Expressions of MMP-2,-9,TIMP-1,-2,-3 mRNA in Rat Uterus during Estrous Cycle

Zymography and in situ hybridization were used to investigate matrixmetalloproteinase -2, -9 (MMP -2, MMP-9) activities and expressions of MMP -2, -9 and TIMP1, -2, -3 (tissue inhibitors of matrix metallo-proteinases) mRNA in the rat uterus during estrouscycle. The relative activity was semiquanted by using densitometric analysis. The MMP-2(67 kDa) activity in every stage during estrpus cycle was detected by zymography. MMP-2activity was highest at proestrus; higher at estrus and metaestrus; lowest at diestrus. Throughin situ hybridization, MMP -2, -9, TIMP -1~ -3 mRNA mainly in hasal stroma cells of uterineendometrium were detected. The positive signals of MMP -2 and -9 mRNAs in hasal stromacells were shown stronger at proestrus, estrus and metaestrus while they showed the weakest atdiestrus. The expression of MMP -2 mRNA coincided with MMP -2 activity change. MMP-2and -9 mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. Weak signals ofMMP -9 mRNA were detected in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -1 mRNA in hasal stroma cells was shown as the strongest expression at estrus andmetaestrus; stronger at proestrus and the weakest at diestrus. TIMP-2 mRNA in basal stromacells was stronger at estrus and diestrus; weaker at proestrus and metaestrus. TIMP -1 and -2mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -3 mRNA in hasal stroma cells revealed the strongest expression at estrus; stronger atdiestrus and metaestrus and showed the weakest at proestrus. The mRNA was also highlyexpressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. In short, our present results provide evidencethat MMP -2, -9 and TIMP -1~ -3 were involved in rat uterine endometrium reconstructionduring estrous cycle.

N Cycle, N Flow Trends in Japan, and Strategies for Reducing N_2O Emission and NO_3^- Pollution

To feed an increasing population, large amounts of chemical nitrogen fertilizer have been used to produce much of our food, feed and fiber thereby increasing nitrogen levels in soils, natural waters, crop residues, livestock wastes,and municipal and agricultural wastes, with national and international concern about its potential adverse effects on environmental quality and public health. To understand these phenomena and problems, first the nitrogen cycle and the environment are described. Then recent trends for nitrogen cycling through the food and feed system, N2O emissions from fertilized upland and paddy soils, and NO-3 pollution in ground water in Japan are reported. Finally, mitigation strategies in Japan for reducing N2O emission and NO-3 pollution are proposed, including nitrification inhibitors, controlled release fertilizers, utilization of plant species that could suppress nitrification, utilizing the toposequence, government policy, and appropriate agricultural practices. Of all the technologies presented, use of nitrification inhibitors and controlled release fertilizers are deemed the most important with further development of these aspects of technologies being expected. These practices, if employed worldwide, could help reduce the load, or environmental deterioration, on the Earth's biosphere.

EFFECT OF DYNAMIC STRAIN AGING ON LOW CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOUR OF 18-8 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

Studies were made of the symmetric tensile-compressive low cycle fatigue behaviour and the influence of dynamic strain aging(DSA)pre-treatment of 18-8 austenitic stainless steel. Within the testing amplitude range of strain.±0.5 % to±1.5 %,the three processes of cyclic hardening,cyclic saturation and cyclic softening were observed.In the same amplitude of strain,the peak stress of the samples pre-treated by DSA is higher than that of solid-solu- tion and cold working pre-treatment,but no remarkable differences of the fatigue lives of them were found.TEM observation shows that the uniform and stable dislocation networks with high density form after DSA pre-treatment,which increases the cyclic peak stress.The cyclic softening results from the low dislocation density and elongated cell structure with low energy.

Biological function of miRNA-145-5p in angiotensin II induced renal inflammation

Objective:Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a progressive disorder characterized by intricate structural and functional alterations in the kidneys,attributable to diverse causative factors.Notably,the therapeutic promise of miR-145-5p in addressing renal pathologies has been discerned.This investigation seeks to elucidate the functional role of miR-145-5p in injured kidneys by subjecting human glomerular mesangial cells(HGMCs)to stimulation with Angiotensin II(AngII).Materials and Methods:Cellular viability and the levels of inflammatory mediators were evaluated utilizing Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8),quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and western blot methodologies,both in the presence of AngII incubation and in scenarios of miR-145p overexpression and downregulation.Furthermore,the cell cycle dynamics were elucidated through Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting(FACS)analysis.Results:AngII incubation induced an upregulation of miR-145-5p and inflammatory factors including Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1(ICAM-1),Interleukin 6(IL-6),Interleukin 8(IL-8),and Interleukin 1β(IL-1β).Additionally,it elevated the expression of Cyclin A2,Cyclin D1,and the G2/M cell cycle ratio.Conversely,inhibition of miR-145-5p heightened the levels of inflammatory factors and cell cycle regulators induced by AngII incubation.Reduced expression of miR-145-5p correlated with a downregulation of Interleukin 10(IL-10)expression,concurrently promoting HGMC proliferation under AngII stimulation.Moreover,ectopic miR-145-5p expression demonstrated a reduction in inflammatory factors,cell cyclin regulators,G2/M cell cycle ratio,and overall proliferation.Conclusion:MiR-145-5p exhibited inhibitory effects on the inflammatory response and proliferation induced by Angiotensin II in HGMCs,showcasing its potential as a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of kidney injury.

Multiple cycles of magnetic activity in the Sun and Sun-like stars and their evolution

The wavelet transform method for high-quality time-frequency analysis is applied to sets of observations of relative sunspot numbers and stellar chromosphere fluxes of 10 Sun-like stars. Wavelet analysis of solar data shows that in a certain interval of time there are several cycles of activity with pe- riods of duration which vary considerably from each other： from quasi-biennial cycles to lO0-yr cycles. Cyclic activity was detected in almost all Sun-like stars that we examined, even those that previously were not considered as stars with cyclic activity according to analysis using a Scargle periodogram. The durations of solar and stellar cycles significantly change during the observation period.

Net Present Value Method: A Method Recommended by ISO 15686-5 for Economic Evaluation of Building Life Cycle Costs

The publication of ISO 15686-5 is significant for studies related to the life-cycle costs of buildings. Among the many economic evaluation methods, the NPV method is recommended for use by this standard. This study explains the concept and method of PV, and then provides an explanation of the concept and method of NPV, and points out the limitations in the practical application of the method.

The Experimental and Clinical Study on the Effect of Curcumin on Cell Cycle Proteins and Regulating Proteins of Apoptosis in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

To investigate whether the Bcl- 2 gene family is involved in m odulating mechanism of apoptosis and change of cell cycle protein induced by curcumin in acute myeloid leukemia HL - 6 0 cell line and primary acute m yelogenous leukem ic cells,the Bcl- 2 family member Mcl- 1,Bax and Bak and cell cycle proteins including P2 7kipl,P2 1wafl,cyclin D3and p Rbp- were selected and their ex- pression detected by SABC imm uno- histochem ical stain m ethod.The attitude of sub- G1 peak in DNA histogram was determined by FCM.The TU NEL positive cell percentage was identified by term inal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (Td T ) - m ediated Biotin d U NP end labeling technique.It was found that when HL - 6 0 cells were treated with 2 5μm ol/ L curcumin for 2 4 h,the expression level of Mcl- 1was down- regulated,but that of Bax and Bak up- regulated time- dependently.There was significant difference in the expression level of Mcl- 1,Bax and Bak between the curcumin- treated groups and control group(P<0 .0 5 - 0 .0 1) .At the sam e time,curcumin had no effect on progress of cell cycle in prim aty acute m yelogenous leukemia at newly diagnosis,but could in- crease the peak of Sub- G1 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,and down- regulate the expression of Mcl- 1and up- regulate the expression of Bax and Bak with the difference being statistically significant.The expression of P2 7kipl,P2 1wafl and p Rbp- were elevated and thatof cyclin D3decreased in the presence of curcum in. These findings suggested thatthe Bcl- 2 gene fam ily indeed participated in the regulatory process of apoptosis induced by curcumin in HL - 6 0 cells and AML cells.Curcumin can induce apoptosis of primary acute myelogenous leukemic cells and disturb cell cycle progression of HL - 6 0 cells.The m echanism appeared to be m ediated by perturbing G0 / G1 phases checkpoints which associated with up- regulation of P2 7kipl,P2 1wafl and p Rbp- expression,and down- regulation of cyclin D3.

Low Dose Hyper-radiosensitivity in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line A549 and Its Possible Mechanisms

The low dose hyper-radiosensitivity （HRS） in human lung cancer cell line A549 was investigated, the changes of ATM kinase, cell cycle and apoptosis of cells at different doses of radiation were observed, and the possible mechanisms were discussed. A549 cells in logarithmic growth phase were irradiated with ^60Co y-rays at doses of 0-2 Gy. Together with flow cytometry for precise cell sorting, cell survival fraction was measured by means of conventional colony-formation assay. The expression of ATM1981 Ser-P protein was examined by Western blot 1 h after radiation. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining flow cytometry 24 h after radiation. Cell cycle distribution was observed by flow cytometry 6, 12 and 24 h after radiation. The results showed that the expression of ATM1981Ser-P protein was observed at 0.2 Gy, followed by an increase at 〉0.2 Gy, and reached the peak at 0.5 Gy, with little further increase as the dose exceeded 0.5 Gy. Twenty-four h after radiation, partial cells presented the characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis, and the cell apoptosis curve was coincident with the survival curve. As compared with control group, the cell cycle almost had no changes after exposure to 0.1 and 0.2 Gy radiation （P〉0.05）. After exposure to 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 Gy radiation, G2/M phase arrest occurred 6 and 12 h after radiation （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of G2/M phase cells was decreased 24 h after radiation （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that A549 cells displayed the phenomenon of HRS/IRR. The mode of cell death was mainly apoptosis. The activity of ATM and cell cycle change may take an important role in HRS/IRR.

Can Asymmetry of Solar Activity be Extended into Extended Cycle?

With the use of the Royal Greenwich Observatory data set of sunspot groups, an attempt is made to examine the north-south asymmetry of solar activity in the 'extended' solar cycles. It is inferred that the asymmetry established for individual solar cycles does not extend to the 'extended' cycles.

Molecular Engineering Design for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Organic Battery

Novel small sulfur heterocyclic quinones(6a,16adihydrobenzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,7,9,14,16,18-hexaone(4S6Q)and benzo[b]naphtho[2′,3′:5,6][1,4]dithiino[2,3-i]thianthrene-5,9,14,18-tetraone(4S4Q))are developed by molecule structural design method and as cathode for aqueous zincorganic batteries.The conjugated thioether(–S–)bonds as connected units not only improve the conductivity of compounds but also inhibit their dissolution by both extendedπ-conjugated plane and constructed flexible molecular skeleton.Hence,the Zn//4S6Q and Zn//4S4Q batteries exhibit satisfactory electrochemical performance based on 3.5 mol L-1(M)Zn(ClO4)2electrolyte.For instance,the Zn//4S6Q battery obtains 240 and 208.6 mAh g^(-1)of discharge capacity at 150 mA g^(-1)and 30 A g^(-1),respectively.The excellent rate capability is ascribed to the fast reaction kinetics.This system displays a superlong life of 20,000 cycles with no capacity fading at 3 A g^(-1).Additionally,the H+-storage mechanism of the 4S6Q compound is demonstrated by ex situ analyses and density functional theory calculations.Impressively,the battery can normally work at-60℃benefiting from the anti-freezing electrolyte and maintain a high discharge capacity of 201.7 mAh g^(-1),which is 86.2%of discharge capacity at 25℃.The cutting-edge electrochemical performances of these novel compounds make them alternative electrode materials for Zn-organic batteries.

The Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Cervical Cancers and Hela Cells Was Regulated by Estrogen/Progestogen

To investigate the relationship between the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） and menstrual cycle, the regulatory effects of 17-β-estradiol （E2） and medroxyprogesterone acetate （MPA） on the expression of COX-2 in cervical cancer Hela cells were examined. Cervical cancer specimens were obtained from 47 pre-menopausal patients. The phase of menstrual cycle was determined by case history and HE staining of uterine endometrium. COX-2 was immunohistochemically stained by SABC staining and the staining intensity was determined with computerized image analysis system. Hela cells were incubated with alcohol, E2, E2＋MPA, MPA for 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. The expression of COX-2 in Hela cells was detected by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Our results showed that the expression of COX-2 was significantly higher during proliferative phase than secretory phase （P〈0.05）, but there was no difference in the positive rate between proliferative phase and secretory phase （P〉0.05）. Incubation with E2 could significantly enhance the expression of COX-2 continually. On the contrary, E2＋MPA and MPA alone could decrease the expression of COX-2 as compared with the control and E2 group （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01 respectively）. It is concluded that the expression of COX-2 in cervical cancer of pre-menopausal patients and Hela cells was regulated by estrogen/progestogen.

2010–2020年塔里木盆地南部荒漠草地凋落物回收量月动态数据集

中国科学院新疆策勒荒漠草地生态系统国家野外科学观测研究站(以下简称“策勒站”)地处塔里木盆地南缘,南依昆仑山,北临我国最大的塔克拉玛干沙漠。具有植被群落简单,土壤有机质积累缓慢等特点。凋落物是该区域重要的养分来源。基于对策勒站荒漠植物群落的长期定位观测,通过对不同植物凋落物器官(枝、叶、果)分组,本文整理统计得到2010–2020年塔里木盆地南部荒漠草地凋落物的回收量月动态数据,同时记载了观测场群落以及土壤养分的年度变化情况。数据的产生严格遵照CERN生物观测规范执行,数据的审核及质量控制由台站与分中心质控人员共同完成。本数据集以期为深入研究塔里木盆地南部荒漠草地凋落物动态变化提供基础数据,为了解和评估极端干旱荒漠生态系统养分循环过程提供理论支撑。

植物黄体素(Lutein)与环氧化黄体素-黄体素循环

介绍黄体素的生物合成途径,其在光合膜中的定位、生理功能及调控因子,提高黄体素水平的基因工程研究与生产应用概况以及近年来对新发现的环氧化黄体素-黄体素循环在植物中的分布、运行动态与功能的初步研究进展,并提出尚需深入研究的问题。

IVF-ET中自然周期和随后的超排周期子宫内膜周期变化的观察

目的 探讨体外受精 -胚胎移植技术中 ,自然周期和随后的超排周期子宫内膜的周期变化与治疗结局的关系 ,以寻找影响胚胎着床的相关因素。方法 16 2个体外受精 -胚胎移植 (IVF -ET)周期 ,其中包括单精子胞浆内注射 (IC SI) 4 8个周期 ,按治疗结局分为妊娠组和非妊娠组 ,用阴道超声监测其自然周期和随后的超排周期子宫内膜的厚度及特征 ,分析对治疗结局的影响。结果 自然周期排卵日 (排卵型病例 )及超排周期注射hCG日子宫内膜厚度 ,超排周期子宫内膜的生长速率 ,两组间比较 ,差异无显著性 ,P >0 .0 5。自然周期排卵日 (排卵型病例 )子宫内膜特征 ,两组间比较 ,差异无显著性 ,P>0 .0 5 ,而超排周期注射hCG日则有显著性差异 ,P <0 .0 5。注射hCG日子宫内膜特征为A型 ,周期妊娠率高。结论 自然周期子宫内膜的生长发育状态不影响治疗结局 ,超排周期注射hCG日子宫内膜特征是影响治疗结局的因素。

体外受精-胚胎移植技术中自然周期和超排周期卵泡生长的观察

目的探讨体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)技术中影响胚胎着床的相关因素。方法162个IVF蛳ET周期,按治疗结局分为妊娠组和非妊娠组,用阴道超声监测其自然周期和随后的超排周期卵泡的生长发育情况,分析对治疗结局的影响。结果自然周期中各排卵类型并不影响超排周期的治疗结局。自然周期中有排卵型周期排卵日卵泡直径在妊娠组与非妊娠组间有显著性差异〔(17.65±1.72)mm,(16.83±2.52mm)〕,P<0.05。超排周期卵泡于注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)前7d开始发动,并呈直线生长,且当这天卵泡直径<8mm时,周期妊娠率高(61.5%),但随后的各级次卵泡直径及生长速率不影响治疗结局。结论促排药物可促使多个卵泡发育,并有利于达到卵泡发育基本同步化。卵泡受体内激素调节生长情况较好的自然周期后的超排周期妊娠率高。

新型化合物1通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路抑制三阴性乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞的存活

目的探讨从草酸青霉菌的次级代谢产物分离出来的化合物1抑制三阴性乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231存活的相关机制。方法 MTT法检测化合物1对MDA-MB-231细胞和正常大鼠心肌细胞H9C2存活率的影响。通过流式细胞术和Western blot检测细胞周期分布,通过Western blot方法进一步研究化合物1对PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的影响。结果化合物1呈时间和浓度依赖的方式抑制MDA-MB-231细胞的存活率。化合物1可使MDA-MB-231细胞p53、CyclinB1、CyclinD1蛋白表达减少,p21蛋白增加,并阻滞乳腺癌细胞在G2/M期。进一步发现化合物1不仅能够抑制MDA-MB-231细胞中被血清激活的PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路,还能作用于PTEN缺失的小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞(MEF),抑制其过度活化的mTOR通路。结论化合物1选择性抑制MDA-MB-231细胞存活的机制可能与它能够抑制异常活化的PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路有关。化合物1可望成为一种潜在的治疗AKT/mTOR信号通路异常活化肿瘤的天然化合物。

圈C_n的k-Steiner Wiener指数和超k-Steiner Wiener指数

点集S的Steiner距离d(S)是指包含子集S的最小连通子图的边数即d(S)=min{|E(H)|:S■V(H),H是G的连通子图}.2016年,李学良,毛亚平和Gutman提出了k-Steiner Wiener指数SW k(G)和超k-Steiner Wiener指数SWW k(G)的概念,SW k(G)=∑S■V(G),|S|=k d(S)SWWk(G)=1/2∑S■V(G),|S|=k d(S)+1/2∑S■V(G),|S|=k d(S)2.文章利用k-Hosoya多项式给出了圈C n的k-Steiner Wiener指数和超k-Steiner Wiener指数.

The role of epigenetic inactivation of 14-3-3σ in human cancer

Cancer cells show characteristic alterations in DNA methylation patterns. Aberrant CpG methylation of specificpromoters results in inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and therefore plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Thep53-regulated gene 14-3-3σ undergoes frequent epigenetic silencing in several types of cancer, including carcinoma ofthe breast, prostate, and skin, suggesting that the loss of 14-3-3σ expression may be causally involved in tumor progression.Functional studies demonstrated that 14-3-3σ is involved in cell-cycle control and prevents the accumulation of chro-mosomal damage. The recent identification of novel 14-3-3σ-associated proteins by a targeted proteomics approachimplies that 14-3-3σ regulates diverse cellular processes, which may become deregulated after silencing of 14-3-3σexpression in cancer cells.

A system-wide approach to minimize the operational cost of bench production in open-cast mining operations

The production cycle of open-cast coal mines generally in eludes drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and coal preparation activities. Individual optimization of these activities does not mean that the whole system is optimized. This paper proposes a cost model considering all activities in mining cycle and system-wide approach to minimize the total mining cost of bench production. Since the fragmentation size and blast-hole diameter are linked to all activities of mining system, they are considered as decision variables in the problem form ul at io n. The operatio n costs are then minimized by using the evolutionary algorithm. Moreover, the impact of the change in the explosive price, and the hourly unit cost of equipment on total mining cost is quantified by sensitivity analysis. A case study is implemented to demonstrate the developed model.

Construction of a recombinant lentivirus containing human microRNA-7-3 and its inhibitory effects on glioma proliferation

In the present study, we constructed a lentivirus, FIV-CMV-GFP-miR-7-3, containing the microRNA-7-3 gene and the green fluorescent protein gene, and used it to transfect human glioma U251 cells. Fluorescence microscopy showed that 80% of U251 cells expressed green fluorescence. Real-time reverse transcription PCR showed that microRNA-7-3 RNA expression in U251 cells was significantly increased. Proliferation was slowed in transfected U251 cells, and most cells were in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In addition, the expression of the serine/threonine protein kinase 2 was decreased. Results suggested that transfection with a lentivirus carrying microRNA-7-3 can effectively suppress epidermal growth factor receptor pathway activity in U251 cells, arrest cell cycle transition from GI phase to S phase and inhibit glioma cell growth.