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TNF ligand-related molecule 1A (TL1A) is a vascular endothelial growth inhibitor to reduce neovascularization. Lack of ApoE expression results in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the precise effects of TL1A on the development of atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms in ApoE deficient mice. After 12 weeks of pro-atherogenic high-fat diet feeding and TL1A treatment, mouse aorta, serum and liver samples were collected and used to assess atherosclerotic lesions, fatty liver and expression of related molecules. We found TL1A treatment significantly reduced lesions and enhanced plaque stability. Mechanistically, TL1A inhibited formation of foam cells derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but not macrophages by activating expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1 and cholesterol efflux in the liver X receptor-dependent manner. TL1A reduced the transformation of VSMCs from contractile phenotype into synthetic phenotypes by activating expression of contractile marker α smooth muscle actin and inhibiting expression of synthetic marker osteopontin, or osteoblast-like phenotype by reducing calcification. In addition, TL1A ameliorated high-fat diet-induced lipid metabolic disorders in the liver. Taken together, our work shows that TL1A can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by regulating VSMC/foam cell formation and switch of VSMC phenotypes, and suggests the further investigation on its potential for  atherosclerosis treatment.

Purpose To investigate the anisotropic characteristics of the normal human corneal stroma using fresh corneal tissue. Methods Sixty-four corneal specimens extracted from stromal lenticules were included in this study. The specimens were cut in the temporal-nasal (horizontal) or superior-inferior (vertical) direction. Strip specimens were subjected to uniaxial tensile testing. The tensile properties of the specimens were measured and compared in the two directions. Results The low-strain tangent modulus was statistically significantly greater in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction (1.32 ± 0.50 MPa vs 1.17 ± 0.43 MPa; P=0.035), as was the high-strain tangent modulus (51.26 ± 8.23 MPa vs 43.59 ± 7.96 MPa; P ≤ 0.001). The elastic modulus in the vertical direction was also higher than that in horizontal direction at stresses of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 MPa, but not statistically significant; so, P=0.338, 0.373, and 0.417, respectively. Conclusions The biomechanical behavior in normal human corneal stroma tissue is slightly stiffer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. This information may aid our understanding of the biomechanical properties of the cornea and related diseases.

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In order to analyze the multi-stage forging process of a nickel-based GH4169 superalloy (similar to Inconel 718 alloy) aero-engine turbine disc with high efficiency and accuracy, a modified material constitutive law, grid convergence study, and a combined two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element simulation technology were used to analyze the thermo-mechanical-coupled stress variation during the turbine disc multi-stage forging process with the general-purpose nonlinear finite element software MSC.Marc. The predicted finite element forging residual stresses were tested and verified with the measurement results by the layer removal method; it was found that the constitutive law combined with heat contact properties between dies and material could be used to accurately predict and analyze the turbine disc forging processes. Based on the predicted precise and comprehensive finite element residual stress distributions, the consequent disc anti-fatigue manufacturing technologies could be optimized and improved greatly, which would guarantee the stable manufacturing quality and excellent performance of the aero-engine turbine disc.

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An Al 2 O 3 -based micro-nano-composite ceramic tool material reinforced with TiN micro-particles and TiC nanoparticles was fabricated by using the hot-pressing technique. The wear behavior of the Al 2 O 3 /TiC/TiN micro-nanocomposite ceramic cutting tool (AT10N20) in high-speed turning of ultra-high-strength steel 300 M was investigated by comparison with the commercial Al 2 O 3 /TiC composite ceramic tool CC650. Worn and fractured surfaces of ceramic cutting tools were observed and analyzed via the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with the energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the main wear modes of AT10N20 and CC650 were flank wear and rake wear. The crater on the rake face of AT10N20 initially occurred at cutting speed of 400 m/min, while it occurred at cutting speed of 200 m/min for CC650. In addition, the rake wear and flank wear became more severe when the cutting speed attained 400 m/min. The cutting speeds higher than 400 m/min were unfavorable for turning of ultra-highstrength steel 300 M. Wear mechanisms of AT10N20 and CC650 in high-speed turning of the ultra-high-strength steel were abrasion and adhesion.