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To evaluate the ovarian reserve (OR) in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially SLE-associated APS, and to determine the association between OR and clinical and laboratory parameters.

Evaporation is a key element of the water and energy cycle and is essential in determining the spatial and temporal variations of meteorological elements. In particular, evaporation is crucial for thoroughly understanding the climate variations of a region. In this study, we discussed evaporation, precipitation, and temperature by adopting Linyi City in Shandong Province, China, which is an important agricultural region, as a research case. Linear regression analysis, the empirical orthogonal decomposition function, and the Morlet wavelet function were used to reveal the trends, spatiotemporal modes, and multi-time scale characteristics of the three climate factors and provide a theoretical basis for the efficient use of climate resources in the future development of regional agriculture. Results showed that the precipitation (2.09 mm/a) and temperature (0.04 ℃/a) in Linyi City exhibited a synchronous growth trend. Conversely, evaporation (−6.47 mm/a) showed a decreasing trend and the evaporation paradox because of the considerable decrease in evaporation energy. Regional development of water-consuming agriculture in consideration of global warming is a key point for improving water use efficiency in Linyi City. In terms of spatial distribution, precipitation was dominated by the first mode wherein low precipitation was observed at the early stage, and high precipitation occurred at the late stage. The first mode was supplemented by the second mode wherein an inverse phase change occurred in the southeast-northwest direction. Large interannual fluctuations were observed only in Yinan County. Temperature exhibited a pattern of warming change with high homogeneity. Evaporation demonstrated obvious heterogeneity and was dominated by two major modes, and the difference in evaporation between Junan County and the other regions of Linyi City was large. Therefore, the local regional climate changes in Yinan and Junan should be given attention. All three meteorological elements showed interannual and interdecadal variations in the short (5 a), medium (16 a), and long (25 a) terms, with precipitation, temperature, and evaporation dominated by 16 a, 24 a, and 31 a, respectively. In the short-term future, the regional precipitation and temperature in Linyi will experience decrements that are above the multiyear average, and evaporation will increase to above the multiyear average. Given the changing trends of precipitation, temperature, and evaporation, urgent requirements for the regional development of efficient water-saving irrigation and the promotion of digital agriculture should be proposed.

Seven samples of Wuyi rock tea (cv. Shuixian) stored for different times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years) were collected to investigate the effect of storage time on the flavor quality of Wuyi rock tea by the combined use of sensory evaluation, non-volatile and volatile composition analysis and chemometrics methods. The results showed that the transformation of the flavor quality of Wuyi rock tea during storage was divided into three stages: 0–5, 10–15, and 20–30 years. As the storage time increased, the taste gradually transformed from mellow to stale, and a sour taste appeared at the middle stage of storage and then faded away at the late stage. The aroma gradually changed from flowery and fruity to aged, woody and herbal. A significant decrease in the content of tea polyphenols, catechins-like and theaflavins and an increase in the content of soluble sugars were the major reasons for the taste changes. Changes in the contents of 15 characteristic volatiles, including indole, trans-nerolidol, dihydroactinidiolide, hotrienol, α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, β-ionone, and (Z)-hexanoic acid-3-hexenyl ester, were the key factors affecting the aroma changes. This study provides a scientific reference for the storage and consumption of Wuyi rock tea.

In the context of big data’s growing influence on education, our study presents a novel approach to managing higher vocational student data through a model based on the “three-round education” philosophy. We construct a predictive model to dissect and categorize student performance at X higher vocational college by integrating K-prototypes and LSSVM algorithms. Our findings reveal three primary groups: high achievers (43.65%), average performers (23.38%), and those with challenges (32.97%), each showing apparent differences in academic success indicators. Impressively, the model forecasts student enrollment numbers with less than 1.077% error, providing a reliable tool for educational administrators to make informed decisions and tailor student management strategies effectively.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the quality changes during the fermentation of sauerkraut without salt and inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and during low-temperature storage. Methods: The basic physicochemical indexes and quality changes of sauerkraut during fermentation were analyzed. Results: The unsalted sauerkraut reached maturity at 5 d of fermentation and the pH, nitrite content, reducing sugar content and vitamin C content decreased significantly (P

The digital and programmable metasurfaces, as opposed to conventional metasurfaces, offer a more sophisticated method of collaborating information and physics, showcasing several real-time controls to electromagnetic (EM) ways in succinct ways. In this work, we propose a multi-frequency amplitude-programmable (MFAP) metasurface with multiple frequency channels to enhance the presentation and manipulation of EM data. With this metasurface, the reflected amplitudes can be simultaneously and independently encoded between high (digit “1”) and low (digit “0”) levels. The amplitude code is unique, which exhibits both reflection coefficients and radiation patterns to allow for flexible multi-functional EM operations with frequency. For instance, the MFAP metasurface can be used to design innovative communication systems by transmitting various EM signals individually across the channels in time domain. It is also possible to carry out multi-bit transmissions by mixing these frequency channels. By introducing complex coding patterns in space domain, it is possible to manipulate EM powers with greater precision. A square-split ring meta-atom that can achieve stable single-frequency amplitude control and multi-frequency 1 bit amplitude-programmable features is described as a proof-of-concept. Varactors loaded on metallic structures of various sizes are switched between operating states to modify the amplitude codes at each frequency channel. The suggested MFAP metasurface’s validity is confirmed by simulations and measurements from a dual-channel MFAP metasurface prototype.

BACKGROUND The fast detection of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni in geochemical samples helps to determine the level of heavy metal pollution, thus assisting in the employment of efficient treatments. OBJECTIVES To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni in geochemical samples by AC Arc direct reading atomic emission spectrometry with solid sampling technique. METHODS With sodium fluoride, alumina, silicon dioxide and carbon powder as buffer agents and germanium as the internal standard element, the element analysis line pairs were optimized, and the exposure time was also optimized at 25s. The standard curve of synthetic silicate was corrected using national first-class reference materials (soil, rock and sediment), so as to reduce the interference of the matrix. Sensitive line and hyposensitive line were selected to enhance the accuracy as well as expand the measurable linear range of elements. Average value of two parallel analyses was adopted for further improved analytical precision. RESULTS The detection limits of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni were 0.45μg/g, 1.46μg/g, 2.40μg/g and 1.58μg/g, respectively. The precision ranges of the method were 1.36%-6.25% for Cu, 1.17%-8.06% for Pb, 1.64%-9.68% for Zn and 0.91%-5.31% for Ni. Measured values with this method for the national first-class reference materials of soil, sediment and rock were consistent with the certified values (|△logC| ≤ 0.05), qualification rates of the actual samples and external quality control samples were all above 90%. CONCLUSIONS With simple operation, direct solid sampling technique is applied. The method reported here is more environmentally friendly compared to the acid dissolving method, sample contamination caused by reagent blank and vessels used is avoided at the same time. The average results of twice spectral acquisitions are calculated, which is more accurate and precise than the single analysis reported in the literature. All indicators of this method are better than the requirements of regulation (1:250000) DZ/T 0130.5-2006.

Objective To explore the intertemporal decision⁃making disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods From January 2020 to August 2021, a total of 36 patients with PD (PD group) who diagnosed and treated in The Second People's Hospital of Hefei and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were selected, and 39 healthy controls (control group) with matched gender age and eudcation were recruited. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Mini⁃Mental State Examination (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Digit Span Test (DST), and Stroop Color⁃Word Test (SCWT) were used to evaluate the neuropsychological characteristics, the delay⁃discount rate K value in the intertemporal decision⁃making paradigm were used to evaluate the intertemporal decision⁃making ability. Results Compared with control group, the PD group had a decrease in MMSE score (Z=⁃4.536, P=0.000), correct number of VFT (Z=⁃4.555, P=0.000), correct repetition of DST⁃forwards (Z=⁃4.696, P=0.000) and DST⁃backwards (Z=⁃3.261, P=0.001), while had an increase in HAMA score (Z=⁃5.153, P=0.000), HAMD score (Z=⁃5.637, P=0.000), Stroop C-A (Z=⁃7.105, P=0.000) and K value (Z=⁃3.209, P=0.004). Correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between K value and MMSE score, correct number of VFT, Stroop C-A, and correct repetition of DST⁃forwards and DST⁃backwards in PD patients (P＞0.05, for all). Conclusions Patients with PD have symptoms of intertemporal decision⁃making disorder. They can't reasonably balance the value of delayed reward, prefer immediate reward, and have more impulsive decision⁃making behavior.

Building long-lasting antimicrobial and clean surfaces is one of the most effective strategies to inhibit bacterial infection, but obtaining an ideal smart surface with highly efficient, controllable, and regenerative properties still encounters many challenges. Herein, we fabricate an ultrathin brush–hydrogel hybrid coating (PSBMA-P(HEAA-co-METAC)) by integrating antifouling polyzwitterionic (PSBMA) brushes and antimicrobial polycationic (P(HEAA-co-METAC)) hydrogels. The smart bacterial killing–releasing properties can be achieved independently by the opposite volume and conformation changes between the swelling (shrinking) of P(HEAA-co-METAC) hydrogel layer and the shrinking (swelling) of PSBMA brushes. The friction test reveals that both METAC and SBMA components support great lubrication. By tuning the initial organosilane (BrTMOS:KH570) ratios, the prepared PSBMA-P(HEAA-co-METAC) coating exhibits different antibacterial abilities from single “capturing–killing” to versatile “capturing–killing–releasing.” Most importantly, 99% of the bacterial-releasing rate can be easily achieved via 0.5 M NaCl treatment. This smart surface not only possesses long-lasting antibacterial performance, only ∼1.09 × 105 cell·cm−2 bacterial residue even after 72 h exposure to bacteria solutions, but also can be regenerated and triggered between water and salt solution multiple times. This work provides a new way to fabricate antibacterial smart hydrogel coatings with bacterial “killing–releasing” functions and shows great potential for biomedical applications.

Approximately a third of Malaysian adult has been diagnosed with hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and key risk factors of hypertension in a community living in a rural area of Kudat, Sabah. Methods: The study included participants of at least 18 years old, able to communicate in the local dialect, no mental disability, not pregnant or lactating and no known cause of secondary hypertension. Sociodemographic data were recorded in addition to assessment of depression, anxiety, stress, and dietary salt of the participants using standard DASS-21 questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales standard questionnaire) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of hypertension and health-related variables predicted to be a risk factor. Results: Out of 111 participants, 30% were diagnosed with hypertension of which 60.6% were not aware of their health condition. Among the variables analyzed, higher age (at least 40 years old) and excess BMI (≥23.0) highly contributed to the predisposition of hypertension (p0.05). Conclusion: The community in Kudat, as a representation of the rural population in Sabah, has a high prevalence of hypertension, implying that lifestyle changes and regular health checks are effective interventions to minimise the risk of hypertension.

Objective: Combined with the determination of macromolecular protein, amino acid and total protein, a quantitative analysis method for the content of small molecular peptides in infant formula milk powder was established. Methods: The contents of total protein, polymer protein and free amino acid in infant formula milk powder were determined by Kjeldahl nitrogen determination method, gravimetric method and ion exchange chromatography, and then the contents of small molecular protein peptide were calculated. Results: The precision RSD of the macromolecular protein detection (n=6) was 0.74%; The recovery rates of the 17 kinds of amino acids were 91.0%~103.2%, and the relative deviations of the detection results were 0.6%~ 2.5%. The recovery rates of small molecular weight peptides were 95.2%~98.2%. Conclusion: The established method has been validated by methodology, with good precision and recovery rate, and can be used for the determination of small molecular peptides in infant formula milk powder.

The Fuchuan peridotites have dual features of mid-ocean ridge basalt and supra-subducted zone peridotites and have been experienced high degrees of partial melting; chondrite-normalized “U”-shaped rare earth element (REE) patterns of Fuchuan harzburgites indicate that light REE enriched SSZ melts or fluids have participated in the interaction with peridotites; the Fuchuan chromitites are enriched in IPGE and depleted in PPGE, which are basically consistent with high-Al chromitites worldwide, and the low PGE concentrations of chromitites reflect a lack of sulfur saturation of the parental melts during an early stage of their crystallization; the Fuchuan peridotites and chromitites are believed to be formed in a back-arc spreading ridge between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during 860–820 Ma.

Introduction: The structure of green and low-carbon ports is complex, and an integrated port energy system with complex characteristics such as multi-energy flow coupling and information physical fusion has been formed.Methods: Digital twin technology provides a new solution for the perception, analysis, and optimization of integrated port energy system. The paper explores the digital twin of integrated port energy system. Based on the development trend and function of integrated port energy system, the digital twin of integrated port energy system architecture is proposed to explore its potential application services. Specifically, considering the functions and structural characteristics of the port, the digital space of integrated port energy system is established, which describes the pan electrification, multi energy flow fusion, the “physics-information-value” coupling, and the characteristics of system operation under uncertain scenarios of integrated port energy system from the physical and data dimensions. The hybrid driving method based on data and mechanism is used to explore digital twin of integrated port energy system and find potential better applications.Results and discussion: Finally, combined with the current development needs of integrated port energy system, this paper analyzes the key problems and technologies that need to be broken through in the specific implementation of digital twin of integrated port energy system, with a view to providing some thoughts and references for the low-carbon development of ports and the future application of digital twin technology under the goal of “double carbon”.

Aiming at the problem of insufficient adaptability to the new elements of the new power system in the current distribution network investment method, this paper innovatively proposes a distribution network investment method based on the new power system. By constructing a source-grid-load-storage-side investment calculation model, the investment in the new power system can be accurately calculated. First, the distributed power investment is calculated from the two aspects of new construction and renovation. Secondly, construct the grid investment demand and grid investment capacity measurement model, and obtain the grid side investment model by weighted summation. Then, a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved due to demand-side response is constructed, and the cost of demand response is subtracted to obtain a model for calculating the scale of investment that can be saved on the load side. Finally, the energy storage side investment calculation model is constructed from the power supply side, grid side, user-side energy storage investment, and energy storage investment benefit. The research results are applied to the empirical area, and scientific guidance is provided to realize the precise investment in the area.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor. The early lung metastasis of osteosarcoma is one of the main factors of poor prognosis. Therefore, searching for new targets and new mechanisms of osteosarcoma metastasis is essential for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma. Our previous studies suggested that fatty acid synthase (FASN) was an oncogene and promoted osteosarcoma. In addition, it is reported that the expression of miR-195 was negatively correlated with osteosarcoma. Aberrant DNA methylation can reversely regulate the expression of miRNAs. However, whether miR-195 could target FASN in osteosarcoma and whether ectopic DNA methylation is the upstream regulatory mechanism of miR-195 in metastasis of osteosarcoma are not fully studied. The expressions were detected by qPCR and western blot, and methylation level was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Luciferase reporter assay, MTT, wound healing, and Transwell assay were used. We found that the expression of miR-195 was low in osteosarcoma. The methylation of miR-195 was high. miR-195 targeted and decreased the expression of FASN. In osteosarcoma, miR-195 inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion. The methylation of miR-195 was related to decreased miR-195, it might promote osteosarcoma.

An increasing number of studies have reported that microbiome can affect drug response by altering pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of formation of toxic metabolites. With the development of metagenomic sequencing, gut microbial composition as well as the metabolic function are drawing more and more attention for the patient stratification. The established microbiota databases provide useful information about the gut microbe-drug interactions. However, these databases generally lacked the detailed effects on substance and the metabolites, which are helpful in elucidating the mechanisms underlying drug biotransformation and personalized medicine. To address these issues, in this study, we developed Metabolic action of gut Microbiota to Drugs (MagMD), a database and a web-service covering 32, 678 records of interactions between 2,146 gut microbes, 36 enzymes and 219 substrates (mainly drugs). The detailed annotations for each entry, including the taxonomic level of microbes, the molecular form and PubChem ID of drugs from PubChem Compound Database, types of microbial secreted enzymes and the original reference links can also be accessed from the web service. Availability and implementation: MagMD is a publicly available resource, constantly updated. It has an intuitive web interface and can be freely accessed at http://www.unimd.org/magmd.

The purpose of the current study was to characterize role of microRNA (miR)-519d in trophoblast cells and preeclampsia (PE) development and its potential underlying mechanism. Regulation of leptin (LEP) by miR-519d was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Loss- and gain-of-function assays were conducted to detect the roles of miR-519d and LEP in proliferation, migratory ability, and invasive capacity of HTR-8/SVneo cells by means of CCK-8 assay, scratch test, and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. The cell apoptosis rate and cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. LEP expression was elevated, whereas miR-519d level was suppressed in the PE placenta samples compared with those from normal pregnancy. Depletion of LEP promoted proliferation, migratory ability, and invasive capacity and repressed apoptosis. miR-519d could bind 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of LEP, the extent of which correlated negatively with LEP expression. miR-519d suppressed the expression of LEP in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-519d promoted survival and migratory ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Taken together, we find that miR-519d targeted LEP and downregulated its expression, which could likely inhibit the development of PE.

It is very important to monitor the infection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae as a potential threat to the sheep industry. Southern Xinjiang is a major sheep breeding base in China, however, there is no relevant information concerning the infection of the region’s ovine stock with this bacteria at present. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a serious cardiovascular disease. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the progression of many diseases, including AS. However, the role of circ_0003204 in AS is not clear. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to construct an AS cell model in vitro. Cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay. Flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity were used to measure cell apoptosis. The contents of inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oxidative stress marker expression and cell injury marker activity were detected by their corresponding Assay Kits. Besides, the expression levels of circ_0003204, miR-330-5p, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The interaction between miR-330-5p and circ_0003204 or TLR4 was examined by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Western blot (WB) analysis was used to determine the levels of TLR4 protein and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related protein. Our data suggested that ox-LDL could suppress viability and promote apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in HUVECs. circ_0003204 was highly expressed in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs, and its silencing could inhibit ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury. miR-330-5p could be sponged by circ_0003204, and its inhibitor could reverse the inhibition effect of silenced circ_0003204 on ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury. Further, TLR4 could be targeted by miR-330-5p, and its overexpression could invert the suppression effect of miR-330-5p on ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury. The activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway was regulated by the circ_0003204/miR-330-5p/TLR4 axis. Our results indicated that circ_0003204 silencing could alleviate ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury, suggesting that circ_0003204 might be a novel target for AS treatment.

With the disclosure of ESG, the investment related to ESG disclosure has increased, and the trend of changes in intangible capital has shown an “inverted S-shaped” curve. The research shows that, in the initial stage of investment in ESG construction, new ESG investments increase intangible capital. With the increase in ESG investment and the advancement of time, the positive effect of the increase in ESG scores on intangible capital begins to appear and gradually offsets the cost of ESG investment. However, when the ESG score of a company is raised to a certain level, the marginal effect of continuing to increase ESG investment will reduce the increase in intangible capital.

With the advent of the big data era, user needs have become more and more diversified and personalized. These new user characteristics are important for the sustainable marketing of enterprises. With intensified competition, how to attract clients at minimal cost has become the primary concern for community e-commerce platforms or other e-commerce platforms. One of the best solutions is precision marketing, which is an important part of sustainable marketing. In this paper, a modified AISAS model is proposed for evaluating precision marketing effectiveness using data from a real-world community e-commerce platform. Based on face-to-face expert interviews and questionnaire surveys, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is used to determine weights of different indexes adopted in the evaluation model and then quantify the precision marketing effectiveness of the e-commerce platform. The marketing results are then verified. We found that community e-commerce platforms’ marketing ought to be gentle and sustainable due to service area constraints or capacity limitations. The community e-commerce platform is more successful in attracting customers’ attention and interest from the marketing effectiveness. However, it is inadequate to rely on customers’ purchase and repeat purchase behaviors. Therefore, the precise selection of platforms is critical to the cultivation of customers’ loyalty and the increases in their products’ repurchase rate.

To understand the psychological process of patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and provide references for the psychological management of PHN.

The opposing roles of the central governments of China and Russia in the projects of “smart cities” continue to arouse interest in the academic world. This article compares and contrasts the roles that the central governments of China and Russia play in stimulating the development of smart cities. The influence of the concept of a smart city is quite wide. At the federal level, the concept allows the formation of a digital society, as well as a digital economy, which are priority areas for the country’s development in order to increase its economic indicators, in particular GDP. At the regional level, the concept allows for the comprehensive development of cities with the aim of ensuring a high standard of living in society as well as improving the efficiency of regional and municipal governance. Using a wide range of data, the paper offers an analysis of the practical differences between the two states. In addition, the document will consider proposals for a “smart city” put forward by the governments of the two countries, and draw conclusions about the significance of these differences in the success and functioning of “smart cities”.

The borehole electrical imaging log offers general visual borehole wall, leaving no doubt that the conductivity contrast is sufficient to obtain a qualitative gain-size distribution of rocks. In this study, an automatic grain-size classification method is proposed using gray values of borehole electrical images from Baikouquan Formation in Mahu Depression. The first stage is comparing electrical images with cores. Gravels, sands, silts and clays are all discovered in the cores. The gravels are “mottled” in electrical images, and the bigger the spots, the coarser the gravels. The images of sands are homogeneous bright colored, and the coarser the sandy grains, the brighter the images. The electrical images of silts and clays are homogeneous brown and dark-brown colored. The second stage is auto-discriminating four categories of grain sizes roughly using averages and variances of gray values. The variances of gray values of gravels are high, whereas those of sands are medium. The gray averages of silts are between 160 and 220, whereas those of clays are larger than 200. The third stage is auto-classifying three kinds of gravels or sands finely using frequency distribution of gray values. The gray values of frequency peaks of cobbles are less than 50 and frequencies are larger than 15%, whereas those of pebbles are less than 50 or larger than 200 and frequencies are between 10% and 20%; almost gray frequencies of granules are less than 10%. The dominated gray values of coarse sandstones, medium sandstones and fine sandstones are less than 50, between 50 and 160 and ranged from 160 to 240, respectively. The proposed method is demonstrated to be useful and fast to auto-classify grain size of various rocks in conglomeratic environments.

Aiming at the problems of low power supply reliability, poor transfer capacity between stations, and low line utilization in the current distribution network, this paper proposes a diamond-shaped distribution network structure with a clear structure. First, we investigated the typical wiring patterns of medium-voltage distribution networks in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and China’s developed cities, and summarized experience and shortcomings. Secondly, combining the typical wiring patterns of distribution networks in China and abroad, construct a diamond-shaped distribution network structure, and study its adaptability, safety and flexibility, power supply reliability, and economy. Finally, take the transformation of the wiring mode of a regional distribution network in a certain city as an example, compare the use of the diamond-shaped distribution network structure in this article with the use of cable double-ring network wiring, cable “double petal” wiring, and Shanghai diamond-type wiring distribution network grid reconstruction The effect verifies the superiority of the diamond-shaped distribution network structure in this paper.

Objective: To investigate clinical application of day surgery A1 pulley release for pediatric trigger thumb.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1,642 children with trigger thumb who were treated with day surgery A1 pulley release at our hospital, including satisfaction surveys, functional recovery, and complications.Results: The operative time for unilateral and bilateral tenolysis was 4.8 ± 3.1 and 9.2 ± 3.8 min, respectively. Three children had postoperative fever and were discharged on the 2nd day after surgery. The rest of the children were discharged on the day of surgery. All incisions healed primarily, and no complications of vascular and nerve injury were reported. The patients' degree of satisfaction with the medical treatment process, diagnosis and treatment workflow, treatment effectiveness, length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost, and discharge guidance were 97.9, 96.1, 99.3, 91.1, and 98.5%, respectively. The follow-up period was between 5 months and 3 years and 1 month. Four children experienced symptom relapse after the operation, and re-tenolysis was performed in one of them. At the final follow-up, the appearance and function of the thumb had recovered well in all cases.Conclusion: Day surgery A1 pulley release can effectively release tendon sheaths and has a short operative time, no complications of vascular and nerve injury, and good recovery of thumb function. It is a safe and reliable procedure with high patient satisfaction, and it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Background Soil application of biochar and straw alone or their combinations with nitrogen (N) fertilizer are becoming increasingly common, but little is known about their agronomic and environmental performance in semiarid environments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect(s) of these amendments on soil properties, nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions and grain and biomass yield of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and to produce background dataset that may be used to inform nutrient management guidelines for semiarid environments. Methods The experiment involved the application of biochar, straw or urea (46% nitrogen [N]) alone or their combinations. The treatments were: CN0–control (zero-amendment), CN50 –50 kg ha–1 N, CN100–100 kg ha–1 N, BN0 –15 t ha–1 biochar, BN50–15 t ha–1 biochar + 50 kg ha–1 N, BN100–15 t ha–1 biochar + 100 kg ha–1 N, SN0 –4.5 t ha–1 straw, SN50 –4.5 t ha–1 straw + 50 kg ha–1 N and SN100–4.5 t ha–1 straw + 100 kg ha–1 N. Fluxes of N2O, CH4 and grain yield were monitored over three consecutive cropping seasons between 2014 and 2016 using the static chamber-gas chromatography method. Results On average, BN100reported the highest grain yield (2054 kg ha–1), which was between 25.04% and 38.34% higher than all other treatments. In addition, biomass yield was much higher under biochar treated plots relative to the other treatments. These findings are supported by the increased in soil organic C by 17.14% and 21.65% in biochar amended soils (at 0–10 cm) compared to straw treated soils and soils without carbon respectively. The BN100treatment also improved bulk density and hydraulic properties (P

[Objectives]Pulsed load will inject a large number of harmonics into the ship power system. In order to perform harmonic compensation,the phase locking function of the active filter needs to be completed under severe conditions of mains voltage distortion and frequency fluctuation.[Methods]An improved software phase locking method including harmonic suppression and adaptive voltage control is proposed. The parameters such as stability margin,dynamic response and anti-interference of the phase locked loop are optimized. Matlab simulation analysis and hardware verification experiments are carried out.[Results]The simulation results show that the software phase-locked loop can output the correct synchronization signal under non-ideal grid conditions. The hardware experiment results show that the active power filter of the phase-locking method is applicable to the independent small-scale power grids such as ship power system.[Conclusions]The research results can provide reference for the effective management of power quality of ship power system.

In this paper, a new method based on phase congruency is proposed to measure pitch lengths and surface braiding angles of two-dimensional biaxial braided composite preforms. Lab space transform and BM3D (block-matching and 3D filter) are used first to preprocess the original acquired images. A corner detection algorithm based on phase congruency is then proposed to detect the corners of the preprocessed images. Pitch lengths and surface braiding angles are finally measured based on the detected corner maps. Experimental results show that our method achieves the automatic measurement of pitch lengths and the surface braiding angles of biaxial braided composite preforms with high accuracy.

[Objectives] Pulsed load has a considerable effect on the power quality and stability of a system. The solutions are different due to the different operation characteristics of pulsed load. To this end, the working characteristics of a diesel generating set under pulsed load in a survey ship are researched.[Methods] Load which changes little in average power is the research object of this paper,and using the inherent mechanical energy storage of diesel generators to stabilize power fluctuation is proposed. Certain factors which influence the dynamic performance of a diesel generating set are analyzed and the stability of change and restoration of speed are attained. As such,the engineering summary of smooth power fluctuations in diesel generating sets is concluded. Based on the actual working conditions of a radar in a survey ship,the capacity and performance of diesel generating sets are calculated according to the formulas.[Results] This research shows that in the worst working conditions in which the load suddenly increases and fluctuates,the speed characteristics and change of the designed generators can meet the requirements.[Conclusions] The results of this research have guiding significance for the preliminary estimation of diesel generating sets under pulsed load.

Based on large amounts of cores, open-hole conventional logs and mineral components analysis, abnormal natural gamma ray (GR) log showing high values in conglomerates and low values in fine-grained sediments, are described and explained in Baikouquan Formation of Xiazijie Fan-delta, Mahu Depression, Junggar Basin. After observing cores, normalizing the GR log and correcting depth errors between both, the GR log values of individual grain-sized lithology are extracted and counted. When grain-size decreases, the average GR values of different sized grains increase generally. The GR values of conglomerates are mostly between 50 and 80 API, while the values of fine-grains are mainly between 70 and 100 API. However, abnormal GR log features exist in the cores and wells of Baikouquan Formation prevalently. A great deal of high radioactive intermediate-acid volcanic minerals, such as volcanic tuff, felsite, andesite, granite, rhyolite, et al., distribute widely in the conglomerates, which results in abnormal high GR values in conglomeratic intervals. Low radioactive quartz components exit widely in high percentage in mudstones, which is the primary mineral explanation for the abnormal low GR values in reddish-brown siltstones and sandstones intervals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biochar, straw and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on soil properties, crop yield and greenhouse gas intensity in rainfed spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and to produce background dataset to improve nutrient management guidelines for semiarid environments. The two carbon sources (straw and biochar) were applied alone or combined with nitrogen fertilizer (urea, 46% N), whilst the soil without carbon amendment was fertilized by urea in the rates 0, 50 and 100 kg N/ha. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The greatest yields were found with 100 kg N/ha under biochar, straw and soils without carbon. Biochar treated soils produced the greatest grain yield at 1906 kg/ha, followed by straw at 1643 kg/ha, and soils without carbon at 1553 kg/ha. This was explained by increased easily oxidizable carbon and total soil nitrogen in the biochar treated soil (P < 0.05). Straw treated soils and soils without carbon increased global warming potential by 13% and 14% compared to biochar amended soils. The biochar amended treatment also improved easily oxidizable carbon and total nitrogen (P < 0.05), which supported the above results. BN100 (15 t/ha biochar + 100 kg N/ha) reduced greenhouse gas intensity by approximately 30% compared to CN100 (100 kg N/ha applied each year) and SN50 (4.5 t/ha straw applied each year + 50 kg N/ha). Based on these results, biochar could be used with N-fertilizer as a soil conditioner to improve yield and reduced greenhouse gas intensity.

Queen-worker caste dimorphism is a typical trait for honeybees (Apis mellifera). We previously showed a maternal effect on caste differentiation and queen development, where queens emerged from queen-cell eggs (QE) had higher quality than queens developed from worker cell eggs (WE). In this study, newly-emerged queens were reared from QE, WE, and 2-day worker larvae (2L). The thorax size and DNA methylation levels of queens were measured. We found that queens emerging from QE had significantly larger thorax length and width than WE and 2L. Epigenetic analysis showed that QE/2L comparison had the most different methylated genes (DMGs, 612) followed by WE/2L (473), and QE/WE (371). Interestingly, a great number of DMGs (42) were in genes belonging to mTOR, MAPK, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, FoxO, and Hippo signaling pathways that are involved in regulating caste differentiation, reproduction and longevity. This study proved that honeybee maternal effect causes epigenetic alteration regulating caste differentiation and queen development.