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Various privacy-preserving frameworks that respect the individual’s privacy in the analysis of data have been developed in recent years. However, available model classes such as simple statistics or generalized linear models lack the flexibility required for a good approximation of the underlying data-generating process in practice. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for a distributed, privacy-preserving, and lossless estimation of generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) using component-wise gradient boosting (CWB). Making use of CWB allows us to reframe the GAMM estimation as a distributed fitting of base learners using the L 2 -loss. In order to account for the heterogeneity of different data location sites, we propose a distributed version of a row-wise tensor product that allows the computation of site-specific (smooth) effects. Our adaption of CWB preserves all the important properties of the original algorithm, such as an unbiased feature selection and the feasibility to fit models in high-dimensional feature spaces, and yields equivalent model estimates as CWB on pooled data. Next to a derivation of the equivalence of both algorithms, we also showcase the efficacy of our algorithm on a distributed heart disease data set and compare it with state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triphenylamine-based "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor, (E)-3-(benzyloxy)-N′-{[4′-(diphenyl-amino)-4-hydroxy[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-yl]methylidene}benzohydrazide (BDHBMB), containing a 3-benzyloxy-benzo-hydrazide moiety was successfully synthesized. It showed high selectivity, excellent anti-interference performance, and remarkable sensitivity for Al3+ ions in methanol solution. After the addition of Al3+, BDHBMB exhibited strong fluorescence emission (18 times enhancement) at λ 573 nm due to the formation of a rigid conjugate structure based on chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism. A great linearity with a correlation coefficient R2 of 0.99 was observed in the concentration range 0–60 μM. The binding constant and the limit of detection (LOD) for Al3+ were calculated to be 1.48×103 M–1 and 8.94×10–8 M, respectively. The "turn-on" fluorescent probe was successfully applied to visual detection of Al3+ in test paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the thermodynamic and microstructural effects of boron element on a Ni-riched NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) were investigated and the biocompatibility of the improved alloy was compared with the binary alloy. X-ray diffraction measurements showed that at room temperature the binary NiTi SMA was in the austenite (B2) phase, which was also supported by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. When the NiTi alloy was doped with a low concentration of B, new phases appeared, e.g., SEM–EDX analyses of NiTiB alloy reveal the presence of Ni3Ti phase structure and β -Ti and Ni-rich matrix structures. Boron additive decreased the DSC peaks of martensitic phase transformation ( B 2 ↔ B 19 ′ ) of the NiTi alloy; therefore, all thermomechanical parameters investigated in this study were affected. On the other hand, it was determined that although the amount of Ni leakage in both alloys conform to the standards, the biocompatibility of NiTi alloy was improved by adding only 0.8 at% B, which reduced Ni ion release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase ubiquitously expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of several tissues. SHP2 modulates diverse cell signaling events that control metabolism, cell growth, differentiation, cell migration, transcription and oncogenic transformation. It interacts with diverse molecules in the cell, and regulates key signaling events including RAS/ERK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT and PD-1 pathways downstream of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) upon stimulation by growth factors and cytokines. SHP2 acts as both a phosphatase and a scaffold, and plays prominently oncogenic functions but can be tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. It typically acts as a positive regulator of RTKs signaling with some inhibitory functions reported as well. SHP2 expression and activity is regulated by such factors as allosteric autoinhibition, microRNAs, ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Dysregulation of SHP2 expression or activity causes many developmental diseases, and hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, upregulated SHP2 expression or activity also decreases sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. SHP2 is now considered as a compelling anticancer drug target and several classes of SHP2 inhibitors with different mode of action are developed with some already in clinical trial phases. Moreover, novel SHP2 substrates and functions are rapidly growing both in cell and cancer. In view of this, we comprehensively and thoroughly reviewed literatures about SHP2 regulatory mechanisms, substrates and binding partners, biological functions, roles in human cancers, and different classes of small molecule inhibitors target this oncoprotein in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of vanadium addition (0.14 wt pct) on microstructure and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility were investigated in 1300 MPa strength level bolt steel, and hydrogen trapping and diffusion were analyzed by hydrogen permeation and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The results showed that the addition of 0.14 wt pct V in the bolt steel can significantly improve the HE resistance. The vanadium addition can form a large number of V precipitates. Compared with the V-free bolt steel with the same strength, the vanadium addition steel possessed more significant precipitation strengthening and lower dislocation density, which was the main reason to reduce the HE susceptibility. In addition, the vanadium precipitates can provide a lot of hydrogen traps and refine the grains, resulting in the uniform distribution of hydrogen and the reduction of hydrogen accumulated at local grain boundaries, which was helpful to inhibit the hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A new unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand (H2LLi) was synthesized using L-lysine, salicylaldehyde, and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. Three rare-earth ion complexes of this ligand, [REE(H2L)(NO3)]NO3 � 2H2O (REE = La, Sm, Ho), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV spectra, TG-DTG, and molar conductance. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and its complexes are also studied. The antibacterial experiments indicate that this ligand and its complexes possess antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and the complexes have higher activity than that of the ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetics of face-centered cubic (FCC) phase evolution in equiatomic AlCoCrFeNi alloy has been studied in this work, measuring the phase fraction from X-ray diffraction (XRD). As-cast alloy showed a body-centered cubic (BCC)+B2 structure. Heat treatments performed at different temperatures showed the formation up-to 30 to 35 pct FCC phase between 1073 K and 1373 K. A systematic decrease in hardness from 540 to 390 HV10 with increase in temperature suggested an increase in the FCC volume fraction. Kinetics of FCC evolution were analyzed using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation and Arrhenius law to calculate the activation energy for the phase transformation. Furthermore, a time-temperature-transformation diagram was constructed from the isothermal transformation studies. Detailed microstructural investigation suggests faster kinetics of FCC phase formation near dendritic boundaries compared to interdendritic regions. The Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation relationship between FCC and BCC phases suggested a coherent interface between these phases. Results of the present study pave the way to decide on heat treatment practices in AlCoCrFeNi alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A new Schiff base ligand as salt (KL) was synthesized using potassium salt of DL-β-phenylalanine and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. Two binuclear complexes of this ligand, [M2L2(CH3COO)2] (M = Cu(II), Ni(II)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV spectra, and molar conductance. Their prohibitive action on the superoxide anion free radical (O2−·) was estimated by the NBT illumination deoxidizing method (Methionine-lactoflavin illumination method). The results suggested that the ligand and its complexes had the prohibitive action on O2−·. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a single species logistic model with feedback control and additive Allee effect in the growth of species. The basic aim of the paper is to discuss how the additive Allee effect and feedback control influence the above model's dynamical behaviors. Firstly, the existence and stability of equilibria are discussed under three different cases, i.e., weak Allee effect, strong Allee effect, and the critical case. Secondly, we prove the occurrence of saddle-node bifurcation and transcritical bifurcation with the help of Sotomayor's theorem. The above dynamical behaviors are richer and more complex than those in the traditional logistic model with feedback control. We find that both Allee effect and feedback control can increase the species' extinction property. We also reveal some new bifurcation phenomena which do not exist in the single-species model with feedback control (Fan and Wang in Nonlinear Anal., Real World Appl. 11(4):2686–2697, 2010 and Lin in Adv. Differ. Equ. 2018:190, 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a delay Lasota–Wazewska system with feedback control on time scales is proposed. Firstly, by using some differential inequalities on time scales, sufficient conditions which ensure the permanence of the system are obtained. Secondly, by means of the fixed point theory and the exponential dichotomy of linear dynamic equations on time scales, some sufficient conditions for the existence of unique almost periodic solution are obtained. Moreover, exponential stability of the almost periodic positive solution is investigated by applying the Gronwall inequality. Finally, numeric simulations are carried out to show the feasibility of the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

That is, the {111} grains in the 70 pct sample demonstrated a considerably faster recrystallization rate than that in the 87 pct sample. The GOS SB average sb values of the {111} grain in the 70 pct sample were much higher than those in the 87 pct sample, indicating more serious grain subdivision. 2 Distribution of the maximum Schmid factor of the {111} grains in the two samples: (a) 70 pct sample; (b) 87 pct sample 4 TEM observation in the {111} grain in the two samples: (a) and (b) 70 pct sample; (c) and (d) 87 pct sample. [Extracted from the article]

Water sorption isotherm, glass transition temperature (Tg), and caking properties of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) powder were investigated. A broad endothermic shift reflecting continuously distributed glass transition was detected by differential scanning calorimetry, which prompted the evaluation of onset Tg and offset Tg. From the onset and offset Tg curves and water sorption isotherm, critical water activity (water activity at glass transition temperature of 25 °C) was determined to be 0.258 for the onset Tg and 0.480 for the offset Tg. The critical water activity values were validated by isothermal mechanical relaxation measurement. Caking properties of maca powder were compared with maltodextrin. The degree of caking and cake hardness for maltodextrin increased at a water activity just above critical water activity for onset Tg. Maca powder, on the other hand, showed a small degree of caking in the water activity range of 0.225 to 0.576, and the degree of caking drastically increased at a higher water activity. The hardness of maca cakes increased gradually at water activity values greater than 0.432. Since maca powder showed a continuously distributed glass transition, the molecular mobility required for caking was considered to have been provided incrementally by the increase in water activity above critical water activity for the onset Tg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sm2O3-La2O3 mixture was converted to the component chlorides, and Sm and La were separated from the chlorides using the reduction-oxidation method based on the chemical valence variation of Sm. In the reduction stage, samarium (III) chloride was reduced to samarium (II) chloride using hydrogen. In the oxidation stage, samarium (II) chloride was oxidized by water to SmCl3 and water-insoluble SmOCl. After filter separation of SmOCl, the Sm2O3 content in the initial La2O3-Sm2O3 mixture was reduced by ~ 50 pct. These results demonstrate an innovative method for pyrometallurgical separation of Sm and La from Sm2O3-La2O3 mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an extended car-following model which depends not only on the difference of the optimal velocity and the current velocity but also on self-stabilizing control is presented and analyzed in detail. The self-stabilizing control is constructed into the new model by utilizing the historical traffic data (the historical velocity and the historical optimal velocity of the considered vehicle). We derive the stability condition of the extended model against a small perturbation around the homogeneous flow. Theoretical results reveal that the self-stabilizing control in historical optimal velocity difference can further stabilize traffic system on the basis of the self-stabilizing control in historical velocity difference. It is also derived that the time gap between the current traffic data and the historical ones has an important impact on the stability criterion. We clarify the advantages of the self-stabilizing control over the cooperatively driving control and the flexibility in the choice of suppressing in traffic jams. Moreover, from the nonlinear analysis to the proposed model, the historical traffic data dependence of the propagating kink solutions for jam waves is achieved by deriving the modified KdV equation near critical point by using the reductive perturbation method. Finally, theoretical results are confirmed by direct simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the names of editors of the periodical 'The Annals of Regional Science,' as acknowledgement of their generous support in reviewing the submitted manuscripts.

In this paper, a new pattern-based fragile, semi-blind, spatial domain data hiding scheme is proposed. The Local Binary Pattern texture classification approach is used, in order to transparently and securely embed secret data into an image. Pixel values are modified in such a way that the texture satisfies the message requirements. The method is thoroughly studied and compared to other techniques in spatial domain in terms of capacity and image quality. The scheme performs well in images with smooth areas and can be used for authentication, tamper proofing, and secret communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a Lotka-Volterra competition system with multiple delays. Firstly, we investigate the existence and stability of the positive equilibrium. In particular, we find that the system has Hopf bifurcation at the positive equilibrium, whereas this singularity does not occur for the corresponding system with two delays when interspecies competition is weaker than intraspecies competition. Secondly, we analyze the stability of the periodic solutions by reducing the original system on the center manifold. Finally, some numerical examples are given to verify our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new zinc complexes, [Zn(Ppd)I]ClO ( I) and [Zn(Ped)I]ClO ( II), where Ppd and Ped are the Schiff bases N, N′-bis[(1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene)propane-1,3-diamine and N, N′-bis[(1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine, respectively, have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopic, molar conductivity, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal of I is tri-clinic: space group $$P\bar 1$$ a = 8.421(2), b = 9.143(2), c = 13.166(3) Å, α = 92.521(5)°, β = 94.498(3)°, γ = 94.232(4)°, V = 1006.6(4) Å, Z = 2. The crystal of II is triclinic: space group $$P\bar 1$$, a = 8.219(1), b = 8.483(1), c = 14.733(2) Å, α = 80.058(1)°, β = 81.960(1)°, γ = 89.300(1)°, V = 1001.8(2) Å, Z = 2. The zinc atom in the complexes assumes a distorted square pyramidal geometry through coordination by two pyridine N atoms and two imine N atoms of the Schiff base at the basal plane, and by a I atom at the apical position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a competition and corporation impulsive model of two enterprises is investigated. Applying the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, we derive a set of sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of at least a positive periodic solution, and by constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, the uniqueness and global attractivity of the positive periodic solution are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Schiff base coordination polymer, [Ni(CHNO) · 2CHOH] (CHNO, 2-acetylpyridine-L-tryptophan), was synthesized and characterized by IR, UV, and X-ray diffraction singlecrystal analysis. The crystal crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system, space group P422 with cell parameters a = 11.8912(11), c = 28.822(3) Å, V = 4075.5(6) Å, Z = 4, F(000) = 1544, S = 1.187, ρ = 1.199 g cm, μ = 0.525 mm, the final R = 0.0515 and wR = 0.1513 for 3602 observed reflections ( I > 2σ( I)). The Ni(II) atom is six-coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from C=N, two nitrogen atoms from pyridine rings and two carboxylic oxygen atoms in different ligands, forming a distorted octahedron geometry. Each ligand serves as a bridging ligand to link Ni ions through carboxylic oxygen atoms, leading to a two-dimensional coordination polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 1D organic-inorganic hybrid monocopper substituted Dawson-type arsenotungstate (HEn)[Cu(En)]{[Cu(En)(HO)][Cu(En)](α-AsWCuO)} · 8HO ( I) has been hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of Na[A-α-HAsWO] · 11HO, CuCl · 2HO, YCl, with enthylenediamine (En) and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal structural analysis shows that I displays an interesting 1D chain constructed from [α-AsWCuO] subunits by means of common oxygen atoms and [Cu(En)] bridges. It should be noted that the structural transformation of the trivacant Keggin polyoxoanion [A-α-AsWO] to the monovacant Dawson [α-AsWO] polyoxoanion was observed. The TG curve of I exhibits three stages of weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain the total fractionation and pretreatment of the corn stover, two-stage percolation process was investigated. This process consists of two steps: use of 0.07 wt% sulfuric acid for hemicellulose recovery in first stage and ARP (ammonia recycled percolation) in the following stage for lignin recovery. Among tested conditions, the best conditions of two-stage process were as follows: 1 stage; 170 °C, 2.5 ml/min, 30 minutes using 0.07 wt% sulfuric acid and 2 stage; 170 °C, 5.0 ml/min, 60minutes using 15 wt% ammonium hydroxide. At above two-stage treatment conditions, the hemicellulose in corn stover was easily hydrolyzed (95%) and recovered with high yields (86%) and the extent of the lignin removal was 81%. After two-stage process, the treated biomass contained nearly pure glucan (85%). Two-stage treatment brought about enzymatic digestibility of 90% and 89% with 60 and 15 FPU/g glucan cellulase enzyme loadings, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 2D organic-inorganic hybrid 3 d-4 f polyoxometalate [Cu(Dap)(HO)][Cu(Dap)][Gd(α-PWO)] · 5HO ( I) (Dap = 1,2-diaminopropane) built by [Gd(α-PWO)] units and [Cu(Dap)] bridges has been synthesized hydrothermally by the reaction of GdCl, CuCl · 2HO, Na[ A-α-PWO] · 7HO, and Dap and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, UV spectrum, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal structural analysis shows that I displays an interesting 2D 3 d-4 f heterometallic sheet architecture with a 5-connected topology constructed from 1: 2-type [Gd(α-PWO)] subunits and [Cu(Dap)] bridges. To the best of our knowledge, I represents a rare organic-inorganic hybrid 2D 3 d-4 f heterometallic monovacant Keggin phosphotungstate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates the feasibility of a microlens array (MLA) with a focal intensity that can be optically tuned by controlling the polarization of incident light. The proposed MLA has a focusing unit based on birefringent liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) and a tuning unit with a photo-alignment layer for controlling the polarization state of incident laser light. The optically variable refractive indices of LCP allow a positive or negative MLA to be realized by controlling the polarization of the incident light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a simple and compact continuous-wave (CW) 1176 nm laser based on self-frequency Raman conversion in continuous-grown YVO/Nd:YVO composite crystal. With a composite crystal 30 mm in length, a maximum output power up to 1.84 W was achieved at the incident diode pump power of 23.6 W. Corresponding to overall optical conversion, the efficiency was 7.8% and the slope efficiency was 8.5%. The conversion efficiency has been doubled compared with the conventional Nd:YVO CW self-frequency Raman laser . The excellent performance of this laser shows that the long continuous-grown YVO/Nd:YVO composite crystal is promising in the application of CW Raman lasers and ideal for miniaturization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomerase activity was examined in tissue specimens from patients with gastric adenocarcinomas and gastric lymphoma using a modified TRAP (telomeric repeat amplification protocol) assay. Telomerase activity was found in 16 of 18 (89%) patients with gastric adenocarcinomas and gastric lymphoma, whereas it was not detected in a patient with noncancerous gastric mucosa. Almost all analyzed specimens had 'high' and 'very high' levels of telomerase activity. Telomerase is almost certainly associated with the process of malignant transformation and it can be an important marker for diagnostics of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gray-trace resistance KTP (GTR-KTP) second Stokes Raman laser intracavity driven by a diode-pumped acousto-optic Q-switched Nd:YVO laser was first demonstrated in this paper. With an incident pump power of 9.5 W, the intracavity GTR-KTP Raman laser, operating at the repetition rate of 20 kHz, produced the maximum average output power of 860 mW at 1129 nm. The minimum pulse width obtained in this GTR-KTP Raman laser was 10.8 ns. When the GTR-KTP was substituted with a common KTP, a lower average output power of 720 mW and longer pulse width of 15.9 ns were obtained in the common KTP Raman laser under the same pump condition and cavity setup as the GTR-KTP Raman laser. Experimental results indicated that the decreased absorption at the fundamental and Stokes wave in GTR-KTP was beneficial to improve the stimulated Raman scattering performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

new Schiff base copper(II) complex, {[CuL(HO)][CuL(HO)] · 4HO · CHNO} (HL = (Z)-2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid), was synthesized and characterized by IR, UV, and X-ray diffraction single-crystal analysis. The crystal belongs to the triclinic crystal system, space group with cell parameters a = 5.2027(5) Å, b = 16.6916(16) Å, c = 20.237(2) Å, α = 88.895(10)°, β = 84.127(1)°, γ = 83.577(10)°, V = 1737.2(3) Å, Z = 1, F(000) = 848, S = 1.042, ρ = 1.561 g cm, μ = 1.411 mm, the final R = 0.0760 and wR = 0.2318 for 6030 observed reflections ( I > 2σ( I)). The crystal structure of the complex contains two independent units with different coordination environments. In independent unit 1, the Cu(1) is five-coordinated by one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms from the Schiff base ligand and two oxygen atoms from two water molecules to form a distorted square pyramid geometry. On the other hand, in independent unit 2, the Cu(2) is five-coordinated and possesses a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry, defined by one nitrogen atom, one hydroxyl oxygen atom, two carboxylate oxygen atoms in two different ligands, and one oxygen atom of the water molecule. The complex forms a one-dimensional chain polymer in the xy plane through carboxyl oxygen atoms in the Schiff base ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The filamentous fungi Trichoderma species produce extracellular cellulase. The current study was carried out to obtain an industrial strain with hyperproduction of cellulase. The wild-type strain, Trichoderma viride TL-124, was subjected to successive mutagenic treatments with UV irradiation, low-energy ion beam implantation, atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium discharge plasma (APNEDP), and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to generate about 3000 mutants. Among these mutants, T. viride N879 strain exhibited the greatest relevant activity: 2.38-fold filter paper activity and 2.61-fold carboxymethyl cellulase, 2.18-fold β-glucosidase, and 2.27-fold cellobiohydrolase activities, compared with the respective wild-type activities, under solid-state fermentation using the inexpensive raw material wheat straw as a substrate. This work represents the first application of APNEDP in eukaryotic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a low-threshold continuous-wave self-Raman laser with a composite YVO/Nd:YVO/YVO crystal. The use of the composite crystal can reduce the thermal effects and achieve the low-threshold and high Raman output operation. The Raman threshold is as low as 2.2 W for the 808-nm diode pump. Under the pump of a diode power of 25.5 W, the highest Raman output of 2.8 W is obtained at 1175 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 12% and a diode-to-Stokes optical conversion efficiency of 11%. The power fluctuation is less than 1.1% under the highest Raman output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2008 and 2010, 19 strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were isolated from the vaccinated chicken flocks in Sichuan province, China. The S1 genes of the isolates were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 19 isolates and 37 reference IBV strains can be grouped into eight genotypes. Although IBVs of Taiwan-I type, massachusetts type, and proventriculitis type were isolated, but most isolates were LX4 genotype. Homology analysis of the sequences of S1 genes of the 19 isolates and 37 reference IBV strains revealed that the identity of the nucleotides and amino acid sequences of the S1 genes between the 15 LX4-type isolates and other IBV strains were 71.9–99.3% and 72.1–99.1%, respectively, while those of the analyzed IBV of LX4 type were 96.0–99.9% and 94.3–99.8%, respectively. The results from this study and other published results in the GenBank database showed that isolates circulating in Sichuan province in recent years were mainly LX4 genotype, which is the predominant genotype circulated in China in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the nonlinear nonautonomous predator-prey model with impulsive effect is considered. By using the method of coincidence degree theorem, a set of easily verifiable sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of at least one strictly positive periodic solution, and by the means of a suitable Lyapunov function, the uniqueness and global attractivity of positive periodic solution are presented. An example shows the feasibility of our main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a positive periodic solution for the semi-ratio-dependent predator-prey system with Holling IV functional response is established by using the continuous theorem of coincidence degree theory. And a set of easily veribible sufficient conditions is derived by constructing a Lyapunov function. Numerical simulations are also exhibited to illustrate the validity of the results in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas-solid flow in dense CFB (circulating fluidized bed)) riser under the operating condition, superficial gas 15.5 m/s and solid flux 140 kg/m2s using Geldart B particles (sand) was investigated by experiments and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation. The overall and local flow characteristics are determined using the axial pressure profiles and solid concentration profiles. The cold experimental results indicate that the axial solid concentration distribution contains a dilute region towards the up-middle zone and a dense region near the bottom and the top exit zones. The typical core-annulus structure and the back-mixing phenomenon near the wall of the riser can be observed. In addition, owing to the key role of the drag force of gas-solid phase, a revised drag force coefficient, based on the EMMS (energy-minimization multi-scale) model which can depict the heterogeneous character of gas-solid two phase flow, was proposed and coupled into the CFD control equations. In order to find an appropriate drag force model for the simulation of dense CFB riser, not only the revised drag force model but some other kinds of drag force model were used in the CFD. The flow structure, solid concentration, clusters phenomenon, fluctuation of two phases and axial pressure drop were analyzed. By comparing the experiment with the simulation, the results predicted by the EMMS drag model showed a better agreement with the experimental axial average pressure drop and apparent solid volume fraction, which proves that the revised drag force based on the EMMS model is an appropriate model for the dense CFB simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a continuous-wave intracavity Raman laser at 1179.5 nm with a SrWO4 Raman crystal in a diode-end-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser. The highest output power of 2.23 W is obtained at the laser diode power of 21.2 W corresponding to the slope efficiency of 17.3% and a diode-to-stokes optical conversion efficiency of 10.5%. The dependence of the Raman laser performance on the pump polarization is also studied. The measured Raman thresholds are about 9.3 and 8.3 W in the diode pump laser power for the a- and b-polarized configurations, respectively. The Raman gain coefficients of the c-cut SrWO4 crystal for a- and b-polarized pumps are estimated to be about 4.9 and 4.7 cm/GW, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The running cross-correlation coefficient between solar-cycle amplitudes and rise times at a certain cycle lag is found to vary in time, when using the smoothed monthly-mean sunspot group numbers available for 1610 – 1995. It may be negative or positive for different periods of time. The Waldmeier effect (in which the rise times decrease with amplitude) is also found to be very weak for some cycles. This result represents an observational constraint on solar-dynamo models and can help us better understand the long-term evolution of solar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  During 2000–2007, 218 influenza viruses of 28 different combinations of HA (H1–H13) and NA (N1–N9) subtypes were isolated from fecal samples of free-flying water birds at two distant lakes in Hokkaido, Japan. Phylogenic analysis of the matrix (M) genes of 67 strains, selected on the basis of their subtype combinations, revealed that A/duck/Hokkaido/W95/2006 (H10N8) was a reassortant whose M gene belonged to North American non-gull-avian and the other seven genes to Eurasian non-gull-avian lineages. The M genes of other 65 strains belonged to Eurasian non-gull-avian and the one to Eurasian-gull lineages. The M genes of 65 strains were grouped into three different sublineages, indicating that influenza viruses circulating in different populations of free-flying water birds have evolved independently in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The structure and coordination environment of unusually double-stranded helix of complex [Zn(C8H7O3)2(H2O)2] are studied experimentally and by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The Zn2+ ion coordinates six oxygen atoms of deprotonated vanillin and water molecules forming an octahedron. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π interactions of the vanillin fragments contributed to the formation of the double-stranded helical supramolecular structure in the crystal. Counterpoise geometric parameters of the calculation agree with the crystal structure determined by experiment. The stabilization energy between the donor and acceptor obtained from an analysis of natural bond orbitals of the indicated six ligand oxygen atoms act as electron donor to Zn2+ ion. The results of the density functional theory on the complex demonstrate that the different coordinated oxygen atoms, which have different chemical environment, distort the coordination octahedron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the diffusive Nicholson’s blowflies model with nonlocal (or spatiotemporal) delay. When the spatial variable is one-dimensional, we establish the existence of travelling wave-front solutions by using the approach developed by Wang, Li, and Ruan (J. Differ. Equ. 222, 185–232, 2006) on the existence of travelling front solutions of reaction–diffusion systems with nonlocal delay. Moreover, we consider the dependence of the minimal wave speed on the delay and the mobility of the population. Our main finding here is that delay can induce slow travelling wave-fronts and the mobility of the population can increase fast travelling wave-fronts. In particular, if we choose some special kernel forms, then our results include and improve some known results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that paired expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs can be used to identify functional miRNA-target relationships with high precision. We used a Bayesian data analysis algorithm, GenMiR++, to identify a network of 1,597 high-confidence target predictions for 104 human miRNAs, which was supported by RNA expression data across 88 tissues and cell types, sequence complementarity and comparative genomics data. We experimentally verified our predictions by investigating the result of let-7b downregulation in retinoblastoma using quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and microarray profiling: some of our verified let-7b targets include CDC25A and BCL7A. Compared to sequence-based predictions, our high-scoring GenMiR++ predictions had much more consistent Gene Ontology annotations and were more accurate predictors of which mRNA levels respond to changes in let-7b levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenomenological theory, based on curing intensity-dependent photopolymerization and its influence on gaussian beam wave front distortion, was proposed to model the absolute variation process of the refractive index of curable chemical composite in laser-induced photopolymerization. An experimental setup that relied on this theory with a systematic resolution of ±0.3% was also established for the measurement of photopolymerization for acrylate composite. The data rate of more than 20 Hz made this method suitable for real-time investigation on photopolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a detailed description of a novel dye-doped cholesteric LC cell that exhibits polarization-independent diffraction based on a photochromic mechanism. The photochromic phase grating exhibited over 90% polarization independence of the writing beams, and over 90% polarization-independent self and probe diffractions were observed. No external ac or dc field is needed for operation. Unpolarized light can also be used for writing-in beam and/or read-out beam, making this method immediately suitable for applications of light modulation. To our knowledge this cell represents the first example of polarization-independent photochromic phase modulation and light diffraction, for both writing and probe beams, in an anisotropic liquid crystalline material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presented a novel preparation method of silica coated organic pigment. In this approach, the surfaces of the organic pigment were first orderly modified by poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), then coated by silica via sol-gel process of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The results showed that PVP, pH value, water and TEOS contents had significant influence on the morphology of the silica encapsulated organic pigment. Organic pigments coated silica by this approach could scatter UV ray with wavelength less than 270 nm, and this scattering property increased with more silica coated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hypothesis has been proposed that the regions of DNA loop anchorage to the nuclear matrix are the preferential sites (hot spots) of illegitimate recombination mediated or triggered by topoisomerase II of the nuclear matrix. Recombination between the regions of DNA loop anchorage to the nuclear matrix may result in deletion or repositioning of DNA loops or their groups. The proposed hypothesis is confirmed by the results of original experiments and published data obtained by other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isothermal grain growth of Mn2O3 nanocrystals, prepared by the chemical liquid-phase homogeneous precipitation route, was investigated at various temperatures between 200 and 500 °C for different annealing times. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron micrographs show that the average grain sizes are in the range of 4-50 nm. The grain growth data were analyzed using two different models. The first model, assuming normal grain growth as that in conventional polycrystalline materials, yields large grain growth exponent (n) and extremely low activation energy (Q). Although it can describe the evolution of grain sizes, it fails to give satisfactory physical interpretation of n and Q, both beyond the theoretical predictions. The second model is based on the structural relaxation of the interface component in nanocrystalline materials. In this case, the ordering of distorted interfaces by structural relaxation proceeds with grain growth. This structure relaxation model not only describes the evolutions of grain growth well, but also makes reasonable attribution of the low activation energy to the short-range rearrangement of atoms in the interface region as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane diseases are the most severe threat to cane production in China, which affect the cane yield and sugar content. This paper summarizes the developments of sugarcane disease research in mainland China in the 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear foci containing the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML bodies), which occur in most cells, play a role in tumor suppression. Here, we demonstrate that CHFR, a mitotic checkpoint protein frequently inactivated in human cancers, is a dynamic component of PML bodies. Intermolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis identified a distinct fraction of CHFR that interacts with PML in living cells. This interaction modulates the nuclear distribution and mobility of CHFR. A trans-dominant mutant of CHFR that inhibits checkpoint function also prevents colocalization and interaction with PML. Conversely, the distribution and mobility of CHFR are perturbed in PML-/- cells, accompanied by aberrations in mitotic entry and the response to spindle depolymerization. Thus, PML bodies control the distribution, dynamics and function of CHFR. Our findings implicate the interaction between these tumor suppressors in a checkpoint response to microtubule poisons, an important class of anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on nuclear matrix-associated transcription factors are summarized. These transcription factors ensure the proper spatial arrangement of gene promoters and enhancers, interacting with DNA at matrix attachment regions (MARs) and with other nuclear matrix proteins. More than 50 individual proteins are considered and classified by the DNA-binding domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]