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A novel FRET-based dendritic hybridization chain reaction (D-HCR) for TK1 mRNA imaging in living cells was developed. Compared with traditional complex D-HCR methods, it includes the advantages of having a simple design, an accurate signal and is suitable for use with living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain miRNAs, called oncomiRs, play a causal role in the onset and maintenance of cancer when overexpressed, thus, representing a potential new class of targets for therapeutic intervention. RNA-cleaving DNAzymes, mainly aimed at mRNA, have shown potential as therapeutic agents for various diseases. However, it's rarely reported that a DNAzyme was used for intracellular miRNA cleavage to suppress cell growth. Herein, we have developed a MnO2 nanosheet-mediated photo-controlled DNAzyme (NPD) for intracellular miRNA cleavage to suppress cell growth. MnO2 nanosheets adsorb photocaged DNAzymes, protect them from enzymatic digestion, and efficiently deliver them into cells. In the presence of intracellular glutathione (GSH), MnO2 nanosheets are reduced to Mn2+ ions, which serve as cofactors of the 8–17 DNAzyme for miRNA cleavage. Once the DNAzyme is activated by light, it can cyclically cleave endogenous miR-21 inside cells, which would suppress cancer cell migration and invasion, and finally induce cancer cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnAgCu alloys with low melting points and solderability are good candidates for Sn/Pb eutectics. In this paper, Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu nanoalloy powders were prepared by a chemical co-reduction method. The microscopic morphology, phase composition and melting behavior of the powders were analyzed with emphasis on the effect of surfactants on the powder particle size. The results showed that the average particle size of the powder was well controlled by the synergistic effect of the surfactants 1,10-phenanthroline and PVP, and the average particle size of the powder obtained was about 19 nm when the mass ratio of 1,10-phenanthroline to PVP was 4 and the addition amount was 10% of the precursor mass. The powder consists of three phases β-Sn, Ag 3 Sn, and Cu 6 Sn 5. The initial melting temperature of the powder is approximately 185.8 °C, which is close to the melting point of conventional Sn/Pb solder (183 °C). • Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu nanoparticles have a low starting melting temperature of approximately 185.8 °C. • Combination surfactants have a synergistic effect, reducing the amount of surfactant in the system. • Simple preparation process, easy to handle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salt-freeze swelling forces generated by sulfate saline soils when experiencing changes in ambient temperature can cause a large degree of damage to building foundations, endangering the safety of people's lives and property. We performed an experimental study on the change of salt-freeze swelling force under different conditions of salt content, cooling rate, and chlorine-sulfur ratio by using the self-developed salt-freeze swelling force test device in combination with the methods of indoor tests and mathematical statistics. The findings revealed that: The growth rate of the salt-freeze swelling force was positively correlated with the salt content. The salt-freeze swelling force of soils increased first and then decreased as the temperature decreased, and the maximum reduction reached 71.7%, which could be divided into three stages: rapid growth, slow growth, and fallback. The rate of temperature reduction had a significant impact on the deviation of the salt-freezing swelling force, and the two were positively correlated. The addition of sodium chloride could effectively inhibit the occurrence of salt-freeze swelling. Considering the economy and applicability, 0.3 is recommended to be considered as the chlorine-to-sulfur ratio in soils with CSR≥0.3; in soils with CSR<0.3, 0.3 and 0.1 are recommended to be considered for soils with high salt content (S>2%) and low salt content (S ≤ 2%), respectively. The final salt-freeze swelling force of sulfate-saline soils and sulfate-saline soils containing sodium chloride was predicted using a specific model, and its accuracy was confirmed by comparing it with previous studies. • The experiments were carried out with a self-designed experimental setup. • Three variables were included: salt content, cooling rate and sodium chloride. • The change pattern of salt-freeze swelling force of soil samples was analyzed. • A prediction model for the final salt-freeze swelling force was established. • The Levenberg–Marquardt and universal global optimization methods were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of future weapon, an electric launcher uses high current to drive projectiles reaching velocities on the order of several kilometers per second. As is known, high and rapidly changing currents through electric launcher can lead to strong radiation. A PSPICE model is used to analyze the frequency content of currents in the helical electromagnetic launcher (HEML) by nonuniform fast Fourier transform. The frequency spectrum is mainly determined by conducting duration and intensity of entering current. The main frequency of HEML is low, but high-frequency components can produce more radiation. The total radiation can be considerable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A model is developed to investigate the commutation process of a helical coil electromagnetic launcher (HCEML) structure. When the armature moves, the motion of the projectile coils’ magnetic energy would supply reactive power to move the leakage into and out of the coil windings of the launcher to accomplish the commutation. The energy conversion of the coil electromagnetic launcher can be considered as the process of energy transfer from the back commutation coils to the excited coils and then from the excited turns to the front commutation coils. In this paper, governing equations of the commutation were deduced theoretically, and finite-element model of HCEML was established in ANSOFT MAXWELL. Then a deeper circuit investigation into the overall performance of commutation was carried out by means of PSPICE software. The validity of the theoretical analysis and that of the circuit network model were finally verified by experiments. The results show that during the commutation process, the current of back commutation coils drops to zero with no energy remaining in the internal; the current of front commutation coils and drive–projectile coil system gradually changes to a stable value, which is related to the geometric parameters of the launcher; the drive–projectile coil system releases energy overall that is mainly used to increase the kinetic energy of the projectile; the power supply system has little effect on energy conversion and transformation at the commutating moment and just keeps the voltage and current from decaying due to the impedance and inductance of the launcher system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Major causes of haze pollution in Xi'an City were discussed firstly, and current situation of air pollution caused by vehicle exhaust in Xi'an City was analyzed. Finally, countermeasures against haze pollution in Xi'an City were put forward, such as strictly implementing I/M (Inspection/ Maintenance) system of in-use vehicles in Xi'an City, and paying more attention to in-use vehicles with high pollution to reduce haze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through careful study, it found that the key and difficult points of affecting and restricting Xi'an to reach the model city construction standards in provincial and national levels were "urban air environment quality standards" and "water qualification rate of urban water environment function area". In order to tackle with the weak links, highlight the important points and focus on the difficult points to strengthen scientific and technological innovation, we actively explored new ideas and ways to resolve the dilemma in meeting the two standards of model city construction, and we managed to put forward the countermeasures to resolve the dilemma through innovating system and mechanism. "Place master system" should be carried out quickly to meet the " urban air environment quality standards", while "river master system" should be implemented as soon as possible to reach the "water qualification rate of urban water environment function area". The aim of this study was to enhance the qualification rates of the indicators for model city construction to make Xi'an successfully pass the provincial and national assessment of model city construction through dealing with the weak links to accelerate the realization of becoming model environmental protection city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical coil electromagnetic launchers (HEMLs) using rail-fed strategy, local excitation and single-turn commutation, solve the problem of synchronization control perfectly. Through the simulation, a novel helical coil launcher is designed using the basic HEML's structure. A D-shaped cross section armature is proposed to achieve the maximum projectile velocity. The energizing length of the driving coil, as well as, the armature position of the maximum force is determined. The maximum driving force on the armature increases with the increasing coil axial length and the armature acceleration reaches its maximum value when the ratio of axial to radial length of the coil is 1:2. The force distribution of the armature and driving coils is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In China, economic growing speed converts from high speed to moderate and high speed; economic structure enters from moderate and low end to moderate and high end; development power converts from investment drive to innovation drive, and investment of resource and environ ment factors presents declining trend. Spatial pattern of economy development is changing greatly , which needs eco-civilizafion construction and environmental protection field continuously adjusting focus , environmental rules and laws correspondingly regulating, eco-civilizafion construction and environmental protection field also entering info new normal state. If requires scientifically understanding , actively adapting to and responding to new normal state of eco-civilizafion construction and environmental protection , and fighting a tough tight. Firstly , we should handle with the relationship between environment and economy , and strive to explore the way of environmental protection. Secondly , we should insist protection priority and prevention oriented , and promote transformation of environmental management strategy. Finally , we should accelerate to promote eco-civilizafion system reform and environmental protection management system reform , and further promote environmental protection work in Xi'an on new level from eight aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing iron chloride as a Lewis acid catalyst, we developed a straightforward and mild oxidative cross-coupling reaction between quinoxalinones and indoles, yielding a series of versatile 3-(indol-3-yl)quinoxalin-2-one derivatives. This approach allows for the incorporation of a wide array of functional groups into the final products, demonstrating its synthetic versatility. Notably, the method was successfully scaled up to gram-scale reactions while maintaining high yields. Our mechanistic investigation indicates that iron chloride serves as a catalyst to facilitate the formation of key intermediates which subsequently undergo oxidation to afford the desired products. The merits of this protocol include its cost effectiveness, operational simplicity, and the ease of product isolation via filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) belongs to an epithelial malignancy that occurs in the prostate gland and is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system. Referring to related literature, circSERPINA3 has been reported to be up-regulated in PCa. However, its biological function remains unclear.Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the specific role and relevant molecular mechanism of circSERPINA3 in PCa.Methods: RT-qPCR was used to examine gene expression and functional analyses were conducted to verify the effect of circSERPINA3 on cell apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis in PCa cells. Mechanism assays were applied to evaluate the relationship among circSERPINA3/miR-653-5p/SERPINA3/BUD13.Results: CircSERPINA3 was verified to be up-regulated in PCa cells and to inhibit cell apoptosis while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells. CircSERPINA3 and SERPINA3 were also testified to bind to miR-653-5p through a line of mechanism experiments. Moreover, it was discovered that circSERPINA3 could stabilize SERPINA3 mRNA via recruiting BUD13. Additionally, SERPINA3 was verified to inhibit cell apoptosis, while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells.Conclusions: Our study suggested that circSERPINA3 regulated apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis of PCa cells by competitively binding to miR-653-5p and recruiting BUD13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coil-unit barrel for a helical coil electromagnetic launcher is described. It provides better features of high structural strength and flexible adjustability. It is convenient to replace the damaged coil units and easy to adjust the number of turns in the stator coils due to the modular design. In our experiments, the highest velocity measured for a 4.5-kg projectile is 47.3 m/s and the mechanical reinforcement of the launcher could bear 35 kA peak current. The relationship between the energy conversion efficiency and the inductance gradient of the launcher is also studied. In the region of low inductance gradient, the efficiency is positively correlated with the inductance gradient. However, in the region of high inductance gradient, the inter-turn arc erosion becomes a major problem of limiting the efficiency and velocity of the launcher. This modular barrel allows further studies in the inter-turn arc and the variable inductance gradient helical coil launcher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multiple grid-connected converters is modeled as a medium and high dimensional negative feedback system with a stable open-loop function in unified dq frame, which fills in the limitations of traditional impedance ratios for the small disturbance stability analysis of multiple grid-connected converters system. • In terms of estimating eigenvalues for the multiple grid-connected converters system, a stability assessment method based on extended Gershgorin Theorem is proposed in frequency domain. Moreover, the algebraic form of the criterion is further simplified to quantify the oscillatory stability, which has the lower complexity compared with generalized nyquist criterion. The proposed method is of great potential in analyzing the stability issue for large-scale new energy power systems. • The reshaped eigenvalue estimation area based on extended Gershgorin Theorem is smaller than traditional Gershgorin Theorem, which can reduce its conservatism to improve system stability margin. • Compared to observe the changed trend of system stability by the change of the related parameters, the parameter sensitivity analysis based on equivalent impedance network model is used to quantify the impact factors on stability, which can be given to guide the parameter optimization of the multiple grid-connected converters system. The large-scale integration of power electronic based systems is bringing new oscillatory stability issues, further threatening the safe and stable operation of power system. Early researches are focused on stability analysis of single grid-connected converters to simple networks. Instead, there have been growing interests in studying the small signal stability of multiple grid-connected converters nowadays, whose main method is to apply traditional stability assessment with high complexity and conservatism. To address this problem, a simplified criterion based on extended Gershgorin Theorem to assess the stability of multiple grid-connected converter. The proposed method has less conservatism than tradition Gershgorin Theorem-based criteria, and has the lower computational complexity with simple algebraic operation compared to generalized nyquist criteria. Moreover, the parametric sensitivity analysis is used for analyzing the impact factors to promote system stability based on the proposed criteria. Theoretical results as well as electromagnetic transient simulations have verified the validity. The proposed method has the potential to assess the high-order system, and provides guidance on system parameters optimization based on the sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, CaSr 2 (VO 4) 2 phosphors singly doped with Sm3+ ions and co-doped with alkali metal (Li+, Na+, and K+) are prepared by using the high temperature solid state reaction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibit that all the samples belong to the rhombohedral CaSr 2 (VO 4) 2 phase with a space group of R3c (161). Upon excitation with the near-ultraviolet (UV) light, the characteristic Sm3+ emission lines, with the peak dominated at 605 nm, are achieved. Importantly, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Sm3+ ions can be enhanced significantly by co-doping with Li+, Na+, and K+ ions, and the reason can be attributed to the charge-compensated role of the alkali metal ions. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent PL experiments measured in the range of 298–573 K show that the optimal phosphor feature excellent stability against heat, making it suitable for acting as a UV-excited orange-red component for phosphor-converted wLEDs (pc-wLEDs). Besides, the PL intensity change of Sm3+ between 4F 3/2 → 6H 5/2 (531 nm) and 4G 5/2 → 6H 5/2 (562 nm), 4F 3/2 → 6H 5/2 (531 nm) and 4G 5/2 → 6H 7/2 (605 nm), and 4F 3/2 → 6H 5/2 (531 nm) and 4G 5/2 → 6H 9/2 (645 nm) is also analyzed further in the temperature range from 298 K to 973 K, and the results show that the obtained phosphors are suitable for applying in thermometry. Obviously, we reveal multifunctional applications of the obtained phosphors for UV-excited pc-wLEDs and thermometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical coil electromagnetic launchers (HEMLs) using brush-commutation strategy, solving the problem of synchronization control perfectly, have a promising prospect in accelerating big mass to high speed. One of its current technical bottlenecks is the arc erosion caused by the brush commutation, which damages the current-fed rails, besides reduces the energy conversion efficiency of HEMLs. During the commutation process, the leading, trailing edges of the commutating brush act as the closing, opening switches, respectively. When the brush-controlled circuit turns ON and OFF, the commutation-induced voltage (CIV) is a key to research the arc erosion of brushes. It can be concluded that the CIV is proportional to the current, the commutation inductance gradient (CIG), and the projectile velocity by a theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The CIG is a critical structural parameter of HEMLs, and the formulas of the CIG for single and multiple turn commutation are deduced. Compared with single turn commutation, the current in the commutating turns changes moderately, and the CIV is lower in the case of multiple turn commutation. Two armatures of 35 turns and 135 turns were tested in an HEML of coil-unit barrel; the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Multiple grid-connected converters is modeled as the negative feedback system with a stable open-loop function. • A sufficient stability criterion is proposed based on Gershgorin's Theorem with low complexity, compared to GNC. • The proposed criterion involves simple algebraic operation with concise form and has less conservatism than norm criterion. Recent years have witnessed emerging oscillatory stability issues in power systems with high-penetration renewable and large power electronic loads. These issues are generally caused by the dynamic interaction between the AC/DC grid and power electronic converters. However, the traditional impedance analysis has some limitations to study the small disturbance stability of multiple grid-connected converters. In this paper, the system is modeled as a medium and high dimensional negative feedback system with a stable open-loop function, which the equivalent open-loop function is defined as impedance-ratio matrix. Moreover, a sufficient stability criterion based on Gershgorin's Theorem is developed through directly estimating the possible range of eigenvalues. Finally, the validity of the criterion is verified by a 7-infeed converters system. Theoretical analysis and electromagnetic transient simulations show this criterion has the potential to assess the high-order system small disturbance stability problems with low computational complexity. Moreover, its low conservatism as a sufficient criterion is helpful to guide the parameter design for grid-connected system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common type of kidney cancer with a high mortality rate, and the discovery of new therapeutic markers is essential to improve patient survival. The plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (PLAUR) plays key roles in tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix degradation, which contribute to invasion and metastasis, a major feature of tumor malignancy. The role of PLAUR in ccRCC pathology has not been deeply studied. In this study, we collected the mRNA expression data of 33 tumor types, each derived from human patients obtained from TCGA database, and comprehensively analyzed the correlation between the expression of PLAUR in tumors and prognosis. Then, we studied the relationship between PLAUR expression in ccRCC and specific clinical features of ccRCC patients. In addition, we analyzed the function and mechanism of PLAUR in ccRCC. Our results showed that PLAUR was significantly overexpressed in ccRCC and that both PLAUR levels and PLAUR methylation levels significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Our results also suggest that PLAUR is involved in the progression of ccRCC. The results of functional and mechanistic analysis of PLAUR showed that PLAUR is involved in inflammatory and immune-related pathways in ccRCC; other data showed that PLAUR expression may affect the infiltration of multiple immune cell types in ccRCC and that PLAUR levels were significantly and positively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoints. In conclusion, our findings suggest that high PLAUR expression can promote the progression of ccRCC to poor prognosis, and thus PLAUR may serve as both a potential marker for predicting macrophage infiltration and immune microenvironment status and as an important immunotherapy target for ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current polymerase-based nucleic acid amplification techniques cannot maintain continuous polymerization reactions unless by changing the temperature or adding additional reagents (e.g. the second enzyme or betaine), which undoubtedly increases the cost and operation steps. Herein, a new isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, termed auto-cycling primer extension (APE), is presented. It repeatedly extends short DNA primers to longer DNA hairpins, by combining a DNA-based copy-and-release hairpin (CRH) and palindromic sequence design. The experimental results showed that we could realize the amplification detection of miRNA by a reasonable probe design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is one of the commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. The UCB has the highest rate of recurrence of any malignancy. A genome-wide screening of transcriptome dysregulation between cancer and normal tissue would provide insight into the molecular basis of UCB recurrence and is a key step to discovering biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Compared with microarray technology, which is commonly used to identify expression level changes, the recently developed RNA-seq technique has the ability to detect other abnormal regulations in the cancer transcriptome, such as alternative splicing. In this study, we performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing at ∼50× coverage on a recurrent muscle-invasive cisplatin-resistance UCB tissue and the adjacent non-tumor tissue. The results revealed cancer-specific differentially expressed genes between the tumor and non-tumor tissue enriched in the cell adhesion molecules, focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interaction pathway. Five dysregulated genes, including CDH1, VEGFA, PTPRF, CLDN7, and MMP2 were confirmed by Real time qPCR in the sequencing samples and the additional eleven samples. Our data revealed that more than three hundred genes showed differential splicing patterns between tumor tissue and non-tumor tissue. Among these genes, we filtered 24 cancer-associated alternative splicing genes with differential exon usage. The findings from RNA-Seq were validated by Real time qPCR for CD44, PDGFA, NUMB, and LPHN2. This study provides a comprehensive survey of the UCB transcriptome, which provides better insight into the complexity of regulatory changes during recurrence and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high penetration of renewable energy sources makes the two-by-one combined cycle gas-turbine (2 × 1 CCGT) with high operational flexibility (OPFL) become the mainstream of deep peak-load units. However, the thermos-exchanger water level (TEWL) often exceeds the limit and causes unit trip during flexible operations. For this reason, this paper proposes a flexible operational TEWL control strategy. First, by modeling and analyzing the thermodynamics of the thermal-supply system of 2 × 1 CCGT unit, the exhaust steam pressure of intermediate pressure cylinder (IPEP) is chosen as an upstream controlled variable with mathematical-model derived setpoint to stabilize the TEWL; Secondly, considering the heat storage utilization of heating network, the heating-network circulating water flow is selected as the manipulated variable of IPEP control, then forming a pilot IPEP control loop cooperating with the existing TEWL control loop to stabilize the TEWL. Several control algorithms are designed and compared to determine the most effective one for the IPEP pilot-TEWL control. The results show that the maximal deviation of TEWL can be reduced to 7 mm and the OPFL indexes can be significantly improved, i.e. the average power ramp rate is 6.74 MW/min, and the power capacity is 69.55 MW from 158 MW steam turbine. • A control-oriented dynamic model of thermal-supply of 2 × 1 CCGT is presented. • A pilot control strategy is proposed to enhance the stability of the TEWL. • Several control algorithms are designed and compared on stabilizing TEWL. • The pilot control strategy can greatly improve the operational flexibility of CCGT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen carrier is a key factor to enable efficient and high-quality chemical looping hydrogen production. Here, we prepared several oxygen vacancies engineered Co x Fe 1-x FeAlO 4-δ spinel by tuning Co loading of and investigated the performance for hydrogen production through chemical looping. The results show that Co 0.4 Fe 0.6 FeAlO 4-δ displays a high hydrogen yield of 10.56 mmol.g−1 with a stable trend for 100 cycles at 600 °C. Mechanism studies demonstrate that doping Co decreases the energy barriers for oxygen vacancy formation, resulting in a high oxygen vacancy concentration on the surface. The high oxygen vacancy concentration accelerates the bulk oxygen diffusion, which is the rate-limiting step of the redox reaction. The enhanced bulk oxygen diffusion improves the oxygen release and redeposition of the lattice oxygen during redox cycles, thus promoting the chemical looping hydrogen production performance. No obvious phase separation can be found for Co 0.4 Fe 0.6 FeAlO 4-δ during 100 cycles. The observed doping effect can pave way to developing more advanced oxygen carriers with high reactivity and stability for chemical looping applications. [Display omitted] • Co 0.4 Fe 0.6 FeAlO 4-δ exhibits high oxygen vacancy concentration. • Oxygen vacancies decrease the energy barriers for oxygen vacancy formation and bulk oxygen diffusion. • Oxygen vacancies accelerates the release and uptake of the lattice oxygen. • Co 0.4 Fe 0.6 FeAlO 4-δ is a highly active and stable oxygen carriers for chemical looping hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-by-one (2 × 1) combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) unit with condensation-extraction-backpressure (C-E-B) steam turbine has become the major means of peak regulation in China because of its flexible operating mode. However, mode switching of the unit often causes drastic fluctuation of the water level of heating network thermos-exchanger and jeopardizes unit safety. In order to study the suppression mechanism of the water level fluctuation in the transient mode of switching, first a dynamic mathematical model of the thermal-supply system of the C-E-B steam turbine is developed based on a mixed approach of theory and identification. Then field data is used to verify model accuracy. Through step response analysis on the heat-supply system, the relationship between the extraction flow to the thermos-exchanger and its water level is identified along with the major influential factors. On the heat-demand system, the circulating water flow through heating network influences the heat transfer of thermos-exchanger, the exhaust steam pressure of turbine, the extraction flow and the water level in sequel. Combining the factors from the two systems arrives at the conclusion that the circulating water flow stabilizes the water level during mode switching process and provides theoretical basis for water-level controller design. • An integrated theory-and-identification modeling method is proposed for the thermal-supply system of 2x1 CCGT unit with C-E-B steam turbine. • Particle Swarm Optimization is used to solve the problem of the identification on dynamic parameter. • The relationship between the extraction flow to the thermos-exchanger and its water level is unfolded. • The circulating water flow can be considered to stabilize the water level during mode switching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) serves a crucial role in cell death and is involved in several types of cancer, including kidney cancer. The present study aimed to explore the association between AIF expression and patient survival based on tumor grades. AIF expression in 96 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Negative AIF expression was determined in 80 patients (83.3%). mRNA expression of AIF was analyzed in RCC and adjacent tissue samples from 15 patients. AIF mRNA expression in RCC tissues were significantly lower compared with that in adjacent tissues. Analysis of histopathological grades revealed that AIF expression was negatively associated with RCC grade, with AIF expression in Grade II tumors being lower than Grade I types, but higher than Grade III. Finally, 68 patients were followed up for 6–118 months, and it was revealed that the overall postoperative survival rate of patients with negative AIF expression was significantly lower compared with those those with positive AIF expression. These results suggest that decreased AIF expression could be associated with worsening RCC grade. Therefore, reduced AIF expression may potentially help diagnose RCC and distinguish tumor grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims Testicular ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the primary pathophysiological consequence of testicular torsion. Low-energy shock wave (LESW) is an effective treatment for certain diseases. The present study investigated whether LESW could improve on testicular IR injury in rats and examined the involved mechanism. Main methods Testicular reperfusion was induced in rats after 1-h ischemia. The first LESW treatment was performed 30 min prior to testicular reperfusion, and then every other day for another 3 applications. LY294002 was applied to investigate the involved mechanism. Testicular morphological changes and malonaldehyde (MDA) level were respectively assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot and thiobarbituric acid method. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the apoptosis, the activation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) level in the testis of rats. Key findings LESW improved testicular IR injury in rats. Moreover, LESW upregulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Also, it upregulated the levels of nuclear NRF2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1) in these rats. Nevertheless, LY294002 blocked these protective effects. LESW also upregulated VEGF-A level in rats with testicular IR injury. Significance This study demonstrated that LESW could ameliorate testicular IR injury in rats, which might be attributed to the activation of PI3K/AKT/NRF2 pathway. These findings suggested the potential of LESW in the treatment of testicular torsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone therapy is an effective medical treatment for various diseases. A previous study has demonstrated its reno-protective effect in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the mechanism involved is not completely known. This study produced the 5/6 nephrectomized CKD rat model and investigated whether the reno-protective effect of ozone therapy was achieved by its anti-inflammatory property through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The results showed that ozone therapy at a low concentration improved renal function and ameliorated renal morphological injury in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. The expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1-p10 in the kidney of these rats was simultaneously lowered by ozone therapy. Moreover, renal inflammation caused by IL-1β was significantly alleviated by ozone therapy. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the protein level of IL-1β was positively correlated with renal injury scores. Taken together, these results indicated that ozone therapy might reduce sterile renal inflammation and slow down CKD progression through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have attracted a considerable attention due to their unique structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and biological activities. In this study, iron hepta-tungsten phosphate oxygen clusters complex Na 12 H[Fe(HPW 7 O 28 ) 2 ]·44H 2 O (IHTPO) was synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities on human hepatoma HepG2, leukemia K562, lung carcinoma A549, and large cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells, therapeutic efficacies on mice transplantable tumor, and immunomodulatory potentials on the immune response in tumor-bearing mice. IHTPO exhibited lower in vitro cytotoxic activities against four human tumor cell lines, with the IC 50 values being higher than 62.5 μM (ca. 300 μg/ml). IHTPO, however, significantly inhibited the growth of S180 sarcoma transplanted in mice. It was further showed that IHTPO could not only significantly promote splenocytes proliferation, NK cell and CTL activity from splenocytes, but remarkably enhance serum antigen-specific IgG, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody levels in S180-bearing mice. IHTPO also significantly promoted Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 production, and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and Th1 transcription factors T-bet and STAT-4 in splenocytes from the S180-bearing mice. These results suggested that IHTPO significantly inhibited the growth of mice transplantable tumor, and that its in vivo antitumor activity might be achieved by improving Th1 protective cell-mediated immunity. IHTPO could act as antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fast humidity sensors based on PoPD films were fabricated. • The H 3 PO 4 doped PoPD films show the highest response, the fastest response/recovery behavior, excellent repeatability and good stability. • The H 3 PO 4 doped PoPD films demonstrate great potential applications on humidity detections. Micro/nanostructured poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) thin films were synthesized by a templateless method in the presence of inorganic/organic acids as dopants, including hydrochloric acid (HCl), phosphate acid (H 3 PO 4), camphorsulfonic acid (C 4 H 6 O 6), and sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4). It was found that the morphology of products was dependent on the dopant species seriously at the same experimental conditions. The fibrous, big and long microbelts, narrow and short microbelts, wide and short microbelts, and nanorods were obtained correspondingly. The as-synthesized one-dimensional micro/nano-belt/rod structures of PoPD were firstly used for the fabrication of resistor-type humidity sensors. All the samples showed humidity sensing ability. However, the performance of the sensitivity was obviously different with changing the doping acids. Compared with other acids, PoPD doped with phosphate acid has the highest sensitivity, the quickest adsorption–desorption time, and the longest lifetime in a wide range of humidity. Between the two relative humidity (RH) of 11% and 97%, the response and recovery time on phosphate acid doped PoPD were 5 and 21 s, respectively. Both the response time and the recovery time are very fast and show great potential in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the molecular structures of drugs are important for understanding the molecular interactions between drugs and proteins. Especially in situ measurement of drug structures that interact with proteins in aqueous solutions or cells is a challenge. In this work, mandelic acid (MA) was used as a model molecule to prove that the Raman spectra in the C-H or C-D stretching region can be employed to identify the molecular structure through theoretical and experimental Raman spectra and molecular dynamics simulations methods. Using the experimental and theoretical Raman spectra of MA rotamers, C α -H was determined to be trans (higher than 2950 cm−1) and nontrans (below 2950 cm−1) from the α-OH group for solid DL-MA (~2961 cm−1) and D -MA (~2898 cm−1), respectively, which agreed well with the results from X-ray diffraction. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and Raman band of the MA aqueous solution revealed that the C α -H group was determined to be nontrans from the α-OH group, the structure of the carboxyl group was cis (~2910 cm−1), the carboxyl group was roughly vertical to the C α -benzene bond, and the benzene ring was approximately coplanar with the C α -H bond. Our work also paves that the Raman spectra in the C-D or C-H stretching region could be used as fingerprint regions to study the structure of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For one kind of a high current diode composed of a small disk-type alumina ceramic insulator water/vacuum interface, the insulation structure was designed and experimentally investigated. According to the theories of vacuum flashover and the rules for radial insulators, a “cone-column” anode outline and the cathode shielding rings were adopted. The electrostatic field along the insulator surface was obtained by finite element analysis simulating. By adjusting the outline of the anode and reshaping the shielding rings, the electric fields were well distributed and the field around the cathode triple junction was effectively controlled. Area weighted statistical method was applied to estimate the surface breakdown field. In addition, the operating process of an accelerator based on a spiral pulse forming line (PFL) was simulated through the PSPICE software to get the waveform of charging and diode voltage. The high voltage test was carried out on a water dielectric spiral PFL accelerator with long pulse duration, and results show that the diode can work stably in 420 kV, 200 ns conditions. The experimental results agree with the theoretical and simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between long-term exposure to SRF-EMR and the decline in male fertility is gradually receiving increasing attention from the medical society. While male reproductive organs are often exposed to SRF-EMR, little is currently known about the direct effects of long-term SRF-EMR exposure on the testes and its involvement in the suppression of male reproductive potential. The present study was designed to investigate this issue by using 4G SRF-EMR in rats. A unique exposure model using a 4G smartphone achieved localized exposure to the scrotum of the rats for 6 h each day (the smartphone was kept on active talk mode and received an external call for 1 min over 10 min intervals). Results showed that SRF-EMR exposure for 150 days decreased sperm quality and pup weight, accompanied by testicular injury. However, these adverse effects were not evident in rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 50 days or 100 days. Sequencing analysis and western blotting suggested Spock3 overexpression in the testes of rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 150 days. Inhibition of Spock3 overexpression improved sperm quality decline and alleviated testicular injury and BTB disorder in the exposed rats. Additionally, SRF-EMR exposure suppressed MMP2 activity, while increasing the activity of the MMP14–Spock3 complexes and decreasing MMP14–MMP2 complexes; these results were reversed by Spock3 inhibition. Thus, long-term exposure to 4G SRF-EMR diminished male fertility by directly disrupting the Spock3–MMP2–BTB axis in the testes of adult rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show direct toxicity of SRF-EMR on the testes emerging after long-term exposure. Unlabelled Image • Long-term exposure to smartphone RF-EMR suppressed male fertility. • Smartphone RF-EMR exposure directly impaired testes and upregulates testicular Spock3. • Inhibiting Spock3 overexpression restored sperm quality and alleviated testicular injury. • Smartphone RF-EMR directly impaired testes by regulating Spock3 – MMP2 – BTB axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]