Search

Correlation analysis between main chemical constituents of tobacco leaves and endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke was conducted. Leaf stalk positions exhibited a high relation with endogenous harmful components and hazard index (H). Upper stalk position leaves had greater release of l-butanone,4-(methylnitrosoamino)-l-(3-pyridinyl)- (NNK), B[a]P, HCN, NH3 and phenol in mainstream cigarette smoke, and a higher hazard index than middle position leaves except for crotonaldehyde, which had greater release from middle position leaves. Different endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke presented complicated correlation with main chemical constituents in tobacco. The same type of leaf chemical constituents presented different correlations with various endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke. Cigarette hazard index showed significantly positive correlations with contents of nicotine, protein, total nitrogen, major polyphenols and organic acids, while significantly negative correlation with potassium and carbonaceous substances, such as total sugars, reducing sugars and starch. The results suggested that properly increasing potassium content and decreasing nitrogenous constituents in cured tobacco leaf may reduce the cigarette hazard index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]The effects of long-term storage on germination and osmotic regulation substances in tobacco seed under low temperature stress were explored to provide references for seed storage and growing seedlings at low temperature. [Method] Naked seeds of tobacco variety(Honghuadajinyuan) stored for 0 year and 15 years were used as experiment materials, and the effects of low temperature at 16 °C (25 °C as control) on their seed germination and osmotic regulation substances were studied. [Result]In this study, naked seeds stored for 0 year cultivated at 25 °C had the highest germination rate (95.9%), while naked seeds stored for 15 years cultivated at 16 °C had the lowest (67.8%). Germination vigor, germination index and vigor index were significantly reduced under low temperature and long-term storage respectively. Naked seeds stored for 0 year cultivated at 25 °C had the longest root length (2.71 cm), while naked seeds stored for 15 years cultivated at 16 °C had the shortest (0.91 cm) . Low temperature and long-term storage could inhibit roots and hypocotyl of seedling. Meanwhile, low temperature and long-term storage could promote accumulation of free proline and soluble sugar in tobacco seedlings. [Conclusion ]These results indicated that low temperature and long-term storage could inhibit the germination and seedling growth of tobacco seed, and promote accumulation of osmotic regulation substances, hence tobacco seeds should not be stored for a long time in manufacturing and during seedling they should be kept at the optimal storage temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multicast technology is one of the key technologies of wireless mesh network (MSN) and it can improve the efficiency of transmitting information significantly. This paper introduces the main steps of multicast and points out that ant colony algorithm (ANA) is an efficient heuristic algorithm for constructing a multicast tree. The traditional ANA is analyzed qualitatively and improved by taking the target nodes on one route under consideration when calculating the route's cost and updating the pheromone. The more target nodes on one route, the faster the increasing rate of pheromone on this route. The simulation results of two examples show that the improved algorithm can reduce the cost and price by 28.57% and 22.36% respectively compared with ANA, thus improving the performance of multicast system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of the motor has been the focus of research in related fields. The negative effects of PWM control technology further increases the complexity and difficulty of the motor reliability analysis. Currently there are no systematic analyses on the influences and failure mechanism caused by PWM pulses. Winding insulation and bearing are two vulnerable parts in motor. In the paper, firstly the failure mechanism caused by PWM pulses is expounded, and some typical results are introduced in winding insulation and bearing reliability, and the research status of the overall motor life prediction techniques is summarized. Finally the unresolved problems is dicussed, and the possible domains in future are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the roof movement features of fully-mechanized top coal mining in soft large inclined angle seams, the overlaying strata displacement, roof weighting step and mining pressure appearance were researched by using analogy simulation tests and the field monitoring. The results showed that overlaying strata sinked asymmetry and maximum subsidence decreased with increasing height in the process of mining face. The greatest strength and biggest weakness of mining pressure appearance were upper and lower part, taking on faster in the middle than in the ends. The maximum abutment pressure was in 17~ 25 m ahead the working face, the support strength should be strengthened within 40 m ahead the working face. The test results and field observation were in substantial agreement, which could provide the guidance references to the hydraulic powered support selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of hydrological cycle of terrestrial ecosystem. To study the seasonal and inter -annual ET variation patterns of typical ecosystems is essential to better understand the water cycle process and to provide reference for the rational utilization of water resources. By using eddy covariance method, this paper studied the seasonal and inter-annual variation characteristics of ET and water budget in an alpine shrub meadow ecosystem in Haibei of Qinghai from 2003 to 2011. There was an obvious seasonal variation of ET in the study area in 2003-2011, with the maximum (4. 4-5. 7 mm · d-1 ) in the vigorous growth season (July- August) and the minimum (0. 09±0. 04 mm · d-1) in January or December. The annual ET varied greatly among the nine consecutive years, being 451. 3 mm in 2010 and 681. 3 mm in 2007. More than 70% of the annual ET occurred in the growth season from May to September. The average ratio of annual ET to annual precipitation was 1. 06 ±0. 17, indicating that the water budget of this ecosystem was nearly balanced at year scale, and almost all the precipitation was released into atmosphere by ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To build the physical model of four suturae which are related to the growth of maxilla in the three-dimensional finite-element model of maxillofacial bones. Methods A 16 years old volunteer with individual normal occlusion, good periodontium health condition and without diseases of temporomandibular joint was chosen to be the material of modeling. The three-dimensional finite-element model of the volunteer's maxillofacial bones was built using the CT scan and the finite-element modeling method. Finally we built the physical model of four suturae which were related to the growth of maxilla in the model of maxillofacial bones. Results The model of maxillofacial bones with 86 575 nodes and 485 915 elements was generated. This model contained four suturae including sutura frontomaxillaris, sutura zygomaticomaxillaris, sutura temporozygomatica and sutura pterygopalatine. Conclusion A three-dimensional finite-element model of maxillofacial bones with good biological similarity was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus etunicatum on the growth, relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthesis of maize (Zea mays L.) plants under low temperature (15°C and 5°C)stress. Low temperature decreased the AM root colonization. The shoot and root dry mass and the relative chlorophyll content of AM maize plants were higher than those of non-AM maize plants. AM maize plants had higher maximal fluorescence (Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv), maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and potential photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fo), and lower primary fluorescence(Fo), compared with non-AM maize plants, and the differences were significant under 5°C condition. The photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) of maize inoculated with G. etunicatum increased markedly. Under low temperature stress, the stomatal conductance (Gs) of AM maize plants was significantly higher than that of non-AM maize plants,while the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of AM maize plants was notably lower than that of non-AM maize plants. It was suggested that AM fungi could alleviate the low temperature damage on maize plants via improving their leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence, and enhance the low temperature tolerance of maize plants, resulting in the promotion of host plant growth and the increase of host plant biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in post-orthodontic demineralized enamel lesion surface areas after using casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). METHODS: Ten orthodontic patients (mean age, 17.7 years) were involved in this study who had multiple decalcified enamel lesion after fixed orthodontic therapy. Ten percent of CPP-ACP paste(GC Tooth Mousse, Recaldent, Europe)was taught to spread on tooth surface two times per day immediately after tooth brush. Standardized intraoral images were taken before and after using it. Image analysis software Image-Pro Plus was used to quantify the visible areas of the demineralized lesions which were expressed as a percentage of total labial surface areas of each tooth. The measurement data before and after using CPP-ACP for 1 month and 2 months were analyzed by paired t test. The measurement of image was repeated again 1 month later to determine the repeatability of the method by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient between the two results of analysis with SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: CPP-ACP significantly reduced the visible enamel demineralization (P<0.01, paired t test). The mean reduction in lesion size after treatment was 4.89%( SD:2.05%; 95% CI: 1.93%-8.77%) for 1 month, and 2 months was 8.359%(SD: 3.472%; 95%CI: 3.76%-15.01%). The intraclass correlation coefficient between the two measurements was 0.968. CONCLUSIONS: CPP-ACP can effectively improve the long- standing post-orthodontic demineralized enamel white lesion, and the intraoral image analysis is an reliable and repeatable method to measure white spot lesions. Supported by Research Fund from Bureau of Science and Technology of Changchun City (Grant No. 2008108). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the only alkaline polysaccharide in nature, chitosan(CTS) is haracterized by its unique physiological activity, good film-forming capacity, well adsorption and antibacterial properties. Various pharmaceutical preparations and clinical applications of CTS and its derivatives have proved the practicability of CTS products in the field of pharmaceutical preparations. CTS and its derivatives have a good development prospect in the field of medicine and clinical application.

Rapid(vacuum) pressure swing adsorption(RPSA or RVPSA) is featured by short cycle time and quick pressure change,which may lead to great variations of flow and mass and heat transfer in the adsorber. The effects of adsorption and desorption pressure on the velocity and cycling performance in an oxygen-production RPSA bed were investigated in this paper. The results show that during the feed pressurization(PR) step in the RPSA process,the up-flow velocity is far larger than the limit value,and slightly larger than it for the rapid vacuum pressure swing adsorption(RVPSA) process. During the blow-down step in both RPSA and RVPSA,the down-flow velocity is greater than the limit value. In comparison to RPSA,RVPSA exhibits a similar gas temperature change around 10℃ but a larger gas temperature gradient. The bed size factor can be effectively reduced with increased oxygen recovery by increasing the adsorption pressure for RPSA,while by lowering the desorption pressure for RVPSA.

The equilibrium adsorption characteristics of nitrogen adsorbents were tested and a suitable nitrogen adsorbent was selected for producing oxygen by rapid vacuum pressure swing adsorption. Due to low oxygen concentration in the product obtained by traditional rapid pressure swing adsorption,an improved pressurization step with raffinate was developed and experimentally studied in a rapid vacuum pressure swing adsorption system for producing oxygen. The results show that combined pressurization with raffinate and feed gas can effectively improve the oxygen concentration in the product during the rapid vacuum pressure swing adsorption process. The pressure and oxygen concentration of raffinate for pressurizing are key parameters to influence the oxygen concentration in the product,and a higher concentration oxygen product can be obtained by taking an appropriate pressure and a higher oxygen concentration of raffinate. The 90% oxygen can be generated by combined pressurization with raffinate and feed gas during the rapid vacuum pressure swing adsorption process with an adsorption pressure of 240 k Pa and a desorption pressure of 60 k Pa,and the adsorbent productivity is 325. 08 L·h-1·kg-1.

This article reports the flow characteristics and oxygen-enriched effect of round outlet oxygen diffusion at a large space.Experimental results show that the axial maximum velocity and oxygen concentration of oxygen diffusion both decrease with axial distance,and there are large velocity and oxygen concentration gradients within an axial direction range of 0 to 0.6 m. The oxygenenriched regions are similar at different outflow velocities and their concentration profiles are closer to a semi-elliptical form by a smaller outlet diameter at the downstream,which contributes to forming a much larger oxygen-enriched region. A relation between the extended half-width of outer boundary enriched area and the axial distance and a relationship between the oxygen-enriched area and the outflow rate are obtained through function fitting. The oxygen-enriched area formed by dual outlet oxygen diffusion approximately decreases 10% than that by single outlet oxygen diffusion with the same outflow rate; the oxygen-enriched area formed by 6 mmdiameter outlet oxygen diffusion increases about 10% compared to 8 mm-diameter outlet oxygen diffusion.

A 2D axisymmetric mathematical model was developed for an O2 generator and the protective performance of the O2 generator was simulated. The model's rationality was verified by experiments under typical operational conditions. Then, the influ-ences of labor intensity, inlet CO2 volume faction, equivalent diameter of oxygen-generating particles, and pipe diameter at the entrance on the protective performance of the O2 generator were studied by the model. The simulated results show that both labor inten-sity and inlet CO2 volume faction have significant effect on the protective performance of the O2 generator. A higher labor intensity and a higher inlet CO2 volume faction share the same trend, which means a much shorter protective time and a much higher outlet peak temperature. The protective time decreases with increasing equivalent diameter of oxygen-generating particles, exhibiting an approxi-mately negative liner relationship. The protective time for 12 mm particles is 32.15 min shorter than that for 6 mm particles. However, larger particles will lead to a lower outlet peak temperature. Different from the front three factors, pipe diameter at the entrance has limited effect on both the protective time and outlet temperature.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Cyr61 on imatinib (IM) resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and its mechanism., Methods: Cyr61 level in cell culture supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of Cyr61 and Bcl-xL were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using an Annexin V-APC Kit. Expression of signal pathways related proteins was determined by Western blot., Results: The level of Cyr61 obviously increased in K562G cells (IM resistance to CML cell line K562). Down-regulating the expression of Cyr61 decreased the resistance of K562G cells to IM and promoted IM induced apoptosis. In CML mouse model, down-regulating the expression of Cyr61 could increase the sensitivity of K562G cells to IM. The mechanism studies showed that Cyr61 mediated IM resistance in CML cells was related to the regulation of ERK1/2 pathways and apoptosis related molecule Bcl-xL by Cyr61., Conclusion: Cyr61 plays an important role in promoting IM resistance of CML cells. Targeting Cyr61 or its related effectors pathways may be one of the ways to overcome IM resistance of CML cells.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ancient and ubiquitous soil microorganisms, which can form mutually beneficial association with most terrestrial plants. Within the symbiotic relationship, AMF helps their host plants to absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus while obtains carbon from the hosts. AMF plays an important role in agricultural ecosystem, including promoting plant growth, improving crop quality, increasing plant stress resistance, stabilizing soil structure, keeping ecological balance, and maintaining a sustainable agricultural development. We summarized the research advances of AMF in terrestrial agro-ecosystem in recent years, by focusing on AMF species diversity, spatial and temporal distribution, and influence factors of AMF biodiversity in terrestrial agro-ecosystem of China. Further research works were also prospected.

To study the binding capacity of active ingredients of Daidai lipid-lowering flavonoid extract and plasma protein,investigate the ways to improve the traditional formula for calculating protein binding rates based on ultrafiltration,and increase the stability and reliability of the experimental results. UPLC-MS/MS was used to establish a quantitative analysis method for simultaneous determination of active ingredients( neohesperidin and narngin) in ultrafiltrate. The protein binding rates were calculated by the traditional ultrafiltration formula. The correction factors( F) were introduced later,and the binding rates calculated with the correction factors were compared with those without the correction factors. The binding capacity of the extract and plasma protein was evaluated. The quantitative analysis method established by UPLC-MS/MS had a good specificity. The standard curve and linear range,method accuracy,precision and lower limit of quantitation all met the requirements. The method met the requirement for quantitative detection of the active ingredients in ultrafiltrate after the rat plasma was filtrated in the ultrafiltration tube. Under the experimental conditions,the binding rates of both active ingredients( neohesperidin and narngin) were higher than 90%. The active ingredients and rat plasma protein were bound in a concentration-dependent manner,with statistically significant differences( P<0. 01). There was no statistically significant difference between the protein binding abilities of the two active ingredients with rat plasma protein. Therefore,the active ingredients of Daidai lipid-lowering flavonoid extract had a relatively strong binding strength with rat plasma protein,and they were bound in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally,when calculating protein binding rates by the traditional ultrafiltration formula,the correction factors could be introduced to effectively reflect the errors of multiple ingredient groups in traditional Chinese medicine extracts.This correction method could provide a reference thinking and practical reference for the improvement of the determination method of the traditional Chinese medicine plasma protein binding ability based on ultrafiltration.

Objective: To analyze the genotypes and the hematological phenotypic characteristics of α-thalassemia in different areas of Fujian and to evaluate the values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin (Hb), RBC distribution width/red blood cell (RDW/RBC) for screening α-thalassemia in this area., Methods: The Gap-PCR assay was applied for detecting 3 common deletional mutations of patients with α-thalassemia, and the reverse dot-blot (RDB) assay was adopted to detect the foci of 3 common non-deletional gene mutations.Then,the hematological parameters of individuals with α-thalassemia were analyzed. Finally, the optimal cut-off value in hematological indexes for screening α-thalassemia were determined by the ROC curve., Results: Altogether 16 types of gene mutations were found in 772 patients with α-thalassemia. Among them, the -SEA/αα deletion mutation was the most common which was observed in 521 cases(67.49%). Compared with the control group, the differences in MCV, MCH, and Hb were statistically significant between the patients of the same sex but no same type. In male groups, the RDW/RBC ratio was statistically significant in individuals of light type and HbH disease as compared with the healthy control group. But in female groups, the statistical different of RDW/RBC ratio was found between only HbH disease group and control group. MCV<81.25 fl, MCH<27.30 pg, Hb(male)<128.5 g/L, and Hb(female) <123.5 g/L, with the highest specificity and the highest sensitivity, were the best cut-off points for screening α-thalassemia in the laboratory., Conclusion: Due to the difference of regional heterogeneity and hospital equipment environment, the different laboratories need to establish cut-off value for screening α-thalassemia suitable for its local region. In future, our laboratory can use MCV<81.25 fl, MCH<27.30 pg, Hb(male)<128.5 g/L, and Hb(female) <123.5 g/L for value for clinical screening, of α-thalassemia.

The paper studies and compares the metabolic difference of active ingredients of lipid-lowering flavonoid extract of Daidai in rat livers and intestinal microsomes,in order to explore the phase Ⅰ metabolism characteristics of active ingredients in livers and intestines. UPLC-MS/MS was used to establish a quantitative analysis method for active ingredients,neohesperidin and narngin,in a phase Ⅰ metabolism incubation system of liver and intestinal microsomes. Differential centrifugation was used to make liver and intestinal microsomes of rats. A phase Ⅰ metabolism incubation system was established,and the concentrations of the residual at different incubation time points were analyzed. Graphs were plotted to calculate the metabolic elimination half-life of the main active parts,with the natural logarithm residual percentage values ln( X) at different time points as the y axis,and time t as the x axis. The metabolism characteristics of the active ingredients were compared. The established UPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis method has a good specialization,standard curve and linear range,accuracy and precision,with a satisfactory lower quantitative limit. The method allows quantitative detection of the active ingredients in a phase Ⅰ metabolism incubation system of liver and intestinal microsomes of rats. In the rats liver microsomes incubation system,the metabolic elimination half-life of neohesperidin and narngin were( 2. 20 ± 0. 28) h and( 1. 97±0. 28) h respectively. The elimination half-life of neohesperidin was larger than that of narngin,but with no statistically significant difference. In the rats intestinal microsomes incubation system,the metabolic elimination half-lives of neohesperidin and narngin were( 3. 68±0. 54) h and( 2. 26±0. 13) h respectively. The elimination half-life of neohesperidin was larger than that of narngin,with statistically significant differences( P<0. 05). The elimination half-lives of the active ingredients in liver microsomes were smaller than those in intestinal microsomes. The experiment results showed that the active ingredients of lipid-lowering flavonoid extract of Daidai had different elimination half-lives in phase Ⅰ rats liver and intestinal microsomes incubation system. This implied that they had different metabolic characteristics in rats liver and intestine,and liver may be the main metabolism site of the active ingredients. The phaseⅠ metabolism of narngin was stronger than that of neohesperidin. The differences between their metabolic characteristics may be related to the binding sites of B-ring hydroxyl in flavonoid glycosides and the number of methoxyl group. The results provided an important experimental basis for further development and clinical application of lipid-lowering flavonoid extract preparation of Daidai.

We used the correlation analysis of Larix chinensis tree-ring width chronologies, meteorological data as well as regional NDVI data to reconstruct the NDVI sequence variation of the north and south aspects of Taibai Mountain Nature Reserve in the recent 172 years. The results showed that the NDVI variation of Taibai Mountain Nature Reserve was consistent with plant growth dyna-mics. Hydrothermal condition in growing season was the dominant factor controlling NDVI changes. Tree-ring width was significantly positively correlated with NDVI in growing season. The strongest correlation occurred in July. Thus, we used the long time series of tree ring width index in July to reconstruct the regional historical period variation of NDVI sequence. The results demonstrated that historical changes of July NDVI sequence existed five dense periods and five sparse periods. Further analysis indicated that these periods corresponded with the climate change trends and drought events. The reconstructed July NDVI sequence of both northern and southern slopes of Taibai Mountain Nature Reserve highlighted the existence of quasi periodic variation of 60 years.

Objective: To construct a MYH9 gene knockout model in MGC803 cell line using transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) and observe its effect on cell cycle and apoptosis., Methods: According to FastTALE(TM) TALEN Kit, we designed TALEN pairs and constructed the plasmids targeting to MYH9 gene. After detecting their activity in MGC803 cells by plasmid transfection, DNA sequencing, RT-PCR and western blot, we selected the monoclonal cells and studied the changes in the cell cycle and apoptosis., Results: MYH9 gene could not be knocked out but knocked down in selected MGC803 monoclonal cells, which caused cell cycle arrested at G2/M phase (P<0.05) and a significant increase in the cell number with early apoptosis (P<0.01)., Conclusion: We successfully generated a MYH9 knockdown model in MGC803 cell lines by TALEN, which could be in favor of MYH9 function study in gastric cancer.

Objective: To establish a new method for detection of red blood cell osmotic fragility by using flow cytometry., Methods: The hypotension salt solution of different concentrations (0.70 ml normal saline+0.3 ml deionized water, 0.60 ml normal saline+0.40 ml deionized water and 0.55 ml normal saline+0.45 ml deionized water) were prepared with normal saline and deionized water, in which the red blood cells were suspended, and the residual red blood cells were detected by flow cytometer., Results: There was no significant difference in percentage of residual red blood cells between different time points detected by flow cytometer in 3 different hypotonic salt solutions. The percentage of residual red blood cells in B+C+D+E+F+G detected time region was different among 3 NaCl dilution groups. The percentage of residual red blood cells in normal control was lower than that in hemoglobinopathy group. The percentage of residual red blood cells in hereditary spherocytosis (HS) group was obviously lower than that in hemoglobinopathy and normal control groups. The comparison of 3 different dilution concentrations found that the second concentration (0.60 ml normal saline+0.40 ml deionized water) is more suitable to screen HS by FC500 flow cytometer., Conclusion: The detection of red cell osmotic fragility by using flow cytometry is a simple, rapid, objective and economic way that can be an effective screening method for diagnose the HS.

Objective: To evaluate the application effect of Chinese medical clinical pathway for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to provide evidence for further improving clinical pathways., Methods: Totally 270 ADHD children patients were recruited and treated at pediatrics clinics of 9 cooperative hospitals from December 2011 to December 2012. The treatment course for all was 3 months. Scores of attention deficit and hyperactivity rating scale, scores of behavior, Conners index of hyperactivity (CIH), and Chinese medical syndrome scores were compared between before and after treatment. The efficacy difference in various sexes, ages, and disease courses were evaluated by judging standards for Chinese medical syndrome and ADHD., Results: Fifteen children patients who entered clinical pathway dropped out, and the rest 255 completed this trial. Compared with before treatment, total scores of attention deficit and hyperactivity rating scale, scores of attention deficit and hyperactivity rating scale, CIH, and Chinese medical syndrome scores obviously decreased (all P < 0.01). The total effective rate in disease efficacy was 87.8% (224/255 cases), and the total effective rate in Chinese medical syndrome curative effect was 87.5% (223/255 cases). The clinical curative effect was not influenced by age, gender, or course of disease when statistically analyzed from judging standards for Chinese medical syndrome or for disease efficacy., Conclusion: Intervention by Chinese medical clinical pathway could improve ADHD patients' symptoms, and its efficacy was not influenced by sex, age, or course of disease.

Correlation analysis between main chemical constituents of tobacco leaves and endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke was conducted. Leaf stalk positions exhibited a high relation with endogenous harmful components and hazard index (H). Upper stalk position leaves had greater release of 1-butanone,4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridinyl)-(NNK), B[a]P, HCN, NH3 and phenol in mainstream cigarette smoke, and a higher hazard index than middle position leaves except for crotonaldehyde, which had greater release from middle position leaves. Different endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke presented complicated correlation with main chemical constituents in tobacco. The same type of leaf chemical constituents presented different correlations with various endogenous harmful components in mainstream cigarette smoke. Cigarette hazard index showed significantly positive correlations with contents of nicotine, protein, total nitrogen, major polyphenols and organic acids, while significantly negative correlation with potassium and carbonaceous substances, such as total sugars, reducing sugars and starch. The results suggested that properly increasing potassium content and decreasing nitrogenous constituents in cured tobacco leaf may reduce the cigarette hazard index.

The ancient discussion and modern clinical application regarding Yingxiang (LI 20) and Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9) in acupuncture verses are explored. Acupuncture verses are the summary of clinical experiences of acupuncture scholars in the past dynasties, of which the records on application of Yingxiang (LI 20) and Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9) mainly focused on nasal, facial and head-eye diseases, which is characterized with overall summarization, brilliant exposition, simple language, and distinctive characteristics. Nowadays, based on the ancient usage, the clinical application about these two acupoints is continuously developing. If the ancient acupuncture verses could be understood thoroughly, the clinical practice could be better guided and its effects could be improved.

The specific functions, stimulating methods and ranges of clinical application of Renying (ST 9) are explored. Because Renying (ST 9) is located in the neck which is a dangerous area, it is perilous if the acupoint is stimulated, so it is mostly forbidden in the past dynasties. In recent years, the main stimulating methods for Renying (ST 9) include acupuncture and press. The keys of acupuncture are to apply correct technique of needle insertion and control the depth and direction of needle. The keys of press are focused on strength and time of press. Renying (ST 9) is effective for vertigo, palpitation, asthma, hemiplegia, aphasia, hysteria, acute attack of pain, hyperplasia of mammary, continuous hiccup, disorder of throat and so on. As long as the acupoint location is accurate, manipulation is careful and stimulating method is correct, not only the safety could be guaranteed, but also the function can be well-played in clinical application.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of hydrological cycle of terrestrial ecosystem. To study the seasonal and interannual ET variation patterns of typical ecosystems is essential to better understand the water cycle process and to provide reference for the rational utilization of water resources. By using eddy covariance method, this paper studied the seasonal and interannual variation characteristics of ET and water budget in an alpine shrub meadow ecosystem in Haibei of Qinghai from 2003 to 2011. There was an obvious seasonal variation of ET in the study area in 2003-2011, with the maximum (4.4-5.7 mm x d(-1)) in the vigorous growth season (July-August) and the minimum (0.09 +/- 0.04 mm x d(-1)) in January or December. The annual ET varied greatly among the nine consecutive years, being 451.3 mm in 2010 and 681.3 mm in 2007. More than 70% of the annual ET occurred in the growth season from May to September. The average ratio of annual ET to annual precipitation was 1.06 +/- 0.17, indicating that the water budget of this ecosystem was nearly balanced at year scale, and almost all the precipitation was released into atmosphere by ET.

The operation and application of Tiantu (CV 22) in emergency are discussed in the paper. The stimulating methods at Tiantu (CV 22) are acupuncture and pressing technique. The correct insertion of needle and proper depth and direction of insertion are required during acupuncture. The pressing technique stress the pressing strength and pressing time. Acupuncture or pressing technique is suitable for the emergent measurement of asthma, asthmatic breathing, coma, blockage of phlegm, hiccup, sore throat, etc. It is indicated that Tiantu (CV 22) is the key point in the emergency and phlegm resolving. Based on the characteristics of the point as promoting qi circulation, reducing the reversed qi and resolving phlegm, in light of the proper points combination by different syndromes and in terms of the correct and safe stimulating methods, Tiantu (CV 22) can achieve the immediate therapeutic effects in the emergent situations.

The manipulations, range of application and characteristics of intensive moxibustion with ginger paste are discussed in this article. Adjustment is made on the base of traditional moxibustion with ginger slice. Fresh ginger is smashed, and the ginger paste is applied on acupoints. Two to 3 moxa sticks are ignited together in moxibustion at each point, and long duration of treatment of 30 to 60 min is adopted. The effects of the above mentioned moxibustion on dysfunction of the internal organs, postpartum diseases, hyperplasia, furuncle and diseases of bones, joints and muscles are obviously better than that of the traditional way. Thus, it is concluded that the effect of intensive moxibution with ginger paste is remarkable in promoting qi and blood circulation, warming up yang qi and regulating the functions of zang-fu organs. The potency of ginger can reach a deeper part with the heat produced by moxibustion. The heat is even and easy to be controlled. Moreover, the manipulation is simple, practical, safe and effective.

Crude laccase extracted from the Amillariella mellea fermentation broth was directly used to catalyze the degradation of 2,4-chlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2-chlorophenol (2-CP). The effects of reaction time, pH, temperature, chlorophenol concentration, and laccase dosage on the removal efficiency of chlorophenols were investigated. Optimal catalytic conditions for the degradation of chlorophenols were obtained and the degradation kinetics were analyzed. The results indicated that the crude laccase from Amillariella mellea was able to effectively degrade 2,4-DCP and 2-CP, with higher catalytic ability towards 2,4-DCP degradation. For 2,4-DCP degradation, the optimal temperature was 40 degrees C, the optimal substrate concentration was 75 mg x L(-1), the optimal enzyme dosage was 0. 1 U x mL(-1), and the optimal pH was 6.5. Under these conditions, the maximum degradation rate of 2,4-DCP reached > 97% after 10 h. For 2-DCP degradation, the optimal temperature was 50 degrees C, the optimal substrate concentration was 100 mg x L(-1), the optimal enzyme dosage was 0.1 U x mL(-1), and the optimal pH was 6. Under these conditions, the maximum degradation rate of 2-CP was over 93% after 10 h. The reaction process of laccase-catalyzed 2,4-DCP and 2-CP degradation obeyed the first-order kinetics equation. The laccase from Amillariella mellea was able to effectively degrade chlorophenols, indicating its potential application value in phenolic pollutant control and environmental protection.

The penetrating technique of acupuncture from Yemen (TE 2) to Zhongzhu (TE 3) acts on the extraordinary effect of promoting Shaoyang meridian qi. The technique is specially good for heat pattern/syndrome of the triple energizer and it is commonly used in the treatment of common cold, high fever, anhidrosis in heat pattern/syndrome, migraine, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, tinnitus, ear pain, swelling and pain of the teeth, ulcers in the mouth and tongue, sore throat, neck rigidity, etc. In the manipulation, the needle is inserted from Yemen (TE 2), going obliquely upward along the metacarpal interspace to Zhongzhu (TE 3). With this technique, the Ying-spring and Shu-stream acupoints can be stimulated simultaneously with one needle. This method is characterized as less acupoints, exquisite needling, strong sensation, easy and safe manipulation, remarkable immediate effect and high curative rate of single treatment. Hence, it is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Laccase extracted from the Amillariella mellea fermentation catalytic decolored on two common anthraquinone dyes: Reactive Brilliant Blue KN-R and Reactive Brilliant Blue X-BR which is broadly used in the printing and dyeing industry and obtained the optimal catalytic decolorizing conditions. The results showed that optimum temperature of Reactive Brilliant Blue KN-R decolorization was 30 degrees C, the optimum dye concentrations was 80 mg x L(-1), the optimum enzyme dosage was 0.25 U x mL(-1), and the optimum pH was 5. Under this optimal conditions, the maximum decolorization rate of Reactive Brilliant Blue KN-R was over 90%. The optimum temperature Reactive Brilliant Blue X-BR decolorization was 30 degrees C, the optimum dye concentrations was 50 mg x L(-1), the optimum enzyme dosage was 0.5 U x mL(-1), and the optimum was pH 4. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum decolorization rate of Reactive Brilliant Blue X-BR was over 70%. The decolorization on the two common industrial dyes by crude enzyme from Amillariella mellea fermentation obtained a good results. The results indicated that the decoloration on anthraquinone dyes by laccase from Amillariella mellea has a potential value in the printing and dyeing industry.

Aim: To investigate the effect of fractalkine on the expression of the tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-activated murine microglia cells line N9., Methods: In vitro LPS-activated microglia cells were treated for 24 h in the presence of fractalkine. The level of TNF-α and IL-1β in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), The level of NO in the culture supernatants were quantitated by the NO test assay., Results: The concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β and NO in the culture supernatants evidently increased in LPS-activated microglia cells groups and prominently decreased by the fractalkine co-incubated., Conclusion: It is thus concluded that fractalkine has neuroprotective functions by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factor in activated microglia cells.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical feature of patients with atrial septal defects (ASD) and the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of ASD in elderly patients., Methods: Between May 2000 and June 2010, 82 patients aged (64.5 ± 3.8) years underwent attempted transcatheter ASD closure. Right heart catheterization was performed before intervention. Echocardiography was made at 1 day, 1, 3, 6 months after the procedure. The pre- and post-closure clinical feature, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and cardiac function were evaluated., Results: In 82 patients, 37 (45.1%) patients were associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The systolic PAP and mean PAP [(44.1 ± 12.4) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and (25.2 ± 6.8) mm Hg, respectively] were measured by right heart catheterization before the procedure. One patient was unsuitable for closure because of severe PAH. The remaining 81 patients underwent successful ASD closure without major complications. After closuring, systolic PAP decreased from (52.7 ± 10.3) mm Hg to (31.8 ± 6.3) mm Hg (P < 0.05), and mean PAP descended from (30.9 ± 4.7) mm Hg to (21.8 ± 3.4) mm Hg (P < 0.05) in the 36 patients with PAH. The cardiac function improved post procedure. There were 6 new-onset atrial fibrillations during follow up., Conclusions: ASD in elderly patients are commonly associated with PAH. Transcatheter ASD closure is safe and effective in the majority of elderly patients.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the modified urethral pull-through procedure for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture or atresia., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 212 cases of posterior urethral stricture or atresia treated by the modified urethral pull-through procedure. The length of the stricture or atresia was 1.5 - 12 cm, and 66 cases had experienced 1 - 4 previous unsuccessful urethral repairs. Simple transperineal approach was adopted in 208 cases and transperineal-inferiorpubic approach in the other 4. And 15 of the patients underwent urethral construction with grafts., Results: Satisfactory voiding was achieved in 198 (93.4%) of the patients, of whom 16 received 3 - 15 urethral dilations. Of the 14 cases that failed, 10 succeeded after a second and 2 after a third operation. Of the 15 cases that underwent substitution urethroplasty, 14 achieved satisfactory voiding, and only 1 needed repeat dilation. No serious complications were observed in any of the patients., Conclusion: Modified urethral pull-through procedure, with its advantages of safety, mini-invasiveness, simple operation and high success rate, is feasible for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture or atresia, while for that with the length >5 cm, substitution urethroplasty should be considered.

"A turning round before birth" is a problem-based learning (PBL) case in Chinese medicine education. It focuses on malposition of fetus, through discussion on a series of questions, types and causative factors of malposition of fetus could be comprehended, diagnostic time and methods are set up, and manipulations of moxibustion at Zhiyin (BL 67) for malposition of fetus can be mastered. Mechanism on position correction is explored, and key points in application are clarified. Therefore, methods of position correction with easy, safe and effective manipulations can be popularized as well as the PBL methods in education of Chinese medicine.

Objective: Sildenafil has been shown to be effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sildenafil on PAH has been under-investigated in China. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in PAH patients in China., Methods: In this prospective, open-label and multi-center study, 90 patients were recruited from 14 centers to receive oral sildenafil (75 mg/d) for 12 weeks. They underwent a six-minute walk test (SMWT) and cardiac catheterization at the beginning and the end of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the changes in exercise capacity as assessed by SMWT. And the secondary endpoints included assessment of functional class, evaluation of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and clinical deterioration (defined as death, transplantation and re-hospitalization for PAH). Drug safety and tolerability were also examined., Results: There were 19 males and 71 females with an average age of 32.5 ± 12.1 years old (range: 18 - 61). Their etiologies were idiopathic (n = 15), related with congenital heart disease (n = 60), or related with connective tissue disease (n = 9) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (n = 6). Oral sildenafil significantly increased the SMWT distances [(342 ± 93) m vs. (403 ± 88) m, P < 0.001]. There was also remarkable improvement in Borg dyspnea score (2.9 ± 2.6 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0, P = 0.005). Furthermore, significant improvements in World Healthy Organization (WHO) functional class and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were also found (mean pulmonary artery pressure, P < 0.001; cardiac index, P < 0.001; pulmonary vascular resistance, P < 0.001). Side effects were mild and consistent with other reports., Conclusion: This study confirms and extends previous studies. Oral sildenafil is both safe and effective for the treatment of adult PAH patients in China.

Objective: To build the physical model of four suturae which are related to the growth of maxilla in the three-dimensional finite-element model of maxillofacial bones., Methods: A 16 years old volunteer with individual normal occlusion, good periodontium health condition and without diseases of temporomandibular joint was chosen to be the material of modeling. The three-dimensional finite-element model of the volunteer's maxillofacial bones was built using the CT scan and the finite-element modeling method. Finally we built the physical model of four suturae which were related to the growth of maxilla in the model of maxillofacial bones., Results: The model of maxillofacial bones with 86,575 nodes and 485,915 elements was generated. This model contained four suturae including sutura frontomaxillaris, sutura zygomaticomaxillaris, sutura temporozygomatica and sutura pterygopalatine., Conclusion: A three-dimensional finite-element model of maxillofacial bones with good biological similarity was developed.

A long-term field experiment and ICP-AES analysis were conducted to study concentration and content of micronutrients Mn and Zn in maize under different fertilization systems. The results were as follows: (1) Concentrations of Mn in maize under NPKM and NPK treatments were significantly higher than those in M and control treatments. The concentration of Zn in grain of maize was similar under different treatments. The control treatment had the highest concentration of Zn in stalk, while NPKM treatment had the lowest one. (2) Contents of Mn and Zn increased with increasing yields of maize, and the regression relationship between the contents and yield of stalk was better than that between the contents and yield of grain. (3) Most of Mn and almost half of Zn were concentrated in stalk. The distribution and use efficiency of micronutrients were optimized under NPKM and NPK treatments. Returning the stalk to soil is an effective strategy for micronutrients sustainable utilization in agro-ecosystem.

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus etunicatum on the growth, relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthesis of maize (Zea mays L.) plants under low temperature (15 degrees C and 5 degrees C) stress. Low temperature decreased the AM root colonization. The shoot and root dry mass and the relative chlorophyll content of AM maize plants were higher than those of non-AM maize plants. AM maize plants had higher maximal fluorescence (F(m)), variable fluorescence (F(v)), maximum photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)), and potential photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(o)), and lower primary fluorescence (F(o)), compared with non-AM maize plants, and the differences were significant under 5 degrees C condition. The photosynthetic rate (P(n)) and transpiration rate (T(r)) of maize inoculated with G. etunicatum increased markedly. Under low temperature stress, the stomatal conductance (G(s)) of AM maize plants was significantly higher than that of non-AM maize plants, while the intercellular CO2 concentration (C(i)) of AM maize plants was notably lower than that of non-AM maize plants. It was suggested that AM fungi could alleviate the low temperature damage on maize plants via improving their leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence, and enhance the low temperature tolerance of maize plants, resulting in the promotion of host plant growth and the increase of host plant biomass.

Objective: To analyse the vola stress change after operation of wrop-around flap for thumb reconstruction,to know the influence of vola pressure change after operation of wrop-around flap., Methods: From 1996 to 2004, 23 patients after the operation of wrop-around flap for thumb reconstruction were measured the entire footprint, the vola stress of single foot and double feet on static state and walking status. There were 16 males and 7 females,with a mean age of 23.7 years (17 to 42 years). The time from operation to measuring was 1.6 to 6 years (meana 3.8 years). The results of measuring were analyzed., Results: Whether static footprint analysis or dynamic mechanical analysis, the plantar pressure distribution of donated foot were obviously different with those of the opposite site. The weight bearing of heel and the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads were nearly consistent with normal foot. But the former feet were obviously different. The weight bearing of the first metatarsal head was obviously lower than normal foot. And the weight bearing of the second and third metatarsal heads were obviously higher than normal foot., Conclusion: The operation of wrop-around flap for thumb reconstruction has advantage of the cosmesis and function of the reconstructed thumbs nearly consistent with normal thumbs. But the operation influences the postoperative foot pressure.