Neo-Confucianism's understanding of the relationship between heaven and man greatly reflects their view of nature and their aesthetic pursuits. Confucianism revolves around the perfection of human virtue, and the profundity of its theory of the relationship between heaven and humanity lies in the recognition of the value of all natural things. Therefore, the Confucian view of nature and humans emphasises the Unity of Heaven and Man by virtue. The concept of 'the Unity of Heaven and Man by virtue' unfolds the characteristic of symbiosis between humans and all things, which is manifested by the natural view of oneness of all things. The virtue of Sheng reflects the natural aesthetic consciousness of Confucianism. In Confucianism, virtue and beauty are unified, and this characteristic is mainly manifested as the beauty of ShengSheng. Sheng is not only a kind of great virtue but also a kind of great beauty, and the idea of the beauty of ShengSheng embodies the Confucian pursuit of the beauty of natural life. CONTRIBUTION: This article mainly examines the relationship between humans and heaven in Neo-Confucianism. In particular, it focusses on the thought of 'the Unity of Heaven and Man', and analyses the natural aesthetic influence of this thought.

RESUMEN El método eléctrico de corriente continua (DC) se usa frecuentemente para la detección avanzada de cuerpos geológicos anormales ricos en agua y ocultos en la calzada de la mina y así asegurar la operación extractiva de carbón. Sin embargo, en cierto alcance, la exactitud de la detección puede estar alterada por la cavidad de la calzada, lo que significa una desviación en la ubicación de la anomalía. Para investigar este fenómeno se analizó el principio de detección avanzada, que está basado en el modelo físico esférico, a través de métodos de "análisis comparativos" y "simulados" a través del software Cosmol Multiphysics. De acuerdo con los principios de simulaciones numéricas, se introdujo la influencia de la cavidad de la calzada en la exactitud de la detección de corriente continua avanzada y se computó la proporción de resistividad aparente calculada con este método frente a aquella calculada solo con información de la cavidad de la calzada para así obtener el coeficiente de corrección. Este coeficiente se empleó para corregir la información de resistividad aparente en la detección 3-D avanzada. Adicionalmente, se discutieron las características de respuesta de las anomalías en varias posiciones con un diseño de electrodos en la calzada. Los resultados muestran que el método de proporción corrige efectivamente la influencia de la calzada durante el avance de la detección a través del método eléctrico de corriente continua y simultáneamente mejora la visualización de las anomalías geológicas y la exactitud del posicionamiento de estas anomalías. Además, la influencia de la calzada se ve reflejada en las posiciones relativas de los electrodos a lo largo de la calzada. Cuando los electrodos están en la zona donde confluyen el suelo y la pared, la curva de resistividad obtenida se ve menos menos afectada. Por lo tanto, la resolución de las anomalías es mayor y sus posiciones son más exactas. Además, una aplicación práctica del método de proporción indicó que las curvas corregidas reflejaron mejor las anomalías geológicas.

ABSTRACT To ensure safety during coal mining, the DC electric method is frequently used for the advanced detection of concealed water-rich abnormal geological bodies located ahead of a drivage roadway. However, to some extent, the accuracy of the detection is influenced by the roadway cavity, resulting in a deviation from the actual location of the anomaly. To investigate this phenomenon, the principle of advanced detection based on a spheroidal physical model was analyzed via "comparative analyses" and "simulated" methods using COSMOL Multiphysics software. Following the principle of numerical simulations, the influence of the roadway cavity on the accuracy of the advanced DC detection method was introduced, and the ratio of apparent resistivity calculated from actual data to that calculated only with the roadway cavity was carried out to obtain the roadway correction coefficient. This coefficient was employed to correct the apparent resistivity data for advanced 3-D detection. Additionally, the response characteristics of the anomalies at different electrode layout locations in the roadway were discussed. The results show that the ratio method effectively corrects the influence of the roadway during advance detection using the DC electric method and simultaneously improves the resolution of geological anomalies and the accuracy of positioning. Additionally, the influence of the roadway was related to the relative positions of the electrodes along the roadway. When the electrodes are set at the junction of the floor and the sidewall, the obtained resistivity curve is less affected. Therefore, the resolutions of the anomalies are higher, and their positioning is more accurate. Furthermore, a practical application of the ratio method indicated that the corrected curves reflected the geological anomalies better.

Nickel-based alloys containing high amount of Cr are desirable materials for the production of critical components that operate under high temperature and severe corrosion conditions. The description of flow behaviors for these alloys is key to designing the hot formation process for achieving the excellent mechanical properties of components. This work aims to study the flow behaviors of Ni-38Cr-3.8Al alloy during thermal deformation. A series of isothermal compression experiments were carried out at temperatures of 1148 K, 1223 K, 1298 K, 1373 K, 1448 K and 1523 K, and strain rates of 0.01 s-1, 0.1 s-1, 1 s-1 and 10 s-1. Results show that the obtained true stress-strain curves exhibit the softening characteristics of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and dynamic recovery (DRV). The flow stress decreases with temperature increasing and strain rate decreasing. To further quantitatively describe the flow behaviors, an improved segmented Arrhenius constitutive equation was developed according to the softening characteristics under different temperatures. In these equations, the variable coefficients, including activation energy Q and material constants (structure factor A, stress exponent n, stress parameters α), were fitted as the polynomial functions of true strain. Furthermore, a typical Arrhenius constitutive equation was also solved. The comparisons between experimental stress and predicted results obtained from the typical and improved constitutive equations were conducted, and the correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE) were calculated as 0.932, 15.83%, and 0.9963, 5.61%, respectively. It suggests that the improved constitutive equation can adeptly describe the flow behaviors of Ni-38Cr-3.8Al alloy. Nickelbased Nickel based conditions Ni38Cr3.8Al Ni38Cr38Al NiCrAl Ni 38Cr 3.8Al 3 8Al Al deformation 114 122 129 137 144 152 001 0 01 0.0 s1, s1 s 1, 0. s- s1. 1. stressstrain DRX (DRX DRV. DRV . (DRV) decreasing coefficients structure n α, α , α) Furthermore solved conducted R (R AARE (AARE 0932 932 0.932 1583 15 83 15.83% 09963 9963 0.9963 561 5 61 5.61% respectively Ni38Cr3 38Al 11 12 13 14 00 (DRV 093 93 0.93 158 8 15.83 0996 996 0.996 56 6 5.61 NiCr Ni38Cr 09 9 0.9 15.8 099 99 0.99 5.6 15. 5.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, a novel single knot tenorrhaphy was developed by combining the modified Kessler flexor tendon suture (MK) with the loop lock technique. METHODS: A total of 48 porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were collected and randomly divided into six groups. The tendons were transversely cut and then repaired using six different techniques, the MK method, double knot Kessler-loop lock flexor tendon suture (DK), and single knot Kessler-loop lock flexor tendon suture (SK), each in combination with the epitendinous suture (P), and the same three techniques without P. Furthermore, by performing the load-to-failure tests, the biomechanical properties and the time taken to complete a repair, for each tenorrhaphy, were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to the MK+P method, DK+P was more improved, thereby enhancing the ultimate tensile strength. The SK+P method, which required fewer knots than DK+P, was easier to perform. Moreover, the SK+P repair increased the force at a 2-mm gap formation, while requiring lesser knots than DK+P. CONCLUSION: As opposed to the traditional MK+P method, the SK+P method was improved and exhibited better biomechanical properties, which may facilitate early mobilization after the repair.

A new spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of taurine using 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). The method was based on the formation of charge transfer (CT) complex of this drug as n-electron donor with the π-acceptor TCNQ. TCNQ was found to react with taurine to produce a kind of yellow complex. The spectrum obtained for taurine/TCNQ system showed the maximum absorption band at a wavelength of 420 nm. The formation of such complex was also confirmed by both infrared and 1H NMR measurements. Different variables affecting the reaction were studies and optimized. Beer’s law was obeyed in a concentration limit of 1~9 µg mL-1 for taurine. R.S.D. was less than 1.5%, and average recovery was over 100.3%. The stoichiometry of the complex was found to be 1:1 ratio by Job’s and straight line methods between the donor and the acceptor. The thermodynamic standard reaction quantities of the complex between the donor and the acceptor were estimated. The developed method could be applied successfully for the determination of the studied compound in the pharmaceutical dosage form with a good precision and accuracy compared to official and reported method as revealed by t- and F-tests.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the potential of a novel preparation strategy for glycosylated hydrolysate by liquid fermentation in order to provide a high-quality glycosylated hydrolysate. Protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated the occurrence of glycosylation reaction. The results of Fluorescence emission spectroscope revealed the decrease of tertiary conformation stability. Circular dichroism spectra revealed significant decrease in α-helix and increase in β-sheet and random coil by glycosylation reaction. In comparison with zein hydrolysate, glycosylated hydrolysate had lower surface hydrophobicity but higher in solubility and in vitro digestibility due to glycosylation. Glycosylated hydrolysate presented higher ABTS (2,2'-Azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt) and superoxide radicals scavenging activities as well as Cu2+ chelating capacity. It is concluded that the glycosylation confer an open structure and modified properties of zein, and glycosylated hydrolysate is a potential ingredient with better hydration and antioxidant activities than zein hydrolysate.

Abstract Background: To investigate the thalamic neurotransmitters and functional connections in the development of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain. Methods: The paw withdrawal threshold was measured by mechanical stimulation the right hind paw with the von frey hair in the rats of CCI-induced neuropathic pain. The N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and Glutamate (Glu) in thalamus were detected by magnetic resonance spectrum (MRS) process. The thalamic functional connectivity with other brain regions was scanned by functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI). Results: The paw withdrawal threshold of the ipsilateral side showed a noticeable decline during the pathological process. Increased concentrations of Glu and decreased levels of NAA in the thalamus were significantly correlated with mechanical allodynia in the neuropathic pain states. The thalamic regional homogeneity (ReHo) decreased during the process of neuropathic pain. The functional connectivity among the thalamus with the insula and somatosensory cortex were significantly increased at different time points (7, 14, 21 days) after CCI surgery. Conclusion: Our study suggests that dynamic changes in thalamic NAA and Glu levels contribute to the thalamic functional connection hyper-excitation during CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Enhanced thalamus-insula functional connection might have a significant effect on the occurrence of neuropathic pain.

Abstract Background: Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in determining the outcomes of radiotherapy. As an important component of TME, vascular endothelial cells are involved in the perivascular resistance niche (PVRN), which is formed by inflammation or cytokine production induced by ionizing radiation (IR). Protein kinase CK2 is a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase which plays a vital role in cell proliferation and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CK2 in PVRN after IR exposure. Result: Specific CK2 inhibitors, Quinalizarin and CX-4945, were employed to effectively suppressed the kinase activity of CK2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) without affecting their viability. Results showing that conditioned medium from IR-exposed HUVECs increased cell viability of A549 and H460 cells, and the pretreatment of CK2 inhibitors slowed down such increment. The secretion of IL-8 and IL-6 in HUVECs was induced after exposure with IR, but significantly inhibited by the addition of CK2 inhibitors. Furthermore, IR exposure elevated the nuclear phosphorylated factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 expression in HUVECs, which was a master factor regulating cytokine production. But when pretreated with CK2 inhibitors, such elevation was significantly suppressed. Conclusion: This study indicated that protein kinase CK2 is involved in the key process of the IR induced perivascular resistant niche, namely cytokine production, by endothelial cells, which finally led to radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Thus, the inhibition of CK2 may be a promising way to improve the outcomes of radiation in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells.

ABSTRACT In this study, our goal was to clarify the role of proteasomal subunit α-1 (PSMA1) in both the differentiation of preadipocytes and the accumulation of lipids in adipocytes. Preadipocytes from healthy one-day-old calves were collected, isolated, and cultured in vitro. The expression pattern of the PSMA1 gene was explored during the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes firstly. Then, the expression of the PSMA1 gene was inhibited by transfection of a chemically synthesized small interfering RNA (siRNA) before differentiation. After induction of differentiation, the mRNA levels of key regulating genes involved in preadipocyte differentiation and the lipid content of mature adipocytes with and without inhibition of PSMA1 were detected by qRT-PCR and oil red O staining, respectively. The data showed that PSMA1 mRNA was differentially expressed during the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes under normal culture conditions in vitro. The expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were significantly decreased in the transfected PSMA1-siRNA group compared with those in the control group, and the mRNA levels of the preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) were significantly upregulated in the transfected PSMA1-siRNA group compared with those in the control group. In addition, significantly fewer lipid droplets were formed by adipocytes transfected with PSMA1-siRNA than by the negative control group (adipocytes transfected with NC-siRNA). Therefore, PSMA1 plays an important role in differentiation and lipid deposition.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the apoptotic mechanisms in rabbits with blast-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: A total of 40 rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group (A, n=10) and an experimental group (EXP, n=30). Explosion-induced chest-ALI models were prepared and sampled at different time points (4, 12, and 24h after modeling, T1-T3) to test the lung dry weight/wet weight ratio (W/D) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), apoptosis of lung tissue by the TUNEL assay, and Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, lung tissue was sampled to observe pathological morphology by microscopy. Results: Under a light microscope, Group EXP exhibited obvious edema in the pulmonary interstitial substance and alveoli, a large number of red blood cells, inflammatory cells, and serous exudation in the alveolar cavity, as well as thickening of the pulmonary interstitial fluid. Compared to Group A, the W/D ratio was significantly increased in Group EXP (P<0.01), while PaO2 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The apoptosis index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels were increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Apoptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of acute lung injury in rabbits by participating in lung injury and promoting the progression of ALI.

Abstract Objective To explore the precise mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) to delay cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease. Methods N -Acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu) and myoinositol (mI) metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, learning and memory of APP/PS1 mouse was evaluated by the Morris water maze test and the step-down avoidance test, neuron survival number and neuronal structure in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining, and BDNF and phosphorylated TrkB detected by Western blot. Results EA at DU20 acupuncture significantly improve learning and memory in behavioral tests, up-regulate NAA, Glu and mI metabolism, increase the surviving neurons in hippocampus, and promote the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Conclusion These findings suggested that EA is a potential therapeutic for ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, and it might be due to EA could improve NAA and Glu metabolism by upregulation of BDNF in APP/PS1 mice.

Abstract Background Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a severe disease, and results from unusual wound healing. Col1A1 could promote the hypertrophic scar formation, and the expression of Col1A1 in HS tissue was markedly higher than that in the normal. In present study, we aimed to identify miRNAs as post-transcriptional regulators of Col1A1 in HS. Methods MicroRNA-98 was selected as the key miRNA comprised in HS. The mRNA levels of miR-98 in HS tissues and the matched normal skin tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine the influence of miR-98 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of HSFBs, respectively. Col1A1 was found to be the target gene of miR-98 using luciferase reporter assay. Luciferase assay was performed to determine the relative luciferase activity in mimic NC, miR-98 mimic, inhibitor NC and miR-98 inhibitor with Col1A13′-UTR wt or Col1A13′-UTR mt reporter plasmids. The protein expression of Col1A1 in HSFBs after transfection with mimic NC, miR-98 mimic, inhibitor NC and miR-98 inhibitor were determined by western blotting. Results The mRNA level of miR-98 in HS tissues was much lower than that in the control. Transfection of HSFBs with a miR-98 mimic reduced the cell viability of HSFBs and increased the apoptosis portion of HSFBs, while inhibition of miR-98 increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis portion of HSFBs. miR-98 inhibitor increased the relative luciferase activity significantly when cotransfected with the Col1A1-UTR reporter plasmid, while the mutant reporter plasmid abolished the miR-98 inhibitor-mediated increase in luciferase activity. Western blotting revealed that overex-pression of miR-98 decreased the expression of Col1A1. Conclusions Overexpression of miR-98 repressed the proliferation of HSFBs by targeting Col1A1.

Abstract Background The seasonal variations in macroinvertebrate communities in tropical, temperate and subarctic regions have been observed and well documented to date, but similar studies conducted in subtropical rivers at the regional scale are relatively rare. In this paper, the macroinvertebrate communities from the main tributaries in the Three Gorges Reservoir Catchment (TGRC) were investigated as a function of the four seasons to explore the temporal variations in macroinvertebrate communities and further tests the temporal stability of certain metrics that are based on macroinvertebrates under a routine bioassessment framework. Results The taxa richness reached the highest point in spring, followed by winter, autumn and summer. The taxa Chironomidae, Heptageniidae, Corbiculidae and Baetidae dominated the communities across seasons. The temporal variations in communities were mainly reflected in the changes in taxa proportions between seasons. The percentages of the taxa Heptageniidae and Baetidae were the highest in autumn (normal discharge period) and lowest in summer (high discharge period). The abundance of macroinvertebrates was the lowest in summer, increased in autumn and winter, and then decreased in spring. Natural fluctuations of aquatic ecosystems (temporal effects) resulted in variations that were apparent in macroinvertebrate-based metrics, such as EPT%, Baetidae%, Caenidae%, Ephemerellidae% and Hydropsychidae%. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrated that the macroinvertebrate communities in the main tributaries of the TGRC varied as a function of seasons. This variation was fundamentally similar to the seasonal patterns in subarctic and temperate streams. Different hydro-morphological characteristics and water quality during the high discharge period (summer), low discharge period (winter) and normal discharge period (spring and autumn) strongly affected the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrate communities. Discharge variation among seasons resulted in seasonal fluctuations in the density of macroinvertebrates. In the TGRC, autumn was the important hatching period for mayflies (Ephemeroptera). The variations in metrics related to macroinvertebrates indicated that temporal effects should not be neglected under a biomonitoring framework in future studies.

En China, la avispa de sierra de las coníferas Neodiprion huizeensis (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) es un insecto perjudicial de las hojas de Pinus spp. (Pinaceae). Se estudió el complejo parasitoide de los capullos de hibernación (CPCH) en Weining, Guizhou, 2012. La tasa de parasitismo promedio del CPCH de N. huizeensis fue 34,6%. El complejo de parasitoide incluye Drino auricapita (Diptera: Tachinidae), ichneumónidos y Trichomalus sp. (Hypemoptera: Pteromalidae). La tasa de parasitismo promedio de D. auricapita en N. huizeensis fue 13,1%. El período promedio del pupario de D. auricapita fue 16,4 ± 0,1 d. La proporción hembra y macho fue 1,1: 1. El complejo ichneumónidos incluye Aptesis grandis, A. melana, A. nigricoxa, Delomerista indica, Lamachus rufiabdominalis, L. nigrus, Bathythrix sp., Caenocryptus sp., Exyston spp., Gelis sp., Goryphus sp. y Olesicampe sp. La tasa de parasitismo de icheumónidos en N. huizeensis fue 17,1% mientras que la de Trichomalus sp. en N. huizeensis fue 4,5%. La proporción hembra : macho fue 3,7: 1. Las especies dominantes de parasitoides fueron D. auricapita y A. melana. La emergencia de adultos hibernados de N. huizeensis tuvo dos picos, el primero del 17 al 23 de febrero de 2012 y el segundo del 29 de febrero al 15 de marzo de 2012. La aparición de los complejos de parasitoides coincidió mutuamente y se produjo del 23 de febrero al 6 de marzo.

The conifer sawfly, Neodiprion huizeensis (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), is an injurious leaf feeder of Pinus spp. (Pinaceae) in China. Its parasitoid complex of overwintering cocoons was investigated in Weining, Guizhou during 2012. The average parasitism rate of overwintering cocoons of N. huizeensis by the parasitoid complex was 34.6%. The parasitoid complex included Drino auricapita (Diptera: Tachinidae), ichneumonids, and Trichomalus sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). The average parasitism rate of N. huizeensis by D. auricapita was 13.1%. The puparial period of D. auricapita averaged 16.4 ± 0.1 d. The female to male ratio was 1.1: 1. The ichneumonid complex included Aptesis grandis, A. melana, A. nigricoxa, Delomerista indica, Lamachus rufiabdominalis, L. nigrus, Bathythrix sp., Caenocryptus sp., Exyston spp., Gelis sp., Goryphus sp., and Olesicampe sp. The parasitism rate of N. huizeensis by ichneumonids was 17.1%. The parasitism rate of N. huizeensis by Trichomalus sp. was 4.5%, and the female to male ratio was 3.7: 1. The dominant species of parasitoids was D. auricapita followed by A. melana. The emergence of overwintered adults of N. huizeensis had two peaks: the first from the 17th to the 23rd of February, 2012; the second from February 29th to March 15th, 2012. The emergence of the parasitoid complexes coincided with each other and occurred from February 23rd to March 6th, 2012.