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Older people often face varied and vicious abuse from care workers. Situations are typically more pronounced for older people who live with additional cognitive or physical difficulties, such as dementia and disabilities, the prevalence of which has been on the rise in China and elsewhere. Recent reported discoveries of elder abuse in China, which span alarming levels of verbal, physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, have almost all been caused by nannies or 'bao mu'. Different from Western countries, the word nanny is often used to refer to people who offer caregiving help in residential settings at large, regardless of the age of the care recipients. What is also different is the lack of regulations or even rigorous training and evaluation processes for nannies in China: almost anyone can become a nanny—even though a background check is often required for nannies, this process is often highly variable and dependent on the specific labour agencies that nannies are registered with. Yet without structured studies and systematic data, little is known about the extent and severity of nanny-induced elder abuse in China. To this end, this article aims to discuss the unique elderly care environment—such as the '721 Rule'—in China, particularly in the post-COVID era, and highlight the critical need for timely and rigorous studies on the potential prevalence and severity of nannies' abuse and neglect of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RDX/Al/wax explosives (RDX = cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine; (O2NNCH2)3) were studied in experiments designed to elucidate the effects of Al content and the surrounding medium on the energy output of aluminized explosives. Explosives with Al contents of 0%, 15%, and 30% were compared in water and concrete media. Results indicate that the explosive's bubble energy in water is higher (by 66%–90%) than the expansion energy in concrete. Heat, sound, and other energies in water (0.28–0.84 MJ kg–1) were much lower than that in concrete (1.49–2.81 MJ kg–1). For shock wave energy, the different media have much less impact on shock wave energy, with that in water being only 0.7%–7% higher than in concrete. The test data presented in this paper improve our understanding of how Al and the surrounding medium contribute to the energy output of the explosive, which is of great significance for improving the energy utilization efficiency of aluminized explosives in water and concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of nutrients has a significant impact on cherry tomato fruit yield and quality. In a greenhouse experiment, a popular local cherry tomato cultivar (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme Alef), namely 'Yuekeda 101' was grown under various fertilization conditions. In this study, the yield, agronomic traits, and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes were determined to evaluate the effect of fertilization treatment on cherry tomato growth. Results showed that the fertilization treatment significantly affected the growth, yield, fruit quality, and nutrition accumulation in the cherry tomato plants. The T1 treatment (without reduction of the chemical + application of humic acid fertilizer) harvested the highest fruit yield per plant (1195.0 g). Additional applications of humic acid fertilizer might benefit cherry tomatoes to achieve a balance between fruit yield and quality. Variations in cherry tomato yield and fruit quality are correlated with the nutrient content of the plant's various tissues. The treatment without reduction of the chemical with the application of the humic acid could balance the yield and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes. The results of this study suggested that the administration of a combination of fertilizers could regulate the growth and nutrient accumulation of cherry tomato plants, thereby influencing their yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the following simpler variant of the Turán problem: Given integers n > k > r ≥ 2 and m ≥ 1 , what is the smallest integer t for which there exists an r -uniform hypergraph with n vertices, t edges and m connected components such that any k -subset of the vertex set contains at least one edge? We prove some general estimates for this quantity and for its limit, normalized by n r , as n → ∞ . Moreover, we give a complete solution of the problem for the particular case when k = 5 , r = 3 and m ≥ 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use molecular dynamics to determine the mass accommodation coefficient (MAC) of water vapor molecules colliding with a rapidly moving liquid-vapor interface. This interface mimics those present in collapsing vapor bubbles that are characterized by large interfacial velocities. We find that at room temperature, the MAC is generally close to unity, and even with interfaces moving at 10 km/s velocity, it has a large value of 0.79. Using a simplified atomistic fluid model, we explore the consequences of vapor molecule interfacial collision rules on pressure, temperature, and density of a vapor subjected to an incoming high-velocity liquid-vapor interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a rare condition called pilar sheath acanthoma, which is a benign follicular hamartoma that typically affects adults aged 40-70 years old. The study analyzed five cases of pilar sheath acanthoma diagnosed through dermoscopy and histopathology. The clinical manifestations included red papules on the mandible, eyelid, and nose, with a central opening covered with gray-white scabs. Dermoscopic features showed dark red papules with white translucent scales, "four-leaf clover" and white circle-shaped structures, and punctate and linear blood vessels. Histopathological examination revealed cystic dilatation of the hair follicle and a lobulated tumor mass protruding to the dermis. Surgical resection was performed, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up. The article provides insights into the diagnosis and dermoscopic features of pilar sheath acanthoma, helping improve diagnostic sensitivity for this condition. [Extracted from the article]

A new compound, [ Cl(2,2'-Bipy)4]{[CuII(2,2'-Bipy)2][ O40]}·2H2O (I) (2,2'-Bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis, power X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis (CCDC no. 1936106). Compound I consists of a Keggin polyoxotungstate mono-supported CuII-2,2'-Bipy complex, a dinuclear Cl-bridged Cu(II) complex and two water molecules. The [ Cl(2,2'-Bipy)4]3+ unit is a counter ion which is anchored to the polyanion via non-covalent intermolecular interaction. In addition, the fluorescence and both the catalytic performance for the epoxidation styrene and the photocatalytic property for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene blue (MB) and RhB + MB aqueous solutions under UV irradiation of compound I have been investigated and shown good properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer associated with anthropometric measures including Body Mass Index (BMI), adult weight gain, and waist circumference has been observed in North American and European populations, but little evidence is available for Hispanic women. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer, and leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Hispanic women in Puerto Rico (PR). However, compared with the United States, breast cancer incidence rates are lower but increasing more rapidly. Purpose: To examine associations between anthropometric characteristics and breast cancer risk in Hispanic women in PR. Methods: Data from a population-based case–control study in the San Juan metropolitan region (cases = 315; controls = 348) were used to examine associations between anthropometric measures and breast cancer risk, also considering menopausal status and hormone therapy (HT). Results: Among premenopausal participants, there was a significant trend for lower odds of breast cancer with higher BMI and borderline significant with higher waist to height ratio (WHtR). For postmenopausal participants, a significant trend for lower odds of breast cancer was observed with higher WHtR, and waist to hip ratio (WHR), borderline significant with higher BMI, and higher odds with height. Among postmenopausal participants using HT, a significant trend for lower odds of breast cancer was observed with higher waist circumference, WHtR, WHR, and body shape index. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of anthropometric differences in relation to breast cancer risk in PR compared to previous studies. Future studies should include analyses of fat and lean mass distribution, and hormone receptor status to further understand anthropometry and breast cancer risk among Hispanic women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban dynamic traffic data flow has a certain randomness and fast change speed, which leads to the problem of high data flow extraction error in the existing methods. This paper proposes a real-time prediction method of urban dynamic traffic data flow based on Kalman filter. The feature vector of urban dynamic traffic data flow is obtained by Lyapunov exponent method, and the vector is placed in a fixed area to complete the extraction. The urban dynamic traffic data flow is regarded as an unstable whole and transformed into data series, and the grey correlation degree is used to determine the correlation degree in the data flow, The process equation and observation equation of Kalman filtering algorithm are constructed to determine the optimal estimation value and modify the optimal estimation value to complete the real-time prediction. The results show that the prediction accuracy of this method is about 97%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the influence of the aluminum content on the performance of aluminized explosives, experiments in concrete and cylinder tests were performed. Three types of RDX-based aluminized explosives, in which the mass ratio of aluminum content was 0%, 15%, and 30% were considered in this paper. The shock wave pressures of the aluminized explosives in the affected concrete bodies were measured using manganin pressure sensors. The acceleration ability was obtained using a high-speed camera and a rotating mirror streak camera. The peak pressure attenuation characteristics of the explosives with various aluminum contents indicated that a higher aluminum content is associated with a slower peak pressure attenuation of the shock wave. In addition, the results of the cylinder tests and the metal-rod acceleration tests revealed the influence of the aluminum content on the acceleration ability of explosives in three different time periods. The test data presented in this paper verified the relationship between the aluminum content and explosive performance, which is of great significance for optimizing the properties of aluminized explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a strategy to stabilize nanoprecipitates in Al–Cu alloys, based on computational design that identifies synergistic solutes (Sc and Fe) that simultaneously segregate to the θ′-Al2Cu/Al interface and strongly bond to one another. Furthermore, Sc and Fe are predicted to each segregate into a separate atomic plane, forming a sandwiched structure reinforcing the interface. This interfacial architecture was realized through a simple heat treatment in a Sc–Fe–Si triple-microalloyed Al–Cu model alloy. Such a back-to-back layered interface, thermodynamically stable and kinetically robust, is found to suffocate nanoprecipitate coarsening at 300°C, enabling a dramatic reduction in creep rate. IMPACT STATEMENT The segregant architecture of synergistic solute at θ′-Al2Cu/Al interface was guided by computational calculations and artificially realized at atomic scale to achieve an ultra-high thermal stability of θ′-Al2Cu, leading to a high creep resistance at 300°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure magnesium (Mg) develops a strong basal texture after conventional processing of hot rolling or extrusion. Consequently, it exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties and is difficult to form at room temperature. Adding appropriate alloying elements can weaken the basal texture or even change it, but the improvement in formability and mechanical properties is still far from expectations. Over the past 20 years, considerable efforts have been made and significant progress has been made on wrought Mg alloys at the fundamental and technological levels. At the fundamental level, textures formed in sheets and extrusions of different alloy compositions and produced under different strain paths or thermomechanical processing conditions are relatively well established, with the assistance of the advanced characterization technique of electron backscatter diffraction. At the technological level, room temperature formability of sheet has been significantly improved, and tension–compression yield asymmetry of extrusion is also remarkably reduced or eliminated. This paper starts with an overview of dislocations, stacking faults and twins, and deformation of single crystals of pure Mg along different orientations and under different loading conditions, followed by a review of microstructure (texture and grain size) and deformation of polycrystalline pure Mg with different textures, grain sizes, and loading conditions. With this information as a base, texture, grain size, and deformation of polycrystalline Mg alloy sheets and extrusions produced under different processing conditions are systematically examined and compared. Remaining and emerging scientific and technology issues are then highlighted and discussed in the context of texture and grain size. The need for better-resolution diffraction and spectroscopy techniques is also discussed in the relationship between texture change and grain boundary solute segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms controlling the long‐ and short‐term variability of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and high‐elevation environmental change have largely been examined using low‐elevation or marine records with less emphasis on high‐elevation non‐marine records. We address this using a high‐resolution, long‐term record from upper Miocene–lower Pleistocene (~9.0–2.2 Ma) fluvio‐lacustrine strata in the Zhada Basin, southwestern Tibetan Plateau. Long‐term changes include the onset of lacustrine deposition, a decrease in mean grain size, and an increase in δ18Ocarb and δ13Ccarb values at ~6.0 Ma in response to basin closure following regional extension. This was followed by a return to palustrine/fluvial deposition, an increase in mean grain size, and a decrease in δ18Ocarb and δ13Ccarb values at ~3.5 Ma in response to tectonically driven long‐term ISM weakening. Spectral analysis reveals that high‐frequency variations in the δ18Ocarb record are dominated by 100 and ~20 kyr cycles from ~6.0–2.2 Ma. Wavelet and spectral analysis of the most densely sampled interval (4.23–3.55 Ma), tuned to the record of daily insolation (21 June at 35°N) confirms and highlights 100 and 20 kyr cycles. The tuned Pliocene δ18Ocarb record is coherent with the record of Northern Hemisphere insolation at precession periods but not at obliquity or eccentricity periods. Additionally, the tuned δ18Ocarb record is anticorrelated to the insolation record, indicating that stronger Northern Hemisphere insolation correlates with a stronger ISM. These results suggest that variations in daily insolation drove late Miocene–early Pleistocene high‐frequency ISM variability and environmental changes in the high‐elevation southwestern Tibetan Plateau. Plain Language Summary: The Indian Summer Monsoon is a planetary‐scale climate system. It currently affects >1.8 billion people, and changes in the monsoon likely led to major changes in plant and animal populations ~7 million years ago. Whether the Himalayan mountains, Tibetan Plateau, or the Southern Hemisphere are the major players in controlling the strength of the monsoon remains unclear. We address this question using the first long‐term, high‐resolution isotopic and sedimentological record from the Zhada Basin on the Tibetan Plateau. Changes in oxygen isotopes in carbonate rocks track the increase or decrease in precipitation amount. The frequency of the changes in the isotopic record match the frequency of changes in Earth's orbit. Changes in the isotope record also show that when the Tibetan Plateau received more sunlight, which is determined by changes in Earth's orbit, the monsoon was more intense. These observations point to the conclusion that Earth's orbit changes the solar heating received by the plateau surface, which in turn plays a major role in the amount of precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau. Key Points: Isotope, sedimentology, and grain size data record low‐ and high‐frequency Miocene–Pleistocene environmental change on the Tibetan PlateauAll data record low‐frequency tectonic and climate changes, whereas O isotope data document high‐frequency changes at Milankovitch periodsAnticorrelation between the isotope record and Northern Hemisphere insolation suggests insolation exerts a primary control on monsoon strength [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the building block of a honeycomb precipitate network, the triadic arrangement of β1 strengthening precipitates is technologically important for the potential development of highly tuneable nanostructure in rare-earth (RE) containing Mg alloys. In this work, we provide systematic experimental observations of those impinged β1 variants in a Mg-Nd alloy, which are directly related to the characteristic triadic configuration. It is found that the isolated α-Mg crystal in a β1 triad has a 10.5 deg rotation when it has a perfect equilateral-triangular shape. This rotation angle decreases to ~ 9.4 deg when the isolated α-Mg crystal exhibits a non-equilateral shape. In this case, one or two of its lateral interfaces include a step with a height of 0.56 nm to reduce the lattice mismatch. Furthermore, the pre-stage prior to the formation of β1 triadic configuration is revealed for the first time. It originates from the implement of two β1 variants with the same sense of shear. The presence of such two variants, in the absence of the third variant, leads to a rotation of the α-Mg crystal in the small area close to the approaching ends of these two variants. A low-angle symmetrical tilt boundary around the [0001]α rotation axis is formed between the rotated and unrotated α-Mg crystals. Most of the tilt boundaries observed in this work have a tilt angle of ~ 4.7 deg. The atomic structure of such a tilt boundary is constructed using a crystallographic model and validated by molecular dynamics simulation. The unique distribution of Nd-rich solute clusters along the tilt boundary is qualitatively discussed based on crystallographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron is widely used as a melting point depressant (MPD) element in filler materials for utilization in transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding. Various kinds of borides will precipitate in the diffusion-affected zone (DAZ) and influence the integral mechanical properties of bonded materials. In this study, we systematically investigate the boride precipitates formed in DAZ in a TLP-bonded Ni-based superalloy using electron diffraction and atomic-scale high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). The M3B2- and M5B3-type precipitates are observed, both of which obey definitive crystallographic orientation relationships (ORs) with the matrix. The atomic structures of some interfaces associated with these borides are defined. The dendrite morphological feature comprising M3B2 and M5B3 is examined in detail. The dendrite trunks are always composed of two phases including M3B2 and M5B3 borides. The core of the trunk is always M3B2 phase enclosed by M5B3 boride. The dendrite branches consist of M5B3 phase. The M3B2 in the dendrite trunk keeps a definitive OR with the neighboring M5B3. The interfacial features among M3B2, M5B3, and matrix, and the unique intergrowth of M3B2 and M5B3 are further rationalized by phase transformation crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rice seedlings have a different response to drought stress intensity and duration, which reduces rice seedling growth and grain yield. In the year 2015, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to ascertain the effect of the relationship between drought stress intensity, duration, and drought resistance on rice seedling. Yangliangyou 6 ("super" rice variety) and Hanyou 113 (drought-resistance rice variety) were subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG6000)-induced water stress. Drought stress intensities i.e. 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% PEG6000 with 4 d, 8 d or 12 d after emergence at 21 days was imposed, respectively. Control (0% PEG6000) was used for comparison. Drought dehydration factor (DDF) and root induction factor (RIF) increased with drought duration. In each drought stress duration, RIF, drought tolerance factor (DTF) and DDF were raised under moderate drought stress intensity (10-15% PEG6000), the advantage of DDF and DTF was shown at 12 d drought duration under severe drought stress intensity (20-25% PEG6000). Thus, drought stress intensity significantly negatively affected rice seedling growth compared with drought stress duration. Improvement in DDF and RIF enhanced rice seedling growth under moderate drought stress conditions, while severe drought stress positively stimulated DDF and DTF which resulted in improved rice seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, unusual magnetic properties were found experimentally in otherwise diamagnetic nanoparticles. Our experiments and analysis revealed that a universal expression can describe the size-dependent magnetic moments in ultrafine diamagnetic systems, including Au, Pd, and HfO2 nanoparticles. A model was presented to explain the observed phenomenon. It suggested that the up and down spins in ultrafine diamagnetic systems are spatially separated and form asymmetric spin-singlet pairs. The correlation lengths of the spin-singlet pairs in Au, Pd, and HfO2 nanoparticles were estimated to be about 1.65, 13, and 4.4 nm, respectively. On the basis of this model, we explain (a) the origin and the size dependence of magnetic moments in diamagnetic nanoparticles, and (b) the origin of the extremely large anisotropy in diamagnetic nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the first-principle density-functional theory, we study the structure and effects of vacancies in Σ3 (112) grain boundary with the coincident-site lattice structure in Si. We find that the formation energy for a Si vacancy in the grain boundary is significantly lower than that in Si perfect region, indicating strong segregation of Si vacancy in grain boundary regions. The formation of Si vacancies in grain boundaries either cleans up the deep levels or facilitates complete passivation by H atoms. Our results suggest that vacancies in grain boundaries may play important role in determining grain boundary physics and passivation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The doping effects of boron on the atomic adsorption of hydrogen on graphene have been investigated using density functional theory calculations. The hydrogen adsorption energies and electronic structures have been considered for pristine and B-doped graphene with the adsorption of hydrogen on top of carbon or boron atom. It is found that the B-doping forms an electron-deficient structure and decreases the hydrogen adsorption energy dramatically. For the adsorption of hydrogen on top of other sites, similar results have also been found. These results indicate that the hydrogen storage capacity is improved by the doping of B atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermoscopy using polarized light does not always reveal the tunnels adequately, particularly on dark skin, possibly because most of the scabies tunnels are located in the stratum corneum and the itchy skin lesions cause the patient to scratch, thus destroying the stratum corneum. Scabies is a common skin disease caused by scabies mites. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Epidemiological studies have correlated cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis with lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour and a high‐calorie diet. Recent studies of pathogenesis have highlighted the significance of the intestinal microbiota and chronic inflammation with respect to both the onset and development of atherosclerosis. This study examined the hypothesis that the oral administration of quercetin to low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐null (Ldlr−/−) mice would improve gut health by altering the gut microbiota and controlling the levels of atherogenic lipid metabolites and proinflammatory mediators in the intestine and serum. Methods and Results: Mice were maintained on a high‐fat diet with or without oral quercetin administration for 12 weeks. Quercetin treatment suppressed body weight gains and reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic sinus. Reduced malondialdehyde and increased interleukin 6 levels further indicated the protective effect of quercetin against immune/inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin led to decreased intestinal levels of cholesterol, lysophosphatidic acids and atherogenic lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC 18:1) and an increased level of coprostanol. A phylum‐level microbial analysis revealed that quercetin treatment reduced the abundance of Verrocomicrobia and increased microbiome diversity and the abundances of Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Firmicutes. A Spearman analysis revealed negative correlations of Actinobacteria with intestinal and plasma LPC 18:1 and caecal cholesterol levels and of Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria with the plasma LPC 18:1 level. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the ability of quercetin treatment to reduce lipid levels, as well as the areas of atherosclerotic lesions and sizes of plaques. This treatment also altered the composition of the gut microbiota and decreased the levels of atherogenic lipid metabolites. Significance and Impact of the Study: Oral quercetin treatment may represent a new approach to mitigating the onset and development of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of alloys based on the Mg-Al-Zn-Ca-Mn system (Mg-3Al-1Zn-1Ca-0.3Mn, Mg-3Al-1.5Zn-0.5Ca-0.3Mn, and Mg-3Al-1Ca-0.3Mn, wt pct) was developed for extrusion. Their mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile testing at room temperature, and compared to those of the benchmark Mg-alloy Mg-3Al-1Zn-0.3Mn (AZ31). The microstructures of the extruded alloys were characterized in detail in order to reveal the effect of Ca on microstructural evolution, and consequently the alloy strength. The addition of Ca to the AZ31 stifles dynamic recrystallization and grain growth, with only ~30 pct recrystallization and a recrystallized grain size of ~480 nm. In contrast, the benchmark alloy is essentially completely recrystallized with an average grain size of ~2.3 μm. A high density of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and dislocations were observed in Ca-containing alloys, and were identified as a major factor in the observed strengthening. Such LAGBs form cellular subgrains predominantly along initial grain boundaries, or newly formed boundaries that are closely spaced (~ 600 nm) and nearly parallel to the extrusion direction. The subgrains have an ultrafine size of 100 to 400 nm, and difficult to convert to recrystallized grains. Solute segregation to grain boundaries was also observed. It is hypothesized that it is the Ca segregation to dislocation cores along LAGBs that decreases the dislocation mobility and stabilizes LAGBs, by thermodynamically decreasing the dislocation energy and/or kinetically imposing a solute drag effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplant density is an important factor which has impacts on rice growth and development in transplanted rice production system. Present study used three transplant densities in paddy field experiment and set as D1 (transplant spacing of 20 cm x 24 cm, about 2.085 hundred thousand hills for each hectare), D2 (transplant spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm, about 2.603 hundred thousand hills for each hectare) and D3 (transplant spacing of 20 cm x 16 cm, about 3.120 hundred thousand hills for each hectare). The results showed that high density (D3) not only reduced the net photosynthetic rate and LAI values at heading stage, but also decreased dry matter accumulation and transportation compared to D1 density. The highest yield was recorded in D1 density and the lowest yield was recorded in D3 density. Study also revealed that high density caused yield loss by decreasing the grain number and seed-setting rate. Furthermore, high density also increased chalk rice rate and chalkiness while reducing the amylose content. The activity of sucrose synthase (SS) in D3 was significantly lower than D1 and it might relate to the reduction of grain quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model construction is a kind of knowledge engineering, and building retrieval models is critical to the success of search engines. This article proposes a new (retrieval) language model, called binary independence language model (BILM). It integrates two document-context based language models together into one by the log-odds ratio where these two are language models applied to describe document-contexts of query terms. One model is based on relevance information while the other is based on the non-relevance information. Each model incorporates link dependencies and multiple query term dependencies. The probabilities are interpolated between the relative frequency and the background probabilities. In a simulated relevance feedback environment of top 20 judged documents, our BILM performed statistically significantly better than the other highly effective retrieval models at 95% confidence level across four TREC collections using fixed parameter values for the mean average precision. For the less stable performance measure (i.e. precision at the top 10), no statistical significance is shown between the different models for the individual test collections although numerically our BILM is better than two other models with a confidence level of 95% based on a paired sign test across the test collections of both relevance feedback and retrospective experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culture media affects the yield and quality of tomato. Knowledge about the tomato yield formation in response to culture media is still needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of culture media on yield, growth, photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme of different tomato varieties. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Baiyun Experimental Base of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong, China, three culture media treatments viz. soil culture cultivation treatment, substrate cultivation treatment and hydroponics cultivation treatment were applied. Four represented tomato varieties viz. Xinxing 101, Jinbaolai, Kaidi and Xiariyangguang were used as materials. The result showed that, the substrate cultivation and hydroponics produced higher yield than soil culture treatment due to higher dry weight accumulation, fruit weight, and net photosynthetic rate at seedling stage and mature stage. The yield showed significant correlation with individual fruit weight (R2 = 0.8205, P < 0.01), net photosynthetic rate in leaves at seedling stage (R2 = 0.7189, P < 0.05). The SPAD value and antienzyme activity vary among different planting patterns, cultivars and growth stages. Further study to observe the quality of tomato fruits and nutrition of the tomato plant under different culture media is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lignin plays an important role in increasing the mechanical intensity of culm and improving lodging resistance of culm. In this study, three common buckwheat, Youqiao2 (lodging‐tolerant cultivar; YQ2), Ningqiao1 (middle lodging‐tolerant cultivar; NQ1) and Ukraine daliqiao (lodging‐susceptible cultivar; UD), were used to investigate the effects of spraying exogenous hormones uniconazole (S‐3307) or gibberellic acid (GA3) on lignin metabolism and its relation to lodging resistance in the three common buckwheat cultivars. Results showed that application of S‐3307 significantly increased lignin content and its related enzymes activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), 4‐hydroxy cinnamoyl CoA ligase (4CL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POD). The major genes involved in lignin synthesis, PAL, CCR (cinnamyl CoA reductase), C4H (cinnamate4‐hydroxylase), 4CL and CCoAOMT (caffeoyl CoA O‐methyltransferase), were all upregulated expression, and COMT (catechol‐O‐methyltransferase) was downregulated. What is more, application of S‐3307 significantly improved the resistance of common buckwheat stem to lodging and increased yield. Whereas, spraying with GA3 caused opposite effect on those characteristics. These results suggested that application of exogenous S‐3307 or GA3 significantly changed the risk of lodging occurred by regulating the lignin metabolism in culms of common buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waxy wheat shows special starch quality due to high amylopectin content. However, little information is available concerning the development and degradation of amyloplast from waxy wheat endosperm. To address this problem, waxy wheat variety, Yangnuo 1, and a non-waxy wheat variety, Yangmai 13, were chosen to investigate the development and degradation of endosperm amyloplast during wheat caryopsis development and germination stage respectively using histochemical staining and light microscopy. Changes of morphology, the soluble sugar and total starch content were indistinguishable in the process of caryopsis development of two wheat varieties. The developing endosperm of non-waxy was stained blue-black by I2-KI while the endosperm of waxy wheat was stained reddish-brown, but the pericarp of waxy and non-waxy wheat was stained blue-black. In contrast to nonwaxy wheat, endosperm amyloplast of waxy wheat had better development status and higher proportion of small amyloplast. During seed germination many small dissolution pores appeared on the surface of endosperm amyloplast and the pores became bigger and deeper until amyloplast disintegrated. The rate of degradation of waxy wheat endosperm amyloplast was faster than non-waxy wheat. Our results may also be helpful to the use of waxy starch in food and nonfood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waxy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is grown throughout the world for its specific quality. Fertilization and planting density are two crucial factors that affect waxy wheat yield and photosynthetic capacity. The objectives of the research were to determine the effects of fertilization and planting density on photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and yield components of waxy wheat, including Yield, SSR, TGW, GNPP, GWPP, PH, HI, Pn, Gs, Ci, E and WUE using the method of field experiment, in which there were three levels (150, 300, and 450 kg ha-1) of fertilizer application rate and three levels (1.35, 1.8, and 2.25 × 106 plants ha-1) of planting density. The results suggested that photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and yield components had close relationship with fertilization levels and planting density. Under the same plant density, with the increase of fertilization, Yield, SSR, TGW, GNPP, GWPP, HI, Pn, Gs, E and WUE increased and then decreased, PH increased, but Ci decreased. Under the same fertilization, with the increase of plant density, Yield, SSR, TGW, GNPP, GWPP, HI increased and then decreased, PH, Pn, Gs and E increased, PH and WUE declined. The results also showed that F2 (300 kg ha-1) and D2 (1.8 × 106 plants ha-1) was a better match in this experiment, which could obtain a higher grain yield 4961.61 kg ha-1. Consequently, this combination of fertilizer application rate and plant densities are useful to get high yield of waxy wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (Cu–TiO2) using different methods aiming at the production of highly efficient visible light photocatalysts. Photocatalytic H2 evolution rates obtained from methanol/water mixtures revealed no significant influence of the presence of copper oxides on the photoreaction upon visible light illumination. The photocatalytic H2 production rates were evaluated upon illumination with different spectral ranges (≥420 nm or ≥500 nm) and the results evidenced that the visible light induced charge carrier formation on the Cu–TiO2 photocatalysts consists of two distinct pathways: the direct excitation of TiO2 and the induced excitation by the so-called surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of the Cu nanoparticles on the TiO2 surface. Both pathways are present when the full visible range of the spectrum is used (≥420 nm), while for illumination at longer wavelengths (≥500 nm), the photocatalytic activity is solely promoted by the Cu-SPR effect. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and laser flash photolysis measurements were performed to clarify the underlying mechanism of Cu–TiO2 photocatalysts upon visible light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the average energy of the $\gamma$ -photon ( $E_{\mathrm {a},\mathrm{ph}}$ ) is calculated and the correlation between $\log E_{\mathrm{a},\mathrm{ph}}$ and the logarithm of the synchrotron peak frequency ( $\log\nu_{\mathrm{p}}$ ) is discussed for a sample of 620 BL Lac objects. The results show that there exists a positive correlation between the $\gamma$ -photon energy and the synchrotron peak frequency for BL Lac objects, which implies that the $\gamma$ -ray emissions are related to the low-energy emissions of radio to X-ray bands, and the high energetic $\gamma$ -ray emissions are only partially from the synchrotron self-Compton process (SSC) for BL Lac objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Vitamin D status has been hypothesized to protect against development of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) via its anti-inflammatory properties and its possible beneficial influence on blood pressure control. We investigated the association between vitamin D status and prevalent early AMD in a community-based cohort. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: This was a secondary data analysis of already existing data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) cohort collected from 1990 to 1995. Participants: There were 9,734 (7,779 Caucasians, 1,955 African American) ARIC participants (aged 46 to 70 at visit 2 [1990-1992]) with 25(OH)D data available at visit 2, AMD assessment at visit 3 (1993-1995), and complete covariate data. Measurements: Vitamin D status was assessed with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations from bloods drawn at visit 2. Prevalent, early AMD (n=511) was assessed at visit 3 (1993-95) with nonmydriatic retinal photographs of one randomly chosen eye. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for early AMD by categories of 25(OH)D in nmol/L (deficient <30, inadequate 30-<50, and two categories of adequate status: 50-<75 and ≥75). Linear trend was estimated using continuous 25(OH)D concentrations. ORs were adjusted for age, race, and smoking status. We further adjusted for hypertension status to examine if vitamin D status influenced early AMD via its effects on blood pressure. Exploratory analyses of effect modification by age, sex, race and high risk genotypes [Y402H complement factor H ( CFH) rs1061170 and the A69S age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) rs10490924 polymorphisms] were conducted. Results: The prevalence of early AMD was 5%, and 5% of participants were vitamin D deficient. The adjusted OR (95% CIs) for early AMD among those with adequate (=75 nmol/L) compared to deficient (<30 nmol/L) vitamin D status was 0.94 (0.59-1.50), p-trend=0.86. Further adjustment for hypertension status did not influence results (OR [95% CI]=0.95 [0.59-1.52], p-trend=0.84). Results did not vary significantly by age, race, sex, early AMD subtype (soft drusen or retinal pigment epithelium depigmentation), or ARMS2 genotype. Results did not vary significantly by CFH genotype in African Americans. The p for multiplicative interaction between 25(OH)D and CFH genotype was 0.06 in Caucasians, but OR [95% CIs] for AMD by vitamin D status were similar in each CFH genotype and not statistically significant. Conclusion: Vitamin D status was not associated with early AMD in this cohort sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common nasal disorder in children that is prone to recurrence. This study investigated the prevention of chronic rhinosinusitis recurrence with bacteria lysate in children.Methods:Bacteria lysate was administered 10 days per month for 3 months to children with chronic rhinosinusitis, who had just entered a remission phase. Visual analogue score, nasal symptoms scores, rhinitis attack frequency and antibiotic use were assessed at three months and one year.Results:At one year of follow up, the visual analogue score, nasal discharge and obstruction scores, number of days with rhinitis attacks per month and number of days with antibiotic use per month were significantly decreased in the prevention group versus the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Bacterial lysate used in the remission period of rhinosinusitis in children was shown to provide long-term prophylaxis. Bacterial lysate can effectively reduce the frequency of rhinosinusitis attacks and ameliorate attack symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The θ′′-Al3Cu phase plays an important role in the precipitation process of Al–Cu alloys. This phase has a sandwich structure—every two {200}Culayers are separated by three {200}Allayers. To analyse the formation mechanism of this structure, the elastic strain energy of the {200}Cuand {200}Allayers, and the chemical bonding energy that reflects the interaction between the electrons in Cu and neighbouring Al atoms are calculated and analysed by first-principles calculations, projected density of states and Bader analysis. Our computation results reveal that this sandwich structure is energetically preferred in the competition of elastic strain and chemical bonding energies. To minimise the elastic strain energy of {200}Aland {200}Culayers, the {200}Culayers prefer being apart from each other, whereas the chemical bonding energy favours the opposite arrangement because the intermetallic bond between Al and Cu atoms may form throughp-dhybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeTeSe with x = 0 ∼ 0.13 polycrystalline samples was fabricated by solid-state reaction and annealed in oxygen. The magnetic and transport measurements illustrated that neither the as-grown nor the O-annealed samples with x = 0.05 showed superconductivity. The as-grown samples with x = 0.07 ∼ 0.09 also showed no superconductivity but became filamentary superconducting after the O annealing. Significant enhancement of bulk superconductivity was achieved for the O-annealed FeTeSe with x = 0.11. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements illustrated that the change of the chemical valence of the elements before and after the O annealing was not the main factor responsible for the occurrence of superconductivity. The superconducting transition was mainly caused by the suppression of antiferromagnetic ordering, due to the lattice shrinkage induced by the O annealing. These results may clarify the existing debate on the origin of the superconductivity in FeTe thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the corrosion resistance of Al2O3-SiC-C castables, super- fine TiO2 (SFT) powder was added directly to the castable with the aim of synthesizing TiC/TiN through in situ reactions. Thermodynamic calculations carried out by FactSage suggested that it was possible to synthesize TiC/TiN through in situ reactions. Analysis performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electronic microscope equipped with an energy diffraction spectrum analyzer (SEM-EDS) indicated that TiC/TiN was synthesized in the Al2O3-SiC-C castable. The corrosion resistance of Al2O3-SiC-C castables with and without 2 mass-% SFT was compared after a static crucible corrosion test with the assistance of SEM-EDS and XRD. It was clear that the corrosion resistance of Al2O3-SiC-C castables with added SFT was much better than that without added SFT. This might be associated with the location of the in situ-formed TiC/TiN solid particles in the liquid slag, which would prevent the penetration of molten slag into the structure through their effect on the viscosity increment of liquid slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory have been performed to investigate the migrations of interstitial helium (He) atoms in Au-Ag alloys with two different mass ratios (Au3Ag2 and AuAg). The results show that the migration mechanisms of He atoms mainly depend on the crystal structures of alloys, and their migration energy barriers are affected by the migration paths in Au-Ag alloys. He interstitials preferentially occupied the most stable sites, but it is difficult for He interstitials to migrate to nearest most stable sites via second stable positions at room temperature. When He atom is at the tetrahedral position which has higher formation energy, it possibly migrates to nearest tetrahedral positions directly for AuAg alloy. In addition, comparing the migration of He defects in the two alloys, we found that the properties of migration energy and relative stability of He atoms probably slightly depend on the mass-density of Au-Ag alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercial magnesium alloy was processed through multi-pass and multi-directional (unidirectional, reverse, and transverse tool movements) friction stir processing (FSP). Based on the FSP location, the dominant prior-deformation basal texture was shifted along the arc of a hypothetical ellipse. The patterns of deformation texture developments were captured by viscoplastic self-consistent modeling with appropriate velocity gradients. The simulated textures, however, had two clear deficiencies. The simulations involved shear strains of 0.8 to 1.0, significantly lower than those expected in the FSP. Even at such low shear, the simulated textures were significantly stronger. Microstructural observations also revealed the presence of ultra-fine grains with relatively weak crystallographic texture. Combinations of ultra-fine grain superplasticity followed by grain coarsening were proposed as the possible mechanism for the microstructural evolution during FSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute, intermittent exercise performed in hypoxic environments on the release of cardiac troponin ( cTn). Ten well-trained, male marathon runners (22.1 ± 2.6 years, 64.0 ± 4.9 kg and 177.3 ± 3.9 cm) completed three intermittent exercise protocols under normoxic (trial N) and hypoxic (trial AH and RH) conditions. In trial N, the fraction of inspiration oxygen ( FIO2) was 21.0% and exercise intensity was 90% and 50% normoxic velocity of VO2max ( vVO2max). In trial AH, FIO2 was 14.4% (simulated altitude of 3000 m) and exercise intensity was 90% and 50% normoxic vVO2max. In trial RH, FIO2 was 14.4% and exercise intensity was 90% and 50% hypoxic vVO2max. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T ( hs- cTnT) and cardiac troponin I ( cTnI) were measured pre- and 0, 2, 4, and 24 h post-exercise. Hs- cTnT was elevated in all three trials, peaking at 2 to 4 h and returning to the baseline 24 h post-exercise. CTnI increased in trial AH, peaking at 2 to 4 h and returning below the detection limit 24 h post-exercise. It is concluded that the stimulus of hypoxia did not in and of itself induce more cTn to be released, but exercise intensity could affect this response in hypoxic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precipitation in a Mg-6Y-2Ag-1Zn-0.6Zr (wt pct) alloy during isothermal aging at and above 473 K (200 °C) has been examined systematically using conventional transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and three-dimensional atom probe. The precipitation involves the formation of G.P. zones, metastable γ″ and γ′ phases, and equilibrium 14H and δ phases. The G.P. zones are a single atomic layer on (0001). The γ″ is the key strengthening phase and it has an ordered hexagonal structure ( P6/mmm, a = 0.556 nm, c = 0.424 nm). The γ″ forms as (0001) plates with a thickness of a single unit cell height and tends to develop into stacks with irregular spacing when the alloy is exposed to longer aging time at 473 K (200 °C). The γ″ is gradually replaced by γ′ and 14H during prolonged aging at 473 K (200 °C) and/or temperatures above 473 K (200 °C). The equilibrium δ phase is also found in grain boundaries. The results are compared with findings in other but similar alloy systems, and approaches for enhancing γ″ nucleation rate and hence further improvement in alloy age-hardening response are discussed. The effects of Ag on precipitation are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]