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The North Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) is an endemic subspecies of Panthera pardus to China, living in small and isolated populations with a severely fragmented distribution. Here we first sequenced and annotated its complete mitochondrial genome. The total length of the North Chinese Leopard is of 16,966 base pairs that consist of 2 rRNA gene, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 1 OLR and 1 control region (CR). The structures of the genomes were highly similar to other Felidae.

To report the clinical features of ovarian teratoma in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis.The clinical information of five female patients with ovarian teratoma and anti-NMDAR encephalitis in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 2011 to May 2013 were obtained. Relevant literatures were reviewed.The initial symptoms varied from respiratory prodromes or emotional incentives before the onset of psychiatric symptoms. Patients always presented with psychosis, bizarre dyskinesia and seizures. Antibodies to NMDAR in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were positive; The psychiatric symptoms were dramatically relieved by tumor reception and immunotherapy which occurred in inverse order of symptom development. No evidence of tumor recurrence was observed during a short-time follow-up after the surgery.Ovarian teratoma with anti-NMDAR encephalitis always presents with psychiatric symptoms which could be misdiagnosed as psychiatric diseases. Patients respond to tumor resection and immunotherapy.

A rapid liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of salvianic acid A in plasma of Chinese healthy subjects after oral administration of Qishenyiqi dropping pills. After liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, salvianic acid A was chromatographed on a Agilent Zorbax XDB-C18 column using a gradient mobile phase consisting of water (0.1% formic acid)-acetonitrile (0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.45 mL/min. The detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode, using the transitions of m/z 196.9→134.8 and m/z 320.9→151.9 for salvianic acid A and chloroamphenicol, respectively. The method was linear over the range of 0.50-500 ng/mL using only 100 μL of plasma and the lower limit of quantification was 0.50 ng/mL. Intra-day and inter-day precisions (in terms of % RSD) were all

Coagulation tests and factors measurements have been widely applied in clinical practice. Pre-analytical conditions are very important in laboratory assessment.Here,we aim to determine the effects of storage time and temperature on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fbg), prothrombin time (PT), the international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT), factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) and factor IX activity (FIX:C) in fresh plasma. Seventy-two blood samples were tested after storage for 0 (baseline), 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h at 25°C (room temperature) and 4°C (refrigeration) in two centers. The mean percentage change of greater than 10% and the numbers of samples with greater than 10% percentage changes more than 25% were used to determine clinically relevant difference. We demonstrated that samples for Fbg, PT/INR and TT could be safely stored for ≤24 h; FVIII:C for ≤2 h; FIX:C for ≤4 h both at 4°C and 25°C; and APTT for ≤12 h at 4°C and ≤8 h at 25°C.

Type 2 diabetes has been shown to occur in response to environmental and genetic influences, among them nutrition; food intake patterns; sedentary lifestyle; body mass index; and exposure to persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Nutrition is essential in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and has been shown to modulate the toxicity of PCBs. Serum carotenoid concentrations, considered a reliable biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake, are associated with the reduced probability of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our hypothesis is that fruit and vegetable intake, reflected by serum carotenoid concentrations, is associated with the reduced probability of developing type 2 diabetes in US adults with elevated serum concentrations of PCBs 118, 126, and 153. This cross-sectional study used the Center for Disease Control and Prevention database, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004, in logistic regression analyses. Overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes was approximately 11.6% depending on the specific PCB. All 3 PCBs were positively associated with the probability of type 2 diabetes. For participants at higher PCB percentiles (eg, 75th and 90th) for PCB 118 and 126, increasing serum carotenoid concentrations were associated with a smaller probability of type 2 diabetes. Fruit and vegetable intake, as reflected by serum carotenoid concentrations, predicted notably reduced probability of dioxin-like PCB-associated risk for type 2 diabetes.

We monitored the last remaining Asian elephant populations in China over the past decade. Using DNA tools and repeat genotyping, we estimated the population sizes from 654 dung samples collected from various areas. Combined with morphological individual identifications from over 6,300 elephant photographs taken in the wild, we estimated that the total Asian elephant population size in China is between 221 and 245. Population genetic structure and diversity were examined using a 556-bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA, and 24 unique haplotypes were detected from DNA analysis of 178 individuals. A phylogenetic analysis revealed two highly divergent clades of Asian elephants, α and β, present in Chinese populations. Four populations (Mengla, Shangyong, Mengyang, and Pu'Er) carried mtDNA from the α clade, and only one population (Nangunhe) carried mtDNA belonging to the β clade. Moreover, high genetic divergence was observed between the Nangunhe population and the other four populations; however, genetic diversity among the five populations was low, possibly due to limited gene flow because of habitat fragmentation. The expansion of rubber plantations, crop cultivation, and villages along rivers and roads had caused extensive degradation of natural forest in these areas. This had resulted in the loss and fragmentation of elephant habitats and had formed artificial barriers that inhibited elephant migration. Using Geographic Information System, Global Positioning System, and Remote Sensing technology, we found that the area occupied by rubber plantations, tea farms, and urban settlements had dramatically increased over the past 40 years, resulting in the loss and fragmentation of elephant habitats and forming artificial barriers that inhibit elephant migration. The restoration of ecological corridors to facilitate gene exchange among isolated elephant populations and the establishment of cross-boundary protected areas between China and Laos to secure their natural habitats are critical for the survival of Asian elephants in this region.

The genus Capricornis was widely distributed in Asia. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Capricornis sp., possible a new species of Serow from Guizhou province of China, was sequenced for the first time. Sequence analysis showed it is 16,441 bp in length, consisting of 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one control region (CR).

Background: Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for antithrombosis. A branded formulation of subcutaneously administered enoxaparin has been available in China since 2000, and a generic formulation is being developed. In a literature search of the key term enoxaparin (publication years not restricted), no published data were identified regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of generic enoxaparin in Chinese subjects. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the bioequivalence of generic (test) and branded (reference) formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg (6000 IU anti-Xa) SC in healthy subjects for the purpose of meeting regulatory requirements for marketing the generic formulation in China. Methods: Healthy Chinese male volunteers were eligible for this single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-period crossover study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC injection (fasting state) in randomized order, with the 2 study periods separated by a 1-week washout period. For the assessment of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities (surrogates used to describe the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of LMWH), heparin clotting assay, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), blood samples were obtained before (hour 0; baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 24 hours after study drug administration. The 2 formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs for the logarithm-transformed values of C max , T max , AUC 0−t , and AUC 0−∞ fell within the predetermined range of 80% to 125%. Tolerability was assessed by questioning subjects about symptoms of possible adverse events and using laboratory analysis (hematology, biochemistry, hepatic function tests, and urinalysis). Results: Twenty-two subjects participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 21.10 [1.02] years [range, 19–23 years]; weight, 64.07 [5.93] kg [range, 54–75 kg]; and height, 173 [5] cm [range, 163–187 cm]). For anti-Xa activity, the 90% CIs of C max , AUC 0−t , and AUC 0−∞ were 100.4% to 106.7%, 100.7% to 105.8%, and 100.7% to 106.1%, respectively. Corresponding values for anti-IIa activity were 85.0% to 102.4%, 80.4% to 94.8%, and 80.1% to 96.0%. For the hepa-rin clotting assay, the values were 97.4% to 102.4%, 98.2% to 102.4%, and 96.0% to 102.7%; and for aPTT, values were 98.2% to 104.3%, 97.4% to 101.6%, and 93.4% to 117.4%. No adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Based on the 90% CIs of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities, heparin clotting assay results, and aPTT in these healthy Chinese male subjects, the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC met the regulatory requirements for bio-equivalence. Both formulations were well tolerated.

In this paper, a radiation model of the circuits on the digital PCB is proposed. Based on this model, it is shown that the radiation due to common mode (CM) currents can greatly exceed those due to differential mode (DM) currents. Furthermore, the main causation of the radiation emissions from CM is derived from this model. Therefore, the EMC performance of the digital PCB can be improved by controlling the ground impedance, especially, the resonant impedance, of the digital PCB. The experimental results verified the model and the following analysis.

In this paper, the effects of near field couplings on common mode noise that exist in Boost PFC converter are modeled and analyzed. It is obvious that these couplings have some effects on CM noise. For electric coupling, effects of parasitic capacitances between PCB traces and heat sink on CM noise is limited since these capacitances is so small compared with the parasitic capacitance between switching device and heat sink. For magnetic couplings, the mutual inductance between Boost inductor and CM noise current loop has no effect on CM noise, and mutual inductance between DM noise loop and CM noise loop will influence the resonant frequency.

In this paper, the effects of near field couplings including both magnetic coupling and electric coupling that exist in Boost PFC converter are analyzed and modeled. It is obvious that magnetic couplings have more significant effects on conducted DM noise than that of electric couplings. Based on the modeling of Boost inductor and capacitor, and estimating both inductive and capacitive couplings using Ζ parameters or Y parameters obtained by Ansoft HFSS software, the model of near field couplings is set up. This model is verified by comparison of simulated and measured voltage gains.

The EMI noise source impedance of an SMPS is essential in EMC design, and because DM noise is easy to identify and control but CM noise is still hard to characterize, more concerns are with CM noise. This paper deals with the modeling of CM noise source and introduces a simple way to suppress high frequency common mode EMI noise for switching mode power converters by means of common mode noise source impedance control. Experiments and EMI test results are presented to validate the CM noise suppression method.

The EMI noise source impedance of an SMPS is essential in its power line EMI filter design, and when ignored, either over design, or system requirements not being met would occur. Because DM noise is easy to identify but CM noise is still hard to characterize, more concerns are with CM noise. This paper deals with the modeling of generation and propagation of CM noise and introduces a simple way to measure the CM noise source impedance of switching mode power converters. Experiments and EMI test results are presented to validate the model and the method of CM noise source impedance measurement.

In this paper, the effects of inductive couplings (between PFC inductors and capacitor, also PCB trace loop) that exist in Boost PFC converter are analyzed and measured. It is obvious that these couplings have significant effects on conducted DM noise. It is concluded that the capacitor should be perpendicular placement to the inductor and keep out-loop smaller when PCB layout, which can reduce the inductive couplings. Then based on the modeling of Boost inductor and capacitor using network analyzer HP4195A and estimating of inductive couplings using Maxwell 3D software, the model of whole circuit is set up. Comparison of simulated voltage gains and measured voltage gains verifies this model.

The most difficult aspect of EMI filter design is the noise due to radiated coupling. An experiment using a separate power test setup verifies the severity of this effect. Further analysis and experiments confirm that the conducted EMI due to radiated coupling in an SMPS can be reduced effectively by a good PCB layout and filter shielding.

As an EMI filter is often designed to attenuate the noise produced by power converters, it couldn't provide adequate insertion loss to suppress the noises under the EFT/B tests. In order to improve the high frequency performance of normal EMI filter to deal with the high frequency noises caused by EFT/B pulses, the structure should be modified. The modified filter structure is presented, and its effectiveness to improve EFT/B immunity of the converter is experimentally verified.

This paper presents a simple frequency-domain model to predict the differential-mode (DM) conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise in three-phase PWM inverter. The main DM EMI source in the three-phase inverter includes two currents: the load current and the reverse recovery current of the diode. The amplitude spectrum of the DM EMI source is analyzed and modeled by current source in the frequency-domain. The parasitic components are identified using network analyzer. The calculated DM EMI result is compared with the experimental data. It is verified that the model presented in this paper can be used to predict the DM EMI generated by the three-phase PWM inverter.

A novel common-mode (CM) EMI filter for a boost PFC converter has been proposed in this paper. This filter is inserted between the chassis earth and the reference ground of the PFC converter. Because no main current passes through the CM choke, the size of this filter is reduced largely comparing with the conventional CM filter. Experimental results verify that this filter can reduce the CM noise effectively. And it has almost same effects for reduction CM noise compared with the conventional CM filters

This paper describes a wide-band high linearity, high DC efficiency and low cost power amplifier for digital communication system. Feedforward technique is applied and the adaptive control techniques are employed for ensuring performance stability in the linearized amplifier. The third-order intermodulation products (IMD3) are less than -62 dBc and the intermodulation distortion cancellation reaches 24 dB. The operation bandwidth is more than 20 MHz and maximum output power is great than 40 dBm.

Background Since late 2003, the highly pathogenic influenza A H5N1 had initiated several outbreak waves that swept across the Eurasia and Africa continents. Getting prepared for reassortment or mutation of H5N1 viruses has become a global priority. Although the spreading mechanism of H5N1 has been studied from different perspectives, its main transmission agents and spread route problems remain unsolved. Methodology/Principal Findings Based on a compilation of the time and location of global H5N1 outbreaks from November 2003 to December 2006, we report an interdisciplinary effort that combines the geospatial informatics approach with a bioinformatics approach to form an improved understanding on the transmission mechanisms of H5N1 virus. Through a spherical coordinate based analysis, which is not conventionally done in geographical analyses, we reveal obvious spatial and temporal clusters of global H5N1 cases on different scales, which we consider to be associated with two different transmission modes of H5N1 viruses. Then through an interdisciplinary study of both geographic and phylogenetic analysis, we obtain a H5N1 spreading route map. Our results provide insight on competing hypotheses as to which avian hosts are responsible for the spread of H5N1. Conclusions/Significance We found that although South China and Southeast Asia may be the virus pool of avian flu, East Siberia may be the source of the H5N1 epidemic. The concentration of migratory birds from different places increases the possibility of gene mutation. Special attention should be paid to East Siberia, Middle Siberia and South China for improved surveillance of H5N1 viruses and monitoring of migratory birds.

This paper presented the simulation, design and experiment of a CDMA RF front-end module for mobile communication systems. Good performance is obtained both in the simulation and the experiment. To reduce the size of the RF module, the density of the PCB is so high that the electric cross-talk is significant. The cross-talk, however, can be decreased at least 10 dB with a simple method shown in this paper.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the variation of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in patients with various stages of hepatitis B infection and evaluate the association between PAF-AH activity and chronic severe hepatitis B (CSHB) and mortality in patients with hepatitis B. Methods Serum PAF-AH activity was measured in 216 patients with hepatitis B and in 152 healthy controls using an automatic biochemical analysis system. Spearman correlation was used to investigate the correlation between PAF-AH activity and other biochemical indicators. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the ability of PAF-AH activity to predict CSHB and mortality in patients with hepatitis B. Results The PAF-AH activities in patients with CSHB (1320 ± 481 U/L) were significantly higher than those in healthy controls and in other hepatitis B groups (all P

Objective The aim of this study is to establish lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) reference intervals (RIs) in healthy Chinese Han adults as a clinical diagnostic indicator according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) C28-A3 guidelines. Design and methods Lp-PLA2 levels in 763 healthy Chinese Han subjects (392 males and 371 females) were determined by colorimetric analysis and the central 95th percentile RIs were determined using non-parametric statistical methods. The correlations between serum Lp-PLA2 and blood markers were analyzed by Spearman correlation analyses. Results The Lp-PLA2 levels showed a Gaussian distribution with a statistically significant difference between females and males (t = 4.866, P