On the grouping effect of the l_(1-2)models

This paper aims to study the mathematical properties of the l vmodels that employ measurement matrices with correlated columns.We first show that the l_(1-2)model satisfies the grouping effect which ensures that coefficients corresponding to highly correlated columns in a measurement matrix have small differences.Then we provide the stability analysis based on the sparse approximation property.When the entries of the vectors have different signs,we show that the grouping effect also holds for the constraint l_(1-2)minimization model which is implicated by the linearized Bregman iteration.

Bottom-up holistic carrier management strategy induced synergistically by multiple chemical bonds to minimize energy losses for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

The defects from electron transport layer,perovskite layer and their interface would result in carrier nonradiative recombination losses.Poor buried interfacial contact is detrimental to charge extraction and device stability.Here,we report a bottom-up holistic carrier management strategy induced synergistically by multiple chemical bonds to minimize bulk and interfacial energy losses for high-performance perovskite photovoltaics.4-trifluoromethyl-benzamidine hydrochloride(TBHCl)containing–CF_(3),amidine cation and Cl^(-)is in advance incorporated into SnO_(2)colloid solution to realize bottom-up modification.The synergistic effect of multiple functional groups and multiple-bond-induced chemical interaction are revealed theoretically and experimentally.F and Cl^(-)can passivate oxygen vacancy and/or undercoordinated Sn^(4+)defects by coordinating with Sn^(4+).The F can suppress cation migration and modulate crystallization via hydrogen bond with FA^(+),and can passivate lead defects by coordinating with Pb^(2+).The–NH_(2)–C=NH^(+)_(2)and Cl^(-)can passivate cation and anion vacancy defects through ionic bonds with perovskites,respectively.Through TBHCl modification,the suppression of agglomeration of SnO_(2)nanoparticles,bulk and interfacial defect passivation,and release of tensile strains of perovskite films are demonstrated,which resulted in a PCE enhancement from 21.28%to 23.40%and improved stability.With post-treatment,the efficiency is further improved to 23.63%.

Stabilizing Buried Interface via Synergistic Effect of Fluorine and Sulfonyl Functional Groups Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

The interfacial defects and energy barrier are main reasons for interfacial nonradiative recombination.In addition,poor perovskite crystallization and incomplete conversion of PbI_(2) to perovskite restrict further enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of the devices using sequential deposition.Herein,a buried interface stabilization strategy that relies on the synergy of fluorine(F)and sulfonyl(S=O)functional groups is proposed.A series of potassium salts containing halide and non-halogen anions are employed to modify SnO_(2)/perovskite buried interface.Multiple chemical bonds including hydrogen bond,coordination bond and ionic bond are realized,which strengthens interfacial contact and defect passivation effect.The chemical interaction between modification molecules and perovskite along with SnO_(2) heightens incessantly as the number of S=O and F augments.The chemical interaction strength between modifiers and perovskite as well as SnO_(2) gradually increases with the increase in the number of S=O and F.The defect passivation effect is positively correlated with the chemical interaction strength.The crystallization kinetics is regulated through the compromise between chemical interaction strength and wettability of substrates.Compared with Cl−,all non-halogen anions perform better in crystallization optimization,energy band regulation and defect passivation.The device with potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide achieves a tempting efficiency of 24.17%.

Can environmental sustainability be decoupled from economic growth? Empirical evidence from Eastern Europe using the common correlated effect mean group test

The European Union(EU) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) aim to develop long-term policies for their respective member countries. Having observed increasing dangers to the environment posed by rising economic growth, they are seeking pathways to enable policy action on economic growth and environmental sustainability. Given the facts in theoretical and empirical studies, this study assessed the validity of the decoupling hypothesis by investigating asymmetricity in the relationship between environmental sustainability and economic growth in nine Eastern European countries from 1998 to 2017 using the cross-section augmented Dickey-Fuller(CADF) unit root, panel corrected standard error(PCSE), common correlated effect mean group(CCEMG), and Dumitrescu Hurlin causality approaches. Both population growth and drinking water are used as controlled variables. The outcomes establish strong cointegration among all the variables of interest. According to the results of CCEMG test, economic growth exerts short-term environmental degradation but has long-term environmental benefits in Eastern Europe;and population growth and drinking water exert a positive effect on environmental sustainability in both the short-and long-run. The results of Dumitrescu Hurlin causality test indicate that environmental sustainability is unidirectionally affected by economic growth. Based on these outcomes, we suggest the following policies:(1) the EU and OECD should implement member-targeted policies on economic growth and fossil-fuel use towards regulating industrial pollution, water use, and population control;and(2) the EU and OECD member countries should invest in environmental technologies through green research and development(R&D) to transform their dirty industrial processes and ensure productive energy use.

Evaluation of group effect of pile group under dragload embedded in clay

A simple semi-empirical analysis method for predicting the group effect of pile group under dragload embedded in clay was described assuming an effective influence area around various locations of pile group. Various pile and soil parameters such as the array of pile group, spacing of the piles (S), embedment length to diameter ratio of piles (L/D) and the soil properties such as density (γ), angle of internal friction (φ) and pile-soil interface friction coefficient (μ) were considered in the analysis. Model test for dragload of pile group on viscosity soil layer under surface load consolidation conditions was studied. The variations of dragload of pile, resistance of pile tip and the layered settlement of soil with consolidation time were measured. In order to perform comparative analysis, single pile was tested in the same conditions. The predicted group effect values of pile group under dragload were then compared with model test results carried out as a part of the present investigation and also with the values reported in literatures. The predicted values were found to be in good agreement with the measured values, validating the developed analysis method. The model test results show that negative skin friction of pile shaft will reach 80%-90% of its maximum value, when pile-soil relative displacement reaches 2 mm.

A Theoretical Analysis of the Bearing Performance of Vertically Loaded Large-Diameter Pipe Pile Groups

This paper aims to present a theoretical method to study the bearing performance of vertically loaded large-diameter pipe pile groups.The interactions between group piles result in different bearing performance of both a single pile and pile groups.Considering the pile group effect and the skin friction from both outer and inner soils,an analytical solution is developed to calculate the settlement and axial force in large-diameter pipe pile groups.The analytical solution was verified by centrifuge and field testing results.An extensive parametric analysis was performed to study the bearing performance of the pipe pile groups.The results reveal that the axial forces in group piles are not the same.The larger the distance from central pile,the larger the axial force.The axial force in the central pile is the smallest,while that in corner piles is the largest.The axial force on the top of the corner piles decreases while that in the central pile increases with increasing of pile spacing and decreasing of pile length.The axial force in side piles varies little with the variations of pile spacing,pile length,and shear modulus of the soil and is approximately equal to the average load shared by one pile.For a pile group,the larger the pile length is,the larger the influence radius is.As a result,the pile group effect is more apparent for a larger pile length.The settlement of pile groups decreases with increasing of the pile number in the group and the shear modulus of the underlying soil.

A Computational Investigation of the Group Effect of Pits on the Ultimate Strength of Steel Plates

In this work, we focus on assessing the group effect of localized corrosion on the ultimate strength of the marine structural plates and study the load-deformation behaviors of plates of various slenderness and uniaxial compression.Meanwhile, we investigate different corroded patterns from a single circular pit to 25 circular pits distributed over the plate and carry out hundreds of nonlinear finite element simulations by combining the number, depth, distribution of pits with imperfections and slenderness of plate. The distribution of multiple pits causes scattering of stress concentration on the plate, then the plastic section of plate changes with wider distribution of damage simultaneously. The ultimate strength arises when un-loading zone comprised of the yielding strips and holes extends across the plate. It can be concluded that the corroded condition defined as group effect of pits manipulates the deformation state and the loading capacity of plate at the ultimate strength mode that coincides with the proportion of effective loading area and section in the process of post-buckling. To validate the effect of pits group, we perform the numerical experiments of the post-buckling of steel plates containing pits in a row with different orientation.

Cerebral vasorelaxant material basis of Xiaoxuming decoction study with rat basilar artery

OBJECTIVE To investigate the cerebralvasorelaxant material basis of Xiaoxuming decoction.METHODS According to the Xiaoxuming decoction herb sources,we retrieved the chemical structure from the literatures and the Chinese Natural Product Database(http://pharmdata.ncmi.cn).By using microvessel tension system,we checked the vasorelaxanteffects of Xiaoxuming decoction anti-cerebral ischemia effective components group(XXMDECG)and the available composition compounds on pre-contracted basilar artery ring.RESULTS963 compoundsin the decoction,including 81Fangfeng,77 Mahuang,130 Shengjiang,31 Guizhi,91 Huangqin,127 Renshen,73 Chuanxiong,44 Shaoyao,39 Xingren,42 Fangji,62 Fuzi and 166 Gancao were collected.The five largest number classes of compounds in the decoction are volatile oil(32%),flavone(32%),alkaloid(13%),saponin(7%),polyphenol and organic acid(5%).XXMDECG at concentration from 1 to 400μg·mL-1can dilate the KCl(60 mmol·L-1)and ET-1(0.01μmol·L-1)pre-contracted rat basilar artery rings in a dose-dependent manner.There are 6 compounds with vasorelaxant ratio more than 50%at the concentration of 10μmol·L-1.CONCLUSION Xiaoxuming decoction contains abundant chemical structure.It has the material basis of multiple ingredients and multiple targets.The XXMDECG are able to dilate the rat basilar artery rings in a dose-dependent manner.The network interactions between varies of chemical compounds in Xiaoxuming decoction and the vasoconstriction associated targets result in the comprehensive regulation mechanisms of vascular function.

Review on second-harmonic generation of ultrasonic guided waves in solid media(Ⅰ): Theoretical analyses

Considering the high sensitivity of the nonlinear ultrasonic measurement technique and great advantages of the guided wave testing method, the use of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves provides a promising means for evaluating and characterizing the hidden and/or inaccessible damage/degradation in solid media. Increasing attention on the development of the testing method based on nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves is largely attributed to the theoretical advances of nonlinear guided waves propagation in solid media. One of the typical acoustic nonlinear responses is the generation of second harmonics that can be used to effectively evaluate damage/degradation in materials/structures. In this paper, the theoretical progress of second-harmonic generation（SHG） of ultrasonic guided wave propagation in solid media is reviewed. The advances and developments of theoretical investigations on the effect of SHG of ultrasonic guided wave propagation in different structures are addressed. Some obscure understandings and the ideas in dispute are also discussed.

The Application and Property of Elastic Net Procedure for Partially Linear Models

Variable selection plays an important role in high-dimensional data analysis.But the high-dimensional data often induces the strongly correlated variables problem,which should be properly handled.In this paper,we propose Elastic Net procedure for partially linear models and prove the group effect of its estimate.A simulation study shows that the Elastic Net procedure deals with the strongly correlated variables problem better than the Lasso,ALasso and the Ridge do.Based on the real world data study,we can get that the Elastic Net procedure is particularly useful when the number of predictors pffis much bigger than the sample size n.

Observation of the in vitro Transcription of the Mouse (Balb/c) Heart Nuclear DNA Fragments by AFM

It is observed that the regulation sequences at the two ends of every active gene of the heart nuclear DNA fragments may differentially combine with active regulation factors such as some specific binding proteins by using AFM and other experimental technologies. These active genes form different "gene knots", which are separated by "intervals". Using AFM, occasionally, it is also discovered that during the transcription stage, the heart nuclear DNA fragments consist of 3 4 5 "gene knots" and related "intervals", which form various "gene lineages" respectively by some "permutation and combination". Each gene lineage is likely to form nRNA chain like complexes that are 3 times the quantity of gene knots, and each nRNA chain like complex is connected with both ends of corresponding gene lineage. One gene knot of the DNA fragments participates the formation of different gene lineage and corresponding RNA chain like complexes by different combination. By posttranscriptional modification, they can form nmRNA linear chain like complexes that show the speciality of tissues. The beginnings of transcription units have the same number as gene lineages, and all gene lineages in DNA molecules may transcribe efficiently from corresponding beginnings of transcription unit simultaneously. Our work shows the prospective application of AFM in the research of the diversity of gene lineages formation from gene knots in the transcription stage and the efficiency of gene knots transcription.

Observation and Analysis of in vitro Expression of Mouse Heart Nuclear DNA Fragments by AFM

Using AFM,we observed linear chain-like complexes formed by some specific proteins and the multi-mRNAs during the in vitro expression of some active genes on the DNA fragments. The LDH mRNA in the multi-mRNA complex can in vitro translate LDH. Via AFM, we also discovered that nmRNA prepared from heart muscles, along with some specific proteins can form linear chain-like nmRNA complexes in which LDH mRNA can also translate LDH in vitro. Our work shows the prospective application of AFM in the research of the biological reaction of the active genes on the DNA fragments.

Occurrence of Conspecific in the Neighboring Space Influence on Flight Initiation Distance in Cape Hare <i>Lepus capensis</i>under Human Stimuli

Optimal escape theory predicts that animals would balance the costs and benefits of flight. One cost of not fleeing is the ongoing cost of vigilance for upcoming environmental threats. Our results show that FID increases for vigilant hares with predator starting distance, due to the costs acquired by continuing to scan for ecological dangers. The presence of conspecifics within proximity distance for social hare was reduced FID due to collective vigilance, while a solitary animal had greater FID, due to less cooperative defense for predator detection. In both seasons, detection and flight initiation distance of the focal hare increased in open habitat due to a higher probability of detection for upcoming danger, while dense cover provided concealment but reduced the probability of detecting an incoming threat, reducing FID. Moreover, proximity to roads and the nearest refuge significantly influenced anti-predator risk by compensation energy to cope with approaching stimuli. In a landscape with heavy human hunting in retaliation to plantations damage has modified the natural behavior of the hare in the Shigar valley. The findings are discussed in the context of hare FID by humans and the suggestions for management and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict are also considered.

Antithrombotic effects of the effective components group of Xiaoshuantongluo formula in vivo and in vitro

The present study was designed to investigate the antithrombotic effects and underlying mechanisms of the effective components group(ECG) of Xiaoshuantongluo recipe(XECG) and to further verify the rationality and feasibility of ECG-guided methodology in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) research. The arterial thrombosis model induced by ferric chloride(FeC l3) oxidation and the venous thrombosis model induced by inferior vena cava ligation were established to evaluate the antithrombotic potential of XECG. Our results indicated that XECG significantly prolonged the time to occlusion, activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), and prothrombin time(PT), and markedly inhibited adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in the 20% Fe Cl3-induced arterial thrombosis model. The superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity was significantly increased and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA) and nitric oxide(NO) were dramatically decreased in the plasma of arterial thrombosis rats after XECG treatment for 12 days. Furthermore, XECG markedly reduced the weight of thrombus formed by inferior vena cava ligation. Additionally, XECG exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and protective effect on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. In summary, XECG played an important role in the prevention of thrombosis through interacting with multiple targets, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and coagulation and repression of oxidative stress. The ECG-guided methodology was validated as a feasible tool in TCM research.

New insights into the effects of molecular weight and end group on the temperature-induced phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in water

In an attempt to clarify issues related to the molecular weight dependence of the phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in water,we prepared a library of PNIPAM samples of well-controlled molecular weight (7000 to 45000 g/mol) bearing identical groups on each chain end.The polymers were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) with a bifunctional chain tranfer agent and further end group modification.The effects of the end group chemical structure,hydroxyethyl (HE),propargyl (Pr),chloroethyl (CE),n-butyl (nBu),n-hexyl (nHe),and isobutylsulfanylthiosulfanyl (IBS) on the phase transition temperature of aqueous PNIPAM solutions were investigated by high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (HS-DSC),yielding the enthalpy ΔH and the endotherm maximum temperature (T M),and turbidimetry,providing the cloud point (T CP) of each solution.The T CP and T M of the PNIPAM sample of lowest molar mass (M n 7,000 g/mol,0.5 g/L) ranged,respectively,from 38.8 to 22.5 °C and 42.2 to 26.0 °C,depending on the structure of the end-group,whereas H showed no strong end-group dependence.The phase transition of all polymers,except,-di(n-butyl-PNIPAM),exhibited a marked dependence on the polymer molar mass.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Components in Shuxiong Tablet and Its Possible Formulary Rationality

Objective To determine whether the anti-inflammatory properties of Shuxiong Tablet (SXT) and the effective components group of SXT (ECGS) are equivalent and to assess the formulary rationality. Methods ECGS consisted of Panax notoginsen saponion (PNS), hydroxysafflor yellow A, and ferulic acid plus volatile oil of Ligusticum chuanxiong, which was based on the active ingredients and their ratios in SXT. We compared the anti-inflammatory actions of ECGS and SXT using the xylene-induced edema model and the carrageenan-induced edema model, as well as the analgesic activity of them using the acetic acid-induced writhing model. Moreover, cultured macrophages were incubated with media containing serum isolated from SXT-, ECGS-, or every component of ECGS-treated rats, to compare the depress effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Results ECGS and SXT had equivalent anti-inflammatory actions and analgesic effects at an equipotent dosage in a dose-dependent manner. The drug-containing media could inhibit the LPS-stimulated NO production and iNOS expression in cultured macrophages. A 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA revealed that three effective components could produce synergistic effect on the inhibition of NO production, and PNS was the capital component. Conclusion ECGS and SXT display an equivalent anti-inflammatory effect, and the formula follows traditional Chinese medicine compatibility principle, which shows obvious formulary rationality.

Analysis of energy pile groups subjected to non-uniform thermal loadings

Sequentially coupled thermal-stress finite element analyses were performed to investigate the mechanical behaviors of an energy pile group subjected to non-uniform thermal loadings.The group effect was highlighted by comparing the thermo-mechanical responses with those of the single pile case.Due to the thermal interactions between piles,the group piles’temperatures were higher than that of the isolated single pile.If only part of the piles served as heat exchangers,i.e.,the pile group was thermal loaded unevenly,there were dif-ferential deformations between the heated and the non-heated piles.Due to the pile-raft-pile interaction,the axial forces of the piles chan-ged significantly.The location of the heated pile had an important influence on the thermally induced axial force,while the effect of the soil’s coefficient of thermal expansion was not significant.Inspired by the numerical result,a simplified method was proposed to capture the main characteristics of energy pile groups and to facilitate the design.The proposed method was developed in the framework of the traditional load transfer approach,and the pile-raft-pile interaction was included.By applying different temperature increments to dif-ferent piles,the non-uniform thermal loading was modeled.The proposed method was verified by comparing with the finite element anal-ysis results and the data collected from the literature.

Biomarker Identification of Rat Liver Regeneration via Adaptive Logistic Regression

This paper is devoted to identifying the biomarkers of rat liver regeneration via the adaptive logistic regression. By combining the adaptive elastic net penalty with the logistic regression loss, the adaptive logistic regression is proposed to adaptively identify the important genes in groups. Furthermore, by improving the pathwise coordinate descent algorithm, a fast solving algorithm is developed for computing the regularized paths of the adaptive logistic regression. The results from the experiments performed on the microarray data of rat liver regeneration are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and verify the biological rationality of the selected biomarkers.

Aggregation behavior of Harmonia axyridis under non-wintering conditions

The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis （Pallas） （Coleoptera： Coceinellidae）, aggregates inside dwellings during winter to avoid cold weather. This adaptive behavior disturbs homeowners, because of the large numbers of individuals that aggregate, which induces allergic reactions. The migratory flight patterns of this species have been well documented, with individuals preferentially moving toward prominent and high color contrast elements. However, the factors involved in the selection of aggregation sites by this species have yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the influ- ence of （i） the density of individuals and （ii） the type of available shelters on decisions by H. axyridis to settle and aggregate under shelters. A dual choice bioassay conducted in the laboratory demonstrated the presence of mutual attraction to conspecifics. We also found that individuals preferentially settled under red covered shelters compared to transparent shelters, and that the type of shelter outweighed the effect of social interactions among conspecifics. Moreover, this experiment was performed under non-wintering conditions, providing the first evidence that aggregative behavior in this species can also occur under those specific conditions.

Nonlinear analysis of pile groups subjected to combined lateral and torsional loading

An empirical approach has been developed to analyze the nonlinear response of a pile group with arbitrarily distributed piles subjected to combined lateral and torsional loading.In this approach,the concept of instantaneous twist center is applied to analyze the displacement relationship of pile heads and establish the static equilibrium equations of the pile cap.The horizontal interaction among the individual piles is considered through the generalized p-multiplier.The coupling effect of lateral resistance on the torsional resistance of each pile is quantified using an empirical factorβ;the lateral and torsional nonlinear responses of individual piles are modeled by p-y andτ-θcurves,respectively.The proposed approach not only captures the most significant aspect of the group effect and coupling effect in a pile group subjected to combined lateral and torsional loading,but also automatically updates p-multipliers of individual piles based on pile cap displacements.The proposed approach was verified using results of model tests on pile groups subjected to lateral loading,torsional loading,and combined lateral and torsional loading,separately.In general,the pile cap response and the transfer of applied loads in the pile groups agree well with the test results.