This paper presents a novel general method for computing optimal motions of an industrial robot manipulator （AdeptOne XL robot） in the presence of fixed and oscillating obstacles. The optimization model considers th...This paper presents a novel general method for computing optimal motions of an industrial robot manipulator （AdeptOne XL robot） in the presence of fixed and oscillating obstacles. The optimization model considers the nonlinear manipulator dynamics, actuator constraints, joint limits, and obstacle avoidance. The problem has 6 objective functions, 88 variables, and 21 constraints. Two evolutionary algorithms, namely, elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm （NSGA-II） and multi-objective differential evolution （MODE）, have been used for the optimization. Two methods （normalized weighting objective functions and average fitness factor） are used to select the best solution tradeoffs. Two multi-objective performance measures, namely solution spread measure and ratio of non-dominated individuals, are used to evaluate the Pareto optimal fronts. Two multi-objective performance measures, namely, optimizer overhead and algorithm effort, are used to find the computational effort of the optimization algorithm. The trajectories are defined by B-spline functions. The results obtained from NSGA-II and MODE are compared and analyzed.展开更多
The rapid development of rare earth metal elements in the field of photocatalysis is due to their excellent optical and physicochemical properties.Benefiting from the unique external electronic structure of 4f_15d_16S...The rapid development of rare earth metal elements in the field of photocatalysis is due to their excellent optical and physicochemical properties.Benefiting from the unique external electronic structure of 4f_15d_16S_2,superior electronegativity of the 4f orbitals,and strong oxygen storage-release ability in Ce^(4+)/Ce^(3+)reversible pairs,cerium dioxide(CeO_(2))has attracted increasing interest from scientists.Nevertheless,the fast recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and wide energy band gap of bare CeO_(2)significantly limit its practical applications.To overcome the above drawbacks,the construction of heterojunctions has been developed to broaden the absorption spectrum and accelerate the charge transfer.This review presents a mini-review of the synthesis of CeO_(2)-based heterojunctions including typeⅡ,Z-scheme,and S-scheme photocatalysts,as well as the corresponding applications in photocatalytic bactericidal and antitumor therapy.Finally,the latest advancements and potential perspectives on their future development are also discussed.展开更多
The Monte Desert is characterized by a great diversity of landforms created with fluvial,alluvial which the vegetation patterns are related to.The present work has the following objectives:(1) determine whether topogr...The Monte Desert is characterized by a great diversity of landforms created with fluvial,alluvial which the vegetation patterns are related to.The present work has the following objectives:(1) determine whether topographical attributes,surface characteristics,soil properties and vegetation patterns vary between alluvial landforms,and(2) define whether morphometric,soil and surface properties influence vegetation patterns along alluvial landscape.Morphometric data were obtained by processing a 5 m digital elevation model.The coverage of rock fragments,fine sediments and mulch was quantified.Observations and descriptions of the soil profiles were restricted to the uppermost 50 cm.Vegetation properties were calculated using a Point Quadrat Method.The relationship between variables was evaluated through multivariate statistical analysis.The main results show the presence of 45 plant species distributed in 19 families,where shrubs are dominant.The wind effect,topographic wetness and dissection of the landscape are limiting factors of diversity.The coverage of superficial rock fragments influence vegetation coverage through the distribution and availability of rainwater.Furthermore,the different soil textures reveal that the silt content favors an increase in vegetation coverage.The presence of V horizon could condition the installation and development of vegetation in the early stages of growth.展开更多
Understanding plant community assembly is crucial for effective ecosystem conservation and restoration.The ecological filter framework describes community assembly as a process shaped by dispersal,environmental,and bi...Understanding plant community assembly is crucial for effective ecosystem conservation and restoration.The ecological filter framework describes community assembly as a process shaped by dispersal,environmental,and biotic filters.Additionally,functional traits and phylogenetic relationships are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing species coexistence and community structure.However,both the ecological filter framework and the roles of functional traits and phylogeny in community assembly remain underexplored in the Algerian steppes—particularly in the El Bayadh region,where ongoing vegetation degradation threatens ecosystem stability.This study applied Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities(HMSC)as an integrative approach to assess how ecological filters influence plant community assembly in the El Bayadh steppe and to evaluate the roles of functional traits and phylogenetic relationships in this process.Environmental data—including soil properties,topography,precipitation,and land use types(grazing and exclosure)—were collected across 50 plots in April and October,2023,along with functional traits from 24 species.These traits include root length,leaf area,specific leaf area,clonality,life history,and seed mass.HMSC results revealed that soil properties and precipitation were the primary drivers of community structure,while sand height and elevation had a moderate influence.In contrast,competition and grazing played relatively minor roles.Species responses to environmental covariates were heterogeneous:soil fertility and texture had mixed effects,benefiting some species while limiting others;sand encroachment and precipitation variability generally had negative impacts,whereas grazing exclusion favored many species.A weak phylogenetic signal was recorded,indicating that community assembly was driven more by environmental filtering than by shared evolutionary history.Functional trait responses to environmental variation reflected plant strategies that balanced resource acquisition and conservation.Specifically,seed mass,leaf area,and root length increased under higher soil moisture and nutrient availability but declined in response to salinity,precipitation variability,and sand height.Clonality and perennial life history traits enhanced the survival of plant species under harsh conditions.Overall,this study provides a holistic understanding of community assembly processes in the El Bayadh steppe and offers valuable insights for ecosystem management and restoration in arid and degraded ecosystem environments.展开更多
The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in th...The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in the first experimental phase is 500 kA,and in the future second phase,the goal of plasma current is 1 MA.On the EXL-50U project,the ENN fusion team expeditiously accomplished a series of comprehensive tasks including physical and engineering design,main component construction installation,and system commissioning,all within a mere eighteen-month timeframe.In the experiments of 2024,the EXL-50U achieved a 500 kA limiter configuration discharge using ECRH(Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating)for non-inductive current start-up and a current ramp-up with the synergetic effect of ECRH and central solenoid(CS).Preliminary divertor configuration plasmas were also obtained under 200 kA plasma current.The core ion temperature of 1 keV was achieved with low-power NBI heating,and the energy confinement time of 30 ms was reached with Ohmic heating in the flat-top phase.The current and future experiments of EXL-50U will strongly support the physical design and operational scenarios of EHL-2 in the areas of current drive,high ion temperature exploration,energy transport and confinement,and hydrogen-boron physical characteristics.At the same time,the experience in the design,construction,and commissioning of the engineering,heating,and diagnostics systems on EXL-50U is also very beneficial for enhancing the feasibility of the engineering design for EHL-2.展开更多
BACKGROUND The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)globally has increased disease burden and economic impact.Gaps remain in understanding the IBD burden between Asian and Western populations.AIM To esti...BACKGROUND The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)globally has increased disease burden and economic impact.Gaps remain in understanding the IBD burden between Asian and Western populations.AIM To estimate the current and following 10-year prevalence and incidence of IBD in Hong Kong,Japan,and the United States.METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBD were identified from a territory-wide electronic medical records database in Hong Kong(2003-2022,including all ages)and two large employment-based healthcare claims databases in Japan and the United States(2010-2022,including<65 age).We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models to predict prevalence and incidence from 2023 to 2032,stratified by disease subtype[ulcerative colitis(UC);Crohn’s disease(CD)],sex,and age,with 95%prediction intervals(PIs).The forecasted annual average percentage change(AAPC)with 95%confidence intervals was calculated.RESULTS The age-standardized prevalence of IBD for 2032 is forecasted at 105.88 per 100000 in Hong Kong(95%PI:83.01-128.75,AAPC:5.85%),645.79 in Japan(95%PI:562.51-741.39,AAPC:5.78%),and 629.85 in the United States(95%PI:569.09-690.63,AAPC:2.85%).Prevalence is estimated to rise most significantly among those under 18 in Japan and the United States.Over the next decade,the incidence of IBD is estimated to increase annually by 3.3%in Hong Kong with forecasted increases across all age groups(although the AAPC for each group is not statistically significant);by 2.88%in Japan with a significant rise in those under 18 and stability in 18-65;and remaining stable in the United States.By 2032,the prevalence of CD is estimated to surpass UC in Hong Kong and the United States,whereas UC will continue to be more prevalent in Japan.A higher prevalence and incidence of IBD is forecast for males in Hong Kong and Japan,whereas rates will be similar for both males and females in the United States.CONCLUSION The prevalence of IBD is forecasted to increase in Hong Kong,Japan,and the United States,while estimates of incidence vary.The forecasts show distinct patterns across disease subtype,sex,and age groups.Health systems will need to plan for the predicted increasing prevalence among different demographics.展开更多
In the experiments of actively triggering plasma disruption by massive gas injection, the externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation has been used to mitigate the hazard of runaway electron(RE). Motivated by th...In the experiments of actively triggering plasma disruption by massive gas injection, the externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation has been used to mitigate the hazard of runaway electron(RE). Motivated by the experiment of multimode coupling to suppress REs on J-TEXT, some typical simulation cases with non-ideal MHD with rotation-open discussion(NIMROD) code are carried out to explore the influential mechanism of different relative phases between m/n =2/1 and m/n = 3/1 magnetic islands on the confinement of REs. Results show that the RE confinement is drastically affected by the relative phase between 2/1 and 3/1 magnetic islands. When the O point phase of 2/1 and 3/1 magnetic islands is toroidal 330°, REs can be effectively lost. The fitting curve of the remaining ratio of REs vs. the relative toroidal phase is predicted to approximate a sine-like function dependence. Further studies indicate that the phase difference between coexisting 2/1 and 3/1 islands can affect the radial transport of impurities. The loss of runaway electrons is closely related to the deposition effect of impurity. The impurity is easier to spread into the core region with smaller poloidal phase difference between the radial velocity of impurity and the impurity quantity of Ar.展开更多
The Middle-Late Jurassic transition period is a critical period for the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates,but the global fossil record from this time is relatively poor.The Shishugou Fauna of this period has recent...The Middle-Late Jurassic transition period is a critical period for the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates,but the global fossil record from this time is relatively poor.The Shishugou Fauna of this period has recently produced significant fossil remains of dinosaurs and other vertebrate groups,some representing the earliest known members of several dinosaurian groups and other vertebrate groups and some representing the best-known specimens of their group.These discoveries are significant for our understanding of the origin and evolution of several vertebrate lineages.Radiometric dating indicates that the fauna is aged approximately 159-164 Ma.Comparisons with other similarly-aged terrestrial faunas such as Shaximiao and Yanliao show both taxonomic similarities and differences between these faunas and indicate that the Junggar deposits might have preserved the most complete vertebrate fossil record for a Middle-Late Jurassic Laurasian terrestrial fauna.展开更多
Sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)has been linked with male infertility,and previous studies suggest that SDF can have negative influence on pregnancy outcomes with assisted reproduction.We performed a retrospective review ...Sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)has been linked with male infertility,and previous studies suggest that SDF can have negative influence on pregnancy outcomes with assisted reproduction.We performed a retrospective review of consecutive couples with a high SDF level that had intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)using testicular sperm(T-ICSI).We compared the T-ICSI outcomes to that of two control groups:87 couples with failed first ICSI cycle and who had a second ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm(Ej-ICSI),and 48 consecutive couples with high sperm chromatin structure assay(SCSA)-defined SDF(>15%)that underwent an ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm after one or more failed ICSI cycles(Ej-ICSI-high SDF).The mean number of oocytes that were retrieved and the total number of embryos were not different among the three groups.The mean number of transferred embryos in the T-ICSI group was higher than the Ej-ICSI group but not significantly different than the Ej-ICSI-high SDF group(1.4,1.2,and 1.3,respectively,P<0.05).Clinical pregnancy rate in the T-ICSI group was not significantly different than the Ej-ICSI and Ej-ICSI-high SDF groups(48.6%,48.2%,and 38.7%,respectively,P>0.05).No significant difference was found in live birth rate when comparing T-ICSI to Ej-ICSI and Ej-ICSI-high SDF groups.The results suggest that pregnancy outcomes and live birth rates with T-ICSI are not significantly superior to Ej-ICSI in patients with an elevated SCSA-defined sperm DNA fragmentation and prior ICSI failure(s).展开更多
Isotopic fragment yields of projectile fragmentation in peripheral collisions of^(86)Kr on^(124;112)Sn and the mean neutron-to-proton ratios of the fragments are calculated, theoretically, within the ensemble approach...Isotopic fragment yields of projectile fragmentation in peripheral collisions of^(86)Kr on^(124;112)Sn and the mean neutron-to-proton ratios of the fragments are calculated, theoretically, within the ensemble approach of statistical multifragmentation model. Obtained data are compared to the experimental cross-section measurements for the projectile-like fragmentation in the reaction of 25 Me V/nucleon^(86)Kr+^(124;112)Sn at Texas A&M University.We show the enhancement in the production of neutronrich isotopes close to the projectile as observed in the experiments. We also demonstrate the universality of the limitation of the excitation energy induced in the projectile residues.展开更多
Traumatic spinal cord injuries interrupt the connection of all axonal projections with their neuronal targets below and above the lesion site. This interruption results in either temporary or permanent alterations in ...Traumatic spinal cord injuries interrupt the connection of all axonal projections with their neuronal targets below and above the lesion site. This interruption results in either temporary or permanent alterations in the locomotor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Damage in the spinal tissue prevents the re-growth of severed axons across the lesion and their reconnection with neuronal targets. Therefore, the absence of spontaneous repair leads to sustained impairment in voluntary control of movement below the injury. For decades, axonal regeneration and reconnection have been considered the opitome of spinal cord injury repair with the goal being the repair of the damaged long motor and sensory tracts in a complex process that involves:(1) resealing injured axons;(2) reconstructing the cytoskeletal structure inside axons;(3) re-establishing healthy growth cones;and(4) assembling axonal cargos. These biological processes require an efficient production of adenosine triphosphate, which is affected by mitochondrial dysfunction after spinal cord injury. From a pathological standpoint, during the secondary stage of spinal cord injury, mitochondrial homeostasis is disrupted, mainly in the distal segments of severed axons. This result in a reduction of adenosine triphosphate levels and subsequent inactivation of adenosine triphosphate-dependent ion pumps required for the regulation of ion concentrations and reuptake of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. The consequences are calcium overload, reactive oxygen species formation, and excitotoxicity. These events are intimately related to the activation of necrotic and apoptotic cell death programs, and further exacerbate the secondary stage of the injury, being a hallmark of spinal cord injury. This is why restoring mitochondrial function during the early stage of secondary injury could represent a potentially effective therapeutic intervention to overcome the motor and sensory failure produced by spinal cord injury. This review discusses the most recent evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction with axonal regeneration failure in the context of spinal cord injury. It also covers the future of mitochondria-targeted therapeutical approaches, such as antioxidant molecules, removing mitochondrial anchor proteins, and increasing energetic metabolism through creatine treatment. These approaches are intended to enhance functional recovery by promoting axonal regenerationreconnection after spinal cord injury.展开更多
Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in surface water samples were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) to study their distribution and characterizing sources.The water samples wer...Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in surface water samples were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) to study their distribution and characterizing sources.The water samples were collected from five sites(J1-J5) in the Jialing River of Chongqing downtown area from September 2009 to August 2010.The results demonstrate that the concentration of total PAHs in three samples upstream are relatively higher than those in other two sites downstream,with average concentration of total PAHs for each site ranging from 811.5 ng/L to 1585.8 ng/L.The 2,3 and 4-ring PAHs for sampling stations account for 13.0%,56.6% and 28.6%,respectively,in total PAHs.There are obvious tendencies of seasonal change for PAHs concentration in surface water.The PAHs concentration in April of wet season is 1 301.6 ng/L,which is 1.3 times the lowest amount of total PAHs in August of flood season.Ratios of specific PAH compounds were used to characterize the possible pollution sources.Experimental results indicate that the PAHs in surface water samples are primarily from pyrolytic PAHs because of factories along these sites,while the direct leakage of petroleum products may be significant for two sites,Jiahua Bridge(J4) and Huanghuayuan Bridge(J5),because of the wharf boat nearby.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin (CWO) on growth inhibition and on the induction of apoptosis in human HepG2 cancer cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of drugs on HepG2 cells ...AIM: To investigate the effects of the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin (CWO) on growth inhibition and on the induction of apoptosis in human HepG2 cancer cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of drugs on HepG2 cells was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) assay. DNA fragmentation was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cell cycle and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (△Ψm) were determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Cytochrome C immunostaining was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Caspase-3 enzymatic activity was assayed by the cleavage of Ac-DEVD-R110. Cleaved PARP and active caspase-3 protein levels were measured by FCM using BD? CBA Human Apoptosis Kit. RESULTS: Treatment with CWO inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the IC50 of CWO was approximately 70 μg/mL. CWO was found to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells by inducing a cell cycle arrest at S/G2. DNA fragmentation was evidentlyobserved at 70 μg/mL after 72 h of treatment. During the process, cytosolic HepG2 cytochrome C staining showed a markedly stronger green fluorescence than in control cells in a dose-dependent fashion, and CWO also caused mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization. Furthermore, the results clearly demonstrated that both, activity of caspase-3 enzyme and protein levels of cleaved PARP, significantly increased in a dose- dependent manner after treatment with CWO. CONCLUSION: CWO exhibits an antiproliferative effect in HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis. This growth inhibition is associated with cell cycle arrest, cytochrome C translocation, caspase 3 activation, Poly- ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) degradation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. This process involves a mitochondria-caspase dependent apoptosis pathway. As apoptosis is an important anti-cancer therapeutic target, these results suggest a potential of CWO as a chemotherapeutic agent.展开更多
作为EMSLAB电磁感应国际合作计划的一部分,通过对海底观测的三分量变化地磁场的分析,构制了横跨Juan de Fuca洋脊、Juan de Fuca板块到板块俯冲带的三条地磁转换函数剖面,计算了各个测点的地磁场感应矢量。结果表明,Juan de Fuca板块的...作为EMSLAB电磁感应国际合作计划的一部分,通过对海底观测的三分量变化地磁场的分析,构制了横跨Juan de Fuca洋脊、Juan de Fuca板块到板块俯冲带的三条地磁转换函数剖面,计算了各个测点的地磁场感应矢量。结果表明,Juan de Fuca板块的东、西两部分的浅部电性结构是有差异的,近海岸线的东区更导电;而深部电性结构是相对均匀的。这一结果与由大地电磁资料计算得到的二维模型剖面是一致的。展开更多
AIM: To investigate the presence or absence of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC), as well as the other measures of colonic motility, in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Prolonged colonic am...AIM: To investigate the presence or absence of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC), as well as the other measures of colonic motility, in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Prolonged colonic ambulatory manometric studies were performed on 14 male volunteers: 8 with SCI (mean age, 59 ± 13 years; mean duration of injury, 13 ± 4 years) and 6 healthy able-bodied controls (mean age, 57 ± 10 years). A solid-state manometry catheter was endoscopically clipped to the splenic flexure. Recording was performed for > 24 h after manometric catheter placement. RESULTS: HAPC were absent in individuals with SCI during pre-sleep, sleep, and post-sleep phases. HAPC were significantly increased after awakening in non-SCI controls (0.8 ± 0.2 HAPC/h vs 10.5 ± 2.0 HAPC/h, P < 0.005). The motility index was lower in those with SCI than in controls preand post-sleep (SCI vs non-SCI: Pre-sleep, 2.4 ± 0.4 vs 8.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.01; Post-sleep, 4.3 ± 0.8 vs 16.5 ± 4.5, P < 0.05). However, a sleepinduced depression of colonic motility was observed in both the SCI and non-SCI groups (Pre-sleep vs Sleep, non-SCI: 8.8 ± 1.9 vs 2.1 ± 0.9, P < 0.002; SCI: 2.4 ± 0.4 vs 0.2 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), with the motility index of those with SCI during sleep not significantly different than that of the controls. CONCLUSION: HAPC were not observed in individuals with SCI preor post-sleep. A sleep-induced depression in general colonic motility was evident in SCI and control subjects.展开更多
Anabolic androgenic steroids(AASs)are a group of molecules including endogenous testosterone and synthetic derivatives that have both androgenic and anabolic effects.These properties make them therapeutically benefici...Anabolic androgenic steroids(AASs)are a group of molecules including endogenous testosterone and synthetic derivatives that have both androgenic and anabolic effects.These properties make them therapeutically beneficial in medical conditions such as hypogonadism.However,they are commonly bought illegally and misused for their anabolic,skeletal muscle building,and performanceenhancing effects.Supraphysiologic and long-term use of AASs affects all organs,leading to cardiovascular,neurological,endocrine,gastrointestinal,renal,and hematologic disorders.Hepatotoxicity is one of the major concerns regarding AASs treatment and abuse.Testosterone and its derivatives have been most often shown to induce a specific form of cholestasis,peliosis hepatis,and hepatic benign and malignant tumors.It is currently believed that mechanisms of pathogenesis of these disorders include disturbance of antioxidative factors,upregulation of bile acid synthesis,and induction of hepatocyte hyperplasia.Most toxicity cases are treated with supportive measures and liver function normalizes with discontinuation of AAS.However,some long-term consequences are irreversible.AAS-induced liver injury should be taken in consideration in patients with liver disorders,especially with the increasing unintentional ingestion of supplements containing AAS.In this paper,we review the most current knowledge about AAS-associated adverse effects on the liver,and their clinical presentations,prevalence,and pathophysiological mechanisms.展开更多
The volume of trajectory data has become tremendously huge in recent years. How to effectively and efficiently maintain and compute such trajectory data has become a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a traje...The volume of trajectory data has become tremendously huge in recent years. How to effectively and efficiently maintain and compute such trajectory data has become a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a trajectory spatial and temporal compression framework, namely CLEAN. The key of spatial compression is to mine meaningful trajectory frequent patterns on road network. By treating the mined patterns as dictionary items, the long trajectories have the chance to be encoded by shorter paths, thus leading to smaller space cost. And an error-bounded temporal compression is carefully designed on top of the identified spatial patterns for much low space cost. Meanwhile, the patterns are also utilized to improve the performance of two trajectory applications, range query and clustering, without decompression overhead. Extensive experiments on real trajectory datasets validate that CLEAN significantly outperforms existing state-of-art approaches in terms of spatial-temporal compression and trajectory applications.展开更多
文摘This paper presents a novel general method for computing optimal motions of an industrial robot manipulator （AdeptOne XL robot） in the presence of fixed and oscillating obstacles. The optimization model considers the nonlinear manipulator dynamics, actuator constraints, joint limits, and obstacle avoidance. The problem has 6 objective functions, 88 variables, and 21 constraints. Two evolutionary algorithms, namely, elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm （NSGA-II） and multi-objective differential evolution （MODE）, have been used for the optimization. Two methods （normalized weighting objective functions and average fitness factor） are used to select the best solution tradeoffs. Two multi-objective performance measures, namely solution spread measure and ratio of non-dominated individuals, are used to evaluate the Pareto optimal fronts. Two multi-objective performance measures, namely, optimizer overhead and algorithm effort, are used to find the computational effort of the optimization algorithm. The trajectories are defined by B-spline functions. The results obtained from NSGA-II and MODE are compared and analyzed.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3504100,2021YFB3500600)Chunhui Project Foundation of the Education Department of China(202200554)。
文摘The rapid development of rare earth metal elements in the field of photocatalysis is due to their excellent optical and physicochemical properties.Benefiting from the unique external electronic structure of 4f_15d_16S_2,superior electronegativity of the 4f orbitals,and strong oxygen storage-release ability in Ce^(4+)/Ce^(3+)reversible pairs,cerium dioxide(CeO_(2))has attracted increasing interest from scientists.Nevertheless,the fast recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and wide energy band gap of bare CeO_(2)significantly limit its practical applications.To overcome the above drawbacks,the construction of heterojunctions has been developed to broaden the absorption spectrum and accelerate the charge transfer.This review presents a mini-review of the synthesis of CeO_(2)-based heterojunctions including typeⅡ,Z-scheme,and S-scheme photocatalysts,as well as the corresponding applications in photocatalytic bactericidal and antitumor therapy.Finally,the latest advancements and potential perspectives on their future development are also discussed.
文摘The Monte Desert is characterized by a great diversity of landforms created with fluvial,alluvial which the vegetation patterns are related to.The present work has the following objectives:(1) determine whether topographical attributes,surface characteristics,soil properties and vegetation patterns vary between alluvial landforms,and(2) define whether morphometric,soil and surface properties influence vegetation patterns along alluvial landscape.Morphometric data were obtained by processing a 5 m digital elevation model.The coverage of rock fragments,fine sediments and mulch was quantified.Observations and descriptions of the soil profiles were restricted to the uppermost 50 cm.Vegetation properties were calculated using a Point Quadrat Method.The relationship between variables was evaluated through multivariate statistical analysis.The main results show the presence of 45 plant species distributed in 19 families,where shrubs are dominant.The wind effect,topographic wetness and dissection of the landscape are limiting factors of diversity.The coverage of superficial rock fragments influence vegetation coverage through the distribution and availability of rainwater.Furthermore,the different soil textures reveal that the silt content favors an increase in vegetation coverage.The presence of V horizon could condition the installation and development of vegetation in the early stages of growth.
基金supported by the Foundation of the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue(FUQAT)Quebec Research Fund(FRQ)(2021-SE7-282961)。
文摘Understanding plant community assembly is crucial for effective ecosystem conservation and restoration.The ecological filter framework describes community assembly as a process shaped by dispersal,environmental,and biotic filters.Additionally,functional traits and phylogenetic relationships are increasingly recognized as important factors influencing species coexistence and community structure.However,both the ecological filter framework and the roles of functional traits and phylogeny in community assembly remain underexplored in the Algerian steppes—particularly in the El Bayadh region,where ongoing vegetation degradation threatens ecosystem stability.This study applied Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities(HMSC)as an integrative approach to assess how ecological filters influence plant community assembly in the El Bayadh steppe and to evaluate the roles of functional traits and phylogenetic relationships in this process.Environmental data—including soil properties,topography,precipitation,and land use types(grazing and exclosure)—were collected across 50 plots in April and October,2023,along with functional traits from 24 species.These traits include root length,leaf area,specific leaf area,clonality,life history,and seed mass.HMSC results revealed that soil properties and precipitation were the primary drivers of community structure,while sand height and elevation had a moderate influence.In contrast,competition and grazing played relatively minor roles.Species responses to environmental covariates were heterogeneous:soil fertility and texture had mixed effects,benefiting some species while limiting others;sand encroachment and precipitation variability generally had negative impacts,whereas grazing exclusion favored many species.A weak phylogenetic signal was recorded,indicating that community assembly was driven more by environmental filtering than by shared evolutionary history.Functional trait responses to environmental variation reflected plant strategies that balanced resource acquisition and conservation.Specifically,seed mass,leaf area,and root length increased under higher soil moisture and nutrient availability but declined in response to salinity,precipitation variability,and sand height.Clonality and perennial life history traits enhanced the survival of plant species under harsh conditions.Overall,this study provides a holistic understanding of community assembly processes in the El Bayadh steppe and offers valuable insights for ecosystem management and restoration in arid and degraded ecosystem environments.
基金supported by ENN Group and ENN Energy Research Institute.
文摘The EXL-50U is China’s first large spherical torus device with a toroidal field reaching 1 T.The major radius of the EXL-50U ranges from 0.6 m to 0.8 m,with an aspect ratio of 1.4−1.8.The goal of plasma current in the first experimental phase is 500 kA,and in the future second phase,the goal of plasma current is 1 MA.On the EXL-50U project,the ENN fusion team expeditiously accomplished a series of comprehensive tasks including physical and engineering design,main component construction installation,and system commissioning,all within a mere eighteen-month timeframe.In the experiments of 2024,the EXL-50U achieved a 500 kA limiter configuration discharge using ECRH(Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating)for non-inductive current start-up and a current ramp-up with the synergetic effect of ECRH and central solenoid(CS).Preliminary divertor configuration plasmas were also obtained under 200 kA plasma current.The core ion temperature of 1 keV was achieved with low-power NBI heating,and the energy confinement time of 30 ms was reached with Ohmic heating in the flat-top phase.The current and future experiments of EXL-50U will strongly support the physical design and operational scenarios of EHL-2 in the areas of current drive,high ion temperature exploration,energy transport and confinement,and hydrogen-boron physical characteristics.At the same time,the experience in the design,construction,and commissioning of the engineering,heating,and diagnostics systems on EXL-50U is also very beneficial for enhancing the feasibility of the engineering design for EHL-2.
基金Supported by the Research Grant Council,Research Impact Fund,No.R7007-22.
文摘BACKGROUND The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)globally has increased disease burden and economic impact.Gaps remain in understanding the IBD burden between Asian and Western populations.AIM To estimate the current and following 10-year prevalence and incidence of IBD in Hong Kong,Japan,and the United States.METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBD were identified from a territory-wide electronic medical records database in Hong Kong(2003-2022,including all ages)and two large employment-based healthcare claims databases in Japan and the United States(2010-2022,including<65 age).We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models to predict prevalence and incidence from 2023 to 2032,stratified by disease subtype[ulcerative colitis(UC);Crohn’s disease(CD)],sex,and age,with 95%prediction intervals(PIs).The forecasted annual average percentage change(AAPC)with 95%confidence intervals was calculated.RESULTS The age-standardized prevalence of IBD for 2032 is forecasted at 105.88 per 100000 in Hong Kong(95%PI:83.01-128.75,AAPC:5.85%),645.79 in Japan(95%PI:562.51-741.39,AAPC:5.78%),and 629.85 in the United States(95%PI:569.09-690.63,AAPC:2.85%).Prevalence is estimated to rise most significantly among those under 18 in Japan and the United States.Over the next decade,the incidence of IBD is estimated to increase annually by 3.3%in Hong Kong with forecasted increases across all age groups(although the AAPC for each group is not statistically significant);by 2.88%in Japan with a significant rise in those under 18 and stability in 18-65;and remaining stable in the United States.By 2032,the prevalence of CD is estimated to surpass UC in Hong Kong and the United States,whereas UC will continue to be more prevalent in Japan.A higher prevalence and incidence of IBD is forecast for males in Hong Kong and Japan,whereas rates will be similar for both males and females in the United States.CONCLUSION The prevalence of IBD is forecasted to increase in Hong Kong,Japan,and the United States,while estimates of incidence vary.The forecasts show distinct patterns across disease subtype,sex,and age groups.Health systems will need to plan for the predicted increasing prevalence among different demographics.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12175078 and 51821005)
文摘In the experiments of actively triggering plasma disruption by massive gas injection, the externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation has been used to mitigate the hazard of runaway electron(RE). Motivated by the experiment of multimode coupling to suppress REs on J-TEXT, some typical simulation cases with non-ideal MHD with rotation-open discussion(NIMROD) code are carried out to explore the influential mechanism of different relative phases between m/n =2/1 and m/n = 3/1 magnetic islands on the confinement of REs. Results show that the RE confinement is drastically affected by the relative phase between 2/1 and 3/1 magnetic islands. When the O point phase of 2/1 and 3/1 magnetic islands is toroidal 330°, REs can be effectively lost. The fitting curve of the remaining ratio of REs vs. the relative toroidal phase is predicted to approximate a sine-like function dependence. Further studies indicate that the phase difference between coexisting 2/1 and 3/1 islands can affect the radial transport of impurities. The loss of runaway electrons is closely related to the deposition effect of impurity. The impurity is easier to spread into the core region with smaller poloidal phase difference between the radial velocity of impurity and the impurity quantity of Ar.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42288201,41688103,40830210,41120124002)the National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences(NSF EAR 0310217,0922187,1636753)the National Geographic Society。
文摘The Middle-Late Jurassic transition period is a critical period for the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates,but the global fossil record from this time is relatively poor.The Shishugou Fauna of this period has recently produced significant fossil remains of dinosaurs and other vertebrate groups,some representing the earliest known members of several dinosaurian groups and other vertebrate groups and some representing the best-known specimens of their group.These discoveries are significant for our understanding of the origin and evolution of several vertebrate lineages.Radiometric dating indicates that the fauna is aged approximately 159-164 Ma.Comparisons with other similarly-aged terrestrial faunas such as Shaximiao and Yanliao show both taxonomic similarities and differences between these faunas and indicate that the Junggar deposits might have preserved the most complete vertebrate fossil record for a Middle-Late Jurassic Laurasian terrestrial fauna.
文摘Sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)has been linked with male infertility,and previous studies suggest that SDF can have negative influence on pregnancy outcomes with assisted reproduction.We performed a retrospective review of consecutive couples with a high SDF level that had intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)using testicular sperm(T-ICSI).We compared the T-ICSI outcomes to that of two control groups:87 couples with failed first ICSI cycle and who had a second ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm(Ej-ICSI),and 48 consecutive couples with high sperm chromatin structure assay(SCSA)-defined SDF(>15%)that underwent an ICSI cycle using ejaculated sperm after one or more failed ICSI cycles(Ej-ICSI-high SDF).The mean number of oocytes that were retrieved and the total number of embryos were not different among the three groups.The mean number of transferred embryos in the T-ICSI group was higher than the Ej-ICSI group but not significantly different than the Ej-ICSI-high SDF group(1.4,1.2,and 1.3,respectively,P<0.05).Clinical pregnancy rate in the T-ICSI group was not significantly different than the Ej-ICSI and Ej-ICSI-high SDF groups(48.6%,48.2%,and 38.7%,respectively,P>0.05).No significant difference was found in live birth rate when comparing T-ICSI to Ej-ICSI and Ej-ICSI-high SDF groups.The results suggest that pregnancy outcomes and live birth rates with T-ICSI are not significantly superior to Ej-ICSI in patients with an elevated SCSA-defined sperm DNA fragmentation and prior ICSI failure(s).
文摘Isotopic fragment yields of projectile fragmentation in peripheral collisions of^(86)Kr on^(124;112)Sn and the mean neutron-to-proton ratios of the fragments are calculated, theoretically, within the ensemble approach of statistical multifragmentation model. Obtained data are compared to the experimental cross-section measurements for the projectile-like fragmentation in the reaction of 25 Me V/nucleon^(86)Kr+^(124;112)Sn at Texas A&M University.We show the enhancement in the production of neutronrich isotopes close to the projectile as observed in the experiments. We also demonstrate the universality of the limitation of the excitation energy induced in the projectile residues.
基金supported by a grant from PICT2019-N°01665 to HRQ
文摘Traumatic spinal cord injuries interrupt the connection of all axonal projections with their neuronal targets below and above the lesion site. This interruption results in either temporary or permanent alterations in the locomotor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Damage in the spinal tissue prevents the re-growth of severed axons across the lesion and their reconnection with neuronal targets. Therefore, the absence of spontaneous repair leads to sustained impairment in voluntary control of movement below the injury. For decades, axonal regeneration and reconnection have been considered the opitome of spinal cord injury repair with the goal being the repair of the damaged long motor and sensory tracts in a complex process that involves:(1) resealing injured axons;(2) reconstructing the cytoskeletal structure inside axons;(3) re-establishing healthy growth cones;and(4) assembling axonal cargos. These biological processes require an efficient production of adenosine triphosphate, which is affected by mitochondrial dysfunction after spinal cord injury. From a pathological standpoint, during the secondary stage of spinal cord injury, mitochondrial homeostasis is disrupted, mainly in the distal segments of severed axons. This result in a reduction of adenosine triphosphate levels and subsequent inactivation of adenosine triphosphate-dependent ion pumps required for the regulation of ion concentrations and reuptake of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. The consequences are calcium overload, reactive oxygen species formation, and excitotoxicity. These events are intimately related to the activation of necrotic and apoptotic cell death programs, and further exacerbate the secondary stage of the injury, being a hallmark of spinal cord injury. This is why restoring mitochondrial function during the early stage of secondary injury could represent a potentially effective therapeutic intervention to overcome the motor and sensory failure produced by spinal cord injury. This review discusses the most recent evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction with axonal regeneration failure in the context of spinal cord injury. It also covers the future of mitochondria-targeted therapeutical approaches, such as antioxidant molecules, removing mitochondrial anchor proteins, and increasing energetic metabolism through creatine treatment. These approaches are intended to enhance functional recovery by promoting axonal regenerationreconnection after spinal cord injury.
基金Project(41101457) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2009-122) supported by the Fund of Chongqing Municipal Construction Commission, China
文摘Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in surface water samples were analyzed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) to study their distribution and characterizing sources.The water samples were collected from five sites(J1-J5) in the Jialing River of Chongqing downtown area from September 2009 to August 2010.The results demonstrate that the concentration of total PAHs in three samples upstream are relatively higher than those in other two sites downstream,with average concentration of total PAHs for each site ranging from 811.5 ng/L to 1585.8 ng/L.The 2,3 and 4-ring PAHs for sampling stations account for 13.0%,56.6% and 28.6%,respectively,in total PAHs.There are obvious tendencies of seasonal change for PAHs concentration in surface water.The PAHs concentration in April of wet season is 1 301.6 ng/L,which is 1.3 times the lowest amount of total PAHs in August of flood season.Ratios of specific PAH compounds were used to characterize the possible pollution sources.Experimental results indicate that the PAHs in surface water samples are primarily from pyrolytic PAHs because of factories along these sites,while the direct leakage of petroleum products may be significant for two sites,Jiahua Bridge(J4) and Huanghuayuan Bridge(J5),because of the wharf boat nearby.
基金Grants from the Research Committee, Universityof Macao, Macao SAR, No RG054/05-06S and RG058/05-06Sgrants from the Science and Technology Development Fund, Macao SAR, No 012/2006/A and 045/2007/A3
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin (CWO) on growth inhibition and on the induction of apoptosis in human HepG2 cancer cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of drugs on HepG2 cells was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) assay. DNA fragmentation was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cell cycle and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (△Ψm) were determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Cytochrome C immunostaining was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Caspase-3 enzymatic activity was assayed by the cleavage of Ac-DEVD-R110. Cleaved PARP and active caspase-3 protein levels were measured by FCM using BD? CBA Human Apoptosis Kit. RESULTS: Treatment with CWO inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the IC50 of CWO was approximately 70 μg/mL. CWO was found to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells by inducing a cell cycle arrest at S/G2. DNA fragmentation was evidentlyobserved at 70 μg/mL after 72 h of treatment. During the process, cytosolic HepG2 cytochrome C staining showed a markedly stronger green fluorescence than in control cells in a dose-dependent fashion, and CWO also caused mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization. Furthermore, the results clearly demonstrated that both, activity of caspase-3 enzyme and protein levels of cleaved PARP, significantly increased in a dose- dependent manner after treatment with CWO. CONCLUSION: CWO exhibits an antiproliferative effect in HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis. This growth inhibition is associated with cell cycle arrest, cytochrome C translocation, caspase 3 activation, Poly- ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) degradation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. This process involves a mitochondria-caspase dependent apoptosis pathway. As apoptosis is an important anti-cancer therapeutic target, these results suggest a potential of CWO as a chemotherapeutic agent.
文摘作为EMSLAB电磁感应国际合作计划的一部分,通过对海底观测的三分量变化地磁场的分析,构制了横跨Juan de Fuca洋脊、Juan de Fuca板块到板块俯冲带的三条地磁转换函数剖面,计算了各个测点的地磁场感应矢量。结果表明,Juan de Fuca板块的东、西两部分的浅部电性结构是有差异的,近海岸线的东区更导电;而深部电性结构是相对均匀的。这一结果与由大地电磁资料计算得到的二维模型剖面是一致的。
基金Supported by The Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Center of Excellencefor the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury (B4162C)
文摘AIM: To investigate the presence or absence of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC), as well as the other measures of colonic motility, in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Prolonged colonic ambulatory manometric studies were performed on 14 male volunteers: 8 with SCI (mean age, 59 ± 13 years; mean duration of injury, 13 ± 4 years) and 6 healthy able-bodied controls (mean age, 57 ± 10 years). A solid-state manometry catheter was endoscopically clipped to the splenic flexure. Recording was performed for > 24 h after manometric catheter placement. RESULTS: HAPC were absent in individuals with SCI during pre-sleep, sleep, and post-sleep phases. HAPC were significantly increased after awakening in non-SCI controls (0.8 ± 0.2 HAPC/h vs 10.5 ± 2.0 HAPC/h, P < 0.005). The motility index was lower in those with SCI than in controls preand post-sleep (SCI vs non-SCI: Pre-sleep, 2.4 ± 0.4 vs 8.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.01; Post-sleep, 4.3 ± 0.8 vs 16.5 ± 4.5, P < 0.05). However, a sleepinduced depression of colonic motility was observed in both the SCI and non-SCI groups (Pre-sleep vs Sleep, non-SCI: 8.8 ± 1.9 vs 2.1 ± 0.9, P < 0.002; SCI: 2.4 ± 0.4 vs 0.2 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), with the motility index of those with SCI during sleep not significantly different than that of the controls. CONCLUSION: HAPC were not observed in individuals with SCI preor post-sleep. A sleep-induced depression in general colonic motility was evident in SCI and control subjects.
文摘Anabolic androgenic steroids(AASs)are a group of molecules including endogenous testosterone and synthetic derivatives that have both androgenic and anabolic effects.These properties make them therapeutically beneficial in medical conditions such as hypogonadism.However,they are commonly bought illegally and misused for their anabolic,skeletal muscle building,and performanceenhancing effects.Supraphysiologic and long-term use of AASs affects all organs,leading to cardiovascular,neurological,endocrine,gastrointestinal,renal,and hematologic disorders.Hepatotoxicity is one of the major concerns regarding AASs treatment and abuse.Testosterone and its derivatives have been most often shown to induce a specific form of cholestasis,peliosis hepatis,and hepatic benign and malignant tumors.It is currently believed that mechanisms of pathogenesis of these disorders include disturbance of antioxidative factors,upregulation of bile acid synthesis,and induction of hepatocyte hyperplasia.Most toxicity cases are treated with supportive measures and liver function normalizes with discontinuation of AAS.However,some long-term consequences are irreversible.AAS-induced liver injury should be taken in consideration in patients with liver disorders,especially with the increasing unintentional ingestion of supplements containing AAS.In this paper,we review the most current knowledge about AAS-associated adverse effects on the liver,and their clinical presentations,prevalence,and pathophysiological mechanisms.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61772371,No. 61972286)
文摘The volume of trajectory data has become tremendously huge in recent years. How to effectively and efficiently maintain and compute such trajectory data has become a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a trajectory spatial and temporal compression framework, namely CLEAN. The key of spatial compression is to mine meaningful trajectory frequent patterns on road network. By treating the mined patterns as dictionary items, the long trajectories have the chance to be encoded by shorter paths, thus leading to smaller space cost. And an error-bounded temporal compression is carefully designed on top of the identified spatial patterns for much low space cost. Meanwhile, the patterns are also utilized to improve the performance of two trajectory applications, range query and clustering, without decompression overhead. Extensive experiments on real trajectory datasets validate that CLEAN significantly outperforms existing state-of-art approaches in terms of spatial-temporal compression and trajectory applications.
