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Human lung tissue, directly exposed to the environmental oxidants and toxicants, is apt to be harmed to bring about acute or chronic oxidative insults. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represents a central cellular defense mechanism, and is a target for developing agents against oxidative insult-induced human lung diseases. Our previous study found that the EtOH extract of Cinnamomum chartophyllum protected human bronchial epithelial cells against oxidative insults via Nrf2 activation. In this study, a systemic phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of C. chartophyllum led to the isolation of thirty chemical constituents, which were further evaluated for their Nrf2 inducing potential using NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) assay. Among these purified constituents, a sesquiterpenoid bearing α, β-unsaturated ketone group, 3S-(+)-9-oxonerolidol (NLD), and a diphenyl sharing phenolic groups, 3, 3′, 4, 4′-tetrahydroxydiphenyl (THD) significantly activated Nrf2 and its downstream genes, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and enhanced the nuclear translocation and stabilization of Nrf2 in human lung epithelial cells. Importantly, NLD and THD had no toxicities under the Nrf2 inducing doses. THD also demonstrated a potential of interrupting Nrf2-Keap1 protein–protein interaction (PPI). Furthermore, NLD and THD protected human lung epithelial cells against sodium arsenite [As(III)]-induced cytotoxicity. Taken together, we conclude that NLD and THD are two novel Nrf2 activators with potential application of preventing acute and chronic oxidative insults in human lung tissue., Graphical abstract fx1, Highlights • The chemical compositions of Cinnamomum chartophyllum are firstly identified. • The active ingredients supporting the biological functions of C. chartophyllum are verified. • NLD and THD are identified to be Nrf2 activators for the first time. • NLD and THD protect human lung epithelial cells against As(III)-induced cytotoxicity.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (Physalis Calyx seu Fructus), have been widely used in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicines for the therapy of cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis, sore throat, dysuria, pemphigus, eczema, and jaundice with a long history. Aim of the review The present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of P. alkekengi var. franchetii, particularly its calyxes and fruits. Through analysis of these findings, evidences supporting their applications in ethnomedicines are illustrated. Possible perspectives and opportunities for the future research are analyzed to highlight the gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation. Material and Methods Information on P. alkekengi var. franchetii was collected via electronic search of major scientific databases (e.g. Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Wiley online and China Knowledge Resource Integrated) for publications on this medicinal plant. Information was also obtained from local classic herbal literature on ethnopharmacology. Results About 124 chemical ingredients have been characterized from different parts of this plant. Steroids (particularly physalins) and flavonoids are the major characteristic and bioactive constituents. The crude extracts and the isolated compounds have demonstrated various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological functions, such as anti-inflammation, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, antimicrobial activity, diuretic effect, anti-diabetes, anti-asthma, immunomodulation, and anti-oxidation. Conclusions P. alkekengi var. franchetii is an important medicinal plant for the ethnomedical therapy of microbial infection, inflammation, and respiratory diseases (e.g. cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis). Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of this plant definitely increased in the past half century. The chemical profiles, including ingredients and structures, have been adequately verified. Modern pharmacological studies supported its uses in the traditional and folk medicines, however, the molecular mechanisms of purified compounds remained unclear and were worth of further exploration. Therefore, the researchers should be paid more attention to a better utilization of this plant.

This paper proposed a calculation model of transverse Poisson's ratio of continuous fiber reinforced composite, in which the fibers are centrally arranged in a representative volume element. According to the equivalent strain rule of matrix and fiber in fiber direction, the formula of transverse Poisson's ratio was deduced by mathematical method, which shows that the transverse Poisson's ratio of the composite material is associated with the Poisson's ratios and the elastic modulus of fiber and matrix. It was shown by an example that the transverse Poisson's ratio of composite was less than the weighted average number of the Poisson's ratios of fiber and matrix , even less than the matrix Poisson's ratio in a large range. The minimum value indicates that the fibers obviously resist longitudinal deformation under the transverse force.

In this paper, when Reynolds number is within the range of 10000 to 1000000, the horizontal component of the total pressure of flow around flat plate at high angle of attack was regarded as lift of high angle of attack, and the vertical component was regarded as drag of high angle of attack. The horizontal component of total pressure at small angle of attack was regarded as shape drag, and the total drag coefficient at small angle of attack was considered to the sum of the shape drag and frictional drag at zero angle of attack. For the two states of large and small angle of attack, the application scopes of the formulas of lift and drag coefficients were given. Final, the relations of lift and drag coefficients were obtained by eliminating all angles of attack. Research results show that lift - drag curve of small angles of attack is parabola, and the lift - drag curve of high angles of attack is circle.

Orostachys cartilaginous A. Bor. has various pharmacological effects, which is mainly distributed in Changbai Mountain area of China, however, the resource of O. cartilaginous is difficult to satisfy the market demand. Plant cell culture can be an alternative approach for alleviating the resource shortage but a problem that relative low yield of bioactive compounds in cell cultures should be solved. Therefore, this study used salicylic acid (SA) as an elicitor to treat 25-day-old bioreactor cultured O. cartilaginous cells and the effects of concentrations and durations of SA treatment on bioactive compound accumulation were investigated to select a suitable strategy of SA elicitation. Results showed that SA concentrations from 25 μM to 150 μM obviously enhanced the bioactive compound accumulation without a decrease of cell biomass. At 100 μM SA, the total polysaccharide (218.5 mg/g DW), phenolic (27.2 mg/g DW), and flavonoid (35.4 mg/g DW) contents reached their maximum levels. Bioactive compound accumulation increased with prolonged SA treatment duration from 0 h to 48, reached the maximum at 48 h, and decreased afterwards. During the SA elicitation, the bursts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) in cells were detected at the early stage, and peaks of H2O2 and NO contents occurred at 4 h and 6 h, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum contents of flavonoid monomers, including quercetin, kaempferide, epicatechin gallate, quercetin-3-O-glucose, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside were determined at 48 h, thereby speculating that H2O2 and NO might the upstream signaling molecules involved in SA-induced flavonoid synthesis in O. cartilaginous cells. In addition, the O. cartilaginous cell extract (OCE) inhibited growth of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the anti-bacterial activity against B. subtilis was significantly higher than that against P. aeruginosa. Meanwhile, tyrosinase activity was inhibited by the OCE, reaching 61.7% of the inhibitory rate at 1.4 mg/mL OCE, which demonstrated that OCE possessed an anti-melanin ability. This study concluded that 25-day-old bioreactor cultured O. cartilaginous cells can be treated with 100 μM SA for 48 h for the maximum production of polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids; the O. cartilaginous cell cultures could be used as a potential material in the production of anti-bacterial and anti-melanin related products.

The internal stress calculation of continuous fiber reinforced composites under transverse loads is a complex problem. This paper established a stress calculation model based on "equal strain method", which greatly simplify the formula derivation. Three internal stress formulas under the transverse loads were derived based on the model. The first is the fiber stress formula, which shows that the ratio of fiber stress to load gradually decreases with increasing of fiber volume fraction. The second is the matrix stress formula, which shows the ratio of matrix stress to load gradually increases with increasing of fiber volume fraction. The third is the formula of average shear stress at the interface of fiber and matrix, which curve shows there is a maximum value of interfacial shear stress. The three formulas have important role for checking intensity.

The calculations of the elastic modulus and the internal stresses of the orthogonal symmetric laminated plates are very difficult, so experimental or numerical simulation methods were used generally. This paper proposed an Equivalent Strain Model, which can greatly simplify the derivation process of the analytical formulas. By the Equivalent Strain Model, the elastic modulus formula of two-layer plate was derived, and the formula shows that the elastic modulus of the laminated plate meets to the mixture rule of the cross-sectional area ratio of each its single-layer plate; Other formulas derived show that the stress within each single-layer plate is proportional to its elastic modulus and the external load stress, and is inversely proportional to the elastic modulus of the laminated plate. The formula of the average shear stress between two single-layer plates also was derived. Recursive method can be used for multilayer plate calculations.

The present status of reinforced concrete structure confined by FRP is introduced, and the recent technical researches of reinforced concrete beams and columns confined by BFRP are summarized. Based on those researches, the mechanical properties and calculation models are analyzed. At the same time, the seismic performance of reinforced concrete beams and columns confined by BFRP is also explored.

Solving the internal stresses of continuous fiber reinforced composite materials is a complex problem, which was studied usally by experimental or numerical calculation method. This paper proposed the equal strain method with virtual external force compensation instead of considering the shear stress in the calculation of the stress in the fiber and matrix of composite materials. By the equal strain method, the formula of longitudinal elastic modulus of continuous fiber reinforced composite materials is derived. The same result was given by other literatures with other methods, which indirectly proved correctness of the equal strain method. Further the internal stress calculation formulaes of the fiber and matrix are derived. The formulaes show that the internal stress of fiber (or matrix) is proportional to the external load and the elastic modulus of the fiber (or matrix), and is inversely proportional to the elastic modulus of the composite material.

Background and aims We designed this study to evaluate the ability of a plasmid carrying an RU486 regulatory system to induce expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene and to examine the antitumour efficacy of the induced IL-2 gene. Methods The plasmid pRS-mIL-2,which contains an RU486 inducible system and IL-2 gene was injected into mice. Sera and tissues from liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys were taken to test the properties of the plasmid. To examine the antitumour efficacy of pRS-mIL-2, tumours were established in the liver by direct inoculation of H22 hepatoma cells. Results The IL-2 levels in serum correlated with the dose of plasmid and RU486. High and sustained IL-2 levels could be achieved by administration of RU486 every day. The mRNA of transgene IL-2 was found only in the liver. Treatment of mice with pRS-mIL-2 plus RU486 resulted in the significant reduction in tumour volume compared with control groups. Conclusions Tight temporal and spatial control of transgene IL-2 expression can be achieved by a plasmid containing an RU486 inducible system driven by liver specific promoter. pRS-mIL-2 exhibited strong antitumour efficacy following consecutive induction with RU486.

The purpose of this article is to find out the future business models and business model innovation methods of Internet of Things (IoT) industry. Through the analysis of IoT-based logistics information system features, it is clear that IoT-based supply chain integration must be dominated by fourth party logistics (4PL) providers rather than telecoms and technical manufacturers. Two implementation models of IoT-based 4PL are viable. Under the function of more rational policies, many enterprises including logistics providers, logistics management consultants and IT companies would be IoT-based 4PL enterprises, and enhance the logistics management of all society.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated AER10T, was isolated from the roots of Ammodendron bifolium collected from Takeermohuer desert in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. Growth was found to occur from 10 to 45 °C, at pH 5.0–9.0, and could tolerate up to 10 % (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence result indicated that the strain AER10T belongs to the genus Alcaligenes and was closely related to Alcaligenes aquatilis (98.4 %), Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. parafaecalis (98.4 %), Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. faecalis (98.1 %) and Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. phenolicus (97.9 %). However, the DNA–DNA hybridization values between the strain AER10T and the above strains were less than the threshold value (below 70 %) for the delineation of genomic species. The DNA G+C content was 53.3 mol%. Ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) was the only quinone system present. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c, 25 %), C16 : 0 (24.2 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 19.3 %) and cyclo-C17 : 0 (10.5 %). The polar lipid profile of the strain AER10T consists of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminolipids and five unknown polar lipids. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain AER10T is a representative of a novel species in the genus Alcaligenes , for which the name Alcaligenes endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AER10T (=DSM 100498T=KCTC 42688T).

Efficient isolation of embryonic stem (ES) cells from pre-implantation porcine embryos has remained a challenge. Here, we describe the derivation of porcine embryonic stem-like cells (pESLCs) by seeding the isolated inner cell mass (ICM) from in vitro-produced porcine blastocyst into α-MEM with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The pESL cells kept the normal karyotype and displayed flatten clones, similar in phenotype to human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) and rodent epiblast stem cells. These cells exhibited alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and expressed pluripotency markers such as OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81 as determined by both immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Additionally, these cells formed embryoid body (EB), teratomas and also differentiated into 3 germ layers in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis showed the expression of the pluripotency markers, PODXL, REX1, SOX2, KLF5 and NR6A1, was significantly higher compared with porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEF), but expression of OCT4, TBX3, REX1, LIN28A and DPPA5, was lower compared to the whole blastocysts or ICM of blastocyst. Our results showed that porcine embryonic stem-like cells can be established from in vitro-produced blastocyst-stage embryos, which promote porcine naive ES cells to be established.

This study successfully synthesized manganese-doped calcium zirconate phosphor and manganese-doped strontium zirconate phosphor using the sol-gel method. We employed X-ray powder diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze the crystal structure and spectral characteristics of both phosphors. In X-ray powder diffraction analysis, data related to manganese-doped calcium zirconate phosphor and manganese-doped strontium zirconate phosphor were compared using X-ray diffraction comparison software to confirm the crystal structures of both phosphors. The crystal structure of manganese-doped calcium zirconate phosphor was in accordance with orthorhombic perovskites belonging to the Pnma {62} space group. The lattice parameters were a=5.762 Å, b=8.017 Å, and c=5.591 Å; c/a=0.97; volume=258.3 Å3, and density=4.611 g/cm3. The crystal structure of manganese-doped strontium zirconate phosphor conformed to orthorhombic perovskites belonging to the Pnma {62} space group, and the lattice parameters were a=5.818 Å, b=8.204 Å, c=5.797 Å; c/a=0.996; volume=276.7 Å3, and density=5.446 g/cm3. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the primary broadband peak of manganese-doped calcium zirconate phosphor was located at 396.6 nm in the excitation spectrum corresponding to the 4T2(4G)4T1(4P) energy level transition. In the emission spectrum, the primary broadband peak was located at 596.6 nm, corresponding to the 4T2(4D)4T2(4G) energy level transition. For manganese-doped strontium zirconate phosphor, the primary broadband peak was located at 496.6 nm in the excitation spectrum and at 696.6 nm in the emission spectrum, corresponding to the 4T1(4G)4T2(4D) and 4E(4G)4T1(4G) energy level transitions, respectively.

In order to determine the fiber direction distribution statistical characteristic of short fiber reinforced concrete, this paper put forward the equal projection model. According to the isotropic assumption of large volume of short-fiber reinforced concrete, in the three-dimensional coordinate system, when the concrete loads along all coordinate axes are equal, it is believed that a representative short fiber projection components in all axes are equal. According to the deduction, the cosine of the angle of the representative fiber and the force direction is equal to the reciprocal value of the square root of 3. On this basis, as an application example, the formula for the prediction of fiber reinforced concrete elastic modulus was deduced. The formula shows that the elastic modulus of short fiber reinforced concrete is equal to the sum of 1/3 of the elastic modulus of long fiber concrete in fiber length direction and 2/3 of the elastic modulus of long fiber concrete in the vertical direction.

The current research situation of basalt fiber reinforced concrete was analyzed on the basis of the previous research results. When concrete is incorporated with basalt fiber, the compressive performance of concrete is instable, the tensile strength changes along with the fiber content, but the durability improves significantly , and the bending performance and impact resistance has more obvious improvement. According to the characteristics of chopped basalt fiber reinforced concrete, the prospect of the application of basalt fiber reinforced concrete is explored.

It has been demonstrated in previous studies that the evaluation of soundscape was influenced by not only social characteristics but also some behavioral characteristics of persons. In this study, more than 600 questionnaire survey has been undertaken at waiting halls of 4 railway stations in capital cities of China, to determine how the users’ behavioral characteristics influence their evaluation of soundscape. The results show that the relationships between evaluation of acoustics and passengers’ waiting time, rest or partners is not significant (p>0.1), but visiting times (p

Air can be dehumidified with the porous hydrophobic wall in mostly underground tunnel in constant zone of subsurface temperature. For water vapor through the wall, it must produce a concentration difference between both sides of the wall. According to this principle, a test is done combined with repair works on an underground tunnel. The hydrophobic porous mortar is scraped on geotextile, which is pasted on the painted original tunnel wall as hydraulic conductivity layer where vapor condense and water flow away. It is recognized that temperature and mass transfer rate is relative to tunnel air velocity, air temperature and partial pressure of water vapor, the temperature in constant zone of subsurface temperature and the saturated water vapor partial pressure. Comparative test results show that the condensation dew on the wall is disappeared completely, the wall dehumidifies air effectively, and saving dehumidifier power is more than 50% in normal humidity range.

Though there have been some experimental studies to discuss laws of grounding shape and grounding pressure, the acknowledged mathematics model has not established. In order to discuss the law of tire ground pressure distribution, pressure distribution models of round rectangles grounding shape and ellipse grounding shape are advanced differently. Parameters setting method and 3-D graph of different ground pressure distribution are presented, and expressions of ground area, mean ground pressure, most ground pressure and the normal stress on the ground are deduced. Results show that the grounding shape of tire is close to ellipse or rectangle as load varying, and the distribution of grounding pressure express convex or concave under different tire pressure and loading.

The feasibility of using crumb rubber concrete (CRC) in airport pavement is discussed by analyzing the capability of crumb rubber concrete. The bending property of CRC is studied by four point loading test of small-sized rubber concrete beams. Comparing with cement concrete (CC) pavement, the board thickness of CRC pavement is analyzed. The conclusions are reached that appropriate mixing of crumb rubber could satisfy strength demand and improve durability of airport pavement, and the thickness of CRC pavement is 93 percent of that of CC pavement. As a result, airport CRC pavement has longer service life and perfect cost performance.

On the basis of diffusion mechanism of crack and stress-strain of concrete, the mathematical differential formula and the pure theoretical model of stress-strain complete process of concrete are established. It is shown that stress-strain relationship of concrete is affected by Hooke’s law and diffusion mechanism of crack, and the law of which can be expressed by an exponential formula.

The magnetic interactions and magnetocaloric effects in Ni2Mn[Formula: see text]In[Formula: see text]R[Formula: see text] (x = 0–0.2) (R = Fe, Co) Heusler alloys are investigated by the first-principles and Monte Carlo method. The ab initio calculations provide a basic understanding of the competition of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions due to the chemical disorder of the alloy compositions. The thermodynamic properties including magnetization, specific heat and magnetic entropy change are calculated by the finite-temperature Monte Carlo simulations using the exchange couplings and magnetic moments from ab initio calculation as input parameters. The results show that the Fe or Co doping in Ni2Mn[Formula: see text]In[Formula: see text] leads to an increase of magnetic moment and magnetic entropy change but a decrease of magnetic transition temperature with the increase in the Fe or Co contents. This indicates that the transition temperature and magnetocaloric properties of Ni2Mn[Formula: see text]In[Formula: see text] alloy can be tuned by substituting In atom by Fe or Co with different contents.

Ten temperate and adapted exotic breeding populations of maize were studied with electrophoretic techniques. Three isozyme systems coded by nine allozyme loci were used for evaluating the genetic variability within and among populations. The results revealed that 78.57% of allozyme loci were polymorphic. Low allelic variation with a mean number of 1.84 alleles per locus per population was detected. But, these populations still maintained higher level of heterozygosity; moreover, the exotic populations had greater gene diversity than the temperate populations. All the populations were non-panmictic with negative Wright's fixation indexes (−0.091–−0.424). The tropical BS16 was typified by maximum allelic richness, percent of polymorphic loci and heterozygosity. More than 93% of the gene diversity maintained within populations, and the genetic differentiation among populations was low (0.002–0.191). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the tropical BS29 diverged from other populations in the reverse direction. The temperate BS9 and tropical BS16 were divergent each other, and highly differentiated from other temperate and tropical populations, consequently, these two populations would be analogically postulated as potential germplasms to establish new heterotic groups for temperate maize breeding programs.

A business ecosystem provides a new perspective for repositioning a company's strategy in order to aggressively further its own interests and to promote its overall ecosystem health. Analyzing a business ecosystem is not an easy task, and therefore only a few studies have been made, even though some scholars and managers accept this concept from ecology since value creation is achieved by establishing a platform that other members of the ecosystem can use to enhance their performance. This paper presents a case study based on both qualitative and quantitative data, by explaining how Cisco Systems has been so successful in utilizing its strategy of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for corporate growth based on a business ecosystem, especially from a technological perspective. We use US patent data from 1993 to 2005 to illustrate Cisco's technological roadmap. Finally, implications of symbiosis, platform, and co-evolution are provided for managers to challenge the contemporary business environment.

This paper presents a soft-switching modular three-phase ac voltage regulator which can solve the abnormal voltage problems such as under-voltage, over-voltage, voltage sag and voltage swell. The proposed scheme is the combination of three single-phase modules while each one of the single-phase module is a serial compensation ac voltage regulator. Besides, each one of the single-phase module is composed of a three-arm topology which operates as a rectifier and an inverter. Rather than the conventional four-arm topology, the proposed three-arm topology not only reduces the number of main switches but also increases the system reliability and simplifies the control circuits. Using simple resonant units, all main switches of high frequency arm are operated at zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) turn-on, while all auxiliary switches are operated at zero-current-switching (ZCS) turn-off. Moreover, the proposed feed forward control, based on the energy balance concept, is proposed to control the voltage of energy-storage capacitors. Finally, some simulation results are presented for verification.

Compared with single nodular liver cancer, the prominent biological characteristics of multinodular liver cancer include rapid progression and short survival. Here, we developed a multinodular liver cancer model in mice and assessed the biological characteristics of the resulting neoplasms. H22 hepatoma cells at a dose of 2 × 105/mouse, suspended in 1.6 mL, 0.8 mL, or 200 µL saline were injected via the tail vein of BALB/c mice at a velocity of 200 µL per second. The mice were sacrificed at different time points after injection. And at the time of death the liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys and heart were removed for morphological study. The biological characteristics of the tumor nodules were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In the mice treated with a large volume injection of H22 cells, by day 7, there was a 100% occurrence of multinodular tumors in the livers, determined by histology. At the time of death, there were 100%, 100%, 37.5% and 37.5% occurrences of tumors in the lungs, kidneys, spleen and heart, respectively. The neoplastic cells in the liver nodules showed pleomorphism, and exhibited high expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-myc, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). In mice treated with a small or medium volume injection, no tumor cells were identified in the livers, spleen, kidneys or heart at any of the examined time points. By day 7 and at the time of death, there was a 100% occurrence of tumor in the lungs. A multinodular liver cancer model in mice was achieved using a large volume injection of H22 cells.

Based on the lattice dynamics theories, a size dependence model for the thermal expansion coefficient of [001] oriented Silicon nanowires has been developed. Keating model, as the interactional potential, has been adopted to describe the elastic strain energy of Silicon nanowires. The strained phonon dispersion relations of silicon lattice have been analyzed though the strained Si/Ge superlattices theory. It is found that the thermal expansion coefficient of Silicon nanowires with thickness smaller than about 20nm increase dramatically with decreasing size, and is significantly higher than that of bulk silicon. The value of α is 2.49×10-6 K-1 for bulk silicon, and 2.72×10-6 K-1 for Silicon nanowires with the thickness of 5nm at the room temperature.

Eighteen lignans were isolated from an ethanol extract of Machilus robusta by a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis as isolariciresinol-9'-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1), (+)-5'-methoxy-isolariciresinol-9'-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside(2), lyoniresinol-9'-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside(3), (+)-(8S, 8'S) -4, 4'-dihydroxy-3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethoxylignan-9, 9'-diol 9-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (ssioriside, 4), lyoniresinol (5), meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (6), (+)-(8S, 8'R)-3', 4, 4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxylignan (7), (8S, 8'R)-4'-hydroxy-3, 3', 4-trimethoxylignan (meso-monomethyl dihydroguaiaretic acid, 8), (+)-guaiacin (9), isoguaiacin (10), (-)-(7'R, 8R, 8'R)-4, 4'-dihydroxy-3, 3', 5-trimethoxy-2, 7'-cyclolignan (11), henricine B (12), (-)-(7S, 7'S, 8R, 8'R)-4, 4'-dihydroxy-3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethoxy-7, 7'-epoxylignan-9, 9'-dio] (7S, 7'S, 8R, 8'R-icariol A2, 13), (+)-(7R, 8R, 7'E)-4-hydroxy-3, 5'-dimethoxy-7, 4'-epoxy-8, 3'-neolignan-7'-ene (licarin A, 14), nectandrin B (15), machilin-I (16), (-)-pinoresinol (17), and (-)-syringaresinol (18). All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. In the preliminary assay, compound 17 showed inhibitory activity against NO secretion of mouse peritoneal macrophages with an inhibition rate of 72.2% at 10 micromol x L(-1).

It is believed that defects in upper airway neuromuscular control play a role in sleep apnea pathogenesis. Currently, there is no simple and non-invasive method for evaluating neuromuscular activity for the purpose of screening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This study was designed to assess the validity of chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography in evaluating the neuromuscular activity of obstructive sleep apnea subjects and probe the neuromuscular contribution in the pathogenesis of the condition.The chin surface electromyography of routine polysomnography during normal breathing and obstructive apnea were quantified in 36 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The change of chin surface electromyography from normal breathing to obstructive apnea was expressed as the percent compensated electromyography value, where the percent compensated electromyography value = (normal breath surface electromyography - apnea surface electromyography)/normal breath surface electromyography, and the percent compensated electromyography values among subjects were compared. The relationship between sleep apnea related parameters and the percent compensated electromyography value was examined.The percent compensated electromyography value of the subjects varied from 1% to 90% and had a significant positive correlation with apnea hypopnea index (R(2) = 0.382, P0.001).Recording and analyzing chin surface electromyography by routine polysomnography is a valid way of screening the neuromuscular activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The neuromuscular contribution is different among subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

According to the experiment of the corona pretreatment on the improved nano-alumina hybrid polyimide films pretreated by the various voltages at the same period and by different pretreatment period at the same voltage, the relationships between the corona-resistant aging and the pretreatment conditions are found. The corona-resistant properties of the pretreated composite films are improved by the appropriate pretreatment.

Business ecosystem presents a new perspective for repositioning the research and development portfolio with external linkage. The rapid evolution of technology has changed the ways of our resources allocation and investment. Technological evolution provides forecasting capability for the potential dominant paradigm. However the analysis of the technological evolution often has to rely on a lot of manpower. This paper would like to provide a rapid visualization of the fierce R&D competition. Previous studies have focused on patent indicators and classification systems, ignoring the diversification and path in the technology development. Therefore, this study proposes a process to illustrate the visualization of optical storage. Finally, this study provides the visualization of technological convergence and diversification.

For recent years, we have seen technology represent an increasing percentage of the core competencies of many industries. The challenge of product innovation is the possibility of effectively taking advantage of digitalization and the internet to create a new reading experience, rather than simply imitating the experience of reading a real book. Though the textbook industry has been resistant to change, it is undeniable that an electronic book (e-book) with a plausible and viable electronic distribution scheme is better than a physical book for several applications.

To evaluate the antitumor efficiency of IL-12 gene induced by RU486 regulatory system in a mouse model of orthotopically transplanted hepatoma.The orthotopic hepatoma model was prepared by inoculation of H22 hepatoma cells into the mouse liver. Murine interleukin-12 (IL-12) expressing plasmid pRS22 containing RU486 regulatory system was injected into mice by a hydrodynamic injection 3 days after H22 cells inoculation. Three days after hydrodynamic injection, the mice were induced with RU486 (250 µg/kg) consecutive intraperitoneal administration for 6 days. Blood samples were taken at 10 h after the first and third induction for the determination of IL-12, IFN-γ and NO. Five mice were sacrificed at 2 days after the treatment with RU486. The tumor size was measured. HE and immunohistochemical stainings were applied to evaluate the proliferative activity and angiogenesis in the tumors. The other 7 mice were kept to monitor their survival.In mice receiving saline plus RU486, pRS-LacZ plus RU486, or pRS22 plus sesame oil, the liver tumors were big in size: (409.90 ± 137.03) mm(3), (271.80 ± 182.63) mm(3) and (251.00 ± 76.55) mm(3), respectively. Strong PCNA positive expression [(82.10 ± 4.62)%, (83.45 ± 2.34)% and (77.46 ± 2.99)%] and extensive microvessel density (74.58 ± 18.47, 63.60 ± 13.36 and 53.52 ± 11.74 per 400 × field), respectively, in these tumor tissues were observed after immunohistochemical staining. The survival period was shorter in these mice. In contrast, in mice treated with pRS22 plus RU486, the tumor was smaller in size. Extensive necrosis, weak PCNA proliferative activity (50.67 ± 8.09)%, and a marked paucity of microvessel density (25.38 ± 10.87) were seen. The survival of mice was obviously prolonged. Compared with the 3 control groups, a significant elevation of serum IL-12, IFN-γ and NO levels were detected in the mice treated with pRS22 plus RU486.Expression of IL-12 gene can be effectively controlled by a RU486 regulatory system. The inducible IL-12 can delay the growth of orthotopically transplanted hepatoma and prolong the survival of mice.

To evaluate the mechanical load of retropalatal airway in obstructive sleep apnea patients, and to investigate the contributions of pharyngeal anatomy to upper airway collapsibility.Static mechanical load of transpalatal pharynx was determined by opening pressure (Popen) of the segment during general anesthesia in 30 patients and 14 controls. Size of pharynx was measured while intraluminal pressure was controlled at 3-20 cm H2O (1 cm H2O = 0.09806 kPa) and the minimal intraluminal pressure that needed to compensate for the mechanical load of a retropalatal segment was determined.Pharyngeal cavity collapse at the level of the hard palate was observed in only one of the 30 subjects (3.3%), and in none of the 14 controls. At tongue base level, 23 subjects had a Popen0 cm H2O (76.7%) while in 7 of the controls (50.0%) had a Popen0 cm H2O. And at the level of the uvual and soft palate, pharyngeal collapses was observed in all subjects except in 9 of the controls (64.3%). The median of Popen was 8.3 [5.9;11.5] cm H2O in the patients group and was 2.7 [-3.9;6.0] cm H2O in the control group. Differences of Popen were significant between patients and controls (U = 58.500, P = 0.000). The correlation between Popen and AHI was also significant at 0.05 level (r = 0.377, P = 0.044).Patients with sleep apnea have more collapsible passive upper airway than controls. Retropalatal and retroglossal airway are the most collapsible segments and positive pressures are needed to compensate for the mechanical loads.

To assess the accuracy of pulse transit time (PTT) in classification of apnea events, and collect data for clinical application reference.Thirty-two obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients included in the research had Polysomnography (PSG), and 10 305 apnea events were recorded. All the events were analyzed by PTT and esophageal pressure (Pes) respectively. The results were analyzed to assess the accuracy of PTT and compare the accuracy of pulse transit time between REM stage and NREM stage, and analyze the correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and concordance rate in every patient.The total concordance rate between PTT and Pes in classification of apnea was 96.7% (9970/10305). The sensitivities of PTT in detecting central, mixed and obstructive apnea were 88.0%, 91.3% and 97.8% respectively and the specificities were 99.8%, 97.8% and 92.8% respectively. The false determinations of apnea events mainly concentrated on the false determinations between the obstructive and mixed apnea. There was no statistical significant between the accuracy of PTT in different sleep stages. There was a negative relationship between the age, BMI, Lowest SaO2, AHI and the concordance rate.There was good concordance between PTT and Pes in classification of apnea. PTT had very high sensitivity and specificity in detecting all kinds of apnea. This study showed that PTT can detect respiratory drive noninvasively with high accuracy.

Deep ocean water is a special resource which has been emphasized by the government in recent years. This resource is clean, low temperature, nutritious, and is stable which makes it useful in a wide range of applications such as tourism, agriculture, fishery, energy and culture. This paper focuses on the cases study of Japan and U.S. and experts' opinion to offer some conclusions. This paper proposes four suggestions for policies, based on the cluster and value network views: 1. respect international connections of a value network; 2. foster human resources and research teams; 3. integrate the local economy and sustainable development; 4. create job opportunities across industries.

To explore the relations of ulcerative colitis (UC) to anti-beta2-glycoproteinI antibodies (abeta(2)GPI) and platelet activation status.Peripheral blood samples were collected from 56 UC patients, 34 males and 22 females, aged 43.5 (21 - 66), including 36 in active stage and 20 in remission stage, and 25 sex- and age-matched controls. The level of abeta(2)GPI was detected by ELISA. The platelet activation markers, platelet activation complex-1 (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62P) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.The A value of IgG abeta(2)GPI of the active UC group was 0.61 +/- 0.13, significantly higher than those of the remittent UC group and the control group (0.50 +/- 0.13 and 0.22 +/- 0.14, both P0.01), and there was a significant difference between the remittent UC group and the control group (P0.01). The A value of IgM abeta(2)GPI of the active and remittent UC groups were 0.43 +/- 0.13 and 0.38 +/- 0.12, both significantly higher than that of the control group (0.20 +/- 0.12, both P0.01), however, there was no significant difference between the active UC and remittent UC groups (P0.05). The PAC-I positive rate of the active UC and remittent UC groups were 30.6% +/- 7.6% and 19.6% +/- 7.8%, both significantly higher than that of the control group (6.3% +/- 1.7%, both P0.01), and there was a significant difference between the active and remittent groups too (P0.01). The CD62P positive rates of the active UC and remittent UC groups were 45.0% +/- 8.8% and 31.9% +/- 7.8% respectively, both significantly higher than that of the control group (9.2% +/- 2.7%, both P0.01), and there was a significant difference between the active and remittent groups too (P0.01). In the active UC group, more severe the state of illness, the higher the A value of IgG abeta(2)GPI, and the positive rates of PAC-I and CD62P, and these values were all positively correlated with the state of illness (F(abeta2GPI) = 3.679, P0.05, F(PAC-I(%)) = 5.346, P0.01, and F(CD62P(%)) = 5.418, P0.01 respectively).The abeta(2)GPI level and the platelet activation state are closely correlated with the pathogenesis and development of UC.

The distribution of upper airway obstruction sites can be identified quantitatively and dynamically with continuous airway pressure measurements in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome ( OSAHS) patients. Its value as a clinical predictor for the outcome of revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was evaluated.The upper airway obstruction sites (transpalatal level, tongue base or hypolarynx level) were determined preoperatively with overnight upper airway pressure monitoring and concurrent polysomnography (PSG). Of one's total amount of obstructive events, the proportion of apnea/hypopnea events located at Transpalatal level was quantified as contribution of transpalatal obstruction. Of all OSAHS patients, 26 males and 1 female underwent revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (2 had same stage transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty) and had follow-up PSG 6. 33 +/- 0.84 months after surgery. The relationship of transpalatal obstruction proportion, age, tonsil size and body mass index (BMI) and the reduction in apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) was analyzed.The AHI (times/hr) of 27 subjects decreased from 63.9 +/- 20.7 to 28.4 +/- 25.4. The response rate was 51.9% (defined as AHI reduction over 50%). Correlation between the transpalatal obstruction proportion and the AHI reduction percentage was significant (r = 0.609), so was the degree of the tonsil size (r = 0.511). The proportion of tongue base level obstruction showed a negative correlation for the AHI reduction. Patients with oropharynx obstruction percentageor = 70% had a success rate of 90% and all patients with oropharynx obstruction percentage60% responded poorly to the operation. The regression model showed distribution of obstructive sites, along with tonsil size and other PSG parameters could predict 66.7% of the postoperative AHI of transpalatal level surgery (F = 6.701, P = 0.001) .Contribution of transpalatal level obstruction has significant predictive value to the outcome of transpalatal level surgery in OSAHS patients.

To understand how sleep stage and position influence the mechanisms for pharyngeal collapse in different levels of upper airway (UA), overnight state-related changes and postural variation in obstructive sites in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients were studied.Fifty four OSAHS patients underwent overnight upper airway pressure monitoring during polysomnography. The lower limits of the UA obstruction were determined and their relationship with sleep stage, position, age, body mass index and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) were investigated.All 54 patients had oropharynx (14 837 of the 23 172 analyzed events) and tongue base obstruction (5605/23,172), 2532 events were located at the oropharynx with extension to tongue base. Twenty nine patients has hypopharynx obstruction (105/23 172). Of the total amount of apnea hypopnea, the portions of obstruction located at tongue base level increased (t = 8.790, P = 0.000) in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep while those located at oropharynx decreased (t = -6.846, P = 0.000). Indexes of the apnea hypopnea caused by tongue base obstruction raised (t = 6.189, P = 0.000). Although the overall AHI in supine position was higher than in lateral position (t = 4.000, P = 0.000), increases in indexes of both the apnea hypopnea caused by tongue base (supine, 17.1 +/- 13.8 vs. lateral, 13.9 +/- 14.6) and oropharynx obstruction (44.3 +/- 20.3 vs. 37.2 +/- 25.9) were without significance (P0.05). Distribution of obstructive site varied little with different position (P0.05).Upper airway obstruction involves more than one specific site of the upper airway and the oropharynx is the most common collapse site. Obstructive sites are likely to extend to lower levels during REM sleep. Sleep position has little effect on the distribution of obstructive site.

In recent years, technology valuation has been seen as an important decision-making mechanism for high-tech business. It involves not only technical steps of valuation (for instance, financial engineering) but also the strategic management of a technology. Unfortunately, the academic concept of technology valuation has not been explored scientifically until recently. This paper is designed to help bridge the gap by exploring the concept and context of technology valuation. We develop a new "technology evaluation framework" addressing the concepts and differences between terms such as technology assessment, technology valuation, technology pricing and technology price to make them more understandable. We then establish a "hybrid valuation formula" which expands traditional cost or income perspective, and recent option perspective by suggesting strategic choice and combination of valuation tools in order to mitigate the impacts of risks and uncertainties that a technology usually bears. From cases of TFT-LCD investment in Taiwan, we further discuss the concept of these perspectives that companies apply and evidenced a sound performance if company apply hybrid model properly. Finally, we reveal the possible existence of a "strategic value space" for a technology if it's to be planned or valued strategically by a company. Our results expand views in technology valuation, both in academic and in practice. We help clarify valuators' or managers' roles and responsibilities in valuing and applying their technologies better.

Objective: To investigate the upper airway (UA) characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using computer-assisted fiberoptic pharyngoscopy with Müller’s maneuver (CFPMM). Methods: The pharyngeal cavity were measured and calculated by CFPMM in 30 OSAS patients and 30 controls. The correlation between UA anatomy and polysomnography data was analyzed. Results: CFPMM can measure the cross-section area of UA accurately. All OSAS patients had minimal cross-section areas of pharyngeal apertures below 40 mm2 during Müller’s maneuver and 60% of cases had complete occlusion. Obstruction sites at the velopharynx were observed in all cases and 40% had multiple obstruction sites. Diminished pharyngeal apertures and increased collapsibility were associated with increased rates of apnea and hypopnea index (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CFPMM is able to evaluate UA’s characteristics and help determine the site of obstruction. Complete occlusion of UA during Müller’s maneuver is the criterion to determine the obstruction site in OSAS patients.

To find out the polysomnography (PSG) indexes that reflex the degree of pathology of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Six hundred and twenty-one male OSAHS patients, aged over 21, underwent measurement of weight, height, and neck circumference. Polysomnography was conducted to detect the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), apnea and hypopnea time (AHT), and apnea and hypopnea time index (AHTI). A questionnaire survey based on Epworth sleep scaling (ESS) was conducted among 392 patients to assess the symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness. 324 patients with an AHTI of 68.4 +/- 17.16 events/hour were regarded as severe group, and those with an AHTIor= 7 events/hr were regarded as very severer group. The relationship among clinical characteristics and polysomnographic parameters were analyzed.The AHI, AHTI, and lowest SaO(2) of the patients were significantly correlated with the ESS7 scores, morning mouth dryness, daytime fatigue (all P0.01), and significantly correlated with sour regurgitation, and heartburn, (all P0.05). AHTI was significantly correlated (r = 0.317), morning mouth dryness (r = 0.239); and sour regurgitation, and heartburn (r = 0.137). AHT was significantly correlated (r = 0.344), morning mouth dryness (r = 0.261); and sour regurgitation, and heartburn (r = 0.138). Very significant differences existed in morning mouth dryness, sour regurgitation and heartburn, and ESS7 scores between the severe and very severe patients (all P0.01).Among the PSG indexes, AHTI is better associated with sleepiness and other clinical symptoms than AHI. In severe OSAHS patients, there are significant differences in their clinical symptoms between the AHI70 events/hr group and AHIor= 70 events/hr group.