Revise Thermal Winds of Remnant Neutron Stars in Gamma-Ray Bursts

It seems that the wealth of information revealed by the multi-messenger observations of the binary neutron star(NS)merger event,GW170817/GRB 170817A/kilonova AT2017gfo,places irreconcilable constraints to models of the prompt emission of this gamma-ray burst(GRB).The observed time delay between the merger of the two NSs and the trigger of the GRB and the thermal tail of the prompt emission can hardly be reproduced by these models simultaneously.We argue that the merger remnant should be an NS(last for,at least,a large fraction of 1 s),and that the difficulty can be alleviated by the delayed formation of the accretion disk due to the absorption of high-energy neutrinos emitted by the NS and the delayed emergence of effective viscosity in the disk.Further,we extend the consideration of the effect of the energy deposition of neutrinos emitted from the NS.If the NS is the central object of a GRB with a distance and duration similar to that of GRB 170817A,thermal emission of the thermal bubble inflated by the NS after the termination of accretion may be detectable.If our scenario is verified,it would be of interest to investigate the cooling of nascent NSs.

Soliton Molecules, Asymmetric Solitons and Hybrid Solutions for(2+1)-Dimensional Fifth-Order Kd V Equation

Soliton molecules were first discovered in optical systems and are currently a hot topic of research.We obtain soliton molecules of the(2+1)-dimensional fifth-order Kd V system under a new resonance condition called velocity resonance in theory.On the basis of soliton molecules,asymmetric solitons can be obtained by selecting appropriate parameters.Based on the N-soliton solution,we obtain hybrid solutions consisting of soliton molecules,lump waves and breather waves by partial velocity resonance and partial long wave limits.Soliton molecules,and some types of special soliton resonance solutions,are stable under the meaning that the interactions among soliton molecules are elastic.Both soliton molecules and asymmetric solitons obtained may be observed in fluid systems because the fifth-order Kd V equation describes the ion-acoustic waves in plasmas,shallow water waves in channels and oceans.

Topological Order Value Iteration Algorithm for Solving Probabilistic Planning

AI researchers typically formulated probabilistic planning under uncertainty problems using Markov Decision Processes (MDPs).Value Iteration is an inef?cient algorithm for MDPs, because it puts the majority of its effort into backing up the entire state space, which turns out to be unnecessary in many cases. In order to overcome this problem, many approaches have been proposed. Among them, LAO*, LRTDP and HDP are state-of-the-art ones. All of these use reach ability analysis and heuristics to avoid some unnecessary backups. However, none of these approaches fully exploit the graphical features of the MDPs or use these features to yield the best backup sequence of the state space. We introduce an improved algorithm named Topological Order Value Iteration (TOVI) that can circumvent the problem of unnecessary backups by detecting the structure of MDPs and backing up states based on topological sequences. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and excellent performance of our algorithm.

An overview of flavonoids from Sophora flavescens(kushen)with some emphasis on the anticancer properties of kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G

In this overview,the current knowledge of the constituents of flavonoids isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens(kushen)is updated.Flavonoids consist of several classes,such as flavanones,flavonols,chalcones,isoflavones,biflavonoids,flavanols,and flavones.The most common compounds are kurarinone(KRN),sophoraflavanone G(SFG),2′-methoxykurarinone,kuraridine,isoxanthohumol,and formononetin.KRN and SFG are two major flavanones with more vital anticancer properties than other flavonoids.From the literature,the cytotoxic values of KRN and SFG are variable and depend on the type of cancer cells tested.The anticancer activities of these two flavonoids involve different molecular mechanisms.Clinical trials are needed before anticancer drugs from KRN and SFG can be developed.

Phenolic constituents and anticancer properties of Morus alba(white mulberry) leaves

Flavonoids are by far the most dominant class of phenolic compounds isolated from Morus alba leaves(MAL). Other classes of compounds are benzofurans, phenolic acids, alkaloids, coumarins, chalcones and stilbenes. Major flavonoids are kuwanons, moracinflavans, moragrols and morkotins. Other major compounds include moracins(benzofurans), caffeoylquinic acids(phenolic acids) and morachalcones(chalcones). Research on the anticancer properties of MAL entailed in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of extracts or isolated compounds. Flavonoids, benzofurans, chalcones and alkaloids are classes of compounds from MAL that have been found to be cytotoxic towards human cancer cell lines. Further studies on the phytochemistry and anticancer of MAL are suggested. Sources of information were Pub Med,Pub Med Central, Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, J-Stage, Pub Chem and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.

An overview on the chemistry, pharmacology and anticancer properties of tetrandrine and fangchinoline(alkaloids) from Stephania tetrandra roots

Tetrandrine(TET) and fangchinoline(FAN) are dominant bisbenzylisoquinoline(BBIQ) alkaloids from the roots of Stephania tetrandra of the family Menispermaceae. BBIQ alkaloids comprise two benzylisoquinoline units linked by oxygen bridges. The molecular structures of TET and FAN are exactly the same, except that TET has a methoxy(-OCH3) group, while FAN has a hydroxyl(-OH) group at C7. In this overview,the current knowledge on the chemistry, pharmacology and anticancer properties of TET and FAN have been updated. The focus is on colon and breast cancer cells, because they are most susceptible to TET and FAN, respectively. Against colon cancer cells, TET inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest, and suppresses adhesion, migration and invasion of cells.Against breast cancer cells, FAN inhibits cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, G1-phase cell cycle arrest and inhibits cell migration. The processes involve various molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Some insights on the ability of TET and FAN to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancer cells and suggestions for future research are provided.

An overview of Pu-erh tea and its health-promoting effects of lipid-lowering and anti-obesity

As a dark tea,Pu-erh tea(PET)is produced from sun-dried leaves of Camellia sinensis var.assamica mainly in Yunnan Province of China.Many microorganisms are involved in the fermentation of PET.Among them,Aspergillus niger is most important.It is believed that the longer the preservation period,the better is the quality and taste of PET,which is commercially available as loose,compressed or instant tea leaves.Chemical components of PET include flavones,flavanols,flavonols,phenolic acids,alkaloids and methylxanthines.In this overview,the lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects of PET were discussed based on animal models and human trials,and our study provided some insights into possible mechanisms of bioactive compounds,such as theabrownin,catechins,lovastatin and gallic acid.Other bioactivities of PET and some information on Fuzhuan brick tea were also included.Sources of information cited were from Google Scholar,Pub Med,Pub Med Central,Science Direct,J-Stage,Pub Chem,Directory of Open Access Journals(DOAJ),and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI).

Genipin and geniposide from Gardenia jasminoides:An overview of their anti-cancer and other pharmacological properties

Genipin and geniposide are iridoids from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides.Both compounds have a methyl acetate(-COOCH_(3))group at C4 and a hydroxyl(-OH)group at C10.As an iridoid glucoside with a glucose moiety at C1,geniposide is also known as genipin-1-O-β-D-glucoside.Without the glucose moiety,genipin is an iridoid and the aglycone of geniposide.The-OH group at C1 of genipin is responsible for its cytotoxic effects.Geniposide without the-OH group at C1 lacks the cytotoxic effects.There are more publications on the anti-cancer properties of genipin than geniposide.Studies have reported the potentiation of genipin when used in combination with anti-cancer drugs.The anti-cancer properties of geniposide have been investigated using human intestinal microflora that hydrolyzes geniposide to genipin.Both genipin and geniposide exert antiproliferative and apoptotic activities via different molecular targets and pathways.Other pharmacological properties of genipin and geniposide include antidepressant,antidiabetic,anti-inflammatory,anti-obesity,anti-thrombotic,hepatoprotective,and neuroprotective activities.Future research on genipin and geniposide is suggested.

Matrine, oxymatrine, and compound Kushen injection from the roots of Sophora flavescens: an overview of their anticancer activities

In the present review,we updated current information on the chemistry,contents,and anticancer properties of matrine(MT),oxymatrine(OMT),and compound Kushen injection(CKI).The anticancer properties were focused on lung,breast,and liver cancer cells because they are most susceptible.Sources of information were from Google,Google Scholar,PubMed,PubMed Central,Science Direct,PubChem,J-Stage,Directory of Open Access Journals(DOAJ),and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI).Reference was also made on botanical websites,such as Flora of China and World Flora Online.MT and OMT are dominant quinolizidine alkaloids from the roots of Sophora flavescens(Kushen)of the family Fabaceae.Against lung,breast,and liver cancer cells,MT and OMT inhibit cell proliferation;induce cell cycle arrest,apoptosis,and autophagy;restrict angiogenesis;and inhibit cell metastasis,invasion,and migration.The processes involve various molecular targets and signaling pathways.CKI is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)composed of root extracts of S.flavescens and Smilax glabra(Baituling)of the family Smilacaceae.With MT and OMT as major components,CKI has been approved for the treatment of cancer in China more than 20 years ago.In recent years,systematic reviews and meta-analysis have been undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of CKI.When CKI is used alone and in combination with chemotherapy of western medicine,there is much to be learned concerning their interactions besides their individual and integrated efficacy.Some perspectives of MT,OMT,and CKI are discussed,and their suggestions for future research are provided.

Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet:Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution

Microwave simulation is significant in identifying a reactor design allowing the biomass to be heated and processed evenly.This study integrated the radio frequency and transient heat transfer modules to simulate the microwave distribution and investigated the performance of microwave heating in the cavity.The simulation results were compared with the experimental findings us-ing the finite element analysis software of COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to predict the temperature profile and electric field of microwave in the biomass(empty fruit bunch pellets).The higher temperature distribution was observed at the bottom and centre section of the empty fruit bunch pellet bed in the reactor,showing the uniqueness of microwave heating.According to the simula-tion results,the temperature profile obtained through the specific cavity geometry and dielectric properties agreed with the experimental temperature profile.The simulated temperature profile demonstrated a logarithmic increase of 120°C/min at the first 50 s followed by 50°C/min until 350 s.The experimental temperature profile showed three different heating rates before reaching 300°C,including 78.3°C/min(50-120°C),30.6°C/min(121-250°C),and 105°C/min(250-300°C).The results of this study might contribute to the improvement of microwave heating in biomass torrefaction.

■-dressing method for the complex modified KdV equation

The dressing method based on the 2×2 matrix■-problem is generalized to study the complex modified KdV equation(cmKdV).Through two linear constraint equations,the spatial and time spectral problems related to the cmKdV equation are derived.The gauge equivalence between the cmKdV equation and the Heisenberg chain equation is obtained.Using a recursive operator,a hierarchy of cmKdV with source is proposed.On the basis of the■-equation,the N-solition solutions of the cmKdV equation are obtained by selecting the appropriate spectral transformation matrix.Furthermore,we get explicit one-soliton and two-soliton solutions.

Nobiletin and tangeretin(citrus polymethoxyflavones): an overview on their chemistry, pharmacology and cytotoxic activities against breast cancer

The fruit peel of Citrus species(Chenpi),particularly those of mandarin oranges,is a useful source of food and medicine in China.Flavonoids from the citrus fruit peel are mainly polymethoxyflavones(PMFs),of which nobiletin and tangeretin are the most abundant components.In the present review,we summarized the cytotoxic activities of these two PMFs to breast cancer cells.Studies have reported that these two compounds inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis,cytostatic cell death and cell cycle arrest,or by inhibiting cell proliferation,metastasis and tumour angiogenesis,depending on the molecular subtypes of breast cancer.In vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activities involve different molecular targets and signalling pathways.Analyses on the structure-activity relationship(SAR)of nobiletin and tangeretin have shown that the presence of a methoxy group at C8 and a hydroxyl group at C3 or C5 are essential for anti-proliferative activity.Some future perspectives and research needs are suggested.Sources of information are from Pub Med,Pub Med Central,Science Direct,Google Scholar,J-Stage,Pub Chem and CNKI using keyword search.