Proliferative Effects of Chishao on Schwann Cells are FGF-uPA, and ERK- and JNK-Dependent

[[abstract]]This study evaluated the proliferative effects of chishao on RSC96, Schwann cells. A dose-dependent proliferative effect of chishao was obtained by methylthiazol tetrazolium( MTT), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) Western blotting, and wound healing assays in Schwann cells administered with chishao (0-500 mg/ml), except at 500 mg/ml concentration. The chishao-treated cells also showed a dose-dependent activated fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) signaling with increased urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), enhanced proliferative proteins, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-signaling. Using mitogen-actvated protein kinase (MAPK)-signaling chemical inhibitors, U0126, SB203580, and SP600125, the proliferative effects of chishao on RSC cells were identified to be ERK- and JNK- signaling dependent. Based on the results, applying appropriate doses of chishao to Schwann cells would be a potential approach for enhancing neuron regeneration

Analysis of optimal vendor-buyer integrated inventory policy involving defective items

[[abstract]]The concept of integrated inventory management has recently attracted a great deal of attention, but few studies have tackled the possible relationship between order lot and quality. As a result of weak process control, deficient planned maintenance, inadequate work instructions and/or damage in transit, an arriving order lot often includes defective items. In general, the defective rate may be certain or uncertain for various causes. This study examines three integrated vendor-buyer inventory models involving defective items. First, a crisp defective rate case is considered. Then, a triangular fuzzy number is used to represent an uncertain defective rate. Finally, statistics and fuzzy techniques are combined to formulate an uncertain defective rate. An iterative algorithm is developed to obtain the optimal strategy for each model. Furthermore, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the results of the proposed models.[[booktype]]紙

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field