Search

Pruning is a model compression method that removes redundant parameters and accelerates the inference speed of deep neural networks (DNNs) while maintaining accuracy. Most available pruning methods impose various conditions on parameters or features directly. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective regularization strategy to improve the structured sparsity and structured pruning in DNNs from a new perspective of evolution of features. In particular, we consider the trajectories connecting features of adjacent hidden layers, namely feature flow. We propose feature flow regularization (FFR) to penalize the length and the total absolute curvature of the trajectories, which implicitly increases the structured sparsity of the parameters. The principle behind FFR is that short and straight trajectories will lead to an efficient network that avoids redundant parameters. Experiments on CIFAR-10 and ImageNet datasets show that FFR improves structured sparsity and achieves pruning results comparable to or even better than those state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneously Eu3+ doped LaOCl single crystals are firstly synthesized in a molten KCl-LiCl flux, and the well-shaped LaOCl:Eu3+ polyhedral micro-plates exhibit noticeable luminescent properties. The bulk LaOCl:Eu3+ micro-plate with a width of 1.03 μm and 1.37 μm in length shows a single crystal characteristic with the crystal face orientation of [00 1 ‾ ]. Both XRD patterns and EDS mapping indicate that the Eu3+ ions have been homogeneously doped into LaOCl lattice. LaOCl:Eu3+ nucleuses generated in molten KCl-LiCl flux at even 350 °C benefited to the decomposition of La(OH) 3 :Eu3+ precursor, and polyhedral LaOCl micro-plate is easily formed in molten KCl-LiCl salt due to the solid-ionic reaction and crystal growth. The luminescent properties of LaOCl:Eu3+ are firstly enhanced and then weakened with the increasing concentration of the doped Eu3+, 6% Eu3+ doped LaOCl:Eu3+ exhibits the best luminescent properties which can be used as a potential LED material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We assumed that targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of mismatch repair‐associated genes could improve the detection of driving mutations in colorectal cancers (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI) and microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST) and clarify the somatic mutation patterns of CRC subtypes. Material and methods: DNAs from tumors and white blood cells were obtained from 81 patients with EMAST(+)/MSI‐high (MSI‐H), 78 patients with EMAST(+)/microsatellite stable (MSS), and 72 patients with EMAST(−)/MSI‐H. The germline and somatic mutations were analyzed with a 16‐genes NGS panel. Results: In total, 284 germline mutations were identified in 161 patients. The most common mutations were in EPCAM (24.8%), MSH6 (24.2%), MLH1 (21.7%), and AXIN2 (21.7%). Germline mutations of AXIN2, POLE, POLD1, and TGFBR2 also resulted in EMAST and MSI. EMAST(+)/MSI‐H tumors had a significant higher mutation number (205.9 ± 95.2 mut/MB) than tumors that were only EMAST(+) or MSI‐H (118.6 ± 64.2 and 106.2 ± 54.5 mut/MB, respectively; both P <.001). In patients with AXIN2 germline mutations, the number of pathological somatic mutations in the tumors was significantly higher than those without AXIN2 germline mutations (176.7 ± 94.2 mut/MB vs 139.6 ± 85.0 mut/MB, P =.002). Conclusion: Next‐generation sequencing could enhance the detection of familial CRC. The somatic mutation burden might result from not only the affected genes in germline mutations but also through the dysfunction of downstream effectors. The AXIN2 gene might associate with hypermutation in tumors. Further in vitro experiments to confirm the causal relationship is deserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perineal wound complications are a long-lasting issue for abdominoperineal resection (APR) patients. Complication rates as high as 60% have been reported, with the most common complication being delayed perineal wound healing. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for delayed perineal wound healing and its impact on prolonged hospital stay. Methods: We included low rectal tumor patients who underwent APR at a referral medical center from April 2002 to December 2017; a total of 229 patients were included. The basic characteristics and surgical outcomes of the patients were analyzed to identify risk factors for delayed perineal wound healing (> 30 days after APR) and prolonged hospital stay (post-APR hospital stay > 14 days). Results: All patients received primary closure for their perineal wound. The majority of patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (N = 213, 93.1%). In the univariate analysis, patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3.5 g/dL) had an increased risk of delayed wound healing (39.5% vs. 60.5%, P = 0.001), which was an independent risk factor in the multivariable analysis (OR 2.962, 95% CI 1.437–6.102, P = 0.003). Patients with delayed wound healing also had a significantly increased risk of prolonged hospital stay (OR 6.404, 95% CI 3.508–11.694, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia was an independent risk factor for delayed wound healing, which consequently led to a prolonged hospital stay. Further clinical trials are needed to reduce the incidence of delayed perineal wound healing by correcting albumin levels or nutritional status before APR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep neural networks (DNNs) recently emerged as a promising tool for analyzing and solving complex differential equations arising in science and engineering applications. Alternative to traditional numerical schemes, learning-based solvers utilize the representation power of DNNs to approximate the input-output relations in an automated manner. However, the lack of physics-in-the-loop often makes it difficult to construct a neural network solver that simultaneously achieves high accuracy, low computational burden, and interpretability. In this work, focusing on a class of evolutionary PDEs characterized by decomposable operators, we show that the classical "operator splitting" technique can be adapted to design neural network architectures. This gives rise to a learning-based PDE solver, which we name Deep Operator-Splitting Network (DOSnet). Such non-black-box network design is constructed from the physical rules and operators governing the underlying dynamics, and is more efficient and flexible than the classical numerical schemes and standard DNNs. To demonstrate the advantages of our new AI-enhanced PDE solver, we train and validate it on several types of operator-decomposable differential equations. We also apply DOSnet to nonlinear Schrödinger equations which have important applications in the signal processing for modern optical fiber transmission systems, and experimental results show that our model has better accuracy and lower computational complexity than numerical schemes and the baseline DNNs. • A neural network, DOSnet, for solving evolutionary PDEs based on their operator splitting nature. • Network architecture containing multiple blocks mimicking the action of the evolution operator. • Each block containing a series of linear layers and nonlinear layers to reflect the PDE nature. • Achieving better accuracy and lower computational complexity than numerical schemes and DNNs. • Successfully applied to nonlinear Schrödinger equation in optical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the phase–averaged wave action equation (WAE) is extended to incorporate the effect of submerged porous media with high permeability. The wave dissipation coefficient for submerged porous media is incorporated into the WAE of the wind wave model. The coefficient of turbulent flow resistance is obtained from the work by taking the imaginary part of a mathematical model of wave transformation over a submerged porous medium under the mild–slope assumption. A method to estimate the characteristic parameter of turbulent frictional resistance in porous media is proposed in this study. Comparisons with experiments and other numerical results showed that the proposed model could be applied to waves propagating over porous beds and reefs. Practical simulations were used to investigate wave damping due to porous seabeds in nearshore areas. Highlights • A study for adding the effect of submerged porous media to the wind wave model. • Consideration to high permeable porous media. • A method to estimate the parameter of turbulent frictional resistance. • The model can be applied to waves passing over porous beds and reefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic pump constitutes the key component in hydraulic power system and its fault diagnosis is of great importance. The structure of the pump is very complex and the relationship among parameters of pump is highly nonlinear. As a result, data-driven diagnosis method is commonly used for the pump. In this article, a new intelligent fault diagnosis scheme based on many signal processing techniques, such as Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT), Local Tangent Space Alignment (LTSA), Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and Local Mean Decomposition (LMD), and recognition technique Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is proposed to manage the fault detection on slipper abrasion of axial piston pump. Three feature extraction methods were utilized to seek for sensitive fault features. A novel classifier, ELM, was introduced in this study to diagnose the slipper abrasion fault. ELM has been proved to be extremely fast and can provide good generalization performance on many pattern recognition cases. The performance of ELM classifiers has been compared with the performance of other state-of-art techniques. The empirical results showed that ELM classifiers are really fast in learning and perform well on slipper abrasion fault detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is universally utilized in cruciferous vegetables. However, the Chinese cabbage hau CMS lines, obtained by interspecific hybridization and multiple backcrosses of the Brassica juncea (B. juncea) CMS line and Chinese cabbage, show obvious leaf etiolation, and the molecular mechanism of etiolation remains elusive. Here, the ultrastructural and phenotypic features of leaves from the Chinese cabbage CMS line 1409A and maintainer line 1409B are analyzed. The results show that chloroplasts of 1409A exhibit abnormal morphology and distribution. Next, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is used to identify 485 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 1409A and 1409B, and 189 up-regulated genes and 296 down-regulated genes are found. Genes that affect chloroplasts development, such as GLK1 and GLK2, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, such as PORB, are included in the down-regulated DEGs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis validate that the expression levels of these genes are significantly lower in 1409A than in 1409B. Taken together, these results demonstrate that leaf etiolation is markedly affected by chloroplast development and pigment biosynthesis. This study provides an effective foundation for research on the molecular mechanisms of leaf etiolation of the hau CMS line in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoceria was synthesized by treating cerium carbonate hydrate in a molten KOH-NaOH mixture at 200 °C. The nanoceria thus synthesized under a hydrogen atmosphere had a crystal size of 21.6 nm measured by XRD, consistent with the particle size of 23 nm measured by TEM. Raman spectra results indicated that the nanoceria produced under hydrogen had a downshift of 0.9 cm −1 from the sample synthesized in air. XPS spectra showed that the Ce 3+ fraction of the nanoceria synthesized in hydrogen was greater than that produced in air. The oxygen vacancies were formed by partial oxidization of the precursor in molten KOH-NaOH mixture. The UV–visible absorption properties of ceria synthesized under hydrogen showed a 34 nm red-shift compared with that synthesized in air. The nanoceria prepared in this work had a better catalytic property for CO oxidization than the commercial nanoceria. Results indicated that the increased Ce 3+ fraction or oxygen vacancies formed by this partial oxidization process extended the absorption edge of ceria resulting in a narrower band gap, and enhanced the catalytic activity of nanoceria. This method has proven to provide a simple and scalable method for the synthesis of high quality nanoceria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally stable blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria was produced by feeding nanoceria with an average size of 50 nm into a DC thermal plasma reactor. The effects of different plasma power levels and atmospheres were investigated. XRD results showed the ceria lattice parameter increased with plasma power. SEM and TEM results showed that the shape of nanoparticles changed after plasma treatment; the blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria had highly regular shapes such as triangular pyramids and polyhedral in contrast to the irregular shape of the raw nanoceria. Significant downshift was found in the Raman spectra of the plasma products, with a 7.9-cm shift compared with raw nanoceria, which was explained by the reduction of Ce. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the Ce fraction increased from 14% in the raw nanoceria to 38-39% for the product CeO, indicating the high reduction state on the ceria surface. It was determined that this blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria was stable up to 400 °C in air, but the color changed to pale yellow after 4 h at 500 °C in air indicating oxidation to CeO. Additionally, this novel stable nano-CeO caused a red shift in the UV-visible absorption results; a 48-nm red shift occurred for the nonstoichiometric nanoceria produced at 15 kW compared with the raw nanoceria. The band gap was calculated to be 2.5 eV while it was 3.2 eV for the raw nanoceria, indicating that this novel stable blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria should be a promising material for optical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoceria is an important function material and is widely used in catalytic applications due to its excellent redox properties. Here, we report a simple method to synthesize uniform polyhedral nanoceria powder by the KCl-LiCl molten salt method. TEM micrographs of the product showed that polyhedral nanoceria particles of 30 nm average size were obtained from cerium carbonate hydroxide when treated at 600°C for 4 hours. Results indicated that the crystal structure broke down to ceria crystal nuclei in the molten salt system at an elevated temperature, and the Ce3+ dissolved in the KCl-LiCl molten salts provided a cerium source for crystal growth. The crystal and particle sizes increased with treatment temperature. UV-visible absorption results showed that this nanoceria powder had a significant red shift, and its narrow band gap of 2.7 eV suggests a potential application for photocatalysis. The produced nanoceria had a somewhat lower catalytic activity for CO oxidization than commercial nanoceria, mainly due to smaller specific surface area, but had a higher stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy for novices to conduct intubation with the Bonfils intubation fiberscope (BIF) using the transillumination-assisted or midline approach technique in patients with normal airways. Methods: In this prospective randomized control study, 10 trainees were assigned to the transillumination-assisted technique group (T group) or the midline approach technique group (R group). Each trainee was required to conduct intubation in 50 patients. The primary outcome was intubation time. The secondary outcomes were success rate (%), number of attempts, and complications. Results: Among the cases of successful intubation, the intubation time was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The overall success rate of intubation was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The intubation success rates at the first, second, and third attempts as well as the average intubation times were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05), but in patients receiving successful intubation at the second attempt, the intubation time was longer in the T group (P = 0.0006). The incidences of dry throat, sore throat, and hoarseness were higher in the T group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: For patients with a normal airway, the transillumination-assisted technique was unlikely to increase the success rate of intubation with the BIF compared with the midline approach technique, but led to more complications. Trial registration: ChiCTR-INR-16009967, retrospectively registered on November 22, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the impact of applying pseudo-natural and ecological engineering protection means for coastal protection, the problem of wave propagation over a mound-type submerged poroelastic breakwater was solved theoretically. In this study, a breakwater was designed to be a double-layer structure to mimic a pseudo-natural structure with an inner rigid part and an outer soft layer. Different parameters, e.g. the relative dimensions of the inner and outer layers, the porosity and permeability were used to describe the characteristics of the breakwater. An analytical solution for describing the dynamic response of wave interaction with poroelastic media is presented. Linear wave theory was used to analyze wave motion based on an extension of Biot's theory including the turbulent frictional effect. An equation set was developed and solved to achieve a general solution for this type of problem. The solution was first validated by the theoretical solution and experiments of this problem. This solution was further applied to investigate the additional effect arising owing to flexibility of composite submerged permeable breakwaters on wave scattering and energy dissipation. The solution provides a theoretical and general way to pre-investigate problems of wave transformation over this type of submerged breakwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), which address colorectal cancer treatment planning through weekly regular group meetings, was begun in October 2007. We analyzed and compared the outcomes of colorectal cancer patients with metastatic disease before and after the era of MDTs. Methods: From 2001 to 2010, 1075 patients who presented with stage IV disease and were treated in Taipei Veterans General Hospital were enrolled in the study. Among these patients, 439 (40.8 %) were diagnosed after MDTs had been established. The percentage of patients receiving surgical treatment for metastatic disease was calculated and compared before and after MDTs were established, and the survival rate was compared using a log-rank test, with a significance of P < 0.05. Results: A significantly improved survival rate in patients with stage IV disease was observed after establishment of MDTs, with the 3-year survival rate increasing from 25.6 to 38.2 % ( P < 0.001). Based on multivariate analysis, establishment of a MDT was an independent prognostic factor in patients with stage IV disease (hazard ratio = 0.74, 95 % confidence interval = 0.624∼0.866, P < 0.001). The percentage of liver resection in patients with liver metastasis increased from 19.6 to 35.2 % after the establishment of MDTs, whereas the percentage of lung resection in patients with lung metastasis remained stationary from 12.4 to 14.3 %. Conclusions: In the era of MDTs, intensive cooperation between different specialists has increased the referral rate for metastasectomy, resulting in significantly improved outcomes of colorectal patients in initial stage IV disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adenosqamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare disease involving various organs, yet there are no large-scale population-based comparative studies on ASC among different organs. Methods: The incidence and overall survival of ASC among various organs in cases diagnosed in Taiwan from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2010 were calculated and compared using data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR). The various organs were classified and divided into three different systems: the female reproductive, respiratory, and alimentary systems. Survival analysis were also compared among 30,850 patients diagnosed as ASC, adenocarcinoma (AC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in organs with frequent ASC. Results: During the study period, a total of 576 ASC cases were diagnosed in Taiwan. The most common primary system was respiratory (73.8%), followed by alimentary (16.2%) and female reproductive (10%). The overall survival were significantly higher for cases involving the female reproductive system, followed by the respiratory and alimentary systems (P = 0.016). The median overall survival were worse in males than females for cases involving the respiratory system (22.4 vs. 31.8 months, P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis showed that age≧65, more advanced T and N categories were independent unfavorable prognostic factors of overall survival in ASC. ASC histology is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor compared with AC and SCC. Conclusions: ASC at an old age and more advanced T and N categories were found to be associated with a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic pump constitutes the key component in hydraulic power system and its fault diagnosis is of great importance. Among all types of pumps, the axial piston pump is widely used, but due to its high speed and high pressure working condition, its cavitation characteristics are not so good as those of other hydraulic pumps. Therefore, in this article, a new cavitation detection framework that contains both experimental investigations and numerical signal processing is proposed to detect cavitation intensity of the axial piston pump. Cavitation intensity of the axial piston pump has been divided into three stages: normal state, cavitation development state and cavitation severe state. The cavitation detection model based on MLP-Mixer is introduced to recognize cavitation intensity of the axial piston pump with given working conditions. The testing accuracy of optimized cavitation detection model is quite high with above 99% for all given working conditions. • A novel cavitation detection framework for axial piston pumps • The framework contains both experimental investigations and numerical analysis • The cavitation intensity has been divided into three stages • The detection model is based on MLP-Mixer • The model successfully recognizes cavitation intensity with given working condition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The expression of RhoA, a member of the ras homologue family, is reported to be involved in tumorigenesis in some cancers; however, its prognostic value in gastric cancer is controversial. Methods: Between April 1988 and January 2005, a total of 206 gastric cancer patients receiving curative surgery were enrolled in this study. Immunohistochemical staining of the RhoA protein was performed, and the clinicopathological characteristics and initial recurrence patterns were compared between low RhoA expression ( n = 55) and high RhoA expression ( n = 151) gastric cancer patients. Results: For intestinal-type ( n = 134) gastric cancer, there is no significant difference between the clinicopathological characteristics and RhoA expression. However, for diffuse-type ( n = 82) gastric cancer, high RhoA expression was associated with more advanced pathological N category compared to low RhoA expression. A multivariate analysis revealed that age, pathological T and N categories, and RhoA expression were independent prognostic factors for overall survival after curative surgery. For all patients, the five-year overall survival rates and disease-free survival rates were higher in patients with low RhoA expression compared to those with high RhoA expression, which was observed in diffuse-type gastric cancer, not in intestinal-type gastric cancer. With regard to the initial recurrence pattern, patients with high RhoA expression had more distant metastasis compared to those with low RhoA expression, especially more liver metastasis. Conclusions: RhoA expression is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer, especially for diffuse-type. We should be aware of liver metastasis during the follow-up of gastric cancer with high RhoA expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer is associated with higher rate of cancer recurrence and poor prognosis. As a result, a reliable biomarker for the prediction of LNM is important and would be valuable in the clinical practice. MiRNA microarray revealed that ten miRNAs were expressed significantly different among patients with or without LNM. A total of 46 gastric cancer patients were enrolled and divided into two groups (23 in each group) according to the presence or absence of LNM. RT-PCR of these 10 miRNAs was investigated and compared between the two groups. MiR-1207-5p was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer patients without LNM compared with those with LNM. Patients with upregulated miR-1207-5p had less scirrhous stromal reaction, less lymphovascular invasion, and earlier pathological T category, N category, and TNM stage, compared with those with downregulated or unchanged miR-1207-5p. Multivariate analysis showed that stromal reaction type, lymphovascular invasion, pathological T category and TNM stage, and expression of miR-1207-5p were independent risk factors of LNM. MiR-1207-5p could serve as a useful biomarker in the prediction of LNM in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy, has become more popular in the treatment of gastric cancer. However, few studies have compared the learning curves between laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: Data were prospectively collected between July 2008 and Aug 2014. A total of 145 patients underwent minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer by a single surgeon, including 73 laparoscopic and 72 robotic gastrectomies. The clinicopathologic characteristics, operative outcomes and learning curves were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared with the laparoscopic group, the robotic group was associated with less blood loss and longer operative time. After the surgeon learning curves were overcome for each technique, the operative outcomes became similar between the two groups except longer operative time in the robotic group. After accumulating more cases of robotic gastrectomy, the operative time in the laparoscopic group decreased dramatically. Conclusions: After overcoming the learning curves, the operative outcomes became similar between laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy. The experience of robotic gastrectomy could affect the learning process of laparoscopic gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an innovative dual-field measurement system is proposed for measuring the real-time material flow on the conveyor belt. The system consists of two light sources to illuminate the upper and the lower surface of the conveyor belt, respectively, and two binocular cameras to capture the dual-field contour images. The contour curves are extracted from the images by the contour acquisition algorithm and fitted with linear interpolation functions for the calculation of instantaneous cross-sectional area of material flow. Then the real-time volume of material flow is obtained according to the belt speed. Compared with conventional visual methods, the proposed method is no need to preliminarily acquire the data of the empty belt as well as hardly affected by belt deformation. Some measured objects are prepared for both sectional area and volume measurement. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed system can achieve up to 96.3% and 96.05% for the volume measurement of regular materials and coals, respectively, which is superior to the conventional visual method. The proposed measurement method has strong robustness and low construction cost, which is expected to generalize and apply in the bulk material transport field. • A dual-field method for material flow measurement on conveyor belt is proposed. • Material and belt images are integrated to avoid error caused by belt deformation. • An algorithm is proposed to extract the effective contour from the image.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, automatic speaker recognition has been an interesting and challenging problem to speech researchers. It can be classified into two different categories, speaker identification and speaker verification. In this paper, a new classifier, extreme learning machine, is examined on the text-independent speaker verification task and compared with SVM classifier. Extreme learning machine (ELM) classifiers have been proposed for generalized single hidden layer feedforward networks with a wide variety of hidden nodes. They are extremely fast in learning and perform well on many artificial and real regression and classification applications. The database used to evaluate the ELM and SVM classifiers is ELSDSR corpus, and the Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients were extracted and used as the input to the classifiers. Empirical studies have shown that ELM classifiers and its variants could perform better than SVM classifiers on the dataset provided with less training time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse transit time (PTT) is the duration in which a pulse wave travels between two arterial sites within the same cardiac cycle. The aim of our study is to use PTT to examine propofol's effects on the vascular system. Methods. We collected data from 50 healthy women, between 28 and 51 years old, who underwent gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia. The general anaesthesia was induced with propofol injection (2 mg/kg). PTT measurements were obtained from the R-wave of electrocardiogram and the pulse wave of photoplethysmograph. Two PTT values were obtained; one before (the control) and the other after propofol injection. The results were analysed by Student's t-test. Results. After propofol injection, the PTT was prolonged. The change in the PTT value from that of baseline was significant statistically (P < 0.05, by Student's t-test). The PTT change over time correlated with the degree of vasodilatation over time. Monitoring of PTT not only revealed the magnitude of vascular changes but also demonstrated the onset of vascular dilation, its peak and duration. We conclude that PTT is a useful guide in monitoring the drug kinetics of propofol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic gastrectomy has become more popular in the treatment of gastric cancer, especially in Asian countries. Until now, few studies have compared robotic surgery with open or laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer patients. Methods: Data were prospectively collected between January 2006 and February 2012. A total of 689 patients underwent curative resection of adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Patients were separated into three groups according to the different surgical approaches used (586 open, 64 laparoscopic, and 39 robotic). The clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of the three groups were compared. Results: The open group was associated with a larger tumor size, more D2 dissection, more advanced tumor stage, and more blood loss than the groups treated with laparoscopic and robotic methods. Robotic gastrectomy was associated with female predominance, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and longer operative time than open and laparoscopic gastrectomy. The retrieved lymph node numbers were similar between the open and robotic groups. Postoperative morbidity rates were similar among the three groups. In terms of the learning curve of robotic gastrectomy, operative time and docking time were significantly reduced in the recent robotic group ( n = 14) compared to the initial robotic group ( n = 25). Conclusion: Robotic gastrectomy could achieve extended lymph node dissection similar to open surgery. Our results showed a significant learning curve effect in the initial 25 cases of the robotic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system has new substages for colon cancer. We used survival data from a single medical center to analyze this new AJCC edition. Methods: The colon cancer database of Taipei Veterans General Hospital provided 1,865 patient records covering from 1999 to 2005. Survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: There were 268, 607, 561, and 421 patients in stages I, II, III, and IV disease with 5-year observed survival rates of 86.3%, 79.2%, 65.4%, and 12.8%, respectively. Survival rates were not significantly different between those with T4a and T4b disease ( P = 0.806). The outcome of N1c disease was similar to N1a and N1b but worse than N0 ( P = 0.004). Survival rates for M1a and M1b disease became different after reclassifying solely peritoneal seeding as M1a ( P < 0.001). No discrepancy of outcomes between stage IIIA and stage IIB/IIC remained in the seventh edition. Conclusions: Evolution from the fifth to seventh edition of the AJCC staging system is successful in separating prognostic groups by substaging. But some issues remain unresolved, including the subdivision of T4, N1, and M1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we attempt to address the architectural design of ELM regressor by applying a constructive method on the basis of ELM algorithm. After the nonlinearities of ELM network are fixed by randomly generating the parameters, the network will correspond to a linear regression model. The selection of hidden nodes can then be regarded as a subset model selection in linear regression. The proposed constructive hidden nodes selection for ELM (referred to as CS-ELM) selects the optimal number of hidden nodes when the unbiased risk estimation based criterion C P reaches the minimum value. A comparison of the proposed CS-ELM with other model selection algorithms of ELM is evaluated on several real benchmark regression applications. And the empirical study shows that CS-ELM leads to a compact network structure automatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extreme learning machine (ELM) proposed by Huang et al. was developed for generalized single hidden layer feedforward networks (SLFNs) with a wide variety of hidden nodes. It proved to be very fast and effective especially for solving function approximation problems with a predetermined network structure. However, the method for determining the network structure of preliminary ELM may be tedious and may not lead to a parsimonious solution. In this paper, a systematic two-stage algorithm (named TS-ELM) is introduced to handle the problem. In the first stage, a forward recursive algorithm is applied to select the hidden nodes from the candidates randomly generated in each step and add them to the network until the stopping criterion achieves its minimum. The significance of each hidden node is then reviewed in the second stage and the insignificance ones are removed from the network, which drastically reduces the network complexity. The effectiveness of TS-ELM is verified by the empirical studies in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of incident waves propagating over a submerged poro-elastic structure is studied theoretically. A linear wave theory is used to describe the wave motion. The submerged poro-elastic structure is modeled based on Biot''s theory, in which the fluid motion is described using the potential wave theory of . In the present approach, the problem domain is divided into four subregions. Using general solutions for each region and matching dynamic and kinematic conditions for neighboring regions, analytic solutions are derived for the wave fields and poro-elastic structure. The present analytic solutions compare very well with simplified cases of impermeable, rigid structures, and with those of porous structures. Using the present analytic solution, the effects of a poro-elastic submerged structure on waves are studied. The results show that softer poro-elastic structures can induce higher reflection and lower transmission from incident waves. For low permeability conditions, the elasticity of the structure can induce resonance, while higher permeability can depress the resonant effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our present study provided new evidence for diterbium transferrin (Tb2Tf) as a potential multi-photon-excited microscopy probe. It indicated that the Tb2Tf complex can be transported into human leukemia K562 cells via a process mediated by transferrin (Tf) receptors as an intact entity and with no obvious cellular toxicity. The supporting evidence includes the following. First, the transport kinetic behavior of Tb was compared with that of the Tf moiety. The Tb was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Tf was determined by fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. The kinetic synchronization of internalization of both Tb and Tf into human leukemia K562 cells demonstrated the Tb2Tf complex was transported into cells as a whole. Second, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we observed the localization of Tb2Tf in the cell. This showed that the internalized Tb2Tf was mostly situated in the same perinuclear region as diferric transferrin (Fe2Tf). In addition, pretreatment with pronase largely abolished the transport process of Tb2Tf. The relative fluorescence intensities representing the uptake of Tf into the cells decreased to about 16% and the cytosolic Tb content decreased to almost the same percentage as for Tf. Furthermore, the addition of Fe2Tf can effectively inhibit transport of Tb2Tf into K562 cells. Third, no significant decrease of cell viability was observed in the presence of Tb2Tf even for 24 or 48 h by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Moreover, prospects for the use of Tb2Tf as a multi-photon-excited microscopy probe in a living system are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liang et al. [A fast and accurate online sequential learning algorithm for feedforward networks, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 17 (6) (2006), 1411–1423] has proposed an online sequential learning algorithm called online sequential extreme learning machine (OS-ELM), which can learn the data one-by-one or chunk-by-chunk with fixed or varying chunk size. It has been shown [Liang et al., A fast and accurate online sequential learning algorithm for feedforward networks, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks 17 (6) (2006) 1411–1423] that OS-ELM runs much faster and provides better generalization performance than other popular sequential learning algorithms. However, we find that the stability of OS-ELM can be further improved. In this paper, we propose an ensemble of online sequential extreme learning machine (EOS-ELM) based on OS-ELM. The results show that EOS-ELM is more stable and accurate than the original OS-ELM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have previously reported that an ethanolic extract of dried shark muscle mixed with olive oil (shark muscle–olive oil [SMO]) has potent anti-angiogenic activity and that this extract appears to inhibit the binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to its receptor(s). In this study, we investigated the effects of SMO on the phosphorylation of VEGF receptor(s) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vitrocell proliferation assays showed that SMO significantly reversed the VEGF-promoted increase in HUVEC proliferation. Western blot analysis revealed that SMO treatment markedly inhibited the VEGF-promoted tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) and VEGF receptor-1 (Flt-1) in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that SMO might interfere with or block the binding of VEGF with its receptors, and thereby inhibit the VEGF receptor(s) signal transduction pathway and so inhibit angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, [Ag2(C14H8O4)(C7H16N2)2]·2H2O, consists of a biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate-bridged centrosymmetric dinuclear silver(I) complex and two uncoordinated water molecules. The Ag atom is three-coordinated by two N atoms of 2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethanamine and one O atom of biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate, forming a distorted T-shaped coordination environment, the distortion being caused by the strain created by the five-membered chelate AgNCäCäN ring. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked through intermolecular NäHüO and OäHüO hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title complex, {[Cu2(N3)4(C6H16N2)2][Cu(N3)2(C6H16N2)]}n, consists of an end-on azide-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex and an end-to-end azide-bridged polynuclear copper(II) complex. Each Cu atom is five-coordinated by two N atoms of N,N-diethylethane-1,2-diamine and by three N atoms from three azide ligands, forming a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A looper is an uplifted device, which is always installed between adjacent stands in a hot strip finishing mill. A virtual looper system incorporating powerful computation capability of digital computers becomes an efficient and cost-effective tool for controller design and system analysis of this complicated and gigantic system. Accurate simulation of the looper system can not only restore the actual looper’s dynamic behavior, but can also analyze the factors that affect the looper response and provide useful information for further improvement of the control system. In this paper, a looper simulation system based on a conventional hot strip mill is established. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the reduction ratio is the most important parameter for the looper dynamics. Therefore, an auto-tuning technique for a variable reduction ratio is developed. Simulation results, compared with actual loopers behavior, demonstrate significant improvement in terms of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the use of Internet technology by American convention and visitors bureaus. Stages of information technology (IT) use; Properties that can be used to distinguish small to medium-sized tourism organizations from their larger counterparts in the U.S.; Factors of a user-based IT model; Comparison of technology impact by adopter group.

In this study, an analytical solution is developed for the problem of periodic waves propagating over a poro-elastic seabed of infinite depth. Water waves above the seabed are described using the linear wave theory. The poro-elastic seabed is modelled based on the Biot theory in which the inertia effect and Darcy''s friction are added. Continuity of dynamic pressure and flow flux at the interfacial seabed surface are considered. Adopting an approach similar to , the governing equations for the pore pressure and displacements of the poro-elastic medium are derived. The present analytic solution compares favorably well with experimental results by , and analytical results by for the case of fine sand. Using the present theory, variations of the wavelength and fluid pressure caused by coupling of waves and the poro-elastic seabed are discussed. Results show that higher elasticity of the poro-elastic seabed induces larger interface pressure, but higher permeability causes smaller pressure on the seabed interface. The wave length is affected by the poro-elastic seabed and becomes shorter for softer seabed and shallower water depth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer patients with early recurrence had advanced pathological node categories, pathological tumor, node, metastasis stages, adjuvant chemotherapy treatment, a worse overall survival rate, more liver metastases and more APC mutations than those with late recurrence. Patients with right-sided colon cancer tended to have early recurrence than those with left-sided colon cancer or rectal cancer. The postrecurrence survival rates were not significantly different between patients with early and late recurrence, which was observed in right-sided colon, left-sided colon and rectum. Multivariate analysis showed that old age, early recurrence, multiple-site recurrence and BRAF and NRAS mutations were independent prognostic factors. Background: Few reports have investigated genetic alterations between patients with early and late recurrence following curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: A total of 1227 stage I–III CRC patients who underwent curative resection were included retrospectively. Among them, 236 patients had tumor recurrence: 139 had early (<2 years after surgery) and 97 had late (≥2 years after surgery) recurrence. Clinicopathological features and genetic alterations were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared to those with late recurrence, patients with early recurrence were more likely to have advanced pathological node (N) categories; tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stages; adjuvant chemotherapy treatment; liver metastases; APC mutations; and worse five-year overall survival rates. Patients with right-sided colon cancer were more likely to develop early recurrence than were those with left-sided colon cancer or rectal cancer. Regarding rectal cancer, patients with early recurrence were more likely to be at advanced pathological N categories and TNM stages than those with late recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed old age, early recurrence, multiple-site recurrence, and BRAF and NRAS mutations to be independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: CRC patients with early recurrence have a worse OS rate and more APC mutations than those with late recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal bipolar cells (BCs) compose the canonical vertical excitatory pathway that conveys photoreceptor output to inner retinal neurons. Although synaptic transmission from BC terminals is thought to rely almost exclusively on Ca21 influx through voltage-gated Ca21 (CaV) channels mediating L-type currents, the molecular identity of CaV channels in BCs is uncertain. Therefore, we combined molecular and functional analyses to determine the expression profiles of CaV a1, b, and a2d subunits in mouse rod bipolar (RB) cells, BCs from which the dynamics of synaptic transmission are relatively well-characterized. We found significant heterogeneity in CaV subunit expression within the RB population from mice of either sex, and significantly, we discovered that transmission from RB synapses was mediated by Ca21 influx through P/Q-type (CaV2.1) and N-type (CaV2.2) conductances as well as the previouslydescribed L-type (CaV1) and T-type (CaV3) conductances. Furthermore, we found both CaV1.3 and CaV1.4 proteins located near presynaptic ribbon-type active zones in RB axon terminals, indicating that the L-type conductance is mediated by multiple CaV1 subtypes. Similarly, CaV3 a1, b, and a2d subunits also appear to obey a "multisubtype" rule, i.e., we observed a combination of multiple subtypes, rather than a single subtype as previously thought, for each CaV subunit in individual cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary photocatalyst of LaOCl/CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was designed and firstly synthesized by a facile KCl–LiCl molten salt method. The 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 with a 6: 4 weight ratio of LaOCl to CeO 2 has an optimal degradation ratio (nearly 100%) for methylene blue (MB) with an impressive cyclic stability. Both of adsorption and photodegradation contribute to the high MB removal ratio, and kinetic study results show that the rate constant of photocatalytic degradation route is 0.0174 min−1, which is less than that of adsorption process (2.4406 min−1). The excellent adsorption performance of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 is attributed to its negative zeta potential (−35.40 mV) and larger average pore size. The photochemical characterizations suggest that the 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 form a dual Z-scheme heterojunction, which enhances its separation efficiency of photogenerated e - / h + with an outstanding redox ability, and further promotes the photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] • A ternary photocatalyst of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was firstly synthesized by a KCl–LiCl molten salt mothed. • Negative zeta potential and suitable pore structure contribute to the superb adsorption ability of 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4. • 60 %LaOCl/40 %CeO 2 -g-C 3 N 4 shows a dual Z-scheme heterojunction which promotes its photocatalytic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organobentonites, i.e., bentonites coated with surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB), are superior and low-cost sorbents for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Nonlinear sorption of polar organic compounds such as phenols and anilines by organobentonites were widely observed and interpreted by adsorption mechanism. However, in this study, it was observed that the nonlinear sorption of phenols and anilines by CTAB coated bentonites (CTAB-bentonites) should be attributed to nonlinear partition mechanism with the additional space limitation in CTAB-bentonites for nonlinear partitioning, rather than adsorption mechanism. This nonlinear partition mechanism is supported by that (i) organobentonites is a partition medium, identified by the linear isotherms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrobenzenes; (ii) sorption coefficients (log K d), the ratio of adsorbed amount (q e) to equilibrium concentration (C e), and Dubinin-Ashtakhov (DA) model fitted sorption capacity (log Q 0) of organic compounds, by a given CTAB-bentonite, are positively correlated with their octanol-water distribution coefficients (log K OW) and solubility in octanol (log S o) respectively; (iii) log K d and log Q 0 of a given organic compound by CTAB-bentonites are positively correlated with organic carbon contents (f oc) of CTAB-bentonites, but not specific surface area. Specific interaction (i.e., hydrogen-bonding interaction), in addition to van der Waals force, is responsible for the nonlinear partitioning of phenols and anilines into CTAB-bentonites, because of the positively linear relationship between DA model fitted sorption affinity (E) and hydrogen-bonding donor parameter (α m) of organic compounds. These results could help the recognizing of the nonlinear sorption behaviors of organic compounds by organobentonites and promote their environmental applications in wastewater treatment. Unlabelled Image • Isotherms of organic compounds by CTAB-bentonites are well fitted by DA model. • Correlations log K d ~ log K OW , log Q 0 ~ log S o , log K d ~ f oc , and log Q 0 ~ f oc are positive. • Nonlinear sorption of phenols/anilines by CTAB-bentonites is nonlinear partition. • Hydrogen-bonding interaction is responsible for the nonlinear partition. • Space limitation in CTAB-bentonite for partitioning enhances isotherm nonlinearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, [Co(C12H16ClN2O)2]ClO4, possesses two independent complex cations and two perchlorate anions in the asymmetric unit. Both CoIII atoms are six-coordinated by four N and two O atoms from two Schiff bases in slightly distorted octahedral coordination environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold cathodes coated with oxide conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide and tin oxide, were applied to dc gas discharges of a sealed-off CO2 laser. Laser power enhancement and stable gas discharge, two areas of laser performance, were affected, in contrast to the uncoated metallic cathode. Mass spectrometric study revealed a correlation of laser power enhancement and an increase in the CO2 content associated with these coated cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and growth of CeOCl crystals from a Ce3+ precursor in a molten KCl-LiCl flux was investigated. The formation of CeOCl occurred through the reaction Ce3+ + Cl− + [O2−] = CeOCl, where Ce3+ came from both CeO2−x (0 < x < 0.5) and Ce2O3, and the [O2−] was the lattice oxygen. CeOCl started to form in the powder together with ceria at 400 °C under hydrogen atmosphere, and the CeOCl content was 91.3% then decreased with increasing synthesis temperature. The growth of CeOCl crystals observed by SEM images revealed that cubic CeOCl particles were formed from polyhedral flakes. Photo-Luminescence (PL) spectra showed that the violet-blue light can be emitted from synthesized powder, which suggests CeOCl can be a potential luminescence material.Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of small-molecular fluorescent probes based on nitrogen-fused pyridazinone scaffold were developed in this report. The design strategy involved two steps: 1) enhancing the electron-withdrawing ability of the acceptor by incorporating an N-heterocyclic aromatic ring (pyridine or pyrazine) at the C4 and C5 positions of the pyridazinone skeleton and 2) anchoring a triphenylphosphine or morpholine tail as the subcellular targeting group. These fluorescent probes displayed excellent properties in live cell and brain tissue imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of the health lesions induced by chronic arsenic exposure (HLICAE) are crucial to prevent permanent arsenic-induced damage. If HLICAE can be identified in time, appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures may be provided without various avoidable lesions. The present study aims to assess the probability of HLICAE early recognition with metabolomics. Applying a case-control study, 94 participants with HLICAE (cases) and other 94 subjects without HLICAE (controls) were matched with gender and age (±1 year), coming from a previous chronic arsenic exposure cohort. Serum metabolomic profiles were assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. A total of 210 and 364 features were detected in positive and negative ion modes (ESI+/ESI-), respectively. The altered metabolic pathways included lipid and amino acid metabolisms. 28 metabolomics-based biomarkers were significantly associated with HLICAE and provided areas under the curve (AUC, 95% confidence interval) of 0.898 (0.836, 0.960) and 0.908 (0.855, 0.960) in the discovery phase, 78.6% and 86.4% of positive predictive values in the validation phase, in distinguishing HLICAE from controls in ESI+/ESI-, respectively. This study provides novel insights on mechanisms of health effects probably induced by chronic arsenic exposure, and these biomarkers may be applied in HLICAE early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative DNA damage pathogenically links to some major diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the association between serum total cholesterol (TC) and oxidative DNA damage based on propensity score matching (PSM) method. A total of 407 participants chronically exposed to arsenic via drinking water from China were enrolled. Oxidative DNA damage was determined with urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Serum TC was classified into favourable TC (FTC, TC <5.18 mmol/L) and unfavourable TC (NFTC, TC ≥5.18 mmol/L) categories. Multivariable generalised linear regression model was applied to examine the association. Of 407 participants, 125 pairs with FTC and NFTC subjects were matched using PSM. Urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine levels in NFTC were significantly higher than those in FTC category (p =.002). As compared to the counterparts, additional adjusted log-transformed 8-OHdG/creatinine increase was observed in NFTC for unmatched (β = 0.12, p =.052) and matched (β = 0.17, p <.001) participants, respectively. We also detected obviously increased log-transformed urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine with per interquartile range raise of serum TC either in unmatched (β = 0.10, p =.007) or matched (β = 0.16, p =.003) subjects. In conclusion, serum TC was independently associated with oxidative DNA damage. Our findings provided new insights on the health promotion of lipids relevant to the early warning of diseases due to oxidative DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the practical application of Bacillus licheniformis γ-glutamyltranspeptidase ( Bl GGT), we illustrated a simple and efficient approach to fabricate a biocatalytic system by immobilizing the enzyme onto graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets via both non-covalent (GO- Bl GGT) and covalent (GO/GA- Bl GGT) bonds. The enzyme-loading capacity for the prepared GO/GA nanomaterial was 3.47 mg/mg support, corresponding to 68.7% recovery of the initial activity. Native and enzyme-bound layered GOs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, followed by Raman and Fouier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogram analysis. As compared to the free form of Bl GGT, the immobilized enzymes exhibited significantly higher activity, possibly due to the beneficial effect of the layered GO carrier. The kinetic behaviors of GO- Bl GGT and GO/GA- Bl GGT were mostly consistent with those of free enzyme. The covalently immobilized enzyme had a comparable stability respective to free enzyme during a storage period of 30 days and could be recycled nine times with 45.3% retention of the initial activity. Besides, the biocatalytic synthesis of γ- l -glutamyl-phenylalanine and γ- l -glutamyl-leucine by immobilized enzymes resulted in the product yield of more than 31%. Taken together, these results suggest that the facile strategy is an economical means of depositing bioactive enzymes upon GO nanosheets for Bl GGT-mediated biocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The authors are grateful to the derivation and correction addressed by Shi and Kirby (2008) for the calculation of the wave setup and setdown induced by obliquely incident waves. The mathematical equations for the expression of setup and setdown are rederived in which the velocity potential is expanded to the second-order on the still water lever. The correct form of setdown presented by Shi and Kirby is confirmed in the present paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the title compound, 1-[2-(dimethyl­ammonio)ethyl­iminiometh­yl]naphthalen-2-olate perchlorate, C15H19N2O+·ClO4−, N—H·O hydrogen bonds link the ions into chains along the a axis. Adjacent chains are inter­linked via C—H·O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the ac plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoke (CS)-induced oxidative stress drives the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, in which the activation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death induced by Fe2+-dependent, lipid peroxidation, and ROS, is closely related to CS-induced airway injury disease, but its mechanism remains unclear. We found that bronchial epithelial ferroptosis and expression of iNOS in smoking patients were significantly higher than that in non-smokers. The iNOS, induced by CS exposure, was involved in bronchial epithelial cell ferroptosis, whereas genetic depletion or pharmacologic inactivation of iNOS attenuated the CS-induced ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our mechanistic studies found that SIRT3 directly bound to and negatively regulated iNOS to mediate ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that the Nrf-2/SIRT3 signal was deactivated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced ROS. Collectively, these results linked CS to human bronchial epithelial cell ferroptosis through ROS deactivation of the Nrf-2/SIRT3 signal to promote iNOS expression. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of CS-induced tracheal injury diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. • Human lung tissues are used to confirm that cigarette smoke induces ferroptosis in bronchial epithelium. • ROS is a key factor in the bronchial epithelium ferroptosis caused by cigarette smoke. • Activation of Nrf-2/SIRT3 inhibits ferroptosis in the bronchial epithelium. • Inactivating iNOS inhibits ferroptosis in the bronchial epithelium. • SIRT3 binds directly to iNOS and inhibits its expression and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stomata on the leaf surface are mainly responsible for the material exchange between the internal and external environments of the plant, a large number of methods have been proposed to automatically measure the distribution position and number of stomatal, but few methods could achieve both stomatal count and open/closed‐state judgment. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic detection method for leaf stomatal morphology analysis based on an attention mechanism and deep learning. In order to obtain more stomatal feature information and send it to the network for learning, the proposed method adds a coordinate attention (CA) mechanism to the YOLOV5 backbone part. At the same time, in order to avoid the overfitting of the model during the training process, the authors added the training trick of label smoothing. Finally, the detection ability of the proposed method for stomata is verified on the broad bean leaves stomata dataset. The experimental results show that our method achieves a detection accuracy of 0.934 and an mAP of 0.968. By comparing with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, the detection capability of our method has been significantly improved. The generalization of the model is verified on the wheat leaf stomatal dataset. The experimental results show that our method can achieve a detection accuracy of 0.894 and an mAP of 0.907. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]