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As a pandemic‐era collaborative writing project undertaken amid rising geopolitical tensions, this article demonstrates understanding humor in contemporary China as an ethnographic project leading toward deep, empathetic knowledge at a time when in‐person fieldwork became difficult. Through deciphering and translating layered meanings "encrypted" in and intentions signaled by humor in a new comedy program launched in 2021, we dive deep into the lively social life in contemporary China. Humor, via "thick description," offers valuable insights into life in "fieldsites" that were hard to access during the pandemic time, amid political tensions. It provides a unique lens to examine the unspoken but shared sentiments in societies where humor has become a fundamental mode of public expression. It alerts us to existential anxieties in social life, the subtle voices of social critique, and the yearning for empathy. Humor is not only a valuable object for anthropological inquiry but also a vantage point to reflect on ethnographic methodology and epistemology. We examine humor, with its sentimental and ethical potentialities, and through spontaneous collaboration of mutual support, envision new possibilities in anthropological knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 2000s, scholars have proposed the notion of "world anthropologies" to expose the pluralistic nature of anthropology, and to counter the colonial legacy embedded in knowledge production. This paper discusses how anthropological knowledge in and of China contributes to, is distant from, and challenges, such intellectual movement at both intellectual and institutional levels. First, unlike Western anthropology which shifts from colonialism to liberalism and then to postcolonialism, anthropology in China began with a progressive agenda of anti-colonialism, and then leaned toward liberalism. In the context of China's rise, "China" has been further embroiled in a puzzle of imperialism. This reversed ideological tendency contributes to the disorientation of the critical energy in anthropology focused on China. Second, just as China has taken an active role in the competition for education and research in a globalized, yet uneven academia through discipline construction, anthropology in the West, particularly the United States, has become provincialized in terms of its intellectual agendas. Many of the younger generation of Chinese anthropologists have become stuck in the disjuncture, struggling to channel their critical energy through engaged scholarship, both within and beyond academic institutions. The epistemic politics in and of China, at both the intellectual and institutional levels, reveals that the post-socialist condition deserves to be reference points in world anthropologies. If decolonization posits treating plural standpoints as equal, then being counted in the decolonizing efforts necessitates subscribing to the dominant framework. Thus, more attention to the post-socialist condition, and ultimately the pluralization of the reference points of political potency, should truly pluralize, and ultimately decolonize, anthropology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important stability concepts for network formation is pairwise stability. We develop a homotopy algorithm that is effective in computing pairwise stable networks for a generic network formation problem. To do so, we reformulate the concept of pairwise stability as a Nash equilibrium of a non-cooperative game played by the links in the network and adapt the linear tracing procedure for non-cooperative games to the network formation problem. As a by-product of our main result, we obtain that the number of pairwise stable networks is generically odd. We apply the algorithm to the connections model and obtain a number of novel insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the predictive performance of pretreatment dual-energy CT (DECT) for early response to induction chemotherapy and survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: In this retrospective study, 56 NPC patients who underwent pretreatment DECT scans with posttreatment follow-up were enrolled. The DECT-derived normalised iodine concentration (nIC), effective atomic number (Zeff), 40–180 keV (20 keV interval), and Mix-0.3 value of the tumour lesions were measured to predict the early response to induction chemotherapy and survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The Mann‒Whitney U test, ROC analysis, Kaplan‒Meier method with log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were performed to evaluate the predictive performance of DECT parameters, respectively. Results: Among all DECT-derived parameters, ROC analysis showed the predictive performances of nIC and Zeff values for early objective response to induction chemotherapy (AUCs of 0.803 and 0.826), locoregional failure-free survival (AUCs of 0.786 and 0.767), progression-free survival (AUCs of 0.856 and 0.731) and overall survival (AUCs of 0.765 and 0.799) in NPC patients, respectively (all p < 0.05). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that a high nIC value was an independent predictor of poor survival in NPC. In addition, survival analysis indicated that NPC patients with higher nIC values in primary tumours tend to have lower 5-year locoregional failure-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival rates than those with lower nIC values. Conclusions: DECT-derived nIC and Zeff values can predict early response to induction chemotherapy and survival in NPC; in particular, a high nIC value is an independent predictive factor of poor survival in NPC. Clinical relevance statement: Preoperative dual-energy computed tomography may provide predictive value for early response and survival outcomes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and facilitate their clinical management. Key Points: • Pretreatment dual-energy computed tomography helps to predict early response to therapy and survival in NPC. • NIC and Zeff values derived from dual-energy computed tomography can predict early objective response to induction chemotherapy and survival in NPC. • A high nIC value is an independent predictive factor of poor survival in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban land‐use change has the potential to affect local to global biogeochemical carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. We conducted a meta‐analysis to (1) assess the effects of urbanization‐induced land‐use conversion on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes, (2) quantify direct N2O emission factors (EFd) of fertilized urban soils used, for example, as lawns or forests, and (3) identify the key drivers leading to flux changes associated with urbanization. On average, urbanization increases soil N2O emissions by 153%, to 3.0 kg N ha−1 year−1, while rates of soil CH4 uptake are reduced by 50%, to 2.0 kg C ha−1 year−1. The global mean annual N2O EFd of fertilized lawns and urban forests is 1.4%, suggesting that urban soils can be regional hotspots of N2O emissions. On a global basis, conversion of land to urban greenspaces has increased soil N2O emission by 0.46 Tg N2O‐N year−1 and decreased soil CH4 uptake by 0.58 Tg CH4‐C year−1. Urbanization driven changes in soil N2O emission and CH4 uptake are associated with changes in soil properties (bulk density, pH, total N content, and C/N ratio), increased temperature, and management practices, especially fertilizer use. Overall, our meta‐analysis shows that urbanization increases soil N2O emissions and reduces the role of soils as a sink for atmospheric CH4. These effects can be mitigated by avoiding soil compaction, reducing fertilization of lawns, and by restoring native ecosystems in urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was shown to be a poor negative prognostic factor, and dual-energy CT (DECT) has heralded a new approach to detect this condition. The study aims to evaluate the value of DECT for detection of skull base invasion in NPC and compare the diagnostic performance of DECT with those of simulated single-energy CT (SECT) and MRI. Methods: The imaging findings of 50 NPC patients and 31 participants in control group which underwent DECT examinations were assessed in this retrospective study. The skull base invasions were evaluated using 5-point scale by two blind observers. ROC analysis, Mcnemar test, paired t test, weighted K statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of simulated SECT, MRI and DECT. Results: Quantitative analysis of DECT parameters showed higher normalized iodine concentration and effective atomic number values in sclerosis and lower values in erosion than those in normal bones (both p < 0.05). Compared with simulated SECT and MRI, the diagnostic sensitivity for DECT was significantly improved from 75% (simulated SECT) and 84.26% (MRI) to 90.74% (DECT) (both p < 0.001), specificity from 93.23% and 93.75% to 95.31 (both p < 0.001), accuracy from 86.67% and 90.33% to 93.67%, and AUC from 0.927 and 0.955 to 0.972 (both p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusions: DECT demonstrates better diagnostic performance than simulated SECT and MRI for detecting skull base invasions in NPC, even those slight bone invasions in early stage, with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Clinical relevance statement: DECT demonstrates better diagnostic performance than simulated SECT and MRI for detecting skull base invasions in NPC, which could provide detailed information for determining treatment regimens in NPC patients. Key points: DECT appears to be more accurate in the diagnosis of skull base invasion when compared with SECT and MRI. DECT derived normalized iodine concentration (nIC) and effective atomic number (Zeff) values provide detailed quantitative parameters for diagnosing bone invasions. Different energy-dependent absorption behaviors of DECT helps detecting slight bone invasions with high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conceptualizes storytelling as epistemic labor that is critical to the everyday meaning-making and future-making of Chinese rural migrants. Compared to stories told by scholars and migrants turned writers and artists, those told by migrants in a quotidian setting are largely overlooked because of their lack of representational value. However, narratives of success, fortune, and the future that circulate on China's urban fringe are essential in three ways: (1) stories, rather than numbers and calculations, help rural migrants make sense of their economic reality; (2) storytelling allows rural migrants to cope with unexpected events; and (3) stories are often imbued with moral sentiment through which moral boundaries and group identities are established. Overall, epistemic labor makes the present sensible, reality tolerable, and the future imaginable under conditions of hyper-uncertainty in which spatial instability negates routinized time and linear accumulation is denied by dramatic market fluctuations and unpredictable displacement. Epistemic labor proves that migrant agency not only resides in eventful resistance but also in constant negotiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the oblique supine position (OSP) and the prone position (PP). Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OSP versus PP for PCNL. Material and methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Ovid, SCOPUS, and citation lists was conducted to identify eligible comparative studies up to November 2022. All studies comparing OSP versus PP for PCNL were included. Statistical analysis was performed with the Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. Results: Overall, eight studies were included involving 1185 patients (OSP = 634; PP = 551). There were no statistically significant differences between OSP and PP in age (WMD = -0.95 years; 95% CI: -2.12 to 0.21; p = 0.83) or proportion of male patients (OR = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.08; p = 0.43). We found that OSP was performed more frequently for smaller stone size and patients with higher BMI (WMD = -0.1 cm, 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.02; p = 0.01) and patients with higher BMI (WMD = 0.66 kg/m2; 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.03; p = 0.0005). The operation time was shorter in OSP than PP (WMD = -14 min; 95% CI: -27.00 to -1.00; p = 0.03). The reduction of hemoglobin was lower in OSP than PP (WMD = -0.39 g/dl; 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.13; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in stone-free rate and hospitalization between the two groups (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.78; p = 0.07; WMD = -5.99 h; 95% CI: -17.15 to 5.16; p = 0.29). The overall complications were fewer in OSP than in PP (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.81; p = 0.001), but no difference was observed between the positions with regard to the major complications (Clavien-Dindo score = 3) (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.43 to 1.34; p = 0.35). Conclusions: OSP showed non-inferior stone-free rate, blood loss, and hospitalization compared with PP. OSP may be superior in terms of operative time and complications than PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Both percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) are effective treatment options for large proximal ureteral stones. Aim: To perform a meta-analysis on this topic to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential complications of the two procedures. Material and methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Ovid and Scopus to identify eligible suitable studies until May 2022. All studies comparing LU vs PCNL in large proximal ureteral stones were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was used to analyze statistical significance. Results: A total of nine publications involving 933 patients (LU 465; PCNL 468) were included, of which 4 were randomized control trails (RCTs) and 5 were non-RCTs. The meta-analysis of available data showed that compared with PCNL, LU had a higher initial stone-free rate (OR = 3.26; p = 0.004), but longer operative time (WMD = 35.08 min; p = 0.0003). However, the final stone-free rate (OR = 2.08; p = 0.07) and length of hospital stay (WMD = 0.32 d; p = 0.48) were comparable between the two groups. Meanwhile, LU had a lower transfusion rate (OR = 0.13; p = 0.007) than PCNL. There was no significant difference in terms of complications (OR = 0.97; p = 0.84), Clavien-Dindo score = 3 complications (OR = 1.03; p = 0.93), auxiliary procedures (OR = 0.44; p = 0.08), or ureteral stenosis (OR = 0.24; p = 0.13) between LU and PCNL. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that LU is a safe and feasible option for large proximal ureteral stones with a higher initial stone-free rate and lower transfusion rate compared with PCNL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A sequential PDE identification method PHY-PDE was proposed considering mass conservation and parameter dimension. • PDEs with both constant and non-constant parameters could be identified. • General cases of PDE without prior knowledge of conservation laws can be identified with the alternative PHY-PDE. • The cooperation of PHY-PDE and polynomial regression can against the noise levels of up to approximately 45%. In recent years, the application of machine learning methods in the derivation of physical governing equations has gained significant attention. This has become increasingly relevant due to the growing complexity of problems that are difficult to fully comprehend. Instead of driving solely by data, this study incorporated the conservation of mass into its framework. To ensure the physical rationality of the derived equations, dimensional analysis was incorporated into the algorithm. This facilitated establishing connections between physical parameters and each term of the target equation, ensuring the validity and reliability of the resulting equation. To enhance the interpretability of the resulting partial differential equations (PDEs), we analyzed and compared the results obtained from sparse regression, multi-objective optimization, and then proposed a sequential identification method, namely PHY-PDE. To validate this approach, the identified PDEs were rigorously tested against groundwater-related equations, specifically the Darcy's equation and the advection–diffusion equation. Additionally, various scenarios involving parametric models, unknown or missing information, and different levels of noisy data were considered. The complexity of the resulting PDE was found to be directly proportional to the inputted information. Furthermore, a polynomial regression method was employed to address the noisy interruption, yielding satisfactory results for noise levels of up to approximately 45%. This innovative approach significantly contributes to PDEs identification under varying conditions, ensuring a more physically grounded outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Warmer water injection, oscillating tides, and MAR operations collectively affect the efficiency and sustainability of MAR. • Warmer water injection reduces freshwater storage and recovery, as well as extracted water quality. • Starting extraction with a receding tide could extend the duration of extracting water with lower saline concentration. • Intermittent injection-extraction operation could mitigate the efficiency decrease caused by the warmer water injection. • This study provides insights into water management in artificial island with extensive industrial activities. Storing and utilizing freshwater in coastal aquifers with managed aquifer recharge (MAR) presents significant challenges, particularly in small island settings where seawater intrusion is a major source of groundwater salinization. Existing studies usually evaluate density-dependent flow under isothermal condition, which neglects the potential impact of temperature on fluid density. To fill the knowledge gap, we performed both laboratory experiments and numerical modeling to investigate the impact of warmer water injection on freshwater storage and extracted water quality for island aquifer. It is found that warmer water (70 °C) injection compromise the "barrier effect" achieved by normal water injection, resulting in a reduced ability to prevent coastal seawater intrusion by, creating an upward hydraulic gradient beneath the injection well. In addition, warm water injection result in a 5 % decrease in freshwater storage capacity for island aquifer. However, by employing a combination of receding tide cycles and intermittent injection-extraction operations, the duration of lowered saline concentration within the extracted water can be extended by approximately 10 % with an 11 % reduction in the overall extracted saline concentration. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of warmer water injection on coastal aquifer quality. The findings from both the laboratory experiments and numerical simulations enhance the understanding of thermal density-dependent dynamics of coastal aquifers, offering valuable guidance for effective freshwater storage and usage in island settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newts can regenerate their limbs throughout their life-span. Focusing on muscle, certain species of newts such as Cynops pyrrhogaster dedifferentiate muscle fibers in the limb stump and mobilize them for muscle creation in the regenerating limb, as they grow beyond metamorphosis. However, which developmental process is essential for muscle dedifferentiation, metamorphosis or body growth, is unknown. To address this issue, we tracked muscle fibers during limb regeneration under conditions in which metamorphosis and body growth were experimentally shifted along the axis of development. Our results indicate that a combination of metamorphosis and body growth is necessary for muscle dedifferentiation. On the other hand, ex vivo tracking of larval muscle fibers revealed that newt muscle fibers have the ability to dedifferentiate independently of metamorphosis and body growth. These results suggest that newt muscle fibers have an intrinsic ability to dedifferentiate, but that metamorphosis and body growth are necessary for them to exhibit this hidden ability. Presumably, changes in the extracellular environment (niche) during developmental processes allow muscle fibers to contribute to limb regeneration through dedifferentiation. This study can stimulate research on niches as well as gene regulation for dedifferentiation, contributing to a further understanding of regeneration and future medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, Chinese rural migrants have been understood as engaging in dagong 打工 (working for a boss), or the selling of their waged labor, conditioned by the global production chain, dormitory regimes, and exploitive labor relations within and beyond factories. Meanwhile, chuangdang 闯荡 (venturing) as a life project that either opposes or extends dagong has been neglected in scholarly studies. Venturing refers to a spatiotemporal condition defined by the uniqueness of urban villages where rural migrants participate in the informal economy on the urban fringes and attach themselves to entrepreneurship and mobility. It is also a multifaceted presentism produced out of the following spatiotemporal conditions: (1) the sense of urgency to get ahead in spatial temporality; (2) an optimistic relationship with unpredictability; and (3) the technologies of mobility in the name of freedom. By highlighting the dilemmas that propel and hinder rural migrants, this article argues that the cultural politics of venturing are a condition that renders rural migrants economically aggressive, yet politically passive. Thereby, it not only prolongs rural migrants' mobile lives on the urban fringes, but also dampens political actions that claim space through resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "The computation of pairwise stable networks" published in the journal Mathematical Programming. The original article was published on March 14, 2022, without open access. However, the authors have now opted for Open Choice, and the copyright of the article changed on April 1, 2022. The article is now distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, allowing for use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction as long as appropriate credit is given to the original authors and source. The original article has been corrected, and Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Amphiphilic PS-PMMA Janus particles with a distinct morphology were synthesized. • Stabilized Pickering emulsions were prepared using Janus particles. • PS-PMMA is easy to synthesize, inexpensive, and ideal for large-scale production. In this study, two kinds of Polystyrene - Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) Janus particles with different particle sizes were synthesized via emulsion phase separation using a rotary evaporator. These Janus particles exhibit a distinctive morphology; one side is smooth and crater-like while the other is concave and sprouting. An interplay between device rotation, system stabilization, material hydrophilicity, and strength variation produces this unique morphology. These particles are cost-effective and easy to synthesize, making them ideal for versatile applications in advanced materials. They can form stable Pickering emulsions with liquid paraffin and distilled water, showing remarkable stability and suitability for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common morbidity caused by antibiotic use and is characterized by the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Several clinical trials have shown that probiotics can prevent AAD. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Lacidophilin tablets (LB), yogurt (YG), and bifid triple viable capsules (BT) on the gut microbiota of mice with AAD. Mice with diarrhea were randomly allocated to treatment groups or the control group and were treated with either LB, YG, BT, or vehicle control. The body weight, diarrhea scores, cecum index, and cecal length were determined. Fecal samples of all mice were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that LB, YG, and BT significantly decreased the diarrhea scores and inhibited increases in the cecum index and cecal length induced by AAD. In addition, they significantly changed the composition and richness of the gut microbiota. Specifically, they increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and decreased the abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes and the family Bacteroidaceae. Treatment with LB and YG also decreased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and only LB could mediate the reduced levels of Lactobacillaceae in AAD mice. At the genus level, YG and BT treatment decreased the abundance of Bacteroides or Parasutterella. To our surprise, only LB treatment dramatically increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased that of potential pathogens, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Parasutterella, to almost normal values. Our findings indicate that LB, YG, and BT ameliorated diarrhea by regulating the composition and structure of the gut microbiota and that LB plays an important role in regulating the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to more complex anatomical features, right laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) could be more challenging than left laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LLA). However, this opinion remains elusive. Aim: To evaluate the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of RLA versus LLA. Material and methods: A systematic literature research of the PubMed, Ovid, Scopus databases (up to March 2021) and citation lists were performed to identify eligible studies. All studies comparing RLA versus LLA were included. Data were analysed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results: Overall, 5 studies including 780 patients (RLA 361; LLA 419) were included. The operative time was similar in both groups (WMD -9.38 min, 95% CI: -21.04 to 2.28; p = 0.11). Compared with LLA, RLA showed greater volume of estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD 13.82 ml, 95% CI: 3.77, 23.88; p = 0.007) and higher conversion rate (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.12 to 10.57; p = 0.03). RLA had comparable complications (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.44 to 1.76; p = 0.71), Clavien Dindo score = 3 complications (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.65; p = 0.20), and length of hospital stay (WMD -0.07 days, 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.21; p = 0.61). The transperitoneal approach analysis showed consistent results. Conclusions: RLA is associated with a higher risk of bleeding and higher conversion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoendoscopic single-site adrenalectomy (LESSA) has the advantages of early recovery and better cosmetic appearance. However, there are still debates on the efficacy and safety of LESSA and conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (CLA). Aim: To reevaluate the efficacy and safety of LESSA vs CLA for adrenal lesions. Material and methods: A systematic literature research of PubMed, Ovid, Scopus (up to February 2021), and citation lists was performed to identify eligible studies. All studies comparing LESSA versus CLA were included. Data were analyzed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Results: Overall, eighteen studies including 1307 patients (LESSA 520; CLA 787) were included. LESSA was associated with smaller mean tumor size (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.53 cm, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.24; p < 0.001). The operative time for LESSA was longer than CLA (WMD = 13.86 min, 95% CI: 4.43 to 23.30; p = 0.004). LESSA had a better visual analog scale (VAS) score (WMD = -0.56, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.11; p = 0.02), shorter return to diet time (WMD = -0.27 days, 95% CI: -0.52 to -0.03; p = 0.03), shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = -0.56 days, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.11; p = 0.01), and comparable postoperative complications (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.70; p = 0.93). The wound size of LESSA was definitely smaller (WMD = -2.72 cm, 95% CI: -3.50 to -1.94; p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis of studies via the transperitoneal approach showed reasonable results. Conclusions: LESSA is significantly better in terms of postoperative pain, time to diet, length of hospital stay and wound size, but the operative time is significantly longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The application of robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has been increasing. However, there is still controversy about whether RA is more feasible than laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RA vs. LA for PHEO. Material and methods: A literature search of the PubMed, Ovid, and Scopus databases was performed to identify eligible studies up to April 2021. All studies comparing RA versus LA for PHEO were included. Data were analysed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. Results: Overall, 4 studies including 386 patients (RA 155; LA 231) were included. RA might have larger tumour size (WMD = 0.72 cm, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.13; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time (WMD = -12.49 min, 95% CI: -29.50 to 4.52; p = 0.15), estimated blood loss (EBL) (WMD = -28.48 ml, 95% CI: -58.92, 1.95; p = 0.07), transfusion rate (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.07 to 7.07; p = 0.77), or conversion rate (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.07 to 2.88; p = 0.39). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative complications (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.82; p = 0.84) and Clavien Dindo score = 3 complications (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.39 to 3.41; p = 0.80). Patients from the RA group could benefit from shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = -0.51 days, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.12; p = 0.01). Conclusions: RA is a feasible, safe, and comparable treatment option for PHEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on disaster aid emphasize on how aid as gift forms hierarchical relations and thus perpetuates political and symbolic domination. This article, however, highlights the diverse possibilities and capabilities emerged in disaster aid. Based on a 15-month fieldwork, the authors focus on the ethnic minority Qiang's post-earthquake experience throughout the unprecedented aid and state-sanctioned 'Gratitude Education' campaign. This article argues that the moral obligations of gratitude enabled the Qiang's competition for tourism, education, and other public service resources despite submitting to a seemingly imbalanced power relation in the multi-ethnic region of southwest China. The article further argues that ethnic governance in China is structured on the entanglement of gift exchanges, state control, inter-ethnic competition, and the in-betweeness of ethnic members, which can be problematic yet productive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-view feature fusion network is proposed to promote ship classification. • A hybrid loss function is proposed to handle the imbalance problem of ship types. • The proposed network has superior performance on both classification accuracy and robustness. [Display omitted] The flowchart of our proposed multi-view feature fusion network (MVFFNet) for ship classification. The accurate classification of moving ships is of fundamental importance to maritime authorities for ensuring the safety and security of shipping operations. With the wide use of automatic identification systems (AISs), which allow ships to receive identification/location information from nearby ships, it is feasible to classify the types of ships by analysing ship behaviour from AIS-based trajectories. However, the imbalanced features of AIS data make it difficult to achieve satisfactory classification results in the presence of several different types of ships. To overcome these potential limitations, we propose a multi-view feature fusion network (MVFFNet) to achieve accurate ship classification with imbalanced data. To guarantee the powerful representation and generalization abilities of MVFFNet, we first extract several multi-view features (i.e., motion features and morphological features) from AIS-based ship trajectories. Several kinematic variables related to ship behaviour are empirically adopted as motion features. The morphological features are automatically extracted via convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) networks. CAE networks are capable of optimally learning the features from informative trajectory images, which are strictly related to the original ship trajectories. The bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) network is then proposed to combine multi-view features to generate the ship classification results. In addition, a hybrid loss function is presented to handle the imbalance problem of ship types, potentially leading to enhanced robustness and accuracy of ship classification. Comprehensive experiments on two realistic datasets have demonstrated that our proposed MVFFNet consistently outperforms other competing methods in terms of classification accuracy and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the general equilibrium with incomplete asset markets (GEI) model, the excess demand functions are typically not continuous at the prices for which the assets have redundant returns. The reason is that, at these prices, the return matrix drops rank and households' budget sets collapse suddenly. This discontinuity results in a serious problem for the existence and computation of general equilibrium. In this paper, we show that this problem can be resolved with a new return matrix, which has constant rank. As a function of the price vector, the continuity of this new return matrix is ensured on a subset of the price space. This enables us to handle incomplete markets using a standard homotopy path-following argument by restricting the price vector to such a subset. The proposed approach naturally provides a constructive proof for the generic existence of general equilibrium. A homotopy method can then be applied to compute equilibria in the GEI model. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate its efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a reply to a letter to the editor regarding an article titled "Dual-energy CT for the detection of skull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comparison of simulated single-energy CT and MRI." The authors address the comments made by the letter writer and provide further explanation and clarification on their study. They discuss the use of dual-energy CT as a functional imaging technique and the reliability of their results in distinguishing between sclerotic/osteolytic and normal bones. They also explain the criteria they used for the reference standard of skull base invasion and the definition of a score of 4 in their imaging evaluation section. The authors conclude by acknowledging the funding they received for their study and stating that they have no competing interests. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Li2 + xMn1‐xSiO4 compounds with a deficiency and an excess of lithium as a cathode material for Li‐ion batteries were synthesized by the solid‐state synthesis method, and a two‐step calcination process was applied to improve the electrochemical properties. The calcination temperature was determined by the thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) curves. The synthesized compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and other material testing methods. A MnO and Mn2SiO4 impurity was detected in the Li2 + xMn1‐xSiO4 compounds. The cycle performance of Li1.96Mn1.04SiO4, Li1.98Mn1.02SiO4, and Li2.02Mn0.98SiO4 cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries was tested to compare with that of pure Li2MnSiO4. The Li2.02Mn0.98SiO4 sample doped with an excess of Li both has a high first discharge specific capacity and excellent electrochemical cycle stability. The introduction of an appropriate strategy to produce a lithium excess is an effective way to improve the electrochemical performance of cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The lithium transition metal orthosilicates (Li2MnSiO4) compounds are considered key materials for the next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, they exhibit poor electronic conductivity and structural stability. Herein, the dual‐phase (Pmn21, and Pn) coexisting Li2Mn1−xNixSiO4@C is prepared successfully via a two‐step calcination process to address the aforementioned problems. The orthorhombic Pmn21 and Pn phase are expected to bring well solid‐state Li diffusion properties (DLi+) and structural stability for electrode material, respectively. Also, the Ni doping and carbon coating are expected to raise electronic conductivity. Then, the electrochemical performance of LIBs utilizing LiMn0.995Ni0.005SiO4@C, LiMn0.985Ni0.015SiO4@C, and LiMn0.92Ni0.08SiO4@C (ZNi‐02 to ZNi‐04) as cathode materials are investigated and compared with that of the LiB using Li2MnSiO4@C (ZNi‐01). The ZNi‐04 sample‐based LiB shows well DLi+ and a peak discharge capacity as high as 188.4 mAh g−1. In addition, the ZNi‐04 sample can still maintain a capacity of about 80 mAh g−1 at rate of 8 C. Such excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the dual‐phase coexistence, the proper amount of Ni doping, and surface coating of carbon, which enhances the electrical conductivity and structural stability. Thus, Li2Mn1−xNixSiO4@C has broad application chances as a high‐performance LIBs electrode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the computation of equilibrium for an exchange economy with constant returns production technologies. We convert such an economy into a pure exchange economy by allocating the production to each consumer's endowment evenly. In this way, the market clearing condition of the original economy is reformulated as that of a pure exchange economy, together with an additional complementarity condition to ensure the feasibility of production plans. A homotopy method is proposed to solve these two problems simultaneously. With this approach, the economic equilibrium model with constant returns production can be handled in a similar way to the pure exchange economy. A path-following algorithm is then developed for computing equilibria in these economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate intraoperative tissue identification is critical to tumor surgery. However, conventional methods are labor‐ and time‐intensive, which greatly delay the intraoperative decision‐making. Herein, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)14‐activated NIR‐II nanoprobe (A&MMP@Ag2S‐AF7P) is presented for rapid unperturbed‐tissue analysis for ex vivo and in vivo neuroblastoma diagnosis. A&MMP@Ag2S‐AF7P displays negligible fluorescence in normal tissues but is activated quickly by inhibiting the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Ag2S QDs and A1094 mediated by MMP14 overexpressed in neuroblastoma; meanwhile, the exposure of the membrane penetrating peptide R9 (TAT‐peptide) results in efficient internalization of nanoprobes in the cancer cells, providing superior tumor‐to‐normal (T/N) tissue ratio. Instant illumination of the lesion and well‐defined tumor margins make the nanoprobes a suitable rapid diagnostic reagent for cancer surgical or tissue biopsy procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate intraoperative tissue identification is critical to tumor surgery. However, conventional methods are labor‐ and time‐intensive, which greatly delay the intraoperative decision‐making. Herein, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)14‐activated NIR‐II nanoprobe (A&MMP@Ag2S‐AF7P) is presented for rapid unperturbed‐tissue analysis for ex vivo and in vivo neuroblastoma diagnosis. A&MMP@Ag2S‐AF7P displays negligible fluorescence in normal tissues but is activated quickly by inhibiting the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Ag2S QDs and A1094 mediated by MMP14 overexpressed in neuroblastoma; meanwhile, the exposure of the membrane penetrating peptide R9 (TAT‐peptide) results in efficient internalization of nanoprobes in the cancer cells, providing superior tumor‐to‐normal (T/N) tissue ratio. Instant illumination of the lesion and well‐defined tumor margins make the nanoprobes a suitable rapid diagnostic reagent for cancer surgical or tissue biopsy procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitation of tricuspid regurgitant (TR) severity can be challenging with conventional echocardiographic imaging and may be better evaluated using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).Objectives: In patients with functional TR, this study sought to examine the relationship between TR volume (TRVol) and TR fraction (TRF) with all-cause mortality.Methods: We examined 547 patients with functional TR using CMR to quantify TRVol and TRF. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Thresholds for mild, moderate, and severe TR were derived based on natural history outcome data.Results: During a median follow-up of 2.6 years (interquartile range: 1.7 to 3.3 years), there were 93 deaths, with an estimated 5-year survival of 79% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73% to 83%). After adjustment of clinical and imaging variables, including RV function, both TRF (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] per 10% increment: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.45; p = 0.001) and TRVol (AHR per 10-ml increment: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26; p = 0.004) were associated with mortality. Patients in the highest-risk strata of TRVol ≥45 ml or TRF ≥50% had the worst prognosis (AHR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.36 to 3.76; p = 0.002 for TRVol and AHR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.45 to 4.66; p = 0.001 for TRF).Conclusions: This is the first study to use CMR to assess independent prognostic implications of functional TR. Both TRF and TRVol were associated with increased mortality after adjustment for clinical and imaging covariates, including right ventricular ejection fraction. A TRVol of ≥45 ml or TRF of ≥50% identified patients in the highest-risk strata for mortality. These CMR thresholds should be used for patient selection in future trials to determine if tricuspid valve intervention improves outcomes in this high-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional calculation of rotor losses in cage induction motors by the time-stepping finite element method requires the full slip waves of the rotor flux densities and currents. The calculations of the full slip waves are extremely expensive in CPU time, memory, and hard disk space for the induction motors with skewed slots and pulsewidth modulated supply. This article proposes a technique that reproduces those full slip waves by utilizing both the time varying and the spatial information of the rotor electromagnetic quantities and, hence, significantly saves the calculation cost. The more rotor bars per pair of poles the induction motor has, the more calculation cost this technique saves. The calculation costs of the proposed and conventional methods are compared for the rotor losses of a 5.5-kW inverter-fed skewed induction motor under load condition, and the calculated losses are validated by tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological and biogeochemical properties of the hyporheic zone in stream and riverine ecosystems have been extensively studied over the past two decades. Although it is widely acknowledged that sediment heterogeneity can influence biogeochemical reactions, little effort has been made to understand the role of heterogeneity on the spatiotemporal variability of riverbed redox conditions under changing flow dynamics at different timescales. Here we integrate a mechanistic model and field data to demonstrate that heterogeneity in permeability plays a vital role in modulating sediment redox conditions at both seasonal (annual) and event (daily‐to‐weekly) timescales, whereas heterogeneity in particulate organic carbon (POC) content only has a comparable influence on redox conditions at the seasonal timescale. These findings underscore the importance of accurately characterizing sediment heterogeneity, in terms of permeability and POC content, in quantifying biogeochemical dynamics in the riverbed and hyporheic zones of riverine ecosystems. Plain Language Summary: The redox condition of riverbed sediments is subject to the combined influence of hydrologic exchange flow and biogeochemical processes and is important for regulating the functioning of riverine ecosystems. Current understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern of sediment redox conditions especially with heterogeneity in consideration is limited, partially due to the lack of measurements and quantitative models. In this study, we integrate a mechanistic model and field data to reveal the role of sediment heterogeneity in controlling the redox condition under dynamic flow conditions. We demonstrate that heterogeneity in permeability modulates sediment redox condition at both seasonal and event timescales, and heterogeneity in particulate organic carbon is most prominent over multi‐month time intervals that reflect the balance between particulate organic carbon (POC) metabolism and time‐integrated oxygen influx. These findings highlight the importance of accurate characterization of sediment heterogeneity in both permeability and POC for predicting the dynamic redox shifts in riverbed sediments. Key Points: A reactive transport model was developed to quantify the impact of heterogeneity in permeability and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration on sediment redox conditionsHeterogeneity in permeability controls sediment redox conditions at both seasonal (annual) and event (daily‐to‐weekly) timescalesThe effects of heterogeneity in POC occur over the monthly timescale, reflecting a balance between POC metabolism and the influx of oxygen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time perception has been known to depend on the temporal frequency of the stimulus. Previously, the effect of temporal frequency modulation was assumed to be monotonically lengthening or shortening. However, this study shows that temporal frequency affects time perception in a non-monotonic and modality-dependent manner. Four experiments investigated the time distortion effects induced by modulation of temporal frequency across auditory and visual modalities. Critically, the temporal frequency was parametrically manipulated across four levels (steady stimulus, 10-, 20-, and 30/40-Hz intermittent auditory/visual stimulus). Experiment 1, 2, and 3 consistently showed that a 10-Hz auditory stimulus was perceived as shorter than a steady auditory stimulus. Meanwhile, as the temporal frequency increased, the perceived duration of the intermittent auditory stimulus was lengthened. A 40-Hz auditory stimulus was perceived as longer than a 10- Hz auditory stimulus, but did not differ significantly from a steady one. Experiment 4 showed that, for the visual modality, a 10-Hz visual stimulus was perceived as longer than a steady stimulus, and the perceived duration was lengthened as temporal frequency increased. This study demonstrated that within the scope of the temporal frequencies examined in this study, there were differential distortion effects observed across sensory modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The period approximating 100 ka relates to Middle Paleolithic or Middle Stone Age technological behaviors that are generally characterized by prepared core technology, an expanding range of retouched tools, and the novel exploitation and sourcing of raw materials. As opposed to other regions of the world, the technological features of this period in China are deeply debated and remain unclear. Presently, it is suggested that Chinese lithic technology during this period is marked by the continuation of mode 1 artifacts that are characterized by simple cores, flakes, and tools that lack standardization. Here, we present a lithic assemblage associated with the discovery of two archaic human crania at the Lingjing site, securely dated to ~ 125–90 ka. A detailed analysis of stone artifacts shows increased technological advancement of the Lingjing humans during this period, including bi-conical discoidal core reduction strategies, discrete small-sized tool types, and refined retouch on blanks. Those features are also shared by the contemporaneous sites documented across the broader Eurasian and African continents. However, the rarity of prepared core technologies at Lingjing, such as Levallois or laminar flaking, likely indicates a unique technological trajectory compared to sites outside of China. It is due to this that we herein adopt the term Chinese Middle Paleolithic to more clearly refer to the variations we have identified at Lingjing. The Lingjing lithic assemblage, overall, could potentially represent a regional expression of the Middle Paleolithic technocomplex in China, although details about the processes behind its development are still unclear. The study contributes to a new understanding of the long-standing view of the simplified technological behaviors in China before ~ 40 ka and sheds light on the interpretations of the implied human behavioral transformations in the early Late Pleistocene of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary China, migrant workers have gathered in urban villages and formed communities of their own. The regulative power of the state has not fully penetrated these enclaves, thus creating opportunities for NGOs to shoulder many of the ongoing welfare responsibilities. The primary goal of this study was to explore how NGO service projects can generate a new type of disciplinary power through give-and-take practices. I argue that service projects allow the givers to transform their economic power and social resources into political power, through which social inequality is obscured, legitimised, and translated into the delivery of 'love', 'caring' and 'compassion'. Such political power also delivers middle-class values and lifestyles to rural migrants, who feel obligated to transform their subjectivities in order to reciprocate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a concentric magnetic gear, the space harmonic fields at inner/outer air gap have equal number of poles and rotate synchronously with the inner/outer permanent magnets, thanks to the flux modulators. The shape of flux modulators is one of the key factors that affect the harmonic fields, and hence the torque capability and ripples. Conventionally, the flux modulators are assembled by stacking small separated pieces of steel laminations; however, it is not easy to hold those small laminations firmly together. In order to make the flux modulators less complicated and more reliable, interconnected flux modulators made from full laminations have been implemented in the previous work. This paper investigates the torque performances of magnetic gear with different configurations of the modulating ring that are characterized by the shape of modulator, the position of interconnecting bridge, and the ratio of pole arc to pole pitch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asynchronous operation of turbogenerators with the loss of excitation can avoid equipment damage and improve the reliability of power systems. The rotor damping that provides asynchronous torque plays an important role in asynchronous operation. In order to study the influence of rotor damping structures—comprised of damping bars, slot wedges, and core—on asynchronous operating ability of turbogenerators, a time-stepping finite-element model is established and verified by the experiment on a model machine. By using this model, the relationship between the rotor damping structures and speed fluctuation during asynchronous operating process is studied. The asynchronous operating ability is compared in terms of the separate and combined effects of the rotor damping structures. Considering the material options for rotor slot wedges, the influence of aluminum, beryllium bronze, and stainless steel slot wedges on the speed fluctuation and the asynchronous operating ability is also studied. The study shows that the speed fluctuation of turbogenerators with the loss of excitation depends on the asymmetry of the rotor winding structure and the asynchronous operating ability depends on the average damping torques. The results provide theoretical basis for an approach to the enhancement of power system stability by improving rotor damping structures of turbogenerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salient-pole synchronous generators with skewed armature slots have damper interbar currents that flow transversely between the damper bars through the core. The pattern of interbar and damper bar currents under disturbances is useful information to designers for comprehensive knowledge of damper's electromagnetic performances and potential improvement of design. This paper presents the measurement of the interbar and interpole resistances and develops the multislice two-dimensional (2-D) finite-element model with integrated interbar circuit for a 10-kW model generator. The damper currents of the generator under 3-phase sudden short circuit are calculated with this model and compared with the measured results for validation. The influences of the variation in skew and bar-iron contact resistance on the pattern of interbar and damper bar transient currents are investigated by calculations for the fault of 3-phase sudden short circuit. The calculated results show that small bar-iron contact resistances may result in axially uneven distribution of damper bar transient currents, and the magnitude of slot ripple in the interbar current at different axial positions vary with the skew in different manners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Thus, methods for early diagnosis of CRC are urgently needed. We aimed to identify potential long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in circulatory exosomes that may serve as biomarkers for the detection of early-stage CRC. Methods: Exosomes from the plasma of CRC patients (n = 50) and healthy individuals (n = 50) were isolated by ultracentrifugation, followed by extraction of total exosomal RNAs using TRIzol reagent. Microarray analysis was used for exosomal lncRNA profiling in the two groups, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression level of lncRNAs in all patients and healthy subjects. Results: The expression of six lncRNAs (LNCV6_116109, LNCV6_98390, LNCV6_38772, LNCV_108266, LNCV6_84003, and LNCV6_98602) was found to be significantly up-regulated in CRC patients compared with that in healthy individuals by qRT-PCR. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to verify their diagnostic accuracy. The values of the area under the curve for these lncRNAs were 0.770 (LNCV6_116109), 0.7500 (LNCV6_98390), 0.6500 (LNCV6_38772), 0.6900 (LNCV_108266), 0.7500 (LNCV6_84003), and 0.7200 (LNCV6_98602). Conclusion: Our study suggested that the expression of these six exosomal lncRNAs (LNCV6_116109, LNCV6_98390, LNCV6_38772, LNCV_108266, LNCV6_84003, and LNCV6_98602) was significantly up-regulated in the plasma of CRC patients, and that they may serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constipation is a major health problem worldwide that requires effective and safe treatment options. Increasing evidence indicates that disturbances in gut microbiota may be a risk factor for constipation. Administration of lacidophilin tablets shows promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease owing to their immunomodulatory properties and regulation of the gut microbiota. The focus of this study was on investigating the ability of lacidophilin tablets to relieve constipation by modulating the gut microbiome. Rats with loperamide hydrochloride induced constipation were treated with lacidophilin tablets via intragastric administration for ten days. The laxative effect of lacidophilin tablets was then evaluated by investigating the regulation of intestinal microflora and the possible underlying molecular mechanism. Our results reveal that treatment with lacidophilin tablets increased the intestinal advancement rate, fecal moisture content, and colonic AQP3 protein expression. It also improved colonic microflora structure in the colonic contents of model rats mainly by increasing Akkermansia muciniphila and decreasing Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. Transcriptome analysis indicated that treatment with lacidophilin tablets maintains the immune response in the intestine and promotes recovery of the intestinal mechanical barrier in the constipation model. Our study shows that lacidophilin tablets improve constipation, possibly by promoting Akkermansia colonization and by modulating the intestinal immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses aesthetic politics in the Chinese rural toilet revolution. Toilet retrofitting is conventionally regarded as an issue of sanitation improvement, but in the emerging trend of rural post‐productivism transformation, toilets have become contested sites of aesthetic governance in rural development. Using the case of a village in Northern China, the authors show that, in order to beautify the rural environment, toilet identification, selection, placement and demolition are all directed by aesthetic norms for a beautiful village. Additionally, the aestheticization of village development has legitimized state‐led development by creating a common‐sense understanding of and imagination for the future. However, aesthetic logics can represent a mismatch with the realities of local lives, resulting in place alienation and suspended development. This article unpacks the logics, mechanisms and spatial‐social processes of aesthetic governance in the Chinese toilet revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new closed-form equation to determine the reduction factor for global buckling of concentrically loaded pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer struts based on the Ayrton–Perry formula and observed initial out-of-straightness of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer members measured by other researchers, which makes the original solution recommended by Eurocode 3 easy to be used to predict the global buckling loads of doubly symmetric pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer members subjected to axial compression. The influence of the geometric imperfections of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer profiles is considered in this new closed-form equation. Validation of the solution including the parameter of the reduction factor for global buckling of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer columns is performed by comparison with published experimental evidence. In addition, compared with the five closed-form solutions available in the literature, this solution exhibits higher accuracy in predicting the global buckling capacity of concentrically loaded pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer struts with doubly symmetric cross sections. The solution implemented into the new reduction factor equation for global buckling of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer members can be conveniently used by structural engineers at the preliminary engineering design stage for accurately assessing the reliability and safety of composite structures under concentric compressive loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lingjing, located in northern China, is an open-air spring site dated to ∼90–125 ka through Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating. Two late archaic human crania, which possess a mosaic of features indicative of both eastern Eurasian and Neanderthal ancestry, were excavated from the site, along with abundant animal fossils and stone artifacts. Despite Lingjing's obvious significance, detailed analyses of the processes that have influenced site formation and modification have not yet been performed. In this paper we provide an interpretation of the depositional context at Lingjing and we also provide an assessment of the level of site disturbance, both during and post-deposition. Sedimentary and archaeological indicators are employed in this study, and results show that there is differential modification of the stratigraphic horizons, primarily between lower layer 3 and the overlying upper layers 2 and 1. Although this disturbance is apparent, overall its extent is limited. The findings in this study therefore confirm that assemblage integrity at Lingjing is high, and that behavioural information is well preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved closed-form solution to determine the global buckling loads of axially loaded pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) I-section columns based on the original solution recommended by Eurocode 3 (EC3). In this improved solution, a new closed-form equation to determine the reduction factor for global buckling of PFRP I-section members subjected to concentric compression is developed, based on the Ayrton-Perry formula and observed initial out-of-straightness of PFRP struts measured by other researchers. Recognizing that data on initial imperfections may be unavailable, a second new empirical closed-form equation is derived to predict the global buckling capacity of PFRP I-section columns based upon the experimental data. Validation of the two explicit solutions considering the influence of geometric imperfections of PFRP I-sections is performed by both comparison to experimental data and comparison with validated numerical simulations. In addition, compared with the five closed-form solutions available in the literature, the two proposed solutions display higher accuracy in predicting the global buckling loads of concentrically loaded PFRP I-section columns. Parametric studies are further conducted, and the influences of the main parameters on the performance of corresponding solutions are discussed. The two proposed solutions can facilitate the global buckling analysis and design of PFRP I-section members subjected to concentric compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, the ignored stator transient of turbine generator result in the unidirectional electromagnetic torque caused by damping resistance is neglected. While, the unidirectional electromagnetic torque has a braking effect which can reduce the rotor acceleration following the disturbance and improve the stability of power system. With a 300 MW turbine generator as an example, the large disturbance characteristic and First Swing Stability (FSS) limit are calculated by Time-Step Finite Element Model (T-S FEM) and three practical models of turbine generator in this paper. The unidirectional electromagnetic torque caused by stator transient is investigated and its important role in FSS is analyzed. Since there are several material options for damping windings, the influence of damping resistance on the large disturbance characteristic and FSS limit are calculated and compared under different damping resistance. The result shows that the FSS limits calculated by the practical model with stator transient are increased than that without stator transient; the FSS limits of turbine generator with damping windings made from stainless steel are larger than that made from aluminum and beryllium bronze by the four kinds of generator models. The result provides theoretic basis of generator modeling for precise simulation of power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild and efficient method for THP protection of indazoles and benzyl alcohols has been developed in water, the most environmentally friendly solvent, in which Tween 20 (2% w/w) was added to form aqueous micelles to increase the solubility of starting materials. This aqueous protocol allowed the reaction to proceed smoothly at room temperature and with only 1.2 equiv of DHP, providing moderate to good yields of THP protected products for a wide scope of substrates. In addition, the methodology was highly practical in the large-scale synthesis (1 g synthesis of 2c as an example), wherein the convenient work-up and purification procedure (simple filtration) made the protocol even more attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decades, urban villages proliferate in major cities of China. These marginalised places not only are home to many local villagers, but also host millions of rural migrants. This paper provides an ethnographic account of the spatial and social production of Chinese urban villages. It discusses urban village residents’ detailed tactics in developing/participating in the informal housing market, service market and labour market. By so doing, it emphasises people’s agency in making their own living spaces and further challenges the marginalisation paradigm that either victimises or disparages urban village residents. It shows peasants, who are commonly assumed to be the antithesis of modernisation and urbanisation, are major actors and urbanise their living spaces. This paper also elaborates on the types of governing strategies at the village and municipal levels. It points out that the contradictions and loopholes in state power have left space for the formation of informal markets and contribute to the making of urban villages in contemporary China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive test database of concentric compression experiments on pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (PFRP) specimens that failed in a global flexural buckling mode published in literature between 1969 and 2016. A new closed-form equation to determine the reduction factor for global flexural buckling of PFRP structural struts under axial compression is developed on the basis of the Ayrton-Perry formula and observed initial out-of-straightness of PFRP members measured by other researchers. Recognizing that data on initial imperfections may be unavailable, a second new empirical closed-form equation is derived based upon the experimental database. Validation of the two explicit expressions is performed by both comparison to experimental data and comparison with validated numerical simulations. In addition, the accuracies of the two proposed equations are compared with those of five closed-form solutions available in the literature; both results in more accurate predictions than the extant equations. Both new proposed equations can be conveniently used by structural engineers at the preliminary engineering design stage for accurately assessing the reliability and safety of composite structures under concentric compressive loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Docetaxel-based chemotherapy failure in advanced prostate carcinoma has partly been attributed to the resistance of prostate cancer (PC) cells to docetaxel-induced apoptosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify mechanisms of docetaxel chemoresistance and to develop new combination therapies. Methods: miR-193a-5p level was evaluated by qPCR in prostate tissues and cell lines, and its expression in the tissues was also examined by in situ hybridization. PC cell line (PC3 cell) was transfected with miR-193a-5p mimic or its inhibitor, and then cell apoptosis and the expression of its downstream genes Bach2 and HO-1 were detected by TUNEL staining and Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the effect of miR-193a-5p and Bach2 on HO-1 expression. Xenograft animal model was used to test the effect of miR-193a-5p and docetaxel on PC3 xenograft growth. Results: miR-193a-5p was upregulated in PC tissues and PC cell lines, with significant suppression of PC3 cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Mechanistically, miR-193a-5p suppressed the expression of Bach2, a repressor of the HO-1 gene, by directly targeting the Bach2 mRNA 3'-UTR. Docetaxel treatment modestly decreased Bach2 expression and increased HO-1 level in PC3 cells, whereas a modest increase of HO-1 facilitated docetaxel-induced apoptosis. Notably, docetaxel-induced miR-193a-5p upregulation, which in turn inhibits Bach2 expression and thus relieves Bach2 repression of HO-1 expression, partly counteracted docetaxel-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax expression. Accordingly, silencing of miR-193a-5p enhanced sensitization of PC3 cells to docetaxel-induced apoptosis. Finally, depletion of miR-193a-5p significantly reduced PC xenograft growth in vivo. Conclusions: Silencing of miR-193a-5p or blockade of the miR-193a-5p-Bach2-HO-1 pathway may be a novel therapeutic approach for castration-resistant PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causative pathogen of porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD). This virus evolves mostly through point mutations and genome recombination between different PCV2 genotypes (e.g. PCV2a and PCV2b), as has been confirmed in swine herds. In the current work, the complete PCV2 genome sequences of 69 clones derived from various tissues (lymph node, spleen and lung,) of an infected individual, were subjected to phylogenetic and alignment analyses. The results not only demonstrate co-infection with distinct PCV2b subtypes (e.g. 1B and 1C) in the same animal, but also highlight another mechanism of evolution - diverse point mutations acquired during immune evasion by this virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]