Buckling Performance Evaluation of Double-Double Laminates with Cutouts Using Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm.

Although the double-double (DD) laminates proposed by Tsai provide a promising option for achieving better structural performance with lower manufacturing and maintenance costs, the buckling performance of perforated DD laminates still remains clear. In this study, optimal ply angles, rotation angles, and the corresponding maximum buckling loads are determined for DD laminates with various cutouts, which are used for comparisons to evaluate the effects of cutout size and shape on the buckling behaviour of perforated DD laminates. Apart from conventional circular and elliptical cutouts, the use of a combined-shape cutout for DD laminates is also investigated.

Association of human leukocyte antigen-DRB1 alleles with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the Han Chinese of Northeast China.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecule is an integral component of the immune response on which the majority of host genetic studies have concentrated. Many different HLA-II alleles have been demonstrated to play roles in HBV infection. PCR-SSOP methods were applied to determine the HLA-DRB1 genotypes of 769 unrelated healthy individuals from Han Chinese of Northeast China.

MBL2 single nucleotide polymorphism diversity among four ethnic groups as revealed by a bead-based liquid array profiling.

In the present work we established a rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput method for genotyping using a multiplexed microsphere-based suspension array platform - Luminex xMAP which enabled us to analyze 3 SNPs in the MBL2 gene promoter and 5' UTR, and 3 coding SNPs exon 1 haplotypes, associated with different levels of MBL2 expression. Using this system MBL2 diversity in four different ethnic groups, namely, Asian (Japanese), Caucasian, Hispanic and African-American-assessed. Results showed significant variability in terms of allele, genotype, and haplotype distribution.