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In this study, the degradation behavior of flexible GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs (IMM3J) solar cells and their metamorphic subcells under 1 MeV electron irradiation was investigated. The remaining factors such as short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and maximum power (Pmax) were 95.62, 85.52, and 79.73%, respectively, at an irradiation fluence of 2 × 1015 e/cm2. The spectral responses of the InGaAs and GaAs subcells degraded significantly, and the InGaAs subcell experienced greater degradation than the GaAs subcell after irradiation. In addition, the current-limiting unit was switched from GaInP to InGaAs after irradiation. Defect analysis by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) revealed that with increasing irradiation fluence, the defects that had the greatest impact on the performance of GaAs subcells were EV + 0.36 and EV + 0.42 eV. For InGaAs subcells, the defects that had the greatest impact on the performance were EV + 0.29 and EV + 0.24 eV. The decrease in the minority carrier lifetime is the main reason for the decrease in the electrical performance of solar cells, and the variation in the effective minority carrier lifetime (τeff) in the subcells with the irradiation fluence was calculated based on the DLTS results. At a fluence of 2 × 1015 e/cm2, the τeff of the GaAs and InGaAs subcells decreased from 2.93 × 10−10 and 9.10 × 10−10 s to 1.56 × 10−11 and 1.60 × 10−12 s, respectively. These results provide a reference for predicting the degradation of short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage of flexible IMM3J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the problem of formation collapse caused by sand leakage from segmental lining cracks, this paper selected the logical idea of the silo calculation example in PFC3D and used numerical triaxial compression to calibrate the parameters of sand particles. By simulating the changes in the contact force chain between sand particles, the bottom plate load and the porosity of the sand layer during the process of layer collapse caused by sand leakage from segmental lining cracks, the layer subsidence and sand inrush phenomena, sand flow and loss laws of the sand layer due to different openings are studied. The results show that the dynamic process of continuous formation and destruction of the soil vault leads to continuous changes in the contact force between sand particles when the segmental lining cracks cause strata subsidence. The microscopic reason for the sand intrusion disaster was that after the thickness-to-span ratio exceeded the critical value, the soil arch continued to develop towards the top surface and the top surface was connected to the opening, resulting in the inability to form a stable soil arch between the sand particles. During the loss of sand, the change in load on the bottom plate and the change in porosity at the opening corresponded to the process of destruction and formation of the soil arch. Whenever the soil arch was formed, a local peak appeared in the load curve on the bottom plate and the porosity curve at the opening. In the later stage of the sand loss process, as the loss rate increased, the frequency of soil arch formation and destruction accelerated accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of converter smelting, the impact area formed when the jet sprayed by the oxygen lance hits the molten pool to a large extent determines the steel quality. In this study, six sets of oxygen lance models with different inclination angles were established based on the a 260 t converter, and the influence of the jet angle and position of the oxygen lance nozzle on the jet impact area was studied by numerical simulation, and the law of the change of the impact area with the lance position under different impact velocity was explained through theoretical analysis. It was found that the effective impact area of the jet with an inclination angle of 15° was the largest, and the stirring of the molten pool was more uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-polarized broadband coupled feed dipole antenna loaded with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure is proposed. The proposed AMC structure with 4x4 elements shown in this paper consists of four perfect electrical conductor (PEC) rectangular strips and a ring to reduce the profile height of the dual-polarized dipole antenna. In addition, the dual-polarization antenna adopts coupling feed microstrip to excite two pairs of bow-tie patch. The overall size of the coupling feed dipole antenna is 1.1λ0x1.1λ0x0.09λ0 at 5.5 GHz. Measured results shows that the proposed dual-polarization antenna loaded AMC exhibit a 25.2% common working bandwidth (4.75-6.12 GHz). The isolation is less than -14 dB, and the peak gain is 10.6 dBi. This dipole antenna with AMC structure has the virtues of low profile, wide band, and good radiation performance and it has the potential to be used in C-band communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-polarized broadband coupled feed dipole antenna loaded with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure is proposed. The proposed AMC structure with 4x4 elements shown in this paper consists of four perfect electrical conductor (PEC) rectangular strips and a ring to reduce the profile height of the dual-polarized dipole antenna. In addition, the dual-polarization antenna adopts coupling feed microstrip to excite two pairs of bow-tie patch. The overall size of the coupling feed dipole antenna is 1.1λ0x1.1λ0x0.09λ0 at 5.5 GHz. Measured results shows that the proposed dual-polarization antenna loaded AMC exhibit a 25.2% common working bandwidth (4.75-6.12 GHz). The isolation is less than -14 dB, and the peak gain is 10.6 dBi. This dipole antenna with AMC structure has the virtues of low profile, wide band, and good radiation performance and it has the potential to be used in C-band communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the problem of how to efficiently build aircraft routes that better withstand potential disruptions, such as bad weather, technical problems, and passenger delays. This optimization problem is called robust aircraft maintenance routing problem (RAMRP). There are three approaches in the literature to deal with the RAMRP, such as the buffer time allocation approach (BT), the departure retiming approach (DR), and the scenario-based stochastic programming approach (SSP). Most of the previous approaches have some shortcomings in terms of fleet productivity and delay absorption. In addition, the majority of the RAMRP models overlook maintenance regulations, which result in the generation of infeasible routes. In this article, RAMRP is investigated with two main objectives. First, a novel robustness approach, called the turn-around time reduction approach (TRTR), that avoids the shortcomings of the existing approaches, is incorporated into RAMRP. The second objective is to develop an RAMRP model that simultaneously considers all maintenance regulations. The effectiveness of the proposed RAMRP model along with the TRTR is demonstrated using real data from a major Middle Eastern airline. The results reveal an improved performance of the TRTR over the BT by about 3.43%–12.20% and 2.5%–13.58%, while handling the expected propagated delay costs and fleet productivity, respectively. In addition, the results show that the TRTR is better than the SSP by about 2.07%–18.82%, while minimizing the propagated delay costs. Therefore, the TRTR has a great potential to be implemented in the actual industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty and risk are inevitable issues in decision making in supply chain systems. In knowledge-based communities, uncertain conditions are recognized, analyzed and eliminated using wide range of concepts and approaches. One intelligent tool to aid in decreasing impreciseness and in delivering an acceptable level of accuracy is fuzzy logic. This study reports a new version of the fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making family. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is extended for the first time with interval fuzzy values and then integrated as an input for the quality function deployment (QFD) mechanism. Although the application of decision-making tools in the supply chain and its sustainable development is undeniable, the implementation of fuzzy decision support systems in sustainable supply chains still demands more research work. This study develops an IT2F DEMATEL-QFD model to evaluate and rank sustainable supply chain drivers in a group decision-making environment. The proposed fuzzy decision model is connected to a real research project for eliminating risks in the supply chain related to agricultural production systems. Sensitivity analysis confirms the stability of the model. It is concluded that the outcomes and advantages of the newly developed model will profit academic and non-academic partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variegated leaves of Actinidia polygama exhibit a striking colour change during development. However, little is known whether the photosynthetic capacity of white leaves can be maintained. Therefore, spectrum properties, leaf structure, net photosynthetic rate (PN), and chlorophyll fluorescence in the green and white leaves were investigated. Although reflectance at 400 - 700 nm in white leaves was higher than that in green leaves, total chlorophyll content of white leaves was similar to that in green leaves. Palisade tissue cells of white leaves contained functional chloroplasts. Large intercellular spaces were observed between the epidermal and mesophyll cells and within the palisade tissue cell layer in white leaves. Both PN and the actual quantum yield of photosystem II in white leaves were similar to green leaves. At different leaf growth stages, PN of white leaves was about 88 - 100 % of the PN of green leaves. The efficiency of electron move beyond QA-(ET/TR) and the quantum yield of electron transport (ET/ABS) in white leaves was higher than in green leaves. In conclusion, photosynthetic capacity in white leaves of A. polygama showed two favorable characteristics during the whole sampling period: 1) despite a higher spectral reflectance in white leaves, PN of white leaves remained relatively high compared with green leaves; 2) the higher activity of photosystem II of white leaves enabled photosynthetic capacity maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of arranging a set of aircraft in a maintenance hangar operated by an independent aircraft service provider. The overall safety margins of the parking layout need to be maximized within the limited available space, measured by the weighted sum of the individual discrete safety margins of each aircraft. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed, and the positions of the aircraft are determined by the position-controlling binary variables associated with a set of revised No-Fit Polygons (NFPs). Due to the nonconvex irregular shape of aircraft, the model involves a great number of binary variables associated with the revised NFP. The default branch-and-bound algorithm is inefficient in solving such a model as the infeasibility information of the precedent visited solution cannot be directly utilized by the default method to update the bounds. A heuristic algorithm is developed to provide practical solutions, and the intermediate infeasible solutions identified during searching are utilized to develop valid and approximate inequalities, tightening the optimality gap. The computational results demonstrate that the addition of inequalities improves the computational efficiency in solving a wide range of instances and in tightening the optimality gap while the stopping criterion is met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background According to some guidelines for the management of gastric cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with pT3-4 or node-positive disease. The aim of this study was to define low- and high-risk groups in terms of survival, and to predict the benefit of adjuvant fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin (F- OX) chemotherapy. Methods Patients with pT3-4 or node-positive gastric cancer after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy between 2000 and 2013 were included. The performance of a previously published nomogram was assessed by discrimination and calibration. Patients were stratified into risk groups on the basis of the nomogram-predicted overall survival probability. The efficacy of F- OX within each risk subgroup was assessed using the log rank test and Cox regression analysis weighted by inverse propensity score. Results Some 1464 patients were included. The nomogram showed better discrimination than the seventh AJCC staging classification (concordance index 0·72 versus 0·68 respectively; P = 0·008) and accurate calibration. F- OX was not associated with improved survival in patients in the low-risk group, whereas it reduced the risk of death by over 20 per cent in the intermediate- and high-risk groups ( P = 0·036 and P < 0·001 respectively) ( P for interaction = 0·014). Conclusion A nomogram can aid in individualized decision-making regarding the administration of F- OX after gastrectomy for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Piezoelectric Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Functionally Graded (P-CNT-FG) structures have great application potential in aerospace for vibration control. The precise modeling technique for P-CNT-FG plates and shells is a big challenge, especially for moderate thick and thick P-CNT-FG structures. This paper develops a Finite Element (FE) model for P-CNT-FG plates and shells. The FE model is derived by Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory with consideration of various CNT distribution forms, CNT volume fractions, boundary conditions and arbitrary fiber orientations. Eight-node quadrilateral elements are developed for P-CNT-FG structures with seven mechanical degrees of freedom (DOFs) at each node. The mathematical model is first validated by a simply supported square plate, a cross-ply plate with sinusoidally distributed loading and a CNT plate with PZT layers. Afterwards, vibration and dynamic responses of P-CNT-FG plates have been presented, later the effective of parameters on static and dynamic response of P-CNT-FG smart structures are carried out by the present model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear multi-scale interactions between the tearing mode and the ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode are investigated by means of numerical simulations in a self-consistent 5-field Landau-fluid model. It is observed that there exists a threshold of magnetic island width in the nonlinear evolution of interaction, above which the ITG turbulence can enhance the island growth significantly. Dependence of the threshold on basic plasma parameters is deeply analyzed. It is found that the higher ion viscosity may raise the threshold through its effect on the E×B drift and the diamagnetic drift of electron density gradient in different ways, both of which play a synergetic role in determining the threshold. Moreover, the effects of plasma resistivity, gradient length of equilibrium current sheet as well as magnetic shear of field line on the threshold are discussed based on the analyses of the initial growth rate of islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear and nonlinear evolution of ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) modes is numerically investigated by using a Landau-fluid model in a sheared slab geometry. Dependence of the linear growth rates of ITG modes with different radial mode numbers on various equilibrium parameters is discussed in detail. It is found that the ITG mode with a higher radial mode number is the dominantly unstable one in a narrow current sheet system with a low magnetic shear. In nonlinear simulations with different magnetic shears, two types of nonlinear states, specifically, oscillatory relaxation to a steady state and an intermittent bursting state, are observed in the weak turbulence regime. Similar phenomena of both nonlinear states are also observed in the simulations with different temperature gradients. The basic physical processes of both nonlinear states are thoroughly analyzed by means of quasilinear simulations. It is found that the system relaxes to a steady state when the ITG mode is slightly unstable, whereas it enters an intermittent burst state when the ITG mode is more unstable. During each burst, the ITG mode with a higher radial mode number becomes the dominant one due to the energy cascade in kx space, which is induced by self-generated zonal flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yard truck scheduling and storage allocation problems (YTS-SAP) are two important issues that influence the efficiency of a container terminal. These two problems aim to determine the routing of trucks and proper storage locations for discharging containers from incoming vessels. This paper integrates YTS and SAP as a whole and tries to minimize the weighted summation of total delay and total yard trucks travel time. A genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to deal with the problem. In the proposed GA, guidance mutation approach and exhaustive heuristic for local searching are used in order to force the GA to converge faster and be steadier. To test the performance of the proposed GA, both small scale and large scale cases are studied. The results of these cases are compared with CPLEX for the small scale cases. Since this problem is an NP-hard problem, which CPLEX cannot solve, a simple GA is studied for comparison in large scale cases. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed GA can obtain near optimal solutions in much shorter computational time for small scale cases. In addition, the proposed GA can obtain better results than other methods in reasonable time for large scale cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains unclear whether the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is superior to CCRT alone for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This Bayesian network meta-analysis shows no significant improvement found following CCRT + AC compared with CCRT alone. The efficacy of AC followed by CCRT should be further explored.Background Given the lack of studies, whether the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is superior to CCRT alone for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. The main objective of this Bayesian network meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of CCRT + AC when compared with CCRT alone. Patients and methods We systematically searched databases and extracted data from randomized, controlled trials involving NPC patients randomly assigned to receive CCRT + AC, CCRT, or radiotherapy (RT). Overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) with hazard ratios (HRs) were investigated. A Bayesian network for different outcomes was established to incorporate all evidence. Multiple treatment comparisons based on the network integrated the efficacy of CCRT + AC, CCRT, and RT. Results Eight studies involving 2144 patients were analyzed. In the network meta-analysis, CCRT + AC and CCRT were both significantly better than RT alone for all outcomes, except that no significant difference was found between CCRT and RT for LRFS. Though ranking probabilities showed that CCRT + AC was ranked superior to CCRT for OS, LRFS, and DMFS, no significant differences were found between CCRT+AC and CCRT for all outcomes [OS: HR = 0.86, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.60–1.16; LRFS: HR = 0.72, 95% CrI 0.43–1.15; DMFS: HR = 0.86, 95% CrI 0.62–1.16]. Conclusions No significant improvement was found following CCRT + AC compared with CCRT alone. Whether the omission of additional AC can reduce toxic effects without adversely affecting survival in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC should be further explored, in addition to the precise patient status that would benefit from AC following CCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The linear behavior of plasmoid instability in double current sheet configurations, namely, double plasmoid mode (DPM), is analytically and numerically investigated within the framework of a reduced magnetohydrodynamic model. Analytical analysis shows that if the separation of double current sheets is sufficiently small [ κxs«κ2/9S1/3L], the growth rate of DPMs scales as κ2/3S0L in the non-constant-ψregime, where κ=kLCS/2 is the wave vector measured by the half length of the system LCS/2, 2s is the separation between two resonant surfaces, and SL=LCSVA/2κ is Lundquist number with VA and η being Alfven velocity and resistivity, respectively. If the separation is very large [κxs»κ2/9S1/3L], the growth rate scales as κ-2/5S2/5L in the constant-ψ regime. Furthermore, it is also analytically found that the maximum wave number scales as xs-9/7sS3/7L at the transition position between these two regimes, and the corresponding maximum growth rate scales as xs-6/7SL-2/7there. The analytically predicted scalings are verified in some limits through direct numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Error field penetration processes in magnetic island mode locking with the time-varying and fixed boundary perturbations are investigated numerically by using a two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic model in slab geometry. The evolution of various poloidal torques on the rational surface in the processes is analyzed in detail. In particular, three different states with the fixed boundary perturbations, viz. below the threshold (nearly locked regime), on the threshold (just locked regime), and above the threshold (strongly locked regime), are discussed and compared with the physical processes of the Rutherford regime. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background We compared intestinal, hepatic, and other organ function after hepatic portal occlusion with or without dexmedetomidine administration under general anaesthesia. Methods In this prospective, randomized double-blind investigation, 44 patients undergoing elective hepatectomy with inflow occlusion were randomized into a dexmedetomidine group or a control group. The dexmedetomidine group received an initial dexmedetomidine loading dose of 1 μg kg−1 over 10 min followed by a maintenance dose of 0.3 μg kg−1 h−1. In the control group, 0.9% sodium chloride was administered. The primary outcome was serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity reflecting intestinal injury. The secondary outcomes included variables reflecting intestinal, hepatic, kidney, and cardiopulmonary function, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response. Results DAO activity was lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group at 6 and 24 h after liver reperfusion [9.77 (1.07) vs14.29 (1.43) units ml−1, P=0.021; 9.67 (0.98) vs 13.97 (1.31) units ml−1, P=0.017]. d-lactate acid levels were lower during 1–72 h after liver reperfusion compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Also, the intestinal injury severity grade was decreased by dexmedetomidine (P=0.038). The biomarkers reflecting liver injury increased over time, but were lower in the dexmedetomidine group (all P<0.05), while the variables reflecting cardiopulmonary and renal function showed no differences between the groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine administered perioperatively attenuates intestinal and hepatic injury in patients undergoing elective liver resection with inflow occlusion without any potential risk. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR-TRC-11001530, September 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Error-field penetration in reversed magnetic shear (RMS) configurations is numerically investigated by using a two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic model in slab geometry. To explore different dynamic processes in locked modes, three equilibrium states are adopted. Stable, marginal, and unstable current profiles for double tearing modes are designed by varying the current intensity between two resonant surfaces separated by a certain distance. Further, the dynamic characteristics of locked modes in the three RMS states are identified, and the relevant physics mechanisms are elucidated. The scaling behavior of critical perturbation value with initial plasma velocity is numerically obtained, which obeys previously established relevant analytical theory in the viscoresistive regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) increase morbidity and mortality in surgical patients and represent an economic burden to healthcare systems. Experiments have shown that triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) are beneficial in the prevention of SSI, although the results from individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are inconclusive. A meta-analysis of available RCTs was performed to evaluate the efficacy of TCS in the prevention of SSI. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science®, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and internet-based trial registries for RCTs comparing the effect of TCS and conventional uncoated sutures on SSIs was conducted until June 2012. The primary outcome investigated was the incidence of SSI. Pooled relative risks with 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) were estimated with RevMan 5.1.6. Results: Seventeen RCTs involving 3720 participants were included. No heterogeneity of statistical significance across studies was observed. TCS showed a significant advantage in reducing the rate of SSI by 30 per cent (relative risk 0·70, 95 per cent c.i. 0·57 to 0·85; P < 0·001). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent results in favour of TCS in adult patients, abdominal procedures, and clean or clean-contaminated surgical wounds. Conclusion: TCS demonstrated a significant beneficial effect in the prevention of SSI after surgery. Copyright © 2013 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene regulators, which can have critical roles in diverse biological processes including tumorigenesis. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by use of a miRNA microarray platform and identified 40 differentially expressed miRNAs. We showed that miRNA (miR)-451 was the most downregulated in NSCLC tissues. The expression level of miR-451 was found to be significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, pathological stage and lymph-node metastasis. Moreover, low miR-451 expression level was also correlated with shorter overall survival of NSCLC patients (P<0.001). Ectopic miR-451 expression significantly suppressed the in vitro proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells and the development of tumors in nude mice by enhancing apoptosis, which might be associated with inactivation of Akt signaling pathway. Interestingly, ectopic miR-451 expression could significantly inhibit RAB14 protein expression and decrease a luciferase-reporter activity containing the RAB14 3′-untranslated region (UTR). In addition,, RNA interference silencing of RAB14 gene could recapitulate the tumor suppressor function of miR-451, whereas restoration of RAB14 expression could partially attenuate the tumor suppressor function of miR-451 in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we also showed that strong positive immunoreactivity of RAB14 protein was significantly associated with downregulation of miR-451 (P=0.01). These findings suggest that miR-451 regulates survival of NSCLC cells partially through the downregulation of RAB14. Therefore, targeting with the miR-451/RAB14 interaction might serve as a novel therapeutic application to treat NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization of ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven mode by a large-scale vortex flow is investigated using a gyrofluid model in slab geometry. Extending a recent work [Z. X. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 015004 (2009)], the focus in this work is put on the effect of magnetic shear. It is shown that the vortex flow can effectively stabilize the ITG mode by inducing both radial and poloidal mode couplings. Furthermore, decreasing magnetic shear is identified to weaken the stabilizing role of the vortex flow. The effects of the magnetic shear on the ITG mode structure and on the growth rate in the presence of various shear flows are obtained and the relevant mechanisms are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lens antenna is a good substitute for the Cassegrain antenna at millimeter-wave frequencies, especially at W-band. On one hand, the antenna design, which is bulky and heavy at low frequencies, becomes compact and light-weighted at W-band. On the other hand, without the blockage caused by the sub-reflector and the feed horns which are unavoidable in a Cassegrain antenna, the lens antennas show better radiation characteristics. In this paper, several lens antennas fed by metal horns are analyzed using a full-wave method-finite element method based on the weak form of the Helmholtz equation (WF-FEM). Numerical results show that the lens antennas presented have low side lobe level (SLL), and good sum and difference performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kernel with formulation of the relevant BIE (boundary integral equation) in plane elasticity is introduced. The new kernel is derived from a fundamental solution expressed in a pure deformable form. If the kernel is used, the regularity condition is satisfied for any loadings on the contour of the hole. The exterior boundary value problem is studied. The applied loadings on the contour in the exterior boundary value problem may not be in equilibrium. From the solutions of the exterior von Neumann problem and the exterior Dirichlet problem, numerical examinations and comparison based on the usage of the new kernel and the usual kernel are presented. It is proved that the usual kernel cannot be used for the case in which the loadings on the contour are not in equilibrium. A particular exterior Dirichlet problem for an infinite plate with an elliptic inclusion is considered. Resultant forces and moment are applied on the inclusion. In the problem, one must assume some additional translation and rotation for the inclusion that are determined by the applied loading condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics of ion temperature gradient (ITG) instability in the presence of a magnetic island are investigated numerically using a gyrofluid model. It is shown that when the magnetic island is wide enough to produce a broad distribution of rational surfaces near the O-point region, the ITG perturbations at these rational surfaces form a radially global-type eigenmode with a fast growth rate, which is referred to as the magnetic-island-induced ITG mode. Moreover, the magnetic island also causes both radial and poloidal mode couplings, which play a stabilizing role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a Trefftz method for evaluating the T-stress for cracks emanating from a hole in a rectangular plate. In this method, the displacement and the stress field are an elasticity solution, which is derived from complex potentials. The complex potentials are assumed in a series form with undetermined coefficients. After using the minimum potential energy principle, an algebraic equation for the undetermined coefficients can be formulated. The coefficients can be obtained from the equation, and the whole stress field is determined. Stress intensity factor and T-stress can be evaluated immediately from the known solution. Merit of the suggested method is addressed. For three particular cases, R=0, R/w=0.25 and R/w=0.5, the computed results are tabulated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using complex variable function, an elementary solution of a single-edge crack problem for half-plane is proposed. The elementary solution is obtained by distributing the dislocation density along the prospective place of crack, and it is composed of the principal part and the complementary part. Based on the elementary solution and the principle of superposition, a system of Cauchy singular integral equations for periodic group edge crack problems of half-plane in antiplane elasticity can be formulated. In the solution of the singular integral equation, the influences of many neighbouring groups on the central group are evaluated exactly. In addition, the influences on the central group by the many remote groups are considered approximately. By using a semi-open quadrature rule, the singular integral equations are solved and the stress intensity factors at the crack tips are evaluated. Several numerical examples are given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 260 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were exposed to red light (RL), green light (CL), blue light (BL), and white light (WL), respectively, by using a light-emitting diode system for 7 wk. There were 5 replicate pens for each light treatment and 13 birds per pen. The effects of monochromatic light on the immune response were studied. The results indicated that proliferation of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in the CL group was significantly increased (by 80.8 and 54.8%) compared with those in the RL and BL groups, respectively, at 21 d of age (P < 0.05). At 49 d of age, however, the proliferation response was significantly increased in the BL group compared with the RL group (26.9%, P < 0.05). Moreover, the CL group showed a significant elevation in the serum anti-Newcastle disease virus level as compared with that of the RL group at 28 d of age (32.9%, P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant difference in serum anti-Newcastle disease virus level was observed among the BL, RL, and WL groups at this age (P > 0.05). By 49 d of age, the antibody titer was higher in the BL group than in the RL group (62.8%, P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in antibody titer was seen among the BL, CL, and WL groups at this age. Interestingly, the BL group showed a 44.0% reduction in the level of serum interleukin-1β as compared with that in the RL group at 49 d of age (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CL and BL enhance the immune response better than RL, and that BL may play a role in alleviating the stress response in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in comparison with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score to predict short-term postoperative survival and 3-month morbidity among patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from all patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation in our unit from December 1999 to November 2005, on the admission day MELD and CTP scores were calculated for each patient according to the original formula. We evaluated the accuracy of MELD and CTP to predict postoperative short-term survival and 3-month morbidity using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Results: Seven of 42 patients died within 3-months follow-up. The MELD scores for nonsurvivors (32.97 ± 7.11) were significantly higher than those for survivors (24.90 ± 4.96; P < .05), CTP scores were significantly higher, too (12.57 ± 0.98, 11.51 ± 1.17; P < .05). ROC analysis identified the MELD best cut-off point to be 25.67 to predict postoperative morbidity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.841; sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 60.0%), and the CTP best cut-off point was 11.5 (AUC = 0.747; sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 54.3%). MELD score was superior to CTP score to predict postoperative short-term survival and 3-month morbidity among patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Conclusion: MELD score was an objective predictive system and more efficient than CTP score to evaluate the risk of 3-month morbidity and short-term prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A design method for diffractive/refractive dielectric lens antennas working at millimeter wave band is presented in this paper. One surface of this kind of lens antenna is refractive and the other is diffractive. The refractive surface is used to control the amplitude distribution of the electromagnetic wave and the diffractive surface is used to adjust the phase distribution of the electromagnetic wave. The side lobe level of this kind of lens antenna is low due to the proper distribution of the field amplitude controlled by the refractive surface, and the thickness of the lens is very thin due to the use of the diffractive surface. Two design examples of the diffractive/refractive lens antenna are given, and their radiation patterns (fed with the corrugated horns) are computed using axially symmetric FDTD algorithm and presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the design and analysis of several kinds of dielectric lens antennas and their application at millimeter waves and sub-millimeter waves. The lenses analyzed include refractive lens and diffractive lens such as hyperbolic lens antenna, binary diffractive lens antenna and shaped lens antenna. Our purpose is to optimize the performance of the lens antenna so as it has low side lob level, insertion loss and thin thickness. Finite element method (FEM) based on the weak form of Helmholtz equation is used to analyze electromagnetic characteristic of the lens antennas; and the radiation patterns of the lens antennas are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an improved iterative arithmetic of the symmetric successive over-relaxation preconditioning biconjugate-gradient algorithm (ISSOR-PBCG) is utilized to solve the 3D edge FEM equations derived from the time-harmonic electromagnetic-field boundary value problems. Several typical structures have been analyzed, and the computation time is compared with that of other algorithms such as biconjugate-gradient (BCG) algorithm and the conventional symmetric successive over-relaxation preconditioning biconjugate- gradient algorithm (SSOR-PBCG). The CPU time saved using the ISSOR-PBCG algorithm is nearly 27% and 65.5%, as compared with that using the SSOR-PBCG and the BCG algorithm. It can be seen that the ISSOR-PBCG algorithm is efficient for edge FEM equation sets derived from large-scale time-harmonic electromagnetic-field problems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium oxide/hydroxide was deposited on pitch-based activated carbon fibers which were previously oxidized in air at different temperatures, and the changes in carbon oxidation activity, microporosity, and CH4 adsorptivity of the parent carbons due to Mg deposition were examined. DTA results, chemical analysis, and DRIFT spectra indicate that Mg species are mainly supported on the &z.sbnd;COOH groups of the parent carbons, which serve as the catalysts to improve the oxidation activity of carbon. Mg deposition either increases or decreases the specific surface area, pore volume, and average micropore width of the parent carbon depending on the preoxidation temperatures. Mg deposition does not simply enhance CH4 adsorptivity: the complex changes are due to the differences in the supporting states of Mg species and slight modifications in micropore structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate liver cancer-associated genes and to explore the molecular basis of liver cancer genesis, we have cloned a novel hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related gene with a transcript of 2520 base pairs in length named HCCA2 by mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR) and screening a placenta cDNA library. No significant homologous protein with known genes was found. Western blot analysis showed that HCCA2 could be expressed in transfected 293 cells. Northern hybridization analysis showed that HCCA2 mRNA was expressed in 79% (34/43) patients with HCC, most of whom had significantly high expression in HCC tissues, while not expressed in corresponding noncancerous liver tissues. The clinical pathological data showed that the HCCA2 was significantly associated with the invasion of tumour capsule (P = 0.0007) and the expression of ki-67 protein (P = 0.0022). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that the HCCA2 protein was localized in cytoplasm of liver cancer tissues. According to amino acid analysis of the protein and its localization, it may play a role in a cascade of intracellular signal transduction because the protein was characterized with two Src homology 3 (SH3) binding-domains and several functional motifs of phophorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, the closely related neuropeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin have been implicated in the central mediation of parental behaviour. Several studies in rats and sheep have demonstrated a role for oxytocin in the initiation of maternal behaviour. Recently, a few studies in a biparental species, the prairie vole (Microxytocinus ochrogaster ) have suggested that vasopressin is important for paternal care. The present study investigated this latter possibility by measuring changes in vasopressin and oxytocin hypothalamic gene expression 1 day and 6 days following parturition in prairie voles which show paternal care and in montane voles (M. montanus ) which lack paternal care. In prairie voles, vasopressin gene expression increased in both males and females postpartum, relative to sexually naive controls. In the non-paternal montane vole, no change in vasopressin gene expression was observed in either sex. In contrast to this species difference in vasopressin gene expression, hypothalamic oxytocin gene expression increased in both prairie and montane vole females, but not in males of either species. To augment measures of gene expression, we assessed vasopressin (V1a) and oxytocin receptor binding in both species. Although forebrain vasopressin V1a receptor binding was not altered following parturition in either species, oxytocin receptor binding increased in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in females, but not males, in both prairie and montane voles. In summary, vasopressin gene expression increases in both males and females postpartum in a biparental species and oxytocin gene expression and receptor binding increase selectively in females. These results are consistent with earlier reports of a role for vasopressin in paternal care and for oxytocin in maternal behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate how nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) involved in the protective effect of isoflurane (Iso) preconditioning in oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cortical neuron injury. Methods: Primary mouse cortical neurons were divided into Control, ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor), Iso, Iso + ML385, OGD, ML385 + OGD, Iso + OGD, and Iso + ML385 + OGD groups. Lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) release and oxidative stress indexes were quantified. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect cell viability, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining to measure cell apoptosis, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method to test reactive oxygen species (ROS), and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting to evaluate genes and protein expression. Results: Iso preconditioning reduced LDH release and inhibited cell cytotoxicity in OGD-induced cortical neurons, which was abolished by ML385. Iso preconditioning increased the Nrf2 nuclear translocation in cortical neurons. Meanwhile, Iso decreased the OGD-induced apoptosis with the down-regulations of Bax and Caspase-3 and the up-regulation of Bcl-2, which was reversed by ML385. OGD enhanced the level of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cortical neurons, but reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which were aggravated in ML385 + OGD group and mitigated in Iso + OGD group. No observable difference was found between OGD group and Iso + ML385 + OGD group regarding apoptosis-related proteins and oxidative stress-related indexes. Conclusion: Iso preconditioning up-regulated Nrf2 level to play its protective role in OGD-induced mouse cortical neuron injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article regarding the missense mutation of the novel GJB3 (Cx31) in the Chinese Erythrokeratodermia variabilis (EKV) patient.

This paper studies the thermal properties of three-terminal mesoscopic dielectric systems in the nonlinear response regime at low temperature. For a symmetric three-terminal system, when the temperature is finitely different between the left and right thermal reservoirs, the temperature of the central thermal reservoir is always higher than the averaging temperature of the others. This nonlinear thermal phenomenon is also observed for asymmetric three-terminal systems. At the end, a model of thermal rectification is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiance is one of the main limiting factors affecting the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in facility production. It is therefore important to measure the growth of pepper seedlings under low irradiance and to understand how to relieve low radiation stress. In this study, pepper seedlings were cultivated under low irradiance and were treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) and paclobutrazol (PP333). Agronomic and physiological characteristics of the pepper seedlings were analyzed. Under low irradiance, the plant height, leaf area, and the chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of pepper seedlings were higher than under normal irradiance, while the content of proline, and soluble protein and Chl a/b ratio of pepper seedlings were lower than those under normal irradiance; exogenous GA3 had a similar effect. When PP333 was applied to the seedlings, abnormal growth was mitigated. The effects of exogenous GA3 and PP333 on Chl fluorescence parameters were also analyzed. Under low irradiance, the maximum quantum yield reduction of photosystem (PS II) (Fv/Fm) increased significantly, and the reaction center initiated the corresponding defense mechanism for timely dissipation of excess excitation energy to reduce the damage to the plant. These results showed that spraying gibberellin under normal irradiance conditions had similar effects on pepper seedlings as under low irradiance conditions. Exogenous PP333 relieved the growth reduction by increasing the content of Chl and soluble protein and enhancing some photosynthetic parameters. These results suggest that exogenous PP333 can alleviate the abnormal growth of pepper under low radiation stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: We discuss the prevention of hepatitis B virus reinfection following orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods: Sixty-eight cases of chronic fulminant hepatitis B, the end stage of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma complicated with HBV cirrhosis, were given antiviral drugs pre- and posttransplantation to prevent hepatitis B virus reinfection. Lamivudine was administered to two cases and lamivudine + HBIG to 63 cases. Adefovir + HBIG was administered to three cases. The serum HBV, HBV DNA, liver biopsy immunohistochemistry and clinical examinations were performed. Results: One of two cases given lamivudine developed reinfection with serum HBSAg, HbeAb, HBcAb, HBV DNA, and positive and liver biopsy immunohistochemistry showing HBSAg phenotype. Two of the 63 cases given lamivudine + HBIG developed reinfection with serum HBSAg, HBeAb, HBcAb positive and liver biopsy immunohistochemistry showing HBSAg phenotype. The serum HBV DNA was positive in one of the two cases. Three cases given adefovir developed no reinfection with HBV. Conclusion: Orthotopic liver transplantation is an effective treatment for HBV infection; lamivudine + HBIG or adefovir + HBIG prevent hepatitis B virus reinfection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When examined under a high-resolution transmission microscope (HRTEM), highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG), after ultrasound treatment, is found to contain some bent graphitic sheets. These bent structures are ordered graphitic sheets, which have specific bend angles that are a multiple of 30° (from 30° to 180°). We speculate that the creation and variation of bend angles is a result of interplay between the conformation of sp[sup 3] -like defects and the ultrasound wave impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of sub-Alfvénic shear flows on the complicated properties of three types of unstable eigenmodes, namely, coupled triple tearing mode (M1), coupled double tearing mode (M2), and three single tearing modes (M3), in a triple current sheet configuration are studied by means of an eigenvalue analysis. It is identified that the difference of velocity among three resonant surfaces rather than the local flow shear rate plays the more important role in the three types of eigenmodes. Thus, it is found that for the symmetric shear flow (SSF), the growth rate of the M1/M3 mode decreases/increases with the increasing strength of the shear flow, while the growth rate of the M2 mode is almost uninfluenced by SSF. For the antisymmetric shear flow (ASF), it is interestingly observed that in the small wavenumber regime, the M1 and M2 modes degenerate into similar eigenmode states with the same growth rate and opposite traveling frequencies. In the large wavenumber regime, the M2 and M3 modes degenerate into similar eigenmode states. Moreover, for both SSF and ASF, the growth rates of the three types of modes are almost the same in the small and large wavenumber limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the decoupling of Gd–Cr magnetism and the resulting giant magnetocaloric effect in honeycomb-lattice tellurate GdCrTeO6. This compound adopts the hexagonal structure with the space group P-3. The susceptibility curve presents a paramagnetic behavior from room temperature to 2 K. Very intriguingly, however, the heat capacity measurement probes a λ-like peak at TN = 10 K, characterizing the long-range antiferromagnetic order. This suggests that the Gd and Cr sublattices are magnetically independent, i.e., the Gd ions are paramagnetic and the strong paramagnetism nearly masks the antiferromagnetic order of Cr ions, which is further evidenced by our ESR data. The maximum magnetic entropy change at 2 K is 41.8 J kg−1 K−1 in a field range of 0–7 T and 30.3 J kg−1 K−1 for 0–3 T, larger than those of most of the Gd oxides reported. The observed giant magnetocaloric effect is due to strong paramagnetism of Gd ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linear properties of both even and odd double tearing modes (DTMs) in the presence of plasma shear flow are studied based on a reduced resistive MHD model in slab geometry. It is found that for the anti-symmetric shear flow, the linear growth rates γ (k y) of the even (odd) eigenmode of DTMs decrease (increase) with increasing the strength of shear flow. Indeed, in the small wavenumber k y regime, γ (k y) of the even eigenmode is larger than that of the odd eigenmode, while γ (k y) of two kinds of eigen states coalesce with each other (the same growth rate and opposite frequencies) when the wavenumber k y exceeds a critical value k y C . It is demonstrated that k y C decreases with decreasing η for a fixed separation between two resonant surfaces x s , while decreasing x s increases the critical value of k y C for a fixed shear velocity. In the nonlinear regime for a low value of resistivity, it is observed that by increasing the strength of anti-symmetric shear flow, in the early phase of the abrupt regime a monster plasmoid and subsidary small plasmoids are generated, and later they are ejected from the DTM current sheet and merged with the main DTM islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tokamak scenario with q(0) close to 1 has been achieved on HL-2A tokamak, which is an internal transport barrier (ITB) at low central shear or a steady-state ITB combined with an H-mode edge barrier. In this scenario, the formation of an ITB with a steep ion temperature profile is observed to be closely linked to the q = 1 magnetic surface and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activities around it, such as long-lived mode (LLM) or fishbone activities. Experimental evidence and simulation analysis suggest that the fishbone activities can induce a poloidal flow, which is beneficial for the suppression of turbulence in the plasma core region. Furthermore, an application of central electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) to such beam-heated weak shear ITB discharges leads to a substantial effect on central MHD stability, converting the LLM into fishbone activity and hence enhancing the strength of the ITB with a much stronger gradient. Moreover, ITBs in combination with an H-mode barrier were achieved for 10 confinement times with βN = 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetization and electron spin resonance (ESR) in nanocrystals of Haldane-chain antiferromagnet Gd2BaNiO5 have been investigated. It is revealed that a reduction in crystal size results in an enhancement of magnetization due to a large number of paramagnetic Gd3+ and Ni2+ ions forming on the surfaces of nanocrystals. The smallest nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm behave like a paramagnet, as evidenced by our ESR data. Upon application of an external magnetic field, the weakly coupled spins can be well aligned along the direction of the magnetic field, giving rise to a giant entropy change of -ΔSm = 36 J·kg-1·kg-1 at 2K in a field range of 0–7 T. This value is larger than those of most rare-earth-based compounds reported. The large value of -ΔSm, together with the absence of thermal and field hysteresis, makes Gd2BaNiO5 nanocrystals very promising candidates for low-temperature magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of 4f-3d magnetic interaction in oxides as well as its influence on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is an interesting topic. Here, we report the weak magnetic interaction and large MCE in a new triangular lattice GdFeTeO6 synthesized by the solid state reaction method. The weak exchange, which was seldom observed in 4f-3d oxides, is supported by the low ordering temperature (TC ≤ 3 K) and a positive but small Curie-Weiss temperature (θp = 3 K). Under an external magnetic field, the magnetization process yields a large magnetic entropy change of 38.5 J kg−1 K−1 at 5 K for 0-7 T and 23.6 J kg−1 K−1 at 3 K for 0-3 T. Finally, our first-principles calculations demonstrate a ferrimagnetic spin model with the Gd(↑)-Gd(↑)-Fe(↓)-Fe(↓) configuration. The weak magnetic interaction is an average effect of ferromagnetic (4f-4f and 3d-3d) and antiferromagnetic (4f-3d) interactions. The antiferromagnetic 4f-3d interaction is a reason for the reduction of MCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toroidal magnetohydrodynamic code MARS-F (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas 7 3681) is adopted to investigate the plasma boundary shape effect on the β N threshold ( β N is the normalized plasma pressure) reported in (Liu et al 2017 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 59 065009) in reversed magnetic shear toroidal tokamak plasmas under different separations Î" r s between the two rational surfaces of the same helicity. The boundary shape effect is modeled via elongation Îş and triangularity δ. Here, the study focuses on n = 1 cases ( n is the toroidal mode number). In the small Î" r s regime, the critical value β N c increases as Îş increases (without triangularity), and barely changes with triangularity (at small elongation). On the other hand, at large elongation (e.g. Îş = 2), the critical value of β N c decreases with increasing δ. The change in the β N c may be due to a change in the coupling strength between different poloidal harmonics, due to the fact that, besides m = ± 1 toroidal coupling ( m is the poloidal mode number), a large elongation Îş (or triangularity δ) can result in the m = 2 ( m = 3) equilibrium component and thus enhances the coupling between the m and m = ± 2 ( m = ± 3). In the large Î" r s regime, with increasing Îş (without triangularity), β N c first slightly increases followed by a quick reduction. Moreover, as δ increases, the critical value β N c decreases at small elongation, and first increases followed by a decrease at large elongation (e.g. Îş = 2). Besides the change in the coupling strength between different poloidal harmonics, the change in the β N c in the large Î" r s regime is also related to the mode transition. The corresponding physics mechanisms underlying the shift of β N c due to the plasma boundary shape are all discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]