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Selenium (Se) biofortified wheat could enhance human health by providing essential Selenium. Different nitrogen application rates (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 kg N ha–1) on soil Se speciations and contents, the differences of Se accumulation and yield of triticales were investigated. The concerntration of total Se, water-soluble Se (SOLSe), and exchangeable Se (EXCSe) in 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers showed an increasing trend from anthesis to maturity, and decreasing tendency as nitrogen application increasing. TZ-8293 compared to TH-3 exhibited the highest grain Se content and accumulation at the maturity, measured 77.00 μg kg–1 and 73.11%, respectively. Compared to the control, the concentration of flour Se in TH-3, and TZ-8293 under the 240 kg N ha–1 treatment significantly increased by 90.97 and 91.67%, respectively, and the yield of TH-3 under 240 kg N ha–1 treatment was significantly the highest, measuring 7889.84 kg ha–1. Following anthesis, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) showed an significantly increasing tendency with the application of nitrogen increased, however, transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 and stomatal conductance (Ci), and gs in flag leaf decreased significantly with the increase of nitrogen application rate. The correlation analysis showed that there were (extremely) significant negative correlations among Se content, yield and yield components (–0.30 ≤ R2 ≤ –0.89), excessive nitrogen application may hinder the formation of soil available Se, which can have a negative impact on the absorption of Se, finally impede the biofortification of Se in triticale. In conclusion for locally Se-enriched triticale cultivation, it was recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizer rate of 120–240 kg N ha–1 on TH-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a copula-function-based system reliability analysis method is proposed for reliability evaluation of structures with multiple failure modes. The vine copula function is used to process the correlations that exist between performance functions. The joint probability density function of the performance function random vector is then converted into multiple bivariate copula functions. The maximum likelihood estimation method and Akaike information criteria are used for optimal selection of each bivariate copula function. Based on this process, a joint probability density function of the performance function random vector is constructed. Then, based on the joint probability density function, a Monte Carlo simulation method is given to calculate the system reliability of the structure. Finally, the effectiveness of the method proposed in this study is verified using 4 numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protein-folding model is proposed at the amino acid level, in which the folding process is divided into two successive stages: the rate-determining step, dominated by the "stochastic interactions"of solvent molecules, and the rapid phase, dominated by the "order interactions"among atoms in polypeptide. The master equation approach is used to investigate the folding kinetics, and an analytical treatment of the master equation yields a simple three-parameter expression for folding time. It is found that both two-state and downhill protein-folding kinetics can be described by a unifying model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the folding kinetics of a series of two-state proteins by using the model of general random walk in native contact number space, and derive the observed linear relationship between the logarithms of the folding rate constants and the numbers of native contacts from “kinetic viewpoint”. The protein folding speed limit and stability in this model are consistent with experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this letter, by using the properties of the entropy function and the fundamental equation of thermodynamics, we discuss the reasons that there exist different proposals for relativistic temperature transformation. Further, we illustrate this point by studying a concrete thermodynamic system-blackbody radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Hyperthermia is an effective treatment modality that augments the anticancer effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia-chemo-radiotherapy ( HCRT) is a combination therapy that can strengthen anticancer effects through a synergistic interaction between heat, chemotherapy and radiation. Here, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of chemoradiation combined with regional hyperthermia ( HCRT) for oesophageal carcinoma. Methods We conducted computer searches of foreign databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Chinese databases, including CBM, CNKI and WanFang; we also retrieved other sources as supplement. All relevant randomized controlled trials ( RCTs) were collected to compare HCRT and other therapies, including chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy ( CRT) and radiotherapy alone ( RT). After literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation performed by appropriate criteria, the meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.1 software (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Results and discussion Nineteen RCTs were included, comprising 1519 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year survival, complete response and total effective rates of the HCRT group were higher than those of the CRT group; the rates of gastrointestinal reaction, leucocytopenia and radiation oesophagitis in the HCRT group were lower than those of the CRT group, indicating significant differences ( P < 0·05). The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival, complete response and total effective rates of the HCRT group were higher than those of the RT group, the recurrence and distant metastasis rates of the HCRT group were lower than those of the RT group, and there were significant differences in all of the indicators ( P < 0·05). What is new and conclusions This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate HCRT for oesophageal carcinoma. Compared with CRT or RT, HCRT can improve long-term and short-term curative effects; it is also safe and feasible. Additional high-quality and large sample size RCTs will be necessary to further demonstrate the long-term survival benefits and comprehensive safety profile of HCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between soil thermal resistivity and its main influencing factors was analyzed by reviewing the literature. To obtain an accurate prediction model of soil and carbonaceous rock thermal resistivity, the neural network feedback analysis technology was utilized and a prediction model developed. The laboratory results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the model. Dry density, saturation, and quartz were selected for the prediction model, which can comprehensively and reasonably reflect the main factors affecting soil and carbonaceous rock thermal conduction. Based on the comparison results between predicted and measured thermal resistivity, the proposed mode exhibited a satisfactory accuracy. Compared with the selected empirical relationships, the model had significant advantages in the prediction results for different types of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel approach for the determination of parameters in prion replication kinetics is developed based on Prusiner''s heterodimer model. It is proposed to employ a simple 2D HP lattice model and a two-state transition theory to determine kinetic parameters that play the key role in the prion replication process. The simulation results reveal the most important facts observed in the prion diseases, including the long incubation time, rapid death following symptom manifestation, the effect of inoculation size, different mechanisms of the familial and infectious prion diseases, etc. Extensive simulation with various thermodynamic parameters shows that the Prusiner''s heterodimer model is applicable, and the putative protein X plays a critical role in replication of the prion disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents a potential solution for enabling the use of multicast in the 5G New Radio Release 17, called 5G NR Mixed Mode. The proposed multicast/broadcast mode follows one of the two approaches envisaged in 3GPP, which enables a dynamic and seamless switching between unicast and multicast, both in the downlink and the uplink. This paper also provides a performance evaluation of several IMT-2020 KPIs, including available data rate and spectral efficiency, user and control plane latencies, energy efficiency, and mobility, highlighting the potential advantages of this solution over unicast in relevant scenarios. Finally, other multipoint–based KPIs such as coverage or packet loss rate are also evaluated by means of system level simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine whether the cisplatin plus etoposide ( EP) combination was more efficacious and less toxic than other platinum-based regimens for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. Methods We performed an extensive literature search (from their inception to July 2010). Two reviewers independently assessed search results and methodological quality of included studies. Pooled hazard ratios ( HRs) and relative risks ( RRs) were calculated according to a random-effects model. Results Twelve randomised, controlled trials involving seven different platinum-based chemotherapy regimens were included into this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that compared with EP regimen, irinotecan plus cisplatin ( IP) might decrease the risk of death ( HR = 0.87, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.78-0.97, P = 0.01) (five trials), unlike the sensitivity analysis ( HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.81-1.02, P = 0.12), progression-free survival ( HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.05, P = 0.28) and overall response rate ( RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.93-1.24) that were not superior for IP. IP regimen produced more non-haematological toxicities and less haematological toxicities. One trial found that etoposide + cisplatin + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide and cisplatin + etoposide + ifosfamide regimen might prolong the overall survival respectively. Etoposide + cisplatin + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide regimen also might improve progression-free survival but with high rate of haematological toxicities. None of the other trials included in the study demonstrated a significant improvement in survival. Conclusions There is no strong evidence that any clinical advantage for extensive small-cell lung carcinoma patients requiring chemotherapy when comparing EP with other platin-based regimens, with exception of IP that might prolong overall survival. The decision to prescribe which chemotherapy should take into consideration both cost and treatment preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]