The transient infiltration and lubrication behaviour of slag during continuous casting of steel is important for billet quality. A two-dimensional coupled mathematical mould model was developed to investigate these phenomena. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the calculated slag consumption with measurements by the plant. The results show that the liquid slag is consumed from the middle and late period of positive strip time to the next early period of positive strip time, including the entire negative strip time. The maximum downward infiltration velocity and positive pressure in the slag channel is at the middle of the negative strip time. Increasing the positive pressure of the slag channel is conducive to lubrication. The shear stresses acting on the shell surface and at the mould side were determined by the lubrication slag consumption and total slag consumption, respectively, and gradually decreased with increasing slag consumption. The negative strip time was lengthened to increase the slag consumption and prolong the time near the maximum downward shear stress, so as to be conducive to the demould.

ABSTRACT MC1R plays a crucial role in controlling the type of melanin synthesized in the melanocytes, which greatly affects plumage color in birds. One g.16796362G/T SNP was found in the MC1R gene coding region, which caused a Met120Ile mutation in the amino acid sequence. The Met120Ile mutation was located in the third transmembrane domain of the MC1R protein and decreased protein stability. The g.16796362G/T locus achieved medium polymorphism and had significant association with feather melanin content in Chinese yellow quails. The contents of total melanin and pheomelanin with AA genotype were significant lower than those with AB or BB genotypes in skin tissues, while the expression levels of MC1R mRNA had no significant difference in feathers with different genotypes. This experiment indicated that the Met120Ile mutation could affect the function of the MC1R protein and change the biosynthesis of melanin in Chinese yellow quails. MCR MC R melanocytes birds g16796362GT gGT g 16796362G T G region MetIle Met Ile sequence stability quails tissues GT

Yeast cultures (YCs) are defined as promising feed additives that maintain the health of birds and improve growth performance by modulating gut microbiota. YCs contain effective metabolites such as glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose. This study investigated the effects of YCs and their effective metabolites on carcass traits and cecal microflora in broilers. A total of 280 one-day-old mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to seven groups. The basal diet (control DZ) was supplemented with various proportions of glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose (Groups A, B, and C), 24-hour grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures (Group D) (YC), and a commercial yeast culture product (SZ) at concentrations of 0.1% and 1% (Groups E and F). Bodyweight of broilers was correlated positively with proportions of Proteobacteria in Group C and Lactobacillus and Roseburia in Group B (P <0.05). Broilers fed diets supplemented with YC or its active metabolites had the highest proportions of bacteria involved in nucleotide metabolism, and amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. These results suggested that the dietary addition of YC could alter the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in broilers.

Abstract In the present study the white-rot fungi BP was selected to study the degradation of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds in real and simulated coking wastewater. The study incorporated analysis of the degradation process, mechanism of action of white-rot fungi on nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, changes of enzyme activity and white-rot fungi biomass growth rate in coking wastewater (simulated and actual). The results showed that the addition of ammonia nitrogen and phenol in simulated wastewater had insignificant effects on the degradation of indole. Moreover, the promoting effect of phenol on quinoline degradation was greater than the inhibition effects of ammonia nitrogen. Degradation rates of quinoline, indole and pyridine are consistent with the zero-order kinetics equation. It was also found that the addition of Mg (II) and Mn (II) promotes the degradation of quinoline by white-rot fungi in the actual wastewater, while degradation of pyridine was inhibited by three ions, out of which the inhibition of Cu (II) was the most obvious. Cu (II) was also found to have positive effects on the levels of activity of laccase enzyme secreted by the white-rot fungi as opposed to other metal ions tested. However, it was found to have inhibitory effects on the development of white-rot fungi, while Mg (II) and Mn (II) were found to promote the development of the white-rot fungi. The activity of the enzyme and the growth rate of the biomass of white-rot fungi first reached the maximum levels followed by a significant decline.

An induction coil was designed successfully to heat a work roll online for hot or warm strip rolling. The surface temperature of the work roll was investigated through embedding a developed program into finite element (FE) software. A new model to describe the convective heat transfer coefficient between air and the work roll was proposed and the coefficient was obtained as a function of ambient and surface temperature. The influences of working frequency, source current density, air gap length, and coil distance on the mean and variance value of the surface temperature were investigated using the simulation results. The work roll surface temperature was significantly higher than that of the centre due to the skin effect. A longer induction heating time was beneficial for a more uniform temperature distribution on the work roll surface. The mean temperature increased exponentially with increased working frequency and coil distance. However, the mean temperature decreased with increased air gap between the coil and work roll surface. The mean value increased following a power function with increases in source current density, and increased linearly with induction heating time after the initial heating stage. A new formula was proposed and implemented to predict the mean work roll temperature based on induction heating parameters in order to control the surface temperature. The results predicted by the model agree well with measured values and the model proposed is reliable. Furthermore, the proposed equation is beneficial for calculating and controlling the value of any one influencing parameter, if the other three parameters and the ideal mean temperature of induced heating are known.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to establish dietary threonine (Thr) levels for Linwu ducks, aged 4 to 8 wk. Experimental diets formulated to contain 0.56, 0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.81% Thr fed to Linwu ducks. A total of 360 healthy Linwu female ducks with similar body weight (1183.89±3.83 g) were randomly divided into six groups, with five replicates in each group, and 12 ducks in each replicate. Samples were collected at 8 wk for the determination of growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organ indices, and serum biochemical parameters. As a result of this study, Thr level had no significant influence on the final weight, the daily gain, feed/gain ratio, and average daily intake (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant effects of dietary Thr on carcass traits and visceral organ indices (p>0.05). The pancreatic index was highest among all the treatments when the dietary Thr level was 0.66%. The different dietary Thr levels had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the concentration of total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH). However, the serum MDA concentration in the 0.66% treatment was lower (P=0.068) than in the other treatments. In conclusion, Thr at 0.66% concentration may have an antioxidant activity and exert positive effect on Linwu ducks.

The receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK pathway plays an important role in the prognosis of several solid tumor types, but its role in gastric cancer prognosis has been poorly characterized. A total of 116 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical resection were enrolled in this study. Expressions of RANKL and RANK in gastric cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemical staining. Thirty-eight patients (33%) showed a high level of RANKL expression and 61 patients (53%) showed a high level of RANK expression. There was a positive correlation between expressions of RANKL and RANK (P=0.014, r=0.221). A high level of RANKL expression indicated shorter overall survival (OS) (P=0.008), and was associated with a higher pathological tumor/lymph node/metastasis (pTNM) stage (P=0.035), while no significant correlation was detected between RANK expression and clinicopathological parameters. RANKL also predicted poor prognosis in patients with high RANK expression (P=0.008) and Bormann's type III/IV (P=0.002). Furthermore, RANKL expression correlated with pTNM stage according to high RANK expression (P=0.009), while no significance was found in patients with low RANK expression (P=1.000). Together, our results revealed that high expression of RANKL could predict worse outcomes in gastric cancer especially combined with RANK detection, and thereby this pathway could be a useful prognostic indicator of gastric cancer.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of two-hour postprandial C-peptide C-pep-tide (2HPC-P) for assessing islet β-cell function in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 326 T2DM patients were enrolled into this clinical study. The correlations were analysed between 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment, and 2HPC-P/fasting C-peptide (FC-P) with the area under the C-peptide curve (AUC-C) after a 100 g bread challenge. Of these patients, 87 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were divided into two Groups, Group I (2HPC-P/ FC-P ≥ 3, n = 43) and Group II (2HPC-P/FC-P < 3, n = 44), and performed insulin pumpintensive therapy for two weeks, followed by follow-up for three months. Results: The positive correlations were found between the 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment and 2HPC-P/FC-P with AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, p < 0.05). After the insulin pump-intensive therapy, the HOMA2 IR values showed no significantly difference (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), while HOMA2 B% was significantly higher (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) than the basic values in newly diagnosed T2DM in total. During the follow-up, more patients in Group I underwent remission than in Group II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusions: Two-hour postprandial C-peptide and its derivative indicators could effectively assess islet β-cell function.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar el papel del péptido C postprandial de dos horas (2HPC-P) en la evaluación de la función de las células β del islote en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos: Un total de 326 pacientes de DM2 fueron inscritos en este estudio clínico. Se analizaron las correlaciones entre 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/péptido C en ayunas (PCA) con el área bajo la curva del péptido C (AUC-C) tras un desafío de 100 g de pan. De estos pacientes, 87 recientemente diagnosticados con DM2 fueron divididos en dos grupos, grupo I (2HPC-P/PCA ≥ 3, n = 43) y el grupo II (2HPC-P/PCA < 3, n = 44), y, realizaron un tratamiento intensivo con bomba de insulina durante dos semanas, con un seguimiento de tres meses. Resultados: Las correlaciones positivas se encontraron entre en el 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/PCA con AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 y 0.77, respectivamente, p < 0.05). Después de la terapia intensiva con bomba de insulina, los valores del modelo homeostático para evaluar la resistencia a la insulina (HOMA2 IR) no mostraron diferencias significativas (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), mientras que los valores de HOMA2 B% fueron significativamente más altos (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) que los valores básicos en el DM2 recientemente diagnosticado en total. Durante el seguimiento, más pacientes en el grupo I fueron objeto de remisión que los pacientes en el grupo II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusiones: El péptido C postprandial de dos horas y sus indicadores derivados pudieron evaluar con eficacia la función de las células β del islote.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive tonsil surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children. Tonsil ablation or turbinate reduction was performed on 49 pediatric patients with OSAHS by minimally invasive tonsil surgery. In order to evaluate the efficacy of surgery, a comparison was conducted between pre-operation and post-operation data in terms of the symptoms, signs and polysomnography test. Total effectiveness rate of the surgery was 83.7%. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the severity of their conditions: mild, moderate, and severe groups had an effectiveness rate of 90.0, 88.9, and 66.7%, respectively (Hc=6.665, P<0.05). Postoperatively, the apnea-hypopnea index, the minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2), and corresponding symptoms improved compared to pre-operation conditions (P<0.05). Minimally invasive tonsil surgery was a safe and effective method for treating OSAHS in children.

Asthma is a chronic allergic disease characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), and mucus hypersecretion. T-lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, mediating airway inflammatory reactions by secreting cytokines. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Notch signaling pathways are associated with T cell signaling, proliferation, and differentiation, and are important in the progression of asthma. Thus, compounds that can modulate T cell proliferation and function may be of clinical value. Here, we assessed the effects of tangeretin, a plant-derived flavonoid, in experimental asthma. BALB/c mice at postnatal day (P) 12 were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Separate groups of mice (n=18/group) were administered tangeretin at 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. Dexamethasone was used as a positive control. Tangeretin treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and also restored the normal histology of lung tissues. OVA-specific IgE levels in serum and BALF were reduced. AHR, as determined by airway resistance and lung compliance, was normalized. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a reduced Th17 cell population. Tangeretin reduced the levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines and raised IFN-γ levels. PI3K signaling was inhibited. The expressions of the Notch 1 receptor and its ligands Jagged 1 and 2 were downregulated by tangeretin. Our findings support the possible use of tangeretin for treating allergic asthma.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. Abnormal effector T cell activation is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of ITP. Regulatory T cells (Treg) have a strong immunosuppressive function for T cell activation and their importance in the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of ITP has been confirmed. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are other immunosuppressive cells, which can also suppress T cell activation by secreting arginase, iNOS and ROS, and are essential for Treg cells’ differentiation and maturation. Therefore, we speculate that MDSCs might also be involved in the immune-dysregulation mechanism of ITP. In this study, we tested MDSCs and Treg cells in peripheral blood samples of twenty-five ITP patients and ten healthy donors. We found that MDSCs and Treg cells decreased simultaneously in active ITP patients. Relapsed ITP patients showed lower MDSCs levels compared with new patients. All patients received immunosuppressive treatment including dexamethasone alone or in combination with intravenous immune globulin. We found that MDSCs’ level after treatment correlated with platelet recovery. Our study is the first that focused on MDSCs’ role in ITP. Based on our results, we concluded that circulating MDSCs could predict disease activity and treatment response in ITP patients. This preliminary conclusion indicates a substantial significance of MDSCs in the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of ITP, which deserves further investigation.

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy of a novel retrograde puncture approach to establish a preperitoneal space for laparoscopic direct inguinal hernia repair with inguinal ring suturing. Forty-two patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with retrograde puncture for preperitoneal space establishment as well as inguinal ring suturing between August 2013 and March 2014 at our hospital were enrolled. Preperitoneal space was successfully established in all patients, with a mean establishment time of 6 min. Laparoscopic repairs were successful in all patients, with a mean surgical time of 26±15.1 min. Mean postoperative hospitalization duration was 3.0±0.7 days. Two patients suffered from postoperative local hematomas, which were relieved after puncturing and drainage. Four patients had short-term local pain. There were no cases of chronic pain. Patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 year, and no recurrence was observed. Our results demonstrate that preperitoneal space established by the retrograde puncture technique can be successfully used in adult laparoscopic hernioplasty to avoid intraoperative mesh fixation, and thus reduce medical costs.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the positive rate of ventricular late potential (VLP) between patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and patients with acute non NSTEMI. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three cases of acute myocardial infarction (90 patients with STEMI and 73 with NSTEMI), admitted to the first hospital of China Medical University between June 2011 and August 2011, underwent VLP examination. RESULTS: The VLP positive rate of the STEMI group was 54.4%, while that of the NSTEMI group was 38.4%, and the differences have statistical meaning (χ2 = 4.186, p < 0.05). The occurrence rate of ventricular arrhythmia in VLP positive patients was 11.7%, while in VLP negative patients it was 3.5% (χ2 = 4.005, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The VLP positive rate of the STEMI group is higher than that of the NSTEMI group.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la tasa positiva del potencial tardío ventricular (PTV) entre pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio sin elevación del segmento ST (NSTEMI por sus siglas en inglés) y el infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (STEMI por sus siglas en inglés). MÉTODOS: Ciento sesenta y tres casos de infarto agudo de miocardio (90pacientes con STEMI) y 73 con NSTEMI, ingresados en la Universidad primer hospital de Medicina China entre junio y agosto de 2011, fueron sometidos a examen de PTV. RESULTADOS: La tasa positiva PVT del grupo STEMI fue 54.4%, mientras que la del grupo NSTEMI fue 38.4%, y las diferencias tienen significado estadístico (χ² = 4.186, p < 0.05). La tasa de ocurrencia de arritmia ventricular en pacientes PVTpositivos fue 11.7%, mientras que en los pacientes PVT negativos fue 3.5% (χ² = 4.005, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: La tasa PTV positiva del grupo STEMI es mayor que la del grupo NSTEMI.

The relationship between the aspect ratio and physical fields in aluminium reduction cells wase studied numerically. The aspect ratio was firstly defined and 7 kinds of 320 kA cells with different aspect ratios were put forward. By using numerical simulation, the relationship between the aspect ratio and the electric-magnetic flow fields, magnetohydrodynamic stabilities, and thermal stability was discussed. It is concluded that the electric-magnetic flow field distributions are greatly affected by the aspect ratio. From the perspective of magnetohydrodynamics stability, the larger the aspect ratio is, the more stable the cell will be. A larger aspect ratio is more beneficial for the thermal stability under the same current density.

The critical scaling behavior of Ising models with long range interactions is studied. These long-range interactions, when imposed in addition to interactions on a regular lattice, lead to small world graphs. Large-scale Monte Carlo simulations, together with finite-size scaling, is used to obtain the critical behavior of a number of different models. These include the z-model introduced by Scalettar, standard small-world bonds superimposed on a square lattice, and physical small-world bonds superimposed on a square lattice. These scaling results provide further evidence to support the existence of physical (quasi-) small-world nanomaterials.