Preconditioned Algorithm for Difference of Convex Functions with applications to Graph Ginzburg-Landau Model

In this work, we propose and study a preconditioned framework with a graphic Ginzburg-Landau functional for image segmentation and data clustering by parallel computing. Solving nonlocal models is usually challenging due to the huge computation burden. For the nonconvex and nonlocal variational functional, we propose several damped Jacobi and generalized Richardson preconditioners for the large-scale linear systems within a difference of convex functions algorithms framework. They are efficient for parallel computing with GPU and can leverage the computational cost. Our framework also provides flexible step sizes with a global convergence guarantee. Numerical experiments show the proposed algorithms are very competitive compared to the singular value decomposition based spectral method

The Physical Environment for Play Therapy with Chinese Children

The growing interest in addressing the mental health needs of Chinese children through play therapy calls for an understanding of the cultural roots and norms of Chinese families. To help professionals succeed in this traditionally Western treatmen when providing cross-cultural play therapy, the authors make recommendations concerning the location and appearance of the play therapy facility, including its waiting room and playroom. They discuss the need for carefully introducing play therapy to Chinese parents and suggest Western and Chinese toys and play items that are therapeutically appropriate for Chinese children. The authors also propose an outdoor play area based on the therapeutic rationales of contemporary neuropsychology. With this culturally sensitive discussion, the authors seek more effective play therapy not only for the children living in Chinese societies—mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan—but also in countries with major Chinese child populations

Boosting the Electrochemical Performance of Li₁.₂Mn₀.₅₄Ni₀.₁₃Co₀.₁₃O₂ by Atomic Layer-Deposited CeO₂ Coating

It has been demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) provides an initially safeguarding, uniform ultrathin film of controllable thickness for lithium-ion battery electrodes. In this work, CeO2 thin films were deposited to modify the surface of lithium-rich Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (LRNMC) particles via ALD. The film thicknesses were measured by transmission electron microscopy. For electrochemical performance, ∼2.5 nm CeO2 film, deposited by 50 ALD cycles (50Ce), was found to have the optimal thickness. At a 1 C rate and 55°C in a voltage range of 2.0-4.8 V, an initial capacity of 199 mAh/g was achieved, which was 8% higher than that of the uncoated (UC) LRNMC particles. Also, 60.2% of the initial capacity was retained after 400 cycles of charge-discharge, compared to 22% capacity retention of UC after only 180 cycles of charge-discharge. A robust kinetic of electrochemical reaction was found on the CeO2-coated samples at 55°C through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity of 50Ce was observed to be around 3 times higher than that of UC at 60-140°C. The function of the CeO2 thin-film coating was interpreted as being to increase substrate conductivity and to block the dissolution of metal ions during the charge-discharge process

Proteomic analysis for phenanthrene-elicited wheat chloroplast deformation

The exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can cause wheat leaf chlorosis. Thus, we hypothesize that chloroplast inner structure damage is the reason for leaf chlorosis. This study was conducted with the wheat seedlings exposed to Hoagland nutrient solution containing 1.0 mg L−1 phenanthrene for 9 days. Subcellular observation showed that chloroplast turns round and loses its structural integrity. Herein, iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification) was applied to analyze the changes of protein profile in chloroplast exposed to phenanthrene. A total of 517 proteins are identified, 261 of which are up-regulated. Eight proteins related with thylakoid (the structural component of chloroplast) are down-regulated and the expression of related genes further confirms the proteomic results through real-time PCR under phenanthrene treatment, suggesting that the thylakoid destruction is the reason for chloroplast deformation. Four proteins related with envelope and stroma are up-regulated, and this is the reason why chloroplast remains round. This study is useful in discussing the carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of PAHs in plant cells in the environment, and provides necessary knowledge for improving crop resistance to PAH pollution

Interval training has more negative effects on sleep in adolescent speed skaters: a randomized cross controlled trial

ObjectiveSleep is an essential component of athletic performance and recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of high-intensity exercise on sleep parameters in adolescent speed skaters.MethodsEighteen male adolescent speed skaters underwent aerobic capacity testing, Wingate testing, and interval training in a randomized crossover design to assess strength output, heart rate, and blood lactate levels during exercise. Sleep quality after each type of exercise was evaluated using the Firstbeat Bodyguard 3 monitor.ResultsThe results showed that Wingate testing and interval training led to decreased sleep duration, increased duration of stress, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01). Conversely, aerobic capacity testing did not significantly affect sleep (p > 0.05). The impact of interval training on sleep parameters was more significant compared to aerobic capacity testing (p < 0.01) and Wingate testing (p < 0.01).ConclusionHigh-intensity anaerobic exercise has a profound impact on athletes’ sleep, primarily resulting in decreased sleep duration, increased stress duration, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio