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Low-carbon economy has become a topic of great concern to the international community. Sea level rise caused by climate change, flood disasters, biodiversity reduction, global famine, and other issues have begun to threaten the normal survival of human beings, and the climate problem needs to be solved urgently. While ensuring rapid economic development, in order to better control the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, this paper, based on the theory of low-carbon economy, takes control of total carbon emissions for low-carbon economic development, as a perspective, and selects the optimization for the development of low-carbon economy. From the aspects of structural emission reduction technology and emission reduction, a carbon emission control optimization index system for low-carbon economic development based on total carbon emission control is constructed. Under the framework of the index system, construct an optimization model for the total amount of carbon emissions in a low-carbon economy and use the BP neural network model to seek the balance point between economic development, energy consumption, and carbon emissions so as to promote the rational and scientific development of the low-carbon economy. Planning and development. First of all, on the premise of maintaining the same economic growth rate, the optimization plan will reduce carbon emissions. Secondly, on the premise of keeping the cost of energy consumption unchanged, it is more reasonable to adjust the energy consumption structure. Taking the optimization plan as the suggestion for the development direction of the low-carbon economy, it provides scientific and feasible technical support for achieving the emission reduction target of reducing the unit greenhouse gas emission to 40%.

Objective. To develop a putative microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network of Danggui Buxue decoction’s (DGBXD) amelioration of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs). Using miRNet, the predicted target genes of identified DE-miRNAs were estimated, and then the target genes of DE-miRNAs in IPF were comprehensively examined. The Enrichr database was used to conduct functional enrichment and pathway enrichment. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) was employed to obtain the target genes of DGBXD as well as active compounds. A putative miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of DGBXD acting on IPF was developed by intersecting the target genes of DGBXD with the DE-miRNA target genes in IPF. A bleomycin-induced mouse model was established and used to perform histopathology as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses of some miRNA-mRNA pairs. Results. Fourteen upmodulated DE-miRNAs and six downmodulated DE-miRNAs were screened. The downstream target genes of upmodulated and downmodulated DE-miRNAs were predicted. Subsequently, 1160 upmodulated DE-mRNAs and 1427 downmodulated DE-mRNAs were identified. Then, target genes of DE-miRNAs comprising 49 downmodulated and 53 upmodulated target genes were further screened to perform functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses. Subsequently, 196 target genes of DGBXD were obtained from TCMSP, with six downregulated target genes and six upregulated target genes of DGBXD acting on IPF being identified. A promising miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of DGBXD acting on IPF was developed in this study. Moreover, mir-493 together with its target gene Olr1 and mir-338 together with Hif1a were further validated by qRT-PCR. Conclusion. This study proposed detailed possible processes of miRNA-mRNA modulatory axis in IPF and constructed a prospective IPF-related miRNA-mRNA modulatory network with the aim of alleviating IPF with DGBXD.

Objective. We analyzed the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of action of Zhen Ren Yang Zang decoction (ZRYZD) on ulcerative colitis (UC) using meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Methods. The major databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of ZRYZD for the treatment of UC. Meta-analysis of the efficacy of ZRYZD on UC was conducted using RevMan software. Active compounds and target genes were acquired using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. UC-related genes were searched using the GeneCards database. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using RGUI. A compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Molecular docking simulations of the macromolecular protein targets and their corresponding ligand compounds were performed using the AutoDock tool and AutoDock Vina software. Results. Meta-analysis revealed that the total effective rate and recovery rate of clinical efficacy were significantly higher in the experimental group than those of the control group. The screening identified 169 active compounds and 277 active target genes for ZRYZD. The 277 active target genes were compared with the 4,798 UC-related genes. This identified 187 active target genes of ZRYZD for UC that correlated with 138 active compounds. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and compound-target and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed. The key compounds and key target proteins were then selected. Finally, target protein binding with the corresponding compound was analyzed using molecular docking. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of ZRYZD for the treatment of UC and provide insight into the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action. Furthermore, key compounds were identified, laying the foundation for future studies on ZRYZD for the treatment of UC.

Background. Although serum calcium has been proven to be a predictor of mortality in a wide range of diseases, its prognostic value in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains unknown. This retrospective observational study is aimed at investigating the association of admission calcium with mortality among CS patients. Methods. Critically ill patients diagnosed with CS in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III) database were included in our study. The study endpoints included 30-day, 90-day, and 365-day all-cause mortalities. First, admission serum ionized calcium (iCa) and total calcium (tCa) levels were analyzed as continuous variables using restricted cubic spline Cox regression models to evaluate the possible nonlinear relationship between serum calcium and mortality. Second, patients with CS were assigned to four groups according to the quartiles (Q1-Q4) of serum iCa and tCa levels, respectively. In addition, multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess the independent association of the quartiles of iCa and tCa with clinical outcomes. Results. A total of 921 patients hospitalized with CS were enrolled in this study. A nonlinear relationship between serum calcium levels and 30-day mortality was observed (all P values for nonlinear trend < 0.001 ). Furthermore, multivariable Cox analysis showed that compared with the reference quartile (Q3: 1.11 ≤ iCa < 1.17 mmol / L ), the lowest serum iCa level quartile (Q1: iCa < 1.04 mmol / L ) was independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (Q1 vs. Q3: HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00-1.83, P = 0.049 ), 90-day mortality (Q1 vs. Q3: HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.80, P = 0.030 ), and 365-day mortality (Q1 vs. Q3: HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.67, P = 0.046 ) in patients with CS. Conclusions. Lower serum iCa levels on admission were potential predictors of an increased risk of mortality in critically ill patients with CS.

Radiation-induced bone injury (RIBI) is one of the complications after radiotherapy for malignant tumors. However, there are no effective measures for the treatment of RIBI in clinical practice, and the mechanism of RIBI is unclear. We use a single high-dose ionizing radiation (6Gy) to analyze the effect of radiotherapy on osteoblast function. Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) were cocultured with irradiated osteoblasts to examine their therapeutic effects and mechanisms on osteoblast injury. The hUCB-MSC transplantation mouse model is used to confirm the in vivo role of hUCB-MSC treatment in radiation bone injury. Western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze gene expression and angiogenesis. The apoptosis and migration of osteoblasts were measured by Hoechst staining, scratch test, and transwell. The differentiation of osteoblasts was measured by ALP and Alizarin red staining and transmission electron microscopy. The bone-related parameters of mice were evaluated by micro-CT analysis. We found that radiation can damage the DNA of osteoblasts; induce apoptosis; reduce the differentiation, migration, and adhesion of osteoblasts, leading to lipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and reducing the source of osteoblasts; and increase the number of osteoclasts in bone tissue, while MSC treatment prevents these changes. Our results reveal the inhibitory effect of radiation on osteoblast function. hUCB-MSCs can be used as a therapeutic target for the development of new therapeutic strategies for radiotherapy of bone injury diseases.

Bone resorption diseases, including osteoporosis, are usually caused by excessive osteoclastogenesis. Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1), a mammalian serine/threonine kinase, may participate in the regulation of bone homeostasis and osteolytic metastasis. In this study, ULK1 expression during osteoclastogenesis was detected with RT-PCR. We knocked down or overexpressed ULK1 through siRNA or lentiviral transduction in bone marrow macrophage (BMM). TRAP and phalloidin staining were performed to detect the osteoclastogenesis activity. Ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of osteoporosis and a mouse of model osteoclast-induced bone resorption were applied to explore the role of ULK1 in bone resorption in vivo. The results showed that ULK1 expression was downregulated during osteoclast differentiation and was clinically associated with osteoporosis. ULK1 inhibited osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Knockdown of ULK1 expression activated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). Docking protein 3 (DOK3) was coexpressed with ULK1 during osteoclastogenesis. Downregulation of DOK3 offsets the effect of ULK1 on osteoclastogenesis and induced phosphorylation of JNK and Syk. Activation of ULK1 impeded bone loss in OVX mice with osteoporosis. Additionally, upregulation of ULK1 inhibited osteoclast-induced bone resorption in vivo. Therefore, our study reveals a novel ULK1/DOK3/Syk axis that regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and targeting ULK1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.

Background. Although the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) has proven to be a robust systemic inflammation-based predictor of mortality in a wide range of diseases, the prognostic value of the NPAR in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remains unknown. This study aimed at investigating the association between the admission NPAR and clinical outcomes in CS patients using real-world data. Methods. Critically ill patients diagnosed with CS in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III) database were included in our study. The study endpoints included all-cause in-hospital, 30-day, and 365-day mortality in CS patients. First, the NPAR was analyzed as a continuous variable using restricted cubic spline Cox regression models. Second, X-tile analysis was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values for the NPAR and divide the cohort into three NPAR groups. Moreover, multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association of the NPAR groups with mortality. Results. A total of 891 patients hospitalized with CS were enrolled in this study. A nonlinear relationship between the NPAR and in-hospital and 30-day mortality was observed (all P values for nonlinear trend NPAR < 25.3 ), group II ( 25.3 ≤ NPAR < 34.8 ), and group III ( 34.8 ≤ NPAR ). Multivariable Cox analysis showed that higher NPAR was independently associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (group III vs. group I: hazard ratio [HR] 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72-3.92, P < 0.001 ), 30-day mortality (group III vs. group I: HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.65-3.54, P < 0.001 ), and 365-day mortality (group III vs. group I: HR 6.80, 95% CI 4.10-11.26, P < 0.001 ) in patients with CS. Conclusions. Admission NPAR was independently associated with in-hospital, 30-day, and 365-day mortality in critically ill patients with CS.

We intend to report an interesting phenomenon related to the different interfacial transfer processes between ellipsoidal-like ZnO (E-ZnO) and rod-like ZnO (R-ZnO) nanoheterojunctions witness by the nanosecond time-resolved transient photoluminescence (NTRT-PL) spectra. Fristly, E-ZnO and R-ZnO nanoarchitectures were fabricated via facilitating the electrochemical route; and then, they decorated it with dispersed Au nanoparticles (NPs) by the methods of ion-sputtering deposition, constituting Au/E-ZnO and Au/R-ZnO Schottky-heterojunction nanocomplex, which is characterized by SEM, XRD, Raman analysis, and UV-vis absorption spectra. Steady-state photoluminescence and NTRT-PL spectra of as-fabricated Au/E-ZnO and Au/R-ZnO nanocomposites were probed for interfacial charge transfer process under 266 nm femtosecond (fs) light irradiation. Simultaneously, a distinct diversification for the NTRT-PL spectra is observed, closely associating with oxygen vacancies (Vo), which is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. Furthermore, Au NPs act as an “annular bridge” and “transit depot” for interfacial charge transfer through local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect and Schottky barrier, respectively, which is identified by NTRT-PL and time-resolved PL (TRPL) decay spectrum. Moreover, this mechanism is responsible for the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances of methyl orange (MO) photodegradation under UV light irradiation.

Objective. This paper presents an assessment of physical meanings of parameter and goodness of fit for homodyned K (HK) distribution modeling ultrasonic speckles from scatterer distributions with wide-varying spatial organizations. Methods. A set of 3D scatterer phantoms based on gamma distributions is built to be implemented from the clustered to random to uniform scatterer distributions continuously. The model parameters are obtained by maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) from statistical histograms of the ultrasonic envelope data and then compared with those by the optimally fitting models chosen from three single distributions. Results show that the parameters of the HK distribution still present their respective physical meanings of independent contributions in the scatterer distributions. Moreover, the HK distribution presents better goodness of fit with a maximum relative MLE difference of 6.23% for random or clustered scatterers with a well-organized periodic structure. Experiments based on ultrasonic envelope data from common carotid arterial B-mode images of human subjects validate the modeling performance of HK distribution. Conclusion. We conclude that the HK model for ultrasonic speckles is a better choice for characterizing tissue with a wide variety of spatial organizations, especially the emphasis on the goodness of fit for the tissue in practical applications.

Ultraweak photon emission emitted by all living organisms has been confirmed to be a noninvasive indicator for their physiological and pathological characteristics. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of spontaneous photon emission (SPE) and the contents of specific active compounds of roots and flowers buds of several fresh Chinese herbal medicines (natural medicines) with different growth ages and varieties. The results revealed that the contents of specific active compounds from same species herbs with different growth ages and varieties were significantly different, and this difference could be reflected by their SPE. Because the contents of specific bioactive constituents in Chinese herbs are closely related to their quality and curative effect, the SPE measurement technique may contribute to the quality control of Chinese herbal medicine in the future.

We conducted a climate chamber study on the thermal comfort of people in the hot and humid area of China. Sixty subjects from naturally ventilated buildings and buildings with split air conditioners participated in the study, and identical experiments were conducted in a climate chamber in both summer and winter. Psychological and physiological responses were observed over a wide range of conditions, and the impacts of season, climate, and thermal history on human thermal comfort were analyzed. Seasonal and climatic heat acclimatization was confirmed, but they were found to have no significant impacts on human thermal sensation and comfort. The outdoor thermal history was much less important than the indoor thermal history in regard to human thermal sensation, and the indoor thermal history in all seasons of a year played a key role in shaping the subjects' sensations in a wide range of thermal conditions. A warmer indoor thermal history in warm seasons produced a higher neutral temperature, a lower thermal sensitivity, and lower thermal sensations in warm conditions. The comfort and acceptable conditions were identified for people in the hot and humid area of China.

Classification of the spinal curve pattern is crucial for assessment and treatment of scoliosis. We developed a computer-aided system to improve the reliability of three components of the Lenke classification. The system semi-automatically measured the Cobb angles and identified the apical lumbar vertebra and its pedicles on digitized radiographs. The system then classified the curve type, lumbar modifier, and thoracic sagittal modifier of the Lenke classification based on the computerized measurements and identifications. The system was tested by five operators for 62 scoliotic cases. The kappa statistic was used to assess the reliability. With the aid of computer, the average intra- and interobserver kappa values were improved to 0.89 and 0.81 for the curve type, to 0.83 and 0.81 for the lumbar modifier, and to 0.94 and 0.92 for the sagittal modifier of the Lenke classification, respectively, relative to the classification by two of the operators without the aid of computer. Results indicate that the computerized system can improve reliability for all three components of the Lenke classification.

Tissue engineering generally requires three basic elements; stem/progenitor cells, inductive agents and a biomaterial scaffold; the latter is one of the key components which directly influences cellular activity and matrix formation. Commonly used scaffolds to repair defects in general do not induce stem cell recruitment, which is an essential element to tissue regeneration. In this study, fabrication of a scaffold which is capable of restoring damaged tissue through the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by gene therapy of the gene encoding platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) was investigated. PDGF-B adenovirus (AdPDGF) was combined into novel mesoporous bioglass-silk fibrin scaffolds, which were characterized for their controlled release and sustained bioactivity. Our results demonstrate that these scaffolds can release PDGF-B adenovirus for up to 3 weeks and increase MSC recruitment, both in vitro and following subcutaneous implantation in mice. Osseous calvarial defects in mice further demonstrate the ability of these scaffolds to enhance tissue regeneration through stem cell homing. This study demonstrates the potent ability of host stem cells to regenerate tissue defects through recruitment of MSCs via gene therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SUMMARY The study systematically analyzes the performance of micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) with different flow fields. A two-phase three-dimensional model is developed to evaluate the mass transport accurately. The transport of methanol and air, the pressure distribution, the anode saturation, and the methanol crossover are numerically observed, the under-rib convection is also investigated numerically. The flow fields with an active area of 0.64 cm2 are fabricated on silicon wafers by micro electromechanical system technology. Performance of μDMFCs with different flow fields is sorted as: double-serpentine flow field (DSFF) > single-serpentine flow field (SSFF) > triple-serpentine flow field (TSFF), and the dynamic test results indicate the cell with DSFF takes the shortest time to reach a stable power output when compared with other cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Organizations have been approaching Product Service Systems (PSS) in unoptimized business model fashions. This is partially because there is ineffective evaluation of PSS business models. Therefore, a more sufficient evaluation method might advance the evaluation of PSS business models and assist organizations that are considering a servitisation strategy. In this paper, we develop a value oriented method by using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique to employ correlations derived from the design information of PSS business models to evaluate these PSS business models. We describe the method applying steps and its practical application in a real life case study. This method improves the formulation of an evaluation step within a design process of PSS business models based on correlations of different dimensions of the PSS value and PSS business models; it allows a balance between the customer value and organization value that are delivered by PSS business models to be made quantitatively. Finally, it fosters the effective utilization of the design information accumulated in the earlier part of the design process to quantitatively evaluate whether a PSS business model is optimized for providing appropriate values for customers and organizations.

To study the associations between dorm environment and occupants' health, a nested case-control study on 348 college students was carried out in 2006-2007 at Tianjin University, China. Two hundred and twenty-three dorm rooms where the 'cases' and 'controls' resided were inspected. Measured variables were ventilation rate, air temperature, and relative humidity indoors. Allergic symptoms in the last 12 months were self-reported by occupants. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of a 'localized moldy smell/moisture indicator' in 'special places' (e.g., in a room corner or close to the radiator under the window) for wheezing was 3.56 [95% Confident Interval (CI): 1.56-8.14] and for rhinitis 2.81 (95% CI: 1.32-5.97). The AOR of a low air change rate (below the median value of 0.7/h) for wheezing was 2.28 (95% CI: 1.38-3.75) and for dry cough 2.26 (95% CI: 1.08-4.75). The prevalence of students with allergic symptoms in dorm rooms decreased with increasing ventilation rate. The combination of a 'localized moldy/moisture indicator' and a low air change rate significantly increased the AOR of case status to 13.35 (95% CI: 3.73-47.83), compared to the reference condition with no-dampness and high ventilation rate (above the median). This supports the hypothesis that ventilation rate is an effect modifier for moisture problems and indoor pollutants.

UNLABELLED: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Tianjin University campus, China, from February 21 to June10, 2006, to survey the association between dampness in dorms and allergy and airways infection among college students. The health and dampness condition were self-reported by 3436 students living in 1511 dorm rooms located in 13 buildings on the campus. The buildings were selected according to their positions, construction periods and occupant densities. The allergy and airways infection symptoms involved wheezing, dry cough during night, rhinitis, eczema, cold/flu, ear inflammation, pneumonia and tuberculosis. The indoor moisture signs were mould/damp spots on walls, ceilings and floors; suspected or ever happened water damage; condensation on windowpane in winter and odours perceived by subjects themselves. This study showed there was significantly positive association between condensation and dry cough. Eczema was often reported in rooms with suspected moisture problem. Dampness was a significantly risk factor for common cold. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper indicated that dampness problem at dorms of Chinese students was a risk factor in irritating allergic symptoms, and hence there is a need for dorm environment improvement. The ventilation and microbiology problems in dorm environment corresponding to dampness should be further studied, especially when it is associated to occupants' health.

Based on some known loop algebras with finite dimensions, two different negative-order integrable couplings of the negative-order Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) hierarchy of evolution equations are generated by making use of the Tu scheme, from which the corresponding negative-order integrable couplings of the negative-order KdV equations are followed to be obtained. The resulting Hamiltonian structure of one negative integrable coupling is derived from the variational identity.

Summary Structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges has gained rapid development in the past few years. This paper describes application of SHM on long-span bridges in China, with the aim to illustrate its practical value. A short review of its development and practice is firstly introduced. Three case studies are subsequently presented on utilization of SHM data in engineering practice. In the first case study, a ship collision incident is analyzed using SHM data. An alarm is sent and confirmed when the collision occurred, and mode parameters are identified with GPS measurements to evaluate the bridge condition. In the second case study, damage of expansion joints in a suspension bridge is assessed with girder end displacement measurements. Malfunction of viscous damper is found to correlate with cumulative displacement. The results show that cumulative displacement can be used for condition assessment of expansion joints. In the third case study, the performance of tuned mass dampers is evaluated with wind and vibration measurements before and after tuned mass damper installation. Through explanation of these case studies, the paper illustrates how to distill useful insights from SHM data, which could be instructive for further research in this field.

Two high-dimensional Lie algebras are presented for which four (1+1)-dimensional expanding integrable couplings of the D-AKNS hierarchy are obtained by using the Tu scheme; one of them is a united integrable coupling model of the D-AKNS hierarchy and the AKNS hierarchy. Then (2+1)-dimensional DS hierarchy is derived by using the TAH scheme; in particular, the integrable couplings of the DS hierarchy are obtained.