Conceptus elongation in ruminants: roles of progesterone, prostaglandin, interferon tau and cortisol

The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the first three weeks after conception, particularly during the period of conceptus elongation that occurs prior to pregnancy recognition and implantation. This review integrates established and new information on the biological role of ovarian progesterone （P4）, prostaglandins （PGs）, interferon tau （IFNT） and cortisol in endometrial function and conceptus elongation. Progesterone is secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum （CL） and is the unequivocal hormone of pregnancy. Prostaglandins （PGs） and cortisol are produced by both the epithelial cells of the endometrium and the trophectoderm of the elongating conceptus. In contrast, IFNT is produced solely by the conceptus trophectoderm and is the maternal recognition of pregnancy signa that inhibits production of luteolytic pulses of PGF2α by the endometrium to maintain the CL and thus production of P4. Available results in sheep support the idea that the individual, interactive, and coordinated actions of P4, PGs, IFNT and cortisol regulate conceptus elongation and implantation by controlling expression of genes in the endometrium and/or trophectoderm. An increased knowledge of conceptus-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy in ruminants is necessary to understand and elucidate the causes of infertility and recurrent early pregnancy loss and provide new strategies to improve fertility and thus reproductive efficiency.

Endometrial response to conceptus-derived estrogen and interleukin-1β at the time of implantation in pigs

The establishment of pregnancy is a complex process that requires a well-coordinated interaction between the implanting conceptus and the maternal uterus. In pigs, the conceptus undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes at the time of implantation and introduces various factors, including estrogens and cytokines,interleukin-1β2(IL1 B2), interferon-γ(IFNG), and IFN-δ(IFND), into the uterine lumen. In response to ovarian steroid hormones and conceptus-derived factors, the uterine endometrium becomes receptive to the implanting conceptus by changing its expression of cell adhesion molecules, secretory activity, and immune response. Conceptus-derived estrogens act as a signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy by changing the direction of prostaglandin(PG) F2αfrom the uterine vasculature to the uterine lumen. Estrogens also induce the expression of many endometrial genes,including genes related to growth factors, the synthesis and transport of PGs, and immunity. IL1 B2, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is produced by the elongating conceptus. The direct effect of IL1 B2 on endometrial function is not fully understood. IL1 B activates the expression of endometrial genes, including the genes involved in IL1 B signaling and PG synthesis and transport. In addition, estrogen or IL1 B stimulates endometrial expression of IFN signaling molecules,suggesting that estrogen and IL1 B act cooperatively in priming the endometrial function of conceptus-produced IFNG and IFND that, in turn, modulate endometrial immune response during early pregnancy. This review addresses information about maternal-conceptus interactions with respect to endometrial gene expression in response to conceptus-derived factors, focusing on the roles of estrogen and IL1 B during early pregnancy in pigs.

Cytokines from the pig conceptus:roles in conceptus development in pigs

Establishment of pregnancy in pigs involves maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpora lutea in addition to regulating a sensitive interplay between the maternal immune system and attachment of the rapidly expanding trophoblast for nutrient absorption. The peri-implantation period of rapid trophoblastic elongation followed by attachment to the maternal uterine endometrium is critical for establishing a sufficient placental-uterine interface for subsequent nutrient transport for fetal survival to term, but is also marked by the required conceptus release of factors involved with stimulating uterine secretion of histotroph and modulation of the maternal immune system. Many endometrial genes activated by the conceptus secretory factors stimulate a tightly controlled proinflammatory response within the uterus. A number of the cytokines released by the elongating conceptuses stimulate inducible transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B （NFKB） potentially regulating the maternal uterine proinflammatory and immune response. This review will establish the current knowledge for the role of conceptus cytokine production and release in early development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig.

Select nutrients and their effects on conceptus development in mammals

The dialogue between the mammalian conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated membranes) involves signaling for pregnancy recognition and maintenance of pregnancy during the critical peri-implantation period of pregnancy when the stage is set for implantation and placentation that precedes fetal development. Uterine epithelial cells secrete and/or transport a wide range of molecules, including nutrients,collectively referred to as histotroph that are transported into the fetal-placental vascular system to support growth and development of the conceptus. The availability of uterine-derived histotroph has long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the fetus and the prevention of adult onset of metabolic diseases. Histotroph includes numerous amino acids, but arginine plays a particularly important role as a source of nitric oxide and polyamines required for fetal-placental development in rodents, swine and humans through mechanisms that remain to be fully elucidated. Mechanisms whereby arginine regulates expression of genes via the mechanistic target of rapamycin cell signaling pathways critical to conceptus development, implantation and placentation are discussed in detail in this review.

An improved analytical solution for solving the shield tunnel uplift problem

The problem of shield tunnel uplift is a common issue in tunnel construction.Due to the decrease in shear stiffness at the joints between the rings,uplift is typically observed as bending and dislocation deformation at these joints.Existing modeling methods typically rely on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory,only considering the bending effect while disregarding shear deformation.Furthermore,the constraints on the shield tail are often neglected in existing models.In this study,an improved theoretical model of tunnel floating is proposed.The constraint effect of the shield machine shell on the tunnel structure is considered using the structural forms of two finite long beams and one semi-infinite long beam.Furthermore,the Timoshenko beam theory is adopted,providing a more accurate description of tunnel deformation,including both the bending effect and shear deformation,than existing models.Meanwhile,the buoyancy force and stratum resistance are calculated in a nonlinear manner.A reliable method for calculating the shear stiffness correction factor is proposed to better determination of the calculation parameters.The proposed theoretical model is validated through five cases using sitemonitored data.Its applicability and effectiveness are demonstrated.Furthermore,the influences of soil type,buried depth,and buoyancy force on the three key indicators of tunnel floating(i.e.the maximum uplift magnitude,the ring position with the fastest uplift race,and the ring position with the maximum uplift magnitude)are analyzed.The results indicate that the proposed model can provide a better understanding of the floating characteristics of the tunnel structure during construction.

Combining Deep Learning with Knowledge Graph for Design Knowledge Acquisition in Conceptual Product Design

The acquisition of valuable design knowledge from massive fragmentary data is challenging for designers in conceptual product design.This study proposes a novel method for acquiring design knowledge by combining deep learning with knowledge graph.Specifically,the design knowledge acquisition method utilises the knowledge extraction model to extract design-related entities and relations from fragmentary data,and further constructs the knowledge graph to support design knowledge acquisition for conceptual product design.Moreover,the knowledge extraction model introduces ALBERT to solve memory limitation and communication overhead in the entity extraction module,and uses multi-granularity information to overcome segmentation errors and polysemy ambiguity in the relation extraction module.Experimental comparison verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed knowledge extraction model.The case study demonstrated the feasibility of the knowledge graph construction with real fragmentary porcelain data and showed the capability to provide designers with interconnected and visualised design knowledge.

Resilience, the 6th Vital Sign: Conceptualizing, Contextualizing, and Operationalizing All Six Vital Signs

There are five vital signs that healthcare providers assess: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Normal levels for the five vital signs are published by the American Heart Association, and other specialty organizations, however, the sixth vital sign (resilience) which adopts the measure of immune resilience is suggested in this paper. Resilience is the ability of the immune system to respond to attacks and defend effectively against infections and inflammatory stressors, and psychological resilience is the capacity to resist, adapt, recover, thrive, and grow from a challenge or a stressor. Individuals with better optimal immune resilience had better health outcomes than those with minimal immune resilience. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize, contextualize, and operationalize all six vital signs. We suggest measuring resilience subjectively and objectively. Subjectively, use a 5-item guided interview revised from the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRC), a scale of 10 items. The revised CDRC scale is a 5-item scale. The scale is rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 (not true) to 4 (true all the time). The total score ranges from 0 to 20, with higher total scores indicating greater resilience. The scale demonstrated good construct validity and internal consistency (α = 0.85) during the development of the scale. The CD-RISC had a good Cronbach’s alpha level of 0.85. The Revised CD-RISC can be completed in 2 - 4 minutes. To measure resilience objectively, we suggest using Immune Resilience (IR) levels, the level of resilience to preserve and/or rapidly restore immune resilience functions that promote disease resistance and control inflammation and other inflammatory stress. IR levels are gauged with two peripheral blood metrics that quantify the balance between CD8 and CD4 T-cell levels and gene expression signatures tracking longevity-associated immunocompetence and mortality- or entropy-associated inflammation. IR deregulation is potentially reversible by decreasing inflammatory stress. IR metrics and mechanisms have utility as vital signs and biomarkers for measuring immune health and improving health outcomes.

Data Mining Based Research of Development Direction of Waist Protection Equipment

[Objectives]To explore the trend of brands towards the design of waist protection products through data mining,and to provide reference for the design concept of the contour of waist protection pillow.[Methods]The structural design information of all waist protection equipment was collected from the national Internet platform,and the data were classified and a database was established.IBM SPSS 26.0 and MATLAB 2018a were used to analyze the data and tabulate them in Tableau 2022.4.After the association rules were clarified,the data were imported into Cinema 4D R21 to create the concept contour of waist protection pillow.[Results]The average and standard deviation of the single airbag design were the highest in all groups,with an average of 0.511 and a standard deviation of 0.502.The average and standard deviation of the upper and lower dual airbags were the lowest in all groups,with an average of 0.015 and a standard deviation of 0.120;the correlation coefficient between single airbag and 120°arc stretching was 0.325,which was positively correlated with each other(P<0.01);the correlation coefficient between multiple airbags and 360°encircling fitting was 0.501,which was positively correlated with each other and had the highest correlation degree(P<0.01).[Conclusions]The single airbag design is well recognized by companies,and has received the highest attention among all brand products.While focusing on single airbag design,most brands will consider the need to add 120°arc stretching elements in product design.At the time of focusing on multiple airbag design,some brands believe that 360°encircling fitting elements need to be added to the product,and the correlation between the two is the highest among all groups.

Modeling the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Local Context for a Contextualized Diffusion of Agroecological Intensification Options in Niger

Spatio-temporal variability and dynamics in Sahelian agro-pastoral zones make each local situation a special case. These specificities must be considered to guide the dissemination of agricultural options with a view to sustainable development. The territorial scale of municipalities is not sufficient for this necessary contextualization;the scale of the “village terroir” seems to be a better option. This is the hypothesis we put forward in the framework of the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems program (CRFS), i.e. local context is spatially defined by village terroir. The study is based on data collected through participatory mapping and surveys in “village terroirs” in three regions of Niger (Maradi, Dosso and Tillabéri). Then the links between farm managers and their cultivated land, as well as the spatio-temporal dynamics of local context are analyzed. This study provides evidence of the existence and functional usefulness of the village terroir for farmers, their land management and their activities. It demonstrates the usefulness of contextualizing agricultural options at this scale. Their analysis elucidates the links between “terroirs village” and the specific functioning of the agrosocio-ecosystems acting on each of them, thus laying the systemic and geographical foundations for a model of the spatio- temporal dynamics of “village terroirs”. This initial work has opened up new perspectives in modeling and sustainable development.

A Study on Internet Buzzwords in the Last Four Years Based on Conceptual Integration Theory

Internet buzzwords,as distinct forms of language,consist of short sentences yet carry rich meanings and spread rapidly.To better study this intriguing and unique linguistic phenomenon,this paper employed conceptual integration theory for its powerful explanatory capabilities to analyze the origins,composition,and emergence of meanings of internet buzzwords over the past four years.These 40 internet buzzwords can be categorized into five types:semantic derivation,generalization,abbreviation,metonymy,and compounding.Furthermore,this paper conducted cognitive analysis from different conceptual integration network perspectives,elucidating specific cognitive operations involved in the construction of meanings and revealing the emergence process of layered meanings in recent internet buzzwords over the past four years.

A Study on the Translation Strategies of Metaphors in Song Ci from the Perspective of Conceptual Metaphor

This article employs the theory of conceptual metaphor to conduct a thorough analysis and exploration of translation strategies for the metaphors in Song Ci. Ci, a treasure in ancient Chinese literature, makes frequent use of metaphor. Its unique form of expression and abundant artistic effects often create difficulties in translation. This study selects some representative metaphor examples from Song Ci to explore the patterns and strategies in the translation process. The study reveals that in face of the metaphors in Song Ci, translators need to comprehensively apply strategies such as retaining the metaphor, replacing the metaphor, and translating the literal meaning to ensure the quality of translation while restoring the aesthetic charm of the original metaphor.

Self-management in patients with diabetic foot ulcer:a concept analysis

Objective:This paper presents an analysis of the concept of patient outcomes.Methods:The present study conducted searches on various databases,including Wanfang,Sinomed,CNKI,Pub Med,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,and Ovid.The paper followed the Walker and Avant concept-analysis approach.Results:Initially,899 pieces of literature were identified through the search process,and after screening,41 of them were ultimately included in the analysis.The identified attributes of the concept included(1)capability,(2)decision making,and(3)action.These antecedents were shaped by factors such as illness perception,self-efficacy,and family and social.The consequences included(1)physiological effects,(2)psychological effects,and(3)social influence.Conclusions:The concept analysis of self-management in patients with diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)not only aids in clinical practice and suppor ts interventions,but also contributes to the development of self-management theory.The common goal of clinical medical staff is to assist DFU patients in improving cognitive ability,making correct self-management decisions,and enhancing self-management behavior.

Conceptual Metaphor Analysis in Advertising Slogans about Coffee Brands

This paper delves into the strategic use of conceptual metaphors in advertising slogans for coffee brands,exploring how these linguistic devices influence consumer perception and brand appeal.By employing cognitive linguistic theories,this study categorizes eight global coffee brand slogans into five distinct metaphorical patterns,revealing the underlying conceptual mappings that enhance brand messaging.The analysis underscores the importance of metaphorical language in simplifying complex ideas,evoking emotional responses,and establishing a connection between the product and the consumer’s everyday experiences.This paper concludes that the judicious application of conceptual metaphors in advertising is a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful slogans that resonate with the target audience.

The Application of Semantic Cognitive Mechanism of English Idioms in Idiom Teaching

This article takes the perspective of cognitive linguistics and applies the semantic cognitive mechanism of English idioms to analyze the motivation between the generation and meaning of idioms.It explores the teaching of English idioms based on motivation analysis and proposes several suggestions and strategies for idiom teaching,hoping to benefit English idiom teaching.

Analysis of Viewing Paintings from the Perspective of Iconography

Distinguished from purely formalistic research methods,iconography pursues the interpretation of the hidden historical and humanistic connotations behind artworks,and is a discipline that combines visual text and content analysis methods.Combining the three stages of iconography proposed by Panofsky,the paper studies Shizeng Chen’s Viewing Paintings from the perspective of iconography,summarizing the formation and change of the images and contents of the artworks in the cultural system and civilization at that time,as well as their implied ideology,and analyzing the hidden spirit of the times and the historical significance behind them,so as to expound their iconographic significance.Through an in-depth discussion at three levels:pre-pictorial iconographic description,iconographic analysis,and iconographic interpretation,the facts and surface contents reproduced in the images,the traditional level of literary,artistic,and cultural knowledge,as well as the interpretation of the potential meanings are revealed.

Proof of Concept for a Twin Prime Number Universe Using Set Theory

The Fine Structure Constant (eFSC) Model attempts to give a classical definition to a magical number that underlies much of quantum physics. The Fine Structure Constant (α) value equal to 137.03599206 represents a dimensionless constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic (EM) interaction between subatomic charged particles. Python-generated property counts for the twin prime force F{139/137} show that the adjusted ratio gives a value of α = 137.036. This implies a mathematical framework underlying this constant is based on twin prime numbers and set theory. This study attempts to demonstrate a proof of concept that a hierarchy of fractional twin prime (αII) forces replicates the quantum nature of the universe and is aligned with the Standard Model of Particle Physics. An expanded eFSC Model demonstrates that twin prime forces and their property sets are mathematically viable substitutes for nuclear reactions, as demonstrated for the Beta-minus decay of neutrons into protons. Most significantly, the positive and negative prime numbers define these nuclear reactants and products as positive or negatively charged ions. Furthermore, the eFSC Model provides new insights regarding the hierarchy of EM forces underlying the quantum nature of the universe.

Contribution of the MERISE-Type Conceptual Data Model to the Construction of Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators of the Effectiveness of Training in Relation to the Needs of the Labor Market in the Republic of Congo

This study proposes the use of the MERISE conceptual data model to create indicators for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training in the Republic of Congo. The importance of MERISE for structuring and analyzing data is underlined, as it enables the measurement of the adequacy between training and the needs of the labor market. The innovation of the study lies in the adaptation of the MERISE model to the local context, the development of innovative indicators, and the integration of a participatory approach including all relevant stakeholders. Contextual adaptation and local innovation: The study suggests adapting MERISE to the specific context of the Republic of Congo, considering the local particularities of the labor market. Development of innovative indicators and new measurement tools: It proposes creating indicators to assess skills matching and employer satisfaction, which are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of vocational training. Participatory approach and inclusion of stakeholders: The study emphasizes actively involving training centers, employers, and recruitment agencies in the evaluation process. This participatory approach ensures that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered, leading to more relevant and practical outcomes. Using the MERISE model allows for: • Rigorous data structuring, organization, and standardization: Clearly defining entities and relationships facilitates data organization and standardization, crucial for effective data analysis. • Facilitation of monitoring, analysis, and relevant indicators: Developing both quantitative and qualitative indicators helps measure the effectiveness of training in relation to the labor market, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation. • Improved communication and common language: By providing a common language for different stakeholders, MERISE enhances communication and collaboration, ensuring that all parties have a shared understanding. The study’s approach and contribution to existing research lie in: • Structured theoretical and practical framework and holistic approach: The study offers a structured framework for data collection and analysis, covering both quantitative and qualitative aspects, thus providing a comprehensive view of the training system. • Reproducible methodology and international comparison: The proposed methodology can be replicated in other contexts, facilitating international comparison and the adoption of best practices. • Extension of knowledge and new perspective: By integrating a participatory approach and developing indicators adapted to local needs, the study extends existing research and offers new perspectives on vocational training evaluation.

基于Conceptual Play Spaces理论的教育游戏设计——探究式教育游戏的情境设计

学生理解学科内容并将其转化为智能的最好方式之一,是"参与"到具体问题情境中学习,而精心设计的教育游戏可提供更加真实的"问题情境",有效增强"参与度"。本文在对Conceptual Play Spaces理论分析前提下,理清教育游戏"概念性玩耍空间"的设计要素,基此提出探究式教育游戏的情境设计,促使学生沉浸于丰富的情境,并有效地参与其中,力求使学习"自然发生",实现有意义的学习。

Optimal path finding algorithms based on SLSD road network model

A solution to compute the optimal path based on a single-line-single-directional（SLSD）road network model is proposed.Unlike the traditional road network model,in the SLSD conceptual model,being single-directional and single-line style,a road is no longer a linkage of road nodes but abstracted as a network node.Similarly,a road node is abstracted as the linkage of two ordered single-directional roads.This model can describe turn restrictions,circular roads,and other real scenarios usually described using a super-graph.Then a computing framework for optimal path finding（OPF）is presented.It is proved that classical Dijkstra and A algorithms can be directly used for OPF computing of any real-world road networks by transferring a super-graph to an SLSD network.Finally,using Singapore road network data,the proposed conceptual model and its corresponding optimal path finding algorithms are validated using a two-step optimal path finding algorithm with a pre-computing strategy based on the SLSD road network.

COOPERATIVE DESIGN UNDER CONCURRENT ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT

This paper outlines a concurrent engineering environment that supports interaction between members of a geographically dispersed multidisciplinary team who is engaged in engineering design activities. Some ideas of engineering design, especially conceptual design are reviewed. A deeper scientific analysis of intelligent design is discussed. A new problem solving strategy and methodologies to implement cooperative design are proposed. Finally, a conceptual model of a blackboard system for accomplishing conceptual design automation is presented. Its fundamental principles, system organization and key implementation techniques are investigated in detail.