Genome-wide and candidate gene association studies identify BnPAP17 as conferring the utilization of organic phosphorus in oilseed rape

Phosphorus(P)is essential for living plants,and P deficiency is one of the key factors limiting the yield in rapeseed production worldwide.As the most important organ for plants,root morphology traits(RMTs)play a key role in P absorption.To investigate the genetic variability of RMT under low P availability,we dissected the genetic structure of RMTs by genome-wide association studies(GWAS),linkage mapping and candidate gene association studies(CGAS).A total of 52 suggestive loci were associated with RMTs under P stress conditions in 405 oilseed rape accessions.The purple acid phosphatase gene BnPAP17 was found to control the lateral root number(LRN)and root dry weight(RDW)under low P stress.The expression of BnPAP17 was increased in shoot tissue in P-efficient cultivars compared to root tissue and P-inefficient cultivars in response to low P stress.Moreover,the haplotype of BnPAP17^(Hap3)was detected for the selective breeding of P efficiency in oilseed rape.Over-expression of the BnPAP17^(Hap3)could promote the shoot and root growth with enhanced tolerance to low P stress and organic phosphorus(Po)utilization in oilseed rape.Collectively,these findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BnPAP17-mediated low P stress tolerance in oilseed rape.

External validation of the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer colorectal(CR29)module:Monocentric study

BACKGROUND Quality of life(QoL)outcomes are a focal endpoint of cancer treatment strategies.AIM To externally validate the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC)QoL Questionnaire(QLQ)for colorectal cancer(CRC)patients(CR29).METHODS Both Moroccan Arabic modules of QLQ-CR29 and QLQ-C30 were administered to Moroccan CRC.Psychometric properties were retested by measuring Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for reliability and Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)to examine test-retest reproducibility.The multitrait-scaling analysis was performed to demonstrate the validity of the instrument and known-groups comparison was used to test the score’s ability to discriminate between different groups of patients.RESULTS In total,221 patients were included in our study and 34 patients completed the questionnaire twice.The Urinary Frequency scale and Stool Frequency scale had good internal consistency with alpha Cronbach coefficients of 0.79 and 0.83 respectively,while the same coefficients were moderately lower for the Blood and Mucus in Stool scale(0.61)and the Body Image scale(0.67).The ICCs ranged from 0.88 to 1 indicating good to excellent reproducibility.In multitrait scaling analyses,the criterion for item convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory.The known-group comparison showed statistically significant differences between patients according to age,gender,stoma status,tumor location,and radiotherapy.CONCLUSION The Moroccan Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 is a valid and reliable tool that can be used safely for research and clinical purposes in Moroccan CRC patients.

“Blind men and an elephant”:The need for animals in research,drug safety studies,and understanding civilizational diseases

Animal-based research and drug safety studies are essential to understanding the mysteries of nature and the long-term survival of humans.Due to the rapid increase in the global human population,conflict-and economically driven human migration,tourism-related activities,densely populated metropolitan areas,and local policies,humans will be affected by a multitude of novel disease-causing microorganisms and civilizational diseases.Despite disparities among countries,recent and planned changes in regulations concerning animal research and drug safety studies could have detrimental effects on both the animal research community and nations lacking sufficient social support systems.Based on existing scientific literature,I argue that we need animal research encompassing aspects such as animal development,behavior,drug safety studies,and for the understanding of future civilizational diseases.Depending on the nature of the research questions and local challenges,a suitable animal model organism should be made mandatory.

Market Research and Forecast——The Practice and Study on Case Study

Unlike the traditional teaching which is instructor-oriented without students’ active participation,case study has changed the landscape and focused more on fostering students’ capability The teaching of Market Research and Forecast(MRF) shall aim at training survey and research skills on the foundation of theories by setting up a system where knowledge and capability are perfectly integrated.Many conditions need to be fulfilled for a successful case study,such as certain situations, appropriate case materials,sufficient discussion time in class and encouraging students’ participation. Only by combining our teaching with the development of students’ capability can we improve the overall aualitv of the students and our teaching.

Functionality of Covalent Organic Framework (COF) in Gas Storage Application: First Principal Study

Industrial growth in recent years led to air pollution and an increase in concentration of hazardous gases such as O3 and NO. Developing new materials is important to detect and reduce air pollutants. While catalytic decomposition and zeolites are traditional ways used to reduce the amount of these gases. We need to develop and explore new promising materials. Covalent organic framework (COF) has become an attractive platform for researcher due to its extended robust covalent bonds, porosity, and crystallinity. In this study, first principal calculations were performed for gases adsorption using COFs containing nitrogen and π-bonds. Different building blocks (BBs) and linkers (LINKs/LINK1 & LINK2) were investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations with B3LYP and 3-21G basis sets to calculate the binding energies of gases @COF systems. Electrostatic potential maps (ESPM), Mulliken charges and non-covalent interaction (NCI) are used to understand the type of interactions between gas and COFs fragments. O3 was found to bind strongly with COF system in comparison with NO which could make COF a useful selective material for mixed gases environment for sensing and removal application.

The Islamic Studies in China-Research in Political and Social Fields

In the research of political and social fields,modern Islamic politics has evolved into three schools of nationalism,modernism and fundamentalism in the 20th century.The research in the field of contemporary Islam involves different countries,nationalities and different economic and political conditions.It is not only the research field of religion,but also has the characteristics of interdisciplinary academic frontier.From the perspective of academic research,these trends have attracted the attention and research of scholars inside and outside the church on Islamic political and social issues.Recently,there have been many problems related to Islam and the current international political life,as well as the research results of Islamic social thoughts and social movements.

MARINE SOURCE ROCKS AND THEIR DEPOSITIONAL CONDITIONS OF MESOZOIC—CENOZOIC IN THE GAMBA—TINGRE BASIN,SOUTH TIBET:ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL STUDY

The Gamba—Tingri basin lies in south Tethys Himalaya subzone. It is 400km in length from east to west, and 30～50km in width from north to south. The basin is mainly made up of marine Mesozoic and Lower Cenozoic, i.e., Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Lower Tertiary. Its total strata are more than 3100m in thickness. The passive continental margin of the India plate developed during Jurassic—Cretaceous after a Triassic rifting stage. Collision took place between the India and the Eurasian plate during the latest Cretaceous and earliest Tertiary (Liu and Einsele, 1994), which resulted in a Tertiary residual basin.The Jurassic stratigraphic system in the Gamba—Tingri basin were not carried out until recently (Wan et al., 1999), which is divided into three formations, i.e.., Pupuga Fm., Nieniexiongla Fm., and Menkadun Fm.. The Cretaceous and Tertiary stratigraphic system is after Wan (1985) and Xu et al.(1990), which the Cretaceous is divided into six formations: Dongsan Fm., Chaqiela Fm., Lengqingle Fm., Xiawuchubo Fm., Jiubao Fm., and Zongshan Fm, whereas the Tertiary is divided into Jiabula Fm. Zongpu Fm., and Zhepure Fm.

THE STUDY OF PHOTOELECTROCHEHICAL CELLS BASED ON CHLOROPHYLL AND ORGANIC DYES

Tetraiodofluorescein(TIF)and safranine T(ST)had great effects on the photovoltaic parameters of the cells.The Voc of the cells was about 3-5 times higher than that of the cells without TIK and ST,Isc increased 1 to 2 orders of magnitude.The Voc and Isc could be increased greatly only when Voc and Isc of the cell with Pt as WE properly combined with the Voc and Isc produced by chla in the original cell.According to absorption spectra and output characters,the results were elucidated.

On the Combination of “The Textual Research on Historical Documents” and “The Comparative Study of Historical Data” —— and a Discussion on “The Law of Quan-ma and Gui-mei” in Chinese Language Studies

In Chinese language studies, both “The Textual Research on Historical Documents” and “The Comparative Study of Historical Data” are traditional in methodology and they both deserve being treasured, passed on, and further developed. It will certainly do harm to the development of academic research if any of the two methods is given unreasonable priority. The author claims that the best or one of the best methodologies of the historical study of Chinese language is the combination of the two, hence a new interpretation of “The Double-proof Method”. Meanwhile, this essay is also an attempt to put forward “The Law of Quan-ma and Gui-mei” in Chinese language studies, in which the author believes that it is not advisable to either treat Gui-mei as Quan-ma or vice versa in linguistic research. It is crucial for us to respect always the language facts first, which is considered the very soul of linguistics.

Problems and principles in translation of cross-cultural research instruments

The process of translation is an important part of cross-cultural studies. Cross-cultural researchers are often confronted by the need to translate instruments from one language to another. In the translation, linguistic equivalence, functional equivalence, cultural equivalence and metric equivalence are factors that need to be considered greatly. This paper examines the translation of cross-cultural research instrument from these points of view, illustrates with examples and puts forward suggestions for incorporating each factor into research studies.

跨学科口笔译研究的百科全书——Researching Translation and Interpreting介评

劳特里奇出版社2016年推出的Researching Translation and Interpreting一书以综合开阔的研究视野和跨学科融合的研究范式,广泛吸收与借鉴了社会学、文化学、人类学、语言学、认知科学、心理学、历史学、教育学等多个相关学科的研究成果,全面建构起口笔译研究的路线图和方法论,为读者提供了比以往论著更全更新的研究视角和方法指南,堪称跨学科口笔译研究的百科全书。该书对丰富和完善口笔译研究的理论与方法,促进和推动翻译学的学科发展具有重要的参考价值和指导意义。本文拟对这一著作进行介绍,并在此基础上分析其学术特色及贡献,指出存在的局限和不足,旨在为国内口笔译研究提供借鉴和启示。

Reduction of the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer bypolypectomy:a prospective cohort study in Haining County

AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.

Current status of basic and clinical research studies in the field of gastroenterology in China

his article involves the major scientific advances in the field of gastroenterology in China, in which some investingations into the mechanism of diseases, new clues and new approaches to treatment are included.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Certain Carcass Traits and Organ Weights in a Large White×Minzhu Intercross Porcine Population

Porcine carcass traits and organ weights have important economic roles in the swine industry. A total of 576 animals from a Large White×Minzhu intercross population were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip and were phenotyped for 10 traits, speciifcally, backfat thickness （6-7 libs）, carcass length, carcass weight, foot weight, head weight, heart weight, leaf fat weight, liver weight, lung weight and slaughter body weight. The genome-wide association study （GWAS） was assessed by Genome Wide Rapid Association using the mixed model and regression-genomic control approach. A total of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） （with the most signiifcant SNP being MARC0033464, P value=6.80×10-13） were located in a 9.76-Mb （31.24-41.00 Mb） region on SSC7 and were found to be signiifcantly associated with one or more carcass traits and organ weights. High percentage of phenotypic variance explanation was observed for each trait ranging from 31.21 to 67.42%. Linkage analysis revealed one haplotype block of 495 kb, in which the most signiifcant SNP being MARC0033464 was contained, on SSC7 at complete linkage disequilibrium. Annotation of the pig reference genome suggested 6 genes （GRM4, HMGA1, NUDT3, RPS10, SPDEF and PACSIN1） in this candidate linkage disequilibrium （LD） interval. Functional analysis indicated that the HMGA1 gene presents the prime biological candidate for carcass traits and organ weights in pig, with potential application in breeding programs.

Glutathione S-transferases M1,T1 genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer:A case-control study

AIM: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play a critical role in the protection from the effects of carcinogens. The contribution of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 genotypes to susceptibility to the risk of gastric cancer and their interaction with cigarette smoking are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1 and GSTT1 and gastric cancer. METHODS: A population based case-control study was carried out in a high-risk area, Changle County, Fujian Province, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire and blood samples were obtained from 95 incidence gastric cancer cases and 94 healthy controls. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTT1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA. Logistic regression model was employed in the data analysis. RESULTS: An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTT1 null genotype. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.17-5.88, after controlling for age, gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and fish sauce intake. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases (43.16%) was not significantly different from that in controls (50.00%). However, the risk for gastric cancer in those with GSTT1 null and GSTT1 non-null genotype was significantly higher than in those with both GSTT1 and GSTT1 non-null genotype (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.15-6.77). Compared with those subjects who never smoked and had normal GSTT1 genotype, ORs were 1.60 (95% CI:0.62-4.19) for never smokers with GSTT1 null type, 2.33 (95% CI 0.88-6.28) for smokers with normal GSTT1, and 8.06 (95% CI 2.83-23.67) for smokers with GSTT1 null type. CONCLUSIONS: GSTT1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with genetic susceptibility of stomach cancer and may modulate tobacco-related carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.

The Research Comment on Organic Food Consumer Behavior

Since the development of organic food,to a great extent,depends on the needs of consumers,the studies on the consumer behavior of organic food would have far-reaching significance to the development of the whole organic food industry. The recent studies in this field mainly include the following four aspects: the consumers' recognition of organic food; the consumers' attitude towards organic food; the consumers' purchase of organic food; the consumers' willingness to pay. The paper would review the recent domestic and foreign studies on the four aspects mentioned above,aiming to provide references to the researches in this field.

Prognostic Factors of Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database Analysis

Objective We aimed to identify new,more accurate risk factors of liver transplantation for liver cancer through using the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database.Methods Using the SEER database,we identified patients that had undergone surgical resection for non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and subsequent liver transplantation between 2010 and 2017.Overall survival(OS)was estimated using Kaplan-Meier plotter.Cox proportional hazards regression modelling was used to identify factors independently associated with recurrent disease[presented as adjusted hazard ratios(HR)with 95%CIs].Results Totally,1530 eligible patients were included in the analysis.There were significant differences in ethnicity(P=0.04),cancer stage(P<0.001),vascular invasion(P<0.001)and gall bladder involvement(P<0.001)between the groups that survived,died due to cancer,or died due to other causes.In the Cox regression model,there were no significant differences in OS at 5 years with different operative strategies(autotransplantation versus allotransplantation),nor at survival at 1 year with neoadjuvant radiotherapy.However,neoadjuvant radiotherapy did appear to improve survival at both 3 years(HR:0.540,95%CI:0.326–0.896,P=0.017)and 5 years(HR:0.338,95%CI:0.153–0.747,P=0.007)from diagnosis.Conclusion This study demonstrated differences in patient characteristics between prognostic groups after liver resection and transplantation for HCC.These criteria can be used to inform patient selection and consent in this setting.Preoperative radiotherapy may improve long-term survival post-transplantation.

Stable Methylammonium-Free p-i-n Perovskite Solar Cells and Mini-Modules with Phenothiazine Dimers as Hole-Transporting Materials

During the last decade,perovskite solar technologies underwent an impressive development,with power conversion efficiencies reaching 25.5%for single-junction devices and 29.8%for Silicon-Perovskite tandem configurations.Even though research mainly focused on improving the efficiency of perovskite photovoltaics(PV),stability and scalability remain fundamental aspects of a mature photovoltaics technology.For n-i-p structure perovskite solar cells,using poly-triaryl(amine)(PTAA)as hole transport layer(HTL)allowed to achieve marked improvements in device stability compared with other common hole conductors.For p-i-n structure,poly-triaryl(amine)is also routinely used as dopant-free hole transport layer,but problems in perovskite film growth,and its limited resistance to stress and imperfect batch-to-batch reproducibility,hamper its use for device upscaling.Following previous computational investigations,in this work,we report the synthesis of two small-molecule organic hole transport layers(BPT-1,2),aiming to solve the above-mentioned issues and allow upscale to the module level.By using BPT-1 and methylammonium-free perovskite,max.Power conversion efficiencies of 17.26%and 15.42%on a small area(0.09 cm^(2))and mini-module size(2.25 cm^(2)),respectively,were obtained,with a better reproducibility than with poly-triaryl(amine).Moreover,BPT-1 was demonstrated to yield more stable devices compared with poly-triaryl(amine)under ISOS-D1,T1,and L1 accelerated life-test protocols,reaching maximum T_(90)values>1000 h on all tests.

Animal exercise studies in cardiovascular research:Current knowledge and optimal design--A position paper of the Committee on Cardiac Rehabilitation,Chinese Medical Doctors’Association

Growing evidence has demonstrated exercise as an effective way to promote cardiovascular health and protect against cardiovascular diseases However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of exercise have yet to be elucidated.Animal exercise studies are widely used to investigate the key mechanisms of exercise-induced cardiovascular protection.However,standardized procedures and well-established evaluation indicators for animal exercise models are needed to guide researchers in carrying out effective,high-quality animal studies using exercise to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.In our review,we present the commonly used animal exercise models in cardiovascular research and propose a set of standard procedures for exercise training,emphasizing the appropriate measurements and analysis in these chronic exercise models.We also provide recommendations for optimal design of animal exercise studies in cardiovascular research,including the choice of exercise models,control of exercise protocols,exercise at different stages of disease,and other considerations,such as age,sex,and genetic background.We hope that this position paper will promote basic research on exercise-induced cardiovascular protection and pave the way for successful translation of exercise studies from bench to bedside in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Potential Applications of X-ray Fluorescence Core Scanner in Elemental Analyses of the Muddy Sediments on the Coastal Shelves of China and in Ecological Study

Large areas of muddy sediments on the coastal shelves of China provide important samples for studying climate and ecological changes. Analysis of a large number of such samples, which is essential for systematic study on environmental information recorded in mud areas because of complicated sedimentary environment and variable sedimentary rate, requires a fast and economical method. In this study, we investigated the potential of X-ray fluorescence core scanner （XRFS）, a fast analytical instrument for measuring the elemental concentrations of muddy sediments, and observed a significant correlation between the element concentrations of muddy sediments determined by regular X-ray fluorescence spectrometer （XRF） and XRFS, respectively. The correlations are mainly determined by excitation energy of elements, but also influenced by solubility of element ions. Furthermore, we found a striking link between A1 concentrations and marine-originated organic carbon （MOC）, a proxy of marine primary productivity. This indicates that MOC is partly controlled by sedimentary characteristics. Therefore, XRFS method has a good potential in fast analysis of a large number of muddy sediment samples, and it can also be used to calibrate MOC in ecological study of coastal seas.