Quantitatively characterizing sandy soil structure altered by MICP using multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm

The influences of biological,chemical,and flow processes on soil structure through microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)are not yet fully understood.In this study,we use a multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm,genetic algorithm(GA)enhanced Kapur entropy(KE)(GAE-KE),to accomplish quantitative characterization of sandy soil structure altered by MICP cementation.A sandy soil sample was treated using MICP method and scanned by the synchrotron radiation(SR)micro-CT with a resolution of 6.5 mm.After validation,tri-level thresholding segmentation using GAE-KE successfully separated the precipitated calcium carbonate crystals from sand particles and pores.The spatial distributions of porosity,pore structure parameters,and flow characteristics were calculated for quantitative characterization.The results offer pore-scale insights into the MICP treatment effect,and the quantitative understanding confirms the feasibility of the GAE-KE multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm.

Efficient stabilization of dredged sludge with high water content using an improved bio-carbonation of reactive magnesia cement method

This study proposed an improved bio-carbonation of reactive magnesia cement(RMC)method for dredged sludge stabilization using the urea pre-hydrolysis strategy.Based on unconfined compression strength(UCS),pickling-drainage,and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)tests,the effects of prehydrolysis duration(T),urease activity(UA)and curing age(CA)on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of bio-carbonized samples were systematically investigated and analyzed.The results demonstrated that the proposed method could significantly enhance urea hydrolysis and RMC bio-carbonation to achieve efficient stabilization of dredged sludge with 80%high water content.A significant strength increment of up to about 1063.36 kPa was obtained for the bio-carbonized samples after just 7 d of curing,which was 2.64 times higher than that of the 28-day cured ordinary Portland cement-reinforced samples.Both elevated T and UA could notably increase urea utilization ratio and carbonate ion yield,but the resulting surge in supersaturation also affected the precipitation patterns of hydrated magnesia carbonates(HMCs),which weakened the cementation effect of HMCs on soil particles and further inhibited strength enhancement of bio-carbonized samples.The optimum formula was determined to be the case of T?24 h and UA?10 U/mL for dredged sludge stabilization.A 7-day CA was enough for bio-carbonized samples to obtain stable strength,albeit slightly affected by UA.The benefits of high efficiency and water stability presented the potential of this method in achieving dredged sludge stabilization and resource utilization.This investigation provides informative ideas and valuable insights on implementing advanced bio-geotechnical techniques to achieve efficient stabilization of soft soil,such as dredged sludge.

The therapeutic mechanism of dexamethasone in lung injury induced by hydrogen sulfide

The lung is one of the primary target organs of hydrogen sulfide(H2S),as exposure to H2S can cause acute lung injury(ALI)and pulmonary edema.Dexamethasone(Dex)exerts a protective effect on ALI caused by exposure to toxic gases and is commonly used in the clinic;however,the underlying mechanisms remain elusive,and the dose is unclear.Methods:In vivo experiments:divided C57BL6 mice into 6 groups at random,12 in each group.The mice were exposed to H2S for 3 h and 5 or 50 mg/kg Dex pretreated before exposure,sacrificed 12 h later.The morphological changes of HE staining and the ultrastructural changes of lungs under transmission electron microscopy were evaluated.The wet/dry ratio of lung tissue was measured.Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)protein content and lung permeability index were detected.The expression of AQP5 protein was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot(WB).In vitro experiments:divided human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 into 4 groups.1μmol/L dexamethasone was added to pre-incubation.The WB analyzed the protein of p-ERK1/2,p-JNK,and p-p38 in MAPK pathway after 1 h of NaHS exposure;six hours after NaHS exposure,the AQP5 protein was measured by WB.Results:Dex treatment could significantly attenuate the H2S-induced destruction to the alveolar wall,increase the wet-to-dry weight ratio and decrease pulmonary permeability index,with high-dose dexamethasone seemingly functioning better.Additionally,our previous studies showed that aquaporin 5(AQP 5),a critical protein that regulates water flux,decreased both in a mouse and cell model following the exposure to H2S.This study indicates that tThe decrease in AQP 5 can be alleviated by Dex treatment.Additionally,the mitogen activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathway may be involved in the protective effects of Dex in ALI caused by exposure to H2S since H2Sinduced MAPK activation could be inhibited by Dex.Conclusion:The present results indicate that AQP 5 may be considered a therapeutic target for Dex in H2S or other hazardous gases-induced ALI.

The existence of propagated sensation along the meridian proved by neuroelectrophysiology

Propagated sensation along the meridian can occur when acupoints are stimulated by acupuncture or electrical impulses. In this study, participants with notable propagated sensation along the me- ridian were given electro-acupuncture at the Jianyu （LI15） acupoint of the large intestine meridian. When participants stated that the sensation reached the back of their hand, reguJar nervous system action discharge was examined using a physiological recording electrode placed on the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The topographical maps of brain-evoked potential in the primary cortical somatosensory area were also detected. When Guangming （GB37） acupoint in the lower limb and Hegu （LI4） acupoint in the upper limb were stimulated, subjects without propagated sensation along the meridian exhibited a high potential reaction in the corresponding area of the brain cortical somatosensory area. For subjects with a notable propagated sensation along the meridian, the re- action area was larger and extended into the face representative area. These electrophysiological measures directly prove the existence of propagated sensation along the meridian, and the periph- eral stimulated site is consistent with the corresponding primary cortical somatosensory area, which presents a high potential reaction.

Developmental Status Quo and Trends of Low-carbon Agriculture

In order to reduce carbon emission in agricultural production,this paper has discussed the developmental trends of low-carbon agriculture in terms of developing precision agriculture,improving the efficiency of fertilizer utilization,scientific use of pesticides,water-saving irrigation,ecological control of pests and diseases,as well as energy conservation and emission reduction by agricultural machinery and other agricultural practices.

Yield and Quality Performance of Japonica Rice Varieties Grown in the Late Season in a Double Rice Cropping System of China

Meeting the demand for high-quality japonica rice is a major challenge facing China's grain security. In the present study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the yield, quality, and profitability of japonica rice varieties(including hybrids and inbreds) grown in the late season as compared with local elite indica hybrids in a double rice cropping system of China where indicas are traditionally planted. Indica hybrids had significantly longer vegetative(from sowing to heading) and total(from sowing to maturity) growth durations than japonicas in both2011 and 2012, while reproductive growth duration(from heading to maturity) was longer for indica hybrids than for japonicas in 2011 but not in 2012. Indica hybrids produced higher grain yield than japonicas in 2011, but with no significant differences in 2012. Japonicas had higher brown rice, milled rice, and head rice percentages than indicas, but had lower gelatinization temperature and amylose content,while with no significant differences in gel consistency and protein content. Indica hybrids tended to have lower chalky grain percentage and chalkiness degree than japonicas, though the differences were not statistically significant due to large genotypic variations. The net returns were 16.1% and 9.9% greater for indica hybrids than for japonica hybrids and japonica inbreds in 2011, with only 3.8% and 1.3% in2012, respectively. Thus, our results suggest that replacing indicas with japonica varieties as late rice may not be feasible at the present site unless locally adapted japonica varieties are developed.

Effects of Different Irrigation Management on the Textural Properties of Double-Cropping Late Indica Rice in South China

In order to investigate the effects of different irrigation management on the textural properties of two different double-cropping late indica rice,the effects of three irrigation management including conventional irrigation(CK),constant irrigation(CI)and alternate wetting and drying(AWD)on textural properties has been researched under field conditions of two years.The results indicated that the firmness,cohesiveness and chewiness were decreased under AWD treatment,and the stickiness was increased compared with CK,while the textural properties under CI treatment showed the opposite trend with AWD treatment.Additionally,AWD treatment signifi-cantly improved the springiness of TY871 compared with CK and CI treatment,but had no significant effect in RYHZ,suggesting improvement of the cooking and eating quality of TY871 under AWD treatment.Correlation analysis showed that the chewiness was positively correlated with the firmness and cohesiveness,and the cohesiveness was positively correlated with the firmness.AWD could promote the textural properties of high-quality late indica rice in South China whereas CI treatment has shown the disadvantage of the textural properties,which will provide useful information for the improvement of cooking and eating quality of rice.

Effects of High Temperature and Strong Light Combine Stress on Yield and Quality of Early Indica Rice with Different Amylose Content during Grout Filling

High temperature(HT)accompanied with strong light(SL)often occurs in early indica rice production during grout filling stage in Southern China,which accelerates grain ripening.Two indica rice cultivars with different amylose content(Zhongjiazao17,ZJZ17,high amylose content;Xiangzaoxian45,XZX45,low amylose content)were grown under control(CK),HT,and HT+SL conditions during grout filling to determine the effects on grain yield and quality of rice.The results showed that compared with CK,HT and HT+SL significantly reduced the 1000-grain weight and filled grain rate whether in high or low amylose content early indica rice cultivars during grout filling,resulting in a significantly lower grain yield.Meanwhile,HT and HT+SL significantly decreased the milled rice rate,brown rice rate and head rice rate,whereas significantly increased chalky rate and chalky degree;and breakdown decreased and setback,pasting temperature increased in the cultivars,leading to the poor processing,appearance and cooking and eating quality of early indica rice cultivars.Compared with HT,the yield of ZJZ17 was significantly decreased under HT+SL,due to the lower 1000-grain weight.However,the effect of HT+SL on rice quality varied in the cultivars.In general,the yield and rice quality of ZJZ17 were relatively poor under HT+SL.Our results suggested that HT and HT+SL during grout filling had significant damage to the yield and quality of early indica rice cultivars,especially HT+SL,while the high amylose cultivar ZJZ17 showed a higher negative effect under HT+SL.

Effects of Low Temperature after Flowering on Grain Filling and Plant Hormone Contents in Rice

Four varieties, indica-japonica hybrid rice Yongyou 538 and Yongyou 17, indica rice Zhongzheyou 1 and japonica rice Zhejing 88 were treated under low temperatures in different time periods of grain filling stage, to analyze endogenous hormone changes and differences in different treatments in grain filling process. The results showed that the effects of low temperatures in different time periods after flowering on grain filling showed an order of early stage 〉 middle stage 〉 late stage, while the difference between the effects of lower temperatures on grain filling in middle and late filling stage was not significant, and the effects of low temper- atures on Yangyou 17 and Zhongzheyou 1 were higher than those on Yangyou 538 and Zhejing 88. Low temperature in early filling stage after flowering aignifieanfly slowed grain filling of Yongyou 17 and prolonged filling duration, while the effect on Yongyou 538 was not significant. Under low temperature treatments after flow- ering, changes in endogenous hormone contents in various varieties differed to certain degrees, IAA and ZR contents in grains of Yongyou 17 in early and middle filling stage decreased significantly, while GA3 and ABA contents were improved remarkably ; and Yongyou 538 showed significantly reduced GA3 content in grains, but higher IAA and ZR contents, which were the main reason for normal filling in grains. Proper hormone regulation measures could be taken in production to improve filling of rice grains under low temperature.

Recent Advance in Division of Carbohydrate and Protein Fractions of Ruminant Feed and Their Metabolism in Digestive Tract

Accurate assessment of feed's Carbohydrate( CHO) and protein nutritional values and rumen metabolism are significant for dairy production. Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System( CNCPS) as an important method to evaluate feedstuff nutritional values,hasn't been widely used in China. In order to illustrate updates of CNCPS systems deeply,the following sections were reviewed:( i) CHO and protein fractions were updated,CA was subdivided into CA1,CA2,CA3 and CA4 in CNCPS v6. 1,protein was reclassified into PA1,PA2,PB1,PB2 and PC after CNCPS v6. 1. Content of CHO and protein fractions vary in different feedstuff and affected by feed processing;( ii) Degradation rates( Kd) values for the new CA expanded scheme were updated to 0,7,5,40- 60 % h^(-1)respectively,Kd for PA and PB1 decreased to 200 % h^(-1)and 10- 40 % h^(-1);( iii) Equations for passage rate( Kp) initially includes Kpf( Kp of forages) and Kpc( Kp of concentrates),and adjusted by effective NDF( e NDF),while in CNCPS v5. 0,Kpl( Kp of liquids) equation was added and e NDF was replaced by physically effective NDF( pe NDF). In CNCPS v6. 1,Fp BW and Cp BW were integrated into Kp equations and pe NDF was abandoned.( iv)The relationship and difference among Weende system of proximate analysis,Van Soest fiber analysis~[35],NRC( 2001)~[28]and CNCPS were analyzed. The first two systems laid the foundation for NRC( 2001) and CNCPS system. The latter two systems are different in CHO and protein division,also NRC( 2001) developed separate Kp equations for wet and dry forages but no equation for Kpl. CNCPS developed a Kp equation that work for wet and dry forages,and Kpl equation was established. In conclusion,the division and development of CHO and protein fractions,the update of Kd and Kp equation were reviewed systematically.

Farmers' Cognition of Circular Agriculture and its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of Wannian County in Jiangxi Province

Based on the current situation of agricultural development and agricultural material utilization in Wannian County of Jiangxi Province,we mainly use the form of questionnaire survey and design the relevant questions,to study the farmers' awareness of circular agriculture and its influencing factors. The study results show that some factors have a significant impact on farmers' awareness of circular agriculture,such as householders' age,education level,the proportion of agricultural income to household income,having attended agriculture-related lectures,and whether to be concerned about the information related to agriculture. Through the study in this article,we aim to provide better theoretical reference for the development and study of circular agriculture in Wannian County of Jiangxi Province.

近视合并原发性闭角型青光眼的眼前节参数特征

目的:分析近视合并原发性闭角型青光眼(PACG)的眼前节参数特征及近视与PACG的关系。方法:多中心横断面研究。连续纳入2019年1月至2021年8月厦门大学附属眼科中心、四川大学华西医院眼科、深圳市眼科医院、大连市第三人民医院眼科、郑州市第二人民医院眼科等5个眼科中心明确诊断的近视合并PACG患者210例(263眼)。根据等效球镜度(SE)将受检眼分为低度近视组(SE-3.00~-1.00 D)、中度近视组(SE-6.00~-3.00 D)、高度近视组(SE≤-6.00 D)。根据眼轴长度(AL)将受检眼分为AL≤24 mm组和AL>24 mm组。所有患眼均接受常规眼科检查,采用主观验光仪进行屈光度检查,采用IOLMaster 700测定中央前房深度(ACD)、晶状体厚度(LT)、AL,根据公式计算SE、玻璃体腔长度(VL)、相对晶状体位置(RLP)。不同近视程度组间眼前节参数比较采用单因素方差分析,不同AL组间眼前节参数比较采用独立样本t检验。结果:低度近视组176眼,中度近视组60眼,高度近视组27眼,3组受检眼AL总体比较差异有统计学意义(F=27.95,P<0.001),其中高度近视组AL长于低度近视组和中度近视组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001);3组间LT总体比较差异有统计学意义(F=5.81,P=0.003),其中高度近视组LT短于低度近视组和中度近视组(P=0.002、0.001);3组间RLP总体比较差异有统计学意义(F=13.69,P<0.001),其中高度近视组RLP比低度近视组和中度近视组更靠前(P<0.001)。AL>24 mm组受检眼ACD比AL≤24 mm组深(t=-2.60,P=0.010),但AL>24 mm组受检眼RLP比AL≤24 mm组更靠前(t=6.74,P<0.001)。结论:高度近视合并PACG的AL较长,LT较短,但RLP更靠前。相对拥挤的前房结构可能是此类近视患者发生房角关闭的原因之一。

Biochar-mediated Cd accumulation in rice grains through altering chemical forms,subcellular distribution,and physiological characteristics

Biochar can change the availability and morphology of soil Cd.However,the influence of biochar on Cd chemical form and subcellular fraction in rice is poorly understood,particularly under different irrigation methods.A pot experiment of biochar application combined with two irrigation methods(continuous flooding and intermittent irrigation,CF and Ⅱ)was conducted.The Cd accumulation,chemical form and subcellular fraction in rice organs and the associated physiological responses were examined.Biochar significantly reduced soil available Cd(30.85-47.26%and 32.35-52.35%)under CF and Ⅱ but increased the Cd content(30.4-63.88%and 13.03-18.59%)in brown rice.Additionally,the Cd content in shoots/grains under Ⅱ was higher than that under CF.Biochar elevated the Cd soluble fraction in roots while lowered the cell wall fraction under both irrigation methods,whereas the opposite result was observed in leaves.Biochar increased water-,ethanol-,and NaCl-extractable Cd in roots meanwhile increased ethanol-extractable Cd in leaves under both irrigation methods.Moreover,the total amount of water-,ethanol-,and NaCl-extractable Cd in rice roots was higher under Ⅱ than under CF.Related hormones and antioxidant enzymes may also be involved in biochar-mediated Cd accumulation in rice grains.Thus,changes in Cd chemical form and subcellular fraction in the root and leaf are the main mechanisms of biochar-induced rice grains Cd accumulation.

Prediction of interfaces of geological formations using the multivariate adaptive regression spline method

The design and construction of underground structures are significantly affected by the distribution of geological formations.Prediction of the geological interfaces using limited data has been a difficult task.A multivariate adaptive regression spline(MARS)method capable of modeling nonlinearities automatically was used in this study to spatially predict the elevations of geological interfaces.Borehole data from two sites in Singapore were used to evaluate the capability of the MARS method for predicting geological interfaces.By comparing the predicted values with the borehole data,it is shown that the MARS method has a mean of root mean square error of 4.4 m for the predicted elevations of the Kallang Formation–Old Alluvium interface.In addition,the MARS method is able to produce reasonable prediction intervals in the sense that the percentage of testing data covered by 95% prediction intervals was close to the associated confidence level,95%.More importantly,the prediction interval evaluated by the MARS method had a non-constant width that appropriately reflected the data density and geological complexity.

Proposed methodology for online frequency response analysis based on magnetic coupling to detect winding deformations in transformers

Frequency response analysis is widely used as a method for the offline diagnosis of winding deformations in power transformers.To apply it to a working transformer,people need to determine how to inject the excitation signal and measure the response signal for windings that bear a rated voltage and current.In this study,a method to obtain the frequency response curve online is proposed.It uses the principle of magnetic field coupling to inject a frequency sweep signal into the windings through a Rogowski coil.Another Rogowski coil sensor placed at the root of a high-voltage bushing is used to measure the response current signal.Experiments on a 72.5 kV bushing show that metal accessories of the bushing have no influence on the injection or the measurement.The feasibility of this method was verified by experiments on charged 110/35/10 kV transformers at a factory and a working 35 kV transformer in a power station.The results show that it is safe to install the Rogowski coil at the root of the high-voltage bushing.The excitation signal can be injected into live windings and the response signal is measurable.Strong electromagnetic power frequency noise can be reduced and the frequency response curve can be measured online.

Gene expression disparity in giant cell tumor of bone

The aim of this paper was to study the differential gene expression of giant cell tumor of bone(GCTB)by gene chip technology.Total RNA of 8 fresh GCTB specimens(Jaffe I∶6 cases,II∶1 case,III∶1 case;Campanacci I∶6 cases,II∶1 case,III∶1 case;Enneking Staging G0T1-2M0,5 cases,G1T1-2M0:2 cases,G1T2M0:1 case)and 4 normal bony callus specimens(the control group)were extracted and purified to get mRNA and then reverse transcribed to complementary DNA,respectively.Microarray screening with a set of 8064 human cDNA genes was conducted to analyze the difference among the samples and the control.The hybridization signals were scanned.The gene expression disparity between the GCTB samples and normal bony callus was significantly different(P<0.01),and the disparity of over 5-fold was found in 47 genes in the GCTB specimens,with 25 genes up-regulated and 22 down-regulated including the extracellular matrix and transforming-related genes,oncogene and its homolog genes,cytokine and its receptor genes.Specific gene spectrum associated with GCTB can be identified by cDNA microarray,which will be the foundation of progressive etiology elucidation,diagnosis and treatment of GCTB.