A Novel Insertion Solution for the Travelling Salesman Problem

The studypresents theHalfMax InsertionHeuristic (HMIH) as a novel approach to solving theTravelling SalesmanProblem (TSP). The goal is to outperform existing techniques such as the Farthest Insertion Heuristic (FIH) andNearest Neighbour Heuristic (NNH). The paper discusses the limitations of current construction tour heuristics,focusing particularly on the significant margin of error in FIH. It then proposes HMIH as an alternative thatminimizes the increase in tour distance and includes more nodes. HMIH improves tour quality by starting withan initial tour consisting of a ‘minimum’ polygon and iteratively adding nodes using our novel Half Max routine.The paper thoroughly examines and compares HMIH with FIH and NNH via rigorous testing on standard TSPbenchmarks. The results indicate that HMIH consistently delivers superior performance, particularly with respectto tour cost and computational efficiency. HMIH’s tours were sometimes 16% shorter than those generated by FIHand NNH, showcasing its potential and value as a novel benchmark for TSP solutions. The study used statisticalmethods, including Friedman’s Non-parametric Test, to validate the performance of HMIH over FIH and NNH.This guarantees that the identified advantages are statistically significant and consistent in various situations. Thiscomprehensive analysis emphasizes the reliability and efficiency of the heuristic, making a compelling case for itsuse in solving TSP issues. The research shows that, in general, HMIH fared better than FIH in all cases studied,except for a few instances (pr439, eil51, and eil101) where FIH either performed equally or slightly better thanHMIH. HMIH’s efficiency is shown by its improvements in error percentage (δ) and goodness values (g) comparedto FIH and NNH. In the att48 instance, HMIH had an error rate of 6.3%, whereas FIH had 14.6% and NNH had20.9%, indicating that HMIH was closer to the optimal solution. HMIH consistently showed superior performanceacross many benchmarks, with lower percentage error and higher goodness values, suggesting a closer match tothe optimal tour costs. This study substantially contributes to combinatorial optimization by enhancing currentinsertion algorithms and presenting a more efficient solution for the Travelling Salesman Problem. It also createsnew possibilities for progress in heuristic design and optimization methodologies.

Enhancing hydrogen evolution and oxidation kinetics through oxygen insertion into nickel lattice

Nickel-based materials,including metallic Ni and Ni oxide,have been widely studied in the exploration of non-precious-metal hydrogen electrocatalysts,but neither pure Ni nor NiO is ideal for the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and hydrogen oxidation reaction(HOR).In this paper,an oxygen insertion strategy was applied on nickel to regulate its hydrogen electrocatalytic performance,and the oxygen-inserted nickel catalyst was successfully obtained with the assistance of tungsten dioxide support(denoted as O-Ni/WO_(2)).The partial insertion of oxygen in Ni maintains the face-centered cubic arrangement of Ni atoms,simultaneously expanding the lattice and increasing the lattice spacing.Consequently,the adsorption strength of^(*)H and^(*)OH on Ni is optimized,thus resulting in superior electrocatalytic performance of0-Ni/WO_(2)in alkaline HER/HOR.The Tafel slope of O-Ni/WO_(2)@NF for HER is 56 mV dec^(-1),and the kinetic current density of O-Ni/WO_(2)for HOR reaches 4.85 mA cm^(-2),which is ahead of most currently reported catalysts.Our proposed strategy of inserting an appropriate amount of anions into the metal lattice could provide more possibilities for the design of high-performance catalysts.

Identification and characterization of FpRco1 in regulating vegetative growth and pathogenicity based on T-DNA insertion in Fusarium pseudograminearum

Fusarium pseudograminearum is a devastating pathogen that causes Fusarium crown rot(FCR)in wheat and poses a significant threat to wheat production in terms of grain yield and quality.However,the mechanism by which F.pseudograminearum infects wheat remains unclear.In this study,we aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by constructing a T-DNA insertion mutant library for the highly virulent strain WZ-8A of F.pseudograminearum.By screening this mutant library,we identified nine independent mutants that displayed impaired pathogenesis in barley leaves.Among these mutants,one possessed a disruption in the gene FpRCO1 that is an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RCO1,encoding essential component of the Rpd3S histone deacetylase complex in F.pseudograminearum.To further investigate the role of FpRCO1 in F.pseudograminearum,we employed a split-marker approach to knock out FpRCO1 in F.pseudograminearum WZ-8A.FpRCO1 deletion mutants exhibit reduced vegetative growth,conidium production,and virulence in wheat coleoptiles and barley leaves,whereas the complementary strain restores these phenotypes.Moreover,under stress conditions,the FpRCO1 deletion mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to NaCl,sorbitol,and SDS,but possessed reduced sensitivity to H_(2)O_(2)compared to these characteristics in the wild-type strain.RNA-seq analysis revealed that deletion of FpRCO1 affected gene expression(particularly the downregulation of TRI gene expression),thus resulting in significantly reduced deoxynivalenol(DON)production.In summary,our findings highlight the pivotal role of FpRCO1 in regulating vegetative growth and development,asexual reproduction,DON production,and pathogenicity of F.pseudograminearum.This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying F.pseudograminearum infection in wheat and may pave the way for the development of novel strategies to combat this devastating disease.

An efficient method for constructing a random insertional mutant library for forward genetics in Nannochloropsis oceanica

Insertional mutation,phenotypic evaluation,and mutated gene cloning are widely used to clone genes from scratch.Exogenous genes can be integrated into the genome during non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)of the double-strand breaks of DNA,causing insertional mutation.The random insertional mutant library constructed using this method has become a method of forward genetics for gene cloning.However,the establishment of a random insertional mutant library requires a high transformation efficiency of exogenous genes.Many microalgal species show a low transformation efficiency,making constructing random insertional mutant libraries difficult.In this study,we established a highly efficient transformation method for constructing a random insertional mutant library of Nannochloropsis oceanica,and tentatively tried to isolate its genes to prove the feasibility of the method.A gene that may control the growth rate and cell size was identified.This method will facilitate the genetic studies of N.oceanica,which should also be a reference for other microalgal species.

Velamentous Cord Insertion: Interest of Antenatal Diagnosis and Review of the Literature

Velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord corresponds to the insertion of the cord directly on amniotic membranes. It is a rare situation whose frequency varies from 0.5% to 1.69% of single pregnancies. It must be diagnosed during the morphological ultrasound of the 2nd trimester, actively looking for the association with a vasa previa, due to the risk of fetal haemorrhagic threat. We report an antenatal diagnosis of velamentous cord insertion and its management with literature review.

Treatment of benign rectal stricture caused by repeated anal insertion by endoscopy and balloon dilation:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign rectal strictures can be categorized as primary(disease-related)and secondary(surgical anastomosis-related).Secondary strictures arise from surgical complications,whereas primary strictures have diverse etiologies,including various inflammatory conditions.Benign strictures are usually managed by surgery and endoscopy.We present an unusual etiology of benign rectal stricture caused by the repeated insertion of foreign objects into the rectum for sexual purposes,resulting in rectal injury and subsequent chronic inflammation.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic of the Colorectal Surgery Department with symptoms of chronic constipation and bloody stools.The patient previously experienced rectal injury due to foreign object insertion for sexual purposes.Colonoscopy revealed benign circumferential narrowing of the rectum.He underwent treatment by endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation and follow-up as an outpatient for 4 months.A colonoscopy at the end of the follow-up period revealed no evidence of rectal stricture relapse.CONCLUSION A history of rectal injury,followed by chronic inflammation,should be considered in patients with benign rectal strictures.Management with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation can prevent the need for surgical resection of benign rectal strictures.

Atomic-scale insights of indium segregation and its suppression by GaAs insertion layer in InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells

The In segregation and its suppression in InGaAs/AlGaAs quantum well are investigated by using high-resolution x-ray diffraction(XRD)and photoluminescence(PL),combined with the state-of-the-art aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy(Cs-STEM)techniques.To facility our study,we grow two multiple quantum wells(MQWs)samples,which are almost identical except that in sample B a thin GaAs layer is inserted in each of the InGaAs well and AlGaAs barrier layer comparing to pristine InGaAs/AlGaAs MQWs(sample A).Our study indeed shows the direct evidences that In segregation occurs in the InGaAs/AlGaAs interface,and the effect of the Ga As insertion layer on suppressing the segregation of In atoms is also demonstrated on the atomic-scale.Therefore,the atomic-scale insights are provided to understand the segregation behavior of In atoms and to unravel the underlying mechanism of the effect of GaAs insertion layer on the improvement of crystallinity,interface roughness,and further an enhanced optical performance of InGaAs/AlGaAs QWs.

Li^(+)浓度对化学增强锂铝硅玻璃性能的影响

采用一步法化学增强工艺,研究了熔盐中Li^(+)的富集对不同厚度锂铝硅玻璃表面压应力、应力层深度、弯曲强度、硬度等性能的影响,选择Na_(3)PO_(4)作为熔盐除杂剂并对净化效果进行了评定。研究表明:熔盐中Li^(+)浓度增加至4800×10^(-6),3 mm化学增强锂铝硅玻璃的表面压应力、弯曲强度、硬度下降16.8%、16.8%、10.6%;8 mm化学增强锂铝硅玻璃的表面压应力、弯曲强度、硬度下降17.6%、14.7%、9.8%。熔盐中Li^(+)浓度的变化未对化学增强锂铝硅玻璃应力层深度产生明显影响。Na_(3)PO_(4)具有较好的除杂效果,化学增强锂铝硅玻璃的表面压应力、弯曲强度、硬度得到了明显的恢复,为保证化学增强锂铝硅玻璃在可见光波段具有较高的透光率,除杂剂Na_(3)PO_(4)的掺量不宜超过1%(质量分数)。

Complications Related to the Insertion Technique of Jadelle® Contraceptive Implants

Introduction: Contraceptive implants are one of the most effective methods of birth spacing. Jadelle® implants consist of two strands that are easy to insert and remove. Although their effectiveness is no longer in question, their use (insertion) requires a surgical procedure with the corollary possibility of complications. These are mainly insertions that are too deep (in the arm muscle), vascular and nerve damage. Material and Methods: Our study focused on complications related to implant insertion. It was a descriptive and retrospective study over thirty-four months, from October 2016 to July 2019, and concerned all patients seen in consultation and who presented a complication related to the insertion of contraceptive implants in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the National Hospital of Pikine. Results: We collected nine complications managed at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Centre Hospitalier National de Pikine from 2016 to 2019. These were insertions that were too deep with sometimes nerve damage, infection or incident during anesthesia. The operative procedures were based on the type of complication. Conclusion: Although Jadelle® has the advantage of having only 2 rods compared to its predecessor Norplant®, its use is also conditioned by insertion and removal procedures which may experience complications.

Complicated expansion trajectories of insertion sequences and potential association with horizontal transfer of Wolbachia DNA

DEAR EDITOR,Insertion sequences(ISs) are the simplest structural transposable elements(TEs) in prokaryotes, consisting only of a transposase coding sequence and its bilateral short terminal inverted repeats. Due to their gradually streamlined genomic construction, TEs rarely exist in the genomes of obligate endosymbionts. However, TE content, especially ISs.

Promoter insertion leads to polyembryony in mango-a case of convergent evolution with citrus

Sexual reproduction in plants is the main pathway for creating new genetic combinations in modern agriculture.In heterozygous plants,after the identification of a plant with desired traits,vegetative propagation(cloning)is the primary path to create genetically uniform plants.Another natural plant mechanism that creates genetically uniform plants(clones)is apomixis.In fruit crops like citrus and mango,sporophytic apomixis results in polyembryony,where seeds contain multiple embryos,one of which is sexually originated and the others are vegetative clones of the parent mother tree.Utilizing the mango genome and genetic analysis of a diverse germplasm collection,we identified MiRWP as the gene that causes polyembryony in mango.There is a strong correlation between a specific insertion in the gene’s promoter region and altered expression in flowers and developing fruitlets,inducing multiple embryos.The MiRWP gene is an ortholog of CitRWP that causes polyembryony in citrus.Based on the data,we speculate that promoter insertion events,which occurred independently in citrus and mango,induced nucellar embryogenesis.The results suggest convergent evolution of polyembryony in the two species.Further work is required to demonstrate the utility of these genes(mango and citrus)in other biological systems as a tool for the clonal production of other crops.

Li^(+)增强NaGd(WO_(4))_(2)∶Yb^(3+)/Er^(3+)荧光粉的上转换发光和温度传感性能

采用水热法制备了NaGd(WO_(4))_(2)∶0.05Yb^(3+)/0.005Er^(3+)/xLi^(+)(x=0,0.01,0.02,0.03,0.05)荧光粉。通过X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和光致发光(PL)谱等手段分析了样品的晶体结构、形貌和上转换发光性能。结果表明,Li的掺杂并未改变NaGd(WO_(4))_(2)∶Yb^(3+)/Er^(3+)荧光粉的四方相晶体结构,但在波长980nm激光二极管(LD)激发下,样品的上转换发光强度发生明显改变。随着x的增加,Er^(3+)的绿光和红光发光强度均呈现先升高后降低的趋势,当x=0.03时,发光强度达到最大值。上转换发光强度与泵浦功率的依赖关系表明,绿光和红光发射都属于双光子吸收过程。此外,采用基于Er^(3+)热耦合能级的荧光强度比(FIR)测温技术,研究了+NaGd(WO_(4))_(2)∶0.05Yb^(3+)/0.005Er^(3+)/0.03Li^(+)荧光粉在298~573K温度范围内的温度传感性能。该结果表明NaGd(WO_(4))_(2)∶0.05Yb^(3+)/0.005Er^(3+)/0.03Li^(+)荧光粉相对灵敏度(SR)在298K时达到最大值0.0119K^(-1),表明其在光学温度传感领域具有潜在的应用价值。

Establishment and validation of a predictive model for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are commonly used in hospitalized patients with liver cancer for the administration of chemotherapy,nutrition,and other medications.However,PICC-related thrombosis is a serious complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality in this patient population.Several risk factors have been identified for the development of PICC-related thrombosis,including cancer type,stage,comorbidities,and catheter characteristics.Understanding these risk factors and developing a predictive model can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients and implement preventive measures to reduce the incidence of thrombosis.AIM To analyze the influencing factors of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,construct a predictive model,and validate it.METHODS Clinical data of hospitalized patients with liver cancer admitted from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected.Thirty-five cases of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer were collected,and 220 patients who underwent PICC placement during the same period but did not develop PICC-related thrombosis were randomly selected as controls.A total of 255 samples were collected and used as the training set,and 77 cases were collected as the validation set in a 7:3 ratio.General patient information,case data,catheterization data,coagulation indicators,and Autar Thrombosis Risk Assessment Scale scores were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed on relevant factors,and the value of combined indicators in predicting PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in age,sex,Karnofsky performance status score(KPS),bedridden time,activities of daily living impairment,parenteral nutrition,catheter duration,distant metastasis,and bone marrow suppression between the thrombosis group and the non-thrombosis group.Other aspects had no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥60 years,KPS score≤50 points,parenteral nutrition,stage III to IV,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment were independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer(P<0.05).Catheter duration of 1-6 months and catheter duration>6 months were protective factors for PICC-related thrombosis(P<0.05).The predictive model for PICC-related thrombosis was obtained as follows:P predictive probability=[exp(Logit P)]/[1+exp(Logit P)],where Logit P=age×1.907+KPS score×2.045+parenteral nutrition×9.467+catheter duration×0.506+tumor-node-metastasis(TNM)staging×2.844+distant metastasis×2.065+bone marrow suppression×2.082+activities of daily living impairment×13.926.ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.827(95%CI:0.724-0.929,P<0.001),with a corresponding optimal cut-off value of 0.612,sensitivity of 0.755,and specificity of 0.857.Calibration curve analysis showed good consistency between the predicted occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis and actual occurrence(P>0.05).ROC analysis showed AUCs of 0.888 and 0.729 for the training and validation sets,respectively.CONCLUSION Age,KPS score,parenteral nutrition,TNM staging,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment are independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,while catheter duration is a protective factor for the disease.The predictive model has an AUC of 0.827,indicating high predictive accuracy and clinical value.

Li^+ extraction/insertion reaction with Mg_2Mn_(0.5)Ti_(0.5)O_4 inverse spinel in the aqueous phase

An inverse spinel-type metal oxide, magnesium-manganese-titanium oxide （Mg2Mn0.5Ti0.5O4）, were prepared using the coprecipitation/thermal crystallization method. The extraction/insertion reaction with this material was investigated by X-ray, saturation capacity of exchange, pH titration, and distribution coefficient （Kd） measurement. The acid treatments of Mg2Mn0.5Ti0.5O4 caused Mg^2＋ extractions of more than 81%, whereas the dissolutions of Mn^4＋ and Ti^4＋ were less than 10%. The experimental results proved that the acid-treated sample has a capacity of exchange 56 mg·g^-1 for Li^＋ in the solution. The chemical analysis showed that the Li^＋ extraction/insertion progressed mainly by ion-exchange mechanism and surface adsorption.

Novel GaN-based double-channel p-heterostructure field-effect transistors with a p-GaN insertion layer

GaN-based p-channel heterostructure field-effect transistors(p-HFETs)face significant constraints on on-state currents compared with n-channel high electron mobility transistors.In this work,we propose a novel double heterostructure which introduces an additional p-GaN insertion layer into traditional p-HFETs.The impact of the device structure on the hole densities and valence band energies of both the upper and lower channels is analyzed by using Silvaco TACD simulations,including the thickness of the upper AlGaN layer and the doping impurities and concentration in the GaN buffer layer,as well as the thickness and Mg-doping concentration in the p-GaN insertion layer.With the help of the p-GaN insertion layer,the C-doping concentration in the GaN buffer layer can be reduced,while the density of the two-dimensional hole gas in the lower channel is enhanced at the same time.This work suggests that a double heterostructure with a p-GaN insertion layer is a better approach to improve p-HFETs compared with those devices with C-doped buffer layer alone.

Lower extremity peripherally inserted central catheter placement ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein:A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are an essential infusion route for oncology patients receiving intravenous treatments,but lower extremity veni-puncture is the preferred technique for patients with superior vena cava syndrome(SVCS).We report the case of a patient with a lower extremity PICC ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein,to indicate and verify PICC catheterisation in the lower extremity is safe and feasible.And hope to provide different per-spectives for clinical PICC venipuncture to get the attention of peers.CASE SUMMARY On 24 August 2022,a 58-year-old male was admitted to our department due to an intermittent cough persisting for over a month,which worsened 10 d prior.Imaging and laboratory investigations suggested the patient with pulmonary malignancy and SVCS.Chemotherapy was not an absolute contraindication in this patient.Lower extremity venipuncture is the preferred technique because administering upper extremity venous transfusion to patients with SVCS can exacerbate oedema in the head,neck,and upper extremities.The patient and his family were informed about the procedure,and informed consent was obtained.After successful puncture and prompt treatment,the patient was discharged,experiencing some relief from symptoms.CONCLUSION Inferior vena cava catheterisation is rare and important for cancer patients with SVCS,particularly in complex situations involving ectopic placement.

Researchers Develop New Tools for Precise Large DNA Insertions

GAO Caixia’s group from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)has developed a new genome editing technology that achieves efficient and precise targeted insertion of large DNA segments in plants.The new technology,called prime editing-mediated recombination of opportune targets(PrimeRoot),combines an optimized dual-ePPE editor protein previously published by the group with a highly efficient tyrosine site-specific recombinase,Cre.It can achieve one-step,precise targeted insertion of large DNA segments in rice and maize with an efficiency up to 6%and has been used to successfully insert DNA segments up to 11.1 kb.

Esophageal inserted subclavian catheter:a rare complication

Central venous catheterization(CVC) is an invasive procedure for administering fluids,nutrients,and drugs;monitoring central venous pressure;performing pulmonary artery catheterization;and placing transvenous pacemakers in intensive care units and all specialties,from anesthesia to emergency medicine,for the treatment of trauma and hemodynamically unstable pediatric and adult patients.[1,2]Complications have been observed in more than 15% of patients who underwent CVC.Mechanical,infectious,and thrombotic complications have been reported in 5%–19%,5%–26%,and 2%–26% of patients,respectively.[3] Malposition,on the other hand,is common in subclavian catheter insertion and is usually associated with an initially misplaced guidewire.[4]

Tubular Heat Enhancement Using Twisted Tape Inserts with Large Holes

Heat augmentation techniques play a vital role in the heating and cooling processes in industries,including solar collectors and many applications that utilize heat exchangers.Several studies are based on inserting fillers inside the tubes to enhance heat transfer.This investigation considered the effects of twisted tapes with large holes on a tubular heat exchanger’s(HX)heat transmission,pressure drop,and thermal boosting factor.In the experimental section,counter-swirl flow generators used twisted tapes with pairs of 1.0 cm-diameter holes and changes in porosity(Rp)at 1.30%and 2.70%.In the experiments,air was utilized as a working fluid in a tube with a circular cross-section.The turbulent flow was considered,with Reynolds numbers(Re)domain from 4800 to 9500,and a boundary condition with a uniform wall heat flux was constructed.The findings expound that when the number of holes rose,the Nusselt number(Nu),the factor of friction(f),and the thermal enhancement factor(η)all increased as well.Additionally,as the friction factor increased,the Nusselt number of the tape-equipped tube was noticeably higher.Additionally,it was discovered that the friction factor was between 70%and 94%lower than the values of the tube without tape,while the(Nu)was between 87%and 97%higher than the conventional tube values.The maximum value ofηis 89%.According to the experimental results,empirical correlations for Nu,f,andηwere also generated.

Genetic Analysis of a Small Grain Mutant Induced by T-DNA Insertion in Rice

[Objective] The aim of this study is to understand the genetic characteristics of a grain shape mutant and its possible role in genetic improvement of grain yield in rice. [Method] On the basis of the collection of T-DNA tag lines, the progeny of homozygous plants carrying T-DNA insertion were screened for mutants with mutated phenotypes. The genetic analysis of the mutant and test for the linkage between the mutated phenotype and the T-DNA insertion were carried out to determine its genetic characteristics. [Result] In the present study, a grain shape mutant induced by T-DNA insertion in rice was identified, which showed small grain. Genetic analysis of the mutant showed that the two types of phenotype, normal and small grain in the segregating populations derived from the T-DNA heterozygotes, fit the ratio of 3∶1. Test for Basta resistance showed that all the mutants were resistant while the normal plants segregated for resistant and susceptible by the ratio of 2∶1. The results indicated that the mutant phenotype cosegregated with Bar gene. The small grain mutant caused by T-DNA insertion was confirmed by PCR amplification aiming at T-DNA. [Conclusion] The grain shape mutant is useful for isolation of the tagged gene and genetic improvement in rice.