Search

To improve the low traffic flow efficiency on highways, this study focuses on digital infrastructure construction, specifically on real-time traffic flow prediction. A multi-level framework for digital traffic infrastructure is designed and implemented. Various sensors are utilized for data acquisition. The framework involves preprocessing to eliminate redundant information, and data management through a database system. Prediction analysis is conducted using a combination of wavelet neural networks and a Shuffled Frog Leaping algorithm. The Shuffled Frog Leaping short-term traffic flow prediction algorithm and radial basis function neural networks are employed for feature extraction and model optimization. In the experiment, the traffic flow prediction model developed in this study was compared with various advanced models for performance evaluation. The average absolute error ranged from 1.6235 to 2.7482, with a mean of approximately 1.9793. The average absolute error increased by 28.53%, the average absolute percentage error decreased by about 45.8%, and the root mean square error improved by nearly 26.9%. In 15 experiments, the predictive performance showed significant enhancements in error control, fitting degree, stability, and accuracy, demonstrating the superiority and practicality of the traffic flow prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an important element for human health. Many studies have identified selenium deficiency in soil and water as an important factor in causing Keshan Disease (KD) in Northeast China. Previous studies have mainly focused on soil selenium content, staple food selenium content, and human selenium level, but there are few systematic studies on soil selenium's existing forms and their migration from soil to crops and the human body. This paper focused on inferring the barrier factors in the migration of selenium from soil to crop and the human body and transformation of its compounds. It provides a reference basis for the etiological analysis, prevention, control, and elimination of KD. The study used 121 183 samples of topsoil (0−20 cm), 30 295 soil parent samples of selenium and other geochemical indices in northeast China, and crop seeds and human hair samples from the KD endemic area. The surface soil selenium was dominantly selenium-sufficient in Northeast China. However, the soil selenium levels were generally low. The average topsoil selenium in Northeast China was 0.20 mg/kg, significantly lower than the world's average soil selenium content (0.4 mg/kg) and slightly lower than the Chinese average soil selenium content (0.24 mg/kg). Soil selenium mainly existed in strongly bounding by organic bound, with humic acid, and residue forms. The amount of selenium available to plants was sufficient in the selenium-sufficient and KD-endemic areas. However, the average selenium content of human hair was deficient, on average, with 0.16 mg/kg in KD endemic area. We assume that lower soil selenium content may be the basic factor influencing the biogeochemical deficiency of selenium in Northeast China. The sequestration of selenium by clay chemical constituents, such as iron and aluminum oxides and soil organic matter, especially in acidic soils, is another direct contributing factor to the low selenium content in biogeochemical food chain, which increases the risk of KD in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment models for acute kidney injury (AKI) after major hepatectomy that differentiate between early and late AKI are lacking. This retrospective study aimed to create a model predicting AKI through machine learning and identify features that contribute to the development of early and late AKI. Patients that underwent major hepatectomy were categorized into the No-AKI, Early-AKI (within 48 h) or Late-AKI group (between 48 h and 7 days). Modeling was done with 20 perioperative features and the performance of prediction models were measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values were utilized to explain the outcome of the prediction model. Of the 1383 patients included in this study, 1229, 110 and 44 patients were categorized into the No-AKI, Early-AKI and Late-AKI group, respectively. The CatBoost classifier exhibited the greatest AUROCC of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.671–0.847) and was found to differentiate well between Early and Late-AKI. We identified different perioperative features for predicting each outcome and found 1-year mortality to be greater for Early-AKI. Our results suggest that risk factors are different for Early and Late-AKI after major hepatectomy, and 1-year mortality is greater for Early-AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor 1 (NOD1) is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor with a crucial role in the innate immune response of cells triggered by the presence of compounds such as gamma- d -glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) present in the peptidoglycan of all gram-negative and certain gram-positive bacteria. Methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg) are functional AA with immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of increased Met and Arg supply on mRNA abundance of genes associated with innate immune response, antioxidant function, and AA metabolism during iE-DAP challenge in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). Primary BMEC (n = 4 per treatment) were precultured in modified medium for 12 h with the following AA formulations: ideal profile of AA (control), increased Met supply (incMet), increased Arg supply (incArg), or increased supply of Met plus Arg (incMetArg). Subsequently, cells were challenged with or without iE-DAP (10 μg/mL) for 6 h. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Greater mRNA abundance of NOD1 , the antioxidant enzyme SOD1 , and AA transporters (SLC7A1 and SLC3A2) was observed in the incMet cells after iE-DAP stimulation. Although increased Met alone had no effect, incMetArg led to greater abundance of the inflammatory cytokine IL - 6, and the antioxidant enzyme GPX1 after iE-DAP stimulation. The increased Arg alone downregulated NOD1 after iE-DAP stimulation, coupled with a downregulation in the AA transporters mRNA abundance (SLC7A1 , SLC7A5 , SLC3A2 , and SLC38A9), and upregulation in GSS and KEAP1 mRNA abundance. Overall, the data indicated that increased supply of both Met and Arg in the culture medium were more effective in modulating the innate immune response and antioxidant capacity of BMEC during in vitro iE-DAP stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(A) CT angiography showing IAA (yellow arrow) was distal to the left subclavian artery (red arrow). Chest computed tomography angiography showed ASD 2.7 cm, bicuspid aortic valve, the root of ascending aorta enlarged, interrupted aortic arch (IAA) (Figure 1A, yellow arrow) was distal to the left subclavian artery (Figure 1A, red arrow), descending aorta was supplied by a large number of collateral branches. Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat 2 Chen GW, Li H, Pu H. Isolated interrupted of aortic arch diagnosed using CT angiography: a case report and literature review. [Extracted from the article]

DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), a satel- lite-based cosmic-ray (CR) and gamma-ray measurement experiment, relies on its calorimeter to measure the energy of incident particles. The calorimeter adopts crystals of bismuth germanium oxide (BGO) as scintillating material, and it is designed to aim for measurements of energy ranging from 50 GeV to 100 TeV in the case of a CR nucleus. This article concerns the response of the BGO calorimeter to nucleus-type CRs. CRs with very low energy can rarely reach the detector due to the Earth’s magnetic field. A cutoff on lower energy can be observed in the energy spectrum. In this article, the cutoff is used to study the response of the calorimeter. Carbon, neon, silicon, and iron are analyzed separately in comparison with Monte Carlo simulations by Geant4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis, inflammation of the udder, is one of the most common diseases hampering milk yield of dairy cows. Methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg) are key nutrients with potential to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased supply of Met and Arg on mRNA and protein abundance associated with innate immune response and redox balance during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). Primary BMEC (n = 4 replicates per treatment) were pre-incubated for 12 h in media with the following amino acid combinations: ideal profile of amino acids (control; Con), increased Met supply (incMet), increased Arg supply (incArg), and increased supply of Met and Arg (incMetArg). Subsequently, cells were challenged with or without LPS (1 µg/mL) and incubated for 6 h. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The downregulation of SLC36A1 and SLC7A1 mRNA abundance induced by LPS was attenuated in the incArg cultures. Although challenge with LPS led to lower abundance of proteins related to the antioxidant response (NFE2L2, NQO1, GPX1), lower levels of ATG7, and lower mRNA abundance of GPX3 , we found little effect in cultures with incMet or incArg. Cultures with incMet, incArg, or incMetArg led to attenuation of the upregulation of SOD2 and NOS2 induced by LPS. Abundance of phosphorylated p65 (RELA) was greater after LPS stimulation, but the response was attenuated in cultures with incMet. The greater ratio of pRELA to total RELA in responses to LPS was also attenuated in cultures with incMetArg. The greater mRNA abundance of the proinflammatory cytokine IL1B induced by LPS was attenuated in cultures with incMet, and the same trend induced by LPS on CXCL2 was also alleviated in cultures with incArg. Overall, the data suggest that greater supply of Met and Arg alleviated the proinflammatory responses triggered by LPS through controlling the abundance of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and activity of NF-κB. Little benefit on oxidative stress induced by LPS challenge in BMEC was detected with greater supply of Met and Arg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of dietary VA supplementation on maternal and its offspring in terms of the early growth performance, antioxidant index, and tissue VA content of the goslings. Yangzhou geese aged 180 D were selected and randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups with 15 female geese and 3 male geese in each group. The geese were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 4,000, 8,000, 12,000, or 16,000 IU/kg VA. Eggs were collected from each group starting at 300 D. After hatching, 96 goslings were selected from each maternal group and randomly distributed into 2 experimental groups with factorial arrangement (6 replicates × 8 geese), including 2 levels of VA supplementations, 0 and 9,000 IU/kg. The results are as follows: (1) Different levels of maternal VA supplementation significantly affected the BW and weight gain of 7-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). The weight gain of offspring administered 9,000 IU/kg VA was significantly higher than that of offspring administered the basal diet (P < 0.05). (2) Maternal VA levels significantly affected the T3, T4, and insulin levels of the offspring (P < 0.05). (3) The GSH-PX, SOD, T-AOC, CAT, and tissue VA content of the offspring were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group than in the no VA group (P < 0.05). (4) Maternal VA levels had a significant effect on offspring GSH, GSH-PX, SOD, MDA, T-AOC, and CAT (P < 0.05). Maternal and offspring VA supplementation interact with the weight gain, tissue VA content, GSH, GSH-PX, SOD, MDA, and CAT of goslings (P < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with 12,000 IU/kg VA and offspring supplementation with 9,000 IU/kg VA was conducive to gosling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, magnetically tunable random lasing from a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) in a capillary was achieved by means of doping with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). We experimentally explored the effects of the concentration of MNPs and the amplitude and direction of the magnetic field on the emission properties of random lasing, such as threshold, envelope of the emission spectrum, and intensities. The related mechanism was also investigated theoretically. Experimental results also showed that weakly tuned effects appeared from the sample with a polymer or pure liquid crystal (LC) doped with MNPs in comparison with PDLCs. Our research would provide an additional way to achieve tunable compact LC-based lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right cardiac catheterization showed pulmonary artery pressure was 72/35/50 mmHg, pulmonary to systemic flow ratio of 1.08, and pulmonary vascular resistance was 8.34 Wood units. Cardiac and pulmonary vascular computed tomography angiography showed normal coronary artery, anomalous right superior pulmonary vein drainage to superior vena cava, and pulmonary arteriovenous fistula located in the dorsal segment of the left lower lobe. Physical examination showed short stature, webbing of the neck (Figure 1A), low hairline of neck (Figure 1B-D), gonadal dysgenesis, which are characteristic signs of the Turner syndrome, and a grade 2/6 systolic murmur was heard over the left second intercostal space. [Extracted from the article]

Measures fluorescence excitation spectra and dispersed fluorescence spectra of van der Walls complex molecules between benzyle and acetylene. Vicinity of benzene transitions; Basis of spectral shifts; Observations of vibrational predissociation for all clusters above various levels in the excited state.

We have previously reported that IL-23 receptor deficiency in MRL. lpr mice ameliorates lupus by altering the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in secondary lymphoid organs. As IL-23 may also impact thymic selection, we evaluated the effect of IL-23 on thymic T cell development in lupus-prone mice. We generated IL-23p19-deficient MRL. lpr mice and harvested their thymus at 8 weeks of age. We found that the late stage double negative DN4 population was increased in IL-23p19–/– MRL. lpr mice when compared to IL-23p19+/+ MRL. lpr mice. Despite this, mature thymocytes (CD24–TCRβ+) were decreased by more than 50% in the IL-23p19-deficient mice versus wild-type controls. This was associated with a decrease in the generation of CD8+ T cells, possibly through downregulation of the IL-7 receptor. CD8+ T cells were not only fewer in numbers but also had decreased expression of the migration-related receptors CD44 and CD62L in the thymus and spleens of IL-23p19-deficient versus wild-type mice. We propose that IL-23 promotes the development of lupus-like autoimmunity not only through T cell polarization and cytokine production in the peripheral lymphoid organs but also by influencing T cell thymic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting nonlinear impact force induced by a stopper has been widely proposed to broaden the bandwidth of energy harvesters from mechanical vibrations, but the previous studies just directly employed the stopper and did not consider the effect of inherent factors of the stopper like its type and material. This letter devotes to efficiently utilize the stopper to broaden the resonance region of the energy harvester mainly from perspective of stopper type and material. Four stopper types are taken into account including the stopper with rigid and soft materials and the spring stopper. Experimental results show that two sides followed stopper type can greatly increase the bandwidth which is much better than other considered types. Importantly, using the stopper with soft materials or the spring stopper is followed by a wider resonance region and a higher output voltage of the energy harvester compared to that with rigid materials. Moreover, agreements between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements indicate the feasibility of using the trilinear spring model to describe the nonlinear impact force which is determined by stopper type and material. The present study delivers to essentially improve the output performance of energy harvesters by selecting the efficient stopper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on chromium tolerance of maize were investigated at chloroplast level. The results showed that Cr stress significantly increased activities of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, nonphotochemical quenching, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide contents, but significantly reduced the ratios of reduced ascorbate to dehydroascorbate and reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, photochemical quenching, quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry, net photosynthetic rate, plant height and biomass, compared with control. Compared to Cr stress alone, LaCl3 significantly reduced MDA and H2O2 contents and increased other indicators under Cr stress. LaCl3 alone also enhanced above indicators except MDA and H2O2, compared with control. Our results suggested that LaCl3 improved the Cr tolerance of maize crops by upregulating the antioxidant capacity and the function of chloroplasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of steady shear flow on a weakly ordered block copolymer material was examined by in situ small angle neutron scattering. We demonstrate this material undergoes a transition from shear-induced ordering to shear-induced disordering at a fixed temperature above the quiescent disordering temperature. Current theories, which assume that the primary effect of shear flow on block copolymers is to suppress disordered concentration fluctuations, can only predict shear-induced ordering. Our results indicate that the coupling between flow and microstructure is not unique and that it can change qualitatively with shear rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that discussed a temperature-dependent nonexponential decay behavior observed from the [sup4]fluorine[sub3/2] level fluorescence of neodymium&sup3+; in sodium β"-alumina single crystals. Numerical fitting on the fluorescence decay function measured at 300 Kelvin; Description of the phonons responsible for the trailing decay; Results a double-exponential fit applied to the measured decay data.

Deals with a study of the photoluminescence spectra of gallium arsenide (GaAs)/AlGaAs multiple-quantum well structures with varying thicknesses as a function of excitation intensity and polarization. Luminescence spectra of four different multi-quantum wells with different layer thickness; Experimental details; Results and discussion.

Individual rotation-vibration levels of the formaldehyde X 1A1 state with 7400

The effect of lanthanum on the metabolism of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) in the leaves of maize seedlings under cadmium stress was investigated. The findings showed that Cd remarkably increased electrolyte leakage (EL), the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), glutathione reductase, L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and the content of reduced AsA, reduced GSH, total AsA, total GSH, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Cd, compared with control. However, Cd significantly decreased the dry biomass of roots and shoots. Treatment with La + Cd evidently increased the activities of above enzymes except MDHAR, the content of reduced AsA, reduced GSH, total AsA and total GSH, and the dry biomass of roots and shoots, compared with Cd stress alone. Meanwhile, treatment with La + Cd remarkably decreased EL and the content of Cd and MDA compared with Cd stress alone. Our results suggested that La could be used as a regulator to improve the Cd tolerance of maize for its role in the alleviation of Cd-induced oxidative damage by regulating the metabolism of AsA and GSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interference circular cylinder is introduced and placed downstream of the original circular cylinder for improving the output performance of energy harvesting from vortex-induced vibrations. The interference cylinder is fixed, but its spacing distance from the original cylinder can be adjusted. The experimental results show that the harvested power can be greatly enhanced and the bandwidth of the resonance region is also increased depending on the spacing distance and wind speed, compared to the original energy harvester without an interference cylinder. This is attributed to the fact that the flow pattern for the two cylinders changes with varying the spacing distance, resulting in distinctive characteristics of the Strouhal number and coefficients of fluctuating lift force and mean drag force. The present study gives a suggestive guidance in effectively harvesting energy from vortex-induced vibrations by adjusting the spacing distance according to the available wind speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suppression of oscillations of an elastically mounted prism under galloping by a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) with linear damping and stiffness is investigated. A model considering the dynamic coupling of the prism and the DVA is constructed, with the aerodynamic loads acting on the system represented by a quasi-steady approximation. Based on the coupled nonlinear governing equations of motion, a linear analysis is first conducted to explore the coupled frequency and damping, and the onset speed of galloping in the presence of the DVA. Subsequently, the normal form of the Hopf bifurcation for the coupled system near the onset of galloping is derived to characterize the type of instability (supercritical or subcritical), while evaluating the effects of the DVA parameters. The results show that with appropriate parametric values, the DVA has great impact on the onset speed of galloping and can significantly alleviate the oscillation amplitude of the prism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to realize the rational utilization of low-grade polymetallic symbiotic mineral resources with low input, typical copper–nickel symbiotic low-grade ores were used as the test object. After careful process mineralogy research on the ore, it was learned that the main valuable elements of the ore were Cu and Ni, and the content of these two elements was 0.16 wt.% and 0.39 wt.%, respectively. The main copper-bearing mineral in the ore was chalcopyrite, and the main nickel-bearing mineral was pentlandite Useful minerals were finely distributed in ores. Based on the properties of ore, a beneficiation process of one stage grinding copper/nickel mixed flotation copper/nickel separation was proposed. A copper concentrate with a Cu grade of 17.08 wt.% and a nickel concentrate with a Ni grade of 4.63 wt.% were obtained by separation. This study provides a lowinvestment technical solution for the rational utilization of polymetallic paragenetic mineral resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine the association of cutaneous nevi with Type 2 diabetes risk. Methods We prospectivly examined the associations between nevus count and risk of Type 2 diabetes among 26 240 men (1988-2010) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and 67 050 women (1986-2010) from the Nurses' Health Study. Information on the numbers of cutaneous nevi on arms at baseline and incident cases of Type 2 diabetes was collected using validated questionnaires. Results During 1 879 287 person-years of follow-up, we documented 9040 incident cases of Type 2 diabetes. After adjustment for age, BMI and other diabetes risk factors, greater number of nevi was associated with higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for <1, 1-5, 6-14 and ≥15 nevi were 1.00 (reference), 1.02 (95% CI 0.93, 1.13), 1.08 (95% CI 0.88, 1.34) and 1.57 (95% CI 1.15, 2.15), respectively, for men ( P for linear trend = 0.01), and 1.00 (reference), 1.07 (95% CI 1.02, 1.13), 0.98 (95% CI 0.87, 1.10), and 1.25 (1.01, 1.54), respectively, for women ( P for linear trend = 0.05). This positive association remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age, BMI, multivitamin use, smoking status, alcohol, physical activity, history of hypercholesterolaemia, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension and menopausal status (in women). Conclusions Cutaneous nevus count may represent a novel marker for development of Type 2 diabetes, suggesting a possible unique melanocytic nevus-related mechanism in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in FBXL4 have recently been recognized to cause a mitochondrial disorder, with clinical features including early onset lactic acidosis, hypotonia, and developmental delay. FBXL4 sequence analysis was performed in 808 subjects suspected to have a mitochondrial disorder. In addition, 28 samples from patients with early onset of lactic acidosis, but without identifiable mutations in 192 genes known to cause mitochondrial diseases, were examined for FBXL4 mutations. Definitive diagnosis was made in 10 new subjects with a total of 7 novel deleterious variants; 5 null and 2 missense substitutions. All patients exhibited congenital lactic acidemia, most of them with severe encephalopathic presentation, and global developmental delay. Overall, FBXL4 defects account for at least 0.7% (6 out of 808) of subjects suspected to have a mitochondrial disorder, and as high as 14.3% (4 out of 28) in young children with congenital lactic acidosis and clinical features of mitochondrial disease. Including FBLX4 in the mitochondrial diseases panel should be particularly important for patients with congenital lactic acidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the development of a theoretical model for predicting the dynamics and pull-in instability of magnetically actuated pipes conveying fluid. The equation of motion of the pipe is constructed in the presence of nonlinear magnetic forces. The lateral displacement of the pipe comprises two parts, namely, a static displacement and a perturbation displacement about the static. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the static deflection of the pipe is calculated numerically first. The computed static deflection is then used to solve the equation governing the perturbed displacement. Consequently, the pull-in and flow-induced instabilities can be determined for clamped-clamped or cantilevered boundary conditions. Results show that the flow speed can significantly affects the static deflection of the pipe and hence the pull-in magnetic force. The magnetic force, on the other hand, has a great impact on the dynamics of the pipe system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics and performances of four distinct vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) piezoelectric energy harvesters are experimentally investigated and compared. The difference between these VIV energy harvesters is the installation of the cylindrical bluff body at the tip of cantilever beam with different orientations (bottom, top, horizontal, and vertical). Experiments show that the synchronization regions of the bottom, top, and horizontal configurations are almost the same at low wind speeds (around 1.5 m/s). The vertical configuration has the highest wind speed for synchronization (around 3.5 m/s) with the largest harvested power, which is explained by its highest natural frequency and the smallest coupled damping. The results lead to the conclusion that to design efficient VIV energy harvesters, the bluff body should be aligned with the beam for low wind speeds (<2 m/s) and perpendicular to the beam at high wind speeds (>2 m/s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the velocity of fluid flow in a cantilevered pipe is successively increased, the vibration characteristics of the system may vary remarkably. This paper is concerned with exploring the evolution of the actual mode shapes of the pipe with increasing flow velocity. Results show that the mode shapes of the cantilevered system may dramatically change due to the increment of flow velocity. At higher flow velocity, these mode shapes, indeed, differ much from those of the classical cantilevered beam. When a critical mass ratio at which the so-called ‘mode exchange’ phenomenon occurs was chosen, the corresponding two modes of the cantilevered pipe would have the same shape. In addition, the nonlinear responses of the system have also been linked to the lowest three mode shapes by comparing the calculated mode shapes with the limit-cycle motions obtained experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for producing a kind of light glass-mat- reinforced thermoplastic (GMT) sheets by using a pneumatic technique is presented. The tensile and flexural properties of produced light GMT sheets, with various lengths of glass fibers and PP content, were determined experimentally. Results of the experimental investigation show that the light GMT sheets are fully suitable for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper theoretically investigates kink and kink-like waves propagating in pre-stretched Mooney-Rivlin viscoelastic rods. In the constitutive modeling, the Cauchy stress tensor is assumed to consist of an elastic part and a dissipative part. The asymptotic method is adopted to simplify the nonlinear dynamic equations in the limit of finite-small amplitude and long wavelength. Using the reductive perturbation method, we further derive the well-known far-field equation (i.e. the KdV-Burgers equation), to which two kinds of explicit traveling wave solutions are presented. Examples are given to show the influences of pre-stretch and viscosity on the wave shape and wave velocity. It is shown that pre-stretch could be an effective method for modulating the two types of waves. In addition, such waves may be utilized to measure the viscosity coefficient of the material. The competition between the effects of pre-stretch and viscosity on the kink and kink-like waves is also revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate effects of diltiazem on platelet hyper-reactivity in situations associated with endothelial injury and their possible relationship to cytosolic calcium concentration.Methods: Blood samples were collected at seven time points from 35 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) who received combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy or aspirin/ticlopidine therapy alone. Platelet expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin, production of thromboxane B(2), and cytosolic calcium concentration were measured, respectively, by whole blood flow cytometry, radioimmunoassay, and fluorospectrophotometry. The effects of diltiazem of different concentrations on expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin were also studied in vitro in blood samples from patients with chronic stable angina.Results: Of the two treatments, aspirin/ticlopidine therapy did not prevent an acute increase of expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin and plasma thromboxane B(2) five minutes and 10 minutes after first inflation and 10 minutes after PTCA, whereas combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy had a significant inhibitory effect. In the group receiving aspirin/ticlopidine therapy, there was a short term increase of platelet [Ca(2+)](i) immediately after PTCA which was significantly reduced by diltiazem treatment. Expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin was significantly inhibited in vitro by diltiazem in the concentration of 200 ng/ml or higher, but not 50 ng/ml.Conclusions: Combined diltiazem and aspirin/ticlopidine therapy significantly inhibited platelet activation that continued in the presence of conventional aspirin/ticlopidine treatment. Antiplatelet effects of diltiazem were probably a consequence of reduction of platelet [Ca(2+)](i) and may only be achieved in higher than therapeutic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: With rapid reductions in fertility and mortality, China has to face the dramatic ageing of its population. Although an ageing population is associated with greater life expectancy, and reflects a huge improvement in people's living standards and health care services, it also means that more elderly people suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The prolonged course of illness and disability associated with chronic diseases may significantly reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly people. The aims of this study were to evaluate HRQoL of elderly people living in Jinzhou, and to identify the predictors of HRQoL. Study design: Cross-sectional study with stratified sampling. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1015 elderly people (>60 years) living in the three administrative regions (Linghe, Guta and Taihe) of Jinzhou. A demographic questionnaire and Short Form-36 were employed to collect demographic variables and evaluate HRQoL, respectively. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to estimate factors related to HRQoL of the subjects. Results: Lowest HRQoL scores were obtained in the following dimensions: general health (65.44), role-emotional (69.74) and role-physical (70.20). Multiple stepwise regression showed that factors associated with HRQoL of elderly people were medical health checks, age, socio-economic status, NCDs, and various unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, excessive drinking and insufficient exercise. Conclusions: This study described overall HRQoL of elderly people in Jinzhou, and found th at medical health checks, age, socio-economic status, NCDs, smoking, excessive drinking and insufficient exercise affected HRQoL. These findings will provide a basis for recommendations regarding health management of elderly people, and will also help local government to devise appropriate health intervention strategies for promoting the health status of elderly people in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the optimal asset control of a financial company which can control its liquid reserves by paying dividends and by issuing new equity. We assume that the liquid surplus of the company in the absence of control is modeled by the diffusion model. It is a hot topic to maximize the expected present value of dividends payout minus equity issuance until the time of bankruptcy. We study this problem under consideration of the time value of ruin. By constructing two categories of suboptimal models, one with classical model without equity issuance, and the other which never goes bankrupt by equity issuance, the optimal problem is addressed. At the end, some numerical examples and interesting economic interpretations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo explore the clinical effect of the pedicled lower lid-sharing flap for full-thickness reconstruction of the upper eyelid.MethodsFrom 2009 to 2013, 13 upper eyelids with meibomian gland carcinoma (13 patients, age range 52-78 years) were excised, and immediately reconstructed with a pedicled lower lid-sharing flap used for full-thickness upper eyelid defects (up to two-thirds of the eyelid width). Traditionally, the flap is divided after 3 to 4 weeks, and the recipient site closed directly.ResultsDuring a 1-18-month follow-up period, no recurrence, lagophthalmos, hypertrophic scar, or bulky appearance was noted in any of the patients. Aesthetic results for the upper eyelid were obtained for all patients.ConclusionsWe conclude that the pedicled lower lid-sharing flap is a safe and reliable method for reconstruction of full-thickness upper eyelid defects. This procedure not only enables eyelid closure for eye protection, but also directly improves the aesthetic appearance of the face. After second-stage surgery, a stable eyelid margin and lashes with good blood supply and an acceptable cosmetic appearance with regard to symmetry of eyelid height, contour, tarsal show, and skin fold were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Bi Eu FeO ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction method with rapid liquid phase sintering process at various sintering temperatures. The dependence of structural, microstructural, electrical, and magnetic properties on sintering temperature was systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that single perovskite phase is developed in Bi Eu FeO ceramics sintered at 850 and 870 C, while secondary phases can be detected in the samples sintered at 890 C due to the volatilization of Bi ions, and the crystallinity increases with increasing sintering temperature from 850 to 890 °C. The scanning electron microscopy investigation has suggested that the grain size increases with increasing sintering temperature from 855 t o 890 C; while the pore size decreases with increasing sintering temperature from 850 to 870 C and then increases with a further increase of sintering temperature. The electrical and magnetic measurements show that the leakage current, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and magnetic properties are strongly dependent on the sintering temperature. The Bi Eu FeO ceramics sintered at 870 C have the lower leakage current, higher dielectric constant, and lower dielectric loss. The room temperature magnetization increases with increasing sintering temperature from 850 to 890 °C. The possible reason for all the above observations was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-morphology evolution of ZnO nanocrystals has been observed by the hydrothermal process. The effects of stirring time and ammonia content on the morphology evolution have been discussed, respectively. Extension of stirring time of the precursor results in morphology transformation from star-like to wire-like ZnO nanocrystals. ZnO nuclei aggregation and uniform Zn(OH)2 precipitation can readily explain these two morphologies, respectively. By increasing the ammonia content in the solution, the morphology of ZnO crystals is transformed from an irregular shape to hexagon sheets to nanorods, and the side length of ZnO crystals is decreased accordingly. Hollow structures are realized at the subsequent solution aging process. Variation of zinc ammonic complex and minimum surface energy can well explain the morphology evolution of ZnO nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO 3) ceramics were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method followed by rapid liquid phase sintering. The effect of sintering atmosphere (N 2, air and O 2) on the structure and electrical properties of BiFeO 3 multiferroic ceramics were investigated. XRD analysis revealed that N 2 sintering was effective in reducing impurity phases and improving the crystallization behavior. XPS analysis showed that fewer Fe 2+ ions but more oxygen vacancies were involved in the N 2 sintered ceramics. The SEM investigations suggested that the grain size of the BiFeO 3 ceramics sintered in nitrogen are larger than those sintered in air and O 2. Electrical measurements revealed that the ceramics sintered in N 2 showed lower leakage current, superior dielectric and ferroelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi1-xSmxFeO3 (x = 0·00-0·15) ceramics were synthesised by sol-gel technique at different Sm contents. The structural and multiferroic properties of the samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction studies show that the structure of BiFeO3 (BFO) was changed from rhombohedral R3c to orthorhombic Pnma, and the impurity phases in both were decreased due to samarium substitution. Raman spectra measurement confirms the result that structure transition occurs. Moreover, the substitution of Sm for Bi could obviously affect the Bi-O bond. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements show that the ferromagnetic property of BFO is improved by Sm substitution due to the suppressed or broken cycloid spin structure caused by the changes in the crystalline structure. Ferroelectric measurements show that Sm substitution improves the polarisation due to the significant decrease in electric leakage of the samples. Therefore, it seems a promising way to improve the multiferroic properties of BFO based materials by Sm substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present new photometry for CE Leo and V366 Cas, performed using three small telescopes in China from 2008 December to 2012 March. Using the updated Wilson–Devinney program, the photometric solutions of two binaries were deduced from new BVR light curves. Their photometric mass ratios and geometric fill-out factors are and ) for CE Leo, and for V366 Cas, respectively. By analyzing the curves, it is found that their orbital periods show a long-time increase with a light-time orbit due to a third body. The periods of the tertiary components are for CE Leo and for V366 Cas, respectively. With the existence of addition companion, those two binaries appear to be triple systems. The period increase rates are for CE Leo and for V366 Cas, respectively. This kind of period increase may be interpreted by the conservative mass transfer from the secondary component to the primary one. With periods increasing, CE Leo and V366 Cas will evolve into broken-contact configurations as predicted by the thermal relaxation oscillation theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: New photometry for the eclipsing binary BE Cephei was performed from 2008 to 2011. The light-curve synthesis indicates that it is a marginal-contact binary with a mass ratio of q =2.340(±0.009) and a degree of contact of f =6.9%(±2.3%). From the O − C curve, it is discovered that the orbital period changes show a sinusoidal curve superimposed on a downward parabola. The period and semi-amplitude of the cyclic variation are P mod =59.26(±0.52)yr and A =0. d 0067(±0. d 0010), which may be possibly attributed to light-time effect via the presence of an unseen third body. The long-term period decreases at a rate of dP/dt =−4.84(±0.31)×10−8 dyr−1, which may result from mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one, accompanied by angular momentum loss. With the period decreasing, the degree of contact will increase. Finally, the marginal-contact binary BE Cep may be evolving into a deep-contact configuration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In distributed antenna systems (DAS), multi-user interference was shown to be asynchronous, which had not been paid much attention. In this study, the authors compare the performances of the DAS under the condition of asynchronous interference (AI) with four well-known multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) algorithms namely zero-forcing (ZF), block diagonalisation (BD), signal-to-leakage-plus-noise ratio (SLNR) and dirty paper coding (DPC) algorithms. The simulation results clearly demonstrate significant performance degradations of these algorithms. To further improve the performance under the condition of AI, this study presents an improved BD algorithm and a significant improvement is shown through corresponding simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the vibration and stability properties of fluid-conveying pipes with two symmetric elbows fitted at downstream end are investigated. The fluid, after entering from the upstream end, is pushed downwards and eventually exits from the downstream end fitted with two symmetric elbows. The equation of motion is solved by means of Galerkin's method with a four-mode approximation. Calculations are conducted for cantilevered and also for pinned-pinned slender pipes. It is found that the stability of the pipe system can be greatly enhanced with such downstream elbows. The vibration frequency of the fluid-conveying pipes can be comfortably controlled due to the downstream elbows with a selection of angle of inclination. The proposed geometry configuration of fluid-conveying pipes may be useful for the design and improvement of engineering pipeline systems and fluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrically switchable two-dimensional photonic crystals were demonstrated using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal materials based on the Talbot self-imaging effect of a single photomask. With the photomask subjected to a collimated Ar laser beam operating at 488 nm, a three-dimensional spatial light intensity pattern was created due to the Talbot self-imaging effect. The spatial light intensity pattern was then recorded inside a cell filled with the liquid crystal/prepolymer mixture to create photonic crystal structures. The surface morphology of the photonic crystals was examined by an atomic force microscopy. It showed square structures with a lattice constant of ∼0.9 µm. The diffraction and electro-optical properties were also presented. This approach shows a simple and fast fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a multicolor photometry for the eclipsing binary WY Hydrae, observed on four nights of 2008 December. From our new observations and Carr’s data, the photometric solutions were deduced by using the updated W–D program. The results show that WY Hya is a detached binary with a mass ratio of q =0.970(±0.005). By analyzing the O–C curve, it is found that there exists either a continuous period increase or a cyclic variation. From Eq. , the orbital period of WY Hya secularly increases at a rate of dP/dt =+3.56(±0.37)×10−7 days/yr, which may be interpreted by some mass transfer for the near-contact configuration or tidal dissipation. From Eq. , the period and semi-amplitude of the periodic oscillation are P 3 =95.4(±4.2)yr and A =0 d .0087(±0 d .0003), respectively. This may be likely attributed by light-time effect via the presence of the assumed third body. Assumed in the coplanar orbit with the binary, the mass of the third body should be M 3 =0.18M⊙. If the unseen additional companion exists, it will extract angular momentum from the binary system. Finally, WY Hya with high fill-out factors (i.e., f 1,2 >80%), may evolve into a semi-detached configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, is the most general type of primary liver cancer. Although current treatment modalities, such as liver transplantation, resection, percutaneous ablation, transarterial embolization, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are potentially curative, these methods are not universally applicable to all of HCC patients, especially for those with poor prognosis in which no effective remedy is available. Therefore, development of novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC is urgently needed. In the current study, we developed a promising HCC-targeted gene therapy vector driven by liver cancer-specific α-fetoprotein promoter/enhancer coupled to an established platform technology. The activity of this expression vector is comparable with or even higher than that of strong cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and exhibits strong promoter activity in liver cancer cells/tumors, but has nearly no or very low activity in normal cells/organs in vitro and in orthotopic animal models in vivo. Its cancer specificity exceeds that of the CMV promoter, which expresses non-specifically in both normal and tumor cells. In addition, targeted expression of a therapeutic BikDD, a mutant of proapoptotic gene Bik effectively and preferentially killed liver cancer cells, but not normal cells and significantly repressed growth of HCC tumors, and prolonged survival in multiple xenograft and syngeneic orthotopic mouse models of HCC through intravenous systemic gene delivery. Importantly, systemic administration of BikDD by our expression vector exerted no systemically acute toxicity compared with CMV-BikDD in mice. Taken together, this study elucidates a relatively safe and highly effective and specific systemic gene therapy strategy for liver cancer, and is worthy of further development for future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present new photometric observations for the eclipsing binary DF CVn, and determined five light minimum times. By using the Wilson–Devinney code, two sets of photometric solutions were deduced from our observations in 2009. The asymmetric light curves obtained on 2009 March 5 were modeled by a dark spot on the more massive component. The results indicate that DF CVn is a W-type weak-contact binary, with a mass ratio of q ∼0.28 and an overcontact degree of f ∼20%. From the O − C curve of minimum times, it is found that there exists a cyclic variation, whose period and semi-amplitude are P 3 =17.2(±0.9) year and A =0. d 0070(±0. d 0008), respectively. This kind of cyclic oscillation may possibly result from the light-time effect due to the presence of an unseen third body. This kind of additional body may extract angular momentum from the central system. The low-amplitude changes of the light curves on a short-time scale (e.g., half a month) may be attributed to the dark spot activity, which may result in angular momentum loss via magnetic breaking. With angular momentum loss, the weak-contact binary DF CVn will evolve into a deep-contact configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of residual stress distributions in bainitic-martensitic steel welds to the transformation strains that arise when austenite decomposes on cooling has been assessed by examining the predictions of three models for a simple bead-on-plate configuration. These cover the following scenarios: case I, no phase transformations; case II, transformations with volume change effects only; case III, transformations with volume change effects and associated Greenwood-Johnson transformation plasticity. Austenite decomposition was predicted by implementing Kirkaldy's reaction rate equations as a subroutine in the finite element code Sysweld, eliminating the need for a continuous cooling transformation diagram. Predicted residual stresses were then compared and rationalised alongside measurements obtained by neutron diffraction and the contour method. It was found that serious errors in predicting the location and magnitude of the peak stresses occurred if transformations were not included, while cases II and III gave similar results generally in agreement with the stress maps. Indeed, the trends in the experimental results were intermediate between cases II and III. Differences between the models and the potential for further improvements are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichlorfon is a thermally unstable insecticide that can be easily decomposed to dichlorvos at high temperatures. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of the residues of trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues. Trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues were extracted with dichloromethane, homogenized/shaken, concentrated, and determined by LC-MS/MS. The two insecticides can be effectively separated and individually determined. The limits of detection (LODs) of trichlorfon and dichlorvos were 0.04 and 0.07 µg kg−1, respectively; the limits of quantification (LOQs) of the two insecticides were both 5 µg kg−1. The average recoveries for three spiked blank samples at 10, 20 and 40 µg kg−1 were in the range 85–106%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 10.6%, which falls in a reasonable range for the analysis of the two insecticides in animal-derived foods. The method is fit-for-purpose for the simultaneous determination of residues of trichlorfon and dichlorvos in animal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilitation, both by inter- and intra-specific neighbours, is known to be an important process in structuring plant communities. However, only a small number of experiments have been reported on facilitation in plant invasions, especially between invasive con-specific individuals. Here, we focus on how con-specific neighbours of the invasive alien plant alligator weed affect the tolerance of alligator weed to herbivory by the introduced biological control agent, Agasicles hygrophila. We conducted greenhouse and garden experiments in which invasive plant density and herbivory intensity (artificial clipping and real herbivory) were manipulated. In the greenhouse experiment, artificial clipping significantly reduced plant biomass when plants were grown individually, but when con-specific neighbours were present in the same pot, biomass was not significantly different from control plants. Similarly, when compared to control plants, plants that were subjected to herbivory by A. hygrophila produced more biomass when grown with two con-specific neighbours than when grown alone. Real herbivory also resulted in an increased number of vegetative buds, and again when two con-specific neighbours were present this effect was increased (a 55.3% increase in buds when there was no neighbour, but a 111.6% increase in buds when two con-specific neighbours were present). In the garden experiment, in which plants were grown at high density (6 plants per pot), alligator weed fully recovered from defoliation caused by insects at levels from 20–30% to 100%. Our results indicate that the con-specific association may increase the compensatory ability to cope with intense damage in this invasive plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]