Serum proteins differentially expressed in gestational diabetes mellitus assessed using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics

BACKGROUND As a well-known fact to the public,gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)could bring serious risks for both pregnant women and infants.During this important investigation into the linkage between GDM patients and their altered expression in the serum,proteomics techniques were deployed to detect the differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)of in the serum of GDM patients to further explore its pathogenesis,and find out possible biomarkers to forecast GDM occurrence.METHODS Subjects were divided into GDM and normal control groups according to the IADPSG diagnostic criteria.Serum samples were randomly selected from four cases in each group at 24-28 wk of gestation,and the blood samples were identified by applying iTRAQ technology combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Key proteins and signaling pathways associated with GDM were identified by bioinformatics analysis,and the expression of key proteins in serum from 12 wk to 16 wk of gestation was further verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS Forty-seven proteins were significantly differentially expressed by analyzing the serum samples between the GDMgravidas as well as the healthy ones. Among them, 31 proteins were found to be upregulated notably and the rest16 proteins were downregulated remarkably. Bioinformatic data report revealed abnormal expression of proteinsassociated with lipid metabolism, coagulation cascade activation, complement system and inflammatory responsein the GDM group. ELISA results showed that the contents of RBP4, as well as ANGPTL8, increased in the serumof GDM gravidas compared with the healthy ones, and this change was found to initiate from 12 wk to 16 wk ofgestation.CONCLUSION GDM symptoms may involve abnormalities in lipid metabolism, coagulation cascade activation, complementsystem and inflammatory response. RBP4 and ANGPTL8 are expected to be early predictors of GDM.

Lie symmetry and the generalized Hojman conserved quantity of Nielsen equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion

Lie symmetry and the generalized Hojman conserved quantity of Nielsen equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion are studied. The determining equation of Lie symmetry of Nielsen equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion under the infinitesimal transformations of groups is given. The expression of generalized Hojman conserved quantity deduced directly from Lie symmetry for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion is obtained. An example is given to illustrate the application of the results.

Mei symmetry and Mei conserved quantity of Appell equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion

Mei symmetry and Mei conserved quantity of Appell equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion are studied.The definition and criterion of the Mei symmetry of Appell equations for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion under the infinitesimal transformations of groups are given.The structural equation of Mei symmetry of Appell equations and the expression of Mei conserved quantity deduced directly from Mei symmetry for a variable mass holonomic system of relative motion are gained.Finally,an example is given to illustrate the application of the results.

Entanglement of the Common Eigenvector of Two Particles‘ Center—of—Mass Coordinate and Mass—Weighted Relative Momentum

We reveal that the common eigenvector of two particles' center-of-mass coordinate and mass-weightedrelative momentum is an entangled state. Its Schmidt decomposition exhibits that the entanglement involves squeezingwhich depends on the ratio of two particles' masses. The corresponding entangling operators are derived.

Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and bioactive components of Radix Hedysari on increasing the peak bone mass of rat

The traditional Chinese medicine of Radix Hedysari plays an important role in invigorating gas for ascending, benefiting blood for promoting production of fluid, and promoting circulation for removing obstruction in collaterals, which is consistent with the principle of treatment for osteoporosis. This study is designed to investigate the bioactive components on increasing peak bone mass (PBM) by exploring the spectrum-effect relationship between chromatography fingerprints and effect. Multiple indicators are selected to evaluate the pharmacological activity. In fingerprints, 21 common peaks are obtained, five of which are identified. Furthermore, gray relational analysis (GRA) is a quantitative method of gray system theory and is used to describe the correlation degree of common peaks and pharmacological activities with relational value. 21 components are then divided into three different regions, of which ononin and calycosin play an extremely significant role in increasing PBM. In addition, factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) are used to screen the optimal producing area for Radix Hedysari. This provides a comprehensive and efficient method to improve the quality evaluation of Radix Hedysari, confirming the bioactive components for PBM-enhancement and further develop its medicinal value.

THE CONSTITUTIVE RELATION OF CRACK-WEAKENED ROCK MASSES UNDER AXIAL-DIMENSIONAL UNLOADING

An accurate and efficient numerical method for solving the crack-crack interaction problem is presented. The method is mainly by means of the dislocation model, stress superposition principle and Chebyshev polynomial expansion of the pseudo-traction. This method can be applied to compute the stress intensity factors of multiple kinked cracks and multiple rows of periodic cracks as well as the overall strains of rock masses containing multiple kinked cracks under complex loads. Many complex computational examples are given. The dependence of the crack-crack interaction on the crack configuration, the geometrical and physical parameters, and loads pattern, is investigated. By comparison with numerical results under confining pressure unloading, it is shown that the crack-crack interaction under axial-dimensional unloading is weaker than those under confining pressure unloading. Numerical results for single faults and crossed faults show that the single faults are more unstable than the crossed faults. It is found from numerical results for different crack lengths and different crack spacing that the interaction among kinked cracks decreases with an increase in length of the kinked cracks and the crack spacing under axial-dimensional unloading.

Analysis of ganciclovir and its related substances using high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods

Objective High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC/MS)methods were developed for the determination of ganciclovir and its related substances.Methods A Hypersil ODS2 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm)was used with a mobile phase of 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer(pH 6.0)-methanol(92∶8)at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min,and UV detector set at 254 nm was used for monitoring the eluents.Results The method was simple,rapid,selective and capable of separating all related substances at trace level with a detection limit of 0.04 μg/mL.It has been validated with respect to accuracy,precision,linearity,and limits of detection and quantification.The linearity range was 10.2-153.0 μg/mL with r=0.9998.The percentage recoveries ranged from 96.7% to 101.6%,and RSD was 1.24%-1.96%(n=5).Conclusion The method was found to be suitable not only for monitoring the reactions during the process development but also for quality control of ganciclovir.For identification of related substances,LC/MS was used.The mainly related substances of ganciclovir active pharmaceutical ingredients(API)were determined as guanine,(1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl acetate,and diacetyl guanine.

Reciprocity Relation between the Mass Constituents of the Universe and Hardy’s Quantum Entanglement Probability

In this short contribution, a reciprocity relation between mass constituents of the universe was explained governed by Hardy’s maximum entanglement probability of φ5 = 0.09017. While well explainable through a set-theoretical argumentation, the relation may also be a consequence of a coupling factor attributed to the normed dimensions of the universe. Also, very simple expressions for the mass amounts were obtained, when replacing the Golden Mean φ by the Archimedes’ constant π. A brief statement was devoted to the similarity between the E-Infinity Theory of El Naschie and the Information Relativity Theory of Suleiman. In addition, superconductivity was also linked with Hardy’s entanglement probability.

Cigarette smoking,body mass index associated with the risks of age-related cataract in male patients in northeast China

AIM: To determine the association between cigarettes smoking, body mass index (BMI) and the risk of age-related cataract (ARC) in middle-aged and elderly men in Northeast China. METHODS: A hospital-based case control study was conducted. Cases (n =362) were men who had surgically treated ARC, 45-85 years old; controls frequency-matched (n=362) were men who had been admitted to the same hospital as cases for other diseases not related with eye diseases. Cases and controls were matched with 1:1. The cases and controls were interviewed during their hospital stay, using a structured interviewer-administrated questionnaire that included information on sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic, lifestyle habits (tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, etc.), anthropometric measures, personal medical history, and family history of ARC in first-degree relatives, and simultaneously BMI was calculated. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of ARC were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and multiple potential confounders, higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of ARC. Cigarette smoking, years smoking or moderate cigarette smoking (1-29 cigarettes per day) had no relation with the risk of ARC (P>0.05), although patients smoking >= 30 cigarettes per day had an elevated risk of ARC as compared with the non-smokers (OR=1.55, 95% CI; 1.16-2.85, P=0.026). Higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of ARC. Both overweight and obesity was associated with an obviously increased risk for surgically ARC (OR=1.55, 95% CI:1.02-1.98, P=0.015 and OR=1.71, 95% CI:1.32-2.39, P=0.013 respectively) compared to normal BMI. Then participants were grouped into quartiles of BMI (Q1 to Q4), compared to controls in the lowest quartile, the ORfor cases in the highest quartile of BMI was 1.54 (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.08-2.46, P=0.022). The results of univariate analysis showed cigarette smoking was not associated with ARC formation for men with lower or normal BMI (P >0.05). Compared to the non-smokers, for men of overweight or obesity, cigarette smoking was associated with a significantly increased risk for surgically ARC (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.49-6.65, P=0.003 and OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.63-13.21, P=0.002 respectively). Similarly, smokers in the highest quartile of BMI had approximately 1.5 times the risk of ARC as non-smokers in the lowest quartile (OR =1.46, 95% CI: 1.06-5.29, P<0.001). Followed multivariate models revealed that the association had never changed. CONCLUSION: Current cigarette smoking is positively related to ARC only among those who smoking 30 or more cigarettes per day. For men who are both overweight and obesity, cigarette smoking is associated with a significantly increased risk for ARC.

Body Mass Index and Health Related Physical Fitness in Saudi Girls and Adolescents Aged 8 - 15 Years

Health related physical fitness (HRPF) is considered to be an indirect marker of a person’s health and wellbeing, reflecting the interplay and integration of many persons’ systems and body functions. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and HRPF in a national cross-sectional sample of Saudi girls and adolescents. Methods: Weight, height and four components of HRPF (body fat composition, strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness) were measured in three age groups [(8 - 10), (11 - 12) and (13 - 15) years]. Pearson correlation coefficient and regressions analysis using a non-linear quadratic model were used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and HRPF in three age groups. Results: The results revealed variable relationships among tests. Lower scores in body fat composition and cardio-respiratory fitness were associated with higher body mass indexes in each age group. Also lower scores in muscle strength and endurance were recorded in girls aged from 11 to 15 years. Relationships between BMI and flexibility differed among age groups. Conclusion: BMI significantly and differentially influenced individual HRPF, but effects varied with age. Higher body mass indexes were generally associated with lower HRPF. The level of HRPF determined by this study may serve as an indicator of potential health risks that overweight and obese children girls and adolescents faced.

A Revised Interpretation of the Thermodynamic Theory Including the Einstein Mass-Energy Relation <i>E</i>= <i>mc</i>²

Thermodynamics being among the most synthetic theories of physics and the mass-energy relation E = mc2 among the most general equations of science, it is somewhat surprising that this latter is not explicitly present in the laws of thermodynamics. Coupling this observation with the conceptual difficulties often felt in learning thermodynamics leads to the idea that both situations may have the same cause. On the basis of these clues, this paper is intended to provide complementary arguments to a hypothesis already presented. It consists of showing the existence of an imperfect compatibility between the conventional formulations of the first and second laws of thermodynamics and suggesting the need of the mass-energy relation to solving the problem.

General Derivation of Mass-Energy Relation without Electrodynamics or Einstein’s Postulates

The mass-energy equation ?is derived in general from Newton’s equation of motion without use of electrodynamics, or Einstein’s Postulates which were presented in his superb 1905 paper on Special Relativity (SR). This was previously not thought to be possible. This novel derivation of an accelerated body of rest mass m0 is compared with the traditional SR inertial derivation. A discussion is given of pre-1905, electrostatic and electrodynamic derivations of the mass-energy relation yielding , as well as more recent ones. A concise pre-relativity history of the mass-energy relation is traced back to Newton in 1717.

Influence of Relative Electrode-Electrolyte Movement over Productivity for Silver Recovery from Diluted Solutions

The paper presents the influence of relative electrode-electrolyte movement over productivity for silver ions recovery by electrodeposition from diluted solutions. Wasted photographic fixing agent solution in various concentrations was used. For each concentration three regimes were studied： stationary, electrode rotation with 100 rpm and electrode rotation with 300 rpm. Polarization curves were drawn and working conditions from silver recovery point of view were discussed.

Priority Directions of National Policy of Regulation of Mutual Relations Between Youth and Mass Media： The Theoretical and Empirical Researches

The study was concerned with the problem of the Russian youth, with a special emphasis on the history of the theoretical and empirical researches devoted to the youth issues. The research delineates the term thesaurus and its connection with the formation of youth＇s outlook. The central focus of the research is social and cultural value orientations of the young Russian. The study presents a detailed analysis of impact that mass media plays in socialization of youth, its generations, its influence on public opinion formation and priority directions of national policy of regulation of mutual relations between youth and mass media. It attempts to examine the presence of mass media in youth＇s everyday life. The research provides a detailed analysis of contemporary state of the youth＇s trust to the mass media and degree of dependence on it. The study also presents a detailed analysis of the traces of mass media＇s influence on young Russians. The completed research is fundamental for the sociological and the philosophical generalisations that underline comparative research on the youth problems in Russia, its social and cultural value orientations and the influence on public opinion formation and priority directions of national policy of regulation of mutual relations between youth and mass media.

Colovesical fistula caused by glucocorticoid therapy for IgG4-related intrapelvic mass

IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory disorder that can occur in almost all systemic organs and generally responds to corticosteroid treatment. We report a rare case of an IgG4-related intrapelvic mass lesion that responded to steroid therapy but caused a fistula between the sigmoid colon and bladder. A 71-year-old man was followed after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Follow-up computed tomography(CT) incidentally depicted left hydronephrosis with an ill-demarcated intrapelvic mass lesion. This lesion was histologically diagnosed as IgG4-RD by open biopsy, and peroral steroid therapy was initiated. One month after starting steroids, a colovesical fistula was detected by follow-up CT. A colostomy and urethral catheterization were emergently performed. The patient recovered and the mass lesion was drastically minimized by the initiation of glucocorticoids; however, he still needs urethral catheterization. IgG4-RD develops in various systemic organs and generally responds well to steroids. Clinicians must be watchful for the complications of responses to corticosteroids, such as fistulization, when the mass lesion of IgG4-RD is adjacent to multiple luminal organs.

A Neo Explanation of the"Mass-Velocity Relation

A reinterpretation of the well-known formula of the 'mass-velocity relation' is exactlyderived from a new viewpoint with new concepts, such as the finiteness of the transmitting velocityof force (TVF), effective action, and the coupled effect of the TVF for two EM fields, etc. Then, atrue meaning hidden in the Lorentz factor is exploited : i.e., when a charged particle is moving at aspeed v under an EM field, the effective action exerted on it by the field varies inversely with thespeed ratio β= v / U, where U is the TVF, which probably is equal to the propagation velocity ofEM field. The actual reduction of the effective action gives a false impression of mass gain.Accordingly, it is a major mistake in orientation to ascribe the (genuine) electrodynamics of movingbodies to any observation, or to any motion of an observer, while disregarding the facts of mutualaction.

Application of Argo Data in the Analysis of Water Masses in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

The temperature and salinity distributions, and the water mass structures in Northwest Pacific Ocean are studied using the temperature and salinity data obtained by Argo profiling floats. The T-S relation in this region indicates there exist 8 water masses, they are the North Pacific Tropical Surface Water （NPTSW）, North P, acific Subsurface Water （NPSSW）, North Pacific Intermediate Water （NPIW）, North Pacific Subtropical Water （NPSTW）, North Pacific Deep Water （NPDW） and Equatorial Surface Water （ESW）, and the South Pacific Subsurface Water （SPSSW） and South Pacific Intermediate Water （SPIW）.

Effect of water temperature on digestive enzyme activity and gut mass in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka),with special reference to aestivation

The effect of water temperature on gut mass and digestive enzyme activity in sea cucumber Apostichopusjaponicus, including relative gut mass （RGM）, amylase, lipase, pepsin and trypsin activities were studied at temperatures of 7, 14, 21, and 28℃ over a period of 40 days. Results show that RGM significantly decreased after 40 days at 21 ℃ and markedly decreased over the whole experiment period at 28℃; however, no significant effect of duration was observed at 7 or 14℃. At 14℃, trypsin activity significantly decreased over 10 and 20 days, then increased; amylase and trypsin activity significantly decreased after 40 days at 28℃. However, no significant effect of duration was found on amylase, pepsin or trypsin activities in the other temperature treatment groups. At 28℃, lipase activity peaked in 20 days and then markedly decreased to a minimum at the end of the experiment. On the other hand, pepsin activity at 28℃ continuously increased over the whole experimental period. Principle component analysis showed that sea cucumbers on day 40 in the 21℃ group and in the previous 20 days in the 28℃ group were in the prophase of aestivation. At 28℃, sea cucumbers aestivated at 30-40 days after the start of the experiment. It is concluded that the effect of temperature on the digestion ofA. japonicus is comparatively weak within a specific range of water temperatures and aestivation behavior is accompanied by significant changes in RGM and digestive enzyme activities.

3-D fracture network dynamic simulation based on error analysis in rock mass of dam foundation

Accurate 3-D fracture network model for rock mass in dam foundation is of vital importance for stability,grouting and seepage analysis of dam foundation.With the aim of reducing deviation between fracture network model and measured data,a 3-D fracture network dynamic modeling method based on error analysis was proposed.Firstly,errors of four fracture volume density estimation methods(proposed by ODA,KULATILAKE,MAULDON,and SONG)and that of four fracture size estimation methods(proposed by EINSTEIN,SONG and TONON)were respectively compared,and the optimal methods were determined.Additionally,error index representing the deviation between fracture network model and measured data was established with integrated use of fractal dimension and relative absolute error(RAE).On this basis,the downhill simplex method was used to build the dynamic modeling method,which takes the minimum of error index as objective function and dynamically adjusts the fracture density and size parameters to correct the error index.Finally,the 3-D fracture network model could be obtained which meets the requirements.The proposed method was applied for 3-D fractures simulation in Miao Wei hydropower project in China for feasibility verification and the error index reduced from 2.618 to 0.337.

Strength and deformation characteristics of irregular columnar jointed rock mass: A combined experimental and theoretical study

The irregularity of jointed network poses a challenge to the determination of field mechanical param-eters of columnar jointed rock mass(CJRM),and a reasonable prediction of deformation and strength characteristics of CJRM is important for engineering construction.The Voronoi diagram and three-dimensional printing technology were used to make an irregular columnar jointed mold,and the irregular CJRM(ICJRM)specimens with different dip directions and dip angles were prepared.Uniaxial compression tests were performed,and the anisotropic strength and deformation characteristics of ICJRM were described.The failure modes and mechanisms were revealed in accordance with the final appearances of the ICJRM specimens.Based on the model test results,the empirical correlations for determining the field deformation and strength parameters of CJRM were derived using the dip angle and modified joint factor.The proposed empirical equations were used in the Baihetan Project,and the calculated mechanical parameters were compared with the field test results and those obtained from the tunneling quality index method.Results showed that the deformation parameters determined by the two proposed methods are all consistent with the field test results,and these two methods can also estimate the strength parameters effectively.