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Wild licorice in China is mainly distributed in northern China, such as Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia Provinces. The origin of wild licorice has varied among historical periods. The cultivated origin of planted licorice has the same as 59.26% of wild licorice. The distribution of cultivated licorice was shifted to the northwest relative to that of wild licorice. The yield and quality of cultivated licorice vary greatly from different origins, showing a certain pattern of variation from west to east. The same batch of licorice seedlings was planted at 8 sites overlapping the main licorice production areas in China. The yield and quality of licorice in the Baicheng experimental plot were low. The yield of licorice in the Jingtai and Altay experimental plots was high, but the quality was poor. The quality of licorice in Chifeng and Yuzhong experimental sites was high, but the yield was low. Principal component analysis of environmental and soil factors generated five characteristic roots with a cumulative contribution rate of 80%, three of which were related to soil and referred to as the soil charge factor, soil water factor, and soil nutrient factor, and the load coefficients of the water and nutrient factor were the largest. Soil conditions, especially water and nutrients, might have a substantial effect on the observed changes in the licorice production area. Generally, the regulation of water and nutrients merits special attention when selecting areas for the production and cultivation of licorice. This study can provide reference for the selection of cultivated licorice production areas and the research of high-quality cultivation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the detection for different fabric types and defect kinds, an approach based on K-Singular Value Decomposition (K-SVD) dictionary learning method is designed to detect fabric defects, which remains important and challenging in the field of textile engineering. The proposed method has two main parts, namely the training and detection. The 32 defect-free fabric samples were used to train the dictionary by K-SVD. The detection process mainly consists of image segmentation, reconstruction by the trained dictionary, and detection. To improve the detection speed, the patch size was applied for detecting the defects, and the learned dictionaries were trained offline. For selecting general patch size, three patch sizes of 16 × 16 26 × 26, and 36 × 36 were used in the experiment. A comparative study found that the 26 × 26 has a comprehensive performance. The size and location of the defects were denoted by the black rectangle. Experimental results on 55 fabric samples demonstrated that the proposed method can efficiently detect different kinds of fabric defects and fabric types based on false detection rate and the correct detection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tenascin-C, a matricellular protein, is involved in brain injury. However, change of tenascin-C concentrations in peripheral blood remains unknown after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Serum tenascin-C concentrations were measured in 100 healthy controls, 108 severe TBI patients, 79 moderate TBI patients and 32 mild TBI patients. Results Serum tenascin-C concentrations of patients were significantly higher than those of controls. Tenascin-C concentrations negatively correlated with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in all patients (r = − 0.658, P < 0.001). In severe TBI patients, tenascin-C in serum significantly discriminated patients at risk of 6-month mortality (area under curve, 0.821; 95% confidence interval, 0.735–0.888) and poor outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3) (area under curve, 0.833; 95% confidence interval, 0.749–0.898) and emerged as an independent predictor for 6-month mortality (odds ratio, 1.114; 95% confidence interval, 1.008–1.233; P = 0.005), overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.085; 95% confidence interval, 1.010–1.166; P = 0.003) and unfavorable outcome (odds ratio, 1.049; 95% confidence interval, 1.014–1.076; P = 0.001). By receiver-operating characteristic analysis, serum tenascin-C concentrations had similar prognostic value compared with GCS scores. Conclusions Enhanced serum tenascin-C concentrations are closely related to trauma severity and clinical outcomes, substantializing tenascin-C as a potential prognostic biomarker after TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effect of Taichi softball (TCSB) on physical function in Chinese older adults. Eighty Chinese older adults were randomly assigned into either an experimental group experiencing four 90-minute TCSB sessions weekly for seven consecutive weeks or a control group. At baseline and 7 weeks later, all participants were asked to perform physical functional tests for both lower and upper limbs. Multiple separate Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were applied to evaluate the effects of TCSB on function-related outcomes between baseline and postintervention in the two groups. The findings indicate that a short-term and intensive TCSB training program does not only improve low limb-related physical function such as dynamic balance and leg strength, but also strengthen upper limb-related physical function (e.g., arm and forearm strength, shoulder mobility, fine motor control, handgrip strength, and fine motor function). Health professionals could take into account TCSB exercise as an alternative method to help maintain or alleviate the inevitable age-related physical function degeneration in healthy older adults. In addition, researchers could investigate the effect of TCSB exercise on physical function in special populations such as patients with different chronic diseases or neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson’s disease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plateau frostbite (PF) treatments have remained a clinical challenge because this condition injures tissues in deep layers and affected tissues exhibit unique pathological characteristics. For instance, low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can affect tissue restoration and penetrate tissues. Therefore, the effect of PEMF on PF healing should be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-frequency PEMF on PF healing systematically. Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups: normal control, partial thickness plateau frostbite (PTPF), and PTPF with low-frequency PEMF exposure (PTPF + PEMF). PTPF wounds were induced in the dorsum of the rats. The PTPF + PEMF group was exposed to low-frequency PEMF daily. During PF healing, wound microcirculation in each group was monitored through contrast ultrasonography. Wound appearance, histological observation, and wound tensile strength were also evaluated. Results showed that the rate of the microcirculation restoration of the PTPF + PEMF group was nearly 25% faster than that of the PTPF group, and wound appearance suggested that the healing of the PTPF group was slower than that of the PTPF + PEMF group. Histological observation revealed that PEMF accelerated the growth of different deep tissues, as confirmed by tensile strength examination. Low-frequency PEMF could penetrate PF tissues, promote their restoration, and provide a beneficial effect on PF healing. Therefore, this technique may be a potential alternative to treat PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the competition and transfer between atomic coherence and electromagnetically induced population grating of multi-wave mixing (MWM) in four- and five-level atomic systems. The MWM signal falls into a new type electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) window that depends on propagating directions of the related fields rather than atomic system configuration. By blocking different coupling laser beams, we experimentally distinguish different wave mixing processes. In addition, by changing the detuning of pump beams, we can observe double peaks for both EIT and MWM signals. The results may have potential applications in correlated photon-pair generations in four-wave mixing as well as six-wave mixing and quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A novel millimeter-wave radar speech sensor based on vibration detection developed in our laboratory can penetrate nonmetal barriers to obtain speech signals, which expands traditional speech detection techniques. However, the radar speech signals are usually corrupted by nonuniform noises that include radar noise, electrocircuit noise, and so on. The article, therefore, proposed an improved Wiener filter method based on wavelet entropy (WE) to suppress the nonuniform noise. The utilization of WE contributes to the high efficiency of the algorithm for suppressing nonuniform radar noise. WE point detection can provide a basis through which radar noise can be accurately estimated and updated in an adaptive manner, resulting in accurate a priori signal-to-noise ratios obtained from updated noise estimations and reduction of nonuniform noise. The results from spectrogram and mean opinion score demonstrate that the radar nonuniform noise can be reduced efficiently, and the radar speech quality was improved effectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1184-1189, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The research improves the operating efficiency of the refrigeration system. • A new distributor was designed by theoretical analysis and experimental research. • The shunt performance of the distributor is analyzed by using various evaluation indexes. • In the experimental test, the shunt performance of the new distributor is better than other distributors. This study aims to increase the heat exchange performance of finned evaporator at different temperatures. To this end, the influence of the construction design of distributors on the shunt performance of the rectifier nozzle-type critical distributor (RNCD) was analyzed in-depth. The Second-generation rectifier nozzle-type critical distributor (SRNCD) was designed and improved based on the first-generation rectifier nozzle-type critical distributor (FRNCD). The SRNCD further improved the shunt performance by reducing the internal pressure drop. The performance of air coolers installed with the FRNCD, SRNCD, Venturi distributor, and CAL distributor was experimentally examined. Several parameters were analyzed, including refrigerating capacity, overall heat transfer coefficient, unevenness of distributor, and pressure drop. The results indicated that when the temperature of the test chamber was −18 °C, the refrigerating capacity of the finned evaporator of the SRNCD was 28.19% and 23.88% higher than those of CAL and Venturi distributors, respectively. The overall heat transfer coefficient was enhanced by 29.54% and 27.38%, respectively. The critical distributor theory of the rectifying nozzle provided new thoughts for the application and promotion of the new distributor. In short, RNCD has a broad application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It was well known that the human body would produce an uncomfortable sensation when the fabric exerted a certain amount of pressure irritation on the skin. The amygdala had long been thought to be the source of negative emotion perception. However, up to now, the brain signal changes in the amygdala evoked by skin exposure pressure had not been known. Materials and methods: In this work, a series of gradually increasing contact pressure stimulus from boneless corsets was repeatedly applied to the body's waist and abdomen, and the technology of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was adopted to detect the brain response synchronously. Results: The results shown that both subjective comfort score and percent signal changes (PSCs) of amygdala decreased with the increase of skin contact pressure. When the skin pressure applied to the waist and abdomen of the human body exceeded about 1 kPa, blood oxygen level dependent signal in the amygdala was negatively activated. Besides, the degree of response of PSCs was intense than subjective evaluation, and the standard deviations of PSCs between individuals were much smaller than subjective evaluations. Conclusion: It was suggested that skin contact pressure stimulus caused the attention of the amygdala brain area. The greater the stimulus, the higher the attention, but such attention was caused by negative activation of the amygdala induced by skin discomfort. In addition, skin comfort representation based on brain perception was superior to subjective representation due to its higher response sensitivity and antipsychological interference ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are both low molecular weight lysophospholipids (LPLs), which promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via interaction with a family of specific G protein-coupled receptors. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes, which are involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. Among members of the MMP family, membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) has been recognized as an essential enzyme involved in matrix remodeling and in the migration of endothelial cells, which facilitates angiogenesis process. In our present study, we examined the effects of LPA and SIP on MT1-MMP expression and activity in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells. By Western Blot analysis and Biotrak activity assay, we showed that both LPA and SIP enhanced MT1-MMP protein expression and enzymatic activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Maximal expression appeared at 1 µM post-ligand treatment at 4 h. These observations suggest that lysophospholipids might play important roles in endothelial cell invasion by regulating the expression and activity of MT1-MMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess safety and long-term outcome of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) of epileptic foci in eloquent motor areas. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts and surgical features of 15 patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy in eloquent motor areas treated between 2017 and 2021. All patients underwent SEEG-guided RFTC as the first option. General characteristics, SEEG findings, morbidity, and seizure outcome after RFTC were analyzed to extract the potential value of SEEG-guided RFTC for epileptic foci in eloquent motor areas. There were 12 male and 3 female patients. Mean age at RFTC was 25 ± 8.5 years (range, 14–48 years), and mean duration of epilepsy before SEEG was 9.5 ± 7.0 years (range, 2–26 years). Mean follow-up period was 22.1 months (range, 8–41 months). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were negative in 2 cases, suspected focal cortical dysplasia in 10 cases, central region band heterotopias in 2 cases, and malformations of cortical development in 1 case. RFTC sites included primary precentral area (M1) (7, 46.7%), paracentral lobule (4, 26.7%), supplemental motor area (2, 13.3%), and premotor area (2, 13.3%). Of 15 patients, 12 (80%) experienced a ≥75% decrease in seizure frequency, of whom 9 (60%) experienced a long-term seizure-free period (10–29 months, mean 21.3 months). Three (20%) patients did not benefit from RFTC. Nine patients had neurological deficits immediately after RFTC (transient in 8 patients [3 days to 3 weeks] and prolonged in 1 patient). SEEG-guided RFTC for epileptic foci in eloquent motor areas seems to be a safe and effective procedure. It could be the first option for drug-resistant epilepsy that is not amenable to surgical resection, especially for extremally focused epileptic foci in the cortex close to or inside the central region. Larger series and prospective studies are necessary to validate our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare variant of ependymoma that is most commonly located in the cauda equina and filum terminale. We present a case of 23-year-old man diagnosed with MPE in the fourth ventricle and sacral canal area with extensive disseminated lesions along the cerebrospinal ventricular system. Additionally, a molecular pathological diagnosis was performed. The patient underwent a craniotomy and a lumbar laminectomy. In the course of 18 months of follow-up, the patient have recovered very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for meningiomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). A series of 35 consecutive patients with 99 meningiomas in our department were retrospectively included from January 2000 to December 2015. Clinical records, magnetic resonance images, and follow-up data were reviewed. A total of 35 patients (25 women and 10 men) with 99 NF2-associated meningiomas were identified. All patients initially received GKRS. The patients' median age at the time of GKRS was 40 years (range, 16–61 years). The median prescription dose at the tumor margin was 13 Gy (range, 12–15 Gy). The median follow-up time was 96 months (range, 25–224 months). Twenty-nine patients received GKRS only once, and 6 patients received it multiple times. Six patients (17.1%) had radiation-related complications 7.5 ± 2.4 months after GKRS. Local control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 97.1%, and 90.6%, respectively. Distant control rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 88.5%, 55.9%, and 45.5%, respectively. Five patients died of concomitant neurologic symptoms. No malignant transformation was observed during the follow-up periods in all 35 patients. GKRS represents an effective and safe management strategy with minimal invasion for patients with NF2-associated meningiomas. Our data showed a high local control rate of NF2-associated meningiomas by GKRS; however, the distant control rate is low, especially in young patients. For these patients, retreatment with GKRS may still be the advisable method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) may have a beneficial effect on allergic rhinitis (AR). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether microbial induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and adjustment of Th1 and Th2 responses by B. breve are associated with protection against allergic inflammation, and to identify a dose-response association in a murine AR model. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice were orally treated with different doses of B. breve [1010, 109, 107 and 105 colony forming units (CFU)]. Following nasal challenge with OVA, sneeze frequency, serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine concentrations [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-13 and interferon-γ], splenic percentage of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+CD25+ Tregs, and morphology of the nasal mucosa were examined. Oral treatment with live B. breve at doses of 107 CFU or higher alleviated nasal mucosal injury and suppressed sneezing upon repeated administration over a 6-week period. Furthermore, treatment with B. breve at these higher doses reduced the concentrations of serum OVA-specific IgE, IL-4 and IL-10, and increased the splenic percentage of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in rhinitic mice compared with those who did not receive probiotics. In contrast, treatment with B. breve at a lower dose did not indicate any effect on sneezing frequency or mucosal morphology in this animal model, even though the splenic percentage of CD4+CD25+ Tregs increased and the concentrations of serum OVA-specific IgE and IL-10 declined. B. breve exerts its anti-allergic effects by inhibiting type 2 helper T cell immune responses and enhancing CD4+CD25+ Treg activity. Sneezing was also reduced at a dose of 107 CFU or higher. The current study investigated the role of B. breve and aided in identifying the optimal dose of B. breve administration in the treatment of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature combustion (LTC) based on two-stage injection is the combustion mode which uses main injection to generate homogeneous charge and trigger injection to ignite. In this paper, the effect of injection ratio and starting-point of injection (SOI) of main injection on LTC were studied. The result shows that the trigger injection can control the process of combustion and make LTC more stable. Using trigger injection can effectively broaden the limits of SOI of the main injection. And the SOI of main injection is quite important for LTC. Inappropriate injection time will deteriorate the performance of LTC. By optimizing the SOI of main injection for specific injection ratios, effective control of the combustion phase can be realized and emissions can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]