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Mechanical-electromagnetic integrated design has great potential in the development of electromagnetic shielding equipment for military use. In this study, Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 ceramics with triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) were fabricated using digital light processing (DLP) technology. The preparation of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 powders is vital for DLP because minimal aggregates or sedimentation in the ceramic paste is required. Debinding and sintering programs were developed to prevent defects in the designed microstructure. The interfacial characterization demonstrated that the surfaces of the sintered ceramics were compact and smooth. The compression strength of the TPMS ceramic with a volume fraction of 50% was 24 MPa, which is relatively good among additively manufactured cellular ceramics. The TPMS structures also exhibited significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness in the X-band (2 to 18 GHz), and the shielding performance was adequate to meet the demands of electromagnetic shielding materials. Additive manufacturing of Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 ceramic with TPMS architectures was successfully achieved by considering the mechanical-electromagnetic integration. • The compression strength of TPMS ceramic with a volume fraction of 50% reaches 20.88 Mpa. • The TPMS structures have high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness in the X-band (2 ∼ 18 GHz). • Additive manufacturing of Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 ceramic with TPMS architectures is successfully fabricated with consideration of the mechanics-electromagnetism integration. • The structure with integrated mechanical and magnetic shielding properties finally achieves the functional/structural integration of additive manufacturing ceramic materials in the military industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the experimental verification of the indirect thrust measurement method based on the plume of a low power Hall-effect thruster and its effect on the thruster is investigated. The Hall-effect thruster with permanent magnets was exhibited and the performance parameters and the plume parameters were introduced, and the thrust of the thruster was measured simultaneously using both direct and indirect measurement methods, which validate the effect due to thruster and the measurement devices. The experimental verification of the thrust amendment values was proposed considering the ion flux collection, the neutral atoms, and the additional momentum due to ion reflecting, and the corresponding amended thrust results were exhibited separately which show the contribution of each factor, and the modification method could provide reliable results for indirect thrust measurement. • The indirect thrust measurement method was firstly applied on a low-power Hall-effect thruster. • The Hall-thruster thrust was measured simultaneously and the interaction of the thrusters with the device was analyzed. • The most detailed experimental verification of the external factors influence on the measurement of ITM devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing interest in development of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) has attracted more and more researchers to study atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) system in past several decades. This system can use rarefied atmospheric particles as the propellant of electric thrusters, and maintain a long lifetime mission without carrying any propellant from ground. As the key component of system, intake device can realize the collection and compression of atmospheric particles within limited frontal area, which determines the performance of whole ABEP system. This review summarizes the previous studies to develop intake devices, evaluates the corresponding performance and understands the model involved, including atmosphere model, flow physic model and so on. In addition, several continued researches for intake device are also presented, including ground experiment technologies, intake surface material development, space compressor and liquefaction technology. Wherever possible, comments have been provided to provide useful reference to researchers engaged in intake device for ABEP system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive collisional radiative model for the neutral argon and singly ionized argon plasma is developed to estimate the key properties of the high-ionization-rate equilibrium plasma plume. Major thirty-one argon atomic levels and ninety-five singly ionized argon levels are considered. The processes taken into account are radiative decay, electron impact ionization, excitation and deexcitation between all the levels, fast ion and atom impact excitation, and three body recombination. The model in conjunction with optical emission spectroscopy could be used to evaluate the electron temperature T e , the electron density n e , atom density n g and to investigate the dynamics of excitation population density. The local plasma spectrum in the plume region of an applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster was measured with an optical immersion probe. The fundamental physical processes leading to W-shaped compound light variation in plume zone are explained based on the above plasma parameter distributions. A satisfactory agreement with the results measured by a Langmuir probe verifies the model's applicability to argon plasma plume. [Display omitted] • An extensive collisional radiative model for the neutral argon and single ionized argon plasma is used to estimate the plasma properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The microstructure of GF SMC was inspected by XCT scan and the fiber orientation distribution was analyzed. • Quasi-static and fatigue behavior of material were characterized under various loading conditions, a CFL diagram was established for fatigue life prediction. • Fatigue damage evolution was recorded through an interrupted fatigue test, the dominant damage mechanisms were characterized. • A RVE based modeling method was applied to predict the fatigue life and reproduce the damage mechanisms. In the present study, the quasi-static and fatigue behavior of chopped glass fiber reinforced sheet molding compound composite was investigated. Considering the stochastic meso -structure induced by processing, fiber orientation within specimens was analyzed based on the sectional images obtained by X-ray Computerized Tomography (XCT). Quasi-static tensile and compressive tests were conducted, in which the strain distribution was recorded by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system. The fatigue behavior of material was evaluated under tension–tension (R = 0.1) and tension–compression (R = -1) loading. Interrupted fatigue test was conducted to investigate the damage evolution on the side surface of specimen using optical microscopy. A modeling method based on Representative Volume Element (RVE) was modified and applied to predict the fatigue behavior of glass fiber SMC. The simulation result showed a good consistency with experimental results on both prediction of the fatigue life and the damage mechanisms under cyclic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, an increasing number of small satellites have chosen electric propulsion (EP) as the propulsion system for motion control in space flights. Research on the ejected high energy plasma plumes from EP thrusters has attracted significant interest due to their interactions with the components of satellites. This work demonstrates a probe array diagnostic platform (with 67 Faraday probes on the array) that enables the acquisition of the full three-dimensional morphology of the plume current density from the near-field to the far-field of EP stationary thrusters. The plume parameters of an ion thruster including the 3-D plume morphology, divergence angle, and thrust vector angle are measured using this diagnostic platform. From 250 to 700 mm from the thruster exit, the plume field exhibits a stable divergence angle of 43.6°. By fitting circles to the contours of each cut plane, the average thrust vector angle is calculated to be 1.3°, and the repeatability error for the circle center fitting is approximately 2.2%. The current density profiles on exit cut planes demonstrate an "elliptical distortion" phenomenon in the plume shape. Using the ellipse fitting method, it is found that an elliptical shape was formed in the near-field of the plume. As the plume propagates to the far-field, the distortion of the ellipse becomes more apparent (the aspect ratio is 1:1.14). Some possible causes may be the geo-magnetic field, background vacuum environment distribution, or thruster manufacturing error. The thrust vector data can provide a basis for the control strategy of the satellites. In addition, the 3-D plume current density data can give us a comprehensive understanding of the plume plasma physics. These results may also provide an accurate and rich database for parameters for future plume simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible joint is the kernel part of flexible nozzle thrust vector control system. A sets of hysteresis loops of flexible joint are measured with different swing amplitudes, swing frequencies as well as vessel pressures. A hybrid damping mechanical model is adopted to predict the hysteresis loops under different operating conditions. In this model, the total restoring torque of hysteresis loop is divided into a high order polynomial elastic torque, a hybrid damping torque and an inertial torque. Herein, the damping torque can adopt to different operating conditions and the asymmetry of hysteresis loop is also considered in the modeling, which guarantees the generalization performance of the model. Moreover, there are only 4 coefficients need to be identified in each part of hysteresis loop, which has a smaller fitting error. Therefore, this model makes a good balance between generalization performance and fitting errors. It can be observed that the simulation results of this model are well consistent with the experiment results with the relative errors range from 3.01% to 8.12%. Moreover, this model is compared with linear viscous damping model as well as semi-constitutive mechanical model, and it can be seen that the model adopted in this paper are in better agreement with experiment results. Furthermore, by adopting the hybrid damping mechanical model, the servo mechanism – flexible nozzle system can also achieve a better position accuracy compared with that of linear viscous damping model with a priority up to 0.15°, since the former one has a more accurate hysteresis loop. • The model constructed in this paper can adopt to different operating conditions. • The simulation results of model are well consistent with the experiment results. • This model makes a balance between generalization performance and fitting errors. • This model has a higher prediction precision compared with other two classic models. • Based on this model, the flexible nozzle can achieve a better position accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment of complex ureteral stricture has always been a hot and difficult topic in urology. The aim of our study is to investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of labial mucosal graft (LMG) onlay ureteroplasty without omental wrap for ureteral stricture with occlusion and present our initial experience., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed perioperative and follow-up data of 12 patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University who underwent the LMG ureteroplasty with ureteral occlusion from April 2022 to September 2023. After stricture and occluded segments were incised longitudinally, the LMG was used to expand the ureteral lumen without omental wrap., Results: All patients had successful surgery with no intraoperative complications. The median length of ureteral stricture was 3.5 cm (range, 3-5 cm), the median length of the occlusion was 1.5 cm (range, 1-2 cm), the median length of the LMGs is 4.5 cm (range, 4-6 cm). Ureteroscopy confirmed that the reconstructed ureteral lumen was unobstructed except for one patient with thin film-like ureteral stricture. Only one patient had slight contracture at the graft site, which did not affect movement of lip and appearance. No persistent and obvious discomfort was observed at the graft site in the remaining patients., Conclusions: Our experience suggests that LMG onlay ureteroplasty without omentum wrap appears to be a feasible and safe option for reconstruction of ureteral occlusion., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tau.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tau-24-266/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 AME Publishing Company. All rights reserved.)

Tumor ecosystem shapes cancer biology and potentially influence the response to immunotherapy, but there is a lack of direct clinical evidence. In this study, we utilized EcoTyper and publicly available scRNA-Seq cohorts from ICI-treated patients. We found a ecosystem subtype (ecotype) was linked to improved responses to immunotherapy. Then, a novel immunotherapy-responsive ecotype signature (IRE.Sig) was established and validated through the analysis of pan-cancer data. Utilizing IRE.Sig, machine learning models successfully predicted ICI responses in both validation and testing cohorts, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.72 and 0.71, respectively. Furthermore, using 5 CRISPR screening cohorts, we identified several potential drugs that may augment the efficacy of ICI. We also elucidated the candidate cellular biomarkers of response to the combined treatment of pembrolizumab plus eribulin in breast cancer. This signature has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for patients in selecting appropriate immunotherapy treatments., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease is an uncommon neurodegenerative disorder. The diagnosis of this condition has become more definitive based on current research. However, treatment options remain limited. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is one of the prevalent and significant complications, which is the result of its multi-system effects. Here, we present the case of a 48-year-old man diagnosed with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease based on existing evidence and was complicated by neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Despite undergoing some medical treatments, his lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence, incomplete or intermittent voiding, etc, continued to worsen while upper urinary tract injury developed. Based on careful consideration of the patient's condition and the available findings, we performed an unprecedented sacral neuromodulation on him. Implementation of sacral neuromodulation led to significant improvement in his urination function and alleviate kidney function damage. Our case suggests a potential therapeutic role for sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction associated with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. Additional research is required to determine the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation in managing neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction caused by various etiologies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Introduction: Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) represents a novel form of tumor angiogenesis that is associated with tumor invasiveness and drug resistance. However, the VM landscape across cancer types remains poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate the characterizations of VM across cancers based on multi-omics data and provide potential targeted therapeutic strategies., Methods: Multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to conduct comprehensive analyses of the characteristics of VM related genes (VRGs) across cancer types. Pan-cancer vasculogenic mimicry score was established to provide a depiction of the VM landscape across cancer types. The correlation between VM and cancer phenotypes was conducted to explore potential regulatory mechanisms of VM. We further systematically examined the relationship between VM and both tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, cell communication analysis based on single-cell transcriptome data was used to investigate the interactions between VM cells and TME. Finally, transcriptional and drug response data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database were utilized to identify potential therapeutic targets and drugs. The impact of VM on immunotherapy was also further clarified., Results: Our study revealed that VRGs were dysregulated in tumor and regulated by multiple mechanisms. Then, VM level was found to be heterogeneous among different tumors and correlated with tumor invasiveness, metastatic potential, malignancy, and prognosis. VM was found to be strongly associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further analyses revealed cancer-associated fibroblasts can promote EMT and VM formation. Furthermore, the immune-suppressive state is associated with a microenvironment characterized by high levels of VM. VM score can be used as an indicator to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Finally, seven potential drugs targeting VM were identified., Conclusion: In conclusion, we elucidate the characteristics and key regulatory mechanisms of VM across various cancer types, underscoring the pivotal role of CAFs in VM. VM was further found to be associated with the immunosuppressive TME. We also provide clues for the research of drugs targeting VM. Our study provides an initial overview and reference point for future research on VM, opening up new avenues for therapeutic intervention., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Tang, Chen, Liu, Zeng, Tan and Chen.)

Background: Ureteral stents are commonly used in urology. However, complications such as encrustation and infection on the surface of the stent, and injury to the ureteral mucosa can occur after implantation, causing discomfort for patients., Objective: We intend to confirm the biosafety of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) hydrophilic coating and its lubrication properties for surface modification of ureteral stents to reduce friction and improve patient comfort., Methods: Based on our previous studies, we have developed a PVP hydrophilic coating for surface modification of ureteral stents. We firstly investigated the cytotoxicity, intradermal irritation, delayed type hypersensitivity, and acute systemic reactions of stent coating extracts. We further characterized the break strength, retention strength, and dynamic friction of the stent., Results: The cell survival rate of all experimental groups was greater than 70%. No hypersensitivity reaction, systemic toxicity reaction, or obvious intradermal reaction were observed. The above results indicate that the test results of the modified stent meet the requirements of ISO 10993-5: 2009 (Cytotoxicity); ISO 10993-10:2021 (Sensitization and Irritation); ISO 10993-11:2017 (Acute Systemic Toxicity). After soaking in artificial urine for an extended period, there was no obvious change in its super-slip performance., Conclusion: Our results confirm the safety and lubrication characteristics of PVP hydrophilic coating for ureteral stent surface modification. The performance of this coating has the potential to reduce complications after stent implantation, thereby improving patient comfort, reducing medical burden, and has a good clinical application prospect.

A simple and reliable method is developed to fabricate Ag-nanoparticle-decorated Co(OH) 2 nanoflowers grafted on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanopillar arrays as uniform and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. First, Co(OH) 2 -nanosheet-assembled nanoflowers are achieved on the highly uniform PAN nanopillar arrays via electrochemical deposition. Then, Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are decorated onto the Au-nanoparticle-precoated Co(OH) 2 nanoflowers based on a spontaneous redox reaction (SRR) between the silver ions and Co(OH) 2 nanosheets at room temperature. Ag-NPs can be successfully in situ synthesized on the Co(OH) 2 nanoflowers, and Au nanoparticles precoated on the surface of the Co(OH) 2 nanosheets can ensure that the Co(OH) 2 nanoflower structure does not collapse. Because of the highly uniform PAN nanopillar arrays and the high-density sub-10 nm gaps between the neighboring Ag-NPs on the surface of the Co(OH) 2 nanoflowers, the hierarchical three-dimensional Ag@Co(OH) x grown on PAN nanopillar arrays can produce a reproducible and sensitive SERS effect. To verify the SERS performance of the substrate, 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) is used as the probe molecule, and the Ag@Co(OH) x grown on PAN nanopillar arrays is employed as the SERS substrate. As a result, 4-ATP concentrations as low as 10 -10 M can still be identified, exhibiting high SERS activity. Additionally, the relative standard deviation value of the main characteristic peak of 10 -5 M 4-ATP is 9.43%, indicating good uniformity of the SERS signal of the substrate. The SRR between silver ions and Co(OH) 2 can provide a simple route to prepare heterostructures as SERS substrates, which has great potential for application in the field of analysis.

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type that leads to 1% of male infertility. Wnt signaling governs normal sperm maturation. However, the role of Wnt signaling in spermatogonia in NOA has incompletely been uncovered, and upstream molecules regulating Wnt signaling remain unclear., Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of NOA was used to identify the hub gene module in NOA utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNAs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of NOA was employed to explore dysfunctional signaling pathways in the specific cell type with gene sets of signaling pathways. Single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (pySCENIC) for Python analysis was applied to speculate putative transcription factors in spermatogonia. Moreover, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) determined the regulated genes of these transcription factors. Finally, spatial transcriptomic data were used to analyze cell type and Wnt signaling spatial distribution., Results: The Wnt signaling pathway was demonstrated to be enriched in the hub gene module of NOA by bulk RNA-seq. Then, scRNA-seq data revealed the downregulated activity and dysfunction of Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA samples. Conjoint analyses of the pySCENIC algorithm and scATAC-seq data indicated that three transcription factors ( CTCF , AR , and ARNTL ) were related to the activities of Wnt signaling in NOA. Eventually, spatial expression localization of Wnt signaling was identified to be in accordance with the distribution patterns of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells., Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified that downregulated Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA and three transcription factors ( CTCF , AR , and ARNTL ) may be involved in this dysfunctional Wnt signaling. These findings provide new mechanisms for NOA and new therapeutic targets for NOA patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zeng, Chen, Liu, Tang, Wu and Liu.)

Background: Necroptosis has been found to be associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the prognostic effect of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with necroptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still unclear., Methods: Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify necroptosis-related genes and lncRNAs obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) dataset. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression analyses were used to identify a novel necroptosis-associated lncRNAs signature that significantly correlated with survival of ccRCC. Next, single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was employed to assess the extent of infiltration with immune cells. Analyses to predict the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of patients in different risk groups were also conducted. Moreover, follow-up data of an immunotherapy cohort were used to test for differences in the immunotherapeutic efficiency between two risk groups. Finally, patients with ccRCC were divided into two groups based on 6 prognostic lncRNAs., Results: We developed a signature of necroptosis-related lncRNAs, which was verified as an independent prognostic factor that can predict prognosis up to 7 years. Patients with higher risk scores were shown to have higher immune suppressive cell infiltration levels and expression of immune checkpoint genes, which suggests that these patients were in a state of immunosuppression. Patients in the low-risk group were found to have an increased response to immunotherapy. A prognostic prediction nomogram was conducted to predict long-term survival of patients. Cluster A tumors were considered hot tumors, since they were correlated with higher levels of immune infiltration and were more sensitive to immunotherapy., Conclusions: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was conducted, which found that the necroptosis-associated lncRNA signature might be a potent prognostic factor for patients with ccRCC, which could contribute to improved prognosis of these patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tcr.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tcr-22-1764/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Translational Cancer Research. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, we investigate the effects of taper angle on the SERS detection sensitivity using tapered fiber probes with single-layer uniform gold spherical nanoparticles (GSNs). We show that the photothermal damage caused by excessive excitation laser power is the main factor that restricts the improvement of detection sensitivity of tapered fiber probes. Only when the cone angle is appropriate can a balance be achieved between increasing the excitation laser power and suppression of the transmission and scattering losses of the nanoparticles on the tapered fiber surface, thereby obtaining the best SERS detection sensitivity. Furthermore, the optimal cone angle depends on the complex refractive index of the equivalent composite dielectric (ECD) layer containing GSNs. For three SERS fiber probes with different ECD layers, the optimal cone angles measured are between 11-13°.

Three-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates usually provide more hot spots in the excitation light beam and higher sensitivity when compared with the two-dimensional counterpart. Here a simple approach is presented for the fabrication of arrays of Ag-nanoparticles decorated TiO 2 nanotubes. Arrays of ZnO nanorods were fabricated in advance by a hydrothermal method. Then TiO 2 nanotube arrays were achieved by immersing the arrays of ZnO nanorods in an aqueous solution of (NH 4 ) 2 TiF 6 for 1.5 h. Vertically aligned TiO 2 nanotube arrays were modified with dense Ag nanoparticles by Ag mirror reaction. High density of Ag nanoparticles decorated on the fabricated TiO 2 nanotubes provide plenty of hotspots for Raman enhancement. In addition, the fabricated array of Ag nanoparticles modified TiO 2 nanotubes can serve as a reusable SERS substrate because of the photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 nanotubes. The SERS substrate adsorbed with analyte molecules can realize self-cleaning in deionized water after UV irradiation for 2.5 h. The sensitivity of the fabricated SERS substrate was investigated by the detection of organic dye molecules. The detectable concentration limits of rhodamine 6G (R6G), malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) were found to be 10 -12  M, 10 -9  M and 10 -8  M, respectively. The enhancement factor (EF) of the three-dimensional SERS substrate was estimated to be as high as ∼1.4×10 8 . Therefore, the prepared Ag nanoparticles modified TiO 2 nanotube arrays have promising potentials to be applied to rapid and trace SERS detection of organic chemicals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Zhai, Zhu, Wang, Yuan and Tang.)

A (111) predominant cubic Cu 2 O film terminated with nanopyramids was electrodeposited on copper foam as the cathode for electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate. The nitrate removal efficiency reached 94.3% and the selectivity for nontoxic nitrogen gas was 49.2%, 99% and 64.2% in neutral solution, alkaline solution and spiked actual lake water, respectively.

Objective To investigate the effect of necrostatin-1 on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice, and to explore the role of apoptosis and M1 type-microglia/macrophage-mediated pro-inflammation in the protective effect. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, necrostatin-1 group, SCI model group, necrostatin-1-treated group after SCI, with 20 mice in each. For SCI model group, mice were anesthetized with 10 g/L pentobarbital sodium with a dose of 8 mL/kg. After skin disinfection, T8 laminectomy was performed under operating microscope, and the T8 spinal cord was clearly revealed. The injury model was established with a device designed by our own with the parameter at 0.2 mm-width for 20 seconds. Manual urination was performed once a day. For necrostatin-1-treated group after SCI, 7.8 mg/kg of necrostatin-1 was intravenously administrated at the 1, 2, and 3 days after SCI. For necrostatin-1 group, necrostatin-1 was intravenously injected for three days. Basso Mouse Scale(BMS) score and standardized rump-height index were used to evaluate locomotor function at 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 10- and 14-day after injury. To observe cell apoptosis in injured cord, TUNEL staining was performed at 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day after injury. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a classical marker of M1 type microglia/macrophage. Real time quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA levels of TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. Results Necrostatin-1 significantly promoted the locomotor recovery in mice after SCI, reduced cell apoptosis around the SCI area; decreased the protein expression of M1 type microglia/macrophage marker iNOS and the number of iNOS-positive microglia/macrophage, and down-regulated the transcription levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β, while promoting the transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. Conclusion Necrostatin-1 significantly promotes locomotor function recovery after SCI in mice by reducing the number of apoptotic cells and inhibiting M1 microglia/macrophages-mediated pro-inflammatory factors.

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), a member of a major group of brominated flame retardants, is detected in aquatic environments at considerable levels and induces physiological and toxic effects on aquatic plants. In this study, the physiological responses induced by and the toxic effects of BDE-209 at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg L -1 ) in Lythrum salicaria were examined. OJIP transient curves indicated that BDE-209 treatment negatively affected photosystem II (PSII) grouping. Additionally, the results showed that BDE-209 inhibited seedling development and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and antioxidative enzyme activities in the roots and shoots of L. salicaria. The results revealed that BDE-209 exposure contributed to ROS accumulation, which was considered as the probable toxicity mechanism. The current results provided an insight into the development of L. salicaria with high BDE-209 tolerance.

In plasmonic metals, surface plasmon resonance decays and generates hot electrons and hot holes through non-radiative Landau damping. These hot carriers are highly energetic, which can be modulated by the plasmonic material, size, shape, and surrounding dielectric medium. A plasmonic metal nanostructure, which can absorb incident light in an extended spectral range and transfer the absorbed light energy to adjacent molecules or semiconductors, functions as a "plasmonic photosensitizer." This article deals with the generation, emission, transfer, and energetics of plasmonic hot carriers. It also describes the mechanisms of hot electron transfer from the plasmonic metal to the surface adsorbates or to the adjacent semiconductors. In addition, this article highlights the applications of plasmonic hot electrons in photodetectors, photocatalysts, photoelectrochemical cells, photovoltaics, biosensors, and chemical sensors. It discusses the applications and the design principles of plasmonic materials and devices.

Ag nanoplates, as two-dimensional plasmonic nanostructures, have attracted intensive attention due to their strong shape-dependent optical properties and related applications. Here parallel face-exposed Ag nanoplates vertically grown on micro-hemisphere surfaces have been achieved by firstly electrodepositing the micro-hemispheres assembled by Ag nanoplates, whose planar surfaces are stuck together, on indium tin oxide substrates, and then Ostwald ripening the as-electrodeposited micro-hemispheres in water. The sizes of the nanoplates and the gaps between the neighboring nanoplates have been tailored by tuning the Ostwald-ripening duration, so that the SERS activity of the micro-hemispheres has been remarkably improved. The improved SERS activity can be well explained by our systematic finite-element simulation. Therefore, Ostwald ripening offers a route to the synthesis of Ag nanoplates, and the optimization of plasmon coupling and SERS activity of nanostructure-assembled systems., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)