The intricate debate on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease:which came first?

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a heterogeneous multifactorial disorder and,during the last years,new scientific evidence has supported this concept.The principal hallmarks of PD are the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the aggregation of misfolded alpha-synuclein(α-syn).

The Debate on Democratic Revolution in Japan in the 1920s

Anti-hegemonic movements in Japan had occurred frequently since the early 20th century,and democratic revolution debate in the 1920s was the first significant domestic debate on future development strategy.Various discussions on it from Japanese academia involved state power,absolutism,agrarian revolution,and revolutionary strategy,etc.An analysis of early Japanese scholars’perspectives on the democratic revolution helps to know about the social milieu in Japan at that time,and is of positive significance to comprehend the development process of the current Japanese democratic revolution.

Projecting Wintertime Newly Formed Arctic Sea Ice through Weighting CMIP6 Model Performance and Independence

Precipitous Arctic sea-ice decline and the corresponding increase in Arctic open-water areas in summer months give more space for sea-ice growth in the subsequent cold seasons. Compared to the decline of the entire Arctic multiyear sea ice,changes in newly formed sea ice indicate more thermodynamic and dynamic information on Arctic atmosphere–ocean–ice interaction and northern mid–high latitude atmospheric teleconnections. Here, we use a large multimodel ensemble from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project(CMIP6) to investigate future changes in wintertime newly formed Arctic sea ice. The commonly used model-democracy approach that gives equal weight to each model essentially assumes that all models are independent and equally plausible, which contradicts with the fact that there are large interdependencies in the ensemble and discrepancies in models' performances in reproducing observations. Therefore, instead of using the arithmetic mean of well-performing models or all available models for projections like in previous studies, we employ a newly developed model weighting scheme that weights all models in the ensemble with consideration of their performance and independence to provide more reliable projections. Model democracy leads to evident bias and large intermodel spread in CMIP6 projections of newly formed Arctic sea ice. However, we show that both the bias and the intermodel spread can be effectively reduced by the weighting scheme. Projections from the weighted models indicate that wintertime newly formed Arctic sea ice is likely to increase dramatically until the middle of this century regardless of the emissions scenario.Thereafter, it may decrease(or remain stable) if the Arctic warming crosses a threshold(or is extensively constrained).

Microstructure and forming mechanism of metals subjected to ultrasonic vibration plastic forming: A mini review

Compared with traditional plastic forming,ultrasonic vibration plastic forming has the advantages of reducing the forming force and improving the surface quality of the workpiece.This technology has a very broad application prospect in industrial manufactur-ing.Researchers have conducted extensive research on the ultrasonic vibration plastic forming of metals and laid a deep foundation for the development of this field.In this review,metals were classified according to their crystal structures.The effects of ultrasonic vibration on the microstructure of face-centered cubic,body-centered cubic,and hexagonal close-packed metals during plastic forming and the mech-anism underlying ultrasonic vibration forming were reviewed.The main challenges and future research direction of the ultrasonic vibra-tion plastic forming of metals were also discussed.

ELLIPTIC EQUATIONS IN DIVERGENCE FORM WITH DISCONTINUOUS COEFFICIENTS IN DOMAINS WITH CORNERS

We study equations in divergence form with piecewise Cαcoefficients.The domains contain corners and the discontinuity surfaces are attached to the edges of the corners.We obtain piecewise C1,αestimates across the discontinuity surfaces and provide an example to illustrate the issue regarding the regularity at the corners.

Representation of an Integer by a Quadratic Form through the Cornacchia Algorithm

Cornachia’s algorithm can be adapted to the case of the equation x2+dy2=nand even to the case of ax2+bxy+cy2=n. For the sake of completeness, we have given modalities without proofs (the proof in the case of the equation x2+y2=n). Starting from a quadratic form with two variables f(x,y)=ax2+bxy+cy2and n an integer. We have shown that a primitive positive solution (u,v)of the equation f(x,y)=nis admissible if it is obtained in the following way: we take α modulo n such that f(α,1)≡0modn, u is the first of the remainders of Euclid’s algorithm associated with n and α that is less than 4cn/| D |) (possibly α itself) and the equation f(x,y)=n. has an integer solution u in y. At the end of our work, it also appears that the Cornacchia algorithm is good for the form n=ax2+bxy+cy2if all the primitive positive integer solutions of the equation f(x,y)=nare admissible, i.e. computable by the algorithmic process.

Assessment of the Drafting Quality of Request Forms Submitted to the Malaria and Parasitology Units at the Institut Pasteur de Cote d’Ivoire

Biological tests provide information on the medical analysis requested by both the patient and the prescriber. It is a communication link between the prescriber and the laboratory staff. The lack of some information on request forms not only affects the drafting quality of the test and patient care, but could also make thousands of data produced by healthcare centers unusable. The aim of this study was to assess the drafting quality of request forms submitted to the Malaria and Parasitology Units at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the drafting quality of request forms of various prescribers received at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire. This study was conducted at the Malaria and Parasitology Units, department of Parasitology and Mycology (Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire), from 6th December 2020 to 6th December 2021. The information on each request forms was recorded on a data collection form designed for this purpose. Each data collection form corresponds to a request forms and each test to a patient. Results: Out of a total of 1990 request forms received, the patient’s age and sex were missing on 18% and 26.8% of the tests respectively. More than half (51.80%) of request forms did not indicate the patient’s place of residence. Clinical information was not provided on 45.90% of the tests. Prescribers omitting their signatures were 51%, stamps were 50.3% and contacts were 71.2%. Only 5.4% of request forms were of good drafting quality. Providing all the required information on the forms could facilitate the use and analysis of data and samples.

Study on Effectiveness of Solitary-Wave-Like Form Based on Overtopping Data from Irregular Wave Tests

The previous study conducted by Li(2022)demonstrates that the Goda graph can be adequately represented by a solitary-wave-like form across the entire range of relative water depth,with the exception of the extremely shallow zone.However,it remains uncertain whether this form is equally effective when applied to test data generated by irregular waves,as the Goda graph was initially developed based on overtopping data from regular wave tests.Additionally,it is unclear whether this form is suitable for formulating overtopping discharge at composite vertical walls.In order to address these questions,a 2D overtopping experiment was conducted,incorporating both simple and composite types of vertical walls,with various relative water depths across the entire range,excluding the extremely shallow zone.A novel analysis procedure was developed,which proved to be highly productive and can be considered a general method for data fitting.Ultimately,the study yielded two conclusions:(1)the solitary-wave-like form is remarkably effective in formulating overtopping test data generated by irregular waves,regardless of whether the vertical wall is simple or composite,and(2)the resulting formulas exhibit definitely better performance compared with existing formulas.

Bioaccumulation,subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium in Aster subulatus Michx.

【Objective】Through analyzing the bioaccumulation capacity,subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium(Cd)in Aster subulatus Michx.,this study was to provide reference for revealing the Cd tolerance mechanism of A.subulatus Michx.【Method】After cultured for 24 d under the action of Hoagland nutrient solution and gradient Cd concentrations(0,30,60 and 90 mg/L),A.subulatus Michx.were harvested,and its leaf,stem and root were treated by differential centrifugation,chemical reagent extraction,and digested with graphite digester,respectively,then the Cd content in the root,stem and leaf were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy.【Result】The experimental results indicated that the bioaccumulation capacity of Cd in A.subulatus Michx.was root>stem>leaf,and the maximum Cd concentration in the root,stem and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.were 130.74,78.69 and 56.62 mg/kg(fresh matter),respectively.Most of Cd stored in the cell wall and the soluble fractions of the root and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.,with only a smaller portion Cd in organelle fraction.Analysis result of subcellular Cd content showed that 52.27%-58.61%of Cd for root was mainly stored in the soluble fraction,but 42.10%-63.28%of Cd for leaf was mainly stored in the cell wall fraction.The concentration of pectates and protein integrated-Cd was higher in the root and leaf compared to other chemical forms Cd.Pectates and protein integrated-Cd was the main chemical forms Cd in the root and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.,and their percentages were 68.91%-74.80%and 57.38%-83.80%,respectively.Cd treatment could significantly increase the proportion of water-soluble organic acid Cd from 13.64%to 22.72%in root and undissolved phosphate Cd from 10.02%to 32.78%in leaf with increasing Cd concentration in the culture medium.【Conclusion】The root,stem and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.has strong bioaccumulation capacity to Cd,Cd is primarily stored in the soluble fractions of the root and cell wall fractions of the leaf,and less toxic pectates and protein integrated-Cd is the main chemical forms Cd in the root and leaf of A.subulatus Michx.,this might be the main mechanism of Cd tolerance in A.subulatus Michx.

Familial Forms of Spondyloarthritis Study of 100 Senegalese Multiplex Families

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) comprises a group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases characterized by predominant axial involvement. These include ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), SAPHO syndrome (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis), juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSPA), and undifferentiated SpA. Their exact cause is unknown but is believed to stem from a combination of factors. The first familial forms were described by de Blécourt et al. in 1961. The objective was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of familial forms of SpA and in particular, to prove the severity of the disease in family members compared to index cases in the rheumatology department of the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Methodology: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study with an analytical aim on patients with the familial form of spondyloarthritis defined by the existence of at least one other family member with SpA outside the propositus, collected within the Aristide Le Dantec rheumatology department in Dakar over a period of 10 years between January 2012 and December 2021. There were two phases of study, the first of which consisted of collecting index cases with miserly SpA and the second of which consisted of family screening after consent. The data analysed were epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolving. Results: Out of 100 families of 1905 members, 667 SpA patients included, i.e. a prevalence of 35%, including 225 (33.73%) men and 412 women (61.17%), i.e. a ratio of 1.8. The mean age at diagnosis among relatives was 26.3 years (range 13 and 80 years), 47.14 years among the propositus, in whom the mean age at onset was 36.26 years and that of relatives 49.9 years in the first degree, 15 years in the second degree and 1 year in the third degree. The time to diagnosis was 11.20 years in the first degree, 2.5 years in the second degree, 1 year in the third degree and 10.88 years in the case of the proposes. The number of marriages in families was 420 of which 116 were consanguineous (consanguinity rate 27.62%), 19% among the propositus. HLA-B27 positive in 92% of the proposers and 33.43% in the families;70% of the propositus had an inflammatory syndrome and 17.54% in the families;87% of sacroilliitis in the propositus and 5.54% in the families. Clinical forms were dominated by undifferentiated SpA (338 cases) and APS (295 cases). The average BASFI was 3.23 on D0;2.59 in the 3rd month and 1 in the 6th month for the propositus versus 2.55 at D0;1.86 at the 3rd month and 1.55 in the 6th month in the families. Average BASDAI was 3.92 at D0;3.12 at the 3rd month and 2.07 at the 6th month in the propositus and 3 at D0;2.21 at the 3rd month and 1 at the 6th month in the families. Autoimmune associated conditions were 18 cases, degenerative 24 cases, autoinflammatory 2 metabolic cases 18 cases. They all received: NSAIDs, methotrexate, salazopyrine (11 cases) and anti-TNF-α (1 case). The evolution was generally favourable. Conclusion: SpA is on the rise in Senegalese hospitals, frequent in young people, SPA and undifferentiated SpA are the most frequent, management is essentially based on conventional care, and the disease is less severe in family members than index cases.

MPI/OpenMP-Based Parallel Solver for Imprint Forming Simulation

In this research,we present the pure open multi-processing(OpenMP),pure message passing interface(MPI),and hybrid MPI/OpenMP parallel solvers within the dynamic explicit central difference algorithm for the coining process to address the challenge of capturing fine relief features of approximately 50 microns.Achieving such precision demands the utilization of at least 7 million tetrahedron elements,surpassing the capabilities of traditional serial programs previously developed.To mitigate data races when calculating internal forces,intermediate arrays are introduced within the OpenMP directive.This helps ensure proper synchronization and avoid conflicts during parallel execution.Additionally,in the MPI implementation,the coins are partitioned into the desired number of regions.This division allows for efficient distribution of computational tasks across multiple processes.Numerical simulation examples are conducted to compare the three solvers with serial programs,evaluating correctness,acceleration ratio,and parallel efficiency.The results reveal a relative error of approximately 0.3%in forming force among the parallel and serial solvers,while the predicted insufficient material zones align with experimental observations.Additionally,speedup ratio and parallel efficiency are assessed for the coining process simulation.The pureMPI parallel solver achieves a maximum acceleration of 9.5 on a single computer(utilizing 12 cores)and the hybrid solver exhibits a speedup ratio of 136 in a cluster(using 6 compute nodes and 12 cores per compute node),showing the strong scalability of the hybrid MPI/OpenMP programming model.This approach effectively meets the simulation requirements for commemorative coins with intricate relief patterns.

Schur Forms and Normal-Nilpotent Decompositions

Real and complex Schur forms have been receiving increasing attention from the fluid mechanics community recently,especially related to vortices and turbulence.Several decompositions of the velocity gradient tensor,such as the triple decomposition of motion(TDM)and normal-nilpotent decomposition(NND),have been proposed to analyze the local motions of fluid elements.However,due to the existence of different types and non-uniqueness of Schur forms,as well as various possible definitions of NNDs,confusion has spread widely and is harming the research.This work aims to clean up this confusion.To this end,the complex and real Schur forms are derived constructively from the very basics,with special consideration for their non-uniqueness.Conditions of uniqueness are proposed.After a general discussion of normality and nilpotency,a complex NND and several real NNDs as well as normal-nonnormal decompositions are constructed,with a brief comparison of complex and real decompositions.Based on that,several confusing points are clarified,such as the distinction between NND and TDM,and the intrinsic gap between complex and real NNDs.Besides,the author proposes to extend the real block Schur form and its corresponding NNDs for the complex eigenvalue case to the real eigenvalue case.But their justification is left to further investigations.

Evaluation of Laboratory Request Forms Completion in a Tertiary Medical Laboratory of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: The inadequacy in the completeness of the Laboratory Request Form (LRF) has been reported as one of the major sources of errors during the pre-analytical step of laboratory analysis. To prevent the occurrence of such errors, this study aimed at assessing the level of completeness of LRFs. Methods: A retrospective analysis of laboratory request forms was conducted at the Clinical Biology Laboratory of the Kinshasa University Clinic, DR Congo, between November 2021 to May 2022. The LRFs were evaluated according to the completeness of all sections including administrative data of the patient, data of physician who ordered the test, relevant patient’s clinical data and data of the biological sample. Results: From a total of 2842 LRFs evaluated, none was fully completed with all required information. Particularly, patient’s clinical data including the medical history, provisional diagnosis and current treatment, were the most absent in 99% LRFs. However, two sections related to patient’s ID and prescribed test were informed in 100% LRFs. Conclusion: The results of this preanalytical audit can serve as an improvement opportunity focused on strengthening awareness about complete filling of LRF.

Coupled Cross-Flow/in-Line Vortex-Induced Vibration Responses of a Catenary-Type Riser Subjected to Uniform Flows

A three-dimensional numerical scheme was developed to investigate the vortex-induced vibration(VIV)of a catenary-type riser(CTR)in the in-line(IL)and cross-flow(CF)directions.By using the vector form intrinsic finite element method,the CTR was discretized into a finite number of spatial particles whose motions satisfy Newton’s second law.The Van der Pol oscillator was used to simulate the effect of vortex shedding.The coupling equations of structural vibration and wake oscillator were solved using an explicit central differential algorithm.The numerical model was verified with the published results.The VIV characteristics of the CTR subjected to uniform flows,including displacement,frequency,standing wave,traveling wave,motion trajectory,and energy transfer,were studied comprehensively.The numerical results revealed that the multimode property occurs in the CF-and IL-direction VIV responses of the CTR.An increase in the flow velocity has slight effects on the maximum VIV displacement.Due to structural nonlin-earity,the double-frequency relationship in the CF and IL directions is rarely captured.Therefore,the vibration trajectories display the shape of an inclined elliptical orbit.Moreover,the negative energy region is inconspicuous under the excitation of the uniform flow.

Analysis and Optimization of the Electrohydraulic Forming Process of Sinusoidal Corrugation Tubes

Aluminum alloy thin-walled structures are widely used in the automotive industry due to their advantages related to light weight and crashworthiness.They can be produced at room temperature by the electrohydraulic forming process.In the present study,the influence of the related parameters on the forming quality of a 6063 aluminum alloy sinusoidal corrugation tube has been assessed.In particular,the orthogonal experimental design(OED)and central composite design(CCD)methods have been used.Through the range analysis and variance analysis of the experimental data,the influence degree of wire diameter(WD)and discharge energy(DE)on the forming quality was determined.Multiple regression analysis was performed using the response surface methodology.A prediction model for the attaching-die state coefficient was established accordingly.The following optimal arrangement of parameters was obtained(WD=0.759 mm,DE=2.926 kJ).The attaching-die state coefficient reached the peak value of 0.001.Better optimized wire diameter and discharge energy for a better attaching-die state could be screened by CCD compared with OED.The response surface method in CCD was more suitable for the design and optimization of the considered process parameters.

Method of fabricating artificial rock specimens based on extrusion free forming(EFF)3D printing

Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has been widely used to create artificial rock samples in rock mechanics.While 3D printing can create complex fractures,the material still lacks sufficient similarity to natural rock.Extrusion free forming(EFF)is a 3D printing technique that uses clay as the printing material and cures the specimens through high-temperature sintering.In this study,we attempted to use the EFF technology to fabricate artificial rock specimens.The results show the physico-mechanical properties of the specimens are significantly affected by the sintering temperature,while the nozzle diameter and layer thickness also have a certain impact.The specimens are primarily composed of SiO_(2),with mineral compositions similar to that of natural rocks.The density,uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),elastic modulus,and tensile strength of the printed specimens fall in the range of 1.65–2.54 g/cm3,16.46–50.49 MPa,2.17–13.35 GPa,and 0.82–17.18 MPa,respectively.It is capable of simulating different types of rocks,especially mudstone,sandstone,limestone,and gneiss.However,the simulation of hard rocks with UCS exceeding 50 MPa still requires validation.

Effect of Low pH on Forming Process of Desulfurization Gypsum Composite Boards Strengthened by Melamine-formaldehyde Resin

Through exploring the effects of low pH on the composite system of desulfurization gypsum(DG)enhanced by melamine-formaldehyde resin(MF),it is found that the inducing of sulfate-ion,in contrast to chloride and oxalate ions,favors the longitudinal growth of the crystalline form of the hydration product,which was relatively simple and had the highest length to width(L/D)ratio.At the same time,MF can also improve L/D ratio of gypsum hydration products,which favors the formation of hydrated whiskers.Finally,in a composite system composed of hemihydrate gypsum,MF,and glass fibers,when dilute sulfuric acid was used to regulate pH=3-4,the tight binding formed among the components of the composite system compared to pH=5-6.The hydration product of gypsum adheres tightly to glass fiber surface and produces a good cross-linking and binding effect with MF.The flexural strength,compressive strength,elastic modulus,and water absorption of the desulphurized gypsum composite board is 22.7 MPa,39.8 MPa,5608 MPa,and 1.8%,respectively.

Boulder-induced form roughness and skin shear stresses in a gravel-bed stream

Boulder spacing in mountain rivers and near-wake flow zones within the boulder array is very useful for fish habitat and growth of aquatic organisms.The present study aims to investigate how the boulder array and spacing influence the near-bed flow structures in a gravel-bed stream.Boulders are staggered over a gravel-bed stream with three different inter-boulder spacing namely(a)large(b)medium and(c)small spacing.An acoustic Doppler velocimeter was used for flow measurements in a rectangular channel and the results were compared with those acquired from numerical simulation.The time-averaged velocity profiles at the near-wake flow zones of boulders experience maximum flow retardation which is an outcome of the boulder-induced form roughness.The ratio of velocity differences associated to form and skin roughness and its positive magnitude reveals the dominance of form roughness closest to the boulders.Form roughness computed is 1.75 to 2 times higher than the skin roughness at the near-wake flow region.In particular,the collective immobile boulders placed at different inter-boulder spacings developed high and low bed shear stresses closest to the boulders.The low bed shear stresses characterised by a secondary peak developed at the trough location of the boulders is attributed to the skin shear stress.Further,the spatial averaging of time-averaged flow quantities gives additional impetus to present an improved illustration of fluid shear stresses.The formation of form-induced shear stress is estimated to be 17%to 23%of doubleaveraged Reynolds shear stress and partially compensates for the damping of time-averaged Reynolds shear stress in the interfacial sub-layer.The quadrant analysis of spatial velocity fluctuations depicts that the form-induced shear stresses are dominant in the interfacial sub-layer and have no significance above the gravel-bed surface.

An Overview of Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is integral to classroom instruction and learning.This paper gives an overview of the major issues in formative assessment,including its definition,scope,and the assessment process.Formative assessment can be performed by a teacher,peer,and even AI,includes self-assessment,and involves the process of elicitating and interpreting evidence of learning and using the information to make decisions on further learning.

Effect of cold rolling deformation on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of spray formed Al−Zn−Mg−Cu−Cr alloys

The impact of cold rolling deformation,which was introduced after solid solution and before aging treatment,on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the as-extruded spray formed Al−9.8Zn−2.3Mg−1.73Cu−0.13Cr(wt.%)alloy,was investigated.SEM,TEM,and EBSD were used to analyze the microstructures,and tensile tests were conducted to assess mechanical properties.The results indicate that the D1-T6 sample,subjected to 25%cold rolling deformation,exhibits finer grains(3.35μm)compared to the D0-T6 sample(grain size of 4.23μm)without cold rolling.Cold rolling refines the grains that grow in solution treatment.Due to the combined effects of finer and more dispersed precipitates,higher dislocation density and smaller grains,the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the D1-T6 sample can reach 663 and 737 MPa,respectively.In comparison to the as-extruded and D0-T6 samples,the yield strength of the D1-T6 sample increases by 415 and 92 MPa,respectively.