针对市面上记忆合金热能发动机、记忆合金水车使用不便,展示效果差等问题,对其进行改进,引入智能控温系统,使其能连续不断地工作,同时在记忆合金热能发动机中设计微型发电机,使其带动LED发光二极管工作,增加了记忆合金热能发动机的展示性能,让学生观察到热能发动机的作用.同时,还利用双程记忆合金弹簧设计了一个感温报警器,使记忆合金科普仪器更贴近生活,有利于公众对记忆合金材料的认识,体会材料对生活的作用及影响.

乙酸钠、氢氧化钠、氧化钙研磨混合法制备甲烷气体的实验存在反应速率慢、产率低、试管易破裂及不易清洗等问题.基于此,在反应物不变的情况下,采用溶剂混合法,可实现快速、高效制备甲烷气体,同时也解决了试管破裂、不易清洗等问题.该方法解决了以往制备甲烷气体的不足,可有效应用于化学实验中.

中学化学教材中有关化学平衡的实验一般只集中在展现化学平衡的移动上,未涉及展示化学平衡建立的过程.创新实验利用自制的化学平衡实验装置,通过观察(NH4)2CO3分解体系压力随时间的变化曲线p-t图,来直观认识体系的化学反应从不平衡到平衡的过程,从而帮助学生理解化学平衡概念.

To improve corrosion resistance and blood compatibility of Mg alloy for intravascular stent application, nanostructured diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating was prepared onto the surface of Mg alloy substrates using radio-frequency plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition. The surface chemical composition, wettability and anti-corrosion property were also examined. The results show that the coating consists of sp(2)/sp(3) hybrid non-crystalline carbon nano-particles with the size of about 50 nm which form uniform, dense and super-hydrophobic cover. In simulated body fluid solution, the Mg/DLC exhibits a good property of anti-corrosion. Moreover, platelets in vitro assays demonstrate that the Mg/DLC can significantly inhibit the platelet adhesion, thus indicating it has excellent blood compatibility.

[目的]通过综合国内外相关的运动疗法,建立一套方便强直性脊柱炎(AS)病人简单易行有效运动疗法;并探讨重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体抗体融合蛋白联合该运动疗法治疗AS的有效性和价值.[方法]本研究共纳入符合1984修订的纽约诊断标准活动性AS患者60例,随机分配到研究组(n=30)和对照组(n=30),两组患者均予每周一次50 mg重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体抗体融合蛋白皮下注射,用药时间12周,研究组同时联合运动治疗.观察并记录治疗前和治疗后第0、2、6和12周患者ASAS20、BASFI、BASDAI、ASDAS3、BASMI、患者总体评价、ASQoL、CRP、ESR等指标,对比研究组与对照组间疗效差异.[结果]研究组,ASAS20改善达到80.67％,BASFI、BASDAI、ASDAS2、BASMI、患者总体本评价、ASQoL、CRP和ESR在治疗后3个月均得到显著的改善(P＜0.05).对照组,ASAS20改善达到80.67％,其余指标除BASMI (P=0.681)、Schober (P=0.578)和胸廓活动度(P=0.161)外,改善差异均有统计学意义(分别P＜0.05).研究组与对照组比较,实验组BASMI、Schober、扩胸度及ASQoL比对照组改善明显,差异有统计学意义(P皆＜0.05).[结论]此运动疗法联合重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体抗体融合蛋白治疗AS较之单独使用重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体抗体融合蛋白治疗,在活动度患者生活质量方面均具有显著的疗效,且对患者的脊椎活动度、胸廓活动度和机体功能改善更显著.

Objectives. To evaluate the efficiency and the predictive factors of clinical response of infliximab in active nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients. Methods. Active nonradiographic patients fulfilling ESSG criteria for SpA but not fulfilling modified New York criteria were included. All patients received infliximab treatment for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was ASAS20 response at weeks 12 and 24. The abilities of baseline parameters and response at week 2 to predict ASAS20 response at weeks 12 and 24 were assessed using ROC curve and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Results. Of 70 axial SpA patients included, the proportions of patients achieving an ASAS20 response at weeks 2, 6, 12, and 24 were 85.7%, 88.6%, 87.1%, and 84.3%, respectively. Baseline MRI sacroiliitis score (AUC = 0.791; P=0.005), CRP (AUC = 0.75; P=0.017), and ASDAS (AUC = 0.778, P=0.007) significantly predicted ASAS20 response at week 12. However, only ASDAS (AUC = 0.696, P=0.040) significantly predicted ASAS20 response at week 24. Achievement of ASAS20 response after the first infliximab infusion was a significant predictor of subsequent ASAS20 response at weeks 12 and 24 (wald χ2=6.87, P=0.009, and wald χ2=5.171, P=0.023). Conclusions. Infliximab shows efficiency in active nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients. ASDAS score and first-dose response could help predicting clinical efficacy of infliximab therapy in these patients.

Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) is a standard instrument regularly used to assess disease activity of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the well-being of a patient is also affected by impairment of function as well as psychological status and other factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate if psychological status, stressful life events, and sleep quality contribute significantly to BASDAI. Six hundred eighty-three AS patients satisfying the Modified New York Criteria for AS were recruited from the rheumatology clinics of seven hospitals in China. Patients with other concomitant disorders were excluded. Participants were requested to complete a set of clinical examinations and the following questionnaires: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Health Assessment Questionnaire for Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S), and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Spearman correlation analysis showed that BASDAI was highly associated with degree and duration of morning stiffness, overall pain, nocturnal back pain, overall back pain, anxiety, and BASFI (all P < 0.001), but were not associated with education, HAQ-S, and sleep medication in PSQI (P > 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that overall pain was the maximal statistical contribution in predicting disease activity (standardized coefficient, 0.335). In hierarchic multiple regression analysis, psychological variables added an only additional 2.7 % to the overall R 2 beyond that accounted for by demographic and medical variables, resulting in a final R 2 of 53.5 %. Although BASDAI is a very good measurement of pain and stiffness and to a certain extent effect of functional impairment in AS, it barely takes into account psychological status, stress life events, and sleep quality These factors should be evaluated by other modalities.

The TiCxN1−x coatings containing calcium (Ca–TiCxN1−x) were prepared on the surface of titanium through plasma electrolytic carbonitriding (PEC/N) technique in a certain concentration of electrolyte solution of triethanolamine, urea and calcium nitrate. The effects of parameters, such as discharge time, on the Ca–TiCxN1−x coatings were investigated, and the phase composition, morphologies, surface chemical components, anticorrosion and hardness were also examined, respectively. The results show that the plasma discharge time significantly affects the microstructure and composition of the coatings. In addition, introduction of the Ca–TiCxN1−x coatings into the Ti surface can clearly improve the wear resistance and anticorrosion. Moreover, MTT assay demonstrates that the Ca–TiCxN1−x coatings can improve the cell viability, showing excellent cytocompatibility.

This paper reports the surface modification of different discharge gases (Ar, O2, and Ar+O2) plasma-treated polystyrene (PS) film by Ar plasma induced graft polymerization, with biocompatible monomer N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) is carried out to improve biocompatibility. The films are characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transfer infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water contact angle measurement demonstrates the modified films possess a relatively hydrophilic surface. Furthermore, the films are also examined cell attachment and proliferation in vitro using mouse fibroblasts (L929 cells). The modified film surface shows a better cell distribution and growth than that of the pristine PS surface. From cell culture experiments, it is also observed that Ar+O2 plasma is more capable of increasing cell adhesion and proliferation. This method will provide a potential and effective solution for grafting useful component in future tissue-engineering applications.

The aim of this work was to modify poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) film surface in order to improve its hydrophilicity and blood compatibility. Acrylic acid (AAc) was introduced onto Ar plasma-pretreated FEP surface by UV-induced grafted copolymerization. Subsequently, heparin (Hp) was also immobilized covalently with the carboxylic group of PAAc grafted onto the FEP surface via an esterification reaction. The chemical composition and the morphological change of the modified films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angel measurements. The root–mean–square average surface roughness (Ra) changed from 5.82nm (FEP) to 13.60nm (FEP-PAAc) and 11.74nm (FEP-PAAc-Hp). Water contact angles changed from 115.0o (FEP) to 32.4o (FEP-PAAc) and 44.8o (FEP-PAAc-Hp). The blood compatibility of the modified films was evaluated by platelet adhesion experiments. All results suggested that the FEP-PAAc-Hp surface presented excellent antithrombotic properties and good hydrophilicity. Therefore, this method will provide a potential and effective solution for the surface modification of medical polymer materials.

Jieruo Gu, Jianjun Liu and colleagues report the results of a genome-wide association study of ankylosing spondylitis in Han Chinese. They identify two new susceptibility loci for this inflammatory disease and confirm strong associations with variants in the HLA-B region.

To improve biocompatibility of hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was immobilized by UV-induced graft copolymerization method. The hydrophilicity and chemical composition of the PMMA IOL surface after each step of surfaces modification were analyzed by contact angle (CA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the IOL surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results revealed that the hydrophilicity of the HEMA-g-PMMA IOL samples were significantly and permanently improved. The surface biocompatibility of the modified IOL was evaluated by platelets adhesion experiments.

To improve application of hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL) in a convenient and continuous way, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was immobilized by dielectric barrier discharge plasma at relatively high pressure. The hydrophilicity and topography of the modified IOL surface were comprehensively evaluated by contact angle and atomic force microscopy, while the surface biocompatibility of the modified IOL was investigated by platelets adhesion and cells proliferation experiments. The results revealed that the hydrophilicity of the HEMA-g-PMMA IOL samples were significantly and permanently improved. Less platelets attachment was observed on the modified IOL, especially in the HEMA2-g-PMMA IOL group (with 1.65 × 10−1 mol/L HEMA concentration), which also suppressed the proliferation of cells.

Monodisperse silver spheres were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with the assistance of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The final products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The as-synthesized silver spheres with cubic phase structure were nearly monodisperse and had an average diameter of 250nm. The experimental results showed that their sizes and morphologies could be tailored by changing the reaction temperature, time, and PVP concentration under solvothermal conditions. The optical properties of silver spheres were investigated as a function of PVP concentration. A possible mechanism was presented for the formation of monodisperse silver spheres.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (USpA) patients. 664 AS patients by the revised New York criteria for AS and 252 USpA patients by the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria were enrolled. BASDAI and BASFI questionnaires were translated into Chinese. Participants were required to fill in BASFI and BASDAI questionnaires again after 24 h. Moreover, BASDAI and BASFI were compared in AS patients receiving Enbrel or infliximab before and after treatment. For AS group, BASDAI ICC: 0.9502 (95% CI: 0.9330-0.9502, α=0.9702), BASFI ICC: 0.9587 (95% CI: 0.9521-0.9645, α=0.9789). For USpA group, BASDAI ICC: 0.9530 (95% CI: 0.9402-0.9632, α=0.9760), BASFI ICC: 0.9900 (95% CI: 0.9871-0.9922, α=0.9950). In the AS group, disease duration, occipital wall distance, modified Schober test, chest expansion, ESR, and CRP showed significant correlation with BASDAI and BASFI (all P<0.01). In the USpA group, onset age, ESR, and CRP were significantly correlated with BASDAI (all P<0.05), while modified Schober test, ESR, and CRP were significantly associated with BASFI (all P<0.05). The change in BASDAI and BASFI via Enbrel or infliximab treatment showed a significant positive correlation (P<0.01). The two instruments have good reliability and reference value regarding the evaluation of patient's condition and anti-TNF-α treatment response.

Symmetric dendritic silver structures with controlled morphology were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with the assistance of monocrystalline silicon. The morphology and structure of the dendritic silver were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the architecture of silver crystals could be controlled via simply adjusting the experiment parameters: AgNO3 concentration, reaction time and temperature. Moreover, structural characterizations suggested that the dendritic silver structures preferentially grew along (111) and (200) directions, leading to the formation of dendritic structures with 1–2μm in stem diameter and 10–50μm in length. Additionally, the formation process of the dendritic silver structures was studied, and a possible formation mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results.

OBJECTIVE:To validate the clinical value of the new Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores (ASDASs) in assessing the disease activity and efficacy of TNF-α inhibitor in AS and uSpA patients in China.METHODS:Two hundred and thirty patients were included in our study. They consisted of patients with active AS (n = 87) and uSpA (n = 30) participating in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of etanercept and patients with active AS (n = 58) and uSpA (n = 55) treated with infliximab. The disease activity and treatment effects were assessed by ASDAS, BASDAI, patient global and the acute inflammation score of lumbar and SI joints by MRI. Discriminatory ability of all the measures was analysed by standardized mean difference and t-score.RESULTS:In both the AS and uSpA groups, ASDAS correlated well with patient global score (AS group: r = 0.65-0.72; uSpA group: r = 0.52-0.62), ESR (AS group: r = 0.57-0.81; uSpA group: r = 0.63-0.85) and CRP (AS group: r = 0.51-0.70; uSpA group: r = 0.61-0.76) both at baseline and in changes from baseline to 6 weeks after TNF-α inhibitor treatment. The ASDAS scores outperformed BASDAI, patient global score, ESR, CRP and the acute inflammation score by MRI in differentiating patients with different levels of disease activity and patients with different levels of change in both AS and uSpA groups. There was little difference in performance between the two versions of the ASDAS.CONCLUSION:The new ASDAS is a highly effective measure in assessing disease activity and a great discriminatory measurement to assess the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitor in Chinese AS patients and uSpA patients.

Ar plasma-induced graft polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on Ar plasma pretreated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces was carried out to improve the antistatic properties. The surface composition and microstructure of the PEG-grafted PMMA surfaces from plasma induction were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transfer infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, water contact angles (CA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The measurements revealed that the antistatic properties can be remarkably improved with the surface resistivity of PEG-grafted PMMA surface decreasing significantly by 3-6 orders of magnitude, with the optimum condition for polymerization grafted onto the Ar plasma pretreated PMMA surface being 40 W for RF power and 3 min for glow discharge time. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 118: 943-949, 2010

Ten highly potent estrogens including estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1), 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1), 2-methoxyestrone (2-MeO-E1), 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2), diethylstilbestrol (DES), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) were identified and quantified by solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. An improved two-step SPE process was employed in this work. C18 cartridge was used for both enrichment of all target estrogens and retention of some nonpolar impurities, and then a polar florisil cartridge was subsequently used to separate the interested estrogens from the polar impurities. After this pretreatment for water samples, the results showed clean chromatograms without interference from matrix effects. Besides, this method was accurate (recovery percentages between 70.4 and 106.8% for river water and 73.4 and 101.3% for raw sewage, except 4-OHE1 and 2-OHE2), and precise (RSD varying between 1.3 and 17.8% for river water and 3.4 and 16.7% for raw sewage). In the optimized condition, this method was used to verify the presence of the target analytes in the Qinghe River and influent of sewage treatment plant in the northwest of Beijing, China. Some estrogens were detected in the river water and sewage water samples at a relatively high concentration. The developed method proved to be effective for analyzing estrogen compounds in complex matrices. Moreover, the achieved results demonstrated that a great concern should be addressed to the potential risk of the presence of estrogens in the aquatic environment.

Polystyrene ( PS) was pretreated by O-2 plasma, then N-vinylpyrrolidone ( NVP) was graft-polymerized on PS surface in the Ar plasma environment. The effect of O-2 plasma pretreatment on surface free energy of PS was investigated by means of contact angle( CA) and surface free energy( SE) measurements. As the result, the optimum conditions of O-2 plasma pretreatment on PS surface were power 50 W, pressure 40 Pa and time 3 min. The surface composition and proper-ties of the modified PS between pre- and Post O-2 plasma treatment and graft polymerization were studied by ATR-FTIR, XPS, and DCA measurement. The results show that the NVP is successfully graft-polymerized on PS surface by plasma technology and the hydrophilicity ofthe modified PS surface markedly increased. The PS surface graft-polymerized was easily spreaded by water due to the increase of polar group and roughness. Further, the receding angle decreased obviously and the contact angle hysteresis was significant because of the reconstruction of the polymer chain on the PS surface.