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This paper presents an optimization design method for a two-dimensional (2D) modified repetitive control system (MRCS) with an anti-windup compensator. Using lifting technology, a 2D hybrid model of the MRCS considering actuator saturation is established to describe the control and learning of the repetitive control. A linear-matrix-inequality (LMI)-based sufficient condition is derived to ensure the stability of the MRCS. Two tuning parameters, the selection of which is critical to the system design, are used in the LMI to adjust the control and learning, and hence the reference-tracking performance. A new cost function, developed through time domain analysis, directly evaluates the control performance of the system without calculating control errors, thus reducing the optimization time. Based on this cost function, an adaptive multi-population particle swarm optimization algorithm is presented to select an optimal pair of tuning parameters in which multiple populations cooperatively search in non-intersecting search intervals. An anti-windup term is added between the low-pass filter and the time delay in the modified repetitive controller to mitigate the undesirable effect of actuator saturation on system performance and stability. Simulations and experiments on the speed control of a rotation control system demonstrate the validity of the approach. • Evaluate control performance only with the information of controller gains. • An optimization algorithm is used to optimize tuning parameters. • An anti-windup compensator mitigates the undesired influence of actuator saturation. • Separate design of repetitive control system and anti-windup compensator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lower Carboniferous carbonate system comprises the important oil/gas interval in the Chu-Sarysu Basin, Kazakhstan. Based on comprehensive analysis of seismic, well logging, core and thin section data, sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the carbonate platform and their controlling processes are documented. Fourteen lithofacies and five lithofacies associations of the Lower Carboniferous carbonate systems are identified according to thin section, core and logging data. The main depositional facies include platform margin reef-shoal, platform margin and open platform shoal, restricted platform shoal, intrashoal-tidal flat and lagoon-evaporate platform deposits. The Lower Carboniferous consists of four composite sequences (CS1-4) mainly bounded by regional unconformities, nine sequences confined by local unconformities and eighteen fourth-order sequences defined by instantaneous exposed discontinuities. Sequences are generally composed of the transgressive systems tracts (TST) and the highstand systems tracts (HST). TST consists mainly of medium-low energy intershoal or tidal flat deposits, while HST is characterized by evaporative lagoon, open platform or platform margin reef-shoal complexes. The research indicates that the carbonate platform experienced the evolution from ramp-non rimmed platform (CS1-2) to rimmed platform (CS3-4) in the study area. Large-scale transgressions occurred at the lower-middle parts of CS2 and CS3, resulting in the short-period submergence of the platform. The sedimentary architecture from the transgressive marlstone, wackestone in the bottom to gypsum in the top in CS4 and CS1 is suggested to be attributed to the interplay of climate and sea level changes. The sea level changes reflected by sequence architectures of the Lower Carboniferous in the study area appear to be comparable with Haq's global sea-level changes. The high-frequent fluctuation of sea-level changes (CS3-4) during the Icehouse in the Early Carboniferous may have an important influence on the development of the third to fourth order depositional cycles of the carbonate deposits. • Sequence and depositional architecture of the carbonate platform in the Lower Carboniferous. • Evolution of the carbonate platform from ramp, non-rimmed, rimmed to evaporative platform. • Constraints of carbonate production rates, sea level changes and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite the role of monocytes in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), it remains unclear how different subtypes of monocytes regulate and contribute to this pathogenesis. Methods We examined the numbers of different subsets of monocytes by flow cytometry in 21 SAP, 15 mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and 13 healthy controls (HC). The concentrations of plasma cytokines were assessed by cytometric bead array. Disease severity was evaluated based on the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and plasma C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels. Results Compared with the numbers in MAP patients and HC, we observed that the numbers of CD14 + CD163 − , CD14 + CD163 − MAC387 + , CD14 + CD163 − IL-12 + M1 monocytes, and CD115 + , CD204 + , IL-10 + M2 monocytes were significantly increased in SAP patients. In addition, these patients showed higher plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10. Furthermore, the number of CD14 + CD163 − , CD14 + CD163 − MAC387 + M1 monocytes and the plasma IL-12 concentration showed a positive association with the CRP level, while the number of CD204 + , IL-10 + M2 monocytes and the plasma IL-10 concentration showed a positive correlation with the APACHE II score. Importantly, the CD115 + M2 subset displayed a positive correlation with both the CRP level and APACHE II score, and treatment of SAP significantly reduced the number of this subset. Conclusions The CD14 + CD163 + CD115 + M2 monocyte count appears to be important factor in determining the severity and prognosis of SAP. Both the pro- and anti-inflammatory monocytes appear to participate in the pathogenesis of SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptual learning refers to the improvement of perceptual performance as a function of training. Recent studies found that auditory perceptual learning may improve phonological skills in individuals with developmental dyslexia in alphabetic writing system. However, whether auditory perceptual learning could also benefit the reading skills of those learning the Chinese logographic writing system is, as yet, unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the remediation effect of auditory temporal perceptual learning on Mandarin-speaking school children with developmental dyslexia. Thirty children with dyslexia were screened from a large pool of students in 3th-5th grades. They completed a series of pretests and then were assigned to either a non-training control group or a training group. The training group worked on a pure tone duration discrimination task for 7 sessions over 2 weeks with thirty minutes per session. Post-tests immediately after training and a follow-up test 2 months later were conducted. Analyses revealed a significant training effect in the training group relative to non-training group, as well as near transfer to the temporal interval discrimination task and far transfer to phonological awareness, character recognition and reading fluency. Importantly, the training effect and all the transfer effects were stable at the 2-month follow-up session. Further analyses found that a significant correlation between character recognition performance and learning rate mainly existed in the slow learning phase, the consolidation stage of perceptual learning, and this effect was modulated by an individuals' executive function. These findings indicate that adaptive auditory temporal perceptual learning can lead to learning and transfer effects on reading performance, and shed further light on the potential role of basic perceptual learning in the remediation and prevention of developmental dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent with the temporal ventriloquism effect, synesthetic correspondence between the features of visual size and auditory pitch has been shown to modulate the performance of visual temporal order judgment (TOJ) in typical adults. Here in the two main experiments we recruited seventeen dyslexic children and twenty typically developing children to perform a visual TOJ task and measured their ability of synesthetic correspondence between visual size and auditory pitch. In Experiment 1, participants were shown two consecutively presented visual discs that were temporally flanked by two synesthetic congruent or incongruent auditory beeps. In Experiment 2, participants received a crossmodal matching test (visual-size vs. auditory pitch). The results showed that compared to the typically developing group, dyslexic children benefited more from cross-modal synesthetic correspondence to partially compensate for their deficiency in visual TOJ task. The multisensory facilitation for timing performance was correlated with reading ability (Exp.1). Moreover, dyslexic children formed intact "congruent" matching of visually larger shapes to lower auditory pitch, and visually smaller shapes to higher auditory pitch, as did their typically developing peers (Exp 2). The results of our present study suggested general deficits of temporal processing in dyslexic children, However, with relatively intact ability of auditory pitch-visual size matching, dyslexic children could separate visual events using auditory cues. The current study also indicates a feasible way to improve the reading ability by exploiting temporal ventriloquism effect, modulated by appropriate crossmodal synesthetic associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A severe Cr-contaminated site was left after the demolition of a Chemical plant. Based on the preliminary monitoring results and related literature data, this paper studied how to prevent and control the possible contamination from the site to Jialing River effectively, which is building an intercept contamination dam in the side of the contaminated site along Jialing River and constructing leachate collection system in the site. This is the antifouling effect: in the same stratum of the same elevation, the Cr 6+ content inside the intercept contamination dam (soil:144.8 mg/kg∼827.4 mg/kg, leaching solution: 7.3 mg/L∼55.1 mg/L) is higher than that of the outside (soil:10.4 mg/kg∼64.9 mg/kg, leaching solution: 0.27 mg/L∼0.63 mg/L); Water level of monitoring hole inside the dam is higher than that of the outside; the water level difference is 3.26m to 5.39m. The disaster controlling for the site provides security for the later contamination remediation and the river environment protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing contributes greatly to the proteomic diversity of metazoans. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) methylates arginines of Golgi components and other factors exerting diverse effects on cell growth/differentiation, but the underlying molecular basis for its subcellular distribution and diverse roles has not been fully understood. Here we show the detailed properties of an evolutionarily emerged splice variant of human PRMT5 (PRMT5S) that is distinct from the original isoform (PRMT5L). The isoforms are differentially expressed among mammalian cells and tissues. The PRMT5S is distributed all over the cell but PRMT5L mainly colocalizes with Giantin, a Golgi marker. PRMT5 knockdown led to an enlarged Giantin pattern, which was prevented by the expression of either isoform. Rescuing PRMT5S also increased the percentage of cells with an interphase Giantin pattern compacted at one end of the nucleus, consistent with its cell cycle-arresting effect, while rescuing PRMT5L increased that of the mitotic Giantin patterns of dynamically fragmented structures. Moreover, the isoforms are differentially expressed during neuronal or dendritic cell differentiation, and their ectopic expression showed an opposite effect on dendritic cell differentiation. Furthermore, besides their differential regulation of gene expression, both isoforms also similarly regulate over a thousand genes particularly those involved in apoptosis and differentiation. Taking these properties together, we propose that their differential expression and subcellular localization contribute to spatial and temporal regulation of arginine methylation and gene expression to exert different effects. The novel PRMT5S likely contributes to the observed diverse effects of PRMT5 in cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A palladium-catalyzed oxidative esterification of aldehydes with phenols is described, using air as the clean oxidant. This reaction tolerates many functional groups, providing esters with yields ranging from moderate to excellent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The key strategies for optimization of antimicrobial peptides were reviewed. • Strategies include improve activity and effectiveness, and reduce toxicity. • Cyclization, terminal modification, and unusual amino acids improve stability. • Nanoparticle formulations can increase the stability but decrease the toxicity. The continued use of antibiotics has been accompanied by the rapid emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, show multiple features as an ideal antimicrobial agent, including potent, rapid, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low promotion of antimicrobial resistance, potent anti-biofilm activity, and lethality against metabolically inactive microorganisms. However, several crucial drawbacks constrain the use of AMPs as clinical drugs, e.g. , liability in vivo , toxicity when used systemically, and high production costs. Based on recent findings and our own experiences, here we summarize some chemical modifications and key design strategies to increase the therapeutic potential of AMPs, including 1) enhancing antimicrobial activities, 2) improving in vivo effectiveness, and 3) reduction in toxicity, which may facilitate the design and optimization of AMPs for the development of drug candidates. We also discuss the present challenges in the optimization of AMPs and future concerns about the resistance and cross-resistance to AMPs in the development of AMPs as therapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, toughness of polypropylene (PP) is an issue which has been investigated for many years to search for improvements. A traditional approach is to blend with rubber particles to enhance the toughness of PP yet modulus of PP decreases accordingly. Recently, we have achieved a good balance of toughness and stiffness of PP via blending PP with a small amount of elastomeric nano[hyphen]particles (ENP). Based on our measurements, mechanical properties of the blends studied both the toughness of PP at room temperature and at −20 °C show substantial increase. On the other hand, the stiffness of the PP blends retains or even possesses a slight enhancement. One of the reasons for this improvement is due to the fact that the ENP is not only a toughening modifier but also a nucleation agent for the PP. The nucleation density of the blends increases, while the crystallization kinetics of the blends becomes faster compared with the pure PP samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ouabain can reverse LPS-triggered endotoxin tolerance by modulating HLA-DR expression. • Ouabain has IFN-γ-like effect on regulating immunity in sepsis. • Ouabain increases HLA-DR gene transcription via Src activation. Sepsis is a life-threatening disease characterized by acute multiple organ dysfunction and immunosuppression that is also called as immunoparalysis. Increasing evidence suggests that immunoparalysis largely contributes to the high mortality of sepsis, but the effective remedies are lacking. As an important antigen presentation molecule, human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) is remarkably down-regulated in sepsis-induced immunoparalysis, therefore, re-stimulation of HLA-DR expression is expected to be useful in reversing immunoparalysis. We previously described that ouabain, as a Na+, K+-ATPase ligand, is able to counteract immunoparalysis by regulating TH1 cytokines expression. Here, we expanded the finding that ouabain not only prevents LPS-induced down-regulation of HLA-DR on monocytes, but also transcriptionally activates HLA-DR α/β expression mediated by CIITA4, IRF1, c-Src, and Stat1 phosphorylation. Since ouabain can improve sepsis-induced immunoparalysis by multiple mechanisms, we propose that ouabain may be a promising agent in septic therapy that deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical learning, or the ability to extract statistical regularities from the sensory environment, plays a critical role in language acquisition and reading development. Here we employed electroencephalography (EEG) with frequency-tagging measures to track the temporal evolution of speech-structure learning in individuals with reading difficulties due to developmental dyslexia and in typical readers. We measured EEG while participants listened to (a) a structured stream of repeated tri-syllabic pseudowords, (b) a random stream of the same isochronous syllables, and (c) a series of tri-syllabic real Dutch words. Participants' behavioral learning outcome (pseudoword recognition) was measured after training. We found that syllable-rate tracking was comparable between the two groups and stable across both the random and structured streams of syllables. More importantly, we observed a gradual emergence of the tracking of tri-syllabic pseudoword structures in both groups. Compared to the typical readers, however, in the dyslexic readers this implicit speech structure learning seemed to build up at a slower pace. A brain-behavioral correlation analysis showed that slower learners (i.e., participants who were slower in establishing the neural tracking of pseudowords) were less skilled in phonological awareness. Moreover, those who showed stronger neural tracking of real words tended to be less fluent in the visual-verbal conversion of linguistic symbols. Taken together, our study provides an online neurophysiological approach to track the progression of implicit learning processes and gives insights into the learning difficulties associated with dyslexia from a dynamic perspective. • Implicit speech structure learning occurs in both typical and dyslexic readers. • Implicit speech structure learning emerges at a slower pace in dyslexic readers. • Efficient learners show more proficient phonological skills. • EEG-frequency tagging enables online monitoring of learning difficulties in dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple method for simultaneous recognition of d / l -Carn was investigated. • d / l -Carn were mobility separated by their ternary diastereomeric complex by adding Nat and meal ions. • Metal ions in group IA (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+) have separation effects. • Theoretical calculations were performed to elucidate the enantiomeric separation at the molecular level. • The proposed method was applied to l / d -Carn detection in beverage samples and fresh pork. This work presents a straightforward approach to the separation d / l -carnitine (d / l -Carn) using ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM-MS) and theoretical calculations. Natamycin (Nat) was used as separation reagent to interact with the Carn, metal ions (G) were employed as ligand, the resultant ternary complexes [ d / l -Carn + Nat + G]+ were observed experimentally. IM-MS results revealed that d / l -Carn could be baseline separated via complex formation using Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+, with a maximum peak separation resolution (R p-p) of 2.91; Theoretical calculations were performed to determine the optimal conformations of [ d / l -Carn + Nat + Li/K]+, and the predicted collisional cross section values were consistent with the experimental values. Conformational analysis was used to elucidate the enantiomeric separation of d / l -Carn at the molecular level via the formation of ternary complexes. Furthermore, quantitative analyses for the determination of the enantiomers were established with effective linearity and acceptable sensitivity. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied in the determination of d / l -Carn in food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • CD14 + CD163 + CD209 + M2-like monocyte subsets are increased in H.pylori infection. • Relationship between the CD206 + and CD209 + M2-like monocyte subpopulations and the CagA + and VacA + H. pylori infection. • Alterations in monocyte subsets after the H. pylori eradication treatment. • CD14 + CD163 + CD209 + M2-like monocytes are positively associated with the severity of H.pylori infection. Abstract Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) initiates a robust host immune response and subsequently results in chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa. This study monitored the circulating monocyte subsets and measured the plasma levels of IL-10 and IL-12 in response to H. pylori infection in 35 H. pylori -associated gastritis patients and 14 healthy controls. We found that the numbers of CD14+CD163−CD64+ M1-like monocytes as well as CD14+CD163+CD206+, CD14+CD163+CD209+, and CD14+CD163+IL-10+ M2-like monocytes were significantly increased in H. pylori -infected patients in comparison with the controls, accompanied by higher levels of plasma IL-10. In addition, IL-10 production was significantly higher in the stimulated M2-like cells from patients with H. pylori infection compared with controls. Moreover, the H. pylori- infected patients with CagA- or VacA-positive strains had a significantly higher number of CD14+CD163+CD206+, CD14+CD163+CD209+, CD14+CD163+IL-10+ monocytes compared to those with CagA- or VacA-negative strains. Furthermore, patients suffering from H. pylori- positive peptic ulcers had a greater number of CD14+CD163+CD209+ monocytes than H. pylori -positive nonatrophic or atrophic gastritis patients, with the numbers of CD14+CD163+CD209+ monocytes positively correlated with the extent of H. pylori infection. Notably, the triple anti- H. pylori therapy significantly reduced the numbers of CD14+CD163+CD206+ and CD14+CD163+CD209+ monocyte subsets. In conclusion, CD14+CD163+CD209+ M2-like monocyte subsets are increased in H. pylori infection, especially in patients with peptic ulcers. CD14+CD163+CD209+ M2-like monocytes are positively associated with the severity of H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims As a newly discovered B-cell subset, PDCA-1 + B cells have been shown to participate in the immune clearance of invading pathogens. The prominence of PDCA-1 + B cell immunity in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection prompted us to explore the potential role of this subset in gastric H. pylori infection. Methods H. pylori infection was determined by 14 C-urea breath test and Western blot. The frequency of the different sub-compartments of PDCA-1 + B cells and their relation to serum cytokines was determined in 33 H. pylori -infected and 14 uninfected patients and in 12 healthy controls (HC). Results In comparison to uninfected individuals, there was a significantly increased frequency of PDCA-1 + B cells, PDCA-1 + IgM + B cells, CD93 + PDCA-1 + B cells, CD93 + PDCA-1 + IgM + B cells, CD137 + PDCA-1 + B cells and CD137 + PDCA-1 + IgM + B cells were detected in patients with H. pylori infection, corresponding to increased levels of serum IFN-α and IgM in this group. Compared with H. pylori -positive (HP + ) chronic non-atrophic gastritis patients, a larger proportion of PDCA-1 + B cells, CD93 + PDCA-1 + B cells and CD137 + PDCA-1 + B cells were observed in HP + patients suffering from atrophic gastritis or HP + peptic ulcers. Conclusions The frequency of the PDCA-1 + B cell compartment is increased during H. pylori infection. Our data support the potential role of this B-cell subset in the pathogenesis of H. pylori -dependent gastritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of garnet-type Lu 2.97 Al 5− x Sc x O 12 :0.03Ce 3+ ( x =0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1) phosphors have been synthesized by high temperature solid-state reaction. Phase structure, photoluminescence (PL) and thermal quenching properties dependence on Al 3+ /Sc 3+ ratio of the Lu 2.97 (Al , Sc) 5 O 12 :0.03Ce 3+ phosphors have been investigated. All the phosphors exhibit strong broad absorption bands in the range of 300 and 500 nm, with a green emission peak at about 511 nm under the blue light excitation of 445 nm. Slight blue-shift tendency of emission bands was observed after the substitution of Al 3+ by Sc 3+ . Thermal stable PL properties via Al 3+ /Sc 3+ substitution in the Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 :Ce 3+ phosphor have been also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Receptor internalization is a common mechanism underlying surface receptor down-regulation (and thus receptor signaling) upon its engagement with the cognate ligand. Tight regulation of surface CD40 expression is critical in regulating different functional properties of dendritic cell (DC). Engagement of CD40 on mature DC and the cognate CD40 ligand on T cell activates c-Jun N-terminal MAPK, p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways in mature DC. JNK-associated leucine zipper protein (JLP) is a scaffolding protein that interacted with p38 and JNK. The molecular mechanism underlying CD40 internalization and its physiological impact on DC functions remained unclear. Here we reported that the engagement of CD40 on the LPS-activated DC down-regulated the surface expression of CD40. We examined the role of the JLP protein in DC differentiation, and in the regulation of DC function(s) in vitro. In contrast to the abundant JLP expression observed in immortal cell lines, primary immature DC expressed low levels of the JLP proteins. The induction of the JLP protein expression was observed in the LPS-mature DC that were activated by CD40 ligation, and also in the poly I:C stimulated DC. JLP-silenced DC was impaired in regulating CD40 surface expression upon LPS stimulation and CD40 induced receptor internalization. Such aberrant change in the regulation of surface CD40 expression was associated with an augmented capacity of the JLP-silenced DC in IL-12 production. Collectively, our data identified a novel role of a scaffolding protein JLP in the regulation of surface CD40 expression and fine-tuning of DC function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taxus chinensis var. mairei (Lemée et Lévl) Cheng et L.K. Fu is an evergreen tall tree ubiquitous to the southeastern region in China. The first chemical study on this species was published in 1987. Since then about 163 compounds including taxoids and non-taxane compounds were isolated from seeds, root, bark and leaves of this species. This review summarized the chemical investigation on T. chinensis var. mairei (Lemée et Lévl) Cheng et L.K. Fu in the past 20 years. T. chinensis var. mairei (Lemée et Lévl) Cheng et L.K. Fu was assigned as a variation of T. chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. in Flora of China. However, present chemotaxonomic data would suggest that these two plants might belong to two different chemotypes; further genetic investigation and comprehensive chemical studies on them are warranted to address this issue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nowadays immobilization of heavy metals is a great challenge. However, geopolymers are promising binders to deal with this problem. Composite based geopolymer was prepared by using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash (FA) to evaluate the strength development and solidification efficiency of Chromium (Cr 6+ ), Lead (Pb 2+ ) and Cadmium (Cd 2+ ). Different proportions of polycarboxylate superplasticizer along with alkali activators ratios (Na 2 SiO 3 : NaOH), water and temperature conditions were used to estimate the strength development. While, immobilization efficiency was determined by compressive strength and leaching behavior in two extractants i.e. deionized water and citric acid. Results depict that optimum concentration of superplasticizer had increased the compressive strength by reducing water demand after curing at high temperature (70 °C). Samples with highest compressive strength were used for solidification efficiency of heavy metals. Solidification efficiency was observed in range of 91–99.99%, which depends on leaching extractant, concentration and nature of metal. Nevertheless, higher leaching of heavy metals was observed in acidic medium due to its strong effect on composite based geopolymer. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) results were indicate that all heavy metals in optimum concentrations had effectively immobilized in geopolymer structure by chemical and physical mean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoalantolactone (IAL) is an active sesquiterpene naturally present in many vegetables, condiments and medicinal plants. In this study, an efficient strategy was developed for the identification of metabolites following the in vivo metabolism and in vitro biotransformation of IAL with rat intestinal bacteria utilizing ultra performance liquid chromatography combined with Triple TOF mass spectrometry (UPLC - Triple TOF-MS/MS). As a result, 46 metabolites including 34 novel sulfur-containing products were identified. The results demonstrated that IAL could undergo general metabolic reactions, including oxidation, hydration, hydrogenation, demethylation, cysteine conjugation and N-acetylcysteine conjugation, but the most noticeable characteristic of IAL metabolism was the H 2 S addition to the double bond between C-11 and C-13 and subsequent reactions to produce a series of novel sulfur-containing dimers. This is the first study of IAL metabolism in vivo , whose results provide novel and useful data for a better understanding of the safety and efficacy of IAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro digestibility, prebiotic activity and chemical composition of polysaccharides from rapeseed were deliberately studied in this paper. After preliminary treatments, two fractions of polysaccharides (RP1 and RP2) were obtained after purification by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100. Their primary structural feature and molecule weights were characterized. Furthermore, their digestibility was also evaluated by artificial gastric juice and α-amylase. Finally, their proliferative effect on bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and acid production of the resulting probiotics in vitro were investigated. The results showed that RP1 and RP2 were homogeneously protein-bound polysaccharides with molecular weights of 28.51 and 6.55 kDa, respectively. They were resistant to hydrolysis by artificial gastric juice and α-amylase. Moreover, they could also significantly stimulate the tested probiotics to proliferate and produce organic acids. These findings clearly suggest the polysaccharides from rapeseed are potential to be exploited as novel prebiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea is one of the most important offshore petroliferous basins in China. Specifically, the shelf-edge delta and slope fan systems in the deepwater area of the Baiyun Sag have been regarded as the most important objects for hydrocarbon exploration, and the sequence stratigraphic structure, sedimentary evolution, and "source to sink" relationship between them is an important basis for predicting favorable areas for hydrocarbon exploration. In this study, the sequence stratigraphic structure and sedimentary system of the Late Oligocene Zhuhai Formation in the Baiyun Sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin were studied based on a comprehensive dataset that integrated seismic, logging, and core data. A total of four third-order sequences were determined in the second-order composite sequence (CS3) according to nature of unconformities. Within each third-order sequence, the characteristics of different sedimentary systems were successfully identified. Within CS3-1 and CS3-2 the transgressive systems tracts (TST) are relatively thick, and the highstand systems tracts (HST) encompass mainly the outer-shelf deltaic deposits with thin foresets. As for CS3-3 and CS3-4, the lowstand systems tract (LST) and falling-stage systems tracts (FSST) are dominated by shelf-edge deltas and slope fans deposits, whereas the TST are very thin. The depositional evolution and "source to sink" relationship between the shelf-edge deltas and associated slope fans are revealed as follows: there are mainly three stages of shelf-edge deltas, and their sedimentary paleo-water depths were 794.9 m, 822.6 m, and 556.8 m, with progradation angles of 8.5°, 7.7°, and 5.7°, respectively; the thick delta front (200–500 m) and slump deposit are the main identification features of the shelf-edge delta. During the period of LST, although the progradation angle of the shelf-edge delta was the largest, there were few slope fans or only mud-rich slope fan deposits in the front of the delta due to the influence of relative sea-level rise, and during the period of FSST, the slump and redeposition of the delta front sand bodies provided the sand source for the formation of the slope fans, thus forming the sand-rich fans. Moreover, according to the root mean square amplitude slices and 3D seismic profile, it was found that the slope fans in this area are directly related to the development of the channels between the deltas and slope fans; generally, the larger and denser the channel, the larger the slope fan area. • Sequence and sedimentary characteristics of the shelf-edge and the deltaic progradation structures. • The source to sink relationship between shelf-edge deltas and slope fans within the system tract. • Constraints of sea level change, tectonic movement and sediment supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been revealed that dyslexic children learning alphabetic languages are characterized by aberrant topological organization of brain networks. However, little is known about the functional organization and the reconfiguration pattern of brain networks in Chinese dyslexic children. Using graph theoretical analysis and functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI), we examined this issue specifically from the perspective of functional integration and segregation. We first compared large-scale topological organizations between dyslexic children and typically developing children during a Chinese phonological rhyming task, and found that dyslexic children showed increased local efficiency and clustering coefficient compared with typically developing children, which were negatively correlated with task performance. Furthermore, dyslexic children and typically developing children could be accurately distinguished at the individual-subject level based on the nodal local efficiency or clustering coefficient. Second, we studied the group difference of network reconfiguration and found that dyslexic children showed more difficulty when shifting from the resting state to the phonological task. Our results suggest an over-segregated brain functional organization and deficits in brain network reconfiguration in Chinese dyslexic children, which helps to advance our knowledge on the neural mechanisms underlying dyslexia. • We compared large-scale functional organizations between Chinese dyslexic children and typically developing children. • Chinese dyslexic children showed higher local efficiency and clustering coefficient than typically developing children. • Chinese dyslexic children showed difficulties when shifting from the resting state to the phonological rhyming task. • Chinese dyslexia associates over-segregated brain functional organization and deficits in brain network reconfiguration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine canyon system in the Miocene Pearl River Mouth Basin, northern continental margin of the South China Sea, records the process of sediments transported from shelf margin to advanced abyssal plain and comprises important petroleum reservoirs in the basin. Based on integrated analysis of seismic, well logs and core data, the sequence framework, depositional architecture and controlling factors of the submarine canyon system are well documented. As a composite sequence bounded by regional unconformity, the Zhujiang Formation (CS1) can be divided into 5 sequences (CS1-1-CS1-5), and the lower CS1-2 and CS1-3 are the main strata that the submarine canyon system developed. The submarine canyon system can be divided into five segments (A-E) by their distinct geomorphology and depositional architectures. From Segment A to E, the channels in the submarine canyon system transform from "V" shaped single channel, "U" shaped single channel, "gull-wing" shaped channel-levee complex, "W" shaped branch channels to mound shaped distal composite channel and front splay deposits. This is accordantly consistent with sedimentary process of the channels transitional from erosional, erosional-aggradational, aggradational and then lateral migrational. The changing interaction of multi-source sediment supply, differential tectonic subsidence and relative sea level change are considered to be the major control on the development and evolution of the submarine canyon system. The differential tectonic subsidence since the Late Oligocene produced the adequate slope angle, sufficient accommodation and distinct basin geomorphology for the development and segmentation of the submarine canyon system. Slope-gully to slope fan deposits fed by the shelf margin delta systems from the Paleo-Pearl River and the northeastern Dongsha Uplift converged into the submarine canyon system, providing abundant sediments for its development. Relative sea level changes, especially the two regional regressions with abundant sediment supply have made great influence on the evolution of the submarine canyon system. • A giant submarine canyon system consisting of two periods of incised channels is recognized in the Lower-Middle Miocene. • The canyon system is made up of five segments with different geomorphology and depositional architecture. • The canyon system was constrained by tectonic subsidence, multi-source sediment supply and relative sea level change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroimaging studies have reported that the right cerebellar lobule VI is engaged in reading, but its role is unclear. The goal of our study was to identify functionally-dissociable subregions in the right lobule VI and how these subregions contribute to reading in children with normal or impaired reading. In Experiment I, typically developing children performed an orthographic task and a phonological task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We classified the voxels in the right lobule VI into seven zones based on the patterns of functional connectivity with the cerebrum across both tasks. In Experiment II, we compared the brain activation and cerebro-cerebellar connectivities of each subregion between children readers with different reading levels. We did not find significant group differences in cerebellar activation. However, we found that impaired readers had considerably higher functional connectivity between R1 and the right angular gyrus and the right precuneus compared to the control group in the phonological task. These findings show that the right cerebellar lobule VI is functionally parceled and its subregions might be differentially connected with the cerebrum between children with normal reading abilities and those with impaired reading. • We investigated functional parcellation of the right cerebellar lobule VI in reading. • Seven subregions were identified based on the FC patterns during tasks. • The subregions suggest to be implicated in domain-general and language processing. • Impaired reading was associated with abnormality of the sensorimotor zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Customers' reviews are used to conduct low-cost statistical reliability analysis. • A case study on cellphone products proves the validity of probabilistic derivation. • The source, category, and solutions to the uncertainties of reviews are analyzed. Reliability is an essential aspect of product quality that concerns both customers and manufacturers. Other than test-based reliability data, online reviews reflect the actual operating status of all products, where the sample is all delivered products, and the test condition is equivalent to the service condition. This manuscript proposes the framework of a reliability analysis based on online reviews, and combines the statistical reliability analysis with current text mining technology. The proposed method adopts lexicon-based text mining technology to extract the failure-related customer knowledge from product users' online reviews. Using the information on the symptom and time of each failure experienced by customers, we classify the failure for each component and analyze the reliability using the estimated parameters of failure distributions. A comparative analysis is proposed to eliminate the uncertainty accompanying the review information. The application of the proposed framework is demonstrated by a case study of two similar mobile phone products. The results indicate that the consideration of failure distribution affects the analytical results significantly, and that the type of components, rather than the product model, has a greater impact on the product reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]