As an alternative and a straightforward cryopreservation biotechnological tool, liquid marble provides a promising cryopreservation approach. Currently, effective cell preservation mainly based on ...the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). As state-of-the-art cryoprotectant (CPA), DMSO, has intrinsic toxicity, which is the bottleneck of its widespread application. The complex compositions of FBS have the potential risks of pathogenic microorganism contamination. However, efficient cell cryopreservation using liquid marbles, a platform independent of DMSO and FBS, has not been well investigated yet. Herein, we explore the cryoprotection role of liquid marbles based on gelatin solution. Gelatin has a superior biocompatibility, which DMSO is incomparable. During a freeze-thaw cycle, gelatin produces negligible osmotic pressure, and has high ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity to induce the formation of smaller and smooth ice crystals. Moreover, the specific structure of liquid marble also provides favorable supports for cell survival. The cryopreservation efficiency of mouse fibroblasts cells L929 via the gelatin-based liquid marble was as high as 90%, and the recovered cells could maintain their normal functionalities. This work opens a new window of opportunity for non-toxic and efficient cryopreservation of liquid marbles without the need of DMSO and FBS addition.
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•The gelatin-based LM was constructed for the cell cryopreservation without DMSO and FBS.•During a freeze-thaw cycle, gelatin produces negligible osmotic pressure, and has high ice recrystallization inhibition activity.•The use of gelatin-based LMs could offer additional benefits for outstanding efficiency of cell cryoprotection.•When thawing, the LMs could burst instantly, making cells achieve super-fast recovering in a few seconds.
Background: Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) is a maternal gene necessary for mammalian reproduction. BMP15 expression increased in oocytes accompanied by follicle growth and development. The ...function and regulation mechanism of BMP15 in porcine cumulus cell apoptosis process is still unclear now. Methods: In this study, flow cytometry (FCM) was used to analyze the effects of BMP15 with different concentrations to cumulus cell apoptosis. High-throughput sequencing technology was carried out to screen regulatory genes linked closely with BMP15. In order to confirm the function of (MCP-1)/CCL2 and FBN1 in cumulus cell apoptosis, RNA interference (RNAi) method was used to inhibit the expression of (MCP-1)/CCL2 and FBN1. Apoptosis and proliferation of cumulus cell treated with siRNA transfection technology were measured by FCM, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, quantitative real time-PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Results: The results showed that the apoptosis levels of cumulus cell treated by BMP15 decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of related genes protein 1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 and fibrillin1 (FBN1) were both regulated by BMP15. After transfection, the proliferation of porcine cumulus cells increased significantly and apoptosis of cumulus cells was prevented while FBN1 was silenced after BMP15 treatment. The proliferation of cumulus cells decreased significantly and apoptosis rate of cumulus cells increased significantly while CCL2 was silenced. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study firstly demonstrated that CCL2 and FBN1 are important regulatory factors of BMP15 in preventing cumulus cell apoptosis in porcine ovaries.
Lithium (Li) metal solid-state batteries feature high energy density and improved safety and thus are recognized as promising alternatives to traditional Li-ion batteries. In practice, using Li metal ...anodes remains challenging because of the lack of a superionic solid electrolyte that has good stability against reduction decomposition at the anode side. Here, we propose a new electrolyte design with an antistructure (compared to conventional inorganic structures) to achieve intrinsic thermodynamic stability with a Li metal anode. Li-rich antifluorite solid electrolytes are designed and synthesized, which give a high ionic conductivity of 2.1 × 10–4 S cm–1 at room temperature with three-dimensional fast Li-ion transport pathways and demonstrate high stability in Li–Li symmetric batteries. Reversible full cells with a Li metal anode and LiCoO2 cathode are also presented, showing the potential of Li-rich antifluorites as Li metal-compatible solid electrolytes for high-energy-density solid-state batteries.
Nickel (Ni)-rich layered oxide cathodes are essential energy materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries owing to their high theoretical capacity. However, they are prone to serious ...structural collapse and an unstable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). Herein, we report a facile and novel hybrid organic–inorganic polyurea (HPU) coating to modify the surface of the LiNi 0.94 Co 0.05 Mn 0.01 O 2 (Ni94) cathode via molecular layer deposition (MLD). Serving as a robust protective barrier, the HPU coating effectively suppresses cathode–electrolyte side reactions and promotes the formation of an ultra-thin CEI. Simultaneously, the mechanically stable and ‘breathable’ HPU coating maintains the integrity of cathode particles during charge/discharge without inducing serious cracking. Moreover, the stabilized CEI prevents further crack-induced interphase degradation and near-surface phase transformation, suppressing the variation in the chemical state and local environment of Ni. As a result, the surface-modified cathode can maintain 94.9% of its initial capacity in 200 cycles. This work highlights the importance of interphase engineering and outlines a new pathway towards forming a high-energy and stable Ni-rich layered cathode.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation is not recommended as an approach for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma due to its significant postoperative mortality. However, it is assumed the combination ...of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) may reduce postoperative mortality, which can revive preoperative chemoradiation. No randomized controlled studies comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE have been performed so far. The present trial is initiated to obtain valid information whether neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE yields better survival without worse postoperative morbidity and mortality in the treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(cT
N
M
).
CMISG1701 is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, phase III clinical trial, investigating the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE. Patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (cT
N
M
) are eligible for the study. A total of 264 patients are randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (arm A) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (arm B) with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary outcome is overall survival assessed with a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Secondary outcomes are progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, postoperative pathologic stage, treatment-related complications, postoperative mortality as well as quality of life.
The objective of this trial is to identify the superior protocol with regard to patient survival, treatment morbidity/mortality and quality of life between neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus MIE and neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus MIE.
NCT03001596 (December 17, 2016).
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•The 995±6 Ma Dagushi Group is 70-100 Myr younger than previously reported.•Kongling-like basement provided pre-Mesoproterozoic detritus to the Dagushi and Huashan Groups.•The two ...sedimentary sequences record the tectonic transition in northern Yangtze Block.•Early Neoproterozoic magmatism around the Yangtze Block was asynchronous and heterogeneous.•A potential linkage of magmatism may exist between N and SE Yangtze Block.
Precambrian sedimentary strata are widely distributed along the periphery of the Yangtze Block. However, the age, provenance and tectonic setting of the sedimentary successions on the northern margin still remain unclear, which exerted considerable influence on the understanding of Precambrian crustal evolution of the Yangtze Block. Here we report integrated detrital zircon U-Pb dates and Lu-Hf isotopes from the Dahongshan area to the northeast of the nuclei (i.e. the Kongling Complex) of the Yangtze Block. The youngest U-Pb dates of 995 Ma and 810 Ma of detrital zircon grains place constraints on the maximum depositional ages of the underlying Dagushi Group and the overlying Huashan Group, respectively. Both groups show pre-Mesoproterozoic age populations at ca. 2050 Ma and ca. 2700 Ma and corresponding εHf(t) values varying from –24.1 to + 2.3, consistent with counterparts of the Kongling Complex and Yangpo Complex in northern Yangtze Block. The εHf(t) values of Neoproterozoic (1000–800 Ma) detrital zircon grains in the Huashan Group show a decrease after ca. 880 Ma (from + 13.5 to –18.5), possibly indicating a transition from arc-continent collision to continental arc setting on the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. In combination with sedimentary characteristics and the new isotopic results, the Dagushi Group probably formed in a shallow marine basin setting and received dominant detritus from the Kongling and Yangpo complexes. In contrast, the Huashan Group received sediments recycled from the underlying Dagushi Group and contemporary igneous rocks in the Dahongshan and Kongling areas. The changes in provenance and tectonic setting recorded in the two sedimentary sequences suggest a tectonic transition from late Mesoproterozoic passive continental margin to Neoproterozoic subduction and accretion in response to the amalgamation of Rodinia supercontinent. On the basis of distinct location and history, Pre-Nanhua Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences distributed in the periphery of Yangtze Block are dispersed into four separate domains. Through bivariate kernel density estimates and bootstrap resampling method, we have identified that these domains were characterized by asynchronous igneous impulse and heterogeneous character of igneous activity in early Neoproterozoic along with varying degrees of integration of crustal growth and reworking.
•A complete BPL time service monitoring measurement model is established.•Discusses BPL time service monitoring uncertainty evaluation using GUM method.•Compares and evaluates the results of the GUM ...method using the bootstrap method.•Provides the results of BPL long wave time service monitoring uncertainty evaluation.•Provides suggestions for reducing the BPL time service monitoring uncertainty.
This paper constitutes the first report on the uncertainty evaluation based on Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) method for BPL long wave time service monitoring. First, the applicability of the GUM method was considered from two perspectives: the BPL long wave time service monitoring model and the monitoring data distribution. A complete monitoring measurement model was then established. Subsequently, the uncertainty sources were analyzed via Type A and Type B evaluation. The bootstrap method was used to compare and verify the standard uncertainty evaluation by the GUM method. Thus, the uncertainty results for BPL time service monitoring were obtained under the existing monitoring model and equipment conditions. Furthermore, this paper also provides certain suggestions for improving the quality of time service monitoring. This work is expected to facilitate methods and provide guidance for evaluating the uncertainty in corresponding monitoring systems of other land-based time service systems.
In‐depth understanding of the shifting of water status during dehydration is crucial for obtaining better quality of dried food. In this work, we report a nondestructive method to measure the water ...status in hot‐air dried mushroom via multispectral imaging (MSI) technology combined with chemometric methods. The low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) measurements were performed as reference. During drying process, the moisture content changed dramatically with notable migration and conversion of different water phases. Partial least squares (PLS), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and least squares‐support vector machine (LS‐SVM) models were applied to develop quantitative models. Among all, BPNN model showed considerably better performance of prediction with coefficient of determination R2c = 0.9829, R2p = 0.9639. The results demonstrated that MSI technology combined with chemometric methods is an impressive approach for determination of the water status in hot‐air dried mushrooms, which would facilitate infield of food processing by providing applicable and appropriate platform.
Practical Application
Experimental investigation of different water status during food processing. Assessment of the potential of multispectral imaging to predict water status. Usage of novel measurement method for food processors.
To compare the effect of low and standard pneumoperitoneal pressure (PP) on the occurrence of gas embolism during laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).
LLR has an increased risk of gas embolism. ...Although animal studies have shown that low PP reduces the occurrence of gas embolism, clinical evidence is lacking.
This parallel, dual-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 141 patients undergoing elective LLR. Patients were randomized into standard ("S," 15 mm Hg; n = 70) or low ("L," 10 mm Hg; n = 71) PP groups. Severe gas embolism (≥ grade 3, based on the Schmandra microbubble method) was detected using transesophageal echocardiography and recorded as the primary outcome. Intraoperative vital signs and postoperative recovery profiles were also evaluated.
Fewer severe gas embolism cases (n = 29, 40.8% vs n = 47, 67.1%, P = 0.003), fewer abrupt decreases in end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure, shorter severe gas embolism duration, less peripheral oxygen saturation reduction, and fewer increases in heart rate and lactate during gas embolization episodes was found in group L than in group S. Moreover, a higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen and peripheral oxygen saturation were observed, and fewer fluids and vasoactive drugs were administered in group L than in group S. In both groups, the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava negatively correlated with central venous pressure throughout LLR, and a comparable quality of recovery was observed.
Low PP reduced the incidence and duration of severe gas embolism and achieved steadier hemodynamics and vital signs during LLR. Therefore, a low PP strategy can be considered a valuable choice for the future LLR.
The chemical doping and sintering atmosphere have great influence on the defect structure and piezoelectric properties of (Na,K)NbO
3
(NKN)-based ceramics. In this work, p/n-type NKN-based ceramics ...are designed by introducing different CuO doping contents. The defect configuration is analyzed by Rietveld refinement, Hall-effect measurement and impedance spectroscopy. The undoped and 3 mol% CuO-doped ceramics exhibit an n-type conduction mechanism. When n-type ceramics are sintered in air, the electron concentration will decrease, resulting in the better piezoelectric and dielectric properties than that sintered in N
2
. Nevertheless, 1 mol% CuO-doped ceramics exhibit a p-type conduction mechanism. The generation of holes can be suppressed when p-type ceramics are sintered in N
2
, which is beneficial to improve their piezoelectric and dielectric properties. The experimental results suggest that the p/n-type behavior can be judged by defect analysis and the optimal sintering atmosphere of NKN-based ceramics can be predicted by analyzing the charge carrier behavior of p/n-type ceramics.
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