Hitomi X-ray studies of Giant Radio Pulses from the Crab pulsar.

To search for giant X-ray pulses correlated with the giant radio pulses (GRPs) from the Crab pulsar, we performed a simultaneous observation of the Crab pulsar with the X-ray satellite Hitomi in the 2 - 300 keV band and the Kashima NICT radio observatory in the 1.4 - 1.7 GHz band with a net exposure of about 2 ks on 25 March 2016, just before the loss of the Hitomi mission. The timing performance of the Hitomi instruments was confirmed to meet the timing requirement and about 1,000 and 100 GRPs were simultaneously observed at the main and inter-pulse phases, respectively, and we found no apparent correlation between the giant radio pulses and the X-ray emission in either the main or inter-pulse phases. All variations are within the 2 sigma fluctuations of the X-ray fluxes at the pulse peaks, and the 3 sigma upper limits of variations of main- or inter-pulse GRPs are 22% or 80% of the peak flux in a 0.20 phase width, respectively, in the 2 - 300 keV band. The values become 25% or 110% for main or inter-pulse GRPs, respectively, when the phase width is restricted into the 0.03 phase. Among the upper limits from the Hitomi satellite, those in the 4.5-10 keV and the 70-300 keV are obtained for the first time, and those in other bands are consistent with previous reports. Numerically, the upper limits of main- and inter-pulse GRPs in the 0.20 phase width are about (2.4 and 9.3) ×10-11 erg cm-2, respectively. No significant variability in pulse profiles implies that the GRPs originated from a local place within the magnetosphere and the number of photon-emitting particles temporally increases. However, the results do not statistically rule out variations correlated with the GRPs, because the possible X-ray enhancement may appear due to a > 0.02% brightening of the pulse-peak flux under such conditions.

Hemoglobin A1c predicts hemorrhagic transformation and poor outcomes after acute anterior stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke that is potentially related to clinical deterioration. The objective of this study was to assess whether chronic hyperglycemia is a predictive factor of HT in patients with acute anterior stroke. METHODS: Patients with acute anterior stroke were included in this study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured in the morning after hospitalization. HT was detected by computed tomography scans or gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging performed 4 (±2) days after onset. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risks for HT and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 426 patients included, 93 (21.8%) had HT: 61 (14.3%) presented with hemorrhagic infarction and 32 (7.5%) presented with parenchymal hematoma. A total of 54 patients received thrombolytic treatment and 18 (33.3%) were found to have HT. In the multivariate analysis, HbA1c [odds ratio (OR), 1.294; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.097-1.528], infarction size (OR, 3.358; 95% CI, 1.748-6.449) and thrombolytic therapy (OR, 3.469; 95% CI, 1.757-6.847) were predictors of HT. The predictive effect of HbA1c on HT was still observed in both groups when patients were stratified according to the levels of fasting blood glucose. HbA1c was found to be a predictor of poor outcomes in the multilogistic regression analysis (OR, 1.482; 95% CI, 1.228-1.788). CONCLUSIONS: Higher HbA1c was independently related to HT and poor neurological outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke. These findings have significant implications for the treatment of diabetes and glucose management in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or acute ischaemic stroke.

[Characteristics of acute myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection in young female patients].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of acute myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection(SCAD) in young female patients. Methods: In this casecontrolstudy,127 young(≤55 years) female patients with acute myocardial infarction onset within 1 week in Nanjing first hospital, Xuzhou central hospital, affiliated hospital of Xuzhou medical university, and Lianyungang first people's hospital were enrolled between January 2013 and February 2017,and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. According to their clinical manifestations and coronary angiography(CAG) results,the patients were divided into coronary atherosclerosis disease(CAD) group(CAG evidenced atherosclerosis, n=83) and SCAD group(CAG detected coronary artery dissection,n=44).The SCAD patients were subdivided into definite group (the results affirmed from intravenous ultrasound or optical coherence tomography, n=21) and probable group (the CAG results highly confirmed to characteristics of SCAD,but no intravenous ultrasound or optical coherence tomography image affirmation,n=23). Then, according to the different treatment strategies, the SCAD patients were subdivided into conservative treatment group(treated with drugs,n=19) and interventional therapy group(treated with percutaneous coronary intervention,n=25). Results: (1)Compared to CAD group, patients in the SCAD group had less risk factors, such as hypertension history (25.0% (11/44) vs. 45.8% (38/83) , P=0.022) and diabetes history (6.8% (3/44) vs. 21.7% (18/83) , P=0.043),and had lower levels of fasting blood glucose (5.34(4.59,5.87) mmol/L vs. 7.12(5.18,8.60)mmol/L, P=0.001),total cholesterol((3.94±1.14) mmol/L vs. (4.91±1.50) mmol/L, P=0.001),triglyceride(1.42 (0.91,1.64) mmol/L vs. 1.89 (1.23,2.45) mmol/L, P=0.005),and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ((2.24±0.91) mmol/L vs. (2.94±1.16) mmol/L, P=0.001),CAG results showed that patients in the SCAD group had more single vessel lesion (88.6% (39/44) vs. 39.8% (33/83) , P=0.001), and their target lesion stenosis was less severe ( (79.2±22.4) % vs. (91.5±12.1) %, P=0.001). (2) The clinical risk factors such as hypertension history, diabetes history, smoking history, family history of cardiology disease, fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar between definite group and probable group (all P>0.05). CAG results showed that prevalence of single vessel lesion (100% (21/21) vs. 78.3% (18/23) , P=0.050) and percent of target lesion stenosis ( (76.9±20.6) % vs. (81.2±24.1) %, P=0.529) were similar between definite group and probable group.(3)There were no significant difference in single vessel(84.0% (21/25) vs. 94.7% (18/19) , P=0.370), target lesion stenosis(85.0(70.0,100.0)% vs. 75.0(50.0,90.0)%, P=0.186),and survival rates in hospital(96.0% (24/25) vs. 100% (19/19) , P=1.000) between interventional therapy group and conservative treatment group. Conclusions: Prevalence of SCAD is highin young female patients with acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction patients with less risk factors of CAD and with CAG showing smooth lesion of narrowing segment and normal finding in the other vessels, are more likely to be diagnosed with SCAD.Acute myocardial infarction patients caused by SCAD have high survival rate either receiving percutaneous coronary intervention or drug treatment.

[Bilateral maxillary bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case report].

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), as one serious side-effect of bisphosphonate therapy, has been known for more than ten years since it was first reported in 2003. In the majority of the cases, BRONJ occurs more commonly in the mandible. Those involving the maxilla are relatively few. This paper reported a case that a patient with multiple myeloma developed bilateral maxillary BRONJ after tooth extraction. The patient had used bisphosphonates for more than three years, meanwhile with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The patient recovered completely after surgical treatment, in combination with diabetes disease control and antibiotics application. Two key factors to ensure the success of surgical treatment are as follows: sufficient removal of infected and necrotic tissue, and good blood-supply for the local flap to help completely close the wound. The literature was reviewed to analyze the reasons why bone necrosis related to bisphosphonates was most likely to occur in the jaw, especially in the mandible, according to the pathogenesis of this disease. Furthermore, the related risk factors of BRONJ presented in this case were discussed, such as tooth extraction, oral infection and diabetes mellitus, etc. We summarized adjuvant prophylaxes for prevention of BRONJ after tooth extraction, for example, drug holiday that could be used in the dental clinic. This case report reminds us that it's of great importance to establish the awareness that the osteonecrosis of the jaw may be related to the use of some bone-stabilizers. As for patients with a history of exposure to antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents, dentists are supposed to be cautious. It's recommended to take appropriate measures in perioperative period of oral surgical treatment to prevent BRONJ.

[Size exclusionchromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for measuring the stability of cadmium telluridequantum dots].

Objective: To investigate the peak time and peak area of elements in cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) using size exclusion chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, as well as the biological stability of CdTe QDs in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Transmission electron microscope and ultraviolet fluorescence were used for characterization and synthesis of water-soluble CdTe QDs, and CdTe QDs were added to double-distilled water, mobile phase, or bovine serum medium to observe the change in stability after different periods of time. CdTe QDs were injected into the vein of mice, and the changes in the morphology of CdTe QDs in serum and the liver were measured at 1, 24, and 72 hours after exposure. Size exclusion chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography was used for the elution of the compounds in the solution based on their volume, and then inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed for the eluent. The flow time of (114)Cd and (130)Te and molar ratio were used for qualitative analysis of CdTe QDs, and the peak area was used to judge whether CdTe QDs were degraded. Results: CdTe QDs were diluted to a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L with double-distilled water and then placed in a dark place at room temperature; CdTe QDs were completely degraded after 60 minutes. CdTe QDs were diluted to a concentration of 0.005 mmol/L with a mobile phase, and the peak of CdTe QDs was not detected. After CdTe QDs were placed in a dark place at room temperature for 48 hours at a concentration of 0.005 mmol/L in bovine serum mediumin vitro, the peak area of (114)Cd was 6179841-7346084, and the peak area of (130)Te was 1077913-1191066. CdTe QDs had the highest peak area at 1 hour after exposure, and the peak areas of (114)Cd and (130)Te were 18183894 and 25187987, respectively. CdTe QDs were quickly degraded in the liver; at 1 hour after exposure, the degradation products of CdTe QDs containing Cd were observed in liver tissue homogenate, and CdTe QDs were largely degradedat 24 hours. Conclusion: This method can be used to investigate the biological stability of CdTe QDs. CdTe QDs are degraded in the liver and produce Cd(2+), which may cause toxic reaction.

[Screening of serum biomarkers by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure].

Objective: To investigate the screening of serum biomarkers in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). Methods: Gel electrophoresis was used to isolate and remove high-abundant proteins. Each group of peptides was labeled by the iTRAQ reagents and then tested with an UltiMateTM 3000 nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatograph, and a Q-Exactive tandem mass spectrometer. The Protein Discovery software was used to analyze mass spectrometry data and perform bioinformatic analysis for differentially expressed proteins. Results: Ten samples each were included in the HBV-ACLF group and the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) group, and six samples each were included in the HBV-ACLF survival group and the HBV-ACLF death group. Compared with the CHB group, the HBV-ACLF group had 43 differentially expressed proteins, among which 34 were downregulated and 9 were upregulated. Compared with the HBV-ACLF survival group, the HBV-ACLF death group had 33 differentially expressed proteins, among which 18 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Conclusion: Keratin,α1-acid glycoprotein, and zinc-α2-glycoprotein identified in the serum may be used as potential biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF.

Inhibitory effect of components from Streptomyces species on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amilase of different origin.

The search for the effective and safe a-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitors from Actinomycetaceae being antidiabetic agents is actual problem. Twenty one Streptomyces spp. of soil samples collected from different places of China were screened for the ability to produce this kind of inhibitory activities. Fermentation broth of isolated strains had absorbance between 350-190 nm. The Streptomyces strains PW003, ZG636, and ZG731 were characterized by special absorption at 280, 275, and 400 nm, respectively. Ten of the collected actinomycete strains had the ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase or/and alpha-amylase and the fermentation broth of the same strain had inhibitory activity varied greatly depending on the enzyme source. In the process to screen the leading compounds used as antidiabetic agents, human alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase were revealed as the best used in trail compared with the same enzymes from other sources. Active alpha-glucosidase inhibitor was isolated from Streptomyces strain PW638 fermentation broth and identified as acarviostatin 103 by MS and N MR spectrometry. Its IC50 value was 1.25 and 12.23 microg/mL against human intestinal N-terminal maltase-glucoamylase and human pancreatic alpha-amylase, respectively.

[Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction promotes neural stem cell self-renewal and activates Shh signaling in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction (ZJJ) on Shh signaling and self-renewal of neural stem cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression. METHODS: Diabetic rat models with depression were randomly divided into model group, positive drug (metformin + fluoxetine) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJJ groups (n=16), with normal SD rats as the control group. The positive drugs and ZJJ were administered by gavage, and the rats in the control and model groups were given distilled water. After the treatment, blood glucose level was detected using test strips, and behavioral changes of the rats were assessed by forced swimming test and water maze test. ELISA was used to examine the serum level of leptin; The expressions of nestin and Brdu proteins in the dentate gyrus of the rats were detected using immunofluorescence assay, and the expressions of self-renewal marker proteins and Shh signaling proteins were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: The diabetic rats with depression showed significantly increased levels of blood glucose and leptin (P < 0.01) and prolonged immobility time in forced swimming test (P < 0.01) and increased stage climbing time with reduced stage seeking time and stage crossings in water maze test (P < 0.01). The expressions of nestin and Brdu in the dentate gyrus, the expressions of cyclin D1, SOX2, Shh, Ptch1, Smo in the hippocampus and the nuclear expression of Gli-1 were decreased (P < 0.01) while hippocampal Gli-3 expression was increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the rat models. Treatment of rat models with high-dose ZJJ significantly reduced the blood glucose (P < 0.01) and leptin level (P < 0.05) and improved their performance in behavioral tests (P < 0.01). The treatment also obviously increased the expressions of nestin, Brdu, cyclin D1, SOX2, Shh, Ptch1, and Smo and the nuclear expression of Gli-1 in the dentate gyrus (P < 0.01) and reduced hippocampal expression of Gli-3 (P < 0.05) in the rat models. CONCLUSION: ZJJ can significantly improve the self-renewal ability of neural stem cells and activate Shh signaling in dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression.

Understanding the Complex Interactions between Coffee, Tea Intake and Neurologically Relevant Tissues Proteins in the Development of Anxiety and Depression.

OBJECTIVES: Coffee and tea intake might be associated with psychiatry diseases. However, it is unclear whether the effect of coffee/tea on anxiety and depression depending on the different types of proteins. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING: Our datasets were downloaded from online. PARTICIPANTS: Phenotypic and genotypic data for coffee intake(N=376,196) and tea intake (N=376,078) were derived from UK Biobank. GWAS data of proteins (N=1,537) from neurologically relevant tissues (brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma) were obtained from a recently published study. MEASUREMENTS: Multivariate linear analysis was then used to evaluate the potential interaction effect between coffee/tea intake and proteins polygenetic risk score (PRS) on the risks of anxiety and depression controlling for age, sex, Townsend deprivation index (TDI), smoke, drinking and education level. RESULTS: 34 coffee intake-proteins interactions and 15 tea intake-proteins interactions were observed in anxiety individuals, such as coffee intake-c-Jun interaction (ß=0.0169, P=4.131×10-3), coffee intake-Fas interaction (ß=-0.0190, P=8.132×10-4), tea intake-sL-Selectin interaction (ß=0.0112, P=5.412×10-3) and tea intake-IL-1F6 (ß=0.0083, P=4.471×10-2). 25 coffee intake-proteins and 14 tea intake-proteins interactions were observed in depression individuals, including coffee intake- IL-1 sRI (ß=0.0171, P=4.888×10-3) and coffee intake-NXPH1 interaction (ß=0.0156, P=9.819×10-3), tea intake-COLEC12 interaction (ß=0.0127, P=3.280×10-3), and tea intake-Layilin interaction (ß=0.0117, P=7.926×10-3). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested the important role of multiple proteins in neurologically relevant tissues in the associations between coffee/tea intake and psychiatry diseases, providing entry points to explore the mechanisms underlying anxiety and depression.

Distribution of human leucocyte antigen-A, -B and -DR alleles and haplotypes at high resolution in the population from Jiangsu province of China.

The frequencies of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles and haplotypes were statistically analysed among 3238 donors from Chinese Marrow Donor Program (CMDP) Jiangsu Branch. All donors were typed using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) method or polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-rSSOP) method. As a result, a total of 46 A, 85 B and 51 DRB1 alleles were found in Jiangsu population. The first three frequent alleles in HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 loci respectively were A*11:01(16.52%), A*24:02(15.10%) and A*02:01(13.02%); B*13:02(11.60%), B*46:01(8.89%) and B*58:01(7.12%); and DRB1*07:01(15.78%), DRB1*09:01(15.26%) and DRB1*15:01(9.76%). The top two frequent A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were A*30:01-B*13:02-DRB1*07:01(8.87%) and A*02:07-B*46:01-DRB1*09:01(2.79%); the top three A-B haplotypes were A*33:03-B*58:01-DRB1*03:01(2.59%), A*30:01-B*13:02(9.92%) and A*33:03-B*58:01(5.48%); the top two B-DRB1 haplotypes were B*13:02-DRB1*07:01(10.23%) and B*46:01-DRB1*09:01(4.61%); the top two A-DRB1 haplotypes were A*30:01-DRB1*07:01(8.96%) and A*33:03-DRB1*13:02(3.95%). These findings provided useful information in the study of genetics and anthropology in Chinese Han population. It also served as a basic guide for selection of future donors in CMDP Jiangsu Branch.

Microarray data mining: a novel optimization-based approach to uncover biologically coherent structures.

BACKGROUND: DNA microarray technology allows for the measurement of genome-wide expression patterns. Within the resultant mass of data lies the problem of analyzing and presenting information on this genomic scale, and a first step towards the rapid and comprehensive interpretation of this data is gene clustering with respect to the expression patterns. Classifying genes into clusters can lead to interesting biological insights. In this study, we describe an iterative clustering approach to uncover biologically coherent structures from DNA microarray data based on a novel clustering algorithm EP_GOS_Clust. RESULTS: We apply our proposed iterative algorithm to three sets of experimental DNA microarray data from experiments with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and show that the proposed iterative approach improves biological coherence. Comparison with other clustering techniques suggests that our iterative algorithm provides superior performance with regard to biological coherence. An important consequence of our approach is that an increasing proportion of genes find membership in clusters of high biological coherence and that the average cluster specificity improves. CONCLUSION: The results from these clustering experiments provide a robust basis for extracting motifs and trans-acting factors that determine particular patterns of expression. In addition, the biological coherence of the clusters is iteratively assessed independently of the clustering. Thus, this method will not be severely impacted by functional annotations that are missing, inaccurate, or sparse.

Evaluation of normalization and pre-clustering issues in a novel clustering approach: global optimum search with enhanced positioning.

We study the effects on clustering quality by different normalization and pre-clustering techniques for a novel mixed-integer nonlinear optimization-based clustering algorithm, the Global Optimum Search with Enhanced Positioning (EP_GOS_Clust). These are important issues to be addressed. DNA microarray experiments are informative tools to elucidate gene regulatory networks. But in order for gene expression levels to be comparable across microarrays, normalization procedures have to be properly undertaken. The aim of pre-clustering is to use an adequate amount of discriminatory characteristics to form rough information profiles, so that data with similar features can be pre-grouped together and outliers deemed insignificant to the clustering process can be removed. Using experimental DNA microarray data from the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, we study the merits of pre-clustering genes based on distance/correlation comparisons and symbolic representations such as {+, o, -}. As a performance metric, we look at the intra- and inter-cluster error sums, two generic but intuitive measures of clustering quality. We also use publicly available Gene Ontology resources to assess the clusters' level of biological coherence. Our analysis indicates a significant effect by normalization and pre-clustering methods on the clustering results. Hence, the outcome of this study has significance in fine-tuning the EP_GOS_Clust clustering approach.

Taiwanese marine microbenthic algal communities remain similar yet chlorophyll a concentrations rise in mesocosms with elevated CO2 and temperature.

The effects of increasing CO2 concentrations and temperature on microalgal assemblages were examined in Taiwan using mesocosms that simulate coral reef ecosystem. We assessed changes in abundance and diversity of benthic algae grown at 25°C and 28°C, under ambient (~400µatm) and at high CO2 conditions (800-1000µatm). Total alkalinity, pCO2, and the aragonite saturation state, were all significantly different between control and high CO2 treatments in both temperature treatments. Chl a concentration increased significantly in CO2-treated groups at 25°C, but benthic microalgal abundance was not significantly different. The number of microalgal species and the microalgal community structure did not differ between control and CO2-treated groups at both temperatures. Our results suggest that increasing CO2 may boost benthic microalgal primary productivity if sufficient nutrients are available, although site-specific responses are difficult to predict.

Intensive training accelerates the recovery of motor functions following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in MCAO rats.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is the major pathophysiological process in stroke and can cause severe and lasting sequel. However, an intensive exercise training can potentially effect a quick and efficient recovery. We used swimming training on rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) and explore the underlying neuroprotective mechanism(s), including the effects of intensive training on the expression of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and its receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by inserting a thread into the middle cerebral artery of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and randomly dividing into the control group and training groups for different training intensities. The control group and the sham group received no training. All the rats in various groups were further randomly divided into three sub-groups for different postoperative time points (3, 7, and 14 days after operation). The apoptosis and the expression of Sema3A and NRP-1 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-PCR, and Western blotting methods respectively. RESULTS: The intensive training resulted in significant neurological function improvements at all the time points after MCAO, compared to that in the control group (p<0.05), with training group 3 (highest training intensity) showing the most remarkable recovery. The Sema3A and NP-1 expressions were significantly lower than those of the control group at all the time points (p<0.05), with training group 3 having the lowest levels (best recovery). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive training can reduce cerebral damage after ischemia and reperfusion in rats, inhibit the MCAO-induced Sema3A and NRP-1 expression, and accelerate the restoring process of motor nerve functions.

Expression of circulating microRNAs in patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate microRNA expression in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and compare their diagnostic values. METHODS: We assessed 77 STEMI and 21 NSTEMI patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology in Nanjing First Hospital from October 2013 to August 2014, and 23 healthy volunteers were selected at the same time. Serum miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-499-5p were measured by using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the concentration of serum cTnI was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. RESULTS: The level of miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-499-5p were significantly higher in both STEMI and NSTEMI patients compared to healthy volunteers (P<0.05), and were also considerably increased in the early phase (the first 4 hours) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-499-5p can be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Invited Article: First flight in space of a wide-field-of-view soft x-ray imager using lobster-eye optics: Instrument description and initial flight results.

We describe the development, launch into space, and initial results from a prototype wide field-of-view soft X-ray imager that employs lobster-eye optics and targets heliophysics, planetary, and astrophysics science. The sheath transport observer for the redistribution of mass is the first instrument using this type of optics launched into space and provides proof-of-concept for future flight instruments capable of imaging structures such as the terrestrial cusp, the entire dayside magnetosheath from outside the magnetosphere, comets, the Moon, and the solar wind interaction with planetary bodies like Venus and Mars [Kuntz et al., Astrophys. J. (in press)].

Species of copper and zinc in sediments collected from the antarctic ocean and the Taiwan Erhjin Chi coastal area.

The species of copper and zinc, such as bioexchangeable, skeletal, easily reducible (Fe and Mn oxides), moderately reducible (crystalline Mn oxide), organic combined with sulfides, and detritus with minerals, in mud and sand, separated from the surface Antarctic Ocean and the Taiwan Erhjin Chi coastal (including river and estuarine) sediments, have been analyzed by sequential leaching methods. Results show that in the Antarctic Ocean sediments, high concentrations of total copper (128 mg/kg) and zinc (458 mg/kg) were found in the high mud (99.09%) content samples compared with the low concentrations of total copper (83.8 mg/kg) and zinc (288 mg/kg) in low mud (51.69%) content samples. High concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese and iron are possibly due to the characteristics of manganese nodules, in which the species of copper and zinc are mainly contained in the crystalline Mn oxide phase. In the Taiwan Erhjin Chi coastal sediments, the total copper and zinc concentrations in mud and sand vary with season and location. High values were generally observed in the river sediments during the dry season, and low values were in the estuarine and coastal sediments during the heavy rainy season. High percentages of copper (as high as 49.4%) and zinc (as high as 76.7%) in mud and sand were in the bioexchangeable phase including the skeletal phase. This result might be correlated with the problems arising from human impact on copper and zinc as well as sewage pollution in Taiwan. In the organic combined phase, biogenic particulate matter related to higher primary productivity in the Antarctic Ocean is also discussed.

Mussel watch: a review of Cu and other metals in various marine organisms in Taiwan, 1991-98.

This study presents the distribution of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg and As in various marine organisms collected along the western coast of Taiwan from 1991 to 1998, and also evaluates the time variation of Cu in oysters before (1980-85) and after (1986-98) the "green oyster" incident. The results show that relatively high geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were generally found in Crassostrea gigas (Cu=229 microg/g, Zn=783 microg/g), Gomphina aeguialtera (Pb=30.3 microg/g), Tegillarca granosa (Cd=2.85 microg/g), Thais clavigera (As=96.9 microg/g) and Parapenaeopsis cornuta (Hg=1.35 microg/g), respectively. Especially, maximum Cu and Zn concentrations (GM=229 and 783 microg/g, respectively) in oysters (C. gigas) from different culture areas were much higher than those of the other organisms by about 1.13-458 and 2.40-63.7 times, respectively. Similarly, rock-shells (Thais clavigera) had a high capacity for accumulating Cu (GM=202 microg/g) and Zn (GM=326 microg/g) under the same physico-chemical conditions. The highest GM Cu and Zn concentrations of 1108 (range from 113 to 2806) and 1567 (range from 303 to 3593) microg/g were obtained in oysters from the Hsiangshan coastal area, one of the most important oyster culture areas in Taiwan. However, the highest GM Cd and As concentrations of 6.82 and 19.3 microg/g were found in oysters from the Machu Islands. Mean Cu concentrations in the oysters from the Erhjin Chi estuary declined from 2194+/-212 microg/g in 1986-90 to 545 microg/g (GM) in 1991-96. In the Hsiganshan area, GM Cu concentrations of 909 microg/g (1991-96) and 1351 microg/g (1997-98) in oysters were significantly higher than those of 201 microg/g (1980-85) and 682 microg/g (1986-90). The gradually increasing levels of Cu and Zn in the oysters from the Hsiangshan area have been observed year by year.