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This study aimed to identify possible pathogenic genes in a 90-member family with a rare combination of multiple neurodegenerative disease phenotypes, which has not been depicted by the known neurodegenerative disease. We performed physical and neurological examinations with International Rating Scales to assess signs of ataxia, Parkinsonism, and cognitive function, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging scans with seven sequences. We searched for co-segregations of abnormal repeat-expansion loci, pathogenic variants in known spinocerebellar ataxia-related genes, and novel rare mutations via whole-genome sequencing and linkage analysis. A rare co-segregating missense mutation in the CARS gene was validated by Sanger sequencing and the aminoacylation activity of mutant CARS was measured by spectrophotometric assay. This pedigree presented novel late-onset core characteristics including cerebellar ataxia, Parkinsonism, and pyramidal signs in all nine affected members. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar/pons atrophy, pontine-midline linear hyperintensity, decreased rCBF in the bilateral basal ganglia and cerebellar dentate nucleus, and hypo-intensities of the cerebellar dentate nuclei, basal ganglia, mesencephalic red nuclei, and substantia nigra, all of which suggested neurodegeneration. Whole-genome sequencing identified a novel pathogenic heterozygous mutation (E795V) in the CARS gene, meanwhile, exhibited none of the known repeat-expansions or point mutations in pathogenic genes. Remarkably, this CARS mutation causes a 20% decrease in aminoacylation activity to charge tRNACys with L-cysteine in protein synthesis compared with that of the wild type. All family members carrying a heterozygous mutation CARS (E795V) had the same clinical manifestations and neuropathological changes of Parkinsonism and spinocerebellar-ataxia. These findings identify novel pathogenesis of Parkinsonism-spinocerebellar ataxia and provide insights into its genetic architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antidepressant activity of (+) and (−)-paeoveitol was first evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST), and (+)-paeoveitol showed potential antidepressant activity by decreasing immobility time of mice (by approximately 26.4%) in the FST at a dose of 20 mg/kg. To explore the structure-activity relationships (SARs) and obtain more potent compounds, twenty derivatives of (+)-paeoveitol were synthesized and evaluated for their agonistic activities on melatonin type I (MT1) and type II (MT2) receptors. As a results, compound 13 with an N-methylpiperazine fragment exhibited obvious effect on MT1 and MT2 receptors with EC50 values of 0.20 and 0.24 mM. Moreover, compound 13 dose-dependently decreased the immobility of mice in the FST and showed an inverted U-shaped dose-effect, and the most efficacious dose (at 40 mg/kg) was comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) with a reduced immobility time of 29.2% and 34.5%, respectively. In vivo neurochemical assays suggested that compound 13 obviously increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the mice brain, indicating that its antidepressant effects might be related to the monoaminergic system. In silico ADMET study revealed that 13 has favorable pharmacokinetic properties. These findings suggest that compound 13 could be a potential antidepressant agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent variation of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) antigen is the main cause of influenza pandemic. Therefore, the study of B cell epitopes of HA is of great significance in the prevention and control of influenza virus. In this study, the split vaccine of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was used as immunogen, and the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by conventional hybridoma fusion and screening techniques. The characteristics of mAbs were identified by ELISA method, Western-blot test and hemagglutination inhibition test (HI). Using the obtained mAbs as a tool, the B cell epitopes of HA were predicted by ELISA blocking test, sandwich ELISA method and computer simulation method. Finally, four mAbs against HA antigen of H1N1 influenza virus were obtained. The results of ELISA and computer prediction showed that there were at least two types of epitopes on HA of influenza virus. The results of this study complemented the existing methods for predicting HA epitopes, and also provided a new method for predicting other pathogenic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains inconclusive whether laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has better long-term outcomes when compared with open gastrectomy (OG) for elderly gastric cancer (EGC). We attempted to explore the influence of the immune prognostic index (IPI) on the prognosis of EGCs treated by LG or OG to identify a population among EGC who may benefit from LG. Methods: We included 1539 EGCs treated with radical gastrectomy from January 2007 to December 2016. Propensity score matching was applied at a ratio of 1:1 to compare the LG and OG groups. The IPI based on dNLR ≥ cut-off value (dNLR) and sLDH ≥ cut-off value (sLDH) was developed, characterizing two groups (IPI = 0, good, 0 factors; IPI = 1, poor, 1 or 2 factors). Results: Of the 528 EGCs (LG: 264 and OG: 264), 271 were in the IPI = 0 group, and 257 were in the IPI = 1 group. In the entire cohort, the IPI = 0 group was associated with good 5-year overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.003) compared to the IPI = 1 group; no significant differences in 5-year OS and PFS between the LG and OG groups were observed. In the IPI = 1 cohort, there was no significant difference in OS or PFS between the LG and OG groups across all tumor stages. However, in the IPI = 0 cohort, LG was associated with longer OS (p = 0.015) and PFS (p = 0.018) than OG in stage II EGC, but not in stage I or III EGC. Multivariate analysis showed that IPI = 0 was an independent protective factor for stage II EGC receiving LG, but not for those receiving OG. Conclusion: The IPI is related to the long-term prognosis of EGC. Compared with OG, LG may improve the 5-year survival rate of stage II EGC with a good IPI score. This hypothesis needs to be further confirmed by prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease and a common complication of SLE is lupus nephritis (LN) during which lupus autoantibodies and proinflammatory cytokines attack the kidney and cause renal dysfunction. The current treatments to LN are limited due to a poor understanding of the pathogenesis. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms of LN by investigating the function of circELK4/miR-27b-3p axis. MRL/lpr mice and LPS-treated HK-2 cells were used as the mouse model and cell model of LN, respectively. Blood samples were collected from LN patients. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to measure expression levels of circELK4, miR-27b-3p, apoptosis-related proteins, cytokines, and STING/IRF-3/IFN-I signaling. ELISA was performed to examine levels of cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α. H&E staining was used to examine kidney morphology. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were used to determine cell apoptosis. Dual luciferase activity assay and RNA pull down were employed to validate the interactions of circELK4/miR-27b-3p and miR-27b-3p/STING. CircELK4 was elevated in LN mice, patients, and LPS-treated HK-2 cells. Knockdown of circELK4 attenuated renal injury in LN mice and LPS-induced HK-2 cell injury. CircELK4 directly bound to miR-27b-3p while miR-27b-3p targeted STING. Moreover, overexpression of circELK4 could partially reverse the effects of miR-27b-3p mimics on cell apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, circELK4/miR-27b-3p regulated renal cell damage via modulating STING/IRF3/IFN-I signaling. CircELK4 contributes to renal injury by promoting inflammation and cell apoptosis via acting as a miR-27b-3p sponge to modulate STING/IRF3/IFN-I signaling in LN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : To analyze various compositions of urinary stones using revolution spectral CT (rapid kV switching dual-energy CT) in vivo. Methods : 202 patients with urinary stones underwent spectral CT before surgery. Zeff peak, overall scope and CT values were detected. Moreover, water/iodine attenuating material images were obtained. Removed stones were subjected to infrared spectroscopy after surgery. The results of infrared spectroscopy were compared with CT. Results: 28 stones (14.08%) with single composition, 165 stones with two mixed compositions (81.68%), and 9 stones with three mixed compositions (4.46%) were observed. When Zeff peaks of stones with single/mixed compositions were summarized together, 146 peaks of calcium oxalate monohydrate, 119 peaks of calcium oxalate dihydrate, 55 peaks of carbapatite, 38 peaks of urate, 16 peaks of struvite, and 11 peaks of brushite were totally observed. 93.8% of calcium oxalate monohydrate had Zeff peaks between 13.3 and 14.0. 91.6% of calcium oxalate dihydrate had peaks between 12.0 and 13.3. For carbapatite, 90.9% of stones had peaks from 14.0 to 15.0. A total of 94.8% of urate had peaks between 7.0 and 11.0. 93.8% of struvite had peaks between 11.0 and 13.0, and 90.9% of brushite had peaks between 12.0 and 14.0. Moreover, densities of urate, struvite and brushite were low density in iodine-based images and high-density in water-based images. Conclusion: The in-vivo analysis of spectral CT in urinary stone revealed characteristics of different compositions, especially mixed compositions. An in-vivo predictive model may be constructed to distinguish stone compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the activity changes in neurology clinical practice that have occurred in tertiary public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Outpatient and inpatient data from the neurology department were extracted from the electronic medical record system of three tertiary Grade A hospitals in Wenzhou. Data were analyzed across 5 months following the beginning of the pandemic (from January 13 to May 17) and compared with the same period in 2019. Data on reperfusion therapy for acute infarction stroke were extracted monthly from January to April. Results: The number of outpatients declined from 102,300 in 2019 to 75,154 in 2020 (26.54%), while the number of inpatients in the three tertiary Grade A hospitals decreased from 4641 to 3437 (25.94%). The latter trend showed a significant drop from the 3rd week to the 7th week. The number of patients in these hospitals decreased significantly, and a significant drop was seen in the neurology department. As usual, stroke was the most common disease observed; however, anxiety/depression and insomnia increased dramatically in the outpatient consultation department. Conclusions: The results of our study revealed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the clinical practice of neurology in Wenzhou during the outbreak. Understanding the pandemic's trends and impact on neurological patients and health systems will allow for better preparation of neurologists in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent emergence of satellite detection and imaging technologies has increased the demand for the application of satellite cloud images to current weather forecasting. However, approaches based on nonlinear prediction technology to forecast satellite images are lacking, and forecasting timelines are relatively short, e.g., 1–3 h in advance. In the present study, a nonlinear dimensionality reduction approach based on Laplacian eigenmaps (LEs) was combined with a random forest (RF) algorithm to construct an intelligent computing prediction model for rainstorm satellite images obtained from the first annual rainy season (April–June) in South China from 2010 to 2018. Results showed that the proposed forecasting model based on nonlinear intelligent calculation can accurately predict the key features and trends of the development and movement of strong precipitation clouds. The predicted satellite images described by the model were also consistent with the major features of the observed satellite images. This study then used a multiple linear regression (MLR) method based on the same prediction factors to establish a model for predicting satellite images for the same modeling and forecasting samples. Comparative results of the two prediction schemes showed that the LE + RF algorithm satellite image prediction scheme yields more samples exhibiting a high correlation with observed satellite images than the MLR method. Compared with that of the proposed scheme, the amount of samples of the MLR scheme in the low-correlation area was significantly larger. In general, the nonlinear intelligent computing scheme developed in this study is superior to the MLR method for predicting satellite cloud images. Thus, the LE + RF algorithm satellite image prediction scheme provides an objective and practical method for observed satellite cloud image predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of computed tomography (CT)-guided medical adhesive, α-cyanoacrylate, for preoperative localisation of pulmonary ground-glass opacity (GGO) used for guiding the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) excision METHODS: The procedure was performed on 188 consecutive patients with solitary GGO (pure GGO = 90 cases; mixed GGO = 98 cases) prior to the thoracoscopic procedure. The complications and efficacy of this method were analysed. The resected GGO was analysed pathologically.Results: The mean duration of the procedure was 16.3 ± 5.2 min. The preoperative localisation was 100% successful. All GGOs were successfully resected by VATS. Asymptomatic pneumothorax was developed in 16/188 patients (8.5%) and mild pulmonary haemorrhage occurred in 15 cases (7.9%) post-localisation. None of the patients required any further treatment for the complications.Conclusion: Preoperative localisation using CT-guided medical adhesive, α-cyanoacrylate, is a safe and short-duration procedure, with high accuracy and success rates with respect to VATS resection of GGO.Key Points: • Preoperative localisation is crucial for successful resection of GGO by VATS. • Preoperative adhesive localisation provides an up to 100% successful localisation rate with few complications. • Preoperative adhesive localisation enabled VATS resection in 100% of the GGO. • Preoperative adhesive localisation is safe and effective for VATS resection of GGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is very common now and is associated with high overall and cardiovascular mortality. Numerous studies have reported that abdominal obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. We investigated the link between sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and Framingham risk score in non-dialysis CKD patients.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled 307 prevalent non-dialysis CKD patients (175 males, aged 50.7 ± 17.04 years). SAD and Framingham risk score were measured.Results: Framingham cardiovascular disease risk score was independently predicted by SAD (P < 0.01), GFR (P < 0.01) and diabetic history (P < 0.05). Adjusted R2 of the model was 0.178. SAD could be independently predicted by BMI (P < 0.01), diabetic history (P < 0.01), GFR (P < 0.01) and age (P < 0.01). Adjusted R2 of the model was 0.409. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a cutoff SAD value of 16.55 cm was determined with sensitivity of 63.7%, specificity of 58.3%.Conclusion: Elevated SAD is significantly associated with increased Framingham risk score in non-dialysis CKD patients. SAD can be predicted by patients’ BMI, diabetic history, renal function and age. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential benefits of central obesity lowering therapy in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tropical cyclone (TC) precipitation prediction scheme has been developed based on the physical quantities of the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data as potential predictors and using fuzzy neural network (FNN) model. TC precipitation samples from 172 tropical cyclones (TCs) affecting Guangxi, China, spanning 1980–2015 are used for model development. The FNN model input is constructed from potential predictors by employing both a stepwise regression method (SRM) and a locally linear embedding (LLE) algorithm. The LLE algorithm is capable of finding meaningful low-dimensional architectures hidden in their nonlinear high-dimensional data space and separating the underlying factors. In this scheme, the newly developed model, which is termed the FNN–LLE model, is used for daily TC precipitation prediction from 20:00 (Beijing Time, or BT) of the previous day to 20:00 BT of the current day at 89 stations covering Guangxi, China. Using identical modeling samples and independent samples, predictions of the FNN–LLE model are compared with the widely used SRM and interpolation method using the fine-mesh data of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) in terms of the performance of TC rainfall prediction at 89 stations in Guangxi. The root-mean-square error (RMSE), bias, and equitable threat score (ETS) results were employed to assess the predicted outcomes. Results show that the FNN–LLE model is superior to the interpolation method by ECMWF and SRM for TC precipitation prediction with RMSE values of 21.94, 24.07, and 25.22 in FNN–LLE model, interpolation method by ECMWF and SRM, respectively. Moreover, FNN–LLE model having average bias and ETS values close to 1.0 gave better predictions than did the interpolation method by ECMWF and SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urodynamic investigation in conscious rats is widely employed to explore functional bladder disorders of various etiologies and pathogeneses. Rats can be placed in restraining cages or wide cabinets where they are allowed to move freely during cystometry. However, the requirements of special devices hampered the application of urodynamic test in freely moving rats, and whether the restraint has any effects on urodynamic parameters in conscious rats remains obscure. In the present study, we described a novel approach for urodynamic investigation in both restrained and freely moving conscious rats. In addition, we for the first time systematically compared the urodynamic parameters of rats in the two conditions. With the current method, we successfully recorded stable and repeatable intravesical pressure traces and collected expected reliable data, which supported the idea that the restraint does not affect the activity of the micturition reflex in rats, provided sufficient and appropriate measures could be applied during cystometry. Fewer technique problems were encountered during urodynamic examination in restrained rats than in freely moving ones. Taken together, conscious cystometry in rats placed in restraining cages with proper managements is a reliable and practical approach for evaluating the detrusor activity and bladder function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We propose a surface plasmon (SP) structure in electrically pumped multiple graphene-layer (MGL), and calculate the functions of dynamic conductivity and absorption coefficient. Meanwhile, the dependences of absorption coefficient on different factors are simulated. SP can get gain when absorption coefficient is negative, and the SP gain can be enhanced by lowering temperature, applying high bias voltage and choosing the graphene with proper layer number and long momentum relaxation time. The study on SP gain is hopeful to be used in amplifiers and graphene-based plasmon devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartary buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) contains protein of high nutritional value, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. It is one of the most important minor crops in China and has a great potential as a health and functional food. However, information on the elemental mineral composition of its seeds remains limited. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, K, and Mg in seeds of 123 tartary buckwheat accessions from the same cultivation were studied by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results revealed that the average concentrations of Cu (x), Zn (x), Fe (x), K (x), and Mg (x) elements in the accessions are 19.49 (with a range of 5.74-36.01 mg/kg), 27.41 (8.44-66.63 mg/kg), 656.24 (21.8-3,990 mg/kg), 3,639.23 (1,737-5,831 mg/kg), and 1,523.89 mg/kg (729-3,104 mg/kg) respectively. Among them, Fe concentration has the highest coefficient of variation (114.7 %). The results also revealed five significant positive correlations among Cu, Zn, Fe, K, and Mg concentrations. Therefore, distinct genotypes with high concentration of mineral elements should be effective for the development of special buckwheat varieties and improvement of its food nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tree shrew, a new experimental animal model, has been used to study a variety of diseases, especially diseases of the nervous system. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is the gold standard for toxin-based animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) because MPTP treatment replicates almost all of the pathological hallmarks of PD. Therefore, in this study, the effects of MPTP on the motor function of the tree shrew were examined. After five daily injections of a 3 mg/kg dose of MPTP, the motor function of MPTP-injected tree shrews decreased significantly, and the classic Parkinsonian symptoms of action and resting tremor, bradykinesia, posture abnormalities, and gait instability were observed in most MPTP-injected tree shrews. HPLC results also showed significantly reduced striatal dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in tree shrews after MPTP injection. Increased oxidative stress levels are usually considered to be the cause of dopaminergic neuron depletion in the presence of MPTP and were observed in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated tree shrews, as indicated by a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and increased levels of malondialdehyde. In addition, elevated α-synuclein mRNA levels in the midbrain of MPTP-treated tree shrews were observed. Furthermore, MPTP-treated tree shrews showed the classic Parkinsonian symptoms at a lower MPTP dosage compared with other animal models. Thus, the MPTP-treated tree shrew may be a potential animal model for studying the pathogenesis of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a single sided matrix converter (SSMC) designed for safety critical applications like flight control actuation systems. Dynamic simulations of multi-phase SSMC using Matlab Simulink are carried out to evaluate the fault tolerance capabilities. Investigation into different numbers of phases and power converter topologies under single phase open circuit, single switch open circuit, and single switch short circuit has been executed. The simulation results confirm 5-phase SSMC design as a compromise between fault tolerance and converter size/volume. A 5-phase SSMC prototype was built. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of our design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the MSKCC nomogram performance in predicting SLN metastases in a Chinese breast cancer population. A new model (the SCH nomogram) was developed with clinically relevant variables and possible advantages. Data were collected from 1,545 patients who had a successful SLN biopsy between March 2005 and November 2011. We validated the MSKCC nomogram in the modeling and validation group. Clinical and pathologic features of SLN biopsy in modeling group of 1,000 patients were assessed with multivariable logistic regression to predict the presence of SLN metastasis in breast cancer. The SCH nomogram was created from the logistic regression model and subsequently applied to 545 consecutive SLN biopsies. By multivariate analysis, age, tumor size, tumor location, tumor type, and lymphovascular invasion were identified as independent predictors of SLN metastasis. The SCH nomogram was then developed using the five variables. The new model was accurate and discriminating (with an AUC of 0.7649 in the modeling group) compared to the MSKCC nomogram (with an AUC of 0.7105 in the modeling group). The area under the ROC curve for the SCH nomogram in the validation population is 0.7587. The actual probability trends for the various deciles were comparable to the predicted probabilities. The false-negative rates of the SCH nomogram were 1.67, 3.54, and 8.20 % for the predicted probability cut-off points of 5, 10, and 15 %, respectively. Compared with the MSKCC nomogram, the SCH nomogram has a better AUC with fewer variables and has lower false-negative rates for the low-probability subgroups. The SCH nomogram could serve as a more acceptable clinical tool in preoperative discussions with patients, especially very-low-risk patients. When applied to these patients, the SCH nomogram could be used to safely avoid a SLN procedure. The nomogram should be validated in various patient populations to demonstrate its reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation models of traction driver systems were established using SIMULINK, according to the actual structure and parameters of China Railway High-Speed 2 (CRH2) and China Railway High-Speed 3 (CRH3) trains. In these models, the traction motor adopts transient current control and an indirect rotor magnetic field orientation vector control strategy, and the traction converter uses sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) methods. After these models are transformed in VC++ program, and a friendly interface and data processing system are constructed, simulation software is obtained for CRH2 and CRH3 traction driver systems. On this basis, the operational performance of a traction converter was simulated and analyzed at different train speeds and in different conditions. The simulation results can provide a reference for the actual design and production of a traction converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to the current eddy braking patterns using a single magnetic source, hybrid excitation rail eddy brakes have many advantages, such as controllability, energy saving, and various operating models. Considering the large braking power consumption of the high-speed train, a hybrid excitation rail eddy brake system, which is based on the principle of electromagnetic field, is proposed to fulfill the needs of safety and reliability. Then the working processes of the mechanical lifting system and electromagnetic system are demonstrated. With the electromagnetic system analyzed using the finite element method, the factors such as speed, air gap, and exciting current have influences on the braking force and attractive force. At last, the structure optimization of the brake system is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A switched-mode unit used in electric locomotive generates a strong high frequency conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI), which radiates electromagnetic energy through railway lines. Evaluation of magnetic field using analytical technique based on contour integral is presented, in order to assess the electromagnetic environment around a high-speed railway. Actual railway multiconductor finitely long overhead lines are represented by an infinitely long single line above two-layered earth, whose characteristic is different from homogeneous earth. Owing to the constraint of the GB/T 24338-2009 and the high frequency investigated (a few MHz), only the magnetic fields are examined. The magnetic fields consist of four components: the direct wave, the ideal reflected wave or image wave, the trapped surface wave, and the lateral wave. The calculation results proved that due to the presence of the trapped surface wave, the magnetic field of the observer point on the interface is strongly influenced, when the line is on or closed to the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization process of iron-rich glass-ceramics prepared from the mixture of nickel slag (NS) and blast furnace slag (BFS) with a small amount of quartz sand was investigated. A modified melting method which was more energy-saving than the traditional methods was used to control the crystallization process. The results show that the iron-rich system has much lower melting temperature, glass transition temperature ( T), and glass crystallization temperature ( T), which can result in a further energy-saving process. The results also show that the system has a quick but controllable crystallization process with its peak crystallization temperature at 918°C. The crystallization of augite crystals begins from the edge of the sample and invades into the whole sample. The crystallization process can be completed in a few minutes. A distinct boundary between the crystallized part and the non-crystallized part exists during the process. In the non-crystallized part showing a black colour, some sphere-shaped augite crystals already exist in the glass matrix before samples are heated to T. In the crystallized part showing a khaki colour, a compact structure is formed by augite crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important agricultural insect pest worldwide. The B and Q biotypes are the two most predominant and devastating biotypes prevalent across China. However, there are few studies regarding the occurrence of the Q biotype in Fujian Province, China, where high insecticide resistance has been reported in the B biotype. Differences in some biological characteristics between the B and Q biotypes, especially insecticide resistance, are considered to affect the outcome of their competition. Extensive surveys in Fujian revealed that the B biotype was predominant during 2005-2014, whereas the Q biotype was first detected in some locations in 2013 and widely detected throughout the province in 2014. Resistance to neonicotinoids (that have been used for more than 10 years) exhibited fluctuations in open fields, but showed a continual increasing trend in protected areas. Resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos, and abamectin exhibited a declining trend. Resistance to novel insecticides, such as nitenpyram, pymetrozine, sulfoxaflor, and cyantraniliprole, in 2014 was generally below a moderate level. A decline in insecticide resistance in the B biotype and the rapid buildup of protected crops under global temperature increase may have promoted the establishment of the Q biotype in Fujian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]