The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) remains to be completely elucidated so far; however, it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in the induction of RA. Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), i...The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) remains to be completely elucidated so far; however, it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in the induction of RA. Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), in particular, is considered to play a central role in bone destruction by mediating the abnormal activation of osteoclasts or the production of proteolytic enzymes through direct or indirect mechanisms. The use of TNF-α blocking agents has a significant impact on RA therapy. Anti-TNF-α blocking agents such as infliximab are very effective for treatment of RA, especially for the prevention of articular destruction. We have previously shown that several proteins exhibited extensive changes in their expression after amelioration of RA with infliximab treatment. Among the proteins, connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) has a significantrole for the development of RA. Herein, we review the function of CTGF in the pathogenesis of RA and discuss the possibility of a novel treatment for RA. We propose that CTGF is a potentially novel effector molecule in the pathogenesis of RA. Blocking the CTGF pathways by biological agents may have great beneficial effect in patients with RA.展开更多
Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) has an established role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation.NF-κB is also involved in critical mechanisms connecting inflammation and cancer development.Recent investi...Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) has an established role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation.NF-κB is also involved in critical mechanisms connecting inflammation and cancer development.Recent investigations suggest that the NF-κB signaling cascade may be the central mediator of gastrointestinal malignancies including esophageal,gastric and colorectal cancers.This review will explore NF-κB's function in inflammation-associated gastrointestinal malignancies,highlighting its oncogenic contribution to each step of carcinogenesis.NF-κB's role in the inflammation-to-carcinoma sequence in gastrointestinal malignancies warrants stronger emphasis upon targeting this pathway in achieving greater therapeutic efficacy.展开更多
In this paper,we use DEA-Tobit model to conduct empirical study on the governmental supply efficiency of public service in Chongqing's 38 counties and the influencing factors during the period 2008-2011.The result...In this paper,we use DEA-Tobit model to conduct empirical study on the governmental supply efficiency of public service in Chongqing's 38 counties and the influencing factors during the period 2008-2011.The results show that the supply efficiency of basic public service at county level is generally low,and there is significant regional differences and strong volatility;per capita GDP,population density and population size,and level of education of the residents,are significantly correlated with the supply efficiency of basic public service at county level,but traffic density,urbanization level,and the proportion of government spending on public service to total fiscal expenditure,have no significant effects on the efficiency of basic public service at county level.Based on this,we propose some policy recommendations for enhancing the level of local economic development and the level of education,and reasonably guiding the residents'agglomeration.展开更多
The effects of 14 factors on food production in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain are analyzed by path analysis in this paper,and then the linear regression models of them are established by SPSS software. The results show that el...The effects of 14 factors on food production in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain are analyzed by path analysis in this paper,and then the linear regression models of them are established by SPSS software. The results show that electricity consumption for agriculture,growing area of crops,the affected area,annual average temperature and arable land area at the end of the year have great effects on food production. Finally some recommendations are put forward to improve the food production in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain such as improving the level of agricultural mechanization,stabilizing food production,preventing natural disasters and increasing the effective irrigation area.展开更多
Taking the rural economic indicator data in 17 cities (regions) of Hubei Province in 2009 as samples, this paper establishes evaluation index system of rural economic development in Hubei Province, uses factor analysi...Taking the rural economic indicator data in 17 cities (regions) of Hubei Province in 2009 as samples, this paper establishes evaluation index system of rural economic development in Hubei Province, uses factor analysis method for analysis, and draws out four factors. The conclusion is objective and believable, which meshes with the reality well. Finally the policy suggestions and implementation measures are put forward to promote the rural economic development in Hubei Province as follows: first, promote the farmers' income to increase continuously, and improve the living standards of farmers; second, implement the policies of benefiting farmers and making farmers powerful, and propel the resource factors to be allocated in rural areas; third, promote the level of modern agricultural equipment, and promote the transformation of agricultural development mode; fourth, coordinate and promote urban-rural reform, and speed up the improvement of rural livelihood.展开更多
Article 471 of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as“the Civil Code”)stipulates that contracts may be formed not only through offer and acceptance but also through“other means...Article 471 of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as“the Civil Code”)stipulates that contracts may be formed not only through offer and acceptance but also through“other means.”However,the Civil Code does not provide further clarification on what“other means”entail.This statutory provision represents a departure from the traditional theory of contract formation,which requires a“meeting of the minds.”This study seeks to identify the jurisprudential basis of the Civil Code as a positive law and finds that the theory of de facto contracts,proposed by German scholar Günter Haupt in his lecture titled“On Factual Contractual Relationships”provides a theoretical foundation for the Civil Code’s inclusion of alternative methods of contract conclusion.The theory of de facto contracts argues that for certain types of conduct,the formalities of offer and acceptance are not essential.Instead,contracts can be established through factual processes.This view introduces flexibility to the otherwise rigid doctrine of contractual freedom,allowing for more streamlined and logical judicial analysis.It also balances economic efficiency with principles of fairness and justice,serving the normative values underlying contract law.In this paper,the author proposes that the term“de facto contract”be precisely defined within the context of legislative and judicial practice.This article also recommends limiting the original concept described by Haupt to contracts formed based on legally prescribed factual processes or behaviors.Such contracts can be tentatively termed as“statutory de facto contracts,”which could be examined as a distinct category of contracts in legal theory.展开更多
A significant portion of the national water supply can be attributed to de facto or unplanned potable reuse, though the extent of its contribution is difficult to estimate. Fortunately, the contribution of Water Resou...A significant portion of the national water supply can be attributed to de facto or unplanned potable reuse, though the extent of its contribution is difficult to estimate. Fortunately, the contribution of Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) effluent to waters that supply drinking water treatment plants has been documented by some communities. In the United States (US), among the top 25 most impacted drinking water treatment plants by upstream WRRF, 16% of the influent flow to the drinking water treatment plant under average streamflow and up to 100% under low-flow conditions is WRRF effluent. Currently, the full extent of de facto reuse in the US may be much higher because of population growth. The scenario is no different for Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) in South Carolina, US, with contributions to the Savannah River originating from numerous WRRF and other upstream dischargers. South Carolina coastal utilities such as BJSWA are considering direct and indirect potable reuse options, driven by disposal limitations and challenges. Currently, South Carolina does not have a framework, guidelines, or regulations for reuse, but discussions have started among the regulated community. In addition to understanding the extent of de facto reuse, the state will need to develop standards and best practices to enable future adoption of planned potable reuse solutions to water resources challenges. Such guidance should address human health risk management and technical considerations regarding treatment in addition to other factors, including source control, storage, fail-safe operation, monitoring, non-cost factors, and public acceptance. This study conducted a mapping assessment specific to BJWSA, sampled at four locations on Savannah River, and observed that de facto reuse is approximately 4.6% to 5.9% during low-flow months and is within the range generally observed nationwide. When coupled with evidence that planned potable reuse can improve human health and environmental risks, this practice is a meaningful option in the water supply portfolio for many utilities.展开更多
Objective To study the relative factors of concomitant depression after stroke.Methods Using Geriatric depression Scale(GDS)and SSS,we scored 121storke cases who were treated from January 2001to De cember 2001,in whic...Objective To study the relative factors of concomitant depression after stroke.Methods Using Geriatric depression Scale(GDS)and SSS,we scored 121storke cases who were treated from January 2001to De cember 2001,in which 54cases were co ncomitant with depres-sion,assessed defect and promotion degree of nervous function,and obse rved relationship between number of lesion and onset of depression.Result Incidence of depression of cerebral hemarrhage patients was apparently higher than that of cerebral infarction patients(P <0.05),there was no apparent difference in lesion locat ion and concomitant depression(P >0.05),incidence of concomitant depression of stroke patients with multiple lesions was apparently hig her than that of stroke patients with single lesion.Conclusion Concomitant depression of stroke pa tients is related to location,number of lesio ns and severity of stroke.展开更多
This paper uses monthly data to examine the autonomy and effectiveness of monetary policy in China under the de facto fixed exchange rate arrangement in place from 1998 to 2005. The results obtained from Granger causa...This paper uses monthly data to examine the autonomy and effectiveness of monetary policy in China under the de facto fixed exchange rate arrangement in place from 1998 to 2005. The results obtained from Granger causality tests in a vector autoregression framework indicate that： （i） China actually conducted independent monetary policy during the fixed exchange rate period; and （ii） market-oriented policy measures are impotent in influencing real output and prices. The framework of the investigation into the autonomy of monetary policy adapts to the Chinese economic condition that primary loan and deposit rates are set by the central bank. Based on the empirical results, the present paper provides alternative strategies to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in China, including developing the financial system and solidifying microeconomic fundamentals instead of forcing the adaptation of a more flexible exchange rate regime.展开更多
Following the raw ore export ban announced by Indonesia in January this year,the rising margin of nickel price has topped 60%.At the London Metal Exchange,nickel price has risen from the bottom of USD 13334 per tonne ...Following the raw ore export ban announced by Indonesia in January this year,the rising margin of nickel price has topped 60%.At the London Metal Exchange,nickel price has risen from the bottom of USD 13334 per tonne on January 9 this year to the peak of USD 21625per tonne on May 13,recording a new highest level of nickel price in two years.展开更多
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(C),The Ministry of Education,Culuture,Sports,Science and Technology and The Institute for Environment and Gender-specific Medicine,Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine
文摘The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) remains to be completely elucidated so far; however, it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a pivotal role in the induction of RA. Tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), in particular, is considered to play a central role in bone destruction by mediating the abnormal activation of osteoclasts or the production of proteolytic enzymes through direct or indirect mechanisms. The use of TNF-α blocking agents has a significant impact on RA therapy. Anti-TNF-α blocking agents such as infliximab are very effective for treatment of RA, especially for the prevention of articular destruction. We have previously shown that several proteins exhibited extensive changes in their expression after amelioration of RA with infliximab treatment. Among the proteins, connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) has a significantrole for the development of RA. Herein, we review the function of CTGF in the pathogenesis of RA and discuss the possibility of a novel treatment for RA. We propose that CTGF is a potentially novel effector molecule in the pathogenesis of RA. Blocking the CTGF pathways by biological agents may have great beneficial effect in patients with RA.
文摘Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) has an established role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation.NF-κB is also involved in critical mechanisms connecting inflammation and cancer development.Recent investigations suggest that the NF-κB signaling cascade may be the central mediator of gastrointestinal malignancies including esophageal,gastric and colorectal cancers.This review will explore NF-κB's function in inflammation-associated gastrointestinal malignancies,highlighting its oncogenic contribution to each step of carcinogenesis.NF-κB's role in the inflammation-to-carcinoma sequence in gastrointestinal malignancies warrants stronger emphasis upon targeting this pathway in achieving greater therapeutic efficacy.
基金Supported by National Social Science Fund Project(11BGL055)Humanities and Social Science Planning Project,Ministry of Education(10 YJAZH016)Chongqing Municipal Social Science Planning Project(2009 JJ 06)
文摘In this paper,we use DEA-Tobit model to conduct empirical study on the governmental supply efficiency of public service in Chongqing's 38 counties and the influencing factors during the period 2008-2011.The results show that the supply efficiency of basic public service at county level is generally low,and there is significant regional differences and strong volatility;per capita GDP,population density and population size,and level of education of the residents,are significantly correlated with the supply efficiency of basic public service at county level,but traffic density,urbanization level,and the proportion of government spending on public service to total fiscal expenditure,have no significant effects on the efficiency of basic public service at county level.Based on this,we propose some policy recommendations for enhancing the level of local economic development and the level of education,and reasonably guiding the residents'agglomeration.
基金Supported by Soft Science Project of Shandong Province(2009RKB01052)
文摘The effects of 14 factors on food production in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain are analyzed by path analysis in this paper,and then the linear regression models of them are established by SPSS software. The results show that electricity consumption for agriculture,growing area of crops,the affected area,annual average temperature and arable land area at the end of the year have great effects on food production. Finally some recommendations are put forward to improve the food production in Huang-Huai-Hai Plain such as improving the level of agricultural mechanization,stabilizing food production,preventing natural disasters and increasing the effective irrigation area.
文摘Taking the rural economic indicator data in 17 cities (regions) of Hubei Province in 2009 as samples, this paper establishes evaluation index system of rural economic development in Hubei Province, uses factor analysis method for analysis, and draws out four factors. The conclusion is objective and believable, which meshes with the reality well. Finally the policy suggestions and implementation measures are put forward to promote the rural economic development in Hubei Province as follows: first, promote the farmers' income to increase continuously, and improve the living standards of farmers; second, implement the policies of benefiting farmers and making farmers powerful, and propel the resource factors to be allocated in rural areas; third, promote the level of modern agricultural equipment, and promote the transformation of agricultural development mode; fourth, coordinate and promote urban-rural reform, and speed up the improvement of rural livelihood.
文摘Article 471 of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as“the Civil Code”)stipulates that contracts may be formed not only through offer and acceptance but also through“other means.”However,the Civil Code does not provide further clarification on what“other means”entail.This statutory provision represents a departure from the traditional theory of contract formation,which requires a“meeting of the minds.”This study seeks to identify the jurisprudential basis of the Civil Code as a positive law and finds that the theory of de facto contracts,proposed by German scholar Günter Haupt in his lecture titled“On Factual Contractual Relationships”provides a theoretical foundation for the Civil Code’s inclusion of alternative methods of contract conclusion.The theory of de facto contracts argues that for certain types of conduct,the formalities of offer and acceptance are not essential.Instead,contracts can be established through factual processes.This view introduces flexibility to the otherwise rigid doctrine of contractual freedom,allowing for more streamlined and logical judicial analysis.It also balances economic efficiency with principles of fairness and justice,serving the normative values underlying contract law.In this paper,the author proposes that the term“de facto contract”be precisely defined within the context of legislative and judicial practice.This article also recommends limiting the original concept described by Haupt to contracts formed based on legally prescribed factual processes or behaviors.Such contracts can be tentatively termed as“statutory de facto contracts,”which could be examined as a distinct category of contracts in legal theory.
文摘A significant portion of the national water supply can be attributed to de facto or unplanned potable reuse, though the extent of its contribution is difficult to estimate. Fortunately, the contribution of Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) effluent to waters that supply drinking water treatment plants has been documented by some communities. In the United States (US), among the top 25 most impacted drinking water treatment plants by upstream WRRF, 16% of the influent flow to the drinking water treatment plant under average streamflow and up to 100% under low-flow conditions is WRRF effluent. Currently, the full extent of de facto reuse in the US may be much higher because of population growth. The scenario is no different for Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) in South Carolina, US, with contributions to the Savannah River originating from numerous WRRF and other upstream dischargers. South Carolina coastal utilities such as BJSWA are considering direct and indirect potable reuse options, driven by disposal limitations and challenges. Currently, South Carolina does not have a framework, guidelines, or regulations for reuse, but discussions have started among the regulated community. In addition to understanding the extent of de facto reuse, the state will need to develop standards and best practices to enable future adoption of planned potable reuse solutions to water resources challenges. Such guidance should address human health risk management and technical considerations regarding treatment in addition to other factors, including source control, storage, fail-safe operation, monitoring, non-cost factors, and public acceptance. This study conducted a mapping assessment specific to BJWSA, sampled at four locations on Savannah River, and observed that de facto reuse is approximately 4.6% to 5.9% during low-flow months and is within the range generally observed nationwide. When coupled with evidence that planned potable reuse can improve human health and environmental risks, this practice is a meaningful option in the water supply portfolio for many utilities.
文摘Objective To study the relative factors of concomitant depression after stroke.Methods Using Geriatric depression Scale(GDS)and SSS,we scored 121storke cases who were treated from January 2001to De cember 2001,in which 54cases were co ncomitant with depres-sion,assessed defect and promotion degree of nervous function,and obse rved relationship between number of lesion and onset of depression.Result Incidence of depression of cerebral hemarrhage patients was apparently higher than that of cerebral infarction patients(P <0.05),there was no apparent difference in lesion locat ion and concomitant depression(P >0.05),incidence of concomitant depression of stroke patients with multiple lesions was apparently hig her than that of stroke patients with single lesion.Conclusion Concomitant depression of stroke pa tients is related to location,number of lesio ns and severity of stroke.
基金supported by Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(NCET-08-0762)a research grant of the 211 University Advancement Project entitled "The Autonomy of Monetary Policy and the Flexibility of Exchange Rates" sponsored by the Education Ministry of China
文摘This paper uses monthly data to examine the autonomy and effectiveness of monetary policy in China under the de facto fixed exchange rate arrangement in place from 1998 to 2005. The results obtained from Granger causality tests in a vector autoregression framework indicate that： （i） China actually conducted independent monetary policy during the fixed exchange rate period; and （ii） market-oriented policy measures are impotent in influencing real output and prices. The framework of the investigation into the autonomy of monetary policy adapts to the Chinese economic condition that primary loan and deposit rates are set by the central bank. Based on the empirical results, the present paper provides alternative strategies to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in China, including developing the financial system and solidifying microeconomic fundamentals instead of forcing the adaptation of a more flexible exchange rate regime.
文摘Following the raw ore export ban announced by Indonesia in January this year,the rising margin of nickel price has topped 60%.At the London Metal Exchange,nickel price has risen from the bottom of USD 13334 per tonne on January 9 this year to the peak of USD 21625per tonne on May 13,recording a new highest level of nickel price in two years.
