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Demand for brushless alternatives to the series universal motors and induction motors in domestic applications and automotive applications is increasing. Among the available candidates, single-phase flux-switching permanent magnet (SP-FSPM) machines have gained attention due to a simpler magnetic structure and control system. However, their torque density remains limited. Therefore, a SP doubly-fed FSPM (SP-DF-FSPM) machine is developed in this paper which features an additional set of armature windings on the rotor. By effectively utilizing the rotor slot area, the proposed SP-DF-FSPM machine enhances electrical loading and torque density while providing inherent fault-tolerant capability, a critical addition compared with conventional SP-FSPM machines. A comprehensive parameter-sensitivity analysis is conducted for a 10-stator-pole/10-rotor-tooth configuration to optimize key geometric parameters for the maximum torque and reliable self-starting operation. The electromagnetic performance of an optimized design is evaluated and compared against a conventional SP-FSPM machine. The results show that the SP-DF-FSPM machine can achieve a 24.75% higher torque output, improved efficiency, and enhanced power factors under the healthy condition. Moreover, the machine can deliver 63.5% and 36.0% torque when operating with only stator and rotor windings, respectively, demonstrating the fault-tolerant capability. Experimental validation via an SP-DF-FSPM prototype shows close agreement with simulation results.

Drawing upon the Landsat satellite images of Nanjing from 1985, 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013, this paper integrates the convex hull analysis and common edge analysis at double scales, and develops a comprehensive matrix analysis to distinguish the different types of urban land expansion. The results show that Nanjing experienced rapid urban expansion, dominated by a mix of residential and manufacturing land from 1985 to 2013, which in turn has promoted Nanjing's shift from a compact mononuclear city to a polycentric one. Spatial patterns of three specific types of growth, namely infilling, extension, and enclave were quite different in four consecutive periods. These patterns result primarily from the existing topographic constraints, as well as government-oriented urban planning and policies. By intersecting the function maps, we also reveal the functional evolution of newly-developed urban land. Moreover, both self-enhancing and mutual promotion of the newly developed functions are surveyed over the last decade. Our study confirms that the integration of a multi-scale method and multi-perspective analysis, such as the spatiotemporal patterns and functional evolution, helps us to better understand the rapid urban growth in China.

Purpose To compare the effects of a single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich–Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen in treating pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. Materials and methods The clinical data of 24 children with primary obstructive megaureter from January 2021 to November 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 12 children (8 boys and 4 girls, the average age were 17.17 ± 6.31 months) treated with the laparoscopic Cohen method were defined as group C. The remaining 12 children (7 boys and 5 girls, the average age was 17.33 ± 6.99 months) underwent single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich–Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation were defined as group L. The parameters of pre-operation, intraoperative and postoperative were compared. Results There were no differences in the patient characteristics and average follow-up time between the two groups ( P  > 0.05).The obstruction resolution rate was 100% in both groups. The total operation time in group L is slightly longer than that in group C( P  < 0.001),but the intraperitoneal operation time of the two groups was comparable( P  > 0.05). The postoperative parameters included blood loss, gross haematuria time, indwelling catheterization time and hospitalization time in group L is shorter than group C( P  < 0.05). One year post-operation, decreasing in ureteral diameter and APRPD, and increasing in DRF were remarkably observed in both two groups( P  < 0.05). Ureteral diameter, APRPD, and DRF were not significantly different both in pre-operation and post-operation between Group L and Group C( P  > 0.05). Conclusion Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic-modified Lich–Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen are both dependable techniques for ureteral reimplantation in the treatment of pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. Since Lich–Gregoir can preserve the physiological direction of the ureter and direct nipple reimplantation enhances the effect of anti-refluxing, this technique is favorable for being promoted and applied in robot surgery.

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. However, few studies have paid attention to urban land use dynamics, especially spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion and land use change, in this region. This research aimed to conduct a comprehensive study of urban land use change in Xishuangbanna, Yangon, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, from 1990 to 2015. The analysis was based on land use maps derived from Landsat satellite products and employed urban expansion intensity, sector analysis, gradient-direction analysis, and landscape metrics. The results show Xishuangbanna, Yangon, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City all experienced dramatic urban expansion and land use change since 1990, with urban expansion intensities of 15.01, 5.26, 9.15, 1.56, 11.88 and 11.91, respectively. The landscape metrics analysis indicated that urban areas were always aggregated and self-connected, while other land use types showed trends of disaggregation and fragmentation. In the process of urban expansion, paddy and natural land use types were commonly transformed to built up area. The results further reveal several common issues in urban land use, e.g., land fragmentation and loss of natural land use types. Finally, the discussion on the relationship between government policy and land use change for these cities shows land reform and attitude toward foreign direct investments played important roles in urban land use change in GMS.

Background Intestinal dysbiosis is believed to be one of the factors inducing neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Probiotics have been employed to treat NEC in a number of animal experiments and clinical trials, and some significant benefits of utilizing probiotics for the prevention or alleviation of NEC have been confirmed. However, the mechanism underlying the efficacy of probiotics in treating NEC has not been elucidated. Results Impairment of the intestinal barrier, which was characterized by the decreased expression of tight junction components, was observed in the pathogenesis of NEC. The probiotic mixture alleviated this intestinal damage by enhancing the function of the barrier. Meanwhile, the probiotics remodeled the composition of the intestinal microbiota in NEC mice. Furthermore, increased expression of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) was observed after treatment with the probiotic mixture, and PXR overexpression in Caco-2 cells protected the barrier from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) damage. Further research showed that PXR could inhibit the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and could increase the expression of tight junction components. Conclusions Our study confirmed that probiotics could ameliorate intestinal lesions by enhancing the function of the mucosal barrier. Specifically, probiotics may target PXR, which may subsequently enhance the expression of tight junction components by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and enhance the function of the barrier.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training (RMT) in restoring diaphragm function after a stroke. We conducted a comprehensive search for studies investigating the impact of RMT on diaphragm function in post-stroke patients that were published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and ClinicalTrials.gov databases between inception and April 2023. Six reviewers independently screened eligible studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. The results were analysed using mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared test and statistic. This meta-analysis included 6 studies comprising 246 patients, with methodological quality ranging from poor to excellent. We observed significant differences in diaphragm mobility on the affected side after a stroke (MD = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.96-1.67;  < 0.00001) as well as in affected side diaphragm thickness (DT) at inspiration (A-DTI) (MD = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.14;  = 0.002), affected side DT at expiration (A-DTE) (MD = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.02;  = 0.13), non-A-DTI (MD = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02-0.04;  < 0.00001), non-A-DTE (MD = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.01-0.02;  = 0.56) and affected side diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) (MD = 47.32, 95% CI: 11.04-83.60;  = 0.01) non-affected DTF (MD = 15.47, 95% CI: -12.19-43.13; p = 0.27). Respiratory muscle training can enhance diaphragm function in post-stroke patients, encompassing improvements in diaphragm mobility, thickness and thickening fraction, particularly focusing on the affected side diaphragmatic function. Trial registration CRD42022371157, available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022371157.

Yunnan Province, residing in the eastern segment of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the western part of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, faces significant challenges due to its intricate geological structures and frequent geohazards. These pose monumental risks to community safety and infrastructure. Unfortunately, conventional spatial indexing methods struggle with the enormous influx of geohazard data, exhibiting inadequacies in efficient spatio-temporal querying and failing to meet the swift response imperatives for real-time geohazard monitoring and early warning mechanisms. In response to these challenges, this study proffers a cutting-edge spatio-temporal indexing model, the BCHR-index, undergirded by data stream clustering algorithms. The operational schema of the BCHR-index model is bifurcated into two stages: real-time and offline. The real-time phase proficiently uses micro-clusters shaped by the CluStream algorithm in unison with a B+ tree to construct indices in memory, thereby satisfying the exigent response necessities for geohazard data streams. Conversely, the offline stage employs the CluStream algorithm and the Hilbert curve to manage heterogeneously distributed spatial objects. Paired with a B+ tree, this framework promotes efficient spatio-temporal querying of geohazard data. The empirical results indicate that the indexing model implemented in this study affords millisecond-level responses when faced with query requests from real-time geohazard data streams. Moreover, in aspects of spatial query efficiency and data-insertion performance, it demonstrates superior results compared to the R-tree and Hilbert-R tree models.

Purpose Recent advances in deep learning have facilitated the exploration of mesh reconstruction techniques; however, these approaches have not yet been applied to mesh reconstruction of hydronephrosis lesions in pediatric patients. Three surgical strategies are currently available for robot-assisted pyeloplasty in children, but there remains no consensus on which yields superior clinical benefits. Materials and methods A total of 36 patients received robot-assisted pyeloplasty were divided into three groups based on different surgical procedures: large anastomosis group (LAG), middle anastomosis group (MAG) and small anastomosis group (SAG).A deep learning network was utilized to reconstruct upper urinary tract models from patients’ magnetic resonance urography (MRU) images, followed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to measure urine flow dynamics parameters in the reconstructed models. Statistical comparisons of parameters were performed among the three groups. Results Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of improvement in differential renal function (DRF), reduction in postoperative anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the renal pelvis, postoperative pressure reduction, pressure gradient between the upper and lower planes, changes in urinary flow velocity, and alterations in wall eddy viscosity. DRF was significantly improved in both the MAG and LAG, whereas it was significantly decreased in the SAG. The MAG exhibited the most remarkable reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis. Postoperative pressure reduction was more pronounced in the MAG when compared with the LAG and SAG. The median postoperative pressure gradient between the upper and lower planes was the highest in the LAG. Postoperative urinary flow velocity increased significantly in the LAG, only slightly in the MAG, but decreased in the SAG. Postoperative wall eddy viscosity increased significantly in the LAG, whereas it decreased in both the MAG and SAG. Conclusions Deep learning-based upper urinary tract model reconstruction combined with CFD simulation constitutes a novel noninvasive method for measuring upper urinary tract urine flow dynamics parameters. Among the three robot-assisted pyeloplasty techniques, the middle anastomosis approach yields the optimal postoperative recovery.

Objective To observe the safety and short-term outcomes of a new way of laparoscopic trocar placement in pediatric robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux. Methods The retrospective study included 32 patients under 14 years diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). All these patients underwent robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation in our department from December 2020 to August 2022. These patients were divided into the following groups according to the different ways of trocar placement: 13 patients in group single-port plus one (SR) and 19 patients in group multiple-port (MR). Patients’ characteristics as well as their perioperative and follow-up data were collected and evaluated. Results There was no significant difference in the data regarding patients’ characteristics and preoperative data. These data included the grade of vesicoureteral reflux according to the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and the differential degree of renal function (DRF) at the following time points: preoperative, postoperative, and comparison of preoperative and postoperative. There was no difference between the two groups. During surgery, the time of artificial pneumoperitoneum establishment, ureteral reimplantation time, and total operative time in the SR group were longer than those in the MR group. Yet only the time of artificial pneumoperitoneum establishment shows a statistical difference ( P  < 0.0001). Also, the peri-operative data, including the volume of blood loss, fasting time, hospitalization, and length of time that a ureteral catheter remained in place, and the number of postoperative complications demonstrate no difference. In addition, the SFU grade and VCUG grade at the following time point also show no difference between the two groups. Conclusion The study demonstrates that SR in robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation has reached the same surgical effects as MR. In addition, the single-port plus one trocar placement receives a higher cosmetic satisfaction score from parents and did not increase the surgical time and complexity.

Background Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease, primarily affecting the lungs, with a prognosis that varies widely among patients. While some patients recover spontaneously after diagnosis, others experience disease progression. Currently, the metabolomic profile associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis and its different clinical outcomes remains poorly understood. Methods Serum samples from 29 pulmonary sarcoidosis patients and 10 healthy controls were analyzed using untargeted UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified differentially expressed metabolites, followed by pathway enrichment to evaluate their biological relevance. Patients were further stratified into self-healing ( n  = 11) and progressive ( n  = 18) subgroups based on prognosis. Differential metabolites between subgroups were compared, potential biomarkers were selected, and their diagnostic performance assessed. Correlations with clinical parameters were also analyzed to explore associations with disease progression. Results Sarcoidosis patients showed distinct serum metabolic profiles compared to healthy controls, with 10 upregulated and 199 downregulated metabolites. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment in amino acid, lipid, and immune-related pathways. Between prognostic subgroups, 25 differential metabolites were identified. Uric acid, testosterone sulfate, allopregnanolone sulfate, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 emerged as key metabolites with prognostic value and moderate correlations with clinical parameters. Conclusions This study highlights distinct serum metabolic profiles associated with sarcoidosis prognosis, suggesting that specific metabolic alterations may aid in monitoring and predicting disease outcomes. These findings offer a foundation for future research into personalized treatment and management strategies.