Diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferaseto-platelet ratio index and liver stiffness measurement in hepatitis B virus-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase

AIM To assess the diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI), and liver stiffness measurement(LSM) in patients with hepatitis B virus infection who have persistently normal alanine transaminase(PNALT).METHODS We enrolled 245 patients with chronic hepatitis B: 95 in PNALT group, 86 in intermittently elevated alanine transaminase(PIALT1) group [alanine transaminase(ALT) within 1-2 × upper limit of normal value(ULN)], and 64 in PIALT2 group(ALT > 2 × ULN). All the patients received a percutaneous liver biopsy guided by ultrasonography. LSM, biochemical tests, and complete blood cell counts were performed.RESULTS The pathological examination revealed moderate inflammatory necrosis ratios of 16.81%(16/95), 32.56%(28/86), and 45.31%(28/64), and moderate liverfibrosis of 24.2%(23/95), 33.72%(29/86), and 43.75%(28/64) in the PNALT, PIALT1, and PIALT2 groups, respectively. The degrees of inflammation and liver fibrosis were significantly higher in the PIALT groups than in the PNALT group(P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the areas under the curve(AUCs) between APRI and FIB-4 in the PNALT group; however, significant differences were found between APRI and LSM, and between FIB-4 and LSM in the PNALT group(P < 0.05 for both). In the PIALT1 and PIALT2 groups, no significant difference(P > 0.05) was found in AUCs for all comparisons(P > 0.05 for all). In the overall patients, a significant difference in the AUCs was found only between LSM and APRI(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION APRI and FIB-4 are not the ideal noninvasive hepatic fibrosis markers for PNALT patients. LSM is superior to APRI and FIB-4 in PNALT patients because of the influence of liver inflammation and necrosis.

Normal thermal conduction in lattice models with asymmetric harmonic interparticle interactions

We study the thermal conduction behaviors of one-dimensional lattice models with asymmetric harmonic interparticle interactions. Normal thermal conductivity that is independent of system size is observed when the lattice chains are long enough. Because only the harmonic interactions are involved, the result confirms, without ambiguity, that asymmetry plays a key role in normal thermal conduction in one-dimensional momentum conserving lattices. Both equilibrium and nonequilibrium simulations are performed to support the conclusion.

Possible dynamics of normal－fault earthquakes in the upper crust of the south part of the Qinghai－Xizang Plateau

A numerical model for generating normal fault earthquakes in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau′S upper crust is constructed with 3-D elasto-viscous finite element method. Based on the numerical simulation calculation,some conclusions were got:If the effective viscosity of the upper crust material is less than that of lower strata of the crust in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, even under the strong push of India continent,the stress state of the upper crust can still be extensional in south part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.Numerical simulations show that the stress state changes with the depth of the lithosphere,from extensional stress state in upper crust to compressive in the lower part.Extensional stress state may exist mainly in the upper crust of the south part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

An improved model of partition curve based on accumulation normal distribution function

Extensive studies based on partition curve of gravity separation have been investigated. All created models are merely used to simulate density distribution at the same size fraction. However, they cannot be used to predictive distribution of materials depending on compound feature of density and size. According to this situation, an improved model of partition curve based on accumulation normal distribution, which was distinguished from conventional model of accumulation normal distribution for partition curve, was proposed in this paper. It could simulate density distribution at different size fractions by using the density-size compound index and conflating the partition curves at different size fractions as one partition curve. The feasibility of three compound indexes, including mass index, settlement index and transformation index, were investigated. Specific forms of the improved model were also proposed. It is found that transformation index leads to the best fitting results, while the fitting error is only 1.75 according to the fitting partition curve.

Cyclic shear behavior of en-echelon joints under constant normal stiffness conditions

To reveal the mechanism of shear failure of en-echelon joints under cyclic loading,such as during earthquakes,we conducted a series of cyclic shear tests of en-echelon joints under constant normal stiffness(CNS)conditions.We analyzed the evolution of shear stress,normal stress,stress path,dilatancy characteristics,and friction coefficient and revealed the failure mechanisms of en-echelon joints at different angles.The results show that the cyclic shear behavior of the en-echelon joints is closely related to the joint angle,with the shear strength at a positive angle exceeding that at a negative angle during shear cycles.As the number of cycles increases,the shear strength decreases rapidly,and the difference between the varying angles gradually decreases.Dilation occurs in the early shear cycles(1 and 2),while contraction is the main feature in later cycles(310).The friction coefficient decreases with the number of cycles and exhibits a more significant sensitivity to joint angles than shear cycles.The joint angle determines the asperities on the rupture surfaces and the block size,and thus determines the subsequent shear failure mode(block crushing and asperity degradation).At positive angles,block size is more greater and asperities on the rupture surface are smaller than at nonpositive angles.Therefore,the cyclic shear behavior is controlled by block crushing at positive angles and asperity degradation at negative angles.

Glycosylated and non-glycosylated quantum dot-displayed peptides trafficked indiscriminately inside lung cancer cells but discriminately sorted in normal lung cells: An indispensable part in nanoparticle-based intracellular drug delivery

Difference in sub-cellular trafficking of glycosylated and naked peptides, between normal and lung cancer cells, was established. Normal lung tissue discriminately sorted glycosylated from non-glycosylated peptides by allowing golgi localization of the glycosylated peptides while restricting golgi entry of the naked peptides. This mechanism was surprisingly not observed in its cancer cell counterpart. Lung cancer cells tend to allow unrestricted localization of both glycosylated and naked peptides in the golgi apparatus. This newly discovered difference in sub-cellular trafficking between normal and lung cancer cells could potentially be used as an effective strategy in targeted intracellular delivery, especially targeting golgi-resident enzymes for possible treatment of diseases associated with glycans and glycoproteins, such as, congenital disease of glycosylation(CDG). This very important detail in intracellular trafficking inside normal and cancer cells is an indispensable part in nanoparticle-based intracellular drug delivery.

Unveiling the silent link:Normal-tension glaucoma's enigmatic bond with cardiac blood flow

This comprehensive review embarks on a captivating journey into the complex relationship between cardiology and normal-tension glaucoma(NTG),a condition that continues to baffle clinicians and researchers alike.NTG,characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss despite normal intraocular pressure,has long puzzled clinicians.One emerging perspective suggests that alterations in ocular blood flow,particularly within the optic nerve head,may play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis.While NTG shares commonalities with its high-tension counterpart,its unique pathogenesis and potential ties to cardiovascular health make it a fascinating subject of exploration.It navigates through the complex web of vascular dysregulation,blood pressure and perfusion pressure,neurovascular coupling,and oxidative stress,seeking to uncover the hidden threads that tie the heart and eyes together in NTG.This review explores into the intricate mechanisms connecting cardiovascular factors to NTG,shedding light on how cardiac dynamics can influence ocular health,particularly in cases where intraocular pressure remains within the normal range.NTG's enigmatic nature,often characterized by seemingly contradictory risk factors and clinical profiles,underscores the need for a holistic approach to patient care.Drawing parallels to cardiac health,we examine into the shared vascular terrain connecting the heart and the eyes.Cardiovascular factors,including systemic blood flow,endothelial dysfunction,and microcirculatory anomalies,may exert a profound influence on ocular perfusion,impacting the delicate balance within the optic nerve head.By elucidating the subtle clues and potential associations between cardiology and NTG,this review invites clinicians to consider a broader perspective in their evaluation and management of this elusive condition.As the understanding of these connections evolves,so too may the prospects for early diagnosis and tailored interventions,ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those living with NTG.

Higher order asymptotic behaviour of partial maxima of random sample from generalized Maxwell distribution under power normalization

In this article, the higher order asymptotic expansions of cumulative distribution function and probability density function of extremes for generalized Maxwell distribution are established under nonlinear normalization. As corollaries, the convergence rates of the distribu- tion and density of maximum are obtained under nonlinear normalization.

Asymptotic Normality of Pseudo-LS Estimator of Error Variance in Partly Linear Autoregressive Models

Consider the model Yt = βYt-1＋g（Yt-2）＋εt for 3 〈 t 〈 T. Hereg is anunknown function, β is an unknown parameter, εt are i.i.d, random errors with mean 0 andvariance σ2 and the fourth moment α4, and α4 are independent of Y8 for all t ≥ 3 and s = 1, 2.Pseudo-LS estimators σ, σ2T α4τ and D2T of σ^2,α4 and Var（ε2↑3） are respectively constructedbased on piecewise polynomial approximator of g. The weak consistency of α4T and D2T are proved. The asymptotic normality of σ2T is given, i.e., √T（σ2T -σ^2）/DT converges indistribution to N（0, 1）. The result can be used to establish large sample interval estimatesof σ^2 or to make large sample tests for σ^2.

LOGARITHMIC GAUSS NORMAL DISTRIBUTION OF MICROLATEX PARTICLE OF EMULSION EXPLOSIVES

Microlatex particles of emulsion explosives determined by microphotography were studied with the law of logarithmic Gauss normal distribution, and results obtained showed that the microlatex particle just possessed the law of logarithmic Gauss normal distribution. The particle diameter in statistical average value, such as DNL, DNS, DLS, DSV and DVM was calculated through the diagram of logarithmic Gauss normal distribution of microlatex particles of emulsion explosives, so was SW.

Schur Forms and Normal-Nilpotent Decompositions

Real and complex Schur forms have been receiving increasing attention from the fluid mechanics community recently,especially related to vortices and turbulence.Several decompositions of the velocity gradient tensor,such as the triple decomposition of motion(TDM)and normal-nilpotent decomposition(NND),have been proposed to analyze the local motions of fluid elements.However,due to the existence of different types and non-uniqueness of Schur forms,as well as various possible definitions of NNDs,confusion has spread widely and is harming the research.This work aims to clean up this confusion.To this end,the complex and real Schur forms are derived constructively from the very basics,with special consideration for their non-uniqueness.Conditions of uniqueness are proposed.After a general discussion of normality and nilpotency,a complex NND and several real NNDs as well as normal-nonnormal decompositions are constructed,with a brief comparison of complex and real decompositions.Based on that,several confusing points are clarified,such as the distinction between NND and TDM,and the intrinsic gap between complex and real NNDs.Besides,the author proposes to extend the real block Schur form and its corresponding NNDs for the complex eigenvalue case to the real eigenvalue case.But their justification is left to further investigations.

A novel mitigation measure for normal fault-induced deformations on pile-raft systems

Evidence from recent earthquakes has shown destructive consequences of fault-induced permanent ground movement on structures.Such observations have increased the demand for improvements in the design of structures that are dramatically vulnerable to surface fault ruptures.In this study a novel connection between the raft and the piles is proposed to mitigate the hazards associated with a normal fault on pile-raft systems by means of 3D finite element(FE)modeling.Before embarking on the parametric study,the strain-softening constitutive law used for numerical modeling of the sand has been validated against centrifuge test results.The exact location of the fix-head and unconnected pile-raft systems relative to the outcropping fault rupture in the free-field is parametrically investigated,revealing different failure mechanisms.The performance of the proposed connection for protecting the pile-raft system against normal fault-induced deformations is assessed by comparing the geotechnical and structural responses of both types of foundation.The results indicate that the pocket connection can relatively reduce the cap rotation and horizontal and vertical displacements of the raft in most scenarios.The proposed connection decreases the bending moment response of the piles to their bending moment capacity,verging on a fault offset of 0.6 m at bedrock.

NORMALIZED SOLUTIONS FOR THE GENERAL KIRCHHOFF TYPE EQUATIONS

In the present paper,we prove the existence,non-existence and multiplicity of positive normalized solutions(λ_(c),u_(c))∈R×H^(1)(R^(N))to the general Kirchhoff problem-M■,satisfying the normalization constraint f_(R)^N u^2dx=c,where M∈C([0,∞))is a given function satisfying some suitable assumptions.Our argument is not by the classical variational method,but by a global branch approach developed by Jeanjean et al.[J Math Pures Appl,2024,183:44–75]and a direct correspondence,so we can handle in a unified way the nonlinearities g(s),which are either mass subcritical,mass critical or mass supercritical.

Shear mechanical properties and frictional sliding responses of rough joint surfaces under dynamic normal displacement conditions

A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic frictional characteristics in rock joints under high normal load and strong confinement is essential for ensuring the safety of deep engineering construction and mitigating geological disasters.This study conducted shear experiments on rough rock joints under displacement-controlled dynamic normal loads,investigating the shear behaviors of joints across varying initial normal loads,normal loading frequencies,and normal loading amplitudes.Experimental results showed that the peak/valley shear force values increased with initial normal loads and normal loading frequencies but showed an initial increase followed by a decrease with normal loading amplitudes.Dynamic normal loading can either increase or decrease shear strength,while this study demonstrates that higher frequencies lead to enhanced friction.Increased initial normal loading and normal loading frequency result in a gradual decrease in joint roughness coefficient(JRC)values of joint surfaces after shearing.Positive correlations existed between frictional energy dissipation and peak shear forces,while post-shear joint surface roughness exhibited a negative correlation with peak shear forces through linear regression analysis.This study contributes to a better understanding of the sliding responses and shear mechanical characteristics of rock joints under dynamic disturbances.

Extraction of Acoustic Normal Mode Depth Functions Using Range-Difference Method with Vertical Linear Array Data

Data-derived normal mode extraction is an effective method for extracting normal mode depth functions in the absence of marine environmental data.However,when the corresponding singular vectors become nonunique when two or more singular values obtained from the cross-spectral density matrix diagonalization are nearly equal,this results in unsatisfactory extraction outcomes for the normal mode depth functions.To address this issue,we introduced in this paper a range-difference singular value decomposition method for the extraction of normal mode depth functions.We performed the mode extraction by conducting singular value decomposition on the individual frequency components of the signal's cross-spectral density matrix.This was achieved by using pressure and its range-difference matrices constructed from vertical line array data.The proposed method was validated using simulated data.In addition,modes were successfully extracted from ambient noise.

Normalized glandular dose coefficients for digital breast tomosynthesis using detailed Chinese breast models

The rise in breast cancer diagnoses among Chinese women has necessitated the use of X-ray breast screening,which carries a radiation risk.This study aimed to provide a dosimetry protocol for the Chinese female population to replace the traditional standard that utilizes simplified breast models,for the accurate estimation of the mean glandular dose of a patient undergoing digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT).The first set of detailed Chinese female breast models and representative breast parameters was constructed.Considering backscatter radiation and computational efficiency,we improved the combination of these models and the Chinese reference adult female whole-body voxel phantom.Image acquisition for four commercial DBT systems that are widely employed in China was simulated using the Monte Carlo method to obtain the normalized glandular dose coefficients of DBT(D_(gN)^(DBT))and the glandular depth dose(D_(g)^(dep)(z))for different breast characteristics and X-ray spectra.We calculated a series of D_(gN)^(DBT) values for breasts with different percentage mass glandularities(5%,25%,50%,75%,and 100%)and compressed breast thicknesses(2,3,4,5,6,and 7 cm)at various tube potentials(25,28,30,32,35,and 49 kV)and target/filter combinations(W/Rh,W/Al,Mo/Mo,Rh/Rh,and Rh/Ag).The parameter dependence of the breast characteristics and beam conditions on D_(gN)^(DBT) in detailed breast models was investigated.The D_(gN)^(DBT) results were 14.6-51.0%lower than those of the traditional dosimetry standard in China.The difference in D_(gN)^(DBT) was mainly due to a decrease in the depth of the main energy deposition area caused by the glandular distribution along the depth direction.The results obtained in this study may be used to improve breast dosimetry in China and provide more detailed information on risk assessment during DBT.

MULTIPLICITY OF NORMALIZED SOLUTIONS FOR THE FRACTIONAL SCHR?DINGER-POISSON SYSTEM WITH DOUBLY CRITICAL GROWTH

In this paper,we are concerned with solutions to the fractional Schrodinger-Poisson system■ with prescribed mass ∫_(R^(3))|u|^(2)dx=a^(2),where a> 0 is a prescribed number,μ> 0 is a paremeter,s ∈(0,1),2 <q <2_(s)^(*),and 2_(s)^(*)=6/(3-2s) is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent.In the L2-subcritical case,we show the existence of multiple normalized solutions by using the genus theory and the truncation technique;in the L^(2)-supercritical case,we obtain a couple of normalized solutions by developing a fiber map.Under both cases,to recover the loss of compactness of the energy functional caused by the doubly critical growth,we need to adopt the concentration-compactness principle.Our results complement and improve upon some existing studies on the fractional Schrodinger-Poisson system with a nonlocal critical term.

Geometry and 3D seismic characterisation of post-rift normal faults in the Pearl River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea

Based on high-resolution 3D seismic data acquired in the Pearl(Zhujiang)River Mouth Basin of the northern South China Sea,this study investigated the geometry,spatial extension,and throw distribution of the post-rift normal fault through detailed seismic interpretation and fault modeling.A total of 289 post-rift normal faults were identified in the study area and can be classified into four types:(1)isolated normal faults above the carbonate platform;(2)isolated normal faults cutting through the carbonate platform;(3)conjugate normal faults,and(4)connecting normal faults.Throw distribution analysis on the fault planes show that the vertical throw profiles of most normal fault exhibit flat-topped profiles.Isolated normal faults above the carbonate platform exhibit roughly concentric ellipses with maximum throw zones in the central section whereas the normal faults cutting through the carbonate platform miss the lowermost section due to the chaotic seismic reflections in the interior of the carbonate platform.The vertical throws of conjugate normal faults anomalously decrease toward their intersection region on the fault plane whereas the connecting normal faults present two maximum throw zones in the central section of the fault plane.According to the symmetric elliptical distribution model of fault throw,an estimation was made indicating that normal faults cutting through the carbonate platform extended downward between-1308 s and-1780 s(two-way travel time)in depth and may not penetrate the entire Liuhua carbonate platform.Moreover,it is observed that the distribution of karst caves on the top of the carbonate platform disaccord with those of hydrocarbon reservoirs and the post-rift normal faults cutting through the carbonate platform in the study area.We propose that these karst caves formed most probably by corrosive fluids derived from magmatic activities during the Dongsha event,rather than pore waters or hydrocarbons.

Depth-Guided Vision Transformer With Normalizing Flows for Monocular 3D Object Detection

Monocular 3D object detection is challenging due to the lack of accurate depth information.Some methods estimate the pixel-wise depth maps from off-the-shelf depth estimators and then use them as an additional input to augment the RGB images.Depth-based methods attempt to convert estimated depth maps to pseudo-LiDAR and then use LiDAR-based object detectors or focus on the perspective of image and depth fusion learning.However,they demonstrate limited performance and efficiency as a result of depth inaccuracy and complex fusion mode with convolutions.Different from these approaches,our proposed depth-guided vision transformer with a normalizing flows(NF-DVT)network uses normalizing flows to build priors in depth maps to achieve more accurate depth information.Then we develop a novel Swin-Transformer-based backbone with a fusion module to process RGB image patches and depth map patches with two separate branches and fuse them using cross-attention to exchange information with each other.Furthermore,with the help of pixel-wise relative depth values in depth maps,we develop new relative position embeddings in the cross-attention mechanism to capture more accurate sequence ordering of input tokens.Our method is the first Swin-Transformer-based backbone architecture for monocular 3D object detection.The experimental results on the KITTI and the challenging Waymo Open datasets show the effectiveness of our proposed method and superior performance over previous counterparts.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease:The question of long-term high-normal alanine aminotransferase as a screening test

The growing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is being driven by the obesity epidemic.The quest for solutions continues particularly with regard to early detection.This editorial comments on the utility of long-term high-normal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in screening for MASLD.Chen et al found that new onset MASLD can be detected by repetitively high normal ALT.Implicit in this concept is the question of what should be the accepted upper limit of normal(ULN)for ALT.It was previously set at 40 IU/L based on studies that included people with subclinical liver disease but the new consensus is 30/19 U/L in healthy males/females.Thus,when Chen et al defines the ULN as 40 U/L,others may view it as excessively high.It is important to recognize the variables affecting ULN e.g.instrumentation,diurnal variations,exercise and ageing.These variables matter when the distinctions are subtle e.g.normal vs high-normal.In this regard,the utility of long-term high normal ALT as a disease marker could be enhanced by combining it with other biomarkers,imaging and MASLD genetics to create machine learning classifiers.All in all,Chen et al’s work on long-term high normal ALT as a marker of new-onset MASLD deserves merit.