Expressions of ICAM-1 and its mRNA in sera and tissues of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTIONThe increased expression of ICAM-1 on a widerange of cells and in the sera of patients withmalignancies, chronic liver diseases andinflammation diseases has been described since thelate 1980s[1-22]. Recently rapid progress in studieson expression of ICAM-1 in patients withhepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ) have beenachieved, including clinical and experimentalresearches[23-31].

Assessing gray matter volume in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder(iRBD) is often a precursor to neurodegenerative disease. However, voxel-based morphological studies evaluating structural abnormalities in the brains of iRBD patients are relatively rare. This study aimed to explore cerebral structural alterations using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine their association with clinical parameters in iRBD patients. Brain structural T1-weighted MRI scans were acquired from 19 polysomnogram-confirmed iRBD patients(male:female 16:3; mean age 66.6 ± 7.0 years) and 20 age-matched healthy controls(male:female 5:15; mean age 63.7 ± 5.9 years). Gray matter volume(GMV) data were analyzed based on Statistical Parametric Mapping 8, using a voxel-based morphometry method and two-sample t-test and multiple regression analysis. Compared with controls, iRBD patients had increased GMV in the middle temporal gyrus and cerebellar posterior lobe, but decreased GMV in the Rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, insular lobe, cingulate gyrus, precuneus, rectus gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. iRBD duration was positively correlated with GMV in the precuneus, cuneus, superior parietal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, lingual gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum posterior lobe. Furthermore, phasic chin electromyographic activity was positively correlated with GMV in the hippocampus, precuneus, fusiform gyrus, precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, cuneus, inferior parietal lobule, angular gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, paracentral lobule, and cerebellar posterior lobe. There were no significant negative correlations of brain GMV with disease duration or electromyographic activity in iRBD patients. These findings expand the spectrum of known gray matter modifications in iRBD patients and provide evidence of a correlation between brain dysfunction and clinical manifestations in such patients. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huashan Hospital(approval No. KY2013-336) on January 6, 2014. This trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry(ISRCTN18238599).

Effects of oral tacrolimus as a rapid induction therapy in ulcerative colitis

AIM:To determine the efficacy and safety of rapid induction therapy with oral tacrolimus without a meal in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis(UC)patients.METHODS:This was a prospective,multicenter,observational study.Between May 2010 and August 2012,49 steroid-refractory UC patients(55 flare-ups)were consecutively enrolled.All patients were treated with oral tacrolimus without a meal at an initial dose of 0.1mg/kg per day.The dose was adjusted to maintain trough whole-blood levels of 10-15 ng/m L for the first 2 wk.Induction of remission at 2 and 4 wk after tacrolimus treatment initiation was evaluated using Lichtiger’s clinical activity index(CAI).RESULTS:The mean CAI was 12.6±3.6 at onset.Within the first 7 d,93.5%of patients maintained high trough levels(10-15 ng/m L).The CAI significantly decreased beginning 2 d after treatment initiation.At 2wk,73.1%of patients experienced clinical responses.After tacrolimus initiation,31.4%and 75.6%of patients achieved clinical remission at 2 and 4 wk,respectively.Treatment was well tolerated.CONCLUSION:Rapid induction therapy with oral tacrolimus shortened the time to achievement of appropriate trough levels and demonstrated a high remission rate 28 d after treatment initiation.Rapid induction therapy with oral tacrolimus appears to be a useful therapy for the treatment of refractory UC.

德国历史学派与19世纪经济学方法论之争的启示

In the mid-19th century, out of their dissatisfaction with the neglect of the economic theories about other countries’ experiences in the British classic economics, the economists in the German Historical School worked hard to construct an economic theory that was congruent to the developmental stage in their own country’s culture and history. Their deeply-cherished concern about the reality in a transitional era when Germany was approaching modernization drove them to propose that the living condition of the working class be improved by the power of the state. In the late 80’s of the same century, the Methodenstreit of German Historical School versus the Austrian School broke out, after which the mainstream economics was well on its way in terms of theoretical refinement and scrutiny, whereas the influence from the Historical School gradually subsided. Even so, the lessons from the Historical School are still enlightening to research in contemporary social sciences. This paper describes the unique basics in the theory building of the Historical School; explains the background and meaning of its academic origin, research methodology, and the Methodenstreit; and from there, discusses implications for contemporary social sciences.

Seaweeds as Biomonitoring System for Heavy Metal (HM) Accumulation and Contamination of Our Oceans

This research manuscript reports the heavy metal accumulation in four marine seaweeds sp. 1)?Caulerpa sertlatioides (Cuba);2) Caulerpa cf. brachypus;(Bali, Indonesia);3) Undaria pinnatifida (West-Donegal, Ireland);4) Ulva lactuca (Easters-Scheldt, the Netherlands). Mechanical pressure at 10 bar of fresh seaweed fronds casu quo biomass in the laboratory delivered seaweed moisture which was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP)-techniques for heavy-metals = [HM], (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb & Zn). Three important observations were made: 1) The [HM] in the seaweed moisture is higher than in the surrounding seawater which directs to mechanism(s) of bio-accumulation;2) The accumulation factor [AF] is varying per metallic-cation with an overall trend for our four seaweeds and sampling locations for [HM] are: As & Co & Cu: 5000 - 10,000 μg/l;Ni & Zn: 3000 - 5000 μg/l;Cd: 2000 - 3000 μg/l;Cr: 1000 - 2000 μg/l;Al: 200 - 1000 μg/l;Mo & Pb & Fe: 0 - 200 μg/l range. 3) Seaweed moisture detected that [HM]: Pb & Zn & Fe—which all three could not be detected in the seawater—supports the view that seaweeds have a preference in their bio-accumulation mechanism for these three HM. Major conclusion is in general that “overall” for the macro-elements Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P & S in the moisture of the four seaweed species the concentration is lower in the seaweed species, or equals the concentration, in comparison to the surrounding sea water. For the HM (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb & Zn) the opposite is the case species and is the concentration “overall” higher in the seaweed species in comparison to the surrounding sea water. Further topics addressed include strategies of irrigation of the Sahara desert with the moisture out of seaweeds under conditions of low anthropogenic influences.

Performance Description of Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Machine in Its Asynchronous and Variable Speed Synchronous Modes

Brushless Doubly-Fed Machine has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its advantages. It has the robustness of the squirrel cage induction machine, and the speed and power factor controllability of the synchronous machine as well as the absence of brushes and slip rings, and using a fractionally rated frequency converter. Hence, there are considerable benefits over the conventional machines, when the machine is applied to applications such as a wind turbine generator or high power adjustable speed drive. However, these benefits are obtained in slightly more complex structure, higher cost and larger dimensions in comparison to the conventional induction machine. This paper presents fundamental aspects of the three modes of operation of brushless doubly fed machine, i.e. simple induction mode, cascade induction mode, and synchronous mode. The investigation is performed by analyzing the spatial harmonic contents of the rotor magnetic flux density. The direct cross couplings between stator and rotor fields as well as, indirect cross coupling between stator fields by the special rotor of this machine is described. Furthermore, loss analysis of the machine in various modes is presented and the torque-speed curves for asynchronous modes are obtained. A 2-D magnetodynamic finite element model based on the D-180 4/8 pole prototype machine is extracted and simulated to verify the results.

Variation microstructure and properties of X80 pipeline steel in the rapid induction tempering process

A self-developed electromagnetic induction-heating device was used to investigate the variation in the microstructure and properties of X80 pipeline steel in the rapid induction tempering process at different process parameters. The effects of the tempering condition on toughness, microstructure, size and distribution of precipitates of X80 pipeline steel were observed using a metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Compared with the samples prepared via traditional tempering techniques, results show that the samples prepared via rapid induction tempering had improved performances. When the heating temperature is 590 ℃, at a holding time of 90 s,it was found that acicular ferrite was refined, carbonite precipitation was small, and precipitates were evenly distributed in the matrix. The low-temperature impact energy, also known as the impact absorption energy, at -40 ℃ was found to be 430.5 J for the rapid induction tempering samples and 323.2 J for the traditionally tempered sample. The low-temperature impact energy at -60 ℃ was found to be 351.3 J for the rapid induction tempered sample and 312.1 J for the tradition tempering sample.

Application of Next Generation Sequencing for Rapid Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria

The rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria,which are essential microorganisms in the food industry,is of great significance for industrial applications.The identification of lactic acid bacteria traditionally relies on the isolation and identification of pure colonies.While this method is well-established and widely used,it is not without limitations.The subjective judgment inherent in the isolation and purification process introduces potential for error,and the incomplete nature of the isolation process can result in the loss of valuable information.The advent of next generation sequencing has provided a novel approach to the rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria.This technology offers several advantages,including rapidity,accuracy,high throughput,and low cost.Next generation sequencing represents a significant advancement in the field of DNA sequencing.Its ability to rapidly and accurately identify lactic acid bacteria strains in samples with insufficient information or in the presence of multiple lactic acid bacteria sets it apart as a valuable tool.The application of this technology not only circumvents the potential errors inherent in the traditional method but also provides a robust foundation for the expeditious identification of lactic acid bacteria strains and the authentication of bacterial powder in industrial applications.This paper commences with an overview of traditional and molecular biology methods for the identification of lactic acid bacteria.While each method has its own advantages,they are not without limitations in practical application.Subsequently,the paper provides an introduction of the principle,process,advantages,and disadvantages of next generation sequencing,and also details its application in strain identification and rapid identification of lactic acid bacteria.The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and reliable basis for the rapid identification of industrial lactic acid bacteria strains and the authenticity identification of bacterial powder.

Is Induction of Labor with Early Rupture of Membranes Associated with an Increased Rate of Clinical Chorioamnionitis?

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if early rupture of membranes (ROM) in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) at term is associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was performed on women undergoing IOL. Early ROM was defined as ROM at a modified Bishop score less than 5, cervical dilation less than 4 cm, or cervical effacement less than 80%. The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was compared between women with early and late ROM. Results: The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was 8.6% (24/279). ROM at an effacement of less than 80% was associated with a rate of clinical chorioamnionitis of 15.4% (12/78) compared to 6.0% (12/201) at an effacement of equal to or greater than 80%, p = 0.017. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher for patients with early ROM by any definition: 32% compared to 17.5% by modified Bishop score (p = 0.031), 32.4% versus 18.2% by cervical dilation (p = 0.049), and 33.3% versus 14.9% by cervical effacement (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In patients undergoing IOL, early ROM may be associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis when performed at a cervical effacement of less than 80% and an increased rate of cesarean delivery.

Dynamic simulation insights into friction weakening effect on rapid long-runout landslides:A case study of the Yigong landslide in the Tibetan Plateau,China

This study proposed a novel friction law dependent on velocity,displacement and normal stress for kinematic analysis of runout process of rapid landslides.The well-known Yigong landslide occurring in the Tibetan Plateau of China was employed as the case,and the derived dynamic friction formula was included into the numerical simulation based on Particle Flow Code.Results showed that the friction decreased quickly from 0.64(the peak)to 0.1(the stead value)during the 5s-period after the sliding initiation,which explained the behavior of rapid movement of the landslide.The monitored balls set at different sections of the mass showed similar variation characteritics regarding the velocity,namely evident increase at the initial phase of the movement,followed by a fluctuation phase and then a stopping one.The peak velocity was more than 100 m/s and most particles had low velocities at 300s after the landslide initiation.The spreading distance of the landslide was calculated at the two-dimension(profile)and three-dimension scale,respectively.Compared with the simulation result without considering friction weakening effect,our results indicated a max distance of about 10 km from the initial unstable position,which fit better with the actual situation.

Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution of Poly (1,1,2,2- Tetrahy-droperfluorodecyl Acrylate)

Poly(1,1,2,2- tetrahydroperfluorodecyl acrylate) (poly (TA-N)) was synthesized in laboratory. The resulting morphology of rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) sprays of poly(TA - N) was investigated. At apre - expansion temperature of 45℃), amorphous polymer was formed. At temperature around 60 ℃ to 80 ℃ , fibers were formed. Increase of temperature increasesparticle size slightly. At temperature of 105℃ , most of particles are spheres. The RESS is an attractive process. To apply the polymers desired for coating applications in an organic solvent - free process that is economically viable , and it will have implications for pollution prevention during polymer film

Induction Heating in the Processing of Ti &Zr

Induction heating has important applications in science and industry. The method of induction heating can be successfully used for melting and heat treatment of titanium and zirconium alloys. Different applications using induction precise heating before plastic deformation are discussed in this paper. For alloys of many metals such as titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, etc., it is important to provide precision heating with a high degree of homogeneity of the temperature field and strict adherence to the condition of heating. This is explained by polymorphism of the alloys based on these metals, their chemical activity at high temperatures and the specific thermal and electrical properties. It is very important for induction heating to define the extreme achievable unevenness of the temperature field. For special alloys it is necessary to use resistance furnaces for homogenization of billets’ temperature after heating in the inductors. Optimal control can be used for massive billets to reduce significantly the heating time, energy expenses and to improve the quality of the temperature field distribution. Optimization of induction heating process can be achieved by synchronous solution of the problem of optimal control and design with specially developed models.

Effects of variations in culture media and hormonal treatments upon callus induction potential in endosperm explant of Barringtonia racemosa L.

Objective: To induce callus from the medicinally valuable species, Barringtonia racemosa L.(B. racemosa) whereby the formation of callus is essential for micropropagation studies and in vitro plant secondary metabolites production.Methods: The callus induction potential in B. racemosa was assessed from endosperm explant cultured on different culture media and plant hormonal treatments. Lloyd and Mc Cown's woody plant medium and Murashige and Skoog's medium were used in the study as culture media. On the other hand, various concentrations and combinations of2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(1.0–2.0 mg/L) and kinetin(0.5–2.5 mg/L) had been incorporated in the culture media to exert the effects of auxin and cytokinin on callus induction.Results: From the present study, it was found that the profuse [(1.681 ± 0.770) g fresh weight,(0.239 ± 0.239) g dry weight] and friable callus formation was optimally produced with desirable morphology and considerable percentage of callus induction(56.70%) in endosperm explants cultured on 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1.5 mg/L kinetin in Murashige and Skoog's medium.Conclusions: A reliable protocol for inducing callus formation of profuse and friable morphology in endosperm explant of B. racemosa had therefore been successfully established.

Fast and Accurate Identification of <i>M. tuberculosis</i>Complex Using an Immunochromatographic MPT64 Antigen Detection Test

Background: A new rapid Immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit (MPT64 TB Ag Kit) for detection of MPT64 Antigen in M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolates used for rapid identification of MTB isolates developed by SD (Standard Diagnostics) Bio line, South Korea was evaluated. The ICT is a rapid, reliable and cheaper method that can be used instead of conventional biochemical tests for confirming MTB in culture isolates in resource limited laboratories. The study also evaluated the ability of ICT to detect MPT64-Antigen before the micro MGIT could signal positive. Material/Methods: A total of 450 sputum samples of individual patients were used for the study. 152 isolates of Mycobacteria were recovered from solid and liquid media. These strains were tested for the detection of MPT64-antigen. H37Rv strain was served as the positive reference control and also used for early detection of Antigen experiment. Findings: The development of bands on both test and sample region when H37Rv strain was tested were seen (MPT64 antigen positive). When 138 MTB isolates were tested, it showed a similar banding pattern indicating 100% sensitivity. MPT64 band formation was not detected in any of the 14 isolates indicating 100% specificity. Both PPV & NPV were 100%. All the isolates negative for MPT64 Ag were confirmed as MOTT by conventional bio-chemical PNBA. The H37Rv strain showed a faint band from the 2nd day onwards from inoculation till 3rd day in the earlier Antigen detection experiment. Conclusion: Rapid identification of MTB culture isolate is a pressing need for diagnosis and proceeding to perform drug susceptibility testing. MPT64 TB Ag detection ICT kit is a rapid, reliable method, good substitute for molecular identification methods, and conventional biochemical test which is time-consuming and technically demanding. The early detection of Antigen can be used as an effective tool in diagnosis.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitides with renal involvement: Open challenges in the remission induction therapy

Renal involvement with rapidly progressive glomeru-lonephritis is a common manifestation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA) associated vasculitides, which is characterized by end-stage renal disease and high mortality rates in untreated and/or late referral patients. The long-term renal survival has improved dramatically since the addition of cyclophosphamide(CYC) and recently of rituximab(RTX) in association with corticosteroids in the remission induction thera-peutic regimens. However, renal prognosis remains unfavorable for many patients and the mortality rate is still significantly high. In this review, we analyze the open challenges to be addressed to optimize the induction remission therapy, principally in patients with advanced kidney failure. This concern the first-line therapy(CYC or RTX) based on different parameters(estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline, new or relapsed disease, ANCA specificity, tissue injury, safety), the role of plasma exchange and the role of new therapies. Indeed, we discuss future perspectives in induction remission therapy by reporting recent advances in new targeted therapies with particular reference to avacopan, an orally administered selective C5a receptor inhibitor.

Properties of Rapid Hardening Controlled Low Strength Material Made of Recycled Fine Aggregate from Urban Red Brick Construction Waste

In some cases of emergency backfill engineering projects, traditional backfill materials cannot meet the requirements of fast construction due to their long curing time. This study presents a new kind of rapid hardening controlled low strength material, which utilizes both rapid hardening sulphoaluminate cement and recycled fine aggregate from urban red brick construction waste. Totally, sixteen mixtures were prepared for the experiment with different cement-to-sand ratios and water-to-solid ratios. The flowability and bleeding rate of fresh mixture were measured to evaluate its workability, and the compressive strength of hardened mixture was tested to evaluate its rapid hardening and mechanical properties. Test results indicate that rapid hardening controlled low strength material containing recycled fine aggregate from urban red brick construction waste can achieve the desirable flowability, but the bleeding rate increases with the increase of flowability. In addition, 2-hour compressive strength can reach 0.08 - 0.12 MPa, and 4-hour compressive strength is 0.32 - 1.54 MPa, which can meet the requirements of emergency backfill construction. At last, based on the derived compressive strength, a fitting model for predicting compressive strength evolution of this new rapid hardening backfill material is developed, which fits accurately with these experimental data.

阿尔金淡水泉早古生代泥质高压麻粒岩及其P-T演化轨迹

南阿尔金构造带淡水泉一带出露的含石榴石蓝晶石黑云母片麻岩是一套典型的泥质高压麻粒岩,其峰期特征矿物组合为石榴子石+蓝晶石+钾长石+金红石+石英。根据矿物内部一致性热力学数据和Thermocalc 3.23程序计算,确定其峰期变质温压条件为T>850℃和P>11kbar。结合岩相学研究和P-T视剖面图计算,可识别出该岩石经历了4个阶段的变质演化,构成了一个早期快速等温降压,后期近等压降温的顺时针型的退变质P-T演化轨迹,为与陆壳俯冲碰撞有关的高压变质事件的产物。该岩石锆石阴极发光图像显示其内部具有明显的核-边结构,核部为残留的原岩碎屑锆石,边部则表现为面状或扇状生长的变质锆石的特征。微区原位LA-ICP-Ms微量元素分析表明,核部测点的重稀土含量较高,对应Th/U接近于0.4,具有岩浆锆石的特征;边部测点的重稀土相对亏损,重稀土配分曲线平坦,对应Th/U比值均小于0.1,显示与石榴子石平衡共生的变质锆石特征。LA-ICP-MS微区定年获得其变质年龄为486±5Ma,该年龄值与阿尔金江尕勒萨依和英格利萨依两地超高压变质岩石的变质年龄相近,进一步证明沿阿尔金构造带南缘断续存在一条早古生代的高压-超高压变质岩带。另外,本次研究在获得该泥质高压麻粒岩峰期变质时代的同时,还获得该岩石原岩的形成时代上限值约为719Ma,从而限定阿尔金构造带南缘阿尔金群的形成时代可能不属古元古代,而应属新元古代。

Scanning Based Induction Heating for AISI 4340 Steel Spline Shafts-3D Simulation and Experimental Validation

This paper presents an investigation of non-stationary induction heating process applied to AISI 4340 steel spline shafts based on 3D simulation and experimental validation. The study is based on the knowledge, concerning the form of correlations between various induction heating parameters and the final hardness profile, developed in the case of stationary induction heating. The proposed approach focuses on analyzing the effects of variation of frequency, power and especially scanning speed through an extensive 3D finite element method simulation, comprehensive sensitivity study and structured experimental efforts. Based on coupled electromagnetic and thermal fields analysis, the developed 3D model is used to estimate the temperature distribution and the hardness profile. Experimentations conducted on a commercial dual-frequency induction machine for AISI 4340 steel splines confirm the feasibility and the validity of the proposed modelling procedure. The 3D model validation reveals a great concordance between simulated and measured results, confirms that the model can effectively be used as framework for understanding the process and for assessing the effects of various parameters on the hardening process quality and performance and consequently leads to the most relevant variables to use in an eventual hardness profile prediction model.

北大别超高压榴辉岩的快速折返与缓慢冷却过程

岩石学研究表明,北大别超高压榴辉岩经过了超高压和高压榴辉岩相变质作用以及麻粒岩相叠加和角闪岩相退变质作用。其中,高压麻粒岩相和角闪岩相变质阶段形成的后成合晶以及石榴子石和单斜辉石等矿物中成分分带的存在,证明该区榴辉岩经历了一个快速折返过程;而不同变质阶段的温度、压力和形成时代,却反映该区榴辉岩在峰期超高压变质作用之后又经历了一个缓慢冷却过程。超高压岩石折返期间的缓慢冷却过程也许正是北大别长期难以发现柯石英和有关超高压证据的重要原因。因此,本文为大别山不同超高压岩片的差异折返模型的建立提供了新的证据。

Effectiveness of Music-Based Therapeutic Intervention on People with Dementia: A Rapid Review

Background: Dementia is a condition with progressive cognitive dysfunction and manifestation of both behavioral and psychosocial symptoms. Non-pharmacological measures such as music therapy are gaining importance since efficacy and safety of people with dementia have been questionable for pharmacological measures. Patient’s response to music is persistent even in the later stage of dementia. Aim: This rapid review aims to identify, analyze, evaluate, and summarize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of music-based therapeutic interventions among people with dementia. Method: CINAHL Cochrane Library, internet websites of rapid review producers, and reference lists were searched to identify articles for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened the literature search results. Effectiveness, music-based therapeutic intervention, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, systematic review and systematic review with meta-analysis terms were used to abstract data from included studies. Main Findings: 11 SRs and SRs with meta-analysis were reviewed which revealed positive effect of music therapy on five major outcomes with 9 studies effect on behavioral outcome, 6 studies with positive effect on psychosocial outcome reducing anxiety, 6 with improved cognition, 1 study revealed with improved quality of life and 1 study revealed effect on physiological outcomes. Conclusion: Music therapy has positive effect on treatment of dementia but further studies with larger sample size and specified to single intervention should be conducted to provide generalisable and precise results on this topic.