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The quasi-metallic fibers were selected from 1 to 40 pieces and connected in parallel in this study. The giant magneto impedance (GMI) effect of Co-based melt extract fibers in the bundle mode was investigated, and the distribution of the surface circumferential magnetic field on the fibers was also analyzed. Such distribution was induced by the driving current, which gave rise to the circular magnetization process and the GMI effect. The improved GMI effect with much higher field sensitivity was observed in these fiber bundles. Results show that the field sensitivities of the four-fiber and six-fiber bundles reach 19.5 V·m·kA−1 (at 1 MHz) and 30.8 V·m·kA−1 (at 5 MHz). The circumferential magnetic field distributed throughout the fiber’s circumferential surface is rearranged and becomes uneven due to the magnetic interaction among fibers. There are both strengthened and weakened magnetic field parts around these fibers’ surfaces. The strengthened magnetic field improves the circumferential domain magnetization of the surface, resulting in larger GMI effects. However, the weakened parts inhibit the circumferential magnetization process and, therefore, the GMI effect. This also induces greater magnetization damp because of the increased domain interactions under the strong skin effect. The co-effect between the magnetic domains and the circumferential magnetization induces the optimization of the GMI effect in the four-fiber bundles. The observed GMI effect proves that fibers in bundle form can modify the sensitivity of the GMI effect. Moreover, different fiber bundles could be tuned according to the working conditions in order to manipulate the GMI response.

Ti-6Al-4V alloy ribbons were successfully prepared by rapid solidification at different roller speeds. The morphology and microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V alloy ribbons were studied by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and energy spectrum analysis. The effect of SiO2 on the microstructure and properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy ribbons were discussed. It is found that the Ti-6Al-4V alloy ribbons consist of β phase with alternated distribution of α' phase and α'' phase. And quicker roller speed promotes the formation of α' phase for the higher rapid solidificationg cooling rate. According to the analysis of energy spectrum data, it is found that there is chemical reactions between the Ti-6Al-4V material and the quartz tube wall during electromagnetic induction melting at high temperature, and the Si elements are segregated at the embossment induced by quick solidification and the phase interfaces between α′ phase and β phase.

Atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases pose severe threats to human health worldwide. There is evidence to suggest that at least 50% of foam cells in atheromas are derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); the first step in this process involves migration to human atherosclerotic lesions. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play significant roles in diverse biological processes. The present study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in VSMCs. The expression of lncRNAs or mRNAs was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The Gene Expression Omnibus datasets in the NCBI portal were searched using the key words 'Atherosclerosis AND tissue AND Homo sapiens' and the {"type":"entrez-geo","attrs":{"text":"GSE12288","term_id":"12288"}}GSE12288 dataset. Gene expression in circulating leukocytes was measured to identify patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or controls, and used to analyze the correlation coefficient and expression profiles. The protein level of ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 was determined using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The analysis of mouse aortic roots was performed using Masson's and Oil Red O staining. The expression of lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711, ABCG1 and MMP3 was found to be higher in human atherosclerotic plaques or in patients with atherosclerotic CAD. The correlation analysis revealed that ABCG1 may be involved in the regulation between lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 and MMP3 in atherosclerotic CAD. The knockdown of lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 inhibited ABCG1 transcription and smooth muscle cell migration. In addition, lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 was found to regulate MMP3 expression through the ABCG1 pathway. The expression of ABCG1 and MMP3 was found to be high in an animal model of atherosclerosis. The results indicated that lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 promoted VSMC migration and atherosclerosis partly via the ABCG1/MMP3 pathway. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the inhibition of lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. lncRNA {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AL355711","term_id":"7799156","term_text":"AL355711"}}AL355711 in circulating leukocytes may be a novel biomarker for atherosclerotic CAD.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on epidural-related maternal fever in parturients undergoing epidural labor analgesia.A total of 198 primiparas with single birth, full-term pregnancy and head position were recruited and randomized into a TEAS group (98 cases) and a control group (100 cases). In the TEAS group, after epidural labor analgesia, TEAS was applied to bilateral Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11), once an hour, for 30 min each time, till the end of childbirth. In the control group, after epidural labor analgesia, TEAS electrodes were attached to the same acupoints, but without electric stimulation. Maternal tympanic temperature and the score of Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were measured before analgesia, at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after analgesia and during labor respectively and maternal fever rate was evaluated in the parturients of two groups. Separately, before analgesia, 2 h after analgesia and during labor, the levels of serum interleukin (IL-6) and IL-1β were determined in the parturients of two groups. The duration of labor, the mode of labor, oxytocin dosage, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal Apgar scores, time of labor analgesia, labor analgesic consumption and adverse effects were recorded in the parturients of two groups.Maternal tympanic temperature increased progressively in two groups as analgesic time prolonged. Tympanic temperature at 3, 4 and 5 h after analgesia and du-ring labor, and maternal fever rate during labor in the TEAS group were all lower than those in the control group respectively (Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at LI11 and LI4 is conductive to relieving epidural-rela-ted maternal fever and reducing serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in the parturients undergoing epidural labor analgesia. It is safe and effective in clinical application.

To assess the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for depression in late pregnancy and impacts on inflammatory cytokines.A total of 150 pregnant women with depression in late pregnancy were randomized into a high intensity group (The blood pressure, pulse and fetal heart rate had no statistical significance before and after treatment in the three groups (TEAS is safe and effective for depression in late pregnancy and can regulate the serum levels of IL-1 β and IL-6 without influencing on delivery outcome.

Acoustic emission (AE) technology is widely applied for monitoring the damage of materials and structures. In this work, tensile tests were carried out to investigate the shear properties of adhesively bonded single-lap composite joints with adhesive defects. AE technology was used to evaluate the damage progress in real time. Besides, linear AE source location was also performed to study the damage initiation and propagation. Results show that the shear strength of adhesively bonded single-lap composite joints reduces as a result of the defects in the adhesive layers. Adhesion failure is found to be the dominant failure mode and most of the damage initiates and propagates at the edge of the adhesive layers and aggregates around the defects in the adhesive layer. Furthermore, the AE relative energy, amplitude distribution, cumulative hits and duration time are related to the damage process. The linear AE source location results are in consistent with the initiation and propagation of shear damage. For the adhesive joints with defects, AE signals with the amplitude from 60 to 80 dB increase at the evolution stage. It is suggested that the dynamic characteristics of AE signals can be effectively used to describe the damage mechanisms of adhesive bonded structure for composites.

To study effects of strengthening exercise with strong tendon on the lumbosacral multifidus muscle.Among 30 healthy volunteers, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of(31.30±6.48) years old(ranged, 25 to 55 years old). The mean BMI was (21.70±1.95) kg/m²(ranged, 18.1 to 24.9 kg/m²). The ultrasonic image was used to analyze the thickness of lumbosacral multifidus(LM) under the follow conditions: supine position, and supine position with leg lifting 30°, 60°, 90°; seat and hip flexion, flexion to limit position, front to limit position with both hands climbing and strengthening the kidneys and the waist.The average lumbosacral multifidus thickness was (16.867±2.460) mm, (19.010±2.510) mm, (22.477±2.220) mm, and(27.593±2.370) mm respectively in supine position with leg lifting 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°. There were statistical differences(When healthy volunteers in Shi's Orthopedics strengthen muscle exercises training, multifidus thickness is increased with the increasing of leg degree, reduced with the increasing of the flexion degree. It can change the stretching state of multifidus muscle by a specific training, so as to achieve the purpose of training the multifidus muscle.

BACKGROUND Cystatin C (CysC) is an endogenous filtration marker for estimation of kidney function. This study aimed to define the reference interval (RI) for serum CysC in a southeast Chinese adult population and to explore the variables that affect serum CysC levels. METHODS 532 reference individuals (259 male, 273 female, aged 18 - 79 years) were recruited from Guangzhou, China. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to investigate the association between serum CysC levels and clinical factors including age, gender, body mass index, lifestyle, and biochemistry parameters. Reference values were defined using a parametric method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline (C28A3). RESULTS The mean serum CysC levels were significantly lower in females than in males (p < 0.001). Serum CysC levels increased with age (~0.047 mg/L increase per decade). MRA demonstrated that serum CysC levels correlated significantly with serum creatinine (Cr), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), and uric acid (UA) concentrations, although their relationships were less prominent than those of gender or age. The RIs for serum CysC levels were calculated at 0.73 - 1.17 mg/L for subjects aged 18 - 49 years and at 0.73 - 1.49 mg/L for those aged 50 - 79 years. CONCLUSIONS The RIs for serum CysC were established in a southeast Chinese population. In addition to gender and age, serum Cr, HDL-C, ALP, ALB, and UA also influenced serum CysC levels.

Grain refinement can greatly enhance the material mechanics, magnetism and other physical properties. Exploration of grain refinement methodology has been one of the hottest fields of material research. Among all the methods, deep supercooling technology is an effective way to refine the grains. In this paper, the grain refinement mechanism has been explored by deep supercooling and rapid solidification technique with introducing grain refined process of pure metal, binary uniform crystalline alloy and the binary eutectic alloy. Furthermore, peritectic grain refinement mechanism and rapid solidification technique have been discussed.

The history of aluminium-lithium alloys development has been reviewed in this paper. According to the strength, weld ability and corrosion resistance, thermal stability and plasticity, aluminium-lithium alloy has been categorized and the defects of aluminium-lithium alloys in early stage have been analyzed. As compared the third generation of aluminium-lithium alloy with normal aluminum alloy and composite materials, it indicates aluminium-lithium alloy has better performance, lower cost and reduced weight. After analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the rapid solidification, ingot casting metallurgy and electromagnetic simulated microgravity methods in synthesis of aluminium-lithium alloy, it has been found microgravity method has prominent effect on reducing the alloy segregation and lithium losses. Finally, the future development of aluminium-lithium alloys has been discussed.

As a common disease in clinical, the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) focused on local intervertebral disc, such as surgery and other interventional therapy treatment, but postoperative complications and recurrence rate has been a difficult problem in the field of profession. With the development of spine biomechanics and anatomy, researches on lumbar herniation also increased. Researchers discovered that the incidence and prognosis of LDH were inseparable with local muscle and soft tissue. As the deep paraspinal muscles, multifidus muscle plays an important role to make lumbar stability. Its abnormal function could reduce the stable of lumbar spine, and the chronic lumbar disease could also lead to multifidus muscle atrophy.

To systematically review the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on the patients with low back pain (LBP).Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about pure acupuncture therapy versus other treatments in treating LBP were electronically searched in PubMed, CBM, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data from January 2004 to May 2014. The observed index on the results were the changed scores of VAS, ODI, JOA and RMDQ. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. The results of Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.2 software.Ten RCTs involved 751 patients were finally included. The results of Meta-analysis indicated that the role of pure acupuncture group in improving the VAS score was better than that of the control group, and the combined effect size was RR = -.32, 95% CI (-1.41, -1.22); Z=27.28, P0.00001; the role of pure acupuncture group in improving the ODI score was better than that of the control group, and the combined effect size was RR = -5.07, 95% CI (-7.50, -2.65); Z=4.10, P0.0001; the role of pure acupuncture group on improved JOA score was better than that of the control group and the combined effect size was RR=2.83, 95% CI (2.02, 3.63), Z=6.90, P0.00001. The role of pure acupuncture group in improving the RMDQ score was better than that of the control group, and the combined effect size was RR = -2.80, 95% CI (-3.49, -2.11), Z=7.95, P0.00001.The result of meta-analysis demonstrates that pure acupuncture may have a favorable effect on self-reported pain and functional limitations in LBP patients.

Objectives Serum Cystatin C (CysC) is a promising endogenous marker for estimation of glomerular filtration rate. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Sysmex CysC assay on the Roche Modular P Chemistry Analyzer (Modular P). Design and methods The evaluation of imprecision, linearity, recovery, and interference were performed in accordance with the relevant Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines protocols, using quality controls and patient samples. Comparison studies were conducted against the Siemens and Roche assay for CysC. Results At CysC concentrations of 0.45 and 1.80 mg/L, the within-run coefficient of variations (CVs) were 2.81% and 2.04%, respectively, and the between-run CVs were 3.14% and 3.26%. The CysC assay was proven throughout the measuring range from 0.10 to 8.00 mg/L. Good correlations were achieved among the 3 CysC assays. The Sysmex assay appeared to report higher results than the Siemens assay. No interference was detected from hemoglobin 5 g/L, bilirubin (free or conjugated) 200 mg/L, or chyle 1500 formazin turbidity units. Conclusions The Sysmex CysC assay performed well with regard to basic performance, including precision, dilution linearity, and effects of interfering substances, and is an acceptable assay for the determination of CysC on the Modular P.

The effects of NiO-doping on the microstructure and piezoelectric properties of PMSZT ceramics were investigated. The experimental results indicate that pure perovskite structure was obtained in the doping range. With the increasing of doping amounts, phases shift from tetragonal phase to rhombohedral phase. The mechanical quality factor (Qm) , Dielectric constant (εr) , electromechanical coupling factor (Kp) and piezoelectric constant (d33) increase with the increasing of doping amounts and then decrease, whereas, dielectric loss (tanδ) decrease and then increase. The ceramics with doping amount of 0.1wt.% sintered at 980 °C have the optim properties of Qm=1345, εr=1853, Kp=0.62, d33=375 and tanδ=0.21%。

The texture evolution of the pure iron sample after the surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was investigated by means of electron backscattering and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Experimental observations indicated that four sections along depth were formed in the pure iron sample during the SMAT, i.e., nanostructured regime in the surface layer, submicro-sized, micro-sized and plastic deformed regime. Compared to the microstructure of sample, texture analysis was performed. It can be found that the //ND fiber texture is the prominent texture. A strong orientation of (110)[11] along the //ND fiber was formed in the plastic deformed regime, and as the depth from the top surface decreases, //ND fiber texture intensity increases. The maximum intensity was reached in the micro-sized regime, and then it start to reduce. In the nanostructured regime, //ND fiber texture nearly disappear.

The texture evolution in the plastic deformation layer of the pure iron sample after the surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was discussed through electron backscattering and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed that: the surface layer of the iron sample can be subdivided into four sub-layers along the depth from the top surface: nano-sized regime, submicro-sized regime, micro-sized regime and deformed coarse-grained regime. Nano-sized regime possesses random crystallographic orientations. But in submicro-sized regime and micro-sized regime, the //ND fiber texture is the prominent texture with a strong orientation of (110)[1-11]. Increasing treatment time during SMAT process does not change the components of texture in plastic deformation layer, only strengthen their orientation density.

To investigate the difference of procalcitonin (PCT) level between uninfected diabetic nephropathy patients and healthy volunteers.This study enrolled 76 patients with diabetes only [DM group, 24 h urinary micro albumin (mALB)30 mg/24 h], 81 patients with early DN (EDN group, mALB 30-300 mg/24 h), 87 DN patients (DN group, mALBor = 300 mg/24 h), and 82 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. All the patients were free of systemic infection. PCT levels and various laboratory parameters including metabolic and kidney functions as well as inflammatory element profiles were assessed.The PCT level of DN group was significantly higher than that of healthy control group, DM group and EDN group (P0.001 or P0.05). Spearman's test showed a significant positive correlation between PCT and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, r = 0.541, P0.01), Urine acid (UA) (r = 0. 320, P0.01), Urea (r = 0.324, P0.01), creatinine (Cr) (r= 0.403, P0.01), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (alpha-HBD) (r = 0.791, P0.01) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.694, P0.001) in diabetic nephropathy patients respectively.Serum PCT level of patients with diabetic nephropathy is higher than that of healthy volunteers, which may be associated with minimal inflammation and kidney function damage.

There are many evidences that dendritic cells (DC) can establish and maintain immunological tolerance through inducing the differentiation of regulatory T cells Treg. This study was purposed to explore the possibility to gene-rate Treg from bone marrow-derived DC (BM-DC) or spleen-derived DC (spDC) generated CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) Treg by induction. Bone marrow immature DC (imDC) induced from bone marrow precursor cells of C57BL/6 mice by GM-CSF and IL-4; after culture for 6 day, imDC were stimulated by LPS for additional 16 hours and the mature DC (mDC) have been got; the spDC were collected from spleen of C57BL/6 mice by MACS. Co-culturing fresh BALB/c mouse CD4(+) T cells with these three sorts of DC above mentioned respectively was performed to generate CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) Treg. The expression of FOXP3 in CD4(+) T cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the capacity of different DC generated CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) Treg was evaluated. The results showed that stimulated by C57BL/6 immature or mature DC, the positive rate of FOXP3 in BALB/c CD4(+) T cells increased from (8.57 ± 1.14)% to (15.80 ± 1.35)%, (17.93 ± 1.45)% respectively (P0.01); while stimulated by spDC, the positive rate of FOXP3 in BALB/c CD4(+) T cells decreased from (8.57 ± 1.14)% to (3.95 ± 0.79)% (P0.05). It is concluded that the BM-DC but not spDC can generate Treg from CD4(+) T cells, BM-DC may mediate immune tolerance rather than the immune response.

To construct pPICZalphaA-soluble interleukin-1 receptor type I (sIL-1RI) recombinant expression vector containing the gene fragment encoding the extracellular domain of sIL-1RI for its expression in Pichia pastoris.sIL-1RI gene was amplified by RT-PCR and inserted into the yeast expression vector pPICZalphaA by digestion ligation. The recombinant plasmid pPICZalphaA-sIL1RI was transformed into E.coli Stb13, and the positive clones were analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The pPICZalphaA-sIL1RI recombinant plasmid was electroporated into GS115 cells and the transformants were analyzed by PCR. After phenotype identification, the recombinant strains were induced by methanol to express the target protein, which was analyzed by Western blotting of the cell extract and supernatant.The recombinant plasmid pPICZalphaA-sIL-1RI was constructed successfully, and the results of Western blotting showed that yeast induced by methanol expressed a protein of about 39 kD.sIL-1RI protein has been successfully expressed in P.pastoris expression system, which provides the basis for further study of sIL-1RI.

In this paper, a recombinant baculovirus containing the ORF of bovine interferon-beta (BoIFN-beta) gene, rBac-BoIFN-beta, was generated to express recombinant BoIFN-beta (rBoIFN-beta) in sf9 insect cells. The expression of rBoIFN-beta in rBac-BoIFN-beta infecting sf9 cells and its supernatants was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay and Western blot. The antiviral activity of rBoIFN-beta in the supernatant can reach 10(6.0) AU/mL evaluated by the antiviral assay with VSV * GFP that expressed green fluorescence protein, and rBoIFN-beta could stimulate the expression of luciferase reporter gene controlled by chicken Mx promoter. All the results showed that rBac-BoIFN-beta constructed here could express high level recombinant BoIFN-beta in secreted form that had the bioactivity of natural type I IFN.

The full-length porcine interferon gamma(PoIFN-gamma) cDNA, including the secretion signal peptide coding region was recloned into honor plasmid pFastBac 1 of Bac-To-Bac Baculovirus Expression System. These recombinant plasmids, pFastBac -PoIFN-gamma, were transformed into DH(10Bac) host bacteria to get recombinant shuttle plasmids, rBacmid-PoIFN-gamma. Recombinant baculovirus, rBac-PoIFN-gamma, was generated for expressing PoIFN-gamma, by transfecting rBacmid-PoIFN-gamma with Cellfectin Reagent into sf9 insect cells. The expression of PoIFN-gamma in insect cells was confirmed by Western Blot, indirect immunofluorescence assay and indirect ELISA. The antiviral activity assay shows that PoIFN-gamma expressed by the rBac-PoIFN-gamma can efficiently inhibit the replication of the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus expressing green fluorescence protein in PK-15 cells. The antiviral activity of PoIFN-gamma can be specifically blocked by anti-PoIFN-gamma mouse serum. The antiviral titer of culture supernatant of insect cells infected by rBac-PoIFN-gamma is 2 x 10(4) IU/mL. The results demonstrat that the rBac-PoIFN-gamma can express rPoIFN-gamma efficiently and rPoIFN-gamma has high antiviral activity.

Realizing the accurate characterization for the dynamic damage process is a great challenge. Here we carry out testing simultaneously for dynamic monitoring and acoustic emission (AE) statistical analysis towards fiber composites under mode-II delamination damage. The load curve, AE relative energy, amplitude distribution, and amplitude spectrum are obtained and the delamination damage mechanism of the composites is investigated by the microscopic observation of a fractured specimen. The results show that the micro-damage accumulation around the crack tip region has a great effect on the evolutionary process of delamination. AE characteristics and amplitude spectrum represent the damage and the physical mechanism originating from the hierarchical microstructure. Our finding provides a novel and feasible strategy to simultaneously evaluate the dynamic response and micro-damage mechanism for fiber composites.

A study of the crystallography of the martensitic transformation in a Cu-26.71Zn-4.15Al shape memory alloy by means of group theory is presented. The habit plane of the martensite calculated from the phenomenological crystallographic theory of martensitic transformations proposed by W-L-R is found to be (−1, 7.55, 7.83) assuming a model of B2 (parent) to modified 9R monoclinic structure (martensite) which is quite consistent with that of experimental results (−1,7,8). From group theory we have obtained the irreducible representation and the 24 martensite variants associated with the martensitic transformation in this alloy system. A self-accommodating group is found to be D 2 k and the symmetry in one and the set of self-accommodating groups is analyzed. The results show that group theory may be an important tool for the study of martensitic transformations.