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This article mainly studies the strong convergence properties for randomly weighted maximum partial sums of arrays of row-wise extended negatively dependent (END, for short) random variables, including the complete moment convergence and complete f-moment convergence. The results obtained in this paper extend the corresponding ones in the literature. As an application, we investigate the complete consistency of the estimators of nonparametric regression models based on END random errors by using the complete convergence that we established. Then we provide comprehensive simulation studies to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results based on the finite sample performance. Finally, an application to a real data set is illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although residual tetracycline, NH4+-N, and P in aquaculture wastewater have been frequently detected, their simultaneous removal has received little attention. The simultaneous and efficient removal of tetracycline, NH4+-N, COD, and P in aquaculture wastewater was achieved with a laboratory-scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) under different influent C/N ratios. The results suggested that tetracycline could be degraded efficiently without using an additional organic carbon source. Most of the tetracycline (>80%), NH4+-N (>73%), TN (>68%), TP (>59%), and COD (>78%) were synchronously removed under the higher C/N ratios. The electron transport system activity (ETSA), dissolved organic matter (DOM), and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were evaluated for biofilm performance during aquaculture wastewater remediation. The results indicated that the protein (PN) and polysaccharide (PS) concentrations, and fluorescence intensities were significantly different because the influent C/N ratios changed the biofilm activity. The ETSA values were lowest when tetracycline was the sole carbon source, which suggested that tetracycline affected the nitrification activity of biofilms. Sphingobacteriia, Betaproteobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria were identified as the dominant bacterial classes. This study provides a new strategy for the removal of tetracycline and nutrients from aquaculture wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame peptides could be used to treat underlying diseases and a suitable carrier of nutrients. In this study, sesame peptides were mainly prepared from SSM (sesame meal), and the chelating ability of different molecular weight sesame peptide components to calcium and the physical characterization of the chelates were investigated. After that, the molecular weights were verified by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), and the Zeta potential, PDI (polydispersity) of SSMP (sesame meal peptides) of different molecular weights were determined. In the SSMP-Ca chelates, the chelation rate of SSMP-2 (sesame meal peptide components 2) to calcium is 72.72 ± 0.17%. Fluorescence spectrum analysis found that the fluorescence intensity of chelates decreased, and the maximum absorption peak was red-shifted. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) research showed that the chelate vibration absorption wavelengths of the three characteristic peaks -NH2, COO−, and C = O had change, indicating that the amino and carboxyl groups in sesame peptide participated in the chelation reaction. SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis showed that SSMP and calcium could form a chelate with specific stability. Most of its microstructures were encapsulated and adhered to each other to create a "bridging effect" and appear as aggregates. These results provided a basis for using sesame peptides in the food or pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-Equol is an intestinal bacterial metabolite of the isoflavone daidzein. Racemic (±)-equol is used as a dietary estrogen supplement in menopausal women and is suggested to affect the female reproductive function and development, primarily controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and gonadotropin-releasing hormone release. In this study, murine neurons were utilized to evaluate the effect and mechanism of (±)-equol on the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The cells were treated with up to 20 µmol/L of (±)-equol to determine the influence on cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western-blotting analysis were used to investigate the impacts of (±)-equol on the secretion and transcription of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and the transcription and translation of key neuromodulators. This study showed that (±)-equol could decrease cell viability, increase the ability to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and interfere with the expression of neurokinin B receptor, makorin ring finger protein 3, and silent information regulator 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the interval consensus problem of multi-agent systems by providing a special Laplacian of directed graphs. As one of the most important issues in the coordination control of multi-agent systems, the consensus problem requires that the output of several spatially distributed agents reach a common value that depends on the states of all agents. For the given consensus protocol and initial states, a fixed consensus value is obtained. The resulting consensus value, however, may not be ideal or meet the quality that we require from the multi-agent system. In this paper, by introducing two state-dependent switching parameters into the consensus protocol, the system given by the proposed protocol can globally asymptotically converge to a designated point on a special closed and bounded interval. In other words, the system given by the proposed protocol can globally asymptotically reach interval consensus and then the system can also achieve a generalised interval average consensus if the directed graph is balanced. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a new image fusion algorithm based on non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) is proposed for the fusion of multi-focus images. The selection of different subband coefficients obtained by the NSCT decomposition is critical to image fusion. So, in this paper, firstly, original images are decomposed into different frequency subband coefficients by NSCT. Secondly, the selection of the low-frequency subband coefficients and the bandpass directional subband coefficients is discussed in detail. For the selection of the low-frequency subband coefficients, the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) method is adopted. For the selection of bandpass directional subband coefficients, a regional cross-gradient method that selects the coefficients according to the minimum of the regional cross-gradient is proposed. Finally, the fused image is obtained by performing the inverse NSCT on the combined coefficients. The experimental results show that the proposed fusion algorithm can achieve significant results in getting a new image where all parts are sharp. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, we propose an iterative algorithm to compute the minimum norm least-squares solution of AXB+CYD=E, based on a matrix form of the algorithm LSQR for solving the least squares problem. We then apply this algorithm to compute the minimum norm least-squares centrosymmetric solution of min X|AXB-E|F. Numerical results are provided to verify the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, several equivalent systems without constraints of the indefinite least squares problem with equality constraints (ILSE) are established. We also derive the perturbation results for the ILSE problem and illustrate our results with numerical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the integration of ecological systems theory and the risk and protective factor model, the current study tested whether individual relative deprivation mediated the association between perceived social support and adolescents' experiential avoidance and whether this mediation model was moderated by subjective social class. A sample of 582 senior high school students in China participated in the current survey. The results indicated that perceived social support was negatively related to the students' experiential avoidance. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of perceived social support on experiential avoidance, via individual relative deprivation. Moreover, the mediation effect of individual relative deprivation was moderated by subjective social class. Specifically, the negative relationship between perceived social support and individual relative deprivation, and the direct relationship between perceived social support and experiential avoidance were stronger for adolescents with low subjective social class. In contrast, the positive relationship between individual relative deprivation and experiential avoidance was stronger for adolescents with high subjective social class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a univariate finite mixed generalized normal distribution (MixGND) is proposed. First, we derive some probabilistic properties including hazard rate function, characteristic function, kurtosis and skewness, for a mixture of two generalized normal distributions. In particular, we use a geometric analysis and numerical simulation technique to study the monotonicity of skewness and kurtosis from prescribing corresponding parameters. Then moment estimation and maximum likelihood estimation of parameters are also given. To use the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method, an expectation conditional maximization (ECM) algorithm is proposed to estimate and numerically simulate seven parameters of a two-component MixGND under the same variance and heteroscedasticity. By using data sets of the S&P 500 and Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SSEC), we compare goodness-of-fit performance between the mixture of two generalized normal distributions and the mixture of two normal distributions. The empirical analysis results show that the former better describes the heavy-tailed and leptokurtic characteristics of the daily returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the complete moment convergence for arrays of rowwise m-extended negatively dependent (m-END) random variables, which generalizes some corresponding ones for complete convergence. We also give an application to non-parametric regression model based on m-END errors by using the complete convergence that we establish. Finally, the choice of the fixed design points and the weight functions for the nearest neighbor estimator are proposed. We also provide a numerical simulation to verify the validity of our theoretical result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship between graduate students' proactive personality and academic procrastination, and the chain-mediation by research self-efficacy and learning adaptability. Participants were 905 postgraduates in China (female =70%; first year =56%; humanities and social sciences =54%). They completed the graduate students' proactive personality scale, the graduate students' academic procrastination scale, the research self-efficacy scale, and the learning adaptability scale. Applying chain mediation analyses, results showed that proactive personality was associated with higher research self-efficacy and learning adaptability. Learning adaptability mediated the relationship between proactive personality and academic procrastination, specifically decreasing procrastination. Research self-efficacy and learning adaptability played a chain-mediating role between proactive personality and academic procrastination, with higher cumulative reduction of procrastination than with either self-efficacy and learning adaptability alone. These findings suggest a need for graduate student development and support services to aim at improving students' self-efficacy and learning adaptability for timely school completion, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling is a universal problem in various applications ranging from water purification to implantable biomedical devices. Recent advances in surface modification have created a rich library of antifouling surface chemistries, many of which can be categorized into one of the two groups: hydrophilic surfaces or amphiphilic surfaces. We report the straightforward preparation of antifouling thin film coatings in both categories via initiated chemical vapor deposition. A molecular force spectroscopy-based method is demonstrated as a rapid and quantitative assessment tool for comparing the differences in antifouling characteristics. The fouling propensity of single molecules, as opposed to bulk protein solution or bacterial culture, is assessed. This method allows for the interrogation of molecular interaction without the complication resulted from protein conformational change or micro-organism group interactions. The molecular interaction follows the same trend as bacterial adhesion results obtained previously, demonstrating that molecular force probe is a valid method for the quantification and mechanistic examination of fouling. In addition, the molecular force spectroscopy-based method is able to distinguish differences in antifouling capability that is not resolvable by traditional static protein adsorption tests. To lend further insight into the intrinsic fouling resistance of zwitterionic and amphiphilic surface chemistries, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, advancing and receding water contact angles, and atomic force microscopy are used to elucidate the film properties that are relevant to their antifouling capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the parametric component and nonparametric component estimators in a semiparametric regression model based on φ -mixing random errors. The r-th mean consistency and uniform consistency are established under some suitable conditions. Finally, a simulation to study the numerical performance of the consistency for the nearest neighbor weight function estimators is provided. The results obtained in the paper complement the existing ones of independent random errors to the case of φ -mixing random errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of curing frequency on the morphology of polymer networks and the electro-optical property of normal-mode polymer-stabilized cholesteric textures (PSCTs) has been investigated. The scanning electron microscopy indicates that the shape of polymer networks transforms from honeycomb-like to fiber-like due to the increased solubility of the monomer at higher curing frequencies. The PSCTs cured at lower frequencies with sufficiently large network voids show a two-stage reorientation process that correlates with two kinds of cholesteric liquid crystal (LC) under different environments. The threshold voltage decreases as the curing frequency increases from 1 Hz to 10,000 Hz, while the field-off response time increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury. Bianliang ziyu, a variety of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Asteraceae), has potential hepatoprotective effect. However, the mechanism is not clear yet. To investigate the hepatoprotective activity and mechanism of Bianliang ziyu flower ethanol extract (BZE) on APAP-induced rats based on network pharmacology. Potential pathways of BZE were predicted by network pharmacology. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with BZE (110, 220 and 440 mg/kg, i.g.) for eight days, and then APAP (800 mg/kg, i.g.) was used to induce liver injury. After 24 h, serum and liver were collected for biochemical detection and western blot measurement. Network pharmacology indicated that liver-protective effect of BZE was associated with its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic efficacy. APAP-induced liver pathological change was alleviated, and elevated serum AST and ALT were reduced by BZE (440 mg/kg) (from 66.45 to 22.64 U/L and from 59.59 to 17.49 U/L, respectively). BZE (440 mg/kg) reduced the ROS to 65.50%, and upregulated SOD and GSH by 212.92% and 175.38%, respectively. In addition, BZE (440 mg/kg) increased levels of p-AMPK, p-GSK3β, HO-1 and NQO1, ranging from 1.66- to 10.29-fold compared to APAP group, and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2. BZE also inhibited apoptosis induced by APAP through the PI3K–Akt pathway and restored the ability of mitochondrial biogenesis. Our study demonstrated that BZE protected rats from APAP-induced liver injury through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways, suggesting BZE could be further developed as a potential liver-protecting agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast urbanization and population increase resulted in the demand for ornamental seedling supply in a high efficiency under the culture of continuous artificial lighting. Light emitting diode (LED) can be considered as the replacement of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps by providing lights with specific wavelengths for plant growth at low energy cost. In this study, nutrient use efficiency was detected in Podocarpus macrophyllus seedlings under lighting spectra generated by white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (red (R)/green (G)/blue (B)=8.4:75:16.6) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (R/G/B/=4.3:69.3:26.5). Compared to seedlings under the HPS spectrum, those under white LED spectrum had better growth, greater biomass accumulation, higher photosynthesis and gas exchange. In contrast, LED-spectrum treated seedlings had greater nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents than HPS-spectrum treated ones. The LED spectrum promoted nutrient use index for both N and P in seedlings compared to the HPS spectrum. The LED spectrum induced steady-state uptake of P but resulted in the dilution of N. In conclusion, white LED can be considered to replace the usage of HPS lamps for the culture of tree seedlings due to the spectrum effect on N utilization, P uptake and the use efficiencies of N and P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on reliability theory, the value of the standard normal distribution integral can be obtained by calculating the probability of the failure domain of the linear performance function. After the sample space is divided into some sub-sample spaces, a number of sub-failure domains are obtained. In the paper, the methods of computing the probabilities of sub-failure domains are discussed. All the formulae and the steps of computing the standard normal distribution integral which meet any required precision are given in the paper. Examples show that it is easy for the method to compute the standard normal distribution integral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of environmental features of the internal ruins which are formed by a randomly seismic disaster is unpredictable. Therefore, the existing methods of map segmentation, which need to preset parameters, cannot be directly used. Considering the lack of prior knowledge, a map segmentation method based on the spectral clustering is proposed in the framework of hierarchical simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm. The method solves the problem of incremental complexity of SLAM algorithm using the division of environment. In accordance with the similarity of observed environment, a weighted graph is established. The nodes in the graph are generated by measuring the expected information gain and position redundancy. Then, the graph is partitioned into subjective results of map segment based on the criterion of minimum normalized cut. On the basis of the inherent sparse of SLAM, the proposed algorithm not only reduces the cost of calculation, but also minimizes the loss of information in order to ensure the global consistency. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified by simulation and experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper we present an algorithm for the application of simultaneous localization and mapping in complex environments. Instead of building a grid map or building a feature map with a small number of the obstacles' geometric parameters, the proposed algorithm builds a sampled environment map (SEM) to represent a complex environment with a set of environment samples. To overcome the lack of one-toone correspondence between environment samples and raw observations, the signed orthogonal distance function is proposed to be used as the observation model. A method considering geometric constraints is presented to remove redundant environment samples from the SEM. We also present a method to improve the SEM's topological consistency by using corner constraints. The proposed algorithm has been verified in a simulation and an indoor experiment. The results show that the algorithm can localize the robot and build a complex map effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomas and leukemias, neoplasms of hematopoetic lineage, pose unique challenges that require novel treatment paradigms. The inter-relationship between the immune system and the neoplastic lesion in these diseases dictates that, to evaluate novel therapies, models are needed that mimic human disease in an immunocompetent host. In the present study, we describe a disseminated, syngeneic model of B-cell lymphoma in the Balb/c mouse based upon the A20 cell line. This model mimics aspects of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas in humans, and recapitulates paraspinous tumor growth, bone destruction and nerve root compression, which may complicate disseminated disease. Furthermore, this tumor expresses a key marker of interest, CD40, which is a candidate for tumor-specific vector targeting via current modalities. The present study therefore describes a high-fidelity model of disseminated lymphoma with implications for novel targeted therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]