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Background and Aims: Virus detection is essential in programs in which virus‐tested plants are required. The aim of this study was to establish in vitro biological methods for indexing grapevine leafroll‐associated virus‐3 (GLRaV‐3) in red‐ and white‐berried grapevines. Methods and Results: Healthy, red‐berried grapevine Cabernet Sauvignon [CaSa (H)] was used as a rootstock in micrografting experiments with virus‐infected Cabernet Sauvignon [CaSa (VI)] and Chardonnay [Ch (VI)] scions. Vascular bundles connecting the rootstock and scions developed, and 100% of the micrografts survived 3 and 4 weeks after micrografting, respectively. Symptoms of GLRaV‐3 were expressed in 80 and 20% of CaSa (H) rootstocks micrografted with CaSa (VI) and with Ch (VI) scions, respectively, 12 weeks after micrografting. The rootstock CaSa (H) that had been micrografted with CaSa (VI) and Ch (VI) scions for 5 weeks was subsequently cultured on half‐strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 75 mmol/L NaCl to induce salt stress. The GLRaV‐3 symptoms were expressed in 88% of micrografts CaSa (VI)/CaSa (H) and 85% of micrografts Ch (VI)/CaSa (H) after 5 weeks of salt stress. Reddish‐purple leaf coloration and downward rolling were observed in CaSa (H) rootstocks that were micrografted with CaSa (VI) scions, while leaf downward rolling and yellowing were seen in CaSa (H) rootstocks that were micrografted with Ch (VI) scions. Conclusions: Salt stress improved in vitro biological indexing of GLRaV‐3 in grapevines. Significance of the Study: Establishment of in vitro micrografting and salt stress provided alternative methods for indexing of GLRaV‐3 in red‐ and white‐berried grapevines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear masses are of great importance in nuclear physics and astrophysics. Descriptive experimental data on nuclear masses and the prediction of unknown masses based on residual proton–neutron interactions are a focus in nuclear physics. The accuracy of the residual interaction determines the accuracy of the nuclear mass values, so the study of residual interactions is essential. Before we carry out this study, there are many papers using artificial neural networks in nuclear physics. But no one uses BP neural network to study residual interactions. In this paper, we obtained a description and prediction model for residual interactions based on BP neural network. By combining experimental values with residual interactions model, we successfully calculate the nuclear masses of A ≥ 1 0 0. Results demonstrate that the differences between our calculated values and experimental values (AME2003, AME2012 and AME2016) show that the root-mean-squared deviations (RMSDs) are small (comparing with AME2003, the odd-A nuclei RMSD and the even-A nuclei RMSD are 112 and 128 keV; comparing with AME2012, the odd-A nuclei RMSD and the even-A nuclei RMSD are 103 and 121 keV; comparing with AME2016, the RMSD of odd-A nuclei and even-A nuclei are 106 and 122 keV, respectively). In addition, we obtained some predicted masses based on AME2003 and AME2012, the predicted values have good accuracy and compared well with experimental values (AME2012 and AME2016). The results show that the study of residual interactions using the proposed BP neural network method is feasible and accurate. This method is helpful for analyzing and extracting useful information from a large number of experimental values and then providing a reference for discovering physical laws and support for physical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of iron ore used in this paper were investigated by using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction; the main mineral structures of iron ore tailings are chlorite and feldspar. The iron ore tailings, which are high alumina samples, can be used as a gelling material. Alkali fusion was used to activate the iron ore tailings. Characterisation of alumina activity was shown by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The experiments show that thermal activation alone cannot improve the activity of iron ore tailings, but alkali fusion approach can significantly improve the activity of the iron ore tailings alumina. In the orthogonal experiment, the inputs of NaOH to improve the iron ore tailings alumina activity were significant, but temperature (60 minutes) and time (350°C) were less significant, taking into account economic, environmental, safety and other issues The results of single-factor experiments showed that when the amount of NaOH was 110%, iron tailings activity reached maximum. Alkali fusion was used to improve the activity of iron ore tailings alumina experiments, the optimal combination of temperature, time, NaOH inputs were selected: 350°C, 60 minutes, 110%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Generalised recalcitrant facial verruca plana responds poorly to current therapeutic options, including cryotherapy, topical drugs and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Case reports and uncontrolled studies suggested that topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective choice of treatment free from potential complications associated with invasive therapies. Aims To investigate the efficacy and safety of PDT with different concentrations of photosensitiser in the treatment of verruca plana. Materials & Methods The two sides of a subject's face were separately randomized to receive aminolevulinic acid (ALA) of 5%, 10% or 20% concentration. All patients were irradiated with 633-nm red light for 339 J/cm2 total dose. Complete response (CR) rate was assessed on Week 4, 8, and 16 respectively. Results The mean overall clearance rate was 74.1%, 68.8%, and 64.6% on Week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, in the 110 treated sides. The CR rate was lower in the 5%-ALA group than in the 10%-ALA group (14.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) and 20%-ALA group (14.3% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) after 12 weeks. The mean severity of pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring was 3.8 (range: 2 to 10, depending on the lesion location). The overall recurrence rate was 16.7% (4/24) on Week 12. Hyperpigmentation was observed in 61% (67/110) of all treated sides. On Week 4, 8, and 16, hyperpigmentation was more developed in the 20%-ALA group than in the other two groups ( p < 0.05). Discussion In terms of complete clearance rate, the 5% ALA-PDT group was significantly inferior to the 10% and 20% ALA-PDT groups at each follow-up. In contrast, the 20% ALA group showed a higher incidence rate of transient hyperpigmentation than the other two groups. Conclusions This randomised clinical trial suggests that PDT with ALA of 10% concentration offers better efficacy and safety than 5% or 20% concentration for generalised recalcitrant facial verruca plana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon coated Co3O4 (Co3O4@C) composite with hierarchical architecture is synthesised by hydrothermal and subsequent CH4 chemical vapour deposition method. Based on the results obtained from morphology and structure characterisation, the possible formation process of the hierarchical Co3O4@C has been proposed. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, Co3O4@C shows an improved electrochemical performance in the initial coulombic efficiency (63%), reversible capacity (775 mAh g−1 at 30th cycle) and cycling stability (83% capacity retention after 30 cycles). The performance is much better than the results obtained from hierarchical Co3O4 particles. The excellent electrochemical performance of Co3O4@C can be attributed to the thin carbon layers formed over each Co3O4 particle, which enhances the ionic/electrical conductivity, and serves as a buffering agent to absorb the volume expansion during the charge/discharge cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive model, proposed for a vertical two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) by the present authors, is further developed by utilizing the criteria for dryout, flooding and boiling limits to investigate the effects of filling ratio on them together, while the available models can just consider one or two limits of them. A new concept named dryout ratio is proposed, which can be used for predicting dryout limit. The empirical correlation and the empirical value, provided by other researchers, are used for predicting flooding and boiling limit, respectively. The experiments with nitrogen as working fluid are performed, and compared with the calculations. The maximum filling ratio is introduced, beyond which the liquid could be carried to condenser and the heat transfer performance can be deteriorated. And then the closed operation range of a vertical TPCT is finally determined, which has not been reported before. The effects of operating pressure and geometries on the range are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AML1-ETO fusion gene is generated from chromosomal translocation t(8;21) mainly in acute myeloid leukemia M2 subtype (AML-M2). Its spliced variant transcript, AML1-ETO9a, rapidly induces leukemia in murine model. To evaluate its clinical significance, AML1-ETO9a expression was assessed in 118 patients with t(8;21) AML-M2, using qualitative and nested quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)–PCR methods. These cases were accordingly divided into the AML1-ETO9a-H group (n=86, positive for qualitative RT–PCR, with higher level of AML1-ETO9a by quantitative RT–PCR) and the AML1-ETO9a-L group (n=32, negative for qualitative RT–PCR, with lower but still detectable level of AML1-ETO9a by quantitative RT–PCR). C-KIT expression was significantly increased in the AML1-ETO9a-H group, as compared with the AML1-ETO9a-L group. Of the 36 patients harboring C-KIT mutations, 32 patients overexpressed AML1-ETO9a (P=0.0209). Clinically, AML1-ETO9a-H patients exhibited significantly elevated white blood cells count, less bone marrow aberrant myelocytes, increased CD56 but decreased CD19 expression (P=0.0451, P=0.0479, P=0.0149 and P=0.0298, respectively). Moreover, AML1-ETO9a overexpression was related to short event-free and overall survival time (P=0.0072 and P=0.0076, respectively). Taken together, these data suggest that AML1-ETO9a is correlated with C-KIT overexpression/mutations and indicates poor disease outcome in t(8;21) AML-M2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under current reimbursement (CR) practice, although an add-on medicine in a combination therapy may produce marginal value in terms of health gain, the original therapy may also share in the reward for this additional value. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of MVBR model on effective price (EP) and value-based price (VBP) of an add-on therapy, as compared to CR model. Conclusions If pertuzumab as the add-on therapy in combination were to fully capture the marginal value, its EP and VBP would be significantly higher compared to those prices under the CR model. [Extracted from the article]

Fruit juices have been traditionally concentrated by multi-stage vacuum evaporation, resulting in a loss of fresh juice flavors, color degradation and a “cooked” taste due to the thermal effects. The promising alternative is reverse osmosis concentration. However, it cannot reach concentrations larger than 25–30°Brix with a single-stage RO system due to high osmotic pressure limitation, which is quite below the value of 45–65°Brix for standard products obtained by evaporation. Technological advances related to the development of new membranes and improvements in process engineering have been proved to overcome this limitation. New membrane processes, including membrane distillation and osmotic distillation, and integrated membrane processes are still being identified and developed in concentrated fruit juice processing to improve product quality and reduce energy consumption. Recent advances and developments of the use of membrane processes for concentrating fruit juice are reviewed and discussed in this paper. Major attentions are focused on the application of new membrane processes and integrated membrane systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The concentration of fruit juices is industrially performed in order to reduce storage, packaging, handling and shipping costs. This paper describes the research efforts to develop and optimise an integrated membrane process, on laboratory scale, for the production of concentrated kiwifruit juice as alternative to the traditional vacuum evaporation. Fresh depectinated kiwifruit juice was previously clarified by ultrafiltration (UF) process. In experimental tests performed according to the total recycle mode the effect of transmembrane pressure, axial flow-rate and temperature on permeate fluxes were studied. Clarified kiwifruit juice was produced in experimental tests carried out according to the batch concentration mode working in optimal operating and fluid dynamic conditions. The osmotic distillation (OD) process was used to concentrate the clarified juice up to a total soluble solids (TSS) content higher than 60 °Brix at 25 °C. The effect of various operating parameters on vapour flux was studied. An average evaporation flux of almost 1 kg/m2 h was obtained using a calcium chloride dihydrate at 60 w/w% as brine solution. The effects of UF and OD processes on the total antioxidant activity (TAA) and other analytical parameters of the kiwifruit juice were also studied. A little reduction of the TAA was measured during the membrane treatment; vitamin C content was well preserved in the concentrated juice. On the basis of the results obtained on laboratory scale an integrated membrane process scheme for the clarification and the concentration of kiwifruit juice is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Provides information on a study which presented piezo helical springs shaped from curve unimorphs in torsional modes. Use of helical springs; Piezoelectric equations for torsional modes; Conclusions.

Recent researches have highlighted the impulsive nature of the aggregated network traffic, and consequently α-stable distribution models have been widely used to capture the observed impulsiveness. Presented is an analytical demonstration of aggregated network traffic converging to totally positively skewed α-stable distribution, which provides inherent mechanism explanation for the widely used α-stable distribution models. Simulations validate the accuracy of the presented theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the adsorption efficiency of α-MnO2 for Ni2+ in water under various conditions. The adsorption kinetics of α-MnO2 fitted the pseudo-second-order model better than the pseudo-first-order model. The adsorption efficiency increased rapidly at 0-30 minutes, although after 90 minutes, the rate of adsorption efficiency was almost 0. The pH affected the adsorption efficiency significantly. From pH 2 to 4, the adsorption efficiency increased sharply as the pH increased. At pH≥4, the adsorption efficiency was high, and at pH 8, it reached a maximum of 63%. Increasing the temperature also increased the adsorption efficiency, suggesting that the adsorption reaction is endothermic. For reaction systems containing more than 10 mmol α-MnO2, the adsorption efficiency for Ni2+ was nearly 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The function of a new starter unit acyltransferase (SAT) domain SAT-EF080951 (GenBank accession number) encoded in a new type I polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster EF568935 (GenBank accession number) isolated for this study was analyzed by domain replacement with an extender unit AT (EAT) domain of avermectin PKS. It was shown that the SAT-EF080951 incorporated malonyl-CoA specifically in vivo, which contradicted the specificity that we had previously determined by substrate binding test in vitro. The result of this study indicates that type I PKS-SAT can alter its specificity in vivo and functions well in extender units and proved the feasibility of the SAT-EAT domain replacement in type I PKS. We propose that SAT-EAT replacement strategy could be a novel route for increasing the diversity of new polyketides combinatorially biosynthesized. The new type I PKS-SAT-EF080951 studied herein may be further employed for related studies on enzymology or combinatorial biosynthesis of polyketides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, good precision is established by the grinding process used for machining the parts. However, there are still uncontrollable steps to this process, such as the apparition of some damage, in which the major deterioration is from the residual stress. In order to investigate the residual stress caused by mechanical stress, thermal stress and phase transformation stress, using the grind-hardening test of 40Cr and the residual stress test, the residual stress distributions under different grinding parameters were obtained. In addition, numerical simulation for the thermal stress of the workpiece surface was carried out by ANSYS, and then the distribution of phase transformation stress under different grinding parameters was deduced. The research shows that grinding parameters have significant influence on the distribution of residual stress at the hardening layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular characterization of cytogenetic abnormalities has not only provided insights into the mechanisms of leukemogenesis but also led to the establishment of new treatment strategies targeting these abnormalities and thereby further improve the prognosis of patients. We analyzed the prognosis of 1091 Chinese patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and explored the prognostic impacts of a large number of cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities. It was demonstrated that, in both B- and T-ALL settings, the prognosis was negatively correlated to the age as reported to date. For childhood T-ALL patients, it was also documented that the HOX11 expression represented a favorable prognostic factor as it was in adult ones. We identified CRLF2 overexpression as an intermediate-risk marker and Ik6 variant of IKZF1 gene as a high-risk one when stratifying pediatric B-ALL cases according to cytogenetic/molecular risks. We also found that Ik6 variant and CRLF2 overexpression had an important role in dictating the prognosis of Ph-negative patients, which may be useful markers in guiding the treatment of ALL in the future, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the other hand reversing the fate of Ph-positive ALL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid complex Eu(C5H8NS2)3(C12H8N2) has been obtained from reaction of hydrous europium chloride with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) and 1,10-phenanthroline ( o-phen⋅H2O) in absolute ethanol. IR spectrum of the complex indicated that Eu3+ in the complex coordinated with sulfur atoms from the APDC and nitrogen atoms from the o-phen. TG-DTG investigation provided the evidence that the title complex was decomposed into EuS. The enthalpy change of the reaction of formation of the complex in ethanol, Δr H m θ( l), as –22.214±0.081 kJ mol–1, and the molar heat capacity of the complex, c m, as 61.676±0.651 J mol–1 K–1, at 298.15 K were determined by an RD-496 III type microcalorimeter. The enthalpy change of the reaction of formation of the complex in solid, Δr H m θ( s), was calculated as 54.527±0.314 kJ mol–1 through a thermochemistry cycle. Based on the thermodynamics and kinetics on the reaction of formation of the complex in ethanol at different temperatures, fundamental parameters, including the activation enthalpy (Δ H ≠ θ), the activation entropy (Δ S ≠ θ), the activation free energy (Δ G ≠ θ), the apparent reaction rate constant ( k), the apparent activation energy ( E), the pre-exponential constant ( A) and the reaction order ( n), were obtained. The constant-volume combustion energy of the complex, Δc U, was determined as –16937.88±9.79 kJ mol–1 by an RBC-II type rotating-bomb calorimeter at 298.15 K. Its standard enthalpy of combustion, Δc H m θ, and standard enthalpy of formation, Δf H m θ, were calculated to be –16953.37±9.79 and –1708.23±10.69 kJ mol–1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Function Analysis of a New Type I PKS-SAT Domain by Sat-Eat Domain Replacement," by Y. L. Jiaoa and colleagues that was published in a previous issue is presented.