Going straight for the gut:gut-brain axis pathology and treatment of Parkinson's disease

This perspective focuses on the recent literature regarding the role of the gut-brain axis(GBA) in fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) and stem cell therapy(SCT) in Parkinson's disease(PD).PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States,yet therapies remain limited.Current research suggests that the GBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.GBAbased FMT as well as SCT offer promising new avenues for PD treatment.Pro bing the interactions between FMT and SCT with the GBA may reveal novel therapeutics for PD.

Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide.The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate(FeAsO_(4)),pyrite(FeS_(2))and sodium cyanide(NaCN)in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process,and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage,while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage.The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process,and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3))during the roasting process.Ultimately,pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic,88.78% for sulfur,and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained,as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N,meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden.This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings,benefiting gold production enterprises.

The world's longest straight road

Activity 1.Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.If you had the chance to travel on the longest straight road in the world,what would be the first thing you would do?2.Do you think having such a long straight road has more advantages or disadvan⁃tages?And why?

Related mechanisms and research progress in straight back syndrome

Despite the high prevalence of straight back syndrome(SBS),there is still limited research on this condition,posing challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment.The disease has been known for a long time,but there have been few related studies,which mostly consist of case reports.These studies have not been systematically summarized,making it difficult to meet the current needs of diagnosis and treatment.This article summarized the existing literature and comprehensively reviewed the diagnosis,pathogenesis,treatment,and research status of mitral valve prolapse related to SBS.We specifically emphasized the mechanisms and prognosis of SBS combined with mitral valve prolapse and discussed the latest research progress in this disease.

Measuring tree stem diameters and straightness with depth-image computer vision

Current techniques of forest inventory rely on manual measurements and are slow and labor intensive.Recent developments in computer vision and depth sensing can produce accurate measurement data at significantly reduced time and labor costs.We developed the ForSense system to measure the diameters of trees at various points along the stem as well as stem straightness.Time use,mean absolute error(MAE),and root mean squared error(RMSE)metrics were used to compare the system against manual methods,and to compare the system against itself(reproducibility).Depth-derived diameter measurements of the stems at the heights of 0.3,1.4,and 2.7 m achieved RMSE of 1.7,1.5,and 2.7 cm,respectively.The ForSense system produced straightness measurement data that was highly correlated with straightness ratings by trained foresters.The ForSense system was also consistent,achieving sub-centimeter diameter difference with subsequent measures and less than 4%difference in straightness value between runs.This method of forest inventory,which is based on depth-image computer vision,is time efficient compared to manual methods and less computationally and technologically intensive compared to Structure-from-Motion(SFM)photogrammetry and ground-based LiDAR or terrestrial laser scanning(TLS).

Straight and twisted Weyl nodal line phonons in Ho2CF2 material

Based on first-principles calculations, symmetry analysis and model construction, we predict that Ho2CF2hosts both straight and twisted Weyl nodal lines in its bulk phonon spectrum. We identify that the top two phonon bands entangle with each other, forming two straight Weyl nodal lines on the K–H and K′–H′paths at the Brillouin zone(BZ) boundary,and six twisted Weyl nodal lines within the BZ. All the Weyl nodal lines along the kz direction and across the entire BZ.The symmetry analysis indicates that these Weyl nodal lines are protected by the PT symmetry and crystal symmetry. The Berry phase and drumhead-like nontrivial surface states are calculated. We also construct a tight-binding model to describe these nodal lines. Our work provides an excellent material platform for exploring the fascinating physics associated with straight and twisted Weyl nodal line phonons.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Catalyst for Productive Ethylene Cracking Feedstock in Selective Hydrocracking of Straight Run Diesel Oil

The upgrading of diesel oil to produce ethylene rich cracking feedstock is an important and promising technical route to reduce the ratio of diesel to gasoline. In the present work, a hydrocracking catalyst suitable for selective hydrocracking of straight run diesel oil to produce high-quality ethylene cracking feedstock at low cost was developed, by optimizing the composition of catalyst support materials, using amorphous silicon aluminum and aluminum oxide with high mesopore content as the main support, and modified Y zeolite with excellent aromatic ring opening selectivity as the acidic component. The catalyst has in-depth characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, N2-low temperature adsorption-desorption, NH3-temperature-programmed desorption, and IR techniques. And its catalytic cracking straight run diesel oil performance was evaluated. The results show that the prepared catalyst has high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring opening cracking selectivity. However, alkanes retained in diesel distillates can achieve the goal of producing more ethylene cracking feedstocks with low BMCI value under low and moderate pressure conditions. This work may shed significant technical insight for oil refining transformation.

Crossing Limit Cycles of Planar Piecewise Hamiltonian Systems with Linear Centers Separated by Two Parallel Straight Lines

In this paper, we have studied several classes of planar piecewise Hamiltonian systems with three zones separated by two parallel straight lines. Firstly, we give the maximal number of limit cycles in these classes of systems with a center in two zones and without equilibrium points in the other zone (or with a center in one zone and without equilibrium points in the other zones). In addition, we also give examples to illustrate that it can reach the maximal number.

Effect of Specific Verbal Instructions on the Identification of Pain Location during a Passive Straight Leg Raise Test

Musculoskeletal pain is common. Because pain is subjective, objectively describing it is crucial. However, pain assessment may cause distress in patients;therefore, physical therapists (PTs) should conduct these tests quickly and accurately. Simple and clear instructions are recommended for pain assessment. However, few studies have provided evidence to support this hypothesis. Correspondingly, this study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of specific verbal instructions for pain location during five consecutive Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests. The 28 asymptomatic participants (age 27.4 ± 9.6 years) who provided informed consent received five consecutive PSLR tests: three without and two with specific verbal instructions to ascertain pain intensity, quality, and location. The participants drew pain locations on a body chart and described the pain intensity and quality after each test. All participants were interviewed regarding the differences they noted in the presence and absence of specific verbal instructions. Each pain location was classified into one of ten areas for statistical analysis. The proportion of participants who changed the pain location was compared between the tests using McNemar’s test, and the kappa coefficient was confirmed for consistency of pain location. There was a significant difference in the proportion of participants who changed their pain location between the second and third tests and from the third to the fourth test (McNemar’s test: p = 0.003). Kappa coefficients had low consistency (κ = 0.28) just after receiving the specific verbal instructions in the fourth test compared to the third test. Consistency improved in the fifth test (κ = 0.57);93% of the participants answered that the pain location had become clearer. This study revealed the effects of specific verbal instructions in identifying pain locations. This detailed information may help PTs provide appropriate treatment and contribute to reducing pain in clinical settings.

清水冲刷下顺直河道交错边滩演变过程试验研究

为进一步认识清水冲刷下顺直河道交错边滩的演变过程,基于长江中游典型边滩形态参数,采用概化水槽试验对不同流量条件下的交错边滩纵向、横向和平面冲淤变化进行了研究。结果表明:试验工况下,纵向上,沿程呈冲刷态势,流量越大,冲深越大(流量为215 L/s的深泓平均冲深约是流量为46.71 L/s的2.1倍),且大流量下深泓纵向比降变缓;横向上,边滩侧以冲刷为主,冲刷最大的位置在滩边附近,其它部位则呈冲刷—淤积—冲刷的变化规律(如流量为215 L/s时,2#断面边滩以外部分(0,2]h平均冲深约3.5 cm、(2,12]h平均淤高约0.5 cm、(12,21]h平均冲深约0.7 cm);平面上,边滩整体下移,变得细长,淤积主要发生在边滩下游1m范围内。此外,上游异岸边滩的存在初期会促使下游边滩淤积,而后加深下游边滩的冲刷,且对边滩坡脚影响最大。

新型连杆式双料分装供送机构的设计及应用

为实现双物料缓急有度地输出并分装入容器,提出一种新型连杆式供送机构。由1个能生成对称、自切且带有鲍尔点的特殊连杆曲线的四连杆机构,驱动2个阀门推杆执行带停歇的直线往复运动,以控制2个阀门交替开启和闭合。四连杆机构中曲柄、连杆、摇杆及机架杆的杆长比为1:1.8371:1.8371:2,连接杆与连杆等长,夹角为109.47°。分装过程的仿真结果表明:锥形阀门在开启/闭合阶段,其运动位置对出料区域的控制可使落料量变化平稳;在1个运动周期内完成双物料的分装,提高装料的效率。研究为包装机械中的其他推送装置的设计提供新思路。

采用STRAIGHT模型和深度信念网络的语音转换方法

提出一种将STRAIGHT模型和深度信念网络DBN相结合实现语音转换的方式。首先,通过STRAIGHT模型提取出源说话人和目标说话人的语音频谱参数,用提取的频谱参数分别训练两个DBN得到语音高阶空间的个性特征信息;然后,用人工神经网络ANN将两个具有高阶特征的空间连接并进行特征转换;最后,用基于目标说话人数据训练出的DBN来对转换后的特征信息进行逆处理得到语音频谱参数,并用STRAIGHT模型合成具有目标说话人个性化特征的语音。实验结果表明,采用此种方式获得的语音转换效果要比传统的采用GMM实现语音转换更好,转换后的语音音质和相似度与目标语音更接近。

A self-organization formation configuration based assignment probability and collision detection

The formation control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles(multi-UAVs)has always been a research hotspot.Based on the straight line trajectory,a multi-UAVs target point assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability is proposed to achieve the shortest overall formation path of multi-UAVs with low complexity and reduce the energy consumption.In order to avoid the collision between UAVs in the formation process,the concept of safety ball is introduced,and the collision detection based on continuous motion of two time slots and the lane occupation detection after motion is proposed to avoid collision between UAVs.Based on the idea of game theory,a method of UAV motion form setting based on the maximization of interests is proposed,including the maximization of self-interest and the maximization of formation interest is proposed,so that multi-UAVs can complete the formation task quickly and reasonably with the linear trajectory assigned in advance.Finally,through simulation verification,the multi-UAVs target assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the total path length,and the UAV motion selection method based on the maximization interests can effectively complete the task formation.

基于STRAIGHT算法的汉语语音morphing方法

提出了一种新的基于STRAIGHT算法的汉语语音morphing方法.通过标注源和目标STRAIGHT频谱上的特征点,并利用线性和对数叠加的方法实现对频谱的morphing;通过插值的方法对基频进行morphing.实验结果表明,morphing后的语音在语义特征不变的情况下,保持了源和目标语音的特征,morphing的结果获得了高质量的合成语音,MOS得分为3.87分.

基于STRAIGHT算法的个性化语音生成方法

介绍了一种基于STRAIGHT语音修改算法的个性化语音的方法。对输入的语音提取基本信息,并进行频谱分析;利用STRAIGHT算法对相关参数进行修改;通过STRAIGHT合成器生成新的个性化的语音。实验结果表明,该方法可以得到高质量的个性化合成语音,MOS得分为4.18分。

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Hand-Reared in Captivity: Isotopic Insights into Their Inherent Dietary Variation

Stable isotope analysis is a widely used method for gathering ecological insights into the diet and feeding habitats of various species. While captive studies often limit lethal sampling and differ from wild conditions, they offer valuable insights into inherent isotopic variations among individuals, which are often assumed to reflect differences between natural populations. In the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, loggerhead turtle hatchlings from different nests were fed. Necropsies were conducted on turtles that died during this period, obtaining bone fragments for analysis. We evaluated the isotopic variation of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bone tissue across six turtle nests (n = 66 samples) and assessed differences in Straight Carapace Length (SCL, n = 71 samples). Using SIBER and nicheROVER in R, we calculated niche width and overlap, while the simmr package determined primary prey assimilation. Despite feeding the hatchlings the same prey, we observed variations in nitrogen isotope assimilation between nests. Nests 4 and 6 had a niche width >1.8‰, indicating consistent consumption frequencies across all prey and >70% niche overlap with other nests. In contrast, nests 1 and 2 showed a narrower niche width (Mugil sp. constituted the primary diet component (>40%) across all groups. This study demonstrates how factors like competition or prey preference can influence the assimilation of diet, even when the source remains constant (inherent variation).

Making Space Odysseys Possible

A Hong Kong-based research center contributes to deep space missions both nationally and internationally.THE Research Center for Deep Space Explorations(RCDSE)at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University(PolyU)showcases several unique things that seem straight out of a sci-fi film.There is an extraordinary Mars surveillance camera and complex equipment for collecting samples from another planet and packing them for safe transportation to earth.“We also have facilities to store and analyze extraterrestrial samples in a non-destructive way,”said Prof.Yung Kai-leung,director of the RCDSE.“They maintain high-purity nitrogen gas for long-term storage and in-depth analysis of lunar soil.”

长江中游武汉河段江心洲的差异化冲刷规律

近20 a长江中游分汊河段的江心洲经历了冲刷并发生蚀退,但对微弯河段和顺直河段的江心洲差异化冲刷尚未有清晰认识。选取长江中游武汉河段的白沙洲和天兴洲作为研究对象,采用遥感影像、水文资料及野外调查,分析了白沙洲与天兴洲形态变化及差异化冲刷的原因。结果表明:1989—2020年,白沙洲洲体萎缩将近43.83%,天兴洲洲头浅滩变化较大,整体出露面积相对稳定;白沙洲与天兴洲的归一化植被指数(NDVI)整体较小,洲体植被覆盖空间差异性减小;这2个江心洲枯水期出露面积的变化主要体现在洲头浅滩;位于顺直河段的白沙洲洲头及侧向洲体遭遇冲刷,左侧洲体出现窝崩现象,其主要原因是白沙洲大桥桥墩的壅水与阻流作用;位于微弯河段的天兴洲自三峡工程蓄水后洲头遭受冲刷,2004年洲头守护工程实施和人工抛石有效地抑制了冲刷并实现了促淤作用。因此,江心洲的冲刷差异性主要体现在河段形态、主支汊相对位置和有无守护工程。

深孔及座面精度工艺分析

针阀偶件作为船用柴油机核心零部件之一,其中孔及孔底座面质量的好坏,严重影响柴油机的性能,在机加工中因中孔长径比大、工艺刚性差、轴线易偏移等原因,影响零件的加工精度。为此,文章分析了影响轴线偏移的因素,包括工艺方案、切削参数、刀具的选择和座面刀具的自导向等问题,并结合自身实践经验,对钻削加工、切削参数、工艺方案和座面刀具设计进行分析探讨,并给出了实测直线度和座面跳动量数据。

The Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk

If you're a sort of human who gets woozy on a step stool,then this story probably isn't for you.On the other hand,if you have a strong stomach and like taking extreme selfies,then the Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk in Hunan Province,China may be the place you want to go.Attached more than 1,400 meters straight up the side of Tianmen Mountain in China's Zhangjiajie City,the Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk is almost inconceivable.