Multi-term linear fractional nabla difference equations with constant coefficients

We shall consider a linear fractional nabla (backward) fractional difference equation of Riemann–Liouville type with constant coefficients. We apply a transform method to construct solutions. Sufficient conditions in terms of the coefficients are given so that the solutions are absolutely convergent. The method is known for two-term fractional difference equations; the method is new for fractional equations with three or more terms. As a corollary, we exhibit new summation representations of a discrete exponential function, at, t = 0; 1; : : :

Clinical translation of autologous cell-based tissue engineering techniques as Class III therapeutics in China: Taking cartilage tissue engineering as an example

SummaryAutologous cell-based tissue engineering (TE) techniques have been clinically approved for approximately 4 years in China, since the first cartilage TE technique was approved for clinical use by the Zhejiang Health Bureau. TE techniques offer a promising alternative to traditional transplantation surgery, and are different from those for transplanted tissues (biologics or pharmaceutical), the clinical translational procedures are unique and multitasked, and the requirements may differ from those of the target tissues. Thus, the translational procedure is still unfamiliar to most researchers and needs further improvement. This perspectives paper describes the key guidelines and regulations involved in the current translational process, and shares our translational experiences in cartilage TE to provide an example of autologous cell-based TE translation in China. Finally, we discuss the scientific and social challenges and provide some suggestions for future improvements

Effective light trapping in polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells by means of rear localized surface plasmons

Significant photocurrent enhancement has been achieved for evaporated solid-phase-crystallized polycrystalline siliconthin-filmsolar cells on glass, due to light trapping provided by Agnanoparticles located on the rear siliconsurface of the cells. This configuration takes advantage of the high scattering cross-section and coupling efficiency of rear-located particles formed directly on the optically dense silicon layer. We report short-circuit current enhancement of 29% due to Agnanoparticles, increasing to 38% when combined with a detached back surface reflector. Compared to conventional light trapping schemes for these cells, this method achieves 1/3 higher short-circuit current

Effect of anion co-existence on ionic organic pollutants removal over Ca based layered double hydroxide

The effects of co-existing anions (NO or SO ) on the removal of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), representing anionic organic pollutants, by Ca-based layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH-Cl) are investigated to provide fundamental insights on the ionic surfactant removal in the presence of co-existing anions, and facilitate the establishment of a practical and advanced water treatment for environmental remediation. The SO system shows higher adsorption capacity (4.43 mmol·g) and larger d-spacing of adsorption resultant (3.4 nm) than the control system with no co-existing anion (3.64 mmol·g, 3.25 nm) and the NO system (3.82 mmol·g, 3.27 nm). The macroscopic and microscopic analyses reveal that, NO had a little influence on the SDS removal due to strong electrolysis, while SO could significantly promote the SDS removal. Moreover, the reaction mechanism varies under different molar ratios of DS/SO

Chinese Herbal Medicine Liu Jun Zi Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Functional Dyspepsia: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of Liu Jun Zi Tang (LJZT) and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (XSLJZT) for treating functional dyspepsia. Methods. Literature searches were carried out on Medline database, Cochrane Library, CNKI database, Chinese Biomedical Literature database, Wanfang database, and VIP database up to July 2012. Hand search for further references was conducted. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane standards. Results. Fifteen publications in total were suitable for inclusion. There was evidence that LJZT compared with prokinetic drugs increased symptom improvement (odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.36). There was also evidence that XSLJZT compared with prokinetic drugs increased symptom improvement (odds ratio 2.63, 95% CI 1.72 to 4.03). No adverse events were reported in LJZT or XSLJZT group in any of these randomized controlled trials. Conclusion. LJZT and XSLJZT might be more effective compared with prokinetic drugs in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, and no side effects are identified in the included trials. However, due to poor methodological quality in the majority of included studies, the potential benefit from LJZT and XSLJZT need to be confirmed in rigorously designed, multicentre, and large-scale trials

Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM: To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops (HY) for dry eye syndromes (DES). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, CQVIP, and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from RCTs evaluating Schirmer's I test (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), tear breakup time (TBUT), DES score (DESS), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were calculated. Sensitivity analysis, Egger's test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators. RESULTS: We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria, involving 1796 cases. High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling (SMD, -3.37; 95%CI, -5.25 to -1.48; P=0.0005). The rest of the results were not statistically significant, including indicators such as SIT, TBUT, DESS and OSDI. CONCLUSION: For dry eyes with positive corneal staining, a high concentration of HY is recommended, whereas in other cases, a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes