Effects of Temperature and Catalyst to Oil Weight Ratio on the Catalytic Conversion of Heavy Oil to Propylene Using ZSM-5 and USY Catalysts

It is useful for practical operation to study the rules of production of propylene by the catalytic conversion of heavy oil in FCC （fluid catalytic cracking）. The effects of temperature and C/O ratio （catalyst to oil weight ratio） on the distribution of the product and the yield of propylene were investigated on a micro reactor unit with two model catalysts, namely ZSM-5/Al2O3 and USY/Al2O3, and Fushun vacuum gas oil （VGO） was used as the feedstock. The conversion of heavy oil over ZSM-5 catalyst can be comparable to that of USY catalyst at high temperature and high C/O ratio. The rate of conversion of heavy oil using the ZSM-5 equilibrium catalyst is lower compared with the USY equilibrium catalyst under the general FCC conditions and this can be attributed to the poor steam ability of the ZSM-5 equilibrium catalyst. The difference in pore topologies of USY and ZSM-5 is the reason why the principal products for the above two catalysts is different, namely gasoline and liquid petroleum gas （LPG）, repspectively. So the LPG selectivity, especially the propylene selectivity, may decline if USY is added into the FCC catalyst for maximizing the production of propylene. Increasing the C/O ratio is the most economical method for the increase of LPG yield than the increase of the temperature of the two model catalysts, because the loss of light oil is less in the former case. There is an inverse correlation between HTC （hydrogen transfer coefficient） and the yield of propylene, and restricting the hydrogen transfer reaction is the more important measure in increasing the yield of propylene of the ZSM-5 catalyst. The ethylene yield of ZSM-5/A1203 is higher, but the gaseous side products with low value are not enhanced when ZSM-5 catalyst is used. Moreover, for LPG and the end products, dry gas and coke, their ranges of reaction conditions to which their yields are dependent are different, and that of end products is more severe than that of LPG. So it is clear that maximizing LPG and propylene and restricting dry gas and coke can be both achieved via increasing the severity of reaction conditions among the range of reaction conditions which LPG yield is sensitive to.

Graft-to-recipient weight ratio lower to 0.7% is safe without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation with favorable conditions

BACKGROUND: The low graft-to-recipient weight ratio(GRWR) in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) is one of the major risk factors affecting graft survival. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the lower limit of the GRWR can be safely reduced without portal pressure modulation in right-lobe LDLT. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 317 consecutive patients from a single institute underwent LDLT with right-lobe grafts without portal pressure modulation. Of these, 23 had a GRWR of less than 0.7%(group A), 27 had a GRWR of ≥0.7%, 【0.8%(group B), and 267 had a GRWR of more than and equal to 0.8%(group C). Medical records, including recipient, donor, operation factors, laboratory findings and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The baseline demographics showed low model for end-stage liver disease score(mean 16.3±8.9) and high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma(231 patients, 72.9%). Three groups by GRWR demonstrated similar characteristics except recipient body mass index and donor gender. For smallforsize syndrome, there were 3(13.0%) in group A, 1(3.7%) in group B, and 2 patients(0.7%) in group C(P【0.001). Hepatic artery thrombosis was more frequently observed in group A than in groups B and C(8.7% vs 3.7% vs 1.9%, P=0.047). However, among the three groups, graft survival rates at 1 year(100% vs 96.3% vs 93.6%) and 3 years(91.7% vs 73.2% vs 88.1%) were not different(P=0.539). In laboratory measurements,there was no group difference in total bilirubin and albumin. However, prothrombin time was longer in group A within postoperative 1 week and platelet count was lower in groups A and B within postoperative 1 month. CONCLUSION: A GRWR lower to 0.7% is safe and does not need to modulate portal pressure in adult-to-adult LDLT using the right-lobe in favorable conditions including low model for end-stage liver disease score.

Correlation between hydrocarbon distribution and water-hydrocarbon ratio in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

In order to shorten the evaluation cycle of cobalt catalyst before the optimized catalyst is fixed on, a mathematical method is proposed to calculate weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons. Based on the carbide polymerization mechanism and the main hydrocarbons being linear alkanes and α-olefins, the correlation between hydrocarbon distribution and the molecular mass ratio of water to hydrocarbons is discussed. The result shows the ratio was within the range of 1.125-1.286 and the lower the ratio, the more gaseous hydrocarbons were obtained. Moreover, a linear equation between the weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons and the weight ratio of C5＋ hydrocarbons to the total water is established. These results are validated by corresponding experiments. The weight percentage of C5＋ hydrocarbons could be immediately calculated by this linear equation without detailed gas chromatography （GC） analysis of them.

Successful living donor liver transplantation with a graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.41 without portal flow modulation:A case report

BACKGROUND There have been numerous efforts to lower the limit of minimum graft size to meet the metabolic demand of recipients in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).We experienced a successful case of LDLT using a verysmall-for-size graft without portal flow modulation such as splenectomy or portocaval shunt.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old man(weighing 91 kg)suffering hepatocellular carcinoma accompanied with hepatitis B virus related cirrhosis underwent LDLT.The one and only voluntary donor was his 17-year-old daughter whose body weight was 50 kg with a body mass index(BMI)of 18.3.The procured right liver graft was 411 g with a real graft-to-recipient weight ratio(GRWR)of 0.41%,the smallest to be reported in the literature.Both the recipient and donor had an uneventful recovery and were discharged on days 15 and 8,respectively,with normal liver function.The father and daughter have had no complication so far and are still in good health with normal liver function 81 mo after LDLT.CONCLUSION Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in LDLT with a GRWR as low as 0.41%even without using portal flow modulation in highly selected patients.

Effect of Fiber Weight Ratio and Fiber Modification on Flexural Properties of Posidonia-Polyester Composites

The main objective of this research is to study the effect of fiber weight ratio and chemical fiber modification on flexural properties of composites reinforced with Posidonia fiber. An unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with untreated and treated Posidonia fibers was fabricated under various fiber weight ratios. Results showed that the combined chemical treatment provided better mechanical properties of composites in comparison with untreated fiber. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of composites. Indeed, a maximum value of flexural modulus was observed for 10% fiber weight ratio for composites reinforced with treated fibers. SEM photographs revealed a different fracture surface between Posidonia fibers reinforced polyester composites.

Landslide susceptibility modeling based on ANFIS with teaching-learning-based optimization and Satin bowerbird optimizer

As threats of landslide hazards have become gradually more severe in recent decades,studies on landslide prevention and mitigation have attracted widespread attention in relevant domains.A hot research topic has been the ability to predict landslide susceptibility,which can be used to design schemes of land exploitation and urban development in mountainous areas.In this study,the teaching-learning-based optimization(TLBO)and satin bowerbird optimizer(SBO)algorithms were applied to optimize the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system(ANFIS)model for landslide susceptibility mapping.In the study area,152 landslides were identified and randomly divided into two groups as training(70%)and validation(30%)dataset.Additionally,a total of fifteen landslide influencing factors were selected.The relative importance and weights of various influencing factors were determined using the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis(SWARA)method.Finally,the comprehensive performance of the two models was validated and compared using various indexes,such as the root mean square error(RMSE),processing time,convergence,and area under receiver operating characteristic curves(AUROC).The results demonstrated that the AUROC values of the ANFIS,ANFIS-TLBO and ANFIS-SBO models with the training data were 0.808,0.785 and 0.755,respectively.In terms of the validation dataset,the ANFISSBO model exhibited a higher AUROC value of 0.781,while the AUROC value of the ANFIS-TLBO and ANFIS models were 0.749 and 0.681,respectively.Moreover,the ANFIS-SBO model showed lower RMSE values for the validation dataset,indicating that the SBO algorithm had a better optimization capability.Meanwhile,the processing time and convergence of the ANFIS-SBO model were far superior to those of the ANFIS-TLBO model.Therefore,both the ensemble models proposed in this paper can generate adequate results,and the ANFIS-SBO model is recommended as the more suitable model for landslide susceptibility assessment in the study area considered due to its excellent accuracy and efficiency.

Mitigation effects on the reflected overpressure of blast shock with water surrounding an explosive in a confined space

The mitigation of blast shock with water has broad application prospects. Understanding the mitigation effects on the reflected overpressure of the explosion shock with water surrounding an explosive in a confined space is of great significance for military explosives safety applications. To estimate the effects of the parameters on the reflected overpressure of blasted shock wave, a series of experiments were carried out in confined containers with spherical explosives immersed in a certain thickness of water,and numerical simulations were conducted to explore the corresponding mechanisms. The results reveal that the reflected overpressure is abnormally aggravated at a small scaled distance. This aggravation is due to the high impulse of the bulk accelerated water shell converted from the explosion. With increasing scaled distance, the energy will be gradually dissipated. The mitigation effects will appear with the dispersed water phase front impacting at a larger scaled distance, except in the case of a dense water phase state. A critical scaled distance range of 0.7-0.8 m/kg^(1/3) for effective mitigation was found. It is suggested that the scaled distance of space walls should be larger than the critical value for a certain water-to-explosive weight ratio range(5-20).

Outcome of patients undergoing right lobe living donor liver transplantation with small-for-size grafts

AIM: To investigate the outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients transplanted with small-for-size grafts (SFSGs). METHODS: Between November 2001 and December 2010, 196 patients underwent LDLT with right lobe liver grafts at our center. Recipients were divided into 2 treatment groups: group A with an actuarial graft-to-recipient weight ratio (aGRWR) < 0.8% (n = 45) and group B with an aGRWR = 0.8% (n = 151). We evaluated serum liver function markers within 4 wk after transplantation. We also retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of these patients for potential effects related to the recipients, the donors and the transplantation procedures based upon a review of their medical records. RESULTS: Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) developed in 7 of 45 patients (15.56%) in group A and 9 of 151 patients (5.96%) in group B (P = 0.080). The levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in group A were higher than those in group B during early period after transplantation, albeit not sig-nificantly. The cumulative 1-, 3-and 5-year liver graft survival rates were 82.22%, 71.11% and 71.11% for group A and 81.46%, 76.82%, and 75.50% for group B patients, respectively (P = 0.623). However, univariate analysis of risk factors associated with graft survival in group A demonstrated that the occurrence of SFSS after LDLT was the only significant risk factor affecting graft survival (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis of our data did not identify any additional significant risk factors accounting for poor graft survival. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that LDLT recipients with an aGRWR < 0.8% may have liver graft outcomes comparable to those who received larger size grafts. Further studies are required to ascertain the safety of using SFSGs. (c) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.

Development of a mass model in estimating weight-wise particle size distribution using digital image processing

Particle size distribution of coarse aggregates through mechanical sieving gives results in terms of cumu- lative mass percent. But digital image processing generated size distribution of particles, while being fast and accurate, is often expressed in terms of area function or number of particles. In this paper, a mass model is developed which converts the image obtained size distribution to mass-wise distribution, mak- ing it readily comparable to mechanical sieving data. The concept of weight/particle ratio is introduced for mass reconstruction from 2D images of particle aggregates. Using this mass model, the effects of several particle shape parameters （such as major axis, minor axis, and equivalent diameter） on sieve-size of the particles is studied. It is shown that the sieve-size of a particle strongly depend upon the shape param- eters, 91% of its variation being explained by major axis, minor axis, bounding box length and equivalent diameter. Furthermore, minor axis gives an overall accurate estimate of particle sieve-size, error in mean size （D-50） being just 0.4%. However, sieve-size of smaller particles （〈20 ram） strongly depends upon the length of the smaller arm of the bounding box enclosing them and sieve-sizes of larger particles （〉20 mm） are highly correlated to their equivalent diameters. Multiple linear regression analysis has been used to generate overall mass-wise particle size distribution, considering the influences of all these shape parameters on particle sieve-size. Multiple linear regression generated overall mass-wise particle size distribution shows a strong correlation with sieve generated data. The adjusted R-square value of the regression analysis is found to be 99 percent （w.r,t cumulative frequency）. The method proposed in this paper provides a time-efficient way of producing accurate （up to 99%） mass-wise PSD using digital image processing and it can be used effectively to renlace the mechanical sieving.

Evaluation of Deposit Insurance Fund Adequacy Using Credit Risk Model--An Indian Experience

There are two methods widely used for evaluating the adequacy of Deposit Insurance Fund： （i） Target Reserve Ratio and （ii） Credit Risk Model. Target Reserve Ratio is one of the macro level indicators more often set by Regulatory act on the basis of minimum Deposit Insurance Fund margin safety, Target Reserve Ratio is calculated as the ratio of Deposit Insurance Fund to the value of insured deposits. However, TRR does not take into consideration the level of Deposit Insurance potential liability, the Loss at Given Default （LGD） and the historical trend of default rate prevailing among the insured banks. It does not also consider the present condition of the economy and current scenario of the banking sector. This paper discusses primarily about development of Credit Risk Model for evaluating the Deposit Insurance Fund Adequacy. For this purpose, Econometric Credit Risk Model was developed based on the historical data of bank failures and the associated losses of the last 25 years from 1990-91 to 2014-15. The model assesses various possible factors impacting the Deposit Insurance Fund： Default rate, Deposit growth, Exposures, impact of macro-economic factors like GDP, GDS, Inflation and Interest rate changes, etc. on the Deposit Insurance Fund through econometric modeling. The model evaluates the adequacy of Deposit Insurance Fund under both （i） Normal scenarios where there is no （economic） systemic risk assumed and （ii） Worst case scenario at 1% level of significance using Monte Carlo Simulation. Since the model empirically validates all the critical factors impacting the assets and liabilities associated with Loss at Given Default, the model output can also be used to determine a suitable Target Reserve Ratio and such models are being used in countries like USA, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore, etc. （IADI, 2009）. More importantly, the model outputs are quite useful in determining the adequacy of deposit insurance fund which is an effective risk control measure that organization like Deposit Insurance Credit Guarantee Corporation （DICGC） can adopt both under normal economic scenario as well as worst case scenario, ensuring a strong financial safety net for the banking sector in India. The model also assesses the default probability and the Loss at Given Default of different types of banks： commercial banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, foreign banks, etc. A risk based on premium can possibly be determined for each type of banks in India.

Monthly gravity field recovery from GRACE orbits and K-band measurements using variational equations approach

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment（GRACE） mission can significantly improve our knowledge of the temporal variability of the Earth＇s gravity field.We obtained monthly gravity field solutions based on variational equations approach from GPS-derived positions of GRACE satellites and K-band range-rate measurements.The impact of different fixed data weighting ratios in temporal gravity field recovery while combining the two types of data was investigated for the purpose of deriving the best combined solution.The monthly gravity field solution obtained through above procedures was named as the Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics（IGG） temporal gravity field models.IGG temporal gravity field models were compared with GRACE Release05（RL05） products in following aspects：（i） the trend of the mass anomaly in China and its nearby regions within 2005-2010; （ii） the root mean squares of the global mass anomaly during 2005-2010; （iii） time-series changes in the mean water storage in the region of the Amazon Basin and the Sahara Desert between 2005 and 2010.The results showed that IGG solutions were almost consistent with GRACE RL05 products in above aspects（i）-（iii）.Changes in the annual amplitude of mean water storage in the Amazon Basin were 14.7 ± 1.2 cm for IGG,17.1 ± 1.3 cm for the Centre for Space Research（CSR）,16.4 ± 0.9 cm for the GeoForschungsZentrum（GFZ） and 16.9 ± 1.2 cm for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory（JPL） in terms of equivalent water height（EWH）,respectively.The root mean squares of the mean mass anomaly in Sahara were 1.2 cm,0.9 cm,0.9 cm and 1.2 cm for temporal gravity field models of IGG,CSR,GFZ and JPL,respectively.Comparison suggested that IGG temporal gravity field solutions were at the same accuracy level with the latest temporal gravity field solutions published by CSR,GFZ and JPL.

A Weighted Likelihood Ratio of Two Related Negative Hypergeomeric Distributions

In this paper we consider some related negative hypergeometric distributions arising from the problem of sampling without replacement from an urn containing balls of different colours and in different proportions but stopping only after some specific number of balls of different colours have been obtained. With the aid of some simple recurrence relations and identities we obtain in the case of two colours the moments for the maximum negative hypergeometric distribution, the minimum negative hypergeometric distribution, the likelihood ratio negative hypergeometric distribution and consequently the likelihood proportional negative hypergeometric distributiuon. To the extent that the sampling scheme is applicable to modelling data as illustrated with a biological example and in fact many situations of estimating Bernoulli parameters for binary traits within a finite population, these are important first-step results.

Carcass Traits of the Malagasy Zebu ＂Bos taurus indicus＂ （Linnaeus, 1758）

Improving Malagasy zebu production in the face of booming Malagasy population and regression of the animal number, this study was initiated to put forth some Malagasy zebu carcass weight performance and dressing percentages following slaughter. Measurements concerned live weight before slaughtering, carcass weights, quarters and carcass halves, left and right and the fiffla quarter （blood, leather, intestine, lung, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and rumen with its content） weights on 544 individuals without distinction （age nor sex）. Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken to qualify and compare the various weights. It results high proportion females （66%）, smaller size （live weight less than 250 kg, 60%） and 5 live weight classes. Live weight was different in the 2 sexes starting class 3 （live weight 〉 250 kg） （p = 0.0027）. Males fore quarters were heavier than females （p 〈 1‰）. Carcass dressing percentage increased according to live weight class, whereas, 5th quarter yield presented a regressive reduction with increasing weight class. Survey shows an average dressing percentage of 46.20% with an average 5th quarter yield of 37.43%. Malagasy zebus are light weighted animals compared to the African zebus. Precocious slaughtering （before 250 kg live weight） doesn＇t allow a good meat yield.

Weight sequential log-likelihood ratio detect algorithm with malicious users removing

Due to the openness of the cognitive radio network, spectrum sensing data falsification （SSDF） can attack the spectrum sensing easily, while there is no effective algorithm proposed in current research work, so this paper introduces the malicious users removing to the weight sequential probability radio test （WSPRT）. The terminals＇ weight is weighted by the accuracy of their spectrum sensing information, which can also be used to detect the malicious user. If one terminal owns a low weight, it can be treated as malicious user, and should be removed from the aggregation center. Simulation results show that the improved WSPRT can achieve higher performance compared with the other two conventional sequential detection methods under different number of malicious users.

Fault feature enhancement of gearbox in combined machining center by using adaptive cascade stochastic resonance

The difficulty to select the best system parameters restricts the engineering application of stochastic resonance （SR）. An adaptive cascade stochastic resonance （ACSR） is proposed in the present study. The proposed method introduces correlation theory into SR, and uses correlation coefficient of the input signals and noise as a weight to construct the weighted signal-to-noise ratio （WSNR） index. The influence of high frequency noise is alleviated and the signal-to-noise ratio index used in traditional SR is improved accordingly. The ACSR with WSNR can obtain optimal parameters adaptively. And it is not necessary to predict the exact frequency of the target signal. In addition, through the secondary utilization of noise, ACSR makes the signal output waveforrn smoother and the fluctuation period more obvious. Simulation example and engineering application of gearbox fault diagnosis demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Effects of different litters on ammonia emissions from chicken manure

Experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of type of litter,initial moisture content(IMC)of litter,and dry weight ratio of manure to litter(DWRML)on ammonia emissions from chicken manure and the effects of pH values of tea leaves and the mixtures of tea leaves and other litter on the ammonia emissions from chicken manure.For the experiments,four kinds of litter,Northeast pine sawdust(sawdust),rice husk,tea leaves,and wheat straw,were selected.The IMCs of the litter were(20±2)%,(30±2)%,and(40±2)%;and the DWRML values were 1:4,1:6 and 1:8,respectively.The different litters adjusted at different moisture contents were mixed with chicken manure in different DWRML and then placed in different static test chambers,which were real-time monitored the ammonia concentrations.Pure chicken manure without any litter was used as a control group.The four kinds of litter had obvious inhibitory effects on the ammonia emissions from chicken manure under various conditions.There were significant differences among four kinds of litter(p<0.01).Under the same conditions,the best inhibitory effect was achieved by using tea leaves,followed by straw,rice husk,and sawdust.The IMC of litter had no significant effects on the ammonia inhibition(p>0.05).The DWRML had no significant effects on ammonia emission inhibition for tea leaves(p>0.05),but had a significant effects on the ammonia emission inhibition for the other three kinds of litter(p<0.05).The pH value of tea leaves had no significant effects on the inhibition of ammonia emissions(p>0.05).The mixed litter made of tea leaves and sawdust,rice husk,or straw were significantly better than the tea leaves and other single litter(p<0.01).It indicated that adding appropriate amount of tea leaves in the litter can effectively inhibit ammonia emissions from chicken manure.

Expert consensus on split-liver transplantation

With the dawn of organ donation after a citizen's death in China,the use of split-liver transplantation(SLT)can effectively increase the source of donor liver,reduce the waiting time for organ transplantation in patients,and particularly solve the problem of organ shortage in children.In recent years,many transplantation centers have been performing SLT to varying degrees and efficacy.At the current stage,the experiences of countries with advanced transplantation techniques should be used to establish an SLT consensus that is suitable for China to further increase the ratio and efficacy of SLT.In this paper,we combined expert experiences to generate an SLT expert consensus that included donor and donor liver evaluation,recipient selection criteria,donor and recipient matching,selection of splitting form and tools,blood vessels and bile ducts dissection and allocation,perioperative management of SLT,and organ allocation.

Contrasting responses of legume versus non-legume shrubs to soil water and nutrient shortages in the Mu Us Sandland

Legumes and non-legumes usually differ in using soil water and nutrients.Both water and nutrients are scarce in the semi-arid Mu Us Sandland where legume and/or non-legume shrubs coexist/dominate.Here,we addressed the responses of legume versus nonlegume shrubs to different soil water and nutrient conditions.Methods We conducted an experiment in which a legume(Hedysarum laeve)and a non-legume(Artemisia ordosica)were used,both of which are dominant species in the Mu Us Sandland.Seedlings of these two species were subjected to three water levels(45.0,67.5 and 90.0 ml every 3 days)and three nutrient treatments(0,0.1%and 0.2%nutrient solution every week)during the experiment.Important Findings Interactions between water and nutrients on total biomass,root weight ratio and rain use efficiency(RUE)were detected in A.ordosica but not in H.laeve,suggesting that water effects on A.ordosica but not on H.laeve are dependent on soil nutrients.Nutrient addition alleviated drought stress and increased RUE in A.ordosica.The interspecific differences in response to soil water and nutrients may be linked to the ability of plants to fix nitrogen.In addition,under lowsoil water or nutrient conditions,H.laeve produced more biomass than A.ordosica,and the opposite was the case under high-soil resources.The relationship between relative growth rate(RGR)and RUE[or nutrient use efficiency(NUE)]varied with two species.RGR of A.ordosica was positively correlated with both RUE and NUE while RGR of H.laeve was negatively correlated with NUE.The different responses may be linked to the trade-off between high-growth rate and low-resource use efficiency.

Chinese expert consensus on evaluation of donor and donor liver for split liver transplantation

With the advent of the era of organ donation after citizen's death,split liver transplantation(SLT)can effectively increase the supply of donor livers and shorten the transplantation wait time for patients,especially pediatric recipients.In recent years,SLT has been performed to varying degrees in many transplant centers in China,and varying levels of efficacy have been achieved.The quality of donors and donor livers for SLT is an important factor affecting the outcome of the surgery.At this stage,it is necessary to reach a consensus on the evaluation of SLT donor and liver donor that is suitable for the conditions in China by combining the well-established experience of the international community with advanced transplantation technology.This approach will aid in enhancing the efficacy of SLT.Based on the experience of experts,a consensus on the evaluation of donors and donor livers for SLT has been formulated in this study,which focuses on evaluation of donors and donor livers,evaluating the functional and anatomical aspects of the donor liver and donorerecipient matching.

Efficacy of Qiancao(Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) and Haipiaoxiao(Endoconcha Sepiellae), a traditional Chinese herb pair, on abnormal uterine bleeding in rats with incomplete abortion

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the most effective weight ratio of Qiancao(Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) and Haipiaoxiao(Endoconcha Sepiellae) used to produce decoction for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB) in rats with incomplete abortion, and to study the possible mechanism. METHODS: The models of AUB were established by incomplete drug abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in pregnant rats. The therapeutic effects of decoctions made by eight different weight ratios of Qiancao(Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) and Haipiaoxiao(Endoconcha Sepiellae) were observed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the most effective weight ratio of Qiancao(Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) and Haipiaoxiao(Endoconcha Sepiellae) to treat AUB in this study was 2∶1. CONCLUSION: The insights gained from this study would improve understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effect of Qiancao(Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) and Haipiaoxiao(Endoconcha Sepiellae) on AUB.