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Risk-taking is a key factor in corporate competitive advantage, and economic development. The type of strategic configuration that can drive high-level risk-taking is a problem worthy of attention. This study takes 2,219 listed firms in China as samples and performs a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the linkage effect and path choice of strategic change, corporate social responsibility, innovation, diversification, and financialization with corporate risk-taking (CRT). It finds that: (a) a single strategy does not constitute a necessary condition for high-level CRT; (b) three types of adaptive schemes exist for high-level CRT, among which the risk-taking level is the highest under the path of “Innovation, diversification, and financialization”; and (c) the driving paths of CRT in different regions, industries, and ownership show obvious differences.

Obesity impacts multiple sites of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-ovary axis (HPO axis) and has become a leading cause of female infertility. However, the critical hypothalamic neurons that participate in the development of obesity-induced infertility have not been well defined yet. Previous studies suggested that metabolic-sensing agouti-related peptide-expressing (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are hyperactive in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. We hypothesize that these neurons may convey metabolic dysfunction onto the HPO axis and contribute to obesity-induced infertility's pathophysiological process. To determine if AgRP neurons in obesity play a necessary role in the development of reproductive impairment in obesity, we used the chemogenetic method to normalize the neuronal activity of AgRP neurons in DIO female mice and test if their fertility can be restored. Our results indicated that chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons could fully rescue the reproductive performance of DIO female mice, as manifested by recovered sex hormonal levels, ovulation, and fecundity. Moreover, we assayed serum AgRP levels in normal-weight and obese women and found elevated AgRP levels in obese subjects, suggesting the correlation between obesity and AgRP neuronal hyperactivity. Our results indicated that AgRP neurons constitute a central node connecting metabolism and reproduction, and dysfunctions of these neurons play a crucial role in reproductive impairment induced by metabolic abnormalities.

Supplementary Data from COOH-Terminal Truncated HBV X Protein Plays Key Role in Hepatocarcinogenesis

Purpose: X protein (HBx), a product of hepatitis B virus, has been closely associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on observations that the COOH-terminal truncated HBx was frequently detected in HCC, the aim of this study is to evaluate the function of COOH-terminal truncated HBx in hepatocarcinogenesis.Experimental Design: Expression pattern of HBx was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray containing 194 pairs of HCCs and their matched nontumor liver tissues. MIHA and HepG2 cells transfected with full-length (X2) and COOH-terminal truncated HBx (X1) were tested for their ability to grow in soft agar and form tumors in vivo. Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using 2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays, respectively. To gain additional insight, the expression profile of HepG2-X2 and HepG2-X1 were compared using cDNA microarray.Results: COOH-terminal truncated HBx was frequently detected in HCCs (79.3%, n = 111), and our in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the truncated rather than the full-length HBx could effectively transform immortalized liver cell line MIHA. Interestingly, expression profiling revealed differential expression of key genes implicated in the control of cell cycle and apoptosis.Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that the COOH-terminal truncated HBx plays a critical role in the HCC carcinogenesis via the activation of cell proliferation.

Chiral metal–organic frameworks (cMOFs) are emerging chiral stationary phases for enantioseparation owing to their porosity and designability. However, a great number of cMOF materials show poor separation performance for chiral drugs in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The possible reasons might be the irregular shapes of MOFs and the low grafting degree of chiral ligands. Herein, MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 was synthesized by a simple coordination post-synthetic modification method using (S)-(+)-2-Phenylpropionic acid and applied as the chiral stationary phase to separate chiral compounds by HPLC. NH2−MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 prepared via covalent post-synthetic modification was used for comparison. The results showed that the chiral ligand density of MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 was higher than that of NH2−MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2, and the MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 column exhibited better chiral separation performance and structural stability. The binding affinities between MIL−101−Ppa@SiO2 and chiral compounds were simulated to prove the mechanism of the molecular interactions during HPLC. These results revealed that cMOFs prepared by coordination post-synthetic modification could increase the grafting degree and enhance the separation performance. This method can provide ideas for the synthesis of cMOFs.

This paper investigates possibilities of deriving new digital-to-analog converter (DAC) architectures based on polygonal and prime number theories. As the result, configurations of polygonal number DACs and prime number DACs are obtained; each consists of a few current sources, a resistor network, switch arrays and a decoder circuit. Whole circuits are designed and their operations are confirmed with simulation; they work as DAC in principle. In many cases, analog/mixed-signal circuit architecture design relies on intuitions and experiences of the designer, but here we demonstrate that it is feasible to derive different DAC architectures from conventional ones based on mathematical theory.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains a disease with poor outcome and high recurrence rate. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 243 immunocompetent patients with PCNSL in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The median age of PCNSL patients was 57 years (range 10-95 years). For induction therapy, 94.7% of patients received high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) containing regimens, and 59.3% received rituximab, which increased over time. The overall response rate was 72.8%, with 58.8% achieving complete response. With a median follow-up of 27.0 months (95% confidence interval 23.6-30.4), the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 14.0 months (95% CI 9.45-18.55), and the 2-year PFS rate was 33.2%. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached (NR), with an estimated overall survival rate at 4 years of 61.6%. Among 95 patients who completed sequential consolidation chemotherapy with either pemetrexed or etoposide plus cytarabine, the median PFS was 28 months (95% CI 17.11-38.89), and the estimated overall survival at 4 years was 78.7%. In conclusion, HD-MTX based induction chemotherapy with non-myeloablative sequential consolidation chemotherapy is an alternative feasible treatment option.

Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a specific subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is highly invasive and confined to the central nervous system (CNS). The vast majority of PCNSLs are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). PCNSL is a highly heterogeneous disease, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Further studies are needed to guide individualized therapy and improve the prognosis. Methods In this study, we detected 1) the expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-S6 and p-4E-BP1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting, 2) the mRNA expression by real-time qPCR and 3) the deletion of PTEN gene by immunofluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in order to investigate the activation status of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in PCNSL. Samples of reactive hyperplasia lymphnods were used as the control group. The correlations between the clinical characteristics and prognosis of PCNSL patients and the expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-S6 and p-4E-BP1 and the deletion of PTEN were assessed. Results The IHC results showed that the positive expression rates of p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-S6 and p-4E-BP1 in PCNSL were significantly higher in the PCNSL group than in the control group (P MTOR in PCNSL samples was significantly increased (P = 0.013). Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of p-mTOR was correlated with that of p-AKT, p-S6, p-4E-BP1. PTEN deletion was found in 18.9% of PCNSL samples and was correlated with the expression of p-AKT (P = 0.031). Correlation analysis revealed that the PCNSL relapse rate in the p-mTOR-positive group was 64.5%, significantly higher than that in the negative group (P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed inferior progression-free survival (PFS) in the p-mTOR- and p-S6-positive groups (P = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively), and PTEN deletion tended to be related to shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.072). Cox regression analysis revealed p-mTOR expression as an independent prognostic factor for a shorter PFS (hazard ratio (HR) =7.849, P = 0.046). Conclusions Our results suggest that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in PCNSL and associated with a poor prognosis, which might indicate new therapeutic targets and prognostic factors.

As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a new age, thought-politics education has also entered a new phase of development. Facing new opportunities and challenges, attaching importance to quality, pursuing quality, and improving quality have become the key directions for the development of thought-politics education. In the paper, a CNN-BiLSTM-based recommendation algorithm is proposed and combined with AI-related algorithms to be used in the task of improving thought-politics education. First, deep feature extraction in temporal and spatial dimensions by using LSTM and convolutional networks, respectively; then, by using multiscale attention fusion mechanisms to enhance the expressiveness of the features and make recommendations with the help of multilayer perceptron. Through extensive experiments, it is verified that the model has higher recommendation performance in this paper while maintaining higher real-time performance. It is tested on real data sets to verify that the model in the paper has better robustness.

BackgroundThe mechanisms of age-dependent reproductive decline in men are largely overlooked. Age-dependent reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels has been reported in multiple somatic and female reproductive tissues, including oocytes and ovarian tissue. However, the relationship between NAD+ levels and male zygote has not been studied yet. In the current study, the association between semen NAD+ levels and paternal age will be investigated. Besides, we will also answer if semen NAD+ levels are related to semen quality.MethodsIn this pilot observatory cohort study, semen samples of a total of 51 male subjects who visited a university-affiliated reproductive medical center for preconception consultation (40 years: n=19) were recruited. Anthropometric characteristics were recorded, and semen analysis was performed. Sperm NAD+ levels were evaluated spectrophotometrically.ResultsBetween the three age groups, there was on significant difference in major parameters of semen quality. Semen NAD+ level was also similar between the three groups (6 sperm, 30-40 years: 125.60±16.28 nmol/106 sperm, >40 years:115.59±16.55 nmol/106 sperm). Additionally, linear aggression also revealed no correlation between semen NAD+ concentration and the age of the participants (r2=0.018, p=0.35). Noticeably, negative correlation was found between semen NAD+ concentrations and sperm quality parameters, including sperm concentration (r2=0.78 p2=0.47. p2=33. P2=0.35 pConclusionsUnlike decreased NAD+ levels in aged oocytes and ovarian tissue, semen NAD+ concentration is not age-dependent. Semen NAD+ level negatively correlates with sperm quality, suggesting the unique role of NAD+ in spermatogenesis, which warrants further study and opens opportunities for pharmaceutical interventions of oligospermia.

Background The mechanisms of age-dependent reproductive decline in men are largely overlooked. An age-dependent reduction in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels has been reported in multiple somatic and female reproductive tissues, including oocytes and ovarian tissue. However, the relationship between NAD + levels and male reproduction has not yet been studied. In the current study, the association between sperm NAD + level and paternal age was investigated. In addition, we also investigated whether sperm NAD + levels were related to semen quality. Methods In this pilot observational cohort study, semen samples from 51 male subjects who visited a university-affiliated reproductive medical center for preconception consultation ( 40 years: n = 19) were recruited. Their anthropometric characteristics were recorded, and semen analysis was performed. Their sperm NAD + levels were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Results There were significant differences among the three age groups in the major parameters of semen quality. The sperm NAD + level was, however, similar among the three groups (6 sperm, 30–40 years: 125.60 ± 16.28 nmol/106 sperm, > 40 years: 115.59 ± 16.55 nmol/106 sperm). Additionally, linear regression also revealed no correlation between sperm NAD + concentration and the age of the participants (r2 = 0.018, p = 0.35). Noticeably, a negative correlation was found between the sperm NAD + concentrations and the sperm quality parameters, including sperm concentration (r2 = 0.78, p 2 = 0.47, p 2 = 33, p 2 = 0.35, p Conclusion Unlike the age-related decrease of NAD + levels in oocytes and ovarian tissue, the sperm NAD + concentration is not age dependent. Sperm NAD + levels are negatively correlated with sperm quality, suggesting a unique role of NAD + in spermatogenesis, which warrants further study and opens opportunities for pharmaceutical interventions for oligozoospermia.

The role of the CEO in an enterprise's management decisions renders their individual characteristics influential in decisions about mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Personal characteristics are based on many aspects, therefore, we provide a multi-angle insight into the personal characteristics of managers. Drawing on the upper echelons theory, we examine whether CEOs' proactive personality affects merger and acquisition decisions. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is performed using a sample of 64 listed firms in China for the period 2010–2019. There are three solutions for cross-industry mergers, and five for intra-industry mergers. The results suggest that: (a) proactive and overconfident CEOs are inclined toward cross-industry mergers; (b) non-proactive and low-educated CEOs are inclined toward intra-industry mergers; (c) emerging industry enterprises tend to choose intra-industry mergers; (d) overconfident CEOs are more likely to undertake cross-industry mergers in traditional industries.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we investigated the relationship between ovarian stimulation and endometrial transcriptome profiles during the window of implantation (WOI) to identify candidate predictive factors for the WOI and to optimize timing for embryo transfer. METHODS: Twelve women with normal basal hormone levels and regular ovulation were randomly assigned into three groups based on sampling time: late-proliferate phase (P group), and receptive phase in natural cycles (LH+7, N group) and stimulated cycles (hCG+7, S group). Transcriptome profiles of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were then compared among the three groups. Validation was performed using real-time qPCR. RESULTS: Comparison of transcriptome profiles between the natural and stimulated endometrium revealed 173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with a > 2-fold change (FC) and p

Background Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined as lymphoma involvement within the central nervous system (CNS) that originated elsewhere, or a CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma. Prognosis of SCNSL is poor and the most appropriate treatment is still undetermined. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to assess the feasibility of an R-MIADD (rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, ifosfamide, cytarabine, liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) regimen for SCNSL patients. Results Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed CNS lesions were selected, with a median age of 58 (range 20 to 72) years. Out of 19 patients, 11 (57.9%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 2 (10.5%) achieved partial remission (PR); the overall response rate was 68.4%. The median progression-free survival after CNS involvement was 28.0 months (95% confidence interval 11.0–44.9), and the median overall survival after CNS involvement was 34.5 months. Treatment-related death occurred in one patient (5.3%). Conclusions These single-centered data underscore the feasibility of an R-MIADD regimen as the induction therapy of SCNSL, further investigation is warranted.

This paper analyzes the overall change trend of the research on the education of socialist core values of college students by sorting out the literature data of CNKI on the education of socialist core values of college students. It is found that the number of research results showed an upward trend before 2015, peaked in 2015, and then began to show a downward trend. By sorting out the frequency of key words, analyzing the distribution of the research content and the source journals of the research results, it is found that the main source of the research results is journals, and the proportion of core journals is low. On this basis, this paper summarizes the deficiencies and possible theoretical growth points of the socialist core values education research of Chinese college students.

This paper describes new configurations of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) based on number theory: (i) DACs consisting of N current sources, N-angle number weighted resistor networks, switch arrays and decoders (N= 3, 4, 5,…). (ii) A DAC composed of two current sources, a prime number weighted resistor network, switch array, a decoder; this is based on Goldbach's conjecture in the number theory. Their principles, configurations and operations are presented.

Background It has been indicated that abnormal glucose metabolism mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) played an essential role in the development of solid tumor. However, there were rare studies about the role of them in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Objective To investigate the protein levels of HIF‐1α, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in PCNSL and whether their levels are associated with prognostic factors. Methods Expression of HIF‐1α, GLUT1, and HK2 in 39 tumor tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical stainning. The correlation of the expression of HIF‐1α with the protein level of GLUT1 and HK2 was investigated. In addition, the association between these protein expression levels and clinical parameters and prognosis was analyzed. Results In the tumor specimens of PCNSL, positive stainings of HIF‐1α, GLUT1, and HK2 were in 23 patients (58.97%), 25 patients (64.1%), and 26 patients (66.67%), respectively, which were associated with the expression level of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), but not with age, gender, number of lesion, ECOG score, or deep structure. The expression of HIF‐1α was positively correlated with the expression of GLUT1 (p, There was a hypoxic microenvironment, and HIF‐1α was involved in the regulation of glycolysis pathway in PCNSL. GLUT1 might be a potential marker for shorter PFS in PCNSL.

Introduction Secondary central nervous lymphoma(SCNSL) was defined as lymphoma involvement of both within and outside CNS at initially diagnosis or CNS relapse of a systemic disease. The prognosis of SCNSL was poor and the most appropriate treatment remained unestablished. Methods We conducted a retrospective study addressing the feasibility of R-MIADD regimen which comprised rituximab, high dose methotrexate, ifosfamide, cytarabine, liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, dexamethasone in 19 consecutive SCNSL patients. Results Nineteen SCNSL patients with newly diagnosed CNS lesions were included with median age of 58 years (range 20 to 72 years). Eleven out of 19(57.9%) patients achieved complete remission(CR) and 2(10.5%) patients achieved partial remission by the end of induction treatment, the overall response rate (ORR) was 68.4%. The median follow-up time after the onset of CNS was 11.1 (3.2-35.5) months, the median progression-free survival after CNS was 28.0 months (95% CI: 11.0-44.9), and the median overall survival after CNS were 34.5months, by the time of this report, 8 patients remained CR. Treatment-related deaths was found in only one patient. Conclusions This is the largest series of SCNSL patients in China, and these date underscore the feasibility and efficacy of R-MIADD as induction treatment of SCNSL, further investigation is warranted.

// Xuefei Sun 1, * , Jing Liu 1, * , Yaming Wang 2 , Xueyan Bai 1 , Yuedan Chen 1 , Jun Qian 1 , Hong Zhu 1 , Fusheng Liu 3 , Xiaoguang Qiu 4 , Shengjun Sun 5 , Nan Ji 6 and Yuanbo Liu 1 1 Department of Hematology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 2 Department of Neurosurgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, China 3 Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 4 Department of Radiation Therapy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 5 Neuroimaging Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 6 Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Yuanbo Liu, email: yuanbol@ccmu.edu.cn Keywords: primary central nervous system lymphoma, rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, cytarabine, survival Received: December 21, 2016 Accepted: April 02, 2017 Published: April 13, 2017 ABSTRACT Purpose: High-dose methotrexate based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The role of rituximab is controversial because of its large size, which limits its penetration of the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of adding rituximab to methotrexate-cytarabine-dexamethasone combination therapy (RMAD regimen). Results: The patients treated with RMAD had a complete remission rate of 66.7% after induction chemotherapy; this rate was only 33.3% in patients treated with MAD alone ( p = .011). The most common grade 1–3 adverse events were similar and included hematologic toxicity, increased aminotransferase levels, and gastrointestinal reactions. Multivariate analysis revealed that rituximab treatment was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS, p = .005) but not overall survival (OS). Additionally, we observed that elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase was associated with shorter OS and PFS. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 60 immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2010 to June 2016. Twenty-four patients received 3–6 courses of 3.5 g/m 2 methotrexate on day 1; 0.5–1 g/m 2 cytarabine on day 2; and 5–10 mg dexamethasone on days 1, 2 and 3. Thirty-six patients received the same combination plus rituximab 375 mg/m 2 on day 0. All patients repeated the treatment every 3 weeks. Conclusions: High-dose methotrexate based chemotherapy with rituximab yields a higher complete remission rate and does not increase serious toxicities. PFS benefits from the addition of rituximab. OS has an increasing trend in patients treated with rituximab without statistical significance.

To investigate the predictive value of the decline in serum estradiol on the second day after oocyte retrieval on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) among high ovarian responders.Retrospective single-center cohort study.Tertiary-care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients Women aged 20-45 years undergoing assisted reproduction treatment from June 2014 to December 2015.A total of 980 cycles were included; 395 high responders (Group 1) and 256 normal responders (Group 3) underwent embryo transfer (ET) in fresh ET cycles. A total of 329 high ovarian responders who underwent cryopreservation of all embryos (Group 2) were recruited as controls. The cases were divided into the following five subgroups according to the rate of serum estradiol decline on the second day after oocyte retrieval: 50.00-59.99% (Subgroup A), 60.00-69.99% (Subgroup B), 70.00-79.99% (Subgroup C), 80.00-89.99% (Subgroup D) and ≥ 90.00% (Subgroup E). The clinical outcomes were analyzed.Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate.In Group 1, the pregnancy rate decreased from 51.33 to 36.72% and the implantation rate decreased from 30.93 to 21.70% when the level of serum estradiol on the second day after oocyte retrieval decreased by more than 80%, which was a statistically significant decline (p 0.05). The peak estradiol (EA decline in the E

Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare variant of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an aggressive clinical course and poor outcomes. Although high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based regimen significantly improves the outcome of the patients, approximately 10-35% of PCNSL patients are treatment refractory and 35-60% of patients eventually relapse. There is great unmet need in improving the prognosis of patients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL. In this study, we describe our institutional experience with I-MIDD regimen(ibrutinib combined with methotrexate, ifosfamide, liposomal doxorubicin and methylprednisolone) for patients with relapse/refractory PCNSL. Methods The clinical data of 18 relapse/refractory PCNSL patients treated from September 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The doses and administration schedule were as follows: ibrutinib 560 mg/d for 21 consecutive days, methotrexate 3.5 g/m2 on day 1, ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 on day 2, liposomal doxorubicin 25 mg/m2 on day 3 and methylprednisolone 80 mg/d from day 1 to day 3. Every 21 days were as a course of treatment, and they were treated for 1-6 courses. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate, and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and main adverse events (AEs). Results The median follow-up time of 18 patients was 13 (3-27) months, 10 patients achieved complete remission, 5 achieved partial remission, 1 had stable disease and 2 had progression of disease. The ORR was 83.3%(5/18). The median PFS was 6 (1-27) months, the OS ranged from 3 to 27 months and the median OS was not achieved. The 1-year PFS and OS were 42.8% and 87.4% respectively. The AEs of chemotherapy were mainly bone marrow suppression. 17/69(24.6%) events was grade 3 to 4 leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in the course of the disease and was all manageable. No grade 4 non-hematologic AEs were observed. The only grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity was infectious disease which occurred in 2 cases, and one patient experienced fungal pneumonia with a favorable outcome. Conclusion I-MIDD regimen is a feasible and active combination for patients with relapse/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined as secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with systemic lymphoma. It is considered a profoundly adverse complication with inferior clinical outcome. Parenchymal involvement in the CNS in aggressive B-cell lymphoma is not frequently seen and remains a diagnostic dilemma. Methods In our study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 26 parenchymal SCNSL patients. In addition, we compared MRI features of SCNSL and primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) patients after 1:1 propensity score matching. Also we presented two SCNSL cases with atypical MRI appearance. Results Among SCNSL patients, the median CNS relapse time was 3 months, and multiple lesions were found in 76.9% of the cases. In PCNSL, this percentage was 42.3% (p = 0.011). None of the SCNSL patients and 23.1% of the PCNSL patients had solitary infratentorial lesions (p = 0.003). Conclusions The majority of parenchymal involvement occurred within the first year of systemic lymphoma, in which mostly cases presenting with multiple and supratentorial locations, unlike what was found in PCNSL.

Background The findings from several studies have confirmed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively phosphorylated in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). However, the underlying mechanism and prognostic significance of STAT3 activation have not yet been clarified. Methods The expression of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), and interleukin (IL)-10 was examined in 32 PCNSL samples using immunohistochemistry. The relationship between IL-10 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation was determined. In addition, the associations of the expression of these proteins with the clinical factors and survival were analyzed. Results Expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and IL-10 was detected in 28 (87.5%), 17 (53.1%), and 25 (78.1%) samples, respectively. IL-10 expression was significantly associated with STAT3 phosphorylation in PCNSL (P = 0.033). STAT3 phosphorylation and IL-10 expression were associated with the presence of multiple brain lesions (P = 0.004 and P = 0.027, respectively), suggesting that STAT3 activation might enhance the intracranial spread of tumors in PCNSL. The 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 67.8% and 35.5%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that STAT3 phosphorylation, IL-10 expression, and multiple brain lesions were significantly associated with PFS in those with PCNSL (P = 0.009, P = 0.030, and P = 0.040, respectively). However, Cox regression analysis indicated that only STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly associated with shorter PFS (hazard ratio, 3.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–8.37; P = 0.016). Conclusion Our results have indicated that STAT3 activation is closely related to IL-10 expression and that p-STAT3 might be a novel biomarker predictive of poor survival in those with PCNSL.

In a switchgear, an external transverse magnetic field (ETMF) is generated by the U type loop consisting of the vacuum interrupter, external busbar and conductive rod connected to the vacuum interrupter. The ETMF will make the vacuum arc deflected and strengthen the contraction of the arc. This can increase the probability of breaking failure. To weaken the adverse effect of the ETMF, the real magnetic field data of the arc area with different structure parameters when the length of conductive rod, external busbar and phase distance is changed are obtained by establishing simulation model in this paper. Taking the real magnetic field data as the boundary condition, this paper obtains the typical parameters of the vacuum arc plasma with different structure parameters by using the established three-dimensional high-current vacuum arc magnetohydrodynamics model. The simulation results show that the ETMF makes the transverse magnetic field (TMF) of the arc area asymmetric, which leads to an arc deflection. Reducing the length of the conductive rod connected to the vacuum interrupter to 50 mm can effectively improve the asymmetry of the TMF caused by the EMTF, weaken the arc deflection phenomenon, make the distribution of the plasma parameters more uniform, and increases the utilization of the anode contact surface. Moreover, it can not only reduce the heat flux density into the anode as a whole, but also reduce the heat flux density in the high heat flux density area, so as to effectively reduce the degree of anode activity and improve the negative effects caused by the anode activity. The changes of other external structural parameters have less influence on the improvement of the vacuum arc deflection phenomenon. Increasing the phase spacing to 275 mm or reducing the length of the external bus bar to 100 mm can only slightly weaken the arc deflection.

Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) are widely used in power distribution systems. When the VCB in a switchgear interrupts the short circuit current, the U type loop, which consists of a vacuum interrupter, an external busbar and a conductive rod, generates an external transverse magnetic field (ETMF). This field deflects the vacuum arc and affects the interruption performance of the VCB. In this paper, the real magnetic field data of the arc region are obtained by establishing a simulation model of an electrode system, taking into account the real ETMF and real axial magnetic field (AMF). Furthermore, the three dimensional steady magnetohydrodynamic model of the vacuum arc is established by using real magnetic field data as the boundary condition. The vacuum arc characteristics under the combined effect of AMF and the asymmetric transverse magnetic field (TMF) are studied. The simulation results show that the ETMF considerably changes the Bx of the arc column, which demonstrates asymmetry in the positive and negative directions, whereas By demonstrates a weaker asymmetry. Moreover, the asymmetric TMF deflects the distributions of the vacuum arc plasma and increases the partial heat flux density and axial current density. With the increase in the severity of the short circuit, the TMF asymmetry of the arc region is enhanced and the deflection of the vacuum arc plasma is also enhanced.

This paper describes number theory and analog/mixed-signal IC design, to make an attempt to establish the unified methodology of analog /mixed-signal IC design. First our five research results of ADC, DAC and sampling system design based on Fibonacci sequence theory as well as DAC, TDC design based on number theory are reviewed. Then we examine the statement that Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio lead to well-balanced redundancy of analog/mixed-signal IC design.

Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rituximab combined with high-dose methotrexate, cytarabine and dexamethasone (R-MAD regimen) were reported effective for PCNSL patients. Rituximab can cause several side effects, including fever, chills and rigors. Case presentation In this case report, we demonstrate rituximab-induced interstitial pneumonitis in a PCNSL patient who has been treated with R-MAD regimen. The patient recovered after treatment and she remains complete remission after following consolidation chemotherapy. Conclusions Here is no report of potential fatal complications of Rituximab like interstitial pneumonitis nowadays in PCNSL patients. As Rituximab is widely used, physicians should raise their awareness of this rare complication and detect RTX-ILD in early stage.

Sigma-1 receptor (sigma-1R), a 25-kDa integral membrane protein, is expressed at a high density in various tumor cell lines and its ligands mediate tumor cell proliferation. However, the effect of this receptor on proliferation and the associated intracellular molecules in tumors remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sigma-1R overexpression on MCF-7 cell proliferation and the associated intracellular molecules that serve a key role in this process. The sigma-1R proliferative function was examined by comparing the proliferation rates of a sigma-1R-overexpressing line, MCF-41 with a sigma-1R-defective line, MCF-7, in culture media with various serum concentrations. The results demonstrated that MCF-41 cells grew significantly faster compared with MCF-7 cells, indicating a proliferation-enhancing receptor function. This proliferation-enhancing effect was completely eliminated by adding a PKC inhibitor to the culture media for MCF-41 cells. To identify which PKC subtype affects the proliferative function of sigma-1R, five inhibitors of PKC subtypes or enzymes involved in the PKC signaling cascade were introduced to MCF-7 and MCF-41 cell culture media and their effects on cell proliferation were compared. It was revealed that only the classic PKC subtype inhibitor, GF109203×, significantly inhibited MCF-41 cell proliferation compared with the MCF-7 line. In conclusion, among PKC iso-enzymes only classic PKC subtype enzymes serve an important role in sigma-1R overexpression enhancing MCF-7 cell proliferation.

To facilitate profiling mitochondrial transcriptomes, we developed a third-generation human mitochondria-focused cDNA microarray (hMitChip3) and its bioinformatic tools. hMitChip3 consists of the 37 mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes, 1098 nuclear DNA-encoded and mitochondria-related genes, and 225 controls, each in triplicate. The bioinformatic tools included data analysis procedures and customized database for interpretation of results. The database associated 645 molecular functions with 946 hMitChip3 genes, 612 biological processes with 930 genes, 172 cellular components with 869 genes, 107 biological chemistry pathways with 476 genes, 23 reactome events with 227 genes, 320 genetic disorders with 237 genes, and 87 drugs targets with 55 genes. To test these tools, hMitChip3 was used to compare expression profiles between human melanoma cell lines UACC903 (rapidly dividing) and UACC903(+6) (slowly dividing). Our results demonstrated internal geneset consistency (correlation R ≥ 0.980 ± 0.005) and interexperimental reproducibility (R ≥ 0.931 ± 0.013). Expression patterns of 16 genes, involved in DNA, RNA, or protein biosyntheses in mitochondrial and other organelles, were consistent with the proliferation rates of both cell lines, and the patterns of 6 tested genes were verified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Thus, hMitChip3 and its bioinformatics software provide an integrated tool for profiling mitochondria-focused gene expression.

This paper aims to explore the antibacterial property of nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket for the common bacteria in oral cavity, and discuss its biocompatibility. Micro morphology in the surface of nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket was detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and surface roughness of ordinary mental bracket, nano TiO2 coating bracket and nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket were measured. First, antibacterial property of nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket on the common bacteria in oral cavity was studied by sticking membrane method. Secondly, bonding strength of nano TiO2 coating and nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket in groups were detected by scratching test. The result showed that, the synthetic nano Ag/TiO2 coating was nanogranular films with rigorous organizational structure, presenting as smooth and clean surface, and antibacterial rate of nano Ag/TiO2 coating for the common bacteria in oral cavity for 20 min was more than 79% in the dark. All the findings suggested that, nano Ag/TiO2 coating bracket not only has antibacterial effect but also has good biocompatibility, therefore, it can satisfy the clinical request of orthodontic treatment.

In order to reduce the loss of power transmission and distribution and save electricity, this paper discusses the mechanism of solar photovoltaic power generation and photovoltaic system maximum power tracking point Principle in depth and adopt disturbance observation method to realize the most power tracing and design an intelligent power supply system, whose main power is solar panels and batteries, and the backup power is city power. These power supplies are switched on different conditions. Practical application shows that: the voltage and current outputted by this intelligent power supply system are pretty good. In a word, this design realize the concept of low carbon green.

High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The role of rituximab is controversial because as a large protein limits its penetration to blood brain barrier (BBB). We aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of adding rituximab to methotrexate-cytarabine-dexamethasone combination therapy (RMAD regimen). We retrospectively analyzed 60 immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Twenty-four patients received 3-6 courses of methotrexate 3.5 g/m2 on day 1, cytarabine 0.5-1 g/m2 on day 2 and dexamethasone 5-10 mg on days 1, 2 and 3. Thirty-six patients received the same combination plus rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 0. All patients repeated the treatment every 3 weeks. Patients who obtained a complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy received consolidation chemotherapy, and those with partial remission (PR), stable disease (SD) or progression disease (PD) received rescue whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). After induction chemotherapy, patients treated with rituximab plus methotrexate-cytarabine-dexamethasone had a CR rate of 66.7%, compared with 33.3% of those treated with methotrexate-cytarabine-dexamethasone alone (p=.011). Seven anaphylaxis and 1 interstitial pneumonitis occured in patients with rituximab. The most common grade 1-3 adverse events were similar in the two groups including neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, aminotransferases elevated and gastrointestinal reaction. None of the patients in the two groups experienced any grade 4 toxicity. On multivariate analysis, rituximab was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS, hazard ratio: 5.23, 95% CI: 1.64-16.70, p=.005). Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was associated with shorter OS (hazard ratio: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.00-0.97, p=.048) and PFS (hazard ratio: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.37, p=.001). HD-MTX based chemotherapy with rituximab had a higher rate of CR, and without serious toxicity. PFS but not OS benefited from addition of rituximab. LDH as an independent prognostic factor which predicted poor outcome. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose: To explore and analyze the curative effects of micro - implant anchorages in orthodontics. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 65 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Department of Stomatology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China was carried out. Thirty four cases in the treatment group were treated with a micro-implant as the anchorage, while 31 cases of the control group were treated with a palatal bar and facebow as the anchorage, and the curative results of the two groups were then compared. Results: After a 13-month treatment, both anchorages were clinically effective, but the micro-implant anchorage showed higher efficacy. Measurement indices for the test group, including sella-nasion - A point (SNA) angle (- 1.88 ± 0.71), sella-nasion-B point (SNB) angle (1.39 ± 0.42), A point - nasion - B point (ANB) angle (- 2.40 ± 0.83), upper central incisor - lower central incisor (U1 - L1) angle (25.79 ± 5.90), upper central incisor - sella - nasion (U1 - SN) angle (- 10.13 ± 3.68), lower central incisor – mandibular plane (L1 - MP) angle (- 4.22 ± 0.45), upper central incisor - nasion - A point (U1 - NA) angle (- 1.32 ± 1.35) and lower central incisor - nasion - B point (L1 - NB) angle (- 1.32 ± 1.35) of the test group were significantly different those of the control group Overbite (OB), overjet (OJ), intercanine width and the width of the first molars of treatment and control groups were also remarkably). Moreover, micro-implant was observed to be more stable during treatment. Conclusion: Compared with traditional anchorages, micro-implants possess the advantages of slighter trauma, simpler operation, more reliable curative effect and high stability. Keywords: Micro-implant anchorage, Orthodontics, Facebow anchorage, Oral medicine, Clinical efficacy

Key Clinical Message Rituximab-combined therapeutic regimens have been recommended for treatment of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM). We report one WM patient who developed interstitial pneumonitis after rituximab therapy.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is aggressive and confined to the central nervous system, including the brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, spinal cord, eyes or cranial nervous. Morphologically, approximately 95% of these tumors are DLBCL according to the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification. However, PCNSL has treatment outcome distinct from those of systemic DLBCL, as well as dismal prognosis than systemic DLBCL. Our goal was to determine the immunohistochemical profile and prognostic significance for 132 Chinese PCNSL cases. The expression of CD20, CD10, BCL-6, MUM1, CD138, BCL-2, and Ki67 antigens were observed by immunohistochemical method. All cases expressed CD20. CD10, BCL-6, and MUM1 were positive in 15.2% (20/132), 86.4% (114/132), 90.2% (119/132). CD138 was negative in 100% (39/39). BCL-2 was positive in 89.3% (108/121). The Ki67 antigen, a proliferative index, ranging from 1% to 100% (median 85.3%) and 76.5% (101/132) PCNSLs showed Ki67 ≥ 90%. Among 132 cases, 25 (18.9%) were classified as germinal center B-cell-like (GCB); 107 (81.1%) were classified as activated B-cell-like (ABC). The Ki67 index in 25 GCB was similar to that in 107 ABC (p=0.663>0.05). No significant correlation was found between Ki67 index and BCL-2 (p=0.225>0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between Ki67 index and BCL-6 expression (p=.000 Table 1. Clinical characteristics. Characteristics Patients, n (%) Age (years); n=132 ≥60 y, n=53; 2 84 (63.6) Involvement of deep structures; n=132 Absence 43 (32.6) Presence 89 (67.4) Table 2. Hans classification. CD10 BCL-6 MUM1 Immunoprofile PCNSL, n (%) + + + GCB 16 (12.1) + + - GCB 3 (2.3) + - + GCB 0 (0) + - - GCB 1 (0.7) - + - GCB 5 (3.8) - + + Non-GCB 90 (68.2) - - + Non-GCB 12 (9.1) - - - Non-GCB 5 (3.8) Table 3. Chang classification. CD10 BCL-6 MUM1 Immunoprofile PCNSL, n (%) + + - GCB (Pattern A) 3 (2.4) + - - GCB (Pattern A) 1 (0.8) - + - GCB (Pattern A) 5 (3.9) + + + activated GCB (Pattern B) 16 (12.6) + - + activated GCB (Pattern B) 0 (0) - + + activated GCB (Pattern B) 90 (70.9) - - + activated non-GCB (Pattern C) 12 (9.4) Figure 1. Immunohistochemical labeling. Figure 1. Immunohistochemical labeling. Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier curve shows clinical prognostic variables and their relationship to OS and/or PFS. Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier curve shows clinical prognostic variables and their relationship to OS and/or PFS. Figure 3. T1 axial, post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging of PCNSL. Figure 3. T1 axial, post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging of PCNSL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.