[Objective] This study aimed to optimize the PCR amplification conditions for random ssDNA pool in SELEX technology. [Method] L16(45) orthogonal experimental design was adopted for optimization of five important fac...[Objective] This study aimed to optimize the PCR amplification conditions for random ssDNA pool in SELEX technology. [Method] L16(45) orthogonal experimental design was adopted for optimization of five important factors affecting PCR reaction system for random single-stranded DNA pool including Mg2+ concentration, dNTP concentration, amount of Taq DNA polymerase, primer concentration and amount of random single-stranded DNA pool at four levels. Meanwhile, the annealing temperature and number of PCR reaction cycles were optimized to establish the optimal reaction system and PCR procedure. [Result] The optimal combination of PCR reaction system for random ssDNA pool was obtained, with a total system volume of 20 μl containing 2.0 μl of 10 × Buffer, 0.5 ng of random ssDNA pool, 2.5 mmol/L Mg2+, 0.25 mmol/L dNTP Mixture, 0.6 μmol/L upstream and downstream primers and 1.5 U of Taq DNA polymerase; the optimal annealing temperature was 68 ℃ and the optimal number of cycles was 12. Under the above conditions, clear and stable bands with high specificity for random ssDNA pool were amplified. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for selection of parameters with higher specificity in SELEX technology.展开更多
Carcinoma of the esophagus is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with an increasing incidence worldwide.Incidence rates vary internationally,with the highest rates found in Southern and Eastern Africa and Eastern Asi...Carcinoma of the esophagus is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with an increasing incidence worldwide.Incidence rates vary internationally,with the highest rates found in Southern and Eastern Africa and Eastern Asia,and the lowest in Western and Middle Africa and Central America.Patients with locally advanced disease face a poor prognosis,with 5-year survival rates ranging from 15%-34%.Recent clinical trials have evaluated different strategies for management of locoregional cancer;however,because of stage migration and changes in disease epidemiology,applying these trials to clinical practice has become a daunting task.We searched Medline and conference abstracts for randomized studies published in the last 3 decades.We restricted our search to articles published in English.Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is an accepted standard of care in the United States.Esophagectomy remains an essential component of treatment and can lead to improved overall survival,especially when performed at high volume institutions.The role of adjuvant chemotherapy following curative resection is still unclear.External beam radiation therapy alone is considered palliative and is typically reserved for patients with a poor performance status.展开更多
To improve current understanding of the water cycle,energy partitioning and CO2 exchange over hilly zone vegetative land surfaces in the subtropical monsoon environment of southern China,a long-term field experiment o...To improve current understanding of the water cycle,energy partitioning and CO2 exchange over hilly zone vegetative land surfaces in the subtropical monsoon environment of southern China,a long-term field experiment observatory was set up at Ningxiang,eastern Hunan Province.This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the field observations at the observatory collected from August to November 2012.Results show that significant diurnal variations in soil temperature occur only in shallow soil layers(0.05,0.10,and 0.20 m),and that heavy rainfall affects soil moisture in the deep layers(≥ 0.40 m).During the experimental period,significant diurnal variations in albedo,radiation components,energy components,and CO2 flux were observed,but little seasonal variation.Strong photosynthesis in the vegetation canopy enhanced the CO2 absorption and the latent heat released in daylight hours;Latent heat of evaporation was the main consumer of available energy in late summer.Because the field experiment data are demonstrably reliable,the observatory will provide reliable long-term measurements for future investigations of the land-atmosphere interaction over hilly land surfaces in the subtropical monsoon region of southern China.展开更多
College English Test Band IV has aroused argument among students and English teachers, especially about its validity and reliability. The key problem of CET4 lies in that it lack of validity and its shortcoming result...College English Test Band IV has aroused argument among students and English teachers, especially about its validity and reliability. The key problem of CET4 lies in that it lack of validity and its shortcoming results in some negative influence on language teaching. In order to improve the positive backwash of CET4, we must first make clearly six questions concerning validity of test. At the same time we should consider other factors when we reform the CET4.展开更多
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is the principal etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Infection with C. difficile (CDI) is...Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is the principal etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Infection with C. difficile (CDI) is characterized by diarrhea in clinical syndromes that vary from selflimited to mild or severe. Since its initial recognition as the causative agent of pseudomembranous colitis, C. difficile has spread around the world. CDI is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among older adult hospitalized patients. Due to extensive antibiotic usage, the number of CDIs has increased. Diagnosis of CDI is often difficult and has a substantial impact on the management of patients with the disease, mainly with regards to antibiotic management. The diagnosis of CDI is primarily based on the clinical signs and symptoms and is only confirmed by laboratory testing. Despite the high burden of CDI and the increasing interest in the disease, episodes of CDI are often misdiagnosed. The reasons for misdiagnosis are the lack of clinical suspicion or the use of inappropriate tests. The proper diagnosis of CDI reduces transmission, prevents inadequate or unnecessary treatments, and assures best antibiotic treatment. We review the options for the laboratory diagnosis of CDI within the settings of the most accepted guidelines for CDI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CDI.展开更多
Malaysia is a multicultural, multireligious, and multiethnic country that is located in Southeast Asia. The social background of Malaysia as a multicultural state calls for the adoption of an alternative method to res...Malaysia is a multicultural, multireligious, and multiethnic country that is located in Southeast Asia. The social background of Malaysia as a multicultural state calls for the adoption of an alternative method to resolve community dispute which would offer solution and simultaneously promote harmonization in the society. Community mediation may be one of such alternative, if not the best method for interethnic relations. The government of Malaysia has introduced community mediation in Malaysia by providing training for community mediators through a pilot program, known as Rukun Tetangga (Peaceful Neighbor). The purpose of this program is to promote unity among the multi-races and multiethnic citizens. This paper will refer to the current practice of community mediation in Malaysia as provided by the National Unity Department in Peninsula Malaysia and the practice of community mediation in Singapore. It is hoped that by comparing the practices in both countries, suggestions and recommendations could be made to improve the practice of community mediation in Malaysia.展开更多
An ongoing debate exists amongst scholars studying presidential unilateral powers. Some scholars argue presidents use directives to circumvent Congress (Nathan, 1983; Deering & Maltzman, 1999; Cooper, 2002), while ...An ongoing debate exists amongst scholars studying presidential unilateral powers. Some scholars argue presidents use directives to circumvent Congress (Nathan, 1983; Deering & Maltzman, 1999; Cooper, 2002), while other scholars argue that presidents use them to enhance their policy in conjunction with Congress in times of strong congressional support (Shull & Gomez, 1997; Krause & Cohen, 1997). This study applies the same theoretical debate to another presidential unilateral power, monument proclamations. The author argued that presidents strategically issue monument proclamations when they face a hostile political environment and have lost their power of persuasion. The author examined presidential monument proclamations from 1929-2000 using an event-count model. The study shows that presidents are more inclined to use monumental proclamations when they are politically weak especially during their lame duck months when they have the least political power and influence.展开更多
This article discusses a practical, evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of liver cirrhosis by focusing on etiology, severity, presence of complications, and potential home-managed treatments. Relev...This article discusses a practical, evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of liver cirrhosis by focusing on etiology, severity, presence of complications, and potential home-managed treatments. Relevant literature from 1985 to 2010 (PubMed) was reviewed. The search criteria were peer-reviewed full papers published in English using the following MESH headings alone or in combination: "ascites", "liver fibrosis", "cirrhosis", "chronic hepatitis", "chronic liver disease", "decompensated cirrhosis", "hepatic encephalopathy", "hypertransaminasemia", "liver transplantation" and "portal hypertension". Forty-nine papers were selected based on the highest quality of evidence for each section and type (original, randomized controlled trial, guideline, and review article), with respect to specialist setting (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Internal Medicine) and primary care. Liver cirrhosis from any cause represents an emerging health issue due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and its complications worldwide. Primary care physicians play a key role in early identification of risk factors, in the management of patients for improving quality and length of life, and for preventing complications. Specialists, by contrast, should guide specific treatments, especially in the case of complications and for selecting patient candidates for liver transplantation. An integrated approach between specialists and primary care physicians is essential for providing better outcomes and appropriate home care for patients with liver cirrhosis.展开更多
The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab init...The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab initio students as connected to their personal and academic experiences. The claim of this research is that a procedural syllabus based on texts and tasks facilitates both the acquisition of Italian as a foreign language and the integration of language and content. Each text proposed to the learners was accompanied and enhanced by pre-, while-, and production-tasks. A particular emphasis was assigned to noticing and attention management tasks in the pre and while phase Production tasks in a later phase favoured interlanguage development by combining representational structures with controlled attention. The method of the study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative approach at any stage. Measures for written production during the course and to assess final exams were: Holistic Rating (fluency and creativity), Accuracy Ratios (intelligibility index and error index), and Complexity Ratios (dependent and coordinate clauses per t-units ratio and re-elaboration of a model or text type). At the final exams, Texts and tasks learners outperformed non-texts and tasks learners. In conclusion, an input related to personal and/or academic interests, to be processed through tasks, allowed learners a rapid interlanguage change and development展开更多
基金Supported by Central University Basic Research Operating Expenses Special Fund(XDJK2011C026)Southwest University Doctoral Fund(09BSR04)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to optimize the PCR amplification conditions for random ssDNA pool in SELEX technology. [Method] L16(45) orthogonal experimental design was adopted for optimization of five important factors affecting PCR reaction system for random single-stranded DNA pool including Mg2+ concentration, dNTP concentration, amount of Taq DNA polymerase, primer concentration and amount of random single-stranded DNA pool at four levels. Meanwhile, the annealing temperature and number of PCR reaction cycles were optimized to establish the optimal reaction system and PCR procedure. [Result] The optimal combination of PCR reaction system for random ssDNA pool was obtained, with a total system volume of 20 μl containing 2.0 μl of 10 × Buffer, 0.5 ng of random ssDNA pool, 2.5 mmol/L Mg2+, 0.25 mmol/L dNTP Mixture, 0.6 μmol/L upstream and downstream primers and 1.5 U of Taq DNA polymerase; the optimal annealing temperature was 68 ℃ and the optimal number of cycles was 12. Under the above conditions, clear and stable bands with high specificity for random ssDNA pool were amplified. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for selection of parameters with higher specificity in SELEX technology.
文摘Carcinoma of the esophagus is an aggressive and lethal malignancy with an increasing incidence worldwide.Incidence rates vary internationally,with the highest rates found in Southern and Eastern Africa and Eastern Asia,and the lowest in Western and Middle Africa and Central America.Patients with locally advanced disease face a poor prognosis,with 5-year survival rates ranging from 15%-34%.Recent clinical trials have evaluated different strategies for management of locoregional cancer;however,because of stage migration and changes in disease epidemiology,applying these trials to clinical practice has become a daunting task.We searched Medline and conference abstracts for randomized studies published in the last 3 decades.We restricted our search to articles published in English.Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is an accepted standard of care in the United States.Esophagectomy remains an essential component of treatment and can lead to improved overall survival,especially when performed at high volume institutions.The role of adjuvant chemotherapy following curative resection is still unclear.External beam radiation therapy alone is considered palliative and is typically reserved for patients with a poor performance status.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDA05110102)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.41075062)the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2010CB951001)
文摘To improve current understanding of the water cycle,energy partitioning and CO2 exchange over hilly zone vegetative land surfaces in the subtropical monsoon environment of southern China,a long-term field experiment observatory was set up at Ningxiang,eastern Hunan Province.This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the field observations at the observatory collected from August to November 2012.Results show that significant diurnal variations in soil temperature occur only in shallow soil layers(0.05,0.10,and 0.20 m),and that heavy rainfall affects soil moisture in the deep layers(≥ 0.40 m).During the experimental period,significant diurnal variations in albedo,radiation components,energy components,and CO2 flux were observed,but little seasonal variation.Strong photosynthesis in the vegetation canopy enhanced the CO2 absorption and the latent heat released in daylight hours;Latent heat of evaporation was the main consumer of available energy in late summer.Because the field experiment data are demonstrably reliable,the observatory will provide reliable long-term measurements for future investigations of the land-atmosphere interaction over hilly land surfaces in the subtropical monsoon region of southern China.
文摘College English Test Band IV has aroused argument among students and English teachers, especially about its validity and reliability. The key problem of CET4 lies in that it lack of validity and its shortcoming results in some negative influence on language teaching. In order to improve the positive backwash of CET4, we must first make clearly six questions concerning validity of test. At the same time we should consider other factors when we reform the CET4.
文摘Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing, gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is the principal etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Infection with C. difficile (CDI) is characterized by diarrhea in clinical syndromes that vary from selflimited to mild or severe. Since its initial recognition as the causative agent of pseudomembranous colitis, C. difficile has spread around the world. CDI is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among older adult hospitalized patients. Due to extensive antibiotic usage, the number of CDIs has increased. Diagnosis of CDI is often difficult and has a substantial impact on the management of patients with the disease, mainly with regards to antibiotic management. The diagnosis of CDI is primarily based on the clinical signs and symptoms and is only confirmed by laboratory testing. Despite the high burden of CDI and the increasing interest in the disease, episodes of CDI are often misdiagnosed. The reasons for misdiagnosis are the lack of clinical suspicion or the use of inappropriate tests. The proper diagnosis of CDI reduces transmission, prevents inadequate or unnecessary treatments, and assures best antibiotic treatment. We review the options for the laboratory diagnosis of CDI within the settings of the most accepted guidelines for CDI diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CDI.
文摘Malaysia is a multicultural, multireligious, and multiethnic country that is located in Southeast Asia. The social background of Malaysia as a multicultural state calls for the adoption of an alternative method to resolve community dispute which would offer solution and simultaneously promote harmonization in the society. Community mediation may be one of such alternative, if not the best method for interethnic relations. The government of Malaysia has introduced community mediation in Malaysia by providing training for community mediators through a pilot program, known as Rukun Tetangga (Peaceful Neighbor). The purpose of this program is to promote unity among the multi-races and multiethnic citizens. This paper will refer to the current practice of community mediation in Malaysia as provided by the National Unity Department in Peninsula Malaysia and the practice of community mediation in Singapore. It is hoped that by comparing the practices in both countries, suggestions and recommendations could be made to improve the practice of community mediation in Malaysia.
文摘An ongoing debate exists amongst scholars studying presidential unilateral powers. Some scholars argue presidents use directives to circumvent Congress (Nathan, 1983; Deering & Maltzman, 1999; Cooper, 2002), while other scholars argue that presidents use them to enhance their policy in conjunction with Congress in times of strong congressional support (Shull & Gomez, 1997; Krause & Cohen, 1997). This study applies the same theoretical debate to another presidential unilateral power, monument proclamations. The author argued that presidents strategically issue monument proclamations when they face a hostile political environment and have lost their power of persuasion. The author examined presidential monument proclamations from 1929-2000 using an event-count model. The study shows that presidents are more inclined to use monumental proclamations when they are politically weak especially during their lame duck months when they have the least political power and influence.
文摘This article discusses a practical, evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of liver cirrhosis by focusing on etiology, severity, presence of complications, and potential home-managed treatments. Relevant literature from 1985 to 2010 (PubMed) was reviewed. The search criteria were peer-reviewed full papers published in English using the following MESH headings alone or in combination: "ascites", "liver fibrosis", "cirrhosis", "chronic hepatitis", "chronic liver disease", "decompensated cirrhosis", "hepatic encephalopathy", "hypertransaminasemia", "liver transplantation" and "portal hypertension". Forty-nine papers were selected based on the highest quality of evidence for each section and type (original, randomized controlled trial, guideline, and review article), with respect to specialist setting (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Internal Medicine) and primary care. Liver cirrhosis from any cause represents an emerging health issue due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and its complications worldwide. Primary care physicians play a key role in early identification of risk factors, in the management of patients for improving quality and length of life, and for preventing complications. Specialists, by contrast, should guide specific treatments, especially in the case of complications and for selecting patient candidates for liver transplantation. An integrated approach between specialists and primary care physicians is essential for providing better outcomes and appropriate home care for patients with liver cirrhosis.
文摘The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab initio students as connected to their personal and academic experiences. The claim of this research is that a procedural syllabus based on texts and tasks facilitates both the acquisition of Italian as a foreign language and the integration of language and content. Each text proposed to the learners was accompanied and enhanced by pre-, while-, and production-tasks. A particular emphasis was assigned to noticing and attention management tasks in the pre and while phase Production tasks in a later phase favoured interlanguage development by combining representational structures with controlled attention. The method of the study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative approach at any stage. Measures for written production during the course and to assess final exams were: Holistic Rating (fluency and creativity), Accuracy Ratios (intelligibility index and error index), and Complexity Ratios (dependent and coordinate clauses per t-units ratio and re-elaboration of a model or text type). At the final exams, Texts and tasks learners outperformed non-texts and tasks learners. In conclusion, an input related to personal and/or academic interests, to be processed through tasks, allowed learners a rapid interlanguage change and development