Effects of Functional Organic Materials on Fresh Weight,Quality,Single-melon Weight and SPAD Value of Watermelon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore a functional organic material formula suitable for watermelon cultivation with high quality,high yield and high efficiency.[Methods]Four treatments were set in the experiment,namely four functional organic materials,garlic straw treatment(T_(1)),onion straw treatment(T_(2)),garlic straw+sheep manure treatment(T_(3))and onion straw+chicken manure treatment(T_(4)),to investigate the effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon.[Results]The effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were quite different.The fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were higher in treatment T_(3)applying garlic straw and sheep manure and treatment T_(4)applying onion straw and chicken manure than in treatment T_(1)applying garlic straw and treatment T_(2)applying onion straw.Specifically,the fresh weight of whole plant was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 12.83%and 5.94%respectively compared with treatment T_(1);the weight of single melon was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 42.45%and 31.77%respectively compared with treatment T_(2);and the SPAD values of treatments T_(3)and T_(4)were significantly higher than those of treatments T_(1)and T_(2),and the value of treatment T_(3)was the largest.[Conclusions]This study provides theoretical support for the popularization and application of fertilization techniques combining organic fertilizers and reduced chemical fertilizers for watermelon.

基于Valued ERGMs模型的核心技术网络成长机制研究——以量子计算领域为例

对核心技术网络及其成长机制的研究有助于梳理核心技术之间的依赖和促进关系,为研究核心技术演化提供新的理论视角和方法。以技术演化相关理论为基础,归纳核心技术网络成长的影响因素,基于量子计算领域专利数据,识别以技术概念和技术关系为基础的量子计算领域核心技术网络,并基于Valued ERGMs模型构建核心技术网络成长机制模型。结果表明,技术要素中心性、专利技术研发能力、与TRIZ进化法则匹配程度以及技术要素同配性对核心技术网络成长具有正向促进作用;在技术路径方面,核心技术网络成长受到技术要素路径依赖性和技术突破的双重影响。最后,根据量子计算领域核心技术网络成长机制的实证研究结果,从技术研发层面、企业层面、政府层面为相关领域技术发展提出策略建议。

弹性退休制度下谁更愿意延迟退休?——基于Option Value模型的微观模拟

人口老龄化背景下延迟退休年龄、建立弹性退休制度是大势所趋。养老金激励是弹性退休制度的重要内容。建立期权价值模型和养老金给付及奖惩因子模型,基于中国家庭收入调查项目(CHIP2018)的数据,对不同特征人群的养老金峰值、期权价值、内部报酬率进行模拟。研究发现:养老金总财富随退休年龄“先增后减”,男性的峰值年龄早于女性;引入养老金“奖惩”机制有助于提高最优退休年龄,激励劳动者延迟退休;考虑闲暇偏好的异质性,男性参保者更倾向于早退休,而女性参保者特别是女性较高收入群体更愿意延迟退休;厌恶风险的参保者更有可能选择早退休。建议尽早建立弹性退休年龄政策体系,增加劳动者的选择权和制度灵活性;引入精算调节因子构建养老金奖惩机制,完善养老保险待遇计发办法。

Differential Diagnostic Value of Texture Feature Analysis of Magnetic Resonance T2 Weighted Imaging between Glioblastoma and Primary Central Neural System Lymphoma

Objective To investigate the difference in tumor conventional imaging findings and texture features on T2 weighted images between glioblastoma and primary central neural system(CNS) lymphoma. Methods The pre-operative MRI data of 81 patients with glioblastoma and 28 patients with primary CNS lymphoma admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital and Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent plain MR imaging and enhanced T1 weighted imaging to visualize imaging features of lesions. Texture analysis of T2 weighted imaging(T2 WI) was performed by use of GLCM texture plugin of ImageJ software, and the texture parameters including Angular Second Moment(ASM), Contrast, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment(IDM), and Entropy were measured. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for the between-group comparisons, regression model was established by Binary Logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was plotted to compare the diagnostic efficacy. Results The conventional imaging features including cystic and necrosis changes(P = 0.000), ‘Rosette' changes(P = 0.000) and ‘incision sign'(P = 0.000), except ‘flame-like edema'(P = 0.635), presented significantly statistical difference between glioblastoma and primary CNS lymphoma. The texture features, ASM, Contrast, Correlation, IDM and Entropy, showed significant differences between glioblastoma and primary CNS lympoma(P = 0.006,0.000, 0.002, 0.000, and 0.015 respectively). The area under the ROC curve was 0.671, 0.752, 0.695, 0.720 and 0.646 respectively, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.917 for the combined texture variables(Contrast, cystic and necrosis, ‘Rosette' changes, and ‘incision sign') in the model of Logistic regression. Binary Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cystic and necrosis changes, ‘Rosette' changes and ‘incision sign' and texture Contrast could be considered as the specific texture variables for the differential diagnosis of glioblastoma and primary CNS lymphoma. Conclusion The texture features of T2 WI and conventional imaging findings may be used to distinguish glioblastoma from primary CNS lymphoma.

Importance of b value in diffusion weighted imaging for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM:To investigate the use of multi-b-value diffusionweighted imaging in diagnosing pancreatic cancer.METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 33 cases of pancreatic cancer and 12 cases of benign pancreatic tumors at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from December 2008 to January2011.The demographic characteristics,clinical presentation,routine magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)features with different b values were reviewed.Continuous data were expressed as mean±SD.Comparisons between pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatic tumors were performed using the Student’s t test.A probability of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:Thirty-three patients with pancreatic cancer were identified.The mean age at diagnosis was 60±5.6 years.The male:female ratio was 21:12.Twenty cases were confirmed by surgical resection and 13 by biopsy of metastases.T1 weighted images demonstrated a pancreatic head mass in 16 patients,a pancreatic body mass in 10 cases,and a pancreatic tail mass with pancreatic atrophy in 7 cases.Eight patients had hepatic metastases,13 had invasion or envelopment of mesenteric vessels,4 had bone metastases,and 8had lymph node metastases.DWI demonstrated an irregular intense mass with unclear margins.Necrotic tissue demonstrated an uneven low signal.A b of 1100s/mm2was associated with a high intensity signal with poor anatomical delineation.A b of 700 s/mm2was associated with apparent diffusion coefficients(ADCs)that were useful in distinguishing benign and malignant pancreatic tumors(P<0.05).b values of 50,350,400,450 and 1100 s/mm2were associated with ADCs that did not differentiate the two tumors.CONCLUSION:Low b value images demonstrated superior anatomical details when compared to high b value images.Tumor tissue definition was high and contrast with the surrounding tissues was good.DWI was useful in diagnosing pancreatic cancer.

Evaluation of the value of combined detection of tumor markers CA724,carcinoembryonic antigen,CA242,and CA19-9 in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a global health concern that poses a significant threat to human well-being.AIM To detecting serum changes in carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigens(CA)724,CA242,and CA19-9 expression among patients with gastric cancer.METHODS Eighty patients diagnosed with gastric cancer between January 2020 and January 2023 were included in the observation group,while 80 patients with benign gastric diseases were included in the control group.Both groups were tested for tumor markers(CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9].Tumor marker indicators(CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9)were compared between the two groups,assessing positive rates of tumor markers across various stages in the observation group.Additionally,single and combined detection of various tumor markers were examined.RESULTS The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value observed for the combined detection of CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9 were higher than those of CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9 individually.Therefore,the combined detection of CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9 has a high diagnostic accuracy and could reduce the occurrence of missed or misdiagnosed cases,facilitating the early diagnosis and treatment of patients.CONCLUSION CA724,CEA,CA242,and CA19-9 serum levels in gastric cancer patients significantly surpassed those in non-gastric cancer patients(P<0.05).Their combined detection can improve the diagnostic accuracy for gastric cancer,warranting clinical promotion.

Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review

Yellow mealworm larvae(YML;Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.

Optimal b value of diffusion-weighted imaging on a 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner in Crohn's disease

AIM: To determine the optimal b value of diffusion-weighted imaging for detecting active inflammation in Crohn&#x02019;s disease.

A∞ weight estimates for vector-valued commutators of multilinear fractional integral

In this paper, the authors get the Coifman type weighted estimates and weak weighted LlogL estimates for vector-valued generalized commutators of multilinear fractional integral with w ∈ A∞. Furthermore, both the boundedness of vector-valued multilinear frac- tional integral and the weak weighted LlogL estimates for vector-valued multilinear fractional integral are also obtained.

Missing Value Imputation for Radar-Derived Time-Series Tracks of Aerial Targets Based on Improved Self-Attention-Based Network

The frequent missing values in radar-derived time-series tracks of aerial targets(RTT-AT)lead to significant challenges in subsequent data-driven tasks.However,the majority of imputation research focuses on random missing(RM)that differs significantly from common missing patterns of RTT-AT.The method for solving the RM may experience performance degradation or failure when applied to RTT-AT imputation.Conventional autoregressive deep learning methods are prone to error accumulation and long-term dependency loss.In this paper,a non-autoregressive imputation model that addresses the issue of missing value imputation for two common missing patterns in RTT-AT is proposed.Our model consists of two probabilistic sparse diagonal masking self-attention(PSDMSA)units and a weight fusion unit.It learns missing values by combining the representations outputted by the two units,aiming to minimize the difference between the missing values and their actual values.The PSDMSA units effectively capture temporal dependencies and attribute correlations between time steps,improving imputation quality.The weight fusion unit automatically updates the weights of the output representations from the two units to obtain a more accurate final representation.The experimental results indicate that,despite varying missing rates in the two missing patterns,our model consistently outperforms other methods in imputation performance and exhibits a low frequency of deviations in estimates for specific missing entries.Compared to the state-of-the-art autoregressive deep learning imputation model Bidirectional Recurrent Imputation for Time Series(BRITS),our proposed model reduces mean absolute error(MAE)by 31%~50%.Additionally,the model attains a training speed that is 4 to 8 times faster when compared to both BRITS and a standard Transformer model when trained on the same dataset.Finally,the findings from the ablation experiments demonstrate that the PSDMSA,the weight fusion unit,cascade network design,and imputation loss enhance imputation performance and confirm the efficacy of our design.

Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepato-cellular carcinoma(PHC)in recent years,enhancing therapeutic effects and im-proving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.AIM To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and interleukin(IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients’clinical characteristics.METHODS The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Han-yang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022,and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group.Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels.Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.RESULTS Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group com-pared to the control group(P<0.05).No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender,age,combined cirrhosis,tumor diameter,or degree of differentiation(P>0.05).However,there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage,tumor metastasis,and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17(P<0.05).ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.CONCLUSION Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals.Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage,and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17.These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference in-dicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Flower Border Application Value of New and Superior Plants in Hefei Area

An analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was employed to assess the applicability of 18 new and superior varieties of flowers in Hefei City flower border applications.A total of 12 indicators were selected from three distinct aspects of adaptability,ornamental characteristics and use traits,in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation model.The results demonstrate that grade I(J≥2.685)exhibits excellent application value,encompassing six species of plants,such asHydrangeamacrophylla‘Endless Summer’;grade II(2.684≤J≤2.420)is also of notable application value,encompassing five species of plants,such asCallistemonrigidus;grade III(2.419≤J≤2.615)is of average application value,including five species of plants,such asCrocosmiacrocosmiflora;grade IV(J≤2.16)is of relatively poor application value.The evaluation results may be utilized as a theoretical reference for the promotion of new and superior varieties in the flower border of Hefei.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

The Effect of a High-Frequency-Hearing-Threshold Weighted Value on the Diagnosis of Occupational-Noise-Induced Deafness

Objective: In order to provide a theoretical basis for the revision of the current diagnostic criteria for occupational noise-induced deafness (ONID), we evaluated the degree of ONID by analyzing different high-frequency-hearing- threshold-weighted values (HFTWVs). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the diagnosis of patients with ONID from January 2016 to January 2017 in Guangdong province, China. Based on 3 hearing tests (each interval between the tests was greater than 3 days), the minimum threshold value of each frequency was obtained using the 2007 edition’s diagnostic criteria for ONID. The speech frequency and the HFTWVs were analyzed based on age, noise exposure, and diagnostic classi-fication using SPSS21.0. Results: 168 patients in total were involved in this study, 154 males and 14 females, and the average age was 41.18 ± 6.07. The diagnosis rate was increased by the weighted value of the high frequencies and was more than the mean value of the pure speech frequency (MVPSF). The diagnosis rate for the weighted 4 kHz frequency level increased by 13.69% (χ2 = 9.880, P = 0.002), the weighted 6 kHz level increased by 15.47% (χ2 = 9.985, P = 0.002), and the weighted 4 kHz + 6 kHz level increased by 15.47% (χ2 = 9.985, P = 0.002). The differences were all statistically significant. The diagnostic rate of the different thresholds showed no obvious difference between the genders. The age groups were divided into less than or equal to 40 years old (group A) and 40 - 50 years old (group B). There were several groups with a high frequency: high frequency weighted 4 kHz ( group A χ2 = 3.380, P = 0.050;group B χ2 = 4.054, P = 0.032), high frequency weighted 6 kHz (group A χ2 = 6.362, P = 0.012;group B χ2 = 4.054, P = 0.032), weighted 4 kHz + 6 kHz (group A χ2 = 6.362 P = 0.012;B χ2 = 4.054, P = 0.032) than those of MVPSF in the same group on ONID diagnosis rate. The differences between the groups were statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the age groups (χ2 = 2.265, P = 0.944). The better ear’s (the smaller hearing threshold weighted value) MVPSF and the weighted values for the different high frequencies were examined in light of the number of working years;the group that was exposed to noise for more than 10 years had significantly higher values than those of the average thresholds of each frequency band in the groups with 3 - 5 years of exposure (F = 2.271, P = 0.001) and 6 - 10 years of exposure (F = 1.563, P = 0.046). The differences were statistically significant. The different HFTWVs were higher than those of the MVPSF values, and the high frequency weighted 4 kHz + 6 kHz level showed the greatest difference, with an average increase of 2.83 dB. The diagnostic rate that included the weighted high frequency values was higher for the mild, moderate, and severe cases than those patients who were only screened with the pure frequency tests. The results of the comparisons of the diagnosis rates for mild ONID were as follows: the weighted 3 kHz high frequency level (χ2 = 3.117, P = 0.077) had no significant difference, but the weighted 4 kHz level (χ2 = 10.835, P = 0.001), 6 kHz level (χ2 = 9.985, P = 0.002), 3 kHz + 4 kHz level (χ2 = 6.315, P = 0.012), 3 kHz + 6 kHz level (χ2 = 6.315, P = 0.012), 4 kHz + 6 kHz level (χ2 = 9.985, P = 0.002), and 3 kHz + 4 kHz + 6 kHz level (χ2 = 7.667, P = 0.002) were significantly higher than the diagnosis rate of the mean value of the PSF. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for the moderate and severe grades (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Different HFTWVs increase the diagnostic rate of ONID. The weighted 4 kHz, 6 kHz, and 4 kHz + 6 kHz high frequency values greatly affected the diagnostic results, and the weighted 4 kHz + 6 kHz high frequency hearing threshold value has the maximum the effect on the ONID diagnosis results.

Clinical Value of Whole-body Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Weighted Imaging on Detection of Malignant Metastases

Objective To evaluate the value of whole-body diffusion weighted imaging （WB-DWI） on detection of malignant metastasis. Methods Forty-six patients with malignant tumors underwent WB-DWI examinations between April 2007 and August 2007 in our hospital. Before WB-DWI examination, the primary cancers of all the patients were confirmed by pathology, and the TNM-stage was assessed with conventional magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） or computed tomography （CT）. WB-DWI was performed using short TI inversion recovery echo-planar imaging （STIR-EPI） sequence. Abnormal high signal intensities on WB-DWI were considered as metastases. The results of WB-DWI were compared with other imaging modalities. For the assessment of the diagnostic capability of WB-DWI, WB-DWI were compared with CT for demonstrating mediastinal lymph node metastases and lung metastases, and with conventional MRI for demonstrating metastases in other locations. Results WB-DWI demonstrated 143 focuses, 14 routine imaging. The number of bone metastases depicted of which were diagnosed to be benign lesions in on WB-DWI and routine imaging was 85 and 86; lymph node metastases was 17 and 18; liver metastases was 14 and 14; lung metastases was 4 and 8; and brain metastases was 6 and 8, respectively. WB-DWI failed to detect 12 metastatic lesions including 3 osteoplastic bone metastases, 4 lung metastases, 3 mediastinal lymph node metastases, and 2 brain metastases Four metastatic lesions including 2 deltopectoral lymph nodes and 2 rib metastases were detected with WB-DWI alone, all of which evolved greatly during clinical follow-up for more than 6 months. WB-DWI had higher detection rates for metastatic lesions in liver, bone, and lymph nodes than those in lung and brain （ X^2=30, P〈0.001）. Conclusions WB-DWI could detect most of metastatic lesions that were diagnosed with conventional MRI and CT. The limitations of WB-DWI might be had high false-positive rate and low efficiency in detecting mecliastinal lymph node, brain, and lung metastases.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING FOR SCREENING PRIMARY TUMORS OF PATIENTS WITH METASTASES

Objective To evaluate the values of whole body diffusion weighted imaging （DWI） in screenmg pnmary unknown tumor in patients with metastases. Methods Totally, 34 patients with metastases of primary unknown tumors were scanned with whole body DWI, and conventional magnetic resonance （MR） imaging was performed if suspected lesions were detected. All the metastases including 27 cases of osseous metastases, 2 brain metastases, 2 liver metastases, 1 pulmonary multiple metastasis, 1 neck metastasis and 1 malignant ascites, were diagnosed by computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, or MR imaging. For the proven primary tumors diagnosed by biopsy or pathology of surgical specimens, apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of the primary and metastatic lesions were measured respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this technique for screening primary tumors were cvaluated. Results We found 24 cases with suspected primary lesions, in which 23 lesions were proved to be primary tumors, and 1 was proved to be benign lesion. And no definite primary lesion was found in 10 cases on whole body DWI, but in which 1 case was diagnosed with primary tumor by biopsy later, and the other 9 cases remained unknown within follow-up of over halfa year. The difference was not significant in ADC values between primary and metastatic lesions （P〉0.05）. The sensitivity and specificity of whole body DWI for searching primary tumors was 95.8% and 90.0%, respectively. Conclusion Combined with conventional MR scanning, whole body DWI can help to search primary lesions of patients with metastases.

The Economics of Competing Water Uses under a FERC Licensing Agreement: Estimation of Property Value, Recreation, and Hydroelectric Impacts

Reservoirs provide a variety of services with economic values across multiple sectors. As demands for reservoir services continue to grow and precipitation patterns evolve, it becomes ever more important to consider the integrated suite of values and tradeoffs that attend changes in water uses and availability. Section 316 (b) of the Clean Water Act requires that owners of certain water cooled power plants evaluate technologies and operational measures that can reduce their impacts to aquatic organisms. The studies must discuss the social costs and benefits of alternative technologies including cooling towers (79 Fed. Reg. 158, 48300 - 48439). Cooling towers achieve their effect through evaporation. This manuscript estimates the property value, recreation, and hydroelectric generation impacts that could result from the evaporative water loss associated with installing cooling towers at the McGuire Nuclear Generating Station (McGuire) located on Lake Norman, North Carolina. Although this study specifically evaluates the effects of evaporative water loss from cooling towers, its methods are applicable to estimating the economic benefits and costs of a new water user or reduced water input in any complex reservoir system that supports steam electric generation, hydroelectric generation, residential properties, recreation, irrigation, and municipal water use.

Prognostic value of preoperative weight loss-adjusted body mass index on survival after esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The impact of body mass index(BMI)on survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)undergoing surgery remains unclear.Therefore,a definition of clinically significant BMI in patients with ESCC is needed.AIM To explore the impact of preoperative weight loss(PWL)-adjusted BMI on overall survival(OS)in patients undergoing surgery for ESCC.METHODS This retrospective study consisted of 1545 patients who underwent curative resection for ESCC at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between August 2005 and December 2011.The relationship between PWL-adjusted BMI and OS was examined,and a multivariate analysis was performed and adjusted for age,sex,TNM stage and adjuvant therapy.RESULTS Trends of poor survival were observed for patients with increasing PWL and decreasing BMI.Patients with BMI≥20.0 kg/m2 and PWL<8.8%were classified into Group 1 with the longest median OS(45.3 mo).Patients with BMI<20.0 kg/m2 and PWL<8.8%were classified into Group 2 with a median OS of 29.5 mo.Patients with BMI≥20.0 kg/m2 and PWL≥8.8%(HR=1.9,95%CI:1.5-2.5),were combined into Group 3 with a median OS of 20.1 mo.Patients in the three groups were associated with significantly different OS(P<0.05).In multivariate analysis,PWL-adjusted BMI,TNM stage and adjuvant therapy were identified as independent prognostic factors.CONCLUSION PWL-adjusted BMI has an independent prognostic impact on OS in patients with ESCC undergoing surgery.BMI might be an indicator for patients with PWL<8.8%rather than≥8.8%.

Yield and Nutritive Values of Semi- and Non-Fall Dormant Alfalfa Cultivars under Late-Cutting Schedule in California’s Central Valley

California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield and nutritive value under late-cutting schedule strategy may help identify cultivars that growers can use to maximize yield while maintaining area for sustainable alfalfa production, but there is little information on this strategy. A field study was conducted to determine cumulative dry matter (DM) and nutritive values of 20 semi- and non-fall dormant (FD) ratings (FD 7 and FD 8 - 10, respectively) cultivars under 35-day cut in California’s Central Valley in 2020-2022. Seasonal cumulative DM yields ranged from 6.8 in 2020 to 37.0 Mg·ha−1 in 2021. Four FD 8 - 9 cultivars were the highest yielding with 3-yrs avg. DM greater than the lowest yielding lines by 46%. FD 7 cultivar “715RR” produced the highest crude protein (CP: 240 g·Kg−1) while FD 8 cultivar “HVX840RR” resulted in the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD: 484 g·Kg−1, 7% greater than the top yielding cultivars) but with DM yield intermediate. Yields and NDFD correlated positively but weakly indicating some semi- and non-FD cultivars performing similarly. These results suggest that selecting high yielding cultivars under 35-day cutting schedule strategy can be used as a tool to help growers to maximize yield while achieving good quality forages for sustainable alfalfa production in California’s Central Valley.

Effect of Biostimulants Based on Natural Products on the Growth and Nutritional Value of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are widely grown in Cameroon and play a key role in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. However, its cultivation encounters problems due to abiotic and biotic stresses, which leads to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which cause significant damage to the environment and human health due to the presence of synthetics residues in the seeds, pods and in the leaves that are eaten. Promoting the use of natural products is becoming a necessity for organic and eco-responsible agriculture that limits contamination problems and improves people’s purchasing power. This study aims to assess the effect of biostimulants based on natural products on the growth and nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bean seedlings from white variety (MEX-142) and red variety (DOR-701) were treated every seven days in the field from their pre-emergence, emergence and growth to their maturation under a randomized block experimental design. Six treatments and three repetitions with the biostimulants based on natural products and controls were thus performed and the agromorphological parameters were measured. After 120 days, the contents of growth biomarkers and defense-related enzymes were evaluated in leaves, while the contents of macromolecules, minerals and antinutrients were evaluated in seeds. These biostimulants significantly increased (P P < 0.0001) of antinutrients including oxalates, phytates, tannins and saponins in seeds compared to controls (T+ and T−). Treatment with biostimulants, in particular BS4, improves the performance of bean plants in the field as well as the biofortification of seeds regardless of the variety.