Characterization and distribution of novel alleles of the vernalization gene Vrn-A1 in Chinese wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

The ability of wheat to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions is determined mostly by allelic diversity among genes regulating vernalization requirement.Vrn-1 is a major regulator of this requirement.In this study,two novel alleles of Vrn-A1 were discovered in Chinese cultivars:vrn-A1n was identified in two landraces,Jiunong 2 and Ganchun 16,and Vrn-A1o was detected in Duanhongmangmai.Both novel alleles showed a linked duplication in the promoter region.The common copy of these two alleles was identical to the recessive allele vrn-A1.Compared with the recessive allele vrn-A1,the other copy of vrn-A1n contained a 54-bp deletion in the promoter region and the distinct copy of Vrn-A1o contained an11-bp deletion in the promoter region.In segregating populations in the greenhouse under nonvernalizing(20–25°C)and long-day(16 h light)conditions,plants with the novel vrn-A1n allele did not head earlier than those with the recessive vrn-A1 allele.However,plants that were either homozygous or heterozygous for the novel Vrn-A1o allele headed earlier than those with the recessive vrn-A1 allele.To identify the novel allele with the small-sized product and facilitate screening,a DNA marker for the novel dominant allele Vrn-A1o was designed.Analysis of the novel-allele distribution showed that two cultivars carrying the vrn-A1n allele were dispersed in the northwestern spring wheat zone,and 12 cultivars carrying the dominant Vrn-A1o allele were widely distributed in the northwestern spring wheat zone,Xinjiang winter and spring wheat zone,Yellow and Huai River valley winter wheat zone,and QinghaiTibetan Plateau spring and winter wheat zone.Our study identifies useful germplasm and a DNA marker for wheat breeding.

Impact of Mobile Access to the Internet on Sales Completion Time in E-Commerce

Supported by a new generation of mobile devices, e-commerce is now in the process of being converted into m-commerce. While the traditional fixed PC access to the Internet continues to be important, the mobile access appears to attract more people because of its flexibility. The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyze a mathematical model for capturing how e-commerce performance would be affected by the mobile access to the Internet, where the original paper by Sumita and Yoshii （2010） is extended for better reality. The traditional e-commerce via the fixed PC access is compared with m-commerce which accommodates both the fixed PC access and the mobile access. The distribution of the number of products purchased by time t and the distribution of the time required for selling K products are derived explicitly. Numerical examples are given for illustrating behavioral differences between m-commerce consumers and traditional e-commerce consumers.

Model of Mediating Determinants of Time Differences in INDYCAR

The IndyCar series distinguishes itself by providing the same design and operation of the single-seater to its pilots.The difference in times is then attributable to the skills of the drivers,but considering the data from the races could test this assumption.The objective of this work was to establish a trajectory model to predict race times.A cross-sectional,correlational,and explanatory work was carried out with a sample of 18,474 records in the period from 2020 to 2023 of the IndyCar series.The results show that the time span predicts the time differences.In relation to the studies of acceptance of the technology,the adjustment of this to human capacities to explain the time differences in the series of racing cars is discussed.

Novel mutation in the ligand-binding domain of the androgen receptor gene （1790p） associated with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Mutations in the X-linked androgen receptor （AR） gene cause androgen insensitivity syndrome （AIS）, resulting in an impaired embryonic sex differentiation in 46,XY genetic men. Complete androgen insensitivity （CAIS） produces a female external phenotype, whereas cases with partial androgen insensitivity （PALS） have various ambiguities of the genitalia. Mild androgen insensitivity （MAIS） is characterized by undermasculinization and gynecomastia. Here we describe a 2-month-old 46,XY female patient, with all of the characteristics of CAIS. Defects in testosterone （T） and dihydrotestosterone （DHT） synthesis were excluded. Sequencing of the AR gene showed the presence in exon 6 of a T to C transition in the second base of codon 790, nucleotide position 2369, causing a novel missense Leu790Pro mutation in the ligand-binding domain of the AR protein. The identification of a novel AR mutation in a girl with CAIS provides significant information due to the importance of missense mutations in the ligand-binding domain of the AR, which are able to induce functional abnormalities in the androgen binding capability, stabilization of active conformation, or interaction with coactivators.

Is Minimizing Flow Completion Time the Optimal Way in Meeting Flow's Deadline in Datacenter Networks

In modern datacenters, the most common method to solve the network latency problem is to minimize flow completion time during the transmission process. Following the soft real-time nature, the optimization of transport latency is relaxed to meet a flow's deadline in deadline-sensitive services. However, none of existing deadline-sensitive protocols consider deadline as a constraint condition of transmission.They can only simplify the objective of meeting a flow's deadline as a deadline-aware mechanism by assigning a higher priority for tight-deadline constrained flows to finish the transmission as soon as possible, which results in an unsatisfactory effect in the condition of high fan-in degree. It drives us to take a step back and rethink whether minimizing flow completion time is the optimal way in meeting flow's deadline. In this paper, we focus on the design of a soft real-time transport protocol with deadline constraint in datacenters and present a flow-based deadline scheduling scheme for datacenter networks(FBDS).FBDS makes the unilateral deadline-aware flow transmission with priority transform into a compound centralized single-machine deadlinebased flow scheduling decision. In addition, FBDS blocks the flow sets and postpones some flows with extra time until their deadlines to make room for the new arriving flows in order to improve the deadline meeting rate. Our simulation resultson flow completion time and deadline meeting rate reveal the potential of FBDS in terms of a considerable deadline-sensitive transport protocol for deadline-sensitive interactive services.

Constructions and Applied Examinations of a Kind of Square-Conservative Schemes in High Precision in the Time Direction

In order to meet the needs of work in numerical weather forecast and in numerical simulations for climate change and ocean current, a kind of difference scheme in high precision in the time direction developed from the completely square-conservative difference scheme in explicit way is built by means of the Taylor expansion. A numerical test with 4-wave Rossby-Haurwitz waves on them and an application of them on the monthly mean current the of South China Sea are carried out, from which, it is found that not only do the new schemes have high harmony and approximate precision but also can the time step of the schemes be lengthened and can much computational time be saved. Therefore, they are worth generalizing and applying.

Noiseless linear amplification for the single-photon entanglement of arbitrary polarization–time-bin qudit

Single-photon entanglement(SPE) is an important source in quantum communication. In this paper, we put forward a single-photon-assisted noiseless linear amplification protocol to protect the SPE of an arbitrary polarization–time-bin qudit from the photon transmission loss caused by the practical channel noise. After the amplification, the fidelity of the SPE can be effectively increased. Meanwhile, the encoded polarization–time-bin features of the qudit can be well preserved. The protocol can be realized under the current experimental conditions. Moreover, the amplification protocol can be extended to resist complete photon loss and partial photon loss during the photon transmission. After the amplification, we can not only increase the fidelity of the target state, but also solve the decoherence problem simultaneously. Based on the above features, our amplification protocol may be useful in future quantum communication.

Impact of interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery in rectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Epidemiologically,in China,locally advanced rectal cancer is a more common form of rectal cancer.Preoperative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy can effectively reduce the size of locally invasive tumors and improve disease-free survival(DFS)and pathologic response after surgery.At present,this modality has become the standard protocol for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer in many centers,but the optimal time for surgery after neoadjuvant therapy is still controversial.AIM To investigate the impact of time interval between neoadjuvant therapy and surgery on DFS and pathologic response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.METHODS A total of 231 patients who were classified as having clinical stage II or III advanced rectal cancer and underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery at the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from November 2014 to August 2017 were involved in this retrospective cohort study.The patients were divided into two groups based on the different time intervals between neoadjuvant therapy and surgery:139(60.2%)patients were in group A(≤9 wk),and 92(39.2%)patients were in group B(>9 wk).DFS and pathologic response were analyzed as the primary endpoints.The secondary endpoints were postoperative complications and sphincter preservation.RESULTS For the 231 patients included,surgery was performed at≤9 wk in 139(60.2%)patients and at>9 wk in 92(39.8%).The patients’clinical characteristics,surgical results,and tumor outcomes were analyzed through univariate analysis combined with multivariate regression analysis.The overall pathologic complete response(pCR)rate was 27.2%(n=25)in the longer time interval group(>9 wk)and 10.8%(n=15)in the shorter time interval group(≤9 wk,P=0.001).The postoperative complications did not differ between the groups(group A,5%vs group B,5.4%;P=0.894).Surgical procedures for sphincter preservation were performed in 113(48.9%)patients,which were not significantly different between the groups(group A,52.5%vs group B,43.5%;P=0.179).The pCR rate was an independent factor affected by time interval(P=0.009;odds ratio[OR]=2.668;95%CI:1.276-5.578).Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that the longer time interval(>9 wk)was a significant independent prognostic factor for DFS(P=0.032;OR=2.295;95%CI:1.074-4.905),but the time interval was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A longer time interval to surgery after neoadjuvant therapy may improve the pCR rate and DFS but has little impact on postoperative complications and sphincter preservation.

Concise review of relaxations and approximation algorithms for nonidentical parallel-machine scheduling to minimize total weighted completion times

A class of nonidentical parallel machine scheduling problems are considered in which the goal is to minimize the total weighted completion time. Models and relaxations are collected. Most of these problems are NP-hard, in the strong sense, or open problems, therefore approximation algorithms are studied. The review reveals that there exist some potential areas worthy of further research.

Optimizing the Resource Utilization of Datacenter Networks with OpenFlow

Decreasing the flow completion time(FCT) and increasing the throughput are two fundamental targets in datacenter networks(DCNs), but current mechanisms mostly focus on one of the problems. In this paper, we propose OFMPC, an Open Flow based Multi Path Cooperation framework, to decrease FCT and increase the network throughput. OFMPC partitions the end-to-end transmission paths into two classes, which are low delay paths(LDPs) and high throughput paths(HTPs), respectively. Short flows are assigned to LDPs to avoid long queueing delay, while long flows are assigned to HTPs to guarantee their throughput. Meanwhile, a dynamic scheduling mechanism is presented to improve network efficiency. We evaluate OFMPC in Mininet emulator and a testbed, and the experimental results show that OFMPC can effectively decrease FCT. Besides, OFMPC also increases the throughput up to more than 84% of bisection bandwidth.

Research on the Trusted Energy-Saving Transmission of Data Center Network

According to the high operating costs and a large number of energy waste in the current data center network architectures, we propose a kind of trusted flow preemption scheduling combining the energy-saving routing mechanism based on typical data center network architecture. The mechanism can make the network flow in its exclusive network link bandwidth and transmission path, which can improve the link utilization and the use of the network energy efficiency. Meanwhile, we apply trusted computing to guarantee the high security, high performance and high fault-tolerant routing forwarding service, which helps improving the average completion time of network flow.

On the potential of documenting decadal-scale avifaunal change from before-and-after comparisons of museum and observational data across North America

Studies of biodiversity dynamics have been cast on either long(systematics)or short(ecology)time scales,leaving a gap in coverage for moderate time scales of decades to centuries.Large-scale biodiversity information resources now available offer opportunities to fill this gap for many parts of the world via detailed,quantitative comparisons of assemblage composition,particularly for regions without rich time series datasets.We explore the possibility that such changes in avifaunas across the United States and Canada before and after the first three decades of marked global change(i.e.,prior to 1980 versus after 2010)can be reconstructed and characterized from existing primary biodiversity data.As an illustration of the potential of this methodology for sites even in regions not as well sampled as the United States and Canada,we also explored changes at a single site in Mexico(Chichén-Itzá).We analyzed two large-scale datasets:one summarizing bird records in the United States and Canada before 1980,and one for the same region after 2010.We used probabilistic inventory completeness analyses to identify sites that have avifaunas that have likely been inventoried more or less completely.We prepared detailed comparisons between the two time periods to analyze species showing distributional changes over the time period analyzed.We identified 139 sites on a 0.05°grid that were demonstrably well-inventoried before 1980 in the United States and Canada,of which 108 were also well-inventoried after 2010.Comparing presence/absence patterns between the two time periods for 601 bird species,we found significant spatial autocorrelation in overall avifaunal turnover(species gained and lost),but not in numbers of species lost.We noted potential northward retractions of ranges of several species with high-latitude(boreal)distributions,while other species showed dominant patterns of population loss,either rangewide(e.g.,Tympanuchus cupido)or regionally(e.g.,Thryomanes bewickii).We developed linear models to explore a suite of potential drivers of species loss at relatively fine-grained resolutions(<6km),finding significant effects of precipitation increase,particularly on the eastern border of the United States and Canada.Our exploration of biotic change in Chichén-Itzáincluded 265 species and showed intriguing losses from the local avifauna(e.g.,Patagioenas speciosa),as well as vagrant and recent invasive species in the Yucatán Peninsula.The present work documents both the potential for and the problems involved in an approach integrating primary biodiversity data across time periods.This method potentially allows researchers to assess intermediate-time-scale biodiversity dynamics that can reveal patterns of change in biodiversity-rich regions that lack extensive time-series information.

A new analytical algorithm for computing probability distribution of project completion time

An analytical algorithm was presented for the exact computation of the probability distribution of the project completion time in stochastic networks,where the activity durations are mutually independent and continuously distributed random variables. Firstly,stochastic activity networks were modeled as continuous-time Markov process with a single absorbing state by the well-know method of supplementary variables and the time changed from the initial state to absorbing state is equal to the project completion time.Then,the Markov process was regarded as a special case of Markov skeleton process.By taking advantage of the backward equations of Markov skeleton processes,a backward algorithm was proposed to compute the probability distribution of the project completion time.Finally,a numerical example was solved to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methodology.The results show that the proposed algorithm is capable of computing the exact distribution function of the project completion time,and the expectation and variance are obtained.

Jade Bi and Gui: A Reconfirmation on Zhouli Completed in the Early Years of Han Dynasty Based on Sacrificial Ceremony

As an classical book which disputes endlessly on the completed time but systematic and detailed record on official function, rituals and sacrificial vessels, Zhouli (Rites of Zhou) has become a paradoxical existence: on the one hand, it’s a crucial reference document frequently quoted for reconstructing the propriety in the past dynasties and explaining the ritual remains in modern archeology;on the other hand, its authenticity and edition age are always questioned. So the completed time of Zhouli is still a bottleneck problem and cannot be ignored. This article focuses on the tradition of sacrificial jade Bi and Gui based on the written documents and archeological findings, demonstrate once again that Zhouli was completed in early Han dynasty.

Complete genome of Cobetia marina JCM 21022T and phylogenomic analysis of the family Halomonadaceae

Cobetia marina is a model proteobacteria in researches on marine biofouling. Its taxonomic nomenclature has been revised many times over the past few decades. To better understand the role of the surface-associated lifestyle of C. marina and the phylogeny of the family Halomonadaceae, we sequenced the entire genome of C. marina JCM 21022T using single molecule real-time sequencing technology （SMRT） and performed comparative genomics and phylogenomics analyses. The circular chromosome was 4 176 300 bp with an average GC content of 62.44% and contained 3 611 predicted coding sequences, 72 tRNA genes, and 21 rRNA genes. The C. marina JCM 2102U genome contained a set of crucial genes involved in surface colonization processes. The comparative genome analysis indicated the significant differences between C. marina JCM 21022T and Cobetia amphilecti KMM 296 （formerly named C. marina KMM 296） resulted from sequence insertions or deletions and chromosomal recombination. Despite these differences, pan and core genome analysis showed similar gene functions between the two strains. The phylogenomic study of the family Halomonadaceae is relationships were well resolved among every genera Cobetia, Kushneria, Zymobacter, and Halotalea. reported here for the first time. We found that the tested, including Chromohalobacter, Halomonas,

Solving the Binary Linear Programming Model in Polynomial Time

The paper presents a technique for solving the binary linear programming model in polynomial time. The general binary linear programming problem is transformed into a convex quadratic programming problem. The convex quadratic programming problem is then solved by interior point algorithms. This settles one of the open problems of whether P = NP or not. The worst case complexity of interior point algorithms for the convex quadratic problem is polynomial. It can also be shown that every liner integer problem can be converted into binary linear problem.

Optimum Timing and Complication of Completion Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Background: Despite improved preoperative diagnostics, incidental postoperative detection of differentiated thyroid cancer in the final histology is still common. In most of these cases, completion thyroidectomy is recommended by national and international guidelines, although secondary surgery is associated with an increased operative risk. The optimal timing of completion thyroidectomy is still controversial. Patients and Methods: The patients admitted to surgical oncology department, SECI, with diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer;during the period from January 2008 to December 2015;were rewired for age, sex, type of 1st operation, histopathological result, type of 2nd operation and time interval between the 2 operation, complication of 2nd operation and morbidity. 118 patients underwent completion thyroidectomy;those patients were divided according to timing of completion operation into 3 groups: Group A is from one week to 3 months and include 64 patients;Group B is from 3 - 6 months and include 30 patients;Group C is more than 6 months and include 24 patients. Clinical complications and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 80 ± 10 months. Result: we record 118 patients under completion thyroidectomy. Ages range from 79 to 13 years. Papillary thyroid cancer were 96 and follicular thyroid cancer were 22. The overall rates of transient and persistent postoperative hypocalcemia were 19.5% and 4.2%, respectively. The rates of persistent hypocalcemia were found in group A and B but not in group C. Transient or persistent vocal cord paresis was observed in 9 (7.6%) and 3 patients (2.5%). The incidence of persistent vocal cord paresis (VCP) was significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C. There was no significant difference regarding survival among the 3 groups;however recurrence is higher in group A. Conclusion: Considering perioperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes, completion thyroidectomy should be performed at least 3 to 6 months after primary surgery.

Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excisions for colonic cancer in the last decade:Five-year survival in a single centre

AIM To analyse clinical and long-term oncologic results after laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision(CME) for colonic cancer over a 10-year period.METHODS Consecutive patients who received laparoscopic CME at our hospital from 2007 to 2017 were prospectively registered and retrospectively analysed. In total, 341 patients were included with tumour-nodal-metastasis(TNM) stages 0-Ⅲ.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 71.9 years. The median length of stay was 5 d. The mean lymph node harvest was 17.8. The mortality rate was 1.2%. Fifteen patients were reoperated on for anastomotic leaks. The local recurrence rate was 2.3%. Five-year TTR and cancer-specific survival CSS were 83.1% and 90.3%. The location of the tumour was not a significant variable for survival in unadjusted and adjusted survival analysis. TNM stage and anastomotic leaks were significant variables with respect to survival.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic CME results in acceptable complication rates and long-term oncologic results. It is important to avoid anastomotic leaks because of their negative effect on survival.

"Made in China"——A Hit at the FIFA World Cup

The World Cup,known as the“peace time wars”in China,is the world’s largest sports event and the sports IP with the greatest commercial value.The 2018 Russian World Cup kicked off on June 14th,with 32 teams competing for the FIFA World Cup.As the world’s most influential sports event,the World Cup is of great commercial value.At present,a complete World Cup profit system has been formed,ranging from broadcasting and sponsorship fees to a bottle of beer and a mascot and all becoming the drivers of the World Cup economy.