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Increasing evidence shows a close relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut incretin hormone, has become a well-established treatment for T2DM and is likely to be involved in treating cognitive impairment. In this mini review, the similarities between AD and T2DM are summarised with the main focus on GLP-1-based therapeutics in AD.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (pC-ALCL) is distinguished from systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (S-ALCL) with cutaneous involvement. Although pC-ALCL is a unique entity with different genetics, clinical characteristics, and prognosis, its causes are unknown. Herein, we report the case of a Chinese woman with a 4-month history of a gradually enlarged ulcerative mass in her right forearm following an unidentified insect bite. Biopsy revealed an extensive infiltrate with patches of large anaplastic lymphoid cells. These cells were immunohistochemically positive for CD45, CD30, and TIA-1 and negative for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD20, CD7, CD8, and ALK-1. DUSP22-IRF4 rearrangement was detected; on the other hand, TP63 rearrangement was not observed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). No Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) were detected by ISH. Rearrangement of monoclonal TCR gene was found using BIOMED-2 polymerase chain reaction. No abnormality was found on the subsequent positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. After five cycles of cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + vincristine + prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy, the patient achieved complete remission. This is the first report of a unique pC-ALCL with DUSP22-IRF4 rearrangement following an insect bite other than S-ALCL involving the skin.

As one of the largest and most representative families of natural medicines harvested from plants, the mass production of opioids legitimately occupies large, worldwide farmland cultivation of opiu...

Previous studies on the adverse events of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) were mostly limited to single marker, and short follow-up duration, from hospitalization to up to 30 days. We aimed to predict the long-term prognosis of patients with APE by joint assessment of D-dimer, N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-ProBNP), and troponin I (cTnI). Newly diagnosed patients of APE from January 2011 to December 2015 were recruited from three hospitals. Medical information of the patients was collected retrospectively by reviewing medical records. Adverse events (APE recurrence and all-cause mortality) of all enrolled patients were followed up via telephone. D-dimer > 0.50 mg/L, NT-ProBNP > 500 pg/mL, and cTnI > 0.40 ng/mL were defined as the abnormal. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to compare the cumulative survival rate between patients with different numbers of abnormal markers. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to further test the association between numbers of abnormal markers and long-term prognosis of patients with APE after adjusting for potential confounding. During follow-up, APE recurrence and all-cause mortality happened in 78 (30.1%) patients. The proportion of APE recurrence and death in one abnormal marker, two abnormal markers, and three abnormal markers groups were 7.69%, 28.21%, and 64.10% respectively. Patients with three abnormal markers had the lowest survival rate than those with one or two abnormal markers (Log-rank test, P

BACKGROUND Hemophilic pseudotumor (HP) is a rare complication in patients with hemophilia. The lesion most frequently occurs in the long bones, pelvis, small bones of the hands and feet, or rarely in the maxillofacial region. Postoperative changes in HP are seldom arrested, whereas angiogenesis characterized by disturbed wound healing in HP may cause vascular malformations. CASE SUMMARY We report the case of an 11-year-old boy who was affected by maxillary intraosseous venous malformation. Enucleation of an HP without factor replacement was performed initially on the right side of the maxilla 3 years ago. The patient was referred to us because of painless swelling in the same location. Factor replacement and subtotal maxillectomy were performed. Pathological examinations revealed intraosseous venous malformation. CONCLUSION This study is the first to document the development of intraosseous venous malformation after enucleation of an HP in the maxillofacial region. Angiogenesis characterized by disturbed wound healing in patients with hemophilia may be pivotal in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Liver disease is associated with increased bleeding risk. The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is a subject of contention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with liver disease. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched to retrieve studies on the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus warfarin in AF patients with liver disease from January 1980 to April 2020. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Six studies involving 41,859 patients were included. Compared with warfarin, DOACs demonstrated significant reduction in ischemic stroke (HR, 0.68; 95% CI (0.54–0.86)), major bleeding (0.74 (0.59–0.92)), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (0.48 (0.40–0.58)), with no significant effect on gastrointestinal bleeding (P = 0.893) in AF patients with liver disease. Similar results were observed in regular-dose, reduced-dose, and active liver disease subgroups, albeit Asian patients had a slight reduction in major bleeding (P = 0.055). Furthermore, the pooled estimates of individual DOAC subgroups indicated that dabigatran and apixaban led to greater safety in major bleeding (P

The Gaokao, a mandatory postsecondary entrance examination for all Chinese students, is often associated with psychological stress among Chinese students in their final year of high school. This project was conducted in summer 2017 in urban Beijing and rural Xi’an, China. The purpose is to explore the perspectives of urban and rural secondary school graduates after they have completed the examination, using in-depth clinical interviews. The study draws on Self-Determination Theory and research on moral reasoning to examine several themes surrounding Chinese adolescents’ perceptions of the Gaokao, including general perceptions of the purpose of education, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, sources of support and pressure during study for the Gaokao, and issues of fairness and social inequality. The major findings are that students from all backgrounds reported psychological conflict regarding their general views of the aims of education and the extrinsic pressure deriving from the high-stakes Gaokao examination. Inequality was seen as further exacerbated by family background, resources, and quality of teaching. Urban parents tended to provide more support, both academic and interpersonal. Rural students rated their mental health as significantly lower than urban students during their senior year of high school.

Purpose Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer and the third leading cause of death worldwide. The molecular mechanism of HCC remains unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) is associated with HCC. Ubqln2, a member of the UPS, is abnormally expressed in HCC. However, whether Ubqln2 is associated with HCC prognosis remains unknown. Patients and Methods We analyzed the associations between overall survival and various risk factors in 355 HCC tissue samples obtained from the Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) database at the mRNA level and in 166 HCC tissue samples from Southwest Hospital at the protein level. qRCR was used to determinate Ubqln2 expression in cancer and noncancerous tissues. The association between Ubqln2 and Ki‐67 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The association between Ubqln2 expression and survival was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards models. A nomogram was used to predict the impact of Ubqln2 on prognosis. Mutated genes were analyzed to determine the potential mechanism. Results Ubqln2 highly expressed in HCC tissues. The Ubqln2 mRNA level had significant relations with UICC tumor stage (P = .022), UICC stage (P = .034) and resection potential (P = .017). Concordantly, the Ubqln2 protein was closely associated with tumor size (P = .005), UICC stage (P = .012), and recurrence (P = .009). Ubqln2 was highly expressed in HCC and positively associated with poor survival. The nomogram precisely predicted the prognosis of HCC patients with high or low Ubqln2 expression. A genomic waterfall plot suggested that Ubqln2 expression was closely associated with mutated CTNNB1. Conclusion Our findings reveal that Ubqln2, an independent risk factor for HCC, is a potential prognostic marker in HCC patients. Ubqln2 expression is positively associated with mutated CTNNB1., Ubqln2 is abnormally expressed in HCC but its role remains unknown. Here, we reported that Ubqln2, an independent risk factor for HCC, is a potential prognostic marker in HCC patients. Ubqln2 expression is positively associated with mutated CTNNB1.

We demonstrate superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) for the wavelength at around 2 μm. The linewidth of the NbN nanowire is squeezed to 56 nm to increase the intrinsic response efficiencies at longer wavelengths such as 2 μm. Serially connecting avalanche architecture is applied to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the response signal. Further, the optical cavity is optimized to improve the absorption of the device. A silica single-mode fiber is adopted to introduce photons to the SNSPD at a temperature of 2.25 K using a Gifford–McMahon cryocooler. The SNSPD exhibits detection efficiencies of 58%, 67%, and 63% at wavelengths of 1550, 1700, and 2000 nm, respectively, with dark count rate of ∼12 kcps, which is reduced to 2 cps when the attached fiber pigtail is all placed inside the 40-K cryostat. The detection efficiency at 2000 nm is 2.5 times greater than that of the best previously developed detector with an efficiency of 25%. Our SNSPD is promising for practical applications in molecular science and earth meteorology.

Large active-area superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) coupled with multimode fibers (MMFs) can provide high light-gathering capacity, which is essential for free-space detection applications in photon-starved regimes. However, MMF-coupled SNSPDs often suffer from large system dark count rates (DCRsys) over kHz due to blackbody radiation of the MMF at room temperature. Such large DCRsys would significantly degrade signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the receiving system. This paper reports an MMF-coupled large-active-area SNSPD system with low DCRsys by using a homemade cryogenic MMF filter bench. The filter bench, which consists of lenses and optical filters, can provide a high transmittance of about 80% at the central wavelength of the passband (1550 ± 12.5 nm) and a wide blocking range from 500 nm to over 6000 nm at 40 K. With using the filter bench, the DCRsys of an MMF-coupled 9-pixel SNSPD array with an active area of 50 μm in diameter is greatly suppressed by 23 dB with 1 dB loss of system detection efficiency (SDE). The detector demonstrates an SDE of 51% at a DCRsys of 100 Hz for 1550 nm photons. Thus, SNR of the detector is enhanced by about 160 times and the noise equivalent power is improved to 3×10-19 W/Hz1/2.

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to compare the postoperative complications, overall survival and disease-free survival in young and old gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a single clinical center from January 2013 to December 2017 were enrolled continuously for retrospective analysis. To minimize the selection bias between the young and old groups, the PSM was conducted in this study. Results A total of 558 patients were included in this study, with 51 patients in the young group (aged ≤ 45 years) and 507 patients in the old group (aged > 45 years). After 1:1 matching according to PSM, 51 patients in the young group were matched to 51 patients in the old group. After PSM, there was no difference in the baseline information. In terms of short-term outcomes, no difference was found in operation time (P = 0.190), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.336), retrieved lymph nodes (P = 0.948), blood transfusion (P = 0.339), postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.194), or postoperative complications (P = 0.477) between the two groups. For overall survival, no statistically significant difference was found in all stages (P = 0.383), stage I (P = 0.431), stage II (P = 0.875) or stage III (P = 0.446) gastric cancer. Furthermore, regarding disease-free survival, no differences were found between the two groups in all stages (P = 0.378), stage I (P = 0.431), stage II (P = 0.879) or stage III (P = 0.510) gastric cancer. Conclusion Age might not be an independent prognostic factor for short-term outcomes, OS, or DFS in gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy. The pTNM stage of GC might be an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS.

PurposeThe purpose of the current meta-analysis is to analyze whether extended intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL) can bring benefit on short-term outcomes or survival for patients undergoing curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to May 3, 2021, to find eligible studies. Postoperative complications, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and peritoneal recurrence–free survival (PRFS) were compared between EIPL group and No EIPL group.ResultsA total of five randomized controlled trials with 1,790 patients were included in the current meta-analysis. No difference was found in baseline information (p > 0.05). After pooling up the data of overall postoperative complications, no significant difference was found between EIPL group and No EIPL group (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.51 to 1.53, P = 0.65). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between EIPL group and No EIPL group in terms of OS (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.36 to 1.64, P = 0.49), DFS (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.71 to 1.33, P = 0.87), and PRFS (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.74 to 1.43, P = 0.86). In terms of subgroup analysis of OS, no significant difference was found as well (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.34, P = 0.69).ConclusionsEIPL did not bring benefit in terms of short-term outcomes or survival. Therefore, EIPL is not recommended for patients undergoing curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to analyze the change in T2DM on overall survival after CRC surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent CRC surgery were retrospectively enrolled from January 2013 to December 2019. The status of T2DM pre- and 1-year after CRC surgery was recorded, and predictive factors for T2DM remission and overall survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 296 patients were included in this study. Thirty-eight patients experienced remission of T2DM 1 year after CRC surgery, and the remission rate was 12.8%. Weight loss was significantly higher in the T2DM remission group (p = 0.038), and the T2DM duration was significantly shorter in the T2DM remission group (p = 0.015). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher weight loss (p = 0.046, odds ratio = 1.060, 95% CI = 1.001–1.122) and shorter T2DM duration (p = 0.019, odds ratio = 1007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.014) were predictive factors for remission of T2DM. Furthermore, in multivariate Cox regression analysis, lower TNM stage (p = 0.000, odds ratio = 2.147, 95% CI = 1.474–3.128) and T2DM remission (p = 0.033, odds ratio = 2.999, 95% CI = 1.091–8.243) were the predictive factors for better overall survival.ConclusionPatients with concurrent CRC and T2DM had a 12.8% remission 1 year after CRC surgery. Higher weight loss and shorter T2DM duration contributed to T2DM remission, and patients with T2DM remission could improve in terms of their overall survival.

In this paper, a new method for the parameter extraction of Schottky barrier diode (SBD) is presented to eliminate the influence of parasitic parameters on the intrinsic capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of the Schottky diodes at high frequencies. The method is divided into the de-embedding and parameter extraction, including six auxiliary configurations and, is referred tos as Two-step Six-configuration Parameter Extraction Method (TSPEM). Compared to the traditional junction capacitance extraction method, this method can extract the value of junction capacitance at higher frequencies with higher accuracy. At the same time, compared to the other de-embedding methods, this method shows better performance in de-embedding the contributions of parasitic structures from the transmission line measurements. The intrinsic junction capacitances obtained by this method and the three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic model are combined to form a diode simulation model, which accurately characterizes the capacitance characteristics of the SBD. It was verified with a 200 GHz double frequency multiplier, and the simulation results and measurement results showed good consistency.

Besides its well-known magnetic sensitivity, the nano superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) has an almost instantaneous response time. However, transferring an ultrafast magnetic signal to a nano-SQUID is a technical challenge. We describe a very efficient direct-coupling structure between the SQUID and the coplanar waveguide (CPW). The center conductor of the CPW and its grounding planes are connected by a short line. We fabricated devices having direct and indirect coupling between the short line and nano-SQUIDs. The coupling efficiencies of both schemes are compared quantitatively. By injecting microwaves of frequencies 0.1-18 GHz through the CPW, we found that microwave power of 100 nW and 158 μW is required to suppress the critical current of nano-SQUIDs for the direct and indirect-coupling devices, respectively. By applying a dc current to the short line, we were able to measure the flux-modulation curves of SQUIDs. To achieve a flux quanta in SQUIDs requires currents of 0.46 and 11 mA for the direct- and indirect-coupling devices, respectively. Therefore, the direct-coupling scheme improves the efficiency by a factor of 39 from 0.1 to 18 GHz and 24 at dc, respectively. Furthermore, while sending a pulse-modulated signal of 1 μW power, a SQUID incorporating the direct-coupling scheme produced a working flux modulation.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTL-N) initially presented in larynx is a rare condition without distinctive clinicopathologic features, with a challenging pathologic diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic features and diagnosis of laryngeal ENKTL-N and spread awareness regarding ENKTL-N. A series of 31 cases of laryngeal ENKTL in one Chinese institution over a 9-year interval was retrospectively analyzed. Median age was 50 years (range, 13 to 77 y) with a male/female ratio of 5.2:1 (26/5). All patients initially presented with hoarseness and/or laryngalgia, and 10 patients (32.3%) experienced B symptoms. The supraglottic region was the most common site of occurrence (58.1%), the glottic area being the rarest site (6.5%). The mucosal squamous epithelium was detected in 26 specimens and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was observed in 8 cases (8/26, 30.8%). "Keratin-pearls" and a "pseudoinvasive" pattern were observed in 2 cases. Follow-up data were available for 26 patients (83.9%), the median survival duration was 9 months, and the overall survival rate at 5 years was 29.6%. Univariate analysis revealed that patients experiencing B symptoms (P=0.019) and age above 60 years had a significantly low survival (P=0.049) and that combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy prolongs overall survival (P0.001). Laryngeal ENKTL-N is a rare entity with high aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. Multiple biopsies are usually required owing to secondary infection and massive necrosis. Laryngeal EKTL-N may mimic inflammatory lesions or well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, clinical vigilance is essential to prevent misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis.

With the application and development of DCS control system technology in nuclear power projects in recent years, Fieldbus technology is gaining more and more attention of power generation groups. However, the application of fieldbus technology in the field of nuclear power is only at the primary stage. The main reason is that the requirement of high reliability of Nuclear Power Plant limits the development. This paper analyses the structure and typical faults of the fieldbus control system based on PROFIBUS technology, identifies the potential issues of the PROFIBUS fieldbus control system in conventional island of nuclear power plant and proposes a method to enhance the reliability of the fieldbus control system. Specific requirements are proposed on the redundancy design, diversity design, bus network segment design, bus equipment procurement, bus equipment installation and other aspects so that possible solutions could be provided for the reliability design and application of fieldbus systems in nuclear power plants.

In the process of designing instrumentation and control cables, cable selection is usually carried out according to engineering experience, and the influence of cable laying length and core cross-sectional area on signal transmission is often ignored. In view of several typical terminal equipment in nuclear power plant, this paper summarizes the factors affecting cable laying length in engineering practice. By analyzing four typical signal control loops DI/DO/AI/AO, and special temperature measuring loops such as thermocouple and thermal resistance, the limitation requirements of wire resistance and cable maximum laying length in different control loops are calculated. The calculation method can be used as a reference for the selection and rationality analysis of the cross-sectional area of instrumentation and control cables.

Guided by Pals' (in: McStay (ed) Identity and story: Creating self in narrative, American Psychological Association, Washington DC, 2006) model of self-making through a narrative lens in the context of adversity, this study investigated not only the difficulties but also the personal growth that parents have experienced while participating in the interventions with their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainland China. Based on interviews with 16 purposively sampled parents, thematic analysis revealed themes concerning the parents' acknowledgment of stressful events and their emotional reactions, meanings of their experiences constructed through causal connections, and outcomes of their perceived improvement in self-understanding, parent-child relationships, and philosophies on life. Largely consistent with this theoretical model, such findings highlight the uniqueness of the personal growth process of parents of children with ASD in China's sociocultural context.

Background & Aims p53 mutations occur frequently in human HCC. Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is also associated with HCC. However, it is still unknown whether these changes together initiate HCC and can be targeted as a potential therapeutic strategy. Methods We generated mouse models in which mTOR was hyperactivated by loss of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) with or without p53 haplodeficiency. Primary cells were isolated from mouse livers. Oncogenic signalling was assessed in vitro and in vivo, with or without targeted inhibition of a single molecule or multiple molecules. Transcriptional profiling was used to identify biomarkers predictive of HCC. Human HCC materials were used to corroborate the findings from mouse models. Results p53 haploinsufficiency facilitates mTOR signalling via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis, promoting HCC tumorigenesis and lung metastasis. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt reduced mTOR activity, which effectively enhanced the anticancer effort of an mTOR inhibitor. ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4 (Abcc4) was found to be responsible for p53 haploinsufficiency- and Tsc1 loss-driven HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, in clinical HCC samples, Abcc4 was specifically identified an aggressive subtype. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin significantly reduced hepatocarcinogenesis triggered by Tsc1 loss and p53 haploinsufficiency in vivo, as well as the biomarker Abcc4. Conclusions Our data advance the current understanding of the activation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and its downstream target Abcc4 in hepatocarcinogenesis driven by p53 reduction and Tsc1 loss. Targeting mTOR, an unexpected vulnerability in p53 (haplo)deficiency HCC, can be exploited therapeutically to treat Abcc4-positive patients with HCC. Lay summary Tsc1 loss facilitates the p53 (haplo)insufficiency-mediated activation of the PTEN/Akt/mTOR axis, leading to the elevated expression of Abcc4 to drive HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis in mice. Inhibition of mTOR protects against p53 haploinsufficiency and Tsc1 loss-triggered tumour-promoting activity, providing a new approach for treating an aggressive subtype of HCC exhibiting high Abcc4 expression.

The present work proposes a 180&ndash, 225 GHz broadband frequency doubler monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) based on a novel Schottky barrier diode (SBD) terminal structure denoted as a Schottky metal-brim (SMB). Compared with an MMIC adopting the conventional SBD terminal structure, preliminary measurements show that the maximum output power of the MMIC adopting the SMB structure increases from 0.216 mW at 206 GHz to 0.914 mW at 208 GHz. Analysis of the nonlinear current&ndash, voltage and capacitance&ndash, voltage characteristics of the two terminal structures based on an extended one-dimensional drift-diffusion model, indicates that the SMB structure provides significantly better conversion efficiency than the conventional SBD structure by eliminating the accumulation of charge and additional current paths near the Schottky electrode edge. It provides a feasible scheme for the optimization of MMIC applications requiring high power and high efficiency.

A global design method for a terahertz monolithic integrated frequency multiplier is proposed. Compared with a traditional independent design, the method in this paper adopts overall optimization and combines the device with the circuit design. The advantage is that it provides a customized design for frequency multipliers according to specifications. On the basis of the gallium arsenide process of the Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, two types of Schottky diodes have been developed to meet the needs of different designs. On the one hand, a Schottky diode with a 3 &mu, m junction&rsquo, s diameter was used in the design of the 200 GHz balanced doubler and, on the other hand, a diode with a 5 &mu, m diameter was used in the 215 GHz unbalanced tripler. The measured results indicated that the output power of the doubler was more than 250 &mu, W at 180~218 GHz, and the maximum was 950 &mu, W at 198 GHz when driven with 12.3 mW, whereas that of the tripler was above 5 mW at 210~218 GHz and the maximum exceeded 10 mW. Such frequency multiplier sources could be widely used in terahertz imaging, radiometers, and so on.

With the rapid development of Internet and instant messaging tools, college students’ study and life, the respect such as communication, profound changes have taken place, ecological network public opinion is bound to profound influence on college students and college students’ ideological and political education to bring trouble. Therefore, the ideological and political education based on network information security work is becoming more and more important. This article introduces the Problems existing of ideological and Political Education of College Students based on Network Information Security and Innovate the practical path of ideological and political education for college students based on Network Information Security.

Diabetes-induced injury of myocardium, defined as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), accounts for significant mortality and morbidity in diabetic population. Alleviation of DCM by a potent drug remains considerable interests in experimental and clinical researches because hypoglycemic drugs cannot effectively control this condition. Here, we explored the beneficial effects of isosteviol sodium (STVNa) on type 1 diabetes-induced DCM and the potential mechanisms involved. Male Wistar rats were induced to diabetes by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). One week later, diabetic rats were randomly grouped to receive STVNa (STZ/STVNa) or its vehicle (STZ). After 11 weeks of treatment or 11 weeks treatment following 4 weeks of removal of the treatment, the cardiac function and structure were evaluated and related mechanisms were investigated. In diabetic rats, oxidative stress, inflammation, blood glucose and plasma advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were significantly increased, whereas superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) expression and activity were decreased. STVNa treatment inhibited cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation, showed similar ratio of heart to body weight and antioxidant capacities almost similar to the normal controls, which can be sustained at least 4 weeks. Moreover, STVNa inhibited diabetes-inducted stimulation of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signal pathways. However, blood glucose, plasma AGE and insulin levels were not altered by STVNa treatment. These results indicate that STVNa may be developed into a potent therapy for DCM. The mechanism underlying this therapeutic effect involves the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting ERK and NF-κB without changing blood glucose or AGEs.

We fabricated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) made of NbTiN and NbN thin films in the same fabrication batch. Various parameters, such as critical temperature, resistivity, switching current, and kinetic inductance, were compared between the two types of SNSPDs. These data indicate that NbTiN SNSPD surpasses NbN SNSPD in many aspects, including a shorter recovery time due to smaller kinetic inductance, a lower timing jitter due to higher switching current, and better uniformity. Based on the measurement of 28 out of 121 NbTiN SNSPDs on a 2-in Si wafer, 71% of detectors show a system detection efficiency of over 50% at a dark count rate of 100 Hz, with the maximum efficiency being 77.5%.

To improve the ability of city agglomeration to resist emergency disruption, the model of a city agglomeration compound traffic network was constructed with a new perspective on investigating its vulnerability. First, on the basis of complex network theory, the city agglomeration compound traffic network structure was analyzed thoroughly and its model was established using the site mapping method. Then, facing the compound traffic network structure of urban agglomeration, both the different attack strategies and the measures of the vulnerability of a city agglomeration compound traffic network were proposed. Finally, taking Hohhot-Baotou-Erdos city agglomeration as an example of our empirical study, the city agglomeration road network and rail transit network were formed, and the topology characteristics and vulnerability of the compound traffic network were analyzed to identify critical sites and lines within the network. Results show that the construction of urban agglomeration compound traffic network can effectively reduce the vulnerability of a single-mode network. Moreover, strengthening the protection of the identified key sites and lines further increases the likelihood of reducing the vulnerability of urban complex transportation networks and the risks of traffic network paralysis caused by sudden disasters.

Developing offshore wind power—one of the most promising renewable energy sources—is considered to be an effective measure by China to promote energy transformation and achieve carbon neutrality. The integration of offshore wind with energy storage facilities can improve wind energy opportunities and mitigate the disharmony between energy generation and supply. This study develops a mathematical model to optimise a high capacity offshore wind-pumped-storage hybrid power system with Non-dominant Sorting Genetic Algorithm with Elite Strategy (NSGA-Ⅱ). We optimised various objects and compared the results. The results showed that the positive effects of increased electricity sales revenue could not always balance the negative effects of increased investments after configuring energy storage. Moreover, the simulation of the pumping state, discharging state, and state of charge (SOC) examined the system performance. The annual energy distribution analysed quantitively the reservoirs utilisation frequency and energy utilisation efficiency, which revealed the effect of design variables on pumping and discharging operation. Additionally, the effects of system stability constraints and load demand levels on the economic benefits, system performance, and CO2 emission reduction were compared and analysed. The adaptability of the optimal configurations to high load demand was tested. Finally, the sensitivity analysis provided clear guidance on external financial parameters for subsidy backslope.

To investigate the clinical efficacy of Zhang’s acupoint pressure therapy plus electroacupuncture (EA) in treating post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis. A total of 98 eligible patients with post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis were divided into group A and B by the random number table, 49 cases in each group. Group A was intervened by Zhang’s acupoint pressure therapy plus EA; group B was given medicinal fumigation. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared. The markedly effective rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B. Zhang’s acupoint pressure therapy plus EA can produce a satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis, and is worth promotion.

Background It is a great challenge for pathologists to initially diagnose metastatic malignant mesothelioma (MM) by the lymph node biopsy without any history of primary MM. Because the onset of MM is hidden and the metastatic MM in lymph node is relatively uncommon. Besides, morphologic and immuohistochemistry features of MM are similar to other tumors. Methods In order to improve the initial diagnostic accuracy of metastatic MM from LN biopsy and to reduce or avoid the possibility of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, we had collected the clinical and pathological data of the metastatic MM cases in our department, and summarized the characteristics of morphological, immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results. Results Seven patients (4 males and 3 females) with 21–73 year-old had been included in our study. Six cases showed serous cavity effusion, serosal thickening and systemic multiple lymph node enlargement. The “moderate, nice” tumor cells were arranged in variable patterns. Mitosis was hardly to be found and necrosis was absent. Four immunohistochemical staining panels and FISH detection had been used for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MM. All cases expressed broad-spectrum epithelial markers and at least 2 mesothelial-cell-origin markers. None were positive for specific-tissue-origin markers, and all cases were diagnosed of malignancy according to immunohistochemical markers and detection of pl6 gene deletion. Conclusion It is necessary for us to keep our awareness of metastatic MM in lymph node. Correct diagnosis of MM metastasis by lymph node biopsy were based on detailed understanding of the clinical manifestation and the image data, careful observation of morphologic characteristics, and properly using immunohistochemical markers or FISH detection if necessary for diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

The superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is inherently sensitive to polarization due to its anisotropic nanowire structure. We studied the polarization sensitivity of SNSPDs with ultranarrow nanowires (20–40 nm wide) by simulation and fabricated SNSPDs with 30-nm-wide nanowires. The SNSPD has a maximum system detection efficiency of 20% and a polarization extinction ratio (PER) of 18. The deviation of the PER between the experiment and the simulation can be explained by a trapezoidal cross section of the nanowire.

Reduction of the size of the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) ring structure improves its sensitivity to magnetic moments. Nanobridge junctions are advantageous for SQUID miniaturization. However, many planar SQUIDs with nanobridge junctions have shallow flux modulation depths because of their nonideal Josephson current-phase relationships. Here, we fabricated a three-dimensional niobium nitride (NbN) miniaturized SQUID in which the nanobridge junction structures are much thinner than the superconducting ring. We grew a thick superconducting NbN film on a silicon wafer and embedded an insulating slit in the middle of the film. By setting two thin nanobridge junctions across this insulating slit, we were able to manufacture NbN miniaturized SQUIDs that, in principle, can become nano-SQUIDs. The flux modulation depths of these devices reached 36% at 4.2 K. In addition, the fabricated devices show reversible current–voltage characteristics in the absence of any shunting resistance.

Broadband photon detectors are a key enabling technology for various applications such as spectrometers, light detection and ranging. In this work, we report on an ultra-broadband single-photon detector based on a microfiber (MF)-coupled superconducting nanowires structure operating in the spectral range from visible to near-infrared light. The MF-coupled superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) is formed by placing an MF on top of superconducting niobium nitride (NbN) nanowires, allowing ultra-broadband photon detection due to their nearly lossless transmission/absorption and nearly unity internal efficiency for ultra-broad waveband. The simulation results indicate that with optimal device structure, the optical absorption with efficiency > 90% can be realized over a wavelength range of 350 nm to 2150 nm. The fabricated MF-coupled SNSPD shows unparalleled broadband system detection efficiencies (SDEs) of more than 50% from 630 nm to 1500 nm. The SDEs reach 66% at 785 nm and 45% at 1550 nm. These results pave the way for ultra-broadband weak light detection with quantum-limit sensitivity.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancies in adults. Similar to other solid tumors, CRC cells show increased proliferation and suppressed apoptosis during the development and progression of the disease. Previous studies have shown that a novel tumor oncogene, spermatogenic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor zip 1 (SPZ1), can promote proliferation. However, it is unclear whether SPZ1 plays a role in suppressing apoptosis, and the molecular mechanism behind SPZ1’s suppression of apoptosis in CRC remains unclear. Here, we found that silencing endogenous SPZ1 inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis, and overexpression of SPZ1 promotes cell growth. These findings were corroborated by in vitro and in vivo studies. Interestingly, SPZ1 overexpressing cells were resistant to 5-fluorouracil, a drug commonly used to treat cancer. Moreover, knocking down SPZ1 led to the activation of caspase through the deregulation of Bim by ERK1/2, we found that CRC tissues had significantly higher SPZ1 and lower Bim expression, and SPZ1HBimL were associated with advanced clinical stage of CRC. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SPZ1 contributes to tumor progression by limiting apoptosis. SPZ1 reduces apoptosis by altering the stability of Bim, suggesting SPZ1 may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

The superconducting device of multiple Josephson junctions in arrays has increasingly attracted interest in both applications and fundamental research. The challenge of array integration and scaling is a wide concern. The present study investigated superconducting devices of multiple niobium three-dimensional nano-bridge junctions (3D-NBJs) in parallel. We fabricated evenly and unevenly spaced devices of three to six 3D-NBJs in parallel. We measured the critical current as a function of the magnetic field and voltage to magnetic field transfer function of each device. The derivative of voltage with respect to the magnetic field at the sensitive point increased linearly with the number of junctions. A maximal derivative of 97.3 V/T was achieved by our device with six unevenly spaced junctions in parallel. Furthermore, we carried out numerical simulations on devices of three and four junctions in parallel using the current–phase relation of a single 3D-NBJ. The CPR was determined by comparing the measured and simulated magnetic flux modulations of nano-SQUID. Qualitative agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental measurement suggests that it is possible to use 3D-NBJs to build SQUID arrays or SQIFs with high integration density.

The modulation bandwidth of a light-emitting diode is inversely proportional to the carrier lifetime, which changes with varying injected current. However, in conventional implementations of visible light communications, the influence of bias current is always emphasized, while the effects of modulation indices and signal components are ignored. In this Letter, it is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that the mechanism on how modulated signal components impact modulation bandwidth is clarified. We reveal and interpret this impact by featuring the response at different modulation indices and intensity distributions mathematically and experimentally, proposing a series of theoretical approaches for the insight of modulation at a high index. This Letter donates a novel perspective on deciding appropriate configurations for modulators according to the modulation characteristics at a high index of the input signal.

A passively Q-switched Ho:Sc2SiO5laser operating at 2107.2 nm with a few layered graphene saturable absorber is obtained, corresponding to a beam quality factors of M x 2 =1.19 and M y 2 =1.21. A maximum average output power of 1.37 W and pulse energy of 16.08 μJ was achieved at an incident pump power of 13.2 W. The shortest pulse width of 188.3 ns and maximum pulse repetition rate of 85.26 kHz were observed, with a maximum peak power of 85.4 W.

Implementations of quantum information require single-photon detectors (SPDs) with high detection efficiency (DE) at a wavelength of 940 nm, which is a challenge for the available semiconducting SPDs. Superconducting nanowire SPDs (SNSPDs) are capable of detecting visible and near-infrared single photons with high DE. However, these detection capabilities place stringent design requirements on the cavity and nanowire geometry structures. We design, fabricate, and measure SNSPDs with high DE optimized for the 940-nm wavelength. The NbN SNSPDs were fabricated on 1-D photonic crystals for high optical absorptance. By tuning the filling factor of the nanowire through numerical simulations and experiments, we were able to obtain an SNSPD (7 nm thick, 125 nm width, and 0.57 filling factor, as well as active area of 18 * 18 μm) with a saturated system DE of 83.6 ± 3.7%, at a dark count rate of 10 Hz, and a low polarization dependence of 1.17 ± 0.02. To our best knowledge, this is the highest value reported for NbN SNSPDs at 940-nm wavelength. The availability of an SNSPD with high system DE at 940 nm may have a profound impact in the field of photonic quantum technologies, such as multiphoton entanglement.

In this article, two kinds of cohesive zone models (CZMs; exponential and bilinear) are used to evaluate the delamination behaviors of a composite T-stiffener integrated structure. First, based on the analysis of the bilinear CZM using maximum nominal stress damage initiation criterion and power law energy criterion, both the macroscopic mechanical response and the failure process are predicted, which analyzed the influences of the various cohesive zone parameters on the failure load and the damage patterns. Second, both the strength and the fracture characterizations about various T-stiffener integrated composite structures are studied in the experiment, which have a good agreement between the numerical result and the experimental data. Finally, the relationships among the failure load and the thickness of the skin, and the clamp distance are established; also, the energy release rates of the T-stiffeners for the failure process are predicted. These results will play an important role for designi...

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) combined with penetration needling in treatment of intractable facial paralysis. Methods Sixty patients with intractable facial paralysis included in the study were divided into two groups according to the random number table, with 30 patients in observation group (group A), and 30 patients in control group (group B). Moxibustion at GV 20 combined with penetration needling were adopted in group A, and simple penetration needling was applied in group B. Once daily, thirty days of treatment were required. The House Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grading and improvement of clinical symptoms were observed. Results The H-B function grading and improvement of clinical symptoms in group A were superior to group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P Conclusion The clinical efficacy of moxibustion at GV 20 combined with penetration needling in treatment of intractable facial paralysis is definite, and the treatment method is deserving of clinical promotion.

Pressure-driven membranes-based desalination provides an effective and promising strategy to deal with the worldwide fresh water crisis. However, some drawbacks are still restricting their wider applications. Therefore, it still remains a great challenge to explore the novel technologies to develop new types of pressure-driven desalination membranes and to improve the properties of the present ones. Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly technology, which can produce charged thin films on molecular levels by adsorbing oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and/or other nano-species via different interactions, provides a tunable and facile method to tailor separation membranes with desired properties. Moreover, LBL assembly has shown great potential for exploring multifunctional pressure-driven desalination membranes including reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO) membranes. This review aims to give a comprehensive discussion and comment on the state-of-the-art developments of LBL assembled technology applied on the pressure-driven desalination membranes, mainly focusing on RO and FO membranes. It is sincerely expected that this review can provide a scientific view and give some fundamental clues for acquiring new methodologies for the exploration of pressure-driven desalination membranes with preferable performances based on LBL assembly technology.

The optimization of high power terahertz monolithic integrated circuit (TMIC) is systemically studied based on the physical model of the Schottky barrier varactor (SBV) with interface defects and tunneling effect. An ultra-thin dielectric layer is added to describe the extra tunneling effect and the damping of thermionic emission current induced by the interface defects. Power consumption of the dielectric layer results in the decrease of capacitance modulation ration (C max/C min), and thus leads to poor nonlinear C–V characteristics. The proposed Schottky metal-brim (SMB) terminal structure could improve the capacitance modulation ration by reducing the influence of the interface charge and eliminating the fringing capacitance effect. Finally, a 215 GHz tripler TMIC is fabricated based on the SMB terminal structure. The output power is above 5 mW at 210–218 GHz and the maximum could exceed 10 mW at 216 GHz, which could be widely used in terahertz imaging, radiometers, and so on. This paper also provides theoretical support for the SMB structure to optimize the TMIC performance.

We develop superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) probes based on 3D nano-bridge junctions for the scanning SQUID microscopy. The use of these nano-bridge junctions enables imaging in the presence of a high magnetic field. Conventionally, a superconducting ground layer has been employed for better magnetic shielding. In our study, we prepare a number of scanning SQUID probes with and without a ground layer to evaluate their performance in external magnetic fields. The devices show the improved magnetic modulation up to 1.4 T. It is found that the ground layer reduces the inductance, and increases the modulation depth and symmetricity of the gradiometer design in the absence of the field. However, the layer is not compatible with the use of the scanning SQUID probe in the field because it decreases its working field range. Moreover, by adding the layer, the mutual inductance between the feedback coil and the SQUID also decreases linearly as a function of the field.