Aging-induced memory loss due to decreased N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine,a melatonin metabolite,in the hippocampus:a potential prophylactic agent for dementia

Melatonin(N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine)is known as the hormone of darkness because it is synthesized at night and involved in regulating the circadian clock.The hormone is primarily synthesized by the vertebrate pineal gland,but is ubiquitous among invertebrates,unicellular organisms,plants,and even cyanobacteria(Hattori and Suzuki,2024).Melatonin is well-conserved evolutionarily and possesses several physiological functions,such as immune response,bone and glucose metabolism,and memory formation besides regulating the circadian rhythm.

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure on Developmental Characteristics and the Stability of Air Entraining Agent for Concrete

In order to ascertain the effects of atmospheric pressure on developmental characteristics and the stability of AEA(air-entraining agent)solution bubbles,AEA solution experiments and AEA solution bubble experiments were,respectively,conducted in Peking(50 m,101.2 kPa)and Lhasa(3,650 m,63.1 kPa).Surface tensions and inflection-point concentrations were tested based on AEA solutions,whilst developmental characteristics,thicknesses and elastic coefficients of liquid films were tested based on air bubbles of AEA solutions.The study involved three types of AEAs,which were TM-O,226A,and 226S.The experimental results show that initial sizes of TM-O,226A,and 226S are,respectively,increased by 43.5%,17.5%,and 3.8%.With the decrease of ambient pressure,the drainage rate and the drainage index of AEA solution bubbles increase.Interference experiments show that the liquid film thicknesses of all tested AEA solution bubbles are in micron scales.When the atmospheric pressure decreases from 101.2 to 63.1 kPa,the liquid film thicknesses of three types of AEA solutions decrease in various degrees;and film elasticities at critical thicknesses increase.Liquid film of 226S solution bubbles is the most stable,presenting as a minimum thickness variation.It should be noted that elastic coefficient of liquid film only represents the level at critical thickness,thus it can not be applied as the only evaluating indicator of bubble stability.For a type of AEA,factors affecting the stability of its bubbles under low atmospheric pressure include initial bubbles size,liquid film thickness,liquid film elasticity,ambient temperature,etc.

Magnesium acethyltaurate as a potential agent for retinal and optic nerve protection in glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible vision impairment affecting more than 70 million people worldwide with approximately 10%suffering from glaucoma-related bilateral blind（Quigley and Broman,2006）.It is a multi-factorial disease that is characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss.Progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells（RGCs）resulting in visual field deficits is the hallmark of glaucoma.

Optimization of Protective Agent Formulation for Soybean Rhizobium Strain HW-05 by Response Surface Methodology

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of proteins, salts, sugars and trace elements on soybean rhizobium strain HW-05 by response surface methodology. [Method] Different types, combinations, ratios and concentrations of protective agents were designed. Under simulated conditions, the optimal protective agent formulation was screened for improving the survival rate and survival time of soybean rhizobium strain HW-05. The optimal combination of significant factors was determined by Box-Behnken central composite design. [Result] Three significant factors affecting effective number of viable cells were screened, including peptone, xanthan gum and NaCl. The final concentration of each compound was optimized 0. 13% peptone, 0.011% xanthan gum, 0.30% NaCl. [Conclusion] After addition of protective agent and preservation at room temperature for six months, effective number of viable cells of soybean rhizobium strain HW-05 reached 3.185 ×10^8 CFU/ml. The survival rate of HW-05 cells was improved by more than 25% compared with the control group （2.458×10^8 CFU /ml）.

New-type Agent for Fabrics Aftertreatment

A new type of TS series agent for the treatment of fabrics is being made by the Beijing Junsheng Fine Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. with the assistance of the Chemistry Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The product is a highly-effective treatment containing organic silicon

Translational perspective: is cinnamon a suitable agent for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease associated with brain trauma?

Cinnamon, is an exotic spice and a major constituent of our food which is commonly used in different areas of the world for the treatment of various diseases (Kawatra et al., 2015). Besides 让s anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties, cinnamon also exerts strong brain protective and pro-cogrdtive effects in various models of neurodegeneration (Kawatra et al., 2015;Kelestemur et al., 2016)(Figure 1).

Thermo-sensitive polymer nanospheres as a smart plugging agent for shale gas drilling operations

Emulsifier-free poly（methyl methacrylate-styrene） [P（MMA-St）] nanospheres with an average particle size of 100 nm were synthesized in an isopropyl alcoholwater medium by a solvothermal method. Then, through radical graft copolymerization of thermo-sensitive mono- mer N-isopropylacrylamide （NIPAm） and hydrophilic monomer acrylic acid （AA） onto the surface of P（MMA- St） nanospheres at 80 ℃, a series of thermo-sensitive polymer nanospheres, named SD-SEAL with different lower critical solution temperatures （LCST）, were prepared by adjusting the mole ratio of NIPAm to AA. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size distribution, and specific surface area analysis. The temperature-sensitive behavior was studied by light transmittance tests, while the sealing performance was investigated by pressure transmission tests with Lungmachi Formation shales. The experimental results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles are sensitive to temperature and had apparent LCST values which increased with an increase in hydrophilic monomer AA. When the temperature was higher than its LCST value, SD- SEAL played a dual role of physical plugging and chemical inhibition, slowed down pressure transmission, and reduced shale permeability remarkably. The plugged layer of shale was changed to being hydrophobic, which greatly improved the shale stability

Development of degradable pre-formed particle gel(DPPG)as temporary plugging agent for petroleum drilling and production

Temporary plugging agent(TPA)is widely used in many fields of petroleum reservoir drilling and production,such as temporary plugging while drilling and petroleum well stimulation by diverting in acidizing or fracturing operations.The commonly used TPA mainly includes hard particles,fibers,gels,and composite systems.However,current particles have many limitations in applications,such as insufficient plugging strength and slow degradation rate.In this paper,a degradable pre-formed particle gel(DPPG)was developed.Experimental results show that the DPPG has an excellent static swelling effect and self-degradation performance.With a decrease in the concentration of total monomers or cross-linker,the swelling volume of the synthesized DPPG gradually increases.However,the entire self-degradation time gradually decreases.The increase in 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid(AMPS)in the DPPG composition can significantly increase its swelling ratio and shorten the self-degradation time.Moreover,DPPG has excellent high-temperature resistance(150°C)and high-salinity resistance(200,000 mg/L NaCl).Core displacement results show that the DPPG has a perfect plugging effect in the porous media(the plugging pressure gradient was as high as 21.12 MPa),and the damage to the formation after degradation is incredibly minor.Therefore,the DPPG can be used as an up-and-coming TPA in oil fields.

Degarelix as a new antiangiogenic agent for metastatic colon cancer?

Recently,follicle stimulating hormone receptor was found to be selectively expressed by endothelial cells on tumor-associated blood vessels in a wide range of human cancers.In this context,we hypothesized that degarelix,a new gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist developed for patients with prostate cancer,may have antiangiogenic effects via its capacity to block follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)production. We report the case of a patient with metastatic colon cancer exhibiting tumor progression after failure of all conventional chemotherapeutic regimens.The addition of degarelix to the last chemotherapeutic regimen was proposed as compassionate treatment.Degarelix induced a rapid decrease in FSH level.This treatment induced radiological stabilization and carcinoembryonic antigen stabilization during 1 year.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography demonstrated reduction of tumor vas-clature.This case represents the first report of an antitumoral effect of degarelix in metastatic colon cancer and suggests an antiangiogenic property of this drug.

Oleic Acid (OA), A Potential Dual Contrast Agent for Postmortem MR Angiography (PMMRA): A Pilot Study

Summary:Choosing proper perfusates as contrast agents is an important aspect for postmortem magnetic resonance angiography(PMMRA).However,in this emerging field,the number of suitable kinds of liquid is still very limited.The objective of this research is to compare MR images of oleic acid(OA)with paraffin oil(PO)in vitro and in ex situ animal hearts,in order to evaluate the feasibility to use OA as a novel contrast agent for PMMRA.In vitro,OA,PO and water(control)were introduced into three tubes separately and T,weighted-spin echo(Tw SE)and T2w-SE images were acquired on a 1.5T MR scanner.In the second experiment,0A and PO were injected into left coronary artery(LCA)and left ventricle(LV)of ex situ bovine hearts and their Tw-SE,Tzw-SE,Tw-multipoint Dixon(Tjw-mDixon)and 3DT2w-mDixon images were acquired.The overall results indicate that OA may have a potential to be used as a dual(T and T2 based)contrast agent for PMMRA when proper sequence parameters are utilized.However,as the pilot study was based on limited number of animal hearts,more researches using OA in cadavers are needed to validate our findings.

Study on Preparation of Waterproofing Agent for Mineral Wool Board from Modified C_9 Petroleum Resin

The modified petroleum resin emulsion prepared from the C9petroleum resin was modified with maleic anhydride.The effects of maleic rosin and maleic anhydride addition level,the modification time and the alkali liquor on the properties of the emulsion were discussed.The results showed that the optimum process conditions covered:a maleic anhydride mass fraction of 1.5%,a maleic rosin mass fraction of 10%,a KOH mass fraction of 1%,a petroleum resin modification temperature of 200℃,a petroleum resin modification duration of 3 h,and a modified petroleum resin emulsion/wax emulsion mixing ratio of 1:1.The particle size of modified petroleum resin emulsion prepared under these conditions was equal to 104.166μm.

Galectin-3 prospects as a therapeutic agent for multiple sclerosis

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) in oligodendrocyte (OLG) differentiation: OLGs are the cells in charge of myelination in the central nervous system (CNS), allowing rapid conduction of the neural action potential and giving trophic support to axons. OLGs undergo a series of changes throughout their life cycle: first, upon neural stem cell comm让ment to the OLG lineage, cells referred to as OLG precursor cells (OPC) present a bipolar morphology, have proliferative and migratory capacity and express molecular markers like platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and neural/glial antigen 2.

Application study on complex wetting agent for dust-proof after gas drainage by outburst seams in coal mines

After gas drainage, the outburst seam is dry and, consequently, during subsequent mechanized mining, unwanted dust production is extensive. Because the hard dustfall typically has a small particle size it contains a high percentage of respirable dust. Considering these factors, this paper improved the efficiency of dustfall by reducing the surface tension of the liquid used as a wetting agent, then configuring five kinds of wetting agents by adopting various doses and types of surfactants, neutral inorganic salts and chemical additives, etc. After purchasing DA-85 and SRJ-1 wetting agent, the surface tension and critical micelle concentration of seven kinds of wetting agents were measured using the capillary rise method. Wetting agent A was confirmed to have the best comprehensive effect. The experiments were optimized by measuring and comparatively analyzing contact angles of pure water, SRJ-1 wetting agent and wetting agent A on the surface of different coal samples using a contact angle measurement instrument （HARKE- SPCA）. By comparative analysis, dust-proof effects of seam, dynamic pressure water infusion and high- pressure spray in the tunneling face at the Daning coal mine using pure water, wetting agent SRJ-1 and A, it was determined that after using wetting agent A, the average dust concentration in the place of the mining machine driver, 10 m and 110 m away from the tunneling front is approximately 300 rag/ m^3, 240 mg/m^3 and 100 mg/m^3, respectively, This practice increased the dust-proof efficiency dramati- cally and achieved a good comprehensive dust-proof effect.

X-ray diagnosis with a bloating agent for foreign object ingestion

The location of an ingested foreign object is often difficult to determine by X-ray if gastric air bubbles are not clear in the image.Methods that provide negative contrast can facilitate precise object localization,which is important for object retrieval and treatment of the patient.This case report describes a male child,2 years and 2 mo of age,who accidentally swallowed a lithium battery while playing at home.A plain X-ray showed that the battery was in the abdomen,but it was unclear whether the object was still inside the stomach.A second X-ray examination performed after oral administration of a bloating agent to produce expansion of the stomach and provide negative contrast confirmed that the ingested battery was still in the stomach.The battery was then carefully removed using magnetic and balloon catheters under fluoroscopic guidance.This case report describes the successful use of an orally administered bloating agent without pain to the child in orderto determine the precise location of a foreign object in the abdomen.

Development and characterization of seed gums from Tamarindus indica and Cassia fistula as disintegrating agent for fast disintegrating Thai cordial tablet

Crude seed gum and their carboxymethyl derivatives from Tamarindus indica and Cassia fistula seeds were developed and characterized to apply as the pharmaceutical disintegrant in fast disintegrating Thai cordial tablet. The chemical structure of crude gum was chemically modified via carboxymethylation. Degree of substitution(DS) of carboxymethylated gums was determined. Carboxymethylated gums with minimum and maximum DS values were chosen for further application. IR absorption spectra of gum samples were observed to verify their chemical structure changes. In physical properties, the intrinsic viscosity and swelling property of all gum samples were evaluated. The results showed that carboxymethylated gums had higher intrinsic viscosity than those of crude gum. Moreover, they could swell and be soluble in cold water better than those of crude gums. In conclusion, the modified gums from both plants could provide higher hardness and be better used than that crude gums for fast disintegrating Thai cordial tablet. However, this is a preliminary assessment to expressing pharmaceutical application possibility of these gums as disintegrants, diluents and drug release controlling agents.

Effect of Difference in Form of Driving Support Agent to Driver’s Acceptability<br/>—Driver Agent for Encouraging Safe Driving Behavior (2)

In recent years, the number of traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers has increased in Japan. However, a car is an important mode of transportation for the elderly. Therefore, to ensure safe driving, a system that can assist elderly drivers is required. In this study, we propose a driver-agent system that provides support to elderly drivers during and after driving and encourages them to improve their driving. This paper describes the prototype system based on the analysis of the teaching records of a human instructor, and the subjective evaluation of driving support to elderly and non-elderly driver from three different agent forms, a voice, visual, and robot. The result revealed that the robot form is more noticeable, familiar, and acceptable to the elderly and non-elderly than other forms.

An easily recoverable thermo-sensitive polyelectrolyte as draw agent for forward osmosis process

As a potential solution to the crises of energy and resources, forward osmosis(FO) has been limited by the development of draw agents. An ideal draw agent should be able to generate high osmotic pressure and can be easily recovered. In this study, a thermo-sensitive polyelectrolyte of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid)(PNA)is developed as an efficient draw agent, and two easy and simple methods are proposed to effectively recover the polyelectrolytes. After adjusting the pH value of polyelectrolyte solutions to around 6.0, the polyelectrolyte can generate relatively high osmotic pressure, and induce average water fluxes of 2.09 and 2.95 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1) during12 h FO processes when the polyelectrolyte concentrations are 0.20 and 0.38 g·ml^(-1) respectively. After acidifying and heating to 70 °C, the PNA-10 polyelectrolyte can aggregate together because of hydrophobic association and separate from water, so it can be easily recovered by either simple centrifugation or gravitational sedimentation. The recovery ratios of PNA-10 polyelectrolyte in both methods are as high as 89%, and the recovered polyelectrolytes can be reused with almost the same FO performance as fresh ones. The results in this study provide valuable guidance for designing efficient and easily recoverable draw agents for FO processes.

New Phase Transfer Agent for Dye: Application for Hyperbranched Poly (ester-amine)

Hydrophilic hyperbranched poly(ester-amine) (HPEA) synthesized from diethanolamine and methyl acrylate was used as phase transfer agent for the first time to transfer methyl orange (MO) from water into chloroform. This process was quantified by UV-Vis spectra. A possible mechanism was put forward based on the formation of amphiphilic aggregates.

An Improved Contract Net Protocol with Multi-Agent for Reservoir Flood Control Dispatch

Contract Net Protocol (CNP) has been widely used in solving the problems of multi-Agent cooperates and reservoir flood control optimization dispatch. This paper designs an Agent functional module based on the multi-Agent coordinated the construction of reservoir flood control optimization dispatch and the corresponding Agent to solve the problem of classical CNP in the Agent communication aspect, to enhance the efficiency of reservoir optimization dispatch and to improve the insufficiency of the classical CNP in the application of reservoir flood control dispatcher. Then, the capacity factor and the cooperation level are introduced in the module. Experiments are conducted on the Agentbuilder simulation platform to simulate reservoir flood control optimization dispatching with the improved CNP. The simulation results show the communication interactive efficiency and the performance of new protocol is superior to those of the classical CNP.

Lactoferrin-Conjugated Polylactic Acid Nanobubbles Encapsulated Perfluoropentane as a Contrast Agent for Ultrasound/Magnetic Resonance Dual-Modality Imaging

The development of contrast agents that can be activated by multiple modes is of great significance for tumor diagnosis.In this study,the lactoferrin(Lf)-conjugated polylactic acid(PLLA)nanobubbles(Lf-PLLA NBs)were used to encapsulate liquid perfluoropentane(PFP)with the double emulsion method,creating PFP loaded(PFP/Lf-PLLA)NBs for the ultrasound/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging of subcutaneous tumor.The parti-cle diameter and stability of nanobubbles were investigated by photon correlation spectroscopy.The biocompat-ibility of nanobubbles was preliminarily evaluated by cell proliferation and migration assay,hemolysis rate,and blood biochemistry analysis.A B-mode clinical ultrasound real-time imaging system was used to perform ultra-sonic imaging in vivo.Magnetic resonance imaging in vivo was applied with a clinical 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scanner system.The mean particle diameter of PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs was 320.2±4.1 nm with a low polydispersity index(PDI,0.145±0.025),and the NBs were negatively charged(−11.4±0.4 mV).The transmis-sion electron microscopy(TEM)results showed that PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs exhibited highly monodispersed and pos-sessed an obvious spherical structure of nanocapsules.Nanobubbles had good stability at 4°C.Different concentrations of the PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs solution had no effect on the cell in cytotoxicity and cell migration,and the results of hemolysis rate and blood biochemistry assay also indicated the good biocompatibility of NBs.On the ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging of tumor-bearing mice,PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs showed signifi-cantly enhanced contrast ability of tumor tissue.Therefore,PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs had great potential to be a contrast agent for tumor dual-modality imaging in vivo.