Practical Applications with Geosynthetic Mats Reinforced with Steel Wire Meshes to Prevent Embankment Damage by Burrowing Large Rodents and Beavers

Recent studies show an increase in the population of beavers, nutria and other rodents in vast regions of central Europe over the last 15 years. Unfortunately, this caused in many instances considerable damage on large rivers along dykes and earthworks in the floodplain areas, leading to an increased risk of bank failures. However, most of these mammals belong to protected species. This work is aimed at showing positive experience in cooperation with universities, research institutes and environmental agencies regarding measures to permanently safeguard the banks using composite erosion control systems with polymer coated steel wire net （as flexible reinforcement component） and a geosynthetic （to promote vegetation growth）. The steel mesh component works as an effective long-term barrier against the intrusion of mammals, discouraging them from digging inside the core of the dyke. An analysis of the sensitive areas to be protected led also to definition of the characteristics of these interventions （length, shape, escape ways, population areas, etc.）. The study will present several additional benefits when using polymer steel nets along dykes, such as： high and durable erosion protection in overflow areas, promotion of fast and effective vegetation growth （increasing stability）, surface protection against ice impacts （in northern regions）, ease of installation, maintenance, ability to conform to irregular shapes of the slope. This work will also present the positive outcome of research studies along dykes in Germany, Austria and in Italy.

伊士曼专访:一半风雨一匠人——暨采访伊士曼特种塑料部全球销售总监 Randy Beavers

在所有人沉浸在新春的熙攘和热闹时,我们来到了坐落在上海的伊士曼大楼,宁静的氛围氤氲着空气中淡淡的香味。我们很荣幸采访到了伊士曼特种塑料部亚太区商务运行总监、全球销售总监Randy Beavers。在接受我们采访的前一天,伊士曼为他举办了40年职业生涯的庆功典。在这漫长的岁月里,他身处过很多职位,始终坚守着伊士曼'创造价值'的理念,让人们认识和接触各种有趣的化学品。

The coupled deep neural networks for coupling of the Stokes and Darcy–Forchheimer problems

We present an efficient deep learning method called coupled deep neural networks(CDNNs) for coupling of the Stokes and Darcy–Forchheimer problems. Our method compiles the interface conditions of the coupled problems into the networks properly and can be served as an efficient alternative to the complex coupled problems. To impose energy conservation constraints, the CDNNs utilize simple fully connected layers and a custom loss function to perform the model training process as well as the physical property of the exact solution. The approach can be beneficial for the following reasons: Firstly, we sample randomly and only input spatial coordinates without being restricted by the nature of samples.Secondly, our method is meshfree, which makes it more efficient than the traditional methods. Finally, the method is parallel and can solve multiple variables independently at the same time. We present the theoretical results to guarantee the convergence of the loss function and the convergence of the neural networks to the exact solution. Some numerical experiments are performed and discussed to demonstrate performance of the proposed method.

单裂缝多孔介质渗透特性研究

单裂缝多孔介质渗透特性的研究是裂缝性介质渗流分析的基础。针对含单裂缝的多孔介质,分别利用Darcy方程和Stokes方程描述基岩和裂缝中的流动,采用连续边界条件、Bea-vers-Joseph边界条件和Beavers-Joseph-Saffm an边界条件,得到考虑基岩渗透率的广义立方定律和分别满足3种边界条件的单裂缝介质的等效渗透率理论计算公式。参数分析表明,由3种边界条件所得到的单裂缝介质的等效渗透率较为一致(尤其当α>1时),因此应用经典的连续边界条件可简化问题,提高计算效率。研究结果为含裂缝多孔介质流动分析的参数确定提供了理论依据。

Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Bull Run Creek: A Pre-Restoration Baseline

In North America, disturbed riparian zones have had a deleterious effect on the life cycles of anadromous fish, especially the commercially and culturally important salmon and steelhead. The result has been a significant reduction in the numbers and average size of these fish. Tributaries of the John Day River are important spawning waters for western populations of these fish, and the National Forest Service and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are cooperating to restore floodplains and riparian zones in a number of these headwater tributaries. Herein we have conducted a pre-restoration study of macroinvertebrates and basic water quality parameters in one of these important spawning locations in central Oregon, Bull Run Creek. Results of the turbidity, pH, dissolved Oxygen, and temperature determinations indicate that overall water quality is good, and benthic macroinvertebrate sampling yielded a number of sensitive organisms, including members of Chloroperlidae, Peltoperlidae, Ryachophilidae, Odontoceridae, and Brachycentridae. At all sites, chironomid larvae (non-biting midge) dominated the assemblages. The EPT Index suggests that Bull Run Creek ranges from fair to excellent in terms of its ability to support sensitive species. Sorensen’s Similarity Coefficient indicates varying degrees of shared diversity between the sites, and Shannon’s entropy calculations suggest moderate to low species diversity at all sites, including the reference site on nearby Boundary Creek. Overall, this study indicates that Bull Run Creek is in fair condition and that it should benefit significantly from the restoration efforts.

A Case of Ultrasound-Guided Intervention Therapy for a Beaver Tail Liver with Hepatic Abscess

Objective: To report a case of beaver tail liver accidentally discovered by preoperative examination, and review relevant literature to improve the understanding of the anatomical variation of the liver. Methods: Analysis of a case of beaver tail liver incidentally discovered during preoperative examination for hepatic abscess in our hospital in June 2023. Combining domestic and foreign literature, the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of beaver tail liver are discussed. Results: The patient was admitted due to abdominal pain and fever, with no other specific discomfort. An incidental finding of a beaver tail liver was discovered during imaging examinations. Conclusion: The beaver tail liver is a variant in hepatic anatomical morphology with nonspecific clinical manifestations. It is often incidentally discovered through imaging examinations such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Treatment is only necessary when the beaver tail liver is associated with hepatitis or tumors;otherwise, it does not require specific treatment.

Beaver三元组主动性生成协议研究

在安全多方计算中,Beaver三元组是实现加法和乘法有效安全计算的基本技术之一,其可以将协议轮数降低至参与方个数的多项式大小。文章对移动敌手模型下Beaver三元组的安全生成协议开展研究,提出抵御半诚实移动敌手攻击的安全协议。首先,文章利用Paillier公钥系统设计了计算安全的有效两方主动性Beaver三元组生成协议,协议轮数为分享片段更新次数的2倍,每轮通信复杂度为3个Paillier密文;然后利用Shamir秘密分享等初等密码工具设计出信息论安全的有效n方Beaver三元组主动性生成协议,其中n≥3,协议发送元素总数至多为6nκ+6n个,执行轮数不多于2κ+2,其中κ为分享片段更新次数,且敌手控制参与方数不超过n-2。最后,针对恶意敌手文章给出协议设计思路。

Pulsatile blood flow in large arteries:comparative study of Burton's and McDonald's models

To get a clear picture of the pulsatile nature of blood flow and its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, a comparative study of blood flow in large arteries is carried out using the two widely used models, McDonald＇s and Burton＇s models, for the pressure gradient. For both models, the blood velocity in the lumen is obtained analytically. Elaborate investigations on the wall shear stress （WSS） and oscillatory shear index （OSI） are carried out. The results are in good agreement with the available data in the literature. The superiority of McDonald＇s model in capturing the pulsatile nature of blood flow, especially the OSI, is highlighted. The present investigation supports the hypothesis that not only WSS but also OSI are the essential features determining the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Finally, by reviewing the limitations of the present investigation, the possibility of improvement is explored.

密钥管理服务系统下的多方协同SM4加/解密方案

随着密码国产化与密钥保护需求的不断增加,商用密码算法与密钥安全管理的复合应用成为专家和学者关注的焦点之一。为解决加/解密方案中私钥易泄露的问题,针对密钥管理服务系统,文章提出一种安全高效的多方协同SM4加/解密方案。该方案利用一次一密且可以预计算的Beaver乘法三元组构成安全两方乘加转换器,保证多方S盒协同计算,从而实现安全高效的多方协同SM4加/解密,有效降低了在线交互过程中的计算开销与通信开销。安全性分析表明,文章方案在恶意模型下是安全的;其他性能分析详细统计了方案的计算开销与通信开销,表明方案是高效且适用于密钥管理服务系统的。

Use of Topographic Map Evidence to Test a Recently Proposed Regional Geomorphology Paradigm: Wind River-Sweetwater River Drainage Divide Area, Central Wyoming, USA

Topographic map evidence from the Wyoming Wind River-Sweetwater River drainage divide area is used to test a recently proposed regional geomorphology paradigm defined by massive south- and southeast-oriented continental ice sheet melt water floods that flowed across the entire Missouri River drainage basin. The new paradigm forces recognition of an ice sheet created and occupied deep “hole” and is fundamentally different from the commonly accepted paradigm in which a pre-glacial north- and northeast-oriented slope would have prevented continental ice sheet melt water from reaching or crossing the Wind River-Sweetwater River drainage divide. Divide crossings (or low points) are identified as places where water once flowed across the drainage divide. Map evidence is interpreted first from the accepted paradigm perspective and second from the new paradigm perspective to determine the simplest explanation. Both paradigm perspectives suggest south-oriented water crossed the drainage divide, although accepted paradigm interpretations do not satisfactorily explain the large number of observed divide crossings and are complicated by the need to bury the Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains to explain why the Wind River now flows in a north direction through Wind River Canyon. New paradigm interpretations explain the large number of divide crossings as diverging and converging channel evidence (as in flood-formed anastomosing channel complexes), Owl Creek and Bridger Mountain uplift to have occurred as south-oriented floodwaters carved Wind River Canyon, and a major flood flow reversal (caused by ice sheet related crustal warping and the opening up of deep “hole” space by ice sheet melting) as being responsible for the Wind River abrupt turn to the north. While this test only addresses topographic map evidence, Occam’s Razor suggests the new paradigm offers what in science should be the preferred Wind River-Sweetwater River drainage divide origin interpretations.

炎性因子与视网膜血管直径相关吗？ Beaver Dam 眼研究

目的：研究系统炎性反应标志物、内皮功能障碍和血清叶酸与视网膜血管直径的关系。 方法：横断面研究随机纳入1988-1990年间进行基线检测的396名年龄介于50～86岁的患者。按照血液收集和测定的标准化协议分析炎性标记物，使用数字化照片测量视网膜动脉和静脉的直径，并进行标准单变量和多变量分析。

美国纸企Beaver Paper工厂内安装全美最大的机械臂

美国纸企Beaver Paper是一家领先的热转印纸制造商,近日,该纸企在其新工厂内安装了全美最大、最先进的机械臂(Robotic Arm)和精密穿孔机(Precision Perforator)之一。

便利店奇遇

与列尼度过的大多数夜晚一样,这 又是个寒夜。列尼已经开了差不多十年的出租车了。工作挺简单,叶落出租车公司给的薪金报酬算是很不错的。当然,列尼是一个喜闻乐道的人。他喜欢与人交谈,他从小就在叶落地区长大,在他的一生里,他已经见识了相当多类型的人了。但他并不知道,今晚将要发生的事情,让他着实大开了一回眼界。

遗传对眼内压的作用:Beaver Dam眼科研究

PURPOSE. To investigate a potential genetic contribution to intraocular pressure (IOP), we performed a complex segregation analysis on 2337 individuals in 620 extended pedigrees ascertained through a population- based cohort, the Beaver Dam Eye Study (BDES). IOP is a principal risk factor for primary open- angle glaucoma (POAG) a leading cause of blindness worldwide. METHODS. Segregation analysis is an analytical method that provides statistical evidence supporting the involvement of a major gene or polygenes in a particular phenotype. Detailed medical histories and eye examinations were performed on all participants. From the two eyes, the higher IOP measurement was used as a continuous trait after adjustment for covariates. Agenome- wide scan(GWS) using affected sib pair linkage analysis was performed on 218 sibling pairs. RESULTS. In this segregation analysis the model that allowed for an unmeasured major environmental effect plus a polygenic/ multifactorial effect provided the best fit and was the most parsimonious model. The lack of an adequate fit for the Mendelian single- gene models is consistent with a multifactorial model of inheritance that may include multiple genes and environmental factors that contribute to IOP. The results of the GWS yielded two novel loci as potential linkage regions for IOP on chromosomes 6 (P=0.008) and 13 (P=0.0007). Neither of these regions has previously been identified in GWS of POAG. CONCLUSIONS. The segregation and familial correlation analyses of IOP suggest a polygenetic component with environmental influences. The pilot linkage study further con- firms the heterogeneity of IOP with the identification of two novel genetic loci.

2个高龄人群资料库视网膜动脉栓子与长期死亡率的分析

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE-To assess the relationship between retinal arteriolar emboli and mortality in older people. METHODS-Pooled data from 2 population-based cohort studies. At baseline, the Beaver Dam Eye Study (BDES) examined 4926 persons 43 to 86 years of age (1988 to 1990), and the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) examined 3654 persons 49 to 97 years of age (1992 to 1994). Retinal arteriolar emboli were assessed by grading retinal photographs using standardized methods. Deaths and causes of death were determined from death certificates or Australian National Death Index. Cox regression models were used to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HRs) associated with emboli, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, study site, and past histories of stroke, angina, and acute myocardial infarct. RESULTS -Of 8580 baseline participants, 8384 (98%) had retinal photographs available, and 111 showed retinal arteriolar emboli (BDES n=61; BMES n=50). Over 10 to 12 years, 2506 participants (30%) died, including 344 (4%) from stroke-related and 1315 (16%) from cardiovascular causes. The cumulative mortality rates were higher in participants with than without emboli (all-cause 56%versus 30%; stroke-related 12%versus 4.0%; cardiovascular 30%versus 16%). The increased mortality risk associated with emboli was independent of age, gender, other vascular risk factors, and past histories of stroke or heart disease for all-cause (multivariate-adjusted HR, 1.3; CI, 1.0 to 1.8) and stroke-related mortality (HR, 2.0; CI, 1.1 to 3.8) but not for cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.2; CI, 0.8 to 1.7). CONCLUSIONS-Our pooled data from 2 older populations suggest that retinal emboli predict a modest increase in all-cause and stroke-related mortality independent of cardiovascular risk factors.

年龄相关性黄斑变性与视盘杯凹的Beaver Dam眼科研究

PURPOSE: To examine the association between presence,severity,and extent of lesions of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and optic disk and cup diameters in a general population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MET-HODS: setting: Population-based. study population: Adults aged 43 to 86 years participating in the Beaver Dam Eye Study. observation procedures: Fundus photographs were graded for lesions of AMD using standard protocols. The photographs were obtained during the baseline examination of the Beaver Dam Eye Study. main outcome measure: Optic disk cupping as related to presence,severity,and extent of lesions of AMD. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the vertical optic disk and cup measurements or in the vertical cup to disk ratios by severity of lesions of AMD (P values all greater than .10). In those eyes with late lesions of AMD,there was no association of the size of the lesions or their distribution in the fundus and the extent of cupping. CONCLUSIONS: From a population perspective,there is no relationship of the presence or severity of AMD and optic disk cupping.

Beaver Dam眼科研究视网膜血管直径的家族聚集性

PURPOSE. To describe familial correlations of retinal vessel measurements. METHODS. A standardized examination and interview was administered to a population- based cohort of adults aged 43- 86 years. Blood pressure was measured, and family relationships, current smoking status, and photographs of the retina were obtained. Computer- assisted grading was done to determine central retinal arteriole (CRAE) and venule equivalents (CRVE), and the arteriole- to- venule ratio (AVR)- was computed. Familial correlations were calculated using FCOR in the SAGE software package. Analysis was done on the right eye measures for 871 sibling, 341 parent- child, 1362 cousin, 554 avuncular, and 887 spousal pairs. RESULTS. After adjustment for age, gender, mean arterial blood pressure, and current smoking status, the correlations (and 95% confidence interval) between siblings for the CRVE, CRAE,and AVR were 0.23 (0.16, 0.31), 0.20 (0.12, 0.28) and 0.13 (0.05, 0.20), respectively. Parent- child correlations were very similar, and the avuncular correlations were about half as great. The cousin correlations were about half the avuncular correlations. Spousal correlations of 0.03, 0.04, and 0.01 for CRVE, CRAJE, and AVR, respectively, were not significantly different from 0. CONCLUSIONS. Retinal vessel equivalents were more highly correlated between relatives than between unrelated individuals. The relative magnitudes of these correlations were likely the result of shared genes. Because the vessel measurements have been shown to be predictive of cardiovascular and other systemic diseases, understanding the determinants of these familial relationships could have important health benefits.

年龄相关性眼部疾病、视力受损和生存率的Beaver Dam眼部研究

Objective: To investigate the relationship of age-related maculopathy,cataract,glaucoma,visual impairment,and diabetic retinopathy to survival during a 14-year period. Methods: Persons ranging in age from 43 to 84 years in the period from September 15,1987,to May 4,1988,participated in the baseline examination of the population-based Beaver Dam Eye Study (n=4926). Standardized protocols,including photography,were used to determine the presence of ocular disease. Survival was followed using standardized protocols. Results: As of December 31,2002,32% of the baseline population had died (median follow-up,13.2 years). After adjusting for age,sex,and systemic and lifestyle factors,poorer survival was associated with cortical cataract (hazard ratio HR,1.21; 95% confidence interval CI,1.06-1.37),any cataract (HR,1.16; 95% CI,1.03-1.32),diabetic retinopathy (HR per 1-step increase in 4-level severity,1.36; 95% CI,1.14-1.63),and visual impairment (HR,1.24; 95% CI,1.04-1.48) and marginally associated with increasing severity of nuclear sclerosis (HR,1.07;95% CI,0.99-1.16). Age-related maculopathy and glaucoma were not associated with poorer survival. Associations tended to be slightly stronger in men than women. Conclusions: Cataract,diabetic retinopathy,and visual impairment were associated with poorer survival and not explained by traditional risk factors for mortality. These ocular conditions may serve as markers for mortality in the general population.