SET is a multifunctional protein involved in regulating many biological processes of the cell cycle. It is also a regulator of steroidogenesis in the ovary. However, the expression of SET protein in testis, and its fu...SET is a multifunctional protein involved in regulating many biological processes of the cell cycle. It is also a regulator of steroidogenesis in the ovary. However, the expression of SET protein in testis, and its function, still remains ambiguous. In this study, we observed the expression of SET in the testes of mice at different developmental stages, and have discussed its potential function in regulating spermatogenesis and androgen production. Forty-eight male mice at different developmental stages （1 week old as the infancy group; 4 weeks old as the prepubertal group; 12 weeks old as the adult group; over 12 months old as the ageing group） were used. Cellular location of SET protein in the testes was observed by immuno-histochemistry. Expression levels of Set mRNA and SET protein were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. SET protein was expressed in spermatogonial cells and spermatocytes; the highest level was mainly in haploid and tetraploid cells of the prepubertal and adult groups, and Leydig cells of the adult and ageing groups. There was a low expression in Sertoli cells. Expression of Set mRNA in the prepubertal group was significantly higher than that in the adult group （P 〈 0.05）, while expression of SET protein was at the highest level in the adult group （P 〈 0.05）. SET protein is mainly expressed in spermatogonial cells and spermatocytes, and poorly expressed in Sertoli cells, suggesting that it is involved in spermatogenesis. Expression of SET protein in Leydig cells suggests a possible role in steroidogenesis.展开更多
The data envelopment analysis （DEA） model is used to evaluate the relative economic efficiency of a given set of decision making units （DMUs）. In this paper, the DEA production possibility set is transferred from ...The data envelopment analysis （DEA） model is used to evaluate the relative economic efficiency of a given set of decision making units （DMUs）. In this paper, the DEA production possibility set is transferred from the conventional sum form into the intersection form which is represented by a linear inequality system. Although it is time consuming to obtain the intersection form of the production possibility set, it suggests a new angle to investigate the properties of DMUs and to extend the DEA research further beyond the efficiency measurement. Following the intersection form, the analytical formula of the efficiency indicator and projection is given. Various aspects of technical efficiency, returns to scale and evidence of congestion of the DMUs are studied. The relationship between the weak DEA efficiency and the weak Pareto solution is discussed. Finally, a procedure for DMU grouping is proposed to help the decision makers for better resource reallocation and strategy adjustment.展开更多
Pollen limitation of plant reproduction occurs across Angiosperms, particularly those in patched habitats We investigated the, relationship between pollen limitation and patch variables （patch size, visitation freque...Pollen limitation of plant reproduction occurs across Angiosperms, particularly those in patched habitats We investigated the, relationship between pollen limitation and patch variables （patch size, visitation frequency） in the desert plant Hedysarum scoparium （Fabaceae）, which is an important xerophyte in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China and can grow well as a pioneer plant in shifting sand dunes. We observed insect visitation to H. scoparium over two flowering seasons and estimated pollen limitation using fruit set and seed production. Our results indicate that fruit set and seed production increased significantly with pollen supplementation compared with open pollination. Hedysarum scoparium was pollinated by over 8 species of bees, with 88.4% of visits made by introduced honeybees （Apis mellifera）. Bee visitation varied significantly among the patches of habitats, but not associated with patch size of habitat. In general, pollen limitation occurred more strongly during fruit set than during seed production. The patches that received higher rates of pollinator visits were less pollen limited for fruit set. Pollen limitation for seed production, however, was not associated with pollinator visitation frequency. We conclude that pollen limitation in H. scoparium was caused by more than one reason, not just pollinator visits.展开更多
This research proposes a new method to estimate returns to scale(RTS) of decision making units(DM Us) with multiple inputs and outputs.The state of return to scale includes increasing RTS,constant RTS,decreasing RTS a...This research proposes a new method to estimate returns to scale(RTS) of decision making units(DM Us) with multiple inputs and outputs.The state of return to scale includes increasing RTS,constant RTS,decreasing RTS and evidence of congestion.The method is based on the production possibility set in the intersection form given by a set of linear inequalities.We propose and prove the necessary and sufficient conditions for the RTS estimation.With the new procedure,to estimate the RTS of a DM U is simply to check the position of the DM U on the production frontiers.We point out that the procedure is particularly important for dealing with a large number of DM U s.Therefore,it can be regarded as a complementary to the data mining.展开更多
Grain production space reconstruction referred to the changes in the quantity,quality and pattern of grain produc-tion space caused by functional tradeoffs and conflicts between grain production space,urban-rural deve...Grain production space reconstruction referred to the changes in the quantity,quality and pattern of grain produc-tion space caused by functional tradeoffs and conflicts between grain production space,urban-rural development space,and ecological service space.Exploring tradeoffs between land system functions caused by grain produc-tion space reconstruction was particularly important for ensuring food security,promoting the construction of ecological civilization,and achieving sustainable development.Therefore,this study identified four relationships of land system functions during the process of grain production space reconstruction(1980-2018)in China by using Set Pair Analysis.Research results showed that the reconstruction of grain production space was achieved mainly through three pathways:Grain for Green,deforestation and reclamation,and urban expansion.Generally,ecological service had spatial negative correlation with grain production,economic development and population carrying capacity(P<0.01),but grain production,economic development and population carrying capacity were positively correlated with each other(P<0.01).In the process of grain production space reconstruction,eco-logical services and economic development,ecological services and population carrying capacity had all shown inverse synergies;there was a tradeoffbetween grain production and ecological services,a codirectional tradeoffbetween grain production and economic development,but a strong synergy between economic development and population carrying capacity.However,the functions of land systems only appeared as synergies or tradeoffs,and there were no inverse synergies and codirectional tradeoffs in the separate processes of Grain for Green,deforestation and reclamation,and urban expansion.It can be concluded that the relationships between land system functions were relatively simple in a single process,but it became complex and diverse when multiple processes were integrated for system analysis.展开更多
Theory suggests that with sufficient environmental variation, pollen limitation might be observed at some places or times, and resource limitation at others, but there are no empirical data about the effect of seasona...Theory suggests that with sufficient environmental variation, pollen limitation might be observed at some places or times, and resource limitation at others, but there are no empirical data about the effect of seasonal change on the variation of pollen limitation and resource limitation within a flowering season. In this study, we examined pollen and resource limi- tation by comparing fruit set and seed production in natural- and hand-pollinated Hedysarum scoparium flowers in the middle reaches of the Hexi Corridor region, China, in 2010. We also described a role for the first substantial autumn rainfall in mediating a shift between pollen and resource limitation in H. scoparium, but did not analyze this experimentally Our results indicated that H. scoparium was resource limited at peak flowering during the summer, and was pollen limited at peak flowering during the autumn. The seasonal change （summer to autumn） mediated the shift between pollen and resource limitations in H. scoparium. The shift timing depended on the date of the first autumn rainfall in 2010. Changes in the first substantial rainfall in autumn may affect fruiting of H. scoparium, thus affecting population persistence of this species and development/structure of the local ecosystem if such conditions persist.展开更多
In our paper we will mainly construct a stochastic model from uncertainty and establish some properties on it.we will next show that the existence of supporting prices and optimal paths,and obtain some results similar...In our paper we will mainly construct a stochastic model from uncertainty and establish some properties on it.we will next show that the existence of supporting prices and optimal paths,and obtain some results similar to Optimal Growth in which there are the some methods展开更多
The popularization of <i>Dioscorea dumetorum</i> (Dioscoreaceae), a nutritious yam species is still marginal due to constraints such as the low interest of research, poor cultural practices, insufficient a...The popularization of <i>Dioscorea dumetorum</i> (Dioscoreaceae), a nutritious yam species is still marginal due to constraints such as the low interest of research, poor cultural practices, insufficient and expensive seeds, pests, and diseases. The latter pushes producers to use about 50% of their harvest as seed for the next planting season. The lack of a specific fertilizer formulation for yam production on the oxysols of Cameroon is another constraint. This study was aimed at enhancing the availability of quality seeds through the characterization of five yam accessions. One experiment was performed to determine the effect of cultivar and origin of tuber sets on their germination rate. The <span>second concerned the evaluation of cultivars and soil treatment effects on ag</span>ronomic parameters of yam seedlings. Yam cultivars were subjected to nine fertilizer formulations as follows: T0: no fertilizer;T1: mycorrhizal fungi (MF) + 150 g manure + peanut waste;T2: 25 g chemical fertilizer (20.10.10);T3: MF + peanut waste;T4: 16 g chemical fertilizer (12.6.20);T5: 25 g (20.10.10) +100 g CaO + 150 g manure;T6: 100 g CaO + 150 g manure;T7: 20 g tropicote + 2 g DAP (Diammonium phosphate, a reference starter fertilizer coded N18P46) + 100 g CaO + 150 g manure;and T8: mycorrhiza. These treatments were tested in a factorial design. Results show that Ibo sweet 3 and Mabondji sweet white 1 yam accessions were less affected by anthracnose disease on the aerial parts. Guzang 1 showed the best germination rate and yield, making it appropriate for cultivation in the region. Soil treatments, T2, T5, T7 and T8 significantly increased the yield of yam cultivars. Mycorrhiza treatment alone gave a better response to seed weight, indicating the interest of this biofertilizer as a solution for good seedling production. These fertilizer treatments can be recommended to farmers for more seed production with optimum seed weight (300 g).展开更多
文摘SET is a multifunctional protein involved in regulating many biological processes of the cell cycle. It is also a regulator of steroidogenesis in the ovary. However, the expression of SET protein in testis, and its function, still remains ambiguous. In this study, we observed the expression of SET in the testes of mice at different developmental stages, and have discussed its potential function in regulating spermatogenesis and androgen production. Forty-eight male mice at different developmental stages （1 week old as the infancy group; 4 weeks old as the prepubertal group; 12 weeks old as the adult group; over 12 months old as the ageing group） were used. Cellular location of SET protein in the testes was observed by immuno-histochemistry. Expression levels of Set mRNA and SET protein were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. SET protein was expressed in spermatogonial cells and spermatocytes; the highest level was mainly in haploid and tetraploid cells of the prepubertal and adult groups, and Leydig cells of the adult and ageing groups. There was a low expression in Sertoli cells. Expression of Set mRNA in the prepubertal group was significantly higher than that in the adult group （P 〈 0.05）, while expression of SET protein was at the highest level in the adult group （P 〈 0.05）. SET protein is mainly expressed in spermatogonial cells and spermatocytes, and poorly expressed in Sertoli cells, suggesting that it is involved in spermatogenesis. Expression of SET protein in Leydig cells suggests a possible role in steroidogenesis.
基金This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 70531040, 70871114, and the 985 Research Grant of Renmin University of China, and the Hong Kong CERG Research Fund PolyU5457/06H and PolyU 5485/09H.
文摘The data envelopment analysis （DEA） model is used to evaluate the relative economic efficiency of a given set of decision making units （DMUs）. In this paper, the DEA production possibility set is transferred from the conventional sum form into the intersection form which is represented by a linear inequality system. Although it is time consuming to obtain the intersection form of the production possibility set, it suggests a new angle to investigate the properties of DMUs and to extend the DEA research further beyond the efficiency measurement. Following the intersection form, the analytical formula of the efficiency indicator and projection is given. Various aspects of technical efficiency, returns to scale and evidence of congestion of the DMUs are studied. The relationship between the weak DEA efficiency and the weak Pareto solution is discussed. Finally, a procedure for DMU grouping is proposed to help the decision makers for better resource reallocation and strategy adjustment.
基金funded by the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB421303)
文摘Pollen limitation of plant reproduction occurs across Angiosperms, particularly those in patched habitats We investigated the, relationship between pollen limitation and patch variables （patch size, visitation frequency） in the desert plant Hedysarum scoparium （Fabaceae）, which is an important xerophyte in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China and can grow well as a pioneer plant in shifting sand dunes. We observed insect visitation to H. scoparium over two flowering seasons and estimated pollen limitation using fruit set and seed production. Our results indicate that fruit set and seed production increased significantly with pollen supplementation compared with open pollination. Hedysarum scoparium was pollinated by over 8 species of bees, with 88.4% of visits made by introduced honeybees （Apis mellifera）. Bee visitation varied significantly among the patches of habitats, but not associated with patch size of habitat. In general, pollen limitation occurred more strongly during fruit set than during seed production. The patches that received higher rates of pollinator visits were less pollen limited for fruit set. Pollen limitation for seed production, however, was not associated with pollinator visitation frequency. We conclude that pollen limitation in H. scoparium was caused by more than one reason, not just pollinator visits.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.70531040,70871114)The Hong Kong CERG Research Fund (Grant Nos.5485/09H,5515/10H)
文摘This research proposes a new method to estimate returns to scale(RTS) of decision making units(DM Us) with multiple inputs and outputs.The state of return to scale includes increasing RTS,constant RTS,decreasing RTS and evidence of congestion.The method is based on the production possibility set in the intersection form given by a set of linear inequalities.We propose and prove the necessary and sufficient conditions for the RTS estimation.With the new procedure,to estimate the RTS of a DM U is simply to check the position of the DM U on the production frontiers.We point out that the procedure is particularly important for dealing with a large number of DM U s.Therefore,it can be regarded as a complementary to the data mining.
基金conducted under the auspice of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41701094).
文摘Grain production space reconstruction referred to the changes in the quantity,quality and pattern of grain produc-tion space caused by functional tradeoffs and conflicts between grain production space,urban-rural development space,and ecological service space.Exploring tradeoffs between land system functions caused by grain produc-tion space reconstruction was particularly important for ensuring food security,promoting the construction of ecological civilization,and achieving sustainable development.Therefore,this study identified four relationships of land system functions during the process of grain production space reconstruction(1980-2018)in China by using Set Pair Analysis.Research results showed that the reconstruction of grain production space was achieved mainly through three pathways:Grain for Green,deforestation and reclamation,and urban expansion.Generally,ecological service had spatial negative correlation with grain production,economic development and population carrying capacity(P<0.01),but grain production,economic development and population carrying capacity were positively correlated with each other(P<0.01).In the process of grain production space reconstruction,eco-logical services and economic development,ecological services and population carrying capacity had all shown inverse synergies;there was a tradeoffbetween grain production and ecological services,a codirectional tradeoffbetween grain production and economic development,but a strong synergy between economic development and population carrying capacity.However,the functions of land systems only appeared as synergies or tradeoffs,and there were no inverse synergies and codirectional tradeoffs in the separate processes of Grain for Green,deforestation and reclamation,and urban expansion.It can be concluded that the relationships between land system functions were relatively simple in a single process,but it became complex and diverse when multiple processes were integrated for system analysis.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31400392,91025002,31370466)the Foundation for Excellent Youth Scholars of CAREERI,CAS (Y451111001)a General Financial Grant from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2014M552516)
文摘Theory suggests that with sufficient environmental variation, pollen limitation might be observed at some places or times, and resource limitation at others, but there are no empirical data about the effect of seasonal change on the variation of pollen limitation and resource limitation within a flowering season. In this study, we examined pollen and resource limi- tation by comparing fruit set and seed production in natural- and hand-pollinated Hedysarum scoparium flowers in the middle reaches of the Hexi Corridor region, China, in 2010. We also described a role for the first substantial autumn rainfall in mediating a shift between pollen and resource limitation in H. scoparium, but did not analyze this experimentally Our results indicated that H. scoparium was resource limited at peak flowering during the summer, and was pollen limited at peak flowering during the autumn. The seasonal change （summer to autumn） mediated the shift between pollen and resource limitations in H. scoparium. The shift timing depended on the date of the first autumn rainfall in 2010. Changes in the first substantial rainfall in autumn may affect fruiting of H. scoparium, thus affecting population persistence of this species and development/structure of the local ecosystem if such conditions persist.
文摘In our paper we will mainly construct a stochastic model from uncertainty and establish some properties on it.we will next show that the existence of supporting prices and optimal paths,and obtain some results similar to Optimal Growth in which there are the some methods
文摘The popularization of <i>Dioscorea dumetorum</i> (Dioscoreaceae), a nutritious yam species is still marginal due to constraints such as the low interest of research, poor cultural practices, insufficient and expensive seeds, pests, and diseases. The latter pushes producers to use about 50% of their harvest as seed for the next planting season. The lack of a specific fertilizer formulation for yam production on the oxysols of Cameroon is another constraint. This study was aimed at enhancing the availability of quality seeds through the characterization of five yam accessions. One experiment was performed to determine the effect of cultivar and origin of tuber sets on their germination rate. The <span>second concerned the evaluation of cultivars and soil treatment effects on ag</span>ronomic parameters of yam seedlings. Yam cultivars were subjected to nine fertilizer formulations as follows: T0: no fertilizer;T1: mycorrhizal fungi (MF) + 150 g manure + peanut waste;T2: 25 g chemical fertilizer (20.10.10);T3: MF + peanut waste;T4: 16 g chemical fertilizer (12.6.20);T5: 25 g (20.10.10) +100 g CaO + 150 g manure;T6: 100 g CaO + 150 g manure;T7: 20 g tropicote + 2 g DAP (Diammonium phosphate, a reference starter fertilizer coded N18P46) + 100 g CaO + 150 g manure;and T8: mycorrhiza. These treatments were tested in a factorial design. Results show that Ibo sweet 3 and Mabondji sweet white 1 yam accessions were less affected by anthracnose disease on the aerial parts. Guzang 1 showed the best germination rate and yield, making it appropriate for cultivation in the region. Soil treatments, T2, T5, T7 and T8 significantly increased the yield of yam cultivars. Mycorrhiza treatment alone gave a better response to seed weight, indicating the interest of this biofertilizer as a solution for good seedling production. These fertilizer treatments can be recommended to farmers for more seed production with optimum seed weight (300 g).
