Structural definition of a conserved neutralization epitope on HIV-1 gp120

The remarkable diversity, glycosylation and conformational flexibility of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env), including substantial rearrangement of the gp120 glycoprotein upon binding the CD4 receptor, allow it to evade antibody-mediated neutralization. Despite this complexity, the HIV-1 Env must retain conserved determinants that mediate CD4 binding. To evaluate how these determinants might provide opportunities for antibody recognition, we created variants of gp120 stabilized in the CD4-bound state, assessed binding of CD4 and of receptor-binding-site antibodies, and determined the structure at 2.3 A resolution of the broadly neutralizing antibody b12 in complex with gp120. b12 binds to a conformationally invariant surface that overlaps a distinct subset of the CD4-binding site. This surface is involved in the metastable attachment of CD4, before the gp120 rearrangement required for stable engagement. A site of vulnerability, related to a functional requirement for efficient association with CD4, can therefore be targeted by antibody to neutralize HIV-1.     

基于MAS的化工过程故障诊断研究(Ⅰ)

提出了一种新的基于多智能体的分布式化工过程故障诊断方法.通过定义化工过程的诊断本体论和功能-行为本体论,系统在提高诊断系统性能的同时,能够显著降低整个系统构造的复杂程度.采用本文给出的化工过程诊断本体论后,整个多智能体故障诊断系统的开发任务从智能体的结构设计转移到对诊断本体论属性的应用上.     

基于MAS的化工过程故障诊断研究(Ⅱ)

针对化工过程的故障诊断问题,给出了分布式化工过程故障诊断问题的多智能体的合作求解模型。通过对尿素生产过程中尿素蒸发与造粒的化工过程的仿真研究,详细描述了基于多智能体的故障诊断系统的应用方法。这种分布式的框架结构同以往的集中式的诊断方法相比,无论是在满足通信需求还是在简化计算复杂程度上都具有显著的优越性。     

湖北网湖湿地自然保护区两栖爬行动物资源调查

2004年对湖北省阳新县网湖湿地自然保护区的两栖类和爬行类进行了系统调查,分别记录到两栖类27种、爬行类38种．对它们的物种组成、地理区系特点和保护等级进行了研究,并提出了保护建议．     

基于复值小波模和幅角经验正交分解的奇异性特征提取

提出了基于Hermitian复值小波模和幅角经验正交分解方法,采用这种方法可以提取信号奇异性特征。通过在滚动轴承故障诊断应用表明:小波模和幅角协方差矩阵的特征值向量反映了在时间-尺度平面上的分布结构,不受时间平移影响,便于信号的奇异性特征提取;用主成分重构信号小波模和幅角,能更清晰地反映信号的奇异性特征,便于分类识别.     

Mutations in myosin heavy chain 11 cause a syndrome associating thoracic aortic aneurysm/aortic dissection and patent ductus arteriosus

We have recently described two kindreds presenting thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection (TAAD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and mapped the disease locus to 16p12.2-p13.13 (ref. 3). We now demonstrate that the disease is caused by mutations in the MYH11 gene affecting the C-terminal coiled-coil region of the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, a specific contractile protein of smooth muscle cells (SMC). All individuals bearing the heterozygous mutations, even if asymptomatic, showed marked aortic stiffness. Examination of pathological aortas showed large areas of medial degeneration with very low SMC content. Abnormal immunological recognition of SM-MHC and the colocalization of wild-type and mutant rod proteins in SMC, in conjunction with differences in their coimmunoprecipitation capacities, strongly suggest a dominant-negative effect. Human MYH11 gene mutations provide the first example of a direct change in a specific SMC protein leading to an inherited arterial disease.     

Genetic variation in DPP6 is associated with susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We identified a SNP in the DPP6 gene that is consistently strongly associated with susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in different populations of European ancestry, with an overall P value of 5.04 x 10(-8) in 1,767 cases and 1,916 healthy controls and with an odds ratio of 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.18-1.43). Our finding is the first report of a genome-wide significant association with sporadic ALS and may be a target for future functional studies.