287 results on '"Hua, Zheng"'
Search Results
2. Near-Inertial Waves Reaching the Deep Basin in the South China Sea after Typhoon Mangkhut (2018).
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HUA ZHENG, XIAO-HUA ZHU, RUIXIANG ZHAO, JUNTIAN CHEN, MIN WANG, QIANG REN, YANSONG LIU, FENG NAN, FEI YU, and JAE-HUN PARK
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ACOUSTIC Doppler current profiler , *TYPHOONS , *DOPPLER effect , *ECHO sounders , *KINETIC energy - Abstract
TyphoonMangkhut crossed the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) in September 2018 and induced energetic near-inertial waves (NIWs) that were captured by an array of 39 current- and pressure-recording inverted echo sounders and two tall moorings with acoustic Doppler current profilers and current meter sensors. The array extended from west of the Luzon Strait to the interior SCS, with the path of the typhoon cutting through the array. NIWs in the interior SCS had lower frequency than those near the Luzon Strait. After the typhoon crossed the SCS, Mangkhut-induced near-inertial currents in the upper ocean reached over 50 cm s-1. NIWs traveled southward for hundreds of kilometers, dominated by modes 2 and 3 in the upper and deep ocean. The horizontal phase speeds of mode 2 were ~3.9 and ~2.5 m s-1 north and south of the typhoon's track, respectively, while those of mode 3 were ~2.1 and ~1.7 m s-1, respectively. Mode 5 was only identified in the north with a smaller phase speed. Owing to different vertical group velocities, the energy of mode-2 NIWs reached the deep ocean in 20 days, whereas the higher-mode NIWs required more time to transfer energy to the bottom. NIWs in the north were trapped and carried by a westward-propagating anticyclonic eddy, which enhanced the near-inertial kinetic energy at ;300 m and lengthened the duration of energetic NIWs observed in the north. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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3. Isolation and functional characteristics of the fungus Hypoxylon spp. Sj18 with biocontrol potential.
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Jin, Qun-Ying, Peng, Hua-Zheng, Zhu, Tang-Jun, and Ye, Hua-Lin
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RNA polymerase II , *PINEWOOD nematode , *HICKORIES , *CHINESE cabbage , *ROOT formation , *CABBAGE , *CATERPILLARS - Abstract
A fungus with biocontrol potential was isolated from the roots of hickory trees. The strain named sj18 was classified as a member of the genus Hypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae) after multigene phylogenetic analysis (beta-tubulin gene, internal transcribed spacer, 28S large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, and RNA polymerase II subunit gene). The strain grew well on a PDA with an optimum temperature range between 32 and 34 °C. The fungus had obvious inhibitory effects on Botryosphaeria dothidea , Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Gibberella moniliformis in fumigation experiments on solid agar plates. In an inoculation experiment of Chinese cabbage, the fungus was also found to have an obvious repellent effect on cabbage caterpillars. In vitro experiments on Petri dishes showed that the fermentation broth of the sj18 strain could kill 100% of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus within 8 h even if the fermentation broth was diluted 8 times. The inoculation test of Arabidopsis thaliana showed that the fungus could promote the lateral root formation of plants and significantly increase their aboveground biomass. Through the analysis of solid phase microextraction (SPME), it was found that the main volatile components of the fermentation products were azulene 65.39% (61.77% + 3.62%), caryophyllene 7.41%, and eucalyptol 6.83% according to the peak area ratio. Therefore, sj18 can be used as a candidate for the further research and development of biocontrol agents. • A fungus Hypoxylon spp. Sj18 had obvious inhibitory effects on pathogens in fumigation experiments. • Sj18 have an obvious repellent effect on cabbage caterpillar and promote the lateral root formation of plants. • The fermentation broth of sj18 strain diluted 8 times could kill Bursaphelenchus xylophilus 100% within 8 h. • Sj18 can be used as a candidate for further research and development of biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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4. Two new asexual genera and six new asexual species in the family Microthyriaceae (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) from China.
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Min Qiao, Hua Zheng, Ji-Shu Guo, Castañeda-Ruiz, Rafael F., Jian-Ping Xu, Jie Peng, Ke-Qin Zhang, and Ze-Fen Yu
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ASCOMYCETES , *SPECIES , *DNA sequencing , *HYPHOMYCETES - Abstract
The family Microthyriaceae is represented by relatively few mycelial cultures and DNA sequences; as a result, the taxonomy and classification of this group of organisms remain poorly understood. During the investigation of the diversity of aquatic hyphomycetes from southern China, several isolates were collected. These isolates were cultured and sequenced and a BLAST search of its LSU sequences against data in GenBank revealed that the closest related taxa are in the genus Microthyrium. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the combined sequence data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU), revealed that these isolates represent eight new taxa in Microthyriaceae, including two new genera, Antidactylaria gen. nov. and Isthmomyces gen. nov. and six new species, Antidactylaria minifimbriata sp. nov., Isthmomyces oxysporus sp. nov., I. dissimilis sp. nov., I. macrosporus sp. nov., Triscelophorus anisopterioideus sp. nov. and T. sinensis sp. nov. These new taxa are described, illustrated for their morphologies and compared with similar taxa. In addition, two new combinations are proposed in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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5. New Species of Trichoderma Isolated as Endophytes and Saprobes from Southwest China.
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Hua Zheng, Min Qiao, Yifan Lv, Xing Du, Ke-Qin Zhang, and Zefen Yu
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TRICHODERMA , *ENDOPHYTES , *SAPROPHYTES , *PHYLOGENY - Abstract
During the investigation of endophytic fungi diversity in aquatic plants and the fungal diversity in soil in southwest China, we obtained 208 isolates belonging to Trichoderma, including 28 isolates as endophytes from aquatic plants and 180 isolates as saprobes from soil, respectively. Finally, 23 new species of Trichoderma are recognized by further studies. Their phylogenetic positions are determined by sequence analyses of the combined partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef 1) and gene encoding of the second largest nuclear RNA polymerase subunit (rpb2). The results revealed that the 23 new species are distributed in nine known clades. The morphology and culture characteristics are observed, described and illustrated in detail. Distinctions between the new species and their close relatives were compared and discussed. These include: Trichoderma achlamydosporum, T. amoenum, T. anaharzianum, T. anisohamatum, T. aquatica, T. asiaticum, T. asymmetricum, T. inaequilaterale, T. inconspicuum, T. insigne, T. obovatum, T. paraviride, T. pluripenicillatum, T. propepolypori, T. pseudoasiaticum, T. pseudoasperelloides, T. scorpioideum, T. simile, T. subazureum, T. subuliforme, T. supraverticillatum, T. tibetica, and T. uncinatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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6. Phialolunulospora vermispora (Chaetosphaeriaceae, Sordariomycetes), a novel asexual genus and species from freshwater in southern China.
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Hua Zheng, Yake Wan, Jie Li, Castañeda-Ruiz, Rafael F., and Zefen Yu
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RIBOSOMAL DNA , *SPECIES , *FRESH water , *CONIDIA - Abstract
The asexual taxon Phialolunulospora vermispora gen. et sp. nov., collected from submerged dicotyledonous leaves in Hainan, China, is described and illustrated herein. Phialolunulospora gen. nov. is characterized by macronematous, semimacronematous, septate and pigmented conidiophores and acrogenous, long lunate, vermiform to sigmoid, hyaline conidia with an eccentric basal appendage. Complete sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial sequences of nuclear large subunits ribosomal DNA (LSU) genes are provided. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequences revealed its placement in the Chaetosphaeriaceae. The new fungus is compared with morphologically similar genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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7. Neodactylariales, Neodactylariaceae (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota): new order and family, with a new species from China.
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Min Qiao, Hua Zheng, Ruili Lv, and Zefen Yu
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ASCOMYCETES , *HYPHOMYCETES , *ORDER , *SPECIES , *POTAMOGETON - Abstract
During a mycological survey of aquatic hyphomycetes on submerged decaying leaves in southwest China, a distinct new fungus was collected. The collection was cultured and sequenced and a BLAST search of its ITS and LSU sequence against data in GenBank revealed a dothideomycetous affiliation, with the closest related taxa in the genus Neodactylaria. Phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix containing sequences from four genes (LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1), representing broad groups of Dothideomycetes, revealed its placement within Dothideomycetes, but without a supported familial or ordinal affiliation. Based on further phylogenetic analyses and morphological investigations, the new fungus is described here as a new species of Neodactylaria, N. simaoensis sp. nov., and placed in a new family Neodactylariaceae fam. nov. and a new order Neodactylariales ord. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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8. Effect of HBx on inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes.
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LI-RONG LING, DAN-HUA ZHENG, ZHI-YANG ZHANG, WEN-HUI XIE, YUE-HONG HUANG, ZHI-XIN CHEN, XIAO-ZHONG WANG, and DAN LI
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OXIDATIVE stress , *CYTOCHROME oxidase , *LIVER cells , *HEPATITIS B virus , *VIRAL proteins , *MITOCHONDRIAL pathology - Abstract
Hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx) serves an important role in the pathogenesis of the hepatitis B virus infection. Previous studies have reported that the interaction between HBx and hepatocyte mitochondria is an important factor leading to liver cell injury and apoptosis, ultimately inducing the formation of liver cancer. In the present study, a mouse model expressing HBx was constructed using hydrodynamic in vivo transfection based on the interaction between HBx and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit III. The specific mechanism of HBx-induced oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes and the subsequent effect on mitochondrial function and inflammatory injury was assessed. The results demonstrated that HBx reduced the activity of COX and the expression of superoxide dismutase and upregulated the expression of malondialdehyde, NF-κB and phospho-AKT, thus increasing oxidative stress. In addition, HBx induced an increase in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels, which created an inflammatory microenvironment in the liver, further promoting hepatocyte inflammatory injury. Therefore, it was proposed that HBx may affect hepatocyte mitochondrial respiration by reducing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and inducing hepatocyte inflammation and injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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9. When facilitation meets clonal integration in forest canopies.
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Lu, Hua‐Zheng, Brooker, Rob, Song, Liang, Liu, Wen‐Yao, Sack, Lawren, Zhang, Jiao‐Lin, and Yu, Fei‐Hai
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EPIPHYTES , *MOUNTAIN forests , *FOREST canopies , *CHEMICAL composition of plants , *PLANT communities , *BRYOPHYTES - Abstract
Summary: Few studies have explored how – within the same system – clonality and positive plant–plant interactions might interact to regulate plant community composition. Canopy‐dwelling epiphytes in species‐rich forests provide an ideal system for studying this because many epiphytic vascular plants undertake clonal growth and because vascular epiphytes colonize canopy habitats after the formation of nonvascular epiphyte (i.e. bryophyte and lichen) mats.We investigated how clonal integration of seven dominant vascular epiphytes influenced inter‐specific interactions between vascular epiphytes and nonvascular epiphytes in a subtropical montane moist forest in southwest China.Both clonal integration and environmental buffering from nonvascular epiphytes increased survival and growth of vascular epiphytes. The benefits of clonal integration for vascular epiphytes were higher when nonvascular epiphytes were removed. Similarly, facilitation from nonvascular epiphytes played a more important role when clonal integration of vascular epiphytes was eliminated. Overall, clonal integration had greater benefits than inter‐specific facilitation.This study provides novel evidence for interactive effects of clonality and facilitation between vascular and nonvascular species, and has implications for our understanding of a wide range of ecosystems where both high levels of clonality and facilitation are expected to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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10. mHealth technologies for osteoarthritis self-management and treatment: A systematic review.
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Wonchan Choi, Hua Zheng, Franklin, Patricia, and Tulu, Bengisu
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OSTEOARTHRITIS treatment , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *DECISION making , *HIP joint diseases , *KNEE diseases , *MEDLINE , *ONLINE information services , *OSTEOARTHRITIS , *HEALTH self-care , *TELEMEDICINE , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *MOBILE apps - Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a common chronic disease that can be better treated with the help of self-management interventions. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are becoming a popular means to deliver such interventions. We reviewed the current state of research and development of mHealth technologies for osteoarthritis selfmanagement to determine gaps future research could address. We conducted a systematic review of English articles and a survey of apps available in the marketplace as of 2016. Among 117 unique articles identified, 25 articles that met our inclusion criteria were reviewed in-depth. The app search identified 23 relevant apps for osteoarthritis self-management. Through the synthesis of three research themes (osteoarthritis assessment tools, osteoarthritis measurement tools, and osteoarthritis motion monitoring tools) that emerged from the current knowledge base, we provide a design framework to guide the development of more comprehensive osteoarthritis mHealth apps that facilitate self-management, decision support, and shared decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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11. A bifunctional hepatocyte-mitochondrion targeting nanosystem for effective astaxanthin delivery to the liver.
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Hua, Zheng, Zhang, Xuedi, Chen, Yannan, Liu, Ronggang, Li, Yu, Li, Jiaxuan, Liu, Donghong, and Tan, Mingqian
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ASTAXANTHIN , *REACTIVE oxygen species , *LIVER , *MITOCHONDRIAL membranes , *MEMBRANE potential - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Hepatocyte-mitochondrion bifunctional targeting nanosystem was prepared for astaxanthin delivery. • The delivery system showed good targeting ability for hepatocyte and mitochondrion. • Cellular reactive oxygen species level was significantly decreased by bifunctional nanosystem. • Increased accumulation of bifunctional nanosystem in liver was observed. A bifunctional hepatocyte-mitochondrion targeting nanosystem was prepared for astaxanthin by conjugating lactobionic acid (LA) and triphenylphosphonium-modified 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin onto sodium alginate. Hepatocyte-targeting evaluation indicated that the fluorescence intensity of HepaRG cells treated with the bifunctional nanosystem increased 90.3%, which was greater than that (38.7%) of the LA-only targeted nanosystem. The Rcoloc was 0.81 for the bifunctional nanosystem in mitochondrion-targeting analysis, which was greater than that (0.62) of the LA-only targeted nanosystem. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of the astaxanthin bifunctional nanosystem treated group significantly reduced to 62.20%, lower than that of free astaxanthin (84.01%) and LA-only targeted group (73.83%). Mitochondrial membrane potential recovered 97.35% in the astaxanthin bifunctional nanosystem treated group while the LA-only targeted group recovered 77.45%. The accumulation of bifunctional nanosystem in liver increased by 31.01% compared to the control. These findings indicated that the bifunctional nanosystem was beneficial for astaxanthin delivery in the liver precision nutrition intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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12. Three cases of antibody-LGI1 limbic encephalitis and review of literature.
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Bing-Lei, Wang, Jia-Hua, Zheng, Yan, Li, Zan, Yue, Xin, Bian, Jian-Hua, Shen, and Hui-Juan, Wang
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ANTI-NMDA receptor encephalitis , *ENCEPHALITIS , *LITERATURE reviews , *LIMBIC system , *MENTAL illness , *AGE of onset , *AUTOIMMUNE diseases - Abstract
Purpose: Antibody-LGI1 limbic encephalitis (LGI1-Ab LE) is an anti-neuronal surface antigen-related autoimmune encephalitis. we report three cases of LGI1-Ab LE, describe the characteristics of clinical manifestation, course of evolution, imaging manifestation and treatment outcomes. Methods: Data from patients diagnosed with LGI1-Ab LE in the Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, from June 2016 to July 2017, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. We followed up the patients for 90 days. Results: Two of the three patients were females, the average age of onset is 53 years old. Epilepsy is the most common clinical manifestations, and one of patients developed faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), which was recently described as a characteristic feature of LGI1-Ab LE. All patients had cognitive impairment in different degrees and abnormal signal of hippocampus in cranial MRI. All serum LGI1 antibodies were positive, whereas one LGI1 antibodies of CSF were negative. All patients accepted first-line immune therapy and had a good outcome. Conclusion: LGI1-Ab LE, which is an autoimmune disease, is rare clinically and mostly nonparaneoplastic. We suggest that LGI1-Ab LE be considered in any patient with acute or subacute onset, cognitive dysfunction , various types of seizures, accompanied by mental disorders and hyponatremia, MR showed the involvement of the limbic system. It is necessary to have LE-related antibodies tested. Early immunotherapy can significantly improve the patient's overall prognosis. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the possibility of potential tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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13. Penehyclidine hydrochloride suppressed peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial MAPK/p-p38/IL-1ö pathway activation.
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Shao-Hua Zheng, Chao-Ying Yan, Na Duan, Wei Wang, and Xiao-Peng Mei
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PERIPHERAL nervous system , *SCIATIC nerve injuries , *MITOGEN-activated protein kinases , *SPINAL nerves , *CENTRAL nervous system , *PROTEIN kinases , *PAIN - Abstract
Background: Millions of people suffered from neuropathic pain, which is related to neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. Penehyclidine hydrochloride is a premedication of general anesthesia, which has been confirmed possessing neuroprotective effects against various neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory diseases. However, it is not clear that whether penehyclidine hydrochloride could suppress neuropathic pain through its anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Methods: This study investigated the effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride on rat spinal nerve ligation injury-induced neuropathic pain with behavioral, morphological, and molecular biological methods in animals. Results: The results indicated that penehyclidine hydrochloride could attenuate spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain without any motor impairment and had no effect on sham-operated animals after repeated intraperitoneal administration. Intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride could suppress spinal nerve ligation-induced ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn microglial activation with downregulation of OX42 expression. Moreover, intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride inhibited spinal nerve ligation-induced spinal p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression, which was specially colocalized with the spinal dorsal horn microglia. Furthermore, intraperitoneal penehyclidine hydrochloride could depress spinal neuroinflammation by suppressing spinal nerve ligation-induced interleukin (IL)-1β over-expression. Conclusion: These results indicated that the anti-allodynic effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride on spinal nerve ligationinduced neuropathic pain did not rely on motor impairment. Inhibiting spinal microglial p-p38/IL-1β pathway activation might contribute to the anti-allodynic effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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14. Gadolinium Retention and Clearance in the Diabetic Brain after Administrations of Gadodiamide, Gadopentetate Dimeglumine, and Gadoterate Meglumine in a Rat Model.
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Wang, Shu-ting, Hua, Zheng-xu, Fan, Dong-xiao, Zhang, Xin, and Ren, Ke
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DIAGNOSIS of diabetes , *ANIMAL experimentation , *BASAL ganglia , *CEREBELLUM , *DIAGNOSTIC imaging , *ELECTRON microscopy , *INTRAVENOUS injections , *MAGNETIC resonance imaging , *MASS spectrometry , *RATS , *CONTRAST media , *NEURAL pathways , *DRUG administration , *DRUG dosage ,DIAGNOSIS of brain abnormalities - Abstract
Purpose. To evaluate gadolinium (Gd) retention and clearance in the brain of diabetic rats after administrations of gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, and gadoterate meglumine. Materials and Methods. Both diabetic rats (n = 52) and normal rats (n = 52) intravenously received 20 injections of 0.6 mmol Gd/kg gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadoterate meglumine, or saline. Both diabetic rats and normal rats were divided into 2 subgroups of 24 and 28 rats for the 7-day and 42-day evaluations (i.e., they were sacrificed at 7 days (n = 6 per group) and 42 days (n = 7 per group)), respectively, after the last injection. For the 7-day subgroup, 6 rats were euthanized for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. For the 42-day subgroup, 6 rats underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ICP-MS, and 1 rat was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results. The T1 enhancements in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCNs) of diabetic rats were lower than those of normal rats in both linear Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) groups (p < 0.05). The average Gd concentrations in the brains of diabetic rats were significantly lower than those of healthy rats in both the short-term groups and long-term groups (p < 0.05). The highest Gd retentions were in the olfactory bulb, DCN, and striatum with gadodiamide. Compared with the results obtained 7 days after the last injection, the residual Gd concentrations of the 42-day subgroups in the brains of diabetic rats showed no significant difference in both linear GBCA groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. Compared with normal rats, the diabetic status decreased the residual Gd concentrations in the brain after multiple administrations of gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, and gadoterate meglumine. The clearable fraction of Gd in the brain was eliminated faster in diabetic rats than in normal rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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15. Effect of Taoren-Quyu decoction on endometriosis in rats.
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Ye Jin and Jian-hua Zheng
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CHINESE medicine , *ASCITIC fluids , *RATS , *FALLOPIAN tubes , *RAT control - Abstract
Purpose: To study the effect of traditional Chinese Medicine formula Taoren-Quyu decoction (TQD) on endometriosis. Method: Fifty female Wistar rats were randomly separated into five groups (10 rats/group): normal control, model (untreated) group, positive control (danazol), 200 mg/kg/day (low dose) or 400 mg/kg/day (high dose). All rats were prepared into endometriosis except for normal control rats. TDQ groups rats were orally administered of TQD for 5 weeks. After treatment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The number of total endometriotic lesions were counted. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), interleukin 13 (IL-13), interleukin 18 (IL-18) and peritoneal fluid tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-a) were measured by ELISA kits. Result: Compared with control rats, TQD reduced the number of total endometriotic lesions significantly (12.7 ± 1.2, p < 0.01), as well as serum levels of CA-125 (6.4 ± 1.2 U/mL), IL-18 (118.6 ± 7.4 pg/mL), IL- 13 (6.3 ± 0.8 pg/mL) and peritoneal fluid TNF-a (231.5 ± 11.7 pg/mL) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results reveal that TQD exerts anti-endometriotic effect in rats by inhibiting inflammatory factors. Therefore, TQD has potentials for use in the treatment of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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16. Blastosporium persicolor gen. et sp. nov., a new helotialean fungus.
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Hua Zheng, ZhenNa Zhang, ZhiJia Wen, Castañeda-Ruiz, Rafael F., and ZeFen Yu
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RIBOSOMAL DNA , *FUNGI , *CONIDIA , *SPECIES , *TOBACCO , *LEAVES - Abstract
A new genus and species, Blastosporium persicolor, is described and illustrated from leaves of mildewed tobacco. It is characterised by branched, septate hyphae from which arise macronematous, unbranched or spaced branched conidiophores and mono- or polyblastic conidiogenous cells that produced solitary and blastocatenate, obovoid, oblong, ellipsoidal, allantoid, broad fusiform to irregular, unicellular, hyaline conidia. The phylogenetic analyses, based on the combined sequence data from the small and large nuclear subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU and LSU), placed B. persicolor in the Leotiomycetes class, Helotiales order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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17. Realizing the values of natural capital for inclusive, sustainable development: Informing China's new ecological development strategy.
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Hua Zheng, Lijuan Wang, Wenjia Peng, Cuiping Zhang, Cong Li, Robinson, Brian E., Xiaochen Wu, Lingqiao Kong, Ruonan Li, Yi Xiao, Weihua Xu, Zhiyun Ouyang, and Daily, Gretchen C.
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NATURAL capital , *SUSTAINABLE development , *AGRICULTURAL productivity , *WATER purification , *FLOOD control - Abstract
Amajor challenge in transforming development to inclusive, sustainable pathways is the pervasive and persistent trade-off between provisioning services (e.g., agricultural production) on the one hand and regulating services (e.g., water purification, flood control) and biodiversity conservation on the other. We report on an application of China's new Ecological Development Strategy, now being formally tested and refined for subsequent scaling nationwide, which aims to mitigate and even eliminate these trade-offs. Our focus is the Ecosystem Function Conservation Area of Hainan Island, a rural, tropical region where expansion of rubber plantations has driven extensive loss of natural forest and its vital benefits to people. We explored both the biophysical and the socioeconomic options for achieving simultaneous improvements in product provision, regulating services, biodiversity, and livelihoods. We quantified historic trade-offs between rubber production and vital regulating services, finding that, over the past 20 y (1998-2017), there was a 72.2% increase in rubber plantation area, leading to decreases in soil retention (17.8%), water purification [reduced retention of nitrogen (56.3%) and phosphorus (27.4%)], flood mitigation (21.9%), carbon sequestration (1.7%), and habitat for biodiversity (6.9%). Using scenario analyses, we identified a two-pronged strategy that would significantly reduce these trade-offs, enhancing regulating services and biodiversity, while simultaneously diversifying and increasing product provision and improving livelihoods. This general approach to analyzing product provision, regulating services, biodiversity, and livelihoods has applicability in rural landscapes across China, South and Southeast Asia, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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18. Elucidating functional microorganisms and metabolic mechanisms in a novel engineered ecosystem integrating C, N, P and S biotransformation by metagenomics.
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Zhang, Yan, Hua, Zheng-shuang, Lu, Hui, Oehmen, Adrian, and Guo, Jianhua
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BIOCONVERSION , *METAGENOMICS , *DENITRIFYING bacteria , *SULFATE-reducing bacteria , *MICROBIAL ecology , *WASTEWATER treatment - Abstract
Abstract Denitrifying sulfur conversion-associated enhanced biological phosphorous removal (DS-EBPR) system is not only a novel wastewater treatment process, but also an ideal model for microbial ecology in a community context. However, it exists the knowledge gap on the roles and interactions of functional microorganisms in the DS-EBPR system for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) bioconversions. We use genome-resolved metagenomics to build up an ecological model of microbial communities in a lab-scale DS-EBPR system with stable operation for more than 400 days. Our results yield 11 near-complete draft genomes that represent a substantial portion of the microbial community (39.4%). Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) promote complex metabolic processes and interactions for C, N, P and S conversions. Bins 1–4 and 10 are considered as new potential polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), in which Bins 1–4 can be considered as S-related PAOs (S-PAOs) with no previously cultivated or reported members. Our findings give an insight into a new ecological system with C, N, P and S simultaneous bioconversions and improve the understanding of interactions among SRB, SOB, denitrifiers and PAOs within a community context. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The DS-EBPR system is an ideal model for microbial ecology with C, N, P & S bioconversions. • Metagenomics was used to establish an ecological model in a DS-EBPR system. • SRB and SOB promote complex interactions for C, N, P and S conversions. • Four genomes are identified as new S-related PAOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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19. Shifted Poisson structures and moduli spaces of complexes.
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Hua, Zheng and Polishchuk, Alexander
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ISOMORPHISM (Mathematics) , *ELLIPTIC curves , *INTEGRABLE functions , *DIFFERENTIAL operators , *COMMUTATIVE algebra - Abstract
Abstract In this paper we study the moduli stack of complexes of vector bundles (with chain isomorphisms) over a smooth projective variety X via derived algebraic geometry. We prove that if X is a Calabi–Yau variety of dimension d then this moduli stack has a (1 − d) -shifted Poisson structure. In the case d = 1 , we construct a natural foliation of the moduli stack by 0-shifted symplectic substacks. We show that our construction recovers various known Poisson structures associated to complex elliptic curves, including the Poisson structure on Hilbert scheme of points on elliptic quantum projective planes studied by Nevins and Stafford, and the Poisson structures on the moduli spaces of stable triples over an elliptic curves considered by one of us. We also relate the latter Poisson structures to the semi-classical limits of the elliptic Sklyanin algebras studied by Feigin and Odesskii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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20. Partial attribute reduction approaches to relation systems and their applications.
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Liu, Guilong and Hua, Zheng
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ROUGH sets , *DATA analysis , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *APPROXIMATION theory , *DECISION logic tables - Abstract
Attribute reduction has long been an active subject of research in rough set theory, and constitutes an important step in data analysis. A relation system is an extension of a typical information system. This paper proposes the concepts of X -lower and -upper approximation reductions, and develops corresponding reduction algorithms for general relation systems. By using these types of reduction, we derive lower and upper approximation reductions for relation decision systems. As a special case, we obtain a reduction algorithm for the positive region for decision tables. Finally, we provide two examples from the University of California–Irvine (UCI) datasets to verify our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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- View/download PDF
21. A general reduction method for fuzzy objective relation systems.
- Author
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Liu, Guilong and Hua, Zheng
- Subjects
- *
FUZZY logic , *FUZZY sets , *MATHEMATICAL optimization , *APPROXIMATION theory , *ALGORITHMS - Abstract
Abstract Fuzzy objective relation systems are an important class of datasets that are generalizations of many types of decision tables. This paper proposes an approach, based on relation systems and fuzzy sets, to reduce data redundancy in fuzzy objective relation systems. We study lower and upper approximation reductions of a relation system for a given fuzzy set. As a generalization of such reductions, we consider lower and upper approximation reductions of fuzzy objective relation systems and give their corresponding reduction algorithms using methods based on the discernibility matrix. We note that the usual positive region reduction for a decision table can be considered a special case of our lower approximation reduction. Finally, we provide two examples from the UCI datasets to verify our theoretical results. These results can help in the decision making analysis of fuzzy objective relation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
22. Hepatic-targeted delivery of astaxanthin for enhanced scavenging free radical scavenge and preventing mitochondrial depolarization.
- Author
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Hua, Zheng, Zhang, Xuedi, Zhao, Xue, Zhu, Bei-Wei, Liu, Donghong, and Tan, Mingqian
- Subjects
- *
ASTAXANTHIN , *FREE radicals , *MITOCHONDRIA , *NANOPARTICLE size , *DIET in disease , *NUTRITION - Abstract
• Functionalized nanoparticles were designed and prepared for astaxanthin delivery. • Lactobionic acid-modified (2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) was coating material. • Liver targeting was achieved via lactobionic acid-asialoglycoprotein interaction. • Enhanced antioxidant and mitochondrion protecting effects were found in astaxanthin. Astaxanthin (AST), as natural hydrophobic nutrition, has exhibited health-promoting benefits for its outstanding antioxidant property. However, most studies tend to enhance its stability and solubility while the targeted delivery of AST is limited. In this study, liver-targeted nanocarriers were designed and prepared by lactobionic acid-modified (2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) for efficient controlled delivery of AST. The minimum average size of AST nanoparticles was about 98 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.41. The lactobionic acid-modified AST nanoparticles exhibited significant cellular uptake, and an admirable ability to scavenge free radicals for H 2 O 2 -induced HepaRG cells in preventing mitochondrial depolarization. Moreover, accumulation of AST nanoparticles in liver was observed due to the modification of lactobionic acid (LA) of the nanocarriers through the specific binding of LA-asialoglycoprotein receptors. The results in this study provided a new idea for liver-specific nutrition delivery of AST in developing functional food for liver disease nutrition intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Tracking single baculovirus retrograde transportation in host cell via quantum dot-labeling of virus internal component.
- Author
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Li Wen, Zhen-Hua Zheng, An-An Liu, Cheng Lv, Li-Juan Zhang, Jian Ao, Zhi-Ling Zhang, Han-Zhong Wang, Yi Lin, and Dai-Wen Pang
- Subjects
- *
BACULOVIRUS diseases , *INSECT viruses , *QUANTUM dots , *RECOMBINANT microorganisms , *DIAGNOSTIC imaging - Abstract
Background: Quantum dot (QD)-based single virus tracking has become a powerful tool for dissecting virus infection mechanism. However, only virus behaviors at the early stage of retrograde trafficking have been dynamically tracked so far. Monitoring of comprehensive virus retrograde transportation remains a challenge. Results: Based on the superior fluorescence properties of QDs and their labeling of virus internal component, the dynamic interactions between baculoviruses and all key transportation-related cellular structures, including vesicles, acidic endosomes, actins, nuclear pores and nuclei, were visualized at the single-virus level. Detailed scenarios and dynamic information were provided for these critical interaction processes. Conclusions: A comprehensive model of baculovirus retrograde trafficking involving virus endocytosis, fusion with acidic endosome, translocation to nuclear periphery, internalization into nucleus, and arriving at the destination in nucleus was proposed. Thus the whole retrograde transportation of baculovirus in live host cells was elucidated at the single-virus level for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. A network meta-analysis of treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma based on radiotherapy plus temozolomide.
- Author
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Mao-hua Zheng, Hong-tao Sun, Ji-guang Xu, Yong-hong Zhang, Gang Yang, Lei-ming Huo, Jin-hui Tian, and Ke-hu Yang
- Subjects
- *
GLIOBLASTOMA multiforme treatment , *GLIOBLASTOMA multiforme , *CANCER radiotherapy , *TEMOZOLOMIDE , *META-analysis , *DIAGNOSIS , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Background & Objective: Radiotherapy and temozolomide are the standard therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, it is unclear whether adding another agent to the commonly used radiotherapy-temozolomide (RT + TMZ) benefits newly diagnosed GBM patients. The present network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of combining other agents with RT + TMZ for GBM treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE.com, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 23, 2014, to include all randomized controlled trials of RT + TMZ-based therapy in GBM patients. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to compare the therapeutic regimens. Results: Seventeen studies involving 4,148 patients were identified. The results of pairwise meta-analysis indicated no significant differences among most comparison groups, except for bevacizumab + RT + TMZ versus RT + TMZ for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.86; P = 0.000) and RT + TMZ versus RT alone for overall survival (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.88; P = 0.001). The results of network meta-analysis also showed no significant differences in most comparisons; however, adverse events were more common among patients receiving additional therapeutic agents other than RT + TMZ. The ranking probability analysis indicated that bevacizumab + RT + TMZ and nimustine + cisplatin + RT + TMZ were associated with the best progression-free and overall survival, but they also caused the most adverse events in GBM patients. RT + bevacizumab + irinotecan had the highest probability of being the best regimen for minimizing adverse events. Conclusions: The addition of other targeted agents, particularly bevacizumab and nimustine, to RT + TMZ could be slightly effective for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM patients; however, adverse events remained common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
25. A general reduction algorithm for relation decision systems and its applications.
- Author
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Liu, Guilong, Hua, Zheng, and Chen, Zehua
- Subjects
- *
ALGORITHMS , *FOUNDATIONS of arithmetic , *MATHEMATICAL programming , *ALGORITHMS (Physics) , *BEES algorithm - Abstract
This paper studies the attribute reduction problem for general relation decision systems. We propose a new discernibility matrix to solve this problem. Combining the discernibility matrix and a recently proposed fast algorithm, we propose a simple and unified attribute reduction algorithm for relation decision systems that is not contingent on the consistency of relation decision systems. We derive the reduction algorithm for the special cases of complete, incomplete, and numerical decision tables. As an application, we transform the attribute reduction of relation decision systems into one for covering decision systems. This gives a convenient and effective reduction algorithm for covering decision systems. The reduction results obtained using University of California Irvine data sets show that the proposed algorithm is simple and efficient. Moreover, the proposed algorithm enables the results of classical attribute reduction approaches to be reinterpreted, giving them far greater unification and generality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. A Biocompatible Colorimetric Triphenylamine-Dicyanovinyl Conjugated Fluorescent Probe for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cyanide Ion in Aqueous Media and Living Cells.
- Author
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Zi-Hua Zheng, Zhi-Ke Li, Lin-Jiang Song, Qi-Wei Wang, Qing-Fei Huang, and Li Yang
- Subjects
- *
BIOMEDICAL materials , *COLORIMETRY , *TRIPHENYLAMINE , *FLUORESCENT probes , *CYANIDES , *AQUEOUS solutions - Abstract
A colorimetric and turn-on fluorescent probe 1 bearing triphenylamine-thiophene and dicyanovinyl groups has been synthesized and used to detect cyanide anion via a nucleophilic addition reaction. Probe 1 exhibited prominent selectivity and sensitivity towards CN- in aqueous media, even in the presence of other anions such as S2-, HS-, SO32-, S2O32-, S2O82-, I-, Br-, Cl-, F-, NO2-, N3-, SO42-, SCN-, HCO3-, CO32- and AcO-. Moreover, a low detection limit (LOD, 51 nM) was observed. In addition, good cell membrane permeability and low cytotoxicity to HeLa cells were also observed, suggesting its promising potential in bio-imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Deoxyribonucleic acid glycosylase assays: Progress and prospects.
- Author
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Ng, Hua Zheng, Ng, Melanie, Eng, Cher Mui, and Gao, Zhiqiang
- Subjects
- *
DNA , *GLYCOSYLASES , *CELL physiology , *ORGANISMS , *THYMINE - Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plays an extremely important role in storing genetic messages that are used for cellular functions in living organisms. However, the process of replicating these messages is not free from errors as internal and external factors can contribute to the damages of DNA strands. These damages known as lesions are problematic since they can lead to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis after accumulation for a certain period of time. Thankfully, cells are able to synthesize various DNA glycosylases to target different lesions, repairing and restoring damaged DNA to its original state. This review article aims to explore the variety of assays used to evaluate the efficiency of these glycosylases, mainly focusing on uracil DNA glycosylase, thymine DNA glycosylase, and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase since they are deployed to the sites of damages much more often than other repair enzymes. The progress in the development of DNA glycosylase assays is reviewed with an emphasis on the configuration and operating mechanism of the assays and with some discussion on challenges and prospects. It is hoped that this article will provide an introductory overview and the current standing of DNA glycosylase assays, opening up new perspectives towards the development DNA glycosylase assays for uses in molecular biology and at point-of-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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- View/download PDF
28. A unified reduction algorithm based on invariant matrices for decision tables.
- Author
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Liu, Guilong, Hua, Zheng, and Zou, Jiyang
- Subjects
- *
COMPUTER algorithms , *INVARIANTS (Mathematics) , *DECISION logic tables , *MATRICES (Mathematics) , *EQUIVALENCE relations (Set theory) , *DECISION making - Abstract
Attribute reduction is an important issue for decision analysis in databases. Absolute reduction, distributive reduction and positive region reduction are the most common types of attribute reduction discussed in the existing literature. This paper considers these three reduction types from the viewpoint of matrices and proposes the concept of reduction invariant matrices for each type in decision tables. Based on invariant matrices, we establish a unified algorithm for all three reduction types in decision tables. We also study the relationships among the three reduction types. Finally, experiments with UCI data sets are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Trichomegaly and scalp hair changes following treatment with erlotinib in pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients: A case report and literature review.
- Author
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HUA ZHENG, HONGMEI ZHANG, TONGMEI ZHANG, QUNHUI WANG, FANBIN HU, and BAOLAN LI
- Subjects
- *
ERLOTINIB , *CANCER treatment , *NON-small-cell lung carcinoma , *TREATMENT effectiveness - Abstract
Erlotinib is among the oral EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. The common side effects of erlotinib include acne form rash and diarrhea. Eyelash trichomegaly and alterations of scalp hair are rarely observed symptoms. In the present study, we report changes in eyelash trichomegaly and scalp hair in six cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients that had been administered erlotinib. The symptoms of eyelash trichomegaly include curly, irregular, excessively long and brittle eyelashes, and alterations of scalp hair include curly or straight, brittle, fine or rigid, reduced growth rate and volume. Since these side effects does not substantially impact patient quality of life, no treatments were administered. These changes in eyelashes and scalp hair gradually disappeared after withdrawal of erlotinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Optical Analog to Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Cascaded Ring-Resonator Systems.
- Author
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Yonghua Wang, Hua Zheng, Chenyang Xue, and Wendong Zhang
- Subjects
- *
ANALOG computers , *ELECTROMAGNETISM , *TRANSPARENCY (Optics) , *RESONATORS , *TRANSFER matrix , *OPTICAL waveguides - Abstract
The analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency in optical methods has shown great potential in slow light and sensing applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrated a coupled resonator induced transparency system with three cascaded ring coupled resonators in a silicon chip. The structure was modeled by using the transfer matrix method. Influences of various parameters including coupling ratio of couplers, waveguide loss and additional loss of couplers on transmission characteristic and group index have been investigated theoretically and numerically in detail. The transmission character of the system was measured by the vertical grating coupling method. The enhanced quality factor reached 1.22 ? 105. In addition, we further test the temperature performance of the device. The results provide a new method for the manipulation of light in highly integrated optical circuits and sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Air nanobubbles induced reversible self-assembly of 7S globulins isolated from pea (Pisum Sativum L.).
- Author
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Yan, Tianyi, Hua, Zheng, Deng, Yong, Guo, Haocheng, Xu, Weidong, Xu, Enbo, Wang, Wenjun, Ding, Tian, Cao, Yanlong, Liu, Yusheng, and Liu, Donghong
- Subjects
- *
GLOBULINS , *PEA proteins , *AIR-water interfaces , *IONIC strength , *TERTIARY structure , *PEAS - Abstract
The interplay of food proteins and macro or microscopic bubbles at the air-water interface that shaped the ultimate structures of proteins is well-known, yet knowledge was blank on the interactions between food proteins and nanoscopic bubbles (i.e., nanobubbles). In this study, bulk air nanobubbles were successfully fabricated in the aqueous solutions following a facile "cyclic compression-expansion" method. Subsequently, the effects of generated air nanobubbles and various factors including pH, protein concentration, nanobubble concentration, and ionic strength on the self-assembly behavior of 7S globulins isolated from pea proteins were investigated. It was revealed that air nanobubbles acted as soft templates to trigger 7S globulins self-assembly into core-shell nanospheres adjacent to the protein isoelectric point (∼pH 5). An enhancement of ionic strength from 0 to 0.4 mol L−1 led to increased particle size, whereas attenuating interactions between 7S globulins and air nanobubbles. The particle size of nanoparticles was also demonstrated to be protein and nanobubble concentration-dependent. Protein secondary structures were modified by air nanobubbles with apparently increased contents in random coils and decreased contents in α-helix. Changes in protein tertiary structures demonstrated that 7S globulins are exposed to a more hydrophobic microenvironment with reduced surface hydrophobicity, after complexing with air nanobubbles through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The nanoparticles at pH 6 slightly shrunk during the 30-day refrigeration at 4 °C compared to those at pH 4, and the original nanostructures could revive after replenishing with fresh air nanobubble suspensions, indicating their high stability for future potential applications in food structure design innovation. [Display omitted] • Air nanobubbles were generated using a "cyclic compression and expansion" method. • Interplay of 7S globulins and nanobubbles was impacted by extrinsic factors. • Nanobubbles induced reversible protein self-assembly to core-shell nanoparticles. • Air nanobubbles modified secondary and tertiary structures of 7S globulins. • Protein self-assembly behavior was driven by ionic and hydrophobic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Local attribute reductions for decision tables.
- Author
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Liu, Guilong, Hua, Zheng, and Zou, Jiyang
- Subjects
- *
ROUGH sets , *DECISION logic tables , *APPROXIMATION theory , *MATRICES (Mathematics) , *EQUIVALENCE relations (Set theory) - Abstract
Attribute reduction is among the most important areas of research in rough sets. This paper investigates the types of local attribute reduction for decision tables. We propose the concepts of l th decision class lower approximation reduction, l th decision class reduction, and l th decision class β -reduction for decision tables, and provide their corresponding reduction algorithms via discernibility matrices. We also establish the relationship between positive-region reduction and the l th decision class β -reduction, and report a case study using the University of California–Irvine dataset to verify the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Improvements in ecosystem services from investments in natural capital.
- Author
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Zhiyun Ouyang, Hua Zheng, Yi Xiao, Polasky, Stephen, Jianguo Liu, Weihua Xu, Qiao Wang, Lu Zhang, Yang Xiao, Enming Rao, Ling Jiang, Fei Lu, Xiaoke Wang, Guangbin Yang, Shihan Gong, Bingfang Wu, Yuan Zeng, Wu Yang, and Daily, Gretchen C.
- Subjects
- *
ECOSYSTEM services , *INVESTMENTS , *NATURAL capital , *ECONOMIC development & the environment , *ENVIRONMENTAL degradation , *CARBON sequestration , *SOIL conservation , *TWENTY-first century - Abstract
In response to ecosystem degradation from rapid economic development, China began investing heavily in protecting and restoring natural capital starting in 2000.We report on China's first national ecosystem assessment (2000-2010), designed to quantify and help manage change in ecosystem services, including food production, carbon sequestration, soil retention, sandstorm prevention, water retention, flood mitigation, and provision of habitat for biodiversity. Overall, ecosystem services improved from 2000 to 2010, apart from habitat provision. China's national conservation policies contributed significantly to the increases in those ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Synthesis and Application of a Multifunctional Fluorescent Polymer Based on Coumarin.
- Author
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Guanghua Zhang, Hua Zheng, Guojun Liu, Peng Wang, and Rui Xiang
- Subjects
- *
HETEROCYCLIC compounds synthesis , *COUMARINS , *FLUORESCENT polymers , *ACRYLAMIDE , *FOURIER transform infrared spectroscopy , *SOLUBILITY - Abstract
A multifunctional fluorescent polymer based on coumarin (MFPC) was synthesized using a four-step synthetic route. To obtain the target compound, 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, coumarin fluorescent monomer (CFM), and ultraviolet absorber monomer (UVAM) were prepared. By the reaction of CFM, UVAM, trimethyl-2-methacroyloxyethylammonium chloride (DMC), and acrylamide (AM) as a linker, a new multifunctional fluorescent polymer was synthesized. The structure of the MFPC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopies. The optical properties of MFPC were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescence spectroscopies, in aqueous solution. The integration effect between MFPC and paper was tested by scanning electron microscopy. The application performance of MFPC on paper was evaluated by measuring the surface strength, smoothness, and whiteness using the printability tester and the UV accelerated aging test. Results indicated that the MFPC had good solubility in water. It also exhibited a positive effect on the light stability and surface strength of paper as a light stabilizer, fluorescent brightener, and surface sizing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Combining Whole-Brain Radiotherapy with Gefitinib/Erlotinib for Brain Metastases from Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
- Author
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Mao-hua Zheng, Hong-tao Sun, Ji-guang Xu, Gang Yang, Lei-ming Huo, Pan Zhang, Jin-hui Tian, and Ke-hu Yang
- Subjects
- *
BRAIN tumor treatment , *LUNG cancer complications , *CANCER treatment , *METASTASIS , *GEFITINIB , *ERLOTINIB , *ANTINEOPLASTIC agents , *BRAIN tumors , *CENTRAL nervous system , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *MEDICAL databases , *MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems , *MEDLINE , *META-analysis , *ONLINE information services , *QUALITY assurance , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *DISEASE remission , *DATA analysis software , *ADVERSE health care events , *ODDS ratio , *CHEMORADIOTHERAPY , *PROGNOSIS , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Background. To comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) combined with gefitinib/erlotinib for treatment of brain metastases (BM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. Databases including PubMed, EMBASE.com, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to April 12, 2015. Studies on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-control trials comparing WBRT combined with gefitinib/erlotinib versus WBRT alone for BM from NSCLC were included. Literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two trained reviewers. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze data. Results. A total of 7 trials involving 622 patients were included. Compared with WBRT alone or WBRT plus chemotherapy, WBRT plus gefitinib/erlotinib could significantly improve response rate (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.35-3.47; P = 0.001), remission rate of central nervous system (OR = 6.06, 95% CI: 2.57-14.29; P < 0.0001), disease control rate (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.84-6.07; P < 0.0001), overall survival (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.89; P = 0.002), and 1-year survival rate (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.51-3.91; P = 0.0002). In adverse events (III-IV), statistically significant differences were not found, except for rash (OR = 7.96, 95% CI: 2.02-31.34; P = 0.003) and myelosuppression (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07-0.51; P = 0.0010). Conclusions.WBRT plus gefitinib/erlotinib was superior to WBRT alone and well tolerated in patients with BM from NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Relations arising from coverings and their topological structures.
- Author
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Liu, Guilong, Hua, Zheng, and Zou, Jiyang
- Subjects
- *
TOPOLOGICAL spaces , *ROUGH sets , *APPROXIMATION theory , *INVERSE problems , *APPROXIMATE reasoning - Abstract
Covering rough sets are an important extension of Pawlak rough sets. This paper studies the relations arising from coverings and their topological structures. Every covering induces a reflexive and transitive relation. We represent the approximate pairs proposed by Ma (2015) [20] with different combinations of a relation and its inverse. Based on this representation, we give the relationship among approximate pairs. We also consider the topological structures induced by these lower approximations and establish the relationship among these topologies. The results show that the approximate pairs can be precisely characterized by a relation and its inverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Neutron stars and supernova explosions in the framework of Landau's theory.
- Author
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Hua Zheng, Sahagun, Jaime, and Bonasera, Aldo
- Subjects
- *
NEUTRON stars , *SUPERNOVAE , *NUCLEAR explosions , *LANDAU theory , *MANY-body problem , *NUCLEAR energy - Abstract
In this paper, a general formula of the symmetry energy for many-body interaction is proposed and the commonly used two-body interaction symmetry energy is recovered. Within Landau's theory (Lt), we generalize two equations of state (EoS) CCSδ3 and CCSδ5 to asymmetric nuclear matter. We assume that the density and density difference between protons and neutrons divided by their sum are order parameters. We use different EoS to study neutron stars by solving the TOV equations. We demonstrate that different EoS give different mass and radius relation for neutron stars even when they have exactly the same ground state (gs) properties (E/A, ρ0, K, S, L and Ksym). Furthermore, for one EoS we change Ksym and fix all the other gs parameters. We find that for some Ksym the EoS becomes unstable at high density even for neutron matter. This suggests that a neutron star (NS) can exist below and above the instability region but in different states: a quark gluon plasma (QGP) at high density and baryonic matter at low density. If the star's central density is in the instability region, then we associate these conditions to the occurrence of supernovae (SN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Higher clonal integration in the facultative epiphytic fern Selliguea griffithiana growing in the forest canopy compared with the forest understorey.
- Author
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Hua-Zheng Lu, Wen-Yao Liu, Fei-Hai Yu, Liang Song, Xing-Liang Xu, Chuan-Sheng Wu, Yu-Long Zheng, Yang-Ping Li, He-De Gong, Ke Chen, Su Li, Xi Chen, Jin-Hua Qi, and Shu-Gang Lu
- Subjects
- *
POLYPODIACEAE , *POLYPODIALES , *MICROSORUM , *FOREST ecology , *FOREST canopy ecology - Abstract
* Background and Aims The advantage of clonal integration (resource sharing between connected ramets of clonal plants) varies and a higher degree of integration is expected in more stressful and/or more heterogeneous habitats. Clonal facultative epiphytes occur in both forest canopies (epiphytic habitats) and forest understories (terrestrial habitats). Because environmental conditions, especially water and nutrients, are more stressful and heterogeneous in the canopy than in the understorey, this study hypothesizes that clonal integration is more important for facultative epiphytes in epiphytic habitats than in terrestrial habitats. * Methods In a field experiment, an examination was made of the effects of rhizome connection (connected vs. disconnected, i.e. with vs. without clonal integration) on survival and growth of single ramets, both young and old, of the facultative epiphytic rhizomatous fern Selliguea griffithiana (Polypodiaceae) in both epiphytic and terrestrial habitats. In another field experiment, the effects of rhizome connection on performance of ramets were tested in small (10 x 10 cm²) and large (20 x 20 cm²) plots in both epiphytic and terrestrial habitats. * Key Results Rhizome disconnection significantly decreased survival and growth of S. griffithiana in both experiments. The effects of rhizome disconnection on survival of single ramets and on ramet number and growth in plots were greater in epiphytic habitats than in terrestrial habitats. * Conclusions Clonal integration contributes greatly to performance of facultative epiphytic ferns, and the effects were more important in forest canopies than in forest understories. The results therefore support the hypothesis that natural selection favours genotypes with a higher degree of integration in more stressful and heterogeneous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Impacts of conservation and human development policy across stakeholders and scales.
- Author
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Cong Li, Hua Zheng, Shuzhuo Li, Xiaoshu Chen, Jie Li, Weihong Zeng, Yicheng Liang, Polasky, Stephen, Feldman, Marcus W., Ruckelshaus, Mary, Zhiyun Ouyang, and Daily, Gretchen C.
- Subjects
- *
ECOSYSTEM management , *DEVELOPMENTAL psychology , *ECOSYSTEM services , *STAKEHOLDERS , *WELL-being , *COST effectiveness - Abstract
Ideally, both ecosystem service and human development policies should improve human well-being through the conservation of ecosystems that provide valuable services. However, program costs and benefits to multiple stakeholders, and how they change through time, are rarely carefully analyzed. We examine one of China's new ecosystem service protection and human development policies: the Relocation and Settlement Program of Southern Shaanxi Province (RSP), which pays households who opt voluntarily to resettle from mountainous areas. The RSP aims to reduce disaster risk, restore important ecosystem services, and improve human well-being. We use household surveys and biophysical data in an integrated economic cost-benefit analysis for multiple stakeholders. We project that the RSP will result in positive net benefits to the municipal government, and to cross-region and global beneficiaries over the long run along with environment improvement, including improved water quality, soil erosion control, and carbon sequestration. However, there are significant short-run relocation costs for local residents so that poor households may have difficulty participating because they lack the resources to pay the initial costs of relocation. Greater subsidies and subsequent supports after relocation are necessary to reduce the payback period of resettled households in the long run. Compensation from downstream beneficiaries for improved water and from carbon trades could be channeled into reducing relocation costs for the poor and sharing the burden of RSP implementation. The effectiveness of the RSP could also be greatly strengthened by early investment in developing human capital and environment friendly jobs and establishing long-term mechanisms for securing program goals. These challenges and potential solutions pervade ecosystem service efforts globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Ecological roles of dominant and rare prokaryotes in acid mine drainage revealed by metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
- Author
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Hua, Zheng-Shuang, Han, Yu-Jiao, Chen, Lin-Xing, Liu, Jun, Hu, Min, Li, Sheng-Jin, Kuang, Jia-Liang, Chain, Patrick SG, Huang, Li-Nan, and Shu, Wen-Sheng
- Subjects
- *
PROKARYOTES , *ACID mine drainage , *METAGENOMICS , *MICROBIAL diversity , *BIOTIC communities , *NUCLEOTIDE sequence - Abstract
High-throughput sequencing is expanding our knowledge of microbial diversity in the environment. Still, understanding the metabolic potentials and ecological roles of rare and uncultured microbes in natural communities remains a major challenge. To this end, we applied a 'divide and conquer' strategy that partitioned a massive metagenomic data set (>100 Gbp) into subsets based on K-mer frequency in sequence assembly to a low-diversity acid mine drainage (AMD) microbial community and, by integrating with an additional metatranscriptomic assembly, successfully obtained 11 draft genomes most of which represent yet uncultured and/or rare taxa (relative abundance <1%). We report the first genome of a naturally occurring Ferrovum population (relative abundance >90%) and its metabolic potentials and gene expression profile, providing initial molecular insights into the ecological role of these lesser known, but potentially important, microorganisms in the AMD environment. Gene transcriptional analysis of the active taxa revealed major metabolic capabilities executed in situ, including carbon- and nitrogen-related metabolisms associated with syntrophic interactions, iron and sulfur oxidation, which are key in energy conservation and AMD generation, and the mechanisms of adaptation and response to the environmental stresses (heavy metals, low pH and oxidative stress). Remarkably, nitrogen fixation and sulfur oxidation were performed by the rare taxa, indicating their critical roles in the overall functioning and assembly of the AMD community. Our study demonstrates the potential of the 'divide and conquer' strategy in high-throughput sequencing data assembly for genome reconstruction and functional partitioning analysis of both dominant and rare species in natural microbial assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Efficient delivery of docetaxel for the treatment of brain tumors by cyclic RGD-tagged polymeric micelles.
- Author
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AI-JUN LI, YUE-HUA ZHENG, GUO-DONG LIU, WEI-SHENG LIU, PEI-CHENG CAO, and ZHEN-FU BU
- Subjects
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GLIOBLASTOMA multiforme , *BRAIN cancer , *BRAIN tumors , *ARGININE , *GLYCINE , *ASPARTIC acid , *POLYETHYLENE glycol - Abstract
The treatment of glioblastoma, and other types of brain cancer, is limited due to the poor transport of drugs across the blood brain barrier and poor penetration of the blood-brain-tumor barrier. In the present study, cyclic Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid-D-Tyrosine-Lysine [c(RGDyK)], that has a high binding affinity to integrin avβ3 receptors, that are overexpressed in glioblastoma cancers, was employed as a novel approach to target cancer by delivering therapeutic molecules intracellularly. The c(RGDyK)/docetaxel polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (DTX-PLA-PEG) micelle was prepared and characterized for various in vitro and in vivo parameters. The specific binding affinity of the Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid (RGD) micelles, to the integrin receptor, enhanced the intracellular accumulation of DTX, and markedly increased its cytotoxic efficacy. The effect of microtubule stabilization was evident in the inhibition of glioma spheroid volume. Upon intravenous administration, c(RGDyK)/DTX-PLA-PEG showed enhanced accumulation in brain tumor tissues through active internalization, whereas non-targeted micelles showed limited transport ability. Furthermore, RGD-linked micelles showed marked anti-glioma activity in U87MG malignant glioma tumor xenografts, and significantly suppressed the growth of tumors without signs of systemic toxicity. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that ligand-mediated drug delivery may improve the efficacy of brain cancer chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Changes in nitrogen budget and potential risk to the environment over 20 years (1990-2010) in the agroecosystems of the Haihe Basin, China.
- Author
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Mengmeng Zheng, Hua Zheng, Yingxia Wu, Yi Xiao, Yihua Du, Weihua Xu, Fei Lu, Xiaoke Wang, and Zhiyun Ouyang
- Subjects
- *
NITROGEN analysis , *ENVIRONMENTAL risk assessment , *AGRICULTURAL ecology , *GEOLOGICAL basins , *AGRICULTURAL statistics - Abstract
The nitrogen balance can serve as an indicator of the risk to the environment of nitrogen loss from agricultural land. To investigate the temporal and spatial changes in agricultural nitrogen application and its potential threat to the environment of the Haihe Basin in China, we used a database of county-level agricultural statistics to calculate agricultural nitrogen input, output, surplus intensity, and use efficiency. Chemical fertilizer nitrogen input increased by 51.7% from 1990 to 2000 and by 37.2% from 2000 to 2010, concomitant with increasing crop yields. Simultaneously, the nitrogen surplus intensity increased by 53.5% from 1990 to 2000 and by 16.5% from 2000 to 2010, presenting a continuously increased environmental risk. Nitrogen use efficiency decreased from 0.46 in 1990 to 0.42 in 2000 and remained constant at 0.42 in 2010, partly due to fertilizer composition and type improvement. This level indicates that more than half of nitrogen inputs are lost in agroecosystems. Our results suggest that although the improvement in fertilizer composition and types has partially offset the decrease in nitrogen use efficiency, the environmental risk has still increased gradually over the past 20 years, along with the increase in crop yields and nitrogen application. It is important to achieve a better nitrogen balance through more effective management to significantly reduce the environmental risk, decrease nitrogen surplus intensity, and increase nitrogen use efficiency without sacrificing crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. A novel in vitro germination method revealed the influence of environmental variance on the pecan pollen viability.
- Author
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Peng, Hua-Zheng, Jin, Qun-Ying, Ye, Hua-Lin, and Zhu, Tang-Jun
- Subjects
- *
PECAN yields , *HORTICULTURAL crops , *GERMINATION , *VIABILITY (Biology) , *POLLEN , *IN vitro studies ,ENVIRONMENTAL aspects - Abstract
Pecan is one of the most important horticultural nut crops in the world. Germination tests are vital to the safe application of artificial pollination and cross breeding of pecan. Although many in vitro germination methods have been proposed, the realization of robust and reproducible methods to induce morphologically normal growth pollen tubes in vitro for detailed dynamic observation has often proved challenging in pecan. We employed a mixing and spreading method to realize the uniform distribution and germination on agarose medium, which resulted in the unprecedented level of germinational repeatability and observability. With this method, we investigated the influence of environmental variance on the in vitro germination of pecan pollen. The data from germination rate, burst rate, pollen tube length and germination speed indicated the pecan pollen had an optimal germination temperature at 25 °C but optimal rehydration temperature at 16 °C which was lower than minimum germination temperature. And this optimal rehydration temperature was harmful to pollen germination if pollen was ready to germinate after rehydration. It helped researchers understand the mechanism of probable promotion of high day/low night temperatures to pollen germination in nature. Results further revealed that pecan pollen didn’t lose their viability rapidly in first several days at ambient conditions but changed to a different rehydration and germination condition. In addition, we proposed here a new germination speed parameter GT50 to indicate the early change of pollen viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Stromal fibroblast activation and their potential association with uterine fibroids.
- Author
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LI-HUA ZHENG, FENG-FENG CAI, GE, ISABELL, BISKUP, EWELINA, and ZHONG-PING CHENG
- Subjects
- *
UTERINE fibroids , *DIAGNOSIS of cancer in female reproductive organs , *FIBROBLASTS , *HYSTERECTOMY , *PATIENTS ,UTERINE fibroid treatment - Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common type of benign, gynecologic neoplasm and are the primary indication for performance of a hysterectomy, accounting for >200,000 hysterectomies annually in the USA. At present, females are younger and exhibit larger leiomyomas at the time of diagnosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironments have emerged as an important target for cancer therapy. Repeated stimulation by infectious or non-infectious agents in the uterine tissues, including inflammation, mechanical forces or hypoxia, stimulate the resident fibroblasts to undergo specific activation and, thus, are significant in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, complex signaling pathways regulate the mechanisms of fibroblastic activation. The current review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of fibroblastic activation and the potential association with uterine leiomyoma pathogenesis, enabling an integrated pathogenic analysis for review of the therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Web-based Comparative Patient-reported Outcome Feedback to Support Quality Improvement and Comparative Effectiveness Research in Total Joint Replacement.
- Author
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Hua Zheng, Wenjun Li, Harrold, Leslie, Ayers, David C., and Franklin, Patricia D.
- Subjects
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PATIENT-centered care , *SURGEONS , *ARTIFICIAL joints - Abstract
Introduction: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are rarely included in quality monitoring systems, surgeon comparative feedback reports, or registries. We present the design and implementation of a secure website in a federally funded research program--Function and Outcomes Research for Comparative Effectiveness in Total Joint Replacement (FORCE-TJR)--to return comparative PRO reports to participating surgeons, in addition to including traditional quality measures, in order to monitor and improve quality and health outcomes. Methods: The surgeon-specific comparative PRO reports were designed and structured based on user input for content, data elements, integration, and display. Three questions are addressed regarding the knee and hip joint symptom profiles of patients before TJR, as well as outcomes of surgery. The website is organized with a hierarchical structure to display data at national, practice, and individual surgeon levels, and provides a comprehensive site-level executive summary and surgeon-level data reports that can be downloaded. Early Results: As of September 2014, over 22,000 patients were enrolled from more than 130 surgeons in 22 states. The reporting website was launched in September 2012 and has been updated quarterly for all surgeons to review their site- and individual-specific outcomes data compared to national benchmarks. Discussion: In this novel system, quarterly comparative surgeon feedback extends beyond traditional measures of complication rates to include PROs of pain relief and functional gain. We anticipate that this enhanced data will facilitate patient-centered quality improvement (QI) and outcomes research from the registry. As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other insurers consider future implementation of PROs, surgeons will increasingly need comparative data by which to self-monitor their practice outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Survival Analysis of 159 Patients With Advanced Non- Small-Cell Lung Cancer Resistant to First-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.
- Author
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Aimin Hu, Kun Li, Hua Zheng, Haitao Rao, Tongmei Zhang, and Baolan Li
- Subjects
- *
LUNG cancer , *GENETIC mutation , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *EPIDERMAL growth factor receptors , *MULTIVARIATE analysis , *PROTEIN-tyrosine kinase inhibitors , *SURVIVAL analysis (Biometry) , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *CHI-squared test , *EXTRACELLULAR space , *PROGRESSION-free survival , *DRUG resistance in cancer cells , *NUCLEIC acids , *PROPORTIONAL hazards models , *BLOOD - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have limited or no response in some certain patients of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, real-world survival analyses comparing clinical data and EGFR-plasma mutation are still lacking. METHODS: In total, 159 patients with advanced NSCLC resistant to first-generation EGFR-TKIs were included for consecutive blood sampling in this study. Super-amplification refractory mutation system (Super-ARMS) was used to detect EGFR-plasma mutations and correlations between survival and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 159 eligible patients, the T790M mutation was detected in 27.0% (43/159) of patients. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 10.7 months in all patients. Survival analysis revealed that patients with the T790M mutation had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those with the T790M wild-type (10.6 months vs 10.8 months, P = .038). Patients who cleared EGFR-plasma mutation had prolonged PFS compared with those with nonclearing EGFR-plasma mutation (11.6 months vs 9.0 months, P = .001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the nonclearance of EGFR-plasma mutations was an independent risk factor for PFS (RR = 1.745, 95% CI: [1.184, 2.571], P = .005). The T790M mutation was associated with nonclearance of the EGFR-plasma mutation (χ² = 10.407, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced NSCLC who were resistant to the first-generation EGFR-TKI had a prolonged PFS with clearance of EGFR-plasma mutation. Those nonclearers were more likely to harbor T790M mutations in plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Benefits, costs, and livelihood implications of a regional payment for ecosystem service program.
- Author
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Hua Zheng, Robinson, Brian E., Yi-Cheng Liang, Polasky, Stephen, Dong-Chun Ma, Feng-Chun Wang, Ruckelshaus, Mary, Zhi-Yun Ouyang, and Daily, Gretchen C.
- Subjects
- *
ECOSYSTEM services , *LAND use , *WATER quality policy , *LEACHING & the environment , *WATER use - Abstract
Despite broad interest in using payment for ecosystem services to promote changes in the use of natural capital, there are few expost assessments of impacts of payment for ecosystem services programs on ecosystem service provision, program cost, and changes in livelihoods resulting from program participation. In this paper, we evaluate the Paddy Land-to-Dry Land (PLDL) program in Beijing, China, and associated changes in service providers' livelihood activities. The PLDL is a land use conversion program that aims to protect water quality and quantity for the only surface water reservoir that serves Beijing, China's capital city with nearly 20 million residents. Our analysis integrates hydrologic data with household survey data and shows that the PLDL generates benefits of improved water quantity and quality that exceed the costs of reduced agricultural output. The PLDL has an overall benefit-cost ratio of 1.5, and both downstream beneficiaries and upstream providers gain from the program. Household data show that changes in livelihood activities may offset some of the desired effects of the program through increased expenditures on agricultural fertilizers. Overall, however, reductions in fertilizer leaching from land use change dominate so that the program still has a positive net impact on water quality. This program is a successful example of water users paying upstream landholders to improve water quantity and quality through land use change. Program evaluation also highlights the importance of considering behavioral changes by program participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Coulomb corrections to density and temperature of bosons in heavy ion collisions.
- Author
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Hua Zheng, Giuliani, Gianluca, and Bonasera, Aldo
- Subjects
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HEAVY ion collisions , *COULOMB potential , *ENERGY density , *TEMPERATURE effect , *BOSONS , *FERMIONS , *GAS-liquid interfaces , *PHASE transitions - Abstract
A recently proposed method, based on quadrupole and multiplicity fluctuations in heavy ion collisions, is modified in order to take into account distortions due to the Coulomb field. This is particularly interesting for bosons, such as d and ɑ particles, produced in heavy ion collisions. We derive the temperatures and densities seen by the bosons and compare them to results of similar calculations for fermions. The resulting energy densities agree rather well with each other and with the one derived from neutron observables. This suggests that a common phenomenon, such as the sudden opening of many reaction channels and/or a liquid-gas phase transition, is responsible for the agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Fucoxanthin Induces Ferroptosis in Cancer Cells via Downregulation of the Nrf2/HO−1/GPX4 Pathway.
- Author
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Du, Hao-Fei, Wu, Jia-Wei, Zhu, Yu-Shan, Hua, Zheng-Hao, Jin, Si-Zhou, Ji, Jin-Chao, Wang, Cai-Sheng, Qian, Guo-Ying, Jin, Xu-Dong, and Ding, Hao-Miao
- Abstract
This study investigated the mechanism by which fucoxanthin acts as a novel ferroptosis inducer to inhibit tongue cancer. The MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of fucoxanthin on SCC−25 human tongue squamous carcinoma cells. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total iron were measured. Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT−qPCR) and Western blotting were used to assess glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor erythroid 2−related factor 2 (Nrf2), Keap1, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), p53, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO−1) expression. Molecular docking was performed to validate interactions. Compared with the control group, the activity of fucoxanthin−treated SCC−25 cells significantly decreased in a dose− and time−dependent manner. The levels of MMP, GSH, and SOD significantly decreased in fucoxanthin−treated SCC−25 cells; the levels of ROS, MDA, and total iron significantly increased. mRNA and protein expression levels of Keap1, GPX4, Nrf2, and HO−1 in fucoxanthin−treated cells were significantly decreased, whereas levels of TFR1 and p53 were significantly increased, in a concentration−dependent manner. Molecular docking analysis revealed that binding free energies of fucoxanthin with p53, SLC7A11, GPX4, Nrf2, Keap1, HO−1, and TFR1 were below −5 kcal/mol, primarily based on active site hydrogen bonding. Our findings suggest that fucoxanthin can induce ferroptosis in SCC−25 cells, highlighting its potential as a treatment for tongue cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Upper Limits of Normal for Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in Chinese Han Population.
- Author
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Ming-Hua Zheng, Ke-Qing Shi, Yu-Chen Fan, Wen-Yue Liu, Xian-Feng Lin, Ling-Fei Li, Yong-Ping Chen, and Man-Fung Yuen
- Subjects
- *
ALANINE aminotransferase , *LIVER diseases , *HEPATITIS B , *FATTY degeneration , *DISEASE risk factors , *CHINESE people , *DISEASES - Abstract
Background and Objectives: Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity is the most common tool for the assessment of liver diseases. However, it is not clear whether the current normal ALT range really discriminate patients with or without liver diseases. The present study was to establish a new normal range of ALT and examine its ability to identify patients with hepatitis B or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese Han population. Methods:53037 adults were included in this study from January 1st 2008 to August 31st 2010. The 95th percentile of ALT in population with relative low risk factors for liver diseases was set as the new upper limits of normal ALT in gender-specific manner. Results: The 95th percentile levels at low risk factors for liver diseases were achieved at 35 U/L for men and 23 U/L for women. The concordance statistics for detection were 0.873 (95%CI: 0.865-0.881) for HBV and 0.932 (95%CI: 0.927-0.937) for NAFLD in men while 0.857 (95%CI: 0.850-0.864) for HBV and 0.909 (95%CI: 0.903-0.915) for NAFLD in women. The median sensitivity of the current used ALT upper limit (40 U/L) was 6.6% for HBV and 29.7% for NAFLD and median specificity was 98.7% for men and 99.4% for women. Using our new-derived thresholds, the sensitivities ranged from 35.3% to 61.1% and the specificities were 94.8% for men and 94.6% for women. Conclusions: Our results suggest that upper limits of ALT 35 U/L for men and 23 U/L for women in Chinese Han population. Re-consideration of normal limits of ALT should be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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