Search

Fast transport of monovalent ions is imperative in selective monovalent ion separation based on membranes. Here, we report the in situ growth of crown ether@UiO-66 membranes at a mild condition, where dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) or dibenzo-15-crown-5 is perfectly confined in the UiO-66 cavity. Crown ether@UiO-66 membranes exhibit enhanced monovalent ion transport rates and mono-/divalent ion selectivity, due to the combination of size sieving and interaction screening effects toward the complete monovalent ion dehydration. Specifically, the DB18C6@UiO-66 membrane shows a permeation rate (e.g., K+) of 1.2 mol per square meter per hour and a mono-/ divalent ion selectivity (e.g., K+/Mg2+) of 57. Theoretical calculations and simulations illustrate that, presumably, ions are completely dehydrated while transporting through the DB18C6@UiO-66 cavity with a lower energy barrier than that of the UiO-66 cavity. This work provides a strategy to develop efficient ion separation membranes via integrating size sieving and interaction screening and to illuminate the effect of ion dehydration on fast ion transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of vaccination programs, the policy of terminating nonpharmaceutical interventions for preventing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic should become more flexible. The current study investigated the clinical and economic outcomes of intervention policies combining nonpharmaceutical interventions and vaccination programs for dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. An agent-based transmission model was adopted that describes how a SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads in the populations of China. The model inputs were derived from the literature and expert opinion. The following intervention policies were simulated: no intervention, strict nonpharmaceutical interventions, and nonpharmaceutical interventions for workplace, community, school and home gradually terminated by combining vaccination programs for specified age groups (vaccination age in years: 20-60, 20-70, 20-80, ≥ 20, ≥ 10 and whole population). Cumulative infections and deaths in one calendar year, costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were measured. When the vaccination program was taken up in at least the ≥ 20 years age group in all populations, nonpharmaceutical interventions for workplace and community settings could be gradually terminated because the cumulative number of infections was < 100 per 100,000 persons. Further ending nonpharmaceutical interventions in school and home settings could not meet the target even when the vaccination program had been taken up in all populations. When cumulative deaths were used as the endpoint, nonpharmaceutical interventions in workplace, community and school settings could be gradually terminated. Vaccine efficacy and coverage have substantial impacts. Terminating nonpharmaceutical interventions in workplace settings could produce the lowest cost when vaccination programs are taken up at least in the ≥ 10 years age group; this method dominates most intervention strategies due to its lower costs and higher QALYs. According to our findings, nonpharmaceutical interventions might be gradually terminated in Chinese settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) combined with annulus fibrosus repair in the treatment of single-segment lumber disc herniation (LDH) in young and middle-aged patients. Methods: Ninty-six patients with single-segment LDH admitted to Baoding First Central Hospital from March 2021 to November 2022 were selected in the retrospective study. The patients were divided into endoscopic group and combined group according to different surgical methods. The surgical conditions, VAS score and ODI score the two groups of patients were compared, as well as the postoperative review results. Results: There were 50 patients in the endoscopic group the average operation time was 43.68 ± 10.77 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 35.38 ± 10.02 ml, there were seven cases of surgical segment recurrence and 10 cases of postoperative intervertebral instability at the surgical segment. There were 46 patients in the combined group, the average operation time was 52.26 ± 8.39 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 39.23 ± 9.02ml, there was one case of surgical segment recurrence and two cases of surgical segment intervertebral instability. The operation time (t=-4.328, P<0.01), postoperative recurrence cases (Χ2=4.386, P<0.05) and intervertebral instability cases (Χ²=5.366, P<0.05) of the two groups of patients). The difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (t=-1.965, P>0.05). For six months after surgery, the differences in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups were statistically significant. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the VAS scores and ODI scores of the two groups of patients at each time point after surgery compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of PTED combined with annulus fibrosus repair showed better clinical efficacy than PTED alone, and it can reduce the occurrence of surgical segment recurrence and intervertebral instability, suggesting that PTED combined with annulus fibrosus repair may be worthy of promotion in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in the treatment of multi-segmental lumbar disc herniation (msLDH). Methods: From January 2021 to December 2021, 75 patients with msLDH admitted to Baoding No.1 Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and divided into PTED group (n=40) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) group (n=35) according to different surgical methods. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA) scores were compared between the two groups. Results: In the PTED group, the average operation time was 57.45±12.01minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 50.57±16.69ml. There were three patients with surgical complications, including one case of hematoma, one case of aggravation of neurological symptoms and one case of new onset of neurological symptoms. In the PLIF group, there were 12 cases undergoing single-segment operation, 15 cases undergoing double-segment operation and 8 cases undergoing three-segment operation, the average operation time was 137.26±34.64minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was 456.06±33.06ml, there were four cases of wound fat liquefaction or delayed healing, two cases of hematoma, and three cases of exacerbation of original neurological symptoms or new neurological symptoms. At one month, six months, and one year of postoperative, the ODI and JOA scores of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those preoperative, and the ODI scores of the PTED group were better than those of the PLIF group (t=3.131, 2.263, 3.768, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The surgical effect of PTED in the treatment of LDH is similar to that of PLIF. However, PTED has the advantages of short operation time, less blood loss, fewer surgical complications, and high surgical safety. It is worthy of clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Anoectochilus (Orchidaceae) from Guangxi, China, A. zhongshanensis, is described here, which was identified based on phylogenetic studies adopting combined plastid markers (rbcL-matK-trnL-F), morphological observation and chemical analysis. Molecular phylogenetic results support the systematic status of A. zhongshanensis as a new species in Anoectochilus genus. Morphologically, this new species is similar to A. zhejiangensis and A. malipoensis, but differs by its characteristic labellum and column, including the hastate or scalpel-shaped lobes of epichile, forward curved and pinnately divided cristate lobes at both sides of the mesochile and inverted triangle column wings. Furthermore, HPLC-ELSD analysis of these three species revealed the interesting chemotaxonomic difference that the principle and characteristic lactone glycoside in this new species was kinsenoside, rather than its diastereoisomer, goodyeroside A, a major glycoside in A. zhejiangensis and A. malipoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) in an epidemiological setting. Methods: The study summarized the clinical and laboratory data of 2210 GBC Chinese patients in the authors' hospital. A total of 17 influencing factors for GBC, including gender, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and lipid indexes were analyzed using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results: Based on the results of univariate logistic regression, the risk of GBC was significantly and positively correlated with serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, FINS, HOMA-IR, being female, BMI, DM, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and gallbladder stone disease (GSD), and significantly negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and FBG concentrations in serum, as well as hypertension. According to multivariate analysis, FINS was significantly positively associated with GBC risk, while DM showed an insignificant negative association; FBG was also not important. The most significant independent factor of GBC risk in patients with DM was HOMA-IR. Fasting blood glucose levels showed a significant negative relationship with GBC in patients with DM. In addition, this study indicated a significantly negative association between serum RBP levels and GBC. Conclusions: The findings of the current study revealed that the efficient treatment of insulin resistance is an important approach for decreasing GBC risk, as opposed to lowering blood sugar only, particularly in patients with DM. Interestingly, FBG may have had an inverse association with the development of GBC in patients with type 2 DM. Of note, the study found that a dramatic initial drop in RBP may help predict the occurrence of GBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana), a fast-spreading invasive insect, has been causing damage to popular landscape plants in at least 17 states in the United States since 2004. This invasive insect has a list of documented plant hosts in ~23 genera, which includes its primary hosts, crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), as well as other important plant species, such as pomegranates, apple, and the native plant American beautyberry. Previous studies have shown CMBS causes different levels of feeding damage among its plant hosts, while the underlining plant defense mechanisms toward CMBS attacks remain elusive. A better understanding of plant-CMBS interactions and how CMBS performs under different plants (e.g., a susceptible vs. a resistant host) can provide valuable guidance for integrated pest management. Therefore, in this study, we conducted the age-stage, two-sex table study analysis to evaluate the biological parameters of CMBS on different species or cultivars of crapemyrtle under laboratory conditions (25 °C and 250 μmol·m-2·s-1 light with a photoperiod of 12 hours:12 hours (light:dark). Crapemyrtle bark scale development was found to be greatly influenced by the hosts. This study aims to provide important biological and ecological data on CMBS using a comprehensive life table study to gain a thorough understanding of its development, survival, and fecundity on different crapemyrtle species or cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Internet technology, modern wireless communication technology and new sensor technology, an intelligent protection and monitoring system of lightning disaster was established to collect lightning current (lightning intensity, frequency and time), induced lightning current and leakage Current of surge protector (SPD), earthing resistance, working voltage, temperature and humidity in the lightning environment and other data in real time. Through the online analysis of visual data and automatic alarm beyond the preset value of cloud platform, it can realize the intelligent online monitoring and management of lightning protection devices, providing scientific and reliable lightning protection technical support for lightning protection and disaster reduction, and ensuring the smooth development and efficient management of lightning protection safety work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cnidium monnieri Cusson (Apiaceae) has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies showed its active compound, osthole, had a good effect on osteoporosis. But there was no comprehensive analysis. Objective: This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of osthole on osteoporotic rats and provides a basis for future clinical studies. Methods: Chinese and English language databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Weipu Chinese Sci-tech periodical full-text database, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database) were searched from their establishment to February 2021. The effects of osthole on bone mineral density, osteoclast proliferation, and bone metabolism markers were compared with the effects of control treatments. Results: To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to evaluate osthole for the treatment of osteoporosis in rats. We included 13 randomized controlled studies conducted on osteoporotic rats. Osthole increased bone mineral density (standardized mean difference [SMD]=3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.08-4.09), the subgroup analysis showed that BMD significantly increased among rats in osthole <10mg/kg/day and duration of osthole treatment >2months. Osthole improved histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical parameters, also inhibited osteoclast proliferation and bone metabolism. Conclusions: Osthole is an effective treatment for osteoporosis. It can promote bone formation and inhibit bone absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior of three austenitic stainless steels with basial composition of 20Cr25Ni (R1, SR1 and R1Al) was investigated in supercritical CO 2 at 650℃. R1 was cold-rolled, SR1 was solution-annealed and R1Al was R1 with aluminum addition. The results indicate that solution annealing enhanced the corrosion resistance, reducing weight gain by 37.9% and mitigating preferential corrosion. Adding aluminum to R1 further improved its corrosion resistance, decreasing weight gain by 75.5% and eliminating preferential corrosion. The oxide film structure of R1 is SiO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 from the inside out, while that of R1Al is Al 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , and spinel oxides. • Three high-Cr stainless steels were prepared, showing great corrosion resistance in SC-CO 2. • Solution annealing improved the corrosion resistance of cold rolled stainless steel. • Al addition modifies the structure of oxide film, significantly improving corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deposit morphologies and sedimentary characteristics are direct threads for investigating rock avalanches. However, these two characteristics and mobility become ambiguous because of the initial discontinuity sets. Therefore, experiments were conducted with different initial configurations of blocks (the long axis of the blocks perpendicularly placed to the strike of the inclined plate EP, parallel to the strike of the inclined plate LV, perpendicular to the inclined plate LP, randomly R and without the blocks NB as a control experiment) and different slope angles in this study. The experimental materials comprised both block and granular materials to simulate large blocks and matrixes, respectively, in natural rock avalanches. The results revealed that the mobility of the mass flows was enhanced at LV, LP and R configurations, whereas it was restricted at the EP configuration. The mobility decreased with the increase in slope angles at LV configurations. Strand protrusion of the blocks made the elevation of the deposits at LV configuration larger than that at EP, LP, and R configurations. An alternate deflection of the blocks for the bending moment that was created during the lateral spread of the mass flows was responsible for creating zigzag structures. Varying degrees of deflection of the blocks demonstrated different levels of collision and friction in the interior of the mass flows; the most intensive collision was observed at EP. In the mass deposits, the blocks' orientation was affected by their initial configurations and the motion process of the mass flows. This research would provide more ideas for investigating rock avalanches' surface morphologies and sedimentary characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of high-dose recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) treatment on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in patients with idiopathic dwarfism. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated records of idiopathic dwarfism patients treated at Anhui Children's Hospital or the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between May 2019 and October 2020. The study identified 76 patients, which were divided based on rhGH treatment dosage into high- and low-dose groups. Results: The high-dose group showed a total efficacy of 95.3%, which was significantly higher than the 79.41% observed in the low-dose group (P<0.05). Moreover, height, weight, IGF-1 levels, and IGFBP-3 levels were all significantly elevated in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (P<0.05). No significant difference in adverse reaction incidence was observed between high-(9.5%) and low-dose (8.8%) groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Higher doses of rhGH can provide improved curative effects in patients with idiopathic short stature, likely via elevated levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the Green's function method, we have investigated spin Hall conductance (SHC) in a four terminal quantum spin Hall insulator. The results show that the intrinsic spin orbit coupling in a HgTe/CdTe hetero-structure interface naturally leads to separate probability distributions for the two spins in coordinate space, which leads to the spin Hall effect in our proposed device. We also find that the SHC of bulk states exhibits an oscillatory behavior as a function of the device width and persists at a broad device width. In addition, we calculate the effects of disorder on the SHC of the bulk states of non-trivial and trivial topology. The results indicate that the spin up and spin down conductances show different degrees of suppression by disorder; thus the SHC could be significantly enhanced by the disorder. This kind of property has a great value to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the consensus control problem of multi‐agent systems (MAS) with distributed parameter models. Based on the framework of network topologies, a second‐order PI‐type iterative learning control (ILC) protocol with initial state learning is proposed by using the nearest neighbor knowledge. A discrete system for proposed ILC is established, and the consensus control problem is then converted to a stability problem for such a discrete system. Furthermore, by using generalized Gronwall inequality, a sufficient condition for the convergence of the consensus errors between any two agents is obtained. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by two numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a kind of Ni-based superalloy specially designed for additive manufacturing (AM) was investigated. Thermo-Calc simulation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were used to determine phases and their transformation temperature. Experimental specimens were prepared by laser metal deposition (LMD) and traditional casting method. Microstructure, phase constitution and mechanical properties of the alloy were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission scanning electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile tests. The results show that this alloy contains two basic phases, γ/γ', in addition to these phases, at least two secondary phases may be present, such as MC carbides and Laves phases. Furthermore, the as-deposited alloy has finer dendrite, its mean primary dendrite arm space (PDAS) is about 30-45 μm, and the average size of γ' particles is 100-150 nm. However, the dendrite size of the as-cast alloy is much larger and its PDAS is 300-500 μm with secondary and even third dendrite arms. Correspondingly, the alloy displays different tensile behavior with different processing methods, and the as-deposited specimen shows better ultimate tensile stress (1,085.7±51.7 MPa), yield stress (697±19.5 MPa) and elongation (25.8%±2.2%) than that of the as-cast specimen. The differences in mechanical properties of the alloy are due to the different morphology and size of dendrites, γ', and Laves phase, and the segregation of elements, etc. Such important information would be helpful for alloy application as well as new alloy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) is critical for synaptic plasticity and learning, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here we identified different types of proteins that interact with PP2B, including various structural proteins of the postsynaptic densities (PSDs) of Purkinje cells (PCs) in mice. Deleting PP2B reduced expression of PSD proteins and the relative thickness of PSD at the parallel fiber to PC synapses, whereas reexpression of inactive PP2B partly restored the impaired distribution of nanoclusters of PSD proteins, together indicating a structural role of PP2B. In contrast, lateral mobility of surface glutamate receptors solely depended on PP2B phosphatase activity. Finally, the level of motor learning covaried with both the enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions of PP2B. Thus, PP2B controls synaptic function and learning both through its action as a phosphatase and as a structural protein that facilitates synapse integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the initial flushing effect, many pollutants are carried in runoff in the early stage of rainfall, which is an important source of water quality degradation in urban receiving water bodies. In this paper, the initial flushing effect on two new permeable pavements (perforated pipe and gravel pipe) in an area of low-permeability clay is studied through parameter fitting, calculation and comparison. Compared with ordinary pavement and conventional permeable pavement, the initial flushing effects of runoff pollutants on different pavements were tested and simulated. Results indicated that the initial flushing intensity of the two new water-permeable pavements (perforated pipe and gravel pipe) was weaker and similar in process; each showed good control on runoff water quantity and water quality, which can better control the initial flushing intensity of rainwater. Therefore, the two new water-permeable pavements (perforated pipe and gravel pipe) can be well applied to areas of low-permeability clay and effectively relieve high initial pollutant concentration in runoff, thus reducing pollution in the surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A dome-shaped macula (DSM) is an inward convexity or anterior deviation of the macular area. DSM is believed as a protective factor in maintaining visual acuity in highly myopic eyes. Objective. To investigate the correlation between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and a dome-shaped macula (DSM) in highly myopic eyes. Methods. In this retrospective and observational case series study, BCVA tests and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed in a total of 472 highly myopic eyes (refractive error ≥6.5 diopters or axial length ≥26.5 mm). CNV was detected by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and the CNV area was measured by ImageJ software. BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), and the CNV area were compared between highly myopic eyes with and without DSM. Results. The data revealed 13 eyes with DSM complicated by CNV, for an estimated prevalence of 25%. The eyes with CNV in the DSM group showed worse BCVA than those in the non-DSM group (1.59 ± 0.69 and 0.63 ± 0.64, respectively, p < 0.05), and the CNV area in the DSM group was larger than that in the non-DSM group (2793.91 ± 2181.24 and 1250.71 ± 1210.36 pixels, respectively, p < 0.05). After excluding the eyes with CNV, the DSM group had better BCVA than the non-DSM group (0.33 ± 0.17 and 0.44 ± 0.48, respectively, p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed in the CRT of eyes with CNV between the DSM group and the non-DSM group. Conclusion. These results show that DSM might be a protective mechanism for visual acuity, but its protective capability is limited. DSM eyes have better visual acuity within the protective capability. If a more powerful pathogenic factor exceeding the protective capability is present, then the eye will have more severe CNV and worse visual acuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy based on the tumor microenvironment is a feasible method for treating cancer; therefore, it is necessary to investigate the immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and the influencing factors of the immune microenvironment. Chemokines are an important factor affecting the tumor immune microenvironment. In the present study, chemokines or chemokine receptors were screened to identify those differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer compared with normal controls and associated with patient prognosis. Chemokines or chemokine receptors that are differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer tumor tissues were initially screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Next, survival analysis was performed using GEPIA, a website based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immunohistochemical staining of CXCL5 was performed in tissue microarrays (TMAs) containing 119 cases of pancreatic cancer. Histochemistry score (H-SCORE) was used to evaluate the expression of CXCL5. Next, association analysis of the H-SCORE of CXCL5 and the clinical characteristics of patients was performed, as well as Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox multivariate regression analyses. The results of the bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that CXCL5 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. High expression of CXCL5 in pancreatic cancer tissues was associated with a poor prognosis in patients in TCGA cohort. The expression level of CXCL5 in tumor tissues was significantly higher compared with that in adjacent peritumoral normal tissues in the immunohistochemical analysis. There was no significant association between CXCL5 expression in pancreatic cancer tumor tissues and clinicopathological factors. Patients with pancreatic cancer with high CXCL5 expression had a poor prognosis, as determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on the TMA dataset. The results of Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that CXCL5 was an independent factor for a poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that the chemokine CXCL5 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues; high CXCL5 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial Co/Mn/Co trilayers with a wedged Mn layer were grown on Cu(001) and studied by magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements. The bottom Co film as well as the Mn film exhibits a layer-by-layer growth mode, which allows to modify both interface roughnesses on the atomic scale by tuning the thicknesses of the films to achieve a certain filling of their topmost atomic layers. The onset of antiferromagnetic order in the Mn layer at room temperature was found at thicknesses of 4.1 (4.8) and 3.4 (4.0) atomic monolayers (ML) for a filled (half-filled) topmost atomic layer of the bottom Co film in Mn/Co bilayers and Co/Mn/Co trilayers, respectively. Magnetization loops with only one step were found for a trilayer with half-filled topmost atomic layer of the bottom Co film, while loops with two separate steps have been observed in trilayers with an integer number of atomic layers in the bottom Co film. The coercivity of the top Co film shows an oscillation with 1 ML period as a function of the Mn thickness above 10 ML, which is interpreted as the influence of the atomic-scale control of the interface roughness on the interface exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic Mn and the top ferromagnetic (FM) Co layer. The strength of the magnetic interlayer coupling between the top and bottom Co layers through the Mn layer for an integer number of atomic layers in the bottom Co layer, deduced from minor-loop measurements, exhibits an oscillation with a period of 2 ML Mn thickness, indicative of direct exchange coupling through the antiferromagnetic Mn layer. In addition, a long-period interlayer coupling of the two FM layers with antiparallel coupling maxima at Mn thicknesses of 2.5, 8.2, and 13.7 ML is observed and attributed to indirect exchange coupling of the Rudermann-Kittel- Kasuya-Yosida type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a novel air-cooled Nd:YAG laser in the venous lakes of the lips (VLL). Background: The thermal injury is one of the most important issues during laser therapy for venous lakes. Methods: Six pieces of fresh pork livers were used to provide 30 regions with a diameter of 6mm for experiment in vitro, among which 15 regions were treated by Nd:YAG laser with air cooling until the tissue turned gray-white, whereas the rest were treated without air cooling as control. The operation time of laser irradiation, the degree of temperature increase, and the depth of coagulation tissue were compared between two groups. Then, 60 VLL patients were selected for Nd:YAG laser treatment with or without air cooling. The operation time of laser irradiation, the degree of temperature increase, the postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the percentage of lesions removed within 1 month were compared. Results: In tissue studies, the treated group showed a longer operation time of laser irradiation (p < 0.01), a lower degree of temperature increase (p < 0.01), and there was no significant statistical difference in the depth of coagulation tissue (p = 0.624). In clinical studies, the treated group showed a longer operation time of laser irradiation (p < 0.01), a lower degree of temperature increase (p < 0.01), and a lower VAS score on the 1st and 2nd day, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Air cooling during Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of VLL can prolong the surgical time, but lowered tissue temperature and reduced patient pain within 2 days under the premise of ensuring the treatment effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana) is an invasive insect that was first discovered in the United States in 2004. The polyphagous feeding habit of CMBS has allowed it to infest a wide range of plant species beyond its primary host, Lagerstroemia. Using molecular approaches, we studied the genetic relationships between CMBS specimens and their hosts from different geographic locations. Naturally occurring CMBS infestations were confirmed on American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana L.), a native plant species in the United States, and spirea (Spiraea L.). The new infestation of CMBS found on Spiraea raises the alarm that other economically important crops in the Amygdaloideae subfamily (subfamily under Rosaceae) might be susceptible to CMBS attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tests on twelve circular concrete-filled steel tube stub columns with mixed red mud and three circular concrete-filled steel tube stub columns to investigate the influence of the mixed proportion of red mud on the mechanical behavior of axial compressive circular concrete-filled steel tube stub columns are reported. It is found that with the increase of red mud content, the ultimate load increases first and then decreases; on the contrary, the ultimate displacement decreases first and then increases; the specimen stress reaches the proportion limitation as the steel tube longitudinal strain is around 160 μ ε and reaches the yield limitation as the steel tubes' longitudinal strain is around 4400∼5000 μ ε. The axial compressive bearing capacity empirical formulation of concrete-filled steel tubes stub columns mixed with red mud is proposed. The theoretical calculation results agree well with those experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a non-destructive testing (NDT) method based on highly non-linear solitary waves (HNSWs) was employed to detect defects in the metal plate of an adhesive composite metal structure. Firstly, HNSWs were generated by applying impulses to a one-dimensional granular chain of steel spheres. Proof-of-concept finite element (FE) simulations were then performed using Abaqus software to investigate the reflection behaviour of HNSWs at the interface of the chain and the two-layer material with defects. The time-of-flight (TOF) of primary reflected solitary waves (PSWs) was confirmed as a good indicator for defect localisation and sizing. A HNSW generator and detector device was used in the experiment and HNSW B-scan and C-scan inspections of adhesive composite steel specimens were achieved. The TOF imaging results accurately indicated the locations of cylindrical defects in the bottom steel block. The linear correlation between the peak value of the pulsed TOF profile and the defect diameter was determined. The contours of TOF with different values were introduced to reconstruct the shape of the circular defective region. Through selecting the correct threshold of TOF, the relative error of the area surrounded by the contour compared to the actual area of the five investigated defects could be less than 6.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize rough dwarf disease is a common epidemic disease in large areas, its epidemic and occurrence mechanism is a complex process. In this paper, the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of maize rough dwarf disease in Huang - Huai - Hai plain were elaborated based on the research results of maize rough dwarf disease at home and abroad for many years, lbe epidemic of maize rough dwarf disease is affected by many factors, such as the occurrence and virus earning rate of the first generation small brown planlhopper, accumulation of virus sources on gramineous crops and weed hosts, maize variety resistance, maize sowing date, maize growth period, crop layout, tillage system, climate and ecological environment. The key factors causing the outbreak and epidemic- of maize rough dwarf disease are the planting of maize susceptible varieties, the meeting of maize seedling stage and the peak period of adult spread of the first generation of small brown planthopper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of melioidosis in China and offer a comparison of 5 commercial detection systems for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The organism was misidentified by the VITEK 2 Compact, Phoenix, VITEK mass spectrometry, and API 20NE systems but was eventually identified by the Bruker Biotyper system and 16S rRNA sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • To explore the clinical effects of ultrasoundguided adductor block (UGAB) on postoperative analgesia after total knee replacement. Methods • From March 2022 to June 2022, 60 patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included. They were divided into control (n = 30) and ultrasonic groups (n = 30). They all received total knee arthroplasty. Before total knee arthroplasty, patients in the control and ultrasonic groups underwent general anesthesia and UGAB, respectively. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain. The time of the first straight leg elevation and the first landing time were recorded. Knee joint function was evaluated. Information about the dosage of tramadol intramuscular injection and the number of times patient-controlled analgesia pump pressing was collected. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were detected. Results • Compared with the control group, UGAB increased the rate of muscle contraction and relaxation and total and relaxation after total knee replacement in the ultrasonic group (P < .05). UGAB reduced VAS scores of pain during passive activity after operation (P < .05). UGAB also facilitated the first straight leg lifting time after the operation and the time of the first landing after the operation (P < .05). Meanwhile, UGAB reduced the dose of tramadol and press times of the self-control analgesia pump after operation (P < 0.05). UGAB also suppressed postoperative IL-6 and hs-CRP levels and increased postoperative joint range of motion (P < .05). Conclusion • UGAB promotes early recovery of knee function with high safety in patients undergoing total knee replacement, with reduced postoperative pain and inflammatory reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease where abnormal amyloidogenic processing of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) occurs and has been linked to neuronal dysfunction. Hypometabolism of glucose in the brain can lead to synaptic loss and neuronal death, which in turn exacerbates energy deficiency and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) accumulation. Lactate produced by anaerobic glycolysis serves as an energy substrate supporting neuronal function and facilitating neuronal repair. Vestigial-like family member 4 (VGLL4) has been recognized as a key regulator of the hypoxia-sensing pathway. However, the role of VGLL4 in AD remains unexplored. Here, we reported that the expression of VGLL4 protein was significantly decreased in the brain tissue of AD model mice and AD model cells. We further found that overexpression of VGLL4 reduced APP amyloidogenic processing and ameliorated neuronal synaptic damage. Notably, we identified a compromised hypoxia-sensitive capability of LDHA regulated by VGLL4 in the context of AD. Upregulation of VGLL4 increased the response of LDHA to hypoxia and enhanced the expression levels of LDHA and lactate by inhibiting the ubiquitination and degradation of LDHA. Furthermore, the inhibition of lactate production by using sodium oxamate, an inhibitor of LDHA, suppressed the neuroprotective function of VGLL4 by increasing APP amyloidogenic processing. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that VGLL4 exerts a neuroprotective effect by upregulating LDHA expression and consequently promoting lactate production. Thus, this study suggests that VGLL4 may be a novel player involved in molecular mechanisms relevant for ameliorating neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the correlation between elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the second trimester and ischemic placental disease (IPD). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the data of 22,574 pregnant women who delivered in the Department of Obstetrics at Hangzhou Women's Hospital from 2018 to 2020, and were screened for maternal serum AFP and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG) in the second trimester. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: elevated maternal serum AFP group (n = 334, 1.48%); and normal group (n = 22,240, 98.52%). Mann-Whitney U-test or Chi-square test was used for continuous or categorical data. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the two groups. Results: The AFP MoM and free ß-hCG MoM in the elevated maternal serum AFP group were higher than the normal group (2.25 vs. 0.98, 1.38 vs. 1.04) and the differences were all statistically significant (all P < .001). Placenta previa, hepatitis B virus carrying status of pregnant women, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), advanced maternal age (=35 years), increased free ß-hCG MoM, female infants, and low birth weight (RR: 2.722, 2.247, 1.769, 1.766, 1.272, 0.624, 2.554 respectively) were the risk factors for adverse maternal pregnancy outcomes in the elevated maternal serum AFP group. Conclusions: Maternal serum AFP levels during the second trimester can monitor IPD, such as IUGR, PROM, and placenta previa. Maternal women with high serum AFP levels are more likely to deliver male fetuses and low birth weight infants. Finally, the maternal age (=35 years) and hepatitis B carriers also increased maternal serum AFP significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heritability of chromatin states through cell division is a potential contributor to the epigenetic maintenance of cellular memory of prior states. The macroH2A histone variant has properties of a regulator of epigenetic cell memory, including roles controlling gene silencing and cell differentiation. Its mechanisms of regional genomic targeting and maintenance through cell division are unknown. Here, we combined in vivo imaging with biochemical and genomic approaches to show that human macroH2A is incorporated into chromatin in the G1 phase of the cell cycle following DNA replication. The newly incorporated macroH2A retargets the same large heterochromatic domains where macroH2A was already enriched in the previous cell cycle. It remains heterotypic, targeting individual nucleosomes that do not already contain a macroH2A molecule. The pattern observed resembles that of a new deposition of centromeric histone variants during the cell cycle, indicating mechanistic similarities for macrodomain-scale regulation of epigenetic properties of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously we reported that a group of inflammatory mediators significantly enhanced resurgent currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. To understand the underlying intracellular signaling mechanism, we investigated the effects of inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase C on the enhancing effects of inflammatory mediators on resurgent currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. We found that the extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibitor U0126 completely prevented the enhancing effects of the inflammatory mediators on both Tetrodotoxin-sensitive and Tetrodotoxin-resistant resurgent currents in both small and medium dorsal root ganglion neurons. U0126 substantially reduced repetitive firing in small dorsal root ganglion neurons exposed to inflammatory mediators, consistent with prevention of resurgent current amplitude increases. The protein kinase C inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide I also showed attenuating effects on resurgent currents, although to a lesser extent compared to extracellular signal-regulated kinases inhibition. These results indicate a critical role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases signaling in modulating resurgent currents and membrane excitability in dorsal root ganglion neurons treated with inflammatory mediators. It is also suggested that targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinases-resurgent currents might be a useful strategy to reduce inflammatory pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predeformation simultaneously changes the effective material stiffness as well as the geometric configuration and therefore may be utilized to tune wave propagation in soft phononic crystals (PCs). Moreover, the band gaps of soft PCs, as compared with those of the hard ones, are more sensitive to the external mechanical stimuli. A one-dimensional tunable soft acoustic diode based on soft functionally graded (FG) PCs is proposed. The two-way asymmetric propagation behavior is studied at the resonant frequency within the band gap. Numerical results show that the operating frequency (i.e., the resonant peak) of the soft graded acoustic diode can be altered by adjusting the mechanical biasing fields (including the longitudinal prestress and the lateral equibiaxial tension). The adjustment becomes significant when the strain-stiffening effect of the Gent hyperelastic material is properly harnessed. Furthermore, the prestress or equibiaxial tension can affect the two-way filtering of the soft FG PC in a separate and different manner. In addition, it is much easier to realize the tunable acoustic diode by exploiting soft FG materials with stronger compressibility. It is shown that the introduction of acoustic impedance is beneficial for predicting the tunable effects. The simulations and conclusions should provide a solid guidance for the design of tunable two-way unidirectional acoustic diodes made from soft hyperelastic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure field of plasma flow induced by surface-dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators in quiescent air is difficult to measure accurately due to the very slight variations in pressure of the induced flow. To solve this issue, a special pressure measurement system is designed. Several microtransient differential pressure sensors are placed on a plexiglass board that is arranged vertically to the plasma actuator to detect the inconspicuous changes of pressure gradient in the induced flow. The board is then moved in the horizontal direction, driven by the lead screw transmission. To verify the reliability of the experimental pressure field, the plasma computational model is applied to simulate the pressure distribution of plasma flow, and it is compared with the experimental results. To study how the pressure term contributes to the body force calculation of plasma flow, the measured pressure field from the experiment is regarded as the source term and substituted into Navier-Stokes equations to calculate the body force distribution. The body force neglecting the pressure term is compared with the body force that includes the pressure term. The experimental and computational results show that the pressure term is the critical factor of body force distribution, and therefore cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joins are expensive, and online aggregation over joins was proposed to mitigate the cost, which offers users a nice and flexible tradeoff between query efficiency and accuracy in a continuous, online fashion. However, the state-of-the-art approach, in both internal and external memory, is based on ripple join, which is still very expensive and even needs unrealistic assumptions (e.g., tuples in a table are stored in random order). This article proposes a new approach, the wander join algorithm, to the online aggregation problem by performing random walks over the underlying join graph. We also design an optimizer that chooses the optimal plan for conducting the random walks without having to collect any statistics a priori. Compared with ripple join, wander join is particularly efficient for equality joins involving multiple tables, but also supports θ-joins. Selection predicates and group-by clauses can be handled as well. To demonstrate the usefulness of wander join, we have designed and implemented XDB (approXimate DB) by integrating wander join into various systems including PostgreSQL, Spark, and a stand-alone plug-in version using PL/SQL. The design and implementation of XDB has demonstrated wander join's practicality in a full-fledged database system. Extensive experiments using the TPC-H benchmark have demonstrated the superior performance of wander join over ripple join. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College English course is one of the highly practical and compulsory courses. However, the traditional teaching model of current college English is seriously lagging behind modern teaching technology, and the teaching effect is not good. In response to this problem, this paper proposes the use of advanced multimedia technology and network technology in the context of "Internet plus" to construct an ecological teaching model for college English courses. This teaching model, by making full use of intelligent terminals and wireless campus networks, establishes Internet classrooms, network self-learning centres and language labs. The research results show that the ecological teaching mode realizes the transformation of the traditional teaching classroom to the multimedia and network teaching platform, enhances the modern English teaching system, and thus improves the English teaching effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effects of FK-506, cyclosporin A (CsA), and sodium hyaluronate (HA) eye drops for the treatment of botulinum toxin B (BTX-B)-induced mouse dry eye.Methods: CBA/J mice were randomized into 5 groups. The groups received treatment with eye drops containing 0.025% FK-506 combined with 0.3% HA (FK-506+HA group), 0.025% FK-506 (FK-506 group), 0.05% CsA (CsA group), 0.3% HA (HA group), or 0.9% saline (saline group) 3 days after an intralacrimal gland injection with 20 mU of BTX-B. Tear production, corneal fluorescein staining, blink rate, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured.Results: FK-506+HA eye drops increased tear production and reduced the corneal fluorescein staining scores at all time points after treatment compared with those in the saline group. Compared with those in the saline group, the tear production and severity of corneal epithelial defects in the FK-506 group were significantly improved at weeks 2 and 4. Compared with the saline eye drops, the CsA eye drops ameliorated only tear production and corneal fluorescein staining scores at week 4 after administration. The FK-506+HA, FK-506, and CsA eye drops downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in both the keratoconjunctival tissues and lacrimal glands at week 4.Conclusions: The topical application of 0.025% FK-506 combined with 0.3% HA, 0.025% FK-506, or 0.05% CsA can suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines and can alleviate the signs of dry eye. Topical application of 0.025% FK-506 combined with 0.3% HA showed the best therapeutic effect and may be a possible therapy for dry eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystal solar cells (NCs) allowfor large scale solution processing under ambient conditions, permitting a promising approach for low-cost photovoltaic products. Although an up to 10% power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been realized with the development of device fabrication technologies, the open circuit voltage (Voc) of CdTeNC solar cells has stagnated below0.7 V,which is significantly lower thanmost CdTe thin film solar cells fabricated by vacuumtechnology (around 0.8 V~0.9 V). To further improve theNC solar cells' performance, an enhancement in the Voc towards 0.8-1.0 V is urgently required. Given the unique processing technologies and physical properties in CdTeNC, the design of an optimized band alignment and improved junction quality are important issues to obtain efficient solar cells coupled with high Voc. In this work, an efficient method was developed to improve the performance and Voc of solution-processed CdTe nanocrystal/TiO2 hetero-junction solar cells. A thin layer of solution-processed CdS NC film (~5 nm) as introduced into CdTe NC/TiO2 to construct hetero-junction solar cells with an optimized band alignment and p-n junction quality, which resulted in a low dark current density and reduced carrier recombination. As a result, devices with improved performance (5.16% compared to 2.63% for the control device) and a Voc as high as 0.83 V were obtained; this Voc value is a record for a solution-processed CdTe NC solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of computed tomography (CT) images in forensic identification has been widely recognized. Such images can provide an important basis for identification of the cause of death in complicated and difficult cases, including falls from a height, drowning, explosion and gunshot cases, traffic accidents, and sudden death. However, few reports have focused on the application of CT images in cases of death caused by sharp object injuries. Therefore, the CT images and autopsy findings were compared in a case of death caused by sharp object injuries to the chest and abdomen, and the importance of CT images in cases of death from common sharp object injuries is herein discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulty of English book translation lies in the need to recognize English characters in a complex background and perform accurate classification and translation. Based on the deep generative model, this paper constructs an intelligent translation system for English books based on machine learning and proposes an improved image restoration algorithm based on LSGAN on the basis of the image restoration algorithm based on DCGAN. Moreover, this paper optimizes the structure of the LSGAN network to a certain extent, improves the stability of the network, combines context loss and perceptual loss to find the most suitable generated image for filling. In addition, based on the VAE and GAN network structure, this paper proposes an improved image restoration algorithm based on VAE-GAN to improve the integrity of English characters and perform intelligent recognition. Finally, this paper analyzes through the experimental form, and after setting the identification object, the model constructed in this paper is used for translation, the translation accuracy and classification accuracy rate are calculated, and the performance analysis is performed after the statistical data. From the research results, it can be seen that the artificial intelligence model constructed in this paper has certain practical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lightning strike accident of a residential house in the rural areas of Neijiang is analyzed through on-site investigation, and the causes are discussed. Defensive measures of lightning disasters are proposed to provide reference for the prevention of lightning disasters in the construction of new Countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human trophoblastic cell-surface marker, tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TROP2), is a newly identified marker that has a vital role in the proliferation and invasion of various tumors. However, its specific function in ovarian cancer has not been researched. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of TROP2 in the formation of ovarian cancer and its possible mechanism. TROP2 was knocked down by small interfering (si)RNA in ovarian cancer cell line, A2780. The expression of TROP2 protein following transfection was detected by western blot analysis. Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting kit-8. Cancer cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and cell invasion assays, respectively. Apoptosis-related proteins, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), were measured by western blotting. Results demonstrated that the expression levels of TROP2 were markedly downregulated by siRNA in A2780 cells compared with the control groups, which led to strong inhibition of proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, TROP2 downregulation also reduced cell migratory ability. Additionally, in the TROP2-knockout group, Bcl-2 was downregulated and Bax was upregulated compared with the control. The present study suggested that the expression of TROP2 was related to cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. TROP2 may disrupt the balance in the Bax family to participate in apoptosis regulation in A2780 cells. Therefore, the overexpression of TROP2 may have a crucial role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression by disturbing the Bax/Bcl-2 balance in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indirect model predictive control (I-MPC) is one of the reduced computational predictive strategies, used to control the modular multilevel converter (MMC). This approach operates at higher switching frequency, which is not desirable for high-power applications. This study proposes an integrated solution for MMC by combining predictive control with the classical energy balancing approach. To implement the predictive algorithm, a detailed three-phase MMC model is presented. The three-phase model includes the zero sequence voltage to reduce the switching frequency of submodules. In addition, the output power quality is enhanced, while operating at reduced switching frequency. The performance of integrated approach is experimentally validated on a laboratory prototype under balanced and unbalanced conditions. In addition, the performance of integrated approach is compared with the existing methodology in terms of output current ripple, switching frequency, computational complexity, and total harmonic distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent lower-order local buckling of H-section steel core, an improved type of buckling-restrained braces named bucklingrestrained brace with H-section steel core was proposed by the authors. This article further investigates the effect of configuration details on seismic performance of buckling-restrained braces with H-section steel core and compares two half-wavelength calculation methods for higher-order local buckling of H-section steel core. First, quasi-static cyclic tests are described on two newly designed buckling-restrained braces with H-section steel cores and another buckling-restrained brace with flat steel core. Then, Bleich's and Lundquist's methods are reviewed for evaluating half wavelength of higher-order local buckling based on elastoplastic buckling theory of plates and compared with the test results of four buckling-restrained braces with H-section steel core including the two from a previous test. It is found from the test results that due to H-section steel core's higher self-stability, the compression force fluctuation was not observed on the hysteretic loops of buckling-restrained brace with H-section steel core with even larger clearance but on the buckling-restrained brace with flat core. The buckling-restrained brace with H-section steel core was also advantageous over the buckling-restrained brace with flat core in terms of having lower compression strength adjustment factor b. A stopper in the middle of the core member and the gradual change of cross section of the core plate around the end of stiffeners could help to improve the fatigue performance of buckling-restrained braces. The test results also confirmed that Lundquist's theory was more reliable for evaluating the half wavelength of higher-order local buckling for H-section steel core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article concerns an inverse problem for a strongly coupled reaction-diffusion system, which has many applications including the cross diffusion resulted from the influence of one component on another. This inverse problem aims to determine a spatially varying coefficient in the reaction-diffusion system from internal observation data on an arbitrary subdomain. We use a new Carleman estimate to derive Hölder stability for this inverse problem. Different from the existing methods dealing with weakly or strongly coupled system, such as Fan & Chen (2012, Stability estimates for a strongly coupled parabolic system. Tamkang J. Math., 43, 137-144.) and Bellassoued & Yamamoto (2013, Carleman estimate and inverse source problem for Biot's equations describing wave propagation in porous media. Inverse Probl., 29, 115002 (20pp).), we consider the two equations governing the strongly coupled system as a whole to establish the needed Carleman estimate, assuming only that the determinant of coefficient matrix of principle terms is not zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D building model reconstruction is of great importance for environmental and urban applications. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a very useful data source for acquiring detailed geometric and topological information of building objects. In this study, we employed a graph-based method based on hierarchical structure analysis of building contours derived from LiDAR data to reconstruct urban building models. The proposed approach first uses a graph theory-based localized contour tree method to represent the topological structure of buildings, then separates the buildings into different parts by analyzing their topological relationships, and finally reconstructs the building model by integrating all the individual models established through the bipartite graph matching process. Our approach provides a more complete topological and geometrical description of building contours than existing approaches. We evaluated the proposed method by applying it to the Lujiazui region in Shanghai, China, a complex and large urban scene with various types of buildings. The results revealed that complex buildings could be reconstructed successfully with a mean modeling error of 0.32 m. Our proposed method offers a promising solution for 3D building model reconstruction from airborne LiDAR point clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the needs of characteristic agricultural production for meteorological services in Huzhou City, we use C# programming language to develop the meteorological disaster monitoring and early warning platform for characteristic agiculture in Huzhou City. This platform integrates the functions of meteorologcal and agricultural information monitoring, disaster identification and early warning, fine weather forecast product display, and data query and management, which effectively enhances the capacity of meteorological disaster monitoring and early warning for characteristic agriculture in Huzhou City, and provides strong technical support for the meteorological and agricultural departments in the agricultural meteorologcal services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]