Rigorous and efficient diffraction modeling between arbitrary planes by angular spectrum rearrangement

In computational optics, numerical modeling of diffraction between arbitrary planes offers unparalleled flexibility. However, existing methods suffer from the trade-off between computational accuracy and efficiency. To resolve this dilemma, we present a novel approach that rigorously and efficiently models wave propagation between two arbitrary planes. This is achieved by rearranging the angular spectrum of the source field, coupled with linear algebraic computations. Notably, our method achieves comparable computational efficiency to the control method for both scalar and vectorial diffraction modeling, while eliminating nearly all numerical errors. Furthermore, we selectively merge the angular spectrum to further enhance the efficiency at the expense of precision in a controlled manner. Thereafter, the time consumption is reduced to at most 3% of that before merging

Thermal Decomposition Mechanism of Ammonium Nitrate on the Main Crystal Surface of Ferric Oxide: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

Understanding the decomposition process of ammonium nitrate (AN) on catalyst surfaces is crucial for the development of practical and efficient catalysts in AN-based propellants. In this study, two types of nano-Fe2O3 catalysts were synthesized: spherical particles with high-exposure (104) facets and flaky particles with high-exposure (110) facets. Through thermal analysis and particle size analysis, it was found that the nanosheet-Fe2O3 catalyst achieved more complete AN decomposition despite having a larger average particle size compared to nanosphere-Fe2O3. Subsequently, the effects of AN pyrolysis on the (110) and (104) facets were investigated by theoretical simulations. Through studying the interaction between AN and crystal facets, it was determined that the electron transfer efficiency on the (110) facet is stronger compared to that on the (104) facet. Additionally, the free-energy step diagrams for the reaction of the AN molecule on the two facets were calculated with the DFT + U method. Comparative analysis led us to conclude that the (110) facet of α-Fe2O3 is more favorable for AN pyrolysis compared to the (104) facet. Our study seeks to deepen the understanding of the mechanism underlying AN pyrolysis and present new ideas for the development of effective catalysts in AN pyrolysis

MicroRNA-30e* Suppresses Dengue Virus Replication by Promoting NF-κB–Dependent IFN Production

<div><p>MicroRNAs have been shown to contribute to a repertoire of host-pathogen interactions during viral infection. Our previous study demonstrated that microRNA-30e* (miR-30e*) directly targeted the IκBα 3′-UTR and disrupted the NF-κB/IκBα negative feedback loop, leading to hyperactivation of NF-κB. This current study investigated the possible role of miR-30e* in the regulation of innate immunity associated with dengue virus (DENV) infection. We found that DENV infection could induce miR-30e* expression in DENV-permissive cells, and such an overexpression of miR-30e* upregulated IFN-β and the downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) such as <i>OAS1</i>, <i>MxA</i> and <i>IFITM1</i>, and suppressed DENV replication. Furthermore, suppression of IκBα mediates the enhancing effect of miR-30e* on IFN-β-induced antiviral response. Collectively, our findings suggest a modulatory role of miR-30e* in DENV induced IFN-β signaling via the NF-κB-dependent pathway. Further investigation is needed to evaluate whether miR-30e* has an anti-DENV effect <i>in vivo</i>.</p></div

miR-30e* enhances expression of IFN-β.

<p>U937, HeLa and PBMC cells were transfected with 20 nM of miR-30e* mimics or negative control mimics (NC) and then infected with DENV2 at MOI of 1. (<b>A</b>) mRNA levels of IFN-β were measured by real-time RT-PCR. (<b>B</b>) Protein levels of IFN-β were determined by ELISA. Expression of IFN-induced genes <i>OAS1</i>, <i>MxA</i> and <i>IFITM1</i> in U937 cells (<b>C</b>) and HeLa cells (<b>D</b>) were determined by real-time RT-PCR at 24 h after transfection. Data show mean ± SD derived from three repeat experiments. **<i>p</i><0.01 (Student's t-test).</p

miR-30e* suppresses the replication of DENV2 in U937 and HeLa cells.

<p>U937, HeLa and PBMC cells were transfected with 20 nM of miR-30e* mimics or negative control mimics (NC) and then infected with DENV2 at MOI of 1. (<b>A</b>) The expression levels of miR-30e* were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The cellular viral RNA (<b>B</b>) and supernatant viral RNA (<b>C</b>) were assessed using real-time RT-PCR. Expression levels were normalized to <i>GAPDH</i>. Data show mean ± SD from three repeat experiments. **<i>p</i><0.01 (Student's t-test). (<b>D</b>) miR-30e*-transfected U937 and HeLa cells were infected with DENV2, and then the viral E, prM and Actin proteins were detected by immunoblotting analysis. (<b>E</b>) miR-30e*-transfected HeLa cells were infected with DENV2, and then stained with anti-E antibody as well as DAPI, and subsequently a secondary antibody conjugated to Rhodamine was used to visualize stained E proteins. Samples were inspected by fluorescence microscope at a magnification of 200×.</p

DENV infection induces miR-30e* expression.

<p>HeLa cells were infected with or without DENV1, 2 and 3 at MOI of 1 for 6 h. Expressions of miR-30e* was measured by qRT-PCR and normalized to the expression of U6 in each sample. Data show mean ± SD from three repeat experiments. **<i>p</i><0.01 (Student's t-test).</p

Strategy of Metal–Polymer Composite Stent To Accelerate Biodegradation of Iron-Based Biomaterials

The new principle and technique to tune biodegradation rates of biomaterials is one of the keys to the development of regenerative medicine and next-generation biomaterials. Biodegradable stents are new-generation medical devices applied in percutaneous coronary intervention, etc. Recently, both corrodible metals and degradable polymers have drawn much attention in biodegradable stents or scaffolds. It is, however, a dilemma to achieve good mechanical properties and appropriate degradation profiles. Herein, we put forward a metal–polymer composite strategy to achieve both. Iron stents exhibit excellent mechanical properties but low corrosion rate in vivo. We hypothesized that coating of biodegradable aliphatic polyester could accelerate iron corrosion due to the acidic degradation products, etc. To demonstrate the feasibility of this composite material technique, we first conducted in vitro experiments to affirm that iron sheet corroded faster when covered by polylactide (PLA) coating. Then, we fabricated three-dimensional metal–polymer stents (MPS) and implanted the novel stents in the abdominal aorta of New Zealand white rabbits, setting metal-based stents (MBS) as a control. A series of in vivo experiments were performed, including measurements of residual mass and radial strength of the stents, histological analysis, micro-computed tomography, and optical coherence tomography imaging at the implantation site. The results showed that MPS could totally corrode in some cases, whereas iron struts of MBS in all cases remained several months after implantation. Corrosion rates of MPS could be easily regulated by adjusting the composition of PLA coatings

miR-30e* inhibition increases DENV2 replication.

<p>(<b>A</b>) U937 and HeLa cells were transfected with a specific miR-30e* inhibitor or negative control (Inhibitor NC) at a final concentration of 50 nM. The expression levels of miR-30e* were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. (<b>B</b>) Prior transfection of U937 and HeLa cells with miR-30e* inhibitor accelerated DENV2 replication. DENV2 RNA levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Data show mean ± SD derived from three repeat experiments. **<i>p</i><0.01 (Student's t-test).</p