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Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusion This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of dinoprostone vaginal insert (PROPESS) and double balloon cook catheter (DBC) in term nulliparous pregnancies.A total of 1682 cases were enrolled, all of which were divided into two groups: PROPESS and DBC. The primary outcomes were rate of vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS) and successful VD within 24 h and CS indications; the secondary outcomes were labor duration, oxytocin augmentation, complications during labor, maternal/neonatal outcomes, and predictors of successful VD within 24 h.There was no statistical difference in the rates of VD between the PROPESS group (73.74%) and the DBC group (77.73%) (p = 0.36). The VD rate within 24 h was significantly higher in PROPESS group than in the DBC group (55.45% vs. 38.43%, p < 0.001). The occurrence of nonreassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) patterns was higher in the CS indications of the PROPESS group than in the DBC group (56.86% vs. 37.81%, p < 0.001). The oxytocin augmentation was significantly lower in the PROPESS group than in the DBC group (52.79% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.001). The incidence of chorioamnionitis was significantly higher in the DBC group as compared with PROPESS group (4.36% vs. 1.34%, p < 0.001), while neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups. PROPESS (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 2.478, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.718–3.574), oxytocin augmentation (p < 0.001, OR 32.759, 95% CI 20.654–51.958), and amniotomy (p = 0.016, OR 1.897, 95% CI 1.331–2.704) were predictors of VD within 24 h.The effectiveness of delivery was comparable between the two groups. The PROPESS group resulted in a high successful VD rate within 24 h, although accompanied by NRFHR occurrence. Two cases with fetal presentation change (cephalic to breech) and four cases with umbilical cord prolapse were observed in the DBC group. PROPESS, oxytocin augmentation, and amniotomy were associated with VD interval within 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D mathematical model combining the large eddy simulation turbulent model and discrete phase model is developed to investigate the influence of the stopper rod location on transient flow characteristics and the deposition of inclusions in a bifurcated submerged entry nozzle (SEN). Transient flow characteristics, including the instantaneous flow pattern, jet speed, vertical and horizontal jet angle, and the backflow zone speed and fraction, are quantitatively compared. Transient jet flow characteristics of the left and right SEN port are almost consistent when the stopper rod is ideally centered. When the stopper rod is offset 10 mm, the discrepancy of the jet speed, vertical jet angle, and backflow zone fraction is 0.12 m s−1, 4°, and 4%, respectively. The horizontal angle and backflow speed are primarily affected by the vortex swirling direction at the bottom region of the SEN well. A positive horizontal jet angle is observed under the counterclockwise vortex, resulting in a higher backflow speed. Conversely, a negative horizontal jet angle and a lower backflow speed are observed when the vortex swirling direction is clockwise. The deposition rate of inclusions on the upper SEN wall is much higher when stopper rod is offset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperplastic scars, especially keloids, have posed a significant clinical challenge due to their high recurrence rate. Compression therapy, a cost‐effective treatment, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing scarring and preventing recurrence. However, the compression methods exhibit limitations in adapting to the complex contours and accurately adjusting the treatment pressure, resulting in unsatisfactory treatment effects. In this study, silicone is chosen as the substrate layer ink, while the conductive ink is developed by incorporating nano‐carbon black into the polymer composite. These are printed alternately within the supported gels to construct an integrated orthotic device with precise pressure control capabilities and complex structures. Results demonstrated the printed orthosis displayed excellent mechanical properties, durability and biocompatibility. It can successfully detect various stress changes with short response times. The utilization of finite element analysis aided in the design of personalized orthosis to achieve optimal pressure for scar treatment. Finally, orthosis‐mediated pressure treatment is performed on rat tail scar models. By monitoring resistance value, it can be inferred whether the treatment pressure applied by orthosis fell within an optimal range. Overall, personalized piezoresistive anti‐scar orthoses offer an accurate and effective treatment method for scar. This innovative approach presents a novel strategy in the realm of personalized scar management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively treat osteoarthritis (OA), the existing inflammation must be reduced before the cartilage damage can be repaired; this cannot be achieved with a single type of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, a hydrogel complex with logic‐gates function is proposed that can spatiotemporally controlled release two types of EVs: interleukin 10 (IL‐10)+ EVs to promote M2 polarization of macrophage, and SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9)+ EVs to increase cartilage matrix synthesis. Following dose‐of‐action screening, the dual EVs are loaded into a matrix metalloporoteinase 13 (MMP13)‐sensitive self‐assembled peptide hydrogel (KM13E) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate/gelatin methacryloyl‐hydrogel microspheres (PGE), respectively. These materials are mixed to form a "microspheres‐in‐gel" KM13E@PGE system. In vitro, KM13E@PGE abruptly released IL‐10+ EVs after 3 days and slowly released SOX9+ EVs for more than 30 days. In vivo, KM13E@PGE increased the CD206+ M2 macrophage proportion in the synovial tissue and decreased the tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐1β levels. The aggrecan and SOX9 expressions in the cartilage tissues are significantly elevated following inflammation subsidence. This performance is not achieved using anti‐inflammatory or cartilage repair therapy alone. The present study provides an injectable, integrated delivery system with spatiotemporal control release of dual EVs, and may inspire logic‐gates strategies for OA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a developed photosynthetic co‐culture system to alleviate the hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The algae, Chlorella vulgaris, were encapsulated to slow their growth while not affecting the photosynthetic oxygen‐producing capacity by Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) using gelatin and sodium alginate as the positive and negative charges materials, respectively. Then, the photosynthetic co‐culture system of HUVECs and self‐oxygenating alginate hydrogel (Algae‐gel) was constructed in which the optimal ratios between algae and HUVECs were 5:1 and 20:1 for a 2D or 3D co‐cultured manner, respectively. It indicated that the 3D co‐cultured manner of HUVECs needed more O2 by the production of algae than it did in a 2D co‐cultured manner. The co‐cultured Algae‐gel could alleviate hypoxia and the oxidative stress injury of hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐treated HUVECs in the proliferation, intracellular ROS and cellular migratory ability. In addition, the Algae‐gel could downregulate the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factors 1α (HIF‐1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of hypoxia and H/R‐injured HUVECs due to the improvement of hypoxia and H/R injury. This photosynthetic co‐culture system could offer a promising approach for repairing hypoxia and H/R‐injured cells or tissue by providing safe and stable O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, regulation of the spatiotemporal distribution of interfacial receptors and ligands leads to optimum binding kinetics and thermodynamics of receptor–ligand binding reactions within interfaces. Inspired by this, we report a hierarchical fluid interface (HieFluidFace) to regulate the spatiotemporal distribution of interfacial ligands to increase the rate and thermodynamic favorability of interfacial binding reactions. Each aptamer‐functionalized gold nanoparticle, termed spherical aptamer (SAPT), is anchored on a supported lipid bilayer without fluidity, like an "island", and is surrounded by many fluorescent aptamers (FAPTs) with free fluidity, like "rafts". Such ligand "island‐rafts" model provides a large reactive cross‐section for rapid binding to cellular receptors. The synergistic multivalency of SAPTs and FAPTs improves interfacial affinity for tight capture. Moreover, FAPTs accumulate at binding sites to bind to cellular receptors with clustered fluorescence to "lighten" cells for direct identification. Thus, HieFluidFace in a microfluidic chip achieves high‐performance capture and identification of circulating tumor cells from clinical samples, providing a new paradigm to optimize the kinetics and thermodynamics of interfacial binding reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in infectious pancreatic necrosis, a complication of acute pancreatitis. The study found that Treg activation disrupts the barrier function of the duodenum, allowing bacteria to enter the pancreatic necrosis. The researchers focused on the expression of the co-inhibitory molecule Programmed-death 1 (PD-1) on Tregs and found that PD-1 expression correlated with the level of Tregs. They also conducted experiments on mouse models and found that blocking PD-1 reduced the translocation of bacteria into the pancreas. The study suggests that PD-1 blockage could be a potential therapeutic strategy for infectious pancreatic necrosis, but further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

The rapidly advancing capabilities in nanophotonic design are enabling complex functionalities limited mainly by physical bounds. The efficiency of transmission is a major consideration, but its ultimate limit remains unknown for most systems. This study introduces a matrix formalism that puts a fundamental bound on the channel‐averaged transmission efficiency of any passive multi‐channel optical system based only on energy conservation and the desired functionality, independent of the interior structure and material composition. Applying this formalism to diffraction‐limited nonlocal metalenses with a wide field of view shows that the transmission efficiency must decrease with the numerical aperture for the commonly adopted designs with equal entrance and output aperture diameters. It also shows that reducing the size of the entrance aperture can raise the efficiency bound. This study reveals a fundamental limit on the transmission efficiency as well as provides guidance for the design of high‐efficiency multi‐channel optical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of plant‐based proteins has increased, and mung bean protein (MBP) has gained immense attention due to its high yield, nutritional value, and health benefits. MBP is rich in lysine and has a highly digestible indispensable amino acid score. Dry and wet extractions are used to extract MBP flours and concentrates/isolates, respectively. To enhance the quality of commercial MBP flours, further research is needed to refine the purity of MBPs using dry extraction methods. Furthermore, MBP possesses various biological potential and techno‐functional properties, but its use in food systems is limited by some poor functionalities, such as solubility. Physical, biological, and chemical technologies have been used to improve the techno‐functional properties of MBP, which has expanded its applications in traditional foods and novel fields, such as microencapsulation, three‐dimensional printing, meat analogs, and protein‐based films. However, study on each modification technique remains inadequate. Future research should prioritize exploring the impact of these modifications on the biological potential of MBP and its internal mechanisms of action. This review aims to provide ideas and references for future research and the development of MBP processing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection after open pulmonary lobectomy and to quantify their clinical and economic burden. Methods: A prospective nested case‐control study was performed on patients with lung cancer who underwent open lobectomy in the lung cancer center of West China Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. Demographic, clinical data and medical costs were recorded. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors associated with surgical site infection. A Mann‐Whitney U test was carried out to evaluate the differences in medical costs. Results: A total of 1395 patients were eligible, and the surgical site infection incidence was 13.47% (188/1395). Of the 188 instances of surgical site infection, 171 (90.96%) were classified as organ/space infection, 8 (4.25%) as superficial incisional infection and 9 (4.79%) as deep incisional infection. The patients with surgical site infection had significantly higher mortality (3.19% vs. 0.41%, p < 0.001), higher median medical cost (90774.95 yuan vs. 63079.38 yuan, p < 0.001), and longer postoperative length of stay (15 days vs. 9 days, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.560, p = 0.007), respiratory failure (OR = 5.984, p = 0.0012), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR = 1.584, p = 0.005), operating time (OR = 1.950, p < 0.001), and operation team (OR = 1.864, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for surgical site infection. Conclusions: The high incidence of surgical site infection indicates that postoperative infections remain a significant clinical burden in patients who underwent open lobectomy. Identifying risk factors timely through prospective surveillance may assist clinical decisions against surgical site infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tau pathology is observed during autopsy in many patients with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the tracer 18F‐florzolotau has the potential to capture tau accumulation in the living brain. Objective: The aim was to describe the results of 18F‐florzolotau PET/CT (computed tomography) imaging in patients with PDD. Methods: Ten patients with PDD, 9 with Parkinson's disease with normal cognition (PD‐NC), and 9 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Clinical assessments and 18F‐florzolotau PET/CT imaging were performed. Results: 18F‐Florzolotau uptake was significantly higher in the cortical regions of patients with PDD compared with both PD‐NC and HCs, especially in the temporal lobe. Notably, 18F‐florzolotau uptake in the occipital lobe of patients with PDD showed a significant correlation with cognitive impairment as reflected by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Conclusions: 18F‐Florzolotau PET imaging can effectively capture the occurrence of tau pathology in patients with PDD, which was also linked to MMSE scores. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms governing community assembly is fundamental to ecological restoration and clarification of the assembly processes associated with severe disturbances (characterized by no biological legacy and serious environmental problems) is essential. However, a systematic understanding of community assembly in the context of severe anthropogenic disturbance remains lacking. Here, we explored community assembly processes after metal mining, which is considered to be a highly destructive activity to provide insight into the assembly rules associated with severe anthropogenic disturbance. Using a chronosequence approach, we selected vegetation patches representing different successional stages and collected data on eight plant functional traits from each stage. The traits were classified as establishment and regenerative traits. Based on these traits, null models were constructed to identify the processes driving assembly at various successional stages. Comparison of our observations with the null models indicated that establishment and regenerative traits converged in the primary stage of succession. As succession progressed, establishment traits shifted to neutral assembly, whereas regeneration traits alternately converged and diverged. The observed establishment traits were equal to expected values, whereas regenerative traits diverged significantly after more than 20 years of succession. Furthermore, the available Cr content was linked strongly to species' ecological strategies. In the initial stages of vegetation succession in an abandoned metal mine, the plant community was mainly affected by the available metal content and dispersal limitation. It was probably further affected by strong interspecific interaction after the environmental conditions had improved, and stochastic processes became dominant during the stage with a successional age of more than 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even‐order intermodulation distortions are often considered easy to filter in narrowband radio frequency (RF) wireless systems because they are usually located far away from the desired passband and adjacent bands. However, even‐order intermodulation distortions have recently attracted more interest with the increasing popularity of wideband RF applications. The authors' previous work was devoted to establishing the power spectrum model of second‐order intermodulation distortion. Motivated by the latest efforts on RF power amplifier linearization with second‐order and fourth‐order intermodulation, our focus now is to establish a power spectrum model of fourth‐order intermodulation distortion which can be used to discuss the fourth‐order impacts on the passband and adjacent bands. Here, together with the authors' previous work on the odd‐order intermodulation, a relatively comprehensive power spectrum model is presented here, including second‐, third‐, fourth‐, and fifth‐order intermodulation, which offers a broader view for spectrum planners and RF designers. With qualitative and quantitative reasoning, we further explain that higher‐order (i.e., n>5) IM distortions of a weakly nonlinear amplifier are indeed negligible. The experiment measurement at the end of this paper validates the spectrum model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: New subtyping classification systems of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been proposed for phenotyping patients into three different subtypes: mild motor‐predominant (PD‐MMP), intermediate (PD‐IM) and diffuse malignant (PD‐DM). The quality of life (QoL) underlying the novel PD clinical subtypes is unknown. This study aimed explore the feasibility of the classification in Chinese PD patients and to investigate the potential heterogeneous determinants of QoL among the three subtypes. Methods: 298 PD patients were enrolled, including 129 PD‐MMP patients, 121 PD‐IM patients and 48 PD‐DM patients. All patients completed the QoL assessment, clinical evaluations and neuropsychological tests. Univariate linear analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify determinants of QoL. Results: Compared to PD‐MMP patients, PD‐IM and PD‐DM patients had more impaired QoL. The Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS) score, Non‐Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (NMSQ) score, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS‐III) score and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were independent contributors to QoL in PD‐MMP patients. The GDS score, ESS and sniffin' sticks screening 12 test score were independent contributors to QoL in PD‐IM patients. The GDS score and Mini Mental State Examination score were independent contributors to QoL in PD‐DM patients. Interpretation: The new novel subtyping classification is feasible for Chinese PD patients. Although depression was the most crucial determinant for QoL in PD‐MMP, PD‐IM and PD‐DM patients, the other contributors of QoL in the three subtypes were heterogeneous. These findings may prompt clinicians to target specific factors for improving QoL depending on PD subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid biopsy is a revolutionary strategy in cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction, which is used to analyze cancer cells or cancer‐derived products through biofluids such as blood, urine and so on. Exosomes play a crucial role in mediating cell communication. A growing number of studies have reported that exosomes are involved in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance by delivering cargos including nucleic acids and protein. Thus, exosomes, as a new type of liquid biopsy, have the potential to be diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Herein, we elaborate on the current methods and introduce novel techniques for exosome isolation and characterization. Moreover, we elucidate the advantages of exosomes compared to other biological components in liquid biopsy and summarize the different exosomal biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of eutrophication‐induced acidification in estuaries and coastal oceans is complicated by the seasonally and spatially changing interactions between physical and biochemical drivers. By combining the conservative mixing method and a physical‐biogeochemical model, we present the seasonal and spatial dynamical analysis of eutrophication‐induced acidification in the Pearl River Estuary in the northern South China Sea. In summer, the widespread eutrophication‐induced acidification is regulated by two distinct physical drivers, which are the strengthened stratification in the hypoxia zone and the high turbidity in the Lingdingyang Bay. In the hypoxia zone, eutrophication‐induced acidification is controlled by the combined effect of benthic remineralization and stratification, while it is dominantly regulated by local biochemical processes (nitrification and respiration) of the whole water column in other regions of the estuary. In winter with the enhanced vertical mixing, the eutrophication‐induced acidification is still active in the Lingdingyang Bay, and its strength has largely decreased compared with summer condition. While for the hypoxia zone, the eutrophication‐induced acidification peaks in summer and disappears in winter. Plain Language Summary: Eutrophication in estuaries has accelerated the ocean acidification, which induced a negative impact on marine ecosystem. In the estuary, physical and biochemical processes lead to difficulties in understanding and evaluating the impact of eutrophication‐induced acidification. High‐resolution and coupled oceanographic models can reproduce the biogeochemical cycles in the marine system and present an integrated framework to understand ocean acidification. We revealed two distinct types of eutrophication‐induced acidification in the estuary by using an oceanographic model. The model results show that these two types of eutrophication‐induced acidification are regulated by different physical processes that are water stratification and turbidity, which result in their unique seasonal evolution patterns. Key Points: Eutrophication‐induced acidification is quantified with the conservative mixing method and a coupled model in the Pearl River EstuaryBiochemical processes and stratification/turbidity result in two types of eutrophication‐induced acidification in the estuaryEutrophication‐induced acidification is a year‐around phenomenon in the Lingdingyang Bay and a seasonal phenomenon in the hypoxia zone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second‐order distortion, often using second‐order intercept point (IP2) as an indicator, has been considered easy to be filtered in narrowband radio frequency (RF) communications because it is located far away from the passband of transmitted signals. However, with rapidly increased applications in wideband RF communications, the second‐order intermodulation (IM) might become important, partially evidenced by the increased appearances of IP2 in the amplifier datasheets in recent years. In this article, a power spectrum model of the second‐order IM is derived to quantify the second‐order distortion using the IP2. This model could be used to determine under what conditions, in terms of the relation between the carrier frequency and bandwidth, the second‐order IM will affect the passband or the adjacent bands or other applications, using three types of frequency scenarios. These discussions are beneficial for RF engineers and spectrum planners to predict interferences from second‐order IM. The experimental measurement at the end of the article validates the spectrum model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing forest soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is important for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating global climate change. Although the effects of altitude, temperature and rainfall on organic carbon have been studied extensively, it is difficult to increase SOC storage by changing these factors in actual forest management. This study determined the SOC, soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient elements, heavy metal elements, soil minerals and microbial biomass in the 0–140‐cm soil layer of the monsoon broad‐leaved forest in the acid red soil region of southwestern China by stratification. We tried to identify the soil factors affecting the SOC storage of the forest in the acid red soil region and determine the weights of the factors affecting the SOC, with the aim of improving the SOC retention capacity in forest management by changing the main soil factors affecting SOC storage. The results showed that the soil factors affecting the forest SOC storage in this area are total nitrogen (N, 22.7%) > soil water content (19.9%) > active iron (including poorly crystalline iron, Feo, 15.5%) > pH (9.5%) > phosphorus (P, 9.4%) > aluminium (Al, 8.9%) > silicon (Si, 7.1%) > sulphur (S, 6.8%). Of these factors, N, the water content, Feo, and P are practical factors for forest management, whereas the pH, Al, Si and S are not. SOC was significantly positively correlated with the soil N concentration, water content, active iron content and P concentration (p <.05). In acidic red soil areas, with active iron as the highlight, N, soil water content, phosphorus and active iron jointly regulate the forest SOC storage capacity. Consequently, in actual forest management, any measures to promote soil N and water content and to activate inactive iron can enhance the storage of SOC, as appropriate input of N and P fertiliser and irrigation in dry years and the dry season. Highlights: The soil environmental factors affecting SOC storage in forest soil are quantifiedActivation of inactive iron helps SOC storage in forest soilIrrigation and N and P input are effective for helping SOC storage in forest soilN, WC, P and Feo jointly regulate SOC in tropical acid red soil forest [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To automate the detection and identification of visible components in feces for early diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, we propose FecalNet, a method using multiple deep neural networks. Methods: FecalNet uses the ResNet152 residual network to extract and learn the characteristics of visible components in fecal microscopic images, acquire feature maps in combination with the feature pyramid network, apply the full convolutional network to classify and locate the fecal components, and implement the improved focal loss function to reoptimize the classification results. This allowed the complete automation of the detection and identification of the visible components in feces. Results: We validated this method using a fecal database of 1,122 patients. The results indicated a mean average precision (mAP) of 92.16% and an average recall (AR) of 93.56%. The average precision (AP) and AR of erythrocyte, leukocyte, intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, hookworm eggs, ascarid eggs, and whipworm eggs were 92.82% and 93.38%, 93.99% and 96.11%, 90.71% and 92.41%, 89.95% and 93.88%, 96.90% and 91.21%, and 88.61% and 94.37%, respectively. The average times required by the GPU and the CPU to analyze a fecal microscopic image are approximately 0.14 and 1.02 s, respectively. Conclusion: FecalNet can automate the detection and identification of visible components in feces. It also provides a detection and identification framework for detecting several other types of cells in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urinary particles are particularly important parameters in clinical urinalysis, especially for the diagnosis of nephropathy. Therefore, it is highly important to precisely detect urinary particles in the clinical setting. However, artificial microscopy is subjective and time consuming, and various previous detection algorithms lack the adequate accuracy. In this study, a method is proposed for the analysis of urinary particles based on deep learning. Methods: We used seven cellular components (i.e., erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial, low‐transitional epithelium, casts, crystal, and squamous epithelial cells) in the microscopic imaging of urine as the detection targets. After the extraction of features using Resnet50, feature maps of different sizes are obtained in the last few layers of the feature pyramid net (FPN). The feature maps are then input into the classification subnetwork and regression subnetwork for classification and localization respectively, and detection results are obtained. First, we introduce the basic model (RetinaNet) to detect the cellular components in urinary particles, and the features of the objects can then be extracted more effectively by replacing different basic networks. Lastly, the effects of different weight initialization methods and different anchor scales on the performance of the model are investigated. Results: We obtained the optimal network structure based on the adjustment of the loss functional parameters, thereby achieving the best results in the test set of urinary particles. The experimental data yielded an accuracy of 88.65% with a processing time of only 0.2 s for each image on a GeForce GTX 1080 graphics processing unit (GPU). Our results demonstrate that this method cannot only achieve the speed of the first‐stage target detector, but also the accuracy of the two‐stage target algorithm in the analysis of urinary particles. Conclusion: This study developed new automated analysis urinary particles based on deep learning, and this method is expected to be used for the automated analysis and detection of urinary particles. Moreover, our approach will be useful for the detection of other cells in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on Emergency Management of the Prevention and Control of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Specialized Branches of Hospital. It mentions unusual and unpredictable epidemic, how to ensure smooth government order, effective measures, and prevention and control to prevent outbreaks in the subdivision area of hospitals is a new test for specialized subdivision areas of hospitals.

Observations from two Bio‐Argo floats deployed in the northern and central South China Sea (SCS) show distinct seasonal patterns of vertical chlorophyll distribution. There is a permanent subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) located between 60 and 80 m throughout the year and a weak seasonality of surface chlorophyll in the central SCS. In the northern SCS, the SCM shoals to the upper mixed layer in winter and surface phytoplankton shows a clear winter bloom pattern. The mechanism driving the spatial and seasonal differences in phytoplankton dynamics in the euphotic zone remains unclear. Here a coupled physical‐biological model is developed and applied to the northern and central SCS. With model and satellite data, we show that the contrasting patterns in chlorophyll are induced by the spatial variability in winter mixing dynamics. In the northern SCS, the buoyancy flux‐induced mixing plays a dominant role in controlling the seasonal variability of vertical nutrient transport and phytoplankton production, which leads to the peak of surface chlorophyll and the significant shoaling of the SCM in winter. In the central SCS, the intensity of the buoyancy flux is reduced and both buoyancy flux‐ and wind‐induced mixing control the winter mixing dynamics. However, the combination of these two mixing processes is weaker than in the northern SCS and the vertical nutrient transport is limited to the layer above the SCM, resulting in the reduced seasonality of surface chlorophyll and the relatively stable SCM all year round in the central SCS. Plain Language Summary: Both satellite and Bio‐Argo floats show a significant increase of surface chlorophyll concentration in winter in the northern South China Sea (SCS) but a very weak seasonal change in the central SCS. We used a coupled physical‐biological model to systematically study the mechanism driving these spatial and seasonal differences. The model can reasonably simulate the different chlorophyll distribution patterns identified by observations. We found that the buoyancy flux‐induced mixing plays a dominant role in controlling the seasonal change of chlorophyll in the northern SCS. In the central SCS, both buoyancy flux‐ and wind‐induced mixing control the winter mixing dynamics. However, the combination of these two mixing dynamics is not as strong as that in the northern SCS and the vertical nutrient transport is only limited to the layer above the SCM, resulting in the reduced seasonality of surface chlorophyll and the relatively stable SCM all year round in the central SCS. Key Points: There is a stable SCM and a weak seasonality of surface CHL in the central SCS, while there is a shoaling SCM and a clear winter bloom in the northIn the northern SCS, buoyancy flux‐induced mixing plays a dominant role in controlling winter mixing and seasonal phytoplankton dynamicsIn the central SCS, both buoyancy flux‐ and wind‐induced mixing control the winter mixing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive and selective method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) spectra was developed for the detection of three antihistamine drugs, including pyrilamine (PY), carbinoxamine (CAR) and tripelennamine (TRI). The three antihistamines were separated by a C18 column. The mobile phase contained 25% acetonitrile (ACN) and 75% phosphate buffered solution (pH 3.2) with the flow rate of 0.4 ml min−1. In medium of Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer solution (pH 4.6), the PY, CAR and TRI separated by HPLC and then reacted with Erythrosine B (EryB), forming 1:1 ion‐association complexes, which led to significant signal enhancement of RRS spectra. The RRS spectra was detected at the wavelength λex=λem = 370 nm. The calibration curves of PY, CAR and TRI were linear in the range from 0.02 to 25 μg ml−1, and the detection limit [signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) = 3] were 3.38, 4.48 and 5.50 ng ml−1, respectively. In addition, under the optimum experiment condition, the reaction mechanism and the reasons for RRS enhancement were investigated in this work. The developed method was applied to the simultaneous detection of three antihistamines in water samples with satisfying results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper simulates the effects of China's growing government debt in a computable equilibrium model of overlapping generations. Our model assumes that the government increases debt to finance its spending in the short run, and then increases taxes or cuts spending to keep the debt–GDP ratio constant. The spending‐driven government debt increases public capital and output in the short run, but decreases private investment, total capital stock, output, and net exports in the long run, and makes the future generations worse off. Among various means of debt control, a decrease in government spending seems to be the least harmful to private investment, capital stock, and output while an increase in capital taxation is most detrimental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein, a highly selective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) method was developed to detect gatifloxacin (GFLX) and sparfloxacin (SPLX). GFLX and SPLX were first separated by HPLC, then, in pH 4.4 Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer medium, protonic quaternary ammonia cation of GFLX and SPLX reacted with erythrosine (ERY) to form 1:1 ion‐association complexes, which resulted in a significant enhancement of RRS signal. The experimental conditions of HPLC and post‐column RRS have been investigated, including detection wavelength, flow rate, pH, reacting tube length and reaction temperature. Reaction mechanism were studied in detail by calculating the distribution fraction. The maximum RRS signals for GFLX and SPLX were recorded at λex = λem = 330 nm. The detection limits were 3.8 ng ml−1 for GFLX and 17.5 ng ml−1 for SPLX at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of GFLX and SPLX in water samples. Recoveries from spiked water samples were 97.56–98.85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that the response of satellite-observed chlorophyll (CHL) to eddy motion varies seasonally in the South China Sea (SCS). The spatial pattern of the CHL anomaly composite for eddies is a dipole in summer and a monopole in winter, indicating that sea surface CHL is largely regulated by the horizontal rotational velocity of the eddy in summer and by eddy pumping and trapping in winter. The dipole pattern for anticyclonic eddies was confirmed by in situ observations, which also show that the dipole pattern is mainly restricted to the mixed layer. The underlying mechanism was further investigated with a coupled physical-biogeochemical model. The key driver leading to the seasonal variation of the eddy effect is found to be the seasonal variation of the mixed layer depth. In summer when the mixed layer is shallow, the monopole nutrient change induced by eddy is restricted to the subsurface. The sea surface CHL distribution is thus mostly affected by eddy advection. In winter, the deepening of the mixed layer mixes the nutrients from subsurface where eddy significantly changes the nutrient levels, allowing the monopole pattern to be observed in the sea surface CHL anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper projects China's national savings through 2040 based on China's national account data, demographic data, and data on rural and urban life-cycle income and consumption. Our baseline projections show that China's national saving in 2040 will be 16 times the current national saving. The annual growth rate of wealth will decline from 16.3 percent in 2012 to 9.5 percent in 2040. Lowering the growth rate of wealth accumulation to the current rate of return to wealth increases consumption through 2040; lowering the growth rate of wealth further may increase consumption more in the short run, but less in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simultaneous determination of two binding parameters for metal ions on an immobilized metal affinity chromatography column was performed by frontal chromatography. In this study, the binding parameters of Cu2+ to l-glutamic acid were measured, the metal ion-binding characteristics of the complex ligand were evaluated. The linear correlation coefficients were all greater than 99%, and the relative standard deviations of two binding parameters were 0.58 and 0.059%, respectively. The experiments proved that the frontal chromatography method was accurate, reproducible, and could be used to determine the metal-binding parameters of the affinity column. The effects of buffer pH, type, and concentration on binding parameters were explored by uniform design experiment. Regression, matching and residual analyses of the models were performed. Meanwhile, the optimum-binding conditions of Cu2+ on the l-glutamic acid-silica column were obtained. Under these binding conditions, observations and regression values of two parameters were similar, and the observation values were the best. The results demonstrated that high intensity metal affinity column could be effectively prepared by measuring and evaluating binding parameters using frontal chromatography combined with a uniform design experiment. The present work provided a new mode for evaluating and preparing immobilized metal affinity column with good metal-binding behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a nonwoven hybrid bioreactor (NWHBR) in which the nonwoven fabric played dual roles as a biofilm carrier and membrane-like separation of the flocculent sludge in the reactor. The results of long-term monitoring demonstrated that the NWHBR could achieve simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND), with nearly complete ammonium removal and 80% removal of total nitrogen. The biofilm attached to the nonwoven fabric removed 27% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 36% of the nitrate in the reactor, an enhanced elimination of nutrients that was attributed to the increased mass transfer within the biofilm due to permeate drag. The results of batch experiments showed that the flocculent sludge played a more dominant role in nitrification and denitrification (79% and 61%, respectively) than the biofilm (21% and 36%, respectively). The batch experiments also revealed that the enforced mass transfer, with an effluent recirculation rate of 4.3 L/m2h (which was the same as the flux during the reactor's long-term operation), improved the denitrification rate by 58% (i.e., from 9.0 to 14.2 mg-NO [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of enhanced biological nutrient removal by a new process called nearly plug-flow membrane bioreactor ( NPFMBR) is studied. Results of long-term observations showed that average removal degrees of (1) chemical oxygen demand ( COD), total nitrogen ( TN), and total phosphorus ( TP) reached 95%, 85%, and 89%, respectively, at the steady operation period. Process success was further corroborated by batch experiments. Data of specific oxygen uptake rates demonstrated the abundance and/or high activities of ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria in the sludge. Observed specific rates of nitrification, denitrification, phosphorous release/uptake of the sludge were higher than those reported in previous research. Because of the unique flow pattern of sludge and alternant aerobic-anoxic operating conditions in the bioreactor, mass transfer and biotransformation of nutrients were expected to be improved. The NPFMBR could offer a new option for the wider application of MBRs. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 46-54, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Many patients after stroke are found to have elevated serum creatine kinase (CK). This study aimed to investigate the associations between serum CK levels and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Methods and Results The study included 8910 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from the CNSR-III (Third China National Stroke Registry). Baseline serum CK levels after admission were measured. The associations between CK and clinical outcomes (stroke recurrence, death, and disability, defined as modified Rankin scale score 3-6 or 2-6) were analyzed. Patients with elevated CK levels had higher risks of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.21-1.93), death (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.10-2.58), and disability (modified Rankin scale score, 3-6; odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.29-1.90) at 3 months after adjusting confounding factors. Similar results were found at 1 year. The effects of CK on death and disability were more significant in male patients than female patients ( P value for interaction <0.05). Elevated CK-MB levels were not associated with clinical outcomes in this study. Conclusions Elevated serum CK after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack is associated with higher risks of recurrent stroke, death, and disability at 3 months and 1 year. Serum CK may act as a useful predictor for recurrent stroke and poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Sex modifies the relationship between elevated CK and disability or death.