Analyzing the Form-Finding of a Large-Span Transversely Stiffened Suspended Cable System: A Method Considering Construction Processes

The precise control of the shape of transversely stiffened suspended cable systems is crucial. However, existing form-finding methods primarily rely on iterative calculations that treat loads as fixed known conditions. These methods are inefficient and fail to accurately control shape results. In this study, we propose a form-finding method that analyzes the load response of models under different sag and stress levels, taking into account the construction process. To analyze the system, a structural finite element model was established in ANSYS, and geometric nonlinear analysis was conducted using the Newton-Raphson method. The form-finding analysis results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves precise control of shape, with a maximum shape error ranging from 0.33% to 0.98%. Furthermore, the relationships between loads and tension forces are influenced by the deformed shape of the structures, exhibiting significant geometric nonlinear characteristics. Meanwhile, the load response analysis reveals that the stress level of the self-equilibrium state in the transversely stiffened suspended cable system is primarily governed by strength criteria, while shape is predominantly controlled by stiffness criteria. Importantly, by simulating the initial tensioning process as an initial condition, this method solves for a counterweight that satisfies the requirements and achieves a self-equilibrium state with the desired shape. The shape of the self-equilibrium state is precisely controlled by simulating the construction process. Overall, this work presents a new method for analyzing the form-finding process of large-span transversely stiffened suspended cable system, considering the construction process which was often overlooked in previous studies.

GENI、FIND和CNGI、高可信网络的关系与发展

在探讨分析当前Internet网络体系结构面临的主要问题及其局限性的基础上,展示了变革现有网络架构的部分主要目标,介绍了GENI、NeTS-FIND和我国CNGI、高可信网络重大项目,最后分析论述了GENI、FIND和CNGI、高可信网络的关系,同时对我国发展未来网络技术的前景进行了展望.

基于Union-Find的图像聚类方法

传统的图像聚类方法存在对初始数据敏感且计算复杂度高的问题,且图像全局特征难以有效地表达图像内容。针对这些问题,提出一种基于Union-Find的图像聚类方法。首先,该方法采用视觉词袋模型Bo VWM(Bag of Visual Words Model)来描述图像内容并且利用投票方法来计算每对图像的相似度得分;然后,对于相似度得分大于给定阈值的图像对进行union和find两个操作并将相连的分量形成聚类结果。实验结果表明,该方法较之于传统方法能较好地改善图像聚类效果,且不需要初始聚类数目作为先验参数。

英语语块教学法研究——以find句式教学及实验为例

语块教学法是通过语言实例,激活学习者对语块的认知,并以易懂易记的方式,引导学习者理解并记忆英语的个性特征。教学实验表明,语块教学法在教学一些句式上优于传统的句式教学思路。

Test research and computer simulation analysis of construction state during form finding for suspen-dome system

A novel construction method without scaffold work called as assembly-prestressing form finding loop by loop is presented.Based on the theory of finite displacement,the cycle-forward analysis method is presented for its construction calculation,which adopts the finite element method of generalized geometric nonlinearity combined with the application in the real construction process.By means of the combination of the forward analysis according to real construction sequence and the cycle iteration according to the initial strain increment method of cable force adjustment,the influence of the structural geometric nonlinearity and the loss of prestress are taken into account due to prestressing of tendons in turn and so on.If the initial cable forces derived from the method were used for construction,expected cable forces and shape could be assured easily.Simulation analysis achieved real-time tracking and controlling of the construction status.Finally,according to the procedure and parameters in simulating,a model experimental research on the stage of form finding(namely prestressing)was carried out for suspen-dome structure.The feasibility on the assembly-prestressing form finding method loop by loop was testified.The cycle-forward analysis method was established and numerical simulation was performed,and the results show that it was useful for the design and the construction of similar suspen-dome structure.

Predictive findings forHelicobacter pylori-uninfected, -infected and -eradicated gastric mucosa: Validation study

AIM:To validate the usefulness of screening endoscopy findings for predictingHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status. METHODS:H. pylori infection status was determined by histology, serology, and the urea breast test in 77 consecutive patients who underwent upper endoscopy. Based on the findings, patients were categorized as H. pylori -uninfected, -infected, or -eradicated cases. Using six photos of certain sites in the stomach per case, we determined the presence or absence of the following endoscopic findings:regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC), linear erythema, hemorrhage, fundic gland polyp (FGP), atrophic change, rugal hyperplasia, edema, spotty erythema, exudate, xanthoma, and mottled patchy erythema (MPE). The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and inter-observer agreement (Kappa value) for these 11 endoscopic findings used in the determination of H. pylori infection status were calculated. RESULTS:Of the 77 patients [32 men and 45 women; mean age (SD), 39.7 (13.4) years] assessed, 28 were H. pylori uninfected, 28 were infected, and 21 were eradicated. DOR values were significantly high (< 0.05) for the following H. pylori cases:uninfected cases with RAC (11.5), linear erythema (24.5), hemorrhage (4.1), and FGP (34.5); for infected cases with atrophic change (8.67), rugal hyperplasia (15.8), edema (14.2), spotty erythema (11.5), and exudate (3.52); and for eradicated cases with atrophic change (32.4) and MPE (103.0). Kappa values were excellent for FGP (0.93), good for RAC (0.63), hemorrhage (0.79), atrophic change (0.74), and MPE (0.75), moderate for linear erythema (0.51), rugal hyperplasia (0.49), edema (0.58), spotty erythema (0.47), and exudate (0.46), and poor for xanthoma (0.19). CONCLUSION:The endoscopic findings of RAC, hemorrhage, FGP, atrophic change, and MPE will be useful for predicting H. pylori infection status.

Unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and implications of unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: The demographic and histopathological data of 1621 patients (≥ 16 years-old) who underwent appendectomy to treat an initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 1999 and November 2011 were retrospectively assessed. Microscopic findings were used to classify the patients under six categories: appendix vermiformis, phlegmonous appendicitis, gan- grenous appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, supurative appendicitis, and unusual histopathologic findings. The demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with unusual histopathologic findings were evaluated in detail, and re-analysis of archived resected appendix specimens was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 912 males and 709 females, from16 to 94 years old, were included in the study and comprised 789 cases of suppurative appendicitis, 370 cases of appendix vermiformis, 243 cases of perforated gangrenous appendicitis, 53 cases of flegmaneous appendicitis, 32 cases of gangrenous appendicitis, and 134 (8.3%) cases of unusual histopathological findings. The unusual histopathological findings included fibrous obliteration (n = 62), enterobius vermicularis (n = 31), eosinophilic infiltration (n = 10), mucinous cystadenoma (n = 8), carcinoid tumor (n = 6), granulomatous inflammation (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 4; one of them mucinous), and mucocele (n = 3), adenomatous polyp (n = 1), taenia sup (n = 1), ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), appendiceal diverticula (n = 1), and B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). None of the 11 patients with subsequent diagnosis of tumor were suspected of cancer prior to the appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Even when the macroscopic appearance of appendectomy specimens is normal, histopathological assessment will allow early diagnosis of many unusual diseases.

Nihilism in Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man Is Hard to Find

Flannery O'Connor is considered one of the outstanding female writers of the American South in the 20 th century.Her works not only reveal to readers a world of nihilism,but also describe a society of original sins.Nihilism reflected by two major characters and their fates in A Good Man Is Hard to Find demonstrate her concern about the lack of belief and emptiness of modern people's soul.

Blastocystis in ulcerative colitis patients:Genetic diversity and analysis of laboratory findings

Objective:To determine Blastocystis frequency and subtypes(ST) in ulcerative colitis(UC) patients and analyse some laboratory findings between Blastocystis positive and negative cases.Methods:Faecal samples from 150 UC patients in Adnan Menderes University,Training and Research Hospital were examined by direct microscopy and cultivated in Jones medium.Blastocystis positive cultures were subjected to DNA isolation and subtypes were identified by sequencing of barcode region.A retrospective analysis was conducted on C reactive protein(CRP),leukocyte counts(WBC),neutrophil counts,and sedimentation rates.Results:The overall positive rate of Blastocystis was 8%(12 patients) and the most abundant subtype was ST3(eight isolates,66.7%),followed by ST1,ST2 and ST7.Laboratory findings between Blastocystis infected and non-infected UC patients were not significantly different.Blastocystisfrequency was 3.8% among the patients in active stage,while it was 11.8% among the patients in remission stage.Conclusions:The present study confirms previous findings that have indicated the predominance of Blastocystis ST3 in humans and contributes additional evidence that suggests the low colonization of Blastocystis infection in ulcerative colitis patients during active stage.

A Research of the Finding and Distribution Law of Taisui in Modern China

The academic world is still uncertain about the classification of Taisui. It is debating whether Taisui is living or not, myxomycete complex or fungi. The passage studies the 228 finding reports of Taisui in modern China. It confirms that the first finding time of Taisui in modern China is 1963, and the first reported time is 1992. Taisui has been found in 25 administrative divisions. Taisui occurs the most times in Shandong Province. Besides, provinces where Taisui has been found most times are in northern China. Finding locations of Taisui vary from place to place. Taisui is most often found in normal earth layer, with different burying depth. Taisui is mainly found through seeing, tramping, and digging. Taisui findings lack subjective motivations and are connected with the life and production of the finders. Conclusion: Taisui is an object growing in earth layer.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and influence of age and gender on histopathologic findings

AIM:To characterize the histopathologic specifications of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)according to age and gender.METHODS:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in two private gastroenterology clinics on biopsy proven patients suffering from NASH.Biopsy histopathologic findings as well as demographic and laboratory data of the patients at the time of biopsy were gathered retrospectively from clinical records.The grading and staging of histopathologic findings were performed according to the Brunt method after reevaluation of the slides by a pathologist.Patients were divided into two groups according to age(belowand above 55 years).Mean quantitative grade of all pathologic findings were also calculated according to Brunt scoring values.RESULTS:A total number of 77 NASH patients,consisting of 58 males(75.3%)and 19(24.7%)females with a mean age of 41.99±11.80 years(range,18-70 years),were enrolled.The mean age(48.72±13.99 years vs 39.74±10.16 years,P=0.004)and aspartate aminotransferase level(75.11±29.68 U/L vs 52.78± 25.00 U/L,P=0.002)was significantly higher in female patients.Mean quantitative grade of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in females(2.00±0.82 vs 1.59 ±0.68,P=0.031)compared to males.Fifty four percent(34/65)of young patients had mild hepatosteatosis (GradeⅠ)while only one patient(11.2%)in the older group had gradeⅠhepatosteatosis.Patients aged≥55 had significantly more severe hepatosteatosis(GradeⅢ) (44.4%vs 9.5%,P=0.007)and the mean quantitative grade of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher among them(2.33±0.71 vs 1.56±0.67,P=0.002).Multivariate analysis after omitting the confounding role of age revealed a higher grade of hepatosteatosis in female patients(P=0.010).CONCLUSION:These findings point toward the possible influence of age in the severity of steatohepatitis,portal and lobar inflammation in patients suffering from NASH while gender independently might contribute to the level of steatohepatitis.

New Algorithm for Binary Connected-Component Labeling Based on Run-Length Encoding and Union-Find Sets

Based on detailed analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the existing connected-component labeling （CCL） algorithm,a new algorithm for binary connected components labeling based on run-length encoding （RLE） and union-find sets has been put forward.The new algorithm uses RLE as the basic processing unit,converts the label merging of connected RLE into sets grouping in accordance with equivalence relation,and uses the union-find sets which is the realization method of sets grouping to solve the label merging of connected RLE.And the label merging procedure has been optimized：the union operation has been modified by adding the ＂weighted rule＂ to avoid getting a degenerated-tree,and the ＂path compression＂ has been adopted when implementing the find operation,then the time complexity of label merging is O（nα（n））.The experiments show that the new algorithm can label the connected components of any shapes very quickly and exactly,save more memory,and facilitate the subsequent image analysis.

Typical gastroduodenal endoscopic findings in a Crohn's disease patient in remission stage

A 39-year-old patient with Crohn's disease (CD) was referred to our hospital for maintenance treatment of CD.He was diagnosed as having CD of the small and large intestines at 32 years old.He underwent partial resection of the ileum at 35 years old because of ileal perforation.He had received enteral nutritional supplement (1200 kcal/d) and metronidazole preparation (500 mg/d),and was in remission Crohn's disease activity index 73.We performed a routine gastroduodenal endoscopic examination,which revealed the representative endoscopic findings of gastroduodenal lesions in CD,namely,bamboo-joint-like appearance of the gastric body and cardia and a notched sign in the duodenum.These findings were clearly observed by using indigo carmine dye spraying.In our patient,typical gastroduodenal findings were observed even in the remission stage,suggesting that these findings would contribute to the early diagnosis of CD not only in the active stage but also during remission.

Direction finding of coexisted independent and coherent signals using electromagnetic vector sensor

The existing direction of arrival （DOA） estimation algorithms based on the electromagnetic vector sensors array barely deal with the coexisting of independent and coherent signals. A two-dimensional direction finding method using an L-shape electromagnetic vector sensors array is proposed. According to this method, the DOAs of the independent signals and the coherent signals are estimated separately, so that the array aperture can be exploited sufficiently. Firstly, the DOAs of the independent signals are estimated by the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques, and the influence of the co- herent signals can be eliminated by utilizing the property of the coherent signals. Then the data covariance matrix containing the information of the coherent signals only is obtained by exploiting the Toeplitz property of the independent signals, and an improved polarimetric angular smoothing technique is proposed to de-correlate the coherent signals. This new method is more practical in actual signal environment than common DOA estimation algorithms and can expand the array aperture. Simulation results are presented to show the estimating performance of the proposed method.

Dynamic enhanced computed tomography imaging findings of an inflammatory fibroid polyp with massive fibrosis in the stomach

Inflammatory fibroid polyp(IFP) is a rare benign lesion of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of computed tomography(CT) imaging finding of a gastric IFP with massive fibrosis. CT scans showed thickening of submucosal layer with overlying mucosal hyperenhancement in the gastric antrum. The submucosal layer showed increased enhancement on delayed phase imaging. An antrectomy with gastroduodenostomy was performed because gastric cancer was suspected, particularly signet ring cell carcinoma. The histopathological diagnosis was an IFP with massive fibrosis. The authors suggest that when the submucosal layer of the gastric wall is markedly thickened with delayed enhancement and preservation of the mucosal layer, an IFP with massive fibrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Primary Lymphoma of Bone: Imaging Findings to Improve Diagnosis of a Rarely Considered Disease Prior to Biopsy

Objective: Primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) is a rare malignant bone tumor often presenting in the fifth-sixth decades involving appendicular long bones. Published radiological findings indicate that PLB typically presents as a moth-eaten osteolytic lesion with periosteal reaction, while MRI commonly demonstrates marrow infiltration with extraosseous extension. Given rarity and variable appearances, PLB may not be primarily considered prior to biopsy. Our objective was to evaluate preoperative imaging findings in effort to increase awareness and improve a perceived deficiency in preoperative diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review identified 60 patients with newly diagnosed bone lesions proven to represent PLB in accordance with WHO definition. Preoperative radiographs (n = 46), MRI (n = 33) and PET (n = 37) were independently reviewed by two radiologists. At radiography, lesions were classified: purely lytic, mixed, purely sclerotic, or occult;lytic lesions were graded utilizing Lodwick’s classification. At MRI, lesions were defined as focal or infiltrative and the presence or absence of extraosseous disease was recorded. Extraosseous masses were defined as small (1 cm) and subjectively correlated with degree of cortical destruction. At PET, lesions were recorded as FDG-avid or not. Primary radiograph reports when available (n = 33) were reviewed and exact wording of differential considerations was recorded. Results: Radiographs demonstrated mixed (n = 22), lytic (n = 15), and sclerotic (n = 8) appearances;one radiographically occult lesion was seen by MRI. Lytic lesions were graded: IB (n = 3), IC (n = 5), II (n = 4), and III (n = 3);none were IA. At MRI, 30 lesions were infiltrative and 3 were focal;11 were not associated with extraosseous extension, while 22 showed bony disease with small (n = 7) or large (n = 15) soft tissue mass. Of large masses, 13 demonstrated minimal cortical destruction. At PET, 36 demonstrated FDG uptake;one study was technically limited. Review of reports found that only 5 included “lymphoma” as a diagnostic consideration. Conclusion: Contrary to most published data, we suggest that PLB typically demonstrates some degree of osteosclerosis, often a mixed pattern of sclerosis and lucency;purely lytic lesions may be less common. Similar to existing reports, MRI commonly demonstrates marrow infiltration with extraosseous extension of disease, typically a large soft tissue mass with disproportionate (minimal) cortical destruction. Familiarity with these findings should improve preoperative consideration of PLB in the appropriate clinical scenario when a new osteoblastic lesion is identified.

Spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings in congenital lumbar spinal stenosis

AIM: To investigate whether congenital lumbar spinal stenosis(CLSS) is associated with a specific degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. METHODS: The lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging studies of 52 subjects with CLSS and 48 control subjects were retrospectively evaluated. In each examination, the five lumbar levels were assessed for the presence or absence of circumferential or shallow annular bulges, annular tears, anterior or posterior disc herniations, epidural lipomatosis, Schmorl's nodes,spondylolisthesis, pars defects, and stress reactions of the posterior vertebral elements. RESULTS: Compared to control individuals, subjects with CLSS exhibited increased incidence of circumferential and shallow annular bulges, annular tears, discherniations and spondylolisthesis(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CLSS is associated with increased incidence of degenerative changes in specific osseous and soft-tissue elements of the lumbar spine.

Incidental findings at MRI-enterography in patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease

AIM:To determine the frequency and clinical impact of incidental findings detected with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-enterography in patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease(CD). METHODS:Incidental findings were defined as unexpected lesions outside the small intestine,not previously known or suspected at the time of referral, and not related to inflammatory bowel disease.Through a systematic review of medical charts we analyzed the clinical impact of incidental findings,and compared the MRI findings with subsequent diagnostic procedures. RESULTS:A total of 283 patients were included in the analysis,and MRI detected active CD in 31%,fistula in 1.4%and abscess in 0.7%.Extra-intestinal findings notrelated to CD were recorded in 72 patients(25%),of which 58 patients(20%)had 74 previously unknown lesions.Important or incompletely characterized findings were detected in 17 patients(6.0%).Incidental findings led to 12 further interventions in 9 patients(3.2%) revealing previously unknown pathological conditions in 5(1.8%).One patient(0.4%)underwent surgery and one patient was diagnosed with a malignant disease. MRI detected incidental colonic lesions in 16 patients of which additional work-up in 4 revealed normal anatomy. Two patients(0.7%)benefitted from the additional examinations,whereas incidental findings led to unnecessary examinations in 9(3.2%). CONCLUSION:In a minority of patients with suspected or known CD,important incidental findings are diagnosed at MRI-enterography.However,a substantial number of patients experience unnecessary morbidity because of additional examinations of benign or normal conditions.

Ocular findings in children with thalassemia major in Eastern Mediterranean

AIM: To investigate ophthalmologic findings in children with thalassemia major(TM) and compare the findings with healthy controls. ·METHODS: In a cross-sectional study,43 children with thalassemia major from pediatric hematology outpatient clinics from two university hospitals and age/sex matched 47 healthy children were included in the study. After a complete ophthalmic examination,tear function tests including the Schirmer test,fluorescein tear breakup time(BUT),ultrasound pachymetry,and axial length measurement were performed. Obtained data was recorded for statistical analysis and the values of right eyes were compared between groups. ·RESULTS: The mean best corrected visual acuity was 1.34 ±0.75 in TM and 1.08 ±0.28 in controls. It was found lower than 0.1 logMAR unit in 10(23.2%) children with TM and 2(4.2%) in controls,and the difference was statistically significant(P 【0.05). The mean central corneal thickness was 540±26.95 in children with TM and 536.98± 20.45μm in controls(P 】0.05). The mean axial length was 22.53±0.50 in TM and 22.57±0.43mm in the control group. The mean Schirmer test score was 19.94±6.91 in TM and 24.22±3.95mm in the control group(P 【0.01). The mean BUT score was 9.62 ±1.28 in TM and 9.73 ±0.6s in the control group(P 】0.05). ·CONCLUSION: In TM,while corneal thickness,axial length,and BUT are close to controls,the Schirmer scores are less than normal. The study revealed that TM may be affected by the tear function and visual acuity.

Imaging Findings in Chest Computed Tomography: Initial Experience in a Developing Country

Background:?High resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) is an established imaging modality that accurately assesses disease processes that are non-specific on conventional chest radiography. Chest Computed Tomography (CT) has proven invaluable in the evaluation of various diseases of the chest providing precise diagnosis that have great impact on the course of management. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the spectrum of radiological findings in all patients that had chest CTs at a tertiary health Institution in a developing Country. Method: This is a 6-year retrospective study of all patients that had Chest CT from 2009 till 2015. All patient data were retrieved and their Chest CT images reviewed and radiological findings and diagnosis documented. Results: Age range of patients was 1 - 84 years with a mean of 52.36 ± 22.9 years. Ten patients were children (12%). There were more males 53 (63.1%) than females 31 (36.9%) in the study. Referral for imaging was predominantly from internal medicine 33 (47.1%) and Surgery 27 (38.6%) departments. Most of the patients, 53 (63.1%) did not have previous chest radiographs. Consolidative changes were the most common parenchymal finding (77.4%). Few mediastinal masses were found in the study population. CT angiography constituted only 10.7% of all chest CTs done in adults. Conclusion: Few chest CT evaluations are performed compared to CTs of other parts of the body done in the same period. Chest CT is generally under-utilized even in a tertiary institution. There is a need to educate chest physicians on the role and advantages of CT use for the management of their patients.