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Background The inappropriate use of prescription medication has recently garnered worldwide attention, but most national policies do not effectively provide for early detection or timely intervention. Objective This study aimed to develop and assess the validity of a model that can detect the inappropriate use of prescription medication. This effort combines a multiview and topic matching method. The study also assessed the validity of this approach. Methods A multiview extension of the latent Dirichlet allocation algorithm for topic modeling was chosen to generate diagnosis-medication topics, with data obtained from the Chinese Monitoring Network for Rational Use of Drugs (CMNRUD) database. Topic mapping allowed for calculating the degree to which diagnoses and medications were similarly distributed and, by setting a threshold, for identifying prescription misuse. The Beijing Regional Prescription Review Database (BRPRD) database was used as the gold standard to assess the model’s validity. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis using random samples of validated prescriptions and evaluated the model’s performance. Results A total of 44 million prescriptions were used to generate topics using the diagnoses and medications from the CMNRUD database. A random sample (15,000 prescriptions) from the BRPRD was used for validation, and it was found that the model had a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 47.4%, positive-predictive value of 14.5%, and negative-predictive value of 96.0%. The model showed superior stability under different sampling proportions. Conclusions A method that combines multiview topic modeling and topic matching can detect the inappropriate use of prescription medication. This model, which has mediocre specificity and moderate sensitivity, can be used as a primary screening tool and will likely complement and improve the process of manually reviewing prescriptions.

Black swimming dots (BSDs) are extremely tiny dot-like contaminants found in dishes of cultured cells. They are harmful to cells and very hard to be removed. BSDs contamination has always been a worldwide unsolved conundrum. Now almost nothing is known about BSDs. It is generally accepted that BSDs come from serum, so speculations that BSDs are serum precipitates or some kind of unknown protozoa parasitizing in bovine serum are popular. And there are also some other proposed viewpoints to explain the identity of BSDs: cell debris, mycoplasma, Achromobacter, nanobacteria, nonliving calcified nanoparticles such as hydroxyapatite or CaCO3. Here we show the above speculations are incorrect or incomplete with firm empirical evidence. We demonstrate BSDs possess biotic-abiotic duality. Namely, BSDs per se are nonliving inorganic nanoparticles yet should derive from an unidentified airborne infectious organism. Therefore, we suggest that future investigations should focus on both the cells and the dots for the final identification of BSDs pathogen. We also present a new method of observing the perivitelline space of MII oocytes to screen out BSDs infected animals. This method can accurately tell whether the donor cattle for FBS production or the animals for primary cells isolation carry BSDs. Thus it is of great scientific and economic significance for the credibility and reproducibility of basic research and serum production enterprise. Moreover, we propose some criteria for judging whether tiny-black-dots are definitely BSDs or other BSDs-like-but-not-be contaminants when they are observed in cell or animal samples.

It is a challenge to extract the energy sensitivity of charge carriers’ transport and scattering from experimental data, although a theoretical estimation in which the existing scattering mechanism(s) are preliminarily assumed can be easily done. To tackle this problem, we have developed a method to experimentally determine the energy sensitivities, which can then serve as an important statistical measurement to further understand the collective behaviors of multi-carrier transport systems. This method is validated using a graphene system at different temperatures. Further, we demonstrate the application of this method to other two-dimensional (2D) materials as a guide for future experimental work on the optimization of materials performance for electronic components, Peltier coolers, thermoelectricity generators, thermocouples, thermopiles, electrical converters and other conductivity and/or Seebeck-effect-related sensors.

Despite the long-standing observation that herpes simplex virus (HSV) latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter deletion viruses show impaired recurrence phenotypes in relevant animal models, the mechanism by which these sequences exert this phenotypic effect is unknown. We constructed and evaluated four mutant HSV-2 isolates with targeted mutations in the LAT promoter and LAT-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) affecting (i) the LAT TATA box; (ii) the LAT ICP4-binding site; (iii) miRNA I (miR-I) and miR-II (miR-I/II), which both target ICP34.5; and (iv) miR-III, which targets ICP0. While the LAT TATA box mutant caused milder acute infections than wild-type (WT) virus, there was no difference in the recurrence phenotype between these viruses. LAT and miRNA expression during latency was not impaired by this mutation, suggesting that other promoter elements may be more important for latent HSV-2 LAT expression. Mutation of the LAT ICP4-binding site also did not cause an in vivo phenotypic difference between mutant and WT viruses. Acute infection and reactivation from latency of the miR-I/II mutant were similar to those of its rescuant, although the acute infection was slightly reduced in severity relative to that caused by the wild-type virus. The miR-III mutant also exhibited WT phenotypes in acute and recurrent phases of infection. While they do not rule out an effect of these elements in human latency or reactivation, these findings do not identify a specific role for LAT or LAT-associated miRNAs in the HSV-2 LAT promoter deletion phenotype in guinea pigs. Thus, other sequences in this region may play a more important role in the long-studied LAT-associated phenotype in animals. IMPORTANCE While it has been known for several decades that specific HSV-1 and HSV-2 sequences near the LAT promoter are required for efficient viral reactivation in animal models, the mechanism is still not known. We constructed four mutant viruses with the goal of identifying critical sequence elements and of specifically testing the hypothesis that microRNAs that are expressed during latency play a role. Determination that specific LAT promoter sequences and miRNA sequences do not influence viral reactivation of HSV-2 helps to narrow down the search for the mechanism by which the virus controls its latency and recurrence phenotype.

Aim To elucidate tongue coating microbiota and metabolic differences in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with yellow or white tongue coatings. Methods Tongue coating samples were collected from 53 CHB patients (28 CHB yellow tongue coating patients and 25 CHB white tongue coating patients) and 22 healthy controls. Microbial DNA was extracted from the tongue samples, and the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene V3 region was amplified from all samples and sequenced with the Ion Torrent PGM™ sequencing platform according to the standard protocols. The metabolites in the tongue coatings were evaluated using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platform. Statistical analyses were then performed. Results The relative compositions of the tongue coating microbiotas and metabolites in the CHB patients were significantly different from those of the healthy controls, but the tongue coating microbiota abundances and diversity levels were not significantly different. Compared with the CHB white tongue coating patients, the CHB yellow tongue coating patients had higher hepatitis B viral DNA (HBV-DNA) titers (median 21210 vs 500, respectively, P = 0.03) and a significantly lower level of Bacteroidetes (20.14% vs 27.93%, respectively, P = 0.013) and higher level of Proteobacteria (25.99% vs 18.17%, respectively, P = 0.045) in the microbial compositions at the phylum level. The inferred metagenomic pathways enriched in the CHB yellow tongue coating patients were mainly those involved in amino acid metabolism, which was consistent with the metabolic disorder. The abundances of bacteria from Bacteroidales at the order level were higher in the CHB white tongue coating patients (19.2% vs 27.22%, respectively, P = 0.011), whereas Neisseriales were enriched in the yellow tongue coating patients (21.85% vs 13.83%, respectively, P = 0.029). At the family level, the abundance of Neisseriaceae in the yellow tongue patients was positively correlated with the HBV-DNA level but negatively correlated with the S-adenosyl-L-methionine level. Conclusion This research illustrates specific clinical features and bacterial structures in CHB patients with different tongue coatings, which facilitates understanding of the traditional tongue diagnosis.

Tick-borne viral diseases have attracted much attention in recent years because of their increasing incidence and threat to human health. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV) and Heartland virus (HRTV) were recently identified as tick-borne phleboviruses (TBPVs) in Asia and the United States, respectively, and are associated with severe human diseases with similar clinical manifestations. In this study, we report the first identification and isolation of a novel TBPV named Guertu virus (GTV) from Dermacentor nuttalli ticks in Xinjiang Province, China, where TBPVs had not been previously discovered. Genome sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that GTV is closely related to SFTSV and HRTV and was classified as a member of the genus Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae, order Bunyavirales. In vitro and in vivo investigations of the properties of GTV demonstrated that it was able to infect animal and human cell lines and can suppress type I interferon signaling, similar to SFTSV, that GTV nucleoprotein (NP) can rescue SFTSV replication by replacing SFTSV NP, and that GTV infection can cause pathological lesions in mice. Moreover, a serological survey identified antibodies against GTV from serum samples of individuals living in Guertu County, three of which contained neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that GTV can infect humans. Our findings suggested that this virus is a potential pathogen that poses a threat to animals and humans. Further studies and surveillance of GTV are recommended to be carried out in Xinjiang Province as well as in other locations.

Fluorescent herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are invaluable tools for localizing virus in cells, permitting visualization of capsid trafficking and enhancing neuroanatomical research. Fluorescent viruses can also be used to study virus kinetics and reactivation in vivo. Such studies would be facilitated by fluorescent herpes simplex virus recombinants that exhibit wild-type kinetics of replication and reactivation and that are genetically stable. We engineered an HSV-2 strain expressing the fluorescent mNeonGreen protein as a fusion with the VP26 capsid protein. This virus has normal replication and in vivo recurrence phenotypes, providing an essential improved tool for further study of HSV-2 infection.

We report a flexible multifunctional aromatic polyimide (BTDBPI) that shows yellow–green fluorescence with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 30% in the film state. The nonvolatile “write once–read many” (WORM) characteristic in a memory device with the configuration of ITO/BTDBPI/Au indicates that BTDBPI possesses organic semiconductor behavior. Moreover, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/BTDBPI/TPBI/Mg–Ag exhibits an interesting dual-emission phenomenon that originates from the electroluminescence (EL) of the BTDBPI nanometer film (yellow–green, 525 nm) and TPBI (deep blue, 380 nm), demonstrating that BTDBPI shows both the charge-transporting and EL properties.

In vitro production of functional spermatids has special significance in the research of spermatogenesis and the treatment of male infertility. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of oocyte and sperm, which generate the totipotent cells. Studies have shown that PGCs have the potential ability to develop meiotic spermatids in vitro. Here we have shown that retinoic acid (RA) leads to PGC differentiation, and SCF can improve the efficiency of induction. We indicate an efficient approach to produce haploid spermatids from chicken PGCs in the presence of RA and stem cell factor (SCF). Real-time RT-PCR assays showed that RA and SCF induced a remarkable increase in expression of SYCP1, ACR, BOULE and DCM1 of meiotic germ cells and haploid germ cells, respectively. DNA content assays revealed that RA and SCF induced a remarkable increase of haploid cells. This study provides a theoretical basis and a great animal model for spermatogenesis study.

Chilling stress affects plant growth and productivity. However, the multi-underlying mechanisms of chilling tolerance are not well understood. Arabidopsis PCaP2 is involved in regulating the dynamic of microtubules (MTs) and F-actin and Ca2+-binding ability. Here, the results showed that the PCaP2 expression was highly induced in roots, cotyledons, true leaves, lateral roots and flowers under cold stress. Compared with the wild type, PCaP2-overexpressing plants displayed the enhanced tolerance, whereas its RNAi and mutant were more sensitive in seed germination, seedling and reproductive growth under chilling stress in Arabidopsis. In addition, PCaP2 was also a positive regulator of ABA signaling pathway by analyzing the expression of PCaP2 and the phenotypes of PCaP2-overexpressing, mutant and RNAi plants under ABA treatment. Interestingly, disruption of PCaP2 inhibited the expression of CBF1, -3 and CBF-target COR genes, while increased the CBF2 expression in response to cold or ABA. Moreover, we found that SnRK2s were involved in cold stress and PCaP2 mutants down-regulated the transcription level of SnRK2.2, -2.3 and SnRK2-mediated downstream genes including ABF2, RD29A, KIN1, KIN2, but up-regulated SnRK2.6, ABF1, -3, -4 in ABA and cold treatments. It is well-accepted that PCaP2 as a Ca2+-binding protein triggers the gene expression to enhance plant chilling tolerance. Our further studies showed that MT destabilizing activity of PCaP2, but not F-actin-severing function, may be involved in chilling stress. Taken together, our results highlight that PCaP2 plays an important role in chilling tolerance and ABA response by triggering the CBF- and SnRK2-meditated transcriptional regulatory pathways, providing novel evidences of underlying mechanisms of multi-pathways in chilling stress.

ObjectiveTo translate the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) into Chinese, validate its reliability and validity in nursing students and investigate the perceived stress level of nursing students.MethodForward- and back-translation combined with expert assessment and cross-cultural adaptations were used to construct the Chinese version of the PSQ (C-PSQ). This research adopted a stratified sampling method among 1,519 nursing students in 30 classes of Ningbo College of Health Sciences to assess the reliability and validity of the C-PSQ. Among them, we used the Recent C-PSQ (only the last month).ResultsThe C-PSQ retained all 30 items of the original scale. Principal component analysis extracted five factors that explained 52.136% of the total variance. The S-CVI/Ave was 0.913. Concurrent validity was 0.525 and 0.567 for anxiety and depression respectively. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were as follows: χ2/df= 4.376, RMR = 0.023, GFI = 0.921, AGFI = 0.907, CFI = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.048, PNFI = 0.832, PGFI = 0.782, CN = 342 and AIC/CAIC = 0.809. The scale’s Cronbach’s alpha was 0.922, and Cronbach’s α of each dimension was 0.899 (worries/tension), 0.821 (joy), 0.688 (overload), 0.703 (conflict), 0.523 (self-realization). The correlation coefficient between the first and second test, the first and third test and the second and third test was 0.725, 0.787 and 0.731, respectively. Mean values and distribution of overall PSQ index in nursing students was 0.399 ± 0.138. Different demographic factors were significantly associated with the perceived stress of nursing students.ConclusionThe C-PSQ has an appropriate reliability and validity, which means that the scale can be used as a universal tool for psychosomatic studies. The perceived stress of nursing students was relatively high. Further studies are needed.

A novel polymeric intumescent flame retardant, named poly(ethanediamine−1,3,5-triazine- o -bicyclic pentaerythritol phosphate) (PETBP), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance ( 13 C NMR), 31 P NMR and elemental analysis (EA). The effects of PETBP on the flame retardancy and thermostability of polypropylene (PP) were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94V), cone calorimetric test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TG-FTIR, respectively. The results showed that PETBP could significantly improve the flame retardancy and thermostability of PP. When the content of PETBP was 25.0 wt%, the PP/PETBP mixture could achieve a LOI value of 29.5% and a UL-94 V-0 rating, and its peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), average mass loss rate (av-MLR), smoke production rate (SPR) and total smoke production (TSP) were considerably decreased. The flame-retardant mechanism of PETBP was investigated by TGA, FTIR, TG-FTIR and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDXS). The results revealed that during the combustion PETBP could quench the free radicals of PP chain scission, and form a continuous and compact intumescent char on the substrate, thus effectively retard the degradation and combustion of PP.

To improve color consistency and accuracy of mobile terminal, a color management system for mobile terminal is built based on color management mechanism of International Color Consortium. It comprises a server-side and a client-side. The server-side consists of a computer, a spectrophotometer and relative programs, providing color measurement and profile generation for mobile terminal. Its programs comprise a communication module, a color measurement module and a profile generation module. The client-side is composed of a mobile terminal and relative programs. Its programs comprise a communication module, a screen calibration module, a screen characterization module and a color conversion module. The two communication modules connect all the other modules of two sides. The color management system for mobile terminal is applicable on any operating systems such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone System.

Isolation of viruses using chick embryos is a classical virological method. Inoculation of the allantoic cavity and use of allantoic fluid is a common method of passaging isolated avian influenza viruses. In the present study, 2490 fresh fecal samples and 4967 old fecal samples were investigated and subjected to conventional passaging (allantoic fluid method). Two newly developed methods-the allantochorion and allantoic fluid mixed method and the chick embryo and allantoic fluid mixed method-were also examined. The rates of influenza virus isolation for these three methods were compared. There appeared to be little difference among these methods when fresh fecal samples were used. However, for the old fecal samples, isolation rates for influenza virus were significantly higher for the chick embryo and allantoic fluid mixed method compared with the conventional allantoic fluid method. All viruses isolated using the conventional allantoic fluid method were isolated successfully using the two newly developed methods. These results suggest that using chick embryos in conjunction with allantoic fluid is effective for early virus isolation, especially for fecal samples that are not fresh. Additionally, practical chick embryo passage methods are described that improve significantly the rate of isolation of influenza viruses from fecal samples of migratory birds in a complex wild ecological environment.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), encoded by the ApoE gene (APOE), influences the outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different ApoEs on the outcome of TBI and to explore the possible mechanisms. Controlled cortical impact (CCI) was performed on APOEε3 (E3) and APOEε4 (E4) transgenic mice, APOE-KO (KO) mice, and wild type (WT) mice to construct an in vivo TBI model. Neurological deficits, blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain edema were detected at days 1, 3, and 7 after TBI. The results revealed no significant differences among the four groups at day 1 or day 3 after injury, but more severe deficits were found in E4 and KO mice than in E3 and WT mice. Furthermore, a significant loss of tight junction proteins was observed in E4 and KO mice compared with E3 and WT mice at day 7. Additionally, more expression and activation of NF-κB and MMP-9 were found in E4 mice compared with E3 mice. Different ApoEs had distinct effects on neuro-function and BBB integrity after TBI. ApoE3, but not E4, might inhibit the NF-κB/MMP-9 pathway to alleviate BBB disruption and improve TBI outcomes.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a novel phlebovirus that was identified to be the etiological pathogen of the emerging infectious disease, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). SFTSV could be transmitted through tick bite. Transmission of SFTSV among humans has also been reported mainly through direct blood contact. In July 2014, a cluster of six suspected SFTS cases occurred in Shandong Province, China. In this cluster, both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons were included. By analyzing the clinical data and results of laboratory tests, and conducting the epidemiological interviews with the cases and their families, risk factors responsible for the transmission were evaluated. The findings suggested that SFTSV transmission among humans may cause asymptomatic infection via personal contact without blood exposure.

Novelty and appropriateness are considered the two fundamental features of creative thinking, including insight problem solving, which can be performed through chunk decomposition and constraint relaxation. Based on a previous study that separated the neural bases of novelty and appropriateness in chunk decomposition, in this study, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to further dissociate these mechanisms in constraint relaxation. Participants were guided to mentally represent the method of problem solving according to the externally provided solutions that were elaborately prepared in advance and systematically varied in their novelty and appropriateness for the given problem situation. The results showed that novelty processing was completed by the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and regions in the executive system (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]), whereas appropriateness processing was completed by the TPJ and regions in the episodic memory (hippocampus), emotion (amygdala), and reward systems (orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]). These results likely indicate that appropriateness processing can result in a more memorable and richer experience than novelty processing in constraint relaxation. The shared and distinct neural mechanisms of the features of novelty and appropriateness in constraint relaxation are discussed, enriching the representation of the change theory of insight.

Background Recent changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration boxed warning for metformin will increase its use in persons with historical contraindications or precautions. Prescribers must understand the clinical outcomes of metformin use in these populations. Purpose To synthesize data addressing outcomes of metformin use in populations with type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), congestive heart failure (CHF), or chronic liver disease (CLD) with hepatic impairment. Data sources MEDLINE (via PubMed) from January 1994 to September 2016, and Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from January 1994 to November 2015. Study selection English-language studies that: 1) examined adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD (with estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), CHF, or CLD with hepatic impairment; 2) compared diabetes regimens that included metformin with those that did not; and 3) reported all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and other outcomes of interest. Data extraction 2 reviewers abstracted data and independently rated study quality and strength of evidence. Data synthesis On the basis of quantitative and qualitative syntheses involving 17 observational studies, metformin use is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in patients with CKD, CHF, or CLD with hepatic impairment, and with fewer heart failure readmissions in patients with CKD or CHF. Limitations Strength of evidence was low, and data on multiple outcomes of interest were sparse. Available studies were observational and varied in follow-up duration. Conclusion Metformin use in patients with moderate CKD, CHF, or CLD with hepatic impairment is associated with improvements in key clinical outcomes. Our findings support the recent changes in metformin labeling. Primary funding source U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (PROSPERO: CRD42016027708).

Retinoid homeostasis is critical for normal embryonic development. Both the deficiency and excess of these compounds are associated with congenital malformations. Here we demonstrate that SIRT1, the most conserved mammalian NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase, contributes to homeostatic retinoic acid (RA) signaling and modulates mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation in part through deacetylation of cellular retinoic acid binding protein II (CRABPII). We show that RA-mediated acetylation of CRABPII at K102 is essential for its nuclear accumulation and subsequent activation of RA signaling. SIRT1 interacts with and deacetylates CRABPII, regulating its subcellular localization. Consequently, SIRT1 deficiency induces hyper-acetylation and nuclear accumulation of CRABPII, enhancing RA signaling and accelerating mESC differentiation in response to RA. Consistently, SIRT1 deficiency is associated with elevated RA signaling and development defects in mice. Our findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism that regulates RA signaling, and highlight the importance of SIRT1 in regulation of ESC pluripotency and embryogenesis.

NbCl5and ZnMg intercalated graphite have been successfully synthesized by two-zone vapor transport method with the reactants sealed in the vacuum. The incorporation of NbCl5and ZnMg results in randomly intercalation confirmed from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the doping effect change with the variation of intercalation time, the evolution of the doping is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman analysis. The doped graphite is relatively stable at room temperature for up to 60 days from the Raman observations.

Bismuth antimony (Bi1−xSbx) is one of the most important materials systems for fundamental materials science, condensed matter physics, low temperature thermoelectrics, infrared applications, and beyond. The bulk materials have been studied for many decades. Recently, nanoscience and nanotechnology has been introduced to this materials system, which has brought much more interest and attention for both research and applications. The present article reviews the up-to-date achievements on electronic properties of nanostructured Bi1−xSbx, and points out future directions for scientific research in this field.

Uniform Bi

Summary This study documents from an observational perspective the structure of precipitation systems over the complex topography of Taiwan as Typhoon Morakot (2009) impinged on the island on 8 August 2009. An advanced multiple-Doppler radar synthesis technique particularly designed for dealing with non-flat surfaces is applied to analyze the three-dimensional wind fields over the ocean and terrain. In the northern and southern portion of the analysis domain where the mountain slope is relatively gentle and steep, respectively, the radar reflectivity measurements indicate that the precipitation systems exhibit very distinct features, namely, horizontal translation in the north and abrupt intensification in the south. While still far from the southern mountainous region, a north–south oscillation of an east–west-oriented band of strong radar reflectivity (>40 dBZ) with a horizontal span of 20 km is observed. Along the mountain slopes, the band of strong radar reflectivity has a much wider north–south extent. Both the radar and rain gauge observations show that the major precipitation is primarily confined to the windward side of the mountains. An analysis of the saturated Brunt–Vaisala frequency reveals that the upstream atmosphere is statically unstable, which implies that the lifting of the incoming convective cells by the topography will easily trigger precipitation. Thus, most of the moisture will be consumed before the air reaches the leeward side of the mountains. The long duration and the wide range of heavy precipitation in the mountainous regions resulted in a record-breaking average (over the gauges) rainfall amount of 2000 mm over 4 days. The prevailing winds approaching the mountains are from the west. The cross-barrier wind speed has a maximum (∼40 m s −1 ) above the mountain crest that can be reasonably explained by a simplified shallow water model. The capability of applying the weather radar to provide a reliable quantitative estimate of the rainfall over a large area with high temporal and spatial resolution is demonstrated using dual-polarimetric radar data. The potential applications of the knowledge of the wind and precipitation characteristics in hydrology and other fields are addressed in this manuscript.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a member of genus Nairovirus , family Bunyaviridae , which are distributed widely in Africa, Europe and Asia with several genotypes. As a BSL-4 level pathogen, the requirement of high-level biosafety facilities severely constrains researches on live virus manipulation. In this study, we developed a helper-virus-independent mini-genome rescue system for the Chinese YL04057 strain. Based on the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-derived mini-genome plasmids, this polymerase I driven system permits easy observation and quantification. Unlike previous report, gradually reduced levels of activity of the CCHFV L, M and S untranslated regions (UTRs) were observed in our system. We also demonstrated that the UTRs at both ends were indispensable for mini-genome background expression. In addition, we phylogentically analyzed all six UTRs of CCHFV and showed that L-UTRs were clustered together approximately corresponding to their original geographical continents. The UTRs of M segment showed a similar branch structure to its open reading frames (ORFs), and nearly an identical tree was generated with 5′ UTRs of S segment compared with its ORFs. However, the 3′ UTRs of S segment formed new divergent groups. Compatibility tests of YL04057 strain nucleocapsid protein and L protein expression plasmids with Nigerian strain IbAr10200 mini-genomes revealed lower compatibility of L-UTRs without an obvious effect on M-UTRs. Moreover, we demonstrated that the L-UTRs could tolerate certain nucleotide mutations. This system may provide a foundation for future studies of the viral replication cycle, pathogenic mechanisms and evolutionary patterns of CCHFV.

Wollastonite, a natural calcium metasilicate possessing acicular crystal habit structure, was used together with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) to flame retard polypropylene (PP). The synergistic effects between wollastonite and IFR were investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, cone calorimeter test, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), etc. The results revealed that wollastonite could effectively improve mechanical properties and flame retardancy of the PP/IFR composite. When 2.0 wt% wollastonite substituted for the same amount of IFR in the composite, the impact strength was enhanced from 4.6 kJ/m2 to 6.8 kJ/m2, which was increased by 47.1%. Meanwhile, the LOI was increased from 33.0% to 35.5%, a UL-94V-0 rating was achieved and the peak heat release rate decreased substantially from 314.4 kW/m2 to 262.8 kW/m2. Furthermore, the SEM-EDS results provided positive evidence that the quality of char layer of the PP/IFR/wollastonite was superior to that of the PP/IFR composite due to synergism between wollastonite and IFR. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:158–166, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2, two closely related neurotropic human herpesviruses, achieve neurotropism through ICP34.5, a major viral neurovirulence factor. In this report, in addition to the full-length 38-kDa protein (ICP34.5α), we identified a 28-kDa novel form of ICP34.5 (ICP34.5β) in HSV-2-infected cells. ICP34.5β is translated from unspliced ICP34.5 mRNA, with the retained intron introducing a premature stop codon. Thus, ICP34.5β lacks the C-terminal conserved GADD34 domain but includes 19 additional amino acids encoded by the intron. Although a fraction of both HSV-2 ICP34.5 proteins are detected in the nucleolus, ICP34.5α is predominantly located in cytoplasm, and ICP34.5β is mainly detected more diffusely in the nucleus. ICP34.5β is unable to counteract PKR-mediated eIF2 phosphorylation but does not interfere with ICP34.5α's function in this process. Efficient expression of ICP34.5β in cell culture assays is dependent on viral infection or expression of ICP27, a multifunctional immediate-early gene. The effect of ICP27 on the ICP34.5β protein level is attributed to its selective inhibition of ICP34.5 splicing, which results in increased expression of ICP34.5β but a reduced level of ICP34.5α. The C- terminal KH3 domain but not the RNA binding domain of ICP27 is required for its specific inhibition of ICP34.5 splicing and promotion of ICP34.5β expression. Our results suggest that the expression of ICP34.5α and ICP34.5β is tightly regulated in HSV-2 and likely contributes to viral pathogenesis.

The embryonated chicken egg (ECE) provides a convenient, space-saving incubator for the cultivation of many kinds of animal viruses where the egg can be easily observed for viral replication throughout the development of the chicken embryo. Within the family Bunyaviridae , the embryonated egg has been used as a host system for many viruses such as Rift Valley fever virus and Akabane virus . The current study was conducted to determine the cultivation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in ECE. Four-day-old eggs were infected with CCHFV via the yolk sac route and harvested embryonic tissues and amino-allantoic fluid (AAF) that were used for virus passage and viral RNA (vRNA) detection. Quantification of vRNA copies was performed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our study indicated that CCHFV caused the death of the embryonated egg in a dose-dependent manner and the 50% egg infectious dose (EID 50 ) was determined to be 6.47 × 10 5 copies/egg. CCHFV replicated and passaged well in the egg and high viral loads were detected both in embryonic tissue (10 9–10 copies/g) and AAF (10 7–9 copies/ml) of the embryonated egg. Thus, ECE could be used for viral cultivation and preservation, and as a potential host infection model for the study of the pathogenesis of CCHFV.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide and is also an important disease in China. The wheat translocation line H9014-121-5-5-9 was originally developed from interspecific hybridization between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line 7182 and Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng. This translocation line showed resistance to predominant stripe rust races in China when it was tested with nine races of Pst. To determine the inheritance and map the resistance gene, segregating populations were developed from the cross between H9014-121-5-5-9 and the susceptible cultivar Mingxian 169. The seedlings of the F1, F2, and F2:3 generations were tested with race CYR31. The results showed that the resistance in H9014-121-5-5-9 was conferred by a single dominant gene. Bulked segregant analysis and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to identify polymorphic markers associated with the resistance gene locus. Seven polymorphic SSR markers were linked to the resistance gene. A linkage map was constructed according to the genotypes of the seven SSR markers and the resistance gene. Based on the SSR marker positions on the wheat chromosome, the resistance gene was assigned on chromosome 1AL, temporarily designated YrHA. Based on chromosomal location, reaction patterns and pedigree analysis, YrHA should be a novel resistance gene to stripe rust. The molecular markers of the new resistance gene in H9014-121-5-5-9 could be useful for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs against stripe rust.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici ( Pst ), is one of the most widespread and destructive wheat diseases in many wheat-growing regions of the world. The winter wheat translocation line H9014-14-4-6-1 has all stage resistance. To identify stripe rust resistance genes, the segregating populations were developed from the cross between H9014-14-4-6-1 and Mingxian 169 (a wheat cultivar susceptible to all Pst races identified in China). The seedlings of the parents and F 1 plants, F 2 , F 3 and BC 1 generations were tested with Pst races under controlled greenhouse conditions. Two genes for resistance to stripe rust were identified, one dominant gene conferred resistance to SUN11-4, temporarily designated YrH9014 and the other recessive gene conferred resistance to CYR33. The bulked segregant analysis and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to identify polymorphic markers associated with YrH9014. Seven polymorphic SSR markers were used to genotype the F 2 population inoculated with SUN11-4. A linkage map was constructed according to the genotypes of seven SSR markers and resistance gene. The molecular map spanned 24.3 cM, and the genetic distance of the two closest markers Xbarc13 and Xbarc55 to gene locus was 1.4 and 3.6 cM, respectively. Based on the position of SSR marker, the resistance gene YrH9014 was located on chromosome arm 2BS. Amplification of a set of nulli-tetrasomic Chinese Spring lines with SSR marker Xbarc13 indicated that YrH9014 was located on chromosome 2B. Based on chromosomal location, the reaction patterns and pedigree analysis, YrH9014 should be a novel resistance gene to stripe rust. This new gene and flanking markers got from this study should be useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs for stripe rust.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is predominantly synthesized by astrocytes in the brain. In this study, we investigated the role of apoE in astrocyte apoptosis. We demonstrated that apoE protects astrocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Glutamate release from astrocytic cultures is significantly lower from WT mice than from apoE knockout mice. Furthermore, the protective effect of apoE is mimicked by an NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. Finally, the apoE activator T0901317 significantly reduced the effect of glutamate-induced apoptosis of astrocytes. These results suggest that apoE protects astrocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis associated to NMDA receptor activation. Approaches that elevate apoE secretion in astrocytes might provide a novel strategy in the protection of neuronal ischemic injury.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Zhongliang 21 displays resistance to 7 prevalent Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) races from China. The resistance gene(s) carried by this cultivar was identified using molecular markers in combination with phenotypic evaluation. Seedlings of the F1, F2, and BC1 generations from the cross between Zhongliang 21 (resistant) and Mingxian 169 (susceptible), as well as the parents, were inoculated with Pst race CYR30 in greenhouse, and the resistance was evaluated 15-16 d after inoculation. The results showed that the stripe rust resistance in Zhongliang 21 was conferred by a single dominant gene, which was designated tentatively Yrzhong21. Based on bulked segregant analysis, 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers located on chromosome 5AL were identified to be linked to Yrzhong21, of which Xgwm186 andXbarc165 were the closest flanking markers with genetic distances of 7.4 and 2.7 cM, respectively. In combination with analyses of chromosomal location, reactions to various pathotypes, and pedigree, Yrzhong21 was deduced as a novel gene resistant to stripe rust. Eighteen wheat cultivars (lines) in Zhongliang series were further screened with markers Xgwm186 andXbarc165. Only 3 cultivars produced identical banding pattern to that of Zhongliang 21. This result primarily indicates that only 17% of Zhongliang cultivars (lines) might carry Yrzhong21. This resistance gene is promising in wheat breeding programs for strip rust resistance.

Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Oceania's islands and the Americas were characterized by high numbers of cases and the spread of the virus to new areas. To better understand the origin of ZIKV, its epidemic history was reviewed. Although the available records and information are limited, two major genetic lineages of ZIKV were identified in previous studies. However, in this study, three lineages were identified based on a phylogenetic analysis of all virus sequences from GenBank, including those of the envelope protein (E) and non-structural protein 5 (NS5) coding regions. The spatial and temporal distributions of the three identified ZIKV lineages and the recombination events and mechanisms underlying their divergence and evolution were further elaborated. The potential migration pathway of ZIKV was also characterized. Our findings revealed the central roles of two African countries, Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, in ZIKV evolution and genotypic divergence. Furthermore, our results suggested that the outbreaks in Asia and the Pacific islands originated from Africa. The results provide insights into the geographic origins of ZIKV outbreaks and the spread of the virus, and also contribute to a better understanding of ZIKV evolution, which is important for the prevention and control of ZIKV infections. [Image: see text] ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s12250-016-3774-9 and is accessible for authorized users.

Recent studies provide evidence that premature maternal decidual senescence resulting from heightened mTORC1 signaling is a cause of preterm birth (PTB). We show here that mice devoid of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) with elevated levels of N-arachidonyl ethanolamide (anandamide), a major endocannabinoid lipid mediator, were more susceptible to PTB upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Anandamide is degraded by FAAH and primarily works by activating two G-protein-coupled receptors CB1 and CB2, encoded by Cnr1 and Cnr2, respectively. We found that Faah−/− decidual cells progressively underwent premature senescence as marked by increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and γH2AX-positive decidual cells. Interestingly, increased endocannabinoid signaling activated MAPK p38, but not p42/44 or mTORC1 signaling, in Faah−/− deciduae, and inhibition of p38 halted premature decidual senescence. We further showed that treatment of a long-acting anandamide in wild-type mice at midgestation triggered premature decidual senescence utilizing CB1, since administration of a CB1 antagonist greatly reduced the rate of PTB in Faah−/− females exposed to LPS. These results provide evidence that endocannabinoid signaling is critical in regulating decidual senescence and parturition timing. This study identifies a previously unidentified pathway in decidual senescence, which is independent of mTORC1 signaling.

The current circulating influenza B viruses can be divided into two major phylogenetic lineages: the Victoria and Yamagata lineages. We conducted a survey of influenza B viruses in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces during 2009-2010. Out of 341 throat swabs, 18 influenza B viruses were isolated. Five isolates were selected for genetic and phylogenetic analysis. The molecular analyses revealed that all the isolates had similar antigenic characteristics to B/Brisbane/60/2008. However, in the three viruses isolated from Zhejiang, a single asparagine to aspartic acid substitution in position 197 was observed, thereby eliminating the glycosylation at that site and possibly causing an antigenic change. None of the viruses had amino acid mutations at positions 116, 149, 152, 198, 222, 250, 291, and 402 of the neuraminidase (NA) gene, predicting that the viruses would still be sensitive to NA inhibitors. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all five isolates were closely related to B/Brisbane/60/2008-the 2010 vaccine strain-and contained Victoria-like hemagglutinin and Yamagata-like NA genes, suggesting that reassortment may had occurred. In addition, similar phylogenetic patterns among the acidic polymerase, nucleoprotein and matrix protein genes, as well as between the basic polymerase 1 and basic polymerase 2 genes, were observed, suggesting possible functional interactions among these proteins. All the results highlighted the importance of molecular monitoring of influenza B viruses for reassortment and antigenic drift.

The electronic band structures of Bi(1-x)Sb(x) thin films can be varied as a function of temperature, pressure, stoichiometry, film thickness, and growth orientation. We here show how different anisotropic single-Dirac-cones can be constructed in a Bi(1-x)Sb(x) thin film for different applications or research purposes. For predicting anisotropic single-Dirac-cones, we have developed an iterative-two-dimensional-two-band model to get a consistent inverse-effective-mass-tensor and band gap, which can be used in a general two-dimensional system that has a nonparabolic dispersion relation as in the Bi(1-x)Sb(x) thin film system.

This paper use the technology to process satellite image, combined with sampling and analysis, to establish the mathematical relationship model between the algal primary productivity of Ebinur Lake with the spectral information of satellite imagery, inversion of algae plant primary productivity, then get the conclusion: Based on satellite image processing technology to study the algae plant primary productivity, measured during the growth of algae plant in the total primary productivity of 99.5 t; CBERS-2 was been found that is fit for measure the primary productivity of algae plant Ebinur Lake, the characteristic of the Green band is the accuracy band; the optimal inversion model is B = 3.945-0.033G-0.005 (GR) +0.128 (G / B).

With the popularity of the HTTP video streaming in mobile networks, the network operators are increasingly interested in the performance of the video streaming at the client-side. However, unlike content providers, network operators are not privy to the client-side or server-side, thus they have no good access to estimating the performance from the video state at the client-side. To address this limitation, this paper proposes a scheme to investigate the video state from the network operators' perspective. Our study is based on the network packets collected from live DC-HSPA+ network of China Unicom at the client-side, and makes mainly two contributions. First, a Deep Packet Parsing (DPP) method is proposed to decode real video packets into frames. On basis of parsed frame information, the user-viewing behaviors combined with video re-buffering events are recognized with accuracy close to 100%. Second, a Bayesian Classifier is trained based on the video labels generated from DPP process to identify the re-buffering events, and the accuracy is close to 80%. Our proposed methods can be directly used by network operators since the input parameters of the Bayesian Classifier are only statistics ones of video packets which can be easily collected in real time at network side.

A total of 100 H1N1 flu real-time-PCR positive throat swabs collected from fever patients in Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong between June and November 2009, were provided by local CDC laboratories. After MDCK cell culture, 57 Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) viruses were isolated and submitted for whole genome sequencing. A total of 39 HA sequences, 52 NA sequences, 36 PB2 sequences, 31 PB1 sequences, 40 PA sequences, 48 NP sequences, 51 MP sequences and 36 NS sequences were obtained, including 20 whole genome sequences. Sequence comparison revealed they shared a high degree of homology (96%-99%) with known epidemic strains (A/California/04/2009(H1N1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that although the sequences were highly conserved, they clustered into a small number of groups with only a few distinct strains. Site analysis revealed three substitutions at loop 220 (221-228) of the HA receptor binding site in the 39 HA sequences: A/Hubei/86/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQEA, A/Zhejiang/08/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQER, A/Hubei/75/2009 PKVRDQEG → PKVRDQGG, the A/Hubei/75/2009 was isolated from an acute case, while the other two were from patients with mild symptoms. Other key sites such as 119, 274, 292 and 294 amino acids of NA protein, 627 of PB2 protein were conserved. Meanwhile, all the M2 protein sequences possessed the Ser32Asn mutation, suggesting that these viruses were resistant to adamantanes. Comparison of these sequences with other H1N1 viruses collected from the NCBI database provides insight into H1N1 transmission and circulation patterns.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two culture media: modified synthetic oviductal fluid (mSOF) and G1.2/G2.2, on the developmental competence of bovine somatic cell-cloned embryos. Cloned embryos were produced by transferring adult skin fibroblasts into enucleated MII oocytes. After activation, the reconstructed embryos were randomly allotted to either mSOF or G1.2/G2.2 for culture (the embryos were transferred from G1.2 to G2.2 on days 3 of culture). The development competence of cloned embryos in these two culture systems was compared in terms of cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate and apoptosis cell number in day 7 blastocyts. To investigate the in vivo developmental competence of cloned embryos in the two culture systems, a total of 87 and 104 blastocysts derived from mSOF and G1.2/G2.2 medium groups were transferred individually to recipient Angus cows, respectively. No differences were observed in terms of cleavage rate, day 7 blastocyst rate and blastocyst cell number between these two culture systems. However, the day 6 blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher in G1.2/G2.2 than that in mSOF. In addition, blastocysts cultured in mSOF have a higher percentage of apoptotic blastomeres compared to those in G1.2/G2.2 (8.5 ± 1.2 vs 16.8 ± 1.5, p

The herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) viral microRNA (miRNA) designated miR-H6 is located upstream of the latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter region on the strand opposite the LAT. Deletion of the LAT promoter and part of LAT exon 1 abolished HSV-2 miR-H6 expression in acutely and latently infected guinea pig dorsal root ganglia (DRG), suggesting that this region is needed both for the expression of LAT-encoded miRNAs and for miR-H6 expression in vivo . Relative to cells infected with a viral rescuant, miR-H6 expression was significantly reduced in cells infected with a mutant HSV-2 virus, NotPolyA, with an insertion of a simian virus (SV40) polyadenylation signal sequence between the LAT promoter and miR-H6 sequences. In addition, expression of miR-H6, but not LAT or viral DNA, was significantly reduced in both mouse trigeminal ganglia (TG) and guinea pig DRG latently infected with the NotPolyA mutant. Guinea pigs infected with NotPolyA experienced reduced neurological complications of acute infection relative to those infected with the rescuant, but the recurrence phenotype of the NotPolyA mutant was similar to those of its rescuant and wild-type HSV-2, indicating that reduction of miR-H6 expression is not by itself able to alter the establishment of latency for the wild-type virus or the recurrence phenotype. Furthermore, the mutation in NotPolyA did not affect the propensity of wild-type HSV-2 to establish latency in neurons positive for subtype marker KH10. In contrast to published reports regarding its HSV-1 homolog, HSV-2 miR-H6 did not affect ICP4 expression in transfected or infected cells. We hypothesize that viral miRNAs associated with LAT expression are likely to work collectively, contributing to the phenotype attributed to the LAT.

The paper presents an intelligent real-time slope surface deformation monitoring system based on binocular stereo-vision. To adapt the system to field slope monitoring, a design scheme of concentric marking point is proposed. Techniques including Zernike moment edge extraction, the least squares method, and k-means clustering are used to design a sub-pixel precision localization method for marker images. This study is mostly focused on the tracking accuracy of objects in multi-frame images obtained from a binocular camera. For this purpose, the Upsampled Cross Correlation (UCC) sub-pixel template matching technique is employed to improve the spatial-temporal contextual (STC) target-tracking algorithm. As a result, the tracking accuracy is improved to the sub-pixel level while keeping the STC tracking algorithm at high speed. The performance of the proposed vision monitoring system has been well verified through laboratory tests.

SummaryThe effects of specific components in culture medium on embryo physiology have been extensively investigated to optimizein vitroculture systems; however, little attention has been paid to antibiotics, the reagents used most commonly in culture systems to prevent contamination. To investigate the potential effects of routine use of antibiotics on cultured embryos, mouse zygotes were cultured with or without antibiotics. In both groups, the developmental rate and cell number of blastocysts appear to be normal. The proportion of embryos with blastomere fragmentation increased slightly when embryos were cultured with antibiotics. In contrast, the presence of antibiotics in the embryo culture system significantly disturbs expression of zygotically activated genes, damages chromatin integrity and increases apoptosis of cultured embryos. These results provide evidence that, when cultured with antibiotics, embryos with normal appearance may possess intrinsic physiological and genetic abnormalities. We demonstrate that the adverse effects of antibiotics on mammalian embryos are more severe than we previously presumed and that antibiotics are not essential for sterility of embryo culture system therefore abolishing antibiotic supplementation during embryo culture.