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Desmoglein-2 (Dsg2) plays a crucial role in the assembly and adhesion of desmosomes. The absent or aberrant expression of Dsg2 was reported to be associated with the progression of varies human cancers. However, the expression of Dsg2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with tumor prognosis is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of Dsg2 in HCC and of the correlation between Dsg2 expression and clinicopathological variables.A total of 104 patients diagnosed with HCC were enrolled in this study. Real time-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were performed to determine the expression level of Dsg2 in HCC tumor tissues and matched noncancerous tissues. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow-cytometry assay, respectively.Our results revealed that Dsg2 expression was significantly higher in HCC tumor tissues than in matched noncancerous tissues (p0.01), positively correlated with tumor size (p = 0.035) and tumor stage (p = 0.021). Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated Dsg2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Meanwhile, we found knockdown the expression of Dsg2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) could efficiently impaired HCC cell proliferation rate and cell cycle progression (p0.05).Taken together, our results suggest that increased Dsg2 expression was associated with tumor progression in HCC and may function as a promising biomarker for unfavorable prognosis of HCC.

In order to significantly reduce the synthesis temperature, polytetrafluoroethylene was employed to induce the solid state synthesis of titanium carbide from elemental reactants. According to differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction results, titanium carbide can be synthesised successfully at the temperature as low as 825 K from Ti/C mixture with 3 wt-% polytetrafluoroethylene addition. The field emission scanning electron microscopy image showed that the size of the as-prepared titanium carbide particle was smaller than 150 nm.

Summary Body weight is determined via both metabolic and hedonic mechanisms. Metabolic regulation of body weight centres around the ‘body weight set point’, which is programmed by energy balance circuitry in the hypothalamus and other specific brain regions. The metabolic body weight set point has a genetic basis, but exposure to an obesogenic environment may elicit allostatic responses and upward drift of the set point, leading to a higher maintained body weight. However, an elevated steady‐state body weight may also be achieved without an alteration of the metabolic set point, via sustained hedonic over‐eating, which is governed by the reward system of the brain and can override homeostatic metabolic signals. While hedonic signals are potent influences in determining food intake, metabolic regulation involves the active control of both food intake and energy expenditure. When overweight is due to elevation of the metabolic set point (‘metabolic obesity’), energy expenditure theoretically falls onto the standard energy–mass regression line. In contrast, when a steady‐state weight is above the metabolic set point due to hedonic over‐eating (‘hedonic obesity’), a persistent compensatory increase in energy expenditure per unit metabolic mass may be demonstrable. Recognition of the two types of obesity may lead to more effective treatment and prevention of obesity.

37 degrees' warm water for 12 s; Burn group: 94 degrees' boiling water for 12 s; Blast group: 5 g cyclonite explode in 75 cm distance from left chest wall of rat; Burn-blast group: burn group and blast group combined modeling method. At 6, 24, 48, 72 h observation points after injury, abdominal aorta blood samples and myocardial specimen were collected. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular fractional shortening index (FS) were measured through color Doppler ultrasound instrument; Myocardial tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE); serum cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were detected; detection of cell apoptosis in myocardial tissue was performed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP notch labeling technique (Tunel). Expression levels of calpain mRNA level and protein were detected with Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western imprinting method analysis; calpain activity was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry.

Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen belongs to the mucin-type tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen. Notably, TF antigen is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) but is rarely expressed in normal colonic tissue. Increased TF antigen expression is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, we sought to validate a novel nanobeacon for imaging TF-associated CRC in a preclinical animal model. We developed and characterized the nanobeacon for use with fluorescence colonoscopy. In vivo imaging was performed on an orthotopic rat model of CRC. Both white light and fluorescence colonoscopy methods were utilized to establish the ratio-imaging index for the probe. The nanobeacon exhibited specificity for TF-associated cancer. Fluorescence colonoscopy using the probe can detect lesions at the stage which is not readily confirmed by conventional visualization methods. Further, the probe can report the dynamic change of TF expression as tumor regresses during chemotherapy. Data from this study suggests that fluorescence colonoscopy can improve early CRC detection. Supplemented by the established ratio-imaging index, the probe can be used not only for early detection, but also for reporting tumor response during chemotherapy. Furthermore, since the data obtained through in vivo imaging confirmed that the probe was not absorbed by the colonic mucosa, no registered toxicity is associated with this nanobeacon. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of this novel probe for imaging TF antigen as a biomarker for the early detection and prediction of the progression of CRC at the molecular level.

The present study reports Bi5FeTi3O15 (BFTO) nanofibers/graphene (Gr) nanocomposites (BGr) as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). BFTO nanofibers with diameters of 40–100 nm were fabricated by sol-gel based electrospinning technique. The microstructure and surface morphology of the BFTO nanofibers and the BGr nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performances of BGr CEs were comprehensively characterized and investigated. Compared to pristine BFTO, the nanocomposites have a marked improvement in electrocatalytic performance for the reduction of triiodide because of larger surface area and lower transfer resistance on the electrolyte-electrode interface. The maximum power conversion efficiency has reached 9.56%, which is much larger than that of pure BFTO CEs (0.22%).

High energy cosmic ray electrons plus positrons (CREs), which lose energy quickly during their propagation, provide an ideal probe of Galactic high-energy processes and may enable the observation of phenomena such as dark-matter particle annihilation or decay. The CRE spectrum has been directly measured up to $\sim 2$ TeV in previous balloon- or space-borne experiments, and indirectly up to $\sim 5$ TeV by ground-based Cherenkov $\gamma$-ray telescope arrays. Evidence for a spectral break in the TeV energy range has been provided by indirect measurements of H.E.S.S., although the results were qualified by sizeable systematic uncertainties. Here we report a direct measurement of CREs in the energy range $25~{\rm GeV}-4.6~{\rm TeV}$ by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) with unprecedentedly high energy resolution and low background. The majority of the spectrum can be properly fitted by a smoothly broken power-law model rather than a single power-law model. The direct detection of a spectral break at $E \sim0.9$ TeV confirms the evidence found by H.E.S.S., clarifies the behavior of the CRE spectrum at energies above 1 TeV and sheds light on the physical origin of the sub-TeV CREs., Comment: 18 pages, 6 figures, Nature in press, doi:10.1038/nature24475

Fluid therapy is an important part of perioperative period, also one of the most controversial issues. Having reviewed the relevant research in recent years as well as the large-scale meta-analysis, the perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy has been discussed from the aspects of evaluating indicators, new methods and latest progress, and the impact on the prognosis. It manifests that the development of goal-directed fluid therapy makes a better prognosis than traditional fluid therapy, therefore it has also became an important perioperative treatment strategy.

The present study reports Bi5FeTi3O15 (BFTO) nanofibers/graphene (Gr) nanocomposites (BGr) as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). BFTO nanofibers with diameters of 40–100 nm were fabricated by sol-gel based electrospinning technique. The microstructure and surface morphology of the BFTO nanofibers and the BGr nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performances of BGr CEs were comprehensively characterized and investigated. Compared to pristine BFTO, the nanocomposites have a marked improvement in electrocatalytic performance for the reduction of triiodide because of larger surface area and lower transfer resistance on the electrolyte-electrode interface. The maximum power conversion efficiency has reached 9.56%, which is much larger than that of pure BFTO CEs (0.22%).

To investigate the prognostic significance of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference to arteriovenous oxygen content difference ratio (Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio) combined with lactate in patients with septic shock during the early phases of resuscitation.A retrospective study was conducted for 104 septic shock patients. All patients received an initial fluid resuscitation according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock, 2012(SSC2012). Patients were classified into four groups according to lactate levels and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio at 6 h of resuscitation: group A, lactate≥2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO21.0; group B, lactate≥2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2≤1.0; group C, lactate2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO21.0; group D, lactate2.0 mmol/L and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2≤1.0. The hemodynamic parameters and oxygen metabolism parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 h after fluid resuscitation. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at day 1, day 3 were calculated. The 28-day mortality rate was recorded.(1) Group A had the highest SOFA score at day 3 and group D the lowest, which were respectively 10.8±3.3, 6.7±3.6, 5.6±3.1, 4.1±2.2 in four groups. Accordingly, the 28-day mortality rate of group A was the highest and group D the lowest, which were respectively 83.3%, 59.1%, 60.0%, 14.3% in four groups. The differences were statistically significant (P0.05). (2) The Cox regression analysis of 28 d mortality revealed that lactate levels (RR=4.306, 95%CI 1.979-9.369) and Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio (RR=2.888, 95%CI 1.676-4.976) at T6 were independent predictors to 28-day mortality. (3) The AUCROC of Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio combined with lactate [0.910(95%CI 0.857-0.963)] was significantly greater than the AUCROC of wither lactate [0.762(95%CI 0.673-0.852), Z=2.775; P=0.006) or Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio [0.781(95%CI 0.693-0.868), Z=2.458; P=0.014) alone.Combination of Pv-aCO2/Ca-vO2 ratio and lactate level at early stage of resuscitation in patients with septic shock is better than single parameter to predict the prognosis.

To assess the efficacy and side effects of (125)I seed implantation for locoregional recurrent and metastatic breast cancer, and to discuss its role in the comprehensive therapy of breast cancer.Forty-three patients with locoregional recurrent or metastatic breast cancer were included in this study. They received (125)I seed implantation and were followed up to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of the treatment.Among 54 lesions in the 43 cases, there were complete response (CR) in 39, partial response (PR) in 13, stable disease (SD) in 2 patients, with a response rate of 96.3%. All 17 cases with local pain achieved pain relief. With a median follow up of 36 months (range 14 to 60 months), the 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rate was 85.2%, 53.7% and 1.9%, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 95.3%, 67.4% and 37.2%, respectively. No serious radiotherapy side effect was observed.In patients with unresectable locoregional recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, (125)I seed implantation shows proved efficacy and few complications, and can be an important treatment option.

To investigate the influence of left ventricular-arterial coupling(VAC) on clinical prognosis of elderly patients with septic shock.A total of 56 elderly septic shock patients were enrolled in this study, all of whom were admitted to Department of Intensive Care Unit in Zhejiang Hospital from August 2014 to October 2015.The patients were divided into two groups according to the status of left ventricular-arterial coupling when septic shock was diagnosed, which were left ventricular-arterial uncoupling group(UC group) and left ventricular-arterial coupling group(C group). Various parameters were recorded, including blood lactate level, central venous oxygen saturation(ScvO2), serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTNⅠ), dose of vasoactive drugs, the total fluid volume and urine volume per hour within 24 hours. The 28-day survival rate was a key index of prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression was taken to analyze risk factors related to death within 28 day.Compared with C group, UC group had lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction[(42.43±4.76)% vs (53.17±3.01)%; P0.01] and cardiac index[(2.36±0.68) L·min(-1)·m(-2) vs (2.93±0.45)L·min(-1)·m(-2); P0.01]. Yet serum levels of NT-proBNP[lg NT-proBNP 3.93±0.53 vs 3.40±0.63; P=0.004] and cTNⅠ [lg cTNⅠ-0.16±0.68 vs-1.03±0.69; P0.001] in UC group were higher than those in C group. Moreover, the total fluid volume within 24 hours [(3 806.3±831.4) ml vs (3 142.0±770.0) ml; P=0.016], blood lactate level[(5.61±2.68) mmol/L vs (3.93±1.59) mmol/L; P=0.043] and dose of norepinephrine[(0.630±0.300)μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) vs (0.292±0.234)μg·kg(-1)·min(-1;) P=0.001] in UC group were greater than those in C group, while ScvO2[(60.75±2.91)% vs (64.42±2.19)%; P0.001] and urine volume per hour[(0.518±0.358)ml vs (0.926±0.678)ml; P=0.007] were less than those in C group. Compared with C group, UC group had a lower 28-day survival rate[43.2%(19/44) vs 9/12; P=0.049]. Ea/Ees ratio was negatively correlated with LVEF, ScvO2(r=-0.686, P0.001; r=-0.411, P=0.002), positively correlated with NT-proBNP, cTNⅠ(r=0.294, P=0.028; r=0.363, P=0.006), yet no obvious correlation was noticed with blood lactate level(r=0.170, P=0.21). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that VAC(OR=11.187, 95%CI 2.489-50.285; P=0.002), lactate level (OR=1.727, 95%CI 1.164-2.563; P=0.007) and lg cTNⅠ(OR=0.247, 95%CI 0.079-0.779; P=0.017) were independent risk factors affecting 28-day mortality. Conclutions: In elderly patients with septic shock, left ventricular-arterial uncoupling indicates a lower 28-day survival rate, worse cardiac function and tissue perfusion. Ea/Ees ratio might sever as a predictive indicator of 28-day mortality.

The generation of antigen-specific neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells is one of the most important immune protections of the host and is the basis for successful vaccination strategies. The protective antibodies, secreted by preexisting long-lived plasma cells and reactivated antigen-experienced memory B cells, constitute the main humoral immune defense. Distinct from the primary antibody response, the humoral memory response is generated much faster and with greater magnitude, and it produces antibodies with higher affinity and variable isotypes. Humoral immunity is critically dependent on the germinal center where high-affinity memory B cells and plasma cells are generated. In this chapter, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern fate decision for memory B cells and plasma cells and the mechanisms that maintain the long-lived plasma-cell pool, with emphasis on how the transcription factor Blimp-1 (B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1) helps regulate the above-mentioned immunoregulatory steps to ensure the production and maintenance of antibody-secreting plasma cells as well as how it directs memory cell vs plasma-cell fate. We also discuss the molecular basis of Blimp-1 action and how its expression is regulated.

To evaluate the methods of flow cytometric-dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) analysis, gp91 protein detection, gene mutation analysis for the precise diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).Clinical and laboratory data of patients with CGD confirmed by gene mutation analysis from 2008 to 2015 in Children's Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively reviewed.The results of respiratory burst, gp91 protein level, and gene mutations were analyzed.The relationships among these three methods were explored.A total of 138 patients of CGD with confirmed gene mutation were included in this study, of them, 123 cases(89.1%) had CYBB gene mutation, 4 cases(2.9%) had CYBA mutation, 5 cases(3.6%) had NCF1 mutation and 6 cases(4.4%) had NCF2 mutation.The range of stimulatory index (SI) was 0.8-60.5, the 25 th, 50 th, 75th percent was 1.7, 2.7, 4.7; 112 cases had the results of gp91, of them, 100 with gp91(0,) 2 with gp91(-), and 10 with gp91(+) . Six mutations, which were not reported before, were c. 76-77delTT, c. 343-344delCA, c. 481AT, c. 1152GC, c. 1613GA for CYBB gene, and c. 137TG for NCF2 gene. Among CGD patients with CYBB mutation, SI of patients with gp91(+) was higher than patients with gp91(0) 14.6 vs. 2.5(t=44.21, P=0.004). Patients of NCF1 mutation had higher SI than patients with CYBB mutation, 17.7 vs. 2.5 (t=60.8, P=0.003).Flow cytometric-DHR analysis and gp91 protein detection are important diagnostic methods for CGD, they could help the precise diagnosis of CGD.Different mutation types, different mutation genes could have impact on the results of respiratory burst and gp91 level.The application of diagnostic technology from function, protein to gene analysis could help precise diagnosis of CGD.

To establish the isolation, culture and identification methods of primary rat skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSC) and observe its characterization of differentiation in vitro.Skeletal muscle satellite cells were obtained by tissue block culture method in combination with pre-plating techniques, and the purity of these cells was detected by both immunocytochemistry and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) with Pax7 as marker of SMSC. Myogenesis of these cells was induced in differentiation medium and the mRNA expressions of myogenic differentiation gene (MyoD) and Myogenin were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Cells crawled out from the edge of tissue blocks after 1 week of culture. After purification by pre-plating techniques, more than 97.6% of the cells expressed Pax7, a unique marker of satellite cells. The mRNA of MyoD and Myogenin showed time-specific expression in the myogenesis induction process in vitro.Skeletal muscle satellite cells with high purity and strong differentiation ability can be obtained by means of tissue block culture method.

In the case of biomedical NiTi implants staying in the human body not only for a short time, a release of Ni ions from NiTi surface should be prevented because of the poisonous character of Ni. We modified the surface of NiTi plate samples by depositing TiO2 oxide using atomic layer deposition (ALD). We found excellent corrosion properties of the coated NiTi samples, implying that ALD has great potential in depositing protection or biocompatible layer for 3D printing. Additionally, using a mechanical tester installed in the sample chamber of a scanning electron microscope, we were not able to see any tensile-load-induced microcracks in the thin atomic layer deposited TiO2 coating. Whereas the TiO2 layers grown thermally by oxidizing NiTi at temperature around 450 °C contained densely distributed microcracks during loading.

Conducting surveys on the status quo of sea area resources, figuring out the basic information about endowment of sea area resources, constructing an accounting standard system for sea area resource assets - value and establishing a physical account and a value account for sea area resource reserve are the foundation for sea area price evaluation and necessary conditions for the perfection of natural resource asset property rights system. This paper analyzes the survey on the status quo of sea area resources in China and the status quo of resource account and value account, brings up a problem that surveys and accountings of sea area resources cannot meet the management requirements of paid utilization of sea area and offers specific suggestions such as carrying out surveys on the space resources of sea area, evaluating the value of resources.

A new experimental method for determining elastic constants of thin films is proposed. The curvatures of the single crystal substrates before and after depositing thin film are first measured using high-resolution X-ray rocking curve technique with high quality monochromatic and high intensity synchrotron radiation. The residual stress in the film is then calculated from the change in substrate curvature based on the well-known modified Stoney's equation. The formulae for calculating thin film's Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are deduced based on measured residual stress and the lattice spacing dψ versus sin2ψ curves of the film before and after an unknown mechanical loading. LaNiO3 film grown on single crystal silicon substrate using pulsed laser deposition is employed to demonstrate the measurement method.

SUMMARY The pattern of growth of 235 very low-birthweight children, whose weights were appropriate for gestational age, was characterised by a significant decline in weight, length and head circumference from birth to discharge from hospital, followed by partial recovery in all three measures of growth by two years corrected age. 29 per cent of the children were below the 10th percentile for weight at two years, and this group had a significantly higher incidence of major disabilities, poorer muscular development, more hypotonia and lowered performance on the psychomotor index of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development than their heavier peers. These children's mothers more often perceived them as actively disliking close physical contact, and they were reported by their mothers to have had more infections, minor surgery and chronic otitis media. Taken together, the suboptimal weight-gain, delayed gross motor development and increased maternal perceptions of ‘sickliness’ and lack of ‘cuddliness’ in these children are reminiscent of non-organic failure to thrive. RESUME Sequelles de defauts de croissance chez les enfants de tres faible poids de naissance avec poids normal pour l'âge de gestation L'allure de la croissance de 235 prematures de tres faible poids de naissance, avec poids normal pour l'âge de gestation a ete marquee par une chute significative pour le poids, la longueur et le tour de tete, depuis la naissance jusqu'au depart de l'hopital avec une recuperation partielle pour les trois mesures de croissance a deux ans d'âge corrige. 29 pour cent des enfants etaient en dessous du dixieme percentile pour le poids a deux ans et ce groupe presentait une incidence significativement plus elevee d'incapacites majeures, de developpement musculaire mediocre, une hypotonie plus marquee et des performances moindres a l'index psychomoteur de l'echelle de developpement infantile de Bayley que des enfants de poids plus lourd. Les meres de ces enfants les percevaient plus souvent comme rejetant activement le contact physique rapproche et egalement aux dires de leurs meres, ils avaient plus souvent des infections, des besoins de chirurgie mineure et des otites moyennes chroniques. Consideres tout ensemble, ce gain de poids sous-optimal, le retard global du developpement moteur et l'accroissement des perceptions maternelles d'etat maladif et ce rejet du contact chez tous ces enfants rappellent les defauts de croissance non organiques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Folgen einer Wachstumsverzogerung fur die Entwicklung bei Kindern mit sehr niedrigem Geburtsgewicht, deren Gewicht aber dem Gestationsalter entsprach Der Wachstumsverlauf von 235 Kindern mit sehr niedrigem Geburtsgewicht, das dem Gestationsalter entsprach, war charakterisiert durch einen signifikanten Abfall in Gewicht, Kopfumfang und Lange von der Geburt bis zur Entlassung aus dem Krankenhaus; gefolgt von einer teilweisen Erholung aller drei Wachstumsparameter bis zum korrigierten Alter von zwei Jahren. 29 Prozent der Kinder mit zwei Jahren lageru mit ihrem Gewicht unter der 10. Perzentile und diese Gruppe hatte signifikant haufiger schwere Behinderungen, schlechtere Muskelentwicklung, Hypotonie und schlechtere Leistungen im psychomotorischen Bereich der Bayley Scales of Infant Development als die schwereren Kinder aus der Gruppe. Die Mutter dieser Kinder gaben an, das sie engem Korperkontakt widerstrebten, das sie haufiger Infektionen, kleinere chirurgische Eingriffe und chronische Mittelohrentzundungen hatten. Zusammengenommen sind die nicht optimale Gewichtszunahme, die verzogerte grobmotorische Entwicklung und die Angaben der Mutter uber haufiges Krankeln und fehlende Anschmiegsamkeit dieser Kinder Zeichen einer nicht-organischen Wachstumsverzogerung.

SUMMARY A three-year cohort of extremely low-birthweight (ELBW, >1000g) survivors born between 1st January 1979 and 31st December 1981 were followed prospectively at one, two and five years of age, corrected for preterm birth. 57 of 110 infants survived, and 53 children were still alive at five years. The diagnoses of cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness and developmental delay fluctuated markedly according to age at developmental assessment. Although 13 of the 53 children were found to have impairments at five years, only seven were identified at one year, while 17 were identified at two years. In relation to the five-year assessment, impairments were underestimated at one year and developmental delay was overestimated at two years, which suggests that valid and reliable estimation of adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae among ELBW survivors may not be possible until school-age. ReSUMe Devenir neurodeveloppemental, croissance et sante de survivants avec poids de naissance extremement faible: a partir de quand peut on etablir un pronostic? Un groupe de survivants de poids de naissance extremement faible (PNEF > 1000g) sur trois ans, nes entre le ler Janvier 1979 et le 31 Decembre 1981 ont ete suivis prospectivement a un, deux et cinq ans d'âge corrige apres naissance prematuree. 57 des 110 nourrissons survecurent, et 53 enfants etaient toujours vivants a l'âge de cinq ans. L'incidence de l'infirmite motrice cerebrale, de la cecite, de la surdite et des retards de developpement etaient tres variables selon l'âge d'appreciation du developpement. Bien que 13 des 53 enfants aient ete trouves avec des alterations a cinq ans, seulement sept etaient identifies a un an, 17 a deux ans. En relation avec l'appreciation a cinq ans, les troubles etaient sous-estimes a un an et le retard de developpement sur-estime a deux ans ce qui suggere qu'une estimation valable et fidele des sequelles neurodeveloppementales parmi les survivants PNEF n'est pas possible avant l'âge scolaire. ZUSSAMENFASSUNG Entwicklungsneuroligischer Outcome, Wachstum und Gesundheit bei uberlebenden Kindern mit extrem niedrigem Geburtsgewicht: wie fruh ist eine Beurteilung moglich? Eine Gruppe von uberlebenden Kindern mit extrem niedrigem Geburtsgewicht (ELBW > 1000g), die vom 1. Januar 1979 bis zum 31. Dezember 1981 geboren wurden, wurden prospektiv im korrigierten Alter von einem, zwei und funf Jahren untersucht. 57 von 110 Kindern uberlebten und 53 lebten noch mit funf Jahren. Die Haufigkeit von Cerebralparese, Blindheit, Taubheit und Entwicklungsverzogerung schwankte erheblich in den verschiedenen Altersstufen. Obwohl 13 der 53 Kinder mit funf Jahren auffallige Befunde zeigten, waren diese nur bei sieben Kindern im Alter von einem Jahr bereits festgestellt worden, wahrend mit zwei Jahren 17 Kinder aufgefallen waren. Bezogen auf den Kontrollzeitraum von funf Jahren fand sich, daβ mit einem Jahr die Storungen unterschatzt und mit zwei Jahren die Entwicklungsverzogerungen uberbewertet wurden. Diese Befunde zeigen, daβ verwertbare und verlaβliche Beurteilungen der entwicklungsneuroligischen Folgen bei ELBW Kindern erst im Schulalter moglich sind. RESUMEN Curso neuroevolutivo, crecimiento y salud de supervivientes con un peso al nacer extremadamente bajo. ?Con que precocidad puede vaticinarse? Un grupo de tres anos de edad, nacidos con un peso extremadamente bajo (PNEB de menos de 1000g), supervivientes y nacidos entre el primero de Enero de 1979 y el 31 de Diciembre de 1981 fueron seguidos prospectivamente a las edades de uno, dos y cinco anos corregidos. 57 de 110 lactantes sobrevivieron y 53 ninos aun vivian a los cinco anos. Las incidencias de paralisis cerebral, ceguera, sordera y retraso en el desarrollo fluctuaron marcadamente segun la edad en que se determino la evaluacion del desarrollo. Aunque se hallo que 13 de los 53 ninos tenian dificultades a los cinco anos solo siete fueron identificados en la evaluacion de los cinco anos, mientras que 17 fueron identificados a los dos anos. En relacion con la evaluacion de los cinco aflos, las dificultades fueron subestimadas al ano de edad, y el retraso en el desarrollo fue superestimado a los dos anos. Esto sugiere que una evaluacion valida y fiable de las secuelas adversas neuroevolutivas en ninos con PNMB no puede ser posible hasta la edad escolar.

Fifty (13%) of 375 infants who weighed 1500 g or less at birth had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Haematological changes suggestive of sepsis occurred in 83% and positive bacteriological cultures were found in 38%, the most common organism isolated being Clostridium perfringens. Complications included intestinal perforation in six patients and recurrence of NEC in five, of whom one subsequently developed an intestinal stricture. Five of the eight nursery deaths were secondary to peritonitis and overwhelming sepsis from NEC. In spite of the discontinuation of milk feeds for prolonged periods, satisfactory caloric intake and weight gain were achieved with parenteral nutrition in the survivors. Of the 41 long‐term survivors, six (15%) were found to have a disability at 2 years of ago, corrected for prematurity, compared with 48 (20%) of 241 very low birthweight survivors from the same study period who did not have NEC. None had evidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction. Six (15%) children remained below the 10th percentile for both weight and height. This study showed that early diagnosis and therapy for NEC in very tow birthweight infants were associated with a favourable short‐ and long‐term outcome.

The generation of antigen-specific neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells is one of the most important immune protections of the host and is the basis for successful vaccination strategies. The protective antibodies, secreted by preexisting long-lived plasma cells and reactivated antigen-experienced memory B cells, constitute the main humoral immune defense. Distinct from the primary antibody response, the humoral memory response is generated much faster and with greater magnitude, and it produces antibodies with higher affinity and variable isotypes. Humoral immunity is critically dependent on the germinal center where high-affinity memory B cells and plasma cells are generated. In this chapter, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern fate decision for memory B cells and plasma cells and the mechanisms that maintain the long-lived plasma-cell pool, with emphasis on how the transcription factor Blimp-1 (B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1) helps regulate the above-mentioned immunoregulatory steps to ensure the production and maintenance of antibody-secreting plasma cells as well as how it directs memory cell vs plasma-cell fate. We also discuss the molecular basis of Blimp-1 action and how its expression is regulated.

A new method to measure the piezoelectric constants of d33f and d31f of thin films using x-ray diffraction (XRD) is proposed. Piezoelectric constant d33f is calculated from the measurement of change in out-of-plane lattice spacing of the piezoelectric films while piezoelectric constant d31f is obtained from the change in the slope of d ψ versus sin2 ψ curves before and after applying an electric field over the film. This method improves the accuracy by directly measuring the strains in the films induced by the externally applied electric field instead of the surface displacement that could easily be interfered with by environment/vibration and surface morphology of the thin films.

This paper presents a data-hiding scheme, which hides the secret data in VQ compressed images using multiple codebooks. The secret data are hidden in the codebook indices after the VQ image compression is completed. The secret data can be extracted from the codebook indices when the decoding of the compressed image is performed. According to the experimental results, the hiding capacity and image quality outperform Jo and Kim's scheme. In other words, the proposed scheme is proved to be capable of supporting high hiding capacity and good image quality.

A new experimental method for determining the x-ray elastic constants (S1 and (1/2)S2) of thin films is proposed. The curvatures of the single-crystal substrates before and after depositing thin films are first measured using a high-resolution x-ray rocking curve technique with high-quality monochromatic and high-intensity synchrotron radiation. The residual stresses in the films are then calculated from the change in substrate curvature based on the well-known modified Stoney's equation. The formulae for calculation of S1 and (1/2)S2 are deduced based on measured residual stress and the lattice spacing dψ versus sin2ψ curves before and after a mechanical loading, while the magnitude of the external loading does not need to be known. Values of (1/2)S2 of films can even be obtained without loading. Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48) and LaNiO3 films grown on a single-crystal silicon substrate using pulsed laser deposition are employed to demonstrate the measurement method.

This study aimed to establish response curves between broiler chicken growth parameters and artificial light periods, as opposed to optimizing a lighting regimen for broiler production. Medium-growing broiler chickens were illuminated for periods of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24 h each day. The BW of the broilers were significantly influenced by light periods (0.05). Moreover, BW responded to light periods in a linear fashion, suggesting that long light periods result in greater BW. In addition, a linear relationship was found between feed intake and light periods. However, the relationship between shank length and light period was quadratic. When the light period was too short (12 h) or too long (24 h), the light stimulus did not enhance shank growth in the broiler chickens (0.05). In addition, a quadratic relationship between the quantity of abdominal adipose tissue and light period suggested that the quantity of abdominal adipose decreases when the period of the light stimulus was too short or too long (0.05). Moreover, a broken-stick analysis suggested that the triiodothyronine (T3) concentration in the blood was minimally affected beyond 18 h ( = 0.267), although a quadratic relationship was found between the period (from 18 to 24 h) and T3 concentrations in the blood. The response curves established in the present study will be valuable for designing future lighting regimes for medium-growing broiler strains.

To explore the characteristics of nasal bone fracture caused by blunt instrument, including the fracture types, the fracture repair, and the difference of manifestations between X-ray and CT. To provide reference for the identification.The information of basic situation, fracture site, injury manner, diagnosis method, expert opinion of 95 adult nasal fracture cases caused by blunt object, which occurred in Gutian county of Fujian province from January 1999 to December 2013, were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The identification conclusions of different injuries were compared according to new and old standards as well.There were total 95 adults including 87 male and 8 female. The fracture site and quantity have significant correlation with the nasal bone anatomical relations and the direction and size of the force. Compound fracture was most common. The fracture that could not be determined by X-ray could be clearly diagnosed by CT examination. According to new and old standards, different fracture types have different identification conclusions.There are gender differences in nasal bone fracture cases. Larger external force is easy to cause compound fracture. CT examination is significantly better than X-ray examination.

The concept of micro-contact in electrodes was incorporated into AC two-probe impedance spectroscopy in order to clarify the electrode-related responses in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The pointed contact of one electrode was combined with the planar electrode as a counterpart in characterizing an YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia)/Pt interface of SOFCs. The micro-contact in electrodes induced the decrease in capacitance and the increase in impedance and amplified the bulk responses in YSZ due to the constricted electroding area. The bulk-related portions can be separated from the interfacial polarization of Pt, even though the electrolyte/electrode interface was found to be very sensitive to the measurement condition, i.e., the oscillating voltage. The resolved bulk and interfacial resistances were analyzed using a concept of “spreading resistance.’’ Furthermore, the electrode-related issues were ramified for the application of impedance spectroscopy to the solid oxide fuel cells.

This study investigates the enhanced ozonation of 2-mercaptothiazoline (2-MT), which is a pollutant of concern in the water environments, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Semibatch ozonation experiments are proceeded under various reaction conditions to examine the effects of ozone dosage and UV radiation on the decomposition of 2-MT. The enhancement of UV radiation on the ozonation of 2-MT is significant for overcoming the reaction resistance of the heterocyclic structure of 2-MT, which exhibits high resistance to the attack of ozone alone according to our previous study, indicating a low mineralization extent. The nearly complete mineralization of 2-MT via O3/UV photolysis can be achieved, accompanied with the generation of sulfate, ammonium, and nitrate ions. Furthermore, distinct relationships between the formation of ions and the mineralization extent of 2-MT during O3/UV photolysis are obtained. In addition, ozone consumption per mole of 2-MT, which increases significantly with the intensity of UV r...

Regionalized perinatal care was first advocated in Canada 35 years ago. Its development in the United States of America (from 1971), United Kingdom (from 1972) and Australia (from 1978), has been described. In all instances, the efforts and perseverance of visionary individuals were crucial in introducing the concepts to the medical profession, and in bringing the principles to national consciousness at a governmental level. Official endorsement of regionalized perinatal care by both the national professional bodies and the central and regional governments was necessary. An important milestone along the path of regionalized perinatal care was the establishment of national training programmes, and the recognition of maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal-perinatal medicine as respective subspecialties for obstetricians and paediatricians. The developmental process requires close collaboration among all three groups (individuals, professional bodies and government) to improve both the quality and availability of perinatal services to a geographically defined region.

The process of the ozone dissolution with decomposition in a rotating packed bed (RPB) is studied for model establishment. The RPB, which provides a high gravitational force by adjusting the rotational speed, is taken as a novel ozone contactor because of its high mass-transfer coefficient. It has a high potential to improve the ozonation performance or reduce the ozone contactor volume by applying RPBs. The objective of this study is to investigate and model the dynamic ozone dissolution process with decomposition in a RPB with oxygen mass transfer. In addition, the empirical correlations between the system parameters (including liquid holdup, liquid film thickness, specific area of the gas−liquid interface a, and mass-transfer coefficient ) and operating conditions are presented. Furthermore, the variations of gas and liquid ozone concentration profiles are predicted to illustrate the dynamic behavior of mass transfer in a RPB. The validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing the predicted results...

FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH DEVIATING ARGUMENTS

The present review examines the role of dietary nucleotides in infants, and the scientific rationale and benefits of nucleotide supplementation of infant formula. The immunoprotective benefits of human milk, the biology of human milk nucleotides, and the immunological and gastrointestinal effects of dietary nucleotides in animal studies and in vitro experiments are examined. Clinical studies are reviewed, especially those examining the efficacy of nucleotide-supplemented infant formula in enhancing immunity and reducing the risk of sepsis. The presence of human milk cells, and a variety of immunoactive and trophic components of human milk, can explain the reduced incidence of sepsis in breastfed term and preterm infants. Nucleotides, believed to play an immunomodulatory role, are found in lower concentrations in infant formula. Animal studies have shown that dietary nucleotides enhance a number of immune responses and the growth, differentiation and repair of the gut. Several clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of nucleotide supplementation on gut microflora, diarrhoea and immune function, and one study has reported better catch-up growth in term infants with severe intrauterine growth retardation. More basic research studying the metabolism of nucleotides in neonates is encouraged. Additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to demonstrate the clinical benefits of nucleotide supplementation of infant formula, as it cannot be presumed that nucleotides produce the same benefits for the infant as human milk. Studies are especially necessary in high-risk neonatal situations, such as extreme prematurity, significant suboptimal nutrient intake before and after birth, and recovery from gut injury.

This research investigates the aqueous toxicity occurring during color formation due to ozonation in a semi-batch reactor. The tested mono-substituted aromatic compounds were aniline, phenol (-NH2' -OH, electron-donating group), nitrobenzene and benzoic acid (-NO2' -COOH, electron-withdrawing group). The results revealed that the aqueous toxicity of the Microtox assay from oxidized samples during the early stage of ozonation increased when the color formation was observed, except in the case of nitrobenzene under high pH conditions. Toxicity typically reached a peak at or near the moment of maximum color intensity. Ozonation of these aromatic compounds showed a large increase in toxicity, and the 50% effective concentration (EC50) expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD) (mg 1(-1)) decreased to 1.4 (aniline), 1.2 (benzoic acid), 0.8 (phenol) and 0.6 (nitrobenzene) orders-of-magnitude. Moreover, the aromatic compounds with an electron-donating group promoted color formation more than did the electron-withdrawing group substituted compounds.

In this study, binary CdSe and ternary Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 Se quantum dots (QDs) with monochromatic light are blended with conventional phosphors and those monochromatic lights of Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 Se QDs are also mixed together and then packaged as remote type. Besides, white light CdSe QD are used alone to fabricate white light-emitting diode (LED). We have demonstrated that the color rendering index (CRI) and luminous efficacy can be improved by blending conventional phosphors with QDs. The Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 Se QDs incorporated with yellow phosphors have better device performance and optical properties. Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 Se QDs with different emission wavelength are blended with each other. The result reveals that mixing ratios and photoluminescence efficiency (PLE) between different colors of QDs are important factors. When white CdSe QD is excited by ultraviolet LED (UV-LED) without mixing multi-colors of phosphor, high CRI can be obtained for CdSe-based white LED.

If metastasis of lung cancer can be found and treated early, a victim might have an improved chance to prevail over it, but routine examinations such as chest radiography, computed tomography and biopsy cannot characterize the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells; critical diagnoses to define optimal therapeutic strategies are thus lost. We designed a portable microfluidic device for the rapid diagnosis of cancer metastatic potential. Featuring a micro system to control temperature and a bicarbonate buffered environment, our device discriminates a rate of surface detachment as an index of the migratory ability of cells cultured on pH-responsive chitosan. We labeled metastatic subpopulations of lung cancer cell lines, and verified that our device is capable of separating cells according to their metastatic ability. As only few cells are needed, a patient's specimen from biopsies, e.g. from fine-needle aspiration, can be processed on site to offer immediate information to physicians. We expect that our design will provide valuable information in pre-operative evaluations to assist the definition of therapeutic plans for lung cancer, as well as for metastatic tumors of other types.