Diversity and threats to cave-dwelling bats in a small island in the southern Philippines

Ma. Niña Regina M. Quibod,Phillip A. Alviola,Anna Pauline O. de Guia,Virginia C. Cuevas,Ireneo L. Lit Jr.,Bonifacio O. Pasion 국립중앙과학관 2019 Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Vol.12 No.4

More than 2,000 caves have been documented in the Philippines, yet cave research is very limited. Thisstudy was conducted to provide benchmark information on the diversity and ecology of cave-dwellingbats from Samal Island, a small island in the southern Philippines. Bats were surveyed from thirtycaves of varying physical features and disturbances. Fifteen species of bats were identified in the island;14 of which are new records for the island, increasing the island distribution of the identified bats in thecountry. The abundance of cave-dwelling bats varied from low to high density, with some caves estimatedto harbor more than 10,000 individuals. Abundance and richness of cave-dwelling bats positivelyincreased with longer cave length, higher ceilings, bigger and multiple entrances, and presence of water. The Bat Cave Vulnerability Index (BCVI) revealed three high priority caves, 12 medium priority caves and15 low priority caves, indicating the importance of standardized method in assessing cave disturbance. Traces of tourism and hunting were the most common disturbance factors. The results of this studyhighlight the need for fundamental data on the distribution, diversity, and ecology of cave-dweling batsin the Philippines.

Distraction or Instruction: The Role of Online Interactive Games in a Child’s Second Language Acquisition

Ma. Niña I. Adriano 아시아영어교육학회 2017 The Journal of Asia TEFL Vol.14 No.3

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy is Associated with in Situ Breast Cancer Risk

Ni, Xiao-Jian,Xia, Tian-Song,Zhao, Ying-Chun,Ma, Jing-Jing,Zhao, Jie,Liu, Xiao-An,Ding, Qiang,Zha, Xiao-Ming,Wang, Shui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Background: The relationship between postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and invasive breast cancer has been extensively investigated, but that with breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) has received relatively little attention. The aim of our present study was to review and summarize the evidence provided by longitudinal studies on the association between postmenopausal HT use and BCIS risk. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for articles published up to May 2012 was performed. Prior to performing a meta-analysis, the studies were evaluated for publication bias and heterogeneity. Relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) values were calculated using 14 reports (8 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies), published between 1986 and 2012. Results: There was evidence of an association between ever postmenopausal estrogen use and BCIS based on a random-effects model (RR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.55). However, we found no strong evidence of an association between ever postmenopausal estrogen combined with progesterone use and BCIS using a randomeffects model (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.95, 2.51). Furthermore, our analysis showed a strong association between "> 5 years duration" of estrogen or estrogen combined with progesterone use and BCIS. Furthermore, current use of any HT is associated with increased risk of BCIS in cohort studies. Additional well-designed large studies are now required to validate this association in different populations.

Preparation of Lysine-Coated Magnetic Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles and Influence on Viability of A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Ma, Yu-Hua,Peng, Hai-Ying,Yang, Rui-Xia,Ni, Fang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Objective: To explore the effect of lysine-coated oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Lys@MNPs) on viability and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Zeta potentiometric analyzer were employed to characterize Lys@MNPs. Then Lys@MNPs and lung cancer A549 cells were co-cultured to study the effect of Lys@MNPs on cell viability and apoptosis. The pathway of Lys@MNPs entering A549 cells was detected by TEM and cell imaging by 1.5 T MRI. Results: Lys@MNPs were 10.2 nm in grain diameter, characterized by small size, positive charge, and superparamagnetism. Under low-dose concentration of Lys@MNPs (< $40{\mu}g/mL$), the survival rate of A549 cells was decreased but remained higher than 95% while under high-dose concentration ($100{\mu}g/mL$), the survival ratewas still higher than 80%, which suggested Lys@MNPs had limited influence on the viability of A549 cells, with good biocompatibility and and no induction of apoptosis. Moreover, high affinity for cytomembranes, was demonstrated presenting good imaging effects. Conclusion: Lys@MNPs can be regarded as a good MRI negative contrast agents, with promising prospects in biomedicine.

Deep Auto-encoder Observer Multiple-Model Fast Aircraft Actuator Fault Diagnosis Algorithm

Jun Ma,Wen-han Dong,Shihong Ni,Wujie Xie 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2017 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.15 No.4

In the extended multiple model adaptive estimation fault diagnosis algorithm, the extended Kalman filterhas theoretical limitations, and the establishment of accurate aircraft mathematical model is almost impossible. Meanwhile, there is no automatic method to optimally select the node number of deep neural network hiddenlayer. In this paper, a deep auto-encoder observer multiple-model fault diagnosis algorithm for aircraft actuatorfault is proposed. Based on the empirical formula of the basic auto-encoder hidden layer node number selection(three layered neural network), the recursive formula for deep auto-encoder hidden layer node number selectionare proposed. The deep auto-encoder observers for no-fault and different actuator faults are trained to observethe system state. Combined with multiple model adaptive estimation, the deep auto-encoder observer overcomesthe theoretical limitation of extended Kalman filter, and avoided the calculation of the nonlinear system Jacobianmatrix. The simulation results show that hidden layer node number selection recursive formula is useful. The faultdiagnosis algorithm is more efficient and has better performance compared to the standard methods.

Magnetoresistance Effect in Co<SUB>x</SUB>(Alq₃)<SUB>1-x</SUB> Granular Films

Gang Ni,Qi Shu,Xiaomeng Zhao,Junqi Wu,Peng Sheng,Jianfang Yin,Bin Ma,Wei Huang,Youwei Du 한국자기학회 2007 한국자기학회 학술연구발표회 논문개요집 Vol.- No.-

Numerical and experimental method for the prediction of the propagation life of fatigue crack on metallic materials

Chen Ni,Lin Hua,Xiaokai Wang,Zhou Wang,Zhikui Ma 대한기계학회 2018 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.32 No.9

A prediction method for the propagation life of fatigue crack for cracked components was provided and verified in this study to predict the propagation life of fatigue cracks on components in engineering applications conveniently and directly. In the simulation aspect, a finite element (FE) model of cracked specimen was created to obtain the stress intensity factor range ΔK. The FE model was verified by comparing simulated ΔK to a formulary calculated one. The simulated ΔK could be used for studying the relationship with crack size. In the experimental aspect, the fatigue crack propagation test was conducted on three specimens. The material coefficients C and m were fitted according to Paris’ law. The load cycles with different crack depths were recorded in the testing process. The propagation life of fatigue cracks of specimen was predicted via the relationship between ΔK and crack size a according to Paris’ law. The comparison between predicted life and experimental life of specimens indicated the feasibility of the method. The proposed prediction method in this study for the propagation life of fatigue cracks can be used in engineering applications.

Functional Roles of Long Non-coding RNA in Human Breast Cancer

Ye, Ni,Wang, Bin,Quan, Zi-Fang,Cao, San-Jie,Wen, Xin-Tian,Huang, Yong,Huang, Xiao-Bo,Wu, Rui,Ma, Xiao-Ping,Yan, Qi-Gui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.15

The discovery of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) changes our view of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. With application of new research techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, the biological functions of LncRNAs are gradually becoming to be understood. Multiple studies have shown that LncRNAs serve as carcinogenic factors or tumor suppressors in breast cancer with abnormal expression, prompts the question of whether they have potential value in predicting the stages and survival rate of breast cancer patients, and also as therapeutic targets. Focusing on the latest research data, this review mainly summarizes the tumorigenic mechanisms of certain LncRNAs in breast cancer, in order to provide a theoretical basis for finding safer, more effective treatment of breast cancer at the LncRNA molecular level.

Influence of Psychological Factors in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients on De qi : a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Hu Ni-juan,Li Chun-hua,Wang Pei,Wu Gui-wen,Ma Liang-xiao,Zhu Jiang 사단법인약침학회 2023 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.16 No.1

Background: De qi , the needling sensation, is important in acupuncture treatment. Almost all studies believe that deep needling and manipulation could achieve a significant de qi sensation. However, relatively few studies have examined the effect of psychological factors on de qi, and those that did often reached different conclusions. Objectives: To explore the influence of psychologic factors on de qi in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Methods: Sixty-eight PD patients with cold and dampness stagnation were randomly allocated to de qi (deep insertion using thick needles, with manipulation, n=17) and non-de qi groups (shallow insertion using thin needles, without manipulation, n=51). Both groups received bilateral needling at Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 30 min. De qi was assessed using the Acupuncture De qi Clinical Assessment Scale (ADCAS). The patients’ acupuncturerelated anxiety and their expectations of the relationship between needle sensation and curative effect were evaluated using a five-point and four-point scale, respectively. Results: Within the de qi group, all patients experienced the de qi sensation, although anxiety levels were unrelated to de qi. Patients’ expectations correlated negatively with de qi timing, and positively with electric sensation. Within the non-de qi group, 59.5% of patients experienced de qi. Between those who experienced it and those who did not, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels, although patients’ expectations differed significantly. Among patients who experienced de qi sensations in the non-de qi group, anxiety and throbbing were positively correlated. Additionally, patients’ expectations correlated positively with de qi intensity, as well as coldness, and numbness. Conclusion: Psychological factors should be considered when studying de qi since PD patients’ expectations could influence the de qi sensation at SP6.

The dopamine D1–D2DR complex in the rat spinal cord promotes neuropathic pain by increasing neuronal excitability after chronic constriction injury

Bao Yi-Ni,Dai Wen-Ling,Fan Ji-Fa,Ma Bin,Li Shan-Shan,Zhao Wan-Li,Yu Bo-Yang,Liu Ji-Hua 생화학분자생물학회 2021 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.53 No.-

Dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR) and D2 receptor (D2DR) are closely associated with pain modulation, but their exact effects on neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. Our research revealed that intrathecal administration of D1DR and D2DR antagonists inhibited D1–D2DR complex formation and ameliorated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. The D1–D2DR complex was formed in the rat spinal cord, and the antinociceptive effects of D1DR and D2DR antagonists could be reversed by D1DR, D2DR, and D1–D2DR agonists. Gαq, PLC, and IP3 inhibitors also alleviated CCI-induced neuropathic pain. D1DR, D2DR, and D1–D2DR complex agonists all increased the intracellular calcium concentration in primary cultured spinal neurons, and this increase could be reversed by D1DR, D2DR antagonists and Gαq, IP3, PLC inhibitors. D1DR and D2DR antagonists significantly reduced the expression of p-PKC γ, p-CaMKII, p-CREB, and p-MAPKs. Levo -corydalmine ( l -CDL), a monomeric compound in Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, was found to obviously suppress the formation of the spinal D1–D2DR complex to alleviate neuropathic pain in CCI rats and to decrease the intracellular calcium concentration in spinal neurons. l- CDL-induced inhibition of p-PKC γ, p-MAPKs, p-CREB, and p-CaMKII was also reversed by D1DR, D2DR, and D1–D2DR complex agonists. In conclusion, these results indicate that D1DR and D2DR form a complex and in turn couple with the Gαq protein to increase neuronal excitability via PKC γ, CaMKII, MAPK, and CREB signaling in the spinal cords of CCI rats; thus, they may serve as potential drug targets for neuropathic pain therapy.