Interface design for all-solid-state lithium batteries.

The operation of high-energy all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries at low stack pressure is challenging owing to the Li dendrite growth at the Li anodes and the high interfacial resistance at the cathodes1-4. Here we design a Mg16Bi84 interlayer at the Li/Li6PS5Cl interface to suppress the Li dendrite growth, and a F-rich interlayer on LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes to reduce the interfacial resistance. During Li plating-stripping cycles, Mg migrates from the Mg16Bi84 interlayer to the Li anode converting Mg16Bi84 into a multifunctional LiMgSx-Li3Bi-LiMg structure with the layers functioning as a solid electrolyte interphase, a porous Li3Bi sublayer and a solid binder (welding porous Li3Bi onto the Li anode), respectively. The Li3Bi sublayer with its high ionic/electronic conductivity ratio allows Li to deposit only on the Li anode surface and grow into the porous Li3Bi sublayer, which ameliorates pressure (stress) changes. The NMC811 with the F-rich interlayer converts into F-doped NMC811 cathodes owing to the electrochemical migration of the F anion into the NMC811 at a high potential of 4.3 V stabilizing the cathodes. The anode and cathode interlayer designs enable the NMC811/Li6PS5Cl/Li cell to achieve a capacity of 7.2 mAh cm-2 at 2.55 mA cm-2, and the LiNiO2/Li6PS5Cl/Li cell to achieve a capacity of 11.1 mAh cm-2 with a cell-level energy density of 310 Wh kg-1 at a low stack pressure of 2.5 MPa. The Mg16Bi84 anode interlayer and F-rich cathode interlayer provide a general solution for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries to achieve high energy and fast charging capability at low stack pressure.

Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide on Microwave Absorbing Properties of Al1.5Co4Fe2Cr High-Entropy Alloys.

The microwave absorption performance of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) can be improved by reducing the reflection coefficient of electromagnetic waves and broadening the absorption frequency band. The present work prepared flaky irregular-shaped Al1.5Co4Fe2Cr and Al1.5Co4Fe2Cr@rGO alloy powders by mechanical alloying (MA) at different rotational speeds. It was found that the addition of trace amounts of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) had a favorable effect on the impedance matching, reflection loss (RL), and effective absorbing bandwidth (EAB) of the Al1.5Co4Fe2Cr@rGO HEA composite powders. The EAB of the alloy powders prepared at 300 rpm increased from 2.58 GHz to 4.62 GHz with the additive, and the RL increased by 2.56 dB. The results showed that the presence of rGO modified the complex dielectric constant of HEA powders, thereby enhancing their dielectric loss capability. Additionally, the presence of lamellar rGO intensified the interfacial reflections within the absorber, facilitating the dissipation of electromagnetic waves. The effect of the ball milling speed on the defect concentration of the alloy powders also affected its wave absorption performance. The samples prepared at 350 rpm had the best wave absorption performance, with an RL of -16.23 and -17.28 dB for a thickness of 1.6 mm and EAB of 5.77 GHz and 5.43 GHz, respectively.

Cloning, Expression, and Functional Characterization of FUT1, a Key Gene for Histo-Blood Group Antigens Synthesis in Crassostrea gigas.

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) comprise a family of cell-surface carbohydrates that are considered norovirus-specific binding receptors or ligands. HBGA-like molecules have also been detected in oysters as common norovirus carriers, although the pathway involved in the synthesis of these molecules in oysters has yet to be elucidated. We isolated and identified a key gene involved in the synthesis of HBGA-like molecules, FUT1, from Crassostrea gigas, named CgFUT1. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CgFUT1 mRNA was expressed in the mantle, gill, muscle, labellum, and hepatopancreatic tissues of C. gigas, with the hepatopancreas exhibiting the highest expression level. A recombinant CgFUT1 protein with a molecular mass of 38.0 kDa was expressed in Escherichia coli using a prokaryotic expression vector. A eukaryotic expression plasmid was constructed and transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The expression of CgFUT1 and membrane localization of type H-2 HBGA-like molecules in CHO cells were detected using Western blotting and cellular immunofluorescence, respectively. This study indicated that CgFUT1, expressed in C. gigas tissues, can synthesize type H-2 HBGA-like molecules. This finding provides a new perspective for analyzing the source and synthetic pathway of HBGA-like molecules in oysters.

The value of frozen section diagnosis of tumor spread through air spaces in small-sized (≤ 2 cm) non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The current accuracy of frozen section diagnosis of tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. However, the accuracy and prognostic value of STAS assessment on frozen sections in small-sized NSCLC (diameter ≤ 2 cm) is unknown. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-two patients with clinical stage I NSCLC (≤ 2 cm) were included, of which the paraffin sections and frozen sections were reviewed. The accuracy of STAS diagnosis in frozen sections was assessed using paraffin sections as the gold standard. The relationship between STAS on frozen sections and prognosis was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests. RESULTS: STAS on frozen sections in 58 of 352 patients could not be evaluated. In the other 294 patients, 36.39% (107/294) was STAS-positive on paraffin sections and 29.59% (87/294) on frozen sections. The accuracy of frozen section diagnosis of STAS was 74.14% (218/294), sensitivity was 55.14% (59/107), specificity was 85.02% (159/187) and agreement was moderate (K = 0.418). In subgroup analysis, the Kappa values for frozen section diagnosis of STAS in the consolidation-to-tumor ratio (CTR) ≤ 0.5 group and CTR > 0.5 group were 0.368, 0.415, respectively. In survival analysis, STAS-positive frozen sections were associated with worse recurrence-free survival in the CTR > 0.5 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The moderate accuracy and prognostic significance of frozen section diagnosis of STAS in clinical stage I NSCLC (≤ 2 cm in diameter; CTR > 0.5) suggests that frozen section assessment of STAS can be applied to the treatment strategy of small-sized NSCLC with CTR > 0.5.

The copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect and associated molecular mechanisms of the copper (II) complex of salicylate phenanthroline [Cu(sal)(phen)] against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cu(sal)(phen) inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells (HepG2 and HCC-LM9) and induced apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner by upregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The expression of the antiapoptotic proteins survivin and Bcl-2 was decreased, while the expression of the DNA damage marker γ-H2 AX and the apoptotic marker cleaved PARP was upregulated with Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. In vivo, the growth of HepG2 subcutaneous xenograft tumors was greatly attenuated by Cu(sal)(phen) treatment. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression of survivin, Bcl-2, and Ki67 in the tumor was downregulated by Cu(sal)(phen). Toxicity experiments with BALB/c mice revealed that Cu(sal)(phen) is a relatively safe drug. Our results indicate that Cu(sal)(phen) possesses great potential as a therapeutic drug for HCC.

High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by a Fluorinated Cyclic Ether with a Low Reduction Potential.

Electrolyte engineering is crucial for developing high-performance lithium metal batteries (LMB). Here, we synthesized two cosolvents methyl bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (MFSI) and 3,3,4,4-tetrafluorotetrahydrofuran (TFF) with significantly different reduction potentials and add them into LiFSI-DME electrolytes. The LiFSI/TFF-DME electrolyte gave an average Li Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.41 % over 200 cycles, while the average Li CEs for MFSI-based electrolyte is only 98.62 %. Additionally, the TFF-based electrolytes exhibited a more reversible performance than the state-of-the-art fluorinated 1,4-dimethoxylbutane electrolyte in both Li||Cu half-cell and anode-free Cu||LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 full cell. More importantly, the decomposition product from bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion could react with ether solvent, which destroyed the SEI, thus decreasing cell performance. These key discoveries provide new insights into the rational design of electrolyte solvents and cosolvents for LMB.

Selenocystine-Derived Label-Free Fluorescent Schiff Base Nanocomplex for siRNA Delivery Synergistically Kills Cancer Cells.

Chemo and siRNA synergic treatments for tumors is a promising new therapeutic trend. Selenocystine, a selenium analog of cysteine, has been considered a potential antitumor agent due to its redox perturbing role. In this study, we developed a nanocarrier for siRNA based on a selenocystine analog engineered polyetherimide and achieved traceable siRNA delivery and the synergic killing of tumor cells. Notably, we applied the label-free Schiff base fluorescence mechanism, which enabled us to trace the siRNA delivery and to monitor the selenocystine analogs' local performance. A novel selenocystine-derived fluorescent Schiff base linker was used to crosslink the polyetherimide, thereby generating a traceable siRNA delivery vehicle with green fluorescence. Moreover, we found that this compound induced tumor cells to undergo senescence. Together with the delivery of a siRNA targeting the anti-apoptotic BCL-xl/w genes in senescent cells, it achieved a synergistic inhibition function by inducing both senescence and apoptosis of tumor cells. Therefore, this study provides insights into the development of label-free probes, prodrugs, and materials towards the synergic strategies for cancer therapy.

Salt-in-Salt Reinforced Carbonate Electrolyte for Li Metal Batteries.

The instability of carbonate electrolyte with metallic Li greatly limits its application in high-voltage Li metal batteries. Here, a "salt-in-salt" strategy is applied to boost the LiNO3 solubility in the carbonate electrolyte with Mg(TFSI)2 carrier, which enables the inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for excellent Li metal anode performance and also maintains the cathode stability. In the designed electrolyte, both NO3 - and PF6 - anions participate in the Li+ -solvent complexes, thus promoting the formation of inorganic-rich SEI. Our designed electrolyte has achieved a superior Li CE of 99.7 %, enabling the high-loading NCM811||Li (4.5 mAh cm-2 ) full cell with N/P ratio of 1.92 to achieve 84.6 % capacity retention after 200 cycles. The enhancement of LiNO3 solubility by divalent salts is universal, which will also inspire the electrolyte design for other metal batteries.

Formation of LiF-rich Cathode-Electrolyte Interphase by Electrolyte Reduction.

The capacity of transition metal oxide cathode for Li-ion batteries can be further enhanced by increasing the charging potential. However, these high voltage cathodes suffer from fast capacity decay because the large volume change of cathode breaks the active materials and cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI), resulting in electrolyte penetration into broken active materials and continuous side reactions between cathode and electrolytes. Herein, a robust LiF-rich CEI was formed by potentiostatic reduction of fluorinated electrolyte at a low potential of 1.7 V. By taking LiCoO2 as a model cathode, we demonstrate that the LiF-rich CEI maintains the structural integrity and suppresses electrolyte penetration at a high cut-off potential of 4.6 V. The LiCoO2 with LiF-rich CEI exhibited a capacity of 198 mAh g-1 at 0.5C and an enhanced capacity retention of 63.5 % over 400 cycles as compared to the LiF-free LiCoO2 with only 17.4 % of capacity retention.

Enhancing Li+ Transport in NMC811||Graphite Lithium-Ion Batteries at Low Temperatures by Using Low-Polarity-Solvent Electrolytes.

LiNix Coy Mnz O2 (x+y+z=1)||graphite lithium-ion battery (LIB) chemistry promises practical applications. However, its low-temperature (≤ -20 °C) performance is poor because the increased resistance encountered by Li+ transport in and across the bulk electrolytes and the electrolyte/electrode interphases induces capacity loss and battery failures. Though tremendous efforts have been made, there is still no effective way to reduce the charge transfer resistance (Rct ) which dominates low-temperature LIBs performance. Herein, we propose a strategy of using low-polarity-solvent electrolytes which have weak interactions between the solvents and the Li+ to reduce Rct , achieving facile Li+ transport at sub-zero temperatures. The exemplary electrolyte enables LiNi0.8 Mn0.1 Co0.1 O2 ||graphite cells to deliver a capacity of ≈113 mAh g-1 (98 % full-cell capacity) at 25 °C and to remain 82 % of their room-temperature capacity at -20 °C without lithium plating at 1/3C. They also retain 84 % of their capacity at -30 °C and 78 % of their capacity at -40 °C and show stable cycling at 50 °C.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Laccase for Lignin Degradation, LacZ1.

Lignin is a complex natural organic polymer and is one of the primary components of lignocellulose. The efficient utilization of lignocellulose is limited because it is difficult to degrade lignin. In this study, we screened a lacz1 gene fragment encoding laccase from the macrotranscriptome data of a microbial consortium WSC-6, which can efficiently degrade lignocellulose. The reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated that the expression level of the lacz1 gene during the peak period of lignocellulose degradation by WSC-6 increased by 30.63 times compared to the initial degradation period. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that the complete lacz1 gene is derived from a Bacillus sp. and encoded laccase. The corresponding protein, LacZ1, was expressed and purified by Ni-chelating affinity chromatography. The optimum temperature was 75°C, the optimum pH was 4.5, and the highest enzyme activity reached 16.39 U/mg. We found that Cu2+ was an important cofactor needed for LacZ1 to have enzyme activity. The molecular weight distribution of lignin was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and changes in the lignin structure were determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. The degradation products of lignin by LacZ1 were determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and three lignin degradation pathways (the gentian acid pathway, benzoic acid pathway, and protocatechuic acid pathway) were proposed. This study provides insight into the degradation of lignin and new insights into high-temperature bacterial laccase. IMPORTANCE Lignin is a natural aromatic polymer that is not easily degraded, hindering the efficient use of lignocellulose-rich biomass resources, such as straw. Biodegradation is a method of decomposing lignin that has recently received increasing attention. In this study, we screened a gene encoding laccase from the lignocellulose-degrading microbial consortium WSC-6, purified the corresponding protein LacZ1, characterized the enzymatic properties of laccase LacZ1, and speculated that the degradation pathway of LacZ1 degrades lignin. This study identified a new, high-temperature bacterial laccase that can degrade lignin, providing insight into lignin degradation by this laccase.

Survival prediction model for non-small cell lung cancer based on somatic mutations.

BACKGROUND: The 5-year survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is only 15%. Screening some combined gene mutations could predict the survival of NSCLC patients and also provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC. The present study aimed to identify signature mutations for survival prediction of NSCLC. METHODS: Clinical and gene mutation information for 949 NSCLC patients was downloaded from TCGA. High frequency mutation and common mutation genes were analyzed based on 1000 cancer related genes. The LASSO-COX model was used to screen gene mutation points and analyze their survival, and then a survival prediction model was established. Fifty NSCLC patients were collected and 1000 targeted genes were enriched by targeted next generation sequencing. The results were used to verify the combination of common mutation genes and the function of the survival model, and then to clarify their clinical significance. RESULTS: Ten variables were screened out after LASSO-COX analysis, including age, tumor stage, EGFR c.[2,573 T>G], PIK3CA c.[1624G>A], TP53 c.[375G>T], TP53 c.[527G>T], TP53 c.[733G>T], TP53 c.[734G>T], TP53 c.[743G>T], NFE2L2 c.[100C>G]. Except for TP53 c.[743G>T] and NFE2L2 c.[100C>G], the residual six hot spot mutations of EGFR, PIK3CA and TP53 could be regarded as a signature mutations for forecasting the survival time of NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of six hot spot mutations of EGFR, PIK3CA and TP53 is expected to be used for predicting the survival time of NSCLC.

A multicolour bistable electronic shelf label based on intramolecular proton-coupled electron transfer.

Bistable electrochromic materials have been explored as a viable alternative to reduce energy consumption in display applications. However, the development of ideal bistable electrochromic displays (especially multicolour displays) remains challenging due to the intrinsic limitations associated with existing electrochromic processes. Here, a bistable electrochromic device with good overall performance-including bistability (>52 h), reversibility (>12,000 cycles), colouration efficiency (≥1,240 cm2 C-1) and transmittance change (70%) with fast switching (≤1.5 s)-was designed and developed based on concerted intramolecular proton-coupled electron transfer. This approach was used to develop black, magenta, yellow and blue displays as well as a multicolour bistable electrochromic shelf label. The design principles derived from this unconventional exploration of concerted intramolecular proton-coupled electron transfer may also be useful in different optoelectronic applications.

A Becn1 mutation mediates hyperactive autophagic sequestration of amyloid oligomers and improved cognition in Alzheimer's disease.

Impairment of the autophagy pathway has been observed during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal deposition of extracellular and intracellular amyloid ß (Aß) peptides. Yet the role of autophagy in Aß production and AD progression is complex. To study whether increased basal autophagy plays a beneficial role in Aß clearance and cognitive improvement, we developed a novel genetic model to hyperactivate autophagy in vivo. We found that knock-in of a point mutation F121A in the essential autophagy gene Beclin 1/Becn1 in mice significantly reduces the interaction of BECN1 with its inhibitor BCL2, and thus leads to constitutively active autophagy even under non-autophagy-inducing conditions in multiple tissues, including brain. Becn1F121A-mediated autophagy hyperactivation significantly decreases amyloid accumulation, prevents cognitive decline, and restores survival in AD mouse models. Using an immunoisolation method, we found biochemically that Aß oligomers are autophagic substrates and sequestered inside autophagosomes in the brain of autophagy-hyperactive AD mice. In addition to genetic activation of autophagy by Becn1 gain-of-function, we also found that ML246, a small-molecule autophagy inducer, as well as voluntary exercise, a physiological autophagy inducer, exert similar Becn1-dependent protective effects on Aß removal and memory in AD mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that genetically disrupting BECN1-BCL2 binding hyperactivates autophagy in vivo, which sequestrates amyloid oligomers and prevents AD progression. The study establishes new approaches to activate autophagy in the brain, and reveals the important function of Becn1-mediated autophagy hyperactivation in the prevention of AD.

The Early Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Pneumonia After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

BACKGROUND The incidence of early postoperative pneumonia (EPOP) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) is relatively high, but its diagnosis by traditional methods remains difficult, which could be deleterious to the prognosis. Moreover, few data exist regarding procalcitonin (PCT) in early diagnosis of pneumonia after off-pump CABG. Thus, this study was performed to evaluate the value of PCT in diagnosing EPOP after off-pump CABG. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 402 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump CABG were retrospectively enrolled. Forty-four patients were diagnosed with EPOP and 112 patients were diagnosed with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Chest roentgenogram, serum PCT, white blood cells, neutral granulocyte ratio, and daily maximum body temperature were recorded. The ability of PCT to diagnose EPOP was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses in comparison with traditional methods. Clinical net benefits were estimated via decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS PCT presented satisfying accuracy in diagnosing EPOP with a cutoff value of 1.585 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC] 0.808, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.724-0.891, sensitivity 73%, specificity 86%). PCT performed better in diagnosing EPOP among SIRS patients (AUC 0.868, 95% CI 0.748-0.988, sensitivity 85%, specificity 89%). DCA showed valuable clinical net benefits of PCT in diagnosing EPOP after off-pump CABG regardless of threshold selected. CONCLUSIONS PCT could be a diagnostic marker for EPOP after off-pump CABG. The optimal cutoff value for diagnosing EPOP was 1.585 ng/mL. The application of PCT in diagnosing EPOP in SIRS patients was also satisfying with a cutoff value of 1.775 ng/mL.

Effectiveness of Saphenous Vein Y-Grafts in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Complete Myocardial Revascularization.

BACKGROUND To evaluate perioperative and mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients who underwent off-pump coronary surgery with Y-graft between 2005 and 2016 were enrolled, including 38 patients with natural Y-graft. Sixty patients with multi-vessel lesions in the same period were randomly selected as a control group. RESULTS A total of 484 conduits were employed. The intraoperative variables were insignificantly different between groups, but Y-graft group compared with control group had more grafts (4.2±0.84 vs. 3.87±0.85) and anastomoses (6.30±1.39 vs. 5.62±1.15). No patient died during coronary artery bypass grafting and no episode of perioperative myocardial infarction was found. Follow-up duration lasted from 1 to 137 (40.0±27.7) months. No significant difference between Y-graft group and control group was found in Kaplan-Meier 3-year survival rate (93.4% vs. 88.0%) or 5-year survival rate (81.4% vs. 88.0%). CONCLUSIONS Saphenous vein Y-graft is a feasible and safe revascularization strategy for multi-vessel coronary artery disease patients and brings about satisfactory outcomes.

Combined surgical treatment of esophageal cancer and coronary heart diseases in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: The co-incidence of esophageal cancer and coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing in elderly patients. This study was carried out to analyze the efficiency and safety of simultaneous esophagectomy and cardiac surgery in a selected group of elderly patients. METHODS: Prospective database for coexistency of severe CHD and esophageal or esophageal-gastric junction cancer was firstly reviewed. Twenty-two patients undergoing combined surgical interventions, including first beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (off-pump CABG) and then esophagectomy, were involved as group A. Then, 44 patients undergoing isolated esophagectomy were selected as group B using the propensity score matching method. Data including clinic pathological characteristics and postoperative outcomes were investigated. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was performed through left lateral thoracotomy in all patients, except one patient in group A who received median sternotomy and left lateral thoracotomy. The operation time and blood loss were both more in group A, as a result of two operations performed at one session. Patients in both groups were followed up from 1.3 to 78.3 months. No significant between-group was found in overall survival or relapse-free survival. CONCLUSION: The risk of simultaneous esophagectomy and cardiac surgery is not high. Despite certain differences in clinical indicators between groups, the safety of simultaneous procedures in group A is evident. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR 1800014498 . Registered 17 January 2018.

A Novel Low-Activation VCrFeTaxWx (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 1) High-Entropy Alloys with Excellent Heat-Softening Resistance.

The microstructure, Vickers hardness, and compressive properties of novel low-activation VCrFeTaxWx (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 1) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were studied. The alloys were fabricated by vacuum-arc melting and the characteristics of these alloys were explored. The microstructures of all the alloys exhibited a typical morphology of dendritic and eutectic structures. The VCrFeTa0.1W0.1 and VCrFeTa0.2W0.2 alloys are essentially single phase, consisting of a disordered body-centered-cubic (BCC) phase, whereas the VCrFeTa0.2W0.2 alloy contains fine, nanoscale precipitates distributed in the BCC matrix. The lattice parameters and compositions of the identified phases were investigated. The alloys have Vickers hardness values ranging from 546 HV0.2 to 1135 HV0.2 with the x ranging from 0.1 to 1, respectively. The VCrFeTa0.1W0.1 and VCrFeTa0.2W0.2 alloys exhibit compressive yield strengths of 1341 MPa and 1742 MPa, with compressive plastic strains of 42.2% and 35.7%, respectively. VCrFeTa0.1W0.1 and VCrFeTa0.2W0.2 alloys have excellent hardness after annealing for 25 h at 600-1000 °C, and presented compressive yield strength exceeding 1000 MPa with excellent heat-softening resistance at 600-800 °C. By applying the HEA criteria, Ta and W additions into the VCrFeTaW are proposed as a family of candidate materials for fusion reactors and high-temperature structural applications.

Selective degradation of mRNAs by the HSV host shutoff RNase is regulated by the UL47 tegument protein.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) encodes an endoribonuclease that is responsible for the shutoff of host protein synthesis [virion host shutoff (VHS)-RNase]. The VHS-RNase released into cells during infection targets differentially four classes of mRNAs. Thus, (a) VHS-RNase degrades stable cellular mRNAs and α (immediate early) viral mRNAs; (b) it stabilizes host stress response mRNAs after deadenylation and subsequent cleavage near the adenylate-uridylate (AU)-rich elements; (c) it does not effectively degrade viral ß or γ mRNAs; and (d) it selectively spares from degradation a small number of cellular mRNAs. Current evidence suggests that several viral and at least one host protein (tristetraprolin) regulate its activity. Thus, virion protein (VP) 16 and VP22 neutralize the RNase activity at late times after infection. By binding to AU-rich elements via its interaction with tristetraprolin, the RNase deadenylates and cleaves the mRNAs in proximity to the AU-rich elements. In this report we show that another virion protein, UL47, brought into the cell during infection, attenuates the VHS-RNase activity with respect to stable host and viral α mRNAs and effectively blocks the degradation of ß and γ mRNAs, but it has no effect on the processing of AU-rich mRNAs. The properties of UL47 suggest that it, along with the α protein infected cell protein 27, attenuates degradation of mRNAs by the VHS-RNase through interaction with the enzyme in polyribosomes. Mutants lacking both VHS-RNase and UL47 overexpress α genes and delay the expression of ß and γ genes, suggesting that overexpression of α genes inhibits the downstream expression of early and late genes.

Electroacupuncture improves cardiac function and remodeling by inhibition of sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure rats.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly as a result of neurohumoral activation. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the sympathetic nerve activity, heart function, and remodeling in CHF rats after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. CHF rats were randomly selected to EA and control groups for acute and chronic experiments. In the acute experiment, both the renal sympathetic nerve activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex elicited by epicardial application of capsaicin were recorded. In the chronic experiment, we performed EA for 30 min once a day for 1 wk to test the long-term EA effects on heart function, remodeling, as well as infarct size in CHF rats. The results show EA significantly decreased the renal sympathetic nerve activity effectively, inhibited cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex, and lowered the blood pressure of CHF rats. Treating CHF rats with EA for 1 wk dramatically increased left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fraction shortening, reversed the enlargement of left ventricular end-systolic dimension and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and shrunk the infarct size. In this experiment, we demonstrated EA attenuates sympathetic overactivity. Additionally, long-term EA improves cardiac function and remodeling and reduces infarct size in CHF rats. EA is a novel and potentially useful therapy for treating CHF.