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.

浅层稠油开采用全液压斜直井修井机研制

目前国内用于油田浅层稠油开采中的斜直井修井机技术相对落后,还不能满足现场作业的要求。提出了全液压斜直井修井机的设计方案和技术参数;对该修井机的主要零部件和系统(如液压系统、游动吊卡、抓管机、可调底座、支架、接送管装置、油管对中及上卸扣装置等)进行了详细设计。全液压斜直井修井机经过试制和一年多的现场应用,结果表明:其结构设计合理,使用安全可靠,减少了作业人员,大幅降低了作业人员劳动强度。

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。

Robots Get Smarter with Help from Artificial Intelligence

In 2023,residents of 22 homes in New York City agreed to take part in an unusual experiment.For several hours,they performed a variety of common household tasks with an iPhone-outfitted reacher grabber—a tool commonly used for picking up litter and by wheel-chair-bound people to grasp out-of-reach objects(Fig.1)[1,2].As each volunteer conducted simple household activities such as opening and closing doors,picking up bags of trash,turning on toasters,flipping on light switches,and straightening couch cushions,the phones captured video of the grabber’s movements and measured its position and orientation[1].

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.”

大庆油田深层直井同井换热优化设计研究

为了有效开发利用油田深层的岩热型地热藏,提高地热能的开发效率,采用了直井井筒换热技术进行开发,通过地质建模与数值模拟方法,根据井身结构,对换热管柱型号、组合方式进行了优化,并调整注入水的入口温度和流量,以达到最佳的换热效果。实际结果表明,优化后地热能的开发效率得到了显著提高,达到了有效开发利用的目的,为同类型地热藏的开发利用提供了实际参考。这一研究成果对于提高地热资源利用率具有重要意义,也为相关领域的研究提供了有益的借鉴。

我需要牛仔裤

Look around you,and you will see many people wearing jeans.They are popular and a favorite fashion choice for men and women of all ages.There are many styles and colors of jeans.But blue is still the most common color.Some jeans are tight.Some have straight legs,others have wide legs.Jeans with rips in them are in fashion now.

钱营孜煤矿新副井筒地面预注浆工艺设计与施工应用

为实现井筒安全快速掘砌,采用“上冻下注”方法施工,提出了井筒地面预注浆采用“内圈直孔+外圈S孔+分支孔”的施工方案。先直孔段地面预注浆结束后,而后井盘空间留给冻结及井筒掘砌施工,以期对富水基岩裂隙含水层进行注浆封堵,最终在井筒周边形成不透水的注浆帷幕。结果表明全井筒剩余涌水量5.443 m^(3)/h,满足设计要求注浆后井筒剩余涌水量≤6 m^(3)/h的条件,确保井筒快速施工及安全性。