A New Brown Frog of the Genus Rana(Anura,Ranidae)from North China,with a Taxonomic Revision of the R.chensinensis Species Group

The Rana chensinensis species group is widely distributed throughout North China.However,its taxonomy and composition remain controversial.In recent field investigations of the Taihang Mountains,a series of Rana specimens were collected,which were once identified as R.chensinensis.However,these samples showed significant differences from R.chensinensis of the type locality(Shaanxi Province in the Qinling Mountains)in both morphology and genetics.In this paper,based on analyses of seventeen geographic populations from the Taihang and Qinling Mountains,we describe a new species(namely R.taihangensis sp.nov.)in the R.chensinensis species group.A phylogenetic analysis of the R.chensinensis species group based on mitochondrial genes—COI,16S rRNA and Cytb—revealed the monophyly of the cryptic species,which formed the sister taxon to R.kukunoris.Morphological comparisons indicated that the cryptic species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characteristics.Additionally,the distribution patterns of the Rana species in North China were clarified.The populations of the southwestern Taihang Mountains,Xiaoqinling Mountains,and Funiu Mountains in Henan Province remain R.chensinensis,whereas the populations recorded as R.chensinensis in Beijing City,Hebei Province,and the southeastern Taihang Mountains of Henan Province should be revised as R.taihangensis sp.nov.

Artificial simulated saliva,gastric and intestinal digestion and fermentation in vitro by human gut microbiota of intrapolysaccharide from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213

In this study,the in vitro digestion and fermentation of two intra-polysaccharide fractions(IPS1 and IPS2)from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 were investigated.The constituent monosaccharides of IPS1 and IPS2 were not changed after simulated saliva,gastric and small intestinal digestion.However,they can be hydrolyzed and utilized by gut microbiota,and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)level were increased after IPS1 and IPS2 treatments.Furthermore,16 S r RNA sequencing analysis of fermentation samples were performed.Alpha-diversity,beta-diversity and taxonomic composition differences analysis revealed that IPS1 and IPS2 promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and modulated the overall structure of gut microbiota.Taxonomic comparison analysis found that IPS1 increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria including Megamonas,Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,while IPS2 could increase the abundance of Bacteroides,Parabacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium.In addition,they can also decrease the levels of pathogenic bacteria containing Escherichia-Shigella,Klebsiella and Fusobacterium.These results indicated that IPS from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 could be used as potential candidates for new functional foods.

Improving the understanding of the influencing factors on sea level based on wavelet coherence and partial wavelet coherence

Relationship between sea level change and a single climate indicator has been widely discussed.However,few studies focused on the relationship between monthly mean sea level(MMSL)and several key impact factors,including CO_(2) concentration,sea ice area,and sunspots,on various time scales.In addition,research on the independent relationship between climate factors and sea level on various time scales is lacking,especially when the dependence of climate factors on Nino 3.4 is excluded.Based on this,we use wavelet coherence(WC)and partial wavelet coherence(PWC)to establish a relationship between MMSL and its influencing factors.The WC results show that the influence of climate indices on MMSL has strong regional characteristics.The significant correlation between Southern Hemisphere sea ice area and MMSL is opposite to that between Northern Hemisphere sea ice area and MMSL.The PWC results show that after removing the influence of Nino 3.4,the significant coherent regions of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO),Dipole Mode Index(DMI),Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO),and Southern Oscillation Index(SOI)decrease to varying degrees on different time scales in different regions,demonstrating the influence of Nino 3.4.Our work emphasizes the interrelationship and independent relationship between MMSL and its influencing factors on various time scales and the use of PWC and WC to describe this relationship.The study has an important reference significance for selecting the best predictors of sea level change or climate systems.

Catalytic mechanism of in-situ Ni/C co-incorporation for hydrogen absorption of Mg

Ni and carbon materials exhibit remarkable catalysis for the hydriding reaction of Mg.But the underlying mechanism of Ni/C hybrid catalysis is still unclear.In this work,density functional theory(DFT)calculation is applied to investigate the effect of Ni/C co-incorporation on the hydriding reaction of Mg crystal.The morphology and crystal structure of the Ni/C co-incorporated Mg sample show that the coincorporated structure is credible.The transition state searching calculation suggests that both the incorporations of Ni and C are beneficial for the H_(2) dissociation.But Ni atom has a dramatic improvement for H_(2) dissociation and makes the H diffusion become limiting step of the hyriding reaction.The Ni dz_(2)orbit and H s orbit accept the electrons and combine together compactly,while the Ni d_(xy) orbit is half-occupied.The catalytic effect of Ni on H_(2) dissociation can be ascribed to the bridging effect of Ni d_(xy) orbit.The incorporation of C can weaken the over-strong interaction between Ni and H which hindered the H diffusion on Mg(0001).The Ni/C co-incorporated Mg(0001)shows the best performance during hyriding reaction compared with the clean and single incorporated Mg(0001).

76例头颈部腺样囊性癌伴肺转移患者的生存分析

背景与目的头颈部腺样囊性癌(adenoid cystic carcinoma,ACC)常发生肺转移,目前ACC肺转移的研究报道不多,对于其确切的临床特征和治疗结果知之甚少,最佳治疗策略尚无共识。本研究探讨头颈部ACC肺转移的有效治疗策略、临床结局和长期预后。方法回顾性分析76例头颈部ACC肺转移患者的临床和随访资料。根据初始治疗分为手术、手术+放化疗、放化疗、支持治疗四组;根据国际肺转移分期系统(International Registry of Lung Metastases Staging System,IRLM)进行分期。采用Kaplan-Meier法、Log-rank检验比较不同治疗方式及不同IRLM分期患者的总生存期(overall survival,OS)及无进展生存期(progression-free survival,PFS)的统计学差异。结果接受手术治疗患者的OS及PFS优于支持性治疗或放疗/化疗的患者(OS:P<0.000,1;PFS:P<0.000,1);IRLM低分期的OS和PFS优于高分期患者(OS:P<0.000,1;PFS:P<0.000,1);单发肺转移、不合并胸腔积液患者具有更好的OS和PFS。结论接受手术治疗的ACC肺转移患者的远期预后与更好的OS和PFS相关。对于具备手术条件的ACC肺转移的患者,进行完整手术切除的意义高于其他治疗方案。

石墨烯包覆天然球形石墨作为锂离子电池的负极材料,是否需要乙炔黑导电剂?

我们通过包覆炭化的方法制备得到了石墨烯包覆的天然球形石墨(G/SG)材料,并使用扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射仪以及多种电化学测试手段考察了不同石墨烯含量的复合材料的形貌结构及电化学性能。我们发现,在不添加乙炔黑(AB)的情况下,G/SG复合材料表现出较高的首次库伦效率,很好的循环稳定性和高倍率性能。当石墨烯包覆量为1%时,材料50次循环后的可逆容量可与添加10%AB的天然石墨电极(SG)等同;当石墨烯包覆量为2.5%时,材料的比容量完全高于添加10%AB的石墨电极。材料电化学性能的改善归因于石墨烯的包覆。一方面,石墨烯的柔软可变性可以保证天然石墨颗粒在充放电过程中的结构完整性,从而有效改善材料的循环稳定性;另一方面,石墨烯的存在提高了电极的导电性,促进更好导电网络的形成。因此,石墨烯包覆天然球形石墨材料中,石墨烯不仅是活性物质,也发挥导电剂的作用。当添加5%的乙炔黑时,在50 mA·g^(-1)电流循环50次后,5%G/SG电极的可逆容量从381.1 mAh·g^(-1)提高到404.5 mAh·g^(-1),在1 A·g^(-1)电流时可逆容量从82.5 mAh·g^(-1)提高到101.9 mAh·g^(-1),这表明G/SG电极仍然需要乙炔黑导电剂。乙炔黑颗粒填充在复合材料的空隙中,通过点接触的形式连接到G/SG颗粒,与石墨烯协同作用形成了更加有效的导电网络。尽管石墨烯包覆和乙炔黑添加对天然石墨电极具有积极的影响,例如增加了天然石墨电极的导电性和储锂性能(包括可逆容量,倍率性能和循环性能),但随着石墨烯或乙炔黑的增加,电极密度通常会降低。因此,在实际应用中应考虑石墨负极材料的质量和体积容量的平衡。这些结果对天然石墨的进一步商业应用具有重要意义。我们的工作为天然石墨电极在锂电池中的电化学行为提供了一种新的认识,并且有助于制备更高性能的负极材料。

Parkin基因甲基化对鼻咽癌早期诊断及预后判断的价值评价

目的分析Parkin基因甲基化对鼻咽癌早期诊断及预后判断的价值。方法选择2010年1月-2014年12月在我院及合作医院接受治疗的鼻咽癌患者52例、鼻咽良性病变组65例,选择同期在我院接受健康体检的正常人志愿者60例,对比三组病理结果;鼻咽癌组跟踪随访36个月,观察并分析复发及转移情况。结果鼻咽癌组52例表达Parkin基因甲基化者40例(76.92%);鼻咽良性病变组及健康对照组均未发现Parkin基因甲基化表达;检出Parkin基因甲基化者3年生存率47.50%(19/40),未检出Parkin基因甲基化者3年生存率66.67%(8/12),但二者间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 Parkin基因甲基化对鼻咽癌早期诊断及预后判断价值均良好。

Efficient and Air-Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Formed on Graphene-Oxide-Modified PEDOT:PSS Hole Transport Layer

As a hole transport layer, PEDOT:PSS usually limits the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells(PSCs) due to its hygroscopic nature and inability to block electrons. Here, a graphene-oxide(GO)-modified PEDOT:PSS hole transport layer was fabricated by spin-coating a GO solution onto the PEDOT:PSS surface. PSCs fabricated on a GO-modified PEDOT:PSS layer exhibited a power conversion efficiency(PCE) of 15.34%, which is higher than 11.90% of PSCs with the PEDOT:PSS layer.Furthermore, the stability of the PSCs was significantly improved, with the PCE remaining at 83.5% of the initial PCE values after aging for 39 days in air. The hygroscopic PSS material at the PEDOT:PSS surface was partlyremoved during spin-coating with the GO solution, which improves the moisture resistance and decreases the contact barrier between the hole transport layer and perovskite layer. The scattered distribution of the GO at the PEDOT:PSS surface exhibits superior wettability, which helps to form a high-quality perovskite layer with better crystallinity and fewer pin holes. Furthermore, the hole extraction selectivity of the GO further inhibits the carrier recombination at the interface between the perovskite and PEDOT:PSS layers. Therefore, the cooperative interactions of these factors greatly improve the light absorption of the perovskite layer, the carrier transport and collection abilities of the PSCs, and especially the stability of the cells.

Effective Improvement of the Photovoltaic Performance of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Additional Solvents

A solvent-assisted methodology has been developed to synthesize CH_3NH_3 PbI_3perovskite absorber layers.It involved the use of a mixed solvent of CH_3NH_3 I,PbI_2,c-butyrolactone,and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) followed by the addition of chlorobenzene(CB).The method produced ultra-flat and dense perovskite capping layers atop mesoporous TiO_2 films,enabling a remarkable improvement in the performance of free hole transport material(HTM) carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells(PSCs).Toluene(TO) was also studied as an additional solvent for comparison.At the annealing temperature of 100 °C,the fabricated HTM-free PSCs based on drop-casting CB demonstrated power conversion efficiency(PCE) of 9.73 %,which is 36 and 71 % higher than those fabricated from the perovskite films using TO or without adding an extra solvent,respectively.The interaction between the PbI_2–DMSO–CH_3NH_3I intermediate phase and the additional solvent was discussed.Furthermore,the influence of the annealing temperature on the absorber film formation,morphology,and crystalline structure was investigated and correlated with the photovoltaic performance.Highly efficient,simple,and stable HTM-free solar cells with a PCE of 11.44 % were prepared utilizing the optimum perovskite absorbers annealed at 120 °C.

Clinical applications of free medial tibial flap with posterior tibial artery for head and neck reconstruction after tumor resection

Tumor resection causes damage in the head and neck which creates problems in swallowing, chewing, articulation, and vision, all of which seriously affect patients' quality of life. In this work, we evaluated the application of a free medial tibial flap in reconstruction of head and neck defects after tumor resection. We discussed the anatomy, surgical technique, and the advantages and disadvantages of the flap. We found several benefits for the flap, such as, it is especially effective for the defects that require thin-layer epithelium to cover or the separated soft tissue defect; a two-team approach can be used because the donor site is far away from the head and neck; and the flap is easy to integrate because of the subcutaneous fat layer of the free medial tibial flap is thin and the flap is soft. Thus, the medial tibial flap could replace the forearm flap for certain applications.

Reevaluation of the Holotype of Odorrana schmackeri Boettger,1892(Amphibia:Anura:Ranidae) and Characterization of One Cryptic Species in O.schmackeri sensu lato through Integrative Approaches

The Odorrana schmackeri sensu la to is a group of cascade frogs that are widely distributed in southern China.However,their taxonomy has long been unresolved and several cryptic species have been reported in the past decade.Previous analyses revealed the existence of three sympatrie species(i.c,O.schmackeri,O.hejiangensis and O.sp2) at the type locality of O.schmackeri(Gaojiayan Town,Yichang City,Hubei Province,China).However,the lack of an original description for the holotype specimen(SMF6241) of O.schmackeri poses a confusing and controversial problem in species nomination within this group.Here,we reevaluate the taxonomic affinities of SMF6241 and examine the distinctness of O.sp2 based on specimens from the type locality.We use integrative approaches that combine morphology with 10 microsatellite loci and bioacoustics.Canonical discriminant analysis of morphological characteristics revealed three distinct groupings(i.e.,O.schmackeri,O.hejiangensis and O.sp2) and attributed SMF6241 to O.schmackeri.Genetic clustering analysis of nuclear DNA also identified three corresponding clusters.In addition,analysis of interspecific variation in morphometrics and acoustics showed divergence between O.sp2 and its sympatric congeners.All lines of evidence from morphological,molecular and bioacoustic approaches suggest the species status of O.sp2,namely Odorrana ichangensis Chen,sp.nov.Overall,this study resolves the taxonomic assignment of the holotype of O.schmackeri and provides an example for species delimitation using integrative approaches.

Enhancement of corona discharge induced wind generation with carbon nanotube and titanium dioxide decoration

Dip-coated double-wall carbon nanotubes(DWCNTs) and titanium dioxide(TiO2) sol have been prepared and smeared onto the tip of a conductive iron needle which serves as the corona discharge anode in a needle-cylinder corona system.Compared with the discharge electrode of a CNT-coated needle tip, great advancements have been achieved with the TiO_2/CNT-coated electrode, including higher discharge current, ionic wind velocity, and energy conversion efficiency,together with lower corona onset voltage and power consumption.Several parameters related to the discharge have been phenomenologically and mathematically studied for comparison.Thanks to the morphology reorientation of the CNT layer and the anti-oxidation of TiO_2, better performance of corona discharge induced wind generation of the TiO2/CNT-coated electrode system has been achieved.This novel decoration may provide better thoughts about the corona discharge application and wind generation.

Regional Evaluations of the Meteorological Drought Characteristics across the Pearl River Basin, China

Regional evaluation of drought characteristics provides critical information for water resource management. In this case, this study attempts to analyze the probability behaviors of drought events of a given severity in the Pearl River Basin and to construct severity-area-frequency curves of drought events. Due to possible impacts of complicated topographical properties and diverse climate types within the Pearl River Basin, the entire Pearl River Basin is subdivided into different homogeneous regions. In general, the Pearl River Basin can be categorized into four homogeneous regions, and the severity-area-frequency analysis results for the short-, medium- and long-term drought episodes within each homogeneous regions indicate stressful challenge for the water resource management in the Pearl River Basin due to the fact that severe droughts usually occur over the entire Pearl River Basin. Meanwhile, the Pearl River Delta will face a higher risk of drought when compared to other regions of the Pearl River Basin in terms of the medium-term drought. The Pearl River Basin is highly economically development and is heavily populated, thus impacts of droughts and related resilience resolutions or policies should be taken into account in the formulation of regional sustainable development of water resources and socio-economy within the Pearl River Basin, China.

Osteology of Quasipaa robertingeri(Anura:Dicroglossidae)

The objectives of this study are to present a detailed and comprehensive description of the osteology of Quasipaa robertingeri （Anura： Dicroglossidae）, to provide osteological evidence for taxonomy, and to explore the adaptive traits of Q. robertingeri. We comprehensively studied the osteology of 2 adult specimens （1 male 98A00351 and 1 female 98A0041） of Q. robertingeri using conventional methods. Our osteological examination of Q. robertingeri shows that 1） the nasals are large and connect with one another medially; 2） the sphenethmoid is completely covered by the nasals and the frontopatietals, and thus it is not exposed dorsally; 3） the vomerine teeth are well-developed; 4） the anterior parts of the diapophyses＇ of the presacral II protrude forward in the male, the same observation was made in the presacrals II and III in the female; 5） the pectoral girdle is firmisternal; 6） the omosternum is fan-shaped posteriorly, and almost equal to the length of the mesosternum; 7） the xiphistemum is W-shaped with a deep incision posteriorly; 8） the humerus of the male is more developed in the crista ventralis, the crista medialis, and the crista lateralis; 9） the metacarpal II of the male presents with a nuptial tuber; and 10） the distal phalanges of the digits are anchorshaped. Ultimately, the unique characteristics listed are most likely adaptations to the environment and amplexus of Q. robertingeri.

Magnetic Tunnel Junction Based on MgO Barrier Prepared by Natural Oxidation and Direct Sputtering Deposition

Magnetic tunnel junctions(MTJs) based on MgO barrier have been fabricated by sputtering single crystal MgO target and metal Mg target, respectively, using magnetic sputtering system Nordiko 2000. MgO barriers have been formed by a multi-step deposition and natural oxidization of Mg layer. Mg layer thickness,oxygen flow rate and oxidization time were adjusted and the tunnel magnetoresistance(TMR) ratio of optimal MTJs is over 60% at annealing temperature 385. The(001) MgO crystal structure was obtained when the separation distance between MgO target and substrate is less than 6 cm. The TMR ratio of most MgO based MTJs are over 100% at the separation distance of 5 cm and annealing temperature 340. The TMR ratios of MTJs are almost zero when the separation distance ranges from 6 to 10 cm, due to the amorphous nature of the MgO film.

Efficiency Enhancement of Inverted Polymer Solar Cells Using Ionic Liquid-functionalized Carbon Nanoparticles-modified ZnO as Electron Selective Layer

ZnO thin film was fabricated on tin-doped indium oxide electrode as an electron selective layer of inverted polymer solar cells using magnetron sputtering deposition. Ionic liquid-functionalized carbon nanoparticles(ILCNs) film was further deposited onto ZnO surfaces by drop-casting ILCNs solution to improve interface properties. The power conversion efficiency(PCE) of inverted polymer solar cells(PSCs)with only ZnO layer was quickly decreased from 2.7% to 2.2% when the thickness of ZnO layer was increased from 15 nm to 60 nm. However, the average PCE of inverted PSCs with ZnO layer modified with ILCNs only decreased from 3.5% to 3.4%, which is comparable to that of traditional PSCs with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) anode buffer layer. The results suggested that the contact barrier between ZnO layer and poly(3-hexylthiophene) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester(P3HT:PCBM)blended film compared to ZnO bulk resistance can more significantly influence the performance of inverted PSCs with sputtered ZnO layer. The vanishment of negative capacitive behavior of inverted PSCs with ILCNs modified ZnO layer indicated ILCNs can greatly decrease the contact barrier of ZnO/P3HT:PCBM interface.

Effect of crude-herb moxibustion on blood lipids in rats with dyslipidemia

Objective:To evaluate the lipid-regulating effect of crude-herb moxibustion on rats with dyslipidemia.Methods:Fifty-four SpragueeDawley rats were randomly divided into six groups with nine rats each.Control group rats were fed a normal diet,and bilateral acu-point Fenglong(equivalent to ST40 in humans)on the hind legs were covered with a placebo(general mucilage)for 2 hours each day.Model group rats were fed a high-lipid diet for 2 weeks.Therapy group rats were fed a high-lipid diet for 2 weeks and then administered crude-herb moxibustion at ST40 for 2 hours each day for the next 2 weeks.Prevention group rats were administered crude-herb moxibustion 2 hours a day for 2 weeks and then fed a high-lipid diet for the subsequent 2 weeks.Prevention/Therapy group rats were each administered crude-herb moxibustion at ST40 for 2 hours each day for 2 weeks,followed by a high-lipid diet for the next 2 weeks,and then crude-herb moxibustion again at ST40 for another 2 weeks.Simvastatin group rats were fed a high-lipid diet for 2 weeks and then treated with simvastatin for the next 2 weeks.Blood lipids,hepatosomatic indices(HSIs)and epididymal fat pad weights of all rats were examined.Results:Compared with the Model group,levels of total cholesterol(TC),glycerinate,lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(VLDL-C)in plasma collected from the Therapy group,the Prevention/Therapy group,and the Simvastatin group were decreased.Moreover,compared with the Model group,HSIs in Therapy group rats were also decreased following administration of crude-herb moxibustion,but TC,TG,HDLC,LDL-C,and VLDL-C levels in the Prevention group were higher than those in the Model group.Conclusion:The results reveal that blood lipids and HSIs appear to be modulated by the effect of crude-herb moxibustion and suggest therapeutic strategies for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Factors contributing to lymph node occult metastasis in supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma cT2-T4 N0M0 and metastasis predictive equation

Objective： To investigate factors that contribute to lymph node metastasis（LNM） from clinical cT2-T4 N0M0（cN0） supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma（SLC）, and to predict the risk of occult metastasis before surgery.Methods： A total of 121 patients who received surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant factors regarding cervical LNM were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were conducted to predict the region where the metastasis occurred and prognosis. Results： The overall metastatic rate of c N0 SLC was 28.1%. Metastatic rates were 15.4%, 32.5% and 35.7% for T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Metastatic rates for SLC levels II, III and IV were 19.6%, 17.2% and 3.6%, respectively. A regression equation was formulated to predict the probability of metastasis in cN0 SLC as follows： Pn=e（–3.874＋0.749T3＋1.154T4＋1.935P1＋1.750P2）/[1＋e（–3.874＋0.749T3＋1.154T4＋1.935P1＋1.750P2）]. Approximately 0.2% of patients experienced LNM with no recurrence of laryngeal cancer. Comparison of the intergroup survival curves between patients with and without LNM indicated a statistically significant difference（P=0.029）.Conclusions： Cervical lymph node metastatic rates tended to increase in tandem with T stage in patients with LNM in cN0 SLC, and neck dissection is advised for these patients. Moreover, cervical LNM in cN0 SLC showed a sequential pattern and may be predicted.

Simultaneous determination of four Sudan dyes in rat blood by UFLC–MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats

A rapid and sensitive method based on ultrafast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan 111, and Sudan IV levels in rat whole blood. Cleanert C18 mixed-mode polymeric sorbent was used for effective solid-phase extraction cleanup. Separation was carried out on a reversed-phase C18 column （100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.8 pro） using 0.1% （v/v） formic acid in water/0.] % （v/v） formic acid in acetonitrile as the mobile phase in gradient elution. Quantification was performed by an electrospray ionization source in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode using Ds-Sudan I as the internal standard. Calibration curves showed good linearity between 0.2 and 20.0 μg/L, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9990. The average recovery rates were between 93.05% and 114.98%. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were within 6.2%. The lower limit of quantification was 0.2 μg/L. All the analytes were found to be stable in a series of stability studies. The proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of four Sudan dyes after oral administration to rats.