Search

Aberrant increases in neuronal network excitability may contribute to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying hyperexcitability of neurons are not fully understood. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC or Nav), which are involved in the formation of excitable cell's action potential and can directly influence the excitability of neural networks, have been implicated in AD-related abnormal neuronal hyperactivity and higher incidence of spontaneous non-convulsive seizures. Here, we have shown that the reduction of VGSC α-subunit Nav1.6 (by injecting adeno-associated virus (AAV) with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the hippocampus) rescues cognitive impairments and attenuates synaptic deficits in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Concurrently, amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and levels of soluble Aβ are significantly reduced. Interfering with Nav1.6 reduces the transcription level of β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which is Aβ-dependent. In the presence of Aβ oligomers, knockdown of Nav1.6 reduces intracellular calcium overload by suppressing reverse sodium-calcium exchange channel, consequently increasing inactive NFAT1 (the nuclear factor of activated T cells) levels and thus reducing BACE1 transcription. This mechanism leads to a reduction in the levels of Aβ in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, alleviates synaptic loss, improves learning and memory disorders in APP/PS1 mice after downregulating Nav1.6 in the hippocampus. Our study offers a new potential therapeutic strategy to counteract hippocampal hyperexcitability and subsequently rescue cognitive deficits in AD by selective blockade of Nav1.6 overexpression and/or hyperactivity.

Isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-β- d -glucopyranoside) possess various pharmacological effect as a biologically active compound. The aim of the present study was to investigate its potential effects on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro and bone formation in the mid-palatal suture during rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in vivo. Cell proliferation of rat BMSCs was detected by cell-counting kit- 8 (CCK-8) assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and alizarin red staining were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, the expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes including runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) were measured by real-time RT-PCR. In vivo, thirty-six male 6-week-old Wistar rats with or without suture expansion receive systemic administration of isoquercitrin or saline solution. Micro-CT, HE and Masson staining were used to compare the morphological changes between the groups. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) expression in the suture was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Our results showed that isoquercitrin significantly promoted cell proliferation, ALP activity and mineral deposition in the range from 0.01 to 1 μM. Moreover, the expression levels of Runx2, BSP and ATF6 were also upregulated. The measurement of micro-CT imaging and histological examinations demonstrated that daily oral administration of isoquercitrin (10 mg/kg) increased bone formation compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the expression level of BMP2 was also augmented in the presence of isoquercitrin. Consequently, those findings showed that isoquercitrin exerts stimulatory effects on osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that isoquercitrin could be a potential candidate for preventing relapse following RME within palatal sutures.

A ternary nanocomposite containing ZnO, ZnS and MoS2 (ZnMoNCs) has been firstly synthesized by Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate and ZIF-8 as starting materials to provide Mo and Zn sources simultaneously. As compared to the mono- or bi-component complex, ZnMoNCs present more sensitive and stable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. When rhodamine 6G is used as a probing molecule, the detection limit of 10−9 mol L−1 can be achieved on the ZnMoNC substrate with the enhancement factor (EF) of 1.4 × 108, which is the highest sensitivity among the known semiconductor SERS substrates. The increased adsorption sites and the synergistically improved charge transfer are conducive to the large enhancement of the SERS activity. It was also proved that the ZnMoNC substrate possesses high stability and self-cleaning properties, and can be reused in SERS detection without losing its activity even after 5 cycles. This work paves a new way to the design of new semiconductor SERS substrates by the utility of a multicomponent complex.

To study the pharmacokinetics of Erhuang decoction extracts, a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the determination of effective substances in rat plasma. The extracts prepared by water extraction (WE) method were given to rats by oral administration. After collected from the orbital venous plexus, plasma was treated by protein precipitation method. Then, the concentration of index components, including baicalin, liquiritin, berberine, palmatine and glycyrrhetinic acid, were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. Gradient elution mode was used to the chromatographic separation with an Inertsil ODS-SP column (100 mm×2.1mm, 5μm), with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid containing 10mmolL-1 ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. MS analysis was conducted by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) with Electrospray Ionization (ESI). The extraction recoveries of the five active ingredients from plasma were greater than 86.04%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 16.57%. Results indicated that active ingredients in plasma of rats with oral administration of extracts showed certain difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters, which proved that the active ingredients were effectively absorbed. The established HPLC-MS/MS analytical method was sensitive and accurate, suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of active ingredients in Erhuang decoction.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of hypertension on the gap junctions between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the cerebral arteries (CAs) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The functions of gap junctions in the CAs of VSMCs in SHRs and control normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were studied using whole-cell patch clamp recordings and pressure myography, and the expression levels of connexins were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Whole-cell patch clamp measurements revealed that the membrane capacitance and conductance of in situ VSMCs in the CAs were significantly greater in SHRs than in WKY rats, suggesting that gap junction coupling is enhanced between VSMCs in the CAs of SHRs. Application of the endothelium-independent vasoconstrictors KCl or phenylephrine (PE) stimulated a greater vasoconstriction in the CAs of SHRs than in those of WKY rats. The EC50 value of KCl was 24.9 mM (n = 14) and 36.9 mM (n=12) for SHRs and WKY rats, respectively. The EC50 value of PE was 0.9 µM (n = 7) and 2.2 µM (n = 7) for SHRs and WKY rats, respectively. Gap junction inhibitors 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), niflumic acid (NFA), and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) attenuated KCl-induced vasoconstriction in SHRs and WKY rats. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the gap junction protein connexin 45 (Cx45) were significantly higher in the CAs of SHRs than in those of WKY rats. Phosphorylated Cx43 protein expression was significantly higher in the CAs of SHRs than in those of WKY rats, despite the total Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels in the cerebral artery (CA) exhibiting no significant difference between SHRs and WKY rats. Increases in the expression of Cx45 and phosphorylation of Cx43 may promote gap junction communication among VSMCs in the CAs of SHRs, which may enhance the contractile response of the CA to vasoconstrictors.

Scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide (SVHRP) is a component purified from Buthus martensii Karsch scorpion venom. Our previous studies have shown that SVHRP is neuroprotective in models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The present study aimed to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of SVHRP on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, using a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and a cellular model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Our results showed that SVHRP treatment decreased the neurological deficit scores, edema formation, infarct volume and neuronal loss in the MCAO/R mice, and protected primary neurons against OGD/R insult. SVHRP pretreatment suppressed the alterations in protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK as well as some proinflammatory factors in both the animal and cellular models. These results suggest that SVHRP has neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R injury, which might be associated with inhibition of the NMDA-MAPK-mediated excitotoxicity.

Background: The dried bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a well-known medicinal constituent owing to its latent health benefits. The establishment of a wide-ranging and objective quality assessment method is a tricky to be solved instantly by cinnamon and other medicinal and edible herbs. Objectives: The objective was to introduce the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to estimate widely and compare the quality of cinnamon decoction pieces. Materials and Methods: The chemical, morphological, and biological indexes of different batches of cinnamon decoction pieces are determined, and then a multi-criteria quantitative assessment model for the quality estimation of cinnamon decoction pieces is documented by adopting AHP. Results: The complete appraisal outcomes of AHP model are dependable with objective evaluation, and the results are unbiased and steady. Conclusion: The AHP multi-criteria quantitative evaluation model can be agreeably adapted to the quality evaluation of multi-component Chinese herbal decoction pieces, providing a new evidence for the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.

Niflumic acid (NFA) is a novel gap junction (GJ) inhibitor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of NFA on GJ communication and the expression of connexin (Cx) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of mesenteric arterioles of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that NFA at 1×10–4 M significantly inhibited the inward current and its effect was reversible. The time for charging and discharging of cell membrane capacitance (Cinput) reduced from 9.73 to 0.48 ms (P

In this work, a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with charged aerosol detector (HPLC-CAD) method was first developed for the quantitation of toosendanin, the major constituent of the dried fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. Et Zucc. Samples were well separated on an Agilent ZOBAX SB C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) by isocratic elution using 33 % acetonitrile and 67 % water containing 0.1 % formic acid (v/v) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. The nitrogen inlet pressure of the charged aerosol detector (CAD) was 35 psi, and the nebulizer chamber temperature was 35 °C. The established method was well validated. Satisfactory linearity was achieved (r 2 > 0.9997) in a relatively wide concentration range (5–500 μg mL−1). The intra- and inter-day precisions, repeatability, and stability of the method were good with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.05, 2.23, 2.39, and 2.03 %, respectively. The method also showed excellent accuracy with recovery rates of 97.42–101.87 %. Particularly, CAD showed much better sensitivity (LOQ 4 μg mL−1) than evaporative light scattering detector (LOQ 100 μg mL−1) for toosendanin’s determination. The established method was further applied in the quantitation of toosendanin in 39 batches of raw and stir-fried toosendan fructus. The HPLC-CAD method was rapid and accurate, and could be used for the routine analysis and quality control of toosendan fructus and its preparations.

The endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 was previously reported to promote the growth of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Yanshu 25). Here, we demonstrate in both in vitro and pot trial assays that pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension could enhance resistance against root rot disease and black rot disease, caused by Fusarium solani Mart. Sacc. f. sp. batatas McClure and Ceratocystis fimbriata Ell. & Halst on sweet potato, respectively. When seedlings were infected with fungal pathogens at 10 days post irrigation, pre-treatment with YTB1407 suspension decreased these pathogens and YTB1407 bacterial biomass in sweet potato roots. The pre-treatment activated the expression of salicylic acid (SA)-responsive PR-1 gene, raised SA content, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the host to resist F. solani, while it enhanced the expression levels of SA-responsive NPR1 and PR1 genes and increased SA content to resist C. fimbriata. The disease resistance control effect initiated by pre-treatment with YTB1407 for root rot pathogen (F. solani) was better than for black rot pathogen (C. fimbriata). The results indicated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YTB1407 played a pivotal role in enhancing resistance to two fungi pathogens in sweet potato, through production of some antifungal metabolites to decrease infection in the early stage as well as induction of SA-dependent systemic resistance.

The contamination of micro- and nanoplastics in marine systems and freshwater is a global issue. Determination of micro- and nanoplastics in the aqueous environment is of high priority to fully assess the risk that plastic particles will pose. Although microplastics have been detected in a variety of aquatic ecosystems, the analysis of nanoplastics remains an unsolved challenge. Herein, for the first time, a Triton X-45 (TX-45)-based cloud-point extraction (CPE) was proposed to preconcentrate trace nanoplastics in environmental waters. Under the optimum extraction conditions, an enrichment factor of 500 was obtained for two types of nanoplastics with different compositions, polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), without disturbing their original morphology and sizes. Additionally, following thermal treatment at 190 °C for 3 h, the CPE-obtained extract could be submitted to pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis for mass quantification of nanoplastics. Taking 66.2 nm PS nanoplastics and 86.2 nm PMMA nanoplastics as examples, the proposed method showed excellent reproducibility, and high sensitivity with respective detection limits of 11.5 and 2.5 fM. Feasibility of the proposed approach was verified by application of the optimized procedure to four real water samples. Recoveries of 84.6-96.6% at a spiked level of 88.6 fM for PS nanoplastics and 76.5-96.6% at a spiked level of 50.4 fM for PMMA nanoplastics were obtained. Consequently, this work provides an efficient approach for nanoplastic analysis in environmental waters.

To compare the changes in oral health-related quality of life(OHRQoL) among adolescent patients and adult patients during orthodontic treatment.The clinical data were collected from 81 patients (aged 15 to 25 years old) who underwent comprehensive orthodontic treatment. The participants were divided into 2 groups: adolescent patients (n=43) and adult patients (n=38) by age. OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). All subjects were examined and interviewed at baseline and the end of 3 stages during orthodontics treatment. Friedman 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the relative changes of OHRQoL among different time points with SPSS 20.0 software package.The scores of OHIP-14 and all domains except communication disorder and social disability domain in adolescent and adult patients showed significant changes as well as a decrease trend. Only adults showed significant changes in communication disorder.Both groups had no significant difference.The impact of comprehensive orthodontic treatment on patients' OHRQoL is quite different. Orthodontists should pay attention to the differences and guide the patients accordingly.

The present research was designed to study expression of AQP2, AQP4 and AQP8 in mouse intestines induced by unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris. KM mice were given by different dose lavage of unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2, Euphorbia factor L3. Samples of mouse intestine were collected for protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were assessed by immunohistochemical staining and mRNA expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 which were quantified by Real Time-PCR. Comparing to the normal control group, the protein levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 were significantly decreased (P0.05)by Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group (unprocessed and processed Euphorbia lathyris) induced. Protein expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 in the Euphorbia factor L1, Euphorbia factor L2 and Euphorbia factor L3 group were not significantly lower than normal control group. There had no differences on the levels of AQP2 and AQP 8 mRNA expressions between the high-dose group of semen Euphorbiae group, semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group and positive control group, while significantly lower than normal control group (P0.05). Expression of AQP4 mRNA in the Semen Euphorbiae group and Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group has not significantly decreased. But levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 mRNA in the Euphorbia factor L1 group had no significant differences in normal control group and positive control group. These findings suggest that semen Euphorbiae could regulate expression of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA, which may be the possible one reason of semen Euphorbiae induces diarrhea. The semen Euphorbiae group has more significant effects on the levels of AQP2, AQP 4 and AQP 8 protein and mRNA than semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum group, which may be one of the mechanisms of processing attenuation.

A new method was developed for the chromatographic fingerprint analysis of Toosendan Fructus by HPLC coupled with the charged aerosol detector (CAD) in the present study. Samples were well separated on an Agilent ZOBAX SB C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) by gradient elution using acetonitrile and water containing 0.1 % formic acid (v/v) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL·min−1. The column temperature was 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 5 μL. The nitrogen inlet pressure of the charged aerosol detector (CAD) was 35 psi, and the nebulizer chamber temperature was 35 ℃. In addition, the method of the chromatographic fingerprints combined with multivariate statistical analysis was effective and reasonable lead to an accurate classification of 20 batches of samples from different locations. The results showed that 28 common peaks were observed in the fingerprint and the samples were classified into three clusters. The established method was well validated, and showed high precision, good repeatability, and satisfactory stability. It may serve in the quality control and evaluation of Toosendan Fructus.

Background Euphorbia lathyris L., a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is commonly used for the treatment of hydropsy, ascites, constipation, amenorrhea, and scabies. Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum, which is another type of Euphorbia lathyris that is commonly used in TCM practice and is obtained by removing the oil from the seed that is called paozhi, has been known to ease diarrhea. Whereas, the mechanisms of reducing intestinal toxicity have not been clearly investigated yet. Methods In this study, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) in combination with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic method was applied to investigate the effects of Euphorbia lathyris L. on the protein expression involved in intestinal metabolism, in order to illustrate the potential attenuated mechanism of Euphorbia lathyris L. processing. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the intestine after treated with Semen Euphorbiae (SE), Semen Euphorbiae Pulveratum (SEP) and Euphorbiae Factor 1 (EFL1) were identified. The bioinformatics analysis including GO analysis, pathway analysis, and network analysis were done to analyze the key metabolic pathways underlying the attenuation mechanism through protein network in diarrhea. Western blot were performed to validate selected protein and the related pathways. Results A number of differentially expressed proteins that may be associated with intestinal inflammation were identified. They mainly constituted by part of the cell. The expression sites of them located within cells and organelles. G protein and Eph/Ephrin signal pathway were controlled jointly by SEP and SE. After processing, the extraction of SEP were mainly reflected in the process of cytoskeleton, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Conclusions These findings suggest that SE induced an inflammatory response, and activated the Interleukin signaling pathway, such as the Ang/Tie 2 and JAK2/ STAT signaling pathways, which may eventually contribute to injury result from intestinal inflammatory, while SEP could alleviate this injury by down-regulating STAT1 and activating Ang-4 that might reduce the inflammatory response. Our results demonstrated the importance of Ang-4 and STAT1 expression, which are the target proteins in the attenuated of SE after processing based on proteomic investigation. Thus iTRAQ might be a novel candidate method to study scientific connotation of hypothesis that the attenuated of SE after processing expressed lower toxicity from cellular levels.

To observe the effect of icariin on turnover of paradentium as well as the mechanism of effects on osteoclast during orthodontic tooth movement in rats.Forty-right SD rats were used to establish animal models of OTM and divided into two groups randomly: the control group and the experimental group. Rats in the experimental group were given 20 mg/（kg.d） icariin by intragastric administration, while rats in the control group received solvent with the same volume. The rats were sacrificed in batch on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after orthodontic treatment. The amount of tooth movement was measured, and histomorphometric analysis based on slices from periodontium adjacent to the maxillary first molars was used to observe new bone formation, bone resorption and quantify osteoclasts. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 16.0 software package.The movement distance of the first molar was significantly larger in the icariin group than that in the control group (P0.05). In the icariin group, the number of osteoclasts was significantly higher than the control group at the 7th day and then demonstrated a steady decrease.Icariin could accelerate OTM in rats through promoting bone turnover of alveolar bone.

The TiO2 reduced graphene oxide (TiO2/RGO) nanocomposites were synthetized by hydrothermal method. The microstructure and morphologies of them were characterized by XRD and SEM. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by the methyl orange photogradation under UV illumination. The results showed that GO sheets had wrinkles and folds, and anatase-structured TiO2 covered on graphene surface after hydrothermal reaction. Compared to the TiO2 nanoparticles, the TiO2/RGO nanocomposites display the higher photogradation efficiency. In 90 minutes, the gradation percentage of TiO2/RGO nanocomposites to methyl orange is 80%, higher than TiO2 nanoparticle (40%). This is attributed to the large surface area of TiO2/RGO nanocomposites and their improved separation efficiency of electron-hole pair.

Notopterol, isoimperatorin, volatile oil and extract （water and ethanol) were used as the research objects in this study to investigate the effects of different softening method, slice thickness and drying methods on the quality of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix slices, and the experimental data were analyzed by homogeneous distance evaluation method. The results showed that different softening, cutting and drying processes could affect the content of five components in Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix incisum. The best processing technology of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix slices was as follows: non-medicinal parts were removed; mildewed and rot as well as moth-eaten parts were removed; washed by the flowing drinking water; stacked in the drug pool; moistening method was used for softening, where 1/8 volume of water was sprayed for every 1 kg of herbs every 2 h; upper part of herbs covered with clean and moist cotton, and cut into thick slices (2-4 mm) after 12 h moistening until appropriate softness, then received blast drying for 4 h at 50 ℃, and turned over for 2 times during the drying. The process is practical and provides the experimental basis for the standardization of the processing of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, with great significance to improve the quality of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix slices.

Study on the standardization of Chinese materia medica is an important action for modernization and globalization for traditional Chinese medicine. Standardization on the processing of Chinese herbal pieces is an important part in the study on standardization of Chinese materia medica, so it is of great significance to establish the technical processing standards of Angelicae Sinensis Radix pieces for improving its quality. In this study, single factor experiment was designed to optimize the softening, cutting and drying processes of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. With ferulic acid, Angelicae Sinensis Radix polysaccharide, volatile oil and extracts (water and ethanol) content as the quality index, the effects of different softening, cutting and drying processes on the contents of the five components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix were analyzed, and the normalized distance evaluation method was used to analyze the experimental data. The results showed that the content of five components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix was affected by different softening methods and drying temperature, but the thickness of slice had little effect on the content. The best preparation process for Angelicae Sinensis Radix was as follows: Non-medicinal parts were removed; mildewed and rot as well as moth-eaten parts were removed; washed by the flowing drinking water; stacked in the drug pool; moistening method was used for softening, where 125 mL water was sprayed for every 1 kg of herbs every 2.5 h; upper part of herbs covered with clean and moist cotton, and cut into thin slices (1-2 mm) after 15 h moistening until appropriate softness, with disk thickness of 1-2 cm, then received blast drying for 6 h at 55 ℃, and turned over for 2 times during the drying.

Children of independence usually are captured with the quality of being creative. Modern art, the field of imagination and freedom, if combined with education, would associate the creativity and reason in children’s mind, which encourages them to form logical and innovative ideas. Special thinking way will bring children attention and respect from others, which benefits their own independence and pride.

To investigate the effects of strontium ranelate on the expression of BMP-2 during rapid maxillary expansion.Thirty-six male 6-week- old male Wistar rats were selected. They were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was designed as a control group. An expanded application producing 100 g force was fixed between the first and the second molar on both sides of the rats in group B and group C. 600 mg/kg strontium ranelate was given to the rats in group C daily via an orogastric route, while the equal normal saline was given to the rats in group B. Then the rats were sacrificed on day 4, 7 and 10. The expression of BMP-2 which is a sign of bone formation was detected with immunohistochemical staining and analyzed with Image-pro plus 5.0. SPSS19.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.The expression of BMP-2 in the midpalatal suture was significantly greater in group B than that in group A on day 4 (P0.05); however, there was no significant difference between group A and group B on day 7 and 10 (P0.05). The expression of BMP-2 in the midpalatal suture in group C was significantly greater than that in the other two groups at each time point (P0.05).Strontium ranelate promotes the expression time and quantity of BMP-2 in the mid-palatal suture of rats during rapid maxillary expansion and may accelerate bone formation during rapid maxillary expansion.

Laser cladding is an effective mean to repair the damaged components in remanufacture industry. The iron-based alloy coating was obtainment by laser cladding on grey cast iron (HT250). The microstructure and morphology of laser cladding were observed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The micro hardness of laser cladding coating was tested. The wear properties of grey cast iron and laser cladding coating at room temperature without lubrication were evaluated by sliding wear tests. The distribution regularity of surface residual stress of substrate and cladding coating was obtained. It was shown that the laser cladding coating on grey cast iron has a homogeneous and dense microstructure. It was observed that the laser cladding coating presents a great hardness and excellent wear resistance. Tensile stress was generated in the surface of laser cladding coating.

Flavonoid glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria, giving rise to a wide range of phenolic acids that may exert systemic effects in the body. The microbial metabolism of flavonoids extracted from the leaves of Diospyros kaki (FLDK) by intestinal bacteria was investigated in vitro. High-performance liquid chromatography/linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry was performed to analyze the metabolites of flavonoids in vivo using Xcalibur2.1 software. The results showed that the levels of flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid aglycones decreased rapidly in the process of microbial metabolism by intestinal bacteria in vitro, and the metabolic rate may be related to the concentration of intestinal bacteria in the culture solution. In vivo metabolites of FLDK were detected in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of FLDK. Eight flavonoids were identified in the urine, and three were identified in the plasma; however, flavonoid aglycones were not found in the plasma.

The hot compression deformation behavior of Mg-4Al-1Zn-0.5Mn-0.5Ca (AZ41M) alloys during twin roll casting and hot compression (350-400 oC/0.1-1s-1) has been studied. Owing to adding Mn and Ca in AZ41 alloy, the deformation behavior and microstructure exhibit largely changes under different conditions. A bimodal structure consisting of a large fraction of deformed grains and a small fraction of newly formed grains are found in as-deformed alloys. Equiaxed and fine-grained microstructures occur in as-annealed samples. Al-Mn and Al-Ca compounds result in grain and Al-Mg intermetallic refinement.

This project is to develop a coffee-order mobile application based on the iOS. In this mobile phone application software, the user can select and buy regular coffee and custom coffee. At the same time, the custom coffee will also be provided to other customers later, and if selected, its designer can get some member points, which can be exchanged for some coffee. In this way, customers are gainer simultaneously. I am intending to design a new buy-coffee experience through this App.

This article discussed the compound impact-abrasive wear behavior of shots impeller pair in shot blast cleaning. The shots impeller pairs were fabricated by investment casting processing. The predominance and shortcoming of investment casting for high chromium wear resistance materials used in shot blasting machine were also analyzed. Using investment casting technology, the high-Cr iron casting would be improvement in interal and explicit quality. And, owing to different included angles of shots, the blade show different wear behavior. The ideal included angle of shots is 12o. Increase in the angles leads to decreases of the wear resistance.

A high sensitive and rapid method was developed for the analysis of lappaconitine in rabbit plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Blood was taken from the ear vein after transdermal administration of lappaconitine gel on the back of male rabbits, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane from plasma, the analyte was separated in an Inertsil ODS-3 column (2.1×50mm, 0.5μm) through gradient elution with acetonitrile-water-formic acid at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection was performed by positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, monitoring the transitions m/z 585.5 → m/z 535.5 and m/z 531.3 → m/z 489.4, for the quantification of lappaconitine and the internal standard (IS) ketonconazole, respectively. The method was linear over the concentration range of 13.125-1050.0ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 13.125 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 7.51%, and accuracy ranged from 92.3 to 102%. Under the transdermal concentrations of 13.125n g/mL, 65.625 ng/mL and 525.00 ng/mL, the absolute recoveries of lappaconitine were 77.8, 84.4 and 79.0%, respectively. The concentration versus time curve in 24 h was fitted using the bimodal model of DAS ver1.0 software and the results showed that the elimination process of lappaconitine in the body of rabbit was similar to the one-compartment model. Key words: Lappaconitine, LC-MS/MS, plasma drug concentration, pharmacokinetics.

The microstructural features of hypoeutectic Al-10%Si alloy were observed using optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The results show that primary silicon particles are frequently found in hypoeutectic alloys. Hence, the nucleation and growth mechanisms of the precipitation of primary silicon of hypoeutectic Al-10%Si alloy melts were investigated. It was discovered that Si atoms are easy to segregate and form Si-Si clusters, which results in the formation of primary silicon even in eutectic or hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys. In addition, solute redistribution caused by chemical driving force and large pile-ups or micro-segregation of the solute play an important role in the formation of the primary silicon, and the solute redistribution equations were derived from Jackson-Chalmers equations. Once Si solute concentration exceeds eutectic composition, primary silicon precipitates are formed at the front of solid/liquid interface.

Microwave dielectric ceramics of Mg4Nb2O9were prepared by the solid-state method and their microwave dielectric properties and microstructure were investigated in this study. The sintering ability and microwave dielectric properties of Mg4Nb2O9ceramics were studied under various sintering temperatures ranging from 1200°C to 1350°C. As the sintering temperature increased from 1200°C to 1350°C, the density values, the εr values and the Q·ƒ values increased and saturated at 1350°C.The ƒ values were ranged from -48.7 to -57.8 ppm/°C. Due to the increased density and appropriate grain growth the Mg4Nb2O9ceramics sintered at 1350°C had the excellent microwave dielectric properties of εr=12.3, Q·ƒ =108,000GHz and ƒ=-55.3ppm/°C.

Corundum-type magnesium niobate (Mg4Nb2O9) ceramics were synthesized by the conventional solid-state method, the effect of holding time during calcination and sintering process on microwave properties was studied in detail. The xrd results showed that the major phases were identified as the ordered corundum structure Mg4Nb2O9with minor secondary phases of orthorhombic-symmetry Mg5Nb4O15. The morphology was obviously affected by holding times at sintering process and the relationships between the morphology and microwave properties were discussed. The results indicated that holding time at calcination process had negligible effect on the microstructure and microwave properties, while holding time at sintering process could obviously affect the microstructure and microwave properties of Mg4Nb2O9. When calcination at 1100°C for 2h and sintered at 1350°Cfor 6h, the optimal microwave properties were εr~13, Q·ƒ~130,000GHz and τf~-50 ppm/°C.

The corundum-type magnesium niobate, Mg4Nb2O9, powders were synthesized by the conventional solid-state process. The mixtures of MgO and Nb2O5were calcined in the temperature ranging from 500°C to 1200°C for crystallization in air atmosphere. The formation of the Mg4Nb2O9phase was investigated as a function of calcination temperatures by DTA and XRD. The morphology and phase composition were determined via a combination of SEM and EDX techniques. The results showed that the single-phase Mg4Nb2O9could be obtained at 1050°C for 2h with the size of less than 5μm.

A perylenetetracarboxylic diimide derivative, N,N,N′,N′-tetra(hydroxyethyl)-1,7-di (4-tert-butylphenol)perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide(THPDI), was synthesized and covalently self-assembled as a monolayer on the modified a quartz surface. UV-vis absorption and IR spectra revealed the H-aggregate nature of THPDI molecules in the obtained thin solid film. With this thin solid film as a template, CdS nanoparticles were deposited on it in situ, which were characterized by electronic absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The morphology of CdS nanoparticles is disklike, and the diameter is ca. 150 nm as determined by AFM. The present result provides an effective and new method toward directed growth of specific morphologies of the nanoparticles. It is believed helpful for designing and preparing molecular-based nano-electronic and nano-optoelectronic devices with good performance.

The experimental data present that primary silicon is precipitated from eutectic and hypoeutectic Al–Si alloy melts. It attributes to solute redistribution on the chemical driving force. Si atoms are easy to segregate to form Si-Si clusters, resulting in primary silicon precipitated from hypereutectic Al–Si alloy. Another reason is that primary silicon is precipitated from solid-liquid interface front once solute concentration in the solidification front exceeds eutectic composition. Solute redistribution equations are derivate from Jackson-Chalmers equation. The third reason is that precious little impurity turn Heterogeneous Nucleation of Si atoms.

In order to reduce the traffic pressure of urban arterial road with the rational utilization of the branch road, the vehicle meeting behavior on the branch road without divided lane was described, and the cellular automation (CA) model was put forward by introducing meeting behavior to reflect the relation between safe meeting speed and road width. The numerical simulation results depict several relation curves between road section capacity, speed and road width under different directional distributions of traffic flow, as well as the curves between the major and minor direction saturation flow, speed and road width. These relation characteristics indicate that except the one-way road section capacity and speed remaining unchanged, other road section capacities and speeds under different directional distributions increase with the increase of road width. On narrow road, the two-way traffic capacity and speed are less than those of one-way traffic; on wide road, the two-way traffic capacity doubles that of one-way traffic, but their speeds are almost the same. As the directional distribution moves to an even distribution of 50/50, the major direction saturation flows and speeds as well as the minor direction speeds tend to decease, while the minor direction saturation flow tends to increase.

The Oxidation kinetics of Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr composites (TANC) with addition of different weight contents of CaF2 solid lubricant was evaluated. It is indicated that oxidation dynamic curve follow quasi-parabolic rate law under 800 °C. Once the temperature exceed 1100 °C, the oxidation dynamic curve seems to do not follow quasi-parabolic rate law. The contents of solid lubricant in TANC matrix occur an important influence for oxidation resistance

A three-dimension discrete element model of the shot blasting machine has been established to study the principles of shots flow motion in shot blasting machine. The three-dimension discrete element method (EDEM) was used to analyse the shot-motion process inside the shot blasting machine. The dynamic law of shots motional process inside shot blasting machine was shown through simulation.

The heat transfer model was developed and the heat transfer of the strip coil stay in the hot coil box was analyzed. The temperature distribution of the strip coil was investigated use the model. The measured results are in good agreement with the calculated ones, has a guiding significance to further improve the technology.

The analytical method for calcium species in human blood was studied using ultrasonic-assisted dialysis coupled with capillary electrophoreisi (CE) inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The optimal ultrasonic dialysis conditions were 72 W power, 60 min extraction time and 70 μL volume of blood sample. Ultrasonic-assisted dialysis improves significantly the dialysis efficiecy by comparing with balance dialysis. The optimized conditions of separation and detection (a 120 cm length×100 μm i.d. fused-silica capillary, 20 kV separation voltage, 30 mmol/L Tris-HCl with pH7.4 buffer solution) for calcium species were achieved by CE-ICP-OES. The forms of calcium in the dialysate of human blood have five different species. The concentration of free Ca2+ in the dialysate was 0.7 mg/L. The hyphenated technique is simple and convenience, which is fit for the separation and analysis of metal-containing biological samples.

In the unsteady state, work roll temperature distribution and thermal expansion have an enormous effect on the process of hot rolling. The rolling speed in the finish rolling as an important rolling parameter plays a crucial role of obtaining the optimum temperature distribution and thermal expansion. Using the finite element method, it solves the regularity of temperature distribution and thermal expansion with thermal-structural coupling analysis, which provide theoretic proof of optimizing gauge and profile control.

To improve the utilization of branch roads and alleviate traffic congestions on arterial roads, the optimization approach of one-way traffic organization is proposed from the view of traffic load and road equity. The bi-level programming model is established with the objectives of the portion that road saturation exceeds anticipant saturation and vehicle detour index. The upper model is to obtain the minimum value of objectives by optimizing one-way traffic, and the lower one adopts the equilibrium model to distribute traffic flow. Then, the simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the bi-level model. At each iteration step, one of the branch road sections with high load is selected for lane reversal. The numerical result shows that one-way traffic organization can reduce the over-saturation portion of road section, however, with the increase of detour index proportion, the potential of reduced degree decreases gradually.

The greenness (SPAD) of uneven-aged leaves of dominant species in the Castanopsis carlessi forest at different altitude gradients in Lingshishan National Forest Park, Fujian Province, China were measured by using portable chlorophyll meter SPAD-502. In addition, the correlation between SPAD value and the concentration of chlorophyll and foliar nitrogen was also investigated. Significant variations in SPAD values were found between the uneven-aged leaves of different dominant species and different altitude gradients. Regression analysis showed that SPAD value was significantly correlated with the concentration of chlorophyll and the content of foliar nitrogen, indicating that SPAD value could be indicators for foliar chlorophyll and nitrogen. It is suggested that SPAD meter is a useful tool for forest assessments in decision-making and operational nutrient management programs.