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Isoprene, a dominant biogenic volatile organic compound that is mainly emitted by trees, has a significant impact on the atmospheric chemistry. Regional to global changes in biogenic isoprene emission associated with vegetation variations between 2000 and 2015 were estimated using the MEGAN model with satellite land cover data for inputs in this study. The satellite data estimates of land cover changes were compared to results from previous investigators that have either conducted regional studies or have used lower resolution land cover data. The analysis indicates that tree coverage increases of >5% occurred in 13% of locations including in central China and Europe. In contrast, a decrease of >5% was observed in about 5% of locations, especially in tropical regions. The trends in global tree coverage from 2000 to 2015 resulted in a global isoprene emission decrease of only 1.5%, but there were significant regional variations. Obvious decreases in tree coverage in some tropical areas (e.g., Amazon Basin, Western Africa, Southeast Asia) resulted in a ~10% reduction of regional isoprene emission due to agricultural expansion. Distinct increments of isoprene emission (5–10%) were mainly found in Northeast China and India and were associated with afforestation efforts. Deforestation and afforestation associated with managed plantations does not only affect the total forest coverage but also impacts average isoprene emission capacity, which can result in accelerated isoprene emission variations. Consequently, isoprene variation assessments are needed that not only account for changes in vegetation fractions but also consider the changes in plant species compositions of forests and other landscapes. Variations of global tree coverage during 2000 and 2015 results in a global total isoprene emission decrease of only 1.5%Significant decrease of tree coverage in some tropical areas results in a ~10% reduction of regional isoprene emissionDeforestation and afforestation associated with economic plantations does not only affect the total forest coverage, but also impacts the average isoprene emission capacity, which can result in accelerated isoprene emission variations

Corrole compounds attract increasing interest due to their potential to stabilize high-valent metal states. X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the investigation and development of functional interfaces. For corrolic species, however, the required reference data are missing. Here, we employ a multitechnique X-ray investigation of thin films of the prototypical free-base 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole (3H-TpFPC) grown on the Ag(111) surface under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Ultrapure corrole multilayer samples are prepared and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. In parallel, the X-ray fingerprints are simulated using the continued-fraction approach within density functional theory (DFT) for extended, (quasi-)periodic molecular structures. An excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical spectra enables a thorough interpretation of the detailed spectral features and proves an accurate description of the free-base corrole electronic structure within the present DFT approach. The present study provides X-ray spectroscopic references for all relevant core-level regions and absorption edges of intact molecular species and, thus, represents an ideal starting point for the comprehensive understanding of the complex chemistry of corroles in the adsorbed state toward the development of related functional interfaces.

Gravitational‐wave high‐energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All‐sky Monitor (GECAM) is a space‐borne instrument dedicated to monitoring high‐energy transients, including Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) and Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs). We implemented a TGF/TEB search algorithm for GECAM, with which 147 bright TGFs, 2 typical TEBs and 2 special TEB‐like events are identified during an effective observation time of ∼9 months. We show that, with gamma‐ray and charged particle detectors, GECAM can effectively identify and distinguish TGFs and TEBs, and measure their temporal and spectral properties in detail. A very high TGF‐lightning association rate of ∼80% is obtained between GECAM and GLD360 in east Asia region. Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) and Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs) represent the most energetic radioactive phenomena in the atmosphere of the Earth. They reflect a natural particle accelerator that can boost electrons up to at least several tens of mega electron volts and produce gamma‐ray radiation. With novel detection technologies, Gravitational‐wave high‐energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All‐sky Monitor (GECAM) is a new powerful instrument to observe TGFs and TEBs, as well as study their properties. For example, it is difficult for most space‐borne high‐energy instruments to distinguish between TGFs and TEBs. However, we show here that, with the joint observation of gamma‐ray and charged particle detectors, GECAM can effectively identify TGFs and TEBs. GECAM can also reveal their fine features in the light curves and spectra. During 9‐month observation, Gravitational‐wave high‐energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All‐sky Monitor (GECAM) has detected 147 bright Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs), 2 typical Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs), and 2 special TEB‐like eventsWith novel detector design, GECAM can effectively classify TGFs and TEBs, and reveal their fine temporal featuresWe obtained a very high TGF‐lightning association rate (∼80%) between GECAM and GLD360 in east Asia region During 9‐month observation, Gravitational‐wave high‐energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All‐sky Monitor (GECAM) has detected 147 bright Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs), 2 typical Terrestrial Electron Beams (TEBs), and 2 special TEB‐like events With novel detector design, GECAM can effectively classify TGFs and TEBs, and reveal their fine temporal features We obtained a very high TGF‐lightning association rate (∼80%) between GECAM and GLD360 in east Asia region

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a newly discovered member of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, counterbalances the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The objective of our study was to assess the association between rs2106809 polymorphism in ACE2gene and the blood pressure response to ACE inhibitors in untreated hypertensive patients. After a 2-week, double-blind placebo run-in period, either benazepril or imidapril was administered for 6 weeks to 497 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The achieved changes in BP were analyzed for their association with genotypes at ACE2gene loci. In female hypertensive patients, the genotype frequency of ACE2rs2106809 was 36.7%, 45.2% and 18.1% for CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively. After 6 weeks of treatment, the reductions in diastolic blood pressure were significantly greater in female patients carrying the CC or CT genotype compared with those carrying the TT genotype (9.62±6.83 or 10.2±7.2 versus 6.81±6.31 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.045, analysis of variance (ANOVA)). Moreover, the reductions in mean arterial pressure were significantly greater in female patients carrying the CC or CT genotype compared with those carrying the TT genotype (12.1±7.5 or 12.0±7.9 versus 8.38±6.83 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.035, ANOVA). In male hypertensive patients, the genotype frequency of ACE2rs2106809 was 58.1% and 41.9% for C and T genotypes, respectively. However, no association could be observed in males. We conclude that ACE2rs2106809 is an important predictive factor of the response to antihypertensive treatment with ACE inhibitors in Chinese female hypertensive patients.

MoO3and MoO2materials have been successfully synthesized by thermal decomposition of ammonium paramolybdate in air and a sealed quartz tube, respectively. The microstructure of as‐synthesized MoO3is composed of irregular lamellar plates with a plate thickness around 100 nm and MoO2has the larger grain size with lamellar plates connected with each other. A maximum specific capacitance of 318 F/g at 0.5 A/g is obtained for MoO2prepared in a closed environment. On the other hand, the sample MoO3exhibits excellent rate capacity with specific capacitances of 218, 209, 196, 188, 176, and 160 F/g at current densities of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 A/g, respectively. These results pave the way to consider MoO3and MoO2as prospective materials for energy‐storage applications.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of steam-flaked corn grains and soybeans on muscle fatty acid composition. Thirty Holstein bull calves (21 ± 3 d) were divided into 3 groups according to birth date and BW and were randomly assigned to receive fresh milk and a commercial pelleted starter diet containing extruded corn and soybean (ECS), steam-flaked corn and soybean (SFCS), or ground corn and raw soybean (GCS). The calves were fed the designated diet from 3 to 13 wk of age, after which they were slaughtered. The supraspinatus (CTM), longissimus lumborum (RLM), and spinalis dorsi (ERM) were analyzed to determine the chemical and intramuscular fatty acid composition. The fatty acid composition of muscle and its deposition differed among calves fed different starter feeds. Medium-chain fatty acid levels of the RLM and CTM were greater in GCS-fed calves than in ECS- and SFCS-fed calves (P< 0.05). Extruded processing increased the content of linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids of the RLM (P< 0.05). The palmitoleic and trans-vaccenic acid content of the ERM were greater in GCS-fed calves than in ECS- or SFCS-fed calves (P< 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the 3 diets with respect to the stearic, oleic, linoleic, cis-9 trans-11 CLA, or arachidonic acid content of the ERM (P> 0.05). The levels of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were similar among the 3 groups; a lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was observed in GCS-fed calves (P< 0.05). The cereal processing method of the calf starter feed had no significant effect on the chemical composition of the CTM, RLM, or ERM. Therefore, different methods of processing corn and soybean in calf starter feeds had no effect on the chemical composition of the RLM, CTM, or ERM but had a significant effect on the intramuscular fatty acid composition.

The rapidly solidified Ni41.98Mn42.97V2.08Sn12.97ribbons are prepared by the melt‐spinning technique. The microstructure, martensitic transformation (MT), and magnetocaloric effect of the ribbons are greatly affected by annealing treatment. The equiaxed crystallized grains with the relatively homogeneous size distribution are observed for these ribbons. After annealing, the grain size becomes obviously large, the lattice constants decreases, and the exchange bias effect gets improved. The MT temperatures increase obviously for the annealed ribbons. Large magnetic entropy change (ΔS) is obtained in the annealed Ni–Mn–V–Sn ribbons. The peak values of ΔSin the annealed ribbons are 41.6 and −2.3 J kg−1K−1in the vicinity of MT temperature and Curie temperature of austenite, respectively, for the field change of 30 kOe.

In order to obtain epoxy based composite with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and good mechanical properties at cryogenic temperature (77 K), core–shell rubber (CSR) particles were integrated into epoxy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed the occurrence of intermolecular hydrogen bond between the CSR particles and the epoxy matrix. The results of thermomechanical analysis indicate that the CTE of CSR–epoxy composites below Tgreached the minimum of the CSR content of 0·5 wt-%, then followed by an increase when the CSR content was higher than 0·5 wt-%. The CTE value under Tgwas decreased 18·89% with 0·5 wt-% CSR content. The tensile strength, Young's modulus and impact strength of CSR–epoxy composites at 77 K all reached a maximum with the CSR content of 0·5 wt-%, followed by a decrease when the CSR content was higher than 0·5 wt-%. The storage modulus of CSR modified epoxy resin in glassy region was higher than that of the neat epoxy resin.

Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD)/expanded graphite nanosheets treated with silane coupling agent (TEG) composites were prepared by simulating reaction injection moulding. Studies on the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites were carried out. The results showed that TEG of low content had an effect on reinforcing the PDCPD matrix. The incorporation of TEG in PDCPD greatly decreased wear rates and slightly increased friction coefficients under both dry sliding and oil lubricated conditions. The SEM images of the worn surface revealed their wear mechanisms. Unfilled PDCPD was characterised by spalling, with adhesive wear being the major wear form. Polydicyclopentadiene composites were characterised by plastic deformation, fatigue microcracking, spalling and ploughing effect in dry sliding. The wear forms for PDCPD composites under oil lubricated condition were also complicated, and several wear forms such as adhesive, abrasive and fatigue wears co-existed.

A scheme for one-step implementation of an n-qubit controlled-phase gate is proposed in a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) system. The distinguishing feature of this scheme is the simultaneous and nonidentical off-resonant Raman coupling of the n SQUID qubits to a single-mode resonator and the microwave pulses. The scheme is efficient and simple because it requires only one-step evolution, and no adjustments of the experimental parameters are needed during the operation.

Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3(PZT) thin films were coated onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by a sol-gel method and then crystallized by 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation in the magnetic field. The crystalline phases and microstructures as well as the electrical properties of the PZT films were investigated as a function of the annealing temperature from 550 to 750°C for 60 s. The crystallization behavior of the PZT films annealed at 650°C for different times were also investigated. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the pyrochlore phase is formed initially but that it transforms into the perovskite phase very quickly. The ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the PZT films are correlated to the crystallization behavior. The annealing time to obtain perovskite PZT films with good electrical properties at 650°C is only 60 s, and is much shorter than that in conventional furnace annealing process. The reasons for the reduction of annealing time in the rapid microwave annealing process are also discussed.

An innovative step-feed Anaerobic-multiple Anoxic/Oxic-Membrane Bioreactor [An-M(A/O-MBR] process was developed to treat synthetic domestic wastewater. Performance of the lab-scale system was investigated at different dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration (0.4-2.4mg/L) in the aerobic tank of the multiple A/O zone. The results showed that, under the conditions imposed, the DO level has no obvious influence on COD removal and the removal efficiency was more than 94% throughout the operation. However, DO levels have great influence on nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Better nitrification performance(>99%) could be obtained when DO was in the range of 0.8~2.4mg/L. High total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal performance can be obtained when DO was in the range of 0.8~1.2mg/L, the average removal efficiency was 74.81% and 71.41%, respectively. In this condition, DO can meet the demand of nitrification and phosphorus uptake simultaneously, and the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) occurred in the aerobic tanks under 1ower DO concentration. Meanwhile, since the DO circulated from the aerobic tank to the anoxic tank decreased, denitrification was enhanced and the nitrate quantity in the sludge recycle system decreased, resulting in the decrease of carbon substrate competition between denitrifcation and phosphorus release in the anaerobic zone. Ultimately, the performance of TN and TP removal was enhanced.

We report a novel three-dimentional (3D) porous nano-Ni/Co(OH)2nanoflake composite film electrode for potential supercapacitor applications with both high power and energy capabilities. The 3D porous nano-Ni film with highly porous nanoramified walls functions as a scaffold to anchor Co(OH)2nanoflakes to produce a 3D nanoporous metal/hydroxide nanoflake composite electrode. Co(OH)2nanoflakes with thicknesses of 20 nm are directly electrodeposited on highly conductive 3D porous nano-Ni film prepared via a hydrogen bubble template. Impressively, the Co(OH)2nanoflake in the composite film exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1920 F g–1at 40 A g–1, with a corresponding energy density as high as 80 W h kg–1at a power density of 11 kW kg–1. Moreover, the designed composite film exhibits excellent cycling stability, making it one of the best electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors. This work demonstrates that the 3D porous nanometal/hydroxide nanoflake composite approach is an effective strategy toward supercapacitors with high energy and power densities.

Magnetic, transport and magnetotransport properties of A‐type antiferromagnetic Nd0.45Sr0.55MnO3films with different thicknesses grown on SrTiO3(100) have been investigated before and after ex situannealing processes. In contrast to the bulk system, all as‐deposited films exhibit insulating behaviour due to the local Jahn–Teller distortion induced by in‐plane tensile strain. The annealing process only induces an insulator–metal transition in ultrathin film with a thickness of 16 nm, resulting in metallically conductive behaviour and the transport properties similar to those of the bulk. This may be ascribed to the cooperative influences of changes in oxygen content and strain‐induced ${\rm d}_{x^{2} {-} y^{2} } $‐type orbital order owing to the annealing process. When a magnetic field of 70 kOe is applied, the metallic behaviour appears in a broad temperature range in the annealed film with 16 nm thickness and, the metallic behaviour is also observed in the annealed film with 32 nm thickness. The different effects of the external magnetic field on the transport properties of as‐deposited and annealed Nd0.45Sr0.55MnO3films are discussed.

A step-feed anaerobic-(oxic/anoxic) n-membrane bioreactor [An-(O/A) n-MBR] process was developed to treat synthetic domestic wastewater. Characteristics of nutrient removal and membrane fouling at three hydraulic retention time (HRT) settings were investigated on a lab-scale system. Results showed that COD removal in the An-(O/A)n-MBR process was high and stable (up to 98%) throughout the operation. At the constant sludge retention time condition, MLSS concentration increased with the decrease of HRT. Removal efficiencies of the total nitrogen (TN) and the total phosphorus (TP) demonstrated the same trend. When the HRT was at 8.70, 6.96 and 4.97 h, the average removal efficiencies of TN and the TP were 73.15%, 79.76%, 81.98% and 67.79%, 80.99%, 92.16%, respectively. However, analysis of membrane fouling showed that the short HRT obtained by high flux operation resulted in the acceleration of membrane fouling.

ObjectiveTo examine whether obesity increases the risk of progression of knee osteoarthritis OA.MethodsWe used data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a longitudinal study of persons with or at high risk of knee OA. OA was characterized at baseline and 30 months using posteroanterior fixedflexion radiographs and KellgrenLawrence KL grading, with alignment assessed on fullextremity films. In knees with OA at baseline KL grade 2 or 3, progression was defined as tibiofemoral joint space narrowing on the 30month radiograph. In knees without OA at baseline KL grade 0 or 1, incident OA was defined as the development of radiographic OA at 30 months. Body mass index BMI at baseline was classified as normal <25 kgm2, overweight 25–<30 kgm2, obese 30–<35 kgm2, and very obese ≥35 kgm2. The risk of progression was tested in all knees and in subgroups categorized according to alignment. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, knee injury, and bone density.ResultsAmong the 2,623 subjects 5,159 knees, 60 were women, and the mean ± SD age was 62.4 ± 8.0 years. More than 80 of subjects were overweight or obese. At baseline, 36.4 of knees had tibiofemoral OA, and of those, only onethird were neutrally aligned. Compared with subjects with a normal BMI, those who were obese or very obese were at an increased risk of incident OA relative risk 2.4 and 3.2, respectively Pfor trend < 0.001; this risk extended to knees from all alignment groups. Among knees with OA at baseline, there was no overall association between a high BMI and the risk of OA progression; however, an increased risk of progression was observed among knees with neutral but not varus alignment. The effect of obesity was intermediate in those with valgus alignment.ConclusionAlthough obesity was a risk factor for incident knee OA, we observed no overall relationship between obesity and the progression of knee OA. Obesity was not associated with OA progression in knees with varus alignment; however, it did increase the risk of progression in knees with neutral or valgus alignment. Therefore, weight loss may not be effective in preventing progression of structural damage in OA knees with varus alignment.

The pretreatment and saccharification process of lignocellulose were subjected to ultrasonic waves to enhance the saccharification rate. The morphology, structure and crystal performance of the original and treated lignocellulose samples were characterized by SEM and FTIR. Moreover, the effect of different pretreatment methods on the structure of the raw materials and the influence of ultrasonic waves on the saccharification rate, were studied. SEM photographs show that the surface conformation of the granulated raw material is not changed, because the energy of the ultrasonic vibration is too low to cause changes to its structure. A FTIR spectrum shows that the ultrasonically assisted alkali pretreatment effectively destroys the intermolecular hydrogen bonding of lignocellulose and decreases its crystallinity. The catalytic efficiency of cellulase was increased by 70 % under ultrasonic treatment. Therefore, the ultrasonically assisted alkali pretreatment can improves the degradation rate of lignin and the saccharification rate of zymohydrolysis. The mechanism of the effect of ultrasonic waves on the enzymatic catalysis process is also discussed in detail.

Multi‐enzymatic catalysis combined with acid hydrolysis is studied in order to enhance the efficiency of the enzymatic catalysis and reduce the mass transfer resistance from starch and cellulose in the extraction of diosgenin from Dioscorea zingiberensisC. H. Wright. The cellulase is modified by polyethylene to increase its optimal reaction temperature and pH value. The modified cellulase shows better thermostability and resistance to alkali. The modified cellulase, α‐amylase and β‐glycosidase are used to construct the multi‐enzyme and multi‐enzyme catalysis is used as a pretreatment process. Compared to primary industrial techniques including acid hydrolysis, spontaneous fermentation and enzymatic catalysis, conventional techniques are optimized by using multi‐enzymatic catalysis together with acid hydrolysis because of the higher reaction efficiency and lower levels of manipulation required. The purity of the product is more than 96 % with this technique, and the melting point is 205–207 °C. The diosgenin yield rate and the extraction rate reached are 2.43 % and 98 %, respectively. IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy were used to confirm the structure of the product.

The aim of this study is to prepare flavone imprinted silica with good sphericity. Previous studies have demonstrated that imprinted silica can be synthesized using a simple sol‐gel method and a grinding‐sieving process. Despite the simplicity of the synthetic method, the appearance of the final product obtained is often very irregular and nonuniform. This product has many utilization issues and problems, e.g., residues and low operability. In this study, one type of novel spherical flavone imprinted silica was synthesized. A sol‐gel method and molecular imprinting technique were employed. By using luteolin as a template molecule, aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) as the functional monomer, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the cross‐linking agent, molecularly imprinted silica microspheres were prepared via a two‐stage reaction. The preparation conditions were monitored by the appearance of the products. SEM images show that under optimum conditions, the diameters of these microspheres are ca. 20–30 μm. The amino group adsorption peaks can be seen from the IR spectra. Results from elemental analysis indicate that 3.206 μmol of amino groups were successfully introduced into 1 g of product. This microspheric adsorbent has a high adsorption capacity to the template molecule, high adsorption selectivity and reproducibility. The adsorption capacity amounted to 32.987 mg/g and the separation factor was up to 84.3, while the adsorption capacity hardly decreased after 15 cycles.

Activated signaling proteins regulate diverse processes, including the differentiation of the pancreatic islet cells during ontogeny. Here we uncover the in vivophosphorylation status of major growth factor-activated signaling proteins in normal adult mice and during pancreatic islet regeneration. We report elevated phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-MAPK), phospho-c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (phospho-JNK), and phospho-p38 MAPK expression during pancreatic regeneration. Immunoblotting experiments demonstrated elevated phosphorylation of p52 Src-homology/collagen (SHC) in the ductal network as well, substantiating the activation of this pathway. Furthermore, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), a key signaling protein in the anti-apoptotic pathway, was phosphorylated to a greater extent in the ductal network from regenerating pancreas. We observed fibroblast growht factor (FGF)10 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)AA expression in embryonic as well as regenerating adult pancreas. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and PDGFAA stimulated MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, while FGF10 stimulated MAPK but not Akt phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner in freshly isolated cells from the adult ductal network. These data suggest that a heightened level of expression and stimulation of key signaling proteins underlie the expansion and differentiation processes that support pancreatic ontogeny and regeneration.

Abstract:  A granular neural Web-based stock prediction agent is developed using the granular neural network (GNN) that can discover fuzzy rules. Stock data sets are downloaded from www.yahoo.com website. These data sets are inserted into the database tables using a java program. Then, the GNN is trained using sample data for any stock. After learning from the past stock data, the GNN is able to use discover fuzzy rules to make future predictions. After doing simulations with six different stocks (msft, orcl, dow, csco, ibm, km), it is conclusive that the granular neural stock prediction agent is giving less average errors with large amount of past training data and high average errors in case of fewer amounts of past training data. Java Servlets, Java Script and jdbc are used. SQL is used as the back-end database. The performance of the GNN algorithm is compared with the performance of the BP algorithm by training the same set of data and predicting the future stock values. The average error of the GNN is less than that of BP algorithm.

Aims/hypothesis. Activin A induces differentiation of amylase-secreting pancreatic AR42J cells into endocrine cells. This study assesses the role of Smad proteins in the actions of activin A in AR42J cells. Methods. The expression of Smad proteins was determined by northern blotting. Phosphorylation and translocation of Smad2 was measured by transfecting flag-tagged Smad2. Involvement of Smad2 was examined by transfecting cDNA encoding N-terminal and C-terminal domains of Smad2. Results. The mRNAs for Smad2 and Smad4 were abundantly expressed whereas the expression of mRNA for Smad1 and Smad3 was very low. Activin A induced serine-phosphorylation and the subsequent accumulation of the Smad2 in nuclei. Transfection of the N-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a dominantly negative mutant (Smad2-N), blocked the morphological changes induced by activin A whereas the C-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a constitutively active mutant (Smad2-C), reproduced the activin-induced morphological changes. Similarly, Smad2-N blocked apoptosis induced by activin A and Smad2-C induced apoptosis. Activin A converted AR42J into insulin-secreting cells in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor and introduction of Smad2-N inhibited the differentiation. Smad2-C, however, did not induce differentiation in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor. Conclusions/interpretation. Activation of the Smad2 pathway is necessary and sufficient to induce apoptosis and morphological changes. Although activation of the Smad2 pathway is required, it is not solely sufficient for the differentiation of AR42J into endocrine cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 719–727]Aims/hypothesis. Activin A induces differentiation of amylase-secreting pancreatic AR42J cells into endocrine cells. This study assesses the role of Smad proteins in the actions of activin A in AR42J cells. Methods. The expression of Smad proteins was determined by northern blotting. Phosphorylation and translocation of Smad2 was measured by transfecting flag-tagged Smad2. Involvement of Smad2 was examined by transfecting cDNA encoding N-terminal and C-terminal domains of Smad2. Results. The mRNAs for Smad2 and Smad4 were abundantly expressed whereas the expression of mRNA for Smad1 and Smad3 was very low. Activin A induced serine-phosphorylation and the subsequent accumulation of the Smad2 in nuclei. Transfection of the N-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a dominantly negative mutant (Smad2-N), blocked the morphological changes induced by activin A whereas the C-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a constitutively active mutant (Smad2-C), reproduced the activin-induced morphological changes. Similarly, Smad2-N blocked apoptosis induced by activin A and Smad2-C induced apoptosis. Activin A converted AR42J into insulin-secreting cells in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor and introduction of Smad2-N inhibited the differentiation. Smad2-C, however, did not induce differentiation in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor. Conclusions/interpretation. Activation of the Smad2 pathway is necessary and sufficient to induce apoptosis and morphological changes. Although activation of the Smad2 pathway is required, it is not solely sufficient for the differentiation of AR42J into endocrine cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 719–727]

On the basis of the theory of thermokinetics proposed in the literature, a novel thermokinetic method for determination of the reaction rate, the characteristic parameter method, is proposed in this paper. Mathematical models were established to determine the kinetic parameters and rate constants. In order to test the validity of this method, the saponifications of ethyl benzoate, ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate, and the formation of hexamethylenetetramine were studied with this method. The rate constants calculated with this method are in agreement with those in the literature, and the characteristic parameter method is therefore believed to be correct. In the light of the characteristic parameter method, we have developed further two thermo-kinetic methods, the thermoanalytical single and multi-curve methods, which are convenient for simultaneous determination of the reaction order and the rate constant. The reaction orders and rate constants of the saponifications of ethyl acetate and ethyl butyrate and the ring-opening reaction of epichlorohydrin with hydrobromic acid were determined with these methods, and their validity was verified by the experimental results.

Aims/hypothesis. Pancreatic AR42J cells express both exocrine and neuroendocrine properties. When exposed to activin A, approximately 50 % of the cells die within 3 days by apoptosis. Addition of hepatocyte growth factor prevents apoptosis induced by activin A and induces differentiation into insulin-producing cells. The present study was conducted to examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the action of hepatocyte growth factor. Methods. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase was assessed by using 2-(2 ′-amino-3 ′-methoxyphenol)-oxanaphthalen-4-one (PD098 059). Cells were also transfected with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase and constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. Results. Hepatocyte growth factor induced sustained activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, which was inhibited by PD098 059. PD098 059 completely blocked the differentiation and also blocked the prevention of apoptosis. Transfection of the cells with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase reproduced the effect of PD098 059. Conversely, transfection with cDNA for the constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase reproduced the effect of hepatocyte growth factor. In contrast, addition of wortmannin or transfection of the dominantly negative form of the p85 subunit of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase did not affect differentiation induced by hepatocyte growth factor. Instead, wortmannin enhanced the increase in the insulin content of the differentiated AR42J cells. Conclusion/interpretation. The MAP kinase pathway is necessary and sufficient for the action of HGF on differentiation of AR42J cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 450–456]Aims/hypothesis. Pancreatic AR42J cells express both exocrine and neuroendocrine properties. When exposed to activin A, approximately 50 % of the cells die within 3 days by apoptosis. Addition of hepatocyte growth factor prevents apoptosis induced by activin A and induces differentiation into insulin-producing cells. The present study was conducted to examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the action of hepatocyte growth factor. Methods. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase was assessed by using 2-(2 ′-amino-3 ′-methoxyphenol)-oxanaphthalen-4-one (PD098 059). Cells were also transfected with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase and constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. Results. Hepatocyte growth factor induced sustained activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, which was inhibited by PD098 059. PD098 059 completely blocked the differentiation and also blocked the prevention of apoptosis. Transfection of the cells with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase reproduced the effect of PD098 059. Conversely, transfection with cDNA for the constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase reproduced the effect of hepatocyte growth factor. In contrast, addition of wortmannin or transfection of the dominantly negative form of the p85 subunit of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase did not affect differentiation induced by hepatocyte growth factor. Instead, wortmannin enhanced the increase in the insulin content of the differentiated AR42J cells. Conclusion/interpretation. The MAP kinase pathway is necessary and sufficient for the action of HGF on differentiation of AR42J cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 450–456]

Physiological development in Chinese children was analysed based on a national survey sample. Close to half a million children and adolescents, aged 7–18 years, from Han and 27 minority nationalities were assessed for pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and forced vital capacity in these 12 age groups. The factors of age, sex, race, and region (urban/rural, north/south) were analysed. P95 hypertension screening standard was established for each age group. These results were compared with research reports from world literature.

A new method is presented for computation of eigenvalue and eigenvector derivatives associated with repeated eigenvalues of the generalized nondefective eigenproblem. This approach is an extension of recent work by Daily and by Juang et al. and is applicable to symmetric or nonsymmetric systems. The extended phases read as follows. The differentiable eigenvectors and their derivatives associated with repeated eigenvalues are determined for a generalized eigenproblem, requiring the knowledge of only those eigenvectors to be differentiated. Moreover, formulations for computing eigenvector derivatives have been presented covering the case where multigroups of repeated first eigenvalue derivatives occur. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Abstract: Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women is associated with a decreased mortality and morbidity from stroke. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of estrogen on endothelial cell glucose transporter 1 (GLUT 1) and on the cell viability during focal ischemia in a rat model. Female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and 2 weeks later 17β-estradiol (E2) was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 100 μg/kg 2 h before unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Ischemic lesion size was quantified using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and GLUT 1 protein was analyzed by Western blotting. E2 treatment decreased ischemic lesion size in slices taken at 9 and 11 mm posterior from the olfactory bulb by 46.3% and 44.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). GLUT 1 protein decreased in both OVX and E2 groups by 24.6% and 22.7% respectively (P < 0.05) compared with the non-lesioned side in the core ischemic region, including the basal ganglia. GLUT 1 protein was increased in the E2-treated group compared with the control group (23.3%, P < 0.05) in the penumbral ischemic region of the cortex. Primary rat brain capillary endothelial cell (BCEC) cultures were established as an in vitro model for ischemic effects on endothelial cells. Estrogen reduced BCEC loss by 35.9%, 28.4% and 23.5% (P < 0.05) when glucose in the culture medium was reduced to 50%, 20% and 10%, respectively; and by 28.4% and 18.4% (P < 0.05) following 1 or 4 h of anoxia, respectively. This study demonstrates that estrogen treatment increases GLUT 1 transporters and protects BCEC loss which may in turn reduce focal ischemic brain damage.

Recombinant Lyme disease vaccines based on purified preparations of outer surface protein A (OspA) have been shown to be effective in preventing transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi in experimental animal models and are now being tested in humans. Since the most widely used screening tests for Lyme disease are based on a whole-cell sonicate of B. burgdorferi, serologic false positivity in vaccinated persons could result from reactivity to OspA within the antigen preparation. In order to avoid serologic false positivity in vaccinated subjects, we developed an immunoassay based on a low-passage-number, naturally occurring variant of B. burgdorferi which lacks the plasmid encoding OspA and OspB. The use of an antigen preparation derived from this organism provided sensitive and specific detection of B. burgdorferi seropositivity in experimental animals and in human Lyme disease cases. The OspA-B-negative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) also appeared to be capable of discriminating the vaccinated state from vaccine failure and natural infection in experimental animals. Sera from human subjects participating in a vaccine trial gave false-positive results with an ELISA based on an OspA-containing strain, but no such reactivity was observed when the OspA-negative ELISA was used. We conclude that low-passage-number OspA-B-negative isolates in immunoassays may become useful for the immunologic discrimination of the vaccinated state, natural infection, and vaccine failure.

A new method is presented for computation of eigenvalue and eigenvector derivatives associated with repeated eigenvalues of the generalized nondefective eigenproblem. This approach is an extension of recent work by Daily and by Juang et al. and is applicable to symmetric or nonsymmetric systems. The extended phases read as follows. The differentiable eigenvectors and their derivatives associated with repeated eigenvalues are determined for a generalized eigenproblem, requiring the knowledge of only those eigenvectors to be differentiated. Moreover, formulations for computing eigenvector derivatives have been presented covering the case where multigroups of repeated first eigenvalue derivatives occur. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.