New neighborhood based rough sets

Neighborhood based rough sets are important generalizations of the classical rough sets of Pawlak, as neighborhood operators generalize equivalence classes. In this article, we introduce nine neighborhood based operators and we study the partial order relations between twenty-two different neighborhood operators obtained from one covering. Seven neighborhood operators result in new rough set approximation operators. We study how these operators are related to the other fifteen neighborhood based approximation operators in terms of partial order relations, as well as to seven non-neighborhood-based rough set approximation operators

Deep Eyes: Binocular Depth-from-Focus on Focal Stack Pairs

Human visual system relies on both binocular stereo cues and monocular focusness cues to gain effective 3D perception. In computer vision, the two problems are traditionally solved in separate tracks. In this paper, we present a unified learning-based technique that simultaneously uses both types of cues for depth inference. Specifically, we use a pair of focal stacks as input to emulate human perception. We first construct a comprehensive focal stack training dataset synthesized by depth-guided light field rendering. We then construct three individual networks: a Focus-Net to extract depth from a single focal stack, a EDoF-Net to obtain the extended depth of field (EDoF) image from the focal stack, and a Stereo-Net to conduct stereo matching. We show how to integrate them into a unified BDfF-Net to obtain high-quality depth maps. Comprehensive experiments show that our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art in both accuracy and speed and effectively emulates human vision systems

Dual use of LED traffic signal system

The dual use, signaling and communication, of LED traffic signal system is described and analyzed. The primary function of a traffic light system is to give traffic and pedestrian signals. A prototype of LED traffic signal head is developed to perform a secondary function: communication. A wireless communication link is set up using the LED traffic signal head as the transmitter. The LEDs are modulated to transmit information-carrying light. The receiver uses a silicon photodiode to detect the transmitted radiation. Using visible light as the transmission medium, a 1 Mbit/s wireless data link is obtained.published_or_final_versio

Poly[dimethylammonium aquadi-μ-oxalato-europate(III) trihydrate]

In the crystal structure of the polymeric title compound, (C2H8N)[Eu(C2O4)2(H2O)]·3H2O, the independent oxalate that lies on a general position chelates to two Eu atoms, as do the other two oxalates that lie on different centres of inversion, the bridging mode of the oxalates giving rise to a three-dimensional anionic network. The water-coordinated Eu atom exists in a tricapped trigonal–prismatic geometry. The cations and solvent water mol­ecules occupy the cavities of the network and are involved in hydrogen bonding with each other and with the network.published_or_final_versio

Molecular characterization of HbEREBP2, a jasmonateresponsive transcription factor from Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.

Transcription factors of AP2/ERF superfamily are generally involved in defense responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although, defense proteins are present in abundance in laticifers of rubber tree, little is known about their transcriptional regulation. In this study, a full length cDNA, referred to as HbEREBP2 was characterized by means of bioinformatic analysis and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The HbEREBP2 was 786-bp in length and contained a 480-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 159 amino acid residues. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of HbEREBP2 had a specific domain of AP2 superfamily and shared relative high identity with members of CBF/DREB subfamily from different plant species. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that methyl jasmonate was more effective than ethylene and rapidly than mechanical wounding on upregulating HbEREBP2 expression. The results suggest that HbEREBP2 may be involved in the regulation of jasmonate-mediated defense responses in laticifers of rubber tree.Key words: Hevea brasiliensis, Laticifer, defense proteins, AP2/ERF transcription factor, Methyl jasmonates, Ethephon, mechanical wounding

Genetic transformation of Physcomitrella patens mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A simple efficient protocol for introducing exogenous gene from Agrobacterium tumfaciens into Physcomitrella patens was established. When the gametophores of gametophytes about 12 leaves wereinoculated into the wells of PP3 medium at 25°C under the continuous light energy of 30 mol m-2 s-1 from cool-white fluorescent lamps, they grew up to form many buds at about 11 days, then A. tumefaciens at OD600 0.3 was added into the whole wells for 4 times at an interval of 12 h for continuous co-cultivation. After about 17 days of co-culture, the new juvenile gametophytes about 12 leaves grew up and were incubated into PP3 medium containing 50 mg L-1 kanamycin for selection. 100% positiveplants could be obtained after 4 generations of selective culture. PCR analysis showed that gene Cameleon YC2.1 in A. tumefaciens was transferred into all detected plants of P. patens and southern blotting analysis confirmed that exogenous gene was integrated into genomic DNA at a single locus. The results facilitated to analyze genes from more plants via genetic transformation by this system

Biodegradable cationic poly(carbonates): effect of varying side chain hydrophobicity on key aspects of gene transfection

The degree of hydrophobicity in cationic polymers plays an important but often underappreciated role in the safety and efficacy of gene delivery processes. In order to further elucidate structure-activity relationships of biodegradable cationic poly(carbonate) gene carriers, we synthesized a series of narrowly dispersed homo-polymers via metal-free organocatalytic living ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic carbonate monomers bearing either alkyl (propyl, hexyl or nonyl) or 4-methyl benzyl halide side chains. The polymers were then quaternized using bis-tertiary amines to install both quaternary ammoniums and tertiary amines for DNA binding and endosomal escape, respectively. Among the polymers with similar molecular lengths and charge densities, it was found that an increase in side chain alkyl spacer length from 3 to 6 carbons significantly enhanced cellular uptake and luciferase gene expression in HepG2 and HeLa cell lines without causing overt hemolysis and cytotoxicity. A further increase of side chain alkyl length to 9 carbons, however, led to a drastic decline in gene expression due to increased cellular toxicity, which was correlated with an increased disruption and lysis of red blood cell membranes. Interestingly, the incorporation of an aromatic 4-methyl benzyl spacer increased DNA binding strength, reduced particle sizes of resultant DNA complexes, and enhanced cellular uptake, leading to improved luciferase gene expression, albeit with higher levels of hemolysis and cytotoxicity. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that a delicate balance between cationic charge density and hydrophobicity could be achieved by utilizing a hexyl spacer in the side chains of cationic poly(carbonates), hence providing insights on the future development of non-viral cationic polymeric gene delivery systems. Statement of Significance: Owing to their ease of synthesis and well-controlled polymerization, biodegradable cationic poly(carbonates) have emerged as a highly promising class of biomaterials for gene delivery. The hydrophobicity of side chains in cationic polymers plays an important but often underappreciated role in influencing key aspects of gene transfection. In our efforts to improve gene transfection and understand structure-activity relationships, we synthesized a series of cationic polymers bearing a common poly(carbonate) backbone, and with side chains containing various hydrophobic spacers (propyl, hexyl, 4-methyl benzyl or nonyl) before the cationic moiety. A moderate degree of hydrophobicity was optimal as the cationic poly(carbonate) with hexyl side chains mediated high gene transfection efficiencies while causing low cytotoxicities. (111 words

Selective binding of Hpnl towards Ni(II) and Bi(III)

Poster-5Histidine-rich protein Hpn and histidine- and glutamine-rich protein Hpn-like (Hpnl) in Helicobacter pylori have been corroborated to be crucial to nickel homeostasis.[1-3] Nickel supply to hydrogenases and ureases might be disrupted owing to the interaction of metallodrugs, such as bismuth antiulcer drugs, with Hpnl, which may subsequently disturb the functions of the essential …postprin

Highly reproducible SERS substrate based on polarization-free Ag nanoparticles decorated SiO2/Si core-shell nanowires array

SiO2/Si core-shell nanowires array coated with gap-rich silver nanoparticles were demonstrated as a highly reproducible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. SERS detection of a relative standard deviation of 8% for 10−4 M R6G with a spot size of ∼2 μm and 900 spots over an area of 150 × 150 μm2 was reported. The high reproducibility is ascribed to the polarization-independent electrical field distribution among three-dimensional nanowire structure with an optimized thickness of SiO2 shell layer.published_or_final_versio