Objective:An increasing number of studies indicate that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury,and that regulating autophagy can enhance recovery from spinal cord injury.However,th...Objective:An increasing number of studies indicate that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury,and that regulating autophagy can enhance recovery from spinal cord injury.However,the effect of regulating autophagy and whether autophagy is detrimental or beneficial after spinal cord injury remain unclear.Therefore,in this study we evaluated the effects of autophagy regulation on spinal cord injury in rats by direct and indirect comparison,in an effort to provide a basis for further research.Data source:Relevant literature published from inception to February 1,2018 were included by searching Wanfang,CNKI,Web of Science,MEDLINE(OvidSP),PubMed and Google Scholar in English and Chinese.The keywords included"autophagy","spinal cord injury",and"rat".Data selection:The literature included in vivo experimental studies on autophagy regulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury(including intervention pre-and post-spinal cord injury).Meta-analyses were conducted at different time points to compare the therapeutic effects of promoting or inhibiting autophagy,and subgroup analyses were also conducted.Outcome measure:Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores.Results:Of the 622 studies,33 studies of median quality were included in the analyses.Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day(MD=1.80,95%CI:0.81-2.79,P=0.0004),3 days(MD=0.92,95%CI:0.72-1.13,P<0.00001),1 week(MD=2.39,95%CI:1.85-2.92,P<0.00001),2 weeks(MD=3.26,95%CI:2.40-4.13,P<0.00001),3 weeks(MD=3.13,95%CI:2.51-3.75,P<0.00001)and 4 weeks(MD=3.18,95%CI:2.43-3.92,P<0.00001)after spinal cord injury with upregulation of autophagy compared with the control group(drug solvent control,such as saline group).Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day(MD=6.48,95%CI:5.83-7.13,P<0.00001),2 weeks(MD=2.43,95%CI:0.79-4.07,P=0.004),3 weeks(MD=2.96,95%CI:0.09-5.84,P=0.04)and 4 weeks(MD=4.41,95%CI:1.08-7.75,P=0.01)after spinal cord injury with downregulation of autophagy compared with the control group.Indirect comparison of upregulation and downregulation of autophagy showed no differences in Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores at 1 day(MD=-4.68,95%CI:-5.840 to-3.496,P=0.94644),3 days(MD=-0.28,95%CI:-2.231-1.671,P=0.99448),1 week(MD=1.83,95%CI:0.0076-3.584,P=0.94588),2 weeks(MD=0.81,95%CI:-0.850-2.470,P=0.93055),3 weeks(MD=0.17,95%Cl:-2.771-3.111,P=0.99546)or 4 weeks(MD=-1.23,95%Cl:-4.647-2.187,P=0.98264)compared with the control group.Conclusion:Regulation of autophagy improves neurological function,whether it is upregulated or downregulated.There was no difference between upregulation and downregulation of autophagy in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The variability in results among the studies may be associated with differences in research methods,the lack of clearly defined autophagy characteristics after spinal cord injury,and the limited autophagy monitoring techniques.Thus,methods should be standardized,and the dynamic regulation of autophagy should be examined in future studies.展开更多
A Linear Programming DASH diet model for persons with hypertension has previously been formulated and daily minimum cost diet plans that satisfy the DASH diets’ tolerable intake level of the nutrients for 1500 mg a d...A Linear Programming DASH diet model for persons with hypertension has previously been formulated and daily minimum cost diet plans that satisfy the DASH diets’ tolerable intake level of the nutrients for 1500 mg a day Sodium level and different daily calorie levels were obtained using sample foods from the DASH diet eating plan chart. But the limitation in the use of linear programming model in selecting diet plans to meet specific nutritional requirements which normally results in the oversupply of certain nutrients was evident in the linear programming DASH diet plan obtained as the nutrient level of the diet plans obtained had wide deviations of from the DASH diets’ tolerable upper and lower intake level for the given calorie and sodium levels. Hence the need for a model that gives diet plans with minimized nutrients’ level deviations from the DASH diets’ tolerable intake level for different daily calorie and sodium level at desired cost. A weighted Goal Programming DASH diet model that minimizes the daily cost of the DASH eating plan as well as deviations of the diets’ nutrients content from the DASH diet’s tolerable intake levels is hereby presented in this work. The formulated weighted goal programming DASH diet model is further illustrated using chosen sample foods from the DASH food chart as used in the work on the linear programming DASH diet model for a 1500 mg sodium level and 2000 calories a day diet plan as well as for 1800, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800 and 3000 daily calorie levels. A comparison of the DASH nutrients’ composition of the weighted Goal Programming DASH diet plans and those of the linear programming DASH diet plans were carried out at this sodium level and the different daily calorie levels. It was evident from the results of the comparison that the weighted goal programming DASH diet plans has minimized deviations from the DASH diet’s tolerable intake levels than those of the linear programming DASH diet plans.展开更多
A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of obj...A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of object interpretation of satellite images and forming of OMT (Object Map of Territory) is described. A list of allowable differences between two OMTs is defined. Two steps technique of quantitative measuring is proposed. At the first stage functions are constructed for calculating local measures of differences in the amount, areas and locations of objects on the map, as well as relations between the objects. In the second stage local measures are used to calculate the integral measure in order to get generalized assessment of difference between maps. The methods for constructing functions which calculate local and integral measures of differences are described. Examples of comparing and measuring the differences between OMTs are provided. Obtained results by utilizing this technique can be used to analyze trends, forecast of development and might be helpful for choosing most efficient scenarios for sustainable spatial planning and land management.展开更多
Dear Editor Research on neurodegenerative diseases is a hot topic worldwide[1],and MRI,genetics and epigenetics,and animal models have been commonly used.Considering species differences,research on human brain samples...Dear Editor Research on neurodegenerative diseases is a hot topic worldwide[1],and MRI,genetics and epigenetics,and animal models have been commonly used.Considering species differences,research on human brain samples is irreplaceable(2)Many countries and regions have built brain banks to collect and store brain tissue from donors.Samples provided by a brain bank can be used to study synaptic structure,protein,DNA,RNA[3,4],and lipids to illuminate the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.When brain tissue is used for gene expression research,the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)is an accurate method,which simultaneously amplifies and quantifies the expression of target genes by measuring the intensity of fluorescence in each PCR cycle.展开更多
In the future, solar energy will be a very important energy source. Several studies suppose that more than 45% of the energy in the world will be generated by photovoltaic array. Therefore it is necessary to concentra...In the future, solar energy will be a very important energy source. Several studies suppose that more than 45% of the energy in the world will be generated by photovoltaic array. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate our forces to reduce the application costs and to increment their performance. In order to reach the last aspect, it is important to note that the output characteristic of a photovoltaic array is nonlinear and changes with solar irradiation and cell’s temperature. Therefore a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique is needed to maximize the produced energy. This paper presents a comparative study of seven widely-adopted MPPT algorithms;their performance is evaluated using, for all the techniques, a common device with minimum hardware variations. In particular, this study compares the behaviors of each technique in presence of solar irradiation variations.展开更多
Acupuncture therapy had established in China and it distributed among Asian countries and developed in each country as traditional medicine. In this project we compared the procedures and effects of traditional acupun...Acupuncture therapy had established in China and it distributed among Asian countries and developed in each country as traditional medicine. In this project we compared the procedures and effects of traditional acupuncture therapies in China, Korea and Japan by using 10 healthy young male volunteers with written informed consent. Total white cell counts, leukocyte subsets and noradrenalin contents were used as outcomes. Three well trained traditional acupuncture therapists were chosen and they treated the same subjects at random order with intervals of at least two months. Each acupuncturist made his diagnosis and points selection for potentiate vital conditions. Clearly different procedures and point selections were used among three traditional acupuncture therapies on the same subject and the obtained changes of outcome measures also differed. Although variations of data were quite large, these results clearly demonstrated that acupuncture therapies have developed among three countries in unique manner.展开更多
Chinese culture “going global” is an inevitable requirement for China’s economic and social development.As an important part of Chinese traditional culture,the dissemination of Confucian thought is just the spread ...Chinese culture “going global” is an inevitable requirement for China’s economic and social development.As an important part of Chinese traditional culture,the dissemination of Confucian thought is just the spread of Chinese culture.Therefore,the spread of Chinese Confucian thought abroad is also the key to Chinese culture “going global”.However,there are some cultural hinders between China and the West due to the differences in cultures.On the basis of summarizing Confucius and Socrates’ thoughts,this paper analyzes their essence of thoughts by contrast,which represent the eastern and Western cultures respectively.From the perspective of cross-cultural communication,the paper adopts the methods of multiculturalism,criticism and down-to-earth attitudes to deal with Chinese and Western cultures in order to make Chinese go global and share China’s wisdom with the world.展开更多
Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predom...Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predominant control strategies:chemical control and biological control agents,in managing the citrus psyllid.It emphasizes the mechanisms of action,efficacy,and application advancements of these control methods.Finally,the paper analyzes the principal challenges associated with the sustainable management of citrus psyllids and offers perspectives for future research.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to rationally and effectively use natural genetic resources of white birch(Betula platyphylla Suk.),and improve the scientific and technological content of improved varieties.[Meth...[Objectives]This study was conducted to rationally and effectively use natural genetic resources of white birch(Betula platyphylla Suk.),and improve the scientific and technological content of improved varieties.[Methods]With the progeny of the white birch populations naturally distributed in northern China as objects,based on genetic effect analysis and comprehensive evaluation,the genetic variation,heritability and genetic gain of the growth characters in the progeny forest were systematically analyzed,by which populations or individuals with good growth vigor and strong stress resistance and adaptability were finally selected.[Results]There were extremely significant differences in the growth characters between the natural populations of white birch in northern China.The variation was the smallest in tree height,followed by crown width,and largest in DBH,and the average coefficients of variation were 20.56%,32.25%and 33.00%,respectively.The differences in characters between progeny of the same population were also extremely significant.The growth characters of white birch were more controlled by genes,and the genetic gains were larger.The heritability of tree height,DBH and crown width was 0.971,0.816 and 0.576,respectively,and the genetic gains were 15.97%,21.54%and 13.87%,respectively.[Conclusions]With the growth characters as the main evaluation indexes,taking various influencing factors into account,the Shanxi[SX]population,Hebei[HB]population and Liaoning[LN]population were selected to be excellent populations,and LN305,SX516 and HB403 were excellent individuals,which are advised to be widely used in multi-generation genetic improvement breeding.展开更多
Feature Model (FM) became an important role in Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) field. Many approaches have been introduced since the original FM came up with Feature Oriented Domain Analysis (FODA) introduced...Feature Model (FM) became an important role in Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) field. Many approaches have been introduced since the original FM came up with Feature Oriented Domain Analysis (FODA) introduced by Kang in 1990. The main purpose of FM is used for commonality and variability analysis in domain engineering, to optimize the reusable aspect of software features or components. Cardinality-based Feature Model (CBFM) is one extension of original FM, which integrates several notations of other extensions. In CBFM, feature model defined as hierarchy of feature, with each of feature has a cardinality. The other notation to express variability within SPLE is Orthogonal Variability Model (OVM). At the other hand, OMG as standard organization makes an effort to build standard generic language to express the commonality and variability in SPL field, by initiate Common Variability Language (CVL). This paper reports the comparison and mapping of FODA, CBFM and OVM to CVL where need to be explored first to define meta model mapping of these several approaches. Furthermore, the comparison and mapping of those approaches are discussed in term of R3ST (read as “REST”) software feature model as the case study.展开更多
Gravity dams are solid concrete structures that maintain their stability against design loads from the geometric shape, mass and strength of the concrete. The purposes of dam construction may include navigation, flood...Gravity dams are solid concrete structures that maintain their stability against design loads from the geometric shape, mass and strength of the concrete. The purposes of dam construction may include navigation, flood damage reduction, hydroelectric power generation, fish and wildlife enhancement, water quality, water supply, and recreation. The design and evaluation of concrete gravity dam for earthquake loading must be based on appropriate criteria that reflect both the desired level of safety and the choice of the design and evaluation procedures. In Bangladesh, the entire country is divided into 3 seismic zones, depending upon the severity of the earthquake intensity. Thus, the main aim of this study is to design high concrete gravity dams based on the U.S.B.R. recommendations in seismic zone II of Bangladesh, for varying horizontal earthquake intensities from 0.10 g - 0.30 g with 0.05 g increment to take into account the uncertainty and severity of earthquake intensities and constant other design loads, and to analyze its stability and stress conditions using analytical 2D gravity method and finite element method. The results of the horizontal earthquake intensity perturbation suggest that the stabilizing moments are found to decrease significantly with the increment of horizontal earthquake intensity while dealing with the U.S.B.R. recommended initial dam section, indicating endanger to the dam stability, thus larger dam section is provided to increase the stabilizing moments and to make it safe against failure. The vertical, principal and shear stresses obtained using ANSYS 5.4 analyses are compared with those obtained using 2D gravity method and found less compares to 2D gravity method, except the principal stresses at the toe of the gravity dam for 0.10 g - 0.15 g. Although, it seems apparently that smaller dam section may be sufficient for stress analyses using ANSYS 5.4, it would not be possible to achieve the required factors of safety with smaller dam section. It is observed during stability analyses that the factor of safety against sliding is satisfied at last than other factors of safety, resulting huge dam section to make it safe against sliding. Thus, it can be concluded that it would not be feasible to construct a concrete gravity dam for horizontal earthquake intensity greater than 0.30 g without changing other loads and or dimension of the dam and keeping provision for drainage gallery to reduce the uplift pressure significantly.展开更多
Recently, Liu et al. [Commun. Theor. Phys. 57(2012) 583] proposed a quantum private comparison protocol based on entanglement swapping of Bell states, which aims to securely compare the equality of two participants...Recently, Liu et al. [Commun. Theor. Phys. 57(2012) 583] proposed a quantum private comparison protocol based on entanglement swapping of Bell states, which aims to securely compare the equality of two participants' information with the help of a semi-honest third party(TP). However, the present study points out there is a fatal loophole in Liu et al.'s protocol, and TP can make Bell-basis measurement to know all the participants' secret inputs without being detected. To fix the problem, a simple solution, which uses one-time eavesdropper checking with decoy photons instead of twice eavesdropper checking with Bell states, is demonstrated. Compared with the original protocol,it not only reduces the Bell states consumption but also simplifies the protocol steps.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders.However,few large-scale studies from South Asia have examined long-ter...BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders.However,few large-scale studies from South Asia have examined long-term ERCP outcomes,particularly using established quality benchmarks.AIM To evaluate ERCP indications,success rates,complications,and quality performance at a high-volume tertiary care center in Pakistan over a 17-year period.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed 13215 ERCP procedures performed between 2006 and 2023.Data included demographics,indications,cannulation rates,complications,and pediatric cases.Findings were assessed against American Society of Gastroenterology/European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy quality indicators.RESULTS Biliary ERCP accounted for 93.1%of procedures;choledocholithiasis was the most common indication(40%).Cannulation success was 93.9%for biliary and 94.2%for pancreatic ERCP.Pediatric ERCP comprised 4%of cases,mostly for stones and chronic pancreatitis.Bleeding(1.7%)and post-ERCP pancreatitis(2.3%)were the most frequent complications.Performance met or exceeded most American Society of Benchmarks.CONCLUSION This study offers insight into nearly two decades of ERCP practice within a public sector hospital.Our experience echoes the quality and efficiency of ERCP not previously available in Pakistan.As healthcare systems in resourcelimited sectors expand,our findings serve as a reference point.Continued training and quality improvement studies can further enhance ERCP effectiveness in the region and beyond.展开更多
Background:Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users.While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’social media usage,the link betw...Background:Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users.While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’social media usage,the link between upward social comparison and anxiety remains unclear.This study aims to investigate the mediating role of upward social comparison in this relationship and determine the moderating role of psychological resilience.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 562 young Chinese adults aged 18–35(53%female).Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing validated measurement instruments,including scales for social media usage patterns,upward comparator behaviour(INCOM),anxiety levels(GAD-7),and psychological resilience(RSA).Correlation analysis,mediation analysis,and moderation analysis were conducted using SPSS 29.0.Results:As predicted,the results indicate that upward social comparison mediates the relationship between both active(β=−0.11,95%CI=[−0.15,−0.08])and passive(β=0.11,95%CI=[0.07,0.15])social media use and anxiety.Furthermore,psychological resilience(β_(low)=0.10,95%CI=[0.06,0.14];β_(high)=0.05,95%CI=[0.01,0.09])moderated the indirect effect of passive social media use on anxiety through upward social comparison.Conclusion:The findings indicate that upward social comparison significantly influences the anxiety experienced by young social media users,with psychological resilience playing a crucial moderating role.These results offer valuable insights for optimizing content recommendation algorithms on social media platforms to better support young adults’mental health.展开更多
Two reconstructed sea surface temperature(SST) datasets(HadISST1 and COBE SST2) with centennial-scale are compared on the SST climate change over the China Seas and their adjacent sea areas. Two independent datasets s...Two reconstructed sea surface temperature(SST) datasets(HadISST1 and COBE SST2) with centennial-scale are compared on the SST climate change over the China Seas and their adjacent sea areas. Two independent datasets show consistency in statistically significant trends, with a warming trend of 0.07—0.08 ℃ per decade from 1890 to2013. However, in shorter epochs(such as 1961—2013 and 1981—2013), HadISST1 exhibits stronger warming rates than those of COBE SST2. Both datasets experienced a sudden decrease in the global hiatus period(1998—2013), but the cooling rate of HadISST1 is lower than that of COBE SST2. These differences are possibly caused by the different observations sources which are incorporated to fill with data-sparse regions since 1982. Different data sources may lead to higher values in HadISST1 from 1981 to 2013 than that in COBE SST2. Meanwhile, the different data sources and bias adjustment before the World War II may also cause the large divergence between COBE SST2 and HadISST1,leading to lower SST from 1891 to 1930. These findings illustrate that the long-term linear trends are broadly similar in the centennial-scale in the China Seas using different datasets. However, there are large uncertainties in the estimate of warming or cooling tendency in the shorter epochs, because there are different data sources, different bias adjustment and interpolation method in different datasets.展开更多
There are similarities and differences in the construction of the two poems:Charlotte Mew’s"Rooms"and Philip Larkin’s"Home is so Sad(HISS)".Both convey a sense of regret and loss through the port...There are similarities and differences in the construction of the two poems:Charlotte Mew’s"Rooms"and Philip Larkin’s"Home is so Sad(HISS)".Both convey a sense of regret and loss through the portrayal of abandoned rooms.However,"Rooms"highlights the despair upon the withering away of life and the slow,painful approach of death,while"HISS"expresses the pain upon the loss of loved ones.The rooms in each poem may have different roles in the lives of their owners,but in each case,they form a significant linkage of the past and present,and ultimately symbolise the abandonment of human heart itself.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">With the rise of population and the industrial revolution, it is obvious that hotels and resorts are increasing drastically day by day. In the 21st century, tourism i...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">With the rise of population and the industrial revolution, it is obvious that hotels and resorts are increasing drastically day by day. In the 21st century, tourism is a trend. Everyone loves to travel and the reasons vary from person to person. Whether it is to have a cheerful and peaceful mind and place or business purposes, either way, hotels and resorts actually doing their jobs very well. This, tourism is a promising sector for any country and Bangladesh is no different. But the problem is we have to do the hotel booking and reservation manually most of the time. Sometimes it is too troublesome and knowing about the suitable hotels and resorts is too difficult. Though there are some online platforms available, they are not our country-oriented such as the payment system is not preferable for us. To solve this problem Vhromon is developed, a comparison-based hotel and resort booking system where anyone can book a hotel or resort by just login from the internet. Vhromon is an interactive online platform and it is user-friendly and easy to get like most of the platforms available nowadays. But they do not have all the hotels and resorts enlisted, only the well-known ones. On the other hand, Vhromon has everything enlisted where customers can compare them and can choose the right one for them. Furthermore, this system has a vendor panel where any hotel or resort owner can add their hotel or resort easily without any hassle, unlike the existing one.</span>展开更多
State-of-the-art technologies such as the Internet of Things(IoT),cloud computing(CC),big data analytics(BDA),and artificial intelligence(AI)have greatly stimulated the development of smart manufacturing.An important ...State-of-the-art technologies such as the Internet of Things(IoT),cloud computing(CC),big data analytics(BDA),and artificial intelligence(AI)have greatly stimulated the development of smart manufacturing.An important prerequisite for smart manufacturing is cyber-physical integration,which is increasingly being embraced by manufacturers.As the preferred means of such integration,cyber-physical systems(CPS)and digital twins(DTs)have gained extensive attention from researchers and practitioners in industry.With feedback loops in which physical processes affect cyber parts and vice versa,CPS and DTs can endow manufacturing systems with greater efficiency,resilience,and intelligence.CPS and DTs share the same essential concepts of an intensive cyber-physical connection,real-time interaction,organization integration,and in-depth collaboration.However,CPS and DTs are not identical from many perspectives,including their origin,development,engineering practices,cyber-physical mapping,and core elements.In order to highlight the differences and correlation between them,this paper reviews and analyzes CPS and DTs from multiple perspectives.展开更多
AIM:To compare effectiveness,safety,and cost of photodynamic therapy(PDT)and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in treatment of Barrett’s dysplasia(BD).METHODS:Consecutive case series of patients undergoing either PDT or RF...AIM:To compare effectiveness,safety,and cost of photodynamic therapy(PDT)and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in treatment of Barrett’s dysplasia(BD).METHODS:Consecutive case series of patients undergoing either PDT or RFA treatment at single center by a single investigator were compared.Thirty-three patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)had treatment with porfimer sodium photosensitzer and 630 nm laser(130 J/cm),with maximum of 3 treatment sessions.Fifty-three patients with BD(47 with low-grade dysplasia-LGD,6 with HGD)had step-wise circumferential and focal ablation using the HALO system with maximum of 4 treatment sessions.Both groups received proton pump inhibitors twice daily.Endoscopic biopsies were acquired at 2 and 12 mo after enrollment,with 4-quadrant biopsies every 1 cm of the original BE extent.A complete histological resolution response of BD(CR-D)was defined as all biopsies at the last endoscopy session negative for BD.Fisher’s exact test was used to assess differences between the two study groups for primary outcomes.For all outcomes,a two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS:Thirty(91%)PDT patients and 39(74%)RFA were men(P=0.05).The mean age was 70.7±12.2 and 65.4±12.7(P=0.10)year and mean length of BE was 5.4±3.2 cm and 5.7±3.2 cm(P=0.53)for PDT and RFA patients,respectively.The CR-D was(18/33)54.5%with PDT vs(47/53)88.7%with RFA(P=0.001).One patient with PDT had an esophageal perforation and was managed with non-surgical measures and no perforation was seen with RFA.PDT was five times more costly than RFA at our institution.The two groups were not randomized and had different BD grading are the limitations of the study.CONCLUSION:In our experience,RFA had higher rate of CR-D without any serious adverse events and was less costly than PDT for endoscopic treatment of BD.展开更多
基金supported by the Beijing Excellent Talent Training Foundation of China,No.2017000021469G215(to DZhang)the Natural Science Foundation of Capital Medical University of China,No.PYZ2018081(to DZhang)the Youth Science Foundation of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of China,No.2016-YQN-14(to DZhang)
文摘Objective:An increasing number of studies indicate that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury,and that regulating autophagy can enhance recovery from spinal cord injury.However,the effect of regulating autophagy and whether autophagy is detrimental or beneficial after spinal cord injury remain unclear.Therefore,in this study we evaluated the effects of autophagy regulation on spinal cord injury in rats by direct and indirect comparison,in an effort to provide a basis for further research.Data source:Relevant literature published from inception to February 1,2018 were included by searching Wanfang,CNKI,Web of Science,MEDLINE(OvidSP),PubMed and Google Scholar in English and Chinese.The keywords included"autophagy","spinal cord injury",and"rat".Data selection:The literature included in vivo experimental studies on autophagy regulation in the treatment of spinal cord injury(including intervention pre-and post-spinal cord injury).Meta-analyses were conducted at different time points to compare the therapeutic effects of promoting or inhibiting autophagy,and subgroup analyses were also conducted.Outcome measure:Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores.Results:Of the 622 studies,33 studies of median quality were included in the analyses.Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day(MD=1.80,95%CI:0.81-2.79,P=0.0004),3 days(MD=0.92,95%CI:0.72-1.13,P<0.00001),1 week(MD=2.39,95%CI:1.85-2.92,P<0.00001),2 weeks(MD=3.26,95%CI:2.40-4.13,P<0.00001),3 weeks(MD=3.13,95%CI:2.51-3.75,P<0.00001)and 4 weeks(MD=3.18,95%CI:2.43-3.92,P<0.00001)after spinal cord injury with upregulation of autophagy compared with the control group(drug solvent control,such as saline group).Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores were higher at 1 day(MD=6.48,95%CI:5.83-7.13,P<0.00001),2 weeks(MD=2.43,95%CI:0.79-4.07,P=0.004),3 weeks(MD=2.96,95%CI:0.09-5.84,P=0.04)and 4 weeks(MD=4.41,95%CI:1.08-7.75,P=0.01)after spinal cord injury with downregulation of autophagy compared with the control group.Indirect comparison of upregulation and downregulation of autophagy showed no differences in Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan scores at 1 day(MD=-4.68,95%CI:-5.840 to-3.496,P=0.94644),3 days(MD=-0.28,95%CI:-2.231-1.671,P=0.99448),1 week(MD=1.83,95%CI:0.0076-3.584,P=0.94588),2 weeks(MD=0.81,95%CI:-0.850-2.470,P=0.93055),3 weeks(MD=0.17,95%Cl:-2.771-3.111,P=0.99546)or 4 weeks(MD=-1.23,95%Cl:-4.647-2.187,P=0.98264)compared with the control group.Conclusion:Regulation of autophagy improves neurological function,whether it is upregulated or downregulated.There was no difference between upregulation and downregulation of autophagy in the treatment of spinal cord injury.The variability in results among the studies may be associated with differences in research methods,the lack of clearly defined autophagy characteristics after spinal cord injury,and the limited autophagy monitoring techniques.Thus,methods should be standardized,and the dynamic regulation of autophagy should be examined in future studies.
文摘A Linear Programming DASH diet model for persons with hypertension has previously been formulated and daily minimum cost diet plans that satisfy the DASH diets’ tolerable intake level of the nutrients for 1500 mg a day Sodium level and different daily calorie levels were obtained using sample foods from the DASH diet eating plan chart. But the limitation in the use of linear programming model in selecting diet plans to meet specific nutritional requirements which normally results in the oversupply of certain nutrients was evident in the linear programming DASH diet plan obtained as the nutrient level of the diet plans obtained had wide deviations of from the DASH diets’ tolerable upper and lower intake level for the given calorie and sodium levels. Hence the need for a model that gives diet plans with minimized nutrients’ level deviations from the DASH diets’ tolerable intake level for different daily calorie and sodium level at desired cost. A weighted Goal Programming DASH diet model that minimizes the daily cost of the DASH eating plan as well as deviations of the diets’ nutrients content from the DASH diet’s tolerable intake levels is hereby presented in this work. The formulated weighted goal programming DASH diet model is further illustrated using chosen sample foods from the DASH food chart as used in the work on the linear programming DASH diet model for a 1500 mg sodium level and 2000 calories a day diet plan as well as for 1800, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800 and 3000 daily calorie levels. A comparison of the DASH nutrients’ composition of the weighted Goal Programming DASH diet plans and those of the linear programming DASH diet plans were carried out at this sodium level and the different daily calorie levels. It was evident from the results of the comparison that the weighted goal programming DASH diet plans has minimized deviations from the DASH diet’s tolerable intake levels than those of the linear programming DASH diet plans.
文摘A new methodology of comparing digital raster maps was proposed which allows not only detecting changes in the maps, but also obtaining quantitative measures of the importance of selected differences. Procedure of object interpretation of satellite images and forming of OMT (Object Map of Territory) is described. A list of allowable differences between two OMTs is defined. Two steps technique of quantitative measuring is proposed. At the first stage functions are constructed for calculating local measures of differences in the amount, areas and locations of objects on the map, as well as relations between the objects. In the second stage local measures are used to calculate the integral measure in order to get generalized assessment of difference between maps. The methods for constructing functions which calculate local and integral measures of differences are described. Examples of comparing and measuring the differences between OMTs are provided. Obtained results by utilizing this technique can be used to analyze trends, forecast of development and might be helpful for choosing most efficient scenarios for sustainable spatial planning and land management.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81271239, 81771205, and 91632113)the Natural Science Foundation and Major Basic Research Program of Shanghai Municipality, China (16JC1420500 and 16JC1420502)+1 种基金the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2017-I2M-3-008)sponsored by the China Human Brain Bank Consortium
文摘Dear Editor Research on neurodegenerative diseases is a hot topic worldwide[1],and MRI,genetics and epigenetics,and animal models have been commonly used.Considering species differences,research on human brain samples is irreplaceable(2)Many countries and regions have built brain banks to collect and store brain tissue from donors.Samples provided by a brain bank can be used to study synaptic structure,protein,DNA,RNA[3,4],and lipids to illuminate the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.When brain tissue is used for gene expression research,the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)is an accurate method,which simultaneously amplifies and quantifies the expression of target genes by measuring the intensity of fluorescence in each PCR cycle.
文摘In the future, solar energy will be a very important energy source. Several studies suppose that more than 45% of the energy in the world will be generated by photovoltaic array. Therefore it is necessary to concentrate our forces to reduce the application costs and to increment their performance. In order to reach the last aspect, it is important to note that the output characteristic of a photovoltaic array is nonlinear and changes with solar irradiation and cell’s temperature. Therefore a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique is needed to maximize the produced energy. This paper presents a comparative study of seven widely-adopted MPPT algorithms;their performance is evaluated using, for all the techniques, a common device with minimum hardware variations. In particular, this study compares the behaviors of each technique in presence of solar irradiation variations.
文摘Acupuncture therapy had established in China and it distributed among Asian countries and developed in each country as traditional medicine. In this project we compared the procedures and effects of traditional acupuncture therapies in China, Korea and Japan by using 10 healthy young male volunteers with written informed consent. Total white cell counts, leukocyte subsets and noradrenalin contents were used as outcomes. Three well trained traditional acupuncture therapists were chosen and they treated the same subjects at random order with intervals of at least two months. Each acupuncturist made his diagnosis and points selection for potentiate vital conditions. Clearly different procedures and point selections were used among three traditional acupuncture therapies on the same subject and the obtained changes of outcome measures also differed. Although variations of data were quite large, these results clearly demonstrated that acupuncture therapies have developed among three countries in unique manner.
基金the research findings of Hunan Province Philosophy and Social Science Fund’s Foreign Language Joint Project“The Study of the Phenomenon of Unreliable Translation Based on Cultural Turn”(No.16WLH02)
文摘Chinese culture “going global” is an inevitable requirement for China’s economic and social development.As an important part of Chinese traditional culture,the dissemination of Confucian thought is just the spread of Chinese culture.Therefore,the spread of Chinese Confucian thought abroad is also the key to Chinese culture “going global”.However,there are some cultural hinders between China and the West due to the differences in cultures.On the basis of summarizing Confucius and Socrates’ thoughts,this paper analyzes their essence of thoughts by contrast,which represent the eastern and Western cultures respectively.From the perspective of cross-cultural communication,the paper adopts the methods of multiculturalism,criticism and down-to-earth attitudes to deal with Chinese and Western cultures in order to make Chinese go global and share China’s wisdom with the world.
基金Supported by National Undergraduate Training Programs for Innovation and Entrepreneurship(202510580009)Special Project for Promoting the Coordinated Development of Urban and Rural Areas and Regions by Introducing Scientific and Technological Achievements of Guangdong Province into Counties and Towns(2025B0202010051)Project of High-quality Development in Hundred Counties,Thousands Towns and Ten Thousand Villages of Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology:Key Dispatch Project for Rural Science and Technology Commissioners(KTP20240704).
文摘Given that the citrus psyllid is the primary vector of citrus Huanglongbing(HLB),there is an urgent need to control this pest to mitigate the spread of the disease.This paper reviews the current research on two predominant control strategies:chemical control and biological control agents,in managing the citrus psyllid.It emphasizes the mechanisms of action,efficacy,and application advancements of these control methods.Finally,the paper analyzes the principal challenges associated with the sustainable management of citrus psyllids and offers perspectives for future research.
基金Supported by Heilongjiang Provincial Science and Technology Department Project(GC04B116)National Forest Tree Germplasm Resource Platform Running Service Project(2011DKA21003-02)National Forestry Public Welfare Industry Research Project(201204307-07)
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to rationally and effectively use natural genetic resources of white birch(Betula platyphylla Suk.),and improve the scientific and technological content of improved varieties.[Methods]With the progeny of the white birch populations naturally distributed in northern China as objects,based on genetic effect analysis and comprehensive evaluation,the genetic variation,heritability and genetic gain of the growth characters in the progeny forest were systematically analyzed,by which populations or individuals with good growth vigor and strong stress resistance and adaptability were finally selected.[Results]There were extremely significant differences in the growth characters between the natural populations of white birch in northern China.The variation was the smallest in tree height,followed by crown width,and largest in DBH,and the average coefficients of variation were 20.56%,32.25%and 33.00%,respectively.The differences in characters between progeny of the same population were also extremely significant.The growth characters of white birch were more controlled by genes,and the genetic gains were larger.The heritability of tree height,DBH and crown width was 0.971,0.816 and 0.576,respectively,and the genetic gains were 15.97%,21.54%and 13.87%,respectively.[Conclusions]With the growth characters as the main evaluation indexes,taking various influencing factors into account,the Shanxi[SX]population,Hebei[HB]population and Liaoning[LN]population were selected to be excellent populations,and LN305,SX516 and HB403 were excellent individuals,which are advised to be widely used in multi-generation genetic improvement breeding.
文摘Feature Model (FM) became an important role in Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) field. Many approaches have been introduced since the original FM came up with Feature Oriented Domain Analysis (FODA) introduced by Kang in 1990. The main purpose of FM is used for commonality and variability analysis in domain engineering, to optimize the reusable aspect of software features or components. Cardinality-based Feature Model (CBFM) is one extension of original FM, which integrates several notations of other extensions. In CBFM, feature model defined as hierarchy of feature, with each of feature has a cardinality. The other notation to express variability within SPLE is Orthogonal Variability Model (OVM). At the other hand, OMG as standard organization makes an effort to build standard generic language to express the commonality and variability in SPL field, by initiate Common Variability Language (CVL). This paper reports the comparison and mapping of FODA, CBFM and OVM to CVL where need to be explored first to define meta model mapping of these several approaches. Furthermore, the comparison and mapping of those approaches are discussed in term of R3ST (read as “REST”) software feature model as the case study.
文摘Gravity dams are solid concrete structures that maintain their stability against design loads from the geometric shape, mass and strength of the concrete. The purposes of dam construction may include navigation, flood damage reduction, hydroelectric power generation, fish and wildlife enhancement, water quality, water supply, and recreation. The design and evaluation of concrete gravity dam for earthquake loading must be based on appropriate criteria that reflect both the desired level of safety and the choice of the design and evaluation procedures. In Bangladesh, the entire country is divided into 3 seismic zones, depending upon the severity of the earthquake intensity. Thus, the main aim of this study is to design high concrete gravity dams based on the U.S.B.R. recommendations in seismic zone II of Bangladesh, for varying horizontal earthquake intensities from 0.10 g - 0.30 g with 0.05 g increment to take into account the uncertainty and severity of earthquake intensities and constant other design loads, and to analyze its stability and stress conditions using analytical 2D gravity method and finite element method. The results of the horizontal earthquake intensity perturbation suggest that the stabilizing moments are found to decrease significantly with the increment of horizontal earthquake intensity while dealing with the U.S.B.R. recommended initial dam section, indicating endanger to the dam stability, thus larger dam section is provided to increase the stabilizing moments and to make it safe against failure. The vertical, principal and shear stresses obtained using ANSYS 5.4 analyses are compared with those obtained using 2D gravity method and found less compares to 2D gravity method, except the principal stresses at the toe of the gravity dam for 0.10 g - 0.15 g. Although, it seems apparently that smaller dam section may be sufficient for stress analyses using ANSYS 5.4, it would not be possible to achieve the required factors of safety with smaller dam section. It is observed during stability analyses that the factor of safety against sliding is satisfied at last than other factors of safety, resulting huge dam section to make it safe against sliding. Thus, it can be concluded that it would not be feasible to construct a concrete gravity dam for horizontal earthquake intensity greater than 0.30 g without changing other loads and or dimension of the dam and keeping provision for drainage gallery to reduce the uplift pressure significantly.
基金Supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.61103235,61170321,61373016 and 61373131the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)the Practice Inovation Trainng Program Projects for the Jiangsu College Students(201310300018Z)
文摘Recently, Liu et al. [Commun. Theor. Phys. 57(2012) 583] proposed a quantum private comparison protocol based on entanglement swapping of Bell states, which aims to securely compare the equality of two participants' information with the help of a semi-honest third party(TP). However, the present study points out there is a fatal loophole in Liu et al.'s protocol, and TP can make Bell-basis measurement to know all the participants' secret inputs without being detected. To fix the problem, a simple solution, which uses one-time eavesdropper checking with decoy photons instead of twice eavesdropper checking with Bell states, is demonstrated. Compared with the original protocol,it not only reduces the Bell states consumption but also simplifies the protocol steps.
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders.However,few large-scale studies from South Asia have examined long-term ERCP outcomes,particularly using established quality benchmarks.AIM To evaluate ERCP indications,success rates,complications,and quality performance at a high-volume tertiary care center in Pakistan over a 17-year period.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed 13215 ERCP procedures performed between 2006 and 2023.Data included demographics,indications,cannulation rates,complications,and pediatric cases.Findings were assessed against American Society of Gastroenterology/European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy quality indicators.RESULTS Biliary ERCP accounted for 93.1%of procedures;choledocholithiasis was the most common indication(40%).Cannulation success was 93.9%for biliary and 94.2%for pancreatic ERCP.Pediatric ERCP comprised 4%of cases,mostly for stones and chronic pancreatitis.Bleeding(1.7%)and post-ERCP pancreatitis(2.3%)were the most frequent complications.Performance met or exceeded most American Society of Benchmarks.CONCLUSION This study offers insight into nearly two decades of ERCP practice within a public sector hospital.Our experience echoes the quality and efficiency of ERCP not previously available in Pakistan.As healthcare systems in resourcelimited sectors expand,our findings serve as a reference point.Continued training and quality improvement studies can further enhance ERCP effectiveness in the region and beyond.
文摘Background:Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users.While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’social media usage,the link between upward social comparison and anxiety remains unclear.This study aims to investigate the mediating role of upward social comparison in this relationship and determine the moderating role of psychological resilience.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 562 young Chinese adults aged 18–35(53%female).Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing validated measurement instruments,including scales for social media usage patterns,upward comparator behaviour(INCOM),anxiety levels(GAD-7),and psychological resilience(RSA).Correlation analysis,mediation analysis,and moderation analysis were conducted using SPSS 29.0.Results:As predicted,the results indicate that upward social comparison mediates the relationship between both active(β=−0.11,95%CI=[−0.15,−0.08])and passive(β=0.11,95%CI=[0.07,0.15])social media use and anxiety.Furthermore,psychological resilience(β_(low)=0.10,95%CI=[0.06,0.14];β_(high)=0.05,95%CI=[0.01,0.09])moderated the indirect effect of passive social media use on anxiety through upward social comparison.Conclusion:The findings indicate that upward social comparison significantly influences the anxiety experienced by young social media users,with psychological resilience playing a crucial moderating role.These results offer valuable insights for optimizing content recommendation algorithms on social media platforms to better support young adults’mental health.
基金National Key Basic Research Program of China(2016YFA0602200,2012CB955203,2013CB430202)
文摘Two reconstructed sea surface temperature(SST) datasets(HadISST1 and COBE SST2) with centennial-scale are compared on the SST climate change over the China Seas and their adjacent sea areas. Two independent datasets show consistency in statistically significant trends, with a warming trend of 0.07—0.08 ℃ per decade from 1890 to2013. However, in shorter epochs(such as 1961—2013 and 1981—2013), HadISST1 exhibits stronger warming rates than those of COBE SST2. Both datasets experienced a sudden decrease in the global hiatus period(1998—2013), but the cooling rate of HadISST1 is lower than that of COBE SST2. These differences are possibly caused by the different observations sources which are incorporated to fill with data-sparse regions since 1982. Different data sources may lead to higher values in HadISST1 from 1981 to 2013 than that in COBE SST2. Meanwhile, the different data sources and bias adjustment before the World War II may also cause the large divergence between COBE SST2 and HadISST1,leading to lower SST from 1891 to 1930. These findings illustrate that the long-term linear trends are broadly similar in the centennial-scale in the China Seas using different datasets. However, there are large uncertainties in the estimate of warming or cooling tendency in the shorter epochs, because there are different data sources, different bias adjustment and interpolation method in different datasets.
文摘There are similarities and differences in the construction of the two poems:Charlotte Mew’s"Rooms"and Philip Larkin’s"Home is so Sad(HISS)".Both convey a sense of regret and loss through the portrayal of abandoned rooms.However,"Rooms"highlights the despair upon the withering away of life and the slow,painful approach of death,while"HISS"expresses the pain upon the loss of loved ones.The rooms in each poem may have different roles in the lives of their owners,but in each case,they form a significant linkage of the past and present,and ultimately symbolise the abandonment of human heart itself.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">With the rise of population and the industrial revolution, it is obvious that hotels and resorts are increasing drastically day by day. In the 21st century, tourism is a trend. Everyone loves to travel and the reasons vary from person to person. Whether it is to have a cheerful and peaceful mind and place or business purposes, either way, hotels and resorts actually doing their jobs very well. This, tourism is a promising sector for any country and Bangladesh is no different. But the problem is we have to do the hotel booking and reservation manually most of the time. Sometimes it is too troublesome and knowing about the suitable hotels and resorts is too difficult. Though there are some online platforms available, they are not our country-oriented such as the payment system is not preferable for us. To solve this problem Vhromon is developed, a comparison-based hotel and resort booking system where anyone can book a hotel or resort by just login from the internet. Vhromon is an interactive online platform and it is user-friendly and easy to get like most of the platforms available nowadays. But they do not have all the hotels and resorts enlisted, only the well-known ones. On the other hand, Vhromon has everything enlisted where customers can compare them and can choose the right one for them. Furthermore, this system has a vendor panel where any hotel or resort owner can add their hotel or resort easily without any hassle, unlike the existing one.</span>
基金This work is financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFB1101700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51875030)the Academic Excellence Foundation of BUAA for PhD Students.
文摘State-of-the-art technologies such as the Internet of Things(IoT),cloud computing(CC),big data analytics(BDA),and artificial intelligence(AI)have greatly stimulated the development of smart manufacturing.An important prerequisite for smart manufacturing is cyber-physical integration,which is increasingly being embraced by manufacturers.As the preferred means of such integration,cyber-physical systems(CPS)and digital twins(DTs)have gained extensive attention from researchers and practitioners in industry.With feedback loops in which physical processes affect cyber parts and vice versa,CPS and DTs can endow manufacturing systems with greater efficiency,resilience,and intelligence.CPS and DTs share the same essential concepts of an intensive cyber-physical connection,real-time interaction,organization integration,and in-depth collaboration.However,CPS and DTs are not identical from many perspectives,including their origin,development,engineering practices,cyber-physical mapping,and core elements.In order to highlight the differences and correlation between them,this paper reviews and analyzes CPS and DTs from multiple perspectives.
文摘AIM:To compare effectiveness,safety,and cost of photodynamic therapy(PDT)and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in treatment of Barrett’s dysplasia(BD).METHODS:Consecutive case series of patients undergoing either PDT or RFA treatment at single center by a single investigator were compared.Thirty-three patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)had treatment with porfimer sodium photosensitzer and 630 nm laser(130 J/cm),with maximum of 3 treatment sessions.Fifty-three patients with BD(47 with low-grade dysplasia-LGD,6 with HGD)had step-wise circumferential and focal ablation using the HALO system with maximum of 4 treatment sessions.Both groups received proton pump inhibitors twice daily.Endoscopic biopsies were acquired at 2 and 12 mo after enrollment,with 4-quadrant biopsies every 1 cm of the original BE extent.A complete histological resolution response of BD(CR-D)was defined as all biopsies at the last endoscopy session negative for BD.Fisher’s exact test was used to assess differences between the two study groups for primary outcomes.For all outcomes,a two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS:Thirty(91%)PDT patients and 39(74%)RFA were men(P=0.05).The mean age was 70.7±12.2 and 65.4±12.7(P=0.10)year and mean length of BE was 5.4±3.2 cm and 5.7±3.2 cm(P=0.53)for PDT and RFA patients,respectively.The CR-D was(18/33)54.5%with PDT vs(47/53)88.7%with RFA(P=0.001).One patient with PDT had an esophageal perforation and was managed with non-surgical measures and no perforation was seen with RFA.PDT was five times more costly than RFA at our institution.The two groups were not randomized and had different BD grading are the limitations of the study.CONCLUSION:In our experience,RFA had higher rate of CR-D without any serious adverse events and was less costly than PDT for endoscopic treatment of BD.
