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To achieve energy saving and safe driving in a tunnel, this work proposes a tunnel intelligent dimming control and energy consumption monitoring system. Firstly, a dynamic predicted tunnel traffic volume is established to optimize the timeliness of the system tunnel traffic volume. Secondly, a backpropagation neural network-based dimming control model is constructed, in which the luminance outside the tunnel, traffic volume and vehicle speed serve as the input, and the luminance inside the tunnel is the output. This model is then combined with the established integrated closed-loop control model of the tunnel internal and external luminance to achieve continuous dimming control of the tunnel. Finally, an energy consumption monitoring system is designed with an energy monitoring unit. The designed system was implemented and tested for 63 days in the Yongtaiwen–Chayuanli (China) tunnel. Experiment results show that the designed system can automatically control the luminance of the tunnel lighting according to the luminance measured outside the tunnel, traffic volume and vehicle speed, thus achieving continuous dimming control. This significantly reduced the power consumption (by approximately 65%) whilst ensuring the safety of tunnel traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoantibodies against tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) are promising biomarkers for early immunodiagnosis of cancers. This study was designed to screen and verify autoantibodies against TAAs in sera as diagnostic biomarkers for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The customised proteome microarray based on cancer driver genes and the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to identify potential TAAs. The expression levels of the corresponding autoantibodies in serum samples obtained from 243 ESCC patients and 243 healthy controls were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In total, 486 serum samples were randomly divided into the training set and the validation set in the ratio of 2:1. Logistic regression analysis, recursive partition analysis and support vector machine were performed to establish different diagnostic models. Five and nine candidate TAAs were screened out by proteome microarray and bioinformatics analysis, respectively. Among these 14 anti-TAAs autoantibodies, the expression level of nine (p53, PTEN, GNA11, SRSF2, CXCL8, MMP1, MSH6, LAMC2 and SLC2A1) anti-TAAs autoantibodies in the cancer patient group was higher than that in the healthy control group based on the results from ELISA. In the three constructed models, a logistic regression model including four anti-TAA autoantibodies (p53, SLC2A1, GNA11 and MMP1) was considered to be the optimal diagnosis model. The sensitivity and specificity of the model in the training set and the validation set were 70.4%, 72.8% and 67.9%, 67.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting early patients in the training set and the validation set were 0.84 and 0.85, respectively. This approach to screen novel TAAs is feasible, and the model including four autoantibodies could pave the way for the diagnosis of ESCC. • Proteome microarray and GEO were used to identify potential TAAs. • We identified nine autoantibodies against TAAs with diagnostic value for patients with ESCC. • Logistic regression model including four autoantibodies against TAAs could be used as an optimal diagnosis model for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a rare earth element, yttrium has been widely concerned for improving the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and especially oxidation resistance of TiAlN coatings. In this study, a novel theoretical and experimental strategy is designed to explore the influence of various Y contents on the structure, thermal stability and oxidation resistance of Ti 0.46 Al 0.54 N coatings. First-principle calculations show that Y-addition reduces the solubility of AlN in cubic TiAlN, coinciding with the additional wurtzite (w) phase as Y content increases above 0.05. Y-addition improves the thermal stability of TiAlN by retarding w-AlN formation along the most preferred decomposition sequence of TiAlYN → TiYN+AlN → TiN+AlN + YN. Alloying with moderate Y (z ≤ 0.04) into TiAlN leads to enhanced oxygen adsorption to form protective Al 2 O 3 layers, and thus optimizes the oxidation resistance. However, an excessive Y-addition (z ≥ 0.05) has the opposite effect due to the promoted transformation of TiO 2. • Incorporation of Y reduces the solubility of AlN in cubic TiAlYN. • Y-containing coatings exhibit superior thermal stability than TiAlN coating. • TiAlYN shows the decomposition sequence of TiAlYN → TiYN + AlN → TiN + AlN + YN. • Y-addition (≤4 at.%) is conducive to the oxidation resistance of TiAlN coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitous presence of data driven technologies that move information from the edge of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to the cloud for advanced computation and back to the edge for action are pushing wireless connections to the limit. Under these conditions optimizing WIFI Received Signal Strength Intensity (RSSI) can improve data management, computational workflows, and geolocation accuracy while reducing energy consumption in order to minimize charging and computational resource requirements at the edge. Ensuring connectivity for these mission critical processes will require detailed knowledge (either measured or simulated) of the state of the electromagnetic fields in advanced manufacturing scenarios. Simulation has the advantage of developing more scalable solutions to this characterization problem but comes at a very high computational cost that may not be possible on edge devices with limited computational resources. In order to reduce the time and resource cost of achieving real time simulations with low computing specification edge devices, we propose creating a novel method that exploits the notion of information channels to create efficient Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) capable of determining the RSSI given a completely new geometry (never used in training) where objects or obstacles (walls, machines, tables, etc.) and their respective location, size and reflectivity indices, along with the antenna location are completely random. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the other hand, anti-TNF treatment can induce liver inflammation in patients with extrahepatic immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. In spite of its tolerogenic potential, the liver can fall victim to three major autoimmune diseases for which curative therapies are lacking: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This article is a contribution to the special issue on: Tolerance and autoimmunity in the liver - Guest Editors: Christoph Schramm, Ansgar Lohse & Ye Oo Autoimmune diseases arise from the failure of immune tolerance towards self-antigens. Additionally, the uptake of bile acids is targeted for treatment of hereditary cholestatic liver diseases, underlining the important role bile acids play in immune mediated and autoimmune liver diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Tropical Cyclone (TC) formation regions are analysed in twelve CMIP5 models using a recently developed diagnostic that provides a model-performance summary in a single image for the mid-summer TC season. A subjective assessment provides an indication of how well the models perform in each TC basin throughout the globe, and which basins can be used to determine possible changes in TC formation regions in a warmer climate. The analysis is necessarily succinct so that seven basins in twelve models can be examined. Consequently, basin performance was reduced to an assessment of two common problems specific to each basin. Basins that were not too adversely affected were included in the projection exercise. The North Indian basin was excluded because the mid-summer analysis period covers a lull in TC activity. Surprisingly, the North Atlantic basin also had to be excluded, because all twelve models failed the performance assessment. A slight poleward expansion in the western North Pacific and an expansion towards the Hawaiian Islands in the eastern North Pacific is plausible in the future, while a contraction in the TC formation regions in the eastern South Indian and western South Pacific basins would reduce the Australian region TC formation area. More than half the models were too active in the eastern South Pacific and South Atlantic basins. However, projections based on the remaining models suggest these basins will remain hostile for TC formation in the future. These southern hemisphere changes are consistent with existing projections of fewer southern hemisphere TCs in a future warming world [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess obstetric and fetal outcomes of Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) mothers in an inner city teaching hospital, as well as to examine the acceptance rates of various blood fractions and blood transfusion alternatives. Methods: Case series to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of JWs over a nine period between 2013 and 2021. Results: There were 146 pregnancies extracted from our database, of which 10 were early pregnancy losses. Data from 136 deliveries > 24 weeks' gestation were assessed, with a mean maternal age and gestational age of 30.26 (± 5.4) years and 38.7 (± 5.3) weeks, respectively. 57% had normal vaginal deliveries, 8% had instrumental births and 35% had caesarean births. Mean estimated blood loss at caesarean was 575 (± 305.6) mls, while the overall mean estimated loss was 427.8 (± 299.8) mls. Cell salvage was performed in all caesarean sections but autologous transfusion was only necessary for 26%. Consultant presence was documented in 62% of caesarean births. The mean birthweight and 5-min Apgar scores were 3.31 (± 0.05) kg and 9.1 (± 0.09), respectively. There were no maternal deaths or admissions to the adult intensive care unit and the most serious complication was a uterine rupture following a trial of scar, after which the baby required cooling for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Conclusions: Pregnant JWs received obstetric care led by senior clinicians, with optimisation of haematinics, minimizing of blood loss at delivery and access to technology such as cell salvage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheath current is one of the key indicators of underground power cable conditions. Considering the limitations of existing model-based methods for sheath current monitoring and difficulty in handling the increasing amount of unlabeled sheath current data accumulated by cable monitoring systems, we propose a data mining method based on unsupervised learning and spatiotemporal analysis of sheath currents for underground power cable monitoring. Tests based on real historical data demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively reveal unknown inherent patterns in unlabeled sheath current data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST30) thin films, deposited on single crystal Si (100) substrates with or without a MgO(001) buffer layer by the sol-gel method, have been investigated for their optical properties with a visible reflection spectrophotometer. An improved simplex numerical optimization method based on the reflectance spectra fitting is utilized to obtain the refractive indices and thicknesses of the thin films. Two models for the refractive index variations of the films (with or without a MgO buffer layer) together with a resemble double-layer structure are used to describe the films. The crystallization and microstructure of the films are characterized by the field emission scanning electron microscopy, which indicates that the MgO(001) buffer layer can significantly hold up the interdiffusion between the BST30 layer and the Si substrate, acuminate the interfaces, and improve the crystallinity of the BST thin film deposited on it. Furthermore, due to the large difference between the refractive index of the BST30 thin film and that of the MgO(001) buffer layer, which results in a strong beam confinement, a desirable waveguide structure could be constructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley, Hordeum vulgare L., was first domesticated at about 8000 BCE. Throughout the domestication process, selection in the wild species resulted in the loss of seed shattering, minimization of seed dormancy, and an increase in both seed size and number. Three critical domestication traits were a non-brittle rachis, a six-rowed spike, and a naked caryopsis. After primary domestication, some adaptive traits subsequently developed, such as shortened seed dormancy and early flowering time, which are probably associated with genetic mutations affecting protein structure and function. Multiple genetic pathways formed a complex regulatory network due to interactions between the pathways. Recent studies on barley domestication genes have provided a framework for understanding how these traits evolved and have revealed that drastic changes in gene function occurred during domestication. In this paper, we review the current molecular insights into H. vulgare domestication and discuss the domestication genes that underlie morphological trait changes in the evolutionary history of barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods currently in use for locating and characterizing sources in radio interferometry maps are designed for processing images, and require interferometric maps to be pre-processed so as to resemble conventional images. We demonstrate a Bayesian code – basc – that takes into account the interferometric visibility data despite working with more computationally manageable image domain data products. This method is better able to discriminate nearby sources than the commonly used sextractor, and has potential even in more complicated cases. We also demonstrate the correctness of the Bayesian resolving formula for simulated data, and its implications for source discrimination at distances below the full width half maximum of the restoring beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) was the highly contagious pathogen which has caused severe losses in the poultry industry throughout China in recent years. Using current epidemic viruses as vaccine was an effective way to prevent infection of H9N2 subtype AIV. In this study, a total of 23 H9N2 subtype AIV strains were isolated in 200 samples from 13 provinces of China during 2012–2016. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin gene sequence of the isolation strains showed that 22 isolation strains were clustered to h9.4.2.5 lineage, while only 1 belonged to h9.4.2.6. The data of cross-HI, neutralization and cross-immune protection shown that the A/chicken/Hunan/HN/2015 (HN) and A/chicken/Shandong/SD/2014 (SD) strains as vaccine could effectively protect present viruses infection compared with other strains. These results indicated that current epidemic viruses were mainly belong to h9.4.2.5 lineage and HN and SD strains as candidate vaccine strains were potentiality for the protection of present H9N2 subtype AIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3 Garcia-Garcia SC, Villarreal-Martinez A, Guerrero-Gonzalez GA, Miranda-Maldonado I, Ocampo-Candiani J. Dermoscopy of trichofolliculoma: a rare hair follicle hamartoma. To the Editor, Trichofolliculoma is a rare benign hair follicle hamartoma presenting as a papule or nodule usually affecting the face, scalp or upper trunk. (b) Dilated primary hair follicles surrounded by radially arranged secondary hair follicles (Haematoxylin-eosin original magnification × 20). [Extracted from the article]

The ongoing upgrade of the asymmetric electron–positron collider SuperKEKB at the KEK laboratory, Japan aims at a 40-fold increase of the peak luminosity to 8 × 10 35 cm −2 s −1 . At the same time the complex Belle II detector is being significantly upgraded to be able to cope with the higher background level and trigger rates and to improve overall performance. The goal of the experiment is to explore physics beyond the standard model with a target integrated luminosity of 50 ab −1 in the next decade. The new vertex detector (VXD), comprising two layers of DEPFET pixel detectors (PXD) surrounded by 4 layers of double sided silicon strip detectors (SVD), is indispensable for vertex determination as well as for reconstruction of low momentum tracks that do not reach the central drift chamber (CDC). Within the confined VXD volume the front-end electronics of the two detectors will dissipate about 1 kW of heat. The VXD cooling system has been designed to remove this heat with the constraint to minimize extra dead material in the physics acceptance region. Taking into account additional heat intake from the environment the cooling system must have a cooling capacity of 2–3 kW. To achieve this goal evaporative two-phase CO 2 cooling in combination with forced N 2 flow is used in the VXD cooling system. In order to verify and optimize the cooling concept and to demonstrate that acceptable operation conditions for the VXD system as well as the surrounding CDC can be obtained, a full size VXD thermal mock-up has been built at DESY. Various thermal and mechanical tests carried out with this mock-up are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of o-carborane, n-butyllithium, sulfur (or selenium) and MeCpCo(CO)I2 (or Cp*Co(CO)I2) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) under argon leads to half-sandwich carborane complex MeCpCo(S2C2B10H10) (I) (or Cp*Co(Se2C2B10H10) (II)). Complex I reacts with triphenylphosphine to afford addition product MeCpCo(S2C2B10H10)(PPh3) (III). However, II does not react with triphenylphosphine. Complexes II and III have been characterized by elemental analysis, mass, NMR spectroscopy, IR and X-ray structural analyses (CIF files CCDC nos. 1571705 (II) and 1571706 (III)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of Tropical cyclone (TC) formation under future climate scenarios are dependent on climate model simulations. However, many models produce unrealistic geographical distributions of TC formation, especially in the north and south Atlantic and eastern south Pacific TC basins. In order to improve confidence in projections it is important to understand the reasons behind these model errors. However, considerable effort is required to analyse the many models used in projection studies. To address this problem, a novel diagnostic is developed that provides compelling insight into why TCs form where they do, using a few summary diagrams. The diagnostic is developed after identifying a relationship between seasonal climatologies of atmospheric variables in 34 years of ECMWF reanalysis data, and TC detection distributions in the same data. Geographic boundaries of TC formation are constructed from four threshold quantities. TCs form where Emanuel’s Maximum Potential Intensity, VPI, exceeds 40ms-1, 700 hPa relative humidity, RH700, exceeds 40%, and the magnitude of the difference in vector winds between 850 and 200 hPa, Vsh, is less than 20ms-1. The equatorial boundary is best defined by a composite quantity containing the ratio of absolute vorticity (η) to the meridional gradient of absolute vorticity (β∗), rather than η alone. β∗ is also identified as a potentially important ingredient for TC genesis indices. A comparison of detected Tropical Depression (TD) and Tropical Storm (TS) climatologies revealed TDs more readily intensify further to TS where VPI is elevated and Vsh is relatively weak. The distributions of each threshold quantity identify the factors that favour and suppress TC formation throughout the tropics in the real world. This information can be used to understand why TC formation is poorly represented in some climate models, and shows potential for understanding anomalous TC formation behaviour in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wettability between the molten Sn and AlCoCrCu x FeNi (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) high-entropy alloy (HEA) substrates was studied by sessile drop technique at 823 K. The final contact angle decreased with the increase of Cu content in the AlCoCrFeNi HEA. Additional Cu could not only change surface structure of AlCoCrFeNi HEA but also effect on the interfacial reaction between the molten Sn and AlCoCrCu x FeNi HEA. Moreover, with the increasing concentration of Cu, the diffusion of Sn atom along the Cu-rich solid-solution phase in AlCoCrCu x FeNi HEA was much more intense. Accordingly, the enhancement of wetting may be attributed to change of the primary interface reaction product and diffusion of Sn atom along the Cu-rich solid-solution phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report the synthesis of metastable chromium dioxide at ambient temperature and pressure. The formulation of this method is based on the fact that the CrO[SUB2] particles used in magnetic recording tapes are chemically unstable and react with the organic binder, leading to a disproportionate reaction that produces nonmagnetic Cr(III)OOH and H[SUB2] Cr(VI)O[SUB4] compounds. This suggests that it is also possible to synthesize CrO[SUB2] by reacting Cr(III) with Cr(VI) under appropriate conditions. Thus, metastable chromium dioxide (CrO[SUB2]) powder was synthesized by mechanically grinding a mixture of CrO[SUB3] and Cr(OH)[SUB3] to induce a solid-solid reaction at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The characteristics of the product obtained after mechanical grinding of the above mixture depended on parameters such as the preparation conditions for the starting material Cr(OH)[SUB3], the grinding time, the rotational speed of the mill and the mole ratio of CrO[SUB3] and Cr(OH)[SUB3]. An x-ray diffraction pattern of the product obtained under optimum conditions was in excellent agreement with the profile of CrO[SUB2] Furthermore, the powder was strongly ferromagnetic, with saturation magnetization of 63 emu/g in an applied field of 1 T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional manipulation of light generally employs diffractive optical elements such as binary phase or amplitude masks. However, we have found that vector Bessel-Gaussian (BG) beams have the intrinsic capacity of forming a special intensity pattern without additional optical elements. Using the vector diffraction theory, we theoretically show that several optical patterns (e.g., hollow beam, bottle beam, optical needle, and spot) can be created only by dynamically tailoring vector BG beams through their beam parameters (viz., polarization order n, transverse wave number β, and beam waist w0). These results yield a useful guideline for the adjustable beam parameter to generate a certain optical pattern in the focal region. The proposed roadmap of manipulating the structured beams by their intrinsic properties might open an alternative avenue for beam shaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune liver disease that is characterised by a chronic inflammatory immune reaction directed against hepatocytes. The disease results in a substantial reduction in quality of life and potentially leads to liver‐related complications or death. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) initiated a series of research workshops to uncover the scientific gaps and opportunities in AIH. This review summarises the results of the latest workshop in Maastricht in 2022 and reviews the current challenges in adult AIH, particularly in relation to four important aspects of AIH: diagnostics; new immunomodulatory therapies; clinical trial design; and unmet clinical needs. This review also summarises the progress made since the AIH workshop in 2017. Patients and patient representatives were actively involved in the parallel working groups alongside clinicians and researchers. Despite 40 years of experience with diagnosing and treating AIH, false diagnoses occur and treatment is still based on nonselective immunosuppression. In addition to the need for more specific diagnostic tests, prognostic markers and tailor‐based treatments, a major unmet clinical need was identified in areas of care delivery and health‐related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen storage and release process of metal hydride (MH) accompany with large amount of reaction heat. The thermal management is very important to improve the comprehensive performance of hydrogen storage unit. In present paper, thermochemical material (TCM) is used to storage and release the reaction heat, and a new sandwich configuration reaction bed of MH-TCM system was proposed and its superior hydrogen and thermal storage performance were numerically validated. Firstly, the optimum TCM distribution with a volume ratio (TCM in inner layer to total) of 0.4 was derived for the sandwich bed. Then, comparisons between the sandwich reaction bed and the traditional reaction bed were performed. The results show that the sandwich MH-TCM system has faster heat transfer and reaction rate due to its larger heat transfer area and smaller thermal resistance, which results in the hydrogen storage time is shortened by 61.1%. The heat transfer in the reaction beds have significant effects on performance of MH-TCM systems. Increasing the thermal conductivity of the reaction beds can further reduce the hydrogen storage time. Moreover, improving the hydrogen inflation pressure can result in higher equilibrium temperature, which is beneficial for the enhancing heat transfer and hydrogen absorption rates. •Integrating TCM in MH hydrogen storage reactor can recycle the reaction heat. •A new sandwich configuration reaction bed of MH-TCM system was proposed. •The new reaction bed can shorten hydrogen storage time by 61.1%. •Improving TCM thermal conductivity or H 2 pressure are efficient ways to accelerate hydrogen storage rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of compression stockings for postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) prevention in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the use of compression stockings for prevention of PTS were identified from the Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases as well as the Cochrane library. The resulting manuscripts were analyzed according to the criteria in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results: Six RCTs involving 1465 patients with DVT were included. The meta-analysis indicated no statistical differences between the compression stocking and the control groups in PTS incidence, using either the Villalta scale (odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-1.74) or the Ginsberg scale (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.72-1.77). Based on the Villalta scale categorization, there were no differences in the incidence of mild–moderate PTS (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.36-1.41) or incidence of severe PTS (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.15-3.11). The difference in the recurrence of venous thromboembolism (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.61-1.30) was also not significant. In the 3 RCTs that reported side effects of compression stockings, they were primarily related to discomfort, including itching, erythema, and rash. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis has indicated that compression stockings may not prevent PTS, as determined by either the Villalta or the Ginsberg scale, in patients with DVT. However, owing to the limited number of trials, the evidence is not strong enough to draw a reliable conclusion. Further larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry friction and wear behaviour of co-continuous Al-23Si/SiC composites were evaluated using a MMD-1 wear testing machine under the testing conditions of various sliding distance, load and rotation rate. The worn surfaces as well as the wear debris were photographed using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The experimental results show that the wear behaviour of the composites contains running-in stage and steady state, the wear mass loss increases in accordance with the growth of sliding distance, load and rotation rate. The composites whose SiC framework is with small pore have better wear resistance than that of the one with big pore. The composites exhibit superior friction and wear performance over the matrix material. The wear mechanisms of co-continuous Al-23Si/SiC composites are adhesive wear, abrasive wear, surface fatigue wear and oxidation wear. The wear mechanisms of matrix material are severe adhesive wear and oxidation wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important part of cyber-physical systems, the digital logic system’s complexity are rapidly increasing, and its design flows become more and more tedious. A modeling and verification methodology for complex digital logic components is presented to improve the development quality and efficiency. In order to help developer to understand the design intent preferably and speed up the development process, design activities are carried out under a convenient modeling methodology and a precise verification solution for completing the design cycle. Its calculus system offers a theoretic way to connect components via connectors, and then provides a theoretical basis for further verification. A washing machine controller design shows that the modeling can reflect the design intent of the designers effectively, detect some design errors which maybe result in modeling failures in implementation as soon as possible, and avoid the negligence and errors in modeling for complex digital systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we derive and analyse a compact difference scheme for a distributed-order time-fractional diffusion-wave equation. This equation is approximated by a multi-term fractional diffusion-wave equation, which is then solved by a compact difference scheme. The unique solvability of the difference solution is discussed. Using the discrete energy method, we prove the compact difference scheme is unconditionally stable and convergent. Finally, numerical results are presented to support our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of o-carborane, n-butyllithium, sulfur, and MeCpCo(CO)I under argon leads to twoMeCp-cobalt complexes MeCpCoSCBH ( I) and (MeCp)CoSCBH ( II). Complex I reacts with phenylacetylene or dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate to afford B-H activitied complex (MeCpCoSCBH)(Ph-C-CH) ( III) and addition complex (MeCpCoSCBH)(MeOC-C=C-COMe) ( IV), respectively. Complex II reacts neither with phenylacetylene nor with dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate. Complexes II- IV have been characterized by elemental analysis, mass, NMR spectroscopy, IR, and X-ray structural analyses (CIF files CCDC nos. 1045892 ( II), 1045893 ( III) and 1045894 ( IV)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of pupil size on higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in high-myopic pseudophakic eyes with posterior staphyloma using KR-1W aberrometer.MethodsForty eyes of 40 high-myopic cataract patients with posterior staphyloma and 20 eyes of 20 age-related cataract patients with normal axial length were recruited. At 1 month after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, ocular and internal HOAs as well as the visual quality data in the two groups were evaluated with KR-1W analyzer before and after mydriasis.ResultsCompared with normal axial length eyes, high-myopic pseudophakic eyes with posterior staphyloma had significantly lower values of internal coma both under 4-mm and 6-mm pupil sizes (P<0.001 and 0.020), as well as internal total HOAs (P<0.001) and third-order aberrations at 6-mm pupil size (P=0.018). Statistically significant differences were also found in the variation from 4- to 6-mm pupil sizes for internal coma (P=0.001), internal third-order aberrations (P=0.009), internal total HOAs (P=0.007), and ocular coma aberrations (P=0.006) between two groups. After mydriasis, Strehl ratio increased significantly in high-myopic eyes, whereas decreased slightly in normal axial length eyes (P=0.032 when compared with the variation between the two groups). Statistically significant differences were also found for the variation of modulation transfer functions (MTFs) at frequencies of 15, 30, 45, and 60 cycles/degree between the two groups (P=0.002, 0.002, 0.004, and 0.010, respectively).ConclusionsHigh-myopic pseudophakic eyes with posterior staphyloma had significantly lower internal coma and less coma variations during mydriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of hypertension is one of the fundamental interventions in dialysis patients. However, the profile of interdialytic blood pressure (BP) in Chinese dialysis patients remains elusive. We aim to investigate this issue as well as the effect of antihypertensive medication in this population. We performed 44-h ambulatory BP in 90 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Patients were classified as 'dipping', 'non-dipping' or 'reverse-dipping' based on night/day ratio (N/D) of systolic BP on nondialysis day. The prevalence of blunted circadian BP pattern was strikingly high (92.2%), with more than half of the patients (55.6%) classified as reverse-dipping. There was a close association between high erythropoietin (EPO) dose used and deteriorated circadian rhythm. Patients in the dipping group also displayed a dipping state for heart rate (HR) compared with the other two groups (N/D of HR: 81.5±6.6 vs 92.1±6.0 and 91.3±10.7, P=0.02). Only 26.7% patients had a controlled nocturnal BP. Patients with bedtime dosing had lower N/D of systolic BP compared with patients without (100.1±7.0 vs 105.2±7.1, P=0.01). Non-dipping and reverse-dipping are highly prevalent in Chinese patients. EPO use and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to the blunted circadian rhythm. More tightly control of nighttime BP is an urgent need and bedtime dosing may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the activation of Ras pathway is frequently observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the in vivo role of Ras activation in HCC initiation and progression is underdetermined. To test the consequence of Kras activation in hepatocyte, we generated a hepatocyte-specific KrasG12D transgenic mouse strain and observed spontaneous development of HCC in these mice. Remarkably, HBV X protein (HBx) expression significantly promotes the formation and malignant progression of KrasG12D-driven HCC as shown with the accelerated tumor onset, the increased tumor burden and the more poorly differentiated lesions. At the cellular level, concomitant expression of KrasG12D and HBx results in a robust increase in hepatocellular proliferation. We reveal that the Akt, MAPK, p53 and TGF-β pathways are deregulated in the KrasG12D-driven HCCs. Also, the dysregulation is more pronounced in the HCCs developed in KrasG12D and HBx double transgenic mice. In addition, the altered expressions of β-catenin, CD44 and E-cadherin are only observed in the KrasG12D and HBx double transgenic mice. These results demonstrate a crucial role of Ras activation in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the functional synergy between KrasG12D and HBx in HCC initiation and progression. The novel genetic mouse models that closely recapitulate the histopathologic progression and molecular alterations of human HCC may potentially facilitate the future therapeutic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ion-paired compound [4NOBzPy][Co(NCS)] ( 1) ([4NOBzPy] = 1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)pyridinium, NCS = isothiocyanate) is synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectra, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, with a = 13.188(2) Å, b = 8.458(1) Å, c = 29.281(4) Å, V = 3266.2(7) Å, D = 1.468 g/cm, Z = 4, F(000) = 1476, R = 0.0332. The [Co(NCS)] anions form an unusual layer structure by S...N and S...Co interactions, while the [4NOBzPy] cations stack into a 1D column by the p...π stacking interaction in the solid state of 1. A magnetic measurement in the range 2-300 K shows a weak antiferromagnetic exchange with θ = −2.42 K in 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of ortho-carborane, n-butyl lithium, selenium and [( p-cymene)RuCl] under argon leads to complexes ( p-cymene)Ru(SeCBH) ( I) and ( p-cymene)Ru(μ-SeCBH) ( II). The further reaction of 16-electron complex I with RC≡CCOMe affords addition complexes ( p-cymene)Ru(SeCBH)(RC=C-COMe) ( III) (R = H ( IIIa); COMe ( IIIb)). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass, and NMR spectroscopy. X-ray structural analyses were performed on II and IIIa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern telecommunications rely on the transmission and manipulation of optical signals. Optical amplification plays a vital part in this technology, as all components in a real telecommunications system produce some loss. The two main issues with present amplifiers, which rely on erbium ions in a glass matrix, are the difficulty in integration onto a single substrate and the need of high pump power densities to produce gain. Here we show a potential organic optical amplifier material that demonstrates population inversion when pumped from above using low-power visible light. This system is integrated into an organic light-emitting diode demonstrating that electrical pumping can be achieved. This opens the possibility of direct electrically driven optical amplifiers and optical circuits. Our results provide an alternative approach to producing low-cost integrated optics that is compatible with existing silicon photonics and a different route to an effective integrated optics technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The maximum principle for the space and time–space fractional partial differential equations is still an open problem. In this paper, we consider a multi-term time–space Riesz–Caputo fractional differential equations over an open bounded domain. A maximum principle for the equation is proved. The uniqueness and continuous dependence of the solution are derived. Using a fractional predictor–corrector method combining the L1 and L2 discrete schemes, we present a numerical method for the specified equation. Two examples are given to illustrate the obtained results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims Acute liver failure ( ALF) is a rare clinical syndrome with high mortality resulting from hepatocellular necrosis and loss of function. In seronegative hepatitis ( SNH), a T-cell-rich infiltrate leads to immune-mediated hepatocyte destruction, whereas in paracetamol poisoning, toxic metabolites induce hepatocyte necrosis, followed by a macrophage-rich, lymphocytic infiltrate that is an important factor in driving repair and regeneration. The nature of the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate, key to ALF pathogenesis and outcome, is determined by the recruitment of effector cells from blood, but the molecular basis of recruitment is poorly understood. To determine the phenotype of circulating and hepatic lymphocytes in patients with ALF secondary to paracetamol overdose ( POD) or SNH and investigate the molecular basis of lymphocyte recruitment. Methods We used FACS, immunohistochemistry and flow-based adhesion assays to determine the regulation of lymphocyte adhesion. Results SNH and POD intrahepatic lymphocytes were αLβ2hi, CD69hi and CD38hi with a distinct homing phenotype being L-selectinlo, CXCR3hi and CCR5+. Expression of chemokine ligands for the receptors CCR5, CXCR3 and CXCR6 and the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and VAP-1 was markedly increased in the liver in ALF. Lymphocytes isolated from the livers of patients with SNH showed enhanced chemokine-dependent adhesion and transmigration across the human hepatic endothelium in vitro under flow and used a combination of β1 and β2 integrins to adhere to endothelium and β2 integrins, CD31 and VAP-1 to transmigrate. Conclusion Aetiology-dependent combinations of adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed within tissue during ALF recruit lymphocytes with a distinct homing phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) films have promising applications in solar cells, radiometers, and photonic devices. We have fabricated VACNT films with thicknesses of 10, 36, 45, and 120 μm on silicon substrates. The absorption coefficient of each film is obtained from the measured regular transmittance from 1 to 19 μm wavelengths, using a ratio method. The degree of alignment of the VACNT films is estimated by comparison of experiments with an analysis based on the effective medium theory. The effect of thickness on the absorption coefficient of the VACNT films is elucidated according to their morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several case studies related to perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of gynecologic origin. It states that one of the three cases was confined to the vagina, while the other cases to the uterus. It mentions that the three cases have been followed up for 26, 22, and three months, respectively. The article concludes that PEComa of gynecologic origin consists of morphological and immunohistochemical features of the PEComa family.

In the present study, neurons isolated from the eyestalks of the Kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus were successfully cultured in vitro. The cultured neurons could be assigned to five different categories according to initial cell viability and the subsequent growth potential. They were 'multipolar cells', 'bipolar cells', 'unipolar cells', 'veilers', and 'large cells'. Most neurons were kept alive for more than 7 days. The most common cells in the culture were the bipolar cells, which survived up to two weeks. The neurons isolated by collagenase (type I) or papain had a similar number of alive cells and a similar survival time. The neurons were adapted to modified Medium 199 and Liebowitz's-15 medium, which were widely used in aquatic cell culture. A muscle extract from the Kuruma shrimp inhibited the outgrowth of neurons, while the survival period of neurons was extended for 4 days in media enriched with 20% foetal bovine serum. Our study provides valuable methods for further research on the electrophysiology of these neurons in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the significant effect of the nonuniform composition in alloy quantum dots (QDs) on electronic structure is analyzed in depth. The equilibrium composition profiles in experimentally observed dome and barn shaped GeSi/Si QDs are determined by combining the finite element method and the method of moving asymptotes. Due to the composition variation, the total band edge of heavy hole is dominated by the band offset and spin-orbit coupling rather than the strain effect. The numerical results reveal that the wave function of heavy hole trends to be localized in the Ge-rich region at the top of the large QD. Moreover, the size effect gradually compensates the composition effect as the size of QD decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel backstepping technique for non-linear cascade systems whose driven subsystems have a feedforward structure and include higher order terms. A small control is first assigned to stabilise the driven subsystem, and a simple backstepping procedure is then followed. When dealing with the driven subsystem, we adopt an approach of using a small control to attenuate the higher order term, rather than the usual method in which the higher order term is tackled under the guidance of a single Lyapunov function. The stability analysis is carried out using some boundedness information to explicitly compute the higher order term, and the global asymptotical stability of the whole closed-loop system is obtained using the 'converging-input bounded-state' criterion. This is in sharp contrast with previous designs where (involved) Lyapunov functions are utilised in both the control design and stability analysis. As applications, global stabilisation designs are presented for several classical mechanical systems including the inertia wheel pendulum, the translational oscillator with rotating actuator and the cart-pole system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a novel computational method by combining the finite element method and the method of moving asymptotes to study the dislocation-induced composition profile in alloy semiconductors. Segregated cylindrical nanoscale regions appear around the dislocation core. We find that the dominant driving force of non-uniform composition is strain contribution. Moreover, the method can be applied to the dislocated nanoscale heterostructures which are inaccessible by atomic treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The complex of [Nd(BA)3bipy]2 (BA = benzoic acid; bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and TG/DTG techniques. The crystal is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/ n. The two–eight coordinated Nd3+ ions are linked together by four bridged BA ligands and each Nd3+ ion is further bonded to one chelated bidentate BA ligand and one 2,2′-bipyridine molecule. The thermal decomposition process of the title complex was discussed by TG/DTG and IR techniques. The non-isothermal kinetics was investigated by using double equal-double step method. The kinetic equation for the first stage can be expressed as dα/d t = A exp( −E/ RT)(1 − α). The thermodynamic parameters (Δ H≠, Δ G≠, and Δ S≠) and kinetic parameters (activation energy E and pre-exponential factor A) were also calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chemokines direct leukocyte trafficking and positioning within tissues. They thus play critical roles in regulating immune responses and inflammation. The chemokine system is complex involving interactions between multiple chemokines and their receptors that operate in combinatorial cascades with adhesion molecules. The involvement of multiple chemokines and chemokine receptors in these processes brings flexibility and specificity to recruitment. The hepatic vascular bed is a unique low flow environment through which leukocyte are recruited to the liver during homeostatic immune surveillance and in response to infection or injury. The rate of leukocyte recruitment and the nature of cells recruited through the sinusoids in response to inflammatory signals will shape the severity of disease. At one end of the spectrum fulminant liver failure results from a rapid recruitment of leukocytes that leads to hepatocyte destruction and liver failure at the other diseases such as chronic hepatitis C infection may progress over many years from hepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis is charactezised by a T lymphocyte rich infiltrate and the nature and outcome of hepatitis will depend on the T cell subsets recruited, their activation and function within the liver. Different subsets of effector T cells have been described based on their secretion of cytokines and specific functions. These include Th1 and Th2 cells and more recently Th17 and Th9 cells which are associated with different types of immune response and which express distinct patterns of chemokine receptors that promote their recruitment under particular conditions. The effector function of these cells is balanced by the recruitment of regulatory T cells that are able to suppress antigen-specific effectors to allow resolution of immune responses and restoration of immune homeostasis. Understanding the signals that are responsible for recruiting different lymphocyte subsets to the liver will elucidate disease pathogenesis and open up new therapeutic approaches to modulate recruitment in favour of resolution rather than injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the growing process of Ge dots on silicon substrates covered with an ultrathin silicon dioxide buffer layer which was formed with simple chemical procedure. Uniform and densely packed (1011 cm−2) quantum dots (QDs) were obtained by optimizing the growth parameter with the MBE method. The influence of temperature, coverage, as well as the post-annealing process, on the epitaxial and non-epitaxial nanodots formation was evaluated. Nano-sized high density quantum dots were also realized with different growing conditions, whose structural and growing mechanism were discussed under the help of SEM and RHEED results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of psychosocial variables on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relationship between these variables and the onset of MS. Background: The current evidence indicates that many types of psychosocial factors are involved in the development and relapse of MS, and it has been suggested that they could serve as predictors as well. So far, little has been reported on the effect of psychosocial factors on MS and the relationship between psychosocial factors and the onset of MS. Methods: Forty-one patients, 15 males and 26 females, average age 37.44 ± 12.24 years (mean ± SD), were evaluated by the Life Event Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Social Support Revaluate Scale and Symptom Check List 90 and compared with 41 equivalent healthy control subjects, 15 males and 26 females, average age 36.38 ± 12.84 years (mean ± SD). Disease, demographic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors were measured at baseline. Patients with MS were first diagnosed by 3 neurologists according to the Poser (1983) MS diagnostic criteria. Results: Significant differences were found between the MS and the control group in their negative emotions and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, obsession, phobia, tense interpersonal relationship and somatization disorder. Significant differences were found between the two groups in the total number of negative life events, their family problems and the utilization of social support. The scores for various negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with those for neuroticisms in personality type, and negatively with those for introverted and extroverted personality. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated positively with the total number of life events, negative life events and family problems. Many kinds of negative emotions in the MS group correlated negatively with the utilization of social support. Conclusion: The psychosocial factors are closely associated with MS onset and may play important roles in the development of the disease. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined perfectionism, symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, and peer relationships among a clinical sample of 31 youth (age␣range 7–18 years) diagnosed with OCD. Using a correlational design, perfectionistic beliefs accounted for significant variance in OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and difficulties in peer relationships for children with OCD. One dimension of perfectionism, sensitivity to mistakes, was the most salient maladaptive aspect of perfectionism for this sample whereas another dimension, contingent self-esteem, emerged as the most salient adaptive dimension. Implications are discussed regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and developmental course of OCD among children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In patients with autoimmune hepatitis, efficient immunosuppressive therapy is essential to avoid progression to cirrhosis. There is no established second line therapy for patients failing standard therapy with steroids and azathioprine. The aim of this study was to examine the possible role of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as second line treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We were able to identify 37 patients (29 women, 8 men) with AIH proven according to International AIH Group criteria who failed standard therapy. One patient on MMF was excluded due to non-compliance. A total of 28 of 36 patients had experienced side effects necessitating stop of treatment. One patient stopped azathioprine due to pregnancy. A total of nine patients did not respond sufficiently to azathioprine. A total of four patients with a treatment duration of 3 months or less because of severe side effects were considered as intolerant to MMF. Remission was defined as aspartate transaminase (ASP) < twice upper normal limit (UNL). RESULTS: Of 36 patients on MMF included in the analysis, 14 patients (39%) experienced remission. A total of 22 patients (61%) did not respond sufficiently to MMF. The response rate to MMF was dependent on the cause of treatment cessation of azathioprine. Of eight patients with prior nonresponse to azathioprine, six (75%) did not respond to MMF and only two (25%) reached biochemical remission. Of 28 patients with azathioprine intolerance in 16 (57%) patients, the response to MMF was insufficient and in 12 patients (43%) remission was reached. The difference did not reach statistical significance due to the relatively small numbers included. CONCLUSION: In the light of its good tolerability, MMF seems to be an alternative for patients who could not tolerate azathioprine previously. However, our data suggest that a majority of patients fail MMF particularly if they are switched because of an insufficient response to azathioprine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:  To elucidate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PI-DLBL). Methods and results:  Archival tissues from 30 tumours were used for tissue microarray construction, immunohistochemistry and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomal translocation. The M:F ratio was 1.7:1, with a median age of 60 years. The ileum and ileocaecum were most frequently involved (40% each). Fourteen (47%) were at stage IE disease, 15 (50%) at stage IIE. Five (17%) tumours were perforated at presentation. The tumours expressed Bcl-6 (73%), MUM1 (70%), Bcl-2 (67%) and CD10 (23%). Nine (30%) were classified as germinal centre B-cell (GCB) phenotype and 21 non-GCB. Eight of 30 (27%), 7/30 (23%) and 2/29 (7%) cases were positive for rearrangements involving IGH, BCL6, and C-MYC loci, respectively, whereas all cases were negative for BCL2 and CCND1 translocation. Perforation was a poor prognostic indicator, with a hazard ratio of tumour-related death at 8.75 ( P = 0.001). The differentiation antigens, GCB versus non-GCB phenotype, or lymphoma-associated translocations were of no prognostic significance. Conclusions:  We found a higher rate of perforation and lower frequency of GCB phenotype in PI-DLBL in Taiwan compared with other geographical areas; perforation is a poor prognostic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variation in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), was analysed using five populations from western Yunnan, China, to elucidate the distribution and likely dispersal patterns of this fly. A 503-bp portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene was sequenced from a minimum of seven individuals from each of five fly populations; 25 haplotypes were observed among 57 individuals in these populations. High genetic diversity within populations was detected. Genetic distances between haplotypes reached 1.2%. Mantel tests did not indicate any isolation because of geographic distance. The Ruili (RL) population was significantly isolated from the others (pairwise Fst ranging from 0.10 to 0.21, and average genetic distances being higher than for all other four population comparisons). RL is geographically separated from the other sites by the Gaoligong Mountains. The Liuku (LK) population had a close genetic relationship with the Lujiangba (LJB) population, suggesting that the LK population probably originated from LJB that is located in the same valley to the south. The Baoshan (BS) and Dali (DL) populations were also geographically isolated from the others, not originating from LJB and RL, where the fly is present year-round. The north-south orientation of mountains and valleys in western Yunnan appears to prevent latitudinal gene exchange by dispersing flies and thus divides the five populations into four relatively independent zones, namely BS, DL, LK-LJB and RL. In addition, air currents that generally flow south to north appear to assist dispersing flies, especially in valleys between the mountain chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]