Abstract In this paper, ultrasonic surface rolling processing (USRP) was used to strengthen GCr15-bearing steel. A finite element three-dimensional model of USRP was established to analyze the residual compressive stress and equivalent plastic strain distribution on the bearing steel surface. The microstructure, hardness, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance before and after USRP treatment were characterized by SEM, EBSD, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical techniques. Results indicated that USRP treatment can significantly improve the material's surface microstructure and residual compressive stress distribution and obtain a plastic strain layer of about 60μm. After USRP treatment, the Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) increased, and the dislocation activity was more intensive, resulting in aggregation near grain boundaries, and the percentage of LAGBs increased to 38.8%. Under the combined effect of surface grain refinement, residual compressive stress, and high glossy surface, the self-corrosion current density is reduced by two orders of magnitude, and the corrosion resistance is significantly improved. This investigation suggests a solution to the bearing failure problem and has implications for understanding the deformation mechanism of ultrasonic surface rolling processing.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Chronic inflammation in the liver is a key trigger for liver injury and fibrosis in various liver diseases. Given the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Saffron, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of Saffron on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Methods: The mice model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed using CCl4, and Saffron was administered at low (10 mg/kg) and high (20 mg/kg) doses by gavage. Then, the changes in liver function, liver inflammation and fibrosis markers were evaluated. The effects and mechanisms of Saffron on hepatic stellate cells were further investigated in in-vitro experiments. Results: Saffron improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation and attenuated liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner in hepatic fibrosis mice. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that Saffron significantly inhibited JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation in fibrotic livers. Conclusions: Saffron can attenuate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway and the activation of hepatic stellate cell, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-fibrotic drugs.

Resumo Objetivo Os produtos financeiros estruturados (SPs) tornaram-se muito populares entre os investidores de varejo nos últimos anos. A preferência dos investidores desempenha um papel crítico para investir em SPs. O objetivo deste estudo é entender o comportamento de investimento nos SPs investigando as preferências heterogêneas dos investidores chineses para a escolha de WMPs com determinados atributos. Referencial teórico Os investidores com diferentes características demográficas apresentam diferentes preferências em seus investimentos em SPs. Metodologia Empregamos o método de experimentos de escolha (CE) e examinamos a heterogeneidade de preferência usando os modelos logit multinomial (MNL) e logit misto (MXL). Resultados (i) Os atributos “banco pequeno”, “valor mínimo”, “retorno variável não garantido” e “retorno variável garantido” afetam significativamente a escolha de compra dos WMPs. (ii) Existem preferências heterogêneas significativas por valor mínimo. (iii) Esses quatro elementos são as fontes de preferência heterogênea por valor mínimo. Implicações práticas e sociais da pesquisa A pesquisa oferece informações que podem contribuir para a compreensão das preferências heterogêneas das características dos investidores, o que pode ajudar a desenvolver WMPs comercializáveis para atingir diferentes tipos de investidores. Contribuições A principal contribuição da pesquisa é examinar as preferências heterogêneas dos investidores por SPs. O estudo fornece evidências empíricas de quais atributos de produtos estruturados afetam significativamente as preferências dos investidores. Também revela quais características dos investidores afetam suas preferências heterogêneas.

Abstract Purpose Structured financial products (SPs) have become very popular with retail investors in recent years. Investors’ preferences play a critical role when investing in SPs. The objective of this study is to understand SP investment behavior by investigating Chinese investors’ heterogeneous preferences for choosing wealth management products (WMPs) with certain attributes. Theoretical framework Investors with different demographic characteristics show different preferences in their SP investments. Design/methodology/approach We employ the choice experiment (CE) method and examine preference heterogeneity using the multinomial logit (MNL) and the mixed logit (MXL) models. Findings (i) The attributes of small bank, minimum amount, non-guaranteed floating return and guaranteed floating return significantly affect the choice when purchasing WMPs. (ii) There are significant heterogeneous preferences for minimum amount. (iii) These four characters are the sources of heterogeneous preferences for minimum amount. Practical & social implications of research This information can contribute to understanding the heterogeneous preferences of investors, which can help in designing marketable WMPs to target different kinds of investors. Originality/value The main contribution of the research is it examines investors’ heterogeneous preferences for SPs. The study provides empirical evidence of which attributes of structured products significantly affect investor preferences. It also reveals which characteristics of investors affect their heterogeneous preferences.

Abstract Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound found in Scutellaria barbata, has been demonstrated to exert anti-cancer properity in a variety of human malignancies. However, its biological significance and underlying mechanism in glioblastoma (GBM) remain ambiguous. Network pharmacology approaches and molecular docking technologies were used to predict the crucial biological processes, candidate targets and signaling pathways of scutellarin against GBM. CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation experiments were performed to determine the effects of scutellarin on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to detect apoptosis. Western blot assays were used to measure the expression of proteins associated with EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, we found that EGFR might be a potential target and PI3K-AKT signaling might be the key signaling pathway for scutellarin to combat GBM. Scutellarin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Scutellarin also suppressed the phosphorylation level of EGFR in a dose-dependent manner. Scutellarin inactivated PI3K-AKT signaling by targeting EGFR. Moreover, scutellarin-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis was greatly reversed in GBM after overexpressing EGFR. Taken together, scutellarin is a novel inhibitor of EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling to prevent GBM progression.

Abstract Study on the effects and mechanisms of different oils on spatial learning and memory in developing rats. Fifty-six Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with primary weaning were randomly divided into the 7 groups, DHA, walnut oil, perilla oil, safflower seed oil, α-linoleic acid, and Essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient and negative control. Morris water maze behavioral test was performed after 8 weeks of continuous feeding. Real-time fluorescence quantification and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate changes in the expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in rat hippocampus, qPCR detected the expression in hippocampal cells. The results showed that the rats fed various oils significant improvement in the Morris water maze test. The mRNA expression of NR1, CREB and c-Fos in the hippocampus of rats fed with various oils were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05 and P<0.01), and CREB and c-Fos proteins expression were up-regulated (P<0.05). The expression of genes and proteins in hippocampus of EFA-deficient control was not significantly different from negative control. It is suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids could significantly improve the learning and memory ability of rats, which may be through regulating the mRNA expression of cfos, CREB and NR1 in rat hippocampus and the synthesis of CREB and c-Fos proteins.

Abstract Pickering high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) has a broad application prospect in the field of solid fat substitution and nutraceutical delivery, but the safe and available food-derived particle emulsifier is the bottleneck of its practical application. In this study, mung bean flour was used as a particle emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water Pickering HIPEs. The results showed that the particle size of mung bean flour was suitable (median diameter, 26.41 μm) and had certain wettability. The volume fraction of oil phase (φ) and the concentration of mung bean flour (c) had significant effects on the formation of Pickering HIPEs. When c ≥ 1%, the Pickering HIPE of φ = 80% could be obtained. Mung bean flour not only played an emulsifying role at the oil/water interface, but also prevented the coalescence of oil droplets through its viscosity effect in the aqueous phase. With the increase of c, the droplet size of Pickering HIPEs decreased, the mechanical properties increased gradually, and the ability of HIPEs protecting β-carotene against ultraviolet irradiation was also enhanced.

Abstract Objective To understand the knowledge and attitude of breast milk donation among hospitalized mothers, and provide data to support the establishment and development of breast milk bank in China. Methods By convenient sampling method, 200 hospitalized mothers were interviewed by ‘The Questionnaire on Knowledge and Attitude toward Breast Milk Donation in Hospitalized Mothers’ in Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from September 2015 to November 2018. Results The overall correct answer rate about the knowledge on breast milk donation was not high (29.23%). The average score of breast milk donation attitude was relatively low, with a score of 32.97 ± 4.30. Conclusion The average correct answer rate for breast milk donation knowledge was relatively low, and the attitude on breast milk donation was not positive. The scope and intensity of breast milk donation are suggested to be expanded to promote the construction of breast milk banks.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar el conocimiento y la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna entre las madres hospitalizadas, y aportar datos para respaldar el establecimiento y desarrollo del banco de leche materna en China. Métodos Mediante el método de muestreo conveniente, se entrevistó a 200 madres hospitalizadas utilizando el Cuestionario de conocimiento y actitud sobre la donación de leche materna en madres hospitalizadas en el Hospital Popular Sixth de Shanghai desde septiembre de 2015 hasta noviembre de 2018. Resultados Lasa de respuesta correcta global acerca del conocimiento de la donación de leche materna no fue alta (29,23%). La puntuación media de la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna fue relativamente baja: 32,97 ± 4,30. Conclusión La tasa de respuesta correcta media para el conocimiento sobre la donación de leche materna fue relativamente baja, y la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna no fue positiva. El alcance y la intensidad de la donación de leche materna deben expandirse, para promover la construcción de bancos de leche materna.

Abstract Objective To understand the knowledge and attitude of breast milk donation among hospitalized mothers, and provide data to support the establishment and development of breast milk bank in China. Methods By convenient sampling method, 200 hospitalized mothers were interviewed by ‘The Questionnaire on Knowledge and Attitude toward Breast Milk Donation in Hospitalized Mothers’ in Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from September 2015 to November 2018. Results The overall correct answer rate about the knowledge on breast milk donation was not high (29.23%). The average score of breast milk donation attitude was relatively low, with a score of 32.97 ± 4.30. Conclusion The average correct answer rate for breast milk donation knowledge was relatively low, and the attitude on breast milk donation was not positive. The scope and intensity of breast milk donation are suggested to be expanded to promote the construction of breast milk banks.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar el conocimiento y la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna entre las madres hospitalizadas, y aportar datos para respaldar el establecimiento y desarrollo del banco de leche materna en China. Métodos Mediante el método de muestreo conveniente, se entrevistó a 200 madres hospitalizadas utilizando el Cuestionario de conocimiento y actitud sobre la donación de leche materna en madres hospitalizadas en el Hospital Popular Sixth de Shanghai desde septiembre de 2015 hasta noviembre de 2018. Resultados Lasa de respuesta correcta global acerca del conocimiento de la donación de leche materna no fue alta (29,23%). La puntuación media de la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna fue relativamente baja: 32,97 ± 4,30. Conclusión La tasa de respuesta correcta media para el conocimiento sobre la donación de leche materna fue relativamente baja, y la actitud sobre la donación de leche materna no fue positiva. El alcance y la intensidad de la donación de leche materna deben expandirse, para promover la construcción de bancos de leche materna.

The development of chemotherapy resistance significantly impairs the efficiency of chemotherapy, but the underlying mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer (GC) are complicated and still need to be further explored. Here, we aimed to reveal the effects of miR-4290/PDK1 (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1) axis on chemotherapy resistance of GC in vitro. The expression patterns of miR-4290 in GC tissues and cell lines were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess the relationship between miR-4290 expression levels and patients' overall survival. CCK-8 and flow cytometry technologies were applied to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. The luciferase gene reporter assay was used to evaluate the interaction between miR-4290 and PDK1. miR-4290 was lowly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines, which was closely associated with the shorter overall survival of GC patients. miR-4290 mimics significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, as well as induced a significant reduction in the expression of PDK1. Moreover, miR-4290 significantly inhibited glycolysis and decreased the IC50 value to cisplatin in SGC7901 cells, whereas these effects were abolished and cell apoptosis was promoted when PDK1 was overexpressed. In conclusion, this study revealed that miR-4290 suppressed PDK1-mediated glycolysis to enhance the sensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin.

Abstract Background: The impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a representative prediabetes characterized by defective glucose homeostasis, and palmatine (PAL) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple pharmacological effects. Our study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of PAL on the impaired glucose tolerance. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish an IGT model with high fat diet (HFD). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and further biochemical analysis were conducted to determine the effect of PAL on glucose intolerance in vivo. Molecular details were clarified in a cellular model of IGT induced by Palmitate (PA) on INS-1 cells. Results: Our study demonstrated a relief of IGT with improved insulin resistance in HFD induced rats after PAL treatment. Besides, promoted pancreas islets function was validated with significantly increased β cell mass after the treatment of PAL. We further found out that PAL could alleviate the β cell apoptosis that accounts for β cell mass loss in IGT model. Moreover, MAPK signaling was investigated in vivo and vitro with the discovery that PAL regulated the MAPK signaling by restricting the ERK and JNK cascades. The insulin secretion assay indicated that PAL significantly promoted the defective insulin secretion in PA-induced INS-1 cells via JNK rather than ERK signaling. Furthermore, PAL treatment was determined to significantly suppress β cell apoptosis in PA-induced cells. We thus thought that PAL promoted the PA-induced impaired insulin release by inhibiting the β cell apoptosis and JNK signaling in vitro. Conclusion: In summary, PAL ameliorates HFD-induced IGT with novel mechanisms.

ABSTRACT Degradation and desertification are extremely significant environmental problems in arid and semi-arid grassland ecosystems. Long-term overgrazing is the most fundamental cause of grassland degradation. We investigated relationships between grazing intensity and bacterial communities in non-rhizospheric and rhizospheric soils in desert steppe, including 0-10, 10- 20 and 20-30 cm depth soils, as well as Stipa breviflora Griseb., Cleistogenes songorica (Roshev.) Ohwi, Artemisia frigida Willd. and plant community rhizospheric soils. This involved simulating grazing intensities in a long-term localization experiment, using a randomized block design. The effects of grazing on non-rhizospheric soil bacterial abundance were reflected in the 0-10 cm layer, increasing under light grazing and decreasing rapidly under moderate and heavy grazing, mainly related to Bacillus. Bacterial abundance in dominant plant rhizosphere responded differently. In A. frigida Willd. Rhizosphere, it decreased with increasing grazing intensity (a trend repeated in mixed rhizosphere). Bacterial abundance in S. breviflora and C. songorica rhizosphere increased under light and decreased under moderate and heavy grazing. Thus, changes in the dominant plant rhizospheric bacterial community did not significantly affect bacterial abundance in mixed rhizosphere. Changes in the rhizospheric bacterial abundance mainly resulted from levels of the dominant species, Streptomyces and Arthrobacter. There were significantly different results for bacterial community structure. Specifically, grazing had a nonsignificant and significant impact on bacterial community structures in non-rhizospheric (FPERMANOVA = 1.38, p = 0.199) and rhizospheric (FPERMANOVA = 2.03, p = 0.012) soil, respectively, varying significantly among plants (FPERMANOVA = 1.9, p = 0.022). In conclusion, bacterial communities in rhizosphere were mainly affected by plant species and were more sensitive to changing grazing intensity than in non-rhizospheric soil.

Abstract Parthenogenetically activated oocytes cannot develop to term in mammals owing to abnormal epigenetic modifications. Methylation of the N6 position of adenosine (m6A) is a post-transcriptional epigenetic modification of RNA. To investigate the role of m6A methylation in parthenogenetic (PA) embryonic development, we analyzed METTL3, METTL14, FTO, ALKBH5, YTHDF2, IGF2BP1, and IGF2BP2 expression by quantitative real-time PCR. These genes were found dynamically expressed during the 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages of the embryo. Compared to normally fertilized embryos, the expression of these genes was perturbed in PA embryos, especially at the 8-cell stage. Furthermore, immunofluorescence was used to detect m6A expression. The results demonstrated that m6A expression decreased in the 2-cell stage, whereas it increased in the 8-cell stage of PA embryos. Taken together, these results suggest that the expression of RNA methylation-related genes was perturbed, leading to abnormal m6A modification during early development in PA embryos.

Abstract The fruits of Xanthium strumarium L., Asteraceae, have been used for various diseases in Chinese folk medicine, including allergic rhinitis, tympanitis, arthritis, ozena etc. The current study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of caffeoylquinic acids from fruits of X. strumarium on allergic rhinitis in animals. The toxicity test indicated that the caffeoylquinic acids have no obvious toxicity. By using HPLC assays combined with reference standards, ten caffeoylquinic acids were identified as the predominant constituents. Anti-allergic activities of the caffeoylquinic acids were evaluated using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test and Schultz-Dale test; dimethylbenzene induced ear edema test was performed to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect. Then, the allergic rhinitis model in rats was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the caffeoylquinic acids against allergic rhinitis with the following indexes: allergic rhinitis symptom scores, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, histopathological examination, and histamine release. Our study revealed that the caffeoylquinic acids showed obvious anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its treatments were beneficial for ameliorating the nasal symptoms, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting the releases of histamine. Collectively, the caffeoylquinic acids might be utilized as effective and safe disease therapeutic agents for allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as the critical modulators of the tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Methods: The levels of miR-663 in ovarian cancer cell lines and clinical tissues were detected using qRT-PCR assays. The Transwell invasion and wound healing assay were conducted to assess the roles of miR-663 in the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cell in vitro. Rescue assays were carried out to confirm the contribution of tumor suppressor candidate 2 (TUSC2) in the aggressiveness of cancer cell which was regulated by miR-663. Results: The levels of miR-663 were up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues in comparison with the corresponding normal tissues. Up-regulation of miR-663 increased the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell. Additional, over-expression of miR-663 increased the tumor growth of SKOV3 in xenograft model. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay identified that miR-663 decreased the level of TUSC2 via binding to the 3'-UTR of TUSC2 gene. Finally, the expression of TUSC2 was inversely associated with the level of miR–663 in ovarian carcinoma tissue and over-expression of TUSC2 inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of SKOV3 that was promoted by miR-663. Conclusion: Altogether, these results indicate that miR-663 acts as a potential tumor-promoting miRNA through targeting TUSC2 in ovarian cancer.

ABSTRACT In order to make reasonable suggestions for the expansion of the Air Traffic Management Technical Support System (ATMTSS), it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the ATMTSS network. This paper constructs a multi-source weighted ATMTSS network which considers the working characteristics and geographical locations of the facilities. The complex network metrics, such as degree, node strength, clustering coefficient, average path length, diameter, and the improved Fast-Newman (FN) algorithm, are used in the analysis of the network. The results show that the ATMTSS network is a complex network with small-world characteristics and random characteristics, and that the distribution of ATMTSS network support capability is not the same as the topology network structure. The weighted network is looser than the non-weighted network. The air traffic management in remote areas is less affected by facilities than that in developed areas.