Simulation of aerated lagoon using artificial neural networks and multivariate regression techniques

The aim of this study was to develop an empirical model that provides accurate predictions of the biochemical oxygen demand of the output stream from the aerated lagoon at International Paper of Brazil, one of the major pulp and paper plants in Brazil. Predictive models were calculated from functional link neural networks (FLNNs), multiple linear regression, principal components regression, and partial least-squares regression (PLSR). Improvement in FLNN modeling capability was observed when the data were preprocessed using the PLSR technique. PLSR also proved to be a powerful linear regression technique for this problem, which presents operational data limitations.     

Metabolomic-based investigation of Yinlan alleviating hyperlipidemia by inhibiting blood stasis and phlegm turbidity through the PXR-CYP3A4-ABCB1-FXR pathway

Yinlan lipid regulatory capsule (YL) is a composite traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) new drug to alleviate hyperlipidemia, while its therapeutic mechanism in vivo was not clarified with nontargeted metabolomics investigation. An animal model was established in rats fed a high-fat diet, and their body weights, body mass index (BMI) and blood cholesterol levels were measured. Serum, liver and kidney tissue samples were also extracted for PXR-CYP3A4-ABCB1-FXR signaling pathway research using PCR and UHPLC–MS. The obtained plasma samples were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS metabolomic investigation, which revealed PXR-CYP3A4-related metabolites and changes induced by YL. Finally, the key metabolites were chosen as index components, and their levels in the serum, liver, small intestine and bile were used for simultaneous UHPLC–MS-MS determination. The results indicated that YL was effective in rebalancing blood TG and TC levels (compared to controls). With respect to the PXR-CYP3A4-ABCB1 pathway, as a result of YL’s effect, gene expression or activity of the two targets decreased significantly in both the liver and kidney. The same trend was observed in the serum samples mentioned above. Metabolomics screening and data revealed that 44 metabolites can be regarded as biomarkers related to hyperlipidemia, fatty acids synthesis, and body energy consumption, as well as synthesis, transportation and exertion of cholesterol. YL’s treatment focused on 26 of them, primarily bile acids, indicating that the antihyperlipidemic effect of this drug lies in its inhibitory activity of cholesterol metabolism. Subsequent analysis of those in vivo components revealed that significant increases (compared to the model group) occurred in the blood, liver, small intestine and bile in groups that received medium and high doses of YL (while the low dose was relatively unchanged). Those target components exhibit a close relationship with PXR and/or CYP3A4. The use of YL repressed PXR expression and subsequently decreased CYP3A4 activity. As a result, synthesis of related bile acids increased, while cholesterol levels decreased, consequently leading to the attenuation of hyperlipidemia. This study comprehensively investigated the antihyperlipidemia mechanism of YL based on its repression of PXR-CYP3A4 activity and related metabolite yield, establishing an accurate method for evaluating the therapeutic effect of YL.     

Identification and screening of active components from Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. in regulating autophagy

This study investigated the flavonoid constituents of a traditional Chinese medical plant Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry and screened the active components in regulating autophagy.Normal rat kidney (NRK) cells transfected with green fluorescent protein- microtubule-associated protein 1 light Chain 3(GFP-LC3) were treated with Z. clinopodioides flavonoids and its chemical compositions. After 4 h of treatment, the auto-phagy spot aggregation in NRK cells was photographed and observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The following 10 flavonoid components of Z. clinopodioides were identified: baicalein(1), quercetin(2), hyperoside(3), quercetin3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside(4), apigenin(5), kaempferol(6), chrysin(7), diosimin(8), linarin(9) and rutin(10). Among these flavonoids, chrysin, apigenin and quercetin were identified as the active principles in activating autophagy. This research may provide a reference for further developing and utilizing Z. clinopodioides.     

化学专业生物化学课程教学内容和教学方法研究

本文是笔者在长期教学实践的基础上，对于化学专业生物化学课程教学内容和教学方法，研究的经济总结。其相关成果曾获陕西师范大学优秀教材一等奖及陕西省教学成果二等奖。     

淫羊藿根与叶活性成分的分析和比较

采用细胞膜色谱法（ＣＭＣ）筛选，并结合离体药理实验确定主要活性成分，利用高效液相色谱法分析比较了淫羊藿根与叶中的活性成分及其差异性．色谱条件为Ｋｒｏｍａｓｉｌ ＯＤＳ 柱（１５０ ｍｍ× ４．６ ｍｍ．Ｉ．Ｄ ）流动相甲醇－水（７０：３０，Ｖ：Ｖ）；检测波长２７０ｎｍ。筛选发现淫羊藿根中的两个有效成分ＹＹＨ－２１４和ＹＹＨ－２１６对血管有较强的舒张作用，表明活性成分在ＣＭＣ模型体系中的保留特性与药理作用之间存在良好的相关性。在此色谱条件下淫羊藿叶未检测到这两种活性成分．     

材料化学实验课程体系的改革与建设

结合材料化学实验课程自身的特点及材料化学实验教学的经验，系统阐述我院材料化学实验改革的思路，通过深化材料化学实验教学改革，提高任课教师的学术水平，更新教学内容，优化教学模式，推进教材的系统性建设，实现材料化学实验教学质量的提高，激发学生的学习热情与兴趣，进一步培养学生的创新能力。     

塑料成型工艺实习CAI课件的开发

针对当前学生实习面临的困难，以Authorware为开发工具，编制了塑料成型工艺实习CAI课件，整个软件图文并茂，图像，动画，解说，音乐相结合，形象地介绍了塑料各种成型工艺的主要原理，生产设备，工艺流程和相关产品，应用本软件学生可以进行模拟实习，该软件激发了学生学习的兴趣，提高了实习质量。     

Influence of two grinding methods on the uncertainty of determinations of heavy metals in atomic absorption spectrometry/electrothermal atomisation of plant samples

 Chemical analyses of trace elements are affected by relatively high analytical errors due to the different steps of the laboratory procedures: samples grinding, mineralisation and instrumental measurements. In the present communication, the influence of the grinding phase on the global uncertainty of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr determinations in plant samples by the classical method of atomic absorption spectrometry/electrothermal atomisation (AAS-ETA) after dry ashing is quantified. Two grinding machines, a planetary mill with balls and jars of agate versus a stainless steel grinder were compared by analysing leaf samples of cucumber, strawberry, kiwivines, apple trees and grapevines from agricultural experimental plots under controlled conditions. Variance components due to the difference between grinding methods and experimental plots were estimated. Further, the simultaneous effects of the grinding methods on all considered metals have been evaluated by analysis of variance. With the stainless steel grinder, on average, higher levels of the considered heavy metals were obtained (up to 67% of the mean values). On average, the increments were similar for metals contained in steel (Ni and Cr) and those not contained (Pb and Cd). The true causes of these differences need further investigation to determine whether the higher metal detection is due to possible contamination, to a different grinding quality or to other reasons. Finally, the grinding methods did not seem to affect the combined uncertainty of the analyses. Received: 3 November 1997 · Accepted: 29 November 1997     

Advances in two-dimensional GC with glass capillary columns

A versatile two-dimensional gas chromatograph is described, consisting of 2 separate ovens, one intermediate trap, an auxiliary inlet, and the necessary hardware to effect off-line switching according to the principle of Deans. The unit has been designed for use with high resolution glass capillary columns. The performance of individual instrumental components was critically evaluated. Results showed that low dead volume glass to metal connections were required in the manifold and detector lines to minimize extra-column effects. The mass of the intermediate trap must be low to allow rapid heating. Operational parameters are discussed and examples of some applications are shown.