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In this paper, we use the geometric-arithmetic mean inequality to build stronger uncertainty relations based on the Wigner-Yanase skew information of N observables. It is proved that, in comparison to the lower bounds given by Zhang et al. (Phys. Lett. A 387, 127029 2021) and by Zhang and Fei (Quantum Inf. Process. 20(12), 384 2021), our bounds are stronger in any interval. In addition, we construct two descending sequences of lower bounds for the uncertainty relations of N observables. Detailed examples are provided to show the advantages of our bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new set of complex dynamic localized response coefficients (LRC-NEW), related to the fast P waves, slow P waves, S waves, and electromagnetic (EM) waves, respectively, is derived to overcome the numerical inaccuracy occurring while computing the seismoelectric (SE) wave fields in stratified low-permeability porous media based on the reflectivity method. In addition, the dynamic electrokinetic coupling coefficient is modified to make it applicable for the electrical double layer of arbitrary thickness. After a thorough validation, we find that the EM waves simulated by using the known LRC expressions differ significantly with the analytical solutions when the static permeability is below 10–15 m2, while those simulated by using LRC-NEW achieve excellent fits with the analytical solutions even when the static permeability is as low as 10–20 m2. A sensitivity study demonstrates that an optimum static permeability exists where the amplitude of evanescent SE responses reaches its maximum. The normalized root-mean-square amplitude of the evanescent SE signals in low-permeability rocks such as shales is more sensitive to permeability than seismic waves, even when the interdependence of porosity and static permeability is considered. Sensitivity studies also manifest that evanescent SE responses are sensitive to salinity and water saturation even in low-permeability shales. Notably, the amplitude of the evanescent SE conversions increases monotonically with water saturation, which is much simpler than the relationship between the seismic amplitude and water saturation. Therefore, the SE method has the potential to characterize the permeability, salinity, and water saturation of low-permeability reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal meanflow with nonuniform distributions of velocity and temperature is a major challenge for acoustic analysis of a muffler in the frequency domain. On the other hand, the three-dimensional time-domain numerical method is well suited for solving the influence of meanflow on the muffler, but it is time-consuming, especially for calculating the transfer matrix that requires two sets of boundary conditions. We proposed a more efficient time-domain method to calculate the scattering matrix (SM) of an actual engine muffler using a numerical model with only one set of boundary conditions. The reciprocity, as a basic property of waves, was for the first time demonstrated in such a complex muffler with hot nonuniform flow exhausted from the engine and used to reduce the procedures for calculating the SM. The reciprocal relationship was not only expressed in the modules of the transmission coefficients in the SM but also corrected in the phases using the time delay between the incident and transmitted waves observed with the time-domain method. At last, the SM was adopted to obtain the performance of the muffler, which was validated with the measurement. The proposed method shall make the time-domain method more efficient for calculating the characterizing matrix of a muffler without or with meanflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we calculate the fragmentation functions for g → Bc and g → B c ∗ . The ultraviolet divergences in the calculation are removed through the renormalization of the operator definition of the fragmentation functions under the modified minimal subtrac- tion scheme. We then obtain the fragmentation functions D g → B c (z, μF) and D g → B c ∗ (z, μF), which are presented as figures and fitting functions. The obtained fragmentation functions are complementary to the previous work on the next-to-leading order fragmentation functions for b ¯ → Bc( B c ∗ ) and c → Bc( B c ∗ ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we make a detailed study on the production of the B c , B c ∗ , B c (2 1 S 0) , and B c ∗ (2 3 S 1) mesons via the three planned running modes (Z, W, and H) at the future Circular Electron–Positron Collider (CEPC). The fragmentation-function and full nonrelativistic QCD approaches are adopted to calculate the production cross sections. Considering the excited states shall decay to the ground B c state (e.g. 1 1 S 0 -state) with almost 100 % probability, our numerical results show that up to next-to-leading order QCD corrections, there are about 1.4 × 10 8 B c events to be accumulated via the Z mode ( s = m Z ) of the CEPC, but only about 1.6 × 10 4 and 1.1 × 10 4 B c events to be accumulated via the W ( s = 160 GeV ) and H ( s = 240 GeV ) modes, respectively. Since the Z mode is the best mode among the three planned modes of the CEPC for studying the production of the B c , B c ∗ , B c (2 1 S 0) , and B c ∗ (2 3 S 1) mesons and the differential distributions of these mesons may be measured precisely at this mode, we further present the differential cross sections d σ / (d z d cos θ) and d σ / d z via the Z mode of the CEPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an improved calculation for the decay rate of the rare Z-boson decay into J / ψ + J / ψ. This decay is dominated by the photon fragmentation mechanism, i.e., the transition Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ followed by the fragmentation γ ∗ → J / ψ. In our calculation, the amplitude of γ ∗ → J / ψ is extracted from the measured value of Γ (J / ψ → e + e -) , and the amplitude of Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ is calculate through the light-cone approach. The higher-order QCD and relativistic corrections in the amplitude of γ ∗ → J / ψ and the large logarithms of m Z 2 / m c 2 that appear in the amplitude of Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ are resummed in our calculation. Besides, the non-fragmentation amplitude is calculated based on the NRQCD factorization, and the next-to-leading order QCD and relativistic corrections are included. The obtained branching fraction for this Z decay channel is 8. 66 - 0.69 + 1.48 × 10 - 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplet-based microfluidics offers unique advantages to create platforms that fabricate functionalized particles with increased accessibility, robustness, and simplicity. Herein we present a three-phase microfluidic device that can control the flow pattern to directly generate either core–shell or hole–shell microparticles. The major benefits of this device are the ease of controlling the morphology of the compound droplets by the flow rates and thus the microstructure of the synthesized microparticles. The transition between flow patterns enables the generation of either core–shell particles or Janus particles in a single device. We further show the versatility of the proposed device in fabrication of functionalized particles: the hole size of the hole–shell microparticle can be fine-tuned while its outer diameter is kept constant, and by adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the photocurable phase, the obtained magnetoresponsive microparticle can move rotationally or translationally under an external magnetic field. We anticipate that the present method could facilitate the fabrication of the functional microparticles for diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we calculate the fragmentation functions for c → ηc and b → ηb up to next-to-leading-order (NLO) QCD accuracy. The ultraviolet divergences in the real corrections are removed through operator renormalization under the modified min- imal subtraction scheme. We then obtain the fragmentation functions D c → η c (z, μF) and D b → η b (z, μF) up to NLO QCD accuracy, which are presented as figures and fitting functions. The numerical results show that the NLO corrections are significant. The sensitives of the fragmentation functions to the renormalization scale and the factorization scale are analyzed explicitly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visual sensor of microcapsule has attracted great interest because of its application in damage reporting. In this work, a self-reactive microcapsule was designed that can report the damage via a color development. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the indicator dye was successfully encapsulated in the polymer shell adhered with surface activator. When the self-reactive microcapsules were damaged, the color of microcapsules turned into blue to highlight the damaged spot. The visual microcapsules were successfully applied for reporting the damage of shearing, pressuring and stretching in the polymer film, which illustrates the potential of proposed visual microcapsules for the surface damage reporting as a visual sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution events frequently occur in China during the winter. Most investigations of pollution studies have focused on the physical and chemical properties of PM2.5. Many of these studies have indicated that PM2.5 exacerbates asthma or eosinophil inflammation. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between bacterial loads in PM2.5, and especially pathogenic bacteria and childhood asthma. Airborne PM2.5 samples from heavily polluted air were collected in Hangzhou, China between December 2014 and January 2015. PM2.5 and ovalbumin (OVA) were intratracheally administered twice in 4-week intervals to induce the allergic pulmonary inflammation in adolescent C57/BL6 mice. PM2.5 exposure caused neutrophilic alveolitis and bronchitis. In the presence of OVA, the levels of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-12, and IL-17 were significantly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) after PM2.5 exposure, while eosinophil infiltration and mucin secretion were also induced. In addition to adjuvant effects on OVA-induced allergic inflammation, PM2.5 exposure also led to the maturation of dendritic cells. These results suggest that PM2.5 exposure may aggravate lung eosinophilia and that PM2.5-bound microbial can exacerbate allergic and inflammatory lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoproduction of P-wave doubly charmed baryon (Ξcc) is investigated in the context of future high-energy and high-luminosity e+e− colliders. The direct photoproduction via the sub-process γ + γ → Ξ cc + c ¯ + c ¯ and the resolved channel γ + g → Ξ cc + c ¯ + c ¯ are considered. Within the framework of non-relativistic QCD, the calculation encompasses four P-wave (cc)-diquark configurations: cc 3 ¯ [1P1], (cc)6[3P0], (cc)6[3P1] and (cc)6[3P2]. The two S-wave states, cc 3 ¯ [3S1] and (cc)6[1S0], are also included for comparison. The cross sections, as well as the differential distributions involving transverse momentum, rapidity, and angular variables, have been computed. Numerical results reveal that the resolved photoproduction process plays a significant role and can provide dominant contributions. The photoproduction rate of the P-wave Ξcc is approximately one order of magnitude lower than that of the S-wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to present a linear complementarity problem (LCP) method for a planar passive dynamic walker with round feet based on an event-driven scheme. The passive dynamic walker is treated as a planar multi-rigid-body system. The dynamic equations of the passive dynamic walker are obtained by using Lagrange’s equations of the second kind. The normal forces and frictional forces acting on the feet of the passive walker are described based on a modified Hertz contact model and Coulomb’s law of dry friction. The state transition problem of stick-slip between feet and floor is formulated as an LCP, which is solved with an event-driven scheme. Finally, to validate the methodology, four gaits of the walker are simulated: the stance leg neither slips nor bounces; the stance leg slips without bouncing; the stance leg bounces without slipping; the walker stands after walking several steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) microstructures are fabricated with accumulated voxels layer-by-layer in two-photon polymerization (TPP). The overlap ratio and layer spacing between two neighboring layers both affects the surface accuracy and the processing efficiency. Presented in this paper is an adaptive direct slicing method that applies tilted voxels of TPP to satisfy contour change of 3D microstructure model with given overlap ratio. It extracted the contour line from a projected image of the original 3D microstructure model. The relative position of every two adjacent points on the contour line was used to reflect the interlayer spacing and calculate the tilted angle and overlap ratio of two neighboring voxels. The optimal interlayer spacing could be determined when the overlap ratio of tilted voxels of two neighboring layers exceeded a specified overlap ratio. Both axis-symmetry revolve and complex non-symmetrical microstructures were successfully sliced with higher efficiency and accuracy. The layer number reduces more than 30% compared with the adaptive direct slicing method based on vertical voxels by appropriate selection of overlap ratio and size of voxel. Quantitative analysis shows that the staircase errors decreased significantly with this adaptive direct slicing method. Unlike traditional slicing method, smaller overlap ratio and larger voxel benefits reducing layer number but has little effect on precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is thought to be caused in part by the age-related accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain. Recent findings have revealed that nitric oxide (NO) modulates the processing of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and alters Aβ production; however, the previously presented data are contradictory and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still incomplete. Here, using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with wild-type APPwt, we found that NO, derived from NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), bi-directionally modulates APP processing in vitro. The data from ELISA and Western blot (WB) tests indicated that SNP at lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 μM) inhibits BACE1 expression, thus consequently suppresses APP β-cleavage and decreases Aβ production. In contrast, SNP at higher concentrations (10 and 20 μM) biases the APP processing toward the amyloidogenic pathway as evidenced by an increased BACE1 but a decreased ADAM10 expression, together with an elevated Aβ secretion. This bi-directional modulating activity of SNP on APP processing was completely blocked by specific NO scavenger c-PTIO, indicating NO-dependent mechanisms. Moreover, the anti-amyloidogenic activity of SNP is sGC/cGMP/PKG-dependent as evidenced by its reversal by sGC/PKG inhibitions, whereas the amyloidogenic activity of SNP is peroxynitrite-related and can be reversed by peroxynitrite scavenger uric acid. In summary, these present findings predict a double-edged role of NO in APP processing in vitro. Low (physiological) levels of NO inhibit the amyloidogenic processing of APP, whereas extra-high (pathological) concentrations of NO favor the amyloidogenic pathway of APP processing. This preliminary study may provide further evidence to clarify the molecular roles of NO and NO-related signaling in AD and supply potential molecular targets for AD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-propelled diffusiophoresis, induced by an asymmetric concentration gradient field, provides a new strategy to manipulate micro-objects (like some cells and colloids) in solutions. One example is the autonomous motion of the double-faced Janus microparticle (platinum coating on one half of a silica particle) due to a chemically catalyzed reaction (reduction of hydrogen peroxide) on the Pt surface. In this paper, a systematic method is developed to describe the details of self-propulsion and rotation of Janus microparticles, despite the difficulty induced by particle non-uniformity. From the measurement, we found that the particles presented a three-stage behavior of the dimensionless mean square displacement, and their displacement probability distribution formed a double-peaked structure. These results show the intrinsic characteristics and the non-Gaussian behavior of Janus particle's self-propulsion. Furthermore, the rotational motion is characterized by the rotational angle variation and the rotational diffusion coefficient. These results show that Brownian rotation still dominates the Janus microparticle's rotational motion, though the measured rotational diffusion coefficient presents an anomalous tendency. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased soil salinization is among the main factors that limits safe rice production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been shown to alleviate the toxic effects of salt stress in plants. However, more studies on AMF combined with other functional microorganisms are needed to further improve salt tolerance in rice. Therefore, the compound inoculum Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) together with two functional microorganisms, Piriformospora indica (Pi) and Agrobacterium rhizogenes (Ar) was evaluated for their effect on the rice growth, photosynthetic gas exchange parameters, ion homeostasis, and the expression of salt tolerance-related genes under 0, 80, 120 and 160 mM salt stress conditions. The results showed that: (1) the rice seedling biomass of the AMF compound inoculant treatment group was significantly higher than that of the non-inoculation treatment group (P < 0.05); (2) under NaCl stress, inoculation with AMF compound inoculants can activate the rice antioxidant enzyme system and improve osmoregulation ability; (3) AMF compound inoculants can increase the concentration of K+ in the plant and inhibit the transfer of Na+ to rice leaves, maintaining a high K+/Na+; and (4) AMF compound inoculants could induce and regulate the overexpression of genes related to salt tolerance, photosynthesis and ion homeostasis in rice, and improve the tolerance of rice under salt stress. Our study showed that AMF compound inoculants could improve the adaptability of rice under NaCl stress and promote plant growth by regulating the photosynthetic gas exchange parameter, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability, and ion homeostasis of plants. These results suggest that AMF compound inoculants may play an important role in improving rice productivity in salinized soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence that free radicals play an important role in neuronal damages induced by diabetes mellitus or cerebral ischemia insults. Antioxidants with free radical scavenging activities have been shown to be beneficial and neuroprotective for these pathological conditions. Here, we report free radical scavenging activity and neuroprotective potential of D138, one copper(II)/zinc(II) Schiff-base complex derived from N, N′-2(2-hydroxynaphthylmethylidene)-1,3-propanediamine. The data from three in vitro assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, nitro blue tetrazolium assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, indicated that D138 presented a potent free radical scavenging activity. The neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of D138 were further evaluated in vivo using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) mouse model and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic mouse model. Our results indicated that treatment of D138 significantly ameliorated the hippocampal neuronal damage and the oxidative stress levels in these animal models. Moreover, D138 also reversed the behavioral deficiencies induced by BCCAO or STZ, as assessed by Y-maze test and fear conditioning test. In conclusion, all these findings support that D138 exerts free radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities and has the potentials to be a potent therapeutic candidate for brain oxidative damage induced by cerebral ischemia or diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the non-relativistic quantum chromodynamics factorization framework, we study the inclusive J/ψ photoproduction at the future high energy e+e− collider, International Linear Collider(ILC), where the initial photons come from the back-scattering of laser and electron (positron). The intermediate states, c c ¯ (3 S 1 1 ,1 S 0 8 ,3 S 1 8 , 3 P 0 , 1 , 2 8 ), and resolved photoproduction processes are considered. Numerical results show that the cross section of J/ψ photoproduction at the ILC could be very large, and the single resolved pro- cess via c c ¯ (3 S 0 8 ) intermediate state dominates primarily the production. We also present various kinematic distributions for J/ψ photoproduction. Combining the high luminosity of the collision, J/ψ photoproduction at the ILC shall provide a good platform to test the NRQCD factorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct measurement of slip length is based on the measured fluid velocity near solid boundary. However, previous micro particle image velocimetry/particle tracking velocimetry (microPIV/PTV) measurements have reported surprisingly large measured near-wall velocities of pressuredriven flow in apparent contradiction with the no-slip hypothesis and experimental results from other techniques. To better interpret the measured results of the microPIV/PTV, we performed velocity profile measurements near a hydrophilic wall ( z = 0.25-1.5 μm) with two sizes of tracer particles (ϕ 50 nm and ϕ200 nm). The experimental results indicate that, at less than 1 μm from the wall, the deviations between the measured velocities and no-slip theoretical values obviously decrease from 93% of ϕ200 nm particles to 48% of ϕ50 nm particles. The Boltzmann-like exponential measured particle concentrations near wall were found. Based on the non linear Boltzmann distribution of particle concentration and the effective focus plane thickness, we illustrated the reason of the apparent velocity increase near wall and proposed a method to correct the measured velocity profile. By this method, the deviations between the corrected measured velocities and the no-slip theoretical velocity decrease from 45.8% to 10%, and the measured slip length on hydrophilic glass is revised from 75 nm to 16 nm. These results indicated that the particle size and the biased particle concentration distribution can significantly affect near wall velocity measurement via microPIV/PTV, and result in larger measured velocity and slip length close to wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new goodness-of-fit test for parametric conditional probability distributions using the nonparametric smoothing methodology. An asymptotic normal distribution is established for the test statistic under the null hypothesis of correct specification of the parametric distribution. The test is shown to have power against local alternatives converging to the null at certain rates. The test can be applied to testing for possible misspecifications in a wide variety of parametric models. A bootstrap procedure is provided for obtaining more accurate critical values for the test. Monte Carlo simulations show that the test has good power against some common alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, 3 β-caffeoxyl-1 β,8 α-dihydroxyeudesm-4(15)-ene ( 1), together with two known compounds including ludongnin V ( 2) and isoneorautenol ( 3), were isolated from the roots of Pteris multifida. Their structures were determined by spectral and chemical methods, with their antibacterial activities being evaluated by the microdilution technique, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ent-kaurane diterpenoid glucoside, 7 α,14 β,15 α-trihydroxy-ent-kaur-16-ene-1 α-O- β-Dglucopyranoside ( 1), along with three known compounds, quercetin-3-O- β-D-glucoside ( 2), kaempferol-3- O- β-D-glucopyranoside ( 3), and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside ( 4), was isolated from the roots of Rabdosia excisa. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. Compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this plant for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we study the properties of the Z-boson hadronic decay width by using the O (α s 4) -order quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections with the help of the principle of maximum conformality (PMC). By using the PMC single-scale approach, we obtain an accurate renormalization scale-and-scheme independent perturbative QCD (pQCD) correction for the Z-boson hadronic decay width, which is independent to any choice of renormalization scale. After applying the PMC, a more convergent pQCD series has been obtained; and the contributions from the unknown O (α s 5) -order terms are highly suppressed, e.g. conservatively, we have Δ Γ Z had | PMC O (α s 5) ≃ ± 0.004 MeV. In combination with the known electro-weak (EW) corrections, QED corrections, EW–QCD mixed corrections, and QED–QCD mixed corrections, our final prediction of the hadronic Z decay width is Γ Z had = 1744. 439 - 1.433 + 1.390 MeV, which agrees with the PDG global fit of experimental measurements, 1744.4 ± 2.0 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To avoid corrosion in sea water environment and conductive failures under external loads, a highly durable and anti-corrosion film with sandwich structure embedded with silver nanowires was fabricated as a flexible strain sensor. The effects of film size and ambient temperature on the conductivity of the sensor were studied separately. The silver nanowire-embedded strain sensor showed high durability and remained stable even after multiple bending. The PDMS coating could prevent the conductive layer from the external environment effectively. It is found that the sensor can be used effectively in sea water condition. Furthermore, the sensor connected on the steel sheet was applied in the real-time detection of microstrain in the tensile test, and the relationship between ΔR/R0 and strain illustrated high linear relationship and sensitivity. The good durability and anti-corrosion property of the conductive film showed the highly potential application to be used as a flexible strain sensor in salt-water condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Ginsenosides are the main bioactive components of Panax plants which could be secreted by root and show autotoxicity to root cells or promote the growth of soil-borne pathogens. However, comprehensive understanding of the effect of ginsenosides on soil microbiota is still lacking. Methods: The ginsenosides in root exudates of P. notoginseng were quantified and exogenous ginsenosides on soil microbiota were tested using 16S rRNA and ITS gene tag sequencing. Then its underlying mechanism was deciphered through studying effects of ginsenosides on growth of the ginsenoside-modified culturable fungi and bacteria as well as the relationships between these fungi and bacteria. Results: Exogenous root exudates and mixtures of Rg1 + Rb1 + Rd had similar ability to drive the change of soil microbiota. Further studies demonstrated that Rg1 + Rb1 + Rd mixture could enrich or suppress special fungi and bacteria to modify soil community through differential utilization of carbon source during the early stage (30 days), followed by antagonism between ginsenoside-modified fungi and bacteria to determine soil microbial community modification at later stage (60 and 90 days). Conclusions: Ginsenosides were the main substances in exogenous root exudates of P. notoginseng that drove the change in soil microbiota, mediating the special interaction between the plant and the microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the state-of-the-art of software visualization. To ensure reproducibility, we adopted the Systematic Literature Review methodology. That is, we analyzed 1440 entries from IEEE Xplore and ACM Digital Library databases. We selected 105 relevant full papers published in 2013–2019, which we classified based on the aspect of the software system that is supported (i.e., structure, behavior, and evolution). For each paper, we extracted main dimensions that characterize software visualizations, such as software engineering tasks, roles of users, information visualization techniques, and media used to display visualizations. We provide researchers in the field an overview of the state-of-the-art in software visualization and highlight research opportunities. We also help developers to identify suitable visualizations for their particular context by matching software visualizations to development concerns and concrete details to obtain available visualization tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiropolymers have gained a great deal of interest from both academic and industrial fields by virtue of their unique geometric structures and physical properties. Herein, we prepared a series of spirocopolymers through the catalyst-free four-component spiropolymerization of diisocyanides, activated alkynes, and two different kinds of monomers with reactive carbonyl groups. It is found that the polymerization reactivity of monomers, feeding modes, and feed ratios play significant roles in spirocopolymerization. Monomers with high reactivity and feeding reactive monomers first contribute to improving the molecular weights and yields of the polymers. The constructed copolymers have two different kinds of spiro structures, which is confirmed by the nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, the spirocopolymers display the unique cluster-triggered emission and aggregation-induced emission properties, and their emission properties can be well-modulated by altering the ratio of comonomers. It is highly anticipated that this line of research will enrich the methodology of multi-component spiropolymerization, and provide a new insight into developing spiropolymers with various spiro structures and tunable properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal transport scoring systems can assess severity before and after transport, improve transport efficiency, and predict the occurrence of critical illness. The aim of this study was to compare four neonatal transport scoring methods to predict mortality risk and clinical utility within the first week after transportation. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. All patients were full-term, out-born neonates. Each patient was assessed by the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), Mortality Index for Neonatal Transportation (MINT), Transport-Related Mortality Score (TREMS), and Neonatal Critical Illness Score (NCIS) scoring methods. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) for each method were compared for their utility in predicting mortality risk within the 1st week after admission. In total, 368 full-term infants were included (368/770, 47.8% of all transported infants). Within the 1st week after admission, five infants (1.36%, 5/368) died while receiving advanced life support and full treatment, and 24 infants (6.52%, 24/368) died soon after they were discharged against medical advice. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the MINT, TRIPS, TREMS, and NCIS for the prediction of mortality were 0.822, 0.827, 0.643, and 0.731, respectively (all p < 0.05). However, the clinical net benefits for the MINT and TRIPS were far superior than those for the NCIS and TREMS. Conclusion: It was concluded that the TRIPS and MINT might be more suitable for the prediction of mortality in full-term, out-born neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within the 1st week after transportation. What is Known: • Neonatal transport scores can assess not only the mortality risk during transportation but also the mortality risk of critically ill newborns after admission to the NICU. • The effectiveness of neonatal transport scores in predicting mortality risk is different. What is New: • Our data indicate that the diagnostic efficacy of the MINT, TRIPS, and NCIS in the prediction of full-term infant mortality was high. • The TRIPS and MINT scores had better clinical utility and could be used to predict mortality within the 1st week after transportation in full-term out-born neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated neurological and psychiatric effects and explore possible pathogenic mechanisms. This study included 77 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Neurological manifestations were evaluated by well-trained neurologists, psychologists, psychiatric presentations and biochemical changes were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and electronic medical records. Eighteen (23.4%) patients presented with neurological symptoms. Patients with neurological presentations had higher urea nitrogen, cystatin C, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and lower basophil counts. Among them, patients with muscle involvement had higher urea nitrogen and cystatin C levels but lower basophil counts. In addition, patients with psychiatric presentations were older and had higher interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels and higher alkaline phosphatase, R-glutamate transferase, and urea nitrogen levels. Moreover, patients with anxiety had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels than those without, and patients with moderate depression had higher CD8 + T cell counts and lower CD4 + /CD8 + ratios than other patients. This study indicates that the central nervous system may be influenced in patients with COVID-19, and the pathological mechanisms may be related to direct virus invasion of the central nervous system, infection-mediated overreaction of the immune system, and aberrant serum pro-inflammatory factors. In addition, basophils and cystatin C may also play important roles during these pathological processes. Our findings suggest that neurological and psychiatric presentations should be evaluated and managed in patients with COVID-19. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of maximum conformality (PMC) has been suggested to eliminate the renormalization scheme and renormalization scale uncertainties, which are unavoidable for the conventional scale setting and are usually important errors for theoretical estimations. In this paper, by applying PMC scale setting, we analyze two important inclusive Standard Model Higgs decay channels, $$H\rightarrow b\bar{b}$$ and $$H\rightarrow gg$$ , up to four-loop and three-loop levels, respectively. After PMC scale setting, it is found that the conventional scale uncertainty for these two channels can be eliminated to a high degree. There is small residual initial scale dependence for the Higgs decay widths due to unknown higher-order $$\{\beta _i\}$$ terms. Up to four-loop level, we obtain $$\Gamma (H\rightarrow b\bar{b}) = 2.389\pm 0.073 \pm 0.041$$ MeV and up to three-loop level, we obtain $$\Gamma (H\rightarrow gg) = 0.373\pm 0.030$$ MeV, where the first error is caused by varying $$M_H=126\pm 4$$ GeV and the second error for $$H\rightarrow b\bar{b}$$ is caused by varying the $$\overline{\mathrm{MS}}$$ -running mass $$m_b(m_b)=4.18\pm 0.03$$ GeV. Taking $$H\rightarrow b\bar{b}$$ as an example, we present a comparison of three BLM-based scale-setting approaches, e.g. the PMC-I approach based on the PMC-BLM correspondence, the $$R_\delta $$ -scheme and the seBLM approach, all of which are designed to provide effective ways to identify non-conformal $$\{\beta _i\}$$ -series at each perturbative order. At four-loop level, all those approaches lead to good pQCD convergence, they have almost the same pQCD series, and their predictions are almost independent on the initial renormalization scale. In this sense, those approaches are equivalent to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a new analysis on the P-wave charmonium annihilation into two photons up to next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD corrections by using the principle of maximum conformality (PMC). The conventional perturbative QCD prediction shows strong scale dependence and deviates largely from the BESIII measurements. After applying the PMC, we obtain a more precise scale-invariant pQCD prediction, which also agrees with the BESIII measurements within errors, i.e. R = Γ γ γ (χ c 2) / Γ γ γ (χ c 0) = 0.246 ± 0.013 , where the error is for Δ α s (M τ) = ± 0.016 . By further considering the color-octet contributions, even the central value can be in agreement with the data. This shows the importance of a correct scale-setting approach. We also give a prediction for the ratio involving χ b 0 , b 2 → γ γ , which could be tested in future Belle II experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large genome size (~17000 Mb) and complicated DNA structures of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) hamper its genome sequencing. By means of flow cytometry, systematic investigations on individual chromosome sorting have been carried out to construct chromosome-specific bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries since the 1980s. Several wheat chromosome-specific BAC libraries, such as chromosome 3B, three D genome chromosomes (1D, 4D and 6D), and the short arm of chromosome 1B, have been developed, and the physical map of chromosome 3B was established in 2008. The same chromosome-based strategy is being employed by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) to establish the physical maps of the other 20 common wheat chromosomes (cv. Chinese Spring). Several projects on wheat genome sequencing are currently underway. The availability of new sequencing technologies provides new choices for sequencing of gene space of the wheat genome. The applications of flow-sorted chromosomes in wheat genome studies present some examples to analyze the complex genomes of cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new parallel model based on the analysis of photostimulated luminescence (PSL) process and existing theoretical models. While solving this model, the general expression for PSL is gained. BaFCl:Eu2+, one of the PSL materials, is prepared and a series of spectra are measured. We compared the theoretical and experimental results in terms of the decay process, the difference between two kinds of color centers and the relationship between irradiation dose and luminescent intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of cigarette laser codes is important in distinguishing the authenticity of tobacco. However, the existing character recognition methods have limited use in the identification due to the complex background in cigarette images. To address this issue, we propose a novel neural-network-based framework in this paper. Specifically, the framework includes three major steps. Firstly, a principal component analysis neural network is designed for the inclination correction progress to overcome the strong noise interferences. Then a novel algorithm is proposed to adaptively utilize the prior partition information for better character segmentation. Finally, a CNN model is designed to extract irregular features for character identification. By doing this, the proposed framework alleviates the influence of diverse backgrounds and keeps useful features at the same time. Additionally, we give an insight analysis on the character recognition based on the proposed method. The performance of the framework is evaluated on an image set composed of 100 cigarette laser code photos, whose results demonstrate that our framework can bring about 30% improvement in recognition accuracy compared to baseline methods. The good performance indicates a huge potential of our framework on practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), oxalic acid (OA), and citric acid (CA) on phytoextraction of U- and Cd-contaminated soil by Z. pendula. In this study, the biomass of tested plant inhibited significantly following treatment with the high concentration (7.5 mmol·kg−1) EDDS treatment. Maximum U and Cd concentration in the single plant was observed with the 5 mmol·kg−1 CA and 7.5 mmol·kg−1 EDDS treatment, respectively, whereas OA treatments had the lowest U and Cd uptake. The translocation factors of U and Cd reached the maximum in the 5 mmol·kg−1 EDDS. The maximum bioaccumulation of U and Cd in the single plants was 1032.14 µg and 816.87 µg following treatment with 5 mmol·kg−1 CA treatment, which was 6.60- and 1.72-fold of the control groups, respectively. Furthermore, the resultant rank order for available U and Cd content in the soil was CA > EDDS > OA (U) and EDDS > CA > OA (Cd). These results suggested that CA could greater improve the capacity of phytoextraction using Z. pendula in U- and Cd- contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic surfaces with a high contact angle and a low sliding angle are promising candidates for corrosion resistance. In general, an excellent chemical and mechanical stability is the most critical property for superhydrophobic surfaces. In this paper, we proposed a facile, effective and environment friendly method using a simple solution immersion method to fabricate a superhydrophobic surface on copper mesh. The as-fabricated superhydrophobic surface possessing dendritic rough structure and low surface energy displayed a high contact angle of 155.5°. The excellent anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties were demonstrated. The mechanical stability was also exhibited when it was subjected to an impact by a continuous stream of water. In addition, the excellent chemical stability both in acidic and alkaline solutions and the outstanding anti-corrosion effect were showed in electrochemical test due to the air pockets formed between the superhydrophobic surface and water which can well block corrosive medium. This method is facile, timing-saving and environment friendly, which can play a crucial role in practical industries application of superhydrophobic surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new photodegradable poly(furan-amine)s (PFAs) were synthesized by a one-pot, catalyst-free, multicomponent cyclopolymerization between diisocyanides, dialkylacetylene dicarboxylates, and aromatic dialdehydes. All polymerizations were conducted in toluene at 100 °C for 6 h without inert gas protection and furnished polymers with a satisfactory molecular weight (Mw up to 32200) and yield. The PFA structure was confirmed by spectroscopic techniques, such as GPC, FTIR, and NMR, as well as by comparison with a model compound. The polymers exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents and thermal stability. All the PFAs had high refractive indices in the visible light region (400 nm to 800 nm). Moreover, the PFAs were substantially degraded by UV irradiation due to the presence of furan rings. The film thickness reduction rate could be over 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a universal system control strategy for voltage source converter (VSC) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. The framework of the designed control strategy consists of five layer structures considering the topology and control characteristics of the VSC-HVDC system. The control commands sent from the topmost layer can be transmitted to the next layer based on the existing communication system. When the commands are sent to each substation, the following transmission of commands between the four lower layers are realized using the internal communication system while ignoring the communication delay. This hierarchical control strategy can be easily applied to any VSC-HVDC system with any topology. Furthermore, an integrated controller for each converter is designed and implemented considering all of the possible operating states. The modular-designed integrated controller makes it quite easy to extend its operating states if necessary, and it is available for any kind of VSC. A detailed model of a VSC-HVDC system containing a DC hub is built in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment. Simulation results based on three operating conditions (the start-up process, the voltage margin control method and the master-slave control method) demonstrate the flexibility and validity of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces cardiac inflammation and remodeling. Emerging evidence indicates that Ang II may utilize the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in mediating pro-inflammatory and profibrotic activities. However, the precise mechanism is poorly understood. Myeloid differentiation 2 (MD2), a molecule that physically binds to TLR4, confers lipopolysaccharide responsiveness and may also be involved in mediating the actions of Ang II. We hypothesize that MD2 plays an essential role in cardiac inflammation and remodeling induced by local Ang II, and inhibition of MD2 can attenuate Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction. Using a specific small molecule MD2 blocker L6H21 and the MD2 knockout mice, we show that MD2 deficiency significantly reduces cardiac inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, hypertrophy, and dysfunction in mice challenged with subc2utaneous injection of Ang II. In rat cardiomyocyte-like H9c2 cells as well as rat primary cardiomyocytes, inhibition of MD2 by L6H21 or siRNA knockdown suppressed the Ang II-induced TLR4 signaling pathway activation including MyD88 recruitment, and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and matrix protein expression. These pro-inflammatory activities of Ang II were independent of the AT1 receptor. Finally, we demonstrated the direct interaction between Ang II and MD2 protein via hydrogen bonds on Arg-90, Glu-92, and Asp-100. Ang II produces an inflammatory response and cardiac remodeling by directly binding to MD2, activating MD2/TLR4 complex, and recruiting MyD88. MD2 may be a new therapeutic target for Ang II-mediated cardiac inflammation and remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

( S)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate (( S)-CHBE) is an important chiral intermediate to synthesize the side chain of cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin. To biosynthesize the ( S)-CHBE, a recombinant Escherichia coli harboring the carbonyl reductase and glucose dehydrogenase was successfully constructed. The recombinant E. coli was cultured in a 500-L fermentor; after induction and expression, the enzyme activity and cell biomass were increased to 23,661.65 U/L and 13.90 g DCW/L which was 3.24 and 2.60-folds compared with those in the 50 L fermentor. The biocatalytic process for the synthesis of ( S)-CHBE in an aqueous-organic solvent system was constructed and optimized with a substrate fed-batch strategy. The ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate concentration reached to 1.7 M, and the ( S)-CHBE with yield of 97.2 % and enantiomeric excess ( e.e.) of 99 % was obtained after 4-h reaction in a 50-L reactor. In this study, the space-time yield and space-time yield per gram of biomass (dry cell weight, DCW) were 413.17 mM/h and 27.55 mM/h/g DCW for ( S)-CHBE production, respectively, which were the highest values as compared to previous reports. Finally, ( S)-CHBE was extracted from the reaction mixture with 82 % of yield and 95 % of purity. This study paved the foundation for the upscale production of ( S)-CHBE by biocatalysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SD0803 strain of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was isolated from a piglet in China in 2008 and has been classified as a novel subgenotype of BVDV-1. To describe the molecular features of this novel subgenotype, we sequenced and characterized the complete genome of the SD0803 virus. The genome is 12,271 bp in length and contains 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) that flank an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 3,898-amino-acid polypeptide. The full-length genome of the SD0803 strain shares 78.8 % to 83.3 % identity with those of other BVDV-1 strains, 70.0 % to 70.7 % identity with those of BVDV-2 strains, and less than 67.6 % identity with those of other pestiviruses. The highest level of shared identity was 83.3 % between the complete SD0803 genome and that of the ZM-95 strain of BVDV-1. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5′ UTR and the coding sequence for the N-terminal protease fragment of the SD0803 polyprotein indicated that the SD0803 virus is a member of the novel subgenotype BVDV-1q, isolates of which have been identified recently in dairy cattle and camels in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially coronary stent implantation, has been shown to be an effective treatment for coronary artery disease. However, in-stent restenosis is one of the longstanding unsolvable problems following PCI. Although stents implanted inside narrowed vessels recover normal flux of blood flows, they instantaneously change the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution on the vessel surface. Improper stent implantation positions bring high possibilities of restenosis as it enlarges the low WSS regions and subsequently stimulates more epithelial cell outgrowth on vessel walls. To optimize the stent position for lowering the risk of restenosis, we successfully established a digital three-dimensional (3-D) model based on a real clinical coronary artery and analysed the optimal stenting strategies by computational simulation. Via microfabrication and 3-D printing technology, the digital model was also converted into in vitro microfluidic models with 3-D micro channels. Simultaneously, physicians placed real stents inside them; i.e., they performed 'virtual surgeries'. The hydrodynamic experimental results showed that the microfluidic models highly inosculated the simulations. Therefore, our study not only demonstrated that the half-cross stenting strategy could maximally reduce restenosis risks but also indicated that 3-D printing combined with clinical image reconstruction is a promising method for future angiocardiopathy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lanthanide coordination polymers formulated as [Ln(BDC)(DMF)(HO)] [Ln = Tb ( 1), Gd ( 2)] [HBDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide] were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The coordination polymers were characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The two coordination polymers are isostructural and exhibit twofold interpenetrating pcu three-dimensional open frameworks constructed by tetradentate ligand of HBDC. The fluorescence properties of 1 and 2 were investigated at 298 or 77 K both in solid state and in CHCl solvent dispersed as suspensions. Coordination polymer 1 exhibits characteristic Tb ions emission transitions of D → F ( J = 6-2) at 77 or 298 K both in the solid-state and in CHCl solvent. Moreover, the vibrational structure of 1 is more defined at 77 K, which exhibits another two D → F and D → F transitions more than that at 298 K. The lifetimes of 1 are longer at 77 K (915.2 μs in the solid state and 874.11 μs in the CHCl solvent) than that at 298 K (866.31 μs in the solid state and 801.04 μs in the CHCl solvent), which may be caused by the increase of radiative rate and decrease of non-radiative rate at low temperature. The singlet excited state (28,653 cm) and the lowest triplet energy level (23,641 cm) of HBDC ligand were calculated based on the UV-Vis absorbance edges of ligand and the phosphorescence spectrum of Gd coordination polymer ( 2) at 77 K, showing that the effective extent of energy transfer from HBDC ligand to Tb ion. Finally, thermal behaviors of the two coordination polymers were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, which exhibit thermal stability to 250 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design: A retrospective case review. Introduction: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the non-fusion technique in achieving and maintaining the proper correction for congenital spinal deformity (CSD) and allowing normal spinal growth in patients with split spinal cord malformation (SSCM). Materials and methods: Seven patients who had CSD and SSCM were adopted, with a mean age of 8 years. All the patients in this study received Halo-gravity traction (HGT) prior to expansion of the spine and instrumentation with vertical expandable titanium prosthetic rib, growing rod or their hybrid. Five of them underwent opening wedge thoracoplasty simultaneously. And the two patients with type I SSCM underwent bony spur excision in the initial surgery before corrective manipulation. Then all the patients received a lengthened operation every six months. Changes of their major curve and length of T1-S1 spine were measured, and complications, neurological status were recorded. All the patients were followed up with an average of 32.6 months. Results: Their mean major curve improved from 90.1° to 58.6° with a correction rate of 34.9 %. The T1-S1 length increased from 26.3 to 34.7 cm at final follow-up. Especially, one of the type I SSCM patients whose neurological deterioration was found preoperatively was significantly improved. Conclusion: Preoperative Halo-gravity traction followed by non-fusion and growing instrumentation may be effective and safe for young children of CSD associated with SSCM. But it is an ongoing study and additional large multicenter studies are necessary to further assess the safety and efficacy of non-fusion and growing instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we produced a novel fusion protein (melittin-mutant human interleukin 2, melittin-MhIL-2) comprising a mutant human interleukin 2 (Arg88/Ala125) genetically linked to melittin. The plasmid pET15b-melittin-MhIL-2 (Arg88/Ala125) was transformed into E. coli for protein expression. The expressed melittin-MhIL-2 protein was purified using a series of purification steps. The interleukin 2 (IL-2) activity of melittin-MhIL-2 fusion protein was compared with recombinant human interleukin 2 (rhIL-2) for its ability to induce CTLL-2 proliferation. Moreover, the fusion protein directly inhibits the growth of human ovarian cancer SKOV cells in vitro. In an in vivo initial experiment, the fusion protein inhibited tumor growth in ovarian cancer mice. In conclusion, we generated a novel melittin-MhIL-2 fusion protein that retained functional activity of IL-2 and melittin and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescent scar contracture kyphoscoliosis is a very rare disease.Methods and Results: Here, we present the case of a 21-year-old man who was scalded due to ebullient water when he was 10 years old. Moreover, kyphoscoliosis was found when he was 12 years old and developed rapidly. Thereafter, no management was proposed before his consultation at our center. On examination, kyphoscoliosis was detected in thoracolumbar, the trunk deviated to the right on standing view, extensive contractured scar presented on the right side of the back, abdomen, chest wall, hip, right thighs and armpit anterior, especially in the right flank. A one-stage correction was deemed too risky, we therefore released contractured scar during the first stage with the defect of soft tissue protected by vacuum sealing drainage and then performed skeletal traction with halo and bilateral femoral pins. A reasonable correction was achieved without any neurological deficits 1 month after traction. Next, a second-stage operation was taken to translate a free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap to overlay the extensive defect of soft tissue. 1.5 months later, a third posterior segmental pedicle screw instrumented fusion with Smith-Peterson osteotomy between T9 and L2 was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and as there were no complications, he was discharged 10 days after the third surgery. At 2-year follow-up the patient's outcome is excellent with balance and correction of the deformity.Conclusion: Based this grand round case and relevant literature, we discuss the different options for the treatment of adolescent scar contracture scoliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Figure not available: see fulltext.] Introduction: Adolescent scar contracture kyphoscoliosis is a very rare disease. Methods and Results: Here, we present the case of a 21-year-old man who was scalded due to ebullient water when he was 10 years old. Moreover, kyphoscoliosis was found when he was 12 years old and developed rapidly. Thereafter, no management was proposed before his consultation at our center. On examination, kyphoscoliosis was detected in thoracolumbar, the trunk deviated to the right on standing view, extensive contractured scar presented on the right side of the back, abdomen, chest wall, hip, right thighs and armpit anterior, especially in the right flank. A one-stage correction was deemed too risky, we therefore released contractured scar during the first stage with the defect of soft tissue protected by vaccum sealing drainage and then performed skeletal traction with halo and bilateral femoral pins. A reasonable correction was achieved without any neurological deficits 1 month after traction. Next, a second-stage operation was taken to translate a free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap to overlay the extensive defect of soft tissue. 1.5 months later, a third posterior segmental pedicle screw instrumented fusion with Smith-Peterson osteotomy between T9 and L2 was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and as there were no complications, he was discharged 10 days after the third surgery. At 2-year follow-up the patient's outcome is excellent with balance and correction of the deformity. Conclusion: Based this grand round case and relevant literature, we discuss the different options for the treatment of adolescent scar contracture scoliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web personalized services alleviate the burden of information overload by providing right information which meets individual user’s needs. How to obtain and represent knowledge needed by users is a key issue. This paper presents Web Knowledge Flow (WKF) to represent the specific knowledge on Web pages and a model of Interactive Computing with Semantics (ICS) to provide a feasible means of generating WKF. Objective WKF (OWKF) and Real-time WKF (RWKF) are firstly proposed to satisfy staged and real-time user interests. Secondly, the generation algorithm of WKF is proposed based on Semantics Link Network. Thirdly, “interactive point” is introduced to detect the moment of user interests change to ensures the dynamics of WKF. Experimental results demonstrate that ICS can effectively capture the change of user interests and the generated WKF can satisfy user requirements accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]