Crystal Structure Manipulation of the Exchange Bias in an Antiferromagnetic Film

Exchange bias is one of the most extensively studied phenomena in magnetism, since it exerts a unidirectional anisotropy to a ferromagnet (FM) when coupled to an antiferromagnet (AFM) and the control of the exchange bias is therefore very important for technological applications, such as magnetic random access memory and giant magnetoresistance sensors. In this letter, we report the crystal structure manipulation of the exchange bias in epitaxial hcp Cr2O3 films. By epitaxially growing twined (10-10) oriented Cr2O3 thin films, of which the c axis and spins of the Cr atoms lie in the film plane, we demonstrate that the exchange bias between Cr2O3 and an adjacent permalloy layer is tuned to in-plane from out-of-plane that has been observed in (0001) oriented Cr2O3 films. This is owing to the collinear exchange coupling between the spins of the Cr atoms and the adjacent FM layer. Such a highly anisotropic exchange bias phenomenon is not possible in polycrystalline films.Comment: To be published in Scientific Reports, 12 pages, 6 figure

Stability of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Studies on stability of active ingredients are fundamental and critical for the rational development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in view of its modernization and worldwide use. The stability of both active and marker constituents of plants used in TCM is reviewed for the first time. More than 100 papers, mostly written in Chinese, have been reviewed. Studies concerning plant constituents were analyzed according to their chemical classification of active ingredients. In addition, several crude drugs of animal origin are also reported. Stability of active ingredients is summarized during extraction and/or storage of the herbal drug preparations, and under stress conditions (pH, temperature, solvents, light, and humidity) and in the presence of preservatives, antioxidants, and metals

IL28B is associated with outcomes of chronic HBV infection

Purpose The role of IL28B gene variants and expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are not well understood. Here, we evaluated whether IL28B gene expression and rs12979860 variations are associated with HBV outcomes. Materials and Methods IL28B genetic variations (rs12979860) were genotyped by pyrosequencing of DNA samples from 137 individuals with chronic HBV infection [50 inactive carriers (IC), 34 chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 27 cirrhosis, 26 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)], and 19 healthy controls. IL28A/B mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by qRT-PCR, and serum IL28B protein was measured by ELISA. Results Patients with IL28B C/C genotype had greater IL28A/B mRNA expression and higher IL28B protein levels than C/T patients. Within the various disease stages, compared to IC and healthy controls, IL28B expression was reduced in the CHB, cirrhosis, and HCC cohorts (CHB vs. IC, p=0.02; cirrhosis vs. IC, p=0.01; HCC vs. IC, p=0.001; CHB vs. controls, p&#60;0.01; cirrhosis vs. controls, p&#60;0.01; HCC vs. controls, p&#60;0.01). When stratified with respect to serum HBV markers in the IC and CHB cohorts, IL28B mRNA and protein levels were higher in HBeAg-positive than negative individuals (p=0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with high IL28B protein levels were C/C versus C/T genotype [p=0.016, odds ratio (OR)=0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.08-0.78], high alanine aminotransferase values (p&#60;0.001, OR=8.02, 95% CI=2.64-24.4), and the IC stage of HBV infection (p&#60;0.001). Conclusion Our data suggest that IL28B genetic variations may play an important role in long-term development of disease in chronic HBV infections.</p

Antiplatelet Effects of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill in Platelets Aggregation in Hyperlipidemic Rabbits

We investigated the effects of Qishen Yiqi Dropping Pill (QSYQ) on platelets aggregation and its possible mechanisms. Hyperlipidemic model in rabbits was produced by a high fat/cholesterol diet for 6 weeks, the therapeutic effect of QSYQ with 2.0 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 0.5 g/kg was observed. Fourteen days after drug treatment, platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen (COLL) was significantly reduced in rabbits of model group. Moreover, β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) level decreased obviously but no significant change in P-selectin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) level, while QSYQ significantly decreased the ratio of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) to 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-Keto-PGF1α) and increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in rabbits. In summary, QSYQ can improve platelets aggregation and inhibit the over-release of β-TG in hyperlipidemic rabbits; and the increased cAMP level may be involved in this process. These results suggest that the antiplatelet aggregation effect of QSYQ may be due to its ability to increase cAMP level for improving cAMP metabolism

General survey of Fructus Psoraleae from the different origins and chemical identification of the roasted from raw Fructus Psoraleae

Fructus Psoraleae, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for preventing and treating various diseases such as vitiligo, osteoporosis and psoriasis. Coumarin, such as psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside, psoralen and isopsoralen, are important compounds in Fructus Psoraleae. In our study, ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector was employed for an excellent method validation for simultaneous quantification of psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside, psoralen and isopsoralen, which was further applied in performing general survey of Fructus Psoraleae from the different origins and chemical identification of the roasted from raw Fructus Psoraleae in the light of illuminating the transformed rule of psoralenoside and isopsoralenoside. There is a reciprocal relationship between (iso)psoralenoside and (iso)psoralen, and the total content remains balance in Fructus Psoraleae from the different origins. In addition, we found that (iso)psoralenoside in the powder of the raw Fructus Psoraleae could be easily transformed into (iso)psoralen in methanol aqueous solution, especially above 50% water, rather than the roasted one. Thus, we proposed a hypothesis that transformation between (iso)psoralenoside and (iso)psoralen was hindered by inactivation of β-glucosidase in the process of roasting Fructus Psoraleae, which was further verified by observing transformation of (iso)psoralenoside under the different conditions, such as temperature, pH and β-glucosidase. Therefore, we developed a feasible method to distinguish the roasted from raw Fructus Psoraleae by observing conversion from (iso)psoralenoside to (iso)psoralen in 50% methanol aqueous solution. In summary, these results pave the way for elevating quality standard for Fructus Psoraleae and distinguishing the salt-processed from raw Fructus Psoraleae

Utilization of Polislidae Wasp Venom as Potential New Insect Drugs in the R&D of Wellness Industry

The Polislidae wasp, one species of omnivorous social insects mainly living in the bush or under the leaves. The wasp has a venom sac in its tail, and the venom secreted by a sting can cause a series of body reactions and diseases. Multiple organ failure could be the outcome of wasp sting, if timely treatment or rescue has not been performed. Based on published reports on wasp sting related to medical concerns in recent years, this review summarizes the symptoms caused by wasp sting and corresponding mechanisms of actions. The medical application and relational utilization of the title insect is suggested derived from findings of the systematic review. Furthermore, we herewith sketch the perspectives of R&amp;D on the venom of Polislidae wasp. It is expected to afford comprehensive references and be useful for broader study on the natural components and pharmacological effects of wasp venom