A Reverse-transcription Recombinase-aided Amplification Assay for the Rapid Detection of the Far-Eastern Subtype of Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus

Objective Tick-borne encephalitis virus(TBEV) is an emerging pathogen in Europe and North Asia that causes tick-borne encephalitis(TBE). A simple, rapid method for detecting TBEV RNA is needed to control this disease. Methods A reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification(RT-RAA) assay was developed. This assay can be completed in one closed tube at 39℃ within 30 minutes. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAA were validated using non-infectious synthetic RNA representing a fragment of the NS5 region of the wild-type(WT) TBEV genome and the Senzhang strain. Additionally, 10 batches of tick samples were used to evaluate the performance of the RT-RAA assay. Results The analytical limit of detection of the assay was 20 copies per reaction of the TBEV synthetic transcript and 3 plaque-forming units(pfu) per reaction of TBEV titers. With the specific assay, no signal due to other arboviruses was observed. Of the 10 batches of tick samples obtained from the Changbai Mountains of China, three were TBEV-positive, which was consistent with the results of the quantitative real-time PCR assay. Conclusion A rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and easy-to-use method was developed for the detection of the TBEV Far-Eastern subtype.

基于全基因组水平的花生FAR1转录因子家族分析

FAR1是一类起源于转座子酶的转录因子,在光敏色素A(phyA)信号通路的启动中起到非常重要的作用。基于全基因组水平对其家族分析,可为深入研究FAR1基因在花生生长发育、逆境胁迫响应中的分子调控机理提供依据。本研究在花生基因组中共鉴定出60个FAR1基因,该转录因子家族成员分成3个亚组,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ亚组中分别包含了21、20和19个花生FAR1蛋白。65%直系同源基因的Ka/Ks值小于0.5,这些基因结构稳定、较为保守,经历了较强的负选择作用。转录组数据分析发现,大部分FAR1基因在花生叶片中表达。本研究结果有助于了解花生FAR1基因家族的进化与功能,为下一步深入研究该基因家族的功能提供依据。

外周血RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A检测对慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者病情及急性加重风险的评估价值

目的分析外周血红细胞分布宽度(RDW)、中性粒细胞(NEU)和淋巴细胞(LYM)比值(NLR)、纤维蛋白原(FIB)与白蛋白(ALB)比值(FAR)、肺表面活性蛋白A(SP-A)检测对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)患者病情及急性加重风险的评估价值。方法选取2021年1月至2023年12月河北大学附属医院收治的200例COPD患者为研究对象,均在近3个月内于该院门诊复诊,依据有无急性加重分为加重组(n=96)、未加重组(n=104),另选择同期体检的健康志愿者50例作为对照组,对比三组外周血RDW、NEU、LY、FIB、ALB、SP-A,并计算NLR、FAR,分析RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A随AECOPD病情的变化及相关性,绘制ROC曲线分析RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A评估COPD急性加重风险的价值,多因素logistic回归法分析AECOPD的危险因素,同时比较不同预后者的RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A差异。结果加重组外周血RDW、NEU、NLR、FIB、FAR、SP-A高于未加重组,而LYM、ALB低于未加重组(P<0.05);AECOPDⅢ级患者RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A较Ⅱ级、Ⅰ级者更高,Ⅱ级患者RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A高于Ⅰ级患者(P<0.05);AECOPD患者RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A、病情分级两两呈正相关(P<0.05);RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A联合预测AECOPD的敏感度、ROC曲线下面积分别为0.798、0.830(95%CI:0.738~0.922),均优于各指标单独诊断;多因素分析发现,吸烟、RDW>14.33%、NLR>2.80、FAR>0.08、SP-A>2.21 ng/mL为COPD患者病情急性加重的危险因素(P<0.05);出院后30 d内再入院组RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A高于未再入院组(P<0.05)。结论RDW、NLR、FAR、SP-A与COPD病情有密切关系,可预测患者急性加重风险及预后,临床可加以监测。

FAR模型下国产电影字幕人机英译对比研究——以《流浪地球2》的字幕翻译为例

国产电影字幕的翻译对讲好中国故事,弘扬中国文化,增强民族凝聚力和文化自信起着十分重要的作用。作为一部在海外获得口碑与票房“双丰收”的科幻大片,《流浪地球2》为文化产业及国家形象“走出去”提供了借鉴和参考。本研究以瑞典学者Jan Pederson提出的FAR字幕翻译质量评估模型为研究框架,比较国产电影《流浪地球2》中字幕英译的三个不同版本:人工翻译、神经网络机器翻译和生成式AI翻译,分析不同版本的翻译质量及其局限性,对比不同翻译方法对电影情节架构、人物角色塑造产生的影响和效果;探究不同翻译方式对于文化差异、语言习惯等因素的适应性。基于实际应用需求,提出相应的优化策略和建议,为汉译英字幕翻译实践和研究以及FAR模型的实际操作提供参考,为提升国产电影字幕翻译的质量和效率提供借鉴,从而推动国产电影字幕翻译多元化,促进国产电影在国际市场上进一步推广和传播。

2nd Far Eastern Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering,1993

ForewordIt is our honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2nd Far Eastern Conference on Medicaland Biological Engineering (2nd FECMBE) in Beijing,China,1993.In 1987,Far Eastern Society of Biomedical Engineering(China,Japan,Korea and Taipei,China) affiliated to

GEOLOGY OF THE TAPLEJUNG WINDOW AND FRONTAL BELT, FAR EASTERN NEPAL HIMALAYA

We present a preliminary result of the study carried out in the northern and southern sections of the Taplejung Window and the frontal part of the thrust sheet near The study area comprises of three tectonic units: (1) The Lesser Himalayan (LH) Unit exposed in the Taplejung Window (Fig. 1a, 1b, Upreti and Le Fort, 1999), (2) The thrust sheet consisting of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC) and forming the hanging wall of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) exposed around the window, and which has traveled far south reaching very close to the MBT (Fig.1c), and (3) The Lesser Himalayan Unit sandwiched between the MBT and the southern extension of the MCT (Fig.1c).The LH Unit of the window and the sandwiched southern part consist mainly of phyllites, schists, quartzites, gneisses and augen gneiss of granitic origin with minor association of amphibolites, marbles (Fig. 1a, 1c). An foliated granitic rock is found within the phyllites and schists near the Kabeli bridge within the window. The HHC consists mainly of the garnet, kyanite, sillimanite bearing banded gneisses interbedded with quartzites with incipient traces of mobilization. Detailed petrography of all these rocks are described.

Chinese Collection at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Sweden

The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Sweden (hereinafter referred to as the Museum)is hidden on the island Skeppsholmen in downtown Stockholm.The Museum mainly collects cultural relics from China, Japan and Southeast Asian countries.It has three permanent exhibitions for Chinese cultural relics.

Distinct Evolution of the SST Anomalies in the Far Eastern Pacific between the 1997/98 and 2015/16 Extreme El Niños

The 2015/16 El Niño displayed a distinct feature in the SST anomalies over the far eastern Pacific(FEP)compared to the 1997/98 extreme case.In contrast to the strong warm SST anomalies in the FEP in the 1997/98 event,the FEP warm SST anomalies in the 2015/16 El Niño were modest and accompanied by strong southeasterly wind anomalies in the southeastern Pacific.Exploring possible underlying causes of this distinct difference in the FEP may improve understanding of the diversity of extreme El Niños.Here,we employ observational analyses and numerical model experiments to tackle this issue.Mixed-layer heat budget analysis suggests that compared to the 1997/98 event,the modest FEP SST warming in the 2015/16 event was closely related to strong vertical upwelling,strong westward current,and enhanced surface evaporation,which were caused by the strong southeasterly wind anomalies in the southeastern Pacific.The strong southeasterly wind anomalies were initially triggered by the combined effects of warm SST anomalies in the equatorial central and eastern Pacific(CEP)and cold SST anomalies in the southeastern subtropical Pacific in the antecedent winter,and then sustained by the warm SST anomalies over the northeastern subtropical Pacific and CEP.In contrast,southeasterly wind anomalies in the 1997/98 El Niño were partly restrained by strong anomalously negative sea level pressure and northwesterlies in the northeast flank of the related anomalous cyclone in the subtropical South Pacific.In addition,the strong southeasterly wind and modest SST anomalies in the 2015/16 El Niño may also have been partly related to decadal climate variability.

FAR3d程序对EAST上阿尔芬不稳定性识别过程中的应用

为更好理解EAST实验中的等离子体不稳定性现象,文章从实验和模拟两个角度,对EAST中高βN放电区间的阿尔芬不稳定性现象进行了分析。在实验上,本文使用高频磁探针和电子回旋辐射诊断对不稳定性的频率、位置、环向模数进行判断。在模拟上首次应用了FAR3d程序,识别了在ρ=0.45、频率为87 kHz的主导模式TAE(toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmode),以及ρ=0.55、频率为62 kHz的次主导模式EPM(energetic particle mode),环向模数均为2,与实验中的测量结果对比在误差范围内基本一致,自洽地识别了不稳定性的类型并且得到了位置与频率信息。在此基础上,对有限拉莫轨道(finite Larmor radius, FLR)效应进行评估。模拟结果显示,在EAST高βN放电区间,FLR效应对识别低环向模数n的不稳定性模式的影响较小。在该放电的模式的识别过程中可关闭FLR以加速计算。FAR3d程序高效的计算能力和精准的模拟结果,可为后续EAST的实验提供指导。

Examining the Impact of Welfare Facilities on Building Construction Employee’s Performance in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Building Construction employees essentially required sufficient welfare facilities such as a place for washing, shower, change over, eat and drink, a place to store and hang clothing. Yet, these fundamental necessities are regularly disregarded. Decent welfare facilities can absolutely promote health and well-being and can aid to avert contracting diseases at building construction site. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of welfare facilities on building construction workers performance in the Eastern Region Ghana. The objectives were to identify welfare facilities provided by building construction firms, evaluate the satisfaction level of building construction firms’ employees with welfare facilities in Eastern Region, and determine the relationship between provision of welfare facilities and employee’s performance. The study employed convenient sample to investigate 80 building construction employees through questionnaires administration. Data generated from the survey was further analyzed using SPSS, weighted mean formula was used to determine the mean ranking, and descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean score, percentages, frequencies and chi square were used. The study reveals that the extent of welfare facilities at various construction sites was almost unavailability of sanitary and toilet facilities, unavailability of washing facilities, and unavailability of changing room, whiles drinking water and locker facilities were available but not sufficient. The study further finds that construction employees are dissatisfied with the condition of welfare facilities provided at their various work places. The study finally concludes that if workers are provided with decent welfare facilities at various building construction sites, it will motivate them to improve performance. The study recommends that metropolitan, municipal and district authority (MMDAs) should set a task force to check the implementation of welfare facilities at construction site as the results are pointing woeful insufficiency of welfare facilities at Eastern Region construction firms in Ghana.

Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Heavy Precipitation Forecasts from ECMWF in Eastern China

This study examines the spatio-temporal characteristics of heavy precipitation forecasts in eastern China from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts(ECMWF) using the time-domain version of the Method for Object-based Diagnostic Evaluation(MODE-TD). A total of 23 heavy rainfall cases occurring between 2018 and 2021 are selected for analysis. Using Typhoon “Rumbia” as a case study, the paper illustrates how the MODE-TD method assesses the overall simulation capability of models for the life history of precipitation systems. The results of multiple tests with different parameter configurations reveal that the model underestimates the number of objects’ forecasted precipitation tracks, particularly at smaller radii. Additionally, the analysis based on centroid offset and area ratio tests for different classified precipitation objects indicates that the model performs better in predicting large-area, fast-moving, and longlifespan precipitation objects. Conversely, it tends to have less accurate predictions for small-area, slow-moving, and shortlifespan precipitation objects. In terms of temporal characteristics, the model overestimates the forecasted movement speed for precipitation objects with small-area, slow movement, or both long and short lifespans while underestimating it for precipitation with fast movement. In terms of temporal characteristics, the model tends to overestimate the forecasted movement speed for precipitation objects with small-area, slow movement, or both long and short lifespans while underestimating it for precipitation with fast movement. Overall, the model provides more accurate predictions for the duration and dissipation of precipitation objects with large-area or long-lifespan(such as typhoon precipitation) while having large prediction errors for precipitation objects with small-area or short-lifespan. Furthermore, the model’s simulation results regarding the generation of precipitation objects show that it performs relatively well in simulating the generation of large-area and fast-moving precipitation objects. However, there are significant differences in the forecasted generation of small-area and slow-moving precipitation objects after 9 hours.

Ethnopharmacological Assessment of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Livestock Ailments by Resource-Limited Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province

Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health personnel, and high prices of orthodox medicines, most farmers rely on traditional healers and the administration of medicinal plants to treat livestock ailments. The present study was conducted to document Ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailments in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape. This study was carried out in three rural communities between July 2009 and February 2010. Data were collected by administering pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and participative field observations. For the interviews, a sample of 48 knowledgeable respondents was purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, determination of information consensus factor, and fidelity level. A total of 12 medicinal plants belonging to 9 families were used by local people to cure different ailments. A high number of medicinal plants were claimed by males compared to females. Roots and barks were the major plant parts used, and the least were leaves (27.3%). Six plants were used to treat diarrhea and fertility, five plants to treat wounds, and two plants to treat scabs. This study has shown that Eastern Cape flora is rich with various plants which could be used to replace orthodox drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, biological activities, and toxicities and characterize the plant’s chemical compounds.

Reservoir characteristics and formation model of Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,X-ray diffraction analysis,scanning electron microscopy,and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and isothermal adsorption experiments,the lithology and pore characteristics of the Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin were analyzed to reveal the formation and evolution process of the bauxite reservoirs.A petrological nomenclature and classification scheme for bauxitic rocks based on three units(aluminum hydroxides,iron minerals and clay minerals)is proposed.It is found that bauxitic mudstone is in the form of dense massive and clastic structures,while the(clayey)bauxite is of dense massive,pisolite,oolite,porous soil and clastic structures.Both bauxitic mudstone and bauxite reservoirs develop dissolution pores,intercrystalline pores,and microfractures as the dominant gas storage space,with the porosity less than 10% and mesopores in dominance.The bauxite series in the North China Craton can be divided into five sections,i.e.,ferrilite(Shanxi-style iron ore,section A),bauxitic mudstone(section B),bauxite(section C),bauxite mudstone(debris-containing,section D)and dark mudstone-coal section(section E).The burrow/funnel filling,lenticular,layered/massive bauxite deposits occur separately in the karst platforms,gentle slopes and low-lying areas.The karst platforms and gentle slopes are conducive to surface water leaching,with strong karstification,well-developed pores,large reservoir thickness and good physical properties,but poor strata continuity.The low-lying areas have poor physical properties but relatively continuous and stable reservoirs.The gas enrichment in bauxites is jointly controlled by source rock,reservoir rock and fractures.This recognition provides geological basis for the exploration and development of natural gas in the Upper Carboniferous in the study area and similar bauxite systems.

术前外周血SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR及CA125在卵巢透明细胞癌诊断中的临床价值分析

目的:探讨术前外周血系统性免疫炎症指数(SII)、中性粒细胞–淋巴细胞比值(NLR)、血小板与淋巴细胞比值(PLR)、纤维蛋白原–白蛋白比值(FAR)、单核细胞–淋巴细胞比值(MLR)及血清糖类抗原125(CA125)在卵巢良性肿瘤及卵巢透明细胞癌(OCCC)中的差异,分析其诊断价值。方法:选取青岛大学附属医院2014年1月~2023年9月收治的114例卵巢透明细胞癌(卵巢透明细胞癌组)和119例卵巢良性肿瘤(卵巢良性肿瘤组)患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。检测术前外周血中SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR及CA125水平,对每组病例所对应的SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR及CA125进行对比分析,运用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR及CA125在卵巢透明细胞癌中诊断价值。结果:OCCC组术前外周血SII、NLR、PLR、MLR及CA125水平高于卵巢良性肿瘤组,FAR水平低于卵巢良性肿瘤组,差异有统计学意义。SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR及CA125的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.729、0.720、0.708、0.869、0.719、0.696。结论:术前外周血SII、NLR、PLR、FAR、MLR可作为辅助临床评估与诊断OCCC的指标。

Responses of the Southern Ocean mixed layer depth to the eastern and central Pacific El Niño events during austral winter

Based on the Ocean Reanalysis System version 5(ORAS5)and the fifth-generation reanalysis datasets derived from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts(ERA5),we investigate the different impacts of the central Pacific(CP)El Niño and the eastern Pacific(EP)El Niño on the Southern Ocean(SO)mixed layer depth(MLD)during austral winter.The MLD response to the EP El Niño shows a dipole pattern in the South Pacific,namely the MLD dipole,which is the leading El Niño-induced MLD variability in the SO.The tropical Pacific warm sea surface temperature anomaly(SSTA)signal associated with the EP El Niño excites a Rossby wave train propagating southeastward and then enhances the Amundsen Sea low(ASL).This results in an anomalous cyclone over the Amundsen Sea.As a result,the anomalous southerly wind to the west of this anomalous cyclone advects colder and drier air into the southeast of New Zealand,leading to surface cooling through less total surface heat flux,especially surface sensible heat(SH)flux and latent heat(LH)flux,and thus contributing to the mix layer(ML)deepening.The east of the anomalous cyclone brings warmer and wetter air to the southwest of Chile,but the total heat flux anomaly shows no significant change.The warm air promotes the sea ice melting and maintains fresh water,which strengthens stratification.This results in a shallower MLD.During the CP El Niño,the response of MLD shows a separate negative MLD anomaly center in the central South Pacific.The Rossby wave train triggered by the warm SSTA in the central Pacific Ocean spreads to the Amundsen Sea,which weakens the ASL.Therefore,the anomalous anticyclone dominates the Amundsen Sea.Consequently,the anomalous northerly wind to the west of anomalous anticyclone advects warmer and wetter air into the central and southern Pacific,causing surface warming through increased SH,LH,and longwave radiation flux,and thus contributing to the ML shoaling.However,to the east of the anomalous anticyclone,there is no statistically significant impact on the MLD.

Groundwater Modelling of Motloutse Alluvial Aquifer, Eastern Botswana

The potential groundwater reserve in alluvial aquifers and sandy river beds has not been well studied, and yet their benefit in meeting rural water supply demands cannot be underestimated. A three-dimensional steady-state finite difference numerical groundwater flow model was used to assess the groundwater resource potential on a one-kilometre river stretch scale along the Motloutse River catchment in eastern Botswana. The model area is a single-layer unconfined aquifer system. A uniform grid was laid over this phreatic aquifer, and an overall size of 50 columns x 54 rows was developed. The model yielded calibrated K values of 145 m/day and 11 m/day for the riverbed and riverbank sediments, respectively, and calibrated recharge and evaporation of 172 mm/yr and 120 mm/yr, respectively. A sustainable groundwater yield of 120 m3/day with the potential to irrigate an area of 2.4 hectares was determined. The result also shows that the Motloutse alluvial aquifer yields a safe yield of 29,400 m3 for a kilometre of river stretch.

Far and Near Optimization:A New Simple and Effective Metaphor-LessOptimization Algorithm for Solving Engineering Applications

In this article,a novel metaheuristic technique named Far and Near Optimization(FNO)is introduced,offeringversatile applications across various scientific domains for optimization tasks.The core concept behind FNO lies inintegrating global and local search methodologies to update the algorithm population within the problem-solvingspace based on moving each member to the farthest and nearest member to itself.The paper delineates the theoryof FNO,presenting a mathematical model in two phases:(i)exploration based on the simulation of the movementof a population member towards the farthest member from itself and(ii)exploitation based on simulating themovement of a population member towards the nearest member from itself.FNO’s efficacy in tackling optimizationchallenges is assessed through its handling of the CEC 2017 test suite across problem dimensions of 10,30,50,and 100,as well as to address CEC 2020.The optimization results underscore FNO’s adeptness in exploration,exploitation,and maintaining a balance between them throughout the search process to yield viable solutions.Comparative analysis against twelve established metaheuristic algorithms reveals FNO’s superior performance.Simulation findings indicate FNO’s outperformance of competitor algorithms,securing the top rank as the mosteffective optimizer across a majority of benchmark functions.Moreover,the outcomes derived by employing FNOon twenty-two constrained optimization challenges from the CEC 2011 test suite,alongside four engineering designdilemmas,showcase the effectiveness of the suggested method in tackling real-world scenarios.

The Discovery of the Banda Bend,a>2000 km-wide Tectonically Formed Extensional Bend in Eastern Indonesia,Southeast Asia

The Weber Deep represents a widespread crustal extension system in eastern Indonesia with a huge submarine normal fault system,the Banda Detachment,related to the slab rollback tectonic model(Spakman and Hall,2010;Cummins et al.,2020).However,the cause of tectonic extension remains debated(e.g.,Audley-Charles et al.,1972;McCaffrey,1988;Das,2004;Spakman and Hall,2010;Pownall et al.,2013;Cummins et al.,2020;Hutchings and Mooney,2021;Shah et al.,2023).

Public-private-partnership needs under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program in an Eastern Indian state

Eliminating tuberculosis(TB)is among India's top public health priorities[1].Despite the considerable progress in providing quality TB care services,the Global TB report-2022 reveals that India is amongst the eight high TB burden countries that contributed to more than two-thirds(68.3%)of the global TB cases[2].To strengthen and aid the TB elimination efforts by 2025,five years ahead of the sustainable development goal target,the Government of India,under the program,promotes intersectoral convergence with various public sector departments and the private sector.The national multisectoral action framework for TB-free India promotes private-private or public-private partnerships for sustainable and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives[3].

Rheological Evidence of the Lithospheric Destruction of the Eastern Block of the North China Craton

The Eastern Block of the North China Craton(NCC)(Fig.1)has undergone severe lithospheric destruction,with crustal thinning down to 100 km depth(Chen et al.,2009),contrasting sharply with the stable Kalahari and Rae cratons.However,there remains controversy over the destruction pattern(e.g.,Zhu et al.,2017).During the Early Mesozoic,crustal thickening occurred in the Xuhuai and Qinling orogens,followed by lithospheric delamination leading to crustal thinning(Chen et al.,2023).The middle and upper crustal thinning in the Yanshan and Taihang uplifts was induced by mafic magma underplating(Ji et al.,2009).