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In the past several decades, N -heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with strong σ donation have become of great interest for transition metal medicinal applications. This review mainly focuses on an update of transition metal–NHC complexes in antitumor therapy, including the antitumor properties, the possible mechanisms of action, and structure–activity relationships for novel metal–NHC complexes from 2017 to the present. [Display omitted] • Recent developments of transition metal N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes for antitumor therapy are reviewed. • The antitumor properties of metal–NHC complexes (Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Re, Ir, Fe, Cu) are discussed. The structure–activity relationships and possible mechanisms of action are summarized. Metal complexes, which exhibit alterable oxidation states, coordination numbers, and capacity to coordinate with different ligands, have provided a versatile platform for designing novel theranostic agents. By optimizing ligands, the curative effect of metal ions can be improved by the suitable stability and spatial configuration to act with the therapeutic target. In the past several decades, N -heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with strong σ donation have become of great interest for transition metal (Au, Ag, Pt, etc.) medicinal applications. The research on metal–NHC (M−NHC) complexes as potential antitumor metallodrugs has been boosted dramatically since the seminal research by Berners-Price et al. in 2004. This review provides the latest advances in NHC-based metallodrugs from 2017 to the present. The antitumor properties, possible mode of action, and structure–activity relationships for NHC metallodrugs are summarized. We hope this comprehensive review will be of great benefit to researchers designing novel M−NHC antitumor drugs and developing metallodrugs for successful clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the capability of smart information service and exploring the smart information service elements in scenic areas can accelerate the smart tourism industry progress to a highly effective administrative and high quality of smart tourism service. This study aims to exploring the connections of a variety of smart information service elements in scenic areas, analyzing and evaluating the capability of smart information service, mapping a positive resolution to improve the capability of information service in scenic spots. Based on a synthetic method that combining Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Analytic Network Process (ANP), explicitly using the SEM to extracting the key factors and mapping each factors' co-relations, and in further step, using the ANP to carry a fuzzy evaluation of weighing the information service capability and each element in the case of Jiangxi Province in China, the result shows that the method of "SEM-ANP" is better fit than single "SEM" or "ANP", the evaluating system for smart information service in scenic areas is significantly innovative and scientific to supply effective suggestions for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of science and technology, as well as the improvement of living standards, the calculation of social benefit evaluation has been considered as one of the key points for Chinese film and TV enterprises to achieve a sustainable development in the future. The exploration of seeking improvement paths through actively responding to changes in consumer demands and improving social benefits, as well as applying calculation and analysis of evaluation weights, has attracted widespread attention from the academic community. Based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, this paper applied the concept of fuzzy computing, and conducted a weighted analysis of the social benefits of Chinese film and TV enterprises through questionnaire and analysis of large sample survey data. Accordingly, it proposed the countermeasures for Chinese film and TV enterprises to achieve innovative development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous bio-treatment processes of organic carbon (C)-, nitrogen (N)-, and phosphorus (P)-containing wastewater are challenged by insufficient carbon sources in the effluent. In the present study, two parallel anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors (R-1 and R-2) treating low C/N (≤4) wastewater were employed using different partial nitrification start-up strategies, controlled reduced aeration, and decreased sludge retention time. Advanced removal efficiencies for NH 4 +-N (≥96%), total nitrogen (TN, ≥86%), PO 4 3−–P (≥95%), and COD intra (≥91%) were realized, with TN and PO 4 3−–P effluent concentrations of 10.0 ± 3.5 and 0.11 ± 0.3 mg/L in R-1 and 9.28 ± 4.0 and 0.11 ± 0.1 mg/L in R-2, respectively. Higher nitrite accumulation rate (nearly 100%) and TN (121.1 ± 0.7 mg TN/g VSS·d) and P (12.5 ± 0.6 mg PO 4 3−–P/g VSS·d) removal loadings were obtained in R-2 by a thorough elimination of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Moreover, different microbial structures and nutrient removal pathways were identified. Denitrifying glycogen-accumulating organisms (Candidatus Competibacter) and phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) (Tetrasphaera) removed N and P with partial nitrification–endogenous denitrification pathways and aerobic P removal in R-1. In R-2, aerobic denitrifying bacteria (Psychrobacter) and PAOs ensured N and P removal through the partial nitrification–aerobic denitrification and aerobic P removal pathways. Compared to R-1, R-2 offers greater efficiency, convenience, and scope to further reduce carbon-source demand. [Display omitted] • Two novel start-up strategies of partial nitrification were developed. • COD intra efficiency reached to 93.3% in R-1. • Aerobic PAOs Tetrasphaera dominated in both systems. • The high-efficient use of oxygen by PAOs in the aerobic stage help AOB and DGAOs. • Aerobic denitrification in R-2 by Psychrobacter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation has brought substantial innovation to traditional industries. As a new driving force for enhancing experiential environments, it has led to the symbiotic development of human and technical aspects on a new developmental journey. In the current discussion on digital transformation, scholars mainly focus on the internal logic of digital technology and its innovative role in social and economic development, but exploring the relationship between people and technology is lacking. Therefore, this research focuses on the technological innovation of outstanding exhibition technology in digital transformation. By collecting and analyzing technical feedback and related text materials from the Digital Museum, we build our research on two aspects: On one hand, we analyze the potential empathic empirical connectivity between exhibition technology and users, clarifying the systematic elements of technology, user experience, and sensory interaction involved in digital transformation. On the other hand, we compare the performance of empathy connection path relationships between exhibition technology and users, clarifying the advantages of each element in these paths and providing theoretical guidance for the selection of digital museum construction. As a result, the research constructs the logical framework of exhibition technology between exhibition technology and users, emphasizing the existence of environmental behavior performance and technology under digital transformation. Finally, the current study proposes the law of empathy between people and technology, revealing the crucial role of digital technology in upgrading user experiences and providing inspiration and guidance for the transformation and operation of digital museums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdSe quantum dots were synthesized through a simple, green organic-phase method. Paraffin was used as the reaction solvent and a reducing agent, oleic acid was the reaction ligand, and oleyl amine was the stabilizer. Based on the phenomenon of TNT quenched oil-soluble CdSe quantum dot fluorescence, a simple, fast, and direct method of TNT detection was established. Under optimum conditions, the degree of fluorescence quenching of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots had a good linear correlation with TNT concentration in the 1.0×10(-7)-5.0×10(-5) mol/L range, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9990. TNT detection limit was 2.1×10(-8)mol/L. The method was successfully used to determine TNT-explosion dust samples, results were satisfactory. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots by TNT was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of high-reflectance Mo/Si multilayers in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography does not only require high normal-incidence reflectivity but also long lifetime. In this paper, the microstructure of multilayers has been studied by means of X-ray reflectivity, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The interface width of Mo/Si multilayers is strongly influenced by the deposition rate. The interface width increases with the deposition rate. Thereafter the reflectivity decreases and bandwidth narrows down. Lower deposition rate is required to fabricate high quality Mo/Si multilayers according to our results. Our findings are beneficial to improve the reflectivity of Mo/Si multilayer mirrors by reducing the interface width with proper deposition rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four mirror coatings were designed for transporting 1064nm light, and prepared under the same process parameters. The laser induced damage threshold (LIDT), electric field distribution, as well as the damage morphology of the prepared transport mirror coating was investigated. The results indicate that the SiO2 overcoat layer and electric field distribution have a great impact on the LIDT and damage morphology of the transport mirror coating. A thicker SiO2 overcoat layer can suppress the delamination damage morphology, and significantly increase the LIDT. For the designs with similar SiO2 overcoat layer thickness, the nano-absorbing defects can survive at higher laser fluence in the design with lower electric field intensity. In addition, the HfO2 over SiO2 interface has a better interfacial strength and less “invisible” nano-absorbing defects than the SiO2 over HfO2 interface, suggesting that improving the SiO2 over HfO2 interfacial quality will be an effective way to enhance the laser damage performance of the transport mirror coating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The peeling-off damages occurred at the InterfaceHfO2→SiO2 or InterfaceTa2O5→SiO2. [•] The interface microstructure was not a major factor for peeling-off damages. [•] Incomplete oxides and Na, K, and Li ions should be the cause of stripping damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a monitoring strategy based on using two pieces of witness glass, which are brought to the measuring position in a specially chosen sequence, each witness glass is monitored by one single wavelength. To reduce the thickness error, some thick layers are divided into two layers and monitored by different witness glasses. Theoretical analysis and experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed monitoring strategy can achieve spectral performance close to the theoretical design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: HfO2 films, using metal hafnium as starting material, are deposited by plasma-ion assisted electron evaporation with different Advanced Plasma Source (APS) bias voltages. The refractive index and extinction coefficient are calculated, the chemical state and composition, as well as the stress and aging behavior is investigated. Laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) and damage mechanism are also evaluated and discussed. Optical, structural, mechanical and laser induced damage properties of HfO2 films are found to be sensitive to APS bias voltage. The film stress can be tuned by varying the APS bias voltage. Damage morphologies indicate the LIDT of the HfO2 films at 1064nm and 532nm are dominated by the nodular-defect density in coatings, while the 355nm LIDT is dominated by the film absorption. HfO2 films with higher 1064nm LIDT than samples evaporated from hafnia are achieved with bias voltage of 100V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of the problem that the environment in local mine is complex, which makes it difficult to extract weak methane gas signal, a new methane detection technology based on dual difference was proposed according to the principle of infrared absorption spectrum. The detection technology adopted two wavelength-two path differential detecting structure and got light born voltage by a kind of monochromatic light's twice difference passing the detector with different wavelength. Then it got outputs by AD7794 chip achieving two light signals' division. Finally the concentration back-in-deuced formula was obtained through the measurement of variable concentrations of the methane gas injected into a new kind of gas chamber with different length which was designed by Ring-down cavity. The experimental results show that adopting dual difference can extract weak methane gas signal more effectively, and solve the perturbation problem of light path, and get higher precision and accuracy with error equal to 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polarizers respectively with broad polarizing region bandwidth, large layer thickness error tolerance and high extinction ratio are designed and prepared. Transmittance spectra of the prepared samples are measured at Brewster''s angle, and the results show that different requirements can be fulfilled by optimized designs. Spectral performance of designs with higher layer thickness error tolerance coincides better with the theoretical spectra. Laser induced damage threshold of the prepared samples are evaluated. Electric field distribution, defect, film absorption, and damage morphology are investigated, and the results indicate that electric field distribution in high index layers is the main reason that causes the difference of laser induced damage threshold. For both p polarized and s polarized light, the lower the electric field peak value and the farther the layer, which has the strongest electric field away from air, the higher the laser induced damage threshold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, mid-infrared window is steadily growing popularity due to the development of mid-infrared technology. Mid-infrared antireflection coating with UV–vis-shortwave near infrared cut-off is critical important in the infrared detector, which can improve quality of signal in mid-infrared and avoid noise introduced by non-working wavelength band. Based on electron beam evaporation technique with argon plasma assistance, a mid-infrared antireflection coating with UV–vis-shortwave near infrared cut-off on oxyflouride substrate, has been designed, fabricated and characterized. The coating on the first side of substrate is composed of 7-layer alternative stacking high-index layer of germanium and low-index coating material of magnesium fluoride. The coating on the second side of substrate is composed of 2-layer alternative stacking high-index layer of alumina and low-index coating material of silicon oxide. This coating shows below 1% average transmittance from 300 nm to 900 nm and above 92 % average transmittance from 3.7 um to 4.8 um in mid-infrared region. The error analysis shows that thickness errors are the main reasons for the deviations between theoretical design and experimental results. In addition, the adhesion strength of the coating is quantitatively characterized by scratch-adhesion test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the electron beam evaporation with oxygen plasma assistance, Y 2 O 3 films were prepared at different deposition temperatures and oxygen flow rates. X-ray diffraction showed that all deposited Y 2 O 3 films had cubic phase with (2 2 2) plane preferred orientation. Spectrometer test results showed that water absorption decreases in transmittance and reflectance around the wavelength of 2.9 μm. According to Lorentz dispersion theory, a multi-oscillator model was established to calculate optical constants and the inhomogeneity of Y 2 O 3 films in the wavelength range from 2.5 to 4 μm. The results indicate an abnormal dispersion phenomenon is appearing in the 2.5–4 μm wavelength region. It was found that under the same oxygen flow rate, higher substrate temperature leads to a greater refractive index and smaller extinction coefficient. When the oxygen flow rate is increased at the same substrate temperature, the extinction coefficient remains almost unchanged, while the refractive index decreases. In addition, the refractive index and the inhomogeneity of the films increase almost linearly as the grain size increases. • Based on electron beam evaporation technology, cubic Y2O3 films were prepared under different deposition conditions. • Based on Lorentz multi-oscillator model, a method for calculating the optical constants was proposed. • The water absorption characteristics of cubic Y2O3 films in the wavelength range from 2.5 to 4 um were studied. • The relationship between the grain size, the refractive index and the inhomogeneity has been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the establishment of the world-class Three Gorges Dam (TGD) across the Yangtze River, China, the downstream reach has experienced a long-term adjustment with regard to the river morphology and hydrodynamics, imposing a profound impact on the environmental conditions of human living and aquatic ecosystem. This study presents an investigation on the river channel morphological characteristics and hydrodynamic environment of a large bifurcation-confluence complex downstream of the TGD through detailed field survey and numerical modeling. Results show that the main stem, before being bifurcated into two sub-channels (the North Channel and the South Channel), experiences a meander, leading to the severe bed scouring near the outer bank (pools) resulted from a high flow mass flux and bed shear stress. Because of being bifurcated, the river width with largely growing may result in the reduction of flow velocity and sediment deposition (riffles), and thereby two plugbars are formed near the entrance of two sub-channels. In the meantime, the velocity-reversal phenomenon (flow velocity and friction velocity) is identified when low flows are transited into high flows. The flow mass flux, however, is always larger in pool regions, which is highly related to water depth. As a result, the topographic steering of flows by riffles, bars and floodplains may have more impact on flow path under low flow conditions, while the bankline shape would become more important under high flows. Furthermore, the topographic steering could play a key role in the pattern of flow separations near the confluence. More interestingly, the confluence flow separation only occurs under low flow conditions and its occurring location shifts upwards the tributary (the North Channel), which differs from observations in previous studies. The visualized numerical results of friction velocity distribution indicate that sediment is more likely to deposit in the North Channel (entrance) with lower friction velocity, implying the potential closure of the sub-channel. Unlabelled Image • High-volume water power dam imposes high impacts on the downstream morphological and hydrodynamic environment. • Large river bar centers the main stem, forming a bifurcation-confluence complex. • Field investigations provide detailed morphological characteristics and typical hydrodynamic information. • Numerical modeling shows bifurcation-confluence hydrodynamics after the dam construction. • Hydrodynamics are highly inter-related to the morphological characteristics, implying the future morphological evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhang, L.G.; Yi, K., and Zhang, D., 2020. The Classification of Environmental Crisis in the Perspective of Risk Communication: A Case Study of Coastal Risk in Mainland China. In: Guido Aldana, P.A. and Kantamaneni, K. (eds.), Advances in Water Resources, Coastal Management, and Marine Science Technology. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 104, pp. 88–93. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study explores the classification of environmental crisis in order to improve the policy maker, public's environmental literacy, boost to the individuals' perception of complex scientific information on coastal crisis in the case of Chinese coastal problems. It investigates how to classify the environmental crisis on the dimension of crisis source, crisis form, crisis information diffusion, crisis assessment, crisis response. An ANP method was conducted to collect interviews data to evaluate the coastal crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang, C. and Yi, K., 2020. Impact of spatial scale of ocean views architecture on tourist experience and empathy mediation based on "SEM-ANP" combined analysis. In: Yang, Y.; Mi, C.; Zhao, L., and Lam, S. (eds.), Global Topics and New Trends in Coastal Research: Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 103, pp. 1125–1129. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In this study, we have first set up the relational model on the spatial scale of ocean views architecture, tourist emotion, perspective taking and comprehensive evaluation of tourist experience based on the "SEM-ANP" research method. Subsequently, we have proposed the feature of elements, selection of paths and relation of weights applicable to the evaluation of ocean views architecture. Finally, we have carried out the empirical test on our proposal. The results show that: (1) Empathy has a mediating effect on "spatial scale of ocean views construction - comprehensive evaluation of tourist experience"; (2) It is necessary to fully investigate the characteristics of tourist mood and perspective taking during ocean views construction; (3) The "four-step" strategy can be adopted in the evaluation of ocean views construction. In the end, we have put forward the coping measures for evaluating ocean views construction that take into account both the spatial design and the psychological characteristics of tourists subsequent to our study on the influence of the spatial scale of ocean views architecture on the tourist experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yi, K.; Zhang, D.; Cheng, H.; Mao, X., and Su, Q., 2020. SEM and K-means analysis of the perceived value factors and clustering features of Marine Film-induced tourists: A case study of tourists to Taipei. In: Yang, Y.; Mi, C.; Zhao, L., and Lam, S. (eds.), Global Topics and New Trends in Coastal Research: Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 103, pp. 1120–1124. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper used structural equation model to integrate factors of consumers' perceived value and industrial support into a holistic framework for analyzing Marine film-induced tourism. It conducted an in-depth analysis of factors that affect consumers' perception of the Marine film-induced tourism. After extracting five factors, the paper took them as a basis to classify consumers of Marine film-induced tourism, in which K-means clustering was applied. The research showed that the consumption groups of Marine film-induced tourism could be divided into four types: enthusiastic supporters, rational supporters, contradictory supporters and indifferent supporters. It was concluded that the practical value brought by the development of Marine film-induced tourism had most influence on consumers' judgement; all kinds of consumers were positive about the development of Marine film-induced tourism among the consumer groups. Compared with film and television practitioners, the tourism practitioners were more willing to see the combination of film and television industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary methionine/cystine (Met/Cys) ratio on juvenile grouper growth performance, hepatic metabolic enzymes, serum immune-related parameters, liver antioxidant indices, and relative expression of genes in the mTOR pathway. Six isonitrogenous, isocaloric experimental diets with a fixed Met and Cys level (1.78%) and variable Met/Cys ratio (0.76–4.50) were formulated. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 juvenile fish with an average initial weight of 11.66 g. The fish were fed twice daily for 2 months. Weight gain and specific growth rates, feed efficiency and intake, and protein efficiency ratio had positive linear and/or quadratic responses to the dietary Met/Cys ratio. In contrast, the variations in dietary Met/Cys ratio had no apparent effect on the hepatosomatic index, condition factor, whole-body moisture, protein, lipid or ash content, or hepatic betaine homocysteine methyltransferase or S -adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. Hepatic methionine synthase, cystathionine β-synthase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity, serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lysozyme activity, and serum IgM and C3 content had positive linear and/or quadratic responses to the dietary Met/Cys ratio. In contrast, the malondialdehyde content had negative linear and/or quadratic responses to the dietary Met/Cys ratio. Hepatic RagA/B, RagC/D, Raptor, and eIF4B mRNA levels were unaffected by the dietary Met/Cys ratio. On the contrary, muscular upstream and downstream mTOR signal pathway gene mRNA levels had positive linear and/or quadratic responses to the dietary Met/Cys ratio. However, the 4E-BP mRNA levels had negative linear and quadratic responses to the dietary Met/Cys ratio. Cys could replace up to 41% of the Met in the fish diets. The use of appropriate Met/Cys ratios (range 1.93–2.77) in the feed may help improve grouper growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant ability and positively regulate genes in the mTOR signaling pathway. • We treated juvenile grouper with artificial feed supplemented with 6 Met: Cys ratio. • We compared morphometry, protein synthesis, immunoregulation, antioxidant mechanism. • Met/Cys ratio range (1.93–2.77) substantially increased body weight and protein content. • This ratio range upregulated genes constituting the mTOR signaling pathway. • We identified the best amino acids additirve regimen for cultured grouper diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmunity is the break of tolerance to self‐antigens that leads to organ‐specific or systemic diseases often characterized by the presence of pathogenic autoreactive antibodies (AAb) produced by plasmablast and/or plasma cells. AAb are prevalent in the general population and not systematically associated with clinical symptoms. In contrast, in some individuals, these AAb are pathogenic and drive the development of signs and symptoms of antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases (AbAID). AAb production, isotype profiles, and glycosylations are promoted by pro‐inflammatory triggers linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal parameters. Recent evidence supports a role for pathogenic AAb of the IgE isotype in a number of AbAID. Autoreactive IgE can drive the activation of mast cells, basophils, and other types of FcεRI‐bearing cells and may play a role in promoting autoantibody production and other pro‐inflammatory pathways. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the pathogenicity of autoreactive IgE in AbAID and their status as therapeutic targets. We also highlight unresolved issues including the need for assays that reproducibly quantify IgE AAbs, to validate their diagnostic and prognostic value, and to further study their pathophysiological contributions to AbAID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CSU patients showed median IgE-anti-TG2 levels of 10.8 AU, IQR 5.0-58.5 AU, and the highest value was 356.9 AU. Abbreviations ASST Autologous serum skin test CSU Chronic spontaneous urticaria DLQI Dermatology Life Quality Index IQR interquartile range TG tissue transglutaminase UAS7 urticaria activity score over 7 days UCT urticarial control test ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. [Extracted from the article]

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has a critical role in the invasiveness and metastasis of gastric cancer. In addition, paclitaxel (PTX) and harmine (HM) were reported to be potential therapeutic drug candidates for cancer therapy; however, the synergistic antitumor effect of PTX and HM combined treatment on the human gastric cancer cells remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PTX and/or HM on the cell migration and invasion in two human gastric cancer cell lines, SGC-7901 and MKN-45. MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition induced by PTX and HM . The Transwell assay was employed to assess the effects of PTX and HM on the cell migration and invasion. The expression levels of COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were analyzed by western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that PTX and HM inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Individually PTX and HM were able to inhibit the migration and invasion of two human gastric cancer cells; however, the combination of PTX and HM exerted synergistic effects on migration and invasion inhibition, with downregulation of COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that combination chemotherapy using PTX with HM exerted an antitumor effect, which may be implicated for the treatment of gastric cancer. Of note, the combination of the two drugs inhibited migration and invasion more effectively compared with each drug alone, the mechanism of which proceeded via the downregulation of COX-2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture coatings with different proportions were investigated. • Admixing 10% or higher SiO 2 in the mixture coatings suppresses inhomogeneity of HfO 2. • Short-wave pass dichroic laser mirror coatings were prepared using mixture layers. • Using HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture layers fundamentally solves the half-wave hole effect. • Using different mixture layers gets further optical improvement in the pass band. Hafnia/silica (HfO 2 /SiO 2) short-wavelength pass dichroic laser mirror (DLM) coatings are widely utilized in high-power laser systems. However, the half-wave hole effect resulting from the refractive index inhomogeneity of HfO 2 severely restricts the spectra and potential applications of these coatings. To address this issue, an investigation was conducted on HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture coatings with different proportions, which were produced by electron beam co-evaporation. Compared to the inhomogeneous growth characteristics observed in pure HfO 2 coatings, the introduction of 10 % or higher SiO 2 admixing in HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture coatings results in an amorphous structure characterized by excellent refractive index homogeneity and improved surface smoothness. Leveraging this, different DLM coatings with the objective of achieving high transmittance across the 400 to 900 nm range were designed and prepared, while ensuring high reflectance at 1064 nm. The incorporation of HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture layers instead of pure HfO 2 layers in the mirror coatings led to a fundamental inhibition of the half-wave hole effect throughout the entire broad transmission band, resulting in a substantial improvement in the optical performance of the coatings. Moreover, by incorporating several types of HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture layers with different proportions in the coating stacks, the transmittance of DLM coatings in the pass band can be further increased, and the transmission fluctuations at different wavelengths can be further compressed. Additionally, compared to traditional DLM coatings with HfO 2 layers, DLM coatings incorporating HfO 2 –SiO 2 mixture layers exhibit lower roughness, higher laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) at 532 nm, and similar LIDT at 1064 nm. These results indicate a promising strategy for fabricating DLM coatings tailored for high-power laser systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attached outlets are integral components of arch dams to discharge flood. However, they are usually neglected in the current seismic analysis of arch dams for simplicity. This paper aims to analyze the effect of attached outlets on the nonlinear seismic response of arch dams. For this purpose, a 235 m high arch dam is analyzed as a case study. The results indicate that the effect of attached outlets on the seismic response of arch dams depends on the ground motion intensity. For the ground motions with a low peak ground acceleration (PGA), the effect of attached outlets on the concrete damage is slight and local, which is consistent with the existing perception. However, as the ground motion intensity increases, their effect extends to the entire dam body. In contrast, the influence of attached outlets on the joint opening is typically observed at the middle contraction joints. Furthermore, the model analysis demonstrates that the inertia effect of attached structures is the primary contribution to these phenomena. Finally, a simplified simulation approach is used for incorporating the influence of attached outlets by coalescing the mass to the dam surface. • The effect of attached outlets on the nonlinear response of arch dams is investigated. • Mechanism of the attached outlets' effect is analyzed. • A simplified simulation approach of the attached structures is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a collaborative fault diagnosis system for compensation capacitor in track circuit using adaptive optimal kernel time–frequency representations (AOK-TFRs) and adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) based on train operational data recorded in cab signal. First, AOK-TFRs technique is applied for single compensation capacitor fault diagnosis. To deal with multiple faults, the AGA based method is introduced, however, with a relatively low efficiency of diagnosis. According to the characteristics of both methods, a collaborative fault diagnosis system is established. Experiments show that the system greatly improves the diagnosis efficiency and can be used successfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cr/C is a promising material combination for multilayer mirror in the “near water window region” (4.4–6.7nm). In the present paper, the effect of defects on the reflectivity of Cr/C soft X-ray multilayer mirror deposited by magnetron sputtering was studied. Formation of thin interlayer due to the interdiffusion, rough interface due to the non-sharp layer and contamination of O happened during the deposition process were found by a method combined by XPS, soft X-ray reflectivity at 4.48nm and grazing incidence hard X-ray reflectivity at 0.154nm. The XPS results show that both interlayers (Cr-on-C and C-on-Cr) are mixture composed of C sp2, C sp3, Clyph name="dbnd" />O, Crs. No chromium carbide was found at the interlayer probably due to the blocking of oxides’ formation. Through the analysis of X-ray reflectivity, we obtained the multilayer structure parameters (thickness and roughness) and optical constants of each layer at 4.48nm. Based on those results, a further calculation was carried out. The result shows that the formation of the thin interlayer contributes little to the decrease of the reflectivity, the rough interface decreases the reflectivity most and the contaminant (O) not only decreases the reflectivity but also shifts the position of the peak. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on scalar diffraction theory, propagation properties of beam generated by Gaussian mirror resonator were investigated. Explicit expressions for the field distribution of the beam that propagate through a paraxial optical ABCD system were derived and numerical examples were given to illustrate our analytical results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The origin, character, analysis and treatment of subsurface damage (SSD) were summarized in this paper. SSD, which was introduced to substrates by manufacture processes, may bring about the decrease of laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of substrates and thin films. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods for the measurement of SSD were used extensively because of their conveniences and reliabilities. The principle, experimental setup and some other technological details were given for total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM), high-frequency scanning acoustic microscopy (HFSAM) and laser-modulated scattering (LMS). However, the spatial resolution, probing depth and theoretic models of these NDE methods demanded further studies. Furthermore, effective surface treatments for minimizing or eliminating SSD were also presented in this paper. Both advantages and disadvantages of ion beam etching (IBE) and magnetorheological finishing (MRF) were discussed. Finally, the key problems and research directions of SSD were summarized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Some results of an investigation on the layer thickness uniformity of glancing angle deposition are presented. A zirconia monolayer has been deposited by glancing angle deposition to analyze the layer thickness uniformity. The experimental results indicate that the thickness variation over the substrate is less than 0.1%, which is considered as good uniformity. It is found that the non-uniformity of experimental results is larger than that of the theoretical results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrophobic antireflective coating is fabricated by physical vapor deposition. The optical, contact angle and laser damage resistance properties are investigated, respectively. The transmittance of the antireflective coating with hydrophobic layer is 99.58% at 1064 nm with normal incidence. The contact angle with water is 115.6 ∘ . The laser damage threshold of the zero probability is 22 J/cm2 at 1064 nm with the 12 ns pulse width. This new hydrophobic antireflective coating can be applied in the areas of astronomical optics, laser medical equipment and solar energy, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale layers peeling after the laser irradiation of dual ion beam sputtering coatings is discovered and a model is established to explain it. The laser damage morphologies relate to the laser fluence, showing thermomechanical coupling failure at low energy and coating layers separation at high energy. High-pressure gradients appear in the interaction between laser and coatings, resulting in large-scale layer separation. A two-step laser damage model including defect-induced damage process and ionized air wave damage process is proposed to explain the two phenomena at different energy. At relatively high energies (higher than 20 J/cm2), ionization of the air can be initiated, leading to a peeling off effect. The peeling effect is related to the thermomechanical properties of the coating materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antireflection (AR) coatings are deposited on UV grade fused silica substrates, which are cleaned in the dual ion beam sputtering device. Compared to ultrasonic and acid etching cleaning progress, ion beam etching improves the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of substrates and AR coatings significantly at 355 nm. Ion beam etching declines the low LIDT defects drastically and removes lots of the impurity elements (Ce, Fe, K, and Na). Roughness test shows that the AR coatings and substrates with ion beam etching are very flat and of low roughness. Ion beam etching reduces the density of deep defect from substrates greatly. Damage morphologies show double layers delamination, which is explained via calculation of layer stress. This study will be helpful for preparation of high LIDT optical coatings. • The LIDT of the 355 nm AR coatings and substrates are improved greatly with ion beam etching of substrates. • The damage curves show that ion beam etching declined the low LIDT defects drastically. • The impurity elements (Ce, Fe, K, and Na) are removed efficiently, and the surfaces are quite smooth. • Damage morphologies show two different defects in AR coatings and correspond to the laser damage curves. • Laser damage mechanism of AR coatings is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Laser-induced damage of ultraviolet (UV) coatings poses a great challenge and restricts its application in space. Coatings prepared by ion beam sputtering are dense and possess high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT), which are absence of structural nodule defects. Subsurface damage defects easily exposed by etching are inevitable under substrate grinding and polishing processes, which are usually ignored in electron-beam evaporation coatings. In our experiments, we find that LIDT of 355-nm high-reflection (HR) coatings sputtered on etched substrates declines dramatically, meanwhile defect density increases. Pits are found on the surface of the substrates and the coatings, and the pits that induce laser damage are very small (submicron-scale). Laser damage morphologies reveal that damage sites are prone to occur around the pits caused by acid etching. Finite element analysis shows consistent results, enhancement of electric field and rise of temperature are obvious, and the most significant part is around the pits, which is prone to induce damage. To conclude, small structural defects are sensitive to laser-induced damage of HR coatings prepared by dual ion beam sputtering (DIBS). This work contributes to finding new ways of improving the LIDT of sputtering coatings. Highlights • The structural defects on substrates are relatively small and shallow, the depth and the diameter of the pits are in the range of ∼50–120 nm and ∼400–600 nm, respectively. • The diameters of the pits on the surface of the coatings (DIBS) are larger than the substrate, which is different from the EBE coatings and indicates different growth process. • The LIDTs of our samples are sharply declined by the presence of the pits, the damage morphologies show thermal ablation. • High electric field and temperature by a FEA method are found at the edge of the pits on the surface of the coatings, which agrees with the experimental result. • The pits strongly enhance the thermal effect, which increases the possibility of damage of 355 nm IBS coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A comparative study of anti-reflection microstructures (ARMs) and ARMs with Al 2 O 3 coatings (Al 2 O 3 /ARMs) on zinc selenide (ZnSe) has been carried out. The transmittance and electric field intensities were analyzed and presented using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. ARMs were successfully fabricated on ZnSe surfaces by reactive ion etching and an Al 2 O 3 layer was deposited onto the ARMs by an ion beam sputtering method. The theoretical analysis and experimental results showed that the transmittance of Al 2 O 3 /ARMs-treated ZnSe had a close relationship with the thickness of Al 2 O 3 layer and was higher than that of ARMs-treated ZnSe in the 2–5 μm wavelength range, which was due to the fact that the Al 2 O 3 /ARMs had a better graded refractive index profile. The angle-dependent reflectance of ZnSe with Al 2 O 3 /ARMs was lower than that with ARMs. A difference of the spatial distribution of the electric field intensity between ARMs and Al 2 O 3 /ARMs was observed due to the surface Al 2 O 3 coating, which predicted qualitative laser damage thresholds for both structures. The results of this study provide potential applications in high-efficiency IR optoelectronic devices and high power mid-infrared laser systems. Highlights • The transmittance of Al 2 O 3 /ARMs on ZnSe is enhanced by the more graded refractive index profile. • The composite antireflective structures allowed a significant improvement in omni-directional antireflective properties. • A change of the spatial distribution of the electric field intensity between ARMs and Al 2 O 3 /ARMs is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As important part of components for 193 nm lithography, AlF 3 coatings deposited by resistive heating method acquire advantages like lower optical loss and higher laser damage threshold, but they also possess some disadvantages like worse stability, which is what aging effect focuses on. AlF 3 single-layer coatings were deposited; optical property, surface morphology and roughness, and composition were characterized in different periods. Owing to aging effect, refractive index and extinction coefficient increased; larger and larger roughness caused more and more scattering loss, which was in the same order with absorption at 193.4 nm and part of optical loss; from composition analysis, proportional substitution of AlF 3 by alumina may account for changes in refractive index as well as absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of polarizer coatings were prepared by electron beam evaporation, using HfO2 - SiO2 mixture and HfO2 as the high-refractive-index materials, respectively. The HfO2 - SiO2 mixture layer was implemented by coevaporating SiO2 and metal Hf, the materials were deposited at an oxygen atmosphere to achieve stoichiometric coatings. The certain HfO2 and SiO2 content ratio is controlled by adjusting the deposition rate of HfO2 and SiO2 using individual quartz crystal monitor. The spectral performance, surface and interfacial properties, as well as the laser-induced damage performance were studied and compared. Comparing with polarizer coating using HfO2 as high-refractive-index material, the polarizer coating using HfO2 - SiO2 mixture as high-refractive-index material shows better performance with broader polarizing bandwidth, lower surface roughness, better interfacial property while maintaining high laser-induced damage threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We design and numerically investigate a wide angle and broadband perfect absorber with compact multilayer structures. The proposed structure is composed of three stacks of semiconductor films and one metal layer. The absorber presents a broadband absorption between 450 nm and 700 nm with an average absorption above 99.2%. For oblique incidence, the absorber shows an average absorption about 90% for a wide range of incident angles from 0 to 60 with p polarization and s polarization. The electrical field intensity distributions are also studied to disclose the broadband absorption mechanism. This designed broadband absorber appears to have very promising applications in solar thermal energy harvesting, thermal emitters and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband, polarization-independent, and wide angle metamaterial absorber (MA) with tapered cylinder structures is investigated with finite difference time domain simulations. The titanium nitride (TiN) and indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film are introduced as the tapered cylinder structures. The unit cell structure is mainly composed of two pairs of TiN/ITO layers and one TiN base layer. The absorption is higher than 99% between the wavelength 700 nm and 1000 nm. The broadband, polarization independent average absorption remains above 95% between 400 nm and 1200 nm with a wide range of incident angles from 0° to 40°. The electrical field intensity distributions are studied to disclose the broadband absorption mechanism. This designed broadband absorber appears to be very promising applications in the plasmonic sensing and photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) serves an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. Harmine (HM) and paclitaxel (PTX) are reported as promising drug candidates for cancer therapy, but whether a synergistic anti-tumor effect of HM combined with PTX exists in human gastric cancer remains unknown. The present study evaluated the effects of HM and/or PTX on cell proliferation and apoptosis in a gastric cancer cell line, SGC-7901. HM and PTX inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Both HM and PTX alone induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. The combination of HM and PTX exerted synergistic effects on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in SGC-7901 cells, with down-regulation of COX-2, PCNA and Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax expression. The results indicated that combination chemotherapy using HM with PTX exerts an anti-tumor effect for treating gastric cancer. The combination of the two drugs inhibits gastric cancer development more effectively than each drug alone through down-regulation of COX-2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plate laser beam splitter (PLBS) coatings for intensity-splitting in high-power laser applications face increasing requirements, where the challenge is to simultaneously satisfy a given transmittance (T)/reflectivity (R) intensity-splitting ratio with a certain bandwidth, and a high laser damage threshold (LIDT). Traditionally, a given T/R ratio is achieved by using a non-quarter-wave design. We propose a quarter-wave design strategy for arbitrary T/R ratios by using mixture layers with tunable refractive index (n) and optical bandgap as high- n layers. Two quarter-wave PLBS coatings based on HfO 2 –Al 2 O 3 mixture with a designed T/R ratio of 50:50 are experimentally demonstrated and compared with the traditional PLBS coating. The mixture-based PLBS coating shows good spectral performance, low surface roughness, and high LIDT. For an s -polarized 8 ns pulse laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm, a mixture-based PLBS coating design can improve LIDT by a factor of ∼ 2 with a slightly wider bandwidth. This tunable mixture-based PLBS coating design strategy provides support for the increasingly high output power of high-power laser systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of the optical properties of coating materials at high temperatures is important for understanding the dynamic process of high-power laser-material interactions. In this paper, the variations of refractive index and physical thickness of single layer coatings were studied by ellipsometric spectroscopy at different temperatures. From 23 °C to 320 °C, a decrease and then an increase of the refractive index of SiO 2 , and HfO 2 single layer was observed, while the thickness of these layers increased first and then decreased. The inflection points of different coating materials occurred at different temperatures. Water evaporation processes, densification and hydrophilicity of films were used to explain the temperature dependent properties of the dielectric coatings. Results of the variation of refractive index and thickness of single layer coatings at different temperatures in the vacuum proved the mentioned theory. Moreover, HfO 2 single layer shows better resistance to both temperature change and vacuum change, indicating that it is promising for high-reflective coatings in photoelectric devices. Besides, the formation of transient defects during high power laser irradiation was interpreted considering the optical properties variation with temperature. Three confusing and debated issues concerning laser-coating interaction are interpreted and explained. • Change of coatings' optical constants with temperature were studied. • Mechanism relies on water evaporation, film densification and hydrophilicity. • Three confusing issues concerning laser-coating interaction are interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment setup of a reflecting combination device, which has more advantages than a transmitting combination device, is designed in this study. To achieve angular spectrum selectivity, only one type of reflective component is needed, so difficulties of design and preparation are reduced. A dielectric multilayer film is applied to the reflective component, and the long wave-pass coating stacks of the structure are designed. To achieve high stopband transmittance and reduce electric field intensity at a wavelength of 1053 nm, an objective function is proposed for designing an optimized coating. The final optimized coating has good spectral characteristics and a high laser-induced damage threshold. A dielectric multilayer film with high reflectance plays an important role in preparing and applying a dielectric multilayer film reflecting cutoff filter-combination device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband metamaterial absorber (MA) based on the titanium nitride (TiN) nano-disk array is studied using finite difference time domain simulations. The semiconducting indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film is introduced as the space layer in this sandwiched structure. Utilizing the symmetrical geometry of the MA structure, polarization insensitivity of the broadband absorption was gained. The absorber with TiN nano-disk array shows a peak absorbance of 99 % and larger than 98 % from 560 to 675 nm by numerical simulation. This compact design may have potential applications in the plasmonic sensing and photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma scald damage is the most typical laser damage morphology presented on the laser conditioned HfO 2 /SiO 2 mirrors. In order to provide guidance for defining the acceptance quantitative specification for the plasma scald on these laser conditioned mirrors, the simulations about the downstream beam modulations of the plasma scald are investigated based on its damage characteristics and the diffraction theory. The single plasma scald with the typical size, induced by the laser conditioning, can hardly cause damage to the downstream optics and its influence on the beam contrast can be reduced easily with the increment of the propagation distance. Those with small size and large depth, or those with big size and shallow depth can also hardly induce downstream damage, but the beam contrasts become worse with the increment of the size of the concave part as well as its depth. For a maximum plasma scald observed on the laser conditioned mirror, the intensity modulation peak is close to 1.3 and the beam contrast reaches to 25% even at 2 m downstream from the mirror. For multi plasma scalds, more diffraction rings show up in the downstream beam and further decrease the overall uniformity of the beam. The uniformity of the beam gets worse as the number of the plasma scald is increased. When the density of the plasma scald with the typical size in these 1ωHfO 2 /SiO 2 mirrors reaches 20 per 1 cm 2 , the beam contrast is less than 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The angular resolutions of the phase-shifted Rugate thin-film filters, the ultra-narrow bandpass filters, and a cutoff filter-combination device are discussed, and the electric field distributions of the filters are compared. The results show that the three transmitting multi-layer thin-film filters can realize the same angular resolution, but the electric field in the cutoff filter-combination device is the lowest. Because a lower electric-field distribution corresponds to a higher laser-induced damage threshold of the thin films, the cutoff filter-combination device may replace the traditional spatial filters in high power laser systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the design, fabrication and performance of an optimized one-dimensional subwavelength grating for use in 1064 nm wavelength laser systems. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) under the irradiation of 12 ns 1064 nm pulses on the grating was performed, and a higher LIDT was obtained compared with LIDT of traditional antireflective coatings. Laser irradiation produces some morphological modifications on grating. Light interferometric surface profiler, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were used to study these modifications, and these studies indicate the significant ablation and resolidification have occurred. To understand possible damage mechanisms, the role of electric field distribution inside the grating during the laser radiation process was investigated by a three-dimensional finite difference time-domain method, and the simulation result indicates the temperature distribution resulting from the internal electric field may be the main factor behind the damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wave propagation of symmetry incidence on the biaxial birefringent film is discussed in this paper based on the characteristic matrix method. Furthermore, based on the refractive index surface, the refractive indices and effective optical admittances of the forward and backward propagating extraordinary waves (p-polarized wave) are analyzed in detail. With regard to the symmetry incidence, optical properties, such as the input optical admittance, transmittance and reflectance, are not identical for an extraordinary wave under common condition, i.e., angular selectivity. Based on an analysis of refractive index surface, the effective optical admittances of the forward and backward propagating extraordinary waves are equal in this particular case; transmittance and reflectance under the symmetry incidence are completely overlapped, similar to findings in the isotropic thin film. We validate our analysis using the developed software package. Based on the novel theory analysis, we can gain a new perspective of symmetry incidence about angular selectivity for the biaxial birefringent film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]