Anti-Obesity Effects of Dietary d-Allulose and Medium-Chain Triglycerides in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

d-Allulose, a rare sugar, exerts anti-obesity effects by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and promoting energy expenditure. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) consist of three medium-chain fatty acids connected by glycerol. MCTs have been extensively investigated for their ability to reduce body fat accumulation. We previously investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of dietary d-allulose and MCT (5% - 13%) in rats;however, we could not confirm the anti-obesity effects of MCT or observed synergetic effects between d-allulose and MCT on body fat loss. We speculated that our previous studies were influenced by the excessive amount of MCT in the diets. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of the simultaneous intake of d-allulose and MCT in rats fed an obesity-inducing high-fat diet with a low amount of MCTs (2%). Thirty-two male Wistar rats (3-week-old) were randomly divided into four groups: control, d-allulose, MCT, and d-allulose + MCT groups. Rats in each group were fed ad libitum on a control (no d-Allulose or MCT), 5% d-allulose, 2% MCT, or 5% d-allulose + 2% MCT diets for 16 weeks. Abdominal adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in the d-allulose diet group than in the control group, whereas no differences were observed between results of the MCT-supplemented groups. The total body fat mass was significantly lower in the d-allulose and MCT diet groups than in the control group, but no differences were observed between the MCT-supplemented groups. These results suggested that anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose were observed, and the effects of dietary MCTs were weaker than those of d-allulose. Moreover, we confirmed the interaction between dietary d-allulose and MCT on indicators of obesity. Interestingly, their effects were not synergistic, as MCT supplementation offset the anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose. However, the specific mechanisms underlying those effects remain unknown, warranting further investigation.

Clinical outcome of medium-sized hepatocellular carcinoma treated with microwave ablation

AIM:To evaluate the outcomes of patients withmedium-sized hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who underwent percutaneous microwave ablation(MWA).METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a single medium-sized HCC who underwent percutaneous MWA from January 2010 to January2013.Technical success,technical effectiveness and complications were subsequently observed.Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method.The Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to each variable.The relative prognostic significance o f t h e va r i a b l e s fo r p re d i c t i n g ove ra l l s u r v i va l rate,recurrence-free survival rate and local tumor recurrence(s)was assessed using univariate analysis.All variables with a P value<0.20 were subjected to multivariate analysis.RESULTS:The study included 182 patients(mean age,58 years;age range:22-86 years)with a single HCC(mean size,3.72±0.54 cm;range:3.02-5.00cm).The estimated technical effectiveness rate was93%in 182 patients.The major complication rate was2.7%(5/182),including liver abscess in 4 cases,and abdominal bleeding at the puncture site in 1 case.Thirty-day mortality rate was 0.5%(1/182).One patient died due to liver abscess-related septicemia.Cumulative recurrence-free survival and overall survival(OS)rates were 51%,36%,27%and 89%,74%,60%at 1,2,and 3 years,respectively.Age(P=0.017)and tumor diameter(P=0.029)were independent factors associated with local tumor recurrence.None of the factors had a statistically significant impact on recurrence-free survival.Serum albumin level(P=0.009)and new lesion(s)(P=0.029)were independently associated with OS.CONCLUSION:Percutaneous MWA is a relatively safe and effective treatment for patients with medium-sized HCC.

Studies on hybridization effects of different geographic populations of Chlamys farreri Ⅱ.The medium-term growth and development of Chlamys farreri populations from China and Russia and their reciprocal crosses

Based on the research of juvenile (2, 3, 4 months) growth and survival of three populations of two different geographic areas in Chlamys farreri from Russian and China and their F1 hybrids derived from Chinese cultural population (CC) (?) × Russian population (RW) (?) , Chinese wild population (CW) (?) × Russian population (RW) (?), Russian population (RW) (?) × Chinese wild population (CW) (?) , the study of the medium-term (6, 8, 10, 12 months) growth and development of Chlamys farreri was carried out. The four determined results indicated that there existed different extent heterosis (3% -52%) for the growth in three types of F1 hybrids, and the offspring derived from CC(?) ×R(?) had a stronger heterosis among the crosses at the medium-term; the uptrend among traits are wet weight >shell width>shell length> shell height, Chinese cultural population could be recognized as excellent parent, and seasonal variations influence very much on the daily increment and growth rate of each trait of Chlamys farreri and it is only able to survive and could barely grow in winter (6-8 months), but grows fast in temperate season (10-12 months).

Efficacy of medium-chain fatty acid salts distilled from coconut oil against two enteric pathogen challenges in weanling piglets

Background:The search for alternatives to antibiotics in pig production has increased the interest in natural resources with antimicrobial properties,such as medium-chain fatty acids(MCFA)as in-feed additives.This study evaluated the potential of a novel blend of MCFA salts(DIC)from distilled coconut oil with a lauric acid content to reduce enteropathogens and control intestinal diseases around weaning.Two experimental disease models were implemented in early-weaned piglets,consisting of two oral challenges:Salmonella Typhimurium(1.2×10~8 CFU)or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)F4(1.5×10~9 CFU).The parameters assessed were:animal performance,clinical signs,pathogen excretion,intestinal fermentation,immune-inflammatory response,and intestinal morphology.Results:The Salmonella challenge promoted an acute course of diarrhea,with most of the parameters responding to the challenge,whereas the ETEC F4 challenge promoted a mild clinical course.A consistent antipathogenic effect of DIC was observed in both trials in the hindgut,with reductions in Salmonella spp.plate counts in the cecum(P=0.03)on d 8 post-inoculation(PI)(Salmonella trial),and of enterobacteria and total coliform counts in the ileum and colon(P<0.10)on d 8 PI(ETEC F4 trial).When analyzing the entire colonic microbiota(16 S rRNA gene sequencing),this additive tended(P=0.13)to reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriched Fibrobacteres after the Salmonella challenge.In the ETEC F4 challenge,DIC prompted structural changes in the ecosystem with increases in Dialister,and a trend(P=0.14)to increase the Veillonellaceae family.Other parameters such as the intestinal fermentation products or serum pro-inflammatory mediators were not modified by DIC supplementation,nor were the histological parameters.Only the intraepithelial lymphocyte(IEL)counts were lowered by DIC in animals challenged with Salmonella(P=0.07).With ETEC F4,the IEL counts were higher with DIC on d 8 PI(P=0.08).Conclusions:This study confirms the potential activity of this MCFA salts mixture to reduce intestinal colonization by opportunistic pathogens such as Salmonella or E.coli and its ability to modulate colonic microbiota.These changes could explain to some extent the local immune cell response at the ileal level.

Medium-Chain Triglyceride Activated Brown Adipose Tissue and Induced Reduction of Fat Mass in C57BL/6J Mice Fed High-fat Diet

Objective To investigate activation of brown adipose tissue （BAT） stimulated by medium-chain triglyceride （MCT）. Methods 30 Male C57BL/6J obese mice induced by fed high fat diet （HFD） were divided into 2 groups, and fed another HFD with 2% MCT or long-chain triglyceride （LCT） respectively for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood biochemical variables, interscapular brown fat tissue （IBAT） mass, expressions of mRNA and protein of beta 3-adrenergic receptors （β3-AR）, uncoupling protein-1 （UCP1）, hormone sensitive lipase （HSL）, protein kinase A （PKA）, and adipose triglyceride lipase （ATGL） in IBAT were measured. Results Significant decrease in body weight and body fat mass was observed in MCT group as compared with LCT group （P〈O.05） after 12 weeks. Greater increases in IBAT mass was observed in MCT group than in LCT group （P〈O.05）. Blood TG, TC, LDL-C in MCT group were decreased significantly, meanwhile blood HDL-C, ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C and norepinephrine were increased markedly. Expressions of mRNA and protein of β3-AR, UCP1, PKA, HSL, ATGL in BAT were greater in MCT group than in LCT group （P〈O.05）. Conclusion Our results suggest that MCT stimulated the activation of BAT, possible via norepinephrine pathway, which might partially contribute to reduction of the body fat mass in obese mice fed high fat diet.

Effects of Nitrogen on N Uptake,Grain Yield and Quality of Medium-Gluten Wheat Yangmai 10

The effects of the basal and top-dressing nitrogen (N) on N uptake and translocation, N utilization efficiency, grain yieldand quality of medium-gluten winter wheat Yangmai 10 were studied from 2000 to 2002. The main results were as follows.Nitrogen content and nitrogen accumulation in plant at maturity increased with the amount of N application. Grain proteincontent and wet gluten content were significantly correlated with applied N. There was a significantly positive correlationbetween nitrogen accumulation before anthesis (NBA) and basal N fertilizer, and between nitrogen accumulation afteranthesis (NAA) and top-dressing N. N accumulated in grains was significantly correlated to NBA, NAA and N translocationfrom vegetative organs after anthesis (NTVA). NBA was significantly correlated with N application, but NAA and NTVAhad a quadratic curve correlation with applied N. N fertilizer use efficiency (NUE) had a quadratic curve correlation withapplied N, and the NUE was high when basal and top-dressing N was equally applied. For the medium-gluten wheatYangmai 10 under the same N application ratio, there was a N-regulating effect when the N application was less than266.55 kg ha-1, a stagnation of yield and quality when N application ranged from 266.55 to 309.08 kg ha-1, and an excessiveN application when the N application rate was greater than 309.08 kg ha-1. Under the conditions of this experiment, theprecise N application is 220-270 kg ha-1 with basal and top-dressing N equally used when a grain yield of more than 6 750kg ha-1, protein content higher than 12%, wet gluten content more than 30% and NUE greater than 40% could be obtained.

Effect of Boron on Delayed Fracture Resistance of Medium-Carbon High Strength Spring Steel

The delayed fracture behavior of medium carbon high strength spring steel containing different amounts of boron （0. 000 5%, 0. 001 6 %） was studied using sustained load delayed fracture test. The results show that delayed fracture resistance of boron containing steels is higher than that of conventional steel 60Si2MnA at the same strength level and it increases with the increase of boron eontent from 0. 000 5% to 0. 001 6%. The delayed fracture mode is mainly intergranular in the boron containing steels tempered at 350℃, which indicates that the addition of boron does not change the fracture character. However, the increase of boron content enlarges the size of the crack initia tion area. Further study of phase analysis indicates that most boron is in solid solution, and only a very small quantity of boron is in the M3 （C, B） phase.

Lipase Catalyzed Synthesis of Medium-chain Biodiesel from Cinnamonum camphora Seed Oil

The non-edible camphor tree seed oil was extracted and catalyzed by immobilized lipase for biodiesel production. The oil yield from camphor tree seeds reached 35.2% of seed weight by twice microwave-assisted extractions. Gas chromatography showed that free fatty acid content in camphor tree seed oil was 1.88%, and the main fatty acids were capric acid(53.4%) and lauric acid(38.7%). With immobilized lipase Candida sp. 99–125as catalyst, several important factors for reaction conditions were examined through orthogonal experiments.The optimum conditions were obtained: water content and enzyme loading were both 15% with a molar ratio of 1:3.5(oil/ethanol), and the process of alcoholysis was in nine steps at 40 °C for 24 h, with agitation at170 r·min-1. As a result, the medium-chain biodiesel yield was 93.5%. The immobilized lipase was stable when it was used repeatedly for 210 h.

Study on Medium- and Long-term Strong Earthquake Risk Along the Zhangjiakou-Penglai Fault Zone

The Zhangjiakou-Penglai fault zone lies in the northern part of North China Plain and extends along the Zhangjiakou-Huailai-Sanhe-Tianjin-Bohai Sea-Penglai-Yantai-North Huanghai Sea line, it is about 900 km long and some 250-km wide in a northwest direction. The 1679 Sanhe-Pinggu M 8.0 and the 1976 Tangshan M7.8 earthquakes occurred in the fault zone. In this paper an analysis of Gutenberg- Richter’s empirical relation and time process of historic and recent earthquakes along the eastern and western segments of the fault zone separated by the 117°line indicates that they obey a Poison process and, hence, a calculation from it yields a cumulative probability of strong earthquake occurrence along the two segments before 2010, i. e. the probability of M6.0 earthquake occurrence is 0.80 along the eastern segment and the probability of M7. 0 earthquake occurrence is 0.76 along the western segment of the fault zone.

Effect of RE-Modifier on Microstructure and Mechanical Property of High-Carbon Medium-Manganese Steel

The effect of RE-modifier on the microstructure and mechanical properties of high carbon-medium manganese steel has been investigated in present work.The results showed that the RE-modifier can refine the crystalline grain of high-carbon medium-manganese steel.The shape and distribution of carbides are improved and the columnar grains and phosphide in grain boundary are eliminated.Consequently,the impact toughness of the steel is increased by more than one time,compared with no addition of RE-modifier.

Distribution and exploration direction of medium-and large-sized marine carbonate gas fields in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the analysis of the basic characteristics of medium-and large-sized marine gas fields in Sichuan Basin, combined with the division of major reservoir forming geological units in the marine craton stage and their control on key hydrocarbon accumulation factors, the distribution law of medium-and large-sized marine carbonate gas fields in the basin was examined and the exploration direction was pointed out. Through the analysis of the periodic stretching-uplifting background, it is concluded that five large scale paleo-rifts, three large scale paleo-uplifts, five large scale paleo erosion surfaces were formed in the marine craton stage of Sichuan Basin, and these geological units control the key reservoir forming factors of medium and large sized gas fields:(1) Large-scale paleo-rifts control the distribution of high-quality hydrocarbon generation centers.(2) The margin of large-scale paleo-rifts, high position of paleo-uplifts and paleo erosion surfaces control the distribution of high-quality reservoirs.(3) Large-scale paleo-rifts, paleo-uplifts, paleo erosion surfaces and present tectonic setting jointly control the formation of many types of large and medium-sized traps.(4) Natural gas accumulation is controlled by the inheritance evolution of traps in large geological units. Based on the comparative analysis of the distribution characteristics of medium-and large-sized gas fields and large geological units, it is proposed that the superimposition relationship between single or multiple geological units and the present structure controls the distribution of medium-and large-sized gas fields, and the "three paleo" superimposed area is the most advantageous. According to the above rules, the main exploration fields and directions of medium-and large-sized marine carbonate gas fields in Sichuan Basin include periphery of Deyang-Anyue paleo-rift, eastern margin of Longmenshan paleo-rift, margins of Kaijiang-Liangping oceanic trough and Chengkou-western Hubei oceanic trough, the high part of the subaqueous paleo-uplifts around Central Sichuan, paleo erosion surfaces of the top boundary of Maokou Formation in eastern and southern Sichuan Basin, paleo erosion surfaces of the top boundary of the Leikoupo Formation in central and western Sichuan Basin.

Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery Guidance by screen imaging using an EDA-H portable medium-soft electronic endoscope

The present study aimed to verify the practicability of performing screen-based surgical operations under the guidance of a real-time viewing and recording system （RTVRS） using a portable medium-soft electronic endoscope （pmsEE）. The middle cerebral artery in rats was occluded under screen-imaging guidance using a pmsEE RTVRS to reproduce an animal model of human cerebral infarction. The screen imaging of the pmsEE RTVRS was clear, life-like, stereoscopic and synchronous with the actual operation. Screen-imaging guidance led to an accurate, smooth, minimally invasive and comparatively easy surgical procedure. The surgical success rate, time of model establishment, neurological function scores, and infarct volume were similar to those using an operating microscope. These results indicate that the self-designed pmsEE RTVRS could be utilized for portable endoscopic screen-based surgical operations.

GRACE detection of the medium-to far-field coseismic gravity changes caused by the 2004 Mw9.3 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake

Large earthquakes cause observable changes in the Earth’s gravity field, which have been detected by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). Since most previous studies focus on the detection of near-field gravity effects, this study provides the results from the medium- to far-field gravity changes caused by the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that are recorded within GRACE monthly solutions. Utilizing a spherical-earth dislocation model we documented that large-scale signals predominate in the global field of the coseismic gravity changes caused by the earthquake. After removing the near-field effects, the coseismic gravity changes show a negative anomaly feature with an average magnitude of -0.18×10-8 m·s-2 in the region ranging ～40° from the epicenter, which is considered as the 'medium ffield' in this study. From the GRACE data released by Center for Space Research from August 2002 to December 2008, we retrieved the large-scale gravity changes smoothed with 3 000 km Gaussian ffilter. The results show that the coseismic gravity changes detected by GRACE in the medium field have an average of (-0.20±0.06)×10-8 m·s-2, which agrees with the model prediction. The detection confirms that GRACE is sensitive to large-scale medium-field coseismic gravitational effects of mega earthquakes, and also validates the spherical-earth dislocation model in the medium field from the perspective of satellite gravimetry.

Medium-Term Electric Load Forecasting Using Multivariable Linear and Non-Linear Regression

Medium-term forecasting is an important category of electric load forecasting that covers a time span of up to one year ahead. It suits outage and maintenance planning, as well as load switching operation. We propose a new methodol-ogy that uses hourly daily loads to predict the next year hourly loads, and hence predict the peak loads expected to be reached in the next coming year. The technique is based on implementing multivariable regression on previous year's hourly loads. Three regression models are investigated in this research: the linear, the polynomial, and the exponential power. The proposed models are applied to real loads of the Jordanian power system. Results obtained using the pro-posed methods showed that their performance is close and they outperform results obtained using the widely used ex-ponential regression technique. Moreover, peak load prediction has about 90% accuracy using the proposed method-ology. The methods are generic and simple and can be implemented to hourly loads of any power system. No extra in-formation other than the hourly loads is required.

Mechanism of Impact of Entrepreneurial Spirit on the Development of Small and Medium-sized Private Enterprises in China

As a necessary factor for a successful business,entrepreneurial spirit is an important means for enterprises to survive in the unstable environment of fierce competition. Under the circumstance of mass entrepreneurship and innovation,a large number of small and medium-sized private enterprises have emerged in all walks of life in China. This paper examines the differences in the definition of entrepreneurial spirit by different scholars,the influence of Chinese entrepreneurship on the development of small and medium-sized private enterprises,the origin of the spirit of private entrepreneurs with Chinese characteristics,and the disadvantages of the spirit of small and medium-sized private entrepreneurs in China. It is necessary to further improve entrepreneurial spirit to contribute to the development of small and medium-sized private enterprises and help China to build the national economic system.

WUGONG MTS.REGION AS A CALEDONIAN MEDIUM-HIGH PRESSURE METAMORPHIC BELT:EVIDENCE FROM b_0 VALUES OF WHITE MICAS

The Wugong Mts. region may have experienced three stages of metamorphism in Early Paleo-zoic, which may be closely related to the generations of regional deformation. The first stage ismedium-pressure metamorphism, the second medium- and high-pressure one with stress on high-pressure metamorphism, and the third low-pressure and high-temperature metamorphism. Theregion, as a whole, is a Caledonian medium-high pressure metamorphic belt.

Total Hip Replacement: Short- and Medium-Term Morbidity and Mortality in the Department of Orthopedic Traumatology of Donka University Hospital, Guinea-Conakry

Introduction: Total hip prostheses are a reliable means of treating hip disorders. It is indicated when pain and reduced mobility of the hip become incompatible with the patient’s daily activities. In low-income countries, the risk factors for hip disease are numerous, but the means for its management, such as total hip prostheses, are not. The aim of this work was to determine the morbi-mortality of total hip prostheses in the short and medium term in our department and to review the literature. Patients and Method: This was a prospective and descriptive study over a period of 9 years. It involved 50 THPs performed on 45 patients. Patients who had received a THP and were followed up for at least two years were included. We excluded patients who were lost to follow-up. The Moore-type posterolateral minimally invasive approach was used. Complications were investigated from the immediate postoperative period and in the medium term. The final functional results were evaluated according to the Postel Merle d’Aubigné score. Results: We performed 50 THPs out of 750 procedures, i.e. , 6.6%. The indications were: primary coxarthrosis 60%, necrosis of the femoral head 26%, post-infectious balloon hip 4%, and pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck 10%. The average time to the consultation was 2.4 years with extremes of 1 and 5 years. According to the terrain, sickle cell disease represented 18%, tuberculosis 12%. Postoperative complications were lameness 12%, dislocation 6%, suppuration 6%, death 4%, peri-prosthetic fracture 8%, loosening 2%, peri-articular ossification 2%, and paralysis of the external popliteal nerve 2%. Conclusion: Whoever performs a THP is obliged to monitor the patient as long as he/she is alive. Complications are possible at any time and can negatively change the assigned goal and force the surgeon to be expensive and sometimes inconclusive secondary interventions.

Development of Microalloyed Medium-Carbon Steel with Improved Toughness

The application of the hot-rolled micronlloyed medium-carbon steel is limited due to its lower toughness compared with quenched and tempered steels.A high strength microalloyed medium-carbon steel has been developed to meet the increasing demand for eliminating heat treatment.The effects of chemical compositions,hot-deforming temperatures and cooling rates after hot-deforming on mechanical properties of the steel were investigated.Attention was given to the steel toughness above the required value for safety components in application.The basic microstructural variables controlling the properties were discussed.It is demonstrated that toughness and machinability can be improved through the addition of 0.5%Si,0.5%S and 0.01%Ti.Toughness can be further improved by controlling hot-deforming temperature and subsequent cooling rate.

Study on medium-short term earthquake forecast in Yunnan Province by precursory events

The medium-short term forecast for a certain kinds of main earthquake events might be possible with the time-to-failure method presented by Varnes (1989), Bufe and Varnes (1993), which is to simulate an accelerative releasing model of precursory earthquake energy. By fitting the observed data with the theoretical formula, a medium-short term forecast technique for the main shock events could be established, by which the location, time and magnitude of the main shock could be determined. The data used in the paper are obtained from the earthquake catalogue recorded by Yunnan Regional Seismological Network with a time coverage of 1965~2002. The statistical analyses for the past 37 years show that the data of M2.5 earthquakes were fairly complete. In the present paper, 30 main shocks occurred in Yunnan region were simulated. For 25 of them, the forecasting time and magnitude from the simulation of precursory sequence are very close to the actual values with the precision of about 0.57 (magnitude unit). Suppose that the last event of the precursory sequence is known, then the time error for the forecasting main shock is about 0.64 year. For the other 5 main shocks, the simulation cannot be made due to the insufficient precursory events for the full determination of energy accelerating curve or disturbance to the energy-release curve. The results in the paper indicate that there is no obviously linear relation in the optimal searching radius for the main shock and the precursory events because Yunnan is an active region with damage earthquakes and moderate and small earthquakes. However, there is a strong correlation between the main shock moment and the coefficient k/m. The optimal fitting range for the forecasting time and magnitude can be further reduced using the relation between the main shock moment lgM0 and the coefficient lgk/m and the value range of the restricting index m, by which the forecast precision of the simulated main shock can be improved. The time-to-failure method is used to fit 30 main shocks in the paper and more than 80% of them have acquired better results, indicating that the method is prospective for its ability to forecast the known main shock sequence. Therefore, the prospect is cheerful to make medium-short term forecast for the forthcoming main shocks by the precursory events.

Analysis on Profit Quality of Small and Medium-sized Agricultural Enterprises:A Case Study of YM Industrial Co.,Ltd in Guang'an City of Sichuan Province

For a long time, under the influence of system and environment and other factors, some small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises in China only seek growth of profit in quantity, but neglect the growth of profit in quality, leading to low profit quality. This study reasonably defines the concept of profit quality of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, and expounds general characteristics of high quality profit. On the basis of general factors influencing profit quality of enterprises, it builds indicator system for evaluating the profit quality of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. Also, it conducts an empirical analysis on profit quality of Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises with YM Industrial Co., Ltd in Guang'an City of Sichuan Province as an example.