Some properties of Ramsey numbers

AbstractIn this paper, some properties of Ramsey numbers are studied, and the following results are presented. 1.(1) For any positive integers k1, k2, …, km l1, l2, …, lm (m > 1), we have r ∏i=1m ki + 1, ∏i=1m li + 1 ≥ ∏i=1m [ r (ki + 1,li + 1) − 1] + 1.2.(2) For any positive integers k1, k2, …, km, l1, l2, …, ln , we have r ∑i=1m ki + 1, ∑j=1n lj + 1 ≥ ∑i=1m∑j=1n r (ki + 1,lj + 1) − mn + 1. Based on the known results of Ramsey numbers, some results of upper bounds and lower bounds of Ramsey numbers can be directly derived by those properties

Semi-blind source extraction algorithm for fetal electrocardiogram based on generalized autocorrelations and reference signals

AbstractBlind source extraction (BSE) has become one of the promising methods in the field of signal processing and analysis, which only desires to extract “interesting” source signals with specific stochastic property or features so as to save lots of computing time and resources. This paper addresses BSE problem, in which desired source signals have some available reference signals. Based on this prior information, we develop an objective function for extraction of temporally correlated sources. Maximizing this objective function, a semi-blind source extraction fixed-point algorithm is proposed. Simulations on artificial electrocardiograph (ECG) signals and the real-world ECG data demonstrate the better performance of the new algorithm. Moreover, comparisons with existing algorithms further indicate the validity of our new algorithm, and also show its robustness to the estimated error of time delay

MLVA distribution characteristics of Yersinia pestis in China and the correlation analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Yersinia pestis</it>, the aetiological agent of plague, has been well defined genotypically on local and worldwide scales. In November 2005, five cases of severe pneumonia of unknown causes, resulting in two deaths, were reported in Yulong, Yunnan province. In this study, we compared <it>Y. pestis </it>isolated from the Yulong focus to strains from other areas.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two hundred and thirteen <it>Y. pestis </it>strains collected from different plague foci in China and a live attenuated vaccine strain of <it>Y. pestis </it>(EV76) were genotyped using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) on 14 loci. A total of 214 <it>Y. pestis </it>strains were divided into 85 MLVA types, and Nei's genetic diversity indices of the various loci ranged between 0.02 - 0.76. Minimum spanning tree analysis showed that <it>Y. pestis </it>in China could be divided into six complexes. It was observed that Microtus strains were different from the other three biovar strains. Each plague focus had its own unique MLVA types.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The strains isolated from Yulong, Yunnan province had a unique MLVA type, indicating a new clone group. Our results suggest that Yulong strains may have a close relationship with strains from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau plague focus.</p

Determinants of career aspirations of medical students in southern China

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With recent changes in both the Chinese medical system and compensation of medical doctors, the career aspirations of Chinese medical students have become more diverse. Shantou University Medical College has conducted evaluations and instituted programs to enhance student preparedness to enter a variety of medical careers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A survey was conducted with 85 students to evaluate medical career aspirations and their association with family background, personal skills, English language proficiency, and interest in biomedical research, which were considered as possible factors affecting their career interest.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Chinese students aspire to traditional as well as nontraditional medical careers. A significant minority of students are now interested in nontraditional careers such as medical teaching or research. However, poor proficiency in the English language and lack of computer skills may limit their academic and career opportunities.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Career aspirations have changed among medical undergraduates. Although many wish to pursue a traditional clinical doctor career, many are interested in research and teaching careers. Factors such as family background, personal characteristics, school mentoring, and extracurricular support may play a role.</p

SARS-CoV Infection in a Restaurant from Palm Civet

Contact with food animals was associated with SARS-CoV infection in the People’s Republic of China

Genetic characteristics of Bacillus anthracis isolated from northwestern China from 1990 to 2016.

Anthrax is a global re-emerging zoonotic disease and is an endemic disease in China, especially in rural regions. In this study, the general characteristics of human anthrax outbreaks that occurred in areas of northwestern China over the past decade have been described. Meanwhile, the genetic characteristics of Bacillus anthracis isolated from these areas from 1990 to 2016 were analyzed by means of canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) analysis and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) with 15 markers. Five sublineages/subgroups, namely, A.Br.001/002, A.Br.Vollum, A.Br.Aust94, A.Br.Ames and A.Br.008/009, were detected by using 13 canSNP sites. All of the sublineages were found in Xinjiang province, while one sublineage was found in Shaanxi, two in Gansu, three in Qinghai and four in Inner Mongolia. However, the geographical distribution of the B. anthracis populations exhibited different canSNP characteristics from those of the strains isolated before 1990 in China. In contrast to previous data, the A.Br.Ames subgroup was also observed to be scattered from Inner Mongolia to other provinces. All 106 strains were assigned to 36 MLVA15 genotypes, and 21 of these types were first observed in this study. The strains collected from anthrax outbreaks in recent decade were classified as subgroups A.Br.001/002 and A.Br.Ames and identified as genotypes MLVA15-28, MLVA15-30, MLVA15-31, MLVA15-38, MLVA15-CHN3, and MLVA15-CHN18. By canSNP analysis and MLVA, we found that the diversification of MLVA genotypes and the geographical distribution of B. anthracis populations is gradually becoming balanced across northwestern China. This study also provides preliminary survey results regarding the population diversity of B. anthracis in China, which will help promote the prevention and control of this important disease

Optimal Control for Multistage Nonlinear Dynamic System of Microbial Bioconversion in Batch Culture

In batch culture of glycerol biodissimilation to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), the aim of adding glycerol is to obtain as much 1,3-PD as possible. Taking the yield intensity of 1,3-PD as the performance index and the initial concentration of biomass, glycerol, and terminal time as the control vector, we propose an optimal control model subject to a multistage nonlinear dynamical system and constraints of continuous state. A computational approach is constructed to seek the solution of the above model. Firstly, we transform the optimal control problem into the one with fixed terminal time. Secondly, we transcribe the optimal control model into an unconstrained one based on the penalty functions and an extension of the state space. Finally, by approximating the control function with simple functions, we transform the unconstrained optimal control problem into a sequence of nonlinear programming problems, which can be solved using gradient-based optimization techniques. The convergence analysis and optimality function of the algorithm are also investigated. Numerical results show that, by employing the optimal control, the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time can be increased, compared with the previous results

Strong Stability of a Nonlinear Multi-Stage Dynamic System in Batch Culture of Glycerol Bioconversion to 1,3-Propanediol

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear multi-stage dynamic system to characterize batch culture. We construct corresponding linear variational system for the solution to the multi-stage system, also prove the boundedness of fundamental matrix solutions for the linear variational system. On this basis, we prove strong stability with respect to perturbance of initial state vector for the multi-stage system through the application of such boundedness. From extensive simulation study, it is observed that the strong stability is highly satisfactory

Robust Analysis and Parameters Identification of the Nonlinear Multistage Dynamical System in Batch Fermentation of Glycerol

This paper discusses a complex biological problem which is the fermentation of glycerol by Klebsiella pneumoniae in batch culture. We set up an improved multistage model involving the concentration of intracellular substances. Furthermore, the existence, uniqueness, and continuity of solutions with respect to the parameters are discussed. On the condition that glycerol and 1,3-propanediol are assumed to pass the cell membrane by passive diffusion coupled with facilitated transport, we take the relative errors between experimental data and computational values of the extracellular substances concentrations and the biological robustness of the intracellular substances concentrations as the performance index. Then we establish a parameter identification model and construct the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve it. Finally, the numerical result shows that the improved model could describe the glycerol fermentation in batch culture well

A Recyclable Magnetic Aminated Lignin Supported Zr-La Dual-Metal Hydroxide for Rapid Separation and Highly Efficient Sequestration of Phosphate

The application of lignin-based adsorbents in the efficient removal of phosphate from wastewater has attracted much attention and been intensively studied in recent years. However, most currently reported lignin-based adsorbents are difficult to recover and recycle. Herein, we have developed a recyclable, nanostructured bio-adsorbent, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI)-modified lignin (LG) integrated with Fe3O4 and Zr-La dual-metal hydroxide (LG-NH2@Fe3O4@Zr-La), by the Mannich reaction followed by the chemical coprecipitation method. Multilayer adsorption existed on the surface of LG-NH2@Fe3O4@Zr-La based on the isotherm fitting curve, and its adsorption capacity reached 57.8 mg P g−1, exhibiting a higher phosphate uptake than most reported metallic oxide-based composites. The adsorption process was dominated by inner-sphere complexation of ligand-exchange and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, LG-NH2@Fe3O4@Zr-La exhibited excellent selectivity against coexisting anions, and the adsorption was more efficient under acidic conditions. When the phosphate concentration was 2.0 mg P L−1, the removal efficiency of phosphate reached 99.5% and the residual concentration was only 10 μg P L−1, which meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard for eutrophication prevention. In addition, the LG-NH2@Fe3O4@Zr-La displayed excellent reusability, maintaining 91.8% of removal efficiency after five cycles. Importantly, owing to the magnetic properties of the loaded Fe3O4, the resulting composite could be separated within 30 s under an external magnetic field. Thus, the separable and recyclable biobased magnetic adsorbent developed in this work exhibited promising application in phosphate capture from real sewage. This research study provides a new perspective for lignin valorization in lignocellulose biorefineries and establishes an approach for developing an economical and efficient bio-adsorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater