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Abstract This study investigates the effectiveness of a Low-Cost Single-Channel BCI system in improving mathematical learning outcomes, self-efficacy, and alpha power in university students. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to either a BCI group receiving real-time neurofeedback based on alpha rhythms or a sham feedback group. Results showed that the BCI group had significantly higher mathematical performance, self-efficacy, and alpha power compared to the sham feedback group. Mathematics performance, alpha wave intensity, and self-efficacy showed significant positive correlations after training, indicating that neurofeedback training may have promoted their interaction and integration. These findings demonstrate the potential of BCI technology in enhancing mathematical learning outcomes and highlight the importance of considering pre-test performance and self-efficacy in predicting learning outcomes, with implications for personalized learning interventions and the integration of BCI technology in educational settings.

In order to predict the lifetime of InP Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) devices and related circuits in the space radiation environment, a novel model including gamma radiation effects is proposed in this paper. Based on the analysis of radiation-induced device degradation effects including both DC and AC characteristics, a set of empirical expressions describing the device degradation trend are presented and incorporated into the Keysight model. To validate the effective of the proposed model, a series of radiation experiments are performed. The correctness of the novel model is validated by comparing experimental and simulated results before and after radiation.

C16H12O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.9636(14) Å, b = 12.1767(12) Å, c = 10.1557(13) Å, β = 116.588(16)°, V = 1212.4(3) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt (F) = 0.0366, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1019, T = 250.00(10) K.

C23H34O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 11.1838(3) Å, b = 11.7824(3) Å, c = 16.3160(5) Å, V = 2149.99(10) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt ${R}_{\mathrm{g}\mathrm{t}}$ (F) = 0.0399, wRref $w{R}_{\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{f}}$ (F 2) = 0.1097, T = 293 K.

Germanium-on-silicon (Ge-on-Si) single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) have received wide attention in recent years due to their potential to be integrated with Si photonics. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a high-performance waveguide coupled Ge-on-Si separate-absorption-charge-multiplication SPAD with three electric terminals. By providing two separate voltage drops on the light absorption and multiplication regions, the drift and multiplication of carriers can be optimized separately. This indeed improves the freedom of voltage regulation for both areas. Moreover, thanks to the separate controlling, doping profile of the charge layer is greatly released compared to that of the conventional device because of the flexible carrier injection. In this scenario, the dark counts of the detector can be largely reduced through decreasing the electric field on the sidewalls of the Ge absorption region without affecting the detection efficiency. The proposed SPAD exhibits a high on-chip single photon detection efficiency of 34.62% and low dark count rates of 279 kHz at 1310 nm with the temperature of 78 K. The noise equivalent power is as low as 3.27 × 10−16 WHz−1/2, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the lowest of that of the reported waveguide coupled Ge-on-Si SPADs. This three-terminal SPAD enables high-yield fabrication and provides robust performance in operation, showing a wide application prospect in applications such as on-chip quantum communication and lidar.

Pearl roundness is an important index in the pearl value evaluation and classification. The existing roundness classification schemes are usually based on 2D image or mechanical methods. However, the 2D image ignores the depth or 3D information, which leads to low classification accuracy, and mechanical classification is easy to cause surface damage. An automated grading method of pearl roundness based on optical coherence tomography is proposed. Based on the high-resolution and low-cost 3D imaging of the pearl surface, through noise reduction, binarization, segmentation, 3D reconstruction, surface extraction, and the surface of pearl is fitted as sphere. A new digital rating index named global local roundness fraction is designed for roundness evaluation, based on the length of the three axes and of coordinates of the fitted sphere. Four grades of pearls were automatically classified by our method, and the results showed that the accuracy of the proposed scheme reached 95%, indicating that the proposed method can be used as an effective means of automatic classification of pearl roundness.

With the increasing demand for innovative therapies, biodegradable magnesium has attracted more and more attention, which could avoid secondary surgery and reduce complications. Until now, plenty of researchers take part in the research & development of this field, and many articles have been published every year. However, it is a huge challenge to predict research trends and definite topics for researchers, which could result in low research value, wasted resources and even slowed medical device transformation. Usually, reviews summarize a specific topic, such as alloy elements, coating designs, degradable properties, etc. Deriving key indicators from a large amount of data with the help of statistical analysis, make a historical review, current situation analysis, and future prediction more convincing. Herein, it has been conducted a bibliometric study according to 2669 publications collected from the Web of Science (WOS) database from 2005 to 2021. By analyzing some key factors, including annual publications, keywords, country contributions, authors as well as institutions, the evolution of biodegradable magnesium is objectively studied. The research trends of biodegradable magnesium alloys are corrosion resistance, the influence of microstructural control on mechanical behavior and bio-functions of implants in a chronological manner. The co-occurrence mapping of the countries and authors suggests that current in-depth research and development of magnesium is more emphasis on institutional and international cooperation.

Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. is a precious species of frigid zone plant belonging to the Taxaceae family, which possesses anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and antibacterial pharmacological properties. While taxane extracted from Taxus chinensis has been reported to elicit antioxidant activities, whether Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. has skin-protective actions against injuries remained unknown. This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects of three Taxus extracts on skin melanin deposition, oxidation, inflammation, and allergy so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of various diseases related to skin damage.

Incidence rate and mortality rate of acute cardiovascular disease(CVD), especially acute myocardial infarction(AMI)are significantly higher in cold environment. This may be closely related to sympathetic activation, blood viscosity change, coagulation activation, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other factors affecting plaque stability by cold stimulation. Winter swimming is a kind of sports exposed to extreme cold pressure. People who often engage in winter swimming will have different degrees of cold adaptation, which may provide some protection to cardiovascular system against cold exposure.

BackgroundInflammation is one of the most important characteristics of tumor tissue. Signatures based on inflammatory response-related genes (IRGs) can predict prognosis and treatment response in a variety of tumors. However, the clear function of IRGs in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) still needs to be explored.MethodsIRGs clusters were discovered via consensus clustering, and the prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across clusters were utilized to develop a signature using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Verification analyses were conducted to show the robustness of the signature. The expression of risk genes was identified by RT-qPCR. Lastly, we formulated a nomogram to improve the clinical efficacy of our predictive tool.ResultsThe IRGs signature, comprised of four genes, was developed and was shown to be highly correlated with the prognoses of TNBC patients. In contrast with the performance of the other individual predictors, we discovered that the IRGs signature was remarkably superior. Also, the ImmuneScores were elevated in the low-risk group. The immune cell infiltration showed significant difference between the two groups, as did the expression of immune checkpoints.ConclusionThe IRGs signature could act as a biomarker and provide a momentous reference for individual therapy of TNBC.

C11H12BrNO2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 7.5143(12) Å, b = 11.8968(15) Å, c = 12.9852(13) Å, β = 105.575(14)°, V = 1118.2(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0607, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1615, T = 293.00(10) K.

MXene, a new advanced two-dimensional material, has attracted great attention in energy storage, transparent electrodes, and electromagnetic shielding due to its high conductivity, high specific surface area, and hydrophilic surface. Given the solution-processability and tunable work function, MXene also holds great potential for wide-range photodetection and integrated optics. Here, we demonstrate a waveguide integrated Schottky photodetector based on Ti3C2Tx/Si van der Waals heterojunction. Specifically, the barrier of the Schottky photodetector can be adjusted by using simple surface treatment. The work function of the Ti3C2Tx is reduced from 4.66 to 4.43 eV after vacuum annealing, and the barrier height of Ti3C2Tx/p-Si Schottky junction is correspondingly increased from 0.64 to 0.72 eV, leading to 215 nm working wavelength blue-shift. The photodetector exhibits working wavelength tunability in short-wavelength infrared regions due to the engineered Schottky barrier. To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of utilizing MXene in waveguide-integrated photodetection, showing the potential applications for various scenarios thanks to the flexible working wavelength range induced by the tunable barrier.

The human body comprises various tubular structures that have essential functions in different bodily systems. These structures are responsible for transporting food, liquids, waste, and other substances throughout the body. However, factors such as inflammation, tumors, stones, infections, or the accumulation of substances can lead to the narrowing or blockage of these tubular structures, which can impair the normal function of the corresponding organs or tissues. To address luminal obstructions, stenting is a commonly used treatment. However, to minimize complications associated with the long-term implantation of permanent stents, there is an increasing demand for biodegradable stents (BDS). Magnesium (Mg) metal is an exceptional choice for creating BDS due to its degradability, good mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Currently, the Magmaris® coronary stents and UNITY-BTM biliary stent have obtained Conformité Européene (CE) certification. Moreover, there are several other types of stents undergoing research and development as well as clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the required degradation cycle and the specific properties (anti-inflammatory effect, antibacterial effect, etc.) of BDS in different lumen areas based on the biocompatibility and degradability of currently available magnesium-based scaffolds. We also offer potential insights into the future development of BDS.

Abstract Objectives This study is designed to generate and propagate human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Methods hPSCs were differentiated into SSC-like cells (SSCLCs) by a three-step strategy. The biological characteristics of SSCLCs were detected by immunostaining with antibodies against SSC markers. The ability of self-renewal was measured by propagating for a long time and still maintaining SSCs morphological property. The differentiation potential of SSCLCs was determined by the generation of spermatocytes and haploid cells, which were identified by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The transcriptome analysis of SSCLCs was performed by RNA sequencing. The biological function of SSCLCs was assessed by xeno-transplantation into busulfan-treated mouse testes. Results SSCLCs were efficiently generated by a 3-step strategy. The SSCLCs displayed a grape-like morphology and expressed SSC markers. Moreover, SSCLCs could be propagated for approximately 4 months and still maintained their morphological properties. Furthermore, SSCLCs could differentiate into spermatocytes and haploid cells. In addition, SSCLCs displayed a similar gene expression pattern as human GPR125+ spermatogonia derived from human testicular tissues. And more, SSCLCs could survive and home at the base membrane of seminiferous tubules. Conclusion SSCLCs were successfully derived from hPSCs and propagated for a long time. The SSCLCs resembled their counterpart human GPR125+ spermatogonia, as evidenced by the grape-like morphology, transcriptome, homing, and functional characteristics. Therefore, hPSC-derived SSCLCs may provide a reliable cell source for studying human SSCs biological properties, disease modeling, and drug toxicity screening.

Abstract Background Pregnancy is associated with higher incidence of failed endotracheal intubation and is exacerbated by labor. However, the influence of labor on airway outcomes with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for cesarean delivery is unknown. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study on LMA use during cesarean delivery. Healthy parturients who fasted > 4 h undergoing Category 2 or 3 cesarean delivery with Supreme™ LMA (sLMA) under general anesthesia were included. We excluded parturients with BMI > 35 kg/m2, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or potentially difficult airway (Mallampati score of 4, upper respiratory tract or neck pathology). Anesthesia and airway management reflected clinical standard at the study center. After rapid sequence induction and cricoid pressure, sLMA was inserted as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Our primary outcome was time to effective ventilation (time from when sLMA was picked up until appearance of end-tidal carbon dioxide capnography), and secondary outcomes include first-attempt insertion failure, oxygen saturation, ventilation parameters, mucosal trauma, pulmonary aspiration, and Apgar scores. Differences between labor status were tested using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Quantitative associations between labor status and outcomes were determined using univariate logistic regression analysis. Results Data from 584 parturients were analyzed, with 37.8% in labor. Labor did not significantly affect time to effective ventilation (mean (SD) for labor: 16.0 (5.75) seconds; no labor: 15.3 (3.35); mean difference: -0.65 (95%CI: − 1.49 to 0.18); p = 0.1262). However, labor was associated with increased first-attempt insertion failure and blood on sLMA surface. No reduction in oxygen saturation or pulmonary aspiration was noted. Conclusions Although no significant increase in time to effective ventilation was noted, labor may increase the number of insertion attempts and oropharyngeal trauma with sLMA use for cesarean delivery in parturients at low risk of difficult airway. Future studies should investigate the effects of labor on LMA use in high risk parturients. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02026882 ) on 3 January 2014.

From a global perspective, an Internet of Vehicles task offloading solution based on mobile edge computing is proposed, which satisfies the application requirements (high reliability) strictly. The average time for completing a task can be minimized with the reasonable task offloading solution. Firstly, we model the wireless network, the transmission time and the movement of vehicles. Besides, heterogeneous wireless network architecture is adopted, data centers are deployed at Small-cell Base Stations, Macro-cell Base Stations and Internet. Then considering the limitedness, heterogeneity and task diversity of resources, we utilize matching model based on combination auction to design the offloading model. Furthermore, the multi-round sequential combination auction mechanism is proposed, which equals the matching problem to the multi-dimensional grouping knapsack problem and uses dynamic programming to get the optimal match. This solution is based on virtual machine technology and voltage scaling technology in the task execution time model. Moreover, the computing resources can be measured by CPU frequency. We propose an optimization problem for the shortest average task completion time with limited resources. Finally, the effects of these parameters (such as the number of tasks per unit time, the amount of data offloaded and the number of CPU cycles) on the task execution efficiency are analyzed and compared with other algorithms by simulation experiments. Compared to existing schemes, simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce system overhead and shorten task execution time effectively.

Abstract Background Obstetric dfficult airway is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is often used as a rescue airway device after failed intubation, however, little is known about predictors of difficult LMA insertion, particularly in obstetrics. Since Mallampati scores of III/IV has been associated with difficult tracheal intubation, our present study aims to investigate if Mallampati score (MP) could predict airway outcomes for LMA use in obstetrics. Methods This prospective cohort study was performed at a single-center: Quanzhou Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Fujian Province, China. Five hundred and eighty-four parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under general anesthesia were recruited. The primary outcome was time to effective ventilation, and secondary outcomes included first attempt insertion success, seal pressure, ventilation and hemodynamic parameters, occurrence of clinical aspiration, and maternal and fetal outcomes. Results The parturients were classified into two groups based on MP of III/IV (High MP: 61) versus I/II (Low MP: 523). BMI was higher in the High MP group than in the Low MP group (mean (SD) 29.3 (7.0) vs 26.8 (3.1), p

Abstract Background The obstetric airway is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Endotracheal intubation is considered the standard of care but the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has gained acceptance as a rescue airway and has been incorporated into the obstetric airway management guidelines. In this randomized controlled equivalence trial, we compared the Supreme LMA (SLMA) with endotracheal intubation (ETT) in managing the obstetric airway during cesarean section. Methods Parturients who underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either an SLMA or ETT as their airway device. Our primary outcome was first-attempt insertion success. Successful insertion was defined as adequate bilateral air entry with auscultation and the presence of end-tidal carbon dioxide on the capnogram. The first-attempt insertion success rate was compared using the Chi-Square test. Secondary outcomes included time-to-ventilation, seal pressure, ventilation/hemodynamic parameters, occurrence of clinical aspiration, fetal outcomes, and maternal side effects associated with the airway device. Results We recruited 920 parturients (460 SLMA, 460 ETT) who underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. First attempt success was similar (Odds Ratio--ORSLMA/ETT: 1.00 (95%CI: 0.25, 4.02), p = 1.0000). SLMA was associated with reduced time to effective ventilation (Mean Difference--MD -22.96; 95%CI: − 23.71, − 22.21 s) compared to ETT group (p

Abstract Background The Supreme™ laryngeal mask airway (SLMA) is a single-use LMA with double lumen design that allows separation of the respiratory and the alimentary tract, hence potentially reducing the gastric volume and risk of aspiration. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the the role of the SLMA as an airway technique for women undergoing category 2 and 3 Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. Methods We recruited 584 parturients who underwent category 2 or 3 Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia, in which 193 parturients underwent category 2 and 391 parturients underwent category 3 Cesarean delivery. The primary outcome was insertion success rate at 1st attempt in SLMA insertion. The secondary outcomes included anaesthetic, obstetric outcomes and maternal side effects associated with airway device. Results The 1st attempt insertion success rate was 98.3%, while the overall insertion success rate was 100%. The mean (Standard deviation) time to effective ventilation was 15.6 (4.4) seconds. Orogastric tube insertion was successful at the 1st attempt in all parturients. There was no clinical evidence of aspiration or regurgitation. No episodes of hypoxemia, laryngospasm or bronchospasm were observed intra-operatively. The incidence of complications was low and with good maternal satisfaction reported. Conclusions The SLMA could be an alternative effective airway in category 2 and 3 parturients emergency Cesarean Delivery under general anesthesia in a carefully-selected obstetric population. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Registration NCT02026882 . Registered on December 31, 2013.

Optofluidics is a rising technology that combines microfluidics and optics. Its goal is to manipulate light and flowing liquids on the micro/nanoscale and exploiting their interaction in optofluidic chips. The fluid flow in the on-chip devices is reconfigurable, non-uniform and usually transports substances being analyzed, offering a new idea in the accurate manipulation of lights and biochemical samples. In this paper, we summarized the light modulation in heterogeneous media by unique fluid dynamic properties such as molecular diffusion, heat conduction, centrifugation effect, light-matter interaction and others. By understanding the novel phenomena due to the interaction of light and flowing liquids, quantities of tunable and reconfigurable optofluidic devices such as waveguides, lenses, and lasers are introduced. Those novel applications bring us firm conviction that optofluidics would provide better solutions to high-efficient and high-quality lab-on-chip systems in terms of biochemical analysis and environment monitoring.

Small-scale pumps for controlling microfluidics have promising applications in drug delivery and chemical assays. Liquid metal (LM) demonstrates excellent flow pumping performance due to its simple structure and the electrocapillary effect under an electric field. However, LM droplets risk escaping from constrained structures, which can lead to pump failure. Temperature regulation is also a critical parameter in optimizing chemical reactions in fluidic systems, however, integrating it into a compact system remains challenging. Here, we develop a temperature-triggered gallium-based actuator (TTGA) by introducing a gallium (Ga) droplet wetted on a copper (Cu) plate as the core element for flow actuation. The Cu plate prevents the Ga droplet from escaping the chamber and significantly increases the flow rate. By leveraging the electrochemical method to inhibit the supercooling effect of Ga, the TTGA enables activation/deactivation for flow actuation at different temperatures. We investigate the impact of electrode position, solution concentration, and applied voltage on TTGA’s pumping efficiency. By dynamically tuning the Ga droplet’s temperature to control phase transition, TTGA allows for accurate flow actuation control. Furthermore, placing Ga and eutectic Ga-indium (EGaIn) droplets in different channels enables the expected flow divergence for fluids with different temperatures. The development of TTGA presents new opportunities in microfluidics and biomedical treatment.

The research progress of heat resistance, cold resistance, electrical conductivity and damping properties of aviation silicone rubber were reviewed in this article. The heat resistance properties of silicone rubber can be enhanced by changing the molecular structure (main chain, end-group, side chain and molecular weight) of the gum and adding special heat-resistance filler. The cold resistance of aviation silicone rubber can be enhanced by adjusting the side chain molecular structure of the gum and the content of different gum chain. The electrical conductivity of silicone rubber can be improved by optimizing, blending and dispersing of conductive particles. The damping property of silicone rubber can be improved by designing and synthesizing of high-molecular polysiloxane damping agent. Furthermore, the application of aviation silicone rubber used in high-low temperature seal, electrical conduction and vibration damping technology are also summarized, and the high performance (for example long-term high temperature resistance, ultralow temperature resistance, high electromagnetic shelding, long-term fatigue resistance vibration damping, quasi constant modulus and so on) of special silicone rubber is the future direction of aviation silicone rubber.

Next-generation sequencing refers to a high-throughput technology that determines the nucleic acid sequences and identifies variants in a sample. The technology has been introduced into clinical laboratory testing and produces test results for precision medicine. Since next-generation sequencing is relatively new, graduate students, medical students, pathology residents, and other physicians may benefit from a primer to provide a foundation about basic next-generation sequencing methods and applications, as well as specific examples where it has had diagnostic and prognostic utility. Next-generation sequencing technology grew out of advances in multiple fields to produce a sophisticated laboratory test with tremendous potential. Next-generation sequencing may be used in the clinical setting to look for specific genetic alterations in patients with cancer, diagnose inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, and detect and profile microbial organisms. This primer will review DNA sequencing technology, the commercialization of next-generation sequencing, and clinical uses of next-generation sequencing. Specific applications where next-generation sequencing has demonstrated utility in oncology are provided.

This study was designed to explore the regulatory effects of male germ cell secreting factor NODAL on Sertoli cell fate decisions from obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Human Sertoli cells and male germ cells were isolated using two-step enzymatic digestion and SATPUT from testes of azoospermia patients. Expression of NODAL and its multiple receptors in human Sertoli cells and male germ cells were characterized by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunochemistry. Human recombinant NODAL and its receptor inhibitor SB431542 were employed to probe their effect on the proliferation of Sertoli cells using the CCK-8 assay. Quantitative PCR and Western blots were utilized to assess the expression of Sertoli cell functional genes and proteins. NODAL was found to be expressed in male germ cells but not in Sertoli cells, whereas its receptors ALK4, ALK7, and ACTR-IIB were detected in Sertoli cells and germ cells, suggesting that NODAL plays a regulatory role in Sertoli cells and germ cells via a paracrine and autocrine pathway, respectively. Human recombinant NODAL could promote the proliferation of human Sertoli cells. The expression of cell cycle regulators, including CYCLIN A, CYCLIN D1 and CYCLIN E, was not remarkably affected by NODAL signaling. NODAL enhanced the expression of essential growth factors, including GDNF, SCF, and BMP4, whereas SB431542 decreased their levels. There was not homogeneity of genes changes by NODAL treatment in Sertoli cells from OA and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) patients. Collectively, this study demonstrates that NODAL produced by human male germ cells regulates proliferation and numerous gene expression of Sertoli cells.