Pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy in spinal cord injury:regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules.Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords.Autophagy,a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms,has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury.This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses.Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy.Therefore,this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths,the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms,and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury.Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury.Moreover,a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.

Hydrocarbon generation and storage mechanisms of deepwater shelf shales of Ordovician Wufeng Formation–Silurian Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin, China

As the hydrocarbon generation and storage mechanisms of high quality shales of Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation– Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation remain unclear, based on geological conditions and experimental modelling of shale gas formation, the shale gas generation and accumulation mechanisms as well as their coupling relationships of deep-water shelf shales in Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation of Sichuan Basin were analyzed from petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. The high quality shales of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin are characterized by high thermal evolution, high hydrocarbon generation intensity, good material base, and good roof and floor conditions;the high quality deep-water shelf shale not only has high biogenic silicon content and organic carbon content, but also high porosity coupling. It is concluded that:(1) The shales had good preservation conditions and high retainment of crude oil in the early times, and the shale gas was mainly from cracking of crude oil.(2) The biogenic silicon(opal A) turned into crystal quartz in early times of burial diagenesis, lots of micro-size intergranular pores were produced in the same time;moreover, the biogenic silicon frame had high resistance to compaction, thus it provided the conditions not only for oil charge in the early stage, but also for formation and preservation of nanometer cellular-like pores, and was the key factor enabling the preservation of organic pores.(3) The high quality shale of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation had high brittleness, strong homogeneity, siliceous intergranular micro-pores and nanometer organic pores, which were conducive to the formation of complicated fissure network connecting the siliceous intergranular nano-pores, and thus high and stable production of shale gas.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.

One-Electron-Addition to Pentavalent Phosphorus with the Phosphorus-Chlorine Bond as Acceptor Introducing a Fundamental Distinction in Substitution Mechanism between S_N2(P) and S_N2(C)

An electron-addition, under single-crystal conditions, to pentavalent phosphorus compounds as Cl-P (=O, S) Y, Z with the P-Cl bond as electron-accepting group, is selected as an additional model for SN2(P) like reactions. It is demonstrated that the geometric information stored in the tetrahedral configuration (substrate) can be transmitted in the corresponding trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) state for nucleophilic substitution. In this article, we focus on these specific mechanistic aspects of carbon and phosphorus. We consider our study as a contribution to the significance of these (bio)chemical intermediates.

Mathematical Wave Functions and 3D Finite Element Modelling of the Electron and Positron

The wave/particle duality of particles in Physics is well known. Particles have properties that uniquely characterize them from one another, such as mass, charge and spin. Charged particles have associated Electric and Magnetic fields. Also, every moving particle has a De Broglie wavelength determined by its mass and velocity. This paper shows that all of these properties of a particle can be derived from a single wave function equation for that particle. Wave functions for the Electron and the Positron are presented and principles are provided that can be used to calculate the wave functions of all the fundamental particles in Physics. Fundamental particles such as electrons and positrons are considered to be point particles in the Standard Model of Physics and are not considered to have a structure. This paper demonstrates that they do indeed have structure and that this structure extends into the space around the particle’s center (in fact, they have infinite extent), but with rapidly diminishing energy density with the distance from that center. The particles are formed from Electromagnetic standing waves, which are stable solutions to the Schrödinger and Classical wave equations. This stable structure therefore accounts for both the wave and particle nature of these particles. In fact, all of their properties such as mass, spin and electric charge, can be accounted for from this structure. These particle properties appear to originate from a single point at the center of the wave function structure, in the same sort of way that the Shell theorem of gravity causes the gravity of a body to appear to all originate from a central point. This paper represents the first two fully characterized fundamental particles, with a complete description of their structure and properties, built up from the underlying Electromagnetic waves that comprise these and all fundamental particles.

On the Isotope-Like Effect for High-T_cSuperconductors in the Scenario of 2-Phonon Exchange Mechanism for Pairing

By generalizing the isotope effect for elemental superconductors (SCs) to the case of pairing in the 2-phonon exchange mechanism for composite SCs, we give here an explanation of the well-known increase in the critical temperature (Tc) of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 from 95 K to 110 K and of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 from 105 to 115 - 125 K when Bi and Sr in these are replaced by Tl and Ba, respectively. On this basis, we also give the estimated Tcs of some hypothetical SCs, assuming that they may be fabricated by substitutions similar to Bi → Tl and Sr → Ba.

The genetic environmental transformation mechanism of coal and oil shale deposits in eastern China’s continental fault basins and the developmental characteristics of the area’s symbiotic assemblages——taking Huangxian Basin as an example

Coal and oil shale are two common sedimentary energy sources which are often symbiotically developed in M esozoic- Cenozoic continental fault basins. However, the mechanisms and characteristics of the symbiotic development are not yet clearly known. In this research study, the typical continental fault basins of eastern China were chosen as examples for the purpose of conducting an examination of the coal and oil shale symbiotic assemblage types, genetic environmental differences, and transformation mechanisms, as well as the development and occurrence characteristics o f different assemblage types. Through a large number of investigations, systematic experimental testing, and sequence stratigraphy studies, the following conclusions were obtained:(1) There were five types of coal and oil shale symbiotic assemblages observed in the continental fault basins,(2) The development of coal and oil shale deposits requires a warm and humid climate, stable structure, abundant organic matter supply, a certain water depth, and a lower terrestrial source debris supply. The observed differences were that the water depth conditions were diversified in the study area, as well as the sources, types, and content of the organic matter.(3) The rapid transformations of the coal and oil shale genetic environments were mainly controlled by the tectonic settings and climatic conditions, which were determined to control the changes in the water depths, salinity,redox conditions, and lake productivity of the genetic environments. Also, in the symbiotic assemblages, genetic environment changes had induced the development of oil shale deposits, which gradually evolved into coal genetic environments.(4) In the isochronous sequence stratigraphic framework of the coal and oil shale symbiotic assemblages, the lake expansion system tracts (EST) were determined to be the most beneficial to the growth o f all the types of assemblages and were characterized by more assemblage development phases and smaller bed thicknesses. From the early to the late stages of the EST, and from the lakesides to lake centers, the thicknesses of the coal seams in the symbiotic assemblages showed trends of thinning, while the thicknesses of the oil shale deposits exhibited increasing trends. The early stages of high stand system tracts were found to be beneficial to the development of the symbiotic assemblages of coal seams overlying the oil shale. This tract type generally presented large bed thicknesses and distribution ranges. The low stand system tract and the late high stand system tract were determined to be unconducive to the development of the symbiotic assemblages.

Study on Sinking-Sliding Failure Mechanism of Perilous Rock at Wangxia in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China

The giant perilous rock at Wangxia (named Wangxia perilous rock) is representative in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, has threatened badly the navigation of the Yangtze River channel for a long period. The giant perilous rock is composed of siliceous limestone and argillaceous limestone, and includes two elements marking by W1 and W2, respectively. The W1 is an isolated pillar while the W2 is in clintheriform. The linking segment of dominant fissure in the W2 is composed by moniliform solution funnels at its back, and the locked segment of the dominant fissure at the base of the W2 is composed by two parts. For the locked part of the dominant fissure of the W2, the upper segment shows the same lithology with the perilous rock and it can be simplified as an elastic medium, for the lower segment composed by argillaceous shale and mudstone can be simplified as a strain-softening medium. Introducing the water-softened function, the constitutive curves with two kinds of medium materials for the locked segment in the dominant fissure of the W2 have been proposed. Based on energy principle, the cusp catastrophe model for perilous rock rupture is built and formulas for the transient elastic and impulsive acceleration and the elastic-impulsive velocity of perilous rock catastrophe rupture have been established. By the calculation, the elastic-impulsive acceleration for the catastrophe rupture of the W2 is 531.4 m/s2, while the average elastic-impulsive velocity is 2.608 m/s. Further, it is deduced that the elastic-impulsive velocity at the base of the W2 is about 5.2 m/s. For the transient ruture of the W2, there is a greater speed difference between the top and the base of the W2, which impels the giant perilous rock to be retroverted sliding rupture, coinciding with the fact. Undoubtedly, studies in this paper must play an important role to analyze the catastrophe rupture mechanism of giant perilous rocks at both banks in Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China.

Mass-to-Energy Conversion, the Astrophysical Mechanism

A new interpretation of the relativistic equation relating total-, momentum-, and mass-energies is presented. With the aid of the familiar energy-relationship triangle, old and new interpretations are compared. And the key difference is emphasized—apparent relativity versus intrinsic relativity. Mass-to-energy conversion is then brought about by adopting a three-part strategy: 1) Make the motion relative to the universal space medium. This allows the introduction of the concept of intrinsic energy (total, kinetic, and mass energies) as counterpart to the apparent version. 2) Recognize that a particle’s mass property diminishes with increase in speed. This means introducing the concept of intrinsic mass (which varies with intrinsic speed). 3) Impose a change in the particle’s gravitational environment. Instead of applying an electromagnetic accelerating force or energy in order to alter the particle’s total energy, there will simply be an environmental change. Thus, it is shown how to use relativity equations and relativistic motion—in a way that exploits the distinction between apparent and innate levels of reality—to explain the mass-to-energy-conversion mechanism. Moreover, the mechanism explains the 100-percent conversion of mass to energy;which, in turn, leads to an explanation of the mechanism driving astrophysical jets.

The geothermal formation mechanism in the Gonghe Basin: Discussion and analysis from the geological background

The Gonghe Basin,a Cenozoic down-warped basin,is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau,and spread over important nodes of the transfer of multiple blocks in the central orogenic belt in the NWW direction.It is also called “Qin Kun Fork” and “Gonghe Gap”.The basin has a high heat flow value and obvious thermal anomaly.The geothermal resources are mainly hot dry rock and underground hot water.In recent years,the mechanism of geothermal formation within the basin has been controversial.On the basis of understanding the knowledge of predecessors,this paper proposes the geothermal formation mechanism of the “heat source–heat transfer–heat reservoir and caprock–thermal system”of the Gonghe Basin from the perspective of a geological background through data integrationintegrated research-expert,discussion-graph,compilation-field verification and other processes: (1) Heat source: geophysical exploration and radioisotope calculations show that the heat source of heat in the basin has both the contribution of mantle and the participation of the earth's crust,but mainly the contribution of the deep mantle.(2) Heat transfer: The petrological properties of the basin and the exposed structure position of the surface hot springs show that one transfer mode is the material of the mantle source upwells and invades from the bottom,directly injecting heat;the other is that the deep fault conducts the deep heat of the basin to the middle and lower parts of the earth's crust,then the secondary fracture transfers the heat to the shallow part.(3) Heat reservoir and caprock: First,the convective strip-shaped heat reservoir exposed by the hot springs on the peripheral fault zone of the basin;second,the underlying hot dry rock layered heat reservoir and the upper new generation heat reservoir and caprock in the basin revealed by drilling data.(4) Thermal system: Based on the characteristics of the “heat source-heat transfer-heat reservoir and caprock”,it is preliminarily believed that the Gonghe Basin belongs to the non-magmatic heat source hydrothermal geothermal system (type II21) and the dry heat geothermal system (type II22).Its favorable structural position and special geological evolutionary history have given birth to a unique environment for the formation of the geothermal system.There may be a cumulative effect of heat accumulation in the eastern part of the basin,which is expected to become a favorable exploration area for hot dry rocks.

Micro Model of Carbon Fiber/Cyanate Ester Composites and Analysis of Machining Damage Mechanism

Machining damage occurs on the surface of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites during processing. In the current simulation model of CFRP, the initial defects on the carbon fiber and the periodic random distribution of the reinforcement phase in the matrix are not considered in detail, which makes the characteristics of the cutting model significantly different from the actual processing conditions. In this paper, a novel three-phase model of carbon fiber/cyanate ester composites is proposed to simulate the machining damage of the composites. The periodic random distribution of the carbon fiber reinforced phase in the matrix was realized using a double perturbation algorithm. To achieve the stochastic distribution of the strength of a single carbon fiber, a novel method that combines the Weibull intensity distribution theory with the Monte Carlo method is presented. The mechanical properties of the cyanate matrix were characterized by fitting the stress-strain curves, and the cohesive zone model was employed to simulate the interface. Based on the model, the machining damage mechanism of the composites was revealed using finite element simulations and by conducting a theoretical analysis. Furthermore, the milling surfaces of the composites were observed using a scanning electron microscope, to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. In this study, the simulations and theoretical analysis of the carbon fiber/cyanate ester composite processing were carried out based on a novel three-phase model, which revealed the material failure and machining damage mechanism more accurately.

Comparison of oil displacement mechanisms and performances between continuous and dispersed phase flooding agents

To compare the oil displacement mechanisms and performances of continuous phase flooding agent(traditional polymer solution) and dispersed phase flooding agent(particle-type polymer SMG dispersion), the particle phase separation of SMG dispersion migrating in pores was simulated by using the microfluidic technology. Theoretically guided by the tree fork concentration distribution of red cells in biological fluid mechanics, the concentration distribution mathematical model of SMG in different pores is established. Furthermore, the micro and macro physical simulation experiments of continuous and dispersed phase flooding agents were carried out. The results show that the continuous flooding agent enters all the swept zones and increases the flow resistance in both larger and small pores. On the contrary, the particle phase separation phenomenon occurs during the injection process of dispersed flooding agent. The SMG particles gather in the larger pore to form bridge blinding, and the carrier fluid displace oil in the small pore. Working in cooperation, the SMG particle and carrier fluid drive the residual oil in the low permeability layers step by step and achieve the goal of enhanced oil recovery. The laboratory experimental results indicate that, the oil increment and water reduction effect of dispersed flooding agent is much better than that of continuous flooding agent, which is consistent with the field test results.

Healing Mechanism and Osteogenic Capacity of Bovine Bone Mineral—Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Celland Autogenous Bone Graft in Critical Size Mandibular Defect

Experiments on maxillofacial bone tissue engineering showed the promising result;however, its healing mechanisms and effectiveness had not been fully understood. The aim of this study is to compare the bone healing mechanism and osteogenic capacity between bovine bone mineral loaded with hAMSC and autogenous bone graft in the reconstruction of critical size mandibular bone defect. Critical size defects were made at the mandible of 45 New Zealand white rabbits reconstructed with BBM-hAMSC, BBM alone, and ABG, respectively. At the end of first, second, and twelfth weeks, five rabbits from each experimental week were sacrificed for histology and immunohistochemistry staining. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone mor-phogenic proteins-2 (BMP2), Runx2 and the amount of angiogenesis were analyzed in the first and second week groups, while expressions of Runx2, osteocalcin, collagen type-I fibres, trabecular area and bone incorporation were analyzed in the twelfth week groups. The result showed that expressions of VEGF, BMP2 and Runx2 as well as the amount of angiogenesis were higher in ABG compared with BBM-hAMSC group in the first and second weeks of healing. The result of twelfth week of healing showed that expressions of Runx2 and osteocalcin as well as the thickness of collagen type-I fibres were significantly higher in BBM-hAMSC compared to ABG group, while there was no statistically difference in trabecular area and bone incorporation between BBM-hAMSC and ABG group. This study concluded that early healing activities were higher in auto-genous bone graft than in BBM-hAMSC, while osteogenic activities in the late stage of healing were higher in BBM-hAMSC compared to autogenous bone graft. It was also concluded that the osteo-genic capacity of BBM-hAMSC was comparable to autogenous bone graft in the reconstruction of critical size defect in the mandible.

Characteristics and displacement mechanisms of the dispersed particle gel soft heterogeneous compound flooding system

Considering high temperature and high salinity in the reservoirs, a dispersed particle gel soft heterogeneous compound(SHC) flooding system was prepared to improve the micro-profile control and displacement efficiency. The characteristics and displacement mechanisms of the system were investigated via core flow tests and visual simulation experiments. The SHC flooding system composed of DPG particles and surfactants was suitable for the reservoirs with the temperature of 80-110 °C and the salinity of 1×10~4-10×10~4 mg/L. The system presented good characteristics: low viscosity, weak negatively charged, temperature and salinity resistance, particles aggregation capacity, wettability alteration on oil wet surface, wettability weaken on water wet surface, and interfacial tension(IFT) still less than 1×10^(-1) mN/m after aging at high temperature. The SHC flooding system achieved the micro-profile control by entering formations deeply and the better performance was found in the formation with the higher permeability difference existing between the layers, which suggested that the flooding system was superior to the surfactants, DPG particles, and polymer/surfactant compound flooding systems. The system could effectively enhance the micro-profile control in porous media through four behaviors, including direct plugging, bridging, adsorption, and retention. Moreover, the surfactant in the system magnified the deep migration capability and oil displacement capacity of the SHC flooding system, and the impact was strengthened through the mechanisms of improved displacement capacity, synergistic emulsification, enhanced wettability alteration ability and coalescence of oil belts. The synergistic effect of the two components of SHC flooding system improved oil displacement efficiency and subsequently enhanced oil recovery.

Systems biology applications to study mechanisms of human immunodeficiency virus latency and reactivation

Eradication of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) in infected individuals is currently not possible because of the presence of the persistent cellular reservoir of latent infection. The identification of HIV latency biomarkers and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to regulation of HIV expression might provide essential tools to eliminate these latently infected cells. This review aims at summarizing gene expression profiling and systems biology applications to studies of HIV latency and eradication. Studies comparing gene expression in latently infected and uninfected cells identify candidate latency biomarkers and novel mechanisms of latency control. Studies that profiled gene expression changes induced by existing latency reversing agents(LRAs) highlight uniting themes driving HIV reactivation and novel mechanisms that contribute to regulation of HIV expression by different LRAs. Among the reviewed gene expression studies, the common approaches included identification of differentially expressed genes and gene functional category assessment. Integration of transcriptomic data with other biological data types is presently scarce, and the field would benefit from increased adoption of these methods in future studies. In addition, designing prospective studies that use the same methods of data acquisition and statistical analyses will facilitate a more reliableidentification of latency biomarkers using different model systems and the comparison of the effects of different LRAs on host factors with a role in HIV reactivation. The results from such studies would have the potential to significantly impact the process by which candidate drugs are selected and combined for future evaluations and advancement to clinical trials.

Analysis on the medication rules and mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating cervical cancer

Objective: To summarize the rule of application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, and to explore the molecular mechanism of the compatibility of core herbs. Methods: Collect relevant literatures on cervical cancer in Chinese National Knowledgey Ifrastructure (CNKI), use TCM inheritance platform system (TCMISSV2.5) for association rules and complex system entropy clustering analysis;use BATMAN-TCM online analysis tools to construct target-pathway-disease network to reveal the underlying mechanisms of action. Results: Among the 78 prescriptions selected, a total of 172 Chinese medicines were used, and the five most frequently used herbs were Huang-bo (Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex), Fu-ling (Poria Cocos), Huang-qi (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim.), Bai-hua-she-she-cao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba) and Gan-cao (Licorice). Bai-hua-she-she-cao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba) and Huang-qi (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim.), Bai-hua-she-she-cao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba) and Fu-ling (Poria Cocos), Bai-zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz.) and Fu-ling (Poria Cocos) are the three most commonly used medicine match. In addition, through cluster analysis, a total of 4 core herbs compatibility and 2 new prescriptions were excavated. Herbs in the new prescriptions which are used to clearing heat-toxin and removing dampness were most frequently used. Through the analysis of the signal pathway of high frequency Chinese medicines, we found that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may play important roles. Conclusion: The core Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer are mainly clearing heat-toxin and removing dampness. The core Chinese medicines may play their anti-cervical cancer by interfering with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway.

Transformation Mechanism of Ore Matter in the Weathering

Grain-size class redistribution of non-ferrous, precious metals and iron in copper-nickel ores tailings from Norilsk industrial region was after artificial weathering investigated. Possible mechanisms of metal redistribution were suggested.

Design and Experimental Research on Seedling Pick-Up Mechanism of Planetary Gear Train with Combined Non-circular Gear Transmission

Currently, transplanting mechanisms for dryland plug seedlings in China are mainly semiautomatic and have low efficiency. The rotary seedling pick-up mechanism with a planetary gear train for non-uniform intermittent transmission, and a concave and convex locking arc device, has a large rigid impact. To solve these problems, according to the design requirements for a dryland plug seedling transplanting mechanism, a rotary seedling pick-up mechanism of a planetary gear train with combined non-circular gear transmission of incomplete eccentric circular and noncircular gears was proposed. This has the characteristics of two-times greater fluctuation of the transmission ratio in a cycle, and can achieve a non-uniform continuous drive. Through analysis of the working principle of the seedling pick-up mechanism, its kinematics model was established. The human–computer interaction optimization method and self-developed computer-aided analysis and optimization software were used to obtain a set of parameters that satisfy the operation requirements of the seedling pick-up mechanism. According to the optimized parameters, the structure of the seedling pick-up mechanism was designed, a virtual prototype of the mechanism was created, and a physical prototype was manufactured. A virtual motion simulation of the mechanism was performed, high-speed photographic kinematics tests were conducted, and the kinematic properties of the physical prototype were investigated, whereby the correctness of the theoretical model and the optimized design of the mechanism were verified. Further, laboratory seedling pick-up tests were conducted. The success ratio of seedling pick-up was 93.8% when the seedling pick-up efficiency of the mechanism was 60 plants per minute per row, indicating that the mechanism has a high efficiency and success ratio for seedling pick-up and can be applied to a dryland plug seedling transplanter.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo: From biological characteristics to therapeutic mechanisms

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic injuries, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix or scar tissue within the liver;in addition, its formation is associated with multiple cytokines as well as several cell types and a variety of signaling pathways. When liver fibrosis is not well controlled, it can progress to liver cirrhosis, but it is reversible in principle. Thus far, no efficient therapy is available for treatment of liver fibrosis. Although liver transplantation is the preferred strategy, there are many challenges remaining in this approach, such as shortage of donor organs, immunological rejection, and surgical complications. Hence, there is a great need for an alternative therapeutic strategy. Currently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis;advantageously, the characteristics of MSCs are continuous self-renewal, proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and immunomodulatory activities. The human umbilical cord-derived (hUC)-MSCs possess not only the common attributes of MSCs but also more stable biological characteristics, relatively easy accessibility, abundant source, and no ethical issues (e.g., bone marrow being the adult source), making hUC-MSCs a good choice for treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics of hUC-MSCs and their paracrine effects, exerted by secretion of various cytokines, which ultimately promote liver repair through several signaling pathways. Additionally, we discuss the capacity of hUC-MSCs to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells for compensating the function of existing hepatocytes, which may aid in amelioration of liver fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the current status of the research field and its future prospects.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CHARACTERISTICS AND THERMODYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMS OF TWO TYPES OF WARMSECTOR HEAVY RAINFALL ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST

Warm-sector heavy rainfalls along the south China coast from April to June during 2009-2014 can be divided into two main types based on their low-level circulations. Type I is the southerly pattern with meridional convergence line at the west of the Pearl River estuary, which is formed by the convergence of southeasterly, southerly, and southwesterly flows. Type II is the southwesterly pattern with a latitudinal convergence line at the east of the Pearl River estuary, which is formed by the convergence of westerly and southwesterly flows. Statistics on 6-hourly heavy rainfall events indicates that, during the afore-mentioned 6 years, there were on average 73.2 occurrences of the southerly pattern and 50.3 occurrences of the southwesterly pattern per year. After the onset of summer monsoon in the South China Sea, the occurrence frequencies of both patterns increase remarkably. The synthetic diagnosis of pattern circulation shows that, at 500 h Pa, for the southerly pattern, there is a broad warm high ridge, and a temperature ridge is behind the high ridge, which causes an obvious warm advection at the high ridge area. There is no frontal region. For the southwesterly pattern, the circulation is a weak trough with a temperature trough behind it. The position of the frontal region is near Yangzi River, and the south China coast is in the warm-sector of the frontal region. At the vertical cross-section of each of the two categories of heavy rainfall, there is a strong vertical motion center stretching to 400 hPa, where the convergence layer in the rainfall region is deep and with several vertical convergence centers overlapping one another. Both types of heavy rainfalls are with abundant water vapor, accompanied with deep convective instability energy layers, and with strong release of latent heat caused by condensation of water vapor. The release of latent heat leads to the warming-up and stretching of the air column, thus strengthens deep convergence and vertical velocity upward. There is a stronger latent heat-release in the southwesterly pattern than in the southerly pattern,while in the southerly pattern, the warm advection at middle and upper levels is stronger than the latent head release.To study the thermo-dynamic development mechanisms, weather research and forecasting model(WRF) numerical simulations are made and the results show that, in the two rainstorm regions, latent heat release warms up the air column, hence significantly increase the depth and strength of the vertical velocity. Moreover, the release of latent heat strengthens convergent circulation at lower levels and weakens divergent circulation at middle levels, whose influence can be as strong as 30%-50% of the wind circulation strength of the two types of the warm-sector heavy rainfall over the south China coast, and further enhances deep convection, promoting warm-sector storm development.