A matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel system controls angiogenic peptide release for repair of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its mimic peptide KLTWQELYQLKYKGI(QK)are widely used as the most potent angiogenic factors for the treatment of multiple ischemic diseases.However,conventional topical drug delivery often results in a burst release of the drug,leading to transient retention(inefficacy)and undesirable diffusion(toxicity)in vivo.Therefore,a drug delivery system that responds to changes in the microenvironment of tissue regeneration and controls vascular endothelial growth factor release is crucial to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke.Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)is gradually upregulated after cerebral ischemia.Herein,vascular endothelial growth factor mimic peptide QK was self-assembled with MMP-2-cleaved peptide PLGLAG(TIMP)and customizable peptide amphiphilic(PA)molecules to construct nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK.PA-TIMP-QK was found to control the delivery of QK by MMP-2 upregulation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and had a similar biological activity with vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro.The results indicated that PA-TIMP-QK promoted neuronal survival,restored local blood circulation,reduced blood-brain barrier permeability,and restored motor function.These findings suggest that the self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK may provide an intelligent drug delivery system that responds to the microenvironment and promotes regeneration and repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Structural Controls Analysis and Its Correlation with Geothermal Occurrence at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC), Turkana, Kenya

Geothermal is a clean energy source that is freely available in the subsurface. The exploitation of this vital resource needs intensive exploration in order to identify and quantify its occurrence. The three parameters considered when assessing the viability of a geothermal system include;heat source, fractures and fluids. Geological structures are important in transportation of fluids to and from the heat source aiding in recharge of the geothermal system and enhancing productivity. Remote sensing method was applied in mapping the structures at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC) by using hill shading technique which utilized four illumination angles of the sun (azimuth) i.e. 45°, 90°, 150°, and 315°, constant elevation of 45° and exaggeration of 10. The data used was Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) Satellite Imagery. ArcGIS Software was used for lineaments delineation and density mapping, PCI Geomatica was used to generate major faults, while Georose and Rockworks 17 were used to generate the rose diagrams. Geological structural analysis was done by delineating lineaments, determining the density distribution of lineaments and finally determining the structural trends of lineaments. The generated major faults in the area and the location of the occurrence of surface manifestations were compared with the generated lineaments. A total of 260 lineaments were generated whereby at 45° there was a total of 60 lineaments, at 90° 95 lineaments, at 150° 61 lineaments, and at 315° 44 lineaments. The results of structural analysis in the area as shown by the rose diagrams indicate an NNE-SSW and N-S trending of structures. In conclusion, the study area is highly fractured as indicated by the presence of numerous lineaments. These lineaments provide good recharge to the geothermal system and enhance the geothermal reservoir in the area.

Effects of dust controls on respirable coal mine dust composition and particle sizes:case studies on auxiliary scrubbers and canopy air curtain

Control of dust in underground coal mines is critical for mitigating both safety and health hazards.For decades,the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)has led research to evaluate the effectiveness of various dust control technologies in coal mines.Recent studies have included the evaluation of auxiliary scrubbers to reduce respirable dust downstream of active mining and the use of canopy air curtains(CACs)to reduce respirable dust in key operator positions.While detailed dust characterization was not a focus of such studies,this is a growing area of interest.Using preserved filter samples from three previous NIOSH studies,the current work aims to explore the effect of two different scrubbers(one wet and one dry)and a roof bolter CAC on respirable dust composition and particle size distribution.For this,the preserved filter samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis and/or scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray.Results indicate that dust composition was not appreciably affected by either scrubber or the CAC.However,the wet scrubber and CAC appeared to decrease the overall particle size distribution.Such an effect of the dry scrubber was not consistently observed,but this is probably related to the particular sampling location downstream of the scrubber which allowed for significant mixing of the scrubber exhaust and other return air.Aside from the insights gained with respect to the three specific dust control case studies revisited here,this work demonstrates the value of preserved dust samples for follow-up investigation more broadly.

Advanced Functional Electromagnetic Shielding Materials:A Review Based on Micro‑Nano Structure Interface Control of Biomass Cell Walls

Research efforts on electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding materials have begun to converge on green and sustainable biomass materials.These materials offer numerous advantages such as being lightweight,porous,and hierarchical.Due to their porous nature,interfacial compatibility,and electrical conductivity,biomass materials hold significant potential as EMI shielding materials.Despite concerted efforts on the EMI shielding of biomass materials have been reported,this research area is still relatively new compared to traditional EMI shielding materials.In particular,a more comprehensive study and summary of the factors influencing biomass EMI shielding materials including the pore structure adjustment,preparation process,and micro-control would be valuable.The preparation methods and characteristics of wood,bamboo,cellulose and lignin in EMI shielding field are critically discussed in this paper,and similar biomass EMI materials are summarized and analyzed.The composite methods and fillers of various biomass materials were reviewed.this paper also highlights the mechanism of EMI shielding as well as existing prospects and challenges for development trends in this field.

Association of the glycemic background patterns and the diabetes management efficacy in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Inadequate glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)is a major public health problem and a significant risk factor for the progression of diabetic complications.AIM To evaluate the effects of intensive and supportive glycemic management strategies over a 12-month period in individuals with T2DM with glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)≥10%and varying backgrounds of glycemic control.METHODS This prospective observational study investigated glycemic control in patients with poorly controlled T2DM over 12 months.Participants were categorized into four groups based on prior glycemic history:Newly diagnosed,previously well controlled with recent worsening,previously off-target but now worsening,and HbA1c consistently above 10%.HbA1c levels were monitored quarterly,and patients received medical,educational,and dietary support as needed.The analysis focused on the success rates of good glycemic control and the associated factors within each group.RESULTS The study showed significant improvements in HbA1c levels in all participants.The most significant improvement was observed in individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes:65%achieved an HbA1c target of≤7%.The results varied between participants with different glycemic control histories,followed by decreasing success rates:39%in participants with previously good glycemic control,21%in participants whose glycemic control had deteriorated compared to before,and only 10%in participants with persistently poor control,with mean HbA1c levels of 6.3%,7.7%,8.2%,and 9.7%,respectively.After one year,65.2%of the“newly diagnosed patients”,39.3%in the“previously controlled group”,21.9%in the“previously off-target but now worsened'”group and 10%in the“poorly controlled from the start”group had achieved HbA1c levels of 7 and below.CONCLUSION In poorly controlled diabetes,the rate at which treatment goals are achieved is associated with the glycemic background characteristics,emphasizing the need for tailored strategies.Therefore,different and comprehensive treatment approaches are needed for patients with persistent uncontrolled diabetes.

Passive activity enhances residual control ability in patients with complete spinal cord injury

Patients with complete spinal cord injury retain the potential for volitional muscle activity in muscles located below the spinal injury level.However,because of prolonged inactivity,initial attempts to activate these muscles may not effectively engage any of the remaining neurons in the descending pathway.A previous study unexpectedly found that a brief clinical round of passive activity significantly increased volitional muscle activation,as measured by surface electromyography.In this study,we further explored the effect of passive activity on surface electromyographic signals during volitional control tasks among individuals with complete spinal cord injury.Eleven patients with chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury were recruited.Surface electromyography data from eight major leg muscles were acquired and compared before and after the passive activity protocol.The results indicated that the passive activity led to an increased number of activated volitional muscles and an increased frequency of activation.Although the cumulative root mean square of surface electromyography amplitude for volitional control of movement showed a slight increase after passive activity,the difference was not statistically significant.These findings suggest that brief passive activity may enhance the ability to initiate volitional muscle activity during surface electromyography tasks and underscore the potential of passive activity for improving residual motor control among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury.

Target Seeker Gyro and Controls

A composite target seeker gyro with dual spectral range infrared rays and millimeter waves, and the associated control methodology are developed. The static pressure air floated ball bearing is used to sustain the outer frame, the optical fiber and wave guide are used to transmit these two kinds of signals to the rear part of the gyro, and the stator coils are used to get non contact angular measurement. Composite guiding, scanning, tracing and controlling can be achieved, the maximum tracing angular velocity can be as high as 16(°)/s.

Delphi中自动存取MS-Office文档对象应用研究

简要分析了MS Office中Word、Excel、PowerPoint的ActiveXAutomation接口对象的组成 ,在Delphi中自动存取MS Of fice文档对象的实现技术 ;应用ActiveXAutomation技术实现了Delphi开发的应用软件与MS

《MS-Office高级应用》微课程教学探索

新时代的信息技术与课程教学深度融合的新冲击下,微课程不仅作为教师教学的新形式,而且是学生学习的新形式,同时也是进行教学改革的新形式。本文结合微课程的特点、优势与计算机课程教学要求,对《MS-Office高级应用》课程采用微课程教学模式,将办公软件MS-Office应用操作微课资源充分呈现给学生。这种微课程教学不仅能够让教师更快成长,更好提升教学水平和专业知识,也能提升学生的学习兴趣和学习效率,从而实现教学质量的提高。

高职院校开设“MS-Office高级应用”课程的思考

针对高职院校学生的学习现状,从课程内容、应用能力、学习兴趣三方面对"计算机应用基础"和"MS-Office高级应用"两门课程进行了分析,提出高职院校需开设"MS-Office高级应用"课程,并给出了相应的教学建议。

MS-Office高级应用课程设立的必要性及教学方法的思考

随着日常工作信息化程度的日益提高,办公自动化已经成为本科毕业生应当具备的一项基本技能。"MS-Office高级应用"课程实用性强,适合所有专业学生将来信息处理的需求。案例教学法是最适合这门课程的教学方法,教师应当在教学中选取实用性强、挑战性的项目,培养学生的创新能力。

Time-varying Sliding Mode Controls in Rigid Spacecraft Attitude Tracking

To solve the problem of attitude tracking of a rigid spacecraft with an either known or measurable desired attitude trajectory, three types of time-varying sliding mode controls are introduced under consideration of control input constraints. The sliding surfaces of the three types initially pass arbitrary initial values of the system, and then shift or rotate to reach predetermined ones. This way, the system trajectories are always on the sliding surfaces, and the system work is guaranteed to have robustness against parameter uncertainty and external disturbances all the time. The controller parameters are optimized by means of genetic algorithm to minimize the index consisting of the weighted index of squared error （ISE） of the system and the weighted penalty term of violation of control input constraint. The stability is verified with Lyapunov method. Compared with the conventional sliding mode control, simulation results show the proposed algorithm having better robustness against inertia matrix uncertainty and external disturbance torques.

MS-Office高级应用中的微课程设计研究

作为新型教学模式,微课程打破传统课程资源结构,以碎片化方式满足学生对知识的获取,但是交互性不足成为微课程设计的显著弊端。文章以多媒体制作软件中MS-office高级应用为例,探讨微课程的设计与开发,并从教学引导、微课程设计、交互式训练、交互式评测等环节进行说明。

Food safety controls in different governance structures in China's vegetable and fruit industry

Food safety issues constitute an international topic discussed by many scholars. Although there is an extensive body of literature on comparisons of food safety control practices across different governance structures, these studies have been conducted mainly in terms of qualitative and descriptive analysis. In addition, little attention has been given to family farms. This study addresses the food safety control practices adopted by firms with different governance structures in China. Food safety control is expressed by the following aspects, i.e., pollution-free, green, organic, and/or geographical indication prod- ucts certification, establishment of production records, and pesticide residue testing. Three types of governance structures that engage in agricultural production are distinguished： farmer cooperatives, agricultural companies, and family farms. The food safety control practices of various governance structures are investigated based on a database that comprises 600 vegetable and fruit enterprises in Zhejiang, China. The results show that （1） pesticide residue testing is adopted by the most firms, followed by products certification, and production records are adopted by the fewest firms, and （2） agricul- tural companies adopt more food safety control practices than family farms, while farmer cooperatives adopt the fewest food safety control practices. Governance structure features of a cooperative in terms of ownership, decision-making, and income distribution are the main reasons for the low level of food safety control in the cooperative.

Temporal and Spatial Variations in the Climate Controls of Vegetation Dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau during 1982–2011

The ecosystem of the Tibetan Plateau is highly susceptible to climate change. Currently, there is little discussion on the temporal changes in the link between climatic factors and vegetation dynamics in this region under the changing climate.By employing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data, the Climatic Research Unit temperature and precipitation data,and the in-situ meteorological observations, we report the temporal and spatial variations in the relationships between the vegetation dynamics and climatic factors on the Plateau over the past three decades. The results show that from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, vegetation dynamics in the central and southeastern part of the Plateau appears to show a closer relationship with precipitation prior to the growing season than that of temperature. From the mid-1990s, the temperature rise seems to be the key climatic factor correlating vegetation growth in this region. The effects of increasing temperature on vegetation are spatially variable across the Plateau: it has negative impacts on vegetation activity in the southwestern and northeastern part of the Plateau, and positive impacts in the central and southeastern Plateau. In the context of global warming, the changing climate condition(increasing precipitation and significant rising temperature) might be the potential contributor to the shift in the climatic controls on vegetation dynamics in the central and southeastern Plateau.

Numerical modelling of structural controls on fluid flow and mineralization

This paper presents the results of a set of numerical models focussing on structural controls on hydrothermal mineralization. We first give an overview of natural phenomena of structurally-controlled ore formation and the background theory and mechanisms for such controls. We then provide the results of a group of simple 2D numerical models validated through comparison with Cu-vein structure observed near the Shilu Copper deposit （Yangchun, Guangdong Province, China） and finally a case study of 3D numerical modelling applied to the Hodgkinson Province in North Queensland （Australia）. Two modelling approaches, discrete deformation modelling and continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling, are involved. The 2D model-derived patterns are remarkably consistent with the Cu-vein structure from the Shilu Copper deposit, and show that both modelling approaches can realistically simulate the mechanical behaviours of shear and dilatant fractures. The continuum coupled deformation and fluid flow model indicates that pattern of the Cu- veins near the Shilu deposit is the result of shear strain localization, development of dilation and fluid focussing into the dilatant fracture segments. The 3D case-study models （with deformation and fluid flow coupling） on the Hodgkinson Province generated a number of potential gold mineralization

RESEARCH ON MECHANICAL MEASUREMENT-ORIENTED INTELLIGENT VIRTUAL CONTROLS

Intelligent virtual control (IVC) is an intelligent measurement instrumentunit with the function of actual measurement instruments, and the unit can be used as basic buildingblock for a variety of more complex virtual measurement instruments on a PC. IVC is a furtheradvancement from virtual instrument (VI), and it fuses the function modules and the controls modulesso that the relationship between the functions and controls of an instrument is imbedded in one ormore units. The design, implementation and optimization methods of IVCs are introduced. The computersoftware representation of IVCs is discussed. An example of an actual VI constructed with thebuilding blocks of IVCs is given.

Validation of housekeeping genes as internal controls for studying the gene expression in Pyropia haitanensis(Bangiales, Rhodophyta) by quantitative real-time PCR

Pyropia haitanensis is an economically important mariculture crop in China and has a high research value for several life phenomena, for example environmental tolerance. To explore the mechanisms underlying these characteristics, gene expression has been investigated at the whole transcriptome level. Gene expression studies using quantitative real-time PCR should start by selecting an appropriate internal control gene; therefore, the absolute expression abundance of six housekeeping genes （18S rRNA （18S）, ubiquitin-conju-ating enzyme （UBC）, actin （ACT）, β-tubulin （TUB）, elongation factors 2 （EF2）, and glyceraldehyde-3-phos- phate dehydrogenase （GAPDH） examined by the quantitative real-time PCR in samples corresponding to different strains, life-cycle stages and abiotic stress treatments. Their expression stabilities were assessed by the comparative cycle threshold （Ct） method and by two different software packages： geNorm and NormFinder. The most stable housekeeping gene is UBC and the least stable housekeeping is GADPH. Thus, it is proposed that the most appropriate internal control gene for expression analyses in P. haitanensis is UBC. The results pave the way for further gene expression analyses of different aspects of P. haitanensis biology including different strains, life-history stages and abiotic stress responses.

Geological Controls on the CBM Productivity of No.15 Coal Seam of Carboniferous–Permian Taiyuan Formation in Southern Qinshui Basin and Prediction for CBM High-yield Potential Regions

Coalbed methane(CBM) resources in No.15 coal seam of Taiyuan Formation account for 55% of the total CBM resources in southern Qinshui Basin(SQB), and have a great production potential. This study aims at investigating the CBM production in No.15 coal seam and its influence factors. Based on a series of laboratory experiments and latest exploration and development data from local coal mines and CBM companies, the spatial characteristics of gas production of No.15 coal seam were analyzed and then the influences of seven factors on the gas productivity of this coal seam were discussed, including coal thickness, burial depth, gas content, ratio of critical desorption pressure to original coal reservoir pressure(RCPOP), porosity, permeability, and hydrogeological condition. The influences of hydrological condition on CBM production were analyzed based on the discussions of four aspects: hydrogeochemistry, roof lithology and its distribution, hydrodynamic field of groundwater, and recharge rate of groundwater. Finally, a three-level analytic hierarchy process(AHP) evaluation model was proposed for predicting the CBM potentials of the No.15 coal seam in the SQB. The best prospective target area for CBM production of the No.15 coal seam is predicted to be in the districts of Panzhuang, Chengzhuang and south of Hudi.

Preventions and Controls on Congenital Transmissions of Zika: Mathematical Analysis

Vector-borne diseases threat lives of millions of people in many countries of the world. Zika is one of the vector-borne diseases which initially spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) and then it transmits vertically from a pregnant woman to her fetus or from an infected human to their sexual partners. The congenital transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) results in new born with microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities. The control of infected mosquitos is the best efficient way to control spread of ZIKV. Spraying insecticide is the safest and easiest way to control mosquitos, but sometimes it is cost worthy for long period of spraying. Controlled prevention from the vector bites can also help to control disease spread. To control congenital transmission and sexual transmission of ZIKV, preventions should be taken to reduce/stop pregnancy rate and safe heterosexual transmission among adults. Also, there is no specific treatment available for Zika disease. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms with rest, fluids and medications. Controlled combinations of rest, fluids and medications will help to recover early. As costs are incorporated with spraying, preventions and treatment, our aim is to minimise the total cost associated by controlling spraying, preventions and treatment. To fulfil this purpose a mathematical model is developed with disease dynamics in nine compartments namely Susceptible human child, Susceptible human male, Susceptible human female, Infected human child, Infected human male, Infected human female, Recovered human, Susceptible vector and Infected vector including vertical transmission of Zika disease. Numerical simulations have been carried out to optimise controls, and basic reproduction number and stability are calculated.