Incorporation of Graphene Oxide Modified with Polyamide Curing Agent into the Epoxy-Zinc Composite Coating for Promoting Its Corrosion Resistance.

To promote the anticorrosion performance of epoxy/zinc (EP/Zn) coating, graphene oxide (GO) was directly incorporated into dual-component paint. Interestingly, it was found that the method of incorporating GO during the fabrication of the composite paints strongly influenced their performance. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that GO could be intercalated and modified with the polyamide curing agent while preparing component B of the paint, for which the interlayer spacing of the resulting polyamide modified GO (PGO) increased, and its dispersion in organic solvent was improved. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was studied through potentiodynamic polarization testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and immersion testing. Among the three types of as-prepared coatings, i.e., neat EP/Zn coating, GO modified EP/Zn coating (GO/EP/Zn), and PGO-modified EP/Zn coating (PGO/EP/Zn), the order of the corrosion resistance of the coatings was PGO/EP/Zn > GO/EP/Zn > neat EP/Zn. This work demonstrates that although the in situ modification of GO with a curing agent is a simple method, it evidently promotes the shielding effect of the coating and enhances its corrosion resistance.

Preparation and evaluation of stingray skin collagen/oyster osteoinductive composite scaffolds.

The regeneration of bone defects is a major challenge for clinical orthopaedics. Herein, we designed and prepared a new type of bioactive material, using stingray skin collagen and oyster shell powder (OSP) as raw materials. A stingray skin collagen/oyster osteoinductive composite scaffold (Col-OSP) was prepared for the first time by genipin cross-linking, pore-forming and freeze-drying methods. These scaffolds were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, compression, swelling, cell proliferation, cell adhesion, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and RT-PCR etc. The Col-OSP scaffold had an interconnected three-dimensional porous structure, and the mechanical properties of the Col-OSP composite scaffold were enhanced compared with Col, combining with the appropriate swelling rate and degradation rate, the scaffold was more in line with the requirements of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. The Col-OSP scaffold was non-toxic, promoted the proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, and stimulated the osteogenesis-related genes expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), collagen type I (COL-I) and RUNX2 of MC3T3-E1 cells.

A Meta-Device for Intelligent Depth Perception.

The optical illusion affects depth-sensing due to the limited and specific light-field information acquired by single-lens imaging. The incomplete depth information or visual deception would cause cognitive errors. To resolve this problem, an intelligent and compact depth-sensing meta-device that is miniaturized, integrated, and applicable for diverse scenes in all light levels is demonstrated. The compact and multifunction stereo vision system adopts an array with 3600 achromatic meta-lenses and a size of 1.2 × 1.2 mm2 to measure the depth over a 30 cm range with deep-learning support. The meta-lens array can act as multiple imaging lenses to collect light field information. It can also work with a light source as an active optical device to project a structured light. The meta-lens array can serve as the core functional component of a light-field imaging system under bright conditions or a structured-light projection system in the dark. The depth information in both ways can be analyzed and extracted by the convolutional neural network. This work provides a new avenue for the applications such as autonomous driving, machine vision, human-computer interaction, augmented reality, biometric identification, etc.

In-situ formable dextran/chitosan-based hydrogels functionalized with collagen and EGF for diabetic wounds healing.

Delayed or non-healing skin wounds causing gangrene or even amputation, greatly threats diabetic patients lives. Herein, a bioactive, in-situ formable hydrogel based wound dressing was designed through simple Schiff base reaction. Oxidized dextran (OD) and carboxyethyl chitosan (CEC) were crosslinked together and applied as the main porous framework of hydrogel. To improve the mechanical strength and biocompatibility, collagen (Col) and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) were introduced into OD-CEC precursors: (1) after addition of only Col, the mechanical strength of hydrogels was improved by participating the functional -NH2 group of Col into the crosslinking process. Moreover, swelling ratio was as high as 750% on 3%OD-3%CEC-Col (water retention rate was 65 wt% after 7 days). (2) Once we introduced both Col and EGF into the OD-CEC hydrogel, the proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells was promoted using 3%OD-3%CEC-Col/EGF, an accelerated wound healing was observed with 86% wound closure after only 14 operative days. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson staining indicated the synergy of Col and EGF might promote new tissue's formation, well collagen distributions and thus accelerate skin regeneration, presenting great potentials in wound healing of diabetic patients.

Gene-microRNA Network Analysis Identified Seven Hub Genes in Association with Progression and Prognosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world and is usually divided into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. NSCLC is dominant and accounts for 85% of the total cases. Currently, the therapeutic method of NSCLC is not so satisfactory, and thus identification of new biomarkers is critical for new clinical therapy for this disease. METHODS: Datasets of miRNA and gene expression were obtained from the NCBI database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) were analyzed by GEO2R tools. The DEG-DEM interaction was built via miRNA-targeted genes by miRWalk. Several hub genes were selected via network topological analysis in Cytoscape. RESULTS: A set of 276 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed in the three datasets. Functional enrichment by the DAVID tool showed that these 276 DEGs were significantly enriched in the term "cancer", with a statistic p-value of 1.9 × 10-5. The subdivision analysis of the specific cancer types indicated that "lung cancer" occupies the largest category with a p-value of 2 × 10-3. Furthermore, 75 miRNAs were shown to be differentially expressed in three representative datasets. A group of 13 DEGs was selected by analysis of the miRNA-gene interaction of these DEGs and DEMs. The investigation of these 13 genes by GEPIA tools showed that eight of them had consistent results with NSCLC samples in the TCGA database. In addition, we applied the KMplot to conduct the survival analysis of these eight genes and found that seven of them have a significant effect on the prognosis survival of patients. We believe that this study could provide effective research clues for the prevention and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Individual Tree Structural Parameter Extraction and Volume Table Creation Based on Near-Field LiDAR Data: A Case Study in a Subtropical Planted Forest.

Individual tree structural parameters are vital for precision silviculture in planted forests. This study used near-field LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data (i.e., unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS) and ground backpack laser scanning (BLS)) to extract individual tree structural parameters and fit volume models in subtropical planted forests in southeastern China. To do this, firstly, the tree height was acquired from ULS data and the diameter at breast height (DBH) was acquired from BLS data by using individual tree segmentation algorithms. Secondly, point clouds of the complete forest canopy were obtained through the combination of ULS and BLS data. Finally, five tree taper models were fitted using the LiDAR-extracted structural parameters of each tree, and then the optimal taper model was selected. Moreover, standard volume models were used to calculate the stand volume; then, standing timber volume tables were created for dawn redwood and poplar. The extraction of individual tree structural parameters exhibited good performance. The volume model had a good performance in calculating the standing volume for dawn redwood and poplar. Our results demonstrate that near-field LiDAR has a strong capability of extracting tree structural parameters and creating volume tables for subtropical planted forests.

[Corrigendum] Connexin 43 reduces susceptibility to sympathetic atrial fibrillation.

Following the publication of the above article, the authors have realized that the data shown in Fig. 3B were published previously in Fig 1A of following publication, on which several of were co­authors [Shu C, Huang W, Zeng Z, He Y, Luo B, Liu H, Li J and Xu J: Connexin 43 is involved in the sympathetic atrial fibrillation in canine and canine atrial myocytes. Anatol J Cardiol 18: 3­9, 2017]. This error arose inadvertently; the corrected version of Fig. 3, also containing the correct data for Fig. 3B, is shown opposite. The authors are grateful to the Editor of International Journal of Molecular Medicine for allowing them the opportunity to publish this Corrigendum, and stress that this error did not significantly influence either the results or the conclusions of the paper. Furthermore, the authors apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [the original article was published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 1125-1133, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3648].

Nondestructive Testing for Wheat Quality with Sensor Technology Based on Big Data.

Nondestructive testing with sensor technology is one of the fastest growing and most promising wheat quality information analysis technologies. Nondestructive testing with sensor technology benefits from the latest achievement of many disciplines such as computer, optics, mathematics, chemistry, and chemometrics. It has the advantages of simplicity, speed, low cost, no pollution, and no contact. It is widely used in wheat quality analysis and testing research. This article summarizes nondestructive testing with sensor technology for wheat quality, including the mechanical model, hyperspectral technology, Raman spectroscopy, and near-infrared techniques for wheat mechanical properties, storage properties, and physical and chemical properties (such as moisture, ash, protein, and starch) in the past decade. Based on the current research progress, big data technology needs a lot of research in spectral data mining, modeling algorithm optimization, model robustness, etc. to provide more data support and method reference for the research and application of wheat quality.

[Development of Thrombus Aspiration Catheter].

Coronary disease is one of the highest mortality diseases in the world,and interventional therapy has been the best treatment choice for its low risks,high efficiency,less wound and rapid recovery after the operation.Thrombus aspiration catheter is one of the most important equipment in the interventional therapy instrument of coronary disease.This paper is based on the demand of clinical and market,designed and manufactured aspirated catheter for the treatment of coronary thrombosis.Through the performance comparison of the material,confirmed the main material quality of thrombus aspiration catheter and its organization.We also made the appraisement for the function of the material and the main performance of the thrombus aspiration catheter.The experiment turned out that our catheter performance is stable and also with highly reliable,which is absolutely fit for the using requirements of the clinical.

Connexin 43 reduces susceptibility to sympathetic atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia reported in clinical practice. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a member of the connexin protein family, which serves important roles in signal transduction in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Cx43 in the induction and maintenance of atrial fibrillation by using an animal model of sympathomimetic atrial fibrillation. Cx43 was successfully knocked down in the myocardium with gene­specific small interfering (si)RNA via lentiviral infection. A total of 25 dogs were randomly and evenly divided into five groups: Normal (N), rapid atrial pacing (RAP), isoproterenol (ISO) + RAP, RAP + Cx43 siRNA and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA. The mRNA and protein levels, as well as the distribution of Cx43 on the cell membrane, were gradually decreased in each group compared with the N group following treatment (P<0.05). The induction rate of the atrial effective refractory period was not significantly affected in the RAP and RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups, whereas it was significantly reduced in the ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with the N group (P<0.05). The induction rate of AF was gradually increased in the RAP + Cx43 siRNA, ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with the N group (P<0.05). The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was gradually increased in the ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with their respective controls (RAP and RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups, respectively). However, no significant difference in the levels of NGF and TH was observed between the RAP, RAP + Cx43 siRNA, ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups. The mitochondrial morphology in each group was notably altered compared with the N group. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic index were gradually increased in each group compared with the N group (P<0.05). The results of the present study suggest that Cx43 reduces susceptibility to AF. Downregulation of Cx43 mediates the induction and maintenance of sympathetic AF.

Cranberry anthocyanin as an herbal medicine lowers plasma cholesterol by increasing excretion of fecal sterols.

BACKGROUND: Interest in using herbal medicines to treat the hypercholesterolemia is increasing. Cranberry extract could decrease plasma cholesterol, however, the active ingredients and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The present study was to test the hypothesis that cranberry anthocyanins (CrA) were at least one of the active ingredients responsible for the cholesterol-lowering activity of cranberry fruits via a mechanism of increasing fecal sterol excretion. METHODS: Forty-four hamsters were randomly divided into five groups and fed one of the five diets, namely a non-cholesterol control diet (NCD), a high-cholesterol control diet (HCD), a HCD diet supplemented with a low dose of 1% CrA (CL), a HCD diet supplemented with a high dose of 2% CrA (CH), and a HCD diet supplemented with 0.5% cholestyramine as a positive control drug (P-CTL), respectively, for six weeks. Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol was quantified using the enzymatic kits, while the gene expressions of transporters, enzymes and receptors involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism were quantified using the quantitative RT-PCR. Fecal sterols were quantified using gas chromatography (GC). RESULTS: Plasma total cholesterol and aorta atherosclerotic plaque decreased dose-dependently with the increasing amounts of CrA added into diets. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in excretion of both neutral and acidic sterols. CrA had no effect on the mRNA levels of intestinal Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 protein (NPC1L1), acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase2 (ACAT2), microsomal triacylglycerol transport protein (MTP), and ATP binding cassette transporter 5 (ABCG5) as well as hepatic cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl reductase (HMG-CoA-R), sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), LDL receptor (LDL-R), and Liver X receptor alpha (LXRα). CONCLUSION: CrA as an herbal medicine could favorably modify the lipoprotein profile in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet by enhancing excretion of fecal neutral and acidic sterols, most likely not mediated by interaction with genes of transporters, enzymes and proteins involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism.

Fractal kinetic analysis of the enzymatic saccharification of CO2 laser pretreated corn stover.

The enzymatic hydrolyses of laser pretreated corn stover as a novel pretreatment method were examined to establish a simplified kinetic model for the complicated hydrolysis process. The time dependence of the total reducing sugars amount was closely related to the amounts of cellulosic materials and amounts of cellulase. The evaluated model fitted very well with the experimental data of enzymatic hydrolysis of laser pretreated corn stover under different conditions, including cellulase loading, nature of substrate, substrate loading in the reaction medium. The results indicated that the complex kinetics of cellulase enzymatic saccharification could be assessed with the fractal kinetic model. The cellulase enzymatic reaction process was effectively predicted and controlled with the kinetic model. The result showed that the model could effectively reflect dynamic process of enzyme hydrolysis.

3D localization of circular feature in 2D image and application to food volume estimation.

A novel method to estimate the 3D location of a circular feature from a 2D image is presented and applied to the problem of objective dietary assessment from images taken by a wearable device. Instead of using a common reference (e.g., a checkerboard card), we use a food container (e.g., a circular plate) as a necessary reference before the volumetric measurement. In this paper, we establish a mathematical model formulating the system involving a camera and a circular object in a 3D space and, based on this model, the food volume is calculated. Our experiments showed that, for 240 pictures of a variety of regular objects and food replicas, the relative error of the image-based volume estimation was less than 10% in 224 pictures.