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Z-spectral MRI data were analyzed to produce multiparametric metabolic and microenvironmental contrasts for identifying intervertebral discs with/without pain symptom and sore pain. Z-spectra data were collected from the lumbar discs of 26 patients with non-specific chronic low bck pain (CLBP) and 21 asymptomatic controls (AC) with a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). Data were fitted to quantify the CEST effects from glycosaminoglycan, amide proton transfer (APT), nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE), semi-solid magnetization transfer contrast effects, and the direct saturation of water. Multiparametric maps were computed from the fitted peak amplitudes, and the average values were calculated from all five lumber discs. Those parameters were compared between the CLBP and AC groups and between the subgroups with and without (Nsore) sore pain. The discs in symptomatic patients have lower water content, collagen-bound water and collagen than the discs in AC (P

Anxiety is usually attributed to adverse environmental factors, but it is known as a polygenic inheritance disease. Gene-environment interactions on the occurrence and severity of anxiety are still unclear. The role of brain network connectivity in the gene-environment effects on anxiety has not been explored and may be key to understanding neuropathogenesis and guiding treatment.This study recruited 177 young adults from the community that completed functional magnetic resonance imaging, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), state-trait anxiety scores, and whole exome sequencing. We calculated polygenic risk score (PRS) for anxiety and the sum score of CTQ, which are genetic and environmental factors that may affect anxiety, respectively. Abnormal brain network connectivity determined by the gene-environment effects and its associations with anxiety scores were then explored.Except for the main effect of PRS or CTQ on intra-network connectivity, significant interactions were found in intra-network connectivity of visual network, default mode network, self-reference network, and sensorimotor network. Moreover, altered network connectivity was related to anxious tendency. In particular, the effect of CTQ on trait anxiety was mediated by the disrupted sensorimotor network, accompanied by a significant direct effect. However, the PRS influence on anxiety was mainly mediated through sensorimotor network paths, which exceeded the direct influence and was moderated by childhood trauma levels.These network-specific functional changes related to individual gene-environment risks advance our understanding of psychiatric pathogenesis of anxiety and provide new insights for clinical intervention.

Multivariate analysis of T2-weighted signal, diffusion ADC, and DKI parameters and tractography were used to differentiate chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP) patients and asymptomatic controls (AC). A total of 30 patients with CLBP and 23 AC underwent diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) of lumbar spine with a 3T MRI scanner to get the ADC values and seven parameters of DKI in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc. The tractography and the tract-related parameters as other parameters were also generated to indicate the intactness of annulus fibrosus (AF). T2-grades of the discs were also quantified based on an eight-grade degeneration grading system. ADC and T2-grades were compared with DKI parameters for the differentiation of CLBP and AC groups. There was no difference in the T2 grades, ADC value, and multiple parameters in DKI of NP between CLBP and AC groups (P > 0.05). The average FA values in NP in AC group were found significantly higher than in the CLBP group (P

Our aim was to assess the microstructural changes of intervertebral disc degeneration induced by annulus needle puncture in rats by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Eighteen rats (36 discs) were punctured percutaneously at the intervertebral disc between C6/7, C7/8 (C-coccygeal vertebrae) with a 21-gauge needle. The rats were divided into six groups according to the time after the puncture: 3 h, 48 h, 3 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days. There were six discs in three rats in the control group. The rats’ tail was imaged at 3T MRI with T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DWI)/DKI sequences. The discs were categorized using a five-grade degeneration system based on the T2 images. The height of the discs and the parameters in DWI/DKI were measured and compared between the different time points. The histological images were also obtained from the discs. The histological study revealed that the discs in the rat of the punctured groups were degenerated. The T2 grades of different groups presented an increasing trend from 7 to 10 days after puncture (R2 = 0.9424, P

The increasing load of electricity, water, cold, gas, and heat on offshore islands brings certain pressure to the island microgrid. Based on offshore islands, this paper proposes a multi-energy coupling energy system for offshore islands that takes into account solar thermal power stations. The objective function is to minimize the cost of energy purchased by islands within 24 hours, and establish a day-ahead economic dispatch model for offshore islands. Finally, through simulation verification of two types of models, it is concluded that considering the multi-energy coupling system of CSP stations reduces the total cost of purchasing energy for islands, and at the same time increases the consumption of renewable energy in offshore islands.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma can alter brain-development trajectories and lead to a greater risk of psychopathology developing in adulthood. For this reason, understanding experience-dependent brain abnormalities associated with different trauma subtypes is crucial for identifying developmental processes disrupted by unfavorable early environments and for proposing early intervention measures to reduce trauma’s negative effects. METHODS: This study used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the neural correlates of distinct subtypes of childhood trauma. We recruited a large community sample of young adults (mean age, 24.1, SD 1.9 years) who completed a Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, were given behavioral scores, and underwent multimodal MRI. To quantify brain changes, we used functional connectivity density (FCD) mapping based on whole brain analysis, regions of interest (ROI) analysis, and morphological measurements. Experience-dependent brain abnormalities were identified by multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: We found that diverse brain regions in the FCD mapping were significantly related to 4 trauma subtypes and belonged to different cognitive components used for various behaviors. Experience-related influences on functional circuits and brain morphology were observed in extensive regions, including the sensorimotor, cingulum, accumbens, insula, and frontal-parietal areas, as well as in regions within the default mode network. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying specific regions or systems may be a valid strategy for understanding the pathogenesis and development process of psychiatric disorders in people with different traumatic experiences and may facilitate better-targeted intervention strategies for maltreated children.

Z-spectral MRI data were analyzed to produce multiparametric metabolic and microenvironmental contrasts for identifying intervertebral discs with/without pain symptom and sore pain.Z-spectra data were collected from the lumbar discs of 26 patients with non-specific chronic low bck pain (CLBP) and 21 asymptomatic controls (AC) with a chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). Data were fitted to quantify the CEST effects from glycosaminoglycan, amide proton transfer (APT), nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE), semi-solid magnetization transfer contrast effects, and the direct saturation of water. Multiparametric maps were computed from the fitted peak amplitudes, and the average values were calculated from all five lumber discs. Those parameters were compared between the CLBP and AC groups and between the subgroups with and without (Nsore) sore pain.The discs in symptomatic patients have lower water content, collagen-bound water and collagen than the discs in AC (P 0.05). Additionally, Z-sepctral MRI indicated that the discs in the sore subgroup had less water, collagen-bound water and collagen, and likely lower pH compared to the Nsore subgroup (P 0.05). Lower pH as measured with reduced APT and NOE effects may be an important pathological factor causing sore pain of the back.Z-spectral MRI with its multiparametric metabolic and microenvironmental contrasts has been demonstrated to identify discs with and without pain symptom or sore pain, providing more important information of CLBP.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism may modulate the link between childhood trauma experience and psychopathology by altering trophic signaling on neuroplasticity. However, few multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) researches have investigated this gene-environment interaction on both structural and functional plasticity, thereby advancing knowledge about the etiology, prevention, and customized therapeutic directions of mental disease in individuals with childhood trauma experience. We recruited a large non-clinical sample of young adults that completed Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), behavioral scores, multimodal MRI scans, and genotyping. Morphometric similarity network (MSN) and independent component analysis were adopted to quantify brain structural and functional changes. Gene-environment-brain-behavior relationships were identified by multiple regression and mediation effect analysis. CTQ score was positively associated with depression and anxiety scores. We found interactions on MSN in sensorimotor, temporal, and orbitofrontal cortex. For intra-network connectivity, significant interaction was noted in clusters within sensorimotor network. For inter-network connectivity, connectivity between dorsal attention network and salience network showed an interactive effect. For mean connectivity strength of each network, we found a main effect of CTQ score on self-reference network that was an outstanding mediator supporting the relationship between CTQ score and anxiety. Our findings demonstrate that childhood trauma and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism are associated with brain plasticity involving emotion regulation, structurally and functionally, which may contribute to understanding psychotic mechanisms and predicting differential susceptibility. Imaging genetics may be useful as biomarkers to provide early assessment and guide cognitive interventions to avoid or decrease the risk of developing psychopathology.

Childhood adversity may act as a stressor to produce a cascade of neurobiological effects that irreversibly alter neural development, setting the stage for developing psychopathology in adulthood. The catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism has received much attention as a candidate gene associated with environmental adversity, modifying risk for psychopathology. In this study, we aim to see how gene × brain × environment models give a more integrative understanding of brain modifications that contribute to predicting psychopathology related to childhood adversity. A large nonclinical sample of young adults completed Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), behavioral scores, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and genotyping. We utilized graph‐based connectivity analysis in morphometric similarity mapping and resting‐state functional MRI to investigate brain alterations. Relationships among COMT genotypes, CTQ score, imaging phenotypes, and behavioral scores were identified by multiple regression and mediation effect analysis. Significant main effect of CTQ score was found in anatomic connectivity of orbitofrontal cortex that was an outstanding mediator supporting the relationship between CTQ score and anxiety/harm‐avoiding personality. We also noted the main effect of childhood trauma on reorganization of functional connectivity within the language network. Additionally, we found genotype × CTQ score interactions on functional connectivity of the right frontoparietal network as well as anatomic connectivity of motor and limbic regions. Our data demonstrate childhood adversity and COMT genotypes are associated with abnormal brain connectivity, structurally and functionally. Early identification of individuals at risk, assessment of brain abnormality, and cognitive interventions may help to prevent or limit negative outcomes., Childhood adversity leads to experience‐dependent brain modification of anatomic connectivity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. Childhood adversity leads to experience‐dependent brain reorganization of functional connectivity within the language network. Interactive effects between childhood trauma and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism suggest that the Met heterozygote contributes to negative effects of childhood trauma on brain connectivity involving motor performance, emotion regulation, executive function, and cognitive control.

In this study, low-velocity impacts were applied to an aircraft wing box fabricated by co-curing its spar and skin. The impact points were located at the bay (type A), the T joint (type B), and the spar (type C). The contact force and the energy absorbed by the wing box were compared with those of a full-scale horizontal tail. The contact force of the latter was lower while the energy absorbed was greater. An analytical model is proposed to predict the delamination threshold load of type-B impact based on that of type A, which is effective for both the wing box and the horizontal tail. The static bending test was performed on another wing box after being impacted with 60 J of energy at five locations. The strain responses around the impact point show the propagation of the delamination at the type-A point. The fracture occurred at the location near the fixture rather than at the type-A point. Therefore, the correct impact point should be located on the fracture line in order to investigate the influence of the impact damage on the residual strength of the wing box.

Background To investigate the relationship between an increase in the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume (MPV) and superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) rate. Methods and results We recruited patients that underwent superficial femoral artery stenting for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans at our hospital from March 2015 to March 2018. All patients gave venous blood three days before and following implantation. Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography were used for regular follow-up examination. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ISR after superficial femoral artery stenting. We enrolled 173 patients, of which 34 (19.6%) were determined as having ISR for a mean of 8.9 ± 2.7 months (3–12 months). Neutrophil count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio and platelet count pre-implantation, and platelet count and MPV after stent implantation, and the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume difference (MPVD) and mean platelet volume difference ratio (MPVDR) were all statistically different when comparing the ISR and non-restenosis groups (p P P P Conclusions An increase in pre- and post-operative MPV was correlated with the occurrence of superficial femoral artery ISR.

Non-intrusive power load monitoring technology is the primary step to realize intelligent power consumption. The breakthrough and industrialization of related technologies will help achieve energy-saving emission reduction and sustainable development of the whole society. Firstly, the electric energy information of several kitchen appliances such as electric kettle and microwave oven is extracted through experiments. Then their load characteristics are analyzed, including steady state power ups and downs, power (current) shocks, current harmonics, and power duration, and after that, the multi-source identification feature set is thereby determined. Then a nonintrusive load identification algorithm based on multi-source feature quantity is proposed according to the hierarchical classification principle. This algorithm is tested on a set of working conditions. The test results show that the identification error of start-stop time is less than 1s, and the accuracy of power collection is larger than 90%, which verifies the validity and accuracy of this non-intrusive load identification algorithm for kitchen appliances.

To characterize brown adipose tissue (BAT) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in comparison to healthy subjects using Z-spectral imaging (ZSI).ZSI data were collected on 19 normal control females (NCF), 17 males (NCM), and 13 PCOS patients. By fitting to multiple Lorentzian functions, ZSI provides fat-water fraction (FWF) of tissue in the supraclavicular area that can be used to differentiate between white adipose tissue (WAT), BAT, and muscle. The fraction of BAT over the total fat depot (BATf) and the average FWF in BAT or FWF(BAT) were then computed, reflecting relative BAT mass and BAT metabolism respectively. The parameters were compared among the three groups, and the correlations to Body Mass Index (BMI) were also quantified.There was an inverse correlation between BATf and BMI in normal subjects. The BATf of the PCOS group was significantly smaller than the NCF (P 0.001). On the other hand, FWF(BAT) correlated linearly with BMI in healthy subjects. The PCOS group had higher FWF(BAT) than the NCF group (P 0.001).Normal subjects with higher BMI show less BATf and have increased FWF(BAT), indicating relatively higher level of metabolic passive WAT depot and relatively reduced metabolism in their BAT depots. PCOS patients have the least BATf and the highest FWF(BAT), suggesting decreased BAT mass and function in PCOS. Novel imaging technique with ZSI for the characterization of BAT mass and function in PCOS may help to monitor treatment responses of PCOS therapies.

Drop-weight impact test and small-mass impact test were carried out on composite laminates. The contact force and AE signal were measured during the tests, and the correspondence between AE signals and damage were analyzed respectively. For the drop-weight impact test, the contact force dropped and the frequency of the AE signal increased suddenly when the delamination appeared. Then the AE signal was decomposed using empirical mode decomposition (EMD). The amplitude anomaly were found in the first several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), which could be used as a signal to characterize damage.; In the small-mass impact test, the contact force and AE signal were investigated in the same way. Additionally, Fourier transform (FFT) was used to find whether there is delamination. Results reveal that when laminates suffers the drop-weight impact, AE signals, combined with EMD, can be used for real-time health monitoring, For the plates impacted by small-mass objects, AE signal, EMD and Fourier transform can be used to determine whether there is delamination in the laminate.

The new energy industry gains more and more attention since the problem of resource scarcity and utilization of the renewable energy has become a global highlight issue. In this paper, we propose a new load forecasting model under the development of new energy industry by choosing the typical wind power as the key subject, which is also an important reference for other energy industries. The wind power load forecasting model is built based on optimized combination, which is forecasted and analyzed by the time series, the Markov and the gray forecasting models individually, and then combined by the optimized weighting coefficients. The method has overcome the limitations of poor adaptability of the single forecasting models and come out with an ideal result. Experimental results show our method has better performance compared with other related algorithms in different datasets.

The virtual synchronous generator with the hybrid energy storage system consisting of battery and ultracapacitor allows the inverter to better simulate the inertia of the synchronous generator. When the power fluctuation occurs in the system., by introducing voltage deviation to make the fluctuation reasonably distributed between battery and ultracapacitor. In order to extend the service life of the battery to some extent., a control strategy with battery state of charge (SOC) feedback is proposed. By mode switching., the battery can stop charging when the SOC reaches the upper limit. The simulation model was built in Simulink and the method was verified by analyzing the operation of the battery in the stage of normal charge and discharge and the charge reached the upper limit.

The aim of this study was to use DKI to detect the microstructural change of the discs in matured normal rats.Total 24 normal SD rats (12 males/12 females) underwent DWI/DKI and T2 sequences with a 3T MRI scanner to get the values of ADC, FA, MD, Da, Dr, MK, Ka and Kr. The discs were categorized using a five-grade degeneration grading system in the T2-images. The height of the discs and the parameters in DWI/DKI were measured to compare between the different grades and sexes. The histological images and the images of fiber tracking were also done in the discs.There were 30 Grade 1 and 18 Grade 2 in the discs. Compared with Grade 1, decreased ADC, increased FA and MK values were observed in Grade 2 (P0.05). By the ROC analysis of grades of the discs, there was low diagnostic accuracy in ADC value, while FA and MK showed higher accuracy. In Grade 1, there were lower ADC value, lower Dr, higher MK, Ka and Kr in male's group than them in female's group. There were no differences in the parameters except the ADC value in the two sexes in Grade 2. The different microstructure of the normal discs in the male and female rats had been proved by the histological images and the images of fiber tracking.DKI is a noninvasive and sustainable means to test the changes of intervertebral discs. The discs in Grade 2 were also found in the normal matured SD rat tails. The assessment of the grade of the discs in T2-images should be done before the experimental management. There was microstructural difference in the nucleus pulposus in the discs in Grade 1 and 2. FA and MK showed higher diagnostic accuracy. The laboratory rats should be the same sex because the microstructure of the normal discs weren't the same.