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In this work, we proposed an immobilization scheme targeting Escherichia coli bacterial cells onto gold surface utilizing polypeptide RGD's binding specificity to gold particles. Adsorption kinetics of extracellular Herring Sperm DNA on E. coli was then studied using electrochemical methods along with surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy through this immobilization scheme. The adsorption equilibrium constants of DNA adsorbing to E. coli from electrochemical method and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, were (5.596±0.462)×105 L mol(-1) and (1.24±0.361)×105 L mol(-1), accordingly. Importantly, this is the first study that used an electrochemical method to express the adsorptive action of DNA by E. coli., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

It has been demonstrated that aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is strongly associated with carcinogenesis. Recently, specific miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various types of tumor. MiR-23a is known to play important role in the development of cancers and deregulated in various hematological malignancies. The aim of the present study is to explore miR-23a as potential diagnostic and/or prognostic marker of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We compared the expression level of miR-23a in DLBCL patients (n = 104) and reactive lymph nodes as controls (n = 28) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of miR-23a was significantly higher in DLBCL patients than in controls (P = 0.001). No significant association was observed between the miR-23a expression level and clinical features such as age, gender, Ann Arbor stage, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, extranodal sites and International Prognostic Index score (IPI). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that higher expression level of miR-23a was significantly associated with a poor overall survival (OS) in DLBCL patients (log-rank test, P = 0.029), and multivariable Cox regression revealed the expression of miR-23a (adjusted P = 0.034) and IPI (adjusted P = 0.021) was independently associated with OS. To our knowledge, we provide here the first evidence that miR-23a may represent a diagnostic and prognostic marker for DLBCL. DLBCL patients with a high expression level of miR-23a had a shorter OS than patients with a lower expression level. Further investigation of the changes may be of prognostic significance in clinical practice.

Osteocytes are the most abundant and longest-surviving cells in bone tissue. Through cell synapses, osteocytes keep in contact with each other and with other types of cells on bone matrix surface, constituting a dynamic and active cell regulation network in bone homeostasis. Osteocytes can directly sense mechanical stimulus, translate it into biochemical signals and send to other cells. In addition, osteocytes can mediate bone remodeling by secreting a variety of cytokines. In summary, it is indicated that osteocytes play a crucial role in skeletal mechanotransduction, and they also act as the major regulator responsible for skeletal metabolic balance and microenvironment homeostasis. The integrated network of osteocytes is essential to maintain the normal function of bone tissue.

The lacZ gene, encoding for the β-galactosidase enzyme, is widely used as a reporter gene in bone biology due to the ease of visualization in situ on whole-mount or on tissue sections. In this protocol we provide detailed methods for visualizing this reporter gene for both in vivo and in vitro studies. In addition, we describe a few tips for troubleshooting for mineralized tissues such as the skeleton.

Silicon nanostructure patterning with tight geometry control is an important challenge at the bottom level. In that context, stress based controlled oxidation appears to be an efficient tool for precise nanofabrication. Here, we investigate the stress-retarded oxidation phenomenon in various silicon nanostructures (nanobeams, nanorings and nanowires) at both the experimental and the theoretical levels. Different silicon nanostructures have been fabricated by a top-down approach. Complex dependence of the stress build-up on the nano-object's dimension, shape and size has been demonstrated experimentally and physically explained by modelling. For the oxidation of a two-dimensional nanostructure (nanobeam), relative independence to size effects has been observed. On the other hand, radial stress increase with geometry downscaling of a one-dimensional nanostructure (nanowire) has been carefully emphasized. The study of shape engineering by retarded oxidation effects for vertical silicon nanowires is finally discussed.

We have previously described a mouse adipose tissue engineering model using a silicon chamber enclosing the superficial epigastric pedicle in a Matrigel based environment. We have shown that when Zymosan, a sterile inflammatory agent, is added to the chamber, angiogenesis and adipogenesis are significantly improved. As Zymosan interacts with toll-like receptors on macrophages, the role of macrophages in new tissue development in the tissue engineering chamber was assessed. Morphological and histological results showed that macrophages were presenting in high numbers at 2 weeks but had decreased significantly by 4 and 6 weeks in the chamber. Numerous immature new blood vessels had formed by 2 weeks, becoming more mature at 4 and 6 weeks. Immature adipocytes were visualized at 4 weeks and mature cells, at 6 weeks. To investigate the functional role of macrophages in the tissue engineering process, we knocked out the local macrophage population by inserting Clodronate liposomes in this chamber. This study shows for the first time that when macrophages are depleted, there is minimal new vascular and adipose tissue development. We propose a new theory for tissue engineering in which macrophages play a central role in both neovascularisation and adipogenesis.

Objective: To study the relationship of the expressions of p53 and mdm2 in leukoplakia cancer., Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA of p53, mdm2 in patients with leukoplakia cancer. The frequencies of p53, mdm2 in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometric analysis., Results: The expression of p53mRNA in normal oral mucosa, simple oral leukoplakia, no-simple oral leukoplakia and leukoplakia cancer were 7.7%, 27.3%,33.3%, 56.8%, respectively. The frequencies of p53 in normal oral mucosa, simple oral leukoplakia, no-simple oral leukoplakia and leukoplakia cancer were (0.3±0.1)%, (1.6±0.9)%, (1.9±1.1)%, (3.4±1.8)%. The expression of mdm2 mRNA in normal oral mucosa, simple oral leukoplakia, no-simple oral leukoplakia and leukoplakia cancer were 0.0%, 6.8%, 11.1%, 37.8%, respectively. The frequencies of mdm2 in normal oral mucosa, simple oral leukoplakia, no-simple oral leukoplakia and leukoplakia cancer were (0.1±0.1)%, (0.8±0.6)%, (1.2±0.8)%, (1.2±0.8)%. There was a positively correlation between p53 mRNA and mdm2 mRNA., Conclusions: The positive rate of p53 and mdm2 cells in the peripheral blood increases in patients with leukoplakia cancer tissue and has positive correlation with the severity of leukoplakia cancer., (Copyright © 2013 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Tissue engineering and cell implantation therapies are gaining popularity because of their potential to repair and regenerate tissues and organs. To investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in new tissue development in engineered tissues, we have characterized the nature and timing of cell populations forming new adipose tissue in a mouse tissue engineering chamber (TEC) and characterized the gene and protein expression of cytokines in the newly developing tissues. EGFP-labeled bone marrow transplant mice and MacGreen mice were implanted with TEC for periods ranging from 0.5 days to 6 weeks. Tissues were collected at various time points and assessed for cytokine expression through ELISA and mRNA analysis or labeled for specific cell populations in the TEC. Macrophage-derived factors, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), appear to induce adipogenesis by recruiting macrophages and bone marrow-derived precursor cells to the TEC at early time points, with a second wave of nonbone marrow-derived progenitors. Gene expression analysis suggests that TNFα, LCN-2, and Interleukin 1β are important in early stages of neo-adipogenesis. Increasing platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial cell growth factor expression at early time points correlates with preadipocyte proliferation and induction of angiogenesis. This study provides new information about key elements that are involved in early development of new adipose tissue.

From the angle of sensitivity of the long period fiber grating (LPFG) resonant transmission spectrum, we demonstrate the sensitivity of LPFG resonance peak amplitude changing with transverse loads. The design of a resonant peak modulation-based LPFG rebar corrosion sensor is described by combining the spectral characteristics of LPFG with the expansion state monitoring of rebar corrosion. LPFG spectrum curves corresponding with different rebar corrosion status of the environment under test are captured by the monitoring technique of LPFG transmission spectra, and the relationship between the resonance peak amplitude change and the state of rebar corrosion is obtained, that is, the variation of LPFG resonance peak amplitude increases with the intensifying of the degree of rebar corrosion. The experimental results numerically show that the sensor response has good regularity for a wide range of travel.

Nanowire-based field-effect transistors are among the most promising means of overcoming the limits of today's planar silicon electronic devices, in part because of their suitability for gate-all-around architectures, which provide perfect electrostatic control and facilitate further reductions in "ultimate" transistor size while maintaining low leakage currents. However, an architecture combining a scalable and reproducible structure with good electrical performance has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we report a high performance field-effect transistor implemented on massively parallel dense vertical nanowire arrays with silicided source/drain contacts and scaled metallic gate length fabricated using a simple process. The proposed architecture offers several advantages including better immunity to short channel effects, reduction of device-to-device variability, and nanometer gate length patterning without the need for high-resolution lithography. These benefits are important in the large-scale manufacture of low-power transistors and memory devices.

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of the Euphorbia altotibetic PAULS. Grown in China resulted in the isolation of three new cholestane-type and three new ergostane-type steroids (cholest-5-en-2β, 4β-diol; cholest-5-en-1β, 4β-diol; cholest-5-en-1α, 3β, 4α -triol; (22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien- 3β-ol β-D-glucoside; 5α-methoxy-(22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien-3β-ol β-D-glucoside; 6β- methoxy-(22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien-3β-ol β-D-glucoside), along with seven known compounds. Their structures were established by extensive one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, as well as other spectrum and chemical analysis. The isolated new steroids exhibited potent anti-tumor activity against the HeLa cell and Hep-G2 cell with the 50% inhibiting concentration values ranging from 1.9 to 9.2 μg/mL., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The toxicity of CdTe QDs modified with three different ligands, namely mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and glutathione (GSH), were investigated via microcalorimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic methods. The three ligand-modified QDs have nearly identical hydrodynamic size. The results of the calorimetric experiments and optical density measurements indicate that the QDs inhibited the growth of Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The toxicity order of the three QDs is MPA-CdTe QDs>GSH-CdTe QDs>NAC-CdTe QDs. The inhibitory effects of the QDs, cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)), MPA, and the CdCl(2) and MPA mixture on E. coli growth indicate that the toxicity mechanism of QDs may be related to their bacterial adhesion. When dispersed in the cell suspensions, QDs tend to have their high surface energy reduced through adsorption to the bacterial surface, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy results. Furthermore, the effect of QDs on the membrane fluidity and permeability was investigated. GSH-CdTe QDs have a greater effect on the membrane function of E. coli than those of MPA-CdTe and NAC-CdTe QDs. This result may be attributed to the stronger lipophilicity of GSH compared with those of MPA and NAC., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To confirm the growth inhibition effect of immobilized pectinase on algae, co-cultivation method was used to investigate the effect of immobilized pectinase on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa. After co-cultivation, the damage status of the algae was observed through electron microscope, and the effect of immobilized pectase on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the algae was also measured. The results showed that the algae and immobilized pectase co-cultivated solution etiolated distinctly on the third day and there was a significantly positive correlation between the extent of etiolation and the dosage as well as the treating time of the immobilized pectinase. Under electron microscope, plasmolysis was found in the slightly damaged cells, and the cell surface of these cells was rough, uneven and irregular; the severely damaged cells were collapsed or disintegrated completely. The algal yield and the chlorophyll a content decreased significantly with the increase of the treating time. The measurement of the malondiadehyde (MDA) value showed that the antioxidation system of the treated algal cells was destroyed, and their membrane lipid was severely peroxidated. The study indicated that the immobilized pectinase could efficiently inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa, and the inhibitory rate reached up to 96%.

In the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(4)O, the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and the -C=O(CH(2))CN group is 24.08 (12)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops.

This paper investigates the interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with nearly identical hydrodynamic size, but capped with four different ligands (MPA, NAC, and GSH are negatively charged; CA is positively charged) under physiological conditions. The investigation was carried out using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, UV-vis spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results of fluorescence quenching and UV-vis absorption spectra experiments indicated the formation of the complex of HSA and negatively charged QDs (MPA-CdTe, NAC-CdTe, and GSH-CdTe), which was also reconfirmed by the increasing of the hydrodynamic radius of QDs. The K(a) values of the three negatively charged QDs are of the same order of magnitude, indicating that the interactions are related to the nanoparticle itself rather than the ligands. ΔH<0 and ΔS>0 implied that the electrostatic interactions play predominant roles in the adsorption process. Furthermore, it was also proven that QDs can induce the conformational changes of HSA from the CD spectra and the three-dimensional fluorescence spectra of HSA. However, our results demonstrate that the interaction mechanism between the positively charged QDs (CA-CdTe) and HSA is significantly different from negatively charged QDs. For CA-CdTe QDs, both the static and dynamic quenching occur within the investigated range of concentrations. According to the DLS results, some large-size agglomeration also emerged., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract of Euphorbia kansuensis Proch. led to the isolation of three new triterpenoids, along with ten known compounds. Their structures were established by extensive 1D and 2D NMR, as well as other spectrum analysis. Biological activities of the three new compounds against Hela cell, Hep-G2 cell, C. albicans ATCC10231 cell and SC5314 cell were evaluated. They showed strong anti-tumor and moderate anti-inflammatory activities with MIC values ranging from 13 to 25 μg/ml and from 30 to 128 μg/ml., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the adjunctive roles of Qingliu Lianghou Recipe (QLR) in treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma., Methods: A total of 156 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were recruited, including 21 cases of stage I, 34 in stage II, 55 in stage III, and 46 in stage IV. Of them, 31 patients (Group A) were managed with operation and post-operative radiotherapy, 40 patients (Group B) with operation, post-operative radiotherapy, and QLR, 45 patients (Group C) were managed with concomitant chemoradiotherapy, 40 patients (Group D)with concomitant chemoradiation and QLR. QLR was given for 12 weeks. The radio- and chemotoxic reactions, quality of life (KPS score), and long-term efficacy (the recurrence time and the survival time) were observed., Results: The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, changes in body weight, and lymphatic edema (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The toxicity levels were significantly lower in Group D than in Group C, manifested as radioactive dermatitis, mucositis, dysphagia, marrow depression, changes in body weight, and gastrointestinal reactions (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After treatment the KPS scores of all patients obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). But the KPS scores were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.05), and they were significantly higher in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). The 3-year recurrence rate of patients in Group A was 41.94%, 20.00% in Group B, 60.00% in Group C, and 37.50% in Group D (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients in Group A was 38.71%, 62.50% in Group B, 22.22% in Group C, and 42.50% in Group D (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: QLR could effectively prevent and reduce the toxicity response caused by operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The combination therapy of integrative medicine could postpone the recurrence and prolong the lifespan of patients. Therefore, we must not neglect the adjunctive therapy of QLR in treating hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

The effects of in vitro preconditioning protocols on the ultimate survival of myoblasts implanted in an in vivo tissue engineering chamber were examined. In vitro testing: L6 myoblasts were preconditioned by heat (42 °C; 1.5 h); hypoxia (<8% O(2); 1.5 h); or nitric oxide donors: S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, 200 μM, 1.5 h) or 1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-aminoethyl)amino]-diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (DETA-NONOate, 500 μM, 7 h). Following a rest phase preconditioned cells were exposed to 24 h hypoxia, and demonstrated minimal overall cell loss, whilst controls (not preconditioned, but exposed to 24 h hypoxia) demonstrated a 44% cell loss. Phosphoimmunoblot analysis of pro-survival signaling pathways revealed significant activation of serine threonine kinase Akt with DETA-NONOate (p < 0.01) and heat preconditioning (p < 0.05). DETA-NONOate also activated ERK 1/2 signaling (p < 0.05). In vivo implantation: 100,000 preconditioned (heat, hypoxia, or DETA-NONOate) myoblasts were implanted in SCID mouse tissue engineering chambers. 100,000 (not preconditioned) myoblasts were implanted in control chambers. At 3 weeks, morphometric assessment of surviving myoblasts indicated myoblast percent volume (p = 0.012) and myoblasts/mm(2) (p = 0.0005) overall significantly increased in preconditioned myoblast chambers compared to control, with DETA-NONOate-preconditioned myoblasts demonstrating the greatest increase in survival (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001 respectively). DETA-NONOate therefore has potential therapeutic benefits to significantly improve survival of transplanted cells., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide which could bind with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The binding behavior was studied employing fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry and molecular modeling methods. The fluorescence spectra revealed that CPF causes the quenching of the fluorescence emission of serum albumin. Stern-Volmer plots were made and quenching constants were thus obtained. The results suggested the formation of the complexes of CPF with serum albumins, which were in good agreement with the results from electrochemical experiments. Association constants at 25°C were 3.039 × 10(5) mol L(-1) for HSA, and 0.3307 × 10(5) mol L(-1) for BSA, which could affect the distribution, metabolism, and excretion of pesticide. The alterations of protein secondary structure in the presence of CPF were confirmed by the evidences from UV and CD spectra. Site competitive experiments also suggested that the primary binding site for CPF on serum albumin is close to tryptophan residues 214 of HSA and 212 of BSA, which was further confirmed by molecular modeling., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, TC4(m)/5A06Al composite was hypervelocity impacted by 2024 aluminium projectile with the diameter of 2mm and with the impact velocity of 3.5 km/s. The residual microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). The TC4-Al interface before impact was composed of TiAl(3) phase and Ti(3)Al phase. Near the pithead, separation of TC4 fibers and Al matrix occurred along the impact direction. Around the middle of the crater, TC4 fibers were sheared into several sections. Near the bottom of crater, adiabatic shear band (ASB) occurred in TC4 fiber, while the angle between shear plane and cross section was 45°. The crack propagated along TC4-Ti(3)Al interface during impact and some Ti(3)Al phase at the TC4-Al interface transformed to amorphous with few nanocrystals after hypervelocity impact., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Compressive properties of Al matrix composite reinforced with Ti-6Al-4V meshes (TC4(m)/5A06 Al composite) under the strain rates of 10(-3)S(-1) and 1S(-1) at different temperature were measured and microstructure of composites after compression was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Compressive strength decreased with the test temperature increased and the strain-rate sensitivity (R) of composite increased with the increasing temperature. SEM observations showed that grains of Al matrix were elongated severely along 45° direction (angle between axis direction and fracture surface) and TC4 fibres were sheared into several parts in composite compressed under the strain rate of 10(-3)S(-1) at 25°C and 250°C. Besides, amounts of cracks were produced at the interfacial layer between TC4 fibre and Al matrix and in (Fe, Mn)Al(6) phases. With the compressive temperature increasing to 400°C, there was no damage at the interfacial layer between TC4 fibre and Al matrix and in (Fe, Mn)Al(6) phases, while equiaxed recrystal grains with sizes about 10 μm at the original grain boundaries of Al matrix were observed. However, interface separation of TC4 fibres and Al matrix occurred in composite compressed under the strain rate of 1S(-1) at 250°C and 400°C. With the compressive temperature increasing from 25°C to 100°C under the strain rate of 10(-3) S(-1), TEM microstructure in Al matrix exhibited high density dislocations and slipping bands (25°C), polygonized dislocations and dynamic recovery (100°C), equiaxed recrystals with sizes below 500 μm (250°C) and growth of equiaxed recrystals (400°C), respectively., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Residual microstructures associated with hypervelocity impact craters in 55 vol.% TiB(2)/2024Al composite were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). TiB(2)-Al interface, TiB(2) particles and Al matrix before and after hypervelocity impact were compared to discuss the effect of hypervelocity impact. A new Al(x)O(1-x) phase with the fcc structure and the crystal parameter of 0.69 nm was formed at TiB(2)-Al interface. Stacking fault with width of 10-20 nm was formed along the (001) plane of TiB(2) particle. Formation of nanograins (≈ 100 nm) was observed within Al matrix, moreover, lamellar S' phase was transformed into lenticular or spherical S phase after hypervelocity impact., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The detection of natural gas pipeline leak becomes a significant issue for body security, environmental protection and security of state property. However, the leak detection is difficult, because of the pipeline's covering many areas, operating conditions and complicated environment. A mobile sensor for remote detection of natural gas leakage based on scanning wavelength differential absorption spectroscopy (SWDAS) is introduced. The improved soft threshold wavelet denoising was proposed by analyzing the characteristics of reflection spectrum. And the results showed that the signal to noise ratio (SNR) was increased three times. When light intensity is 530 nA, the minimum remote sensitivity will be 80 ppm x m. A widely used SWDAS can make quantitative remote sensing of natural gas leak and locate the leak source precisely in a faster, safer and more intelligent way.

In the title compound, C(9)H(6)ClNO(2), the carboxyl group is twisted from the indole ring system by 9.00 (8)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the dimers into (001) sheets. Aromatic π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7185 (12) A °] are also observed.

Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) is a potent inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dkk1-null mutant embryos display severe defects in head induction. Conversely, targeted expression of Dkk1 in dental epithelial cells leads to the formation of dysfunctional enamel knots and subsequent tooth defects during embryonic development. However, its role in post-natal dentinogenesis is largely unknown. To address this issue, we studied the role of DKK1 in post-natal dentin development using 2.3-kb Col1a1-Dkk1 transgenic mice, with the following key findings: (1) The Dkk1 transgene was highly expressed in pulp and odontoblast cells during post-natal developmental stages; (2) the 1(st) molar displayed short roots, an enlarged pulp/root canal region, and a decrease in the dentin formation rate; (3) a small malformed second molar and an absent third molar; (4) an increase of immature odontoblasts, few mature odontoblasts, and sharply reduced dentinal tubules; and (5) a dramatic change in Osx and nestin expression. We propose that DKK1 controls post-natal mandibular molar dentin formation either directly or indirectly via the inhibition of Wnt signaling at the following aspects: (i) post-natal dentin formation, (ii) formation and/or maintenance of the dentin tubular system, (iii) mineralization of the dentin, and (iv) regulation of molecules such as Osx and nestin.

A novel pH-sensitive (±)-α-tocopherol-5-fluorouracil (VE-5-FU) adduct with antioxidant and anticancer properties for antioxidant-based cancer chemoprevention was synthesized and utilized for selective drug release in the stomach., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011)

JHDM1A, a member of the JHDM (JmjC-domain-containing histone demethylase) family, plays an central role in gene silencing, cell cycle, cell growth and cancer development through histone H3K36 demethylation modification. Here reported the cloning, expression, chromosomal location and association analysis with growth traits of porcine JHDM1A gene. Sequence analysis showed that the porcine JHDM1A gene encodes 1,162 amino acids and contains JmjC, F-box, and CXXC zinc-finger domains, which coding sequence and deduced protein shares 91 and 99% similarity with human JHDM1A, respectively. Spatio-Temporal expression analysis indicated that the mRNA expression of porcine JHDM1A had significantly higher levels in the middle (65 days) and later (90 days) period's embryo skeletal muscle than that of 33 days, and showed a ubiquitously expression but with the highest abundance in kidney, lung and liver of an adult pig. Radiation hybrid mapping and the following linkage mapping data indicate that JHDM1A maps to 2p17 region of pig chromosome 2 (SSC2). Allele frequency differences were detected in different pig breeds and an association study was performed with a SNP within 3'UTR. The results showed that there is a tendency for allele frequencies to differ between the fast growth breeds (Yorkshire) and slow growth pig breeds (Qingping pigs, Yushan Black pigs, Erhualian pigs and Dahuabai pigs). The association analysis using a Berkshire × Yorkshire F(2) population indicated that the C224G polymorphism had a highly significant association with average daily gain on test (P < 0.01), a trend association with average back fat thickness (P < 0.07), and significant associations (P < 0.01) on percent of average drip loss, Fiber Type II Ratio, muscle shear force and average lactate content in μmol/g. This study provides the first evidence that JHDM1A is differentially expressed in porcine embryonic skeletal muscle and associated with meat growth and quality traits.

Objective: To analyze the stress distribution of bone around the dental implants with lateral immediate loading of different angles by three dimensional finite element., Methods: An adult edentulous mandible was adopted for CT scanning. The CT image was imported to universal surgical integration system to establish a mandible three dimensional mesh model. The real shape of standard thread implant was simulated and the finite element model of mandible with dental implants for immediate loading was established. The models were immediately loaded with 150 N through the angle of 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees. The ANSYS 10.0 was used to analyze the Von Mises stress on the bone around dental implants., Results: The accurate finite element model of mandible with dental implants for immediate loading was successfully established. The three dimensional finite element analytical results showed: Under axial load, the Von Mises stress of bone contact surface concentrated on the cortical bone of the implant cervix. The strain distribution was even, and centralized at the cortical bone of the implant cervix, cancellous bone of implant bottom and thread contact area. Under different lateral angle load, the Von Mises stress of bone contact surface also concentrated on the cortical bone of the implant cervix, but the maximum value was 4 times of the vertical loading, the strain distributed unevenly, mainly concentrated on the cortical bone of the implant cervix. With the load angle increased, the stress and the strain value also increased., Conclusion: When an axial force was immediately loaded, the stress value and the strain concentration value of bone interface around the dental implants are not apparently concentrated, the stress is distributed well. While a lateral force is loaded, the stress values and the strain concentration values of bone interface around the dental implants apparently increase and the strain are distributed unevenly.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) in combination with low dose chemotherapy on intermediate and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome., Methods: A total of 41 patients with intermediate (34) and high-risk (7) myelodysplastic syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 19 patients received low dose chemotherapy regimen and 22 received low dose chemotherapy plus VPA. Low dose chemotherapy regimen included: homoharringtonine, 1 - 2 mg×m(-2)×d(-1) intravenously, 14 - 28 d; aclarubicin, 5 - 7 mg×m(-2)×d(-1) intravenously, 1 - 8 d, 15 - 23 d; cytarabine 15 mg/m(2) subcutaneously once every 12 h, 14 - 21 d; and subcutaneously use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 200 µg·m(-2)×d(-1) when neutrophil deficiency. The outcome and adverse effect were recorded after the treatment., Results: The overall response rate in the low dose chemotherapy regimen group was 47.4% (9/19), 6 patients (31.6%) achieved complete response (CR). The overall response rate in the VPA group was 77.2% (17/22), 9 patients (40.9%) achieved CR. The overall response rate of the low dose chemotherapy in combination with VPA group was significantly higher than that in the low dose chemotherapy group (P < 0.05) while no difference was found in CR rate. The adverse effect of the low dose chemotherapy in combination with VPA regimen was tolerated., Conclusion: With acceptable adverse effect, the low dose chemotherapy in combination with VPA regimen is effective for the treatment of intermediate and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Long-term outcome needs further investigation.

Hydrazone derivatives possess potential antitumor activities based on modulation of the iron metabolism in cancer cell. A novel hydrazone, N'-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (DBH), has been synthesized and characterized, which is an analogue of 311 possessing potent anticancer activity. The interactions between DBH and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been investigated systematically by fluorescence, molecular docking, circular dichroism (CD), UV-vis absorption, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods under physiological conditions. The fluorescence quenching observed is attributed to the formation of a complex between BSA and DBH, and the reverse temperature effect of the fluorescence quenching has been found and discussed. The primary binding pattern is determined by hydrophobic interaction occurring in Sudlow's site I of BSA. DBH could slightly change the secondary structure and induce unfolding of the polypeptides of protein. An average binding distance of ~4.0 nm has been determined on the basis of the Förster resonance energy theory (FRET). The effects of iron on the system of DBH-BSA have also been investigated. It is found that iron could compete against BSA to bind DBH. All of these results are supported by a docking study using a BSA crystal model. It is shown that DBH can efficiently bind with BSA and be transported to the focuses needed. Subsequent antitumor test and detailed anticancer mechanism are undergoing in our lab.

In this paper, we demonstrate the top-down fabrication of vertical silicon nanowires networks with an ultra high density (4 x 10(10) cm(-2)), a yield of 100%, and a precise control of both diameter and location. Firstly, dense and well-defined networks of nanopillars have been patterned by e-beam lithography using a negative tone e-beam resist Hydrogen SylsesQuioxane (HSQ). A very high contrast has been obtained using a high acceleration voltage (100 kV), very small beam size at a current of 100 pA and a concentrated developer, 25% Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide. The patterns were transferred by reactive ion etching. Using chlorine based plasma chemistry and low pressure, etching anisotropy was guaranteed while avoiding the so-called 'grass effect'. This approach enabled the production of vertical silicon nanowires networks with a 20 nm diameter and a pitch of 30 nm. Lastly, the self-limited oxidation phenomenon in 1D structure has been used to perfectly control the shrinking of NWs and to obtain a Si surface free of defects induced by reactive ion etching. The silicon nanowires networks have been tapered by wet oxidation (850 degrees C) down to a diameter of 10 nm with a high aspect ratio 11.

The experiment was designed to analyse the orientation relationship between alpha precipitates and beta matrix and to determine the habit plane of alpha phase in Ti-15-3 alloy using transmission electron microscopy. The orientation relationship was turned out to be 110(alpha)||111(beta) and (001)(alpha)||{110}(beta) obtained from diffraction patterns, which corresponded to Burgers orientation relationship. Based on the patterns and the crystal structure, it was determined that there were 12 possible orientation relationships between alpha precipitates with beta matrix and alpha precipitates had 12 variants. Meanwhile, the transformation matrixes of 12 orientation relationships were established. Diffraction patterns of 001(beta), 110(beta) and 311(beta) zone axes were also calibrated by these matrixes, which verified the correctness of proposed orientation relationship. Diffraction spots of lamelliform alpha precipitates spread along the [111](beta) and [1 1 1 ](beta) directions in diffraction patterns of [1 1 0](beta) zone axis, but they do not spread in diffraction patterns of [111](beta) zone axis, which indicates that the habit plane of variant 1, 2 and 3 is (111)(beta). Moreover, the habit planes of variant 4-6, variant 7-9 and variant 10-12 are (1 1 1)(beta), (1 1 1)(beta) and (1 1 1 )(beta) respectively. To sum up, the habit plane of alpha precipitates is {111}(beta)., ((c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may differentiate into cardiomyocytes and this provides a source of donor cells for tissue engineering. In this study, we evaluated cardiomyogenic differentiation protocols using a DNA demethylating agent 5-azacytidine (5-aza), a modified cardiomyogenic medium (MCM), a histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) and co-culture with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. 5-aza treatment reduced both cardiac actin and TropT mRNA expression. Incubation in MCM only slightly increased gene expression (1.5- to 1.9-fold) and the number of cells co-expressing nkx2.5/sarcomeric alpha-actin (27.2% versus 0.2% in control). TSA treatment increased cardiac actin mRNA expression 11-fold after 1 week, which could be sustained for 2 weeks by culturing cells in cardiomyocyte culture medium. TSA-treated cells also stained positively for cardiac myosin heavy chain, alpha-actin, TropI and connexin43; however, none of these treatments produced beating cells. ASCs in non-contact co-culture showed no cardiac differentiation; however, ASCs co-cultured in direct contact co-culture exhibited a time-dependent increase in cardiac actin mRNA expression (up to 33-fold) between days 3 and 14. Immunocytochemistry revealed co-expression of GATA4 and Nkx2.5, alpha-actin, TropI and cardiac myosin heavy chain in CM-DiI labelled ASCs. Most importantly, many of these cells showed spontaneous contractions accompanied by calcium transients in culture. Human ASC (hASC) showed synchronous Ca(2+) transient and contraction synchronous with surrounding rat cardiomyocytes (106 beats/min.). Gap junctions also formed between them as observed by dye transfer. In conclusion, cell-to-cell interaction was identified as a key inducer for cardiomyogenic differentiation of hASCs. This method was optimized by co-culture with contracting cardiomyocytes and provides a potential cardiac differentiation system to progress applications for cardiac cell therapy or tissue engineering.

Transplantation of islets into the portal vein of diabetic patients has emerged as a promising procedure for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, shortages of donors and adverse effects leading to graft impairment and/or rejection have prevented this procedure from achieving widespread clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop a method that could support the survival and function of transplanted islets using a prevascularized tissue engineering chamber. Islets were transplanted into tissue engineering chambers established on the epigastric pedicle in the groin of diabetic mice. Islets were transplanted at the time of chamber implantation or with 21 days prevascularization of the chamber. Transplantation of islets into prevascularized chambers into diabetic RIP-K(b) mice resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels that became evident in the third week and improved glycemic control as measured by a glucose tolerance test. This study highlights that islet survival and function are potentiated by allowing a period of prevascularization within tissue engineering chambers before islet transplantation. This novel prevascularized chamber may be an improved method of islet transplantation. It can be easily accessed for islet seeding, easily retrieved, and transplanted to alternative anatomical sites by microvascular methods.

Quinclorac (QUC) is a new class of highly selective auxin herbicides. The interaction between QUC and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, CD spectroscopy and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy under simulative physiological condition. It was proved that the probable quenching mechanism of BSA by quinclorac was dynamic quenching. The Stern-Volmer quenching model has been successfully applied and the activation energy of the interaction as much as 8.03 kJ mol(-1), corresponding thermodynamic parameters DeltaH(theta), DeltaS(theta) and DeltaG(theta) were calculated. The results indicated that the acting forces between QUC and BSA were mainly hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. According to the Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the average binding distance between donor (BSA) and acceptor (QUC) was obtained (r=3.12 nm). The alterations of protein secondary structure in the presence of QUC were confirmed by the evidences from three-dimensional fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. Furthermore, the site marker competitive experiments indicated that the binding of QUC to BSA primarily took place in Sudlow site I.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of recombinant human interleukin 11 (rhIL-11) on platelet recovery after peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its side-effects. 20 patients with hematologic malignancies treated by allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were randomly divided into test and control groups. The patients in test group were treated with rhIL-11 since the day 6 after PBSCT, while the patients in control group were given supporting treatment. The results showed that the average time of the platelet to recover to 20 x 10(9)/L was 22.8 days in test group and 27.3 days in control group (p < 0.01). The average time for platelet to recover to 50 x 10(9)/L was 25.7 days in test group, and 32.3 days in control group (p < 0.01). The average number of megakaryocytes was 15.6 in test group, and 7.8 in control group on day 30 after PBSCT (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the rhIL-11 is able to accelerate platelet recovery after peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The aim of the investigation is to determine the effect of microwave pretreatment of wheat seeds on the resistance of seedlings to osmotic stress. Changes in biophysical, physiological and biochemical characters were measured. The results showed: (1) The magnetic field intensity and seeds temperature increased progressively with microwave pretreatments of 5, 10, 15, 20 s and 25 s compared with controls. Although each microwave pretreatment resulted in an increase in alpha-amylase activity and photon emission intensity, the increase of alpha-amylase activity and photon emission intensity was maximal at a microwave pretreatment of 10 s. (2) Osmotic stress induced by PEG treatment enhanced the concentration of malondialdehyde, while decreasing the activities of nitricoxide synthase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and the concentration of nitric oxide, ascorbic acid, glutathione in the seedlings compared with controls. However, compared to osmotic stress alone, in the seedlings treated with microwave irradiation plus osmotic stress the concentration of malondialdehyde decreased, while the activities of nitricoxide synthase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and the concentration of nitric oxide, ascorbic acid and glutathione increased. These results suggest that a suitable dose of microwave radiation can enhance the capability to eliminate free radicals induced by osmotic stress in wheat seedlings resulting in an increase in resistance to osmotic stress.

Objective: To investigate the effect of loop configuration on appliance stiffness of stainless steel round wire., Methods: Some stainless steel round wires with various cross-sectional dimension (0.36, 0.41, 0.46 mm) were selected. Box loops, double horizontal loops, and double vertical loops were manufactured according to established parameters, and loading experiments were carried out with a micro-orthodontic archwire testing apparatus., Results: When the cross-sectional dimension and the span were identical, the appliance stiffness of the box loops, double horizontal loops, and double vertical loops increased successively., Conclusion: Configuration of loops exert a great influence on appliance stiffness, and the mechanical properties of box loop are optimal. The force generated by box loop was lighter, slowly decreasing, and easier to be controlled. The activation range of box loop (0.41 mm) was appropriate when the produced optimal moment was between 0.01-0.02 N.m. Box loop (0.41 mm) is preferred to rectify the individual tooth with mild or moderate mesiodistal displacement.

Purpose: To investigate the expression of osteocalcin during rapid orthodontic tooth movement aided by alveolar surgery in beagle dogs., Materials and Methods: Eight male beagles were used, and bilateral mandibular second premolars were extracted for distalization of the first premolars against the third premolars by orthodontic NiTi coil spring with a force of 100 gm. Right and left mandibular sides were randomly assigned to experimental and sham sides, and alveolar surgery was performed only on the experimental side to reduce the osteal resistance on the mesial side of the extraction socket. Distance of tooth movement was measured once a week during the first 4 weeks. Two beagles were sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of orthodontic force application, and expression of osteocalcin was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and quantified with computer-aided image analysis., Results: The average total movement of the first premolars in 4 weeks on the experimental side (1.868 +/- 0.022 mm) was approximately double that on the sham side (1.008 +/- 0.057 mm). As regards the average total anchorage loss, no significant difference (P > .05) was revealed. Dynamic osteocalcin concentrations presented at 4 time periods (P < .05). The staining intensity of osteocalcin on the experimental sides was higher than the corresponding sham sides, and that on the compression sites higher than the corresponding tension sites (P < .05)., Conclusions: The results suggested that alveolar surgery might serve as an effective and safe way to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, and promote the rate of bone remodeling as revealed by the expression of osteocalcin.

Objective: To investigate the difference between the results of using two standards(CPI and No.5 sharp probes) in the diagnosis of clinical dental caries during epidemiological survey., Methods: The CPI and No. 5 sharp probes were used respectively for the diagnosis of clinical dental caries in the same group of children aged 12 by the two examiners. This group of children were reexamined after 14 days to compare the consistency and the rate of coincidence of the location of teeth and caries average and the prevalence rate of dental caries diagnosed by the two kinds of probes., Results: The difference between the location of teeth with caries examined by the two different standards respectively by the same examiner was not statistically significant. The difference between caries average and the prevalence rate of dental caries examined with the two different standards respectively by the same examiner was also not statistically significant. The difference between the outcomes of the crossover comparison by the two examiners showed no statistical significance., Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the two diagnostic standards for caries. The outcomes of the diagnosis based on both standards shows a similarity. CPI could replace No. 5 sharp probes due to its convenience in large scale of oral health survey.

Aim: To construct underexpression HSP90alpha and overexpression HSP90beta human hepatoma cell line HepG2., Methods: The combined plasimid pSilencerHSP90alpha and pSmycHSP90beta were introduced into HepG2 by electroporation, respectively. The result of transfection was identified by Western-blotting and the curve of cell growth was drew by MTT. Observe the cell vitality and expression of HSP90., Results: Expression of HSP90 in transfected cell line was shown by Western-blotting: Compared with control, expression of HSP90 in the cells transfected with pSilencerHSP90alpha decreased, whereas that in the cells transfected with pSmycHSP90beta increased.The growth curves of the two groups of transfected cells was as the same as that of the control group., Conclusion: The stable overexpression HSP90beta and underexpression HSP90alpha HepG2 cell lines were established.

Objective: To analyze the residues of heavy metals in Chinese crude drugs., Method: The SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data of Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Hg collected in literatures. And, Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal Plants & Preparations was used as the standard to evaluate the pollution condition of Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Hg in Chinese crude drugs., Result: Chinese crude drugs were contaminated by heavy metals in different levels. The content of Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Hg exceeded the limit of the standard and the percentage was 21.0%, 12.0%, 9.7%, 28.5%, 6.9%, respectively; the phenomena of two, three and four metals exceeding limited standard simultaneity in a drug were also found and the percentage was 4.6%, 1.5%, 0.7%, respectively; the content of heavy metals in Radix Platycodi, Radix Asari and Rhizoma Coptidis was higher among the thirty-six Chinese crude drugs; All of the content of five heavy metals in Barbary Fructus Lycii Rhizoma Anemones Raddeanae, Radix Panacis Quiquefolii and Fructus Aurantii were below the limit; The pollution levels of heavy metals in different locality were different; The content of Cu, Pb in cultivated Chinese crude drugs was higher than that in wild Chinese crude drugs, while the content of As in wild Chinese crude drugs was higher than that in cultivated Chinese crude drugs., Conclusion: The pollution levels of heavy metals in Chinese crude drugs were detailed reported in this paper. And it provided ways for the further study of heavy metals in Chinese crude drugs.

Objective: To observe the effects of marine protein peptide (MPP) on immunomodulating in mice and its possible mechanism., Methods: Female ICR mice (6-8 weeks old) were administered the MPP for 4 weeks with the dose of 0.22 g/kgBW, 0.45 g/kgBW and 1.35 g/kgBW. Spleen and thymus were weighted and cell-mediated immune functions, humoral immune functions, phagocytic functions of mononuclear phagocyte, NK cell activity assays, the T cell subpopulation of the spleen tissue by the flow cytometer and the concentrations of cytokines in serum by cytometric bead array were examined., Results: The capacity of lymphocyte proliferation induced by Con A (0.33 +/- 0.21), DTH response (0.36 +/- 0.11) mm in MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group were significantly increased in comparison with these values in control group (0.15 +/- 0.10) and (0.21 +/- 0.10)mm, respectively, P < 0.05. IgM-PFC number of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (1.64 +/- 0.06), 0.45 g/kgBW group (1.59 +/- 0.05) and 1.35 g/kgBW group (1.56 +/- 0.10) were higher than those in control group (1.38 +/- 0.10), P < 0.01; and the level of serum HC50 of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (141.00 +/- 23.00) and 0.45 g/kgBW group (130.40 +/- 33.20) were greater than the control (100.30 +/- 19.40) , P < 0.01. The activity of NK cells in MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (1.672 +/- 0.142) was significantly elevated in comparison with this value in control group (1.392 +/- 0.182), P < 0.05. The percentage of CD4 T helper (Th) cell in spleen of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (32.84 +/- 3.776)% and 0.45 g/kgBW group (32.42 +/- 3.507) % was higher than those in control group (25.06 +/- 0.354) %, P < 0.05. The concentrations of IL-2 in serum of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group 181.06 pg/ml, 0.45 g/kgBW group 94.84 pg/ml and 1.35 g/kgBW group 102.61 pg/ml were higher than those in control group 0.50 pg/ml, P < 0.05; and the level of IL-5 of MPP 0.22 g/kgBW group (38.31) pg/ml was greater than the control 0.50 pg/ml, P < 0.05. Nevertheless, no obvious effects on weight increasing, the ratio of immune organ and body weight and phagocytosis capacity were observed in our study., Conclusion: MPP could improve the immune functions in mice, and might be by the mechanism of enhancing the function of Th cells stimulating the secretion of Th1 and Th2 type cell cytokines.

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of marine collagen peptides (MCPs) on the skin of aged mice induced by D-galactose., Methods: Subchronic toxicity study was conducted while D-galactose induced subacute aging model was established. D-galactose dose of 0.125 g/kg body weight was intraperitoneally injected daily for 90 days. Marine collagen peptide 0.225, 0.450, 1.350 g/kg body weight were administered by oral gavage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in blood serum were measured, along with cutaneous histopathology examination., Results: Epidermal thickness was significantly higher in MCPs treated group. Number and activity of fibroblast in MCPs treated dermis was increased prominently. The activity of SOD in 0.225, 0.450, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups were 455.52 +/- 11.39, 460.15 +/- 18.09, 468.59 +/- 27.25 U/ml respectively, each of which was significantly higher than that in model control group; the activity of serum CAT in 0.225, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups (21.33 +/- 4.82, 21.69 +/- 1.68 U/ml) were obviously increased compared with that in model control group (17.14 +/- 2.81 U/ml); MDA level in 0.450, 1.350 g/kgbw MCPs treated groups were 5.67 +/- 0.93, 5.76 +/- 1.02 nmol/ml respectively, each of which was significantly lower than that in model control group (7.63 +/- 1.37 nmol/ml)., Conclusions: The results showed that MCPs might play a protective role on skin aging by improving the activity of antioxidant.

Objective: To study the properties of orthodontic rectangular arch wires in torsion., Methods: By using the torsion measurement apparatus, torsion moments and angles of four kinds of orthodontic wires (0.46 mm x 0.63 mm and 0.48 mm x 0.63 mm stainless steel wires, and the same size nickel-titanium wires) were tested respectively in a 0.56 mm-slot first maxillary incisor bracket. According to the torsion moments and angles, scatter graphs were drawn to fit the load-deflection curves of four kinds of wires and their linear equations were calculated. According to the equations, the torsion stiffness and the play angles of the wires at 20 N mm correspondingly were calculated., Results: The torsion stiffness of four kinds of wires were 4.909, 6.417, 1.325 and 1.363 N mn/degrees, the torsion angles of different wires were 19.14 degrees, 15.33 degrees, 36.83 degrees and 35.07 degrees at 20 N mm respectively., Conclusion: The torsion stiffness of stainless steel wires was bigger than that of the same cross-section dimensional nickel-titanium wires. The difference of torsion stiffness between two dimensional nickel-titanium wires is smaller, while the difference of torsion stiffness between two stainless steel wires is larger.

The genes encoding DEAD-box helicases play a key role in various abiotic stresses, including temperature, light, oxygen, and salt stress. A salt-responsive gene, designated AvDH1, was isolated from the halophyte dogbane (Apocynum venetum) by using suppression subtractive hybridization and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) PCR. The deduced amino acid sequence has nine conserved helicase motifs of the DEAD-box protein family. The AvDH1 gene is present as a single copy in the dogbane genome. This gene is expressed in response to NaCl and not polyethlene glycol (PEG) nor abscisic acid, and its expression increases with time. The transcription of AvDH1 is also induced by low temperature (4 degrees C), but its accumulation first increases then decreases with time. The purified recombinant protein contains ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity, ATP-independent RNA helicase activity, and DNA- or RNA-dependent ATPase activity. The ATPase activity of AvDH1 is stimulated more by single-stranded DNA than by double-stranded DNA or RNA. These results suggested that AvDH1 belonging to the DEAD-box helicase family is induced by salinity, functions as a typical helicase to unwind DNA and RNA, and may play an important role in salinity tolerance.

Objective: To investigate the bending mechanical properties and provide reference for orthodontists to select the proper wires during alignment stage., Methods: In order to analyze the load deflection rate of NiTi round wire quantitatively, some NiTi round wires of different cross-sectional dimension (0.36, 0.41, 0.46 mm) were selected. Then loading-unloading experiments were carried out with the micro-orthodontic archwire testing apparatus and double end bending test could be accomplished with the wire in a 0.56 mm x 0.71 mm standard incisor edgewise bracket slot., Results: Under the load of 0.03 N.m, 0.36 and 0.41 mm NiTi round wire showed excellent super-elasticity, while 0.46 mm NiTi round wire didn't. When the optimal moment produced by the archwire was between 0.01 N.m and 0.02 N.m, the bending range of 0.36, 0.41 and 0.46 mm NiTi round wires was from 21.0 degrees to 49.5 degrees , 7.2 degrees to 23.7 degrees , and 6.5 degrees to 9.5 degrees , respectively after deducting the contact angle., Conclusions: On the premises of yielding effective orthodontic force, the preferable NiTi round wire for alignment was the one which could produce continuous and slowly declining force.

Samples were digested by HNO3 + HClO4. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) was successfully used to determine copper, zinc and iron in new resource food. Under our experimental conditions, the recovery ratio was 94.66%-108.80%; the precision was 0.71%-4.78%. This method of measuring elements is convenient, rapid and accurate. The results showed that there are profitable elements, such as copper, zinc and iron in new resourse food in Henan province. By F test and SNK test, the content sequence of metal elements was found as follows: copper, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat = Silkworm pupa > flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwin = Wheat germ = Codonopsis lanceolata = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi > Opuntia dillenii Haw. Zinc, Opuntia dillenii Haw > Silkworm pupa = flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = Wheat germ = Codonopsis lanceolata = Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Iron, Silkworm pupa = C hrysanthemum morifolium Ramat = roots of Pueraria lobata Ohwi > flowers of Pueraria lobata Ohwi = Wheat germ = Codonopis lanceolata = Opuntia dillenii Haw.

One important study objective in drug stability studies is to estimate the shelf-life of a drug. A key statistical problem involved in this is how to assess the practical equivalence of different batches of the same drug so that different batches can be subgrouped to produce a single shelf-life for the drug. In this paper constant-width simultaneous confidence bands are proposed to quantify the magnitude of difference between different batches, with a particular view to establish the practical equivalence of different batches. This approach is suitable for the situation that the intercepts and slopes of the regression lines for the batches cannot be assumed to be equal. It is shown how constant-width simultaneous confidence bands can be easily constructed for the multiple comparison of several general linear regression models. In particular, it is shown that constant-width simultaneous confidence bands have a better chance to establish the equivalence than, and so are preferable to, the hyperbola-shaped simultaneous confidence bands considered., (Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)