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BACKGROUND It is relatively rare for schwannomas to invade bone, but it is very rare for a large mass to form concurrently in the paravertebral region. Surgical resection is the only effective treatment. Because of the extensive tumor involvement and the many important surrounding structures, the tumor needs to be fully exposed. Most of the tumors are completely removed by posterior combined open-heart surgery to relieve spinal cord compression, restore the stability of the spine and maximize the recovery of nerve and spinal cord function. The main objective of this article is to present a schwannoma that had invaded the T5 and T6 vertebral bodies and formed a large paravertebral mass with simultaneous invasion of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal cord. CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old female suffered from intermittent chest and back pain for 8 years. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a paravertebral tumor of approximately 86 mm × 109 mm × 116 mm, where the adjacent T5 and T6 vertebral bodies were invaded by the tumor, the right intervertebral foramen was enlarged, and the tumor had invaded the spinal canal to compress the thoracic medulla. The preoperative puncture biopsy diagnosed a benign schwannoma. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved by a two-step operation. In the first step, the thoracic surgeon adopted a lateral approach to separate the thoracic tumor from the lung. In the second step, a spine surgeon performed a posterior midline approach to dissect the tumor from the vertebral junction through removal of the tumor from the posterior side and further resection of the entire T5 and T6 vertebral bodies. The large bone defect was reconstructed with titanium mesh, and the posterior root arch was nail-fixed. Due to the large amount of intraoperative bleeding, we performed tumor angioembolization before surgery to reduce and avoid large intraoperative bleeding. The postoperative diagnosis of benign schwannoma was confirmed by histochemical examination. There was no sign of tumor recurrence or spinal instability during the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Giant schwannoma is uncommon. In this case, a complete surgical resection of a giant thoracic nerve sheath tumor that invaded part of the vertebral body and compressed the spinal cord was safe and effective.

Short-term residential load forecasting is the precondition of the day-ahead and intra-day scheduling strategy of the household microgrid. Existing short-term electric load forecasting methods are mainly used to obtain regional power load for system-level power dispatch. Due to the high volatility, strong randomness, and weak regularity of the residential load of a single household, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the traditional methods forecasting results would be too big to be used for home energy management. With the increase in the total number of households, the aggregated load becomes more and more stable, and the cyclical pattern of the aggregated load becomes more and more distinct. In the meantime, the maximum daily load does not increase linearly with the increase in households in a small area. Therefore, in our proposed short-term residential load forecasting method, an optimal number of households would be selected adaptively, and the total aggregated residential load of the selected households is used for load prediction. In addition, ordering points to identify the clustering structure (OPTICS) algorithm are also selected to cluster households with similar power consumption patterns adaptively. It can be used to enhance the periodic regularity of the aggregated load in alternative. The aggregated residential load and encoded external factors are then used to predict the load in the next half an hour. The long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning algorithm is used in the prediction because of its inherited ability to maintain historical data regularity in the forecasting process. The experimental data have verified the effectiveness and accuracy of our proposed method.

Heterotrophic nitrifiers are able to oxidize and remove ammonia from nitrogen-rich wastewaters but the genetic elements of heterotrophic ammonia oxidation are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and identified a novel heterotrophic nitrifier, Alcaligenes ammonioxydans sp. nov. strain HO-1, oxidizing ammonia to hydroxylamine and ending in the production of N

To explore the characteristics of the spatial and temporal variation in soil respiration (SR) in orchard ecosystems in different regions of the Loess Plateau of Shaanxi Province and to distinguish the controlling factors, representative orchards were studied from April to October 2019. We conducted SR measurements in five locations, including Mizhi dangta (MZ), Ansai Liuzhuang (AS), Luochuan houzitou (LC), Fuping meijiaping (FP), and Yangling Wuquan (YL). The results indicated that the SR of each orchard showed clear seasonal variation. The SR increased with the distance from the trunk at the tree scale, while gradually increasing from north to south on the regional scale (p &lt, 0.05). The soil temperature and soil moisture were the main factors controlling the seasonal changes in SR in the orchards. On the tree scale, the fine root biomass was the main factor causing the tree-scale spatial variability. At the regional scale, SR was mainly influenced by the differences in the soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, soil bulk density and pH. In agricultural management practices, the cumulative soil respiration was higher with irrigated treatment than with non-irrigated (NI) treatment (p &lt, 0.05). In addition, traditional surface drip irrigation (SDI) and root injection irrigation (RII) showed great differences in soil respiration in the early and late stages of irrigation (p &lt, 0.05), and the soil moisture was the main controlling factor. Compared with no tillage (NI), green cover (GC), deep tillage (DT), and shallow tillage (ST) increased the SR by 57%, 36% and 14%, respectively (p &lt, 0.05). Due to the great temporal and spatial variation in the SR in our study area, we determined that the soil respiration in the orchards was affected not only by environmental factors but also by agricultural measures. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to human factors when exploring SR to ensure that orchard management can promote the economic benefits of the orchards without greatly impacting the environment.

A nitrite-tolerant denitrifying bacterium, strain GL14T, was isolated from the nitrification/denitrification bioreactor in our laboratory. Strain GL14T was Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, facultatively anaerobic and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that it was assigned to the genus Pseudomonas with highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.77 %) to Pseudomonas xanthomarina DSM 18231T and Pseudomonas . songnenensis NEAU-ST5-5T, followed by Pseudomonas . stutzeri ATCC 17588T (98.42 %), Pseudomonas . kunmingensis HL22-2T (98.29 %) and Pseudomonas . zhaodongensis NEAU-ST5-21T (98.22 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on both concatenated sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and two housekeeping genes (gyrB and rpoD) and genome sequences further clarified the intrageneric phylogenetic position of strain GL14T. The DNA G+C content of GL14T was 63.1 mol%. The results of digital DNA–DNA hybridization (highest 24.2 % of DNA–DNA relatedness) based on the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator and average nucleotide identity analyses (highest 80.23 %) confirmed that the strain was distinctly delineated from known species of the genus Pseudomonas . The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c), C17 : 0cyclo and C12 : 0. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-9. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on the phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, it was concluded that strain GL14T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas , for which the name Pseudomonasnitrititolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GL14T (=CGMCC 1.13874T=NBRC 113853T).

The manifestation of complex traits is influenced by gene–gene and gene–environment interactions, and the identification of multifactor interactions is an important but challenging undertaking for genetic studies. Many complex phenotypes such as disease severity are measured on an ordinal scale with more than two categories. A proportional odds model can improve statistical power for these outcomes, when compared to a logit model either collapsing the categories into two mutually exclusive groups or limiting the analysis to pairs of categories. In this study, we propose a proportional odds model-based generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method for detection of interactions underlying polytomous ordinal phenotypes. Computer simulations demonstrated that this new GMDR method has a higher power and more accurate predictive ability than the GMDR methods based on a logit model and a multinomial logit model. We applied this new method to the genetic analysis of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a causal risk factor for coronary artery disease, in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and identified a significant joint action of the CELSR2, SERPINA12, HPGD, and APOB genes. This finding provides new information to advance the limited knowledge about genetic regulation and gene interactions in metabolic pathways of LDL cholesterol. In conclusion, the proportional odds model-based GMDR is a useful tool that can boost statistical power and prediction accuracy in studying multifactor interactions underlying ordinal traits.

Heterotrophic nitrifiers are able to oxidize and remove ammonia from nitrogen-rich wastewaters but the genetic elements of heterotrophic ammonia oxidation are poorly understood. Here, we isolated and identified a novel heterotrophic nitrifier, Alcaligenes ammonioxydans sp. nov. strain HO-1, oxidizing ammonia to hydroxylamine and ending in the production of N2 gas. Genome analysis revealed that strain HO-1 encoded a complete denitrification pathway but lacks any genes coding for homologous to known ammonia monooxygenases or hydroxylamine oxidoreductases. Our results demonstrated strain HO-1 denitrified nitrite (not nitrate) to N2 and N2O at anaerobic and aerobic conditions respectively. Further experiments demonstrated that inhibition of aerobic denitrification did not stop ammonia oxidation and N2 production. A gene cluster (dnfT1RT2ABCD) was cloned from strain HO-1 and enabled E. coli accumulated hydroxylamine. Sub-cloning showed that genetic cluster dnfAB or dnfABC already enabled E. coli cells to produce hydroxylamine and further to 15N2 from (15NH4)2SO4. Transcriptome analysis revealed these three genes dnfA, dnfB and dnfC were significantly upregulated in response to ammonia stimulation. Taken together, we concluded that strain HO-1 has a novel dnf genetic cluster for ammonia oxidation and this dnf genetic cluster encoded a previously unknown pathway of direct ammonia oxidation (Dirammox) to N2.

Background Phaffia rhodozyma has many desirable properties for astaxanthin production, including rapid heterotrophic metabolism and high cell densities in fermenter culture. The low optimal temperature range (17–21 °C) for cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis in this species presents an obstacle to efficient industrial-scale astaxanthin production. The inhibition mechanism of cell growth at > 21 °C in P. rhodozyma have not been investigated. Results MK19, a mutant P. rhodozyma strain grows well at moderate temperatures, its cell growth was also inhibited at 28 °C, but such inhibition was mitigated, and low biomass 6 g/L was obtained after 100 h culture. Transcriptome analysis indicated that low biomass at 28 °C resulted from strong suppression of DNA and RNA synthesis in MK19. Growth inhibition at 28 °C was due to cell membrane damage with a characteristic of low mRNA content of fatty acid (f.a.) pathway transcripts (acc, fas1, fas2), and consequent low f.a. content. Thinning of cell wall and low mannose content (leading to loss of cell wall integrity) also contributed to reduced cell growth at 28 °C in MK19. Levels of astaxanthin and ergosterol, two end-products of isoprenoid biosynthesis (a shunt pathway of f.a. biosynthesis), reached 2000 µg/g and 7500 µg/g respectively; ~2-fold higher than levels at 21 or 25 °C. Abundance of ergosterol, an important cell membrane component, compensated for lack of f.a., making possible the biomass production of 6 g/L for MK19 at 28 °C. Conclusions Inhibition of growth of P. rhodozyma at 28 °C results from blocking of DNA, RNA, f.a., and cell wall biosynthesis. In MK19, abundant ergosterol made possible biomass production 6 g/L at 28 °C. Significant accumulation of astaxanthin and ergosterol indicated an active MVA pathway in MK19 at 28 °C. Strengthening of the MVA pathway can be a feasible metabolic engineering approach for enhancement of astaxanthin synthesis in P. rhodozyma. The present findings provide useful mechanistic insights regarding adaptation of P. rhodozyma to 28 °C, and improved understanding of feasible metabolic engineering techniques for industrial scale astaxanthin production by this economically important yeast species.

Background: Phaffia rhodozyma has many desirable properties for astaxanthin production, including rapid heterotrophic metabolism and high cell densities in fermenter culture. The low optimal temperature range (17-21 °C) for cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis in this species presents an obstacle to efficient industrial-scale astaxanthin production. The inhibition mechanism of cell growth at > 21 °C in P. rhodozyma have not been investigated.Results: MK19, a mutant P. rhodozyma strain grows well at moderate temperatures, its cell growth was also inhibited at 28 °C, but such inhibition was mitigated, and low biomass 6 g/L was obtained after 100 h culture. Transcriptome analysis indicated that low biomass at 28 °C resulted from strong suppression of DNA and RNA synthesis in MK19. Growth inhibition at 28 °C was due to cell membrane damage with a characteristic of low mRNA content of fatty acid (f.a.) pathway transcripts (acc, fas1, fas2), and consequent low f.a. content. Thinning of cell wall and low mannose content (leading to loss of cell wall integrity) also contributed to reduced cell growth at 28 °C in MK19. Levels of astaxanthin and ergosterol, two end-products of isoprenoid biosynthesis (a shunt pathway of f.a. biosynthesis), reached 2000 μg/g and 7500 μg/g respectively; ~2-fold higher than levels at 21 or 25 °C. Abundance of ergosterol, an important cell membrane component, compensated for lack of f.a., making possible the biomass production of 6 g/L for MK19 at 28 °C.Conclusion: Inhibition of growth of P. rhodozyma at 28 °C results from blocking of DNA, RNA, f.a., and cell wall biosynthesis. In MK19, abundant ergosterol made possible biomass production 6 g/L at 28 °C. Significant accumulation of astaxanthin and ergosterol indicated an active MVA pathway in MK19 at 28 °C. Strengthening of the MVA pathway can be a feasible metabolic engineering approach for enhancement of astaxanthin synthesis in P. rhodozyma. The present findings provide useful mechanistic insights regarding adaptation of P. rhodozyma to 28 °C, and improved understanding of feasible metabolic engineering techniques for industrial scale astaxanthin production by this economically important yeast species.

Hydroxylamine is a key intermediate of microbial ammonia oxidation and plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of N-compounds. Hydroxylamine is oxidized to NO or N2O by hydroxylamine oxidases or cytochrome P460 from heterotrophic or autotrophic bacteria, but its enzymatic oxidation to N2 has not yet been observed. Here, we report on the discovery of a novel oxidase that converts hydroxylamine to N2 from the newly isolated heterotrophic nitrifier Alcaligenes strain HO-1. Strain HO-1 accumulated hydroxylamine and produced N2 from ammonia oxidation. Using transcriptome analysis and heterologous expression via fosmid library screening, we identified three genes (dnfABC) of strain HO-1 that enabled E. coli cells not only to produce hydroxylamine from 15N-labelled ammonium but also to further convert it to 15N2. The three genes were individually cloned and expressed, and their translational products DnfA, DnfB, and DnfC were purified. In vitro DnfA bound to hydroxylamine and catalyzed the conversion of hydroxylamine to N2 in the presence of FAD, NADH and O2. Thus, DnfA was identified as a novel hydroxylamine oxidase and catalyzed a previously unknown N-N bond forming reaction with a yet-to-be discovered mechanism. DnfA homologs were detected in different bacterial groups, suggesting that hydroxylamine oxidation to nitrogen might occur in additional microbial taxa.

Background The yeast Phaffia rhodozyma has many desirable properties for astaxanthin production, including rapid heterotrophic metabolism and high cell densities in fermenter culture. The optimal temperature range for cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis in this species is low (17–21 °C), which presents an obstacle to efficient industrial-scale astaxanthin production. The molecular regulatory mechanisms of cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis in P. rhodozyma remain poorly understood, and the regulatory effects of temperature have not been investigated. Results MK19, a mutant P. rhodozyma strain that grows well at moderate temperatures, was generated from wild-type (WT) strain JCM9042, which is unable to grow at 28 °C. MK19 cell growth was also inhibited at 28 °C, but such inhibition was mitigated, and biomass production reached 6 g/L after 100 h culture. Transcriptome analysis indicated that low viability at 28 °C resulted from strong suppression of DNA synthesis. Growth inhibition at 28 °C was due to low mRNA content of fatty acid (f.a.) pathway genes (acc, fas1, fas2), and consequent low f.a. content. Thinning of cell wall and low mannose content (leading to loss of cell wall integrity) also contributed to reduced cell growth at 28 °C. In MK19 cultured for 48 h at 28 °C, levels of astaxanthin and ergosterol, two end-products of isoprenoid biosynthesis (a shunt pathway of f.a. biosynthesis), reached 2000 µg/g and 7500 µg/g respectively; ~2-fold higher than levels at 21 or 25 °C. Abundance of ergosterol, an important cell membrane component, compensated for lack of f.a., making possible the biomass production of 6 g/L for MK19 at 28 °C. Downregulation of crtI mRNA, whose product catalyzes four dehydrogenation steps in the phytoene-to-lycopene process, contributed to inhibition of astaxanthin synthesis in WT at 25 °C. High crtI mRNA content in MK19 (> 10-fold higher than that in WT) counteracted the inhibitory effect of high temperature on crtI transcription, making possible the efficient synthesis of lycopene which was subsequently converted to astaxanthin. Conclusion Inhibition of growth of WT P. rhodozyma at 28 °C results from blocking of DNA, f.a., and cell wall biosynthesis. Growth at this temperature could be increased by enhancement of such biosynthesis. In moderate-temperature strain MK19, precursor molecules accumulated from f.a. pathway are diverted to astaxanthin and ergosterol biosynthesis, making possible biomass production 6 g/L at 28 °C. Strengthening of the MVA pathway to make available more precursors from f.a. pathway is a feasible metabolic engineering approach for enhancement of astaxanthin synthesis in MK19 or other moderate-temperature producer strains. The present findings provide useful mechanistic insights regarding adaptation of P. rhodozyma to 28 °C, and improved understanding of transcription regulatory networks and feasible metabolic engineering techniques for industrial scale astaxanthin production by this economically important yeast species.

Genes, including those with transgenerational effects, work in concert with behavioral, environmental, and social factors via complex biological networks to determine human health. Understanding complex relationships between causal factors underlying human health is an essential step towards deciphering biological mechanisms. We propose a new analytical framework to investigate the interactions between maternal and offspring genetic variants or their surrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and environmental factors using family-based hybrid study design. The proposed approach can analyze diverse genetic and environmental factors and accommodate samples from a variety of family units, including case/control-parental triads, and case/control-parental dyads, while minimizing potential bias introduced by population admixture. Comprehensive simulations demonstrated that our innovative approach outperformed the log-linear approach, the best available method for case-control family data. The proposed approach had greater statistical power and was capable to unbiasedly estimate the maternal and child genetic effects and the effects of environmental factors, while controlling the Type I error rate against population stratification. Using our newly developed approach, we analyzed the associations between maternal and fetal SNPs and obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, with adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors and dietary supplements. Fourteen and 11 fetal SNPs were associated with obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, respectively. Twenty-seven and 17 maternal SNPs were associated with obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, respectively. In addition, maternal body mass index was a significant risk factor for obstructive defects. The proposed approach is a powerful tool for interrogating the etiological mechanism underlying complex traits.

Improving the utilization efficiency of rainwater resources was a key issue for apple orchards in semi-arid areas. The RCIP-SA system combined rainwater collection systems, infiltration promoting tube and soil anti-seepage layer to gather limited rainwater resources into the soil layer where the roots of apple tree were concentrated. To evaluate the effect of the RCIP-SA system on soil moisture change and fine root distribution, a field experiment was completed in a hilly apple orchard on the Loess Plateau of China from 2017 to 2019. The results showed that the soil moisture of the RCIP-SA system was 24.0–43.9% higher than CK in the 0–60 cm soil layer in the rainwater collection ditch, and generated a larger area with higher moisture content near the impermeable layer during the apple tree growth period. The RCIP-SA system also expanded the dense distribution zone of apple tree roots. The dry fine root densities of apple trees in the RCIP-SA system in the 0–200 cm soil layer was 11.7–59.6% and 18.2–30.3% higher than CK under the plastic film (60 cm from the trunk) and edge of the rainwater collection ditch (100 cm from the trunk), respectively. Soil moisture and root distribution of apple trees were significantly different under different impermeable layers, and compacted red clay as the impermeable layer was the best anti-seepage strategy in RCIP-SA systems. The RCIP-SA system brought higher economic benefits; the average yield per tree was recorded for red clay compaction treatment (38.1 kg·tree−1), equating to a production level of 22 800 kg·ha−1, and a difference of 9.6 kg·tree−1 with CK treatment, equating to 5700 kg·ha−1. This strategy should be recommended as an agricultural measurement for apple production on the Loess Plateau of China.

With the gradual emphasis on the development and utilization of islands, the energy supply problem of islands far away from land-based has become increasingly prominent. Based on the traditional single energy acquisition method, this paper establishes an island independent energy cycle system with high reliability power exchange ship as the main part, tidal energy and photovoltaic power generation as the auxiliary. It has opened up an effective way to meet the needs of military life and production on the island.

Compared with the direct access to the main power grid and diesel generators, this paper puts forward the scheme of using electric ships to shuttle between islands to transport electric energy, analyzes the limitations and defects of its application in offshore islands; and then puts forward a comprehensive energy supply system of offshore islands. The comprehensive energy supply system can make full use of the rich renewable energy of the islands, and realize the optimal allocation of the overall resources of the islands. At the same time, the energy supply system can break the isolated development pattern of island power grid and connect the island group power exchange ship. This paper analyzes the connotation and characteristics of the system, puts forward the key technology for building the integrated energy supply system of ocean island group, and gives the design and operation analysis example of power exchange ship.

SummaryIntroduction In this study, we examined whether spironolactone (SP) could inhibit doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in the rat heart. Methods Rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6): (1) the control group; (2) the SP group; (3) the DOX group; and (4) the SP + DOX group. The rats were evaluated for electrocardiography and cardiac function. The cardiac collagen, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and the remodeling-related proteins were determined. Results Rats treated with DOX showed prolongation of QTc and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) (P

There is an increasing interest in phytoestrogens due to their potential medical usage in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro effects of estrogen-like activities of two widespread coumarins, osthole and imperatorin, using the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay and their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in osteoblasts Saos-2 cells. The two compounds were found to strongly stimulate the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The estrogen receptor-regulated ERα, progesterone receptor (PR) and PS2 mRNA levels were increased by treatment with osthole and imperatorin. All these effects were significantly inhibited by the specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182, 780. Cell cycle analysis revealed that their proliferation stimulatory effect was associated with a marked increase in the number of MCF-7 cells in S phase, which was similar to that observed with estradiol. It was also observed that they significantly increased ALP activity, which was reversed by ICI182,780. These results suggested that osthole and imperatorin could stimulate osteoblastic activity by displaying estrogenic properties or through the ER pathway. In conclusion, osthole and imperatorin may represent new pharmacological tools for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Background and Purpose Atrial metabolic remodelling is critical for the process of atrial fibrillation (AF). The PPAR-α/sirtuin 1 /PPAR co-activator α (PGC-1α) pathway plays an important role in maintaining energy metabolism. However, the effect of the PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate on AF is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of fenofibrate on atrial metabolic remodelling in AF and explore its possible mechanisms of action. Experimental Approach The expression of metabolic proteins was examined in the left atria of AF patients. Thirty-two rabbits were divided into sham, AF (pacing with 600 beats·min−1 for 1 week), fenofibrate treated (pretreated with fenofibrate before pacing) and fenofibrate alone treated (for 2 weeks) groups. HL-1 cells were subjected to rapid pacing in the presence or absence of fenofibrate, the PPAR-α antagonist GW6471 or sirtuin 1-specific inhibitor EX527. Metabolic factors, circulating biochemical metabolites, atrial electrophysiology, adenine nucleotide levels and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets were assessed. Key Results The PPAR-α/sirtuin 1/PGC-1α pathway was significantly inhibited in AF patients and in the rabbit/HL-1 cell models, resulting in a reduction of key downstream metabolic factors; this effect was significantly restored by fenofibrate. Fenofibrate prevented the alterations in circulating biochemical metabolites, reduced the level of adenine nucleotides and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets, reversed the shortened atrial effective refractory period and increased risk of AF. Conclusion and Implications Fenofibrate inhibited atrial metabolic remodelling in AF by regulating the PPAR-α/sirtuin 1/PGC-1α pathway. The present study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for AF.

Our preliminary proteomics analysis suggested that expression of microtubule-associated protein tau is elevated in the spinal cord after injury. Therefore, the first aim of the present study was to examine tau expression in the injured spinal cord. The second aim was to determine whether tau can regulate neural stem cell migration, a critical factor in the successful treatment of spinal cord injury. We established rat models of spinal cord injury and injected them with mouse hippocampal neural stem cells through the tail vein. We used immunohistochemistry to show that the expression of tau protein and the number of migrated neural stem cells were markedly increased in the injured spinal cord. Furthermore, using a Transwell assay, we showed that neural stem cell migration was not affected by an elevated tau concentration in the outer chamber, but it was decreased by changes in intracellular tau phosphorylation state. These results demonstrate that neural stem cells have targeted migration capability at the site of injury, and that although tau is not a chemokine for targeted migration of neural stem cells, intracellular tau phosphorylation/dephosphorylation can inhibit cell migration.

Zheng, C.W.; Liang, F.; Yao, J.L.; Dai, J.C.; Gao, Z.S.; Hou, T.T., and Xiao, Z.N., 2020. Seasonal extreme wind speed and gust wind speed: A case study of the China seas. In: Zheng, C.W.; Wang, Q.; Zhan, C., and Yang, S.B. (eds.), Air-Sea Interaction and Coastal Environments of the Maritime and Polar Silk Roads. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 99, pp. 435-438.Previous researches have made great contribution to the evaluation of annual extreme wind speed and annual gust wind speed. However, the research on the extreme wind speed and gust wind speed of different season is extremely scarce, which is urgently needed in disaster prevention and reduction, navigation, ocean exploitation, etc. This study calculates the extreme wind speed with return period of 50-yr (U50) and 100-yr (U100) in each season and annual value by using the ERA-interim gust data and the Gumbel curve method, and the China seas were taken as case studies. The results show that, (1) Both the annual U50 and U100 have a good consistency with the multi-year average maximum gust as a whole, with the large area mainly located in the mid-low latitude (15°∼30°N) and the large center is located in the broad ocean surrounding the Volcano Islands (35-55 m/s in maximum gust, 50-75 m/s in U50 and U100). (2) The maximum gust, U50 and U100 exhibit noticeable seasonal difference. The large areas in January are located in the mid-high latitude, about north of 20°N, including the Japan Sea, south waters of Japan, Ryukyu Islands. The large areas in April are located in the mid-high latitude (north of 25°N) and the south of Volcano Islands, while in the broad ocean between 15°N and 30°N in both July and October.

A Gram-staining-negative, facultatively aerobic bacterium, strain XCD-X85T, was isolated from Xiaochaidan Lake, a salt lake (salinity 9.9 %, w/v) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai province, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain XCD-X85T were non-endospore-forming rods, 0.4–0.6 μm wide and 1.0–1.6 μm long, and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Strain XCD-X85T was catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed in the presence of 0–12.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0–2.0 %) and at 4–35 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) and pH 6.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.0–8.5). Strain XCD-X85T contained (>10 %) summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C12 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the predominant fatty acids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9 (Q-9). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was 57.4 mol%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain XCD-X85T was associated with the genus Pseudomonas, and showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Pseudomonas pelagia CL-AP6T (99.0 %) and Pseudomonas bauzanensis BZ93T (96.8 %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain XCD-X85T to P. pelagia JCM 15562T was 19 ± 1 %. On the basis of the data presented above, it is concluded that strain XCD-X85T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas salina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XCD-X85T ( = CGMCC 1.12482T = JCM 19469T).

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly heterotrophic and aerobic bacterium, strain TS-T44T, was isolated from a saline lake, Tuosu Lake in Qaidam basin, Qinghai province, China. Its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain TS-T44T were non-endospore-forming, non-motile rods, 0.8–1.2 μm wide and 1.2–3.0 μm long. Catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred in the presence of up to 8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3.0 %) and at 15–35 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and pH 7.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.5). C18 : 1ω7c was the predominant fatty acid. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unknown lipid. The DNA G+C content was 65.5 mol% [determined from the melting temperature (Tm)]. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TS-T44T was associated with the genus Marivita and showed highest sequence similarity to Marivita cryptomonadis CL-SK44T (97.7 %), Marivita litorea CL-JM1T (97.5 %) and Marivita geojedonensis DPG-138T (97.3 %), and T to M. cryptomonadis JCM 15447T, M. litorea JCM 15446T and M. geojedonensis KCTC 23882T was 23 ± 3 %, 33 ± 4 % and 35 ± 2 %, respectively. Based on the data presented, it is concluded that strain TS-T44T represents a novel species of the genus Marivita, for which the name Marivita lacus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS-T44T ( = CGMCC 1.12478T = JCM 19516T).

Little information has been published in English about the epidemiology of tumours of the salivary glands in northeastern China. From August 2004 to March 2014, 2508 cases of primary epithelial salivary gland tumours were diagnosed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of China Medical University. Tumours were analysed according to their histological type and site, and the age and sex of the patients. Ages ranged from 5 to 98 years, with a slight propensity in favour of men. The peak incidence was in the sixth decade for both sexes. The mean (SD) ages were 48 (16) years when the tumour was benign and 51 (15) years when it was malignant. The parotid gland and palate were the sites most commonly affected. There were 1934 (77.1%) benign and 574 (22.9%) malignant tumours, with the most common histological types being pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. A lesion that arises from the floor of the mouth (92.8%) or the tongue (86.2%) is more likely to be malignant than those from other minor salivary glands.

Purpose The relative frequency of individual minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) is not well documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the range and demographics of all histologically diagnosed MSGTs in a northeastern Chinese population. Materials and Methods A total of 485 cases of MSGT were retrospectively studied. The files of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Stomatology, China Medical University served as a source of material for this study. All epithelial tumors from minor salivary glands accessioned from August 2004 to April 2014 were analyzed for demographic features, anatomic location of tumors, and pathologic classification. Tumors were classified according to the 2005 World Health Organization classification of salivary gland tumors. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. Results MSGTs were identified in 485 (2.60%) of 18,670 accessed cases. There were 268 (55.26%) benign and 217 (44.74%) malignant tumors. Female outnumbered male patients (male-to-female ratio, 1:1.43). The mean ages of patients with benign and malignant MSGTs were 47.58 and 51.51 years, respectively. Pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma were the most frequent types of benign and malignant tumors, respectively. The palate was the most commonly affected site (64.74%), followed by the buccal mucosa (7.63%) and the tongue (5.98%). Conclusions From the results of this study and a review of the literature, it is suggested that MSGTs in the northeastern Chinese population may be characterized by a higher incidence of MSGTs than in the populations of other reviewed regions, a higher incidence of myoepithelioma, a rarer occurrence of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and an absence of canalicular adenoma occurrence.

Java applications have proliferated rapidly in recent years, and the security issue in the source code seems to bring a great threat which cannot be ignored. SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, path traversal, and so on are common Java security vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are usually caused by improper handling of user input and we call them input validation vulnerabilities [1].In this paper, we propose a Java source code analysis method based on the taint tracking. By means of vulnerability pattern match, we keep track of the introduction of tainted data and its propagation in different contexts, leading to comprehensive and accurate test results. Actually, we have applied this method to some of the open-source Java projects. Compared to other similar software, our technique presents good feasibility and superiority.

The traditional village which located in the Yellow River Basin is the origin of Chinese traditional culture and traditional roots. It contains rich ecological culture concept and build wisdom. Not only the traditional village has the function of the historical and cultural heritage, but also has important value on promoting the construction of ecological civilization. The paper applies field investigation method of the traditional village in the Yellow River Basin, analyzes the traditional village ecological construction concept and aims at providing theoretical references and examples for the new rural construction and the coordinated development of ecological environment.

Icariin, the main effective component extracted from epimedium, has been shown to stimulate osteogenic differentiation and bone formation and to increase synthesis of the cartilage extracellular matrix. However, there has been little study on the effects of icariin on osteoarthritis. In this study, we loaded icariin onto poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospinning. The aim of this study was to explore a composite scaffold and to inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis. Our main experimental results demonstrated that the PLGA/icariin composite spinning scaffold had higher hydrophilicity, and icariin was released slowly and steadily from the scaffold. According to the results of an MTT test, immunofluorescence staining, an alkaline phosphate activating assay and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, the PLGA/icariin composite scaffold had good biocompatibility. In models of osteoarthritis, the results of a RT-PCR assay indicated that the PLGA/icariin scaffold promoted the synthesis of the extracellular matrix. The results of X-ray microtomography and histological evaluation demonstrated that the PLGA/icariin scaffold maintained the functional morphology of articular cartilage and inhibited the resorption of subchondral bone trabeculae. These findings indicated that the PLGA and icariin composite scaffold has therapeutic potential for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The adsorptive capability of β-Cyclodextrin-cross-linked polymer(β-CDCP) for cadmium was assessed in this work using column method. It was found that the complex (Cd(II)-5-Br-PADAP) could be quantitatively retained on the β-CDCP in the pH 8.5, eluted completely with 1.5 mol×L-1HCl. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range, detection limit (DL) and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was 2.0-60.0 μg×L-1, 7.8 ng×L-1and 2.20% (n=3, c=20.0 μg×L-1) respectively. The separation of Cd(II) was achieved from water samples with an enhancement factor of 20. Moreover, the β-CDCP could be used repeatedly and offered better recovery. The method was validated using a certified reference material, and applied for the determination of trace cadmium in water samples.

A novel nano electro mechanical system (NEMS) accelerated sensor which is based on piezo-resistive effect of GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs Pseudomorph-High Electron Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) has been designed and fabricated. The structures of sensor and sensitive element are described in this paper. The main process of Micro-machining is introduced in the text. The static press test has been performed and the testing results show that the NEMS accelerated sensor could sense exterior stress well. Then, a testing circuit is designed to detect the change of drain current under pressure. Through the vibration experiments of the sensor, the sensitivity has been discussed and given out. The conclusion that the sensitivity is maximizing in the saturation region can be got. And the measurement result shows that the sensor has good linearity and high sensitivity with 0.177mV/g in the saturation region.

Extraction and purification conditions of lignans from the fruits and seeds of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) were investigated through an orthogonal design of L(9)(3(4)) assay and macroporous resin technology. The extraction was optimized using 95% ethanol. For purification, the extract was dissolved in 30% ethanol, then adsorbed on a AB-8 macroporous resin and eluted with 30% ethanol and 70% ethanol successively, the latter resulting in a residue containing 65.2% of lignans. By HPLC analysis schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin and gamma-schisandrin were quantitatively determined. UMR 106 cells were used to examine the stimulatory activity of the lignans on osteoblasts in vitro. The lignans stimulated the proliferation of and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the osteoblasts indicating their potential activity against osteoporosis.

The power-time curves of the micelle formation process were determined at four temperatures for a cationic surfactant [cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)] in a non-aqueous solvent [N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)] by titration microcalorimetry. From the data of the minimum of the titration point and the area of the power-time curves, values of their CMC and ΔHmθ were obtained. Values of ΔGmθ and ΔSmθ were also calculated according to standard thermodynamic relations. For the cationic surfactant CTAB, the relationships involving the carbon numbers of the alcohols, the alcohol’s concentration, and the temperature on the CMC, and also the thermodynamic functions for micellization are discussed. For systems containing an identical concentration of various alcohols, values of the CMC, ΔHmθ and ΔSmθ increased whereas those of ΔGmθ decreased with increasing temperature. For systems containing identical alcohol concentrations at the same constant temperature, values of the CMC, ΔHmθ,ΔGmθ and ΔSmθ decreased with increasing carbon number of the alcohol. For systems containing the same alcohol at the same temperature, the CMC and ΔGmθ values increased whereas ΔHmθ and ΔSmθ decreased with increasing alcohol concentration.

The ethanol extract of the fruits of Vitex rotundifolia (VRE) and its four major compounds (casticin, luteolin, rotundifuran and agnuside) were tested for their estrogen-like activity by using the modified cell proliferation assay (E-SCREEN assessment system), as well as the estrogen receptor (ERα), estrogen receptor-regulated progesterone receptor and pS2 mRNA expression in MCF-7 cells. The results showed that only agnuside and rotundifuran could stimulate the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. These actions were dose dependent (range from 100 nm to 10 μm) and could be significantly inhibited by the specific estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. The estrogen receptor ERα and the estrogen receptor-regulated progesterone receptor and pS2 mRNA levels were increased by treatment with rotundifuran and agnuside within 24 h, and the effects could be reversed by ICI 182,780. The standardization of the extract and constituents were carried out by means of a high-performance liquid chromatography-fingerprint. It was concluded that VRE and its compounds showed estrogen-like activity and that the estrogenic effects of rotundifuran and agnuside were mediated by the estrogen inducible gene, which may be useful in regulating the hormone levels to treat related diseases. However, further studies are required to assess the physiological significance of VRE in animals and man.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, strain QBLM2T, was isolated from rearing water of a marine recirculating aquaculture system in Tianjin, China. Its taxonomic position was investigated through a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain QBLM2T were non-spore-forming rods, motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Positive for oxidase and catalase. Growth occurred at 15–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.5–10.5 (optimum pH 7.5–8.5) and in the presence of 0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain QBLM2T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Thalassotalea and exhibited sequence similarities of 94.5–96.3 % to members of the genus Thalassotalea. The predominant fatty acids (>10 %) were C17 : 1ω8c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was the major ubiquinone. The DNA G+C content was 37.1 mol%. Based on the data above, strain QBLM2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Thalassotalea, for which the name Thalassotalea marina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is QBLM2T ( = CGMCC 1.12814T = KCTC 42731T). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Thalassomonas eurytherma Za6a-12T fell within the genus Thalassotalea, so it is reclassified as Thalassotalea eurytherma comb. nov. and the description of the genus Thalassotalea is emended.

Atrial metabolic remodelling is critical for the process of atrial fibrillation (AF). The PPAR-α/sirtuin 1 /PPAR co-activator α (PGC-1α) pathway plays an important role in maintaining energy metabolism. However, the effect of the PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate on AF is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of fenofibrate on atrial metabolic remodelling in AF and explore its possible mechanisms of action.The expression of metabolic proteins was examined in the left atria of AF patients. Thirty-two rabbits were divided into sham, AF (pacing with 600 beats·min(-1) for 1 week), fenofibrate treated (pretreated with fenofibrate before pacing) and fenofibrate alone treated (for 2 weeks) groups. HL-1 cells were subjected to rapid pacing in the presence or absence of fenofibrate, the PPAR-α antagonist GW6471 or sirtuin 1-specific inhibitor EX527. Metabolic factors, circulating biochemical metabolites, atrial electrophysiology, adenine nucleotide levels and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets were assessed.The PPAR-α/sirtuin 1/PGC-1α pathway was significantly inhibited in AF patients and in the rabbit/HL-1 cell models, resulting in a reduction of key downstream metabolic factors; this effect was significantly restored by fenofibrate. Fenofibrate prevented the alterations in circulating biochemical metabolites, reduced the level of adenine nucleotides and accumulation of glycogen and lipid droplets, reversed the shortened atrial effective refractory period and increased risk of AF.Fenofibrate inhibited atrial metabolic remodelling in AF by regulating the PPAR-α/sirtuin 1/PGC-1α pathway. The present study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for AF.

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, strain TS-T86T, was isolated from Lake Tuosu, a saline lake (salinity 5.4 %, w/w) in Qaidam basin, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Strain TS-T86T was strictly heterotrophic, aerobic and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Cells were non-spore-forming, non-motile rods, 0.4–0.6 µm wide and 1.2–2.3 µm long. Growth was observed in the presence of 0–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.0 %), at 4–35 °C (optimum, 25 °C) and at pH 7.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5–9.0). Strain TS-T86T contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown phospholipid, six unidentified aminolipids and two uncharacterized lipids. The DNA G+C content was 35 mol% (T m). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TS-T86T was associated with the genus Belliella , and showed the highest sequence similarity to Belliella baltica BA134T (98.5 %) and then to Belliella kenyensis No.164T (95.7 %) and Belliella pelovolcani CC-SAL-25T (95.3 %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain TS-T86T to Belliella baltica DSM 15883T was 32±3 %. It is concluded that strain TS-T86T represents a novel species of the genus Belliella , for which the name Belliella aquatica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS-T86T ( = CGMCC 1.12479T = JCM 19468T).