S Phase Cell Percentage Normalized BrdU Incorporation Rate, a New Parameter for Determining S Arrest

In this study, a new parameter, S phase cell percentage （S fraction） normalized BrdU （SFN-BrdU） incorporation rate, was introduced to detect $ arrest. The results showed a positive linear correlation between the BrdU incorporation rate and the S fraction in unperturbed 16HBE cells. Theoretical analysis indicated that only S arrest could result in a decrease in the SFN-BrdU incorporation rate. Additionally, the decrease in SFN-BrdU incorporation rate and the activation of DNA damage checkpoints further demonstrated that S arrest was induced by diethyl sulfate treatment of 16HBE cells. In conclusion, $FN-BrdU incorporation rate can be used to detecting S arrest.

Arg-X Protease-Sensitive in Supramolecular Structures of Interphase Cell Nucleus during Growth Morphogenesis Mature Germs of Wheat

Abstract： In the present study was investigated Arg-X protease-sensitive in supramolecular-genome compartments （nucleoplasm, chromatin, nuclear matrix）, during the period of the transcriptional activation of chromatin when the growth processes was initiated in the mature germs of winter and transformed from it spring wheat. The germs have been separated from endosperm from 0 h （air-dry seed） up to 21 h in each 3 h after the start of seeds soaking. Cell nucleus have been allocated from germs and cleared, and then from them supramolecular-genome compartments were extracted by increasing ionic strength of solution. The Arg-X （tryptase） activity was assessed by cleavage of Arg-X bonds in the arginine-enriched protein protamine in all nuclear fractions. In the present study have shown what Arg-X protease-sensitives zones can be located on the supramolecular structures of chromatin matrix in processes of realization of ontogenetic programs of development in mature germs of the winter and transformed from it spring wheat. Arg-X protease-sensitive can translocate and coordinated in heteropolymer structures on the same genetic matrix. Questions of epigenetic mechanisms are discussed.

Improving the performance of polymer solar cells by adjusting the crystallinity and nanoscale phase separation

In this paper, we report a high-perfornmnce P3HT/PCBM bulk-heterojunction solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 4.85% fabricated by adjusting the polymer crystallinity and nanoscale phase separation using an ultrasonic irradiation mixing approach for the polymer. The grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopic, and atomic force microscopic measurement results for the P3HT/PCBM blend films reveal that the P3HT/PCBM film fabricated by ultrasonic irradiation mixing of the P3HT and PCBM solutions for 10 min has a higher degree of crystallinity, a higher absorption efficiency, and better phase separation, which together account for the higher charge transport properties and photovoltaic cell performance.

Model of Cubic Cell for Description of Some Phase Transitions in Crystals

The purpose of the research is to develop a dynamical theory of phase transitions in crystalline structures, when except for temperature, the pressure is acting. So, the phase diagram temperature-pressure (dimensions) must be constructed. In general case, it is a complicated question, which can be solved for simple models of crystal, as three atomic models, introduced in the work of Frenkel [1]. In this model, three identical atoms are placed on the straight line and interact with the forces, which can be described by the expression, given in the article of Lennard-Jones [2]. Such simple model may have success, when the crystalline structure is simple, which consists of one type of atoms, for example: carbon. The model was generalized to cubic cell model with a moving atom in the inner part of the cell. The rigorous calculation of phase diagram for transition graphite-diamond shows some similarity with results of numerous experimental investigations (which are not discussed here). So, the way of phase diagram calculation may attract attention.

Effect of elasticity mismatch on cell deformation and migration：A phase-field study

The phase-field model for cell migration is used to study the effect of elasticity mismatch on the migration dynamics of multiple cells in a confluent monolayer, where one tagged cell is embedded by a number of normal cells and both types of cells are supposed to have the same properties except elasticity. Our results show that a larger elasticity mismatch leads to a larger difference in shape change between the tagged cell and the normal cells. We find that the bursts of velocity always fall behind the peak of the perimeter, and the shape change of the tagged cell results in the accelerated motion of the tagged cell in the whole process. Moreover, the variation of the averaging cell perimeter ratio ˉLtag/ˉLnormalwith the increase of the elasticity ratio γtag/γnormal for different active velocities ｜a｜ is analyzed. We find thatˉLtag/ˉLnormaldecreases with the increase of γtag/γnormal, following a simple power law function. Our results highlight the important role played by the cell elasticity mismatch in cell deformation and migration.

Prognostic factors correlation between the cell cycle phases and apoptosis in basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy, are found in various forms depending on their clinical and biological behavior. The objective of study was analyzed the phases of the cell cycle and correlations between BCC of low and high risk of recurrence and correlation prognostic factors. The quantity of content DNA in tissues of normal skin, showed small amount of cells in apoptosis and mostly in phase quiescent and rare aneuploidy cells. In BCC, apoptosis was higher in the BCC at high risk than low risk, probably due to their high rates of cell proliferation, and present of aneuploidy cells, when compared to the average percentage of aneuploidy. The DNA content from cells of normal skin shows that the majority is in the quiescent phase;compatible with tissues that are is refreshing. There is presence of apoptosis in the epidermis by probable normal process of differentiation. The aneuploidy in BCC showed a direct correlation with the degree of tumor aggressiveness.

A Phase II Study of Erlotinib in Patients with Previously Treated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Erlotinib has been reported to be effective for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erlotinib under conditions similar to daily clinical practice, a phase II trial was conducted in Japanese patients with previously treated NSCLC. Methods: The eligibility criteria were stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, a performance status (PS) of 0 - 2, and previous treatment with 1 - 2 non-EGFR-TKI regimens. Patients received erlotinib (150 mg/day) orally until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurred. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). In addition, the disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and EGFR gene mutation status were evaluated. Results: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, and 37 patients were evaluated. The median age was 69 years (range, 50 - 80 years). Patient characteristics were as follows: 26 were male and 11 were female;12 had a PS of 0, 20 had a PS of 1, and 5 had a PS of 2;and 26 had adenocarcinoma, and 11 had non-adenocarcinoma histology. The ORR and DCR were 21.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4% - 37.2%) and 54.1% (95% CI, 35.9% - 66.6%), respectively. Twenty-seven patients could be evaluated for EGFR gene status (12, mutated;15, wild-type). The ORR for EGFR-mutated patients was 41.7%, while that for patients with wild-type EGFR was 13.3%. The median PFS was evaluated as 4.4 months (95% CI, 2.2 - 10.7 months). The median OS was 14.9 months (95% CI, 9.2 months - not reached). Common adverse events were tolerable skin toxicities, diarrhea, and stomatitis. In addition, interstitial lung disease occurred in 8.1% of patients. Conclusion: As efficacy and safety were similar to previous studies, erlotinib was found to be effective for Japanese patients with previously treated NSCLC in clinical practice.

Research of Anti-Cancer Components in Traditional Chinese Medicine on Hollow Fibre Cell Fishing and Hollow Fibre Liquid Phase Microextraction

Hollow fibre cell fishing with HPLC (HFCF-HPLC) based on the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3, human renal tubular cell line ACHN or hepatoma cell line HepG-2 was employed to screen active groups of coumarin and volatile oil in Radix angelicae sinensis, Radix angelicae dahuricae and Fructus citri sarcodactylis. Simultaneously, hollow fibre liquid phase microextraction with HPLC (HFLPME-HPLC) was conducted to enrich and determine the contents of active components in the same sample solution. Before application, for HFCF-HPLC, cells growth states and survival rates on the fibre, effect of ethanol concentration in the extract of samples on cell survival rates, non-specific binding between fibre active centres and the target components, positive and negative controls and repeatabilities were validated;for HFLPME, extraction solvent, sample phase pH, agitation speed, extraction time and sample phase volume were investigated. Many active components were screened from three medicines. Some of them, such as scoparone, psoralen, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, ligustilide, were identified by MS. The target fishing factors of active components and the cell apoptosis rates of three cells under the medicines effect were researched. The binding sites of active groups on HepG-2 cells were preliminarily determined. The results demonstrated that HFCF-HPLC, coupled with HFLPME-HPLC, is a simple and universal approach to find bioactive components at the cellular level, determine their content and research traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) entirety effect of multi-component and multi-target. The approach may provide us a new and good solution to clarify the material basis of anti-cancer effect and conduct personalized quality control for the components associated with efficacy in TCMs.

A phaseⅠtrial of an oral subtype-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor,chidamide,in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective： This phase I study was to evaluate safety, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics and preliminary antitumor activity of chidamide, a novel subtype-selective histone deacetylase （HDAC） inhibitor, in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. Methods： Ten patients received oral chidamide 20, 25, or 30 mg twice per week continuously with paclitaxel （175 mg/m2） and carboplatin [area under the curve （AUC） 5 mg/mL/min] administered in a 3-week cycle. Patients with response and stable disease after four cycles maintained chidamide monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Blood samples were collected for pharmacoldnetic analysis after the first single oral of chidamide and first combination treatment in cycle 1 from all patients. Results： Two dose-limiting toxicities were recorded in the 30 mg cohort, including thrombocytopenia and prolonged neutropenia in the first cycle. Grade 3/4 neutropenia in any cycle was observed in all patients, but was not associated with significant complications. Other grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities included thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. No significant changes were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters for both chidamide and paclitaxel. One patient in the 20 mg cohort had confirmed partial response （PR）. Two out of 5 patients with brain metastases had intracranial complete remission after 4-cycle treatment. Conclusions： Chidamide combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin was generally tolerated without unanticipated toxicities or clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions. The recommended dose for chidamide in this combination was established at 20 mg, and a phase II trial is ongoing with this regimen in patients with advanced NSCLC.

A phase I study with Satraplatin and simultaneous chest radiation for non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction: Satraplatin has been given in combination therapy for lung cancer to utilize its radio-sensitizing properties. The optimal dose of satra-platin given concurrently with radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSC-LC) has not been defined. This phase I trial attempts to identify a maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) for Satraplatin given con-currently with radiation for locally advanced N-SCLC. Patients and Methods: 15 patients with histologically confirmed Stage IIIA/B NSCLC entered onto this study with four dose escalations (10 to 40 mg daily) of Satraplatin. Eligibility included patients with NSCLC and one of the following criteria: 1) previously untreated, inoperable disease and planned to receive radiation therapy to primary disease site;2) previously resected disease with mediastinal relapse;or 3) metastatic disease in no more than one distant site. Results: The most common toxicities reported were all grades of fatigue (n = 9), nausea (n = 9), constipation (n = 7), fever (n = 7), and vomiting (n = 6). No DLT at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dose levels was identified. At the 4th dose level, one patient developed grade III elevation of liver function tests (LFTs) and a second patient developed grade III diarrhea with fever requiring hospitalization. There were 8 partial responses out of 11 evaluable patients for response (RR 67%). Conclusion: Elevated LFTs and diarrhea appear to be the principal DLTs of concurrent daily oral Satraplatin and thoracic radiation in the outpatient setting. The MTD of concurrent Satraplatin with thoracic radiation therapy appears to be 40 mg daily.

1-Chloromethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-sulfonic acid amide, a derivative of tetrahydroisoquinoline, induces granulocytic differentiation of the human leukemic HL-60 cells via G0/G1 phase arrest

Tetrahydroisoquinolines are known to have various biological effects, including antitumor activity. This study investigated the effect of 1-chloromethyl-6, 7-dimethoxy-3, 4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-sulfonic acid amide (CDST), a newly synthesized anticancer agent, on cellular differentiation and proliferation in HL-60 cells. Differentiation and proliferation of HL-60 cells were determined through expression of CD11b and CD14 surface antigens using flow cytometry and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay, and through analysis of cell cycle using propidium iodide staining, western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation, respectively. CDST induced the differentiation of HL-60, as shown by increased expression of differentiation surface antigen CD11b (but no significant change in CD14 expression) and increased NBT-reducing functional activity. DNA flow cytometry analysis indicated that CDST markedly induced a G0/G1 phase arrest of HL-60 cells. Subsequently, we examined the expre-ssion of G0/G1 phase cell cycle-related proteins, including cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), cyclins and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs), during the differentiation of HL-60. The levels of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin E and cyclin A were decreased, whereas steady-state levels of CDK4 and cyclin D1 were unaffected. The expression of the p27Kip1 was markedly increased by CDST, but not p21WAF1/Cip1. Moreover, CDST markedly enhanced the binding of p27Kip1 with CDK2 and CDK6, resulting in the reduced activity of both kinases. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CDST is capable of inducing cellular differentiation and growth inhibition through p27Kip1 protein-related G0/G1 phase arrest in HL-60 cells.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to treat spinal cord injury in the early chronic phase: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)support revascularization,inhibition of inflammation,regulation of apoptosis,and promotion of the release of beneficial factors.Thus,they are regarded as a promising candidate for the treatment of intractable spinal cord injury(SCI).Clinical studies on patients with early chronic SCI(from 2 months to 1 year post-injury),which is clinically common,are rare;therefore,we will conduct a prospective,multicenter,randomized,placebo-controlled,single-blinded clinical trial at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,West China Hospital of Sichuan University,and Shanghai East Hospital,Tongji University School of Medicine,China.The trial plans to recruit 66 early chronic SCI patients.Eligible patients will undergo randomization at a 2:1 ratio to two arms:the observation group and the control group.Subjects in the observation group will receive four intrathecal transplantations of stem cells,with a dosage of 1×106/kg,at one calendar month intervals.Subjects in the control group will receive intrathecal administrations of 10 mL sterile normal saline in place of the stem cell transplantations.Clinical safety will be assessed by the analysis of adverse events and laboratory tests.The American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)total score will be the primary efficacy endpoint,and the secondary efficacy outcomes will be the following:ASIA impairment scale,International Association of Neural Restoration-Spinal Cord Injury Functional Rating Scale,muscle tension,electromyogram,cortical motor and cortical sensory evoked potentials,residual urine volume,magnetic resonance imaging–diffusion tensor imaging,T cell subtypes in serum,neurotrophic factors and inflammatory factors in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid.All evaluations will be performed at 1,3,6,and 12 months following the final intrathecal administration.During the entire study procedure,all adverse events will be reported as soon as they are noted.This trial is designed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of subarachnoid transplantation of hUC-MSCs to treat early chronic SCI.Moreover,it will establish whether cytotherapy can ameliorate local hostile microenvironments,promote tracking fiber regeneration,and strengthen spinal conduction ability,thus improving overall motor,sensory,and micturition/defecation function in patients with early chronic SCI.This study was approved by the Stem Cell Research Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,China(approval No.[2018]-02)on March 30,2018,and was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov(registration No.NCT03521323)on April 12,2018.The revised trial protocol(protocol version 4.0)was approved by the Stem Cell Research Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,China(approval No.[2019]-10)on February 25,2019,and released on ClinicalTrials.gov on April 29,2019.

A new level set model for cell image segmentation

In this paper we first determine three phases of cell images： background, cytoplasm and nucleolus according to the general physical characteristics of cell images, and then develop a variational model, based on these characteristics, to segment nucleolus and cytoplasm from their relatively complicated backgrounds. In the meantime, the preprocessing obtained information of cell images using the OTSU algorithm is used to initialize the level set function in the model, which can speed up the segmentation and present satisfactory results in cell image processing.

Effect of Exogenous bFGF on the Proliferation of Human Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma ACC-2 Cells

To observe the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on human adenoid cystic carcinoma ACC-2 cell line proliferation and ERK, cyclin D1/p21^waf/cip1 signaling pathways, human adenoid cystic carcinoma cells （ACC-2） were cultured and the influence of bFGF of different concentrations on cell proliferation was determined by MTT. Protein was detected by immuno-precipitation and ERK activity by using ERK agent kit. p-ERK1/2 and down-stream cyclin D1, p21^waf/cip1 expression were detected by Western blotting and the interfering role of mitogen protein-activated kinase （MEK） suppressor U0126 in the afore-mentioned indicators was examined. MTT demonstrated ACC-2 cell proliferation was substantially enhanced by bFGF, immuo-precipitation displayed ERK activity was up-regulated by bFGF, and immuno-imprinting also showed p-ERK1/2, cyclin D1 expression was greatly enhanced and p21^waf/cip1 expression was inhibited by bFGE U0126 suppressed the effect of bFGF. It is concluded that bFGF can promote the proliferation of human adenoid cystic carcinoma ACC-2 cells, and its pathways are associated with the up-regulated activity and expression of p-ERK1/2, inhibited p21waf/cip1 expression and enhanced cyclin D1 expression.

Sodium chloride methanol solution spin-coating process for bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells

The sodium chloride methanol solution process is conducted on the conventional poly（3-hexylthiophene）（P3HT）/[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester（PC_（61）BM） polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells. The device exhibits a power conversion efficiency of up to 3.36%, 18% higher than that of the device without the solution process. The measurements of the active layer by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）, atomic force microscopy（AFM）, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy（UPS） indicate a slight phase separation in the vertical direction and a sodium chloride distributed island-like interface between the active layer and the cathode. The capacitance–voltage（C–V） and impedance spectroscopy measurements prove that the sodium chloride methanol process can reduce the electron injection barrier and improve the interfacial contact of polymer solar cells. Therefore, this one-step solution process not only optimizes the phase separation in the active layers but also forms a cathode buffer layer, which can enhance the generation, transport, and collection of photogenerated charge carriers in the device simultaneously. This work indicates that the inexpensive and non-toxic sodium chloride methanol solution process is an efficient one-step method for the low cost manufacturing of polymer solar cells.

Cr doping effect in B-site of La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)MnO_3 on its phase stability and performance as an SOFC anode

La0.75Sr0.25CryMn1-yO3 （LSCM） （y = 0.0-0.6） composite oxides were synthesized by a complexing process of combining ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid （EDTA） and citrate. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, temperature-programmed reduction, electrical conductivity, I-V polarization, and impedance spectroscopy were conducted to investigate the Cr doping effect of La0.75Sr0.25MnO3 on its phase stability and electrochemical performance as a solid-oxide fuel cell （SOFC） anode. The chemical and structural stabilities of the oxides increased steadily with increasing Cr doping concentration, while the electrical conductivity decreased on the contrary. At y 〉 0.4, the basic perovskite structure under the anode operating condition was sustained. A cell with 0.5-ram-thick scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte and La0.75Sr0.25CryMn1-yO3 anode delivered a Dower density of -15 mW-cm^-2 at 850℃.

Comparison of conventional and inverted structures in fullerene-free organic solar cells

A n-type small molecule DC-IDT2E with 4,4,9,9-tetrakis（4-hexylphenyl）-indaceno[1,2-b：5,6-bt]dithiophene as a central building block, furan as rr-bridges, and 1,1 -dicyanomethylene-3-indanone as end acceptor groups, was synthesized and used as an electron acceptor in solution-processed organic solar cells （OSCs）. DC-IDT2F exhibited good thermal stability, broad and strong absorption in 500-850 rim, a narrow bandgap of 1.54 eV, LUMO of-3.88 eV, HOMO of-5.44 eV and an electron mobility of 6.5 × 10-4 cm2/（V.s）. DC-IDT2F-based OSCs with conventional and inverted structures exhibited power conversion efficiencies of 2.26 and 3.08% respec- tively. The effect of vertical phase separation and morphology of the active layer on the device performance in the two structures was studied.

Detrimental phase evolution triggered by Ni in perovskite-type cathodes for CO2 electroreduction

Perovskite oxides are popular as cathode materials of solid oxide electrolysis cells, because of their good redox stability and high resistance to coke formation.Unexpectedly, a negative effect of Ni doping is found on Sr2Fe(1.5-x)NixMo(0.5)O(x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) cathode for pure CO2 electroreduction at 800 ℃, although Ni is highly active for CO2 electroreduction.The CO2 electroreduction performance degrades with the increase of Ni doping amount.Various characterization techniques are used to disclose the negative effect.Ni doping decreases the perovskite stability under electroreduction conditions, Fe and Ni cations in the B-site are reduced to metal nanoparticles and SrCO3 forms on the surface of the perovskite.The phase instability results from the weaker Ni–O bond.Although the Fe-Ni nanoparticles are in favor of the CO2 electroreduction, too much SrCO3 and carbon deposition block the charge transfer and diffusion of oxygenous species on the cathode surface.

Liquid-liquid phase separation in highly undercooled Ni-Pb hypermonotectic alloys

Liquid-liquid phase separation in the undercooled Ni-20%Pb(mole fraction, the same below if not mentioned) hypermonotectic melts was investigated by the observation of the water-quenched structure and DTA analysis. The results indicate that the number of spherical cells in the water-quenched microstructure increases with dropping temperature, and the cells gather and grow up obviously. The spherical cell origins from L1 phase separated from homogeneous melt, and is the product of monotectic reaction. Both results of the water-quenched structures and DTA analysis prove that liquid phase separation still occurs in the highly undercooled Ni-Pb hypermonotectic alloy melts, and liquid phase separation in the immiscible gap can not be fully inhibited by high undercooling and rapid solidification.

Effects of acetone-soaking treatment on the performance of polymer solar cells based on P3HT/PCBM bulk heterojunction

The improvement of the acetone-soaking treatment to the performance of polymer solar cells based on the P3HT/PCBM bulk heterojunction is reported. Undergoing acetone-soaking, the PCBM does not distribute uniformly in the vertical direction, a PCBM enrichment layer forms on the top of the active layer, which is beneficial to the collec- tion of the carriers and blocking the inverting diffusion carriers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） analysis reveals that the PCBM weight ratio on the top of the active layer increases by 20% after the acetone-soaking treatment. Due to the nonuniform distribution of PCBM, the short-circuit current density, the open-circuit voltage, and the fill factor are enhanced significantly. Finally, the power conversion efficiency of the acetone-soaking device increases by 31% compared with the control device.