Prediction and critical transition mechanism for granite fracture:Insights from critical slowing down theory

Rock fracture warning is one of the significant challenges in rock mechanics.Many true triaxial and synchronous acoustic emission(AE)tests were conducted on granite samples.The investigation focused on the characteristics of AE signals preceding granite fracture,based on the critical slowing down(CSD)theory.The granite undergoes a transition from the stable phase to the fracture phase and exhibits a clear CSD phenomenon,characterized by a pronounced increase in variance and autocorrelation coefficient.The variance mutation points were found to be more identifiable and suitable as the primary criterion for predicting precursor information related to granite fracture,compared to the autocorrelation coefficient.It is noteworthy to emphasize that the CSD factor holds greater potential in elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for the critical transition of granite fracture,in comparison to the AE timing parameters.Furthermore,a novel multi-parameter collaborative prediction method for rock fracture was developed by comprehensively analyzing predictive information,including abnormal variation modes and the CSD factor of AE characteristic parameters.This method enhances the understanding and prediction of rock fracture-related geohazards.

Modeling of beam ions loss and slowing down with Coulomb collisions in EAST

This paper uses the implicit Monte–Carlo full-orbit-following parallel program ISSDE to calculate the prompt loss and slowing down process of neutral beam injection(NBI)-generated fast ions due to Coulomb collisions in the equilibrium configuration of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak(EAST).This program is based on the weak equivalence of the Fokker–Planck equation under Rosenbluth Mac Donald Judd(RMJ)potential and Stratonovich stochastic differential equation(SDE).The prompt loss with the LCFS boundary and the first wall(FW)boundary of the two co-current neutral injection beams are studied.Simulation results indicate that the loss behavior of fast ions using the FW boundary is very different from that of the LCFS boundary,especially for fast ions with a large gyration radius.According to our calculations,about 5.11%of fast ions generated by perpendicular injection drift out of the LCFS and then return inside the LCFS to be captured by the magnetic field.The prompt loss ratio of fast ions and the ratio of orbital types depend on the initial distribution of fast ions in the Pζ–Λspace.Under the effect of Coulomb collisions,the pitch-angle scattering and stochastic diffusion happens,which will cause more fast ion loss.For short time scales,among the particles lost due to collisions,the fraction of banana ions reaches 92.31%in the perpendicular beam and 58.65%in the tangential beam when the fraction of banana ions in the tangential beam is 3.4%of the total ions,which means that the effect of Coulomb collisions on banana fast ions is more significant.For long time scales,the additional fast ion loss caused by Coulomb collisions of tangential and perpendicular beams accounted for 16.21%and 25.05%of the total particles,respectively.We have also investigated the slowing down process of NBI fast ions.

Study on Critical Slowing Down Phenomenon before the Two Medium-strong Earthquakes in Xinjiang

We study the critical slowing down phenomenon in deformation and groundwater observations before the Nilka-Gongliu MS6. 0 earthquake on November 1, 2011 and Xinyuan-Hejing M S6. 6 earthquake on June 30,2012. Firstly,we remove the annual variation and tendency change of basic data by means of wavelet transform analysis.Secondly,we calculate the autocorrelation coefficients and variance of the critical slowing down phenomenon. Lastly,we try to verify the critical slowing down phenomenon before an earthquake. The result indicates that there was obvious critical slowing down of the records at different stations before earthquakes.

Slowing down critical transitions via Gaussian white noise and periodic force

Stochastic perturbations and periodic excitations are generally regarded as sources to induce critical transitions in complex systems. However, we find that they are also able to slow down an imminent critical transition. To illustrate this phenomenon, a periodically driven bistable eutrophication model with Gaussian white noise is introduced as a prototype class of real systems.The residence probability(RP) is presented to measure the possibility that the given system stays in the oligotrophic state versus Gaussian white noise and periodic force. Variations in the mean first passage time(MFPT) and the mean velocity(MV) of the first right-crossing process are also calculated respectively. We show that the frequency of the periodic force can increase the MFPT while reduce the MV under different control parameters. Nevertheless, the noise intensity or the amplitude may result in an increase of the RP only in the case of control parameters approaching the critical values. Furthermore, for an impending critical transition, an increase of the RP appears with the interaction between the amplitude and noise intensity or the combination of the noise intensity and frequency, while the interaction of the frequency and amplitude leads to an extension of the MFPT or a decrease of the MV. As a result, an increase of the RP and MFPT, and a decrease of the MVobtained from our results claim that it is possible to slow down an imminent critical transition via Gaussian white noise and periodic force.

Slowing Down

A slower pace of life has become fashionable to more urbanites Life was almost all work and no play for Shi Ming,a 40-something worker at a research institute in Beijing,before a heart attack two years ago.

Simulating the Dynamics of Bimetallic Clusters Deposited onto a Surface Using Molecular Dynamics

This paper examines the interface development between a single crystalline Ag matrix and core-shell AgnCom nanoclusters that have been deposited with energies varying between 0.25 eV and 1.5 eV per atom using computer modeling techniques. Clusters undergo deformation as a result of the slowing down;they may also become epitaxial with the substrate and maintain their core-shell structure. A detailed analysis of the effects of the cluster-surface interaction is conducted over a realistic size and energy range, and a model is created to show how clusters accumulate. It is discovered that both the silver shells and the cobalt cluster cores exhibit limited epitaxy with the substrate, and that the contact produced is only a few atomic layers thick. The effect is higher for Ag shells than for Co cores, and it is not very energy dependent.

On the functions of astrocyte-mediated neuronal slow inward currents

Slow inward currents are known as neuronal excitatory currents mediated by glutamate release and activation of neuronal extra synaptic N-met hyl-D-aspartate receptors with the contribution of astrocytes.These events are significantly slower than the excitatory postsynaptic currents.Parameters of slow inward currents are determined by seve ral factors including the mechanisms of astrocytic activation and glutamate release,as well as the diffusion pathways from the release site towards the extra synaptic recepto rs.Astrocytes are stimulated by neuronal network activity,which in turn excite neurons,forming an astrocyte-neuron feedback loop.Mostly as a consequence of brain edema,astrocytic swelling can also induce slow inward currents under pathological conditions.There is a growing body of evidence on the roles of slow inward currents on a single neuron or local network level.These events often occur in synchro ny on neurons located in the same astrocytic domain.Besides synchronization of neuronal excitability,slow inward currents also set synaptic strength via eliciting timing-dependent synaptic plasticity.In addition,slow inward currents are also subject to non-synaptic plasticity triggered by long-la sting stimulation of the excitatory inputs.Of note,there might be important regionspecific differences in the roles and actions triggering slow inward currents.In greater networks,the pathophysiological roles of slow inward currents can be better understood than physiological ones.Slow inward currents are identified in the pathophysiological background of autism,as slow inward currents drive early hypersynchrony of the neural networks.Slow inward currents are significant contributors to paroxysmal depolarizational shifts/interictal spikes.These events are related to epilepsy,but also found in Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,and stroke,leading to the decline of cognitive functions.Events with features overlapping with slow inward currents(excitatory,N-methyl-Daspartate-receptor mediated currents with astrocytic contribution) as ischemic currents and spreading depolarization also have a well-known pathophysiological role in worsening consequences of stroke,traumatic brain injury,or epilepsy.One might assume that slow inward currents occurring with low frequency under physiological conditions might contribute to synaptic plasticity and memory formation.However,to state this,more experimental evidence from greater neuronal networks or the level of the individual is needed.In this review,I aimed to summarize findings on slow inward currents and to speculate on the potential functions of it.

Identification and fine mapping of qSW2 for leaf slow wilting in soybean

Drought is one of the abiotic stresses limiting the production of soybean(Glycine max).Elucidation of the genetic and molecular basis of the slow-wilting(SW)trait of this crop offers the prospect of its genetic improvement.A panel of 188 accessions and a set of recombinant inbred lines produced from a cross between cultivars Liaodou 14 and Liaodou 21 were used to identify quantitative-trait loci(QTL)associated with SW.Plants were genotyped by Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing and seedling leaf wilting was assessed under three water-stress treatments.A genome-wide association study identified 26 SW-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs),including three located in a 248-kb linkage-disequilibrium(LD)block on chromosome 2.Linkage mapping revealed a major-effect QTL,qSW2,associated with all three treatments and adjacent to the LD block.Fine mapping in a BC_(2)F_(3) population derived from a backcross between Liaodou 21 and R26 confined qSW2 to a 60-kb interval.Gene expression and sequence variation analysis identified the gene Glyma.02 g218100,encoding an auxin transcription factor,as a candidate gene for qSW2.Our results will contribute significantly to improving drought-resistant soybean cultivars by providing genetic information and resources.

Transferable adversarial slow feature extraction network for few-shot quality prediction in coal-to-ethylene glycol process

In the coal-to-ethylene glycol(CTEG)process,precisely estimating quality variables is crucial for process monitoring,optimization,and control.A significant challenge in this regard is relying on offline laboratory analysis to obtain these variables,which often incurs substantial monetary costs and significant time delays.The resulting few-shot learning scenarios present a hurdle to the efficient development of predictive models.To address this issue,our study introduces the transferable adversarial slow feature extraction network(TASF-Net),an innovative approach designed specifically for few-shot quality prediction in the CTEG process.TASF-Net uniquely integrates the slowness principle with a deep Bayesian framework,effectively capturing the nonlinear and inertial characteristics of the CTEG process.Additionally,the model employs a variable attention mechanism to identify quality-related input variables adaptively at each time step.A key strength of TASF-Net lies in its ability to navigate the complex measurement noise,outliers,and system interference typical in CTEG data.Adversarial learning strategy using a min-max game is adopted to improve its robustness and ability to model irregular industrial data accurately and significantly.Furthermore,an incremental refining transfer learning framework is designed to further improve few-shot prediction performance achieved by transferring knowledge from the pretrained model on the source domain to the target domain.The effectiveness and superiority of TASF-Net have been empirically validated using a real-world CTEG dataset.Compared with some state-of-the-art methods,TASF-Net demonstrates exceptional capability in addressing the intricate challenges for few-shot quality prediction in the CTEG process.

Electroencephalogram findings in 10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Post-stroke epilepsy is a common and easily overlooked complication of acute cerebrovascular disease.Long-term seizures can seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients.Electroencephalogram(EEG)is the simplest way to diagnose epilepsy,and plays an important role in predicting seizures and guiding medication.AIM To explore the EEG characteristics of patients with post-stroke epilepsy and improve the detection rate of inter-seizure epileptiform discharges.METHODS From January 2017 to June 2020,10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy in our hospital were included.The clinical,imaging,and EEG characteristics were collected.The stroke location,seizure type,and ictal and interictal EEG manifestations of the patients with post-stroke epilepsy were then retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In all 10 patients,epileptiform waves occurred in the side opposite to the stroke lesion during the interictal stage;these manifested as sharp wave,sharp-wave complex,or spike discharges in the anterior head lead of the side opposite to the lesion.CONCLUSION In EEG,epileptiform waves can occur in the side opposite to the stroke lesion in patients with post-stroke epilepsy.

Research of caged dynamics of clusters center atoms in Pd_(82)Si_(18) amorphous alloy

To date,there is still a lack of a comprehensive explanation for caged dynamics which is regarded as one of the intricate dynamic behaviors in amorphous alloys.This study focuses on Pd_(82)Si_(18)as the research object to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of caged dynamics from multiple perspectives,including the cage's lifetime,atomic local environment,and atomic potential energy.The results reveal that Si atoms exhibit a pronounced cage effect due to the hindrance of Pd atoms,resulting in an anomalous peak in the non-Gaussian parameters.An in-depth investigation was conducted on the caged dynamics differences between fast and slow Si atoms.In comparison to fast Si atoms,slow Si atoms were surrounded by more Pd atoms and occupied lower potential energy states,resulting in smaller diffusion displacements for the slow Si atoms.Concurrently,slow Si atoms tend to be in the centers of smaller clusters with coordination numbers of 9 and 10.During the isothermal relaxation process,clusters with coordination numbers 9 and 10 have longer lifetimes,suggesting that the escape of slow Si atoms from their cages is more challenging.The findings mentioned above hold significant implications for understanding the caged dynamics.

Preservation of superior rectal artery in laparoscopic colectomy:The best choice for slow transit constipation?

Laparoscopic colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis may be beneficial for patients with slow transit constipation who do not respond to conservative treatment,particularly if the superior rectal artery(SRA)is preserved.Several important concerns have been addressed in this commentary.It is important to first go over the definition of surgical procedure as it is used in this text.Second,the current study lacked a control group that had SRA preservation.Thirdly,it would be best to use a prospective,randomized controlled study.Lastly,a description of the mesenteric defect’s state following a laparoscopic colectomy is necessary.

Comparative Study of Neurosurgical Complications of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction: Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are the most frequent hemoglobinopathies. During their evolution, they present certain complications, among which are two neurosurgical emergencies, namely spontaneous cranial epidural hematoma and non traumatic radiculo-medullary compression, with some particularities for each. Method: In order to highlight these particularities, we compared the characteristics of these two complications, from a number of publications reported between 2000 and 2021. Results: Sickle cell disease was complicated by spontaneous cranial epidural hematoma. Forty-two cases were reported, the mean age was 14.7 years (2 - 21 years) and the sex ratio was 6.4. The clinical presentation combined, in a non-traumatic context, signs of intracranial hypertension with those of neurological focalization. Neuroimaging showed epidural-type collection, often frontal and parietal in location. The incriminating mechanisms were ischemia, hemorrhage and extra medullary hematopoiesis. The treatment was surgical. Non traumatic radiculo-medullary was the complication of thalassemia. Of the 77 cases reported, the mean age was 27.5 years (9 - 66 years) and the sex ratio was 4.1. The lesions were epidural with a clear thoracic predominance and resulted from extra marrow hematopoiesis. Treatment included: hypertransfusion, radiotherapy, hydroxyurea and surgery. Vital and functional prognosis were globally satisfactory when the management was rapid. Conclusion: Cranial and spinal epidural lesions, respective complications of sickle cell disease and thalassemia, result from similar mechanisms. Their prognosis depends on the rapidity of management. .

Infant’s Sigh Breathing Matters—The Role of the Hering-Breuer Deflation Reflex in Bronchial Decongestion

Background: The prolonged slow expiratory (PSE) technique can induce sigh breaths related to the Hering-Breuer reflex in children.PSE is a specific chest physiotherapy technique often used in children to help with the clearance of secretions, reduce pulmonary obstruction and decrease ventilatory effort. Purpose: The main objective of this review was to synthesize and clarify the existing knowledge of the physiological mechanism behind the Hering-Breuer reflex and its utility in the PSE technique. The secondary objective was to provide an overview of PSE which is probably the main mechanical feature for mucus clearance in infants and to identify gaps and any further research required. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE, from 1968 to January 2024, using search terms relating to “Interaction of Hering-Breuer reflex and chest physiotherapy therapy, sigh breath in infants and prolonged slow expiration technique” to create an overview of the advances and gaps in current knowledge of PSE. Result: The data obtained following treatment with PSE maneuvers in infants with histories of recurrent wheezing shows that the presence of sighs could be the main active principle of treatment. Conclusion: Changes in volume induced by PSE technique and, effects from crying may stimulate the Hering-Breuer deflation reflex and sighs in turn improving alveolar ventilation as well as lung volume in infants.

Energy Demand Growth Rate to Slow Down

China’s energy demand growth rate is expected to slow down next year, with the government’s efforts to curb energy consumption intensive industries taking effect, executives from State oil and power companies said yesterday. Refined oil product consumption in China is likely

Proteomic analysis of down-regulated proteins in colonic mucosa of chronic slow transit constipation rats

Objective： To investigate the alternations of proteins in the colonic mucosa of chronic slow transit constipation （STC） rats with a 2-DE-based proteomic method and analyze the function of these down-regulated proteins so as to provide theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosa of chronic STC rats. Methods： STC model was established by feeding rats with 8 mg/（kg＇d） diphenoxylate for 120 d. An experimental model of chronic STC rat was used for separation of proteomics from colonic mucosa using two-dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE）. Proteins altered in expressional level were identified by Image Master 2DElite, mass spectrometry, and bibliometrics were applied to identify the differential protein expression and their clinical s observed in the pathogenesis lgn of ificance and function were analyzed. Results： Obvious differential protein expression was STC, including mast cell protease （A1）, non-specific dipeptidase （A2） and chondrosome succinate dehydrogenase precursor （A3）. The expressions of A1, A2 and A3 were down-regulated in the gel graph of STC rats Conclusion： The down-regulation of chondrosome succinate dehydrogenase, mast cell protease as well as non-specific dipeptidase in rat colon suggests the functional impairment of the oxidoreduction of mitochondrion is very important in the genesis and development of STC. The immunological reaction of STC rats is weakened, and the function of digesting and absorbing protein may be damaged to some extent.

Empirical six-dimensional framework for slowing and reversing ageing using modern science and ancient wisdom

There are numerous published theories that cover the different biological processes relating to ageing. No one seems to have integrated such complex and seemingly unrelated information into a holistic framework that explains in simple terms the key aspects of ageing and provides a set of daily practices for staying young and healthy. An atiempt is made here to select a 6-dimensional framework symbolized by heart, mind, passion, focus, body and health, and correlate it to the mental, emotional, physical and health aspects of ageing. Based on grounded theory, this paper empirically correlates 30 practical methods that can be used to develop all six dimensions, with 18 key factors that were found to infl uence ageing: Neurogenesis;Epigenetic reprogramming;Removing dying cells;Mitochondria resuscitation;Calorie restriction;Plant-based diet;Regular physical activity;Chi Kung (Qigong);Overcoming anxiety, depression and stress;Positive mind-set;Some worrying;Vitamins and minerals;L-Theanine;Omega-3 and healthy fats;Coenzyme Q-10;Pyrroloquinoline quinone;Nitric oxide;Choline. In this study, 26 references were used to establish that all 18 of these seemingly unrelated key anti-ageing factors can be developed using 30 daily practices derived from the 6-dimensional framework. These simple daily prac-tices can help people of all ages to stay young and healthy, and help older people who are living alone to self-improve their quality of life without needing anyone to look atier them. Since many anti-ageing drugs seem to be ineffective, this study provides a holistic new research direction for using modern science and ancient human energy practices combined with wholesome nutrition to slow ageing and age-related illnesses.

Just How Much Is the Economy Slowing

Is the American economy slowing or growing?WallStreet and Corporate America have different views.FederalReserve Chairman Alan Greespan told Congress that it looksas if the economy is slowing.As real retail sales。

Slow Down,Don’t Panic

CHINA＇S economy grew at 7.3 percent in the third quarter of 2014, maintaining a steady pace de- spite a complicated external and internal economic environment. In the first nine months, the economy expanded 7,4 percent overall.