Optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging of chorioretinal folds in patients with orbital tumors

AIM:To characterize spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)features of chorioretinal folds in orbital mass imaged using enhanced depth imaging(EDI).METHODS:Prospective observational case-control study was conducted in 20 eyes of 20 patients,the uninvolved eye served as a control.All the patients underwent clinical fundus photography,computed tomography,EDI SDOCT imaging before and after surgery.Two patients with cavernous hemangiomas underwent intratumoral injection of bleomycin A5;the remaining patients underwent tumor excision.Patients were followed 1 to 14mo following surgery(average follow up,5.8mo).RESULTS:Visual acuity prior to surgery ranged from 20/20 to 20/200.Following surgery,5 patients’visual acuity remained unchanged while the remaining 15 patients had a mean letter improvement of 10(range 4 to 26 letters).Photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects were found in 10 of 15 patients prior to surgery.Following surgical excision,photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects fully resolved in 8 of these 10 patients.CONCLUSION:Persistence of photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects caused by compression of the globe by an orbital mass can be associated with reduced visual prognosis.Our findings suggest that photoreceptor inner/outer segment defects on EDI SD-OCT could be an indicator for immediate surgical excision of an orbital mass causing choroidal compression.

A Conjecture on Veronese Generating Submanifolds

In this paper,the higher dimensional conjecture on Veronese generating subman-ifolds proposed by Prof. SUN Zhen-zu is generalized to Pseudo-Euclidean Space L1(m+1), it is proved that in the higher dimentional Lorentz Space L1(m+1), the generating submanifolds of an n dimentional submanifold of Pseudo-Riemannian unit sphere S1m is an n+1 dimentional minimal submanifold of S1(m+1) in L1(m+2) and is of 1-type in L1(m+2).

Tectonic evolution of the Dabashan orocline, central China: Insights from the superposed folds in the eastern Dabashan foreland

The Dabashan orocline is situated in the northwestern margin of the central Yangtze block,central China.Previous studies have defined the orthogonal superposed folds growing in its central-western segment thereby confirming its two-stage tectonic evolution history.Geological mapping has revealed that more types of superposed folds have developed in the eastern segment of the orocline,which probably provides more clues for probing the structure and tectonic history of the Dabashan orocline.In this paper,based on geological mapping,structural measurements and analyses of deformation,we have identified three groups of folds with different trends （e.g.NW-,NE-and nearly E-trending folds） and three types of structural patterns of superposed folds in the eastern Dabashan foreland （e.g.syn-axial,oblique,and conjunctional superposed folds）.In combination with geochronological data,we propose that the synaxial superposed folds are due to two stages of ～N-S shortening in the west and north of the Shennongjia massif,and that oblique superposed folds have been resulted from the superposition of the NW-and NE-trending folds onto the early ～ E-W folds in the east of the Shennongjia massif in the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous.The conjunctional folds are composed of the NW-and NE-trending folds,corresponding to the regional-scale dual-orocline in the eastern Sichuan as a result of the southwestward expansion of the Dabashan foreland during late Jurassic to early Cretaceous,coeval with the northwestward propagation of the Xuefengshan foreland.Integration of the structure and geochronology of the belt shows that the Dabashan orocline is a combined deformation belt primarily experiencing a twostage tectonic evolution history in Mesozoic,initiation of the Dabashan orocline as a foreland basin along the front of the Qinling orogen in late Triassic to early Jurassic due to collisional orogeny,and the final formation of the Dabashan orocline owing to the southwestward propagation of the Qinling orogen during late Jurassic to early Cretaceous intra-continental orogeny.Our studies provide some evidences for understanding the structure and deformation of the Dabashan orocline.

Choroidal folds associated with carotid cavernous fistula:a case report

Dear Editor,I am Yasutsugu Akasaki, from the Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Hospital. I am writing this letter to present a case of choroidal folds associated with carotid cavernous fistula(CCFs).

Determine Stress Field of the Shirband Area by Geometric and Kinematic Analysis of Faults and Folds (North Damqan, Iran)

In this paper faults and folds of shirband area (north of damqan) investigated to determine the orient of the stress field. The study area is limited between the two faults with E-W strike and northward slip. Investigations result show major faults of the area have sinisteral mechanism. Waterways displacement and slicken slip of faults approve this issue. Three main folds of area has approx-imately same trend along major faults (E-W). Orientation of stress field investigated and classified by using from some large and medium scale faults and folds. Analysis of stress field investigated by inversion method show that compression axis in the study area have approximately NE-SW strike.

Stroboscopic Evaluation of the Vocal Folds’ Morphometric Characteristics, between the Different Voice Categories on Professional Singers

Objective(s): The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds, using video laryngeal stroboscopy, on professional singers in Greece. Methods: 70 professional singers, 50% men (35 men) and 50% women (35 women), were recruited for this study. A stroboscopic evaluation was prepared for every participant. Additionally, the voice classification and features of individuals were correlated statistically. Results: Statistically significant difference were observed between the voice categories and the size of stomatopharynx, the shape of the hard palate, the length of the vocal folds, the width and thickness of the vocal folds, as well as the tone of speech, in male singers. Statistically significant differences were also observed between the voice categories and all the variables except the shape of epiglottis, the color of speech and the shape of the vocal folds, in female singers. Conclusions: There is correlation between the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds and the voice categories.

Penfolds为品牌保护之路敲响警钟

刚刚过去的2017年对于Penfolds来说是众望所归的一年,却也是考验重重的一年。

Fractal Simulation and Classification of Folds

Abstract: The method of fractal simulation and classification of folds is firstly studied here to describe various types of complex fold patterns in quantitative analysis. Based on the characteristics of natural folds with a fractal pattern, the fold patterns are simulated to describe various types of folds quantitatively by means of fractal interpolation. The major factors affecting the fold pattern are elucidated in fractal simulation of folds, i.e. positions of interpolation points (x, y) and the disturbance coefficient d of folds (-1<d<1). The bigger the value d for a fold simulation is, the more complex or disturbed the folds are and the better developed the relative secondary folds are. If d>0, folds are upconvex. IF d<0, they are down-convex. |d|=0, |d|=0.25 and |d|=0.5 represent three conspicuous turning states. If |d|=0, the points will be joined by a straight line. If |d|=0.25, the points will be joined smoothly. If |d|<0.25, there will be complex secondary folds between the points. If |d| >0.5, there will be more complex secondary folds between the points. The complex degrees of the fold pattern, therefore, can be classified by the disturbance coefficient d and by the discongruent degree Δ d. In nature, most folds are self-affine fractal folds.

Conceptual models for fracturing in fault related folds

Fault related folds and fractures, which always improve reservoirs and trap capacity, especially in the oil and gas fields in western China, are of extreme importance for oil and gas exploration. Based on four assumptions and fault related fold theory, we propose four conceptual models for fracturing in fault related folds, i.e., a simple-step parallel fault bend anticline, a simple-step parallel fault propagation anticline, a multiple-bend fault-bend fold and a break-forward imbricate. Fracture conditions depend on structural evolution and specific site conditions. A case study of the Kulongshan Anticline in the Jiuquan Basin shows that our conceptual models match reality data very well.

Rheological Properties of Fractal Deformation in Multilayer Folds

The fractal dimensions of folds are related to layer thickness and viscosity of the multilayer. This paper discusses how the thickness, viscosity, and anisotropic degree affect the rheological deformation of fractal folds in multilayers. The number of layers, their thicknesses, viscosities, and anisotropic degree of multilayers cooperate to affect the rheological deformation of folds, which is not controlled by a single rheological factor. A greater anisotropic degree of multilayers is favorable to develop the more complex and disharmonious fractal folds.

Enlarged folds on endoscopic gastritis as a predictor for submucosal invasion of gastric cancers

BACKGROUND Accurate diagnosis of the depth of gastric cancer invasion is crucial in clinical practice.The diagnosis of gastric cancer depth is often made using endoscopic characteristics of the tumor and its margins;however,evaluating invasion depth based on endoscopic background gastritis remains unclear.AIM To investigate predicting submucosal invasion using the endoscopy-based Kyoto classification of gastritis.METHODS Patients with gastric cancer detected on esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic were enrolled.We analyzed the effects of patient and tumor characteristics,including age,sex,body mass index,surveillance endoscopy within 2 years,current Helicobacter pylori infection,the Kyoto classification,and Lauren’s tumor type,on submucosal tumor invasion and curative endoscopic resection.The Kyoto classification included atrophy,intestinal metaplasia,enlarged folds,nodularity,and diffuse redness.Atrophy was characterized by non-reddish and low mucosa.Intestinal metaplasia was detected as patchy whitish or grayish-white flat elevations,forming an irregular uneven surface.An enlarged fold referred to a fold width≥5 mm in the greater curvature of the corpus.Nodularity was characterized by goosebump-like multiple nodules in the antrum.Diffuse redness was characterized by uniform reddish nonatrophic mucosa in the greater curvature of the corpus.RESULTS A total of 266 gastric cancer patients(mean age,66.7 years;male sex,58.6%;mean body mass index,22.8 kg/m2)were enrolled.Ninety-three patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for surveillance within 2 years,and 140 had current Helicobacter pylori infection.The mean Kyoto score was 4.54.Fifty-eight cancers were diffuse-type,and 87 cancers had invaded the submucosa.Multivariate analysis revealed that low body mass index(odds ratio 0.88,P=0.02),no surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy within 2 years(odds ratio 0.15,P<0.001),endoscopic enlarged folds of gastritis(odds ratio 3.39,P=0.001),and Lauren’s diffuse-type(odds ratio 5.09,P<0.001)were independently associated with submucosal invasion.Similar results were obtained with curative endoscopic resection.Among cancer patients with enlarged folds,severely enlarged folds(width≥10 mm)were more related to submucosal invasion than mildly enlarged folds(width 5-9 mm,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Enlarged folds of gastritis were associated with submucosal invasion.Endoscopic observation of background gastritis as well as the lesion itself may help diagnose the depth of cancer invasion.

Study on folds of monolayer sandwiched-in different thickness terranes

The paper discussed the limitation of ’Dominant wavelengt h theory’. The theoretical model and nonhomogeneous differential equation of fold and deformation of a monolayer sandwiched-in limited and different thickn ess terranes are proposed by using mechanics of elasticity. In addition, the ′D ominant wavelength theory’ is proved by the experimental folding in elastic ma terials. The folds of a monolayer sandwiched-in limited and different thickness terranes are studied inside and are explored in the field.

QUATERNARY GROWTH FOLDS IN THE JIUXI BASIN AT THE NORTHEASTERN MARGIN OF THE QINGHAI—XIZANG PLATEAU

As a consequence of the collision of India with Asia, the Qilian Shan, rising 4000～5000m above the Gobi, marks the northeastern boundary of the Tibet—Qinghai Plateau. The Qilian Shan developed as a WNW—ESE fold\|and\|thrust belt with most of the movement directed towards the NEN—NE. Its foreland margin, the Jiuxi Basin, accommodates thick sequences of Late Cenozoic alluvial sediments derived from the Qilian Shan. Thin\|skinned fold\|and\|thrust deformation in the Jiuxi basin flanking the Qilian Shan, feature Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks that have been detached from the underlying basal decollement and folded into a series of NW—WNW trending anticlines and synclines. Towards the south deformation in the Jiuxi basin is accommodated by a west\|north\|west fold train (Qingcaowan, Laojunmiao, and Shiyougou folds) developed during the Quaternary. These form a distinct topographic feature separating the Qilian Shan from the central Jiuxi Basin. The doubly plunging Laojunmiao anticline is 10km long and 5km wide. It is asymmetric in shape, having a steep to overturned northern limb, and a backlimb dips to the south at 20～30°. The Laojunmiao anticline is composed of two distinct stratigraphic sequences which are defined by a syntectonic unconformity.

Geometries and mechanism of folds in sediments on the southern Huanghai Sea shelf

Most descriptions and studies about folds have been associated with consolidated strata; fold deformation in loosely-consolidated sediments, however, has been rarely discussed. Since the Pleistocene, tectonic activities have been intensive over the South Huanghai Sea （SHS） shelf, resulting in fold deformation features that are preserved in thick sediment layers. Four types of folds with different geometries have been identified on the basis of an analysis of single - channel seismic profiles from the SHS shelf region： （1） fault-propagation fold; （2） fault-drag fold; （3） transversal bending fold; and （4） multi-action-folding fold. Studies on the geometry and mechanism of the folds indicate that base faults and fault blocks control the folding patterns in loosely-consoli- dated sediments on the SHS shelf and a large quantity of pore water in sediments plays an important role in cansing the deformation of sediment layers. The continuity of deformations of fault-propagation fold and fault-drag fold indicates that there is a genetic relationship between these fold types. The potential of earthquakes induced by fault-propagation folding in the deformation zone should be taken into account in the assessment of the marine engineering geology conditions of the SHS shelf.

Recognition of Protein Native Folds Using a Continuous Potential Function

e report a simple continuous potential function that can recognize proteinchains' native folds from tens of thousands of alternative ones. Empirical parame-ters for this potential function were obtained by a neural network learning oversamples generated from PDB structural data.Hydrophobic interactions were foundto be mainly responsible for stabilization of the protein' s native fold. The inter-chain interaction was found indispensable in stabilizing some protein chains' nativeconformation.

Study on Folds of Equal Thickness Multi-layerSandwiched in Different Thickness Media

The theoretical model and non-homogeneous differential equation of equal thickness multi-layer folds sandwiched in different thickness and same character media are established by elastic and plastic mechanics. The special answer of the non-homogeneous differential equation and the common answer of the homogeneous differential equation are deduced by applying logistic equation and special function, and the dominant wavelength theory of equal thickness multi-layer folds sandwiched in different thickness and same character media. In addition, the experimental folding in both elastic and sticky materials proves the dominant wavelength theory.

Mechanical analysis of folds in compressive belt and its significance to earthquakes

The paper proposes the conception of Beads type fold system. The mechanical analyses of the typical tectonic system are made by means of elastic stability theory, mathematical and mechanical method and rheology. The relation among the deflections of folds and time, external forces, and distribution of stresses, strain energy density are analyzed to explain the causing mechanism of folding earthquake.

Image-Based Flow Prediction of Vocal Folds Using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks

In this work,a three dimensional(3D)convolutional neural network(CNN)model based on image slices of various normal and pathological vocal folds is proposed for accurate and efficient prediction of glottal flows.The 3D CNN model is composed of the feature extraction block and regression block.The feature extraction block is capable of learning low dimensional features from the high dimensional image data of the glottal shape,and the regression block is employed to flatten the output from the feature extraction block and obtain the desired glottal flow data.The input image data is the condensed set of 2D image slices captured in the axial plane of the 3D vocal folds,where these glottal shapes are synthesized based on the equations of normal vibration modes.The output flow data is the corresponding flow rate,averaged glottal pressure and nodal pressure distributions over the glottal surface.The 3D CNN model is built to establish the mapping between the input image data and output flow data.The ground-truth flow variables of each glottal shape in the training and test datasets are obtained by a high-fidelity sharp-interface immersed-boundary solver.The proposed model is trained to predict the concerned flow variables for glottal shapes in the test set.The present 3D CNN model is more efficient than traditional Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)models while the accuracy can still be retained,and more powerful than previous data-driven prediction models because more details of the glottal flow can be provided.The prediction performance of the trained 3D CNN model in accuracy and efficiency indicates that this model could be promising for future clinical applications.

Flow field, sedimentation, and erosion characteristics around folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence: Numerical simulation study

Wind and sand hazards are serious in the Milan Gobi area of the Xinjiang section of the Korla Railway. In order to ensure the safe operation of railroads, there is a need for wind and sand protection in heavily sandy areas. The wind and sand flow in the region is notably bi-directional. To shield railroads from sand, a unique sand fence made of folded linear high-density polyethylene(HDPE) is used, aligning with the principle that the dominant wind direction is perpendicular to the fence. This study employed field observations and numerical simulations to investigate the effectiveness of these HDPE sand fences in altering flow field distribution and offering protection. It also explored how these fences affect the deposition and erosion of sand particles. Findings revealed a significant reduction in wind speed near the fence corner;the minimum horizontal wind speed on the leeward side of the first sand fence(LSF) decreased dramatically from 3 m/s to 0.64 m/s. The vortex area on the LSF markedly impacted horizontal wind speeds. Within the LSF, sand deposition was a primary occurrence. As wind speeds increased, the deposition zone shrank, whereas the positive erosion zone expanded. Close to the folded corners of the HDPE sand fence, there was a notable shift from the positive erosion zone to a deposition zone. Field tests and numerical simulations confirmed the high windproof efficiency(WE) and sand resistance efficiency(SE) in the HDPE sand fence. Folded linear HDPE sheet sand fence can effectively slow down the incoming flow and reduce the sand content, thus achieving good wind and sand protection. This study provides essential theoretical guidance for the design and improvement of wind and sand protection systems in railroad engineering.

Conformational dynamics as an intrinsic determinant of prion protein misfolding and neurotoxicity

The prion protein(PrP) is the key molecular and pathological mediator of prion diseases,a heterogeneous group of brain disorders with fatal outcomes.Prion diseases are rare but deserve special attention because of their unique familial,sporadic,and transmissible etiologies,all caused by a single agent:misfolded conformations of PrP.