Morphological and structural analysis of iron-rich porcelains excavated from the Jian kiln site of Song dynasty.

Iron-rich porcelains generally embrace relatively high iron concentration in the glaze and body, which have an important position in the history of ancient Chinese high-temperature ceramics. The colour and lustre of glaze patterns are closely related to the orientation and order of crystallisation. In this work, three representative types of iron-rich porcelains (persimmon red-glazed sample, oil spot-glazed sample and mirror black-glazed sample) were analysed by portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PXRF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RS) to determine the morphology, chemical composition and microstructure. Results showed that layered structure was observed in both persimmon red and oil spot glazes, however with respective thickness. Besides, iron-enriched crystals mostly precipitated on glaze surface. For the persimmon red sample, multilayer microstructure consisting of three sublayers beneath glaze surface was identified. Crystals and dark red substrates were all made of ε-Fe2 O3 , implying that it was fired at a strong reducing atmosphere. But for the oil spot sample, large-scale leaf-shaped crystals were well characteristic of ε-Fe2 O3 , while small snowflake-shaped crystals were assigned to α-Fe2 O3 , indicating that the firing environment was partially reduced. In addition, there was no crystalline layer existing on surface of mirror black-glazed porcelain, and plain black glaze layer was featured by a glassy matrix. The Jian kiln is a famous ancient folk kiln in the southern China that is currently located in Jianyang county of Fujian province. Its production of black-glazed porcelain began in the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), became prosperous in the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 AD), and declined and ended in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368 AD). Black-glazed Jian tea bowls were perfect for highlighting the rich white tea decoction. The thick and lustrous black glaze of Jian bowls sometimes were featured by streaked or mottled patterns, usually recognised by 'hare's fur (HF)', 'oil spot (OS)', 'partridge spot (PS)' and so on, which were the crystalline markings of iron oxide precipitated during firing in the dragon kiln. Iron oxide acted as a colorant for black-glazed porcelain and, thus, was called as iron-rich porcelain. The unique patterns originated from local iron-enrichment raw materials and firing process, and the locally iron-enriched areas generated due to the supersaturated crystallisation of different iron oxide in the cooling period. It was generally believed that research studies on the crystallographic nature and growth mechanism of surface crystals would provide help for the manufacturing of ancient Chinese glazes. With this aim, three types of iron-rich porcelain excavated from the Jian kiln were selected to further study the forming cause and growth process of glaze patterns using a series of characterisation methods, like portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PXRF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of genotoxins using SRRz lysis reporter under the control of a newly designed SOS responsive promoter in Escherichia coli.

A new bacterial genotoxicity detection strain was constructed, in which the cell lysis gene of SRRz from a lambda phage was controlled by a new designed SOS responsive element, designated as Escherichia coli BL21/pUC-PST. The biosensor responded only after 0.5 h contact with mutagens and the changes in cell culture turbidity could be easily differentiated with the naked eyes from the control sample. This SOS/SRRz system presented a dose-dependent manner to five model DNA-damaging agents with an improved detection sensitivity. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.026 µM for mitomycin C, 320.4 µM for azinphos-methyl, 34.4 µM for methyl methanesulfonate, 4.6 µM for dithianone and 6.0 µM for dichlofluanid, which were much lower than previously reported. By performing binary and ternary mixture experiments, the toxic equivalency concept was validated in the E. coli SOS/SRRz system by comparison with bioanalytical equivalent concentrations (BEQ) and overall toxic equivalent concentration (TEQmixture) using Cr(vi) as the reference compound. Pearson analysis indicated that a strong correlation existed between the TEQmixture and BEQ values. Thus the TEQmixture could be presented as the Cr(vi) equivalent concentration from its dose-effect lysis profiles for the environmental sample. The proposed genotoxicity reporter strain allows for easier qualitative characterization and quantitative interpretation of the TEQmixture values using Cr(vi) as the reference for environmental water samples.

Competitive adsorption of PPCP and humic substances by carbon nanotube membranes: Effects of coagulation and PPCP properties.

Natural organic matter (NOM) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP) are known to compete for adsorption sites on carbon nanotubes (CNT), resulting in decreasing PPCP adsorption onto CNT. In this study, four types of PPCP, as such acetaminophen (AAP), caffeine (CAF), triclosan (TCS), and carbendazim (CBD) were used to investigate the effects of PPCP properties and NOM coagulation on the competitive adsorption of PPCP and NOM. Coagulation preferentially removed HS from a natural surface water, thereby increasing adsorption of AAP, CAF, TCS and CBD by 19%, 13%, 17% and 11%, respectively. Similar trends were obtained with synthetic natural waters, for which the adsorption of AAP, CAF, TCS, and CBD increased by 29%, 7%, 44% and 69%, respectively, as humic acid (HA) concentration decreased from 10mgL-1 to 0mgL-1. Furthermore, PPCP properties also affected their competition with NOM for adsorption by CNT membranes Because CAF existed in cationic form at pH ranging from 7 to 8.3, its adsorption was less affected by the presence/coagulation of NOM than AAP, CBD, and TCS. Based upon these findings, coagulation has the potential to be integrated with CNT adsorption for the removal of PPCP compounds during advanced drinking water treatment.

A higher baseline somatization score at sea level as an independent predictor of acute mountain sickness.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to identify the predictive values of psychological factors that are evaluated by the Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) for acute mountain sickness (AMS). METHODS: The subjects (n=285, non-acclimatized young Chinese men), who were recruited in July 2013, completed a case report questionnaire. In addition, their vital signs (heart rate [HR], blood pressure and pulse oxygen saturation) were measured, and their psychological factors were examined using the SCL-90 at sea level. AMS was diagnosed using the Lake Louise self-assessment scoring system in the morning of the second day after their arrival at 3450m. RESULTS: Of the nine factors of the SCL-90, the AMS patients (AMS score≥3) were characterized by significantly higher scores for baseline somatization [14.0 (5.0) vs. 13.0 (3.0), p<0.001], obsession-compulsion, depression, anxiety and hostility compared with the non-AMS group (all p values<0.05). Spearman's correlation analyses revealed associations between AMS scores and somatization (r=0.316, p<0.001), depression, anxiety, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation and psychoticism scores (all p values<0.001). Although all nine factors were associated with AMS in a univariate regression (all p<0.05), a further adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that only baseline somatization score (odds ratio=1.129, p=0.001) was an independent predictor of AMS. Furthermore, some non-AMS often-occurred symptoms (paresthesia, shortness of breath, reduced activity and tinnitus) were also found to be associated with the baseline SCL-90 scores. CONCLUSION: AMS is correlated with the baseline somatization score at sea level, which was measured using the SCL-90. A higher baseline somatization score is also an independent predictor of AMS.

Trace Element Analysis by PIYE and ICP-AES of Raw Material and Ancient Serpentine Artifacts from China.

This work mainly talks about serpentine mineral with the aim to explore the possible raw materials sources of ancient serpentine artifacts by trace element content analysis. The major and trace elements of serpentine samples from several typical deposits in China were nondestructively determined by external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). For comparison, trace element concentrations were destructively measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results showed the trend of the trace element contents of serpentine jade obtained by the two methods have preferably coherence, which indicate that the nondestructive technique of PIXE can be applied to trace element analysis of serpentine. The relationship between trace element contents and serpentine formation mechanism was discussed. The difference of the trace elements contents in these serpentine minerals is obvious. It can be used to distinguish the different kinds of serpentine formed by different mechanisms. A low amount of Ni and almost no Cr and Co were found in type I serpentine group mineral, whereas significant amounts of Cr, Co and Ni were found in Type II serpentine group mineral. The chemical composition of 18 ancient serpentine artifacts were analyzed by PIXE, they were unearthed from 14 sites and tombs in provinces of Zhejing, Jiangsu, Henan, Anhui and Hubei and dated from Neolithic Age to the Warring States Period (4585 BC­231 BC). By comparing the trace element contents between ancient serpentine artifacts and two kinds of serpentine samples, the provenance of ancient serpentine artifacts were preliminarily inferred. It is beneficial to try to explore the possible raw material of ancient serpentine artifacts based on the relationship between the trace element contents and serpentine formation mechanism in this article.

[Preliminary Research on Bubble Characteristics of Ancient Glaze Using OCT Technology].

The bubble is one of the most common feature in ancient glaze. The size and distribution of bubbles are closely associated with recipes of the raw materials for the body and glaze and the making process. To characterize the bubbles is essential for the study of ceramic production process, production places, times characteristics and so on. In order to explore the possibility of using the optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging technology to characterize the bubbles and the bubble distribution characteristic in glaze of ancient porcelain, sweep frequency OCT imaging system is used to detect five different types ancient porcelain chips. According to the two dimensional sectional images and three dimensional tomographic images of the transparent layer of glaze obtained by the OCT imaging system, the two dimensional sectional images characteristics and three dimensional slices characteristics of the bubbles in glaze are studied. The bubble characteristics in the glaze and its possible causes that gases in the body of the ceramic overflow to the glaze layer in the firing process are comprehensively analyzed. Meantime, the size of bubble is calculated according to the two dimensional sectional images based on pixel, and the result is compared with the traditional microscopic test result. The bubble size, two dimensional sectional characteristics and three dimensional tomographic image characteristics of opaque glaze are also studied. Experimental results show that the bubble characteristics in glaze of different ancient porcelain chips are obvious difference, the result of the bubble size calculated based on pixel coincides with the result of the bubble size observed by traditional microscope with ten times magnification, slices of the body near the body-glaze binding region based on OCT imaging technology three dimensional tomography can effectively reflect the bubble characteristics in glaze. The measurement of using OCT imaging technology to characterize bubble characteristics of the glaze is proposed, and the feasibility and the validity of the measurement are certified, and the nondestructive detection of bubble characteristics in ancient porcelain glaze is realized. Especially for the analysis of bubble characteristics of opaque glaze, the OCT imaging technology overcomes the limitations of using the traditional microscope technology to study the distribution of bubble in glaze in the past, and provides a novel, reliable analysis method for the analysis of ceramic glaze bubble characteristics.

[The Non-Destructive Analysis of Some Ancient Jade Artifacts Unearthed from Henan Province by a Variety of Optical Techniques].

A total of 14 pieces of ancient jade artifact unearthed from Henan Province were non-destructively analyzed by means of a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF), laser Raman spectroscopy (portable and mobile) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, comprehensively. The raw materials of ancient jade artifacts could be determined accurately through the combination of pXRF and portable Raman spectrometer in a short time. With the advantages of small size and easy-operation, these two instruments are suitable to in situ non-destructive analysis of ancient jade artifacts. The results of the pXRF shows that these ancient jade artifacts can be divided into 6 categories such as rich in Si Al K, rich in Ca, rich in Si Ca, rich in Si Mg, rich in Si, rich in Ca P. Their main phases have been successfully identified by the portable Raman spectrometer. In the lab, the mobile confocal laser Raman spectrometer, which help us find the Raman vibration peak of [OH] in the tremolite jade, is used to make up the disadvantages of the portable Raman spectrometer such as lower spectral resolution, lower accuracy and narrower measuring range. We can use the OCT to analyze the transparency, fiber fineness and inclusion etc. of the jade artifacts. The confocal laser Raman spectroscopy combined with OCT is used to analyze 2 containing inclusion of tremolite jade samples. OCT image can visually display the distribution characteristics of the inclusion in these 2 samples. Confocal laser Raman spectroscopy can accurately locate the sample surface of inclusion, then we can observe the micro morphology and analyze its phase. The results show that the black inclusion is graphite. This work is very significant to study the geographical origin of jade. Through the study we find, the use of pXRF, laser Raman spectroscopy (portable and mobile) and OCT can be achieved on the identification and analysis of cultural relic's phase composition and texture feature and meet the basic requirements of field archaeological work analysis.

A specific objective supplemental factor in evaluating acute mountain sickness: ΔHR in combination with SaO2.

BACKGROUND: So far, there have been no measurements confirmed useful in diagnosing acute mountain sickness (AMS). The aim of this study was to determine the role of heart rate (HR) difference (ΔHR) and oxygen saturation ( SaO2) as objective risk factors in aiding the diagnosis of AMS. METHODS: A total of 1,019 participants were assigned to either the acute exposure group (AEG): from 500 m to 3,700 m by flight within 2.5 h (n = 752); or the pre-acclimatization group (PAG): ascended to 4,400 m from 3,650 m within three hours by car after adapting 33 days at 3,650 m (n = 267). The questionnaires or measurements of resting SaO2 (oxygen saturation) and HR were completed between 18 and 24 h before departure and after arrival. RESULTS: Incidence of AMS was 61.3 % (461) in AEG, with 46.1 % (347) mild cases and 15.2 % (114) severe cases. In PAG, the incidence was 38.9 % (104), with 30.7 % (82) mild cases and 8.2 % (22) severe cases. The AMS subjects showed a significant increase in HR and a decrease in SaO2 levels compared with the non-AMS subjects in both groups. ΔHR and post-exposure SaO2 were significantly correlated with the Lake Louise Score (LLS) in both groups. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed the ΔHR >25 and SaO2 < 88 % in AEG as well as ΔHR >15 and SaO2 < 86 % in PAG to be independent risk factors of AMS. Combining these two measurements could specifically indicate participants with AMS, which showed a positive predictive value of 89 % and specificity of 97 % in AEG as well as 85 % and 98 % in PAG. CONCLUSION: ΔHR or SaO2, as objective measurements, correlate with AMS. Combination of these two measurements may be useful as an additional specific and objective factor to further confirm the diagnosis of AMS.

Inhaled budesonide prevents acute mountain sickness in young Chinese men.

BACKGROUND: Oral glucocorticoids can prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). Whether inhaled budesonide (BUD) can prevent AMS remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of BUD in AMS prevention. METHODS: Eighty subjects were randomly assigned to receive budesonide (BUD, inhaled), procaterol tablet (PT), budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FM, inhaled), or placebo tablet (n = 20 in each group). Subjects were treated for 3 days before ascending from 500 m to 3700 m within 2.5 h by air. Lake Louis AMS questionnaire, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were examined at 20, 72, and 120 h after high-altitude exposure. Pulmonary function was measured at 20 h after exposure. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, BUD significantly reduced the incidence of AMS (70% vs. 25% at 20 h, p < 0.05; both 10% vs. 5% at 72 and 120 h, both p > 0.05) without side effects. The relative risk was 0.357, and the risk difference was 0.45. Mean SpO2 was higher in BUD, BUD/FM, and PT groups than in the placebo group at 20 h (p < 0.05). SpO2 in all 80 subjects dropped after ascent (98.1% to 88.12%, p < 0.01) and increased gradually, but it was still lower at 120 h than at baseline (92.04% vs. 98.1%, p < 0.01). Pulmonary function did not differ among the four groups at 20 h. CONCLUSION: BUD can prevent AMS without side effects. The alleviation of AMS may be related to increased blood oxygen levels rather than pulmonary function.

[Nondestructive analysis of the silicate artifacts excavated from Baofeng and Xinzheng, Henan Province].

Nondestructive analysis plays an important role in the studies of ancient artifacts. The present paper reports the chemical compositions and micro-area phases of 21 silicate artifacts samples analyzed by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and laser Raman spectrometer. Based on the chemical compositions, these samples can be divided into PbO-BaO-SiO2, K2O-SiO2 glass systems, faience and PbO-BaO glassy faience which were discussed respectively, and preliminary investigation of colorants in different parts of some samples was also involved. By laser Raman spectroscopy, Chinese blue (BaCuSi4O10), Chinese purple (BaCuSi2O6) and Chinese dark blue (BaCu2Si2O7) were identified invasively in the blue pigment of some eye beads and circle beads, and then a variety of mineral phase including quartz, calcite, lead carbonate, burnt umber and terre verte were also analyzed successfully in the same way. According to the archaeological research results, the provenances of these samples were discussed briefly. PbO-BaO-SiO2 glass, K2O-SiO2 ear pendant and PbO-BaO glassy faience were made in China while the faience was suspected to be from the west. Those results illustrated the communications of culture and technologies among different regions of ancient China, and between ancient China and the western regions. The combination of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and laser Raman spectrometer can provide chemical and phase information of relics, and has great advantages in scientific analysis of ancient artifacts, which supports future studies of archaeology.

Risk factors for high-altitude headache upon acute high-altitude exposure at 3700 m in young Chinese men: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This prospective and observational study aimed to identify demographic, physiological and psychological risk factors associated with high-altitude headache (HAH) upon acute high-altitude exposure. METHODS: Eight hundred fifty subjects ascended by plane to 3700 m above Chengdu (500 m) over a period of two hours. Structured Case Report Form (CRF) questionnaires were used to record demographic information, physiological examinations, psychological scale, and symptoms including headache and insomnia a week before ascending and within 24 hours after arrival at 3700 m. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for HAH. RESULTS: The incidence of HAH was 73.3%. Age (p =0.011), physical labor intensity (PLI) (p =0.044), primary headache history (p <0.001), insomnia (p <0.001), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) (p =0.001), heart rate (HR) (p =0.002), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (p <0.001), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (p <0.001) were significantly different between HAH and non-HAH groups. Logistic regression models identified primary headache history, insomnia, low SaO2, high HR and SAS as independent risk factors for HAH. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia, primary headache history, low SaO2, high HR, and high SAS score are the risk factors for HAH. Our findings will provide novel avenues for the study, prevention and treatment of HAH.

Anxiety correlates with somatic symptoms and sleep status at high altitudes.

High altitude exposure results in many physical and psychological discomforts, with anxiety and sleep disturbances being the most common ones. This cross-sectional study was performed to explore the relationship between anxiety, somatic symptoms, and sleep status at high altitude. A sample of 426 young males between 18 and 24 years old ascended from low-level land to 3600 m, where they acclimated for 40 days, before ascending to 4400 m. Questionnaires including the Louise Lake Score (LLS, for diagnosis of acute mountain sickness [AMS]), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were administered immediately before departure from 3600 m (40th day) and the day after arrival at 4400 m (20 days after the first data collection). Physiological parameters were also measured. We observed that 49 of 426 and 51 of 329 people were diagnosed with anxiety according to SAS at 3600 and 4400 m, respectively. Physical symptoms were more severe in subjects with anxiety, and the severity of anxiety was significantly positively correlated to the severity of insomnia and increased heart rate (HR). Overall, these data indicate that after 40 days acclimatization in 3600 m, anxious persons have more severe somatic symptoms. When ascending to higher altitudes, these individuals are more likely to develop AMS, show more severe symptoms, and are prone to insomnia and more serious daytime sleepiness. Insomnia and elevated HR are indicators of anxiety severity.

Characterization of some tin-contained ancient glass beads found in China by means of SEM-EDS and raman spectroscopy.

A total of nine tin-contained ancient glass beads were characterized by a combination of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. These glass beads dated from 1st century BC to 10th century AD were excavated from the Xinjiang and Guangxi provinces of China. Two kinds of tin-based opacifiers/colorants included crystalline cassiterite (SnO(2)) and lead-tin yellow types II were first found in these soda lime glass beads. The tentative chronology of the tin-based opacifiers/colorants used in ancient glasses from China and the West was compared. In addition, several transition metal ions colorants were also found in these beads. The detailed study of the glassy matrices, crystalline inclusions, and the microstructural heterogeneities for these glass beads has revealed some valuable information to trace the possible making technology and provenances.

Artesunate enhances radiosensitivity of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells via increasing NO production to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase.

The resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to radiation is the major reason for radiotherapy failure of this kind cancer. Currently, there is no effective radiosensitizer in clinical use. Artemisinin and its derivates enhance radiotherapeutic effect in some kinds of tumors; however, whether artemisinin and its derivates can enhance the radiosensitivity of NSCLC remains unknown. Therefore, in the present experiments, artemisinin and its derivatives were firstly screened for their radiosensitization on NSCLC A549 (A549) cells and then the possible mechanisms were investigated. Our results showed that artesunate enhance radiosensitivity of A549 cells in vitro among artemisinin and its derivatives, and artesunate combined with local radiotherapy retarded the tumor growth in nude tumor xenografts; the inhibition produced by 30 mg/kg of artesunate was 74.6%. The results on the possible mechanisms showed artesunate increased the NO level within irradiated A549 cells. Artesunate didn't induce apoptosis of irradiated cells but induced G(2)/M arrest. The induced G(2)/M arrest was related to down-regulated cyclin B1 mRNA expression. Taken together, artesunate exhibited potent radiosensitivity against human A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, probably via NO signal transduction pathway to induce cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase. Therefore, artesunate should be further investigated as a radiosensitizer in clinical application.