Isolated deep convections over the Tibetan Plateau in the rainy season during 2001–2020

The Tibetan Plateau(TP)is a prevalent region for convection systems due to its unique thermodynamic forcing.This study investigated isolated deep convections(IDCs),which have a smaller spatial and temporal size than mesoscale convective systems(MCSs),over the TP in the rainy season(June-September)during 2001–2020.The authors used satellite precipitation and brightness temperature observations from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.Results show that IDCs mainly concentrate over the southern TP.The IDC number per rainy season decreases from around 140 over the southern TP to around 10 over the northern TP,with an average 54.2.The initiation time of IDCs exhibits an obvious diurnal cycle,with the peak at 1400–1500 LST and the valley at 0900–1000 LST.Most IDCs last less than five hours and more than half appear for only one hour.IDCs generally have a cold cloud area of 7422.9 km^(2),containing a precipitation area of approximately 65%.The larger the IDC,the larger the fraction of intense precipitation it contains.IDCs contribute approximately 20%–30%to total precipitation and approximately 30%–40%to extreme precipitation over the TP,with a larger percentage in July and August than in June and September.In terms of spatial distribution,IDCs contribute more to both total precipitation and extreme precipitation over the TP compared to the surrounding plain regions.IDCs over the TP account for a larger fraction than MCSs,indicating the important role of IDCs over the region.

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas under long-period earthquakes

At present,there is not much research on mid-story isolated structures in mountainous areas.In this study,a model of a mid-story isolated structure considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)in mountainous areas is established along with a model that does not consider SSI.Eight long-period earthquake waves and two ordinary earthquake waves are selected as inputs for the dynamic time history analysis of the structure.The results show that the seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas can be amplified when compared with a structure that does not consider SSI.The structure response under long-period earthquakes is larger than that of ordinary earthquakes.The structure response under far-field harmonic-like earthquakes is larger than that of near-fault pulse-type earthquakes.The structure response under near-fault pulse-type earthquakes is larger than that of far-field non-harmonic earthquakes.When subjected to long-period earthquakes,the displacement of the isolated bearings exceeded the limit value,which led to instability and overturning of the structure.The structure with dampers in the isolated story could adequately control the nonlinear response of the structure,effectively reduce the displacement of the isolated bearings,and provide a convenient,efficient and economic method not only for new construction but also to retrofit existing structures.

Sedimentary build-ups of pre-salt isolated carbonate platforms and formation of deep-water giant oil fields in Santos Basin,Brazil

In response to the problems of unclear distribution of deep-water pre-salt carbonate reservoirs and formation conditions of large oil fields in the Santos passive continental margin basin,based on comprehensive utilization of geological,seismic,and core data,and reconstruction of Early Cretaceous prototype basin and lithofacies paleogeography,it is proposed for the first time that the construction of pre-salt carbonate build-ups was controlled by two types of isolated platforms:inter-depression fault-uplift and intra-depression fault-high.The inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms are distributed on the present-day pre-salt uplifted zones between depressions,and are built on half-and fault-horst blocks that were inherited and developed in the early intra-continental and inter-continental rift stages.The late intra-continental rift coquinas of the ITP Formation and the early inter-continental rift microbial limestones of the BVE Formation are continuously constructed;intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms are distributed in the current pre-salt depression zones,built on the uplifted zones formed by volcanic rock build-ups in the early prototype stage of intra-continental rifts,and only the BVE microbial limestones are developed.Both types of limestones formed into mound-shoal bodies,that have the characteristics of large reservoir thickness and good physical properties.Based on the dissection of large pre-salt oil fields discovered in the Santos Basin,it has been found that both types of platforms could form large-scale combined structural-stratigraphic traps,surrounded by high-quality lacustrine and lagoon source rocks at the periphery,and efficiently sealed by thick high-quality evaporite rocks above,forming the optimal combination of source,reservoir and cap in the form of“lower generation,middle storage,and upper cap”,with a high degree of oil and gas enrichment.It has been found that the large oil fields are all bottom water massive oil fields with a unified pressure system,and they are all filled to the spill-point.The future exploration is recommended to focus on the inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms in the western uplift zone and the southern section of eastern uplift zones,as well as intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms in the central depression zone.The result not only provides an important basis for the advanced selection of potential play fairways,bidding of new blocks,and deployment of awarded exploration blocks in the Santos Basin,but also provides a reference for the global selection of deep-water exploration blocks in passive continental margin basins.

Traumatic isolated bilateral gluteus minimus injuries misdiagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND The tear of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons can cause chronic buttock pain,especially in middle-aged individuals;these tears occur mostly in association with degenerative changes in the muscles and tendons.Chronic injuries are more common than acute injuries,and concurrent injuries to the gluteus medius and minimus tendons without chronic pain are rare,especially isolated injuries to both sides of the gluteus minimus;such a case has not yet been reported.CASE SUMMARY The authors present a case of bilateral acute traumatic injuries to the gluteus minimus during buttock strengthening exercises in a 75-year-old male patient.The patient completely returned to his pre-injury lifestyle after 8 weeks of injury,with no limitations,but the diagnosis was initially delayed due to misdiagnosis as lumbar radiculopathy,resulting in unnecessary socio-economic burden on the patient.CONCLUSION When treating patients who complain of hip pain,it is important to consider various causes to make a correct diagnosis.

Large isolated fibrous tumors in the upper esophagus: A case report

BACKGROUND Solitary fibrous tumors(SFT)are rare spindle cell tumors that are usually benign.A total of 10 cases of SFTs in the upper esophagus have ever been reported.Here,we report the anesthetic management of a patient with a large isolated fibrous tumor of the upper esophagus compressing the tracheal membrane.We also provide a literature review of the current research.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 49 year old male with“cough aggravation and wheezing after exercise”,who underwent esophagectomy for a large isolated fibrous tumor compressing the tracheal membrane in the upper esophagus.We advise the use of a single-lumen tube with a blocker in patients with difficult airways to reduce the incidence of airway injury and fibrinoscopy at all stages of the perioperative period to guide airway management.This case study is the first report of the anesthetic management of a large,isolated fibrous tumor compressing the tracheal membrane in the upper esophagus.CONCLUSION This rare case emphasizes the importance of perioperative management of anesthesia in patients with large isolated fibrous tumors of the upper esophagus that compress the tracheal membrane.The use of blocker reduce the incidence of airway injury and fibrinoscopy at the perioperative period to guide airway mana-gement.

Study on the Influence of Aspect Ratio on the Seismic Response and Overturning Resistance of a New Staggered Story Isolated Structure

The aspect ratio of the structure has a significant impact on the overall stability of the ultra high-rise building. A large aspect ratio of the structure increases the risk of overturning and reduces the lateral stiffness of the structure, leading to significant tensile and compressive stresses in the isolated bearings. To study the effect of aspect ratio on the seismic response and overturning resistance of a new staggered story isolated structure, three models with different aspect ratios were established. Nonlinear time-history analysis of the three models was conducted using ETABS finite element software. The results indicate that the overturning moment and overturning resistance moment of the superstructure in the new staggered story isolated structure increase with an increasing aspect ratio. However, the increase in the overturning moment of the superstructure is much greater than the increase in the overturning resistance moment, resulting in a decrease in the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure with an increasing aspect ratio. The overturning moment and overturning resistance moment of the substructure in the new staggered story isolated structure decrease with an increasing aspect ratio. However, the decrease in the overturning moment of the substructure is greater than the decrease in the overturning resistance moment, leading to an increase in the overturning resistance ratio of the substructure with an increasing aspect ratio. The decrease in the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure in the new staggered story isolated structure is much greater than the increase in the overturning resistance ratio of the substructure. Therefore, as the aspect ratio of the overall structure increases, the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure and the entire structure decreases.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of isolated gastric varices entwined with arteries:A case report

BACKGROUND Interventional endoscopic ultrasound is clinically used for the treatment of isolated gastric varices(IGVs)owing to its precise visualization.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man was diagnosed with a large IGV during a routine physical examination.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed gastric varices entwined with an artery,which greatly increased the difficulty of treatment.We successfully treated the patient with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection.CONCLUSION Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection was safe and effective for the treatment of an IGV entwined with an artery.

Seismic Response of Adjacent Structure to Inter-Story Isolated Structure

Currently, land resources are becoming more and more constrained and structures are getting closer to each other. To investigate the seismic response of inter-story isolated structure to adjacent structure, models considering no soil-structure interaction (SSI), considering soil-structure interaction (SSI), and considering structure-soil-structure interaction (SSSI) were established. Nonlinear seismic response comparative analysis was conducted by varying the spacing between adjacent structure and inter-story isolated structure, as well as the weight of adjacent structure, under different earthquake inputs, in order to obtain the structural response characteristics. The results indicate that the inter-story drift and inter-story shear of the inter-story isolated structure without considering SSI are smaller than those considering SSI and SSSI. The inter-story drift and inter-story shear of the inter-story isolated structure considering SSSI are further affected compared to that of the inter-story isolated structure considering only SSI. As the spacing between adjacent structure and inter-story isolated structure increases, the influence of adjacent structure on inter-story isolated structure decreases. The variation in the spacing between the two structures has a negligible effect on the isolation layer of the inter-story isolated structure. With the increase in the weight of adjacent structure, the influence of adjacent structure on inter-story isolated structure becomes more significant. The increasing weight of adjacent structure has an increasing effect on the Isolation layer of the inter-story isolated structure.

Progressive Collapse Resistance of a New Staggered Story Isolated System

A new staggered isolated system developed from the mid-story isolated system is the new staggered story isolated system. There are not many studies on this structure currently. In this study, an 18-story new staggered story isolated system model is established using SAP2000. The dynamic nonlinear dynamic alternate method is used to analyze the structure against progressive collapse. Results show that the structure has good resistance to progressive collapse, and there is no progressive collapse under each working condition. The progressive collapse does not occur for the case of removing only one vertical structural member of the new staggered of isolated system. The side column has big influence on this isolated structures’ progressive collapse;the removal of vertical structural member of the isolation layer has less impact on the structure than the removal of the bottom vertical structural member. After the removing of the member, the internal force of the structure will be redistributed, and the axial force of the adjacent columns will change obviously, showing a trend of “near large and far small”.

Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia:Systematic review and analysis of the 37 cases reported so far

BACKGROUND Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia(ILVAH),also known as truncated left ventricle(LV),is a very unusual cardiomyopathy.It is characterised by a truncated,spherical,and non-apex forming LV.The true apex is occupied by the right ventricle.Due to the rarity of the disease,just a few case reports and limited case series have been published in the field.AIM To analysing the so far 37 reported ILVAH cases worldwide.METHODS The electronic databases PubMed and Scopus were investigated from their establishment up to December 13,2022.RESULTS The majority of cases reported occurred in males(52.7%).Mean age at diagnosis was 26.1±19.6 years.More than a third of the patients were asymptomatic(35.1%).The most usual clinical presentation was breathlessness(40.5%).The most commonly detected electrocardiogram changes were T wave abnormalities(29.7%)and right axis deviation with poor R wave progression(24.3%).Atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected in 24.3%.Echocardiography was performed in 97.3%of cases and cardiac MRI in 91.9%of cases.Ejection fraction was reduced in more than a half of patients(56.7%).An associated congenital heart disease was found in 16.2%.Heart failure therapy was administered in 35.1%of patients.The outcome was favorable in the vast majority of patients,with just one death.CONCLUSION ILVAH is a multifaceted entity with a so far unpredictable course,ranging from benign until the elderly to sudden death during adolescence.

Seismic response evaluation of base-isolated reinforced concrete buildings under bidirectional excitation

This paper reports on an investigation of the seismic response of base-isolated reinforced concrete buildings, which considers various isolation system parameters under bidirectional near-fault and far-fault motions. Three-dimensional models of 4-, 8-, and 12-story base-isolated buildings with nonlinear effects in the isolation system and the superstructure are investigated, and nonlinear response history analysis is carried out. The bounding values of isolation system properties that incorporate the aging effect of isolators are also taken into account, as is the current state of practice in the design and analysis of base-isolated buildings. The response indicators of the buildings are studied for near-fault and far-fault motions weight-scaled to represent the design earthquake （DE） level and the risk-targeted maximum considered earthquake （MCER） level. Results of the nonlinear response history analyses indicate no structural damage under DE-level motions for near-fault and far-fault motions and for MCER-level far-fault motions, whereas minor structural damage is observed under MCER- level near-fault motions. Results of the base-isolated buildings are compared with their fixed-base counterparts. Significant reduction of the superstructure response of the 12-story base-isolated building compared to the fixed-base condition indicates that base isolation can be effectively used in taller buildings to enhance performance. Additionally, the applicability of a rigid superstructure to predict the isolator displacement demand is also investigated. It is found that the isolator displacements can be estimated accurately using a rigid body model for the superstructure for the buildings considered.

Activity of the Mechanically Isolated Hybrid Stromal Vascular Fraction on Osteoarthritis

Background: Regenerative medicine holds promise for treating degenerative and inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis (OA). However, the complex molecular mechanisms of OA and the limitations of current therapies remain challenges. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) are gaining attention for OA treatment due to their abundance in adipose tissue. The literature delineates two primary techniques for SVF extraction from adipose tissue: enzymatic digestion and mechanical methods. The Lipocube Hybrid SVF presents a straightforward and secure mechanical isolation method for SVF, enhancing its regenerative potential for various applications. Purpose: This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of Lipocube Hybrid SVF as a regenerative therapy for OA, contributing to the broader understanding of its applicability in addressing this debilitating condition. Method: To assess the effectiveness and safety of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF, we have designed a comparative study that evaluates cellular activity and viability, phenotypic characterization, and differentiation potential. The in vitro activity of mechanically isolated SVF is compared to the established gold standard enzymatic digestion method. After in vitro studies, Lipocube Hybrid mechanical isolation method was used to isolate SVF and applied in 42 knee and 7 hip joints of 28 patients with Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV OA. Results: The Lipocube Hybrid group had slightly lower viable cell numbers but higher cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis showed the Lipocube Hybrid group exhibited more favorable markers for regenerative potential and reduced inflammatory response. Additionally, both groups demonstrated successful osteogenic differentiation, with the Lipocube Hybrid group excelling in chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The clinical application of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF in OA patients resulted in significant improvements in WOMAC and VAS scores across different OA grades. Conclusions: This comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF, which has shown promise in laboratory settings, for different stages of osteoarthritis. The study findings provide valuable insights into the potential of Lipocube Hybrid SVF as a regenerative therapy for OA, highlighting its suitability for addressing this debilitating condition.

Roles of soil-structure interaction and damping in base-isolated structures built on numerous soil layers overlying a half-space

This study examines the roles of soil-structure interaction （SSI）, higher modes, and damping in a base-isolated structure built on multiple layers of soil overlying a half space. Closed-form solutions for the entire system, including a superstructure, seismic isolator, and numerous soil layers overlying a half-space, were obtained. The formulations obtained in this study simply in terms of well-known frequencies and mechanical impedance ratios can explicitly interpret the dynamic behavior of a base-isolated structure interacting with multiple soil layers overlying a half-space. The key factors influencing the performance of the isolation system are the damping ratio of the isolator and the ratio of the natural frequency of the fixed-base structure to that of the isolated structure by assuming that the superstructure moves as a rigid body. This study reveals that higher damping in the base isolator is unfavorable to higher mode responses that usually dominate the responses of the superstructure and that the damping mechanism plays an important role in transmitting energy in addition to absorbing energy. It is also concluded that it is possible to design a soft soil layer as an isolation system for isolating vibration energy.

Emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

Improving the seismic performance of base-isolated liquid storage tanks with supplemental linear viscous dampers

Large tanks are extensively used for storing water,petrochemicals and fuels.Since they are often cited in earthquake-prone areas,the safe and continuous operation of these important structures must be ensured even when severe earthquakes occur,since their failure could have devastating financial and socio-environmental consequences.Base-isolation has been widely adopted for the efficient seismic protection of such critical facilities.However,base-isolated tanks can be located relatively close to active faults that generate strong excitations with special characteristics.Consequently,viscous dampers can be incorporated into the isolation system to reduce excessive displacement demands and to avoid overconservative isolator design.Nonetheless,only a few studies have focused on the investigation of seismic response of base-isolated liquid storage tanks in conjunction with supplemental viscous dampers.Therefore,the impact of the addition of supplemental linear viscous dampers on the seismic performance of tanks isolated by single friction pendulum devices is investigated herein.Four levels of supplemental damping are assessed and compared with respect to isolators′displacement capacity and accelerations that are transferred to the tanks.

Breeding Biology of Isolated Captive Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) at the Shanghai Zoo, China

The breeding biology of a captive, isolated population of Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) at theShanghaiZoo,China, was studied from 2007 to 2019. The breeding age of the Dalmatian Pelicans was estimated at three to four years old, and they started breeding in late October or early November. The clutch size varied between one and two eggs per nest, and the eggs were 83.2 ±4.8 mmin length, 55.6 ±2.9 mmin breadth and 136.1 ±21.5 gin weight. The fertility fluctuated slightly, with an average rate of 38.7% ± 9.7%, but remained consistently low. The survival rate of chicks fluctuated substantially from 0% to 100%, with an average survival rate of 68.6% ± 27.6%. The averaged values of observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were 0.468, 0.465 and 0.446, respectively. It indicated that the population had a low heterozygosity and genetic diversity. There was a significant change in the breeding index compared to that recorded 40 years ago, which indicates that inbreeding depression has occurred in this small, isolated, captive population of Dalmatian Pelicans. These results can be used to improve management of Dalmatian Pelicans in captivity.

Generation of quasi-chirp-free isolated attosecond pulses from atoms under the action of orthogonal two-color combined pulse of fundamental frequency and higher intensity second harmonic fields

The intrinsic chirp of high-order harmonic generation is an important factor limiting the production of ultrashort attosecond pulses.Based on numerically solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation,the generation process of highorder harmonic from the He atom under the action of orthogonal two-color combined pulse of fundamental frequency and higher intensity second harmonic fields is studied.In this paper,we propose to achieve quasi-chirp-free isolated attosecond pulses by superimposing a higher second-harmonic field on the orthogonal direction of the fundamental frequency field.It is found that the high-energy part of its harmonic emission exhibits small chirp characteristics,which can be used to synthesize isolated attosecond pulses.Through the analysis of the wave packets evolution and the classical motion trajectories of the electron,it is demonstrated that the quasi-chirp-free harmonic can be attributed to the simultaneous return of electrons ionized at different times to the parent particle.The influence of the relative phase of the two pulses on the harmonics is further analyzed,and it is observed that this phenomenon is sensitive to the relative phase,but it can still generate isolated attosecond pulses within a certain phase.

Isolated Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Artery Causing Heart Failure: Transcatheter Occlusion of Mapcas Using Amplatzer Vascular Plugs and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluders

Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are congenital vessels that arise from the aorta or its first-order branches and are distally connected to the pulmonary arterial vasculature, thereby providing pulmonary blood flow. MAPCAs are often associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Isolated MAPCAs are rare in patients without congenital heart disease with structurally normal hearts. Sometimes, isolated congenital MAPCAs can occur without any lung disease. Isolated MAPCAs represent the occurrence of collaterals in the absence of underlying heart disease, which commonly presents as heart failure, recurrent respiratory tract infection, and pulmonary artery hypertension. We report a rare case of congestive heart failure in a 6-year-old patient with dual arterial supply to an otherwise normal right lung, with a normal bronchial tree, and a structurally normal heart. The patient was successfully managed by the closure of collaterals by Amplatzer vascular plugs II (AVPII) and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluders.

Isolated traumatic gallbladder injury: A case report

BACKGROUND Isolated gallbladder injury(GI)(IGI)directly induced by abdominal trauma is rare.Symptoms,indications,and imaging examinations of IGI are frequently non-specific,posing tremendous diagnostic challenges,which are simple to overlook and may have severe implications.Improving doctors'understanding of gallbladder injury(GI)facilitates early detection and decreases the likelihood of severe consequences,including death.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of IGI caused by blunt violence(after falling from three meters with the umbilicus as the stress point)and performed laparoscopic repair of the gallbladder rupture,which helps clinicians understand IGI and reduce the severe consequences of delayed diagnosis.Through extensive medical history and dynamic abdominal ultrasound evaluation,doctors can identify GI early and begin surgery,thereby decreasing the devastating repercussions of delayed diagnosis.CONCLUSION This article aims to improve clinicians'understanding of IGI and propose a method for the diagnosis and treatment of GI.

Isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute leg compartment syndrome is a well-known orthopedic emergency associated with potentially devastating consequences if not treated immediately.Multiple compartments are usually involved with a clear history of trauma and classic symptoms and signs.However,isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome is relatively rare and is often misdiagnosed due to the atypical presentation of no trauma and the lack of pathognomonic signs.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old male patient presented to our emergency room with excruciating left calf pain and inability to mobilize one-day after participating in a football match despite no clear history of preceding trauma.The patient went to another hospital before presenting to us where he was diagnosed to have a soft tissue injury and was discharged home on simple analgesics.On clinical examination,the left leg showed a tense lateral compartment with severe tenderness.The pain was aggravated by dorsiflexion and ankle inversion.Neurovascular examination of the limb was normal.We suspected a compartment syndrome but as the presentation was atypical and an magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was readily available in our institution,we immediately performed an MRI and this confirmed a large hematoma in the lateral compartment with a possible partial proximal peroneus longus muscle tear.The patient was taken immediately for an emergency open fasciotomy.The patient is now 18 mo postoperatively having recovered completely and engages fully in sports with no restrictions.CONCLUSION Atypical presentation due to the lack of pathognomonic signs makes the diagnosis of isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome difficult.Pain on passive inversion and dorsiflexion and weak active eversion may be suggested as sensitive signs.