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Since critical discourse analysis (CDA) was introduced to China in 1990s, it has developed into an influential and thriving field. This article reviews the development of CDA in China from 2011 to 2021, during which CDA had thrived to be a productive field in terms of the in-depth theoretical and methodological explorations and the overwhelming majority of empirical studies which considerably expanded its scope to a much wider range of discourses. It also came to involve a broader array of disciplines including corpus linguistics, cognitive linguistics, multimodality, translation studies, and eco-linguistics. It can be found that while keeping pace with the international CDA studies, Chinese scholars consistently gear CDA to China’s social, political, and cultural contexts and strive to use CDA to deliberate on and solve social problems in contemporary Chinese society. This brief review endeavors to communicate with the international academia regarding the latest developments of CDA in China.

This study aims to synthesize a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent that can specifically target the asialoglycoprotein receptor of liver cancer cells and evaluate its ability as a targeted MRI contrast agent. Lactobionic acid (LA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used to modify superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) to obtain LA-PEG-SPION. LA-PEG-SPION was uniformly spherical under the electron microscope, with regular morphology and good dispersion. The particle size of LA-PEG-SPION was about 30 ± 4.5 nm, and its surface potential was about 31 ± 1.5 mV. LA-PEG-SPION had no toxicity or low toxicity to HepG2 cells and HeLa cells, even at 400 μg/mL. The uptake of LA-PEG-SPION by HepG2 cells was higher than that of SPION, with increased blue-stained particles. The fluorescent labeling rate of HepG2 cells reached 68.8%, which was higher than that of the control group. In vitro, MRI showed that the T2-weighted signal intensity of HepG2 cells was lower than that of the control group. Conclusively, LA-PEG-SPION nanoparticles are synthesized in a simple and efficient way. They are successfully applied to the T2-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI in liver cancer in vitro, and they have the potential to be used for in vivo research and clinical studies.

Since critical discourse analysis (CDA) was introduced to China, it has developed into an influential field. Studies in CDA in China from the 1990s to 2020 can be delineated through four stages of development. The first stage focused on introducing the theories and concepts in CDA to China’s academia. During the second stage, CDA in China was no longer confined to reviewing theories abroad but was extended to deeper and more extensive theoretical, methodological, and empirical investigations. During the third stage, Chinese scholars in CDA became more concerned with domestic issues than in the previous stages and started to conduct interdisciplinary studies. The fourth stage marked the flourishing of CDA studies in terms of the numbers of studies published and scholars engaged in the field, and in terms of the breadth and the variety of research methods, topics, and disciplines involved. Chinese scholars tend to gear CDA to China’s social, political, and cultural contexts.

This study is to investigate the effects of imperatorin (IMP) on allergic responses mediated by mast cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model was established. Histological detection was performed to assess the ear histology. ELISA and Western blot analysis were used to detect the levels of corresponding cytokines and signalling pathway proteins. IMP decreased the leakage of Evans blue and the ear thickness in the PCA models, in a dose-dependent manner, and alleviated the degranulation of mast cells. Moreover, IMP reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-13. Furthermore, IMP inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Syk, Lyn, PLC-γ1, and Gab2, as well as the downstream MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways. In addition, IMP inhibited the mast cell-mediated allergic responses through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. IMP attenuates the allergic responses through inhibiting the degranulation and decreasing the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the mast cells, involving the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Energy usage and thermal comfort are the pillars of smart buildings. Many research works have been proposed to save energy while maintaining a comfortable thermal condition. However, most of them either make the over-simplified assumption on thermal comfort with unsatisfied comfort performance or deal with the single-zone thermal control only with limited practical impact. A few preliminary pieces of research on multi-zone control are available, but they fail to keep pace with the latest advancements in the deep learning-based control techniques. In this paper, we investigate the multi-zone thermal control with optimized energy usage and canonical thermal comfort modeling. We adopt the emerging multi-agent deep reinforcement learning techniques and propose to model each zone as an agent. A multi-agent framework is established to support the information exchange among the agents and enable intelligent thermal control in the heterogeneous zones. Accordingly, we mathematically formulate a problem to optimize both energy and comfort. A multi- zone thermal control algorithm (MOCA) is proposed to solve the problem by deriving optimal control policies. We validate the performance of MOCA through simulation in professional TRNSYS, configured based on our real-world laboratory. The results are promising with up to 15.4% energy-saving as well as satisfied thermal comfort in different zones. National Research Foundation (NRF) Accepted version This research is funded by National Research Foundation (NRF) via the Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (Grant NO.: NRF2015ENC_GBICRD001-012), administered by Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore. In addition, this research is sponsored by National Research Foundation (NRF) via the Behavioural Studies in Energy, Water, Waste and Transportation Sectors (Grant NO.: BSEWWT2017 2 06), administered by National University of Singapore (NUS). Moreover, this research is funded by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) via the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Research Centre @ NTU (Grant NO.: DSAIR@NTU).

Polydatin(PD) shows anti-allergic inflammatory effect, and this study investigated its underlying mechanisms in in vitro and in vivo models. IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) models were used to confirm PD effect in vivo. Various signaling pathway proteins in mast cell were examined. RT-PCR, ELISA and western blotting were applied when appropriate. Activity of Lyn and Fyn kinases in vitro was measured using the Kinase Enzyme System. PD dose-dependently reduced the pigmentation of Evans blue in the PCA model and decreased the concentration of serum histamine in PSA model, and attenuated the degranulation of mast cells without generating cytotoxicity. PD decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-8). PD directly inhibited activity of Lyn and Syk kinases and down-regulated downstream signaling pathway including MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-kB. In addition, PD also targets Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit mast cell-derived allergic inflammatory reactions. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that PD is a possible therapeutic candidate for allergic inflammatory diseases. It directly inhibited activity of Lyn and Syk kinases and down-regulates the signaling pathway of MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB, and up-regulates the signaling pathway of Nrf2/HO-1 to inhibit the degranulation of mast cells.

The artificial intelligence based on medical aid diagnosis has been in full swing in these years. How to better and more safely utilize this new technology to improve the diagnostic efficiency and quality of doctors poses new challenges for our hospital management. This paper aims to explore relevant management problems and corresponding solutions from seven aspects:data security, system integration, technical parameters, risks, workflows and diagnosis results by introducing a new intelligent image screening system. After these management problems have been better solved, we found that the intelligent image screening system can improve the diagnostic efficiency and quality of doctors.

For decades, ASHRAE Standard 55 has been using the Fanger's predicted mean vote (PMV) model to evaluate the indoor thermal comfort satisfaction. However, this canonical model has drawbacks in both data inadequacy and lack of inputs from test subjects. In this paper, we propose a learning-based solution for thermal comfort modeling via the emerging machine learning techniques and Internet of Things-based pervasive sensing technologies. First, we build an intelligent thermal comfort management (iTCM) system. It adopts the wireless sensor network to collect environmental data and utilizes the wearable device for vital sign monitoring. In addition, a cloud-based back-end system, with cost efficient deployment fees, is developed for data management and analysis. Second, we implement a black-box neural network (NN), namely the intelligent thermal comfort NN (ITCNN). To evaluate the performance of ITCNN, we compare it with the PMV model, three traditional white-box machine learning approaches and three classical black-box machine learning methods. Our preliminary results show that four black-box methods achieve better performance than the PMV model and the three white-box approaches. The ITCNN achieves the best performance and outperforms the PMV model by on average 13.1% and up to 17.8%. Third, with the iTCM system, we demonstrate a novel deep reinforcement learning-based application by encouraging human behavioral changes to form energy-saving habits for greener, smarter, and healthier building. Finally, we discuss the limitations of this paper and present the plan for our future research. NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore)

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common type of cancer worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be associated with the development of multiple types of human cancer. The present study aimed to identify the potential role of lncRNA colon cancer associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) in NPC. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of CCAT1 in NPC tissues and cell lines. The function of CCAT1 in the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of NPC cells was detected by MTT, cell scratch, Transwell, flow cytometry and caspase-3 ELISA assays, respectively. The results indicated that the expression levels of CCAT1 were significantly upregulated in NPC tissues compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. CCAT1 expression was also higher in SUNE-1 and C666-1 cells compared with NP69 cells. Furthermore, the knockdown of CCAT1 was indicated to inhibit growth, migration and invasion, and induce apoptosis in NPC cells. In conclusion, the present study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to provide new findings that support an oncogenic role of CCAT1 in NPC. Further research is required to define the potential molecular mechanism of CCAT1 in the development of NPC.

Aims The present study is to investigate the effect of cornuside on mast cell-mediated allergic response, as well as its possible mechanisms of action. Methods To test the anti-allergic effects of cornuside in vivo, local extravasation was induced by local injection of anti-dinitrophenyl immunoglobulin E (IgE) followed by intravenous antigenic challenge in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model rats. Mast cell viability was determined using MTT assay. Histamine content from rat peritoneal mast cells was measured by the radioenzymatic method. To investigate the mechanisms by which cornuside affects the reduction of histamine release, the levels of calcium uptake were measured. To examine whether cornuside affects the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Western blotting and ELISA were carried out. Results Oral administration of cornuside inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Presence of cornuside attenuated IgE-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. The inhibitory effect of cornuside on histamine release was mediated by the modulation of intracellular calcium. In addition, cornuside decreased phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of cornuside on pro-inflammatory cytokines was dependent on nuclear factor-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that cornuside inhibits mast cell-derived inflammatory allergic reactions by blocking histamine release and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro anti-allergic effects of cornuside suggest a possible therapeutic application of this agent in inflammatory allergic diseases.

A new room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) supported [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene (ion-supported HTIB) reagent was synthesised by three kinds of effective methods in high yields, which combined the advantages of ionic liquids and the hypervalent iodine. Ion-supported HTIB was an effective reagent for one-step conversion of ketones to the corresponding α-tosyloxylated ketones in the ionic liquid [emim]BF4or acetonitrile under microwave. After the conversion reaction, the reagent was transformed into ion-supported iodobenzene, which could be recovered and regenerated easily without lost of activity.

Objective: To investigate superiorities of a special needle-over-cannula adopting different location methods for continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) for geriatric lower extremity joint arthroplasty. Methods: 60 elderly patients intending to receive scheduled knee or hip replacement surgery were recruited and divided into 3 groups randomly. Group 1 (n=20) adopted fascial pop for continuous femoral nerve block and postoperative analgesia with indwelling cannula. Group 2 (n=20) adopted location guided by B ultrasound, and Group 3 (n=20) adopted fascial pop combined with B ultrasound. Results: There was significant difference in the performing time of cannula indwelling on average between each two groups (P

OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effects and mechanism of ethanol extract of Inonotus obliquus (EEIO) injection on asthmatic mice. METHOD OVA was injected intraperitoneally and inhaled to produce the asthmatic model. Thirty two mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, asthma group and I. obliquus groups of high and low dose. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma in BALF, the phosphor-p38 MAPK in lung tissues were respectively measured by ELISA and Western blotting. The number of inflammatory cells in BALF and histopathology changes were observed. RESULT In asthmatic group, the number of inflammatory cells and the concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in BALF and phospho-p38 MAPK in lung tissue were higher, while IFN-gamma were lower than those in normal control mice (P < 0.05). In I. obliquus group, the number of inflammatory cells, the concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in BALF and phosphor-p38 MAPK in lung tissue were lower, but were higher than those in normal control mice (P < 0.05), and histropathology damage was alleviated significantly. There was no significant difference observed among the efficacies in the I. obliquus groups of high and low dose. CONCLUSION p38 MAPK may play a role in pathological process of asthma. I. obliquus effectively treats asthma by inhibiting the expression of phosphor-p38 MAPK, correcting the unbalance of IFN-gamma/IL-4 and decreasing the number of inflammatory cells.

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization, more and more solid have been emitted into the Pearl River Estuary. The suspended sediment concentration is one of the most important water quality parameters. With in-situ optical data and suspended sediment data collected on four cruises from 2004 to 2006 in the Pearl River Estuary, analysis shows that with the increasing of the total suspended sediment (TSM) concentration, the intensive bands which have the best correlation relationship with the TSM concentration shift from Rrs(620) to Rrs(778). When the mean suspended concentration is 14.5 g.m−3, the Rrs(620) has best correlation with the suspended concentration. However, when the mean suspended concentration becomes more than 40g.m−3, the most correlated band shifts to 778nm. It seems that all of the Rrs(620), Rrs(665), Rrs(681), Rrs(708), Rrs(753), Rrs(760), Rrs(778) may be the most sensitive band for the different TSM concentration. This work investigates the possibility of using a new universal approximator-support vector machines (SVMs)-as the nonlinear transfer function between TSM concentration and remote sensing reflectance in the Pearl River Estuary. Experimental results show that the SVM performs better result than general empirical algorithms or the piecewise algorithm. The correlation coefficient between the in-situ and modeled TSM of the test dataset is 0.91 and the root mean squared error (RMSE) is 0.145. The algorithm based on the SVM is applied to MERIS satellite data in January 31, 2007. The distribution of TSM concentration was obtained and it shows that the algorithm could be a useful tool for the study of TSM distribution in Pearl River estuary.

A novel modeling method of longest path detecting for signal transmission and delay time computing of logic circuit is proposed in this paper. The method is based on graph theory so that it is quite simple. This paper introduces matrixes based on the circuit's neighborhood graph, which is a labeled and directed graph G, 2-tuple G (V, E). The gate-level circuit is first transformed into a directed acyclic graph in which the gates appear as edges with certain option value and the signals correspond to the nodes marked with number. The neighborhood graph is then mapped onto a conjunction matrix. The novel method could also give the formulas of calculating the delay time as well as detecting the longest path of delay.

Ionic liquid-supported [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene, a useful chemical reagent for organic synthesis, was synthesised in high yields using three different methods. The product was found to be stable in air and in a high humid atmosphere over a few weeks. The chemical structure of the product was characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis.