Antarctica Sea-Ice Oscillation and Its Possible Impact on Monsoon of South Sea

Antarctic sea-ice oscillation index with a seesaw pattern is defined using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis girds data of monthly Antarctica sea-ice concentration from 1979 to 2002. The relationships between the index of winter and the summer precipitations in China as well as the onset date of the summer East Asia monsoon are presented. The study result shows that the grids of correlation coefficients passed 5% confidence level between Antarctic sea-ice oscillation index and Antarctic sea-ice concentration are more than 1/3 of all grids of Antarctica sea-ice, that means the index can represent 1/3 sea-ice area. The winter index has a significant correlation with abnormal summer (June-August) precipitation in China. The area of positive correlation lies in the Yangtze River basin and its south, and that of negative correlation lies mainly in the north of Yangtze River basin. While the winter index is positive(negative), the onset date of South China Sea monsoon is earlier(later), with a probability of 79% (80%). Consequently, a conceptual modelis given in term of discussing the possible process between the winter Antarctic sea ice and the monsoon precipitation in China

Association between serum cystatin C level and cognition in older adults: a cross-sectional analysis

IntroductionSerum Cystatin C level, an indication of kidney function, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment. In this cross-sectional study, we looked into the relation between serum Cystatin C levels and cognition in a group of U.S. older adults.MethodThe data of this study were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002. A total of 4,832 older adults aged ≥60 who met the inclusion criteria were included. The Dade Behring N Latex Cystatin C assay, which is a particle-enhanced nephelometric assay (PENIA), was utilized to assess Cystatin C levels in participants’ blood samples. Participants’ cognition was examined using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Z-scores of the DSST were calculated based on sample means and standard deviations (SD). To investigate the relationships between the quartiles of serum Cystatin C level and DSST z scores, multiple linear regression models were developed while controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 71.1 (SD 7.8). The participants were about half female (50.5%), non-Hispanic White (61.2%), and (36.1%) who had completed at least some college. They had an average serum Cystatin C level of 1.0 mg/dl (SD 0.44). After performing multiple linear regression with a reference group consisting of participants in quartile one of plasma Cystatin C levels, we found that serum Cystatin C levels in quartiles three and four were independently associated with lower DSST z scores (β = −0.059, 95% CI −0.200 to −0.074 and β = −0.108, 95% CI −0.319 to −0.184, respectively).ConclusionHigher serum Cystatin C level is associated with worse processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory in older adults. Cystatin C level may be a biomarker for cognitive decline in older adults

Concurrent serum lead levels and cognitive function in older adults

IntroductionIn this study, we investigated the relationship between serum lead levels and cognitive functioning in a sample of older adults in the US.MethodUsing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2013, a total of 768 older adults aged ≥60 years were included in the analysis. Lead concentrations in the whole blood samples were assessed using mass spectrometry. We used the immediate and delayed memory portions of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning Subtest (CERAD-WL), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) to assess the participants' cognitive performance. Using sample averages and standard deviations (SDs), we computed test-specific and global cognition z-scores. To assess the relationships between the quartiles of serum lead levels and cognitive performance, we built multiple linear regression models and adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, depressive symptoms, alcohol usage, and body mass index.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 69.6 (SD 6.6) years. Approximately half of the participants were women (52.6%), non-Hispanic white (52.0%), and had completed at least some college education (51.8%). The average serum lead concentration was 1.8 g/dL (SD 1.6) for these participants. The results of multiple linear regression using individuals in the lowest serum lead quantile as a reference group revealed that the serum lead level was not associated with test-specific (CERAD-WL, AFT, and DSST) or global cognitive z-scores.ConclusionsIn older adults, concurrent serum lead concentration is not related to cognitive performance. Early or continuous lead exposure may exert a greater effect on the etiology of accelerated cognitive decline with old age

A seismic prediction method of reservoir brittleness based on mineral composition and pore structure

The Lucaogou Formation, a typical fine-grained mixed formation in the Jimusaer Sag of the Junggar Basin, exhibits considerable potential for hydrocarbon exploration. Accurate brittle prediction is a crucial factor in determining hydraulic fracturing effectiveness. However, the area features complex lithological characteristics, including carbonate rocks, clastic rocks, volcanic rocks, and gypsum interbeds, along with thin layering and sporadic sweet spots. Traditional prediction methods offer limited resolution and there is an urgent need for a seismic brittle prediction method tailored to this complex geological environment. This paper presents a multi-mineral composition equivalent model for complex lithologies that enables the accurate calculation of Vp and Vs These ratios serve as the foundation for pre-stack elastic parameter predictions, which include Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. By comparing the predicted parameters with well-logging measurements, the prediction accuracy is improved to 82%, with particularly high conformity in intervals characterized by high organic matter and clay content. Additionally, a three-dimensional brittle modeling approach reveals that the brittleness of the reservoir exceeds that of the surrounding rock, showing a gradual improvement in brittleness with increasing burial depth from southeast to northwest. The central area exhibits relatively good brittleness, with a stable, blocky distribution pattern

Utilization of BIM in the construction of a submarine tunnel: a case study in Xiamen city, China

Building information modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology that can effectively solve the problems of information dispersion, complex personnel management, and lack of construction supervision, which often occur during the construction of tunnel engineering. Taking the construction of Haicang Tunnel in Xiamen, China as a case study, the utilization of BIM technology in the design stage, the construction simulation and operation are demonstrated during the full-life cycle of the project. During the construction of Haicang Tunnel, the technologies of BIM 3D, BIM 4D, BIM 5D, and Cloud Platform are used to make the construction process controllable and to facilitate the implementation and deployment of construction plans. BIM 3D is a visualization method to show the detailed model in the construction. The design is optimized by the navigation collision function of BIM 3D. BIM 4D adds the time schedule into BIM 3D model to show the construction schedule. BIM 5D adds the cost into BIM 4D model to show the construction consumption. The methods of BIM 4D and BIM 5D can assist the engineering management in allocating resources and funds in the project. Cloud Platform is used to effectively implement information management

The next detectors for gravitational wave astronomy

This paper focuses on the next detectors for gravitational wave astronomy which will be required after the current ground based detectors have completed their initial observations, and probably achieved the first direct detection of gravitational waves. The next detectors will need to have greater sensitivity, while also enabling the world array of detectors to have improved angular resolution to allow localisation of signal sources. Sect. 1 of this paper begins by reviewing proposals for the next ground based detectors, and presents an analysis of the sensitivity of an 8 km armlength detector, which is proposed as a safe and cost-effective means to attain a 4-fold improvement in sensitivity. The scientific benefits of creating a pair of such detectors in China and Australia is emphasised. Sect. 2 of this paper discusses the high performance suspension systems for test masses that will be an essential component for future detectors, while sect. 3 discusses solutions to the problem of Newtonian noise which arise from fluctuations in gravity gradient forces acting on test masses. Such gravitational perturbations cannot be shielded, and set limits to low frequency sensitivity unless measured and suppressed. Sects. 4 and 5 address critical operational technologies that will be ongoing issues in future detectors. Sect. 4 addresses the design of thermal compensation systems needed in all high optical power interferometers operating at room temperature. Parametric instability control is addressed in sect. 5. Only recently proven to occur in Advanced LIGO, parametric instability phenomenon brings both risks and opportunities for future detectors. The path to future enhancements of detectors will come from quantum measurement technologies. Sect. 6 focuses on the use of optomechanical devices for obtaining enhanced sensitivity, while sect. 7 reviews a range of quantum measurement options