Causal relationship between feelings and cognitive decline:An univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND While the impact of depression on cognition is well-documented,the relationship between feelings and cognition has received limited attention.AIM To explore the potential association between feelings and cognition with a twosample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.METHODS Our analysis utilized genome-wide association data on various feelings(fed-up feelings,n=453071;worrier/anxious feelings,n=450765;guilty feelings,n=45-0704;nervous feelings,n=450700;sensitivity/hurt feelings,n=449419;miserableness,n=454982;loneliness/isolation,n=455364;happiness,n=152348)in the European population and their impact on cognitive functions(intelligence,n=269867).Conducting a univariable MR(UVMR)analysis to assess the relationship between feelings and cognition.In this analysis,we applied the inverse variance weighting(IVW),weighted median,and MR Egger methods.Additionally,we performed sensitivity analysis(leave-one-out analysis),assessed heterogeneity(using MR-PRESSO and Cochran’s Q test),and conducted multiple validity test(employing MR-Egger regression).Subsequently,a multivariable MR(MVMR)analysis was employed to examine the impact of feelings on cognition.IVW served as the primary method in the multivariable analysis,complemented by median-based and MR-Egger methods.RESULTS In this study,UVMR indicated that sensitivity/hurt feelings may have a negative causal effect on cognition(OR=0.63,95%CI:0.43-0.92,P=0.017).After adjustment of other feelings using MVMR,a direct adverse causal effect on cognition was observed(OR_(MVMR)=0.39,95%CI:0.17-0.90,P_(MVMR)=0.027).While a potential increased risk of cognitive decline was observed for fed-up feelings in the UVMR analysis(ORUVMR=0.64,95%CI:0.42-0.97,PUVMR=0.037),this effect disappeared after adjusting for other feelings(OR_(MVMR)=1.42,95%CI:0.43-4.74,P_(MVMR)=0.569).These findings were generally consistent across MV-IVW,median-based,and MR-Egger analyses.MR-Egger regression revealed pleiotropy in the impact of worrier/anxious feelings on cognition,presenting a challenge in identifying the effect.Notably,this study did not demonstrate any significant impact of guilty feelings,nervous feelings,miserableness,or loneliness/isolation on cognition.Due to a limited number of instrumental variables for happiness,this study was unable to analyze the relationship between happiness and cognition.CONCLUSION This MR study finds that sensitivity/hurt feelings are associated with cognitive decline,while the link between worrier/anxious feelings and cognition remains inconclusive.Insufficient evidence supports direct associations between happiness,guilty feelings,nervous feelings,miserableness,loneliness/isolation,and cognition.

Three-dimensional limit variation analysis on the ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion

Only simplified two-dimensional model and a single failure mode are adopted to calculate the ultimate pullout capacity(UPC)of anchor cables in most previous research.This study focuses on a more comprehensive combination failure mode that consists of bond failure of an anchorage body and failure of an anchored rock mass.The three-dimensional ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables is calculated based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and variation analysis method.The numerical solution for the curvilinear function in fracture plane is obtained based on the finite difference theory,which more accurately reflects the failure state of the anchor cable,as opposed to that being assumed in advance.The results reveal that relying solely on a single failure mode for UPC calculations has limitations,as changes in parameter values not only directly impact the UPC value but also can alter the failure model and thus the calculation method.

Effects of cement-enhanced soil on the ultimate lateral resistance of composite pile in clayey soil

The composite pile consisting of core-pile and surrounding cement-enhanced soil is a promising pile foundation in recent years.However,how and to what extent the cement-enhanced soil influences the ultimate lateral resistance has not been fully investigated.In this paper,the ultimate lateral resistance of the composite pile was studied by finite element limit analysis(FELA)and theoretical upper-bound analysis.The results of FELA and theoretical analysis revealed three failure modes of laterally loaded composite piles.The effects of the enhanced soil thickness,strength,and pile-enhanced soil interface characteristics on the ultimate lateral resistance were studied.The results show that increasing the enhanced soil thickness leads to a significant improvement on ultimate lateral resistance factor(N P),and there is a critical thickness beyond which the thickness no longer affects the N P.Increasing the enhanced soil strength induced 6.2%-232.6%increase of N P.However,no noticeable impact was detected when the enhanced soil strength was eight times higher than that of the natural soil.The maximum increment of N P is only 30.5%caused by the increase of interface adhesion factor(a).An empirical model was developed to calculate the N P of the composite pile,and the results show excellent agreement with the analytical results.

Analytical Investigation into the Rotational Performance of Glulam Bolted Beam-Column Connections under Coupled Bending Moment and Shear Force

Considering the glulam beam-column connection form and the number of bolts,monotonic loading test and finite element analysis was carried out on 9 connection specimens in 3 groups to study the rotational performance and failure mode of the connection.The test results revealed that compared with U-shaped connectors,T-shaped connectors can effectively improve the ductility of connections,and the increase in the number of bolts can reduce the initial stiffness and ductility of connections.By theoretical analysis,formulas for calculating the initial stiffness and ultimate moment of connections were deduced.Subsequently,the moment-rotation theoretical model of connections was established based on the formulas,which were validated according to the test data and simulation results.The proposed model can not only improve the current theoretical system of heavy-duty glulam beam-column structure but also provide a theoretical basis for calculating the mechanical properties of the glulam beam-column connection.

Dynamical analysis for the sustained harvesting of microorganisms using flocculants in a random environment

The use of flocculants to collect/extract microorganisms is of great practical significance for the development of the application of microorganisms. In this paper, a high-dimensional nonlinear stochastic differential equation model is constructed to describe the continuous culture of microorganisms with multiple nutrients and the flocculation process of microorganisms. The study of the dynamics of this model can provide feasible control strategies for the collection/extraction of microorganisms. The main theoretical results are sufficient conditions for the permanence and extinction of the stochastic differential equation model, which are also extensions of some results in the existing literatures. In addition, through numerical simulations, we vividly demonstrate the statistical characteristics of the stochastic differential equation model.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on High-Pressure Centrifugal Pumps:Ultimate Pressure Formulation,Fatigue Life Assessment and Topological Optimization of Discharge Section

A high percentage of failure in pump elements originates from fatigue.This study focuses on the discharge section behavior,made of ductile iron,under dynamic load.An experimental protocol is established to collect the strain under pressurization and depressurization tests at specific locations.These experimental results are used to formulate the ultimate pressure expression function of the strain and the lateral surface of the discharge section and to validate finite element modeling.Fe-Safe is then used to assess the fatigue life cycle using different types of fatigue criteria(Coffin-Manson,Morrow,Goodman,and Soderberg).When the pressure is under 3000 PSI,pumps have an unlimited service life of 107 cycles,regardless of the criterion.However,for a pressure of 3555 PSI,only the Morrow criterion denotes a significant decrease in fatigue life cycles,as it considers the average stress.The topological optimization is then applied to the most critical pump model(with the lowest fatigue life cycle)to increase its fatigue life.Using the solid isotropic material with a penalization approach,the Abaqus Topology OptimizationModule is employed.The goal is to reduce the strain energy density while keeping the volume within bounds.According to the findings,a 5%volume reduction causes the strain energy density to decrease from 1.06 to 0.66106 J/m^(3).According to Morrow,the fatigue life cycle at 3,555 PSI is 782,425 longer than the initial 309,742 cycles.

Reliability of the Ultimate Strength of Ship Stiffened Panel Subjected to Random Corrosion Degradation

Attentions have been increasingly paid to the influence of the corrosion on the ultimate strength of ship structures. In consideration of the random characteristics of the corrosion of ship structures, the method for the ultimate strength analysis of the ship stiffened panel structure subjected to random corrosion degradation is presented. According to the measured corrosion data of the bulk carriers, the distribution characteristics of the corrosion data for the stiffened panel on the midship deck are analyzed, and a random corrosion model is established. The ultimate strength of the corroded stiffened panel is calculated by lhe nonlinear finite element analysis. The statistical descriptions of the ultimate strength of the corroded stiffened panel are defined through the Monte Carlo simulations. A formula is proposed on the ultimate strength reduction of the stiffened panel as a function of the corrosion volume. The reliability analysis of the ultimate strength of the corroded deck stiffened panel is performed. It shows that both the corrosion data of the deck stiffened panel and the ultimate strength of the random corroded deck stiffened panel follow the log-normal distribution. The ultimate stress ratio of the stiffened panel is inversely proportional to the corrosion volume ratio.

Estimating the ultimate bound and positively invariant set for a generalized Lorenz system

A generalized Lyapunov function was employed to investigate the ultimate bound and positively invariant set of a generalized Lorenz system.We derived an ellipsoidal estimate of the ultimate bound and positively invariant set for the generalized Lorenz system,for all the positive values of system parameters a,b,and c.Our results extend the related result of Li,et al.[Li DM,Lu JA,Wu XQ,et al.,Estimating the ultimate bound and positively invariant set for the Lorenz system and a unified chaotic system,Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Application,2006,323(2):844-653].

The Ultimate Anti-Seismic Design Method

The design mechanisms and methods of the invention are intended to minimize problems related to the safety of structures in the event of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and strong winds. It is achieved by controlling the deformations of the structure. Damage and deformation are closely related concepts since the control of deformations also controls the damage. The design method of applying artificial compression to the ends of all longitudinal reinforced concrete walls and, at the same time, connecting the ends of the walls to the ground using ground anchors placed at the depths of the boreholes, transfers the inertial stresses of the structure in the ground, which reacts as an external force in the structure’s response to seismic displacements. The wall with the artificial compression acquires dynamic, larger active cross-section and high axial and torsional stiffness, preventing all failures caused by inelastic deformation. By connecting the ends of all walls to the ground, we control the eigenfrequency of the structure and the ground during each seismic loading cycle, preventing inelastic displacements. At the same time, we ensure the strong bearing capacity of the foundation soil and the structure. By designing the walls correctly and placing them in proper locations, we prevent the torsional flexural buckling that occurs in asymmetrical floor plans, and metal and tall structures. Compression of the wall sections at the ends and their anchoring to the ground mitigates the transfer of deformations to the connection nodes, strengthens the wall section in terms of base shear force and shear stress of the sections, and increases the strength of the cross-sections to the tensile at the ends of the walls by introducing counteractive forces. The use of tendons within the ducts prevents longitudinal shear in the overlay concrete, while anchoring the walls to the foundation not only dissipates inertial forces to the ground but also prevents rotation of the walls, thus maintaining the structural integrity of the beams. The prestressing at the bilateral ends of the walls restores the structure to its original position even inelastic displacements by closing the opening of the developing cracks.

Development of mathematically motivated hybrid soft computing models for improved predictions of ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations

Ultimate bearing capacity(UBC)is a key subject in geotechnical/foundation engineering as it determines the limit of loads imposed on the foundation.The most reliable means of determining UBC is through experiment,but it is costly and time-consuming which has led to the development of various models based on the simplified assumptions.The outcomes of the models are usually validated with the experimental results,but a large gap usually exists between them.Therefore,a model that can give a close prediction of the experimental results is imperative.This study proposes a grasshopper optimization algorithm(GOA)and salp swarm algorithm(SSA)to optimize artificial neural networks(ANNs)using the existing UBC experimental database.The performances of the proposed models are evaluated using various statistical indices.The obtained results are compared with the existing models.The proposed models outperformed the existing models.The proposed hybrid GOA-ANN and SSA-ANN models are then transformed into mathematical forms that can be incorporated into geotechnical/foundation engineering design codes for accurate UBC measurements.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Ultimate Strength of Stiffened Plates with Scanned Initial Geometrical Imperfection

The study of the ultimate strength of stiffened plates is a hot topic in ocean engineering. The ultimate strength and behavior of collapse of stiffened plates were investigated using experimental and numerical methods. Two stiffened plates, with one and two half-bays in both longitudinal and transverse directions, were tested under the uniaxial compression. There were clamped boundaries at both ends of the stiffened panels and a restrained boundary on the transverse frames. The novel three-dimensional laser scanning technology was used to measure the initial geometric imperfections and the ultimate deformation of the stiffened panels after the test. The initial geometric deformation was imported into the finite element model, and the ultimate strength and behavior of collapse of the stiffened plates were calculated using the finite element analysis. FE analysis results based on the measured initial geometric imperfections were compared with the test results. It is concluded that structural deformation can be well measured by three-dimensional laser scanning technology, and can be conveniently imported into the finite element analysis. With the measured initial geometric imperfections considered, the FE analysis results agree well with the experimental results in ultimate strength, behavior of collapse, and the ultimate displacement distribution of the stiffened panels.

Empirical Study on the Empowerment of Families Raising Children with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities in Japan: The Association with Positive Feelings towards Child Rearing

Background: “Children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities” refers to children with markedly limited activity due to severe overlapping of physical and intellectual disabilities. The physical and mental burden placed on families raising severely disabled children, particularly the primary caregivers, is great in home settings. For families to effectively utilize services and over-come child rearing problems, the families themselves need the “strength” to cooperate with others for the purpose of raising a severely disabled child. The ultimate goal of family support is to enable such families to achieve satisfaction and self-growth in child rearing. Methods: We used a questionnaire to survey 75 primary caregivers to empirically elucidate the empowerment and positive feelings towards child rearing of families raising children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and the related factors. The t-test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the association with bivariates. A multiple regression analysis was conducted for empowerment and positive feelings. Results: Results revealed that life events, livelihood, awareness of social support and the child’s sleep problems were factors related to empowerment. Of these, awareness of social support from outside of the family was found to contribute the most to empowerment. Furthermore, improvement and maintenance of positive feelings towards child rearing reaffirmed the existence of empowerment in addition to reducing negative feelings towards child rearing and ensuring social support. Conclusions: Raising children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities requires specialist knowledge and skills. Support from professionals to empower the entire family is therefore important in order to strengthen positive feelings towards child rearing.

Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Some Sn-Zn Based Lead-Free Quinary Alloys

Although there are many lead-free soldering alloys on the market, none of them have ideal qualities. The researchers are combining binary alloys with a variety of additional materials to create the soldering alloys’ features. The eutectic Sn-9Zn alloy is among them. This paper investigated the mechanical and electrical properties of Sn-9Zn-x (Ag, Cu, Sb);{x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6} lead-free solder alloys. The mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and ductility were examined at the strain rates in a range from 4.17 10−3 s−1 to 208.5 10−3 s−1 at room temperature. It is found that increasing the content of the alloying elements and strain rate increases the elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength while the ductility decreases. The electrical conductivity of the alloys is found to be a little smaller than that of the Sn-9Zn eutectic alloy.

The “Dead Universe” Theory: Natural Separation of Galaxies Driven by the Remnants of a Supermassive Dead Universe

This article explores the dead universe theory as a novel interpretation for the origin and evolution of the universe, suggesting that our cosmos may have originated from the remnants of a preceding universe. This perspective challenges the conventional Big Bang theory, particularly concerning dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and the interpretation of phenomena such as gravitational waves.

The Missing of Emotional Feelings in the Translation of Ci Works——A Comparison between Yulingling and Its Translation

Yulinling is a famous piece of Ci by Liu Yong of the Song Dynasty.It is one long-cherished classical in lamenting the sorrow of departure.The author pictures a gloomy scene of separation:the cold autumn,the long corridor,the misty sea and the lonely boat,all the scenes depicting the sorrow and unwillingness of the separation between the two who are in deep love.The translator translated it into Eng lish in order to express his depressive feelings but he did not convey the depressive meaning of the original Ci in full extend.He lost some of the intentional feelings of the original in his translation.Through the comparison between Yulingling and its translation,the paper dis cusses the missing of emotional feelings in the translation of Ci works.

Mastering Metaphors: A Possible Path to Understand Modern Poetry

Understanding modern poetry is a big problem for average readers because of all kinds of rhetorical devices filled with them,especially metaphors,which are hard for the readers to understand clearly.Thus,grasping metaphors would provide a possible solution to enhance the understanding of modern poetry.Based on the motivation to better understand modern poetry,the paper explores the 11 mechanisms of metaphors in modern poetry with examples in detail,i.e.,blending,mapping,frame shifting,image schema,conceptual integration,contextual grounding,inter-subjectivity,embodied cognition,recursiveness,juxtaposition,shape-moulding,by borrowing some concepts from Cognitive Linguistics,literary studies,and Rhetorics,which can be adopted as means and methods to understand modern poems.

Analysis of the Relationship between Ultimate Controlling Shareholders and Private Enterprises＇ Business Performance

In China, major shareholders of private listed enterprise could control its production and operation by virtue of few resources which makes it possible for ultimate controlling shareholders to expropriate minority shareholders＇ rights and interests.In this paper, we studied the relationship between ultimate controlling shareholders and business performance of private enterprises based on the theory of ultimate controlling shareholders and made relevant conclusions and recommendations.

A Brief Analysis on the Causes of the Chinese Nation's Strong Feelings toward their Home and Country

"The love for our children as well as the love for our country and people"are the common emotions of all human beings.The Chinese nation's feelings toward their relatives,hometown,and country are immensely deep and strong that they have surpassed all other nations.This article analyzed the causes of the Chinese nation's strong feelings toward their home and country based on China's development history and geopolitics.

The feelings and thoughts of mental health nurses concerning the management of distressed and disturbed in-patients: A comparative qualitative European study

High levels of distress and disturbance amongst those experiencing acute mental illness can be a major problem for mental health nurses. The feelings experienced by these nurses when caring for and supporting disturbed and/or distressed patients along with their concurrent thoughts are not well described in the literature. To date, this complex issue has not been explored within a comparative European context. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the feelings and thoughts of mental health nurses when supporting and caring for distressed and/or disturbed patients in 6 European countries. Methods: Focus groups were used to collect data from 130 mental health nurses working in acute inpatient psychiatric settings. Results: Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings highlighted 6 broad themes: 1) Mixed emotions: expressive and responsive, 2) Procedure for caring for and supporting disturbed and/or distressed patients, 3) Use of guidelines for caring and supporting disturbed and/or distressed patients, 4) Team and organisational support, 5) Ethical concerns: Cognitive dissonance and 6) Education and training. Commonalities and differences were?found across all themes. Approaches to care, nurses’ role and education, clinical guidelines and/or standards vary from country to country, therefore the care, treatment and management of distressed and/or disturbed patients are various. As a result, mental health nurses have different experiences, various emotional quandaries concurrent with cognitive dissonance and different coping strategies when caring for and supporting distressed and disturbed patients. Conclusions: More emphasis needs to be given to the emotional quandaries and concurrent cognitive dissonance experienced by mental health nurses caring for distressed and/or disturbed inpatients in acute psychiatric settings. Increased access to education and training with particular attention to interpersonal communication and relationship building within clinical teams needs to be a priority given the experiences described by mental health nurses.