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Animal gut is home to a large number and rich variety of microbial flora. Intestinal microbes and their metabolites are believed to play an important role in regulating the metabolism of animal nutrients and maintaining intestinal immunity. The balance of intestinal microbiota is affected by diet, environment and metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites and vitamins, etc.), and have certain effect on body metabolism and immune response of animals through metabolites. Studying the effect of intestinal microbial metabolites on immune function helps to understand the interaction mechanism between intestinal microbes and animals. The article reviews the synthesis of intestinal microbial metabolites and the mechanisms mediating intestinal immunity, aiming to further explore the role of intestinal microbial metabolites in maintaining animal intestinal health, in order to provide reference for functional study of intestinal microbial metabolites and their application in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A sub-parallelepiped perturbation algorithm is designed to calculate the marginal intervals of output responses. • A second-order perturbation algorithm is used to calculate the correlation coefficients of output responses. • The uncertainty domains of responses are created based on the marginal intervals and correlation coefficients of responses. • The proposed algorithms present good computational accuracy and efficiency. The correlation analysis of the uncertain structures with multi-responses is carried out based on the multidimensional parallelepiped model in this research. Firstly, the multidimensional parallelepiped model is introduced to quantify the uncertainty and correlation of input parameters. Then, to deal with the large uncertainty of input parameters, the sub-parallelepiped perturbation analysis algorithm is designed to calculate the marginal intervals of output responses. Next, based on the Monte Carlo simulation and the second-order perturbation technique, the Monte Carlo correlation analysis algorithm and the second-order perturbation correlation analysis algorithm are respectively designed to obtain the correlation coefficients of output responses. Subsequently, two uncertainty domain analysis algorithms based on the marginal intervals analysis and the correlation coefficients analysis, are presented to establish the uncertainty domains of output responses. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed algorithms is verified by three numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effective subinterval analysis is conducted to handle large uncertainty. • The positive and negative gradients are used simultaneously. • The method can avoid falling into the local optimal solution. • The method presents good computational accuracy and efficiency. An effective subinterval analysis method is proposed to predict the response boundaries of uncertain problems with large uncertainty based on the positive and negative gradients. In the proposed method, the uncertain parameters with large uncertainty are described as interval variables. The variation intervals of interval variables are firstly divided into a series of uniform subintervals, and the original uncertainty domain with large uncertainty is thereby transformed into a series of subdomains with small uncertainty. Then, based on the gradient information of response function, the positive and negative gradients are employed as the search directions to identify the potential uncertainty subdomains which may contribute to the response boundaries. Next, the first-order Taylor expansion is used to precisely calculate the response boundaries of the uncertain problem on the potential uncertainty subdomains. Subsequently, the response boundaries on the original large uncertainty domain are further obtained through comparing the responses obtained on the uncertainty subdomains. Finally, several numerical examples and application examples are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automotive powertrain mounting systems (PMSs) may exhibit hybrid interval-random (HIR) uncertainties in engineering practice. In HIR case, the uncertain parameters of PMSs are characterized as the random variables with interval distributions. A comprehensive methodology is proposed for the design optimization of the PMSs involving HIR uncertainties in this study. The hybrid interval-random perturbation central difference method (HIRP-CDM) is firstly derived to calculate the uncertain responses of PMSs, in which HIR uncertainties are addressed by twice perturbation analyses and twice central difference analyses. Meanwhile, the hybrid interval-random Monte Carlo method is presented as a reference method. Then, reliability assessment models are constructed to evaluate the probability intervals of system inherent characteristics satisfying design requirements. Next, a design optimization model is formulated to explore the optimal design of PMSs. The expectation intervals and variance intervals of system inherent characteristics are taken to create optimization objective, and the minimal probabilities of system inherent characteristics meeting requirements are utilized to establish reliability constraints. Both robustness and reliability are considered in the optimization, and the optimization can be simplified with the aid of HIRP-CDM. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is finally demonstrated by the numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During fire investigation, gasoline, as a common accelerant, is produced by petroleum cracking. However, the pyrolysis residues of other petrochemicals may interfere with gasoline identification. Polymerised styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) 1502 has combustion characteristics highly consistent with those of gasoline, thus having a great effect on gasoline identification. This study investigated the pyrolysis process of SBR 1502 by using thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to examine the residues during combustion stages, including pyrolysis and nonpyrolysis stages. The results indicated that 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene in the pyrolysis residues of SBR 1502 in pyrolysis stages 2 and 3 was lacked. However, when SBR 1502 only undergoes the first pyrolysis stage or even earlier (Nonpyrolysis stage), the characteristic components in the residue are similar to gasoline. In addition, mathematical methods were applied to analyse relevance and differences between SBR 1502 and gasoline. The conclusion was that the Pearson product-moment correlation was > 0.990, which may interfere with the identification, and principal component analysis could efficiently distinguish them. The current results can provide an accurate and feasible basis for fire investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a unified optimization design method and apply it to handle the brake squeal instability involving various uncertainties in a unified framework. Design/methodology/approach: Fuzzy random variables are taken as equivalent variables of conventional uncertain variables, and a unified response analysis method is first derived based on level-cut technique, Taylor expansion and central difference scheme. Next, a unified reliability analysis method is developed by integrating the unified response analysis and fuzzy possibility theory. Finally, based on the unified reliability analysis method, a unified reliability-based optimization model is established, which is capable of optimizing uncertain responses in a unified way for different uncertainty cases. Findings: The proposed method is extended to perform squeal instability analysis and optimization involving various uncertainties. Numerical examples under eight uncertainty cases are provided and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Originality/value: Most of the existing methods of uncertainty analysis and optimization are merely effective in tackling one uncertainty case. The proposed method is able to handle the uncertain problems involving various types of uncertainties in a unified way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is a global, long-standing thermal hazard in coal mining that causes serious environmental damage, particularly in developing countries. Ionic liquids (ILs) are environmentally friendly, green, economical, and a new type of fire-preventing material that inhibits coal oxidation and alleviates thermal production. In this study, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazole tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) and 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazole ([BMIM][I]) at various mass ratios (0.0, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mass%) were used to treat three types of coal (lignite, 1/3 coking coal, and anthracite) for CSC. The combustion-mass loss and thermal release rate of ILs treated relative to untreated coal samples were investigated using a synchronous thermal analyzer, and the optimal addition mass ratio of ILs was predicted. Not only do ILs have the most efficient inhibiting effect, but they also consider the economic benefit. Per thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry, for the content of 5.0 mass% [BMIM][BF4], the inhibiting effect is favorable for universal applications. In addition, coal samples treated with 5.0 mass% [BMIM][BF4] were subjected to programmed-temperature heating experiment testing. The oxygen consumption rate, inhibiting effect, as well as apparent activation energy, were determined. The inhibiting effect at 120.0–150.0 °C was the most obvious, which provided the basis of the application for CSC prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the fixed-time synchronization problem of coupled delayed neural networks with discontinuous activations. Based on pinning control, a discontinuous controller is firstly proposed to guarantee that coupled neural networks achieve synchronization with a desired trajectory in finite time. Then, a discontinuous fixed-time controller is designed. With the fixed-time controller, the settling time can be estimated regardless of initial conditions. By providing a topology-dependent Lyapunov function, some criteria of finite-/fixed-time synchronization are derived. Finally, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is an extremely complex physical and chemical reaction between coal and oxygen, and it results in the gradual accumulation of thermal energy that eventually produces conditions that are favorable for combustion. Ionic liquids (ILs) inhibit coal oxidation and reduce the amount of heat that is produced. A synchronous thermal analyzer was used to examine the effects of imidazolium-based ILs on bituminous coal from two sources. The results revealed that with the anion [BF4]−, the inhibiting effect of [BMIM]+ was stronger than that of [EMIM]+. Moreover, with the cation [BMIM]+, the inhibiting effects of [BF4]− were stronger than that of [I]− and [NO3]−. The inhibiting effects of the ILs on CSC were estimated using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method, which relates the apparent activation energy to the degree of conversion. The inhibiting effect of [BMIM][BF4] offers a basis for effectively preventing CSC and is favorable for universal application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most of the existing methods of brake squeal instability analysis are merely available to handle single type of uncertain case. In this study, an improved unified method is developed for uncertainty quantification, which is capable of handling two types of fuzzy–interval cases. In the first fuzzy–interval case, uncertain parameters of engineering structures are assumed as either fuzzy variables or interval variables, which exist in structures simultaneously and independently. In the second fuzzy–interval case, all uncertain parameters are represented by interval variables, but their lower and upper bounds just can be expressed as fuzzy variables instead of deterministic values. In the proposed method, fuzzy–boundary interval variables are introduced to handle fuzzy–interval uncertainties, and based on which an improved response analysis model is established. In the improved model, the fuzzy–boundary interval variables are firstly converted into interval-boundary variables by level-cut technique. Then by temporarily neglecting boundary uncertainties, the initial interval responses can be approximated via conducting once Taylor series expansion and subinterval analysis. Next, Taylor series expansion and central difference method are combined twice to deal with boundary uncertainties, and the interval responses of the structures with interval-boundary variables are yielded. Finally, the fuzzy–interval responses of the structures are derived on the basis of interval union operation and fuzzy decomposition theorem. The improved method is subsequently extended to quantify the uncertainties in brake squeal instability analysis involving two types of fuzzy–interval uncertainties. The effectiveness of the proposed method on tackling fuzzy–interval problems is demonstrated by numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper is concerned with fixed-time synchronization of coupled delayed neural networks with discontinuous or continuous activation functions. Two discontinuous control protocols under undirected or directed topologies are proposed to guarantee that coupled delayed neural networks achieve synchronization with a desired trajectory in fixed time, respectively. Several sufficient criteria for fixed-time synchronization are obtained. Furthermore, an upper bound of the settling time is theoretically estimated, which is independent on initial conditions. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the synchronization criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pollutants influenced root-associated bacterial community. However, the response variation of root-associated bacterial community among different rice genotypes exposed to phthalates (PAEs) and their removal mechanism remains unknown. Here, bacterial community and PAE-degrading genes in root-associated niches were analyzed between low (Fengyousimiao) and high (Hhang) PAE-accumulating rice cultivars exposed to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). DEHP dissipation percentages in rhizosphere of Hhang were significantly higher than those of Fengyousimiao. The bacterial community diversities (including Chao1 and Shannon index) significantly decreased along bulk soil - rhizosphere - rhizoplane - endosphere. The bacterial community structures were shaped mainly by root-associated niches, DEHP pollution and rice genotypes, with significant differences in rhizosphere and rhizoplane between Fengyousimiao and Hhang. Rhizosphere enriched more PAE-degrading bacteria than in bulk soil, and exhibited significantly higher expression of PAE-degrading genes (hydrolase 65, phtab, phtC, pcaF and pcaI) than in bulk soil. Furthermore, rhizosphere of Hhang demonstrated significantly stronger bacterial functions related to xenobiotics biodegradation and higher expression of PAE-degrading genes than those of Fengyousimiao , leading to significantly higher DEHP dissipation percentages in rhizosphere of Hhang. The findings demonstrate that Hhang shaped specific root-associated bacterial community with higher abundances of PAE-degrading bacteria and genes than Fengyousimiao to promote DEHP degradation. [Display omitted] • Higher DEHP dissipation occurred in rhizosphere of Hhang than that of Fengyousimiao. • Root-associated niches and DEHP pollution shaped more bacteria community than rice genotypes. • Root-associated bacteria had a strong adaptation potential under DEHP pollution. • Rhizosphere significantly enriched more PAE-degrading bacteria and genes than in bulk soil. • Hhang enriching more PAE-degrading bacteria and genes than Fengyousimiao enhanced DEHP degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key idea of the proposed method is the use of the equivalent variables named as evidence-based fuzzy variables, which are special evidence variables with fuzzy focal elements. On the basis of the equivalent variables, an uncertainty quantification model is established, in which the unified probabilistic information related to the uncertain responses of engineering systems can be computed with the aid of the fuzziness discretization and reconstruction, the belief and plausibility measures analysis, and the interval response analysis. Monte Carlo simulation is presented as a reference method to validate the accuracy of the proposed method. The proposed method then is extended to perform squeal instability analysis involving different types of epistemic uncertainties. To illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, seven numerical examples of disc brake instability analysis involving different epistemic uncertainties are provided and analyzed. By conducting appropriate comparisons with reference results, the high accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method on quantifying the effects of different epistemic uncertainties on brake instability are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hybrid uncertainty analysis method with random and interval variables is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, the uncertain parameters with sufficient information are treated as random variables, while the uncertain parameters with limited information are modeled as interval variables. Both random variables and interval variables can be viewed as special evidence variables. From this special point of view, both random variables and interval variables are represented by equivalent evidence variables in this study, and a unified framework for hybrid uncertainty analysis is developed based on evidence theory and subinterval perturbation technique. The effects of the mixture of random and interval uncertainties on uncertain output are assessed by belief measure and plausibility measure. On the base of the proposed method, the squeal analysis model of automotive disc brakes involving both random and interval uncertainties can be developed. A numerical example of brake squeal analysis is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The analysis results show that the equivalent evidence variables can be explored to represent random variables and interval variables reasonably and the proposed method has good accuracy and efficiency in the hybrid uncertainty analysis of squeal instability The proposed method gives a unified framework to tackle several types of uncertain cases, and it is quite general and not only limited to the uncertainty analysis of brake squeal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automotive brake systems are always subjected to various kinds of uncertain factors and the uncertainty analyses of brake squeal have been investigated for decades. However, most of the existing methods of squeal analysis are merely effective in tackling single uncertain case. In this study, a unified method is developed for the uncertainty quantification of disc brake squeal, which is able to handle two fuzzy-interval cases. Due to subjective opinions or limited data, in the first fuzzy-interval case, the uncertain brake parameters are expressed as either fuzzy variables or interval variables, which exist in brake systems simultaneously and independently; whereas, the uncertain brake parameters are all treated as interval variables, but their lower and upper bounds are expressed as fuzzy variables in the second fuzzy-interval case. In the developed method, the first fuzzy-interval case is equivalently treated as a special case of the second one. On the basis of fuzzy-boundary interval variables, an uncertainty quantification model under two fuzzy-interval cases is established, in which the unified uncertain response is computed with the aid of the combination of level-cut strategy, Taylor series expansion, subinterval analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. The unified method is then extended to quantify the uncertainty in disc brake squeal analysis. The studies of several numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method is able to quantify the uncertainty of squeal instability effectively. In addition, the proposed method can also help to carry out reliability analysis and optimization to reduce the likelihood of squeal occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automotive brake systems are always subjected to various types of uncertainties and two types of random-fuzzy uncertainties may exist in the brakes. In this paper, a unified approach is proposed for squeal instability analysis of disc brakes with two types of random-fuzzy uncertainties. In the proposed approach, two uncertainty analysis models with mixed variables are introduced to model the random-fuzzy uncertainties. The first one is the random and fuzzy model, in which random variables and fuzzy variables exist simultaneously and independently. The second one is the fuzzy random model, in which uncertain parameters are all treated as random variables while their distribution parameters are expressed as fuzzy numbers. Firstly, the fuzziness is discretized by using α -cut technique and the two uncertainty analysis models are simplified into random-interval models. Afterwards, by temporarily neglecting interval uncertainties, the random-interval models are degraded into random models, in which the expectations, variances, reliability indexes and reliability probabilities of system stability functions are calculated. And then, by reconsidering the interval uncertainties, the bounds of the expectations, variances, reliability indexes and reliability probabilities are computed based on Taylor series expansion. Finally, by recomposing the analysis results at each α -cut level, the fuzzy reliability indexes and probabilities can be obtained, by which the brake squeal instability can be evaluated. The proposed approach gives a general framework to deal with both types of random-fuzzy uncertainties that may exist in the brakes and its effectiveness is demonstrated by numerical examples. It will be a valuable supplement to the systematic study of brake squeal considering uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An imprecise probability approach based on evidence theory is proposed for squeal instability analysis of uncertain disc brakes in this paper. First, the squeal instability of the finite element (FE) model of a disc brake is investigated and its dominant unstable eigenvalue is detected by running two typical numerical simulations, i.e., complex eigenvalue analysis (CEA) and transient dynamical analysis. Next, the uncertainty mainly caused by contact and friction is taken into account and some key parameters of the brake are described as uncertain parameters. All these uncertain parameters are usually involved with imprecise data such as incomplete information and conflict information. Finally, a squeal instability analysis model considering imprecise uncertainty is established by integrating evidence theory, Taylor expansion, subinterval analysis and surrogate model. In the proposed analysis model, the uncertain parameters with imprecise data are treated as evidence variables, and the belief measure and plausibility measure are employed to evaluate system squeal instability. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by numerical examples and some interesting observations and conclusions are summarized from the analyses and discussions. The proposed approach is generally limited to the squeal problems without too many investigated parameters. It can be considered as a potential method for squeal instability analysis, which will act as the first step to reduce squeal noise of uncertain brakes with imprecise information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method of extract perovskite CaTiO 3 from synthetic Ti-bearing blast furnace slag (Ti-slag) is proposed. After thermal modification of Ti-slag with 30% NaNO 3 , the silicon containing components has been reconstructed, which can be more easily dissolved in the leaching process. The effect of composition, morphology and mineral phases of the silicon containing components on the direct migration into acid soluble silicates in minerals and solutions is illuminated. Furthermore, the leaching kinetics of the modified slag in a 10% hydrochloric acid solution was described by the shrinking core model (SCM). The apparent activation energy of the dissociation of “Si” was calculated to be about 17.23 kJ/mol, which indicates that the perovskite extraction is controlled both by interface transfer and solid product layer diffusion. The content of perovskite in the residue is 88.3% with 1.4% SiO 2 . The results of this study can provide an important method for direct extraction perovskite CaTiO 3 in the Ti-slag and also establish a new strategy for resources of complex high silicate minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squeal reduction of disc brake systems have been extensively investigated for both academic and industrial purposes. However, most of the existing optimization designs of squeal reduction are based on deterministic approaches which have not considered the uncertainties of material properties, loading conditions, geometric dimensions, etc. In this paper, a hybrid probabilistic and interval model is introduced to deal with the uncertainties existing in a disc brake system for squeal reduction. The uncertain parameters of the brake system with enough information are treated as probabilistic variables, while the parameters with limited information are treated as interval variables. To improve computational efficiency, the response surface methodology (RSM) is introduced to replace the time-consuming finite element (FE) simulations. By the hybrid uncertain model, an optimization design based on reliability and confidence interval is proposed to explore the optimal design for squeal reduction. In the proposed optimization, both the design objective and the design constraint are interval probabilistic functions due to the effects of hybrid uncertainties. In this case, the maximum of the upper bound of confidence interval of design objective is selected as the objective function, while the minimal value of the probabilistic constraint is selected as the constraint function. The combinational algorithm of Genetic Algorithm and Monte-Carlo method is employed to perform the optimization. The results of a numerical example demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization on reducing squeal propensity of the disc brake systems with hybrid uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid uncertain model is introduced to deal with the uncertainties existing in a disc brake system in this paper. By the hybrid uncertain model, the uncertain parameters of the brake with enough sampling data are treated as probabilistic variables, while the uncertain parameters with limited data are treated as interval probabilistic variables whose distribution parameters are expressed as interval variables. Based on the hybrid uncertain model, the reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of a disc brake with hybrid uncertainties is proposed to explore the optimal design for squeal reduction. In the optimization, the surrogate model of the real part of domain unstable eigenvalue of the brake system is established, and the upper bound of its expectation is adopted as the optimization objective. The lower bounds of the functions related to system stability, the mass, and the stiffness of design component are adopted as the optimization constraints. The combinational algorithm of Genetic Algorithm and Monte-Carlo method is employed to perform the optimization. The results of a numerical example demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization on improving system stability and reducing squeal propensity of a disc brake under hybrid uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) under hybrid probabilistic and interval model is a nested loop optimization whose computational cost rising from evaluation of the objective function and the component reliability is considerable. To improve its computational efficiency, a hybrid perturbation random moment method (HPRMM) to estimate the objective function and a hybrid perturbation inverse mapping method (HPIMM) to evaluate the component reliability will be proposed. Based on HPRMM and HPIMM, the nested loop optimization is converted into an efficient single-loop process. Effectiveness and efficiency of proposed approaches are checked by solving optimization problems of a structural–acoustic system and a disc brake system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Both uncertainty propagation and correlation propagation are carried out. • Dependent and independent uncertain parameters are considered simultaneously. • Three methods are derived to conduct uncertainty propagation analysis. • Two methods are proposed to perform correlation propagation analysis. • The approach presents good computational accuracy and efficiency. In engineering practice, uncertainty and correlation may coexist in both input parameters and output responses of the powertrain mounting system (PMS) of a vehicle. A methodology is developed for the uncertainty and correlation propagation analysis of the inherent characteristics of PMSs in this research. In the proposed methodology, the multi-ellipsoid convex model is introduced to quantify multiple groups of uncertain parameters with correlation, where dependent and independent uncertain parameters are considered simultaneously. In the uncertainty propagation analysis, it aims to calculate the interval bounds of system responses. To perform uncertainty propagation analysis, the Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis (MCUA) method is firstly presented based on Monte Carlo simulation, and the first-order perturbation-central difference-Lagrange multiplier (FPCDLM) method and the second-order perturbation-central difference-Lagrange multiplier (SPCDLM) method are then derived to promote the computational efficiency. In the correlation propagation analysis, it aims to compute the correlation between different system responses. To conduct the correlation propagation analysis, the Monte Carlo correlation analysis (MCCA) method is firstly proposed and the second-order perturbation correlation analysis (SPCA) method are then developed to enhance the computational efficiency. Next, the whole procedures for uncertainty and correlation propagation analysis of PMS are established by combining the above uncertainty analysis and correlation analysis methods, and the elliptical domain of any two system responses can be obtained. Finally, numerical examples of the PMS of an electric vehicle are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An uncertain optimization method for brake squeal reduction of vehicle disc brake system with interval parameters is presented in this paper. In the proposed method, the parameters of frictional coefficient, material properties and the thicknesses of wearing components are treated as uncertain parameters, which are described as interval variables. Attention is focused on the stability analysis of a brake system in squeal, and the stability of brake system is investigated via the complex eigenvalue analysis (CEA) method. The dominant unstable mode is extracted by performing CEA based on a linear finite element (FE) model, and the negative damping ratio corresponding to the dominant unstable mode is selected as the indicator of instability. The response surface method (RSM) is applied to approximate the implicit relationship between the unstable mode and the system parameters. A reliability-based optimization model for improving the stability of the vehicle disc brake system with interval parameters is constructed based on RSM, interval analysis and reliability analysis. The Genetic Algorithm is used to get the optimal values of design parameters from the optimization model. The stability analysis and optimization of a disc brake system are carried out, and the results show that brake squeal propensity can be reduced by using stiffer back plates. The proposed approach can be used to improve the stability of the vehicle disc brake system with uncertain parameters effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the single factor and orthogonal test of adding, amylase and papain efect of soluble dietary fiber on the extraction of sweet potato stem and leaf, and orthogonal optimization of extraction process on the basis of single factor were studied The optimum condition of enzymatic extraction were as folows: adding amount of lipase was 0.015 g.100 mLG-, adding amount of amylase was 0.035g.100 mLG-1, and adding papain 0.075g .100 mLG -11including the impact of orthogonal experiment factors for amylase> protease > lipase The best extraction rate of waterG soluble dietary fiber was 1.285% The extraction of sweet potato leaves and stems of soluble dietary fiber in high purity,water holding capacity was 787%,the sweling force was 4.10 mL .gG-1,the product had good quality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multi-prime embedded memory system is proposed, based on the theory of prime memory system and memory access scheduling. The system can significantly improve the performance of stride memory access at low hardware cost. Theoretical analysis and the experimental results prove the correctness and effectiveness of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophysiological properties of etomidate (ET)-induced current (IET) at different concentrations and effects of ET at clinically relevant concentrations (1–10 μM) on postsynaptic GABAA receptor function were investigated using whole-cell patch-clamp technique in mechanically dissociated rat spinal dorsal horn neurons. The results showed that ET actions were concentration-dependent: low concentrations (10 μM) of ET potentiated GABA-activated current (IGABA), slowed activation, desensitization and deactivation of GABAA receptors; moderate concentrations (10–1000 μM) of ET directly activated and desensitized GABAA receptors; high concentrations (>1000 μM) of ET produced an inhibitory effect on IET. In addition, ET prolonged the duration of GABAergic miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in the mechanically dissociated rat dorsal horn neurons. These results suggest that general anesthetics-induced changes at spinal level could significantly contribute to analgesia and general anesthesia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coal fire disasters occur frequently in exposed or underground coal zones or gobs, which usually triggered by pre-oxidised coal spontaneous combustion (PCSC). The thermal mass loss characteristics and thermal effects of pre-oxidised coal with the oxidation temperature and oxygen concentration were investigated. The thermogravimetry (TG) results revealed that the oxidation reaction occurred earlier for the pre-oxidised coal than for raw coal. The pre-oxidised coal had a poor ignition performance and burnout capacity than that of raw coal. In addition, the comprehensive combustion performance of pre-oxidised coal is weaker than that of raw coal, but its combustion rate and short-term combustion intensity are higher than raw coal. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the temperature at which the thermal release of pre-oxidised coal increases rapidly lags behind that of raw coal. Moreover, the maximum thermal release power and thermal release for the pre-oxidised coal were less than those for raw coal. The risk of PCSC changes with the increase of oxidation temperature, and there is a critical value of oxidation temperature. When the oxidation temperature was less than the critical value the risk of PCSC is higher than that of raw coal. Furthermore, the critical value decreases with the increase of oxygen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In engineering practice, the parameters of uncertain structures are often quantified as random variables, but their distribution parameters are appropriately modeled as fuzzy variables rather than deterministic values in some special engineering cases. To address such dual uncertain cases, an efficient approach is proposed for the possibility-based robust design optimization (PBRDO) of dual uncertain structures with fuzzy random variables (FRVs), in which the so-called dual robust design and the failure possibility are taken into account simultaneously. In the proposed approach, FRVs are firstly used to describe dual uncertainties and a design optimization model with FRVs is constructed. The structural responses involving FRVs are calculated and expressed in the forms of fuzzy means and fuzzy variances. To perform dual robust design, the weighted sum of the expectations and entropies of the fuzzy means and fuzzy variances of interested response is taken as optimization objective. The constraints involving dual uncertainties are established in the possibility context based on the concept of failure possibility. The established PBRDO model is a complicated nested problem. Secondly, the random moment-interval perturbation center difference method (RM-IPCDM) is derived to calculate the optimization objective efficiently. Next, the target performance approach (TPA) is employed to simplify the possibilistic constraints, and the obtained equivalent constraints can also be efficiently solved by RM-IPCDM. The nested PBRDO model with FRVs is finally simplified into a single-loop one with the aid of RM-IPCDM and TPA. Three dual uncertain numerical examples involving FRVs are given to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. • The dual robust design is proposed. • The dual robust design and failure possibility are considered simultaneously. • The dual uncertain objective with fuzzy random variables is estimated fast. • The possibilistic constraints involving fuzzy randomness are equivalently addressed. • The approach presents good computational accuracy and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La0.8Sr0.2AlO3 LSAO) thin films are grown on SrTiO3 (STO) and MgO substrates by laser molecular beam epitaxy. The LSAO thin film on oxygen deficient STO substrate exhibits metallic behaviour over the temperature range of 80-340 K. The optical transmittance spectrum indicates that the LSAO thin films on MgO substrate are insulating at room temperature. The transport properties of LSAO thin films on STO substrates deposited in different oxygen pressure are compared. Our results indicate that oxygen vacancies in STO substrates should be mainly responsible for the transport behaviour of LSAO thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exothermicity is a key parameter for evaluating coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). A suitable oxygen concentration is essential for CSC. Ionic liquids (ILs), which are a popular type of fire prevention material, inhibit coal oxidation. 1-Butyl-3-methyl imidazole tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF 4 ]) was used at various mass ratios (0, 2, 5, and 10 mass%) to treat coal to inhibit CSC. Through simultaneous thermal analysis tests, coal samples were investigated in atmospheres with oxygen concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 21 vol%. The results indicated that the mass loss decreased with increasing IL content. However, the mass loss did not decrease indefinitely with increasing IL content. The lowest mass loss was observed at an IL concentration of approximately 7.5 mass%. The inhibition increased with decreasing oxygen concentrations. Moreover, the inhibiting effect first increased slowly until the IL concentration exceeded 10 mass%, after which the inhibiting effect increased rapidly. The relationship between the exothermic rate and the mass loss rate of the coal at Stage 2 of the reaction was comparatively analysed. The reaction rate between oxygen and coal was the key factor influencing the exothermic rate. In the oxidation of coal, both the oxygen concentration and inhibitor content affected the comprehensive combustion index of coal. • The relationship between the amount of IL added and the mass loss/CAIT was defined. • Fitted curves of the mass loss (y 3) and oxygen concentration (x 2) were obtained. • A high mass loss or heat accumulation led to an easy occurrence of CSC. • Comprehensive index parameters under different conditions were explored and elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerised styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) 1502 is one of the most common petrochemical products. During the identification of fire evidence, the combustion residues of SBR 1502 highly interfere with the identification of gasoline, a fire accelerant. By conducting thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) experiments at various oxygen concentrations (0, 14, and 21 vol.%), the TG-DSC combustion characteristic behaviour of SBR 1502 was investigated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to examine the combustion residues at different stages. The results indicated a lack of 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene among the combustion residue of SBR 1502 at the oxygen concentration of 0 and 14 vol.%, thus effectively avoiding the interference of this combustion residue in gasoline identification. The results of the quantitative analysis revealed aromatic hydrocarbon components as the most interfering components for all oxygen concentration and temperature. The combustion residues of SBR 1502 at different oxygen concentrations and combustion stages exhibited different degrees of interference in gasoline identification. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analyses (hierarchical clustering analysis) were employed to eliminate interference from SBR 1502 in gasoline identification. The results provide theoretical support during the fire identification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional uncertainty-based analyses and optimizations of the automotive powertrain mounting system (PMS), uncertain parameters are usually treated as either random variables or interval variables. In this article, an efficient analysis and optimization method is proposed for PMS designs with hybrid random and interval uncertainties. An efficient analysis method, named the hybrid perturbation–finite difference method (HPFDM), is first derived to calculate the uncertain responses of the natural frequencies (NFs) and the decoupling ratios (DRs) of the PMS. Then, an optimization model of the PMS with hybrid uncertainties is established based on the HPFDM, where the uncertain responses of the relevant NFs and DRs are taken to create optimization constraints and optimization objectives. With the aid of the HPFDM, the nested optimization model can be solved efficiently. Finally, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a type of environmentally friendly solvents. Several studies have proven that ILs can inhibit the spontaneous combustion of coal (SCC). In this study, a synchronous thermal analyzer was used to analyze the effects of the imidazolium-based IL [BMIM][BF4] on coal of three metamorphic grades. A coal sample exhibiting the optimal inhibiting result was selected to investigate the effect of the oxygen concentration on IL inhibition. The results revealed that the influence of IL on the mass loss process of the three metamorphic grades of coal varied considerably. High inhibition was observed in lignite. However, the IL promoted the mass loss process in 1/3 coking coal and anthracite. The IL delayed the ignition temperature of lignite by 42 °C, whereas those of 1/3 coking coal and anthracite were advanced by 10 and 8 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the initial exothermic temperature of the three treated coal samples was higher than those of the raw coal samples. Compared with the raw coal samples, the heat released per gram of lignite, 1/3 coking coal, and anthracite was reduced by 1142, 353, and 226 J, respectively. The results indicated that the IL had a prominent inhibiting effect on the exothermic properties of the three coal samples, and the inhibiting effect decreased with an increase in the metamorphic grade of coal. Moreover, the oxygen concentration did not alter the inhibition properties of the IL on the SCC. However, the inhibiting effect weakened as the oxygen concentration decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid Finite Element/Statistical Energy Analysis (FE-SEA) model for mid-frequency analysis consists of two parts: the FE components and the SEA components, which are called as the master system and the subsystem respectively. The hybrid Finite Element/Statistical energy analysis approach is established on the assumption that the FE components have fully deterministic properties, while the SEA subsystems have a high degree of randomness. This method has been recently extended to allow the properties of the FE components of built-up structures to be uncertain like interval or probabilistic, and the hybrid model with parametric and non-parametric uncertainties is obtained. By dealing with the non-parametric uncertainty analytically and the parametric uncertainty with Monte Carlo Simulations, the distribution of the responses of the hybrid model can be obtained. In this paper, the interval parametric uncertainty is introduced into the hybrid FE–SEA framework for structure−acoustic systems, and the interval dynamic equilibrium equations are established, thus a hybrid model with non-parametric and interval parametric uncertainties for structure−acoustic systems is obtained; to improve the computational efficiency, the second-order interval perturbation finite element method is introduced into the hybrid FE-SEA framework and the second-order interval perturbation finite element/statistical energy analysis (SIPFEM/SEA) method is proposed. For the structure−acoustic system with interval parameters modeled by FE-SEA, the parameters of FE components are considered as interval parameters instead of deterministic ones, thus the expectations of the second order quantities such as the vibrational energy and the response cross-spectrum in the FE-SEA framework become interval variables, too. In the SIPFEM/SEA, the expectations of the second order response quantities of a structure−acoustic system are expanded with the second-order Taylor series at the nominal values of interval parameters, and for the sake of simplicity and efficiency, the non-diagonal elements of the Hessian matrices are neglected; then by searching the target positions of interval parameters that maximize or minimize the objective functions, the bounds of the vibrational energy and the response cross-spectrum can be obtained. Because of the neglect of the higher order terms of Taylor series, SIPFEM/SEA is limited to the interval analysis with narrow parameter intervals. For larger parameter intervals, the sub-interval perturbation method based on the SIPFEM/SEA is introduced. The proposed methods are illustrated by applications to two example structure−acoustic systems in which the acoustic cavities are modeled by using the interval FE method and the structures are modeled by using the SEA. Reference comparisons are made with the Monte Carlo simulations of the hybrid FE/SEA model. The numerical results verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To analyze the effect of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene mutations on the structure and function of enzymes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of G6PD screening records of 205 103 neonates collected in the Shanghai Children's Hospital from 2014 to 2017 was performed. Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the enzyme activity and mutant genes. The software tools Psipred, SOPMA, and JPred4 were used to predict the secondary structure of the protein, and the 3D structure of G6PD was predicted based on the amino acid chain by SWISS-MODEL and modified by PyMOL and LigPlot+. Six different analysis software programs, including Mupro, SDM, CUPSAT, mSCM, DUET, and Dynamut, were utilized to compare protein stability of the wild-type with the mutant forms. PROVEAN was used to analyze the effect of amino acid changes on the enzyme. Results: Two hundred and thirty samples were positive for enzyme deficiency, of which 121 positive samples were genetically tested and eight mutations were identified. Three common mutations c.95A>G, c.1376G>T, and c.1388G>A were present, and c.1024C>T mutation was identified in 14 samples. These four mutations induced a change in protein structure, reduced protein stability, and had adverse effects on function. In addition, c.1388G was adjacent to the glycerol ligand binding region in the wild type structure, whereas the c.1388G>A mutation caused this residue further away from it. Conclusion : Four nonsynonymous mutations (c.95A>G, c.1376G>T, c.1388G>A and c.1024C>T) reduce the stability of the G6PD enzyme by changing the structure of the protein, in which the c.1388G>A mutation also affects the binding ability of the protein to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of [Bmim][BF 4 on the exothermic and heat transfer characteristics of coal during low-temperature oxidation were investigated. • Effects of the IL on the exothermic and heat transfer characteristics of coal with different degrees of metamorphism were compared. • Effects of the IL on the coal exothermic process were analysed according to characteristic temperature and reaction time. • Inhibiting effect of the IL to CSC was not applicable to all coal types. The effects of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Bmim][BF 4 on the exothermic and heat transfer characteristics of three metamorphic grades of coal during low-temperature oxidation were investigated. The C80 microcalorimeter results showed that the IL inhibited the exothermic process and characteristics of long-flame and non-caking coals, whereas the IL had a growth-promoting influence on gas-fat coal. The kinetics calculation results showed that the apparent activation energy of long-flame and non-caking coals increased after treatment but gas-fat coal was subjected to the opposite effects. According to the consequences of the LFA457 laser flash system, the IL decreased the thermal diffusivity and increased the specific heat of long-flame and non-caking coals. It had a notable inhibiting effect on the heat transfer properties of the two coals. However, the influence of IL on the heat transfer characteristics of gas-fat coal shows a salient promoting effect. Therefore, we conclude that the IL inhibited the generation and transfer of heat during the low-temperature oxidation of long-flame and non-caking coals. This prevented the occurrence and development of coal spontaneous combustion, but it had the opposite effect on gas-fat coal. The effect of the IL on the thermal behaviour of coal oxidation at low temperature varied with the degree of metamorphism of coal, and such an influence played a dual role in this because of its inhibition and promotion in relation to this reaction. This demonstrated that the IL did not inhibit the spontaneous combustion of all types of coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports that the transient laser-induced voltages have been observed in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3thin films on MgO (001) in the absence of an applied current. A peak voltage of ~0.15 V was detected in response to 0.015 J pulse of 308 nm laser. It is demonstrated that the signal polarity is reversed when the films are irradiated through the substrate rather than at the air/film interface. Off-diagonal thermoelectricity may support the inversion of the signal when the irradiation direction is reversed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The control problem of a soft robotic snake is for mulated as constraint following. • An adaptive robust control is designed for the soft robotic snake. • A smooth zone approach is proposed to construct the adaptation law. • Advantages of smooth zone approach over dead zone approach are demonstrated. This paper targets the motion control problem of a soft robotic snake with uncertainty. The problem is formulated as constraint-following. From practical point of view, the uncertainty is assumed to be (possibly fast) time-varying and bounded. The bound is unknown. To render constraint-following for the soft robotic snake, a new adaptive robust control is designed based on a novel design of the adaptation law. A smooth-zone approach is proposed to construct the adaptation law. Compared with the past discontinuous (hence non-smooth) dead-zone approach, the proposed approach ensures the adaptation law to be, besides saving control effort, continuous so that the adaptive parameters can vary smoothly, which in turn assures a smooth robot operation. We demonstrate that, even in the presence of uncertainty, the proposed control is capable of rendering approximate constraint-following by guaranteeing uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness. Simulation results on the soft robotic snake demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacteria can degrade toxic phthalate (PAEs). Nevertheless, the colonization and function of endophytic PAE-degrader in soil-crop system and their association mechanism with indigenous bacteria in PAE removal remain unknown. Here, endophytic PAE-degrader Bacillus subtilis N-1 was marked with green fluorescent protein gene. Inoculated strain N-1- gfp could well colonize in soil and rice plant exposed to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) as directly confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and realtime PCR. Illumina high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that inoculated N-1- gfp shifted indigenous bacterial community in rhizosphere and endosphere of rice plants with significant increasing relative abundance of its affiliating genus Bacillus than non-inoculation. Strain N-1- gfp exhibited efficient DBP degradation with 99.7% removal in culture solutions, and significantly promoted DBP removal in soil-plant system. Strain N-1- gfp colonization help plant enrich specific functional bacteria (e.g., pollutant-degrading bacteria) with significant higher relative abundances and stimulated bacterial activities (e.g., pollutant degradation) compared with non-inoculation. Furthermore, strain N-1- gfp displayed strong interaction with indigenous bacteria for accelerating DBP degradation in soil, decreasing DBP accumulation in plants and promoting plant growth. This is the first report on well colonization of endophytic DBP-degrader Bacillus subtilis in soil-plant system and its bioaugmentation with indigenous bacteria for promoting DBP removal. [Display omitted] • Endophytic strain N-1- gfp well colonized in soil-crop system with bacterial aggregates. • N-1- gfp abundance was confirmed by visualization, strain population, qPCR and sequencing. • Inoculated N-1- gfp shifted indigenous bacterial community in rhizosphere and endosphere. • N-1- gfp accelerated DBP degradation in soil and decreased DBP accumulation in crop. • N-1- gfp strongly interacted with indigenous bacteria for PAE removal and plant growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the epistemic uncertainties within the hybrid Finite Element/Statistical Energy Analysis (FE/SEA) model when it is used for the response analysis of built-up systems in the mid-frequency range, the hybrid Evidence Theory-based Finite Element/Statistical Energy Analysis (ETFE/SEA) model is established by introducing the evidence theory. Based on the hybrid ETFE/SEA model and the sub-interval perturbation technique, the hybrid Sub-interval Perturbation and Evidence Theory-based Finite Element/Statistical Energy Analysis (SIP-ETFE/SEA) approach is proposed. In the hybrid ETFE/SEA model, the uncertainty in the SEA subsystem is modeled by a non-parametric ensemble, while the uncertainty in the FE subsystem is described by the focal element and basic probability assignment (BPA), and dealt with evidence theory. Within the hybrid SIP-ETFE/SEA approach, the mid-frequency response of interest, such as the ensemble average of the energy response and the cross-spectrum response, is calculated analytically by using the conventional hybrid FE/SEA method. Inspired by the probability theory, the intervals of the mean value, variance and cumulative distribution are used to describe the distribution characteristics of mid-frequency responses of built-up systems with epistemic uncertainties. In order to alleviate the computational burdens for the extreme value analysis, the sub-interval perturbation technique based on the first-order Taylor series expansion is used in ETFE/SEA model to acquire the lower and upper bounds of the mid-frequency responses over each focal element. Three numerical examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dried tangerine peel extract (DTPE) supplementation on the growth performance and immune and antioxidant status of broiler chicks. A total of 525 day-old, male, Arbour Acres (AA) broiler chicks were fed a basal diet (CTR) either with or without 80, 160, 240 and 480 mg DTPE/kg diet. The chicks were randomly assigned into five dietary groups for a 42-day experiment. There were seven replicates per group and 15 chicks per replicate. At 42 days of age, two birds from each cage were selected for blood sampling. The dietary DTPE supplementation linearly increased the body weight and the average daily gain (p = .03;p = .03) and quadratically increased the average daily feed intake (p = .02) during the starter period. In addition, the plasma lysozyme level in the 80 or 160 mg/kg DTPE group increased compared to the CTR group (p = .02 and .07, respectively). Chicks fed 80-mg/kg DTPE reduced the malondialdehyde concentration (p = .02) compared with birds fed the CTR diets. Moreover, the plasma glutathione peroxidase activities in the low DTPE dietary groups (80 and 160 mg/kg) were higher than in the CTR (p < .01) and 240 mg/kg DTPE group (p < .01 andp = .02, respectively). The results of the present study indicate that dietary DTPE with low supplemental dosage (≤160 mg/kg) might positively modulate the systemic antioxidative defence property of chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mortality rate higher than 90 % was observed in a larva-rearing facility for Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus, in China. Larvae showing clinical signs of infection were collected. Initial suspicion of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infection was confirmed by sequencing, absolute quantification real-time PCR (A-qPCR), and electron microscopy. The nucleotide sequence of RNA2 was 1,375 bases long (GenBank no. KM576685), coding for a single ORF corresponding to the capsid protein from residues 21 to 1034. Phylogenetic analysis of the capsid protein sequence showed that PCNNV belongs to the barfin flounder NNV (BFNVV) genotype. An amino acid sequence alignment revealed 39 differences between the cold- and warm-resistant viral groups, suggesting that PCNNV evolved under temperature selection. The 3-D structure of the predicted capsid protein was modeled to identify potential epitopes, and the gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, yielding a protein with a molecular mass of 55 kDa. During PCNNV outbreaks, the viral copy number was found to reach 10 per ng of total RNA, which could be considered the lethal copy number of NNV in cod. The gonads, eggs, fertilized eggs and asymptomatic cod fry were all positive for PCNNV, indicating viral vertical transmission as the main source of the viral load. The amount of virus in the apparent healthy fry or survivors seemed to decrease gradually with development. These results might lead to efficient diagnostic methods to help farmers select NNV-free broodfish for cod breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality (>90%) is a big concern in larval rearing facilities of Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus , limiting its culture presently still in the experimental stages. Understanding the immune system development of G. macrocephalus is crucial to optimize the aquaculture of this species, to improve the use of economic resources and to avoid abuse of antibiotics. For the transcriptome analysis, using an Illumina sequencing platform, 61,775,698 raw reads were acquired. After a de novo assembly, 77,561 unigenes were obtained. We have classified functionally these transcripts by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). 27 genes mainly related to hematopoietic or lymphoid organ development and somatic diversification of immune receptors have been reported for the first time in Pacific cod, and 14 Ig heavy chain ( μ chain) locuses were assembled using Trinity. Based on our previous achievement, we have chosen Rag1 and Igμ as immune system development biomarkers. Full length cDNA of Rag1 and Igμ as biomarkers were obtained respectively using RACE PCR. Concerning Rag1 , the deduced amino acid of Rag1 and protein immunodetection revealed a Rag1 isoform of 69 kDa, significantly different from other fish orthologs, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss (121 kDa). Phylogenetic analysis reveals a unique immune system for the Gadus genre, not exclusive for Atlantic cod, among vertebrates. Meanwhile, full length cDNA of Igμ included an ORF of 1710 bp and the deduced amino acid was composed of a leader peptide, a variable domain, CH1, CH2, Hinge, CH3, CH4 and C-terminus, which was in accordance with most teleost. Absolute quantification PCR revealed that significant expression of Rag1 appeared earlier than Igμ , 61 and 95 dph compared to 95 dph, respectively. Here we report the first transcriptomic analysis of G. macrocephalus as the starting point for genetic research on immune system development towards improving the Pacific cod aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of density functional theory, using the plane-wave pseudopotential method, the nitrogen vacancy (VN) in both wurtzite and zinc-blende AlN is studied by the supercell approach. The atom configuration, density of states, and formation energies of various charge states are calculated. Two defect states are introduced by the defect, which are a doubly occupied single state above the valance band maximum (VBM) and a singly occupied triple state below the conduction band minimum (CBM) for wurtzite AlN and above the CBM for zinc-blende AlN. So VN acts as a deep donor in wurtzite AlN and a shallow donor in zinc-blende AlN. A thermodynamic transition level E(3+/+) with very low formation energy appears at 0.7 and 0.6eV above the VBM in wurtzite and zinc-blende structure respectively, which may have a wide shift to the low energy side if atoms surrounding the defect are not fully relaxed. Several other transition levels appear in the upper part of the bandgap. The number of these levels decreases with the structure relaxation. However, these levels are unimportant to AlN properties because of their high formation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) is a major concern in the exploitation and utilisation processes of coal. Various technologies for inhibiting CSC have been developed, promoting industrial safety. With consideration of the complexity of the processes involved, efficient fire prevention and control techniques should be developed. Commonly used retardants for CSC prevention were reviewed. Based upon the necessary conditions required for CSC and coal − oxygen reaction mechanism, various materials used in CSC inhibition are analysed in detail and classified into physical-based, chemical-based, as well as composite retardants. The novel composite retardants combine both physical and chemical-based mechanisms in controlling CSC. The advantages and disadvantages of each CSC retardant are discussed and inter-compared. This review can promote research in the most needed areas to develop more efficient and affordable materials for CSC prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully label-free and real-time detect the capture processes of human immunoglobulin G (IgG)/goat anti-human IgG and mouse IgG/goat anti-mouse IgG antigen-antibody pairs with different concentrations using the oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OIRD) method, and obtain the interaction kinetics curves and the interaction times. The experimental results prove that the OIRD method is a promising technique for label-free and real-time detection of the biomolecular interaction processes and achieving the quantitative information of interaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polycrystalline perovskite La0.8Tb0.2MnO3 (LTMO) with an orthorhombic phase was synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The magnetic and electric properties of La0.8Tb0.2MnO3 were examined. The striking finding is that the material exhibits giant magnetoresistance at room temperature as high as −31.8% and −35.7% under the low magnetic fields of 100 and 1000Oe, respectively. This result suggests that La0.8Tb0.2MnO3 has a promising potential in future device developments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ten thousands of unit-cell multilayer heterosturctures, [SrNb0.05Ti0.95O3/La0.9Sr0.1MnO3]3 (SNTO/LSMO), have been epitaxial grown on SrTiO3 (001) substrates by laser molecular beam epitaxy. The monitor of in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction demonstrates that the heterosturctures are layer-by-layer epitaxial growth. Atomic force microscope observation indicates that the surface of the heterosturcture is atomically smooth. The measurements of cross-sectional low magnification and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy as well as the corresponding selected area electron diffraction reveal that the interfaces are of perfect orientation, and the epitaxial crystalline structure shows the orientation relation of SNTO(001)//LSMO(001), and SNTO[100]//LSMO[100]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]