Search

While obesity has been reported as a protective factor in septic patients, little is known about the potential modifying effects of age and sex. The objective of this study is to investigate age and sex-specific associations between obesity and the prognosis of septic patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 15,464 septic patients, categorized by body mass index (BMI) into four groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2, n = 483), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2, n = 4344), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2, n = 4949) and obese (≥30 kg/m2, n = 5688). Multivariable logistic regression and inverse probability weighting were employed to robustly confirm the protective effect of a higher BMI on 28-day mortality, with normal weight serving as the reference category. Subgroup analyses based on age (young: 18–39, middle-aged: 40–64 and elderly: ≥65) and sex were performed. The findings demonstrate that high BMI independently confers a protective effect against 28-day mortality in septic patients. However, the relationship between BMI and 28-day mortality exhibits a non-linear trend, with a BMI of 34.5 kg/m2 displaying the lowest odds ratio. Notably, the survival benefits associated with a high BMI were not observed in the young group. Moreover, being underweight emerges as an independent risk factor for middle-aged and elderly female patients, while in males it is only a risk factor in the elderly group. Interestingly, being overweight and obese were identified as independent protective factors in middle-aged and elderly male patients, but not in females. The effect of BMI on mortality in septic patients varies according to age and sex. Elderly individuals with sepsis may derive more prognostic benefits from obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Score (GIDS) was developed for use with critically ill patients. This study evaluated the association of GIDS with disease severity and clinical outcomes to assess the technical feasibility of using GIDS to reflect the severity and short-term prognosis of critically ill patients. Association between Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Score (GIDS) and disease severity and prognosis in critically ill patients: A prospective, observational study. This was a prospective observational study involving adult patients in two Intensive Care Units (ICUs). During the first seven days of ICU admission, GIDS, acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were assessed daily. A total of 276 patients from two centers were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into GIDS 0–1 (121, 43.8%) and GIDS 2–4 (155, 56.2%). The ICU length of stay and 28-day mortality in the GIDS 2–4 group were significantly higher than the GIDS 0–1 group (P = 0.032, P = 0.001, respectively). The APACHE II and SOFA scores in the GIDS 2–4 group were also significantly higher (P < 0.001). The ROC curves of GIDS, AGI, APACHE II, and SOFA scores on the first day of ICU admission for the prediction of 28-day mortality showed that the AUC of GIDS was 0.702 (95%CI 0.628, 0.775; P < 0.001). The AUC for GIDS + SOFA was 0.719 (95%CI 0.648, 0.790; P < 0.001), compared with SOFA alone (AUC = 0.703), showing improved predictive power for 28-day mortality. GIDS represents a step toward a reliable clinical tool for GI dysfunction to assess disease severity and short-term prognosis in critically ill patients. In addition, combining GIDS with SOFA score may better predict mortality risk compared to SOFA score alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the cation field strength (CFS) of the glass network-modifier cations on the structure and properties of borosilicate glasses (BS) were examined for a large ensemble of mixed-cation (R /2) M (2) O–(R /2)Na 2 O–B 2 O 3 – K SiO 2 glasses with M + ={Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+} and M 2+ ={Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+} from four series of { K , R } combinations of K = n (SiO 2)/ n (B 2 O 3) = {2.0, 4.0} and R =[ n (M (2) O) ​+ ​ n (Na 2 O)]/ n (B 2 O 3) = {0.75, 2.1}. Combined with results from La3+ bearing glasses enabled the probing of physical-property variations across a wide CFS range, encompassing the glass transition temperature (T g), density, molar volume and compactness, as well as the hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E). We discuss the inferred composition–structure/CFS–property relationships. Each of T g , H , and E revealed a non-linear dependence against the CFS and a strong T g / H correlation, where each property is maximized for the largest alkaline-earth metal cations, i.e., Sr2+ and Ba2+, along with the high-CFS La3+ species. The 11B MAS NMR-derived fractional BO 4 populations decreased linearly with the average M z +/Na+ CFS within both K –0.75 glass branches, whereas the NBO-rich K –2.1 glasses manifested more complex trends. Comparisons with results from RM 2 O–B 2 O 3 – K SiO 2 glasses suggested no significant "mixed alkali effect". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pythium species are devasting pathogens causing major crop losses, e.g., damping-off in sugar beet caused by Pythium ultimum and root-rot of tomato caused by Pythium aphanidermatum. The use of natural antagonistic microorganisms is a promising environment-friendly approach to control Pythium -caused plant diseases. There are several examples of biocontrol of diseases caused by Pythium species but the application of bioeffectors (biological control agents) is limited for various reasons, including the restricted amount of gene-modification based biotechnological progress. The regulations in many countries prevent genetically modified bioeffectors from being routinely deployed in field conditions. Our two connected aims in this review are (1) to compile and assess achievements in genetic modification of bioeffectors which have been tested for parasitism or antagonism towards a Pythium plant pathogen or biocontrol of a plant disease caused by a Pythium species, and (2) discuss how a better performing bioeffector could be engineered to improve biocontrol of Pythium -caused plant diseases. We focus on the role of seven key mechanisms: cellulases, carbon catabolite de-repression, glycosylation, reactive oxygen species, chitin re-modelling, proteases, and toxic secondary metabolites. Genetic modifications of bioeffectors include gene deletion and overexpression, as well as the replacement of promoter elements to tune the gene expression to the presence of the pathogen. Gene-modifications are limited to fungal and bacterial bioeffectors due to the difficulty of gene modification in oomycete bioeffectors such as Pythium oligandrum. We assess how previous gene modifications could be combined and what other gene modification techniques could be introduced to make improved bioeffectors for Pythium -caused plant diseases. The broad host-range of Pythium spp. suggests engineering improved antagonistic traits of a bioeffector could be more effective than engineering plant-mediated traits i.e. , engineer a bioeffector to antagonise a plant pathogen in common with multiple plant hosts rather than prime each unique plant host. • Bioeffectors of Pythium -caused diseases reviewed in an ecological context. • Seven important mechanisms of biocontrol of Pythium -caused diseases reviewed. • Mechanisms include offensive e.g., cellulases and defensive e.g., wall remodeling. • Several potential routes to stack these mechanisms to engineer a super-bioeffector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, TiN, TiN-Ag and TiN-Cu coatings were prepared by multi-arc ion plating. TiO 2 nanotube arrays were constructed on the coatings by anodization reaction at room temperature. Building TiO 2 nanotube arrays on the coating can retain the performance of the hard coating itself and reduce the process of destroying the structure of the TiO 2 nanotubes. Non-metallic N doping and co-doping of metallic Ag, Cu and non-metallic N make the nanotubes catalyzed by visible light. The specific surface area of TiO 2 by changed the anodizing voltage. The results show that the anodic oxidation voltage is 15V and Cu, N co-doped TiO 2 photocatalytic degradation performance is the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological performances of Cr/GLC film coupling with Si 3 N 4 , SiC, WC, Al 2 O 3 and ZrO 2 were comparatively studied in seawater. Results indicated that the Cr/GLC film coupling with different ceramic counterparts exhibited different friction behaviors, which was closely related to the mechanical performances of mating ceramics. Meanwhile, the tribo-chemical products between the Cr/GLC film and ceramics also played an important role in improving the tribological performances. Friction coefficient and wear rate of the Cr/GLC film sliding against Si 3 N 4 were lower than others, which indicated that the Cr/GLC film coupled to Si 3 N 4 ceramic exhibited optimum tribological performance in seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the patterns of micro-dimples with different area densities and the Cr/GLC films were fabricated by laser surface texturing and magnetron sputtering technology, respectively. The morphologies and surface chemical states of the Cr/GLC films were characterized by AFM, SEM, and XPS. The effects of dimple area density on the tribological behavior of Cr/GLC films under seawater condition were investigated by UMT-3 tribometer in a ball-on-plate reciprocating mode. The experimental results showed that the Cr/GLC film was mainly composed by Cr–C and C–C bonds. Both the friction coefficients and wear rates of the Cr/GLC films in seawater decreased with the increase of dimple area densities in the lower range, whereas, they were constant when the dimple area densities further increased. The Cr/GLC films with proper dimple area density (G3 film) were effective in enhancing the tribological properties because of the entrapment of graphitized particles and seawater in the dimples. The graphitized particles can reduce the strong adhesive interaction between contact surfaces, resulting in the low frictional shear resistance during sliding process. Furthermore, Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + in seawater will be deposited on the counterface in the form of Mg(OH) 2 and CaCO 3 , which with sludge-like matters have some lubricating effects. At the same time, the Cr/GLC films with low dimple area densities exhibited low surface roughness, which could decrease the resistance in sliding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Genes involved in tumorigenesis may be targets for cancer immunotherapy. For many tumor types, molecular signatures do not yet exist. Methods that identify novel, tissue-specific tumor-related genes therefore have potentially important implications for developing cancer immunotherapy. Here, we used cross-reactive serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression (CR-SEREX) to identify the novel testicular cancer-related gene, rat testicular antigenic protein 2 (RTAP2). We identified two RTAP2 splice variants (RTAP2a and RTAP2b) encoding 191 and 358 amino acid proteins, respectively. RTAP2a and RTAP2b proteins have identical N-termini but different C-terminal regions arising from alternative splicing of exon 4. Bioinformatics and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that the RTAP2a transcript was expressed selectively in adult testis and several tumor cell lines, while RTAP2b was ubiquitous. Our results suggest that RTAP2a may contribute to testicular development and tumorigenesis, and may be a candidate gene for cancer immunotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The recently discovered apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene has been shown to be important in determining plasma triglyceride levels, a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. We searched for possible associations of the APOA5 gene polymorphisms S19W and −1131T>C with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a Chinese population. A total of 483 Chinese CHD patients and 502 control non-CHD subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism for these 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that the minor allele 19W was observed only in CHD patients and not in controls, with allelic frequencies of 0.047 and 0.000, respectively (P < .000001), and the minor allele −1131C was significantly higher in CHD patients than in controls (0.391 vs 0.299, P < .0001). These results suggest that both the S19W and −1131T>C variations in the APOA5 gene are associated with the CHD and appear to be 2 genetic risk factors for CHD susceptibility in Chinese. Moreover, we found that triglyceride levels were significantly higher in −1131C carriers than in −1131T subjects of the control group and that high-density–lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in −1131C carriers among CHD patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Influenza viruses accounted for a large proportion of respiratory virus infection even during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Beijing. • No single symptom or laboratory finding was suggestive of a specific respiratory virus. • The epidemic history was important for screening of COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading. Here, we summarized the composition of pathogens in fever clinic patients and analyzed the characteristics of different respiratory viral infections. Retrospectively collected patients with definite etiological results using nasal and pharyngeal swabs in a fever clinic. Overall, 1860 patients were screened, and 136 patients were enrolled. 72 (52.94%) of them were diagnosed as influenza (Flu) A virus infection. 32 (23.53%) of them were diagnosed as Flu B virus infection. 18 (13.24%) and 14 (10.29%) of them were diagnosed as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, respectively. The COVID-19 group had a higher rate of contact with the epidemic area within 14 days and of clustering onset than other groups. Fever was the most common symptom in these patients. The ratio of fever to the highest temperature was higher in Flu A virus infection patients than in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had a lower white blood cell count and neutrophil count than Flu A virus and RSV infection groups, but higher lymphocyte count than Flu A and B virus infection groups. The COVID-19 group (83.33%) had a higher rate of pneumonia in chest CT scans than Flu A and B virus infection groups. Influenza viruses accounted for a large proportion of respiratory virus infection even during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Beijing. No single symptom or laboratory finding was suggestive of a specific respiratory virus; however, epidemic history was significant for the screening of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and low-cost bottom-up method for the preparation of water-soluble Carbon dots (CDs) by tuning the carbonization degree of ammonium citrate. The structure and morphology of CDs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). And the investigation on the lubricating property and inhibition effect of CDs as nanoadditives of water-based lubricants is discussed in this work. The results show that the CDs as eco-friendly nanoadditives exhibit low friction coefficient, outstanding wear-resistance and excellent inhibition effect. Image 103913 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the performance requirements in harsh marine service environment, developing coatings with excellent trbibocorrosion performance is necessary. Herein, TiSiCN/nitride duplex treatment coatings are prepared by gas nitriding and multi-arc ion plating in turn in this work. The hardness and density are enhanced by nitriding treatment. Duplex treatment coatings exhibit more excellent mechanical properties possessing the maximum hardness values (33 GPa) and exceptional load bearing capacity (88 N) compared to TiSiCN coating. Meanwhile, the effect of wear on corrosion is significant and the action of corrosion determines the total degree of synergy in tribocorrosion system. Furthermore, the friction coefficient is greatly reduced through duplex treatment coatings during tribocorrosion test due to the good resistance to the seawater and the graphitization effect produced by TiSiCN layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract CrSiN coatings with various Si contents were prepared on 304L substrate through medium frequency magnetron sputtering. Toughness, corrosion resistance and tribology property of as-prepared coatings in 0.1 M HCl solution were studied. The result showed that the toughness of CrN coating was effectively enhanced by the incorporation of proper silicon. Compared with other coatings, the CrSiN coating with high silicon proportion presented lower i corr and higher |Z| 0.01 Hz. When the silicon proportion exceeded 16.0 at.%, the inhibition efficiency was up to 99.10%. During tribology test, the COF and wear rate descended at the early stage and then ascended as the silicon proportion increased as a whole, which was ascribed to the combined action between toughness, anti-corrosion and lubrication behaviors. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The addition of proper silicon can effectively enhance the toughness of CrN coating. • When the Si/(Cr + Si) ratio exceeds to 16.0 at%, the inhibition efficiency is 99.1%. • CrSiN coating with 8.9–16.0 at% Si shows the ideal friction and wear performances. • Wear models of CrN and CrSiN coatings in 0.1 M HCl solution are summarized in paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CrCN coatings were deposited using the multi-arc ion plating with different C 2 H 2 flow rates. Microstructures, mechanical and tribological performances were systematically investigated. The results showed that the peak intensity correlated to Cr 7 C 3 crystal phase became stronger when the flow rates increased from 0 to 15 sccm, whereas, it was decreased when the C 2 H 2 flow rate increased to 30 sccm. The hardness increased to 32.5 GPa due to formation of Cr 7 C 3 phase and amorphous CN x at 10 sccm. CrCN coatings deposited at 10–15 sccm exhibited a better comprehensive performance, indicating their potential application as a protective coating for tribo-components in seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The a-C:H films with plasma-induced in-situ transition layer were fabricated on Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) substrates by continuous acetylene plasma treatment, using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. Microstructure, chemical bonding state, mechanical and tribological properties of the as-fabricated a-C:H and Cr/a-C:H films were systematically investigated. Based on these, a self-consistent in-situ growth mechanism is discussed in detail. Results show that the a-C:H films with plasma-induced in-situ transition layer endows the treated PEEK substrates high hardness, toughness and adhesion strength. In addition, the interaction of in-situ transition layer and amorphous enhanced phase show better load-bearing capacity in the scratch and tribological test. The failure mechanism of scratch test is proposed and wear mechanisms in vacuum, air and seawater environment are analyzed. Importantly, this novel plasma-induced in-situ transition layer structure is a further development of the concept of gradient coatings in its application to polymers. • An in-situ growing a-C:H film was fabricated on PEEK substrate using PECVD technique. • The formation of in-situ transition layer enhances film-substrate adhesion. • In-situ growth mechanism of a-C:H film on PEEK surface was revealed. • The a-C:H coating on PEEK exhibits the mechanical and tribological adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Juvenile COVID-19 patients had faster times to re-detectable positive (RP) results than any other age groups. • Sampling from the digestive tract may be better for identifying RP. • No marked difference in imaging changes between RP and no RP patients were observed. • Nearly three-quarters of patients had protective antibodies 6 months post-discharge. • The disappearance rate of antibodies was more rapid in juveniles than adults. Almost a year after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many hospitalized COVID-19 patients have recovered. However, little is known about the long-term follow-up (> 2 months) of discharged patients. This study enrolled 527 discharged COVID-19 patients from 05 February to 11 March 2020. Basic characteristics, imaging features, nucleic acid detection results, and antibody levels of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 527 discharged patients, 32 (6.1%) had re-detectable positive (RP) nucleic acid results for SARS-CoV-2 during follow-up examinations, with 11 and four detections entailing stool samples and anal swabs, respectively, rather than respiratory samples. Juveniles were more susceptible to "infection recurrence" than other age groups, with shorter time spans for re-detectable positive (RP) RNA tests (an average of 8.8 days [6.0–9.0 days]), while the reverse was true for the middle-aged group (17.5 days on average [14.0–17.5 days]). Similar improvements in the imaging features of both RP and no RP (NRP) groups were observed. Negative antibody detections in patients at 3 and 6 months after discharge were 14.2% and 25.0%, respectively. Cases evidencing negative antibodies were more common among juvenile patients (40% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.03) 6 months post-discharge. A total of 6.1% of 527 discharged patients showed RP status, which may be easier to be identified from stool samples than from other samples. Given the dropping rate of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, reinfection may happen, especially in juvenile patients (aged < 18 years). These findings have implications for the long-term management of recovered COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-layer and multi-layer Cr/Cr x N coatings were fabricated on 316 L stainless steel (316 L SS) substrates by the arc ion plating technique. The two-layer Cr/Cr x N coating was a typical CrN coating with an adhesive Cr layer. And the multi-layer Cr/Cr x N coating design was in two dimensions. In the first dimension, the multi-layer Cr/Cr x N coating consisted of alternative Cr/CrN layers with the thickness ratio of 1:5; in the second dimension, the alternative Cr 2 N layers with the thickness of 10 nm were inserted in CrN layers. This design was expected to increase transverse interfaces in a smaller scale. The microstructures, mechanical, corrosion and tribocorrosion performances of both Cr/Cr x N coatings were systematically investigated. The results showed that the special multi-layer design of Cr/Cr x N coatings improved mechanical, anti-corrosion and anti -tribocorrosion performances. Compared with the two-layer Cr/Cr x N coating, the reduced tribocorrosion damage of the muti-layer Cr/Cr x N coating was closely related to the inhibited synergistic effect between electrochemical corrosion and mechanical wear. In conclusion, the multi-layer Cr/Cr x N coating was more suitable to work as the surface protective coating than the two-layer Cr/Cr x N coating in seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A waterborne epoxy composite coating integrating barrier/inhibition property was achieved. • h-BN nanosheets took a positive barrier effect on coatings' corrosive protection. • SZP molecules effectively inhibited the corrosive process. • The synergistic effects provided by h-BN nanosheets and SZP molecules were confirmed by EIS and LEIS methods. Herein, we employed the impermeability of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets and the inhibition property of strontium zinc phosphate (SZP) corrosion inhibitor to prepare h-BN/SZP waterborne epoxy composite coatings and explored their corrosion protection performance while immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. On the basis of lip-lip interaction between hexagonal boron nitride, the h-BN nanosheets were exfoliated to a few layers and functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The anti-corrosion performance of the as-prepared waterborne epoxy composite coatings applied on mild steels was evaluated using potential and impedance measurements, fitted pore (pinhole) resistance and salt spray. The corrosion products and the localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) analysis of the synthesized (Fh-BN, SZP)/EP coating suggested that the superior corrosion resistance of the coated mild steel was attributed to a synergetic effect between physical barrier role of h-BN and inhibition of SZP. Our strategy provides a new protection method in coatings for metallic substrates and will ameliorate the basic research and industrial applications of h-BN nanosheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biomimetic texture could widen the application of titanium alloys materials in biological fields. In this work, the electrochemical corrosion and unidirectional tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V substrate textured with three types of bionic hierarchical morphologies in the modified simulated body fluids (m -SBF) have been evaluated. The experimental results reveal that the corrosion resistance of textured surfaces is improved by reducing the β phase /α phase volume ratio on the substrate and increasing the texture density. Moreover, the effect of friction-reducing of 79% and friction-increasing of 47% in unidirectional sliding can be easily tuned with laser processing parameters. Interestingly, the textured surface displays anisotropic tribological behaviour in m -SBF solution, with reducing friction along the stacked ring direction and increasing friction in other directions. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights ● Three types of bionic hierarchical morphologies on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrates were fabricated using laser surface texturing. ● The effect of friction-reducing and friction-increasing in unidirectional sliding is easily achieved by tuning the laser processing parameters. ● The corrosion resistance of textured surfaces is improved by reducing the β phase /α phase volume ratio of the grain and increasing the texturing density. ● The mechanism of anisotropic tribological behaviour on textured Ti-6Al-4V surface is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have attracted extensive attention in light of their excellent characteristic that inherits the advantages of high-concentration counterparts and minimize their shortcomings. However, the fundamental mechanisms of nano-heterogeneity influencing the LHCE properties are still not well understood. Herein, a systematic comparison combining theoretical and experimental methods is performed to clarify the fundamental correlation between electrolyte microstructure and properties. The unique microstructure in the LHCE of high-concentration clusters surrounded by a nonsolvating diluent enables the hopping diffusion of Li+ through the anion ligand layers, which is responsible for the high transference number and fast diffusion of Li+. In addition, the anion coordinated with multiple Li+ undergoes defluorination reactions and contributes, with the diluent decomposition, to the formation of a stable and robust "LiF-rich" solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the Li metal, which is responsible for the enhanced cycling stability. These fundamental insights highlight the correlation of microstructural and dynamic heterogeneities of electrolytes with SEI formation, which should be considered in the rational design of next-generation improved electrolytes. [Display omitted] • Heterogeneous clusters in the LHCE enabled favorable Li + hopping diffusion. • The Li+(FSI−) x (DMC) y cluster in a sea of dilute contributed to FSI− decomposition. • Coordinated FSI− decomposition led to compact SEI and inhibit Li dendritic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CrN and CrCN coatings were deposited by the cathodic arc ion plating technique. Microstructures, mechanical properties and tribological performances of the CrN and CrCN coatings in ambient air, distilled water and seawater were comparatively investigated. Results showed that the amorphous carbon and carbides were formed in the CrCN coating. The CrCN exhibited lower friction and wear than the CrN in these three environments. The lower friction performance of the CrCN coating was closely related to the self-lubricating amorphous carbon phase. While, the better anti-wear performance in seawater could be attributed to the superior mechanical properties, the better anti-corrosion performance and the lower friction shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible amorphous carbon (a-C) films were grown in situ on the surface of terylene substrates by continuous treatment of carbon plasma with different energies in magnetron sputtering process. The microstructure, wettability, aging properties and corrosion resistances of the as-fabricated a-C films were systematically studied. The results showed that the organic polymer carbon on the surface of substrate could transform into inorganic amorphous carbon structure induced by continuous bombardment of carbon plasma, which could be assigned as an in-situ transformation mechanism due to the injection effect of the carbon plasma. After the in-situ transformation layer, the a-C films were grown on the surface since the magnetron sputtering process could normally generate a deposition effect of carbon plasma. The flexibility of terylene substrate endowed the flexibility of the as-fabricated a-C films. The flexible a-C films could give terylene surface different colors, high hydrophobicity and good aging resistance. With the increase of the thickness of the flexible a-C film, the protective effect on the terylene surface was enhanced, which delayed the aging damage of the terylene and resulted in a more chemically stable terylene. • Flexible amorphous carbon films (a-C) were grown on terylene (PET) surface in situ. • The in-situ growth mechanism of a-C film on the surface of terylene was revealed. • The in-situ transition layer endowed the a-C films strong adhesion and flexibility. • The existence of a-C film enhanced the hydrophobicity, aging resistance and corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most studies about cognitive functions in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) have been conducted with alphabetic writing background subjects, however deficits observed might therefore potentially differ in a Chinese language environment. This study was designed to evaluate the intelligence quotient (IQ) profiles, especially the language abilities, in Chinese children with BCECTS and to investigate whether there is a relationship between clinical factors and disorders of cognitive functions. There are selective cognitive deficits in Chinese children with BCECTS, although the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient is within the normal range. There was a correlation between spike wave index (SWI) and language deficits in children with BCECTS, but the deficits are not dependent on age of onset, disease course, seizure frequency, spike location or seizure type. It is important that children with typical BCECTS undergo regular clinical investigations about language performance in order to start necessary interventions as early as possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

TiSiCN/ZrN coating and TiSiCN/ZrCN coating were prepared using multi-arc ion plating technology. In this work, the composition, mechanical properties and wear properties at elevated temperatures of both coatings were investigated. XRD results show that both coatings are composed of Ti, Zr (C, N) phases. At elevated temperatures, TiSiCN/ZrCN coating exhibits a lower friction coefficient and slightly higher wear rate compared to TiSiCN/ZrN coating. The result is that the introduction of C plays the role of lubrication and friction reduction effect, but the more content carbon leads to increased brittleness of the coating, and cracks are prone to occur and propagate under the effect of thermal and mechanical coupling, thereby causing the wear rate of the coating increased. The increased brittleness of TiSiCN/ZrCN coating is confirmed via mechanical properties. Under high temperature wear, a thin oxide layer formed on both coatings surface acts as a glaze to impede wear and it would break down to form a transfer layer under period force. At 500 °C, TiSiCN/ZrN coating and TiSiCN/ZrCN coating display the mechanisms of adhesive wear and abrasive wear, respectively. • Tribology properties of TiSiCN/Zr(C)N coatings at elevated temperatures were tested. • The thin oxide layer acts as a glaze and then forms a transfer layer to impede wear. • Increased brittleness causes the wear rate increased. • The increased brittleness of TiSiCN/ZrCN coating is confirmed via mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CrN, CrCN monolayer and CrN/CrCN multilayer coatings were fabricated on 316L stainless steel by multi-arc ion plating. • The CrN/CrCN multilayer coatings exhibited the outstanding adhesion strength and excellent tribocorrosion resistance. • The multilayer architecture design could prevent and/or slow corrosive media from reaching the substrates. Steel structures significantly degrades owing to tribology and corrosion in aggressive marine environment and is unavoidable. Chromium nitride (CrN) based coatings material has aroused great interest as one of the most promising protective system in the marine equipment or its components. In the present study, we provided insights for the tribocorrosion mechanism of CrN and CrCN monolayers as well as CrN/CrCN multilayered coatings deposited on steel substrates via a multi-arc ion method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that the design of multilayer structure could interrupt the continuous growth of columnar crystals and making the coating denser. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the CrN/CrCN multilayered coating presented a high content of graphite-like phase and hard Cr-C compounds, which might play a key role enhancing lubrication and hardness. In particular, tribocorrosion tests in artificial seawater showed that the as-deposited CrN/CrCN multilayered coating could demonstrate significant improvement of tribocorrosion resistance compared to the CrN and CrCN monolayers coatings. The corresponded mechanisms were discussed in term of the coatings microstructure and tribocorrosion behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Ti/(Cu, MoS 2)-DLC coatings with various Cu contents were prepared on stainless steel substrates by RF/DC magnetron sputtering technique. The effects of Cu content on microstructure, mechanical, tribological, anticorrosion and antifouling properties of coating were systematically investigated. Results showed that the addition of Cu could modify the composited microstructure and enhance the multi-functional protection of Ti/(Cu, MoS 2)-DLC coating. As the increase of Cu content, the surface roughness and sp2/sp3 ratio of Ti/(Cu, MoS 2)-DLC coating presented an uptrend. Meanwhile, the hardness and elastic modulus of coating gradually displayed a downtrend. Overall, the coating with 7.6 at.% Cu exhibited optimal multi-functional protective effects in marine environment, including self-lubrication, wear-resistance, anticorrosion and antifouling ability. • Multi-functional Ti/(Cu, MoS 2)-DLC coatings with different Cu content were deposited via RF/DC magnetron sputtering technique. • The surface roughness and sp2 / sp3 ratio values gradually increased with the increase of Cu content. • The tribological, anticorrosion and antifouling properties of Ti/(Cu, MoS 2)-DLC coatings could be tailored by Cu doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is an inflammatory response undergoing the complicate pathophysiological changes for host defense against pathogens. Previous studies suggested that dexmedetomidine (DEX) was served to controlling the over-reactive inflammatory effects to protect from the sepsis-induced organ failure via modulating histone methylation. However, the genome-wide changes of histone methylations upon DEX for sepsis treatment were poorly explored. The acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DEX and KDM5 (H3K4 demethylases) inhibitors were used to add additionally. H3K4me3 antibody was used to conduct the ChIP-seq assay in renal cortex tissues. We observed that the overall H3K4me3 levels were obviously declined in AKI group compared to the normal control. We further observed that the therapeutic effect of DEX was basically equal with CPI-455 and KDM5A–IN–1 but better than PBIT. The overall H3K4me3 level was reduced in AKI group compared to DEX (p = 0.008), and KDM5A–IN–1 groups (p = 0.022). The H3K4me3 enrichment of the multiple genes associated with inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, NOS2 and CCL2 increased in AKI model, but decreased upon DEX or KDM5A–IN–1 treatment. Consistently, transcription and protein levels of genes such as TLR4, MYD88, MTA1, PTGS2, CASP3 associated with NF-κB signaling pathway were all compromising after treated with DEX or KDM5A–IN–1 groups compared to AKI group. Taken together, our data determined that DEX could attenuate AKI through KDM5A inhibition in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]