Multiframe-integrated, in-sensor computing using persistent photoconductivity

The utilization of processing capabilities within the detector holds significant promise in addressing energy consumption and latency challenges. Especially in the context of dynamic motion recognition tasks, where substantial data transfers are necessitated by the generation of extensive information and the need for frame-by-frame analysis. Herein, we present a novel approach for dynamic motion recognition, leveraging a spatial-temporal in-sensor computing system rooted in multiframe integration by employing photodetector. Our approach introduced a retinomorphic MoS_(2) photodetector device for motion detection and analysis. The device enables the generation of informative final states, nonlinearly embedding both past and present frames. Subsequent multiply-accumulate (MAC) calculations are efficiently performed as the classifier. When evaluating our devices for target detection and direction classification, we achieved an impressive recognition accuracy of 93.5%. By eliminating the need for frame-by-frame analysis, our system not only achieves high precision but also facilitates energy-efficient in-sensor computing.

The Role of Underlying Boundary Forcing in Shaping the Recent Decadal Change of Persistent Anomalous Activity over the Ural Mountains

Observational analyses demonstrate that the Ural persistent positive height anomaly event(PAE) experienced a decadal increase around the year 2000, exhibiting a southward displacement afterward. These decadal variations are related to a large-scale circulation shift over the Eurasian Continent. The effects of underlying sea ice and sea surface temperature(SST) anomalies on the Ural PAE and the related atmospheric circulation were explored by Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project(AMIP) experiments from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and by sensitivity experiments using the Atmospheric General Circulation Model(AGCM). The AMIP experiment results suggest that the underlying sea ice and SST anomalies play important roles. The individual contributions of sea ice loss in the Barents-Kara Seas and the SST anomalies linked to the phase transition of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation(AMO) are further investigated by AGCM sensitivity experiments isolating the respective forcings.The sea ice decline in Barents-Kara Seas triggers an atmospheric wave train over the Eurasian mid-to-high latitudes with positive anomalies over the Urals, favoring the occurrence of Ural PAEs. The shift in the PDO to its negative phase triggers a wave train propagating downstream from the North Pacific. One positive anomaly lobe of the wave train is located over the Ural Mountains and increases the PAE there. The negative-to-positive transition of the AMO phase since the late-1990s causes positive 500-h Pa height anomalies south of the Ural Mountains, which promote a southward shift of Ural PAE.

A Comprehensive Survey on Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Detection Techniques

The increase in number of people using the Internet leads to increased cyberattack opportunities.Advanced Persistent Threats,or APTs,are among the most dangerous targeted cyberattacks.APT attacks utilize various advanced tools and techniques for attacking targets with specific goals.Even countries with advanced technologies,like the US,Russia,the UK,and India,are susceptible to this targeted attack.APT is a sophisticated attack that involves multiple stages and specific strategies.Besides,TTP(Tools,Techniques,and Procedures)involved in the APT attack are commonly new and developed by an attacker to evade the security system.However,APTs are generally implemented in multiple stages.If one of the stages is detected,we may apply a defense mechanism for subsequent stages,leading to the entire APT attack failure.The detection at the early stage of APT and the prediction of the next step in the APT kill chain are ongoing challenges.This survey paper will provide knowledge about APT attacks and their essential steps.This follows the case study of known APT attacks,which will give clear information about the APT attack process—in later sections,highlighting the various detection methods defined by different researchers along with the limitations of the work.Data used in this article comes from the various annual reports published by security experts and blogs and information released by the enterprise networks targeted by the attack.

Characteristics and Mechanisms of Persistent Wet–Cold Events with Different Cold-air Paths in South China

We investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of persistent wet–cold events(PWCEs)with different types of coldair paths.Results show that the cumulative single-station frequency of the PWCEs in the western part of South China is higher than that in the eastern part.The pattern of single-station frequency of the PWCEs are“Yangtze River(YR)uniform”and“east–west inverse”.The YR uniform pattern is the dominant mode,so we focus on this pattern.The cold-air paths for PWCEs of the YR uniform pattern are divided into three types—namely,the west,northwest and north types—among which the west type accounts for the largest proportion.The differences in atmospheric circulation of the PWCEs under the three types of paths are obvious.The thermal inversion layer in the lower troposphere is favorable for precipitation during the PWCEs.The positive water vapor budget for the three types of PWCEs mainly appears at the southern boundary.

Hydromassage of macular hole edges for large and persistent full-thickness macular holes

●AIM:To introduce the macular hole(MH)hydromassage technique as a potentially beneficial approach for the treatment of large or persistent MH.●METHODS:This retrospective observational case series comprised 16 consecutive patients(17 eyes)diagnosed with MH.Inclusion criteria involved a hole aperture diameter larger than 600μm or the presence of an unclosed MH larger than 600μm following the previous vitrectomy.Standard MH repair procedures were administered in all cases,involving the manipulation and aspiration of the hole margin through the application of water flow with a soft-tip flute needle.A comprehensive assessment was conducted for each case before and after surgery,and optical coherence tomography(OCT)images were captured at every follow-up point.●RESULTS:The mean preoperative aperture diameter was 747±156μm(range 611-1180μm),with a mean base diameter of 1390±435μm(range 578-2220μm).Following surgery,all cases achieved complete anatomical closure of MH,with 13 cases(76.5%)exhibiting type 1 closure and 4 cases(23.5%)demonstrating type 2 closure.No significant differences were observed in the preoperative OCT variables between the two closure types.Eyes with type 1 closure showed a significantly improved visual acuity(0.70±0.10,range 0.50-0.80)compared to those with type 2 closure(0.90±0.12,range 0.80-1.00,P=0.014).●CONCLUSION:The MH hydromassage technique demonstrates promising results,achieving acceptable closure rates in cases of large or persistent MH.This technique may serve as an effective adjunctive maneuver during challenging MH surgery.

Effect of autologous serum after amniotic membrane transplantation for persistent corneal ulcers

AIM:To investigate the effect of adding autologous serum eye drops to the postoperative regime after amniotic membrane transplantation for severe persistent corneal ulcers.METHODS:Forty eyes of 40 patients with persistent corneal ulcers were randomly assigned to artificial tears(sodium hyaluronate 0.2%,ATs group,n=20)or autologous serum eye drops(ASEDs,n=20)following treatment with amniotic membrane transplantation.Digital slit lamp images were acquired from all patients before and 30d post treatment.The area with fibrovascular tissue was calculated using Image J.Central corneal sensitivity was assessed by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry before and one month after treatment.Scar tissue transparency was assessed with a novel optical densitometry.RESULTS:Mean age of patients was 61.65±16.47y and 57.3±19.11y in the ATs group and ASEDs group,respectively.Twenty-two male and 18 female patients were included in the study.The improvement in visual acuity was significantly greater in the ASEDs group(0.14±0.04)than the ATs(0.08±0.04;P=0.00046).Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry improved significantly after treatment with a similar rate between groups.There were no statistically significant differences in the area of postoperative fibrovascular tissue between the two groups(P=0.082).The success rate in the two groups was similar.The difference in densitometry between the ATs and ASEDs group was statistically significant(P=0.042)with greater reduction from baseline in the ASEDS group.CONCLUSION:Autologous serum eye drops can lead to better visual acuity,more stable results and improved densitometry and should be considered in the postoperative care following amniotic membrane transplantation.

Clinical study of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis and acute biliary pancreatitis with persistent organ failure

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)are novel inflammatory indicators that can be used to predict the severity and prognosis of various diseases.We categorize acute pancreatitis by etiology into acute biliary pancreatitis(ABP)and hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis(HTGP).AIM To investigate the clinical significance of NLR and PLR in assessing persistent organ failure(POF)in HTGP and ABP.METHODS A total of 1450 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis(AP)for the first time at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between January 2012 and January 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into two groups according to the etiology of AP:ABP in 530 patients and HTGP in 241 patients.We collected and compared the clinical data of the patients,including NLR,PLR,and AP prognostic scoring systems,within 48 h of hospital admission.RESULTS The NLR(9.1 vs 6.9,P<0.001)and PLR(203.1 vs 160.5,P<0.001)were significantly higher in the ABP group than in the HTGP group.In the HTGP group,both NLR and PLR were significantly increased in patients with severe AP and those with a SOFA score≥3.Likewise,in the ABP group,NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with severe AP,modified computed tomography severity index score≥4,Japanese Severity Score≥3,and modified Marshall score≥2.Moreover,NLR and PLR showed predictive value for the development of POF in both the ABP and HTGP groups.CONCLUSION NLR and PLR vary between ABP and HTGP,are strongly associated with AP prognostic scoring systems,and have predictive potential for the occurrence of POF in both ABP and HTGP.

Characteristics and fate behavior of environmentally persistent free radicals in atmospheric particulate matter

Background,aim,and scope Environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs)have received significant attention due to their longer lifetime and stable existence in various environments.The strong environmental migration ability of particulate matter allows EPFRs to migrate over long-distance transport,thereby impacting the quality of the local atmospheric environment.Additionally,EPFRs can also adhere to atmospheric particles and interact with typical gaseous pollutants to affect atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs can produce some reactive organic species,promoting oxidative stress in the human body,damaging biological macromolecules and ultimately affecting the organism health.EPFRs are considered as a novel type of pollutant that affects human health.Despite their significance,there are few literatures available on the characteristics and fate behaviors of EPFRs up to date.Therefore,supplemental reviews are crucial for providing comprehensive understanding of EPFRs.Materials and methods This review summarizes the characteristics of EPFRs in particulate matter,outlines the generation mechanism and influencing factors of EPFRs,and the impacts of EPFRs on environmental quality and organism health.Results The content of EPFRs in particulate matter ranges from 1017 to 1020 spins∙g−1.Due to the strong mobility of atmospheric particulate matter,the long-term exposure to high levels of EPFRs may aggravate the impact of particulate matter on human health.The interaction between EPFRs and typical gaseous pollutants can alter their fate and influence atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs are mainly produced by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons through electron transfer.Additionally,the chemical bond rupture of organic substances through heat treatment or ultraviolet radiation can also produce EPFRs,and heterogeneous reactions are capable producing them as well.The production of EPFRs is not only influenced by transition metal elements and precursors,but also by various environmental factors such as oxygen,temperature,light radiation,and relative humidity.Discussion EPFRs in atmospheric particulates matters are usually rich in fine particulates with obvious seasonal and regional variations.They can easily enter the human respiratory tract and lungs with inhalable particulates,thereby increasing the risk of exposure.Additionally,EPFRs in atmospheric particulates can interact with some typical gaseous pollutants,impacting the life and fate of EPFRs in the atmosphere,and alter atmospheric chemical reactions.Traditionally,EPFRs are generated by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons undergoing electron transfer in the post-flame and cool-zone regions of combustion systems and other thermal processes to remove HCl,H_(2)O or CO groups,ultimately produce semiquinones,phenoxyls,and cyclopentadienyls.Recent studies have indicated that EPFRs can also be generated under the conditions of without transition metal elemental.Organics can also produce EPFRs through chemical bond rupture during heat treatment or light radiation conditions,as well as through some heterogeneous reactions and photochemical secondary generation of EPFRs.The presence or absence of oxygen has different effects on the type and yield of EPFRs.The concentration,type,and crystal type of transition metal elements will affect the type,content,and atmospheric lifetime of EPFRs.It is generally believed that the impact of transition metal element types on EPFRs is related to the oxidation-reduction potential.The combustion temperature or heat treatment process significantly affects the type and amount of EPFRs.Factors such as precursor loading content,pH conditions,light radiation and relative humidity also influence the generation of EPFRs.EPFRs can interact with pollutants in the environment during their migration and transformation process in environmental medium.This process accelerates the degradation of pollutants and plays a crucial role in the migration and transformation of organic pollutants in environmental media.The reaction process of EPFRs may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)such as∙OH,which can induce oxidative stress,inflammation and immune response to biological lung cells and tissues,leading to chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction,cardiovascular damage and neurotoxic effects,ultimately impacting the health of organisms.Conclusions The interaction mechanism between EPFRs in particulate matter and gaseous pollutants remains unclear.Furthermore,research on the generation mechanism of EPFRs without the participation of transition metals is not comprehensive,and the detection of EPFRs is limited to simple qualitative categories and lack accurate qualitative analysis.Recommendations and perspectives Further research should be conducted on the generation mechanism,measurement techniques,migration pathways,and transformation process of EPFRs.It is also important to explore the interaction between EPFRs in atmospheric particulate matter and typical gaseous pollutants.

Risk factors associated with intraoperative persistent hypotension in pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Intraoperative persistent hypotension(IPH)during pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes,yet its risk factors remain unclear.AIM To clarify the risk factors associated with IPH during PD,ensuring patient safety in the perioperative period.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patient records from January 2018 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University identified factors associated with IPH in PD.These factors included age,gender,body mass index,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,comorbidities,medication history,operation duration,fluid balance,blood loss,urine output,and blood gas parameters.IPH was defined as sustained mean arterial pressure<65 mmHg,requiring prolonged deoxyepinephrine infusion for>30 min despite additional deoxyepinephrine and fluid treatments.RESULTS Among 1596 PD patients,661(41.42%)experienced IPH.Multivariate logistic regression identified key risk factors:increased age[odds ratio(OR):1.20 per decade,95%confidence interval(CI):1.08-1.33](P<0.001),longer surgery duration(OR:1.15 per additional hour,95%CI:1.05-1.26)(P<0.01),and greater blood loss(OR:1.18 per 250-mL increment,95%CI:1.06-1.32)(P<0.01).A novel finding was the association of arterial blood Ca^(2+)<1.05 mmol/L with IPH(OR:2.03,95%CI:1.65-2.50)(P<0.001).CONCLUSION IPH during PD is independently associated with older age,prolonged surgery,increased blood loss,and lower plasma Ca^(2+).

Hysteroscopic cervical biopsy for women with persistent human papillomavirus infection after loop electrosurgical excision procedure: A case report

BACKGROUNDAlmost all cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to human papillomavirus(HPV) infection. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is widelyused to treat HPV-mediated disease;thus, cervical cancer is highly preventable.However, LEEP does not necessarily clear HPV rapidly and may affect theaccuracy of the results of ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and cervical biopsy due tothe formation of cervical scars.CASE SUMMARYA 40-year-old woman underwent LEEP for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade1 approximately 10 years ago. Subsequent standard cervical cancer screeningsuggested persistent HPV-52 infection, but TCT results were negative. Cervicalbiopsy under colposcopy was performed thrice over a 10-year period, yieldingnegative pathology results. She developed abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexualactivity, persisting for approximately 1 year, and underwent hysteroscopy in ourhospital. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed adenocarcinoma in situ of theuterine cervix.CONCLUSIONPatients with long-term persistent, high-risk HPV infection and negative pathologyresults of cervical biopsy after LEEP are at risk of cervical cancer. Hysteroscopicresection of cervical canal tissue is recommended as a supplement tocervical biopsy because it helps define the lesion site and may yield a pathologicdiagnosis.

Comparative Study of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Persistent ST-Segment Elevation (STEMI) between Diabetics and Non-Diabetics in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the frequency of diabetic and non-diabetic patients admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), assess their epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical profiles, and evaluate their therapeutic strategies and outcomes. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, comparative study with prospective and retrospective data collection was conducted from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients with STEMI admitted to a cardiology department were included. STEMI diagnosis was based on clinical and electrocardiographic criteria showing persistent ST-segment elevation in at least two leads. All patients included in the study signed a written, informed consent form. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: STEMI prevalence was 15.27%, with 37.11% of patients being diabetic and 62.89% non-diabetic. Diabetic patients had a mean age of 59.2 ± 10.9 years, while non-diabetics averaged 58 ± 13.4 years. Diabetics were predominantly female (72.2%), whereas non-diabetics were mainly male (83.6%). Smoking was less frequent among diabetics (25% vs. 47.54%), but hypertension, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle were more common. Diabetics had an average of 3.5 ± 1.1 risk factors compared to 2.6 ± 1.2 in non-diabetics. Admission delay was longer for diabetics (34.8 ± 51.6 hours vs. 23.3 ± 52.3 hours). Chest pain was the main symptom in both groups. Electrocardiograms showed that anterior and inferior infarctions were most frequent. Triple vessel disease and severe complications, such as cardiogenic shock, were more common in diabetics, who also had higher mortality (5.56% vs. 3.28%). Conclusion: Diabetic STEMI patients represent a high-risk group with distinct clinical features, longer admission delays, and a greater accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Long chikungunya?An overview to immunopathology of persistent arthralgia

Chikungunya fever(CF)is caused by an arbovirus whose manifestations are extremely diverse,and it has evolved with significant severity in recent years.The clinical signs triggered by the Chikungunya virus are similar to those of other arboviruses.Generally,fever starts abruptly and reaches high levels,followed by severe polyarthralgia and myalgia,as well as an erythematous or petechial maculopapular rash,varying in severity and extent.Around 40%to 60%of affected individuals report persistent arthralgia,which can last from months to years.The symptoms of CF mainly represent the tissue tropism of the virus rather than the immunopathogenesis triggered by the host's immune system.The main mechanisms associated with arthralgia have been linked to an increase in T helper type 17 cells and a consequent increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Βligand and bone resorption.This review suggests that persistent arthralgia results from the presence of viral antigens post-infection and the constant activation of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 in synovial macrophages,leading to local infiltration of CD4+T cells,which sustains the inflammatory process in the joints through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.The term"long chikungunya"was used in this review to refer to persistent arthralgia since,due to its manifestation over long periods after the end of the viral infection,this clinical condition seems to be characterized more as a sequel than as a symptom,given that there is no active infection involved.

Advancements in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, defined in 2017, is a chronic functional vestibular disorder. Which is characterized by persistent dizziness, unsteadiness, and/or non-spinning vertigo. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, FMRI studies have provided key insights into the pathogenesis of PPPD. This review summarized functional imaging studies of persistent postural dizziness and its predecessors in recent years and found changes in the activity and functional connectivity of important areas of visual processing, multisensory vestibular and spatial cognition in patients with PPPD. In addition, factors such as stimulation mode, personality traits, mental comorbidities and external vestibular lesions have important effects on brain functional activities and connectivity patterns, and further stratified studies on these factors are needed in the future to further clarify and draw exact conclusions on the pathological mechanism of PPPD.

Changes in persistent and non-persistent extreme precipitation in Chinafrom 1961 to 2016

In this study, based on daily gage precipitation data of 2480 stations from 1961 to 2016, the summer （JuneeAugust） extreme precipitationevent was defined using the 95th percentile, and the changes in persistent （last for at least 2 d） and non-persistent （1 d） extreme precipitation inChina were analyzed. The results indicate that under global warming, the contribution of extreme precipitation to total summer precipitationincreased in most areas of China, but it decreased in the central part of Inner Mongolia and the Sichuan Basin. In North and Southwest China,both persistent and non-persistent extreme precipitation decreased; the decreasing trend of persistent extreme precipitation was more prominent;thus, extreme precipitation event occurred more as non-persistent event. Meanwhile, in the Yangtze River Basin and South China, both types ofextreme precipitation increased particularly the persistent extreme precipitation; persistent extreme precipitation occurred more compared withnon-persistent events.

Persistent organic pollutants control strategy in China

The development of Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs) control policy in China in the context of international concerns on POPs was reviewed. The aspects of the Chinese POPs control strategies were analyzed, and compared with those of developed counterparts (e.g. US, EU, Japan). Currently, while the legal framework on POPs management, which complies with international guidelines has been established, it should be improved in the areas of special POPs management, risk assessment, the precautionary principle, life-cycle management and technical support capacity. The analysis of Chinese POPs policy and suggestions for strengthening the science-based decision making capacity are not only useful for Chinese decision-makers, but also a case study for developing world and make a great contribution for the global elimination of POPs to make a toxic-free future.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for ascending colon cancer with persistent mesocolon

Persistent ascending or descending mesocolon is an embryological anomaly that occurs during the final process of intestinal development in organogenesis.Specifically,the primitive dorsal mesocolon fails to fuse with the parietal peritoneum in the fifth month of gestation.Herein,we describe a case of ascending colon cancer with persistent ascending and descending mesocolon treated by laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.Preoperative computed tomography imaging of the abdomen demonstrated that the descending colon shifted at the midline of the abdomen and the sigmoid colon was located under the ascending colon.The detailed preoperative imaging examination revealed malpositioning of the large intestine and aided in the procedural planning.Because persistent mesocolon may result in the formation of abnormal adhesions,an accurate preoperative diagnosis is essential.We propose that it is important to consider this anomaly when making the preoperative imaging diagnosis to ensure a safe operation.

Effects of Kampo medicine hangebyakujutsutemmato on persistent postural-perceptual dizziness:A retrospective pilot study

BACKGROUND Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD)is a functional disorder,typically preceded by acute vestibular disorders.It is characterized by a shift in processing spatial orientation information,to favor visual over vestibular and somatosensory inputs,and a failure of higher cortical mechanisms.To date,no therapies for PPPD have been approved.Kampo medicine hangebyakujutsutemmato(HBT)has been reported to alleviate disturbances of equilibrium.We hypothesized that HBT would be a beneficial treatment for PPPD.AIM To examine the efficacy of HBT for the treatment of PPPD.METHODS Patients with PPPD were enrolled and divided into two groups:The HBT group(n=24)and the non-HBT group(n=14).The participants completed questionnaire surveys[Niigata PPPD questionnaire(NPQ),dizziness handicap inventory,hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS),orthostatic dysregulation questionnaire,pittsburg sleep quality index(PSQI),and motion sickness scores]before and after HBT treatment.Additionally,to identify HBT responders,multivariate regression analysis was performed using the results of the ques-tionnaire surveys and equilibrium tests;including stabilometry,and caloric,vestibular evoked myogenic response,and head-up tilt tests.RESULTS Thirty-eight outpatients were included in this study,of which 14 patients(3 men,11 women;mean age,63.5±15.9 years)received treatment without HBT,and 24(1 man,23 women;mean age,58.2±18.7 years)received combination treatment with HBT.Following HBT treatment,NPQ scores decreased significantly(baseline 40.1±10.0 vs 2 mo 24.6±17.7,P<0.001).No statistically significant changes were observed in the NPQ scores in the non-HBT group(baseline 38.6±12.2 vs 2 mo 39.4±14.4,P=0.92).Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the results of stabilometry(P=0.02)and the caloric(P=0.03),and head-up tilt tests(P<0.001),HADS(P=0.003),and PSQI(P=0.01)were associated with HBT responsiveness in PPPD patients.CONCLUSION HBT may be an effective adjunct therapy for PPPD.Patients with autonomic dysfunction,unstable balance,semicircular canal paresis,anxiety,and poor sleep quality may be high responders to HBT.

Persistent and advanced reddening of sweetgum leaves after major veins severing

The effects of major veins severing on morphological and physiological features of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） leaves were investigated by observing leaf color change and measuring leaf temperature, green/luminance （G/L） value of half-lobes, leaf stomata conductance, and water content in Yamaguchi University, Japan. The palmately veined leaves of sweetgum （Liquidambar styraciflua L.） were found more sensitive to the major vein severing than that of other species Major veins severing resulted in serious water stresses, as indicated by the persistent reddening and/or advanced reddening of local leaf, lower leaf stomatal conductance, and higher leaf temperature, etc. Severed leaf can be clearly divided into non-severed area, transitional area, and stressed area, which the three areas have different colours and temperature. The major vein barrier can also be seen clearly. The persistent reddening and advanced reddening seem consistent with the phenomenon of red crown top of some sweetgum trees and may have similar mechanism.

On the Climatology of Persistent Heavy Rainfall Events in China

Persistent heavy rainfall events （PHR events） comprise one category of weather- and climate- related extreme events. Based on daily rainfall data measured in China during the period of 1951-2004, several quantitative criteria were developed to define PHR events by means of their precipitation intensity, temporal duration, spatial extent and persistence. Then a semi-objective classification based on these criteria was applied to summer daily rainfall data to identify all PHR events. A total of 197 events were observed during the study period. All events were further classified into 5 categories according to their comprehensive intensity; into 3 types according to their circulation regime; and into 8 groups according to the geographic locations of their rainbands. Based on these different classifications, finally, the behaviors of 130 PHR events identified as the most severe, severe and moderate categories since the year of 1951, including characteristics of the spatial and temporal distributions of their frequencies, intensities, and rainbands, were investigated in order to present a comprehensive description of the PHR events. The results will be helpful to the future study of revealing and understanding the processes that govern the production of the PHR events and to the improvement of the forecasts of the PHR events.

Strategies used by helicobacter pylori to establish persistent infection

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is a Gram-negative and motile bacterium that colonizes the hostile microniche of the human stomach, then persists for the host's entire life, if not effectively treated. Clinically, H. pylori plays a causative role in the development of a wide spectrum of diseases including chronic active gastritis, peptic ulceration, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Due to the global distribution of H. pylori, it is no exaggeration to conclude that smart strategies are contributing to adaptation of the bacterium to its permanent host. Thirty-four years after the discovery of this bacterium, there are still many unanswered questions. For example, which strategies help the bacterium to survive in this inhospitable microniche? This question is slightly easier to answer if we presume the same clinical concept for both persistent infection and disease. Understanding the mechanisms governing H. pylori persistence will improve identification of the increased risk of diseases such as gastric cancer in patients infected with this bacterium. A well-defined and longterm equilibrium between the human host and H. pylori allows bacterial persistence in the gastric microniche; although this coexistence leads to a high risk of severe diseases such as gastric cancer. To escape the bactericidal activity of stomach acid, H. pylori secretes large amounts of surface-associated and cytosolic urease. The potential to avoid acidic conditions and immune evasion are discussed in order to explain the persistence of H. pylori colonization in the gastric mucosa, and data on bacterial genetic diversity are included. Information on the mechanisms related to H. pylori persistence can also provide the direction for future research concerning effective therapy and management of gastroduodenal disorders. The topics presented in the current review are important for elucidating the strategies used by H. pylori to help the bacterium persist in relation to the immune system and the many unfavorable features of living in the gastric microniche.