A Class of Continuous Separable Nonlinear Multidimensional Knapsack Problems

The nonlinear multidimensional knapsack problem is defined as the minimization of a convex function with multiple linear constraints. The methods developed for nonlinear multidimensional programming problems are often applied to solve the nonlinear multidimensional knapsack problems, but they are inefficient or limited since most of them do not exploit the characteristics of the knapsack problems. In this paper, by establishing structural properties of the continuous separable nonlinear multidimensional knapsack problem, we develop a multi-tier binary solution method for solving the continuous nonlinear multidimensional knapsack problems with general structure. The computational complexity is polynomial in the number of variables. We presented two examples to illustrate the general application of our method and we used statistical results to show the effectiveness of our method.

间断抗雄激素联合手术去势治疗晚期前列腺癌的疗效分析

目的探讨手术去势联合间断抗雄激素药物治疗晚期前列腺癌的疗效和安全性。方法选取2009年8月—2014年8月于佛山市第一人民医院收治的90例雄激素敏感且失去根治手术机会的晚期前列腺癌患者作为研究对象,根据患者意愿分为手术组及对照组,其中手术组给予手术去势联合间断抗雄激素药物治疗;对照组给予常规间歇内分泌治疗。比较两组患者治疗前后的前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)水平、生活质量评分、疾病无进展生存时间(PFS)、总生存时间(OS)及不良反应情况。结果手术组患者的PSA水平,生活质量评分,PFS时间和OS时间优于对照组患者(P <0.05),手术组患者性欲减退发生率高于对照组患者(P<0.05);两组患者潮热、骨质疏松、乳房胀痛的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论手术去势联合间断抗雄激素药物治疗晚期前列腺的疗效确切,值得临床推广。

带否定算子的兰贝克演算研究

本文研究否定算子的兰贝克演算,提出了兰贝克演算的极小否定扩张,刻画了兰贝克演算的极小否定扩张的代数模型,同时证明了兰贝克演算的极小否定的扩张判定性,并发展了该逻辑的一个根岑序列演算。同时本文也将结论拓展到兰贝克演算的德摩根扩张并证明其判定性。

Calculation of the Added Mass of a Liquid Tank's Bulkheads

The added mass coefficient and the water level index formulas for the same-phase and anti-phase vibration of rectangular liquid tanks' bulkheads were derived based on dry mode theory. Three fluid-structure interaction numerical methods including Fluid FEM and Fluid BEM were used in this case. The comparison of numerical and theoretical results by the present method shows that ANSYS/Fluid80 is more credible, the NASTRAN/Virtual Mass Method is more suitable for engineering calculations and results of the same-phase vibration by the present method is more accurate.

混合模态逻辑的有穷模型性研究

本文研究了混合模态逻辑的有穷模型性问题,介绍了一种基于代数证明论的有穷模型性证明新方法,并用该方法证明了混合时态逻辑K4.t和模态逻辑S5的混合逻辑具有有穷模型性。因此可推导出混合时态逻辑K4.t和模态逻辑S5是可判定的。该结果被延伸到其他常见的时态逻辑与模态逻辑的混合,时态逻辑之间的混合和模态逻辑之间的混合,并得到它们的有穷模型性证明。

Rho 1 participates in parasitoid wasp eggs maturation and host cellular immunity inhibition

Endoparasitoid wasps introduce venom into their host insects during the egglaying stage.Venom proteins play various roles in the host physiology,development,immunity,and behavior manipulation and regulation.In this study,we identified a venom protein,MmRhol,a small guanine nucleotide-binding protein derived from ovary in the endoparasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator and found that knockdown of its expression by RNA interference caused down-regulation of vitellogenin and juvenile hormone,egg production,and cocoons formation in the female wasps.We demonstrated that MmRho1 entered the cotton bollworm's(host)hemocytes and suppressed cellular immune responses after parasitism using immunofluorescence staining.Furthermore,wasp MmRhol interacted with the cotton bollworm's actin cytoskeleton rearrangement regulator diaphanous by yeast 2-hybrid and glutathione s-transferase pull-down.In conclusion,this study indicates that MmRho1 plays dual roles in wasp development and the suppression of the host insect cellular immune responses.

Optimised trajectory tracking control for quadrotors based on an improved beetle antennae search algorithm

This paper focuses on the trajectory tracking of quadrotors under bounded external disturbances.An optimised robust controller is proposed to drive the position and attitude ofa quadrotor converge to their references quickly. At first, nonsingular fast terminal slidingmode control is developed, which can guarantee not only the stability but also finite-timeconvergence of the closed-loop system. As the parameters of the designed controllers playa vital role for control performance, an improved beetle antennae search algorithm is proposedto optimise them. By employing the historical information of the beetle’s antennaeand dynamically updating the step size as well as the range of its searching, the optimisingis accelerated considerably to ensure the efficiency of the quadrotor control. The superiorityof the proposed control scheme is demonstrated by simulation experiments, from whichone can see that both the error and the overshooting of the trajectory tracking are reducedeffectively.

Attenuated Listeria monocytogenes as a cancer vaccine vector for the delivery of CD24, a biomarker for hepatic cancer stem cells

Attenuated Listeria monocytogenes （LM） is a promising candidate vector for the delivery of cancer vaccines. After phagocytosis by antigen-presenting cells, this bacterium stimulates the major histocompatibility complex （MHC）-I and MHC-II pathways and induces the proliferation of antigen-specific T lymphocytes. A new strategy involving genetic modification of the replication-deficient LM strain AdalAdat （Lmdd） to express and secrete human CD24 protein has been developed. CD24 is a hepatic cancer stem cell biomarker that is closely associated with apoptosis, metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. After intravenous administration in mice, Lmdd-CD24 was distributed primarily in the spleen and liver and did not cause severe organ injury. Lmdd-CD24 effectively increased the number of interferon （IFN）-7-producing CD8＋ T cells and IFN-7 secretion. Lmdd-CD24 also enhanced the number of IL-4- and IL-lO-producing T helper 2 cells. The efficacy of the Lmdd-CD24 vaccine was further investigated against Hepa1- 6-CD24 tumors, which were inguinally inoculated into mice. Lmdd-CD24 significantly reduced the tumor size in mice and increased their survival. Notably, a reduction of T regulatory cell （Treg） numbers and an enhancement of specific CD8＋ T-cell activity were observed in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes （TILs）. These results suggest a potential application of the Lmdd-CD24 vaccine against HCC.

Comparative analysis of peptidoglycan recognition proteins in endoparasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins （PGRPs） are a family of innate immune receptors that specifically recognize peptidoglycans （PGNs） on the surface of a number of pathogens. Here, we have identified and characterized six PGRPs from endoparasitoid wasp, Microplitis mediator （MmePGRPs）. To understand the roles of PGRPs in parasitoid wasps, we analyzed their evolutionary relationship and orthology, expression profiles during different developmental stages, and transcriptional expression following infection with Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and a fungus. MmePGRP-S1 was significantly induced in response to pathogenic infection. This prompted us to evaluate the effects of RNA interference mediated gene specific knockdown ofMmePGRP-S1. The knockdown of MmePGRP-S1 （iMmePGRP-S1） dramatically affected wasps＇ survival following challenge by Micrococcus luteus, indicating the involvement of this particular PGRP in immune responses against Gram-positive bacteria. This action is likely to be mediated by the Toll pathway, but the mechanism remains to be determined. MmePGRP-S 1 does not play a significant role in anti-fungal immunity as indicated by the survival rate of iMmePGRP-S wasps. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of PGRPs in the economically important hymenopteran species M. mediator.

Growth of ultra-dense MoS_(2) nanosheets on carbon fibers to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of polyimide composites

To enhance the interface bonding of polyimide(PI)/carbon fiber(CF)composites,CFs were functionalized by introducing a polydopamine(PDA)transition layer,whose active groups provide absorption sites for the growth of molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))nanosheets and improve the bonding strength with PI.Uniform and dense MoS_(2) nanosheets with thicknesses of 30–40 nm on the surface of the PDA@CF were obtained via a subsequent hydrothermal method.As a result,the interface between the CF and the PI matrix becomes more compact with the help of the PDA transition layer and MoS_(2) nanosheets.This is beneficial in forming PI/CF–MoS_(2) composites with better thermal stability,higher tensile strength,and enhanced tribological properties.The lubricating and reinforcing effects of the hybrid CF–MoS_(2) in the PI composite are discussed in detail.The tensile strength of the PI/CF–MoS_(2) composite increases by 43%,and the friction coefficient and the wear rate reduce by 57%and 77%,respectively,compared to those of the pure PI.These values are higher than those of the PI/CF composites without MoS_(2) nanosheets.These results indicate that the CF–MoS_(2) hybrid material can be used as an additive to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of polymers.

Identification and temporal expression profiles of cuticular proteins in the endoparasitoid wasp,Microplitis mediator

Recently,parasitoid wasp species Microplitis mediator has evoked increasing research attention due to its possible use in the control of Lepidoptera insects.Because insect development involves changes in cuticle composition,identification and expression analysis of M.mediator cuticular proteins may clarify the mechanisms involved in parasite development processes.We found 70 cuticular proteins from the M.mediator transcrip-tome and divided them into seven distinct families.Expression profiling indicated that most of these cuticular protein genes have expression peaks specific for one particular developmental stage of M.mediator.Eggs and pupae have the highest number of tran-scriptionally active cuticular protein genes(47 and 52 respectively).Only 12 of these genes maintained high expression activity during late larval development.Functional analysis of two larval proteins,MmCPR3 and MmCPR 14,suggested their important role in the proper organization of the cuticle layers of larvac.During M.mediator larval development,normal cuticle formation can be supported by a limited number of cuticular proteins.

Melatonin antagonizes ovarian aging via YTHDF2-MAPK-NF-κB pathway

Cellular senescence is closely associated with age-related diseases.Ovarian aging,a special type of organ senescence,is the pathophysiological foundation of the diseases of the reproductive system.It is characterized by the loss of integrity of the surface epithelium and a gradual decrease in the number of human ovarian surface epithelial cells(HOSEpiCs).To contribute to the research on delaying ovarian aging,we aimed to investigate the novel epigenetic mechanism of melatonin in protecting HOSEpiCs.We discovered that melatonin has antagonistic effects against the oncogene-induced senescence(OIS)of HOSEpiCs.Mechanistically,the oncogene Ras decreased the expression of YTHDF2,which is the reader of RNA-m6A,by stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Moreover,we found that the suppression of YTHDF2 increased the expression of MAP2K4 and MAP4K4 by enhancing the stability of the transcription of their mRNAs,thereby upregulating the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)through the activation of the MAP2K4 and MAP4K4-dependent nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathways.We further determined that melatonin has antagonistic effects against the OIS of HOSEpiCs by inhibiting the ROS-YTHDF2-MAPK-NF-κB pathway.These findings provide key insights into the potential avenues for preventing and treating ovarian aging.

Numerical study of gas-solid two-phase flow and erosion in a cavity with a slope

Gate valve is mainly used to turn on or turn off the pipeline in pneumatic conveying.When the gate valve is fully open,the particles are easy to collide with the cavity rear wall and enter into the cavity,resulting in particles’accumulation in the cavity.The particles in cavity will accumulate between the cavity bottom and the flashboard bottom wall and prevent the gate from turning off normally.Meanwhile,the particles’collision with cavity rear wall will cause serious erosion.Both the particles’accumulation and erosion will cause the poor sealing of the gate valve,further resulting in the leakage of the pipeline system.To reduce the particles’accumulation in cavity and erosion on cavity when the gate valve is fully open,we simplify the gate valve into a cavity structure and study it.We find that adding a slope upstream the cavity can effectively reduce the particles’accumulation in the cavity and the erosion on the cavity rear wall.In this work,Eulerian-Lagrangian method in commercial code(FLUENT)was used to study the gas-solid two-phase flow and erosion characteristics of a cavity with a slope.The particle distribution shows that the particles with Stokes number St=1.3 and St=13 cannot enter the cavity due to the slope,but the particles with St=0.13 enter the cavity following the gas.For St=13,the particles collide with the wall many times in the ideal cavity.Erosion results show that the slope can transfer the erosion on cavity rear wall to the slope and reduce the maximum erosion rate of the wall near the cavity to some degrees.

PTPROt maintains T cell immunity in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Intratumoral T cells play a central role in anti-tumor immunity,and the balance between T effector cells(Teff)and regulatory T cells(Treg)affects the prognosis of cancer patients.However,educated by tumor microenvironment,T cells frequently fail in their responsibility.In this study,we aimed to investigate the role of truncated isoform of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-typeO(PTPROt)in T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity.We recruited 70 hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients and 30 healthy volunteers for clinical investigation,and analyzed cellular tumor immunity by using ptpro^(-/-) C57BL/6 mice and NOD/SCID mice.PTPROt expression was significantly downregulated in human HCC-infiltrating T cells due to the hypoxia microenvironment;PTPROt expression highly correlated with the intratumoral Teff/Treg ratio and clinicopathologic characteristics.Moreover,PTPROt deficiency attenuated T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity and remarkably promoted mouse HCC growth.Mechanistically,deletion of PTPROt decreased Teff quantity and quality through phosphorylation of lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase,but increased Treg differentiation through phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5.In support of the Teff/Treg homeostasis,PTPROt serves as an important tumor suppressor in HCC microenvironment.

A bystander cell-based GM-CSF secreting vaccine synergized with a low dose of cyclophosphamide presents therapeutic immune responses against murine hepatocellular carcinoma

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM-CSF） secreting cellular tumor vaccines contribute to the induction of potent antitumor immune responses in murine models and patients suffering from cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is one of the most frequent and malignant cancers in China. We describe, for the first time, a GM-CSF releasing vaccine strategy that represents a step toward combating this type of cancer. In this study, a bystander cell-based GM-CSF secreting vaccine against murine HCC, Hepa 1-6/B78H 1-GM-CSF, was co-administered with a low dose of cyclophosphamide （CY）. After challenging with tumor and vaccination, immunological assays demonstrated that the cellular antitumor immune responses were efficiently activated and that tumor development was significantly retarded, which was dependent on synergy with CY. The promising outcome of the anti-HCC vaccine in the murine model demonstrates the feasibility of a future clinical application for this treatment in HCC patients.

Field-scale spatial variability of soil calcium in a semi-arid region:Implications for soil erosion and site-specific management

Excess calcium(Ca)in soils of semi-arid and arid regions has negative effects on soil structure and chemical properties,which limits the crop root growth as well as the availability of soil water and nutrients.Quantifying the spatial variability of soil Ca contents may reveal factors influencing soil erosion and provide a basis for site-specific soil and crop management in semi-arid regions.This study sought to assess the spatial variability of soil Ca in relation to topography,hydraulic attributes,and soil types for precision soil and crop management in a 194-ha production field in the Southern High Plains of Texas,USA.Soils at four depth increments(0-2,0-15,15-30,and 30-60 cm)were sampled at 232 points in the spring of 2017.The Ca content of each sample was determined with a DP-6000 Delta Premium portable X-ray fluorescence(PXRF)spectrometer.Elevation data was obtained using a real-time kinematic GPS receiver with centimeter-level accuracy.A digital elevation model(DEM)was derived from the elevation data,and topographic and hydraulic attributes were generated from this DEM.A generalized least-squares model was then developed to assess the relationship between soil Ca contents of the four layers and the topographic and hydraulic attributes.Results showed that topographic attributes,especially slope and elevation,had a significant effect on soil Ca content at different depths(P<0.01).In addition,hydraulic attributes,especially flow length and sediment transport index(STI),had a significant effect on the spatial distribution of soil Ca.Spatial variability of soil Ca and its relationships with topographic and hydraulic attributes and soil types indicated that surface soil loss may occur due to water or wind erosion,especially on susceptible soils with high slopes.Therefore,this study suggests that the application of PXRF in assessing soil Ca content can potentially facilitate a new method for soil erosion evaluation in semi-arid lands.The results of this study provide valuable information for site-specific soil conservation and crop management.

NEURO PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SCHISANDRA B ON AD-RELATED CELLULAR MODEL INVOLVES THE ATTENUATION OF APOPTOSIS

Schisandrin B(Sch B),the major lignans isolated from Schisandra chinensis,exerts high arntioxidant activities.However,it is unknown whether SchB protects neural cell against Aβinduced cellular apoptosis.This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective action of SchB on cellular model of AD,and revealed the underlying mechanisms.