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Objective: To study the effects of total ginsenosides (TG) extract from Panax ginseng on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation and their underlying mechanisms. Methods: The migration of NSCs after treatment with various concentrations of TG extract (50, 100, or 200 µ g/mL) were monitored. The proliferation of NSCs was examined by a combination of cell counting kit-8 and neurosphere assays. NSC differentiation mediated by TG extract was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to monitor the expression of nestin and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2). The GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in TG-treated NSCs was examined by Western blot assay. The NSCs with constitutively active GSK-3β mutant were made by adenovirus-mediated gene transfection, then the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs mediated by TG were further verified. Results: TG treatment significantly enhanced NSC migration (P<0.01 or P<0.05) and increased the proliferation of NSCs (P<0.01 or P<0.05). TG mediation also significantly upregulated MAP2 expression but downregulated nestin expression (P<0.01 or P<0.05). TG extract also significantly induced GSK-3β phosphorylation at Ser9, leading to GSK-3β inactivation and, consequently, the activation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In addition, constitutive activation of GSK-3β in NSCs by the transfection of GSK-3β S9A mutant was found to significantly suppress TG-mediated NSC proliferation and differentiation (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion: TG promoted NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation by inactivating GSK-3β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR-Cas9 is a widely-used genome editing tool, but its off-target effect and on-target complex mutations remain a concern, especially in view of future clinical applications. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) share close genetic and physiological similarities with humans, making them an ideal preclinical model for developing Cas9-based therapies. However, to our knowledge no comprehensive in vivo off-target and on-target assessment has been conducted in NHPs. Here, we perform whole genome trio sequencing of Cas9-treated rhesus monkeys. We only find a small number of de novo mutations that can be explained by expected spontaneous mutations, and no unexpected off-target mutations (OTMs) were detected. Furthermore, the long-read sequencing data does not detect large structural variants in the target region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autotrophic process for nitrogen removal has attracted worldwide attention in the field of wastewater treatment, and the performance of this process is greatly influenced by the size of granular sludge particles present in the system. In this work, the granular sludge was divided into three groups, i.e. large size (> 1.2 mm), medium size (0.6-1.2 mm) and small size (< 0.6 mm). The medium granular sludge was observed to dominate at high volumetric nitrogen loading rates, while offering strong support for good performance. Its indispensable contribution was found to originate from improved settling velocity (0.84 ± 0.10 cm/s), high SOUR-A (specific oxygen uptake rate for ammonia oxidizing bacteria, 25.93 mg O2/g MLVSS/h), low SOUR-N (specific oxygen uptake rate for nitrite oxidizing bacteria, 3.39 mg O2/g MLVSS/h), and a reasonable microbial spatial distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work is focusing on the toxicities of heavy metals of industrial origin to anaerobic digestion of the industrial wastewater. Photobacterium phosphoreum T3S was used as an indicator organism. The acute toxicities of heavy metals on P. phosphoreum T3S were assessed during 15-min half inhibitory concentration (IC50) as indicator at pH 5.5-6. Toxicity assays involved the assessment of multicomponent mixtures using TU and MTI approaches. The results of individual toxicity indicated that the toxicity of Cd, Cu and Pb on P. phosphoreum increased with increasing concentrations and there was a linear correlation. The 15-min IC values of Cd, Cu and Pb were 0.537, 1.905 and 1.231 mg/L, respectively, and their toxic order was Cd > Pb > Cu. The combined effects of Cd, Cu and Pb were assayed by equivalent concentration mixing method. The results showed that the combined effects of Cd + Cu, Cd + Pb, Cu + Pb, Cd + Cu + Pb were antagonistic, antagonistic and partly additive. The combined effect of three heavy metals was partly additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of four volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as anaerobic digestion (AD) intermediates was investigated at pH 7. Photobacterium phosphoreum T3 was used as an indicator organism. Binary, ternary and mixtures of AD intermediates were designated by letters A (acetic acid + propionic acid), B (acetic acid + butyric acid), C (acetic acid + ethanol), D (propionic acid + butyric acid), E (propionic acid + ethanol), F (butyric acid + ethanol), G (acetic acid + propionic acid + butyric acid), H (acetic acid + propionic acid + ethanol), I (acetic acid + butyric acid+ ethanol), J (propionic acid + butyric acid + ethanol) and K (acetic acid + propionic acid + butyric acid + ethanol) to assess the toxicity through equitoxic mixing ratio method. The IC values of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and ethanol were 9.812, 7.76, 6.717 and 17.33 g/L respectively, displaying toxicity order of: butyric acid > propionic acid > acetic acid > ethanol being additive in nature. The toxic effects of four VFAs could be designated as synergistic and one additive in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (N-DAMO) is a recently discovered process linking the global carbon and nitrogen cycles. This process was reported to be mediated by ' Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera'. To date, M. oxyfera-like bacteria have been detected in a limited number of freshwater habitats, but whether these bacteria occur in estuarine habitats is currently unknown. In this study, the distribution, diversity and abundance of M. oxyfera-like bacteria were studied in the sediment of the Jiaojiang Estuary of the East Sea (China). Both the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and pmoA genes confirmed the occurrence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in the examined estuary. The recovered 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 91.5-97.2 % identity to the 16S rRNA gene of M. oxyfera, and the recovered pmoA gene sequences showed 85.1-95.4 % identity to the pmoA gene of M. oxyfera. Quantitative PCR further confirmed the occurrence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in this estuary, with the abundance varying from 5.80 ± 0.28 × 10 to 8.35 ± 0.52 × 10 copies g (dry weight). Correlation analysis indicated that the sediment organic content was the most important factor affecting the distribution of M. oxyfera-like bacterial communities in the examined sediments among the environmental factors investigated. This study demonstrated for the first time the existence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in an estuarine environment and showed the correlations between the distribution of these bacteria and the estuarine environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiphase machines are characterized by high power density, enhanced fault-tolerant capacity, and low torque pulsation. For a voltage source inverter supplied multiphase machine, the probability of load imbalances becomes greater and unwanted low-order stator voltage harmonics occur. This paper deals with the PWM control of multiphase inverters under unbalanced load conditions and it proposes a novel near-five-vector SVPWM algorithm based on the five-phase six-leg inverter. The proposed algorithm can output symmetrical phase voltages under unbalanced load conditions, which is not possible for the conventional SVPWM algorithms based on the five-phase five-leg inverters. The cause of extra harmonics in the phase voltages is analyzed, and an xy coordinate system orthogonal to the αβz coordinate system is introduced to eliminate low-order harmonics in the output phase voltages. Moreover, the digital implementation of the near-five-vector SVPWM algorithm is discussed, and the optimal approach with reduced complexity and low execution time is elaborated. A comparison of the proposed algorithm and other existing PWM algorithms is provided, and the pros and cons of the proposed algorithm are concluded. Simulation and experimental results are also given. It is shown that the proposed algorithm works well under unbalanced load conditions. However, its maximum modulation index is reduced by 5.15% in the linear modulation region, and its algorithm complexity and memory requirement increase. The basic principle in this paper can be easily extended to other inverters with different phase numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:Retigabine, an activator of KCNQ2-5 channels, is currently used to treat partial-onset seizures. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that structure modification of retigabine could lead to novel inhibitors of KCNQ2 channels, which were valuable tools for KCNQ channel studies.Methods:A series of retigabine derivatives was designed and synthesized. KCNQ2 channels were expressed in CHO cells. KCNQ2 currents were recorded using whole-cell voltage clamp technique. Test compound in extracellular solution was delivered to the recorded cell using an ALA 8 Channel Solution Exchange System.Results:A total of 23 retigabine derivatives (HN31-HN410) were synthesized and tested electrophysiologically. Among the compounds, HN38 was the most potent inhibitor of KCNQ2 channels (its IC50 value=0.10±0.05 μmol/L), and was 7-fold more potent than the classical KCNQ inhibitor XE991. Further analysis revealed that HN38 (3 μmol/L) had no detectable effect on channel activation, but accelerated deactivation at hyperpolarizing voltages. In contrast, XE991 (3 μmol/L) did not affect the kinetics of channel activation and deactivation.Conclusion:The retigabine derivative HN38 is a potent KCNQ2 inhibitor, which differs from XE991 in its influence on the channel kinetics. Our study provides a new strategy for the design and development of potent KCNQ2 channel inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim:This study was conducted to test the selectivity of DC031050 on cardiac and neuronal potassium channels.Methods:Human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG), KCNQ and Kv1.2 channels were expressed in CHO cells. The delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) was recorded from dissociated hippocampal pyramidal neurons of neonatal rats. Whole-cell voltage patch clamp was used to record the voltage-activated potassium currents. Drug-containing solution was delivered using a RSC-100 Rapid Solution Changer.Results:Both DC031050 and dofetilide potently inhibited hERG currents with IC50 values of 2.3±1.0 and 17.9±1.2 nmol/L, respectively. DC031050 inhibited the IK current with an IC50 value of 2.7±1.5 μmol/L, which was >1000 times the concentration required to inhibit hERG current. DC031050 at 3 μmol/L did not significantly affect the voltage-dependence of the steady activation, steady inactivation of IK, or the rate of IK from inactivation. Intracellular application of DC031050 (5 μmol/L) was insufficient to inhibit IK. DC031050 up to 10 μmol/L had no effects on KCNQ2 and Kv1.2 channel currents.Conclusion:DC031050 is a highly selective hERG potassium channel blocker with a substantial safety margin of activity over neuronal potassium channels, thus holds significant potential for therapeutic application as a class III antiarrhythmic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we performed anatomic and computed tomography (CT) measurements of C2 lamina in Chinese people in order to provide the anatomic and radiographic data, and to verify the clinical applicability of trans-lamina screws to this population. Methods: The anatomic and radiographic measurement was conducted on two separate groups, group A and group B. In group A, a total of 96 human adult (male 51, female 45) cadaver spines were included. The minimal height (H1), thickness (T), length (L1) of C2 lamina, height of the root of lamina (H2), distance from the entry point to the lateral rim of lamina (L2) and to the lateral rim of lateral mass (L3) were bilaterally measured using high precision calipers. The spino-laminar angles (angle A) were also included. In group B, a total of 112 volunteers (male 58, female 54) without upper cervical abnormality were enrolled. Angle A, H1, T, L1, H2, L2 and L3 were bilaterally measured using plain X-rays and reconstruction CT. All measurements were taken at the thinnest part of the lamina in the axial and coronal plane. Results: All the measurements (except angle A) in males were significantly higher than those in females ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the values of bilateral laminae between group A and group B ( P > 0.05). The thickness of 45% specimens was less than 6 mm. The length of lamina in all specimens was less than 2.5 cm, while only 5% of the specimens had a length of >3 cm from the entry point to the rim of lamina. The length from the entry point to the lateral rim of lateral mass was between 2.5 and 4.6 cm. In contrast, the length of only 5% specimens was longer than 4 cm. Conclusions: The preoperative radiographic evaluation is very important to determine the suitable size of screws. The diameter of screws is mainly restricted by the thickness of C2 lamina. It is safe to use screws with a length of 2.5-3.0 cm for Chinese people. The radiographic measurement method we used is simple, accurate and reliable for preoperative measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common communicable infectious disease worldwide and the top killer of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people. Because of common dual HIV and M. tuberculosis infections, the emergence of multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains, the lack of effective vaccination, the morbidity, and the mortality of M. tuberculosis infection are increasing sharply. Therefore, there is an urgent need for vaccine and drug development against M. tuberculosis infection. These require appropriate animal models that closely resemble human disease. To this end, we infected Chinese rhesus macaques with the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Bronchoscopy was used to inoculate nine monkeys with different doses of M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Regardless of the M. tuberculosis dose, all monkeys were infected successfully. This was shown by clinical, laboratory, and histopathology assessments. Among nine infected monkeys, six developed acute rapid progressive tuberculosis and the remaining animals mirrored early-stage chronic disease. These data, taken together, demonstrate that Chinese rhesus macaques are highly susceptible to M. tuberculosis infection and develop similar manifestations of disease that are seen in humans. This model affords new opportunities for studies of M. tuberculosis disease pathology and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium (K+) channels play a critical role in cardiac action potential repolarization. Mutations that reduce hERG conductance or surface expression may cause congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). However, the channels can be inhibited by structurally diverse small molecules, resulting in an acquired form of LQTS. Consequently, small molecules that increase the hERG current may be of value for treatment for LQTS. So far, nine hERG activators have been reported. The aim of this review is to discuss recent advances concerning the identification and action mechanism of hERG activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Liliequist's membrane (LM) is an important arachnoid structure in the basal cisterns. The relevant anatomic descriptions of this membrane and how many leaves it has are still controversial. The existing anatomical theories do not satisfy the needs of minimally invasive neurosurgery. We aimed to establish the three-dimensional configuration of LM. Methods: Fifteen adult formalin-fixed cadaver heads were dissected under a surgical microscope to carefully observe the arachnoid mater in the suprasellar and post-sellar areas and to investigate the arachnoid structure and its surrounding attachments. Results: It was found that the LM actually consists of three types of membranes. The diencephalic membrane (DM) was usually attached by the mesencephalic membrane (MM) from underneath, and above DM it was usually a pair of hypothalamic membranes (HMs) extending superomedially. The pair of HMs was stretched between the DM (or MM) and the hypothalamus and were seldom attached to the carotid-chiasmatic walls between the carotid cistern and the chiasmatic cistern. These three types of membranes (DM, MM, and HM) comprised the main arachnoid structure in the anterior incisural space and often presented as four connected leaves. However, only two thirds of the specimens had all three types of membranes, and there was considerable variation in the characteristics and shapes of the membranes among the specimens. Conclusion: All three types of membranes comprising LM serve as important anatomical landmarks and interfaces for surgical procedures in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new loach species, named Triplophysa jianchuanensis, has been recognized in collections from Jianchuan in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan, China. Triplophysa jianchuanensis can be distinguished from the other Triplophysa species by the following combination of characteristics: smooth skin, scaleless; lateral line complete; head long (26.7–29.8% of SL); eyes large (25.9–31.0% of dorsal head length); snout shorter than postorbital length (26.9–30.1% of HL); middle of lower lip interrupted and forming a pair of furrows; lower jaw spoon-like with obtuse edge; posterior chamber of air bladder completely degenerated; intestines short, bending in zigzag-shape behind stomach; pelvic-fin tip not reaching anus; caudal fin emarginate; branched rays of dorsal fin 7; branched rays of caudal fin 16. A key to the known species of Triplophysa from the Lancangjiang River is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two alternative cell-surface display systems were developed in Pichia pastoris using the α-agglutinin and Flo1p (FS) anchor systems, respectively. Both the anchor cell wall proteins were obtained originally from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) was displayed functionally on the cell surface of P. pastoris using the anchor proteins α-agglutinin and FS. The activity of CALB displayed on P. pastoris was tenfold higher than that of S. cerevisiae. The hydrolytic and synthetic activities of CALB fused with α-agglutinin and FS anchored on P. pastoris were investigated. The hydrolytic activities of both lipases displayed on yeast cells surface were more than 200 U/g dry cell after 120 h of culture (200 and 270 U/g dry cell, respectively). However, the synthetic activity of CALB fused with α-agglutinin on P. pastoris was threefold higher than that of the FS fusion protein when applied to the synthesis of ethyl caproate. Similarly, the CALB displayed on P. pastoris using α-agglutinin had a higher catalytic efficiency with respect to the synthesis of other short-chain flavor esters than that displayed using the FS anchor. Interestingly, for some short-chain esters, the synthetic activity of displaying CALB fused with α-agglutinin on P. pastoris was even higher than that of the commercial CALB Novozyme 435. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present contribution, a complexity measure is proposed to assess surface electromyography (EMG) in the study of muscle fatigue during sustained, isometric muscle contractions. Approximate entropy (ApEn) is believed to provide quantitative information about the complexity of experimental data that is often corrupted with noise, short data length, and in many cases, has inherent dynamics that exhibit both deterministic and stochastic behaviors. We developed an improved ApEn measure, i.e., fuzzy approximate entropy ( fApEn), which utilizes the fuzzy membership function to define the vectors’ similarity. Tests were conducted on independent, identically distributed (i.i.d.) Gaussian and uniform noises, a chirp signal, MIX processes, Rossler equation, and Henon map. Compared with the standard ApEn, the fApEn showed better monotonicity, relative consistency, and more robustness to noise when characterizing signals with different complexities. Performance analysis on experimental EMG signals demonstrated that the fApEn significantly decreased during the development of muscle fatigue, which is a similar trend to that of the mean frequency (MNF) of the EMG signal, while the standard ApEn failed to detect this change. Moreover, fApEn of EMG demonstrated a better robustness to the length of the analysis window in comparison with the MNF of EMG. The results suggest that the fApEn of an EMG signal may potentially become a new reliable method for muscle fatigue assessment and be applicable to other short noisy physiological signal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Pseudogyrinocheilus longisulcus, was discovered from a tributary of Pearl River in Jingxi Co., Guangxi, China, The new species can be distinguished from other species of Pseudogyrinocheilus by the following combination of characteristics: prolonged post-labial grooves, and extended antero-medially close to anterior end of middle lower lip, but not meeting with its counterpart; posterior margin of lower lip free; scales of abdomen from thorax to pectoral-fin base embedded under skin; lateral-line scales 40–42; dark stripe longitudinal along lateral line on flank. The key to the species of Pseudogyrinocheilus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-approximate entropy (X-ApEn) and cross-sample entropy (X-SampEn) have been employed as bivariate pattern synchronization measures for characterizing interdependencies between neural signals. In this study, we proposed a new measure, cross-fuzzy entropy (X-FuzzyEn), to describe the synchronicity of patterns. The performances of three statistics were first quantitatively tested using five different coupled systems including both deterministic and stochastic models, i.e., coupled broadband noises, Lorenz–Lorenz, Rossler–Rossler, Rossler–Lorenz, and neural mass model. All the measures were compared with each other with respect to their ability to distinguish between different levels of coupling and their robustness against noise. The three measures were then applied to a real-life problem, pattern synchronization analysis of left and right hemisphere rat electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. Both simulated and real EEG data analysis results showed that the X-FuzzyEn provided an improved evaluation of bivariate series pattern synchronization and could be more conveniently and powerfully applied to different neural dynamical systems contaminated by noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAim:To investigate the effect of lentivirus-mediated integrin-linked kinase (ILK) RNA interference (RNAi) on human retinal Müller cells transdifferentiation into contractile myofibroblasts.Methods:A lentiviral vector expressing ILK-specific shRNA was constructed and introduced into cultured retinal Müller cells. Silencing of the ILK gene was identified by real time RT-PCR and Western blot. The Müller cell phenotype change was confirmed by immunodetection of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) stress fiber formation. The generation of tractional force was assessed using a tissue culture assay with cells incubated in three-dimensional collagen gels; cell migration was determined by the Boyden chamber method, using 10% FBS as a chemotactic factor.Results:Significant decreases in ILK mRNA and protein expression were detected in Müller cells carrying lentiviral ILK-shRNA vector. Cells treated with anti-ILK siRNA showed less α-SMA stress fiber formation under hypoxic conditions or cell subcultivation. Lentiviral ILK-shRNA vector transfection also significantly reduced cell migration and cell-mediated gel contraction.Conclusion:Lentivirus-mediated ILK RNAi decreased cell migration and contractile force generation by inhibiting α-SMA stress fiber formation in human retinal Müller cells. This tool might be useful to treat ocular fibroproliferative diseases associated with transdifferentiated Müller cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the thermostability of Rhizomucor miehei lipase, the software Disulfide by Design was used to engineer a novel disulfide bond between residues 96 and 106, and the corresponding double cysteine mutants were constructed. The R. miehei lipase mutant could be expressed by Pichia pastoris in a free secreted form or could be displayed on the cell surface . The new disulfide bond spontaneously formed in the mutant R. miehei lipase. Thermostability was examined by measuring of hydrolysis activity using 4-nitrophenyl caprylate as a substrate. The engineered disulfide bond contributed to thermostability in the free form of the R. miehei lipase variant. The variant displayed on the yeast cell surface had significantly increased residual hydrolytic activity in aqueous solution after incubation at 60°C for 5 h and increased synthetic activity in organic solvent at 60°C. These results indicated that yeast surface display might improve the stability of R. miehei lipase, as well as amplifying the thermostability through the engineered disulfide bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To present a case series of patients with isolated posterior coronal fractures of lateral tibial plateau treated by direct exposure and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. Between May 2007 and April of 2008, eight middle aged patients were identified that had isolated posterior coronal fractures of the lateral tibial plateau. All eight patients underwent direct fracture exposure, reduction under visualization, and buttress plate fixation through posterolateral approach. There were 1 case of split, two cases of pure depression and five cases of split-depression fractures. Four were associated fibular head split fractures without common peroneal nerve injuries. Five patients were injured from a simple fall on riding electrical bicycle while the knee was relaxed in 90° position The articular displacement (8 cases) measured in CT scan was 10.5 mm in average (range 8–15 mm). The cortical split length (from the articular rim to the distal tip, 6 cases) was 2.8 cm in average (range 2.4–3.5 cm). The articular reduction was perfect in seven (absolutely no step-off) and imperfect in 1(<2 mm step-off) as measured by X-ray. With a mean follow-up of 10 months (6 cases > 12 months), the average range of motion arc was 119°, four patients have flexion lag 10°–20°. The average SMFA dysfunction score was 15.8, and average HSS score was 98. All eight patients stated they were highly satisfied. Direct posterolateral approach by dividing lateral border of soleus muscle, provides excellent fracture reduction under visualization and internal buttress plate fixation for posterior coronal fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. Good functional results and recovery can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Triplophysa longipectoralis, is described from Liujiang River, Guangxi, China. The new species is distinguished from other species of Triplophysa by the following combination of characters: pectoral fin highly developed, reaching beyond pelvic-fin origin; eyes present and vestigial; body covered with scales; dorsal and lateral sides of head and body mottled with blotches; dorsal fin emarginate; caudal fin forked; anus close to anal-fin origin. A key to all valid species of Triplophysa in Xijiang River water system is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the operation of a laboratory-scale anoxic sulfide oxidizing (ASO) reactor to investigate the effects of influent nitrite to bisulfide molar ratios of 0.58, 1.45, and 1.75 upon the simultaneous bisulfide and nitrite removal rates from the synthetic wastewater. For all tested ratios, very high bisulfide removal percentages (above 99 %) were observed. The mass balance analysis suggested that the bisulfide oxidation was incomplete. The sulfate formation decreased with the increasing influent sulfide concentrations. An influent bisulfide concentration above 1400 mg S / 1 accompanied by high effluent nitrite might have some inhibitory effect on the complete sulfide oxidation to sulfate. Nitrite removal percentage for the 0.58 ratio was in the range of 71.89-86.86 %, showing some fluctuations in the working performance of the ASO reactor. Nitrite removal at the 1.45 ratio ranged from 72.70-87.30 %. Comparatively higher nitrogen removal (78-94 %) was observed for the 1.75 ratio. The application of an influent nitrite to sulfide molar ratio of 1.75 would be a better choice for higher nitrite and bisulfide removal efficiencies in an ASO reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ages of subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the North China and South China cratons are less well-constrained than the overlying crust. We report Re–Os isotope systematics of mantle xenoliths entrained in Paleozoic kimberlites and Mesozoic basalts from eastern China. Peridotite xenoliths from the Fuxian and Mengyin Paleozoic diamondiferous kimberlites in the North China Craton give Archean Re depletion ages of 2.6–3.2 Ga and melt depletion ages of 2.9–3.4 Ga. No obvious differences in Re and Os abundances, Os isotopic ratios and model ages are observed between spinel-facies and garnet-facies peridotites from both kimberlite localities. The Re–Os isotopic data, together with the PGE concentrations, demonstrate that beneath the Archean continental crust of the eastern North China Craton, Archean lithospheric mantle of spinel- to diamond-facies existed without apparent compositional stratification during the Paleozoic. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalt-borne peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths, on the other hand, show geochemical features indicating metasomatic enrichment, along with a large range of the Re–Os isotopic model ages from Proterozoic to Phanerozoic. These features indicate that lithospheric transformation or refertilization through melt-peridotite interaction could be the primary mechanism for compositional changes during the Phanerozoic, rather than delamination or thermal-mechanical erosion, despite the potential of these latter processes to play an important role for the loss of garnet-facies mantle. A fresh garnet lherzolite xenolith from the Yangtze Block has a Re depletion age of ∼1.04 Ga, much younger than overlying Archean crustal rocks but the same Re depletion ages as spinel lherzolite xenoliths from adjacent Mesozoic basalts, indicating Neoproterozoic resetting of the Re–Os system in the South China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study contributes to the existing literature by empirically investigating the effect of FDI inflows on the aggregate labour productivity of China's automotive industry. • A production function model is developed using a panel data set at sub-sector level. Two statistical models: pooled ordinary least squares model (POLS) and fixed effects model (FES) were used to estimate the influence of foreign direct investment on aggregate labour productivity in the industry. • Inward FDI plays a positive role in increasing industrial productivity, implying that the government should continue to encourage inward investment. However the results also suggest that efforts to increase capital intensity and average firm size in the industry will also improve labour productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the use of ultrasound indentation technique for estimating the mechanical properties of foot plantar tissues in virtue of the reconstruction of the force response using genetic algorithm (GA) from an indentation test based on a quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) model. The indentation test on the plantar tissues covering the right first metatarsal head of a normal subject was carried out to verify the feasibility of the GA for the extraction of the tissue properties. The QLV properties of the plantar tissues were determined by the GA with a fixed Poisson’s ratio. Such results were then compared with those obtained using a classical optimization method. Moreover, the GA was further employed to simultaneously determine the QLV properties as well as the Poisson’s ratio of the plantar tissues. The correlations between the QLV properties and the Poisson’s ratio are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allopregnanolone is one of the most important neurosteroids in the brain. We studied the effect and mechanism of allopregnanolone on spontaneous and evoked glutamate release in the medial prefrontal cortex using electrophysiological and biochemical methods combined with pharmacological approaches. The results showed that allopregnanolone had no effects on the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSCs), but inhibited the depolarizing agent veratridine-evoked increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and inhibited the first of the two responses evoked by a pair of electrical pulses more effectively than the second, resulting in increased paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and thus suggesting a presynaptic inhibitory effect on electrical pulse-evoked glutamate release. A similar effect was also obtained for the effect of allopregnanolone on protein kinase A (PKA) activation, an upstream event of presynaptic glutamate release. Interestingly, allopregnanolone had none of these effects in the striatum. In the study of the upstream mechanism of the PKA inhibition by allopregnanolone, we found that allopregnanolone inhibited extracellular calcium influx-evoked PKA activation, but had no effects on intracellular calcium store release-evoked PKA activation; L-type calcium channel antagonists, but not N- and P/Q-type calcium channel antagonist, blocked the effect of allopregnanolone; allopregnanolone inhibited L-type calcium channel agonist-evoked increase in the PKA activity, intrasynaptosomal calcium concentration and frequency of sEPSCs. These results suggest that allopregnanolone inhibits evoked glutamate release via the inhibition of L-type calcium channels in the medial prefrontal cortex, but does not in the striatum.Neuropsychopharmacology (2007) 32, 1477–1489; doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301261; published online 6 December 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the determinants of Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) and the extent to which three special explanations (capital market imperfections, special ownership advantages and institutional factors) need to be nested within the general theory of the multinational firm. We test our hypotheses using official Chinese ODI data collected between 1984 and 2001. We find Chinese ODI to be associated with high levels of political risk in, and cultural proximity to, host countries throughout, and with host market size and geographic proximity (1984-1991) and host natural resources endowments (1992-2001). We find strong support for the argument that aspects of the special theory help to explain the behaviour of Chinese multinational enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research on the system of generalized implicit vector quasivariational inequalities. It introduces a system of generalized implicit vector quasivariational inequalities, or SGIVQVI, which connects the system of generalized implicit variational inequalities. It also unifies the system generalized vector variational inequalities. The vector variational inequality was described as a finite-dimensional Euclidean space, and was studied on infinite-dimensional space, and was applied for a vector optimization.

We introduce and study a new system of variational inclusions with (H, η)-accretive operators, which contains variational inequalities, variational inclusions, systems of variational inequalities, and systems of variational inclusions in the literature as special cases. By using the resolvent technique for the (H, η)-accretive operators, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solution and the convergence of a new multistep iterative algorithm for this system of variational inclusions in real q-uniformly smooth Banach spaces. The results in this paper unify, extend, and improve some known results in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) is a prolific free floating aquatic macrohpyte found in tropical and subtropical parts of the earth. The effects of pollutants from textile wastewater on the anatomy of the plant were studied. Water hyacinth exhibits hydrophytic adaptations which include reduced epidermis cells lacking cuticle in most cases, presence of large air spaces (7∼50 μm), reduced vascular tissue and absorbing structures. Textile waste significantly affected the size of root cells. The presence of raphide crystals was noted in parenchyma cells of various organs in treated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of our study was to evaluate whether captopril administered at night, can shift the circadian blood pressure (BP) from a nondipper to a dipper pattern in adequately controlled hypertensive patients, who continued their antihypertensive therapy. In a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled designed study, we enrolled 121 treated, adequately controlled nondipping hypertensive patients. All patients were randomly assigned to 12.5 mg captopril or placebo treatment administered at night. In case of nondippers, the dosage of captopril or placebo was doubled after two weeks of treatment, while for dippers antihypertensive regimens were not changed. After another two weeks, all patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. Our results show that at the end of the active treatment period, the prevalence of a dipping diurnal BP pattern in the captopril group (70%) was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (9.8%, P < 0.001). Nighttime BP, night/day BP ratio, nighttime BP load and 24-h systolic BP were significantly lower after 4 weeks nighttime captopril treatment compared to baseline. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that captopril administered at night can restore the diurnal BP rhythm and decrease the elevated night/day BP ratio in appropriately controlled, nondipper hypertensive patients. These results were mainly due to the decrease of nighttime BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiO 3 or LNO) conducting thin films that could be used as electrodes for improving fatigue and aging properties of ferroelectric thin films were investigated. In this paper, LNO films were directly spin-coated onto SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) substrates followed by thermal treatment in air and in oxygen. It was found that crack-free dense and uniform films with good crystallinity and medium grains were obtained, preferentially (1 0 0)-oriented LNO thin films could be formed at a lower annealing temperature of 550 °C and that with the increase in thermal annealing temperature the LNO thin film possessed better electrical properties especially at 750 °C. However, the LNO film displayed a structure transformation above 850 °C. A phenomenon was found that the first heat-treatment temperature and time played a key role to determine the crystallite size of LNO films. A subsequent deposition of a sol–gel derived Pb(Zr 0.53 Ti 0.47 )O 3 (PZT53/47) thin film on the LNO-coated SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) substrates was also found to have a (1 0 0)-oriented texture. Moreover, the Au/PZT/LNO capacitor was found to significantly improve the fatigue and the effects of the LNO electrodes to the fatigue were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiO3 or LNO) conducting thin films that could be used as electrodes for improving fatigue and aging properties of ferroelectric thin films were investigated. In this paper, LNO films were directly spin-coated onto SiO2/Si(1 0 0) substrates followed by thermal treatment in air and in oxygen. It was found that crack-free dense and uniform films with good crystallinity and medium grains were obtained, preferentially (1 0 0)-oriented LNO thin films could be formed at a lower annealing temperature of 550 °C and that with the increase in thermal annealing temperature the LNO thin film possessed better electrical properties especially at 750 °C. However, the LNO film displayed a structure transformation above 850 °C. A phenomenon was found that the first heat-treatment temperature and time played a key role to determine the crystallite size of LNO films. A subsequent deposition of a sol–gel derived Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (PZT53/47) thin film on the LNO-coated SiO2/Si(1 0 0) substrates was also found to have a (1 0 0)-oriented texture. Moreover, the Au/PZT/LNO capacitor was found to significantly improve the fatigue and the effects of the LNO electrodes to the fatigue were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) controls daily changes in the production and circulating levels of melatonin. Here, the significance of the phosphorylation of AANAT was studied using a semisynthetic enzyme in which a nonhydrolyzable phosphoserine/threonine mimetic, phosphonomethylenealanine (Pma), was incorporated at position 31 (AANAT-Pma31). The results of studies in which AANAT-Pma31 and related analogs were injected into cells provide the first direct evidence that Thr31 phosphorylation controls AANAT stability in the context of the intact cells by binding to 14-3-3 protein. These findings establish Thr31 phosphorylation as an essential element in the intracellular regulation of melatonin production. The application of Pma in protein semisynthesis is likely to be broadly useful in the analysis of protein serine/threonine phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study related to Titania that has been known to have three crystal phases, brookite, anatase and rutile. The anatase titania has the highest photoactivity than the other two phases. The study shows that the addition of 30 percent silica increased the phase transformation temperature of anatase titania to rutile titania by about 180°C. Therefore the titania powder can be calcined at higher temperatures so that it remains as the anatase structure which has higher photoactivity than the rutile structure does. At the same time, higher calcination temperature resulted in a higher crystallinity and lower density of bulk defects in the anatase particles. Besides, high temperature calcination also produced more oxygen vacancies on the anatase titania surface

The stability degree of periodic solution of nonlinear nonautonomous system was defined by means of the Floquet theory. A method evaluating the stability degree of periodic solution based on transient response was presented by the aid of the concept of dynamic systems or flows. The critical value of a system was determined by the condition, i. e., its stability degree equals zero. Stable regions of rotor systems with balanced and unbalanced disk supported on lubricated bearings were calculated. The study shows that stable region decreases with the increase of speed for a balanced rotor system and decreases with the increase of unbalance for an unbalanced rotor system. Stable regions of periodic solutions are less than that of equilibrium points under the same systematic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis and simulation of rarefied nitrogen gas flow and heat transfer were performed with the Knusden number ranging from 0. 05 to 1. 0, using the direct simulation of Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The influences of the Kn number and the aspect ratio on the gas temperature and wall heat flux in the microchannels were studied parametrically. The total and local heat fluxes of the microchannel walls varying with the channel inlet velocities were also investigated in detail. It was found that the Kn number and the aspect ratio greatly influence the heat transfer performance of microchannels, and both the channel inlet and outlet have higher heat fluxes while the heat flux in the middle part of channels is very low. It is also found that the inlet free stream flow velocity has small affect on the wall total heat flux while it changes the distribution of local heat flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A query on the behaviour of a 2.84 GHz ms-resolution receiver developed by Jin et al. at the Beijing Astronomical Observatory (BAO) in the early 1980s is raised in this paper. As an inappropriate use of an electrically controlled attenuator (ECA) and a A/D converter in the receiver, taking an attenuation by 12 db (i.e., a factor of 16) in the intermediate frequency (IF) flux for the equivalent of a data shift to the right by 4 bits, along with other design defects, could have made artificial errors creep into the observations, we throw doubt upon the 205 published solar ultrafast fine structure (UFFS) data taken with such a receiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carried out smoothing by averaging at one second intervals for the solar ultrafast fine structure (UFFS) data of Beijing Observatory at 2.84 GHz on May 16, 1981. The result is compared to the burst record with a time constant τ = 1 s. We find there is a difference of more than one order of magnitude in the flux calibration, and the burst curves are very different. So we are led to think that the UFFS data of the event are not likely to be reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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