Middle Diameter Research Articles

Direct diffusion of anti-Müllerian hormone from both the cranial and caudal regions of the testis during early gonadal development in mice.

The Müllerian duct (MD), the primordium of the female reproductive tract, is also formed in males during the early stage of development, then regresses due to the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from the testes. However, the detailed diffusion pathway of AMH remains unclear. We herein investigated the mechanism by which AMH reaches the middle region of the MD using an organ culture system. Injection of recombinant human AMH into the testis around the start of MD regression induced diffuse immunoreactivity in the mesonephros near the injection site. When the testis and mesonephros were cultured separately, the diameters of both cranial and middle MDs were significantly increased compared to the control. In the testis-mesonephros complex cultured by inhibiting the diffusion of AMH through the cranial region, the cranial MD diameter was significantly increased compared to the control, and there was no difference in middle MD diameter. These results indicate that AMH, which infiltrates from the testis through the cranial region at physiological concentrations, induces regression of the cranial MD at the start of MD regression. They also indicate that AMH infiltrating through the caudal regions induces regression of the middle MD.

Antibacterial finishing of textile materials using modified bentonite

AbstractDirect application of heavy metals as antibacterial agents can cause skin irritations and discoloration of the tissue and it can result in short-term applicability. One of the ways to solve these problems is to immobilize these agents on bentonite. Treatment of textile materials with such activated bentonite for use in various branches of industry has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. The objective of the present study was to develop a potential use of Cu- and Zn-modified bentonites as antibacterial finishing agents for two textile materials, non-woven textile (NT) and knitted fabric (PL). The bentonite samples were characterized using ED-XRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and BET (N2 adsorption-desorption) analyses. SiO2 and Al2O3 oxides were the main components of all bentonite samples indicated by ED-XRF analysis, while the XRPD analysis confirmed that the natural bentonite (NB) consisted of montmorillonite (Mnt) as the dominant mineral (peaks at 6.94, 19.94, 35.09, and 54.09°2θ) and small amounts of quartz and calcite. A reduction in the basal plane spacing, d001, of Mnt occurred in Cu/Zn-B1, Cu/Zn-B3, and CuB, while in Cu/Zn-B2 and ZnB the basal spacing increased. Also, the size and form of particles and porosity changed, which was confirmed by the BET analysis. Modified bentonite samples experienced a reduction in the specific surface area and total pore volume, as well as movement of the middle mesopore diameter toward the larger diameters. The Zn-modified bentonite demonstrated a greater antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus than Cu- and Na-modified bentonite samples with a MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 0.94 mg/mL, while among Cu/Zn bentonite samples, Cu/Zn-B2 had the strongest antibacterial effect (MIC 0.47 mg/mL). Cu/Zn-B2 was integrated on NT and PL using a screen printing method and showed good antibacterial activity. The printed NT showed better activity than printed PL, and increasing the concentration of applied Cu/Zn-B2 also increased the antibacterial properties.

European Beech Log Sawing Using the Small-Capacity Band Saw: A Case Study on Time Consumption, Productivity and Recovery Rate

In rural, isolated areas, sawmills are often equipped with one or more small-capacity hand-fed band saws. Even in this situation, the productivity of the band saw must be viewed through the factors that influence it, namely the characteristics of logs and the optimization of the stages and activities carried out. Therefore, time consumption, the structure of working time and the recovery rate in sawing logs into lumber provide important information for users. The structure of the sawing operation for a work team made up of an operator and an assistant was divided into six work stages. The sawing pattern used involves sawing the log up to approximately half of the diameter, then rolling the log with 180° and continuing the sawing, aiming to obtain lumber with a thickness of 40 and 50 mm from the central part of the log. The productivity was 2.45 m3·h−1, the recovery rate was 70.84% and the working time real-use coefficient was 0.37. Research has highlighted the positive correlation between working time and the middle diameter of the logs (R2 = 0.84). The feeding speed was also determined along with the quality of cuts, which was expressed by the thickness uniformity of the lumber and the presence of cutting teeth traces on the newly created surfaces.

Rate of Change of Pons and Middle Cerebellar Peduncle Diameters is Diagnostic of Multiple System Atrophy of the Cerebellar Type (MSA-C) (P8-11.002)

Rate of Change of Pons and Middle Cerebellar Peduncle Diameters is Diagnostic of Multiple System Atrophy of the Cerebellar Type (MSA-C) (P8-11.002)

Heterosis and Combining Ability Estimate on Yield and Yield-Related Traits in a Half Diallel Crosses of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Understanding heterosis and combining ability among distinct kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) genetic resources is crucial for developing hybrid kenaf. An investigation was conducted on 36 F1 combinations produced from nine parental genotypes of kenaf in a diallelic scheme using Griffing diallel analysis technique 2, model I. Highly significant F-test values revealed the presence of variability for all the 15 quantitative traits for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) except days to 1st flowering. The magnitude of GCA variance was considerably higher than that of SCA variance for plant height, stem middle diameter, stem top diameter, days to flowering, number of pods, number of seeds and 1000 seeds weight, showing the predominates of additive gene for these traits. Narrow-sense heritability of 50.93% in the combined environments showed that seed number was the most heritable trait, whereas days to 1st flowering and 1000 seed weight had moderate heritability. Parents P1, P3 and P4 had the most dominant alleles for most traits studied. Considering SCA and heterosis values, the hybrids H3, H4, H9, H11, H23, H29 and H35 had high heterotic for fiber and seed yield.

Differential bone remodeling mechanism in hindlimb unloaded and hibernating Daurian ground squirrels: a comparison between artificial and natural disuse within the same species.

Loss of bone mass can occur in mammals after prolonged disuse but the situation for hibernators that are in a state of torpor for many months of the year is not yet fully understood. The present study assesses the bone remodeling mechanisms present in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) during hibernation as compared with a model of hindlimb disuse. Differences in microstructure, mechanical properties, bone remodeling-related proteins (Runx2, OCN, ALP, RANKL, CTK and MMP-9) and key proteins of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (GSK-3β and phospho-β-catenin) were evaluated in ground squirrels under 3 conditions: summer active (SA) vs. hibernation (HIB) vs. hindlimb unloaded (HLU). The results indicated that the body weight in HLU ground squirrels was lower than the SA group, and the middle tibia diameter in the HLU group was lower than that in SA and HIB groups. The thickness of cortical and trabecular bone in femurs from HLU ground squirrels was lower than in SA and HIB groups. Most parameters of the tibia in the HLU group were lower than those in SA and HIB groups, which indicated cortical bone loss in ground squirrels. Moreover, our data showed that the changes in microscopic parameters in the femur were more obvious than those in the tibia in HLU and HIB ground squirrels. The levels of Runx2 and ALP were lower in HLU ground squirrels than SA and HIB groups. The protein levels of OCN were unchanged in the three groups, but the protein levels of ALP were lower in the HLU group than in SA and HIB groups. RANKL, CTK and MMP-9 protein levels were significantly decreased in tibia of HLU ground squirrels as compared with SA and HIB groups. In addition, the protein expression levels of RANKL, CTK and MMP-9 showed no statistical difference between SA and HIB ground squirrels. Thus, the mechanisms involved in the balance between bone formation and resorption in hibernating and hindlimb unloading ground squirrels may be different. The present study showed that in femur, the Wnt signaling pathway was inhibited, the protein level of GSK-3β was increased, and the protein expression of phospho-β-catenin was decreased in the HIB group as compared with the SA group, which indicates that the Wnt signaling pathway has a great influence on the femur of the HIB group. In conclusion, the natural anti-osteoporosis properties of Daurian ground squirrels are seasonal. The squirrels do not experience bone loss when they are inactive for a long time during hibernation, but the mechanisms of anti-osteoporosis did not work in HLU summer active squirrels.

The effect of size and shape of pores on the prediction model of compressive strength of foamed concrete

The Balshin’s model is the most well-known of the models used to predict the compressive strength of aerated concrete. Among the pore characteristics such as the amount of porosity, the size of the pores, and their shape, Only the amount of porosity is placed as a specific parameter in the Balshin’s model. The impact of the other two characteristics, on the other hand, is included in the power value of the Balshin’s equation. Compressive strength tests and identifying the characteristics of air voids using microscopic imaging were performed on the mixtures produced in this study, which had weight ratios of sand to the cement of 1, 1.5, and 2, and the percentage of foam volumes of 0, 15, 25 and 35. In this study, a review of some of the factors influencing the change in the pore characteristics was performed, including the porosity of the foamed mixture and the size of sand used, in addition to the effect of the pore characteristics such as size and shape on the compressive strength of the foamed mixture. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the models introduced in previous research to determine the effect of the pore characteristics of semi-structural and structural foamed mixtures (with sand) caused by mixture porosity and the sand size on the Balshin’s model. Among the types of relationships presented for the Balshin’s model, the relationship based on the paste fraction porosity was used. According to the findings of this study, foam porosity is the most important factor influencing pore size change, followed by sand size. The increase in the size of the pores and their non-sphericality decreased the relative compressive strength and, as a consequence, increased the power of the Balshin’s model because the maximum level of stress concentration was created adjacent to the middle diameter of the pores at the period of concrete rupture.

Using an optimized venturi instead of cold orifice in Vortex tube: Thermodynamic and experimental approach

A vortex tube (VT) is a separator system (for energy, fluids and particles) that is often used in the industries to provide cooling and heating services. Its exceptional features including; “simplicity of the structure” and “high temperature difference between the outlets” have made it widely used in the thermal applications. The cold outlet structure located in the vortex chamber significantly can change the thermodynamic performance of the VT due to its position at the beginning of the energy separation process. This experimental research focuses on increasing the thermal efficiency of the VT by designing an optimized venturi instead of the cold orifice. The effects of the venturi structural parameters including the middle part diameter (Ø = 12, 13 and 14 mm), the convergence angle (β = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4°) and the divergence angle (θ = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4°) are considered on the VT efficiency criteria like; the temperature separations (ΔTc,h,t), the isentropic efficiency (η), the power separations (Q̇c,h,t) and the coefficient of performance (COP). The results show that there are optimum values (Ø = 13 mm, β = 3° and θ = 1°) for obtaining the maximum thermal improvements: ΔTc: 61.68%, ΔTh: 58.74%, ΔTt: 53.39%, η: 61.70%, Q̇c: 47.16%, Q̇h: 61.71%, Q̇t: 55.44%, COPCM: 50% and COPHP: 65%.

The significance of Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) gnawing off the old brood cells

Apis cerana cerana has the biological characteristic of gnawing off the old brood cells which reared multiple generations of workers. This study investigated the internal structure of newly built, old, and semi-rebuilt brood cells and their effects on the morphological development of workers to understand the significance of Apis cerana cerana gnawing off the old brood cells. The results showed that there was no significant difference among the three diameters (at the top, middle, and bottom positions) of newly built or semi-rebuilt brood cells (P > 0.05), but these changed within the old brood cells (P < 0.05). The top, middle, or bottom diameters of the newly built and semi-rebuilt brood cells were significantly larger than those of the old brood cells (P < 0.05), but were almost the same between the newly built and the semi-rebuilt brood cells (P > 0.05). The weight and base thickness of the cocoon were significantly greater in the old brood cells than those in the semi-rebuilt brood cells (P < 0.05). Importantly, the birth weight, body length, and the tested six external morphological indices did not show a significant difference between the newly built and semi-rebuilt brood cells (P > 0.05) but were significantly larger than those of old brood cells (P < 0.05). The size of the brood cell and the external morphology of the workers showed a positive correlation. This study highlights the significance of Apis cerana cerana gnawing off the old brood cells providing a reference for its scientific rearing.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Selection of M2 Sorghum Super 2 Mutant Lines Derived from Irradiation Using Gamma Rays

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a potential plant to be developed as food, feed, and industrial raw materials. In Indonesia, sweet sorghum breeding is needed because only five varieties of sweet sorghum have been released. Genetic variability is essential in breeding. Through mutation induction, breeders can increase genetic variability so that new characters superior to their parents can be obtained. This study aimed to analyze the effect of various doses of gamma-ray irradiation on genetic variability in the agronomic character of the M2 population derived from the sweet sorghum Super 2 mutant and to select potential populations for further selection. The research was carried out at Experimental Garden, ICABIOGRAD, in February-June 2021. The material used was selected M2 mutant seeds from mutant populations resulting from gamma-ray irradiation of sorghum’s shoots of Super 2 variety with doses of 40, 50, 60, and 70 Gy. Variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, panicle length, panicle diameter, sugar content, and fresh and dry panicle weights. The results showed that all radiation doses could increase genetic variability in M2 plants compared to their parents. Significant differences in characters between the original parents and the M2 population with a dose of 40 Gy were seen in the top diameter of the stem, panicle length, and sugar content; at a dose of 50 Gy in panicle diameter, sugar content, and fresh panicle weight; at a dose of 60 Gy on plant height, top stem diameter, sugar content, fresh panicle weight; while at a dose of 70 Gy on bottom stem diameter and middle stem diameter. The potential population for further selection based on fresh weight is the irradiated mutant population with a dose of 70 Gy. In pre-analysis using Cluster Gram and 49 mutant genotypes of the 70Gy M2 population, a group of mutants similar to their parent (Super 2 sorghum variety) and the other group that was completely different from their parent was obtained.

植保无人机电动离心喷嘴设计及雾化特性研究

In order to reduce the drift loss of small droplets sprayed at low altitudes and low volume, a two-channel two-phase electric centrifugal nozzle was designed. The three-dimensional full-size numerical simulation of the flow field in the nozzle was carried out using Fluent software, and the radial distribution characteristics and axial variation of the flow field were studied. The relationships between the motor voltage and the atomizing disc's speed, between the nozzle's inlet pressure and its flow rate were determined. The variations of the droplet size and the droplet spectrum width with the atomizing disc and flow rate were revealed. The results showed that the rotation speed and flow rate were the important factors affecting the droplet's middle diameter and spectrum width. When the rotation speed of atomizing disc was 4000 r/min, the droplet spectrum width exhibited the narrowest, and the middle diameter of the droplet volume was 231.9 μm. The droplet coverage density was higher, meeting the requirements of low-volume aviation spraying control. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing nozzle configuration and developing variable spray devices.

Increasing the heating value of natural gas by reducing CO2 concentration using vortex tube: A new method

Natural gas (based on methane) is one of the most popular fossil fuels used in the world's energy industries, so, any progress in increasing its heating value can have impressive impacts on the energy efficiency around the world and specially on global warming. Separation of carbon dioxide is one of the most important actions that can increase the heating value of natural gas. For the first time, this experimental investigation is designed to apply thermodynamic performance of a vortex tube for improving the heating value of natural gas through the separation process. Furthermore, this research investigates the effects of the internal structural parameters of the navigator on the separation level of CO2 from the injected natural gas (Pin = 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 MPa). The considered structural factors are; the middle part diameter (Ø=12, 13 and 14 mm), the convergence angle (θ = 0°, 1°, 2°, 3° and 4°) and the divergence angle (β = 0°, 1°, 2°, 3° and 4°), and the results show that there are optimum values (Ø=13 mm, θ = 3°, β = 1°) which lead to the maximum level of carbon dioxide separation from the natural gas stream. The results show that the optimum VT decreases the concentration of CO2 at the cold outlet to 1.30 % (P = 0.5 MPa), 1.16 % (P = 0.7 MPa) and 0.79 % (P = 0.9 MPa) via the thermodynamic separation process.

Estimating Genetic Analysis Using Half Diallel Cross Underlying Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Fibre Yield in Tropical Climates.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a natural fibre crop that can be used for a variety of purposes and has various applications in industry. Despite this, its potential has not been fully exploited because of low yields and a narrow genetic base, limiting hybrids' development. Based on this background, eight kenaf mutants and one commercial cultivar were selected and crossed in a half-diallel for general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) to get the desired results done in this investigation. The 36 hybrid offspring and their parental lines were tested in the field over two environments. Diallel results based on Griffing B method 2 indicated significant differences for all characters studied except for GCA in top diameter and plant height and top diameter SCA, indicating the existence of both additive and nonadditive gene actions for the inheritance of the traits. The amplitude of GCA variation was much higher than that of SCA variation for all parameters except top diameter and node number, showing the additive gene's prevalence and the likelihood of genetic advancement through selection. In both conditions, Hayman and Jinks graphical studies demonstrated that partial dominance controlled various fibre yield component parameters such as plant height, middle diameter, stick weight, and fibre weight. On the other hand, fibre yield and the majority of physical features indicated either dominance or overdominance gene action. Plant height, base diameter, core diameter, middle diameter, fresh stem weight, and stick weight all strongly positively correlated with fibre yield. These traits also had a higher proportion of additive effects, a moderate narrow-sense heritability, and a higher baker ratio, indicating successful indirect selection for fibre yield. The parents P1, P3, and P4 had the most dominant alleles for most of the features, while the parents P2, P7, and P9 had the most recessive alleles. The hybrids P1 × P4, P1 × P9, P2 × P3, P2 × P5, P4 × P6, P4 × P7, P4 × P9, P5 × P8, and P7 × P9 outperformed the parents in terms of heterotic responses and showed that they have a lot of genetic potential for kenaf enhancement in tropical climates.

Normal diameters of abdominal aorta and common iliac artery in middle-aged and elderly Chinese Han people based on CTA.

To investigate the normal diameter of the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries of the middle-aged and elderly people in China and the relationship of the diameters with age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA). This retrospective study enrolled 625 patients including 380 males and 245 females aged 60.00 years (interquartile range 13.00 years). All clinical data and the diameters of the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries were analyzed. The diameter of the abdominal aorta was 21.49 ± 2.49 mm at the proximal, 16.94 (interquartile range 2.39) mm at the middle, and 15.65 (interquartile range 2.90) mm at the distal segment. The diameter of the common iliac artery was 10.76 (interquartile range 1.99) mm at the right proximal, 10.41 (interquartile range 2.05) mm at the left proximal, 10.74 (interquartile range 2.25) mm at the right distal, and 10.67 (interquartile range 2.22) mm at the left distal segment. The height, weight, BSA, BMI, diameters of the proximal, middle and distal abdominal aorta as well as the proximal and distal left and right common iliac arteries were significantly higher in males than those in females (P < .001). Height, weight, BSA, and BMI were significantly (P < .001) positively correlated with the diameter of the abdominal aorta and common iliac artery at the proximal, middle, and distal segments. The middle and distal diameters of the abdominal aorta were significantly higher in males than those in females (P < .05). The diameter of the abdominal aorta at the proximal, middle, and distal segment as well as the diameter of the left and right common iliac artery at the distal segment were significantly (P < .05) increased with age. The normal values of the diameter of the abdominal aorta and common iliac arteries are suggested for the middle-aged and elderly Chinese people for clinical reference. The diameters are gender related and significantly positively correlated with BSA, height, weight, and BMI, which is beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment planning of relevant vascular diseases.

Anorectal volume-pressure relations, contraction work, and flow during defecation.

Fecobionics is an integrated device that has shown promise for assessment of anorectal function. We used a wireless Fecobionics prototype to visualize defecatory patterns and to compute volume-pressure, contraction work, and flow. Twelve normal subjects were studied. The probe was 10cm-long and contained pressure sensors and electrodes for impedance planimetry. Pressures, diameters, and volume data during defecation were analyzed. The bag was distended inside rectum to the urge-to-defecate level where after the subjects were asked to evacuate. The contraction work and defecatory flow were computed from the volume changes during expulsion. The minimum anal diameter during the evacuation was 17.6 ± 1.5mm. The middle diameter recording was 10-20% lower than the front diameter channels and 10-20% bigger than the rear channels. The bag volume at urge correlated with the minimum diameter (r = 0.63). The diameter-pressure and volume-pressure loops were counterclockwise with phases of bag filling, isometric contraction, ejection and anal passage. The defecatory contraction work was 3520 ± 480mL × cmH2O. The maximum flow during defecation was 302 ± 33mL/s. The flow was associated with the anal diameter (r = 0.84) but not with the rectoanal pressure gradient (r = 0.14). Volume-pressure loops have a tremendous impact on the understanding of cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. Future studies will shed light on potential clinical impact in defecatory pathophysiology.

Imaging features of developmental stenosis of atlas with degenerative cervical myelopathy

Objective: To investigate the imaging features of patients with developmental stenosis of atlas (small atlas) complicated with degenerative cervical myelopathy and to explore the diagnostic criteria of small atlas. Methods: The clinical data of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy treated by posterior cervical laminoplasty and resection of posterior arch of atlas from 2006 to 2020 in the Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen cases had spinal cord compression at C1 level after the exclusion of ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and other pathology. These cases were suspected small atlas (small atlas group). Forty-six cases without posterior arch resection in the same period were selected as control group. The middle sagittal diameter of atlas and the vertical distance from posterior tubercle of atlas to occipitoaxial line under CT in both groups were compared. The sagittal diameter of the spinal canal at the atlas level under MRI, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for functional state of cervical spine before operation and at last follow-up were also measured. Results: There were 9 males and 7 females in the small atlas group, aged (63±12) years. There were 21 males and 25 females in the control group, aged (57±10) years. The patients in both group were followed-up for at least one year. The sagittal diameter of atlas in the small atlas group was (26.4±3.1) mm, which was significantly smaller than that in the control group [(29.6±2.2) mm, P=0.010]. The vertical distance from the posterior tubercle of atlas to the occipitoaxial line in the small atlas group was larger than that in the control group[(6.79±1.17) mm vs (5.57±1.29) mm, P=0.001]. The diameter of atlas canal in the small atlas group was (8.25±1.44) mm which was significantly smaller than that in the control group [(13.00±1.66) mm, P<0.001]. The JOA score of the small atlas group before operation and at the last follow-up were both slightly lower than that in the control group (both P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the recovery rate of JOA score between the two groups (61.9% vs 66.0%, P=0.066). Among the 16 cases in the small atlas group, 5 cases of occipital-axial connection were located at the posterior 1/3 of the posterior arch of atlas, and 11 cases of occipital-axial connection were completely located at the posterior arch of atlas. Conclusions: The effective sagittal diameter of atlas is smaller in small atlas group which can lead to more severe cervical myelopathy. The presence of a small atlas should be highly suspected when the sagittal diameter of atlas canal is less than 26 mm under CT. The existence of the small atlas should be alert when the occipitalaxial line is located at the dorsal 1/3 or behind of the posterior arch of atlas.

Genotypic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis among Yield Components in Kenaf Mutants under Tropical Conditions

ABSTRACT Correlation and path coefficient analysis aid in developing breeding strategies aimed at increasing yield traits through selection by providing a better understanding of the relationship. This study was conducted on yield and yield-related traits to determine their direct and indirect effects among thirty-one kenaf mutant lines to identify selection criteria for higher fiber yield. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the characters studied except for top diameter, where non-significant differences were observed for genotype and genotype by season interaction. The dry fiber weight significantly correlated with seven traits at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Hence, selection based on these traits is effective for increasing kenaf fiber yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.223) had the maximum contribution to fiber yield per plant, followed by plant height (0.202). Fresh stem weight without leaves and pod (0.252) exhibited the maximum positive direct effect on fiber yield followed by middle diameter (0.226) and plant height (0.186). For the development of kenaf varieties with acceptable yield, effective selection would consider plant height, middle diameter, core diameter, dry stick weight, fresh stem weight with leaves and pod, and fresh stem weight without leaves and pod.

Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in Offspring From Experimentally Preeclamptic Rats and the Effect of Age.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that causes significant, long term cardiovascular effects for both the mother and offspring. A previous study demonstrated that middle cerebral arteries in offspring from an experimental rat model of preeclampsia were smaller, stiffer, and did not enlarge over the course of maturation, suggesting potential hemodynamic alterations in these offspring. Here we investigated the effect of experimental preeclampsia on cerebral blood flow autoregulation in juvenile and adult offspring that were born from normal pregnant or experimentally preeclamptic rats. Relative cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry, and cerebral blood flow autoregulation curves were constructed by raising blood pressure and controlled hemorrhage to lower blood pressure. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess middle cerebral artery size. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured in awake adult offspring using implanted radiotelemetry. Serum epinephrine was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Offspring from both groups showed maturation of cerebral blood flow autoregulation as offspring aged from juvenile to adulthood as demonstrated by the wider autoregulatory plateau. Experimental preeclampsia did not affect cerebral blood flow autoregulation in juvenile offspring, and it had no effect on cerebral blood flow autoregulation in adult offspring over the lower range of blood pressures. However, experimental preeclampsia caused a right shift in the upper range of blood pressures in adult offspring (compared to normal pregnant). Structurally, middle cerebral arteries from normal pregnant offspring demonstrated growth with aging, while middle cerebral arteries from experimentally preeclamptic offspring did not, and by adulthood normal pregnant offspring had significantly larger middle cerebral arteries. Middle cerebral artery lumen diameters did not significantly change as offspring aged. Serum epinephrine was elevated in juvenile experimentally preeclamptic offspring, and a greater degree of hemorrhage was required to induce hypotension, suggesting increased sympathetic activity. Finally, despite no evidence of increased sympathetic activity, adult experimentally preeclamptic offspring were found to have persistently higher heart rate. These results demonstrate a significant effect of experimental preeclampsia on the upper range of autoregulation and cerebrovascular structure in juvenile and adult offspring that could have an important influence on brain perfusion under conditions of hypo and/or hypertension.

Droplet deposition characteristics detection method based on deep learning

Accurate acquisition of spraying quality parameters of plant protection Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is helpful to analyze the deposition and distribution of pesticides in field crops. It is of great significance for pest control. UAV spray quality detection system was used to collect droplets, the droplet deposition parameters can be detected by processing the droplet images. However, the spots and the adhesion of the droplets led to large data errors. In order to solve this problem, this paper developed a recognition method of adhesive droplets based on Deeplab V3 + deep learning network, and a concave point matching segmentation algorithm based on convolutional neural network was designed to segment adhesion droplets. Used water instead of pesticides to spray to verify the detection effect of the above method. The test results showed that this method was accurate in the identification and extraction of droplets in the detection of droplet coverage. Compared with the droplet coverage measured by Deposit scan, the average relative error is 3.81%. Compared with the manual counting method, the detection error of the droplet deposition density was 3.17%. It was better for the segmentation of adhesion droplets. In terms of droplet size detection, compared with volume middle diameter measured by laser particle sizer, the detection error was 5.48%. This method improves the accuracy of UAV spray quality detection, so as to ensure the correctness of plant protection UAV spraying decisions.

Variability in the climate-radial growth correlation of Pinus massoniana of different diameter classes

The physiological characteristics of trees change with age, suggesting that growth-related climate signals vary over time. This study aimed to clarify the impacts of different diameter classes on the chronological characteristics of Pinus massoniana Lamb. and its response to climatic factors. Chronologies of Pinus massoniana were established in small diameter (14.1 cm), middle diameter (27.3 cm), and large diameter (34.6 cm) trees according to dendrochronology. The results show that: (1) radial growth of different diameter classes had varied characteristics and climate sensitivities; (2) radial growth of small diameter trees was affected by climatic factors of the previous and the current year, while large diameter trees were mainly affected by climatic factors of the current year; and (3) precipitation and temperature were key factors that restricted the radial growth of small and large diameter trees, respectively.