Frame property of unequal storey height with specially shaped columns under cyclic loading

A 1/3-scale reinfored concrete(RC) frame of unequal storey height with specially shaped columns was tested under low frequency cyclic loading.The damage characteristic,bearing capacity,deformation capacity and ductility were analyzed.The restoring force model of the frame was obtained based on the study of the hysteresis curve measured in experiment,and the stiffness degeneration characteristics of every storey of the frame were analyzed.Finally the accumulated damage was analyzed with the damage assessment model.It is shown that the seismic behavior of this frame of unequal storey height with specially shaped columns is generally good,but the bottom of first floor column is a weak part,which should be paid more attention in design,and the restoring force model derived from this experiment can be seen as a valuable guide for design and non-linear finite element analysis for this kind of structure.

Seismic Behavior of Specially Shaped Column Joints with X-Shaped Reinforcement

To investigate the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement,two groups of specimens with or without X-shaped reinforcement in joint core region were tested under constant axial compression load and low reversed cyclic loading,which imitated low to moderate earthquake force.The seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement in terms of bearing capacity,displacement,ductility,hysteretic curve,stiffness degradation and energy dissipation was studied and compared to that without Xshaped reinforcement in joint core region.With the damage estimation model,the accumulated damage was analyzed.The shearing capacity formula of specially shaped column joints reinforced by X-shaped reinforcement was proposed with a simple form.The test results show that X-shaped reinforcement is an effective measure for improving the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints including deformation behavior,ductility and hysteretic characteristic.All specimens were damaged with gradual stiffness degeneration.In addition,X-shaped reinforcement in the joint core region is an effective way to lighten the degree of cumulated damage.The good seismic performance obtained from the specially shaped column joint with X-shaped reinforcement can be used in engineering applications.The test value is higher than the calculated value,which indicates that the formula is safe for the design of specially shaped column joints.

Are Antarctic Specially Protected Areas safe from plastic pollution? a survey of plastic litter at Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, Antarctica

A number of studies have reported in the last decades the presence of plastics in the Southern Ocean,which are liable to reach the coast and accumulate on the Antarctic Continent.Despite this,there are few data on the amount of plastic pollution on Antarctic beaches below 60°S.Here we provide valuable information about the presence of plastic debris in Byers Peninsula,Livingston Island,South Shetland Islands,an Antarctic Specially Protected Area(ASPA)and a hotspot for biodiversity.A total of 129 locations with between 1 and 5 items were recorded among the 3 survey sites on Byers Peninsula.Most of the observed items are likely to derive from fishing and local sources such as tourism and research activities.We discuss the potential impacts of their presence on local fauna and some of the consequences on the Antarctic ecosystem.From this survey of plastic accumulation in an ASPA,we propose the implementation of mitigation strategies,such as systematic monitoring of the abundance and distribution of plastic waste,in order to identify trends in marine debris and control the levels of plastic pollution in the Maritime Antarctic region.

3-51 High-LET Radiation Does Not Specially Induce Caspase-9 Dependent Apoptosis

Caspases function as a component in cell signaling pathways which are involved in events such as apoptosis, cell growth and differentiation. Caspase-9 (CASP9) is a member of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, which is activated as a result of mitochondrial damage and cytochrome c release. Once activated, CASP9 cleaves and activates the relevant caspases, such as caspase-3, that target a variety of cellular components to dismantle a cell and present the fragments for phagocytosis[1].

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Application of Specialized Group Management in the Quality Control of Perioperative Nursing

Objective:To explore the role of specialized group management in the quality control of perioperative nursing.Methods:45 surgical nurses from our hospital were selected as the research subjects.Traditional operating room management was adopted from July 2019 to June 2020,and specialized group management was adopted from July 2020 to June 2021.The surgeon’s satisfaction,surgical nurses’core professional competence,and surgical patients’satisfaction were obtained through surveys and the results were analyzed.Results:Surgeon satisfaction before the implementation of specialized group management was significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Besides,surgical nurses’core professional competency scores before the implementation of specialized group management were significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Lastly,surgical patients’satisfaction before the implementation of specialized group management was significantly lower than after its implementation(P<0.05).Conclusion:Specialized group management helps to improve the quality of perioperative care and should be applied in clinical practice.

Postdoctoral Openings in Wenzhou University(China)for Chemistry,Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

About us:The College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering(CME)in Wenzhou University(Zhejiang Province,China)is looking for postdoctoral candidates(up to 25)specialized in Chemistry,Chemnical Engineering and Materials Science.The college has its Chemistry program ranking ESI Top 6‰ worldwide,and Materials Science program ranking 589th in the world since 2023.

Pro-resolving lipid mediator reduces amyloid-β42–induced gene expression in human monocyte–derived microglia

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte–derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42–induced Alzheimer's disease–like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease–like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42–induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

Does astrocytic L-lactate enhance cognition through myelination?

Introduction:Astrocytes,the predominant glial cell in the brain,play a vital role in a plethora of central nervous system functions.They are the major storage site of glycogen in the central nervous system.They produce L-lactate by glycogenolysis and glycolysis which is then transported to neurons(Magistretti and Allaman,2018).Multiple evidence using diverse behavioral paradigms,such as fear conditioning,conditioned place avoidance,rat gambling task(RGT),and flavor-place paired associate(PA)learning suggest that L-lactate has a beneficial effect on various aspects of cognition(Wang et al.,2017;Akter et al.,2023b).While the molecular mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of L-lactate are still emerging,it is well-established that astrocytic L-lactate can be used as an energy substrate by neurons and can induce N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent plasticity-driven gene expression during cognition(Magistretti and Allaman,2018).Additionally,recent evidence has revealed more roles of L-lactate which include myelination,neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis,and antioxidant defense(Sanchez-Abarca et al.,2001;Ichihara et al.,2017;Akter et al.,2023a,b).Myelin in the central nervous system is a specialized lipid-rich membrane formed by oligodendrocytes.

Nondestructive and active interrogation system for special nuclear material:proof of principle and initial results

Herein,we employ the threshold energy neutron analysis(TENA)technique to introduce the world's first active interrogation system to detect special nuclear materials(SNMs),including U-235 and Pu-239.The system utilizes a DD neutron generator based on inertial electrostatic confinement(IEC)to interrogate suspicious objects.To detect secondary neutrons produced during fission reactions induced in SNMs,a tensioned metastable fluid detector(TMFD)is employed.The current status of the system's development is reported in this paper,accompanied by the results from experiments conducted to detect 10 g of highly enriched uranium(HEU).Notably,the experimental findings demonstrate a distinct difference in the count rates of measurements with and without HEU.This difference in count rates surpasses two times the standard deviation,indicating a confidence level of more than 96% for identifying the presence of HEU.The paper presents and extensively discusses the proof-of-principle experimental results,along with the system's planned trajectory.

Effects of pooling,specialization,and discretionary task completion on queueing performance

Pooling,unpooling/specialization,and discretionary task completion are typical operational strategies in queueing systems that arise in healthcare,call centers,and online sales.These strategies may have advantages and disadvantages in different operational environments.This paper uses the M/M/1 and M/M/2 queues to study the impact of pooling,specialization,and discretionary task completion on the average queue length.Closed-form solutions for the average M/M/2 queue length are derived.Computational examples illustrate how the average queue length changes with the strength of pooling,specialization,and discretionary task completion.Finally,several conjectures are made in the paper.

Specialization or Diversification:Which is More Conducive to Foreign Trade Resilience?Evidence from China-Russia Border Regions in Northeast China

Under the background of complex international situation,how to build the special geo-economic space of China-Russia bor-der lies in strengthening their foreign trade resilience against external shocks.Based on empirical evidence from ten prefecture-level China-Russia border regions in Northeast China,this paper analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution of foreign trade resilience under dif-ferent shocks.Furthermore,through the Panel Regression model,the mechanism of the industrial structure on the foreign trade resili-ence in contraction period and expansion period was discussed.The results showed that:1)from 2004 to 2021,foreign trade in China-Russia border regions experienced five phases.The overall foreign trade resilience was higher than expected,showing a rising volatility trend,but there was significant spatial heterogeneity in the ability of cities to cope with shocks.2)Highly specialized clusters were mainly concentrated in Yichun,Heihe and Da Hinggan Ling Prefecture,while Mudanjiang and Yanbian performed better in related and unrelated diversification.3)In different stages of economic system evolution,the response mode,degree and result of border foreign trade resilience to regional industrial structure showed obvious stage characteristics.During the contraction period,related diversifica-tion was more conducive to improving the resistance through risk spillovers.During the expansion period,specialization played a more significant role in improving regional resilience through self-reinforcing effect.These results are beneficial for expanding the resilience theory,ensuring border economic security and optimizing border industrial investment layout.

Attributes of Specialized Households'Resilience and Its Impact on Rural Industrial Advancement:A Case Study of National Musical Instrument Production Specialized Households in Lankao County,Henan,China

Specialized households serve as the primary units within specialized villages in China,and their capacity to withstand risks and external influences significantly shapes the future trajectory of specialized villages and the overall vitality of the rural economy.In this study,we established a measurement indicator system based on the definition of specialized households’resilience,elucidating the logical connection between specialized households’resilience and rural industrial development in China.The musical instrument industry in Lankao County,Henan Province of China,was employed as a case;survey data,the entropy method,and an obstacle diagnosis model were used to examine how instrument production specialized households responded to the challenges posed by Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)and the tightening of national environmental protection policies,yielding the following key findings:1)there exists substantial variation in the comprehensive resilience levels among different specialized households;2)the ability to learn and adapt is the most significant contributor to the overall resilience level of specialized households;3)technological proficiency and access to skilled talent emerge as pivotal factors influencing specialized households’resilience;4)the positioning of specialized households within the industrial supply chain and the stability of their income have a direct bearing on their resilience level.The influence of specialized households’resilience on industrial development primarily manifests in the following ways:stronger resilience correlates with increased stability in production and sales,fostering a more proactive approach to future actions.However,heightened exposure to the external macroeconomic environment can lead to a higher rate of export reduction.To enhance the development resilience of entities like specialized households and family farms,and to invigorate rural economic development,escalating investments in rural science and technology and prioritizing the training of technical talent become imperative.

AGGREGATE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS TO APPROXIMATE PERMUTING TRI-HOMOMORPHISMS AND PERMUTING TRI-DERIVATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A TRI-ADDITIVEψ-FUNCTIONAL INEQUALITY IN BANACH ALGEBRAS

In this paper,we define a new class of control functions through aggregate special functions.These class of control functions help us to stabilize and approximate a tri-additiveψ-functional inequality to get a better estimation for permuting tri-homomorphisms and permuting tri-derivations in unital C*-algebras and Banach algebras by the vector-valued alternative fixed point theorem.

A Brief Introduction to Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences

Established in 1958,Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences(SASS)is a public institutionguided by the People’s Government of Sichuan Province.It is a comprehensive and specializedresearch institution in social sciences that integrates research,education,editing,andconsulting services.It holds the registered trademark of“Tianfu Think Tank”and owns twocampuses:Baihuatan and Banzhuyuan.

Effect of special types of bread with select herbal components on postprandial glucose levels in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND Nutrition recommendations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are to consume rye or integral bread instead of white bread.A positive effect on glucoregulation has been achieved by enriching food with various biologically active substances of herbal origin,so we formulated an herbal mixture that can be used as a supplement for a special type of bread(STB)to achieve better effects on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in patients with T2DM.AIM To compare organoleptic characteristics and effects of two types of bread on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in T2DM patients.METHODS This trial included 97 patients with T2DM.A parallel group of 16 healthy subjects was also investigated.All participants were given 50 g of rye bread and the same amount of a STB with an herbal mixture on 2 consecutive days.Postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels were compared at the 30^(th),60^(th),90^(th) and 120th min.A questionnaire was used for subjective estimation of the organoleptic and satiety features of the two types of bread.RESULTS Compared to patients who consumed rye bread,significantly lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin concentrations were found in T2DM patients who consumed STB.No relevant differences were found among the healthy subjects.Subjectively estimated organoleptic and satiety characteristics are better for STB than for rye bread.CONCLUSION STB have better effects than rye bread on postprandial glucoregulation in T2DM patients.Subjectively estimated organoleptic and satiety characteristics are better for STB than for rye bread.Therefore,STB can be recommended for nutrition in T2DM patients.

Autoimmune hepatitis:Towards a personalized treatment

Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon condition that affects both adults and children and is characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammatory activity in the liver.This inflammation is accompanied by elevated IgG and autoantibody levels.Historically,treatment consists of steroids with the addition of azathioprine,which results in remission in approximately 80%of patients.Despite significant advancements in our understanding of the immune system over the past two decades,few modifications have been made to treatment algorithms,which have remained largely unchanged since they were first proposed more than 40 years ago.This review summarized the various treatment options currently available as well as our experiences using them.Although steroids are the standard treatment for induction therapy,other medications may be considered.Cyclosporin A,a calcineurin inhibitor that decreases T cell activation,has proven effective for induction of remission,but its long-term side effects limit its appeal for maintenance.Tacrolimus,a drug belonging to the same family,has been used in patients with refractory diseases with fewer side effects.Sirolimus and everolimus have interesting effects on regulatory T cell populations and may become viable options in the future.Mycophenolate mofetil is not effective for induction but is a valid alternative for patients who are intolerant to azathioprine.B celldepleting drugs,such as rituximab and belimumab,have been successfully used in refractory cases and are useful in both the short and long term.Other promising treatments include anti-tumor necrosis factors,Janus kinases inhibitors,and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.This growing armamentarium allows us to imagine a more tailored approach to the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in the near future.

A Brief Introduction to Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences

Established in 1958,Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences(SASS)is a public institution guided by the People’s Government of Sichuan Province.It is a comprehensive and specialized research institution in social sciences that integrates research,education,editing,and consulting services.It holds the registered trademark of“Tianfu Think Tank”and owns two campuses:Baihuatan and Banzhuyuan.

A Brief Introduction to Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences

Established in 1958, Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) is a public institution guided by the People’s Government of Sichuan Province. It is a comprehensive and specialized research institution in social sciences that integrates research, education, editing, and consulting services. It holds the registered trademark of “Tianfu Think Tank” and owns two campuses:Baihuatan and Banzhuyuan.

Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.