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Flexible pressure sensors can be widely utilized in healthcare, human–computer interaction, and the Internet of Things (IoT). There is an increasing demand for high-precision and high-sensitivity flexible pressure sensors. In response to this demand, a novel flexible pressure sensor with a symmetrical structure composed of MoS2 and PDMS is designed in this paper. Simulation is conducted on the designed flexible pressure sensor. Its piezoresistive effect is analyzed, and the influence of the cavity structure on its sensitivity is investigated. Additionally, a fully symmetrical Wheatstone bridge composed of the flexible pressure sensor is designed and simulated. Its symmetrical structure improves the temperature stability and the sensitivity of the sensor. The structure can be used to convert pressure changes into voltage changes conveniently. It indicates that the sensor achieves a sensitivity of 1.13 kPa−1 in the micro-pressure range of 0–20 kPa, with an output voltage sensitivity of 3.729 V/kPa. The designed flexible pressure sensor exhibits promising potential for applications in wearable devices and related fields, owing to its high sensitivity and precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for technical evaluation of sealing agent used for rapid roll-to-roll gold electroplating in laboratory were established from the following aspects: properties of gold coating, efficiency of sealing, cost of sealing agent, and environmental friendliness. The test methods were described. The comprehensive performance of three sealing agents were quantitatively evaluated, providing a reference for plating plants to select excellent sealing agent for gold coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 1518 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs to investigate the genetic basis of body conformation traits. The traits analyzed included body length, body height, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, and waist circumference. The researchers used two statistical models, a mixed linear model (MLM) and a fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU), to identify significant genetic variants associated with these traits. A total of 60 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered in the crossbred pigs. Furthermore, the researchers identified a novel significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome SSC7 (Sus scrofa chromosome 7) that was specifically associated with waist circumference. These findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying body conformation traits in crossbred commercial pigs. Body conformation is the most direct production index, which can fully reflect pig growth status and is closely related to critical economic traits. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on body conformation traits in a population of 1518 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs. These traits included body length (BL), body height (BH), chest circumference (CC), abdominal circumference (AC), and waist circumference (WC). Both the mixed linear model (MLM) and fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) approaches were employed for the analysis. Our findings revealed 60 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these body conformation traits in the crossbred pig population. Specifically, sixteen SNPs were significantly associated with BL, three SNPs with BH, thirteen SNPs with CC, twelve SNPs with AC, and sixteen SNPs with WC. Moreover, we identified several promising candidate genes located within the genomic regions associated with body conformation traits. These candidate genes include INTS10, KIRREL3, SOX21, BMP2, MAP4K3, SOD3, FAM160B1, ATL2, SPRED2, SEC16B, and RASAL2. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a novel significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on SSC7 specifically associated with waist circumference, spanning an 84 kb interval. Overall, the identification of these significant SNPs and potential candidate genes in crossbred commercial pigs enhances our understanding of the genetic basis underlying body conformation traits. Additionally, these findings provide valuable genetic resources for pig breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has various biological activities including as antioxidant and an inhibitor of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, both oxidative stress and activated PI3K/AKT signaling contribute to the aberrant proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study is aimed to explore the effect of ISL on the proliferation of human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms., Methods: BrdU incorporation, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal or ISL treated HASMCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell viablity was measured by CCK-8. Protein expression levels were examined by Western blot, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was detected by using commercial kit., Results: We observed that ISL could inhibit the proliferation of HASMCs in a dose and time dependent manner. Cell cycle of ISL treated HASMCs arrested mainly in G1/S phase and accompanied with elevated expression of p27 and decreased expression of CyclinD1 and CyclinE. In addition, ISL could down-regulated the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT, alleviated oxidative stress and enhanced the SOD activity in HASMCs. Furthermore, H 2 O 2 treatment partly improved cell viability and up regulated p-PI3K and p-AKT in HASMCs., Conclusions: Therefore, we concluded that ISL inhibited the proliferation of HASMCs via attenuating oxidative stress and suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The inhibitory effect of ISL on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, at least partly, was mediated by ROS.