Interfacial Interaction Between Polyurethane/Poly(Methacrylateco-Styrene) Coating and the Regenerated Cellulose Film

Water-resistant films were prepared by coating the surface of regenerated cellulose films with castor oil-based polyurethane (PU)/ poly-(methacrylate-co-styrene) [P (MA-St)]. The effects of the ratio of PU to P (MA-St) copolymer on tensile strength (dry and wet states), vapor permeability, size stability, and water resistivity of the coated films were studied. The interfacial interaction between cellulose and the PU/P (MA-St) coating was analyzed using infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results indicated that the mechanical properties and water resistivity of the coated films significantly enhanced, and the biodegradability was displayed, when the ratio of PU to P (MA-St) was 8∶2 by weight. The chemical bonds and hydrogen bonds between the cellulose, PU, and the copolymer exist in the coated films. It is regarded that PU/P (MA-St) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were formed, and a shared network of PU with both the cellulose and the coating in the coated film occurred simultaneously resulting in a strong bonding between the coating layer and the film.

Fine Structure of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Solids

The fibroin solids (membrane and gel) were prepared from regenerated silk fibroin solution in different ways. The structure of the fibroin solids and its change during storage were studied. The results indicated that the structure of fibroin membrane air-dried at 30℃ or freeze dried at a freezing temperature of -20-4℃ was the coexistence of amorphous and silkⅠstructure. The amorphous region could partly be transformed into silkⅠstructure under room temperature and humidity. The structure of porous silk fibroin membrane was the coexistence of amorphous and small part of silkⅡ, if the aqueous fibroin was freeze dried within the temperature range of -80℃ to -20℃, and the amorphous partly transformed into silkⅠ during storage. The structure of fibroin gel naturally forming when kept at room temperature was coexistent of amorphous and silkⅡ. The content of Gly and Ala was high in the surface membrane of aqueous fibroin and its structure was mostly silkⅠ and silkⅡwith high crystallinity.

Modificatin of ITZ Structure and Properties of Regenerated Concrete

By means of reducing the ratio of water to cement （ w/c ）, incorporating a proper amount of fly ash and superplasticizer , and processing the surface of recycled aggregate （ RA ）, this paper aims at improving the interfacial transition zone （ITZ） submicro- structure of the regenerated concrete （ RC ）. The experimental resuits of mercury intrusion pressure （MIP） show that RA pretreated by PVA polymer solution and lyophobic active agent can jam its surface pore and hole, thus the porosity of RA is decreased. When reducing w/c ratio, incorporating 20% of fly ash （ FA ） and 2.5% of superplasticizer （ to cement ） in the RC , the width of ITZ is effectively narrowed, the structure of ITZ is combined much more compact and the compressive strength of RC is enhanced. Under the same conditions, using RA pretreated by 1% PVA polymer solution, the fluidity of fresh RC can be enhanced and the compressive strength of hardened RC can also be enhanced lightly. Whereas using RA pretreated by lyophobic active agent, the fluidity of fresh RC can be enhanced , but it impairs the adhesion of fresh cement paste and the surface of old concrete, and hinders the strength development of RC. In the ITZ structure of ordinary concrete （prepared with natural coarse and fine aggregate ）, there are much Ca （ OH）2, in plank-and sheet-like, distributing with priority tropism, whereas in the RC structure, Ca（ OH）2 with a coarse size is not found in ITZ ; the main reason is that the surface of coarse aggregate does not have a layer of water film.

CHARACTERIZATION OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE MEMBRANES HYDROLYZED FROM CELLULOSE ACETATE

A series of cellulose acetate membranes were prepared by using formamide as additive, and then were hydrolyzed in 4 wt% aqueous NaOH solution for 8 h to obtain regenerated cellulose membranes. The dependence of degree of substitution, structure, porous properties, solubility and thermal stability on hydrolysis time was studied by chemical titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The results indicated that the pore size of the regenerated cellulose membranes was slightly smaller than that of cellulose acetate membrane, while solvent-resistance, crystallinity and thermostability were significantly improved. This work provides a simple way to prepare the porous cellulose membranes, which not only kept the good pore characteristics of cellulose acetate membranes, but also possessed solvent-resistance, high crystallinity and thermostability. Therefore, the application range of cellulose acetate membranes can be expanded.

STUDIES ON TUNG OIL COATED REGENERATED CELLULOSE FILMS WITH WATERRESISTANCE

Regenerated cellulose films with water-resistance were obtained by an improved method ofpreparing cellulose cuoxam solution from pulps of agricultural wastes (linters, wheat straw, reedand Bamao). Experimental results showed that the mechanical properties of both the dry. and wetfilms were excellent. Data from IR, SEM and tensile strength measurements implied that thesignificant improvement of water-resistance of the films was due to the cohesion between the thinTung oil covers with hydrophobicity and the regenerated cellulose films. The films werecompletely biodegraded after being buried in soil for 100 days. The transmittance of the filmsderived from linter and reed in visible band range were 80-90%.

BIODEGRADATION OF REGENERATED CELLULOSE FILMS BY FUNGI

The biodegradability of Aspergillus niger (A. niger), Mucor (M-305) and Trichoderma (T-311) strains on regenerated cellulose films in media was investigated. The results showed that T-311 strain isolated from soil adhered on the cellulose film fragments has stronger degradation effect on the cellulose film than A. niger strain. The weights, molecular weights and tensile strengths of the cellulose films in both shake culture and solid media decreased with incubation time, accompanied by producing CO2 and saccharides. HPLC, IR and released CO2 analysis indicated that the biodegradation products of the regenerated cellulose films mainly contain oligosaccharides, cellobiose, glucose, arabinose, erythrose, glycerose, glycerol, ethanal, formaldehyde and organic acid, the end products were CO2 and water. After a month, the films were completely decomposed by fungi in the media at 30 degrees C.

Conformational Transitions and Self-assembly of Regenerated Spider Silk Protein in Water

Spider silk, relying on its exceptional mechanical properties, has attracted extensive attention throughout the world. The structure of a material can influence its mechanical properties. Investigation of the structure of spider silk includes amino acid composition, molecular structure, self-assembly, and crystallization, among other characteristics. Herein, the effects of concentration, time, alkali metal ions （Na^＋and K ^＋ ） and pH on the conformational transition and self-assembly of regenerated Ornithoctonus huwena spider dragline silk protein （spidroin） in water were investigated using circular dichroism （CD） and atomic force microScopy （AFM）. Spidroin concentration, time and Na ＋ ions slightly influenced the conformational transition of spidroin molecules. However, K ＋ ions and pH induced the formation of a β- sheet structure. Increasing spidroin concentration or time increased the aggregation of spidroin and enhanced the formation of nanoffiaments. K ~ ions enhanced the serf-assembly of spidroin into nanofilaments. The self-assembled nanofilaments appeared at a pH of approximately 6. 11. Both lower and higher pH induced aggregation. At a lower pH, the aggregation was composed of nanopartides, whereas higher pH induced the aggregation of nanoffiaments, likely from the synergistic effect of Na ^＋ ions and pH.

Reassembly of the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier in regenerated axons of the central nervous system

Myelinated axons of the peripheral and central nervous system（PNS＆CNS）are divided into molecularly distinct excitable domains,including the axon initial segment（AIS）and nodes of Ranvier.The AIS is composed of a dense network of cytoskeletal proteins,cell adhesion molecules,and voltage gated ion channels and is located at the proximal most region of the axon（Koleand Stuart, 2012）.

Effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation,differentiation,migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells

Objective: To study the effects of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEP1 cells. Methods: Regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury were used to induce SK-HEP1 cells after enrichment, their effects on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of SK-HEPI cells were observed through in vitro cell culture, MTT, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Results:In response to the action of regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury, SK-HEP1 cells were blocked in G_0/G_1 phase, their growth rate was distinctly reduced. The number of SK-HEP1^(-fj)colonies decreased. The migration ability of SK-HEPI cells showed a decreased trend on day7 and day 11 after induction. SK-HEPl's invasion ability clearly decreased on days 7 and11 after induction, especially on day 7. Conclusions: To a certain extent, regenerated tissue extracts after liver injury can inhibit the proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion of hepatoma cells, showing an important potential of being a differentiating agent for the treatment of liver cancer.

Unexpected Postoperative Paraplegia after Thoracotomy in Lung Cancer: Incidental Migration of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Used for Hemostasis of Intercostal Space Bleeding

Background: We experienced a very rare complication, that is, an unexpected postoperative paraplegia due to the incidental migration of oxidized regenerated cellulose used for hemostasis of intercostal space bleeding. Patients and Methods: The objective is to analyze the cause and to take measures against the very rare complication from an empirical analysis and the literature. For a 78-year-old male with suspected lung cancer in the right upper lobe (S1), a thoracotomy was performed. For hemostasis of the bleeding from the 5th intercostal thoracotomy space, we used and placed oxidized regenerated cellulose at the continuous oozing bleeding sites. On the 3rd postoperative day, paralysis beneath thoracic vertebrae level 6 was observed. Immediate computed-tomographic (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed a 17 × 9 × 14 mm epidural hematoma in the spinal canal at level 5 of the thoracic vertebrae. An emergent laminectomy for the thoracic vertebra was performed to remove the oxidative cellulose and haematoma, and the compression was released. The paraplegia gradually began to recover and maintain a standing position. After 1 year from the event, the patient can walk by himself with a crutch. Results: The causes were that the oxidative cellulose materials were used for the intercostal bleeding at the open thoracotomy. The migration of the oxidative cellulose materials into the epidural space and into thoracic spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen, or gradual penetration of the oxidative cellulose materials into the spinal canal due to respiratory costal movement. As a measurement of prevention, the hemostat materials should be completely removed after finishing of the hemostasis. In the case of a difficult hemostasis, consultation of an orthopedist or neurosurgeon to perform the appropriate hemostasis in good cooperation is required. Conclusion: If postoperative paraplegia is suspected, immediate CT scanning and/or MRI examination would become powerful diagnostic procedures as soon as possible to start an interventional treatment.

Batch Studies for the Removal of a Hazardous Azo Dye Methyl Orange from Water through Adsorption on Regenerated Activated Carbons

The study of the performances of regenerated activated carbons for the adsorption of MO(methyl orange)in an aqueous medium was carried out with the aim to evaluate the adsorption capacities of these activated carbons.Three regenerated activated carbons issued from the unit of oil treatment of the thermal power station of Dibamba(Cameroon)-DPDC(Dibamba Power Development Company)were obtained thermally and chemically.These three samples(namely CAR 400℃(chemical regenerated activated carbon at 400℃),CAR 700℃(physical regenerated activated carbon at 700℃)and CAR 900℃(physical regenerated activated carbon at 900℃))and the non-used one CA were characterized by iodine number,XRD(X-ray Diffraction)and FTIR(Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy).MO adsorption tests were performed in batch mode;this technique allowed the study of the influence of the parameters such as:the contact time,the initial’s MO concentration and the pH.Moreover,different kinetic models(first-order,pseudo-second-order and Webber and Morris intra-particle diffusion)and adsorption isotherms(Langmuir and Freundlich)are used for the evaluation of adsorption capacities.The physicochemical characterization of these adsorbents showed that they were micro-porous(iodine value:600 mg/g)and strongly crystallized according to their regeneration pathways.The influence of the parameters revealed that the adsorption of MO is the most favorable for concentrations from 5 to 25 mg/L(for materials CA and CAR 400℃)and 10 to 25 g/L(for materials CAR 700℃ and 900℃);and that it was maximum in acid medium(at pH=3 on the materials CA,CAR 400℃,CAR 900℃ and at pH=5 on the material CAR 900℃).The modeling of the adsorption kinetics of MO has revealed the conformity of the kinetic model of pseudosecond-order and intra-particle diffusion for some of these materials.The study of isotherms has shown that the Langmuir isotherm best describes the adsorption of MO on most of these adsorbents.

Biometric Analysis on Genetic Divergence between Parental and Regenerated Accessions in Tall Coconut Palms (Cocos nucifera L.) from International Genebank for Africa and the Indian Ocean

This study endeavour assesses agromorphological likeness between initial introductions and regenerated accessions at the International Coconut Genebank for Africa and the Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO) based in C?te d’Ivoire. Ten couples of parental (G0) and regenerated (G1) accessions of Tall coconut palms were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) from 26 agromorphological characters. The main results showed a relative decrease in the expression of the phenotypical traits concerning the component of the fruit, height and vigor of the stem and yield of bunches and fruits after one regeneration cycle. But, a high proportion (69%) of studied characters from leaf, inflorescence and nut components showed likeness between G0 and G1 accessions. After one regeneration cycle, the controlled pollination method guarantees significant conservation of the expression of the majority of agromorphological traits. Consequently, regenerated accessions of Tall coconut palms can be used to pursue research and development programs in C?te d’Ivoire.

FROM EMG CONTROLLING TO"REGENERATED FINGER" CONTROLLING ARTIFICIAL HAND-THE RECENT ACHIEVEMENT IN REHABILITATION ENGINEERING

According to the sampling statistics there are over 7 millions limb disabled persons in China from several times of those in the world. For the benefit to the amputees, thousands varies kinds of commencial Products of artificial hands, by scientific promotion have ben developed in the recent half century. Among those products the EMG controlling artificial upper limb brings the hope to the amputees. The later are now used widely form the earlest one in 1948.In 1978, Shanghai Jiao Tong University began to study and develop the EMG controlling artificial band mounted to amputes over thousand disabled during a couple of recent decades.The risidual muscles of an amputee are the signal source of the artificial hand controlled by EMG. The evoked EMG which can transmit the brain moving information is one of the bioelectricities from human body. The EMG signal, accumulated at skin surface with surface electrodes, passing through filtering and amplifying circuits controls the movement-this is the main principle of EMG controlling artificial hand.But, owing to the weakness of EMG (μv) and a group of muscles information plus the strong turbulence of electric field (v), the integrated EMG can’t completely reflect the brain moving act and will influence the accuracy of EMG-hand, especially those of the multi-multi-degree of freedom.In 1978, only 57% of the controlling aaccuracy of artificial hand with 3-degree of freedom could be reached by the Herbert’s research. In 80’s, the controlling accuracy raised up to 72% by Denning’s new method. Up to now, the accuracy is still not ideal, eventhrogh the Hi-tech of using pattern-recognitionand artincial neuro-net work. The electronic artificial hand will be considered successful and practical only with the moving accuracy more than 95%.Some research by using implant electrode for detecting the neuro-information or EEG controllingmethod met also dimculties for raising the accuracy of artificial hand.For breaking througll the threshold of accuracy limit, the EMG method as mentioned above must bechanged entirely, A newest creative research work on the electronic artificial hand controlled by a "regenerated finger" made by transplanting a toe to the stump is developing in Shanghai Jiao TongUniversity, which is without precedent in the world.The first experimental amputee using "regenerated finger’ to control an electronic artificial forearm with 3-degree of freedom reaches 100% accuracy of movements (i.e. no error within 100 tests). It has been proved that the use of a "regenerated finger" as a controlling signal command makes it possible to use the electronic artificeal hand with multi-degree of freedom without error Thecombining medical science with engineering in the area of designing an electronic artifical upper limb.Acknowledgement: The authors extend their hearty thanks to the famous academician Dr.Chen Zhongwei (Zhong-Sen Hospital) for their creative effort and successful micro-surgical operation for transplanting toe to stump of an amputee, also to the China Science Foundation for supporting. us the fund to develop this research.

Molecular identification of plants regenerated from somatic hybridization between rice and apomictic Panicum

We attempted to introduce apomictic gene(s)into rice via somatic hybridization by usingapomictic Panicum maximum Jacq.as thedonor of apomictic gene(s).Protoplasts of rice derived from suspen-sion cells were inactivated with indoacetamide(IOA)and protoplasts of Panicum maximum

Transcription regulators differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into chondroprogenitors,and their in vivo implantation regenerated the intervertebral disc degeneration

BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc degeneration(IVDD)is the leading cause of lower back pain.Disc degeneration is characterized by reduced cellularity and decreased production of extracellular matrix(ECM).Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been envisioned as a promising treatment for degenerative illnesses.Cell-based therapy using ECM-producing chondrogenic derivatives of MSCs has the potential to restore the functionality of the intervertebral disc(IVD).AIM To investigate the potential of chondrogenic transcription factors to promote differentiation of human umbilical cord MSCs into chondrocytes,and to assess their therapeutic potential in IVD regeneration.METHODS MSCs were isolated and characterized morphologically and immunologically by the expression of specific markers.MSCs were then transfected with Sox-9 and Six-1 transcription factors to direct differentiation and were assessed for chondrogenic lineage based on the expression of specific markers.These differentiated MSCs were implanted in the rat model of IVDD.The regenerative potential of transplanted cells was investigated using histochemical and molecular analyses of IVDs.RESULTS Isolated cells showed fibroblast-like morphology and expressed CD105,CD90,CD73,CD29,and Vimentin but not CD45 antigens.Overexpression of Sox-9 and Six-1 greatly enhanced the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 gene,BMP,Sox-9,Six-1,and Aggrecan,and protein expression of Sox-9 and Six-1.The implanted cells integrated,survived,and homed in the degenerated intervertebral disc.Histological grading showed that the transfected MSCs regenerated the IVD and restored normal architecture.CONCLUSION Genetically modified MSCs accelerate cartilage regeneration,providing a unique opportunity and impetus for stem cell-based therapeutic approach for degenerative disc diseases.

Preparation and characterization of regenerated MgO–CaO refractory bricks sintered under different atmospheres

Regenerated MgO-CaO brick samples containing 80wt%, 70wt%, and 60wt% MgO were prepared using spent MgO-CaO bricks and fused magnesia as raw materials and paraffin as a binder. The bricks were sintered at 1873 K for 2 h under an air atmosphere and under an isolating system. The microstructure, mechanical properties at room temperature, and hydration resistance of the regenerated samples were measured and compared. The results indicated that the isolating sintering generated a strongly reducing atmosphere as a result of the incomplete combustion of paraffin, and the partial oxygen pressure was approximately 6.68 × 10^-7 Pa. The properties of the regenerated bricks sintered under air conditions were all higher than those of the bricks sintered under a reducing atmosphere. The deterioration of the bricks was a result of MgO reduction and a decrease in the amount of liquid phase formed during sintering under a reducing atmosphere.

White oak (Quercus fabri Hance) regenerated stump sprouts show few senescence symptoms during 40 years of growth in a natural forest

Background:The relationship between physiological age of parental trees and lifespan of clonal offspring is unclear.White oak(Quercus fabri Hance)has a high sprouting capability after harvest,with the regenerated sprouts being typical clonal individuals.To determine whether regenerated sprouts undergo rapid senescence compared with the parent,the senescence levels of 5-,10-,20-and 40-year-old regenerated stump sprouts in a natural forest were evaluated.The antioxidative abilities and transcriptomes in these leaves and shoots were compared.Results:Older regenerated sprouts still had robust antioxidative systems,with 40-year-old sprouts having lower peroxidation product levels but similar antioxidative enzyme activity levels compared with 5-year-old sprouts.Older leaves had greater transcriptional activities in pathways related to cell growth and division than younger leaves.However,older sprouts had some unhealthy characteristics,such as increased base excision repair levels and upregulated phagosome,proteasome and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways in 40-year-old leaves,which indicates that DNA damage and tissue remodeling occurred more frequently than in younger leaves.Additionally,plant-pathogen interactions and MAPK signals pathways were upregulated in older shoots,which indicates that older shoots suffered from more pathogen-related biotic stress.Conclusions:The 40-year-old sprouts still had the same vitality level as the 5-year-old sprouts,although the former had some unhealthy characteristics.We conclude that during their first 40 years of growth,regenerated stump sprouts do not begin to senesce,and that physiological age of parental trees does not significantly affect the lifespan of its clonal offspring.

The scalability of the tunnel-regenerated multi-active-region light-emitting diode structure

The scalability of the tunnel-regenerated multi-active-region （TRMAR） structure has been investigated for the application in light-emitting diodes （LEDs）. The use of the TRMAR structure was proved theoretically to have unique advantages over conventional slngle-active-layer structures in virtually every aspect, such as high quantum efficiency, high power and low leakage. Our study showed that the TRMAR LED structure could obtain high output power under low current injection and high wall-plug efficiency compared with the conventional single-active-layer LED structure.

High frequency wheat regeneration from leaf tissue explants of regenerated plantlets

The specificities of tissue culture of wheat greatly limit the use of chloroplast transformation technologies in this crop. One limitation in wheat tissue culture is that it is difficult to regenerate plantlets from leaf tissue explants of regenerated plantlets, resulting in difficulty in obtaining homoplastic plants via multiple rounds of antibiotic selection of chloroplast transformants. Thus, a repeated in vitro regeneration system from leaf tissues was studied in this research. Our results showed that 2 mm leaf basal segments of the 4 cm high leaves from regenerated plantlets can give the best callus induction at present study. The best callus induction medium was Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 mg/L naphthalenacetic acid, which gave a callus induction rate of up to 87.2%. The optimal differentiation medium was MS basal medium supplemented with 10 mg/L silver nitrate and 1 mg/L 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, which gave a regeneration rate up to 33.7% for the wheat lines tested. This is the first report showing that leaf basal segments of in vitro regenerated plantlets can be used for regeneration of wheat. The establishment of a repetitive regeneration system should pave the way for the development of chloroplast transformation and the plant regeneration systems starting from leaf material of in vitro regenerated wheat and other cereal crops.