Long‐life lithium batteries enabled by a pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte

The specific energy of Li metal batteries(LMBs)can be improved by using high‐voltage cathode materials;however,achieving long‐term stable cycling performance in the corresponding system is particularly challenging for the liquid electrolyte.Herein,a novel pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte(POSE)is prepared by introducing 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether(TTE)to adjust the coordination structure between diglyme(G2)and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).Surprisingly,although TTE shows little solubility to LiTFSI,the molar ratio between LiTFSI and G2 in the POSE can be increased to 1:1,which is much higher than that of the saturation state,1:2.8.Simulation and experimental results prove that TTE promotes closer contact of the G2 molecular with Li^(+)in the POSE.Moreover,it also participates in the formation of electrolyte/electrode interphases.The electrolyte shows outstanding compatibility with both the Li metal anode and typical high‐voltage cathodes.Li||Li symmetric cells show a long life of more than 2000 h at 1 mA cm^(−2),1 mAh cm^(−2).In the meantime,Li||LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM811)cell with the POSE shows a high reversible capacity of 134.8 mAh g^(−1 )after 900 cycles at 4.5 V,1 C rate.The concept of POSE can provide new insight into the Li^(+)solvation structure and in the design of advanced electrolytes for LMBs.

Characterization of tumors of jaw:Additive value of contrast enhancement and dual-energy computed tomography

BACKGROUND Currently,the differentiation of jaw tumors is mainly based on the lesion’s morphology rather than the enhancement characteristics,which are important in the differentiation of neoplasms across the body.There is a paucity of literature on the enhancement characteristics of jaw tumors.This is mainly because,even though computed tomography(CT)is used to evaluate these lesions,they are often imaged without intravenous contrast.This study hypothesised that the enhancement characteristics of the solid component of jaw tumors can aid in the differentiation of these lesions in addition to their morphology by dual-energy CT,therefore improving the ability to differentiate between various pathologies.AIM To evaluate the role of contrast enhancement and dual-energy quantitative parameters in CT in the differentiation of jaw tumors.METHODS Fifty-seven patients with jaw tumors underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT.Morphological analysis of the tumor,including the enhancing solid component,was done,followed by quantitative analysis of iodine concentration(IC),water concentration(WC),HU,and normalized IC.The study population was divided into four subgroups based on histopathological analysis-central giant cell granuloma(CGCG),ameloblastoma,odontogenic keratocyst(OKC),and other jaw tumors.A one-way ANOVA test for parametric variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric variables were used.If significant differences were found,a series of independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used.RESULTS Ameloblastoma was the most common pathology(n=20),followed by CGCG(n=11)and OKC.CGCG showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters than ameloblastomas(P<0.05).An IC threshold of 31.35×100μg/cm^(3) had the maximum sensitivity(81.8%)and specificity(65%).Between ameloblastomas and OKC,the former showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters(P<0.001),however when comparing unilocular ameloblastomas with OKCs,the latter showed significantly higher WC.Also,ameloblastoma had a higher IC and lower WC compared to“other jaw tumors”group.CONCLUSION Enhancement characteristics of solid components combined with dual-energy parameters offer a more precise way to differentiate between jaw tumors.

Laboratory Implementation of Direct Torque Controller based Speed Loop Pseudo Derivative Feedforward Controller for PMSM Drive

This paper,evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward(PDFF)controller-based direct torque controller(DTC)for a PMSM drive against the performance of existing PI speed controller-based DTC and hysteresis current controller(HCC).The proposed PDFF-based speed regulator effectively reduces oscillation and overshoot associated with rotor angular speed,electromagnetic torque,and stator current.Two case studies,one using forward-to-reverse motoring operation and the other involving reverse-to-forward braking operation,has been validated to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.The proposed controller's superior performance is demonstrated through experimental verification utilizing an FPGA controller for a 1.5 kW PMSM drive laboratory prototype.

Pseudo-Semi-Overlap Functions-Based Fuzzy Rough Sets Applied to Image Edge Extraction

As an extension of overlap functions, pseudo-semi-overlap functions are a crucial class of aggregation functions. Therefore, (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets are introduced, utilizing pseudo-semi-overlap functions, and further extended for applications in image edge extraction. Firstly, a new clustering function, the pseudo-semi-overlap function, is introduced by eliminating the symmetry and right continuity present in the overlap function. The relaxed nature of this function enhances its applicability in image edge extraction. Secondly, the definitions of (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets are provided, using (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets, a pair of new fuzzy mathematical morphological operators (IPSOFMM operators) is proposed. Finally, by combining the fuzzy C-means algorithm and IPSOFMM operators, a novel image edge extraction algorithm (FCM-IPSO algorithm) is proposed and implemented. Compared to existing algorithms, the FCM-IPSO algorithm exhibits more image edges and a 73.81% decrease in the noise introduction rate. The outstanding performance of (I, PSO)-fuzzy rough sets in image edge extraction demonstrates their practical application value.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (ACPO): An Expanding Colon with Unusual Risk Factors

The distention of the colon without mechanical or anatomical obstruction, Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), is a common condition occurring in the critically ill. ACPO in the setting of an acute pulmonary embolism and embolic stroke is a rarity. A 76-year-old female with shortness of breath, left hemiparesis and right-sided paresthesias presented with acute pulmonary embolism and acute infarcts of the left caudate nucleus, thalamus and occipital lobe. Her hospitalization was complicated with persistent distention of the large bowel without dilation of the small bowel. Empiric antibiotics were initiated without improvement and laboratory studies including Clostridium difficile were negative. She underwent nasogastric decompression and two decompressive colonoscopies with a resolution of her symptoms. This case illustrates an example of acute abdominal distension, without underlying etiology, in the setting of acute embolism of the pulmonary and cerebral vasculature. Early identification and action with decompressive colonoscopy were key to preventing further bowel damage or rupture.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry among Chinese patients with primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is an extrahepatic complication of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)that increases the risk of fractures and mortality.However,Epidemiological studies of osteoporosis in patients with PBC in China and the Asia-Pacific region is lack.AIM To assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in Chinese patients with PBC.METHODS This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with PBC from a tertiary care center in China who underwent bone mineral density(BMD)assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry between January 2013 and December 2021.We defined subjects with T-scores≤-2.5 in any sites(L1 to L4,femoral neck,or total hip)as having osteoporosis.Demographic,serological,clinical,and histological data were collected.Independent risk factors for osteoporosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS A total of 268 patients with PBC[236 women(88.1%);mean age,56.7±10.6 years;163 liver biopsies(60.8%)]were included.The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with PBC was 45.5%(122/268),with the prevalence of osteoporosis in women and men being 47.0%and 34.4%,respectively.The prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was significantly higher than that in premenopausal women(56.3%vs 21.0%,P<0.001).Osteoporosis in patients with PBC is associated with age,fatigue,menopausal status,previous steroid therapy,body mass index(BMI),splenomegaly,gastroesophageal varices,ascites,Mayo risk score,histological stage,alanine aminotransferase,albumin,bilirubin,platelet and prothrombin activity.Multivariate regression analysis identified that older age,lower BMI,previous steroid therapy,higher Mayo risk score,and advanced histological stage as the main independent risk factors for osteoporosis in PBC.CONCLUSION Osteoporosis is very common in Chinese patients with PBC,allowing for prior screening of BMD in those PBC patients with older age,lower BMI,previous steroid therapy and advanced liver disease.

Does sevoflurane sedation in pediatric patients lead to“pseudo”leptomeningeal enhancement in the brain on 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging?

BACKGROUND Prominent leptomeningeal contrast enhancement(LMCE)in the brain is observed in some pediatric patients during sedation for imaging.However,based on clinical history and cerebrospinal fluid analysis,the patients are not acutely ill and do not exhibit meningeal signs.Our study determined whether sevoflurane inhalation in pediatric patients led to this pattern of‘pseudo’LMCE(pLMCE)on 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).AIM To highlight the significance of pLMCE in pediatric patients undergoing enhanced brain MRI under sedation to avoid misinterpretation in reports.METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional evaluation of pediatric patients between 0-8 years of age was conducted.The patients underwent enhanced brain MRI under inhaled sevoflurane.The LMCE grade was determined by two radiologists,and interobserver variability of the grade was calculated using Cohen’s kappa.The LMCE grade was correlated with duration of sedation,age and weight using the Spearman rho rank correlation.RESULTS A total of 63 patients were included.Fourteen(22.2%)cases showed mild LMCE,48(76.1%)cases showed moderate LMCE,and 1 case(1.6%)showed severe LMCE.We found substantial agreement between the two radiologists in detection of pLMCE on post-contrast T1 imaging(kappa value=0.61;P<0.001).Additionally,we found statistically significant inverse and moderate correlations between patient weight and age.There was no correlation between duration of sedation and pLMCE.CONCLUSION pLMCE is relatively common on post-contrast spin echo T1-weighted MRI of pediatric patients sedated by sevoflurane due to their fragile and immature vasculature.It should not be misinterpreted for meningeal pathology.Knowing pertinent clinical history of the child is an essential prerequisite to avoid radiological overcalling and the subsequent burden of additional investigations.

Association between body mass index and body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:We examined the association between body mass index(BMI)and body fat percentage(BF%)measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)among adults and children in China.Methods:We searched four databases-PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,and Vip for studies published in the past 22 years.Meta-analysis was conducted using random-or fixed-effect models.Results:In total of 21 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in review,and 17 ot them in meta-analysis.They were conducted across China.Their sample size ranged from 62 to 5726,and participants'age ranged from 6-80 years.Meta-analysis revealed strong associations between BMI and BF% measured by DXA in adults(pooled r=0.71,95% CI:0.66 to 0.74)and children(pooled r=0.60,95% CI:0.52 to 0.68).The association was stronger in Northern China than in East China in children(β=-0.40,95%CI:-0.65 to-0.14)and in Central China in adults(β=-0.25;95% CI:-0.51 to-0.01).Urban children's BMI was strongly associated with BF%than rural(β=0.19;95%CI:0.04 to 0.35),whereas it was stronger in adults living in rural than in urban(β=-0.35;95% CI:-0.66 to-0.05).Conclusions:BMI was strongly associated with BF%measured by DXA,and the association in children and adults in China varied by residence and region.

Prospective observational study on the prognosis of ureteral lesions caused by impacted stones via dual-energy spectral computed tomography

Objective Ureteral lesions caused by impacted ureteral stones are likely to result in postoperative ureteral stricture.On this basis,the study aimed to investigate if dual-energy spectral computed tomography can predict ureteral hardening caused by impacted stones and to explore the relationship between different types of ureteral lesions and the risk of ureteral stricture.Methods This prospective study collected data of 93 patients with impacted stones from hospital automation system during January 2018 to October 2019.They underwent an abdominal scan on a dual-energy spectral computed tomography.During surgery,the operator used ureteroscopy to identify ureteral lesions,which were classified into four categories:edema,polyps,pallor,and hardening.Seven months later,90 patients were reviewed for the degree of hydronephrosis.Results Endoscopic observations revealed 38(41%)cases of ureteral edema,20(22%)cases of polyps,13(14%)cases of pallor,and 22(24%)cases of hardening.There were significant differences in hydronephrosis,the period of impaction,the calcium concentration of the ureter,and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve between the four groups.After that,we evaluated the factors associated with ureteral hardening and found that the calcium concentration of the ureter and hydronephrosis remained independent predictors of ureteral hardening.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 5.3 mg/cm^(3)calcium concentration of the ureter is an optimal cut-off value to predict ureteral hardening.The result of follow-up showed that 80 patients had complete remission of hydronephrosis,with a complete remission rate of 61.9%(13/21)in the hardening group and 97.1%(67/69)in the non-hardening group(p<0.001).Conclusion Calcium concentration of the ureter is an independent predictor of ureteral hardening.Patients with ureteral hardening have more severe hydronephrosis after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.When the calcium concentration of the ureter is less than 5.3 mg/cm^(3),ureteral lesions should be actively treated.

The application study of dual-energy CT nonlinearblending technique in pulmonary angiography

Objective This study aimed to explore the feasibility of enhancing image quality in computed tomography(CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and reducing radiation dose using the nonlinear blending (NLB)technique of dual-energy CT.Methods A total of 61 patients scheduled for CTPA were enrolled, and 30 patients underwent dual-energyscanning. Nonlinear blending images (NLB group) and three groups of linear blending images (LB group,80 kV group, and 140 kV group) were reconstructed after scanning;31 patients underwent single-energyscanning (120 kV group). The CT values and standard deviations of the pulmonary trunk, left and rightpulmonary arteries, and ipsilateral back muscle at the bifurcation level of the left and right pulmonaryarteries were measured. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the fivegroups were calculated. The subjective image quality of the five groups was assessed. The radiation dosesof the dual- and single-energy groups were recorded and calculated.Results The CNR and SNR values of blood vessels in the NLB group were significantly higher than thosein the LB, 140 kV, and 80 kV groups (CNR of pulmonary artery trunk: t = 3.50, 4.06, 7.17, all P < 0.05;SNRof pulmonary trunk: t = 3.76, 4.71, 6.92, all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the CNR andSNR values between the NLB group and 120 kV group (P > 0.05). The effective radiation dose of the dualenergygroup was lower than that of the single-energy group (t = –4.52, P < 0.05). The subjective scores ofimages in the NLB group were the highest (4.28 ± 0.74).Conclusion The NLB technique of dual-energy CT can improve the image quality of CTPA and reducethe radiation dose, providing more reliable imaging data for the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Rapid, accurate and serotype independent pipeline for in silico epitope mapping of SARS-CoV-2 antigens: a combined machine learning and Chou’s pseudo amino acid composition method

Here,a new integrated machine learning and Chou’s pseudo amino acid composition method has been proposed for in silico epitope mapping of severe acute respiratorysyndrome-like coronavirus antigens.For this,a training dataset including 266 linear B-cell epitopes,1,267 T-cell epitopes and 1,280 non-epitopes were prepared.The epitope sequences were then converted to numerical vectors using Chou’s pseudo amino acid composition method.The vectors were then introduced to the support vector machine,random forest,artificial neural network,and K-nearest neighbor algorithms for the classification process.The algorithm with the highest performance was selected for the epitope mapping procedure.Based on the obtained results,the random forest algorithm was the most accurate classifier with an accuracy of 0.934 followed by K-nearest neighbor,artificial neural network,and support vector machine respectively.Furthermore,the efficacies of predicted epitopes by the trained random forest algorithm were assessed through their antigenicity potential as well as affinity to human B cell receptor and MHC-I/II alleles using the VaxiJen score and molecular docking,respectively.It was also clear that the predicted epitopes especially the B-cell epitopes had high antigenicity potentials and good affinities to the protein targets.According to the results,the suggested method can be considered for developing specific epitope predictor software as well as an accelerator pipeline for designing serotype independent vaccine against the virus.

单跨两层含减震外挂墙板装配式混凝土框架拟静力试验研究

该文在对一个含减震外挂墙板平面框架(简称减震结构)以及一个作为对比的纯框架(简称抗震结构)进行混合试验的基础上,进一步对其单跨2层试验子结构进行了拟静力试验,研究了两结构在水平地震作用下的受力过程、损伤模式及减震外挂墙板对主体结构抗震性能的影响。研究结果表明:减震结构和抗震结构的破坏机制均为梁端和柱底出现塑性铰的梁铰机制,减震外挂墙板未改变主体结构的破坏模式;减震结构中,在最大层间位移角达到1/55之前,消能器呈预期的履带式滚动变形,此后由于外挂墙板的面内转动变形,消能器水平剪切变形值增加不大,且圆弧段产生明显变形;试验过程中减震外挂墙板未出现裂缝;墙板与框架间上部线连接处裂缝宽度较小,连接钢筋应变也较小,表明连接可靠;两试件均具有较好的变形能力和耗能能力;在相同位移级别下,减震结构的刚度、极限承载力和耗能能力均更好。

Sub-Differential Characterizations of Non-Smooth Lower Semi-Continuous Pseudo-Convex Functions on Real Banach Spaces

In this paper, we characterize lower semi-continuous pseudo-convex functions f : X → R ∪ {+ ∞} on convex subset of real Banach spaces K ⊂ X with respect to the pseudo-monotonicity of its Clarke-Rockafellar Sub-differential. We extend the results on the characterizations of non-smooth convex functions f : X → R ∪ {+ ∞} on convex subset of real Banach spaces K ⊂ X with respect to the monotonicity of its sub-differentials to the lower semi-continuous pseudo-convex functions on real Banach spaces.

选择置信伪标签的迁移学习

域适应旨在将标签丰富的源域知识迁移到无标签的目标域.选择性伪标签和标签传播都是域适应的常用方法.然而传统的选择性伪标签以最大类的预测概率标记样本,忽视了其他概率;而且传统的标签传播同等对待不同置信度的标签,这可能导致错误标签.因此,该文提出了一种选择置信伪标签(TL-SCP)的迁移学习.首先,在评估伪标签的置信度时兼顾了最大类的预测概率和其他类预测概率;其次,在标签传播过程中尽量保留高置信度标签,并据此指导低置信度标签的更新,借此减少错误标签传播;最后,在4个基准数据集上进行的大量实验验证了提出的模型(TL-SCP)优于现有的模型.

以假性Bartter综合征为主要表现的囊性纤维化患儿3例并文献复习

目的总结以假性Bartter综合征(pseudo-Bartter syndrome,PBS)为主要表现的囊性纤维化(cystic fibrosis,CF)(CF-PBS)患儿的临床特征和基因变异,以提高对CF-PBS的认识。方法回顾性分析2018年1月—2023年8月在湖南省儿童医院确诊的3例CF-PBS患儿的临床资料并文献复习。结果3例患儿均在婴儿期起病,入院后检验示低钠、低钾、低氯血症和代谢性碱中毒,基因检测示CFTR基因存在复合杂合变异,均诊断为CF。文献检索33例CF-PBS中国患儿,起病年龄和诊断年龄分别为1~36月龄、3~144月龄,伴有反复呼吸道感染或持续肺炎29例(88%)、营养不良26例(79%)、发育落后23例(70%)、胰腺炎或可疑胰腺外分泌功能不全18例(55%);c.2909G>A是CFTR基因最常见的变异位点,等位基因变异频率为23%(15/66)。结论CF早期无典型的呼吸道症状,对于反复出现的低钠、低钾、低氯血症和代谢性碱中毒的婴儿,特别是同时存在营养不良、发育落后,需警惕CF-PBS可能,应尽早进行CFTR基因检测协助诊断CF。

Boundedness for Multilinear Operators of Pseudo-Differential Operators

In this paper, we establish a sharp function estimate for the multilinear integral operators associated to the pseudo-differential operators. As the application, we obtain the Lp (1 p norm inequalities for the multilinear operators.

预制拼装铁路重力式桥墩的抗震性能研究

为适应中国铁路建设向高烈度震区快速发展的需要,解决传统预制拼装桥墩墩柱及承台连接位置薄弱等问题,提出一种灌浆波纹管连接的模块化预制拼装桥墩体系,通过设置承台与墩身塑性区域共同浇筑及墩底局部无黏结段增强桥墩的抗震性能。制作1个局部无黏结整体现浇铁路重力式桥墩模型和1个局部无黏结预制拼装铁路重力式桥墩模型开展拟静力试验,并结合有限元分析,进行预制拼装铁路重力式桥墩抗震性能研究。结果表明:局部无黏结预制拼装桥墩整体连接性能稳定,可通过墩底塑性区域破坏与墩身及节段间的摇摆实现共同消能,其破坏模式表现为墩底塑性区域的弯曲破坏,未发生破坏位置转移现象;局部无黏结预制拼装桥墩等效塑性区域高度比整体现浇桥墩降低,抗侧向水平承载力与耗能能力提升显著,位移延性能力良好,可适应更大加载位移,最终累积耗能增长64.3%;结构接缝位置连接稳定可靠,同等加载位移下等效刚度基本一致,抗震性能得到明显提高;预制节段划分对预制拼装铁路重力式桥墩抗震性能的影响不大。

电弧喷涂Zn-Al伪合金涂层耐腐蚀性能研究进展

通过在钢基体表面制备涂层可以很好地延长钢铁材料的服役时间,减少因腐蚀造成的重大事故和人员伤亡。相较于传统的纯Zn涂层、纯Al涂层以及Zn-Al合金涂层,Zn-Al伪合金涂层能够为基体材料提供长久有效的腐蚀防护,在钢铁材料的腐蚀防护中具有巨大的应用潜力。简述了Zn-Al伪合金涂层电弧喷涂制备工艺的特点;介绍了Zn、Al、Zn-Al合金及Zn-Al伪合金涂层在模拟海洋环境下的腐蚀防护原理;在此基础上从组分、喷涂工艺参数(喷涂距离、喷涂电流和喷涂电压)、元素掺杂(Mg、Si及Re)及后处理工艺(封孔、激光重熔)等角度,论述了其对Zn-Al伪合金涂层耐蚀性的影响;讨论了Zn-Al伪合金涂层防腐体系在桥梁、海洋钢结构件、地下运输管道中的应用现状;最后总结了目前研究工作中存在的挑战,提出了电弧喷涂Zn-Al伪合金涂层尚需深入研究的重点问题,为提高钢铁材料使用寿命提供了参考。

基于虚拟激励法的大跨度桥梁非平稳随机振动分析闭合解

针对大跨度结构考虑地面空间运动的非一致地震响应分析问题,结合虚拟激励法,应用傅里叶分析建立了结构非平稳随机振动响应演变功率谱分析的频域方法。建立的方法完全基于频域执行,给出了响应演变功率谱的闭合解表达式。由于实现了确定性调制过程与随机过程的有效分离,应用离散傅里叶变换进行计算不需要较高的采样分析频率就可以获得较好精度的数值结果。数值算例研究了某斜拉桥的考虑地面运动空间效应非平稳随机地震响应,与通常时频分析方法进行对比,验证了本文频域方法的正确性和有效性。

高阶伪随机信号在对地通讯中的应用

对地通讯(Through-The-Earth Communication,TTEC)以大地为传播介质,使用低频电磁波来传输信息,在地下工程建设调度、预警、救援中有着重要作用.高阶伪随机信号可同时包含数十个频率,其具有易于实现、频率可控、抗干扰能力强的特点,有应用于对地通讯的潜力和价值.鉴于此,本文提出一种基于高阶伪随机信号的对地通讯新方法.通过在高阶伪随机信号中设置静态频组和动态频组,利用静态频组保证多个主频的平均幅值以维持发射稳定性,利用动态频组对通讯信息编码,传输有效信息.在实际工作时,发射端将通讯信息编码转换为高阶伪随机信号,利用长导线源向大地发射,接收端利用电极或者线圈接收电磁信号,经模式识别、时频变换、反向解码转换为有效通讯信息.通过仿真测试和在济南市某煤矿井下试验,完成有效通讯信息的发射、传输、解译等过程,实现了基于高阶伪随机信号的对地通讯方法,验证了方法在地下工程通讯的可行性和可靠性.