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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are key components of tropospheric chemistry. We investigated ambient VOCs in an industrial area in Nanjing, China, between July 2018 and May 2020. The sum of the suite of measured total VOC (TVOC) concentrations was 59.8 ± 28.6 ppbv (part per billion by volume) during the investigation period. About twice the TVOC concentrations were observed in the autumn (83 ± 20 ppbv) and winter (77.5 ± 16.8 ppbv) seasons compared to those in spring (39.6 ± 13.1 ppbv) and summer (38.8 ± 10.2 ppbv). In previous studies in Nanjing, oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) and halocarbons were not measured, and the current TVOC concentration without halocarbons and OVOCs was similar to the previous investigation in the same study area. However, it was twofold higher than the one reported in the nonindustrial suburban area of Nanjing. Due to the industrial influence, the halocarbons VOC group (14.3 ± 7.3 ppbv, 24 %) was the second-largest contributor to the TVOCs after alkanes (21 ± 7 ppbv, 35 %), which is in contrast with the previous studies in Nanjing and also in almost all other regions in China. Relatively high proportions of halocarbons and aromatics were observed in autumn (25.7 % and 19.3 %, respectively) and winter (25.8 % and 17.6 %, respectively) compared to those in summer (20.4 % and 11.8 %, respectively) and spring (20.3 % and 13.6 %, respectively). According to the potential source contribution function (PSCF), short-distance transport from the surrounding industrial areas and cities was the main reason for the high VOC concentrations in the study area. According to positive matrix factorization (PMF) model results, vehicle-related emissions (33 %–48 %) contributed to the major portion of the ambient VOC concentrations. Aromatics, followed by alkenes, were the top contributors to the loss rate of OH radicals (LOH; 37 % and 32 %, respectively). According to the empirical kinetic modelling approach (EKMA) and relative incremental reactivity (RIR) analysis, the study area was in the VOC-sensitive regime for ozone (O3) formation during all measurement seasons. Therefore, alkenes and aromatics emissions from automobiles need to be decreased to reduce secondary air pollution formation in the study area.

Carbonaceous aerosols have great influence on the air quality, human health and climate change. Except for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), brown carbon (BrC) mainly originates from biomass burning as a group of OC, with strong absorption from the visible to near-ultraviolet wavelengths, and makes a considerable contribution to global warming. Large numbers of studies have reported long-term observation of OC and EC concentrations throughout the world, but studies of BrC based on long-term observations are rather limited. In this study, we established a two-wavelength method (658 and 405 nm) applied in the Sunset thermal–optical carbon analyzer. Based on a 1-year observation, we firstly investigated the characteristics, meteorological impact and transport process of OC and EC. Since BrC absorbs light at 405 nm more effectively than 658 nm, we defined the enhanced concentrations (dEC = EC405 nm − EC658 nm) and gave the possibility of providing an indicator of BrC. The receptor model and MODIS fire information were used to identify the presence of BrC aerosols. Our results showed that the carbonaceous aerosol concentrations were the highest in winter and lowest in summer. Traffic emission was an important source of carbonaceous aerosols in Nanjing. Receptor model results showed that strong local emissions were found for OC and EC; however, dEC was significantly affected by regional or long-range transport. The dEC/OC and OC/EC ratios showed similar diurnal patterns, and the dEC/OC increased when the OC/EC ratios increased, indicating strong secondary sources or biomass burning contributions to dEC. A total of two biomass burning events both in summer and winter were analyzed, and the results showed that the dEC concentrations were obviously higher on biomass burning days; however, no similar levels of the OC and EC concentrations were found both in biomass burning days and normal days in summer, suggesting that biomass burning emissions made a great contribution to dEC, and the sources of OC and EC were more complicated. Large number of open fire counts from the northwestern and southwestern areas of the study site were observed in winter and significantly contributed to OC, EC and dEC. In addition, the nearby Yangtze River Delta area was one of the main potential source areas of dEC, suggesting that anthropogenic emissions could also be important sources of dEC. The results proved that dEC can be an indicator of BrC on biomass burning days. Our modified two-wavelength instrument provided more information than the traditional single-wavelength thermal–optical carbon analyzer and gave a new idea about the measurement of BrC; the application of dEC data needs to be further investigated.

The cortical collecting duct (CCD) of the mammalian kidney plays a major role in the maintenance of total body electrolyte, acid/base, and fluid homeostasis by tubular reabsorption and excretion. The mammalian CCD is heterogeneous, composed of Na+-absorbing principal cells (PCs) and acid-base-transporting intercalated cells (ICs). Perturbations in luminal flow rate alter hydrodynamic forces to which these cells in the cylindrical tubules are exposed. However, most studies of tubular ion transport have been performed in cell monolayers grown on or epithelial sheets affixed to a flat support, since analysis of transepithelial transport in native tubules by in vitro microperfusion requires considerable expertise. Here, we report on the generation and characterization of an in vitro, perfusable three-dimensional kidney CCD model (3D CCD), in which immortalized mouse PC-like mpkCCD cells are seeded within a cylindrical channel embedded within an engineered extracellular matrix and subjected to luminal fluid flow. We find that a tight epithelial barrier composed of differentiated and polarized PCs forms within 1 wk. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals the apical epithelial Na+channel ENaC and basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase. On cessation of luminal flow, benzamil-inhibitable cell doming is observed within these 3D CCDs consistent with the presence of ENaC-mediated Na+absorption. Our 3D CCD provides a geometrically and microphysiologically relevant platform for studying the development and physiology of renal tubule segments.

Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) is a significant fraction of organic carbon (OC) in atmospheric aerosols. WSOC is of great interest due to its significant effects on atmospheric chemistry, the Earth's climate and human health. The stable carbon isotope (δ13C) can be used to track the potential sources and investigate atmospheric processes of organic aerosols. However, the previous methods measuring the δ13C values of WSOC in ambient aerosols require a large amount of carbon content, are time-consuming and require labor-intensive preprocessing. In this study, a method of simultaneously measuring the mass concentration and the δ13C values of WSOC from aerosol samples is established by coupling the GasBench II preparation device with isotopic ratio mass spectrometry. The precision and accuracy of isotope determination is better than 0.17 ‰ and 0.5 ‰, respectively, for samples containing WSOC amounts larger than 5 µg. This method is then applied for the aerosol samples collected every 3 h during a severe wintertime haze period in Nanjing, eastern China. The WSOC values vary between 3 and 32 µg m−3, whereas δ13C−WSOC ranges from −26.24 ‰ to −23.35 ‰. Three different episodes (Episode 1, Episode 2 and Episode 3) are identified in the sampling period, showing a different tendency of δ13C−WSOC with the accumulation process of WSOC aerosols. The increases in both the WSOC mass concentrations and the δ13C−WSOC values in Episode 1 indicate that WSOC is subject to a substantial photochemical aging during the air mass transport. In Episode 2, the decline of the δ13C−WSOC is accompanied by the increase in the WSOC mass concentrations, which is associated with regional-transported biomass burning emissions. In Episode 3, heavier isotope (13C) is exclusively enriched in total carbon (TC) in comparison to WSOC aerosols. This suggests that the non-WSOC fraction in total carbon may contain 13C-enriched components such as dust carbonate, which is supported by the enhanced Ca2+ concentrations and air mass trajectory analysis. The present study provides a novel method to determine the stable carbon isotope composition of WSOC, and it offers a great potential to better understand the source emission, the atmospheric aging and the secondary production of water-soluble organic aerosols.

Copper-metallized gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) using a Ti/Pt/Ti diffusion barrier layer are fabricated and characterized for Ka-band applications. With a thick copper metallization layer of 6.8 &mu, m adopted, the device exhibited a high output power density of 8.2 W/mm and a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 26% at 38 GHz. Such superior performance is mainly attributed to the substantial reduction of the source and drain resistance of the device. In addition to improvement in the Radio Frequency (RF) performance, the successful integration of the thick copper metallization in the device technology further reduces the manufacturing cost, making it extremely promising for future fifth-generation mobile communication system applications at millimeter-wave frequencies.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to create a novel ex vivo organ culture model for evaluating the effects of static and dynamic load on cartilage. Methods The metatarsophalangeal joints of 12 fresh cadaveric bovine feet were skinned and dissected aseptically, and cultured for up to four weeks. Dynamic movement was applied using a custom-made machine on six joints, with the others cultured under static conditions. Chondrocyte viability and matrix glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were evaluated by the cell viability probes, 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) and propidium iodide (PI), and dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay, respectively. Results Chondrocyte viability in the static model decreased significantly from 89.9% (sd 2.5%) (Day 0) to 66.5% (sd 13.1%) (Day 28), 94.7% (sd 1.1%) to 80. 9% (sd 5.8%) and 80.1% (sd 3.0%) to 46.9% (sd 8.5%) in the superficial quarter, central half and deep quarter of cartilage, respectively (p < 0.001 in each zone; one-way analysis of variance). The GAG content decreased significantly from 6.01 μg/mg (sd 0.06) (Day 0) to 4.71 μg/mg (sd 0.06) (Day 28) (p < 0.001; one-way analysis of variance). However, with dynamic movement, chondrocyte viability and GAG content were maintained at the Day 0 level over the four-week period without a significant change (chondrocyte viability: 92.0% (sd 4.0%) (Day 0) to 89.9% (sd 0.2%) (Day 28), 93.1% (sd 1.5%) to 93.8% (sd 0.9%) and 85.6% (sd 0.8%) to 84.0% (sd 2.9%) in the three corresponding zones; GAG content: 6.18 μg/mg (sd 0.15) (Day 0) to 6.06 μg/mg (sd 0.09) (Day 28)). Conclusion Dynamic joint movement maintained chondrocyte viability and cartilage GAG content. This long-term whole joint culture model could be of value in providing a more natural and controlled platform for investigating the influence of joint movement on articular cartilage, and for evaluating novel therapies for cartilage repair. Cite this article: Y-C. Lin, A. C. Hall, A. H. R. W. Simpson. A novel organ culture model of a joint for the evaluation of static and dynamic load on articular cartilage. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:205–212. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.73.BJR-2017-0320.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on productive performance and antioxidant status in laying ducks. Five-hundred-four laying ducks were divided into 7 treatments, each containing 6 replicates of 12 ducks. The ducks were caged individually and fed a corn-soybean meal and wheat bran basal diet (37 mg Zn/kg) or the basal diet supplemented with 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 mg Zn/kg (as zinc sulfate). During the early laying period of 10 d (daily egg production80%), egg production, daily egg mass, and FCR increased quadratically with increasing dietary Zn levels (P 0.05). The highest egg production and daily egg weight were obtained when 30 or 45 mg Zn/kg diet was supplemented, with lowest FCR. Similarly, the highest egg production and daily egg mass were observed in the group supplemented with 30 or 45 mg Zn/kg during the peak laying period of the subsequent 120 d (daily egg production80%). Average egg weight and feed intake did not differ among the groups of graded Zn supplementation.The egg quality was not affected by dietary Zn, including the egg shape index, Haugh unit, yolk color score, egg composition, and shell thickness. The activities of plasma activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) increased in a quadratic manner (P 0.001) with increasing supplemental Zn. Plasma concentration of Zn increased quadratically (P 0.05) as dietary Zn increased. The hepatic activity of Cu/Zn-SOD and GSH-PX increased quadratically (P 0.05) with increasing dietary Zn. Plasma Zn concentrations were positively correlated with activities of T-SOD (P 0.05), and positively with plasma Cu. Plasma concentration of reduced glutathione was correlated with plasma Cu. In conclusion, supplementation of Zn at 30 or 45 mg/kg to a corn-wheat bran and soybean basal diet may improve the productive performance and enhance the antioxidant capacity.

A 42-day experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of four different lipid containing diets (lipid 74.0, 105.3, 135.0, 168.1 g/kg diet) on growth, digestive enzymes activities, immunology and expression of canthaxanthin-based coloration in parrot cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus). Each diet contained canthaxanthin 0.05 g/kg diet. Two hundred and eighty-eight fish were randomly stocked into 12 glass aquaria to form four triplicate groups. Fish were fed one of four diets daily at 20 g/kg of their total body weight. Growth, digestive enzymes activities,immunology and body colour parameters were measured at the end of experiment.Based on the polynomial regression of dietary lipid level and specific growth rate, the dietary lipid level inclusion was calculated as 117.2 g/kg for the highest specific growth rate of these animals. The polynomial regression of skin colour parameters and dietary lipid levels indicated the critical threshold lipid inclusions in diet: 113.7 g/kg for the best expression of lightness, 112.1 g/kg for redness, 127.5 g/kg for yellowness and 125.3 g/kg for chroma of fish’s skin. Considering redness, lightness and specific growth rate are most important variables, a diet containing lipid 115.0 g/kg can be recommended for blood parrot cichlid.

In this study, the thick copper metallization with WNx as diffusion barrier is investigated for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. The device current density, transconductance, ft, fmax, noise Figure were evaluated for the device with and without thick copper interconnect metal, and the thermal stability test was performed after the device with copper metallization.

Significance Current kidney-on-chip models lack the 3D geometry, complexity, and functionality vital for recapitulating in vivo renal tissue. We report the fabrication and perfusion of 3D vascularized proximal tubules embedded within an engineered ECM that exhibit active reabsorption of solutes via tubular–vascular exchange. Using this model, we quantified albumin and glucose reabsorption over time. We also studied hyperglycemic effects in the absence and presence of a glucose transport inhibitor. Our 3D kidney tissue provides a platform for in vitro studies of kidney function, disease modeling, and pharmacology., Three-dimensional renal tissues that emulate the cellular composition, geometry, and function of native kidney tissue would enable fundamental studies of filtration and reabsorption. Here, we have created 3D vascularized proximal tubule models composed of adjacent conduits that are lined with confluent epithelium and endothelium, embedded in a permeable ECM, and independently addressed using a closed-loop perfusion system to investigate renal reabsorption. Our 3D kidney tissue allows for coculture of proximal tubule epithelium and vascular endothelium that exhibits active reabsorption via tubular–vascular exchange of solutes akin to native kidney tissue. Using this model, both albumin uptake and glucose reabsorption are quantified as a function of time. Epithelium–endothelium cross-talk is further studied by exposing proximal tubule cells to hyperglycemic conditions and monitoring endothelial cell dysfunction. This diseased state can be rescued by administering a glucose transport inhibitor. Our 3D kidney tissue provides a platform for in vitro studies of kidney function, disease modeling, and pharmacology.

Main text The APMP/TCRI Dosimetry Working Group performed the APMP.RI(I)-K4 key comparison of absorbed dose to water for 60Co between 2009 and 2010. Fourteen standards laboratories took part in the comparison. Three commercial cavity ionization chambers were used as transfer instruments and circulated among the participants. Nearly all the measured calibration coefficients for each ionization chamber were within one standard uncertainty (as estimated by the laboratory) of the comparison mean for that chamber, indicating reasonable agreement amongst the participants. Three participants (ARPANSA, PTB and NMIJ) were used to link the results to the BIPM through the ongoing bilateral BIPM.RI(I)-K4 comparison. Through this link the degree of equivalence (the ratio to the BIPM Key Comparison Reference Value and its uncertainty) was calculated for each non-linking laboratory to show the calibration capabilities. For the 9 eligible participants, this degree of equivalent ratio fell within 3.3 parts in 103 of unity, well within the combined standard uncertainty in all cases. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

A 6-week experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of diets containing 0, 0.004, 0.008, 0.012 and 0.016 % synthetic canthaxanthin on growth, feed utilization and skin pigmentation of parrot cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus × Paraneetroplus synspilus). Three hundred and sixty fish with initial body weights of 18.0 ± 1.6 g were randomly stocked equally into 15 glass aquaria (each 80 × 40 × 50 cm3) to form five triplicate groups. Fish were fed one of five diets daily at 2 % of their total body weight. At the end of the experiment, all fish were harvested and weighed to calculate growth parameters. After weighing, randomly selected two fish from each aquarium were used to assess the body colour using a colorimeter. Results indicated that dietary canthaxanthin supplementation had no effect on growth, feed conversion ratio, ingestion rate and condition factor of parrot cichlid. The degree of pigmentation in skin of parrot cichlid increased significantly (P

A classical approach is used to determine the angular differential and total cross sections for charge transfer and ionization in He-like systems (Li+, Be2+, B3+, C4+, N5+, O6+) and helium atom collisions. It is found that the classical approach, i.e., classical trajectory Monte Carlo method (CTMC), gives adequate results for charge transfer and ionization in He-like systems and helium atom collisions. A model potential has been used for interactions of the active electrons with the projectile and target ion. We also observed sudden increase in the ionization cross sections at lower velocities, and it is explained in terms of quasi-molecular formation and multiple interactions. The behavior of angular differential cross sections calculated at very small scattering angle (

Aberrant expression of fucose or sialic acid containing glycans is prevalent in various cancers, including breast cancer. The addition of fucose and sialic acid to glycans is mediated by fucosyl transferases (FUTs) and sialyl transferases (STs), respectively. To explore the roles of these FUTs and STs in breast cancer, we collected 123 paired breast cancer specimens (tumor tissue and non-tumor tissue) and determined the RNA expression levels of 13 FUTs (FUT1-13) and 13 STs (ST3Gal1-6, ST6Gal1, ST6GalNAc1-4, ST6GalNAc6, ST8Sia1 and ST8Sia4) by q-PCR. The expression of 10 FUTs and 10 STs is significantly higher in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue by 1.2-4.09 folds. Notably, expression of FUT1 and ST3Gal1 appeared to be highest in triple negative subtype. Further multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant correlation between higher hazard ratios (HRs) for five-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and higher ST3Gal1 expression (N = 16, HR = 2.54, p = 0.02) or lower ST3Gal3 expression (N = 88, HR = 3.44, p < 0.001). As to the joint effects of high expression of ST3Gal1 and low expression of ST3Gal3 (N = 10) compared with low expression of ST3Gal1 and high expression of ST3Gal3 (N = 82), the HR was 5.5 (95% CI = 2.16-14.02, p = 0.0004) for RFS. The two gene additive model displayed a statistically significant HR of 2.33 for RFS (95% CI = 1.48-3.69, p = 0.0003). These results suggest that FUTs and STs play important roles in tumor progression. Citation Format: Yu AL, Liao K-H, Chang C-H, Lin Y-C, Fan T-C, Hung J-T, Yeo H-L, Lin R-J, Yu J-C. Expression levels of sialyl transfereases and fucosyl transferases in breast cancer and their prognostic significance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-05.

To establish the dietary Ca requirements for laying ducks during their peak laying period, 5 Ca levels (2.8, 3.2, 3.6, 4.0, and 4.4%) were used, and laying performance, eggshell quality, serum variables, and bone quality were examined. A total of 1,620 Longyan shelducks with similar BW at 20 wk of age were fed for 13 wk in 5 treatment groups, each with 4 replicates of 81 birds. Dietary Ca increased egg production and egg mass (linear, P

Atomic systems with exponential-cosine-screened Coulomb (ECSC) or static screened Coulomb (SSC) potentials have drawn considerable attention recently due to the possible applications to atoms in plasma environments. In this work, we develop a computing scheme to deal with the electron–electron correlation terms with the screened Coulomb interactions instead of the conventional expansion method using the Gegenbauer's addition theorem. Based on this approach, we investigate the helium atom with the ECSC potentials. Bypassing the complex expansion functions for electron–electron interactions, the proposed approach simplifies the calculations greatly and provides an advantage on programming. The results are found to be in good agreement with the existing data. Bound-state energies, oscillator strengths, and multipole polarizabilities varying with the screening parameters are presented. Comparisons of the ECSC potentials are made with the SSC potentials. The influence of screening effect on the energies, oscillator strengths, and polarizabilities is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The polymer material PCL (polycaprolactone) has good biodegradability and good performance on drug coating. For the long-term delivery drugs, the biodegradable polymers reduced drug side effects and enhanced the drug efficacy. This study combined emulsification and ultrasonic nozzle to prepare biodegradable polymer microspheres. The ultrasonic emulsification compared to other general emulsification methods had advantage of being stable and fast. In the process, the oil phase solution PCL flew through the ultrasonic nozzle at flow rate 0.5–5 ml/min. Through the standing wave energy on the nozzle surface, the PCL solution was sprayed into droplets. Then, the droplets were dripped into the aqueous phase solution PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) to cure as the PCL microspheres. After the emulsification process was completed, the solution was poured into water to make the solvent of the emulsion solution volatilized. Finally, the solution was rinsed with water and the PCL microspheres were filtered by the filter. As a result, the PCL microspheres were able to be observed through an optical microscopy (OM) and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to measure the rate of degradation, the PCL microspheres were used for the experiment. The PCL microspheres at 2.8×1.2×1.4 cm3 volume were poured into an amano Lipase PS solution at a concentration of 0.005 mg/ml. Then, the solution was under a constant temperature (50 °C) and stable shaking situation, and the weight changes of the PCL microspheres were recorded per day. The result shows that the PCL microspheres particle size was 30–75 µm and the PCL microspheres at 2.8×1.2×1.4 cm3 volume were degraded fully in 7 days.

This study extends our previous work by examining the effects of alpha2-adrenoceptors under cold stimulation involving the increase of myogenic vascular oscillations as increases of very-low-frequency and low-frequency of the blood pressure variability. Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: vehicle; yohimbine; hexamethonium+yohimbine; guanethidine+yohimbine. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, power spectral analysis of spontaneous blood pressure and heart rate variability and spectral coherence at very-low-frequency (0.02 to 0.2 Hz), low-frequency (0.2 to 0.6 Hz), and high-frequency (0.6 to 3.0 Hz) regions were monitored using telemetry. Key findings are as follows: 1) Cooling-induced pressor response was attenuated by yohimbine and further attenuated by hexamethonium+yohimbine and guanethidine+yohimbine, 2) Cooling-induced tachycardia response of yohimbine was attenuated by hexame-thonium+yohimbine and guanethidine+yohimbine, 3) Different patterns of power spectrum reaction and coherence value compared hexamethonium+yohimbine and guanethi-dine+yohimbine to yohimbine alone under cold stimulation. The results suggest that sympathetic activation of the postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors causes vasoconstriction and heightening myogenic vascular oscillations, in turn, may increase blood flow to prevent tissue damage under stressful cooling challenge.

Essentials Disabled-2 (Dab2) phosphorylation status in thrombin signaling of human platelet was investigated. Ser723 was the major Dab2 phosphorylation site in human platelets stimulated by thrombin. Dab2 S723 phosphorylation (pS723) caused the dissociation of Dab2-CIN85 protein complex. Dab2-pS723 regulated ADP release and integrin αIIbβ3 activation in thrombin-treated platelets. SummaryBackground Disabled-2 (Dab2) is a platelet protein that is functionally involved in thrombin signaling in mice. It is unknown whether or not Dab2 undergoes phosphorylation during human platelet activation. Objectives To investigate the phosphorylation status of Dab2 and its functional consequences in thrombin-stimulated human platelets. Methods Dab2 was immunoprecipitated from resting and thrombin-stimulated platelet lysates for differential isotopic labeling. After enrichment of the phosphopeptides, the phosphorylation sites were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The corresponding phospho-specific antibody was generated. The protein kinases responsible for and the functional significance of Dab2 phosphorylation were defined by the use of signaling pathway inhibitors/activators, protein kinase assays, and various molecular approaches. Results Dab2 was phosphorylated at Ser227, Ser394, Ser401 and Ser723 in thrombin-stimulated platelets, with Ser723 phosphorylation being the most significantly increased by thrombin. Dab2 was phosphorylated by protein kinase C at Ser723 in a Gαq-dependent manner. ADP released from the stimulated platelets further activated the Gβγ-dependent pathway to sustain Ser723 phosphorylation. The Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa (CIN85) bound to Dab2 at a motif adjacent to Ser723 in resting platelets. The consequence of Ser723 phosphorylation was the dissociation of CIN85 from the Dab2–CIN85 complex. These molecular events led to increases in fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation in thrombin-stimulated platelets by regulating αIIbβ3 activation and ADP release. Conclusions Dab2 Ser723 phosphorylation is a key molecular event in thrombin-stimulated inside-out signaling and platelet activation, contributing to a new function of Dab2 in thrombin signaling.

The influence of calcium source (limestone and oyster shell) and particle size (

Fusarium sp. #ZZF51, marine-derived mangrove endophytic fungus, was chemically modified by poly(amic acid) to enhance its potential of uranium(VI) biosorption in aqueous solution. Compared with uranium(VI) removal of the pristine biomass, the maximum uranium(VI) adsorption capacity of the modified biomass increased 9.5-fold under the optimal condition of pH 5.0, S/L 0.4, and equilibrium time 180 min. Kinetic study showed that the process follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicates that chemical reaction controls the adsorption rate. The thermodynamic experimental data fit well with Langumir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms, and their R 2 values are 0.954, 0.963, and 0.986, respectively. FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the native, modified, and uranium-loaded biomass demonstrated the involvement of carboxyl, amide, and hydroxyl groups on the surface of fungus Fusarium sp. #ZZF51 cell wall in the adsorption of uranium(VI).

Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) aluminum nitride (AlN) is attracting great interests as an advanced technique for high-k/III-V interfacial passivation. In this study, we demonstrate the effects of PEALD-AlN layer deposition plasma powers on the electrical properties of both n-type and p-type In0.53Ga0.47As based metal oxide semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs). By using PEALD-AlN as interfacial passivation layer (IPL) at the Al2O3/n, p-In0.53Ga0.47As interface, noticeable enhancement of electrical characteristics including small capacitance-voltage (C-V) hysteresis, small frequency dispersion values, and low interface state densities (Dit) have been observed. After performing 5 cycles of PEALD-AlN IPL at optimized plasma power of 150 W, multifrequency C-V responses exhibit excellent behaviors for both n-type and p-type Al2O3/AlN/In0.53Ga0.47As MOSCAPs. The Dit values are extracted to be 5.3 × 1011 – 1.2 × 1012 cm-2 eV-1 and 1.6 × 1011 - 2.7 × 1011 cm-2 eV-1 at the trap energy level of 0.47 – 0.4 eV and 0.2 – 0.26 eV above the edge of valence band (EV) for n-type and p-type MOSCAPs, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the enhancement of Dit values cannot be fully explained by the reduction of native oxides at the InGaAs surfaces. The original reason of interface defects states is attributed to the surface dangling bonds that were passivated by the polycrystalline PEALD-AlN passivation layer as illustrated in the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image.

We applied thermal imprinting to fabricate gecko-foot-like nanostructures on HDPE films and modified those surfaces via dopamine and catechol to enhance their adhesion to wetted substrates. The dry adhesive was inspired by gecko feet, where multi-dimensional micro/nano structures on the surfaces can generate enough van der Waals force to hold a gecko's weight when it walks and presses on the surface to increase contact area. The other concept of catechol modification came from adhesion on a variety of surfaces by mussels, which are known to secrete a sticky liquid containing dopamine-related poly(aminoacid) to enhance their universal adhesion properties in air, even in a humid or aqueous circumstances. Experimentally, polycarbonate sheets with nanoholes were used as templates to imprint general HDPE film surfaces to generate 400 nm diameter nanopillars. The demolding process was improved by using solvent replacement techniques to fabricate a practical and large-area gecko tape. The surface completeness was enhanced to 95%, and the tape with 400 nm diameter nanopillars showed 3170 nN adhesion force and was able to suspend 10.5 N cm−2. In order to apply the adhesive in a humid environment, we introduced the catecholic functional group on the nanopillars using a two-step method to modify the surfaces with catechol groups. The surfaces were first modified with an acidic dopamine aqueous solution, and then they were modified with alkaline catechol aqueous solution. An additional microcontact printing technique was used to modify nanopillared domains with 1-dodycanethiol chains, showing an improvement of adhesion interaction in water due to the hybrid contribution of both polar and nonpolar interactions with the substrate.

Background: Exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals, has been associated with the etiology and prognosis of many illnesses. However, the specific causal agents and underlying mechanisms for different health outcomes remain unclear. The aims of this study were to assess the relations between urinary biomarkers of exposure to PAHs (1-hydroxypyrene-glucuronide, 1-OHPG) and heavy metals (cadmium, Cd; nickel, Ni; arsenic, As; lead, Pb; and copper, Cu) and the effect of their interaction on DNA damage (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanine, 8-oxodG). Methods: We recruited 91 traffic conductors and 53 indoor office workers between May 2009 and June 2011 in Taipei, Taiwan. Postshift urine samples from 2 consecutive days were analyzed for 1-OHPG, Cd, Ni, As, Pb, Cu, and 8-oxodG. To estimate the effects from PAHs and metals on DNA damage, we constructed a linear mixed model adjusted for confounding variables. Results: We found that urinary 1-OHPG and Cd levels were independent predictors of urinary 8-oxodG levels (β = 0.112; P = 0.015 for 1-OHPG; β = 0.138; P = 0.031 for urinary Cd). The joint effect of urinary 1-OHPG and Cd levels was associated with urinary 8-oxodG levels (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Co-exposure to environmental PAHs and Cd could cause oxidative DNA damage. Impact: These findings suggest that the additive interaction between exposure to environmental PAHs and Cd could enhance the burden of oxidative stress. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(1); 102–8. ©2012 AACR.

In this study, 6 dietary DL-methionine (Met) levels (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 g/kg) were tested to estimate the dietary Met requirements of Longyan ducks from 19 to 46 weeks of age, and to investigate its effect on the glutathione redox system. In total, 1080 Longyan ducks aged 19 weeks were allocated randomly to the 6 dietary treatments, where each treatment comprised 6 replicate pens with 30 ducks per pen. Met had no effects on egg production, yolk weight, yolk colour or the glutathione redox system, but the egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved significantly by dietary Met supplementation. As the dietary Met concentration increased, the eggshell thickness and breaking strength decreased significantly, whereas the albumen weight increased significantly. According to broken-line regression analysis, the optimum Met requirements for egg weight, egg mass, FCR and albumen weight are 686, 661, 658 and 731 mg/bird/d, respectively, with a dietary crude protein level of 170 g/kg.

Author(s): Chu, MC; Kwan, KK; Kwok, MW; Kwok, T; Leung, JKC; Leung, KY; Lin, YC; Luk, KB; Pun, CSJ | Abstract: We developed a highly sensitive, reliable and portable automatic system (H3) to monitor the radon concentration of the underground experimental halls of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment. H3 is able to measure radon concentration with a statistical error less than 10% in a 1-h measurement of dehumidified air (R.H. 5% at 25°C) with radon concentration as low as 50 Bq/m3. This is achieved by using a large radon progeny collection chamber, semiconductor α-particle detector with high energy resolution, improved electronics and software. The integrated radon monitoring system is highly customizable to operate in different run modes at scheduled times and can be controlled remotely to sample radon in ambient air or in water from the water pools where the antineutrino detectors are being housed. The radon monitoring system has been running in the three experimental halls of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment since November 2013.

In this study, the microstructural evolution of Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu/Au/Pd(P)/Ni(P) microbumps during isothermal aging was examined by electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron backscatter diffraction. The Au/Pd(P)/Ni(P) trilayer was deposited on 85-μm (opening diameter) Cu pads with a thickness combination of 0.15 μm/0.2 μm/8 μm. The reaction of the Au/Pd(P) dual layer with the molten solder yielded plenty of AuSn4 and PdSn4 grains in the solder matrix after reflow, which has never been observed previously in the literature. At the interface, discontinuous, facet-type Cu6Sn5 [or (Cu,Ni)6Sn5] nucleated. Interestingly, the Cu6Sn5 transformed into layered Ni3Sn4 after subsequent aging for 250 h at 180°C. Moreover, the AuSn4 and PdSn4 agglomerated with each other and resettled to the region neighboring the interface. This configuration changed significantly when a pronounced corrosion occurred in the as-plated Ni(P) metallization pad. In the corroded Ni(P) case, Cu6Sn5 rarely appeared at the interface immediately after reflow, but a large quantity of PdSn4 formed in the solder region near the corroded Ni(P) layer. AuSn4 in this case distributed uniformly throughout the entire solder joint. Isothermal aging treatment drove the PdSn4 and AuSn4 to deposit onto the corroded Ni(P) surface, where they merged with each other as a dense layer of (Au0.61Pd0.30Ni0.09)Sn4 (250 h). The formation of the (Au,Pd,Ni)Sn4 layer over the corroded Ni(P) substrate provided a crack initiation site, deteriorating the mechanical reliability of the solder joint. The results of this study show that appropriate deposition of Au/Pd(P)/Ni(P) is very important for the thermal/mechanical reliability of microbumps.

The first step in fabricating copper-indium-gallium-diselenium solar cells (CIGS) is to deposit a thin film of molybdenum (to serve as the back electrode), on a glass substrate. Prior to depositing the absorption layer, the surface of the Mo back electrode is cleaned with acetone; however, this may cause the electrode to separate from the substrate. The aim of this study was to discover the specific cause of the separation, and arrive at a solution to correct this behavior. The result is a thin film comprising crystals of different sizes and orientations. Optimal results were obtained when the bi-layer Mo electrode was deposited on a substrate heated to a temperature of 373 K.

In this study, Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) transparent conducting thin films were prepared by pulsed direct-current magnetron sputtering, providing good transparency and relatively low resistivity. The films were further etched in different aqueous solutions, 0.5% HCl, 5% oxalic acid, and 33% KOH, to modify their light-scattering properties. The results showed that film textured by 0.5% HClaq. for 30 s had total optical transparency of Ttotal = 77.4% and haze value of HT = 0.16, with electrical resistivity of ρ = 4.9 × 10−4 Ω-cm. For film textured in 5% oxalic acid solution for 75 s, the lowest electrical resistivity of 4.3 × 10−4 Ω-cm was achieved with relatively high total optical transparency of Ttotal = 75.1%, as well as a more ideal haze value of HT = 0.3. Film textured in 33% KOH solution for 135 s (500 nm thickness) had optimal electrical conductivity of 5.1 × 10−4 Ω-cm with Ttotal = 75.6%, and a relatively low haze value of HT = 0.12. GZO film textured with an agitated etch of 5% oxalic acid at 300 K would be the most suitable candidate for photovoltaic applications due to its high transparency and good electrical conducting properties.

This study reports the successful preparation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells by magnetron sputtering with a chalcopyrite CIGS quaternary alloy target. Bi-layer Mo films were deposited onto soda lime glass. A CIGS quaternary alloy target was used in combination with a stack indium target for compensating the loss of indium during annealing process. A one-stage annealing process was performed to form CIGS chalcopyrite phase. Experimental results show that the optimal adhesion strength, residual stress, and resistivity were obtained at a thickness ratio of 67% of bi-layer Mo films and a working pressure of 0.13 Pa. The CIGS precursor was layered through selenization at 798 K for 20 min. The stoichiometry ratios of the CIGS film were Cu/(In + Ga) = 0.91 and Ga/(In + Ga) = 0.23, which approached the device-quality stoichiometry ratio (Cu/(In + Ga)

We have studied the temperature dependence of the band gap and the decay dynamics of isoelectronic ZnSe 1− x O x ( x =0−0.053) semiconductors, using photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the band gap of ZnSe 1− x O x decreases with the increase in O concentration. The Kohlrausch law is in good agreement with the O-induced complex decay profiles. As temperature increases, the mechanism of carrier decay undergoes a complicated change from trapped to free excitons. These findings are consistent with the temperature dependence of the stretching exponent β .

Employing a high-resolution spectrometer in a synchrotron radiation facility we have demonstrated the feasibility of studying rotationally resolved fluorescence excitation spectra (FES) in the extreme ultraviolet region. Specifically, we have obtained FES spectrum of the (1,0) band of the b′ 1Σu+–X 1Σg+ transition using a resolution of 0.0024 nm and the resonance FES of the (0,0) band of the c ′ 4 1Σu+–X 1Σg+ transition using a resolution of 0.0048 nm produced through photoexcitation of N2 in the spectral region between 95.75 and 96.00 nm. Strong local rotational perturbation between the c ′ 4 ( 0 ) and the b′(1) states occurring at excited rotational levels J′ = 10 and 11 has been confirmed in the FES of the b′ 1Σu+–X 1Σg+ transition, in excellent agreement with early absorption spectroscopic study. From the observed relative fluorescence intensities we conclude that the production of the intense emission of the (1,0) b′–X transition is at the expense of the (0,0) c ′ 4 – X emission of N2. The c ′ 4 ( 0 ) state apparently prefers to radiate back to the ground electronic state while the b′(1) state appears to favor branching to the a 1Πg state and the subsequent a 1Πg → X 1Σg+ transition.

The study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, as well as serum and intestinal cytokines and antioxidant indicators of artificially reared neonatal piglets. Three diets, 1) control (a fish meal basal diet), 2) SDAP (containing 10% SDAP), and 3) autoclaved SDAP (auSDAP; containing 10% auSDAP), were fed to 36 weaned piglets (3 d old), which were randomly allotted to 3 groups. At 21 d of age, blood and intestinal mucosal samples were collected from all piglets after they were slaughtered. Compared with the control, both SDAP and auSDAP improved ADFI and duodenal villus height of piglets (P < 0.05), whereas SDAP increased ADG and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). Piglets fed SDAP and auSDAP had reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mucosa (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum MDA was decreased and mucosal catalase (CAT) activities were increased in piglets fed SDAP diet than those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). In the mucosa, both SDAP and auSDAP decreased tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, transforming growth factor β, and soluble IL-2 receptor contents (P < 0.05). Mucosal IL-1β was decreased in SDAP compared with auSDAP and control groups (P < 0.05). The SDAP and control groups had increased mucosal IL-2 compared with auSDAP group (P < 0.05). The cytokines in serum were not affected by SDAP and auSDAP. The results indicate that both SDAP and auSDAP improved the growth performance of neonatal piglets, whereas the SDAP had a greater effect. The benefits of SDAP probably resulted from the promotion of the intestinal development, which were accompanied by the increased antioxidant capacity and the decreased production of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and meat quality of pigs. 72 pigs approximately 60 kg were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50 or 100 mg carnosine per kg diet for 8 weeks. Carnosine supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass traits of pigs. However, the addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet increased pH value of muscle at 45 min, 24 h and 48 h postmortem. It also decreased drip loss at 48 h postmortem and increased redness value of muscle at 45 min postmortem (p < 0.05). The addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet enhanced glycogen concentration and Ca-ATPase activity at 24 and 48 h postmortem, and reduced malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein complexes concentrations in muscle at 24 h postmortem (p < 0.05). The addition of 100 mg carnosine per kg diet increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in plasma, liver or muscle, as well as SOD and GSH-Px genes expression in muscle (p < 0.05). Taken together, these findings indicate that carnosine supplementation improves antioxidant capacity and meat quality of pigs.

Transparent conducting thin films of ZnO:Al (Al-doped ZnO, AZO) were prepared via pulsed DC magnetron sputtering with good transparency and relatively lower resistivity. The AZO films with 800 nm in thickness were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates keeping at 473 K under 0.4 Pa working pressure, 150 W power, 100 μs duty time, 5 μs pulse reverse time, 10 kHz pulse frequency and 95% duty cycle. The as-deposited AZO thin films has resistivity of 6.39 × 10 −4 Ω cm measured at room temperature with average visible optical transmittance, T total of 81.9% under which the carrier concentration and mobility were 1.95 × 10 21 cm −3 and 5.02 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , respectively. The films were further etched in different aqueous solutions, 0.5% HCl, 5% oxalic acid, 33% KOH, to conform light scattering properties. The resultant films etched in 0.5% HCl solution for 30 s exhibited high T total = 78.4% with haze value, H T = 0.1 and good electrical properties, ρ = 8.5 × 10 −4 Ω cm while those etched in 5% oxalic acid for 150 s had desirable H T = 0.2 and relatively low electrical resistivity, ρ = 7.9 × 10 −4 Ω cm. However, the visible transmittance, T total was declined to 72.1%.

Transparent conducting oxide thin films are used as front contact material for dye-sensitized solar cells. This study investigated the effects of chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) contents on the chemical and heat stability properties of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films using pulsed direct current magnetic sputtering on Corning 1737F glass substrates. The experimental results show that Cr and V doping is useful for improving the chemical and thermal stability of AZO films. The energy gap for AZO thin films is between 3.65 and 3.69 eV. The resistivity of the AZO:Cr:V thin film was 4.23 × 10 – 4 Ω cm at a Cr/V ratio of 0.30/0.23 wt.%, deposition power of 150 W, working distance of 5.5 cm, substrate temperature of 473 K, working pressure of 0.4 Pa, and frequency of 10 kHz. This value is lesser than (and therefore superior to) the resistivity of SnO 2 :F (FTO) films (6.5 × 10 – 4 Ω cm), but greater than that of SnO 2 :In (ITO) thin films (1.2 × 10 – 4 Ω cm). The resistivity increased by about 0.27% after electrolyte etching, which is similar to the 0.16% increase observed for the ITO thin film. After a thermal cycle test at 673 K, the resistivity of the AZO:Cr:V film increased to 5.42 × 10 – 4 Ω cm, which is better than the resistivity of the ITO and FTO films after the same thermal cycle.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of extracellular CLA on proliferation and differentiation of cultured adipocytes and its dietary supplementation on backfat and intramuscular fat deposition in finishing pigs. Seven-day-old Duroc x Landrace x Large White pigs were killed to obtain adipocytes for culture. Adding 3 forms of CLA (cis-9, trans-11 CLA, trans-10, cis-12 CLA, or CLA mixture) at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 microM to culture medium for 10 d increased cell differentiation (P < 0.05). In addition, 3 forms of CLA enhanced cell proliferation (P < 0.05) at 50 to 350 microM and inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0.05) at a concentration of 400 microM. Seventy-two Duroc x Landrace x Large White crossbred gilts weighing 60.7 +/- 2.8 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments (control, 1.25% CLA, and 2.5% CLA). The pigs were slaughtered at 100.0 +/- 5.7 kg. Dietary CLA increased lean percentage (3.5 to 4.7%; P = 0.07), intramuscular fat content (P < 0.05), and shear force (P < 0.05), but reduced 10th- and first-rib backfat depth (P

In this study, highly conductive films of ZnO:Ga (GZO) were deposited by pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering to explore the effect of post-annealing on the structural, electrical and optical properties of the films. XRD patterns showed that after annealing, the intensity of c -axis preferentially oriented GZO (002) peak was apparently improved. GZO film annealing at 300 °C for 0.5 h exhibits lowest resistivity of 1.36 × 10 − 4 Ω cm. In addition, the film shows good optical transmittance of 88% with optical band gap, 3.82 eV. Carrier concentration and optical band gap both decreases with the annealing temperature. Besides, the near-infrared transmittance at 1400 nm is below 5%, while the reflectivity at 2400 nm is as high as 70%.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dietary glycyl-glutamine (Gly- Gln) on postweaning growth, small intestinal morphol- ogy, and immune response of stressed or nonstressed piglets. Pigs (n = 144; initially 4.49 kg and 14 d of age) were randomly allocated to 24 pens (6 pigs/pen) in an environmentally controlled nursery and assigned to Es- cherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (PBS vs. LPS) and Gly-Gln supplementation (0 vs. 0.15%) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 6 pens/treatment. The LPS was the stress-inducing agent, and it was injected on d 7 and 14 of the 21-d experiment. Inflammatory challenge with LPS reduced ADG (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce ADFI (P = 0.06) of piglets from d 7 to 21 of the experiment. Sup- plementation of Gly-Gln increased ADG and G:F from d 0 to 21 (P < 0.05). On d 21 (1 wk after the second LPS injection), there was an LPS challenge × diet Gly- Gln interaction for ADFI (P < 0.05), but it was dif- ficult to ascertain whether Gly-Gln increased ADFI. A trend for an LPS challenge × diet Gly-Gln interaction was observed for ADG (P = 0.07). There were no dif- ferences in lymphocyte proliferation among treatments. The LPS challenge increased crypt depth (CD) of the duodenum and decreased the ratio of villus height (VH) to CD of the ileum (P < 0.05) on d 14 (1 wk after the first LPS injection), whereas dietary supplementation of Gly-Gln increased VH of the ileum and VH:CD of the duodenum (P < 0.05). The concentration of periph- eral blood IL-1β was increased by injection of LPS (P < 0.05) and was decreased by dietary Gly-Gln supple- mentation during the experimental period (P < 0.05); however, there was no interaction of LPS challenge × Gly-Gln addition for IL-1β concentration. Concentra- tions of peripheral blood IL-2 tended to increase at d 14 (P = 0.09) and soluble IL-2 receptor tended to de- crease at d 7 (P = 0.06) in piglets supplemented with Gly-Gln; therefore, the peripheral blood IL-2/soluble IL-2 receptor system tended to favor the secretion of IL-2 during the first 2 wk of the experiment. In conclu- sion, considerable suppression of growth and immune function occurred in early weaning piglets challenged with LPS, and such depression could be alleviated by dietary Gly-Gln supplementation independent of the LPS challenge.

Objective: Inflammatory diseases often coincide with reduced bone mass. Mechanoresponsive osteocytes regulate bone mass by maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption. Despite its biologic significance, the effect of inflammation on osteocyte mechanoresponsiveness is not understood. To fill this gap, we investigated whether the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) modulate the osteocyte response to mechanical loading. Methods: MLO-Y4 osteocytes were incubated with TNFα (0.5-30 ng/ml) or IL-1β (0.1-10 ng/ml) for 30 minutes or 24 hours, or with calcium inhibitors for 30 minutes. Cells were subjected to mechanical loading by pulsatile fluid flow (mean ± amplitude 0.7 ± 0.3 Pa, 5 Hz), and the response was quantified by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production using Griess reagent and by measuring intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) using Fluo-4/AM. Focal adhesions and filamentous actin (F-actin) were visualized by immunostaining, and apoptosis was quantified by measuring caspase 3/7 activity. Cell-generated tractions were quantified using traction force microscopy, and cytoskeletal stiffness was quantified using optical magnetic twisting cytometry. Results: Pulsatile fluid flow increased [Ca2+]i within seconds (in 13% of cells) and NO production within 5 minutes (4.7-fold). TNFα and IL-1β inhibited these responses. Calcium inhibitors decreased pulsatile fluid flow-induced NO production. TNFα and IL-1β affected cytoskeletal stiffness, likely because 24 hours of incubation with TNFα and IL-1β decreased the amount of F-actin. Incubation with IL-1β for 24 hours stimulated osteocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TNFα and IL-1β inhibit mechanical loading-induced NO production by osteocytes via abrogation of pulsatile fluid flow-stimulated [Ca2+]i, and that IL-1β stimulates osteocyte apoptosis. Since both NO and osteocyte apoptosis affect osteoclasts, these findings provide a mechanism by which inflammatory cytokines might contribute to bone loss and consequently affect bone mass in rheumatoid arthritis.

Pulsed DC magnetron sputtering was used in this study to prepare lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr x Ti 1− x )O 3 , PZT) thin films. A single metallic target was used for the deposition onto a Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrate and parameters such as: pulse frequency, duty cycle, O 2 /Ar flow ratio controlled so as to analyze the effect of the parameters on thin film deposition rate, crystalline structure and morphology. After the deposition, the thin film was annealed in a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) furnace. The experimental results showed that, when the pulse frequency was in the range of 10 kHz–100 kHz, along with the lowering of frequency and the oxygen argon flow rate ratio, the deposition rate gradually increased and the formation of PZT thin film perovskite phase was enhanced; however, if the oxygen argon flow rate ratio was too high, it caused the PZT thin film to generate a pyrochlore phase. However, when the duty cycle was in the range of 95%–75%, the highest deposition rate and better perovskite phase could be obtained in the range of 75%–80%.

Here we have investigated the bonding conditions and mechanism for glass-to-glass anodic bonding in indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-coated glass using an Al/Cr composite thin film as an interlayer prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The experimental results show that the bond strength increases with increasing the bonding temperature, bonding voltage, and Al film thickness. The optimum experimental parameters in the anodic bonding were found to be an Al film thickness of 300 nm, bonding temperature of 300°C, and bonding voltage of 700 V. Oxygen content within the bonded interphase increases and aluminum content decreases on increasing both the temperature and voltage during the bonding process. According to EDS analysis results, the main bond mechanism is proposed to be due to the following chemical reactions: 4Na+ + 4e− → 4Na, xAl + yO2− → Al x O y + 6e−, x = 2, y = 3.

In this research, we studied the effect of deflection on the characteristics of an indium tin oxide (ITO) film deposited on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate flexible substrate by pulse magnetron sputtering. The experimental results show that an increase in the ITO film thickness leads to an increase in the residual stress and a decrease in the adhesion. Under power of 80 W, pulse frequency of 10 kHz, pulse reverse time of 2 μs, and ITO film thickness of 100 nm, thin film with an optimized resistivity of 4.5 × 10− 4 Ω-cm, visible light transmittance of more than 84%, and adhesion of class 5B/0 as per the ASTM/ISO standards. Micro-cracking was observed on the ITO film surface when the film thickness was greater than 100 nm and when the deflection was carried out for 100 times. Micro-cracking led to an increase in the residual stress and deterioration in the adhesion properties.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of genistein on the antioxidative defence system and membrane fluidity in chick skeletal muscle cells after supplementation with 0, 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L genistein in 50 μmol/L FeSO 4 / H 2 O 2 treated cells for 24 h. Genistein supplementation recovered the decreased activity of total superoxide dismutase induced by FeSO4/ H 2 O 2 , significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity (p

This paper studies the wet etching behavior of AZO (ZnO:Al) transparent conducting film with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The optimum optoelectronic film is prepared first using designated RF power, film thickness and controlled annealing heat treatment parameters. The AZO film is then etched using TMAH etchant and AZ4620 photoresist with controlled etchant concentration and temperature to examine the etching process effect on the AZO film optoelectronic properties. The experimental results show TMAH:H 2 O = 2.38:97.62 under 45 °C at the average etch rate of 22 nm/min as the preferred parameters. The activation energy drops as the TMAH concentration rises, while the etch rate increases along with the increase in TMAH concentration and temperature. After lithography, etching and photoresist removal, the conductivity of AZO film dramatically drops from 2.4 × 10 −3 Ω cm to 3.0 × 10 −3 Ω cm, while its transmittance decreases from 89% to 83%. This is due to the poor chemical stability of AZO film against AZ4620 photoresist, leading to an increase in surface roughness. In the photoresist postbaking process, carbon atoms diffused within the AZO film produce poor crystallinity. The slight decreases in zinc and aluminum in the thin film causes a carrier concentration change, which affect the AZO film optoelectronic properties.

The electrochemical characteristics of zinc in 8 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated. It was found that PEG400, as well as PEG600, could dramatically decrease the corrosion current within an extremely short time. Additionally, the protection efficiency of the PEG600 was superior to the PEG400. During the first ten days of storage, the PEG600 provided a rather high protection efficiency, >90%, to zinc from corrosion. However, an abrupt drop of protection efficiency, about 16%, was observed afterward. This decline of protection efficiency of PEG was in agreement with the decreases of film resistances derived from alternating current (AC) impedance measurements. Three distinct equivalent circuits were proposed to explain the variations in impedance characteristics during the long-term storage time.

Prechirped amplification, soliton compression, and self-pulse-steepening of a 300-fs stretch-pulse mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) pulse in an ultrashort length large-mode-area erbium-doped fiber amplifier (LMA-EDFA) and large-effect-area fiber (LEAF) link are investigated. Insitu amplified compression of the single-mode-fiber prechirped EDFL pulse (broadened to 1.2 ps) is initiated in the LMA-EDFA at a pumping power of > 160 mW, which provides a 20-fold pulsewidthcompressing ratio for the incoming EDFL pulse and supports a maximum output power of > 20 dBm. With an extremely short LEAF-based fifth-order soliton stage, the amplified EDFL pulse can further be compressed down to a pulsewidth of 29 fs, which gives rise to a total pulsewidth-compressing ratio of as high as 40. The LMA-EDFA-based prechirped and amplified soliton compression leaves a small pedestal on the EDFL pulse with an energy confinement ratio of 74%, providing a 20-dB magnified pulse energy of 2.3 nJ and a 10-dB spectral linewidth of 150 nm. The self-steepening-induced blue-side spectral stretch by 1.3 THz is elucidated.

Using a scanning-tunneling microscope, reflection high-energy electron diffraction and photoelectron spectra with synchrotron radiation, we investigated the temperature dependence of the dehydrogenation of cyclohexene (C6H10) adsorbed on Pt nanoclusters supported on an ultra-thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(100). The Pt clusters, grown by vapor deposition, are structurally ordered and exhibit a mean diameter 2.2 nm and height 0.4 nm. The progress of dehydrogenation was monitored through the temporal variation of C 1s photoelectron spectra; analysis of these features revealed that the dehydrogenation of cyclohexene with increasing sample temperature occurs as a sequential process beginning around 150 K, a temperature significantly less than that for Pt single-crystal surfaces. The dehydrogenation behavior, particularly the decomposition into elemental carbon, is found to vary with Pt coverage.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary soy isoflavone (ISF, 0 and 20 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality and antioxidative property in male broilers. Six replicates of 45 birds (42 d old) were used for each treatment. The birds were fed soybean meal-free diets containing 3% oxidized fish oil (acid value, 6.76 mg potassium hydroxide/g; and peroxide value, 6.18 meq/kg) for 3 wk. The results showed that average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion and carcass traits were not affected by soy 1SF. Compared with the control group, breast muscle color redness value and water holding capacity were increased (p