[Pulmonary co-infection with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Aspergillus: a case report]

Nocardia is a rarely encountered opportunistic gram-positive bacterium that exhibits marked invasiveness and dissemination. Typically, acquired through trauma or inhalation, this pathogen primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and is a potentially life-threatening risk in severe cases. Nocardia otitidiscaviarum is a particularly rare subtype of Nocardia infection, and the occurrence of concurrent Aspergillus infection is extremely rare. In cases where both infections manifest concomitantly, rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to facilitate the subsequent selection of appropriate anti-infective interventions. This paper reported the diagnostic and therapeutic experience in managing a case of pulmonary co-infection with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Aspergillus. The patient presented with an acute onset, rapid progression, and early manifestation of respiratory failure. The diagnostic process included respiratory pathogen culture and bronchoscopy, which was supplemented with targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). These comprehensive diagnostic modalities led to the identification of pulmonary co-infection with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Aspergillus. After adjustment of the antibiotic regimen, the patient's condition improved rapidly, culminating in a timely discharge.

Deep Learning-Based Synthesis of Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Automated Delineation of Primary Gross Tumor Volume in Radiotherapy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Contrast-enhanced MRIs are necessary to delineate the primary gross tumor volume (GTVp) in radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, using contrast agents to scan contrast-enhanced MRIs is not applicable to some patients due to metal implants or their allergy, and it increases the treatment cost of patients. To address these problems, this work aims at synthesizing contrast-enhance MRIs from unenhanced MRIs by implementing generative adversarial network (GAN).

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this work, 324 MRI datasets of patients with NPC were retrospectively collected between September 2016 and September 2017 from a single institute. MRI examinations were performed with un-enhanced T1-weighted (T1) and T2-weighted (T2) sequences, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1C) and fat-suppressed T1-weighted (T1FSC) sequences. We designed and developed a modified pix2pix network to synthesize T1C (sT1C) and T1FSC (sT1FSC) from real T1. The end of the generator in this network was assembled with multiple heads (the classification head and gradient head) to learn more representation information and features from real images, the discriminator in this network distinguished whether the synthesized image is real and fake and supervised that the generator outputs more realistic synthesized image. We verified the performance of the synthesized images for automated delineation of GTVp. In an independent testing set of 11 patients, the synthesized sT1C and sT1FSC were inputted into the segmentation deep learning network along with their corresponding T1 and T2 sequences to generate GTVp contours. Delineation performance of the synthesized images and real images for automated delineation were evaluated by dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and average surface distance (ASD), using human expert contours as the ground truth.

RESULTS

In automated contouring of GTVp for NPC, the segmentation deep learning network using one or two synthesized MRIs showed equivalent performance when compared with the automated contours which generated from four real MRI sequences. Mean DSCs between automated contours by sT1C-replaced or sT1C and sT1FSC-replaced network and ground truth contours were 0.726 ± 0.143 and 0.711 ± 0.157, respectively, slightly inferior to that of contours generated from four real MRI sequences (0.740 ± 0.154, both P >0.05). In terms of mean ASD, there was also no significant difference between automated contours generated from synthesized images and real images (3.056 ± 4.216 mm and 3.537 ± 4.793 mm vs. 3.124 ± 4.637 mm; both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We proposed an MRI-synthesis method based on GAN and the synthesized contrast-enhanced MRIs performed equivalent as the real contrast-enhanced MRIs in the automated delineation of gross tumor volume for radiotherapy of NPC.

An exploration of circular water management accountability: A case from Indonesia

Purpose

Palm oil is the leading commodity of the plantation sub-sector in Indonesia, providing a tremendous economic impact for the people and the government. However, the development of oil palm plantations raises the issue of environmental damage because oil palms use large quantities of water. The purpose of this study is to explore circular water management accountability practices through disclosures issued by each company and the effectiveness of water management voluntary disclosure under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards on increasing stakeholder trust and reducing information asymmetry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used secondary data collected from reports published by plantation sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and accessible online. Analysis was performed using the method of Miles and Huberman (1992): data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. Data reduction was conducted by identifying plantation sub-sector companies that reported water management practices consecutively from 2018 to 2020 and seeking all disclosures related to water management and circular water management practices with 3R indicators. Data presentation was carried out by presenting findings from circular water management disclosures and comparing inter-year circular water management accountability practices to examine reporting routines. Finally, conclusions were drawn and verified.

Findings

The results of this study show that only six of the 20 plantation sub-sector companies reported circular water management with 3R indicators for three consecutive years (2018-2020). Two of these six companies attached GRI index references to their reports consisting of GRI 303 (Water and Effluents) and GRI 306 (Waste), while the other four did not. In addition, water management voluntary disclosure under the GRI standards was shown to increase stakeholder trust and reduce information asymmetry.

Originality/value

This study raises the concepts of water accounting and circular water management accountability practices in plantation sub-sector companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

[Preparation and effect against cervical cancer invasion in vitro of harmine-loaded photosensitive liposomes]

Despite the development of HPV vaccines and screening programs, cervical cancer is still a serious threat to women's health. Early-stage cervical cancer is mainly treated by surgery. However, considering the serious complications after surgery, hyperthermia is recommended to enhance the effect of chemotherapy, retain the integrity of cervix, improve the treatment effect, which provides a therapeutic basis for the early treatment of cervical cancer. The photosensitive liposomes containing harmine and dye IR-780 were prepared by thin-film dispersion method and separated by Sephadex G-50 dextran gel column. The preparation conditions were optimized as the mass ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol membrane material being 8∶1 and that of drug to lipid being 1∶20. The results of HPLC showed that the encapsulation efficiency of harmine was 55.6%±0.18%. The prepared photosensitive liposomes were round and evenly distributed under transmission electron microscope, with the particle size of(125.2±0.62) nm determined by Marvin particle size analyzer and the Zeta potential of(-2.55±0.76) mV. Additionally, the photosensitive liposomes had the photothermal conversion efficiency, an important property of photothermal agent, of 27.1%±0.86%. The photosensitive liposomes stored at 4 ℃ showed stable encapsulation efficiency in the first 14 days without flocculation. The sulforhodamine B(SRB) assay was employed to determine the inhibitory effect of the liposomes on the proliferation of HeLa cells under near-infrared(NIR) irradiation or not, which showcased stronger inhibitory effect under NIR irradiation. The results of Transwell assay indicated that the prepared liposomes significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HeLa cells in vitro. The findings of this study provide a basis for the treatment of cervical cancer with harmine.

Current Perspectives on Ligand-Binding Assay Practices in the Quantification of Circulating Therapeutic Proteins for Biosimilar Biological Product Development

Bioanalysis in biosimilar biological product development (BPD) plays a critical role in demonstrating pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity across products. The 2018 FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation guidance for industry provides general principles in the development, validation, and conduct of bioanalytical assays. Given that the PK similarity assessment in BPD programs involves two or more non-identical products, there are additional considerations for bioanalytical methods. Here in, we provide our perspectives on the definition of (1) a single bioanalytical method in the context of BPD in supporting a PK similarity study, (2) bioanalytical method comparability during accuracy and precision experiments to determine the potential bias difference prior to assessing other validation parameters, and (3) bioanalytical method validations that support PK similarity assessments.

Retrospective Analysis of Bioanalytical Method Validation Approaches in Biosimilar Biological Product Development

Development and validation of a bioanalytical method for biosimilar biological product development (BPD) can be challenging. It requires the development of a bioanalytical method that reliably and accurately measures both proposed biosimilar and reference products in a biological matrix. This survey summarizes the current state of bioanalysis in BPD. Bioanalytical data from 28 biosimilar biologic license applications submitted to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) up to December 2018 were analyzed. The aim of the analysis was to provide (i) a summary of the bioanalytical landscape for BPD, (ii) a cumulative review of bioanalytical method validation approaches to aid in understanding how a specific method was selected, and (iii) a summary of data regarding bioanalytical bias differences between products. Results show diversity of the bioanalytical approaches used, as well as the observed differences in bioanalytical bias. Our findings highlight the need for understanding the critical aspects of BPD bioanalysis and clarifying BPD bioanalytical best practices, which could help ensure consistent method validation approaches in the BPD community.

[Clinical features and MYH9 gene variant in two Chinese siblings with Fechtner syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the clinical data and molecular characteristics of two siblings with Fechtner syndrome. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data, laboratory tests and genetic test results of two siblings with Fechtner syndrome in a family who were followed up in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to August 2018. Results: Both siblings showed proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and thrombocytopenia. Giant platelets and leucocyte inclusions were easily seen in peripheral blood smears and bone marrow cells, but the results of renal function, hearing and ophthalmologic examinations were normal. The father of the siblings presented with proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, and hearing loss. At the age of 26 years, he developed uremia and now requires hemodialysis. The renal biopsy of the elder sister suggested focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Gene analysis showed that the siblings and their father MYH9 gene 25 exon c.3195_c.3215 delCGAGCTCCAGCCCAGATCGC (p.A1065_A1072 del) deletion mutation. The elder sister was treated with benazepril hydrochloride for 4 months and the proteinuria was improved. Her younger brother was given tacrolimus for 3 months, but the proteinuria did not improve significantly, then benazepril hydrochloride was given for 1 month and proteinuria improved. Conclusions: Fechtner syndrome is characterized by nephritis, thrombocytopenia, giant platelets and leucocyte inclusions. The variant of MYH9 gene is the cause of Fechtner syndrome. The deletion mutation of p.A1065_A1072del is the second international report. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be effective in reducing proteinuria in patients with Fechtner syndrome.

[A multicenter study of reference intervals for 15 laboratory parameters in Chinese children]

Objective: To establish comprehensive laboratory reference intervals for Chinese children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study. From June 2013 to December 2014, eligible healthy children aged from 6-month to 17-year were enrolled from 20 medical centers with informed consent. They were assessed by physical examination, questionnaire survey and abdominal ultrasound for eligibility. Fasting blood samples were collected and delivered to central laboratory. Measurements of 15 clinical laboratory parameters were performed, including estradiol (E2), testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), alanine transaminase(ALT), serum creatinine(Scr), cystatin C, immunoglobulin A(IgA), immunoglobulin G(IgG), immunoglobulin M(IgM), complement (C3, C4), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), uric acid(UA) and creatine kinase(CK). Reference intervals were established according to central 95% confidence intervals for reference population, stratified by age and sex. Results: In total, 2 259 children were enrolled. Finally, 1 648 children were eligible for this study, including 830 boys and 818 girls, at a mean age of 7.4 years. Age- and sex- specific reference intervals have been established for the parameters. Reference intervals of sex hormones increased gradually with age. Concentrations of ALT, cystatin C, ALP and CK were higher in children under 2 years old. Serum levels of sex hormones, creatinine, immunoglobin, CK, ALP and urea increased rapidly in adolescence, with significant sex difference. In addition, reference intervals were variable depending on assay methods. Concentrations of ALT detected by reagents with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate(PLP) were higher than those detected by reagents without PLP. Compared with enzymatic method, Jaffe assay always got higher results of serum creatinine, especially in children younger than 9 years old. Conclusion: This study established age- and sex- specific reference intervals, for 15 clinical laboratory parameters based on defined healthy children.

[A novel nanoparticle in treatment of staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms]

Objective:To investigate CPC-nanoparticles of low concentrations in treatment of staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in vitro. Method: We established specific biofilms of staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15692, and prepared CPC-nanoparticles and CPC micelle solutions of low concentrations(0.010%, 0.025% and 0.050%). AlamarBlue was used to test the viability of both planktonic staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa and their biofilms after treatment for 5 minutes and 2 hours respectively in the bactericidal efficacy study.The interaction between CPC-nanoparticles and staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM). Result: 0.010%, 0.025% and 0.050% CPC-nanoparticles and CPC-micelle solutions had significant bactericidal effect on planktonic staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa after fiveminute exposure(P<0.05), and staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms after both five-minute and two-hour treatments(P<0.05). In CLSM study, the size of staphylococcus aureus biofilms decreased, while dead bacteria of pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms increased after two-hour treatment. Conclusion: CPC-nanoparticles had significant bactericidal effects on staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, which could be used in treatment of CRS.

[The clinical significance of EBV DNA analysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening]

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the value of EBV DNA monitor in high risk population of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Method:A total of 366 cases of NPC at high risk were screened for 15 864 cases by ELISA, and 262 cases were randomly selected from low-risk groups. Fifty-eight nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were also involved. EBV DNA was detected by PCR in 366 NPC high risk patients and followed up for 1 year. The clinical significance of EBV-DNA in screening NPC was compared. Result:The positive rate of EBV-DNA test was 12.0% in primary screening, EBV-DNA test in primary screening was 3.4% in low-risk population, and EBV-DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 91.4%, The positive rate of the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.01); After one year follow-up, a total of 267 cases returned visit. Positive rate of group A with continuous high risk was significantly higher than group B who was high risk at the first time of visit and non high risk at returned visit (P＜0.05). Conclusion:Quantitative analysis of plasma EBV DNA in high risk population can supply serological risk assessment. It can elevate the efficiency of screening and has significant application value for NPC high risk population.

[Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells regulate adaptive immune tolerance in the liver]

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are a major group of nonparenchymal cells in the liver and are involved in immunological surveillance of the liver through the expression of various scavenger receptors and pattern recognition receptors. However, in case of several physiological states, viral infections, and tumor environment, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells maintain immune tolerance in the liver through various mechanisms and cause persistent viral infection and tumor metastasis. This article reviews the mechanisms of immune tolerance of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells in the liver induced by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

[Manifestations of PET/CT Imaging in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the PET/CT features of primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of PET/CT imaging manifestations and clinical data was performed in 4 PCNSL cases which were confirmed by surgery or stereotactic pathologic biopsy.

RESULTS

The pathologic biopsy in 4 patients all showed diffuse large B cell lymphoma with a total of 8 lesions. All cases were performed with ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging except 1 patient simultaneously with ¹⁸F-FLT PET/CT imaging in the brain. Single lesion was found in 2 cases which both were located in the left frontal lobe. Multiple lesions were found in 2 cases, out of them 1 case located in the corpus callosum and the right lateral ventricle Angle, and the other 1 located in dual lateral ventricle and pineal region. In ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT image, 4 patients were characterized by high metabolism, even higher than the surrounding brain tissue. The patient which underwent ¹⁸F-FLT PET/CT imaging was also presented with high metabolism and had better Target and non-target ratio(T/N). 3 cases with surrounded by edema and 2 cases with area of cystic necrosis.

CONCLUSION

PCNSL are characterized by high metabolism in ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images and can better contrast with the surrounding normal brain. Combined use of other tracer such as ¹⁸F-FLT can improve the diagnostic value of PET/CT in PCNSL.

γ-Synuclein Expression Is a Malignant Index in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Dysregulation of γ-synuclein (SNCG) has been reported in many cancers; however, its role in cancer development is still controversial. Here, we examined the potential involvement of DNA methylation in regulating SNCG and its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We used 8 OSCC cell lines to investigate SNCG methylation and expression. SNCG methylation was examination by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfate sequencing. Cells showing a high degree of SNCG methylation were treated with 5-aza (methylation inhibitor), and changes in their methylation and expression profiles were analyzed. Functional effects of SNCG in OSCC were examined by its overexpression and knockdown. Additionally, methylation and expression of SNCG in OSCC tissues were investigated and correlated with clinicopathologic features. All OSCC cells showed detectable SNCG expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfate sequencing revealed high SNCG expression in SCC25 cells with the unmethylated allele, and their 15 CpG islands were unmethylated. The methylated allele was detected only in OEC-M1 cells exhibiting low SNCG expression, and their CpG islands were partially methylated. 5-aza treatment in OEC-M1 cells attenuated methylation and restored SNCG expression. SNCG overexpression increased colony forming, migration, and invasion abilities in OEC-M1 cells. Silencing SNCG in SCC25 cells suppressed these behaviors. All 25 tumor-adjacent normal tissues were negative for SNCG immunostaining. SNCG upregulation was frequently observed in dysplastic and OSCC tissues. Positive SNCG expression was found in 45% (37 of 82) OSCC tissues. Positive SNCG expression in OSCC significantly correlated with cancer staging and lymph node metastasis. However, SNCG methylation did not correlate with its expression and clinicopathologic variables in OSCC tissues. DNA methylation may participate in regulating SNCG expression in some OSCC cells. SNCG upregulation could be involved in OSCC progression.

Long-term combined chemical and manure fertilizations increase soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in aggregate fractions at three typical cropland soils in China

Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) are important factors of soil fertility. However, effects of the combined chemical fertilizer and organic manure or straw on these factors and their relationships are less addressed under long-term fertilizations. This study addressed changes in SOC, TN, MBC and MBN at 0-20 cm soil depth under three 17 years (September 1990-September 2007) long-term fertilization croplands along a heat and water gradient in China. Four soil physical fractions (coarse free and fine free particulate organic C, cfPOC and ffPOC; intra-microaggregate POC, iPOC; and mineral associated organic C, MOC) were examined under five fertilizations: unfertilized control, chemical nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (NPK), NPK plus straw (NPKS, hereafter straw return), and NPK plus manure (NPKM and 1.5NPKM, hereafter manure). Compared with Control, manure significantly increased all tested parameters. SOC and TN in fractions distributed as MOC > iPOC > cfPOC > ffPOC with the highest increase in cfPOC (329.3%) and cfPTN (431.1%), and the lowest in MOC (40.8%) and MTN (45.4%) under manure. SOC significantly positively correlated with MBC, cfPOC, ffPOC, iPOC and MOC (R(2) = 0.51-0.84, P < 0.01), while TN with cfPTN, ffPTN, iPTN and MTN (R(2) = 0.45-0.79, P < 0.01), but not with MBN, respectively. Principal component analyses explained 86.9-91.2% variance of SOC, TN, MBC, MBN, SOC and TN in each fraction. Our results demonstrated that cfPOC was a sensitive SOC indicator and manure addition was the best fertilization for improving soil fertility while straw return should take into account climate factors in Chinese croplands.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus in HIV-infected patients in Guangdong, China

This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HIV-infected adults at the time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in Guangdong province, China. A total of 2793 HIV-infected adults were enrolled between January 2004 and September 2011. Demographic data and laboratory parameters were collected, HBV-DNA levels were measured, and HBV genotypes were identified before ART initiation. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in HIV-infected patients was 13.2%. A total of 266 HIV/HBV co-infected patients and 1469 HIV mono-infected patients were recruited. The median alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels of HIV/HBV co-infected patients were higher than HIV mono-infected patients (32 U/L vs. 22 U/L, p < 0.001 and 35 U/L vs. 24 U/L, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas the median CD4 cell count of HIV/HBV co-infected patients was lower than HIV mono-infected patients (59 cells/mm(3) vs. 141 cells/mm(3), p < 0.001). The level of CD4 cell count was lower in hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive co-infected patients than HBeAg-negative patients (36 cells/mm(3) vs. 69 cells/mm(3), p = 0.014). A similar result was found in high level of HBV-DNA and low level of HBV-DNA groups (33 cells/mm(3) vs. 89 cells/mm(3), p < 0.001). HBV genotypes were classified as genotypes B and C. Patients infected with genotypes B and C differed significantly in terms of proportion of those who were HBeAg-positive (40.5% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.014). This study indicates a high prevalence of HBsAg in HIV-infected adults in Guangdong. The level of CD4 cell count in HIV/HBV co-infected patients was much lower than HIV mono-infected patients, especially in patients who were HBeAg-positive and had a high level of HBV-DNA. The predominant HBV genotype in HIV/HBV co-infected patients is genotype B.

Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling to Support Dose Selection: Report of an FDA Public Workshop on PBPK

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public workshop, entitled "Application of Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling to Support Dose Selection focused on the role of PBPK in drug development and regulation. Representatives from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies discussed the issues within plenary and panel discussions. This report summarizes the discussions and provides current perspectives on the application of PBPK in different areas, including its utility, predictive performance, and reporting for regulatory submissions.

Biological mechanism analysis of acute renal allograft rejection: integrated of mRNA and microRNA expression profiles

OBJECTIVES

Renal transplantation is the preferred method for most patients with end-stage renal disease, however, acute renal allograft rejection is still a major risk factor for recipients leading to renal injury. To improve the early diagnosis and treatment of acute rejection, study on the molecular mechanism of it is urgent.

METHODS

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profile and mRNA expression profile of acute renal allograft rejection and well-functioning allograft downloaded from ArrayExpress database were applied to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and DE mRNAs. DE miRNAs targets were predicted by combining five algorithm. By overlapping the DE mRNAs and DE miRNAs targets, common genes were obtained. Differentially co-expressed genes (DCGs) were identified by differential co-expression profile (DCp) and differential co-expression enrichment (DCe) methods in Differentially Co-expressed Genes and Links (DCGL) package. Then, co-expression network of DCGs and the cluster analysis were performed. Functional enrichment analysis for DCGs was undergone.

RESULTS

A total of 1270 miRNA targets were predicted and 698 DE mRNAs were obtained. While overlapping miRNA targets and DE mRNAs, 59 common genes were gained. We obtained 103 DCGs and 5 transcription factors (TFs) based on regulatory impact factors (RIF), then built the regulation network of miRNA targets and DE mRNAs. By clustering the co-expression network, 5 modules were obtained. Thereinto, module 1 had the highest degree and module 2 showed the most number of DCGs and common genes. TF CEBPB and several common genes, such as RXRA, BASP1 and AKAP10, were mapped on the co-expression network. C1R showed the highest degree in the network. These genes might be associated with human acute renal allograft rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

We conducted biological analysis on integration of DE mRNA and DE miRNA in acute renal allograft rejection, displayed gene expression patterns and screened out genes and TFs that may be related to acute renal allograft rejection.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling: from regulatory science to regulatory policy

Assessment of controllable sources of intra- and interpatient variability in drug response is of critical importance in the regulatory evaluation of new drugs.(1) Although determinants of response variability would ideally be understood and accounted for before approval of a new pharmaceutical product, this is rarely the case for all; clinical trials in specific populations that definitively test optimal dosing in patient management strategies are not routinely performed prior to drug approval.

[Photoluminescence of in-doped zinc oxide nanopowders synthesized by precipitation method]

In-doped ZnO nanopowders were prepared by precipitation. The influence of the processing parameters, such as In doping concentration, calcination temperature, reactant ratio and type of precipitant on the grain size, structure and photolumines cence (PL) of In/ZnO nanopowders was detailed analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectrum. The experimental results indicated that with the increase in the In doping level (the molar ratio of In3+ /Zn2+ increased from 0%. to 5%), the crystallization and the UV emission of ZnO nanopowders were reduced because of the increase of impurity defects. And the UV emission band would have a red-shift from 389 to 419 nm, which could be resulted from the effects of merging of donor and conduction bands, and potential fluctuations of impurity energy level. The calcination temperature will play an important role in synthesis of luminescence materials. When the calcination temperature was raised from 500 to 600 degrees C, the grain size of In/ZnO nanopowder increased gradually, and the dominated UV emission band was improved due to the enhanced crystallization of the nanopowder. If the temperature was raised up to 800 degrees C, the crystallization of the sample was further improved, leading to an enhanced intensity of UV emission Additionally, near this temperature, the oxygen vacancy is easier to be produced owing to the improvement of the kinetic energy for the ions in lattice, which induces in the enhancement of the green emission band peaking at 525 nrn. For the temperature up to 1,000 degrees C, the UV emission band was suppressed due to the production of excessive oxygen vacancy, and the In/ZnO nanopowder exhibited a dominated green emission. The luminescence performance of the In/ZnO nanopowder is also much affected by the reactant ratio. The reaction rate is improved by the increase of the NH4 HCO3 / Zn(NO3)2 molar ratio, which will decrease both grain size of In/ZnO nanopowder and emission intensity of UV band. Furthermore, the effect of the precipitant on the luminescence was examined. It is obviously that the NH4 HCO3 and NaOH precipitants will remarkably affect the crystallization of the precursor powder, but nearly have no effect on the luminescence property of the final nanopowder products.

Superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach: a better method of dose optimization to protect the parotid gland in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

We used a superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach for dose optimization with better protection for the parotid glands in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (imrt) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (npc) patients.

METHODS

Compared with traditional contouring of the entire parotid glands as organs at risk (oars) in imrt for npc, we used a superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach of contouring the superficial parotid lobes as oars. Changes in dose to the parotid glands, the targets, and other oars were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean dose to the parotid glands overall decreased by more than 4 Gy in the test plans. Impressively, the mean dose to the superficial parotid lobes in the test plans was not more than 30 Gy, regardless of clinical stage. In T1-3 npc patients, the dose distributions for targets were not significantly different in the control plans and the test plans. However, for some T4 patients, the dose distributions for targets and brainstem in the test plans could not meet clinical requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

The superficial parotid lobe-sparing delineation approach can significantly lower the mean dose to the entire parotid and to the superficial parotid lobe in T1-3 npc patients, which would be expected to result in less xerostomia and better quality of life for those patients.

A possible solution for charge sensing in vertical double quantum dots

We report the observation of a peculiar charge stability diagram of a vertical double quantum dot, where the conventional Coulomb diamond edges have a sawtooth-like shape. This feature could be understood if we assume the formation of a third quantum dot in the semiconductor volume which is supposed to be a part of the source in the standard quantum dot measurement circuit. The size of this additional dot is larger compared to the size of the original ones, thus the charging energy is smaller, but it still exceeds the thermal energy and affects the electron transport through the structure. Since the big dot is coupled to small ones, the observed effect could be utilized for charge detection, which has always been a problem in the case of vertical quantum dots.

Luminescence behavior of Li2 Sr1-3x/2 Eux SiO4 red phosphors for LED applications

Red-emitting Li(2)Sr(1-3x/2)Eux SiO4 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) phosphors were synthesized at 900 °C in air by a solid-state reaction. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence (PL) excitation (PLE) and PL spectra. The results from the PLE spectra suggest that the strong 394 nm excitation peak associated with the (5) L6 state of Eu(3+) ions is of significance for near ultraviolet pumped white light-emitting diodes and solid-state lighting. It is also noted that the position of the charge transfer state of Eu(3+) ions shifts towards the higher energy side (blue shift) by increasing the content of Eu(3+) ions. The predominant emissions of Eu(3+) ions under 394 nm excitation are observed at 580, 593, 614, 656 and 708 nm, which are attributed to the (5) D0 → (7)FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4), respectively. The PL results reveal that the optimal content of the red-emitting Li2 Sr(1-3x/2)Eux SiO4 phosphors is x = 0.475. Simulation of the white light excited by 394 nm near ultraviolet light has also been carried out for its potential white light-emitting diode applications.

Transporter studies in drug development: experience to date and follow-up on decision trees from the International Transporter Consortium

The International Transporter Consortium (ITC) organized a second workshop in March 2012 to expand on the themes developed during the inaugural ITC workshop held in 2008. The final session of the workshop provided perspectives from regulatory and industry-based scientists, with input from academic scientists, and focused primarily on the decision trees published from the first workshop. These decision trees have become a central part of subsequent regulatory drug-drug interaction (DDI) guidances issued over the past few years.

[Growth and red luminescence suppression of gamma-Cu I single crystal]

Transparent gamma-Cu I crystal with size about 9 mm x 9 mm x 1 mm was grown by using optimized solvent evaporation method with gamma-Cu I powders as raw material and acetonitrile as solvent. The results of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) showed that the proportions of copper and iodine in as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal were 53.1 and 46.9 mol%, respectively. By iodine doping into growth solution, the proportions of copper and iodine were adjusted to 50.4 and 49.6 mol%, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) showed that the as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal had an emission at 410 nm and an emission band around 720 nm. After iodine doping, the emission band around 720 nm was suppressed while other two weak emissions at 424 and 474 nm appeared. X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) showed that the as-grown gamma-Cu I crystal had an emission at 435 nm and an emission band around 720 nm. After iodine doping, the emission band around 720 nm was suppressed. Comparing the emission spectra before and after iodine doping, it is clear that red luminescence in gamma-Cu I crystal could be suppressed by iodine doping. The effect originated from the reduction of iodine vacancy in the crystal, but not from the iodine adsorbtion on the surface.

Universal Data Warehousing Based on a Meta-Data Modeling Approach

Data warehouse contains vast amount of data to support complex queries of various Decision Support Systems (DSSs). It needs to store materialized views of data, which must be available consistently and instantaneously. Using a frame metadata model, this paper presents an architecture of a universal data warehousing with different data models. The frame metadata model represents the metadata of a data warehouse, which structures an application domain into classes, and integrates schemas of heterogeneous databases by capturing their semantics. A star schema is derived from user requirements based on the integrated schema, catalogued in the metadata, which stores the schema of relational database (RDB) and object-oriented database (OODB). Data materialization between RDB and OODB is achieved by unloading source database into sequential file and reloading into target database, through which an object relational view can be defined so as to allow the users to obtain the same warehouse view in different data models simultaneously. We describe our procedures of building the relational view of star schema by multidimensional SQL query, and the object oriented view of the data warehouse by Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) through method call, derived from the integrated schema. To validate our work, an application prototype system has been developed in a product sales data warehousing domain based on this approach.

Core/shell structured NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+/Gd+3 nanorods with Au nanoparticles or shells for flexible amorphous silicon solar cells

A simple approach for preparing near-infrared (NIR) to visible upconversion (UC) NaYF4:Yb/Er/Gd nanorods in combination with gold nanostructures has been reported. The grown UC nanomaterials with Au nanostructures have been applied to flexible amorphous silicon solar cells on the steel substrates to investigate their responses to sub-bandgap infrared irradiation. Photocurrent–voltage measurements were performed on the solar cells. It was demonstrated that UC of NIR light led to a 16-fold to 72-fold improvement of the short-circuit current under 980 nm illumination compared to a cell without upconverters. A maximum current of 1.16 mA was obtained for the cell using UC nanorods coated with Au nanoparticles under 980 nm laser illumination. This result corresponds to an external quantum efficiency of 0.14% of the solar cell. Mechanisms of erbium luminescence in the grown UC nanorods were analyzed and discussed.

Improving image quality of x-ray in-line phase contrast imaging using an image restoration method

For practical application of x-ray in-line phase contrast imaging, a high-quality image is essential for object perceptibility and quantitative imaging. The existing approach to improve image quality is limited by high cost and physical limitations of the acquisition hardware. A useful image restoration algorithm based on fast wavelet transform is proposed. It takes advantage of degradation model and extends the modulation transform function (MTF) compensation algorithm from Fourier domain to wavelet domain. The modified algorithm is evaluated through comparison with the conventional MTF compensation algorithm. Its deblurring property is also characterized with the evaluation parameters of image quality. The results demonstrate that the modified algorithm is fast and robust, and it can effectively restore both the lost detail and edge information while ringing artifacts are reduced.

Large-scale growth of Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4/Cu2ZnSnS4 core/shell nanowires

We present a fast and simple protocol for large-scale preparation of quaternary Cu(2)ZnSnSe(4) (CZTSe), as well as CZTSe/Cu(2)ZnSnS(4) (CZTS) core/shell nanowires using CuSe nanowire bundles as self-sacrificial templates. CuSe nanowire bundles were synthesized by reacting Cu(2 - x)Se nanowire bundles with sodium citrate solution. CZTSe nanowires were prepared by reacting CuSe nanowire bundles with Zn(CH(3)COO)(2) and SnCl(2) in triethylene glycol. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction studies show that stannite CZTSe is formed. The formed CZTSe nanowire bundles have diameters of 200-400 nm and lengths of up to hundreds of micrometers. CZTSe/CZTS nanocable bundles with similar morphologies were grown by the addition of some elemental sulfur to the reaction system for growth of CZTSe bundles. The stannite CZTSe/kesterite CZTS core/shell structure of the grown nanocables was confirmed by XRD and high-resolution transmission electron microscope investigation. The influence of S/Se molar ratio in the reaction system on the crystallographic structures and optical properties of CZTSe/CZTS nanocables was studied. The obtained CZTSe/CZTS core/shell nanocable bundles show broad and enhanced optical absorption over the visible and near-infrared region, which is promising for use in photovoltaic applications.

[Energy response of Tb(3+)-doped silicate scintillating glass to hard X-ray]

Tb(3+)-doped silicate scintillating glass was made by high temperature melt-quenching method and the energy response to hard X-ray (from 5 to 80 keV) was measured. The response of photocurrent of silicate scintillating glass to X-ray (with various energy) is nonlinear. It was noted that the change in nonlinearity around 8 and 50 keV is obvious. This phenomenon is concerned with the production of abundant electrons when the scintillating glass absorbed X-ray and the energy response of scintillating glass to electrons.

[Modification and luminescence properties of transparent Lu2SiO5 : Ce3+ thin-film phosphors]

To achieve high-spatial-resolution for X-ray imaging and flat panel display, transparent thin-film phosphors have been attracted much attention in recent years. In comparison with conventional powder phosphors, the transparent thin-film phosphors have some outstanding advantages such as high contrast and resolution, superior thermal conductivity and better adhesion. Cerium-doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate Lu2 SiO5 (LSO) is one promising candidate due to its high density (7.4 g x cm(-3)), high light yield (27 300 photons x MeV(-1)), short decay time (40 ns), and excellent chemical stability. The sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for deposition of functional thin films, because it possesses a number of advantages over conventional film formation techniques, such as low processing temperature, easy coating of large surfaces, homogenous multicomponent films, and cheap equipments. In X-ray imaging application, the thickness of the thin-film phosphor is the most important factor, which can increase X-ray absorption of the film and then strengthen its luminescence intensity. In the present work, transparent LSO : Ce film was successfully prepared using sol-gel method and spin-coating technique by using inorganic salts as raw materials, 2-methoxyethanol as solvent, and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as modifier without inert atmosphere. The effect of PEG on the luminescence properties of the film was investigated in detail. The results indicated that PEG200 played an important role in the formation of LSO : Ce film, improving its quality and luminescent intensity. The film thickness of 0.9 microm was achieved after 5 times of coating. The luminescence properties of the film were studied. Their performances were good, which implied that the film would have promising applications in high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging and flat panel display devices.

Migrating Legacy Systems to Web Services Architecture

The lifecycle of information system (IS) became relatively shorter compared with earlier days as a result of information technology (IT) revolution and advancement. It is tremendous difficult for an old architecture to catch up with the dynamic changes occurred in the market. To match with the fast pace of challenges, enterprises have to use the technology/concept of information system reengineering (ISR) to preserve the value of their legacy systems. Consequently, web services-based systems with Service- Oriented Architecture (SOA) are widely accepted as one of the possible solutions for an enterprise information system to retain/keep its old legacy systems. Using this aforementioned architecture, enterprise information systems tend to be more flexible and agile to fit into the capricious business environment, and thus, be easier to integrate with additional applications. In other words, it is indeed an essential requirement for an enterprise to establish such a system to further improve corporation’s productivity and operational efficiency. In specific, the requirement is simply to migrate the legacy systems to be SOA architecture. However, it is a trade-off between the value of legacy systems and the compatibility with SOA to decide whether this alternative is a feasible one. The purpose of this manuscript is to propose a migrating solution to convert the architecture of the legacy system into SOA with a systematic approach. This proposed methodology is different from the traditional object-oriented approaches, which migrates the system to have a services-oriented focus without incorporating general objected-oriented (OO) or functional oriented feature. In this study, a case study and information capacity theory were employed to verify/validate that this approach is indeed an effective and a practicable one.

Porous Alumina Films with Width-Controllable Alumina Stripes

Porous alumina films had been fabricated by anodizing from aluminum films after an electropolishing procedure. Alumina stripes without pores can be distinguished on the surface of the porous alumina films. The width of the alumina stripes increases proportionally with the anodizing voltage. And the pores tend to be initiated close to the alumina stripes. These phenomena can be ascribed to the electric field distribution in the alumina barrier layer caused by the geometric structure of the aluminum surface.

Spin bottleneck in resonant tunneling through double quantum dots with different Zeeman splittings

We investigated the electron transport property of the InGaAs/GaAs double quantum dots, the electron g factors of which are different from each other. We found that in a magnetic field, the resonant tunneling is suppressed even if one of the Zeeman sublevels is aligned. This is because the other misaligned Zeeman sublevels limit the total current. A finite broadening of the misaligned sublevel partially relieves this bottleneck effect, and the maximum current is reached when interdot detuning is half the Zeeman energy difference.

[Preparation and luminescence properties of transparent Gd2O3 : Eu thick film]

High-resolution X-ray imaging systems require materials with good scintillation performances, especially X-ray absorption performance. Compared with powder phosphors display devices, those with transparent crystalline phosphors are very interesting due to their higher contrast and resolution for having no optical scattering, superior thermal conductivity as well as high degree of uniformity and better adhesion. Europium-doped gadolinlum oxide is a promising candidate due to its high density (7.62 g x cm(-3)), good light yield (18.5 x 10(3) photons/MeV), and the red emission of Eu3+ ion. The sol-gel method is one of the most important techniques for deposition of functional films, because it possesses a number of advantages over conventional film formation techniques, such as low processing temperature, easy coating of large surfaces, and homogenous multicomponent oxide films. In X-ray imaging application, the thickness of the film is the most important factor for commercial use, which can increase X-ray absorption of the film and then strengthen its luminescence yield. In the present work, transparent Gd2 O3 : Eu3+ thick film was successfully prepared using sol-gel method and spin-coating technique by choosing Ln2 O3 (Ln = Gd, Eu) as raw materials, 2-methoxyethanol as solvent, PVP as adhesive and PEG200 as surface modifier. The film was homogeneous and crack free. The thickness of the film could achieve 1.5 microm after 2 times of coating, and its transmittance was approximately 80% in visible region. It was shown that PVP played an important role in film preparation, which could suppress stress and increase viscidity of the sol. In addition, the excitation, emission and decay time of the Gd2 O3 : Eu3+ scintillator film were studied. Their performances were quite good, which implied that the film would have promising applications in high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging and flat panel display devices.

[Luminescence properties of silane coupling agent modified stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass]

In the present work, the SnF2 powder was modified by silane coupling agent KBM403. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) of the modified powder showed that KBM403 was absorbed on the surface of SnF2 particles through physical absorption besides a weak chemical absorption. Then the SnF2 powder was modified by the solution dissolved with stilbene 3. The modified SnF2 powder could improve the decentralization of stilbene 3 dopant. An organic-inorganic hybrid luminescence glass was prepared by doping the modified SnF2 powder with stilbene 3 into the low melting lead-tin-fluorophosphate (PTFP) glass. The excitation, emission and transmission (absorption) spectra were used to characterize the hybrid glass. The results showed that introducing KBM403 could improve solubility and decentralization of stilbene 3 in PTFP glass, reduce the concentration of stilbene 3 dimers, and increase the transparency and homogeneity of the glass. Meanwhile, the luminescence intensity of stilbene 3 in this hybrid glass increased evidently compared with that of the stilbene 3 doped glass. The effect was assumed to be the reduction of the quenching of luminescence from stilbene 3 dimer and the enhancement of the rigidity of stilbene 3 molecules due to the interaction between KBM403 and stilbene 3.

Disruption of nNOS-PSD95 protein-protein interaction inhibits acute thermal hyperalgesia and chronic mechanical allodynia in rodents

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) contains three PSD95/Dosophilia disc large/ZO-1 homology domains and links neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor. This report assesses the effects of disruption of the protein-protein interaction between nNOS and PSD95 on pain sensitivity in rodent models of hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We generated two molecules that interfered with the nNOS-PSD95 interaction: IC87201, a small molecule inhibitor; and tat-nNOS (residues 1-299), a cell permeable fusion protein containing the PSD95 binding domain of nNOS. We then characterized these inhibitors using in vitro and in vivo models of acute hyperalgesia and chronic allodynia, both of which are thought to require nNOS activation.

KEY RESULTS

IC87201 and tat-nNOS (1-299) inhibited the in vitro binding of nNOS with PSD95, without inhibiting nNOS catalytic activity. Both inhibitors also blocked NMDA-induced 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in primary hippocampal cultures. Intrathecal administration of either inhibitor potently reversed NMDA-induced thermal hyperalgesia in mice. At anti-hyperalgesic doses, there was no effect on acute pain thresholds or motor coordination. Intrathecal administration of IC87201 and tat-nNOS also reversed mechanical allodynia induced by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

nNOS-PSD95 interaction is important in maintaining hypersensitivity in acute and chronic pain. Disruption of the nNOS-PSD95 interaction provides a novel approach to obtain selective anti-hyperalgesic compounds.

PAUF functions in the metastasis of human pancreatic cancer cells and upregulates CXCR4 expression

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by early metastatic spread, but the process of tumor cell dissemination is largely unknown. In this study we show that the soluble protein pancreatic adenocarcinoma upregulated factor (PAUF) has an important role in the metastasis and progression of the disease. Variations in the level of PAUF, either by overexpression or knockdown, resulted in altered migration, invasion and proliferation capacity of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, depletion of PAUF in metastatic cells dramatically abrogated the spread of the cells to distant organs in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. PAUF elicited the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and AKT intracellular signaling cascades and consequently their downstream transcription factors in an autocrine manner. Genome-wide expression analysis revealed that C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression was induced by PAUF overexpression but was repressed by PAUF knockdown. The PAUF-mediated increase in cancer cell motility was attenuated by the CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, or by anti-CXCR4 antibody. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic tumor tissues clearly showed a significant positive correlation between PAUF and CXCR4 expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that PAUF enhances the metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells, at least in part, by upregulating CXCR4 expression.

[Development of X-ray excited fluorescence spectrometer]

An X-ray excited fluorescence spectrometer was developed with an X-ray tube and a spectrometer. The X-ray tube, spectrometer, autocontrol method and data processing selected were roundly evaluated. The wavelength and detecting efficiency of the apparatus were calibrated with the mercury and tungsten bromine standard lamps, and the X-ray excited emission spectra of BaF2, Cs I (Tl) crystals were measured. The results indicate that the apparatus has advantages of good wavelength resolution, high stability, easy to operation and good radioprotection. It is a wery effective tool for exploration of new scintillation materials.

Optimal strategies for best management practice placement in a synthetic watershed

It is significant to arrange suitable design and placement of best management practices (BMPs) for reaching the aim that can not only satisfy environmental quality standards, but also decrease the total cost of BMPs. This study applied WinVAST model to predict watershed responses. The objective of this work was to discuss both the economic costs and benefits of BMPs and the control efficiency of discharge and pollutant exports, and to create some suitable standards for the optimal BMPs placement strategies. It is significant to find an optimal number and location of BMPs. In the case study herein, the number of BMPs including a detention pond and a grassy swale would be better to be given by four. The number of BMPs should also be determined by the environmental standards. Moreover, the result shows that the optimal location of BMPs placement is in the downstream area near the outlet and on the mainstream of the catchment. When the BMPs are set in these regions, it cannot only reduce the peak flow and peak pollutant exports, but also have slow time to peak watershed responses.

[Effects of Sb3+ on the luminescent properties of Tb3+ doped silicate glass]

The Sb(3+)-doped silicate glasses, Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses, and Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses were synthesized by high-temperature melting method, and their spectral properties were analyzed. The effects of Sb2O3 added as a fining agent on the luminescent properties of Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses were studied with excitation spectra, emission spectra and decay time. The results show that there is energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions in the Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses under UV excitation, but the energy transfer efficiency between them is quite low. The energy transfer takes place between the 3P1 energy level of Sb3+ ions and the 5D3 energy level of Tb3+ ions in the Sb3+ and Tb3+ co-doped silicate glasses, and the way of the energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions is nonradiative energy resonance transfer. Meanwhile, introducing Sb2O3 used as a fining agent will reduce the excitation intensity of Tb3+ ions in the silicate glasses in the overlap excitation region of both Sb3+ ions and Tb3+ ions, which corresponds to the region from 200 to 350 nm. The reduction in the excitation intensity of Tb3+ ions caused by introducing Sb3+ ions is so evident that it can not be compensated by the energy transfer from Sb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions. Therefore, the negative effects of Sb3+ ions on the luminescent properties of Tb3+ ions in silicate glasses should be measured when Sb2 O3 is planned to be used as a fining agent in Tb(3+)-doped silicate glasses.

[Molecular aggregation and spectrum properties of stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass]

Lead-tin-fluorophosphate (PTFP) glasses with different concentrations of organic dye stilbene 3 were prepared by low temperature melting. The molecular aggregation and spectrum properties of stilbene 3 doped lead-tin-fluorophosphate glass were studied by means of emission spectra, excitation spectra and absorption spectra measurements. The results show that stilbene 3 dimers coexist with its monomers in inorganic glass. Compared with the excitation peak of stilbene 3 monomer, the excitation peak of stilbene 3 dimer is in the range of shorter wave band. As the concentration of stilbene 3 in the doped PTFP glass increased, the emission peak was red shifted and the concentration quenching of stilbene 3 was observed in the emission spectra. Compared stilbene 3 in PTFP glass with that in ethanol, a remarkable red shift of the absorption and emission spectra in the glass was found. The phenomenon is explained by the bond effect between stilbene 3 and matrix glass by hydrophilic interaction. And a much higher fluorescence intensity of stilbene 3 in the inorganic glass than that in ethonal is attributed to the "cage" effect.