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Ultrasound is a critical non-invasive test for preoperative diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Deep learning is making advances in image-recognition tasks; therefore, we aimed to develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model that automates evaluation of ultrasound images and to facilitate a more accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer than existing methods.In this retrospective, multicentre, diagnostic study, we collected pelvic ultrasound images from ten hospitals across China between September 2003, and May 2019. We included consecutive adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with adnexal lesions in ultrasonography and healthy controls and excluded duplicated cases and patients without adnexa or pathological diagnosis. For DCNN model development, patients were assigned to the training dataset (34 488 images of 3755 patients with ovarian cancer, 541 442 images of 101 777 controls). For model validation, patients were assigned to the internal validation dataset (3031 images of 266 patients with ovarian cancer, 5385 images of 602 with benign adnexal lesions), external validation datasets 1 (486 images of 67 with ovarian cancer, 933 images of 268 with benign adnexal lesions), and 2 (1253 images of 166 with ovarian cancer, 5257 images of 723 benign adnexal lesions). Using these datasets, we assessed the diagnostic value of DCNN, compared DCNN with 35 radiologists, and explored whether DCNN could augment the diagnostic accuracy of six radiologists. Pathological diagnosis was the reference standard.For DCNN to detect ovarian cancer, AUC was 0·911 (95% CI 0·886-0·936) in the internal dataset, 0·870 (95% CI 0·822-0·918) in external validation dataset 1, and 0·831 (95% CI 0·793-0·869) in external validation dataset 2. The DCNN model was more accurate than radiologists at detecting ovarian cancer in the internal dataset (88·8% vs 85·7%) and external validation dataset 1 (86·9% vs 81·1%). Accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis increased more after DCNN-assisted diagnosis than assessment by radiologists alone (87·6% [85·0-90·2] vs 78·3% [72·1-84·5], p0·0001; 82·7% [78·5-86·9] vs 70·4% [59·1-81·7], p0·0001). The average accuracy of DCNN-assisted evaluations for six radiologists reached 0·876 and were significantly augmented when they were DCNN-assisted (p0·05).The performance of DCNN-enabled ultrasound exceeded the average diagnostic level of radiologists matched the level of expert ultrasound image readers, and augmented radiologists' accuracy. However, these observations warrant further investigations in prospective studies or randomised clinical trials.National Key Basic Research Program of China, National Sci-Tech Support Projects, and National Natural Science Foundation of China.

To determine whether singleton pregnancy achieved after preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) singleton pregnancy.A retrospective cohort study.A university-affiliated fertility center.This cohort study included singleton live births resulting from PGT (n = 232) and IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies (n = 2,829) with single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Multiple baseline covariates were used for propensity score matching, yielding 214 PGT singleton pregnancies matched to 617 IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies.Trophectoderm biopsy.The primary outcome was gestational hypertension, and various clinical perinatal secondary outcomes related to maternal and neonatal health were measured.Compared with IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancy, PGT singleton pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.32, 5.05). In the matched sample, the risk of gestational hypertension remained higher with PGT singleton pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.04, 5.22) than with IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancy. No statistical differences were noted in any other measured outcomes between the groups.The perinatal outcomes of PGT and IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies were similar except for the observed potentially higher risk of gestational hypertension with PGT singleton pregnancy. However, because the data on PGT singleton pregnancies are limited, this conclusion warrants further investigation.

ObjectiveTo determine whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients aged under 38 years who have a history of recurrent implantation failure(RIF).DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the pregnancy outcomes of RIF patients aged under 38 years from January 2017 to December 2021.178 patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent PGT-A: the PGT-A group(n=59)and the control group(n=119).In the PGT-A group, we compared the euploidy rate of the different quality and developmental rate blastocysts. In both groups,the patients were the first frozen-thaw single blastocysts transfer after the diagnosis of RIF. Among the pregnancy outcomes, the clinical pregnancy rate was assessed as the primary outcome. The spontaneous abortion rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were the secondry outcomes. The generalized estimation equation was used to adjust for the blastocysts derived from the same patients. Multivariate logistic analysis models were used to compare the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.ResultsIn the PGT-A group, 293 blastocysts obtained from59 patients underwent PGT-A. The proportions of euploidy, aneuploidy and mosaic blastocysts were 56.31%, 25.60% and 18.09%, respectively. A comparison of the euploidy rates of different quality blastocysts showed that the rate of good-quality blastocysts was significantly higher than that of poor-quality blastocysts (67.66% vs 46.88%; odds ratio [OR], 2.203; 95%confidence interval[CI], 0.943–3.612; P=0.002). However, no significant difference was observed in the different developmental rates blastocysts. Compared with Day 5 blastocysts, the euploidy rates of Day 6 and Day 7 blastocysts were not significantly different(61.54%vs51.91%; OR,0.945; 95%CI, 0.445–2.010; P=0.884; and 61.54%vs47.37%; OR, 1.106; 95%CI, 0.774–1.578; P=0.581, respectively).As for the pregnancy outcomes, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly increase after the use of PGT-A compared with the control group(71.19%vs56.30%; OR, 0.538; 95%CI, 0.262–1.104; P=0.039). However, the spontaneous abortion rates and ongoing pregnancy rates were not significantly different between the control and PGT-A groups (21.43% vs 19.40%; aOR,0.727; 95%CI,0.271–1.945; P=0.525; and55.93% vs 45.38%; aOR, 0.649; 95%CI, 0.329–1.283; P = 0.214,respectively).ConclusionPGT-A improved the clinical pregnancy rate after blastocyst transfer in RIF patients aged under 38 years.

BackgroundTo study the relationship between blastocyst morphology and the sex ratio of singleton births in single blastocyst transfer cylces.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included women who underwentin vitrofertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) from January 2017 to December 2019 and obtained a single live baby following a single blastocyst transfer. The sex ratio which influenced by many possible factors were studied. Age-stratified analysis was performed for the maternal and paternal groups younger and older than 35 years. The 3108 cycles included here were grouped by sex at birth (male: 1777 cycles and female: 1331 cycles). Blastocysts were conceived via 2834 IVF and 274 ICSI treatments, and were used for 1054 fresh ET cycles and 2054 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.ResultsSex ratio among singleton of poor blastocyst decreased significantly compared to those of good blastocyst (51.5% vs 60%,PPPPPConclusionsA single high-quality blastocyst transfer was significantly associated with a higher neonatal sex ratio. Grade A trophectoderm and grade B ICM contributed to improving the implantation potential of male blastocysts, especially in infertile men or women ≤35 years old.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) progression is an unmet medical challenge. Since omental metastases were palpated harder than their primary counterparts during cytoreductive surgery of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, we were inspired to investigate OC progression from the perspective of biomechanics. Methods: Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was used to measure the young’s moduli of tissues. The collagen-coated polyacrylamide hydrogel (PA gel) system was prepared to mimic the soft and stiff substrates in vitro. The effect of TAGLN were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using transwell, immunofluorescence, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Findings: We quantitatively confirmed that omental metastases were stiffer and more abundant in desmoplasia compared with paired primary tumors, and further demonstrated that matrix stiffness could notably regulate OC progression. Remarkably, TAGLN, encoding an actin cross-linking/gelling protein, was identified as a potent mechanosensitive gene that could form a regulation loop with Src activation reacting to environmental stiffness, thus mediating stiffness-regulated OC progression through regulating RhoA/ROCK pathway. Interpretation: These data demonstrate that targeting extra-cellular matrix stiffness could probably hamper OC progression, and of note, targeting TAGLN might provide promising clinical therapeutic value for OC therapy. Funding: This work was supported by the “973” Program of China (No. 2015CB553903 to Ding Ma and Junbo Hu), Technical Innovation Special Project of Hubei Province (2018ACA138), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2019kfyXMBZ024), National Science and Technology Major Sub- Project (2018ZX10301402-002), and the National Science Foundation of China (81902661, 81772787, 82072889). Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Human ovarian cancer tissues were all obtained from patients undergoing surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology after obtaining written informed consent of the patients and the authorization of the Ethics Committee of Tongji Hospital (TJ-iRB20181103). Fresh tissues were prepared for the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) measurement, frozen or formalin fixed.

Bagging has attracted much attention due to its simple implementation and the popularity of bootstrapping. By learning diverse classifiers from resampled datasets and averaging the outcomes, bagging investigates the possibility of achieving substantial classification performance of the base classifier. Diversity has been recognized as a very important characteristic in bagging. This paper presents an efficient and effective bagging approach, that learns a set of independent Bayesian network classifiers (BNCs) from disjoint data subspaces. The number of bits needed to describe the data is measured in terms of log likelihood, and redundant edges are identified to optimize the topologies of the learned BNCs. Our extensive experimental evaluation on 54 publicly available datasets from the UCI machine learning repository reveals that the proposed algorithm achieves a competitive classification performance compared with state-of-the-art BNCs that use or do not use bagging procedures, such as tree-augmented naive Bayes (TAN), k-dependence Bayesian classifier (KDB), bagging NB or bagging TAN.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether blastocyst morphology and developmental rate are associated with euploidy and live birth rates (LBRs) in single euploid frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study included 431 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles followed by 393 FET cycles performed at our center from June 2017 to March 2021. All cycles were analyzed for euploidy based on blastocyst morphology (good, average and poor), developmental stage (day 5 and 6) and maternal age (< 35 and ≥ 35 years old). Multivariate logistic analysis models were used to identify the independent effects of conventional blastocyst morphology, developmental rate and morphological parameters (degree of blastocoele expansion, and grade of inner cell mass and trophectoderm (TE)) on LBRs.ResultsIn the group of women aged < 35 years, compared with poor-quality blastocysts, good-quality blastocysts (62.90% vs. 32.46%; odds ratio (OR) 3.163, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.247–4.451; P < 0.001) and average-quality blastocysts (46.70% vs. 32.46%; OR 1.665, 95% CI 1.287–2.154; P < 0.001) had significantly higher euploidy rates. Additionally, day 5 blastocysts were associated with higher euploidy rates than day 6 blastocysts (49.28% vs. 35.02%; OR 1.506, 95% CI 1.191–1.903; P= 0.001). In the group of women aged ≥ 35 years, euploidy rates were also associated with blastocyst morphology, with 41.86%, 45.65% and 24.39% of good, average and poor-quality embryos, respectively, exhibiting euploidy. However, no relationship was seen between euploidy and blastocyst developmental rate. Multiple logistic regression analysis show that overall blastocyst morphology of euploid embryos was not associated with LBR, only embryos with A-grade TE had significantly higher LBRs than those with C-grade TE (62.71% vs. 45.40%; OR 2.189, 95% CI 1.166–4.109; P=0.015). Similarly, LBRs were significantly higher when day 5 blastocysts were transferred than when day 6 blastocysts were transferred (57.75% vs. 41.67%; OR 2.132, 95% CI 1.370–3.318; P = 0.001).ConclusionPoor-quality embryos have reduced rates of euploidy. However, blastocyst developmental rate only significantly associates with euploidy rates in women aged younger than 35. Furthermore, only TE grade and blastocyst developmental rate are significantly associated with LBRs following FET cycles.

Hyperglycemia contributes to the excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), which are closely associated with atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) constitute a novel class of gene regulators, which have important roles in various pathological conditions. The aim of the present study was to identify miRNAs involved in the high glucose (HG)‑induced VSMC phenotype switch, and to investigate the underlying mechanism. miRNA sequencing and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR results indicated that inhibition of miR‑125a expression increased the migration and proliferation of VSMCs following HG exposure, whereas the overexpression of miR‑125a abrogated this effect. Furthermore, dual‑luciferase reporter assay results identified that 3‑hydroxy‑3-methyglutaryl‑coA reductase (HMGCR), one of the key enzymes in the mevalonate signaling pathway, is a target of miR‑125a. Moreover, HMGCR knockdown, similarly to miR‑125a overexpression, suppressed HG‑induced VSMC proliferation and migration. These results were consistent with those from the miRNA target prediction programs. Using a rat model of streptozotocin‑induced diabetes mellitus, it was demonstrated that miR‑125a expression was gradually downregulated, and that the expressions of key enzymes in the mevalonate signaling pathway in the aortic media were dysregulated after several weeks. In addition, it was found that HG‑induced excessive activation of the mevalonate signaling pathway in VSMCs was suppressed following transfection with a miR‑125a mimic. Therefore, the present results suggest that decreased miR‑125a expression contributed to HG‑induced VSMC proliferation and migration via the upregulation of HMGCR expression. Thus, miR‑125a‑mediated regulation of the mevalonate signaling pathway may be associated with atherosclerosis.

The superparent one-dependence estimators (SPODEs) is a popular family of semi-naive Bayesian network classifiers, and the averaged one-dependence estimators (AODE) provides efficient single pass learning with competitive classification accuracy. All the SPODEs in AODE are treated equally and have the same weight. Researchers have proposed to apply information-theoretic metrics, such as mutual information or conditional log likelihood, for assigning discriminative weights. However, while dealing with different instances the independence assumptions for different SPODEs may hold to different extents. The quest for highly scalable learning algorithms is urgent to approximate the ground-truth attribute dependencies that are implicit in training data. In this study we set each instance as the target and investigate extensions to AODE by measuring the independence assumption of SPODEs and assigning weights. The proposed approach, called independence weighted AODE (IWAODE), is validated on 40 benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. Experimental results reveal that, the resulting weighted SPODEs delivers computationally efficient low-bias learning, proving to be a competitive alternative to state-of-the-art single and ensemble Bayesian network classifiers (such as tree-augmented naive Bayes, k-dependence Bayesian classifier, WAODE-MI and etc).

Neurofibromin is one of the few Ras-GTP activating proteins (Ras-GAPs) expressed in the brain. Disruption of its expression leads to the detrimental disease neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Many studies have revealed the crucial role of NF1 in developing and adult tissues. However, these studies have focused on the expression of the entire NF1 gene and largely ignored the role of an alternative splicing event that controls the Ras-GAP function of neurofibromin. The focus of this chapter is NF1 exon 23a. This exon is located in the GAP-related domain (GRD) of neurofibromin. Its expression level, indicated by the percentage of its inclusion in the NF1 mRNA transcripts, has a profound effect on the Ras-GAP function of neurofibromin. In this chapter, we review the expression pattern of exon 23a and the molecular mechanisms that regulate its expression. We then discuss the role of its expression in Ras/ERK signaling and learning behaviors in mice. Lastly, we propose a few directions for future studies.

Objective. To compare hysterectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (VNOTES) versus transumbilical laparoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) as a minimal invasive technique. Materials and Method. The women undergoing hysterectomy for benign diseases by VNOTES and LESS from January 2020 to June 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were retrospectively analyzed. Results. 361 women were included in our study, with 228 in the VNOTES groups, 129 in the LESS groups, and 4 conversions from VNOTES to LESS technique. The length of a VNOTES hysterectomy was shorter than that of LESS (80.76 min versus 112.09 min; MD -31.34 min; 95% CI -40.24 to -22.43 min; P < 0.001 ). VNOTES hysterectomy has a quicker gas passage by the anus (18.80 versus 36.49 hours, MD -17.68 hours, 95% CI -20.23 to -15.14 hours, P < 0.001 ) and associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (2.31 versus 3.77 days, MD -1.46 days, 95% CI -1.75 to -1.17 days, P < 0.001 ), while with no increase in blood loss during the operation (median 50 versus 50 ml, P = 0.25 ). Besides, the VAS pain score in the 24th hour after the operation was lower (median 0 versus 0.5, P < 0.001 ) in the VNOTES group. Four unique phases of the learning curve were identified using cumulative analysis: the mean operation time of phase I was 82.81 ± 31.45 min (the initial learning curve of 43 cases), phase II was 72.48 ± 23.66 min (the acquisition of command of 91 cases), phase III was 103.77 ± 45.69 min (the further learning of 26 cases), and phase IV was 73.18 ± 26.89 min (postlearning in 68 cases). Conclusions. VNOTES is noninferior to LESS as a new minimal invasive procedure for hysterectomy, which also allows patients a faster recovery from surgery and to suffer less pain, and its efficiency and feasibility in large uterine need further exploring.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether patients with a history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton live births following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study analyzed the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of patients with and without a history of RIF who underwent FET cycles in a single reproductive center between January 2017 and October 2020. A total of 1,100 women with singleton live births beyond 28 weeks of gestation were included. The primary outcome measures were perinatal outcomes, especially gestational age, birthweight, preterm birth (PTB), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), congenital malformation rates, and premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Multiple logistic regression was used to establish relationships between RIF and adverse perinatal outcomes after adjusting for relevant baseline demographics and cycle characteristics.Result(s)The RIF group showed a preferred transfer of two embryos and cleavage embryos compared with the control group (P <0.05). Regarding perinatal outcomes in singleton deliveries, women with RIF had increased rates of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.027; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.025–4.009), PTB (aOR 1.785; 95% CI, 1.050–3.036), and PROM (aOR 2.259; 95% CI, 1.142–4.467). The incidence of congenital malformations was similar between the two groups (4.1% vs. 2.4%; P = 0.759). Furthermore, multiple intrauterine procedures were associated with a statistically significant increased risk of PROM in RIF patients (aOR 1.537; 95% CI, 1.105–2.137).ConclusionsWomen with a history of RIF were associated with an increased risk of LBW, PTB, and PROM in singleton live births after FET cycles. In addition, multiple intrauterine procedures were independent risk factors for PROM.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether the morphologic parameters of blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) of euploid embryos transferred in subsequent single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles? Methods Women who received first preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and following underwent frozen-thawed single euploid blastocyst transfer cycles from June 2017 to May 2020 were divided into three age groups (P = 0.013), ICM grade (61.11% for grade A and 51.22% for grade B; P = 0.466), TE grade (68.75% for grade A,65.00% for grade B and 36.30% for grade C; P = 0.012) and day of TE biopsy (65.38% for Day 5 and 39.58% for Day 6; P = 0.010). Similarly, in the 30–34 years group(n = 121) and the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 58), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, but no significant differences were seen between blastocyst morphologic grading and LBR (P > 0.05). Moreover, good quality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 ~ 9.99; P = 0.035) and average quality (aOR 3.71; 95%CI, 1.25 ~ 11.01; P = 0.018) embryos were still yielded a significantly higher LBR than poor-quality embryos, TE grade B embryos were also associated with a statistically significantly higher LBR compared with TE grade C embryos (aOR 3.69;95%CI, 1.37 ~ 9.95; P = 0.010) after adjusting for the potential confounding factors. Conclusion Blastocyst quality and trophectoderm grading is a useful predictor of LBR in single frozen-thawed euploid embryo transfer cycles among women

Objectives: The objective of the study is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of urethroplasty with a Buck's fascia integral-covering technique (BFIC) to wrap and restore the normal anatomical structure of the penis in one-stage hypospadias surgery.Methods: One-stage surgeries for hypospadias management were performed using BFIC from January 2016 to September 2020 at four high-volume medical centers in China. The technique integrates Buck's fascia with glans wings to mobilize and wrap the urethra and restore penile anatomical relationships. The clinical data, postoperative follow-up data, and complications were recorded, and the results were analyzed.Results: A total of 1,386 patients were included in the study: 1,260 cases of primary hypospadias and 126 cases of re-operations; distal in 382 cases (27.6%), mid-shaft in 639 (46.1%), proximal in 365 (26.3%); tubularized incised plate (TIP) in 748 cases, inlay-graft in 124, onlay-graft in 49, Mathieu in 28, free-tube graft urethroplasty in 406, and 31 of hybrid procedures. One thousand one hundred forty-two patients (82.4%) were found to have penile curvature (>10°) after artificial erection and all corrected by dorsal plication/s or transection of the urethra plate (UP) simultaneously. The median followed-up time was 27 months (6–62). A total of 143 (10.3%) complications were recorded: 114 (9.0%) in the primary operations and 29 (23%) in the re-operations, 15 (3.9%) in distal hypospadias, 61 (9.5%) in mid-shaft, and 67 (18.4%) in proximal. The complication rate in UP preservation and transection was 10.1 and 10.8%, respectively. Of all case complications, there were 73 (5.2%) of fistula, 10 (0.6%) of dehiscence, 22 (1.6%) of meatal stenosis, 21 (1.5%) of stricture, 6 (0.7%) of diverticulum, and resident curvature in 11 cases (1.2%). The overall complication rate in TIP and free-tube procedure was 9.8 and 9.9%, respectively, and fistula occurred in primary TIP of 33 cases (4.9%).Conclusions: Buck's fascia with the glans can be used as an integral covering technique in one-stage distal to proximal hypospadias and primary or re-operative hypospadias repair. It is safe, feasible, and effective for the repair of hypospadias.

C29H24ClN2PPd, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 9.9885(8) Å, b = 11.5836(8) Å, c = 11.6133(9) Å, α = 76.342(6)°, β = 89.821(6)°, γ = 71.435(7)°, V = 1233.96(16) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0337, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0841, T = 291 K.

C30H26ClN2PPd, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 9.1278(5) Å, b = 9.5892(7) Å, c = 15.5255(10) Å, α = 79.827(6)°, β = 89.131(5)°, γ = 78.358(5)°, V = 1309.74(14) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0342, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0706, T = 291 K.

C21H21BrClNRu, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 8.2185(4) Å, b = 10.1626(5) Å, c = 11.9356(6) Å, α = 100.399(4)°, β = 90.005(4)°, γ = 93.434(4)°, V = 978.68(9) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0353, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0676, T = 291(2) K.

Excessive amount of higher alcohols in alcoholic beverages causes unwell and side-effect for consumers although adequate consumption offers joy and pleasure. Therefore, reducing higher alcohols in alcoholic beverages is necessary. We used nitrogen compensation to reduce higher alcohols with Chinese rice wine as an experimental model. Higher alcohols including isobutyl alcohols, isoamyl alcohols, and β-phenethyl alcohols were significantly decreased by 19.27, 23.03 and 19.43%, respectively, when 200 mg/L (NH(4))(2)HPO(4), 5% (w/v) yeast, and 11% wheat Koji were added to fermentation broth. Meanwhile, important quality parameters remained unchanged including free amino acids, organic acids, biogenic amines, and esters. The expression of glutamate dehydrogenase 1 gene (GDH1) and glutamine synthetase gene (GLN1) was significantly enhanced, 26.9- and 1.9-folds respectively. These results suggest that ammonium compensation could effectively decrease higher alcohols in Chinese rice wine by activating glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) pathway in ammonium assimilation. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10068-019-00718-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MgO-doped Ba0.67Sr0.33TiO3 (BST) ceramics with uniform microstructure and enhanced dielectric loss were prepared by direct coagulation casting via high valence counter ions (DCC-HVCI) method. MgO was utilized as acceptor dopant as well as coagulating agent to release Mg2+ solidifying ceramic suspensions. Effect of sintering temperature and MgO doping content on microstructure and dielectric properties of BST ceramics was investigated. It was found that the loss tangent value (tan δ) decreased remarkably from 0.025 to 0.004 with increasing MgO concentration from 0.5 to 1.5 mol%. The 1.5 mol% MgO-doped BST ceramics processed high density of 99.5% and tan δ of 0.004 which is improved by 150% compared with that of dry-pressed samples. This improvement can be attributed to the ubiquitous distribution of MgO in BST ceramic matrix leading to the enhanced inhibitive effect. This paper provides a novel facial route to prepare high-performance functional ceramics with high reliability and low cost.

Due to the excellent classification performance and expressivity, the study of Bayesian network classifiers (BNCs) has attracted great attention ever since the success of Naive Bayes (NB). Information theory has established mathematical basis for the rapid development of BNC. In this paper we propose the definition of entropy function HB(D), which corresponds to the optimal number of bits encoded in the network structure B and can roughly measure the amount of information implicated in training data D. Each factor in HB(D) explicitly represents statements about causal relationships. An efficient heuristic search strategy is introduced to minimize HB(D) and explore the optimal topology of BNC. Our extensive experimental evaluation on 40 datasets reveals that this out-of-core algorithm achieves competitive classification performance compared to state-of-the-art learners such as tree augmented Naive Bayes, k-dependence Bayesian classifier, support vector machine, logistic regression and neural network.

Background Standard morphologic evaluation has been the most widely adopted approach to embryo selection, and remains the most common strategy.The objective of the study to determine the association between the morphologic grading and implantation rate of euploid blastocysts in single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (SET) cycles. Methods A total of 271 patients aged 20–40 years undergoing euploid SET from January 2017 to December 2019 were included in retrospective cohort study.The cycles were divided into three groups based on their morphologic grading before cryopreservation: good-quality (n = 58), average-quality (n = 88) and poor-quality blastocysts (n = 125). The pregnancy outcome of the three morphologic groups were analyzed and a logistic regression of implantation rate was conducted. Results Good-quality blastocysts yielded statistically significantly higher implantation rates than poor-quality (79.31% vs. 48%; PPP = 0.172). The implantation rates were higher among women with good-quality blastocysts on both Day 5 and Day 6 of TE biopsy than among those with poor-quality blastocysts (Day 5, aOR = 3.294, 95% CI:1.260–8.616, P = 0.015; Day 6, aOR = 4.179, 95% CI:1.004 ~ 17.399, P = 0.049). Day 5 euploid blastocysts had no significant difference in implantation potential and early spontaneous abortion rate compared with similarly graded Day 6 euploid blastocysts. Conclusions Blastocyst morphologic grading was associated with implantation rate for euploid embryo transfers after adjustment for potential confounders. These findings suggest that evaluating blastocyst morphology is critical when selecting the best euploid blastocyst.

Objective To investigate whether the morphologic parameters of euploid blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) following single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles? Methods A retrospective cohort analysis involving autologous single FET cycles after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) through next generation sequencing (NGS) by a university-based reproductive medical center that was performed from June 2017 to September 2019.Women were divided into three age groups (P = 0.019), ICM grade (70.59% for grade A and 42.03% for grade B; P = 0.035) and TE grade (85.71% for grade A,57.58% for grade B and 34.78 for grade C; P = 0.015). Similarly, in the 30–34 years group, LBR ranged from 50.00% for good quality to 45.45% for poor quality (P = 0.870), from 35.29% for ICM grade A to 51.22% for ICM grade B (P = 0.291), from 60.00% for TE grade A to 45.45% for TE grade C (P = 0.634). Likewise, in the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 47), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, but no significant differences were seen in blastocyst morphologic parameters and LBR (P > 0.05). Conclusion After single FET cycles, the LBR was associated with morphologic parameters of euploid blastocysts, especially in women

Objective To determine whether the morphologic parameters of euploid blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) following single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles? Methods A retrospective cohort analysis involving autologous single FET cycles after next generation sequencing (NGS) based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) by a large in vitro fertilization (IVF) center that was performed from June 2017 to September 2019.Women were divided into three age groups (P = 0.019), ICM grade (70.59% for grade A and 42.03% for grade B; P = 0.035) and TE grade (85.71% for grade A,57.58% for grade B and 34.78 for grade C; P = 0.015). Nevertheless, either in the 30–34 years group (n = 99) or in the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 47), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, no significant difference was showed in blastocyst morphologic parameters and LBR (P > 0.05). Furthermore, in the similarly graded euploid blastocysts, there was also no statistical significance in LBR among different age subgroups (P > 0.05). Conclusions In women ≥ 30 years old, euploid blastocyst quality was not associated with the LBR in FET cycles, highlights the development competence of poor-quality euploid blastocysts.

Empathy and self-emotional management are important in many area. Appropriate sympathy is critical to the success in such applications. In this study, a self-associated Avatar empathy system was developed with injecting empathic emotion into the self-associated virtual character. We investigated three typical self-associated emotional empathy scenes. And the empathy emotion database was established by labeling empathy emotion of interviewers and interviewees in the CCTV psychological interview program. We found that the self-associated Avatar empathy system was better to encourage positive empathy, which can bring positive health benefits and thus improve the individual's self-emotional management.

Objective: To investigate when is the appropriate time interval between hysteroscopic polypectomy and the start of FET cyclesDesign: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Academic center. Patient(s): All patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy before FET.Intervention(s): Hysteroscopic polypectomy.MainOutcomeMeasure(s): Patients were divided into four groups based on the time interval between hysteroscopic polypectomy and the start of FET Demographics, baseline FET characteristics, pregnancy outcomes after FET were compared among the groups. A total of 1703 patients met inclusion criteria: 547 patients in group 1 who underwent FET after hysteroscopic polypectomy 1-3menses cycles, 389 patients in group 2 who underwent FET after hysteroscopic polypectomy 4-6 menses cycles, 421 patients in group 3 who underwent FET after hysteroscopic polypectomy 7-12menses cycles, and 373 patients in group 4 who underwent FET after hysteroscopic polypectomy more than 12 menses cycles, whats more the group 1 were divided into 3 groups depend on the time interval between hysteroscopic polypectomy and the start of FET. The FET outcomes were compared.Result(s): There were no differences in the mean number of embryos transferred. The overall pregnancy outcomes were similar for groups 1, 2, 3,and 4: implantation rate (38%, 38.2%, 39.5%and 36.8, respectively), clinical pregnancy rate (51.9%, 48%, 53.2and 50%), spontaneous miscarriage rate (8.4%,8.4%, 12.2and 8.9%), and live birth rate (42.4%. 40.4%, 42.8% and 40.9%). Conclusion(s): IVF outcomes seem to be unrelated to the time interval between the hysteroscopic polyp resection and the initiation of the FET; The abortion rates may be lower if the treatment is started in the first few months post operatively.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropins (hp-HMG) plus recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) vs r-FSH vs r-FSH plus recombinant luteinizing hormone （r-LH） in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients。Design :Retrospective cohort studyMethods:This was a retrospective study. Among a total number of 3568 patients who had undergone IVF/ICSI applications, 409 eligible patients were included.Total units of follitropin alpha preparations used in ovulation induction, total number of meiois-2 phase oocytes, total number of used oocytes in ICSI cycle, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rates of both groups were analyzed. In this retrospective cohort study, women undergoing IVF/ICSI Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles downregulation. 409 patients were included in the study. Among them One group followed the current standard protocol of no LH or hp-HMG supplementation given(n=64). The other had LH supplementation in the form of r -LH (Luveris; Merck Serono, Switzerland) (n=221), Another group had hp-HMG supplementation in the form of hp-HMG (Menopur , Ferring,Germany)(n=121).In the Subgroup analysis were decided by AFC ,7 < AFC〈20 or AFC>20 of the three group.Result: Mean duration of stimulation and was longer in the group of patients treated with hp-HMG plus rFSH compared to the group of patients treated with r-FSH and the group of r-LH plus r-FSH (13.24 days and 12.72days and12.21days, respectively; P0.05).in the subgroup analysis when AFC>20 hp-HMG plus rFSH group have more lower ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） than r-FSH plus r-LH and rFSH alone,respectively.Clonclusion:The higher oocyte yield with r-FSH does not result in higher quality embryos.hp-HMG or r-LH supplementation is an option for improving IVF outcome in patients ovulation induction with r-FSH during GnRH agonist down-regulation. Particularly, hp-HMG is recommended as it may have a beneficial action on implantation in selected group especially AFC more than 20patients.

STUDY QUESTION Is there a relation between the characteristics of potential sperm donors and the acceptance rate of these potential donors? SUMMARY ANSWER A relatively higher acceptance rate was observed for potential sperm donors who were aged ≤ 35 years, were married, had children, and who had received higher education, and acceptance rates were also higher during spring and winter than summer and autumn. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recruiting donors to a sperm bank program is difficult and slow owing to the high rates of rejection and dropout. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 24040 potential sperm donors were screened by the Henan Human Sperm Bank from 2006 to 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Potential sperm donors were recruited using the following baseline requirement: height of 168 cm or taller; age 22-45 years; currently attending or had graduated from high school or above. Men who met the criteria for age, height, and education level were invited for semen quality screening. The acceptable criteria for semen samples included liquefaction time 30 × 106/mL, post-thaw total motile sperm per vial > 12 × 106/mL, and freeze-thaw survival rate ≥ 60%. Any potential sperm donors meeting the minimum criteria for acceptable semen quality on two consecutive semen samples were scheduled for clinical assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The reasons for sperm donor rejection were analyzed. The characteristics of accepted and rejected donors were compared using the chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the acceptance rate of potential sperm donors and the positive rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Only 23.38% (5620/24040) of potential sperm donors were accepted. The top four reasons for rejection were suboptimal semen quality (90.27%), STDs (6.26%), dropped out (2.65%), and chromosomal abnormalities (0.35%). The most common reason for the rejection of donors with an STD was a positive test for mycoplasmas (49.05%), followed by hepatitis B virus (27.56%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4.68%), and Escherichia coli (3.03%). n this study, the acceptance rate for men aged ≤ 35 years was significantly higher than that for men aged >35 years (P < 0.05). The acceptance rates were also significantly higher for men with a higher education than for men with lower education, married men than unmarried men, and men with children than men without children (P < 0.05). Moreover, acceptance rates were significantly higher during spring and winter than during summer (P 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was not performed to analyze the effect of lifestyle habits, such as alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, on the acceptance rate of potential sperm donors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Only a small proportion of potential sperm donors were accepted in this anonymous sperm donor program. New strategies for sperm donor recruitment may be required to improve the acceptance rate. In the future, we may have to target potential sperm donors who are aged ≤ 35 years and who received higher education in order to improve the acceptance rate. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Joint Construction Project of Henan Medical Science and Technology Research Plan under grant number LHGJ20190389. The authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A

The Changjiang Estuary (CE), two transects along the Andong salt marsh (AD-A and AD-C) south-west of Hangzhou Bay, and three salt marshes on Zhoushan Island (ZS-A, ZS-B and ZS-C) were coastal zones receiving different flow regimes and human activities. In this study, sedimentary P species consisting of exchangeable P (Ex-P), iron P (Fe-P), authigenic P, detrital P (De-P) and organic P (OP) were determined in these sediments. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the degree of P pollution and the potential for these sediments to release P into the environment. Authigenic P was the largest fraction in AD-A, AD-C, CE, ZS-A and ZS-B (42–62%), followed by Ex-P (28–33%), Fe-P (4–19%), OP (2–8%) and De-P (1–2%); except in ZS-C where Ex-P was the most abundant (57.86%), followed by authigenic P (24.45%), Fe-P (12.34%), OP (2.85%) and De-P (2.49%). High portions of authigenic P indicate presence of apatite minerals; low levels of OP and De-P suggest low P pollution and low contribution from riverine input. The sedimentary total P (TP) in these locations (ranged from 91.30 to 324.74 mg/kg) indicates the risk of P pollution was very low. However, the bioavailable P (Ex-P, Fe-P and OP) constituted approximately 37–73% of TP. Thus, these locations are prone to release P from Ex-P fraction under oxic conditions and from Fe-P fraction under anoxic conditions.

Purpose: To investigate the associations between morphological blastocyst parameters and the sex ratio (male:female) of singleton live births resulting from single-blastocyst frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 1210 couples who underwent single-blastocyst FET of warmed day 5 or 6 blastocysts and achieved a singleton live birth between January 2015 and February 2019. The sex ratios in the different blastocyst groups were compared using the chi-square test. The associations of morphological blastocyst parameters, including the blastocoel expansion, inner cell mass and trophectoderm grades, with the sex ratios of live births were analyzed using multiple regression models. Results: The included female patients had an average age and body mass index of 30.5±4.5 years and 23.6±3.2 kg/m2, respectively. blastocyst transfers occurred on day 5 in 783 cases (64.7%) and day 6 in 427 cases (35.3%). Among the day 5 FET cycles, 55.4% of resulting infants were male and 44.6% were female, while among the day 6 cycles, 54.6% of infants were male and 45.4% were female ( P =0.074). Blastocysts quality was assessed according to morphological parameters, which was divided into high-quality (AA,AB,BB,BC) and poor-quality(AC,BC). High-quality blastocyst transfer was associated with a significantly higher sex ratio (60%, 383/638) relative to poor-quality transfer (49.7%, 284/572) ( P< 0.001). The sex ratio of births resulting from blastocyst transfer differed significantly with respect to the trophectoderm grade ( P

Sedimentary phosphorus (P) forms are important representatives of P sources and their bioavailability as well as the potential of sediments to release P in water. In this study, surface sediments along a transect of the Changjiang Estuary and two transects along the Andong salt marsh in the southwest of Hangzhou Bay were subjected to the elucidation of sedimentary P species using the standards, measurements, and testing (SMT) and sequential extraction (SEDEX) methods. The results showed that the mean sedimentary P forms elucidated by the SMT method were as follows: organic P (OP; ∼11–14 mg/kg; ∼30–45% of total P; TP) > apatite P (∼5–15 mg/kg; ∼21–36% TP) > Fe/Al-P (∼8–14 mg/kg; ∼31–34% TP), with inorganic P (IP) composing 54–70% of TP. The mean sedimentary P forms elucidated by the SEDEX method were as follows: authigenic P (∼54–68 mg/kg; ∼41–46% TP) > extractable P (Ex-P; ∼36–53 mg/kg; ∼28–34%) > Fe-P (∼21–27 mg/kg; ∼13–19%) > OP (∼8.7–13 mg/kg; ∼5–8%) > detrital P (De-P; ∼2 mg/kg; ∼1–2% TP), with IP composed of ∼91–94% TP. These results showed that the SEDEX method elucidated higher concentrations of sedimentary P forms as well as the TP from these coastal sediments although the SMT method had the advantage of being more economic and faster. The results of both the SMT and SEDEX methods showed that the Andong salt marsh and Changjiang Estuary sediments had much bioavailable P. The mean percentages of bioavailable P from the SMT and SEDEX methods were ∼64–74% and 52–56% of TP, respectively, indicating that these sediments were prone to release P to the coastal areas.

A novel method to prepare high-porosity mullite ceramic foams by selective laser sintering (SLS) using fly ash hollow spheres (FAHSs) as raw materials was reported. The complex-shaped FAHS green bodies and ceramic foams without delamination or cracks were prepared by SLS. The influence of sintering temperatures on linear shrinkage, phase composition, porosity and mechanical properties was investigated. With the increase of sintering temperature from 1250 °C to 1400 °C, the compressive strength of ceramic foams increased from 0.2 MPa to 6.7 MPa causing the fracture mechanism change from fracturing along FAHSs to across FAHSs, while the porosity of ceramic foams decreased from 88.7% to 79.9% which was higher than those of ceramic foams prepared by the conventional methods. The relatively high porosity of ceramic foams was resulted from the inner hollow structure of FAHSs, the interspaces between stacking FAHSs, and the gaps between FAHSs directly related to SLS. The results above indicated that the fabrication of high-porosity FAHS ceramic foams by SLS could achieve the advanced utilization of FAHS solid waste.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a high throughput sequencing technology, which has revolutionized both basic and clinical research of the human genetic disorders. This technology is also called massively parallel sequencing (MPS) due to its ability to generate a huge amount of output data in a cost- and time-effective manner. NGS is widely utilized for different sequencing applications such as targeted sequencing (a group of candidate genes), exome sequencing (all coding regions), and whole genome sequencing (the entire human genome). With NGS, a variety of genomic aberrations can be screened simultaneously such as common and rare variants, structural variations (amplifications and deletion), copy-number variation, and fusion transcripts. NGS technologies combined with advanced bioinformatic analysis have tremendously expanded our knowledge. On the one hand, the basic research area involves direct use of NGS to identify novel variations and determine human disease mechanisms. On the other hand, clinical research is being advanced by high-throughput genetic tests with high resolution and clinically relevant genetic information for molecular diagnoses of human disorders. In this communication, we introduce NGS technologies and review a few key areas where NGS has made a significant impact, with an emphasis on the application of NGS to the identification of the molecular bases of human genetic diseases.

In this study, lignin-derived phenols, stable carbon isotopes and bulk elemental compositions were determined along the length of two sediment cores (C1 and C2) from the Andong salt marsh, which is located southwest of Hangzhou Bay, China. The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term changes and their implications along sediment profiles. The 1997 high tide had caused an increase in the terrestrial organic matter (OM) signal from 1996/1997 to 2000 in both cores, which was indicated by a high Λ (total lignin in mg/100 mg OC), TOC, C/N and more negative δ13C values. The slight increases in terrestrial OM along the length of the cores between 2003 and 2006 were most likely attributable to the construction of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. Both events have likely caused an increase in erosion, and thus, these events have increased the input of terrestrial OM to nearby areas. The effects of the distinctively dry year of 2006 can be observed along C2 between 2006 and 2008 in the steadily declining terrestrial OM signal. The overall slight decrease in terrestrial OM and the distinct increase in TOC along the length of both cores toward the present were most likely because of the overall reduced sediment caused by the trapping of materials within reservoirs. These results show that the reduction in terrestrial OM in the Andong salt marsh for the past 30 years was due to reservoirs and the 2006 drought, but this was counterbalanced by the 1997 high tide event and construction of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, which resulted in increased erosion and terrestrial OM input.

A chromatographic purification free rapid oligosaccharide synthetic strategy was developed. The intermediates were conveniently purified by a new process based on a “capture–release” strategy on a resin that involved the Co2(CO)6-PPh2/alkyne complex and the oxidated de-complex reaction. This method avoids the redundant multi-step classical chromatographic purification protocol and has been proved to be efficient by the synthesis of linear and branched penta-mannosides.

C29H23Cl2N2PPd, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.4028(16) Å, b = 30.928(5) Å, c = 9.3071(16) Å, β = 103.222(2)°, V = 2634.8(8) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0423, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1047, T = 296(2) K.

C19H17ClN2OPd, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.0720(8) Å, b = 10.9390(10) Å, c = 17.9604(7) Å, β = 97.054(6)°, V = 1768.9(2) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0389, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0816, T = 293(2) K.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in elderly people. Expanding the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying MI is of profound importance to developing a cure for MI. The CUGBP- and ETR-3-like factor (CELF) proteins, a family of RNA-binding proteins, play key roles in RNA metabolism. To determine the functions and molecular mechanisms of CELF proteins in MI, an animal model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was used in our study.We found that the CUG triplet repeat RNA-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1)/CELF1 expression levels were decreased in AMI-injured hearts, and further studies showed that two highly conserved adenylate-uridylate-rich (AU-rich) elements in the 3'UTR of CUGBP1 were responsible for the decreased CUGBP1 expression. Upon AMI, human antigen R (HuR) was relocated to the cytoplasm from the nucleus and interacted with these AU-rich elements to affect the expression of CUGBP1. Reintroduction of CUGBP1 via gene delivery by recombinant adenovirus improved cardiac function in AMI mice. Our studies also indicated that CUGBP1 protected cardiomyocytes from ischemia-induced injury through the promotion of angiogenesis and inhibition of apoptosis by regulating the vascular endothelial growth factor-A gene. Innovation and Conclusion: Our studies indicate a role for CUGBP1 in cardiac disease and reveal a novel MI post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism. The reconstitution of CUGBP1 could be developed as a potential therapeutic option for the management of MI. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 1013-1026.

Lignin-derived phenols, C/N ratios and ratios of refractory to total organic matter were used to study the sources, distribution, and diagenesis of sedimentary organic matter along estuary, river bank, and salt marsh systems. The Changjiang Estuary showed a higher signal of terrestrial organic matter at the river mouth which decreased farther offshore. The locations along the Qiantang River were affected by their adjacent surroundings, and the Andong salt marsh showed higher terrestrial organic matter signal at the upper marsh compared to the lower marsh. All studied areas showed slight increases in organic matter decomposition farther downstream and towards the sea. Study of these three different systems will improve our understanding on their ecotoxicological impact. The Changjiang Estuary had higher pollutant levels near the river mouth, which decreased farther offshore due to dilution. The midstream Qiantang River was most likely affected by pollution from their adjacent surroundings. Pollutants were likely to be accumulated in the Andong salt marsh due to the presence of marsh plants and small-sized particles. Organic pollutants were likely to be decomposed during transport along the systems. The ability of the sediments to release inorganic pollutants was determined by whether these systems were oxic or anoxic.

Appropriate activation of the Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein signaling cascade within the brain is crucial for optimal learning and memory. One key regulator of this cascade is the Nf1 Ras GTPase activating protein (RasGAP), which attenuates Ras/ERK signaling by converting active Ras is bound to guanosine triphosphate, activating Ras into inactive Ras is bound to guanosine diphosphate, inactivating Ras. A previous study using embryonic stem cells and embryonic stem cell-derived neurons indicated that Nf1 RasGAP activity is modulated by the highly regulated alternative splicing of Nf1 exon 23a. In this study, we generated Nf123aIN/23aIN mice, in which the splicing signals surrounding Nf1 exon 23a were manipulated to increase exon inclusion. Nf123aIN/23aIN mice are viable and exon 23a inclusion approaches 100% in all tissues, including the brain, where the exon is normally almost completely skipped. Ras activation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 downstream of Ras are both greatly increased in Nf123aIN/23aIN mouse brain lysates, confirming that exon 23a inclusion inhibits Nf1 RasGAP activity in vivo as it does in cultured cells. Consistent with the finding of altered Ras/ERK signaling in the brain, Nf123aIN/23aIN mice showed specific deficits in learning and memory compared with Nf1+/+ mice. Nf123aIN/23aIN mice performed poorly on the T-maze and Morris water maze tests, which measure short- and long-term spatial memory, respectively. In addition, Nf123aIN/23aIN mice showed abnormally elevated context-dependent fear and a diminished ability to extinguish a cued fear response, indicating defective associative fear learning. Therefore, the regulated alternative splicing of Nf1 is an important mechanism for fine-tuning Ras/ERK signaling as well as learning and memory in mice.

Hollow village renovation is an important content of rural land comprehensive consolidation. Under the core goal of sustainable utilization of land, revealing heavy metal pollution in typical soils of hollow village is the guiding link of the consolidation work, especially the reconstruction of farmland. Taking Yucheng City of Huang-Huai-Hai Plain as an example, this paper aims to analyze the content of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in seven kinds of typical soils, namely the village roads, sunning grounds, pit-pond sediments, woodland topsoils, courtyard farmlands, courtyard soils and clay wall soils which may be involved in the reconstruction of typical hollow village. Individual pollution index and comprehensive pollution index were used to evaluate the degree of heavy metal pollution according to the relevant national standards in order to provide the basis for safe and rational soil utilization during the hollow village consolidation. The results showed that in the above 7 types of tested soils, except for the pollution index of courtyard farmland was 0.85(pollution level Ⅱ, belong to "less clean" soil), other six types were

Hollowed villages consolidation(HVC) is regarded as an imperative way to optimize the vacant and idle land arising in rural areas. Establishing an appropriate potential calculating model for HVC, which is suitable for the territorial functions of farming plain area, provides a basis for implementing HVC. Based on the current per capita construction land use standard method, this paper took the urgency, physical suitability and feasibility of HVC into consideration and established a calculating model of HVC potential. Finally, Yucheng City of Shandong Province was taken as a case to make an empirical analysis. The results showed that:(1) The urgency, physical suitability and feasibility of HVC presented a significant regional difference. The correction coefficients of the urgency, physical suitability and feasibility of HVC changed in the variation of 0.18~0.96, 0.69~0.84 and 0.11~0.77, respectively; (2) The theoretical and realistic potential of HVC in Yucheng City were 3 517.86 hm2 and 1 853.18 hm2, respectively. The new-added arable land coefficient was 16.89%. In recent years, the HVC in Yucheng City should focus on Shizhong residential district, Shiliwang Town and Fangsi Town. The other villages and towns might be set on in late stage. (3) In view of the lower physical suitability of HVC around Shizhong residential district, transforming the vacant and idle land into other construction land might be a better choice. Meanwhile, the land vacated in other towns should be transformed into arable land as much as possible via land consolidation.

Land use transition is a mirror of socio-economic development with the changes of both dominant and recessive land use morphologies. Especially, land use intensity is an important attrition of recessive land use morphology, which presents human intervention toward land and regional socio-economic development. Based on the quantitative measure of land use intensity of farmland and rural construction land, this paper described the changes of recessive land use morphology. Furthermore, the coupling relationship between land use transitions and grain yield(GY) was established. The results showed:(1) From 1990 to 2010, the pattern of land use intensity showed prominently difference in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, with farmland intensity(LUIF) increased while rural construction land intensity(LUIR) decreased; (2) The spatio-temporal patterns of the coupling types of LUIF, LUIR and GY changed obviously, in which the coupling types of "low-low-low" mainly distributed in the Bohai Bay region, and the coupling types of "high-high-high" concentrated in border area of Hebei, Shangdong and Henan provinces; and(3) Land use transitions promoted the evolution of grain production with a coupling relationship from antagonism to coordination between two of them. During the process of land use transitions, in conclusion, it is greatly useful for regional food security by scientific optimizing the coupling relationship between land use transitions and grain yield.

Saline-alkaline (SA) stress is one of the major constraints to crop production worldwide. It is characterized by high salinity and high alkalinity (high pH), with the latter being the primary inhibiting factor to rice growth. We previously reported that pretreatment with abscisic acid (ABA) primed rice seedlings for enhanced tolerance to alkaline stress. In the present study, we conducted a 3-year field experiment to further assess the ABA-priming effect on the stress tolerance of rice plants in two paddy fields with different SA levels (field-A: non-reclaimed field, pH = 10.13 +/- 0.009, EC1:5 = 0.50 +/- 0.004; field-B: reclaimed field, pH = 9.74 +/- 1 0.005, EC1:5 = 0.48 +/- 0.001). Rice seedlings were treated with ABA at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, and 10 mu M by root-drenching for 24 h prior to transplanting to the two paddy fields with different SA levels. Compared to the control treatment, ABA application substantially reduced the occurrence of leaf withering by 22%-50% and seedling death by 11%-17%. Further, ABA application also significantly improved subsequent plant growth and the final grain yield by 8%-55%; a more profound effect was observed in the harder SA field. Expressions of the ABA-responsive genes SalT and OsWsi18 were highly induced by ABA treatment, and the induced levels were sustained until at least 8 d after transplanting. Collectively, these results suggest a potent priming effect of ABA on the SA stress tolerance of rice plants, providing an effective and practical approach to improving rice production in SA paddy fields. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this study, we collected two sediment cores (C1 and C2) from the Andong tidal flat, Hangzhou Bay, and studied the temporal variations of heavy metals in the cores. Vertical distributions of heavy metals were almost unchanged in both the cores before 2000. After 2000, however, the heavy metal concentrations increased dramatically, suggesting that the sediments have been affected by enhanced human pollution in the recent decade. In the core C1, the sediments were severely polluted by Pb, moderately to considerably polluted by Cr and Zn, and low to moderately polluted by other heavy metals. The core C2 was relatively unpolluted before 2000 and low to moderately polluted after 2000. Multi-statistical analyses indicated that the core C1 was additionally contaminated by local human activities such as wastewater discharge and the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. The heavy metals in the core C2, however, were largely contributed by the Yangtze River and controlled by sedimentation process. The calculated sedimentary flux (4–8 g m−2 a−1) of heavy metals generally increased with time. It was closely related to the wastewater discharge in adjacent areas. This study reconstructed the local heavy metal pollution history and provides important information for environmental protection and policy making.

To mitigate the negative effect of classification bias caused by overfitting, semi-naive Bayesian techniques seek to mine the implicit dependency relationships in unlabeled testing instances. By redefining some criteria from information theory, Target Learning (TL) proposes to build for each unlabeled testing instance P the Bayesian Network Classifier BNC P , which is independent and complementary to BNC T learned from training data T . In this paper, we extend TL to Universal Target Learning (UTL) to identify redundant correlations between attribute values and maximize the bits encoded in the Bayesian network in terms of log likelihood. We take the k-dependence Bayesian classifier as an example to investigate the effect of UTL on BNC P and BNC T . Our extensive experimental results on 40 UCI datasets show that UTL can help BNC improve the generalization performance.

Machine learning techniques have shown superior predictive power, among which Bayesian network classifiers (BNCs) have remained of great interest due to its capacity to demonstrate complex dependence relationships. Most traditional BNCs tend to build only one model to fit training instances by analyzing independence between attributes using conditional mutual information. However, for different class labels, the conditional dependence relationships may be different rather than invariant when attributes take different values, which may result in classification bias. To address this issue, we propose a novel framework, called discriminatory target learning, which can be regarded as a tradeoff between probabilistic model learned from unlabeled instance at the uncertain end and that learned from labeled training data at the certain end. The final model can discriminately represent the dependence relationships hidden in unlabeled instance with respect to different possible class labels. Taking k-dependence Bayesian classifier as an example, experimental comparison on 42 publicly available datasets indicated that the final model achieved competitive classification performance compared to state-of-the-art learners such as Random forest and averaged one-dependence estimators.