Online prediction of effluent COD in the anaerobic wastewater treatment system based on PCA-LSSVM algorithm.

Since anaerobic wastewater treatment is a nonlinear and complex biochemical process, reasonable monitoring and control are needed to keep it operating stably and efficiently. In this paper, a least-square support-vector machine (LS-SVM) was employed to construct models for the prediction of effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD) in an anaerobic wastewater treatment system. The result revealed that the performance of the steady-state model based on LS-SVM for predicting effluent COD was acceptable, with the maximum relative error (RE) of 11.45%, the mean average percentage error (MAPE) of 0.79% and the root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.08 when training, and the performance fell slightly when testing. Even though, the correlation coefficient value (R) between the predicted value and the actual value of 0.9752 could be achieved, which means this model can predict the variation of effluent COD in general. The dynamic-state models under three kinds of shock loads, which were concentration, hydraulic, and bicarbonate buffer absent, showed good forecasting performance, the correlation coefficient values (R) all excelled 0.99. Among these three shocks, the dynamic LS-SVM model under bicarbonate buffer absent shock achieved the optimal performance and followed by the dynamic-state model under hydraulic shock. This paper provides a meaningful reference to improve the monitoring level of the anaerobic wastewater treatment process.

[Adsorption Performance and Mechanism of HZO@SGH for the Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution].

Three-dimensional porous composites based on hydrous zirconium oxide and self-assembled graphene hydrogels (HZO@SGH) were successfully synthesized via homogeneous precipitation. HZO@SGH was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the morphology and the defluoridation mechanism. The adsorption performance and mechanism of HZO@SGH for fluoride was investigated via batch adsorption experiments. The results revealed that the adsorption capacity of HZO@SGH for fluoride was obviously higher than that of HZO or SGH singly. The adsorption data for fluoride onto HZO@SGH complied with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that the adsorption rate was mainly controlled by chemical adsorption. The adsorption process could be described well with the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model, as the maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 31.79 mg·g-1, which is higher than that of some zirconium-containing adsorbents, as previously reported. HZO@SGH showed excellent adsorption properties in the fluoride solution contained NO3-, Cl-, and a low concentration of SO42- (≤ 10 mg·L-1) at low pH (3-6.5). The preparation of HZO@SGH was convenient and environmentally friendly, as it was easily separated from the fluoride solution and did not cause secondary pollution. Hence, the prospect of HZO@SGH in practice was brilliant.

[Preparation of PAAm/HACC Semi-Interpenetrate Network Hydrogel and Its Adsorption Properties for Humic Acid from Aqueous Solution].

New absorbents, polyacrylamide/chitosan quaternary ammonium salt semi-interpenetrate network hydrogels[(PAAm/HACC semi-IPN), (s-IPN 1.5), and (s-IPN 3)], were successfully prepared via in situ polymerization by thermal synthesis for the removal of humic acid (HA) from aqueous solution. The materials were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. The adsorption behaviors of adsorbents for HA were investigated as a function of pH, ionic strength, contact time, initial HA concentration, and temperature. The results showed that s-IPN 3 outperformed s-IPN 1.5. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for HA decreased with an increase in solution pH and decrease of temperature, and low ionic strength was conducive to the adsorption of HA. The adsorption kinetics fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption isotherms could be described by the Sips isotherm model. The impressive maximum adsorption capacity could reach 238.08 mg·g-1 at the condition of pH=7.0, ionic strength=0.01 mol·L-1, and T=298 K. The adsorbent could remove HA from aqueous solution efficiently.

[Seasonal Variation of Carbon Fractions in PM2.5 in Heze].

PM2.5 samples were collected in Heze from August 2015 to April 2016. Eight carbon fractions were analyzed by a thermal/optical carbon analyzer, and organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) analyses were obtained. The OC/EC ratio and the correlation between OC and EC were analyzed. Secondary organic carbon (SOC) mass concentration was estimated by the OC/EC ratio method; and eight carbon fractions were analyzed using a principal component analysis. The results showed that:① The annual average mass concentrations of OC and EC were 1.2-60.6 µg·m-3 and 0.6-24.8 µg·m-3, respectively; and the characterization of OC and EC percentages in PM2.5 during different seasons were similar with winter > spring > autumn > summer. ② The annual average OC/EC ratio was 2.6±1.0, and the correlations between OC and EC during spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 0.91, 0.56, 0.86, and 0.75, respectively, and the estimated mass concentration of SOC was (4.7±5.0) µg·m-3. ③ The characterization of eight carbon fractions percentages in PM2.5 in the different seasons demonstrated similar seasonal variations, with EC1 having the highest percentage and EC3 having the lowest percentage. The result of the principal component analysis showed that coal burning, motor vehicle emissions, and biomass burning were the major sources of carbon.

A small peptide derived from p53 linker region can resume the apoptotic activity of p53 by sequestering iASPP with p53.

One of the most important tumor suppression functions of p53 is its ability to induce apoptosis. iASPP is an inhibitory member of the ASPP protein family. It can specifically inhibit the normal function of p53 as a suppressor. The mechanism of iASPP suppressing the cell apoptotosis is through inhibiting the transactivation function of p53 on the promoters of proapoptotic genes by binding with p53. Therefore, relieving the combination of iASPP with p53 and leaving p53 free may be a useful strategy to activate p53 function. We therefore use A34, a small peptide derived from p53 linker region, to investigate the possibility of resuming the apoptosis activity of p53 by sequestering iASPP with p53 and derepressing p53. The results show that A34 can competitively combine with iASPP and therefore release p53 from iASPP; A34 can enhance the transcriptional activity of p53 on the promoters of Bax and PUMA; A34 can increase cell apoptosis and slow tumor growth in vitro and vivo. This study will open the way for using small molecule peptides that directly disturb the interaction of p53 with iASPP, thereby resume function of p53 as a suppressor.

iASPP inhibits p53-independent apoptosis by inhibiting transcriptional activity of p63/p73 on promoters of proapoptotic genes.

The ability to induce apoptosis is the most important tumor-suppression function of p53. Inhibitory member of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 family (iASPP) is an apoptotic-specific regulator of p53. iASPP suppresses apoptosis by inhibiting the transactivation function of p53 on the promoters of proapoptotic genes; however, the mechanism whereby iASPP influences apoptosis in tumor cells with mutant or deficient p53 has not been completely defined. In this study, we investigated the role of iASPP in the p63/p73 apoptosis pathway. iASPP inhibited apoptosis independently of p53 in tumor cells, mainly by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of p63/p73 on the promoters of proapoptotic genes. Because p63 and p73 are rarely mutated in human cancers, inhibiting the expression of endogenous iASPP may provide a useful strategy for restoring the apoptotic activity of p63 and p73 in human tumors with p53 loss or mutation. These results represent a promising new strategy for the treatment of cancers with non-wild-type p53.

Construction of a full-length iASPP expression plasmid pcDNA3.1+/iASPP and its biological activity.

In order to obtain a full-length expression plasmid for the p53 inhibitor protein, iASPP, fractional amplification was used to clone its full-length coding sequence (CDS) region. The amplified PCR product was then digested and inserted into the pMD19-T simple vector and subcloned into the pCDNA3.1(+) vector. A recombinant eukaryotic expression vector containing the complete CDS region of iASPP was successfully constructed. pcDNA3.1(+)/iASPP was able to express iASPP protein in an in vitro translation system and in cells. Its biological activity was verified using Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and cell apoptosis analysis. This successful preparation of a full-length iASPP expression plasmid lays the foundations for further studies on the function of iASPP.

Combination patterns of cardiovascular risks and sequelae at different stage of hypertension in natural hypertensive population in Beijing.

To investigate combination patterns of cardiovascular risks and sequelae at different stages of hypertension, all 6176 newly or previously diagnosed hypertensives were selected from a randomized sampling surveillance data to perform a multiple correspondence analysis. Short duration hypertensives are characterized by relatively young age, less physical exercise, normal fruits and vegetable intakes, high salt diet, and nearly normal blood lipid and glucose. Middle duration hypertensives begin to pursue more physical exercise and less salt, although increasing physiological disorders are found. Severe sequelae such as stroke and myocardial infraction mainly occurred in long duration hypertensives. Results imply that great efforts should be taken in health education and lifestyle interventions on prehypertensive and early stage hypertensive patients.

Androgen receptor CpG island methylation status in human leukemia cancer cells.

The methylation status of the androgen receptor gene (AR) in leukemia cell lines was investigated. Results showed the presence of both methylated and unmethylated CpG islands of the AR promotor in leukemia cell lines. In the normal blood samples, only unmethylated bands were observed. In 15 bone marrow samples from patients with leukemia, 12 cases (80%) showed both methylated and unmethylated alleles and 3 cases (20%) showed only methylated alleles. To understand whether AR mRNA and protein expression are reduced by methylation, we treated leukemia cells with 5-Aza-Dc and detected the expression of mRNA and protein by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The treatment of 5-Aza-Dc increased AR expression in all cell lines researched. This study indicates that reduced AR mRNA expression in leukemia cell lines was in part related to DNA methylation. The aberrant methylation of AR gene could be one molecular and genetic alteration in leukemia.

Effect of RNA interference of iASPP on the apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

ASPP family is proved to be apoptotic specific regulators of p53. Among them, iASPP acts as an inhibitor of p53. To investigate the effect of the iASPP RNAi on the apoptosis of breast cancer cell MCF-7, we transfected the recombinant plasmid PGCsilencer H1/Neo/GFP/RNAi into MCF-7. The iASPP expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot. The cell apoptosis was detected by FCM. The results show that the expression of iASPP is descended and the apoptosis rate is increased after transfection. Therefore, we conclude that inhibition of expression of iASPP may resume the ability of p53 to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.

[Research of public health risks and tackle strategies for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games].

OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate the risks of serious public health events for 29th the Olympic Games and 13th Paralympic in order to offer scientific bases for security public health of Olympic Games. METHODS: Use Delphi experts refer, Level analysis, Risk assessment and Hazard analysis and critical control points, to research public health risks for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. RESULTS: From analysis, we concluded 45 kinds of public health risk consisting in 5 areas and made sure its risk level: 5 kinds of Extreme risk in 3 areas; 22 kinds of High risk in 5 areas; 10 kinds of Moderate risk in 4 areas and 8 kinds of Low risk in 4 areas. And also we imported the risk management thought to research tackle strategies for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. CONCLUSIONS: It might offer scientific bases for security public health of Olympic Games by identification and risk assessment of Serious Public Heath Events for the 29th Olympic Games.

Analysis of hTERT expression in exfoliated cells from patients with bladder transitional cell carcinomas using SYBR green real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

AIMS: To investigate whether hTERT mRNA expression could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of bladder transitional cell carcinoma. METHODS: SYBR green I real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to quantify hTERT mRNA expression in exfoliated cells from patients with bladder transitional cell carcinomas. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between the level of hTERT mRNA expression in exfoliated cells collected in urine with pathological grade and clinical stage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that SYBR green real-time fluorescence quantitative evaluation of hTERT mRNA could be a useful marker of tumor progression for the early diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancers.

[Study on chronic disease related behavior and lifestyle in adults in Beijing, 2005].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the distribution of chronic disease related behavior and lifestyle in adults from Beijing. METHODS: 16,658 adult residents from Beijing city were randomly selected with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method in 2005. Each participant was invited to receive a set of standardized questionnaire, physical examinations and laboratory tests. RESULTS: In the adults living in Beijing, 33.2% were overweight and 16.4% were obesive. The current smoking rate was 26.2% and the regular smoking rate was 21.4%. 57.7% of the male and 4.6% of the female adults were current smokers. In male adults, 64.3% drank alcoholic beverage at least once per month while 16.1% drank almost everyday, 16.5% drank more alcohol than moderate, and 18.5% were binge drinkers. 46.0% of Beijing adults were in lack of active physical exercise. Unhealthy dietary habits such as:excess consumption of sodium or oil, lower intake of vegetable, milk and soybean productions, skipping breakfast, fond of salted vegetable and fried food intake, as well as eating snacks etc. were quite commonly seen in the adults from Beijing. In addition, most of the risk factors had a higher prevalence in the suburban areas and population at working-age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of chronic risk factors was still high in adults of Beijing. Effective interventions should be carried out to prevent further worsening of the situation, especially in the suburban areas and people at working-age.

Risk factors for SARS-related deaths in 2003, Beijing.

OBJECTIVE: To study the potential risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS)-related deaths in Beijing. METHODS: Epidemiological data were collected among the confirmed SARS patients officially reported by Beijing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC), and information was also supplemented by a follow-up case survey. Chi-square test and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Old age (over 60 years) was found to be significantly associated with SARS-related deaths in the univariate analysis. Also, history of contacting SARS patients within 2 weeks prior to the onset of illness, health occupation, and inferior hospital ranking as well as longer interval of clinic consulting (longer than 1 day) were the risk factors for SARS-related deaths. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis found four risk factors for SARS-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Old age (over 60 years) is the major risk factor for SARS-related deaths. Moreover, hospital health workers, the designated hospitals for SARS clinical services and the interval of consulting doctors (less than 1 day) are protective factors for surviving from SARS.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome--retrospect and lessons of 2004 outbreak in China.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize lessons learned from an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China during the spring of 2004. METHODS: Data of SARS cases were officially reported by Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC) and Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (APCDC) and results of epidemiological investigations were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Three generations of 11 cases of SARS were identified during the outbreak. Initial two cases were most likely to be infected in Diarrhea Virus Laboratory of National Institute of Virology, China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and main mode of transmission was direct contact with SARS patients. Delay in detecting initial case resulted in spread of the illness at hospitals and communities with two generations of secondary cases. CONCLUSIONS: SARS outbreak in 2004 has yielded following lessons for public health globally. (1) Lab bio-safety programs should be made and should be strictly abided by. Studies in highly pathogenic viruses such as SARS coronavirus should be utmost cautious. (2) Management systems of occupational exposure to virus and disease surveillance need to be strengthened to take all risk factors into account so as to detect potential patients with infectious disease as early as possible.

[A study of the occupational stress norm and it' s application for the technical group and scientific research group].

OBJECTIVE: A study of the occupational stress norm and it' s application for the technical group and scientific research group. METHODS: In this study, cross-sectional study method is used, and a synthetic way of sorting and randomized sampling is adopted to deal with research targets(235 scientific research group, 857 technical group). RESULTS: Descriptive statistics for OSI-R scale scores for the technical group and scientific research group were modulated. Scale raw score to T-score conversion tables derived from the OSI-R normative sample for technical group and scientific research group were established. OSI-R profile from for technical group and scientific research group were established. For the ORQ and PSQ scales, scores at or above 70T indicate a strong levels of maladaptive stress and strain. Score in the range of 60T to 69T suggest middle levels of maladaptive stress and strain. Score in the range of 40T to 59T indicate normal levels of stress and strain. Score below 40T indicate a relative absence of occupational stress and strain. For the PRQ scales, score below 30T indicate a significant lack of coping resources. Score in the range of 30T to 39T suggest middle deficits in coping resources. Score in the range of 40T to 59T indicate average coping resources. Scores at or above 60T indicate a strong levels of coping resources. CONCLUSION: Different intervention measure should be take to reduce the occupational stress so as to improve the work ability.

Case fatality rate of severe acute respiratory syndromes in Beijing.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case fatality rate of SARS in Beijing. METHODS: Data of SARS cases notified from Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (BCDC) and supplemented by other channels were collected. The data were analyzed by rate calculation. RESULTS: The case fatality rate of SARS in Beijing was 7.66%, and had an ascending trend while the age of cases was getting older, and a descending trend while the epidemic development. The case fatality rate in Beijing was lower than that in other main epidemic countries or regions. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of death increases with the increment of age of SARS patients. Beijing is successful in controlling and treating SARS.

Epidemiological features of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing urban and suburb areas in 2003.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiologic features of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in urban and suburb areas in Beijing and to explore their differences between these two areas. METHODS: Data of SARS cases were collected from daily notification of China Ministry of Health and a database of infectious diseases was established by the Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (BCDC). All the data were put into dataset files by Microsoft Excel-2000 and analyzed with SPSS version 10.0 software. RESULTS: The respective urban incidence and mortality rate were 29.06 and 2.21 per 100,000, while the case fatality rate was 7.62%. In contrast, the respective suburb incidence and mortality rate were 10.61 and 0.78 per 100,000, and the case fatality rate was 7.32%. No significant differences were found in demographic characteristics between the urban and suburb areas. CONCLUSION: Beijing urban area suffered a more serious SARS epidemic than the suburb area in 2003.