The burden of upper motor neuron involvement is correlated with the bilateral limb involvement interval in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:a retrospective observational study

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons.Early bilateral limb involvement significantly affects patients'daily lives and may lead them to be confined to bed.However,the effect of upper and lower motor neuron impairment and other risk factors on bilateral limb involvement is unclear.To address this issue,we retrospectively collected data from 586 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset diagnosed at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2020 and May 2022.A univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in the time intervals of spread in different directions between individuals with upper motor neuron-dominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and those with classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.We used causal directed acyclic graphs for risk factor determination and Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between the duration of bilateral limb involvement and clinical baseline characteristics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.Multiple factor analyses revealed that higher upper motor neuron scores(hazard ratio[HR]=1.05,95%confidence interval[CI]=1.01–1.09,P=0.018),onset in the left limb(HR=0.72,95%CI=0.58–0.89,P=0.002),and a horizontal pattern of progression(HR=0.46,95%CI=0.37–0.58,P<0.001)were risk factors for a shorter interval until bilateral limb involvement.The results demonstrated that a greater degree of upper motor neuron involvement might cause contralateral limb involvement to progress more quickly in limb-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.These findings may improve the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with limb onset and the prediction of patient prognosis.

h-Said-Ball基与h-Said-Ball曲线

h-Bezier曲线是Bezier曲线基于h-微积分意义下的推广模型.为增强Said-Ball曲线的造型能力,提高h-Bezier曲线递归求值速度,该文提出任意次的h-Said-Ball基函数,构造了h-Said-Ball曲线.通过分析Said-Ball曲线递归求值算法与Bezier曲线的转化关系,结合h-Bezier曲线的递归求值算法和h-Bernstein基函数的构造方式,得到任意次h-Said-Ball基函数的表达式.h-Said-Ball基具有非负,单位分解,端点插值等优良性质,和h-Bernstein基之间存在显式转换矩阵.进一步,定义h-Said-Ball曲线并分析其基本性质,推导递归求值算法和包络表示,h-Said-Ball曲线的求值计算量是h-Bezier曲线的一半.借助从h-Said-Ball曲线到h-Bezier曲线的割角算法,证明了h-Said-Ball基是全正基,从而h-Said-Ball曲线具有变差缩减性和保凸性.数值实例显示了h-Said-Ball曲线相比Said-Ball曲线的造型优势和灵活性.

GENERALIZED FORELLI-RUDIN TYPE OPERATORS BETWEEN SEVERAL FUNCTION SPACES ON THE UNIT BALL OF C^(N)

In this paper,we investigate sufficient and necessary conditions such that generalized Forelli-Rudin type operators T_(λ,τ,k),S_(λ,τ,k),Q_(λ,τ,k)and R_(λ,τ,k)are bounded between Lebesgue type spaces.In order to prove the main results,we first give some bidirectional estimates for several typical integrals.

Orthostatic Hypotension: QTc Interval Prolongation during Head-Up Tilt

Background: The QT interval shortens in response to sympathetic stimulation. Head-up tilt-table (HUT) testing is a straightforward way to achieve brisk sympathetic stimulation. There is not enough information about the response of the QT interval to HUT, particularly, in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH). Objective: Analyse the response of the RR, QT and QTc intervals in patients with OH and reflex syncope (NM) during HUT and find differences between groups. Methods: We reviewed the electrocardiograms and compare the RR and QT/QTc intervals during 1) baseline;2) HUT plus hyperventilation;3) positive test. Results: We studied 137 patients, 62 control group (no syncope and negative HUT). On average, the RR HUT interval was shorter than the resting RR by −171 ± 110.4 ms in controls;−228.6 ± 119.4 ms (NM) and −194 ± (OH) (P Conclusion: Significant differences between the reflex group and the OH during a positive test, the QTc decreased in the NM group, but in the OH population increased. This observation has not been described. We hypothesize that QTc prolongation could reflect autonomic nervous system downregulation and could explain to a degree, the increased mortality in this group.

Effect of the interval between two shocks on ejecta formation from the grooved aluminum surface

This work focuses on the effect of the interval between two shocks on the ejecta formation from the grooved aluminum(Al_(1100))surface by using smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical simulation.Two unsupported shocks are obtained by the plate-impact between sample and two flyers at interval,with a peak pressure of approximately 30 GPa for each shock.When the shock interval varies from 2.11 to 7.67 times the groove depth,the bubble velocity reduces to a constant,and the micro jetting factor R_(J) from spike to bubble exhibits a non-monotonic change that decreases initially and then increases.At a shock interval of 3.6 times the groove depth,micro jetting factor R_(J) from spike to bubble reaches its minimum value of approximately 0.6.While,the micro jetting factor R_(F) from spike to free surface decreases linearly at first,and stabilizes around 0.25 once the shock interval surpasses 4.18 times the groove depth.When the shock interval is less than 4.18 times the groove depth,the unloading wave generated by the breakout of the first shock wave is superimpose with the unloading part of the second shock wave to form a large tensile area.

Balanced Fracturing and Cold-welding of Magnesium during Ball Milling Assisted by Carbon Coating:Experimental and Molecular Dynamic Simulation

The lignite-derived carbon from self-protection pyrolysis was employed to balance the fracturing and cold-welding of magnesium during ball milling.Particle size analysis indicates that the introduction of lignite-derived carbon can effectively reduce the particle size of Mg while the introduction of graphite does no help.Besides,the effect of lignite-derived carbon on crystallite size reduction of Mg is also better than graphite.A moderate cold-welding phenomenon was observed after ball-milling Mg with the lignite-derived carbon,suggesting less Mg is wasted on the milling vials and balls.Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the balanced fracturing and cold-welding of magnesium during ball milling is mainly attributed to the special structure of the lignite-derived carbon:graphitized short-range ordered stacking function as dry lubricant and irregular shape/sharp edge function as milling aid.The preliminary findings in current study are expected to offer implications for designing efficient Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.

ON THE EMPTY BALLS OF A CRITICAL OR SUBCRITICAL BRANCHING RANDOM WALK

Let{Z_(n)}_(n)≥0 be a critical or subcritical d-dimensional branching random walk started from a Poisson random measure whose intensity measure is the Lebesugue measure on R^(d).Denote by R_(n):=sup{u>0:Z_(n)({x∈R^(d):∣x∣<u})=0}the radius of the largest empty ball centered at the origin of Z_(n).In this work,we prove that after suitable renormalization,Rn converges in law to some non-degenerate distribution as n→∞.Furthermore,our work shows that the renormalization scales depend on the offspring law and the dimension of the branching random walk.This completes the results of Révész[13]for the critical binary branching Wiener process.

Structural, Magnetic and Heating Efficiency of Ball Milled γ-Fe2O3/Gd2O3 Nanocomposite for Magnetic Hyperthermia

The preparation of γ-Fe2O3/Gd2O3 nanocomposite for possible use in magnetic hyperthermia application was done by ball milling technique. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The heating efficiency and the effect of milling time (5 h and 30 h) on the structural and magnetic properties of the nanocomposite were reported. XRD analysis confirms the formation of the nanocomposite, while magnetization measurements show that the milled sample present hysteresis with low coercivity and remanence. The specific absorption rate (SAR) under an alternating magnetic field is investigated as a function of the milling time. A mean heating efficiency of 68 W/g and 28.7 W/g are obtained for 5 h and 30 h milling times respectively at 332 kHz and 170 Oe. The results showed that the obtained nanocomposite for 5 h milling time is a promising candidate for magnetic hyperthermia due to his properties which show an interesting magnetic behavior and high specific absorption rate.

The Impact and Intervention of Handheld Tai Chi Water-Resistance Fitness Ball on Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Through the use of a survey and statistical methods, this study explores the effects and interventions of handheld Tai Chi water resistance fitness balls on the elderly with Parkinson’s disease. Firstly, a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease was developed, and its reliability and validity were tested. Then, a survey was conducted to investigate the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, including general information, scoring status, and single and multiple factor analyses of influencing factors [1]. The results of the study show that through qualitative research, the dimensions and item pools of the questionnaire were initially constructed, and the reliability analysis of the questionnaire was conducted through Delphi expert consultation, with favorable results in terms of its reliability and validity [2]. Regarding the current status of exercise compliance among Parkinson’s disease patients, the study found that the level of exercise compliance needs improvement, and there are significant differences in exercise compliance levels among patients under different circumstances. Finally, the research results were discussed and conclusions were drawn. The innovation of this study lies in the development of a questionnaire on exercise compliance for patients with Parkinson’s disease and the preliminary qualitative research and Delphi expert consultation conducted on it, providing new ideas and methods for the study of exercise compliance. However, the study also has limitations as it did not examine the effects of other interventions on Parkinson’s disease, so further research should be conducted [3].

Optimizing profile line interval for enhanced accuracy in rock joint morphology and shear strength assessments

2D profile lines play a critical role in cost-effectively evaluating rock joint properties and shear strength.However, the interval(ΔI_(L)) between these lines significantly impacts roughness and shear strength assessments. A detailed study of 45 joint samples using four statistical measures across 500 different ΔI_(L)values identified a clear line interval effect with two stages: stable and fluctuation-discrete.Further statistical analysis showed a linear relationship between the error bounds of four parameters,shear strength evaluation, and their corresponding maximum ΔI_(L)values, where the gradient k of this linear relationship was influenced by the basic friction angle and normal stress. Accounting for these factors,lower-limit linear models were employed to determine the optimal ΔI_(L)values that met error tolerances(1%–10%) for all metrics and shear strength. The study also explored the consistent size effect on joints regardless of ΔI_(L)changes, revealing three types of size effects based on morphological heterogeneity.Notably, larger joints required generally higher ΔI_(L)to maintain the predefined error limits, suggesting an increased interval for large joint analyses. Consequently, this research provides a basis for determining the optimal ΔI_(L), improving accuracy in 2D profile line assessments of joint characteristics.

Existence of a Hölder Continuous Extension on Embedded Balls of the 3-Torus for the Periodic Navier Stokes Equations

This article gives a general model using specific periodic special functions, which is degenerate elliptic Weierstrass P functions whose presence in the governing equations through the forcing terms simplify the periodic Navier Stokes equations (PNS) at the centers of cells of the 3-Torus. Satisfying a divergence-free vector field and periodic boundary conditions respectively with a general spatio-temporal forcing term which is smooth and spatially periodic, the existence of solutions which have finite time singularities can occur starting with the first derivative and higher with respect to time. The existence of a subspace of the solution space where v3 is continuous and {C, y1, y12}, is linearly independent in the additive argument of the solution in terms of the Lambert W function, (y12=y2, C∈R) together with the condition v2=-2y1v1. On this subspace, the Biot Savart Law holds exactly [see Section 2 (Equation (13))]. Also on this subspace, an expression X (part of PNS equations) vanishes which contains all the expressions in derivatives of v1 and v2 and the forcing terms in the plane which are related as with the cancellation of all such terms in governing PDE. The y3 component forcing term is arbitrarily small in ε ball where Weierstrass P functions touch the center of the ball both for inviscid and viscous cases. As a result, a significant simplification occurs with a v3 only governing PDE resulting. With viscosity present as v changes from zero to the fully viscous case at v =1 the solution for v3 reaches a peak in the third component y3. Consequently, there exists a dipole which is not centered at the center of the cell of the Lattice. Hence since the dipole by definition has an equal in magnitude positive and negative peak in y3, then the dipole Riemann cut-off surface is covered by a closed surface which is the sphere and where a given cell of dimensions [-1, 1]3 is circumscribed on a sphere of radius 1. For such a closed surface containing a dipole it necessarily follows that the flux at the surface of the sphere of v3 wrt to surface normal n is zero including at the points where the surface of sphere touches the cube walls. At the finite time singularity on the sphere a rotation boundary condition is deduced. It is shown that v3 is spatially finite on the Riemann Sphere and the forcing is oscillatory in y3 component if the velocity v3 is. It is true that . A boundary condition on the sphere shows the rotation of a sphere of viscous fluid. Finally on the sphere a solution for v3 is obtained which is proven to be Hölder continuous and it is shown that it is possible to extend Hölder continuity on the sphere uniquely to all of the interior of the ball.

Improved length of calcium sulfate crystal seeds and whiskers via ball milling and hydration treatment

Elucidating the effect of growth periods on the quality of calcium sulfate whiskers(CSWs)prepared from calcium sulfate dihydrate(DH)is imperative.Herein,crystal seeds and whiskers were prepared from DH in a water–glycerol system.Longer whiskers were obtained from crystal seeds prepared via hydration of DH for 30 s than via ball milling for 5 min followed by hydration for 20 s.The attachment of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and glycerol additives to the whisker tops promoted whisker growth.The whisker sponges exhibited good thermal barrier properties and compression cycle stability.

An improved interval model updating method via adaptive Kriging models

Interval model updating(IMU)methods have been widely used in uncertain model updating due to their low requirements for sample data.However,the surrogate model in IMU methods mostly adopts the one-time construction method.This makes the accuracy of the surrogate model highly dependent on the experience of users and affects the accuracy of IMU methods.Therefore,an improved IMU method via the adaptive Kriging models is proposed.This method transforms the objective function of the IMU problem into two deterministic global optimization problems about the upper bound and the interval diameter through universal grey numbers.These optimization problems are addressed through the adaptive Kriging models and the particle swarm optimization(PSO)method to quantify the uncertain parameters,and the IMU is accomplished.During the construction of these adaptive Kriging models,the sample space is gridded according to sensitivity information.Local sampling is then performed in key subspaces based on the maximum mean square error(MMSE)criterion.The interval division coefficient and random sampling coefficient are adaptively adjusted without human interference until the model meets accuracy requirements.The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical example of a three-degree-of-freedom mass-spring system and an experimental example of a butted cylindrical shell.The results show that the updated results of the interval model are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Tennis ball cord combined with endoscopy for giant gastric phytobezoar:A case report

BACKGROUND Due to the specificity of Chinese food types,gastric phytobezoars are relatively common in China.Most gastric phytobezoars can be removed by chemical enzyme lysis and endoscopic fragmentation,but the treatment for large phytobezoars is limited,and surgical procedures are often required for this difficult problem.CASE SUMMARY For giant gastric phytobezoars that cannot be dissolved and fragmented by conventional treatment,we have invented a new lithotripsy technique(tennis ball cord combined with endoscopy)for these phytobezoars.This non-interventional treatment was successful in a patient whose abdominal pain was immediately relieved,and the gastroscope-induced ulcer healed well 3 d after lithotripsy.The patient was followed-up for 8 wk postoperatively and showed no discomfort such as abdominal pain.CONCLUSION The combination of tennis ball cord and endoscopy for the treatment of giant gastric phytobezoars is feasible and showed high safety and effectiveness,and can be widely applied in hospitals of all sizes.

Upper and Lower Bounds of the α-Universal Triple I Method for Unified Interval Implications

Theα-universal triple I(α-UTI)method is a recognized scheme in the field of fuzzy reasoning,whichwas proposed by our research group previously.The robustness of fuzzy reasoning determines the quality of reasoning algorithms to a large extent,which is quantified by calculating the disparity between the output of fuzzy reasoning with interference and the output without interference.Therefore,in this study,the interval robustness(embodied as the interval stability)of theα-UTI method is explored in the interval-valued fuzzy environment.To begin with,the stability of theα-UTI method is explored for the case of an individual rule,and the upper and lower bounds of its results are estimated,using four kinds of unified interval implications(including the R-interval implication,the S-interval implication,the QL-interval implication and the interval t-norm implication).Through analysis,it is found that theα-UTI method exhibits good interval stability for an individual rule.Moreover,the stability of theα-UTI method is revealed in the case of multiple rules,and the upper and lower bounds of its outcomes are estimated.The results show that theα-UTI method is stable for multiple rules when four kinds of unified interval implications are used,respectively.Lastly,theα-UTI reasoning chain method is presented,which contains a chain structure with multiple layers.The corresponding solutions and their interval perturbations are investigated.It is found that theα-UTI reasoning chain method is stable in the case of chain reasoning.Two application examples in affective computing are given to verify the stability of theα-UTImethod.In summary,through theoretical proof and example verification,it is found that theα-UTImethod has good interval robustness with four kinds of unified interval implications aiming at the situations of an individual rule,multi-rule and reasoning chain.

MAXIMAL FUNCTION CHARACTERIZATIONS OF HARDY SPACES ASSOCIATED WITH BOTH NON-NEGATIVE SELF-ADJOINT OPERATORS SATISFYING GAUSSIAN ESTIMATES AND BALL QUASI-BANACH FUNCTION SPACES

Assume that L is a non-negative self-adjoint operator on L^(2)(ℝ^(n))with its heat kernels satisfying the so-called Gaussian upper bound estimate and that X is a ball quasi-Banach function space onℝ^(n) satisfying some mild assumptions.Let HX,L(ℝ^(n))be the Hardy space associated with both X and L,which is defined by the Lusin area function related to the semigroup generated by L.In this article,the authors establish various maximal function characterizations of the Hardy space HX,L(ℝ^(n))and then apply these characterizations to obtain the solvability of the related Cauchy problem.These results have a wide range of generality and,in particular,the specific spaces X to which these results can be applied include the weighted space,the variable space,the mixed-norm space,the Orlicz space,the Orlicz-slice space,and the Morrey space.Moreover,the obtained maximal function characterizations of the mixed-norm Hardy space,the Orlicz-slice Hardy space,and the Morrey-Hardy space associated with L are completely new.

Enhancing Fire Safety in Commercial Vehicles: Assessing the Efficacy and Advantages of Exploding Fire Extinguishing Balls

Fire incidents in commercial vehicles pose significant risks to passengers, drivers, and cargo. Traditional fire extinguishing systems, while effective, may have limitations in terms of response time, coverage, and human intervention [1]. This study investigates the efficacy of a novel fire suppression technology—the Exploding Fire Extinguishing Ball (EFEB) —as an alternative and complementary fire safety solution for commercial vehicles. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing engineering, materials science, fire safety, and human factors analysis. A systematic literature review establishes a comprehensive understanding of existing fire suppression technologies, including EFEBs. Subsequently, this study analyzes the unique features of EFEBs, such as automatic activation, as well as manual activation upon exposure to fire, and their potential to provide rapid, localized, and autonomous fire suppression. The study presents original experimental investigations to assess the performance and effectiveness of EFEBs in various fire scenarios representative of commercial vehicles. Experiments include controlled fires in confined spaces and dynamic simulations to emulate real-world fire incidents. Data on activation times, extinguishing capability, and coverage area are collected and analyzed to compare the efficacy of EFEBs with traditional fire extinguishing methods. Furthermore, this research shows the practical aspects of implementing EFEBs in commercial vehicles. A feasibility study examines the integration challenges, cost-benefit analysis, and potential regulatory implications. The study also addresses the impact of EFEBs on vehicle weight, stability, and overall safety. Human factors and user acceptance are crucial elements in adopting new safety technologies. Therefore, this research utilizes an experimental design to assess the performance and effectiveness of EFEBs in various fire scenarios representative of commercial vehicles. This dissertation presents original controlled experiments to emulate real-world fire incidents, including controlled fires in confined spaces and dynamic simulations. The experimental approach ensures rigorous evaluation and objective insights into EFEBs’ potential as an autonomous fire suppression system for commercial vehicles. This includes the perspectives of drivers, passengers, fleet operators, insurance agencies, and regulatory bodies. Factors influencing trust, perceived safety, and willingness to adopt EFEBs are analyzed to provide insights into the successful integration of this technology. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge of fire safety technology and expand the understanding of the applicability of EFEBs in commercial vehicles.

Low-Carbon Dispatch of an Integrated Energy System Considering Confidence Intervals for Renewable Energy Generation

Addressing the insufficiency in down-regulation leeway within integrated energy systems stemming from the erratic and volatile nature of wind and solar renewable energy generation,this study focuses on formulating a coordinated strategy involving the carbon capture unit of the integrated energy system and the resources on the load storage side.A scheduling model is devised that takes into account the confidence interval associated with renewable energy generation,with the overarching goal of optimizing the system for low-carbon operation.To begin with,an in-depth analysis is conducted on the temporal energy-shifting attributes and the low-carbon modulation mechanisms exhibited by the source-side carbon capture power plant within the context of integrated and adaptable operational paradigms.Drawing from this analysis,a model is devised to represent the adjustable resources on the charge-storage side,predicated on the principles of electro-thermal coupling within the energy system.Subsequently,the dissimilarities in the confidence intervals of renewable energy generation are considered,leading to the proposition of a flexible upper threshold for the confidence interval.Building on this,a low-carbon dispatch model is established for the integrated energy system,factoring in the margin allowed by the adjustable resources.In the final phase,a simulation is performed on a regional electric heating integrated energy system.This simulation seeks to assess the impact of source-load-storage coordination on the system’s low-carbon operation across various scenarios of reduction margin reserves.The findings underscore that the proactive scheduling model incorporating confidence interval considerations for reduction margin reserves effectively mitigates the uncertainties tied to renewable energy generation.Through harmonized orchestration of source,load,and storage elements,it expands the utilization scope for renewable energy,safeguards the economic efficiency of system operations under low-carbon emission conditions,and empirically validates the soundness and efficacy of the proposed approach.

Ex⁃situ Measurement of Internal Deformation in Ball Grid Array Package with Digital Volume Correlation

In spacecraft electronic devices,the deformation of solder balls within ball grid array(BGA)packages poses a significant risk of system failure.Therefore,accurately measuring the mechanical behavior of solder balls is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of spacecraft.Although finite element simulations have been extensively used to study solder ball deformation,there is a significant lack of experimental validation,particularly under thermal cycling conditions.This is due to the challenges in accurately measuring the internal deformations of solder balls and eliminating the rigid body displacement introduced during ex-situ thermal cycling tests.In this work,an ex-situ three-dimensional deformation measurement method using X-ray computed tomography(CT)and digital volume correlation(DVC)is proposed to overcome these obstacles.By incorporating the layer-wise reliability-guided displacement tracking(LW-RGDT)DVC with a singular value decomposition(SVD)method,this method enables accurate assessment of solder ball mechanical behavior in BGA packages without the influence of rigid body displacement.Experimental results reveal that BGA structures exhibit progressive convex deformation with increased thermal cycling,particularly in peripheral solder balls.This method provides a reliable and effective tool for assessing internal deformations in electronic packages under ex-situ conditions,which is crucial for their design optimization and lifespan predictions.

Preparation and Properties of Spray Polyurea Elastomer for Aquaculture Foam Floating Balls

[Objectives] This study was conducted to develop a polyurea elastomer which can be sprayed on the surface of expanded polystyrene (EPS) floating balls, so as to improve the surface strength and service life of the floating balls. [Methods] The effects of the types and amounts of isocyanate, chain extenders and polyether polyols on the gelation rate, adhesion and wear resistance of polyurea elastomer were investigated, and it was finally determined the preparation process of polyurea elastomer using liquid isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and amino-terminated polyether (D2000) as the main raw materials, dimethylthiotoluene diamine (E300) as the chain extender and silica as the wear resistance modifier through two-step solution polymerization of prepolymerization and chain extension. [Results] The physical properties and chemical resistance tests of spray polyurea elastomer showed that it had good physical properties and acid and alkali resistance, and could meet the requirements of spraying and protection of EPS floating ball surface in marine environment. [Conclusions] Polyurea elastomer coating can improve the aging resistance, wear resistance and acid and alkali resistance of EPS floating balls, and prevent them from being fragile and floating randomly to form marine floating garbage which results in "white pollution".