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Abstract Background Wolfberry is well-known for its high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Due to the continuous ripening nature of Goji berries and the fact that they can be commercially harvested within a few weeks, their phytochemical composition may change during the harvesting process at different periods. Result The involved molecular mechanisms of difference in fruit quality of ripe Lycium barbarum L. harvested at four different periods were investigated by transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses for the first time. According to the results we obtained, it was found that the appearance quality of L. barbarum fruits picked at the beginning of the harvesting season was superior, while the accumulation of sugar substances in L. barbarum fruits picked at the end of the harvesting season was better. At the same time the vitamin C and carotenoids content of wolfberry fruits picked during the summer harvesting season were richer. Ascorbic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, and phenolic acids have significant changes in transcription and metabolism levels. Through the network metabolic map, we found that ascorbic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine and related enzyme genes were differentially accumulated and expressed in wolfberry fruits at different harvesting periods. Nevertheless, these metabolites played important roles in the ascorbate–glutathione recycling system. Ascorbic acid, phenolic substances and the ascorbate–glutathione recycling system have antioxidant effects, which makes the L. barbarum fruits harvested in the summer more in line with market demand and health care concepts. Conclusion This study laid the foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of quality differences of ripe wolfberry fruits harvested at different periods, and provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the quality of L. barbarum fruits.

Abstract Background We report a patient with extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm from a foreign body that had been left for two decades. Case presentation A 74-year-old male patient from Han nationality was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with impaired consciousness for 1 hour. Cranial computed tomography examination indicated a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraventricular blood accumulation, and a high-density short strip dense shadow was seen in the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery, considering the possibility of a foreign body. Subsequently, a cerebral angiography was suggested; the foreign body was seen through the right middle cerebral artery, and the aneurysm was seen in the lower wall, so a pseudoaneurysm was considered. The emergent surgical intervention involved the clipping of the pseudoaneurysm and intracranial extraction of the foreign body. Unfortunately,the patient ultimately expired due to severe pulmonary infection. Conclusion Intracranial pseudoaneurysm caused by foreign body has been rarely reported previously, and microsurgical treatment of an intracranial pseudoaneurysm caused by a foreign body is a good choice.

Summary: The potential impact of renal function-related cardiovascular remodeling on associated cardiovascular risk has not been previously investigated. Hence, we conducted multiple mediation analyses in the UK Biobank study to evaluate this association. Using multiple Cox models, we found lower renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C, eGFR-cysC) was independently related to increased risks of various cardiovascular events and mortalities. Multivariable linear regression revealed a progressive relationship between declining eGFR-cysC and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and impaired systolic function. In Cox models, larger LV volume, mass, as well as decreased systolic function, were significantly correlated with adverse events, particularly in heart failure. Mediation analyses showed that undesirable LV remodeling and cardiometabolic diseases were independent mediators. Our study explores the connections between reduced renal function and poor cardiovascular phenotypes, as well as their significant independent role in mediating renal function–cardiovascular outcome relationships.

BackgroundThis study aimed to analysis the relationship between sodium intake and the risk of heart failure and hypertension through epidemiological studies and Mendelian randomization analysis.Methods and resultWe initially conducted an analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to examine the relationship between sodium intake and heart failure, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found a non-linear association between sodium intake and heart failure (p nonlinear = 0.0448). Subsequently, we utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis by utilizing urinary sodium as a proxy for sodium intake to investigate the relationships between sodium and heart failure, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The results indicated that with increasing urinary sodium, there is an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as an elevated risk of heart failure and hypertension.ConclusionThe evidence provided by this study suggests that higher sodium intake is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and hypertension. However, excessively low sodium intake may not necessarily be beneficial, as there may be maximum benefits at a sodium intake level of around 3,000 mg/d.

Abstract Grape is a globally significant fruit-bearing crop, and the grape flower bud differentiation essential to fruit production is closely related to light quality. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of grape flower bud differentiation under red‒blue light, the transcriptome and hormone content were determined at four stages of flower bud differentiation. The levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in grape flower buds at all stages of differentiation under red‒blue light were higher than those in the control. However, the levels of cytokinins (CKs) and gibberellic acid (giberellins, GAs) fluctuated continuously over the course of flower bud differentiation. Moreover, many differentially expressed genes were involved in auxin, CK, GA, and the ABA signal transduction pathways. There were significant differences in the AUX/IAA, SAUR, A-RR, and ABF gene expression levels between the red‒blue light treatment and the control buds, especially in regard to the ABF genes, the expression levels of which were completely different between the two groups. The expression of GBF4 and AI5L2 in the control was always low, while the expression under red‒blue light increased. AI5L7 and AI5L5 expression levels showed an upwards trend in the control plant buds and gradually decreased in red‒blue light treatment plant buds. Through weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we determined that the transcription factors WRK48 (WRKY family), EF110 (ERF family), ABR1, CAMTA3 (CAMTA family), and HSFA3 (HSF family) may be involved in the regulation of the GBF4 gene. This study lays a foundation for further analysis of grape flower bud differentiation regulation under red‒blue light.

Abstract Background and objectives Patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are at high risk for developing pulmonary infection. Nonetheless, prophylactic surgical excision of asymptomatic CLMs is controversial and often delayed to symptoms occurring out of concern for potential operative risks. This study aims to evaluate the impact of previous pulmonary infection on the outcome of thoracoscopic procedures in CLMs patients. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of CLMs patients who received an elective operation at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection (PI) or non-infection of pulmonary (NPI) groups according to the history of pulmonary infection. Propensity score matching was used to minimize the bias between groups. The primary outcome was conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without PI. Results We identified 464 patients, of whom 101 had a history of PI. Propensity score matching yielded a well-balanced cohort of 174 patients. PI was associated with higher conversion to thoracotomy (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1–71.2, p = 0.039), blood loss (p = 0.044), and longer operative time (p

Background The influence of lobectomy on pulmonary function in children was still controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were essential to explore whether pulmonary function was impaired after lobectomy in children.Methods PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from 1 January 1946 to 1 July 2022. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC and total lung capacity were extracted from the studies as the primary analysis indicators. Subgroup analyses were performed between the congenital lung malformation (CLM) group and other diseases group, early surgery and late surgery group (1 year old as the dividing line).Results A total of 5302 articles were identified through the search strategy; finally, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Through the meta-analysis, we found a mild obstructive ventilatory disorder in children who underwent lobectomy. However, a normal pulmonary function could be found in young children with CLM who underwent lobectomy, and the time of operation had no significant influence on their pulmonary function.Conclusions The overall result of pulmonary function after lobectomy in children was good. Surgeons may not need to be excessively concerned about the possibility of lung surgery affecting pulmonary function in children, particularly in patients with CLM.PROSPERO registration number CRD42022342243.

BackgoundIt is rarely seen that neonates with congenital macrocystic lung malformation (CMLM) presenting with respiratory distress require emergency intervention. No consensus has been achieved concerning the best policy facing such condition. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our strategies in treating neonates with CMLM presenting with respiratory distress.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of six neonates with CMLM presenting with respiratory distress from April 2020 to October 2022 for whom drainage-prior-to-surgery strategy were adopted and favorable outcomes were obtained. The relevant data was reviewed and analyzed.ResultsAll the patients were prenatally diagnosed with congenital lung malformation and postnatally as congenital macrocystic lung malformation via CT scan. Each neonate accepted percutaneous thoracic catheter drainage prior to surgery. The first and fifth neonates with macrocystic lung mass experienced prompt open lobectomy and delayed thoracoscopic surgery due to failure of air drainage, respectively. The other four patients obtained good drainage of the large air-filled cyst, thus gaining the opportunity for elective thoracoscopic surgery within median 45 days.ConclusionsFor neonates with macrocystic lung malformation presenting with respiratory distress due to mediastinal compression, percutaneous thoracic catheter drainage is worth a shot for elective thoracoscopic surgery due to its feasibility and safety.

Abstract Backgrounds Increased risk of in-hospital mortality is critical to guide medical decisions and it played a central role in intensive care unit (ICU) with high risk of in-hospital mortality after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). At present，most predicting tools for in-hospital mortality after PCI were based on the results of coronary angiography, echocardiography, and laboratory results which are difficult to obtain at admission. The difficulty of using these tools limit their clinical application. This study aimed to develop a clinical prognostic nomogram to predict the in-hospital mortality of patients in ICU after PCI. Methods We extracted data from a public database named the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC III). Adult patients with coronary artery stent insertion were included. They were divided into two groups according to the primary outcome (death in hospital or survive). All patients were randomly divided into training set and validation set randomly at a ratio of 6:4. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed in the training set to select optimal variables to predict the in-hospital mortality of patients in ICU after PCI. The multivariate logistical analysis was performed to develop a nomogram. Finally, the predictive efficiency of the nomogram was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)，integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI), and clinical net benefit was assessed by Decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 2160 patients were recruited in this study. By using LASSO, 17 variables were finally included. We used multivariate logistic regression to construct a prediction model which was presented in the form of a nomogram. The calibration plot of the nomogram revealed good fit in the training set and validation set. Compared with the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and scale for the assessment of positive symptoms II (SAPS II) scores, the nomogram exhibited better AUROC of 0.907 (95% confidence interval [CI] was 0.880-0.933, p

Helium, a coordinated resource in natural gas, is an essential and strategic resource, but research on its enrichment mechanism is relatively weak. This study investigated helium enrichment in major reservoirs in China using geochemical methods to address the challenging topic of how helium accumulates in helium-rich gas reservoirs. It concludes that helium is enriched in a few reservoirs which capture additional helium exsolution from ancient groundwater. Released dissolved helium from ancient groundwater into the reservoir is the main mechanism of helium accumulation in helium-rich gas reservoirs. This was the first time that the concept of “multiple sources of helium supply and primary sources of helium enrichment” was applied to guide the formation of helium-rich gas reservoirs. Moreover, the main sources of helium comes from the radioactive decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in hydrocarbon rocks, reservoirs, and the decay of U and Th dissolved in groundwater from other rocks. When dissolved helium in ancient groundwater crosses free gas or gas reservoirs, the partial pressure of helium in the water is significantly higher than the partial pressure of helium in the free gas or gas reservoirs, proving Henry's Law which states that the helium in the water is almost completely exsolution into the gas reservoir, forming a helium-rich gas reservoir.

Summary: Background: Pediatric thoracoscopic lobectomy is a technically challenging procedure that may result in better pain control, better cosmetic results, and shorter hospital stay. However, data describing the learning curve of total thoracoscopic lobectomy (TTL) have yet to be obtained. To evaluate our learning curve for TTL in children, we reviewed the safety and efficiency of our initial experiences with TTL in pediatric patients with congenital lung malformation. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all pediatric patients undergoing TTL between March 2011 and January 2017. Cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis of operative time (OT) was used. Results: One hundred patients were retrospectively analyzed and chronologically divided into three phases: the ascending (A), plateau (B), and descending (C) phases of CUSUM of OT. Phases A, B, and C comprised 35, 22, and 43 cases, respectively. OT decreased significantly from phases A to B (P = 0.035) and B to C (P = 0.019). Age and weight of patients both reduced significantly from phase A to B (p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively), while the two measures did not vary from phase B to C (p = 0.987 and p = 0.874, respectively). Chest tube duration and length of hospital stay had similar trend. All complications occurred in five cases in phase A (5/35). Six cases were converted to open surgery (6%). Four conversions occurred within phase A and two in phase C (4/35 vs 2/43, p = 0.490). There were no mortalities. Conclusions: Repeated standardized training plays a role in overcoming the learning curve for thoracoscopic lobectomy in children, and CUSUMOT indicates that a learning curve of approximately 57 cases is required in our institute.

This paper investigates the optimization of a non-traditional vibration absorber for simultaneous vibration suppression and energy harvesting. Unlike a traditional vibration absorber, the non-traditional vibration absorber has its damper connected between the absorber mass and the base. An electromagnetic energy harvester is used as a tunable absorber damper. This non-traditional vibration absorber is attached to a primary system that is subjected to random base excitation. An analytical study is conducted by assuming that the base excitation is white noise. In terms of vibration suppression, the objective of the optimization is to minimize the power dissipated by the primary damper and maximize the power dissipated by the absorber damper. It is found that when the primary system is undamped, the power dissipated by the absorber damper remains a constant that is related to the mass ratio. The higher the mass ratio, the higher the power dissipated. When the primary system is damped, the minimization of the power dissipated by the primary damping is equivalent to the maximization of the power dissipated by the absorber damper. The existence of the optimum solutions depends on both the mass ratio and the primary damping ratio. In terms of energy harvesting, the objective of optimization is to maximize the power harvested by the load resistor. It is found that for a given mass ratio and primary damping ratio, the optimum frequency tuning ratio required to maximize vibration suppression is slightly higher than that required to maximize the harvested power. The trade-off issue between vibration suppression and energy harvesting is investigated. An apparatus is developed to allow frequency tuning and damping tuning. Both the numerical simulation and experimental study with band-limited white noise validate the general trends revealed in the analytical study.

Abstract Cavity flow oscillations in the axisymmetric cavity are critical to the operating efficiency of self-excited pulsed waterjets, which are widely employed in many practical applications. In this study, the behaviors of a turbulent flow in axisymmetric cavities causing cavity flow oscillations are investigated based on wall pressure characteristics. Experiments are performed using four Helmholtz nozzles with varying length-to-radius ratios at flow velocities of 20–80 m/s. Three orders of hydrodynamic modes in axisymmetric cavity are obtained through the spectral analysis of wall pressure. Based on the experimental results, the empirical coefficient of Rossiter’s formula is modified, and the values of the parameter phase lag and the ratio of convection velocity to free stream velocity are obtained as 0.061 and 0.511, respectively. In addition, the spectral peak with a relatively constant frequency shows that the flow-acoustic resonance is excited significantly. A modified model is introduced based on the fluidic networks to predict the lock-on frequency. The results obtained can provide a basis for the structural optimization of the nozzle to improve the performance of self-excited pulsed waterjets.

The patient was a male neonate, and a prenatal ultrasound had detected a right lung mass. He was born at term and after delivery had tachypnea and feeding difficulties. A chest x-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large mass in the right chest with compression on the right lung after birth. We initially considered congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). After conservative treatment, his respiratory symptoms worsened gradually, and he required continuous supplemental oxygen. The symptoms could not be relieved by puncturing due to a postnatal ultrasound having shown a mass with anechoic microcystic spaces. He therefore underwent an emergency thoracotomy and lobectomy at 14 days of age. The pathology was consistent with fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT). The patient remained healthy at the three-month follow-up. We reviewed the literature on FLIT and found that, to date, 23 cases have been reported worldwide.

ObjectiveThe outcome of vacuum bell (VB) treatment for preschool patients with pectus excavatum (PE) is poorly understood. We aim to investigate the short-term treatment effect of VB with a three-dimensional scanner and assess the clinical and demographic factors that might influence treatment outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a chart review study to review the records of preschool patients with PE who received VB treatment in a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2021, through January 1, 2022. Demographic data and chest wall deformity assessments were recorded at follow-up, including the anterior chest wall depths and depth ratio (DR). The demographic and clinical factors influencing treatment outcomes were tested using a logistic regression model.Results139 patients who accepted vacuum bell treatment were included in the final study analysis, with a mean age of 4.6 years and a BMI of 14.9. Forty-three patients (30.9%) with a depth of less than 3 mm met the termination criteria and showed cosmetic results. The changes in depths (P

PurposeIn recent years, the complete blood count with differential (CBC w/diff) test has drawn strong interest because of its prognostic value in cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to develop a CBC w/diff-based prediction model for in-hospital mortality among patients with severe acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the coronary care unit (CCU).Materials and methodsThis single-center retrospective study used data from a public database. The neural network method was applied. The performance of the model was assessed by discrimination and calibration. The discrimination performance of our model was compared to that of seven other classical machine learning models and five well-studied CBC w/diff clinical indicators. Finally, a permutation test was applied to evaluate the importance rank of the predictor variables.ResultsA total of 2,231 patient medical records were included. With a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.788 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.736–0.838], our model outperformed all other models and indices. Furthermore, it performed well in calibration. Finally, the top three predictors were white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), and neutrophil percentage. Surprisingly, after dropping seven variables with poor prediction values, the AUC of our model increased to 0.812 (95% CI, 0.762–0.859) (P < 0.05).ConclusionWe used a neural network method to develop a risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality among patients with AMI in the CCU based on the CBC w/diff test, which performed well and would aid in early clinical decision-making. The top three important predictors were WBC, RDW-CV and neutrophil percentage.

BackgroundWhether to operate on asymptomatic patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) remains controversial. Our study intended to find out the proportion of hidden infection in CLMs and its effect on surgery, to provide help for the management of asymptomatic CLMs patients.MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of patients with asymptomatic CLMs from January 2011 to December 2020 was performed in our center. Selected asymptomatic patients were divided into a non-hidden infection group (NHI) and a hidden infection group (HI).ResultsA total of 581 asymptomatic CLMs patients were included in this study. Thirty-two percent of asymptomatic CLMs patients had hidden infection in the lesion. Among various CLMs diseases, intralobular pulmonary sequestration had the highest percentage of hidden infection (48.8%). With age, the proportion of HI gradually increased. Patients in the HI and NHI groups were 223 and 121. The incidence of pleural adhesion and focal abscess in the HI group were 14.9 and 7.4%. Statistical significances were shown between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002), operation time (p = 0.045), chest tube drainage time (p < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001), and air leak (p = 0.012).ConclusionThe proportion of HI detected by postoperative pathological results was high and they could increase the difficulty and risk of surgery. Therefore, early surgery may be a more appropriate choice for the management of asymptomatic CLMs patients.

PurposePeripheral differential leukocyte counts are accepted prognostic indicators in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Herein, we assessed the value of the admission (neutrophil+monocyte)/lymphocyte ratio (NMLR) in predicting in-hospital mortality in these patients.Materials and MethodsSamples of patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database meeting the criteria were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to explore the predictive value and the optimum cut-off value of admission NMLR. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were performed to determine and visualize the association between admission NMLR and in-hospital mortality. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to plot survival curves of two groups with different admission NMLR levels.ResultsSamples in the non-survival group had higher admission NMLR values than samples in the survival group (12.11 [7.22–21.05] vs. 6.38 [3.96–11.25], P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) [0.707 (95% Confidence Interval, 0.677–0.737)] was significantly better than those of other indicators related to peripheral differential leukocyte counts, and the optimal cut-off value was 8.518. Cox regression analysis identified that higher admission NMLR was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality. RCS visualized the uptrend and the non-linear relationship between admission NMLR and in-hospital mortality (P-value for non-linearity

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The aim of the current study was to explore the value of peak strain dispersion (PSD) for discovering early-stage left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. One hundred and one T2DM patients and sixty healthy subjects were selected for this study. T2DM patients were further divided into controlled blood glucose (HbA1c

There are approximately 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide, even about 25% of whom cannot be effectively controlled by drugs or surgical treatment. A wireless closed-loop system for epilepsy detection and suppression is proposed in this study. The system is composed of an implantable optrode, wireless recording, wireless energy supply, and a control module. The system can monitor brain electrical activity in real time. When seizures are recognized, the optrode will be turned on. The preset photosensitive caged compounds are activated to inhibit the seizure. When seizures are inhibited or end, the optrode is turned off. The method demonstrates a practical wireless closed-loop epilepsy therapy system.

The secondary migration mechanism, enrichment factors of Jurassic tight oil in central Sichuan Basin were well investigated through physical simulation experiment of reservoir formation, casting and fluorescent thin sections, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and environment scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The results show that migration of Jurassic tight oil in central Sichuan Basin is a low-velocity non-Darcy flow through low-efficient migration path under the huge migration driving force, and has three migration and seepage stages, i.e. viscous flow stage, nonlinear seepage stage, and quasi-liner seepage stage. Microscopically, the migration pathway of tight oil is the pore-fracture composite conduction; macroscopically, the migration mode of tight oil is the large-scale short–distance migration. Distribution of favorable zones of tight oil is controlled by distribution of high-quality source rocks. The hydrocarbon-generation strength of 0.4 × 106 t/km2 can be as a threshold to determine favorable zone of tight oil in the study area. The reservoirs with high permeability and high porosity can form tight oil sweet spots, and the development degree of fractures is closely related to well with high yield of tight oil well. Keywords: Migration pathway, Migration driving force, Non-Darcy seepage, Pore-fracture composite conduction, Tight oil sweep spot, Jurassic tight oil, Central Sichuan Basin

There are gas reservoirs in the Triassic Leikoupo Formation, Jialingjiang Formation, Feixianguan Formation, and Permian Changxing Formation in the marine strata of Central Sichuan Basin. Over the years, the gas sources in these gas reservoirs, especially the gas source of the Leikoupo Formation, remain unclear. In this paper, the natural gas geochemistry, combined with the geological background, is utilized so as to compare the composition and isotopes of natural gas in the Permian and Triassic gas reservoirs in the central Sichuan Basin. It is believed that many samples of the 4th Member of the Leikoupo Formation are coal-derived gas and that the natural gas comes from the overburden Xujiahe Formation source rock. Also, there is some other natural gas that originates from the Lower Leikoupo Formation source rock. The gas of 1st Member of the Leikoupo and Jialingjiang formations is homologous to the natural gas of the Changxing and Feixianguan formations. In the Longgang gas field, the natural gas of the Changxing and Feixianguan formations mainly comes from the coal-bearing source rocks of the Longtan Formation. In some areas of the Moxi gas field, the Longtan Formation may be transformed into the Wujiaping Formation, which is mainly composed of sapropelic organic matter wherein the natural gas produced is an oil-type gas. The corresponding overlies the reservoirs of the Changxing, Feixianguan, and Jialingjiang formations, as well as the 1st Member of the Leikoupo Formation. Keywords: Central Sichuan, Marine formation, Coal-derived gas, Origin

Abstract The characteristics of petroliferous plays in subtle traps within a sequence stratigraphic framework in the Dongying Depression are investigated in this study. Sand bodies within lowstand systems tracts (LSTs) of sequences, comprising incised-channel fills, sublacustrine fans, deltas in LSTs, controlled by syndepositional normal faults, and sand bodies within transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) to early highstand systems tracts (HSTs), consisting of beach bars, and turbidites, controlled by the prodelta slope, paleorelief, and syndepositional normal faults, are good subtle reservoirs. Mudstones and shale of deep lake subfacies in TSTs to early HSTs of sequences are source and cap rocks. Abnormal overpressure is the dominant dynamic factor for hydrocarbon migration from source rock to the subtle traps. Normal faults, sand bodies, and unconformities function as conduit systems. Sand bodies distributed in the abnormal overpressure source rocks within LSTs to early HSTs are petroliferous plays in lithologic traps. The petroliferous plays in stratigraphic traps are controlled by unconformities at margins of the Depression.

Motor imagery (MI) is a domineering paradigm in brain–computer interface (BCI) composition, personifying the imaginary limb motion into digital commandments for neural rehabilitation and automation exertions, while many researchers fathomed myriad solutions for asymmetric MI EEG signals classification, the existence of a robust, non-complex, and subject-invariant system is far-reaching. Thereupon, we put forward an MI EEG segregation pipeline in the deep-learning domain in an effort to curtail the existing limitations. Our method amalgamates multiscale principal component analysis (MSPCA), a novel empirical Fourier decomposition (EFD) signal resolution method with Hilbert transform (HT), followed by four pre-trained convolutional neural networks for automatic feature estimation and segregation. The conceived architecture is validated upon three binary class datasets: IVa, IVb from BCI Competition III, GigaDB from the GigaScience repository, and one tertiary class dataset V from BCI competition III. The average 10-fold outcomes capitulate 98.63%, 96.33%, and 89.96%, the highest classification accuracy for the aforesaid datasets accordingly using the AlexNet CNN model in a subject-dependent context, while in subject-independent cases, the highest success score was 97.69%, outperforming the contemporary studies by a fair margin. Further experiments such as the resolution scale of EFD, comparison with other signal decomposition (SD) methods, deep feature extraction, and classification with machine learning methods also accredits the supremacy of our proposed EEG signal processing pipeline. The overall findings imply that pre-trained models are reliable in identifying EEG signals due to their capacity to maintain the time-frequency structure of EEG signals, non-complex architecture, and their potential for robust classification performance.

Calcium alginate capsules encapsulating rejuvenator are a promising self-healing technology for asphalt pavement, but the effects of different healing agents on the self-healing performance of asphalt concrete has not been considered. In view of this, this paper aimed at exploring the effects of calcium alginate capsules containing different healing agents on the self-healing properties of asphalt concrete. Three types of capsules with sunflower oil, waste cooking oil and commercial rejuvenator were fabricated via the orifice-coagulation bath method and the interior structure, mechanical strength, thermal stability and oil content of the prepared capsules were characterized. The healing levels of asphalt mixtures with different capsules under different loading cycles and stress levels were evaluated. Furthermore, the saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA) fractions and rheological property of extracted asphalt binder within test beams with different capsules after different loading conditions were assessed. The results indicated that all the three types of capsules meet the mechanical and thermal requirement of mixing and compaction of asphalt mixtures. The healing levels of test beams containing vegetable oil capsules were higher than that of waste cooking oil capsules and industrial rejuvenator capsules. The strength recovery ratio and fracture energy recovery ratio of test beams with vegetable oil capsules reached 82.8% and 96.6%, respectively, after 20,000 cycles of compressive loading at 1.4 MPa. The fracture energy recovery ratio of the waste cooking oil capsules also reached as high as 90%, indicating that waste cooking oil can be used as the healing agent of calcium alginate capsules to improve the self-healing property of asphalt mixture. This work provides a significant guide for the selection of healing agent for self-healing capsules in the future.

During the service period, asphalt materials are affected by various natural factors, including heat, ultraviolet light, oxygen and moisture, etc., resulting in the reduction of pavement performance, the increase of pavement distress and shortening of service life. This study aims to investigate the aging performance of asphalt under multiple aging conditions of heat, UV and aqueous solution. Thermal-oxygen aging, UV aging and hydrostatic erosion tests were carried out sequentially on asphalt. The rheological properties, chemical structure and element composition of asphalt were characterized before and after aging, and the effect mechanism of multiple conditions was discussed. The results show that the multiple conditions of heat and UV can increase the rutting resistance and weaken the cracking resistance of asphalt. However, the effect degree of UV decreases gradually with the deepening of aging degree. Additionally, the effect of water on the physicochemical properties is less than that of UV; however, water can increase the sensitivity of physicochemical properties to UV. In summary, this study explored the short-term cycling effect of heat, light and water on asphalt and provided an idea for simulation test of asphalt under multiple aging condition.

Abstract Background Congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital malformation involving both the digestive and respiratory system. Early diagnosis is difficult, and delayed recognition may result in considerable complications. The aim of the study was to identify and analyze the clinical characteristics and radiological features of CBPFMs. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Ovid database, EMBASE were searched for relevant publications to identify all published case-reports of CBPFM since 1992. Data about the demography, clinical presentation, pathology, imaging features, treatment and prognosis were collected. Results Sixty-one cases were included in our study. Cases were aged from 1 day to 59 years with the majority aged 3 years or younger. The most common type was group III (37.7%), followed by group II (29.5%)group I (27.9%) and group IV (4.9%). The presentations included respiratory distress (32.8%), cough/choking following food intake and other presentations associated respiratory infection. Thirty-eight cases (62.3%) were diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal series (UGI). Misdiagnosis was common. Eight cases (13.1%) of the included cases died. Conclusions Early recognition and extensive delineation of the anatomy of CBPFM are important to correct these anomalies successfully. UGI is the first choice to confirm the abnormal bronchus communicating with the esophagus. Resection of abnormal pulmonary tissue, lobe or even unilateral lung is preferred. Reconstruction procedures are feasible in selected patients.

To study the composition, affecting factors of the stable hydrogen isotopes of alkane gases and their application to identification of the natural gas origin and maturities, the chemical and isotopic compositions of 118 gas samples of Carboniferous- Permian in the Ordos Basin, and of Triassic in the Sichuan Basin, combined with 68 gas samples from the Sinian and Cambrian reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin, and Ordovician and Siliurian reservoirs of Tarim Basin, are analyzed comprehensively. The following conclusions are obtained: (1) Natural gases in the study area and strata of the Ordos and Sichuan basins are dominated by alkane gases, and the dryness coefficients and maturities of the Carboniferous-Permian gases in the Ordos Basin are higher than the gases in the Triassic Xujiahe Formation of the Sichuan Basin, while the hydrogen isotopes of the latter ones are much enriched in 2H than the former. (2) The δ2HCH4-C1/C2+3 genetic identification diagram of natural gas was drawn, and the diagrams of hydrogen isotopic differences between the heavy alkane gases and methane vs. hydrogen isotopes of alkane gases can also be used in natural gas genetic identification. (3) The δ2HCH4-Ro formulas of coal-formed gas in different areas of the two basins are given, and the δ2HC2H6-δ2HCH4 is a new index for maturity, and the (δ2HC2H6—δ2HCH4)-Ro formula of the coal-formed gas can be used to calculate the maturity of the natural gas. (4) The stable hydrogen isotopes of alkane gases are affected by parent materials in source rocks, maturity, mixing and the aqueous medium conditions, among which the aqueous paleo-salinity is the key factor. To sum up, the hydrogen isotopes of alkane gases are affected by multiple factors, and they are significant to the identification of the origin, and maturity of natural gas, and the water environment during the deposition of source rocks. Key words: alkane gases, maturity, hydrogen isotope, gas origin, aqueous salinity, Ordos Basin, Sichuan Basin, Tarim Basin

The original gas reservoirs in different areas and different layers of the Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the central Sichuan Basin are studied to reveal the relationships of iC4/nC4 and iC5/nC5 ratios in coal-derived gas components with maturity using conventional natural gas geochemical research methods. The testing results of 73 gas samples from 8 gas fields show that the iC4/nC4 and iC5/nC5 ratios in coal-derived gas have a good positive correlation, and the correlation coefficient is above 0.8. Both the iC4/nC4 and iC5/nC5 ratios become higher with the increase of natural gas dryness coefficient (C1/C1+) and the methane carbon isotope becoming less negative. These parameters are highly correlated. This study not only reveals characteristics of heavy hydrocarbon isomers generated by coal formation, but also puts forward new identification indicators reflecting the maturity of coal-derived gas, the regression between iC4/nC4, iC5/nC5 and Ro, which can provide an important reference for maturity, migration and accumulation of coal-derived gas, and late stage reformation of coal-derived gas reservoirs. Key words: Sichuan Basin, Triassic, Xujiahe Formation, coal-derived gas, iC4/nC4, iC5/nC5, maturity indicator

Block mode of teaching, also called intensive mode of teaching, has received great recognition and interest from education sector. This mode of teaching is a compressed style of teaching in which classes are delivered in an intensive period of time. Block mode teaching has been found to have potential to enhance student performance. Although previous researchers have uncovered some factors which impact successful implementation of block mode, there is a lack of research which investigates the contributing factors that influence students' adoption of block mode and scrutinizes different facilitators and barriers to students' acceptance and engagement with the block mode of teaching. This study seeks to fill the gap by examining the impact of online learning management system design and usage as well as student perceptions on student utilization of block mode. This study adopts a positivist research approach and uses an online questionnaire as the data collection technique. Data were collected from undergraduate students studying in block mode at Victoria University. The results generally confirmed the positive impact of both groups of determinants on students' block mode utilization.

This study aimed to investigate the Cavitation dynamics of Hydrodynamic-acoustic cavitation by employing experimental methods. The spatial distribution of cavitation clouds, the temporal and spatial distribution achieved by cavitation clouds, and the main flow structure in the flow field were extracted and analyzed by complying with the cavitating flow image captured with the high-speed camera. As indicated from the results, the widened cavitation region and the strength of cavitation under the synergy of ultrasound were reported. When the inlet pressure is 2 MPa, the average value of the volume-averaging cavitation intensity variable is 0.029, 0.058, and 0.092, respectively, and the corresponding growth rate is 95% and 58.5%. By adopting the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition method (POD), the ultrasound was revealed to primarily enhance the cavitation intensity by downregulating the cavitation threshold other than altering the large-scale vortex structure in the flow field. The high-frequency pressure pulsation of ultrasound strengthened the instability exhibited by the shear layer and induced small-scale vortex structures at the shear layer, which was suggested to be the more violently shed and collapse.

Although the Fukang Sub-depression is the largest hydrocarbon generation depression in the Junggar Basin and promises favorable potential for oil and gas exploration, only several smallâmedium oil/gas accumulations have been discovered so far. After analyzing the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gases and its associated low molecular weight hydrocarbons (LMWHs) from eastern Fukang Sub-depression, their genetic types and origins are discussed in this study. Natural gases are wet gases with an average dryness coefficient of 0.84. Stable carbon isotopes of methane and ethane are well correlated with the thermal evolution trend of coal-derived gases. The C5â7 LMWHs are enriched in methyl cyclohexane but they lack n-alkanes, indicating a predominance of higher plant input. Gases have maturities ranging 0.76%â0.93%Ro and are well consistent with their low n-heptane (H) and iso-heptane (I) contents. The geochemical characteristics of natural gases from eastern Fukang Sub-depression are quite similar with those from the TurpanâHami Basin. Their gases are considered to be low-mature gases derived from the LowerâMiddle Jurassic coal measures. In contrast, they show remarkable differences with those from the Wucaiwan gas field; they are considered to have high-mature gases derived from the Carboniferous coal measures. Keywords: Coal-derived gas, Stable carbon isotopes, Low molecular weight hydrocarbons, Fukang sub-depression, Junggar Basin, MiddleâLower Jurassic

Abstract Obesity causes low-grade inflammation that is involved in male infertility. Interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) plays an important role in this process. A high-fat diet (HFD) is the most common cause of obesity. However, the effect of a HFD on IL1β and its consequence in reproduction remain unclear. We established a HFD model in mice treated at immature stage (mice-TIS) and mice treated at mature stage (mice-TMS). Surprisingly, we found that a HFD decreased IL1β levels and was accompanied by an increase in testosterone in mice-TIS, while the reverse results were observed in mice-TMS. In addition, a HFD caused a reduction in testis macrophages and in the expression of inflammasome-related genes and proteins in mice-TIS. Furthermore, we found that IL1β inhibited testosterone secretion through down-regulating the gene expression of P450SCC and P450c17. However, the influence on mice-TIS that were induced by a HFD was recovered by stopping the HFD. In this study, we are the first to report that a HFD impairs the reproductive system by decreasing IL1β and enhancing testosterone levels in mice-TIS, which are different from the effects in mice-TMS. This provides new ideas for the treatment of obesity-induced infertility.

Combination of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymer and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has commonly applied in asphalt to improve anti-ultraviolet aging performance, but it can not afford the reparation of cracks caused by aging of asphalt. Also, few researches focused on the structure and performance changes during synthesis of LDHs. Based on self-healing performance of asphalt, the produced cracks can be repaired by microwave heating. Therefore, the controllable synthesis of traditional microwave absorber SiC to wrap LDHs (SwL) at different temperatures was studied in this paper, and the effects of different SBS/SwL combination on the microwave absorption and exothermic properties of modified asphalt were studied. The SwL was firstly synthesized at 200 °C, 350 °C, 500 °C and 650 °C. Then morphology, phase composition, chemical structure of different SwL were evaluated. Finally, based on different combination of SBS and SwL, the effects of SBS/SwL on the microwave absorption in the frequency band from 1 GHz to 18 GHz and exothermic characteristics at 2.45 GHz of the modified asphalt were analyzed. The results show that SwL can be synthesized successfully, and the processing temperature significantly affects the structure of SwL. The SBS/SwL-200 modified asphalt has the best microwave absorption and exothermic properties. When used in self-healing asphalt, it is more advantageous to choose 200 °C as the synthesis temperature of SwL.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is an essential indicator of the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. IOP has an apparent physiological rhythm, and it often reaches its peak value at night. To avoid missing the peak value at night and sample the entire rhythm cycle, the continuous monitoring of IOP is urgently needed. A wearable contact lens IOP sensor based on a platinum (Pt) strain gauge is fabricated by the micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) process. The structure and parameters of the strain gauge are optimized to improve the sensitivity and temperature stability. Tests on an eyeball model indicate that the IOP sensor has a high sensitivity of 289.5 μV/mmHg and excellent dynamic cycling performance at different speeds of IOP variation. The temperature drift coefficient of the sensor is 33.4 μV/°C. The non-invasive IOP sensor proposed in this report exhibits high sensitivity and satisfactory stability, promising a potential in continuous IOP monitoring.

Abstract: Based on the field outcrops, drilling and seismic data of northwestern Sichuan Basin, this paper systematically discusses tectonic evolution characteristics from the Late Sinian to the Early Paleozoic, analyzes the petroleum geological significance, and points out the recent favorable exploration directions in this area. The area experienced mainly three times of tectonic evolution during the Late Sinian to the Early Paleozoic: (1) During the Late Sinian to the early period of Early Cambrian, this area was affected by tension action and formed two sets of nearly north-south trending continental rifts, and two sets of platform margins in the Sinian Dengying Formation. (2) During the middle period of the Early Cambrian to the Middle Ordovician, this area was eroded strongly (stronger in the northwest than in the southeast) because of multi-period uplifting of the northwestern Bikou paleo-land. (3) During the Late Ordovician to the Late Silurian, this area was eroded strongly again because of the compression of the Kwangsian Orogeny, and the erosion was stronger in the southwest than in the northeast. During the Late Sinian to the Early Cambrian, the formation of continental rifts controlled the development of bioherm beach facies reservoirs on the platform margins in the Dengying Formation and the high quality source rock in the Lower Cambrian series. During the middle of the Early Cambrian, the uplifting of the Bikou paleo-land controlled the distribution of the Kongmingdong Formation oolitic beach facies reservoirs around the paleo-land. It is suggested that, vertically, the fourth Member of the Dengying Formation and the Kongmingdong Formation be the main exploration targets, and, horizontally, the Jiulongshan structural trap be the most beneficial exploration belts recently due to its matching with petroleum migration and accumulation. Key words: Sichuan Basin, Late Sinian – Early Paleozoic, tectonic evolution, natural gas exploration, intracontinental rift, Bikou paleo-land, Dengying Formation, Kongmingdong Formation, Jiulongshan structure

In this paper, a new early strength tile adhesive is prepared by using α- high strength gypsum and its properties are discussed. The research methods refer to relevant Chinese standards. The results show that the tensile bond strength of the adhesive can reach 0.6 MPa in one day and 1.5 MPa in 7 days, which is close to 80% of 28-day strength. It is indicating that the adhesive has high bond strength, rapid strength development, and high dimensional stability. It effectively solves the problems that the traditional cement-based tile adhesive is prone to hollowing, falling off, and cracking. Additionally, no interface treatment is required during the using process of this gypsum-based adhesive.

In this paper, the tensile bond performance of different bonding mortars for lightweight composite boards of autoclaved aerated concrete which can be prefabricated in factory is studied. The performance requirements of bonding mortar for the composite boards are proposed. The research methods refer to relevant Chinese standards. The results indicate that the tensile bond strength of bonding mortars for the lightweight aerated concrete substrates varies with the curing age increasing. The special bonding mortar for prefabricated composite board of light weight aerated concrete should have the characteristic of early and relatively high strength in a short curing age. And its early tensile bond strength should not be less than 0.35MPa in 3 hours.

Based on comprehensive analysis of outcrops and drilling data, and interpretation of more than 6×104 km2 seismic data, this paper delineates the regional distribution of the gypsum-salt layers in Middle-Lower Cambrian in eastern Sichuan Basin, and discusses accumulation conditions for natural gas in deep subsalt Sinian-Cambrian System in eastern Sichuan Basin, and points out favorable exploration directions. There are two sets of regional gypsum-salt layers in the Middle-Lower Cambrian in eastern Sichuan Basin, which are regional detachment layers, with fault-related folds occurring above and broad anticlines occurring below. There are 6-7 rows of NNE and NE trending large traps developed under the salt. Good space configuration of source rocks, reservoirs and cap rocks provide favorable accumulation conditions for natural gas in the deep subsalt in this region: three sets of hydrocarbon source rocks including Sinian Doushantuo Formation, the third Member of Sinian Dengying Formation, and dominant Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation; three sets of weathering crust karst reservoirs and grain beach reservoirs including the second and fourth Members of Sinian Dengying Formation, and Cambrian Shilongdong Formation; and the regional cap of gypsum-salt in the Middle-Lower Cambrian and shale in Shuijingtuo Formation. The top target in deep subsalt exploration in eastern Sichuan Basin should be the fourth Member of Dengying Formation, followed by Shilongdong Formation and the second Member of Dengying Formation, and areas on migration direction with appropriate burial depth and being far away from the edge of the basin should be the first choices in exploration. Therefore, the favorable hydrocarbon exploration areas in the near future are the Honghuadian-North Huaying Mountain, Liangshuijing-Pubao Mountain-Leiyinpu, and Datianchi structural belts. Key words: eastern Sichuan Basin, (ultra-)deep stratum exploration, gypsum-salt, subsalt reservior, Sinian, Cambrian, accumulation condition, exploration direction

The self-resonating waterjet (SRWJ) has been applied in petroleum, natural gas, and mining engineering ever since its strong erosion ability in deep-hole drilling was recognized. Aiming at further improving the working efficiency of SRWJs, the effects of the exit angle of the organ-pipe nozzle on the axial pressure oscillations of the jet were experimentally studied. Six exit angles of θ = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° were employed in the experiment, and the axial pressure oscillation peak (Pmax) and amplitude (Pa) were used for characterizing the performance of SRWJs. It was found that the exit angle greatly affects the axial pressure oscillations, including the development trends against the standoff distance and the magnitudes of Pmax and Pa. Under testing with two inlet pressures, the exit angle of θ = 0° always resulted in the greatest Pmax and Pa within the range of the testing standoff distance. With the increase of standoff distance, both Pmax and Pa first increased and then decreased when the exit angle was 0°; while they kept decreasing when the exit angle was 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. Moreover, the exit angles of θ = 90° and 60°, corresponding to inlet pressures of Pi = 10 MPa and 20 MPa, led to both the minimum magnitudes of Pmax and Pa under the experimental conditions. The results also indicate that the exit angle affects the interactions between the nozzle lip and the jet and help provide information for improving the working efficiency of SRWJs in practical applications.

Self-resonating waterjets (SRWJs) are being widely used in the fields of energy exploitation, due to the significantly increased penetration rate of roller bits in deep-hole drilling. To further improve the impact and erosion abilities of SRWJs, the effects of the downstream contraction ratio of organ-pipe nozzle on the axial pressure oscillations were experimentally studied. The axial pressure oscillation peak and amplitude were used to evaluate the effects under two inlet pressures and various standoff distances. The results show that the downstream contraction ratio can affect the development trends of the pressure oscillations and determines the values of the peaks and amplitudes. Under the experimental conditions, 2.5 is the ratio that leads to the maximum peaks and amplitudes at almost all the testing standoff distances, while the ratio of 2 always results in the minimum ones. The development trend of the pressure oscillation peak for the ratio of 3.5 has a great change at an inlet pressure of 20 MPa. Generally, the relative pressure oscillations are more violent at an inlet pressure of 10 MPa, which is regardless of the contraction ratio. This study helps provide a guideline for determining the physical parameters required in the fabrication of organ-pipe nozzles used for deep-hole drilling.