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The erosion corrosion behavior of two B10 Cu-Ni alloys in a dynamic seawater environment under different flow velocities and erosion time was investigated by using electrochemical techniques and SEM/EDS in a self-made experimental device for erosion corrosion. The results demonstrate that the variation of the corrosion rate of the two alloys with time is similar. The corrosion rate of the two alloys is higher after two hours of immersion and lower after being immersed for eight hours at different velocities. The corrosion resistance of alloy A is generally higher than that of alloy B after being immersed at a flow velocity below 4 m/s for different time. When the flow velocity is higher than 3 m/s and flushing for a long time， the corrosion resistance of alloy B is better. It is related to the grain size and number of twins， as well as the enrichment of Ni and Fe， rather than the chemical states of Ni and Fe. Moreover， Ni and Fe are enriched in the passivation film of the two alloys after long-time immersion at a high flow velocity， which is beneficial for enhancing the corrosion resistance of the passivation film.

脑梗死是全球范围内致残率和致死率较高的疾病之一，大量研究表明，远端缺血预适应（remote ischemic preconditioning，RIPC）能够显著提高靶器官对缺血的耐受程度，减小梗死面积，改善患者预后，但目前对其在脑梗死发生发展中的作用机制研究较少。本文将从神经、体液和免疫3个方面，结合相关信号通路对RIPC在脑梗死中的作用及作用机制进行总结，并综述RIPC目前在临床缺血性脑疾病中的应用进展，以期为后续研究提供参考依据。 Abstract: Cerebral infarction is one of the diseases with high rates of disability and death worldwide, but there is still a lack of more effective treatments. Many studies showed that remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can significantly improve ischemic tolerance of target organs, reduce infarct size and improve prognosis. However, its role and mechanism in the development of cerebral infarction are still little studied. This paper will summarize the role and mechanism of RIPC in cerebral infarction from the following aspects: neural, humoral, immune and related signaling pathways, and review the current research progress of RIPC in clinical cerebral ischemic diseases to provide a reference for subsequent research.

This paper introduced the design and application of a teaching aid for demonstration of the alveolar surface tension. This portable and easy-to-use teaching aid has been designed to improve the efficacy of clinical teaching and quality of health education for parents of children with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. (本文介绍一种肺泡表面张力演示教具的设计与应用。该教具便携, 结构简单, 使用方便, 有助于提升临床教学质量, 提升新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征患儿家属健康教育质量。)

Objective To investigate the effect of piR-9994 on the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells and its possible mechanism. Methods The expression of piR-9994 in gastric cancer cell lines (MGC803 and AGS) and normal gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) were detected by qRT-PCR. MGC803 cell line with piR-9994 overexpression and knockdown were constructed. The effects of piR-9994 expression changes on cell proliferation were detected by MTT and clone formation assay. The scratch wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion abilities. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect cell proliferation and EMT-related genes expression. Results The expression level of piR-9994 in MGC803 cells was significantly higher than that in normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 (P < 0.05). The overexpression of piR-9994 promoted the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, while piR-9994 knockdown had the opposite effect. piR-9994 expression was closely related to cell cycle, especially in S phase. The overexpression of piR-9994 promoted the expression of proliferation-related genes PCNA, CCND1 and Bcl-2, inhibited the expression of apoptosis gene C-PARP, and promoted the expression of EMT-related genes N-cadherin, MMP7, Twist and Vimentin; while piR-9994 knockdown had the opposite effect. Conclusion Abnormal expression of piR-9994 affects the proliferation, invasion, metastasis and EMT process of gastric cancer cells. piR-9994 may be a new biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Objective To explore the expression of circ_0006692 in NSCLC and its relation with clinicopathological characteristics and related mechanism. Methods We collected 50 pairs of NSCLC tissues and adjacent tissues. The expression of circ_0006692 was detected by qRT-PCR and its relation with clinicopathological features was analyzed. We constructed lung cancer A549 cell line with circ_0006692 overexpression and knockdown. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by MTS, colony forming, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effect of circ_0006692 expression change on EMT-related gene expression. Results The expression of circ_0006692 in NSCLC was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression level of circ_0006692 was closely related to tumor size, TNM stage and pulmonary membrane invasion (P < 0.05). circ_0006692 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, while its overexpression promoted cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. circ_0006692 knockdown inhibited the expression of EMT-related genes CDH2 and MMP7 in A549 cells and promoted the expression of CDH1. Conclusion The upregulated expression of circ_0006692 in NSCLC is closely related to tumor size, TNM stage and pulmonary membrane invasion. circ_0006692 expression could regulate the proliferation, invasion, metastasis and EMT progression of lung cancer A549 cells.

As the traditional pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) algorithm being used for underground personnel positioning, the positioning error gradually increases due to the cumulative error of the step frequency detection, step length estimation and heading estimation phases. Moreover, the commonly used error correction methods such as zero speed correction, heading drift elimination and gait signal optimization cannot change the inherent defects of the PDR algorithm, and the positioning accuracy needs to be improved. It is proposed to use an improved peak detection method to achieve step frequency detection in the PDR algorithm, and to achieve step length estimation based on a deep recurrent neural network (RNN). The improved PDR algorithm is used for underground personnel positioning. Firstly, cell phone accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer are used to obtain pedestrian movement data. Secondly, the improved peak detection method is used to obtain the average step frequency in a fixed time interval. The average step frequency, the time interval, acceleration and acceleration variance are used as features to be input to the trained deep RNN model for step length estimation. Finally, the estimated heading angle is added to predict the current position of the personnel. The experimental results show that the improved PDR algorithm for underground personnel positioning has a relative error of 5.9% in predicting the test set data and has a relative error of 1.6%-3.9% in positioning the actual test route. The relative error is smaller than the positioning error of the traditional PDR algorithm and the proposed PDR algorithm has improved the accuracy of underground personnel positioning effectively.

Objective To investigate the expression of ARL4C in NSCLC and its correlation with clinicopathological features, as well as its role in EGFR-TKI resistance. Methods We collected the tumor and adjacent tissues of 63 NSCLC patients. The mRNA expression of ARL4C was detected by qRT-PCR and the relation between ARL4C and clinicopathological features was analyzed. The expressions of ARL4C in TKI-resistant cell line, control cell line and ARL4C overexpressing cell line were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The changes of cell activity and IC50 were detected by MTS. Transwell invasion assay was used to detect the effect of ARL4C expression on cell invasion. Results The expression level of ARL4C in NSCLC tissues was lower than that in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of ARL4C in NSCLC was closely related to lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and pulmonary membrane invasion (P < 0.05). Compared with control cell line HCC827, the expression levels of ARL4C mRNA and protein in TKI-resistant cell line HCC827/ER and the IC50 of ARL4C overexpressing TKI-resistant cell line HCC827/ER/ARL4C-OE were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Transwell assay results showed that the overexpression of ARL4C inhibited the invasion of lung cancer cell line (P < 0.05). Conclusion The abnormal expression of ARL4C is closely related to lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and pulmonary membrane invasion of NSCLC. Overexpression of ARL4C may improve the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to EGFR-TKI and inhibit the invasion of NSCLC cells.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and establish a nomogram model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with 613 cases of neonatal asphyxia treated in 20 cooperative hospitals in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from January to December 2019 as the asphyxia group, and 988 randomly selected non-asphyxia neonates born and admitted to the neonatology department of these hospitals during the same period as the control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for neonatal asphyxia. R software (4.2.2) was used to establish a nomogram model. Receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, respectively. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that minority (Tujia), male sex, premature birth, congenital malformations, abnormal fetal position, intrauterine distress, maternal occupation as a farmer, education level below high school, fewer than 9 prenatal check-ups, threatened abortion, abnormal umbilical cord, abnormal amniotic fluid, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, emergency caesarean section, and assisted delivery were independent risk factors for neonatal asphyxia (P<0.05). The area under the curve of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia based on these risk factors was 0.748 (95%CI: 0.723-0.772). The calibration curve indicated high accuracy of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. The decision curve analysis showed that the model could provide a higher net benefit for neonates at risk of asphyxia. Conclusions The risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture are multifactorial, and the nomogram model based on these factors has good value in predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, which can help clinicians identify neonates at high risk of asphyxia early, and reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of citric acid (CA) and protein retarder (SC) on the properties of phosphogypsumsulfoaluminate cement composite cementitious system were investigated. The fluidity, setting time and compressive strength were tested to evaluate the workability and mechanical of composite system, and the change of conductivity, phase composition and microstructure were analyzed to clarify the influence mechanism of different retarders. The results show that the strength loss of composite cementitious system under the action of SC is smaller than that of CA when the same setting time is achieved. The addition of two retarders has a certain inhibitory effect on the dissolution of composite system during the hydration induction and the acceleration period, and CA has a greater inhibitory effect than SC at the same content. CA can cause gypsum dihydrate crystals to show a flat and coarse structure, which has a greater impact on the mechanical properties, while SC increases the overall scale of gypsum dihydrate crystals, with little change in crystal morphology, which has a smaller effect on the deterioration of the mechanical properties of composite system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) microwave imaging mode based on arc antenna array, which is mounted on the belly of platform. In this mode, an arc aperture is quickly synthesized using an MIMO. Consequently, high space and time resolution images of the illuminated scene around the platform are acquired. First, an imaging principle model based on arc antenna array is described, and its signal model is developed. Then, an imaging algorithm based on confocal projection is discussed and the performance of the mode is analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of the imaging mode and the validity of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated with a numerical simulation.

In view of problem of low location precision in fault location method of underground power cable based on traditional wavelet transform caused by asymmetry of wavelet function, the paper proposed a fault location method of underground power cable based on GHM multi-wavelet. It analyzed principle of multi-wavelet theory, and introduced application of the GHM multi-wavelet in fault location of underground power cable. The simulation result shows that singular points of each scale cannot occur migration after signal of fault current of power cable is transformed by the GHM multi-wavelet, which improves precision of fault location.

The paper proposed a scheme of using AC chopper device to compensate three phase unbalanced system dynamically and gave the device structure. The simulation result verified that the AC chopper device can adjust output voltage by changing duty ratio, and then adjust capacity value of capacitive load, which achieves dynamic reactive power regulation of unbalanced load. It also simulated application of the AC chopper device in reactive power compensation of three-phase four-wire unbalanced system by use of Matlab software, and the result showed that the AC chopper device can continuously and adjustably compensate unbalance current and pours no harmonic current into power grid.

This project is based on the thoracic medicine ward of a medical center in the north. According to statistics, patients' conscious dyspnea level averaged 7.1 points from January to March 2019, and only 36% implemented the self-relief method first, while the complete rate of nursing staff performing dyspnea care was 66%. This project aimed to improve these statistics. The improvement plan included drafting care guidelines for dyspnea, designing a six-step formula for wheezing assessment and reminder slogans, making a five-step health education leaflet for easy breathing, making a fan for relieving wheezing and lungs, making a dyspnea assessment traffic light chart, and setting relief principles for using assistive devices for breathing difficulties. After the implementation of the project, the patients dyspnea level dropped to 2.4 points, and the complete rate of nursing staff in performing dyspnea care increased to 100%, achieving the purpose of the project and increasing the patient's ability to respond to self-relief, reduce the degree of dyspnea, improve the integrity of dyspnea care and the quality of care by the medical team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, water and anhydrous ethanol were used as grinding media respectively to prepare two kinds of ultra-fine glass powder by wet grinding, and the particle size distribution of glass powder was compared with that of dry grinding glass powder. The influence of superfine glass powder replacing cement with the same content (10%) on the rheological properties, shrink-age properties and mechanical properties of composite slurry was studied. The results show that the ultrafine glass powder with d50=2.71 µm and 0.32 µm can be prepared when the grinding medium is water and anhydrous ethanol, respectively. The cement slurry mixed with ultrafine glass powder exhibits shear thickening behavior. The yield stress and plastic viscosity of composite cement paste increase with the decreasing particle size of glass powder. The chemical shrinkage increases with the decrease of the particle size of the glass powder. Compared with the control group, the compressive strength of d50=0.32 µm superfine glass powder group increased 95.6% and 22.2% at 1d and 28 d, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyspnea is a subjective symptom of breathing discomfort that is commonly experienced by terminally ill patients in the last few weeks of life. Fans have been used to reduce breathlessness in clinical practice for terminally ill patients. However, reviews in the systematic literature are insufficient to make definite conclusions regarding the effectiveness of this intervention and to provide a consistent protocol for clinical application. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects and clinical application of using fans in dyspnea patients. Methods: A systematic review was used. Relevant articles published prior to September 2017 were retrieved from electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Keywords and MeSH terms were identified for each PICO (participant, intervention, comparison, outcome) element, including dyspnea, breathless, breath shortness, breathing difficulty or labored respiration, fan, and scale. A total of 41 articles that matched the search criteria were extracted. After screening the topics, deleting repetitions, and doing critical appraisals, three randomized controlled trials were selected for further analysis. The GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation) quality of evidence rating was intermediate. Results: The systematic review of the three articles revealed that a fan set at low speed with facial cooling of the 2nd and 3rd branches of the trigeminal nerve as soon as possible for 5 minutes and at a distance that is comfortable for the participant may relieve subjective feelings of dyspnea in nonhypoxic patients (e.g., cardiopulmonary disease and cancer) better than drugs and oxygen treatment alone. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Reducing the subjective feelings of dyspnea is the first step for nonhypoxic patients. Using a fan to relieve dyspnea is an evidence-based, non-invasive, economical, and effective nonpharmacological palliative intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate features of prospective memory (PM) in patients with post stroke-vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (PS-VCIND) during acute phase of stroke. Methods: Thirty-two patients with PS-VCIND and 34 patients with post stroke-no cognitive impairment (PS-NCI) admitted into the Department of Neurology of Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from October 2013 to February 2015 were screened to perform an event-based PM task during the acute phase of stroke .The paradigm included a control condition (simple ongoing selection trials only) and an experimental condition (selection trials with embedded PM trials). Accuracy and reaction time (RT) of ongoing trials and PM trials were measured. Results: PS-VCIND patients displayed significantly decreased accuracy (P<0 .001), increased RT (P<0.001) in PM trials and significantly increased RT (P≤0.001) in ongoing trials, as compared with those of the PS-NCI patients. The patients of the 2 groups exhibited significantly increased RT in ongoing trials from control to experimental conditions (P<0.001), and the increase of RT was more in PSVCIND patients (P= 0.001). Conclusion: The patients with PS-VCIND during the acute phase of stroke displayed PM deficits. Behavioral data of PM tasks could be a potential biomarker for early detection of post stroke cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women who complete breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy may experience sexual disturbances that extend beyond the acute phase of treatment. There is a relative dearth of studies examining different aspects of the sexual life and the related factors among breast cancer survivors. Purpose: This study assesses sexual life and the factors related to different aspects of the sexual life of breast cancer survivors. Method: A cross-sectional correlation design was used. A total of 136 women who had completed aggressive treatment and who had not experienced recurrence were recruited from a hospital cancer registry in south of Taiwan. After agreeing to participate and signing informed consent, the participants were given questionnaires that included demographic and treatment-related information, an evaluation of their physical appearance, and relationship and sexuality scales that addressed topics including sexual difficulties, sexual performance, sexual intimacy, and sexual self-esteem aspects. The data were analyzed using multiple regressions in order to understand the factors related to their sexual life and examine the significant predictors of sexual life in breast cancer survivors. Results: Among the 136 women who participated in this study, 16.1% reported they had not yet recovered their pre-diagnosis sexual life. Of those who had, all experienced some type of sexual disturbance. Treatmentrelated factors had limited effects on the sexual life of the women, and the factors related to different aspects of their sexual life varied. The significant predictors of overall sexual life included age, breast satisfaction when naked, and sexual satisfaction prior to diagnosis. However, partner's satisfaction was not an important factor influencing women's sexual life. Conclusions / Implications for Practice: The findings of this study suggest that age, fear of recurrence, and breast satisfaction when naked, and sexual satisfaction before diagnosis are variables that significantly influence the sexual life of breast cancer survivors. In order to improve the sexual life and intimate relationships of women with breast cancer, health care professionals should focus greater attention on the sexual problems of older women, help survivors decrease their fear of cancer recurrence and improve their self-identify about their post-surgery bodies, and provide survivors with information about relieving discomfort during sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper employs a duopolistic model to analyze the optimal environmental policy for an exporting country given that the exporting firms may emit local pollution and transboundary pollution to the neighboring countries. We find that the optimal environmental policy for the exporting country is to levy tax on firms that only emit local pollution; whereas it is optimal to subsidize (tax) the exporting firms that may cause local and transboundary pollution in the circumstance that the marginal damage of transboundary pollution is relatively large (small). Furthermore, the importing country should impose a higher tax on the highercost exporting firm if the higher-cost exporting firm emits pollution that causes relatively smaller marginal damage to the importing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the protective effects and mechanism of aqueous extract of arctium lappa root on vascular endothelial cell injury in hypertensive rats. Methods The hypertensive rat model was induced by N-nitro-L-argi-nine. Rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, positive control group (aptopril 15 mg/kg), low concentration of aqueous extract of arctium lappa root (0.5 g/kg), medium concentration of (1 g/kg) and high concentration of (2 g/kg) groups. After six weeks of continuous intragastric administration, the systolic blood pressure levels at tail artery were measured at 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 29, 36 and 42 d after treatment. And other indicators related to inflammatory factors were detected including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6. The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) level was detected by taking samples of thoracic aorta. Results (1) The systolic blood pressure level at tail artery was significantly lower in aqueous extract of arctium lappa root group than that of model control group (P<0.05). (2) The aqueous extract of arctium lappa root can significantly improve the vascular endothelial cell injury, suppress vascular endothelial cell loss and blood cell adhesion, and cell proliferation with collagen fibers in muscle membrane. (3) The serum levels of IL-6, CRP and vascular endothelial ICAM-1 were significantly reduced in aqueous extract of arctium lappa root group than that of model control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Aqueous extract of arctium lappa root can significantly improve vascular endothelial cell injury in hypertensive rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, CRP and the expression of ICAM-1, and the improvement of chronic inflammatory response in vascular endothelium of hypertensive rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A healthy soil ecosystem is essential for nutrient cycling and energy conversion, and the impact of exogenous genes from genetically modified crops had aroused wide concerns. Phytase transgenic corn ( i. e. , the inbred line BVLA430101) was issued a bio-safety certificate on 27 September 2009 in China, which could improve the efficiency of feed utilization, reduce environmental pollution caused by animal manure. In this study, the abundance of trophic groups, community structure and ecological indices of soil nematodes were studied over the growing cycle of phytase transgenic corn (ab. transgenic corn) and control conventional parental corn (ab. control corn) in the field. Totally 29 and 26 nematode genera were isolated from transgenic corn and control corn fields, respectively. The abundances of bacterivores and omnivores-predators, the total number of soil nematodes, and the Shannon index (H) were significantly greater under transgenic corn than under control corn, while the opposite trend was found for the relative abundance of herbivores and the maturity index (∑MI) of soil nematodes. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not detect any significant effects of transgenic corn on the composition and abundance of nematode trophic groups and ecological indices of soil nematodes. Furthermore, the Student-T test showed that the abundances of bacterivores and omnivores-predators and the total number of soil nematodes during the milk-ripe stage were significant higher in the transgenic corn field than in the control corn field. The effects of transgenic corn planting on soil nematodes might be related to the increase in the nitrogen content of field soil under transgenic corn compared to control corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is a major global health problem that affects not only the patient but also his or her entire family. The average age of people stricken with cancer has been falling. Today, it is not uncommon for cancer patients to have children under 18 years old. Parental cancer can cause depressive moods and distress in parents as well as their children. The mother is usually the primary caregiver in the family. Therefore, children tend to exhibit more behavior problems in the face of maternal than paternal cancer. A mother's depressive mood can also negatively influence functioning in her children and the family. Adolescence is a time when children typically struggle for independence and establish their own identity. Adolescents thus often feel guilty when they go out with friends instead of staying home to help share household responsibilities. Purpose: To explore the relationships among depression in mothers with cancer, family functioning, and adolescent behavior. Methods: The authors applied a cross-sectional, correlational research design using purposive sampling. Eightytwo mothers with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 were recruited from a medical center in Southern Taiwan. Results: Results showed that, although 34.1% of mother participants (n = 28) had depressive moods, only 10.7% of these (n = 3) sought depressive mood-related medical help. Maternal depression and family functioning had a significant, negative correlation. Adolescent behavior was significantly and positively correlated with maternal depression and significantly and negatively correlated with family functioning. Conclusions / Implications for Practice: Findings can help oncologists better understand the effect on adolescent children of a mother's cancer diagnosis. A cancer mother's level of depressive mood may be used as an indicator to identify families at higher risk and at-risk adolescents can be targeted with timely assistance to help them cope more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different rice straw returning modes on the rice grain yield and soil carbon pool management index (CPMI) in a double ricecropping system. Four treatments were installed, including balanced mineral fertilization (NPK), NPK plus cut rice straw returning (SNPK), NPK plus incinerated rice straw returning (SINPK), and no fertilization (CK). In treatments SNPK and SINPK, the 2 years average grain yield of early rice and late rice was basically the same, and much higher than that in treatment NPK, with an increment of 5. 7% -7. 3%. As compared with treatments NPK and SINPK, treatment SNPK increased the grain yield of early rice significantly by 3. 8% -8. 8%, and enhanced the contents of various soil carbon forms and the soil CPMI, with the soil total organic carbon, active carbon, mineralized carbon contents, and the soil CPMI increased by 1. 8% -2. 0%, 5. 9% -6. 5%, 16. 0% - 41. 6%, and 7. 3% -7. 8%, respectively. There was a significant parabolic correlation between soil CPMI and rice grain yield (r =0. 999 and r = 0. 980 in early-and late-rice season, respectively). Treatment SNPK also increased the grain yield, the contents of various soil carbon forms, and the soil CPMI in the next early rice season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking cessation has been an important issue of concern for Taiwan's psychiatric nurses since promulgation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. However, Taiwan has lacked a qualified tool to evaluate the self- efficacy of nurses in providing smoking cessation services. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the Self- Efficacy in Smoking Cessation Service Scale (SE-SCS). Methods: A back translation approach was used to develop the SE-SCS Chinese version. We enrolled 193 psychiatric nurses from two psychiatric centers in central and southern Taiwan to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version scale using internal consistency, test-retest, factor analysis, and concurrent criteria validity. Results: The reliability of the SE-SCS Chinese version was assessed as good (Cronbach's α = .85) and the Pearson correlation for total test-retest score was acceptable (r = .65, p = .004). Explanatory factor analysis revealed that one factor explained 63.4% of total variance. As to the criteria validity, frequency of smoking cessation service provision was the main criterion, with a correlation of 0.25-0.26. We identified a low, but significant correlation (p < .001). Conclusion: The SE-SCS Chinese version appears to be a valid measure for assessing psychiatric nurse self-efficacy in providing smoking cessation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female breast is intimately tied to social values that define the ideal body standard for women. As such, women's bodies are regarded as objects to be evaluated and judged. This paper analyzed the experience of women with breast cancer after mastectomy from the perspective of objectification theory. The authors found that not only medical technology but women themselves objectified the female body. The process of patient-physician communication also strengthened the objectification phenomenon for post-mastectomy women. We found that women with breast cancer worried about facing critical evaluation from the public after losing their breasts and needed to cope with the stress of losing a part of their physical self. Social and cultural antecedents that regard breasts as "objects" strongly influence the perspectives of women facing breast cancer. We hope this analysis may assist healthcare professionals to understand how women's bodies are objectified after mastectomy and consider how to care for this population more appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern version of The Classic of Rites, "Fangji"..., "Zhongyong"..., "Biaoji"... and "Ziyi"... are placed together. Moreover, their meaning and message are also interconnected, especially pertaining to the political thought of Confucius. This article is the lastest installment in a series of studies done on the political thought of "Fangji" and "Ziyi" and utilizes Confucian Guodian slips to explore the political thought in "Biaoji." Discussion is divided into six parts: First, research motives, objectives, and scope are delineated. Second, the teaching that a ruler of a country should strengthen himself by reverence and virtue is discussed. Third, four aspects of the way a ruler governs his country with kindheartedness, justice, and virtue is analyzed. Fourth, arguments are set forth based on "The Way of Tang and Yu" ...and traditional books to show that Shun... is the model ruler. Fifth, discussion is given based on material in "Liude"... and traditional books on three principles a minister should use to serve his monarch. Six, material in "Biaoji" and other related Confucian Guodian slips is presented to show that "Biaoji" is likely connected with the School of Zisi.... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of chin prominence on preferred lip position in profile. METHODS: The average profile was constructed from the profile of a young Chinese man who has typical Chinese facial profile. Changes in chin position were established by altering the antero-posterior position by protruding or retruding the chin in increments of 5° and 10° from the average profile. The lips were then protruded or retruded in 1mm increments from the average profile and 9 silhouettes were arranged respectively. One hundred and eighty college students were asked to rate the top three most favored, well-balanced profiles. SPSS13.0 software package was used to compare the differences in the scores between the top three most favored profiles and the other profiles. RESULTS: Slightly retruded lip positions were preferred for the average profile. The scores in top three profiles were significantly larger than the other profiles (P<0.05); The raters tended to prefer more retruded lip positions as the facial convexity- decreased and more protruded lip positions as the facial convexity- increased. CONCLUSIONS: The chin position does significantly impact preferred lip position and different esthetic standards should be applied to the various profiles encountered in clinical practice. The results might be helpful in decisions between extraction and nonextraction treatment in borderline cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funeral and burial rituals, like death, are a necessary part of life. The Pre-Ch'in Confucian school of thought always wholeheartedly carried out funeral and burial rituals to ensure that complex ceremonies would be completed smoothly. Through these rituals, the Pre-Ch'in Confucian people hoped to teach how to temper emotions with reason after a loved one had recently deceased. After grieving due to the passing away of a loved one, human beings would steadily become emotionally stronger. The most important scriptures on funeral and burial rituals are the Book of Ritual ... and the Book of Rites .... This article combines the ideas from these two works with archeological findings to make the following conclusions. First, funeral and burial rituals stem from the customs of primitive societies. Second, the funeral arrangements were made with the same love and respect for the deceased as if they were still alive. The delicate mourning clothing system was designed to unite the family organization and to improve humanity. Third, by comparing the concept of funeral and burial ritual in the Mohist, Daoist and Confucian schools of thought, one finds that the concepts of funeral and burial rituals in the Confucian school of thought are the most reasonable and suitable for human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is the second eye diseases in the world that leads to vision loss or loss of serious irreversible damage to vision. It is particularly important to make early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Currently, glaucoma filtration surgery which reduces the patient's intraocular pressure(IOP) is the most effective treatment method. But excessive fibroblastic proliferation, an increase in collagen deposition and the formation of scar result in the bleb dysfunction after trabeculectomy, which leads to decrease success rate of filtration surgery. To alleviate this unnecessary scar healing, anti-scarring drugs are more and more frequently used in glaucoma filtration surgery in experimental and clinical studies. Therefore, this review focuses on the mainly anti-scarring drugs after glaucoma filtration surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funeral attire customs have a long history in China, and many can be traced back to the guidelines set forth in the ancient Yi-li (Ceremony and Ritual) text. In the "Sang-fu" ... (Funeral Attire) section of the Yi-li, the focus of discussion is less on the clothing itself than its underlying significance, which involves the relationships among family members and relatives. The function of funeral attire, it states, is to strengthen family bonds and relationships, which is vital to maintaining social harmony on a larger scale. In the present paper, the author discusses the relationship between son and stepfather, and how this relationship is expressed in funeral attire and customs. After clarifying the semantic definition of "stepfather," the author goes on to discuss related customs and culture. The following issues are explored in detail: (1) the relationship between the meaning of "stepfather" and the custom of a man taking the widow of his deceased brother as his wife; (2) the emotional and rational aspects of this custom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effect of days of the elevated serum progesterone before hCG administration on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI-ET treatment. Methods: 2 905 cases of IVF/ICSI -ET treatment, from June 2012 to June 2013, were divided into two groups according to whether finding the follicle (s) of diameter ≥ 20 mm (Group A 2 725 cases, and Group B 180 cases) on the hCG day. Two groups were respectively divided into 3 subgroups according to days of the elevated level of progesterone (>1 ng/mL). Group A1 (1 788 cases) and B1 (83 cases) had 0 day of the elevated level of progesterone. Group A2 (717 cases) and B2 (67 cases) had 1-2 days of the elevated level of progesterone. Groups A3 (220 cases) and B3 (30 cases) had ≥3 days of the elevated level of progesterone. The clinical pregnancy rates of groups were meticulously compared. Results: There was significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rates among the Group A1 (55.42%), A2 (44.21%) and A3 (41.81%, P<0.01). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in those rates among the Group B1 (48.19%), B2 (47.76%) and B3 (46.66%, P>0.05). Conclusions: The clinical pregnancy rate could decrease following days of the elevated level of serum progesterone (>1 ng/mL) in those IVF/ICSI-ET patients with the follicle(s) of diameter ≥20 mm on the hCG day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myositis ossificans is a disease characterized bony deposits or ossification (heterotopic ossification) of a soft tissue mass such as tendon, ligament, aponeurosis and skeletal muscle. Traumatic myositis ossificans may develop either in response to soft tissue mechanical injury (e.g, blunt trauma, stab wound, fracture/dislocation and surgical incision) or can occur with nonmechanical injuries caused by ischemia or inflammation. The lesion is most common in elbow, huckle, thigh region and buttocks, although myositis ossificans traumatica of the maxillofacial region is extremely rare. We reported a previously unreported case of myositis ossificans of the maxillofacial region and discuss the mechanism, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanshinone IIa is a key ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and is widely used to treat various cardiovascular diseases. Vascular calcification is a common pathological change of cardiovascular tissues in patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, whether Tanshinone IIa inhibits vascular calcification and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate whether Tanshinone IIa can inhibit vascular calcification using high phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell and aortic ring calcification model, and high dose vitamin D 3 (vD 3 )-induced mouse models of vascular calcification. Alizarin red staining and calcium quantitative assay showed that Tanshinone IIa significantly inhibited high phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell and aortic ring calcification. qPCR and Western blot showed that Tanshinone IIa attenuated the osteogenic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, Tanshinone IIa also significantly inhibited high dose vD 3 -induced mouse aortic calcification and aortic osteogenic transition. Mechanistically, Tanshinone IIa inhibited the activation of NF-κB and β-catenin signaling in normal vascular smooth muscle cells. Similar to Tanshinone IIa, inhibition of NF-κB and β-catenin signaling using the chemical inhibitors SC75741 and LF3 attenuated high phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. These results suggest that Tanshinone IIa attenuates vascular calcification at least in part through inhibition of NF-κB and β-catenin signaling, and Tanshinone IIa may be a potential drug for the treatment of vascular calcification.