PROJECTS WON 1998 CAS AWARDS FOR S&T PROGRESS AND FOR INVENTIONS

The CAS Awards for S&T Progress and the CAS Awards for Inventions are two major awards issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences to recognize major research results and inventions produced by CAS scientists that have contributed greatly to the promotion of S&T progress, and social and economic development. In 1998, 12 research works won the CAS Awards for Inventions and 94 works won the CAS Awards for S&T Progress. The following are profiles of some of the prize-wining projects.

PROJECTS WON 1997 CAS AWARDS FOR NATURAL SCIENCES AND FOR S&T PROGRESS

The CAS Awards for Natural Sciences and the CAS Awards for S&T Progress are two major awards issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The former is to recognize the scientific findings and research results by which CAS scientists bring to light natural phenomena, laws and properties in their basic and applied basic research. The latter is to award major inventions or research results produced by CAS scientists that have contributed greatly to the promotion of S&T progress, and social and economic development. In 1997, 68 research projects won the CAS Awards for Natural Sciences, and 106 research works won CAS Awards for S&T Progress. The following are profiles of some of the prize-wining projects.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO R&D PROJECTS WINNING SPECIAL-GRADE AND FIRST-GRADE PRIZES AT THE 1994 CAS AWARDS FOR S&T PROGRESS

Following a thorough examination and appraisal by the Awards jury and after ratification by the CAS President’s Working Conference, a total of 15 R&D projects were granted special-grade prizes and 13 first-grade prizesrespectively at the 1994 CAS Awards for S&T Progress.A brief introduction of them is given as follows:

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE R&D PROJECTS WINNING SPECIAL-GRADE AND FIRST-GRADE PRIZES OF THE 1993 CAS AWARDS FOR S&T PROGRESS

In the wake of examination,appraisal and recommendation by the jury of the CAS Awards for S&T Progress and ratified by the CAS President’s Working Conference, 29 R&D projects was confered one special-grade prize and 28 first-grade prizes of the 1993 CAS Awards for S&T Progress respectively. A brief introduction to them is as follows: SPECIAL PRIZE (1 ITEM)

OPENING UP NEW HORIZONS IN OUR R&D WORK BY IMPLEMENTING THE PARTY'S DECISION TO SPEED UP CHINA'S S&T PROGRESS

The 1990s is a key historical decade in the process of China’s on-going modernization drive.When reviewing the overall picture of the socio-economic trend and S&T development around the world during the last two decades,we may reach the conclusion that a new technological revolution is taking shape.For both the developed and the developing countries,challenges and opportunities are close at hand.In the Decision to Speed up China’s S&T Progress Jointly Issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.a developmen-

Role of exosomal circular RNAs as microRNA sponges and potential targeting for suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma growth and progression

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Lyu et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology(2023;2219-2840).Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a frequently encountered and highly aggressive primary liver cancer,which remains the third-commonest cause of cancer-related death despite the current therapeutic modalities.There is urgency in developing novel thera-peutic approaches,such as by manipulating extracellular vesicles,which con-stitute a highly heterogeneous nanoparticle population that contains various cargoes.These cargoes have a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication and can modify the functional level of the recipient cells via their uptake by other recipient cells.Exosomal non-coding RNAs have particular evolving significance in HCC,such as circular RNAs,which have been found differentially expressed in normal hepatic and HCC tissues.The aberrations in their expression levels have a key role in the HCC development and progression and the overall prognosis.In this editorial,we will shed light on the emerging role of exosomal circular RNAs in HCC development and progression,focusing on the oncogenic or potentially tumor suppressive effect of mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs.

A Comparative Study on the Post-Buckling Behavior of Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes(RTPs)Under External Pressure Considering Progressive Failure

The collapse pressure is a key parameter when RTPs are applied in harsh deep-water environments.To investigate the collapse of RTPs,numerical simulations and hydrostatic pressure tests are conducted.For the numerical simulations,the eigenvalue analysis and Riks analysis are combined,in which the Hashin failure criterion and fracture energy stiffness degradation model are used to simulate the progressive failure of composites,and the“infinite”boundary conditions are applied to eliminate the boundary effects.As for the hydrostatic pressure tests,RTP specimens were placed in a hydrostatic chamber after filled with water.It has been observed that the cross-section of the middle part collapses when it reaches the maximum pressure.The collapse pressure obtained from the numerical simulations agrees well with that in the experiment.Meanwhile,the applicability of NASA SP-8007 formula on the collapse pressure prediction was also discussed.It has a relatively greater difference because of the ignorance of the progressive failure of composites.For the parametric study,it is found that RTPs have much higher first-ply-failure pressure when the winding angles are between 50°and 70°.Besides,the effect of debonding and initial ovality,and the contribution of the liner and coating are also discussed.

Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation:Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Regulatory and Follicular Helper T Cell Subpopulations Is Associated with Disease Progression and Serum CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective This study aimed to investigate the changes of follicular helper T(TFH)and follicular regulatory T(TFR)cell subpopulations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and their significance.Methods Peripheral blood was collected from 58 NSCLC patients at different stages and 38 healthy controls.Flow cytometry was used to detect TFH cell subpopulation based on programmed death 1(PD-1)and inducible co-stimulator(ICOS),and TFR cell subpopulation based on cluster determinant 45RA(CD45RA)and forkhead box protein P3(FoxP3).The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-17a(IL-17a),interleukin-21(IL-21),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the plasma were measured,and changes in circulating B cell subsets and plasma IgG levels were also analyzed.The correlation between serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA 21-1)levels and TFH,TFR,or B cell subpopulations was further explored.Results The TFR/TFH ratio increased significantly in NSCLC patients.The CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR subsets were increased,with their proportions increasing in stages Ⅱ to Ⅲ and decreasing in stage IV.PD-1^(+)ICOS+TFH cells showed a downward trend with increasing stages.Plasma IL-21 and TGF-β concentrations were increased in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls.Plasmablasts,plasma IgG levels,and CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR cells showed similar trends.TFH numbers and plasmablasts were positively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stages Ⅰ-Ⅲ and negatively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stage IV.Conclusion Circulating TFH and TFR cell subpopulations and plasmablasts dynamically change in different stages of NSCLC,which is associated with serum CYFRA 21-1 levels and reflects disease progression.

Research Progress and Prospects of Total Factor Productivity in the Construction Industry

The high-quality development of the construction industry fundamentally stems from the significant improvement of total factor productivity.Therefore,it is of crucial significance for promoting the development of the construction industry to a higher level by scientifically and accurately measuring the total factor productivity of the construction industry and deeply analyzing the influencing factors behind it.Based on a comprehensive consideration of research methods and influencing factors,this paper systematically reviews the existing relevant literature on total factor productivity in the construction industry,aiming to reveal the current research development trend in this field and point out potential problems.This effort aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation and valuable reference for further in-depth research,and jointly promote the continuous progress and development of total factor productivity research in the construction industry.

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 prevents the progression of liver injury

BACKGROUND Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1(UGT1A1)plays a crucial role in metabolizing and detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances.However,its contribution to the progression of liver damage remains unclear.AIM To determine the role and mechanism of UGT1A1 in liver damage progression.METHODS We investigated the relationship between UGT1A1 expression and liver injury through clinical research.Additionally,the impact and mechanism of UGT1A1 on the progression of liver injury was analyzed through a mouse model study.RESULTS Patients with UGT1A1 gene mutations showed varying degrees of liver damage,while patients with acute-onchronic liver failure(ACLF)exhibited relatively reduced levels of UGT1A1 protein in the liver as compared to patients with chronic hepatitis.This suggests that low UGT1A1 levels may be associated with the progression of liver damage.In mouse models of liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl_(4))and concanavalin A(ConA),the hepatic levels of UGT1A1 protein were found to be increased.In mice with lipopolysaccharide or liver steatosis-mediated liver-injury progression,the hepatic protein levels of UGT1A1 were decreased,which is consistent with the observations in patients with ACLF.UGT1A1 knockout exacerbated CCl_(4)-and ConA-induced liver injury,hepatocyte apoptosis and necroptosis in mice,intensified hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and oxidative stress,and disrupted lipid metabolism.CONCLUSION UGT1A1 is upregulated as a compensatory response during liver injury,and interference with this upregulation process may worsen liver injury.UGT1A1 reduces ER stress,oxidative stress,and lipid metabolism disorder,thereby mitigating hepatocyte apoptosis and necroptosis.

Numerical analysis of downward progressive landslides in long natural slopes with sensitive clay

Landslides occurring in sensitive clay often result in widespread destruction,posing a significant risk to human lives and property due to the substantial decrease in undrained shear strength during deformation.Assessing the consequences of these landslides is challenging and necessitates robust numerical methods to comprehensively investigate their failure mechanisms.While studies have extensively explored upward progressive landslides in sensitive clays,understanding downward progressive cases remains limited.In this study,we utilised the nodal integration-based particle finite element method(NPFEM)with a nonlinear strain-softening model to analyse downward progressive landslides in sensitive clay on elongated slopes,induced by surcharge loads near the crest.We focused on elucidating the underlying failure mechanisms and evaluating the effects of different soil parameters and strainsoftening characteristics.The simulation results revealed the typical pattern for downward landslides,which typically start with a localised failure in proximity to the surcharge loads,followed by a combination of different types of failure mechanisms,including single flow slides,translational progressive landslides,progressive flow slides,and spread failures.Additionally,inclined shear bands occur within spread failures,often adopting distinctive ploughing patterns characterised by triangular shapes.The sensitive clay thickness at the base,the clay strength gradient,the sensitivity,and the softening rate significantly influence the failure mechanisms and the extent of diffused displacement.Remarkably,some of these effects mirror those observed in upward progressive landslides,underscoring the interconnectedness of these phenomena.This study contributes valuable insights into the complex dynamics of sensitive clay landslides,shedding light on the intricate interplay of factors governing their behaviour and progression.

A multi-platform analysis of human gingival crevicular fluid reveals ferroptosis as a relevant regulated cell death mechanism during the clinical progression of periodontitis

Ferroptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic-inflammatory diseases,yet its association with progressive periodontitis remains unexplored.To investigate the involvement and significance of ferroptosis in periodontitis progression,we assessed sixteen periodontitis-diagnosed patients.Disease progression was clinically monitored over twelve weeks via weekly clinical evaluations and gingival crevicular fluid(GCF)collection was performed for further analyses.Clinical metrics,proteomic data,in silico methods,and bioinformatics tools were combined to identify protein profiles linked to periodontitis progression and to explore their potential connection with ferroptosis.Subsequent western blot analyses validated key findings.Finally,a single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)dataset(GSE164241)for gingival tissues was analyzed to elucidate cellular dynamics during periodontitis progression.Periodontitis progression was identified as occurring at a faster rate than traditionally thought.GCF samples from progressing and non-progressing periodontal sites showed quantitative and qualitatively distinct proteomic profiles.In addition,specific biological processes and molecular functions during progressive periodontitis were revealed and a set of hub proteins,including SNCA,CA1,HBB,SLC4A1,and ANK1 was strongly associated with the clinical progression status of periodontitis.Moreover,we found specific proteins-drivers or suppressors-associated with ferroptosis(SNCA,FTH1,HSPB1,CD44,and GCLC),revealing the co-occurrence of this specific type of regulated cell death during the clinical progression of periodontitis.Additionally,the integration of quantitative proteomic data with scRNA-seq analysis suggested the susceptibility of fibroblasts to ferroptosis.Our analyses reveal proteins and processes linked to ferroptosis for the first time in periodontal patients,which offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms of progressive periodontal disease.These findings may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Wear dependent virtual flow rate sensor for progressing cavity pumps with deformable stator

This contribution presents a novel wear dependent virtual flow rate sensor for single stage single lobe progressing cavity pumps. We study the wear-induced material loss of the pump components and the impact of this material loss on the volumetric efficiency. The results are combined with an established backflow model to implement a backflow calculation procedure that is adaptive to wear. We use a laboratory test setup with a highly abrasive fluid and operate a pump from new to worn condition to validate our approach. The obtained measurement data show that the presented virtual sensor is capable of calculating the flow rate of a pump being subject to wear during its regular operation.

Recent progress of gastroesophageal reflux after endoscopic myotomy

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)is an innovative minimally invasive technique and has emerged as the preferred modality for treating achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders in numerous specialized centers worldwide.Gastroesophageal reflux(GER)is a common complication following POEM procedures.Recently,an article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,providing a comprehensive update on post-POEM GER.In this article,the authors present novel insights and strategies that offer valuable implications for endoscopy.

Knee Osteoarthritis Progression after Distal Femur Closing Wedge Osteotomy

Background: Despite the conservative treatment of tibio-femoral osteoarthritis through realignment osteotomies, the rate of total knee replacements following an osteotomy is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis after a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy. Methods: Hospital-based observational study on 20 patients who underwent a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy evaluating the progression of osteoarthritis using the Kellgren and Laurence classification. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the variation in the progressive stage of the Kellgren and Laurence classification of knee osteoarthritis preoperatively and at the final follow up. Univariate analysis made it possible to determine the factors associated with progression. The final significance threshold for statistical tests was set at 5% (p Results: Overall, the mean follow-up of 46 months ± 6.6 months, with a mean age of 43 years (range: 27 - 69 years) and a female predominance (M: F = 3/7). The progression of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis following a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy is associated with valgus or varum malalignment been a moderate valgus (OR 6.2 [1.5 - 42.7] at 95% CI;p-value = 0.02), a correction of the mechanical deviation angle with a valgus alignment (OR 2.7 [0.9 - 8.3] at 95% CI), and loss of correction (OR 3.8 [1.3 - 11.6] at 95% CI;p -value) for the lateral compartment while varus alignment (OR 1.7 [0.9 - 8.3] 95% CI, p-value = 0.05) and with rupture of the lateral cortex (OR 2.8 [1.7 - 11.5] 95% CI, p-value = 0.02) were those of the medial compartment. Conclusion: Distal femur closing wedge osteotomy does not definitively interrupt the progression of valgus knee osteoarthritis. The factors associated with the progression of this pathology are modifiable. Taking them into account when performing this surgical technique could improve the osteotomy survival curve.

Glucocorticoids-based prodrug design:Current strategies and research progress

Attributing to their broad pharmacological effects encompassing anti-inflammation,antitoxin,and immunosuppression,glucocorticoids(GCs)are extensively utilized in the clinic for the treatment of diverse diseases such as lupus erythematosus,nephritis,arthritis,ulcerative colitis,asthma,keratitis,macular edema,and leukemia.However,longterm use often causes undesirable side effects,including metabolic disorders-induced Cushing's syndrome(buffalo back,full moon face,hyperglycemia,etc.),osteoporosis,aggravated infection,psychosis,glaucoma,and cataract.These notorious side effects seriously compromise patients'quality of life,especially in patients with chronic diseases.Therefore,glucocorticoid-based advanced drug delivery systems for reducing adverse effects have received extensive attention.Among them,prodrugs have the advantages of low investment,low risk,and high success rate,making them a promising strategy.In this review,we propose the strategies for the design and summarize current research progress of glucocorticoid-based prodrugs in recent decades,including polymer-based prodrugs,dendrimer-based prodrugs,antibody-drug conjugates,peptide-drug conjugates,carbohydrate-based prodrugs,aliphatic acid-based prodrugs and so on.Besides,we also raise issues that need to be focused on during the development of glucocorticoid-based prodrugs.This review is expected to be helpful for the research and development of novel GCs and prodrugs.

PAPS: Progressive Attention-Based Pan-sharpening

Pan-sharpening aims to seek high-resolution multispectral(HRMS) images from paired multispectral images of low resolution(LRMS) and panchromatic(PAN) images, the key to which is how to maximally integrate spatial and spectral information from PAN and LRMS images. Following the principle of gradual advance, this paper designs a novel network that contains two main logical functions, i.e., detail enhancement and progressive fusion, to solve the problem. More specifically, the detail enhancement module attempts to produce enhanced MS results with the same spatial sizes as corresponding PAN images, which are of higher quality than directly up-sampling LRMS images.Having a better MS base(enhanced MS) and its PAN, we progressively extract information from the PAN and enhanced MS images, expecting to capture pivotal and complementary information of the two modalities for the purpose of constructing the desired HRMS. Extensive experiments together with ablation studies on widely-used datasets are provided to verify the efficacy of our design, and demonstrate its superiority over other state-of-the-art methods both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our code has been released at https://github.com/JiaYN1/PAPS.

The current role of dendritic cells in the progression and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Dendritic cells(DCs)constitute a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting cells that are important for initiating and regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.As a crucial component of the immune system,DCs have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of CRC.DCs cross-present tumor-related antigens to activate T cells and trigger an antitumor immune response.However,the antitumor immune function of DCs is impaired and immune tolerance is promoted due to the presence of the tumor microenvironment.This review systematically elucidates the specific characteristics and functions of different DC subsets,as well as the role that DCs play in the immune response and tolerance within the CRC microenvironment.Moreover,how DCs contribute to the progression of CRC and potential therapies to enhance antitumor immunity on the basis of existing data are also discussed,which will provide new perspectives and approaches for immunotherapy in patients with CRC.

Progress in the Study of Laboratory Indicators Related to Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the more common gastrointestinal diseases in clinics and is characterized by rapid progression, many complications, and high mortality. When it develops into severe pancreatitis, its prognosis is poor. Therefore, early assessment of the degree of inflammatory response plays a crucial role in the treatment plan and prognosis of patients. More and more studies have shown that the levels of D-dimer (D-D), angiotensin-2 (Ang-2), phosphate, heparin-binding protein (HBP), retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), and osteoblastic protein (OPN) are closely related to the severity of acute pan-creatitis and can be used as effective indicators for early assessment of AP. In this paper, the research progress of the above indicators in assessing the severity of AP is summarized.