BACKGROUND With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs,optimization of donor management protocols,specifically in trauma populations,is important for obta-ining a high yield of viable organs per patient.Endocrine...BACKGROUND With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs,optimization of donor management protocols,specifically in trauma populations,is important for obta-ining a high yield of viable organs per patient.Endocrine management of brain-dead potential organ donors(BPODs)is controversial,leading to heterogeneous clinical management approaches.Previous studies have shown that when levo-thyroxine was combined with other treatments,including steroids,vasopressin,and insulin,BPODs had better organ recovery and survival outcomes were increased for transplant recipients.AIM To determine if levothyroxine use in combination with steroids in BPODs increased the number of organs donated in trauma patients.METHODS A retrospective review of adult BPODs from a single level 1 trauma center over ten years was performed.Exclusion criteria included patients who were not solid organ donors,patients who were not declared brain dead(donation after circulatory death),and patients who did not receive steroids in their hospital course.Levothyroxine and steroid administration,the number of organs donated,the types of organs donated,and demographic information were recorded.Univariate analyses were performed with P<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS A total of 88 patients met inclusion criteria,69(78%)of whom received levothyroxine and steroids(ST/LT group)vs 19(22%)receiving steroids without levothyroxine(ST group).No differences were observed between the groups for gender,race,pertinent injury factors,age,or other hormone therapies used(P>0.05).In the ST/LT group,68.1%(n=47)donated a high yield(3-5)of organ types per donor compared to 42.1%(n=8)in the ST group(P=0.038).There was no difference in the total number of organ types donated between the groups(P=0.068).CONCLUSION This study suggests that combining levothyroxine and steroid administration increases high-yield organ donation per donor in BPODs in the trauma patient population.Limitations to this study include the retrospective design and the relatively smal展开更多
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) have been associated as a possible <span>cause in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzhei</span>mer’s and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, inh...Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) have been associated as a possible <span>cause in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzhei</span>mer’s and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, inhibition of AGE formation repre<span>sents a prospective therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of</span> these complications. This study investigated the individual and combined effect</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">s</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:""> of dietary ingredients, spices, on lowering AGEs formation in meat pat<span>ties. In the study, Carboxymethyllysine (CML), a well-investigated AGE is</span> used as a marker for AGEs and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator for <span>lipid peroxidation. Nine spices were selected based on their ability to inhibit </span>the formation of AGEs at different stages of Maillard reactions. Individually, all the 9 selected spices significantly inhibited the formation of AGEs. Among <span>the 33 combinations of spices, 26 combinations significantly inhibited the</span> formation of AGEs. The highest reduction (84%) was found by the combination <span>of Black Pepper</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">-</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">Rose</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">-</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">Cumin. The individual spices failed to significantly </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">lower the MDA </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">concentration</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">;however, all 33 combinations were able to signifi<span>cantly reduce MDA </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">concentration</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">. The results of this study showed that</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">spices when supplemented in combinations are more effective in inhibiting <展开更多
AIM To investigate the effects of orally gavaged aqueous rhubarb extract(RE) on 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in rats. METHODS Female Dark Agouti rats(n = 8/group) were gavaged daily(1 mL) with wat...AIM To investigate the effects of orally gavaged aqueous rhubarb extract(RE) on 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in rats. METHODS Female Dark Agouti rats(n = 8/group) were gavaged daily(1 mL) with water, high-dose RE(HDR; 200 mg/kg) or low-dose RE(LDR; 20mg/kg) for eight days. Intestinal mucositis was induced(day 5) with 5-FU(150 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. Intestinal tissue samples were collected for myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and histological examination. Xenopus oocytes expressing aquaporin 4 water channels were prepared to examine the effect of aqueous RE on cell volume, indicating a potential mechanism responsible for modulating net fluid absorption and secretion in the gastrointestinal tract. Statistical significance was assumed at P < 0.05 by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS B o d y w e i g h t w a s s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e d i n r a t s administered 5-FU compared to healthy controls(P < 0.01). Rats administered 5-FU significantly increased intestinal MPO levels(≥ 307%; P < 0.001), compared to healthy controls. However, LDR attenuated this effect in 5-FU treated rats, significantly decreasing ileal MPO activity(by 45%; P < 0.05), as compared to 5-FU controls. 5-FU significantly reduced intestinal mucosal thickness(by ≥ 29% P < 0.001) as compared to healthy controls. LDR significantly increased ileal mucosal thickness in 5-FU treated rats(19%; P < 0.05) relative to 5-FU controls. In xenopus oocytes expressing AQP4 water channels, RE selectively blocked water influx into the cell, induced by a decrease in external osmotic pressure. As water efflux was unaltered by the presence of extracellular RE, the directional flow of water across the epithelial barrier, in the presence of extracellular RE, indicated that RE may alleviate water loss across the epithelial barrier and promote intestinal health in chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.CONCLUSION In summary, low dose RE improves selected parameters of mucosal integrity and reduces ileal inflammation, manifesting from 展开更多
The analytical approach and the thermomechanical behavior of a Cr-Ni-Mo-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel were characterized based on the parameters of work hardening (h), dynamic recovery (r) and dynamic recrystallizat...The analytical approach and the thermomechanical behavior of a Cr-Ni-Mo-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel were characterized based on the parameters of work hardening (h), dynamic recovery (r) and dynamic recrystallization (n, t<sub>0.5</sub>), considering constitutive equations (σ, ε) and deformation conditions expressed according to the Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z). The results indicated that the curves were affected by the deformation conditions and that the stress levels increased with Z under high work hardening rates. The σ<sub>c</sub>/σ<sub>p</sub> ratio was relatively high in the first part of the curves, indicating that softening was promoted by intense dynamic recovery (DRV). This was corroborated by the high values of r and average stacking fault energy, γ<sub>s</sub><sub>fe</sub> = 66.86 mJ/m<sup>2</sup>, which facilitated the thermally activated mechanisms, increasing the effectiveness of DRV and delaying the onset of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The second part of the curves indicates that there was a delay in the kinetics of dynamic softening, with a higher value of t<sub>0.5</sub> and lower values of the Avrami exponent (n) due to the competing DRV-DRX mechanisms, and steady state stress (σ<sub>ss</sub>) was achieved under higher rates of deformation.展开更多
At the beginning of 2020, human activities were interrupted by a new virus, identified as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease. The scientific area was no exception: for a certain period, researchers around the w...At the beginning of 2020, human activities were interrupted by a new virus, identified as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease. The scientific area was no exception: for a certain period, researchers around the world were forced to leave their laboratories and work remotely. There was a global necessity for finding alternatives focused on generating knowledge and publishing data, so repositories of scientific information, such as databases, represented strong support. In the specific case of life sciences, different strategies allowed rapid compilation of data and its sharing worldwide. Therefore, in this work, the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the amount of peer-reviewed and published papers during COVID-19 times was analyzed along with the role of databases. Our results pointed out that an increase in the number of papers belonging to different knowledge fields took place, with the medical field being the most significant. On the other hand, the complete genome of the new virus was sequenced, and repositories were created with sufficient data for monitoring, preventing, and controlling its dissemination. This was the case for the generation of vaccines in addition to potential candidates for drugs against COVID-19. However, although in 2021, vaccines allowed us to gradually return to our activities, databases and the generation of other repositories remain a key point for facing new strains and adapting to a new reality. Finally, this paper discusses joint efforts to tackle the obstacles of the pandemic, not only from a medical but also from the point of view regarding the fight against misinformation.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate whether a higher prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection is associated with an increase in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prescriptions at the county level in Michigan. METHODS: The Michigan Disease S...AIM: To evaluate whether a higher prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection is associated with an increase in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prescriptions at the county level in Michigan. METHODS: The Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) was used to ascertain both the numbers of Giardia lamblia infections as well as the total number of foodborne illnesses per population by county in Michigan during 2005. This was compared with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan numbers of drug prescriptions for IBS per one thousand members per county in 2005. These data were also analyzed for associations with per capita income by county and the number of refugees entering each county in 2005. RESULTS: There were a total of 786 confirmed cases of Giardia lamblia reported to MDSS in 2005. During the same time period, the number of prescriptions for IBS varied from 0.5 per 1000 members up to 6.0 per 1000 members per month. There was no trend towards higher numbers of IBS prescriptions in the counties with more Giardia lamblia infections. Per capita income was not associated with either IBS prescriptions or Giardiasis. There was a significant linear association between the number of refugees entering each county, and the number of Giardia lamblia cases per 100 000 population. CONCLUSION: In this ecological study, there was no association found between BCBS prescriptions for IBS and Giardia lamblia infections in Michigan counties. Our findings may have been influenced by the disparate number of refugees admitted per county.展开更多
The identification of Chinese medicinal plants was conducted to rely on ampelographic manual assessment by experts.More recently,machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition have been successfully applied to le...The identification of Chinese medicinal plants was conducted to rely on ampelographic manual assessment by experts.More recently,machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition have been successfully applied to leaf recognition in other plant species.These new tools make the classification of Chinese medicinal plants easier,more efficient and cost effective.This study showed comparative results between machine learning models obtained from two methods:i)a morpho-colorimetric method and ii)a visible(VIS)/Near Infrared(NIR)spectral analysis from sampled leaves of 20 different Chinese medicinal plants.Specifically,the automated image analysis and VIS/NIR spectral based parameters obtained from leaves were used separately as inputs to construct customized artificial neural network(ANN)models.Results showed that the ANN model developed using the morpho-colorimetric parameters as inputs(Model A)had an accuracy of 98.3%in the classification of leaves for the 20 medicinal plants studied.In the case of the model based on spectral data from leaves(Model B),the ANN model obtained using the averaged VIS/NIR spectra per leaf as inputs showed 92.5%accuracy for the classification of all medicinal plants used.Model A has the advantage of being cost effective,requiring only a normal document scanner as measuring instrument.This method can be adapted for non-destructive assessment of leaves in-situ by using portable wireless scanners.Model B combines the fast,non-destructive advantages of VIS/NIR spectroscopy,which can be used for rapid and non-invasive identification of Chinese medicinal plants and other applications by analyzing specific light spectra overtones from leaves to assess concentration of pigments such as chlorophyll,anthocyanins and others that are related active compounds from the medicinal plants.展开更多
The main objective of this research is to better understand the correlation between the constituent phases presented in the super-duplex steel SAF 2507 when it is under welding process by arc shielding gas MIG-MAG (Me...The main objective of this research is to better understand the correlation between the constituent phases presented in the super-duplex steel SAF 2507 when it is under welding process by arc shielding gas MIG-MAG (Metal Inert Gas-Metal Active Gas). Conventional short circuit transfer and derivative STT (Surface Tension Transfer) using the 2594 welding wire as a filler metal and the effects on welding power in hardness, toughness and pitting corrosion are considered here. The results showed that the welding energy (Ew) changed the α/γ-phase’s balance and occasionally formed σ-phase in ferrite grain boundaries which led to changes in hardness, toughness and pitting corrosion resistance in molten zone (MZ), heat activated zone (HAZ) and metal base regions (MB). Furthermore, the increased amount of γ-phase improved the pitting corrosion resistance index (PRENγ) mainly in the MZ. This is due to decrease of α-phase fraction and formation of coarser grains, for higher welding energy. The toughness in the MZ decreased with less formation of γ-phase, coalescence of ferritic grains and localized formation of σ-phase, raising the hardness in the HAZ when the welding energy was lower.展开更多
In this paper, we analyze the movements of the real exchange rate in China. Our empirical evidence shows that the purchasing power parity does not hold in the long run, and the real exchange rate is non-stationary. Th...In this paper, we analyze the movements of the real exchange rate in China. Our empirical evidence shows that the purchasing power parity does not hold in the long run, and the real exchange rate is non-stationary. The decomposition of the movements of the real exchange rate also indicates that real shocks result in permanent changes in the real exchange rate whereas nominal shocks just result in temporary changes. Based on these facts, we apply NATREX approach to analyze the determination of real exchange rate in China. The NATREX model successfully explains the evolution of the real exchange rate in China: The real exchange rate in the long run is determined by the real fundamentals including the productivity at home and abroad, and the domestic time preference. In the long run, a rise of the domestic productivity significantly appreciates the real exchange rate whereas a rise of the foreign productivity or a rise of the domestic time preference significantly depreciates the real exchange rate. We also find that the estimated NATR.EX rate converges to the steady-state exchange rate in the long run. Although there are short-run fluctuations around the NATREX rate, the real exchange rate will converge to the NATREX rate over time.展开更多
The aim of transit-oriented development(TOD)is to create a livable urban environment by improving the integration between land-use and transportation systems.The capital city of Ethiopia,Addis Ababa,aims to promote a ...The aim of transit-oriented development(TOD)is to create a livable urban environment by improving the integration between land-use and transportation systems.The capital city of Ethiopia,Addis Ababa,aims to promote a sustainable transportation system by launching its first light rail transit(LRT)network to control the current pattern of increased congestion and the need for mass transport.Planning for TOD around existing transit stations helps achieve improved transit choice and encourages local economic development.Therefore,this article proposes a methodology to quantitatively measure the existing TOD in terms of a TOD index within the walkable distance of transit nodes by measuring the criteria that define TOD levels.The TOD index is calculated for areas of 22 stations on the East-West LRT line of Addis Ababa.Depending on the value of the TOD index,certain stations are identified to have a potential TOD but poor transit accessibility.With these results,the recommendation to improve TOD planning can become accurate for each station,depending on its relevant factors.Such results also help identify each station’s potential for TOD planning and its improvements toward future local developments.展开更多
In this work, property clustering techniques and group contribution methods are combined to enable simultaneous consideration of process performance requirements and molecular property constraints. Using this methodol...In this work, property clustering techniques and group contribution methods are combined to enable simultaneous consideration of process performance requirements and molecular property constraints. Using this methodology, the process design problem is solved to identify the property targets corresponding to the desired process performance. A significant advantage of the developed methodology is that for problems that can be satisfactorily described by only three properties, the process and molecular design problems can be simultaneously solved visually on a ternary diagram, irrespective of how many molecular fragments are included in the search space. On the ternary cluster diagram, the target properties are represented as individual points if given as discrete values or as a region if given as intervals. The structure and identity of candidate components is then identified by combining or ＂mixing＂ molecular fragments until the resulting properties match the targets.展开更多
Objective To compare the quality and quantity of total RNA from different source-original neurons applied in LMPC technique. Methods （ 1 ） Aglient 2100 bioanalyzer and RT-PCR were used to check the concentration and...Objective To compare the quality and quantity of total RNA from different source-original neurons applied in LMPC technique. Methods （ 1 ） Aglient 2100 bioanalyzer and RT-PCR were used to check the concentration and fragmentation of total RNA from unfixed, temporal fixed and fixed 12 h hypothalamus sections; （2）Different neurons of PVN and SON were collected by LMPC, CRH, TRH, AVP, OT mRNA level were measured by RT-PCR; （3）Labeled neurons by injecting CTB into stomach and non-labeled neurons in DMV collected by LMPC were checked for house keeping genes by RT-PCR. Results （ 1 ） Unfixed section had higher concentration and better quality of total RNA compared with fixed sections applied in LMPC ; relative short amplicons such as GAPDH, NSE, MCH and MCAR were successfully obtained from fixed and unfixed and long amplicon of GR can only be obtained from unfixed material; （2） In magnocellular PVN and SON the expressions of AVP and OT were more special than those in the parvocellular PVN. Oppositely, the expressions of CRH, TRH in the parvocellular were more special than the other two ; （3） The expressions of house keeping genes had no significant difference between labeled and non-labeled DMV neurons. Conclusion The quality and quantity of total RNA from unfixed brain tissues were better than fixed tissues applied in LMPC and the CTB tracer which may differentiate neurons had no significant effect on physiology of the neurons applied in LMPC. The results showed that the LMPC technique is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative study on individual neurons at mRNA level.展开更多
Sustainability is one of the most-mentioned words from the UN seminars to local community meetings, it is the issue of the world. The emerging science of landscape ecology, is learning more and more about the importan...Sustainability is one of the most-mentioned words from the UN seminars to local community meetings, it is the issue of the world. The emerging science of landscape ecology, is learning more and more about the importance of the "linkage" that green infrastructure(GI) provides in maintaining and restoring ecological processes and the health of nature. The world has moved from the industrialization period to sustainability as a growing issue and answering the question of sustainability in different sectors and green infrastructure is trying to answer the request for sustainable infrastructure. Applying the concept and characteristics of green infrastructure is the infrastructural solution in design. This paper tries to see the origins and concepts of green infrastructure and the strong role of green infrastructure as a part of sustainable development.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs,optimization of donor management protocols,specifically in trauma populations,is important for obta-ining a high yield of viable organs per patient.Endocrine management of brain-dead potential organ donors(BPODs)is controversial,leading to heterogeneous clinical management approaches.Previous studies have shown that when levo-thyroxine was combined with other treatments,including steroids,vasopressin,and insulin,BPODs had better organ recovery and survival outcomes were increased for transplant recipients.AIM To determine if levothyroxine use in combination with steroids in BPODs increased the number of organs donated in trauma patients.METHODS A retrospective review of adult BPODs from a single level 1 trauma center over ten years was performed.Exclusion criteria included patients who were not solid organ donors,patients who were not declared brain dead(donation after circulatory death),and patients who did not receive steroids in their hospital course.Levothyroxine and steroid administration,the number of organs donated,the types of organs donated,and demographic information were recorded.Univariate analyses were performed with P<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS A total of 88 patients met inclusion criteria,69(78%)of whom received levothyroxine and steroids(ST/LT group)vs 19(22%)receiving steroids without levothyroxine(ST group).No differences were observed between the groups for gender,race,pertinent injury factors,age,or other hormone therapies used(P>0.05).In the ST/LT group,68.1%(n=47)donated a high yield(3-5)of organ types per donor compared to 42.1%(n=8)in the ST group(P=0.038).There was no difference in the total number of organ types donated between the groups(P=0.068).CONCLUSION This study suggests that combining levothyroxine and steroid administration increases high-yield organ donation per donor in BPODs in the trauma patient population.Limitations to this study include the retrospective design and the relatively smal
文摘Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) have been associated as a possible <span>cause in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzhei</span>mer’s and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, inhibition of AGE formation repre<span>sents a prospective therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of</span> these complications. This study investigated the individual and combined effect</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">s</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:""> of dietary ingredients, spices, on lowering AGEs formation in meat pat<span>ties. In the study, Carboxymethyllysine (CML), a well-investigated AGE is</span> used as a marker for AGEs and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator for <span>lipid peroxidation. Nine spices were selected based on their ability to inhibit </span>the formation of AGEs at different stages of Maillard reactions. Individually, all the 9 selected spices significantly inhibited the formation of AGEs. Among <span>the 33 combinations of spices, 26 combinations significantly inhibited the</span> formation of AGEs. The highest reduction (84%) was found by the combination <span>of Black Pepper</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">-</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">Rose</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">-</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">Cumin. The individual spices failed to significantly </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">lower the MDA </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">concentration</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">;however, all 33 combinations were able to signifi<span>cantly reduce MDA </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">concentration</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">. The results of this study showed that</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"">spices when supplemented in combinations are more effective in inhibiting <
文摘AIM To investigate the effects of orally gavaged aqueous rhubarb extract(RE) on 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in rats. METHODS Female Dark Agouti rats(n = 8/group) were gavaged daily(1 mL) with water, high-dose RE(HDR; 200 mg/kg) or low-dose RE(LDR; 20mg/kg) for eight days. Intestinal mucositis was induced(day 5) with 5-FU(150 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. Intestinal tissue samples were collected for myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and histological examination. Xenopus oocytes expressing aquaporin 4 water channels were prepared to examine the effect of aqueous RE on cell volume, indicating a potential mechanism responsible for modulating net fluid absorption and secretion in the gastrointestinal tract. Statistical significance was assumed at P < 0.05 by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS B o d y w e i g h t w a s s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e d i n r a t s administered 5-FU compared to healthy controls(P < 0.01). Rats administered 5-FU significantly increased intestinal MPO levels(≥ 307%; P < 0.001), compared to healthy controls. However, LDR attenuated this effect in 5-FU treated rats, significantly decreasing ileal MPO activity(by 45%; P < 0.05), as compared to 5-FU controls. 5-FU significantly reduced intestinal mucosal thickness(by ≥ 29% P < 0.001) as compared to healthy controls. LDR significantly increased ileal mucosal thickness in 5-FU treated rats(19%; P < 0.05) relative to 5-FU controls. In xenopus oocytes expressing AQP4 water channels, RE selectively blocked water influx into the cell, induced by a decrease in external osmotic pressure. As water efflux was unaltered by the presence of extracellular RE, the directional flow of water across the epithelial barrier, in the presence of extracellular RE, indicated that RE may alleviate water loss across the epithelial barrier and promote intestinal health in chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.CONCLUSION In summary, low dose RE improves selected parameters of mucosal integrity and reduces ileal inflammation, manifesting from
文摘The analytical approach and the thermomechanical behavior of a Cr-Ni-Mo-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel were characterized based on the parameters of work hardening (h), dynamic recovery (r) and dynamic recrystallization (n, t<sub>0.5</sub>), considering constitutive equations (σ, ε) and deformation conditions expressed according to the Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z). The results indicated that the curves were affected by the deformation conditions and that the stress levels increased with Z under high work hardening rates. The σ<sub>c</sub>/σ<sub>p</sub> ratio was relatively high in the first part of the curves, indicating that softening was promoted by intense dynamic recovery (DRV). This was corroborated by the high values of r and average stacking fault energy, γ<sub>s</sub><sub>fe</sub> = 66.86 mJ/m<sup>2</sup>, which facilitated the thermally activated mechanisms, increasing the effectiveness of DRV and delaying the onset of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The second part of the curves indicates that there was a delay in the kinetics of dynamic softening, with a higher value of t<sub>0.5</sub> and lower values of the Avrami exponent (n) due to the competing DRV-DRX mechanisms, and steady state stress (σ<sub>ss</sub>) was achieved under higher rates of deformation.
文摘At the beginning of 2020, human activities were interrupted by a new virus, identified as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease. The scientific area was no exception: for a certain period, researchers around the world were forced to leave their laboratories and work remotely. There was a global necessity for finding alternatives focused on generating knowledge and publishing data, so repositories of scientific information, such as databases, represented strong support. In the specific case of life sciences, different strategies allowed rapid compilation of data and its sharing worldwide. Therefore, in this work, the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the amount of peer-reviewed and published papers during COVID-19 times was analyzed along with the role of databases. Our results pointed out that an increase in the number of papers belonging to different knowledge fields took place, with the medical field being the most significant. On the other hand, the complete genome of the new virus was sequenced, and repositories were created with sufficient data for monitoring, preventing, and controlling its dissemination. This was the case for the generation of vaccines in addition to potential candidates for drugs against COVID-19. However, although in 2021, vaccines allowed us to gradually return to our activities, databases and the generation of other repositories remain a key point for facing new strains and adapting to a new reality. Finally, this paper discusses joint efforts to tackle the obstacles of the pandemic, not only from a medical but also from the point of view regarding the fight against misinformation.
文摘AIM: To evaluate whether a higher prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection is associated with an increase in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prescriptions at the county level in Michigan. METHODS: The Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) was used to ascertain both the numbers of Giardia lamblia infections as well as the total number of foodborne illnesses per population by county in Michigan during 2005. This was compared with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan numbers of drug prescriptions for IBS per one thousand members per county in 2005. These data were also analyzed for associations with per capita income by county and the number of refugees entering each county in 2005. RESULTS: There were a total of 786 confirmed cases of Giardia lamblia reported to MDSS in 2005. During the same time period, the number of prescriptions for IBS varied from 0.5 per 1000 members up to 6.0 per 1000 members per month. There was no trend towards higher numbers of IBS prescriptions in the counties with more Giardia lamblia infections. Per capita income was not associated with either IBS prescriptions or Giardiasis. There was a significant linear association between the number of refugees entering each county, and the number of Giardia lamblia cases per 100 000 population. CONCLUSION: In this ecological study, there was no association found between BCBS prescriptions for IBS and Giardia lamblia infections in Michigan counties. Our findings may have been influenced by the disparate number of refugees admitted per county.
基金This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2017YFD0700402)the Key Science and Technology Program of Shaanxi Province,China(No.S2016YFNY0066)+1 种基金the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry,Tibet Natural Science Foundation-The Study of Tibet Crop Condition Monitoring Based on Crop Growth Model and Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data(2016-ZR-15-18)Part of this research was supported by the Digital Viticulture program funded by the University of Melbourne’s Networked Society Institute,Australia.
文摘The identification of Chinese medicinal plants was conducted to rely on ampelographic manual assessment by experts.More recently,machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition have been successfully applied to leaf recognition in other plant species.These new tools make the classification of Chinese medicinal plants easier,more efficient and cost effective.This study showed comparative results between machine learning models obtained from two methods:i)a morpho-colorimetric method and ii)a visible(VIS)/Near Infrared(NIR)spectral analysis from sampled leaves of 20 different Chinese medicinal plants.Specifically,the automated image analysis and VIS/NIR spectral based parameters obtained from leaves were used separately as inputs to construct customized artificial neural network(ANN)models.Results showed that the ANN model developed using the morpho-colorimetric parameters as inputs(Model A)had an accuracy of 98.3%in the classification of leaves for the 20 medicinal plants studied.In the case of the model based on spectral data from leaves(Model B),the ANN model obtained using the averaged VIS/NIR spectra per leaf as inputs showed 92.5%accuracy for the classification of all medicinal plants used.Model A has the advantage of being cost effective,requiring only a normal document scanner as measuring instrument.This method can be adapted for non-destructive assessment of leaves in-situ by using portable wireless scanners.Model B combines the fast,non-destructive advantages of VIS/NIR spectroscopy,which can be used for rapid and non-invasive identification of Chinese medicinal plants and other applications by analyzing specific light spectra overtones from leaves to assess concentration of pigments such as chlorophyll,anthocyanins and others that are related active compounds from the medicinal plants.
文摘The main objective of this research is to better understand the correlation between the constituent phases presented in the super-duplex steel SAF 2507 when it is under welding process by arc shielding gas MIG-MAG (Metal Inert Gas-Metal Active Gas). Conventional short circuit transfer and derivative STT (Surface Tension Transfer) using the 2594 welding wire as a filler metal and the effects on welding power in hardness, toughness and pitting corrosion are considered here. The results showed that the welding energy (Ew) changed the α/γ-phase’s balance and occasionally formed σ-phase in ferrite grain boundaries which led to changes in hardness, toughness and pitting corrosion resistance in molten zone (MZ), heat activated zone (HAZ) and metal base regions (MB). Furthermore, the increased amount of γ-phase improved the pitting corrosion resistance index (PRENγ) mainly in the MZ. This is due to decrease of α-phase fraction and formation of coarser grains, for higher welding energy. The toughness in the MZ decreased with less formation of γ-phase, coalescence of ferritic grains and localized formation of σ-phase, raising the hardness in the HAZ when the welding energy was lower.
基金This research is the partial supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 70071045) the research gran
文摘In this paper, we analyze the movements of the real exchange rate in China. Our empirical evidence shows that the purchasing power parity does not hold in the long run, and the real exchange rate is non-stationary. The decomposition of the movements of the real exchange rate also indicates that real shocks result in permanent changes in the real exchange rate whereas nominal shocks just result in temporary changes. Based on these facts, we apply NATREX approach to analyze the determination of real exchange rate in China. The NATREX model successfully explains the evolution of the real exchange rate in China: The real exchange rate in the long run is determined by the real fundamentals including the productivity at home and abroad, and the domestic time preference. In the long run, a rise of the domestic productivity significantly appreciates the real exchange rate whereas a rise of the foreign productivity or a rise of the domestic time preference significantly depreciates the real exchange rate. We also find that the estimated NATR.EX rate converges to the steady-state exchange rate in the long run. Although there are short-run fluctuations around the NATREX rate, the real exchange rate will converge to the NATREX rate over time.
文摘The aim of transit-oriented development(TOD)is to create a livable urban environment by improving the integration between land-use and transportation systems.The capital city of Ethiopia,Addis Ababa,aims to promote a sustainable transportation system by launching its first light rail transit(LRT)network to control the current pattern of increased congestion and the need for mass transport.Planning for TOD around existing transit stations helps achieve improved transit choice and encourages local economic development.Therefore,this article proposes a methodology to quantitatively measure the existing TOD in terms of a TOD index within the walkable distance of transit nodes by measuring the criteria that define TOD levels.The TOD index is calculated for areas of 22 stations on the East-West LRT line of Addis Ababa.Depending on the value of the TOD index,certain stations are identified to have a potential TOD but poor transit accessibility.With these results,the recommendation to improve TOD planning can become accurate for each station,depending on its relevant factors.Such results also help identify each station’s potential for TOD planning and its improvements toward future local developments.
基金the US NSF CAREER Program (CTS-0546925)in part through a travel grant (0647113)
文摘In this work, property clustering techniques and group contribution methods are combined to enable simultaneous consideration of process performance requirements and molecular property constraints. Using this methodology, the process design problem is solved to identify the property targets corresponding to the desired process performance. A significant advantage of the developed methodology is that for problems that can be satisfactorily described by only three properties, the process and molecular design problems can be simultaneously solved visually on a ternary diagram, irrespective of how many molecular fragments are included in the search space. On the ternary cluster diagram, the target properties are represented as individual points if given as discrete values or as a region if given as intervals. The structure and identity of candidate components is then identified by combining or ＂mixing＂ molecular fragments until the resulting properties match the targets.
文摘Objective To compare the quality and quantity of total RNA from different source-original neurons applied in LMPC technique. Methods （ 1 ） Aglient 2100 bioanalyzer and RT-PCR were used to check the concentration and fragmentation of total RNA from unfixed, temporal fixed and fixed 12 h hypothalamus sections; （2）Different neurons of PVN and SON were collected by LMPC, CRH, TRH, AVP, OT mRNA level were measured by RT-PCR; （3）Labeled neurons by injecting CTB into stomach and non-labeled neurons in DMV collected by LMPC were checked for house keeping genes by RT-PCR. Results （ 1 ） Unfixed section had higher concentration and better quality of total RNA compared with fixed sections applied in LMPC ; relative short amplicons such as GAPDH, NSE, MCH and MCAR were successfully obtained from fixed and unfixed and long amplicon of GR can only be obtained from unfixed material; （2） In magnocellular PVN and SON the expressions of AVP and OT were more special than those in the parvocellular PVN. Oppositely, the expressions of CRH, TRH in the parvocellular were more special than the other two ; （3） The expressions of house keeping genes had no significant difference between labeled and non-labeled DMV neurons. Conclusion The quality and quantity of total RNA from unfixed brain tissues were better than fixed tissues applied in LMPC and the CTB tracer which may differentiate neurons had no significant effect on physiology of the neurons applied in LMPC. The results showed that the LMPC technique is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative study on individual neurons at mRNA level.
文摘Sustainability is one of the most-mentioned words from the UN seminars to local community meetings, it is the issue of the world. The emerging science of landscape ecology, is learning more and more about the importance of the "linkage" that green infrastructure(GI) provides in maintaining and restoring ecological processes and the health of nature. The world has moved from the industrialization period to sustainability as a growing issue and answering the question of sustainability in different sectors and green infrastructure is trying to answer the request for sustainable infrastructure. Applying the concept and characteristics of green infrastructure is the infrastructural solution in design. This paper tries to see the origins and concepts of green infrastructure and the strong role of green infrastructure as a part of sustainable development.
