Abstract Long non-coding RNA AK001796 was initially identified altered in lung cancer. Recent research showed it could participate in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the general biological role of AK001796 and its underlying mechanisms in HCC remain unclear. Here we demonstrated that the expression level of AK001796 in HCC tissues and cell lines was up-regulated. Silencing AK001796 suppressed the proliferation ability of HCC cells. Through dual luciferase reporter assays and loss/gain of functions studies, we identified that AK001796 could bind to miR-150, a star microRNA, promoting HCC proliferation. Furthermore, it was reported that growth factor receptor binding protein 2-associated binder 1 (GAB1) is a target gene of miR-150. Owing to AK001796 being a decoy for miR-150 and binding the same putative sites of miR-150 as GAB1, we presented that inhibition of miR-150 in AK001796 silencing cells reversed the reduction in GAB1. Subsequently, our findings demonstrated that silencing AK001796 can impair phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-AKT. In conclusion, our investigation revealed that AK001796 promoted proliferation by enhancing phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-AKT through AK001796/miR-150/GAB1 axis in HCC. These results provided further evidence for the critical roles of AK001796 accumulating HCC and suggested that AK001796 might act as an HCC biomarker in clinical treatment.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a new noninvasive myocardial protection strategy that uses blood pressure cuf inflation to simulate transient non-fatal ischemia to protect the myocardium and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sulfonylureas may mask the effects of RIPC due to their cardioprotec-tive effect. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether RIPC, in the absence of sulfonylureas, reduces troponin release in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials to determine whether RIPC can reduce postoperative troponin release in cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass without treatment with sulfonylureas. The data were normalized to equivalent units prior to the analysis. A random-effects model was used to provide more conservative estimate of the effects in the presence of known or unknown heterogeneity. Results: Six studies with a total of 570 participants were included. The analysis showed that troponin release was lower in the RIPC group than in the control group at six hours (test of standardized mean differences = 0, Z=3.64, P<0.001) and 48 hours (Z=2.72, P=0.007) postoperatively. When the mean of cross-clamping time was > 60 minutes, RIPC reduced troponin release at six hours (Z=2.84, P=0.005), 24 hours (Z=2.64, P=0.008), and 48 hours (Z=2.87, P=0.004) postoperatively. Conclusion: In cardiac surgery patients who are not taking sulfonylureas, RIPC can reduce troponin release at six and 48 hours postoperatively; hence, RIPC may serve significant benefits in certain cardiac surgery patients.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a new noninvasive myocardial protection strategy that uses blood pressure cuf inflation to simulate transient non-fatal ischemia to protect the myocardium and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sulfonylureas may mask the effects of RIPC due to their cardioprotec-tive effect. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether RIPC, in the absence of sulfonylureas, reduces troponin release in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials to determine whether RIPC can reduce postoperative troponin release in cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass without treatment with sulfonylureas. The data were normalized to equivalent units prior to the analysis. A random-effects model was used to provide more conservative estimate of the effects in the presence of known or unknown heterogeneity. Results: Six studies with a total of 570 participants were included. The analysis showed that troponin release was lower in the RIPC group than in the control group at six hours (test of standardized mean differences = 0, Z=3.64, P<0.001) and 48 hours (Z=2.72, P=0.007) postoperatively. When the mean of cross-clamping time was > 60 minutes, RIPC reduced troponin release at six hours (Z=2.84, P=0.005), 24 hours (Z=2.64, P=0.008), and 48 hours (Z=2.87, P=0.004) postoperatively. Conclusion: In cardiac surgery patients who are not taking sulfonylureas, RIPC can reduce troponin release at six and 48 hours postoperatively; hence, RIPC may serve significant benefits in certain cardiac surgery patients.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The sports psychology of athletes and public service policies in various places have been adjusted under the influence of the epidemic of COVID-19. However, team sports also need adjustments, and the paucity of evidence prevents safe decision-making. Objective: Research the current model to outline optimizations to team sports public service during the epidemic of COVID-19. Methods: The mechanism of athletes’ satisfaction was investigated, mainly involving organizing activities in sports venues, including geographical distribution, technical guidance, health services, etc. Results: According to the survey, the first concern was “organization of activities,” with a score of 3.783; followed by “number of places,” with a score of 3.252; and “health service,” with a score of 3.142. In the athletes’ satisfaction score relative to supply and demand, the first concern highlighted was “distribution of seats”, with a score of 3.682; followed by “number of seats”, with a score of 3.484; and “organization of activities”, with a score of 3.112. Conclusion: In optimizing the public team sports service model, the actual needs of the facilities should be fully considered to achieve scientific optimization of supply and demand. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMEN Introducción: Tanto la psicología deportiva de los atletas como las políticas de servicios públicos en diversos lugares se han ajustado bajo la influencia de la epidemia de COVID-19. Los deportes de equipo también necesitan ajustes y la escasez de pruebas impide tomar decisiones seguras al respecto. Objetivo: Investigar el modelo actual para delinear optimizaciones al servicio público de los deportes de equipo durante la epidemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Se investigó el mecanismo de satisfacción de los atletas, que involucra principalmente la organización de actividades en las instalaciones deportivas, incluyendo la distribución geográfica, la orientación técnica, los servicios de salud, etc. Resultados: Según la encuesta realizada, la primera preocupación era la “organización de las actividades”, con una puntuación de 3,783; seguida del “número de plazas”, con una puntuación de 3,252; y del “servicio sanitario”, con una puntuación de 3,142. En la puntuación de satisfacción de los atletas en relación con la oferta y la demanda, la primera preocupación destacada fue la “distribución de los lugares”, con una puntuación de 3,682; seguida del “número de lugares”, con una puntuación de 3,484; y de la “organización de las actividades”, con una puntuación de 3,112. Conclusión: En el proceso de optimización del modelo de servicio público de deportes de equipo, deben tenerse plenamente en cuenta las necesidades reales de las instalaciones para lograr una optimización científica de la oferta y la demanda. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: Tanto a psicologia esportiva dos atletas quanto as políticas de serviço público em vários lugares foram ajustadas sob a influência da epidemia da COVID-19. Os esportes em equipe também necessitam de adaptações e a escassez de evidências impede tomadas de decisões seguras neste aspecto. Objetivo: Pesquisar o modelo atual para traçar otimizações ao serviço público esportivo de equipe durante a epidemia da COVID-19. Métodos: O mecanismo de satisfação dos atletas foi investigado, envolvendo principalmente a organização de atividades em locais esportivos, incluindo distribuição geográfica, orientação técnica, serviços de saúde, etc. Resultados: De acordo com a pesquisa levantada, a primeira preocupação foi “organização de atividades”, com pontuação de 3.783; seguido de “número de vagas”, com pontuação de 3.252; e “serviço de saúde”, com pontuação de 3.142. Na pontuação de satisfação das atletas relativa à oferta e demanda, a primeira preocupação destacada foi “distribuição de lugares”, com pontuação de 3,682; seguida de “número de lugares”, com pontuação de 3,484; e “organização de atividades”, com pontuação de 3,112. Conclusão: No processo de otimização do modelo de serviço público esportivo de equipes, as necessidades reais das instalações devem ser plenamente consideradas, a fim de alcançar a otimização científica da oferta e da demanda. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Abstract We aimed to compare the effects of oxycodone hydrochloride and dezocine on hemodynamics and inflammatory factors in patients receiving gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. A total of 246 patients were divided into group A and B (n=123). Hemorheology indices were recorded 5 min after anesthesia (T0), 1 min after pneumoperitoneum (T1), when position was changed 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (T2), 15 min after pneumoperitoneum (T3), 1 min (T4) and 5 min (T5) after position was restored. Visual analogue scale scores 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were recorded. Postoperative adverse reactions and visceral pain were observed. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 12 h after operation. Compared with group A, group B had higher heart rate and mean arterial pressure at T2, lower central venous pressure and cardiac output at T1-T3, and higher systemic vascular resistance at T1-T5 (P<0.05). The incidence rate of pain syndrome in group A was lower (P<0.05). Group A had lower tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression levels and higher interleukin-10 level than those of group B (P<0.05). For gynecological laparoscopic surgery, oxycodone preemptive analgesia has superior outcomes to those of dezocine.

Abstract Background: Retinal neurodegeneration is induced by a variety of environmental insults and stresses, but the exact mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, we explored the involvement of cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), resulting in the cGAS-STING dependent inflammatory response and apoptosis in retinal damage in vivo. Methods: Retinal injury was induced with white light or intravitreal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After light-or LPS-induced injury, the amount of cytosolic mtDNA in the retina was detected by PCR. The mtDNA was isolated and used to transfect retinas in vivo. WB and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the activation of cGAS-STING path-way and the levels of apoptosis-associated protein at different times after mtDNA injection. Retinal cell apoptosis rate was detected by TUNEL staining. Full-field electroretinography (ERG) was used to assess the retinal function. Results: Light injury and the intravitreal injection of LPS both caused the leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm in retinal tissue. After the transfection of mtDNA in vivo, the levels of cGAS, STING, and IFN-β mRNAs and the protein levels of STING, phosph-TBK1, phospho-IRF3, and IFN-β were upregulated. mtDNA injection also induced the activation of caspase 3 and caspase 9. BAX and BAK were increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. The release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol was increased after mtDNA injection. The wave amplitudes on ERG decreased and retinal cell apoptosis was detected after mtDNA injection. Conclusions: Cytosolic mtDNA triggers an inflammatory response. It also promotes apoptosis and the dysfunction of the retina.

Abstract Xuan-Mugua is a Chinese traditional fruit and is mainly preserved by air drying. To explore the effect of temperature on the drying property and quality of the fruits, they were sliced and dried at 60-90 °C. The results indicated that the drying time shortened from 150 to 80 min with the increasing temperature and the minimal time was found at 90 °C. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity generally decreased by 5.09-18.27% at higher temperature (90 °C) and their maximums respectively appeared at 60 and 80 °C. Compared with the medium temperatures (60 and 70°C), the phenolic profiles changed obviously at higher temperatures (80 and 90 °C), and a transformation of chlorogenic acid was detected; besides, with the increasing temperature, the main phenolics including catechin and chlorogenic acid respectively decreased by 29.3% and 18.4%. Taking the above findings together, 70 °C should be the proper temperature to dry Xuan-Mugua fruits.

Severe blockage in myeloid differentiation is the hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Trdmt1 plays an important role in hematopoiesis. However, little is known about the function of Trdmt1 in AML cell differentiation. In the present study, Trdmt1 was up-regulated and miR-181a was down-regulated significantly during human leukemia HL-60 cell differentiation after TAT-CT3 fusion protein treatment. Accordingly, miR-181a overexpression in HL-60 cells inhibited granulocytic maturation. In addition, our “rescue” assay demonstrated that Trdmt1 3′-untranslated region promoted myeloid differentiation of HL-60 cells by sequestering miR-181a and up-regulating C/EBPα (a critical factor for normal myelopoiesis) via its competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity on miR-181a. These findings revealed an unrecognized role of Trdmt1 as a potential ceRNA for therapeutic targets in AML.

ABSTRACT The whole mitochondrial genome of Lateolabrax maculatus (Cuvier, 1828) was used to investigate the reasons for the observed patterns of genetic differentiation among 12 populations in northern and southern China. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of L. maculatus were 0.998 and 0.00169, respectively. Pairwise FST values between populations ranged from 0.001 to 0.429, correlating positively with geographic distance. Genetic structure analysis and haplotype network analysis indicated that these populations were split into two groups, in agreement with geographic segregation and environment. Tajima’s D values, Fu’s Fs tests and Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) indicated that a demographic expansion event may have occurred in the history of L. maculatus. Through selection pressure analysis, we found evidence of significant negative selection at the ATP6, ND3, Cytb, COX3, COX2 and COX1 genes. In our hypotheses, this study implied that demographic events and selection of local environmental conditions, including temperature, are responsible for population divergence. These findings are a step forward toward the understanding of the genetic basis of differentiation and adaptation, as well as conservation of L. maculatus.

Abstract The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is clearly aimed at international development, and designed to jointly build a regional economic cooperation framework that is open, inclusive and balanced. Financial integration is the cornerstone of the BRI, and development finance is the most widely used mode of cooperation in financing. Development finance with Chinese characteristics is concessional and development-oriented, differing from Official Development Finance (ODF) defined by the OECD. Based on its development experiences, China applies development finance with Chinese characteristics to the BRI projects. This benefits countries along the Belt and Road by facilitating their sustainable development.

摘要 目的 旨在确定上海地区肺结核病患者的超额死亡率。 方法 参与者是曾于2004 年 1 月 1 日至 2008 年 12 月 31 日在四家肺结核病诊所其中一家登记过的、上海市 4 个区（共 19 个区）的当地居民。我们收集了最近的肺结核病诊断的基线数据，并对 2014 年 3 月至 5 月的死亡率进行了评估。我们计算出所有参与者和子组的标准化死亡率和病死率，并采用单变量和多变量 Cox 回归模型量化各种原因与肺结核导致的共病症与死亡率之间的关联。 结果 我们登记了病患中 4569 名受试者。总体而言，各种原因导致的死亡患者的标准化死亡率为 5.2 （95% 置信区间：4.8-5.6）。男性的标准化死亡率高于女性 (6.1 比 3.0)。调整年龄和性别后，以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比：1.26，95% 置信区间：1.08-1.49）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比：1.55，95% 置信区间：1.35-1.78）中各种原因导致的死亡风险比明显更高。以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比率：1.88，95% 置信区间：1.24-2.86）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比率：3.16，95% 置信区间：2.06-4.87）中肺结核导致的死亡风险也明显更高。 结论 上海地区肺结核病患者的死亡率风险增加。及早的诊断和更加警觉的随访诊查可能有助于降低肺结核患者的死亡率。

Résumé Objectif Déterminer la surmortalité dans une cohorte de personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai. Méthodes Les participants étaient des habitants de 4 districts (sur 19) de Shanghai, enregistrés dans une des quatre cliniques de la tuberculose entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2008. Des données de référence ont été recueillies lors du diagnostic le plus récent de tuberculose et la mortalité a été évaluée entre mars et mai 2014. Nous avons calculé les rapports standardisés de mortalité (RSM) et les taux de létalité pour tous les participants ainsi que pour des sous-groupes. Des modèles de régression univariée et multivariée de Cox ont été utilisés pour quantifier les associations entre les comorbidités et la mortalité, toutes causes confondues et due à la tuberculose. Résultats Nous avons enregistré 4569 sujets dans la cohorte. Globalement, la cohorte avait un RSM pour les décès toutes causes confondues de 5,2 (intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95%: 4,8-5,6). Les hommes affichaient un RSM plus élevé que les femmes (6,1 contre 3,0). Après ajustement en fonction de l'âge et du sexe, les ratios de risque (RR) de décès toutes causes confondues étaient nettement plus élevés chez les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,26; IC 95%: 1,08-1,49) et les personnes à frottis d'expectoration positif (RR: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,35-1,78). Le risque de décès dû à la tuberculose était également beaucoup plus important pour les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,88; IC 95%: 1,24-2,86) et les personnes à frottis positif (RR: 3,16; IC 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusion Les personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai présentent un risque accru de mortalité. Un diagnostic plus précoce et un suivi plus attentif pourraient permettre de réduire la mortalité dans ce groupe.

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Abstract Objective To determine excess mortality in a cohort of people with tuberculosis in Shanghai. Methods Participants were local residents in 4 (of 19) districts in Shanghai, registered in one of four tuberculosis clinics between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008. Baseline data were collected at the most recent diagnosis of tuberculosis and mortality was assessed between March and May of 2014. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and case-fatality rates for all participants and for subgroups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to quantify associations between co-morbidities and mortality from all causes and from tuberculosis. Findings We registered 4569 subjects in the cohort. Overall, the cohort had an SMR for deaths from all causes of 5.2 (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.8-5.6). Males had a higher SMR than females (6.1 versus 3.0). After adjustment for age and sex, hazard ratios (HR) for deaths from all causes were significantly greater in previously treated people (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08-1.49) and sputum smear-test positive people (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35-1.78). The risk of death from tuberculosis was also significantly greater for previously treated people (HR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.24-2.86) and smear positive people (HR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.06-4.87). Conclusion People with tuberculosis in Shanghai have an increased risk of mortality. Earlier diagnosis and more vigilant follow-up may help to reduce mortality in this group.

ملخص الغرض تحديد الزيادة في حالات الوفاة في مجموعة من المصابين بالسل في شانغهاي. الطريقة كان المشاركون من السكان المحليين في 4 أحياء (من بين 19 حيًا) في شنغهاي، وقد تم تسجيلهم في واحدة من أربع عيادات لعلاج السل في الفترة بين 1 يناير/كانون الثاني 2004 و31 ديسمبر/كانون الأول 2008. وقد تم جمع البيانات الأساسية على مستوى أحدث الحالات التي تم تشخيصها كحالات الإصابة بالسل، كما تم تقدير الوفيات في الفترة بين شهري مارس/آذار ومايو/أيار 2014. وحسبنا نسب الوفيات القياسية (SMR) ومعدلات الوفيات بين الحالات المصابة بالنظر إلى جميع المشاركين والمجموعات الفرعية.وتم استخدام نماذج انحدار كوكس ذات المتغير الأحادي والمتعددة المتغيرات لقياس مدى الارتباط بين الإصابة بأكثر من مرض في نفس الوقت وحالات الوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب والناتجة عن مرض السل. النتائج سجلنا 4569 من الحالات محل الدراسة في المجموعة المشار إليها.وبوجه عام، بلغت نسبة الوفيات القياسية الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب في هذه المجموعة 5.2 (بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 4.8-5.6). وارتفعت نسبة الوفيات القياسية بين الرجال مقارنةً بالنساء (6.1 مقابل 3.0).وبعد تعديل عامل العمر والجنس، كانت نسب خطورة (HR) التعرض للوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب أكثر ارتفاعًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.26؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.08- 1.49) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج اختبار مسحة البلغم الخاصة بهم إيجابية (HR: 1.55؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.35-1.78). وكان خطر الوفاة الناتجة عن السل أكثر ارتفاعًا أيضًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.88؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.24- 2.86) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج المسحة الخاصة بهم إيجابية (نسبة خطورة: 3.16؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 2.06-4.87). الاستنتاج يعاني المصابون بالسل في شانغهاي من زيادة خطر التعرض للوفاة. وقد يساعد التشخيص المبكر للمرض والمزيد من المتابعة الطبية الدقيقة في تقليل معدل الوفيات في هذه المجموعة.

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el exceso de mortalidad en una cohorte de personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái. Métodos Los participantes eran residentes locales de 4 (de 19) distritos de Shanghái, registrados en uno de los cuatro consultorios antituberculosos entre el 1 de enero de 2004 y el 31 de diciembre de 2008. Se recogieron datos de referencia de los diagnósticos de tuberculosis más recientes y se evaluó la mortalidad entre marzo y mayo de 2014. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas (SMR) y la tasa de letalidad de todos los participantes y por subgrupos. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Cox univariables y multivariables para cuantificar las asociaciones entre la comorbilidad y la mortalidad de todas las causas de tuberculosis. Resultados Se registraron 4.569 sujetos en la cohorte. En general, la cohorte tenía una SMR para muertes de todas las causas de 5,2 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, IC: 4,8-5,6). Los hombres tenían una SMR mayor que las mujeres (6,1 frente a 3,0). Tras ajustarlos de acuerdo a edad y sexo, los cocientes de riesgo (HR) para las muertes de todas las causas eran significantemente mayores en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,26 (IC del 95%: 1,08-1,49) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 1,55 (IC del 95%: 1,35-1,78). El riesgo de muerte por tuberculosis también era significativamente mayor en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,88 (IC del 95%: 1,24-2,86) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 3,16 (IC del 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusión Las personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Unos diagnósticos más tempranos y un seguimiento más atento podrían ayudar a reducir la mortalidad de este grupo.

Currently, recommender systems (RS) have been widely applied in many commercial e-commerce sites to help users deal with the information overload problem. Recommender systems provide personalized recommendations to users and, thus, help in making good decisions about which product to buy from the vast amount of product choices. Many of the current recommender systems are developed for simple and frequently purchased products like books and videos, by using collaborative-filtering and content-based approaches. These approaches are not directly applicable for recommending infrequently purchased products such as cars and houses as it is difficult to collect a large number of ratings data from users for such products. Many of the e-commerce sites for infrequently purchased products are still using basic search-based techniques whereby the products that match with the attributes given in the target user’s query are retrieved and recommended. However, search-based recommenders cannot provide personalized recommendations. For different users, the recommendations will be the same if they provide the same query regardless of any difference in their interest. In this article, a simple user profiling approach is proposed to generate user’s preferences to product attributes (i.e., user profiles) based on user product click stream data. The user profiles can be used to find similar-minded users (i.e., neighbours) accurately. Two recommendation approaches are proposed, namely Round-Robin fusion algorithm (CFRRobin) and Collaborative Filtering-based Aggregated Query algorithm (CFAgQuery), to generate personalized recommendations based on the user profiles. Instead of using the target user’s query to search for products as normal search based systems do, the CFRRobin technique uses the attributes of the products in which the target user’s neighbours have shown interest as queries to retrieve relevant products, and then recommends to the target user a list of products by merging and ranking the returned products using the Round Robin method. The CFAgQuery technique uses the attributes of the products that the user’s neighbours have shown interest in to derive an aggregated query, which is then used to retrieve products to recommend to the target user. Experiments conducted on a real e-commerce dataset show that both the proposed techniques CFRRobin and CFAgQuery perform better than the standard Collaborative Filtering and the Basic Search approaches, which are widely applied by the current e-commerce applications.

To isolate differentially expressed peanut genes responsive to chilling, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was constructed for a chilling tolerant peanut cultivar A4 with mRNAs extracted from the seeds imbibed at 2ºC and 15ºC, respectively, for 24 hrs. A total of 466 cDNA clones were sequenced, from which 193 unique transcripts (73 contigs and 120 singlets) were assembled. Of these unique transcripts, 132 (68.4%) were significantly similar to the sequences in GenBank non-redundant (nr) protein database, which belonged to diverse functional categories including metabolism, signal transduction, stress response, cell defense and transcriptional regulation. The remaining 61 (31.6%) showed no similarity to either hypothetical or known proteins. Six differentially expressed transcripts were further confirmed with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

An efficient DNA extraction method was developed for peanut seed, where only 3-5 mg cotyledonary tissue was enough for more than 50 PCR reactions with a reaction volume of 15 μl. Both low copy number and high copy number DNA sequences were successfully amplified. Processing one seed sample only took about half an hour. Sampling had no significant effects on germination and development. The DNA extraction method makes it possible to identify transformants and conduct molecular marker studies prior to sowing, and thus may greatly hasten research progress.

This paper describes a simple, low cost and reliable DNA template preparation protocol for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using immature leaves from peanut seeds or leaves from field-grown plants. The technique may find wide utility in studies involving PCR-based molecular markers, rapid screening for transformants and gene cloning.