Effects of habitat fragmentation on the functional diversity of insects in Thousand Island Lake, China

Tian‐Hao Tu,Ji-Rui WANG,Jian-Qiang GU,Tian-Qi LI,Kun LV,Guo-Xin ZHOU,Zhi-Hong XU 한국곤충학회 2019 Entomological Research Vol.49 No.2

Due to habitat fragmentation, the loss of species diversity has been extensively studied. On the contrary, the effects of habitat fragmentation on functional diversity is still poorly understood. In the Thousand Island Lake, we conducted studies of insect functional diversity on a set of 29 isolated islands. We used 10 functional diversity indices from three aspects (functional richness, functional evenness and functional divergence) to respectively describe functional diversity of insects on sample islands. We found the following results: (i) The functional indices selected could reflect the functional diversity of sample islands and it is further proved that in general, three components of functional diversity were independent of each other; (ii) Sample islands could be divided into two categories, island JSD and the remaining islands; (iii) Functional richness increased with island area and shape index, but had no significant correlation with isolation. Likewise, both functional evenness and functional divergence had no significant correlation with island attributes. The conclusion to emphasize from our research is that: (i) habitat fragmentation reduced the biological functional diversity to some extent, further demonstrating the importance of habitat continuity in biodiversity protection; and (ii) for functional diversity protection of insects in a fragmented landscape, an island which has high approximate shape index values of at least hundred hectare magnitude order has a critical promoting effect.

Ejector performance prediction at critical and subcritical operational modes

Li, Fenglei,Tian, Qi,Wu, Changzhi,Wang, Xiangyu,Lee, Jae-Myung Pergamon 2017 Applied thermal engineering Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Traditional ejector models are focusing on the ejector performance predictions at critical mode under design conditions. In reality, ejector systems cannot be operated under these conditions perfectly. Thus, the study of ejector performance at subcritical mode under off-design conditions is important. In this paper, novel models for ejector performance predictions at critical point and breakdown point are developed based on constant-pressure mixing and constant-pressure disturbing assumptions. Then, the two models are integrated as the model to predict ejector performance at critical and subcritical operational modes. In order to determine the ejector component efficiencies in the models, a novel concept, the effect of the change (EOC) of efficiency, is introduced to identify the efficiencies which affect ejector performance significantly. Then, the identified efficiencies are determined by sparsity-enhanced optimization method. The predicted results obtained by our model are much more accurate than those obtained by existing methods.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Novel models for ejector performance analysis at critical and breakdown points are developed. </LI> <LI> The models are integrated to predict ejector performance over entire operational range. </LI> <LI> An analysis method is developed for identifying the ejector component efficiencies. </LI> <LI> The performance prediction errors over entire operational range are within ±10%. </LI> </UL> </P>

GOLPH3, a Good Prognostic Indicator in Early-stage NSCLC Related to Tumor Angiogenesis

Lu, Ming,Tian, Yu,Yue, Wei-Ming,Li, Lin,Li, Shu-Hai,Qi, Lei,Hu, Wen-Si,Gao, Cun,Si, Li-Bo,Tian, Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.14

Background: Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3) is implicated in cancer development and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of GOLPH3 protein and its association with tumor angiogenesis in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine GOLPH3 protein expression and allow assessment of intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) by counting CD-34 positive immunostained endothelial cells. Correlations of expression with MVD, clinicopathologic features and clinical prognosis were analyzed. Results: A notably higher level of GOLPH3 expression was found in early-stage NSCC tissues at the protein level. However, we do not find any correlation between GOLPH3 expression and clinicopathologic features (p>0.05), although higher MVD was positively associated with GOLPH3 overexpression (p<0.001). Expression of GOLPH3 was found to be an independent prognostic factor in early-stage NSCLC patients, those expressing high levels of GOLPH3 exhibiting a substantially lower 5-year overall survival than GOLPH3-negative patients (adjusted HR =1.899, 95% CI: 1.021-3.532, p=0.043). Conclusions: High expression of the GOLPH3 protein is common in early-stage NSCC, and is closely associated with tumor progression, increased tumor angiogenesis, and poor survival. We conclude a possibility of its use as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in early-stage NSCC patients.

Retrospective Evaluation of Discrepancies between Radiological and Pathological Size of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masses

Tian, Fei,Wu, Jian-Xiong,Rong, Wei-Qi,Wang, Li-Ming,Wu, Fan,Yu, Wei-Bo,An, Song-Lin,Liu, Fa-Qiang,Feng, Li,Liu, Yun-He Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.21

Background: The size of a hepatic neoplasm is critical for staging, prognosis and selection of appropriate treatment. Our study aimed to compare the radiological size of solid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) masses on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the pathological size in a Chinese population, and to elucidate discrepancies. Materials and Methods: A total of 178 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent curative hepatic resection after enhanced MRI between July 2010 and October 2013 were retrospectively identified and analyzed. Pathological data of the whole removed tumors wereassessed and differences between radiological and pathological tumor size were identified. All patients were restaged using a modified Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging system postoperatively according to the maximum diameter alteration. The lesions were classified as hypo-staged, iso-staged or hyper-staged for qualitative assessment. In the quantitative analysis, the relative pre and postoperative tumor size contrast ratio ($%{\Delta}size$) was also computed according to size intervals. In addition, the relationship between radiological and pathological tumor diameter variation and histologic grade was analyzed. Results: Pathological examination showed 85 (47.8%) patients were overestimated, 82 (46.1%) patients underestimated, while accurate measurement by MRI was found in 11 (6.2%) patients. Among the total subjects, 14 (7.9%) patients were hypo-staged and 15 (8.4%) were hyper-staged post-operatively. Accuracy of MRI for calculation and characterized staging was related to the lesion size, ranging from 83.1% to 87.4% (<2cm to ${\geq}5cm$, p=0.328) and from 62.5% to 89.1% (cT1 to cT4, p=0.006), respectively. Overall, MRI misjudged pathological size by 6.0 mm (p=0.588 ), and the greatest difference was observed in tumors <2cm (3.6 mm, $%{\Delta}size=16.9%$, p=0.028). No statistically significant difference was observed for moderately differentiated HCC (5.5mm, p=0.781). However, for well differentiated and poorly differentiated cases, radiographic tumor maximum diameter was significantly larger than the pathological maximum diameter by 3.15 mm and underestimated by 4.51 mm, respectively (p=0.034 and 0.020). Conclusions: A preoperative HCC tumor size measurement using MRI can provide relatively acceptable accuracy but may give rise to discrepancy in tumors in a certain size range or histologic grade. In pathological well differentiated subjects, the pathological tumor size was significantly overestimated, but underestimated in poorly differentiated HCC. The difference between radiological and pathological tumor size was greatest for tumors <2 cm. For some HCC patients, the size difference may have implications for the decision of resection, transplantation, ablation, or arterially directed therapy, and should be considered in staging or selecting the appropriate treatment tactics.

Use of Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Findings of the 2006 Research on the China Psychotropic Prescription Studies

Tian-Mei Si,Yun-shu Zhang,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Cheng,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2012 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.10 No.2

Objective: Clozapine is one of the most commonly used antipsychotic drugs in China. To date, few studies have investigated the patterns the prescription of clozapine nationwide. The present study examined these patterns in China in 2006 and identified the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of clozapine. Methods: Using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure, we surveyed 5,898 patients with schizophrenia in 10provinces with differing levels of economic development. Results: Overall, clozapine had been prescribed for 31.9% (n=1,883) of the patients; however we found considerable variation among the 10 provinces. The frequency of clozapine use was highest in Sichuan (39.3%) and lowest in Beijing (17.3%). The mean daily dose of clozapine was 210.36±128.72 mg/day, and 25.1% of the patients were treated with clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Compared with the group not receiving clozapine, clozapine-user had been treated for longer durations and had experienced a greater number of relapses and hospitalizations. Furthermore, those in the clozapine-user had lower family incomes, were less able to seek psychiatric services, and more likely to be male and have a positive family history of schizophrenia. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, sex, professional help-seeking behaviors, duration of illness, economic status, educational level, and clinical manifestations were associated with the use of clozapine. Conclusion: Clozapine use is common in China. However, use of the antipsychotic varies among provinces, and demographic and clinical factors play important roles in the prescription of clozapine.

Effect of Vanadium on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2100 MPa Ultra-High Strength High Plasticity Spring Steel Processed by a Novel Online Rapid-Induction Heat Treatment

Qi‑Lei Dai,Kun Li,Kai‑Ren Meng,Zhou Fang,Wen Chen,Tian‑Bao Yang,Chi Feng,Jin‑Ming Wu,R. D. K. Misra 대한금속·재료학회 2023 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.29 No.4

Advanced automotive industries generate large demand for the next generation of high strength and high toughness springsteels. Vanadium-containing 55SiCrV spring steels subjected to rapid-induction heating treatment can fulfil such requirements. However, the effect of vanadium microalloying under online rapid-induction heat treatments is rarely reported. Acomparative study of the microstructure and tensile properties of 55SiCr and 55SiCrV spring steel wires subjected to a novelonline rapid induction heat treatment has been demonstrated herein. It is found that the tensile strength of the 55SiCr springwire decreases with the decrease in the wire speed in online rapid-induction heating, and the plasticity increases. Whereas,the tensile strength of the 55SiCrV steel wire increases with the decrease in the wire speed with the retained high plasticity,which is attributed to the strengthening effect of the dislocations. Through the optimized rapid-induction heating/coolingthermal cycles and intermediate-temperature tempering treatment, the tensile strength of the 55SiCrV steel wire approaches2106 MPa with total elongation of 9.7%. Compared with the 55SiCr spring steel, the addition of V in 55SiCrV spring steelchanges the strengthening and toughening mechanisms via the grain refinement and enhancement in the hardenability andtempering resistance. The finely dispersed V-containing secondary phases are rarely found in the matrix, which indicates thatthe precipitation effect stemming from the addition of V is not the dominant strengthening factor in the online rapid-inductionheat process. The proposed novel online rapid-induction heat treatment provides a promising pathway for the mechanicalproperty improvement of the spring steel.

4-Hydroxynonenal Promotes Growth and Angiogenesis of Breast Cancer Cells through HIF-1α Stabilization

Li, Yao-Ping,Tian, Fu-Guo,Shi, Peng-Cheng,Guo, Ling-Yun,Wu, Hai-Ming,Chen, Run-Qi,Xue, Jin-Ming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) is a stable end product of lipid peroxidation, which has been shown to play an important role in cell signal transduction, while increasing cell growth and differentiation. 4-HNE could inhibit phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activity in hepatocytes and increased levels have been found in human invasive breast cancer. Here we report that 4-HNE increased the cell growth of breast cancer cells as revealed by colony formation assay. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was elevated, while protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) were up-regulated. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), a major mitochondria NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is reported to destabilize HIF-$1{\alpha}$. Here, 4-HNE could inhibit the deacetylase activity of SIRT3 by thiol-specific modification. We further demonstrated that the regulation by 4-HNE of levels of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and VEGF depends on SIRT3. Consistent with this, 4-HNE could not increase the cell growth in SIRT3 knockdown breast cancer cells. Additionally, 4-HNE promoted angiogenesis and invasion of breast cancer cells in a SIRT3-dependent manner. In conclusion, we propose that 4-HNE promotes growth, invasion and angiogenesis of breast cancer cells through the SIRT3-HIF-$1{\alpha}$-VEGF axis.

Computation of pressure fluctuation frequency in electronic unit pump for diesel engine

Tian Bing-qi,Fan Li-yun,Qaisar Hayat,Ma Xiuzhen,Song En-zhe,Hao Wang 대한기계학회 2014 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.28 No.4

Pressure variations inside a fuel injection system can lead to fluctuations in injected fuel quantity during injections and therefore candirectly impact the stability and performance coherence of the fuel injection system and the engine it matched. Concepts of hydrauliccapacitance and hydraulic inductance are introduced into fuel injection system by referencing LC oscillator electric circuit. A LC undampedhydraulic mathematical model is developed based on the structural parameters of the electronic unit pump (EUP). Pressure fluctuationfrequency during injection process at different operating conditions of the EUP is computed by the LC undamped model. It isobserved that the frequencies of pressure fluctuations tend to increase with the fuel injection process. Pressure curves and pressure fluctuationfrequencies obtained by experiments at different operating conditions validated the results predicted by the LC undampedmathematical model.

Involvement of MicroRNA-198 Overexpression in the Poor Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer

Qi, Bo,Yao, Wen-Jian,Zhao, Bao-Sheng,Qin, Xiu-Guang,Wang, Yi,Wang, Wen-Ju,Wang, Tian-Yun,Liu, Shang-Guo,Li, Han-Chen Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the miR-198 expression level is related to clinicopathological factors and prognosis of esophageal cancer. Methods: MicroRNA was extracted from esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery for assessment using the Taqman@ MicroRNA assay. The correlation between miR-198 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed, and the significance of miR-198 as a prognostic factor and its relationship with survival was determined. Results: MicroRNA-198 (miR-198) expression was higher in patients with poor prognosis than those with good prognosis (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that the miR-198 expression level had a significant correlation with survival time (P=0.030) and that patients with a higher expression of miR-198 had a shorter survival time. Cox multi-factor model analysis showed that patient prognosis (P=0.014), tumor length (P=0.040) and expression (P=0.012), and survival time had a significant correlation; the corresponding risks were 7.268, 1.246, and 3.524, respectively. Conclusion: miR-198 overexpression is involved in the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer and can be used as a biomarker for selection of cases requiring especial attention.

Factors that Influence the Presciption of Antipsychotics for Patients with Schizophrenia in China

Tian-Mei Si,Liang Shu,Ke-Qing Li,Xie-He Liu,Qi-Yi Mei,Gao-Hua Wang,Pei-Shen Bai,Li-Ping Ji,Xian-Sheng Chen,Cui Ma,Jian-Guo Shi,Hong-Yan Zhang,Hong Ma,Xin Yu 대한정신약물학회 2011 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.9 No.3

Objective: To investigate the patterns of antipsychotic use in China and to analyze the factors that influence antipsychotic prescriptions. Methods: A standardized survey was conducted from May 20 to 24 2002 in five different regions of China with varying economic levels. The patterns of antipsychotic medication use were analyzed in a sample of 4,779 patients with schizophrenia. The survey gathered information on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and antipsychotic medications prescribed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to patterns of antipsychotic medication use. Results: A plurality of patients with schizophrenia was treated with clozapine (39%); this was followed by risperidone, sulpride,chlorpromazine, perphenazine, and haloperidol. More than 56.3% of patients were treated with only one atypical antipsychotic. The mean daily dose of chlorpromazine was 365±253 mg (mean±standard deviation), and 6.5% of patients were treated with depot injections of typical antipsychotic medications. A total of 73.7% (n=3,523) of patients with schizophrenia received monotherapy,24.8% (n=1,183) received two antipsychotics, 1.1% (n=52) received three antipsychotics, and one received four different antipsychotics. Patients often simultaneously received other classes of medications including anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines,β-blockers, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Economic status and clinical symptoms were the main factors that contributed to the patterns of antipsychotic prescription. Conclusion: The present study suggests that atypical antipsychotic medications, especially clozapine, are the primary psychiatric treatments of choice in the management of schizophrenia in China. Moreover, the economic status and clinical profile of the patient are the major factors affecting the prescription of antipsychotic medication.