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The aim of the present study was to identify genes under the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), high glucose (HG) and glucosamine (GlcN) in MES-13 mesangial cells and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The gene expression datasets GSE2557 and GSE2558 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were independently screened using the GEO2R online tool. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and Cytoscape software. The hub genes were identified by the NetworkAnalyzer plugin. Overlapping genes were subjected to molecular docking analysis using SystemsDock. A total of 202 upregulated and 158 downregulated DEGs from the HG-treated groups, 138 upregulated and 103 downregulated DEGs from the GlcN-treated groups, and 81 upregulated and 44 downregulated DEGs from the TGF-β1-treated groups were identified. The majority of the DEGs were independently enriched in 'nucleosome assembly', 'chromatin silencing' and 'xenobiotic glucuronidation'. In addition, KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in 'systemic lupus erythematosus', 'protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum' and 'aldarate metabolism pathway', and 'TNF signaling pathway' intersected in the TGF-β1-treated and HG-treated groups. In total, eight hub genes, Jun, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), fibronectin 1 (Fn1), cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)2, Fos, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (Hspa5), Hsp90b1 and homo sapiens hypoxia upregulated 1 (Hyou1), and three overlapping genes, Ras homolog gene family, member B (RHOB), complement factor H (CFH) and Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), were selected. Valsartan with RHOB, and fosinopril with CFH and KLF15 had preferential binding activity. In conclusion, Jun, Ptgs2, Fn1, Cdk2, Fos, Hspa5, Hsp90b1, Hyou1, RHOB, CFH and KLF15 may be potential therapeutic targets for mesangial cells associated with DN, which may provide insight into DN treatment strategies.

To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells on monocrotaline-induced hepatic vein occlusion disease in mice.C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: saline group (n=15), monocrotaline group (n=15), and endothelial progenitor cell infusion group (n=15). Liver function (TBIL, ALT, AST), liver index, and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured on the 8By the light microscopy, the liver of the monocrotaline group showed moderate to the severe injuries of hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cells, and hepatic venous congestion. Masson staining showed moderate to severe hepatic fibrosis of central vein and hepatic sinus. In the endothelial progenitor cell group, hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cell injuries, and the fibrosis of central hepatic vein and hepatic sinus were mild to moderate. Hepatic venous congestion was reduced in comparison with that in the mice of the monocrotaline group. Compared with the endothelial progenitor cell group, the liver index was higher, the liver function was more abnormal, and the serum expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were higher in the monocrotaline group.The monocrotaline-induced damage of hepatic sinusoidal and central venous endothelial cells is an linitiating factor for hepatic vein occlusive disease. Infusion of endothelial progenitor cells can play a role in preventing and treating hepatic vein occlusion.内皮祖细胞对野百合碱诱导的肝静脉闭塞病的防治作用研究.探讨内皮祖细胞对野百合碱诱导的小鼠肝静脉闭塞病的防治作用.将C57BL/6小鼠随机分为3组：生理盐水组（n=15）、野百合碱组（n=15）、野百合碱+内皮祖细胞输注组（n=15）。灌胃后d 8检测各组小鼠肝功能（TBIL、ALT、AST）、肝脏指数及TNF-α、IL-6水平； HE 染色及免疫组织化学染色观察肝血窦内皮细胞、肝中央静脉内皮细胞及肝细胞的损伤情况，Masson 染色了解肝脏纤维化的程度.在光学显微镜下可见野百合碱组小鼠肝脏中至重度肝血窦内皮细胞、中央静脉内皮细胞损伤及肝小静脉淤血；Masson染色可见中至重度肝中央静脉、肝血窦纤维化。野百合碱+内皮祖细胞组在光学显微镜下可见小鼠肝血窦内皮细胞和中央静脉内皮细胞损伤；Masson染色可见肝中央静脉和肝血窦纤维化为轻度至中度，肝小静脉淤血减轻。与野百合碱+内皮祖细胞组小鼠相比，野百合碱组小鼠肝脏指数升高，肝功能异常明显，且野百合碱组小鼠的血清TNFα、IL-6表达水平更高.野百合碱诱导的肝血窦内皮及中央静脉内皮细胞损伤是肝静脉闭塞病的始发因素，内皮祖细胞输注可以起到防治肝静脉闭塞病的作用.

The aim of the present study was to optimize flavonoid extraction from Chrysanthemum morifolium and to study the antitumor effects of flavonoids on human gastric cancer MKN45 cells in vitro. A single factor experiment was designed and the extraction process was optimized using an orthogonal test. MKN45 cells were treated with different concentrations of flavonoid from Chrysanthemum morifolium for 24 and 48 h and the inhibitory effect on the MKN45 cells was evaluated using an MTT assay. Following staining with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide, flow cytometry was performed. The optimized flavonoid extraction conditions were as follows: Duration of ultrasonic treatment: 35 min; ethanol concentration: 75%; extraction temperature: 80°Cand liquid-to-solid ratio 25: 1. Under the above conditions, the extraction rate of flavonoids was 5.24%. When compared with a blank control group, flavonoids extracted from Chrysanthemum morifolium inhibited the proliferation of MKN45 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, in cell groups treated with low, moderate and high concentrations of flavonoid, it was observed that the proportion of apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. The extraction process optimized by the orthogonal test achieved a high yield and satisfactory extraction efficiency. Additionally, the experiment demonstrated that flavonoids from Chrysanthemum morifolium inhibited the growth of MKN45 cells and induced their apoptosis. Thus, flavonoids from Chrysanthemum morifolium exerted antitumor effects on MKN45 cells, which may be exploited as a potential antitumor therapeutic for gastric cancer.

Objective To study the protective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against the oxidative damage caused by β-mercaptoethanol (BME) during neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. Methods When the confluence reached 50%-60%, 4 th passage MSCs were divided into three groups to culture. G1: normal group which was cultured using basic medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS all the time); G2: unprotected group which was continuously cultured using basic medium for 24 h, and then cultured using pre-induction medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS and 1 mmol/L BME); G3: protected group which was firstly cultured using protective medium (DMEM containing 10% FBS and 160 mg/L HSYA) for 24 h, and then cultured using pre-induction medium for 24 h. After these treatments as above, cell viability, relative levels of SOD/GSH and apoptosis rate were respectively detected. The expression of Bcl and Bax was examined by Western blotting. After HSYA protection and BME pre-induction, neural induction was performed. The expression of NSE and MAP-2 was respectively analyzed on cellular and molecular levels. Results Compared with unprotected group, 160 mg/L HSYA could obviously improve cells viability, maintain high level of SOD and GSH in MSCs, reduce apoptosis rate and improve the ratio of Bcl/Bax. After protection with 160 mg/L HSYA, the survival time of neuron-like cells could be extended. Immunocytochemical staining showed that after 10 h of neural induction, the differentiated neuron-like cells in protected group were still in a good state, and the mRNA levels of NSE and MAP-2 were increased during the induction course checked. Conclusion HSYA could improve the resistance of cells to the oxidative damage caused by BME.

A stable hepatoma cell line(Hep G2 cell) insulin resistance model was established and used to analyze the effect of effective components of Mori Folium in alleviating insulin resistance,and preliminary explore the mechanism for alleviating insulin resistance. The Hep G2 insulin action concentration and the duration of action were investigated using the glucose oxidase method(GOD-POD method) to establish a stable Hep G2 insulin resistance model. Normal control group,model group,Mori Folium polysaccharide group,Mori Folium flavonoid group and rosiglitazone group were divided to determine the glucose consumption. The effect of Mori Folium effective components on Hep G2 insulin resistance was analyzed. The mRNA expressions of JNK,IRS-1 and PDX-1 in each group were detected by Real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR). The protein expressions of p-JNK,IRS-1 and PDX-1 were detected by Western blot. And the mechanism of effective components of Mori Folium in alleviating insulin resistance was investigated. The results showed that the glucose consumption was significantly decreased in the insulin resistance cells after incubation with 25. 0 mg·L-1 insulin for 36 h(P0. 01),and the model was relatively stable within 36 h. Mori Folium polysaccharides and flavonoids all alleviated insulin resistance,among which Mori Folium flavonoids had better effect in alleviating Hep G2 insulin resistance(P0. 05). The qRT-PCR analysis showed that Mori Folium polysaccharides and flavonoids could inhibit JNK and IRS-1 mRNA expressions,while enhancing PDX-1 mRNA expression. Western blot analysis displayed that Mori Folium polysaccharides and flavonoids could inhibit p-JNK and IRS-1 protein expressions,while enhancing PDX-1 protein expression. Mori Folium polysaccharides and flavonoids can alleviate insulin resistance in Hep G2 cells,and its mechanism may be the alleviation of insulin resistance by inhibiting JNK signaling pathway.

Effects of SO2 on performance of Mn-Ce/TiO2 catalysts were investigated in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. The catalysts were characterized by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The results show that SO2 has inhibitory effect on the selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and NOx conversion decreases from 84% to 42% at 140°C. This is mainly because the presence of SO2 results in the decrease of the specific surface area of the catalysis and the pore size distribution of 5–10 nm. SO2 can cause TiO2 transformation from anatase to rutile phase, the crystallization phenomenon of active components MnOx, and the decrease of the strong interaction between Mn and Ti. The variations of physical and chemical properties of poisoned Mn-Ce/TiO2 catalyst block the O2–→O–→O2– conversion path, which reduces the proportion of higher catalytic activity component MnO2 in MnOx, weakens oxygen storage ability of CeOx, and accumulates absorbed oxygen on the catalyst surface decreasing the adsorption and desorption of NO on active sites. Ammonium sulfate formed on the catalyst surface covers the Lewis acid sites and decreases the adsorption amount of NH3.

We report on the development of $\lambda \sim 4.97~\mu \text{m}$ continuous-wave operation of substrate emitting distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers. A low threshold power consumption of 1.27 W is obtained at 20 °C, along with an ultralow threshold current density of 0.81 kA/cm2 by depositing the high reflection coatings on both facets. Single-lobed far-field radiation pattern with a low divergence angle of about 0.24° $\times $ 20.34° is obtained. Reliable single-mode emission with a side-mode suppression ratio about 25 dB is observed among the working temperature range of 10 °C–30 °C.

We demonstrate room temperature, continuous-wave operation of top grating based surface-emitting distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers at $\lambda \sim 4.8~\mu \text{m}$ . The second-order metal/semiconductor grating structure allows efficient surface emission for the transverse-magnetic-polarized light. The CW output power from the substrate facet reached 94 mW at 25 °C, with a low threshold current density of 1.21 kA/cm2. Single-mode emission with a side-mode suppression ratio about 30 dB is continuously tunable by the heat sink temperature or injection current. A far-field radiation pattern with a small divergence angle of $0.58 {^{\circ }} \times 16.2^{\circ }$ is obtained. Our work may contribute to the fabrication approach for substrate-emitting distributed feedback lasers based on a very simple processing.

Stable single mode operation of distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers operating in room-temperature continuous-wave mode is reported. Feedback is provided by the second-order grating in a both index- and loss-dominated coupling scheme. Reliable single mode emission at λ ∼ 4.7 μm with a side-mode suppression ratio ∼30 dB is observed. A linear tuning of wavelength with heat-sink temperature or injection current indicates the stable single mode operation without mode hopping.

The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Lentinus edodes and investigate its anti-hepatitis B virus activity. The extracting parameters including ultrasonic power (240-320W), extraction temperature (40-60°C) and extraction time (15-25min) was optimized by using three-variable-three-level Box-Behnken design based on the single-factor experiments. Data analysis results showed that the optimal conditions for extracting LEPs were an extraction temperature of 45°C, extraction time of 21min and ultrasonic power of 290W. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental yield of LEPs was 9.75%, a 1.62-fold increase compared with conventional heat water extraction (HWE). In addition, crude polysaccharides were purified to obtain two fractions (LEP-1 and LEP-2). Chemical analysis showed that these components were rich in glucose, arabinose and mannose. Furthermore, HepG2.2.15 cells were used as in vitro models to evaluate their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity. The results suggest that LEPs possesses potent anti-HBV activity in vitro.

We show a phase-locked array of three quantum cascade lasers with an integrated Talbot cavity at one side of the laser array. The coupling scheme is called diffraction coupling. By controlling the length of Talbot to be a quarter of Talbot distance (Zt/4), in-phase mode operation can be selected. The in-phase operation shows great modal stability under different injection currents, from the threshold current to the full power current. The far-field radiation pattern of the in-phase operation contains three lobes, one central maximum lobe and two side lobes. The interval between adjacent lobes is about 10.5{\deg}. The output power is about 1.5 times that of a single-ridge laser. Further studies should be taken to achieve better beam performance and reduce optical losses brought by the integrated Talbot cavity., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures; The article has been submitted to Optics Express

Objective To explore the anesthetic management strategy in children undergoing adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy using low-temperature plasma technology. Methods Sixty ASA status I children scheduled for adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy with plasma technology in the First Affiliated Hospital of General Hospital of PLA from September to December of 2013 were enrolled in this study. After induction with propofol, sufentanil and cisatracurium, the children were randomly divided into combined inhalation and intravenous anesthesia group (CIIA group, n=30) and total intravenous anesthesia group (TIVA group, n=30). In CIIA group, anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil combined with sevoflurane inhalation during the surgery. In TIVA group, anesthesia was maintained only with continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil. The hemodynamic changes and time for extubation and leaving operating room were recorded, and the emergence agitation was assessed using Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Results There was no significant difference in hemodynamic changes between the two groups (P>0.05). The total dosages of propofol and remifentanil in TIVA group [10.5±3.4 mg/(kg.h) and 16.1±5.3μg/(kg.h), respectively] were significantly higher than those of CIIA group [6.6±2.8 mg/(kg.h), 10.4±4.2 μg/(kg.h), P

Eastern Hebei is the famous iron and gold ore concentrated distribution area of China. The area has long history of geological evolution and complex tectonic and magmatic activities, while the overall structural framework shows Indosinian tectonic EW and Yanshan NE, NNE. However, the Lengkou fault of Eastern Hebei shows NW gradient zone features on geophysical field, it looks inharmoniously with the overall structure, so the geological significance is worth to be researched.

For the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM) system, a novel joint technique which is the combination of iterative partial transmit sequence (IPTS) and clipping technique is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that the PAPR and bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed technique both outperform those of the single techniques. Under the same conditions, the threshold value and peak power of IPTS clipping joint technique are optimized by 3.44 dB and 0.86 dBm compared with those of IPTS techinque, respectively. At the BER of 10−3, the optical signal to noise ratios (OSNRs) of the novel joint technique after 320 km and 400 km single-mode fiber (SMF) transmission are 0.68 dB and 1.18 dB smaller than those of clipping technique, respectively.

Proteins of the 14-3-3 family are universal participate in multiple cellular processes. However, their exact role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases remains unclear. In this study, we proposed that human PrP was able to form molecular complex with 14-3-3β. The domains responsible for the interactions between PrP and 14-3-3β were mapped at the segments of amino acid (aa) residues 106-126 within PrP and aa 1-38 within 14-3-3β. Homology modeling revealed that the key aa residues for molecular interaction were D22 and D23 in 14-3-3β as well as K110 in PrP. Mutations in these aa residues inhibited the interaction between the two proteins in vitro. Our results also showed that recombinant PrP encouraged 14-3-3β dimer formation, whereas PrP106-126 peptide inhibited it. Recombinant 14-3-3β disaggregated the mature PrP106-126 fibrils in vitro. Moreover, the PrP-14-3-3 protein complexes were observed in the brain tissues of normal and scrapie agent 263K infected hamsters. Colocalization of PrP and 14-3-3 was seen in the cytoplasm of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, as well as human cervical cancer cell line HeLa transiently expressing full-length human PrP. Our current data suggest the neuroprotection of PrPC and neuron damage caused by PrPSc may be associated with their functions of 14-3-3 dimerization regulation.

Objective To observe the effects of peripheraltissueinjury in the developmental stage of newborn rats on pain-related behaviors in adult rats. Methods SD rats 1,4,7,14,21 and 28days after birth were selected in thepresent study(4litters at each time point and 10 rats per litter).Each litter of rats was randomly divided intoinjury group(receiving subcutaneous injection of 20μl bee venom)and control group(receiving subcutaneous injection of 20μl normal saline), with20 in each group, and then raised for 2 months to adulthood. The baseline pain threshold was observed by measuring spontaneous paw flinching reflex,paw withdrawal thermal latency(PWTL)and paw withdrawal mechanical threshold(PWMT), then 50μl 0.4% bee venom was subcutaneously injected to each rat, and the changesinpa in reaction and pain threshold were determined. Results The baseline thermal pain threshold in adult rats receiving bee venom or normal saline at different time points after birth was similar,but baseline mechanical pain threshold in adult rats receiving bee venom at1,4,7and14 days after birth was decreased significantly compared with the adult rats receiving normal saline at corresponding time points(P0.05).Mechanical hyperalgesia was not induced in rats injected with bee venom but induced in adult ratsinjected with normal saline4-21days after birth.Injection of bee venom 21 and 28 days after birth could obviously enhance the bee venom-induced hyperalgesiain adult rats compared with control group(P

DCS (Distributed Control System) as a mature technology plays a dominant role in industrial control field. This thesis makes an introduction to the development and main characteristics of DCS system, which makes an elaboration of the structure and features of JX-300X system provided by SUPCON and explains its implementation process in 10000 air separation unit of a certain steel mill.

Advanced directional drilling, especially rotary steerable systems, provides directional control of wellbore while continuously rotating the drill bit. Downhole propulsion/steering mechanism is one of the key components in rotary closed-loop drilling system. Downhole steering/propulsion mechanisms currently used for directional control include adjustable stabilizer, steerable downhole motor and steering actuators used in state-of-the-art rotary steerable systems. The novel electro-mechanical propulsion and steering mechanisms are introduced, in order to produce downhole weight on bit (WOB) and directional control of the drill bit while rotating it as well. The mechanisms are based on high-reduction ratio planetary gear system and DC motor. This propulsion/steering mechanism introduces a unique rotary steering method with a manner of turning screw inside borehole. As a downhole propulsion/steering mechanism, it can be integrated with an existing MWD system to provide directional control and downhole propulsion force on drill bit.

With the increasing incidence of accidental oil spills, there is now a growing worldwide concern about the urgent need to purify oil-polluted sea water and conserve the marine ecosystem. Carbonized rice hull (CRH) prepared in the open air has been studied as adsorbent for purification of oil-polluted sea water. The adsorption effects of CRH and CRH absorption bag were both investigated. The results showed that under the dosage of 20 g/L and initial oil concentration of 746, 520 and 380 μg/L, the obtained oil removal efficiencies were 59.0%，78.8% and 67.1%, respectively. The adsorption bag counterpart indicated that under the initial oil concentration of 546 μg/L, an equilibrium state was reached for all the three kinds of package bags. The obtained adsorption amounts were 21.7, 25.5, 22.8 μg/g and the corresponding removal efficiencies were 59.7%, 70.0% and 62.6%, respectively.

Oil spills and leakage accidents caused by oil exploitation, processing, transportation and use continue to pose environmental threat to global marine ecosystem. It has become an urgent task to prevent the ocean ecosystem from oil pollution and protect the marine resources. This paper introduces the negative effects of marine oil pollution and conventional treatment measures, briefly analyzes the great potential of rice hull adsorbent for purification of oil-polluted sea water and initially explored the adsorption effects of rice hull adsorbent. The experimental results indicated that after static adsorption at different dosage of rice hull adsorbent (0g, 4g, 8g, 12g, 16g, 20g), the oil removal efficiency got 65.3% when treated by rice hull adsorbent carbonized under the temperature of 350°C at dosage of 12g, which is prospective to help in treatment of marine oil residues in the future.

We demonstrate a surface-emitting quantum cascade laser (QCL) based on second-order buried distributed feedback/distributed Bragg reflector (DFB/DBR) gratings for feedback and outcoupling. The grating fabricated beneath the waveguide was found to fundamentally favor lasing in symmetric mode either through analysis or experiment. Single-lobe far-field radiation pattern with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.18° was obtained along the cavity-length direction. Besides, the buried DFB/DBR grating structure successfully provided an efficient vertical outcoupling mechanism with low optical losses, which manages to achieve a high surface outcouping efficiency of 46% in continuous-wave (CW) operation and 60% in pulsed operation at room temperature. Single-mode emission with a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) about 25 dB was continuously tunable by heat sink temperature or injection current. Our work contributes to the realization of high efficiency surface-emitting devices with high far-field beam quality that are significantly needed in many application fields.

Effects of ammonium on the photosynthetic recovery of Nostoc flagelliforme Berk. et M. A. Curtis were assayed when being rehydrated in low-K

RFID, a radio frequency identification technology, it is a kind of communication technology, through the radio signal to identify specific targets and to read and write data, without the need for recognition system with specific target is established between the mechanical or optical contact. Dangerous chemicals as a special commodity, has greatly improved the life of people, but its inherent danger to human survival threat. Based on RFID technology, this paper proposed some ways and methods of dangerous chemicals management, to strengthen the management of dangerous chemicals and reduce the heavy accident to occur with the people's lives and property loss.

BACKGROUND Questions remain about the effectiveness, dose, and timing of folic acid in preventing orofacial clefts. Case-control studies report conflicting results. There have been no cohort studies of orofacial clefts and the use of folic acid without other vitamins. METHODS In a prospective cohort of 240,244 women enrolled between 1993 and 1995 in 1 northern and 2 southern provinces in China, we examined the risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate alone (CP) in relation to maternal use of 400 μg of folic acid without other vitamins. RESULTS Daily use of 400 μg of folic acid without other vitamins, started before the last menstrual period (LMP), was associated with reduced risk of CL/P with adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval = 0.55-0.87). The greatest reduction in risk was observed in the north among daily users who began taking folic acid pills before LMP (aRR = 0.21 [0.10-0.44]); in the south there was marginal reduction in risk (aRR = 0.81 [0.63-1.05]). No evidence of reduced CL/P risk was observed among women who started folic acid pills on or after their LMP. No persuasive evidence for reduction in CP risk was seen with folic acid pill use at any time. CONCLUSION Daily maternal consumption of 400 μg of folic acid without other vitamins, started before mother's LMP, was associated with a reduced risk of CL/P in babies born in a high-prevalence region of China.

DEA technique is widely used for efficiency evaluation of Decision Making Unit (DMU) with multiple inputs and outputs. This paper applies DEA model to the study of the efficiency of environmental pollution treatment in 8 provinces including Hebei and neighboring or Maritime Provinces. The results show that the efficiency of Efficiency of Environmental Pollution Control in Hebei Province is not high. Environmental pollution improvement in Hebei Province still needs to be expanded.

To explore the association of Chinese medicine constitution susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy (DN) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism.TGF-β1 gene polymorphism detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was screened for 180 DN cases and 180 type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) cases without combined DN. Patients with DN were surveyed epidemiologically with constitution in the Chinese medicine questionnaire (CCMQ). Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to study the correlation between nine types of Chinese medicine constitution and TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphisms.The DN group has a higher frequency of TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism than the T2DM group, and CC/CT genotypes than the T2DM group [CC, CT, TT (DN group): 88, 87, 5 (cases) versus (T2DM group) 71, 73, 36 (cases), P0.05]. The phlegm-dampness constitution, damp-heat constitution, and blood stasis constitution have correlations with TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism.Chinese medicine constitutions were associated with TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism, a potential predictor of susceptibility to DN in T2DM patients.

Effects of ammonium on the photosynthetic recovery of Nostoc flagelliforme Berk. et M. A. Curtis were assayed when being rehydrated in low-K(+) or high-K(+) medium. Its photosynthetic recovery was K(+) limited after 3 years of dry storage. The potassium absorption of N. flagelliforme reached the maximum after 3 h rehydration in low-K(+) medium but at 5 min in high-K(+) medium. The K(+) content of N. flagelliforme rehydrated in high-K(+) medium was much higher than that in low-K(+) medium. The maximal PSII quantum yield (Fv /Fm ) value of N. flagelliforme decreased significantly when samples were rehydrated in low-K(+) medium treated with 5 mM NH4 Cl. However, the treatment of 20 mM NH4 Cl had little effect on its Fv /Fm value in high-K(+) medium. The relative Fv /Fm 24 h EC50 (concentration at which 50% inhibition occurred) value of NH4 (+) in high-K(+) medium (64.35 mM) was much higher than that in low-K(+) medium (22.17 mM). This finding indicated that high K(+) could alleviate the inhibitory action of NH4 (+) upon the photosynthetic recovery of N. flagelliforme during rehydration. In the presence of 10 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl), the relative Fv /Fm 24 h EC50 value of NH4 (+) was increased to 46.34 and 70.78 mM, respectively, in low-K(+) and high-K(+) media. This observation suggested that NH4 (+) entered into N. flagelliforme cells via the K(+) channel. Furthermore, NH4 (+) could decrease K(+) absorption in high-K(+) medium.

Amyloid-like fibrils have been associated with the pathogenesis of human prion diseases. Prion peptide of aa 106–126 (PrP106–126) exhibits many PrP Sc -like biochemical features, forming amyloid-like fibrils in vitro . Here, we found that the recombinant yeast-derived molecular chaperon Hsp104 inhibited significantly the fibril assembly of the synthetic PrP106–126 peptide by dynamic ThT assays in vitro . EM assays revealed almost no fibril-like structure after incubation of the synthetic PrP106–126 peptides with Hsp104 for 12 h. Circular dichroism assays identified that treatment of Hsp104 shifted the secondary structure of PrP106–126 fibrils from β-sheet to a random coil. MTT tests confirmed that interaction of PrP106–126 with Hsp104 maintained the toxicity of PrP106–126 on human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. Additionally, Hsp104 was able to disassemble the mature PrP106–126 fibrils in vitro , leading to recovering the cytotoxicity of PrP106–126 on SK-N-SH cells. Our study provides the molecular evidences that the yeast-derived Hsp104 can interfere in the fibril assembly and disassembly of human PrP106–126 segment.

This paper proposes an approach of fault feature extraction for reciprocating compressor gas valves based on theory of cyclic statistics. First, the strength and weakness of the third-order cyclic statistics in extracting signal features are investigated by simulation signals. Since vibration signals for reciprocating compressor gas valves are of typical cyclic stationary, a new method of fault feature extraction is then proposed based on the simulation results. The method utilizes the cyclic bi-spectrum to extract fault features for the corresponding frequencies. The results show that the cyclic bi-spectrum characteristics for typical faults of gas valves are apparently different, and that the typical faults of reciprocating compressor gas valves can be diagnosed exactly. So the new method proposed in this paper is effective and feasible.

This paper assesses the probability of the main stream in the Dujiangyan-Wenchuan reach of the Minjiang River becoming blocked by debris flows in response to the Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008, on the basis of analyses of remote sensing data and ground investigations. Background information of debris flow gullies was developed from field investigations and high-resolution remote sensing image interpretation, and was used to estimate the maximum discharge per unit width by means of the revised model of debris flow magnitude according to the situation after the Earthquake. Based on improved discrimination equations of river blocking induced by debris flow, 29 debris flow gullies were evaluated and classified as four probability levels: extreme high, high, moderate and low. The results show that most of the debris flow gullies were at or over moderate hazard level, accounting for 72.4% of the total area. The present results provide a scientific basis for the prevention, elusion and mitigation of debris flow hazards and will contribute to the reconstruction of an earthquake prone area.

Tripterygium glycosides (TG), extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f, is a widely used anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent with definite nephrotoxicity. However, its toxic mechanism remained undiscovered. The aim of this study was to characterize the potential toxicity of TG on segments of proximal tubule in rats. Six hundred and 1200 mg/kg of TG was administered by daily intragastric instillation for 16 days. A significant reduction of p-aminohippurate accumulation by renal cortical slices indicated that TG damaged organic anion transporter (OAT) system that localized at the proximal tubule, especially S(2) segment. A dramatic loss of kidney glutamine synthetase (GS) activity induced by TG reflected S(3) segment damage. Because mRNA expression of OAT1, OAT3, and GS was decreased substantially, we ascribe the fall of p-aminohippurate accumulation and GS activity to alterations at the transcriptional level. A dose-related diminution of kidney glutathione S-transferase activity was noted simultaneously, suggesting oxidative stress involvement. Histopathological lesions were observed in the TG intoxicated rat kidney even though there were no obvious changes of serum urea and creatinine at this dose level. In summary, we provided evidences supporting that TG caused segment-specific dysfunction in the kidney proximal tubule.

Objectives. We examined whether education-related inequalities were associated with the occurrence of low birthweight in 6 counties in southern China in the early and late 1990s. Methods. The study population consisted of 111181 women (65669 in the early 1990s and 45482 in the late 1990s) in a population-based Perinatal Health Care Surveillance System. We used the χ2 test, logistic regression, and concentration index for our analyses. Results. From the early to late 1990s, the mean maternal education level increased significantly, and the percentage of low-birthweight births declined among all groups, for both male and female births, and at all levels of the mother’s education. Relative to those with less than 9 years of formal education, there was a decreasing risk of low birthweight among those with 9 to 11 years of formal education (range in adjusted odds ratio=0.69–0.82) and with 12 or more years of formal education (range in adjusted odds ratio=0.51–0.74). Between the early and late 1990s, the concentration index changed from −0.0778 to −0.0656 for male births and from −0.0717 to −0.0813 for female births. Conclusions. Education-related inequalities associated with low birthweight persisted from the early to the late 1990s in surveyed areas.

Background The purpose of this paper was to report the prevalence of overweight/obesity by area, age, and gender in the year 2000 and to explore at what age adiposity rebound as measured by BMI occurs for Chinese children. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 262,738 children aged 3.5–6.4 years in 26 counties/cities in China. Weight and height were measured from March 2000 through July 2000 by local trained health workers. International age- and gender-specific BMI cut-off points were used to obtain comparable prevalence rates of overweight/obesity. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of being overweight/obesity for different comparisons. Results There were 19,390 overweight (16,738) or obese (2,652) children, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 7.4% (95% CI: 7.3–7.5%). Girls were more likely to be overweight or obese than boys (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11–1.17). Compared with children living in the southern urban area, multivariate ORs for those living in northern rural and southern rural areas were 2.58 and 1.15, respectively. Compared with children aged 6.0–6.4 years old, multivariate ORs for children aged 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 years were 1.96, 1.88, 1.56, 1.53, and 1.11, respectively ( p Conclusions Childhood overweight/obesity in Chinese children in 2000 is similar to the conditions of Great Britain or the U.S. in the 1980s or earlier. Age at adiposity rebound as measured by BMI for Chinese children is >6.5 years old.

To clarify the effects of grazing styles on the soil microbial community in the alpine meadow, we explored the changes of soil microbial community structure in the alpine meadow located in Naqu district of Tibet Autonomous Region by analyzing the soil chemical properties and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). The results showed that the contents of soil total organic carbon, total phosphate and nitrate nitrogen under the different grazing styles followed the trend of 7-year rest grazingfree grazinggrazing prohibition. Except for the ratio of fungal PLFAs/bacterial PLFAs, total PLFAs, the bacterial PLFAs, the fungal PLFAs, the gram negative bacterial and the gram positive bacterial PLFAs over the different grazing types were in the order of 7-year rest grazing5-year grazing prohibition7-year and 9-year grazing prohibition. The principal component analysis (PCA) presented that the first principal component (PC1 = 74.6%) was mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and branched fatty acids, and the second principal component (PC2 = 13.2%) was mainly composed of saturated fatty acids and some monounsaturated fatty acids. Total PLFAs content was significantly positively correlated with microbial biomass carbon content. Compared with grazing prohibition, fallow grazing was best for the alpine meadow in Naqu district, and free grazing with light intensity was good for the alpine meadow.

Background Abnormal expression of serum TGF-β1 was found in patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, the association of TGF-β1 with the risk of diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether such an association exists. Methods We searched the Chinese VIP, Wangfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies and extracted all eligible data. Stata12 software was used for statistical analysis. Results Nine reports met our criteria and were used for data extraction. There were 264 patients and 227 healthy controls from qualified reports in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that serum TGF-β1 levels were significantly up-regulated in patients with diabetic nephropathy; the instrumental variable was 3.94 (95% confidence interval 3.20–4.68, p

Metallic periodic structure in subwavelength scale offers an exciting way to couple light into surface plasmons (SPs), thus manipulating the properties of near-field optics. We show that subwavelength metallic grating (SMG) defined on the substrate side of substrate emitting quantum cascade lasers enables far-field improvement in mid-infrared spectrum. The SMG is designed to tailor the interaction of SPs with single mode transverse magnetic light. The experiment results are in good agreement with the simulated model. A far-field full width at half maximum (FWHM) divergence angle of 3.9 ° in the direction perpendicular to the laser waveguide layers is obtained, improved by a factor of 8.5 compared with traditional surface emitting device.