Evolution of surface relief of epitaxial diamond films upon growth resumption by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition

Homoepitaxial diamond growth may proceed with stops and resumptions to produce thick crystals. We found the resumption procedure to take place in a complex way, via a disturbance of step growth features, followed by the recovery after a certain time.

Growth of three-dimensional diamond mosaics by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Growth of novel 3D diamond mosaic structures by MPCVD was realized, clearing the way for complex diamond shapes.

Copy number variation detection using SNP genotyping arrays in three Chinese pig breeds

We performed genome-wide CNV detection based on SNP genotyping data of 96 Chinese-native Tibetan, Dahe and Wuzhishan pigs. These pigs are particularly interesting because of their excellent adaptation to hypoxia or small body size, which facilitates the use of them as models of different human diseases in addition to valuable agricultural animals. A total of 105 CNV regions (CNVRs) were identified, encompassing 16.71 Mb of the pig genome. Seven of 10 (70%) CNVRs selected randomly were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Comparison with previous studies revealed 25 (23.81%) novel CNVRs, indicating that CNV coverage of the pig genome is still incomplete and there exists large diversity between pig breeds. Functional analysis of genes located in these CNVRs confirmed the high representation of genes involved in sensory perception, neurological system processes and other basic metabolic processes. In addition, the majority of these CNVRs were detected to span reported pig QTL that affect various traits, which highlighted three biologically interesting genes with copy number changes (i.e., ANKRD34B, FAM110B and ABCG1). These genes may have economic importance in pig breeding and are worth being further investigated. We also obtained some CNVRs harboring genes that had human orthologs involved in human diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. The findings of this study are a significant extension of the coverage of CNVRs in the pig genome and provide valuable resources for follow-up-associated studies of CNVs in pig complex traits as well as important implications of human diseases.

Why LiFePO4is a safe battery electrode: Coulomb repulsion induced electron-state reshuffling upon lithiation

A combined spectroscopic and theoretical study clarifies the electron states associated with the intrinsic safety of LiFePO₄electrodes.

Effects of dietary lysine levels on apparent nutrient digestibility and serum amino Acid absorption mode in growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different dietary lysine levels on the apparent nutrient digestibility, the serum amino acid (AA) concentration, and the biochemical parameters of the precaval and portal vein blood in growing pigs. In Experiment 1, 15 noncannulated pigs received diets with different lysine densities (0.65%, 0.95%, and 1.25% lysine) for 13 d. A total collection digestion test was performed, and blood samples were collected from the precaval vein at the end of the experiment. In Experiment 2, four cannulated pigs were fed the same diets of Experiment 1. The experiment used a self-control experimental design and was divided into three periods. On d 5 of each period, at 0.5 h before feeding and hourly up to 8 h after feeding, single blood samples were collected from catheters placed in the portal vein. In Experiment 1, some serum AAs (including lysine), serum urinary nitrogen (SUN), and total protein (TP) concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary lysine levels (p<0.05). Moreover, the 0.65% lysine treatment showed a significant lower apparent digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, crude protein, and phosphorus than the other treatments (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, serum lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, isoleucine (p = 0.0588), triglyceride, and SUN (p = 0.0572) concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary lysine levels (p<0.05). Additionally, almost all of the determined serum AA and total AA concentrations reached their lowest values at 0.5 h before feeding and their highest values at 2 h after feeding (p<0.05). These findings indicate that the greatest absorption of AA occurred at 2 h after feeding and that the dynamic profile of serum AA is affected by the dietary lysine levels. Moreover, when the dietary lysine content was 0.95%, the growing pigs achieved a better nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites levels.

Effects of dietary thiazolidinedione supplementation on growth performance, intramuscular fat and related genes mRNA abundance in the longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with thiazolidinedione (TZD) on growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs. In Experiment 1, 80 castrated finishing pigs (Large White×Landrace, BW = 54.34 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 5 replicates of 8 pigs each. The experimental pigs in the 2 groups were respectively fed with a diet with or without a TZD supplementation (15 mg/kg). In Experiment 2, 80 castrated finishing pigs (Large White×Landrace, BW = 71.46 kg) were divided into 2 treatments as designed in Experiment 1, moreover, carcass evaluations were performed. The results from Experiment 1 showed that TZD supplementation could significantly decreased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05) during 0 to 28 d, without impairing the average daily gain (ADG) (p>0.05). In Experiment 2, the ADG was significantly increased by TZD supplementation during 14 to 28 d and 0 to 28 d (p<0.05) and the feed:gain ratio (F:G) was significantly decreased by TZD supplementation during 0 to 28 d (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, TZD group had significantly higher serum triglyceride (TG) concentration at 28h and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels at 14 d (p<0.05). Moreover, there was an apparent improvement in the marbling score (p<0.10) and intramuscular fat (IMF) content (p<0.10) of the longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs treated by TZD supplementation. Real-time RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that pigs of TZD group had higher mRNA abundance of PPARγ coactivator 1 (PGC-1) (p<0.05) and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) (p<0.05) than pigs of control group. Taken together, these results suggested that dietary TZD supplementation could improve growth performance and increase the IMF content of finishing pigs through regulating the serum parameters and genes mRNA abundance involved in fat metabolism.

Decorin-induced proliferation of avian myoblasts involves the myostatin/Smad signaling pathway

Decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan as a component of the extracellular matrix, plays an important role in the skeletal muscle development. It has been reported that decorin promoted proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells by restraining myostatin activity in rodents. However, the effects and mechanisms of decorin on avian myoblast proliferation are not understood clearly. Thus, in our research, decorin overexpressing and knocking-down quail myoblast-7 (QM7) myoblasts were established to explore the effects of decorin on avian myoblast proliferation by flow cytometry. The results showed that overexpression of decorin enhanced the proliferation of QM7 myoblasts, which was accompanied by the upregulation of follistatin and primary muscle regulatory factors (i.e., myogenic factor 5, myogenic factor 1, myogenin), and downregulation of myostatin expression, as well as the decreased phosphorylation level of SMAD family member 3 (Smad3). In line with expectations, decorin RNAi displayed an opposite effect on the proliferation and gene expression pattern of QM7 cells. In conclusion, our in vitro studies suggested the decorin-mediated myostatin/Smad signaling pathway might be involved in the regulation of avian myoblast proliferation.

Prevalence of cervical lesions in rheumatoid arthritis: cross-sectional study on 263 patients

Abstract Spinal lesions in upper and sublaxilar cervical vertebrae were studied radiologically in 263 patients (25 men and 238 women) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their average age was 58.9 years, and their disease duration was ranged from 6 months to 24 years (mean 13 years). Functional lateral views of the cervical spine were made. Atlantaxial subluxation (AAS) and vertical subluxation (VS) were evaluated as upper cervical lesions. Subaxilar subluxation (SAS) and endplate erosion were evaluated as subaxilar cervical lesions. One hundred and seventy-eight (67.7%) of the patients had a cervical lesion. Upper and subaxilar cervical abnormalities were recognized in 136 (51.7%) and 113 (43.0%) patients, respectively. There was no linkage between upper and subaxilar cervical lesions. While the prevalence of these lesions increased with time, the frequency was found to be over 50% within only 5 years from onset in patients with mutilating deformity. This prevalence tended to be associated with disease activity.

Advances in plastic and cosmetic surgery at home and abroad - a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Plastic and cosmetic surgery is a new branch deriving from plastic surgery. Although several studies concerning advances in plastic and cosmetic surgeries have been reported, most literatures focus on specific diagnosis and treatment technology, but not the overall progress.

AIM

We attempt to use bibiometric analysis to investigate main research hotspots at home and abroad, outstanding researchers and excellent institutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrieved relevant literatures published between 2007 and 2011 in five foreign and four Chinese journals. gCLUTO was used to perform double clustering analysis. Price's Law was used to analyze authors with high yield. Literature profiling was performed to construct author-keyword and institution-keyword matrix to comprehend research feature of high yield authors and research institutions.

RESULTS

A total of 67 and 94 high-frequency words were obtained from English and Chinese journals. Clustering analysis indicated that research hotspots at home and abroad mainly included side-effects of augmentation mammoplasty and its therapy, eyelid plastic surgery, cartilage transplantation and/or cartilage suture in nose plastic surgery, plastic surgery in cheilopalatognathus and nasal deformity, construction of surgical flaps, and facial plastic cosmetology. In addition, several authors and institutions with high yield also had been identified and they might have different research features.

CONCLUSIONS

We investigate advances, hotspots, experts and their institutions in plastic and cosmetic surgery in recent five years at home and abroad, which would provide some research directions for professionals of plastic and cosmetic surgery.

Active immunization of fatty acid translocase specifically decreased visceral fat deposition in male broilers

Lipid accumulation of avian adipocytes is mainly dependent upon the fatty acid transmembrane uptake process mediated by membrane proteins, such as fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), fatty acid transport protein 1, and caveolin-2. To examine the effects of FAT/CD36 on spatial-specific fat deposition, 60 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 2 groups by sex. Each male or female group contained 2 subgroups (n = 14-15) inoculated by intramuscular injection with chicken FAT/CD36 or BSA (control) immunogens at 34, 49, and 63 d. The subcutaneous and visceral fat deposits were measured, as were levels of plasma triglyceride and free fatty acid. Serum antibody titer was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of fatty acid transport-related genes in the adipose tissue of the male broilers were investigated to reveal the relationships among various fatty acid transporters. The results showed that active immunization with FAT/CD36 could significantly decrease the visceral fat of the male broilers by up to 40%, but it had no effect on subcutaneous fat stores of male broilers or on either site of fat deposition in female broilers. The concentration of plasma free fatty acids increased in the experimental groups for both male and female broilers. After the FAT/CD36 immunization, very low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA expression was upregulated in both the subcutaneous and visceral fat of male broilers, whereas peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, FAT/CD36, and acyl-CoA binding protein mRNA expression levels were upregulated only in the visceral fat of male broilers. These results indicated a novel role of chicken FAT/CD36 in fat deposition, with sex- and spatial-specific effects.

Sorbic acid improves growth performance and regulates insulin-like growth factor system gene expression in swine

Sorbic acid (SA) is a PUFA with a conjugated double bond. The conjugated fatty acids, including CLA, are multifunctional bioactive fatty acids with the ability to improve growth performance. The effect of SA on pig growth performance was examined to determine its mechanism of action. The ADG, ADFI, and serum IGF-I concentration were examined, as were IGF-I secretion and IGF system gene expression in hepatocytes. Two hundred forty 21-d-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned piglets (6.86 ± 0.02 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 3 pens of 20 piglets (10 female and 10 male). The 4 groups of piglets were kept in a temperature-controlled room (26 to 28 °C), and feed and water were provided to the pigs ad libitum. Weanling piglets were fed diets that included 0, 0.5, 2, or 4 g of SA/kg for 42 d. The diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of SA improved (P < 0.05) ADG, BW, and G:F, whereas supplementation with all 3 SA doses increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F at 21 to 42 d of age. The greatest concentration of plasma triglycerides was observed (P < 0.05) in the 4 g/kg of SA group. The SA increased (0.5 g of SA/kg, P > 0.05; 1 g of SA/kg, P < 0.05; and 2 g of SA/kg, P < 0.05, respectively) plasma total serum protein and globulin concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. It was noted that the smallest SA treatment dose (0.5 g/kg) dramatically increased (P < 0.05) serum IGF-I concentration but decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of blood urea N and cortisol. The SA increased (P < 0.05) IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), and PPARα gene mRNA expression and IGF-I secretion, but not (P > 0.05) IGFBP or PPARγ mRNA expression, in pig primary hepatocytes. These results indicate that SA improves growth performance by regulating IGF system gene expression and hormone secretion.

The ability of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs to induce and maintain improvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. epidemiology of DMARDs treatment in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness of the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) methotrexate (MTX), bucillamine (BUC), salazosulphapyridine (SASP) and gold sodium thiomalate (GST) over two courses of treatment with a follow-up period of at least 12 months was evaluated in 425 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Clinical efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the numbers of painful and swollen joints, morning stiffness, grip strength, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor levels before and after treatment. Results were evaluated on the basis of the survival rate (Kaplan-Meier method) and the incidence and types of adverse drug reactions (ADR) following single and combined therapies.

RESULTS

In the first course of treatment, the survival rates for MTX, GST, BUC and SASP were 52.3%, 40.4%, 33.0% and 24.8%, respectively. The rates of development of ADR were 22.9%, 23.5%, 26.3% and 30.0% for BUC, SASP, GST and MTX, respectively. In the second course, the survival rates for MTX, BUC and SASP were 36.6%, 14.1% and 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DMARDs used in the first course of treatment improved the clinical parameters until the 6th month after initiation of treatment. Combination treatments showed some effectiveness, but because of the high incidence of ADR the survival rate was low. DMARDs used in the second course of treatment were not efficacious and there was no improvement in the survival rate compared to the first course of treatment.

[Dynamic surveillance of risk behaviors facilitating sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome transmission among permanent residents in Kunming city in 1996-1999]

OBJECTIVE

To monitor the trends of risk behaviors promoting sexually transmitted disease/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) transmission among general public in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies and to evaluate impact of intervention programs.

METHODS

Two hundred subjects were randomly selected and interviewed every other month in Kunming city from 1996 to 1999. STD-AIDS-related information on knowledge, attitudes and behavior were collected during the interview.

RESULTS

The knowledge of STD and AIDS transmission increased from 49.2% to 62.8% (chi 2 = 96.5, P < 0.01) and from 16.6% to 35.2% (chi 2 = 146.5, P < 0.01), respectively. Knowledge on condom use and attitude to AIDS did not change much. Self-reported prevalence of risk behaviors remained low. Residents aged between 15 and 39 had unprotected sex behavior (0.8%-2.5%) and drug use (0.3%-2.4%).

CONCLUSION

The awareness on STD and AIDS transmission increased gradually. Risk behavior of STD/HIV infection existed among residents aged between 15 and 39 years, which called for intervention programs in the future.

Central and peripheral nervous system infection, immunity, and inflammation in the NHP model of Lyme borreliosis

The relationship between chronic infection, antispirochetal immunity, and inflammation is unknown in Lyme neuroborreliosis. In the nonhuman primate model of Lyme neuroborreliosis, we measured spirochetal density in the nervous system and other tissues by polymerase chain reaction and correlated these values to anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibody in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and to inflammation in tissues. Despite substantial presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, in the central nervous system, only minor inflammation was present there, though skeletal and cardiac muscle, which contained similar levels of spirochete, were highly inflamed. Anti-Borrelia burgdoferi antibody was present in the cerebrospinal fluid but was not selectively concentrated. All infected animals developed anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibody in the serum, but increased amplitude of antibody was not predictive of higher levels of infection. These data demonstrate that Lyme neuroborreliosis is a persistent infection, that spirochetal presence is a necessary but not sufficient condition for inflammation, and that antibody measured in serum may not predict the severity of infection.

Unified inversion scheme that uses light scattering for morphological parameters and optical properties of aggregated aerosols

A robust scheme for characterizing chainlike aggregated aerosols by use of nonintrusive light-scattering measurements is presented. This scheme entails the selection of suitable scattering quantities and their optimal measurement angles; the development of an inversion algorithm to yield the complex refractive index of agglomerates m = n + ik, the primary particle diameter d(p), the number of primary particles per agglomerate N(p), the number density of agglomerates n(A), and the volume fraction of agglomerates f(v); and evaluation of the uncertainties of the inferred parameters that correspond to measuring uncertainties. The data-inversion algorithm is based on the exact formulation of light scattering for agglomerates that consist of primary particles in the Rayleigh limit and therefore has solid theoretical foundations. In addition, this approach yields all the desired parameters of the aggregated aerosols by using in situ light-scattering measurements with a minimum of possible uncertainties. Furthermore, the methodology developed here can be extended to aerosols with other types of morphology and optical property.

Reciprocity theorem for the calculation of average scattering properties of agglomerated particles

The reciprocity theorem in light scattering is a general theorem that is verified theoretically and experimentally. However, violation of the reciprocity theorem has been encountered in previous investigations for simulation of light scattering from agglomerates. We demonstrate that the violations of the reciprocity theorem are due to inappropriate orientation averaging or the incorrect formulation of light-scattering quantities. In situ optical diagnostics of aggregated aerosols requires the calculation of the orientation averages of scattering quantities. Thus it is imperative to establish a criterion that can be used to determine a sufficient number of orientations for the reliable calculation of averages for the scattering quantities. It is demonstrated that the reciprocity theorem may serve as such a criterion for typical sizes of agglomerates such as flame soot with fractal dimensions D(f) = 1.8, primary particle size parameter x </= 0.3, and number of primary particles less than 260. It is shown that the use of 21 x 21 x 21 orientations will satisfy the reciprocity theorem to within 0.5%.

LEAFY and the evolution of rosette flowering in violet cress (Jonopsidium acaule, Brassicaceae)

Arabidopsis and most other Brassicaceae produce an elongated inflorescence of mainly ebracteate flowers. However, the early-flowering species violet cress (Jonopsidium acaule) and a handful of other species produce flowers singly in the axils of rosette leaves. In Arabidopsis the gene LEAFY (LFY) is implicated in both the determination of flower meristem identity and in the suppression of leaves (bracts) that would otherwise subtend the flowers. In this study we examined the role of LFY homologs in the evolution of rosette flowering in violet cress. We cloned two LFY homologs, vcLFY1 and vcLFY2, from violet cress. Their exon sequences show ∼90% nucleotide similarity with Arabidopsis LFY and 99% similarity to each other. We used in situ hybridization to study vcLFY expression in violet cress. The patterns were very similar to LFY in Arabidopsis except for stronger expression in the shoot apical meristem outside of the region of flower meristem initiation. It is possible that the relatively diffuse expression of vcLFY contributes to the lack of bract suppression in violet cress. Additionally, the earliest flowers produced by violet cress express vcLFY, suggesting that accelerated flowering in violet cress could also result from changes in the regulation of vcLFY.

The CD40-inducible Bcl-2 family member A1 protects B cells from antigen receptor-mediated apoptosis

CD40 activation is necessary for thymus-dependent humoral immune responses and rescuing both phenotypically immature WEHI-231 B lymphoma cells from B cell antigen receptor-induced cell death and germinal center B cells from spontaneous apoptosis. As some effects of CD40 are probably mediated by differences in gene expression, cDNA expression arrays and RNase protection assays were used to identify the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 homolog A1 as a CD40-inducible gene in B cell lines and purified germinal center B cells. Sustained CD40-induced A1 upregulation correlated with CD40-mediated rescue of WEHI-231 cells from anti-IgM-induced apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of A1 specifically protected WEHI-231 cells from anti-IgM-induced apoptosis but not cell death triggered by certain other stimuli.

Light induction of cell type differentiation and cell-type-specific gene expression in cotyledons of a C(4) plant, Flaveria trinervia

In Flaveria trinervia (Asteraceae) seedlings, light-induced signals are required for differentiation of cotyledon bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells and for cell-type-specific expression of Rubisco small subunit genes (bundle sheath cell specific) and the genes that encode pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (mesophyll cell specific). Both cell type differentiation and cell-type-specific gene expression were complete by d 7 in light-grown seedlings, but were arrested beyond d 4 in dark-grown seedlings. Our results contrast with those found for another C(4) dicot, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, in which light was not required for either process. The differences between the two C(4) dicot species in cotyledon cell differentiation may arise from differences in embryonic and post-embryonic cotyledon development. Our results illustrate that a common C(4) photosynthetic mechanism can be established through different developmental pathways in different species, and provide evidence for independent evolutionary origins of C(4) photosynthetic mechanisms within dicotyledonous plants.

[Survey on traditional medicinal resources of Uncaria distributed in China]

OBJECTIVE

To make clear the botanical origin of medicinal Uncaria distributed in China and the situation of its use in folk medicines.

METHODS

Collecting data and making on-the-spot investigation.

RESULTS

There are thirteen medicinal plants which belong to Uncaria genus, and ten of them are commercially available. A clear idea was obtained of their geographical distribution, distribution features and practical experiences in folk application.

CONCLUSION

This investigation is helpful in further researching and exploring the resources of Uncaria for medical use, as well as provides a scientific basis for production, management and safe use of crude drugs.

p38 MAPK is required for CD40-induced gene expression and proliferation in B lymphocytes

We have investigated the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in response to CD40 engagement in multiple B cell lines and in human tonsillar B cells to define the role of p38 MAPK in proliferation, NF-kappaB activation and gene expression. Cross-linking CD40 rapidly stimulates both p38 MAPK and its downstream effector, MAPKAPK-2. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activity in vivo with the specific cell-permeable inhibitor, SB203580, under conditions that completely prevented MAPKAPK-2 activation, strongly perturbed CD40-induced tonsillar B cell proliferation while potentiating the B cell receptor (BCR)-driven proliferative response. SB203580 also significantly reduced expression of a reporter gene driven by a minimal promoter containing four NF-kappaB elements, indicating a requirement for the p38 MAPK pathway in CD40-induced NF-kappaB activation. However, CD40-mediated NF-kappaB binding was not affected by SB203580, suggesting that NF-kappaB may not be a direct target for the CD40-induced p38 MAPK pathway. In addition, SB203580 selectively reduced CD40-induced CD54/ICAM-1 expression, whereas CD40-dependent expression of CD40 and CD95/Fas and four newly defined CD40-responsive genes cIAP2, TRAF1, TRAF4/CART and DR3 were unaffected. Our observations show that the p38 MAPK pathway is required for CD40-induced proliferation and that CD40 induces gene expression via both p38 MAPK-dependent and -independent pathways.

[A survey on botanical origins of drug tiannanxing produced in Sichuan]

According to the investigation and identification of botanical origins of 7 species and 1 variety of the traditional Chinese drug Tiannanxing produced in Sichuan, it has been found out that the main species available on the market are Arisaema erubescens and A. heterophyllum, while A. asperatum, A. wilsonii and A. fargesil come second. A key for their identification is presented in this paper.

Role for CD40-mediated activation of c-Rel and maintenance of c-myc RNA levels in mitigating anti-IgM-induced growth arrest

CD40 crosslinking on B cells activates NF-kappaB and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathways. Since CD40 crosslinking rescues WEHI 231 B cells from anti-IgM-induced apoptosis, those pathways were likely candidates to be involved. Indeed, both signaling cascades predominated in anti-IgM-treated WEHI 231 cells, treated concurrently with anti-CD40 to rescue them from apoptosis. Crosslinking of CD40 activated the NF-kappaB proteins c-Rel and p50, but had no influence on their cytoplasmic steady state level. However, in contrast to-and even in the presence of-anti-IgM-mediated signals, engagement of CD40 resulted in a prolonged nuclear translocation of c-Rel, thereby allowing the formation of active NF-kappaB complexes. Consistent with this, the upstream regulatory element of the c-myc promoter, known to be regulated by NF-kappaB, was differently regulated after BCR ligation vs BCR plus CD40 crosslinking. The level of c-myc RNA was rapidly downregulated after BCR engagement, but persistent in the presence of CD40 signaling.

[Tri-dimensional computer reconstruction and animated display from serial sections of the Chinese crude drugs]

In this paper, the tri-dimensional computer reconstruction and animated display from serial sections of the genuine crude drug Radix Aconitii have been addressed. Accordingly, some tridimensional image technique and information for the teaching and identification of pharmacognosy have also been offered.

[On the conservation and regeneration of Taxus resources]

In recent years, the taxol isolated from the stem bark of some plants of Taxus has been widely as an antitumor agent. But the development of taxol is limited by the scarcity of wild Taxus resources. This paper seeks to discuss the ways to conserve and promote the regeneration of these resources.

Cross-linking CD40 on B cells preferentially induces stress-activated protein kinases rather than mitogen-activated protein kinases

The B cell-associated surface molecule CD40 plays a key role in T cell-dependent B cell maturation, as individuals with defects in either CD40 or its ligand are impaired in immunoglobulin isotype class switching and germinal center formation. CD40 signaling activates downstream effectors, including the tyrosine protein kinase, Lyn, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3 kinase), and the transcription factor, NF-kappa B. In this study, we demonstrate that stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK) are activated after CD40 cross-linking on various B cell lines or human tonsillar B cells. The activation is rapid and transient and is mediated through a cyclosporin A-insensitive pathway. Furthermore, this signaling pathway appears not to rely on protein kinase C. While CD40 ligation strongly activates the SAPKs (up to 25-fold), it does not affect members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family (MAPK; ERK1 and ERK2). Consistent with these data, CD40 signals up-regulate c-jun but not c-fos mRNA and alter the transcription factor ATF2 but not the Raf-1 protein. In summary, CD40 signaling preferentially induces SAPK but not MAPK.

[Study on the lung targeting gelatin microspheres of streptomycin sulphate]

This paper is reported the technology of lung targeting gelatin microspheres of streptomycin sulphate (SMS). The microspheres were prepared with natural biodegradable gelatin as the load material and castor oil as the oil phase. The experimental conditions were optimized, the mean volume diameter obtained being 9.7 microns and the mean rate of encapsulation 15.69%. The content, shape and size of the microspheres showed no remarkable change after storage at 37 degrees C RH 75% for 3 months. Activation energy of heat decomposition E = 75.86kJ/mol. In vitro, the SMS release rate was found to accord with Higuchi equation with t1/2 = 8.6h. In vivo (rabbits) the gelatin microspheres were proved to be concentrated in the lung.

CD40 and its ligand in the regulation of humoral immunity

T cells provide help for B cell antibody production by cell-cell contact and by soluble factors. CD40L is the predominant protein induced on activated T cells which constitutes contact-dependent help, and lack of CD40L or blocking CD40-CD40L interactions leads to severely impaired antibody production. In addition to CD40-CD40L, B and T cells express costimulatory, accessory molecules which amplify T and B cell function and allow for reciprocal dialogues during antigen presentation. Interactions between costimulatory counter-receptors can determine lymphocyte activation or nonresponsiveness, and provides a means for regulating self-tolerance.

Restriction fragment patterns of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA of Dasypyvum villosum (L.) candargy and wheats

To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and cytoplasmic types, restriction endonuclease fragment patterns of chloroplast (cp) and mitochondrial (mt) DNAs isolated from two different accessions of Dasypyrum villosum (L.) candargy were compared with those of tetraploid wheat (Triticum durum Desf., PI265007), hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv Chinese Spring), Aegilops longissimum (S. and M., in Muschli) Bowden and Hordeum vulgare L. T. aestivum and T. durum had identical restriction patterns for their cp and mtDNAs in digestions with four different enzymes. Likewise, no differences were found between the restriction fragment patterns of two accessions of D. villosum. But, there were distinct differences in chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment patterns between D. villosum and tetraploid and hexaploid wheats. A. longissimum (G609) showed a similar pattern to those wheats for PstI digestion of cpDNA. Organellar DNA from Hordeum vulgare (cv Himalaya) showed a distinctly different restriction pattern from those of wheat and D. villosum. These results suggest that D. villosum is unlikely to be the donor of cytoplasm to wheats, and its cytoplasmic organelles were also different from those of A. longissimum.

[Investigation on the plant origin and commodity of Chinese drug bixie]

An investigation has been made on the Chinese drug Bixie available in drug market, its folk uses and plant origin in different districts in China. The results reveal that the drug Bixie presently used in different regions in China are derived from 24 species belonging to genus Dioscorea (Family Dioscoreaceae); genus Smilax and Heterosmilax (Family Liliaceae).

CD40 signaling activates CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1)-mediated adhesion in B cells

Cell-cell adhesion events play critical roles in the sequential migrations and multiple specific cell-cell interactions which B cells undergo during normal development and function. We have observed that mAb to several B cell-associated molecules, including mAb to CD19, CD37, and CD40, induce homotypic aggregation of freshly isolated human B cells. The aggregation of B cells induced by CD40 mAb was due to activation of a cell-cell adhesion system, and not due to agglutination by mAb, because 1) in addition to being energy dependent and cation dependent, the aggregation was blocked by inhibitors of messenger RNA and protein synthesis; and 2) a mouse B cell line transformed with intact human CD40 aggregated in response to CD40 mAb, whereas a line expressing surface CD40, but lacking the cytoplasmic tail and previously shown incapable of transmitting a signal from the cell surface, did not aggregate. The aggregation, although of slow onset, was persistent and of high avidity. In addition, CD40 mAb induced increased surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), a ligand for CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), and CD18 mAb blocked aggregation. CD40 mAb also augmented the ability of dense B cells to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T cells via a CD18-dependent process. We conclude that signaling through CD40, elicited by cross-linking the CD40 protein on the cell surface, activates the CD18/intercellular adhesion molecule adhesion system; in addition, CD40 cross-linking may activate a second adhesion system since CD40 mAb induced aggregation of the B cell line Ramos, which does not express surface CD18. B cell adhesion may be triggered by signaling through multiple surface proteins, thereby lending specificity of activation to adhesion systems which are broadly expressed.

CD40 signaling activates CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1)-mediated adhesion in B cells

Cell-cell adhesion events play critical roles in the sequential migrations and multiple specific cell-cell interactions which B cells undergo during normal development and function. We have observed that mAb to several B cell-associated molecules, including mAb to CD19, CD37, and CD40, induce homotypic aggregation of freshly isolated human B cells. The aggregation of B cells induced by CD40 mAb was due to activation of a cell-cell adhesion system, and not due to agglutination by mAb, because 1) in addition to being energy dependent and cation dependent, the aggregation was blocked by inhibitors of messenger RNA and protein synthesis; and 2) a mouse B cell line transformed with intact human CD40 aggregated in response to CD40 mAb, whereas a line expressing surface CD40, but lacking the cytoplasmic tail and previously shown incapable of transmitting a signal from the cell surface, did not aggregate. The aggregation, although of slow onset, was persistent and of high avidity. In addition, CD40 mAb induced increased surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), a ligand for CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), and CD18 mAb blocked aggregation. CD40 mAb also augmented the ability of dense B cells to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T cells via a CD18-dependent process. We conclude that signaling through CD40, elicited by cross-linking the CD40 protein on the cell surface, activates the CD18/intercellular adhesion molecule adhesion system; in addition, CD40 cross-linking may activate a second adhesion system since CD40 mAb induced aggregation of the B cell line Ramos, which does not express surface CD18. B cell adhesion may be triggered by signaling through multiple surface proteins, thereby lending specificity of activation to adhesion systems which are broadly expressed.

The CD28 ligand B7/BB1 provides costimulatory signal for alloactivation of CD4+ T cells

Activation via the T lymphocyte cell surface molecule CD28 provides a potent amplification signal for interleukin 2 (IL-2) production in several in vitro systems. The B lymphocyte activation antigen, B7/BB1, is a natural ligand for CD28. Here we investigate the role of CD28 and B7/BB1 in primary activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes stimulated with allogeneic B lymphoblastoid cell lines. A subset of peripheral CD4+ T cells that is unresponsive to crosslinking of CD3/T cell receptor (TCR) with CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) does proliferate in response to allogeneic B lymphoblasts. TCR binding to allogeneic major histocompatibility complex antigens was an absolute requirement for activation of these cells because mAbs to either CD3 or human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II completely inhibited activation. CD28 and B7/BB1 antibodies inhibited T cell proliferation 90% and 84%, respectively. Similar results were obtained with the total CD4+ T lymphocyte population. Crosslinking of HLA-DR antigens on small, resting B cells induced rapid expression of B7/BB1, which peaked at 6 h and returned to baseline levels within 18 h. These data demonstrate that CD28-B7/BB1 binding provides an important early second signal for alloactivation of CD4+ T lymphocyte by B lymphoblasts. The results also suggest that T cells interacting with allogeneic resting B cells may induce B7/BB1 expression in the alloantigen-presenting cell as a consequence of interaction between the TCR and class II molecules.

Association between IL-6 and CD40 signaling. IL-6 induces phosphorylation of CD40 receptors

CD40 mAb at subsaturating doses inhibit the growth of transformants of the M12 murine cell line expressing intact full length CD40 molecules (M12/CD40+ cells) but do not inhibit the growth of two M12 transformants expressing either a mutant CD40 cDNA missing most of the cytoplasmic tail (CD40/tailless) or a mutant cDNA with a substitution at residue 234 (CD40/234A, Ala for Thr). Using these transformants, we tested a panel of cytokines for the ability to mimic CD40 mAb. rIL-6 behaved like CD40 mAb and inhibited the growth of M12/CD40+ cells but not of CD40/tailless or CD40/234A mutants. The effect of IL-6 on M12/CD40+ cells not only required intact CD40 including threonine 234 but also was specific because IL-6 mAb blocked the inhibitory activity. The M12/CD40+ cells responsive to IL-6 expressed greater than 300,000 CD40 molecules/cells but, like M12/CD40-controls, expressed only small numbers (less than 50/cell) of high affinity IL-6R, indicating that CD40 is not a receptor for IL-6. Nevertheless, IL-6 utilizes intact CD40 efficiently when it signals these cells: treatment of M12/CD40+ cells with IL-6 induced increased phosphorylation of CD40. Conversely, triggering CD40 on M12/CD40+ cells leads to IL-6 production. Similar effects were evident in human CD40+ B cells: IL-6 increased the phosphorylation of CD40 in the IL-6-responsive cell line, CESS, and CD40 mAb induced IL-6 production in activated human B cells. Thus, CD40 may function to receive and regulate IL-6-dependent signals in B cells.

Association between IL-6 and CD40 signaling. IL-6 induces phosphorylation of CD40 receptors

CD40 mAb at subsaturating doses inhibit the growth of transformants of the M12 murine cell line expressing intact full length CD40 molecules (M12/CD40+ cells) but do not inhibit the growth of two M12 transformants expressing either a mutant CD40 cDNA missing most of the cytoplasmic tail (CD40/tailless) or a mutant cDNA with a substitution at residue 234 (CD40/234A, Ala for Thr). Using these transformants, we tested a panel of cytokines for the ability to mimic CD40 mAb. rIL-6 behaved like CD40 mAb and inhibited the growth of M12/CD40+ cells but not of CD40/tailless or CD40/234A mutants. The effect of IL-6 on M12/CD40+ cells not only required intact CD40 including threonine 234 but also was specific because IL-6 mAb blocked the inhibitory activity. The M12/CD40+ cells responsive to IL-6 expressed greater than 300,000 CD40 molecules/cells but, like M12/CD40-controls, expressed only small numbers (less than 50/cell) of high affinity IL-6R, indicating that CD40 is not a receptor for IL-6. Nevertheless, IL-6 utilizes intact CD40 efficiently when it signals these cells: treatment of M12/CD40+ cells with IL-6 induced increased phosphorylation of CD40. Conversely, triggering CD40 on M12/CD40+ cells leads to IL-6 production. Similar effects were evident in human CD40+ B cells: IL-6 increased the phosphorylation of CD40 in the IL-6-responsive cell line, CESS, and CD40 mAb induced IL-6 production in activated human B cells. Thus, CD40 may function to receive and regulate IL-6-dependent signals in B cells.

Augmentation of normal and malignant B cell proliferation by monoclonal antibody to the B cell-specific antigen BP50 (CDW40)

We recently described a 50,000 dalton polypeptide Bp50 (CDw40) that is expressed on human B cells and plays a role in regulating B cell proliferation. Here we additionally characterize the functional signal given by antibody binding to Bp50 on both normal and malignant B cells. A monoclonal anti-Bp50 antibody could augment the proliferation of B cells activated by anti-IgM, anti-CD20, or 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulation, but was not co-stimulatory with B cell growth factor (BCGF), interleukin 1, or interleukin 2. The signal did not depend on the Fc portion of the antibody, because F(ab')2 fragments of anti-Bp50 were still functionally active. Both anti-Bp50 and a low m.w. BCGF preparation were similar in that both were co-stimulatory with the same agents and both anti-Bp50 and BCGF affected activated B cells but not resting B cells. However, a panel of B cell malignancies differed in their responsiveness to anti-Bp50 vs BCGF: some tumors proliferated in response to anti-Bp50 but not BCGF, whereas other tumors had the opposite pattern. Bp50 was found to have several properties in common with HLA class II molecules: both Bp50 and class II were expressed at lower levels on blood B cells than on tonsillar B cells; the expression of both Bp50 and class II was increased after activation of blood B cells with TPA or anti-IgM; and the expression of both Bp50 and class II was increased after activation of non T, non-B acute leukemias with BCGF. Thus class II and Bp50 expression may be under common regulatory control. The fact that BCGF modulated the expression of Bp50 on leukemic cells suggests that BCGF and Bp50-mediated signals may be coordinately regulated.