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Previous studies in Arabidopsis reported that the PPR protein SOAR1 plays critical roles in plant response to salt stress. In this study, we reported that expression of the Arabidopsis SOAR1 (AtSOAR1) in rice significantly enhanced salt tolerance at seedling growth stage and promoted grain productivity under salt stress without affecting plant productivity under non-stressful conditions. The transgenic rice lines expressing AtSOAR1 exhibited increased ABA sensitivity in ABA-induced inhibition of seedling growth, and showed altered transcription and splicing of numerous genes associated with salt stress, which may explain salt tolerance of the transgenic plants. Further, we overexpressed the homologous gene of SOAR1 in rice, OsSOAR1, and showed that transgenic plants overexpressing OsSOAR1 enhanced salt tolerance at seedling growth stage. Five salt- and other abiotic stress-induced SOAR1-like PPRs were also identified. These data showed that the SOAR1-like PPR proteins are positively involved in plant response to salt stress and may be used for crop improvement in rice under salinity conditions through transgenic manipulation.

Rationale: Stem Leydig cells (SLCs) transplantation can restore testosterone production in rodent models and is thus a potential solution for treating testosterone deficiency (TD). However, it remains unknown whether these favorable effects will be reproduced in more clinically relevant large-animal models. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of autologous SLCs transplantation in a testosterone-deficient non-human primate (NHP) model. Methods: Cynomolgus monkey SLCs (CM-SLCs) were isolated from testis biopsies of elderly (> 19 years) cynomolgus monkeys by flow cytometry. Autologous CM-SLCs were injected into the testicular interstitium of 7 monkeys. Another 4 monkeys were injected the same way with cynomolgus monkey dermal fibroblasts (CM-DFs) as controls. The animals were then examined for sex hormones, semen, body composition, grip strength, and exercise activity. Results: We first isolated CD271+ CM-SLCs which were confirmed to expand continuously and show potential to differentiate into testosterone-producing Leydig cells (LCs) in vitro. Compared with CM-DFs transplantation, engraftment of autologous CM-SLCs into elderly monkeys could significantly increase the serum testosterone level in a physiological pattern for 8 weeks, without any need for immunosuppression. Importantly, CM-SLCs transplantation recovered spermatogenesis and ameliorated TD-related symptoms, such as those related to body fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density, strength and exercise capacity. Conclusion: For the first time, our short-term observations demonstrated that autologous SLCs can increase testosterone levels and ameliorate relevant TD symptoms in primate models. A larger cohort with long-term follow-up will be required to assess the translational potential of autologous SLCs for TD therapy.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating medical condition, often accompanied by motor and sensory dysfunction. The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has a protective role in pathological injury after SCI. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to confirm the effects of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-2 (MEKK2)/MEKK3/JNK/Hh pathway on SCI. SCI rat models were established and then inoculated with plasmids overexpressing MEKK2/MEKK3 or with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against MEKK2/MEKK3. The expression of MEKK2 and -3 was detected in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells. The motor function of hindlimbs, the expression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)- and Hh-pathway-related genes, and the level of neurofilament-200 (NF-200) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured. MEKK2 and -3 were expressed at a high level in DRG cells. The silencing of MEKK2/MEKK3 in rats caused an increase in the expression of glioma-associated oncogene homolog-1 (Gli-1), Nestin, smoothened (Smo), and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) rating and the level of NF-200 protein also increased. However, the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), MIP-3α, p-JNK/JNK, and p-c-Jun/c-Jun and the level of GFAP were reduced. Downregulation of MEKK2/MEKK3 ameliorated the symptoms of SCI by promoting neural progenitor cell differentiation via activating the Hh pathway and disrupting the JNK pathway. The findings in this study reveal a potential biomarker for SCI treatment. Keywords: spinal cord injury, Hedgehog signaling pathway, MEKK2/MEKK3, JNK signaling pathway, neural progenitor cell differentiation

Identification of the active center is pivotal to manipulate the catalyst design for the oxygen evolution reaction. Herein, sulfur was introduced to partly occupy oxygen location in the surface structure of cobalt (II) oxide. The heterogenous ‘O-Co-S’ sites brought an enhanced oxygen evolution activity, including a five-fold intrinsic activity improvement and a reduced overpotential of 66 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the electronegativity difference between sulfur and oxygen induce the Co 3d electron accumulation along the Co-O bond. This orientated distortion optimizes the adsorption behaviors to oxygen-containing species and also favors energy band more continuous to promote electron transfer, thereby leading to improved electrochemical performance. This work provides the atomic-level understanding of the nature of active sites, which would shed light on the rational design and regulation of other material systems for advanced energy storage and conversion devices.

In order to develop a variety of japonica rice with good eating quality suitable for planting in Jiangsu Province, the genetic basis of high quality, disease resistance and high yield japonica rice varieties in Jiangsu Province was systematically studied. The relationship among different rice qualities of cooking, nutrition, and eating was studied by association analysis. It was clear that amylose content was the key factor affecting eating quality. The semi waxy rice with amylose content of 10%~14% has bright surface, soft texture, and elasticity, combining the softness of glutinous rice and the elasticity of japonica rice. The cold rice is not hard, and the taste is excellent. It meets the taste requirements of people in Yangtze River Delta region who like to eat soft fragrant japonica rice. The semi waxy japonica rice variety "Kantou 194" with a low expression of amylose content gene Wx为了培育适合在江苏种植的优良食味粳稻品种,以优良食味为主攻目标,对江苏省优质、抗病、高产粳稻品种的遗传基础开展了系统研究。通过关联分析,研究稻米蒸煮品质、营养品质与食味品质的关系,明确直链淀粉含量是影响食味品质的关键性状。直链淀粉含量为10%~14%的半糯米米饭表面光泽透亮、质地柔软、富有弹性,综合了糯米的柔软性和粳米的弹性,冷饭不硬,食味品质极佳,符合长三角地区人们喜食柔软香型粳米的口感需求。筛选出直链淀粉含量在10%左右、含有低直链淀粉含量基因Wx

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), more than 130,000 people worldwide have been infected. Many studies show that the testis is one of the organs with a high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor/binding protein of SARS-CoV-2, which has aroused public concerns about the possible damage to male fertility. This article presents a review and analysis of the existing literature, aiming to achieve an objective understanding of the significance of the ACE2 expression in the testis. Hitherto, clinical and laboratory data available on COVID-19 are not sufficient to provide any direct evidence that the testis is a target organ of the virus. Whether the coronavirus damages fertility in male patients with COVID-19 requires further investigation. In the absence of sufficient research-based evidence, damage of the virus to male fertility should not be over-interpreted.

To assess the comparative efficacy and safety of drug treatments for premature ejaculation. A systemic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis were executed on randomised controlled trials of drug interventions for premature ejaculation. Intravaginal ejaculation latency time and related adverse effects were outcome measures. A total of 44 RCTs with 11,008 patients were included in our NMA. In therapy8 weeks, the ranking of drug efficacy was topical creamsselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)+ phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) PDE5i sertraline clomipramine paroxetine dapoxetine 60 milligram (mg) dapoxetine 30 mg fluoxetinecitalopram duloxetineplacebo. In therapy ≥ 8 weeks, the ranking of drug efficacy was SSRI + PDE5i topical creams paroxetine tramadol PDE5i fluoxetine dapoxetine 60 mg dapoxetine 30 mg clomipraminecitalopram placebo. For total adverse events, clomipramine, dapoxetine 30 mg, dapoxetine 60 mg, paroxetine, PDE5i, SSRI + PDE5i and tramadol had a higher risk than placebo. In conclusion, in ≥8 weeks of therapy, the drug combination of SSRI + PDE5i was the most effective PE therapy. In8 weeks of therapy, the efficacy of local anaesthetics was best. All drug treatments were ranked better than placebo. In general, drugs with better effects had more obvious side effects.

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) is a well-established model induced by an autoimmune response to prostate antigen. The symptomatic, pathological, and immunological characteristics of EAP animals are highly consistent with human chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), which makes EAP an ideal model for this disease. Here, we investigate the influence of EAP on male rat sexual function and the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy with celecoxib. EAP rat models were established using male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to a normal control group, an EAP model group, or an EAP model with celecoxib treatment group (celecoxib group). Behavioral changes, sexual behavioral changes, and erectile function were estimated using an open-field test, a sucrose consumption test, mating experiments, and by intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio (ICP/MAP). Histological changes in the prostate were observed by HE staining, and the serum inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT2C receptor, and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression levels in the hippocampus and spinal cord (T13-L1, L5-S2) were examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results showed that EAP rats exhibited characteristics of depression, decreased sexual drive, premature ejaculation, and increased threshold of penile erection. Moreover, all these changes were effectively alleviated by celecoxib. Significant increases in prostatic interstitial infiltration by inflammatory cells and in serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were observed in EAP rats, and these were partially reduced by celecoxib. Additionally, the expression pattern of serotonin system regulators in the hippocampus and spinal cord were altered in EAP model rats, including a decrease in 5-HT levels and an increase in 5-HT1A receptor levels. In conclusion, autoimmune prostatitis impaired rat sexual function, and this was effectively prevented by anti-inflammatory therapy with celecoxib. Moreover, a serotonin system disorder in the central nervous system was likely mediated via inflammation in EAP rats.

A new tuberculosis model with fast and slow progression and media coverage is formulated and analyzed. The basic reproductive number R0 is derived, and the existence and stability of all the equilibria are discussed. The occurrences of forward and backward bifurcation are obtained by using center manifold theory. Numerical simulations are also given to support our theoretical results. Sensitivity analysis on a few parameters is also carried out. Our results show that media coverage can encourage people to take measures to avoid potential infections and control the spread of tuberculosis.

To explore the perception of the female partner's beauty, stimulating factors for sexual arousal, and the acquisition of sexual knowledge in blind males and analyze the related influencing factors.Using a self-designed questionnaire and with the help of the Disabled Persons' Federation and the Association for the Blind of Ganzhou, we conducted an investigation among 54 blind males at an average age of 33.5 years, who met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled according to the rosters provided by the above institutions. We convened the subjects in the appointed hospitals or other places for telephone or face-to-face question-and-answer interviews with qualified investigators trained previously.In the first phase, as the preliminary investigation, open-ended questions were asked of 21 of the subjects on the telephone or at a one-to-one interview. In the second phase, as the formal investigation, closed-ended questions were asked of the other 33 blind males at a face-to-face interview. The blind males perceived the beauty of their sexual partners mainly by the female's mild disposition and sweet voice (63.6% ［21/33］), soft and satiny skin (51.5% ［17/33］), sexy and well-shaped body (54.5% ［18/33］), and intoxicating bodily scent (18.2% ［6/33］). The stimulating factors for sexual arousal of the subjects included hearing the partner's soft and sweet voice (39.4% ［13/33］), feeling her satiny skin (54.5% ［18/33］), touching her sexy and well-shaped body (66.7% ［22/33］), and the pleasant mood of the males (30.3% ［10/33］).The blind males in Ganzhou perceive the beauty of their sexual partners mainly by their senses of hearing, touch and smell, and the stimulating factors for sexual arousal chiefly include the partner's sweet voice, satiny skin and well-shaped body as well as the pleasant mood of the males.

Purpose. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether hcp plays a role in the process of Acinetobacter baumannii infection and to examine clinically relevant factors that may affect hcp expression. Methodology. Seventy-seven A. baumannii isolates from patients with a respiratory infection at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China) were included in this study. PCR was performed to screen for the presence of hcp. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to examine the expression of hcp. Results. A total of 77.9 % (60 of 77) of the A. baumannii clinical isolates possessed the hcp gene. Expression of hcp was found to be strain-specific and associated with the infection status. Higher gene expression of hcp was found for invasive A. baumannii isolates causing an infection relative to the colonization group, and for the same strain at a post-infection status compared with that prior to infection. Acid environment was also found to be a trigger of hcp gene expression. Conclusion. The type VI secretion system and hcp predominate in A. baumannii causing respiratory infections. Expression of hcp is regulated by the infection status and acid environment, and might play a role in the process of triggering infection by the colonizer.

Effective procedures for the purification of Leydig cells (LCs) can facilitate functional studies and transplantation therapies. However, current methods to purify LCs from testes are still far from satisfactory. Here, we found that testicular autofluorescence existed in the interstitium along with the gradual maturation of LCs from birth to adulthood. These autofluorescent cells were further isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and determined to be composed of LCs and macrophages. To further purify LCs, we combined two fluorescence channels of FACS and successfully separated LCs and macrophages. Of note, we confirmed that the obtained LCs not only possessed high purity, viability and quantity but also had intact steroidogenic activity and excellent responsiveness to luteinizing hormone. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of isolated LCs could alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in castrated mice. In summary, we established an effective autofluorescence-based method for isolating LCs. This method will aid in the future success of using LCs for basic and translational applications.

Cleft palate is a common craniofacial birth defect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of excess all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on periderm removal and the disappearance of basal medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells during palatogenesis, particularly during the stage prior to contact. atRA (200 mg/kg) was administered to C57BL/6N mice at embryonic day (E) 12.0 by gavage. Fetal palates were processed and analyzed by histology and electron microscopy. Single palate shelf peridermal cells were removed and cultured in the presence of atRA (3 µM) only or in the presence of or the caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD (100 µM) only, for 48 h. Once cultured, morphological changes were analyzed by histological staining and electron microscopy. A TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic neurons. Paired palatal shelves with periderm removal were cultured in the presence of atRA (3 µM) only or in the presence of Z-VAD (100 µM) only for 48 h and analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. At E14.5, medial edge epithelium periderm was retained in the atRA-treated palates but had been shed prior to contact in the control groups. In addition, atRA was revealed to disrupt the cell cycle in the periderm by downregulating p21. Furthermore, atRA inhibited apoptosis in the periderm and basal MEE cells; however, atRA exhibited no effect on basement membrane degradation in single palatal organ culture. Additionally, once paired palates were cultured for 48 h, all of the groups in which the periderm had been removed exhibited confluence of the embryonic palatal mesenchyme. The present results suggest that periderm removal is inhibited in atRA-induced cleft palate in mice and that removal of the periderm contributes to EPM confluence in vitro.

With the wide application of digital control technology in the nuclear safety control system, cyber security has gradually become an important part of system operation security. Replay attacks are a common form of cyber attack, this attack can bypass software encryption, signatures and other safeguards against information leaks to disguise identity or inject information. This paper describes a formal method to verify the ability of the protocol to resist replay attacks. This method need analyze the network protocol communication process, determine the elements to resist replay attack in the protocol, use formal language to establish the model of attack for the protocol, traverse all states by formal tools, check whether there is a design flaw in the protocol and demonstrate the process and path of replay attack so that protocol designers identify the weaknesses of defensive measures.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Cx43- and Smad-mediated TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into cartilage and inhibition of ossification. Methods: BMSCs of Wistar rats were cultured and assigned into 5 groups for transfection with adenoviruses. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were employed to detect mRNA and protein expressions of target genes. The condition of cartilage and ossification were measured by a series of staining methods. Subcutaneous injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into nude rats was performed. Results: After transfection, compared to the AdGFP group, the corresponding target mRNAs were overexpressed in the AdBMP2, AdSmad1, AdCx43 + AdSmad1 and AdCx43 + AdSmad1 + AdBMP2 groups, and overexpression of BMP2 at the mRNA and protein expression was observed in the AdSmad1 and AdCx43 + AdSmad1 groups. The mRNA expressions of aggrecan (ACAN) and collagen type II alpha 1 (Col2a1), the glycosaminoglycan content of the extracellular matrix and the expression of type II collagen, Col2a1, osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC) were higher in the AdBMP2, AdSmad1, AdCx43 + AdSmad1 and AdCx43 + AdSmad1 + AdBMP2 groups than in the AdGFP group; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2 were also higher in these groups than in the AdGFP group. Heterotopic osteogenesis tests demonstrated evident cartilage differentiation ability in the AdCx43 + AdSmad1 + AdBMP2 groups. In comparison, the AdCx43 + AdSmad1 and AdSmad1 groups exhibited weaker cartilage differentiation abilities. Conclusion: Cx43 and Smad1 promote BMP-induced cartilage differentiation of BMSCs and inhibit osteoblast differentiation, which provide a new strategy for cartilage tissue engineering using exogenous Cx43 and Smad1.

A series of hierarchical pore molecular sieves (HPMSs) with pore size up to 6.0 nm were prepared using triblock copolymer (P123) as mesoporous template agent and characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption. Cobalt-loaded catalysts were prepared by impregnating cobalt nitrate onto HPMSs and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The result indicates that mesopore size of HPMS increased along with the increment of the amount of P123. The selectivity of the catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor, and the results show that the selectivity of C12+ hydrocarbons is increased with the increment of the pore size.

As the digital instrument control system in the field of security become more and more widely used, the reliability of the software has drawn great attention. Identifying and eliminating potential errors in software is an effective way to improve software reliability. Most of the methods for identify software failures at this stage are evolved from the traditional failure analysis methods, such as fault tree, Failure Mode Effect Analysis methods (FMEA). These traditional failure analysis methods encountered some problems, such as the credibility of the results depends heavily on the skills of the executive staff and the analysis workload is huge. In this study, a formal method was adopted to describe the software design, and formal tools were used to find the software failure path. Formal technology is based on rigorous mathematical theory, and it is easy to carry out by computer processing, which can greatly reduce the impact of executive staff awareness on the analysis results. In addition, using formal tools can effectively reduce the workload of executives.

Radiation-induced damage and degradation to shielding and structure materials in nuclear reactors is one of the key limiting factors that affect the safety considerations and the lifetime. Neutron radiation damages materials mainly by exciting a number of Primary Knock-on Atom (PKAs). PKAs induce displacement cascades, causing microstructure changes and mechanical degradations in materials. Computer simulations are used to model this complex process. Knowing the PKA spectrum accurately is important because PKA spectrum and the input of computer simulation are coupled. In this work, we aim to obtain the PKA spectrum in Zr-based alloys with relatively low Zr concentration by using the Geant4 software. Some new functions were added by reprogramming in Geant4. We found that the energy spectra of PKA in Zr2Cu and Zr2Ni are mainly caused by Zr atom, and the shape of the average energy spectra are similar with pure Zr. The number of PKA distributions and the energy deposition in these two Zr-based metals are similar with pure Zr but different than those in pure Ni. These finding indicate that the metallic elements of Cu and Ni have small impact on PKA spectrum in Zr-based alloys, which illustrate that simplified simulation models are feasible when using computer for simulating. Moreover, it has great significant for the calculation of irradiation damage and the computer simulation for the process of collision cascade after one PKA is formed.

Objective To determine efficacy of intraoperative microvascular Doppler ultrasound in assisting subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy for pain relief in the treatment of painful varicoceles, compared to the microsurgery without Doppler ultrasound. Methods Total 153 patients underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy were randomly allocated to two groups: Groups 1 and 2 included 82 and 71 patients monitored with and without using intraoperative microvascular Doppler ultrasound, respectively. The assessments were compared between two groups, including intraoperative parameters (vessel numbers and operative time) and postoperative outcomes (pain resolution, complications and recurrence). Results The average numbers of internal spermatic veins ligated (13.87±6.43 vs 11.72±5.66) and arteries preserved (1.96±0.87 vs 1.73±0.86) were significantly greater in Group 1 with Doppler ultrasound. Precisely, the smaller size of the internal spermatic veins was ligated and the more encircled arteries were also preserved in Group 1. In two groups with and without using Doppler ultrasound, 56 (68.3%) and 36 (50.7%) patients experienced a complete resolution of pain, 21 (25.6%) and 29 (40.9%) patients experienced partial resolution, whereas 5 (6.1%) and 6 (8.5%) patients experienced no change in the chronic pain, respectively. Thus, patients in Group 1 had a better outcome in chronic pain resolution (P = 0.033). The operative time, complications and recurrence rate were not different between the two groups. Conclusions Subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy is an effective method to treat painful varicoceles. With the assistance of Doppler Ultrasound monitoring, greater numbers of vessels were identified and a better outcome of pain resolution was achieved.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can lead to hepatic disease, has become a critical national healthcare problem, and many people die each year as a result of HBV infection and its complications. Although microRNA-33a (miR-33a) is a novel modulator of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, the role of miR-33a in the hepatic fibrogenesis is still unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of miR-33a in liver fibrosis. miR-33a expression in whole liver and serum samples was measured from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, different murine hepatic fibrosis models were produced to consolidate the results in human tissue. Human and murine primary liver fibrosis-associated cells were isolated and treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). miR-33a expression levels in liver tissue significantly increased with a fibrosis progression manner in the human liver. Furthermore, serum miR-33a levels associated positively with progressing process of hepatic fibrosis. miR-33a was in particular increased in hepatic stellate cells (HSC) than other liver fibrosis-associated cells. Stimulation of HSCs with TGF-β1 leads to a critical increase of miR-33a. Increasing miR-33a levels increased (whereas inhibiting miR-33a weakened) the activation role of TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells, which might be a potential mechanism through moderating Smad7 expression. miR-33a may be a novel marker for HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis progress, suggesting a new therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.

In this paper, we propose a new set of orthogonal moments based on Exponent functions, named Exponent-Fourier moments (EFMs), which are suitable for image analysis and rotation invariant pattern recognition. Compared with Zernike polynomials of the same degree, the new radial functions have more zeros, and these zeros are evenly distributed, this property make EFMs have strong ability in describing image. Unlike Zernike moments, the kernel of computation of EFMs is extremely simple. Theoretical and experimental results show that Exponent-Fourier moments perform very well in terms of image reconstruction capability and invariant recognition accuracy in noise-free, noisy and smooth distortion conditions. The Exponent-Fourier moments can be thought of as generalized orthogonal complex moments.

Digital image processing is a technology that using computer to process images through a certain algorithm. It has been widely used in many areas of engineering and military. The system which is fit for the researching and teaching plays a very important role in the fields of scientific research and education. This paper discusses the development of image processing system and image processing technique in MATLAB. In practice, the operation of the system is convenient its interface is beautiful and its vision is very good.

With the laser cladding technology, 70%Ni60A+30%WC cladding layer was cladded on the surface of Q345 steel. And the phase, microstructure and wear resistance of cladding layer were analyzed. Experiments show that the Ni-based WC alloy laser cladding treatment on Q345 steel surface have a great upgrade on grain refinement, surface hardness and wear-resistance of Q345 steel surface.

Taking backfill material of underground mine as the object of study, this paper conducts the research on its strength characteristics by using uniaxial compressive strength testing machine at different cement-sand mass ratio and curing time and mass concentration which the method of experiment and theory analysis were used. The model of predicting the strength of tailings backfill was introduced, and its results were identical with the expreimental test after comparing. Therefore, the mathematical model can be used to estimate the strength of tailings backfill after assigning the specific value of tailing backfill. The tested results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of backfill rose with the increase of its concentration, cement-sand ratio, and the curing time; the strength of backfill was not enough to sustain the stope if the curing time is short and the cement-sand ratio is small.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effects of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) on myocardial regeneration and cardiac repair after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS WJ-MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord under sterile conditions and were cultured and expanded until passage 5. WJ-MSCs were labeled with CM-Dil before transplantation. The mid-third of the left anterior descending artery was ligated surgically to establish a mini-swine AMI model. The miniswines were divided randomly into three groups (n=6 in each): control group, PBS group, and transplantation group. Six weeks later, evaluation of the changes in myocardial perfusion and function was performed by single-photon emission computed tomography and echocardiography in each group. Then, the animals were euthanized and the tissues in the infarcted area were harvested for histopathological examination. RESULTS The changes in myocardial perfusion and function were significantly improved in the transplantation group compared with the control and PBS groups (P

It is well recognized that PIAS1, a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) E3 ligase, modulates such cellular processes as cell proliferation, DNA damage responses, and inflammation responses. Recent studies have shown that PIAS1 also plays a part in cell differentiation. However, the role of PIAS1 in adipocyte differentiation remains unknown. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ), a major regulator of adipogenesis, is a target of SUMOylation, but the E3 ligase responsible for the SUMOylation of C/EBPβ has not been identified. The present study showed that PIAS1 functions as a SUMO E3 ligase of C/EBPβ to regulate adipogenesis. PIAS1 expression was significantly and transiently induced on day 4 of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, when C/EBPβ began to decline. PIAS1 was found to interact with C/EBPβ through the SAP (scaffold attachment factor A/B/acinus/PIAS) domain and SUMOylate it, leading to increased ubiquitination and degradation of C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ became more stable when PIAS1 was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi). Moreover, adipogenesis was inhibited by overexpression of wild-type PIAS1 and promoted by knockdown of PIAS1. The mutational study indicated that the catalytic activity of SUMO E3 ligase was required for PIAS1 to restrain adipogenesis. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of PIAS1 overexpression on adipogenesis was rescued by overexpressed C/EBPβ. Thus, PIAS1 could play a dynamic role in adipogenesis by promoting the SUMOylation of C/EBPβ.

// Guo-Dong Wang 1, * , Yi-Xun Liu 1, * , Xiao Wang 1 , Yong-Le Zhang 1 , Ya-Dong Zhang 2 , Feng Xue 2 1 Department of Orthopedic, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, P.R. China 2 Department of Orthopedic, Shanghai Fengxian Central Hospital, Branch of the Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201400, P.R. China * These are co-first authors Correspondence to: Xiao Wang, email: drwx111@163.com Keywords: bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, stromal cell-derived factor-l, chemotaxis cytokine receptor-4, spinal cord injury, hind limb motor function Received: June 29, 2016 Accepted: December 16, 2016 Published: January 13, 2017 ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in mediating BMSCs and SCI recovery. BMSCs were collected and SCI rat models were established. Wistar rats were assigned into the blank control, sham, SCI, SCI + BMSCs, SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 (an inhibitor of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis) and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups. Hind limb motor function was measured 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA was performed to determine the expressions of SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF, GFAP and GAP-43, TNF-α, IL-1β, L-6 and IFN-γ. Hind limb motor function scores 7 days after the operation were reduced in the SCI rats of the blank control and sham groups. Hind limb function was found to be better in the SCI + BMSCs and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 groups than in the SCI, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. Furthermore, the SCI group had lower SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF and GAP-43 expressions but higher GFAP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ than the blank control and sham groups 28 days after operation. While, the SCI + BMSCs, SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups displayed opposite trends to the SCI and SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 groups. In conclusion, SDF-1/CXCR4 axis promotes recovery after SCI by mediating BMSCs.

Based on the three-stage perforation model, a semi-theoretical analysis is conducted for the ballistic performances of a rigid kinetic projectile impacting on concrete plates. By introducing the projectile resistance coefficients, dimensionless formulae are proposed for depth of penetration (DOP), perforation limit thickness, ballistic limit velocity, residual velocity and perforation ratio, with the projectile nosed geometries and projectile-target interfacial friction taken into account. Based on the proposed formula for DOP and lots of penetration tests data of normal and high strength concrete targets, a new expression is obtained for target strength parameter. By comparisons between the results of the proposed formulae and existing empirical formulae and large amount of projectile penetration or perforation tests data for monolithic and segmented concrete targets, the validations of the proposed formulae are verified. It is found that the projectile-target interfacial friction can be neglected in the predictions of characteristic ballistic parameters. The dimensionless DOP for low-to-mid speed impacts of non-flat nosed projectiles increases almost linearly with the impact factor by a coefficient of 2/(πS). The anti-perforation ability of the multilayered concrete plates is dependent on both the target plate thickness and the projectile impact velocity. The variation range of the perforation ratio is 1–3.5 for concrete targets.

3D shape of the weld pool surface can be used to infer the penetration state of the weld pool, which has an importance influence on weld quality. In this paper, a novel stereo camera system that used only one camera and a biprism placed in front of the lens was applied to capture virtual image pair of the weld pool surface. The most advantage of the system setup is that corresponding points lie on the same scan line automatically, i.e. the stereo image pair is self rectified. The calibration of the system was done using plane pattern by Zhang’s algorithm and the standard SSD stereo matching algorithm was applied to find the corresponding points in the left and right image. The reconstructed 3D shape of the weld pool surface during base current period of P-GMAW by the system has shown that the technique has potential application for control of weld process

Primary consequences of fire hazards include personnel injuries, fatalities and/or facility and equipment damage due to high air temperatures, radiant heat fluxes or direct contact with flames. Many methods have been proposed to evaluate the thermal radiation incident on a target. This paper presents a survey of thermal models that can be used in quantitative consequence analysis and recommends a model that should be used to examine accident-related hazards. The capabilities of the existing conventional empirical models for estimating the incident thermal radiation from fireballs and jet fires were thoroughly evaluated by conducting several field trials. First, it was found that for estimating a fireball’s diameter, duration and surface emissive power in the downwind location, the TNO (The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research) model should be employed. Second, for estimating surface emissive power from fireballs in the crosswind location and incident thermal radiation power absorbed by the target located in the fireball’s diameter, the CCPS (Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers) solid flame model is proposed. Third, for estimating incident thermal radiation from fireballs one diameter away and elevations of fireballs, the Roberts point source model is recommended. Finally, for estimating incident thermal radiation from jet fires and flame length, the TNO model is suggested.

Underlying endothelial dysfunction (EnD) may present in the early stage of ED or psychogenic ED. We retrospectively evaluated 191 ED patients with effective nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) recording, including detailed medical and psychosexual history, International Index of Erectile Function-5 and vascular parameter. All patients were allocated into psychogenic and organic groups according to the NPTR test. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used to diagnose EnD, and ED patients were classified into two groups: non-EnD (FMD10) and EnD (FMD10). General and vascular parameters were compared between psychogenic and organic groups, and non-EnD and EnD groups with ED were compared in terms of NPTR parameters. In all, 48.7% and 51.3% patients were diagnosed as psychogenic and organic ED, respectively. 73.1% of the psychogenic patients had EnD and 39.8% organic patients had normal endothelial function. In all parameters, only the FMD value showed significant difference between psychogenic and organic ED groups (8.26±2.57 vs 9.16±2.76, P=0.020). No statistical difference was founded in NPTR parameters between non-EnD and EnD groups (P0.05). In conclusion, NPTR cannot effectively identify the underlying vasculogenic ED from psychogenic ED. Psychogenic causes may cause or aggravate EnD in these ED patients with normal NPTR.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β is required for both mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) and terminal adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Although the role of C/EBPβ in terminal adipocyte differentiation is well defined, its mechanism of action during MCE is not. In this report, histone demethylase Kdm4b, as well as cell cycle genes Cdc45l (cell division cycle 45 homolog), Mcm3 (mini-chromosome maintenance complex component 3), Gins1 (GINS complex subunit 1) and Cdc25c (cell division cycle 25 homolog c), were identified as potential C/EBPβ target genes during MCE by utilizing promoter-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip analysis combined with gene expression microarrays. The expression of Kdm4b is induced during MCE and its induction is dependent on C/EBPβ. ChIP, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and luciferase assay confirmed that the promoter of Kdm4b is bound and activated by C/EBPβ. Knockdown of Kdm4b impaired MCE. Furthermore, Kdm4b interacted with C/EBPβ and was recruited to the promoters of C/EBPβ-regulated cell cycle genes, including Cdc45l, Mcm3, Gins1, and Cdc25c, demethylated H3K9me3 and activated their transcription. These findings suggest a novel feed forward mechanism involving a DNA binding transcription factor (C/EBPβ) and a chromatin regulator (Kdm4b) in the regulation of MCE by controlling cell cycle gene expression.

Summary The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible underlying pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction(ED) in young men with low risk of coronary heart disease and no well-known aetiology. To conduct this study, 122 patients with ED under the age of 40 were enrolled, along with 33 age-matched normal control subjects. The patients with ED had significantly higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol and triglyceride, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), greater carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and Framingham risk score (FRS) than the control group, though all of these values were within the respective normal range. Further, the brachial artery flow- mediated vasodilation (FMD) values were significantly lower in ED patients and correlated positively with the severity of ED (r = 0.714, p

N-substituted 3,4-fullero pyrrolidine was synthesized according to 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of the azomethine ylide. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid with protected α-amino and α-carboxyl groups were reacted with the activated hydroxyl group of N-substituted 3,4-fullero pyrrolidine, respectively. The products were deprotected, affording two novel fullerene α-amino acids, fullerene aspartic acid and fullerene glutamic acid. Their chemical structures were characterized by MALAI-TOF-MS, UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1HNMR. Both fullerene amino acids with a free amino group and a free carboxyl group would have unique property and potential use in medicine and biology. A novel method has been developed to synthesize fullerene conjugate. Their unique chemical structures make them very interesting for their potential use in medicine and biology.

谷蛋白是水稻胚乳中主要的贮藏蛋白，约占总蛋白的80%。谷蛋白最初在粗糙内质网表面以57 kD前体的形式合成，这些前体经加工转运等过程，最终沉积在第二类蛋白体PB-II中，裂解为成熟的酸碱性亚基。任一谷蛋白转运步骤的缺陷都有可能导致谷蛋白57 kD前体的积累，形成谷蛋白前体增加突变体，即57H突变体。细老鼠牙是一个57H自然突变体，其57 kD谷蛋白前体增加而相应的37~39 kD酸性和22~23 kD碱性亚基减少，此外，该突变体还表现为13 kD醇溶蛋白大大增加。本研究以细老鼠牙与武运粳7号、02428杂交获得的F 2 群体为材料，对57H突变体进行遗传分析和基因定位，结果表明，细老鼠牙的57H突变性状受1对隐性核基因控制，暂命名为 glup-t 。利用简单重复序列(simple sequence repeat, SSR)、插入缺失(insertion deletion, Indel)和酶切扩增多态性序列(cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence, CAPS)等分子标记的方法，将该突变基因 glup-t 定位在水稻第4染色体长臂上的CAPS4-3与Indel4-7、Indel4-8之间，遗传距离均为0.26 cM。

With the development of partially prestressing technique, the application of prestressed concrete was extended to protective structures. Despite those known advantages of higher crack resistance, higher solidity and lighter weight, the absence of systematic, theoretical investigations, as well as simple analytical methods in prestressed structures demonstrate a drawback in design and assessment of blast-resistant structures. An approach based on the layered section method was presented in this paper to predict the static resistance-deflection curves of partially prestressed concrete beam-slab structures, and it was validated by test data. Based on the layered section method for static analysis, a new analytical method was proposed to investigate the dynamic responses of the partially prestressed concrete beams subjected to blast loads. The new method incorporated an elasto/viscoplastic rate-sensitive model with the proposed analytical approach for static analysis into an equivalent single degree of freedom (SDOF) system. The analytical results agreed well with the test data. And some main affecting factors on the dynamic responses of the structures were discussed. It is demonstrated that the dynamic resistance of partially prestressed concrete structures is improved with the increasing of initial prestressing force and partially prestressing ratio (PPR).

N-substituted 3, 4-fullero pyrrolidine was synthesized according to 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of the azomethine ylide. Aspartic acid with protected α-amino and α-carboxyl groups was reacted with the activated hydroxyl group of N-substituted 3, 4-fullero pyrrolidine. The products were deprotected, affording the monofullerene aspartic acid (mFas). The conjugate FasT was synthesized by reaction of mFas containing protected amino group with the thymidylic acid derivatived controlled pore glass (CPG) using solid phase synthesis. All of the above fullerene derivatives were characterized by UV–vis, 1H NMR, IR and MS spectrometric analysis, giving the correct spectra with regard to their chemical structure. The chemical structures of fullerene nucleotides conjugate FasT is different from previous reports and may have novel biological properties. Moreover, they are more suitable for applications in biomedical research due to their solubilization in THF and DMSO. They have a potential to be used as monomer for the automatic synthesis. It allows further conjugation with specific biomolecules including amino acids, peptides, nucleotides and nucleic acids. A novel method has been developed to synthesize fullerene nucleotides conjugate. Their unique chemical structures make them very interesting for their potential use in medicine and biology.

The liquefaction of cornstalk in the presence of polyhydric alcohols with sulfuric acid as catalyst was investigated. Effects of various liquefaction condition parameters on the liquefaction and its liquefied products were mainly investigated. Results showed that the liquefaction parameters had an obvious effect on the residue percent and the viscosity, acid and hydroxyl number of its liquefied products. The efficient liquefaction of cornstalk with low residue percent of 9.4% was obtained under the mild condition of a PEG #400/glycerin ratio of 7/3, a cornstalk/liquefaction reagent ratio of 1/5, a reaction temperature of 150°C, a reaction time of 30 min and a sulfuric acid amount of 4%, respectively. Under this condition, the viscosity, acid number and hydroxyl number of its liquefied products was 1430 cP, 18.5 mg KOH/g and 362.1 mg KOH/g, respectively.

In order to have a clear understanding of the blast-resistant properties of blast doors, full scale in-situ tests of an arched reinforced concrete blast door subjected to explosions outside a tunnel entrance were carried out. An elaborative three-dimensional FE analysis was conducted to numerically evaluate the structural response of the blast door. The blast loads applied on the door in the FE analysis were simulated by using the FE program AUTODYN and simplified to be triangular loads without consideration of the rising time. The dynamic responses of the tested blast door under single and multiple blast loads were analyzed by using the FE program ABAQUS which adopted a rate-sensitive material model combined with a concrete plastic damage model. The results of numerical simulation were compared with the experimental data. It is demonstrated that the strain-rate effects and nonlinear contacts between the door leaf and the doorframe steel plate as well as the enclaves and the steel tube have considerable influence on the responses of the arched reinforced concrete blast door. The mid-span displacement of the door increased with the increase of the number of explosions. The blast door finally failed after eight explosions.

Diversity of 60 conventional japonica rice accessions with good eating quality at home and abroad was analyzed using SSR molecular markers, agronomic traits and taste characteristics. A total of 290 alleles were detected in the 60 accessions at 72 SSR loci with the high similarity coefficients varying between 0.600 and 0.924. The loci on chromosome 5 showed the greatest value in average allele number. Additionally, most of the SSR loci could detect 3 to 4 alleles. An UPGMA dendrogram based on the cluster analysis of the genetic similarity coefficients showed that the grouping trend of part of the rice accessions was geographic-related and most of the rice accessions in Jiangsu Province, China were clustered together. Furthermore, many domestic accessions from south and north origins in China were close to the foreign japonica rice varieties, as proved by their pedigree origin from the foreign high-quality sources. For taste characteristics, part of the accessions with excellent taste were clearly clustered into one category though they came from different geographical regions, which indicates that taste characteristics of some varieties were mainly genetically determined. In addition, the agronomic traits of japonica rice with good taste might be closely related with their geographical origins, but the relationship between superior taste characteristics and agronomic traits should be further clarified.

The anomalous low friction (ALF) and pendulum-type wave ( μ wave) phenomena were two typical, nonlinear, geo-mechanical, and dynamic responses in deep-block rock mass discovered from in situ observations, which occurred from the movement of the geo-blocks under the impact of external pulses, such as deep confined explosion, earthquake, and rock bursts. With the aim to confirm the existence of the above two phenomena and study the variation laws of them experimentally, laboratory tests on the granite and cement mortar continuum and blocks models were conducted on the self-independently developed multipurpose testing system, respectively. The ALF phenomenon was realized under two loading schemes, the blocks model and working block were acted upon by the joint action of vertical impact and horizontal static force as well as the joint action of both vertical and horizontal impacts with different time intervals. It revealed that the discrete time delays corresponding to the local maximums and minimums of the horizontal displacement amplitudes and residual horizontal displacements of the working block satisfied the canonical sequences with the multiple of 2 , most of which satisfied the quantitative expression 2 i Δ / V p . Besides, the one-dimensional impact experiments were carried out on the blocks granite model, continuum, and blocks cement mortar models, respectively. Based on the comparison and analysis of the propagation properties (amplitudes and the Fourier spectrums of acceleration time histories of blocks) of the 1D stress wave in the above models, it is indicated that the fractures in rock mass have tremendous effect on the attenuation of acceleration amplitudes and high-frequency waves. By comparison of the model test data with the in situ measurement conclusions, the existence of the μ wave was confirmed experimentally in the cement mortar blocks model with larger dimensions, and the frequencies corresponding to the local maximums of spectral density curves of three-directional acceleration time histories of sub-blocks also satisfied several canonical sequences with the multiple of 2 .