Multi-Objective Ant Colony Algorithm in EPC Risk Control

AbstractAccording to the risks and risk control target in energy performance contracting (EPC), this paper has designed the risk control measure set. On the basis, a risk control model is put forward, including the risk evaluation, risk control cost, risk loss. Then, a multi-objective ant colony algorithm, based on Pareto theory, is used to solve the model. A series of Pareto optimal solutions are got by example. The result shows that the solutions have the better diversity and convergence. At the same time, the model can find the best combination of various risk control measures in EPC, which can provide direct evidence for the company of EPC

Ixeridium sagittarioides (Asteraceae-Cichorieae) revisited: range extension and molecular evidence for its systematic position in the Lactuca alliance

Our first record of the rare and scatteredly distributed Ixeridium sagittarioides for Guizhou, China, triggered a study to assess its systematic position. The species was placed in four different genera in the course of its taxonomic history and was recently treated with doubts as a member of Ixeridium in the Flora of China. Comparative morphological investigation and phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and five non-coding plastid DNA regions (petD region, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL (UAG) and 5´rps16-trnQ (UUG) spacers) provided evidence that the species is not a member of Ixeridium and the Crepidinae but has evolved by ancient hybridisation of members of the Lactuca alliance (Lactucinae). It is reinstated as Lactuca sagittarioides and a comprehensive morphological description is provided, based on material from its entire range of distribution

Role of AC-cAMP-PKA Cascade in Antidepressant Action of Electroacupuncture Treatment in Rats

Adenylyl cyclase (AC)-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) cascade is considered to be associated with the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. The present study was conducted to explore the role of the cAMP cascade in antidepressant action of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment for chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression model rats. The results showed that EA improved significantly behavior symptoms in depression and dysfunction of AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathway induced by CMS, which was as effective as fluoxetine. Moreover, the antidepressant effects of EA rather than Fluoxetine were completely abolished by H89, a specific PKA inhibitor. Consequently, EA has a significant antidepressant treatment in CMS-induced depression model rats, and AC-cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathway is crucial for it

S-Nitrosoglutathione protects acute kidney injury in septic rats by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Objective(s): We aimed to study the effect of S-nitroso glutathione (SNG) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic rats by regulating nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3).Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were used to construct the AKI model, and biochemical methods were used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors and anti-oxidant enzymes in renal tissue. We observed the ultrastructural changes of renal tissue by transmission electron microscopy and detected the protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain foci (ASC) and Caspase-1 by western-blotting and RT-qPCR. Results: Cecal ligation and puncture induced renal tubular epithelial tissue damage in septic rats, resulting in decreased renal function, increased levels of inflammation and decreased levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in renal tissue, and aggravated mitochondrial damage, significantly decreased mitochondrial density and enzyme complex I/II/III/IV levels (all P<0.001), and increased the protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (all P<0.001). However, after pretreatment with SNG, the pathological damage of renal tubular epithelial tissue was reduced, the renal function was improved, the level of inflammation in renal tissue decreased and the level of anti-oxidant enzymes increased, the density of mitochondria and the level of enzyme complex I/II/III/IV were significantly increased (all P<0.001), meanwhile the protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 were all decreased significantly (all P<0.05).Conclusion: SNG protects AKI in septic rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

土壌から単離した真菌の培養物についての殺線虫活性のスクリーニングと殺線虫活性のある1菌株培養上清の予備分画

Cultures of 99 strains of fungi in potato-sucrose-malt extract medium were screened for nematicidal activity. Strong activity was found in the supernatant of the culture of fungus 18. Activity-guided preliminary fractionation of the supernatant showed that the active compound was neutral and water soluble.土壌から単離した99菌株の真菌の培養物について、以前の著者の1人が開発した線虫増殖阻害活性を検出するバイオアッセイを用いてスクリーニングを行った。1菌株の遠心分離上清に活性を認めた。予備的に行った各種クロマトグラフィーにおける挙動から、本活性化合物は、水溶性の中性化合物であると推定した