Robust optimization in HTS cable based on DEPSO and design for six sigma

The non-uniform AC current distribution among the multi-layer conductors in a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cable reduces the current capacity and increases the AC loss. In this paper, Particle swarm optimization coupled with differential evolution operator (DEPSO) has been applied in structural optimization of HTS cables. While the existence of fluctuation in design variables or operation conditions has a great influence on the cable quality, in order to eliminate the effects of parameter perturbations in design and improve the design efficiency, a robust design method based on design for six sigma (DFSS) is applied in this paper. The optimization solutions show that the proposed optimization procedure can not only achieve a uniform current distribution, but also improve significantly the reliability and robustness of the HTS cable quality. © 2008 IEEE

Fine mapping of qSTV11KAS, a major QTL for rice stripe disease resistance

Rice stripe disease, caused by rice stripe virus (RSV), is one of the most serious diseases in temperate rice-growing areas. In the present study, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for RSV resistance using 98 backcross inbred lines derived from the cross between the highly resistant variety, Kasalath, and the highly susceptible variety, Nipponbare. Under artificial inoculation in the greenhouse, two QTLs for RSV resistance, designated qSTV7 and qSTV11KAS, were detected on chromosomes 7 and 11 respectively, whereas only one QTL was detected in the same location of chromosome 11 under natural inoculation in the field. The stability of qSTV11KAS was validated using 39 established chromosome segment substitution lines. Fine mapping of qSTV11KAS was carried out using 372 BC3F2:3 recombinants and 399 BC3F3:4 lines selected from 7,018 BC3F2 plants of the cross SL-234/Koshihikari. The qSTV11KAS was localized to a 39.2 kb region containing seven annotated genes. The most likely candidate gene, LOC_Os11g30910, is predicted to encode a sulfotransferase domain-containing protein. The predicted protein encoded by the Kasalath allele differs from Nipponbare by a single amino acid substitution and the deletion of two amino acids within the sulfotransferase domain. Marker-resistance association analysis revealed that the markers L104-155 bp and R48-194 bp were highly correlated with RSV resistance in the 148 landrace varieties. These results provide a basis for the cloning of qSTV11KAS, and the markers may be used for molecular breeding of RSV resistant rice varieties

RECENT EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS ON HYDROGEN MASERS AND TIME AND FREQUENCY SERVICE SYSTEM AT SHANGHAI OBSERVATORY

The recent activities and research progress on time and frequency (T/F) at Shanghai Observatory are summarized as follows

Inhibition of Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus by RNA Interference in a Fish Cell Line

We evaluated the antiviral activity of several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) corresponding to the Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) nucleoprotein (N) gene against the SCRV in a fish cell line, EPC. Among the siRNAs we examined, si983 was most effective at reducing virus titer compared to the mock group. Western blot analysis suggested that si983 inhibited N gene expression and virus replication in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that N gene 983 sites are potential targets for antiviral therapy. Furthermore, RNAi targeting of the N gene may represent a viable method of treating against SCRV infection.We evaluated the antiviral activity of several small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) corresponding to the Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) nucleoprotein (N) gene against the SCRV in a fish cell line, EPC. Among the siRNAs we examined, si983 was most effective at reducing virus titer compared to the mock group. Western blot analysis suggested that si983 inhibited N gene expression and virus replication in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that N gene 983 sites are potential targets for antiviral therapy. Furthermore, RNAi targeting of the N gene may represent a viable method of treating against SCRV infection

Hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ Heterostructure Nanowire Arrays

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Novel hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ based heterostructure nanowire arrays were fabricated on silicon substrates by a one-step thermal evaporation of CdS powder. The as-grown products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Studies reveal that a typical hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ heterostructure nanowire is composed of a single crystalline Cd₄SiS₆ nanowire core sheathed with amorphous SiO₂ sheath. Furthermore, secondary nanostructures of SiO₂ nanowires are highly dense grown on the primary Cd₄SiS₆ core-SiO₂ sheath nanowires and formed hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ based heterostructure nanowire arrays which stand vertically on silicon substrates. The possible growth mechanism of hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ heterostructure nanowire arrays is proposed. The optical properties of hierarchical Cd₄SiS₆/SiO₂ heterostructure nanowire arrays are investigated using Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. </p