Search

Objectives: To develop an interactive, non-invasive artificial intelligence (AI) system for malignancy risk prediction in cystic renal lesions (CRLs). Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter diagnostic study, we evaluated 715 patients. An interactive geodesic-based 3D segmentation model was created for CRLs segmentation. A CRLs classification model was developed using spatial encoder temporal decoder (SETD) architecture. The classification model combines a 3D-ResNet50 network for extracting spatial features and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) network for decoding temporal features from multi-phase CT images. We assessed the segmentation model using sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), intersection over union (IOU), and dice similarity (Dice) metrics. The classification model's performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy score (ACC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: From 2012 to 2023, we included 477 CRLs (median age, 57 [IQR: 48–65]; 173 men) in the training cohort, 226 CRLs (median age, 60 [IQR: 52–69]; 77 men) in the validation cohort, and 239 CRLs (median age, 59 [IQR: 53–69]; 95 men) in the testing cohort (external validation cohort 1, cohort 2, and cohort 3). The segmentation model and SETD classifier exhibited excellent performance in both validation (AUC = 0.973, ACC = 0.916, Dice = 0.847, IOU = 0.743, SEN = 0.840, SPE = 1.000) and testing datasets (AUC = 0.998, ACC = 0.988, Dice = 0.861, IOU = 0.762, SEN = 0.876, SPE = 1.000). Conclusion: The AI system demonstrated excellent benign-malignant discriminatory ability across both validation and testing datasets and illustrated improved clinical decision-making utility. Critical relevance statement: In this era when incidental CRLs are prevalent, this interactive, non-invasive AI system will facilitate accurate diagnosis of CRLs, reducing excessive follow-up and overtreatment. Key Points: The rising prevalence of CRLs necessitates better malignancy prediction strategies. The AI system demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in identifying malignant CRL. The AI system illustrated improved clinical decision-making utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rare Metals is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Common approaches to gene signature discovery in single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) depend upon predefined structures like clusters or pseudo‐temporal order, require prior normalization, or do not account for the sparsity of single‐cell data. We present single‐cell hierarchical Poisson factorization (scHPF), a Bayesian factorization method that adapts hierarchical Poisson factorization (Gopalan et al, , Proceedings of the 31st Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence, 326) for de novo discovery of both continuous and discrete expression patterns from scRNA‐seq. scHPF does not require prior normalization and captures statistical properties of single‐cell data better than other methods in benchmark datasets. Applied to scRNA‐seq of the core and margin of a high‐grade glioma, scHPF uncovers marked differences in the abundance of glioma subpopulations across tumor regions and regionally associated expression biases within glioma subpopulations. scHFP revealed an expression signature that was spatially biased toward the glioma‐infiltrated margins and associated with inferior survival in glioblastoma.

In this study, a novel aerobic mesophilic bacterial strain with capable of degrading chitin, designated YIM B06366T, was isolated and classified. The rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, on-spore-forming bacterium originated from rhizosphere soil sample collected in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, southwest PR China. Strain YIM B06366T exhibited growth at temperatures between 20 and 35 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 6.0). The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity revealed that strain YIM B06366T was most closely related to type strain Chitinolyticbacter meiyuanensis SYBC-H1T (98.9%). Phylogenetic analysis based on genome data indicated that strain YIM B06366T should be assigned to the genus Chitinolyticbacter. The Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA Hybridization (dDDH) values between strain YIM B06366T and the reference strain Chitinolyticbacter meiyuanensis SYBC-H1T were 84.4% and 27.7%, respectively. The major fatty acids included Summed Feature 3 (C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c), Summed Feature 8 (C18:1ω6c/C18:1ω7c), and C16:0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipids, and two unidentified phospholipids. The predominant menaquinone was Q-8, and the genomic DNA G + C content was 64.1%. Considering the polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strain YIM B06366T is proposed as a novel species within the genus Chitinolyticbacter, named Chitinolyticbacter albus sp. nov. (type strain YIM B06366T = KCTC 92434T = CCTCC AB 2022163T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Gram-negative, rod-shaped, flagellated bacterium was isolated from soil in the Guishan, Xinping County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, China, and named YIM B01952T. Growth occurred at 10–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and with up to ≤ 5.0% (w/v) NaCl on Tryptic Soy Broth Agar (TSA) plates. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and draft-genome sequence showed that strain YIM B01952T belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, and was closely related to the type strain of Pseudomonas alcaligenes (sequence similarity was 98.8%). The digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between strain YIM B01952T and the parallel strain P. alcaligenes ATCC 14909T was 49.0% based on the draft genome sequence. The predominant menaquinone was Q-9. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c) and C16:0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol. The genome size of strain YIM B01952T was 4.341 Mb, comprising 4156 predicted genes with a DNA G + C content of 66.4 mol%. In addition, we detected that strain YIM B01952T had some traditional functional genes (plant growth promotion and multidrug resistance), unique genes through genome comparison and analysis with similar strains. Based on genetic analyses and biochemical characterization, the strain YIM B01952T was identified as a novel species in the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas subflava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM B01952T (=CCTCC AB 2021498T = KCTC 92073T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new aerobic bacterial strain, designated strain YIM B02290T, was isolated from the soil of Machangqing, Dali city, Yunnan Province, China. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, sporogenous, rod-shaped, and motile with peritrichous flagella. Strain YIM B02290T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Brevibacillus laterosporus (97.6%) and Brevibacillus halotolerans (97.6%). The ANI and dDDH values between strain YIM B02290T and the two reference strains Brevibacillus laterosporus LAM00312T and Brevibacillus halotolerans DSM 25T are 72.6% and 72.2%, 20.2% and 19.5% based on the draft genome sequence, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids contain anteiso-C15: 0 and iso-C15: 0. The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was identified as menaquinone-7. The main polar lipids of strain YIM B02290T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, phosphatidyl monomethylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G + C content was 40.6 mol%. All results showed that strain YIM B02290T represents a novel species of the genus Brevibacillus, for which the name Brevibacillus daliensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM B02290T (= CCTCC AB 2021094T = CGMCC 1.18802T = KCTC 43376T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria strain, named YIM B01951T, was isolated from a forest soil sample collected from Mopan Mountain National Forest Park, Xinping City, Yunnan Province, southwest PR China (101°58′06" N, 23°03′02" E). Growth occurred at 15–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 6.5) and with up to ≤ 3.0% (w/v) NaCl on Nutrient Agar plates. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain YIM B01951T was closely related to the type strain of Cohnella arctica M9-62T (96.5%) and Cohnella lupini RLAHU4BT (96.3%). YIM B01951T contains anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 as the major cellular fatty acids; the main polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysylphosphatidylglycerol (PGL) and five aminophospholipids (APL). The MK-7 is the major respiratory quinone and the DNA G + C content is 49.2 mol%. Based on these phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain YIM B01951T is considered to be a novel species of the genus Cohnella, and named Cohnella mopanensis sp. nov. The type strain is YIM B01951T (= NBRC 115331T = KCTC 43370T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning is one of the most potential ways to realize the function prediction of the incremental large-scale G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Prior research reveals that the key to determining the overall classification accuracy of GPCR is extracting valuable features and filtering out redundancy. To achieve a more efficient classification model, we put the feature synonym problem into consideration and create a new method based on functional word clustering and integration. Through evaluating the evolution correlation between features using the transition scores in mature molecular substitution matrices, candidate features are clustered into synonym groups. Each group of the clustered features is then integrated and represented by a unique key functional word. These retained key functional words are used to form a feature knowledge base. The original GPCR sequences are then transferred into feature vectors based on a feature re-extraction strategy according to the features in the knowledge base before the training and testing stage. We create multiple machine learning models based on Naïve Bayesian (NB), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) algorithms. The established model is applied to classify two public data sets containing 8354 and 12,731 GPCRs, respectively. These models achieve significant performance in almost all evaluation criteria in comparison with state-of-the art. This work demonstrated the potential of the novel feature extraction strategy and provided an effective theoretical design for the hierarchical classification of GPCRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequence classification is crucial in predicting the function of newly discovered sequences. In recent years, the prediction of the incremental large-scale and diversity of sequences has heavily relied on the involvement of machine-learning algorithms. To improve prediction accuracy, these algorithms must confront the key challenge of extracting valuable features. In this work, we propose a feature-enhanced protein classification approach, considering the rich generation of multiple sequence alignment algorithms, N-gram probabilistic language model and the deep learning technique. The essence behind the proposed method is that if each group of sequences can be represented by one feature sequence, composed of homologous sites, there should be less loss when the sequence is rebuilt, when a more relevant sequence is added to the group. On the basis of this consideration, the prediction becomes whether a query sequence belonging to a group of sequences can be transferred to calculate the probability that the new feature sequence evolves from the original one. The proposed work focuses on the hierarchical classification of G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which begins by extracting the feature sequences from the multiple sequence alignment results of the GPCRs sub-subfamilies. The N-gram model is then applied to construct the input vectors. Finally, these vectors are imported into a convolutional neural network to make a prediction. The experimental results elucidate that the proposed method provides significant performance improvements. The classification error rate of the proposed method is reduced by at least 4.67% (family level I) and 5.75% (family Level II), in comparison with the current state-of-the-art methods. The implementation program of the proposed work is freely available at: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the serum protein targets of Qianggu Decoction (强骨饮, QGD) on treating osteoporosis by the proteomics analysis using tandem mass tag (TMT) and liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Methods: Twenty serum protein samples were recruited (10 patients with primary type I osteoporosis before and after QGD treatment) and the high abundance ratios protein was removed, two serum samples were extracted and labeled with TMT reagent. Then, mass spectrometric detection, identification of differentially expressed proteins and bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins were carried out. Results: A total of 60 proteins were identified, within a 99% confidence interval, to be differentially regulated of which, 34 proteins were up-regulated and 26 proteins were down-regulated. Differentially expressed proteins analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation mainly get involved in 12 different biological processes, 7 types of cellular components, and 6 kinds of molecular functions. Angiotensinogen (AGT), stromelysin-1 (MMP3), heparanase (HPSE) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were screened as candidate protein targets of QGD treatment, which were related to metabolic mechanism of bone remodeling and/or bone collagen of osteoporosis. By the utilization of the protein-protein interaction network analysis tool named STRING10.0, it showed that AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH were located in the key node of the protein-protein interactions network. Furthermore, AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH were found to be directly related to BMP, MAPK, Wnt, SMAD and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11) families. Conclusions: The proteomics analysis by using TMT combined with LC-MS/MS was a feasible method for screening the potential therapeutic targets associated with QGD treatment. It suggests that AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH may be candidate protein targets of QGD treatment which can be used as therapeutic effect monitor and early diagnosis of primary type I osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava seeds are produced as a waste product by the guava processing industry. Their high carbohydrate contents may suit the carbohydrate needs of the feed sector but their high dietary fiber content limits their feed value. The feed values of fruit seeds can be improved through germination, which involves the mobilization of nutrients through seed enzymes and alters the seed carbohydrate composition. The changes of selected carbohydrates in guava ( Psidium guajava L.) seeds brought by germination to those in red bean ( Vigna angularis) and winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) were compared. The contents of soluble carbohydrates, digestible starch, resistant starch and cellulose in the seeds were determined. The radial diffusion method was used to detect carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in the seed extracts. Guava seeds were rich in cellulose (402.2 mg/g), which decreased progressively during germination, probably through the action of cellulase. Winter wheat contained the highest starch content (412.2 mg/g) and also distinct quantities of α-amylase and cellulase. The starch contents of all the seeds decreased, but the soluble carbohydrate contents in red beans and guava seeds increased significantly by the end of germination, suggesting the transient oversupply of reserve metabolites. The content of hydrolyzed polysaccharides increased in the germinated seeds with detectable amounts of cellulose-degrading enzymes present, indicating improved value as feed. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of guava seeds as a source of low-cost animal feed supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in technology in recent years have changed the learning behaviors of learners and reshaped teaching methods. This had resulted in several challenges faced by current educational systems, such as an increased focus on informal learning, a growing gap of prior knowledge among students in classrooms and a mismatch between individual career choices and the development of the work force. This paper looks at these challenges with a view towards revolutionizing current learning environments to smart learning environments and provides new suggestions for technological solutions. Furthermore, this paper argues for a transformation from the current learning environments to smart learning environments. This is to be achieved by reengineering the fundamental structure and operations of current educational systems to better integrate these new technologies with the required pedagogical shift. The future perspectives of smart learning environments are reviewed and shared, through examples of emerging innovations such as the flipped classroom, game based learning, gesture based learning, along with pedagogical shifts, such as life-long learning portfolio maintenance, team teaching, and separation of learning and competency assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With introduction of the first-order strain-gradient of surface micro-beams into the energy density function, we developed a two-dimensional dynamic model for a compound quartz crystal resonator (QCR) system, consisting of a QCR and surface micro-beam arrays. The frequency shift that was induced by micro-beams with consideration of strain-gradients is discussed in detail and some useful results are obtained, which have important significance in resonator design and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) variable region exons are assembled from VH, D and JH gene segments in developing B lymphocytes. Within the 2.7-megabase mouse Igh locus, V(D)J recombination is regulated to ensure specific and diverse antibody repertoires. Here we report in mice a key Igh V(D)J recombination regulatory region, termed intergenic control region 1 (IGCR1), which lies between the VH and D clusters. Functionally, IGCR1 uses CTCF looping/insulator factor-binding elements and, correspondingly, mediates Igh loops containing distant enhancers. IGCR1 promotes normal B-cell development and balances antibody repertoires by inhibiting transcription and rearrangement of DH-proximal VH gene segments and promoting rearrangement of distal VH segments. IGCR1 maintains ordered and lineage-specific VH(D)JH recombination by suppressing VH joining to D segments not joined to JH segments, and VH to DJH joins in thymocytes, respectively. IGCR1 is also required for feedback regulation and allelic exclusion of proximal VH-to-DJH recombination. Our studies elucidate a long-sought Igh V(D)J recombination control region and indicate a new role for the generally expressed CTCF protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical non-homologous DNA end-joining (NHEJ) is a major mammalian DNA double-strand-break (DSB) repair pathway. Deficiencies for classical NHEJ factors, such as XRCC4, abrogate lymphocyte development, owing to a strict requirement for classical NHEJ to join V(D)J recombination DSB intermediates. The XRCC4-like factor (XLF; also called NHEJ1) is mutated in certain immunodeficient human patients and has been implicated in classical NHEJ; however, XLF-deficient mice have relatively normal lymphocyte development and their lymphocytes support normal V(D)J recombination. The ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein (ATM) detects DSBs and activates DSB responses by phosphorylating substrates including histone H2AX. However, ATM deficiency causes only modest V(D)J recombination and lymphocyte developmental defects, and H2AX deficiency does not have a measurable impact on these processes. Here we show that XLF, ATM and H2AX all have fundamental roles in processing and joining DNA ends during V(D)J recombination, but that these roles have been masked by unanticipated functional redundancies. Thus, combined deficiency of ATM and XLF nearly blocks mouse lymphocyte development due to an inability to process and join chromosomal V(D)J recombination DSB intermediates. Combined XLF and ATM deficiency also severely impairs classical NHEJ, but not alternative end-joining, during IgH class switch recombination. Redundant ATM and XLF functions in classical NHEJ are mediated by ATM kinase activity and are not required for extra-chromosomal V(D)J recombination, indicating a role for chromatin-associated ATM substrates. Correspondingly, conditional H2AX inactivation in XLF-deficient pro-B lines leads to V(D)J recombination defects associated with marked degradation of unjoined V(D)J ends, revealing that H2AX has a role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish a triple-stacking capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation method to monitor methotrexate (MTX) and its eight metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three stacking methods with different mechanisms were combined and incorporated into CE separation. Complete stacking and sharp peaks were achieved. Firstly, the optimized buffer (60 mM phosphate containing 15% THF and 100 mM SDS) was filled into the capillary, which was followed by the higher conductivity buffer (100 mM phosphate, 2 psi for 45 s). The analytes extracted from CSF were injected at 2 psi for 99.9 s, which provided long sample zones and pH junction for focusing. Finally, the stacking step was performed by sweeping, and separation was achieved by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The results of the linear regression equations indicated high linearity ( r ≥ 0.9981) over the range of 0.5-7 μM. In intra- and inter-batch results, all data of RSD and RE were below 11%, indicating good precision and accuracy of this method. The LODs (S/ N = 3) were 0.1 μM for MTX, 7-hydroxymethotrexate (7-OHMTX) and MTX-polyglutamates (MTX-(Glu)), 0.2 μM for MTX-(Glu), and 0.3 μM for 2,4-diamino- N-methylpteroic acid (DAMPA) and MTX-(Glu). Our method was implemented for analysis of MTX and its metabolites in the CSF, and could be used for evaluation of its curative effects of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. The data were also confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The results showed good coincidence. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac hypertrophy and failure are characterized by transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression. Adult cardiomyocytes in mice primarily express α-myosin heavy chain (α-MHC, also known as Myh6), whereas embryonic cardiomyocytes express β-MHC (also known as Myh7). Cardiac stress triggers adult hearts to undergo hypertrophy and a shift from α-MHC to fetal β-MHC expression. Here we show that Brg1, a chromatin-remodelling protein, has a critical role in regulating cardiac growth, differentiation and gene expression. In embryos, Brg1 promotes myocyte proliferation by maintaining Bmp10 and suppressing p57kip2 expression. It preserves fetal cardiac differentiation by interacting with histone deacetylase (HDAC) and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) to repress α-MHC and activate β-MHC. In adults, Brg1 (also known as Smarca4) is turned off in cardiomyocytes. It is reactivated by cardiac stresses and forms a complex with its embryonic partners, HDAC and PARP, to induce a pathological α-MHC to β-MHC shift. Preventing Brg1 re-expression decreases hypertrophy and reverses this MHC switch. BRG1 is activated in certain patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, its level correlating with disease severity and MHC changes. Our studies show that Brg1 maintains cardiomyocytes in an embryonic state, and demonstrate an epigenetic mechanism by which three classes of chromatin-modifying factors—Brg1, HDAC and PARP—cooperate to control developmental and pathological gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neuroscience Bulletin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The probability density functions (pdf’s) of the wind increments are measured under different weather conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer, including the extreme weather of a typhoon and sand storm. It is found that in each case the measured pdf’s with respect to different time lags coincide by suitable scaling transformation. This property is similar to that of the stable distributions. However, fitting results show that the tails of the stable distributions are generally heavier than that of the measured ones. Beside, the stable distributions (except for the Gaussian distribution) have infinite variance, which implies infinite average kinetic energy. In fact, it can be proved that if the tails of the pdf’s are heavy enough, the variance will be infinite. Therefore, the tail-truncated stable distributions with finite variances are introduced to fit the data and the fitting results are excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis  The pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is related to aging in the pelvic organ support, and mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major contributors to aging. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between alternations of mitochondrial DNA and progression of POP. Methods  Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied in the present study. Uterosacral ligaments (UL) were obtained from 45 POP patients and 38 myoma patients without POP. Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation analysis were applied in the comparison between POP and non-POP patients. Results  The results revealed that significant depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and an increase in the incidence of 4977 deletion of mtDNA (mtDNA4977) in the UL tissue of POP patients. Conclusions  The alternations of mtDNA may play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis and process of POP formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes of Ca2+ levels in young leaf cells of bromegrass under different controlled chilling temperatures were investigated by an antimonite precipitation cytochemical method. The main results were as follows: under 25/20°C (day/night) temperature and 14 h photoperiod, electron-dense Ca2+ antimonite precipitates, indicators of Ca2+ localization, were mainly localized in the vacuoles, cell walls and intercellular spaces; few Ca2+ deposits were observed in the cytosol and nuclei. After a 3°C chilling treatment for 3 h, many Ca2+ precipitates appeared in the cytosol and nuclei, indicating that Ca2+ influx had occurred in the cytosol and nuclei. When the 3°C treatment was prolonged to 8 h, more Ca2+ deposits appeared in the nuclei and cytosol, but the amount of Ca2+ deposits in both the cytosol and nuclei decreased markedly after a 24 h treatment and most Ca2+ deposits were returned to the vacuoles and intercellular spaces after an 8 d treatment. When bromegrass was exposed to 7°C for 3 h, the Ca2+ distribution in the cells had no visible changes, compared with that of the 25/20°C grown control plants. However, when the chilling treatment of 7°C was prolonged to 8 h, a Ca2+ influx occurred, where many Ca2+ deposits were observed in the nuclei and cytosol. More Ca2+ deposits appeared in the nuclei and cytosol after a 24 h treatment, but the amount of Ca2+ deposits in the cytosol and nuclei was reduced markedly after an 8 d treatment. After a 14 d treatment, the remaining low level of Ca2+ was recovered in both the cytosol and nuclei and the Ca2+ deposits were again located in the vacuoles and the intercellular spaces. The dynamics of subcellular Ca2+ localization in young leaf cells of bromegrass during a 12°C chilling treatment were similar to those of the 7°C treatment. Besides, the results showed that the frost tolerance of bromegrass exposed to 3°C for 8 d increased by 6°C, for 7°C and 8 d by 4°C and for 12°C and 14 d by 3°C, compared with the controls. Finally, the relationship between different Ca2+ dynamics and induced frost tolerance was also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  We investigate binary sequences which can be obtained by concatenating the columns of (0,1)-matrices derived from permutation sequences. We then prove that these binary sequences are subsets of a surprisingly diverse ensemble of codes, namely the Levenshtein codes, capable of correcting insertion/deletion errors; spectral null codes, with spectral nulls at certain frequencies; as well as being subsets of run-length limited codes, Nyquist null codes and constant weight codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Several 2-heteroaryl-, 2-heteroarylcarbonylmethyl-, 2-arylcarbonylmethyl, and 2-arylethyl derivatives of S-dihydro(alkyloxy)benzyloxypyrimidines have been synthesized and the anti-HIV activities of these compounds were tested in C8166 cell and against RT enzyme. It was found that some of these compounds showed good activity against HIV-1 (EC 50 = 0.014–0.8 μM) with low toxicity (CC 50 value of 222–564 μM) and high selectivity (SI value of 278–37743). The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A new coordination polymer with interesting supramolecular architecture, [Zn(4-tzbz)] n (1) (4-tzbz = 4-(tetrazol-5-yl)benzoate), has been synthesized and characterized structurally. In this compound, the zinc(II) ions are connected by the tetrazole ring in the μ2-1,4 bridging mode and the carboxylate group in the μ2-1,3 syn-anti bridging mode to generate 2D (4,4) sheets, and the adjacent sheets are linked further by the benzene rings to give the 3D metal–organic framework with a 3,4-connected (83)(84122) topology. This compound in the solid state exhibits photoluminescence assignable to intraligand transitions, and, in particular, the emission at 400 nm is significantly intensified due to the coordination of the ligand to Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The crystal structure of 4,4′-bipyridin-1-ium perchlorate dihydrate, [C10H9N2](ClO4) · 2H2O, is determined by room temperature X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 8.122(3) Å, b = 9.726(3) Å, c = 17.648(6) Å, α = 78.181(4)°, β = 82.797(5)°, γ = 67.439(4)°, Z = 2, V = 1258.4(7) Å3. In the compound, monoprotonated 4,4′-bipyridin-1-ium cations are self-assembled into supramolecular chains along the a-axis through N–H···N hydrogen bonds in a head-to-tail fashion. The chains are stacked via π–π stacking interactions to create two-dimensional sheets. The interlayer space is occupied by the hydrogen-bonded water chains that are linked to the organic sheets via C–H···O interactions and the perchlorate anions that are linked to the water chains and the organic sheets via O–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds, respectively, thus generating a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Index Abstract  Supramolecular Network via Hydrogen Bonding and π–π Stacking in 4,4′-Bipyridin-1-ium perchlorate dihydrate Jian-Yong Zhang, Ai-Ling Cheng and En-Qing Gao* Monoprotonated 4,4′-bipyridin-1-ium cations are self-assembled into supramolecular chains along the a-axis through N–H···N hydrogen bonds, and these chains are stacked via π–π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions involving water molecules and perchlorate anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to study the self-assembly of per-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (t7-βCD) on gold surfaces, and the subsequent inclusion interactions of immobilized βCD with adamantane-poly(ethylene glycol) (5,000 MW, AD-PEG), 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid (AD-C) and 1-adamantylamine (AD-A). From a 50 μM solution of t7-βCD in 60:40 DMSO:H2O, a t7-βCD layer was formed on gold with surface density of 71.7 ± 2.7 pmol/cm2, corresponding to 80 ± 3% of close-packed monolayer coverage. Gold sensors with immobilized t7-βCD were then exposed alternately to six different concentrations of AD-PEG, 500 μM AD-C or 500 μM AD-A aqueous solutions for association, and water for dissociation. Association of AD-PEG conformed to a Langmuir isotherm, with a best fit equilibrium constant K = 125,000 ± 18,000 M−1. For AD-C and AD-A, association (k a ) and dissociation (k d ) rate constants were extracted from kinetic profiles by fitting to the Langmuir model, and equilibrium constants were calculated. The parameters for AD-C were found to be: k a  = 100 ± 5 M−1 s−1, k d  = 110 (±18) × 10−4 s−1, and K = 9,400 ± 1,700 M−1. For AD-A, k a  = 58 ± 6 M−1 s−1, k d  = 154 (±7) × 10−4 s−1, and K = 3,800 ± 400 M−1. The results demonstrate the utility of QCM as a tool for studying small molecule surface adsorption and guest–host interactions on surfaces. More specifically, the kinetic and thermodynamic data of AD-C, AD-A, and AD-PEG inclusion with immobilized t7-βCD form a basis for further surface association studies of AD-X conjugates to advance surface sensory and coupling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract??Two transition metal complexes with azide and 3,4-di(2?-pyridyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole (dpo), [Cu2(dpo)2(N3)4] (1), and [Mn(dpo)2(N3)2] (2), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu(II) complex is binuclear with double end-on (EO) azido bridges, in which each Cu(II) ion assumes a distorted square pyramidal geometry, and each EO azido bridge adopts a quasi-symmetric fashion. In contrast, the Mn(II) complex is mononuclear, in which the Mn(II) ion is ligated by two dpo ligands and two terminal azide ions, with a distorted octahedron geometry. Magnetic studies on the Cu(II) complex revealed that the double EO azido bridge mediates ferromagnetic coupling withJ=12.8?cm?1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  It was attempted in this work to establish a cell line in which senescent cells can be readily and directly identified in situ in live culture. Transcriptional activation of p21Cip1/Waf1 gene is known to be one of the key steps in the development of cellular senescence, whereas the elements within the p21Cip1/Waf1 promoter that regulate the transcriptional activation of p21Cip1/Waf1 during cellular senescence have not been clearly defined. Thus, several reporter plasmids were constructed in each of which the gene of green fluorescent protein was placed under the control of a selected fragment of p21Cip1/Waf1 promoter, and stably transfected into BHK-21 cells. The transfected cells were induced to become senescence-like by camptothecin and assayed for fluorescence intensity. It was shown that the reporter system constructed with bases ?2504 to +406 of the p21Cip1/Waf1 promoter was very efficient in reflecting the senescence of BHK-21 cells by increased cytosolic fluorescence, and the fluorescence intensity of senescent cells was easily distinguished from that of quiescent cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the enormous engineering advancement in modern industries, the competition in manufacturing technologies has been increasingly intense, as can be seen in automobile and aerospace industries. Nickel-based superalloys are widely in the manufacture of components for aircraft turbine engines for cryogenic tankage, in liquid rockets, reciprocating engines, space vehicles, heat-treating equipment, chemical and petrochemical industries, because of their ability to retain high-strength at elevated temperatures. But, because of its characteristics of high-strength, poor thermal diffusion and work hardening, the cutting of nickel-based superalloys results in decreased tool life and poor efficiency of works. This is much more prominent than in other materials. AISI4340 are widely used in the manufacture of component parts for gear, pistons, and automobiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of soils, including brown coniferous forest soil, dark brown soil, black soil, and black calic soil, sampled from three different places in northeast China were used in this test. The functions of two root-derived organic acids and water were simulated and compared in the activation of mineral nutrients from the rhizosphere soil. The results showed that the organic acids could activate the nutrients and the activated degree of the nutrient elements highly depended on the amount and types of the organic acid excreted and on the physiochemical and biochemical properties of the soil tested. The activation effect of the citric acid was obviously higher than that of malic acid in extracting Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn for all the tested soil types. However, the activation efficiencies of P, K, Ca, and Mg extracting by the citric acid were not much higher, sometimes wven lower, than those by malic acid. The solution concentration of all elements increased with increase of amount of the citric acid added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the concepts of manhood, sexuality and prostitution in South Korea. Discourses which serve as the foundation of the South Korean nation; Background on the sex industry since the 1980s; Nature of male desires; Matrixes of masculinity.

Soil sample plots were specified and the soil in layer A0, A1 and AB were collected in Maoershan-Forest Experiment Farm of Northeast Forestry University for study of the effect of corylus clusters on soil in 1999. The result shows that the pH value, contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-discomposed nitrogen and total phosphorus under the corylus clusters are higher than that under the non-corylus clusters, except the available phosphorus content. The number of soil granular aggregates or the water stable aggregates under corylus clusters is more than that under the non-corylus clusters. The corylus clusters play an important role in improving the physicochemical properties of the soil, which should be conserved and developed in the forestry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research which showed the inactivation of the ligase IV gene in mice resulting in late embryonic lethality. Common factors in DNA-end-joining reactions and V(D)J recombination; Role of ligase IV; Blocked lymphopoiesis in such mice; Traits of ligase IV-deficient embryonic fibroblasts; Comparison of mice with those having Ku70 and Ku80 deficiencies; Viability of Ku-deficient mice.

Improving both the positioning accuracy and contouring accuracy of a vertical machining centre has been studied by using a machine tool metrology and in-house error correction techniques. Contouring errors caused by the servo lag and friction of servomechanisms were measured by the circular test and then reduced by off-line parameter tuning of the CNC and servo-driver. The quasistatic thermal errors were predicted online using a neural network based model which was calibrated in advance via a quick set-up and multiple-error measurement system consisting of a spindle-mounted probe and artifacts. Positioning errors caused by both the static geometric errors and thermal effects were eliminated in real-time by a PC based software error compensation scheme integrated with the CNC controller through digital communication. An error reduction of 70% was achieved after error compensation and CNC tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the nutritional and health promoting effects of nutrient mixture (traditional Chinese tonics+nutrient fortification). Methods: ( 1) One hundred and three primigravid women were divided randomly into the test group and the control group treated with nutrient mixture and vitamins respectively and the effects of treatment were observed. ( 2) Effects of nutrient mixture were also observed in pregnant rats. Results: ( 1) Clinical study showed the serum levels of iron, zinc, hemoglobin of the test group were all raised after treatment, and these parameters and the concentration of iron in umbilical cord blood as well as the weight of the new-born baby of the test group were higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). ( 2) Results of the experimental study showed that the food utilization rate, hemoglobin level, fetal growth and developing parameters of the test group were all higher than those of the control group significantly ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion: The nutrient mixture has a good nutritional and health promoting effect on pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus cupping method for treating chronic pharyngitis. Methods: Sixty patients with chronic simple pharyngitis were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty cases in the treatment group were treated by acupuncture plus cupping method and 30 cases in the control group by routine anti-inflammatory and antiviral therapy. The clinical effects were observed in the two groups. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group and 80.0% in the control group. The therapeutic effect was significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus cupping method has a good effect for chronic simple pharyngitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of point injection on post-chemotherapeutic leukopenia. Methods: Three hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the treatment group, 0.6 ml granulocyte colony stimulating factor was injected into bilateral Xuehai (SP 10) and in the control group, the same dose subcutaneously into the deltoid muscle in the upper arm, once daily, three consecutive times as a course of treatment. A peripheral leukocyte count was examined at 3rd, 5th and 7th day after injection. Results and Conclusion: Under three courses of chemotherapy, there was no significant difference in leukocyte increase between the two methods at 3rd and 5th day after treatment but a leukocyte count was significantly higher at 7th day in the treatment group than in the control group ( P<0.05). After over half courses of chemotherapy, a peripheral leukocyte count was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group ( P<0.05) and it did not rise to the normal at 5–7 days after treatment in the control group. It is showed that point injection raised leukocyte quickly and kept the effect long in comparison with subcutaneous injection and the adverse responses were significantly less in the treatment group than in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the curative effect of combined acupuncture and medication on infertility due to seminal abnormality. Method: Thirty-eight patients with seminal abnormality were separately treated by acupuncture and traditional Chinese medications (“Erxian Decoction”) plus Clomiphene. Results and Conclusion: The total effective rate was 96.0% in the acupuncture plus traditional Chinese medication group (26 cases) and 66.7% in the acupuncture and western medication groups (12 cases). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference ( P<0.05). The cure rate and the pregnancy rate were 38.5% and 30.8% respectively in the acupuncture and traditional Chinese medication group. Both of them were higher than 8.3% and 8.3% in the acupuncture and western medication group respectively, but there were no statistically significant differences. In the two groups of patients, seminal volume, liquefaction time and viscosity and spermatozoal density, death rate and one-hour survival rate took a significant turn for the better after treatment as compared with before treatment ( P<0.05). In the acupuncture and traditional Chinese medication groups of patients, symptoms markedly improved after treatment as compared with before treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case of a 27-year-old female with pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis. She was admitted to a hospital with a history of chest pain and shortness of breath for several days. The computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed right-sided pneumothorax and multiple cystic lesions in bilateral lung fields with the upper lobe predominant.

A correction to the article "Chromatin regulation by Brg1 underlies heart muscle development and disease," by Calvin T. Hang and colleagues that was published in the previous issue of the journal is presented.