Target Composition Research Articles

Damage characteristics of ice projectile impacting on CF/BMI composite target at high speed

In order to simulate the dynamic mechanical response and damage characteristics of aircraft airframe materials under the impact load of hail, the Carbon Fiber/Bismaleimide (CF/BMI) composite materials used widely in aircraft airframes were taken as the research object in this paper. The finite element analysis software ABAQUS/Explicit was used to simulate the ice projectiles impacting on CF/BMI composite target. The influences of impact velocity, impact angle and ice projectiles size on the damage characteristics of CF/BMI composite target were studied by combining experiment with numerical simulation. The results show that the velocity threshold of macro-scale failure of the CF/BMI composite target is between 251m/s and 278m/s when the ice projectiles vertically impact on the CF/BMI composite target; The delamination failure of the CF/BMI composite target first occurs at the interface between braided layer and laminated structure, and the delamination failure area expands with the increase of ice projectile velocity. When the ice projectile velocity exceeds 278m/s, the damage area of the CF/BMI composite target increases linearly with the increase of ice projectile velocity. However, when the ice projectile obliquely impacts on the CF/BMI composite target, the stress and strain peaks of the CF/BMI composite target increase with the increase of the ice projectile velocity. For the same size ice projectile impacts on the CF/BMI composite target at the same speed, the damage caused by the impact angle of 60° is greater than that by the impact angle of 45°.

Investigation on the physico-chemical properties, hyperthermia and cytotoxicity study of magnesium doped manganese ferrite nanoparticles

The superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPNPs) should be chemically stable and biocompatibility for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) application. Cubic spinel structured MgFe2O4 and MnFe2O4 NPs were well studied for catalytic and sensor applications by employing their semiconducting property. Here we explore the biocompatible and soft magnetic properties of these ferrites for MHT application. Narrow size distributed Mn1-xMgxFe2O4 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.4 & 0.5) NPs with average crystallite size of 12 nm were synthesized by solvothermal reflux method. All compounds were crystallined in cubic spinel structure and were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, high-resolution lattice fringe profiles, and infrared spectrum. Energy dispersive, photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental mapping studies revealed that the compounds have chemical stoichiometry close to the target composition. Thermal analysis shows that the spinel compounds are thermally stable even above 800 °C. All compounds show superparamagnetic (SP) nature at room temperature and show a decrease of saturation magnetization (Ms) after substituting x = 0.3 concentration with increases of substituent Mg2+ concentration in the MnFe2O4. The x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.4 & 0.5 samples show MHT specific absorption rate (SAR) of 63.67, 108.37, 97.58, & 45.08 Wg-1 at 1 mg/mL, respectively. The decrease in SAR values is attributed to reduced magnetic moments and spin relaxation. Furthermore, monosize characteristics of Mn1-xMgxFe2O4 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.4, & 0.5) NPs at 0–950 g/mL concentrations were reported to be non-toxic in human breast cancer (MDA-MB-23) and human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells.

Experimental and numerical analysis of ballistic impact response of fiber-reinforced composite/metal composite target

The ballistic impact response of fiber-reinforced composite/metal composite target (FMCT) under the impact of spherical projectile was studied by experimental and numerical methods. The residual velocity of the projectile, the failure modes and the energy absorption of the composite targets were analyzed. The effects of the projectile impact velocity and the target areal density on the ballistic impact response of the target were studied. The results show that the target configuration with the Kevlar composite front plate and the steel back plate has the better anti-penetration capability. Increasing the thickness of the Kevlar front plate and reducing the thickness of the steel back plate in a certain range can improve the anti-penetration capability of the FMCT target.

Electrochemical co-deposition of Ni–Gd2O3 for composite thin targets preparation: Production of 155Tb as a case study

In the last years, 155Tb has attracted enormous interest due to its potential role in theranostics in nuclear medicine. To estimate its production yield, the aim of this study was to develop a method to prepare thin Gd-enriched-containing targets aimed at the 155Gd(d, 2n)155Tb nuclear cross section measurement. To this end, the electrochemical co-deposition method has been chosen to manufacture Ni–Gd2O3 composite targets. Several process parameters that have an impact on the deposit quality, have been investigated to increase the incorporation of Gd mass (up to 3 mg). To validate the concept, seven targets made by natural Gd were irradiated with deuteron beams at the GIP ARRONAX facility cyclotron, with an energy range ranging from 8 MeV to 30 MeV to extract the cross section values by using the stacked-foils method. Results obtained turned out to have great consistency with existing published data thus validating the proposed method. Therefore, an alternative target manufacturing concept aimed at cross section measurement is presented in this work.

Estimation of pyrolysis liquid product yield and its hydrogen content for biomass resources by combined evaluation of pyrolysis conditions with proximate-ultimate analysis data: A machine learning application

This study, it was aimed to predict the pyrolysis liquid product yield (Liquid P. Yield (%wt.)) and its hydrogen content (H-oil (%wt.)) based on the biomass composition and pyrolysis conditions. For this purpose, firstly, serial previous studies on biomass pyrolysis in literature were collected in a data set, and the data set used in the study was presented in the Supplementary information document. Then machine learning application was made. Within the scope of the study, Multiple Linear Regression Theory (MLR), Decision Three Theory (DT), Gaussian Model Theory (GM), and Random Forest Theory (RF) were applied to the data set obtained from the literature, and the success rates were compared. As a result, it has been determined that the RF model provides more successful results than other models in predicting the pyrolysis liquid product yield and hydrogen content. In addition, the importance feature information was obtained by using the average pollution reduction method in the whole models of RF. A detailed partial dependency analysis was performed to investigate in-depth the relationship between biomass composition and pyrolysis conditions and target variables. Thus, the amount of liquid product and the hydrogen content (quality) of the liquid product was optimized depending on the biomass composition and pyrolysis conditions. In addition, it was determined that the biomass composition was more effective on the liquid product yield and H-content than the pyrolysis conditions. It is thought that the results and comments of this study will guide the researchers in the process of pyrolysis of different biomass wastes that emerge seasonally and contribute to the more effective evaluation of biomass resources. In addition, The RF model can be used as a good reference for the modeling studies on biomass pyrolysis liquid product distribution and its quality.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy showed similar efficacy in achieving cardiometabolic composite target in subject with type 2 diabetes undergoing bariatric surgery

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Single-phase quasicrystalline Al–Cu–Fe thin film prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering on stainless steel

It is generally difficult to obtain single-phase quasicrystalline thin films due to the stringent requirement for composition and working parameter controls. In this paper, the magnetron sputtering preparation of a single-phase quasicrystalline film is described in detail. Three key issues are particularly addressed: target composition, process parameters, and subsequent heat treatment scheme. Firstly, an alloy ingot of composition Al63Cu25Fe12(at.%) is melted as the raw material for the target. Then thin film depositions were made in a magnetron sputtering system with 196 W and 1 h, subsequently annealed at 650 °C for 15 min to obtain single-phase quasicrystalline films. The dense and uniform film is well attached to the 304 stainless steel substrate, with a bonding force between film and substrate being 42.5±0.6 N. Such a high-quality film allows reliable characterizations on properties such as hardness (13.4±0.3 GPa), elastic modulus (218±6 GPa), hardness-over-modulus ratio (0.062±0.004), non-stick (water contact angle reaching 102±2°), corrosion resistance (self-corrosion potential −653.19 mV and self-corrosion current density 4.19 μA⋅cm−2 in 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte), coefficient of friction (0.16, using 304 stainless steel ball), all falling close to those of bulk quasicrystals. The root mean square roughness of the quasicrystalline film was found to be 2.12 nm.

Prospective validation of a transcriptomic severity classifier among patients with suspected acute infection and sepsis in the emergency department.

Background and importancemRNA-based host response signatures have been reported to improve sepsis diagnostics. Meanwhile, prognostic markers for the rapid and accurate prediction of severity in patients with suspected acute infections and sepsis remain an unmet need. IMX-SEV-2 is a 29-host-mRNA classifier designed to predict disease severity in patients with acute infection or sepsis.ObjectiveValidation of the host-mRNA infection severity classifier IMX-SEV-2.Design, settings and participantsProspective, observational, convenience cohort of emergency department (ED) patients with suspected acute infections.Outcome measures and analysisWhole blood RNA tubes were analyzed using independently trained and validated composite target genes (IMX-SEV-2). IMX-SEV-2-generated risk scores for severity were compared to the patient outcomes in-hospital mortality and 72-h multiorgan failure.Main resultsOf the 312 eligible patients, 22 (7.1%) died in hospital and 58 (18.6%) experienced multiorgan failure within 72 h of presentation. For predicting in-hospital mortality, IMX-SEV-2 had a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.84 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.76–0.93] compared to 0.76 (0.64–0.87) for lactate, 0.68 (0.57–0.79) for quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and 0.75 (0.65–0.85) for National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), (P = 0.015, 0.001 and 0.013, respectively). For identifying and predicting 72-h multiorgan failure, the AUROC of IMX-SEV-2 was 0.76 (0.68–0.83), not significantly different from lactate (0.73, 0.65–0.81), qSOFA (0.77, 0.70–0.83) or NEWS2 (0.81, 0.75–0.86).ConclusionThe IMX-SEV-2 classifier showed a superior prediction of in-hospital mortality compared to biomarkers and clinical scores among ED patients with suspected infections. No improvement for predicting multiorgan failure was found compared to established scores or biomarkers. Identifying patients with a high risk of mortality or multiorgan failure may improve patient outcomes, resource utilization and guide therapy decision-making.

Angiographic complete revascularization versus incomplete revascularization in patients with diabetes mellitus

BackgroundConsidering the nature of diabetes mellitus (DM) in coronary artery disease, it is unclear whether complete revascularization is beneficial or not in patients with DM. We investigated the clinical impact of angiographic complete revascularization in patients with DM.MethodsA total of 5516 consecutive patients (2003 patients with DM) who underwent coronary stenting with 2nd generation drug-eluting stent were analyzed. Angiographic complete revascularization was defined as a residual SYNTAX (SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery) score of 0. The patient-oriented composite outcome (POCO, including all-cause death, any myocardial infarction, and any revascularization) and target lesion failure (TLF) at three years were analyzed.ResultsComplete revascularization was associated with a reduced risk of POCO in DM population [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.93, p = 0.016], but not in non-DM population (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.69–1.17, p = 0.423). The risk of TLF was comparable between the complete and incomplete revascularization groups in both DM (adjusted HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49–1.16, p = 0.195) and non-DM populations (adjusted HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.75–1.63, p = 0.611). The independent predictors of POCO were incomplete revascularization, multivessel disease, left main disease and low ejection fraction in the DM population, and old age, peripheral vessel disease, and low ejection fraction in the non-DM population.ConclusionsThe clinical benefit of angiographic complete revascularization is more prominent in patients with DM than those without DM after three years of follow-up. Relieving residual disease might be more critical in the DM population than the non-DM population.Trial registration The Grand Drug-Eluting Stent registry NCT03507205.

Deposition of (Ag,Cu)2Zn(Sn,Ge)S4 thin films on Mo-coated glass substrate by vacuum magnetron sputtering and post-sulfurization techniques

Cation substitution is a useful way to improve the properties of semiconducting Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film. In this work, partial Cu and Sn in Cu2ZnSnS4 are substituted by Ag and Ge, respectively. The (Ag,Cu)2Zn(Sn,Ge)S4 thin films were successfully fabricated using vacuum magnetron sputtering and post-sulfurization techniques. The formation of Ag & Ge co-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 structure with secondary phase is proved by XRD and Raman results. The Ag and Ge ratios depend on the composition of Cu-Ag target and the sputtering time of Ge, respectively. The direct optical band gap values of thin films increase with the increase of Ge content. When the sputtering time of Ge is 90 s, the Urbach energy of (Ag,Cu)2Zn(Sn,Ge)S4 thin films reaches the minimum value of 339 meV, revealing the reduced band tail state by Ge incorporation.

Design and Fabrication of a 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn High‐Entropy Alloy as Metallic Biomedical Material

Herein the present work, the thermodynamic, physical, and mechanical properties of different random solid solution structure models are first calculated based on first‐principles calculation method, and the optimal composition ratio of 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn is quickly selected as a new biomedical high‐entropy alloy (HEA) with a low elastic modulus and high strength–ductility balance. Then, 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn HEA is prepared by vacuum‐melting method. The microstructure characterization results show that the actual composition of 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn HEA corresponds to the calculated target composition, and the HEA consists of two phases BCC1 and BCC2 with distinct color and structure. The compressive yield strength and compressive elongation of the 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn HEA are 1171.2 MPa and 29.03%, respectively. The compressive elastic modulus is 22.4 GPa, which is within the range of human bone elastic modulus (10–30 GPa). There are many tiny dimples and small tearing edges in the compression fracture, showing obvious plastic deformation characteristics. The analysis results of potentiodynamic polarization curve show that the corrosion resistance of 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn HEA is equivalent to that of pure titanium. Therefore, 5Ti5Zr5Nb1Sn HEA possesses the characteristics of high strength and ductility, low elastic modulus, and excellent corrosion resistance, and has the potential to be used as metallic biomedical materials.

Proton therapy monitoring: spatiotemporal emission reconstruction with prompt gamma timing and implementation with PET detectors

Objective. In this study we introduce spatiotemporal emission reconstruction prompt gamma timing (SER-PGT), a new method to directly reconstruct the prompt photon emission in the space and time domains inside the patient in proton therapy. Approach. SER-PGT is based on the numerical optimisation of a multidimensional likelihood function, followed by a post-processing of the results. The current approach relies on a specific implementation of the maximum-likelihood expectation maximisation algorithm. The robustness of the method is guaranteed by the complete absence of any information about the target composition in the algorithm. Main results. Accurate Monte Carlo simulations indicate a range resolution of about 0.5 cm (standard deviation) when considering 107 primary protons impinging on an homogeneous phantom. Preliminary results on an anthropomorphic phantom are also reported. Significance. By showing the feasibility for the reconstruction of the primary particle range using PET detectors, this study provides significant basis for the development of an hybrid in-beam PET and prompt photon device.

Strength of EU-level food environment policies and priority recommendations to create healthy food environments

BackgroundFood environments impact on diets, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Government policies are essential to create healthy food environments. This study aimed to assess the strength of European Union (EU)-level policies, and identify and prioritize actions for the EU to create healthy food environments.MethodsThe Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was applied. The Food-EPI included 26 policy and 24 infrastructure support indicators. Independent experts (n = 31) rated the strength of EU-level policies and infrastructure support for each of these indicators (on a 5-point scale, from very weak to very strong) and identified and prioritized actions to improve food environments.ResultsFor 65% of the 26 policy indicators, EU-level policies were rated as weak and for 23% as very weak. For 63% of the 24 infrastructure support indicators, EU-level policies were rated as moderate and for 33% as weak. The experts recommended 18 policy and 19 infrastructure support actions to the EU. The Top 5 prioritized policy actions included three actions in the food composition domain (e.g. setting mandatory food composition targets), one action in the food prices domain and one action in the food promotion domain. The Top 5 prioritized infrastructure support actions included three actions in the leadership domain (e.g. developing a high-level NCDs Prevention Strategy) and two actions in the monitoring domain.ConclusionsThere is large potential for the EU to strengthen its policies and infrastructure support in order to improve food environments. This study specifies priority actions for the EU to create healthy food environments.

Pathway to tailor the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of pulsed laser deposited cobalt-substituted calcium phosphate coatings on titanium

Dense calcium phosphate-based ceramics were fabricated to be used as targets for pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Nanostructured cobalt-substituted hydroxyapatite (Co:HAP) was used as a starting powder. To vary phase composition and microstructure of targets, two sintering approaches were applied, conventional (CS) and two-step sintering (TSS). The obtained results show that in both cases biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics (targets) were prepared, with slightly different HAP-to-β–TCP amount ratio and a significantly different microstructure. While the CS method yielded fully dense ceramics with an average grain size of 1.3 μm, the ceramics prepared by TSS had a density of 98.5%, with a predominant grain size below 100 nm. (Ca + Co)P coatings were prepared by PLD of (Ca + Co)P targets. The temperature of the Ti substrate was adjusted to be 25 and 500 °C. The results show that the phase composition of (Ca + Co)P coatings depended on the phase composition of targets as well as on the temperature of the Ti substrate. The coating prepared at 25 °C using CS target consisted of three calcium phosphate phases, HAP, β–TCP and α–TCP; when the TSS target was used, the coating was biphasic, containing HAP and β–TCP. When the substrate was heated to 500 °C, regardless of whether the CS or the TSS target was used, the deposited coatings were composed of HAP and α–TCP. Due to different phase compositions, the (Ca + Co)P coatings deposited at 25 °C showed an improved hardness compared to those deposited at 500 °C. The obtained results confirmed that the phase composition, morphology and mechanical properties of 0.3 μm thick (Ca + Co)P coatings on a Ti substrate can be tailored by employing (Ca + Co)P targets with different microstructures, and also by varying the temperature of the Ti substrate during deposition experiments.

Inefficient relative price fluctuations

We measure the extent of inefficient fluctuations in the relative price of investment in the US using an estimated two-sector New Keynesian model. In the presence of these fluctuations, inefficiencies in the economy are summarized by the variation in the following policy objects: the relative price gap, sectoral output gaps, and sectoral price and wage inflation. The welfare-maximizing monetary authority cannot reduce the volatility of the relative price gaps due to nominal rigidity in both sectors. However, it can manage trade-offs among the other policy objects, both across and within sectors. Identifying the nature of shocks that drive the relative price of investment is important for central banks in deciding the optimal weights on sectoral price inflation under the composite inflation targeting rule. This is because the property of trade-offs depends on whether shocks alter the efficient relative price or not.

Barriers to Achieving Conservation Engineering Goals in Commercial Trawl Fisheries

The advancement of conservation practices in global trawl fisheries has been impeded in part by a lack of a collective understanding of the most relevant and broad-scale knowledge-needs, along with the identification of potential barriers to addressing these knowledge-needs. Using both an online survey and an in-person workshop, we engaged a diversity of fishing industry stakeholders including scientists, technology companies, trawl net makers, and fishermen working with North Pacific, United States, trawl fisheries to identify and prioritize areas in which further knowledge is required for successful implementation of conservation engineering practices. In addition, we identified barriers to addressing these knowledge-needs. Knowledge-needs related to fishing gear performance were identified among the top priorities, including several areas targeted at improving fishing efficiency that could further advance the sustainability of well-managed trawl fisheries. To better understand the composition and behavior of target versus non-target catch, workshop participants identified the importance of closing data and technology gaps. This highlights areas for potential collaboration between fishermen, researchers, and technology companies to address research prioritized by the end-user. Further, results from the workshop emphasized a need for industry-driven training and workshops focused on elevating fishermen skill for newer entrants through peer-learning and knowledge-sharing to achieve objectives like better non-target avoidance and increased fishing efficiency of the target species. Addressing these prioritized knowledge-needs, by first working toward overcoming the industry-identified barriers, may aid in increasing uptake of conservation practices, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of these fisheries and associated social-ecological systems.

Predictors of each quality of life dimension in Crohn’s disease patients initiating an anti-TNF treatment: differentiated effects of patient-, disease-, and treatment-related characteristics

Background and aims In Crohn’s disease (CD), a composite therapeutic target was recently recommended, including both objective measurement (endoscopic remission) and Patient-Reported Outcomes (resolution of abdominal pain and normalization of bowel function). All dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are impacted: not only bowel symptoms but also systemic symptoms, emotional wellbeing and social function. Thus, understanding the predictors of each HRQoL dimension would improve patient management. However, analysis of these factors has only been found in a few publications, with some limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the evolution of the HRQoL of CD patients during six months after initiation of anti-TNF and to identify its predictors. Methods We analyzed data of 56 patients included in a multicenter prospective cohort study (COQC-PIT). HRQoL measures (using IBDQ-32) and data related to patient, disease and treatment characteristics were collected every two months. Generalized estimating equations were used. Results Overall HRQoL was significantly improved 2 months after anti-TNF initiation, and then stagnated. Patient, disease, and treatment characteristics have differentiated impacts on the overall score and on each dimension of quality of life. Subcutaneous anti-TNF had no significant effect on overall HRQoL, improving only emotional function and bowel symptoms. Concomitant use of corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators impaired almost all dimensions. Having children or working altered bowel symptoms. Disease duration and active smoking negatively impact emotional function and systemic symptoms. Conclusions Each HRQoL dimension, not only bowel symptoms, and their influencing factors should therefore be considered in medical decision-making, especially in months following the initiation of a new treatment such as anti-TNF.

Modulation of miRISC-Mediated Gene Silencing in Eukaryotes.

Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels in eukaryotic cells. Regulation at the post-transcriptional level is modulated by various trans-acting factors that bind to specific sequences in the messenger RNA (mRNA). The binding of different trans factors influences various aspects of the mRNA such as degradation rate, translation efficiency, splicing, localization, etc. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous ncRNAs that combine with the Argonaute to form the microRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), which uses base-pair complementation to silence the target transcript. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) contribute to post-transcriptional control by influencing the mRNA stability and translation upon binding to cis-elements within the mRNA transcript. RBPs have been shown to impact gene expression through influencing the miRISC biogenesis, composition, or miRISC-mRNA target interaction. While there is clear evidence that those interactions between RBPs, miRNAs, miRISC and target mRNAs influence the efficiency of miRISC-mediated gene silencing, the exact mechanism for most of them remains unclear. This review summarizes our current knowledge on gene expression regulation through interactions of miRNAs and RBPs.

Mechanisms of Lian-Gui-Ning-Xin-Tang in the treatment of arrhythmia: Integrated pharmacology and in vivo pharmacological assessment

BackgroundLian-Gui-Ning-Xin-Tang (LGNXT), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been widely used in clinical practice and has shown satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of arrhythmias. However, its mechanism of action in the treatment of arrhythmias is still unknown. Moreover, the complex chemical composition and therapeutic targets of LGNXT pose a challenge in pharmacological research. PurposeTo analyze the active compounds and action mechanisms of LGNXT for the treatment of arrhythmias. MethodsHere, we used an integrated pharmacology approach to identify the potential active compounds and mechanisms of action of LGNXT in treating arrhythmias. Potential active compounds in LGNXT were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and the potential related targets of these compounds were predicted using an integrated in silico approach. The obtained targets were mapped onto relevant databases to identify their corresponding pathways, following the experiments that were conducted to confirm whether the presumptive results of systemic pharmacology were correct. ResultsEighty-three components were identified in herbal materials and in animal plasma using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and were considered the potential active components of LGNXT. Thirty key targets and 57 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified as possible targets and pathways involved in LGNXT-mediated treatment using network pharmacology, with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/Ca2+ system pathway being the most significantly affected. This finding was validated using an adrenaline (Adr)-induced rat model of arrhythmias. Pretreatment with LGNXT delayed the occurrence, shortened the duration, and reduced the severity of arrhythmias. LGNXT exerted antiarrhythmic effects by inhibiting cAMP, PKA, CACNA1C, and RyR2. ConclusionsThe findings of this study revealed that preventing intracellular Ca2+ overload and maintaining intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis may be the primary mechanisms of LGNXT in alleviating arrhythmias. Thus, we suggest that the β-adrenergic receptor (AR)/cAMP/PKA/Ca2+ system signaling hub may constitute a promising molecular target for the development of novel antiarrhythmic therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we believe that the approach of investigation of the biological effects of a multi-herbal formula by the combination of metabolomics and network pharmacology, as used in this study, could serve as a systematic model for TCM research.

Magnetron Sputtering High-Entropy Alloy Coatings: A Mini-Review

Surface coatings can enhance the substrate material’s properties and increase its lifetime. HEA-based materials have been extensively investigated as coating materials due to their superior hardness, excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, effective diffusion barrier properties and wear resistance. Magnetron sputtering has been regarded as one of the most efficient methods for the deposition of HEA-based thin films. Metallic- and nitride-based HEA coatings can be easily deposited by introducing N2 gas along with the Ar in the reaction chamber. The parameters such as target composition, bias voltage, sputtering power and notably, gas flow ratio, influence the thin film’s morphology and mechanical properties.