Expression levels of K_(ATP)channel subunits and morphological changes in the mouse liver after exposure to radiation

BACKGROUND ATP sensitive K+(K_(ATP))channels are ubiquitously distributed in various of cells and tissues,including the liver.They play a role in the pathogenesis of myocardial and liver ischemia.AIM To evaluate the radiation-induced changes in the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the mouse liver to understand the potential role of K_(ATP)channels in radiation injury.METHODS Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly exposed toγ-rays at 0 Gy(control,n=2),0.2 Gy(n=6),1 Gy(n=6),or 5 Gy(n=6).The livers were removed 3 and 24 h after radiation exposure.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for morphological observation;immunohistochemical staining was applied to determine the expression of K_(ATP)channel subunits in the liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the livers exposed to 0.2 Gyγ-ray showed an initial increase in the expression of Kir6.1 at 3 h,followed by recovery at 24 h after exposure.Exposure to a high dose of 5.0 Gy resulted in decreased expression of Kir6.1 and increased expression of SUR2B at 24 h.However,the expression of Kir6.2,SUR1,or SUR2A had no remarkable changes at 3 and 24 h after exposure to any of these doses.CONCLUSION The expression levels of Kir6.1 and SUR2B in mouse liver changed differently in response to different radiation doses,suggesting a potential role for them in radiation-induced liver injury.

One-dimensional ZnS-based Hetero-,Core/shell and Hierarchical Nanostructures

A focus of the current nanotechnology has shifted from routine fabrication of nanostructures to designing functional electronic devices and realizing their immense potentials for applications. Due to infusion of multi-functionality into a single system, the utilization of hetero-, core/shell and hierarchical nanostructures has become the key issue for building such devices. ZnS, due to its direct wide bandgap, high index of refraction, high transparency in the visible range and intrinsic polarity, is one of the most useful semiconductors for a wide range of electronics applications. This article provides a dense review of the state-of-the-art research activities in one-dimensional （1D） ZnS-based hetero-, core/shell and hierarchical nanostructures. The particular emphasis is put on their syntheses and applications.

Recent Progress in One-dimensional ZnS Nanostructures:Syntheses and Novel Properties

In this review, the progress made during the last two years with respect to the syntheses and novel properties of one-dimensional （1D） ZnS nanostructures is presented. Primarily the research on 1D ZnS nanostructures has been of growing interest owing to their promising applications in nanoscale optoelectronic devices. Diverse 1D ZnS nanostructures with delicately-tuned morphologies, sizes, and microstructures have been synthesized through relatively simple and well-controlled techniques. Some novel properties of the nanomaterials have been explored and the relationships between their structural features and functions have been understood gradually.

One-Dimensional(1-D) Nanoscale Heterostructures

One-dimensional （l-D） nanostructures have been attracted much attention as a result of their exceptional properties, which are different from bulk materials. Among 1-D nanostructures, 1-D heterostructures with modulated compositions and interfaces have recently become of particular interest with respect to potential applications in nanoscale building blocks of future optoelectronic devices and systems. Many kinds of methods have been developed for the synthesis of 1-D nanoscale heterostructures. This article reviews the most recent development, with an emphasize on our own recent efforts, on 1-D nanoscale heterostructures, especially those synthesized from the vapor deposition methods, in which all the reactive precursors are mixed together in the reaction chamber. Three types of 1-D nanoscale heterostructures, defined from their morphologies characteristics, are discussed in detail, which include 1-D co-axial core-shell heterostructures, 1-D segmented heterostructures and hierarchical heterostructures. This article begins with a brief survey of various methods that have been developed for synthesizing 1-D nanoscale heterostructures and then mainly focuses on the synthesis, structures and properties of the above three types of nanoscale heterostructures. Finally, this review concludes with personal views towards the topic of 1-D nanoscale heterostructures.

Myelin morphology and axon pathology in demyelination during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

In the central nervous system（CNS）,oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelination by wrapping around the axon and maintaining saltatory conduction.Damage to oligodendrocytes and the myelin sheath around nerves is termed demyelination.

Localization of ATP-sensitive K^+ channel subunits in rat liver

BACKGROUND ATP-sensitive K^+(KATP)channels were originally found in cardiac myocytes by Noma in 1983.KATP channels were formed by potassium ion-passing poreforming subunits(Kir6.1,Kir6.2)and regulatory subunits SUR1,SU2A and SUR2B.A number of cells and tissues have been revealed to contain these channels including hepatocytes,but detailed localization of these subunits in different types of liver cells was still uncertain.AIM To investigate the expression of KATP channel subunits in rat liver and their localization in different cells of the liver.METHODS Rabbit anti-rat SUR1 peptide antibody was raised and purified by antigen immunoaffinity column chromatography.Four of Sprague-Dawley rats were used for liver protein extraction for immunoblot analysis,seven of them were used for immunohistochemistry both for the ABC method and immunofluorescence staining.Four of Wistar rats were used for the isolation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and Kupffer cells for both primary culture and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS Immunoblot analysis showed that the five kinds of KATP channel subunits,i.e.Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B,were detected in liver.Immunohistochemical staining showed that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were weakly to moderately expressed in parenchymal cells and sinusoidal lining cells,while SUR1,SUR2A,and SUR2B were mainly localized to sinusoidal lining cells,such as HSCs,Kupffer cells,and sinusoidal endothelial cells.Immunoreactivity for SUR2A and SUR2B was expressed in the hepatocyte membrane.Double immunofluorescence staining further showed that the pore-forming subunits Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2 colocalized with GFAP in rat liver sections and primary cultured HSCs.These KATP channel subunits also colocalized with CD68 in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.The SUR subunits colocalized with GFAP in liver sections and colocalized with CD68 both in liver sections and primary cultured Kupffer cells.In addition,five KATP channel subunits colocalized with SE-1 in sinusoidal endothelial cells.CONCLUSION Observations from the present study indicated that KATP channel subunits expressed in rat liver and the diversity of KATP channel subunit composition might form different types of KATP channels.This is applicable to hepatocytes,HSCs,various types of Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Recent Progress on Fabrications and Applications of Boron Nitride Nanomaterials:A Review

Boron nitride(BN) nanostructures with complementary functions to their carbon counterparts are one of the most intriguing nanomaterials.Here we devote a compact review on the syntheses of BN nanomaterials:typical zero-dimensional(OD) fullerenes and nanoparticles,one-dimensional(1D) nanotubes and nanoribbons,two-dimensional(2D) nanosheets as well as three-dimensional(3D) nanoporous BN.Combining low-dimensional quantum confinement and surface effects with unique physical and chemical properties of BN,e.g.excellent electric insulation,wide band gap,and high chemical and thermal stability,BN nanomaterials have drawn particular attention in a variety of potential applications,e.g.luminescence,functional composites,hydrogen accumulators,and advanced insulators,which are also reviewed.

Emerging in-plane anisotropic two-dimensional materials

Black phosphorus(BP)is a rapidly up and coming star in two-dimensional(2D)materials.The unique characteristic of BP is its in-plane anisotropy.This characteristic of BP ignites a new type of 2D materials that have low-symmetry structures and in-plane anisotropic properties.On this basis,they offer richer and more unique low-dimensional physics compared to isotropic 2D materials,thus providing a fertile ground for novel applications including electronics,optoelectronics,molecular detection,thermoelectric,piezoelectric,and ferroelectric with respect to in-plane anisotropy.This article reviews the recent advance in characterization and applications of in-plane anisotropic 2D materials.

Nanotubes in a Gradient Electric Field as Revealed by STM TEM Technique

We have investigated the behavior of two nanotube systems,carbon and boron nitride,under controlled applied voltages in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope(TEM)equipped with a scanning tunneling microscope(STM)unit.Individual nanotubes(or thin bundles)were positioned between a piezo-movable gold electrode and a biased(up to±140 V)STM tip inside the pole-piece of the microscope.The structures studied include double-and multi-walled carbon nanotubes(the latter having diverse morphologies due to the various synthetic procedures utilized),few-layered boron nitride nanotube bundles and multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes(with or without functionalized surfaces).The electrical breakdown,physical failure,and electrostatic interactions are documented for each system.

实现照明与显示的新途径:基于单一发光层的白色发光二极管

Light sources,especially white light sources,are indispensable and their development is strongly correlated with the progress of our technology-based society.White light sources have evolved from the primitive flame-based devices of 600,000 years ago to the current LED and electroluminescence devices,and continue to illuminate human activities and technological achievements.The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Shuji Nakamura et al.for their outstanding contributions in the invention of blue light emitting diodes and white light emitting diodes(WLED),which have become some of the most important sources for lighting,televisual displays,and for other applications[1].

Superior electrocatalytic activity of mesoporous Au film templated from diblock copolymer micelles

Mesoporous Au films consisting of a network of interconnected Au ligaments around ultra-large pores were found to exhibit a promising electrocatalytic activity towards sluggish reactions. Mesoporous Au films with pore sizes up to 25 nm were successfully fabricated using a polymeric micelle approach. A superior catalytic activity of the mesoporous Au films towards methanol oxidation was confirmed, which was thoroughly analyzed and compared with that of other Au materials. An intrinsic investigation on the high catalytic activity revealed that the superior performance of the as-prepared mesoporous Au film was related to its unique atomic structures around the mesopores with well- crystallized facets and several step/kink sites on the Au surfaces. These findings showcase a strategic and feasible design for preparing highly active Au-based catalysts that could be used as promising candidates in electrocatalytic applications.