Search

Strain-mediated magnetoelectric effect can be utilized as an energy-efficient approach for spin manipulation. However, over 90° magnetization rotation is still challenging in un-patterned magnetic films, as the piezo-strain driven by ferroelectric domain switching is generally uniaxial rather than unidirectional, which limits the developments of non-volatile magnetic memory and logic devices. Here we demonstrate the rotation of local magnetization with a large angle of 136° by applying strains with a shear component at a fixed magnetic field of 45 Oe in FeCoSiB/PMN-PT (011) multiferroic heterostructures, revealed by a vector-resolved quantitative magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy. Phase-field simulations confirm that the approximate 140° rotation of magnetization vectors is a consequence of the shear strain associated with ferroelectric/ferroelastic switching of PMN-PT (011) substrates. The visualization of over 90° magnetization rotation induced by the strain with a shear component paves the way for deterministic magnetization switching that has important implications in the energy-efficient spintronic devices. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the volume of research on intercultural competence (ICC) increases greatly in the past twenty years, a systematic review of the diverse literature and its development process becomes essential. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis for the knowledge domain of intercultural competence by using 663 research articles on ICC spanning from 2000 to 2018 in Web of Science (WoS) database. Knowledge maps of ICC research were visualized by CiteSpace. The research findings show that in the field of ICC research, the number of published articles shows an ostensible upward trend in terms of temporal distribution since 2007; the first five highly cited countries are USA, China, Australia, Spain, and UK; International Journal of Intercultural Relations (IJIR) is found to be the most highly cited journal within the past twenty years; the first five highly cited authors are Michael Byram, Darla Deardorff, Claire Kramsch, Mitchell Hammer and Milton Bennett; Conceptualizing intercultural competence (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009) is the most highly cited article; Blog entries, medical student, academic expatriate, and global management competencies are found to be top four ICC research hotspots. These findings provide considerable insights into research trend, topics, journals, authors and hotspots concerning ICC from the diachronic perspective. Visualization study of the ICC literature by formulating a graphical and explicit approach might be beneficial for researchers and scholars to track the development of ICC research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to develop a brief scale for measuring cross-cultural adaptation of international students in China and to explore the main pathways to promoting their cross-cultural adaptation. Based on Kim's structural model of cross-cultural adaptation, this study examined a series of reliability and validity analyses and constructed a structural equation model for exploring the main pathways of cross-cultural adaptation. The findings reveal that the revised scale is reliable and valid for measuring international students' cross-cultural adaptation. Moreover, the findings also suggest that there exist four main pathways (host communication competence, host social communication, intercultural transformation basic, intercultural transformation advanced) that are essential for the development of international students' cross-cultural adaptation, and the interlocking bilateral relationships among these pathways are significant and positive. This study provides insightful theoretical foundation for investigating international students' cross-cultural adaptation in non-western contexts and the compelling empirical support on the structural model of cross-cultural adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar domain walls in centrosymmetric ferroelastics (e.g., BiVO 4 films) give rise to inhomogeneity and offer promises for solar energy conversion applications via expediting charge-carrier separation. However, the origin of polar domain walls and the relationship between them and spontaneous strain from structural phase transition remain elusive at the mesoscale in BiVO 4 films. Here, from the perspective of phenomenological thermodynamics, the relationship between four variants of monoclinic (M) phase and the corresponding lattice parameters during the tetragonal-monoclinic (T-M) phase transition is revealed. Using phase-field simulations, it suggests that the formation of four variants of ferroelastic twin domains arises from spontaneous strain from T-M phase transition. Moreover, it is demonstrated that (i) polar domain walls in BiVO 4 films originate from the flexoelectric effect induced by strain gradient across the domain walls during phase transition process; (ii) shear strain gradient dominates the contribution to the polarization vectors at the domain walls; (iii) 180° head-to-head or tail-to-tail in-plane polarization configurations emerge at the adjacent domain walls. The stability of several types of ferroelastic domain walls is also analyzed from the point of view of total free energy. These results not only provide a fundamental understanding of the origin of polar domain walls and the formation mechanisms of ferroelastic twin patterns, but also stimulate potential applications of polar domain walls of non-polar BiVO 4 films in energy conversion. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum , a plant of the Solanaceae family with medicinal and food origins, is rich in many bioactive substances. This study examined the effects of Lycium barbarum pulp (LBP) on the gluten structure, starch digestibility, and compound noodle quality. The addition of LBP (typically less than 5%) could improve the performance and structure of gluten proteins. Compared with the control group, when LBP addition was 5%, T p and ΔH increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the stability of gluten protein thermal increased. At this time, LBP also had a certain reduction effect on the surface hydrophobicity (from 0% to 5%), and the concentration of free thiol group increased from 1.93 μmol/g to 4.19 μmol/g. In addition, the LBP addition improved the gluten structure resulting in favorable texture, stretchability, cooking properties, and flavor of noodles. The hardness and recovery significantly increased by about 25.97% and 11% (p < 0.05), and the cooking yield and cooking loss also changed significantly (p < 0.05). More than 5% of an addition was reported to exhibit detrimental effects. The addition of LBP greatly reduced the in vitro starch digestibility and the expected glycemic index (p < 0.05). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis showed that the bioactive components of LBP can mix with gluten protein, bringing the structure of noodles closer together and intensifying the cross-linking of the gluten structure. Our results indicated that gluten protein and the starch-gluten composite system were overall improved by LBP addition, while the starch digestibility was lowered. [Display omitted] • The effect of the combination of L. barbarum and wheat flour on noodles were investigated. • At the LBP addition of 5%, the noodles were of optimal quality. • The gluten protein structure was tight and solid at the 5% LBP addition. • The starch digestibility was reduced by LBP addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • WPs co-assembled with WBC to form novel hydrophilic nanocomplex. • Sodium tripolyphosphate can be used to enhanced the co-assembly structure. • The co-assembled hydrophilic nanocomplex displayed typical core–shell structure. • The nanocomplex achieved effective embedding and slow release of curcumin. Low-cost wheat by-products have been modified to become an effective delivery system for curcumin. Wheat bran cellulose (WBC) and wheat gluten proteins (WPs) were co-assembled by a pH cycle and addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Fluorescence spectroscopy and zeta-potential evidenced that the embedding of WBC into the WPs favored the formation composites a relative unfolding state. Modifying the nanocomposite with STP lowered the Dh and PDI of the co-assembled structure. The nanocomplexes had a typical core–shell structure according to TEM characterization, where proteins aggregate to form a hydrophobic core and the hydrophilic WBC and STP crosslinked to form the shell. To improve the bioavailability of curcumin, it was encapsulated in WWBCs composites by participating in their structural co-assembly. In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion experiments showed that the curcumin encapsulated in WWBCs possessed gastrointestinal slow and controlled release function, with a final release of curcumin of 77.8 ± 2.3 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes a structural equation modeling approach to construct a scale to measure Chinese college students’ intercultural contact and to explore the pathways from intercultural contact to intercultural competence and their significance. Through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, the study conducted a series of reliability and validity analyses. The results indicate that the intercultural contact scale for Chinese college students has good reliability and validity. Moreover, a path analysis with the structural equation model was performed and reveals that the pathways of intercultural contact are beneficial for improving Chinese college students’ intercultural competence. In terms of direct contact, domestic social media is the most important, whereas for indirect contact, cultural products are relatively more important than multimedia and courses. The implications for the theoretical development of intercultural contact could be significant for scholars engaged in intercultural communication as well as for planning international education training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Wheat gluten (WG) was pretreated by sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). • The pretreated WG solution was incubated with transglutaminase (TGase). • Phosphorylation pretreatment increased the TGase cross-linking degree of WG. • Phosphorylation pretreatment facilitated formation of more high molecular weight polymer aggregates. • Phosphorylation pretreatment improved rheological and gelation properties of TGase cross-linked WG. The presence of a large number of hydrophobic groups and non-polar amino acids in the wheat gluten (WG) is responsible for its poor water solubility, greatly limiting its industrial applications. Our results showed that the solubility and zeta potential of WG were significantly (P < 0.05) improved with the increasing concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), while the average particle size of WG was decreased. After WG was incubated with TGase, phosphorylation pretreatment significantly increased apparent viscosity of WG dispersant solution, suggesting that phosphorylation treatment promoted the generation of cross-linked polymers. In addition, phosphorylation pretreatment enhanced hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bond formation between TGase-induced WG gels, thus leading to a more homogeneous and dense three-dimensional network structure of gel, which was confirmed by SEM micrographs. To summarize, STP can be used as an effective additive for the modification of WG with an improved degree of TGase-mediated cross-linking for better rheological and gel properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to investigate how the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation index system and model of assessing Chinese college students’ intercultural competence are constructed based on the theories of intercultural competence and the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. In the process of model-building, the Delphi method was used to examine experts’ opinions concerning the importance of each index of measuring Chinese college students’ intercultural competence. In the application of the model, this study collected the participants’ self-reported data and the teachers’ assessments of their course performance, and the authors had the self-reported data computed in the model. The comparison of the results from the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model with those from the teachers’ assessment reveal that they are basically consistent, which suggests that the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model can be used effectively to assess Chinese college students’ intercultural competence. Thus, the model in this study provides a practical method for evaluating intercultural competence, which has pedagogical implications for internationalized talent training and curriculum design in universities and educational institutions and for college students’ understanding and improving their intercultural competence. In addition, the index system and model offer intercultural scholars a new non-Western perspective to doing research on the assessment model of intercultural competence in non-Western contexts. This study makes suggestions for further research on applying the index system and the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Spin-Hamiltonian parameters of Cr5+-doped KDP-type crystals are calculated. [•] The calculation is based on the two (CF and CT)-mechanism model. [•] The dynamic effect due to the vibrational motion of ligands is considered. [•] Local structures of (CrO4)3− clusters in Cr5+-doped KDP-type crystals are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local linear compressibilities of Cr 3+ octahedral clusters in the natural and synthetic emerald (Be 3 Al 2 Si 6 O 18 : Cr 3+ ) crystals are investigated by analyzing their pressure-induced R-line shifts. The results show that the local compressibility of Cr 3+ cluster in the synthetic emerald is slightly smaller than that in the natural emerald, suggesting that the atom arrangement of Cr 3+ impurity clusters in the synthetic emerald is slightly tighter than that in the natural one. The point is supported by the observed cubic field parameters Dq in the two emerald crystals. The local compressibilities of Cr 3+ clusters in both the natural and synthetic emeralds are also slightly different from that of the whole host beryl (Be 3 Al 2 Si 6 O 18 ) crystal. The causes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete diagonalization (of energy matrix) method founded on the two-spin–orbit-parameter model (where the contributions from both the spin–orbit parameter of central d n ion and that of ligand ions are contained) is adopted to calculate together the optical and EPR spectral data for the trigonal Cr 3+ centers in emerald crystal. The computed 18 optical and EPR spectral data (15 optical band positions and three spin-Hamiltonian parameters) with only five adjustable parameters are in rational accordance with the experimental values. The calculations indicate that the above diagonalization method is able to explain unifiedly the optical and EPR spectral data for d 3 ions in crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the increasing of mechanization of coal mining, the fine coal content in raw coal is more and more, which makes the work of dewatering difficult. The constant voltage and constant current electro-osmosis, combined with vacuum filtration were adopted to dewater the fine coal. The dewatering efficiency can be improved and the moisture of cake can be reduced when the electric field was imposed. When the initial electric field strength is less than 40 V/cm, the precipitation rate of constant voltage electro-osmosis dewatering (EOD) higher than the constant current EOD, can reach 30%. When the initial electric field higher than 40 V/cm, the Precipitation rate of constant current EOD higher than the constant voltage EOD, can reach 55%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The EPR g factors and local angular distortion of tetragonal (CrO 4 ) 3− centers in Ca 3 Ga 2 Ge 3 O 12 (CGGG):Cr 5+ garnet crystal are calculated from the high-order perturbation formulas based on the two-mechanism model. In the model, besides the contributions to g factors due to the extensively used crystal-field (CF) mechanism concerning CF excited states, those due to the charge-transfer (CT) mechanism (which is often neglected) are contained. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the observed values. The calculations indicate that the g -shifts Δ g i CT (= g i − g e , where g e ≈ 2.0023, i = // or ⊥) due to CT mechanism in sign are opposite to and in magnitude are about 30% of the corresponding Δ g i CF due to CF mechanism in CGGG:Cr 5+ crystal and so the CT mechanism cannot be omitted for a high valence state d n ion in crystals. The angular distortion of the tetragonal (CrO 4 ) 3− centers in CGGG:Cr 5+ crystal is also acquired from the calculations. The results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Super-elasticity of functional ferroelectric oxides offers promises for integrating ferroelectric films into flexible electronics. However, super-elastic deformation is a complex phenomenon related to possibly multiple concurrent mechanisms. Fundamentally understanding how multiple mechanisms contribute to the super-elasticity of ferroelectric oxides is crucial to realizing their potential flexible electronic applications. Here, we employ phase-field simulations to model the dynamics of ferroelectric domain patterns of freestanding BiFeO 3 membranes to understand the origin of their super-elasticity under substantial bending deformation (5% strain). It is demonstrated that both a reversible Rhombohedral-Tetragonal (R-T) phase transition and a nearly reversible domain evolution of BiFeO 3 membranes contribute to accommodating the large deformation and thus their super-elasticity. The dynamics of domain evolution also reveal the formation of an exotic ferroelectric vortex and polarization rotation before the phase transition. We constructed a diagram of phases and domain patterns as a function of the membrane thickness and bending angle, which allows one to readily predict the emergence of T phase and ferroelectric vortex in bent BFO membranes. These results not only provide fundamental understanding of mesoscale super-elastic mechanisms but also reveal exotic domain states of ferroelectric membranes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal field energy levels (obtained from the optical spectra) and g factors g // , g ⊥ (obtained from EPR spectra) for the Co2+ ion at the trigonal Al3+ tetrahedral site in β˝-alumina crystal are unifiedly analyzed with the full diagonalization (of energy matrix) method founded on the two-spin-orbit-parameter model (which contains the contributions from both the spin-orbit parameters of central d n ion and ligand ion via covalence effect). The results display that by applying only three adjustable parameters, the observed ten spectral data (eight crystal field energy levels and two g factors) can be rationally interpreted, confirming the availability of this full diagonalization method in the united analyses of optical and EPR data. The large impurity-generated angular distortion and hence the large trigonal distortion [which correspond to the large g-factor anisotropy and large ground state splitting Δ E (4 A 2)] of the Co2+ tetrahedral center in β˝-alumina are also gained. The outcomes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniaturizing ferroic oxides is essential for studying the fundamental physics of low-dimensional topological defects such as flux-closure vortex as well as the applications of future nanoelectronic devices. Here, we successfully synthesized self-assembled BiFeO 3 nanoislands on LaAlO 3 (001) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Center-type quad-domains are spontaneously stabilized in these nanostructures, and the polarization vectors of each quarter can be independently switched with robust retention properties over time and elevated temperature. As a result, the long-sought exotic domain structures such as anti-vertex can be created in these nanoislands by selectively switching polarization state of certain quarters. Resistive switching effect is also confirmed in quarters of the nanoisland, indicating the great potential as memory cells in high density ferroelectric random access memory. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical band positions and EPR (or spin-Hamiltonian) parameters ( g factors g // , g ⊥ and zero-field splitting D ) of Co 2+ ion in the trigonally-distorted tetrahedral Cd 2+ site of CdSe crystal are calculated simultaneously from the complete diagonalization (of energy matrix) method (CDM) based on the two-spin–orbit-parameter model. This model contains the contributions to the spectral data from both the spin–orbit parameters of central d n ion (i.e., one-spin–orbit-parameter model) in the conventional crystal-field theory and that of ligand ions via covalence effect. The calculated 12 optical band positions and three spin-Hamiltonian parameters using four adjustable parameters show reasonable agreement with the experimental values. The local atom-position parameter u loc (where the corresponding parameter u in the host CdSe crystal is unlikely) in the Co 2+ center is also estimated from the calculations. The calculations of these spectral data from the CDM based on the conventional one-spin–orbit parameter model are also made for comparison. It is found that the calculated optical band positions are also close to the experimental values, but the calculated spin-Hamiltonian parameters are in poor agreement with the observed values. So, for the unified and reasonable calculations of optical and EPR data of d n ions in crystals (in particular, in the cases of ligand with large spin–orbit parameter), the CDM based on the two-spin–orbit-parameter model should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) was obtained by the evaporation-induced self-assembly method which uses H3PO4 as catalyst and nonionic block copolymer (EO20PO70EO20, P123) as templates, respectively. Its average pore diameter, specific area and pore volume were 3.6 nm, 476.7 m²g- 1 and 0.49 cm³g- 1. The structure and performance were characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and transmission electron micrographs (TEM). The results demonstrated that using H3PO4 as catalyst is useful to prepare MBG with larger surface area and highly ordered mesopore. In vitro bioactivity test suggested that this MBG exhibited an excellent formation of hydroxyl-carbonated apatite layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric devices based on d 36 mode are remarkably stable that depolarization rarely occurs in d 36 face shear mode, because d 36 mode is completely different from d 15 thickness shear mode, where the applied electric field is perpendicular to poling direction and depolarization is ineluctable due to 90° dipole rotation. However, piezoelectric ceramics conventionally possess three piezoelectric coefficients (i.e., d 33 , d 31 , and d 15), while d 36 only exists in single crystals of specific point groups and cut directions. In this work, we propose a method to realize d 36 piezoelectric coefficient in tetragonal piezoelectric ceramics by mechanical and electric domain engineering. This method is successfully applied in bismuth scandium-lead titanate (abbreviated as BS-PT) high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics with a resultant d 36 up to 160 pC/N, which broadens the application of BS-PT ceramics, such as face shear actuator, energy harvester, transducer, etc. We find that domain engineering by transversal electric poling is preferred compared with the transversal mechanical poling, due to the simpler process, higher reliability, and higher resultant d 36 piezoelectric coefficient. By combining the Diffraction-Plane-Transformation (DPT) model with the domain engineering via transversal electric poling, we demonstrate a quantitative domain engineering method for the first time, which could be used for optimizing the piezoelectric properties by precise design of the domain structures in piezoelectric materials. d 36 piezoelectric coefficient in tetragonal piezoelectric ceramics is successfully realized by a quantitative domain engineering, demonstrating a novel method for optimizing the piezoelectric properties via precise design of the domain structures in piezoelectric materials. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cell lines are essential tools to standardize and compare experimental findings in basic and translational cancer research. The current dogma states that cancer stem cells feature an increased tumor initiation capacity and are also chemoresistant. Here, we identified and comprehensively characterized three morphologically distinct cellular subtypes in the non–small cell lung cancer cell line A549 and challenge the current cancer stem cell dogma. Subtype-specific cellular morphology is maintained during short-term culturing, resulting in the formation of holoclonal, meroclonal, and paraclonal colonies. A549 holoclone cells were characterized by an epithelial and stem-like phenotype, paraclone cells featured a mesenchymal phenotype, whereas meroclone cells were phenotypically intermediate. Cell-surface marker expression of subpopulations changed over time, indicating an active epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in vitro and in vivo. EMT has been associated with the overexpression of the immunomodulators PD-L1 and PD-L2, which were 37- and 235-fold overexpressed in para- versus holoclone cells, respectively. We found that DNA methylation is involved in epigenetic regulation of marker expression. Holoclone cells were extremely sensitive to cisplatin and radiotherapy in vitro , whereas paraclone cells were highly resistant. However, inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, whose expression is associated with an EMT, specifically targeted the otherwise highly resistant paraclone cells. Xenograft tumor formation capacity was 24- and 269-fold higher in holo- than mero- and paraclone cells, respectively. Our results show that A549 subpopulations might serve as a unique system to explore the network of stemness, cellular plasticity, tumor initiation capacity, invasive and metastatic potential, and chemo/radiotherapy resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation mechanisms of complex fracture mesh and the mechanism of activating existing natural fractures during shale fracturing are studied based on rock fracture dynamics. It is found that steering conditions should be satisfied at both the left and right ends of a natural fracture to form an intensive fracture mesh after the induced hydraulic fracture reaches the natural fracture; there exists a minimum critical pump rate (critical pump rate) to form an intensive fracture mesh. The critical pump rate increases as the inclination of the natural fracture increases and reaches a maximum value (constant) when the inclination of the natural fracture is 90°. When the inclination of the natural fracture is less than 90°, the critical pump rate first decreases and then increases as the angle between horizontal wellbore and the natural fracture increases; the critical pump rate reaches a minimum value for the natural fractures perpendicular to the wellbore. The critical pump rate increases as natural the fracture length increases and the rock elastic modulus decreases. When hydraulic fractures reopen existing natural fractures, the release of the original shear stress in the fracture surface would lead to the fracture surface slippage, which would greatly enhance the flow conductivity of the natural fracture. Very small or very large inclination of natural fracture is not conducive to fracture activation, best activating result can be reached at 30–60° inclination. Rise in elastic modulus inhibits fracture surface slippage and Poisson's ratio has little effect on fracture surface slippage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To study the clinical efficacy of modified percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of painful old osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Methods: From April 2007 to October 2009, 16 cases (23 vertebrae) of symptomic old OVCF were treated with a modified PVP. Before operation, all the patients were examined by standing anteroposterior and lateral X-Ray and MRI. The pain level of each patient was assessed before operation and 1 week, 6, 12 months after the operation using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). The middle line vertebral body height and local sagittal Cobb''s angle were also measured. Results: Postoperative average VAS, Oswestry disability index (ODI), the local sagittal Cobb''s angle decreased from 7.8, 72.3%, and 38.2° to 3.1, 26.8%, and 21.5° respectively before and after surgery (p <0.05). The mean midline vertebral height increased from 13.8mm to 26.6mm before and after surgery (p <0.05). There was no infection, nerve injury, pulmonary embolism, or death after operation. Conclusions: The modified PVP can increase the space for bone cement filling and is good for the restoration of vertebral body height. It is an optimal procedure for the treatment of painful old OVCF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Diverse states of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) are present in endometriotic lesions. • Presence of EMT is concurrent with low PR expression in endometriotic lesions. • PR expression negatively correlates with SNAI1/2 expression in endometriotic lesions. • EMT contributes to the downregulation of PR via SNAI1/2 in endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent disease, in which endometrial tissue grows in the peritoneal cavity. These lesions often express low levels of progesterone receptors (PR), which potentially play an important role in the insufficient response to progestin treatment. Here, we uncover an interconnection between the downregulated PR expression and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometriotic lesions. The majority of ectopic epithelial glands (93.1 %, n = 67/72) display heterogeneous states of EMT by immunohistochemistry staining. Interestingly, low PR expression associated with high N-cadherin expression, a hallmark of EMT. In order to gain mechanistic insights, we performed in vitro functional assays with the endometriotic epithelial cell lines EM'osis and 12Z. TGF-β-induced EMT, marked by elevations of CDH2 and SNAI1/2, led to a significant downregulation of PR gene expression in both cell lines. In contrast, silencing of SNAI1 in EM'osis and of SNAI1 plus SNAI2 in 12Z elevated PR gene expression significantly. We found that not only in vitro , but also in the epithelial component of endometriotic lesions strong expression of SNAI1/2 concurred with weak expression of PR. In summary, these results suggested the negative correlation association of the heterogeneous states of EMT and suppressed PR expression in endometriotic lesions. Our functional assays indicate that EMT contributes to the downregulation of PR expression via the upregulation of EMT-TFs, like SNAI1 and SNAI2, which may ultimately lead to progesterone resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Mg 66 Zn 28 Ca 6 amorphous alloy rods can be prepared by a copper die spray-casting process with diameter of 2 mm • The thickness of a double-layered coating was about 328 mm. • The porosity of the nHA/PCL coating can be controlled in the range of 0.5–4 μm. • The sample that were coated with intermediate HA layer and outer PCL/2%nHA composite coating has exhibited outstanding cytocompatibility. • The composite material will be completely degraded within a certain time. In this study, the double-layered nHA and PCL/nHA coatings were prepared on the substrate of Mg 66 Zn 28 Ca 6 amorphous alloy. The phase composition and morphological were analyzed by Scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical properties of these samples were measured on electrochemical workstation. The degradation rate was evaluated by measuring the pH value and weight loss. Experiment results show that the outer composite PCL/nHA coating is a porous structure, where the porosity and pore size could be easily controlled by adding nHA. The combined properties of double-layered nHA and PCL/nHA coating can control the degradation of the Mg 66 Zn 28 Ca 6 amorphous alloy in the scheduled time. Moreover,the cell co-culture and cell adhesion tests show that the double-layered nHA and PCL/2%nHA coating possesses the best cytocompatibility with cell organization. The above experiments have demonstrated that the Mg 66 Zn 28 Ca 6 amorphous alloy which was coated with PCL/nHA composite coating have good mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance and perfect cytocompatibility. It can be used as a potential novel biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]