Gradual Attenuation Research Articles

Quantitative Analysis of Agricultural Carbon Emissions and Absorption from Agricultural Land Resources in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2022

Agriculture is not only a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions but also a vast carbon sink system. Achieving the “dual carbon” goals—carbon peaking and carbon neutrality—is a major strategic objective for China in the near future. This study focuses on agricultural data from 2010 to 2022 in Shaanxi Province. It begins by analyzing the current economic and environmental conditions of the province and its resource endowment. This study then quantitatively assesses carbon absorption, carbon emissions, and the net carbon sink in agriculture over this period. Additionally, a vector autoregression (VAR) model is used to empirically analyze the relationship between agricultural carbon emissions and their influencing factors in Shaanxi Province. Key findings include the following: (1) From 2010 to 2022, the total carbon emissions from agriculture in Shaanxi Province were controlled to around 3 million tons, showing an overall trend of “growth-slow decline” with fluctuations. The carbon emissions from fertilizer application accounted for approximately 60% of the total carbon emissions from agriculture in Shaanxi Province, with a total volume ranging from 1.623 to 2.164 million tons. The total carbon absorption from agriculture in Shaanxi Province showed an increasing trend with fluctuations year by year from 2010 to 2022, with an average annual increase of 1.367%. (2) Fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, and agricultural diesel are the primary contributors to agricultural carbon emissions. (3) Results from the Johansen cointegration test reveal a long-term equilibrium relationship between agricultural carbon emissions in Shaanxi Province and influencing factors such as fertilizers and pesticides in the short term. The contributions of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, and agricultural diesel to agricultural carbon emissions are 1.351%, 1.888%, 10.663%, and 0.258%, respectively. (4) The long-term contributions of fertilizers and pesticides to agricultural carbon emissions initially increased before undergoing a gradual attenuation, with average attenuation rates of 1.351% and 1.888%, respectively.

Duration of effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan: a retrospective cohort study using large-scale population-based registry data

BackgroundMost evidence of the waning of vaccine effectiveness is limited to a relatively short period after vaccination.MethodsData obtained from a linked database of healthcare administrative claims and vaccination records maintained by the municipality of a city in the Kanto region of Japan were used in this study. The study period extended from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The duration of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed using a time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model using the age, sex and history of cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease as covariates.ResultsAmong the 174,757 eligible individuals, 14,416 (8.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 936 (0.54%) were hospitalized for COVID-19. Multivariate analysis based on the time-dependent Cox regression model with reference of non-vaccine group revealed a lower incidence of COVID-19 in the one-dose group (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.91]), two-dose (0.89 [0.85–0.93]), three-dose (0.80 [0.76–0.85]), four-dose (0.93 [0.88–1.00]), and five-dose (0.72 [0.62–0.84]) groups. A lower incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalization was observed in the one-dose group (0.42 [0.21–0.81]), two-dose (0.44 [0.35–0.56]), three-dose (0.38 [0.30–0.47]), four-dose (0.20 [0.14–0.28]), and five-dose (0.11 [0.014–0.86]) groups. Multivariable analyses based on the time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model with reference of non-vaccine group revealed significant preventive effects of the vaccine for 4 months for the incidence of COVID-19 and ≥ 6 months for hospitalization.ConclusionsVaccine effectiveness showed gradual attenuation with time after vaccination; however, protective effects against the incidence of COVID-19 and hospitalization were maintained for 4 months and ≥ 6 months, respectively. These results may aid in formulating routine vaccination plans after the COVID-19 pandemic.

CFD-DEM-based evaluation of main-channel sediment transport processes subject to supplement from a steep tributary

The accumulation of sediments within mountainous gullies serves as a significant source for the main channel. Understanding the transport characteristics is crucial for comprehending reach-scale sediment supply features and channel morphodynamics. This study addresses the previously unexplored challenges in accurately quantifying variations in sediment transport rates, particularly during critical transitions such as the mobilization of static sediment pulses into continuous motion. To accomplish this objective, a combined Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) computational framework is employed to directly simulate the detailed trajectories of all particles. After validating the CFD-DEM model, we examine the effects of three major influential factors (particle size, channel slope and channel width) on sediment transport characteristics. The results indicate that the sediment transport rate exhibits rapid rise to peak followed by gradual attenuation process, described by a long-tail effect. The cross-sectional averaged sediment transport rate positively correlates with the width of sediment transport belt. The downstream propagation of sediment is enhanced by steeper channel slope and narrower channel width. In addition, we find that cross-sectional averaged sediment transport rate controlled by these factors exhibits inherent self-similarity. The temporal variation of dimensionless sediment transport rate for a certain section can be modeled by a modified two-branch Weibull function encompasses three model parameters dependent on influential factors and longitudinal location. The parameter variation of the functional model, combined with linear variation of the three main influencing factors, provides support for explaining sediment transport processes in channels of dimensions different from those studied. These findings enhance the understanding of the formation and evolution mechanism of sediment transport induced by upstream loose deposit destruction.

Study on the strength deterioration characteristic and damage model of coal pillar dams with repeated water immersion in underground reservoirs

The continuous operation of coal mine underground reservoirs exposes the coal pillar dams to mining disturbances and prolonged water immersion, resulting in the deterioration of coal pillars' mechanical properties and posing a serious threat to the dam stability. To this end, coal samples from the proposed pillar dam in the 5–2 coal seam of Daliuta Mine in Shendong Mining Area were selected for conducting water absorption tests and triaxial compression tests under conditions of repeated water immersion, in order to study the deterioration of the mechanical properties and acoustic emission damage characteristic of coal samples as well as the mechanism behind the deterioration of coal samples under the water–rock interaction. The results indicated that: (1) the saturated water content of coal samples exhibited a progressive increase as the water immersion times increased, but with a diminishing rate of growth. (2) As the water immersion times increased, the compressive strength, cohesive force, and internal friction angle of coal samples gradually decreased. Notably, the deterioration effect was more pronounced in compressive strength and cohesive force, while the decline in internal friction angle was relatively minor, and the total deterioration degree and the stage deterioration degree of the above three had evident cumulativity and non-uniformity. The progressive rise in water immersion times led to a gradual attenuation of the deterioration effect. Meanwhile, the confining pressure exhibited a certain inhibitory impact on the strength deterioration of coal samples. (3) Compared to the dry coal samples, the average AE count rate of coal samples subjected to a single water immersion exhibited a significant decrease, and subsequent water immersion for two, three, and four times resulted in a very minor decrease in the average AE count rate. (4) The AE cumulative ringing counts in coal samples exhibited varying degrees of reduction as water immersion times increased. Specifically, the most significant decrease in AE cumulative ringing counts occurred after the initial water immersion, followed by a gradual decrease thereafter. The energy-releasing capacity of coal samples decreased, while their plasticity exhibited a gradual increase. (5) A damage model was developed for coal samples based on the water immersion times. The model indicated that the damage to coal samples increased as the water immersion times increased, and the damage rate gradually decreased and eventually stabilized. (6) The deterioration mechanism of coals under the water–rock interaction was explained. Through repeated water immersion, the physical, chemical, and mechanical interactions between water and coal induced alterations in the internal microstructure of coal samples, resulting in the deterioration of mechanical properties such as compressive strength, cohesive force, and internal friction angle, which was a cumulative damage process from the microscopic to the macroscopic level.

Study on mechanical property and breakage behavior of tunnel slag containing weak rocks as road construction material

In the construction of roadbeds in mountainous areas, crushed rock slag (CRS) generated by tunnel blasting is usually reused as road construction material to reduce environmental pollution and construction costs. A series of large-scale drained triaxial tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of CRS subjected to static and traffic loading. The static triaxial tests determined the maximum stress level that can be applied to the cyclic test. The cyclic triaxial test analyses the influence of cyclic stress amplitude and confining pressure on the cumulative strain of CRS material. The particle breakage of the sample under various conditions after cyclic loading was discussed, and the relationship between the relative breakage index and the final accumulated strain was analyzed. Test results indicated that with the increase in confining pressure, the peak strength of the material exhibits a continual enhancement, while the expansion behavior experiences a gradual attenuation. In the range of static failure strength, the increase of cyclic stress level will significantly increase the accumulated axial strain rate. After the cyclic loading, the particle breakage patterns are similar under different confining pressures. A good power function relationship exists between the relative breakage index and final axial strain, and further derivation of the functional expression of the relative breakage index and both cyclic stress ratio and confining pressure.

Reduced-order model and attractor identification for large eddy simulation of squirrel cage fan

A large eddy simulation (LES) of a squirrel cage fan (SCF) provides a precise representation of turbulent flows with different degrees of complexity. This study comprehensively analyzes the coherent structures of turbulent flows in an SCF using an LES, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), and multi-resolution dynamic mode decomposition (mrDMD). An intelligent reduced-order model is established by integrating hierarchical deep learning and the sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics. The result shows that the evolution of the global DMD modes is attenuated due to the spatial distribution variations of localized high-frequency mrDMD modes, along with the fragmented and non-steady development of modal patterns. Unlike POD, DMD quantifies the quality of the impeller inlet environment and captures the antisymmetric low-dimensional flows associated with the shedding of rotating vortex structures. The interaction strength between stationary and dynamic rotating areas is accurately represented by attractors characterized by petal-like structures. The trajectory of the attractors faithfully maps the antisymmetric structural attributes, quasi-periodic behavior, and gradual attenuation characteristics exhibited by DMD modes. The number of petal-like systems and their temporal oscillations are in good agreement with the number of fan blades and their rotational cycles. This study provides new insight into fan engineering to advance flow control strategies and improve the understanding of the underlying flow mechanisms.

Analysis and application of spatio-temporal correlation characteristics of measured ocean ambient noise

Gain in sonar signal processing is closely linked to the spatio-temporal coherence characteristics of the ocean ambient noise field. The gain relies on the spatio-temporal coherence coefficient of the signal and noise, with the aim of maximizing the former and minimizing the latter. Currently, there has been ample research on the spatial characteristics of the noise field, while studies on the temporal coherence characteristics of single-point noise fields are limited. In this paper, a temporal and spatial coherence model of wind-induced noise is established based on the normal mode theory, and the impact of bandwidth and spectral structure on the time coherence coefficient of wind-induced noise is analyzed.To measure the environmental noise in 103 m of shallow water in the South China Sea, a 64-element vertical array was utilized. The results demonstrate that the measured vertical spatial correlation coefficient aligns closely with the theoretical findings when wind-induced noise is predominant. The measured temporal correlation coefficient of narrowband noise exhibits a cosine function with gradual attenuation of the envelope, and the correlation radius remains independent of frequency. As the bandwidth increases, the measured broadband noise temporal correlation radius gradually decreases. Wind speed has minimal influence on the temporal and spatial correlation coefficients of wind-induced noise. In the presence of interferences such as ships and pulses, the measured temporal and spatial correlation coefficients of wind-induced noise exhibit larger values in certain intervals.Lastly, leveraging the characteristic that the temporal coherence radius of noise is significantly smaller than that of the line spectrum signal, a single-hydrophone cross-spectrum method is proposed to process the line spectrum signal. This approach effectively enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the line spectrum.

Dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts that have persistent shunting after surgery have a higher prevalence of urolithiasis.

To report the presence of urolithiasis in dogs long-term after gradual attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS). 25 client-owned dogs that underwent gradual attenuation of a cEHPSS, of which 19 had a closed cEHPSS and 6 developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts (MAPSS) following surgery. A retrospective study with prospective follow-up was performed. Dogs that underwent cEHPSS surgery and had their postoperative cEHPSS status determined by transsplenic portal scintigraphy or CT angiography 3 months postoperatively were prospectively contacted and invited for a long-term follow-up visit (a minimum of 6 months postoperatively). Retrospective data were collected, and during the prospective follow-up visit a thorough history, blood tests and urinalysis, and ultrasonography of the urinary tract were performed to assess the presence of urinary signs and urolithiasis. Of 25 included dogs, 1 of 19 (5%) dogs with closed cEHPSS and 4 of 6 (67%) dogs with MAPSS had urolithiasis at long-term follow-up. Three (50%) dogs with MAPSS developed new uroliths. Long-term, dogs with closed cEHPSS that initially presented with and without urolithiasis had significantly less urolithiasis compared to dogs with MAPSS (P = .013 and P = .010, respectively). In the 4 dogs with closed cEHPSS that initially presented with nephrolithiasis, nephroliths became smaller or were no longer visible at the long-term follow-up visit. Dogs that developed MAPSS following cEHPSS surgery are at greater risk of urolithiasis compared to those with closed cEHPSS. Furthermore, ammonium urate uroliths might dissolve if portosystemic shunting ceases to exist.

ELECTROMAGNETIC MONITORING DURING THE AFTERSHOCK PERIOD OF THE 2003 CHUYA EARTHQUAKE IN THE MOUNTAIN (GORNY) ALTAI: MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY, RESULTS

The article considers the method of observations, interpretation of data and results of electromagnetic monitoring with a controlled source for one of the seismically active regions of Siberia – Mountain (Gorny) Altai. The monitoring is carried out during the aftershock period in the epicentral zone of the destructive Chuya earthquake of 2003 with M=7.3. For regular observations, a measurement technique has been developed with several modifications of the transient electromagnetics method (TEM) to determine variations in electrical resistivity and anisotropy coefficient. The long-term series of these two geoelectric parameters of the section are presented, compared with the characteristics of the ongoing seismic events. The analysis shows that variations in electrical resistance and electrical anisotropy reflect the development and gradual attenuation of aftershock activity of a powerful earthquake. The advantages of the TEM method and the chosen methodology for monitoring in complex areas are reflected.

Hybrid ratio optimizations on ballistic penetration of carbon Kevlar UHMWPE fiber laminates

Fiber hybrid is a promising strategy for improving ballistic penetration behaviors of fiber-reinforced laminated composites. Ballistic impact performance of hybrid fiber laminates against projectiles depends on various parameters not only with respect to the material properties, fiber types, yarn properties, fabric structures of the constituent plies but also with the hybrid configuration, material combinations and stacking sequences. It has a substantial growth demand to obtains the optimal hybrid design of the fiber hybrid composites, for maximizing the potential of the constituent materials and improving the overall anti-impact performance of the hybrid composites. However, the effect of the hybridization ratios on ballistic penetration behaviors of the hybrid composites is still infant. Here we report the hybridization ratios on ballistic impact damage of carbon/Kevlar/UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) hybrid laminates through ballistic impact experiments and three-point bending tests. The fiber hybrid laminates with different hybrid ratios had been fabricated and studied under the impact of FSP (fragment simulating projectiles). The effect of the hybridization ratios on the flexural behaviors, ballistic curves, energy absorptions and damage modes were investigated. The FEA (finite element analysis) was carried out from meso- to macro- scale model. We found that the flexural behaviors are related to the material properties and mechanical balance among different material components in the hybrid systems. The damage modes for various hybrid ratios have a typical impact damage mode like matrix cracking, fiber breakage and delamination. A rational accuracy in residual velocities and damage modes can be obtained between ballistic experiments and FEA results. The hybrid ratios would affect the stress wave propagation in the composites with a gradual attenuation development and lead to different failure mechanisms. This study is expected to reveal a fundamental failure mechanism for the fiber hybrid composites incorporated with three different fiber combinations in different hybrid ratios under ballistic impact. The results can provide important theoretical basis and experimental reference for designing and developing hard multiphase anti-impact composite structures.

Carbon dots-mediated synthesis of gold nanodendrites with extended absorption into NIR-II window for in vivo photothermal therapy

BackgroundPhotothermal therapy (PTT) in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window has attracted extensive attention due to the benefits in high maximum permissible exposure and penetration depth. Current photothermal agents generally show a broadband absorption accompanied by a gradual attenuation of absorption in the NIR-II window, leading to poor effect of PTT. It remains a great challenge to gain photothermal agents with strong and characteristic absorption in NIR-II regions. To overcome this problem, based on carbon dots (CDs)-mediated growth strategy, we proposed a simple and feasible approach to prepare plasmonic gold nanodendrites (AuNDs) with NIR-II absorption to enhance the therapeutic effect of PTT.ResultsBy rationally regulating the size and branch length of AuNDs, the AuNDs exhibited a broadband absorption from 300 to 1350 nm, with two characteristic absorption peaks located at 1077 and 1265 nm. The AuNDs demonstrated desired optical photothermal conversion efficiency (38.0%), which was further applied in NIR-II photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and PTT in human colon cancer cells (HCT 116)-tumor-bearing mice model. The tumor cells could be effectively eliminated in vivo under 1064 nm laser irradiation by the guidance of PAI.ConclusionsWe reported a simple but powerful synthetic method to obtain the unique AuNDs with strong and characteristic absorption peaks in the NIR-II window. This study provides a promising solution to tuning the growth of nanoparticles for bioimaging and phototherapy in the NIR-II window.Graphical

Duration of influenza vaccine effectiveness in the elderly in Japan: A retrospective cohort study using large-scale population-based registry data.

The immune response to influenza vaccination in the elderly is likely to be lower than that in young adults. Clinical protection may not persist year-round in the elderly. However, the effectiveness of influenza vaccine in the elderly has not been adequately studied, especially in terms of the duration of effectiveness. We used a linked database of healthcare administrative claims data and vaccination records maintained by the municipality of a city in Kanto region of Japan. We studied individuals who were aged 65years or older at baseline and were followed up between April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2020. The duration of influenza vaccine effectiveness by age category was analyzed using a time-dependent piecewise Cox proportional hazard model with time-dependent vaccine status, prior season vaccination and covariates confirmed in the baseline period (age, sex, cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, chronic kidney diseases, and cardiovascular diseases). We identified an analysis population of 83,146 individuals, of which 7,401 (8.9%) had experienced influenza and 270 (0.32%) underwent influenza-related hospitalization. Individuals who were vaccinated during the first season (n=47,338) were older than non-vaccinated individuals (n=35,808) (average age, 75.8 vs. 74.1years, respectively). The multivariable analysis showed a lower incidence of influenza in vaccinated individuals (hazard ratio [HR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.51; P<0.001), while the incidence of hospitalization for influenza did not differ significantly by vaccination status (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.53-1.18; P=0.249). Protective effectiveness against incidence was maintained for 4 or 5months after vaccination in those aged 65-69 and 80-years, 5months in 70-79years. Our study identified moderate vaccine effectiveness in preventing the incidence of influenza in the Japanese elderly. Vaccine effectiveness showed a trend of gradual attenuation. Clinicians should suspect influenza infection even in those vaccinated, especially in elderly individuals who had received vaccination more than 4 or 5months previously.

Enhanced Expression of Plasminogen Activators and Inhibitor in the Healing of Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Rats

The significance of plasminogen activation during the tympanic membrane (TM) healing is known mainly from studies performed on knock-out mice. In the previous study, we reported activation of genes coding proteins of plasminogen activation and inhibition system in rat’s TM perforation healing. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of protein products expressed by these genes and their tissue distribution using Western blotting and immunofluorescent method, respectively, during 10-day observation period after injury. Otomicroscopical and histological evaluation were employed to assess the healing process. The expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) were significantly upregulated in the proliferation phase, with subsequent gradual attenuation during remodeling phase of healing process, when keratinocyte migration was weakening. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) also showed the highest levels during the proliferation phase. The increase of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) expression was observed during the whole observation period, with the highest activity during the remodeling phase. Immunofluorescence of these proteins was present mainly in migrating epithelium. Our study found that plasminogen activation (uPA, uPAR, tPA) and inhibitory (PAI-1) molecules form a well-structured regulatory system of the epithelial migration that is critical to the healing of TM after its perforation.

Attenuation of right gastrocaval extrahepatic shunt with cellophane band in a dog: Case report

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a vascular anomaly that consists in the communication between the portal and systemic circulation, causing substances normally metabolized and excreted by the liver to be diverted directly to the systemic circulation and triggering changes in neurological, gastrointestinal and urinary systems. Diagnosis is through imaging tests, such as ultrasound and computed tomography. For patient stabilization, initial clinical treatment is highly indicated, especially for those who manifest signs of hepatic encephalopathy, and the definitive treatment is gradual surgical attenuation. Currently, the most indicated techniques for shunt occlusion are the ameroid constrictor ring and the cellophane band, which have good long-term results. The prognosis of patients undergoing the surgical procedure varies according to the general condition of the patient at the time of diagnosis and the complications that may occur in the trans and postoperative periods, such as portal hypertension, seizures, hypoglycemia and failure to close the shunt. This report aims to describe a case of surgical attenuation of a right extrahepatic gastrocaval shunt using the cellophane band technique. The canine patient, pug, aged eight months, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná, presenting neurological clinical signs and a previous diagnosis of portosystemic shunt. To determine the origin of the anomalous vessel and optimize surgical planning, computed angiotomography was indicated. Clinical treatment was instituted and, after 15 days, surgical attenuation of the shunt was performed using the cellophane band fixed with titanium clips. The patient showed signs of portal hypertension, ascites and postoperative hypoglycemia, which were treated during hospitalization. After 15 days of hospital discharge, the patient returned to the Veterinary Hospital with good general condition, absence of ascites and neurological signs and no significant changes were observed in laboratory tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of the chosen surgical technique.

Shear wave elastography measurements in dogs treated surgically for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Assessing the postoperative surgical success of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) attenuation can be challenging and involve invasive imaging methods. Elastography is an ultrasound technique that allows qualitative and quantitative estimation of tissue stiffness and has extensively been used in people with liver disease. In recent years, increased interest in this technique has developed in veterinary medicine due to its non-invasive nature, availability, and low cost. The objective of this study was to compare liver stiffness values between dogs with closed EHPSS and those with multiple acquired portosystemic shunts (MAPSS) after gradual surgical attenuation and to assess whether shear wave elastography could be used to determine EHPSS closure. As a secondary objective, measurements obtained from both intercostal and subxiphoidal views were compared. Mean values for the average, median, and maximum two-dimensional shear wave velocities (2D SWV) for the closed EHPSS were 2.88 +/−0.11 m/s; 2.83 +/−0.11 m/s; and 3.75 +/−0.16 m/s, respectively. In the MAPSS dogs, mean values for the average, median, and maximum 2D SWV were 2.77 +/– 0.17 m/s; 2.71 +/– 0.17 m/s; and 3.66 +/−0.24 m/s, respectively. No significant differences in 2D SWV were present between dogs with closed EHPSS and those with MAPSS (P = 0.33; P = 0.33; P = 0.42, respectively). When assessing potential differences between intercostal and subxiphoidal 2D SWV measurements, no effect was observed for the average and median 2D SWV (P = 0.06; P = 0.07, respectively). Yet, a significant difference was identified for the maximum 2D SWV between intercostal 4.00 +/−0.20 m/s and subxiphoidal 3.41 +/−0.17 m/s measurements (P = 0.02). The relevance of this finding is uncertain as many other studies about liver elastography only report mean and not maximum values.

Study on the stability of high and steep slopes under deep bench blasting vibration in open-pit mines

In order to study the stability of the high and steep slope of an open-pit mine under deep bench blasting vibration, a mine in Inner Mongolia is taken as the engineering background, and the mechanical parameters of rock samples were determined based on uniaxial and triaxial instruments. The stability of the high and steep slope of the open-pit mine under static and dynamic loads was analyzed by using field vibration monitoring and numerical simulation methods. The results show that the vibration range of the vibration wave is -1.25–1.25 cm/s, and the vibration wave shows a gradual attenuation trend. The Sadovsky regression equation was used to analyze and fit the monitoring data and the corresponding regression equations in each direction were obtained. Under static action, the safety factor of the high and steep slope is 1.20, and the displacement of the sliding zone passing through the slope is small, so the slope stability is good. Under the action of dynamic blasting load, the overall displacement of the slope is small, and the change of displacement decreases with the decrease of the vibration wave.

Evaluation of different blood tests in dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts to assess shunt closure after surgical treatment.

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of different individual and combined blood tests to assess extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) closure after gradual attenuation of EHPSS in dogs. Clinical prospective study. Twenty client-owned dogs with EHPSS. Fasting ammonia (FA), preprandial, postprandial, and paired serum bile acids (SBA), the lidocaine/monoethylglycylxylidide (L/MEGX) test, and serum hyaluronic acid (SHA) were performed at diagnosis, and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Transsplenic portal scintigraphy was performed to determine EHPSS closure 3 months postoperatively. Their sensitivity and specificity in determining shunt closure postoperatively were calculated. When assessing a single blood parameter, FA had the highest specificity (100%), whereas SHA and MEGX measured 15 min after lidocaine administration (T15) had the highest sensitivity (96.9% and 96.2%, respectively) for determining shunt closure postoperatively. The most promising blood test combinations were SHA (sensitivity 96.9%, specificity 81.8%), combined with the L/MEGX test (MEGX at T15: sensitivity 100%, specificity 72.4%) or the L/MEGX test (MEGX at T15) combined with either FA (sensitivity 100%, specificity 82.8%) or postprandial SBA (sensitivity 100%, specificity 81.5%). Both SHA and the L/MEGX test were sensitive tests for determining shunt closure after gradual attenuation of EHPSS. Test performances could even be improved by combining these tests with each other or with traditional tests such as FA or postprandial SBA. Although SHA and the L/MEGX test are sensitive blood tests for determining EHPSS closure, especially when combined with traditional blood tests, imaging is still needed to confirm EHPSS closure.

Total lipid concentration of hairs increases after successful attenuation of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Skin and coat quality can reflect nutritional deficiencies in humans and dogs with liver diseases. Determine skin and coat quality based on a scoring protocol and skin biopsies in dogs with an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS), and determine total lipid concentrations in hairs of dogs at time of surgery and 3 months after successful shunt closure. Ten client-owned dogs that underwent successful gradual attenuation of EHPSS, as defined by transsplenic portal scintigraphy, were included. A prospective cohort study was performed. All dogs underwent gradual attenuation of the EHPSS. Skin and coat scoring was performed at diagnosis, surgery, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Hair was plucked from the lumbar region for total lipid analysis and an 8 mm punch skin biopsy was taken at time of surgery and 3 months postoperatively, when the dogs underwent transsplenic portal scintigraphy to determine EHPSS closure. No significant differences were observed in skin and coat scoring over time. Total lipid concentrations of hairs increased significantly from surgery to 3 months postoperatively [30 μg/mg hair (13-56 μg/mg hair) to 47 μg/mg hair (25-63 μg/mg hair); p= 0.005]. Skin biopsies showed the presence of significantly more scales 3 months postoperatively (p= 0.018). A significant increase in total lipid concentrations in hairs suggests that successful surgical attenuation of EHPSS improves either intestinal absorption of lipids, fat metabolism in the liver, or a combination of both.

Vertical and horizontal light heterogeneity along gradients of secondary succession in cool- and warm-temperate forests.

Light availability varies drastically in forests, both vertically and horizontally. Vertical light heterogeneity (i.e., patterns of light attenuation from the forest canopy to the floor) may be related to light competition among trees, while horizontal light heterogeneity (i.e., variations in light intensity at a given height within forests) may be associated with light-niche partitioning among tree species. However, light heterogeneity in vertical and horizontal directions and their associations with forest structure are rarely studied to date. Here we report the first comprehensive study to compare the vertical and horizontal light heterogeneity in differently aged forests in two forest types. Twelve forest stands of different ages in cool-temperate forests (consisting of deciduous broad-leaved trees) and five of different ages in warm-temperate forests (evergreen conifer and deciduous broad-leaved trees) in Japan. We measured vertical light profiles at 1-m intervals from the understorey (1m above the ground) to the top canopy (12-22 m depending on stands) at 16 locations for each stand (20 m × 20 m). We also measured structural parameters (diameter at breast height, height, and crown dimensions) for all major trees in these stands. Along the secondary successional gradients, the vertical and horizontal light heterogeneity changed in a systematic manner in both forests. The vertical light attenuation rate was steeper in early succession and more gradual in late succession, and the horizontal light heterogeneity was relatively small in early succession and more pronounced in late succession. The vertical light attenuation rate was different between the two forest types; the light intensity dropped more sharply from the canopy surface in the cool-temperate forests due to the crown being vertically shorter and denser (i.e., higher leaf density per unit volume). In early succession, a steeper light attenuation rate is likely related to the strong light competition among co-occurring trees and thus a self-thinning process. In late succession, the high spatial light heterogeneity in forests (i.e., larger horizontal light heterogeneity and gradual light attenuation rate) may allow more species to partition light, and thus may enhance species coexistence and diversity.

Liver fibrosis inhibits lethal injury through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis

Objective: To explore the new mechanism of liver fibrosis through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced necroptosis as an entry point to inhibit lethal injury. Methods: The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established. At 6 weeks of fibrosis, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of D-GalN/LPS, and the normal mice treated with the same treatment were used as the control. The experiment was divided into four groups: control group (Control), acute injury group (D-GalN/LPS), liver fibrosis group (Fib), and liver fibrosis + acute challenge group (Fib + D-GalN/LPS). Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of necroptosis key signal molecules RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL in each group. Normal mice were treated with inhibitors targeting key signaling molecules of necroptosis, and then given an acute challenge. The inhibitory effect of D-GalN/LPS-induced-necroptosis on acute liver injury was evaluated according to the changes in transaminase levels and liver histology. Liver fibrosis spontaneous ablation model was established, and then acute challenge was given. Necroptosis key signal molecules expression was analyzed in liver tissue of mice in each group and compared by immunohistochemistry. The differences between groups were compared with t-test or analysis of variance. Results: Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays result showed that D-GalN/LPS-induced significant upregulation of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL. Necroptosis key signal molecules inhibition had significantly reduced D-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury, as manifested by markedly reduced serum ALT and AST levels with improvement in liver histology. Necroptosis signaling molecules expression was significantly inhibited in fibrotic livers even under acute challenge conditions. Additionally, liver fibrosis with gradual attenuation of fibrotic ablation had inhibited D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis may protect mice from acute lethal challenge injury by inhibiting D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis.