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(iii) In terms of vaccines, two of the three patients were fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and did not show significant differences in clinical symptoms following COVID-19 infection, with all having relatively mild symptoms and similar symptoms of hydrocephalus onset. This reminds clinicians that in the post-epidemic period of SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients may have hydrocephalus-related symptoms or the original hydrocephalus-related symptoms may be aggravated, so clinicians should be highly vigilant. Learning points for clinicians: We report three cases of secondary hydrocephalus after SARS-CoV-2 infection. [Extracted from the article]

The family of pyrabactin resistance 1 (PYR1)/PYR1-like (PYL) regulatory components of ABA receptors (RCAR) play a vital role in the initial step of ABA signaling. To understand the expression mode of PYL genes in response to various abiotic stresses in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis), the members of BrPYL gene family were first identified with the relevant bioinformatics software. And then, the relative expressions of identified BrPYLs after heat, cold, drought, and salt treatments for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h were determined via real-time quantitative PCR. Here, we identified 24 PYLs in the B. rapa genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, these BrPYL genes were divided into three classes and distributed on ten chromosomes in Chinese cabbage. Most of BrPYL genes in the same group have similar gene structures and intron numbers. There were seven genes (BrPYL5, BrPYL8, BrPYL22, BrPYL3, BrPYL18, BrPYL11, and BrPYL21) from Group A with two introns and one gene (BrPYL19) from Group D with one intron. Analysis of conserved motifs suggested that every group contained motif 2 containing the Polyketide_cyc2 domain. Subsequently, the prediction of cis-acting elements indicated that BrPYL genes had 5 stress-related elements and 5 hormone-related elements, among which the number of MYC (dehydration reaction) was the highest, suggesting that BrPYL genes could respond to hormones and abiotic stresses. Expression patterns under four abiotic stresses showed that the expressions of BrPYL4, BrPYL11, BrPYL21, and BrPYL23 responded to these stresses at different time points. To conclude, we identified the BrPYL genes and build the BrPYLs expression mode in response to various abiotic stresses. This study provides a theoretical basis for stress-resistance breeding of Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In this study, we attempted to increase the productivity of Candida glycerinogenes yeast for ethanol production from non‐detoxified sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates (NDSBH) by identifying the hexose transporter in this yeast that makes a high contribution to glucose consumption, and by adding additional copies of this transporter and enhancing its membrane localisation stability (MLS). Methods and Results: Based on the knockout and overexpression of key hexose transporter genes and the characterisation of their promoter properties, we found that Cghxt4 and Cghxt6 play major roles in the early and late stages of fermentation, respectively, with Cghxt4 contributing most to glucose consumption. Next, subcellular localisation analysis revealed that a common mutation of two ubiquitination sites (K9 and K538) in Cghxt4 improved its MLS. Finally, we overexpressed this Cghxt4 mutant (Cghxt4.2A) using a strong promoter, PCgGAP, which resulted in a significant increase in the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in the NDSBH medium. Specifically, the recombinant strain showed 18 and 25% higher ethanol productivity than the control in two kinds of YP‐NDSBH medium (YP‐NDSBH1G160 and YP‐NDSBH2G160), respectively. Conclusions: The hexose transporter mutant Cghxt4.2A (Cghxt4K9A,K538A) with multiple copies and high MLS was able to significantly increase the ethanol productivity of C. glycerinogenes in NDSBH. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results provide a promising strategy for constructing efficient strains for ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction and wear behaviors of a Fe-19Cr-15Mn-0.66N high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel (HNSS) were investigated. Tribological investigations were carried out under different applied loads of 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, and 20 N. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) were used to understand the wear mechanisms under different loads and the reasons for the improved wear resistance. The lower friction coefficient and improved wear resistance were observed with the increase in applied loads. Under a higher load, the friction enhanced the work hardening ability of HNSS, which in turn improved its surface hardness and thus the increased wear resistance of HNSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acylhydrazones, such as salicylaldehyde acylhydrazones, are intriguing bioactive molecules, few of their N-alkylated derivatives are known, and only methyl analogues have been reported previously. We achieved selective N-alkylation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acylhydrazones, as their Fe(III) complexes, by using combinations of alkylating agents (for example, an alkyl bromide and a dialkyl sulfate). Fifteen substrates were examined, and 45 new 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acyl(alkyl)hydrazones were synthesized in moderate to good yields. In all cases, the target products were obtained exclusively, and no O-alkylation byproducts were produced. The method provides an efficient way of preparing 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde acyl(alkyl)hydrazones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion exchange of dextran with molecular weights 4.4 and 77 kDa through polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) hollow capsules consisting of four bilayers of polystyrene sulfonate/polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride has been investigated using two-dimensional nuclear-magnetic-resonance methods: diffusion–diffusion exchange spectroscopy (DEXSY) and diffusion–relaxation correlation spectroscopy (DRCOSY). Results obtained in DRCOSY experiments show that the diffusion process of dextran 77 kDa exhibits an observation time dependence suggesting a diffusion behavior restricted by confinement. We find evidence for both single capsule and capsule aggregate states, with a partitioning of the 77-kDa dextran between the free and capsule states much larger than that suggested by volume fraction alone. Results from DEXSY experiments show that dextran 77 kDa is in diffusive exchange through the capsules with an exchange time of around 1 s. In contrast, the capsules have no detectable influence on the diffusion process of the dextran 4.4 kDa. This quantitative information may be used in designing PEM capsules as drug carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a study that examine the connection between tea consumption and bone health in Chinese adults. Topics discussed include tea as a worldwide drink and make controversial effect on bone health, mentions the benefits of tea with bone health in women but not associated with men, and information on the participants of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) in the baseline survey.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a significant factor impacting the quality of life in HIV-1 patients. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), derived from tryptophan (Trp) in a physiological state, is a neuroprotective molecule associated with astrocytes. Previous results suggested KYNA level in the brain of HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice (Tg mice) fed with Trp is higher than that in the control group, and Tg mice were successfully established for simulating the HAND. In this study, Morris Water Maze (MWM) to determine behavioral changes in mice, evaluating the effect of KYNA on cognitive impairment in Tg mice. The mice were randomly numbered and divided into four groups (n=10): WT, WT+0.1%Trp, Tg mice, and Tg mice+0.1%Trp, fed for one month by grouping. All groups of mice intake water and food freely during this period. The data of the incubation period, crossing times, and the quadrant residence time were recorded by MWM and analyzed with SPSS 22.0. The residence time of the Tg mice+Trp group in the hidden platform quadrant was increased (P<0.05). Additionally, the incubation period of the Tg mice group and Tg mice+Trp group are close, feeding Trp had no significant effect on the incubation period of gp120 group (P>0.05). And it extended the incubation period of WT group without a statistical difference (P>0.05). Ultimately, the platform crossing times of both gp120+Trp group and WT+Trp group without a statistical difference (P>0.05). Those results suggested that MWM assessing learning and cognitive ability is feasible. MWM could evaluate the protective effect of KYNA on cognitive impairment in HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that relative permeabilities can depend on the flow configuration and they are commonly lower during counter-current flow as compared to co-current flow. Conventional models must deal with this by manually changing the relative permeability curves depending on the observed flow regime. In this paper we use a novel two-phase momentum-equation-approach based on general mixture theory to generate effective relative permeabilities where this dependence (and others) is automatically captured. In particular, this formulation includes two viscous coupling effects: (i) Viscous drag between the flowing phases and the stagnant porous rock; (ii) viscous drag caused by momentum transfer between the flowing phases. The resulting generalized model will predict that during co-current flow the faster moving fluid accelerates the slow fluid, but is itself decelerated, while for counter-current flow they are both decelerated. The implications of these mechanisms are demonstrated by investigating recovery of oil from a matrix block surrounded by water due to a combination of gravity drainage and spontaneous imbibition, a situation highly relevant for naturally fractured reservoirs. We implement relative permeability data obtained experimentally through co-current flooding experiments and then explore the model behavior for different flow cases ranging from counter-current dominated to co-current dominated. In particular, it is demonstrated how the proposed model seems to offer some possible interesting improvements over conventional modeling by providing generalized mobility functions that automatically are able to capture more correctly different flow regimes for one and the same parameter set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin levels are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but little is known on how this correlates with several disease characteristics including the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we compared serum leptin levels with frequency of circulating Tregs in 47 lupus patients vs. 25 healthy matched controls. Correlations with lupus disease activity were also analyzed, as well as Treg proliferation potential. It was found that leptin was remarkably increased in SLE patients as compared to controls, particularly in SLE patients with moderate and severe active SLE, and the increase correlated with disease activity. Importantly, increased leptin in lupus patients inversely correlated with the frequency of Tregs but not in controls, and leptin neutralization resulted in the expansion of Tregs ex vivo. Thus, hyperleptinemia in lupus patients correlates directly with disease activity and inversely with Treg frequency. The finding that leptin inhibition expands Tregs in SLE suggests possible inhibition of this molecule for an enhanced Treg function in the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to unreliable estimations of classical techniques and the complexity of proposed accurate methods, artificial neural networks have been used to model and predict hydrogen solubility in model components of Shenhua coal liquefaction oil. In the first stage, temperature and pressure are inputs of each network and the hydrogen solubility is the output. The largest average relative deviation of the 2-3-1 network has been calculated to be 3.48%. In the second stage, one 3-4-1 network has been designed for all studied systems and the molecular weight of each substance has been used as a new input. The largest average relative deviation of networks has been calculated to be 3.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution reports an alternative method for synthesizing zeolite from coal fly ash via mechanochemical treatment. The raw fly ash was size reduced to <75 μm and then mechanically grounded via a wet ball milling system for 6 h in the presence of a 2.0 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to synthesize zeolite. The synthesized zeolite and the raw fly ash were then used to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The results show that, under equilibrium conditions, the maximum removal of Cr(VI) increases from 0.803 mg/g of the raw fly ash to 1.549 mg/g of the synthesized zeolite. The improved Cr(VI) removal capacity of the synthesized zeolite can be attributed to the formation of zeolite X, and to a lesser extent, the improved physical adsorption capacity. Low-valence iron (e.g. Fe3O4) in the raw fly ash and the synthesized zeolite plays a significant role in reducing and removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid reactive deposition (SFRD) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the solvent and the reaction medium was employed to generate mono- and bi-metallic Pt and Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on SBA-15 as a mesoporous support material. Highly uniform particles in the 5 nm range were deposited preferentially inside the pores detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The materials were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Coupling of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) with EDX demonstrated the formation of alloy-type structures for the bimetallic Pt/Pd particles. Comparison of the SFRD-process using scCO2 with the impregnation method using conventional liquid solvents showed that the material characteristics were similar to deposition from n-pentane, but significantly different from deposition from toluene or THF. The differences could be rationalized on the basis of characteristic physico-chemical solvent properties. Notably, the choice of solvent during the preparation was also reflected in the catalytic performance of the materials for hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL), whereby the nature of the support and the Pt/Pd ratio were additional parameters controlling the activity with the SFRD approach. Bimetallic Pt/Pd particles were found to result in superior activity as compared to either of the individual monometallic species. Thus, the use of SFRD allows one to avoid organic solvents during the catalyst preparation, leading even to improved catalytic properties in favourable cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between preoperative/postoperative Cytokeratin 19 ( CK 19) messenger RNA ( mRNA) level in peripheral blood ( PB) and the clinical significance in esophageal cancer patients with different clinicopathological factors. We detected the preoperative and postoperative CK 19 mRNA level in the PB of 139 esophageal cancer patients who underwent complete resection and evaluated its clinical significance. We found that both the preoperative and postoperative CK 19 mRNA level increased in the esophageal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis, relapse or distant metastasis compared with that in cancers without lymph node metastasis, relapse or distant metastasis. High postoperative CK 19 mRNA levels indicate a short disease-free survival ( DFS) for the whole cohort esophageal cancer patients, whereas the high preoperative CK 19 mRNA levels only indicate a short DFS for the esophageal cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma, TNM III stage, and lymph node metastasis. The dynamic change of CK 19 mRNA levels could indicate the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. The patients with decreasing CK 19 mRNA level after surgery had good prognosis, and the patients with changeless CK 19 mRNA level had poor prognosis. Taken together, CK 19 mRNA levels could be a promising marker in assessing prognosis or assigning treatment for the esophageal cancer patients according to different clinicopathological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the complexity of its diagnosis and treatment are increasing. We estimated trends in net health care utilization, costs of care attributable to HCC in Ontario, and rate ratios of resource use at various stages of care. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study identified hcc patients and non-cancer control subjects, and health care resource utilization between 2002 and 2009. Generalized estimating equations were then used to estimate net health care utilization (HCC patients vs. the matched control subjects) and net costs of care attributable to HCC. Generalized linear models were used to analyze rate ratios of resource use. Results We identified 2832 hcc patients and 2808 matched control subjects. In comparison with the control subjects, hcc patients generally used a greater number of health care services. Overall, the mean net cost of care per 30 patient-days (2013 Canadian dollars) attributable to outpatient visits and hospitalizations was highest in the pre-diagnosis (1 year before diagnosis), initial (1st year after diagnosis), and end-of-life (last 6 months before death, short-term survivors) phases. Mean net homecare costs were highest in the end-of-life phase (long-term survivors). In the end-of-life phase (short-term survivors), mean net costs attributable to outpatient visits and total services significantly increased to $14,220 from $1,547 and to $33,121 from $14,450 (2008-2009 and 2002-2003 respectively). Conclusions In HCC, our study found increasing resource use and net costs of care, particularly in the end-of-life phase among short-term survivors. Our findings offer a basis for resource allocation decisions in the area of cancer prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River flow alterations caused by dams have introduced many ecological problems, in particular a decline in aquatic species such as fishes. One compensatory measure is to create a hydrological process similar to the natural state with regard to the survival requirements of the fish. In recent years, the Three Gorges Reservoir ( TGR) has introduced man-made flood by ecological operation experiments to facilitate spawning of the four major Chinese carps in the Yangtze River, China. To investigate the fish spawning activities and their responses to the TGR operation, eggs from the four major Chinese carps were sampled using conical drift nets in the middle mainstream of the Yangtze River, May to July in 2012 and 2013. Spawning timing, location, and scale of the four carps were studied and compared between the 2 years; key hydrological and environmental factors associated with spawning were determined by principal component analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Two factors were significantly positive when correlated with egg abundance: one was increasing rate of the river flow (flood amplitude), and the other was river transparency; only one factor, starting of the river flow (flooding occasions), was significantly and negatively correlated with the time of spawning. Comparison of egg abundance in one flood pulse response to different operation rules showed that flooding made by an ecological operation induced a larger scale of spawning than a conventional operation. The study implied that suitable flood conditions could produce a successful spawning event, and that the occasion and pattern of the flood process might result in different responses in fish spawning. Further research is required to develop more scientific monitoring designs in order to obtain accurate field data for both biotic and abiotic factors, and explore new research methods for egg abundance estimations combined with particle experiment and hydrodynamic modeling. This work is fundamental to improve the strategic decisions on reservoir operation and river management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anadromous fish, the Chinese sturgeon ( Acipenser sinensis Gray) is included in the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. To save populations from extinction, artificial propagation had been sought since the 1980s and was achieved in 2009. Additional genetic information and methods will become crucial components in genetic management of the residual A. sinensis population. Microsatellite markers can provide information on the family structure, to avoid inbreeding or founder effects. However, the polyploidy derivative nature of the A. sinensis genome has added difficulties in settling these problems. Given the costs associated with genetic data collection, the trade-off between the amount of molecular data (how many loci are needed and which loci should be used) and the number of individuals sampled warrants consideration in order to maximize both efficiency and parentage analysis. Formulas to calculate the resolving power for tetraploid microsatellite loci in a given population are provided; these formulas are adapted from those fitted to the diploid loci in Neff et al. (Mol. Ecol., 9, 2000a, 515) and require genetic data only from the parent or parents in question, and an estimate of population allele frequencies. These formulas will help in addressing practical problems, such as the choice of genetic loci in A. sinensis conservation aquaculture programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate the drought resistance and high-yield mechanism of hybrid millet, we studied the influence of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation. Our results revealed that drought stress caused lesser reduction in the net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, excitation energy capture efficiency of PSII reaction centers and in the yield of hybrid millet compared to normal millet. When drought stress occurred in the jointing stage, the percentage decrease of P, F/F, F′/F′, and the yield of Zhangzagu3 cultivar compared to control were 27.9%, 2.6%, 25. 5%, and 1.9%, respectively, the percentage decrease of Zhangzagu5 were 37.6%, 3.9%, 28.3%, and 16.7%, respectively, the decrease percentage of Datong29 were 60.1%, 6.4%, 4%, and 23.4%, respectively. Hybrid millet showed the similar reduction in the parameters referred above, when drought stress occurred at the heading stage, but the percentage decrease was much higher than that at the jointing stage. We concluded that hybrid millet showed higher drought resistance than normal millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole (PPy) films were successfully prepared on the self-assembled silane monolayers (SAMs) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to estimate the surface properties of SAMs and hydrolytic silane. The deposition process of PPy films on silane SAMs surface was discussed. The PPy films synthesised on SAMs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the uniformity and density of PPy films were improved effectively by using SAMs modification and adding dopants, which could further increase the conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of PPy films. A maximum conductivity of 51·4 S cm-1 and SE value of 37·03 dB for I2 doped PPy films on SAMs has been achieved. The doped PPy films can be used for the practical EMI shielding application for commercial electronic appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pullulanase gene ( Pul3YH5) of 2568 bp, which encodes a protein containing 855 amino acid residues, was cloned from the alkaliphilic bacterium Exiguobacterium acetylicum YH5. The pullulanase (Pul3YH5) contains the YNWGYDP motif of type I pullulanase as well as four conserved glycoside hydrolase sequences of the GH13 (α-amylase) family. When the pullulanase gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) plysS, the recombinant pullulanase had a molecular mass of ˜100·0 kDa. It was optimally active at 50°C and pH 6·0, alkali-tolerant and displayed excellent stability (>93·0%) over a broad pH range (4·0-10·0) when incubated for 30 min without substrate. The enzyme activity of Pul3YH5 was significantly enhanced in the presence of Co2+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ and was inhibited by Cu2+, SDS, β-mercaptoethanol and EDTA. The enzyme displayed the highest specificity for pullulan ( Km = 0·12 ± 0·02 mg ml−1), followed by soluble starch ( Km = 0·69 ± 0·04 mg ml−1). Substrate hydrolysis demonstrated that pullulanase from E. acetylicum liberated maltotriose from pullulan, although hydrolytic activity was also detected with soluble starch, amylopectin, β-limited dextrin and glycogen. These enzymatic properties indicate that Pul3YH5 is alkali-tolerant pullulanase and that Pul3YH5 could be useful in the detergent industry. Significance and Impact of the Study Pullulanases have great potential in various industries, ranging from food (high fructose and glucose syrups) to washing detergent industries. In this study, the gene encoding the novel pullulanase from E. acetylicum YH5 was cloned and sequenced, then expressed in E. coli. The properties of the recombinant enzyme in E. coli were also determined. The pullulanase from E. acetylicum YH5 is alkaline tolerant and has a high optimum temperature, making it a candidate for applications in the detergent industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the determinants of a positive visual inspection after acetic acid ( VIA), including the relationship of testing positive for high-risk human papillomavirus ( HR-HPV), which is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Three clinical sites in rural China. Population A total of 7541 women aged 25-65 years. Methods All women underwent VIA, DNA testing, by two DNA tests performed on both clinician- and self-collected specimens, and HPV E6 oncoprotein testing. Those positive by any test underwent colposcopy and four-quadrant biopsy evaluation. A random sample of women with negative screening results also underwent colposcopy and, if colposcopic abnormalities were observed, four-quadrant biopsy evaluation was performed. Women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2), or more severe grades (CIN2 + ), underwent treatment. Main outcome measure Testing positive for VIA. Results Overall, 7.6% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 7.0-8.2%) had a positive VIA. Women who tested positive for HPV were more likely to have a positive VIA than women who tested negative for HPV (15.0%, 95% CI 12.9-17.2% versus 6.3%, 95% CI 5.7-6.9%; P < 0.001). Older women were less likely to have a positive VIA ( Ptrend < 0.001), including women with CIN2 + ( Ptrend < 0.001). A logistic regression model demonstrated that diagnosis (CIN2 + versus

An 8-week experiment was designed to determine the optimum dietary iron requirement of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum (mean initial weight, 15.89 ± 0.84 g) with iron sulphate (Fe SO4•7H2O) and iron methionine (FeMet) as iron sources, using a semi-purified diet based on casein and white fish meal as the protein sources. The basal diet was supplemented with 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 mg iron kg−1 dry diet from either Fe SO4 or FeMet, respectively. Survival was not significantly affected by the all dietary treatment. Weight gain ( WG), feed efficiency ( FE), serum catalase activity ( SCAT), and haemoglobin were significantly affected by any of the dietary treatments from both of two iron sources. Based on broken-line regression analysis of WG, FE and SCAT, a minimum requirement for dietary iron was recommended to be 80.5-94.7 mg kg−1 from Fe SO4 and 71.3-75.1 mg kg−1 from FeMet. Iron supplement to the basal diet had no significant effect on haematocrit, erythrocyte count, iron concentration in whole body and fillet. Our experiment also showed that the bioavailability of FeMet and Fe SO4 to juvenile cobia was similar for WG and FE, and the relative bioavailability of FeMet and Fe SO4 to juvenile cobia was 275% for maximum SCAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) was found in garlic from across Ontario in a survey conducted in 2011. Nematodes from the survey were extracted from garlic samples and the identification ofDitylenchusspecies was established using morphological and molecular methods. The genetic variation of 90 populations collected from different regions in the province was studied using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. One population from onion and one population ofD. destructorwere included for comparison. Simple matching coefficiency and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on the polymorphisms to demonstrate the intra-racial, intra-species and interspecies relationships. Genetic variation was detected in theD. dipsacipopulations isolated from garlic in Ontario. All theD. dipsacipopulations were separated into two distinct clusters: a small cluster consisting of 19 populations from counties in the southern part of the province, and a large cluster of 71 populations mostly from the eastern region but which also included a few populations from the southern western and northern regions of the province. The average similarity coefficiency among populations ofD. dipsaciisolated from garlic was 82%. The grouping of the two distinct clusters seems to suggest that there were two separate introductions ofD. dipsaciin Ontario. This is the first report of intra-racial genetic variations ofD. dipsaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Physics track: Basic dosimetry and phantom and detector development PO-1330: On the Implementation and Validation of 3D Computational Pediatric Phantoms in Commercial TPS A. Gupta, Y. Qiao, S. Shrestha, C. Owens, C. Lee, C. Ditty, S. Smith, R. Weathers, R.M. Howell. [Extracted from the article]

Qiao Y, Tyson C, Hrynchak M, Lopez-Rangel E, Hildebrand J, Martell S, Fawcett C, Kasmara L, Calli K, Harvard C, Liu X, Holden JJA, Lewis SME, Rajcan-Separovic E. Clinical application of 2.7M Cytogenetics array for CNV detection in subjects with idiopathic autism and/or intellectual disability. Higher resolution whole-genome arrays facilitate the identification of smaller copy number variations (CNVs) and their integral genes contributing to autism and/or intellectual disability (ASD/ID). Our study describes the use of one of the highest resolution arrays, the Affymetrix® Cytogenetics 2.7M array, coupled with quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) for detection and validation of small CNVs. We studied 82 subjects with ASD and ID in total (30 in the validation and 52 in the application cohort) and detected putatively pathogenic CNVs in 6/52 cases from the application cohort. This included a 130-kb maternal duplication spanning exons 64-79 of the DMD gene which was found in a 3-year-old boy manifesting autism and mild neuromotor delays. Other pathogenic CNVs involved 4p14, 12q24.31, 14q32.31, 15q13.2-13.3, and 17p13.3. We established the optimal experimental conditions which, when applied to select small CNVs for QMPSF confirmation, reduced the false positive rate from 60% to 25%. Our work suggests that selection of small CNVs based on the function of integral genes, followed by review of array experimental parameters resulting in highest confirmation rate using multiplex PCR, may enhance the usefulness of higher resolution platforms for ASD and ID gene discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commercially grown apple cultivars are susceptible to fungal diseases. Malus hupehensis has high resistance to many diseases affecting apple cultivars. Understanding innate defence mechanisms would help to develop disease-resistant apple crops. Non-expressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1 ( NPR1) plays a key role in regulating salicylic acid (SA)-mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR). MhNPR1 cDNA, corresponding to genomic DNA and its 5′ flanking sequences, was isolated from M. hupehensis. Sequence analysis showed that the regulatory mechanism for oligomer-monomer transition of the MhNPR1 protein in apple might be similar to that of GmNPR1 in soybean, but different from that of AtNPR1 in Arabidopsis. No significant differences in MhNPR1 expression were found in M. hupehensis after infection with Botryosphaeria berengeriana, showing that MhNPR1 might be regulated by pathogens at the protein level, as described for Arabidopsis and grapevine. SA treatment significantly induced MhNPR1 expression in leaves, stems and roots, while methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment induced MhNPR1 expression in roots, but not in leaves or stems. The expression of MhNPR1 was highly increased in roots, moderately in leaves, and did not change in stems after treatment with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). SAR marker genes ( MhPR1 and MhPR5) were induced by SA, MeJA and ACC in leaves, stems and roots. Overexpression of MhNPR1 significantly induced the expression of pathogenesis-related genes ( NtPR1, NtPR3 and NtPR5) in transgenic tobacco plants and resistance to the fungus Botrytis cinerea, suggesting that MhNPR1 orthologues are a component of the SA defence signalling pathway and SAR is induced in M. hupehensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Array CGH enables the detection of pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) in 5–15% of individuals with intellectual disability (ID), making it a promising tool for uncovering ID candidate genes. However, most CNVs encompass multiple genes, making it difficult to identify key disease gene(s) underlying ID etiology. Using array CGH we identified 47 previously unreported unique CNVs in 45/255 probands. We prioritized ID candidate genes using five bioinformatic gene prioritization web tools. Gene priority lists were created by comparing integral genes from each CNV from our ID cohort with sets of training genes specific either to ID or randomly selected. Our findings suggest that different training sets alter gene prioritization only moderately; however, only the ID gene training set resulted in significant enrichment of genes with nervous system function (19%) in prioritized versus non-prioritized genes from the same de novo CNVs (7%, p < 0.05). This enrichment further increased to 31% when the five web tools were used in concert and included genes within mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways. Gene prioritization web tools enrich for genes with relevant function in ID and more readily facilitate the selection of ID candidate genes for functional studies, particularly for large CNVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While porcine-based biologic meshes are increasingly used for hernia repair, little data exist on tissue responses to such products. Host foreign body reaction, local inflammation, and wound healing are principally controlled by monocytes/macrophages (M/MØs). Exaggerated activation of M/MØs may deleteriously influence mesh integration and remodeling. We hypothesized that common porcine meshes induce the differential activation of M/MØs in vitro. Samples of four acellular porcine-derived meshes, CollaMend™ (CM; C.R. Bard/Davol), Permacol™ (PC; TSL/Covidien), Strattice™ (ST; LifeCell), and Surgisis® (SS; Cook Biotech), were exposed to mononuclear cells derived from the peripheral blood of six healthy subjects. Following a 7-day incubation period, supernatants were assayed for interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay system. The four groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test. Each mesh type induced differential mononuclear cell activation in vitro. The mean IL-1β expressions for CM (7,195 pg/ml) and PC (4,215 pg/ml) were significantly higher compared to ST and SS (123 and 998 pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Similar trends were also seen for IL-6 (range 445–70,729 pg/ml), IL-8 (range 11,640–1,045,938 pg/ml), and VEGF (range 686–7,133 pg/ml). For the first time, we demonstrated that porcine meshes induce M/MØ activation in vitro. CM and PC (chemically crosslinked dermis) induced significantly higher cytokine expression compared to ST (non-crosslinked dermis) and SS (small intestine submucosa). These differences are likely related to proprietary processing methods and/or the extent of collagen crosslinking. Further understanding of immunologic effects of porcine-derived biologic meshes will not only allow for a comparison between existing products, but it may also lead to mesh modifications and improvement of their clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is a common indoor air pollutant that can cause asthma in people experiencing long-term exposure. While FA and other man-made chemicals contribute to the stimulation of asthma in the general population, the underlying molecular pathogenesis of this relationship is not yet well understood. Objective: To explore FA as an irritant for the onset of asthma and as an adjuvant for the induction of allergy. Methods: In the present study, 40 Wistar rats in five experimental groups were exposed to: (i) saline; (ii) ovalbumin (OVA); (iii) OVA + FA at 417 ppb; (iv) OVA + FA at 2500 ppb; and (v) FA at 2500 ppb. Current and prior occupational exposure limits in China were established at 417 ppb and 2500 ppb, respectively. Gaseous FA was administrated to the animals for 6 h/day before and during OVA immunization or saline treatment. Measured outcomes included in situ lung function analysis, cytokine measurement, and histological changes in the rat lungs. Results: The airway reactivity, lung histological changes, pulmonary interleukin-4 secretion, and eosinophil infiltration in the OVA and FA exposed rats were significantly higher after gaseous FA exposures of 417 and 2500 ppb. While FA exposure alone did not induce significant structural changes to the airway, and the rate of inflammatory cell infiltration was the same as for the control group, pulmonary levels of interferon-γ were significantly elevated in the exposed rats. Conclusions: FA may be an irritant as well as serve as an adjuvant for the onset of asthma or asthma-like symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic and magnetic structures of both bcc and fcc ordered NixMn1-x alloys, with x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1, are performed using the first principle linearized augmented plane-wave (LAPW) method within the framework of local spin-density functional approximation (LSDA). It is shown that fcc NixMn1-x with x = 1, 0.75 is ferromagnetic ordering, which is in good agreement with the experiments. At the equiatomic composition of NixMn1-x with x = 0.5, it is antiferromagnetic ordering. With the lower Ni composition, it presents ferrimagnetic and antiferromagnetic ordering, respectively. For bcc NixMn1-x with both rich Ni and rich Mn composition, however, it presents ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic ordering, respectively. At the equiatomic NixMn1-x with x = 0.5, it presents ferromagnetic ordering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A new test (careHPV; QIAGEN, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) has been developed to detect 14 high-risk types of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) in about 2.5 h, to screen women in developing regions for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). We did a cross-sectional study to assess the clinical accuracy of careHPV as a rapid screening test in two county hospitals in rural China. METHODS: From May 10 to June 15, 2007, the careHPV test was done locally by use of self-obtained vaginal and provider-obtained cervical specimens from a screening population-based set of 2530 women aged 30 to 54 years in Shanxi province, China. All women were assessed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Digene High-Risk HPV HC2 DNA Test (HC2), liquid-based cytology, and colposcopy with directed biopsy and endocervical curettage as necessary. In 2388 women with complete data, 441 women with negative colposcopy, but unsatisfactory or abnormal cytology or who were positive on HC2 or the new careHPV test, were recalled for a second colposcopy, four-quadrant cervical biopsies, and endocervical curettage. An absence of independence between the tests was not adjusted for and the Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. FINDINGS: Complete data were available for 2388 (94.4%) women. 70 women had CIN2+ (moderate or severe CIN or cancer), of whom 23 had CIN3+. By use of CIN2+ as the reference standard and area-under-the-curve analysis with a two-sided alpha error level of 0.0083, the sensitivities and specificities of the careHPV test for a cut-off ratio cut-point of 0.5 relative light units, were 90.0% (95% CI 83.0-97.0) and 84.2% (82.7-85.7), respectively, on cervical specimens, and 81.4% (72.3-90.5) and 82.4% (80.8-83.9), respectively, on vaginal specimens (areas under the curve not significantly different, p=0.0596), compared with 41.4% (29.9-53.0) and 94.5% (93.6-95.4) for VIA (areas under the curve significantly different, p=0.0001 and p=0.0031, for cervical and vaginal-specimen comparisons for the careHPV test, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of HC2 for cervical specimens were 97.1% (93.2-100) and 85.6% (84.2-87.1), respectively (areas under the curve not significantly different from the careHPV test on cervical specimens, p=0.0163). INTERPRETATION: The careHPV test is promising as a primary screening method for cervical-cancer prevention in low-resource regions. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to develop mutagenic methods, supercritical CO2 was evaluated as a new environmentally friendly mutagen. During treatment by supercritical CO2, the survival rate and the positive mutation rate of Flavobacterium sp. strain YY25 were strongly dependent on pressure, temperature, treatment time and additive (DMSO). 8 MPa, 35 °C, 30 min of supercritical CO2 and 1% of DMSO were believed as the optimum doses. After the seed liquid was treated under these conditions, a mutant strain with about 44.2% increase in lipase yield comparing with the wild strain was acquired, indicating that the novel mutagenic method by supercritical CO2 was feasible and promising in microbial breeding field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe two brothers with autistic disorder, intellectual disability (ID) and cleft lip/palate with a microdeletion of Xp11.22 detected through screening individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) for microdeletions and duplications using 1-Mb resolution array comparative genomic hybridization. The deletion was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization/real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and shown to be inherited from their unaffected mother who had skewed (100%) X inactivation of the aberrant chromosome. RT-qPCR characterization of the del(X)(p11.22) region (∼53,887,000–54,359,000 bp) revealed complete deletion of the plant homeodomain finger protein 8 ( PHF8) gene as well as deletions of the FAM120C and WNK lysine-deficient protein kinase 3 ( WNK3) genes, for which a definitive phenotype has not been previously characterized. Xp11.2 is a gene-rich region within the critical linkage interval for several neurodevelopmental disorders. Rare interstitial microdeletions of Xp11.22 have been recognized with ID, craniofacial dysmorphism and/or cleft lip/palate and truncating mutations of the PHF8 gene within this region. Despite evidence implicating genes within Xp11.22 with language and cognitive development that could contribute to an ASD phenotype, their involvement with autism has not been systematically evaluated. Population screening of 481 (319 males/81 females) and 282 X chromosomes (90 males/96 females) in respective ASD and control cohorts did not identify additional subjects carrying this deletion. Our findings show that in addition to point mutations, a complete deletion of the PHF8 gene is associated with the X-linked mental retardation Siderius-Hamel syndrome (OMIM 300263) and further suggest that the larger size of the Xp11.22 deletion including genes FAM120C and WNK3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ferroelectric Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNdT) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using a sol–gel process and Bi(NO3)3 was used as one of starting materials. Upon heating the major weight loss of the wet films occurred below 320°C and nitrogen was almost completely removed at 650°C. The films began to crystallize around 520°C. The films annealed at 750°C contain grains of 50–100nm in diameter. The BNdT film capacitors with Pt top electrodes exhibited well-saturated hysteresis loops with a remanent polarization (2P r) of 57.4μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 108.3kV/cm. The Pt/BNdT/Pt capacitors did not show any significant fatigue up to 6×1010 read/write switching cycles, and the retained charges remained nearly constant up to 104 s after applying a writing pulse. The leakage current density of the BNdT films is less than 5×10−8 A/cm2 under a low external field below 73kV/cm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article we study Clifford analysis with higher order kernel over unbounded domains. First we derive a higher order Cauchy-Pompeiu formula for the functions with rth order continuous differentiability over an unbounded domain whose complementary set contains non-empty open set. Then we obtain higher order Cauchy integral formula for k-regular functions and prove Cauchy inequality. Based on the higher order Cauchy integral formula, we define higher order Cauchy-type integrals and discuss boundary behaviours of the higher order Cauchy-type integrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of cleavage surfaces across grain boundaries in free-standing silicon thin films was investigated. Three ridge–boundary interaction modes were identified. If the cleavage ridge was relatively deep, it could directly bypass a grain boundary. If it was relatively shallow, it would act as a stress concentrator promoting cleavage front transmission. It was also observed that due to the smoothening effect, the surface could become effectively less rough across a grain boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of post-modification treatment and chlorotrimethylsilane concentration on defiltration behaviors of pressurized liquid confined in a hydrophobic MCM-41 are investigated experimentally. If the chlorotrimethylsilane concentration is relatively low, liquid defiltration can be promoted by extensive drying at elevated temperature or extensive washing at room temperature. If the chlorotrimethylsilane concentration is relatively high, liquid defiltration becomes difficult, while the infiltration volume is larger. These phenomena can be related to the dependence of motion of liquid molecules on structures of nanopore surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The performance of multi-homed transport protocols tolerant of network failure is studied. It evaluates the performance of different retransmission policies combined with path failure detection thresholds, infinite or finite receive buffers for various path bandwidths, delays and loss rate conditions through stream control transmission protocol simulation. The results show that retransmission policies perform differently with different path failure detection threshold configurations. It identifies that retransmission of all data on an alternate path with the path failure detection threshold set to zero performs the best in symmetric path conditions but its performance degrades acutely in asymmetric path conditions even when the alternate path delay is shorter than the primary path delay. It illustrates that retransmission of all data on the same path with the path failure detection threshold set to one or zero gives the most stable performance in all path configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BNdT) thin films with predominant (104)/(014) orientation were fabricated directly on (111)Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates through a sol–gel process. The volume fraction of (104)/(014)-oriented grains in the film was estimated to be about 65% according to X-ray pole figure. The BNdT film is dense and uniform and consists of columnar grains penetrating the whole film thickness. The (104)/(014)-oriented BNdT film capacitors showed excellent ferroelectric properties with 2P r =46.4 μC/cm2 and E c ≈140 kV/cm. The films also exhibit excellent piezoelectric property, with high piezoelectric coefficient d 33 ≈17 pm/V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A crack trapping model is developed for the fracture resistance of high-angle grain boundaries in free-standing brittle thin films, based on which a new size effect is predicted. In addition to the crystallographic misorientations, the grain boundary toughness is also dependent on the film thickness, primarily due to the geometrically necessary crack front branching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nd3+-codoped and Al3+-Nd3+-codoped high silica glasses have been prepared by sintering nanoporous glasses impregnated with Nd3+ and Al3+ ions. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters Ω2,4,6 of Nd3+-doped high silica glasses were obtained and used to analyze aluminum codoping effects. Fluorescence properties of Nd3+-doped high silica glasses strongly depend on the Al3+ concentration. While Nd3+ ion absorption and emission intensities of obviously increase when aluminum is added to Nd3+-doped high silica glasses, fluorescence lifetimes decrease and aluminum codoping has almost no influence on the radiative quantum efficiencies. This indicates that aluminum codoping is responsible for an anti-quenching effect through a local modification of rare-earth environments rather than through physical cluster dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a cohort of 29,584 residents of Linxian, China, followed from 1985 to 2001, we conducted a case-cohort study of the magnitude of the association of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity with cancer risk in a random sample of 300 oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, 600 gastric cardia adenocarcinomas, all 363 diagnosed gastric non-cardia adenocarcinomas, and a random sample of the entire cohort (N=1050). Baseline serum was evaluated for IgG antibodies to whole-cell and CagA H. pylori antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Risks of both gastric cardia and non-cardia cancers were increased in individuals exposed to H. pylori (Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals=1.64; 1.26-2.14, and 1.60; 1.15-2.21, respectively), whereas risk of oesophageal squamous cell cancer was not affected (1.17; 0.88-1.57). For both cardia and non-cardia cancers, HRs were higher in younger individuals. With longer time between serum collection to cancer diagnosis, associations became stronger for cardia cancers but weaker for non-cardia cancers. CagA positivity did not modify these associations. The associations between H. pylori exposure and gastric cardia and non-cardia adenocarcinoma development were equally strong, in contrast to Western countries, perhaps due to the absence of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinomas in Linxian, making all cardia tumours of gastric origin, rather than a mixture of gastric and oesophageal malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the ion density at a solid–liquid interface changes, the interfacial tension varies accordingly, which can lead to a large energy density output, particularly when amplified by the high specific surface area of a nanoporous material. This concept is validated by the results of a controlled-temperature infiltration experiment on a hydrophobic zeolite immersed in a saturated aqueous solution of sodium acetate. As the temperature changes, the sodium acetate concentration varies significantly, which in turn causes a variation in infiltration pressure. Since the infiltration and defiltration are reversible, under the working pressure, this system exhibits a volume memory characteristic, with a non-monotonic temperature–volume relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), was once widely dispersed in almost all watersheds draining towards the western coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Today, the species is one of the highly endangered fish species in China and can be found only in the Yangtze and Pearl rivers and their adjacent coastal and marine areas. Due to the construction of the Gezhouba Dam, spawning grounds for the fish were drastically restricted but fortunately remained in the Yangtze River at a small-scale site located just downstream along a short reach of the river closely to the dam. Since 1998 we have undertaken annual investigations in this area using hydroacoustic methods, in order to estimate the size of spawning cohort and the selection of habitats. Based on strength and sizes of echo signals, the mature individuals of Chinese sturgeon were discriminated from the other fish species and then numerated. Most of the fish were detected close to the bottom and preferred to distribute themselves in the areas with water depths less than 15 meters. Because of different bottom structures with homogeneous granular material, the distribution of the fish was mainly influenced by water depths and perhaps current patterns. Total amount of sturgeons in the entire reach were estimated by simply summing up the numbers according to the identified densities in areas of different depths. Usually, there were about two separate spawning activities of Chinese sturgeon which took place annually during the observation period, with the scale of spawning activity being much larger at the first time than during the following spawning events. Estimations on the sizes of spawning cohorts on the restricted spawning ground before the first wave of upstream migrants appeared, were about 400 and 200 individuals during the periods of 1998-1999 and 2002, respectively. It was demonstrated that: a) the space of the current spawning site is not sufficient to accommodate all mature individuals simultaneously, and b) a serious decline in spawning stocks size of Chinese sturgeon during the investigational period seems to be indicated when comparing the counts between 1998 and 2002. The decline is about 50% which is a highly alarming figure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of embryos and larvae in Ancherythroculter nigrocauda Yih et Woo (1964) and effects of delayed first feeding on larvae were observed after artificial fertilization. The fertilized eggs were incubated at an average temperature of 26.5°C (range: 25.7–27) and the larvae reared at temperatures ranging from 21.8 to 28°C. First cleavage was at 50 min, epiboly began at 7 h 5 min, heartbeat reached 72 per min at 24 h 40 min and hatching occurred at 43 h 15 min after insemination. Mean total length of newly hatched larvae was 4.04 ± 0.03 mm (n = 15). A one-chambered gas bladder was observed at 70 h 50 min, two chambers occurred at 15 days, and scales appeared approximately 30 days after hatching. Larvae began to feed exogenously at day 4 post-hatch at an average temperature of 24°C. Food deprivation resulted in a progressive atrophy of skeletal muscle fibres, deterioration of the larval digestive system and cessation of organ differentiation. Larval growth under food deprivation was significantly affected by the time of first exogenous feeding. Starved larvae began to shrink, with negative growth from day 6 post-hatch. The point of no return (PNR) was reached at day 11 after hatching. Mortality of starved larvae increased sharply from day 12 after hatching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a 3-channel wavelet transform method is introduced to recover palm print images following serious deformation. The deformation processing is actually a kind of digital re-sampling. A filter bank consisting of three filters is implemented for wavelet decomposition of the palm print image, and then a procedure of binary interpolation is performed after the image is reconstructed by another filter bank consisting of another three filters. The design of multi-channel wavelet filter bank is based on the Quadrature Mirror Filter (QMF) method. Because the noise is caused by the Morie stripe, the images are further de-noised after the geometry deformation is addressed. Acceptable results have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure-induced infiltration of hydrophobic nanoporous silica gel immersed in epsomite solutions or mixed with epsomite crystals is investigated. Owing to the hysteresis of sorption isotherm curves, these systems are energy absorbing. In the liquid system, as the epsomite concentration increases, both the first-cycle infiltration pressure and the system recoverability increase. The energy-absorption properties of the saturated-solution- and the solid-crystal-based systems are quite similar. The experimental data suggests that, while the solid–liquid interfacial energy dominates the infiltration behaviour, the defiltration process is somewhat independent of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A polymer intercalated/exfoliated (PIE) cement is synthesized and its high-temperature tensile performance is characterized. Due to the reinforcing effect of the nanointerphase, the flexure strength of the PIE cement is higher than that of ordinary cements by more than an order of magnitude in a broad temperature range. The temperature at which the optimum mechanical properties are obtained is about 120 °C, and the thermal distortion point is around 180 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the framework of crack number density analysis, a theoretical investigation is carried out on the relationship between the statistical characteristics of fatigue initiation life and the stochastic growth of short fatigue cracks. The numerical results indicate that, compared with the influence of grain boundary resistance, the effect of the degree of randomness of crystallographic crack growth is only secondary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]