AB014. Metabolomics in retinal angiogenic diseases

Retinal angiogenic diseases,such as diabetic retinopathy(DR)and age-related macular degeneration(AMD)represent the leading causes of vision impairment in developed countries.There is strong evidence that dysregulated metabolic pathways contribute to DR as known risk factors do not explain all cases and the phenomenon of metabolic memory persists for decades or longer.Some early studies also showed that changes of plasma metabolic profiles are associated with AMD.Metabolic abnormalities can be explored using the techniques of the new science of metabolomics.In this presentation,several metabolomics workflows as well as the application of data independent acquisition mass spectrometry(DIA-MS)in metabolomics will be discussed.Our recent findings from metabolomics studies on DR and AMD will be presented.

The optimum linear data fusion of independent observation data

Data Fusion is one of the attractive topic in sonar signal processing. Decision level data fusion of multi-sensor (multi-array) system is described in this paper. The optimum linear data fusion algorithm for N independent observation data is derived. It is proved that the estimation error of optimum data fusion is not greater than that of individual components. The expression of estimation error and weight coefficients are presented. The results of numerical calculation and some examples are illustrated. The effect of input signal to noise ratio for the data fusion is described.

The replication crisis and its relevance to Earth Science studies:Case studies and recommendations

Numerous scientific fields are facing a replication crisis,where the results of a study often cannot be replicated when a new study uses independent data.This issue has been particularly emphasized in psychology,health,and medicine,as incorrect results in these fields could have serious consequences,where lives might be at stake.While other fields have also highlighted significant replication problems,the Earth Sciences seem to be an exception.The paucity of Earth Science research aimed at understanding the replication crisis prompted this study.Specifically,this work aims to fill that gap by seeking to replicate geological results involving various types of time-series.We identify and discuss 11 key variables for replicating U-Pb age distributions:independent data,global sampling,proxy data,data quality,disproportionate non-random sampling,stratigraphic bias,potential filtering bias,accuracy and precision,correlating time-series segments,testing assumptions and divergent analytical methods,and analytical transparency.Even while this work primarily focuses on U-Pb age distributions,most of these factors(or variations of them)also apply to other geoscience disciplines.Thus,some of the discussions involve time-series consisting ofεHf,δ18O-zircon,14C,10Be,marineδ13C,and marineδ18O.We then provide specific recommendations for minimizing adverse effects related to these factors,and in the process enhancing prospects for replicating geological results.

Analysis of an Adulterated Herbal Medicinal Product Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with QTOF Mass Spectrometry

The reports of severe adverse effects and fatalities associated with herbal medicinal products adulterated with synthetic compounds have raised global concerns.The objective of this study is to analyze one commercial herbal medicinal product suspected to be adulterated with synthetic drugs in order to identify potential adulterants,to verify if the product contained the herbs listed as ingredients in label claim and to determine quality consistency among different batches of the product.Analyses of suspected product obtained from seven different batches were performed using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) with multiple data processing tools and multivariate analyses.In addition,23 individual powdered herbs(12 as per label claim and 11 suspected herbs),11 marker compounds of the labeled herbs and five suspected synthetic drugs as adulterants were also concurrently analyzed to have clear understanding of product composition.Based on our analysis,the major ingredients of studied product were found to be 5 synthetic compounds:caffeine,chlorphenamine,piroxicam,betamethasone and oxethazaine.Three of them have been found to exceed their recommended doses.From the herbal composition analysis,Gan Cao(Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma) was found to be the main ingredient,which is not among the claimed 12 herbs that were supposed to be in the product.Other herbs detected as minor ingredients were Mu Gua(Chaenomelis fructus),Dang Gui(Angelicae sinensis radix),and Huang Qi(Astragali radix),which are among the 12 herbs that were supposed to be in the product.Based on our results we demonstrated that UPLC-QTOF MS is an effective and versatile tool for the analysis of herbal medicinal products.It is highly desirable to have a streamlined process with automatic workflow and fit-forpurpose database to increase efficiency and productivity of sample analysis.Results of this work also highlight the need for the better quality control and regulatory measures to protect consumers from the potentially harmful effects of such adulterated products.