Corrosion behavior of Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr-Fe alloy for biomedical applications in Ringer's solution

The corrosion resistance of Ti？25Nb？10Ta？1Zr？0.2Fe （mass fraction, %） （TNTZF） alloy in Ringer’s solution at 37 °C was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization measurement. Ti？6Al？4V ELI （Extra low interstitial） alloy was also investigated to make a comparison. The results show that TNTZF alloy has higher corrosion potential, lower corrosion current density, more stable passive current density and wider passive region compared with Ti–6Al–4V ELI alloy, which indicates that TNTZF alloy has better corrosion resistance. In addition, pitting corrosion is observed on the surface passive film of Ti–6Al–4V ELI alloy but is not found on that of TNTZF alloy. The XPS analysis results reveal that the passive film formed on TNTZF alloy is composed of Nb2O5, NbO2, Ta2O5, ZrO2, TiO and Ti2O3oxides in the matrix of TiO2, which makes the passive film more stable and protective than that formed on Ti？6Al？4V ELI alloy and contributes much to its superior corrosion resistance.

Isolation of a Prodigiosin-producing Strain and Analysis of It's Pigments

[Objective] The aim was to isolate a prodigiosin producing strain and study its pigment fractions.[Method] Red pigment-producing bacteria was identified by physiological and biochemical characteristics after isolation in plate.By using column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography,pigment fractions were separated and purified from the extractives of the strain after fermentation in flask,and then pigment fractions were analyzed via UV-Vis and LC/MS.[Result] A red pigment-producing Serratia marcescens strain NS-17 sampled from soil of Nanchang was isolated and identified.2 pigment fractions showing similar UV-Vis and LC/MS characters were separated and purified,the characters of fraction 1 were identical to those of prodigiosin,while fraction 2 showed a special UV-Vis absorption spectrum that had not been reported.[Conclusion] A prodigiosin-producing Serratia marcescens strain NS-17 and its 2 pigment fractions were isolated.

Rebuilding the Extrant's Architecture with VPN

This article describes how to utilize the VPN to construct the new Extranet’s topology. Firstly, it tells what is the Extranet. Secondly, some basic principles and technical idioms of the VPN are dealt with. Thirdly, tunnel protocols about VPN are discussed. Finally, three kinds of Extranet’s architectures with VPNs are given. Through integrating the VPNs into the Extranet, we can get much more benefits from shared networks (e.g., Internet, ISDN, PSDN, etc.).

INTRODUCTION TO PROF. YANG YUN-KUAN'S THE NEEDLING TECHNIQUE OF MIND REGULATION AND TAOISM CONCENTRATION

The combination of needling technique of Mind Regulation with Taoism Concentration is to promote the propagated sensation along the channels （PSC） and the needling sensation to the affected area in order to activate the potential regulation of human body. Prof. Yang Yun-kuan used this combination to treat some pain diseases, nervous system＇s diseases and intractable chronic diseases and got a better result than the general techniques, This is the introduction to the manipulation of this technique and its clinical application.

An Observation of Franois' Langurs Using Caves at Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China

The utilization of caves is a rather rare phenomenon in nonhuman primates, found almost exclusively in those members of the genus Trachypithecus that share a preference for forest on limestone （karst） hills in Vietnam and southern China. Here we report a new case of usage of caves as overnight sleeping shelters by Franqois＇ or black langurs （Trachypithecusfraru;oisi） at Mayanghe National Nature Reserve in Yanhe County, Guizhou Province, China. We tentatively address three possible hypotheses that may account for the use of caves in Francois＇ langurs at Mayanghe： shelter against climatic conditions, acquisition of minerals and protection from predators. utilization

Spatial Interaction and Network Structure Evolvement of Cities in Terms of China's Rail Passenger Flows

Cities separated in space are connected together by spatial interaction (SI) between them. But the studies focusing on the SI are relatively few in China mainly because of the scarcity of data. This paper deals with the SI in terms of rail passenger flows, which is an important aspect of the network structure of urban agglomeration. By using a data set consisting of rail O-D (origin-destination) passenger flows among nearly 200 cities, intercity rail distance O-D matrixes, and some other indices, it is found that the attenuating tendency of rail passenger is obvious. And by the analysis on dominant flows and spatial structure of flows, we find that passenger flows have a trend of polarizing to hubs while the linkages between hubs upgrade. However, the gravity model reveals an overall picture of convergence process over time which is not in our expectation of integration process in the framework of globalization and economic integration. Some driven factors for the re-organization process of the structure of urban agglomeration, such as technique advance, globalization, etc. are discussed further based on the results we obtained.

Combined effects of Cantide and chemotherapeutic drugs on inhibition of tumor cells' growth in vitro and in vivo

AIM: To investigate the combination effect of hTERT antisense oligonucleotide 'Cantide' and three chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and adriamycin (ADM)) on inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2, BGC and A549 cell lines in vitro, and to investigate the efficacy of Cantide used in combination with cisplatin (DDP) in vivo. METHODS: Cantide was transfected into these tumor cells by Lipofectin, and cell growth activity was calculated by microcytotoxicity assay. In vivo study, cells of HepG2 were implanted in Balb/c nude mice for 4 d. Then Cantide, DDP and Cantide+DDP were given intra peritonea Ily for 24 d respectively. The body weights of the tumor-bearing animals and their tumor mass were measured later to assess the effect of combination therapy in the nude mice. To evaluate the interaction of Cantide and these chemotherapeutic drugs, SAS software and Jin Zhengjun method were used. RESULTS: Combination treatments with 0.1μmol/L Cantide reduced the IC50 of DDP, 5-FU and ADM from 1.07, 4.15 and 0.29 μg/mL to 0.25,1.52 and 0.12 μg/mL respectively. The inhibition ability of DDP, 5-FU and ADM respectively in combination with Cantide in these tumor cells was higher than that of these drugs alone (P<0.0001). And synergism (Q≥1.15)was observed at the lower concentration of DDP (≤1μg/mL) and ADM (≤0.1 μg/mL) with combination of Cantide. In vivo, combination treatment with Cantide and DDP produced the greater growth inhibition of human liver carcinoma cells HepG2 in nude mice (0.65±0.19 g tumor) compared with that when only one of these drugs was used (Cantide group: 1.05±0.16 g tumor, P= 0.0009<0.001; DDP group: 1.13±0.09 g tumor, P= 0.0001<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Cantide may enhance therapeutic effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs over a wide range of tumor cells in vitro, and the combination use of Cantide and DDP can produce much higher inhibition rates, as compared with when either of these drugs was used only in vivo.

Soliton Solutions of Coupled KdV System from Hirota's Bilinear Direct Method

With Hirota＇s bilinear direct method, we study the special coupled KdV system to obtain its new soliton solutions. Then we further discuss soliton evolution, corresponding structures, and interesting interactive phenomena in detail with plot. As a result, we find that after the interaction, the solitons make elastic collision and there are no exchanges of their physical quantities including energy, velocity and shape except the phase shift.

Transcutaneous perianal sonography:A sensitive method for the detection of perianal inflammatory lesions in Crohn's disease

AIM:Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and endoanal ultrasound which are established imaging methods for perianal inflammatory lesions in patients with Crohn's disease require expensive specialized equipments and expertise.We investigated the feasibility and sensitivity of transcutaneous perianal ultrasound(PAUS)using regular ultrasound probes in the imaging of perianal inflammatory lesions.The sonographic findings were correlated to pelvic MR]-scans. METHODS:We performed PAUS in 25 patients with Crohn's disease and clinical signs of perianal inflammatory disease. Wibhin a median of 10 d(range 0-75)these patients underwent MRI of the pelvis.Regular convex and linear high resolution probes were used for PAUS.The sonographic findings were correlated to the MRI findings by blinded investigators. RESULTS:The sonographic investigations were well tolerated by all patients.Fistulae typically presented as hypoechoic tracks.Twenty-nine fistulae were detected in 22 patients.Abscesses were detected in 7 patients and presented as hypo-or anechoic formations.Twenty-six of 29 fistulae and 6 of 7 abscesses could be confirmed by MRI.Kappa statistics showed an excellent agreement (kappa>0.83)between the two imaging methods. CONCLUSION:PAUS is a simple,painless,feasible,real- time method that can be performed without specific patient preparation which is comparable in its sensitivity to pelvic MRI in the detection of perianal fistulae and/or abscesses. PAUS can especially be recommended as a screening tool in acute perianal disorders such as perianal abscess and for follow-up studies of perianal inflammatory disease.

Capsule endoscopy in suspected small bowel Crohn's disease:Economic impact of disease diagnosis and treatment

AIM: To model clinical and economic benef its of capsule endoscopy (CE) compared to ileo-colonoscopy and small bowel follow-through (SBFT) for evaluation of suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). METHODS: Using decision analytic modeling, total and yearly costs of diagnostic work-up for suspected CD were calculated, including procedure-related adverse events, hospitalizations, off ice visits, and medications. The model compared CE to SBFT following ileo-colonoscopy and secondarily compared CE to SBFT for initial evaluation. RESULTS: Aggregate charges for newly diagnosed, medically managed patients are approximately $8295. Patients requiring aggressive medical management costs are $29 508; requiring hospitalization, $49 074. At sensitivity > 98.7% and specifi city of > 86.4%, CE is less costly than SBFT. CONCLUSION: Costs of CE for diagnostic evaluationof suspected CD is comparable to SBFT and may be used immediately following ileo-colonoscopy.

Risk factors for neoplastic progression in Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) confers a significant increased risk for development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), with the pathogenesis appearing to progress through a "metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma" (MDC) sequence. Many of the genetic insults driving this MDC sequence have recently been characterized, providing targets for candidate biomarkers with potential clinical utility to stratify risk in individual patients. Many clinical risk factors have been investigated, and associations with a variety of genetic, specific gastrointestinal and other modifiable factors have been proposed in the literature. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in neoplastic progression of BE to EAC and critically appraises the relative roles and contributions of these putative risk factors from the published evidence currently available.

Comment on “Application of the (G'/G)-Expansion Method for Nonlinear Evolution Equations”[Phys.Lett.A 372 (2008) 3400]

In this paper,some travelling wave solutions involving parameters of the Modified Zakharov-Kuznetsovequation [Phys.Lett.A 372 (2008) 3400] are investigated.We will show that these solutions are not new travellingwave solutions.

Role of genetics in the diagnosis and prognosis of Crohn's disease

Considering epidemiological,genetic and immunological data,we can conclude that the inflammatory bowel diseases are heterogeneous disorders of multifactorial etiology in which hereditability and environment interact to produce the disease.It is probable that patients have a genetic predisposition for the development of the disease coupled with disturbances in immunoregulation.Several genes have been so far related to the diagnosis of Crohn's disease.Those genes are related to innate pattern recognition receptors,to epithelial barrier homeostasis and maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity,to autophagy and to lymphocyte differentiation.So far,the most strong and replicated associations with Crohn's disease have been done with NOD2,IL23R and ATG16L1 genes.Many genes have so far been implicated in prognosis of Crohn's disease and many attempts have been made to classify genetic profiles in Crohn's disease.CARD15 seems not only a susceptibility gene,but also a disease-modifier gene for Crohn's disease.Enriching our understanding on Crohn's disease genetics is important but when combining genetic data with functional data the outcome could be of major importance to clinicians.

Applicability and Prospect of China's Development Zone Model in Africa

Development zones have been an important spatial approach to opening-up. They have also been major contributors to the processes of promoting economic development since China＇s reform and China＇s industrialization and urbanization. Along with im- provements in the worldwide industrial division of labor and the gradual implementation of China＇s development zones＇ Go Global strategy, it is necessary for Africa, a hot spot of global industrialization in recent years, to learn from China＇s development zone model. By attracting China＇s capital, technology and enterprises to Africa via Sino-African co-built development zones, a pattern of high com- plementarity and mutual development between China and Africa can be formed which does favor further improvement of the global industrial division of labor. In order to study the applicability and prospect of China＇s development zone model in Africa as per the above-mentioned international situation, this paper first sorts out the development course of China＇s development zones and discusses their roles in China＇s industrialization and urbanization. Subsequently, this paper analyzes the status quo of industrial development in Africa as a whole and the differences in industrial development between China and Africa, aiming to justify the timing of industrial transfer from China to Africa by constructing Sino-African co-built development zones. Lastly, this paper analyzes the current situation of six Sino-African co-built development zones by focusing on their operation modes, industry types and investment promotion models. In the authors＇ view, Sino-African co-built development zones can function as a new window of China-African cooperation, a new car- rier of African industrialization, and a new engine of global industrial restructuring. China should adhere to the general principles of ＇Sino-African Integration, Multi-Cooperation, Mutual Benefit, Scientific Location, Systematic Planning, Cluster Growth and Open De- velopment＇ in the planning and construction of development zones in Africa, effectively promoting Africa as the very important part of the global industry system.

Synthesis of Schiff bases of naphtha[1,2-d]thiazol-2-amine and metal complexes of 2-(2'-hydroxy)benzylideneaminonaphthothiazole as potential antimicrobial agents

Objective： A series of 2-benzylideneaminonaphthothiazoles were designed and synthesized incorporating the lipophilic naphthalene ring to render them more capable of penetrating various biomembranes. Methods： Schiff bases were synthesized by the reaction of naphtha[1,2-d]thiazol-2-amine with various substituted aromatic aldehydes. 2-（2＇-Hydroxy）ben- zylideneaminonaphthothiazole was converted to its Co（Ⅱ）, Ni（Ⅱ） and Cu（Ⅱ） metal complexes upon treatment with metal salts in ethanol. All the compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities by paper disc diffusion method with Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of all the Schiff bases and metal complexes were determined by agar streak dilution method. Results： All the compounds moderately inhibited the growth of Cram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In the present study among all Schiff bases 2-（2＇-hydroxy）benzylideneaminonaphthothiazole showed maximum inhibitory activity and among metal complexes Cu（Ⅱ） metal complex was found to be most potent. Conclusion： The results obtained validate the hypothesis that Schiff bases having substitution with halogens, hydroxyl group and nitro group at phenyl ring are required for the antibacterial activity while methoxy group at different positions in the aromatic ring has minimal role in the inhibitory activity. The results also indicated that the metal complexes are better antibacterial agents as compared to the Schiff bases.

Crohn's disease, fatigue, and infiiximab: Is there a role for cytokines in the pathogenesis of fatigue?

AIM: To study the effect of infliximab on fatigue in relation to cytokine levels in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. METHODS: Fourteen CD patients were blinded for treatment and received placebo at baseline, and infliximab 2 wk later, with a follow-up of 4 wk. Blood samples were drawn on a regular basis, and questionnaires on fatigue, depression, quality of life, and clinical disease activity were completed at regular intervals. RESULTS: After placebo infusion, fatigue scores decreased within 3 d (3.5 points±1.1, P≤0.01), but returned to baseline values 14 d after this infusion. The drop of fatigue scores following infliximab infusion sustained until the end of the study (3.8 points±1.4, P≤0.05). Quality of life was increased at the end of the study compared to baseline values (138.6±9.4 vs 179.4±6.7; P≤0.005), whereas depression scores were decreased (20.4±9.4 vs 11.3±2.2; P≤0.01). No correlation between the severity of fatigue and the level of cytokines was observed. CONCLUSION: The reduction of fatigue after infliximab infusion is subjective to a placebo effect. The effect of infliximab on fatigue, however, persists while the placebo effect disappears after a short period of time. A clear role of cytokines could not be substantiated.

Correlations between endoscopic and clinical disease activity indices in intestinal Behcet's disease

AIM:To develop a novel endoscopic severity model of intestinal Behcet's disease(BD) and to evaluate its feasibility by comparing it with the actual disease activity index for intestinal Behcet's disease(DAIBD).METHODS:We reviewed the medical records of 167 intestinal BD patients between March 1986 and April 2011.We also investigated the endoscopic parameters including ulcer locations,distribution,number,depth,shape,size and margin to identify independent factors associated with DAIBD.An endoscopic severity model was developed using significant colonoscopic variables identified by multivariate regression analysis and its correlation with the DAIBD was evaluated.To determine factors related to the discrepancy between endoscopic severity and clinical activity,clinical characteristics and laboratory markers of the patients were analyzed.RESULTS:A multivariate regression analysis revealed that the number of intestinal ulcers(≥ 2,P = 0.031) and volcanoshaped ulcers(P = 0.001) were predictive factors for the DAIBD.An endoscopic severity model(Y) was developed based on selected endoscopic variables as follows:Y = 47.44 + 9.04 × non-Ileocecal area + 11.85 ×≥ 2 of intestinal ulcers + 5.03 × shallow ulcers + 12.76 × deep ulcers + 4.47 × geographicshaped ulcers + 26.93 × volcano-shaped ulcers + 8.65 ×≥ 20 mm of intestinal ulcers.However,endoscopic parameters used in the multivariate analysis explained only 18.9% of the DAIBD variance.Patients with severe DAIBD scores but with moderately predicted disease activity by the endoscopic severity model had more symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome(21.4% vs 4.9%,P = 0.026) and a lower rate of corticosteroid use(50.0% vs 75.6%,P = 0.016) than those with severe DAIBD scores and accurately predicted disease by the model.CONCLUSION:Our study showed that the number of intestinal ulcers and volcano-shaped ulcers were predictive factors for severe DAIBD scores.However,the correlation between endoscopic severity and DAIBD(r = 0.434) was weak.

Potential contributions to Beijing's water supply from reuse of storm-and greywater

In order to find new approaches to alleviating the water crisis in Beijing which is caused by among others dwindling precipitation and rapid growth of population and manifests in a rapidly declining groundwater table this study explores decentralized stormwater harvesting and greywater reuse at household level as a means to reduce groundwater abstraction and water transfer from other regions.Based on a desktop case study two concepts for combined harvesting and reusing of storm-and greywater are presented.With rough pre-assumptions calculations show that a saving of 67.8%of tap water consumption can be achieved with the upgrading concept compared with 5.9% with the simple downgrading concept.The saving with the upgrading concept equals 0.545 ×109 m3 annual water volume if 20 million Beijing people apply this approach.Despite numerous prerequisites such as water treatment technology space demand energy and cost and public acceptance this paper advocates combining stormwater harvesting and greywater reuse in households with other measures for Beijing’s sustainable water management.

A study of the relationship between professional values and ethical climate and nurses'professional quality of life in Iran

Objective:To explore the relationship between nursing professional values and ethical climate and nurses'professional quality of life.Methods:The present study is a descriptive,cross-sectional work in which 400 nurses from various wards of hospitals in the south-east of Iran were studied.Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of four sections:demographics,Nurses'Professional Values Scale-Revised(NPVS-R),the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey(HECS),and the Professional Quality of Life Scale(ProQOL).Results:The total mean scores for professional values were 105.29±15.60.The total mean score for the ethical climate was 100.09±17.11.The mean scores for the indexes of compassion satisfaction,burnout,and secondary traumatic stress were 45.29±8.93,34.38±6.84,and 32.15±7.02 respectively.The relationships between professional values and the indexes of compassion satisfaction(r=0.56),burnout(r=0.26),and secondary traumatic stress(r=0.18)were found to be positive and significant(P<0.001).Also,the relationships between ethical climate and the items of compassion satisfaction(r=0.60,P<0.001),burnout(r=0.15,P=0.002)were found to be positive and significant.Conclusion:An understanding of nurses'perception of professional values and improving the ethical climate at work can help nursing administrators identify more effective strategies toward increasing compassion satisfaction and lessening bumout and work-related stress.

New Reflection Principles for Maxwell's Equations and Their Applications

Some new reflection principles for Maxwell's equations are first established, which are then applied to derive two novel identifiability results in inverse electromagnetic obstacle scattering problems with polyhedral scatterers.