Temporal dynamic changes of connexin 43 expression in C6 cells following lipopolysaccharide stimulation

Connexin 43, a gap junction protein, is expressed mainly in glia in the central nervous system. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in central nervous system injury. Changes to glial connexin 43 levels and neuroinflammation may trigger brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases To illustrate the relationship between connexin 43 and neuroinflammation, this study investigated how connexin 43 expression levels change in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat C6 glioma cells. C6 cells were treated with 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 1,2.5 and 5 IJg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours. The nitrite estimation-detected nitric oxide release level was elevated substantially after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. To test the transcriptional level changes of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-a and connexin 43 mRNA, C6 cells were treated with 5 pg/mL lipopolysaccharide for 3 48 hours. Reverse transcription-PCR showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA increased over time, but connexin 43 mRNA levels increased in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated C6 cells at 3 and 6 hours, and then decreased from 12 to 48 hours. Connexin 43 protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining, and the protein levels matched the mRNA expression levels. These results suggest that connexin 43 expression is biphasic in lipopo^ysacchadde-induced neuroinflammation in C6 cells, which may be correlated with the connexin 43 compensatory mechanism.

Flow field control for 2-meter high-speed free-jet wind tunnel

The 2-meter High-speed Free-jet Wind Tunnel(2 m HFWT)is China’s first large-scale open-jet trisonic wind tunnel.Compared to traditional closed high-speed wind tunnels,this wind tunnel is endowed with remarkable advantages of ample test chamber space,less interference from the tunnel wall,flexible model support mode,and adjustable continuous variation of the Mach number.Nevertheless,its unique structure makes traditional wind tunnel control methods difficult to apply and brings significant challenges to wind tunnel flow field control.In this paper,a flow field control system is designed for the 2 m HFWT by comprehensively using advanced control technologies such as neural network,gain scheduling,feedforward control,and adaptive control.Through practical application tests,it is proved that the proposed control system successfully solves the problem of high-precision flow field control under continual depletion of storage tank pressure,and realizes distinctive functions of adaptive static pressure matching and continuously varying Mach number at supersonic speed.In addition,due to the application of workflow technology,the flow field control system can flexibly adapt to the implementation of tests of different types and operation conditions,thus fully satisfying the needs of conducting various conventional and special tests in the 2 m HFWT.

Vegetation pattern in Shell Ridge Island in China＇s Yellow River Delta

In general, coastal habitat conditions are extremely harsh, with the ecological equilibrium inextric- ably related to the plant community. Understanding the natural vegetation features of a coastal zone with little human disturbance could provide a reference for future vegetation restoration and ecosystem maintenance ser- vices. In this study, the vegetation patterns of Wangzi Shell Ridge Island in the Yellow River Delta were investigated. A total of 35 taxa of vascular plants were documented, representing 15 families and 33 genera （of which most were mono-specific）. Surveys identified only one to eight taxa in each plot. From sea to land, the vegetation showed a typical zonal distribution pattern. There was a correlation between the landform and important factors that influenced the plants including soil factors and distance from the sea. Thus, the taxa distribution and vegetation had a significant correlation with landform. The dune crest, backdune and interdune lowlands were areas with weak storm surges and were the important locations for the taxa to be become established. Plants along the high-tide line formed important defenses from large waves and high winds. The significant protection provided a suitable living environment for many organisms with high medicinal value. Special attention and protection could be provided to this area by reducing the use of the beach road and enclosing the complete section from sea to land with a protective fence. In addition, vegetation protection and restoration on Shell Ridge Island would aid in the formulation and implementation of reintroduction strate- gies for similar vegetation in similar habitats.