Language clusters based on linguistic complex networks

To investigate the feasibility of using complex networks in the study of linguistic typology, this paper builds and explores 15 lin-guistic complex networks based on the dependency syntactic treebanks of 15 languages. The results show that it is possible to classify human languages by means of the following main parameters of complex networks: (a) average degree of the node, (b) cluster coefficients, (c) average path length, (d) network centralization, (e) diameter, (f) power exponent of degree distribution, and (g) the determination coefficient of power law distributions. The precision of this method is similar to the results achieved by means of modern word order typology. This paper tries to solve two problems of current linguistic typology. First, the language sample of a typological study is not real text; second, typological studies pay too much attention to local language structures in the course of choosing typological parameters. This study performs better in global typological features of language and not only enhances typological methods, but it is also valuable for developing the applications of complex networks in the humanities, social, and life sciences.     

Prediction of sites under adaptive evolution in flavin-containing monooxygenases: Selection pattern revisited

Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), like cytochrome P450 (CYP), is a monooxygenase that uses the reducing equivalents of NADPH to reduce one atom of molecular oxygen to water, while the other atom is used to oxidize the substrate. Recently, it was shown that some CYP isoforms have been subject to positive selection. However, it is unknown whether the highly conserved phase I detoxification enzyme, FMO, has undergone similar positive Darwinian selection. We used maximum-likelihood models of codon substitution, evolutionary fingerprinting, and cross species comparison to investigate the occurrence of adaptive evolution in FMO sequences. We used recent genomic data from a range of species, including vertebrates and invertebrates. We present the evidence for the occurrence of adaptive evolution in mammalian FMO 3, 4, 5, and fugu FMOs but not in mammalian FMO 1, FMO 2, frog FMOs, other fish FMOs and invertebrate FMOs. The sites under adaptive evolution were significantly associated with the insertion domain in mammalian FMO 5. We identified specific amino acid sites in FMOs 3–5 that are likely targets for selection based on the patterns of parallel amino acid change. The most likely role of adaptive evolution is the repair of mutations that permitted optimal NADP+ binding and improved catalytic efficiency. The occurrence of positive selection during the evolution of phase I detoxification enzymes such as FMOs 3–5 and fugu FMO suggests the occurrence of both high selection pressure acting on species within their unique habitats and significant changes in intensity and direction (forms of xenobiotics and drugs) resulting from changes in microhabitat and food.     

Plasmonic biosensors and nanoprobes based on gold nanoshells

Gold nanoshells (GNSs), consisting of a dielectric core coated with gold, have gained extensive attention as they show readily tunable optical properties and good biocompatibility. As highly sensitive and label-free optical biosensors with wide applications, GNSs have been investigated in many fields including drug delivery, immunoassay, cancer treatment, biological sensing and imaging. Taking advantage of the adjustability of the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and the sensitivity of the surfaceenhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal of GNSs, we have developed diverse applications including plasmonic biosensors and nanoprobes based on GNSs. In this review we introduce plasmonic and electromagnetic properties and fabrication methods of GNSs. We describe research progress in recent years, and highlight several applications of GNSs developed by our group. Finally we provide a brief assessment of future development of GNSs as plasmonic materials that can be integrated with complementary analytical techniques.     

Comprehensive optimal control on seismic response of a single-tower self-anchored suspension bridge

Earthquake may cause severe damage to all kinds of bridge such as the falling down of the girder; therefore,effective measures should be employed to control the seismic displacement. In this paper,the method of comprehensive optimal control,com-bined with analytic hierarchy process,is employed to investigate the seismic response control of the Nanjing Jiangxinzhou Bridge,which is a single-tower self-anchored suspension bridge (SSSB). Also,3-dimensional nonlinear seismic response analyses are con-ducted. Three types of practical connection measures for seismic response control of SSSB are investigated,and the optimal pa-rameters of the connection devices are achieved by this method. Results show that both the elastic connection devices and the damp-ers with rational parameters can reduce the seismic displacement of the bridge effectively,but the elastic connection devices will in-crease the seismic force of the tower. When all factors are consid-ered,the optimal measure is by using the elastic connection devices and the dampers together. These results can provide references for seismic response control of SSSBs.     

Hexagonal metric for linear codes over a finite field

This paper consider Hexagonal-metric codes over certain class of finite fields. The Hexagonal metric as defined by Huber is a non-trivial metric over certain classes of finite fields. Hexagonal-metric codes are applied in coded modulation scheme based on hexagonal-like signal constellations. Since the development of tight bounds for error correcting codes using new distance is a research problem, the purpose of this note is to generalize the Plotkin bound for linear codes over finite fields equipped with the Hexagonal metric. By means of a two-step method, the author presents a geometric method to construct finite signal constellations from quotient lattices associated to the rings of Eisenstein-Jacobi (EJ) integers and their prime ideals and thus naturally label the constellation points by elements of a finite field. The Plotkin bound is derived from simple computing on the geometric figure of a finite field.     

Optimal dividend strategies in a double compound poisson risk process

In this paper, we consider a double compound Poisson risk model involving two independent classes ofinsurance risks with a threshold dividend strategy. We derived the integro-differential equations (IDE) with certain boundary conditions for the present value of dividends until ruin. When the claims from both classes are exponentially distributed, we show that the threshold dividend strategy is an optimal dividend strategy.     

Synthesis of a novel multi-SO3H functionalized strong Brønsted acidic ionic liquid and its catalytic activities for acetalization

The novel multi-SO3H functionalized strong Bronsted acidic ionic liquid has been prepared and its catalytic activities were investigated through the acetalization. The results showed that the novel catalyst was very efficient for the reaction with the average yield over 90% under solvent-free condition at room temperature. Operational simplicity, without need of any solvent, a small amount of usage, low cost of the catalyst used, high yields, applicability to large-scale reactions and reusability are the key features of this methodology. The novel catalyst also has great potential for the green process.     

From the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane: mechanisms of CFTR folding and trafficking

CFTR biogenesis starts with its co-translational insertion into the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum and folding of the cytosolic domains, towards the acquisition of a fully folded compact native structure. Efficiency of this process is assessed by the ER quality control system that allows the exit of folded proteins but targets unfolded/misfolded CFTR to degradation. If allowed to leave the ER, CFTR is modified at the Golgi and reaches the post-Golgi compartments to be delivered to the plasma membrane where it functions as a cAMP- and phosphorylation-regulated chloride/bicarbonate channel. CFTR residence at the membrane is a balance of membrane delivery, endocytosis, and recycling. Several adaptors, motor, and scaffold proteins contribute to the regulation of CFTR stability and are involved in continuously assessing its structure through peripheral quality control systems. Regulation of CFTR biogenesis and traffic (and its dysregulation by mutations, such as the most common F508del) determine its overall activity and thus contribute to the fine modulation of chloride secretion and hydration of epithelial surfaces. This review covers old and recent knowledge on CFTR folding and trafficking from its synthesis to the regulation of its stability at the plasma membrane and highlights how several of these steps can be modulated to promote the rescue of mutant CFTR.     

Endothelial cell apoptosis in angiogenesis and vessel regression

Blood vessel regression is an essential process for ensuring blood vessel networks function at optimal efficiency and for matching blood supply to the metabolic needs of tissues as they change over time. Angiogenesis is the major mechanism by which new blood vessels are produced, but the vessel growth associated with angiogenesis must be complemented by remodeling and maturation events including the removal of redundant vessel segments and cells to fashion the newly forming vasculature into an efficient, hierarchical network. This review will summarize recent findings on the role that endothelial cell apoptosis plays in vascular remodeling during angiogenesis and in vessel regression more generally.     

DPSIR model-based evaluation index system for geographic national conditions

Establishing a reasonable evaluation index system is the basis and premise for the scientific evaluation of geographic national conditions. By analyzing the DPSIR model and its correlation and relation with the evaluation index system, the indexes for geographic national conditions were selected from the aspects of resources, ecology, environment, economy, society, etc to build an evaluation index system for geographic national conditions that consists of three hierarchies: index, criterion, and target levels. Furthermore, the index system was analyzed in terms of index integrity, low overlapping of elements, non-existence of isolated indexes, hierarchy of index system, etc., for the purpose of demonstrating that the DPSIR model-based evaluation index system for geographic national conditions meets the principles of index system establishment.