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1. Laying performance is an important economic trait in poultry. The blood is essential in transporting nutrients to the yolk and albumen and is necessary for egg formation. 2. This study calculated the phenotypic relationships of duck egg quality, egg production efficiency and 22 serum parameters in the egg-laying stage. Using a variety of methodologies, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to uncover the genetic foundations of the 22 serum biochemical markers of laying ducks. 3. Spearman correlation coefficients between the egg production (226–329 per day) and the serum parameters were all weak, being less than 0.3. This analysis was done on 22 serum parameters, with total protein (TP), total triglycerides (TG), calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) having the highest correlation coefficients (r = 0.56–0.88). The coefficients for blood markers, such as total cholesterol (CHOL), total bilirubin (TBIL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) varied from 0.70–0.94. 4. Based on single-marker single-trait genome-wide analyses by a mixed linear model program of EMMAX, nine candidate genes were associated with enzyme traits (AST/ALT aspartate transaminase/glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase) and 19 candidate genes were associated with metabolism and protein-related serum parameters (glucose, total bile acid, uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB). 5. The mvLMM (multivariate linear mixed model) of GEMMA software was used to carry out multiple trait integrated GWAS. Two candidate genes were found in the TP-TG-CA-P analysis and seven candidate genes in the CHOL_LDL-C_HDL-C_TBIL study. There was a high genetic correlation between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of CeO2 nanoparticles on the evaporation characteristics of fuel droplets, numerical simulation for single nano-fuel droplet evaporation was conducted based on ANSYS FLUENT software according to the single droplet evaporation visualization experiment. And the effects of nanoparticles' concentration and size on the temperature and fuel-vapor concentration during the evaporation of were emphatically discussed. The simulation results showed that the temperature field and concentration field were distributed in a gradient. Nano-fuel droplets absorbed heat from the external environment, and the temperature of the nano-fuel droplets kept rising until reaching the evaporation equilibrium temperature. The evaporation equilibrium temperature of nano-fuels droplets was higher than that of N-tetradecane (C14) at the temperature of 573 K. In addition, it increased with the increment of nanoparticle concentration and reduction of the nanoparticle size. In the beginning of the evaporation, the vapor volume fraction of nano-fuel was relatively low and it increased slowly with time. As the evaporation process continued, the evaporation rate of nano-fuel droplets increased. The liquid nano-fuel was constantly evaporating to the fuel vapor, and the vapor volume fraction was increased. The vapor volume fraction was increased during the same evaporation period when elevated nanoparticles concentration and minished nanoparticles size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of grid-point and time-step requirements exist for many canonical flows but not for stratified wakes. The purpose of this work is to fill in this gap. We apply the basic meshing principles and estimate the grid-point and time-step requirements for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) of stratified wake flows at high Reynolds numbers, as arise in many geophysical, aircraft, and undersea vehicle systems. Scales representative of a submarine operating in a stably stratified ocean environment are considered, and the quantitative conclusions reached here can be adapted accordingly for particular applications. For a submarine, typical wake conditions are R e 0 = 10 8 and F r 0 = 10 2 , and wakes extend to Nt = 1000, where Re0 and Fr0 are the initial Reynolds number and the internal Froude number of the wake, respectively, and N is the buoyancy frequency. We consider both spatially developing and temporally evolving wakes. We show that the grid points required for LES and RANS do not depend on the Reynolds number. The ratio of the grid points needed for LES and RANS is proportional to (N t 2 , LW) 2 / 3 , where t 2 , LW marks the end of the late wake and the end of a computational fluid dynamics calculation. According to the present conservative estimates, 0.36 × 10 12 and 0.7 × 10 9 grid points are needed for LES and RANS of a spatially developing wake. The numbers are 8 × 10 9 and 3 × 10 6 for LES and RANS of a temporally evolving wake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide insight into nanoscale problems where continuum description breaks down, such as the modeling of ultrathin films. Amorphous carbon (a-C) films are commonly used as protective overcoats in various contemporary technologies, including microelectromechanical systems, bio-implantable devices, optical lenses, and hard-disk drives. In all of these technologies, the protective a-C film must be continuous and very thin. For example, to achieve high storage densities (e.g., on the order of 1 Tb/in.2) in magnetic recording, the thickness of the a-C film used to protect the magnetic media and the recording head against mechanical wear and corrosion must be 2-3 nm. Inert ion irradiation is an effective post-deposition method for reducing the film thickness, while preserving the mechanical and chemical characteristics. In this study, MD simulations of Ar+ ion irradiated a-C films were performed to elucidate the effects of the ion incidence angle and ion kinetic energy on the film thickness and structure. The MD results reveal that the film etching rate exhibits a strong dependence on the ion kinetic energy and ion incidence angle, with a maximum etching rate corresponding to an ion incidence angle of ~20°. It is also shown that Ar+ ion irradiation mainly affects the structure of the upper half of the ultrathin a-C film and that carbon atom hybridization is a strong function of the ion kinetic energy and ion incidence angle. The results of this study elucidate the effects of important ion irradiation parameters on the structure and thickness of ultrathin films and provide fundamental insight into the physics of dry etching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolomics can detect metabolic shifts resulting from lifestyle behaviors and may provide insight on the relevance of changes to carcinogenesis. We used non-targeted nuclear magnetic resonance to examine associations between metabolic measures and cancer preventive behaviors in 1319 participants (50% male, mean age 54 years) from the BC Generations Project. Behaviors were dichotomized: BMI < 25 kg/m2, ≥ 5 servings of fruits or vegetables/day, ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks/day for men or 1 drink/day for women and ≥ 30 min of moderate or vigorous physical activity/day. Linear regression was used to estimate coefficients and 95% confidence intervals with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.10. Of the 218 metabolic measures, 173, 103, 71 and 6 were associated with BMI, fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Notable findings included negative associations between glycoprotein acetyls, an inflammation-related metabolite with lower BMI and greater fruit and vegetable consumption, a positive association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and fruit and vegetable consumption and positive associations between high-density lipoprotein subclasses with lower BMI. These findings provide insight into metabolic alterations in the context of cancer prevention and the diverse biological pathways they are involved in. In particular, behaviors related to BMI, fruit and vegetable and alcohol consumption had a large metabolic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A higher-order likelihood-based asymptotic method to obtain inference for the difference between two KS Sharpe ratios when gross returns of an investment are assumed to be lognormally distributed is proposed. Theoretically, our proposed method has O n − 3 / 2 distributional accuracy, whereas conventional methods for inference have O n − 1 / 2 distributional accuracy. Using an example, we show how discordant confidence interval results can be depending on the methodology used. We are able to demonstrate the accuracy of our proposed method through simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A higher-order likelihood-based asymptotic method to obtain inference for the difference between two KS Sharpe ratios when gross returns of an investment are assumed to be lognormally distributed is proposed. Theoretically, our proposed method has O n − 3 / 2 distributional accuracy, whereas conventional methods for inference have O n − 1 / 2 distributional accuracy. Using an example, we show how discordant confidence interval results can be depending on the methodology used. We are able to demonstrate the accuracy of our proposed method through simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A higher-order likelihood-based asymptotic method to obtain inference for the difference between two KS Sharpe ratios when gross returns of an investment are assumed to be lognormally distributed is proposed. Theoretically, our proposed method has O n − 3 / 2 distributional accuracy, whereas conventional methods for inference have O n − 1 / 2 distributional accuracy. Using an example, we show how discordant confidence interval results can be depending on the methodology used. We are able to demonstrate the accuracy of our proposed method through simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure behaviors of bixbyite-type cubic In2O3 nanocrystals with an average grain size of 6.0 nm and bulk In2O3 samples were investigated by in situ high-pressure synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction measurements up to 40 GPa at ambient temperature. It was found that nanosized and bulk samples began to transform from cubic into hexagonal structure at about 15-25 GPa and extended up to 40 GPa. Both cubic and hexagonal phases remained after pressure release. Below the onset transition pressure, the nanosized samples were harder to compress with a larger bulk modulus of 296.06 GPa than the bulk samples with a bulk modulus of 178.87 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current-induced magnetization switching (CIMS) was successfully observed in epitaxial L10-FePt/CrxPt1−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. With increasing Cr content, the critical switching current density (Jc) in FePt/CrxPt1−x heterostructures exhibited a decreasing trend, where it was greatly reduced by 69% in FePt/Cr (3d) films compared to FePt/Pt (5d) films with strong spin–orbit coupling. Furthermore, the same switching polarities were observed for all FePt/CrxPt1−x samples, indicating that the orbital Hall effect played a dominant role in CIMS for FePt/Cr films because of opposite spin Hall angles for Cr and Pt. Our results will put forward the applications of L10-FePt in collaboration with the orbital Hall effect from 3d metals in current-controlled magnetic random access memory and neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trivalent chromium conversion coating formed in an Fe(II)-containing solution on AA2024 alloy has been investigated by high resolution analytical electron microscopy, ion beam analysis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical tests. It is shown that preferential oxidation of Fe(II) species by H 2 O 2 at cathodic sites on the alloy surface suppresses the oxidation of Cr(III) species, hence reducing the Cr(VI) content of the coating. The addition of Fe(II) species has only minor influences on the general composition of the coating, the kinetics of coating growth and the corrosion protection of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a new process-based forest module for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), based on the Physiological Process in Predicting Growth (3-PG) model (SWAT-3PG). The new model allows for improved biomass assimilation, partitioning (stem, foliage, root), and losses (root turnover, foliage loss, mortality). Evaluation at field-scale showed that SWAT-3PG can replicate the different forest biomass components for evergreen forests well. Testing for deciduous and mixed forests sites using remote-sensed data showed that the model can simulate leaf area index (LAI), net primary productivity (NPP) and actual evapotranspiration (AET) reasonably well and can be used to constrain SWAT-3PG when lack of field data. Sensitivity analysis of SWAT-3PG showed its potential in evaluating the impacts of management and climate on forested ecosystems. SWAT-3PG can also be of importance to forest managers as it can estimate variables such as plant height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and basal area. • The process-based 3-PG model was incorporated in SWAT for tree growth simulation. • Subroutines for evergreen, deciduous, and mixed forests were developed to capture different forest systems. • SWAT-3PG enhances forest simulation with improved biomass assimilation, partitioning, and losses. • SWAT-3PG can be useful to better understand climate and management impacts in forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports that the wear rate of the heat-treated CoCrMo alloy shows a sudden transition of more than 5-fold when the load/contact pressure increases from 45 N (3.6 GPa) to 50 N (3.7 GPa). Heat treatment was used to change the structure of the commercially available CoCrMo from the initial face-centred cubic (γ-fcc) with a small amount of hexagonal close-packed (ε-hcp) to predominantly hcp ε-phase with dispersed nanoscale precipitates of σ-phase. PeakForce QNM was used to quantitatively map the local mechanical properties of the surface at the nanoscale. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and precession electron diffraction (PED) integrated with the TEM is used to characterize the structure and chemical composition of the worn surface and tribofilm. The possible reason for wear transition was discussed. • An abrupt wear transition was observed in hcp CoCrMo alloys when the load increased from 45 N to 50 N. • Heat treatment changed the structure from the γ-fcc to hcp ε-phase with dispersed σ-phase precipitates. • The wear transition is induced by the sudden breakdown of the brittle σ-CoCr due to the increased pressure. • The pretransition wear rate is higher for the hcp ε-phase compared to the γ-fcc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with a numerical simulation of the failure behavior of steam‐side oxide scale at high temperature considering oxide creep and physical defects. An experimental observation was conducted on the oxide scale formed on T91 superheater tubes from one coal‐fired plant, and the elastic‐plastic finite element model (FEM) considering oxide creep was established to predict the crack load and the residual stress within oxide scale during cooling. The simulation results associated with those of the pure elastic model were used to clarify the effect of oxide creep on oxide failure. Then the FEM was applied to assess the occurrence of oxide failure as a function of physical defect length, oxide thickness, and cooling rate. The results showed that the hold period on cooling could effectively prevent oxide spallation. Interestingly, the influence of physical defect length on the through‐scale crack was larger than the interface crack, while the cooling rate and oxide thickness had a more significant effect on the interface crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a multiwavelength investigation of the very X-ray luminous galaxy cluster MACSJ0553.4-3342 (z=0.4270; hereafter MACSJ0553). Combining high-resolution data obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory with ground-based galaxy spectroscopy, our analysis establishes the system unambiguously as a binary, post-collision merger of massive clusters. Key characteristics include perfect alignment of luminous and dark matter for one component, a separation of almost 650 kpc (in projection) between the dark-matter peak of the other subcluster and the second X-ray peak, extremely hot gas (kT > 15 keV) at either end of the merger axis, a potential cold front in the east, an unusually low gas mass fraction of approximately 0.075 for the western component, a velocity dispersion of 1490-130+104 km s-1, and no indication of significant substructure along the line of sight. We propose that the MACSJ0553 merger proceeds not in the plane of the sky, but at a large inclination angle, is observed very close to turnaround, and that the eastern X-ray peak is the cool core of the slightly less massive western component that was fully stripped and captured by the eastern subcluster during the collision. If correct, this hypothesis would make MACSJ0553 a superb target for a competitive study of ram-pressure stripping and the collisional behaviour of luminous and dark matter during cluster formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damage of steam-side oxide scales grown on the high temperature components of boiler can seriously influence the safety of power plants. In this paper, the uniaxial tension test and the acoustic emission (AE) technique were used to investigate the damage evolution and the failure characteristics of steam-side oxide scales with varying thicknesses grown on T91 alloy tubes. The AE features associated with the metallographic investigation were adopted to detect the onset of each failure type of oxide scales. The frequency components of AE signals were extracted by the wavelet based method, and the quantitative correlation between failure types and AE signals was established. The surface and interface fracture toughness of the oxide were assessed by the critical state of the failure process. The results showed the quantitative damage evolution of steam-side oxide scales, and found the oxide thickness had more significant effect on critical strain than the fracture toughness of oxide scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison has been made of the influence of two alloy pre-treatments and two coating post-treatments on the formation, composition and corrosion protection of a trivalent chromium conversion coating on AA2024-T351 alloy. The investigation employed analytical electron microscopies, ion beam analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical tests. The pre-treatments used alkaline etching followed by de-oxidizing in either nitric acid or a commercial de-oxidizer. The conversion coatings were formed in SurTec 650 chromitAL and revealed two-layers, comprising an inner aluminium-rich layer and an outer chromium- and zirconium-rich layer, with a Cr:Zr atomic ratio in the range ~ 0.73–0.93. XPS indicated a chromium-enriched near-surface region that contained ~ 2 at.% of Cr(VI) species. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed an improved corrosion protection for a pre-treatment that left copper-rich sponges, probably de-alloyed S phase, and fewer residues of other intermetallic particles on the alloy surface. Post-coating immersion treatments in deionized water at 20 °C or 40 °C resulted in a significant difference in the zirconium species in the region adjacent to the coating surface that is accessible to XPS, with oxide and hydroxide dominating at the respective temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified trivalent chromium conversion coating formed in an Fe(II)-containing solution has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Fe(II)-containing salts revealed a promising additive to solve the presence of chromate constituent in a trivalent chromium conversion coating. However, the chloride solution can induce the chromate generation in such modified coating due to the presence of the dissolved oxygen in the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the sensitivities of dynamic Gadoteridol (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional Gd-enhanced spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted imaging (WI) in the detection of decreased perfusion of early epiphyseal ischaemia, and to determine the contribution of metaphyseal vascularity to physeal perfusion in epiphyseal vascular occlusion by dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight 2-week-old piglets were divided evenly into four groups: control groups A and B, and ischaemic groups A and B (seven animals in each). In the ischaemic groups, MRI was performed bilaterally on hips in persistent hyperabduction for 30 min. In the control and ischaemic group A the piglets underwent dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI, and in control and ischaemic group B the piglets were subjected to Gd-enhanced SE T1WI. Results: In ischaemic group A, the enhancement ratio (ER) and enhancement speed (ES) of the various tissues (except the metaphysis) were significantly lower than those in control group A on dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI (p<0.05). However, in ischaemic group B, no significant decrease in the ER of each tissue was found, compared with the ER in control group B as viewed using Gd-enhanced SE T1WI (p>0.05). On dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI, the ER and ES of the physis were less than those of metaphysis in the ischaemic group A (p<0.05); however, the ER and ES of the physis were similar to those of metaphysis in control group A (p>0.05). Conclusion: Dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI is more sensitive than conventional Gd-enhanced SE T1WI in the detection of early epiphyseal ischaemia. Physeal perfusion might be from the metaphysis in epiphyseal vascular occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a trivalent conversion coating on aluminium has been investigated using analytical electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ion beam analysis, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The coating is shown to comprise a chromium- and zirconium-rich outer layer and an aluminium-rich inner layer. Zirconium and chromium are present in chemical states consistent with ZrO 2 , ZrF 4 , Cr(OH) 3 , Cr 2 (SO 4 ) 3 , CrF 3 and CrO 3 or CrO 4 2 − . However, negligible amounts of Cr(VI) species occurred in coatings formed in de-aerated solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the inner layer provides the main corrosion protection during short-term tests in 0.1 M sodium sulphate solution at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Concentrations of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ], the active ligand of the vitamin D receptor, are tightly regulated by CYP27B1 for synthesis and CYP24A1 for degradation. However, the dose-dependent pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship between these enzymes and 1,25(OH)2 D3 concentrations has not been characterized.Experimental Approach: The pharmacokinetics of 1,25(OH)2 D3 were evaluated after administration of single (2, 60 and 120 pmol) and repeated (2 and 120 pmol q2d ×3) i.v. doses to male C57BL/6 mice. mRNA expression of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 was examined by quantitative PCR and 1,25(OH)2 D3 concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay.Key Results: CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 changes were absent for the 2 pmol dose and biexponential decay profiles showed progressively shorter terminal half-lives with increasing doses. Fitting with a two-compartment model revealed decreasing net synthesis rates and increasing total clearances with dose, consistent with a dose-dependent down-regulation of renal CYP27B1 and the induction of renal/intestinal CYP24A1 mRNA expression. Upon incorporation of PD parameters for inhibition of CYP27B1 and induction of CYP24A1 to the simple two-compartment model, fitting was significantly improved. Moreover, fitted estimates for the 2 pmol dose, together with the PD parameters as modifiers, were able to predict profiles reasonably well for the higher (60 and 120 pmol) doses. Lastly, an indirect response model, which considered the synthesis and degradation of enzymes, adequately described the PK and PD profiles.Conclusions and Implications: The unique PK of exogenously administered 1,25(OH)2 D3 led to changes in PD of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, which hastened the clearance of 1,25(OH)2 D3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Concentrations of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25( OH)2 D3], the active ligand of the vitamin D receptor, are tightly regulated by CYP27B1 for synthesis and CYP24A1 for degradation. However, the dose-dependent pharmacokinetic ( PK)-pharmacodynamic ( PD) relationship between these enzymes and 1,25( OH)2 D3 concentrations has not been characterized. Experimental Approach The pharmacokinetics of 1,25( OH)2 D3 were evaluated after administration of single (2, 60 and 120 pmol) and repeated (2 and 120 pmol q2d ×3) i.v. doses to male C57BL/6 mice. mRNA expression of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 was examined by quantitative PCR and 1,25( OH)2D3 concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Key Results CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 changes were absent for the 2 pmol dose and biexponential decay profiles showed progressively shorter terminal half-lives with increasing doses. Fitting with a two-compartment model revealed decreasing net synthesis rates and increasing total clearances with dose, consistent with a dose-dependent down-regulation of renal CYP27B1 and the induction of renal/intestinal CYP24A1 mRNA expression. Upon incorporation of PD parameters for inhibition of CYP27B1 and induction of CYP24A1 to the simple two-compartment model, fitting was significantly improved. Moreover, fitted estimates for the 2 pmol dose, together with the PD parameters as modifiers, were able to predict profiles reasonably well for the higher (60 and 120 pmol) doses. Lastly, an indirect response model, which considered the synthesis and degradation of enzymes, adequately described the PK and PD profiles. Conclusions and Implications The unique PK of exogenously administered 1,25( OH)2 D3 led to changes in PD of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, which hastened the clearance of 1,25( OH)2 D3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the structural transformations of liquid aluminium modified by different electropulse technique parameters were examined using high-temperature X-ray diffractometer and differential scanning calorimetry apparatus. The results showed that the structure changes depend on the modifying time and temperature. A decrease of the modifying time could result in an obviously weaker principal peak in the structure factor curve compared to the optimal electric pulse technique parameters, but slight increases of coordination number ( Ns), correlation radius ( rc) and average atom number per cluster ( Nat) were still observed. On the other hand, the structure factor curve of the electropulse-modified liquid aluminium at the high modifying temperature of 850°C tended to be overlapped with that of the unmodified during the principal peak range. In this case, the competition result between the effect of electropulse-induced high degree of order and the destruction of superheating determined the final microstructure of the electropulse-modified liquid aluminium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several techniques, including dilatometry, X-ray diffraction, electron backscattering diffraction and magnetisation measurement, were applied and compared in order to reliably determine the retained austenite content of Fe-Cr-Ni steel weld metal. In this work, based on a proposed novel numeric solution for martensite transformation kinetics, it was found that the dilatometric method presented consistent results along with the magnetisation method in the quantification of mechanically unstable or stable retained austenite. By contrast, the X-ray diffraction method was inaccurate and time-consuming for the measurement of mechanically unstable retained austenite. However, the X-ray diffraction method was relatively successful when the retained austenite was mechanically stable. In addition, the magnetisation method seemed to be the only reliable way to detect small amounts (less than 5 vol.-%) of retained austenite in Fe-Cr-Ni weld metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation behavior of AlON translucent ceramic was investigated both in non-isothermal (from room temperature to 1573 K) and isothermal (at 1373 and 1473 K) conditions. The mass gains, phase compositions and micromorphology of oxidized samples were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results suggest that in non-isothermal environment the oxidation reaction starts at about 1173 K for both AlON bulk sample and powder. In isothermal condition, the mass gain indicates the two-stage reaction mechanism which starts with chemical reaction, followed by diffusion controlled stage. XRD patterns suggest that AlON is thermodynamically unstable and it partly decomposes into corundum phase Al2O3 and AlN during the oxidation process. SEM results indicate that different micromorphology is obtained at different temperatures in the oxidation process. The estimated apparent activation energy for the diffusion rate controlled stage from isothermal experiment is about 245.2 kJ/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use optical pump-THz probe spectroscopy at low temperatures to study the hot carrier response in thin Bi2Se3 films of several thicknesses, allowing us to separate the bulk from the surface transient response. We find that for thinner films the photoexcitation changes the transport scattering rate and reduces the THz conductivity, which relaxes within 10 picoseconds (ps). For thicker films, the conductivity increases upon photoexcitation and scales with increasing both the film thickness and the optical fluence, with a decay time of approximately 5 ps as well as a much higher scattering rate. These different dynamics are attributed to the surface and bulk electrons, respectively, and demonstrate that long-lived mobile surface photo-carriers can be accessed independently below certain film thicknesses for possible optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use optical pump-THz probe spectroscopy at low temperatures to study the hot carrierresponse in thin Bi2Se3 films of several thicknesses, allowing us to separate the bulk from thesurface transient response. We find that for thinner films the photoexcitation changes thetransport scattering rate and reduces the THz conductivity, which relaxes within 10 picoseconds(ps). For thicker films, the conductivity increases upon photoexcitation and scales with increasingboth the film thickness and the optical fluence, with a decay time of approximately 5 ps as wellas a much higher scattering rate. These different dynamics are attributed to the surface and bulkelectrons, respectively, and demonstrate that long-lived mobile surface photo-carriers can beaccessed independently below certain film thicknesses for possible optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) that regulate gene expression are being explored as cancer therapeutic targets. In this study, we focused on HDAC6 based on its ability to inhibit cancerous Hsp90 chaperone activities by disrupting Hsp90/p23 interactions. To identify novel HDAC6 inhibitors, we used a dual-luciferase reporter system in cell culture and living mice by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). On the basis of existing knowledge, a library of hydrazone compounds was generated for screening by coupling cinnamic hydroxamates with aldehydes and ketones. Potency and selectivity were determined by in vitro HDAC profiling assays, with further evaluation to inhibit Hsp90(α/β)/p23 interactions by BLI. In this manner, we identified compound 1A12 as a dose-dependent inhibitor of Hsp90(α/β)/p23 interactions, UKE-1 myeloid cell proliferation, p21waf1 upregulation, and acetylated histone H3 levels. 1A12 was efficacious in tumor xenografts expressing Hsp90(α)/p23 reporters relative to carrier control-treated mice as determined by BLI. Small animal 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging on the same cohort showed that 1A12 also inhibited glucose metabolism relative to control subjects. Ex vivo analyses of tumor lysates showed that 1A12 administration upregulated acetylated-H3 by approximately 3.5-fold. Taken together, our results describe the discovery and initial preclinical validation of a novel selective HDAC inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translational control of gene expression has recently been recognized as an important mechanism controlling cell proliferation and oncogenesis, and it mainly occurs in the initiation step of protein synthesis that involves multiple eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Many eIFs have been found to have aberrant expression in human tumors and the aberrant expression may contribute to oncogenesis. However, how these previously considered house-keeping proteins are potentially oncogenic remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the expression of eIF3i in human colon cancers, tested its contribution to colon oncogenesis and determined the mechanism of eIF3i action in colon oncogenesis. We found that eIF3i expression was upregulated in both human colon adenocarcinoma and adenoma polyps as well as in model inducible colon tumorigenic cell lines. Overexpression of ectopic eIF3i in intestinal epithelial cells causes oncogenesis by directly upregulating the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and activates the β-catenin/T-cell factor 4 signaling pathway that mediates the oncogenic function of eIF3i. Together, we conclude that eIF3i is a proto-oncogene that drives colon oncogenesis by translationally upregulating COX-2 and activating the β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings imply that proto-oncogenic eIFs likely exert their tumorigenic function by regulating/altering the synthesis level of downstream tumor suppressor or oncogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean, flat and orientation-identified graphene on a substrate is in high demand for graphene electronics. In this study, the hetero-epitaxial graphene growth on Cu(111)/mica(001) by chemical vapor deposition is investigated to check the applicability for top-gate insulator research on graphene, as well as graphene channel research, by transferring graphene on to SiO2/Si substrates. After adjusting the graphene growth conditions, the surface roughness of the graphene/Cu/mica substrate and the average smoothed areas are ∼0.34 nm and ∼100 μm2, respectively. The orientation of graphene in the graphene/Cu/mica substrate can be identified by the hexagonal void morphology of Cu. Moreover, we demonstrate a relatively high mobility of ∼4500 cm2 V−1 s−1 in graphene transferred on the SiO2/Si substrate. These results suggest that the present graphene/Cu/mica substrate can be used for top-gate insulator research on graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid advancement of 3D confocal imaging technology, more and more 3D cellular images will be available. However, robust and automatic extraction of nuclei shape may be hindered by a highly cluttered environment, as for example, in fly eye tissues. In this paper, we present a novel and efficient nuclei segmentation algorithm based on the combination of graph cut and convex shape assumption. The main characteristic of the algorithm is that it segments nuclei foreground using a graph-cut algorithm with our proposed new initialization method and splits overlapping or touching cell nuclei by simple convexity and concavity analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can segment complicated nuclei clumps effectively in our fluorescent fruit fly eye images. Evaluation on a public hand-labelled 2D benchmark demonstrates substantial quantitative improvement over other methods. For example, the proposed method achieves a 3.2 Hausdorff distance decrease and a 1.8 decrease in the merged nuclei error per slice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen ( HLA)- B27 is closely associated with ankylosing spondylitis ( AS). However, the exact correlation between HLA-B27 subtypes and AS manifestations remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HLA-B27 polymorphism and the clinical features of AS. This study included 846 patients with AS and 959 healthy controls. Direct sequencing was used to identify the HLA-B27 genotype. Clinical parameters, including age, age of onset, family history, low back pain, peripheral arthritis, hip joint involvement, dactylitis, uveitis, and sex ratio, were compared among patients with various HLA-B27 subtypes. In total, 741 AS patients (87.6%) and 39 healthy controls (4%) were HLA-B27-positive. The most prevalent subtypes were HLA-B*2704 (88%) and HLA-B*2705 (10.1%) in patients with AS. Compared with HLA-B*2704-positive patients, HLA-B*2705-positive patients demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence of uveitis (16% vs 6.13%, P = 0.002) and dactylitis (9.3% vs 3.8%, P = 0.028) and they had an older age of onset (22.9 ± 8.0 vs 20.7 ± 6.7 years, P = 0.028). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of uveitis was significantly associated with HLA-B*2705 ( P = 0.008; odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.283-5.393). There were no significant differences in family history, low back pain, peripheral arthritis, or hip joint involvement among HLA-B27 subtypes. Specific HLA-B27 subtypes were positively associated with particular clinical features of AS. AS patients with HLA-B*2705 demonstrated an older age of onset and had a higher risk of uveitis and dactylitis than did AS patients with HLA-B*2704. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast optical spectroscopy is used to study the antiferromagnetic f-electron system USb2. We observe the opening of two charge gaps at low temperatures (≲45  K), arising from renormalization of the electronic structure. Analysis of our data indicates that one gap is due to hybridization between localized f-electron and conduction electron bands, while band renormalization involving magnons leads to the emergence of the second gap. These experiments thus enable us to shed light on the complex electronic structure emerging at the Fermi surface in f-electron systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify studies and the content of the interventions that have facilitated the implementation of pressure injury (PI) prevention measures in nursing home settings. Design and Method: A scoping review methodology was employed. The author has carried out the following steps successively: Identified this scoping review's questions, retrieved potentially relevant studies, selected relevant studies, charted the data, summarised the results, and consulted with stakeholders from nursing homes in China. Data Sources: Six electronic databases and three resources of grey literature—PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Psych INFO, Open Grey, MedNar, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Full Texts were searched from January 2002 through May 2022. Results: Forty articles were included, among which the primary interventions were quality improvement, training and education, evidence‐based practice, device‐assisted PI prophylaxis, nursing protocols, and clinical decision support systems. Twenty‐three outcome indicators were summarised in 40 articles, which included 10 outcome indicators, seven process indicators, and six structural indicators. Furthermore, only five articles reported barriers in the process of implementing interventions. Conclusion: The common interventions to promote the implementation of PI prevention measures in nursing homes are quality improvement, training, and education. Relatively limited research has been conducted on evidence‐based practice, clinical decision support systems, device‐assisted PI prophylaxis, and nursing protocols. In addition, there is a paucity of studies examining the impediments to implementing these measures and devising targeted solutions. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies include analysis and reporting of barriers and facilitators as part of the article to improve the sustainability of the intervention. Impact: This article reminds nursing home managers that they should realise the importance of implementation strategies between the best evidence of PI prevention and clinical practice. Also, this review provides the types, contents, and outcome indicators of these strategies for managers of nursing homes to consider what types of interventions to implement in their organisations. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this scoping review was published as an open‐access article in June 2022 (Yang et al., 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing applications of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles raise concerns about their potential environmental impacts. To investigate the fate and transport of TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous suspension, ultrasonication is widely used for the dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in laboratory-scale studies. There is a pressing need for detailed information on the dispersion and stability of TiO2 nanoparticles. This study investigated the change of size, zeta potential, and pH of TiO2 nanoparticles aqueous suspension under different conditions of ultrasonication and concentrations. It was found that the hydrodynamic diameter of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased with increasing suspension concentration and remained stable for more than 1 hour after sonication, which is enough for experimental research. The pH decreased with increasing nanoparticles concentration. Ultrasonication remarkably improved zeta potential to be above 15 my for all the samples. Therefore, 20 minutes of ultrasonication (180W) is sufficient for the dispersion of this rutile TiO2 nanoparticles suspension, which can remain stable for more than 1 hour. However, the optimum sonication time for TiO2 nanoparticles dispersion is influenced by many factors, such as TiO2 nanoparticles concentration, solution chemistry, and sonicator parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast optical pump-probe spectroscopy is used to reveal the coexistence of coupled antiferromagnetic/ferroelectric and ferromagnetic orders in multiferroic TbMnO3 films through their time domain signatures. Our observations are explained by a theoretical model describing the coupling between reservoirs with different magnetic properties. These results can guide researchers to creating unique kinds of multiferroic materials that combine coupled ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and ferroelectric properties in one compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile process was developed for synthesizing vanadium dioxide (VO) by pyrolyzing ammonium metavanadate (NHVO) in nitrogen flow. The process was designed on the base of thermodynamic modeling of chemical reaction and thermal analyzing of NHVO pyrogenation in N gas, and optimized by experiments. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to characterizing the product VO. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG) and DSC were used for analyzing the process of NHVO pyrogenation. The experimental results indicated that VO microcrystal particles were successfully synthesized. The product VO presents two kinds of micro morphologies, torispherical and pentagonal prism. The phase transition mainly takes place at 338.4 K and 341.9 K. The average enthalpy of the phase transition is 28.82 J/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three fractions with different average molecular mass were isolated from petroleum sulfonates by Soxhlet extraction. The molecular mass distribution was examined by electrospry ionization-mass spectra. The dynamic interfacial tension behaviors of the petroleum sulfonates and three fractions were investigated respectively. The results indicated that fraction extracted with benzene produced a greater decrease of the dynamic interfacial tension than other fractions, so the former plays a vital role in reducing interfacial tension. But petroleum sulfonates before separation exhibit better interfacial activity than all the fractions, which indicates that there exists obvious synergism between these different fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding more likely occurs in small, isolated and endangered populations, and may influence the sustainable survival of a population. As the Amur tiger Panthera tigris altaica population in China experienced a severe decline in the 1990s, the recovering population may be prone to inbreeding and its potential impacts on population health. However, the inbreeding status has not been evaluated and relationships with health remain poorly understood in wild animals. Based on the genetic samples collected from the main Amur tiger habitats in China, this study analyzed the population inbreeding level, major histocompatibility complex polymorphism, parasitic infections and gut microbial structures and functions, and then explored the influence of inbreeding on these traits. Our results indicated that more than 50% of individual relationships were in cousin or half sibs, and 22.73% of individuals had moderate or high inbreeding coefficients. There was a significant positive correlation between the inbreeding level of an individual and the Toxocara cati parasitic load. Gut microbiota community structure and function were also impacted by inbreeding intensity. In conclusion, results indicate that the Amur tiger population in China has reached a moderate level of inbreeding and that there are direct interactions between inbreeding intensity and parasitic load and gut microbiota. This study thus provides an early warning on the Amur tiger population health and should prompt the construction of national and international ecological corridors and/or the re‐introduction of new individuals to relieve the evident inbreeding pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile process is developed for the synthesis of pure vanadium(III) oxide by thermal reduction of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in ammonia gas. The process of thermal reduction of V2O5 was optimized by experiments and by modeling of thermodynamic parameters. The obtained V2O3 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The experimental results indicated that crystal particles of pure V2O3 were successfully synthesized within a short reaction period of 1 h and at a relatively low temperature of 903 K. The content of V2O3 in the product sample higher than 99 wt. %. The grain size of V2O3 ranged from several hundred nanometers to several micrometers. The morphologies of the V2O3 particles were micrometer layers in nanometer sheet structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The biosorption of Cu(II) onto chestnut shell, a residue of the food processing industry, in a batch adsorber has been studied. Equilibrium isotherms, kinetic data, and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated. Equilibrium data agreed well with Langmuir isotherm and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models. The adsorption capacity of chestnut shell for Cu(II) was determined with the Langmuir model and was found to be 12.56mgg−1 at 293K. The kinetic data were found to follow the pseudo-second-order model. Intra-particle diffusion is not the sole rate-controlling factor. Gibbs free energy was spontaneous for all interactions, and the adsorption process exhibited exothermic enthalpy values. Chestnut shell was shown to be a promising biosorbent for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel method for very high resolution measurement of roll angle on a transparent plate is developed theoretically and tested experimentally. The new optical configuration is based on the interferometric readout of phase shift accumulated on the double passage through half wave plate, together with a careful control of polarization state by means of quarter wave plate, and optimizing the tilt of the folding mirror. Sensitivity to roll angle is greatly enhanced and a gain coefficient exceeding 700 is found theoretically, based on Jones' matrix analysis, with a 6-fold increase respect to previous results. In the experimental setup, at the optimum 36° incidence to retroreflector, we measured a gain coefficient of 340. Correspondingly, with an interferometer phase meter resolving 0.01°, a roll-angle resolution 0.1-arc sec is attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexadecylbenzene was prepared by the alkylation of benzene with 1-hexadecene in ionic liquids prepared by in-situ method. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used as the evaluation method for alkylation technology. The influences of the type and acidity strength of catalysts, molar ratio of benzene to alkenes, reaction temperature and time, recycling use of catalysts on conversion for alkenes, selectivity for mono-alkylbenzene, and distribution of isomers were investigated. Under the optimum reaction condition, 100% of conversion and selectivity were both obtained, and the selectivity for m-isomers (with benzene rings located at the middle positions along the alkyl chains) achieved 50.63%. The acidity strength had significant influence on the distribution of isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of leaf area index (LAI) as a biophysical estimation in tropical forests using the Japan Earth Resources Satellite-1 (JERS-1)-Very Near Infrared Radiometer (VNIR) imagery. In tropical forests, LAI can provide significant inputs to ecological and physical models that simulate woody biomass accumulation, water-gas exchanges and carbon sequestration. A linear unmixing model in the Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index domain was used to estimate canopy fractional cover from the JERS-1 optical images. A Gaussian regression model was developed to relate LAI to estimated canopy fractional cover.

Accurate estimates of aboveground biomass in tropical forests are important in carbon sequestration and global change studies. Tropical forest biomass estimation with microwave remote sensing is limited because of the strong scattering and attenuation properties of the green canopy. In this study a microwave/optical synergistic model was developed to quantify these effects to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) signals and to better estimate woody structures, which are closely related to aboveground biomass. With a Leaf Area Index (LAI) retrieved from Japan Earth Resources Satellite (JERS)-1 Very Near Infrared Radiometer (VNIR) imagery, leaf scattering and attenuation to woody scattering were quantified and removed from the total backscatter in a modified canopy scattering model. Woody scattering showed high sensitivity to biomass >100 tonnes/ha in tropical forests. Tree height and stand density were derived from the JERS-1 SAR image with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4 m and 161 trees/ha, respectively. Aboveground biomass was calculated using a general allometric equation. Biomass in secondary dry dipterocarps (Dipterocarpaceae family of tropical lowland deciduous trees) was overestimated. The modelled biomass in mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forests fit better with ground measurements. In mountainous areas with steep slopes, the topographic effects in the SAR image could not be properly corrected and therefore the results are unreliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the sensitivities of dynamic Gadoteridol (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional Gd-enhanced spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted imaging (WI) in the detection of decreased perfusion of early epiphyseal ischaemia, and to determine the contribution of metaphyseal vascularity to physeal perfusion in epiphyseal vascular occlusion by dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight 2-week-old piglets were divided evenly into four groups: control groups A and B, and ischaemic groups A and B (seven animals in each). In the ischaemic groups, MRI was performed bilaterally on hips in persistent hyperabduction for 30min. In the control and ischaemic group A the piglets underwent dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI, and in control and ischaemic group B the piglets were subjected to Gd-enhanced SE T1WI. Results: In ischaemic group A, the enhancement ratio (ER) and enhancement speed (ES) of the various tissues (except the metaphysis) were significantly lower than those in control group A on dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI (p <0.05). However, in ischaemic group B, no significant decrease in the ER of each tissue was found, compared with the ER in control group B as viewed using Gd-enhanced SE T1WI (p >0.05). On dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI, the ER and ES of the physis were less than those of metaphysis in the ischaemic group A (p <0.05); however, the ER and ES of the physis were similar to those of metaphysis in control group A (p >0.05). Conclusion: Dynamic Gd-enhanced MRI is more sensitive than conventional Gd-enhanced SE T1WI in the detection of early epiphyseal ischaemia. Physeal perfusion might be from the metaphysis in epiphyseal vascular occlusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The in situ reflectance spectra in the 400-2500 nm wavelength region were obtained using a portable radiometer over a range of land surfaces including burnt fields, crop canopies, and fallow vegetation at different community ages in slash-and-burn ecosystems in Laos. Normalized difference spectral indices (NDSI[i,j] = [Rj -Ri ]/[Rj +Ri ]) were derived using reflectance Ri and Rj at i and j nm wavelengths for a thorough combination (14 706 pairs) of 172 wavebands (10-nm resolution). The separability of burnt fields from dry/senescent vegetation was highest at NDSI[1090, 2390], whereas it was highly discriminated from fallow and crop vegetation by NDSI[760, 1970]. NDSIs using 730-760 nm with 1970-1990 nm showed the largest differences between dry/senescent vegetation and fallow or crop vegetation. None of the NDSIs was useful in discriminating between fallow and crop vegetations or between slashed/senescent vegetation and crop residue/abandoned field. Community age and biomass of fallow vegetation could not be inferred directly from spectral information, since no NDSIs showed any significant differences among crop and fallow vegetation that had a large variability in the amount of green vegetation. Results would provide useful information for various applications of optical satellite sensor images especially in assessments of land use or post-fire regeneration of vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the use of satellite sensor imagery for chronosequential assessment of land use and ecosystem carbon stock in slash-and-burn (S/B) regions of Laos. The segmentation approach was useful because the boundaries of S/B patches are subject to change due to natural or anthropogenic factors. Polygon-based classification using six optical bands of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery showed that S/B patches could be discriminated with high accuracy (0.98). Normalized difference spectral indices, NDSI[i, j] = [Rj -Ri ]/[Rj +Ri ], using reflectances Rj and Ri at j and i nm wavelengths for S/B polygons during four consecutive years (1999-2002) showed that NDSI[2215, 830], NDSI[1650, 830] and NDSI[660, 830] ( = the normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) values decreased significantly in S/B years compared to those under fallow conditions (by 0.21±0.04, 0.20±0.04 and 0.17±0.03, respectively). Only slight differences were found before and after the S/B year, regardless of fallow length or biomass estimated by the allometry method. Relating reflectance signatures directly to fallow biomass was unsuitable, but these NDSIs were also useful for distinguishing S/B patches. Land-use history, including the community age of fallow vegetation, can be traced on a pixel basis using a superimposed set of segmented classified images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:While investigating the effects of systemic urotensin II (U-II), a potent vasoactive peptide acting at the UT receptor, we observed ear pinna flushing after systemic administration to conscious rats. In the present study, U-II-induced ear flushing was quantified in terms of ear pinna temperature change and potential mechanisms were explored.Experimental approach:U-II-induced ear flushing was quantified by measuring lateral ear pinna temperature changes and compared to that of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a known cutaneous vasodilator. Further, the effects of a variety of pharmacological agents on U-II-induced ear flushing were explored.Key results:Subcutaneous injection of U-II (9 μg kg−1)produced localized ear pinna flushing with an onset of ∼15 min, a duration of ∼30 min and a maximal temperature change of 9°C. In contrast, CGRP caused cutaneous flushing within multiple cutaneous beds including the ear pinna with a shorter onset and greater duration than U-II. A potent UT receptor antagonist, urantide, blocked U-II-induced ear flushing but did not affect CGRP-induced ear flushing. Pretreatment with indomethacin or L-Nω -nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME) abolished U-II-induced ear flushing. Mecamylamine or propranolol did not affect this response to U-II. Direct intracerebroventricular injection studies suggested that the ear flushing response to U-II was not mediated directly by the CNS.Conclusion and implications:Our results suggest that U-II-induced ear flushing and temperature increase is mediated by peripheral activation of the UT receptor and involves prostaglandin- and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation of small capillary beds in the rat ear pinna.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 415–423. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707006; published online 8 January 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]