Beamformer Based on Quaternion Processes

In this chapter, the problem of quaternion beamformer based on linear and widely linear hypercomplex processing is investigated in scenarios, where there exist one signal and one interference that are uncorrelated. First, we introduce brief information about the quaternion algebra and a quaternion model of linear symmetric array with two-component electromagnetic (EM) vector-sensors is presented. Based on array’s quaternion model, a quaternion MVDR (QMVDR) beamformer is derived and its performance is analysed. Second, we propose the general expression of a quaternion semi-widely linear (QSWL) beamformer and derive its useful implementation and the array’s gain expression. Finally, we give the main results of Monte Carlo simulation

Validity of the “Streitberger” Needle in a Chinese Population with Acupuncture: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, and Crossover Pilot Study

We studied the validity of a “Streitberger” needle as a valid approach in a Chinese population with experience of acupuncture. Volunteers were recruited from students of the School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Sixty students receiving education in acupuncture theory and experience in practical acupuncture were tested in study determining whether needling with the placebo needle felt any different from conventional acupuncture. Outcomes included measures of penetration sensation, VAS ratings, and Deqi sensation questionnaire. As a result, needle penetration, VAS ratings for either needle and Deqi sensation were not significantly different between two kinds of needles. Our findings show that the use of “Streitberger” needle is credible in a Chinese population with acupuncture experience

(S)-(+)-4-(Oxiran-2-ylmeth­oxy)-9H-carbazole

In the title compound, C15H13NO2, all atoms of the carbazole group are coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 Å), and the dihedral angle between this plane and C—O—C plane of oxane group is 57.1 (4)°. The crystal packing is stabilized by an N—H⋯O hydrogen bond, resulting in infinite supra­molecular chains along [001]

Dichloridotetra­kis­(diniconazole)cobalt(II)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [CoCl2(C15H17Cl2N3O)4], the CoII cation lies on an inversion center and has a slightly distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry. The equatorial positions are occupied by four N atoms from four diniconazole [systematic name: (E)-(RS)-1-(2,4-dichloro­phen­yl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol] ligands. The axial sites are occupied by two Cl− anions. In the two independent organic ligands, the triazole ring is oriented at dihedral angles of 18.28 (14) and 32.15 (14)° with respect to the dichloro­phenyl ring. Inter­molecular O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds consolidate the crystal packing

Therapeutic effects of Jiaotai pill on rat insomnia via regulation of GABA signal pathway

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Jiaotai pill (JTP) on rats with insomnia induced by pchlorophenylalanine (PCPA).Methods: Rats with PCPA-induced insomnia were divided into 5 groups (n = 10), made up of control group, positive treatment group (estazolam 0.1 mg/kg), and 3 JTP treatment groups (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 g/kg). Another group of 10 rats were treated as normal group. Rats in normal and control groups were treated with normal saline (10 mL/kg). After 14 days of drug treatment, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with sodium pentobarbital (45 mg/kg) and thereafter, latent period and sleeping time were recorded, while contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in hypothalamus were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the expressions of glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD-65), glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD-67), GABAaminotransferase (GABA)-T, anti-GABA transporter 1 (GAT)-1, anti-GABA transporter (GAT)-3, and GABA receptors (GABA-A and GABA-B) in the hypothalamus were analyzed by western blotting assay.Results: The results showed that JTP (0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 g/kg) significantly shortened latent period and prolonged sleeping time (p < 0.01). JTP also increased GABA level (p < 0.01), but decreased Glu contents of the rat hypothalamus (p < 0.01). Western blotting data indicate that JTP significantly upregulated the levels of GAD-65 (p < 0.01), GAD-67 (p < 0.05), GAT-1 (p < 0.01), GAT-3 (p < 0.01), GABA-A (p < 0.01) and GABA-B (p < 0.01), while the level of GABA-T was down-regulated.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that JTP possesses significant sedative effects on insomnia in rats, most probably through a mechanism involving GABA signal pathway.Keywords: Jiaotai pill, Insomnia, GABA, Glutamate, Estazolam, GABA signal pathwa

Case report: Hypnic headache responds to agomelatine–a potential prophylactic treatment option

IntroductionHypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache that is characterized by strict sleep-related attacks. However, the pathophysiology of HH remains unclear. The nocturnal nature of this activity suggests a hypothalamic involvement. The pathogenesis of HH may involve the brain structure that regulates circadian rhythms and is related to an imbalance between hormones, such as melatonin and serotonin. Currently, evidence-based medicine for HH pharmacotherapy is lacking. Acute and prophylactic treatment of HH is based on only a few case reports. Here, we report a case study in which agomelatine showed desirable responsiveness for the prophylactic treatment of HH for the first time.Case descriptionWe present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a 3-year history of nocturnal left temporal pain that awakened her during the wee hours. Brain magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any midline structural abnormalities associated with circadian rhythms. Polysomnography revealed headache-related awakening at approximately 5:40 am, after the last rapid eye movement phase. No sleep apnea-hypopnea events were observed, without oxygen saturation or blood pressure abnormalities. The patient was prescribed agomelatine 25 mg at bedtime as a prophylactic treatment. In the following month, the frequency and severity of the headaches decreased by 80%. After 3 months, the patient’s headache completely resolved, and the medication was discontinued.ConclusionHH only occurs during sleep in the real world, leading to substantial sleep disturbances in older populations. Headache center neurologists need to focus on the prophylactic treatment of patients before bedtime to avoid nocturnal awakening. Agomelatine is a potential prophylactic treatment option for patients with HH

Digital economy: an effective path for promoting residents' health in China

The primary prerequisite for socioeconomic growth is good health, hence promoting residents' health is a vital objective of public policies. It is yet up for debate whether or not the digital economy (DE), which will be crucial to future economic growth, will eventually result in improvements in residents' health. Utilizing the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data in 2020, we explore how the DE affects residents' health. The findings reveal that residents' health is greatly enhanced by the DE. The eastern region sees a more dramatic improvement in residents' health as a result of the DE. Additionally, the DE can improve residents' health through the promotion of regional green development. The study's findings add to our knowledge of how the DE impacts residents' health while also offering recommendations for achieving universal health

Clinical Value of Machine Learning in the Automated Detection of Focal Cortical Dysplasia Using Quantitative Multimodal Surface-Based Features

Objective: To automatically detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) lesion by combining quantitative multimodal surface-based features with machine learning and to assess its clinical value.Methods: Neuroimaging data and clinical information for 74 participants (40 with histologically proven FCD type II) was retrospectively included. The morphology, intensity and function-based features characterizing FCD lesions were calculated vertex-wise on each cortical surface and fed to an artificial neural network. The classifier performance was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed by performing statistical analysis and conventional visual analysis.Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of the neural network classifier based on multimodal surface-based features were 70.5%, 70.0%, and 69.9%, respectively, which outperformed the unimodal classifier. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of FCD subtypes (Pearson’s Chi-Square = 0.001, p = 0.970). Cohen’s kappa score between automated detection outcomes and post-surgical resection region was 0.385 (considered as fair).Conclusion: Automated machine learning with multimodal surface features can provide objective and intelligent detection of FCD lesion in pre-surgical evaluation and can assist the surgical strategy. Furthermore, the optimal parameters, appropriate surface features and efficient algorithm are worth exploring