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A VEC model which lncludes four coherent variables tested by unit test and co-integration test for the study of China's total amount of coal production was set up, the fitted value for history of the model was satisfactory through tested. The paper predicted total amount of coal production by the model, got important conclusions through the analysis of the simulation results. At last put forward relevant measures and developing goal.

Understanding the structural mechanism of receptor–ligand interactions for the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is essential for determining its physiological and pathological functions and for developing new therapies targeted to CXCR4. We have recently reported a structural mechanism for CXCR4 antagonism by a novel synthetic CXCR4 antagonist RCP168 and compared its effectiveness against the natural agonist SDF-1 α. In the present study, using molecular docking, we further investigate the binding modes of another seven small molecules known to act as CXCR4 antagonists. The predicted binding modes were compared with previously published mutagenesis data for two of these (AMD3100 and AMD11070). Four antagonists, including AMD3100, AMD11070, FC131 and KRH-1636, bound in a similar fashion to CXCR4. Two important acidic amino acid residues (Asp262 and Glu288) on CXCR4, previously found essential for AMD3100 binding, were also involved in binding of the other ligands. These four antagonists use a binding site in common with that used by RCP168, which is a novel synthetic derivative of vMIP-II in which the first 10 residues are replaced by D-amino acids. Comparison of binding modes suggested that this binding site is different from the binding region occupied by the N-terminus of SDF-1 α, the only known natural ligand of CXCR4. These observations suggest the presence of a ligand-binding site (site A) that co-exists with the agonist (SDF-1 α) binding site (site B). The other three antagonists, including MSX123, MSX202 and WZ811, are smaller in size and had very similar binding poses, but binding was quite different from that of AMD3100. These three antagonists bound at both sites A and B, thereby blocking both binding and signaling by SDF-1 α.

Robot is a programmable mechanical device. Its flexibility and intelligence largely depends on programming ability. Since the expansion of applications and the increasing complexity of tasks, robotic off-line programming has aroused wide attention and has become a very active robotics research direction. In this paper, MOTOMAN-HP20 robot is the experimental platform. The off-line programming method is discussed in detail based on MotoSim EG software. With the remote control process supported by MOTOCOM software, simulations and experiment of palletizing operation verify the efficiency and security of off-line programming technology.

A gene encoding a special thermophilic multifunctional amylase OPMA-N was cloned from Bacillus sp. ZW2531-1. OPMA-N has an additional 124-residue N-terminal domain compared with typical amylases and forms a relatively independent domain with a β-pleated sheet and random coil structure. Here we reported an unusual substrate and product specificities of OPMA-N and the impact of the additional N-terminal domain (1-124 aa) on the function and properties of OPMA-N. Both OPMA-N (12.82 U/mg) and its N-terminal domain-truncated ΔOPMA-N (12.55 U/mg) only degraded starch to produce oligosaccharides including maltose, maltotriose, isomaltotriose, and isomaltotetraose, but not to produce glucose. Therefore, the N-terminal domain did not determine its substrate and product specificities that were probably regulated by its C-terminal β-pleated sheet structure. However, the N-terminal domain of OPMA-N seemed to modulate its catalytic feature, leading to the production of more isomaltotriose and less maltose, and it seemed to contribute to OPMA-N's thermostability since OPMA-N showed higher activity than ΔOPMA-N in a temperature range from 40 to 80°C and the half-life (t(1/2)) was 5 h for OPMA-N and 2 h for ΔOPMA-N at 60°C. Both OPMA-N and ΔOPMA-N were Ca(2+)-independent, but their activities could be influenced by Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), EDTA, SDS (1 mM), or Triton-X100 (1%). Kinetic analysis and starch-adsorption assay indicated that the N-terminal domain of OPMA-N could increase the OPMA-N-starch binding and subsequently increase the catalytic efficiency of OPMA-N for starch. In particular, the N-terminal domain of OPMA-N did not determine its oligomerization, because both OPMA-N and ΔOPMA-N could exist in the forms of monomer, homodimer, and homooligomer at the same time.

Purpose Castleman's disease (CD) is an uncommon entity characterized by a massive growth of lymphoid tissue. There are two types: the hyaline-vascular (HV) type and the plasma cell (PC) type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis and planning of treatment for hyaline-vascular CD. Materials and methods Fifty-two cases of confirmed hyaline-vascular CD were retrospectively reviewed. Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MDCT scans had been performed in all patients, followed by surgery and pathological analysis of the lesion. Original MDCT transverse and reconstructed images were used for image interpretation. Features of the lesion and its adjacent structures were identified. Results The lesion was present in the thorax of 24 patients and the abdomen in 28. Obvious features of hyaline-vascular CD (especially feeding vessels and draining veins) and its adjacent structures were demonstrated on 52 patients. Conclusion On MDCT imaging, original MDCT transverse and reconstructed images provide an excellent tool for diagnosis of hyaline-vascular CD and have high value in the determination of a treatment plan.

This phase IIa study aimed to study the efficacy and safety of hemoporfin in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a 532 nm continuous laser for port-wine stain (PWS).In this 8-week open-labeled study in three centers, three different laser exposure times (532 nm continuous laser for 20, 30 and 40 min) were used in stage I, group A, stage II, group B and stage III, group C, respectively. Primary efficacy assessment was performed by an independent group of experts, who reviewed the standardized photos. Secondary efficacy assessment consisted of the subjective grading of the PWS fading by the investigators and the patients. Treatment reactions and adverse events (AE) were recorded separately.Forty patients were initially enrolled in the study, but stage III had to be cancelled eventually for the safety of the patients. Patients in groups A and B showed similar satisfactory results in efficacy assessments, the total 'response' rate being 80.0% and 94.7% in groups A and B, respectively. The AE rates were also similar in the two groups. Self-limiting photosensitive dermatitis and hyperpigmentation were the most frequently observed AE.Hemoporfin-PDT is effective and safe for patients with PWS aged 16-50.

The spin orderings of electrons interacting with the long-range 1/[ital r] Coulomb potential on various two-dimensional (2D) lattices are studied with a variational quantum Monte Carlo method. Within the trial wave functions considered, the ground state for a square electron lattice is ferromagnetic, while it is antiferromagnetic for a honeycomb lattice. On a rectangular lattice, the ground state changes from a ferromagnet to an antiferromagnet as the lattice varies from a square to a set of weakly interacting chains. These results indicate the importance of multiple-electron ring-exchange effects for the long-range Coulomb interaction on these 2D lattices.

The valence and core level spectra of chemically prepared, ideally H-terminated Si(111) surfaces are characterized by remarkably sharp features. The valence band levels and their dispersion are well described by first-principles calculations using a quasiparticle self-energy approach within the GW approximation. From the ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2\mathit{p}}$ spectra, an upper limit of 35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 meV is derived from the core hole lifetime broadening, a value substantially lower than previously measured.

The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase has emerged as a promising new therapeutic target in cancer because of its high level of expression in tumors. EphA2-specific antibodies have been used to deliver drugs and toxins to tumor cells, leading to inhibition of tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. We previously identified two related peptides, YSA and SWL, that selectively bind to the ligand-binding domain of EphA2 but not other Eph receptors and could therefore be useful as selective targeting agents. Here we characterize the two peptides and a series of derivatives. On the basis of systematic amino acid replacements, only five YSA residues appear to be critical for high-affinity receptor binding. Furthermore, a peptide comprising only the first five residues of YSA retains selectivity for EphA2. Similar to ephrin-A1, the physiological ligand for EphA2, both YSA and SWL activate EphA2 and inhibit downstream oncogenic signaling pathways in PC3 cancer cells. The two peptides and derivatives are quite stable in conditioned cell culture medium and show promise for delivering drugs and imaging agents to EphA2-expressing tumors.

A series of novel 2,4-diaryl-4,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-5(1H)-one derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly. These compounds arose from efforts to rigidify an earlier series of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs), and compounds 12, 13, 20, 24, 30 and 32 showed potent inhibition of HBV capsid assembly, especially 24 with IC(50) value at sub-micromolar range.

We report a quasiparticle study of the pressure-induced isostructural insulator-metal transition in solids by the mechanism of band-gap closure. Two examples are investigated: solid Xe and molecular solid hydrogen. The band gaps are calculated with a first-principles quasiparticle approach, in which the electron self-energy operator is expanded to first order in the screened Coulomb interaction, viz., the GW approximation. For the case of solid xenon, the crystal structure has been experimentally established to be hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) in the vicinity of the observed metallization pressure of 132(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5) GPa. Our calculation for solid xenon yields a metallization pressure of 128 GPa, in good agreement with experiment. The theoretical results further quantitatively explain all the salient features observed in the experimental optical spectra at metallization. For molecular solid hydrogen the structure has yet to be determined definitively. Our calculations are carried out for structures in which hydrogen molecules assume an hcp arrangement. The quasiparticle results are compared with those from Hartree-Fock (HF) and local-density approximation (LDA) calculations.

BACKGROUND This is the first well-controlled study of the use of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) for glabellar lines in China. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the safety and efficacy of BoNTA in the treatment of glabellar lines in Chinese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 227 subjects received a single treatment in a 3:1 randomization ratio of BoNTA (20 U):placebo and were observed for 120 days after injection. Effective outcome measures included investigator's rating of wrinkle severity at maximum frown and rest and subjects' global assessment and self-perception of age. RESULTS A significantly higher responder rate at maximum frown, ranging from 94.1% at day 30 to 52.9% at day 120, was noted in the BoNTA group. The proportion of subjects with none or mild glabellar lines at rest was 66.7% in the BoNTA group at day 30. Most (95.3%) of the subjects treated with BoNTA reported better than 50% improvement at day 30, and self-perception of age was less than chronological age. There were no statistically significant differences in adverse events reported between the two groups (p=.06). CONCLUSION A single treatment of 20 U of BoNTA was effective and safe in reducing glabellar lines in Chinese subjects.

The confined modes of surface plasmon polaritons in boxing ring-shaped nanocavities have been investigated and imaged by using cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. The mode of the out-of-plane field components of surface plasmon polaritons dominates the experimental mode patterns, indicating that the electron beam locally excites the out-of-plane field component of surface plasmon polaritons. Quality factors can be directly acquired from the spectra induced by the ultrasmooth surface of the cavity and the high reflectivity of the silver (Ag) reflectors. Because of its three-dimensional confined characteristics and the omnidirectional reflectors, the nanocavity exhibits a small modal volume, small total volume, rich resonant modes, and flexibility in mode control.

Security and economical operation of the traction transformer is a significant guarantee for electric railway with growing apace. Based on analysis of the economical operation principle with an instance, three kinds of power losses due to transformer and the outlay are discussed. Meanwhile, this paper puts forward an economical operation monitoring system for traction transformers, which links to configuration software and digital protection system. The results of system operation (no-load and rated load) confirm that the traction transformer with low power consumption should be selected with a priority to develop economical operation. The embedded monitoring system can be extended in transformer field to analyze power losses.

A series of novel 2,4-diaryl-4,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-5(1H)-one derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly. These compounds arose from efforts to rigidify an earlier series of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs), and compounds 12, 13, 20, 24, 30 and 32 showed potent inhibition of HBV capsid assembly, especially 24 with IC(50) value at sub-micromolar range.

Background Hartnup disease is a rare autosomal-recessive abnormality of renal and gastrointestinal neutral amino acid transport associated with neurologic, psychiatric, and dermatologic symptoms. Mutations in the SLC6A19 gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder. Aim To investigate a pedigree with Hartnup disorder and to search for the mutation in the SLC6A19 gene in this pedigree. Methods The encoding exons of the SLC6A19 gene were amplified and sequenced from genomic DNA samples. Amino acids were determined in urine samples from the proband and her family members. Results The proband and her brother had a homozygous mutation of c.850G > A in the SLC6A19 gene, causing G284R in the transmembrane domain of the SLC6A19 transporter, inherited from their parents who were heterozygous carriers. Their urine samples showed increased values of eight neutral amino acids. Conclusion We found a novel homozygous mutation of G284R in the transmembrane domain of the SLC6A19 transporter in the proband, with typical dermatologic and neurologic manifestations and increased levels of urinary neutral amino acids.

The surface-state energies of the Ge(111)-2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 surface are calculated using a quasiparticle self-energy approach. The surface structural parameters are determined through a local-density-functional total-energy minimization resulting in a buckled \ensuremath{\pi}-bonded-chain geometry. The quasiparticle energies are computed using a first-order expansion of the electron self-energy operator in the screened Coulomb interaction with a model static dielectric matrix. Our calculated surface-state band gaps and dispersions of both the occupied and unoccupied surface states agree well with experiments. Further, the photoelectric threshold \ensuremath{\varphi} is found to be 4.73 eV, compared to 4.74--4.80 eV obtained experimentally.

Objectives We have studied the role of lymphoproliferative tumors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and the origin of the autoantibodies in PNP. Objectives of this study is to understand the characteristics of immunoglobulin genes of the B-cells isolated from the tumor which can produce auto-antibody. Methods Total RNA of the tumor cells was then isolated and the mRNA was reversely transcribed into cDNA. VH and VL genes were amplified and cloned and their sequences were analyzed. Results 49 VH genes (527 to 577 bp) and 36 VL genes (445 to 454 bp) sequences were cloned from five tumors. All of the IgVL were mostly homologous to IGKV4-01 germ-line gene. The frequency of IgVH germ-line gene usage in a decreasing order was IGHV3-23 > IGHV3-9 > IGHV4-31 > IGHV4-59. There was more nucleotide changes occurred in complementary determining regions (CDR) than those in the framework regions (FR) in the VH and VL of B cell clones. In both VH and VL, the probability (P) that the number of observed replacement mutations (R) in the CDRs would occur by random chance was low. Conclusions The clones of B-lymphocytes in the tumors carrying possibly functional rearranged immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes were isolated and there were high incidences of somatic mutations in CDRs and relatively conserved sequences in framework region.

The design of multivariate control charts for automatic anomaly detection in computer networks is a challenging research issue due to the complexity of the data structure of the network operational data. In general, the design of statistical multivariate control charts is limited to a Gaussian distribution assumption or a pre-known probability distribution model, which is hardly applicable to the computer operation data. The paper is motivated by this timely need to develop SVC (support vector clustering) based multivariate control charts, which do not require the data to have a pre-known probability distribution model. The proposed method is validated through the simulations by comparing with the popularly used statistical T2 multivariate control charts. The effectiveness of the method is also demonstrated through automatic anomaly detection of typical computer intrusions.

The power converter used in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)' power train need to handle increasingly higher power. However, the space left for it is very limited in most cases. Such a contradiction makes it challenging to design a practical onboard power converter. Linear converters are not practical due to its low efficiency and high volume and weight. Switched-mode converters are reasonable and viable. But switched-mode converters are notorious for their EMI emissions. The need to incorporate a filter compromises the advantage of switched-mode converters in respect of volume and weight. A good solution is to utilize the distributed components of interconnected bus bars. This paper is focused on the design of low stray inductance bus bars in order for power converters to gain good EMC performance and high power density.

For conducted interference in the control circuit of the DC/DC converter used in FCEV, the second order Butterwoth and Chebyshev active low-pass filters and their circuit configurations are analyzed and discussed in this article. The article presents the process of their network realization and simulates them with Matlab. Furthermore, an advanced second-order active low-pass filter is designed in this article for occasions that need a large time constant in practice.

Energy conservation is a current requirement in the industry. This paper discusses an energy-optimal planning of a servo system, which is driven by a DC motor and a reduction gear. Controllable energy loss, such as Joule loss, Coulomb friction loss and viscous friction loss can be expressed by crossing time tc, when the input torque of the reduction gear is changed from positive to negative. In a position control system, minimization of the dissipated energy is determined by optimal crossing time tc. This conclusion is confirmed by simulations

181 p. Due to its high strength, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, Commercially Pure (CP) titanium alloy is one of the most important titanium alloys and widely used in many areas such as the chemical, nuclear and biomedical industries. Superplastic Forming (SPF) is a cost-effective process for manufacturing complex shaped structural components and superplastic forming of CP titanium alloy is very attractive in many areas due to the inert nature of this alloy. The project aims at enhancing the elongation-to-failure value of the alloy and investigating the superplastic behavior of the commercially pure titanium alloy. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (MAE)

Background Castleman tumor, a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, is one of the associated tumors in paraneoplastic pemphigus. We analyzed the characteristics of a group of patients with Castleman tumor to clearly understand and to improve the prognosis of the disease. Observations Ten cases of paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with Castleman tumor treated in the Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China, from May 1, 1999, to March 31, 2004, were analyzed for clinical aspects, characteristics and histologic features of the tumors, and computed tomographic findings. Literature was reviewed and data were compared with our cases. Castleman tumor was a frequently reported neoplasm in association with paraneoplastic pemphigus in China. The disease was found to be caused by an autoimmune reaction originating from the B lymphocytes in the Castleman tumor. Conclusions Castleman tumor in association with paraneoplastic pemphigus is a commonly reported subtype of paraneoplastic pemphigus in China. Early detection and removal of the Castleman tumor are crucial for the treatment of this tumor-associated autoimmune disease.

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare and fatal congenital syndrome characterized by the triad of reticular skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia, and the predisposition to bone marrow failure and malignancies. Mutations in DKC1 gene encoding dyskerin are responsible for the X-linked dyskeratosis congenita. Here we report mutation analysis of two Chinese pedigrees with dyskeratosis congenita. The 15 coding exons of DKC1 and their flanking regions were amplified from genomic DNA by PCR. DNA sequencing and restriction endonuclease digestion were used for mutation detection. Transition mutation of 1226C→T (P409L) found in the first pedigree is a novel mutation. In the second pedigree, the proband's mother phenotypically normal carried a de novo transition mutation of 1058C→T (A353 V) in one allele, and transmitted the mutant allele to her two sons who had typical manifestations of dyskeratosis congenita.

Our understanding of the role of B-cells in the immunopathogenesis of certain antibody mediated diseases has developed remarkably in the past few years. In this review, autoantibody mediated immune disorders associated with pathogenic B-cell clones are discussed. We have focused on the roles and pathogenic mechanisms of B-cell clones in autoantibodyimmune diseases. The roles of pathogenic B-cells in Castleman's disease in PNP patients is used as one example. The developments in the treatment of B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), targets the regulatory pathway of B-cells, using anti-CD20, CD19, CD22 and, CD95 monoclonal antibody therapy, etc. are also discussed. Immunotherapy, targeting specific pathogenic B-cells, is believed to be one approach in the management of autoimmune diseases.

The fates of dendritic cells (DCs) after antigen presentation have been studied extensively, but the influence of lymphoid microenvironments on DCs is mostly unknown. Here, using splenic stromal cells to mimic the immune microenvironment, we show that contact with stromal cells promoted mature DCs to proliferate in a fibronectin-dependent way and that both stromal cell contact and stromal cell-derived transforming growth factor-beta induced their differentiation into a new regulatory DC subset. We have identified an in vivo counterpart in the spleen with similar phenotype and functions. These differentiated DCs secreted nitric oxide, which mediated the suppression of T cell proliferation in response to antigen presentation by mature DCs. Thus, our findings identify an important mechanism by which the microenvironment regulates immune responses.

A large number of extracellular polypeptides bound to their cognate receptors activate the transcription factor STAT3 by phosphorylation of tyrosine 705. Supplemental activation occurs when serine 727 is also phosphorylated. STAT3 deletion in mice leads to embryonic lethality. We have produced mice with alanine substituted for serine 727 in STAT3 (the SA allele) to examine the function of serine 727 phosphorylation in vivo. Embryonic fibroblasts from SA/SA mice had approximately 50% of the transcriptional response of wild-type cells. However, SA/SA mice were viable and grossly normal. STAT3 wild-type/null (+/-) animals were also normal and were interbred with SA/SA mice to study SA/- mice. The SA/- mice progressed through gestation, showing 10 to 15% reduced birth weight, three-fourths died soon after birth, and the SA/- survivors reached only 50 to 60% of normal size at 1 week of age. The lethality and decreased growth were accompanied by altered insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in serum, establishing a role for the STAT3 serine phosphorylation acting through IGF-1 in embryonic and perinatal growth. The SA/- survivors have decreased thymocyte number associated with increased apoptosis, but unexpectedly normal STAT3-dependent liver acute phase response. These animals offer the opportunity to study defined reductions in the transcriptional capacity of a widely used signaling pathway.

To screen and identify gene mutations of 11 Chinese patients with Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD).Cases of HHD were diagnosed by history, clinical menifestations and pathology. Then genomic DNA samples of patients were extracted from perpheral blood leukocytes, and polymerase chain reaction(PCR), DNA sequencing were performed.We found five mutations in ATP2C1 gene including 3 nonsense mutations and 2 splicing mutations. Four of them were novel mutations.Both nonsense mutation and splicing mutation could affect the rusult of transcription, translation, and the functions of protein encoded by ATP2C1 gene, so the mutations reported in this study is the underlying cause of HHD.

To clone and express xeroderma pigmentosum, complementation group A (XPA) cDNA and to identify its recombinant protein.Coding region of XPA cDNA was amplified from human tonsil cDNA by reverse transcription and nested PCR. The PCR product was cloned into pBluescript vector, confirmed by DNA sequencing, cloned in frame into a prokaryotic expression vector pTrcHis C and expressed in E. coli. TOP10. The recombinant fusion protein was identified by immunoblotting.The entire coding region of XPA cDNA was cloned and expressed. The fusion XPA protein was identified by anti-XPA monoclonal antibody on western blot.Cloning of human XPA cDNA and successful expression of recombinant XPA protein will be useful for the construction of a viral gene transfer vector for the gene therapy of XPA.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a causative agent of non-gonococcal urethritis and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several other diseases. However, U. urealyticum is also frequently found in the normal genitourinary tract. To characterize the distribution pattern of biovars and genotypes in normal physical check-up women and in sex workers, cervical swabs taken from 261 physical check-up clients and 98 sex workers were cultured. Positive cultures were further biotyped and genotyped by PCR. The data indicate that a) U. urealyticum is more frequently isolated in sex workers than in physical check-up women (p < 0.001); b) infection with only one genotype (genotype 1, 3 or 6) of biovar 1 is frequently found in physical check-up women; c) biovar 2 infection and mixed infection caused by more than one genotype of biovar 1 are more prevalent in sex workers than in physical check-up women (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively); d) no difference in distribution of genotype 1, 3 and 6 of biovar 1 is found between sex workers and physical check-up women (p = 0.396); e) the PCR method described here is relatively simple, rapid and specific for the biotyping between biovar 1 and 2 and genotyping of genotypes 1, 3, 6, and 14 in biovar 1.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa, a subtype of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica and a heterogeneous inherited disease, is characterized by pruritus, excoriated nodular prurigo-like lesions, skin fragility, altered anchoring fibrils and loss of dermal-epidermal adhesion. Mutation in type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) is thought to be implicated in the underlying change for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa. We report here a large family of dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa. Mutation analysis using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing demonstrated a novel nucleotide substitution of 6899A-->G in exon 87 in one COL7A1 allele of the proband and 18 affected family members. This substitution was not found in 100 normal alleles. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the cDNA, reverse transcribed from the proband's peripheral lymphocyte RNA, suggest that this mutation causes aberrant COL7A1 mRNA splicing of exon 87 skipping. Clinical features and pedigree analysis suggest that 6899A-->G substitution is a mutation with full penetrance and variable expressivity.

Corrigendum: Splenic stroma drives mature dendritic cells to differentiate into regulatory dendritic cells

To identify differentially expressed genes from antigen-stimulated human dendritic cells (DC), subtractive cloning was adopted and more than ten novel genes differentially expressed were cloned. One is a deletion mutant of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) M4 in which the residues from 159 to 197 of hnRNP M4 have been absent. The deletion mutant was shown to be co-expressed with hnRNP M4 in cell lines. The mutant was expressed in antigen-stimulated DC but not in normal DC. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of a major hnRNP M4 deletion mutant mRNA transcript of 2.4 kilobase with the highest levels in peripheral lymphocytes, lung, liver and spleen. It was also expressed in bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSC), BMSC treated with several cytokines but not in BMSC treated with TNF-alpha. The results revealed a new member of hnRNP family and suggested that hnRNP would participate in antigen process and presentation.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a causative agent of nongonococcal urethritis and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several other diseases. The species is divided into 14 serovars and two biovars, of which biovar 1 is most commonly isolated from clinical specimens. Reported associations between individual serovars and diseases have been difficult to confirm because of practical difficulties with serotyping. The multiple-banded antigen (MBA) is the predominant U. urealyticum antigen recognized during infections in humans and probably has a significant role in virulence. The 5′ end of the MBA gene is relatively conserved but contains biovar, and possibly serovar, specificity. The 5′ ends of the MBA genes of standard strains of U. urealyticum biovar 1, consisting of serovars 1, 3, 6, and 14, were amplified, cloned into pUC19, and sequenced to identify serovar-specific differences. The 5′ end of the MBA gene sequence of serovar 3 was identical with the previously published sequence and differed by only three bases from that of serovar 14. Significant differences between the MBA gene sequences allowed biovar 1 to be divided into two subgroups, containing serovars 3/14 and serovars 1 and 6, respectively, using primers UMS-125–UMA269 and UMS-125–UMA269′. Serovars 1 and 6 were distinguished by restriction enzyme analysis of the amplicon and/or by PCR specific for serovar 6. These methods were used to identify and type U. urealyticum in 185 (46.3%) of 400 genital specimens from women. Biovar 1 was detected in 89.2% and biovar 2 in 18.3% of positive specimens. Of 165 specimens containing U. urealyticum biovar 1, 22.2% contained more than one serovar and 46.7, 46.1, and 25.5% contained serovars 1, 3/14, and 6, respectively. U. urealyticum was found in a significantly higher proportion of pregnant women than in sex workers and other women attending a sexually transmissible diseases clinic ( P < 0.01). The methods described are relatively rapid, practicable, and specific for serotyping isolates and for direct detection and identification of individual serovars in clinical specimens containing U. urealyticum biovar 1.

Macrophages, with potent cytotoxic and antigen-presenting activities, can be used in cancer treatment. The biological characteristics and antitumor effect of GM-CSF gene-modified and tumor antigen-pulsed macrophages were investigated. The high levels of GM-CSF could be detected in the supernatants of macrophages after gene transfer. The cytotoxicity and the expression of MHC class II molecules of the gene-modified macrophages increased significantly and the antigen-presenting ability was enhanced. The gene-modified macrophages were then pulsed with tumor antigen and used to treat the experimental pulmonary metastastic mice. The number of pulmonary metastases was reduced significantly and the cytotoxicity of the CTL induced from the splenocytes of the tumor-bearing mice also increased. The results demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated GM-CSF gene transfer can activate macrophages to some extent and GM-CSF gene-modified, antigen-pulsed macrophages may be a new type of effective effector cells in the immunogene therapy of cancer.

Background Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare and distinct type of T-cell lymphoma. It is frequently associated with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), whose etiologic factors always involve Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV) infection. Although EBV is absent in many cases of sporadic SPTCL, we found a case of SPTCL with full facial edema, HPS and EBV infection as the first symptom. Patient and treatment A 36-year-old female had presented with fever, full facial edema for 20 days before hospitalization. Remarkable abnormalities were found as hypersplenotrophy, pancytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, high ferritin and soluble interleukin-2-receptor level, hemophagocytosis in bone marrow smear, which indicated HPS. Detection by PCR of EBV-DNA in peripheral blood was 9.73×104 copies. On the next day of her hospitalization, HLH-2004 protocol (VP-16+dexamethasone+cyclosporine A) was performed. Her temperature fell to normal on the 4th day. Full facial edema vanished gradually in the following days. After 8 weeks’ treatment, all the abnormalities in the laboratory examination returned to normal. Despite of cyclosporine A and prednisone were used as continual treatment, facial edema and fever relapsed accompanied by multiple skin lesions on her back, upper and lower limbs 4 months later. Reexamination of the laboratory index related above were abnormal once again. Copy number of EBV-DNA was 5.52×105. Histologic and immunohistochemical features of tissue biopsy from the skin lesion on her right arm revealed the evidence of SPTCL. Then, she was treated by asparaginase plus DICE regimen. The facial edema and skin lesion vanished gradually during the course of treatment. Now (one month after the first course of chemotherapy), the patient is in her second course of asparaginase plus DICE regimen and SPTCL remains remission. Conclusion This was not a typical case of SPTCL. The patient presented with overt skin lesion 4 months after the first symptom of full facial edema, which suggested SPTCL is a heterogenous disease with variable presentations. Awareness of this rare entity is critical to both ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the pathogenesis of SPTCL remains unclear. Some malignant lymphomas are induced by chronic inflammation due to viral or bacterial infection. It is well known that EBV infection often causes malignant lymphomas of B-cell type, particularly in elderly peoples and immunocompromised individuals. Although EBV is absent in many cases of sporadic SPTCL, the virus appears to be implicated in the etiology of variant SPTCL occurring in the Asian population. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Relapsed, refractory Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remains to be a challenge and lacks efficient treatment. A small number of tumor cells that escape from treatment become resistant or unresponsive to chemotherapeutic agents. These cells grow rapidly and soon regenerate into large tumors. Immune vaccination with dendritic cells (DCs) efficiently inhibits growth of small size tumor only. The progression of tumors induces accumulation of Gr-1+CD11b+ myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the lymphatic organs and vicinity of tumor cells. MDSCs enable tumor cells to escape from host or exogenous immune cells mediated surveillance and attack. Gemcitabine is the chemotherapeutic agent used for lymphoma treatment. Gemcitabine has been reported to selectively eliminate MDSCs in tumor bearing animals. Thus, gemcitabine not only eliminates the majority of tumor to leave fewer resistant cells, it also reduces MDSCs to improve the immune environment favorable for the subsequent tumor vaccination. In this presentation, we used A20 cells to establish a large size, murine B-cell lymphoma model. We confirmed the accumulation of MDSCs in the spleen of lymphoma-bearing mice. Gemcitabine induced increased apoptosis in isolated, cultured MDSCs. In vivo injection of gemcitabine eliminated the majority of MDSCs in the spleen of lymphoma-bearing mice. Gemcitabine treatment combined with intratumoral injection of DCs markedly reduced the size of tumor, and significantly improved the survival of the lymphoma-bearing mice. We demonstrated that intra-large-size-lymphoma injection with inactivated DCs in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of either DC-based vaccination or chemotherapeutic reagent alone. Together with other studies, our report supports the hypothesis that gemcitabine-mediated reduction in MDSCs significantly reduces the immune suppression in tumor-bearing animal environment. This study established novel experimental foundation for the combination of immune-chemotherapy to treat relapsed or refractory lymphoma in large size with enhanced efficacy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Properties of a model electron-hole system are studied with a variational Monte Carlo method. Energies of both the two-component plasma phase and the excitonic insulating phase are calculated. The excitonic insulating phase is stable for all densities studied, exhibiting a strong pairing state even near ${\mathit{r}}_{\mathit{s}}$=2.0, the density where the two-component plasma phase has its minimum energy. Analysis of the pair correlation functions reveals that the stabilization of the excitonic insulator traces to enhanced short range electron-hole correlations which are partially offset by reduced electron-electron correlations. In the two-component plasma phase, significant electron-hole correlation effects remain up to high density, e.g., ${\mathit{r}}_{\mathit{s}}$=0.5. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

We propose that the exciton condensate may form in a well-controlled way in appropriately arranged semiconductor quantum well structures. The mean-field theory of Keldysh and Kopaev, exact in both the high density and the low density limits, is solved numerically to illustrate our proposal. The electron-hole pairing gap and the excitation spectrum of the exciton condensate are obtained. The energy scales of the condensate are substantial at higher densities. We discuss how such densities could be achieved experimentally by generating an effective pressure., LaTex file, 11 pages, accepted by Phys. Rev. Lett.; Three figures available from zhu@physics.rutgers.edu.

The greatly improved catalytic and electrochemical properties of cytochrome C (cyt C) in a confined environment have been achieved by assembling cyt C within sulfonated graphene (G-SO(3)H) nanosheets.