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Numerical simulations and laboratory tests on soil samples with compaction degrees of 94%, 96%, and 98% are carried out to study the laws of capillary water rising and control techniques. T...

To perform a meta-analysis examining the effects of genistein on homocysteine and lipid levels in postmenopausal women.We systematically searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases and the ClinicalTrials.gov website for studies. We performed a meta-analysis using weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals in a random-effects model. We assessed between-study heterogeneity using the Cochran's Q and I(2) statistics.Eight randomized, controlled trials with a total of 476 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebos, genistein was effective in reducing plasma levels of homocysteine (WMD, -0.58 μmol/l; p = 0.001), and increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (WMD, 4.9 mg/dl; p = 0.0002). Subgroup analyses revealed that genistein significantly decreased the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (WMD, -16.90 mg/dl; p = 0.01), total cholesterol (WMD, -15.83 mg/dl; p = 0.008), and triglycerides (WMD, -46.58 mg/dl; p = 0.03) in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome, but had no significant effects in those with no metabolic syndrome.Our meta-analysis demonstrates that genistein significantly reduces homocysteine levels and increases HDL cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. Genistein also significantly decreases LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

In this context, novel luminescence responsive composites are assembled with both rare earth metal-organic framework of 2-aminoterephthalic acid (2 amino-1,4-benzendicarboxylic acid, NH2-BDC) and two microsphere-like polymer resins (Wang resin (WR) and Merrifield resin (MR)) through the covalently post-synthetic modification. The final composites MR/WR-MOF-RE (RE = Eu, Tb, Sm) are prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction between amino groups of RE-MOF and methyl chloride groups of WR/MR to achieve the chemical linking from each other, whose physical characterization and luminescence responsive property are studied in detail. The composites present the regular microsphere morphology and characteristic photoluminescence of RE3+ under specific excitation wavelength and the close white color emission can be tuned through adjusting the excitation wavelength for europium hybrid system. Furthermore, MR-MOF-Eu composite is chosen to check the luminescence sensing on volatile solvents, revealing that ammonia vapors and THF can cause apparent luminescence quenching for the different quenching performance.

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in which overexpression have been associated with various diseases, has become an attractive molecular target for the treatment of cancers. Three series of 3-substituted-4-(quinoxalin-6-yl) pyrazoles 14a–h, 15a–h, 16a–h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 23a, 23b, 23d, 24b, and 24d were synthesized and evaluated for their activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) and p38α mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitory activity in an enzymatic assays. Among these compounds, the most active compound 16f inhibited ALK5 phosphorylation with an IC50 value of 0.28 µM, with 98% inhibition at 10 µM. Compound 16f also had good selectivity index of >35 against p38α MAP kinase, with 9.0-fold more selective than clinical candidate, compound 3 (LY-2157299). Molecular docking study was performed to identify the mechanism of action of the synthesized compounds and their good binding interactions were observed. ADMET prediction of good active compounds showed that these ones possess good pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness behavior.

Aims To explore the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in the cell proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in asthma. Materials and methods An asthma rat model was established by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. The expression of GAS5, miR-10a and BDNF mRNA and protein was determined with qRT-PCR and western blot, separately. The targeting relationship between GAS5 and miR-10a was examined with RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assay; the interaction between miR-10a and BDNF was evaluated by luciferase reporter assay. Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) was used for ASMC proliferation detection. Knock-down of GAS5 was performed in asthmatic rats to determine the effects of GAS5 in vivo. Key findings Compared with control group, the inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance were increased in asthma group; and the expression of GAS5, miR-10a and BDNF was higher, lower and higher, respectively. The expression of GAS5 and miR-10a was elevated and repressed, respectively, by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). GAS5 functioned as a bait of miR-10a. GAS5 regulates BDNF expression through miR-10a. PDGF-BB promotes the cell proliferation of ASMCs through miR-10a/BDNF. Knock-down of GAS5 significantly decreased airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic rats. Significance The lncRNA GAS5/miR-10a/BDNF regulatory axis played an important role in promoting ASMCs proliferation, thus contributing to asthma.

Objective The mechanism of Schisandrin B on the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in asthmatic rats was explored. Methods SD rats were divided into three groups: control (group 1), model (group 2) and model + Schisandrin B (group 3). miR-150 and lncRNA BCYRN1 levels were measured by qRT-PCR. The combination of BCYRN1 and miR-150 was detected by RNA pull down. ASMCs’ viability/proliferation/migration were examined by WST-1 assay and 24-well Transwell system. Results Schisandrin B up-regulated miR-150 expression and down-regulated BCYRN1 expression in sensitized rats. Schisandrin B reversed the expression of miR-150 and BCYRN1 in MV-treated ASMCs. In addition, Schisandrin B inhibited the viability, proliferation and migration of MV-induced ASMCs. We also found miR-150 inhibited BCYRN1 expression which was proved by experiments using ASMCs transfected with miR-150 inhibitor. Conclusion Schisandrin B increased miR-150 expression and decreased BCYRN1, and BCYRN1 expression was inhibited by miR-150, which indicated that Schisandrin B could regulate BCYRN1 through miR-150.

For energy-saving and consumption-reducing, new energy-saving transformer becomes more and more important. Via an economic evaluation methodology called Total Owning Cost (TOC), this article compares energy-saving transformer with high-energy transformer for examples in the angle of transformer loss and picks up the optimum energy-efficient transformer which can be expected to gain more benefit during transformer life cycle. This article also analyses cost of silicon steel sheet used in the transformer core and benefit in Total Owning Cost (TOC) of upgrading silicon steel sheet which primarily reduces no-load loss. Based on calculated results of Total Owning Cost (TOC) and payback period, the new energy-efficient transformer replacement plan, economic discussion and promotion proposal are brought up.

The Internet has greatly expanded the scope of the use of network information resources and scale, people search and ease of access to information resources and autonomy is also greatly enhanced, but also led to information sharing network of intellectual property protection and infringement issues. This article lists the use of network information resources and violations of copyright law and civil law from the perspective of legal thinking.

Effect of the dosage of flocculants on sludge dewatering is analyzed through the determination of sludge specific resistance to filtration. Sludge dewatering behaviors conditioned on Polymeric aluminum, PAM, fly ash and composite flocculants have been compared. The results show all the conditioning agent have help to sludge dewatering. Fly ash from electric power plant as conditioning agent can greatly reduce the specific resistance of sludge and the dewatering performance can be improved.The optimal dosage of fine powdered coal is 20g/100mL and coarse powdered coal is 30g/100mL.Powdered coal is mixed with sludge to form filter cake which is blended with coal in certain proportion to make into fuel.

To support aircraft assembly system analysis and optimization, a producing performance analysis method for assembly unit is proposed on aircraft assembly system in this paper. The stochastic volatility characteristics of assembly system are firstly analyzed, and the equivalent transformations method for the analysis of system performance is studied, to study the factors which contribute to system performance, including operation experience and out-of-tolerance. A method for solving the system resource utilization is proposed based on identified probability density function. A formula to calculate the average productivity of the system is derived, and system performance boundaries are calculated based on flow balance principle. Finally, a method for the calculation of balancing factors of assembly operation units is proposed.

In the paper the measurement program of transformer winding temperature was proposed by using the fluorescence lifetime. We produced a probe to measure the temperature of the oil immersed transformer winding and used high temperature fiber to transfer fluorescence. Three methods were used to calculate the fluorescent life. By comparing advantages and disadvantages of three methods, the Prony algorithm was selected .Because it can fit multi-exponential and improve the accuracy of temperature measurement which is suitable for the fluorescence curve. At the same time, the calibration experiments of the measured temperature were carried out to achieve a real-time measurement of oil temperature.

Improving the early prediction and detection of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains a great challenge in disease management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early detection power of urinary vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) for the diagnosis of DN. Urine samples were obtained from 45 healthy volunteers and 105 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (DM group), microalbuminuria (DN1 group) and macroalbuminuria (DN2 group) (n=35 per group). The VDBP expression patterns in urine from patients and controls were quantified by western blot analysis. The excretion levels of urinary VDBP were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The quantification results were obtained by correcting for creatinine expression and showed that urinary VDBP levels were significantly elevated in the patients of the DN1 and DN2 groups compared with those of the DM group and normal controls (1,011.33±325.30 and 1,406.34±239.66 compared with 466.54±213.63 and 125.48±98.27 ng/mg, respectively) (P

As a common chemotherapy drug, methotrexate (MTX) has achieved remarkable clinical success. However, high inter-individual variability and unpredictable toxicity continue to challenge its use in clinical practices. Some studies suggest this variation is associated with a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism, but results remain unclear. In this meta-analysis, we include 14 studies that focus on MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in pediatric patients with malignancy. We found significant associations of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism with hepatotoxicity (grade ⩾2; CC vs CT/TT: risk ratio (RR): 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.99; P=0.04), hematological toxicity (grade 3-4; CC vs CT/TT: RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.97; P=0.03) in a dominant genetic model and mucositis (grade ⩾3) in all models (CC vs CT/TT: RR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.87; P=0.03; CC/CT vs TT: RR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.32; P⩽0.0001; CC vs TT: RR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.50; P=0.005). No significant association was found with the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism. For children with malignancy, genotyping of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is expected to be a useful tool in reducing toxicity and improving outcome in personalized MTX therapy.

The study was aim to assess the impact of biochanin A on the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of saquinavir (SQV), a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), in rats. 10 male rats were randomized into 2 groups of equal size, and administered orally 30 mg/kg SQV with or without 20 mg/kg biochanin A. The PK of SQV was assessed using non-compartmental analysis. Results revealed that the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of SQV from time zero to time infinity (AUC0-∞) was reduced by 51.39% by biochanin A (P=0.038); while the apparent systemic clearance (CL/F) was increased by 87.62% (P=0.028). Double peak phenomenon was observed in the plasma SQV profiles. Biochanin A increased the first peak, yet decreased the second peak of plasma SQV levels. Our study demonstrates that biochanin A can significantly reduce SQV oral bioavailability and alter SQV PK profiles in rats. Findings in this study suggest a precaution in the clinic when SQV is administered with dietary/herbal supplements that contain biochanin A.

SummaryWhat is known and objective To perform a meta-analysis exploring the optimal single-dose regimen for managing tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) in children and adults with haematological malignancies. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and the ClinicalTrials.gov website for studies regarding single-dose rasburicase in paediatric and adult patients with TLS. Data were analysed using Open MetaAnalyst statistical software. Results Fifteen adult studies (fourteen retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial) and four observational studies using children were extracted, with a total of 906 and 92 subjects, respectively. Single doses of 1·5, 3, 4·5, 6, 7·5 mg and weight-based single doses of 0·05 and 0·15 mg/kg were compared. The response rate for 6, 7·5 mg and 0·15 mg/kg single doses was 90% (95% CI: 0·825–0·974), 98·6% (95% CI: 0·957–1·015) and 93·6% (95% CI: 0·864–1·007), respectively, and higher than other dosing regimens tested. The single doses of 6 mg and 0·15 mg/kg rasburicase decreased uric acid levels more than the other regimens, and the mean uric acid reduction was 8·45 mg/dL (95% CI, 7·51–9·38) and 10 mg/dL (95% CI, 8·58–11·42), respectively. What is new and conclusion Our meta-analysis revealed that, for adult patients, a single 6 mg rasburicase dose is sufficient to normalize and sustain lower uric acid and creatinine levels in adults with TLS. This dose, therefore, balances cost and efficacy of treatment. The 3- and 4·5-mg single dose can be considered if the baseline uric acid level

To screen out an effective method of controlling pests on American ginseng(Panax quinquefolium).The germinating seeds of the plant from two growers in Liuba County,Shaanxi Province,were collected and potted in pest-residing sandy soils indoors. Four pesticides (imidacloprid wettable powders, fludioxonil flowable concentrate for seed coating, chlorpyrifos granules and Pyrifos ∙ phoxim granules) in different modes and doses were applied, and their effects were assayed.Pests were largely enchytraeid(Enchytraeus bulbosus), root mite (Rhizoglyphus robini) and two root rot fungi(Cylindrocarpon destructans and Phytophthora cactorum), which could be transmitted by both seed and soil. The treatment of dressing or soaking seeds in mixed solution of imidacloprid 25WP and fludioxonil 2.5SD plus blending the pest-residing sandy soil with chlorpyrifos ∙ phoxim 5G displayed significant effects of both controlling pests and keeping stand of seedlings(P0. 05); whereas each of the three pesticides exhibited a middle-class effect when applied alone, and chlorpyrifos l0G showed little effect when applied singly.The combined approach of seed- and soil-tteatments is able to efficiently reduce damages caused by seed- and soil-born pests, and become one optimal measure protecting seedlings,and is thus suggested to demonstrate and extend in the pests' infestation areas.

In order to effectively extract Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) image feature information, and automatically identify the CHM images, a method of CHM image feature extraction and recognition based on gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) is put forward. Firstly, on the basis of the acquired colour CHM image is converted to the gray-scale image, the four texture feature parameters, angular second moment (ASM)，inertia moment (IM)，entropy and correlation are extracted utilizing the GLCM, and then CHM image recognition is carried out by using those feature values with resistance geometric distortion. The experimental results show that the method of generating GLCM and extraction of image texture features can effectively identify the CHM image, which can bring significance to the modern recognition and identification of CHM.

A simple colorimetric and fluorescent anion chemosensor 1 based on the thiourea group bis-[N-(p-nitrobenzene)-N′-amidothiourea]-1-hydrogen-4-methyl-2,6-dicarboxaldehyde-phenylhydrazone l has been designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H-NMR, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and elemental analyses. The strong basic anions such as F− and AcO− resulted in a significant decrease in fluorescent emission intensity of the compound 1, accompanied synchronously with a dramatic color change from light yellow to red in organic medium. 1H-NMR titration experiments shed light on the nature of the interactions between 1 and the anions.

The effective diffusion coefficient and subsurface concentration of hydrogen in annealed AISI304 austenitic stainless steels have been measured by the electrochemical permeation method. The effects of different cathodic current densities on the effective diffusion coefficient, hydrogen concentration beneath the cathodic surface and steady state permeation current density have been studied. The value of the effective diffusion coefficient for the permeated specimens increases with increasing charging current density. The hydrogen subsurface concentration and steady state permeation current density first increase with increasing charging current density, then decrease with increasing current density. X-ray diffraction analyses were used to investigate the phase transformation during hydrogen charging. The results revealed that cathodic charging resulted in the formation of a considerable amount of e and α′ martensites, which will increase with charging time.

Gravity anchor is one of essential forced components of steady suspension bridge. The paper takes the example of the finite element numerical simulation of steady suspension bridge gravity anchor, main contents include: First, performance parameters of concrete and hydration heat of cement is collected, the one-fourth block of anchor model is established by large-scale general finite element software ANSYS. The process of establishing finite element analysis model includes the input of the model parameters, the boundary conditions set of finite element model, and the mesh of finite element analysis model. Then, the numerical simulation computation to temperature field of gravity anchor is carried by finite element software ANSYS. Finally, from the temperature field distribution curves, studying the temperature distribution rule of concrete pouring and drawing some conclusions.

The effect of hydrogen and stress on the phase transformation and surface cracking in cold-rolled and annealed AISI 304 stainless steels was investigated. Hydrogen was introduced by cathodic charging in 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 + 1 g/L Na 2 HAsO 4 ·7H 2 O. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe structural changes and surface cracks of the specimens. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to investigate phase transformations in the uncharged and charged specimens immediately after charging or during aging. Cathodic charging can cause e martensite phase transformation and aging after cathodic charging can induce the e and α ′ martensite transformation. There are a certain amount of surface cracks on the specimens surface after hydrogen charging or during aging. The surface morphology of the specimens is studied, and the mechanism of the hydrogen-induced phase transformation and the surface cracking formation in the charged specimens immediately after charging or during aging is discussed.

The important and typical roles of earthworms in the eco-environmental protection are illustrated in this paper through their application in the treatment of solid waste, sludge stabilization as well as the wastewater purification. Earthworms can hasten the composting process to a significant extent with production of a better quality of compost.

The research on slope is concentrated on stability analysis at present. Although there is little research on slope surface shape, it has important theoretical and practical significance. Based on guaranteeing the same earthwork, the shape of slope surfaces between single gradient slope surface and two-gradient slope surface whose lower part is steeper than upper part are compared. It’s concluded that (1) based on guaranteeing the same earthwork, two-gradient slope surface, whose lower part is steeper than upper part, is stabler than single gradient slope surface and when the lower part is vertical wall, the slope is stablest; (2) the height of vertical wall has a knee point, i.e. when more than this value ,the stability of slope decreases.

The important and typical roles of earthworms in the eco-environmental protection are illustrated in this paper through their application in the treatment of solid waste and sludge stabilization as well as the important function as the indicators of environmental monitoring.

The bioremediation technology for urban landscape waters are illustrated in this paper. The characteristics and purification performance of urban landscape waters were introduced. Based on their good effects on nitrogen and phosphorus removal, the landscape plants are recommended as species of aquatic vegetation in phytoremediation of wastewater of urban river.

Wind turbine technology has developed rapidly in recent years. Increasing component reliability to achieve 20% wind energy will require advancements in component design, materials, and testing methods to validate wind-turbine components in the harshest environments. At the core of many of the solutions offered by SMT is MASTA, our fully integrated software tool for the complete design, analysis and optimization of transmission systems. Designers & engineers can use MASTA to rapidly predict key transmission performance characteristics and to identify any design faults or weaknesses before any manufacturing is started, saving both time and money. MASTA’s reliable analysis techniques can improve the power, performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness of wind turbines. The mix of commercial and proprietary software will provide a complete assessment and optimization of the wind turbine through detailed dynamic and static analysis of key component functions for their efficiency and design life.

If TBM does the excavating work in jointed rock mass, the cutterhead may be jammed. In order to decrease the loss, it is necessary to carry out risk evaluation. Whether the cutterhead is jammed or not depends on the relationship between torque and resistance torque. The magnitude of resistance torque depends on height of collapse, so according to the randomicity of height of collapse and probability theory, a formula for calculating the probability of cutterhead jamming is established. Meanwhile, according to the magnitude of resistance torque and cutterhead’s parameters, consequence of cutterhead jamming is divided into five ranks. Based on probability and consequence ranks, risk evaluation matrix for TBM’s cutterhead is proposed. The research results are demonstrated logically by the calculation of practical engineering.

A kind of optical fiber radiation pyrometer based on the theory of color comparison temperature measurement is designed in order to get the precise temperature on the appearance of work pieces during the process of plasma hot machining. In this article, the advantage of temperature measurement by optical fiber, the building of mathematic module for colorimetric temperature measurement, the application of key technology during the process of system building and the methods of reducing the interference is described in detail. The data calibrated and tested in blackbody furnace is given out. The results show that the precision of temperature measurement could reach to 0.5%. It is repetitiveness is well enough.

Co2-xCuxOy (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4) Samples were prepared by solid-state reaction method and the effect of Cu substitution on the thermoelectric properties was investigated. The presence of Cu element improved the grain size and electrical conductivity, but Seebeck coefficients were reduced by Cu substitution. It was found Cu substitution is an effective way to improve the thermoelectric performance system at high temperature.

In order to convenient application in optimum design of large and complex structures, theoretical formula of nominal tensile stress of concrete is deduced relating to the maximum crack width of RC beam in serviceability. By further statistical analysis of test data in certain reliability, simplified and practical formulas are proposed for calculating the nominal tensile stress of concrete. Therefore, the control of maximum crack width is replaced by control of nominal tensile stress of concrete, which shall be easier to realize in optimum design of concrete structures.

Bi2Sr2Co2-xCuxOy (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4) samples were prepared by solid-state reaction method and the effect of Cu substitution on the high-temperature thermoelectric properties was investigated. The presence of Cu element improved the grain size and the thermoelectric properties increased owing to the simultaneous increase of conductivity and Seebeck coefficients. The optimal thermoelectric performance was obtained in x=0.2 sample and the power factor was two times as large as that in Cu-free sample at 923K.

Pb- and La-doped (Bi,Pb)2(Ba,La)2Co2Oy ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction method and the effect of element doping on the thermoelectric characteristics was investigated. Pb and La doping increased the electrical conductivity and transformed the conduction from a metal-like behavior to a semiconducting one. Different from the undoped samples, the values of Seebeck coefficients decreased with the increase of the temperature in the Pb- and La-doped samples. Pb doping in Bi2Ba2Co2Oy system improved the thermoelectric characteristics at high temperature and Pb/La co-doping improved thermoelectric characteristics at low temperature.

To investigate the relationship between the proliferation of sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the effect of Shenmai Injection (参麦注射液, SMI) on HASMCs. The HASMCs cultured in vitro were divided into three groups: (1) control group; (2) sensitized group: containing 10% asthmatic serum; (3) SMI group: further divided into three different concentration subgroups interferred with 10 μL/mL, 50 μL/mL, and 100 μL/mL SMI, respectively. The proliferation of HASMCs was detected using MTT method, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) in HASMCs was detected using immunocytochemical staining, and the expression of phosphoration-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) protein was detected using Western-blot. After passive sensitization,: the optical density value (A A490 value) of HASMCs was significantly increased from 0.366±0.086 to 0.839± 0.168 (P

The function of human macrophage metalloelastase (HME) also known as matrix metalloproteinase 12, in tumorigenesis is contradictory. The current study was designed to investigate the association of HME expression with angiogenesis and prognosis of gastric carcinomas. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect HME in human gastric carcinomas, chronic gastritis with atypical hyperplasia, and normal gastric epithelium mucosa. The results were further confirmed by RT-PCR or semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting in gastric carcinomas and paired noncancerous tissues. VEGF and microvessel density count were also detected by immunohistochemical staining in all carcinoma tissues. The prognostic significance of HME was assessed with multiple linear regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. High expression of HME protein/mRNA was observed in gastric carcinomas and atypical hyperplasia tissues compared with normal gastric epithelium mucosa, or paired noncancerous tissues. HME protein/mRNA were negatively correlated with MVD (p

Lead-free (1-x)(K0.5Na0.5)0.95(LiSb)0.05Nb0.95O3-xBaTiO3 (abbreviated as (1-x)KNNLS-xBT) piezoceramics were synthesized by conventional solid state sintering and the effect of BaTiO3 on the microstructure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties was investigated. It was found that both orthorhombic-tetragonal (T O-T) and tetragonal-cubic (T C) phase transition temperatures decreased obviously with increasing BaTiO3 content. Although proper amount of BaTiO3 facilitated the sintering of (1-x)KNNLS-xBT ceramics, the addition of BaTiO3 affected the relaxor behavior slightly and it was not beneficial to improve piezoelectric strain coefficient d 33, remnant polarization P r and piezoelectric coupling constant k p.

In this study, a method was developed for the simultaneous determination of mono-, di-and trichloroacetic acids in drinking water by ion chromatography with large volume direct injection, combined with silver oxide as precipitant to eliminate the interference of chloride ions in matrix and barium hydroxide as precipitant to eliminate the interference of sulfate ions in matrix. This process did not bring in any new interference into sample solution. With a medium high capacity, hydrophobic anion IonPac AS14A column, and sodium hydroxide as eluent, the three chloroacetic acids and chloride and sulfate ions could be well separated and determined in 40 min by gradient elution. A 500-μl sample loop was used. The detection limits for the three chloroacetic acids were 3.7, 3.6 and 35.4 μg l−1. The spiked recoveries for the three chloroacetic acids were between 92% and 106%.

A new series of quaternary and ternary polymeric hybrid materials were assembled from 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MS), methacrylic acid (MA), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and rare earth (Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+) precursors. MS and MSMA (copolymer of MS and MA) behave as structural functional component to form the inorganic polymeric network or inorganic/organic polymeric host through the coordination to rare earth ions, while phen acts as the energy sensitizer for the luminescence of rare earth ions. Subsequently, six novel hybrid materials (phen–Eu(Tb, Dy)–MS, phen–Eu(Tb, Dy)–MSMA) were obtained, in which inorganic component is connected with polymer component through covalent bond. It was found that the introduction of organic polymer unit has influence on the microstructure and especially the luminescent properties of hybrid materials. The quantum efficiency of Eu hybrids was also studied. All these hybrids exhibit the characteristic luminescence of rare earth ions, which substantiates optimum energy match and effective intramolecular energy transfer between the triplet state energy of phen and emissive energy level of Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+. It was worth pointing out that the quaternary hybrid materials (phen–Eu3+(Tb3+, Dy3+)–MSMA) with organic polymer unit (MA) present stronger luminescence intensities, longer lifetimes than those of ternary ones without MA (phen–Eu3+(Tb3+, Dy3+)–MS), suggesting the introduction of organic chain (MA) is beneficial for the photophysical property of hybrids.

A new polymer–inorganic material was synthesized from terephthalic acid (TPA) and rare-earth ion (Tb3+, Eu3+) complex, which rare-earth ions connect with polymer by covalent bands. The luminescent europium and terbium coordination polymers, PET–Tb and PET–Eu, were produced in situ through low temperature solution polycondensation (PET = polyethyl terephthate ester). FTIR spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the structure of obtained hybrid material. Phosphorescence and fluorescence spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of the obtained hybrid material. The experimental result shows that the strong luminescence of rare-earth ions substantiates optimum energy match and effective intramolecular energy transfer between the triplet state energy of coordination complex and the emissive energy level of the rare-earth ions. The hybrid material systems can be expected to have potential applications in photophysical sensors.

Airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) was known to involve in the pathophysiology of asthma. Schisandrin B was reported to have anti-asthmatic effects in a murine asthma model. However, the molecular mechanism involving in the effect of Schisandrin B on ASMCs remains poorly understood. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: rats as the control (Group 1), sensitized rats (Group 2), sensitized rats and intragastric-administrated Schisandrin B (Group 3). The expression of miR-135a and TRPC1 was detected in the rats from three groups. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB was used to induce the proliferation of isolated ASMCs, and the expression of miR-135a and TRPC1 was detected in PDGF-BB-treated ASMCs. Cell viability was examined in ASMCs transfected with miR-135a inhibitor or si-TRPC1. The expression of TRPC1 was examined in A10 cells pretreated with miR-135a inhibitor or miR-135a mimic. In this study, we found that Schisandrin B attenuated the inspiratory and expiratory resistances in sensitized rats. Schisandrin B upregulated the mRNA level of miR-135a and decreased the expression of TRPC1 in sensitized rats. In addition, Schisandrin B reversed the expression of miR-135a and TRPC1 in PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs. Si-TRPC1 abrogated the increasing proliferation of ASMCs induced by miR-135a inhibitor. We also found that miR-135a regulated the expression of TRPC1 in the A10 cells. These results demonstrate that Schisandrin B inhibits the proliferation of ASMCs via miR-135a suppressing the expression of TRPC1.

Thermal plume from coastal nuclear power plant is a small-scale human activity, mornitoring of which requires high-frequency and high-spatial remote sensing data. The infrared scanner (IRS), on board of HJ-1B, has an infrared channel IRS4 with 300 m and 4-days as its spatial and temporal resolution. Remote sensing data aquired using IRS4 is an available source for mornitoring thermal plume. Retrieval pattern for coastal sea surface temperature (SST) was built to monitor the thermal plume from nuclear power plant. The research area is located near Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station (GNPS), where synchronized validations were also implemented. The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data was interpolated spatially and temporally. The interpolated data as well as surface weather conditions were subsequently employed into radiative transfer model for the atmospheric correction of IRS4 thermal image. A look-up-table (LUT) was built for the inversion between IRS4 channel radiance and radiometric temperature, and a fitted function was also built from the LUT data for the same purpose. The SST was finally retrieved based on those preprocessing procedures mentioned above. The bulk temperature (BT) of 84 samples distributed near GNPS was shipboard collected synchronically using salinity-temperature-deepness (CTD) instruments. The discrete sample data was surface interpolated and compared with the satellite retrieved SST. Results show that the average BT over the study area is 0.47 degrees C higher than the retrieved skin temperature (ST). For areas far away from outfall, the ST is higher than BT, with differences less than 1.0 degrees C. The main driving force for temperature variations in these regions is solar radiation. For areas near outfall, on the contrary, the retrieved ST is lower than BT, and greater differences between the two (meaning1.0 degrees C) happen when it gets closer to the outfall. Unlike the former case, the convective heat transfer resulting from the thermal plume is the primary reason leading to the temperature variations. Temperature rising (TR) distributions obtained from remote sensing data and in-situ measurements are consistent, except that the interpolated BT shows more level details (5 levels) than that of the ST (up to 4 levels). The areas with higher TR levels (2) are larger on BT maps, while for lower TR levels (≤ 2), the two methods perform with no obvious differences. Minimal errors for satellite-derived SST occur regularly around local time 10 a. m. This makes the remote sensing results to be substitutes for in-situ measurements. Therefore, for operational applications of HJ-1B IRS4, remote sensing technique can be a practical approach to monitoring the nuclear plant thermal pollution around this time period.

Detecting oil slick covered seawater surface using the thermal infrared remote sensing technology exists the advantages such as: oil spill detection with thermal infrared spectrum can be performed in the nighttime which is superior to visible spectrum, the thermal infrared spectrum is superior to detect the radiation characteristics of both the oil slick and the seawater compared to the mid-wavelength infrared spectrum and which have great potential to detect the oil slick thickness. And the emissivity is the ratio of the radiation of an object at a given temperature in normal range of the temperature (260-320 K) and the blackbody radiation under the same temperature , the emissivity of an object is unrelated to the temperature, but only is dependent with the wavelength and material properties. Using the seawater taken from Bohai Bay and crude oil taken from Gudao oil production plant of Shengli Oilfield in Dongying city of Shandong Province, an experiment was designed to study the characteristics and mechanism of thermal infrared emissivity spectrum of artificial crude oil slick covered seawater surface with its thickness. During the experiment, crude oil was continuously dropped into the seawater to generate artificial oil slick with different thicknesses. By adding each drop of crude oil, we measured the reflectivity of the oil slick in the thermal infrared spectrum with the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (102F) and then calculated its thermal infrared emissivity. The results show that the thermal infrared emissivity of oil slick changes significantly with its thickness when oil slick is relatively thin (20-120 μm), which provides an effective means for detecting the existence of offshore thin oil slick In the spectrum ranges from 8 to 10 μm and from 13. 2 to 14 μm, there is a steady emissivity difference between the seawater and thin oil slick with thickness of 20 μm. The emissivity of oil slick changes marginally with oil slick thickness and clearly below that of seawater in the spectrum range from 11. 7 to 14 μm, this spectrum range can be practically used to distinguish oil slick from seawater; Around the wavelength of 11.72, 12.2, 12.55, 13.48 and 13.8 μm, the emissivity of oil slick presents clearly increasing or decreasing trends with the increase of its thickness, which are one of the best wavelengths for observing the offshore oil slick and estimating its thickness.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was first modified by an inorganic component of 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate (TEPIC) to form the inorganic/organic polymeric functional precursor. The modified reagent with a functional group (–NHCOO–) further behaves as a bridge which can coordinate to Zn 2+ through oxygen atom and further formed Si–O backbones after hydrolysis and polycondensation processes. Subsequently, the corresponding organic/inorganic molecular-based hybrids were assembled to behave as the structural polymeric ligands with the two components equipped with covalent bonds. Finally, ternary zinc/inorganic/organic polymeric hybrid materials with chemical bond (covalent bonds of –CO–NH– and Si–O, coordination bond of Zn–O–C) have been assembled. The resulting hybrids exhibit blue luminescence and nanometer morphology.

A new monomer, TBBA–APMES, has been synthesized by grafting 3-aminopropyl-methyl-diethoxylsiliane (APMES) to 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid (TBBA) and characterized by H NMR, C NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The monomer acts as a functional ligand for Tb and La ion and as a sol–gel precursor. Luminescent hybrid materials consisting of terbium–lanthanum complex covalently bonded to a silica-based network have been obtained in situ via a sol–gel approach. Through the co-hydrolysis and polycondensation, Tb3+ and La3+ can be introduced in the same molecular hybrids through the chemical Si–O network and fluorescent enhancement is observed. The luminescent behavior has been studied with the different ratios of Tb3+–La3+, suggesting that the luminescence intensities of hybrids can be enhanced obviously by the existence of La3+. The enhanced fluorescence effect may be due to the strengthening of intramolecular energy transfer efficiency by La3+.

A kind of functional monomer (abbreviated as BIMA-APMS) was synthesized by means of the amidation reaction of benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (BIMA) with a cross-linking molecule (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APMS). Then, the composite materials were obtained by reaction of this kind of monomer (BIMA-APMS), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and Tb(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O by an in situ sol–gel process, resulting in a novel molecular composite material (named as Tb-BIMA-APMS) with double chemical bonds (Tb–O coordination bond and Si–O covalent bond). Ultraviolet absorption, phosphorescence and fluorescence spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of the obtained composite material. The strong luminescence of Tb 3+ substantiates optimum energy match and effective intramolecular energy transfer between the triplet state energy of modified ligand bridge and emissive energy level of Tb 3+ .

1,2,4-Benzenetricar boxylic acid (abbreviated as TMA) was modified to achieve a functional molecular bridge (TMA-APMES) with double reactivity by the reaction with a cross-linking molecule (3-aminopropyl-methyl-diethoxylsiliane, APMES). The modified functional ligand further behaves as a bridge both coordinates to Ln{sup 3+} through oxygen atom and occurs in situ sol-gel process with matrix precursor (tetraethoxysilane, TEOS) through co-hydrolysis and co-polycondensation reaction. Then a novel molecular hybrid material (named as hybrid Ln{sup 3+}) with double chemical bond (Tb-O coordination bond and Si-O covalent bond) resulted. Ultraviolet absorption, phosphorescence, and fluorescence spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of the obtained hybrid material. The strong luminescence of Tb{sup 3+} substantiates optimum energy couple and effective intramolecular energy transfer between the triplet state energy of modified ligand bridge and emissive energy level of Tb{sup 3+}.

A kind of precursor molecule (abbreviated as EPDA–APMS) was synthesized by means of the amidation reaction of 5-ethylpyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (EPDA) with a crosslinking molecule (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APMS). Then the hybrid materials were obtained by reaction of this kind of monomer (EPDA–APMS), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and Tb(NO3)3·6H2O by an in-situ sol-gel process, resulting in a novel molecular hybrid material (named as Tb–EPDA–APMS) with double chemical bonds (Tb–O coordination bond and Si–O covalent bond). Ultraviolet absorption, phosphorescence, and fluorescence spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of the obtained hybrid material. The strong luminescence of Tb3+ substantiates optimum energy match and effective intramolecular energy transfer between the triplet state energy of modified ligand bridge and emissive energy level of Tb3+.

In this paper, a novel path was put forward to modify the hydroxyl group of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid by 3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl isocyanate and prepare the corresponding organic–inorganic molecular-based hybrid material with the two components connected by covalent bonds. The bridging unit is a derivative of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid that is utilized to coordinate to Tb3+ via hydrolysis and polycondensation processes with functional triethoxysilyl groups. Ultraviolet absorption, phosphorescence spectra and luminescence spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of the hybrid material obtained and the spectroscopic data show that the triplet energy of modified 6-hydroxynicotinic acid efficiently initiates the antenna effect and matches the emissive energy level of the metal ions. As a result, the intramolecular energy transfer process is completed within these molecular-based hybrids. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) is a key pathological process in the cardiac remodeling. To establish an objective, quantitative method for the analysis of cell proliferation and cell cycle, we applied the high-content screening (HCS) and flow cytometry (FCM) techniques. CFs, isolated by enzyme digestion from newborn C57BL/6J mice, were serum starved for 12 h and then given 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 h. Followed by BrdU and DAPI (or 7-AAD) staining, CFs proliferation and cell cycle were analyzed by HCS and FCM, respectively. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) staining indicated that the purity of isolated CFs was over 95%. (1) HCS analysis showed that the ratio of BrdU-positive cells was significantly increased in 10% FBS treated group compared with that in serum-free control group [(12.96 ± 0.67)% vs (2.77 ± 0.33)%; P0.05]. Cell cycle analysis showed that CFs in G0/G1 phase were diploid, and CFs in S phase were companied with proliferation, DNA replication and enlarged nuclei; CFs in G2 phase were tetraploid, and CFs in M phase produced two identical cells (2N). (2) FCM analysis showed that the ratio of BrdU-positive cells was increased in 10% FBS treated group compared with that in the control group [(11.10 ± 0.42)% vs (2.22 ± 0.31)%; P0.05]; DNA content histogram of cell cycle analysis indicated that the platform of S phase elevated in 10% FBS group compared with control group. (3) There were no differences between the two methods in the results of proliferation and cell cycle analysis. In conclusion, HCS and FCM methods are reliable, stable and consistent in assessment of the proliferation and cell cycle in CFs.