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Background: Digital image correlation (DIC) has been widely used for motion tracking and estimation, however, the process is often sensitive to the initial guess, especially under large translations and rotations. Objective: To provide novel and effective solutions for the DIC in measuring large translations and rotations. Methods: A ring-projection-based two-scale approach is proposed. In the integer-pixel scale, a novel ring projection scheme, including amplitude and phase correlations of the rings, is developed to quickly get the integer-pixel initial estimation of the translations and rotation. In the sub-pixel scale, the gradient-based inverse compositional Gauss-Newton (IC-GN) algorithm, which is free from repeat computation of Hessian matrix, is adopted to efficiently get the optimal motion parameters. Results: The numerical example show that the absolute error is no more than 0.05 pixel for measured large translations and no more than 0.05 ∘ for measured large rotations. While test experiments on a rotated blade and a flexible arch demonstrate the effectiveness, accuracy and applicability of the proposed approach in measuring the rotating motion, flexible large deformation and vibrational modal parameters of structures. Conclusions: The ability and effectiveness of the proposed approach for large translations and rotations measurement have been verified. Since large deformations and rotations are frequently encountered in rotating and flexible structures, the proposed approach is believed to constitute a feasible and powerful tool for static and dynamic deformation measurement of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Stocking density (SD) is closely related to animal performance. This experiment was designed to evaluate the development of reproductive and immune functions of young pigeons under different SDs. 2. A total of 288 (half male and half female) 40-day-old pigeons (body weight 400 ± 15 g) were allocated into four groups: High stocking density (HSD; 0.308 m3/bird), standard stocking density (SD; 0.616 m3/bird), and low stocking density (LSD; 1.232 m3/bird) and a caged (control; 0.04125 m3/bird). Every group had six replicates of the same sex. 3. The results showed that caged male pigeons had the highest testis index, testosterone content, and gene expression of the androgen receptor gene. LSD treatment induced the highest concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and mRNA levels of reproductive hormone receptor genes in female pigeons. In male pigeons, the spleen index (organ weight calculated as a percentage of total body weight) showed a peak level (0.09 ± 0.020) in the LSD group, and the thymus index peaked (0.23 ± 0.039) in SD group. However, the index for ovary, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius in female pigeons showed no significant changes among different groups. 4. The IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TGF-β and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) mRNA levels reached their maximum values in both male and female pigeon spleens in the LSD group. 5. Young male pigeons housed in cages showed increased testicular development while low stocking density increased the development of reproductive function in young female pigeons. A larger activity space could help enhance the immune function of both male and female pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the application value of computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) obstruction score and pulmonary perfusion defect score on the third-generation dual-source CT for pulmonary embolism and the changes of the right ventricular function. The clinical data of 52 patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) confirmed using the third-generation dual-source dual-energy CTPA were analysed retrospectively. These patients were divided into the severe group and non-severe group according to their clinical manifestations. The results of CTPA and dual-energy pulmonary perfusion imaging (DEPI) were recorded by two radiologists for index computation. The ratio of the maximum short-axis diameter of the right ventricle (RV) to that of the left ventricle (LV) was also recorded. The correlation analysis between RV/LV and the mean values of CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score was performed. Correlation analysis and agreement analysis were performed on the data measured by two radiologists, CTA obstruction score, and pulmonary perfusion defect score. CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score measured by the two radiologists had good correlation and agreement. CTA obstruction score, perfusion defect score, and RV/LV were significantly lower in the non-severe group than in the severe PE group. RV/LV had a significant positive correlation with CTA obstruction score and perfusion defect score (p <0.05). The third-generation dual-source dual-energy CT plays a positive role in assessing PE severity and RV function and can provide additional information for the clinical management and treatment of PE patients. • Third-generation dual-source CT scan overcomes shortcomings such as small FOV. • Assess obstruction score and perfusion defect score. • Two score with third-generation dual-source CT never be conducted. • Two score have good correlation and agreement. RV/LV have a positive correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The objective of this study was to examine the keratin composition of crop milk, the variation of epithelial thickness and keratin (K) gene expression in samples from young pigeon during incubation and chick rearing. 2. Crop milk was collected from 1-, 3- and 5-day-old squab crops for keratin content analysis. Results showed that K4 accounted for the highest proportion of all detected keratins. 3. In total, 42 pairs of adult pigeons were allocated to seven groups according to different stages to collect crop samples. Gene expression studies showed that the K3 gene expression was maximised at rearing Day 15 (15) and R1 in males and females, respectively. K6a gene level was the greatest at R15 in females, whereas it peaked at incubation Day 4 (I4) in males. The K12, K13, K23 and K80 gene levels were inhibited at the peak period of crop milk formation in comparison with I4. In females, K cochleal expression peaked at I10, whereas it was the greatest at R25 in males. K4 and K14 gene expression was the highest at I10 in females, while K4 and K14 were minimised at I17 and R7 in males, respectively. Gene expressions of K5, K8, K19 and K20 in males and K19 in females were maximised at R1. The K5, K20 and K75 gene levels in females peaked at R7. K75 and K8 expressions in males and females reached a maximum value at R25 and I17, respectively. 4. The epithelial thickness of male and female crops reached their greatest levels at R1 and had the highest correlation with K19. 5. These results emphasised the importance of keratinisation in crop milk formation, and different keratins probably play various roles during this period. The K19 was probably a marker for pigeon crop epithelium development. The sex of the parent pigeon affected keratin gene expression profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotrimeric G proteins act as molecular switches to participate in transmitting various stimuli signals from outside of cells. G proteins have three subunits, Gα, Gβ and Gγ, which function mutually to modulate many biological processes in plants, including plant growth and development, as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. In plants, the number of Gγ subunits is larger than that of the α and β subunits. Based on recent breakthroughs in studies of plant G protein signal perception, transduction and downstream effectors, this review summarizes and analyses the connections between different subunits and the interactions of G proteins with other signalling pathways, especially in plant biotic and abiotic stress responses. Based on current progress and unresolved questions in the field, we also suggest future research directions on G proteins in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the changes in morphology, enzyme activities in the pancreas and mucosa, and nutrient transporter gene expression in the duodenum and jejunum in male and female pigeons during the incubation and chick-rearing periods. Forty-two pairs of White King pigeons with 2 fertile eggs per pair were randomly divided into 7 groups by different breeding stages. The crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum reached the peak at day 1 (R1) and day 7 (R7) of chick rearing, respectively. The jejunum surface area increased to a maximum value at R1. Amylase activity in the pancreas decreased to the lowest value at R1, whereas trypsin and lipase activities peaked at 17 D of incubation (I17) and R7, respectively. In male pigeons, mucosal Na+-K+- ATPase activity in the duodenum and jejunum was the highest at R15 and it was at I17 in female pigeons. Jejunum sucrose activity in female pigeons was higher at I4 than that at I17 (P < 0.05). The gene expression of FAT/CD36 and I-FABP in the duodenum gradually increased and then declined in the late chick-rearing period. SGLT1 in the jejunum decreased to a lower level at I17 and R25 in male pigeons (P < 0.05). GLUT2 expression in female duodenum and male jejunum decreased to a lower value at I17 compared with that at R15 (P < 0.05). In the late of incubation (from I10 to I17), expression of duodenum CAT1, B0AT1, and PepT1 and jejunum CAT1, ASCT1, and PepT1 in female pigeons was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), whereas opposite results were found in male jejunum CAT1 and duodenum ASCT1. In conclusion, variations of intestinal morphology, activities of pancreatic and mucosal enzymes, and gene expression of nutrient transporters during incubation and chickrearing periods, underlying potential changes of digestive and absorptive function and intestinal adaptation with sexual effects, may represent a complicated response to stimuli of different breeding stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to investigate the changes in amino acid (AA) contents of crop milk and plasma and mRNA abundance of AA transporters and AA synthesis–related enzymes in the crop tissue of male and female pigeons during incubation and chick-rearing periods. Forty-two pairs of adult White King pigeons with 2 fertile eggs per pair were randomly divided into 7 groups by different breeding stages. The AA content of crop milk decreased from day 1 (R1) to day 25 (R25) of chick rearing (P<0.05). In both male and female adult pigeons, the contents of Thr, Leu, Val, His, Asp, and Pro in plasma increased to maximum levels on R25. Parental sex effect and interaction between stage and sex were observed in the AA contents of pigeon plasma (P<0.05). For AA transporters, the mRNA abundances of SNAT2, ASCT1, LAT1, and y+LAT2 in the male crops reached the highest value on day 17 of incubation (I17), and the peak mRNA levels of PAT-1, xCT, b0,+AT, and CAT1 were found on R7 (P<0.05). In females, the abundances of ASCT1, B0AT1, asc-1, and CAT1 mRNA peaked on R1, whereas the maximum levels of LAT1, PAT-1, b0,+AT, and y+LAT2 were observed on R7. For enzymes involved in AA synthesis, the highest gene expressions of glutamate dehydrogenase 1, acetolactate synthase in both parent pigeons, and L-threonine 3-dehydrogenase in female pigeon crops were attained on I17. The expressions of ornithine-δ-aminotransferase, glutamic-oxal(o)acetic transaminase 1, glutamic-oxal(o)acetic transaminase 2, asparagine synthetase, serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase 2 in both sexes and argininosuccinate lyase and L-threonine 3-dehydrogenase in males were the highest on R1. In conclusion, AA used for pigeon crop milk formation may originate from plasma and intracellular synthesis. The genes involved in AA transport and synthesis varied significantly with sexual effects, indicating that other factors should be considered in future explorations of the mechanism of protein formation in crop milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different stocking densities on the organ development, blood biochemical indices, and antioxidative status of breeder pigeons during the rearing period. A total of 280 (half male and half female) 40-day-old young pigeons were allocated into 4 groups, including 3 experimental groups (in compartments of the flying room): the high stocking density (HSD) (0.308 m3/bird), standard stocking density (SD) (0.616 m3/bird), and low stocking density (LSD) (1.232 m3/bird) and a caged control (0.04125 m3/bird). The results showed that the contents of corticosterone and heat shock protein 70 in males and the corticosterone content in females were higher in the control than in the other groups. The relative weight of liver, lung, and gizzard in males of the HSD group was the highest among the 4 treatments, whereas the abdominal fat index in the control group was higher than those in the other 3 treatments. Body weight and the relative weight of liver and abdominal fat in female pigeons in HSD group increased significantly. The levels of serum urea nitrogen and uric acid in pigeons of LSD group increased significantly, while the concentration of total cholesterol and the activity of alanine aminotransferase were higher in the control group. Ion (K+, Ca2+, and Na+) concentrations in female pigeon serum were also elevated in the control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in pigeon breast muscle and liver had different degrees of inhibition when the space room was crowded. Moreover, the level of malondialdehyde in the liver of male caged pigeons was higher than that in the other treatments. In summary, rearing in cages or at a high density caused stress responses in the breeder pigeons. The stocking density of breeder pigeons during the rearing period should be ranged from 0.616 m3/bird to 1.232 m3/bird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Application of a new porous media model for the gas-liquid flow in a RPB. • Closure model of the interfacial area derived from the VOF simulation. • Successful Eulerian simulation of CO 2 absorption by liquid amine in a lab-scale RPB. Abstract The rotating packed bed (RPB) is a promising reactor for CO 2 capture with liquid amine because of its high mass transfer rate and energy and space savings. The CFD simulations of RPBs generally use the volume of fluid (VOF) method, but this method is prohibitively expensive for 3D simulations, in particular for large-scale reactors. The Eulerian method is a promising and effective method; however, there are still several difficulties, such as the settings for the porous media models in the gas-liquid counter-current flow and the interfacial area between the gas and liquid. To overcome these difficulties in the Eulerian method, this paper uses a new porous media model, a novel liquid generation-elimination model for numerically investigating the gas-liquid counter-current flow in RPBs and a new interfacial area model derived from the VOF simulation. These new models, incorporating the two-film reaction-enhancement mass transfer model, have successfully simulated the CO 2 capture process with monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions in a RPB under both low (30 wt%) and high (90 wt%) concentration conditions. The results show that the overall gas phase mass transfer coefficient (K G a) increases with increasing the rotation speeds and the liquid to gas mass flow rate (L/G ratio). The simulations were validated by the experimental data and the results were analysed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of prolactin (PRL) on the lipid synthesis of organ-cultured pigeon crops in vitro. In experiment 1, the histology, activities of enzymes, and expression of genes involved in metabolism and apoptosis of organ-cultured pigeon crops were analyzed over a 7-d culture period. The results showed that cultured crops maintained their structural integrity for up to 3 d in vitro. Beyond 3 d, caspase-3 activity and Bak1 gene expression increased with day of culture, whereas the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, total ATPase, and gene expression of Bcl-2 and CK-19 diminished (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the crops were cultured for 24, 36, and 48 h in medium containing 0, 25, or 50 ng/mL PRL, respectively, and the accumulation of lipid droplets, lipid content, and expression of fatty acid transportation- and lipogenesis-related genes were analyzed. The results showed that the crops with PRL supplements showed higher amounts of lipid droplets than those of the controls, and the droplets were mainly located in the basal nutritive layer in response to PRL. The efficacy of inducing lipid accumulation increased as the concentration of PRL increased. Crops with 50 ng/mL PRL incubated for 36 h displayed the maximal lipid content. Increasing the concentration of PRL from 0 to 50 ng/mL resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid translocase, fatty acid binding protein 5, acyl-CoA binding protein, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ genes after incubation for 36 h (P < 0.05). Therefore, our results indicated that the organ-cultured pigeon crops maintained good viability for up to 3 d in vitro. Furthermore, PRL induced the lipid synthesis of organ-cultured pigeon crops in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was related to the increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid transportation and lipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotating packed bed (RPB) is a promising advanced reactor used in industrial gas-liquid two-phase reaction processes because of its high phase contact efficiency and mixing efficiency. Investigation of RPBs using CFD simulations will improve the understanding of physical behaviours of gas and liquid flows in such reactors. Currently, CFD simulations on the RPBs only focus on the volume of fluid (VOF) method. However, the VOF method is not suitable for simulations of pilot-scale 2D and 3D RPBs due to the limitations in computer resources, while the Eulerian method using a porous media model is a promising alternative method but it is rarely reported. The reason is that there are no suitable porous media models that accurately describe the drag force between the gas and liquid, the gas and solids and the liquid and solids due to the high porosity and the stacked wire screen packing used in RPBs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for modelling RPBs. The new proposed model is based on the Kołodziej high porosity wire screen one-phase porous media model. In this work, two experimental counter-current gas–liquid flow cases from the literatures have been used for validating the CFD simulation results. Finally, the new model has been compared with the current porous media models for traditional spherical or structured slit packed beds, which are the Attou, Lappalainen, Iliuta and Zhang models. The simulation results show that the proposed new model is the most appropriate and accurate model for the simulation of RPBs among all the models investigated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the changes in concentrations of hormones and growth factors and their related receptor gene expressions in crop tissue, relative organ weight, and serum biochemical parameters in male and female pigeons during incubation and chick-rearing periods under artificial farming conditions. Seventy-eight pairs of 60- week-old White King pigeons with 2 fertile eggs per pair were randomly divided into 13 groups by different breeding stages. Serum prolactin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in crop tissue homogenates were the highest in both male and female pigeons at 1 d of chick-rearing (R1), while epidermal growth factor (EGF) in female pigeons peaked at d 17 of incubation (I17) (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of the prolactin and EGF receptors in the crop tissue increased at the end of incubation and the early chick-rearing stage in both sexes. However, estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone receptor expression each decreased during the early chick-rearing stage (P < 0.05). In male pigeons, IGF-1 receptor gene expression reached its peak at R7, while in female pigeons, it increased at the end of incubation. The relative weight of breast and abdominal fat in both sexes and thighs in the males was lowest at R7, and then gradually increased to the incubation period level. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations increased to the highest levels at I17 (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein reached their highest values at I17 in male pigeons and R25 in female pigeons (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hormones, growth factors, and their receptors potentially underlie pigeon crop tissue development. Changes in organs and serum biochemical profiles suggested their different breeding-cycle patterns with sexual effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism‐related parameters of adult male and female White King pigeons (Columba livia) during incubation and chick rearing. At day 4 (I4), 10 (I10) and 17 (I17) of incubation and day 1 (R1), 7 (R7), 15 (R15) and 25 (R25) of chick rearing, livers were sampled from six pigeons for each sex. Glycogen and fat contents, activities of glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, HK; 6‐phosphofructokinase, 6‐PFK), and genes expressions of key enzymes involved in glycolysis (pyruvate kinase, PK; glucokinase, GK), gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase cytosolic, PCK1; fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase, FBP1; glucose‐6‐phosphatase, G6Pase), fatty acid synthesis (fatty acid synthase, FAS; acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, ACC) and fatty acid β‐oxidation (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, CPT1; acyl‐CoA 1, ACO) were measured. In male and female pigeon livers, glycogen content and HK activity dramatically increased after I17 and after R1, respectively; expressions of FBP1 and G6Pase genes were maximized at R15; activity of 6‐PFK and expressions of PK and CPT1 genes were highest at R7; fat content and expressions of FAS and ACC genes steeply increased from I10 to R1. In females, hepatic expressions of GK and PCK1 genes were greatest at R7 and I17, respectively; however, in males, both of them were maximized at R15. Hepatic expression of ACO gene was significantly enhanced at R1 compared to I17 and R7 in males, whereas it was notably up‐regulated at I17 and R7 in females. Furthermore, expressions of PCK1, GK, FAS and ACC genes were in significant relation to fat content in the livers of female pigeons, while fat content in male pigeons was highly correlated with expression of PCK1, ACC, CPT1 and ACO genes. In conclusion, regulations of glucose and lipid metabolic processes were enhanced in parent pigeon livers from terminal phases of incubation to mid phase of chick rearing with sexual effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The cardioprotective effects of sevoflurane postconditioning (SpostC) are eliminated under diabetic conditions, and the underlying mechanism for this phenomenon remains unclear. Many studies have demonstrated that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 ( HIF-1) signalling pathway in the myocardium is impaired under diabetic conditions. This study was to investigate whether deferoxamine ( DFO)-induced activation of HIF-1 signalling pathway can restore the cardioprotective effects of SpostC in diabetic rats. Methods A model of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced via ligation of the left anterior descending artery. SpostC was conducted by administering 1.0 MAC sevoflurane. After inducing the I/R injury, the following parameters were measured: myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, myocardial ultrastructure, mitochondrial respiratory function, respiratory chain enzyme activity, rate of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) generation, and protein expression of HIF-1 α, vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF), cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. Results After DFO activated HIF-1 in the impaired myocardium of diabetic rats, SpostC significantly upregulated the protein expression of HIF-1 α and its downstream mediator VEGF. This improved myocardial mitochondrial respiratory function and respiratory chain enzyme activity and reduced ROS generation as well as the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. As a result, myocardial infarct size decreased, and cardiac function and mitochondrial ultrastructure improved. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that abolishment of the cardioprotective effects of SpostC in diabetic rats is associated with impairment of the HIF-1 signalling pathway and that DFO can activate HIF-1 to restore these cardioprotective effects of SpostC in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using thermo-mechanical processing, a heterogeneous microstructure with ultrafine grains and efficient hardening nanoprecipitates was introduced into a transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel with composition of Fe-12Mn-2Ni-Mo-Ti-(Al), such that the fabricated steel has an excellent combination of yield strength, ductility and thermal stability. It is shown that the Laves phase precipitates which hindered the ultrafine grains from coarsening were formed at high temperature, whereas the most efficient hardening nanoprecipitates inside these ultrafine grains were introduced at a lower temperature. The former precipitates are hexagonal (Fe,Mn) 2 (Mo,Ti) Laves phase containing Si and the later nanoprecipitates belong to the B2 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to evaluate the changes in lipid accumulation and oxidative status in pigeon crops during different breeding stages. Forty-two pairs of adult pigeons were randomly assigned to 7 groups. Lipid droplet accumulation in pigeon crops was visualized by using oil red O staining from d 17 of incubation (I17) to d 7 of chick rearing (R7). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed swollen mitochondria with disintegration of cristae and typical characteristics of endoplasmic reticulum stress in crop tissues at R1 compared with those at I4. During the peak of pigeon milk formation, the concentrations of reactive oxygen species, and oxidative damage markers (advanced oxidation protein products, 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine, and malondialdehyde) and the enzyme activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were all elevated significantly (P < 0.05). The protein concentration of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X in crop tissues was significantly higher at R1, while the level of B-cell lymphoma-2 protein in males was the highest at I4 (P < 0.05). The ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in both male and female crops peaked at R1 (P < 0.05). Gene expression of the key enzymes involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation was investigated in crops. In males, the gene expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a peaked at R15, and that of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 increased significantly from R1 to R15 (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase increased to the maximum value at R1 and I17 in males and females, respectively. From I17 to R7, the mRNA levels of acyl-CoA oxidase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase 2 were decreased in pigeon crops (P < 0.05). Conclusively, lipid droplet accumulation was found in male and female pigeon crops from the end of incubation to the early stage of chick rearing. Although antioxidant defence and mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation were both mobilized, oxidative stress in crop tissues still occurred during the peak of milk formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are multifunctional peptides. In the current study, complete sequences of ghrelin (800 bp) and CCK (739 bp) were firstly cloned in Columba livia by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The open reading frames of ghrelin (351bp) and CCK (393bp) encoded 116 amino acids and 130 amino acids, respectively. Sequence comparison indicated that pigeon ghrelin and CCK shared high identity with those reported in other avian species. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis found that ghrelin and CCK mRNAs expressed in three intestinal segments of pigeon during development. Both ghrelin and CCK showed generally higher expressions at days posthatch than embryonic periods regardless of intestinal segments. In duodenum and ileum, the expressions of ghrelin and CCK mRNA reached the peak values at 8 d posthatch. Jejunum CCK mRNA level increased linearly after hatching, and reached the highest point at posthatch 28 d. Based on documented effects of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on pigeon ghrelin and CCK expression were also investigated in vitro. Higher concentrations (50 µM or 250 µM) of linoleic acid, a-linolenic acid or arachidonic acid can significantly increase ghrelin mRNA level in pigeon jejunum. However, for oleic acid, the induction of ghrelin gene expressions needed a lower concentration (5 µM). 5 µM of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid or arachidonic acid and 250 µM palmitic acid repressed CCK expression significantly. A higher concentration (250 µM) of oleic acid or α-linolenic acid can up-regulate CCK mRNA level significantly. Our results indicated that ghrelin and CCK may act key functions in pigeon intestine development and their expressions could be regulated by LCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of 5 different feeding systems on the performance, carcass traits and organ development were studied in pigeon squabs.The 5 treatments were (1) whole grains of maize, pea and wheat plus concentrate feed; (2)whole grains of maize and wheat plus concentrate feed (CWC); (3) whole grains of maize and pea plus concentrate feed; (4)whole grain of maize plus concentrate feed (CC); and (5) compound feed (CF).Feed intake of parent pigeons increased significantly from 0 to 21 d and it was higher in the CF treatment. Body weight of squabs in the CWC treatment was the highest among the 5 treatments in 4 weeks. Body weight losses of parental pigeons during the rearing period were not significantly different among the 5 treatments.Protein intake in CC and CWC treatments was lower than that of the other three treatments. The CWC treatment had the highest daily weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio. Treatments were statistically similar in the relative weight of carcass, breast and thigh. CF had the lower relative weight of abdominal fat.Relative weight of gizzard in the CF treatment was significantly lower than that of CWC.It was concluded that the application of free choice feeding of whole grains of maize and wheat plus concentrate feed increased the body weight of 28-d-old pigeon squabs and decreased the feed conversion rate of parent pigeons. This feeding strategy could be commercially interesting in meat-type pigeon production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Olive leaf residue feedstuff additives were prepared by solid-state fermentation ( SSF), and its feeding effects on broiler chickens were examined. Methods and Results The fermentation's nutrient value, that is, protein enrichment, cellulase activity, tannic acid degradation and amino acid enhancement, was determined. The effect of different strains, including molds ( Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma viride) and yeasts ( Candida utilis, Candida tropicalis and Geotrichum candidum), and the fermentation time on the nutrient values of the feedstuff additives was investigated. The experimental results showed that the optimal parameters for best performance were A. niger and C. utilis in a 1 : 1 ratio (v/v) in co-culture fermentation for 5 days. Under these conditions, the total content of amino acids in the fermented olive leaf residues increased by 22·0% in comparison with that in the raw leaf residues. Both Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid contents were increased by more than 25·4%. Broiler chickens fed with different amounts of feedstuff additives were assessed. The results demonstrated that the chicken weight gains increased by 120%, and normal serum biochemical parameters were improved significantly after 10% of the feedstuff additives were supplemented to the daily chicken feed for 28 days. Conclusions The co-culture combination of A. niger and C. utilis with SSF for olive leaf residue had the best nutrient values. The addition of 10% fermented olive leaf residue facilitated the chicken growth and development. Significance and Impact of the Study This study reveals that olive leaf residues fermented by SSF exhibited considerable potential as feed additives for feeding poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel X-linked intellectual disability ( XLID) syndrome with moderate intellectual disability and distinguishing craniofacial dysmorphisms had been previously mapped to the Xq26-q27 interval. On whole exome sequencing in the large family originally reported with this disorder, we identified a 23 bp frameshift deletion in the RNA binding motif protein X-linked ( RBMX) gene at Xq26 in the affected males ( n = 7), one carrier female, absent in unaffected males ( n = 2) and in control databases (7800 exomes). The RBMX gene has not been previously causal of human disease. We examined the genic intolerance scores for the coding regions and the non-coding regions of RBMX; the findings were indicative of RBMX being relatively intolerant to loss of function variants, a distinctive pattern seen in a subset of XLID genes. Prior expression and animal modeling studies indicate that loss of function of RBMX results in abnormal brain development. Our finding putatively adds a novel gene to the loci associated with XLID and may enable the identification of other individuals affected with this distinctive syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient nanotwinned layers (GNTLs) with high hardness of approximately 500 HV and good thermal stability were produced in a Fe–20Mn–3Al–3Si TRIP steel by means of a high strain-rate surface mechanical grinding treatment (SMGT). The effect of the strain-rate on the plasticity-enhancing mechanisms in steels was investigated. It is found that although it primarily exhibits transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) when cold-rolled, this steel shows twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) during the SMGT process, illustrating that the steel may undergo a transition from TRIP to TWIP under high-strain-rate deformation. The martensite induced by deformation is thermally unstable and can easily transform back to austenite during annealing. In contrast, the deformation twins (DTs) are thermally much stable, since de-twinning, which plays a key role in the recovery of DTs, is more difficult to occur during thermal annealing. As such, undergoing the same annealing at 600 °C for 1 h, the GNTLs containing a great many of DTs maintain high hardness, whereas the cold-rolled counterpart samples containing deformation-induced martensite softens drastically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual stresses in electron beam welded Titanium alloy before and after post weld heat treatment (PWHT) are measured by both of the contour method and X-ray diffraction method. The application of X-ray diffraction method on the surface of welded structure was used to confirm the results of the contour method induced by interpolation from CMM measuring position which is limited near the structure surface. The welding residual stresses are characterized, as well as the residual stress relaxation by PWHT at soaking temperatures of 500 and 650 °C and holding times ranging from 0 min to 2 h respectively. The measured results show that the maximum welding residual stress without PWHT is 550 MPa located inside the plate. The relaxation of the residual stresses from PWHT mainly depend on soaking temperature, and occurs most both in the heating stage and holding stage. The residual stresses are reduced to a limited value after the PWHT with soaking temperature of 650 °C and 2 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 3,240 female Taisheng pigeons at 40 wk age were fed 9 diets containing 3 ME levels (2,630, 2,770, and 2,940 kcal/kg) and 3 CP levels (14.0, 15.0, and 16.0%) in a factorial arrangement. These diets were fed to investigate the effects of ME and CP on performance, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility. Female pigeons were housed under the same managerial conditions and randomly assigned into 9 treatments (6 replicates of 60 birds each). Two female- female paired pigeons housed in one cage were under a 16L:8D lighting cycle. Feed in pellet form and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. The study lasted 12 wk. As dietary ME level increased from 2,630 to 2,940 kcal/kg, BW, egg production, and apparent DM, crude fat (CF), and phosphorus (i.e., P) digestibilities increased (P < 0.05), feed intake decreased (P < 0.05), and feed conversion efficiency increased (P < 0.05). Increasing the level of dietary protein from 14 to 16% resulted in an increased (P < 0.05) BW, shell percentage, length of the major axis, and DM digestibility. Therefore, dietary ME had a greater influence on the performance of Taisheng laying pigeons than did dietary protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are involved in lipid metabolism through transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. The objective of the current study was to clone and characterise thePPARαandPPARγgenes in pigeon. 2. The full-length of 1941-bpPPARαand 1653-bpPPARγwere cloned from pigeons. The two genes were predicted to encode 468 and 475 amino acids, respectively. Both proteins contained two C4-type zinc fingers, a nuclear hormone receptor DNA-binding region signature and a HOLI domain (ligand binding domain of hormone receptors), and had high identities with other corresponding avian genes. 3. Using quantitative real-time PCR, pigeonPPARαgene expression was shown to be high in kidney, liver, gizzard and duodenum whereasPPARγwas predominantly expressed in adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy measurements of SO2 and NO2 were performed in the Guangzhou Eastern Area (GEA) during the Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 from November 2010 to December 2010. Spatial and temporal distributions of SO2 and NO2 in this area were obtained and emission sources were determined by using wind field data. The NO2 vertical column densities were found to agree with OMI values. The correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.88 after cloud filtering. During the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Paralympics (Para) Games, the SO2 and NO2 emissions in the area were quantified using averaged wind speed and wind direction. For times outside the Games the average SO2 emission was estimated to be 9.50±0.90 tons per hour and the average NO2 emission was estimated to be 3.50±1.89 tons per hour. During the phases of the Asian and Asian Para Games, the SO2 and NO2 emissions were reduced by 53.5 and 46 %, respectively, compared to the usual condition. We also investigated the influence of GEA on Guangzhou University Town, the main venue located northwest of the GEA, and found that SO2 concentrations here were about tripled by emissions from the GEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays an important role in transporting long-chain fatty acids. In the current study, a full-length cDNA of FAT/CD36 was first cloned from the intestine of White King pigeon by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The full-length cDNA of pigeon FAT/CD36 was 2,282 bp, including a 5'-untranslated region of 224 bp, a 3'-un-translated region of 642 bp, and an open reading frame of 1,416 bp encoding a protein of 471 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of 52.7 kDa. Sequence comparison indicated that FAT/CD36 of pigeon had high identity with other avian FAT/CD36. Using quantitative real-time PCR, expression of FAT/CD36 was the greatest in the duodenum at 28 d posthatch, and in the jejunum, the expression of FAT/CD36 at 14 d posthatch was greater than at 8 d but the same as 28 d posthatch. However, in the ileum, expression of FAT/ CD36 peaked at embryonic d 15 and 8 d posthatch. The effects of long-chain fatty acids on pigeon FAT/ CD36 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ(PPARγ) mRNA expression were also investigated in vitro. It showed that a low concentration (5 \LM) of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid can significantly increase FAT/CD36 and PPAR-γ mRNA level in pigeon jejunum. However, for linolenic acid or arachidonic acid, the induction of both gene expressions needed a higher concentration (50 μiMor 250 μM). Two hundred and 50 μM palmitic acid was shown to suppress FAT/ CD36 gene expression. The results suggest that FAT/ CD36 may be a representative of intestine development in pigeon, and it could be regulated by long-chain fatty acids via PPARγ pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Omentin-1 inhibited osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In co-culture systems of osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors, omentin-1 reduced osteoclast formation by stimulating osteoprotegerin (OPG) and inhibiting receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) production in osteoblasts. In vivo, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of omentin-1 suppressed bone turnover and restored bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in ovariectomized mice. Introduction: Omentin-1 (also intelectin-1) is a recently identified visceral adipose tissue-derived cytokine that is highly abundant in plasma. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of omentin-1 on bone metabolism. Methods: Osteoblast differentiation was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin production and matrix mineralization. OPG and RANKL protein expression and secretion in osteoblasts were detected by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The effect of recombinant omentin-1 on osteoclast formation was examined in co-culture systems of osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors. The effects of intravenous administration of adenoviral-delivered omentin-1 on bone mass, bone strength, and bone turnover were also examined in ovariectomized mice. Results: In vitro, omentin-1 inhibited osteoblast differentiation, while it had no direct effect on osteoclast differentiation; it also reduced osteoclast formation in the co-culture systems through stimulating OPG and inhibiting RANKL production in osteoblasts. In vivo, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of omentin-1 partially restored BMD and bone strength in ovariectomized mice, accompanied by decreased levels of plasma osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b and lower serum RANKL/OPG ratios. Conclusion: The present study suggests that omentin-1 ameliorates bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency via downregulating the RANKL/OPG ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bi-2223/Ag superconducting tapes are available in long lengths and are suitable for various applications. However, the presence of the Ag alloy sheath is a great obstacle for achieving low cost and high mechanical properties. In this paper, a new nickel clad Bi-2223/Ag/Ni complex structure was proposed in order to improve the critical current and also to increase the mechanical strength. In the preliminary experiments, short samples were clad into the 50μm thick nickel foil. Heat treatment under reduced oxygen atmosphere (pO2 <0.20bar) was introduced to recover the mechanical damage during the cladding process. It is essential to have an open window in the Ni clad to allow the diffusion of oxygen. By controlling the width of this open window, the J c values (77K, self field) of the clad tapes was not only fully recovered, but also increased by 7% because of the magnetic shielding effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of maximal standard uptake values (SUVsmax) from serial fluor-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The current study investigated whether the expression of apoptosis genes in the pigeon crops was affected by the Akt signaling pathway during crop milk formation. First, 78 pairs of adult White King pigeons were randomly assigned to 7 groups, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes and Akt signaling pathway-related proteins in the crop tissues during different breeding stages were examined. The results showed that the mRNA levels of Bak, caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9 in female crops all increased and reached their highest levels at d 17 of incubation (I17). In male crops, the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 gene expression peaked at d 1 of chick rearing (R1). The lowest level of Bcl-2 gene expression in females was observed at I17. The expression ratios of p-Akt (Ser473)/Akt and p-Akt (Thr308)/Akt in male crops decreased to their minimum at R1, while it was observed at d 7 of chick rearing (R7) in females. Second, 36 pairs of adult pigeons were divided into 3 groups and were subjected to SC79 injections with dosages of 0, 0.02, or 0.04 mg/kg bodyweight. The SC79 injections resulted in a considerable decrease in growth performance of pigeon squabs. In male crops, the expression ratios of p-Akt (Ser473)/Akt and p-Akt (Thr308)/Akt were significantly elevated in the 0.02 mg/kg SC79 group, while in female crops, they were higher in the 0.04 mg/kg SC79 group (P < 0.05). The SC79 injection inhibited the gene expression of Bak in female crops, but enhanced the gene expression of Bcl-2 in both male and female crops. In the 0.04 mg/kg SC79 group, a 50.7 to 75.7% decrease was observed in the expression of caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9 in male and female pigeon crops. Expression of the caspase-8 gene and total Akt protein in pigeon crops was not changed in different breeding stages or after SC79 injection. In conclusion, the expression of genes related to mitochondria-dependent apoptosis can be regulated by the Akt signaling pathway, which may play a potential role in pigeon milk formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective – Brain abnormalities in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attracted much attention. Our study was to identify the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients. Methods – Patients who fulfilled the latest diagnostic criteria of NMO proposed by Wingerchuk et al. [Neurology 66 (2006) 1485] and whose brain MRI did not meet the multiple sclerosis (MS) criteria of McDonald et al. [Ann Neurol 50 (2001) 121] were selected to perform MRI scanning of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Results – Twenty-eight of 33 patients (84.8%) had abnormal MRI findings. Twenty-two patients (66.7%) presented with well-defined brain parenchymal lesions and the other six patients (18.2%) with macroscopic symmetrical diffuse hyperintensities in deep white matter. Fifteen of 22 patients had more than one lesion (≥2 lesions) and the other seven patients had single lesion. In the supratentorium, most lesions were punctate or small round dot and non-specific in juxtacortical, subcortical and deep white matter regions, a few were patchy atypical confluent lesions. Brainstem was easily involved (14/33, 42.4%) especially in medulla (7/33, 21.2%). Conclusions – This study demonstrates the characteristics of brain MRI abnormalities in Chinese NMO patients, which are helpful to the revision of diagnostic criteria for NMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gel filtration chromatography, ultra-filtration, and solid-phase extraction silica gel clean-up were evaluated for their ability to remove microcystins selectively from extracts of cyanobacteria Spirulina samples after using the reversed-phase octadecylsilyl ODS cartridge for subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The reversed-phase ODS cartridge/silica gel combination were effective and the optimal wash and elution conditions were: H2O (wash), 20% methanol in water (wash), and 90% methanol in water (elution) for the reversed-phase ODS cartridge, followed by 80% methanol in water elution in the silica gel cartridge. The presence of microcystins in 36 kinds of cyanobacteria Spirulina health food samples obtained from various retail outlets in China were detected by LC-MS/MS, and 34 samples (94%) contained microcystins ranging from 2 to 163 ng g-1 (mean = 14 ± 27 ng g-1), which were significantly lower than microcystins present in blue green alga products previously reported. MC-RR - which contains two molecules of arginine (R) - (in 94.4% samples) was the predominant microcystin, followed by MC-LR - where L is leucine - (30.6%) and MC-YR - where Y is tyrose - (27.8%). The possible potential health risks from chronic exposure to microcystins from contaminated cyanobacteria Spirulina health food should not be ignored, even if the toxin concentrations were low. The method presented herein is proposed to detect microcystins present in commercial cyanobacteria Spirulina samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver and bighead carps were cultured in large fish pens to reduce the risks of cyanobacterial bloom outbreaks in Meiliang Bay, Lake Tauhu in 2004 and 2005. Diet compositions and growth rates of the carps were studied from April to November each year. Both carp species fed mainly on zooplankton (>50% in diet) in 2004 when competition was low, but selected more phytoplankton in 2005 when competition was high. Silver carp had a broader diet breadth than did bighead carp. Higher densities and fewer food resources increased diet breadths but decreased the diet overlap in both types of carps. It can be predicted that silver and bighead carps would be released from diet competition and shift to feed mainly on zooplankton at low densities, decreasing the efficiency of controlling cyanobacterial blooms. Conclusively, when silver and bighead carps are used to control cyanobacterial blooms, a sufficiently high stocking density is very important for a successful practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to investigate the effects of different electroacupuncture (EA) frequencies at ST-36 on esophageal motility, and to compare the effect of EA on serum gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Thirty-two cats were divided into four equal groups. All animals underwent a Heller myotomy. After esophagitis developed two frequencies (2/15 Hz or 2/100 Hz) of EA were delivered into ST-36 (LEA group [low EA], HEA group [high EA]). Animals submitted to EA on a non-point region (EANP) were used as controls (LEANP group, HEANP group), respectively. Esophageal motility was continuously monitored. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) decreased significantly after myotomy. The LESP decreased in both LEA and LEANP cats, and in LEA cats the pressure decrease was greater. The LESP increased in the HEA group, which was higher than that in the HEANP group ( P < 0.05). High-frequency EA significantly increased the peak amplitude in esophageal peristalsis. There was a decrease in serum GAS and MTL in LEA cats compared with LEANP cats (both P < 0.01). GAS and MTL were higher in the HEA group than in the HEANP group (both P < 0.01). Serum VIP decreased in the HEA group ( P < 0.05), while it increased in the LEA group ( P < 0.05), compared with EANP groups, respectively. EA with a high frequency at ST-36 enhances LESP as well as esophageal motility, while EA with a low frequency decreases LESP. The effect of EA is acupoint-specific, and this effect appears to be mediated through GAS, MTL and VIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A survey of 30 subtropical shallow lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River area in China was conducted during July–September in 2003–2004 to study how environmental and biological variables were associated with the concentration of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin (MC). 2. Mean MC concentration in seasonally river-connected lakes (SL) was nearly 33 times that in permanently river-connected lakes (RL), and more than six times that in city lakes (NC) and non-urban lakes (NE) which were not connected to the Yangtze River. The highest MC (8.574 μg L−1) was detected in Dianshan Lake. 3. MC-RR and MC-LR were the primary toxin variants in our data. MC-RR, MC-YR and MC-LR were significantly correlated with Chl a, biomass of cyanobacteria, Microcystis and Anabaena, indicating that microcystins were mainly produced by Microcystis and Anabaena sp. in these lakes. 4. Nonlinear interval maxima regression indicated that the relationships of Secchi depth, total nitrogen (TN) : total phosphorus (TP) and NH with MC were characterised by negative exponential curves. The relationships between MC and TN, TP, NO + NO were fitted well with a unimodal curve. 5. Multivariate analyses by principal component and classifying analysis indicated that MC was mainly affected by Microcystis among the biological factors, and was closely related with temperature among physicochemical factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the dielectric continuum approximation, the confined longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon and interface-optical (IO) phonon modes of a multi-shell spherical nanoheterosystem are discussed. To describe the vibrations of the LO phonons, a proper eigenfunction for LO phonon modes in the core region is adopted and a legitimate eigenfunction for LO modes in the shell region is constructed. To deal with the IO phonon modes, determinant methods are employed, and the determinant deciding the frequencies of IO phonon modes are obtained. The quantized LO and IO phonons fields as well as their corresponding electron-phonon interaction Hamiltonians are also derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the growth patterns of the Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis stocked in freshwater lakes of China. Background on the species; Methodology; Results of the study.

Aim: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a fluoroscopy-assisted interventional technique for removal of bullet-shaped self-expanding covered metallic stents from bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs).Materials and Methods: Clinical data for 49 consecutive patients who underwent removal of bullet-shaped self-expanding covered metal stents from October 2010 to November 2019 were analysed retrospectively. Fifty-one stents were removed in all, including 29 large Y-shaped bullet stents, 10 small Y-shaped bullet stents, and 12 branched bullet-shaped stents. The average duration for which tracheal stents were in place was 99.4±8.5 days.Results: Fifty-one stents were removed successfully, of which 49 were directly removed on the first attempt. The time required for stent removal ranged from 7-60 minutes (median time, 22 minutes). In eight cases, the stent was removed by the conventional method (i.e., grasping the upper tip of the stent to collapse and adduct the proximal end), and in 43 by the eversion method (i.e., grasping the distal end of the stent to invert and peel out).Conclusions: Interventional radiology is a simple, safe, and effective method to extract self-expanding covered metallic bullet-shaped stents, with no need for general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation. It has a short operation time, is well tolerated by patients, and is worthy of clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma toroidal rotation acceleration in the co-current direction introduced by the n = 1 (toroidal mode number) static resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) has been observed in the EAST tokamak. It strongly depends on the RMP coil configuration, which is manifested by its dependence on δ ϕ U L (phase difference between upper and lower coils) and RMP current. Modeling results from NTVTOK based on the linear plasma response modeled by MARS-F shows that the Neoclassical Toroidal Viscosity (NTV) torque is in the co-current direction because of the dominant contribution from electrons with the condition that the electron normalized collisionality is much lower than that of ions in this experiment. The modeled dependence of core integrated NTV torque modulated by the magnitude of core magnetic perturbation on δ ϕ U L is consistent with the experimental observations. Threshold condition related to normalized collisionality to achieve the transition from rotation braking to acceleration is obtained in the NTV modeling and agrees well with experimental observations. It is shown in the modeling that the discharges with rotation acceleration are located at the regime that electron contribution to NTV is dominant and the torque is in co-current direction, while others with rotation braking are located at the regime that ion contribution to NTV torque is dominant and the torque is in countercurrent direction. Though the modeling results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results, there is quantity difference between the modeled NTV torque based on linear plasma response and the experimental values. Possible reason is that the 3D fields are underestimated by linear modeling, particularly in the case of RMP field penetration, as demonstrated by the RMP current threshold for the rotation acceleration observed in the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An improved model is proposed considering the nonlinear biaxial tube behavior. • Seven CFFTs were tested under axial compression to verify the proposed model. • Compression tests and hydraulic pressure tests on bare FRP tubes were carried out. • The proposed model leads to more accurate predictions than the existing models. Concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) are an attractive form of hybrid members, in which the FRP tube is typically manufactured by filament-winding with fibers suitably oriented for desired mechanical properties. A significant number of studies have been conducted on the behavior of CFFTs under axial compression, in which the FRP tube is commonly assumed to have linear-elastic behavior, and is often taken to be under a uniaxial stress state (i.e., hoop tension), especially when the fibers are oriented close to the hoop direction. However, in reality, FRP tubes in CFFTs are subjected to biaxial stresses (hoop tension in combination with axial compression) and may exhibit significant nonlinear behavior. This paper presents an improved model for the axial compressive behavior of CFFTs with the nonlinear biaxial behavior of the FRP tube duly taken into account. To verify the proposed model, seven circular CFFTs were tested under axial compression. Ancillary tests on bare FRP tubes were also conducted to determine the material properties of the FRP tubes. Comparison between predictions and test results indicates that the proposed model leads to more accurate predictions of the CFFT behavior than the existing ones in which the biaxial nonlinearity of the FRP tube is ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article related to post-traumatic stress disorder and genetics, which was published in previous issues.

Balò's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare primary demyelinating disease of central nervous system (CNS) and is considered to be a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is characterized by a severe, rapidly evolving course with CNS lesions consisting of concentric rings of demyelination alternating with myelination in the white matter. We report a patient with BCS from mainland China diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In addition to two contrast enhanced open ring lesions. MRI also showed multiple small white matter lesions in both the hemispheres. The patient had a good response to corticosteroids and had a benign prognosis during a follow-up period of two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dramatic enhancement of second harmonic generation (SHG) near the photonic band edge was observed in a one-dimensional ZnSe/ZnMgS semiconductor photonic crystal (PC) structure. Over two orders of magnitude increase in SHG intensity was observed at the photonic band edge at ∼1400 nm compared to the nonphase matching region. The maximum SHG conversion efficiency of 0.8% is observed in only seven micrometers length of crystal. This enhancement came from a combination of large ZnSe second order susceptibility coefficient (χ(2)), high density of optical modes and phase matching of the fundamental and second harmonic waves near the photonic band edge due to modification of the dispersion curve by the PC structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A snow melting system with a base layer of electrically conductive concrete (ECC) and an overlay of normal concrete is described. A quantitative methodology is developed to evaluate the current flow through the overlay concrete when electricity is passed through the conductive concrete. Experimental results are presented to validate the methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a cryogenic upconversion laser pumped by a fourfold upconversion process. Result of the excitation of laser emission; Calculation of enhanced quantum efficiency; Mechanisms and concept of cooperative upconversion enhancement.

Demonstrates a cw Er:LiYF[sub 4] trio laser in a 3-mirror cavity configuration. Investigation of the mechanism yielding stimulated upconversion well; Efficiency rate of the mechanism; Stimulation of the upconversion well above liquid nitrogen temperature; Occurrence of cw operation; Analysis of the cooperative dynamics.

Model supports are widely used for selecting the type of field support and quantifying the working resistance in coal seam mining. These devices may also be employed for reproducing phenomena induced by human activities, such as advancement of the working face, in three-dimensional physical model experiments. This study investigates the relevance of the currently used model supports and finds that the interactions between the model supports and surrounding rocks are unavoidable; the three-dimensional load characteristics of the model support is also immeasurable. Therefore, first, we design a type of hydraulic-powered model support via a real case study. For this, a series of theoretical analyses is performed and the design criteria are proposed. Second, the model support and an integrated measurement system are developed and compared with previous model supports. The newly developed system has the following advantages: i) adopts a hydraulic loading-control system and hydraulic oil for power; ii) equipped with high-precision displacement-measuring elements and pressure-measuring elements for determining the three-dimensional loads of the support (quantitative values for the model support include the working resistance, lateral pushing force transferred from the adjacent supports, and thrust force from the caving-gangue). Subsequently, the performance of the integrated system is tested, following which the integrated system is used in a three-dimensional physical model experiment of working face 3232 of the Lvshuidong coal mine. It is noteworthy that the integrated system can contribute in obtaining the missing load information and increase the quality of the parameters measured in steeply dipping seam mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]