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Previous assessments of the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) focused primarily on changes in human pressure over time and did not consider the different human-pressure baselines of PAs, thereby potentially over- or underestimating PA effectiveness. We developed a framework that considers both human-pressure baseline and change in human pressure over time and assessed the effectiveness of 338 PAs in China from 2010 to 2020. The initial state of human pressure on PAs was taken as the baseline, and changes in human pressure index (HPI) were further analyzed under different baselines. We used the random forest models to identify the management measures that most improved effectiveness in resisting human pressure for the PAs with different baselines. Finally, the relationships between the changes in the HPI and the changes in natural ecosystems in PAs were analyzed with different baselines. Of PAs with low HPI baselines, medium HPI baselines, and high HPI baselines, 76.92% (n=150), 11.11% (n=12), and 22.86% (n=8) , respectively, showed positive effects in resisting human pressure. Overall, ignoring human-pressure baselines somewhat underestimated the positive effects of PAs, especially for those with low initial human pressure. For PAs with different initial human pressures, different management measures should be taken to improve effectiveness and reduce threats to natural ecosystems. We believe our framework is useful for assessing the effectiveness of PAs globally, and we recommend it be included in the Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Strategy.Las evaluaciones previas de la efectividad de las áreas protegidas (AP) se han enfocado principalmente en los cambios de las presiones humanas con el tiempo y no han considerado las diferentes líneas base de las presiones humanas en las AP, por lo que potencialmente han sobrestimado o subestimado su efectividad. Desarrollamos un marco de trabajo que considera las líneas base de presión humana y los cambios de las presiones humanas con el tiempo y evaluamos a la efectividad de 338 AP en China entre 2010 y 2020. Consideramos el estado inicial de la presión humana en las AP como la línea base y analizamos los cambios en el índice de presión humana (IPH) bajo diferentes líneas base. Utilizamos modelos de bosque aleatorio para identificar las medidas de gestión que más aumentaron la efectividad de la resistencia a las presiones humanas en las AP con líneas base diferentes. Finalmente, analizamos con diferentes líneas base las relaciones entre los cambios en el IPH y los cambios en los ecosistemas naturales de las AP. De las AP con líneas base de IPH bajas, medianas y altas, 76.92% (n=150), 11.11% (n=12) y 22.86% (n=8), respectivamente, mostraron efectos positivos de resistencia a las presiones humanas. En general, si ignoramos las líneas base de las presiones humanas, se subestiman los efectos positivos de las AP de una u otra manera, especialmente aquellas con poca presión humana al inicio. En el caso de las AP que al inicio tienen diferentes presiones humanas, se deben tomar diferentes medidas de gestión para mejorar la efectividad y reducir las amenazas a los ecosistemas naturales. Creemos que nuestro marco de trabajo sirve para evaluar la efectividad mundial de las AP y recomendamos que se incluya en la Estrategia Post-2020 de la Convención sobre la Diversidad Biológica. Mejoría de la Efectividad de un Área Protegida al Considerar Diferentes Líneas Base de Presión Humana.自然保护地保护成效评估过去主要关注两个时间段之间人类压力的变化, 较少考虑自然保护地不同的人类压力基线(初始背景状态), 这可能会过高或过低估计自然保护地保护成效。我们提出了一个同时考虑人类压力基线和人类压力随时间变化的评估框架, 并评估了2010-2020年中国338处自然保护地在不同基线下减缓人类压力的有效性。首先以人类压力的初始状态作为基线, 在不同基线下进一步分析了自然保护地内人类压力指数的变化;然后利用随机森林模型明确了对于不同基线的自然保护地提高其保护成效最重要的管理措施;最后进一步探讨了不同基线下人类压力指数变化与自然生态系统变化之间的关系。结果表明, 对于初始人类压力较低、中等和较高的自然保护地, 分别有76.92%、11.11%和22.86%在减缓人类压力方面表现出显著正效应。总体而言, 忽略人类压力基线在一定程度上低估了自然保护地的成效, 特别是对于初始人类压力较低的自然保护地。对于具有不同初始人类压力的自然保护地, 应采取不同的管理措施提高其保护成效并减少对自然生态系统的威胁。本研究提出的评估框架对评估全球自然保护地的保护成效具有重要作用, 我们建议将其纳入2020年后生物多样性战略目标的评估体系。.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cumulus cells (CCs) from mature oocytes with oocyte quality and embryonic development.A total of 338 infertile women who underwent ovarian stimulation cycle of oocyte retrieval in Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The relative mRNA expression levels of CFTR, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in CCs were detected by qPCR technology. ROC curve was applied for the diagnosis of oocyte maturation. The serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), EThe mRNA expression levels of CFTR in CCs were significantly increased in metaphase II (MII) oocytes compared to that in metaphase I (MI) or germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. The ROC curve analysis illustrated that CFTR mRNA expression could efficiently discriminate MII oocytes from MI or GV oocytes (AUC = 0.954), and revealed that 0.695 RQU is the optimal cut-off value for diagnosis. So the cut-off value of 2This study suggests that CFTR expression in CCs is associated with the developmental potential of human oocytes.

To explore the effects of Hongjing-1 Recipe (HJ-1) on erectile function and the expression of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) in the penile tissue in male rats with bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI).Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups of an equal number: sham operation, BCNI model control, and low-, medium- and high-dose HJ-1. The BCNI model was made in the latter four groups by clamping the bilateral cavernous nerves with hemostatic forceps. Three days after modeling, the rats in the sham operation and BCNI model control groups were treated intragastrically with pure water and those in the low-, medium- and high-dose HJ-1 groups with HJ-1 at 2.835, 5.67 and 11.34 g/kg/d, respectively, all for 28 successive days. Then, the animals were subjected to intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement for evaluation of their erectile function and immunofluorescence staining and Western blot for determination of the Cx43 level in the penile tissue.The BCNI model controls, compared with the rats in the sham operation group, showed a dramatically decreased ratio of maximum ICP to mean arterial pressure (mICP/MAP) (0.40 ± 0.04 vs 0.83 ± 0.10, P0.01) and that of total ICP to MAP (tICP/MAP) (21.89 ± 2.16 vs 50.27 ± 4.45, P0.01), as well as a down-regulated expression of Cx43 in the penile tissue (P0.01). In comparison with the rats in the BCNI model control group, those in the medium- and high-dose HJ-1 groups exhibited significantly increased ratios of mICP/MAP (0.54 ± 0.05, P0.05; 0.61 ± 0.06, P0.01) and tICP/MAP (31.20 ± 3.85, P0.01; 37.82 ± 4.17, P0.01) and up-regulated expression of Cx43 (P0.05 and P0.01).Hongjing-1 Recipe can effectively improve ED in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve injury, which may be attributed to its effect of maintaining the expression level of the gap junction protein Cx43 in the penile tissue.

With eco-friendly and sustainable CO2 -derived dimethyl carbonate as the sole solvent, the visible-light-induced cascade radical reactions have been established as a green and efficient tool for constructing various CHF2 /CClF2 /CBrF2 -substituted ring-fused quinazolinones.

With eco-friendly and sustainable CO

BACKGROUND It has been reported that paternal folic acid deficiency is correlated with male infertility and increased birth defects in the offspring. However, there are few data concerning the influence of folic acid supplementation on male-factor infertility with MTHFR gene polymorphisms. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms in Chinese infertility population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The infertile men suffering oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms were randomly divided into the folic acid treatment groups receiving folic acid 0.8 mg daily for 3 months and the placebo groups receiving placebo for 3 months. Semen parameters, seminal MDA, and DNA fragmentation were measured. Furthermore, spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate were evaluated. RESULTS Administration of folic acid for 3 months could significantly improve the seminal parameters in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in comparison with that receiving placebo. Moreover, seminal MDA and sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype significantly declined at the end of treatment. Spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate tended to be significantly higher in couples in which the men with MTHFR 677 TT genotype receiving folic acid than that receiving placebo. However, folic acid treatment did not exhibit any advantage in MTHFR 677 CT, 1298 AC, 1298 CC, 1793 GA, or combined 677 CT/1298 AC genotype. DISCUSSION The anti-oxidation function of folic acid is one of possible mechanisms invovled in improving seminal parameters and pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS Folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in term of seminal parameters, seminal MDA, sperm DNA fragmentation, and pregnancy outcome.

Oxidative stress (OS) in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) is induced by calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones and plays an important role in the pathology of CaOx nephrolithiasis. The nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway is an important endogenous antioxidant pathway. Flavonoids are compounds with 2-phenylchromone as the basic mother nucleus and are natural antioxidant components of Lysimachia christinae. Our previous studies demonstrated that the total flavonoids from L. christinae (TFL) reduced calcium and oxalic acid concentrations in urine, thus inhibiting CaOx stone formation. We also showed that TFL can reduce OS in renal tissue. However, whether TFL inhibit the formation of CaOx stones through the Nrf2/ARE pathway requires further investigation. Here, we found that TFL protected against injury to a renal cell line and renal tissue, reduced CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue, and reduced CaOx crystal formation. In addition, TFL significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 and the expression of the downstream antioxidant genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1). Furthermore, TFL increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, thereby alleviating OS in RTECs. Silencing Nrf2 expression blocked the protective effect of TFL on CaOx-induced OS. Taken together, our findings indicate that TFL reduce CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.

A miniaturized mmWave-over-fiber remote radio head implemented by heterogeneous integration of Si photonics and CMOS integrated circuits is presented. A 28-GHz, 16-QAM OFDM signal is transmitted through this module with EVM 9.52%.

Triphenylimidazole-based ampholytes with intramolecular charge transfer were designed with the introduction of carboxyl groups. In solution, the synergistic solvent and ionization effects on the ampholytes led to a unique pendulum-type fluorescence variation during the water content increasing process. Among them, 4-(4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoic acid showed the most prominent three-step fluorescence switching property.

As the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), Ghrelin is aberrant expressed in multiple malignant carcinoma, and involved in regulating a number of progression of cancer, especially in metastasis and proliferation. However, the precise role of Ghrelin in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we extensively investigated the roles and mechanisms of Ghrelin in human gastric cancer. Ghrelin levels in cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Functional studies were performed after Ghrelin overexpressed or knockdown in AGS cell line. Cell proliferation was evaluated in by MTT and clone formation assays. The wound healing and Transwell system were used to assess the cell migration and invasive ability of GC cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and metabolic assays were performed to reveal the function of Warburg effect in the process. Ghrelin was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Ghrelin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis by activating the AMPK pathway, while D-[lys3]-GHRP-6 (a GHSR agonist) treatment relieved the effect, promoting tumorigenesis. Ghrelin knockdown increased the glucose uptake and lactic acid release, suggesting that Ghrelin elicited an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK pathway to inhibit gastric tumorigenesis. Ghrelin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by eliciting an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells.

To explore the regulatory effect of salidroside on H2O2-induced decrease in the expression of the connexin43 (Cx43) protein in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMC).Rat CCSMCs were isolated, primarily cultured in vitro and identified by immunocytochemical assay. The optimum concentration of H2O2 for intervention was determined by detecting its effect on the viability of the CCSMCs and used in the treatment of the CCSMCs for different lengths of time, and meanwhile salidroside was applied at 16 μg/ml (low dose) or 64 μg/ml (high dose) for intervention. Finally, the expressions of the Cx43 protein in the CCSMCs of different groups of rats were determined by Western blot.The CCSMCs grew normally, with a positive rate of over 90%. At 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatment with H2O2 at the optimum concentration of 200 μmol/L, the expression of Cx43 in the CCSMCs was significantly decreased as compared with that in the blank control group (P0.01), even more significantly at 4 hours than at 1 and 2 (P0.01). Intervention with high-dose salidroside, however, markedly inhibited the down-regulation of the Cx43 expression (P0.05), which showed no statistically significant difference from that in the normal control group (P = 0.322 2).Salidroside can suppress H2O2-induced decrease in the expression of the Cx43 protein in rat CCSMCs.

MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) behaves as a tumor suppressor by decreasing the expression of oncogenes involved in multiple carcinogenic pathways. Intravenous delivery of miR-34a mimics has been investigated in clinical trials as a potential treatment for advanced cancers; however, the effect of miR-34a on cancer immune surveillance is controversial. In the current study, we found that miR-34a plays a dual role in the regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I-related sequence B (MICB) protein, a ligand of the NKG2D receptor. MiR-34a could both induce and reduce MICB expression by upregulating ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) protein kinase and downregulating the transcription factor E2F1, respectively. The net effect of miR-34a on MICB expression depended on endogenous E2F1 levels. Overexpression of miR-34a promoted MICB expression in hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells that have low E2F1 levels but not in HCC cells that have high E2F1 levels. In HCC patients, the expression of miR-34a and MICB showed positive correlation in paratumor liver tissues, which have low E2F1 levels, but not in HCC tissues, which have high E2F1 levels. We showed that miR-34a overexpression in non-transformed liver cells enhanced cytolysis and interferon-γ production by NK-92MI cells. Furthermore, higher miR-34a expression in tumor and paratumor tissues was associated with positive and negative outcomes, respectively, in HCC patients. Our findings suggest that miR-34a induces MICB expression in paratumor liver tissues, which may cause liver damage and serious cytokine release syndrome, thus disclosing potential side effects of systemic administration of miR-34a in anticancer therapy.

Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone that is produced by gastric cells. Ghrelin stimulates food intake and increases gastric movement. In rat model, injected β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-HB) leads to a decrease in body weight. It has been reported that patients with gastric erosions are slower to evacuate the stomach. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ghrelin and β-HB on motility and inflammation in rat gastric antral smooth muscle cells (GASMCs). GASMCs were extracted from rat gastric antrum. Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit was used to analyze the levels of ROS using flow cytometry. Protein levels were determined using western blotting, and the expression levels of mRNAs were evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. β-HB inhibited the expression of myosin regulatory light polypeptide 9 (MYL9), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), transforming protein RhoA (RhoA), Rho-associated protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). By contrast, ghrelin increased the expression of MYL9, MLCK, RhoA, ROCK-1 and GHS-R in β-HB-treated GASMCs. β-HB increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and ROS, and decreased the levels of manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase (SOD), copper/zinc (Cu/Zn)SOD and catalase. Ghrelin decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS and catalase, whereas ghrelin promoted the expression of MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD in β-HB-treated GASMCs. Short interfering RNA targeting GHS-R inhibited the expression of MYL9, MLCK, RhoA and ROCK-1, and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and ROS in β-HB-treated or ghrelin-treated GASMCs. The present study provided preliminary evidence that β-HB inhibits the motility of GASMCs and promotes inflammation in GASMCs, whereas ghrelin decreases these effects. GHS-R acted as a primary regulator of motility and inflammation in GASMCs treated with β-HB and ghrelin.

It has been reported that paternal folic acid deficiency is correlated with male infertility and increased birth defects in the offspring. However, there are few data concerning the influence of folic acid supplementation on male-factor infertility with MTHFR gene polymorphisms.To evaluate whether folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms in Chinese infertility population.The infertile men suffering oligozoospermia with MTHFR gene polymorphisms were randomly divided into the folic acid treatment groups receiving folic acid 0.8 mg daily for 3 months and the placebo groups receiving placebo for 3 months. Semen parameters, seminal MDA, and DNA fragmentation were measured. Furthermore, spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate were evaluated.Administration of folic acid for 3 months could significantly improve the seminal parameters in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in comparison with that receiving placebo. Moreover, seminal MDA and sperm DNA fragmentation index in patients with MTHFR 677 TT genotype significantly declined at the end of treatment. Spontaneous pregnancy rate and live birth rate tended to be significantly higher in couples in which the men with MTHFR 677 TT genotype receiving folic acid than that receiving placebo. However, folic acid treatment did not exhibit any advantage in MTHFR 677 CT, 1298 AC, 1298 CC, 1793 GA, or combined 677 CT/1298 AC genotype.The anti-oxidation function of folic acid is one of possible mechanisms invovled in improving seminal parameters and pregnancy outcome.Folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on oligozoospermia with MTHFR 677 TT genotype in term of seminal parameters, seminal MDA, sperm DNA fragmentation, and pregnancy outcome.

Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical and pathological characteristics of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP). Methods The clinical data and the process of diagnosis and treatments of 2 patients diagnosed as AFOP were analyzed, combined with related literature review. Results The main clinical manifestations of the 2 patients (both males, aged 47 and 45 years respectively) were fever, cough, and dyspnea. The chest CT in one patient revealed lobar pneumonia in the right middle lobe of lung, and failed of antibiotic therapy. In another case, the chest CT revealed consolidation in the right upper lobe of lung, and the condition was improved initially by antibiotic therapy, but the symptoms aggravated again in a short time. Computed tomography guided percutaneous lung biopsy and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed the presence of intra-alveolar cellulose-like sediments, parts of which formed cellulose-like "balls", which were consistent of AFOP. The two patients showed clinical and radiological improvement after glucocorticoid therapy. One patient was treated with glucocorticoid for 3 months, and the other one was still on a tapering dose of steroids. Conclusions AFOP presents unique pathologic features, but no specific clinical features, patients with AFOP are easily misdiagnosed as pneumonia. Whether AFOP is an independent disease diagnosis is still a controversy. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2016.09.11

Objective To compare the different expressions of miRNAs of alveolar macrophages (AM) in two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models of rat induced by smudging alone or combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion. Methods Sixty female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: control group Ⅰ, control group Ⅱ, COPD model group Ⅰ(cigarette smoke exposure alone, CS) and COPD model group Ⅱ(cigarette smoke exposure + LPS infusion, CS+LPS). COPD rat models were evaluated by chest CT, lung function test and histopathological examination of lungs. The primary AM were acquired and the RNAs were then extracted after carrying out bronchoalveolar lavage. Three pairs of samples were used for detection of miRNAs expression by the method of miRNA microarray chip. The difference was verified by qRT-PCR analysis on another 5 pairs of samples. Data analysis was performed to find out the significantly differential miRNAs expression profiles in COPD rat models. Results The chest CT, lung function test and histopathological examination verified the COPD in rats of CS and CS+LPS groups. Compared with control group Ⅰ, the expressions of let-7b-3p, miR-376c-3p and miR-675-5p were down-regulated in CS group with no miRNAs up-regulated. Compared with control group Ⅱ, the expressions of let-7b-3p and miR-675-5p were down-regulated, while the expressions of 11 miRNAs were obviously up-regulated in CS+LPS group as miR-200b-3p, miR665, miR-344b-1-3p, miR-34c-5p, miR-34b-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-129-1-3p, miR-3557-5p, miR-331-5p, miR-493-5p and miR-200a3p. Conclusions COPD rat models are established successfully both with CS and CS+LPS. The results of chest CT, lung function test and histopathological examination have shown no significant difference between the two approaches. However, the expressions of miRNAs of AM are significantly different. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2016.07.05

Cucurbita species ( Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima) are rich sources of nutrients, especially carotenoids and carbohydrates. Metabolites in pulps of C. moschata and C. maxima lines were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results revealed that glucose and sucrose were the dominant sugars in C. maxima and C. moschata, respectively. A correlation was found between Brix percentage and sucrose levels as compared with glucose and fructose. A greater amount of myo-inositol had accumulated in C. moschata lines compared with C. maxima. Conversely, total carotenoids and antioxidant activity were found to be higher in C. maxima lines than in C. moschata. A strong correlation of glucose, fructose, and sucrose with β-carotene and violaxanthin revealed that it will be difficult to develop pumpkin cultivars with both high inositol and carotenoid levels. In conclusion, the composition of carbohydrates and carotenoids was more diverse in C. moschata lines than in C. maxima lines. Our results will contribute to a better understanding of metabolite changes in the fruits of these as well as other pumpkin species.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of pyroptosis in the cryopreservation and transplantation of mouse ovarian tissues; the effects of pyroptosis inhibitior on the ovarian graft function were also explored. ICR (institute of cancer research) mice were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups (n = 10 per group). The experimental groups included fresh graft group (autograft), cryopreserved graft group (cryopreservation + autograft), and pyroptosis inhibition group (cryopreservation + autograft + pyroptosis inhibitor). At the third day after auto-transplantation, caspase-1 and NLRP3 protein expression in grafts were assessed by Western blot; in the meantime, serum concentration of IL-1β was examined by ELISA. After 28 days of auto-transplantation, estradiol concentrations and follicular densities of grafts were evaluated. The caspase-1 and NLRP3 protein expression in grafts from all the experimental groups were significantly higher than that from control group respectively; moreover, there was a significant increase in serum concentrations of IL-1β in all experimental groups compared with control group. The concentration of estradiol and follicular densities of grafts in pyroptosis inhibition group were significantly higher than that in cryopreserved graft group. Pyroptosis is involved in cryopreservation and auto-transplantation of mouse ovarian tissues, and pyroptosis inhibition can improve the ovarian graft function.

Introduction:Urachal remnant with heterotopic sinus is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, and usually coexists with other congenital anomalies. We report the case of a 32-year-old adult male with urachal remnant with heterotopic sinus.Patient concerns:A 32-year-old adult male presented wi

Integrated Resource Strategic Planning (IRSP) is an extension of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) at the national level for power planning. It provides a new theoretical foundation for the implementation of demand-side management (DSM) in the deregulated conditions. In this paper, IRSP model for power planning is proposed. In the model, both supply-side and demand-side resources as efficient power plant (EPP) are considered in the optimization process. A case study for the power planning in the United States is presented in the paper. The results indicate that, comparing with traditional planning the IRSP model can not only achieve the minimum total costs, but also reduce the supply-side capacity installation and the related pollution emissions.

Pathogenesis and genetic factors influencing predisposition to antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) are not clear. Polymorphism at the genetic locus of a drug and xenobiotic compound metabolizing enzyme, N-acetyltransferase type 2 (NAT2), is reported to be associated with the excess generation of toxic reactive metabolites. To date, many case–control studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between the NAT2 polymorphisms and ATDH, but the results have been inconsistent. To investigate this inconsistency, a meta-analysis was performed. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CNKI were searched to find relevant studies. A total of 26 case–control studies, involving 1,198 cases and 2,921 controls were included. Overall, we found significant association between slow acetylator genotype of NAT2 and ATDH (OR = 3.10, 95 % CI: 2.47–3.88, P < 10−5). Significant results were also found in East Asians, South Asians, Brazilians and Middle Eastern when stratified by ethnicity. However, no significant associations were found for Caucasians. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the slow acetylator genotype of NAT2 is a risk factor associated with increased ATDH susceptibility, but these associations vary in different ethnic populations.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and attenuated total reflection (ATR) combined with partial least-squares (PLS) and Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing were successfully applied for rapid no-reagent determination of hemoglobin (HGB) in human whole blood. The optimal SG smoothing parameters OD, DP, NSP and PLS factor were 1, 2, 49 and 14, respectively. The modeling effect M-SEPAve, M-RP,Ave, M-SEPStd, and M-RP,Std were 6.73g/L, 0.850, 0.306g/L, and 0.015, respectively. The validation effect V-SEP and V-RP were 6.83g/L and 0.864, respectively. The method provided a reliable model with stability for clinic application of FTIR/ATR.

To study the supercritical CO2 fluids extraction (SFE) method to extract the components from Taxus yunnanensis.Medicinal meterials were extracted by supercritical CO2, and then purified by industrial chromatography. Using the extraction yield of 10-DAB as the index,single factor test was carried out to investigate the effect of co-solvent, extraction time, extraction pressure, extraction temperature, pressure and temperature of separation kettle I. Then orthogonal experiment was used to optimize the best extraction condition.The suitable extraction condition was as follows: the ratio of co-solvent (80% ethanol) amount and the madicinal materials was 3: 1, Separation kettle I pressure was 14 MPa, separation kettle I temperature was 40 °C, extraction pressure was 25 MPa, extraction temperature was 60 T and extraction time was 90 min. The extract was separated by industrial chromatographic and then crystallized.The supercritical CO2 extraction and purification process of 10-DAB were simple and feasible.

Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), attenuated total reflection (ATR) technology and partial least square (PLS) method, the rapid quantification method of hemoglobin (HGB) in human soluble blood samples was established. Based on the distribution of samples’ HGB chemical value and absorbance on 1543 cm-1 which had the highest signal to noise ratio for HGB, all samples were divided into calibration set and prediction set for 50 times. PLS models were established for all divisions, based on the average data RMSEPAve, the stable optimal model was selected, the corresponding PLS factor, RMSEPAve and RP,Ave were 2, 6.81 g/L and 0.943 respectively.

In IT outsourcing, contract defects often cause outsourcing failure. Many client firms do not know well how to design the contract because they have no way to access private information of vendors, so vendors are likely to conduct out of constraint. This work combined relational contract with conventional one to establish an integral management mechanism. It at first gave the cost-increment analysis method to improve relational contract design so that it would facilitate outsourcing contract to work efficiently. Then analyzed the relation between vendor profit-gaining and its varied conducts, and built up the method of contract design to allow vendor gaining profit only when it conducts following its true types. In the method, the private information was sorted into a variety of conduct types and universal decision was found out aiming all the types. The mechanism effectively incents and constrains vendors without relying on private information.

Introduction The availability of targeted and immunotherapies has provided NSCLC patients with more effective treatment options. However, this has resulted in an increase in the number and modality of tests required for treatment selection. Given 30-50% of advanced lung cancer patients have insufficient or unavailable tissue for comprehensive genomic profiling, there is a need for a non-invasive assay that can accurately detect all guideline-recommended markers for NSCLC treatment selection. To meet this need, we have developed a blood test that detects six classes of alterations (SNV, Indels, Rearrangements, CNA, Microsatellite Instability and PD-L1 expression) for therapy selection. Methods & Results Three tubes of blood from a routine blood draw were sent to our CLIA-certified and/or CAP accredited lab for analysis. PD-L1 expression was evaluated in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) utilizing two different assays; (i) Immunofluorescence (IF) antibody staining, (ii) mRNA qPCR. CTCs were captured on the CMxTM CTC Platform coated with lipid bilayer and antibodies to EpCAM. PD-L1 expression results were highly correlated between IF and qPCR assays in ten solid tumor cell lines (lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer) spiked into whole blood to mimic the actual patient CTC capture process. In an ongoing study on clinical samples from NSCLC patients (N=20), we observed greater than 90% concordance between tissue (IHC by 22C3 PD-L1 clone) and blood (CTC IF and mRNA assays). A proprietary Single Molecule Sequencing (SMSEQTM) NGS assay was performed on plasma in order to detect 5 classes of genomic alterations (SNV, Indels, Rearrangements, CNA, MSI) from ctDNA. This assay was validated in accordance with the latest ACMG and AMP guidelines to accurately detect variants at low mutant allele fraction (.1% for SNVs and Indels, 1% for rearrangements and 5 copies for CNA) with high sensitivity and specificity. MSI status was determined by assessing nucleotide repeat sequences in five standard markers (BAT-25, BAT-26, MONO-27, NR-21, NR-24), and was detectable down to a MAF of 1%. In an ongoing study on clinical samples from NSCLC patients (N=20), we observed high concordance of MSI status between tissue (immunohistochemistry for dMMR/MSI status) and blood (ctDNA SMSEQ assay). Conclusion Tissue insufficiency and procurement challenges are the primary reasons why ~90% of patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC are not comprehensively tested per NCCN-guidelines in the community setting where most cancer is treated, leading to suboptimal treatment selection. An accurate blood test that detects all 6 NCCN-recommended markers for immunotherapy and targeted therapy selection has the potential to significantly improve adherence to NCCN testing guidelines and enable optimal treatment selection. Citation Format: Huangpin B. Hsieh, Jen-chia Wu, Feng-Ming Lin, Julian Lucas, Alex Atkins, Pratyush Gupta, Hung-Jen Shao, Yen-Lin Chen, Wen-Jie Huang, Chia-Hsun Hsieh, Ruey Kuen Hsieh, Kuo-Wei Chen, Ming-Hong Yen, Mana Javey, Shih-En Chang, Twinkal Marfatia, Drew Watson, Mahul Amin, Ashish Nimgaonkar, Oscar Segurado, Rui Mei. CTC and ctDNA profiling to detect 6 NCCN-guideline recommended classes of alterations for immunotherapy and targeted therapy selection using sample from a single blood draw [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3635.

e15107Background: PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an alternative to checkpoint inhibitor selection by IHC and it offers possibility for serial monitoring following chemotherap...

The effect of severe plastic deformation method on the dissolution of θ’phase in Al-Cu binary alloy was investigated by employing equal channel angular pressing(ECAP) and multi-axial compression(MAC). The results suggested that a more rapid dissolution of θ’ phase occurred in the MAC processed sample comparing with the ECAP processed sample, which was attributed to the stress state difference between ECAP and MAC processed samples .

Comparing with others, the supply chain of nuclear power plant (NPP) has its special characteristics, which not only on product safety, but also on the life cycle of supplier as well as requirement of environment, the selection of the appropriate supplier requires independent evaluation index system. For these reasons, based on establishing an evaluation index system, an integrated framework is proposed to approach the supplier selection problem in NPP supply chain systems utilizing analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Then the ranking of the suppliers are determined according to their results. Finally, for application and verification, an empirical study is performed to demonstrate the integrated model and identify the suitable supplier(s).

Few studies of the efficacy and safety of therapy with combinations of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (SFCs) have been conducted in Chinese patients with COPD, and the benefits of combination therapy in nonsmoking patients with COPD are, to our knowledge, not known.The aims were to establish the efficacy and tolerability of the therapy with SFC (salmeterol, 50 microg/fluticasone, 500 microg, twice daily) in the management of Chinese COPD patients and to investigate the effectiveness of SFC in nonsmokers with COPD.This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study. Changes in prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV(1), quality of life determined by the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, relief bronchodilator use, nighttime awakenings, and frequency of exacerbations of COPD were measured in patients randomized to receive SFC (n = 297) or placebo (n = 148). Never-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers accounted for 11.7%, 66.7%, and 21.6%, respectively, of the study population.After 24 weeks, the mean changes in prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV(1) were 180 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], approximately 91 to 268; p0.001) and 65 mL (95% CI, approximately 14 to 115; p = 0.012), respectively, greater for the SFC group than that for the placebo group. The differences in response to treatment were significant (all p0.0001) in former or current smokers but not in never-smokers (p0.05). The mean improvement in the total SGRQ score for the SFC group was 5.74 (p0.01) greater than that for the placebo group. SFC significantly reduced the frequency of nighttime awakenings and the use of relief bronchodilator. The adjusted ratio of exacerbations of COPD for the SFC group relative to the placebo group was 0.61 (95% CI, approximately 0.45 to 0.84; p0.01). There were no significant differences between the SFC and placebo groups in safety measures.SFC therapy achieved sustained improvement in lung function, quality of life, and control of symptoms, and was well tolerated in Chinese patients. Greater improvements in lung function were found only for COPD patients with a history of smoking.http://ctr.gsk.co.uk/Summary/fluticasone_salmeterol/studylist.asp Identifier: No. SCO100540.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate leg muscular regulation and neuromuscular activation by investigating the stiffness and EMG amplitude between normal vision students and visually impaired students. Ten normal vision (age: 24.3 ± 2 years; 171.5 ± 4.6; mass: 65.9 ± 8.0) and 10 visually impaired students (age: 23.2 ± 2.4 years; 163.4 ± 9.6; mass: 62.8 ± 15.0) served as subjects. An AMTI force platform (1200 Hz) and a Peak Performance high speed camera (60 Hz) were used synchronously to record the ground reaction force, the kinematic parameters and EMG signals of lower extremity during the subjects stepped down from height 20, 30 and 40 cm. After treating the data and discussion, the conclusions were obtained. The regulation of neuromusclar system of the impaired is less efficient compared to the normal one because of softer stiffness and lower EMG activity.

Acute lung injury (ALI) was associated with excessive inflammation caused by high TNF-α concentration. We hypothesized that anti-TNF-α therapy would have beneficial effects in experimental ALI in mice via oxidative stress inhibition.BALB/c mice (8 - 10 week old) were randomly assigned to an LPS group, a TNFR-Fc + LPS group and a control group. LPS (5 mg/kg) was intratracheally administered to the mice. For the TNFR-Fc + LPS group, TNFR-Fc was given intraperitoneally once at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg before LPS treatment, at 0 and 2 h after LPS treatment, the mice were sacrificed. Wet to dry ratio of the lung and the protein concentration in BALF were measured. Lung histology was evaluated for lung injury. TNF-α concentration in serum, MDA and total anti-oxidative stability were assayed. Finally, the transcription level of iNOS, Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, XO and SOD were evaluated by qRT-PCR.TNFR-Fc treatment significantly decreased the serum TNF-α concentration (P0.001), reduced the score of lung histology and decreased the protein concentration in BALF (P0.001), but did not change the wet to dry ratio of the lung. The ALI mice treated with TNFR-Fc had a lower transcription level of Nox1, Nox2, Nox4 and XO (all P0.001). The total anti-oxidative stability of mice treated with TNFR-Fc was preserved better than those treated with LPS alone (P0.05).Treatment with TNFR-Fc significantly reduced LPS-induced ALI. The transcription level of Nox and XO was down-regulated by anti-TNF-α therapy, followed by oxidative stress attenuation.

A new method for determination of trace iron in superconductor powder by ICP-AES was proposed. The instrument parameters were optimized, and the matrix effects as well as the method of eliminating interferences were also studied systemically. The results showed that matrix interference was serious when the amount of matrix increased, and the repeatability was poor, so it was necessary that separation and preconcentration were used to improve the accuracy and precision. In the experiment, complex was formed with Fe and phenanthroline after the matrix elements Bi and Cu were masked by triethanolamine in an appropriate acidity condition. Then the complex was quantitatively adsorbed by activated carbon, and desorbed by 1 : 1 HNO3. The enrichment conditions were investigated in detail. Under the optimal condition, an artificial sample was analysed, and the result was identical with reference values, with the RSD and detection limit being 2.42% and 0.033 microg x g(-1), respectively. The method was applied for the determination of trace iron in Bi-based superconductor powder samples with satisfactory results, in which the recoveries experiment was performed with the recovery coefficient falling in the range of 95.6% to 98.0%.

C13H13N3O3S, monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 28.720(3) Å, b = 6.1696(6) Å, c = 7.5796(8) Å, ( = 99.756(3)°, V = 1323.6 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0505, wRref(F2) = 0.1154, T = 273 K.

To evaluate the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib, on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in mice with lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin.Thirty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, bleomycin, and bleomycin plus gefitinib groups. The mice in the control group were subjected to intratracheal administration of normal saline, those in bleomycin group received bleomycin (3 mg/kg) intratracheally, and those in bleomycin plus gefitinib group received oral gefitinib (20 mg/kg administering) plus intratracheal bleomycin administration. All the mice were sacrificed 14 days after the treatments, and the left lung was examined pathologically with HE staining and Masson staining and also immunohistochemically for assay of the total EGFR, phosphorylated EGFR and α-SMA. The right lungs were sampled for RT-PCR to detect the mRNA levels of α-SMA.Gefitinib administration lessened lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin and significantly reduced lung collagen accumulation. The phosphorylation of EGFR in the pulmonary mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells and the expression levels of α-SMA mRNA and protein were inhibited by gefitinib treatment in mice with intratracheal administration of bleomycin (P0.05).Gefitinib offers protection against lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice probably by inhibiting the downstream signals of EGFR and by downregulating the expression of α-SMA.

IT outsourcing is making relationship marketing more special for vendors as partnership has turned up to be a trend, which is becoming the core activity. Based on typical analysis of its risk and business character, the management elements and partnership quality are discussed. Then the index system is put forward and the model is founded for evaluation. The Hopfield neural network system (HNNS) technique is introduced with analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a creative method for vendors to master the quality and make decisions. The model is characterized by being practically effective and functionally modular. On discussing the merits and deficiencies, the future study and its value for enterprise strategy are indicated.

The credit analysis on electricity users is of great use for the decision-making and management of market trades in the market. But due to the short history and the complexity of client information, the credit analysis in electricity market has indeed formed a typical nonlinear classification problem with small samples, which is still unsolved by traditional methods. To solve above problem, a novel classifiers based on developed SVM for the credit analysis in electricity market is presented, where two algorithms are integrated: 1)support vector machine (SVM) is the basic algorithm with special adaptability and advantage in nonlinear higher-dimensional pattern identification with small samples; 2) independent component analysis (ICA) is an excellent tool for blind signal separation. In the model, first the attributes of credit analysis for electricity uses are reconstructed by ICA in order to overcome the degradation of the latent noise and redundancy in SVM inputs. Second, the mined attributes with better information are fed to SVM for credit classification. In this way, the accuracy of SVM classifier is fatherly enhanced by combining with ICA. And then the performance of the credit analysis is improved. Simulation result shows that the proposed method may increase the accuracy of credit analysis.