Unraveling the critical role of iron-enriched sludge hydrochar in mediating the Fenton-like oxidation of triclosan

The traditional Fenton system is subject to the low efficiency of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) conversion cycle, with significant attempts made to improve the oxidation efficiency by overcoming this hurdle. In support of this goal, iron-enriched sludge-derived hydrochar was prepared as a high-efficiency catalyst by one-step hydrothermal carbonization and its performance and mechanisms in mediating the oxidation of triclosan were explored in the present study. The hydrochar prepared at 240 °C for 4 h (HC_240-4) had the highest removal of triclosan (97.0%). The removal of triclosan in the HC_240-4/H₂O₂ system was greater than 90% in both acidic and near-neutral environments and remained as high as 83.5% after three cycles, indicating the broad pH applicability and great recycling stability of sludge-derived hydrochar in Fenton-like systems. H₂O₂ was activated by both persistent free radicals (PFRs; 19.7%) and iron (80.3%). The binding of Fe(III) to carboxyl decreased the electron transfer energy from H₂O₂ to Fe(III), making its degradation efficiency 2.6 times greater than that of the conventional Fenton reaction. The study provides a way for iron-enriched sludge utilization and reveals a role for hydrochar in promoting iron cycling and electron transfer in the Fenton reaction.

F³A-GAN: Facial Flow for Face Animation With Generative Adversarial Networks

Formulated as a conditional generation problem, face animation aims at synthesizing continuous face images from a single source image driven by a set of conditional face motion. Previous works mainly model the face motion as conditions with 1D or 2D representation (e.g., action units, emotion codes, landmark), which often leads to low-quality results in some complicated scenarios such as continuous generation and large-pose transformation. To tackle this problem, the conditions are supposed to meet two requirements, i.e., motion information preserving and geometric continuity. To this end, we propose a novel representation based on a 3D geometric flow, termed facial flow, to represent the natural motion of the human face at any pose. Compared with other previous conditions, the proposed facial flow well controls the continuous changes to the face. After that, in order to utilize the facial flow for face editing, we build a synthesis framework generating continuous images with conditional facial flows. To fully take advantage of the motion information of facial flows, a hierarchical conditional framework is designed to combine the extracted multi-scale appearance features from images and motion features from flows in a hierarchical manner. The framework then decodes multiple fused features back to images progressively. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method compared to other state-of-the-art methods.

Semantic Neighborhood-Aware Deep Facial Expression Recognition

Different from many other attributes, facial expression can change in a continuous way, and therefore, a slight semantic change of input should also lead to the output fluctuation limited in a small scale. This consistency is important. However, current Facial Expression Recognition (FER) datasets may have the extreme imbalance problem, as well as the lack of data and the excessive amounts of noise, hindering this consistency and leading to a performance decreasing when testing. In this paper, we not only consider the prediction accuracy on sample points, but also take the neighborhood smoothness of them into consideration, focusing on the stability of the output with respect to slight semantic perturbations of the input. A novel method is proposed to formulate semantic perturbation and select unreliable samples during training, reducing the bad effect of them. Experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed method and state-of-the-art results are reported, getting closer to an upper limit than the state-of-the-art methods by a factor of 30% in AffectNet, the largest in-the-wild FER database by now.

Biological characteristics of heat shock protein 90 in human liver cancer cells

Primary hepatic cancer refers to a malignant tumor that enables lethal cancero-metastasis. And hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a most common cancer, accounting for around 75% of all cases. However, effective screening and diagnostic methods of HCC are limited currently. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a sensitive biomarker, is found marked elevation in various malignancies. Thus, potential association between HSP90 expression and pathological onset of HCC is needed to be investigated. In current human study, plasma samples of advanced HCC patients were collected for biochemical assays, and cancer, non-cancer tissues from biopsy were stained immunohistochemically. In cell culture study, a human HepG2 cell line was subjected to a group of assays followed by HSP90 and inhibitor treatments. As results, the clinical data of HCC patients resulted in abnormal altered levels of serous molecules when compared to diagnostical references. However, these enzymatic changes showed no statistical significance. Significantly, plasma contents of HSP90 in HCC patients were elevated in comparison with those in HCC-free adults (P<0.01). As shown in immunofluorescence stains, hepatocellular HSP90-labeled cells in alpha fetoprotein (AFP)-positive and negative HCC sections were obviously expressed. In cell culture data, HSP90-induced HepG2 cells resulted in increased cell proliferation, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-positive cells (P<0.05). In addition, HSP90 inhibitor-treated HepG2 cells showed effectively reduced cell growth, and PCNA-, Bcl-2-positive cell counts. Taken together, our current findings demonstrate that hepatocellular HSP90 may be positively involved in development of HCC, and it is likely a potential biomarker for monitoring advanced HCC.

[Establishment and evaluation of a new method for determining hemodynamics of pulmonary hypertension rats]

Objective: By evaluating the hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output (CO), right ventricular pressure (RVP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and total pulmonary resistance index (TPRI) in pulmonary hypertension rat model, we established a more comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation system, which objectively evaluated the severity of disease and exercise tolerance in rats with pulmonary hypertension. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a model group with 5 rats in each group. The model group was intraperitoneally injected with SU5416 (20 mg/kg) and placed in an oxygen chamber at a 10% oxygen concentration for 21 days and then placed in a normoxic environment for 14 days. After modeling, rats were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. The operator cut the skin along the right paraxial line, detached and ligated the intercostal artery, and then cut off the 3 and 4 ribs, exposing the heart and freeing aortic root about 0.2 cm. The flowmeter probe was set in the dissected aortic segment, and real-time recording time, blood flow waveforms, cardiac output were calculated accordingly. Then the needle attached to the baroreceptor was inserted into the right ventricle and the system acquired the right ventricular time-pressure waveform. After the waveform stabilized for about 30 seconds, the end of the cannula was sent to the pulmonary artery trunk through the entrance of the pulmonary artery to record the time-pressure curve of the pulmonary artery. Results: RVSP, PASP, PADP and mPAP in the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group [ RVSP(23.4±5.4) mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa vs (56.4±13.0) mmHg, PASP (22.8±4.4) mmHg vs (58.5±14.9) mmHg, PADP (9.7±1.9) mmHg vs (30.3±7.0) mmHg, mPAP (14.1±2.7) mmHg vs (41.9±8.0) mmHg, all P<0.05 ]. Compared with the control group, the cardiac index in the model group was significantly lower [ CI (0.54±0.08) ml·min(-1)·g(-1) vs (0.40±0.09) ml·min(-1)·g(-1,) P=0.02 ]. Furthermore, compared with the control group, pulmonary vascular resistance index was significantly increased in the model group[PVRI (0.27±0.03) mmHg·ml(-1)·min(-1)·kg(-1) vs (0.06±0.01) mmHg·ml(-1)·min(-1)·kg(-1,) P<0.05]. The pathological results also showed that the middle part of pulmonary arterioles in the model group had muscular hypertrophy and muscular pulmonary arterioles, and even plexiform lesions. Conclusion: In this study, we established a new method that simultaneously determined several hemodynamic parameters such as RVSP, PASP, PADP, CO, CI and PVRI, which provided a more comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic changes in pulmonary hypertension rat models.

[Method for recording tension changes of small pulmonary artery and vein using the isolated vessel tension measurement system]

Objective: To establish a standardized method for isolated pulmonary artery and vein rings with different diameter, pressure and length, which could provide a more scientific method for in vitro study of pulmonary vessel diseases. Methods: Male SD rats were anesthetized, and the right ventricular systolic pressure were measured. Small pulmonary artery and vein rings with 200-400 μm in diameter and 2 mm in length were prepared by dissecting pulmonary arteries and veins. The pulmonary vessel rings were mounted in the organ bath by 2 stainless steel wires with diameter of 40 μm. Then the internal circumference of the vessel rings was increased gradually with 100 μm per step. At the same time the vascular tension was recorded by the Myograph System and Acknowledgement data acquisition system, and subsequently the passive length-tension exponential curve was made. The initial tension of the rings was set, equilibrated for another 30 min, and then stimulated with 60 mmol/L KCl 3 times, and the best contractile reactivity was achieved. The contractile reactivity of pulmonary artery rings and endothelial integrity were detected by exposure to 1 μmol/L phenylephrine(PE) and 10 μmol/L acetylcholine(Ach), while the contractile reactivity of pulmonary vein rings was detected by exposure to 1 μmol/L U46619 and 10 μmol/L papaverine. Results: The contraction and relaxation effects of the pulmonary artery rings reached 0.39 mg and 92% when they were stimulated by 1 μmol/L PE and 10 μmol/L Ach. The contraction and relaxation effects of pulmonary vein rings were up to 0.13 mg and 84% when they were exposed to 1 μmol/L U46619 and 10 μmol/L papaverine, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary artery and vein rings with appropriate basal tension and optimal vasodilator activity were prepared, and a standardized method of tension experiment for isolated pulmonary artery and vein rings established.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome caused by valproic acid as a monotherapy for epilepsy: First case report in Asian population

Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum antiseizure drug used for a variety of clinical conditions, such as epilepsy and mood disorders. Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS) accompanied by hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated aminotransferase has never been reported as an adverse effect of VPA monotherapy during titration for epilepsy in Asian population. Hereby, we present the case of a 73-year-old Chinese male who suffered from DRESS and other complications two weeks after initiating VPA treatment for epilepsy. Understanding the risk associated with VPA-induced DRESS, and taking effective measures to avoid the severe side effects are necessary.

Critical behavior of the two-dimensional Ising model with a slit

The two-dimensional Ising model with a slit is studied. The slit free energy is defined, in which the bulk term, edge terms, and corner terms other than that of the slit are canceled. The bond propagation algorithm is used to calculate the free energy, internal energy, and heat capacity numerically. At the critical point, the slit free energy has a logarithmic correction L^{-1}lnL, in addition to the correction lnL, where L is the typical length of the system. The fitted coefficients of these terms agree with the conformal field theory very well. The integral constant and extrapolation length, which are pending in the conformal field theory, are obtained. In the slit internal energy, the leading term is proportional to L. There is a correction term, ln^{2}L, that has a geometry-independent coefficient, the exact value of which is conjectured to be -sqrt[2]/(2π^{2}). The leading term in the slit heat capacity is proportional to L^{2}. There is also a ln^{2}L term; however, its coefficient depends on the geometry. In the infinitely long strip limit, its exact value is conjectured to be 5/π^{2}. Near the critical point, for different size lattices, the rescaled slit free energies, internal energies, and heat capacities collapse onto the corresponding universal curves. According to the scaling and conformal field theory, the leading term of the slit free energy should be -c/8ln|t| for L|t|≫1 and |t|≪1, where t is the reduced temperature. The amplitude c/8 is universal, and c is the central charge. Our results validate these predictions qualitatively. For L|t|≫1 and |t|≪1, the slit internal energy and heat capacity scale as t^{-1} and t^{-2}, respectively.

Knockdown of Immature Colon Carcinoma Transcript 1 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Non-small cell lung cancer, as the most frequent type lung cancer, has lower survival rate of 5 years, despite improvements in surgery and chemotherapy. Previous studies showed immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 is closely related to tumorigenesis of human cancer cells. In the present study, we found immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues using Oncomine database mining, and the biological effect of immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 was investigated in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines 95D and A549. Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference was used to knock down immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 expression in 95D and A549 cells in vitro, and the knockdown efficiency was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. Knockdown of immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 significantly suppressed non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and colony formation ability confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was applied to measure cell cycle arrest, and the result showed the cell cycle arrested in G₂/M phase in 95D cells and arrested in G₀/G₁ phase in A549 cells. Furthermore, we measured the levels of cell cycle-associated proteins by Western blot analysis and found immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 -mediated cell proliferation inhibition appeared due to downregulation of cell cycle activator cyclin D1 and upregulation of cell cycle inhibitor p21. In addition, immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 silencing significantly induced non-small cell lung cancer cell apoptosis by annexin V/7-amino-actinomycin D double-staining assay. All our data suggest that immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 may play an important role for non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and could be a potential molecular target for diagnosing and treating human non-small cell lung cancer.

Critical phenomena of a single defect

We consider the critical system with a point defect and study the variation of thermodynamic quantities, which are the differences between those with and without the defect. Within renormalization group theory, we show generally that the critical exponent of the internal energy variation is the specific heat exponent of a pure system, and the critical exponent of the heat capacity variation is that for the temperature derivative of specific heat of a pure system. This conclusion is valid for the isotropic systems with a short-range interaction. As an example we solve the two-dimensional Ising model with a point defect numerically. The variations of the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat are calculated with the bond propagation algorithm. At the critical point, the internal energy variation diverges with the lattice size logarithmically and the heat capacity variation diverges with size linearly. Near the critical point, the internal energy variation behaves as ln|t| and the heat capacity variation behaves as |t|^{-1}, where t is the reduced temperature.

Critical two-dimensional Ising model with free, fixed ferromagnetic, fixed antiferromagnetic, and double antiferromagnetic boundaries

The critical two-dimensional Ising model is studied with four types boundary conditions: free, fixed ferromagnetic, fixed antiferromagnetic, and fixed double antiferromagnetic. Using bond propagation algorithms with surface fields, we obtain the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat numerically on square lattices with a square shape and various combinations of the four types of boundary conditions. The calculations are carried out on the square lattices with size N×N and 30<N<1000. The numerical data are analyzed with finite-size scaling. The bulk, edge, and corner terms are extracted very accurately. The exact results are conjectured for the corner logarithmic term in the free energy, the edge logarithmic term in the internal energy, and the corner logarithmic term in the specific heat. The corner logarithmic terms in the free energy agree with the conformal field theory very well.

Shape-dependent finite-size effect of the critical two-dimensional Ising model on a triangular lattice

Using a bond-propagation algorithm, we study the finite-size behavior of the critical two-dimensional Ising model on a finite triangular lattice with free boundaries in five shapes: triangular, rhomboid, trapezoid, hexagonal, and rectangular. The critical free energy, internal energy, and specific heat are calculated. The accuracy of the free energy reaches 10(-26). Based on accurate data on several finite systems with linear size up to N=2000, we extract the bulk, surface, and corner parts of the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat accurately. We confirm the conformal field theory prediction that the corner free energy is universal and find logarithmic corrections in higher-order terms in the critical free energy for the rhomboid, trapezoid, and hexagonal systems, which are absent for the triangular and rectangular systems. The logarithmic edge corrections due to edges parallel or perpendicular to the bond directions in the internal energy are found to be identical, while the logarithmic edge corrections due to corresponding edges in the specific heat are different. The corner internal energy and corner specific heat for angles π/3, π/2, and 2π/3 are obtained, as well as higher-order corrections. Comparing with the corner internal energy and corner specific heat we previously found on a rectangle of the square lattice [Phys. Rev. E 86, 041149 (2012)], we conclude that the corner internal energy and corner specific heat for the rectangular shape are not universal.

Finite-size behavior of the critical Ising model on a rectangle with free boundaries

Using the bond-propagation algorithm, we study the Ising model on a rectangle of size M×N with free boundaries. For five aspect ratios, ρ=M/N=1, 2, 4, 8, and 16, the critical free energy, internal energy and specific heat are calculated. The largest size reached is M×N=64×10(6). The accuracy of the free energy reaches 10(-26). Based on these accurate data, we determine exact expansions of the critical free energy, internal energy, and specific heat. With these expansions, we extract the bulk, surface, and corner parts of the free energy, internal energy, and specific heat. The fitted bulk free energy density is given by f(∞)=0.92969539834161021499(1), compared with Onsager's exact result f(∞)=0.929695398341610214985.... We confirm the conformal field theory (CFT) prediction of the corner free energy, in which the central charge of the Ising model is found to be c=0.5±1×10(-10), compared with the CFT result c=0.5. We find that not only the corner free energy but also the corner internal energy and specific heat are geometry independent, i.e., independent of aspect ratio. The implication of this finding for finite-size scaling is discussed. In the second-order correction of the free energy, we confirm the geometry dependence predicted by CFT and determine a geometry-independent constant beyond CFT. High-order corrections are also obtained.

Isolation and characterization of Aeromonas schubertii from diseased snakehead, Channa maculata (Lacepède)

Pure bacterial cultures were isolated from diseased snakeheads, Channa maculata (Lacepède), suffering high mortality in a farm in Zhongshan, southern China. Three isolates, namely ZS20100725, ZS20100725-1 and ZS20100725-2, were identified as Aeromonas schubertii. All the isolates showed high 16S rRNA sequence similarities with A. schubertii. The isolates exhibited strong virulence to snakeheads in experimental challenges with LD(50) ranging between 1.4 × 10(4) and 6.4 × 10(6) CFU g(-1). Two of the isolates were positive for haemolysin, elastase, lipase and lecithinase by phenotypic determination, which was further confirmed by PCR amplification of the haemolysin and elastase genes. In sterile liquid medium, the best growth conditions of strain ZS20100725 were 30 °C, pH 7 and 0.5% salinity (w/v). Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that strain ZS20100725 was susceptible to cefoxitin, cefoperazone and chloramphenicol. Furthermore, histopathology of diseased snakeheads infected with A. schubertii showed necrosis and congestion in liver, kidney and spleen and also damage to the cardiac muscle, intestine and gills.

[Clinical efficacy observation on primary trigeminal neuralgia treated with joint needling method at the trigger point]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy on primary trigeminal neuralgia treated with joint needling method at the trigger point.

METHODS

One hundred and three cases of primary trigeminal neuralgia were divided into a joint needling group (53 cases) and a conventional needling group (50 cases) according to the visit sequence. In the joint needling group, the joint needling method was used at the trigger point in the mandibular joint [the positive point near to Xiaguan (ST 7)]; the conventional needling was used at Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), Taichong (LR 3) and Neiting (ST 44). In the conventional needling group, Xiaguan (ST 7) and Fengchi (GB 20) were used and the supplementary acupoints were selected according to the involved branches of trigeminal nerve. The conventional needling method was used. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the score of trigeminal neuralgia were adopted to assess the pain severity and the comprehensive symptoms before treatment and after the 1st and 2nd sessions of treatment separately. The efficacy was assessed.

RESULTS

After the 1st and 2nd sessions of treatment, VAS score and the comprehensive symptom score were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in either group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The score reducing in the joint needling group was much superior to that in the conventional needling group (both P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.6% (48/53) and 72. 0% (36/50) in the joint needling group and the conventional needling group respectively. The effect in the joint needling group was better than that in the conventional needling group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The joint needling method at the trigger point achieves the significant efficacy on primary trigeminal neuralgia, which is superior to that with the conventional needling method.

Quantitative assessment of the influence of paraoxonase 1 activity and coronary heart disease risk

Human paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a calcium-dependent high-density lipoprotein associated ester hydrolase that has attracted considerable attention as a candidate factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) based on its function as a key factor in lipoprotein catabolism pathways. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the inconsistency of published studies and to establish a comprehensive picture of the relationship between PON1 activity and CHD susceptibility. A systematic search was performed from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CNKI databases. Ratio of means (RoM) between case and control and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The source of heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. We identified 47 eligible studies including a total of 9853 CHD cases and 11,408 controls. The pooled analysis showed that CHD patients had a 19% lower PON1 activity than did the controls (RoM=0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.89, p<10(-5)). In the subgroup analyses by CHD end points, a similar effect size was observed with coronary stenosis and myocardial infarction subgroups, with corresponding RoM of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.89, p<10(-4)) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74-0.93, p=0.001), respectively. Decreased PON1 activity associated with CHD risk was observed in almost all subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, sample size, study design, mean age of cases, source, and type of control. Decreased PON1 activity may act as a risk factor for the development of CHD. Progressive decrease in serum PON1 activity may exist for an individual with severe disease. However, larger studies using a prospective approach are needed to confirm our results.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in the spinal cord in rats with chronic constrictive injury]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes of amino acid neurotransmitter contents in the lumbar spinal cord after electroacupuncture (EA) in rats with neuropathic pain so as to study its spinal mechanism underlying pain relief.

METHODS

Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control, sham surgery, model and EA groups (n=10). Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) (neuropathic pain) model was duplicated by ligature of the right sciatic nerve with a piece of catgut. EA (1-3 mA, 2 Hz) was applied to "Huantiao" (GB 30) and "Weizhong" (BL 40) on the injured side for 30 minutes, once a day for 7 days. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were measured before and after CCI, and after EA intervention. Concentrations of glutamate (Glu), aspartate (Asp), glutamine (Gln), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glycine (Gly) and taurine (Tau) in the lumbar spinal cord (L4-6) were detected by O-phthaladehyde derivatization + high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, both the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of the model group were decreased significantly on day 10 and day 16 after CCI (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the EA group on day 16 after CCI were upregulated strikingly (P < 0.01). In comparison with the control group, Glu, Asp, Gin and GABA levels in the lumbar spinal cord were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while Gly and Tau levels in the lumbar spinal cord were markedly lower in the model group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the model group, spinal Glu, Asp, and Gin contents were downregulated significantly in the EA group (P < 0.01), while Gly, GABA and Tau levels were upregulated obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the control and sham surgery groups in the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds, and in the spinal Glu, Asp, GIn, GABA, Gly and Tau levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA of GB 30 and BL 40 may alleviate neuropathic pain in CCI rats, which is closely with its effects in reducing the release of excitatory amino acids and promoting the release of inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters.

Association between carbamazepine-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions and the HLA-B*1502 allele among patients in central China

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) and the HLA-B*1502 allele among patients from central China. Eight patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), 28 with mild maculopapular eruptions (MPEs), 50 CBZ-tolerant controls, and 71 healthy volunteers were recruited. HLA genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (SBT) method. As a result, the HLA-B*1502 allele was observed at the following rates: (1) 100% (8/8) among those with CBZ-induced SJS/TEN, (2) 10.7% (3/28) among those with CBZ-induced MPEs; (3) 8.0% (4/50) among CBZ-tolerant controls; (4) 8.5% (6/71) among healthy volunteers. The eight patients with SJS/TEN positive for the HLA-B*1502 allele had an odds ratio (OR) of 184 compared with CBZ-tolerant controls. There was no significant difference in frequency between patients with MPEs and CBZ-tolerant controls (P>0.05). Thus, CBZ-induced SJS/TEN, but not MPEs, is strongly associated with HLA-B*1502. Testing for HLA-B*1502 should be recommended for patients from central China prior to initial CBZ treatment.

Homogeneous and inhomogeneous phase transitions in the Blume-Capel model with random bonds

Using mean field approximation, we investigate the Blume-Capel model with random bond. The system is self-organized into blocks, which behave like superspins and are coupled with their neighbors. The methods to search the elementary blocks and calculate their coupling are proposed. For the strongly disordered case, the coupling distribution is exponential and the phase transition should be inhomogeneous. This physical picture should be common in various phase transition in quenched disordered systems.

Interpenetration in [Cd(isonicotinate)2(1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethane)0.5(H2O)]n, a novel octahedral polymer containing an unusual two-dimensional bilayer motif generated by self-assembly of rectangle building blocks

A hydrothermally synthesized mixed-ligand molecular solid composed of pillared bilayers has been formulated; it presents a new remarkable three-dimensional architecture sustained by the catenation of two-fold decked layers, and exhibits intense photoluminescence upon photoexcitation at 314 nm.

High resolution spectral analysis of 13CH3OH in the excited torsional states

In this work, we have extended our previous analysis of the Hamiltonian of 13C substituted methanol to include a large number of spectral lines involving the second excited torsional state using an improved model. The data set consisted of 2529 Fourier transform and microwave transitions with the rotational angular momentum J < or = 10, K < or = 6 and n < or = 2 (with 336 MW lines). The data set was fitted with the new Hamiltonian model to derive the molecular parameters. The results indicate that the model developed for the other methanol species (CH3OH, CH3(18)OH and CH3OD) is also valid for the C-13 substituted species. The results will allow the energy levels of the molecule to be calculated for higher torsional levels above the internal rotational barrier with improved precision and allow the analysis to be carried out for more excited torsional states.

[An experimental study and preliminary clinical report of shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing internal fixator]

The sawtooth-arm internal embracing fixator is made of Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy and consists of 3 components: body, arms and sawteeth. In cross section a 2/3 circumference is constructed by body and arms of the fixator. The free ends of the arms which exceed the semi-circle are bent more medially so that it can match the requirement of fixation of long tubular bone whose cross section is not a regular circle. The embracing fixator has two types: the cylinder type is for use in the middle part and the cone type is either for the proximal or distal 1/3 of the shaft of long tubular bone. The animal experimental studies and in vitro mechanical tests demonstrated that the embracing fixator possesses good anti-bending and anti-torsion effects, and its resisting compression effect was much lower than that of bone plate. These characteristics are beneficial for enhancing fracture healing, reducing post fixation osteoporosis and providing a new, simple and effective method for the treatment of long tubular bone fracture. The fixator has already been used in the treatment of fractures of femur, humerus, radius and ulna with good results.