Search

HS 2325+8205 is a long-period eclipsing dwarf nova with an orbital period above the period gap (Porb > 3 h) and is reported to be a Z Cam-type dwarf nova. We study the light variation and the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of HS 2325+8205 based on the photometry of theTransiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Using a continuous wavelet transform, a Lomb–Scargle periodogram (LSP), and sine fitting methods, we find for the first time that there is a QPO of ∼2160 s in the long outburst top light curves of HS 2325+8205. Moreover, we find that the oscillation intensity of the QPOs of HS 2325+8205 is related to the orbital phase, and the intensity in orbital phases 0.5–0.9 is stronger than in orbital phases 0.1–0.5. Therefore, the relationship between the oscillation intensity of QPOs and the orbital phase may become a topic of research into the origin of QPOs. In addition, we use the LSP to correct the orbital period of HS 2325+8205 to 0.19433475(6) d.

ZZ Cassiopeiae (ZZ Cas) is an early spectral B-type close binary with an orbital period of 1.243527 d. By analyzing the continuous light curve obtained by TESS, and the spectroscopic data with low resolution observed by the 2.16 m telescope in Xinglong station, we found that it is a semi-detached binary; the secondary component fulfills the critical Roche lobe, while the more massive one is detached from the lobes with a fraction of the third light $1.82\%$. Our O-C diagram time spanning 32.6 yr shows a cyclical oscillation with a semi-amplitude of 0.0255(±0.0010) d and a period of 19.11(±0.27) yr superimposed on an upward parabolic curve with a period increase rate of dP/dt = +2.93 × 10−8 d yr−1. The upward parabolic variation and photometric solutions reveal that ZZ Cas is undergoing a late Case A mass transfer process on the nuclear timescale of the secondary component, and it was formed from originally detached binary systems. Its evolution is different from that of V606 Cen in the massive binaries. Meanwhile, the cyclic change in the O-C curve can be interpreted by the light-travel-time effect via the presence of a tertiary body. The tertiary companion with a minimal mass of M3 = 4.23(±0.22) M⊙ orbits around the central eclipsing binary in an eccentric orbit (e = 0.62). The estimation of an extremely low luminosity ratio of the primary component and the tertiary body may reveal that the additional component is a low-mass triple system or a compact object candidate.

Sepsis remains an area of concern and focus of investigations in the medical community. The patients with sepsis often develop anemia, which may substantially increase the difficulty of treatment in septic patients. Hepcidin plays a crucial role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. Dysregulation of hepcidin has been implicated in the occurrence and development of several diseases. This review summarizes the characteristics of iron metabolism, the regulation of hepcidin and the key findings of the clinical studies targeting anemia in septic patients. Understanding underlying pathogenic mechanisms of hepcidin in sepsis-related anemia will contribute to the development of rational therapeutic strategies. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2020.12.15

Transcription factors (TFs) like a nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and its controller calcineurin are highly expressed in primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) due to delamination, damage by tumor-associated flora and selective activation in the intestinal tract tumor are crucial in the progression and growth of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study sought to summarize the current findings concerning the dysregulated calcineurin/NFAT (C/N) signaling involved in CRC initiation and progression. These signalings include proliferation, T-cell functions, and glycolysis with high lactate production that remodels the acidosis, which genes in tumor cells provide an evolutionary advantage, or even increased their attack phenotype. Moreover, the relationship between C/N and gut microbiome in CRC, especially role of NFAT and toll-like receptor signaling in regulating intestinal microbiota are also discussed. Furthermore, this review will discuss the proteins and genes relating to C/N induced acidosis in CRC, which includes ASIC2 regulated C/N1 and TFs associated with the glycolytic by-product that affect T-cell functions and CRC cell growth. It is revealed that calcineurin or NFAT targeting to antitumor, selective calcineurin inhibition or targets in NFAT signaling may be useful for clinical treatment of CRC. This can further aid in the identification of specific targets via cancer patient-personalized approach. Future studies should be focused on targeting to C/N or TLR signaling by the combination of therapeutic agents to regulate T-cell functions and gut microbiome for activating potent anticancer property with the prospect of potentiating the antitumor therapy for CRC.

This study developed a two-stage statistical model (linear mixed effect (LME) model+geographical weight regression (GWR) model) to determine the spatio-temporal variation of PM

P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1)-mediated drug efflux causes multidrug resistance in cancer. Previous synthetic methylated epigallocatechin (EGC) possessed promising P-gp modulating activity. In order to further improve the potency, we have synthesized some novel stereoisomers of methylated epigallocatechin (EGC) and gallocatechin (GC) as well as epicatechin (EC) and catechin (C). The (2R, 3S)-trans-methylated C derivative 25 and the (2R, 3R)-cis-methylated EC derivative 31, both containing dimethyoxylation at ring B, tri-methoxylation at ring D and oxycarbonylphenylcarbamoyl linker between ring D and C3, are the most potent in reversing P-gp mediated drug resistance with EC50 ranged from 32 nM to 93 nM. They are non-toxic to fibroblast with IC50 > 100 μM. They can inhibit the P-gp mediated drug efflux and restore the intracellular drug concentration to a cytotoxic level. They do not downregulate surface P-gp protein level to enhance drug retention. They are specific for P-gp with no or low modulating activity towards MRP1- or BCRP-mediated drug resistance. In summary, methylated C 25 and EC 31 derivatives represent a new class of potent, specific and non-toxic P-gp modulator.

The damage effect characteristics of GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) under the irradiation of C band high-power microwave (HPM) is investigated in this paper. Based on the theoretical analysis, the thermoelectric coupling model is established, and the key damage parameters of the device under typical pulse conditions are predicted, including the damage location, damage power, etc. By the injection effect test and device microanatomy analysis through using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), it is concluded that the gate metal in the first stage of the device is the vulnerable to HPM damage, especially the side below the gate near the source. The damage power in the injection test is about 40 dBm and in good agreement with the simulation result. This work has a certain reference value for microwave damage assessment of pHEMT.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common form of birth defect in humans, and remains a leading non‑infectious cause of infant mortality worldwide. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that genetic defects serve a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CHD, and mutations in >60 genes have been causally associated with CHD. CHD is a heterogeneous disease and the genetic basis of CHD in the majority of patients remains poorly understood. In the present study, the coding exons and flanking introns of the mesoderm posterior 1 (MESP1) gene, which encodes a basic helix‑loop‑helix transcription factor required for normal cardiovascular development, were sequenced in 178 unrelated patients with CHD. The available relatives of the index patient carrying an identified mutation and 200 unrelated, ethnically‑matched healthy individuals, who were used as controls, were genotyped for MESP1. The functional characteristics of the MESP1 mutation were determined using a dual‑luciferase reporter assay system. As a result, a novel de novo heterozygous MESP1 mutation, p.Q118X, was identified in an index patient with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and a ventricular septal defect. The nonsense mutation was absent in the 400 reference chromosomes and the altered amino acid was completely conserved evolutionarily across species. Functional assays indicated that the mutant MESP1 protein had no transcriptional activity when compared with its wild‑type counterpart. The present study firstly provided experimental evidence supporting the concept that a MESP1 loss‑of‑function mutation may contribute to the development of DORV in humans, which presents a significant insight into the molecular pathogenesis of CHD. The results highlight the potential implications for the genetic counseling and personalized treatment of patients with CHD.

In the present study, a total of 9 novel permethyl ningalin B analogs have been synthesized and evaluated for their P-gp modulating activity in a P-gp overexpressed breast cancer cell line LCC6MDR. Among these derivatives, compound 12 with dimethoxy groups at rings A and B and tri-substitution at ring C with ortho-methoxyethylmorpholine, meta-bromo and para-benzyloxy groups displays the most potent P-gp modulating activity with EC50 of 423 nM to reverse paclitaxel resistance. It is non-toxic towards L929 fibroblast with IC50 greater than 100 μM and with selective index greater than 236. Its mechanism to reverse P-gp mediated drug resistance is by virtue of inhibiting transport activity of P-gp, restoring intracellular drug accumulation and eventually chemosensitizing the cancer cells to anticancer drug again. Moreover, compound 12 showed better solubility (405 ng/mL) than hit compound 1 in phosphate buffer (pH 4.0). In summary, our study demonstrates that permethyl ningalin B derivative 12 is non-toxic and efficient P-gp inhibitor that is a potential candidate to be used clinically to reverse P-gp mediated cancer drug resistance.

Whereas there exist such problems as compaction blind spot in the edge and cornier area of construction rod, and the narrow site has disabled the large rod roller to go into operation, an innovative design method based on the TRIZ theory has been put forward. Meanwhile, a detailed solution to the conflicts generated in the efforts to improve the differency of the large road roller has been proposed through the use of the contradiction conflict solution matrix comprised by 39 engineering parameters and 40 pieces of inventive principles pertaining to TRIZ. Furthermore, the feasibility to conduct TRIZ-theory-based innovative design in the field of engineering machinery has been manifested, thus providing important theoretical tools for design ideas in the field of traditional engineering innovation.

Through the ergonomic analysis module that is based on the CATIA software platform, the virtual human body model is introduced into the rescue cabin digital module of ambulance and thus the virtual man-machine relationship is established; meanwhile, the theories of ergonomics are employed as guidance for the optimization design of rescue cabin so as to probe into how the CATIA-based ergonomic analysis module is applied in product development and design.

The car repair workers would be injured in some part of body because of improper working postures. To reduce the injuries while repairing, changes must be made in the design of the car lying board. The improvement will be made according to the ergonomics theory, thus from the perspective of the comfortable working posture; analyzing from a qualitative nature to a quantitative nature, the design of the car lying board through man-machine analysis module of CATIA software on how to enhance the comfort of car repairing. That will make it possible for the car lying board to change its height and the angle of the pillow board according to the level of fatigue of man, so as to improve the comfort of car repairing. Also, it will provide an important reference to the design of related products.

The blade is an important component in wind turbines, and the detection and diagnosis of its defects has become an important subject in wind power industry. This paper introduces the principles of the existing methods for state detection and fault diagnosis in wind blades, and then discusses the deficiency of each method. The existing difficulties and some key problems to be solved are also pointed out in this paper. Finally, the trend of its future development has been discussed.

The off-line test method which is generally employed in modeling of generator excitation system has parameter lag and does not fully reflect dynamic characteristics. This article established an online identification and dynamic modeling for the excitation system by smart component technique combined with particle swarm optimization algorithm. It studied the principles of dynamic modeling, taking model parameters corresponding to the minimum objective function as the output result of the identification, also set up implementation steps and flowcharts of the parameter identification based on particle swarm optimization algorithm. An example case was given based on the measured data, and the identification results of the case were taken as the set value of the simulation model. The article compared simulation results to the field test data of 5% step response condition. The comparative results indicated that particle swarm optimization algorithm based on synchronization intelligent component data had the ability to adapt to online identification decently and high identification accuracy.

Our previous experiments with gene chip suggested that basic fibroblastic growth factor (FGF2) levels were lower in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) from aplastic anemia patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in MSC and in bone marrow of children with aplastic anemia to better understand the role of low FGF2 expression in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.MSCs from the bone marrow of aplastic anemia children and control group were cultured in vitro. Growth curves of primary and passage MSC were plotted. FGF2 gene expression in MSCs was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). FGF2 protein expression in mononuclear cells and FGF2 protein level in extracellular fluid of bone marrow were also investigated.Decreased growth of MSCs from aplastic anemia children was observed after passage 8 in serial subcultivation, and FGF2 gene expression was downregulated. Within the patients' bone marrow, low FGF2 expression was validated both in mononuclear cells and in the extracellular fluid.Low FGF2 gene expression in MSCs and low FGF2 protein level in bone marrow of aplastic anemia may involve to pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.

Port container throughput forecast is an important work for wharf project which is an important part of the port development strategy. In this paper, we introduce the optimized grey model and least square method of grey model. Furthermore, we make a forecast for the container throughput by using least square method of grey model and the result can offer the decision-making bases for relevant department.

On the basis of the status quo of college students’ innovation education and the society’s urgent demand for innovative talents, this paper started by introducing the meaning of innovation education, analyzed the status of college students’ innovation ability, and pointed out the co-related influencing factors. Therefore, since TRIZ theory can promote the disciplinary crossing and integration, provide innovative principle for innovations and inventions, put forward pertinent methods and measures for enhancing colleges students’ innovation ability and formulate the TRIZ theory-based innovative talent cultivation mode, it will be of great significance for guiding the cultivation of innovative talents if this mode is applied to innovative practice teaching.

whereas the special group, such as the elderly and patients, are easy to fall down in alternating between sitting and standing postures, this paper proposed to combine the TRIZE theory with ergonomics and conduct innovative design on special-group auxiliary wheelchair. by using the theory of TRIZ innovation principle and the related theory of the man-machine engineering, for the special group of improvement required auxiliary wheelchair innovative design ideas are put forward, the corresponding solution measures are made at the conflict in the process of innovation design of technology. By combining the TRIZ theory with ergonomics, an innovative practice for the special-group auxiliary wheelchair was made, which verify the application of this method can provide important for product design, development of related products design has certain reference significance.

To observe the effect of andrographolide on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in macrophage foam cells.The mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in the media in the presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), ox-LDL+andrographolide, or neither (control). The phosphorylation of MAPK molecules (p38MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2) and the expressions of NK-κB p65 were examined by Western blot.As compared with cells in the control group, the expressions of phospho-p38 and NF-κB p65 were increased in the cells cultured with either ox-LDL or ox-LDL+andrographolide (P0.01), but attenuated significantly in the presence of ox-LDL+ andrographolide when compared with ox-LDL (P0.05). The phospho-JNK increased in the presence of either ox-LDL or ox-LDL+andrographolide when compared with control cells (P0.01), but no significant difference existed between ox-LDL and ox-LDL+andrographolide (P0.05). The expression of phospho-ERK1/2 was increased in the presence of ox-LDL compared with the control cells (P0.01), but no significant differences existed between the cells cultured in the presence of ox-LDL+andrographolide and the control medium (P0.05).Andrographolide could inhibit the activation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK and NK-κB induced by ox-LDL in macrophage foam cells, which might be one of its mechanisms in preventing atherosclerosis.