Regulation of axonal regeneration following the central nervous system injury in adult mammalian

It has been well established that the recovery ability of central nervous system （CNS） is very poor in adult mammals. As a result, CNS trauma generally leads to severe and persistent functional deficits. Thus, the investigation in this field becomes a ＂hot spot＂. Up to date, accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that the failure of CNS neurons to regenerate is not due to their intrinsic inability to grow new axons, but due to their growth state and due to lack of a permissive growth environment. Therefore, any successful approaches to facilitate the regeneration of injured CNS axons will likely include multiple steps： keeping neurons alive in a certain growth-state, preventing the formation of a glial scar, overcoming inhibitory molecules present in the myelin debris, and giving direction to the growing axons. This brief review focused on the recent progress in the neuron regeneration of CNS in adult mammals.

Multiple Node Upset in SEU Hardened Storage Cells

We study the problem of multiple node upset （MNU） using three-dimensional device simulation. The results show the transient floating node and charge lateral diffusion are the key reasons for MNU. We compare the MNU with multiple bit upset （MBU）,and find that their characteristics are different. Methods to avoid MNU are also discussed.

Analysis of the Elastic-Plastic Dynamic Finite Element on a Jointed Rock Mass

Aim To study the elastic plastic dynamical constitutive relations about a jointed rock mass under explosion load and its computer simulation. Methods\ Stress history is taken into account and stresses will follow changes in time during a period of explosion load. According to the principle of static force balance, the corresponding nodal concentrated force is calculated and the nodal displacement is counted. The elastic plastic dynamic finite element equations are thus obtained. Results\ A finite element method is given for a jointed rock mass under explosion load. Conclusion\ The problem of large plastic deformation for jointed rock mass on blasting was efficiently resolved through dynamic finite element analysis and the range of damages by blasting simulated, and this pushes forward the problem to engineering practice.

Hybrid finite-discrete element modelling of asperity degradation and gouge grinding during direct shearing of rough rock joints

A hybrid finite-discrete element method was implemented to study the fracture process of rough rock joints under direct shearing. The hybrid method reproduced the joint shear resistance evolution process from asperity sliding to degradation and from gouge formation to grinding. It is found that, in the direct shear test of rough rock joints under constant normal displacement loading conditions, higher shearing rate promotes the asperity degradation but constraints the volume dilation, which then results in higher peak shear resistance, more gouge formation and grinding, and smoother new joint surfaces. Moreover, it is found that the joint roughness affects the joint shear resistance evolution through influencing the joint fracture micro mechanism. The asperity degradation and gouge grinding are the main failure micro-mechanism in shearing rougher rock joints with deeper asperities while the asperity sliding is the main failure micro-mechanism in shearing smoother rock joints with shallower asperities. It is concluded that the hybrid finite-discrete element method is a valuable numerical tool better than traditional finite element method and discrete element method for modelling the joint sliding, asperity degradation, gouge formation, and gouge grinding occurred in the direct shear tests of rough rock joints.

The ultimate strength of doubler plate reinforced Y-joints under compression loading

It is common practice in the offshore industry to solve the punching shear problem due to compression by using doubler plate. The finite-element method is a useful tool for studying this problem. The aim of this paper is to study the static strength of doubler plate reinforced Y-joints subjected to compression loading. The finite-element method is adopted in numerical parametric studies. The individual influences of the geometric parameters βand τd （doubler plate to chord wall thickness ratio） and ld/d1（dubler plate length to brace diameter ratio） on the ultimate strength are made clear. The results show the size of plate may have important effects on the strength of reinforced joints. It is found that the ultimate strength of Y-joints reinforced with appropriately proportioned doubler plates can be greatly improved nearly up tothree times to un-reinforced Y-joints.

Inhibitory effect of schisandrin B on free fatty acid-induced steatosis in L-02 cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of schisandrin B (Sch B) on free fatty acid (FFA)-induced steatosis in L-02 cells.METHODS:Cellular steatosis was induced by incubating L-02 cells with a FFA mixture (oleate and palmitate at the ratio of 2:1) for 24 h.Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dmethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining,respectively.Cellular total lipid was determined using a photocolorimetric method after Nile red staining,and triglyceride content was measured using an enzymatic kit.To study the effects of Sch B on steatosis,L-02 cells were treated with Sch B (1-100 μmol/L) in the absence or presence of 1 mmol/L FFA for 24 h,and cellular total lipid and triglyceride levels were measured.To explore the mechanisms of action of Sch B in the steatotic L-02 cells,mRNA levels of several regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism including adipose differentiation related protein (ADRP),sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR),and protein levels of ADRP and SREBP-1 were measured by immunoblotting.RESULTS:Treatment with 1 mmol/L FFA for 24 h induced intracellular lipid accumulation in L-02 cells comparable to that in human steatotic livers without causing apparent apoptosis and cytotoxicity.Sch B mitigated cellular total lipid and triglyceride accumulations in the steatotic L-02 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses revealed that treatment of L-02 cells with 100 μmol/L Sch B reverted the FFA-stimulated up-regulation of ADRP and SREBP-1.CONCLUSION:Sch B inhibits FFA-induced steatosis in L-02 cells by,at least in part,reversing the up-regulation of ADRP and SREBP-1.

ART-2 neural network based on eternal term memory vector:Architecture and algorithm

Aimed at the problem that the traditional ART-2 neural network can not recognize a gradually changing course, an eternal term memory (ETM) vector is introduced into ART-2 to simulate the function of human brain, i.e. the deep remembrance for the initial impression.. The eternal term memory vector is determined only by the initial vector that establishes category neuron node and is used to keep the remembrance for this vector for ever. Two times of vigilance algorithm are put forward, and the posterior input vector must first pass the first vigilance of this eternal term memory vector, only succeeded has it the qualification to begin the second vigilance of long term memory vector. The long term memory vector can be revised only when both of the vigilances are passed. Results of recognition examples show that the improved ART-2 overcomes the defect of traditional ART-2 and can recognize a gradually changing course effectively.

A simple and robust method for essential boundary condition treatments in mesh-less methods

To improve the treatment efficiency of essential boundary condition in mesh-less methods, a simple and robust method is proposed in this paper. Rising weight of nodes in the construction of trail function, specified for essential boundary condition, can make the trail function pass through these nodes. And then, the trail function can satisfy the essential boundary condition previously by setting diagonal element to 1 or multiplying diagonal element by a big number in FEM. The MLS method is adopted to validate this method, and it is proved that this method is eostless and robust in most of mesh-less methods.

The Establishment and Development of Finite Element Model of Human Cervical Vertebra and Its Application Example

The incidence rate of cervical spondylosis is high,and due to the complicacy of cervical vertebra structure,irregularity of shapes and non-uniformity of components,sometimes it’s difficult to achieve planned objectives by experiments in vitro through stress and strain analysis. Besides,the biomechanical factors are of vital significance in the cause of spinal disorders. In this paper the author makes a summary of the present modeling of human cervical vertebra and describes the major methods of establishing the finite element model of human cervical vertebra through several self-constructed models. With the advance of computer technology,the finite element methods have been rapidly developed in cervical vertebra biomechanical researches and have became a major approach for biomechanical researches to simulate more and more clinical conditions.

Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） has been recognized as a major health burden. It is the most important cause of chronic liver disease and a major in- dependent cardiovascular risk factor. Lacking a definite treatment for NAFLD, a specific diet and an increase in physical activity represent the most commonly used therapeutic approaches. In this review, major literature data about the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty ac- ids （n-3 PUFAs） as a potential treatment of NAFLD have been described, n-3 PUFAs, besides having a beneficial impact on most of the cardio-metabolic risk factors （hy- pertension, hyperlipidemia, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis） by regulating gene transcription factors [i.e., peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPAR） cz, PPARy, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-i, carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein], im- pacts both lipid metabolism and on insulin sensitivity. In addition to an enhancement of hepatic beta oxidation and a decrease of the endogenous lipid production, n-3 PUFAs are able to determine a significant reduction of the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules （tumor necrosis factor-~ and interleukin-6） and of oxygen reac- tive species. Further strengthening the results of the in vitro studies, both animal models and human interven- tion trials, showed a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs on the severity of NAFLD as expressed by laboratory pa- rameters and imaging measurements. Despite available results provided encouraging data about the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs as a treatment of NAFLD in humans, well- designed randomized controlled trials of adequate size and duration, with histological endpoints, are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of PUFA, as well as other therapies, for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients. It is worthwhile to consider that n-3 PUFAs cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be derived from exogenous sources （fish oil, flaxseeds, olive oil） which are typical foods of the Mediterranean diet, known for its beneficial effects in preventing obesity, diabetes and, in turn, cardiovascular events. According to these data, it is important to consider that most of the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs can also be obtained by an equilibrate nutrition program.

Identification of a NF-кB site in the negative regulatory element (ε-NRAII) of human ε-globin gene and its binding protein NF-кB p50 in the nuclei of K562 cells

The developmental control of the human e-globin gene expression is mediated by transcription regulatory elements in the 5’ flanking DNA of this gene. Sequence analysis has revealed a DNA motif (GGGGAATTTGCT) similar to NF-кB consensus sequence resides in the negative regulatory element (-3028bp～ -2902bp, termed ε-NRAII) 5’ to the cap site of this gene. NRF DNA fragment (-3010bp～ -2986bp) containing the NF-кB motif similar sequence was synthesized and used in electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) and competitive analysis. Data showed that a protein factor from nuclear extracts of K562 cells specifically interacted with NRF DNA fragment. The synthetic NF DNA fragment (containing NF-кB consensus sequence) could competed for the protein binding, but MNF DNA fragment (mutated NF-кB motif) could not, suggesting that the binding protein is a member of NF-кB/Rel family. Western blot assay demonstrated that the molecular weight of NF-кB protein in the nuclei of K562 cells is 50ku. We suggested that NF-кB p50 may play an important role in the regulation of human c-globin gene expression.

RAT EXOCRINE PANCREATIC SECRETION BYVAGAL STIMULATION OCCURSVIAMULTIPLEMEDIATORS

The vagus is a mixed nerve containing cholinerrgic and non-cholinergic neurons. Vagal fibers interact with peptidergic neurons of the enteric nervous system which stain immunohistochemically for cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and gastrin releasing peptide. The contribution of these peptidergicneurons in the pancreatic response to vagal stimulation is unknown. We tested the effect of specific inhibitor of these stimulants against vagally mediated exocrine secretion in rats. The response to vagal stimulation was blocked significantly by each of the following:the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium (l00% inhibition); the muscarinic, cholinergic blocker atropine (85% inhibition); the specific cholecystokinin-A receptor blocker (91 % inhibition); and a vasoactive intestinal polypeptide polyclonal antibody (89% inhibition). This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that potentiating interactions among several agonists mediate the vagal response. Our study, however, dose not exclude acetylcholine as the final commommediator.

Prokaryotic expression of recombinant human p75NTR-Fc fusion protein and its effect on the neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglia neuron

Objective： To clone, express, and identify the extracellular domain gene of human p75 neurotrophin receptor with IgG-Fe （hp75NTR-Fc） in prokaryotic expression system, and investigate the effect of the recombinant protein on dorsal root ganglia （DRG） neuron neurites. Methods： The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was amplified from pcDNA-hp75NTR-Fc by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and subcloned into vector pET30a （＋）, in which hp75NTR-Fc expression was controlled under the T7 promoter. The recombinant vectors were amplified in E. coli DH5α and identified by PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing, and then transformed into E. coli BL21 （DE3）. The expression product was analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Then after the recombinant protein purified with Protein A affinity chromatograph, and renaturated with dialysis, respectively, the effect of the recombinant protein on DRG neuron neuritis was further investigated. Results： The results of PCR, enzyme digestion, and sequencing demonstrated the success of inserting the hp75NTR-Fc fragment into vector pET30a （＋）. SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed a positive protein band with molecular weight about 50 kD in the expression product, which is accordant with the interest protein, and this band could be specifically recognized by rabbit anti-NGFRp75 antibody. The purified infusion protein following dialysis could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with myelin-associated glycoprotein （MAG）. Conclusion： The hp75NTR-Fc coding sequence was subcloned into the expression vector pET30a （＋） correctly and expressed successfully in the prokaryotie expression system. The infusion protein could promote neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons cultured with MAG.

Link-Vertex Topology Aggregation for Multi-domain Path Computation with Hierarchical PCE Architecture

Inter-domain path computing is one big issue in multi-domain networks. The Hierarchical Path Computing Element (H-PCE) is a semi-central architecture for computing inter-domain path. To facilitate H-PCE in inter-domain path computing, this paper proposed a topology aggregation scheme to abstract the edge nodes and their connected inter-domain link as one vertex to achieve more optimal paths and confidentiality guarantee. The effectiveness of the scheme has been demonstrated on solving wavelength routing in multi-domain Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) network via simulation. Simulation results show that this scheme reduces at least 10% inter-domain blocking probability, compared with the traditional Domain-to-the-Node (DtN) scheme.

Neural adaptive PSD decoupling controller and its application in three-phase electrode adjusting system of submerged arc furnace

Taking three-phase electrode adjusting system of submerged arc furnace as study object which has nonlinear, time-variant, multivariable and strong coupling features, a neural adaptive PSD(proportion, sum and differential) dispersive decoupling controller was developed by combining neural adaptive PSD algorithm with dispersive decoupling network. In this work, the production technology process and control difficulties of submerged arc furnace were simply introduced, the necessity of establishing a neural adaptive PSD dispersive decoupling controller was discussed, the design method and the implementation steps of the controller are expounded in detail, and the block diagram of the controlled system is presented. By comparison with experimental results of the conventional PID controller and the adaptive PSD controller, the decoupling ability, adaptive ability, self-learning ability and robustness of the neural adaptive PSD dispersive decoupling controller have been testified effectively. The controller is applicable to the three-phase electrode adjusting system of submerged arc furnace, and it will play an important role for achieving the power balance of three-phrase electrodes, saving energy and reducing consumption in the process of smelting.

Energy conserving effects of dividing wall column

The energy-conserving performance of dividing wall column(DWC) is discussed in this paper. The heat transfer through the dividing wall is considered and the results are compared with that of common heat insulation dividing wall column(HIDWC). Based on the thermodynamic analysis of heat transfer dividing wall column(HTDWC) and HIDWC, both computer simulation and experiments are employed to analyze the energyconserving situation. Mixtures of n-hexane, n-heptane and n-octane are chosen as the example for separation.The results show that the energy consumption of HTDWC is 50.3% less than that of conventional distillation column, while it is 46.4% less than that of HIDWC. It indicates that DWC is efficient on separating threecomponent mixtures and HTDWC can save more energy than HIDWC. Thus it is necessary to consider the heat transfer while applying DWC to industry.

Double Ninth Festival:Respect for Elders and Prayers for Blessings

THE Double Ninth Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.Chinese ancients believed that nine was the largest number.According to the yin/yang dichotomy that forms the basis of the Chinese view of the world,yin represents the elements of darkness and yang represents life and brightness.The number nine is regarded as yang.

The Expression of Ca N and CaMK is Associated with Lipogenesis in the Muscle of Chicken

Intramuscular fat （IMF） content in chickens significantly contributes to meat quality. The main objective of this study was to assess the expression of calcineudn （CAN） and Ca^2＋/calmodutin-dependent protein kinase （CAME） in lipogene- sis in chicken muscle. The chickens were slaughtered and sampled at the ages of 4, 8, and 16 weeks, respectively. IMF content and the expression of CaN subunits and CaMK isoforms were measured in thigh muscle tissue. The results showed that the IMF contents were higher in chickens at the age of 16 weeks compared with those in chickens at the ages of 4 and 8 weeks （P〈0.05）. The expression levels of fatty acid synthase （FAS） and fatty acid translocase CD36 （FAT/CD36） mRNA in 16-week-old chickens were all significantly up-regulated compared with those in 4-week-old chickens （P〈0.05）. The mRNA levels of CaNB and CaMK IV in 16-week-old chickens were significantly lower than those in 4-week-old chickens （P〈0.05）. But the CaMK II mRNA levels in 16-week-old chickens were significantly higher than those in 4-week-old chickens （P〈0.05）. To investigate the roles of CaMK and CaN in adipogenesis, SV cells were incubated in standard adipogenesis medium for 24 h and treated with specific inhibitor of CaMK and CaN. The ex- pressions of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β（C/EBPJ3）, sterol regulatory element- binding protein 1 （SREBP1） and peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor ）, （PPARy） were dramatically enhanced by CsA and CaN inhibitor （P〈0.05）. KN93, a CaMK Ⅱ inhibitor, dramatically repressed the expression of those lipogenic genes （P〈0.05）. All the results above indicated that CaN and CaMK had different effects on adipogenesis in the muscle of chickens.

Gene expression profiling and endothelin in acute experimental pancreatitis

AIM:To analyze gene expression profiles in an experimental pancreatitis and provide functional reversal of hypersensitivity with candidate gene endothelin-1 antagonists.METHODS:Dibutyltin dichloride(DBTC) is a chemical used as a polyvinyl carbonate stabilizer/catalyzer,biocide in agriculture,antifouling agent in paint and fabric.DBTC induces an acute pancreatitis flare through generation of reactive oxygen species.Lewis-inbred rats received a single i.v.injection with either DBTC or vehicle.Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia(DRG) were taken at the peak of inflammation and processed for transcriptional profiling with a cDNA microarray biased for rat brain-specific genes.In a second study,groups of animals with DBTC-induced pancreatitis were treated with endothelin(ET) receptor antagonists [ET-A(BQ123) and ET-B BQ788)].Spontaneous pain related mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were measured.Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti-ET-A and ET-B antibodies on sections from pancreatic tissues and DRG of the T10-12 spinal segments.RESULTS:Animals developed acute pancreatic inflammation persisting 7-10 d as confirmed by pathological studies(edema in parenchyma,loss of pancreatic architecture and islets,infiltration of inflammatory cells,neutrophil and mononuclear cells,degeneration,vacuolization and necrosis of acinar cells) and the painrelated behaviors(cutaneous secondary mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity).Gene expression profile was different in the spinal cord from animals with pancreatitis compared to the vehicle control group.Over 260 up-regulated and 60 down-regulated unique genes could be classified into 8 functional gene families:circulatory/acute phase/immunomodulatory;extracellular matrix;structural;channel/receptor/transporter;signaling transduction;transcription/translation-related;antioxidants/chaperones/heat shock;pancreatic and other enzymes.ET-1 was among the 52 candidate genes upregulated greater than 2-fold in animals with pancreatic inflammation and visceral pain-related behavior.Treatments with the ET-A(BQ123) and ET-B(BQ-788) antagonists revealed significant protection against inflammatory pain related mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity behaviors in animals with pancreatitis(P < 0.05).Open field spontaneous behavioral activity(at baseline,day 6 and 30 min after drug treatments(BQ123,BQ788) showed overall stable activity levels indicating that the drugs produced no undesirable effects on normal exploratory behaviors,except for a trend toward reduction of the active time and increase in resting time at the highest dose(300 μmol/L).Immunocytochemical localization revealed that expression of ET-A and ET-B receptors increased in DRG from animals with pancreatitis.Endothelin receptor localization was combined in dual staining with neuronal marker NeuN,and glia marker,glial fibrillary acidic protein.ET-A was expressed in the cell bodies and occasional nuclei of DRG neurons in na ve animals.However,phenotypic expression of ET-A receptor was greatly increased in neurons of all sizes in animals with pancreatitis.Similarly,ET-B receptor was localized in neurons and in the satellite glia,as well as in the Schwann cell glial myelin sheaths surrounding the axons passing through the DRG.CONCLUSION:Endothelin-receptor antagonists protect against inflammatory pain responses without interfering with normal exploratory behaviors.Candidate genes can serve as future biomarkers for diagnosis and/or targeted gene therapy.

Effects of Lanthanum-Amino Acid Complexes on Egg Hatching and Nauplius Metamorphosis of Penaeus chinensis

Studies have been carried out on the effect of lanthanum-amino acid complexes on embryo development and nauplius growth ofPenaeus chinensis. The experimental results indicate that: (1)The optimum concentrations of lanthanum-proline and Lanthanumphenylalanine for the development of eggs in monocell and dicell stages are 1.50～ 4.00mg/L and 0.50～3.00 mg/L, respectively, the egg hatching rates being raised by 21.0 ～ 46.0% and 23.0 ～42.8% ( P ＜ 0.05 ) respectively. (2)The optimum concentrations of lanthanum- proline complex and Lanthanum-phenylalanine complex for the growth ofnauplii are 1.50～4.00 mg/L and 0.50～3.00 mg/L, the metamorphosis rate from nauplius to protozoea being raised by 16.4 ～27.5% and 20.4～26.7% (P ＜ 0.05 ) respectively. (3)The positive effect of lanthanum-amino acid complexes on egg hatching and nauplius metamorphosis of Penaeus chinensis is better than that of lanthanum. With regard to the positive effect, lanthanum-proline complex is better than Lanthanum-phenylalanine complex.