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The Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain are two emerging information technologies that will significantly impact the lives and production patterns of people. When they meet together, blockchain services can be used to solve some IoT challenges, however some new risks will be introduced. Therefore, how to use blockchain services in IoT environment and which key security and privacy challenges in IoT environment can be addressed by blockchain services are two critical issues. Thus, we propose a novel hybrid IoT architecture based on blockchain services for the first issue. To address the second issue, we design system architecture for implementing blockchain-as-a-service in the IoT environment, select the dimensions of fog computing, edge computing and software vulnerability to classify the challenges and solutions. Then practical application scenarios are summarized. The single on-chain time is between 15 and 20 s and the single off-chain in IOTA is about 2 s. The on-chain time is longer than the off-chain time. Finally, seven challenges and the related solution for blockchain-based IoT are proposed to promote future blockchain and IoT research. The proposed architecture can improve the structural security and functional security for IoT and Blockchain.

Since the 13th Five-Year Plan, Sinopec has been thoroughly carrying out the new energy security strategy of “four revolutions and one cooperation” and the spirit of the important instruction of “powerful promotion of petroleum exploration and development”. Focusing on strategic breakthrough and large-scale reserve increase, the petroleum exploration enhances the theoretical and technological innovation and highlights high-quality exploration battles, so that a series of important petroleum exploration achievements have been gained. In order to accelerate and promote the development of Sinopec's natural gas business, this paper forecasts Sinopec's exploration direction and development potential of natural gas in the future after comprehensively sorting out the achievements and theoretical and technological progresses of natural gas exploration since the 13th Five-Year Plan. And the following research results are obtained. First, since the 13th Five-Year plan, Sinopec has been persisting in the strategic deployment of “balancing marine and continental facies and focusing conventional and unconventional resources”. According to the idea of “extending marine conventional gas, strengthening marine shale gas and optimizing continental tight gas”, Sinopec innovatively develops the hydrocarbon accumulation theory of marine shale gas in southern China, marine carbonate rock in central–western China and tight clastic rock in central–western China. Second, by virtue of researches, a 3D seismic exploration technology with reservoir identification and description as the basis and sweet spot prediction as the core is developed, and several support equipment and tools are integrated, such as deep and ultra-deep drilling and completion, acid fracturing testing, long horizontal well fracturing and high power electric fracturing, and drillable composite bridge plug. Third, a series of natural gas exploration achievements are obtained in three major fields of marine shale, marine carbonate rock and continental tight clastic rock, and new proven natural gas reserves of 1.0068 × 1012 m3is achieved, which provides Sinopec with high-quality resource guarantee for the fast increase of natural gas production. Fourth, looking forward, there are abundant natural gas resource bases in Sinopec's licenses, and the main development directions of its natural gas exploration are marine carbonate rock in central–western China, tight clastic rock and shale in central–western China, marine deep clastic rock, and deep clastic rock and igneous rock in the mature areas of eastern China. In conclusion, Sinopec's new proven natural gas reserves during the 14th Five-Year Plan is predicted to be 1.16 × 1012–1.36 × 1012 m3, which can provide a solid resources base for the great development of natural gas in China.

Follicular atresia in chickens reduces the number of follicles that can further develop, leading to decrease egg laying. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can initiate a unique pathway inducing the apoptosis of follicular granulosa cells, thus reducing egg laying. Melatonin (MEL) is involved in the regulation of follicle development, ovulation, and oocyte maturation, and is closely related to follicle fate. Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in cell growth regulation, and that there is a possible crosstalk between melatonin and mTOR activity in granular cells maturation and ovulation. This study aimed to investigate whether MEL inhibits ERS and follicular granulosa cell apoptosis by regulating ATF4 to activate mTOR signaling pathway in chickens. Frist, we established an in vitro ERS cell model using tunicamycin (TM). The results showed that different concentrations of TM exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of cell activity and induction of granulosa cells (P<0.01). Therefore, we chose 5 µg/mL of TM and a treatment time for 6 h as the optimal concentration for the following experiments. Then we investigate whether melatonin can inhibit ERS. TM treatment decreased the cell viability and Bcl-2expression, increasing ROS levels and the mRNA expression of Grp78, ATF4, CHOP, PERK, eIF-2α, and BAX(P<0.01), whereas TM+MEL treatment significantly inhibited these changes (P<0.01). Then we explored whether melatonin protects follicular granulosa cells from ERS-induced apoptosis through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by regulating ATF4, We found that ATF4knockdown inhibited ERS by decreasing the expression of ERS-related genes and proteins and activating mTOR signaling pathway by increasing the protein expression of p4E-BP1 and pT389-S6K (P<0.001), while these changes were promoted by TM+si-ATF4+MEL treatment (P<0.01). These results indicate that MEL could alleviate TM-induced ERS by regulating ATF4 to activate mTOR signaling pathway in follicular granulosa cells, thus providing a new perspective for prolonging the laying cycle in chickens.

In recently years, brucellosis between humans and animals in China has shown signs of outbreak again. Brucellosis always takes a heavy toll on human health and profitability of livestock industry, but for farmers, the purpose of breeding is to make profits. Therefore, the optimal control strategy that can maximize the profits of farmers and effectively control brucellosis is needed. It is important to understand the profit mechanism of farmers and disease transmission mechanism in order to design a more effective and reasonable control strategy to maximize the profits of farmers. We propose a dynamic model combining the economic factors, behaviors of livestock farmers and transmission mechanism of brucellosis. Then we investigate the result of the optimal strategy in theory using Pontryagin Maximum Principle and its existence and uniqueness are proved. To verify the accuracy and applicability of the theory, the model are simulated by the least square method based on the price data and infected people data of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The simulation results show that brucellosis is in an outbreak in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the current control policy must be adjusted. Sensitivity analysis indicate economic factors have certain influence on the outbreak of diseases. Under different compositions of three control items (including reduce the contact between susceptible and infected animals, increase the vaccination of susceptible animals, and reduce the discharge of Brucella), we evaluate the optimal control strategy for Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from profits and infected brucellosis livestock perspectives. The profit results show that the government should increase financial support for disease control and it is effective to implement control by stages. • Build a brucellosis model with economic factors and behaviors of livestock farmers. • Analyze the optimal control strategy to maximize farmers' profits. • Study the effect of economic factors on the spread of diseases. • A variety of optimal strategies under different control combinations are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the anti-interference/denoise purpose, it usually requires minimizing the sidelobe level (SLL) of a wide-beam pattern with a desired low nulling level (NL) in the nulling region. To realize such an objective, the shaped-beam pattern synthesis (SBPS) is the most commonly used approach. However, since the SBPS problem focuses on synthesizing a predetermined beam shape, the minimum SLL via this approach cannot ensure to obtain the maximum power gain. Conversely, it cannot obtain the lowest SLL with a certain power gain requirement. Based on such consideration, this paper tries to further minimize SLL of a wide-beam pattern with a desired low NL nulling region, by solving the power gain pattern synthesis (PGPS) problem. The PGPS problem selects the array excitation by directly optimizing the power gain. Hence, it has the potential to reduce SLL, when achieving the equal mainlobe power gain constraint via SBPS. An iterative algorithm which converts the primal optimization problem into convex sub-problems is proposed, resulting in an effective problem-solving scheme. Numerical simulations demonstrate the proposed algorithm can obtain about 10-dB lower SLL than the existing algorithms.

To evaluate the effect of decoction prepared with Yang-activating and stasis-eliminating medicinals from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on the intestinal mucosal permeability in rats with ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common finding in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Here we assessed FSGS lesions in the Oxford Classification patient cohort and correlated histology with clinical presentation and outcome to determine whether subclassification of the S score in IgAN is reproducible and of clinical value. Our subclassification of lesions in 137 individuals with segmental glomerulosclerosis or adhesion (S1) identified 38% with podocyte hypertrophy, 10% with hyalinosis, 9% with resorption droplets within podocytes, 7% with tip lesions, 3% with perihilar sclerosis, and 2% with endocapillary foam cells. Reproducibility was good or excellent for tip lesions, hyalinosis, and perihilar sclerosis; moderate for podocyte hypertrophy; and poor for resorption droplets, adhesion only, and endocapillary foam cells. Podocyte hypertrophy and tip lesions were strongly associated with greater initial proteinuria. During follow-up of patients without immunosuppression, those with these features had more rapid renal function decline and worse survival from a combined event compared to S1 patients without such features and those without FSGS. Also in individuals with podocyte hypertrophy or tip lesions, immunosuppressive therapy was associated with better renal survival. In IgA nephropathy, the presence of podocyte hypertrophy or tip lesions, markers of podocyte injury, were reproducible. These features are strongly associated with proteinuria and, in untreated patients, carry a worse prognosis. Thus, our findings support reporting podocytopathic features alongside the S score of the Oxford Classification.

Learning analytics (LA), through the collection and analysis of the relevant data of students to assess, predict and optimise teaching and learning, provides a reliable technical support for the implementation of individualised teaching. The purpose of this article is to review currently published research studies focusing on learning analytics. This review focuses on the theoretical and practical studies of LA. We summarise the hitherto accumulated state of knowledge concerning LA: (a) theoretical frameworks and models of LA; (b) practical research including the data collection dimension of LA, tools and methods for data mining and analysis, and the relationship between the learners' data and outcomes and (c) the current application status of LA. The conclusion overall suggests that LA has potential to realise individualised teaching and learning. However, it also encounters some challenges.

The most common conventional therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as 5-amino salicylic acid. However, a high dose of 5-amino salicylic acid may bring about severe side effects. Chinese people have used Rheum tanguticum as a folk remedy for gastrointestinal disease for two thousand years. Our group has isolated R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 from R. tanguticum and verified that it can attenuate 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in murines/rats. The present study aims to evaluate whether the addition of R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 can improve efficacy and limit subsequent side effects of conventional treatment (5-amino salicylic acid) in rats with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into five groups and treated with (1) saline (saline, 0.2mL/day x 5, p.o.), (2) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone (saline, 0.2 mL/ day x 5, p.o.), (3) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid (5-amino salicylic acid, 75 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o), (4) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1,200 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o.), and (5) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 (5-amino salicylic acid, 25 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o; R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, 200 mg/kg/day x 5, p.o.). All the rats were sacrificed on the 6th day after treatment using an overdose of anesthesia. A histological assessment was performed using semiquantitative scores; nuclear factor-kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured with Western blot, cycloox-ygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 protein expressions were investigated by RT-polymerase chain reaction, and prostoglandin E2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase productions were investigated by ELISA. The extent and severity of histological signs were attenuated significantly in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group. Treatment with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 plus 5-amino salicylic acid markedly decreased nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein expressions. R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and 5-amino salicylic acid had no effect on cyclooxygenase 1 protein expression, but inhibited the overexpression of the cyclooxygenase 2 protein. After treatment with 5-amino salicylic acid and R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1, the prostoglandin E2 level increased significantly and the inducible nitric oxide synthase level decreased considerably in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid + 5-amino salicylic acid + R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 group compared with the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid alone group. These results demonstrate that combined therapy with R. tanguticum polysaccharide 1 and low-dose 5-amino salicylic acid had more favorable effects on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats, and its effects may be associated with inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa Bp65 protein expression and tumor necrosis factor-α production, resulting in a decrease of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the premise of protecting traditional styles of the dwellings, performances of thermal insulation and anti-radiation performances of traditional wooden dwellings of Tujia Minority in West Hunan and the interior thermal environment were improved through technological improvements in this paper. By improving wall construction technologies, thermal insulation boards and wooden planks were added to exterior walls of these dwellings. Furthermore, a two-layer air cavity formed and thus greatly improved thermal resistance of walls. Meanwhile, feasibility of improvement technologies proposed in this paper was validated by practical engineering tests and data detected before and after tests

In the last few decades, energy absorption of materials becomes an critical issue in a design process of a vehicle because risks of primary and secondary accidents against pedestrians, other road users and structures can be reduced by a performance of absorbing energy in its support structures. Among various materials used for the structures, TRIP steel with favorable mechanical properties such as excellent formability and higher impact energy absorption is attractive to automotive industries. Huge numbers of research works have been carried out to investigate deformation behavior of TRIP steel. However, just few studies can be found on the performance in TRIP steel, especially, at higher deformation rate during the crash of the vehicle. Kinetic energy by higher speed of the vehicle will be consumed by inelastic bending deformation of components. Thus, a consideration of bending deformation at high impact velocity is required for the evaluation of the performance. In this study, the performance in TRIP steel at high deformation rate is clarified by conducting both quasi-static and impact three-point bending tests for pre-cracked specimen.

Aiming at color images under complex background, this paper put forward a face detection algorithm based on skin color segmentation, combining the geometric characteristics. The skin region can be obtained by using skin color model and OTSU method to automatically optimize threshold segmentation image. By analyzing the characteristics of skin color region, the face position is determined by criterion of ellipse area.

The paper introduces deburr algorithm before line trace in the course of vector quantization of binary map image, and it can receive better effect through applying for the algorithm.

Nanoporous materials with organic frameworks (3PDVB/MA-1) have been successfully synthesized in the microchannel through solvothermal polymerization of divinylbenzene and methacrylic acid in the presence of tetrahydrofuran. The material has (3PDVB/MA-1) disordered mesopores with uniform pore size (~50 nm) and high BET surface area (415 m2g-1). In the adsorption of heavy metal cations Co2+ in wastewater, the mesoporous resins exhibit superior performances, and thus have great potential in water treatments.

Several methods were introduced for practicing and studying the method of TTT curve digitization by using Plot Digitizer (version 1.9) and OriginPro (version 8.0724). After digitizing, original TTT images, which can not be inquired in computer procedures, were transformed into the data series and digital patterns, providing a convenient way for inquiring the data points from TTT curves. It offers a handy tool for studying the relationship among the time, temperature and transformation. Furthermore, it provides a convenient method for thermal treatment teaching through courseware. It is believe that, after a systemic data processing, we can obtain a digitizing TTT data base, which can be inquired automatically by PC procedures, promoting the automatic level of the thermal treatment for industrial applications.

Digitization of CCT curves by systemically using common softwares was studied and practiced to rebuild the digital patterns for teaching purpose. As treated in PC procedure, the CCT images printed in books were transformed into the digital data points, which can be read and record clearly and precisely in computer, extremely changing the appearance and precision of raw images. As the digital data, this digitized CCT curves can be conveniently introduced into the courseware, drawing more attendance and interesting from students than raw images. On the other hand, these digitized data also can be used as the CCT database for industrial applications, which can introduce automation into the thermal treatment industry. That is, the digitization of CCT curves will take great advantage of the improvement of teaching and promote the producing depth.

It introduces a kind of technique method that recycling waste liquid in the sulfate copper plating technological experiment in the laboratory, involving the fields in electroplating and comprehensive utilization of waste liquid. This process includes the following steps: first filter the waste liquid to remove impurities in it, and then using electrolytical method to recycle copper in the waste liquid. Add NaOH, NaHSO3 into the solution, through chemical deposition remove heavy metal ions in the waste liquid, and carry on the harmlessization handle to sediments, finally deal with the waste liquid through a semipermeable membrane to get pure water. This process provides a kind of simple, easy to operate, low cost method for the treatment with waste liquid of electroplating produced in the laboratory, which is toxic and pollute the environment.

It introduces a kind of technique method that recycling cyanide zinc plating waste liquid in the laboratory, involving the fields in electroplating and comprehensive utilization of waste liquid. The process includes the following steps: first remove impurities in the waste liquid, and then add hydrochloric acid to adjust PH value. Using cation-anion and resin, through ion exchange method, remove disturbing ion Cu2+, Cr2O72- in the cyanide zinc plating waste liquid, thus cyanide zinc plating solution can be recycled. Using sodium hydroxide solution to make resin reproduced, and then add NaHSO3, NaOH solid to precipitate Cu2+ and Cr6+ in it, and do incineration treatment. This invention provides an easy and effective method of recycling cyanide zinc plating waste liquid in the laboratory, which improves the utilization of resources, and reduces pollution.

This paper established a comprehensive appraisement index system of resource and environment and urban economy development and analyzed the coupling coordination of resource, environment and economy development of 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi province in China in 2010 by using the principal component weight method and coupling coordination degree model. The results show that there is a big difference between resource and environment of the 11 cities; economy development is unbalanced; the coupling coordination degrees are overall low between resource, environment and economy development. At last, the authors propose some political advices for the coupling coordinated development of resource, environment and economy.

Face to energy crisis and increasingly severe pressure on environmental pollution, electric vehicles have become the new direction of the vehicles. In order to meet the electric vehicle's charging requirements for high power factor (PF), this paper intends to implement single- switch active power factor correction (APFC) function under the control of voltage, current dual closed-loop in Inductor current “continuous conduction mode” (CCM). The article uses saber software to simulate with the single-phase and three-phase PFC system and finally develops a 3KW experiment prototype. The results of the power experiment validate the feasibility of the method. The power factor can be improved to nearly 1 and it has good application value in actual project.

Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy theory which is defined as fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) has been widely used for a variety of applications including evaluation and decision-making. In the study, the method based on FAHP is proposed to evaluate students’ grade statistics system, where analytic hierarchy process is a common method and is applied for various sectors for analyzing qualitative criteria to weight the alternatives, and the merit of using fuzzy approach is to express the distribution of evaluation values of each index. On the basis of describing evaluation indexes for students’ grade statistics system, and the evaluation model of students’ grade statistics system is created based on analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy theory. Finally, the case is adopted to testify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Insulin resistance is a common metabolic abnormality, which increases the risk of renal events in obesity. The present study is aimed to examine the relation between metabolic factors and obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG), and then compare the risk markers of insulin resistance for clinical prediction.

Purpose Acute renal failure (ARF) related to crush syndrome is usually treated with hemodialysis. Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) has seldom been adopted in this situation due to the main drawback of continuous anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA)-CVVH in two crush syndrome patients following the Wenchaun earthquake.Methods Two victims from the Wenchuan earthquake in Southwest China were admitted to our hospital on May 23, 2008, 11 days after their injury. The total entrapment time under the rubble was 5.5 and 22.5 hrs respectively. They remained oliguric on admission, in spite of vigorous treatment in the local hospital including aggressive fluid infusion, fasciotomy and intermittent hemodialysis. On admission, their serum myoglobin levels were 765 and 829 ng/mL, respectively. Further debridement and drainage were performed. RCA-CVVH was conducted; the citrate containing substitution fluid was infused in a pre-dilution manner at a rate of 4 l/h; calcium was infused through a separate access to the venous inlet of the double lumen catheter. The infusion rate was adjusted according to the serum ionized calcium and whole blood activated clotting time (WBACT). A low dose of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was infused at the rate of 150∼300 U/h simultaneously for anticoagulation after anemia had been corrected and their wounds were stable. RCA-CVVH was substituted by conventional CVVH and LMWH anticoagulation when case 2 complicated with hypoxia.Results RCA-CVVH was well tolerated, hemodynamic status was stable, and no complications related with RCA-CVVH were noted. The body temperature and WBC decreased to normal range, while anemia and hypoalbuminia were corrected. The levels of serum myoglobin and creatine phosphokinase were also decreased to normal range. Their urine volume increased after 20 and 22 days of oliguria and the tubular function of the patients recovered well. Although the second case encountered acute cholecystitis and acute lung injury in the hospital, both the patients recuperated and neither of them underwent amputation.Conclusions The present two crush patients have been successfully treated, but due to the limits of the small sample, it is difficult to generalize whether RCA-CVVH is safe enough for crush syndrome with a high risk of bleeding diathesis. Additional investigation with a larger number of patients is required. Fluid equilibrium, nutritional support, prevention of bleeding and infection are fundamental in this situation.

AbstractBackground:Physicians, patients, researchers, healthcare providers, and national health authorities have questioned which medical conditions can be treated by acupuncture. An increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have involved acupuncture treatment.Objectives:To present a preliminary review of RCTs in PubMed and to summarize relevant medical conditions that can be treated by acupuncture.Design, Setting, and Subject:A PubMed search was performed to identify qualified RCTs from January 1978 to December 2007. Two reviewers independently extracted data for analysis. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, was used for disease classifications.Main Outcome Measures:The total number of RCTs for every medical condition, RCTs for every major class, and the percentages of major class.Results:A total of 587 RCTs were identified; 130 medical conditions covered 16 major groups: diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (21 conditions, 16.2% of the total number of conditions); diseases of the nervous system (17, 13.1%); diseases of the genitourinary system (14, 10.8%); mental and behavioral disorders (12, 9.2%); diseases of the digestive system (12, 9.2%); and injury, poisoning, and other consequences of external causes (12, 9.2%). Each of the remaining systems comprised less than 7%.Conclusions:Acupuncture has been tested in a wide range of diseases and disorders, with the most studies conducted in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, the nervous system, and the genitourinary system. Based on our analysis, painful conditions occupied a large proportion of acupuncture RCTs whereas little attention focused on diseases of the eye, skin, and infections.

The laser-jamming effectiveness of combined fiber lasers for airborne defense systems is analyzed in detail. Our preliminary experimental results are proof of the concept of getting a high-power laser through a beam combination technique. Based on combined fiber lasers, the jamming effectiveness of four-quadrant guidance and imaging guidance systems are evaluated. The simulation results have proved that for a four-quadrant guidance system, the tracking system takes only two seconds to complete tracking, and the new tracking target is the jamming laser; for the imaging guidance system, increasing the power of the jamming laser or the distance between the target and the jamming laser are both efficient ways to achieve a successful laser jamming.

AbstractThe relative importance of economics and environment in debate may soon be reversed due to the influence of three factors. Firstly, in the global economy it is hard to hide the unwanted products of economic processes. Secondly, huge advances in science will reduce the imperfect knowledge of markets, making some monitoring and analyzing tools show the design of sensible and equitable livelihood in communities, which is more important than the motivation of maximising profits for some individuals or firms. Thirdly, China, as the last major player on the planet to take on economic growth, comes from traditions fundamentally different from those economies that have experienced the Industrial Revolution previously. Its challenges with sustainability and environmental conservation predate Western economics by millennia, and it is implementing policies domestically and starting to work on the world stage that acknowledges that the surroundings are the host for any economic and socio-political system.

Background:Obesity-related glomerulopathy is an important complication of obesity that shares some pathophysiological factors relevant to renal damage with diabetic nephropathy. It was recognized that podocyte lesions lead to proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in patients with some proteinuric glomerular diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy. However, podocyte changes in patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Methods:Glomerular volume, podocyte number, and foot-process width were evaluated in 46 patients with biopsy-proven obesity-related glomerulopathy. Renal tissue from 10 kidney donors served as controls. Results:Glomerular volume was enlarged markedly in patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy (P< 0.001), with a corresponding decrease in podocyte density (P< 0.001) compared with controls. Foot-process width on the peripheral glomerular basement membrane was increased significantly, whereas mesangial volume fraction did not differ between patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy and controls. Degree of proteinuria was associated strongly with decreased podocyte density (P= 0.001), increased foot-process width (P= 0.001), and decreased podocyte number (P= 0.002). In addition, the endogenous creatinine clearance rate correlated with decreased podocyte number (P= 0.008). Interestingly, podocyte number and density correlated significantly with abnormalities in fasting glucose (P< 0.001) and insulin levels (P< 0.001) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (P< 0.001). Conclusion:Decreased podocyte density and number were observed in patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy, and changes in podocytes correlated with degree of proteinuria and renal function impairment in these patients. In addition to the enlargement in glomerular volume with consequential mechanical stretch, metabolic disorders also may contribute to the development of podocyte lesions in patients with obesity-related glomerulopathy.

In this paper, the robust fault detection filter (RFDF) design problems are studied for nonlinear time-delay systems with unknown inputs. First, a reference residual model is introduced to formulate the RFDF design problem as an H∞model-matching problem. Then appropriate input/output selection matrices are introduced to extend a performance index to the time-delay systems in time domain. The reference residual model designed according to the performance index is an optimal residual generator, which takes into account the robustness against disturbances and sensitivity to faults simultaneously. Applying robust H∞optimization control technique, the existence conditions of the RFDF for nonlinear time-delay systems with unknown inputs are presented in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation, independently of time delay. An illustrative design example is used to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed approach.

Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited nephropathy characterized by glomerular basement membrane (GBM) abnormalities due to mutations in the type IV collagen genes. Through immunofluorescence analysis, the absence of alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV) and alpha5(IV) chains within the GBM has been shown in the majority of AS cases. In some atypical AS cases, however, staining of the GBM with antibodies against the alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV) and alpha5(IV) chains appeared normal. In this study, we studied these atypical AS cases by quantitative analysis of the expression of type IV collagen subchains in GBM.

Tacrolimus (TAC) combined with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been suggested to play a critical role in the reversal of C4d-positive acute humoral rejection (AHR) in renal transplantation, but the efficacy of using only TAC-MMF without immunoadsorption or plasmapheresis has not been investigated. On the other hand, Chinese recipients of renal grafts usually need lower doses of immunosuppressants, and their optimal treatment for acute humoral rejection has not been established.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) presents a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis clinically, in which macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism of macrophage recruitment and activation has not been fully elucidated. C-C chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and beta (MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta), are major chemoattractants for macrophages. We attempted to study the expression of C-C chemokines and their correlation with CD68-positive macrophages in crescentic glomeruli to investigate further their possible roles in crescent formation and progression to fibrosis in different types of human CGN.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features and outcome of idiopathic IgA nephropathy with diffuse crescent formation in Chinese patients. Methods:Twenty-five patients with diffuse crescentic IgA nephropathy (DCIgAN), 15 males and 10 females with median age of 28.5, and median disease duration of 5.1 months, were studied. Their clinical, laboratory and pathological features and outcome were investigated. Twenty-one were administered pulse immunosuppressive therapy, and 15 were followed up for more than 6 months. Results:1.14% had total IgA nephropathy, and 16.4% total diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis. Clinically, most of patients (88%) showed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis associated with a high level of serum creatinine (418 ± 264 µmol/l). Gross hematuria was noted in 72%, hypertension in 64%, and nephrotic syndrome in 48%. Pathologically, except for diffuse crescent formation (a median 65% and range 50–95%), we observed segmental necrosis of glomerular capillaries in 60%, glomerular infiltrating cells in 48%, endothelial cells proliferation in 32%, and rupture of Bowmans’ capsule in 24%. Severe tubular interstitial damage was also found, tubular atrophy in 64%, interstitial fibrosis in 60%, diffuse interstitial infiltrating cells in 74%, and interstitial vasculitis in 40%. Immunopathologically, four phenotypes were observed; however, IgA associated with IgM deposition was higher than that in patients with general IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In addition, the infiltrating CD4+, CD8+, CD68+ and PCNA+ cells in renal tissue were significantly high compared with that in controls. In a follow-up study, 66.7% of patients had life-sustaining renal function, 4 of them had normal range of serum creatinine (<124 µmol/l), and only 5 were dialysis-dependent. Conclusions:The patients with crescentic IgA nephropathy mostly show rapidly progressive nephritis associated with more severe pathological changes including glomerular, tubular interstitial and vascular lesions than in patients with general IgAN. The infiltrates in glomeruli may contribute to the crescentic formation, and the intensive immune suppressing treatment is useful to improve renal damage in patients with DCIgAN.

Trapping ions outside the Lamb-Dicke limit have been proven to be useful for the laser-cooling and quantum computing. Under the supposition of the Rabi frequency much smaller than the Lamb-Dicke parameter, we can use a simple method to analytically solve the system with a single cold ion trapped and radiated beyond the Lamb- Dicke limit, in the absence of the rotating-wave approximation (RWA). Discussion has been made for the limitation of our approach and the comparison of our results with the solutions under the RWA.

Summary: C60 bonded poly(N-vinylcarbazole) has been synthesized by C60Cln (the average value of n is 20)/CuCl/2,2'-bipyridine (Bpy) catalyst system and its structure was analyzed by UV-Vis and proton NMR. The polymerization mechanism was proposed proceeding via an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The photoconducting properties of C60 bonded poly(N-vinylcarbazole) was better than poly(N-vinylcarbazole) initiated by AIBN.

ObjectiveTriptolide is the major active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., which has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide in renal diseases are not well understood. Recent studies have shown that overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells is associated with the inflammatory injuries of renal tubulointerstitium. In this study, we investigated the effect of triptolide on the overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro.MethodsHuman proximal tubular epithelial cells were treated with gamma interferon (200 μg/L) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (20 μg/L) or combined with different concentrates of triptolide (0.4, 2, 10 μg/L) for 12 hours (for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA measuring) or 24 hours (for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 protein measuring). The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA was detected by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 protein in the cells was measured by using flow cytometry. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels in the supernatant were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsAfter treatment with interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA and protein levels in human proximal tubular epithelial cells and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations in the supernatant were significantly increased. Triptolide (10 μg/L) can significantly inhibit the overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA and protein in human proximal tubular epithelial cells. The increase of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 protein in the supernatant was also markedly inhibited by triptolide (2, 10 μg/L).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the inhibition of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 overexpression in tubular epithelial cells may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide in renal diseases.

Background/Aims:Lupus nephritis (LN) is a clinical heterogeneous autoimmune disease and genetic factors contribute to the development of LN. One of the most striking characteristics in LN is the high prevalence among childbearing women, as well as that its clinical manifestation differs in women and men, suggesting the role of sex hormones in its pathogenesis.Methods: ThePvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of estrogen receptor (ER) gene were analyzed in 245 biopsy-proven LN patients (58 males and 187 females) and 172 normal controls (101 males and 71 females) by PCR-RFLP. The clinical and pathological features of 49 male and 152 female LN patients with different genotypes were analyzed. Results: It was found that genotype PpXx, ppxx and Ppxx were three major genotypes of ER gene in both of lupus patients and control groups. The distribution of ER gene polymorphism was quite different in lupus patients of different genders. The frequency of the PpXx genotype in male LN patients was significantly higher than both the gender matched normal controls (p < 0.05) and the female LN patients (p < 0.05), while no difference was shown in the frequency of PpXx genotype between female LN patients and gender matched controls. Interestingly, skin rashes and arthritis were found more common in the patients with PpXx genotype. The frequency of hematological abnormalities and hypertension were higher in patients with ppxx genotype (p < 0.05), while capillary thrombi and glomerular sclerosis were more frequently complicated in the patients with ppxx genotype. In addition, the renal vasculitis and interstitial injury were more frequent in those with Ppxx genotype (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The distribution of ER gene polymorphism in LN patients is distinct with different gender. The PpXxgenotype of ER gene may be associated with the susceptibility of SLE in male. ER gene polymorphism is probably one of the genetic factors contributing to the development of clinical heterogeneity and sexually dimorphic manifestations of LN.

♦ Objective Excessive synthesis and deposition of matrix proteins by peritoneal mesothelial cells can lead to structural and functional changes in the peritoneal membrane, jeopardizing the long-term efficacy of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Prolonged exposure to high glucose concentrations in PD fluid has been implicated as a major stimulus to matrix accumulation, through the induction of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ 1). This study investigated the effect of emodin (3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) on TGFβ 1 and fibronectin (FN) synthesis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) under high glucose concentration.♦ Design The HPMCs were preconditioned in either 5 mmol/L or 30 mmol/L d-glucose for 2 weeks prior to the addition of emodin. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Morphology of HPMCs was studied by phase-contrast microscopy. Modulation of TGFβ 1 and FN synthesis at transcription and translation were investigated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ELISA, and Western blot analysis.♦ Results When cultured under 30 mmol/L d-glucose, HPMCs demonstrated increased cell volume, multi-nucleation, and denudation of the monolayer, as compared with cells cultured under a physiologic (5 mmol/L) glucose concentration. High glucose concentration induced TGFβ 1 synthesis by HPMCs (217.17 ± 14.88 pg/mL at 5 mmol/L d-glucose vs 370.33 ± 20.67 pg/mL at 30 mmol/L d-glucose, p< 0.0001), and FN synthesis was induced at transcription and translation. Mannitol at 30 mmol/L did not affect HPMC morphology; matrix synthesis was also unaltered. Administration of emodin together with 30 mmol/L d-glucose resulted in amelioration of cell enlargement and exfoliation, and abrogation of TGFβ 1 induction (370.33 ± 20.67 pg/mL for 30 mmol/L d-glucose alone vs 260.50 ± 17.89 pg/mL for 30 mmol/L d-glucose + emodin, p< 0.0001). Synthesis of FN induced by high glucose was also reduced by 40% in the presence of emodin.♦ Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence that emodin can ameliorate high glucose–induced matrix synthesis in HPMCs by suppression of TGFβ 1. Emodin may thus be useful in preserving peritoneal integrity in PD.

The effect of double frequency oftrap field in a Paul trap can be described exactly by using a function series expansion to solve the corresponding Mathieu equation.The stability regions of a trapped ion are plotted and some meaningful physical results are shown.

The Raman interaction of a trapped ultracold ion with two traveling wave lasers is studied analytically by series expansion technique without the need of rotating wave approximation and the limitations of both the Lamb-Dicke limit and the weak excitation regime. As an example, a scheme for the preparation of Schrödinger-cat states in such a process is proposed beyond the weak excitation regime.