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Recent gravitational wave detection efforts have yielded a variety of unexpected binary merger event types, revealing our ignorance regarding one of the more fundamental pillars of astrophysics–the binary evolution process. To make up for this shortfall, we have to not only rely on such rare transient events as binary mergers, but also other independent, more persistently observable inspirations. We introduce one such candidate in this review, namely the Thorne-Żytkow Objects (TŻO), that are hypothetical celestial bodies born when neutron stars sink into the centers of red giants and/or red supergiants, whose properties and inferred formation history would undoubtedly clue us in on the vitals of the progenitor binary. First, focus on the theoretical overview of the structure and evolution of massive TŻO; then focus on the observational findings of massive TŻO, especially HV2112 in the Small Magellanic Cloud; finally, summarize current related work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genome-wide association study and follow-up replication studies to identify genetic variants that influence bone mineral density (BMD) in different ethnic groups reveal that rs2273061 of the Jagged1 (JAG1) gene is associated with high BMD and osteoporotic fractures. The results reveal that the JAG1 gene is involved in BMD regulation in different ethnic groups, and is also a possible important factor in fracture pathogenesis.

Abstract Under the influence of many factors, including complicated geological condition, high stress environment and strong disturbance by blasting, rock mass failure, and in some cases, dynamic failures would occur. Therefore, it is important to investigate and to understand rock mass stability during mining. In this study, Modified Omori Law (MOL) was applied to analyze the acoustic emission (AE) and microseismic (MS) sequence power-law attenuation characteristics in the laboratory and in situ. The MOL parameters, during the period of constant stress at lower stress level was much different with that at higher stress level, can reflect the stress level in rock. Before failure of the two rock specimens, the MOL is not applicable, indicating that the rock was close to the critical instability state. During the mining process, rock mass would be strongly disturbed by blasting. The AE sequence monitored from a ramp near the stope, and the MS sequence monitored from the whole rock mass near the stope all exhibited distinct power-law attenuation characteristics. The changes of MOL parameters, i.e. , p , c and A , are very complex and related to many factors and it should cooperative analyze the three parameters to evaluate rock mass stability during the mining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanuric acid is a metabolic intermediate of s-triazines, such as atrazine (a common herbicide) and melamine (used in resins and plastics). Cyanuric acid is mineralized to ammonia and carbon dioxide by the soil bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP via three hydrolytic enzymes (AtzD, AtzE, and AtzF). Here, we report the purification and biochemical and structural characterization of AtzE. Contrary to previous reports, we found that AtzE is not a biuret amidohydrolase, but instead it catalyzes the hydrolytic deamination of 1-carboxybiuret. X-ray crystal structures of apo AtzE and AtzE bound with the suicide inhibitor phenyl phosphorodiamidate revealed that the AtzE enzyme complex consists of two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. We also show that AtzE forms an α2β2 heterotetramer with a previously unidentified 68-amino acid-long protein (AtzG) encoded in the cyanuric acid mineralization operon from Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP. Moreover, we observed that AtzG is essential for the production of soluble, active AtzE and that this obligate interaction is a vestige of their shared evolutionary origin. We propose that AtzEG was likely recruited into the cyanuric acid-mineralizing pathway from an ancestral glutamine transamidosome that required protein-protein interactions to enforce the exclusion of solvent from the transamidation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sailuotong (SLT) is a standard Chinese preparation made from extracts of Panax ginseng (ginseng), Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), and Crocus sativus (saffron). Preliminary clinical trials and animal experiments have demonstrated that SLT could improve cognition of vascular dementia (VD).Purpose: To avoid incident drug-drug interaction which is easily encountered in patients of VD, the potential influence of SLT on main drug-metabolic cytochromes P450 enzymes (CYP450) was investigated.Method: A "cocktail probes" approach was employed to evaluate the activities of CYP450. A rapid and selective analysis method was developed to examine 5 CYP probe drugs and their specific metabolites in plasma by using online SPE followed by a single LC-MS/MS run. After pretreatment for 2 weeks with SLT, ginseng, gingko, saffron or water (control), a cocktail solution containing caffeine, losartan, omeprazole, dextromethorphan and midazolam was given to rats orally. The plasma was obtained at different time intervals and then measured for the concentration of probes and their metabolites using developed SPE-LC-MS/MS method. Activity of five isozymes was estimated by comparing plasma pharmacokinetics of substrates and their metabolites (caffeine/paraxanthine for CYP1A2, losartan/E-3174 for CYP2C11, omeprazole/5-hydroxyl omeprazole for CYP2C6, dextromethorphan/dextrophan for CYP2D2 and midazolam/1-hydroxyl midazolam for CYP3A1/2) between control and drug treatment groups.Result: Compared with control group, repeated administration of SLT induced CYP1A2 by enhancing AUC paraxanthine / AUC caffeine to144%. The influence is attributed to its herbal component of ginseng to a large extent. Meanwhile, metabolic ability towards losartan was significantly elevated in SLT and gingko group by 31% and 25% respectively, indicating weak induction of CYP2C11 in rats. The analysis on probes of omeprazole and dextromethorphan showed a lack of influence on CYP 2C6 and CYP2D2 in all treated groups. In terms of CYP3A1/2, SLT decreased AUC ratio of 1-hydroxyl midazolam to midazolam by 39% and extended the half-life of midazolam apparently. Besides, significantly decreased systematic exposure of midazolam suggested the inhibition on metabolism of CYP3A1/2 is likely secondary to the interaction on absorption at intestinal level. The inhibition of SLT on CYP3A was likely attributed to ginseng and gingko cooperatively.Conclusion: Further observation on herb-drug interaction should be considered during clinical application of SLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the reactive oxygen species NO can trigger cell death in plants and other organisms, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we provide evidence that NO may trigger cell death in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by inhibiting the activity of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (SlPDK1), a conserved negative regulator of cell death in yeasts, mammals, and plants, via S-nitrosylation. Biotin-switch assays indicated that SlPDK1 is a target of S-nitrosylation. Moreover, the kinase activity of SlPDK1 was inhibited by S-nitrosoglutathione in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that SlPDK1 activity is abrogated by S-nitrosylation. The S-nitrosoglutathione-induced inhibition was reversible in the presence of a reducing agent but additively enhanced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Our LC-MS/MS analyses further indicated that SlPDK1 is primarily S-nitrosylated on a cysteine residue at position 128 (Cys128), and substitution of Cys128 with serine completely abolished SlPDK1 kinase activity, suggesting that S-nitrosylation of Cys128 is responsible for SlPDK1 inhibition. In summary, our results establish a potential link between NO-triggered cell death and inhibition of the kinase activity of tomato PDK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most landslides in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau take place in the Quaternary strata. Reasonable deformation mechanism, analyses method and controlling measures are proposed to treat colluvial landslides in this paper. Combined with the regional geological conditions of a colluvial landslide located at Road S101 Line of Qinghai Province, distinctive influencing factors were analyzed, including adverse physical and mechanical properties, geometrical structure, coupled fluid and thermal process. Slope stability was simulated by finite difference method. Displacement and shear strain in the lower part of sliding body are both higher than the upper part in saturated condition, consistent with the actual sliding characteristics. According to the geological comprehensive analyses and numerical simulation, the deformation mechanism, temporal and spatial evolutionary processes were summarized. The results show that freeze-thaw cyclic process of stagnant water during winter and spring make shallow deposits creep continuously and slide ultimately. Saturated condition caused by rainstorm in summer or autumn makes the slope slide integrally, and draws the mudstone at back to slide subsequently. The suitability and practical feedback of various kinds of controlling measures applied to colluvial landslides in cold regions were discussed. Micropile has significant elastic flexibility and unloading ability, and so can adapt to the mechanical change and sliding process of slope during freeze-thaw process. Both practical application and numerical calculation indicate that micropile is an appropriate choice against colluvial landslides in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of indium (In) addition on thermal property, microstructure, wettability and interfacial reactions of Sn-8Zn-3Bi lead-free solder alloys has been investigated. Results showed that addition of In could lower both solidus and liquidus temperatures of the solder alloys with wettabilty significantly improved. The spreading area of Sn-8Zn-3Bi-1.0In was increased by 34% compared to that of Sn-8Zn-3Bi. With the increase of In content, Zn-rich precipitates were smaller in size and distributed more uniformly, which might be beneficial for mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the solders. The intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed between Sn-8Zn-3Bi-xIn solder/Cu substrate was identified as Cu-Zn with a scallop layer adjacent to the solder and a flat layer to the substrate. The addition of In slightly influenced the thickness of the IMCs. The newly developed Sn-Zn-Bi-In solder system has great potential to replace the Sn-Pb solders as low-temperature lead-free solders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This guideline aims to provide a methodological guidance for clinical studies in TCM and integrative medicine in terms of study design, execution, and reporting. The commonly used methods including experimental and observational methods were introduced in this guideline such as randomized clinical trials, cohort study, case-control study, case series, and qualitative method which can be incorporated into above quantitative methods. The guideline can be used for the evaluation of therapeutic effect of TCM therapies or their combination with conventional therapy. TCM therapy refers to one of the followings or their combination: herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Taichi/Qigong, and Guasha, Tuina (therapeutic massage). It is also suitable for research and development of ethnopharmaceuticals or folk medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interest is increasing in the role of peptide-bound amino acids (AAs) in milk protein synthesis because studies have found that the uptake of some essential AAs by the mammary gland cannot meet the requirements for milk protein synthesis. Although the role of dipeptides in milk protein synthesis is clearly established, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether small peptides can be taken up intact by the peptide transporters in mammary tissue explants and the underlying mechanisms of the effects of methionyl-methionine (Met-Met) supplementation on milk protein synthesis. Methods: Mammary tissue explants were cultured in conditional medium and then treated with different concentrations of Met-Met that replaced 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of free Met for another 24 h. In some experiments, explants were cultured with an optimal dose of Met-Met with or without the inhibitors of peptide transporter 2 [PepT2; diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC), 0.1 mmol/L] and aminopeptidase N (APN; bestatin, 20 µmol/L) for 24 h. Results: The substitutions of 15% free Met with Met-Met significantly promoted α-s1 casein (αs1-CN) expression in the mammary explants (P < 0.05). The inhibition of the PepT2 by DEPC or APN by bestatin significantly decreased the Met-Met-stimulated increase of αs1-CN expression (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group (0% Met-Met), absorption of Val, Met, Leu, Phe, Lys, and His was improved, and mRNA abundance of the neutral and basic AA transporter was increased in the 15% Met-Met group (P< 0.05). In addition, the mRNA abundance of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 gene, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 gene, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) was increased in the 15% Met-Met-treated group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Met-Met promoted αs1-CN synthesis in cultured bovine mammary gland explants, and this stimulation may be mediated by enhanced intracellular substrate availability and by activating JAK2-STAT5 and mTOR signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The association of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 with cardiovascular diseases has been well-studied. However, their roles in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are incompletely understood. We aim to study the association of plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 with DKD in Asians with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Subjects and Methods: A total of 1950 Asians with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were measured by immunoassays. Results: Renal filtration function (eGFR) declined and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) levels increased progressively with the increase in plasma VCAM-1 levels. In contrast, no significant changes in eGFR and ACR were observed in subjects across different plasma ICAM-1 levels. Both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were correlated with ACR (rho = 0.153, < 0.001 for VCAM-1 and ACR; rho = 0.053, p = 0.020 for ICAM-1 and ACR) in bivariate correlation analysis. However, only VCAM-1 was correlated with eGFR (rho = -0.228, < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression models revealed that VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1, was independently associated with eGFR and albuminuria. Backward linear regression suggested that plasma VCAM-1 variability was mainly determined by eGFR whereas plasma ICAM-1 level was mainly determined by C-reactive protein in patients with T2DM. Conclusions: Plasma VCAM-1 level, but not ICAM-1 level, was independently associated with prevalent DKD in Asians with T2DM. High level of ICAM-1 may be indicative of systemic inflammation and portends increase risk of incipient DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In underground engineering structures, rock mass stability is influenced by the excavation with the stress concentrated at the roof and side wall. In this paper, acoustic emission (AE) technique and moment tensor (MT) analysis were both applied to study the behavior of coarse-grained granite samples, containing an inverted U-shaped opening, which were subjected to uniaxial compression. The resolved micro-crack types were presented in terms of their spatial–temporal evolution and change in their proportions throughout the tests. The AE hypocenter locations were calculated using the Simplex algorithm and the micro-crack fracture modes were assessed using the MT analysis. AE events, in most of the cases, were prone to cluster in zonal areas from the top to the bottom of the samples. Micro-cracks were classified to shear, mixed-mode and tensile cracks. Shear-type cracks, accounting for almost 60% of total number of AE events, were dominant, compared to the tensile-type cracks. Moreover, shear micro-cracks were predominantly observed at the sidewall whereas tensile micro-cracks were dominant at regions around the roof of the inverted U-shaped opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Support vector machine is an effective classification and regression method that uses VC theory of large margin to maximize the predictive accuracy while avoiding over-fitting of data. L2-norm regularization has been commonly used. If the training data set contains many noise features, L1-norm regularization SVM will provide a better performance. However, both L1-norm and L2-norm are not the optimal regularization method when handling a large number of redundant features and only a small amount of data points are useful for machine learning. We have therefore proposed an adaptive learning algorithm using the p-norm regularization SVM for 0 < p ≤2. Leveraging on the theory of Legendre-Fenchel duality, we derive a variational quadratic upper bound of non-differentiable non-convex Lp-norm regularized term when 0 < p ≤1. Generalization error bounds for non-integer norm regularization SVM were provided. Five cancer data sets from public data banks were used for the evaluation. All five evaluations empirically showed that the new adaptive algorithm was able to achieve the optimal prediction error using a less than L1 norm. On the seven different data sets having different sizes and different application domains, our approach was evaluated and compared to current state-of-the-art L1-norm and L2-norm SVM, repeatedly demonstrating that proposed method substantially improved performance. Moreover, we observed that the proposed p-norm penalty is more robust to noise features than the L1-norm and L2-norm penalties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report the clinical effect of traditional acupuncture in the treatment and symptom management of painful ophthalmoplegia due to Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Methods A single case of a 62-year-old female with painful ophthalmoplegia due to Tolosa-Hunt syndrome was observed. Acupuncture was administered alone in the patient's treatment plan and without glucocorticoid during treatment period. Results After 10 treatments over the course of 2 weeks, the patient had a significant clinical effect, positive outcomes in the patient's vitality and quality of life. Conclusion It is suggested that acupuncture therapy have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect equal to steroid during the treatment of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal prenatal daily iron-folic acid (IFA) and multiple micronutrient (MM) supplements are recommended to reduce the risk of low birth weight, maternal anemia, and iron deficiency (ID) during pregnancy, but the evidence of their effect on iron status among women with mild or no anemia is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the iron status [serum ferritin (SF), serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and body iron (BI)] before and after micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy. We examined 834 pregnant women with hemoglobin > 100 g/L at enrollment before 20 wk of gestation and with iron measurement data from a subset of a randomized, double-blind trial in China. Women were randomly assigned to take daily 400 µg of folic acid (FA) (control), FA plus 30 mg of iron, or FA, iron, plus 13 additional MMs provided before 20 wk of gestation to delivery. Venous blood was collected in this subset during study enrollment (before 20 wk of gestation) and 28-32 wk of gestation. We found that, at 28-32 wk of gestation, compared with the FA group, both the IFA and MM groups had significantly lower prevalence of ID regardless of which indicator (SF, sTfR, or BI) was used for defining ID. The prevalence of ID at 28-32 wk of gestation for IFA, MM, and FA were 35.3%, 42.7%, and 59.6% by using low SF, 53.6%, 59.9%, and 69.9% by using high sTfR, and 34.5%, 41.2%, and 59.6% by using low BI, respectively. However, there was no difference in anemia prevalence (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) between FA and IFA or MM groups. We concluded that, compared with FA alone, prenatal IFA and MM supplements provided to women with no or mild anemia improved iron status later during pregnancy but did not affect perinatal anemia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00137744. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal immunization is advantageous over other routes of antigen delivery because it can induce both mucosal and systemic immune responses. In this study, we have developed fimbriae protein of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F41 was stably expressed on the surface Lactobacillus casei 525. The method of expressing vaccine antigens in L. casei induces both systemic and mucosal immunity after oral or intranasal administration. We demonstrate that an oral or intranasal vaccine based on live recombinant L. casei 525 protects infant mice from ETEC F41 infection. This platform technology can be applied to design oral or intranasal vaccine delivery vehicles against several microbial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) secondary to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with multifaceted energy dysmetabolism. We aim to study the relationship between renal function, body composition and irisin, the recently identified myokine which is involved in energy regulation, in T2DM. Methods: Circulating irisin and body composition were measured in 365 T2DM subjects across a wide range of renal function. Results: Circulating irisin was significantly decreased in T2DM with renal insufficiency (77.4 ± 13.7 ng/ml in T2DM with eGFR ⩾ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 versus 72.5 ± 14.9 ng/ml in those with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.001) and the reduction in irisin was most pronounced in stage 5 CKD patients. In T2DM with preserved renal function, irisin was correlated with age (r = -0.242, p = 0.001) and pulse pressure (r = -0.188, p = 0.002). Among those with renal insufficiency, irisin was correlated with BMI (r = 0.171, p = 0.022), fat mass (r = 0.191, p = 0.013), percentage of fat mass (r = 0.210, p = 0.007) and eGFR (r = 0.171, p = 0.020). Multivariate linear regression models revealed that variations in circulating irisin were mainly attributable to eGFR and age in T2DM with and without renal impairment, respectively. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the level of circulating irisin may be associated with renal function in T2DM. The role of reduced irisin in energy dysmetabolism in diabetic patients with renal insufficiency deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma cell mastitis (PCM) is one of the most frequently encountered inflammatory diseases of the nonlactating breast. Histologically, PCM is characterized by infiltration of relatively abundant plasma cells into the mammary ducts. Its pathogenesis has remained unknown. In this study, we immunolocalized intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 and 2 and E-selectin, all of which play pivotal roles in the inflammatory process, in 35 cases of PCM. We then compared the results with those of non-PCM and nonpathologic breast tissue. In the ductal epithelium, ICAM-1 immunoreactivity was significantly more pronounced in PCM than in non-PCM (P = .045). Both ICAM-1 (P < .001) and ICAM-2 (P = .001) were significantly more pronounced in PCM than in nonpathologic breast tissue. However, no significant differences in ICAM-2 and E-selectin immunoreactivity were detected between ductal epithelium of PCM and non-PCM. ICAM-1, but not ICAM-2 or E-selectin, demonstrated significantly higher immunoreactivity in endothelial cells of PCMthan in nonpathologic breast (P < .001). These results all suggest that ICAM-1 in both ductal epithelium and endothelium plays important roles in the inflammatory process of PCM, possibly through margination, extravasation, and attachment of plasma cells and lymphocytes, which may result in continuous inflammatory cell homing to ductal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Irisin is a novel myokine secreted in response to PPAR-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) activation. Earlier studies suggested that PGC-1α expression and activity were lower in myocytes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, we hypothesize that circulating irisin levels are lower in T2DM patients. Methods: In this observational study, we recruited 96 T2DM subjects and 60 non-diabetic control subjects. Among T2DM subjects, 38% were on insulin treatment, 78% were taking statins and 72% were taking reninangiotensin system antagonists. Circulating irisin was quantified by ELISA and its association with markers of metabolic phenotype was analyzed by Pearson bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression. Results: Circulating irisin was significantly lower in individuals with T2DM compared with non-diabetic controls (T2DM 204 ± 72 ng/ml vs. non-diabetic control 257 ± 24 ng/ml, p b 0.0001). In non-diabetic subjects, circulating irisin was correlated with age (r = 0.398, p b 0.01), BMI (r = 0.387, p b 0.01), total cholesterol (r = 0.341, p b 0.01), total triglycerides (r = 0.299, p b 0.05), fasting blood glucose (r = 0.430, p b 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.306, p b 0.05). Multiple linear regression model revealed that BMI (β = 0.407, p = 0.012) and FBG (β = 0.315, p = 0.034) were associated with irisin in non-diabetic subjects after adjusting for multiple co-variates. However, similar analysis in T2DM subjects didn’t reveal significant association between circulating irisin and major markers of metabolic phenotype. Conclusions: Circulating irisin is lower in T2DM compared with non-diabetic controls. Plasma irisin levels appear to be associated with important metabolic factors in non-diabetic subjects but not in individuals with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To solve the problems of existing informatization platform of CETDC, an experimental teaching interaction subplatform with SSH2 framework is designed and implemented which is guided by the software engineering development theory. The combination of some key technologies of layered modular architecture, AOP development method for non-functional concerns and dynamic system menus brings better maintainability and extensibility to software platform, reduces software investment cost, solves the problem that traditional software can’t adapt to the demand change of experimental teaching reform and achieves better practicability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to study the shift point information of integrated control, it is carried out to simulation of common working point and automatic shift point between engine and hydraulic torque converter using MATLAB in this paper, which obtains the best automatic shift point. It is shown that shift point calculation is correct through experiment verify. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The most of automatic transmissions used in vehicle are introduced abroad currently. For mastering the core technology of automatic transmission control systems, detail researches on both hardware and software of automatic transmission control systems are necessary. Taking the automatic transmission of Lexus LS400''s A341, 80C196KB as controller, C196A development board as periphery circuits, signal conditioning, driver circuits and system control programs have been developed. Using the transmission valve body and signal simulator, the simulating experiment was conducted. The logic performance is proved to be right and control method proposed is significant to develop other automatic transmission [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper introduced the progress in research and application of electronic ultrasonic water mist fire suppression technology. Several researches showed that the electronic ultrasonic water mist can be as effective as the now-banned gaseous fire suppressant halon 1301. With the further research about electronic ultrasonic water mist technology, there must be more and more electronic ultrasonic water mist extinguishment tools applied in the fire suppression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this research, the combustion performances and the smoke toxic of three kinds of thermal insulation materials: Expanded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards, polyurethane and rube-plastic sponge were studied by single burning item test(SBI), limiting oxygen index (LOI), oxygen bomb combustion heat and smoke toxicity test. Results showed that fireproof safety performance of the polyurethane is worst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An ionic metal–dithiolene complex, 1,1'-didecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium bis(maleonitriledithiolato)zincate(II) ([Zn(mnt)2]2−), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and crystal structure. In the [Zn(mnt)2]2− moiety, the complex shows distorted tetrahedral geometry with Zn2+ coordinated to four S-atoms from two mnt2− ligands, and its long molecular axis adopts a similar orientation with 1,1'-didecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium. Two distinguishable redox processes occur in the voltage region of − 1.0 to 1.0 V, with the irreversible and reversible redox couples corresponding to [Zn(mnt)2]2−/[Zn(mnt)2]− and 1,1'-didecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium+/1,1'-didecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium2+, respectively. An uncommon nematic mesophase behavior in this complex was confirmed by polarized-light optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global environmental temperature changes threaten innumerable plant species. Although various signaling networks regulate plant responses to temperature fluctuations, the mechanisms unifying these diverse processes are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that an Arabidopsis monothiol glutaredoxin, AtGRXS17 (At4g04950), plays a critical role in redox homeostasis and hormone perception to mediate temperature-dependent postembryonic growth. AtGRXS17 expression was induced by elevated temperatures. Lines altered in AtGRXS17 expression were hypersensitive to elevated temperatures and phenocopied mutants altered in the perception of the phytohormone auxin. We show that auxin sensitivity and polar auxin transport were perturbed in these mutants, whereas auxin biosynthesis was not altered. In addition, atgrxs17 plants displayed phenotypes consistent with defects in proliferation and/or cell cycle control while accumulating higher levels of reactive oxygen species and cellular membrane damage under high temperature. Together, our findings provide a nexus between reactive oxygen species homeostasis, auxin signaling, and temperature responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find a suitable ligand from a complex antigen system is still a mission to be accomplished. Here we have explored a novel "library against proteome" panning strategy for ligand screening and antigen purification from a complex system using phage-displayed antibody technology. Human plasma proteome was targeted for phage library panning. During the process, the panning was carried out in solution, using a biotin/ streptavidin beads separation system, for three rounds. Nine monoclonal phages, bound tightly to a number of unknown plasma proteins, were selected from the last round, six of which were directly employed as cross-linked matrices to purify their corresponding antigens from the plasma. The proteins isolated by G5 and El matrices 'were identified as amyloid protein and apolipoprotein A-I precursor, respectively. The results demonstrated that it was feasible to simultaneously obtain a number of ligand phages for various antigens, including low abundant proteins in a non-comparative proteome-wide system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By analyzing the DC traction supply system in coal mine, we confirmed the following four parameters to be the characteristic parameters of workface stray current safe early warning, that is, the leakage current of contacting line, resistance of insulating splint, the distance between workface and subtraction substation and the stray voltage of contacting line. After that, we developed a safety early warning model of coal mining workface stray current danger grade with ANFIS as its core, choosing data sets measured online to do the training and early warning of safe early warning model. Results indicate that the model can be able to complete safety early warning of workface stray current. Besides, a monitoring and early warning system of stray current was introduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To explore the association between polymorphism in the ACE L/D gene and blood pressure-lowering response to hydrochiorothiazide (HCTZ) in 829 patients. Methods HCTZ 12.5 mg was taken once a day for six weeks. The blood pressure reduction and ratio reaching target blood pressure were compared in different ACE genotype groups. Results The reduction in SBP of patients carrying DD was greater than that in other groups carrying II or ID (12.2 mmHg versus 5.4 mmHg, 12.2 mmHg versus 4.4 mmHg, respectively, P<0.05). The reduction in MAP of patients carrying DD was also greater than that in other groups carrying II or ID (6.9 mmHg versus 3.9 mmHg, 6.9 mmHg versus 3.6 mmHg, respectively, P<0.05). The ratio reaching target blood pressure in DD groups was significantly higher than that in II or ID groups (P<0.05). The pre-treatment SBP, DD genotype, aldosterone levels entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of SBP. The pre-treatment DBP, aldosterone levels, DD genotype entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of DBP. The pre-treatment MAP, DD genotype, aldosterone levels entered the multi-linear regression model significantly and might affect the reduction of MAP. Conclusion ACE genotyping is associated with blood pressure-lowering response to HCTZ. Specific genotypes might be associated with the response to specific antihypertensive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are ubiquitous small heat-stable disulfide oxidoreductases and members of the thioredoxin (Trx) fold protein family. In bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells, Grxs appear to be involved in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. However, in plants, the physiological roles of Grxs have not been fully characterized. Recently, an emerging subgroup of Grxs with one cysteine residue in the putative active motif (monothiol Grxs) has been identified but not well characterized. Here we demonstrate that a plant protein, AtGRXcp, is a chloroplast-localized monothiol Grx with high similarity to yeast Grx5. In yeast expression assays, AtGRXcp localized to the mitochondria and suppressed the sensitivity of yeast grx5 cells to H2O2 and protein oxidation. AtGRXcp expression can also suppress iron accumulation and partially rescue the lysine auxotrophy of yeast grx5 cells. Analysis of the conserved monothiol motif suggests that the cysteine residue affects A tGRXcp expression and stability. In planta, AtGRXcp expression was elevated in young cotyledons, green tissues, and vascular bundles. Analysis of atgrxcp plants demonstrated defects in early seedling growth under oxidative stresses. In addition, atgrxcp lines displayed increased protein carbonylation within chloroplasts. Thus, this work describes the initial functional characterization of a plant monothiol Grx and suggests a conserved biological function in protecting cells against protein oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under high stress conditions in deep underground engineering projects, frequent and strong blast-induced disturbances can easily lead to spalling and collapse of the surrounding rock around tunnels, even generating dynamic hazards such as rockburst. Herein, the acoustic emission (AE) technique was adopted to monitor the occurrence of progressive fracture process around tunnels under static stress and dynamic disturbance. The results showed that the macroscopic cracks around the circular opening occurred due to the combined action of the external loading and blast-induced disturbances. The spatial distribution of AE events directly reflected the damage evolution inside the specimens, and the areas of concentration of AE event were found to be consistent with the locations of the macroscopic fractures. This study provides an insight for the depth and range of the failure zone around the tunnel. The failure area and morphology around the tunnel are closely related to the external stress and blasting disturbance. The dynamic disturbance can deepen the damage degree and accelerate the failure speed of the tunnel. The power-law characteristics of AE signals after blasts can be used to evaluate the time required for rock mass to return to a stable state, and apparent stress is a meaningful measure to judge the stress level in rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Methionyl-methionine promotes α-s1 casein synthesis in bovine mammary gland explants by enhancing intracellular substrate availability and activating JAK2-STAT5 and mTOR-mediated signaling pathways," in the 2015 issue is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cesarean section and risk of obesity in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood: evidence from 3 Brazilian birth cohorts," by FC Barros and colleagues in the January 11, 2012 issue; a reply by FC Barros is also presented.

Two commercial available cation resins, i.e. Amberlite IR-120 and Dowex HCR-W2, were tested as ion exchange adsorbents to investigate their isotherms, kinetics, breakthrough characteristics and regeneration on removal and recovery of tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) from wastewater. Batch and column experiments were investigated to obtain experimental data for theoretical modelling and verify the column performance of the ion exchange process. The Langmuir isotherm represents better equilibrium behavior of both resins on TMAH uptake. The ion exchange kinetics follows the pseudo second order rate law also for both resins. Furthermore, breakthrough characteristics study shows the breakthrough curves follow the Thomas model and Yoon-Nelson model very well. The recovery efficiencies of TMAH were obtained as 99.6 and 98.0% from wastewater by ion exchange resin column by using 9 N HC1 regeneration for Amberlite IR-120 and Dowex HCR-W2 resins, respectively. The comparative study on TMAH ion exchange removal by Amberlite IR-120 and Dowex HCR-W2 resins in fixed bed column suggested that Dowex HCR-W2 demonstrates higher ion exchange capacity than that of Amberlite IR-120 resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Inadvertent Germline Transmission of AAV2 Vector: Findings in a Rabbit Model Correlate with Those in a Human Clinical Trial," that was published in the previous issue is presented.

We solve the Schrödinger equation with the improved Rosen-Morse potential energy model in D spatial dimensions. The D-dimensional rotation-vibrational energy spectra have been obtained by using the supersymmetric shape invariance approach. The energies for the 3³∑g+ state of the Cs2 molecule and the 5¹Δg state of the Na2 molecule increase as D increases in the presence of fixed vibrational quantum number and various rotational quantum numbers. We observe that the change in behavior of the vibrational energies in higher dimensions remains similar to that of the three-dimensional system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide regional measurements of oxygen content using deoxyhemoglobin paramagnetic characteristics. The apparent relaxation rate or R2*(=1/T2*) can be determined from the slope of log (intensity) versus echo time and is directly proportional to the tissue content of deoxyhemoglobin. Thus, as the level of deoxyhemoglobin increases, T2* will decrease, leading to an increase in R2*. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect oxygenation levels in renal parenchyma, which influences the clinical course of the disease. The goal of this study was to detect and assess renal oxygenation levels in CKD using BOLD MRI. Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects and 11 patients with CKD underwent a renal scan using multigradient-recalled-echo sequence with eight echoes. R2* (1/s) of the renal cortex and medulla was measured on BOLD images. Of the 11 patients, nine had biopsy-proven chronic glomerulonephritis, and two had a similar diagnosis based on clinical symptoms and investigations. Results: Mean medullary R2* (MR2*) and cortex R2* (CR2*) levels were significantly higher in patients (22 kidneys, MR2*=24.79±4.84 s−1, CR2*=18.97±2.72 s−1) than in controls (30 kidneys, MR2*=19.98±1.19 s−1, CR2*=16.03±1.23 s−1) (P<.01), and MR2* was increased more than CR2*. Medullary to cortical R2* ratios (MCR2*) of patients were significantly increased when compared with those of controls (P<.01). In the patient group, estimated glomerular filtration rate levels were greater than or equal to 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in six patients (12 kidneys), whose MR2* and CR2* were also significantly higher than those of controls (P<.01). Serum creatinine levels were normal in seven patients (14 kidneys), whose MR2*, CR2* and MCR2* were also higher than those of controls (P<.01). Conclusions: BOLD MRI can be used to evaluate changes in renal oxygenation in CKD, suggesting that it has the potential to be an excellent noninvasive tool for the evaluation of renal function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]