northwest China were investigated. Families with clustering of infection and unfavorable prognoses were enrolled, and general information and serum samples were collected. The clinical features and sequelae of HBV infection were compared among the blood relatives (including the first-, second-, and third-degree blood relatives) and spouses using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. A total of 102 clusterings of infection families with unfavorable prognoses were interviewed. In the first-, second-, and third-degree blood relatives and spouses, the prevalences of cirrhosis of the liver were 29.2%, 11.9%, and 8.7%, respectively, while those of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were 21.8%, 1.4%, and 4.3%, respectively (P

A unique stepped multifunctionalitv of perfluorinated aryl compound for the first time was studied by using model reactions between 2,5-dipentafluorophenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (FPOx) and mono functional p-cresol at different reaction conditions. Four distinctively different levels of reactivity were discovered for the para and ortho C—F of FPOx, which could be easily triggered by the reaction temperature in the range of r.t. to 160 °C. C—F of all levels of reactivity could react quantitatively with nucleophiles (such as phenoxide); and by controlling the reaction conditions, the low-level-reactivity C—F would not interfere with the reaction of C—F of higher reactivity. Application of this multistepped reactivity of FPOx in quantitative postpolymerization functionalization of polymer was successfully demonstrated. Stoichiometric amount of p-cresol, with the molar feed ratio of p-cresol in relative to the repeat unit of the polymer of FPOx and 6F-BPA in the range of 1-4, could be readily grafted onto the polymer by simply controlling the reaction temperature. FPOx-based, versatile one-pot synthesis of high molecular-weight grafted polymers with well-controlled structures and topologies were also demonstrated.

Achiral nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores 1,3-diazaazulene derivatives, 2-(4'-aminophenyl)-6-nitro-1,3-diazaa- zulene (APNA) and 2-(4'-N,N-diphenylaminophenyl)-6-nitro-1,3- diazaazulene (DPAPNA), were synthesized with high yield. Despite the moderate static first hyperpolarizabilities (β 0 ) for both APNA [(136 ± 5) x 10 ―30 esu] and DPAPNA [(263 ± 20) x 10 ―30 esu], only APNA crystal shows a powder efficiency of second harmonic generation (SHG) of 23 times that of urea. It is shown that the APNA crystallization driven cooperatively by the strong H-bonding network and the dipolar electrostatic interactions falls into the noncentrosymmetric P2 1 2 1 2 1 space group, and that the helical supramolecular assembly is solely responsible for the efficient SHG response. To the contrary, the DPAPNA crystal with centrosymmetric P-1 space group is packed with antiparalleling dimmers, and is therefore com- pletely SHG-inactive. 1,3-Diazaazulene derivatives are suggested to be potent building blocks for SHG-active chiral crystals, which are advantageous in high thermal stability, excellent near-infrared transparency and high degree of designing flexibility.