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Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious long-term complication of diabetes. However, the current treatment of DR is still challenging. We aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA SNHG1/miR-340-5p/PIK3CA in DR and the mechanisms involved. Blood samples from clinical DR patients and healthy subjects were obtained. HRMECs were induced by high glucose for 24 h to establish the DR model. The vector for interfering or overexpressing lncRNA SNHG1, miR-340-5p, and PIK3CA was constructed. LncRNA SNHG1, miR-340-5p, and PIK3CA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Blood vessel formation was detected by angiogenesis assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay tested the interaction of lncRNA SNHG1 with miR-340-5p and miR-340-5p with PIK3CA. RIP measured the binding of miR-340-5p to PIK3CA. In the blood of DR patients and the DR model, lncRNA SNHG1 was increased and miR-340-5p expression was down-regulated. In the DR model, PIK3CA expression was elevated. Downregulation of lncRNA SNHG1 inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. LncRNA SNHG1 interacted with miR-340-5p, and up-regulation of miR-340-5p inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. The inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HRMECs caused by down-regulation of lncRNA SNHG1 was reversed by knockdown of miR-340-5p. miR-340-5p targeted PIK3CA, and downregulation of PIK3CA inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis caused by down-regulation of lncRNA SNHG1 could be reversed by overexpression of PIK3CA. LncRNA SNHG1 targeted miR-340-5p/PIK3CA axis to regulate microvascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in DR.

To explore the law of development and existing problems in prosthodontics teaching in the new era, through flipped classroom teaching based on WeChat public platform.WeChat public number was applied and WeChat groups were set up among the students of grade 2013, and 93 students were divided into 20 WeChat groups, with 4 to 5 students in each group. The main platform on reform of prosthodontics teaching was WeChat app, supplemented by platforms of Lediaocha and Youkaoshi. Teachers published courseware and learning resources with WeChat public number and WeChat groups. Two-dimensional codes on questionnaires and tests which were generated by Lediaocha and Youkaoshi could be published with WeChat and the final learning effectiveness was compared using SPSS 19.0 software package for t test.The results showed that 59.1% students admitted WeChat teaching effective, only 5.4% students believed ineffective. Based upon partial chapters of prosthodontics, the score of classroom test (91.35±4.45) was significantly higher than that of pre-class test(90.14±5.03, P＜0.05).The reform of flipped classroom based on WeChat platform in prosthodontics have some advantages, such as more flexibility in teaching form and time arrangement, promoting students' learner autonomy, and increasing students' motivation and effects of learning prosthodontics.

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the foremost cause of blindness in diabetic patients. However, the pathogenesis of DR is complex, and no firm conclusions have been drawn so far. It has become a hot spot in ophthalmology research to deeply study the mechanism of DR pathological changes and find effective treatment options. Methods Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were induced using high glucose (HG) to construct DR cell model. CCK-8 assay was utilized to ascertain the viability of HRMECs. Transwell assay was manipulated to ascertain the migration ability of HRMECs. Tube formation assay was utilized to ascertain the angiogenesis ability of HRMECs. The expressions of USP14, ATF2 and PIK3CD were ascertained by qRT-PCR assay and Western blot analysis. Immunoprecipitation (IP) was manipulated to identify the relationship of USP14 and ATF2. To explore the regulatory relationship between ATF2 and PIK3CD by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, along with dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Results The proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs were enhanced after high glucose treatment, and the expressions of USP14, ATF2 and PIK3CD were significantly up-regulated. Knockdown of USP14 or ATF2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HG-induced HRMECs. USP14 regulated the expression of ATF2, and ATF2 promoted PIK3CD expression. PIK3CD overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effectiveness of USP14 knockdown on proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of DR cell model. Conclusion Here we revealed that USP14 regulated the ATF2/PIK3CD axis to promote proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HRMECs upon high glucose.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes and a sight threaten among adults. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve a key role in DR progression. However, the role and mechanism of miR-192-5p in DR remain unclear. We aim to investigate the effect of miR-192-5p on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in DR. Methods: The expressions of miR-192-5p, ELAVL1 and PI3Kδ in DR samples and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were assessed using RT-qPCR. ELAVL1 and PI3Kδ protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the miR-192-5p/ELAVL1/PI3Kδ regulatory network. Cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis were evaluated by CCK8, transwell and tube formation assays. Results: MiR-192-5p was decreased in DR patients and high glucose (HG)-treated HRMECs. In function, overexpressed miR-192-5p suppressed cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HG-treated HRMECs. Mechanically, miR-192-5p directly target ELAVL1 and decreased its expression. We further verified that ELAVL1 bound to PI3Kδ and maintained PI3Kδ mRNA stability. Rescue assays demonstrated that the inhibitive effects of HG-treated HRMECs caused by miR-192-5p upregulation were overturned by overexpressed ELAVL1 or PI3Kδ. Conclusion: MiR-192-5p alleviated DR progression via targeting ELAVL1 and reducing PI3Kδ expression, indicating a biomarker for therapy in DR.

Cold-rolled EA4T steel was heat-treated by inter-critical holding at 755 °C for 90, 120, 180, and 240 s, respectively, and then quenching in water. The tensile testing results of the EA4T specimens show an evident transition from the discontinuous yielding to the continuous yielding of the steel specimens by prolonging the holding time. A novel relationship between the discontinuous yielding behavior of tensile-deformed steel specimens and the carbide size was proposed based on experimental results and Cottrell’s theory. The model may provide a new clue for avoiding discontinuous yielding and improving mechanical properties of metals with static strain aging behaviors.

We propose a highly sensitive temperature fiber sensor based on a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI). The MZI is composed of a piece of no-core fiber (NCF), a single-mode fiber (SMF), and a fiber taper (FT) structure. To accomplish high sensitivity, the component was immersed in a material with high thermo-optic coefficient (TOC). The experimental results showed that a high temperature sensitivity of 1.56 nm/°C was achieved for surrounding material with a refractive index (RI) of 1.45. The presented sensor has numerous advantages, for instance, extremely high sensitivity, easy fabrication, simple structure, compact size, and in-line applications.

In this study, a rapid, cost-effective, and room-temperature achieved selectively photochemical etching (SPCE) process was developed to improve the photocatalytic activity of a PECVD-deposited amorphous titanium oxide (a-TiOx) film. The a-TiOx film treated by the SPCE process showed a photocatalytic activity comparable to that of a high-temperature prepared TiOx film. As examined from the surface roughness and morphologies, optical transmittance, and chemical bond configurations, the mechanism responsible for the significant enhancement on the photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the formation of the nano-textures with the increase in the surface acidity due to the incorporating of fluorine ions. The SPCE-treated a-TiOx film with the quality photocatalytic activity was then applied to encapsulate the blue organic light emitting diode (OLED) to result in the surface with self-cleaning function. A super-hydrophilic surface was available using the internal light irradiation. In addition, the OLED encapsulated by the SPCE-treated a-TiOx film also was beneficial for enhancing the light-extraction efficiency as a consequence of its notably nano-textured surface. Display Omitted Amorphous TiOx film showed quality photocatalytic activity was achieved using selectively photochemical etching.An OLED exhibited self-cleaning function was realized by encapsulating the SPCE-treated film.The light-extraction efficiency of the OLED packaged by the film was also enhanced.

This paper presents a highly sensitive and in-line temperature fiber sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer with material overlay. The sensor is constructed using a section of single-mode fiber sandwiched between a no-core fiber and a waist-enlarged taper and immersed in a material with high thermo-optic coefficient. The experimental results indicated that a high temperature sensitivity of 0.825 nm/°C was accomplished for surrounding material with the refractive index of ~1.45. The proposed sensor has numerous merits of in-line applications, high sensitivity, easy fabrication, simple structure, compact size, and furthermore, the structure is sturdy due to its high mechanical strength.

This study achieved a nanocomposite structure of nickel oxide (NiO)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) heterojunction on a TiO2 film surface. The photocatalytic activity of this structure evaluated by decomposing methylene blue (MB) solution was strongly correlated to the conductive behavior of the NiO film. A p-type NiO film of high concentration in contact with the native n-type TiO2 film, which resulted in a strong inner electrical field to effectively separate the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, exhibited a much better photocatalytic activity than the controlled TiO2 film. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the NiO/TiO2 nanocomposite structure was enhanced as the thickness of the p-NiO film decreased, which was beneficial for the migration of the photogenerated carriers to the structural surface.

A strongly dispersion-compensating and wavelength-tunable photonic crystal fiber (WT-DCPCF) based on a hybrid structure of dual-concentric-core photonic crystal fiber (DCC-PCF) structure and depressed-clad photonic crystal fiber (DeC-PCF) is proposed. To enhance the dispersion compensation effect, a hybrid structure of DCC-PCF and DeC-PCF is used as a basic structure. To vary the operation wavelength, some different index rods with same diameter is inserted into the central core of the hybrid fiber. The numeric results show that the operation wavelength is determined by the refractive index of the central rod, and the proposed WT-DCPCF has high chromatic dispersion coefficients of −39895 to −47179 ps/km·nm at a tuned wavelength range of 1509–1610 nm. The proposed module can be used in conventional/coarse wavelength division multiplexing systems in optical fiber communication networks.

The primary goal of the present research was to examine cross-cultural validity of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) by comparing a European Canadian sample and a Chinese sample. The secondary goal was to explore cross-cultural differences in the actual experience of boredom between European Canadian and Chinese participants when they completed a psychological survey. After establishing cross-cultural validity of the MSBS by eliminating items that functioned differentially across the two cultural groups, we found that European Canadians scored higher on the MSBS than did Chinese. Results are consistent with the literature on cultural differences in ideal affect, such that European North Americans (vs. East Asians) tend to value high-arousal positive affects (e.g., excitement) more, and low-arousal positive affect less (Tsai, Knutson, & Fung, 2006).

In vehicular ad hoc networks, efficient routing mechanisms are needed for data transmission to adapt to rapidly changing topology. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a priority-based multi-path packet routing strategy based on geographic routing. The goal is to achieve high delivery ratio and low end-to-end delay. By collecting real-time traffic flow information, we derive a connectivity probability function to select road intersections efficiently for transmission and to reduce the path's sensitivity to vehicle movements. In addition, the data loads are also referred to assist with intersection selections and avoid packet congestions. Furthermore, packets are classified with three priority levels for different transmission strategies. To enhance reliability, multiple paths are constructed to achieve high probability of robust receptions. Simulation results show that priority-based multi-path has significant performance improvement in comparison with other existing geographic routing protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The optimal culture conditions were investigated to maximize the production of mycelial biomass and bioactive ingredients in submerged cultivation of Xylaria nigripes, a Chinese medicinal fungus. The one-factor-at-a-time method was used to explore the effects of medium components, including carbon, nitrogen, mineral sources, and initial pH of the medium and environmental factors, such as culture temperature and rotation speed, on mycelial growth and production of bioactive ingredients. The results indicated that the optimal culture temperature and rotation speed were 25°C and 100 rpm in a medium with 20 g fructose, 6 g yeast extract, and 2 g magnesiun sulfate heptahydrate as carbon, nitrogen, and mineral sources, respectively, in 1 L distilled water with an initial medium pH of 5.5. With optimal medium components and conditions of cultivation, the maximal production of mycelial biomass was 6.64 ± 0.88 g/L, with maximal production of bioactive ingredients such as extracellular polysaccharides (2.36 ± 0.18 mg/mL), intracellular polysaccharides (2.38 ± 0.07 mg/g), adenosine (43.27 ± 2.37 mg/g), total polyphenols (36.57 ± 1.36 mg/g), and triterpenoids (31.29 ± 1.17 mg/g) in a shake flask culture. These results suggest that different bioactive ingredients including intracellular polysaccharides, adenosine, total polyphenols and triterpenoids in mycelia and extracellular polysaccharides in broth can be obtained from one simple medium for submerged cultivation of X. nigripes.

CuS phases degrade the performance of electrodeposited and sulfurized CuInS 2 films acting as absorption layers for solar cell applications. In this study, CuS phases have been effectively removed from CuInS 2 films by using a two-stage thermal treatment and electrochemical etching. Multiple material analyses, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, were performed to examine the presence of CuS on CuInS 2 films. Results indicate that sulfurization with a two-stage thermal treatment enables sulfur atoms to distribute uniformly, thereby enhancing a full reaction between the CuIn precursor film and the sulfur powder. Additionally, electrochemical etching provides an alternative method to eliminate CuS phases in a low-temperature process.

Au nanoparticles (NPs) were spread on ZnO nanorods (NRs) on the polished Ti substrate to form Au/ZnO nanocomposites. Multiple material analyses including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and images taken by optical microscope were performed on Au NPs of 2 nm and 20 nm on ZnO NRs. The FESEM and optical images under optical microscope indicate that 20 nm NPs can form more and larger clusters than 2 nm NPs on ZnO nanorod. Furthermore, more Au can be detected by EDS and XRD. We studied the behaviors of Au NPs on ZnO NR applications for future potential biosensing and antiseptic devices.

This paper describes in detail an electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition system comprised of ADS1291, MSP430 and CC2541. ADS1291 amplifies weak analog ECG signal and changes it into digital signals, and then sends it to back-end system and displays it. Patient can use it to acquire ECG signals effectively and simply.

Tremella mesenterica (TM) is a common food and folk medicine widely used in several Asian countries as a tonic for the lungs. In the present study, we compared the effects of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), intracellular polysaccharides (IPS), and ethanol extract (EE) of Tremella mesenterica on the induction of apoptosis into human lung carcinoma A549 epithelial cells. The EE, but not the EPS or the IPS, almost completely inhibited the growth of A549 cells. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis indicated that the percentage of Annexin V(+)/PI(-) cells in EE-treated cells increased to 32.8%. The results of further investigation showed a disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of caspase-3 protein in EE-treated cells. These findings suggest that EE can decrease cell viability and induce apoptosis in A549 cell lines by activating a mitochondrial pathway.

Hydroxyapatite-containing titania coatings on titanium substrates were formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in electrolyte containing calcium acetate monohydrate (CH{sub 3}COO){sub 2}Ca.H{sub 2}O) and sodium phosphate monobasic dihydrate (NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.2H{sub 2}O) using a pulse power supply. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to characterize the microstructure, elemental composition and phase components of the coatings. The coatings were rough and porous, without apparent interface to the titanium substrates. All the oxidized coatings contained Ca and P as well as Ti and O, and the porous coatings were made up of anatase, rutile and hydroxyapatite. Such MAO films are expected to have significant applications as artificial bone joints and dental implants.

A porous hydroxylapatite-containing titania film was prepared by a electrochemical oxidation method, i.e. micro-arc oxidation (MAO). During the oxidation treatment, the titanium sample was immersed in electrolytic solution containing calcium acetate monohydrate and sodium biphosphate dihydrate by using a pulse power supply. The thickness, phase, composition and morphology of the oxide coating were monitored with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The thickness of the MAO film was about 20 μm and the coating was porous and uneven, without apparent interface to the titanium substrates. The coating formed in the Ca- and P-containing solution with MAO contained Ca and P along with Ti and O. The Ca / P ratio on the surface is 1.63, while that in the interface is 0.51. XRD showed that the porous coating was made up of anatase, rutile and hydroxyapatite. Such MAO films are expected to have significant medical applications as dental implants and artificial bone joints.

Two new prenylated flavanones, ficubee A and ficubee B, respectively, as 7,8-(2,2-dimethylpyrano)-6-prenyl-5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone and 6,7-(2,2-dimethylpyrano)-8-prenyl-5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone were isolated from the roots of Ficus beecheyana together with twelve known compounds: β-sitosterol, 5-stigmasten-3β,7α-diol, 5-stigmasten-3β,7β-diol, 3β-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanone, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid, seseline, xanthyletin, and psoralene. The structures of these secondary metabolites were determined by spectroscopic means and in comparison with published data.

To investigate the attachment and spreading of fibroblasts on titanium coatings by different micro-arc oxidation(MAO) time.Micro-arc oxidation film was formed on the titanium surface by using micro-arc oxidation. The film morphology and the cell shape on the samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the surface roughness of film with different time was analyzed by surface coarseness profiling instrument. SPSS11.5 software package was used to analyze the data.The experiment result showed, the coatings were rough and porous, the longer oxidation time, the larger diameter of porous but the less porous numbers. As the treatment time increased, the surface roughness of micro-arc oxidation specimens increased (P0.05). Compared with titanium, fibroblasts on titanium MAO coatings had more abundant spreading and adhesion. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the cell number on coatings adhesion increased, but with different oxidation time, the cell shape, number and adhesion weren't obviously changed.The results indicate that microarc oxidation increases the surface roughness, have a good influence on cell adhesion and spreading.

To evaluate the biocompatibility of oxide film formed by micro-arc oxidation(MAO) on titanium surface by culturing bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs) on its surface and observing the BMSCs's biological behavior of early adhesion, growth and alkaline phosphatase activity.According to the surface treatments, the samples were classified into 4 groups: MAO group, abrator group, abrator and NaOH-treated group, and untreated titanium group. Attachment, growth and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of BMSCs cultured on the titanium surface of each group were assessed at different time. All data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA using SPSS11.5 software package.From a morphological point of view, cell adherence in the MAO group was the best. Cell count and ALP activity in the MAO group were highest(P0.01).MAO film on pure titanium surface may increase BMSCs adhesion, growth and ALP activity and titanium surface treated with MAO exhibits better biocompatibility.

To investigate the variation of the corrosion resistance of micro-arc oxidation film on titanium by electrochemical methods in simulated body fluid.Micro-arc oxidation film was formed on the titanium surface using micro-arc oxidation. The morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the phase composition was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in simulated body fluid were examined with electrochemical methods.On the titanium surface with micro-arc oxidation, the film consisted of many volcanic micropores. The film formed was a titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) with peaks for both anatase and rutile phases. In addition, hydroxylapatite was also observed. The self-corrosion potential and self-corrosion current density of titanium with micro-arc oxidation film were -0.255 V and 0.80 microA/cm(2) respectively, while those of untreated titanium were -0.358 V and 0.55 microA/cm(2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the model of equivalent circuits reasonable.The results of electrochemical examinations indicate that micro-arc oxidation film increases the corrosion resistance of titanium.

Periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis whereas Actinobaeillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia had no effects. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of calcineurin signaling pathway in P. gingivalis-induced H9c2 myocardial cell hypertrophy and apoptosis.DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, cellular morphology, calcineurin protein, Bcl2-associated death promoter (Bad) and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)-3 protein products in cultured H9c2 myocardial cell were measured by agarose gel electrophoresis, DAPI, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting following P. gingivalis and/or pre-administration of CsA (calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin A).P. gingivalis not only increased calcineurin protein, NFAT-3 protein products and cellular hypertrophy, but also increased DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and Bad protein products in H9c2 cells. The increased cellular sizes, DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, and Bad of H9c2 cells treated with P. gingivalis were all significantly reduced after pre-administration of CsA.Our findings suggest that the activity of calcineurin signal pathway may be initiated by P. gingivalis and further lead to cell hypertrophy and death in culture H9c2 myocardial cells.

AIM: To explore the biological behaviors of hepatic oval cells after transfused into the circulation of experimental animals. METHODS: Oval cells from male SD rat were transfused into the circulation of a female rat which were treated by a 2-AAF/CCl4 program, through caudal vein. Sex-determining gene sry which located on Y chromosome was examined by PCR and in situ hybridization technique in liver, kidney and spleen of the experimental animals, respectively. RESULTS: The results of the cell-transplant experiment showed that the sry gene was detectable only in the liver but not in spleen and kidney of the experimental rats, and no signals could be detected in the control animals. It can be also morphologically proved that some exogenous cells had migrated into the parenchyma of the liver and settled there. CONCLUSION: The result means that there are exogenous cells located in the liver of the experimental animal and the localization is specific to the liver. This indicates that some "signal molecules" must exist in the circulation of the rats treated by 2-AAF/CCl4. These "signal molecules" might play an important role in specific localization and differentiation of transfused oval cells.

Recent studies in both rodents and humans indicated that bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells were able to home to the liver after they were damaged and demonstrated plasticity in becoming hepatocytes. However, the question remains as to how these stem cells are activated and led to the liver and where the signals initiating the mechanisms of activation and differentiation of stem cells originate. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of serum from liver-damaged rats on differentiation tendency of bone marrow-derived stem cells.Serum samples were collected from rats treated with a 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) /carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) program for varying time points and then used as stimulators of cultured BM stem cells. Expression of M(2)- and L-type isozymes of rat pyruvate kinase, albumin as well as integrin-beta1 were then examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to estimate the differentiation state of BM stem cells.Expression of M(2)-type isozyme of pyruvate kinase (M(2)-PK), a marker of immature hepatocytes, was detected in each group stimulated with experimental serum, but not in controls including mature hepatocytes, BM stem cells without serum stimulation, and BM stem cells stimulated with normal control serum. As a marker expressed in the development of liver, the expression signal of integrin-beta1 was also detectable in each group stimulated with experimental serum. However, expression of L-type isozyme of pyruvate kinase (L-PK) and albumin, marker molecules of mature hepatocytes, was not detected in groups stimulated with experimental serum.Under the influence of serum from rats with liver failure, BM stem cells begin to differentiate along a direction to hepatocyte lineage and to possess some features of immature hepatocytes.