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Despite the known benefits of data‐driven approaches, the lack of approaches for identifying functional neuroimaging patterns that capture both individual variations and inter‐subject correspondence limits the clinical utility of rsfMRI and its application to single‐subject analyses. Here, using rsfMRI data from over 100k individuals across private and public datasets, we identify replicable multi‐spatial‐scale canonical intrinsic connectivity network (ICN) templates via the use of multi‐model‐order independent component analysis (ICA). We also study the feasibility of estimating subject‐specific ICNs via spatially constrained ICA. The results show that the subject‐level ICN estimations vary as a function of the ICN itself, the data length, and the spatial resolution. In general, large‐scale ICNs require less data to achieve specific levels of (within‐ and between‐subject) spatial similarity with their templates. Importantly, increasing data length can reduce an ICN's subject‐level specificity, suggesting longer scans may not always be desirable. We also find a positive linear relationship between data length and spatial smoothness (possibly due to averaging over intrinsic dynamics), suggesting studies examining optimized data length should consider spatial smoothness. Finally, consistency in spatial similarity between ICNs estimated using the full data and subsets across different data lengths suggests lower within‐subject spatial similarity in shorter data is not wholly defined by lower reliability in ICN estimates, but may be an indication of meaningful brain dynamics which average out as data length increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a penalized weighted quantile estimating equations (PWQEEs) method to obtain sparse, robust and efficient estimators for the quantile regression with longitudinal data. The PWQEE incorporates the within correlations in the longitudinal data by Gaussian copulas and can also down-weight the high leverage points in covariates to achieve double-robustness to both the non-normal distributed errors and the contaminated covariates. To overcome the obstacles of discontinuity of the PWQEE and nonconvex optimization, a local distribution smoothing method and the minimization–maximization algorithm are proposed. The asymptotic properties of the proposed method are also proved. Furthermore, finite sample performance of the PWQEE is illustrated by simulation studies and a real-data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of burning plasma had been achieved in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), which was regarded as a great milestone for high-gain laser fusion energy. In the burning plasma, alpha particles incident on the cryogenic (warm dense) fuels cannot be simply regarded as single particles, and the new physics brought about by the density effects of alpha particles should be considered. In this work, the collective interaction between them has been considered, namely, the effect of the superposition of wake waves. The stopping power of alpha-particle clusters, i.e., the rate of energy loss per unit distance traveled has been calculated using both analytical and simulation approaches. In theory, we obtain the stopping power of alpha clusters in cryogenic (warm dense) fuel by the dielectric function method, which illustrates the importance of the effective interaction between particles. Simulation results using the LAPINS code show that the collective stopping power of the alpha cluster is indeed increased via coherent superposition of excitation fields (the excitation of high-amplitude wake waves). However, the comparison between simulation and theoretical results also illustrates a coherent–decoherent transition of the stopping power of the cluster. The initial conditions with various sizes and densities of the alpha clusters have been considered to verify the condition of decoherence transition. Our work provides a theoretical description of the transport properties of high-density alpha particles in warm dense cryogenic fuel and might give some theoretical guidance for the design of actual fusion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the flexible support mould is designed by using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) to assist in the deep-drawing of magnesium alloys. Based on the magnesium alloy mechanical tensile test and magnetorheological elastomer regular force experiments, the deep-drawing process of AZ31 magnesium alloy supported by support mould was numerically simulated by finite-element analysis software ABAQUS. By varying the current input to the excitation coil to change the magnetic induction intensity and thus adjust the magnetic normal force of the magnetorheological elastomer, then using magnetic normal force to complete the auxiliary sheet metal deep-drawing. The results show that, compared with the unsupported mould, the supported mould can effectively reduce the maximum thinning rate of magnesium alloy on the original basis, thus effectively increasing the ultimate depth of magnesium alloy deep-drawing. It can replace the original buffer device, effectively solution the problem of pulling and cracking at the bottom of magnesium alloy caused by the original excessive damping force, and improve the yield rate of workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherently strained BiFeO3 epitaxial films deposited on (001)-oriented (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 have a tetragonal crystal form, a stress-distorted version of the rhombohedral phase. A conversion from coherent BiFeO3 to a new, tilted pseudotetragonal phase with the c/a ratio exceeding 1.2 is observed beyond the critical thickness of 60 nm. X-ray reciprocal space maps display that this highly elongated metastable structure is monoclinically distorted by ~0.2° and exhibits an out-of-plane tilt of ~3°. These observations are at odds with traditional understandings that a coherent epilayer should turn into its parent structure upon increasing the thickness, providing a new insight into the strain relaxation mechanism of epitaxial films. We show that in the heating and cooling cycles, the transition between these two phases is completely reversible and is associated with the alleviation of thermal stress. Our results reveal that the coherent BiFeO3 epilayer with tetragonal symmetry stabilized by moderate compressive strain behaves as a structural bridge that links the thermally stable rhombohedral phase and the metastable tetragonal-like phase with a giant axial ratio. Moreover, the finding of a BiFeO3 phase mixture in our study extends the threshold in-plane strain of the stress-driven morphotropic phase boundary to a value as low as -2.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clinical research associates (CRAs) play an important role in pharmaceutical research and development. Despite growing concern about occupational burnout among CRAs in China, little is known about this topic. Aims We evaluated the factors associated with occupational burnout among CRAs in China and assessed the extent and nature of this syndrome in order to develop effective countermeasures. Methods In October 2020, we collected data from a convenience sample of 438 CRAs from 26 major cities across China using a custom-designed questionnaire. We evaluated their psychopathological status and degree of occupational burnout based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Factors associated with burnout were identified using the Wilcoxon rank test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's rank correlation and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results Of the 438 CRAs analyzed, 82% showed signs of occupational burnout, with a large proportion experiencing moderate burnout (50%). Burnout in Chinese CRAs manifested as emotional exhaustion (77%), depersonalization (66%) and low sense of accomplishment (15%). The severity of burnout was significantly affected by mode of working (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.34), average number of working hours per week (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.46), support provided by the hospital (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.40–6.99) and likelihood of receiving a promotion (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.34–12.22) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The incidence of occupational burnout among CRAs in China is high. Companies and hospitals must take effective measures to establish support systems for CRAs in order to alleviate this situation and thereby ensure the quality of clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on rumen fungal flora of dairy cows, four lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups in the two-stage 2 × 2 cross-over design. The experimental group (MT) was fed with a basal ration and MOS were perfused orally 60 g/(d head). The control group (CK) was fed with a basal ration. The rumen fluid was collected through the oral cavity of dairy cows using a negative pressure suction device. 50ml rumen fluid of every cow was collected each time respectively before feeding (0 h) and 2h, 4h and 6h after feeding in a day. The rumen fungi were tested by ITS sequencing technology. The results showed that four phyla were identified in CK group and five in MT group. The dominant phyla in both groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota, whose abundances were more than 90% of the total rumen fungi. At the level of genus, 74 genera were identified in CK group, while 91 genera in MT group. Several cellulolytic fungi genera showed a decreasing trend or decreased significantly, such as Neocallimastigaceae-NA. The previous experiments that shows the addition of mannan oligosaccharides promoted the proliferation of rumen bacteria, while the growth of rumen fungi was inhibited in this result, which may be due to the antagonism between rumen bacteria and fungi. The growth of cellulose-degrading fungi was inhibited to some extend after the addition of MOS in the diet. Candida and Zopfiella, closely related to mycotic mastitis and immunosuppression respectively, had decreasing trends in rumen with supplemental MOS in the diets of the dairy cows, indicating that MOS might play a positive role in inhibiting harmful fungi. The experimental result shows that mannan oligosaccharides in the diet of dairy cows inhibited the growth of cellulolytic fungi and the proliferation of harmful fungi. In addition, the results showed that there might be the antagonistic effect between rumen fungi and bacteria potentially, which should be focused on for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of whole-grain rice (WGR) on pellet quality, geese performance, and economic benefits. A total of 360 one-day-old healthy male Jiangnan White goslings with similar body weight (BW) were randomly divided into 2 groups with 6 replicates per group and 30 geese per replicate. Pelleted diets were prepared with WGR for the experimental group and crushed rice (CR) for the control group to create the 2 treatments. Dietary rice (unhusked) inclusions were 20% for 1 to 21 d and 40% for 22 to 70 d. The pellets from d 1 to 21 were crumbled. Prepelleted WGR significantly decreased pellet length, hardness and pellet durability index. WGR pellets had significantly higher fine ratio (≤2.8 mm) and starch gelatinization than CR pellets. The different treatments did not affect BW on 21, 42, and 70 d of age or average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain, and feed to gain ratio (F/G) from 1 to 70 d. However, compared with the CR diet, the WGR diet increased ADFI and F/G from 1 to 21 d. At 70 d of age, similar slaughter performance, relative viscera weight, and meat quality of geese were observed, except for a significant increase in the spleen ratio in the WGR treatment compared with the CR treatment. From the observation, pelleting with WGR reduced the cost of feed manufacture by decreasing the electricity use of grinding and had no negative effect on feed cost per/kg weight gain of geese. Even with the decreased pellet quality, we recommend replacing CR in geese diets with WGR from 22 to 70 d of age in view of the geese performance, economic benefits, and electricity savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary complex plasmas consist of microparticles of two different species and can form two-dimensional square lattices under certain conditions. The dispersion relations of the square lattice waves are derived for the longitudinal and transverse in-plane modes, assuming that the out-of-plane mode is suppressed by the strong vertical confinement. The results are compared with the spectra obtained in Langevin dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we investigate the dependence of the dispersion relation on the charge ratio and mass ratio of the two particle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previous observational studies could not overcome the effects of confounding variables and reverse causality. We aimed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and osteoporosis in East Asian and European populations, respectively, by two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis. We obtained and downloaded data from publicly available genome-wide association study databases and analyses for East Asian and European populations, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoporosis (OP), multisite bone mineral density (BMD), and OP with fracture. After screening for instrumental single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly correlated to SLE, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used for calculating the ratio and 95% confidence interval, besides utilizing MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to assess the robustness of the primary outcome. Moreover, multiple analyses, including MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q test, as well as "leave-one-out" sensitivity, were used for evaluating horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and stability. Finally, we exchanged exposure and outcome and performed a reverse MR analysis. IVW (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09, P = 0.009) indicated a significant positive correlation between genetically predicted SLE and OP in East Asians. Furthermore, neither heterogeneity nor horizontal pleiotropy was observed. In Europe, there was no significant genetically predicted causal relation between SLE and OP. Bi-directional MR analysis showed no reverse causality between SLE and OP. In the East Asian population, genetically predicted SLE may have had a positive causal relationship with OP. In Europe, there is insufficient evidence for a potential causal relation between SLE and OP or BMD and fracture, and the correlations currently observed may be attributed to a variety of confounder variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, three widespread extreme summer drought and heat (DH) events have occurred in 2003, 2010 and 2018. These events were comparable in magnitude but varied in their geographical distribution and biomes affected. In this study, we perform a comparative analysis of the impact of the DH events on ecosystem CO2 fluxes over Europe based on an ensemble of 11 dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs), and the observation-based FLUXCOM product. We find that all DH events were associated with decreases in net ecosystem productivity (NEP), but the gross summer flux anomalies differ between DGVMs and FLUXCOM. At the annual scale, FLUXCOM and DGVMs indicate close to neutral or above-average land CO2 uptake in DH2003 and DH2018, due to increased productivity in spring and reduced respiration in autumn and winter compensating for less photosynthetic uptake in summer. Most DGVMs estimate lower gross primary production (GPP) sensitivity to soil moisture during extreme summers than FLUXCOM. Finally, we show that the different impacts of the DH events at continental-scale GPP are in part related to differences in vegetation composition of the regions affected and to regional compensating or offsetting effects from climate anomalies beyond the DH centres. This article is part of the theme issue 'Impacts of the 2018 severe drought and heatwave in Europe: from site to continental scale'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to explore the regulatory role of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) signaling pathway in crop milk synthesis in breeding pigeons (Columba livia). Three groups of breeding pigeons in the lactation period (n = 30 pairs/group) were respectively injected with rapamycin (RAPA, a specific inhibitor of the target of rapamycin complex) at doses of 0 (vehicle, control), 0.6, or 1.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day via the wing vein for 7 days. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and BW of the breeding pigeons and the BW of young squabs were respectively recorded throughout the experimental period. The breeding pigeons were sacrificed to collect their crop tissues, crop milk, and serum on the eighth day of the experiment. The results showed that neither 0.6 nor 1.2 mg/kg BW RAPA injection affected BW loss or ADFI in breeding pigeons (P > 0.05), while crop thickness and crop relative weight were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the 1.2 mg/kg BW rapamycin-injected group. Simultaneously, RAPA (especially at 1.2 mg/kg BW) decreased the crude protein, αs1-casein, αs2-casein, β-casein, and amino acid contents (Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Gly, Ala, Cys, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Tyr, Lys, His, Arg, and Pro) of crop milk (P < 0.05) and the concentrations of albumin, total protein, and uric acid in the serum of breeding pigeons (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of TORC1 pathway-related proteins (TORC1, S6K1, S6, 4EBP1, and eIF4E) was downregulated in the crop tissues of breeding pigeons by 0.6 or 1.2 mg/kg BW/day RAPA injection (P < 0.05). Accordingly, the average daily gain (ADG) of young squabs declined, and the mortality rate increased significantly (P < 0.05). Together, the results showed that RAPA reduced protein and amino acid levels in the crop milk of breeding pigeons and retarded young squab growth, suggesting a crucial role of TORC1 in crop milk synthesis in breeding pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucine (Leu) plays a critical regulatory role in protein synthesis, however, the effects and molecular mechanisms of Leu on crop milk protein in the domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are still unknown. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Leu supplementation on crop milk protein synthesis and the growth performance of squabs and the possible underlying mechanism. A total of 240 pairs of breeding pigeons (1102.3 ± 9.5 g/pair) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including a positive control (PC) diet that had adequate crude protein (crude protein, CP = 18%; Leu = 1.30%), a negative control (NC) diet that was low in CP (CP = 16%, Leu = 1.30%), and NC diets supplemented with Leu at 0.15%, 0.45%, or 1.05%. Compared with the NC diet, 0.15 to 0.45% Leu supplementation decreased BW loss and increased relative crop weight, crop thickness, and protein levels in the crop tissue and milk of breeding pigeons. However, dietary supplementation with 1.05% Leu inhibited ADFI in breeding pigeons. Dietary supplementation with 0.15 to 0.45% Leu decreased the mortality rate and increased the BW, eviscerated yield, and breast muscle yield of young squabs. The protein expression levels of the target of rapamycin (TOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) were upregulated in the crop tissue of breeding pigeons in PC, 0.15% and 0.45% Leu-supplemented groups. Collectively, these results indicated that 0.15 to 0.45% Leu supplementation could decrease BW loss, increase milk protein synthesis in the crop of breeding pigeons, and enhance the survival rate and growth performance of young squabs through the TOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking (HISCC) behavior of SUS301L-MT stainless steel laser-arc hybrid welding (LAHW) joints was investigated using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) method in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under different cathodic potentials. With the negative shift of applied potentials from open circle potential (OCP) to −1400 mV SCE , the HISCC susceptibility index ( I SSRT ) decreased from 0.15 (OCP) to 0.06 (−400 mV SCE ), then increased to 0.28 (−1400 mV SCE ). The specimens tested in air and under OCP to −800 mV ruptured in weld metal zone with ductile features of dimples. While with the potential turned more negative, the specimens ruptured in base metal zone with brittle features of transgranular cleave in martensite, intergranular failure and secondary cracks [Chen et al., Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol.73, 1695 (2014)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore the effects of raloxifene on the aortic valve function of mice fed with high-sugar and high-fat diets. C57 mice were randomly divided into five groups, 10 mice per group, normal diet group or control group, high-sugar, high-fat group, raloxifene 4.5 mg/kg+high-sugar, high-fat group, raloxifene 9 mg/kg+high-sugar, high-fat group, and raloxifene 18 mg/kg+high-sugar, high-fat group. Raloxifene was intragastrically administered every day for a total of three months. Steatosis and calcification of aortic valve was detected through hematoxylin and eosin staining and alizarin red staining and relative expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 using immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the high-sugar, high-fat group, both the hematoxylin and eosin staining and alizarin red staining showed that aortic valve steatosis and calcification in mice significantly improved after treatment with raloxifene, especially in the group administered with 18 mg/kg. In addition, quantitative immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that raloxifene treatment sharply decreased mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 compared to the high-sugar, high-fat group. Raloxifene at certain concentrations induced inhibitory effects on calcification and apoptosis in the aortic valves of mice after high-sugar, high-fat diet, thereby laying a foundation for therapeutic benefits raloxifene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, a broadband bias-tunable terahertz (THz) quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) with a GaAs/AlGaAs asymmetric step multi-quantum well using the intersubband transition was proposed, designed, fabricated, and characterized. It is found that the THz QWIP has two photon response peaks at 4.5 THz and 6.5 THz and the bias-tunable photon response in the 4.0–6.5 THz frequency range of the device is attributed to the field-assisted tunneling of electrons in the second excitation subbands to continuum states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resolution electron yield spectra of core electron excitations in condensed Ru3(CO)12 exhibit a pronounced shoulder in the C 1s→π* excitation, due to transitions into unoccupied π levels consisting of linear combinations of the 2π orbitals of the various CO molecular ligands. The O edge near edge spectrum shows a clear and pronounced σ shape resonance transition, about 2 eV lower in energy than in free CO. We develop an intuitive model, which correlates the differences in the relaxation energies associated with the various core electron excitations with changes in the metal to ligand charge transfer process. The consequences of these differences in the core hole screening process with respect to standard models relating the position of the σ shape resonance to the bond length are discussed also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum graphs provide a setting to test the hypothesis that all ray-chaotic systems show universal wave chaotic properties. Here, an experimental setup consisting of a microwave coaxial cable network is used to simulate quantum graphs. The networks which are large compared to the wavelength, are constructed from coaxial cables connected by T junctions. The distributions of impedance statistics are obtained from experiments on an ensemble of tetrahedral networks. The random coupling model (RCM) is applied in an attempt to uncover the universal statistical properties of the system. Deviations from RCM predictions have been observed in that the statistics of diagonal and off-diagonal impedance elements are different. It is argued that because of the small finite-size quantum graphs utilized here there will be non-universal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors at slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test of AISI301L stainless steel laser-MIG welded joints in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 20C, 40C and 60C were investigated. The results showed that the weld metal composed of as-cast with -Fe and austenite. The base metal (BM) and heat affected zone (HAZ) contained strain-induced M phase. The stress and strain decreased with the increasing temperature. The SCC cracks are initiated by anodic dissolution at 20C. Besides the anodic dissolution mechanism, hydrogen-induced SCC mechanism had appeared in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 40C and 60C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis japonicum is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases in the world. There is increasing evidence to show that host mi RNAs are modulated following Schistosoma japonicum infection, and some of these mi RNAs may play important regulatory roles in response to schistosome infection. Several host mi RNAs have been identified and shown to be potential diagnostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets for schistosomiasis. These studies have paved the way to a better understanding of the mechanisms of schistosome-host interaction and may facilitate the development of novel approaches to the control of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Biot's theory of two-phase media, the screening effectiveness of a multi-row pile barrier system on incident Rayleigh waves in a fluid-saturated poroelastic half-space is investigated using a high-precision three-dimensional indirect boundary element method for multi-domain scattering. A companion paper has described the theoretical derivation of the model. In this paper, numerical results indicate that the scattering of waves by piles in fluid-saturated poroelastic media is different from that in single-phase elastic media. The group piles effectively reduce the vibration amplitude in the poroelastic half-space, and the dynamic response strongly depends on the incident frequency, porosity, pile length and spacing, number of pile rows, and row spacing of multi-row piles. Higher values of the frequency and porosity (i.e., softer soil) produce a better vibration isolation effect by the group piles. Special attention should be paid to piles embedded in poroelastic media, as the existence of fluid produces a negative effect on the vibration isolation compared with the case of a single-phase medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Biot's theory of two-phase media, the screening effectiveness of a multi-row pile barrier system on incident Rayleigh waves in a fluid-saturated poroelastic half-space is investigated using a high-precision threedimensional indirect boundary element method for multi-domain scattering. According to the single-layer potential theory, the scattered wavefield in a poroelastic half-space can be constructed using the distributed loads in three orthogonal directions and the fluid source, which are virtually applied on the surface of all the scatterers. This paper describes the theoretical derivation of the model. A companion paper presents the numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties and electronic structure of recently synthesized PtN2, proposed as a potential candidate for superhard materials, have been investigated by means of density functional theory. Although it shows a clear band gap indicating a covalent bonding nature, the calculated shear moduli and ideal strengths of both proposed PtN2 polymorphs are much lower than those of ReB2, suggesting that it should be weaker than ReB2, whose load-invariant hardness is less than 30 GPa. The anisotropic strength of the pyrite PtN2 polymorph is significantly higher than that of the fluorite polymorph due to a larger covalent contribution. The shear instability for both polymorphs occurs in a cleavagelike mode between the weakly bonded crystal planes. This behavior is different from transition-metal (TM) diborides where the TM-TM or TM-B bonds are the carriers of the shear instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the study and design of a nuclear power plant extensive system modeling is necessary to determine how the reactor is going to perform in any given situation, not only in the normal performance of the reactor but also transients including anticipated transients without scram (ATWS) and hypothetical accidents. Primary and other loops in multiple coolant loop systems in nuclear power plants can be modeled in nuclear system codes, such as Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program (RELAP5), COBRA-TRAC, TRACE, and ATHLET, for the interaction and feedback effects between the coolant loops. In the recent years, new components, such as turbine, coolant pump, advanced compact heat exchangers, valves, sensors, instrumentation and control systems, are being designed to use in the coolant systems. However, current system codes are not capable of integrating the computational model of the whole nuclear power plant system to an experimental apparatus. Therefore, this article proposes a new coupling between a system code and Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LABVIEW) in a unique framework (called as Modeling of Coolant Systems with a Unique Framework -MCUF-) that allows integrating an experimental apparatus or a facility to a whole power plant model. MCUF allows online or interactive data exchange by using the powerful and flexible tools of LABVIEW. This article demonstrates how coupling between the primary and secondary coolant system of a typical Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) can be performed by using MCUF. The primary and secondary sides of the PWR are modeled with RELAP5 and LabVIEW computer simulators respectively. The coupling between RELAP5 and LabVIEW has been executed with steady state and transients, in this case a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) for a four loop PWR. The results of the coupling have been compared with the typical RELAP5 results which significantly depend on “hard coded” data for second coolant loop. Code-to-code benchmark results demonstrate that this unique coupling framework has a good agreement with the RELAP5 code results with “hard coded” data for the secondary coolant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ScN in the rock salt structure is a well-investigated material due to its desirable properties like the high hardness or large thermal conductivity. Recent computations by Adamski et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 115, 232103 (2019)] showed that ScN/GaN heterostructures exhibit an outstanding polarization gradient which would be beneficial for polarization induced electron gases. The pseudobinary semiconductor Sc x Al 1 − x N, when maintaining the cubic rock salt structure, could be beneficial for tailoring the polarization gradient using the Sc dependency of material properties. The structural properties of rs-Sc x Al 1 − x N are not fully discovered yet, thus in this work, DC-magnetron sputtered cubic rock salt Sc x Al 1 − x N thin films with 0.55 < x < 1.00 were grown and analyzed on ScN(111)/Si(111). The epitaxial relation of ScN(111) thin films on the Si(111) substrate is determined to be ScN[110] ∥ Si[100]. Furthermore, concentration dependent properties like the lattice parameter of Sc x Al 1 − x N were measured [a(ScN) = 4.50 Å, a(Sc0.55Al0.45N) = 4.30 Å] and the stress σ within the layers was determined. The crystal quality was evaluated using ω -scans, revealing FWHM = 1.14 ° for Sc0.95Al0.05N. The diameters of the columns were determined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and they are range from 34 to 59 nm for 0.55 < x < 1.00. At x = 0.55 , Sc x Al 1 − x N columns in the hexagonal wurtzite as well as cubic rock salt structure were detected. This information about the structural specifications of Sc x Al 1 − x N in the rock salt structure forms the basis for further investigations and experimental confirmation of the electric properties of ScN/GaN heterostructures or even a Sc x Al 1 − x N/GaN based approach for improved structures for high-electron-mobility transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete confined by steel tube were studied experimentally. Based on the superposition of two materials, a method was established to calculate the combined strength of lightweight aggregate concrete steel tube: the accuracy of this calculation was verified experimentally. The research indicated that the confining effect of steel tube on lightweight aggregate concrete increased as the steel area ratio is enlarged. The confining effect coefficient of lightweight aggregate concrete can be taken as 3·4, which reflected the stress-performance improvement of lightweight aggregate concrete under trip-direction compression. Comparison between calculation and test results showed that the calculations were precise. The calculated result could be regard as ultimate strength at a coefficient of lateral deformation of 0·5, and as its design strength at a coefficient of lateral deformation of 0·3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under suitable conditions on the weight functions b, this paper shows the exact asymptotic behavior of the unique solution l(t) at zero to the singular boundary value problem where $${b \in C^{1}(0,\infty)}$$ which is positive and non-decreasing on $${(0,\infty)}$$ (may vanish at zero). We assume that f( u) does not grow like u with p > 1 or faster at infinity, but behaves like u ln u as $${u\rightarrow \infty \,\,{\rm for \,\, some}\,\, \alpha > 1}$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To probe the mechanism underlying the auditory behavior-related response patterns of inferior collicular neurons to constant frequency–frequency modulation (CF–FM) stimulus in Hipposideros pratti , we studied the role of post-spike hyperpolarization (PSH) in the formation of response patterns. Neurons obtained by in vivo extracellular ( N = 145) and intracellular ( N = 171) recordings could be consistently classified into single-on (SO) and double-on (DO) neurons. Using intracellular recording, we found that both SO and DO neurons have a PSH with different durations. Statistical analysis showed that most SO neurons had a longer PSH duration than DO neurons ( p < 0.01). These data suggested that the PSH directly participated in the formation of SO and DO neurons, and the PSH elicited by the CF component was the main synaptic mechanism underlying the SO and DO response patterns. The possible biological significance of these findings relevant to bat echolocation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design, fabrication, and characterization of terahertz (THz) quantum well photodetectors with one-dimensional reflection-grating coupler are presented. It is found that the reflection gratings could effectively couple the THz waves normally incident to the device. Compared with the 45-degree facet sample, the peak responsivity of this grating-coupled detector is enhanced by over 20%. The effects of the gratings on the photocurrent spectra are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the formation of an adsorption film at elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) contacts and its effects on EHL film shape and friction. Experiments were conducted on an optical EHL test rig with surfaces of different surface energies. A new type of 'abnormal' EHL film shape characterized with three dimples in the inlet of the contact was obtained in pure ball sliding experiments with long-chain polybutene. The adsorption layer was inferred to be the main cause for the 'tri-dimple' phenomenon. The 'tri-dimple' formation was examined. Under a fixed speed, a single inlet dimple gradually broke into three dimples with increasing number of ball rotation, and it happened with slight increase in friction force. Three zones, namely a central and two lateral zones, of the contact were classified and characterized with different levels of influence on the adsorption layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we have developed a novel polymer composite (MPVDF) by embedding maleic anhydride-grated-polyvinylidene fluoride (MA-g-PVDF) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as binder of LiCoO2 cathode for lithium ion battery. The cathodes using MPVDF and PVDF as binder have been comparatively investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurements. By using MPVDF as the binder for preparing LiCoO2 cathode, the rate capability and cyclic stability of the LiCoO2 cathode in LiCoO2/Artificial graphite battery are improved significantly. Compared to the cathode using PVDF alone, the discharge capacity of the battery increases by 38.5% at 2 C and the capacity retention of the battery is improved from 84.5% to 90.2% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C when the mass ratio of MA-g-PVDF to PVDF in MPVDF binder is 1:4. The improved performance is attributed to the low crystallinity of MPVDF, which allows larger electrolyte uptake. The electrolyte uptake is 43.5% for the LiCoO2 cathode using MPVDF but only 25.3% for the cathode using PVDF alone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between nasal irrigation techniques (NIT) and the survival rate and the quality of life (QOL) in patients with nasal sinusitis (NS), Methods: We studied data from 1134 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who received radical radiotherapy, which were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C). Group A used nasal irrigator; Group B used homemade nasal irrigation (Nl) connector combined with enemator; and Group C used nasal sprayer. The clinical effects, 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were observed. Furthermore, the QOL in patients with NS was evaluated using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20. Results: The median follow-up time was 69 months. The 5-year OS and PFS were 80.5% and 73.2%, respectively, for all patients. There was no significant difference in OS, PFS, xerostomia and neck skin toxicity grade 3 and greater among groups. There was no difference among groups. The incidence of NS was the highest in group C. Conclusion: The symptoms of NS seriously affected the QOL period of 1 year. Group C showed no improvement during the follow-up period, which for A and B, by contrast, had after 1 year. Although the exact mechanism remains to be explored in NIT, our findings suggest that patients with NPC should nasal irrigate for 2 years after radiotherapy. Advances in knowledge: Our study shows that a nasal irrigator is necessary for patients with NPC for a high QOL in terms of NS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the structure characteristic, comprehensive scoring method for corrosion evaluation is proposed for steel box girder. The effects of multiple factors of corrosion are considered comprehensively. Several existing indicators are selected for steel box girder. In addition, two new indicators are put forward to reflect the structure characteristic. An indicator system for corrosion evaluation of steel box girder is set up including corrosion density, size, depth, area ratio, depth ratio and location. Scores and amplification coefficient corresponding to indicators are given. Corrosion evaluation indicators and process are offered, and the corrosion grade corresponding to the final score range is also divided. Based on all of the above, corrosion evaluation of comprehensive scoring method of steel box girder is established and its application is also supported by examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiFeO3 films with in-plane compressive strain of -3.5% were deposited on oxygen-deficient La0.3Sr0.7MnO3-δ buffered SrTiO3(001) substrates. This highly strained BiFeO3 does not relax directly into its rhombohedral parent phase upon increasing the film thickness. Instead, a multi-step path involving structural transitions is observed. The misfit stress is first accommodated by the occurrence of true tetragonal BiFeO3 with c/a ratio of 1.23, then reduced by the transformation to the MC-type monoclinic structure, and finally alleviated through the MC-rhombohedral transition. Moreover, this process enables the formation of strain-driven morphotropic phase boundaries at a stress level much lower than the reported threshold of -4.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was attempted to investigate the microstructure degradation and low cycle fatigue (LCF) performance of a serviced K465 Ni‐based superalloy turbine blade. LCF tests were carried out with small‐scale plate specimens sampled from the blades. Relationship between residual LCF life and microstructure state was estimated. The results indicate that the coarsening of γ/γ′ phases was the most significant microstructure degradation mode for the serviced blades. Both the γ matrix width and the γ′ precipitate diameter increased with the increase of service duration, while the γ′ precipitate volume fraction slightly decreased. The most severe microstructure degradation occurred at the leading edge along the chord direction, particularly at 50–70 % airfoil spans. The residual LCF life exhibited an accelerated decrease characteristic as increases of microstructure degradation degree. The coarsened microstructure diminished shear resistance of the superalloy, which resulted in additional accumulated inelastic deformation and a corresponding reduction in LCF life. Highlights: Service induced microstructure evolution and LCF life decay of a blade were investigated.Coarsening was identified as the main degradation form of γ/γ' phases in serviced blade.Accelerated decrease of residual LCF life was identified as increases of coarsening.Reduced plastic deformation resistance owing to coarsening is crucial to decay LCF life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silicon/silicon carbide ceramic composites were fabricated by the three-dimensional printing (3DP™) from Si/SiC/dextrin powder blends. After printing the C/Si/SiC preforms were infiltrated with a liquid silicone resin for transient shape stabilization. The green bodies were pyrolyzed at 1000°C in nitrogen atmosphere resulting in a residue with a porosity of ∼41%. The porous preforms exhibit excellent infiltration behavior for liquid Si at 1500°C in vacuum. Bending strength, fracture toughness and Young''s modulus were analyzed with respect to Si volume fraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of boundary slip on the lubricating film shape and friction of an elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) contact under isothermal conditions. Ball and disc pure sliding experiments were carried out with a high viscosity polybutene oil using a conventional optical EHL test rig. The film shape and friction were measured simultaneously. The results obtained from two discs with different coatings were compared. One disc was coated only with Cr, the partially reflective layer, and the other had an extra layer of SiO coating on top. When running under mild conditions of low load and speed, there was no evidence of any boundary slip effect. However, when the load increased, the Cr-coated disc produced lower film thickness and friction than the SiO-coated disc. The Cr-coated surface had a larger contact angle, i.e., smaller surface energy, than the SiO surface, which reflects the weak bonding between the molecules of the surface and the lubricant. The study concludes that surfaces with low surface energy promote boundary slip at the EHL contact, leading to a reduction in friction and film thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and efficient segmentation of medical serial images is of paramount importance for a wide range of clinical applications. A novel method for serial image segmentation is proposed in this paper. In the proposed framework, an adaptive external force is designed based on Laplacian of Gaussian to correctly attract the evolving curve from either side of object boundary, which makes the automatic segmentation of serial images become possible. The Tukey's bi-weight function is also introduced to match the evolving curve with object boundary, so the moving contour will stop evolution at object boundary accurately even if the blurry image is processed. Experiments on both single and serial images demonstrate the advantages of our method in terms of accuracy and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtosecond laser ablation based on two-photon absorption was employed to cut ZnO nanorods into uniform ZnO nanoparticles of deep subwavelength size. The fabricated ZnO nanoparticles possess a shorter mean transport length for photons at the emission wavelength and a much smaller scattering cross section at the pump wavelength, leading to highly efficient two-photon-pumped random lasing with a low threshold of ∼8 mJ/cm. It was demonstrated that the significant enhancement in two-photon luminescence after the irradiation of femtosecond laser pulses could also be utilized for realizing optical data storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports a CO-tolerant electrocatalyst, mesoporous tungsten carbide-supported platinum (Pt/m-WC), for methanol oxidation. The support m-WC was synthesized by evaporation-induced triconstituent co-assembly method in which phenol formaldehyde polymer resin was used as the carbon precursor, tungsten hexachloride as the tungsten precursor and an amphiphilic triblock copolymers (P123) as the template. Nano-sized platinum particles were loaded on the m-WC to prepare Pt/m-WC. The structure and morphology of the prepared electrocatalyst were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its activity toward methanol oxidation and its tolerance for CO were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronopotentiometry (CP). It is found that the m-WC carburized at 900 °C(m-WC-900) has a larger specific surface area (182 m2 g−1) and a appropriate crystal structure compared to the m-WC carburized at 800 °C or 1000 °C, and thus is better as the support of platinum. The prepared Pt/m-WC-900 exhibits higher activity toward methanol oxidation and better tolerance for CO than Pt/Vulcan XC-72. The onset potential of CO electro-oxidation on Pt/m-WC is 0.449 V, which is more negative than that on Pt/Vulcan XC-72 (0.628 V). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17: 1829-1833 Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of frequently inhaled nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis. One hundred and twenty-six infants were randomized to receive either nebulized 3% hypertonic saline (HS) or 0.9% normal saline (NS), but only 112 patients completed the whole study. Cough, wheezing, pulmonary physical signs, clinical severity scores and the hospital length of stay (LOS) were recorded. The wheezing remission time was 4.8 ± 1.0 days in the NS group and 3.6 ± 0.9 days in the HS group (p <0.01). The cough remission time was 5.5 ± 0.9 days in the NS group and 4.3 ± 0.7 days in the HS group (p <0.01). The moist crackles disappeared at 6.2 ± 0.7 days in the NS group and at 4.4 ± 0.9 days in the HS group (p <0.01). The clinical severity scores decreased more significantly in the HS group than in the NS group on each day within 96 h after enrolment (p <0.01). The LOS decreased from 6.4 ± 1.4 days in the NS group to 4.8 ± 1.2 days in the HS group (p <0.01). The treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse effects attributable to nebulized HS. The conclusions are that frequently inhaled HS relieved symptoms and signs faster than NS, and shortened LOS significantly for infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis, without apparent adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If magnetorheological (MR) fluids are stored in porous materials, when excited by the external magnetic field, MR fluid will be drawn out and produce MR effect, which could be used to solve the following problems of the MR damper, such as the seal, volume and the cost of MR fluid damper. In this paper, the effect of structure of metal foams on the performance of MR fluid is investigated; the relationship between the penetrability and the porosity of the metal foams is measured, the change of MR fluid performance flowing though the metal foams is obtained. It shows that, after flowing through metal foams, the change of performance of MR fluid is about 2.5%. Compared to the sponge, the porous metal foams have the obvious advantages in high porosity and rigidity, which provide a convenient and low-cost way to design the MR damper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of produced magnetorheological effect using porous materials (sponges, metal foams, etc.) to store MR fluids is a hot research topic, which can be used to solve the problem of dynamic seals and high cost for conventional MR fluid dampers. In this paper, the effect of the additional volume of MR fluid on the mechanical properties of metal foam MR materials is proposed. A set of plate-on-plate shearing test rigs is built up to evaluate experimentally the relationship between the mechanical properties (mainly shear torque) and the additional volume of this kind of metal foam MR materials in different currents and metal foams, which validates the effect of the MR fluid additional volume on the mechanical properties of metal foam MR materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T helper type 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cells (T) have been postulated to have critical roles in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig) gene-modified dendritic cells (DC-CTLA4Ig) have the potential to reduce Th2 cells and induce T cells. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of the adoptive transfer of DC-CTLA4Ig into mice in an experimental model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with aerosolized OVA for 7 days. Just prior to the first challenge, DC-CTLA4Ig, DCs or DCs infected with DC-green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected intravenously into mice. The administration of DC-CTLA4Ig reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, relieved asthmatic airway inflammation and decreased the numbers of esosinophils in the BALF in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. In addition, DC-CTLA4Ig altered the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine production in the lungs with increased interferon (IFN)-γ levels and decreased interleukin (IL)-4 levels, decreased the percentage of Th2 and increased both the percentage of Th1 and T cells in the lungs of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. This research demonstrates that DC-CTL4Ig reduces airway hyperresponsiveness effectively and prevents airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice, which is due most probably to attenuated secretion of Th2 cytokines and increased secretion of Th1 cytokines in the local airway, and the correction of the pulmonary imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells and Th2/T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different abiotic stresses on the activity of an NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME) and the corresponding gene transcription in the leaves of the hexaploid wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) The activity of the NADP-ME enzyme was increased by water stress (20 % polyethylene glycol 6000), low temperature (4 °C), darkness, salinity (200 mM NaCl), abscisic acid and salicylic acid. The transcription of the TaNADP-ME1 gene decreased in response to all of the stresses except darkness and NaCl. In addition, the transcription of TaNADP-ME2 was down-regulated by all of the tested treatments and could not be detected under dark stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors address the problem of combining descriptors for purposes of object categorisation and classification. The authors cast the problem in a structured learning setting by viewing the classifier bank and the codewords used in the categorisation and classification tasks as random fields. In this manner, the authors can abstract the problem into a graphical model setting, in which the fusion operation is a transformation over the field of descriptors and classifiers. Thus, the problem reduces itself to that of recovering the optimal transformation using a cost function which is convex and can be converted into either a quadratic or linear programme. This cost function is related to the target function used in discrete Markov random field approaches. The authors demonstrate the utility of our algorithm for purposes of image classification and learning class categories on two datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the magnetic ground state of the spin-frustrated molecular magnet {Mo72Fe30} is studied using polarized neutron scattering and specific heat methods. The magnetic scattering cross section up to 2.30Å-1 has been determined by means of diffuse neutron scattering with xyz polarization analysis at temperatures from 1.5 to 100 K. The spin correlations observed at 1.5K agree well with the simulation based on the three-sublattice spin configuration model for {Mo72Fe30}. The specific heat of {Mo72Fe30} has been measured from 60mK to 15K under zero external magnetic field. The energy gaps, 0.09(1) and 0.64(1) meV, identified by the Schottky-type anomalies in the specific heat data are in reasonable agreement with the low-lying magnetic excitations predicted by the quantum rotational band model for the threesublattice spin configuration model. Therefore, our experimental study provides strong support that the three-sublattice spin configuration model is a good approach to the magnetic ground state of {Mo72Fe30}. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common and the third most deadly cancer worldwide, with more than half a million identified cases and about a similar number of subjects succumb to it each year. This study sought to evaluate our results of liver transplantation for HCC to identify prognostic factors. Methods: Between December 2001 and December 2006, 224 patients (205 men, 19 women; age range, 15–75 years) with HCC underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at our center. All grafts were from deceased donors. There were 68 cases within Milan criteria (30.3%), 32 cases beyond Milan criteria but within UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria (14.3%), and 124 cases beyond UCSF criteria (55.4%). Results: The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient cumulative survival rates were 82.5%, 60.1%, and 51.5%, respectively. The survival rates were comparable between patients within Milan and UCSF criteria, but were significantly greater than that of patients beyond UCSF criteria. Multivariate analysis revealed alpha fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 800 μg/L, vascular invasion, and poor tumor differentiation to be independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: OLT is a safe and effective treatment for hepatitis B virus–related HCC. Compared with Milan criteria, UCSF criteria successfully expanded the indication without deteriorating the prognosis significantly, while preoperative AFP ≥ 800 μg/L, vascular invasion, and poor tumor differentiation indicated poor survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hypertension is a costly disease; however, the investment needed for a cost-neutral hypertension management program (HMP) is unknown. A Markov decision analytic model simulated the outcomes of a hypothetical HMP. Patients were between the ages of 25 and 65 years, had existing hypertension, and were newly diagnosed with diabetes. The control group received standard care. The HMP group received standard care and were enrolled in an HMP. Data regarding rates of disease states and costs were gathered from the literature. A third-party payer can invest as much as $159, $109, and $41 per person per month in an HMP for a neutral return on investment in the 5-year, 3-year, and 1-year time horizon, respectively. The HMP group achieved greater gains in quality-adjusted life-years and lower total health-related costs. As the time horizon increases, more money can be invested. HMPs can be a cost-effective and cost-neutral proposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image labelling tasks are usually formulated within the framework of discrete Markov random fields where the optimal labels are recovered by extremising a discrete energy function. The authors present an alternative continuous relaxation approach to image labelling, which makes use of a quadratic cost function over the class labels. The cost function to be minimised is convex and its discrete version is equivalent up to a constant additive factor to the target function used in discrete MRF approaches. Moreover, its corresponding Hessian matrix is given by the graph Laplacian of the adjacency matrix. Therefore the optimisation of the cost function is governed by the pairwise interactions between pixels in the local neighbourhood. This leads to a sparse Hessian matrix for which the global minimum of the continuous relaxation problem can be efficiently found by solving a system of linear equations using the Cholesky factorisation. The authors elaborate on the links between the method and other techniques elsewhere in the literature and provide results on synthetic and real-world imagery. The authors also provide a comparison with competing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]