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A perfect resource bank for financial education that can foster resource exchange and charitable work must be established. The traditional recommendation algorithm is improved in this paper based on the rough set theory, avoiding the issue where the traditional similarity calculation does not match the actual similarity judgement. When used in the field of resource clustering for financial education, the improved algorithm has the concept of an approximate set for boundary problems. It can more accurately describe the boundary groups of resource classification. When the model is offline, a rough K-means user clustering algorithm is used; users are assigned to the upper and lower approximations of K classes based on how similar they are to cluster centers, creating the initial neighbor set of users. Find the target user’s nearest neighbor from the initial nearest neighbor set online, predict the item’s score, and offer suggestions to it. The evaluation’s findings indicate that this system can achieve a precision rate of 94.35 percent. Additionally, compared to the conventional method, the recommended recall rate is higher at 95.94 percent. This algorithm can effectively provide high-quality resources for financial teaching while overcoming the drawbacks of traditional recommendation algorithms, increasing recommendation accuracy.

Background: Several investigators have reported that sarcopenia is common in patients with cirrhosis. However, few studies have discussed the association between sarcopenia and liver cirrhosis complicated with esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (LC-EGVB). We aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with LC-EGVB. Method: CT images from the 3 rd lumbar vertebrae were selected to analyze body composition, including SMT VAT and SAT, by SliceOmatic software. Sarcopenia was defined according to validated cutoff values for patients with cirrhosis: 44.77 cm 2 /m 2 for males and 32.50 cm 2 /m 2 for females. Results: A total of 187 LC-EGVB patients and 309 donors were included. The rate of sarcopenia in donors (17.4%) was significantly lower than that in LC-EGVB patients (41.2%). LC-EGVB patients with sarcopenia have a high prevalence of portal vein thrombosis and rebleeding rate at 1 year. The rate of sarcopenia in the rebleeding group was significantly higher than that in the non-rebleeding group. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for rebleeding within 1 year in LC-EGVB patients. Conclusion: LC-EGVB patients have a high prevalence of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for rebleeding within 1 year.

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of Iba-1, complement C1q and CD68 in hippocampus of SAMP8 mice, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Twenty-four male SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into model and EA groups, and 12 SAMR1 mice were used as the control group. EA (2 Hz, 1.5-2.0 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV20), "Dazhui"(GV14) and "Shen-shu"(BL23) for 20 min once daily in the EA group, each course of treatment was 8 days, with an interval of 2 days between two courses, and the mice were treated for 3 courses. Morris water maze test was performed to assess the learning-memory ability of mice. The positive expression levels of Iba-1 and CD68 proteins in the hippocampus CA1 region were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Iba-1,C1q and CD68 in the hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, separately.Compared with the control group, the average escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged in the model group (EA can improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, which may be associated with its effect in inhibiting of complement C1q-dependent microglial phagocytosis in the hippocampus.

The uniaxial tensile experiments are performed on a nickel-based superalloy with different initial microstructures at intermediate temperatures (473–973) K and low strain rates (0.0001–0.001) s−1. Effects of initial microstructures on plastic deformation mechanisms, serrated flow features, and fracture characteristics are analyzed. It is clearly demonstrated that the plastic deformation mechanism of serrated flow is irrelevant to the initial microstructures, and the dislocation across slip in the matrix is responsible for the serrated flow. However, the effects of initial microstructures on fracture mechanisms are obvious, i.e., the main fracture mechanism of the ST (solution treated) and HS (solution plus γ′/γ″ phases aging precipitation) superalloys are the nucleation and growth of micro-voids, which accelerates the break of carbides and interfacial failure of carbides/matrix. While for the SAT (solution plus δ phases aging precipitation) superalloy, δ phases and carbides play a significant role in the nucleation of micro-voids. Furthermore, the increase of the deformation temperature reduces the elongation to fracture of the ST and HS superalloys. However, the better tensile ductility is obtained with raising the deformation temperatures for the SAT superalloy.

Oxymatrine (OXY) has antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities. In the present work, we investigate the effects of OXY on gastric ulcer models and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Ethanol, indometacin, and restraint water immersion stress-induced ulcerated models were used. The ulcer area was measured, and samples of gastric tissue were taken for pathological, histochemical, and biochemical analyses. OXY effectively reduced the area of gastric ulcers and improved the pathological changes of ulcerated tissue. OXY enhanced expression of Bcl-2, reduced Bax protein expression, and inhibited alcohol-induced apoptotic death in both ulcerated tissue and human gastric epithelial cells. OXY increased the prostaglandin E2 level and improved oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide) and inflammatory parameters (TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1) of ulcer tissue. OXY prevented an inflammatory response via decreasing expression of p38, p-ERK, p-JNK, and inhibiting NF-κB p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results reveal that OXY has remarkable protective effects on gastric ulcers. The action of OXY may be mediated via suppression of gastric inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and pro-apoptotic actions, which were the results of blockades of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results provide evidence for the beneficial effects of OXY for treating peptic ulcers.

Summary The bone marrow niche plays a critical role in controlling the fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by integrating intrinsic and extrinsic signals. However, the molecular events in the HSC niche remain to be investigated. Here, we report that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) maintains HSC quiescence and repopulation capacity in the niche. ICAM-1-deficient mice (ICAM-1−/−) displayed significant expansion of phenotypic long-term HSCs with impaired quiescence, as well as favoring myeloid cell expansion. ICAM-1-deficient HSCs presented normal reconstitution capacity during serial transplantation; however, reciprocal transplantation experiments showed that ICAM-1 deficiency in the niche impaired HSC quiescence and repopulation capacity. In addition, ICAM-1 deletion caused failure to retain HSCs in the bone marrow and changed the expression profile of stroma cell-derived factors, possibly representing the mechanism for defective HSCs in ICAM-1−/− mice. Collectively, these observations identify ICAM-1 as a regulator in the bone marrow niche., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • ICAM-1 deficiency expands HSC−LT with impaired quiescence and repopulation • The defects characterizing HSC−LT in ICAM-1−/− mice are niche cell dependent • ICAM-1−/− niche brings about impaired bone marrow retention and homing of HSC−LT • ICAM-1 in human stroma cells might affect the progression of myelocytic leukemia, In this article, Jie Zhou and colleagues show that ICAM-1 expression in bone marrow niche contributes to the quiescence and repopulation capacity of HSCs. ICAM-1 deficiency changes the expression profile of stroma-derived factors, thus causing failure of HSC retention in the bone marrow. Clinical data indicate that ICAM-1 might participate in the progression of myelocytic leukemia.

Rayleigh wave exploration is based on an elastic layered half-space model. If practical formations contain porous layers, these layers need to be simplified as an elastic medium. We studied the effects of this simplification on the results of Rayleigh wave exploration. Using a half-space model with coexisting porous and elastic layers, we derived the dispersion functions of Rayleigh waves in a porous layered half-space system with porous layers at different depths, and the problem of transferring variables to matrices of different orders is solved. To solve the significant digit overflow in the multiplication of transfer matrices, we propose a simple, effective method. Results suggest that dispersion curves differ in a lowfrequency region when a porous layer is at the surface; otherwise, the difference is small.

Oxymatrine (OXY) has antioxidative and antiinflammatory activities. In the present work, we investigate the effects of OXY on gastric ulcer models and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Ethanol, indometacin, and restraint water immersion stress-induced ulcerated models were used. The ulcer area was measured, and samples of gastric tissue were taken for pathological, histochemical, and biochemical analyses. OXY effectively reduced the area of gastric ulcers and improved the pathological changes of ulcerated tissue. OXY enhanced expression of Bcl-2, reduced Bax protein expression, and inhibited alcohol-induced apoptotic death in both ulcerated tissue and human gastric epithelial cells. OXY increased the prostaglandin E2 level and improved oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide) and inflammatory parameters (TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1) of ulcer tissue. OXY prevented an inflammatory response via decreasing expression of p38, p-ERK, p-JNK, and inhibiting NF-κB p65 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results reveal that OXY has remarkable protective effects on gastric ulcers. The action of OXY may be mediated via suppression of gastric inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and pro-apoptotic actions, which were the results of blockades of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our results provide evidence for the beneficial effects of OXY for treating peptic ulcers.

take the travel time distribution of elastic wave of engineering medium acquired by using elastic wave CT technology when the engineering quality testing as the research object, select the SIRT technology to complete inversion of wave velocity data to construct distribution image of wave velocity. The main content of the research is inversion techniques of CT data. Key technology is to introduce Fluorescence Molecular Tomography based on ray equation or wave equation, and carry out the iterative reconstruction of data, calculate the travel time distribution of elastic wave in the project media into wave velocity distribution, so that the image has a clearer description about detected object. Establish a set of elastic wave CT data imaging inversion platform, and make the CT image reflect the actual project quality more realistically through image optimizing.

When the synthetic aperture focusing technology (SAFT) is used for the detection of the concrete, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and detection depth are not satisfactory. Therefore, the application of SAFT is usually limited. In this paper, we propose an improved SAFT technique for the detection of concrete based on the pulse compression technique used in the Radar domain. The proposed method first transmits a linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal, and then compresses the echo signal using the matched filtering method, after which a compressed signal with a narrower main lobe and higher SNR is obtained. With our improved SAFT, the compressed signals are manipulated in the imaging process and the image contrast is improved. Results show that the SNR is improved and the imaging resolution is guaranteed compared with the conventional short-pulse method. From theoretical and experimental results, we show that the proposed method can suppress noise and improve imaging contrast, and can also be used to detect multiple defects in concrete.

In this paper, a fuzzy controller of hydraulic dynamometer water supply pressure was realized by Mamdani fuzzy inference system. The schema of database of fuzzy inference rules and member functions was introduced. An algorithm of fuzzy inference based on VC++6.0 was presented.

Axial flow compressors work as an indispensable device in industry fields. Surge is a phenomenon of aerodynamic instability, which characterized by disruption of flow. When a compressor works in surge state, the vibration is so intense that it may causes accidents. Detecting surge timely and accurately not only insure safety of compressors but also is a key of active control of aerodynamic instability. Support vector data description (SVDD) is a one-class classification method developed based on the theory of support vector machine (SVM). In this paper, we introduce SVDD into the field of compressor surge detection. It demonstrates that SVDD method can give a warning far ahead of surge.

The performance degeneration of components not only reduces the economy of aircraft engine, but also serious threat to the flight safety. Neural network with learning and reasoning abilities is widely used in fault diagnosis. In this paper, a neural network is established with improved BP method. 9 measured parameters of an aircraft engine are selected as features parameters. 21 kinds of gas path failure modes are coded with 5 bits. The data preprocessing methods and the effect of measurement noise are also discussed.

Engine running plays very important roles in a turbo-shaft engine production and maintenance. Traditional computer aided testing is just work as a data acquisition system to measure parameters and control some devices. In this paper, a CAT system is realized based on VXI and virtual instrument technology, which also communicate with the PLC, the ECU and the dynamometer, to provide a centralized information system for a turbo-shaft engine running. Multi-functions are realized to assistant users before, during and after experiments.

Aero engine running is complex mechanical experiments. In the last two decades, many computer aided testing (CAT) systems were developed and employed in aero engine running. Traditionally, the main role of a CAT system is data acquisition, which developed with the client/server (C/S) architecture. Now, a CAT system plays more and more important roles in information management, such as measurement channels management, experiment design and management, data analysis and report management, and so on. Users may work on local place or on remote. So, it is not only a data acquisition system, but also an information system. In this paper, we introduce hybrid architecture of C/S and browser/server (B/S) to take advantages of both of them. For local users, clients are realized to provide local monitor and operation. For remote users, browsers provide not only real-time measurement data, but also querying and management of the history data. It demonstrates that the CAT system meets the requirement of aero engine running.

Sub-bottom profiler is a kind of underwater acoustic imaging equipment. It can scan the sub-water stratums with acoustic signals and presents the section imaging. The frequency rang and transmitting power are key points to choice a suitable profiler. Generally, high frequency means high resolution and small imaging range. Transmitting power affects the imaging range also. Sub-bottom profiler can tell hydraulic and civil engineers what the embankments’ foundation like, especially the distribution of enrockments. With these information, engineers can evaluate the safety of embankments and decide what to do to keep them standing strong. A typical profiler called X-Star and a series of experiments carried on Yellow River, the famous sediment-laden and the 2nd longest river of China.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopic variceal obturation with tissue adhesive is used to control gastric variceal bleeding. We investigated the prevalence of serious complications from this therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of complications that occurred in 753 patients with gastric variceal hemorrhages who were hospitalized in 2 tertiary referral hospitals. All patients received N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate as therapy for endoscopic variceal obturation. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 51 patients. Thirty-three patients experienced rebleeding because of early-onset (within 3 months) extrusion of the N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue cast (4.4%), 10 patients developed sepsis (1.3%), and 5 patients developed distant embolisms (0.7%; 1 pulmonary, 1 brain, and 3 splenic). One patient had major gastric variceal bleeding after endoscopic variceal obturation (0.1%), 1 developed a large gastric ulcer (0.1%), and 1 had mesentery hematoma, hemoperitoneum, and infection in the abdominal cavity (0.1%). The complication-related mortality was 0.53% (3 deaths from sepsis and 1 death from rebleeding after early-onset glue cast extrusion). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of complications after endoscopic variceal obturation with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in gastric varices treatment is rare.

Development of a versatile mammalian display system is essential for the selection of functional human antibodies with high affinities. Here we described a novel strategy for rapid construction of full-length antibody libraries that could be efficiently expressed on mammalian cell surfaces. The universal vector pDGB-HC-TM was constructed by inserting multiple cloning site unique sequences recognized by restriction endonucleases BsmBI, SfiI, and BstXI for the pop-in and pop-out of genes of interest. Cytomegalovirus promoter, a commonly used promoter for high expression of proteins in a variety of mammalian cells, was used to drive expression of the inserted antibody genes and a transmembrane domain from platelet-derived growth factor receptor was fused in frame to the C-terminus of heavy chain consistent region to anchor the antibody expressed on the mammalian cell surface. Using this strategy, we constructed a full-length human antibody display library. DNA sequence analysis and expression analysis indicated that the library constructed had a combinatory expressible, detectable diversity of 6.58 x 10(10).

Background: Progression of disease after hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection differs among individuals, indicating a possibility of participation of host genetic factors. 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS-1), an important component of the innate immune system, has an antiviral function, and may therefore have a certain relationship with progression of disease. Aim: To evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OAS-1 and its relationship with the disease status of HCV infection. Methods: Six SNPs of OAS-1 were selected and examined in 409 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection using the TaqMan PCR genotyping method. The relationship of SNP genotypes and clinical manifestations of patients was analysed. Then, a pair of OAS-1-expression plasmids mimicking the clinical-related SNPs were created and transfected into liver cells carrying the HCV subgenomic replicon or the full-length genome, JFH1, and HCV replication after transfection was compared. Results: Patients with genotypes A/A, A/G and G/G of an SNP of OAS-1 at the exon 3 of its coding sequence were at gradient increased risks of suffering from higher serum alanine aminotransferase (P

Background and aims: Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) has been shown to play an essential role in the transcriptional activation of virus-inducible cellular genes, especially IFN genes. Polymorphisms of the IRF-7 gene may probably affect both the quality and the quantity of IRF-7. We investigated the role of IRF-7 polymorphisms in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: We studied a total of nine polymorphisms of the IRF-7 gene including SNP1047A/G (Lys/Glu) and SNP2157A/G (Gln/Arg) using the Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing techniques in 406 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection. We further performed functional analysis of SNP1047 and SNP2157 by transcriptional activation of the IFNA promoter. Results: We found that SNP1047AG and SNP2157AG genotypes were in complete linkage disequilibrium and were present in a significantly higher proportion in HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis (5.6%) than in those without cirrhosis (1.7%) (P=0.03). Multivariate analysis also revealed that SNP1047 and SNP2157 were independently associated with cirrhosis at an odds ratio of 2.5. Functional analysis revealed that SNP1047G and SNP2157G alleles increased IFNA expression. Conclusion: SNP1047AG and SNP2157AG genotypes were strongly associated with cirrhosis. SNP1047G and SNP2157G alleles might be used as markers of host factors associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis in Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection.

Background Gastric varices (GV) are life-threatening for patients with portal hypertension. Endoscopic injection with butyl cyanoacrylate (BC), the mainstay of the therapy for GV, has been reported to be effective for hemostasis of bleeding varices, but its efficacy in the obliteration of GV and impact on the survival of patients still needs clarification. Here we summarized our experience of 10 years' practice to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic therapy using BC for GV patients. Methods From January 1997 to April 2006, GV cases treated with endoscopic injection using BC were collected. The "sandwich method" and the "modified sandwich method" were used to inject BC intravascularly. Retrograde analysis was made on the data of treatment and follow-up. Results A total of 635 GV cases treated with endoscopic injection using BC were collected, most of them (90.2%) suffered from post-hepatitis cirrhosis. Emergency hemostasis was achieved in 139 out of 146 sessions (95.2%). Complications occurred in 32 cases (5.2%), including hemorrhage due to early expulsion of tissue glue (3.1%), septicemia (1%) and ectopic thrombosis (0.5%), such as spleen infarction. Endoscopic follow-up in 503 patients showed complete disappearance (76.9%), collapse (17.3%) or remnants (5.8%) of gastric varices. A total of 550 patients were followed up clinically for 3 to 115 months. Of these patients, 44 had recurrent bleeding (8.0%) and 44 died from hepatic failure, recurrent bleeding, hepatic carcinoma or other causes. The longest survival was 115 months, with a median survival of 25 months. Survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 year were 95%, 92%, 90%, 83% and 81%, respectively. Conclusions Endoscopic sclerotherapy with BC is effective for the hemostasis of bleeding GV, as well as obliteration of GV which contributes to less rebleeding and better survival. The modified sandwich method may be useful to minimize ectopic embolism, which we speculated to result from excess iodized oil.

Introduction: Infection of pathogenic microorganisms is an important reason for autoimmune diseases (ADs). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1) is a key mediator in infection immunity, while the gene of IRAK1 is recognized as a risk gene in ADs. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IRAK1 (rs3027898, rs1059702, rs1059703) are considered to be associated with ADs risk. However, the results are conflicting. We conducted this study to get more precise estimations. Methodology: PubMed, OvidSP, and CNKI databases (published prior to August 2014) were searched, and data was extracted from eligible studies. The procedure of statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. A random effect model or fixed effect model was chosen based on the between-study heterogeneities. Results: Of the studies involved, 11 studies included 10,705 cases (9,865 controls) for rs3027898, 9 studies included 15,005 cases (14,997 controls) for rs1059702, and 7 studies included 8,115 cases (6,815 controls) for rs1059703. Overall, the results showed that there were significant associations with ADs risk in three genetic models for rs3027898 and in four genetic models for rs1059702, but in neither model for rs1059703. Moreover, in stratified analyses, different extents of associations were found in some different genetic models for all three SNPs. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that these three SNPs (rs3027898, rs1059702, rs1059703) in IRAK1 were associated with ADs risk.

Background Published data showed that the susceptibility of autoimmune diseases (ADs) was associated with the polymorphism rs2910164 in microRNA-146a (miR-146a). However, the results remain controversial so far. Two meta-analyses published in 2013 and 2014 came to opposite conclusions. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we performed this meta-analysis. Methods We searched the PubMed, OvidSP and CNKI databases (published prior to September 8th, 2014) and extracted data from eligible studies. The procedure of meta-analysis was performed by using the Stata 12.0 software. Random effect model or fixed effect model were chosen respectively, according to the between study heterogeneities. Results A total of 24 case-control studies, 11 more than previous meta-analysis on this topic, were involved. We took stratified analyses by different ethnicities and different types of diseases in different genetic models. In Caucasian subgroup, significant increased risks of GC genotype and GC+CC genotype with ADs susceptibility were found in heterozygote model (GC vs GG, OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.83, p = 0.024) and dominant model (GC+CC vs GG, OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.85, p = 0.041), respectively. Meanwhile, in other disease subgroup, significant increased risks of C allele, CC genotype and GC+CC genotype were found in allele model (C vs G, OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.31, p = 0.010), homozygote model (CC vs GG, OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.84, p = 0.006) and dominant model (GC+CC vs GG, OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.51, p = 0.020), respectively. Conclusions MiR-146a rs2910164 G>C polymorphism was associated with the susceptibility of ADs.

Objectives Although myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been linked to T cell tolerance, their role in autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains elusive. Here we investigate the potential association of MDSCs with the disease pathogenesis using a preclinical model of RA and specimen collected from patients with RA. Methods The frequency of MDSCs in blood, lymphoid tissues, inflamed paws or synovial fluid and their association with disease severity, tissue inflammation and the levels of pathogenic T helper (Th) 17 cells were examined in arthritic mice or in patients with RA (n=35) and osteoarthritis (n=15). The MDSCs in arthritic mice were also characterised for their phenotype, inflammation status, T cell suppressive activity and their capacity of pro-Th17 cell differentiation. The involvement of MDSCs in the disease pathology and a Th17 response was examined by adoptive transfer or antibody depletion of MDSCs in arthritic mice or by coculturing mouse or human MDSCs with naive CD4+ T cells under Th17-polarising conditions. Results MDSCs significantly expanded in arthritic mice and in patients with RA, which correlated positively with disease severity and an inflammatory Th17 response. While displaying T cell suppressive activity, MDSCs from arthritic mice produced high levels of inflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α). Mouse and human MDSCs promoted Th17 cell polarisation ex vivo. Transfer of MDSCs facilitated disease progression, whereas their elimination in arthritic mice ameliorated disease symptoms concomitant with reduction of IL-17A/Th17 cells. Conclusions Our studies suggest that proinflammatory MDSCs with their capacity to drive Th17 cell differentiation may be a critical pathogenic factor in autoimmune arthritis.

To investigate the effect of enhanced nutritional therapy on wound healing after endoscopic therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices.Fifty patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices were randomly divided into an enhanced nutritional therapy group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). The enhanced nutritional therapy group received one week of enhanced nutritional supplementation, including liver nutritional elements, prior to routine endoscopic therapy. The routine without any change to their diet. The rate of transformation and status of wound healing of esophageal varices were compared between the two groups.The ratio of ulcers occurring at the injection site was lower in the enhanced nutrition group than in the control group (16/25 vs. 23/25; x2 = 5.711, P = 0.017). The enhanced nutrition group had only one case of minimal bleeding occurring during endoscopy as compared to the seven cases of bleeding in the control group (x2 = 5.357, P = 0.021). On average, the enhanced nutrition group required less sessions of endoscopic treatment to achieve eradication of esophageal varices than the control group (3.8 vs. 4.1; t = 2.069, P = 0.044).Pre-endoscopic enhanced nutritional therapy may benefit patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices by promoting recovery of procedure-related local tissue injury and occlusion of varices.

The display of full-length antibody on the cell surface was achieved by fusing a transmembrane domain of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) to the C-terminus of the heavy chain constant region. We also incorporated a furin cleavage site between the constant region and PDGFR transmembrane domain to obtain secreted antibodies. As a result, antibodies can be expressed simultaneously on the cell surface in a membrane-anchored version for screening and selecting through fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, as well as in conditioned medium in a secreted version for function analysis.

The effect of the activators and surfactants in halogen-free fluxes on the wettability of Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder on Cu substrate (or under bump metallization, UBM) was investigated in this study. The spreading area of Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder on Cu substrate was used to estimate the wetting performance of the solder influenced by the activators with different amounts added in halogen-free fluxes. The wetting time (t) and wetting force (Fmax) of Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni solder on Cu substrate were used to evaluate the wetting performance of the solder influenced by the surfactants with different amounts added in halogen-free fluxes. The results show that the flux formula with a composition design of “citric acid: glutaric acid: adipic acid = 1: 3: 6” provides the best activity for soldering, and 0.10% surfactant dosage could be the optimal concentration in halogen-free fluxes. Moreover, fluorosurfactant (FC4430) performs much better in improving the wettability of the solder in terms of wetting time and wetting force than both cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl surfactant (SDS) when the dosage is more than 0.10%.

Both selenium (Se) and polysaccharides from Pyracantha fortuneana (Maxim.) Li (PFPs) (P. fortuneana) have been reported to possess antioxidative and immuno-protective activities. Whether or not Se-containing polysaccharides (Se-PFPs) have synergistic effect of Se and polysaccharides on enhancing the antioxidant and immune activities remains to be determined. We previously reported that polysaccharides isolated from Se-enriched P. fortuneana (Se-PFPs) possessed hepatoprotective effects. However, it is not clear whether or not they have anti-mutagenic effects. In the present study, we compared and evaluated anti-mutagenic effects of Se-PFPs at three concentrations (1.35, 2.7 and 5.4 g/kg body weight) with those of PFPs, Se alone or Se + PFPs in mice using micronucleus assay in bone marrow and peripheral blood as well as mitomycin C-induced chromosomal aberrations in mouse testicular cells. We also elucidated the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that Se-PFPs inhibited cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced micronucleus formation in both bone marrow and peripheral blood, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in mouse liver, and reduced the activity and expression of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP4501A) in mouse liver in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that the anti-mutagenic potential of Se-PFPs was higher than those of PFPs, Se alone or Se + PFPs at the same level. These results suggest that the anti-mutagenic potential of Se-PFPs may be mediated through the inhibition of the activity and expression of CYP4501A. This study indicates that application of Se-PFPs may provide an alternative strategy for cancer therapy by targeting CYP1A family.

Saikosaponin a (SSa), a main constituent of the Chinese herbBupleurum chinenseDC., has been demonstrated to have antiepileptic activity. Recent studies have shown that SSa could inhibit NMDA receptor current and persistent sodium current. However, the effects of SSa on potassium (K+) currents remain unclear. In this study, we tested the effect of SSa on 4AP-induced epileptiform discharges and K+currents in CA1 neurons of rat hippocampal slices. We found that SSa significantly inhibited epileptiform discharges frequency and duration in hippocampal CA1 neurons in the 4AP seizure model in a dose-dependent manner with anIC50of 0.7 μM. SSa effectively increased the amplitude ofITotalandIA, significantly negative-shifted the activation curve, and positive-shifted steady-state curve ofIA. However, SSa induced no significant changes in the amplitude and activation curve ofIK. In addition, SSa significantly increased the amplitude of 4AP-sensitive K+current, while there was no significant change in the amplitude of TEA-sensitive K+current. Together, our data indicate that SSa inhibits epileptiform discharges induced by 4AP in a dose-dependent manner and that SSa exerts selectively enhancing effects onIA. These increases inIAmay contribute to the anticonvulsant mechanisms of SSa.

Linear frequency signal (LFM) signal is first used in radar fields due to its remarkable properties, such as wide bandwidth, high energy and high signal-to noise ration. LFM excitation has recently been introduced in medical ultrasonic scanning, and much exciting results were obtained by research staffs. However, there is little study aiming to inspect solid materials utilizing coded excitation. In the present study, LFM signal were distinguished with pulsed compression method even merged noise. LFM signal with large time-bandwidth product can be designed theoretically, but the limited bandwidth of a transducer will lead to energy loss. Several coded signals were used to excite transducer, then the received signals' amplitude and spectrum were analyzed. The results show that the amplitude will decrease when the frequency exceed the transducer's bandwidth. In order to investigate the transmitting law in solid materials, the waveform and spectrum were analyzed after LFM signals penetrating steel materials with different thickness. Through the analysis, it is found that wave at high frequency band attenuates much quickly than wave at low frequency band. The results of investigations of the field structure in a steel plate are provided. The results of measured pressure field distributions before and after compression were compared with the recorded signals using short pulse excitation. The characteristics of waveform and spectrum were analyzed with LFM coded excitation. The SNR of LFM signal at output side will be improved with pulsed compression method. At the same time, the range resolution increase after matched filter. The sound field on the surface of a steel plate was measured using several LFM coded signal excavating. This paper shows the feasibility of inspecting steel material with LFM signals.

The hypo-eutectic Sn-Zn based solder alloys were developed by adding Bi and mixed rare earth (MRE) elements in this study. The melting characteristics of the modified Sn-Zn-Bi-MRE solders were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the wettability of the solders on Cu substrate was evaluated by the spreading test. The microstructural features of the solders and the intermetallic compound (IMC) formation at the solder/Cu interface were characterized by SEM-EDS. Results show that the Sn-5Zn-5Bi solder has the best wettability among the Sn-Zn-Bi series solders. The addition of Bi element decreases the melting temperature evidently, while MRE has almost no influence on the melting temperature but can improve the wettability and refine the microstructure of the solders. During soldering, Cu5Zn8 IMC phase is formed at the solder/Cu interface, addition of MRE can make the IMC layer much thinner.

To construct a rheumatoid arthritis-specific full-length fully human mammalian display antibody libraries.Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The repertoires of kappa light chain (LCκ) and heavy chain variable region (VH) of the antibodies were amplified by RT-PCR. The amplified LCκ and VH genes were inserted into the vector pDGB-HC-TM separately, and the ligated libraries were transformed into competent E.coli TOPO-10 strain to construct the rheumatoid arthritis-specific antibody heavy and light chain libraries. 293T cells were co-transfected with the libraries and the full-length fully human antibody expressed on the surface of 293T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.The libraries of rheumatoid arthritis-specific antibody LCκ and heavy chain (IgG1) were constructed. The expression of full-length fully human antibody on the surface of 293T cells was confirmed by flow cytometry. With the rates of correct LCκ and heavy chain sequence insertion reaching 80% and 60%, respectively, as shown by DNA sequence analysis of the randomly selected clones, the libraries showed an expressible combinatory diversity of 6.13×10(10).The constructed libraries provide a useful platform for screening rheumatoid arthritis-specific antibodies.

To construct a mammalian cell surface display library of full-length human antibodies.The total RNA was isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the genes encoding the heavy chain variable regions and kappa light chains (VH and Cκ) of the antibodies were amplified by RT-PCR. The amplified VH and Cκ gene sequences were separately inserted into the vector pDGB-HC-TM. The ligation mixtures were transformed into competent E.coli DH5α cells to construct the antibody libraries, and the library sizes and diversity were analyzed. The library DNAs were transfected into CHO cells and the expression of the full-length human antibodies on the surface of CHO cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.The heavy chain gene library constructed showed a diversity of 2.6 × 10(5), and the kappa light chain gene library had a diversity of 2.0 × 10(5). Sequence analysis of 10 clones randomly selected from the constructed heavy chain gene library and 10 from the light chain gene library showed that 8 heavy chain clones and all 10 light chain clones contained correct open reading frames. Flow cytometry demonstrated that all the 18 clones expressed full-length antibodies, which could be detected on CHO cell surfaces. After co-transfection of the heavy chain and light chain gene libraries into CHO cells, the expression of full-length antibodies on CHO cell surfaces was detected with the positive cells reaching 31.5.A full-length human mammalian display antibody library with a combinatory diversity of 5.2 × 10(10) can be constructed in two weeks, which allows the display of full-length antibodies on mammalian cell surface.

To investigate the genes associated with temporal epilepsy and explore the molecular mechanism of epilepsy.The microarray data of temporal epilepsy were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed by bioinformatics methods using String, KEGG and Panther databases.Of all the 71 differentially expressed genes, 51 were found to encode proteins with interactions; the main biological pathways involved included neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, MAPK signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway etc.The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves multiple genes, and investigations of these genes may provide valuable insights into the mechanism of epilepsy.

A unique four-way ligation strategy was developed for rapid construction of a full-length antibody library. A mammalian expression vector was constructed that contained dual mammalian expression cassettes and sequences recognized by the unique restriction enzymes BsmBI, BstXI, and SfiI. Both full-length light-chain and variable domain of heavy-chain genes were inserted into the vector in one step by four-way ligation, and full-length bivalent antibodies were displayed on mammalian cell surfaces. Using this strategy, only 2 weeks were required to successfully construct high-quality, full-length human antibody libraries.

Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a medical emergency and associated with a mortality of 20% at 6 weeks. Significant advances have occurred in the recent past and hence there is a need to update the existing consensus guidelines. There is also a need to include the literature from the Eastern and Asian countries where majority of patients with portal hypertension (PHT) live. The expert working party, predominantly from the Asia–Pacific region, reviewed the existing literature and deliberated to develop consensus guidelines. The working party adopted the Oxford system for developing an evidence-based approach. Only those statements that were unanimously approved by the experts were accepted. AVB is defined as a bleed in a known or suspected case of PHT, with the presence of hematemesis within 24 h of presentation, and/or ongoing melena, with last melanic stool within last 24 h. The time frame for the AVB episode is 48 h. AVB is further classified as active or inactive at the time of endoscopy. Combination therapy with vasoactive drugs (

To construct human renal cell carcinoma patient-specific full-length antibody library using mammalian cell surface display technique.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from patients with renal cell carcinoma. The repertoires of kappa light chain (LCkappa) and heavy chain variable region (VH) of antibody were amplified by RT-PCR. The LCkappa and VH libraries were inserted into the vector pDGB-HC-TM separately, and the ligated libraries were transformed into competent E.coli TOPO10 to construct the renal cell carcinoma patient-specific antibody heavy and light chain libraries. 293T cells were co-transfected with the libraries and the full-length human antibodies expressed on the surface of 293T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.The libraries of renal cell carcinoma-specific antibody kappa light chain (LCkappa) and heavy chain (IgG1) were constructed. The expression of the full-length human antibodies on the surface of 293T cell was confirmed by flow cytometry. The libraries showed an expressible combinatory diversity of 7.5x10(10).The expressible antibody library provides a useful platform for screening of renal cell carcinoma-specific antibodies.

To study the effects of UV irradiation on DNA ligation and transformation efficiency of the expression vector into competent bacterial cells.The expression vector was digested with the restriction enzyme SfiI, and the purified target DNA fragments were exposed to UV light at different wavelengths. Ligation and transformation experiments with the exposed fragments were carried out and the colony number and transformation efficiency were assessed.The transformation efficiency of the DNA with a 5-min exposure to 302 nm UV was 60 colonies per nanogram of the DNA, as compared with 20400 for the DNA exposed to 365 nm UV. The time course experiment showed that prolonged DNA exposure to 365 nm UV light was associated with lowered transformation efficiency. DNA exposure for 30 min caused a reduction of the transformation efficiency to lower than 50% compared to that of DNA without UV exposure. But with a 15 min exposure, the DNA maintained a transformation efficiency more than 70%, which was sufficient for most molecular biology experiments.In construction of the expression vector, it is advisable to prevent the target DNA from UV exposure. When UV exposure is essential, we suggest that 365 nm UV be used and the exposure time controlled within 15 min.

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a biweekly DOF regimen consisting of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin for advanced gastric cancer.The biweekly DOF regimen was administered in 37 advanced gastric cancer patients. Docetaxel, oxaliplatin and leucovorin were given intravenously at a dose of 35 mg/m2, 85 mg/m2 and 200 mg/m2 for 1 h, 2 h and 2 h on D1, respectively, and 5-Fu was administered as continuous intravenous infusion for 48 h at a dose of 1500 mg/m2 on D1 and D2. This regimen was repeated every 2 weeks. The efficacy and toxicity were evaluated after completion of 3 cycles at least.The overall response rate (RR) of this series was 67.6%, complete response rate and partial response rate were 27.0% and 40.5%, respectively. The time to progression (TTP) was 9.2 months, and median survival time (MST) was 13.7 months. The RRs of 11 chemotherpy-naïve patients and 26 patients pre-treated with chemotherapy were 81.8% and 61.5%, respectively.Our preliminary results showed that this biweekly combination regimen of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin is effective and tolerable for advanced gastric cancer. However, further investigation of this regimen is mandatory.

Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) has been shown to play an essential role in the transcriptional activation of virus-inducible cellular genes, especially IFN genes. Polymorphisms of the IRF-7 gene may probably affect both the quality and the quantity of IRF-7. We investigated the role of IRF-7 polymorphisms in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.We studied a total of nine polymorphisms of the IRF-7 gene including SNP1047A/G (Lys/Glu) and SNP2157A/G (Gln/Arg) using the Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing techniques in 406 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection. We further performed functional analysis of SNP1047 and SNP2157 by transcriptional activation of the IFNA promoter.We found that SNP1047AG and SNP2157AG genotypes were in complete linkage disequilibrium and were present in a significantly higher proportion in HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis (5.6%) than in those without cirrhosis (1.7%) (P=0.03). Multivariate analysis also revealed that SNP1047 and SNP2157 were independently associated with cirrhosis at an odds ratio of 2.5. Functional analysis revealed that SNP1047G and SNP2157G alleles increased IFNA expression.SNP1047AG and SNP2157AG genotypes were strongly associated with cirrhosis. SNP1047G and SNP2157G alleles might be used as markers of host factors associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis in Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection.

To investigate the effect of saikosaponin alpha (SSalpha) on experimental epilepsy in rats.Acute epileptic seizure was induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in rats, and the seizure incubation period and the number of rats with tetanic convulsion were recorded to study the antiepileptic effect of SSalpha.After treatment with SSalpha, the incubation period of PTZ-induced seizure was significantly prolonged (P0.01), and the rate of tetanic convulsion was significantly reduced (P0.05).SSalpha can inhibit epileptic seizure induced by PTZ.

To investigate the effect of the total saponin of Panax ginseng (TSPG) on gene expression profile of K562 cells using microarray technique.The total RNA were extracted and purified from K562 cells treated by 200 microg/ml TSPG for 3 days, and untreated K562 cells cultured in parallel served as the control. cRNAs were synthesized and labeled with Cy3 and Cy5 respectively. The labeled cRNA fragments were hybridized with Agilent human 1B 60 mer oligonucleotide microarray, which was then scanned to reveal the changes of gene expression profile in relation to TSPG treatment.Totally 362 differentially expressed genes were identified in TSPG-treated K562 cells, including 20 up-regulated ones (consisting of metabolism-associated genes, signal transduction-associated genes and cell receptor-associated genes etc) and 342 down-regulated ones (consisting of immunity and defense-associated genes, DNA-binding and transcription genes, metabolism-associated genes and cell cycle-associated genes etc). Changes in expressions of FOSL1, E2F2, CCNE2 and ODZ1 were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.TSPG may induce changes in the gene expression profile in k562 cells possibly relevant to the anti-tumor mechanism of TSPG.

To study the effect of saikosaponins, the active ingredients of Bupleurum chinense DC. on glutamate and GABA expressions in the hippocampus of slow kindling rats induced by pentetrazole.Forty-eight healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups, namely the blank control group (group A), normal saline (NS) group (group B), sodium valproate group (group C), and 3 saikosaponins groups of high, medium and small doses (groups D, E, and F, respectively). The rats in each group other than group A were given corresponding treatments after slow kindling by pentetrazole. After 4 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrifices and the brain tissues were sampled, sliced and stained by immunohistochemically, and the results were analyzed according to the positive cell number and gray scale.In CA1 region, the glutamate-positive cell number and gray scale of group B was significantly different from the other groups (P0.05), but such difference was not observed in the CA2 and DG (P0.05); In CA1, CA2 and DG of the hippocampus, the GABA-positive cell number of group B was significantly greater but the gray scale lower than those of the other groups (P0.05). In CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus, the glutamate- and GABA-positive cell ratio of group B was significantly lower than that of the other groups (P0.05), but in CA1, CA2, and DG region of the hippocampus, the ratio of gray scale between glutamate- and GABA-positive cells was comparable between the groups (P0.05).The expression of glutamate and GABA, especially the latter, increased in chronic kindling rat hippocampus. Saikosaponins intervene in such changes of glutamate and GABA to contain their expressions within normal range, which may be one of the mechanisms of saikosaponins to inhibit slow kindling induced by pentetrazole.

Repetitive impurity snake modes are observed after H—L mode transitions (high to low confinement modes) in EAST plasmas exhibiting multiple H—L—H transitions. Such snake modes are observed to lower the core plasma toroidal rotation. A critical impurity strength factor associated with snake-mode formation is estimated to be as high as αZ,c = nZ,cZ2/ne ~ 0.75. These observations have implications for ITER H-mode sustainability when the heating power is only slightly above the H-mode power threshold.

AIM: To investigate the effect of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices. METHODS: Eligible patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices who consulted two tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China, the Chinese Second Artillery General Hospital and Chinese PLA General Hospital, were enrolled in the study from January 2005 to December 2009. Of 117 patients, 79 received treatment with different nucleoside analogs and 38 served as controls. Bleeding rate, change in variceal grade and non-bleeding duration were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify factors related to esophageal variceal bleeding. RESULTS: The bleeding rate was decreased in the antiviral group compared to the control group (29.1% vs 65.8%, P < 0.001). Antiviral therapy was an independent factor related to esophageal bleeding in multivariate analysis (HR = 11.3, P < 0.001). The mean increase in variceal grade per year was lower in the antiviral group (1.0 ± 1.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.2, P = 0.003). Non-bleeding duration in the antiviral group was prolonged in the Kaplan-Meier model. Viral load rebound was observed in 3 cases in the lamivudine group and in 1 case in the adefovir group, all of whom experienced bleeding. Entecavir and adefovir resulted in lower bleeding rates (17.2% and 28.6%, respectively) than the control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively), whereas lamivudine (53.3%) did not (P = 0.531). CONCLUSION: Antiviral therapy delays the progression of esophageal varices and reduces bleeding risk in HBV-related cirrhosis, however, high-resistance agents tend to be ineffective for long-term treatment.

The nonlinear fast magnetoacoustic solitary waves in a dust plasma with the combined effects of bounded cylindrical geometry and transverse perturbation are investigated in a new equation. In this regard, cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (CKP) equation is derived using the small amplitude perturbation expansion method. Under a suitable coordinate transformation, the CKP equation can be solved analytically. It is shown that the dust cylindrical fast magnetoacoustic solitary waves can exist in the CKP equation. The present investigation may have relevance in the study of nonlinear electromagnetic soliton waves both in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.