Image-denoising techniques are widely used to defend against Adversarial Examples(AEs).However,denoising alone cannot completely eliminate adversarial perturbations.The remaining perturbations tend to amplify as they ...Image-denoising techniques are widely used to defend against Adversarial Examples(AEs).However,denoising alone cannot completely eliminate adversarial perturbations.The remaining perturbations tend to amplify as they propagate through deeper layers of the network,leading to misclassifications.Moreover,image denoising compromises the classification accuracy of original examples.To address these challenges in AE defense through image denoising,this paper proposes a novel AE detection technique.The proposed technique combines multiple traditional image-denoising algorithms and Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)network structures.The used detector model integrates the classification results of different models as the input to the detector and calculates the final output of the detector based on a machine-learning voting algorithm.By analyzing the discrepancy between predictions made by the model on original examples and denoised examples,AEs are detected effectively.This technique reduces computational overhead without modifying the model structure or parameters,effectively avoiding the error amplification caused by denoising.The proposed approach demonstrates excellent detection performance against mainstream AE attacks.Experimental results show outstanding detection performance in well-known AE attacks,including Fast Gradient Sign Method(FGSM),Basic Iteration Method(BIM),DeepFool,and Carlini&Wagner(C&W),achieving a 94%success rate in FGSM detection,while only reducing the accuracy of clean examples by 4%.展开更多
AIM: To establish a simple model consisting of the rou- tine laboratory variables to predict both minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. METHODS: We retrospectively in...AIM: To establish a simple model consisting of the rou- tine laboratory variables to predict both minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 114 chron- ic HBV-infected patients who underwent liver biopsy in two different hospitals. Thirteen parameters were analyzed by step-wise regression analysis and correla- tion analysis. A new fibrosis index [globulin/platelet (GP) model] was developed, including globulin (GLOB) and platelet count (PLT). GP model = GLOB (g/mL) x 100/PLT (x 109/L). We evaluated the receiver operating characteristics analysis used to predict minimal fibrosis and compared six other available models. RESULTS: Thirteen clinical biochemical and hemato- logical variables [sex, age, PLT, alanine aminotransfer- ase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, GLOB, total bilirubin (T.bil), direct bilirubin (D.bil), glutamyl-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, HBV DNA and pro- thrombin time (PT)] were analyzed according to three stages of liver fibrosis (F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4). Bivariate Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that six variables, including age, PLT, T.bil, D.bil, GLOB and PT, were correlated with the three fibrosis stages (FS). Cor- relation coefficients were 0.23, -0.412, 0.208, 0.220, 0.314 and 0.212; and P value was 0.014, 〈 0.001, 0.026, 0.018, 0.001 and 0.024, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that only PLT and GLOB were signifi- cantly different in the three FS (PLT: F = 11.772, P 〈 0.001; GLOB: F = 6.612, P = 0.002). Step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that PLT and GLOB were also independently correlated with FS (R2 = 0.237). By Spearman's rank correlation analysis, GP model was significantly correlated with the three FS (r = 0.466, P 〈 0.001). The median values in F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4 were 1.461, 1.720 and 2.634. Compared with the six available models (fibrosis index, AST-platelet ratio, FIB-4, fibrosis-cirrhosis index and age-AST model and age-PLT ratio), GP model showed a highest correlation coefficient. The sensitivity and positive predictive value at a cutoff value 〈 1.68 for predicting minimal fibrosis F0-F1 were 72.4% and 71.2%, respectively. The speci- ficity and negative predictive value at a cutoff value 〈 2.53 for the prediction of cirrhosis were 84.5% and 96.7%. The area under the curve (AUC) of GP model for predicting minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.762 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.676-0.848] and 0.781 (95% CI: 0.638-0.924). Although the differences were not statistically significant between GP model and the other models (P all 〉 0.05), the AUC of GP model was the largest among the seven models. CONCLUSION: By establishing a simple model using available laboratory variables, chronic HBV-infected patients with minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis can be di- agnosed accurately, and the clinical application of this model may reduce the need for liver biopsy in HBV- infected patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated anti...BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated antifibrotic activity has not been fully unveiled and is little studied, it is imperative to use "omics" methods to systematically investigate the molecular mechanism by which taurine inhibits liver fibrosis.AIM To establish a network including transcriptomic and protein-protein interaction data to elucidate the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis.METHODS We used microarrays, bioinformatics, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network,and sub-modules to investigate taurine-induced changes in gene expression in human HSCs(LX-2). Subsequently, all of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were subjected to gene ontology function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the interactions of DEGs were explored in a human PPI network, and sub-modules of the DEGs interaction network were analyzed using Cytoscape software.RESULTS A total of 635 DEGs were identified in taurine-treated HSCs when compared with the controls. Of these, 304 genes were statistically significantly up-regulated, and 331 down-regulated. Most of these DEGs were mainly located on the membrane and extracellular region, and are involved in the biological processes of signal transduction, cell proliferation, positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1(ERK1) and ERK2 cascade, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and so on. Fifteen significantly enriched pathways with DEGs were identified, including mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway,estrogen signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and so on. By integrating the transcriptomics and human PPI data, nine critical genes, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP21,TIMP3, KLF10, CX3CR1, TGFB1, VEGFB, and EGF, were identified in the PPI network analysis.CONCLUSION Taurine promotes the apoptosis of HSCs via up-regulating TGFB1 and then activating the p38 MAPK-JNK-Caspase9/8/3 pathway. These findings enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis and provide references for liver disorder therapy.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine (NTau) on portal hypertension (PHT) in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis (LC). METHODS: Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats (20 ra...AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine (NTau) on portal hypertension (PHT) in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis (LC). METHODS: Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats (20 rats/group) were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks. Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure (PVP), portal venous resistance (PVR), portal venous flow (PVF), splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean arterial pressure (NAP). Vasoactive substance levels including nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were also measured. Histological investigation of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen (COL Ⅰ and Ⅲ) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with NTau (1) significantly decreased PVP, PVR and PVF, and increased MAP and SVP; (2) markedly increased the vascular compliance and reduced the zero-stress of the portal vein; (3) markedly decreased the amount of NO and cGMP and activity of NOS; and (4) improved the pathological status of the liver tissue and reduced the expression of COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: NTau inhibited the LC-induced PHT by improving hyperdynamic circulation, morphology of liver and biomechanical properties of the portal vein in experimentally-induced LC rats.展开更多
AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All...AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All the biological samples were analyzed by using highperformance liquid chromatography-time electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify statistically different metabolites for taurine in HSCs, and metabolomic pathway analysis was used to do pathway analysis for taurine in HSCs. The chemical structure of the related metabolites and pathways was identified by comparing the m/z ratio and ion mode with the data obtained from free online databases.RESULTS A total of 32 significant differential endogenous metabolites were identified, which may be related to the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs. Among the seven relevant pathways identified, sphingolipid metabolism pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway were found to be the most important metabolic pathways for taurine in HSCs.CONCLUSION This study showed that there were distinct changes in biological metabolites of taurine in HSCs and three differential metabolic pathways including sphingolipid pathway, glutathione pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway might be of key importance in mediating the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs.展开更多
Lithium metal anode is the most potential anode material for the next generation high-energy rechargeable batteries owing to its highest specific capacity and lowest redox potential.Unfortunately,the uneven deposition...Lithium metal anode is the most potential anode material for the next generation high-energy rechargeable batteries owing to its highest specific capacity and lowest redox potential.Unfortunately,the uneven deposition of Li during plating/stripping and the formation of uncontrolled Li dendrites,which might cause poor battery performance and serious safety problems,are demonstrating to be a huge challenge for its practical application.Here,we show that a flexible and free-standing film hybriding with polypyrrole(PPy) nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide(rGO) can significantly regulate the Li nucleation and deposition,and further prohibit the formation of Li dendrites,owing to the large specific surface area,rich of nitrogen functional groups and porous structures.Finally,the high Coulombic efficiency and stable Li plating/stripping cycling performance with 98% for 230 cycles at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) and more than 900 hours stable lifespan are achieved.No Li dendrites form even at a Li deposition capacity as high as4.0 mA h cm^(-2).Besides,the designed PPy/rGO hybrid anode scaffold can also drive a superior battery performance in the lithium-metal full cell applications.展开更多
Objective: To investigate potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of Weining granule in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly assigned to a blank group or a model group...Objective: To investigate potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of Weining granule in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly assigned to a blank group or a model group or to receive retinoic acid or high-, medium- or low- dose of Weining granule. General conditions of the animals were observed before and after treatment. Changes in gastric mucosal pathohistology, telomerase activity, proliferation index (PI) and apoptosis index (AI) were measured. Results: General conditions, including activity and eating, were improved in all Weining-granule-treated groups with the numbers of rats having intestinal metaplasia (IM), atypical hyperplasia (ATP) or positive telomerase activity being significantly lower than those in the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Compared with the model group, all doses of Weining granule significantly decreased PI (P 〈 0.01) and increased AI (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: Weining granule may provide a therapeutic benefit for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions by inhibiting telomerase activity and proliferation of gastric cancer cells and by accelerating their apoptosis.展开更多
Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell diff...Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.展开更多
The effects of extraction fluids from the leaf litter from different dominant tree species on the functional characteristics of the soil microbial community were studied to understand how changes in soil quality and s...The effects of extraction fluids from the leaf litter from different dominant tree species on the functional characteristics of the soil microbial community were studied to understand how changes in soil quality and synergism between plants and soil contribute to the process of forest succession. Leaf litter from dominant tree species at different stages of succession were collected and extracted with sterile deionized water. After treating the soil of abandoned land with the different extraction fluids, we analyzed changes in carbon utilization of the soil microbial community in Biolog EcoPlates, then considered these results with those of our previous study on forest vegetation succession in the Malan forest. The leaf litter enhanced the metabolic capacity and functional diversity of the soil microbes, especially in the following combinations: the leaf litter of Quercus liaotungensis-Pinus tabulae- formis, P. tabulaeformis-Betula platyphylla, Q. liaotun- gensis and P. tabulaeformiss. Second, when litter from onespecies evaluated, the species enhanced metabolism and diversity in the order of their successional relationship: B. Platyphylla 〈 P. tabulaeformis 〈 Q. liaotungensis. After soils were treated with different leaf litters at 25 ℃ for 7 days, the sorting pattern of the PCA values, based on the similarity of carbon source utilization by the soil microbes, corresponded to the successional pattern on the basis of the similarity of community composition of forest plants. Thus, changes in soil properties caused by leaf litter from different dominant trees probably play a unique role in the successional pattern of a forest community. We thus pro- pose a successional mechanism that underlies the natural succession process within the Malan forest region. When the dominant forest species of the climax successional stage develops during the early successional stages, its forest litter probably alters soil properties such that the soil becomes unsuitable for the gradual growth and regenera- tion of the original dominant tree species but promotes the growth and establishment of later-invasive plants. In this way, the originally dominant species is replaced by the newly dominant tree species during forest succession.展开更多
High quality gallium oxide(Ga_2O_3) thin films are deposited by remote plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition(RPEALD) with trimethylgallium(TMG) and oxygen plasma as precursors. By introducing in-situ NH3 plasma pret...High quality gallium oxide(Ga_2O_3) thin films are deposited by remote plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition(RPEALD) with trimethylgallium(TMG) and oxygen plasma as precursors. By introducing in-situ NH3 plasma pretreatment on the substrates, the deposition rate of Ga_2O_3 films on Si and GaN are remarkably enhanced, reached to 0.53 and 0.46 ?/cycle at 250 °C,respectively. The increasing of deposition rate is attributed to more hydroxyls(–OH) generated on the substrate surfaces after NH3 pretreatment, which has no effect on the stoichiometry and surface morphology of the oxide films, but only modifies the surface states of substrates by enhancing reactive site density. Ga_2O_3 film deposited on GaN wafer is crystallized at 250 °C, with an epitaxial interface between Ga_2O_3 and GaN clearly observed. This is potentially very important for reducing the interface state density through high quality passivation.展开更多
A novel monoterpene glycoside, mileenside, was isolated from Swertia mileensis by repeated normal and reverse phase silica gel chromatography and its structure was elucidated mainly based on spectral evidence.
Tuning magnetic damping constant in dedicated spintronic devices has important scientific and technological implications. Here we report on anisotropic damping in various compositional amorphous CoFeB films grown on G...Tuning magnetic damping constant in dedicated spintronic devices has important scientific and technological implications. Here we report on anisotropic damping in various compositional amorphous CoFeB films grown on GaAs(001) substrates. Measured by a vector network analyzer-ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) equipment, a giant magnetic damping anisotropy of 385%, i.e., the damping constant increases by about four times, is observed in a 10-nm-thick Co40Fe40B20 film when its magnetization rotates from easy axis to hard axis, accompanied by a large and pure in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) with its anisotropic field of about 450 Oe. The distinct damping anisotropy is mainly resulted from anisotropic two-magnon-scattering induced by the interface between the ferromagnetic layer and the substrate, which also generates a significant UMA in the film plane.展开更多
In drilling a deepwater well,the mud density window is narrow,which needs a precise pressure control to drill the well to its designed depth.Therefore,an accurate characterization of annular flow between the drilling ...In drilling a deepwater well,the mud density window is narrow,which needs a precise pressure control to drill the well to its designed depth.Therefore,an accurate characterization of annular flow between the drilling riser and drilling string is critical in well control and drilling safety.Many other factors influencing the change of drilling pressure that should be but have not been studied sufficiently.We used numerical method to simulate the process of drill string rotation and vibration in the riser to show that the rotation and transverse vibration of drill string can increase the axial velocity in the annulus,which results in the improvement of the flow field in the annulus,and the effect on pressure loss and its fluctuation amplitude.In addition,there are also multiple secondary flow vortices in the riser annulus under certain eccentricity conditions,which is different from the phenomenon in an ordinary wellbore.The findings of this research are critical in safely controlling well drilling operation in the deepwater environment.展开更多
Research in the spintronics community has been intensively stimulated by the proposal of the spin field-effect transistor(SFET),which has the potential for combining the data storage and process in a single device.Her...Research in the spintronics community has been intensively stimulated by the proposal of the spin field-effect transistor(SFET),which has the potential for combining the data storage and process in a single device.Here we report the spin dependent transport on a Fe_(3)O_(4)/GaAs based lateral structured device.Parallel and antiparallel states of two Fe_(3)O_(4) electrodes are achieved.A clear MR loop shows the perfect butterfly shape at room temperature,of which the intensity decreases with the reducing current,showing the strong bias dependence.Understanding the spin-dependent transport properties in this architecture has strong implication in further development of the spintronic devices for room-temperature SFETs.展开更多
AIM:To illustrate the underlying mechanism how prominin-1(also known as Prom1)mutation contribute to progressive photoreceptor degeneration.METHODS:A CRISPR-mediated Prom1 knockout(Prom1-KO)mice model in the C57BL/6 w...AIM:To illustrate the underlying mechanism how prominin-1(also known as Prom1)mutation contribute to progressive photoreceptor degeneration.METHODS:A CRISPR-mediated Prom1 knockout(Prom1-KO)mice model in the C57BL/6 was generated and the photoreceptor degeneration phenotypes by means of structural and functional tests were demonstrated.Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis were performed to reveal the localization and quantity of related outer segment(OS)proteins.RESULTS:The Prom1-KO mice developed the photoreceptor degeneration phenotype including the decreased outer nuclear layer(ONL)thickness and compromised electroretinogram amplitude.Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed impaired trafficking of photoreceptor OS proteins.Immunoblot data demonstrated decreased photoreceptor OS proteins.CONCLUSION:Prom1 deprivation causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration.Prom1 is essential for maintaining normal trafficking and normal quantity of photoreceptor OS proteins.The new light is shed on the pathogenic mechanism underlying photoreceptor degeneration caused by Prom1 mutation.展开更多
基金supported in part by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province under Grant Nos.2023JJ30316 and 2022JJ2029in part by a project supported by Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department under Grant No.22A0686+1 种基金in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.62172058Researchers Supporting Project(No.RSP2023R102)King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Image-denoising techniques are widely used to defend against Adversarial Examples(AEs).However,denoising alone cannot completely eliminate adversarial perturbations.The remaining perturbations tend to amplify as they propagate through deeper layers of the network,leading to misclassifications.Moreover,image denoising compromises the classification accuracy of original examples.To address these challenges in AE defense through image denoising,this paper proposes a novel AE detection technique.The proposed technique combines multiple traditional image-denoising algorithms and Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)network structures.The used detector model integrates the classification results of different models as the input to the detector and calculates the final output of the detector based on a machine-learning voting algorithm.By analyzing the discrepancy between predictions made by the model on original examples and denoised examples,AEs are detected effectively.This technique reduces computational overhead without modifying the model structure or parameters,effectively avoiding the error amplification caused by denoising.The proposed approach demonstrates excellent detection performance against mainstream AE attacks.Experimental results show outstanding detection performance in well-known AE attacks,including Fast Gradient Sign Method(FGSM),Basic Iteration Method(BIM),DeepFool,and Carlini&Wagner(C&W),achieving a 94%success rate in FGSM detection,while only reducing the accuracy of clean examples by 4%.
文摘AIM: To establish a simple model consisting of the rou- tine laboratory variables to predict both minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 114 chron- ic HBV-infected patients who underwent liver biopsy in two different hospitals. Thirteen parameters were analyzed by step-wise regression analysis and correla- tion analysis. A new fibrosis index [globulin/platelet (GP) model] was developed, including globulin (GLOB) and platelet count (PLT). GP model = GLOB (g/mL) x 100/PLT (x 109/L). We evaluated the receiver operating characteristics analysis used to predict minimal fibrosis and compared six other available models. RESULTS: Thirteen clinical biochemical and hemato- logical variables [sex, age, PLT, alanine aminotransfer- ase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, GLOB, total bilirubin (T.bil), direct bilirubin (D.bil), glutamyl-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, HBV DNA and pro- thrombin time (PT)] were analyzed according to three stages of liver fibrosis (F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4). Bivariate Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that six variables, including age, PLT, T.bil, D.bil, GLOB and PT, were correlated with the three fibrosis stages (FS). Cor- relation coefficients were 0.23, -0.412, 0.208, 0.220, 0.314 and 0.212; and P value was 0.014, 〈 0.001, 0.026, 0.018, 0.001 and 0.024, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that only PLT and GLOB were signifi- cantly different in the three FS (PLT: F = 11.772, P 〈 0.001; GLOB: F = 6.612, P = 0.002). Step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that PLT and GLOB were also independently correlated with FS (R2 = 0.237). By Spearman's rank correlation analysis, GP model was significantly correlated with the three FS (r = 0.466, P 〈 0.001). The median values in F0-F1, F2-F3 and F4 were 1.461, 1.720 and 2.634. Compared with the six available models (fibrosis index, AST-platelet ratio, FIB-4, fibrosis-cirrhosis index and age-AST model and age-PLT ratio), GP model showed a highest correlation coefficient. The sensitivity and positive predictive value at a cutoff value 〈 1.68 for predicting minimal fibrosis F0-F1 were 72.4% and 71.2%, respectively. The speci- ficity and negative predictive value at a cutoff value 〈 2.53 for the prediction of cirrhosis were 84.5% and 96.7%. The area under the curve (AUC) of GP model for predicting minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.762 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.676-0.848] and 0.781 (95% CI: 0.638-0.924). Although the differences were not statistically significant between GP model and the other models (P all 〉 0.05), the AUC of GP model was the largest among the seven models. CONCLUSION: By establishing a simple model using available laboratory variables, chronic HBV-infected patients with minimal fibrosis and cirrhosis can be di- agnosed accurately, and the clinical application of this model may reduce the need for liver biopsy in HBV- infected patients.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81360595 and No.81860790Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Program,No.KJT13066+2 种基金the Bagui Scholars Foundation Program of Guangxithe Special-term Experts Foundation Program of Guangxithe Project of Guangxi Young Teacher Fundamental Ability Promotion,No.2017KY0298
文摘BACKGROUND Studies show that the antifibrotic mechanism of taurine may involve its inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs). Since the molecular mechanism of taurine-mediated antifibrotic activity has not been fully unveiled and is little studied, it is imperative to use "omics" methods to systematically investigate the molecular mechanism by which taurine inhibits liver fibrosis.AIM To establish a network including transcriptomic and protein-protein interaction data to elucidate the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis.METHODS We used microarrays, bioinformatics, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network,and sub-modules to investigate taurine-induced changes in gene expression in human HSCs(LX-2). Subsequently, all of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were subjected to gene ontology function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the interactions of DEGs were explored in a human PPI network, and sub-modules of the DEGs interaction network were analyzed using Cytoscape software.RESULTS A total of 635 DEGs were identified in taurine-treated HSCs when compared with the controls. Of these, 304 genes were statistically significantly up-regulated, and 331 down-regulated. Most of these DEGs were mainly located on the membrane and extracellular region, and are involved in the biological processes of signal transduction, cell proliferation, positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1(ERK1) and ERK2 cascade, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and so on. Fifteen significantly enriched pathways with DEGs were identified, including mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway,estrogen signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and so on. By integrating the transcriptomics and human PPI data, nine critical genes, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP21,TIMP3, KLF10, CX3CR1, TGFB1, VEGFB, and EGF, were identified in the PPI network analysis.CONCLUSION Taurine promotes the apoptosis of HSCs via up-regulating TGFB1 and then activating the p38 MAPK-JNK-Caspase9/8/3 pathway. These findings enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of taurine-induced HSC apoptosis and provide references for liver disorder therapy.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant,No.30660235Guangxi Science Foundation forYouths,Grant,No.0728080National"11th 5-year"Support Plan of China,Grant,No.2006BAI0802-07
文摘AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine (NTau) on portal hypertension (PHT) in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis (LC). METHODS: Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats (20 rats/group) were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks. Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure (PVP), portal venous resistance (PVR), portal venous flow (PVF), splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean arterial pressure (NAP). Vasoactive substance levels including nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were also measured. Histological investigation of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen (COL Ⅰ and Ⅲ) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with NTau (1) significantly decreased PVP, PVR and PVF, and increased MAP and SVP; (2) markedly increased the vascular compliance and reduced the zero-stress of the portal vein; (3) markedly decreased the amount of NO and cGMP and activity of NOS; and (4) improved the pathological status of the liver tissue and reduced the expression of COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: NTau inhibited the LC-induced PHT by improving hyperdynamic circulation, morphology of liver and biomechanical properties of the portal vein in experimentally-induced LC rats.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81360595 and No.81360532Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Program,No.2014GXNSFDA118027+1 种基金Bagui Scholars Foundation Program of GuangxiSpecial-term Experts Foundation Program of Guangxi
文摘AIM To develop a reliable and simple method to identify important biological metabolites and relevant pathways for taurine in hepatic stellate cells(HSCs), in order to provide more data for taurine therapy.METHODS All the biological samples were analyzed by using highperformance liquid chromatography-time electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to identify statistically different metabolites for taurine in HSCs, and metabolomic pathway analysis was used to do pathway analysis for taurine in HSCs. The chemical structure of the related metabolites and pathways was identified by comparing the m/z ratio and ion mode with the data obtained from free online databases.RESULTS A total of 32 significant differential endogenous metabolites were identified, which may be related to the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs. Among the seven relevant pathways identified, sphingolipid metabolism pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway were found to be the most important metabolic pathways for taurine in HSCs.CONCLUSION This study showed that there were distinct changes in biological metabolites of taurine in HSCs and three differential metabolic pathways including sphingolipid pathway, glutathione pathway and thiamine metabolism pathway might be of key importance in mediating the mechanism of action of taurine in HSCs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21603019,201503025)Key Program for International Science and Technology Cooperation Projects of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2016YFE0125900)program for the Hundred Talents Program of Chongqing University。
文摘Lithium metal anode is the most potential anode material for the next generation high-energy rechargeable batteries owing to its highest specific capacity and lowest redox potential.Unfortunately,the uneven deposition of Li during plating/stripping and the formation of uncontrolled Li dendrites,which might cause poor battery performance and serious safety problems,are demonstrating to be a huge challenge for its practical application.Here,we show that a flexible and free-standing film hybriding with polypyrrole(PPy) nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide(rGO) can significantly regulate the Li nucleation and deposition,and further prohibit the formation of Li dendrites,owing to the large specific surface area,rich of nitrogen functional groups and porous structures.Finally,the high Coulombic efficiency and stable Li plating/stripping cycling performance with 98% for 230 cycles at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) and more than 900 hours stable lifespan are achieved.No Li dendrites form even at a Li deposition capacity as high as4.0 mA h cm^(-2).Besides,the designed PPy/rGO hybrid anode scaffold can also drive a superior battery performance in the lithium-metal full cell applications.
文摘Objective: To investigate potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of Weining granule in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly assigned to a blank group or a model group or to receive retinoic acid or high-, medium- or low- dose of Weining granule. General conditions of the animals were observed before and after treatment. Changes in gastric mucosal pathohistology, telomerase activity, proliferation index (PI) and apoptosis index (AI) were measured. Results: General conditions, including activity and eating, were improved in all Weining-granule-treated groups with the numbers of rats having intestinal metaplasia (IM), atypical hyperplasia (ATP) or positive telomerase activity being significantly lower than those in the model group (P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01). Compared with the model group, all doses of Weining granule significantly decreased PI (P 〈 0.01) and increased AI (P 〈 0.05). Conclusion: Weining granule may provide a therapeutic benefit for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions by inhibiting telomerase activity and proliferation of gastric cancer cells and by accelerating their apoptosis.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81102595the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi,No.2012GXNSFAA053113
文摘Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(2002 CB111505)Natural Science Basic Research Project in Shaanxi Province(2011 JM3003)Project PCSIRT(No.IRT1035)
文摘The effects of extraction fluids from the leaf litter from different dominant tree species on the functional characteristics of the soil microbial community were studied to understand how changes in soil quality and synergism between plants and soil contribute to the process of forest succession. Leaf litter from dominant tree species at different stages of succession were collected and extracted with sterile deionized water. After treating the soil of abandoned land with the different extraction fluids, we analyzed changes in carbon utilization of the soil microbial community in Biolog EcoPlates, then considered these results with those of our previous study on forest vegetation succession in the Malan forest. The leaf litter enhanced the metabolic capacity and functional diversity of the soil microbes, especially in the following combinations: the leaf litter of Quercus liaotungensis-Pinus tabulae- formis, P. tabulaeformis-Betula platyphylla, Q. liaotun- gensis and P. tabulaeformiss. Second, when litter from onespecies evaluated, the species enhanced metabolism and diversity in the order of their successional relationship: B. Platyphylla 〈 P. tabulaeformis 〈 Q. liaotungensis. After soils were treated with different leaf litters at 25 ℃ for 7 days, the sorting pattern of the PCA values, based on the similarity of carbon source utilization by the soil microbes, corresponded to the successional pattern on the basis of the similarity of community composition of forest plants. Thus, changes in soil properties caused by leaf litter from different dominant trees probably play a unique role in the successional pattern of a forest community. We thus pro- pose a successional mechanism that underlies the natural succession process within the Malan forest region. When the dominant forest species of the climax successional stage develops during the early successional stages, its forest litter probably alters soil properties such that the soil becomes unsuitable for the gradual growth and regenera- tion of the original dominant tree species but promotes the growth and establishment of later-invasive plants. In this way, the originally dominant species is replaced by the newly dominant tree species during forest succession.
基金supported jointly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61674165,61604167,61574160,61704183,61404159,11604366)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Nos.BK20170432,BK20160397,BK20140394)+2 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2016YFB0401803)the Strategic Priority Re-search Program of the Chinese Academy of Science(No.XDA09020401)the support at the Platform for Characterization&Test,Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics(SINANO),Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘High quality gallium oxide(Ga_2O_3) thin films are deposited by remote plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition(RPEALD) with trimethylgallium(TMG) and oxygen plasma as precursors. By introducing in-situ NH3 plasma pretreatment on the substrates, the deposition rate of Ga_2O_3 films on Si and GaN are remarkably enhanced, reached to 0.53 and 0.46 ?/cycle at 250 °C,respectively. The increasing of deposition rate is attributed to more hydroxyls(–OH) generated on the substrate surfaces after NH3 pretreatment, which has no effect on the stoichiometry and surface morphology of the oxide films, but only modifies the surface states of substrates by enhancing reactive site density. Ga_2O_3 film deposited on GaN wafer is crystallized at 250 °C, with an epitaxial interface between Ga_2O_3 and GaN clearly observed. This is potentially very important for reducing the interface state density through high quality passivation.
文摘A novel monoterpene glycoside, mileenside, was isolated from Swertia mileensis by repeated normal and reverse phase silica gel chromatography and its structure was elucidated mainly based on spectral evidence.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFA0300803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51971109,51771053,and 51471085)Scientific Research Foundation of Nanjing Institute of Technology(Grant Nos.ZKJ201708 and CKJB201708).
文摘Tuning magnetic damping constant in dedicated spintronic devices has important scientific and technological implications. Here we report on anisotropic damping in various compositional amorphous CoFeB films grown on GaAs(001) substrates. Measured by a vector network analyzer-ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) equipment, a giant magnetic damping anisotropy of 385%, i.e., the damping constant increases by about four times, is observed in a 10-nm-thick Co40Fe40B20 film when its magnetization rotates from easy axis to hard axis, accompanied by a large and pure in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (UMA) with its anisotropic field of about 450 Oe. The distinct damping anisotropy is mainly resulted from anisotropic two-magnon-scattering induced by the interface between the ferromagnetic layer and the substrate, which also generates a significant UMA in the film plane.
基金The research work in this paper is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U1762211)National Key Technologies R&D Program of China(Grant No.2016ZX05022-005),This research is also partially supported by Tubular Goods Research Institute of CNPC and State Key Laboratory of Performance and Structural Safety for Petroleum Tubular Goods and Equipment Material of China National Petroleum Corporation.
文摘In drilling a deepwater well,the mud density window is narrow,which needs a precise pressure control to drill the well to its designed depth.Therefore,an accurate characterization of annular flow between the drilling riser and drilling string is critical in well control and drilling safety.Many other factors influencing the change of drilling pressure that should be but have not been studied sufficiently.We used numerical method to simulate the process of drill string rotation and vibration in the riser to show that the rotation and transverse vibration of drill string can increase the axial velocity in the annulus,which results in the improvement of the flow field in the annulus,and the effect on pressure loss and its fluctuation amplitude.In addition,there are also multiple secondary flow vortices in the riser annulus under certain eccentricity conditions,which is different from the phenomenon in an ordinary wellbore.The findings of this research are critical in safely controlling well drilling operation in the deepwater environment.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFA0204800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52071079 and 11504047)。
文摘Research in the spintronics community has been intensively stimulated by the proposal of the spin field-effect transistor(SFET),which has the potential for combining the data storage and process in a single device.Here we report the spin dependent transport on a Fe_(3)O_(4)/GaAs based lateral structured device.Parallel and antiparallel states of two Fe_(3)O_(4) electrodes are achieved.A clear MR loop shows the perfect butterfly shape at room temperature,of which the intensity decreases with the reducing current,showing the strong bias dependence.Understanding the spin-dependent transport properties in this architecture has strong implication in further development of the spintronic devices for room-temperature SFETs.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81730026)the National Key R&D Program(No.2017YFA0105301,No.2019ZX09301113)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(No.17411953000)。
文摘AIM:To illustrate the underlying mechanism how prominin-1(also known as Prom1)mutation contribute to progressive photoreceptor degeneration.METHODS:A CRISPR-mediated Prom1 knockout(Prom1-KO)mice model in the C57BL/6 was generated and the photoreceptor degeneration phenotypes by means of structural and functional tests were demonstrated.Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis were performed to reveal the localization and quantity of related outer segment(OS)proteins.RESULTS:The Prom1-KO mice developed the photoreceptor degeneration phenotype including the decreased outer nuclear layer(ONL)thickness and compromised electroretinogram amplitude.Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed impaired trafficking of photoreceptor OS proteins.Immunoblot data demonstrated decreased photoreceptor OS proteins.CONCLUSION:Prom1 deprivation causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration.Prom1 is essential for maintaining normal trafficking and normal quantity of photoreceptor OS proteins.The new light is shed on the pathogenic mechanism underlying photoreceptor degeneration caused by Prom1 mutation.