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Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have inspired the potential for widespread use in energy storage owing to the advantages of abundant resources and low cost. Benefiting from the layered structure, 2D-layered materials enable fast interlayer transport of sodium ions and thus are considered promising candidates as anodes for SIBs. Herein, a strategy of adjusting crystal orientation is proposed via a solvothermal method to improve sodium-ion transport at the edge of the interlayers in 2D-layered materials. By introducing surfactants and templates, the 2D-layered V

OBJECTIVE To explore the incidence, predictors, and prognosis of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP)-related thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients. METHODS This multi-center study used the eICU Collaborative Research Database V1.2, comprising data on > 130,000 patients from multiple intensive care units (ICUs) in America between 2014 and 2015. A total of 710 patients undergoing IABP were included. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a drop in platelet count > 50% from baseline. From the cohort, 167 patients who developed thrombocytopenia were matched 1:1 with 167 patients who did not, after propensity score (PS) matching. The associations between IABP-related thrombocytopenia and clinical outcomes were examined by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 710 patients undergoing IABP, 249 patients (35.07%) developed thrombocytopenia. The APACHE IVa score was a predictor of thrombocytopenia [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02−1.15]. After 1:1 PS matching, in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.37−1.56) and in-ICU mortality (adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.34−1.63) were similar between the thrombocytopenia and non-thrombocytopenia groups. However, major bleeding occurred more frequently in the thrombocytopenia group (adjusted OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54−4.17). In-hospital length of stay (LOS) and in-ICU LOS were significantly longer in patients who developed thrombocytopenia than in those who did not (9.71vs. 7.36, P < 0.001; 5.13 vs. 2.83, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among patients undergoing IABP in the ICUs, thrombocytopenia was not associated with a difference in in-hospital mortality or in-ICU mortality; however, thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with a greater risk of major bleeding and increased in-ICU and in-hospital LOS.

Dynamic assembly and disassembly of primary cilia controls embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of ciliogenesis causes human developmental diseases termed ciliopathies. Cell-intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of cilia disassembly have been well-studied. The extracellular cues controlling cilia disassembly remain elusive, however. Here, we show that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a multifunctional bioactive phospholipid, acts as a physiological extracellular factor to initiate cilia disassembly and promote neurogenesis. Through systematic analysis of serum components, we identify a small molecular—LPA as the major driver of cilia disassembly. Genetic inactivation and pharmacological inhibition of LPA receptor 1 (LPAR1) abrogate cilia disassembly triggered by serum. The LPA-LPAR-G-protein pathway promotes the transcription and phosphorylation of cilia disassembly factors-Aurora A, through activating the transcription coactivators YAP/TAZ and calcium/CaM pathway, respectively. Deletion of Lpar1 in mice causes abnormally elongated cilia and decreased proliferation in neural progenitor cells, thereby resulting in defective neurogenesis. Collectively, our findings establish LPA as a physiological initiator of cilia disassembly and suggest targeting the metabolism of LPA and the LPA pathway as potential therapies for diseases with dysfunctional ciliogenesis., Dynamic assembly and disassembly of primary cilia is critical for tissue development and homeostasis. Here the authors identify lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as a physiological extracellular factor that initiates cilia disassembly through both YAP/TAZ mediated transcription and calcium/calmodulin mediated activation of Aurora A.

The Polyamide 6 (PA6)/ maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM-g-MAH)/organic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by melt extrusion method at different contents of OMMT fillers. The content of OMMT were studied to discuss the mechanical properties, thermal resistance properties and melt-crystal behavior of the nanocomposites. The results were summarized as follows: The PA6/EPDM-g-MAH/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared using melt extrusion method. The influence of the OMMT filler contents on the properties of PA6/EPDM-g-MAH/OMMT nanocomposites were studied. The mechanical properties and thermal resistance properties were improved with the addition of OMMT. The results showed that when the content of OMMT was 3.5wt%, comparing to the pure PA6, the bending strength was improved 31.7%, the notch impact strength was improved by 40.5%, and the heat deflection temperature was improved by 31.1°C. This kind of nanocomposites had good application prospects.

By mechanical blending method or melt extrusion method, several kinds of poymers and OMMT were selected with different mixing progress and conditions, and several polymer/OMMT nanocomposites with different substructure morphology were prepared. The properties of polymer/OMMT nanocomposites were investigated. Firstly, several types of OMMT were prepared with different layer spacing, the results of XRD and TEM showed that the OMMT with larger layer spacing would form exfoliation nanocomposites, and then the schemes explained the mechanism. The polyethylene (such as LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE) composited with the same OMMT indicated the influence of different molecular chain structure. Different morphology of PP/OMMT and EPDM/OMMT nano-composites were discussed to find the relationship of shear force effecting structure.

The internal circadian rhythm is controlled by the central pacemaker in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN drives coherent and synchronized circadian oscillations via intercellular coupling, which are resistant to environmental perturbations. Here we report that primary cilium is a critical device for intercellular coupling among SCN neurons and acts as a gatekeeper to maintain the internal clock in mice. A subset of SCN neurons, namely neuromedin S-producing (NMS) neurons, exhibit cilia dynamics with a pronounced circadian rhythmicity. Genetic ablation of ciliogenesis in NMS neurons enables a rapid phase shift of the internal clock under experimental jet lag conditions. The circadian rhythms of individual neurons in cilia-deficient SCN slices lose their coherence following external perturbations. Rhythmic cilia dynamics drive oscillations of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling and oscillated expressions of multiple circadian genes in SCN neurons. Genetic and chemical inactivation of Shh signaling in NMS neurons phenocopies the effect of cilia ablation. Our findings establish ciliary signaling as a novel interneuronal coupling mechanism in the SCN and may lead to novel therapy of circadian disruption-linked diseases.One-Sentence SummaryRhythmic cilium is a critical device for intercellular coupling among SCN neurons and acts as gatekeeper for the internal clock.

Background and objectives Although topical corticosteroids are still the first-line option for vitiligo, its efficacy is still unsatisfactory for stable vitiligo. A few studies have focused on laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) but were limited by their sample deficiency and analyses of the influencing factors. To determine the efficacy, adverse events, and their influencing factors of fractional erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser-assisted topical delivery of corticosteroids in stable vitiligo. Study design/materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 1,026 lesions in 684 patients with stable vitiligo who underwent treatment with fractional Er:YAG laser-assisted delivery of topical compound betamethasone solution between January 2014 and December 2017. Multi-factors associated with different outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression in this study. Results A total of 413 of 1,026 lesions (40.3%) were effective 12 months after the first treatment. Age ( Conclusions Fractional Er:YAG laser-assisted delivery of topical compound betamethasone is a good option for the management of vitiligo. The treatment may be suggested in these situations: younger patients, shorter disease duration, and lesions on the face and neck with hair. The appearance of white hair in the lesion area does not affect our confidence in vitiligo treatment. Density >22% may cause hyperpigmentation, but it does not significantly contribute to the efficacy. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Primary cilia transduce diverse signals in embryonic development and adult tissues. Defective ciliogenesis results in a series of human disorders collectively known as ciliopathies. The CP110–CEP97 complex removal from the mother centriole is an early critical step for ciliogenesis, but the underlying mechanism for this step remains largely obscure. Here, we reveal that the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) plays an essential role in ciliogenesis by targeting the CP110–CEP97 complex. LUBAC specifically generates linear ubiquitin chains on CP110, which is required for CP110 removal from the mother centriole in ciliogenesis. We further identify that a pre-mRNA splicing factor, PRPF8, at the distal end of the mother centriole acts as the receptor of the linear ubiquitin chains to facilitate CP110 removal at the initial stage of ciliogenesis. Thus, our study reveals a direct mechanism of regulating CP110 removal in ciliogenesis and implicates the E3 ligase LUBAC as a potential therapy target of cilia-associated diseases, including ciliopathies and cancers.

Rechargeable batteries are key in the field of electrochemical energy storage, and the development of advanced electrode materials is essential to meet the increasing demand of electrochemical energy storage devices with higher density of energy and power. Anode materials are the key components of batteries. However, the anode materials still suffer from several challenges such as low rate capability and poor cycling stability, limiting the development of high-energy and high-power batteries. In recent years, heterojunctions have received increasing attention from researchers as an emerging material, because the constructed heterostructures can significantly improve the rate capability and cycling stability of the materials. Although many research progress has been made in this field, it still lacks review articles that summarize this field in detail. Herein, this review presents the recent research progress of heterojunction-type anode materials, focusing on the application of various types of heterojunctions in lithium/sodium-ion batteries. Finally, the heterojunctions introduced in this review are summarized, and their future development is anticipated.

Industrial waste recycling is a considerable approach to solve environment and economy issue. Chlorophyl-extracting waste oil (CWO) is a kind of industrial waste with sticky, dark-color qua...

Rosacea is a common chronic facial inflammatory skin disease. However, treatment for “difficult-to-treat rosacea” cases has not been established. This 48-week, prospective, observational study analyzed patients who underwent three non-insulated fractional microneedle radiofrequency (NFMRF) sessions at 2-month intervals. Therapy efficacy, epidermal barrier function, and side effects were evaluated. 34 subjects completed the trial. NFMRF resulted in CEA score reduction from 2.65 ± 0.59 to 1.56 ± 0.50 (P

Background Oxidative stress is an important pathogenic factor in influenza A virus infection. It has been found that reactive oxygen species induced by the H9N2 influenza virus is associated with viral replication. However, the mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Methods In this study, the role of autophagy was investigated in H9N2 influenza virus-induced oxidative stress and viral replication in A549 cells. Autophagy induced by H9N2 was inhibited by an autophagy inhibitor or RNA interference, the autophagy level, viral replication and the presence of oxidative stress were detected by western blot, TCID50 assay, and Real-time PCR. Then autophagy and oxidative stress were regulated, and viral replication was determined. At last, the Akt/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathways was detected by western blot. Results Autophagy was induced by the H9N2 influenza virus and the inhibition of autophagy reduced the viral titer and the expression of nucleoprotein and matrix protein. The blockage of autophagy suppressed the H9N2 virus-induced increase in the presence of oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased reactive oxygen species production and malonaldehyde generation, and increased superoxide dismutase 1 levels. The changes in the viral titer and NP mRNA level caused by the antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and the oxidizing agent, H2O2, confirmed the involvement of oxidative stress in the control of viral replication. NAC plus transfection with Atg5 siRNA significantly reduced the viral titer and oxidative stress compared with NAC treatment alone, which confirmed that autophagy was involved in the replication of H9N2 influenza virus by regulating oxidative stress. Our data also revealed that autophagy was induced by the H9N2 influenza virus through the Akt/TSC2/mTOR pathway. The activation of Akt or the inhibition of TSC2 suppressed the H9N2 virus-induced increase in the level of LC3-II, restored the decrease in the expression of phospho-pAkt, phospho-mTOR and phospho-pS6 caused by H9N2 infection, suppressed the H9N2-induced increase in the presence of oxidative stress, and resulted in a decrease in the viral titer. Conclusion Autophagy is involved in H9N2 virus replication by regulating oxidative stress via the Akt/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, autophagy maybe a target which may be used to improve antiviral therapeutics.

Zhang et al. identify CEP55 as a novel regulator of cilia disassembly. Their findings establish a cilia disassembly role for CEP55 in vivo and in vitro, coupling defects in cilia disassembly to ciliopathy and further suggesting that proper cilia dynamics are critical for mammalian development., Primary cilia protrude from the cell surface and have diverse roles during development and disease, which depends on the precise timing and control of cilia assembly and disassembly. Inactivation of assembly often causes cilia defects and underlies ciliopathy, while diseases caused by dysfunction in disassembly remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CEP55 functions as a cilia disassembly regulator to participate in ciliopathy. Cep55−/− mice display clinical manifestations of Meckel–Gruber syndrome, including perinatal death, polycystic kidneys, and abnormalities in the CNS. Interestingly, Cep55−/− mice exhibit an abnormal elongation of cilia on these tissues. Mechanistically, CEP55 promotes cilia disassembly by interacting with and stabilizing Aurora A kinase, which is achieved through facilitating the chaperonin CCT complex to Aurora A. In addition, CEP55 mutation in Meckel–Gruber syndrome causes the failure of cilia disassembly. Thus, our study establishes a cilia disassembly role for CEP55 in vivo, coupling defects in cilia disassembly to ciliopathy and further suggesting that proper cilia dynamics are critical for mammalian development.

High energy consumption and excess lithium are required for the preparation of transition metal layered oxide cathodes through high-temperature solid-phase sintering. Exploring new low-cost preparation methods can raise the cost competitiveness of commercial lithium-ion batteries. Herein, nanoscale LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2(NCM111) was prepared via a hydrothermal lithiation process from transition metal sulfates. The dissolution-recrystallization mechanism during the low-temperature hydrothermal process enables the formation of nanoparticles. The nanoscale particle size shortens the diffusion channel of lithium ions, which can significantly boost the rate-performance of NCM111. The high concentration of Li+ in the solution hinders Ni2+ from occupying the 3a site of Li+ during the formation of the layered structure, inhibiting the cation mixing, and the unreacted lithium in the solution can be easily recycled. The conductivity of the material is improved by introducing the high valence ion W6+, while the strong W–O bond stabilizes the layered structure and further restrains cation mixing. The results show that the W-doped NCM111 has a specific capacity of 131.9 mAh g−1 at an ultra-high discharge rate of 20 C (3200 mA g−1).

Objective To investigate the role of HELQ in chemo-resistance of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), which is a critical factor of patients' prognosis. Methods Immunohistochemistry, survival analysis of our 87 EOC patients and bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets (Nature, 2011) disclosed the clinical importance of HELQ expression. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western Blot analyses of EOC tissue were used to confirm it. Ectopic overexpression and RNA interference knockdown of HELQ were carried out in OVCAR3 and A2780 cell lines, respectively, to determine the effect of altered HELQ expression on cellular response to cisplatin by CCK8 assay. The DNA repair capacity of these cells was evaluated by using host-cell reactivation assay. Western Blot analyses were carried out to determine the effect of HLEQ on the DNA repair genes by using cells with altered HELQ expression. Results HELQ expression associates with response of EOC patients to platinum-based chemotherapy and their overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS). HELQ overexpression or knockdown, respectively, increased and decreased the cellular resistance to cisplatin, DNA repair activity, and expression of DNA repair proteins of Nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Conclusions HELQ plays an important role in regulating the expression of DNA repair proteins NER pathway which, in turn, contributes to cellular response to cisplatin and patients' response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Our results demonstrated that HELQ could serve as a novel indicator for chemo-resistance of EOC, which can predict the prognosis of the disease.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was found to inhibit the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway involved in influenza virus pathogenesis. Here, the effect of EGCG on TLR4 in an H9N2 virus-induced acute lung injury mouse model was investigated. BALB/c mice were inoculated intranasally with A/Swine/Hebei/108/2002 (H9N2) virus or noninfectious allantoic fluid, and treated with EGCG and E5564 or normal saline orally for 5 consecutive days. PMVECs were treated with EGCG or anti-67kDa laminin receptor (LR). Lung physiopathology, inflammation, oxidative stress, viral replication, and TLR4/NF-κB/Toll-interacting protein (Tollip) pathway in lung tissue and/or PMVECs were investigated. EGCG attenuated lung histological lesions, decreased lung W/D ratio, cytokines levels, and inhibited MPO activity and prolonged mouse survival. EGCG treatment also markedly downregulated TLR4 and NF-κB protein levels but Tollip expression was upregulated compared with that in untreated H9N2-infected mice (P

Thermo-gravimetric technology was used to rapidly evaluate and measure safe use life of food contact polymer materials. The thermo-gravimetric curve showed that silicone rubber pad decomposition temperature was about 350°C in air and the maximum decomposition rate was 450°C. 370°C, 380°C, 390°C, 400°C, 410°C at the right temperature zone was chosen to do thermo-gravimetric constant temperature experiments; the time of silicon rubber pad’s weightlessness of 5%, 10% 15% was calculated by the above curve, respectively. Finally Arrhenius equation was used to establish the relationship between temperature and time; and then the result of infer silicone rubber pad using life was 1.37 thousand times when it was used as a baking tray.

Influenza A virus usually leads to economic loss to breeding farms and pose a serious threat to human health. Virus infecting tissues directly and influenza virus-induced excessive production of inflammatory factors play the key role in pathogenesis of the disease, but the mechanism is not well clarified. Here, the role of autophagy was investigated in H9N2 influenza virus-triggered inflammation. The results showed that autophagy was induced by H9N2 virus in A549 cells and in mice. Inhibiting autophagy by an autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) or knockdown of Atg5(autophagy-related gene) by Atg5 siRNA significantly suppressed H9N2 virus replication, H9N2 virus-triggered inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and CCL5 in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed H9N2 virus-triggered acute lung injury as indicated as accumulative mortality of mice, inflammatory cellular infiltrate and interstitial edema, thickening of the alveolar walls in mice lung tissues, increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, increased W/D ratio in mice. Moreover, autophagy mediated inflammatory responses through Akt-mTOR, NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. Our data showed that autophagy was essential in H9N2 influenza virus-triggered inflammatory responses, and autophagy could be target to treat influenza virus-caused lung inflammation.

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of influenza virus infection. Increasing evidences show that transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2), a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel, plays an important role in the pathomechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-coupled diseases. The present study investigated the role of TRPM2 in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) during H9N2 influenza virus infection. We knocked down TRPM2 in PMVECs using TRPM2 shRNA lentiviral particles. Subsequently, we utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry to compare ROS levels, DNA damage, mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors between control and TRPM2-knockdown PMVECs following H9N2 influenza virus infection. Inhibition of TRPM2 channels reduced H9N2 virus-induced intracellular ROS production, decreased DNA damage, and inhibited H9N2-induced cellular apoptosis. This study shows that the inhibition of TRPM2 channels may protect PMVECs from the damage caused by H9N2 virus infection. Our results highlight the importance of TRPM2 in modulating ROS production, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytokine expression, and DNA damage in H9N2 virus-infected PMVECs, and suggest that TRPM2 may be a potential antiviral target.

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) can cross species barriers and expand from birds tomammals and humans. It usually leads to economic loss for breeding farms and poses a serious threat to human health.This study investigated the molecular characteristics of H9N2 AIV isolated from a racing pigeon and its pathogenesis in BALB/c mice and pigeons. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the H9N2 virus belonged to the Ck/BJ/94-like lineage, and acquired multiple specific amino acid substitutions that might contribute to viral transmission from birds to mammals and humans. A pathogenesis study showed that both mice and pigeons infected with H9N2 virus showed clinical signs and mortality. The H9N2 viruses efficiently replicated in mice and pigeons. In our study, high levels of viral shedding were detected in pigeons, but the infection was not transmitted to co-housed pigeons. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of inflammatory responses in the infected mice and pigeons. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of H9N2 virus in multiple organs of the infected mice and pigeons. Moreover, the infected mice and pigeons demonstrated significant cytokine/chemokine production. Our results showed that the H9N2 virus can infect mice and pigeons, and can not be transmitted between pigeons through direct contact.

The hardware in the-loop simulation is an important method to speed up the research process of spacecraft, and the real time simulation system is the core of the hardware in the loop simulation. Distributed real-time simulation system based on RTX and reflective memory network is upgrading and expansion from the EMES simulation system, mainly expansion on the simulation calculation, simulation scheduling and network communication, and design the real time scheduling algorithm based on RTX high precision timer and communication protocol based on reflective memory network, the simulation system using dual network transmission technology. At last, the experimental results show that, the system is real-time, and the communication is stable, high speed and reliable, and the simulation system meets the requirements of real-time simulation.

An antibacterial agent (ZPU) was prepared by surface modification of nanoZnO with aliphatic aqueous polyurethane (WPU) and polyacrylates sodium of lower molecular weight (LPAA). Then two kinds of cotton fabrics were dipped in ZPU and finally finished by paking-baking process. ZPU and the finished cotton fabrics were characterized by SEM, TEM and DLS. The antimicrobial properties of the cotton fabrics were investigated. The results indicated that ZnO retained nanosize with little aggregation on the fabric surface. The finished cotton fabrics showed obviously antibacterial activity againstS. aureusandE. coliwith the 24 h antibacterial rate of 99%.

The EPDM/PP/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared with three different types of OMMT by melt extrusion method. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The intercalated structures of the nanocomposites were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical results showed that the OMMT (FMR242#) has the best reinforcement. When the content of OMMT was lower than 4wt. %, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved greatly with the increase of the OMMT content.

At present, unified and effective treatment for hypertension with insomnia is still lacking, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing technology can improve insomnia symptoms, reduce blood pressure, alleviate fatigue, improve anxiety, depression, improve the quality of life for patients with hypertension and insomnia. There is not only the application of the single TCM nursing technology, such as acupoint massage, acupoint application, ear acupoint pressure beans and so on, but also the application of two or a variety of TCM nursing techniques in hypertension with insomnia. In this article, the results of TCM nursing technology on hypertension with insomnia in recent years are reviewed in order to provide reference for the treatment of hypertensive with insomnia.

Tumor pain is common in patients with advanced cancer, 70-80 % have varying degrees of pain. Treatment of cancer pain has become a difficult issue in oncology, poor pain control often seriously affects the patients' quality of life (QOL). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing intervention can improve symptoms and QOL through massage, external treatment of TCM, and auricular therapy, which have unique curative effects such as regulating Qi (a vital force that forms part of living entity in traditional Chinese culture) and blood, stabilizing the mind, and enhancing immunity. Not only does TCM nursing intervention prevent disease but also cultivates the mind, helps achieve systemic relaxation, and reduces the pain of cancer patients and the toxic side effects of painkillers, so as to improve QOL and satisfaction, making it worthy of clinical popularization and application. At present, there is an urgent need to carry out high-quality, multi-center, large-sample randomized controlled trials and develop a standardized TCM nursing intervention implementation scheme and efficacy standards to promote its application.

The CR/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared by mechanical blending, and the microstructure and properties of nanocomposites were studied. The half-exfoliated organoclay nanocomposites with uniform dispersion were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the cure characteristic, physics mechanical and anti-aging properties of CR/OMMT nanocomposites due to the percent of OMMT were discussed. The results showed that the tear strength and the tensile strength of the nanocomposites with 5 phr OMMT were improved by 49% and 53.3%, respectively. The anti-aging properties of nanocomposites were improved greatly. OMMT could participate in the vulcanization reaction, reduced the cure time (T90) of nanocomposites, and raised the production efficiency.

A three-dimensional computer code which is employed for modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer during braze gap filling on vacuum brazing has been developed by using SIMPLE algorithm and VOF method. By the aid of this program, the flow behavior of liquid filler metal, the location and wave of the free surface, as well as the temperature distribution can be simulated. In order to verify the computational results, experiments of vacuum brazing thin plate weldment with 0.03mm and 0.2mm braze gap have been made respectively. The result of comparisons between calculated data and experimental data show that the brazing gap is one of the most important technological parameters that influences the flow pattern of liquid filler metal during braze gap filling and the brazing seam formation process significantly, and the 3-D modelling of braze gap filling are rather accurate and reliable, thereby providing a useful and effective analytic tool for brazing technological design. Keywords: vacuum brazing; brazing gap filling; numerical modelling

To establish an effective and stable rabbit heat acclimatization model for the experiment of heat acclimatization mechanisms.Sixteen healthy male rabbits were divided into heat acclimatization group and control group randomly (n = 8). Heat acclimatization (HA) group was kept in simulation chamber with dry bulb temperature of (36 +/- 1) degrees C, wet bulb temperature of (29 +/- 0.5) degrees C, black-bulb temperature of (40 +/- 1.0) degrees C, 100 min/day for 21 days. Control group was kept in the room with temperature of 20 degrees C and relative humidity60% during 20 days, then removed into simulation chamber on day 21 to estimate and monitor the rectal temperature together with the heat acclimatization group. Venous blood of control and heat acclimatization group before and after heat exposure on the 1st day, 11th day and 21st day were collected to detect levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) by ELISA analysis.(1) Rectal temperature: There was no significant change in control group during 21 days. In heat acclimatization group, it increased (2.07 +/- 0.43) degrees C after the 1st exposure, and increased (1.78 +/- 0.37) degrees C after the 11th exposure, the range of increasing decreased (0.29 +/- 0.09) degrees C. After the 21st exposure, it increased (1.52 +/- 0.29) degrees C, which was (0.55 +/- 0.14) degrees C lower than that of the 1st (P0.05),and (0.53 +/- 0.14) degrees C lower to that of the control group under 1st heat stress (P0.05); (2) The level of TNF-alpha after the 1st exposure increased significantly (P0.05), but didn't raise along with the exposure times. And fell back to the original level after the 11th and 21st exposure. Compared with control group, the level of IL-6 increased after the 1st, 11th and 21st exposure (P0.05), and maintained highly after the 11th and 21st exposure. Compared with the control group, the level of HSP70 increased dramatically with the heat exposure times. Significant increasing of (HSP70) could be detected after the 11th and 21st exposure (P0.05), but there was no difference to that of the 1st exposure.Prolonged or repeated exposure to heat stressful environmental conditions can reduce the physiological strain, improve heat tolerance, elicits heat acclimatization.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a highly conserved class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by post-transcriptional degradation or translational repression. miRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation and other physiological processes, and are closely related with the development of cancer. More recently, it has been proposed that the presence of genetic variations (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphism and copy number variation) in microRNA genes, their biogenesis pathway and target binding sites affect the miRNA processing machinery and targeting, and have a significant genetic effect. In this review, we focus on the miRNA-related genetic variations and cancer susceptibility and progression.