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AbstractLung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, associated with a poor survival rate. Taxol (Paclitaxel) is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic treatment for advanced lung cancers. While Taxol has improved clinical outcomes for lung cancer patients, a significant number of them develop resistance to Taxol, resulting in treatment failure. The role of the long noncoding RNA HCG18 in lung cancer and Taxol resistance has not yet been fully understood. To investigate this, we examined the expression of HCG18 and miR-34a-5p in lung tumors and normal lung tissues using qRT-PCR. We also assessed Taxol resistance through cell viability and apoptosis assays. Through the starBase online service, we analyzed the interactions between lncRNA and mRNA as well as miRNA and mRNA. We further validated the association between lncRNA and miRNA through luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. Our findings demonstrated that HCG18 was significantly upregulated in lung cancer tissues compared to normal lung tissues. Silencing HCG18 increased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to Taxol. Additionally, our study established a Taxol-resistant cell line and observed a substantial upregulation of HCG18 in Taxol-resistant lung cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that HCG18 could bind to miR-34a-5p, forming a competing endogenous RNA network, which was confirmed through luciferase assay. We found that miR-34a-5p was downregulated in lung cancer tissues and negatively correlated with Taxol resistance, as it directly bound to the 3’UTR region of HDAC1. Further results showed that inhibition of HCG18 significantly increased miR-34a-5p expression and sensitized lung cancer cells to Taxol. This sensitization could be reversed by inhibiting miR-34a-5p. Finally, we demonstrated in a xenograft mouse model that inhibition of HCG18 sensitized Taxol-resistant lung cancer cells to Taxol treatment by modulating the miR-34a-5p-HDAC1 axis. In conclusion, our in vitro and in vivo results uncover a novel molecular mechanism by which HCG18 promotes Taxol resistance through modulation of the miR-34a-5p/HDAC1 axis. These findings contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of chemo-resistant lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrogen content of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel is much higher than that of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel, which cannot meet the requirements of high-grade steel. Most denitrification processes only considered a single smelting condition, which leads to poor denitrification effect. In this study, a hot state experiment was conducted to simulate the melting process of EAF steelmaking and to explore the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints of the molten steel nitrogen reaction in the scrap melting, oxygen blowing decarburization, and rapid temperature rise stages. The experimental results showed that the nitrogen reaction in the molten pool during the scrap melting stage was a first-order nitrogen absorption reaction, and the reaction-limiting link was the diffusion of nitrogen atoms in the molten steel. When the carbon content increases to 4.5%, the bath temperature decreases to 1550 °C, and the nitrogen partial pressure decreases to 0.2 PΘ, the nitrogen saturation solubility decreased to 0.0198%, 0.0318%, and 0.0178%, respectively. At the same time, the rate constants decreased to 0.132 m/min, 0.127 m/min, and 0.141 m/min, respectively. The nitrogen reaction in the oxygen blowing decarburization stage was a secondary denitrification reaction, and the reaction-limiting link was the gas–liquid interface chemical reaction. Argon had better degassing effect. When the argon flow rate increased from 100 mL/min to 300 mL/min, the reaction constant increased by about four times. When the oxygen content of molten steel was 0.0260%, the denitrification rate constant decreased by about 2.5 times. The nitrogen content of liquid steel was higher than 0.045%, and the reaction was a secondary reaction. As the nitrogen content decreased, the reaction rate decreased, and the reaction-limiting link changed from the gas–liquid interface chemical reaction to the joint control of mass transfer and chemical reaction. The oxygen content in the molten steel can not only hinder the chemical reaction of nitrogen at the gas–liquid interface, but also reduce the mass transfer rate of nitrogen atoms in the molten steel. The results provided a theoretical basis for the optimization of nitrogen removal process and further reduction of nitrogen content in liquid steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high temperature brittleness range of medium carbon microalloyed steel under an actual continuous casting process was determined by the high temperature tensile test. The test results revealed that only a third of the brittle temperature range from 650–825 °C was due to intergranular ferrite in the experimental steel. In addition, it was found that the plastic recovery was fast and stable when the temperature was lower than 725 °C (the lowest plastic temperature). Bending/straightening operation in this temperature range was conducive to controlling the generation of corner cracks. In order to keep the corner temperature at the low temperature end of the plastic curve when the slab was bent/straightened, the cooling water scheme of the secondary cooling zone of the continuous caster was formulated by numerical calculation. By appropriately increasing the cooling water flow in the foot roll and the secondary cooling zones 1–5, the corner temperature of slab during bending operation was 600–700 °C, avoiding the brittle temperature range. The industrial test was then carried out. The results showed that after using the optimized water volume, the corner grains of the slab were uniform and the microstructure was mainly pearlite + ferrite. In addition, the abnormally large grain size was reduced, and a large amount of ferrite was generated inside the grain, which avoided stress concentration at the corner of the slab during bending/straightening operation, and basically eliminated the corner crack of the slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of computational intelligence to monitor and evaluate the concentration of students in the teaching process can promptly and effectively adjust the learning plan and improve the learning effect. In this article, clustering algorithm and fuzzy control methods are used to construct a research model of students' attention in class. In addition, this article uses the existing MATLAB-based image feature recognition algorithm to detect and obtain facial features and analyze the main features of facial expressions through computational techniques to realize the judgment of attention. In addition, this article optimizes the traditional AdaBoost algorithm to save computing time and improve operating efficiency and system performance stability. Finally, this article constructs the functional modules of the research model according to actual needs and designs experiments to verify the performance of the model. Experimental research results show that the model constructed in this article has a certain effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplet breakup and collision dynamics of an internal-mixing twin-fluid (air-assisted) spray were investigated experimentally. Time-resolved spray morphological evolutions were obtained by employing a high-speed spray visualization system, while droplet size and velocity were measured by using a phase-Doppler particle analyzer. The results show that the air-assisted spray is composed of a bulk of tiny droplets entrained by high-speed gas-phase flow. Droplets with a diameter of less than 5 µm account for the majority of samples on the basis of the distribution function. The calculated Stokes numbers of selected tracer droplets (0 µm–5 µm) show that these droplets tend to follow the air flow faithfully and thus can be used to estimate the local air flow velocity. By comparing with the critical Weber number, we found that droplet shear breakup is absent, but some droplets may undergo turbulent breakup. A theoretical analysis accounting for the effects of the turbulent dissipation rate on both droplet breakup and coalescence was performed, and the critical equilibrium length of breakup and coalescence is found to be less than 3.0 mm. In terms of droplet collision dynamics in the spray far-field, coalescence dominates droplet collision outcomes; therefore, the droplet size increases linearly as the spray downstream distance X increases. Particularly, the influence of the droplet size ratio [C. Tang, P. Zhang, and C. K. Law, "Bouncing, coalescence, and separation in head-on collision of unequal-size droplets," Phys. Fluids 24, 022101 (2012)] was adopted to quantify the droplet coalescence probability. When compared to the n-octane spray, the n-dodecane spray accounts for more droplet bouncing (II) since n-dodecane possesses a relatively larger bouncing (II) region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery remains the first option for curing early stage lung cancer. However, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and thus miss the chance to undergo surgery. As such patients derive limited benefits from chemotherapy or radiotherapy, alternatives based on local control have emerged, including iodine-125 seed implantation. The Interstitial Brachytherapy Society, Committee of Minimally Invasive Therapy in Oncology, the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association organized a group of multidisciplinary experts to revise the guidelines for this treatment modality. It aims to standardize iodine-125 seed implantation procedures, inclusion criteria, and outcome assessment to prevent and manage procedure-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune-related genes is closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). At the same time, immune-related genes have great potential as prognostic markers in many types of cancer. The prognosis of HNSCC is still poor currently, and it may be effective to predict the clinical outcome of HNSCC by immunogenic analysis.Methods: RNASeq and clinical follow-up information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the MINiML format GSE65858 chip expression data was downloaded from NCBI, and immune-related genes was downloaded from the InnateDB database. Immune-related genes in 519 HNSC patients were integrated from TCGA dataset. By using multivariate COX analysis and Lasso regression, robust immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs) that predict clinical outcomes of HNSCC were identified. Finally, a risk prognostic model related to immune gene pair was established and verified by clinical features, test sets and GEO external validation set.Results: A total of 699 IRGPs were significantly correlated with the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Fourteen robust IRGPs were finally obtained by Lasso regression and a prognostic risk prediction model was constructed. Risk score of each sample were calculated based on Risk models and divided into the high-risk group (Risk-H) and low Risk group (Risk-L). Risk models were able to stratify the risk in patients with TNM Stage, Age, gender, and smoking history, and the AUC > 0.65 in training set and test set, shows that 14-IRGPs signature in patients with HNSCC has excellent classification performance. In addition, 14-IRGPs had the highest average C index compared with the prognostic characteristics and T, N, and Age of the 3 previously reported HNSCC.Conclusion: This study constructed 14-IRGPs as a novel prognostic marker for predicting survival in HNSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrated high-efficiency white phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes with stable spectra based on the mixed-host emission layer. By employing a mixed-host system consisting of the hole transport material (4, 4'-N, N' -dicarbazole) biphenyl and electron transport material 1, 3, 5-tris (2-N-pheylbenzimidazolyl) benzene in double emission layers, realizing warm white organic light-emitting diodes characterized by peak efficiencies of 47.24 cd A−1 and 39.12 lm W−1 with the Commission International de L'Eclairage coordinates variations from (0.428, 0.470) to (0.427, 0.471) when the luminance varies from 1000 to 10 000 cd m−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Air-assisted spray characteristics were studied. • Jet trajectory deviation of the target jet was investigated. • Deviations occur in the near and far field were discussed. • The deviation in jet trajectory influences the droplet size distribution. Spray characteristics of an air-assisted Direct Injection (DI) injector were studied experimentally by employing high-speed imaging techniques and Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA), with particularly interest in the trajectory deviation of target jet. Radial expansion in the near field was observed near the nozzle exit under flash boiling conditions, which can be achieved by decreasing the ambient pressure. The radial expansion in the far field results from the sudden depressurization induce the drastic bubble blast, which improves spray spread and enhances droplet breakup hence influences droplet velocity and size. The radial expansion in the far field, which can be observed in either elevated ambient pressures or low injection pressure conditions, occurs in the far field and results from the interaction of downward and upward gas flow therefore forced the spray plumes outwards. Increasing of the ambient temperature decreases liquid viscosity, leading to the deviation in jet trajectory occurs at the margin of the jet due to the increased vaporization of liquid fuel droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Knock suppression of a spark-ignition engine with kerosene is tested. • Effect of water injection is evaluated experimentally and theoretically. • Water injection can suppress the knock and improve the output power. • Too much water injection has a negative effect on the work output. The four-stroke spark-ignition (SI) internal combustion engine has good fuel economy and high power/weight ratio, making it very suitable for small aircraft. Normally, four-stroke aviation SI engines are fuelled with gasoline. Using kerosene can improve the system safety; However, a four-stroke SI engine fuelled with kerosene suffers from a small indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) because of the knock limit of kerosene. In this study, water injection is investigated as a method of extending the knock limitation and improving IMEP of a four-stroke SI engine fuelled with kerosene. First, a Rotax 914 engine is retrofitted. Two port-fuel-injection systems supplied with kerosene and water are developed. Then, the combustion characteristics with water injection are studied. The effects of water injection on the in-cylinder pressure and heat-release rate are analysed. Additionally, the extent of knock suppression due to water injection under various engine speeds is evaluated. The results indicate that the knock limit of the four-stroke SI engine with kerosene is extended significantly via water injection. The measured IMEP is improved by 25–28% under different engine speeds. Thus, the requirement for ordinary cruise operation is satisfied. Furthermore, the security is enhanced with water injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery remains the first choice of cure for early stage lung cancer. However, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stage, and thus miss the opportunity to undergo surgery. As such patients derive limited benefits from chemotherapy or radiotherapy, alternatives focusing on local control have emerged, including iodine‐125 seed implantation. The Interstitial Brachytherapy Society, Committee of Minimally Invasive Therapy in Oncology, Chinese Anti‐Cancer Association organized a group of multidisciplinary experts to develop guidelines for this treatment modality. These guidelines aim to standardize iodine‐125 seed implantation procedures, inclusion criteria, and outcome assessment to prevent and manage procedure‐related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence is a widespread fundamental physical phenomenon. It has a broad application in the field of illumination, display, dosimeter, mining, archaeology, various analyses, etc. Trap and decay are two important, inseparable factors in luminescence dynamic processes, and thermoluminescence, in particular. Of the two most popular techniques of studying the dynamics of this process, the method based on kinetics order has serious deficiencies: (1) a fixed parameter to represent an evolving process and (2) an assumed value, instead of an experimental value, disagrees with reality. We proposed a method of simultaneous determination of trap depth and decay parameters from the glow curve of ZnS:Cu,Co, obtaining the trap depth [variant_greek_epsilon]=0.86 eV and decay parameter n0=2.6 simultaneously. From these data, we have shown dependence of trap depth [variant_greek_epsilon] on decay parameter, which clearly shows the error of [variant_greek_epsilon] for any assumed decay parameter. If we treat the case of kinetics order α=1 as α=2, the error might be as large as 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer, also known as exocrine pancreatic carcinoma or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is one of the most challenging tumor entities worldwide, which is characterized as a highly aggressive disease with dismal overall prognosis. Treatment options for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In many cases, surgical resection is not possible due to the advanced stage at diagnosis and poor responses to current treatments, therefore, treatment alternatives have to be performed. However, brachytherapy through radioactive 125I seeds (RIS) implantation into pancreatic cancer has been first applied in unresectable carcinoma and made accuracy curative effects. Therapeutic procedures of RIS implantation for pancreatic carcinoma were not identical in domestic medical centers, making it hard to achieve homogeneity and affecting the efficacy seriously at last. To maximize the benefits of RIS for patients with pancreatic cancer, Chinese Medical Doctor Association of Radioactive Seed Implantation Technology Expert Committee and Committee of Minimally Invasive Therapy in Oncology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, Radioactive Seed Therapy Branch organized and helped establish China expert consensus on RIS implantation for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, to provide a reference for clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is a great challenge to achieve highly sensitive organic photodetectors (OPDs) with broadband and narrowband response ability. The OPDs with an extraordinary structure of ITO/PFN‐OX/P3HT:PTB7‐Th:PC61BM (100‐x:x:1, wt/wt/wt)/Al are elaborately fabricated, exhibiting tunable spectral response dependent on the bias polarity. The optimized ternary OPDs with 3 µm P3HT:PTB7‐Th:PC61BM (40:60:1) as active layers exhibit broadband spectral response from 350 to 800 nm under forward bias and narrowband spectral response from 750 to 850 nm with a full width half maximum (FWHM) of ≈40 nm under reverse bias. In particular, the FWHM of narrowband response windows can be kept well under different reverse biases. Moreover, the optimized ternary OPDs also exhibit photomultiplication (PM) phenomenon under forward and reverse bias, resulting from the interfacial trap‐assisted hole tunneling injection from external circuit. This should be the first demonstration of PM type OPDs with broadband and narrowband response ability, which would possess wide potential applications, especially in integrated optoelectronic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To inhibit concentration quenching, three new bis-tridentate iridium complexes modified with triptycene groups were successfully synthesized. The rigid sterically demanding triptycene endows these new complexes with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and low concentration quenching. In air, their PLQYs exceed 0.68 in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films and 0.17 in neat powder form, which are significantly higher than that of the reference complex (0.57 and 0.03, respectively). At the same time, the thermal stability of the complex Ir1 is improved and the luminescence wavelength of the complex Ir1 is less affected by the modification of triptycene group. The doped OLED device based on complex Ir1 exhibits excellent electroluminescent efficiencies of 80.1 cd A−1 and 24.0%, which are improved by more than 50% compared with that of reference device. More significantly, the maximum efficiencies of its non-doped device are 17.6 cd A−1, 7.4%, which are improved by more than 300% compared with that of reference device. These results indicate that the triptycene group is very effective functional group to inhibit the concentration quenching of bis-tridentate iridium complexes. Complex Ir1 exhibited the PLQY of 0.73, T d of 379 °C and peak EQE 24.0% with mild roll-off. [Display omitted] • Three bis-tridentate Ir complexes with triptycene groups were synthesized. • All complexes are concentration-insensitive with high PLQYs. • Their PLQYs (0.18–0.35) in neat powder are significantly higher than contrast (0.03). • Best device exhibited high efficiencies of 80.1 cd A−1 and 24.0% with mild roll-off. • The efficiencies (doped/non-doped devices) are improved than contrast (>50%/300%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioactive 125I seeds (RIS) interstitial implantation brachytherapy has been a first-line treatment for early-stage cancer of the prostate gland. However, its poor accuracy and homogeneity has limited its indication and hampered its popularization for a long time. Intriguingly, scholars based in China introduced computed tomography (CT)-guided technology to improve the accuracy and homogeneity of RIS implantation and broadened the indications. Then, they creatively designed and introduced three-dimensional printing coplanar template (3D-PCT) and 3D printing noncoplanar template (3D-PNCT) into the practice of RIS implantation. Use of such templates makes RIS implantation more precise and efficacious and aids preoperative planning, real-time dose optimization, and postoperative planning. However, studies on the standard workflow for 3D-PT-assisted CT-guided RIS implantation have not been published. Therefore, the China Northern Radioactive Seeds Brachytherapy Group organized multidisciplinary experts to formulate the guideline for this emerging treatment modality. This guideline aims at standardizing 3D-PT-assisted CT-guided RIS implantation procedures and criteria for selecting treatment candidates and assessing outcomes and for preventing and managing postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the evaporation characteristics of acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) and diesel blends, a multi-component evaporation model for ABE–diesel blend droplet coupled with six components to represent diesel and Universal Functional Activity Coefficient (UNIFAC) method has been built and validated with droplet fiber-suspension evaporation experimental results. The evaporation characteristics of ABE–diesel blend as well as the effects of ABE mass fraction and ambient temperature are analyzed. The results show that ABE–diesel blend droplets evaporate faster than diesel, the addition of ABE affects the early stage of evaporation process, especially at high temperature, which lead to the occurrence of internal gasification observed in experiments. With increasing the ABE mass fraction, the evaporation rate increases, and the internal gasification is more prone to occur later but preform more intensively. The droplet lifetime decreases non-linearly with the increasing ambient temperature, and the evaporation of low volatile components are enhanced significantly. Meanwhile, the increasing ambient temperature leads to the performance of internal gasification faster and more intense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is one of the major technical measures used on diesel engines to restrain NOx emission. Intake oxygen concentration has been proved to be the more substantial parameter to control NOx than EGR rate. However, the mechanism is hard to be utilized due to the difficulty of acquiring the real-time intake oxygen concentration. In the present study, a novel lambda-based intake oxygen model was built and validated. By using this model, two types of transient EGR modulation were performed, which illustrates the validity for NOx overshot elimination under the load transient. Based on the intake system schematic and the law of mass conservation, the model was deducted to find the relationship of intake oxygen concentration, EGR rate and lambda. Then the model was validated on a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine by following steps. Firstly, both steady and transient state test were conducted, the result shows that intake oxygen concentration is more related to NOx emission under transient working conditions. Then the model was validated under different speed and load. The result shows that intake oxygen concentration is linear to the ratio of EGR rate to lambda. Finally, transient EGR operation is performed. Under two types of transient operation, the emission performance is different. The lambda-based EGR modulation method is more effective in the constant-speed load transient. NOx overshot is eliminated without harm soot too much. In the constant-load speed transient, the modulation is still following the commonly accepted trade-off relationship. The study shows that the method could be effectively utilized in diesel load transient emissions control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple scheme for controlled teleportation of an arbitrary two-ion entangled state using a bell and GHZ entangled state as quantum channel is proposed in trapped ion systems. An arbitrary two-ion entangled state can be teleported perfectly with the help of the cooperation. In our scheme the ions are simultaneously excited by a laser. Our scheme is insensitive to both the initial vibrational state and heating. The probability of the success in our scheme is 1.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to decrease the production cost of butanol, acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) as the intermediate product of butanol production has drawn increased attention recently because of its possibility to be a renewable fuel. In this study, the evaporation characteristics of ABE and diesel blends droplets have been investigated experimentally through droplet suspension technique at different ambient temperatures (423–823 K) under normal gravity and atmospheric pressure. The results show that the droplet lifetime of ABE is always shorter compared to diesel. However, the difference in droplet lifetime between ABE and diesel decreases with increasing ambient temperature. The ABE–diesel blends also evaporate faster than diesel. The droplet evaporation characteristics of ABE–diesel blends vary with ambient temperature. At high temperature, the droplets exhibit the expansion and shrinkage phenomena due to bubble formation and rupture. Thus the droplet evaporation shows the three-phase evaporation characteristics. The bubble formation and rupture are strengthened at higher temperature. Strong puffing is observed during the ABE–diesel blends evaporation process at 823 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the power performance for the diesel engines working at plateau, the method to adjust fuel injecting parameters had been adopted. However, the diesel engine is considered as a complicated nonlinear multiple-inputs and multi-boundary system. Hence, it is difficult to find out the appropriate value for fuel injecting parameters for all conditions, this is the reason why we study the Genetic Algorithm method for optimization. Firstly, the numerical model of a turbocharged diesel engine with the predictable combustion model was established and then verified by experimental data. Base on the engine model, the relation between injecting parameters and performance was studied. Secondly, the optimization model is constructed, including the objective and the boundary conditions with a novel parameter introduced, measuring the surge margin of the operating points. Then, the Fitness function is proposed employing penalty functions to express constraints. Based on the impact of injecting parameters on constraint conditions, the method was put forward about how to choose the penalty parameter values, named “Fitness Equal to Zero at the Worst Point”. In order to explain this method, 4500 m rated operation point was illustrated and four schemes with different plenty values were compared. After the comparison of the population distributions and the optimizing processes, the Scheme II is proofed to be accurate and efficient, which adopted the plenty value chosen method (Fitness (w) = 0). Finally, this GA model was used for the fuel supply parameters optimization of full-load operation at 4500 m altitude. The result demonstrates that the rated engine power is enhanced by 22.7% and the fuel consumption reduces by 6.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of polymer solar cells (PSCs) were fabricated with narrow band gap polymer poly{[4,9-dihydro-4,4,9,9-tetra(4-hexylbenzyl)-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b0]-dithiophene-2,7-diyl]-alt-[2,3-bis(3-(octyloxy)phenyl)-2,3-dihydro-quinoxaline-2,20-diyl] (PIDTDTQx), small molecule material 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine (DIB-SQ), or their blend as electron donor, and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) as electron acceptor. The champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ternary PSCs arrives to 6.49% with a short circuit current density ( J SC ) of 11.56 mA/cm 2 and a fill factor (FF) of 66% when the DIB-SQ doping ratio in donors is 9 wt%. The champion PCE values of binary PSCs with PIDTDTQx:PC 71 BM or DIB-SQ:PC 71 BM as the active layers are 5.47% or 1.78%, respectively. An apparent PCE improvement of 18.6% was obtained from the optimized ternary PSCs compared with binary PSCs with PIDTDTQx:PC 71 BM as the active layers. The underlying reason of PCE improvement was investigated from the absorption spectral complementary, photoluminescence emission quenching, intermolecular charge transfer, and the balance of charge carrier transport in ternary active layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of solution processed organic solar cells (OSCs) were fabricated with a two-dimensional conjugated small molecule SMPV1 as electron donor and fullerene derivatives PC 71 BM or ICBA as electron acceptor. The champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSCs arrives to 7.05% for the cells with PC 71 BM as electron acceptor. A relatively large open circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 1.15 V is obtained from cells using ICBA as electron acceptor with an acceptable PCE of 2.54%. The fill factor (FF) of OSCs is 72% or 61% for the cells with PC 71 BM or ICBA as electron acceptor, which is relatively high value for small molecule OSCs. The relatively low performance of OSCs with ICBA as electron acceptor indicates that ICBA cannot play positive role in photoelectric conversion processes, which is very similar to the phenomenon observed from the OSCs with high efficient narrow band gap polymers other than P3HT as electron donor, the underlying reason is still in debate. The SMPV1 has strong self-assemble ability to form an ordered two dimensional lamellar structure, which provides an effective platform to investigate the effect of electron acceptor chemical structure on the performance of OSCs. Experimental results exhibit that ICBA molecules may prefer to vertical cross-intercalation among side chains of SMPV1, PC 71 BM molecules may have better miscibility with SMPV1 in the active layer. The different donor/acceptor (D/A) intermolecular arrangement strongly influences photon harvesting, exciton dissociation and charge carrier transport, which may provide a new sight on performance improvement of OSCs by adjusting D/A intermolecular arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) is not almighty for improving the performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this paper, the effect of solvent additive DIO and ethanol treatment on the performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with poly{[4,9-dihydro-4,4,9,9-tetra(4-hexylbenzyl)-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b′]-dithiophene-2,7-diyl]-alt-[2,3-bis(3-(octyloxy)phenyl)-2,3-dihydro-quinoxaline-2,2′-diyl] (PIDTDTQx) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) as the active layer was investigated. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) was decreased from 4.57% to 1.96% by adding 4 vol% DIO solvent additive for the active layer processed with 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) as solvent. The negative effect of DIO on PCE from 1.94% to 1.18% of PSCs processed with chlorobenzene (CB) as solvent was further demonstrated. The PCE values of PSCs with DIO additive can be effectively increased from 1.96% to 3.71% for DCB as solvent and from 1.18% to 1.89% for CB as solvent by ethanol treatment on the active layer. The crystalline and morphology of active layers play the key role in determining the performance of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) with different anode buffer layers were fabricated to investigate dipole-assisted hole extraction on the performance improvement of PSCs. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs was increased from 4.77% to 6.18% with 29.6% improvement due to the increased short circuit current density ( J sc ) from 12.00 to 15.65 mA/cm 2 induced by the oriented LiF dipole-assisted hole extraction. More hole could be swept-out from the active layers by oriented LiF dipole/PEDOT:PSS combined anode buffer layers. The dipole-assisted hole extraction could be further demonstrated from the J – V curves of hole-only devices with different anode buffer layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exciplex system is expected to be able to address the serious efficiency roll-offs that restrict the organic light-emitting devices(OLEDs) further developments. A novel exciplex system is achieved with high efficiencies and reported the effects with different donor/acceptor ratios. The exciplex system is formed by the donor of 4,4′-cyclohexylidenebis[ N , N -bis(p -tolyl)aniline] (TAPC) and the acceptor of 1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(3-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)phenyl)indeno- [2,1-b]carbazole (DMIC-TRZ). The exciplex devices achieve a maximum current efficiency of 25.12 cd/A by adjusting the ratio of donor and acceptor systematically. To further explore the roll-offs reducing from the exciplex system, the orange phosphorescent OLED is fabricated by employing the exciplex system realizing a maximum current efficiency(CE) of 61.15 cd/A, and the roll-off of just 0.13% from the maximum CE to the CE at 1000 cd/m2. The exceedingly low roll-off in orange PHOLEDs is attributed to the effective energy transfer processes and the extremely balanced charge-transporting abilities. [Display omitted] • The novel exciplex system achieves the maximum current efficiency of 25.12 cd/A when the donor/acceptor ratio is 1:6. • The exciplex system could greatly realize balanced charge carriers transport and efficienct RISC process. • The final orange PHOLED has the maximum current efficiency of 61.15 cd/A, and the roll-off is 0.13% at 1000 cd/m2. • The high-efficiency PHOLEDs with ultra-low roll-off is attributed to the efficienct Förster energy transfer mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, droplet size and velocity of an intermittent air-assisted n-octane spray were measured using a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer, focusing on the effect of operating parameters on time-resolved droplet behavior and local gas flow characteristics. An electro-magnetically actuated air-assisted injector, which features internal gas-liquid premixing upstream and releasing through an annular nozzle, was used to generate intermittent sprays. The sampling time equalization method is employed to examine the time-resolved spray microscopic characteristics with various injection control parameters and spatial sampling positions. The droplet diameter range is found to be generally independent of air injection duration and sampling time while droplet velocity is correlated with these two parameters. A large air injection duration tends to accelerate droplets in the late spray period and leads to an increasing normalized gas flow velocity. Estimation of local gas flow turbulence intensity indicates a prominent radial sampling position dependence due to the rapid attenuation of the gas flow velocity away from the spray axis. A noteworthy finding for this intermittent air-assisted spray is that at 30 mm from the nozzle outlet, the zero point of droplet-gas mean slip velocity shifts toward the nozzle with sampling time. The time bin size employed to divide the sampling time has been proved to exert no influence on the statistical results of transient spray microscopic characteristics. • Microscopic characteristics of an intermittent air-assisted spray were investigated. • Droplet statistics were characterized based on a joint probability density function. • Increased air injection duration cause droplet acceleration in the late spray stage. • Zero-point of droplet-gas mean slip velocity shifts to nozzle with injection time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mass load ratio shows a significant impact on droplet transport characteristics of gas-liquid two-phase jets. • The droplets with a diameter less than 5 μm follow the gas flow faithfully and can be used to estimate the local gas flow velocity. • The equilibrium position of droplet breakup and coalescence in the gas-liquid jet is calculated and found to be quite close to the nozzle exit. • Droplet collision outcomes and the possibility of various outcomes based on previous studies are quantified. Atomization and droplet dynamics of a gas-liquid two-phase jet were investigated experimentally, with the particular interest in the influence of mass loading ratio (the ratio of droplet mass flow rate to the carrier-phase mass flow rate, ranging from 0.60 to 3.23) on the jet atomization. Droplet size and velocity at selected positions were obtained by employing Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA), combined with backlit illumination for spray visualization. Droplet transport characteristics are substantially influenced by the mass load ratio. Characterization of the local gas flow velocity by using droplets smaller than 5 μ m reveals a highly turbulent jet with Reynolds number exceeding 5 × 10 4 , implying the possibility of droplet turbulent breakup. Critical equilibrium location x c r i t between droplet breakup and coalescence is close to the nozzle exit and a positive correlation is found between mass loading ratio and x c r i t. Exaltation of mass loading ratio increases the droplet size and decreases the velocity. Quantification of droplet collision outcome indicates a relatively high probability of coalescence, which explicates the downstream increasing of measured droplet Sauter mean diameter along the centerline of far-field jet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The PCE of PSCs based on PBDTTT-C was increased to 5.35%, with 80% improvement by adding DIO. [•] The effect of DIO was investigated from the device physics researches. [•] The improvement of PCE is attributed to the improved hole transport and optical field strength in the active layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Sevoflurane could induce amnesia and inhibit hippocampal Arc expression after fear conditioning. [•] The effects could be reversed by BLA infusion of SB269970 and exacerbated by AS-19. [•] Sevoflurane might not induce neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Summary innovated and efficient light out-coupling technology. [•] Novel transparent conducting electrodes for flexible OLEDs. [•] Ideas for improving white emission OLEDs performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of solution-processed small molecular solar cells (SMSCs) were fabricated with 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl] (DIB-SQ) and [6,6]-phenyl-C-71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the active layer. The cells with MoO3 as anode interfacial layer and LiF as cathode interfacial layer have the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) 2.68%, with short circuit density (J sc ) of 8.2mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (V oc ) of 0.9V and fill factor (FF) of 36.3% under 100mW/cm2 illumination intensity. The key parameters, including J sc V oc , and FF of cells with MoO3 as anode interfacial layer and LiF as cathode interfacial layer, are improved about 54.7%, 26.9%, and 23.5% compared with these of cells using PEDOT:PSS as anode interfacial layer and LiF as cathode interfacial layer. The underlying reasons are mainly attributed to the effect of MoO3 layer on charge carrier collection and morphology of active layer. The effect of illumination intensity on the performance of cells was also discussed in detailed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs), based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM), were improved by adding poly[(4,8-bis-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′](dithiophene)-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2-ethylhexanoyl)-thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)-2,6-diyl] (PBDTTT-C). The absorption region of the ternary blend films is extended into near infrared region (NIR). Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the ternary blend PSCs is improved to 2.48% with 6% PBDTTT-C, which is 27% higher than the binary blend PSCs. The dominant mechanism for the PCE improvement could be attributed to the well balance between photon harvest and charge carrier transport by doping proper concentration PBDTTT-C. The energy transfer or charge carrier transfer directly between P3HT and PBDTTT-C was investigated, which are found to be positive for the performance improvement of ternary blend PSCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low dose sevoflurane is demonstrated to have neuronal excitatory effects in the central nervous system. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton protein (Arc) can be rapidly expressed in the hippocampus for the modulation of synaptic plasticity. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is also involved in learning and memory by mediating signals and modifications. This study aims at exploring the mechanism of sevoflurane on memory by connecting the ERK pathway, Arc and inhibitory avoidance (IA) behavioral training. SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups (sham, 0.11 and 0.3 % SEV). Anesthesia was given by target dose of sevoflurane for 45 min and IA (0.4 mA, 2 s) was conducted on every subject immediately after inhalation. The memory retention latency was observed 24 h after. Another serial of rats were sacrificed for Western-blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination of hippocampal tissue after first IA. 24 h IA performance was compared among groups. The 0.11 % SEV group displayed an elevation of memory retention, while the 0.3 % SEV group had decreased memory retention, both showed statistical differences from the sham (air) group. PCR analysis of Arc mRNA levels showed that subanesthetic doses of sevoflurane did not change Arc transcription levels between groups. However, 0.11 % sevoflurane significantly increased Arc protein in the hippocampus, while 0.3 % sevoflurane reversed this (* P < 0.05, compared with the sham group). There was no difference in total ERK between groups. Expression of phosphorylated ERK was significantly increased upon exposure to sevoflurane in a does dependant manner. ERK was down-regulated with hippocampal ARC expression in sevoflurane induced bidirectional regulation of memory, potentially at a translational level of modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) have attracted more and more attention due to its highly potential application to solve the energy crisis considering its advantages, such as low cost and ease of large area production. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OPVs has undergone a more than nine-fold increase from ∼1.0% by Tang in 1986 to 9.2% in 2010 announced by Mitsubishi Chemical. The major challenges of obtaining high efficiency OPVs are the synthesis of new narrow band gap materials, controlling molecular arrangement, designing novel configuration cells for better photon harvesting in the active layer. In the article, we summarized the recent progress of novel narrow band gap photovoltaic materials and the effective methods to control the morphology of donor and acceptor in the blend films for high performance of OPVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A prototype of hydraulic free piston engine has been developed to achieve efficient energy conversion directly from chemical energy of fuel to hydraulic energy. In stable running condition, in order to verify the features of this kind of engine, the piston dynamics, combustion process and hydraulic characteristics are investigated through series of tests of the prototype. The experimental results show that the majority of fuel burns in the rapid combustion phase which is due to the high piston velocity in the final part of the compression stroke. The combustion is characterized by a constant volume process. Furthermore, the indicated thermal efficiency and the indicated mean effective pressure of the prototype presented in this study are 41% and 5.2bar respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main advantages of air-assisted spray are its high-quality atomization at low injection pressures and insensitivity to the viscosity of atomized liquid. In this study, the droplet size and velocity of a low-pressure intermittent air-assisted spray were studied by using phase Doppler anemometry, and the effects of liquid fuel injection duration on time-resolved spray microscopic characteristics and spray unsteadiness were analyzed. Droplet size-velocity joint probability density functions were employed to characterize the droplet diameter-velocity distribution as well as the probability range. A comparison of the droplet Weber number with an empirical critical value indicates that atomized droplets hardly undergo secondary shear breakup. Based on the ideal spray theory of Edwards and Marx, an improved algorithm is proposed with the concept of iterative rejection of inter-particle arrival times to quantify the unsteadiness of air-assisted sprays by eliminating the dependence of the calculation results on droplet sampling data. The results show that intermittent air-assisted spray is an inherently unsteady process that can be influenced by fuel injection duration and spatial location, while independent of the droplet size. In addition, the spray unsteadiness exhibits noteworthy variations at different spray stages segmented by droplet velocity vs time. The relation between the potential internal gas–liquid two-phase status determined by fuel injection duration and the spray performance is elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inverted polymer solar cells (IPSCs) were fabricated with cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) modified indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates as the electrode and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) modified Al as the anode. The Cs2CO3 dissolved in 2-ethoxyethanol was spin-coated on ITO substrates, showing snowflake-like morphology characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The absorption, X-ray diffraction as well as the morphology of the active layer were measured before and after annealing treatment. The IPSCs with annealing treatments on the active layers and MoO3 layers exhibited the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching to 2%, with open circuit voltage (V oc ) of 0.57V, short circuit current density (J sc ) of 8.8mA/cm2 and fill factor (FF) of 38.7%. The performance of IPSCs was dramatically decreased by annealing treatment after the deposition of Al cathode, which may be due to the diffusion of Al atom crossing the MoO3 layer forming new channels for charge carrier collection. However, the new channels are not beneficial to the charge carrier collection, which is demonstrated from that the J sc of IPSCs was evidently decreased from 8.8 to 4.6mA/cm2 by annealing treatment after deposition Al layer. The annealing treatment after deposition of MoO3 could improve the interfacial contact to aid in electron extraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two series of P3HT-based polymer solar cell (PSCs) only with different electron acceptors PC70BM or PC60BM were investigated under the same conditions. The PSCs with PC70BM as the electron acceptor exhibit a relatively strong and broad absorption in the visible range and high external quantum efficiency, which results in a relatively high open circuit voltage (V oc ) of 0.62V, short circuit current density (J sc ) of 11.85mA/cm2 and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.52%. The PSCs with PC60BM as the electron acceptor have a relatively low V oc of 0.58V, J sc of 10.68mA/cm2 and PCE of 3.02% due to the weak absorption of PC60BM in the visible light range. The function of PC70BM instead of PC60BM as electron acceptor could be summarized as follows: i) the strong absorption PC70BM in the visible range results in much more photon harvesting; ii) the relatively low electron mobility and relatively big size of PC70BM molecule influences the charge transporting and phase separation. The ultimate performances of PSCs are codetermined by the photon harvesting, exciton dissociation, charge carrier transport and collection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of clonidine on bilateral pain behaviors and inflammatory responses in neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), and to better understand whether the antinociception of clonidine was related to α2-adrenoceptor mechanisms. Rats were divided randomly into five groups: sham-operation with saline, i.p.; PSNL with clonidine (0.2mg/kg) or saline, i.p.; PSNL with yohimbine (2mg/kg) followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p.; and PSNL with naloxone (0.3mg/kg) followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p. On post-operative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21, both ipsilateral and contralateral pain behaviors were measured. In rats receiving antagonists, bilateral behavioral changes were measured on day 14. Bilateral paw pressure threshold and paw withdrawal latencies were measured, and the extent of glial activation was dertermined by measuring macrophage antigen complex-1 (Mac-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 were determined. PSNL induced bilateral behavioral hyperalgesia, with the ipsilateral level displaying a higher extent of behavior changes than the contralateral side. In addition, the glial activation markers and cytokine production were augmented bilaterally. Clonidine caused significant attenuation of bilateral mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by inhibition of glial activation and the expression of cytokines. The effects of clonidine were blocked by the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine and partially reversed by the μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These data suggest that the bilateral antinoceptive effects of clonidine might mediate through immunomodulation by acting on α2-adrenoceptor in rats undergoing neuropathic pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In poly(3-hexylthiophene) mixed with phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester heterojunction polymer solar cells, organic small molecular pentacene was introduced as the interfacial layer between PEDOT:PSS coated ITO substrates and polymer layer. It is found that the short circuit current density and power conversion efficiency were distinctly improved due to the introduction of the nanostructural pentacene interlayer. The nearly 100% power conversion efficiency improvement was obtained on the cells with a 4nm pentacene interlayer, which benefits from the increased short circuit current from 2.34mA/cm2 to 5.76mA/cm2. The morphology of different thicknesses of pentacene thin films was observed by atomic force microscopy. The effect of pentacene interlayer''s thickness on the distribution of light in the active layer was simulated by using a transfer matrix mode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/(6,6)-phenyl C60 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk hetero-junction polymer solar cells were fabricated with different iodine (I2) doping concentrations. The short circuit current density (Jsc ) was increased to 8.7mA/cm2 from 4mA/cm2, meanwhile the open circuit voltage (Voc ) was decreased to 0.52V from 0.63V when the iodine doping concentration is 5%. The optimized power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with iodine doping is about 1.51%, which should be attributed to the better charge carrier transport and collection, and the more photon harvesting due to the red shift of absorption peaks and the widened absorption range to the longer wavelength. The morphology and phase separation of polymer thin films were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The phase separation of P3HT and PCBM has been distinctly increased, which is beneficial to the exciton dissociation. The photocurrent density of PSCs with iodine doping was increased compared with the PSCs without iodine doping under the same effective voltage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent years, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of normal configuration organic solar cells (OSCs) has obtained rapid progress to reach more than 6% under standard illumination, which is reasonable value for the commercial criterion. More and more research attention has been paid on the stability and lifetime of OSCs. A novel structural OSCs with high work function metal or metal oxide as the top electrode and low work function metal as the bottom anode is proposed and named as inverted configuration OSCs. The inverted configuration OSCs with high work function metal as top cathode could improve OSCs''s lifetime, i.e., protecting cells from the damage by oxygen and moisture in air. Furthermore, the inverted configuration OSCs is the appealing alternative to the conventional regular structure due to the inherent vertical phase separation in the polymer active layers and high stability or long device lifetime. The inverted configuration OSCs have not only achieved an impressive PCE of 4.4%, but also exhibited an exceptional device lifetime without encapsulation. In this review article, the recent developments and vital researches on the inverted configuration OSCs are summarized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The luminescence processes of metal complexes are complicated by intramolecular charge (energy) transfer from the metal to the ligand or from the ligand to the metal. The charge transfer strongly influences the excited state of the ligand and its luminescence characteristics. The luminescence characteristics of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) gallium (Gaq3) are investigated to reveal the effect of the metal ion on the ligand. Emission from the complexes shows a significant red shift as the size of the metal ion increases from Al to Ga because of more efficient charge transfer from the metal to the ligand. Theoretical calculations on the structure and transition characteristics of the excited states of Alq3 and Gaq3 were performed. The calculated emission wavelength agrees with the experimental value and the effect of the metal electron cloud on the emission wavelength is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wide band gap semiconductor zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocolumn arrays were prepared on the glass side of ITO substrates by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technology. The SEM images show the formation of ZnS nanocolumn arrays when the glancing angle was set to 80°; however, continuous ZnS thin films were fabricated under normal deposition (0°). The XRD spectra of the films show that the most intensive diffraction peak changed from (220) to (111) when the incidence angle was set to 0° and 80°. The transmitting ability of ITO substrate coated with ZnS nanocolumn arrays was enhanced compared with continuous ZnS thin films coated ITO substrate and bare ITO substrate in the visible range. Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) were simultaneously fabricated on these three kinds of substrates. The electroluminescence (EL) intensity of OLEDs based on the ITO substrate coated with ZnS nanocolumn arrays was about 1.3 times bigger than that of devices based on the other substrates (continuous ZnS film coated ITO substrates and bare ITO substrates) under the same driving voltage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: During sepsis, the dysfunction of blood–brain barrier (BBB) was mediated by inflammation and subsequently caused sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES, 130/0.4) is most widely used for volume replacement to maintain or improve tissue perfusion in patients with sepsis, trauma, and shock. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of HES on BBB permeability, brain edema, inflammatory response and clinical outcome in septic rats. Methods: Using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with 15ml/kg HES or normal saline 4h after the operation. Two hours later, expressions of brain toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR4 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 mRNA was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay; BBB permeability by Evans blue extravasation method; brain edema by wet/dry weight ratio. Weight loss, and clinical symptoms were also observed. Results: Without obvious influence on systemic macrohemodynamics, HES could markedly attenuate BBB dysfunction and brain edema. Meanwhile, HES could significantly reduce TNF-α, IL-6, and ICAM-1 mRNA, inhibit NF-κB activation, and down-regulate TLR2 and TLR4 expression in the brain. In addition, CLP-induced increase in weight loss, and clinical symptoms was not reduced after treatment with HES. Conclusions: HES could ameliorate BBB dysfunction and inflammation mediators by modulating brain TLR2 and TLR4 expression during sepsis. However, HES could not improve clinical outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Central neuroimmune activation contributes to the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain after nerve injury. The current study was aimed to examine the modulation of neuroimmune activation in the spinal cord by the α 2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). Animals were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham-operation with 20 μg clonidine or saline; and PSNL with clonidine (5, 10, and 20 μg) or saline. Fourteen days post-operation, various doses of clonidine or saline were injected intrathecally. The paw pressure threshold and paw withdrawal latencies were measured before and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the injection of clonidine. Glial activation markers such as macrophage antigen complex-1 (mac-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, and p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the lumbar spinal cord were determined as well. Administration of clonidine resulted in a dose-dependent attenuation in PSNL-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, clonidine could markedly inhibit neuroimmune activation characterized by glial activation, production of cytokines, NF-κB activation as well as p38 activation. The antihyperalgesic effect of intrathecal clonidine in rats receiving PSNL might partly attribute to the inhibition of neuroimmune activation associated with the maintenance of neuropathic pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pentacene (C22H14) thin films with different thicknesses were fabricated to study the dynamic growth process and morphology of pentacene on different substrates. A discontinuous monomolecular layer was observed when a pentacene thin film is about 0.5 nm thick on native oxide silicon wafer. The terraced islands and dendritic structure gradually formed with increasing pentacene thin film thickness. The height of each layer is about 1.4 nm which corresponds well with the length of the long axis of the pentacene molecule at 1.45 nm. Experimental results show that the pentacene molecule is perpendicular to the silicon wafer surface with a slight tilted angle. However, the pentacene molecular orientation on a polymer pre-covered indium tin oxide coated substrate could not give any indication on the scale of nanometers. The surface roughness of substrates strongly influences pentacene molecular diffusion and the morphology of pentacene thin films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three kinds of organic light emitting diodes with tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) as emitting layers were fabricated. It was found that the current efficiency (8.2cd/A) of devices with pentacene as hole transporting layer (HTL) was obtained at 10V, which was increased by a factor of 3.2 in comparison with that (2.6cd/A) of the devices with N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-1-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (NPB) as HTL. The improvement was attributed to the large hole mobility of pentacene and the increased interfacial surface area induced by its pyramid-like morphology, which result in the increase of the recombination region at the interfaces between pentacene and Alq3 layers. Investigation by atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows the surface morphology of pentacene and NPB thin films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]