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The research on information quantization is important in the field of information theory. As a result, based on the quantum theory, the information was quantified from the information receiving aspect in this report. First of all, several concepts were presented, such as the InfoBar, the Amount of Information and the Power of Information as well as the algorithm of the Power of Information. Then, according to the relationship between the InfoBar and the amount of Information, the wave equation was decided based on the receiving information, meanwhile, the equation of wave function was defined as well. Finally, via the numerical simulation, the received model results as well as the sample result were basically matched. Thus, the validity of the model can be proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide nanosheet (NGO) was covalently functionalized with positively charged, branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) via an amide bond, coated with serum proteins by electrostatic interaction. Operating as a newly fashioned, multifunctional nanocarrier, the processed NGO showed promise for use in combined gene therapy, chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, bioimaging and as a biosensor of cancer cells. Our current research is focused on the systematic studies of mechanisms of cancer cellular uptake, subcellular location, cytotoxicity and the cellular exclusion of the NGO-bPEI nanocarriers. It was observed that NGO-bPEI accumulated in the mitochondria and that long-term retention of NGO-bPEI led to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential while levels of reactive oxygen species increased. The mitochondrial effects associated with long-term retention of NGO-bPEI have potential as a synergistic enhancer of the cytotoxic effects of anti-cancer drugs or genes in human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. This work demonstrated the utility of NGO-bPEI-based multifunctional nanocarriers while detailing the mechanism at the cellular level and providing guidance for further research in cancer therapy. Graphene oxide nanosheet (NGO) was functionalized with branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) and protein, as a kind of multifunctional nanocarrier NGO-bPEI. In the current work, the biocompatibale of NGO-bPEI was studied and NGO-bPEI was mainly uptaken by clathrindependent endocytosis and was released/leaked from the lysosome into the cytoplasm on human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. Then it selectively targeted to the mitochondria, leading to mitotoxicity. This work will be useful for the redesign and safe use of this delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a calcium-dependent ester hydrolase, protects against the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and is a major anti-atherosclerotic component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Graptopetalum paraguayense, a folk herbal medicine commonly used in Taiwan, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-atherogenic properties. The effects of G. paraguayense on the activity and/or expression of PON1 were examined using various extracts of the plant; extracts were made in water (GPWE), 50% ethanol (GP50E), and 95% ethanol (GP95E). Of these extracts, GP50E was found to be the most effective at increasing the function and expression of PON1 in a human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Data from electrophoretic mobility shift assays and promoter-reporter luciferase analyses demonstrated that the DNA binding activity and transactivation ability of NF-κB were enhanced by GP50E. Treatment with NF-κB inhibitors, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and BAY 11-7082 significantly attenuated GP50E-induced PON1 production and NF-κB transactivation activity. In addition, GP50E increased the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). Pharmacological inhibition of AKT by LY294002 effectively suppressed NF-κB activation and PON1 gene expression, suggesting that AKT was an upstream regulator of GP50E-mediated biological events. Overall, the results show that GP50E up-regulated PON1 gene expression via an AKT/NF-κB-dependent signaling pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. This observation led to the conclusion that the anti-atherogenic characteristics of G. paraguayense are modulated, at least in part, via the up-regulation of hepatocyte PON1 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a calcium-dependent ester hydrolase, protects against the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and is a major anti-atherosclerotic component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Graptopetalum paraguayense, a folk herbal medicine commonly used in Taiwan, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-atherogenic properties. The effects of G. paraguayense on the activity and/or expression of PON1 were examined using various extracts of the plant; extracts were made in water (GPWE), 50% ethanol (GP50E), and 95% ethanol (GP95E). Of these extracts, GP50E was found to be the most effective at increasing the function and expression of PON1 in a human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Data from electrophoretic mobility shift assays and promoter-reporter luciferase analyses demonstrated that the DNA binding activity and transactivation ability of NF-κB were enhanced by GP50E. Treatment with NF-κB inhibitors, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and BAY 11-7082 significantly attenuated GP50E-induced PON1 production and NF-κB transactivation activity. In addition, GP50E increased the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). Pharmacological inhibition of AKT by LY294002 effectively suppressed NF-κB activation and PON1 gene expression, suggesting that AKT was an upstream regulator of GP50E-mediated biological events. Overall, the results show that GP50E up-regulated PON1 gene expression via an AKT/NF-κB-dependent signaling pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. This observation led to the conclusion that the anti-atherogenic characteristics of G. paraguayense are modulated, at least in part, via the up-regulation of hepatocyte PON1 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is one of the most promising secondary batteries for its high energy density, high natural abundance and environment friendly nature of sulfur. However, the commercial application of Li-S battery faces some technical obstacles, such as low cycling stability resulted from the shuttle effect of polysulfides, low electrical conductivity of sulfur and volume expansion during charge/discharge process. Furthermore, due to the flammability of organic solvents in liquid electrolytes, the continuous formation of lithium dendrites and the low ignition temperature of carbon–sulfur mixtures, safety of Li-S batteries has become another critical issue to be solved. In recent years, many different strategies have been put forward to improve the electrochemical performance and safety of Li-S batteries, containing the development of carbon/sulfur composite cathodes, design of flame retardant electrolytes and protection of negative electrodes. In this review, the recent progress of sulfur/carbon composite cathode materials for Li-S battery is first introduced. Then the evaluation methods and latest development of high-safety electrolytes toward advanced Li-S batteries are summarized. Finally, the development trends of Li-S battery are forecasted. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted much attention for their high energy density, low cost and environmental friendliness. However, they suffer from short cycle life, low Columbic efficiency, and with safety issues. In this review, the recent progresses in the sulfur/carbon cathode materials and the corresponding high safety electrolytes towards advanced Li-S batteries are presented through summarizing and outlining the effective strategies to solve the above challenges. Some potential issues and possible developmental directions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel EVA/unmodified nano-magnesium hydroxide (NMH)/silicone rubber ternary nanocomposite was prepared by using a special compound flame retardant of NMH and silicone rubber (CFR). The flammability of the ternary composite was studied by cone calorimeter test (CCT). Synergistic effect on flame retardancy was found between silicone rubber and NMH. EVA/CFR ternary nanocomposite showed the lowest peak heat release rate (PHRR) and mass loss rate (MLR) among the samples of virgin EVA, EVA composites. The synergistic flame retardancy of silicone rubber and NMH in EVA system is attributed to the enhanced char layers in the condensed phase that prevents the heat and mass transfer in the fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]