Search

To compare the urine Congo‐red dot paper test (CRD) with dipstick urinalysis to screen preeclampsia (PE). A total of 409 paired spot urine samples were obtained prospectively from women with suspected pre‐eclampsia attending for routine hospital visits. Congo‐red dot paper test and dipstick urinalysis were examined and compared to screen pre‐eclampsia. The agreement between the two urinary test is modest (kappa coefficient = 0.28, 95% CI 0.14–0.42). The specificity of CRD was higher than urinalysis (97.4% vs. 90.4%, p <.001). Urinalysis performed better in sensitivity (77.3% vs. 40.9%, p =.04) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) (0.84 [95% CI 0.74–0.94] vs. 0.69 [95% CI 0.55–0.83], p =.04) than CRD, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, AUC of the parallel test of them is 86.4% (64.0%–96.4%), 89.1% (85.5%–92.0%), and 0.88 (95% CI 0.79–0.96). And the serial test is 31.8% (14.7%–54.9%), 98.7% (96.8%–99.5%), 0.65 (95% CI 0.51–0.79), accordingly. The urinalysis is a better diagnosing test for preeclampsia. CRD could aid in the diagnosis of patients with preeclampsia. Combined the two tests in suspected patients may further improve the performance in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Further study need to be made for its potential clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of relevant research, the effect of the lateral confinement provided by stirrups and concrete cover on the bond behavior between glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and concrete is ambiguous, resulting in the lack of a practical bond slip theory of GFRP bars. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately analyze the load response of GFRP-reinforced concrete (RC) structures from the stress level. In this paper, the local bond behavior of ribbed GFRP bars was systematically analyzed by the beam-end tests. The test parameters include concrete strength, stirrup spacing, and concrete cover. In addition, a bond stress-slip model considering the bonding mechanism was proposed on the basis of the beam-end tests and previous research. The results show that, the development of concrete cracks is restricted due to the existence of stirrups, and the specimens tend to fail in pull-out failure with strong confinement of stirrups. With the increase in the lateral confinement level, the failure mode of specimens transits gradually and smoothly from splitting failure to pull-out failure. Meanwhile, the peak slip of specimens with splitting failure also increases, and its maximum value does not exceed the peak slip of the corresponding specimens with pull-out failure. The confining capacity of stirrups and concrete cover was unified by a proposed parameter K. Then, a bond stress-slip model based on parameter K was established to predict the bond behavior of ribbed GFRP bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: The neonatal PURA syndrome manifesting as hypotonia, dyspnea, and feeding difficulties mimic the birth trauma of the spinal cord but can only be diagnosed with sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bandpass filter integrated metalens based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) imaging is designed in this paper. The bandwidth of the metalens, which is a diffractive optical element, decreases significantly with the increase of the aperture size to a fixed f-number, which leads to the decline of imaging performance. The same material composition and preparation process of the metalens and the EIT metasurface in the long-wavelength infrared make it feasible that the abilities of focusing imaging and filtering are integrated into a metasurface device. With the purpose of validating the feasibility of this design method, we have designed a 300-μm-diameter integrated metalens whose f-number is 0.8 and the simulation was carried out. The introduction of EIT metasurface does not affect the focusing near the diffraction limit at the target wavelength, and greatly reduces the influence of stray light caused by non-target wavelength incident light. This bandpass filter integrated metalens design method may have a great potential in the field of LWIR compact optical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in pregnancy is challenging due to its rarity. We aim to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of HLH in pregnancy, and to discuss effective diagnostic and treatment options. Methods: Thirteen patients with HLH during pregnancy who were diagnosed and treated at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2000 to December 2019 were studied retrospectively. We collected data on treatment regimens and on maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Results: All patients had a singleton pregnancy, with a median age of 28 years (range, 22–33 years) and a median gestational age of 23 weeks (7–36 weeks). Twelve patients received corticosteroids, and four patients (with/without intravenous immunoglobulin) showed a curative effect. Two patients who were treated with dexamethasone and etoposide after termination of pregnancy achieved complete remission. Two patients attained remission after termination of pregnancy. Four pregnant women died, and the mortality rate was 30.8% (4/13). Fetal or neonatal death up to 1 week after delivery occurred in eight (61.5%) pregnancies. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maternal survival, and corticosteroids are the first choice for most patients with HLH during pregnancy. For patients who do not respond to corticosteroids, etoposide and termination of pregnancy may be life‐saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effects of assisted reproductive technology on the outcomes of twin pregnancies are controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the maternal and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived spontaneously and those conceived by assisted reproductive technology.Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Data on twin pregnancies (conceived spontaneously and by in vitro fertilization [IVF]/intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]) were obtained from the National Birth Registry of China for the period between 1 October 2016, and 30 September 2017. The primary obstetric outcomes were compared between twin pregnancies conceived by different methods. Logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used for the multivariate analysis.Results: A total of 3270 twin pregnancies (2003 and 1209 conceived spontaneously and by IVF/ICSI, respectively) were identified. The proportion of twin pregnancies among all pregnancies was 3.4% (3332/97 278). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.42, 95% CI 1.10-1.83, p = 0.007), preterm premature rupture of membranes (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.21-2.25, p = 0.002), placenta accreta spectrum (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.42-3.17, p < 0.001) and postpartum hemorrhage (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.02-1.86, p = 0.037) were significantly higher in the IVF/ICSI group than in the natural pregnancy group. Multivariate analysis also revealed that conception mode was not an independent risk factor for neonate outcomes.Conclusions: In twin pregnancies, IVF/ICSI is independently associated with multiple maternal complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm premature rupture of membranes and placenta accreta spectrum compared with spontaneous conception, although potential residual confounders due to indications for assisted reproductive technology exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to the reported factors and assesses possible protective factors for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in China. The data of pregnant women who delivered between October 2016 and September 2017 were collected from a birth registry. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PIH. Secondary outcomes were delivery before 34 gestational weeks and other adverse obstetric outcomes of PIH. Among the 99 535 women enrolled, 5731 women (5.8%) developed PIH. BMI had a positive correlation with the primary and two secondary outcomes (adjusted OR = 2.05, 2.56, 1.87, respectively, for overweight; adjusted OR = 4.44, 3.90, and 2.63, respectively, for obesity). Otherwise, calcium supplementation during pregnancy was a potential protective factor for those outcomes (adjusted OR = 0.87, 0.14, and 0.44, respectively). These results provide a basis for PIH prevention strategy in the Chinese public health sector. Calcium supplementation and lowering the BMI might have the potential benefit on reducing the prevalence of PIH in selected women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A way to study the physical properties of sulfur hyperdoping layer is provided. • The interaction between the hyperdoping layer and microstructure is clarified. • Hyperdoping concentration and its existence state cause strong infrared absorption. • A electromagnetic localization plays a critical role to improve infrared absorption. Abstract We studied the infrared absorption of a top sulfur hyperdoping layer covering an fs-laser irradiated microstructured Si substrate. To clarify the hyperdoping concentration distributions, and to find out how the top hyperdoping layer affects infrared absorption from 1200 to 2000 nm, a continuous etching treatment was utilized. Then we interpreted the thermal stabilization of both infrared absorption and sulfur hyperdoping concentration. The fundamental cause for infrared-absorption degradation under thermal annealing was explained. Furthermore, we discussed in detail how the interaction between the top hyperdoping layer and surface microstructure contributed to the high infrared absorption by a series of theoretical simulations using a finite-difference time-domain method. A strong localization of an incident electromagnetic wave was observed around the top sulfur hyperdoping layer covering microstructured Si, which played a critical role in improving infrared absorption. The results in this paper are especially beneficial to the subsequent fabrication of photoelectric devices and infrared response improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study offers an Ag/Si multilayer-grating microstructure based on an Si substrate. The microstructure exhibits designable narrowband absorption in multiple infrared wavebands, especially in mid- and long-wave infrared atmospheric windows. We investigate its resonance mode mechanism, and calculate the resonance wavelengths by the Fabry–Perot and metal–insulator–metal theories for comparison with the simulation results. Furthermore, we summarize the controlling rules of the absorption peak wavelength of the microstructure to provide a new method for generating a Si-based device with multiple working bands in infrared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we give a detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of a nano cone array on silicon wafer, which can greatly enhance the absorption compared with the polished silicon. The experimental absorptance can reach 98.7% in the wavelength ranging from 400 nm to 1100 nm. The mechanism of absorption enhancement is attributed to the nano cone array that can suppress the reflection by building a grade index from air to silicon surface. Moreover, an ultrathin 13 nm thickness gold film was sputtered on the nano cone array, by which surface plasmon can be excited and the absorption in the near-infrared region can be greatly enhanced. We also give a deep comprehending on the physics mechanism of such high absorption. This kind of nano cone array can be fabricated by a simple and low-cost colloidal sphere lithography and reactive ion etching, which makes it a more appropriate candidate for photovoltaics, spectroscopy, photodetectors, sensor, especially for the silicon-based application in the near-infrared region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a metal-dielectric-metal super absorber based on propagating and localized surface plasmons which exhibits a near perfect absorption in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. The absorber consists of Ag/AlO/Al triple layers in which the top Al layer is a periodic nano disk array. The absorption spectrum can be easily controlled by adjusting the structure parameters including the period and radius of the nano disk and the maximal absorption can reach 99.62 %. We completely analyze the PSPs and LSPs modes supported by the MDM structure and their relationship with the ultrahigh absorption. Moreover, we propose a novel idea to further enhance the absorption by exciting the PSPs and high-order LSPs modes simultaneously, which is different from the previous works. This kind of absorber using stable inexpensive Al instead of noble metal Au or Ag is an appropriate candidate for photovoltaics, spectroscopy, photodetectors, sensing, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and fast optimization method for symmetric multilayer frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) structure is presented in this paper, based on the mutual admittance approach. To elaborate the proposed method, a symmetric bi-planar FSSs structure is selected to explain the optimizing process. After the optimized analysis, the symmetric bi-planar FSSs structure can achieve good characteristics of flat top and sharp roll-off at 70° angle of incidence, with an optimum coupling layer medium ( d = 15 mm, ε = 1.15). As it is difficult to obtain the material with ε = 1.15 by using traditional technique, we design an array of dielectric cylinders to effectively replace the homogeneous medium, based on the theory of periodic waveguide. To verify the optimization method and design idea, a prototype simple of the symmetric bi-planar FSS is fabricated and measured. The measured results of the prototype well coincided with the simulation results, which further shows the validity of the optimization method and the idea of equivalent substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a metal-insulator-metal super absorber based on an asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity, by which a perfect narrow-band absorption can be achieved. In this structure, two silver layers form a cavity spaced by a lossless silicon oxide layer. The absorption of the absorber can reach about 98% and its absorption peak can be tuned by altering the thickness of the middle SiO layer. We further present a deep comprehension on the physics mechanism of such high absorption. This super absorber can be easily fabricated by mature thin film technology, which make it an appropriate candidate for photodetectors, sensing, and spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We design a deep-trench microstructure covered with thin gold films to enhance near-infrared absorption of silicon material. This deep-trench microstructure exhibits a much higher absorption compared with plane nanoantenna arrays. We investigate its absorption enhancement in detail and find that the trench-shaped plasmonic waveguide greatly contributes an absorption enhancement by concentrating light effectively. Further, we clarify the influence of both trench depth and gold films covering on different positions of deep trench on the absorption. Finally, we use surface plasmon polaritons offered by plasmonic waveguide to explain well the significant enhancement of near-infrared absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a meta-cone absorber based on metamaterials which can absorb nearly all incident light in the near-infrared spectrum. The absorber has an ultrahigh absorption with a broad receiving angle and independence of polarization state. This absorption enhancement can be attributed to the excitation of slow light mode and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR). In addition, we use slow light theory to explain why incident light with different wavelengths are trapped at different positions. We believe our work will provide a promising candidate as absorbing elements in technical applications and scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alterations in serum adipokines in preeclampsia remain vague. We investigated the roles of leptin, adiponectin and resistin and their relationships with clinical characteristics in normotensive and preeclamptic patients. Methods A case-control study was carried out in a cohort of 74 preeclampsia(PE) and 79 healthy pregnant women. Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin and resistin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The mean body mass index(BMI), the serum leptin and resistin levels were significantly higher in the PE group than in the control group ( p < 0.001). The resistin/creatinine ratio was also higher in the PE group than in the control group ( p = 0.018). No significant difference was observed in the serum adiponectin level between both groups. Serum leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI ( r = 0.301, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with newborn birth weight ( r = − 0.435, p < 0.001). Serum resistin levels were also negatively correlated with birth weight ( r = − 0.229, p = 0.005) but were unrelated to BMI. Logistic regression showed that BMI ≥ 28 and serum leptin levels were independent factors of PE. Leptin was a potential mediator between BMI and PE ( p < 0.001), and the mediating effect accounted for 22.54% of the total effect. Conclusions Leptin, resistin, and obesity play important roles in the onset of PE. Leptin and resistin may have some impacts on the fetal growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) induces intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, posing a threat to the body. Curcumin (Cur) possesses pharmacological bioactivities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help maintain intestinal health. Here, the protective effects of Cur against DON-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption were explored. Cur (75 or 150 mg/kg body weight [B.W.]) alleviated DON-induced (2.4 mg/kg B.W.) inhibition of growth performance and morphological damage to intestinal epithelium in mice. Cur also significantly attenuated DON-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption and structural damage to the tight junctions (TJs), as assessed by ultrastructure observation, serum FITC-dextran concentrations and diamine oxidase activity. Cur mitigated the DON-induced increase in reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels; p53, cytoplasmic cytochrome c , Bax, and Bcl-2 expression; and TUNEL-positive cell rate and caspase-3 activity. It decreased the total antioxidant capacity and expression of nuclear Nrf2 and its downstream target genes. Lastly, Cur attenuated the DON-induced increase in MLCK, p-MLC, nuclear NF-κB p65 expression, and the NF-κB downstream target genes; decrease in the expression of TJs proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1]); and abnormal ZO-1 distribution. Overall, Cur mitigated the DON-induced disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier by regulating the Nrf2/p53-mediated apoptotic pathway and NF-κB/MLCK-mediated TJs pathway in mice. Cur can mitigate the DON-induced disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier by regulating the Nrf2/p53-mediated apoptotic pathway and NF-κB/MLCK-mediated TJs pathway in mice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ultraviolet upconversion luminescence around 292nm, 350nm and 363nm in Tm3+:ZBLAN glass was observed clearly by pulsed excitation at 464nm. Upconversion dynamics was discussed in detail by an analysis of the measured intensity dependence, decay curves and excitation spectra of upconversion luminescence, from which it was clarified that upconversion luminescence around 292nm and 350nm from 1I6 level was attributed to excited state absorption, while that around 363nm from 1D2 level was attributed to energy transfer process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fetal dural sinus thrombosis is a rare finding. Most cases have been terminated without long-term follow-ups. Recently some reports have indicated the potentially favorable evolution of fetal dural sinus thrombosis. Most of the fetuses showing symptoms have been delivered with normal neurologic outcome. We report a case of fetal dural sinus thrombosis. Serial ultrasound and magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed the shrinkage of the thrombosis which indicated good prognosis. No physical or neurological abnormality was observed at 8-months follow-up. Conservative treatment is appropriate to prenatally diagnosed dural sinus thrombosis with favorable prognostic factors. Serial MRI or ultrasound should be taken every 1-2 months to monitor the thrombosis development and fetal well-beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ITO films were deposited onto glass substrates by ion beam assisted deposition method. The oxygen ions were produced using a Kaufman ion source. The oxygen flow was varied from 20 until 60 sccm and the effect of the oxygen flow on properties of ITO films has been studied. The structural properties of the film were characterized by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The optical properties were characterized by optical transmission measurements and the optical constants (refractive index n and extinction coefficient k) and film thickness have been obtained by fitting the transmittance using a semi-quantum model. The electrical properties were characterized by Hall effect measurements. It has been found that the ITO film with low electrical resistivity and high transmittance can be obtained with 40 sccm oxygen flow (the working pressure is about 2.3×10−2 Pa at this oxygen flow). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films have been deposited onto polycarbonate substrates by ion beam assisted deposition technique at room temperature. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, optical transmittance, ellipsometric and Hall effect measurements. The effect of the ion beam energy on the properties of the films has been studied. The optical parameters have been obtained by fitting the ellipsometric spectra. It has been found that high quality ITO film (low electrical resistivity and high optical transmittance) can be obtained at low ion beam energy. In addition, the ITO film prepared at low ion beam energy gives a high reflectance in IR region that is useful for some electromagnetic wave shielding applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The direct linearization method (DLM) for tolerance analysis of 3-D mechanical assemblies is presented. Vector assembly models are used, based on 3-D vector loops which represent the dimensional chains that produce tolerance stackup in an assembly. Tolerance analysis procedures are formulated for both open and closed loop assembly models. The method generalizes assembly variation models to include small kinematic adjustments between mating parts. Open vector loops describe critical assembly features. Closed vector loops describe kinematic constraints for an assembly. They result in a set of algebraic equations which are implicit functions of the resultant assembly dimensions. A general linearization procedure is outlined, by which the variation of assembly parameters may be estimated explicitly by matrix algebra. Solutions to an over-determined system or a system having more equations than unknowns are included. A detailed example is presented to demonstrate the procedures of applying the DLM to a 3-D mechanical assemblv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric feature variations are the result of variations in the shape, orientation or location of part features as defined in ANSI Y14.5M1982 tolerance standard. When such feature variations occur on the mating surfaces between components of an assembly, they affect the variation of the completed assembly. The geometric feature variations accumulate statistically and propagate kinematically in a similar manner to the dimensional variations of the components in the assembly. The direct linearization method (DLM) for assembly tolerance analysis provides a means of estimating variations and assembly rejects, caused by the dimensional variations of the components in an assembly. So far no generalized approach has been developed to include all geometric feature variations in a computer-aided tolerance analysis system. This paper introduces a new, generalized approach for including all the geometric feature variations in the tolerance analysis of mechanical assemblies. It focuses on how to characterize geometric feature variations in vector-loop-based assembly tolerance models. The characterization will be used to help combine the effects of all variations within an assembly to predict assembly rejects using the DLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indian-tin-oxide ITO transparent conductive films were deposited by the Reactive low-voltage ion plating (RLVIP) technique. CO2 and O2 gases were used as reactive gases coming into the vacuum. The effect of the CO2 gas flow rate on the optical and electrical properties of the ITO films was studied in detail. The results showed that the CO2 gas had similar oxidizing action to O2 except for the magnitude of the flow rate. But, the conductivity of ITO films were not sensitive to the CO2 gas flow rate over a wide region in contrast to the results to O2. The optical transmission in the visible spectral region as well as the infrared reflectivity of ITO films varied as the CO2 flow rate changed. Thus, a better quality ITO film was obtained by the RLVIP technique with reactive gas of 30sccm CO2, having of more than 90% transmittance, above 80% reflectance in long-wave IR and 28.7Ω/□ sheet resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: With a global incidence of more than 10%, preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant concern. The vaginal microbiome strongly influences the well-being of the female reproductive tract. This study examines the correlation between changes in Lactobacillus vaginal microbiota and the PTB risk. Materials and Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted to locate studies that examined the association between changes in Lactobacillus vaginal microbiota and the risk of PTB from January 1, 2010, to January 30, 2023. The risk of PTB was determined by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In our analysis, there were 11 studies with 1577 pregnant women. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between higher Lactobacillus abundance and the PTB risk (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29–0.84, p = 0.009 < 0.05). Similarly, the four individual dominant species, Lactobacillus crispatus (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14–0.67, p = 0.003 < 0.05), Lactobacillus gasseri (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.69, p = 0.003 < 0.05), Lactobacillus iners (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.93, p = 0.016 < 0.05), and Lactobacillus jensenii (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.89, p = 0.024 < 0.05), were also negatively associated with the PTB risk. The risk of Lactobacillus for PTB was significant in both America (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50–0.92) and Asia (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09–0.47), whereas no significant risk was found in Europe (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.11–2.15). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the abundance of Lactobacillus and the four dominant individual species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. iners, and L. gasseri) were significantly and negatively associated with the PTB risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that almost exclusively affects women of reproductive age. Patients are warned of the increased risks if they become pregnant. However, information on pregnancy in patients after the diagnosis of LAM is limited.Methods: Patients were collected from the LAM registry study at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China. Patients with a history of pregnancy after the diagnosis of LAM were included. Medical records were reviewed, and baseline information and data during and after pregnancy were collected in May 2018.Results: Thirty patients with a total of 34 pregnancies after the diagnosis of LAM were included. Livebirth, spontaneous abortion and induced abortion occurred in 10, 6 and 18 pregnancies, respectively. Sirolimus treatment was common (17/34). A total of 6/10, 5/6, and 6/18 patients with livebirths, spontaneous abortions, and induced abortions respectively, had a history of sirolimus treatment. Ten pregnancies (29.4%) had LAM-associated complications during pregnancy, including the exacerbation of dyspnea in 7 patients, pneumothorax in 3 patients (2 resulting in induced abortion and 1 successful parturition), and spontaneous bleeding of renal angiomyolipomas in 2 patients (both having successful parturition). No chylothorax was found during pregnancy. There were six pregnancies in six patients (17.6%) who had a history of livebirth after sirolimus treatment for LAM (all having successful parturition and healthy infants); two of these patients reported exacerbated dyspnea after parturition compared with before pregnancy.Conclusions: Patients with LAM, especially those taking sirolimus before pregnancy, were at a higher risk of spontaneous abortion. Complications such as pneumothorax, bleeding of renal angiomyolipoma, and exacerbated dyspnea during pregnancy were common. In patients without spontaneous abortion, sirolimus discontinuation before or during pregnancy did not lead to increased adverse neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a dual-layer hafnium dioxide (HfO2) grating capable of full-color modulation in the visible spectrum by leveraging the magnetic dipole resonance induced by the lower-layer HfO2 grating, while the upper-layer HfO2 grating serves as a refractive index matching layer to effectively suppress high-order Mie resonances at shorter wavelengths. The HfO2/HfO2 grating exhibits a significantly larger distribution area in the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram compared to the HfO2 grating. Furthermore, the structural color saturation closely approximates that of monochromatic light. Under varying background refractive index environments, this structure consistently exhibits high-quality structural color. However, the hue of the structural color undergoes alterations. When the polarization angle is below 20°, the saturation of the acquired structural color remains remarkably consistent. However, exceeding 20° results in a significant degradation in the quality of the structural color. This study demonstrates the promising potential for diverse applications, encompassing fields such as imaging and displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the spatially optical solitons shedding from Airy beams and anomalous interactions of Airy beams in nonlocal nonlinear media by means of direct numerical simulations. Numerical results show that nonlocality has profound effects on the propagation dynamics of the solitons shedding from the Airy beam. It is also shown that the strong nonlocality can support periodic intensity distribution of Airy beams with opposite bending directions. Nonlocality also provides a long-range attractive force between Airy beams, leading to the formation of stable bound states of both in-phase and out-of-phase breathing Airy solitons which always repel in local media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We design and investigate numerically a Si-based deep-trench microstructure covered with continuous thin gold (Au) films. It breaks through the absorption limitation of Si material and greatly extends the near-infrared (NIR) absorption range to 1500 nm. By the simulated distributions of electric-field intensity, we observe clearly the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons and the standing wave resonance of plasmon cavity formed inside the deep trench, by which we explain the extending broadband NIR absorption well. We further discuss the influence of trench depth on the cavity mode and NIR absorption in detail. By combination of the proposed microstructures, it is a promising approach to realize an extending broadband and high NIR photoresponse in Si-based detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although metasurfaces have received enormous attention and are widely applied in various fields, the realization of multiple functions using a single metasurface is still rarely reported to date. In this work, we propose a novel dual-functional metasurface that can be applied as a mid-infrared narrowband thermal light source in optical gas sensing and a long-wave infrared broadband absorber in photodetection. By actively tailoring the structure and constituent materials of the metasurface, the device yields an absorptivity of over 90% from 8 µm to 14 µm, while it exhibits an emissivity of 97.4% at the center wavelength of 3.56 μm with a full width at half-maximum of 0.41 µm. Notably, the metasurface is insensitive to the incident angle under both TM- and TE-polarized light. The proposed dual-functional metasurface possesses many advantages, including a simple structure, thin thickness, angle and polarization insensitivity, and compatibility with optical devices, which are expected to simplify the existing imaging systems and improve the performance of photodetection equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an Insulator-Metal-Insulator-Metal (IMIM) nano-block array structure, which can achieve tunable single-peak and double-peak perfect absorption properties from visible light to near-infrared. Compared with our previous work, this paper additionally points out that due to the coupling effect between SPPs, the original blue-shifted spectrum is converted into red-shifted during the process of changing the thickness ratio of the middle silver nano-block to the SiO2 nano-block. In the design parameter range, two different structural parameters can be found, in which the absorption peak is exactly the same, and the short-wave absorption peak position has the characteristics of "on" and "off". Based on the nature of absorption spectrum, it can be applied to optical switches in optical circuits. And this work also provides a new idea for plasma sensors, which has broad application prospects in the fields of filtering and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in plasma protein expression in first episode schizophrenia after an 8-week treatment with risperidone, and to explore potential biomarkers for metabolic side effects associated with risperidone treatment. Eighty first-episode schizophrenia patientswere enrolled in the study. Fifteen of the 80 patients were randomly selected to undergo proteomic analysis. Plasma proteins were obtained before and after the 8-week risperidone treatment, and measured using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry(MALDI-TOF/TOF) and peptide mass fingerprinting.Proteins with the highest fold changes after risperidone treatment were then measured for all 80 patients using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between changes in plasma protein levels and changes in metabolic parameters after risperidone treatment was examined. In 15 randomly selected patients, approximately 1,500 protein spots were detected in each gel by 2-DE. Of those proteins, 22 spots showed significant difference in abundance after risperidone treatment (p's<0.05). After MALDI-TOF peptide mass fingerprinting, apolipoprotein A-I (APOA-I) and Guanine Nucleotide Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating (GNAS), were found to have the highest fold changes.The content of APOA-I was significantly increased, and the content of GNAS was significantly decreased after risperidone treatment (p's<0.05). The analysis in the entire study sample showed similar findings in changes of APOA-I and GNAS after risperidone treatment. Further analysis showed significant relationships between changesin APOA-1 and changes in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and body mass index after controlling for age, gender and family history of diabetes. Similar analysis showed a trend positive relationship between changes in GNAS and changes in BMI. Using proteomic analysis, the study suggested that APOA-I might be a novel biomarkers related to metabolic side effects in first episode schizophrenia treated with risperidone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the association of unicornuate uterus (UU) with adverse obstetric outcomes. Methods: Using data from 26 737 singleton childbirths from a tertiary hospital from 1999 to 2019, we identified 44 births from women with a UU. A total of 367 births from women with a normal uterus were randomly selected as controls. The outcome measures were preterm birth (PTB), breech presentation, and cesarean delivery. The subdivisions of PTB and indications for cesarean delivery were described. Results: The presence of UU was associated with an increased risk of PTB (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–4.9), breech presentation (aRR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.9–13.2), and cesarean delivery (aRR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8–2.7). For women with a UU, most PTBs (7/9) were moderate to late PTBs, and approximately half of the PTBs (4/9) were iatrogenic due to preeclampsia (PE). Breech presentation, PE, and prior surgery for rudimentary horn resection were UU‐related indications for cesarean delivery. Conclusions: Women with a UU have a higher risk of PTB, breech presentation, and cesarean delivery. Understanding of the subdivisions of PTBs and indications for cesarean delivery might help clinicians when counseling women with pregnancy complicated by a UU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that involve multiple congenital limb contractures and comprise at least 10 clinical subtypes. Here, we describe our findings in two Chinese families: Family 1 with DA2B (MIM 601680) and Family 2 with mild DA. Methods: To map the disease locus, two-point linkage analysis was performed with microsatellite markers closed to TPM2, TNNI2/TNNT3 and TNNC2. In Family 1, a positive LOD (logarithm of odds) score was only obtained at the microsatellite marker close to TPM2 and mutation screening was performed using direct sequencing of TPM2 in the proband. In Family 2, for the LOD score that did not favor linkage to any markers, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband. PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and bioinformatics analysis were then applied to identify the pathogenic mutations in two families. In order to correlate genotype with phenotype in DA, retrospective analyses of phenotypic features according to the TPM2 and PIEZO2 mutation spectrums were carried out. Results: A heterozygous missense mutation c.308A > G (p.Q103R) in TPM2 in Family 1, and a novel variation c.8153G > A (p.R2718Q) in PIEZO2 in Family 2 were identified. Each of the two novel variants was co-segregated with the DA manifestations in the corresponding family. Bioinformatics analysis from several tools supported the pathogenicity of the mutations. Furthermore, our study suggests that there is no relation between the types or locations of TPM2 mutations and the clinical characteristics, and that different inheritance modes and mutation types concerning PIEZO2 cause distinct clinical manifestations. Conclusions: We report two novel mutations within TPM2 and PIEZO2 responsible for DA2B and mild DA in two Chinese families, respectively. Our study expands the spectrum of causal mutations in the TPM2 and PIEZO2 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was to examine the insular cortical functional connectivity in drug naïve patients with first episode schizophrenia and to explore the relationship between the connectivity and the severity of clinical symptoms. Methods: Thirty-seven drug naïve patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. A seed-based approach was used to analyze the resting-state functional imaging data. Insular cortical connectivity maps were bilaterally extracted for group comparison and validated by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. Clinical symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: There were significant reductions in the right insular cortical connectivity with the Heschl’s gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and caudate (p’s<0.001) in the patient group compared with the healthy control (HC) group. Reduced right insular cortical connectivity with the Heschl’s gyrus was further confirmed in the VBM analysis (FDR corrected p<0.05). Within the patient group, there was a significant positive relationship between the right insula-Heschl’s connectivity and PANSS general psychopathology scores (r = 0.384, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Reduced insula-Heschl’s functional connectivity is present in drug naïve patients with first episode schizophrenia, which might be related to the manifestation of clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is the main mechanism of aluminum (Al) reproductive toxicity and can also lead to mitochondrial damage. Damaged mitochondria can trigger apoptosis, leading to testicular damage. PINK1 (phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase1)/Parkin (E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2)-mediated mitophagy can remove damaged mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis. However, its role in testicular damage caused by Al is unclear. In this study, first, 24 male wild type (WT) C57BL/6 N mice were divided into 4 groups and orally administered with 0, 44.825, 89.65, and 179.3 mg/kg body weight AlCl 3 for 90 days, respectively. We demonstrated that apoptosis and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy were activated in a dose-effect relationship in the damaged testis caused by AlCl 3 , and were most significant at 179.3 mg/kg body weight AlCl 3. Then, 40 male WT C57BL/6 N mice and 40 male Parkin knockout (Parkin−/−) C57BL/6 N mice were divided into 4 groups and orally administered with 0, 179.3, 0 or 179.3 mg/kg body weight AlCl 3 for 90 days, respectively. Parkin−/− inhibited mitophagy, exacerbated the growth inhibition, testicular damage, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis under AlCl 3 exposure. In general, the results reveal that AlCl 3 exposure can activate PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, and the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy plays a protective role in the testicular damage caused by AlCl 3. A graphical abstract of the role of PINK1 (phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase1)/Parkin (E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2)-mediated mitophagy in Al-induced testicular damage. [Display omitted] • Aluminum (Al) can cause testicular damage in mice. • Al led to oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testicles. • PINK1 is phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase1. • Al-induced PINK1/Parkin (E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2)-mediated mitophagy in the testicles. • PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy protected against the testicular damage caused by Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complex disease induced by a combination of genetic factors and environmental exposures. Growing evidence suggests that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within miRNA-binding sites (miR-binding SNPs) contribute to the development of various diseases. However, the roles of miR-binding SNPs in GDM have not been fully elucidated. The CDKN2A/B genes have been identified as two of the strongest genetic determinants for diabetes risk. The aim of the study was to first investigate the associations between miR-binding SNPs of CDKN2A/B, GDM susceptibility, and quantitative metabolism traits. Methods: Three miR-binding SNPs of CDKN2A/B gene (rs1063192, rs3217992, and rs3088440) were selected and genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays in 839 cases of GDM and 900 controls. Results: The CC genotype of CDKN2B rs1063192, which is located in the hsa-miR-323b-5p binding site, was significantly associated with GDM [OR 1.418 (1.143, 1.908); p = 0.003]. The C allele of rs1063192 occurred with significantly higher frequency in GDM [OR 1.22 (1.03, 1.44); p = 0.021]. The rs1063192 genotype CC exhibited increased glucose levels at 1 h and 3 h, as well as higher insulin levels at 3 h during an OGTT compared with the control TT genotype ( p < 0.05). We also found that the rs1063192 CC genotype was associated with lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: The CC genotype of CDKN2B rs1063192 in the hsa-miR-323b-5p binding site increased the risk of GDM in pregnant Chinese Han women. Importantly, our study provides evidence that miR-binding SNPs are a novel source of GDM susceptibility loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study was to examine serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), folate, homocysteine (Hcy), and their relationships with hippocampal volume and psychopathology in drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia. Method Drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of BDNF, folate and Hcy were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and enzymatic cycling method respectively. Hippocampus was parcellated and bilateral hippocampal volumes were measured using FreeSurfer. Results Forty-six patients with drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia (SZ group) and 30 healthy controls (control group) were enrolled. The SZ group had significantly lower serum levels of BDNF and folate, and significantly higher serum levels of Hcy compared with the control group (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively). There were no significant differences in hippocampal volumes between the two groups (ps > 0.2). Within the SZ group, there were significant positive relationships between serum levels of BDNF and both left and right hippocampal volumes (r = 0.327, p = 0.026; r = 0.338, p = 0.022 respectively). In contrast, such relationships did not exist in the control group. Within the SZ group, there were significant negative relationships between serum levels of folate and PANSS-total scores and PANSS-negative symptom scores (r = 0.319, p = 0.031; r = 0.321, p = 0.030 respectively); and there was a positive relationship between serum levels of Hcy and PANSS-total scores (r = 0.312, p = 0.035). Controlling for potential confounding variables resulted in similar findings. Conclusions Drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia presents decreased serum levels of BDNF, folate and increased serum levels of Hcy, which may play an important role in the neurodevelopmental process and clinical manifestation of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was to examine the role of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (Th17) cells in drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia. Method: Patients with normal weight, drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to analyze the proportion of Th17 cells among the CD4+ T cells. Plasma levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). All measures were repeated for the patient group after 4weeks of risperidone treatment. Results: Sixty-nine patients with normal weight, drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. At baseline, the patient group hadz significantly higher proportions of Th17 cells and plasma levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 compared with the control group (p's<0.01). Within the patient group, there were significant positive relationships between the proportion of Th17 cells, plasma levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-6 and the PANSS total score after controlling for potential confounding variables (p's<0.05). After 4weeks of risperidone treatment, the proportion of Th17 cells decreased significantly (p<0.001), and there was a significant positive relationship between the PANSS total score change rate and the change in proportion of Th17 cells (p=0.039). Conclusions: Patients with normal weight, drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia present activation of Th17 cells, which might be associated with therapeutic response after risperidone treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines and body weight during 6-month risperidone treatment in drug naïve, first-episode schizophrenia. Methods: Sixty-two drug naïve, first-episode schizophrenia (SZ group) and 60 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the study. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and body weight were measured at baseline for both groups, and repeated for the SZ group at five different time points during 6-month risperidone treatment. Results: At baseline, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the SZ group (53.28 ± 12.62, 33.98 ± 14.13, 50.08 ± 12.86 pg/mL, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the control group (23.49 ± 15.27, 15.53 ± 7.16, 32.12 ± 15.23 pg/mL, respectively) ( p's < 0.001). Within the SZ group, serum IL-1β levels decreased significantly at 2 weeks (48.02 ± 16.00 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and 1 month (44.70 ± 16.63 pg/mL, p < 0.001), but then gradually increased at 2 months (48.49 ± 18.87 pg/mL), 3 months (50.59 ± 18.48 pg/mL) and 6 months (53.64 ± 16.22 pg/mL) to the levels comparable to baseline; serum IL-6 levels changed significantly over the course of treatment ( p = 0.001), but reached the levels comparable to baseline at 6 months (37.13 ± 13.23 pg/mL); serum levels of TNF-α increased significantly at 3 months (55.02 ± 16.69 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and 6 months (58.69 ± 13.57 pg/mL, p < 0.001); steady and significant weight gain was observed at each follow-up time point ( p's < 0.001), from 56.71 ± 9.25 kg at baseline to 62.72 ± 9.53 kg at 6 months. Conclusions: Risperidone treatment is associated with changes in serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and weight. There is an initial anti-inflammatory effect that reduces with treatment, potentially due to its weight gain side effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The study was to examine the levels of adiponectin (APN) and other cytokines, and body metabolism in drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia patients with normal weight. Methods: Ninety-six drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia patients with normal weight (SZ group), 60 healthy individuals with normal weight (control group), and 60 overweight or obese but otherwise healthy individuals (obesity group) were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and APN were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose oxidase was used to measure plasma glucose level. Lipid levels were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Results: Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in both the SZ group and the obesity group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p's<0.001). There were no significant differences between the SZ group and the obesity group on those cytokines (p's>0.05). In addition, the levels of APN were significantly higher in the SZ group (p<0.001), and significantly lower in the obesity group (p<0.01) compared with the control group. Further, there were significant positive relationships between levels of APN and levels of other cytokines within the SZ group (p's<0.05); in contrast, there were significant negative relationships between levels of APN and levels of other cytokines within the obesity group (p's<0.05). Fasting serum levels of glucose, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly higher, and fasting serum levels of HDL were significantly lower in the obesity group compared with the other two groups (p's<0.01). There were no significant differences in any of the metabolic parameters between the control group and the SZ group (p's>0.05). Conclusions: Drug naïve, first episode schizophrenia patients with normal weight seem to present an up-regulated inflammatory status as reflected by elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. APN may play a unique pro-inflammatory role in this patient population. Implications of the findings in relation to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and the vulnerability for metabolic problems were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Longwave infrared (LWIR) optics are essential for several technologies, such as thermal imaging and wireless communication, but their development is hindered by their bulk and high fabrication costs. Metasurfaces have recently emerged as powerful platforms for LWIR integrated optics; however, conventional metasurfaces are highly chromatic, which adversely affects their performance in broadband applications. In this work, the chromatic dispersion properties of metasurfaces are analyzed via ray tracing, and a general method for correcting chromatic aberrations of metasurfaces is presented. By combining the dynamic and geometric phases, the desired group delay and phase profiles are imparted to the metasurfaces simultaneously, resulting in good achromatic performance. Two broadband achromatic metasurfaces based on all-germanium platforms are demonstrated in the LWIR: a broadband achromatic metalens with a numerical aperture of 0.32, an average intensity efficiency of 31%, and a Strehl ratio above 0.8 from 9.6 μm to 11.6 μm, and a broadband achromatic metasurface grating with a constant deflection angle of 30° from 9.6 μm to 11.6 μm. Compared with state-of-the-art chromatic-aberration-restricted LWIR metasurfaces, this work represents a substantial advance and brings the field a step closer to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate whether the candidate genes that confer susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus are also correlated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, 1764 unrelated pregnant women were recruited, of which 725 women had GDM and 1039 served as controls. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7754840 in CDKAL1, rs391300 in SRR, rs2383208 in CDKN2A/2B, rs4402960 in IGF2BP2, rs10830963 in MTNR1B, rs4607517 in GCK) were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. The genotype and allele distributions of each SNP between the GDM cases and controls and the combined effects of alleles for the risk of developing GDM were analyzed. We found that the rs4402960, rs2383208 and rs391300 were statistically associated with GDM (OR = 1.207, 95%CI = 1.029-1.417, p = 0.021; OR = 1.242, 95%CI = 1.077- 1.432, p = 0.003; OR = 1.202, 95%CI = 1.020-1.416, P = 0.028, respectively). In addition, the effect was greater under a recessive model in rs391300 (OR = 1.820, 95%CI = 1.226-2.701, p = 0.003). Meanwhile, the joint effect of these three loci indicated an additive effect of multiple alleles on the risk of developing GDM with an OR of 1.196 per allele (p = 1.0861024). We also found that the risk alleles of rs2383208 (b =-0.085, p = 0.003), rs4402960 (b =-0.057, p = 0.046) and rs10830963 (b =-0.096, p = 0.001) were associated with HOMA-B, while rs7754840 was associated with decrease in insulin AUC during a 100 g OGTT given at the time of GDM diagnosis (b =-0.080, p = 0.007). Conclusions/Significance: Several risk alleles of type 2 diabetes were associated with GDM in pregnant Chinese women. The effects of these SNPs on GDM might be through the impairment of beta cell function and these risk loci contributed additively to the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large area and broadband ultra-black absorber based on microstructured aluminum (Al) doped silicon (Si) films prepared by a low-cost but very effective approach is presented. The average absorption of the absorber is greater than 99% within the wide range from 350 nm to 2000 nm, and its size reaches to 6 inches. We investigate the fabrication mechanism of the absorber and find that the Al atom doped in silicon improves the formation of the nanocone-like microstructures on the film surface, resulting in a significant decrease in the reflection of incident light. The absorption mechanism is further discussed by experiments and simulated calculations in detail. The results show that the doped Al atoms and Mie resonance formed in the microstructures contribute the broadband super-high absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]