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To confirm the ingenuity of a patent, the drawings appeared in the patent document play a great role in the comparison of similar patent and can further combine with text-based image retrieval for accurate search. Considerable work has been done in image retrieval using shape, color and texture information. However, patent images are usually binary with complex shapes, no color and little texture information, thus little effort has been made specifically for patents. In this paper, we proposed a novel method named the hierarchical oriented gradient histogram, which extracts the local and global gradient distribution of the image. It can be used in binary patent images which are very complex and cannot be easily segmented into shapes. Experiments on a public database demonstrated that the proposed algorithm could get higher accuracy than other state-of-the-art approaches. Because the dimension of feature of an image is less than 200, our method can be utilized for patent image retrieval in real-time.

In this paper, we proposes a method which use locality-constrained linear coding (LLC) and spatial pyramid matching (SPM) for patent image classification. Patent images usually have no texture and color information which makes it hard for recognition. Many methods based on contour, shape or edge of image have been proposed, however, as far as we are concerned, our method is the first attempt using coding features for patent image classification. First, we extract dense Scale-Invariant Feature Transformation (SIFT) features and use k-means clustering to train a codebook which based on LLC. Second, we divide the image into increasing fine sub-regions and generate the feature for each sub-region as SPM do. Finally, we use a linear SVM classifier for patent image classification. The experiment on a public database for patent image has demonstrated our method has achieved the stated-of-the-art accuracy rate of 94.2%. It proves model based on SPM and LLC have bright future in patent image recognition.

This paper considers the optimal route planning problem for an unmanned aerial vehicle which flies in average wind field with constant altitude and airspeed between two fixed positions. According to characters of the average wind and voyage of the unmanned aerial vehicles, constant wind model and wind model varying with position are presented based on formula from meteorology and function approximation. By defining new Euler angles, kinematic model in arbitrary variable wind fields and equations expressing relation between airspeed and ground speed are derived. If the distance between origin and destination is much larger than minimum turning radius, the turn rate constraint can be neglected. Analytic expressions are developed to solve the problem by calculus of variations. This solution has small calculation quantity, and it can be used to real-time online implementation for the unmanned aerial vehicle. Simulation examples show that it is feasible and effective for optimal route planning.

Background: To study the relationship between intracellular anabolism and astaxanthin production, the influence of intracellular protein and fatty acids on astaxanthin production by four mutant Phaffia rhodozyma strains and their variations was investigated in this research. Results: First, the content of astaxanthin in cells showed a reverse fluctuation in contrast to that of protein during the whole fermentation process. Moreover, compared with the three other strains, the astaxanthin-overproducting mutant strain of the yeast P. rhodozyma , called JMU-MVP14, had the highest specific productivity of astaxanthin as 6.8 mg/g, whereas its intracellular protein and fatty acid contents were the lowest. In addition, as a kind of sugar metabolic product, ethanol was only produced by P. rhodozyma JMU-VDL668 and JMU-7B12 during fermentation. Conclusions: The results indicated that the accumulation of ethanol, intracellular protein, and fatty acids had competition effects on astaxanthin synthesis. This condition may explain why the P. rhodozyma strains JMU-VDL668 and JMU-7B12 achieved relatively lower astaxanthin production (1.7 and 1.2 mg/L) than the other two strains JMU-MVP14 and JMU-17W (20.4 and 3.9 mg/L). Normal 0 21 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;}

Hyperspectral imaging has large data volume and high dimensionality, and original spectra data includes a lot of noises and severe scattering. And, quality of acquired hyperspectral data can be influenced by non-monochromatic light, external stray light and temperature, which resulted in having some non-linear relationship between the acquired hyperspectral data and the predicted quality index. Therefore, the present study proposed that competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm is used to select the key variables from visible and near infrared hyperspectral data. The performance of CARS was compared with full spectra, successive projections algorithm (SPA), Monte Carlo-uninformative variable elimination (MC-UVE), genetic algorithm (GA) and GA-SPA (genetic algorithm-successive projections algorithm). Two hundred Korla fragrant pears were used as research object. SPXY algorithm was used to divided sample set to correction set with 150 samples and prediction set with 50 samples, respectively. Based on variables selected by different methods, linear PLS and nonlinear LS-SVM models were developed, respectively, and the performance of models was assessed using parameters r2, RMSEP and RPD. A comprehensive comparison found that GA, GA-SPA and CARS can effectively select the variables with strong and useful information. These methods can be used for selection of Vis-NIR hyperspectral data variables, particularly for CARS. LS-SVM model can obtain the best results for SSC prediction of Korla fragrant pear based on variables obtained from CARS method. r2, RMSEP and RPD were 0.851 2, 0.291 3 and 2.592 4, respectively. The study showed that CARS is an effectively hyperspectral variable selection method, and nonlinear LS-SVM model is more suitable than linear PLS model for quantitatively determining the quality of fra- grant pear based on hyperspectral information.

A new lipolytic enzyme gene was cloned from a thermophile Geobacillus sp. JM6. The gene contained 750 bp and encoded a 249-amino acid protein. The recombinant enzyme was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with a molecular mass of 33.6 kDa. Enzyme assays using p-nitrophenyl esters with different acyl chain lengths as the substrates confirmed its esterase activity, yielding the highest activity with p-nitrophenyl butyrate. When p-nitrophenyl butyrate was used as a substrate, the optimum reaction temperature and pH for the enzyme were 60 °C and pH 7.5, respectively. Geobacillus sp. JM6 esterase showed excellent thermostability with 68% residual activity after incubation at 100 °C for 18 h. A theoretical structural model of strain JM6 esterase was developed with a monoacylglycerol lipase from Bacillus sp. H-257 as a template. The predicted core structure exhibits an α/β hydrolase fold, and a putative catalytic triad (Ser97, Asp196, and His226) was identified. Inhibition assays with PMSF indicated that serine residue is involved in the catalytic activity of strain JM6 esterase. The recombinant esterase showed a relatively good tolerance to the detected detergents and denaturants, such as SDS, Chaps, Tween 20, Tween 80, Triton X-100, sodium deoxycholate, urea, and guanidine hydrochloride.

OBJECTIVE It has been reported that heating can enhance sensitivity of rabbit VX2 cells to adriamycin and increase the intracellular concentration of adriamycin. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of interventional hyperthermia and interventional thermochemotherapy on VX2 carcinoma in rabbit liver.

The objectives of our study were to evaluate the accuracy of combined endorectal and phased-array MRI in detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with prostate cancer and to determine whether radiologists' predictions of LNM improve with the incorporation of Partin nomogram or MRI findings (or both) regarding extracapsular extension or seminal vesicle invasion.Between May 1999 and September 2003, 411 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent MRI before surgery. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason grade, clinical stage, greatest percentage of cancer and percentage of positive cores in all biopsy cores, presence of perineural invasion on biopsy, and likelihood of LNM based on the Partin tables (2001 version) were recorded. MRI studies were interpreted prospectively, but the risks of LNM, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion were scored retrospectively on the basis of the MRI reports. Surgical pathology constituted the standard of reference. The accuracy of LNM prediction was assessed using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. For multivariate models, the jackknife method was used for bias correction. A p value below 0.05 denoted statistical significance.At surgical pathology, LNM was present in 22 (5%) of 411 patients. MRI was an independent statistically significant predictor of LNM (p = 0.002), with positive and negative predictive values of 50% and 96.36%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, prediction of lymph node status using the model that included all MRI variables (extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and LNM) along with the Partin nomogram results had a significantly greater AUC than the univariate model that included only MRI LNM findings (AUC = 0.892 vs 0.633, respectively; p0.01).Incorporation of the Partin nomogram results and MRI findings regarding both extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion improves the MR prediction of LNM in patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Resistin, a newly discovered cysteine-rich hormone secreted mainly by adipose tissues, has been proposed to form a biochemical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the resistin receptor has not yet been identified. This study aimed to identify resistin binding proteins/receptor. METHODS Three cDNA fragments with the same 11 bp 5' sequence were found by screening a cDNA phage display library of rat multiple tissues. As the reading frames of the same 11 bp 5' sequence were interrupted by a TGA stop codon, plaque lift assay was consequently used to prove the readthrough phenomenon. The stop codon in the same 11 bp 5' sequence was replaced by tryptophan, and the binding activity of the coded peptide [AWIL, which was designated as resistin binding peptide (RBP)] with resistin was identified by the confocal microscopy technique and the affinity chromatography experiment. pDual GC-resistin and pDual GC-resistin binding peptide were co-transfected into 3T3-L1 cells to confirm the function of resistin binding peptide. RESULTS Three cDNA fragments with the same 11 bp 5' sequence were found. The TGA stop codon in reading frames of the same 11 bp 5' sequence was proved to be readthroughed. The binding activity of RBP with resistin was consequently identified. The expression of the resistin binding peptide in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes expressing pDual GC-resistin significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION RBP could effectively rescue the promoted differentiation of resistin overexpressed 3T3-L1 preadipocyte.

To assess retrospectively the incremental value of endorectal coil magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and combined endorectal MR imaging-MR spectroscopic imaging to the staging nomograms for predicting organ-confined prostate cancer (OCPC).The institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study and issued a waiver of informed consent for review of the MR reports and clinical data. Between November 1, 1999, and November 1, 2004, 229 patients underwent endorectal MR imaging and 383 underwent combined endorectal MR imaging-MR spectroscopic imaging before radical prostatectomy. Mean patient age was 58 years (range, 32-74 years). MR studies were interpreted prospectively by 12 radiologists who were informed of patients' clinical data. On the basis of the MR reports, the risks of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node metastasis were scored retrospectively from 1 to 5; the highest score was subtracted from 6 to determine a score (from 1 to 5) for the likelihood of OCPC on MR studies. The staging nomograms were used to calculate the likelihood of OCPC on the basis of serum prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason grade at biopsy, and clinical stage. Histopathologic findings constituted the reference standard. Logistic regression was used to estimate the multivariable relations between OCPC and MR findings. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was calculated for each model. The jackknife method was used for bias correction.MR findings contributed significant incremental value (P/= .02) to the nomograms in the overall study population. The contribution of MR findings was significant in all risk groups but was greatest in the intermediate- and high-risk groups (P.01 for both). Accuracy in the prediction of OCPC with MR was higher when MR spectroscopic imaging was used, but the difference was not significant.Endorectal MR imaging and combined endorectal MR imaging-MR spectroscopic imaging contribute significant incremental value to the staging nomograms in predicting OCPC.

This paper analyzes the use of wide-area measurement technologies including satellite-based methods for the command and control of power systems. The methods studied include the global positioning system (GPS) and low earth orbit satellites (LEOS). Satellite technologies have been used in a variety of applications requiring precise timing between geographically diverse locations. The deregulation of the electric power industry is placing increased demands on power transmission system utilization. Because deregulated power systems utilize long-distance high-power exchanges, satellite-based communication systems are useful in control of geographically large interconnected power systems. In this paper, the satellite-based measurements and commands are introduced for wide-area control. With the support of wide-area signals, a multiagent supervisory-level power system stabilizer is proposed here as a potential wide-area control structure. Increased loading of transmission facilities is an impetus for accurate dynamic thermal overhead electrical conductor ratings. The application of satellite-based measurement for improving the dynamic thermal rating of overhead transmission circuits is suggested.

To determine whether predictive value of endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in detection of prostate cancer extracapsular extension (ECE) is significantly affected by the reader's subspecialty experience.In this cohort study, 344 consecutive patients with biopsy-proved prostate cancer underwent endorectal MR imaging followed by surgery. Likelihood of ECE described in MR imaging reports was compared with clinical predictor variables. ECE was determined from the final pathologic report on specimens resected at surgery. Readers of MR images were classified into genitourinary MR imaging radiologists (n = 4) and general body MR imaging radiologists (n = 6). For data analysis, Wilcoxon rank sum and chi(2) tests, as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, were used. A difference with P.05 was considered significant.Univariate analysis results demonstrated that all predictors except clinical stage were significantly associated with detection of ECE in both groups of readers (P.05). In the genitourinary MR imaging radiologist group of patients, area under the ROC curve for endorectal MR imaging findings (0.833) was larger than areas under the curves for all other predictors (0.566-0.701). In the general body MR imaging radiologist group of patients, area under the ROC curve for endorectal MR imaging findings (0.646) was not larger than areas under the curves for all other predictors (0.582-0.793). Results of multivariate analysis of two models, one with all predictors and another with all predictors except endorectal MR imaging findings, demonstrated a significant increase in area under the ROC curve with endorectal MR images interpreted by genitourinary MR imaging radiologists (P =.019 and.31, respectively).Endorectal MR imaging findings are significant predictors for detection of ECE when MR images are interpreted by genitourinary radiologists experienced with MR imaging of the prostate.

2024/3003 gradient aluminum alloy was prepared by semi-continuous casting using double-stream-pouring technique. The microstructures of the as-cast, pressed and heat-treated alloys were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. And the mechanical properties of the alloy in pressed and heat-treated states were studied. The results show that the ingots with diameter of 65 mm and external thickness about 5.5 mm are obtained when the temperatures of the melt in the internal and external ladles are 1 023 and 1 003 K, respectively, and the nozzle diameter is 2.0 mm. The microstructures of the as-cast alloy consist of α(Al) + ϑ(CuAl2) + S(Al2CuMg) in the internal region and α(Al) + MnAl6 in the external region. The phases found in the internal and external layers coexist in the transition zone. The transition layer is maintained after plastic deformation and heat treatment of the alloy. The tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the alloy are 300 MPa, 132 MPa and 16.0%, respectively, after T6 treatment. The tensile and yield strength are increased by 150.0% and 94.1%, respectively, compared with that of 3003 aluminum alloy. The maximum hardness in the internal region of 2024/3003 gradient aluminum alloy can be increased from HRF 55 in the pressed state to HRF 70 in the heat-treated state.

HLA-A*33:88 differs from HLA-A*33:03:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 475, G>A (codon 135 GCG>ACG).

HLA-DRB1*14:150 shows one nucleotide difference when compared with DRB1*14:54:01 at codon 49 (A > P).

Rice-like α-Fe2O3 nanorods have been successfully synthesized by a simple microwave–hydrothermal route, employing FeCl3·6H2O and ethylenediamine (en) as the starting materials. The phase of the as-prepared product was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and further determined by Rietveld refinement of XRD data. The morphology of the product was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy (HR/TEM). The formation of Fe2O3 was further confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the product. Experiments showed that the product possessed a high coercive force of 467.1 Oe at room temperature, and exhibited a strong electrochemical response to Hg2+ ions in water resources.

Conventional power system stabilizers (PSSs) are major local damping controllers acting through generator excitation systems. There are studies that suggest that remote signals could increase damping beyond that attainable by local signals. In this paper, a supervisory level power system stabilizer (SPSS) using wide area measurements is proposed. The robustness of the proposed controller is capable of compensating for the nonlinear dynamic operation of power systems and uncertain disturbances. The coordination of the robust SPSSs and local PSSs is implemented based on the principles of multiagent system theory. This theory is an active branch of applications in distributed artificial intelligence (DAI). The performance of the robust controller as a power system stability agent is studied using a 29-machine 179-bus power system example.

Sensory evaluation, GC–MS and omission test were used to characterize aromas of noninstant Oolong tea (NIOT), original instant Oolong tea (OIOT) and its counterparts treated by two enzyme extracts from Aspergillus niger. The results showed that OIOT had stronger sweet, fruity, and roasted notes, but weaker grass and floral notes than NIOT. After treated by the crude enzymes extracted from the fermented broth from tea waste (TW) medium, the treated-OIOT had an improved aroma similar to that of NIOT, due to the increases of 2-pentyl-furan and 3-cis-hexen-1-ol. In comparison, after the treatment of crude enzymes from wheat bran and orange peel (WBOP) medium, the treated-OIOT showed significantly aroma difference from NIOT and OIOT, which was attributed to the increases of 3-cis-hexen-1-ol, γ-terpinene, and β-trans-farnesene. These results revealed that the original aroma of OIOT could be effectively modified and improved by the enzyme extracts, particularly by that from the TW medium. Practical applications Tea is one of the most popular beverages all over the world. Instant tea is an important tea product that is processed from teas by extraction, concentration and drying. Instant tea is more convenient than teas for industrially producing tea foods such as tea beverage, tea break, and tea ice cream. However, the aroma profile of instant tea is always inferior to those of the original unprocessed noninstant teas, because the characteristic aroma of the original unprocessed tea could undergo significant changes during the preparation of instant tea. The present manuscript shows two enzyme extracts from Aspergillus niger could improve the aroma of instant Oolong tea, providing interesting information to promote the aroma of instant tea via enzymatic treatments, which may help to develop effective approaches to enhancing the quality of instant teas.

For Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ), the optimal surgical approach and extent of lymph nodes dissection remain controversial. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been reported to be available for identifying lymph node micrometastasis (LNMM) in patients with AEJ. This was a prospective case series of patients who underwent R0 resection and lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy from January 2010 to June 2015 in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital for Siewert type II AEJ. The outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 1325 lymph nodes were collected from 49 patients, grouped into 3 groups: lower mediastinal, paracardial, and abdominal. The former 2 groups were examined by monoclonal antibodies against Ber-Ep4 and CD44v6. The incidence of LNMM in mediastinal group was 37% (18/49) for Ber-Ep4 and 33% (16/49) for CD44v6. While in routine histological diagnosis, the number of patients with the positive lymph nodes was 7 (14%). When combining IHC with histopathology (HE) staining, the incidence of positive mediastinal lymph nodes was increased to 24%, with a total number of 37 lymph nodes from 28 patients (57%). Micrometastases indicated by Ber-Ep4 and CD44v6 were associated with the depth of tumor invasion (P = 0.020 and 0.037, respectively), histopathological nodal status (P = 0.024 and 0.01, respectively), and Lauren classification (P = 0.038 and, respectively). Expression of CD44v6 and Ber-Ep4 was positively correlated (r = 0.643, P

Aim To explore the effect of interleukin (IL)-22 on in vitro model of alcoholic liver fibrosis hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and whether this is related to regulation of Nrf2-keap1-ARE. Methods HSC-T6 cells were incubated with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μmol/L acetaldehyde. After 24 and 48 h, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect proliferation of HSCs to choose the best concentration and action time. We used the optimal concentration of acetaldehyde (200 μmol/L) to stimulate HSCs for 24 h, and treated the cells with a final concentration of 10, 20 or 50 ng/mL IL-22. The cell proliferation rate was detected by MTT assay. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of nuclear factor-related factor (Nrf)2 and α-smooth muscle antigen was detected by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured by spectrophotometry. Results In the MTT assay, when HSCs were incubated with acetaldehyde, activity and proliferation were higher than in the control group, and were most obvious after 48 h treatment with 200 μmol/L acetaldehyde. The number of cells in G0/G1 phases was decreased and the number in S phase was increased in comparison with the control group. When treated with different concentrations of IL-22, HSC-T6 cell activity and proliferation rate were markedly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and cell cycle progression was arrested from G1 to S phase. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that expression of Nrf2 total protein was not significantly affected. Expression of Nrf2 nuclear protein was low in the control group, increased slightly in the model group (or acetaldehyde-stimulated group), and increased more obviously in the IL-22 intervention groups. The levels of MDA and GSH in the model group were significantly enhanced in comparison with those in the control group. In cells treated with IL-22, the MDA level was attenuated but the GSH level was further increased. These changes were dose-dependent. Conclusion IL-22 inhibits acetaldehyde-induced HSC activation and proliferation, which may be related to nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased activity of the antioxidant axis Nrf2-keap1-ARE.

Deterioration of aromas of pummelo essential oil (EO) induced by sunlight was compared to those induced by heat and oxygen exposure using the techniques of sensory evaluation and GC-MS analysis. The sunlight-exposed EO was found to possess an oily off-flavor odor, which was significantly different from its counterparts induced by oxygen and heat. The strong oily note of the sunlight-exposed EO was attributed to the existence of linalool oxides and limonene oxides, as well as the lack of neral and geranial, for which UV sunlight was revealed to be the critical contributor causing the chemical reactions for the aroma changes. The results demonstrated that UV sunlight could significantly affect the aroma of the pummelo EO, providing valuable information that will benefit the production and storage of EO-based aromatic products.

To identify and characterize a marine bacterial strain producing agarase.The agarase-producing bacterium was isolated from coastal sediments in Xiamen using agar as the sole carbon source. The strain was identified by the analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence, phenotype and biochemical reactions. Agarase activity was determined by dinitrosalicylic acid method, and the category of agarase was assayed using chromogenic substrate. At last, the characteristics of agarase were determined.The results of the 16S rRNA phylogenetic, phenotypic and biochemical analyses showed that: the agar-degrading bacterium NTa belonged to the genus Stenotrophomonas sp.. The strain could produce extracellular agarases, including alpha-agarase and beta-agarase. The optimum temperature and pH of strain NTa agarase were 40 degrees C and 7.0, respectively. The enzymatic activity was stable below 30 degrees C. It also showed stability over a pH range between 7.0 and. 0. Ca2+ could activate agarase activity, and Na+, K+ and Mg2+ had no significant influence. However, Ag', Ba2 , Fe2' , Mn2', Cu2', Zn2+ and Fe3' inhibited the enzyme activity. The enzymatic activity of stain NTa agarase was inhibited by EDTA. The agarase had good resistance to some inhibitors, detergents and denaturant.Stenotrophomonas sp. NTa is a new type of agarase-producing strain, which can produce both alpha-agarase and beta-agarase and has potential applications in the production of agaro-oligosaccharide.

The rural land reform policy (RLRP) in the 1980s introduced the farm household responsibility system (HRS; jiating chengbao zerenzhi and so the traditional collective land holding and use system was transformed to the individual land holding and use system. Since then the Chinese agricultural sector has been drastically restructured (Hinton, 1990; Guo et ah, 2007). In the past decades, sericulture and the silk industry, a typical traditional agricultural sector in China, has also been transformed and has headed towards a new stage of development, in which the contract farming system between silkworm farmers and silk companies plays an important role (Ni, 2007).

A gene (1,254 bp) encoding a lipase was identified from a deep-sea hydrothermal field thermophile Geobacillus sp. EPT9. The open reading frame of this gene encoded 417 amino acid residues. The gene was cloned, overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the target protein was purified to homogeneity. The purified recombinant enzyme presented a molecular mass of 44.8 kDa. When p-nitrophenyl palmitate was used as a substrate, the recombinant lipase was optimally active at 55 °C and pH 8.5. The recombinant enzyme retained 44 % residual activity after incubation at 80 °C for 1 h, which indicated that Geobacillus sp. EPT9 lipase was thermostable. Homology modeling of strain EPT9 lipase was developed with the lipase from Bacillus sp. L2 as a template. The core structure exhibits an α/β-hydrolase fold and the typical catalytic triad might consist of Ser142, Asp346, and His387. The enzymatic activity of EPT9 lipase was inhibited by addition of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, indicating that it contains serine residue, which plays an important role in the catalytic mechanism.

Polymer gels are effective tools that are still widely used in mature oilfield development to stop unwanted fluid production from oil and gas wells, but conventional gelant formulations have become increasingly difficult to apply at low and ultralow temperatures. Because of this situation, the gelation performance of phenol–formaldehyde-based gel systems at a low temperature of 25°C is discussed in this article. The results show that the gelation time and strength of the gel systems can be perfectly controlled by the adjustment of the polymer concentration, the molecular weight, the crosslinking agent concentration, the ammonium salt concentration, and the composition. The polymer concentration and molecular weight can affect not only the gelation time and the gel strength but also its stability. The ammonium salt concentration affected not only the gelation time but also its viscosity before a detectable gel formed. Among them, the polymer concentration was the most important factor affecting the gel stability. For low-temperature reservoirs, the phenol–formaldehyde-based gel system achieved a much longer gelation time. Polymer gels formulated with a combination of 0.2–0.4 wt % polymer, 0.5–1.0 wt % formaldehyde or phenol–formaldehyde, and 0.1–0.6 wt % ammonium salt, and we added 0.02–0.03 wt % resorcinol to provide a gelation time between 2 h and 2 days. The maximum gel strength reached code I. The results of this study suggest that the formaldehyde-based gel system could be used effectively in low-temperature reservoirs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40657.

To explore the related factors of remission and relapse in lupus nephritis (LN) patients.A retrospective study was conducted for proliferation and membrane LN patients diagnosed from 2003 to 2010. Their clinical, laboratory and pathological parameters were collected. According to the response to treatment, they were divided into 3 groups of complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR) and no response (NR). Those in remission were divided into 2 groups of relapsing and non-relapsing during maintenance period. Associated factors for remission and relapse were analyzed.(1) Among a total of 105 patients, there were 99 females and 6 males with an average follow-up period of (51 ± 30) months. Eighty-six patients achieved remission after 6-month treatment. (2) The outcomes were CR (n = 36), PR (n = 50) and NR (n = 19). Proteinuria in PR group was higher than that in CR group (4.7 (3.1-7.6) vs 1.7 (1.4-3.8), P0.01) while proteinuria of CR group was lower than that of NR group (1.7 (1.4-3.8) vs 3.0 (2.3-5.9), P0.01). Serum albumin level of CR group was significantly higher than those of PR (30.6 (27.8-34.6) vs 22.4 (19.3-29.4), P0.01) and NR groups (30.6 (27.8-34.6) vs 23.1 (18.9-28.6), P0.01). Serum creatinine was significantly higher in NR group than those of CR (128.9 (69.9-184.3) vs 58.1 (53.0-70.9), P0.01) and PR group (128.9 (69.9-184.3) vs 67.5 (53.5-129.1), P0.05). Acute index (AI) and chronic index (CI) were lower in CR group than those of PR and NR groups. (3) A total of 86 cases achieved remission (CR/PR) while 20 cases (23.3%) had relapse. During the maintenance period, the relapse rate was higher in the group on prednisone alone than those on combined therapy of prednisone plus immunosuppressant (P0.05). Sixty patients (90.9%) in non-relapse group and 12 cases (60.0%) in recurrence group had good compliance.Initial proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate and AI were related with remission of induction period. Prednisone-alone therapy is an independent risk factor for relapse during maintenance period. Poor compliance of patients may be one of the risk factors for relapse during maintenance period. It may be useful to maintain sustained remission and reduce relapse in LN patients by improving their compliance and using steroids plus immunosuppressant during maintenance period.

Mercury levels have increased in aquatic food webs throughout the world and can be found at toxic levels in some biota. However, the molecular mechanisms and effects of mercuric chloride (Hg(2+)) remain poorly understood. In the present study, antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde)-as well as a series of gene expressions, including cortisol receptor (cr), Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (aptase), and prolactin (prl) genes involved in ion-regulatory process, insulin-like growth factor I (igf1) and growth hormone (gh) related to growth rate, as well as heat shock protein70 (hsp70) and metallothionein (mt) used as physiological stress identification-were measured in whole body of Chinese rare minnow larvae (Gobiocypris rarus) after exposure to Hg(2+) (0, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/L) for 4 days. Results show that oxidative stress was generated in fish exposed to Hg(2+) and that the transcription levels of cr, atpase, gh, hsp70, and mt genes increased in a dose-dependent manner, but expression levels of prl and igf1 genes were showed to be decreased in the treated groups. Based on principal component analysis, the correlation between gh and igf1 genes and cr and prl genes was negative. In conclusion, exposure to Hg(2+) could alter multiple physiological and molecular indices in fish; however, before those parameters are used as special biomarkers for monitoring Hg(2+) in aquatic environment, more detailed experiments in laboratory must be performed in the future.

Cadmium is a heavy metal abundant in the environment that can induce endocrine disorder and toxicity in aquatic organisms at low levels. However, its effects on the thyroid system in fish are still unclear. In this study, the thyroid hormone (TH) levels and the expression profiles of genes related to hypothalamic– pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh), thyroid stimulating hormone beta (tshβ), solute carrier family 5 (sodium iodide symporter) member 5 (slc5a5), thyroglobulin (tg), thyroid hormone receptor alpha (trα) and thyroid hormone receptor beta (trβ), were determined in whole body of Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) larvae after exposure to different levels of Cd2 + (0, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/L) for 4 days. And the 96-h lethal concentration of Cd2 + on rare minnow larvae was determined as 2.59 mg/L. The results showed that crh, slc5a5, tg and tshβ mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated in the larvae, but the gene expression of trα and trβ was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, the THs levels decreased in the whole-body of fish, especially the thyroxine (T4) level. The above results indicated that Cd2 + could alter gene expression in the HPT axis that might subsequently contribute to thyroid disruption.

The relationships between the exposure of pollutants towards hospitalized admission and mortality have been identified in several studies on Asian cities such as Taipei, Bangkok and Tokyo. In Malaysia, evidence on the health risks associated with exposure to pollutants is limited. In this study, daily time-series data were analysed to estimate risks of cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalized admissions associated with particulate matter ≤ 10 μm (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone concentrations in Klang Valley during 2004–2009. Daily counts of hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes were obtained from eleven hospitals while pollutants data were taken from several air quality monitoring stations located nearest to the hospitals. These data were fitted with Generalised Additive Poisson regression models. Additionally, temperature, humidity, and time data were also included to allow for potential effect of weather and time-varying influences on hospital admissions. CO showed the most significant (P < 0.05) relationship to cardiovascular admissions. An increment of 1 ppm in CO predicted an increase of 4% to 20% in cardiovascular admissions. Respiratory admissions were associated with PM10, which had about 1% increase in risk of admission per 10 ug/m3 increment in PM10. Exposure to CO and PM10 increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

According to the previous studies of sediment carrying capacity, a new method of sediment carrying capacity on perturbed theory was proposed. By taking into account the average water depth, average flow velocity, settling velocity, and other influencing factors and introducing the median grain size as one main influencing factor in deriving the new formula, we established a new sediment carrying capacity formula. The coefficients were determined by the principle of dimensional analysis, multiple linear regression method, and the least square method. After that, the new formula was verified through measuring data of natural rivers and flume tests and comparing the verified results calculated by Cao Formula, Zhang Formula, Li Formula, Engelung-Hansen Formula, Ackers-White Formula, and Yang Formula. According to the compared results, it can be seen that the new method is of high accuracy. It could be a useful reference for the determination of sediment carrying capacity.

The gamma-ray-radiation -induced damage to silicon single -mode fiber is reported. The immediate radiation-induced attenuation of the 10 m fiber under total dose 104 rad is 8.98 dB/km, which was tolerable. Some disastrous attenuation was found a half-hour later, which rapidly increased to 642.53 dB/km. No obvious spectral variation after radiation was found, except for the decreases of the spectrum power. The optical recovery phenomenon was noticed 2 days after radiation and the output spectrum power has increased from 145.5 to 185.6 μW during 9 days. The experimental results have shown that the composition and its absorptivity of optical fibers play a more important role than total dose in determining the radiation-induced attenuation.

Based on a single clinical trial, it has been suggested that the contrast agent iodixanol, which is isotonic to human plasma, may be less nephrotoxic than other nonionic contrast agents in renally impaired patients after intra-arterial injection. We compared the effects on renal function of iopamidol-370 injection (796 mOsm/kg) and iodixanol-320 (290 mOsm/kg) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CE-MDCT) examinations using a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group design.A total of 166 patients with stable moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (screening and baseline serum creatinine, SCr,or =1.5 mg/dL and/or creatinine clearance, CrCl,or =60 mL/min) who were undergoing CE-MDCT of the liver or peripheral arteries were randomized to receive equi-iodine IV doses (40 gI) of either iopamidol-370 (370 mgI/mL) or iodixanol-320 (320 mgI/mL) at 4 mL/s. SCr and CrCl were obtained at screening, baseline, and at 48-72 +/- 6 hours after dose (mean, 57.4 hours). Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) was defined as an absolute increaseor =0.5 mg/dL (44.2 micromol/L) and/or a relative increase in SCror =25% from baseline.A total of 153 patients were included in the final analysis (13 patients excluded because of lack of follow-up, hemodialysis to remove contrast, average daily CrCl variation1% at screening). The 2 study groups were comparable with regard to age, gender distribution, the presence of diabetes, concomitant medications, hydration, and contrast dose. Mean predose SCr was 1.6 +/- 0.4 mg/dL in both groups (P = 0.9). An absolute increaseor =0.5 mg/dL (44.2 micromol/L) in SCr was observed in none of the patients receiving iopamidol-370 and in 2.6% (2/76) of patients receiving iodixanol-320 (95% confidence interval -6.2, 1.0, P = 0.2). A relative increaseor =25% in SCr occurred in 4% (3/77) of patients receiving iopamidol-370 and in 4% (3/76) of the patients receiving iodixanol-320 (95% confidence interval -6.2, 6.1, P = 1.0).The rate of CIN was similarly low in risk patients after intravenous administration of iopamidol-370 or iodixanol-320 for CE-MDCT.

Exposure of mammalian cells to ultraviolet (UV) light elicits a cellular response and can also lead to apoptotic cell death. In this report, we show that a 36-kDa myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase detected by an in-gel kinase assay can be dramatically activated during the early stages of UV irradiation-triggered apoptosis of A431 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed that this 36-kDa MBP kinase could be recognized by an antibody against the C-terminal regions of a family of p21Cdc42/Rac-activated kinases (PAKs). By using this antibody and a PAK2-specific antibody against the N-terminal region of PAK2 as studying tools, we further demonstrated that UV irradiation caused cleavage of PAK2 to generate a 36-kDa C-terminal catalytic fragment and a 30-kDa N-terminal fragment in A431 cells. The appearance of the 36-kDa C-terminal catalytic fragment of PAK2 matched exactly with the activation of the 36-kDa MBP kinase in A431 cells upon UV irradiation. In addition, UV irradiation also led to activation of CPP32/caspase-3, but not ICH-1L/caspase-2 and ICE/caspase-1, in A431 cells and the kinetics of activation of CPP32/caspase-3 appeared to correlate well with that of DNA fragmentation and of cleavage/activation of PAK2, respectively. Moreover, blockage of activation of CPP32/caspase-3 by pretreating the cells with two specific tetrapeptidic inhibitors for caspases (Ac-DEVD-cho and Ac-YVAD-cmk) could significantly attenuate the extent of cleavage/activation of PAK2 induced by UV irradiation. Collectively, the results demonstrate that cleavage and activation of PAK2 can be induced during the early stages of UV irradiation-triggered apoptosis and indicate the involvement of CPP32/caspase-3 in this process.

Autophosphorylation-dependent protein kinase (auto-kinase) was identified from pig brain and liver on the basis of its unique autophosphorylation/activation property [Yang, Fong, Yu and Liu (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 7034–7040; Yang, Chang and Soderling (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 9421–9427]. Its substrate consensus sequence motif was determined as being -R-X-(X)-S*/T*-X3-S/T-. To characterize auto-kinase further, we partly sequenced the kinase purified from pig liver. The N-terminal sequence (VDGGAKTSDKQKKKAXMTDE) and two internal peptide sequences (EKLRTIV and LQNPEK/ILTP/FI) of auto-kinase were obtained. These sequences identify auto-kinase as a C-terminal catalytic fragment of p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2 or γ-PAK) lacking its N-terminal regulatory region. Auto-kinase can be recognized by an antibody raised against the C-terminal peptide of human PAK2 by immunoblotting. Furthermore the autophosphorylation site sequence of auto-kinase was successfully predicted on the basis of its substrate consensus sequence motif and the known PAK2 sequence, and was further demonstrated to be RST(P)MVGTPYWMAPEVVTR by phosphoamino acid analysis, manual Edman degradation and phosphopeptide mapping via the help of phosphorylation site analysis of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the sequence of PAK2 from residues 396 to 418. During the activation process, auto-kinase autophosphorylates mainly on a single threonine residue Thr402 (according to the sequence numbering of human PAK2). In addition, a phospho-specific antibody against a synthetic phosphopeptide containing this identified sequence was generated and shown to be able to differentially recognize the activated auto-kinase autophosphorylated at Thr402 but not the non-phosphorylated/inactive auto-kinase. Immunoblot analysis with this phospho-specific antibody further revealed that the change in phosphorylation level of Thr402 of auto-kinase was well correlated with the activity change of the kinase during both autophosphorylation/activation and protein phosphatase-mediated dephosphorylation/inactivation processes. Taken together, our results identify Thr402 as the regulatory autophosphorylation site of auto-kinase, which is a C-terminal catalytic fragment of PAK2.

A multi-center large scale study is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of domestic peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Some researchers believe that 6 L/d is enough for adequate dialysis, but there is no multi-center prospective study on Chinese population to confirm this. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of domestic PD solution (Changfu) and its difference between 6 L and 8 L dosage.Adult PD patients who had taken PD therapy for at least one month were selected and divided into four groups according to two dialysis solution brands and two dialysis dosages, i.e., 6 L dose with Changfu dialysis solution, 6 L dose with Baxter dialysis solution, 8 L dose with Changfu dialysis solution, and 8 L dose with Baxter dialysis solution. After 48 weeks, the changes of primary and secondary efficacy indices were compared between different types and different dosages. We also analyzed the changes of safety indices.Changes of Kt/V from baseline to 48 weeks between Changfu and Baxter showed no statistical differences; so did those of creatinine clearance rate (Ccr). Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) from baseline to 48 weeks between Changfu and Baxter showed no statistical differences; so did those of net ultrafiltration volume (nUF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Changes of nPCR from baseline to 48 weeks between 6 L and 8 L showed no statistical differences; so did those of nUF and eGFR. The decline of Kt/V from baseline to 48 weeks in 6 L group was more than that in 8 L group. Change of Ccr was similar. During the 48-week period, the mean Kt/V was above 1.7/w, and mean Ccr was above 50 L×1.73 m(-2)×w(-1). More adverse events were found in Changfu group before Changfu Corporation commenced technology optimization, and the statistical differences disappeared after that.The domestic PD solution (Changfu) was proven to be as effective as Baxter dialysis solution. During 48-week period, a dosage of 6 L/d was enough for these patients to reach adequate PD. Clinical study promotes technological optimization, further helps to improve the safety indices of the medical products.

A new naringinase-producing strain, JMUdb058 was identified and characterized.The strain was identified by morphological observation and 28S rDNA homogeneous analysis. Naringinase was identified by monitoring the hydrolysis of naringin to prunin and naringenin using a reversed phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The regulation of naringinase expression was studied by measuring naringinase activity of 11 different carbon sources and 7 nitrogen sources in shaking cultivation. The naringinase-producing capacity was investigated in both solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation.The macro-morphology and micro-morphology of JMUdb058 corresponded to the characteristics of Aspergillus section Nigri Gams, and the 28S rDNA sequences showed homogeneity at 100% to Aspergillus aculeatus. Crude enzymes prepared by both submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation could hydrolyze naringin to prunin and naringenin. In addition, the enzyme could remove naringin from citrus juice effectively. Carbon resources, including hesperidin, naringin, rutin and rhamnose, and organic nitrogen resources, i. e., tryptone, soybean meal, yeast extract and corn syrup were shown to express the naringinase. The strain had an outstanding ability to yield naringinase in the solid-state fermentation, which showed an alpha-L-rhamnosidase activity of 5903 U/gds by HPLC, and the naringinase of 1939U/gds by HPLC and 72232 U/gds by Davis method.It is the first time to report a stain of Aspergillus aculeatus can produce naringinase, carbon source containing rhamnose groups are able to induce the enzyme expression. The stain JMUdb058 is a new microorganism source for high yield of naringinase, in particularly by the solid-state fermentation.

To investigate the quality of life ( QOL) of inpatients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis( CWP) and analyse its influential factors, and to provide a theoretical basis for effective control measures.Eighty-eight CWP patients in a hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted in them using a self-designed QOL scale. A database was established by software EpiData3.1, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed by software SPSS 16.0.Of the 88 patients, 73( 82.9%) had middle-level QOL, with a mean QOL loss rate of 36.2%; the loss rates of physical function and somatic sensation were the highest ( 44.2% and 41.5%). The patients with stage II CWP had significantly lower physical function than those with stage I and III CWP; the physical function and social function of patients significantly decreased with age; the personal income, household income, and housing condition of the patients had a marked impact on their physical and psychological functions, and the housing condition and education level had a marked impact on their social function. The multivariate analysis showed that old age, low income,and poor housing condition were the main adverse factors for the QOL of inpatients with CWP.The QOL of inpatients with CWP declines significantly, and their QOL is related to the age, income, and satisfaction with housing condition.

A new gene encoding a superoxide dismutase (SOD) was identified from a thermophile Geobacillus sp. EPT3 isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal field in east Pacific. The open reading frame of this gene encoded 437 amino acid residues. It was cloned, overexpressed in Escherichia coli (DE3), and the recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity. Geobacillus sp. EPT3 SOD was of the manganese-containing SOD type, as judged by the insensitivity of the recombinant enzyme to both KCN and H2O2, and the activity analysis of Fe or Mn reconstituted SODs by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The recombinant SOD was determined to be a homodimer with monomeric molecular mass of 59.0 kDa. In comparison with other Mn–SODs, the manganese-binding sites are conserved in the sequence (His260, His308, Asp392, His396). The recombinant enzyme had high thermostability at 50 °C. It retained 57 % residual activity after incubation at 90 °C for 1 h, which indicated that this SOD was thermostable. The enzyme also showed striking stability over a wide range of pH 5.0–11.0. At tested conditions, the recombinant SOD from Geobacillus sp. EPT3 showed a relatively good tolerance to some inhibitors, detergents, and denaturants, such as β-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, Chaps, Triton X-100, urea, and guanidine hydrochloride.

As one of America’s most creative and outstanding postmodernist writers, Paul Auster’s novels have received worldwide popularity. His masterpiece Oracle Night was written in 2003 when the literary postmodernism has boomed and metafiction has become a typical postmodernist writing model. This paper aims to study the embedded structure of his Oracle Night , which has been, in part at least, neglected by literary criticism both in China and in foreign countries. Based on detailed textual analysis, the study describes the structural degrees and the corresponding relations between each.

Data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.The survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Trained physicians collected demographic and clinical data and measured blood pressure (BP) using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medications. BP140/90 mmHg and130/80 mmHg were used as the 2 thresholds of hypertension control. In multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for sex and age, we analyzed the association between CKD stages and uncontrolled hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients.The analysis included 8927 non-dialysis CKD patients. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients were 67.3%, 85.8%, and 81.0%, respectively. Of hypertensive CKD patients, 33.1% and 14.1% had controlled BP to140/90 mmHg and130/80 mmHg, respectively. With successive CKD stages, the prevalence of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients increased, but the control of hypertension decreased (P0.001). When the threshold of BP130/80 mmHg was considered, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 stages increased 1.3, 1.4, 1.4, 2.5, and 4.0 times compared with CKD 1 stage, respectively (P0.05). Using the threshold of140/90 mmHg, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased in advanced stages (P0.05).The prevalence of hypertension Chinese non-dialysis CKD patients was high, and the hypertension control was suboptimal. With successive CKD stages, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased.

Nowadays, the transferred errors in non-English majors’ Chinese-English(C-E) sentence translation, which have been ignored by many teachers, are very remarkable. It has deeply affected the total translation process and the accuracy of the translation version. Moreover, it also has affected the scores in all kinds of English tests for non-English majors. This paper is an empirical research which focuses on the negative transfer of college non-English majors in their C-E sentence translation. The research approach is the C-E translation test paper. The software Excel 2007 and SPSS 16.0 have been used to analyze. With respect to the results, the transferred errors in C-E sentence translation, have taken up 73%, especially in the field of syntax. The essential causes are found and some suggestions are given to College English Teaching based on the findings.