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The enactment of China's bankruptcy laws in 2006 was a necessary step in the development of its economy. This law represented a significant modernisation of the insolvency framework, supporting the transforming economy, but it was also a law of political expediency, for the enhancement of external relations. One aspect of the enhancement of external relations was the provision of cross-border insolvency rules. However this complex area of law was addressed in only one article, which was only a starting point, leaving many details unaddressed, and further reforms are required. In particular, it is desirable that the law provides a greater level of predictability as to the likely outcomes of cross-border insolvencies, to encourage inward trade and investment, as well as encourage external trade. Both inbound and outbound business dealings are important to China's continued economic development. \ud \ud It is clear also, however, that insolvency law and practice is still a developing area for China. The establishment of a modern and unified system of insolvency laws was a big step for China, representing a sacrifice of tight controls on insolvencies, but the impact of this law in practice is only recently developing, with a loosening of state controls, after a very slow start. The establishment of a cross-border insolvency framework represents a further challenge; one that is likely to beset with considerable difficulties, as any further development of this law would potentially entail some further loss of control over proceedings, not least in outbound cases, and resistance may be anticipated. In keeping with China’s historical approach to law-making in the area of bankruptcy law, it is likely that the cross-border insolvency framework will develop gradually and with caution. This article assesses the way forward in respect of cross-border insolvency laws, contending that an incremental approach over a period of years, in three broad stages, is required, with more developed and country specific approaches providing a link, or interim stage, between the clarification of the Article 5 and the formal adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law in China.

Objective: We undertook the present study to attempt to apply clinical indicators predictive of cervical infection in nongravid populations with either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis to our pregnant population and to determine the significance of the clinical diagnosis of “cervicitis.”Methods: A retrospective chart review of all pregnant women with a final diagnosis of cervicitis who were seen in the Medical College of Virginia obstetrical emergency room was performed during the period of September 1991 to December 1992.Results: Given the diagnosis of cervicitis in our emergency department, we found that the clinical examination predicted cervical infection with N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis in only 20% of the pregnant women. Gravidas with chlamydial infections were younger (20.1 ± 3.7 years) compared with gravidas not infected (23.2 ± 5.4 years) (P < 0.0001). They were also more likely to have a diagnosis of lower urinary-tract infection [relative risk (RR) 2.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42–5.85].Conclusions: The clinical indicators of cervical infection with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were unreliable.

We are continually conducting clinical experiments at the UConn Health Center and Hartford Hospital. The statistical analysis of the first 65 cases (including 8 cases of cancers and 57 cases of benign lesions) shows strong correlation between the total hemoglobin concentration and malignance. There is about two-fold increase in the total hemoglobin concentration for cancers compared with the typical values for benign lesions. This agrees with our hypothesis that optically available parameters can significantly improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection. To further improve the performance of optical imaging system, we are pursuing the time-resolved method. We have developed a time-resolved diffusive optical tomography system via a novel spread spectrum approach. A low power (%5 mW) laser diode modulated with pseudo-random bit sequences replaces the short pulse laser used in conventional time-resolved optical systems, while the time-resolved transmittance is retrieved by correlating the detected signal with the stimulation sequence. Temporal point spread functions of diffusive light propagating through a turbid medium have been measured with remarkably low noise levels. 2-dimensional scanning imaging experiments were performed to demonstrate the great potential of this new imaging technique. Sub-nanosecond temporal resolution (approx. 0.9 ns) has been achieved.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily and play a critical role in skeletal development, bone formation and stem cell differentiation. Disruptions in BMP signaling result in a variety of skeletal and extraskeletal anomalies. BMP9 is a poorly characterized member of the BMP family and is among the most osteogenic BMPs, promoting osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Recent findings from various in vivo and molecular studies strongly suggest that the mechanisms governing BMP9-mediated osteoinduction differ from other osteogenic BMPs. Many signaling pathways with diverse functions have been found to play a role in BMP9-mediated osteogenesis. Several of these pathways are also critical in the differentiation of other cell lineages, including adipocytes and chondrocytes. While BMP9 is known to be a potent osteogenic factor, it also influences several other pathways including cancer development, angiogenesis and myogenesis. Although BMP9 has been demonstrated as one of the most osteogenic BMPs, relatively little is known about the specific mechanisms responsible for these effects. BMP9 has demonstrated efficacy in promoting spinal fusion and bony non-union repair in animal models, demonstrating great translational promise. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge of BMP9-mediated osteogenesis by presenting recently completed work which may help us to further elucidate these pathways.