This paper will introduce the function systems approach to study the mathematical properties of Backus functional programming language FP[1]. Here, a function system is defined as a set of functions of FP. In the paper, we define the notions of complete, orthogonal and orthonormal systems, and prove their principal properties. These properties are used in the discussion of the completeness of FP program algebra and properties of the expansion of program in orthogonal systems. Fulltext Preview (Small, Large, Larger, Largest)References secured to subscribers.

A novel two-component system (TCS) designated as DraR-K (sco3063/sco3062) was identified to be involved in differential regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor. The S. coelicolor mutants with deletion of either or both of draR and draK exhibited significantly reduced actinorhodin (ACT) but increased undecylprodigiosin (RED) production on minimal medium (MM) supplemented separately with high concentration of different nitrogen sources. These mutants also overproduced a yellow-pigmented type I polyketide (yCPK) on MM with glutamate (Glu). It was confirmed that DraR-K activates ACT but represses yCPK production directly through the pathway-specific activator genes actII-ORF4 and kasO, respectively, while its role on RED biosynthesis was independent of pathway-specific activator genes redD/redZ. DNase I footprinting assays revealed that the DNA binding sites for DraR were at −124 to −98 nt and −24 to −1 nt relative to the respective transcription start point of actII-ORF4 and kasO. Comparison of the binding sites allowed the identification of a consensus DraR-binding sequence, 5′-AMAAWYMAKCA-3′ (M: A or C; W: A or T; Y: C or T; K: G or T). By genome screening and gel-retardation assay, 11 new targets of DraR were further identified in the genome of S. coelicolor. Functional analysis of these tentative targets revealed the involvement of DraR-K in primary metabolism. DraR-K homologues are widely spread in different streptomycetes. Interestingly, deletion of draR-Ksav (sav_3481/sav_3480, homologue of draR-K) in the industrial model strain S. avermitilis NRRL-8165 led to similar abnormal antibiotic biosynthesis, showing higher avermectin while slightly decreased oligomycin A production, suggesting that DraR-K-mediated regulation system might be conserved in streptomycetes. This study further reveals the complexity of TCS in regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces.

Cooperative computing is becoming inevitable with the emerging of service-oriented computing and GRID becoming a ubiquitous computing resource. It is widely recognized that agent technology can be employed to construct cooperative systems due to agents autonomous and collaborative characteristics. We devise an agent-oriented modelling language called CAMLE for the analysis and design of MAS (Multi-Agent Systems). This paper presents the collaboration model that captures communication between agents. The structure of the collaboration model and the notation of collaboration diagrams are presented. Uses of the modelling language are illustrated by examples.

Heat-treated activated carbon has been oxidized to improve the properties related to the use as a support for the preparation of 5wt%Ru/C catalysts by impregnation. The pore structure, surface oxygen groups of the heat-treated activated carbon before and after oxidation in the gas and liquid phase, as well as catalytic activities and dispersion of Ru in the catalysts were investigated systematically. The pore structures of the samples were characterized by N2 physisorption. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) was conducted to determine the chemical properties of the samples. Ru dispersion was measured by CO pulse chemisorption. The effects of oxidation treatments on carbon surface chemistry and pore structure which are closely related to Ru dispersion and catalytic activity, was examined. Furthermore, the modified heat-treated activated carbon support obtained by gas phase oxidation in CO2 and liquid phase oxidation in nitric acid was more suitable to prepare Ru-based catalysts for ammonia synthesis than that without treatment.

Heat-treated activated carbon has been oxidized to improve the properties related to the use as a support for the preparation of 5wt%Ru/C catalysts by impregnation. The pore structure, surface oxygen groups of the heat-treated activated carbon before and after oxidation in the gas and liquid phase, as well as catalytic activities and dispersion of Ru in the catalysts were investigated systematically. The pore structures of the samples were characterized by N2 physisorption. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) was conducted to determine the chemical properties of the samples. Ru dispersion was measured by CO pulse chemisorption. The effects of oxidation treatments on carbon surface chemistry and pore structure which are closely related to Ru dispersion and catalytic activity, was examined. Furthermore, the modified heat-treated activated carbon support obtained by gas phase oxidation in CO2 and liquid phase oxidation in nitric acid was more suitable to prepare Ru-based catalysts for ammonia synthesis than that without treatment.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and Europe. The spectrum of ALD ranges from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, which may eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. In developed countries as well as developing nations, ALD is a major cause of end-stage liver disease that requires liver transplantation. The most effective therapy for ALD is alcohol abstinence; however, for individuals with severe ALD and those in whom alcohol abstinence is not achievable, targeted therapies are absolutely necessary. In this context, advances of our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALD over the past two decades have contributed to the development of therapeutic modalities (e.g., pentoxifylline and corticosteroids) for the disease although the efficacy of the available treatments remains limited. This article is intended to succinctly review the recent experimental and clinical findings of the involvement of oxidative stress and redox signaling in the pathophysiology of ALD and the development of mechanistically based antioxidant modalities targeting oxidative stress and redox signaling mechanisms. The biochemical and cellular sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and dysregulated redox signaling pathways associated with alcohol consumption are particularly discussed to provide insight into the molecular basis of hepatic cell dysfunction and destruction as well as tissue remodeling underlying ALD. 2012 The Authors. Journal of Digestive Diseases 2012 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and Europe. The spectrum of ALD ranges from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, which may eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. In developed countries as well as developing nations, ALD is a major cause of end-stage liver disease that requires liver transplantation. The most effective therapy for ALD is alcohol abstinence; however, for individuals with severe ALD and those in whom alcohol abstinence is not achievable, targeted therapies are absolutely necessary. In this context, advances of our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALD over the past two decades have contributed to the development of therapeutic modalities (e.g., pentoxifylline and corticosteroids) for the disease although the efficacy of the available treatments remains limited. This article is intended to succinctly review the recent experimental and clinical findings of the involvement of oxidative stress and redox signaling in the pathophysiology of ALD and the development of mechanistically based antioxidant modalities targeting oxidative stress and redox signaling mechanisms. The biochemical and cellular sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and dysregulated redox signaling pathways associated with alcohol consumption are particularly discussed to provide insight into the molecular basis of hepatic cell dysfunction and destruction as well as tissue remodeling underlying ALD.

A mold and a method for integrally manufacturing a functional cored slab and a solid slab with a polygonal grid honeycomb structure. The mold for manufacturing the cored slab comprises a female mold and multiple male molds which are provided in the female mold. The male molds include polygonal cylinders capable of melting, dissolving, or vaporizing. A clearance exists between at least one pair of adjacent polygonal cylinders. The mold for manufacturing the solid slab is provided with a male mold main-body of polygonal cylinders which share the same shape and amount as the polygonal grids. The male mold main-body, which is made of one of the functional materials including sound insulating materials, flame retardant materials, and thermal insulating materials, is located in the frame-like female mold having a bottom plate. Clearances are provided between the adjacent male mold bodies. A casting method is adopted when manufacturing the slabs.