Tripartite motif-containing 9 promoted proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells through CEACAM6-Smad2/3 axis.

Studies have shown that tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family proteins function as E3 ubiquitin ligases and play essential roles in cancer biology. In the present study, we validated a contribution of TRIM9 to bladder cancer progression. 296 patients derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 22 clinical specimens were included, in which accumulated TRIM9 correlated with the poor prognosis and higher relapse in bladder patients. In vitro, TRIM9 promoted bladder cancer cells Biu-87 and T24 cell proliferation and migration. Meanwhile, overexpression of TRIM9 reduced the chemosensitivity in Biu-87 and T24 to mitomycin C (MMC) and gemcitabine (GEM). As an underlying mechanism, we found that TRIM9 stimulated carcinoembryonic antigen 6 (CEACAM6) upregulation, which further facilitated Smad2/3-matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) signaling activation both in vitro and in vivo. Those results indicated that TRIM9 facilitated bladder cancer development and chemoresistance by CEACAM6-Smad2/3 axis. TRIM9 and its associated molecules could be a potential diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

Anti-inflammatory active components of the roots of Datura metel.

One new phenolic glycoside, methyl 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate-4-O-[2-O-ß-D-apisoyl-6-O-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), together with 10 known compounds (2-11), were isolated from the roots of Datura metel. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-11 were evaluated.[Formula: see text].

Injectable Magnesium-Zinc Alloy Containing Hydrogel Complex for Bone Regeneration.

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has been widely used in bone engineering. It can also be filled into the calvarial defects with irregular shape. However, lack of osteoinductive capacity limits its potential as a candidate repair material for calvarial defects. In this study, we developed an injectable magnesium-zinc alloy containing hydrogel complex (Mg-IHC), in which the alloy was fabricated in an atomization process and had small sphere, regular shape, and good fluidity. Mg-IHC can be injected and plastically shaped. After cross-linking, it contents the elastic modulus similar to GelMA, and has inner holes suitable for nutrient transportation. Furthermore, Mg-IHC showed promising biocompatibility according to our evaluations of its cell adhesion, growth status, and proliferating activity. The results of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, alizarin red staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) further indicated that Mg-IHC could significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and upregulate the genetic expression of collagen I (COL-I), osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Finally, after applied to a mouse model of critical-sized calvarial defect, Mg-IHC remarkably enhanced bone formation at the defect site. All of these results suggest that Mg-IHC can promote bone regeneration and can be potentially considered as a candidate for calvarial defect repairing.

Scrotal elephantiasis associated with follicular occlusion triad: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Follicular occlusion triad (FOT) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease and no more than 3 variants of the triad have been reported. We give a report in which scrotal elephantiasis is a variant of FOT and further perform a literature review. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 41-year-old man came to us because of a large scrotal cyst and generalized skin lesions that had occurred over the past 10 years. The generalized skin lesions consisted of hidradenitis suppurativa on the perineum and back, acne conglobata in the armpit, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. He took antibiotics for a long time but achieved poor effect. Furthermore, he told his father and elder brother also manifested such skin lesions. DIAGNOSES: Magnetic resonance showed a mass in the left scrotum with clear boundaries. A routine blood test showed a high leukocyte level of 12 × 10/L and a hemoglobin content of 78 g/L. C-reactive-protein increased. Series of autoimmune antibody tests were negative. The postoperative pathologic findings showed that the mass was an epidermoid cyst, and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed hyperkeratosis of the skin as well as inflammatory and edematous changes. A diagnosis of a variant of FOT was made. INTERVENTIONS: We removed skin abscesses and lesioned the inner part with hydrogen peroxide. Then we performed an excision of the scrotal lesion. OUTCOME: The patient recovered well and had no evidence of recurrence at a 16-month follow-up. LESSONS: We reported a case in which scrotal elephantiasis was a variant of FOT and surgical intervention played an important role in secondary urologic diseases.

[Comparison of Different Staging Systems and Prognostic Analysis in 68 Cases of Primary Intestinal Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic value of different staging systems in primary intestinal diffuse large B cell lymphoma（PI-DLPCL）, and their correlation with clinicopathological characteristics，treatment and prognosis of PI-DLBCL. METHODS: A total of 68 patients with PI-DLBCL were recruited from January 2009 to July 2017. All the patients underwent staging by using TNM, Lugano, Blackledge and Musshoff system, survival curves for the PI-DLBCL patients were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and were judged by the log-rank test. The accuracy of each staging system for predicting survival of PI-DLBCL patients was evaluated by calculating the area under curve(AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC). The correlation of the 4 staging systems, clinical features patients and treatment regimes with PFS and OS were analysed. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 52 (1-105) months, the median PFS time was 41(1-86) months, patients did not reached the median OS time. The most frequently involved site was ileocecal (30.9%), followed by small intestine (29.4%) and colon (29.4%), multiple sites involvement (7.4%) and rectum (2.94%)．The PFS and OS rates at 5-year were 44.9% and 51.1%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test results showed that using different staging systems to describe the cumulative retention rates of PFS and OS in PI-DLBCL patients, none of the 4 staging systems can distinguish the survival curves of each stage significantly. The results of ROC curve showed that the prediction ability of the Lugano staging system was better than other staging system for 1 year PFS （AUC=0.826；P=0.015）and 1 year OS（AUC=0-792；P=0.001） in PI-DLBCL patients. The 3 year PFS rate in the operation+chemo or radio-therapy group (62 cases) and the single operation group (6 cases) were 53.9% and 16. 7%,respectively（P=0.116），The 3 year OS rate were 66.7% and 16.7%（P=0.015）,respectively. Patients who received chemotherapy combined with rituximab had a higher 3-year PFS(66.0％ vs 44.0％，P=0.139) and 3.year OS(70.2% vs.39.2%，P=0.148).The patients with ileocecal lesion had higher PFS rate and OS rate than other sites(P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that only bone marrow invasion was an independent prognostic factor in patients with PFS. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow invasion is an independent risk factor for PFS in patients with PI-DLBCL , according to this limited preliminary data，Lugano staging system for stratifying and predicting the prognosis of PI-DLBCL patients is better than other staging system.

[Life Quality and Its Related Factors of Patients with Multiple Myeloma during Maintenance Therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) on patients with multiple myeloma(MM) during maintenance therapy and to explore the related factors important for QOL. METHODS: The demography, clinical and laboratorial data of 66 MM patients during maintenance therapy were collected and explored by using a cross-sectional question naire(EORTC QLQ C30 V 3.0). The statistical analysis was performed using Nowegram normal mode(NM) and reference values(RV) of MM patients which were used as control. RESULTS: In comparison with Nowegran normal mode, the scores of general health status, physical function, role function and social function of patients during maintenance therapy were lower than those of normal mode (61.3, 73.9, 65.4 and 65.2 vs 75.3, 89.9, 83.3 and 85.8 respectively), while the scores of constipation and financial difficulty were higher than those of normal mode(16.7 and 44.4 vs 10.7 and 9.7 respectively) (P<0.05). In comparison with reference values, the scores of general health status, emotional and coguitive functions of patients during maintenance therapy were significantly higher than those of reference values(61.3, 81.7 and 84.3 vs 55.7, 71.3 and 78.1 respectively) (P<0.05). In addition, the maintenance therapy yet decreasd the scores of fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, appetite loss and constipation of patients, but increased the score of financial difficulty of patients (P<0.05). The age of initial diagnosis, serum LDH level, peripheral neuropathy, high ratio of own expense and underlying diseases were main factors affecting the general health status of patients (P<0.05), while the decrease of Hb level, increase of blood Ca++ level and accompanied genetic changes negatively influence the QOL (P<0.05), while the high culture level showed positive effect on QOL (P<0.05). The choise of drugs for maintenace (therapy thalidomide and bortezomib) not had significant effect on QOL of patients. CONCLUSION: The maintenance therapy can improve the QOL of MM patients, the age at initial diagnses, serum LDH level, peripheral neuropathy and high ratio of own expence are the main factors affecting the QOL of MM patients.

[Clinical Analysis of Maintenance Therapy with Thalidomine and Bortezomib for Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and adverse reactions of the maintenance therapies with Thalidomine or Bortezomib in the patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), so as to provide a reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse reaction rate of 23 MM patients received the maintenance therapies of Bortezomib and of 68 MM patients received maintenance therapy of Thalidomine. RESULTS: The maintenance therapy with Bortezomib could extend the PFS of MM patients as compared with Thalidomine (PFS rate of patients on the maintenance therapy of Bortezomib in 12th, and 24th month was 100%, 88.89%, and that of Thalidomine-treated group was 72.31%, 47.54%). What's more, some specific patients could get better 2-year PFS rate in Bortezomib group than that in Thalidomine group, such as older than 65 years old, after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(ASCT), having genetic changes, extramedullary lesions, poor renal function, low serum free light chain ratio, high ß2-MG, anemia, high LDH, VGPR of induction and consolidation therapy. The OS rate of Bortezomib on 18th, 24th and 30th month was 100%, 88.89%, 80% verus 91.52%,83.63%,72.90% of the group with thalidemide at the same time. As for 2-year OS rate, the Bortezomib group was higher than Thalidomine without statistical differences. However, the patients such as older than 65 years old, poor renal function and with extramedullary lesions, would also get higher 2-year OS rate from Bortezomi. Bortezomib and thalidomide could cause bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuritis and other adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of maintenance therapy with Bortezomib is superior to thalidomide. As a conclusion, bortezomib is a better option for maintenance therapy of MM patient.

[Clinical Analysis on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in 56 Multiple Myeloma Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of autologous stem Hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for 56 patients diagnosed with MM and then received auto-HSCT in our hospital from December 2008 to September 2016. RESULTS: All the patients successfully underwent hematopoietic reconstruction without transplantation-related mortality (TRM). The complete response (CR) rate of all the patients after induction chemotherapy was 23.2% (13/56), while the CR rate of these patients with auto-HSCT increased to 78.6% (44/56) (P<0.01). The CR plus VGPR (very good partial response) rates of these 56 patients after induction chemotherapy and auto-HSCT were 53.6%（30/56）and 94.6%（53/56） respectively (P<0.01). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time and median overall survival (OS) time were 37 and 71 months, respectively. The median PFS time in the patients with induction therapy containing bortezomib was 37 months, however, the median OS time did not reach to 71 months; the median PFS (P<0.01) and the median OS (P<0.01) in the patients with the induction chemotherapy without bortezomib was 27 and 51 months, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the patients maintained CR or VGPR after auto-HSCT or with less than 6 cycles of induction chemotherapy significantly correlated with PFS (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: auto-HSCT can further increase the CR rate, prolong PFS and OS time. Sequential auto-HSCT after bortezomib-based therapy is the first line therapy for the transplant-eligible MM patients. Maintenance treatment is beneficial to the sustained CR+VGPR patients after auto-HSCT.

[Effect of Shuxuetong injection on anticoagulant effect of warfarin in rats].

To explore the effect of Shuxuetong injection on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats, and to provide reference for rational drug use. In studies on the single dose of warfarin, Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups： blank control group(group A), Shuxuetong injection group(group B), warfarin control group(group C), and warfarin+Shuxuetong injection group(group D). In studies on the steady state of warfarin, Wistar rats were randomly divided into warfarin control group(group E) and warfarin+Shuxuetong injection group(group F). To investigate the pharmacodynamic effect of Shuxuetong injection on warfarin, prothrombin time(PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) were measured by coagulation analyzer, and international normalized ratio(INR) was calculated. To investigate the pharmacokinetic effect of Shuxuetong injection on warfarin, the blood concentrations of S-warfarin and R-warfarin were determined by UPLC-MS/MS combined with technology of chiral chromatographic column, and the related pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated accordingly. The results on the single dose of warfarin showed that Shuxuetong injection markedly increased PT, INR(P<0.01), and APTT(P<0.05). Meanwhile, when Shuxuetong injection was co-administrated with warfarin, it significantly increased PT, INR(P<0.01), and APTT(P<0.05) as compared with warfarin control group. In addition, increased pharmacokinetic parameters including Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞, prolonged t1/2, and decreased CL/F were observed for S-warfarin and R-warfarin. The results of the steady state of warfarin suggested that Shuxuetong injection significantly increased PT and INR of warfarin(P<0.01), and elevated the plasma concentrations of S-warfarin and R-warfarin when co-administrated with warfarin. These findings indicated that Shuxuetong injection had anticoagulant effect, and would produce pharmacodynamics synergistic action when it was co-administrated with warfarin. Shuxuetong injection also decelerated the metabolism of warfarin, and resulted in pharmacokinetics interaction. Therefore, Shuxuetong injection could significantly increase anticoagulant effect of warfarin, indicating that the combination use of these two drugs should be refrained in order to avoid the risk of bleeding in clinical application. If they need to be used in combination, special attention should be paid to ensure the safety of patients.

[Effect of Rigorous Staging at the First Diagnosis on Prognosis of Patients with Follicular Lymphoma].

BACKGROUND: A survey of early stage follicular lymphoma(FL) revealed that the rigorously staged FL patients at first diagnosis had a better outcome as compared with non-rigorous staged FL patients, but there were no similar reports in China. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the rigorous staging at first diagnosis and the prognosis of FL patients at different stages. METHODS: The clinical data of 111 patients with newly diagnosed FL from 2008 to 2014 year were collected and analyzed. The rigorous staging included: (1) bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, (2) imaging examination of whole body including CT and ultrasounic scan, or PET/CT, either or both is defined as rigorous staging, or else as non-rigorous staging. RESULTS: The FL patients at I-II stages by rigorous staging showed a superior progression-free survival(PFS) compared with non-rigorous staging patients(P=0.048). For all the patients, the age, serum LDH, bone marrow lesion and more than 3 foci of diameter larger than 3 cm correlated with prognosis in univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis revealed that the age, serum LDH and bone marrow imolvement were the independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Rigorous staging leads to better outcomes, suggesting that accurate and appropriate testing is important for the patients at the first treatment. The close correlation of bone marrow with prognosis indicates that the evaluation of bone marrow is very important for the daily clinical practice.

[Applications of eco-environmental big data: Progress and prospect]. / 大数据在生态环境领域的应用进展与展望.

With the advance of internet and wireless communication technology, the fields of ecology and environment have entered a new digital era with the amount of data growing explosively and big data technologies attracting more and more attention. The eco-environmental big data is based airborne and space-/land-based observations of ecological and environmental factors and its ultimate goal is to integrate multi-source and multi-scale data for information mining by taking advantages of cloud computation, artificial intelligence, and modeling technologies. In comparison with other fields, the eco-environmental big data has its own characteristics, such as diverse data formats and sources, data collected with various protocols and standards, and serving different clients and organizations with special requirements. Big data technology has been applied worldwide in ecological and environmental fields including global climate prediction, ecological network observation and modeling, and regional air pollution control. The development of eco-environmental big data in China is facing many problems, such as data sharing issues, outdated monitoring facilities and techno-logies, and insufficient data mining capacity. Despite all this, big data technology is critical to solving eco-environmental problems, improving prediction and warning accuracy on eco-environmental catastrophes, and boosting scientific research in the field in China. We expected that the eco-environmental big data would contribute significantly to policy making and environmental services and management, and thus the sustainable development and eco-civilization construction in China in the coming decades.

Tracking Co(I) Intermediate in Operando in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by X-ray Transient Absorption Spectroscopy and DFT Calculation.

X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy (XTA) and optical transient spectroscopy (OTA) were used to probe the Co(I) intermediate generated in situ from an aqueous photocatalytic hydrogen evolution system, with [RuII(bpy)3]Cl2·6H2O as the photosensitizer, ascorbic acid/ascorbate as the electron donor, and the Co-polypyridyl complex ([CoII(DPA-Bpy)Cl]Cl) as the precatalyst. Upon exposure to light, the XTA measured at Co K-edge visualizes the grow and decay of the Co(I) intermediate, and reveals its Co-N bond contraction of 0.09 ± 0.03 Å. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the bond contraction and illustrate that the metal-to-ligand π back-bonding greatly stabilizes the penta-coordinated Co(I) intermediate, which provides easy photon access. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of capturing the penta-coordinated Co(I) intermediate in operando with bond contraction by XTA, thereby providing new insights for fundamental understanding of structure-function relationship of cobalt-based molecular catalysts.

Influencing Mechanism of the Selenization Temperature and Time on the Power Conversion Efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4-Based Solar Cells.

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) films were deposited on the Mo-coated glass substrates, and the CZTSSe-based solar cells were successfully fabricated by a facile solution method and postselenization technique. The influencing mechanisms of the selenization temperature and time on the power conversion efficiency (PCE), short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and fill factor (FF) of the solar cell are systematically investigated by studying the change of the shunt conductance (Gsh), series resistance (Rs), diode ideal factor (n), and reversion saturation current density (J0) with structure and crystal quality of the CZTSSe film and CZTSSe/Mo interface selenized at various temperatures and times. It is found that a Mo(S1-x,Sex)2 (MSSe) layer with hexagonal structure exists at the CZTSSe/Mo interface at the temperature of 500 °C, and its thickness increases with increasing selenization temperature and time. The MSSe has a smaller effect on the Rs, but it has a larger influence on the Gsh, n, and J0. The PCE, Voc, and FF change dominantly with Gsh, n, and J0, while Jsc changes with Rs and Gsh, but not Rs. These results suggest that the effect of the selenization temperature and time on the PCE is dominantly contributed to the change of the CZTSSe/CdS p-n junction and CZTSSe/MSSe interface induced by variation of the quality of the CZTSSe film and thickness of MSSe in the selenization process. By optimizing the selenization temperature and time, the highest PCE of 7.48% is obtained.

[Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of 46 Elderly Patients with Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma (PTCL)].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL). METHODS: The clinical data of 46 elderly PTCL patients admitted in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from April 2008 to August 2014 were collected, the clinical features, prognostic factors and treatments, as well as followed-up outcome were analyzed retrospectively. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, and the COX proportional hazard model was used to perform multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median survival time was 11 months, and the expected 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rate (OS) was 50%, 36% and 33%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the age, ECOG score, Charlson Comorbidity Index Score, the efficacy and course of chemotherapy were all the prognostic indicators affecting the OS and progression free survival (PFS) in this cohort of elderly patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that ECOG score and course of chemotherapy were the independent prognostic indicators affecting the OS and PFS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECOG score and course of chemotherapy are of great significance for predicting the prognosis in elderly PTCL patients. The elderly patients's general condition and completion of a certain intensity of chemotherapy are an important measure to prolong survival time in elderly PTCL patients.

Coexpression of MYC and BCL-2 predicts prognosis in primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

AIM: To investigate whether MYC and BCL-2 coexpression has prognostic significance in primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) patients, and explore its associations with patients' clinical parameters. METHODS: Fresh and paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples from 60 PGI-DLBCL patients who had undergone surgery at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2005 to May 2010 were obtained, and 30 lymphoid tissue samples from reactive lymph nodes of age- and sex-matched patients represented control samples. Staging and diagnostic procedures were conducted according to the Lugano staging system. All patients had been treated with three therapeutic modalities: surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Expression of MYC and BCL-2 were detected at both protein and mRNA levels by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: Positive expression levels of MYC and BCL-2 proteins were detected in 35% and 45% of patients, respectively. MYC+/BCL-2+ protein was present in 30% of patients. MYC and BCL-2 protein levels were correlated with high MYC and BCL-2 mRNA expression, respectively (both P<0.05). We found that advanced-stage disease (at IIE-IV) was associated with MYC and BCL-2 coexpression levels (P<0.05). In addition, MYC+/BCL-2+ patients had more difficulty in achieving complete remission than others (P<0.05). Presence of MYC protein expression only affected overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) when BCL-2 protein was coexpressed. The adverse prognostic impact of MYC+/BCL-2+ protein on PFS remained significant (P<0.05) even after adjusting for age, Lugano stage, international prognostic index, and BCL-2 protein expression in a multivariable model. CONCLUSION: MYC+/BCL-2+ patients have worse chemotherapy response and poorer prognosis than patients who only express one of the two proteins, suggesting that assessment of MYC and BCL-2 expression by immunohistochemistry has clinical significance in predicting clinical outcomes of PGI-DLBCL patients.

[Optical Properties Investigation of p-Type ZnO Film Based on Doping by Diffusion].

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the optical properties of p-type ZnO film based on P doping. ZnO film was grown by Atomic layer deposition (ALD) on InP subsrate in this experiment, and phosphorus diffused into ZnO lattice by annealing treatment at different temperature (500, 700 °C). The optical properties of samples were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, which indicated that the annealing temperature is the important factor influencing the phosphorus diffusion doping. The low-temperature PL spectra of the sample which annealed at 700 °C for 1 h exhibited acceptor related emission peaks located at 3.351, 3.311, 3.246 and 3.177 eV, which were attributed to A °X, FA, DAP and DA-1LO, respectively. The acceptor binding energy is estimated to be about 122 meV, which is agreed with the theoretic values in phosphorus-doped ZnO films. In this paper, through thermal diffusion method to realize the p-type doped ZnO thin films, it solved the main problems which limited the development of ZnO based optoelectronic devices, and has an important significance for the development of the ZnO semiconductor materials and ZnO based photoelectric device.

Effects of koji-making with mixed strains on physicochemical and sensory properties of Chinese-type soy sauce.

BACKGROUND: Two kinds of soy sauces were prepared with Aspergillus oryzae koji (SSAO) and mixed koji (SSAOM, A. oryzae mouldstarter:Monascus purpureus mouldstarter = 1:2, w/w) respectively. The effects of mixed koji on the essential indices, oxygen radical absorption capacity, color indices, free amino acids and volatile compounds of soy sauce have been studied, followed by a sensory evaluation between SSAO and SSAOM. RESULTS: The contents of non-salt soluble solid, reducing sugar, total acid, total nitrogen and amino nitrogen in SSAOM increased by 21.50%, 9.88%, 15.35%, 5.98% and 41.43%, respectively, compared with the control SSAO, owing to the higher activities of acid protease and glucoamylase in the mixed koji. Moreover, SSAOM showed higher antioxidant activity, higher levels of free amino acids and much more attractive color. Meanwhile, flavor groups such as esters, aldehydes, pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds in SSAOM were also improved. The contents of free amino acids and aroma compounds were consistent with the sensory evaluation. According to descriptive sensory analysis, SSAOM showed higher intensity for sweet and umami attributes; in addition, higher flowery, burnt, fruity and caramel-like attributes were perceived in SSAOM, while SSAO showed higher ethanolic and sour attributes. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated soy sauce prepared with mixed koji can be considered as an effective method to accelerate the fermentation process and improve the flavor of soy sauce.

[Preparation of MgxZn1-xO/Au/MgxZn1-xO multilayer transparent conductive film and studies of its photoelectric properties].

In the present paper, MgxZn1-xO and MgxZn1-xO/Au/MgxZn1-xO multilayer structures of transparent conductive film were prepared by the simple operation of sol-gel and RF magnetron sputtering method on quartz substrate respectively and then they were annealed. The surface, electrical, crystal and optical properties of the films at different annealing temperature were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and Hall effect, respectively. The influence of annealing temperature on the films was also investigated. The testing results indicated that the films with good c-axis orientation presented hexagonal wurtzite structure. With increasing Mg components, the optical band gap of ZnO thin film increased gradually. There was an obvious blue shift phenomenon in PL spectrum and absorption spectrum line. But the electrical properties of the films declined. In MgxZn1-xO/Au/MgxZn1-xO multilayer structure of thin film samples, the existence of Au interlining led to the poor optical properties of thin film, and the light transmittance in the ultraviolet region was 60%. Compared with MgxZn1-xO film, the electrical properties of MgxZn1-xO/Au/MgxZn1-xO multilayer structure of transparent conductive film were improved, the resistivity and migration rate were significantly increased. In addition, high temperature annealing treatment could effectively improve the crystal quality of thin film and further improve the electrical characteristics of the samples. After the annealing treatment at 500 °C, migration rate of the film reached to 40.9 cm2 · 1 Vs(-1) while the resistivity was 0.0057 Ω · cm. Due to the rising of temperature, the crystal size increased from 25.1 to 32.4 nm to reduce the mobility of the film. Therefore, MgxZn1-xO/Au/MgxZn1-xO multilayer structure of transparent conductive film played an important role in promoting the ZnO transparent conductive film application in deep ultraviolet devices.

Pure ultraviolet emission from ZnO nanowire-based p-n heterostructures.

Well-aligned ZnO nanowires have been prepared on sapphire substrate, and structural and optical characterizations indicate that the nanowires are of single crystalline and have relatively high luminescent quality. By employing the ZnO nanowires as an active layer, p-Zn0.68Mg0.32O:N/n-ZnO nanowire heterostructure light-emitting devices (LEDs) have been fabricated. The LEDs show pure ultraviolet emission when a forward bias is applied, while the deep-level emission frequently observed in ZnO p-n junctions is almost totally invisible. The devices can work continuously for over 27 h under the injection of a current density of 500 mA/cm2, indicating their good stability.