Uniting Cultures With the Beijing Opera

A non-Chinese actor plays the Monkey King and dreams of bringing traditional productions together on stage.Ghaffar Pourazar is an Azary Iranian British national. At the age of 13, his parents sent him to Cambridge, England for his education. He graduated from college with a degree in computer systems, and then earned a master’s degree in computer animation. He started working in character animation in London, but his hobbies included dance, mime and theater. After years of training, Ghaffar is now a director and performer playing the Monkey King and other warrior roles with the Beijing Opera. He shares with us his journey in becoming the only foreigner to hold such positions with this traditional Chinese theater. Through his experiences, we learn how he created a unique bridge between his Western education and his desire to learn the ancient arts of the Chinese. His story begins when he lived in London.

Uniting the World's Women

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Laser speckle contrast imaging based on uniting spatiotemporal Fourier transform

We propose a laser speckle contrast imaging method based on uniting spatiotemporal Fourier transform.First,the raw speckle images are entirely transformed to the spatiotemporal frequency domain with a three-dimensional(3D)fast Fourier transform.Second,the dynamic and static speckle components are extracted by applying 3D low-pass and high-pass filtering in the spatiotemporal frequency domain and inverse 3D Fourier transform.Third,we calculate the time-averaged modulation depth with the average of both components to map the two-dimensional blood flow distribution.The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method could effectively improve computational efficiency and imaging quality.

基于GRU-DRSN的双通道人体活动识别

人体活动识别(human activity recognizition, HAR)在医疗、军工、智能家居等领域有很大的应用空间。传统机器学习方法特征提取难度较大且精度不高。针对上述问题并结合传感器时序特性,提出了一种融合CBAM(convolutional block attention module)注意力机制的GRU-DRSN双通道并行模型,有效避免了传统串行模型因网络深度加深引起梯度爆炸和消失问题。同时并行结构使得两条支路具有相同的优先级,使用深度残差收缩网络(deep residual shrinkage network, DRSN)提取数据的深层空间特征,同时使用门控循环结构(gated recurrent unit, GRU)学习活动样本在时间序列上的特征,同时进行提取样本不同维度的特征,并通过CBAM模块进行特征的权重分配,最后通过Softmax层进行识别,实现了端对端的人体活动识别。使用公开数据集(wireless sensor data mining, WISDM)进行验证,模型平均精度达到了97.6%,与传统机器学习模型和前人所提神经网络模型相比,有更好的识别效果。

基于CAM-YOLOX的大场景SAR图像近岸场景舰船目标检测

针对大场景SAR图像近岸场景舰船目标检测中遇到的陆地目标虚警和岸边目标漏检等问题,基于YOLOX设计了一种轻量化的改进模型CAM-YOLOX。首先,在骨干部分嵌入CAM,增强舰船特征提取以保持较高的检测性能;其次,在特征金字塔网络结构中增加一个浅层分支,以增强对小目标特征的提取能力;最后,在特征融合网络中用Shuffle unit替换CSPLayer中的CBS和堆叠的Bottleneck结构,实现了模型压缩。在LS-SSDD-v1.0遥感数据集上进行实验,实验结果表明,本文改进算法相较于原始算法在近岸场景舰船检测的精确率P提高了5.51%,召回率R提高了3.68%,模型参数量减小了16.33%。本文算法能在不增加模型参数量的情况下,有效抑制近岸场景中陆地上的虚警和减少岸边舰船漏检率。

Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor A and basic fibroblast growth factor from nanofiber membranes reduces oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced injury to neurovascular units

Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A/basic fibroblast growth factor(VEGFA/b FGF)expression in the penumbra of cerebral ischemia can increase vascular volume,reduce lesion volume,and enhance neural cell proliferation and differentiation,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.However,the beneficial effects of endogenous VEGFA/b FGF are limited as their expression is only transiently increased.In this study,we generated multilayered nanofiber membranes loaded with VEGFA/b FGF using layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrospinning techniques.We found that a membrane containing 10 layers had an ideal ultrastructure and could efficiently and stably release growth factors for more than 1 month.This 10-layered nanofiber membrane promoted brain microvascular endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation,inhibited neuronal apoptosis,upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins,and improved the viability of various cellular components of neurovascular units under conditions of oxygen/glucose deprivation.Furthermore,this nanofiber membrane decreased the expression of Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(JAK2/STAT3),Bax/Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3.Therefore,this nanofiber membrane exhibits a neuroprotective effect on oxygen/glucose-deprived neurovascular units by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Assessment of Wet Season Precipitation in the Central United States by the Regional Climate Simulation of the WRFG Member in NARCCAP and Its Relationship with Large-Scale Circulation Biases

Assessment of past-climate simulations of regional climate models(RCMs)is important for understanding the reliability of RCMs when used to project future regional climate.Here,we assess the performance and discuss possible causes of biases in a WRF-based RCM with a grid spacing of 50 km,named WRFG,from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program(NARCCAP)in simulating wet season precipitation over the Central United States for a period when observational data are available.The RCM reproduces key features of the precipitation distribution characteristics during late spring to early summer,although it tends to underestimate the magnitude of precipitation.This dry bias is partially due to the model’s lack of skill in simulating nocturnal precipitation related to the lack of eastward propagating convective systems in the simulation.Inaccuracy in reproducing large-scale circulation and environmental conditions is another contributing factor.The too weak simulated pressure gradient between the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico results in weaker southerly winds in between,leading to a reduction of warm moist air transport from the Gulf to the Central Great Plains.The simulated low-level horizontal convergence fields are less favorable for upward motion than in the NARR and hence,for the development of moist convection as well.Therefore,a careful examination of an RCM’s deficiencies and the identification of the source of errors are important when using the RCM to project precipitation changes in future climate scenarios.

Impact of apolipoprotein E isoforms on sporadic Alzheimer's disease:beyond the role of amyloid beta

The impact of apolipoprotein E(ApoE)isoforms on sporadic Alzheimer's disease has long been studied;however,the influences of apolipoprotein E gene(APOE)on healthy and pathological human brains are not fully understood.ApoE exists as three common isoforms(ApoE2,ApoE3,and ApoE4),which differ in two amino acid residues.Traditionally,ApoE binds cholesterol and phospholipids and ApoE isoforms display diffe rent affinities for their receptors,lipids transport and distribution in the brain and periphery.The role of ApoE in the human depends on ApoE isoforms,brain regions,aging,and neural injury.APOE E4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease,considering its role in influencing amyloid-beta metabolism.The exact mechanisms by which APOE gene variants may increase or decrease Alzheimer's disease risk are not fully understood,but APOE was also known to affect directly and indirectly tau-mediated neurodegeneration,lipids metabolism,neurovascular unit,and microglial function.Consistent with the biological function of ApoE,ApoE4 isoform significantly alte red signaling pathways associated with cholesterol homeostasis,transport,and myelination.Also,the rare protective APOE variants confirm that ApoE plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.The objectives of the present mini-review were to describe classical and new roles of various ApoE isoforms in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology beyond the deposition of amyloid-beta and to establish a functional link between APOE,brain function,and memory,from a molecular to a clinical level.APOE genotype also exerted a heterogeneous effect on clinical Alzheimer's disease phenotype and its outcomes.Not only in learning and memory but also in neuro psychiatric symptoms that occur in a premorbid condition.Cla rifying the relationships between Alzheimer's disease-related pathology with neuropsychiatric symptoms,particularly suicidal ideation in Alzheimer's disease patients,may be useful for elucidating also the underlying pathophysiological process and its prognosis.Also,the effects of anti-amyloid-beta drugs,recently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease,could be influenced by the APOE genotype.

Foam rolling and stretching do not provide superior acute flexibility and stiffness improvements compared to any other warm-up intervention: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background:Acute improvement in range of motion(ROM)is a widely reported effect of stretching and foam rolling,which is commonly explained by changes in pain threshold and/or musculotendinous stiffness.Interestingly,these effects were also reported in response to various other active and passive interventions that induce responses such as enhanced muscle temperature.Therefore,we hypothesized that acute ROM enhancements could be induced by a wide variety of interventions other than stretching or foam rolling that promote an increase in muscle temperature.Methods:After a systematic search in PubMed,Web of Science,and SPORTDiscus databases,38 studies comparing the effects of stretching and foam rolling with several other interventions on ROM and passive properties were included.These studies had 1134 participants in total,and the data analysis resulted in 140 effect sizes(ESs).ES calculations were performed using robust variance estimation model with R-package.Results:Study quality of the included studies was classified as fair(PEDro score=4.58)with low to moderate certainty of evidence.Results showed no significant differences in ROM(ES=0.01,p=0.88),stiffness(ES=0.09,p=0.67),or passive peak torque(ES=-0.30,p=0.14)between stretching or foam rolling and the other identified activities.Funnel plots revealed no publication bias.Conclusion:Based on current literature,our results challenge the established view on stretching and foam rolling as a recommended component of warm-up programs.The lack of significant difference between interventions suggests there is no need to emphasize stretching or foam rolling to induce acute ROM,passive peak torque increases,or stiffness reductions.

One memristor–one electrolyte-gated transistor-based high energy-efficient dropout neuronal units

Artificial neural networks(ANN) have been extensively researched due to their significant energy-saving benefits.Hardware implementations of ANN with dropout function would be able to avoid the overfitting problem. This letter reports a dropout neuronal unit(1R1T-DNU) based on one memristor–one electrolyte-gated transistor with an ultralow energy consumption of 25 p J/spike. A dropout neural network is constructed based on such a device and has been verified by MNIST dataset, demonstrating high recognition accuracies(> 90%) within a large range of dropout probabilities up to40%. The running time can be reduced by increasing dropout probability without a significant loss in accuracy. Our results indicate the great potential of introducing such 1R1T-DNUs in full-hardware neural networks to enhance energy efficiency and to solve the overfitting problem.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of critical ill heatstroke patients and their associations with outcomes:A multicentre,retrospective,observational study

BACKGROUND Extreme heat exposure is a growing health problem,and the effects of heat on the gastrointestinal(GI)tract is unknown.This study aimed to assess the incidence of GI symptoms associated with heatstroke and its impact on outcomes.AIM To assess the incidence of GI symptoms associated with heatstroke and its impact on outcomes.METHODS Patients admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)due to heatstroke were included from 83 centres.Patient history,laboratory results,and clinically relevant outcomes were recorded at ICU admission and daily until up to day 15,ICU discharge,or death.GI symptoms,including nausea/vomiting,diarrhoea,flatulence,and bloody stools,were recorded.The characteristics of patients with heatstroke concomitant with GI symptoms were described.Multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of GI symptoms.RESULTS A total of 713 patients were included in the final analysis,of whom 132(18.5%)patients had at least one GI symptom during their ICU stay,while 26(3.6%)suffered from more than one symptom.Patients with GI symptoms had a significantly higher ICU stay compared with those without.The mortality of patients who had two or more GI symptoms simultaneously was significantly higher than that in those with one GI symptom.Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that older patients with a lower GCS score on admission were more likely to experience GI symptoms.CONCLUSION The GI manifestations of heatstroke are common and appear to impact clinically relevant hospitalization outcomes.

Dynamic Response of Foundations during Startup of High-Frequency Tunnel Equipment

The specialized equipment utilized in long-line tunnel engineering is evolving towards large-scale,multifunctional,and complex orientations.The vibration caused by the high-frequency units during regular operation is supported by the foundation of the units,and the magnitude of vibration and the operating frequency fluctuate in different engineering contexts,leading to variations in the dynamic response of the foundation.The high-frequency units yield significantly diverse outcomes under different startup conditions and times,resulting in failure to meet operational requirements,influencing the normal function of the tunnel,and causing harm to the foundation structure,personnel,and property in severe cases.This article formulates a finite element numerical computation model for solid elements using three-dimensional elastic body theory and integrates field measurements to substantiate and ascertain the crucial parameter configurations of the finite element model.By proposing a comprehensive startup timing function for high-frequency dynamic machines under different startup conditions,simulating the frequency andmagnitude variations during the startup process,and suggesting functions for changes in frequency and magnitude,a simulated startup schedule function for high-frequency machines is created through coupling.Taking into account the selection of the transient dynamic analysis step length,the dynamic response results for the lower dynamic foundation during its fundamental frequency crossing process are obtained.The validation checks if the structural magnitude surpasses the safety threshold during the critical phase of unit startup traversing the structural resonance region.The design recommendations for high-frequency units’dynamic foundations are provided,taking into account the startup process of the machine and ensuring the safe operation of the tunnel.

Analysis of the Erosion-Corrosion Mechanism of the Air Cooler in a Hydrocracking Unit:A Numerical and Experimental Study

Corrosion leakages often occur in the air cooler of a hydrocracking unit,with the failure sites mainly located in the entrance area of the tubes.An analysis of the macroscopic morphology and corrosion products confirmed that the damage was caused by erosion-corrosion(E-C).Numerical and experimental methods were applied to investigate the E-C mechanism in the air cooler.Computational fluid dynamics(CFD)was used to calculate the hydrodynamic parameters of the air cooler.The results showed that there was a biased flow in the air cooler,which led to a significant increase in velocity,turbulent kinetic energy and wall shear within 0.2 m of the tube entrance.A visualization experiment was then performed to determine the principles of migration and transformation of multiphase flow in the air cooler tubes.Various flow patterns(pure droplet flow,mist flow,and annular flow)and their evolutionary processes were clearly depicted experimentally.The initiation mechanism and processes leading to the development of E-C in the air cooler were also determined.This study provided a comprehensive explanation for the E-C failures that occur in air coolers during operation.

A new evolutional model for institutional field knowledge flow network

Purpose:This paper aims to address the limitations in existing research on the evolution of knowledge flow networks by proposing a meso-level institutional field knowledge flow network evolution model(IKM).The purpose is to simulate the construction process of a knowledge flow network using knowledge organizations as units and to investigate its effectiveness in replicating institutional field knowledge flow networks.Design/Methodology/Approach:The IKM model enhances the preferential attachment and growth observed in scale-free BA networks,while incorporating three adjustment parameters to simulate the selection of connection targets and the types of nodes involved in the network evolution process Using the PageRank algorithm to calculate the significance of nodes within the knowledge flow network.To compare its performance,the BA and DMS models are also employed for simulating the network.Pearson coefficient analysis is conducted on the simulated networks generated by the IKM,BA and DMS models,as well as on the actual network.Findings:The research findings demonstrate that the IKM model outperforms the BA and DMS models in replicating the institutional field knowledge flow network.It provides comprehensive insights into the evolution mechanism of knowledge flow networks in the scientific research realm.The model also exhibits potential applicability to other knowledge networks that involve knowledge organizations as node units.Research Limitations:This study has some limitations.Firstly,it primarily focuses on the evolution of knowledge flow networks within the field of physics,neglecting other fields.Additionally,the analysis is based on a specific set of data,which may limit the generalizability of the findings.Future research could address these limitations by exploring knowledge flow networks in diverse fields and utilizing broader datasets.Practical Implications:The proposed IKM model offers practical implications for the construction and analysis of knowledge flow networks within institutions.It provides a valuable tool for understanding and managing knowledge exchange between knowledge organizations.The model can aid in optimizing knowledge flow and enhancing collaboration within organizations.Originality/value:This research highlights the significance of meso-level studies in understanding knowledge organization and its impact on knowledge flow networks.The IKM model demonstrates its effectiveness in replicating institutional field knowledge flow networks and offers practical implications for knowledge management in institutions.Moreover,the model has the potential to be applied to other knowledge networks,which are formed by knowledge organizations as node units.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Triassic Nianzi Adakitic Granite Unit in the Yanshan Fold and Thrust Belt:New Constraints from U-Pb Geochronology and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopes

The Nianzi granite unit,which includes the Nianzi,Xiaolianghou and Xiawopu granitic intrusions,is a significant component of the northern part of the North China Craton(NCC)and is situated in the Yanshan fold and thrust belt(YFTB).However,there is still debate regarding the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB during the late Permian to Triassic period,specifically regarding the timing of subduction and collision between the NCC and the Paleo-Asian Ocean.The Nianzi granite unit exhibits unique petrological,geochronological and geochemical signatures that shed light on the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB.This study presents detailed petrology,whole-rock geochemistry,together with Sr-Nd isotopic,zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopic data of the granites within the Nianzi granite unit.Our findings demonstrate that the granites primarily consist of subhedral K-feldspar,plagioclase,quartz,minor biotite and hornblende,with accessory titanite,apatite,magnetite and zircon.Zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Xiaolianghou granite was emplaced at 247.5±0.62 Ma.Additionally,the adakitic characteristics of the Nianzi,Xiawopu and Xiaolianghou granitic intrusions,such as high Sr and Ba contents and high ratios of Sr/Y and(La/Yb)N,combined with negative Sr-Nd and Lu-Hf isotopes(87Sr/86Sr)i=0.705681–0.7057433,εNd(t)=−21.98 to−20.97,zirconεHf(t)=−20.26 to−9.92,as well as the I-type granite features of high SiO_(2),Na_(2)O and K_(2)O/Na_(2)O ratios,enriched Rb,K,Sr and Ba,along with depleted Th,U,Nb,Ta,P and Ti,suggest that the Nianzi granitic unit was mainly derived from the partial melting of a thickened lower crust containing hydrous,calc-alkaline to high-K calc-alkaline,mafic to intermediate metamorphic rocks.In light of these parameters,we further integrate our data with previous studies and conclude that the Nianzi granitic unit was generated in a post-collisional extensional environment during the Early Triassic.

On implications of somatostatin in diabetic retinopathy

Somatostatin,a naturally produced neuroprotective peptide,depresses excitatory neurotransmission and exerts anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects on the retina.In this review,we summarize the progress of somatostatin treatment of diabetic retinopathy through analysis of relevant studies published from February 2019 to February 2023 extracted from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.Insufficient neuroprotection,which occurs as a consequence of declined expression or dysregulation of retinal somatostatin in the very early stages of diabetic retinopathy,triggers retinal neurovascular unit impairment and microvascular damage.Somatostatin replacement is a promising treatment for retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy.Numerous pre-clinical and clinical trials of somatostatin analog treatment for early diabetic retinopathy have been initiated.In one such trial(EUROCONDOR),topical administration of somatostatin was found to exert neuroprotective effects in patients with pre-existing retinal neurodysfunction,but had no impact on the onset of diabetic retinopathy.Overall,we concluded that somatostatin restoration may be especially beneficial for the growing population of patients with early-stage retinopathy.In order to achieve early prevention of diabetic retinopathy initiation,and thereby salvage visual function before the appearance of moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy,several issues need to be addressed.These include the needs to:a)update and standardize the retinal screening scheme to incorporate the detection of early neurodegeneration,b)identify patient subgroups who would benefit from somatostatin analog supplementation,c)elucidate the interactions of somatostatin,particularly exogenously-delivered somatostatin analogs,with other retinal peptides in the context of hyperglycemia,and d)design safe,feasible,low cost,and effective administration routes.

Bionic lightweight design of limb leg units for hydraulic quadruped robots by additive manufacturing and topology optimization

Galloping cheetahs,climbing mountain goats,and load hauling horses all show desirable locomotion capability,which motivates the development of quadruped robots.Among various quadruped robots,hydraulically driven quadruped robots show great potential in unstructured environments due to their discrete landing positions and large payloads.As the most critical movement unit of a quadruped robot,the limb leg unit(LLU)directly affects movement speed and reliability,and requires a compact and lightweight design.Inspired by the dexterous skeleton–muscle systems of cheetahs and humans,this paper proposes a highly integrated bionic actuator system for a better dynamic performance of an LLU.We propose that a cylinder barrel with multiple element interfaces and internal smooth channels is realized using metal additive manufacturing,and hybrid lattice structures are introduced into the lightweight design of the piston rod.In addition,additive manufacturing and topology optimization are incorporated to reduce the redundant material of the structural parts of the LLU.The mechanical properties of the actuator system are verified by numerical simulation and experiments,and the power density of the actuators is far greater than that of cheetah muscle.The mass of the optimized LLU is reduced by 24.5%,and the optimized LLU shows better response time performance when given a step signal,and presents a good trajectory tracking ability with the increase in motion frequency.

The neurovascular unit-on-a-chip:modeling ischemic stroke to stem cell therapy

The neurovascular unit and stem cell therapy in ischemic stroke:Ischemic stroke,accounts for approximately 85% of all stroke incidents and is a major global health burden.It is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide,posing immense societal and economic challenges due to the long-term care required for stro ke survivors and the significant healthcare costs associated with its treatment and management(Amarenco et al.,2009).

Complicated calcified alloplastic implants in the nasal dorsum:A clinical analysis

BACKGROUND In rhinoplasty,calcification around silicone implants is frequently observed in the tip dorsum(TD)area.Additionally,based on a review of various literature,it is presumed that calcification in silicone implants occurs due to both inflammatory chemical reactions and physical friction against the tissue.The calcification of nasal silicone implants not only results in the functional loss of the implants,but also leads to material deformation.However,there is a lack of research on calcification of nasal silicone implants in the current literature.AIM To elucidate various clinical characteristics of calcification around nasal silicone implants,using histological and radiological analysis.METHODS This study analyzed data from 16 patients of calcified nasal implants,who underwent revision rhinoplasty for various reasons after undergoing augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone implants.The collected data included information on implant duration,implant types,location of calcification,presence of inflammatory reactions,and computed tomography(CT)scans.RESULTS The most common location of calcification,as visually analyzed,was in the TD area,accounting for 56%.Additionally,the analysis of CT scans revealed a trend of increasing Hounsfield Unit values for calcification with the duration of implantation,although this trend was not statistically significant(P=0.139).CONCLUSION Our study shows that reducing the frequency of calcification may be achievable by using softer silicone implants and by minimizing the damage to perioperative tissues.

Is sarcopenia effective on survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer?

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a progressively diminishing state characterized by the reduction of muscle mass and density,which is frequently observed in malignancies of solid organs.AIM To assess how sarcopenia affects the overall survival of individuals who have been diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer.METHODS The study retrospectively included individuals who had been diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer between January 2008 and December 2020.Sarcopenia was identified through the calculation of the average Hounsfield units(HUAC)using computed tomography(CT)images taken at the time of diagnosis in patients.RESULTS A total of 118 patients with metastatic gastric cancer were evaluated.Sarcopenia was detected in 29 patients(24.6%).The median survival of all patients was 8(1-43)mo.The median survival of patients with sarcopenia was 2 mo,while it was 10 mo for those without sarcopenia(P<0.001).A significant relationship was found between sarcopenia and survival.CONCLUSION Sarcopenia has been observed to impact survival outcomes in various types of solid tumor cancers.Sarcopenic patients can be identified in a short time,easily and inexpensively,by HUAC measurements from CT images used for diagnosis,and survival could be promoted with nutritional support.