Search

Driven by important megatrends such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, as a device used to store programs and data in computing systems, memory is struggling to catch up with the explosive growth of data and bandwidth requirements in the system. However, the “storage wall” between non-volatile memory and volatile memory retards the further improvement of modern memory computing systems. Herein, a quasi-volatile transistor memory based on organic polymer/perovskite quantum dot blend was fabricated using the vertical transistor configuration. Contributing to vertical structure and appropriate doping ratio of blend film, the quasi-volatile memory device displayed 1,560 times longer data retention time (> 100 s) with respect to the dynamic random access memory and fast data programming speed (20 µs) in which was far more quickly than that of other organic non-volatile memories to fill the gap between volatile and non-volatile memories. Moreover, the device retention characteristics could be further promoted under the photoelectric synergistic stimulation, which also provided the possibility to reduce electric writing condition. Furthermore, the quasi-volatile memory device showed good electrical performance under bending conditions. This work provides a simple solution to fabricate multi-level quasi-volatile memory, which opens up a whole new avenue of “universal memory” and lays a solid foundation for low power and flexible random access memory devices.

Inspired by biological neuromorphic systems, which can simultaneously perceive, remember, and process enormous information through parallel, energy-efficient processes, artificial synaptic transistors have shown great potential in paving a way to overcome the von Neumann bottleneck for neuromorphic computing. Artificial synapses capable of effectively emulating both the excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) responses, and particularly reconfiguration, are crucial for building neuromorphic systems with desirable versatility. However, it is still challenging to realize emblematical neurobehavior in unipolar transistors owing to the unbalanced carrier concentration. Therefore, for the first time, a facile light-adjustable organic photoelectric synaptic transistor based on bulk heterojunction blends is developed. In addition, typical synaptic properties including the excitatory/inhibition postsynaptic current, paired pulse facilitation/inhibition, frequency-dependent characteristics, the transformation from short-term to long-term plasticity are successfully simulated and modulated by light illumination. Moreover, the mechanism of light illumination on the neuroplasticity of our synaptic device is discussed. Notably, the recognition accuracy of our synaptic device can be efficaciously modulated by the light intensity and achieves 86% accuracy with appropriate light exposure conditions. The artificial synaptic devices based on bulk heterojunction open up a whole new path for the urgent need of neuromorphic computation, in which light illumination can be utilized for modifying the circuit learning rate.

High-fidelity and high temporal precision synaptic propagation, which are mainly determined by the decay kinetics of synaptic currents, are crucial for neuromorphic computing that has emerged as a promising avenue towards building the next generation of intelligent computing systems. However, the precise control of the decay kinetics of synaptic currents in the fixed synaptic device has rarely been reported in the synaptic transistors. In this work, a type of synaptic field-effect transistors (SFETs) based on the polymer bulk p–n heterojunction (BHJ) was invented, in which decay constant was able to be well controlled. The essential functionalities of synapses, such as excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic current (EPSC/IPSC) and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), were successfully used in this artificial synaptic device. More importantly, small angle-neutron scattering (SANS) was used to elucidate the current decay mechanism of these devices, which was found to be significantly impacted by the aggregation and connectivity of n-type fullerene. This work provided a universal synaptic transistor device with tunable decay constant, shedding light on the future development of high-fidelity and high temporal precision synaptic propagation neuromorphic computing systems.

Organic phototransistors with high sensitivity and responsivity to light irradiance have great potential applications in national defense, meteorology, industrial manufacturing, and medical security. However, undesired dark current and photoresponsivity limit their practical applications. Here, a novel vertical organic phototransistor combined with ferroelectric materials is developed. The device structure has nanometer channel length, which can effectively separate photogenerated carriers and reduce the probability of carrier recombination and defect scattering, thus improving the device performance of phototransistors. Moreover, by inserting the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) ferroelectric layer, the Schottky barrier at the interface between the semiconductor and source can be adjusted by the polarization of the external electric field, which can effectively reduce the dark current of the phototransistor to further improve the device performance. Therefore, our phototransistors exhibit a high photoresponsivity of more than 5.7 × 105A/W, an outstanding detectivity of 1.15 × 1018 Jones, and an excellent photosensitivity of 5 × 107 under 760 nm light illumination, which are better than those of conventional lateral organic phototransistors. This work provides a new approach for the development of high-performance phototransistors, which opens a new pathway for organic phototransistors in practical application.

Floating gate transistor photomemory (FGTPM) has been regarded as one of the most prospective nonvolatile photomemory devices because of its compatibility with transistor-based circuits, nondestruc...

Electronics assembly workers are reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigated the prevalence of cervical MSDs and the complex relationships between cervical MSDs and individual, physical, psychosocial factors among electronics assembly workers.In this cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires from 700 workers in electronics manufacturing workshops were analysed. Information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms, personal and work-related factors was collected. Finally, the prevalence of cervical MSDs was computed for different subgroups, and the relationships with different factors were analyzed using logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM).The total 12 month prevalence of cervical MSDs among the survey population was 29.4%. Variables of gender, job tenure, twisting head frequently, neck flexion/extension for long time and work required to be done quickly showed significant associations with MSDs in a multivariate logistic regression (P 0.05). The SEM analysis showed moderate and significant correlations between postural load (γ = 0.279), gender (γ = 0.233) and cervical MSDs, while there were weak but significant correlations between vibration (γ = 0.024), work stress (γ = 0.126), job tenure (γ = 0.024) and cervical MSDs. Both work stress and vibration affected the MSDs indirectly through postural load.The logistic regression results support previous general epidemiological MSD studies, and indicates that individual, physical, and psychosocial factors are related to cervical MSDs. The SEM provides a better approximation of the complexity of the relationship between risk factors and cervical MSDs. Improving awkward postures may be effective ways to control the influence of occupational stressors or vibration on MSDs. Practical Applications: The study is to improve prevention of MSDs among electronics assembly workers and promote their occupational health.

Background In China mainland, most Mycoplasma pneumoniae related studies are carried out in Beijing and Shanghai, while rare studies are performed in the other regions. In this study, we analyzed the molecular biology characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of M. pneumoniae from 5 regions between January 2017 and December 2018. Methods Genotyping was performed to 154 M. pneumoniae isolates from 5 cities using PCR and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) method. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed to all the isolates against 4 antibiotics. Sequencing was performed to the amplification products of the 23S rRNA drug resistant gene. Results Genotype I was detected in 118 M. pneumoniae isolates (76.6%), and genotype II was identified in 36 isolates (23.4%). The majority (92.2%) of the MLVA genotypes were 4–5–7-2 and 3–5–6-2, which represented the genotype I and II, respectively. The total macrolide (ML) resistance rate was 79.7%. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the erythromycin was in a range of 128- > 256 μg/ml, while that for the azithromycin was 2-32 μg/ml. There were mutations in the 23S rRNA in each ML resistance isolate. Jilin city showed the highest prevalence of genotype I (100%) and ML resistance rate (100%), while Jinan showed the lowest prevalence of genotype I (45.5%) and ML resistance rate (54.5%). Conclusions A large variance was identified in the M. pneumoniae genotype and ML resistance among the 5 cities. The proportion of M. pneumoniae with a genotype II genotype (3–5–6-2) showed an increased trend.

In the absence of an effective treatment to alter the progressive course of cognitive decline and dementia, identification of modifiable risk factors that could promote healthy cognitive aging has become a public health research priority. This study seeks to comprehensively determine the contemporaneous associations of a broad spectrum of time-varying modifiable lifestyle factors with age-related cognitive decline in a large population-based cohort of older adults. A total of 5,711 subjects aged 50 and older from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) in Shanghai were studied. Repeated measures of lifestyle factors and cognitive performance were conducted in 2009-2010 and 2014-2015. Linear random slope models were used to evaluate the contemporaneous associations between time-varying lifestyle factors and cognitive performance. Person-mean centering method was used to disaggregate the between- and within-person effects in the time-varying lifestyle factors in the random slope models. We found that higher vegetable and fruit consumption, as well as higher level of physical activity were positively associated with all cognitive domains. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with all cognitive domains, whereas waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was negatively associated with verbal fluency score only. Sedentary time was negatively associated with digit span score but positively associated with verbal fluency score. The between-person effects seem to be more dominant than within-person effects. Overall, our findings suggest better management of multiple lifestyle factors may protect against cognitive decline in later life. Higher vegetable and fruit consumption and physical activity are protective, whereas obesity is detrimental to cognitive decline in older adults. This study underpins the development of multi-domain lifestyle recommendations to promote healthy cognitive aging.

Background. Extensive studies have focused on the diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection; however, rare studies investigated the posttreatment conditions. We analyzed the carrying status of M. pneumoniae in the respiratory tract of children before and after treatment. Methods. Ninety-two children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia were included in this study. Clinical data were obtained from each patient, and pharyngeal swab sampling was performed at preliminary diagnosis and discharge. Real-time PCR and dilution quantitative culture were utilized to determine the DNA quantification and number of viable M. pneumoniae from samples collected upon preliminary diagnosis and discharge. Results. All the 92 cases showed DNA positivity upon preliminary diagnosis, serum IgM antibody was detected in 80 patients, and positivity of M. pneumoniae culture was observed in 82 cases. Upon discharge, the M. pneumoniae nucleotide and culture positivity were detected in 87 and 49 cases, respectively. The content of viable M. pneumoniae was 10–104 CCU/mL and 10–102 CCU/mL in the preliminary diagnosis samples and discharge samples, respectively. Conclusions. Real-time PCR was rapid and effective for the qualitative diagnosis of M. pneumoniae at the early stage, but it cannot be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with M. pneumoniae infection. Quantitative analysis for M. pneumoniae DNA could not directly reflex the viable strain content.

Due to the separation of the excitation source and detection signal, the use of photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose sensors is regarded as a promising electrochemical approach offering high sensitivity for glucose analysis by photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. In this study, we present a PEC glucose sensor based on TiO2 nanorod array (TiO2NRA) electrode, exhibiting high sensitivity of around 200 μA cm−2 mM−1 in glucose detection for the concentrations in the range of 0.01–0.20 mM. Moreover, the TiO2NRA can be fabricated and used in a photo fuel cell (PFC) to generate electricity. This investigation expands the applications of TiO2 and provides a high sensitive way for glucose sensing. Keywords: Titanium dioxide nanorod array, Photoelectrochemical glucose sensor, Photo fuel cell, Electricity generating

High-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 has been considered as one of the most promising cathode candidate for LIBs due to its excellent energy density and power density, but the attack of HF on the material and dissolution of Mn ions into electrolyte can cause structure collapse and serious capacity fading of the cathode. In this work, a semiconductor of LaFeO3 was coated on the surface of polyhedral LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 via a wet-chemical method. LaFeO3 coated at the surface of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 significantly protects the cathode from the corrosion of HF and alleviates the dissolution of Mn ions into organic liquid electrolyte during (dis)charge processes. The 2.0 wt% LaFeO3-coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode exhibits much better cycling stability, rate capability, and elevated temperature stability than the pristine: capacity retention of 97.71% at 1 C after 100 cycles vs. that of 90.96%; rate capability of 111.9 and 99.6 mAh g−1 at high C-rates of 5 C and 10 C vs. that of 90.6 and 76.4 mAh g−1, respectively; and high temperature capacity retention of 93.29% at 1 C after 100 cycles vs. that of 69.9%. Present study provides a facile method to mitigate the dissolution of Mn ions into electrolyte for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, resulting in excellent cycling performance and rate capability.

Objective Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) is associated with an increased risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This study aimed to identify the signs and symptoms associated with coal workers using hand-held vibrating tools in a northern China coal mine, and to determine the risk factors for HAVS. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 167 male workers with part-time exposure to HTV. A structured questionnaire was administered to the workers along with a series of function tests. The frequency-weighted vibration acceleration of hand-held tools was measured. The prevalence ratio and symptom correlation to HAVS among the different subgroups were evaluated. Results The prevalence of hand numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand ache, tinnitus, memory loss, dizziness and headache showed significant differences in the longer-exposure groups (working years > 3 years or the daily-exposure duration > 2 h), compared with the control group ( P 0.05). Function tests showed abnormal findings only in vibration sensation and the X-ray examination of the longer-exposure groups ( P 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that longer working years, higher daily exposure and alcohol consumption were risk factors, while wearing anti-vibration gloves showed protective effects for hand numbness. Conclusions This study has identified the main signs and symptoms of HAVS among coal workers exposed to HTV in China. More information related to occupational safety and health programs are required to reduce the risk of HAVS.

Pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the most lethal malignancies, accounts for 8% to 10% of digestive system cancers, and the incidence is increasing. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been the main treatment methods but are not very effective. Cryosurgery was first used in 1984 for treatment of locally advanced PC and has since become a considerable treatment for most cases of unresectable PC. During the past decade, cryosurgery has been applied in some hospitals in China, and the newly developed technique of computed tomography– and/or ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryosurgery has shown better results than chemotherapy in cases of unresectable locally advanced PC, with the 1-year survival rate reported to be more than 50%. To develop standardized criteria for the application of cryosurgery in PC, the International Society of Cryosurgery and Asian Society of Cryosurgery assembled experts from Austria, Japan, and China to discuss treatment methods and arrive at a consensus on the indications, contraindications, and preferred techniques of PC cryosurgery.

A gastric juice-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established to identify Helicobacter pylori infection, clarithromycin susceptibility and human CYP2C19 genotypes and to guide the choice of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin and amoxicillin treatment for tailored H. pylori eradication therapy. From January 2013 to November 2014, 178 consecutive dyspeptic patients were enrolled for collection of gastric biopsy samples and gastric juice by endoscopy at the Peking University Third Hospital; 105 and 73 H. pylori-positive and -negative patients, respectively, were included in this study. H. pylori infection was defined as samples with both a strongly positive rapid urease test (RUT) and positive H. pylori histology. A series of primers and probes were distributed into four reactions for identifying the H. pylori cagH gene coupled with an internal control (Rnase P gene), A2142G and A2143G mutants of the H. pylori 23S rRNA gene, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) G681A of CYP2C19*2 and G636A of CYP2C19*3. The E-test and DNA sequencing were used to evaluate the H. pylori clarithromycin susceptibility phenotype and genotype. The SNPs CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 were also evaluated by nucleotide sequencing. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of this gastric juice-based real-time PCR assay were evaluated by comparing with the same measures obtained through gastric biopsy-based PCR and culture. The H. pylori diagnostic sensitivities of the culture, PCR, and gastric biopsy- and gastric juice-based real-time PCR assays were 90.48% (95/105), 92.38% (97/105), 97.14% (102/105) and 100% (105/105), respectively; the specificities of the above methods were all 100%. Higher false-negative rates were found among the gastric biopsy samples assessed by culture (10.48%, 11/105), PCR (7.62%, 8/105) and real-time PCR (2.86%, 3/105) than in gastric juice by real-time PCR. Regarding clarithromycin susceptibility, a concordance of 82.98% (78/94) and discordance of 17.02% (16/94) were observed among the different methods, discrepancies that mainly represent differences between the H. pylori clarithromycin susceptibility phenotype and genotype. Three coinfections of susceptible and resistant strains were detected, with resistant-to-susceptible ratios of 1.16, 3.44, and 8.26. The CYP2C19 genotyping results from gastric juice by real-time PCR were completely in accordance with those obtained from biopsy samples by conventional PCR. This gastric juice-based real-time PCR assay is a more accurate method for detecting H. pylori infection, clarithromycin susceptibility and CYP2C19 polymorphisms. The method may be employed to inform the choice of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin and amoxicillin treatment for tailored H. pylori eradication therapy.

Aberrantly expressed microRNAs contribute to the initiation and progression of human cancer. MiRNA-187 has been reported in nasopharyngeal, renal, pancreatic, prostate, and esophageal cancer, and acts as a tumor suppressor or oncogene. However, the underlying function of miRNA-187 in cervical cancer remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we demonstrated significantly miRNA-187 down-regulation in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines compared to their normal counterparts. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that decreased miRNA-187 was closely associated with shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival. Gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that miRNA-187 suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cervical cancer cell apoptosis. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay determined that human papillomavirus 16 E6 was a direct functional target of miRNA-187. Taken together, our findings indicate the essential role of miRNA-187 in suppressing cervical cancer progression and indicate a novel link between miRNA-187 and human papillomavirus 16 E6 in cervical cancer.

For the study on the propagation–attenuation rule of the blasting vibration wave in the deep mining roadway of Shizishan copper mine, and the analysis of the influences of different maximum explosive charges and different underground systems on the propagation of blasting vibration signals, blasting vibration monitoring of the two different situations has been carried out respectively. Firstly, the Sadov’s Formula has been applied to analyzing the monitoring results of the mining roadway, and thus the value of its excavation blasting vibration attenuation index K and $$\alpha $$ and its corresponding regression formula were attained; then, the appropriate regression formula was used to calculate the maximum explosive charge which could ensure the safety of the principal chambers underground the mine. Meanwhile, on the basis of the HHT analysis method, the rule of vibration wave propagation under these two different situations was analyzed. And the results indicated that, whether with an increase in the single charge, or with an increase in the number of the underground systems to cross, blasting seismic wave had a tendency for spreading to the low-frequency band. Through the regression analysis of the Sadov’s Formula and the HHT Method, the results provided a reliable basis for the safe and efficient production of the mine.

Blue-emitting phosphors with composition (Ca0.8Ba1.2)1−xMgxSiO4:yEu2+ (x = 0 to 0.11, y = 0.01 to 0.08) have been synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction route and the effects of Mg2+ and Eu2+ codoping on their morphology, crystal structure, and luminescence properties were investigated. For (Ca0.8Ba1.2)1−xMgxSiO4:0.04Eu2+, the color changed from light-blue to deep-blue region with increasing Mg2+ content from x = 0 to x = 0.11. For (Ca0.8Ba1.2)0.93Mg0.07SiO4:yEu2+, the emission band showed the opposite shift with increasing y from 1% to 8%. Interestingly, increasing Mg2+ addition led to significant reduction in the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) from 100 nm to 70 nm. Compared with Mg-free samples, the emission intensity of the Mg-containing material with x = 0.07 was enhanced by ∼100%. The optimum doping levels of Mg2+ and Eu2+ were 0.07 and 0.02 for (Ca0.8 Ba1.2)1−xMgxSiO4:0.04Eu2+ and (Ca0.8Ba1.2)0.93Mg0.07SiO4:yEu2+, respectively. These results indicate that such materials could be good candidate blue-emitting phosphors for use in solid-state lighting and displays.

Screening can help early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the general population. However, colonoscopy compliance in screening program is low in China. The study aimed to identify factors associated with colonoscopy compliance based on Health Belief Model (HBM). An investigation was conducted in Huangpu District, Shanghai in 2015. High-risk individuals of CRC received an in-person interview with physicians to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaires assessing predictors of colonoscopy compliance were collected, and status of colonoscopy participation was determined. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Among 2,568 high-risk population (20.68%), 531 subjects underwent colonoscopy. Participants with both risk assessment and fecal immunochemical test positive were most likely to undergo colonoscopy. Based on HBM, colonoscopy compliance was positively associated with higher perceived severity (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00, 1.10]). Higher perceived barriers ( OR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99]), without prior colonoscopy ( OR = 0.35, 95% CI = [0.26, 0.47]), not knowing anyone who underwent colonoscopy before ( OR = 0.74, 95% CI = [0.58, 0.96]), without health-care provider recommendation on colonoscopy ( OR = 0.58, 95% CI = [0.44, 0.77]), and without psychosocial support from someone for colonoscopy ( OR = 0.27, 95% CI = [0.21, 0.35]) were shown to be associated with colonoscopy noncompliance. The colonoscopy compliance was low in this CRC screening program in Shanghai, China. The influencing factors were positive results in primary screening, perceived severity, perceived barriers, personal or others’ experiences in colonoscopy, health-care provider recommendation, and psychosocial supports. Effective education campaign and facilitated communication between health-care providers and high-risk population were suggested in the future interventions.

It is universal that the government widely adopts policy incentives to promote green building innovation. Comprehensively evaluating the effect of green building innovation policies is of great significance to green buildings’ development. But there seem to be no studies developing quantitative models to explain the effects of different types of policies on green building innovation. This research sorts out the Chinese provincial green building policies and divides these policies into supply-sided and demand-sided to fill this gap. The difference-in-differences method is constructed to explore the innovative effects of different policies using China’s provincial panel data from 2010 to 2018. This study found that: (1) supply-sided policies can promote the innovation and development of green building technology; (2) demand-sided policies have not significantly stimulated innovation; and (3) infrastructure fee and priority in building award boost technology innovation hugely. This study verifies the difference in the impact of supply-sided and demand-sided green building policies on technological innovation and points out the two most significant supply-sided policies with the best incentive effects. These findings can help the government choose effective incentive policies and promote green buildings and sustainability in the construction industry.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation of glucose on bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) electrode for sensor application and solar-to-electricity production was investigated in this work. The BiVO4-based PEC sensor displays a sensitivity of 17.38 μA cm−2 mM−1 for glucose sensing in the concentration range of 5–35 mM. Furthermore, electricity can be collected by extracting solar energy and bioenergy in a certain photo fuel cell (PFC) device via anodic reaction of photo-oxidizing glucose and cathodic reaction of oxygen reduction. This study offers a promising strategy for glucose sensing and provides a cost-effective way for solar-to-electricity generation.

This study aimed to examine the incentive effects of government subsidy policies to promote the development of green buildings. In particular, four different designs of subsidy policy were investigated: a) subsidies paid to developers alone, b) subsidies paid to consumers alone, c) subsidies paid to both, and d) no subsidy. Two-stage models involving developers, consumers, and the government were constructed to examine the effects of the different subsidy policies. In the models, developers supply and sell buildings with different green effort levels; consumers purchase the buildings according to their green preferences. The results of the numerical analysis indicated that the subsidies were a positive incentive for the development of green buildings. Simultaneously subsidizing both developers and consumers resulted in the greatest profits for developers and the highest social welfare. The incentive effect of subsidies on consumers was superior to that of subsidies on developers, revealing the increasingly important role of consumer behavior in the green building market. Furthermore, the incentive effects of the four subsidy policies were significantly enhanced with the improvement of consumers' green preferences and the unit potential benefit for developers.

A series of orange-emitting Ca3Bi1−x (PO4)3:xSm3+ phosphors were synthesized by a solid state reaction, the crystal structure and luminescent properties of the materials were studied. The doping of Sm3+ has no obvious influence on the crystal structure of the Ca3Bi(PO4)3 powders and all the samples possess a cubic symmetry. Under the 401 nm excitation, the sample exhibits three typical emission bands located at 561, 598, and 644 nm corresponding to 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 6H7/2, and 6H9/2 transitions, respectively. For x = 0.03, the sample exhibits an optimum luminescence. The type of energy transfer between Sm3+ is considered as dipole–dipole interaction according to Dexter’s theory. The CIE chromaticity coordinates indicate that the emission of Ca3Bi0.97(PO4)3:0.03Sm3+ locates in orange region. The results indicate that the phosphor may be used as an orange phosphor for NUV-based white LEDs.

Background The best rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection following failure of non-bismuth quadruple therapy (NBQT) remains unanswered. Aims To determine the efficacy, safety and compliance of levofloxacin, bismuth, amoxicillin and esomeprazole (LBAE) regimen following failure of NBQT. Methods 132 patients with H. pylori infection refractory to first-line NBQT received LBAE regimen (levofloxacin 500 mg once/day, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice/day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice/day and esomeprazole 20 mg twice/day for 14 days). Gastric mucosal biopsy was obtained for H. pylori culture, antimicrobial sensitivity test and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 polymorphism analysis. Results LBAE therapy achieved eradication rates of 73.5% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 65.9–81.1%] in intention-to-treat and 78.5% (71.1–85.9%) in per-protocol analyses in patients with high antibiotic resistance (amoxicillin 8.3%, clarithromycin 55.6%, metronidazole 73.6% and levofloxacin 36.1%). Adverse effects were found in 19.2% and compliance in 96.1% of the treated patients. Multivariate analyses identified levofloxacin resistance [odds ratio (OR) 7.183, 95% CI 1.616–31.914, P = 0.010] and history of quinolone intake (4.844, 1.174–19.983, P = 0.029) as independent predictors of treatment failure. The eradication rate of patients with dual amoxicillin and levofloxacin resistance was significantly decreased (33.3%, P = 0.006). Conclusions In populations with high levofloxacin resistance, 14-day second-line LBAE regimen resulted in an unsatisfactory efficacy in patients resistant to NBQT despite good safety and compliance.

Background Hybrid therapy has recently attracted widespread attention. However, many issues require further exploration. For example, research in regions with high antibiotic resistance rates is limited, and the correlation between eradication efficacy and antibiotic resistance remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy, compliance, safety, and risk factors of hybrid therapy as first-line regimen in a region with high antibiotic resistance rates. Materials and Methods This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between January 2014 and June 2015. A total of 196 patients with dyspepsia but without prior eradication therapy received hybrid regimen (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily for 14 days with the addition of clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 500 mg twice daily for the final 7 days). All patients underwent Helicobacter pylori culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 polymorphism testing. Results Hybrid therapy achieved eradication rates of 77.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 70.9–83.7%) in intention-to-treat (ITT), 83.9% (78.9–88.9%) in modified ITT and 86.0% (80.2–91.3%) in per-protocol analyses in a setting with high antibiotic resistance rates (amoxicillin 2.0%, clarithromycin 44.9%, metronidazole 67.3% and dual clarithromycin and metronidazole 33.3%). Adverse reactions occurred in 31.9% patients and 2.7% discontinued medications due to adverse reactions. Good compliance was achieved by 92.0%. Multivariate analyses identified clarithromycin resistance (odds ratio, 3.494; 95% CI, 1.237–9.869), metronidazole resistance (3.012; 1.013–12.054) and poor compliance (5.840; 1.126–30.296) as independent predictors of treatment failure. The eradication rate with dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance (70.2%) was markedly decreased compared to isolated clarithromycin resistance (87.5%), isolated metronidazole resistance (88.6%), or dual susceptibility (96.4%) (p = .014). Conclusions Despite good compliance and safety, hybrid therapy as first-line regimen in populations with high antibiotic resistance rates had unsatisfactory efficacy, primarily due to dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance.

e20546 Background: Proteasome inhibitors, selectively inhibit the activity of proteasome in ubiquitin proteasome system, together with immunomodulatory drugs formed the basis of many treatment regimens for multiple myeloma in first-line therapy as well as for the treatment of relapsed disease. Bortezomib (Velcade), the first approved therapeutic proteasome inhibitor with a unique boronic acid as warhead, limited by its requirement for parenteral administration (intravenous or subcutaneous). The 2nd generation boronic acid – orally bioavailable Ixazomib (Ninlaro) was approved in 2015 by FDA greatly improved patient’s compliance. However, its adverse effect remained an issue in clinical application. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of TQB3602, a novel orally bioavailable small molecule proteasome inhibitor, in preclinical models of multiple myeloma. Methods: The enzyme inhibition and anti-proliferative activity of TQB3602 was evaluated in 20S proteasome and MM.1S cell line. Oral administration of TQB3602 at 3 doses was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor activity in MM.1S multiple myeloma xenograft (CDX) models. Results: TQB3602 displayed potent kinase inhibiting activity for 20S proteasome enzyme with IC50 15.3 nM. TQB3602 inhibited cell proliferation in MM.1S multiple myeloma cell line with IC50 10.1 nM. In the MM.1S multiple myeloma CB-17 CDX model, TQB3602 showed antitumor efficacy with TGI > 100% @7 mpk, BIW (tumor can’t be measured from day 17). Conclusions: We have identified a novel potent proteasome inhibitor TQB3602. Preclinical studies showed antitumor efficacy of TQB3602 in MM.1S multiple myeloma model. TQB3602 represents a promising clinical candidate for treating multiple myeloma and the First-in-human trial is expected in the middle of 2020.

With the wide application of blasting technology, people pay more and more attention to the impact of blasting vibration on the surrounding environment and buildings. To blasting vibration analysis and evaluation of the effect on the stability of the skip shaft, belt bridge based on the large finite element analysis software ANSYS Workbench entity unit model, the belt of the bridge structure modal frequency and applying 2 cm/s numerical simulation of blasting vibration load was the response of the study. The calculation results show that the maximum stress value is 0.0063 MPa, belt bridge in belt bridge at the top of the column, in the concrete design tensile strength of 1.43 MPa. The maximum strain of the belt bridge is 5.05×10-8, which is within the allowable elastic deformation range of the building, and is far less than the ultimate tensile strain of C40 concrete 1×10-4. The skip well is in a stable state.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose sensing has been developed as a novel promising electrochemical approach for advanced analysis due to the advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity as well as good stability. Here, we present a Fe2O3 nanorod (Fe2O3NR)-based PEC sensor, which shows excellent performance in glucose detection for the concentrations in the range of 0.2–2.0 mM with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.997 and a sensitivity of 100.46 μA cm−2 mM−1. Furthermore, the glucose determination can be achieved without inputting external electrical power via a photo fuel cell (PFC) which is fabricated by the Fe2O3NR photoanode and platinum cathode. The generated maximum power density (Pmax) shows a linear sensitivity of 3.53 μW cm−2 mM−1 to the variation of glucose concentrations from 0.5 to 2.5 mM with correlation coefficient of 0.990. Therefore, the Fe2O3NR-based PEC sensor not only realizes the electricity generation from renewable solar energy and bioenergy but also accomplishes the detection of glucose by self-power.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) as well as the contribution of personal and ergonomic factors to the occurrence of low back pain among Chinese flight baggage porters, in order to provide them with valuable suggestions for intervention.

Background With markedly increased antibiotic resistance and unsatisfactory efficacies of common empiric eradication regimens in the mainland of China, tailored therapy may be the best choice to achieve good efficacy. This study compared the eradication rates, safety, and compliance of tailored therapy to those of triple therapy plus bismuth and concomitant therapy in the naive patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Materials and Methods Between September 2013 and April 2014, 1050 patients with H. pylori infection at three tertiary hospitals were randomly assigned to 10-day treatment with tailored, triple plus bismuth, or concomitant regimens. In tailored therapy, medications were adjusted according to clarithromycin sensitivity and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 genotype. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing (E test) was performed. Eradication status was assessed 4–12 weeks after treatment. Results The eradication rate was significantly higher in tailored group than in triple plus bismuth and concomitant groups in both intention-to-treat (88.7 vs 77.4 vs 78.3%, p

In order to study the open-pit mine stope of high bench blasting vibration on slope stability, the influence of the blasting vibration signal test system of a certain open-pit mine stope surrounding high slope blasting vibration monitoring, obtain vibration data, according to Steve Sadove, experience formula and Hilbert Huang transform (HHT) blasting vibration signal analysis method, the attenuation law of blasting vibration on slope, slope was the main vibration frequency of vibration. According to Sadov’s formula, experience formula and Hilbert Huang transform (HHT) analysis results, and on the basis of the blasting safety regulations (GB6722- 2014) for minimum safety distance is 86 m, slope for mining in the aspect of reducing the influence of blasting vibration on slope take corresponding measures to provide a reference basis.

Background: The Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato (H. heilmannii s.l.) group consists of long, spiral-shaped bacteria naturally colonizing the stomach of animals. Moreover, bacteria belonging to this group have been observed in 0.2–6% of human gastric biopsy specimens, and associations have been made with the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration, and gastric MALT lymphoma in humans. Materials and Methods: To gain insight into the prevalence of H. heilmannii s.l. infections in patients suffering from gastric disease in China, H. heilmannii s.l. species-specific PCRs were performed on DNA extracts from rapid urease test (RUT)-positive gastric biopsies from 1517 patients followed by nucleotide sequencing. At the same time, Helicobacter pylori cultivation and specific PCR was performed to assess H. pylori infection in these patients. Results: In total, H. heilmannii s.l. infection was detected in 11.87% (178/1499) of H. pylori-positive patients. The prevalence of H. suis, H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. heilmannii sensu stricto (s.s.), and H. salomonis in the patients was 6.94%, 2.20%, 0.13%, 0.07%, and 2.54%, respectively. Results revealed that all patients with H. heilmannii s.l. infection were co-infected with H. pylori ,a nd some patients were co-infected with more than two different Helicobacter species. Conclusions: Helicobacter heilmannii s.l. infections are fairly common in Chinese patients. This should be kept in mind when diagnosing the cause of gastric pathologies in patients. Helicobacter suis was shown to be by far the most prevalent H. heilmannii s.l.species.

Background Large-scale multi-region studies are urgently needed to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori that is critical for selecting the most optimal eradication regimens. Aims To determine the resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from dyspeptic patients. Methods This is a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study. Helicobacter pylori cultures were successful in 600 patients (never receiving eradication therapy) from Northern, Eastern, Middle, and Southern regions between 2008 and 2012. Resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin was determined by Epsilometer test. Results The overall resistance rate was highest for metronidazole (403, 67.2%), followed by clarithromycin (225, 37.5%), levofloxacin (201, 33.5%), rifampicin (85, 14.2%), amoxicillin (41, 6.8%), and tetracycline (21, 3.5%). There were 16.3% isolates susceptible to all tested antibiotics, followed by mono-resistance (34.2%), double resistance (27.0%), triple resistance (16.8%), quadruple resistance (4.7%), quintuple resistance (0.7%) and sextuple resistance (0.3%). Independent factors influencing antibiotic resistance were gender (to levofloxacin), age (to levofloxacin), and endoscopic finding (to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin). Among the clarithromycin-resistant isolates, 75.6% and 48.0% were also resistant to metronidazole and levofloxacin, respectively. Conclusions Helicobacter pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics in China is a very serious issue, due to the high resistance rate and general multiple resistance.

Studies conducted in large populations of patients and providing full information on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibiotic resistance are needed to determine the efficacy of sequential therapy (SQT) against this pathogen. This study compared eradication rates with SQT and standard triple therapy (STT), and evaluated the impact of antibiotic resistance on outcomes.The study population included adults with positive H. pylori culture presenting at four centers in China between March 2008 and December 2010. Patients were randomly assigned to 10 days of treatment with esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (STT; n=140) or to 5 days of treatment with esomeprazole and amoxicillin, followed by 5 days of esomeprazole, clarithromycin, and tinidazole (SQT; n=140). Eradication was assessed 8-12 weeks after treatment.There was no significant difference between the eradication rates achieved with STT (66.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 59.3-74.3)) and SQT (72.1% (65.0-79.3); P=0.300) in either the intention-to-treat analysis or the per-protocol analysis (72.7% (65.6-79.7) and 76.5% (69.7-83.3), respectively; P=0.475). Clarithromycin resistance (CLA-R, odds ratio (OR)=8.34 (3.13-22.26), P0.001) and metronidazole resistance (MET-R, OR=7.14 (1.52-33.53), P=0.013) both independently predicted treatment failure in the SQT group. Patients in the SQT group with dual CLA-R and MET-R had a lower eradication rate (43.9%) than those with isolated CLA-R (88.9%, P=0.024) or isolated MET-R (87.8%, P0.001).H. pylori eradication rates with STT and SQT were compromised by antibiotic resistance. SQT may be suitable in regions with high prevalence of isolated CLA-R, but it is unsatisfactory when both CLA-R and MET-R are present.

The formation mechanism of deposits in commercial gas-fired magnetization-reduction roasting rotary kiln was studied. The deposits ring adhered on the kiln wall based on the bonding of low melting point eutectic liquid phase, and the deposit adhered on the air duct head by impact deposition. The chemical composition and microstructure of the deposits sampled at different locations varied slightly. Besides a small amount of quartz and limonite, main phases in the deposits are fayalite, glass phase and magnetite. The formation of the deposits can be attributed to the derivation of low melting point eutectic of fine limonite and coal ash, and the solid state reaction between them. Coal ash, originated from the reduction coal, combining together with fine limonite particles, results in the accumulation of deposits on the kiln wall and air duct. Fayalite, the binder phase, was a key factor for deposit formation. The residual carbon in limonite may cause an over-reduction of limonite and produce FeO. Amid the roasting process, SiO2, originated from limonite and coal ash, may combine with FeO and reduce the liquefaction temperature, therewith liquid phase generates at high temperature zone, which can significantly promote the growth of deposits.

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of cryoablation treatment and palliative treatment in stage IV lung cancer. Fifty-four patients were enrolled into the study. Thirty-one patients received cryoablation treatment (including intra- and extrapulmonary tumors), and 23 patients had palliative treatment (no cryoablation). Both the safety of the procedure and overall survival (OS) for stage IV lung cancer were assessed during a 6.5 year follow-up period. The OS of patients in both groups and the effects of treatment timing and frequency were compared. The OS in the cryoablation group was significantly longer than in the palliative group (median OS: 14 months vs. 7 months, P = 0.0009). The OS of those who received delayed cryoablation treatment was longer than that observed for those who received timely treatment (median OS: 18.5 months vs. 10 months, P = 0.0485), but this was not observed in those who received palliative treatment (median OS: 7 months vs. 7.5 months, P = 0.9814). Multiple treatments played an important role in improving the OS of patients who received cryoablation treatment (median OS: 18 months vs. 14 months, P = 0.0376). There was a significant difference between cryoablation and palliative treatment, in terms of OS. In addition, multiple cryoablation treatments may have an advantage over single treatments.

Resource levelling aims at minimizing the fluctuation of resource usage, which is accomplished by shifting non-critical activities within their float according to some heuristic rules. Most of these rules adopted a unidirectional scheduling based on a static priority rule. In this paper, we propose a dynamic priority rule-based forward-backward heuristic algorithm (FBHA). The FBHA optimizes resource allocation by shifting non-critical activities within their forward free float (FFF), forward total float (FTF) and backward free float (BFF), successively. A project is divided into several phases during each forward/backward scheduling module. In each phase, the shifting sequence and days of non-critical activities depend on a dynamic priority rule set. The FBHA is integrated into the Microsoft Project 2007 commercial software package to improve the performance of the software and facilitate the project planners. One example is analysed to illustrate the iteration process of the proposed FBHA. Another example with multiple precedence constraints is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FBHA in complicated construction projects.

Composite papers (hand sheets) with 2wt% nanoAl 2 O 3 doped and blank papers were prepared and the accelerated thermal aging test under 130oC with oil-blank paper and oil-composed paper were performed. The main electrical parameters of paper were tested. According to corresponding data analysis, it can be concluded that the addition of nano-Al 2 O 3 can improve the electrical properties and anti-aging ability of composite paper. The “electric double layer” structure of nanoAl 2 O 3 can weaken the interfacial polarization and dipole polarization in composite paper, thus reducing the permittivity and dielectric loss of composite paper.

SUMMARY 1 Chronic morphine exposure results in degradation of the functional properties of cortical cells. However, little evidence has been reported about the effect of morphine on the temporal properties of the visual system. 2 We compared the visual response latency of different cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in morphine (10 mg/mL)- and saline-treated cats. Morphine-treated cats were given morphine sulphate by cervical subcutaneous injection twice daily for 10 days, whereas saline-treated cats received injections of 0.9% saline instead. We found that LGN neurons in morphine-treated cats exhibited significantly longer response latency than those in saline-treated cats (P

Background The plasticity region of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a large chromosomal segment containing strain-specific genes. The prevalence of the plasticity region genes of the H. pylori strains in China remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the status of these genes and to assess the relationship between the genes and the diseases caused by H. pylori infection. Methods A total of 141 strains were isolated from patients with chronic active gastritis (CAG), peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric carcinoma (GC). The prevalence of jhp0940, jhp0945, jhp0947, jhp0949 and jhp0951 was determined using PCR, and the results were analyzed using the chi-squared test. Results The prevalence rates of jhp0940, jhp0945, jhp0947, jhp0949 and jhp0951 in the H. pylori strains were 42.55, 51.06, 20.57, 56.03 and 63.12 %, respectively. The prevalence rates of jhp0940 were similar in the isolates from the CAG, PUD and GC patients, and there was no association between the jhp0940 status and any of the diseases. In contrast, the prevalence rates of jhp0945, jhp0947, jhp0949 and jhp0951 were significantly higher in the PUD and GC isolates than in the CAG isolates (p

Aim: To investigate the effect of chronic morphine exposure on the receptive field properties of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) neurons in cats. Methods: Cats were injected with morphine (10 mg/kg) or saline twice daily, for 10 d. Subsequently, extracellular single-unit recording techniques were used to examine the sensitivity of LGN neurons to visual stimuli in chronic morphine-treated and saline-treated cats. Results: Compared with saline-treated cats (as controls), LGN neurons in morphine-treated cats had decreased signal-to-noise ratios (1.9 vs 3.1), and orientation and direction sensitivity (0.103 vs 0.135 and 0.074 vs 0.10, respectively), accompanied by significant increases in spontaneous (27.4 vs 17.5) and evoked activity (preferred: 42.2 vs 38.1; average: 28.1 vs 22.3). Conclusion: Chronic morphine exposure can lead to the functional degradation of LGN neurons in cats, which might result from the effects of chronic morphine exposure on inhibitory neurotransmission.

The primary visual cortex (V1) plays an important role in vision and visual perception. Studies in many brain regions demonstrate that opiate abuse can change excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. To investigate the effect of chronic morphine exposure on the response modulation of V1 simple and complex neurons, we carried out in vivo extracellular recordings in V1 of morphine- and saline-treated (control) cats. Response modulation was quantified as the ratio of first Fourier components (F1) to the mean response (F0). Compared with saline-treated cats, V1 neurons in morphine-treated cats exhibited weaker response modulation and a longer time course of response. The decrease of response modulation was caused by an increase of F0. Further, morphine re-exposure significantly improved the response properties of V1 neurons in morphine-treated cats. These results suggest that chronic morphine treatment leads to a significant degradation of response modulation of V1 neurons and a morphine dependence of primary visual cortical function.

Preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) by antioxidants is based on the hypothesis that generation of reactive oxygen species is one of the causes of NIHL. alpha-Tocopherol is a naturally occurring antioxidant with no noticeable side effects. In this study, we attempted to protect guinea pigs from developing NIHL by administering alpha-tocopherol. Pigmented male guinea pigs were exposed to a noise (4 kHz octave band, 100 dB SPL), 8 h/day for 3 days consecutively. alpha-Tocopherol (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg daily) was given by intraperitoneal injection from 3 days before through 3 days after the noise exposure. Auditory evoked brainstem response (ABR) thresholds at 2, 4 and 8 kHz were recorded prior to the experiment, immediately post-noise, 2 and 8 days post-noise. On day 8 post-noise, after the ABR recording, guinea pigs were decapitated and the cochleae were removed for cochlear surface preparations and scanning electron microscope (SEM) study. ABR threshold shifts of groups receiving alpha-tocopherol were significantly smaller than those of groups not receiving alpha-tocopherol at all frequencies and all time points tested except that of group 3 at 8 kHz 8 days post-noise. No hair cell loss was seen on the surface preparations, but stereocilia loss was found by SEM study. The noise-induced stereocilia loss was significantly decreased by alpha-tocopherol. These results indicate that alpha-tocopherol can attenuate the noise-induced cochlear damage. Further investigations on the preventive effect of alpha-tocopherol on NIHL in noise-exposed workers are necessary.

To determine the resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from patients in Beijing and monitor the change of antibiotic resistance over time.In this prospective, serial and cross-sectional study, H. pylori cultures were successfully obtained from 371 and 950 patients (never receiving eradication) during 2009-2010 and 2013-2014, respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin was determined by Epsilometer test.The resistance rates of isolates obtained during 2009-2010 were 66.8%, 39.9%, 34.5%, 15.4%, 6.7%, and 4.9% to metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, rifampicin, amoxicillin and tetracycline, respectively; and the corresponding rates for isolates during 2013-2014 were 63.4%, 52.6%, 54.8%, 18.2%, 4.4% and 7.3%, respectively. The resistance rates to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were significantly increased after four years. In 2009-2010, 14.6% of H. pylori isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, with mono (33.7%), double (28.3%), triple (16.7%), quadruple (6.2%), quintuple (0.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.3%) also being detected. In 2013-2014, 9.4% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, and mono (27.6%), double (28.4%), triple (24.9%), quadruple (7.3%), quintuple (2.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.1%) was also observed. More multiple resistant H. pylori isolates were found during 2013-2014. Gender (to levofloxacin and metronidazole), age (to levofloxacin) and endoscopic findings (to clarithromycin) were independent factors influencing antibiotic resistance.H. pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Beijing is high with increased multiple antibiotic resistance.

Sketch teaching is an important part of modern art teaching, and plays a direct and basic role in students' painting art level. Meanwhile, sketch course teaching mainly trains design thinking, and basic teaching of design sketch shall have firm objectives. During teaching, teachers shall give full play to their role, and focus on improving students' innovative design and art accomplishment. This paper mainly studies on sketch teaching of computer art design major, in order to enhance students' professional skills and sketch level.

Objectives Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. It is caused by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the genetic susceptibility of the eye absent homolog 4 (EYA4) gene and the risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss in China. Methods A case–control association study was carried out with 326 hearing loss cases and 326 controls matched with age and duration of noise exposure, drawn from a cohort of steel workers. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EYA4 were selected and genotyped. Logistic regression was performed to analyse the main effect of genotypes and interactions between genotypes and individual/environmental factors adjusted for confounding factors. Moreover, generalised multiple dimensionality reduction was applied to further detect interaction among the 5 selected SNPs. Results Analysis revealed that locus polymorphism of rs3813346 was associated with the risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss in the dominance model, the codominance model and the addictive model (p=0.004, 0.009 and 0.003, respectively). A significant interaction between rs9321402 and cumulative noise exposure was found (p=0.002). A significant main effect p value (p=0.006) was obtained in the high-level exposure group (cumulative noise exposure ≥98 dB(A)). Generalised multiple dimensionality reduction indicated that the combined interaction of the 2 loci—rs3813346 and rs9493627—significantly affected the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss. Conclusions The research suggests that EYA4 genetic variant and its interaction with noise levels may modify the susceptibility to develop noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese population.

The global IPv4 addresses are about to run out. IPv6 is need to be expanded unceasingly. But the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a gradual process. Smooth transition of the contemporary Internet from IPv4 to IPv6 has become the direction of development in how to use various transition technologies in existing IPv4 network facilities resources. This paper puts forward the broadband dial-up users IPv6 to IPv4 transition proposal, which is based on Dual Stack technology, and at the same time adopting 6to4/ISATAP Tunnel. In addition, it is to run WWW, FTP, Http, DNS and other network application platform in this environment.

Objectives Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Cryosurgery has emerged as a promising new technique for treatment. Although 80% of pancreatic cancers are located in the pancreatic head, no research has been conducted on the safety and efficacy of cryosurgery for these tumors. Methods Two groups of Tibetan miniature pigs (n = 4 per group) underwent cryosurgery to the pancreatic head with either the deep freezing protocol (100% argon output) or shallow freezing protocol (10% argon output), and compared to sham-operated pigs. Results Serum inflammatory factors and amylase increased during the 5 days after cryoablation in both groups but acute pancreatitis did not occur. Adhesions were observed between the pancreatic head and adjacent organs, and only minor trauma was caused to the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and liver. Ice balls with a radius of 0.5 cm beyond the tumor edge were sufficient to cause complete necrosis of the pancreatic tissue, and decreased the degree of cold injury to surrounding tissues. Conclusions Shallow freezing protocol seemed to be safer than, and just as effective as, the deep freezing protocol. This preliminary study suggests that cryosurgery could potentially be an effective treatment of cancer of the pancreatic head.