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Background Various approaches to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) management exist to balance thrombotic and bleeding risks following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Purpose The aim of this study was to compare and rank different DAPT management strategies in patients with ACS with or without percutaneous coronary interventions. Methods We conducted a systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing DAPT strategies in patients with ACS using MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL (2007-July 2021). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included all-cause death and major bleeding. We performed Bayesian network meta-analyses to compare all interventions simultaneously using the Markov-chain Monte Carlo method, conducted under the assumption of transitivity. We generated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) from the medians and 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the posterior distributions using a hierarchical Bayesian framework, using a random-effects model with informative priors for between-study heterogeneity based on pharmacological interventions with semi-objective outcomes (MACE or bleeding) or death. To rank interventions for each outcome, we calculated the mean surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. Results From 5941 articles, we included 24 trials (89,620 patients). Both clopidogrel- and ticagrelor-based DAPT increased MACE compared with pharmacogenomics-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% credible interval [CrI] 1.08–1.74 and 1.35, 1.05–1.79, respectively) and empiric P2Y12 inhibitor de-escalation (OR 1.53, 95%CrI 1.00–2.30 and 1.51, 1.00–2.27, respectively). Compared with short-duration DAPT, standard DAPT duration with all P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) and pharmacogenomics-guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection increased major bleeding. Ticagrelor-based DAPT increased major bleeding compared with platelet function testing-guided DAPT (OR 1.60, 95%CrI 1.00–2.55). Empiric P2Y12 inhibitor de-escalation ranked best for MACE (SUCRA 0.89), whereas short-duration DAPT ranked best for death (SUCRA 0.89) and major bleeding (SUCRA 0.93). Conclusions In patients with ACS, empiric P2Y12 inhibitor de-escalation was most efficacious whereas short-duration DAPT was the safest compared to other DAPT strategies. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

ABSTRACT: Hydraulic fracturing is the key technique in the development of unconventional resources. Many optical experimental studies have been made to qualitatively study the hydraulic fracturing process. However, due to the time of fracture propagation being extremely short (ms), real-time quantitative description of the fracturing process is challenging. To clarify the process of fracture propagation, a novel triaxial optical hydraulic fracturing experimental apparatus is developed which mainly includes an ISCO displacement pump, triaxial servo control devices, high-intensity illumination devices, high-speed camera, and data acquisition systems. The fracturing process could be captured visually in real-time by using a high-resolution camera. This study also proposes an accurate and effective analysis method, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), for characterizing fracture and measuring the strain field. The results show that the pressure-time curve of hydraulic fracturing can be divided into three stages: pressure rise stage, the crack initiation and propagation stage, and the pressure plateau stage; the initiation pressures of water and CO2 fracturing in tight sandstone are 10.1 MPa and 5.2 MPa respectively; hydraulic fractures active the natural fractures, resulting in a complex fracture network structure; hydraulic fractures will turn and gradually become vertical to the minimum principal stress during the extension process. The results of this paper can provide guidance for the field application of hydraulic fracturing in tight sandstone resources. 1. INTRODUCTION With the rapid development of the economy, the energy demand has increased rapidly, and unconventional oil and gas resources such as tight gas, coalbed methane, and shale gas have become an important guarantee for the national energy strategy1. Hydraulic fracturing technology is an important technology for the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas resources2, among which the geometry of hydraulic fractures is the key to evaluating hydraulic fracturing operations, still needs further research3-7.

We investigated the autotoxicity of Lanzhou lily rhizosphere soil with different cultivation years. The allelochemicals in such soils were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on our earlier studies, the antioxidant 2246 and dioctyl terephthalate were found in lily sick soil were used in pot experiments determine to their autotoxic effects on the Lanzhou lily seedlings growth, photosynthetic parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in seedling leaves. The content of antioxidant 2246 and dioctyl terephthalate was determined by GC-MS in rhizosphere soil of different cultivation years. The aqueous extracts of Lanzhou lily rhizosphere soil promoted the growth of its own seedlings at 0.2 mg·mL-1, however, the concentrations > 2 mg·mL-1 were inhibitory. The longer the cultivation period (1-yr, 2-yr and 4-yr), the stronger were the inhibitory effects. In rhizosphere soils of 1-yr, 2-yr and 4-yr ; 8,: 15 and 18 compounds were identified, respectively. The identified compounds were camphor, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 2,4-bis(1,1- dimethylethyl)-phenol, tributyl phosphate, dibutyl phthalate, antioxidant 2246 and dioctyl terephthalater and these are reported as allelochemicals. The pot experiment results showed that low concentrations of antioxidant 2246 stimulated the seedling growth but high concentrations were inhibitory, while all concentrations of dioctyl terephthalater inhibited the seedling growth. At 100 mg·mL-1, the antioxidant 2246 and dioctyl terephthalate significantly inhibited the photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity in leaves (P

Suppression of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) by a stochastic phase low-coherence laser (SPLL) in homogeneous plasma is investigated by theoretical analysis and one-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation. A simple model is established, in which the SPLL is modelled as a combination of a monochromatic laser and a broadband laser. When the phase randomness increases, the bandwidth of the SPLL is broadened and the energy proportion of the monochromatic laser component is reduced. PIC simulation shows that the SPLL can effectively suppress SRS and hot electron generation. Various phenomena in the nonlinear process, such as the nonlinear frequency shift and the competition between forward-scattering and back-scattering modes, are explained in detail.

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for common therapeutic controversies in the medical management of valvular heart disease (VHD). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed (inception to December 2020) was performed using the terms angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and aortic stenosis (AS); and adrenergic β-antagonists and aortic valve regurgitation (AR) or mitral stenosis (MS). Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses conducted in humans and published in English that reported ≥1 clinical outcome were included. Data Synthesis: Nine articles were included: 3 RCTs and 1 meta-analysis for ACE inhibitors/ARBs in AS, 1 RCT for β-blockers in AR, and 4 RCTs for β-blockers in MS. Evidence suggests that ACE inhibitors/ARBs do not increase the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with AS but may delay valve replacement. β-Blockers do not appear to worsen outcomes in patients with chronic AR and may improve left-ventricular function in patients with a reduced ejection fraction. β-Blockers do not improve and may actually worsen exercise tolerance in patients with MS in sinus rhythm. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: ACE inhibitors/ARBs and β-blockers can likely be safely used in patients with AS or AR, respectively, who have a compelling indication. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of β-blockers in patients with MS without atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Common beliefs about the medical treatment of VHD are not supported by high-quality data. There remains a need for larger-scale RCTs in the medical management of VHD.

Lots of new micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) are clinically available in recent two decades. The common characters of these surgeries are micro-invasive and non-filter bleb dependent. There are some problems during the promotion of the MIGS in China, like performing the MIGS with inappropriate indications. The MIGS procedures have more strict indications than traditional trabeculectomy and need more technical skills. To promote the popularization of MIGS and improve the clinical treatment of glaucoma, strictly following the indications and standardizing the surgical technique training are needed.近年来临床涌现出大量以微创、非滤过泡依赖性等为特点的新型抗青光眼手术，在引进和开展这些新型手术的过程中出现了盲目追求新技术和微创而忽视手术适应证的现象。本文在阐述新型微创抗青光眼手术具有更为严格手术适应证的基础上，强调临床严格把握手术适应证的必要性，指出应进一步加强培训工作并规范手术操作，才能发挥新型微创抗青光眼手术的作用，促进青光眼临床治疗水平提高。

Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) Technical Diagnostic System (TDS) is used to monitor the outlet temperature of all superconducting coils; in case of a temperature anomaly, it will trigger the safety interlock system to meet EAST device safety requirements. The data acquisition system of the TDS (TDS_DAQ) is in charge of continuous DAQ of the nitrogen and helium temperature signals, the TDS security alarm, and long-term data storage. The TDS_DAQ has several functions: 1) DAQ, which includes the nitrogen DAQ and the helium DAQ. The nitrogen DAQ is based on the PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation technology and the helium DAQ obtains data from the Lake Shore model 224 temperature monitors based on Ethernet; 2) data storage, where the measured value of the nitrogen signals should be converted with linear formulas, while the helium signals do not need any conversion due to the Lake Shore model 224 temperature monitors internal calculations. After conversion, the data should be stored with MySQL and MDSPlus, which has been used for long-term storage; 3) security alarm, where after threshold evaluation of some key temperature signals, the TDS_DAQ outputs the TDS fault signal and the status signal to trigger the safety interlock system to take actions; and 4) data service, where the TDS_DAQ keeps publishing the TDS data to the cryogenic system via transmission control protocol/internet protocol and provides an information inquiry service for the TDS administrator to conveniently get the alarm information and the TDS data. The TDS_DAQ has been deployed and used in the 2018 EAST campaign.

The off-label use of dexmedetomidine beyond the monograph-recommended maximum dose of 0.7 µg·kgIn this historical cohort study, we reviewed all patients who received dexmedetomidine infusion after cardiac surgery between June 2013 and July 2017 at a single centre. Regardless of the duration of exposure at the peak infusion dose, patients were categorized into high- or standard-dose groups using 0.7 µg·kgThe median [interquartile range (IQR)] peak infusion dose was 1.0 [1.0-1.4] µg·kgThere was a high overall rate of hypotension or bradycardia in patients receiving dexmedetomidine after cardiac surgery; infusion rates below or above 0.7 µg·kgRéSUMé: OBJECTIF: L’utilisation non conforme (off-label) de la dexmédétomidine au-delà de la dose maximale recommandée dans la monographie de 0,7 μg·kg

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of non–vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) initiated early after cardiac surgery. Data Sources:: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE (database inception to January 20, 2021), www.clinicaltrials.gov , www.who.int/ictrp/search/en/ , NOAC trial registries, and bibliographies of relevant guidelines and other reviews were used. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that initiated NOACs within the index hospitalization and that reported bleeding for the primary outcome were included. Data Synthesis: A total of 6 cohort studies, 1 RCT, and 3 ongoing RCTs were included. Most studies were single-centered, limited to postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting, and with 30-day follow-up; few studies included patients with isolated bioprosthetic valve replacement or valve repair. Bleeding risk varied (0%-28.6%), and all but one study showed no significantly higher risk with NOAC compared with warfarin. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Overall, NOACs were used in 26% to 37.5% of patients early after cardiac surgery. Starting a NOAC on postoperative day 4 appeared to have similar bleeding rates compared with warfarin, but clinical application is limited by heterogeneity of outcome definitions, confounding, and bias. Compared with warfarin, NOACs may have similar thromboembolism risk, reduced length of stay, and cost. Conclusions: There is limited evidence to guide NOAC use early after cardiac surgery. Three ongoing randomized trials will add to the literature and provide guidance for clinicians on whether, in whom, when, and how to use NOACs safely early after cardiac surgery.

The Gravitational Wave highly energetic Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) is dedicated to detecting gravitational wave gamma-ray bursts. It is capable of all-sky monitoring over and discovering gamma-ray bursts and new radiation phenomena. GECAM consists of two microsatellites, each equipped with 8 charged particle detectors (CPDs) and 25 gamma-ray detectors (GRDs). The CPD is used to measure charged particles in the space environment, monitor energy and flow intensity changes, and identify between gamma-ray bursts and space charged particle events in conjunction with GRD. CPD uses plastic scintillator as the sensitive material for detection, silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array as the optically readable device, and the inlaid Am-241 radioactive source as the onboard calibration means. In this paper, we will present the working principle, physical design, functional implementation and preliminary performance test results of the CPD., Comment: accepted to RDTM

The Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) satellite consists of two small satellites. Each GECAM payload contains 25 gamma ray detectors (GRD) and 8 charged particle detectors (CPD). GRD is the main detector which can detect gamma-rays and particles and localize the Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB),while CPD is used to help GRD to discriminate gamma-ray bursts and charged particle bursts. The GRD makes use of lanthanum bromide (LaBr3) crystal readout by SiPM. As the all available SiPM devices belong to commercial grade, quality assurance tests need to be performed in accordance with the aerospace specifications. In this paper, we present the results of quality assurance tests, especially a detailed mechanism analysis of failed devices during the development of GECAM. This paper also summarizes the application experience of commercial-grade SiPM devices in aerospace payloads, and provides suggestions for forthcoming SiPM space applications., Comment: 13 pages, 23 figures

Background: Each GECAM satellite payload contains 25 gamma-ray detectors (GRDs), which can detect gamma-rays and particles and can roughly localize the Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). GRD was designed using lanthanum bromide (LaBr3) crystal as the sensitive material with the rear end coupled with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array for readout. Purpose: In aerospace engineering design of GRD, there are many key points to be studied. In this paper, we present the specific design scheme of GRD, the assembly and the performance test results of detectors. Methods: Based on Monte Carlo simulation and experimental test results, the specific schematic design and assembling process ofGRDwere optimized. After being fully assembled, theGRDswere conducted performance tests by using radioactive source and also conducted random vibration tests. Result and conclusion: The test results show that all satellite-borne GRDs have energy resolution, 10 pages, 15 figures

The Advanced Small Analyzer for Neutrals (ASAN) on board the Chang’E-4 Yutu-2 rover first detected energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) originating from the lunar surface at various lunar local times on the lunar farside. In this work, we examine the ENA energy spectra, obtained in the first 23 lunar days from 2019 January 11 to 2020 October 12, and find a higher ENA differential flux on the lunar dawnside than on the duskside. Combined with Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) data, we analyze the correlation between the ENA differential flux and solar wind parameters, such as flux, density, dynamic pressure, and velocity, for each ASAN energy channel on the dawnside and duskside. The results show that ENA differential flux is positively correlated with solar wind flux, density, and dynamic pressure and relatively lower on the duskside than on the dawnside. To determine the relationship between solar wind energy and ENA energy, we analyze the correlation between solar wind energy and ENA cutoff energy and temperature on the dawnside and duskside. The results show that the ENA cutoff energy and temperature are lower on the duskside than on the dawnside at the same solar wind energy. The difference between the ENA–solar wind observation on the dawnside and duskside is possibly caused by solar wind deflection and deceleration on the duskside, which can be attributed to the interaction between solar wind and the lunar magnetic anomalies located nearby in the northwestern direction of the Chang’E-4 landing site.

Corrosion behaviour of tube pile steel produced by thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP) technology with Cr addition ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 wt% in half-immersion environment were investigated. Results indicated that the most serious corrosion occurred in the liquid–air interface zone and the corrosion type transformed from pitting corrosion to uniform corrosion gradually with the increasing addition of Cr. Increasing addition of Cr reduced the pit depth of steel, but did not decrease the overall corrosion rate of steel during the 5 months’ half-immersion corrosion due to the microstructure transformation with the increase of Cr content.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) threatens humans' health worldwide, causing huge labor and economic cost investment. This study aims to explore whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) affect RDS in newborn swines via the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway by the establishment of the model of the disease.The phosphorylation of the JAK-STAT signal transduction proteins was first detected via Western blotting to verify the regulatory effect of MSCs on RDS in newborn swines through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Then, the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to analyze the influences of the injection of MSCs into the blood of newborn model RDS swines on inflammatory factors in vivo. To further demonstrate the signal transduction function put forwarded, the RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were adopted to analyze the influences of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway inhibitor on the expression of the signature proteins of RDS in newborn swines and the changes in the inflammatory factors.MSCs induced the phosphorylation of JAK and STAT, and they activated the JAK-STAT signal transduction of RDS in newborn swines. Compared with those in normal saline group, the interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels in MSC group were increased, namely, MSCs substantially promoted their expression levels (p0.05), but those of IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly decreased (p0.05).The inhibitor of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway can suppress the therapeutic effect of MSCs on RDS in newborn swines.

To explore the incidence and risk factors for the acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after resection of esophageal carcinoma.We retrospectively analyzed 422 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine with esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy from January 2010 to December 2016 in Peking University Cancer Hospital. ALI/ARDS were diagnosed, the patients were divided into ALI/ARDS group and control group without ALI/ARDS, the differences of clinical features were contrasted between the two groups, and the multivariate Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS.In the study, 41 ALI/ARDS cases were diagnosed, making up 9.7% (41/422) of all the enrolled patients undergoing esophagectomy. Comparisons of the ALI/ARDS group and the control group indicated significant statistical differences in the average length of their hospital stay [(18.9±9.7) d vs. (14.8±3.6) d, P=0.011], the proportion of the patients who needed mechanical ventilation support [51.2% (21/41) vs. 9.4% (36/381), P0.001] and in-hospital mortality [31.7% (13/41) vs. 5.0% (19/381), P0.001]. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the patients with ALI/ARDS and without ALI/ARDS in smoking history (P=0.064), preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (P=0.020), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (P=0.011), body weight index (BMI) (P=0.044), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification (P=0.049) and one lung ventilation duration (P=0.008), while multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC (OR=1.053, P=0.016, 95%CI 1.010-1.098), ASA physical status classification (OR=2.392, P=0.033, 95%CI 1.073-5.335) and one lung ventilation duration (OR=0.994, P=0.028, 95%CI 0.989-0.999) were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy.ALI/ARDS was a serious complication in patients undergoing esophagectomy associated with increment in length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative FEV1/FVC, ASA classification and one lung ventilation duration were the independent risk factors for ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy. Carefully assessing the patient before operation, shortening one lung ventilation duration were the key points in preventing ALI/ARDS after esophagectomy.

In the eastern part of Tarim Basin, thick carbonate rocks were developed in the Upper Cambrian, while thick grey-black mudstone in the Lower Ordovician. Due to the complex tectonic and geological conditions in the basin, there are still many uncertainties in the study of the sedimentary environment, post-diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions during the Cambrian-Ordovician transition. In this paper, 24 drilling core samples of the key strata of the Upper Cambrian-Lower Ordovician in the well YD2 were selected as the main research objects. Their mineral composition, major and trace elements (including REE) were analyzed. The results showed that the proportion of carbonate-siliciclastic sources in the rocks was controlled by the sedimentary environment, especially seawater depth. The oxic-suboxic sedimentary environment is indicated by the redox-sensitive elements and other trace elements (especially REE). This is consistent with the mineralogical features of the samples and the relatively low TOC. The elements Mn, Cr, V, Ni, on the whole, show a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, and repeated occurrence, indicating the sea level fluctuation cycle. In addition, according to the Ba/Sr and Mn/Sr ratios, the upper Cambrian carbonate rocks were normal marine sediments with weak post-diagenesis. Quartz, dolomite and calcite veins filling the fissures of the samples may have formed in the stage of intense uplift denudation, which was unfavourable to the formation of large oil and gas reservoirs.

The shale gas currently exploited in China is mainly featured by high thermal maturity level and the methane concentration is generally more than 95% (v/v). The H/C atomic ratios of residual kerogen gradually decreased with the maturity whereas the source of elemental hydrogen contribution to the shale gas generation within high-over matured shale rocks is still vague. In recent years, some work indicated that the methane generation and its hydrogen isotope characteristics were greatly affected by elemental hydrogen from external water at the over-mature stage in shale rocks. The significance of water should be probed in the processes of geochemical degradation of residual kerogen and hydrocarbon generation in shales. It will be very meaningful to perform the hydrous pyrolysis experiments with heavy water to quantitatively appraise the impact of water on the hydrocarbon generation within shale rocks. A better understanding of the role that water plays on the shale gas generation and enrichment can be hopefully attained.

Membrane surface design, especially for the anti-protein fouling property, is vital for the development of synthetic polymer ultrafiltration membranes. Although mussel-inspired antifouling coatings have obtained rapid development, the surface chemical adhesion stability still suffers from weak chemical stability especially in strongly alkaline environment. In this paper, the surfaces of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were modified via traditional polydopamine (PDA) coating followed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) immobilization method and PDA/PEG co-deposition strategy. In contrast to general PDA coating, the fabricated membrane surface exhibits excellent chemical adhesion stability under the different solution environment (whatever in neutral deionic water solution, acidic solution (pH=2) or strongly alkaline solution (pH=14)). The membrane surface elementary composition and morphologies were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modified membranes obtained via co-deposition were confirmed to have excellent hydrophilicity, enhanced coating stability and good dynamic/static anti-protein adhesion properties. Overall, this work provides a facile, robust and useful bio-inspired anti-fouling membrane surface modification strategy for broadening the application in water treatment field of ultrafiltration membranes.

In order to choose the material of high-pressure pump in seawater desalination, the friction pair of TC4 titanium alloy and 2205 duplex stainless steel was studied in detail. Friction and wear tests were carried out under dry friction, pure water, and seawater media. The friction coefficient and wear extent of friction pair were obtained quantitatively, and the surface topography of friction samples was analyzed. The results showed that the abrasion of 2205 stainless steel and TC4 titanium alloy in seawater was less than in pure water and air/dry friction due to the lubrication effect of seawater medium. The abrasion resistance of 2205 stainless steel was better than that of TC4 titanium alloy. Compared with the rotating speed, the load has little effect on the friction coefficient.

Endocan is a novel marker for inflammation but its significance in preeclampsia remains unknown.The aims of this study were to delineate the changes of maternal endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.Blood samples were taken from 42 non-pregnant women, from 43 normal pregnant women at third trimester, and from 41 preeclamptic women. Serum endocan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared among the groups.There were no significant differences in serum endocan among non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and women with preeclampsia (X²= 2.207, p = 0.137) and there was no significant difference in serum endocan between women with mild and severe preeclampsia (Z= 0.368, p = 0. 713). The authors concluded that serum endocan did not change in pregnancy and preeclampsia, indicating endocan may not be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

The present study explored the electrochemical behavior of UNS S32750, a super duplex stainless steel which was not commonly researched in previous studies. The effect of bicarbonate (HCO3-) and sulfate (SO42-) on the electrochemical behavior of UNS S32750 duplex stainless steel in the chloride (Cl-) solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscope (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis. The electrochemistry behavior shows that with the addition of HCO3- and SO42-, pitting potential increased and passive current density decreased, indicating that bicarbonate or sulfate can reduce sensitivity to pitting corrosion of UNS S32750 duplex stainless steel in Cl- solution, and film resistance (R-1) and lower charge transfer resistances (R-2) increased, and the carriers density (N-A and N-D) values are about 10(20) cm(3), and the carriers density decreases. The results may provide theoretical guidance for material-choosing in the wastewater treatment industries containing high chloride concentration such as nonferrous metallurgical wastewater.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of 83 clinical Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex isolated in Beijing, China, between 2007 and 2013. Restriction fragment length polymorphism of the gene URA5 (URA5-RFLP), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and automated repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR; DiversiLab system) were performed to genotype these cryptococcal isolates. There was an excellent correlation amongst the three methods; however, PU157 was assigned as VNII according to URA5-RFLP, while it was classified as VNI by the DiversiLab system analysis. PU157 was finally identified as VNB by seven-locus MLST analysis. Moreover, though AD hybrids could not be processed by MLST, ideal results could be obtained by the DiversiLab system. The genotype VNI accounted for 95.2 % (79/83) of isolates. Besides one strain of VNB, VNIII, and VGI each, a strain of VGII was detected in our study, which was isolated from a patient from the temperate region in North China. In addition, the most common MLST sequence type (ST) was ST5, accounting for 91.6 % (76/83), followed by ST31, ST63, ST182, ST295, ST296, and ST332. ST295, ST296, and ST332 were new STs. Except for isolate PU157 (VNB), identical results were obtained quickly and accurately through the DiversiLab system compared to MLST and URA5-RFLP. The discovery of VNB and VGII in the temperate climate regions of China suggested that the population structure of C. neoformans and C. gattii should be explored more extensively. Our results also showed that the DiversiLab system can be used in the genotyping of C. neoformans and C. gattii.

To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the expressions of inflammatory factors, T-lymphocyte subgroups and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in peripheral blood monocytes in the perioperative period of radical resection of gastric cancer.We selected 74 patients who were admitted to our hospital for radical resection of gastric cancer between January 2012 and October 2015. All patients were randomly divided into the dexmedetomidine group and the control group. Within 15 min before anesthesia induction, patients in the dexmedetomidine group received the intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine, while the same volume saline in the control group. During the operation, the initial dosage in the dexmedetomidine group was set as 1 μg/kg followed by 0.2 μg/kg•h intravenous injection to the end of operation. Three time points were selected: 15 min before anesthesia induction (T0), 1 h before the end of operation (T1) and 24 h after operation (T2). At these time points, we detected the levels of serum inflammatory factors using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA), immunoturbidimetry, and flow cytometer, respectively.The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB and CRP at T1 and T2 were significantly elevated compared with the levels at T0, and the amplitude of elevation in the control group was significantly larger than that in the dexmedetomidine group. The expression levels of T-lymphocyte subgroup in patients in both groups were decreased at T1 (compared with the levels at T0), and the decreasing extent of the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ in the control group was significantly larger than that in the dexmedetomidine group. Meanwhile, we found that the percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ at T1 and T2 in the control group were significantly lower than those in the dexmedetomidine group.Dexmedetomidine can effectively reduce the release of inflammatory factors in patients that received the radical resection of gastric cancer, and the anti-inflammation effect may be exerted through downregulating the expression of NF-κB. Besides, dexmedetomidine can also alleviate the reduction in subgroups of CD3+ and CD4+, thereby ameliorating the impaired immune functions.

Seawater desalination (SD) is an effective method to solve the shortage of human water resources. Because of the excellent corrosion resistance of metallic materials in natural waters, as well as the best corrosion resistant, low density, high strength and good heat resistance in seawater, titanium and its alloys are considered the desirable marine material, including in SD equipment. This review introduces material characteristics of titanium and its alloys, and three currently most widely used commercial SD technologies: multiple effect desalination (MED), multi-stage flash (MSF) and reverse osmosis (RO). The applications and prospect of titanium and its alloys in SD industry are overviewed and analysed. This paper can be a reference for the future material selection of SD equipment.

Ni–Sn–P alloys with a stannous content of 2·91–4·05 wt-% and a phosphorous content of 13·54–14·56 wt-% produced as a coating on copper by constant current electrodeposition were studied, with regard to their corrosion behaviour upon immersion in 10 wt-% H2SO4 solutions. The corrosion resistance of Ni–Sn–P alloy improved with increasing stannous content. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Sn and P enriched layers at the alloy surface. After corrosion, a layer of passive film composed of SnO2, Ni(OH)2 and Ni3(PO4)2 was formed on the surface, which could prevent the contact between metal surface and corrosive liquid.

NLRC5 plays an important role in the innate immunity and cellular immunity in many species, but the regulatory mechanism of NLRC5 expression in chickens remains unclear. In this study, a series of deletion fragments of the NLRC5 promoter region were constructed and dual-luciferase assay was performed. Then, we detected the SNP in the core region and its function. Important transcriptional regulatory elements were predicted and identified. Methylation of CpG islands was measured. The results revealed that the two core regions of -4372 to -3756 and -2925 to -2265 in the NLRC5 promoter were essential for NLRC5 mRNA expression in which a SNP (A/G), located at -2470, was found to have an effect on the transcriptional activity. Also, the STAT1 element in the second core region of the NLRC5 promoter was identified to bind with the STAT1 transcription factor, which was necessary for the transcriptional activity. In addition, many other elements in the NLRC5 promoter, including YY1 and CEBP, may contribute significantly to the expression activity of NLRC5. Moreover, two CpG islands were searched. Part of one was located in the first core region, which suggests that epigenetic modification may regulate the activity of the first promoter region, and the other was mostly in an unmethylated state. Collectively, these results suggest the complex regulation of NLRC5 expression includes SNPs, transcription factors and methylation.

To investigate the metabolic characteristics of the temporal lobes following radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS).DTI and (1)H-MRS were performed in 48 patients after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and in 24 healthy, age-matched controls. All patients and controls had normal findings on conventional MRI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), three eigenvalues λ1, λ2, λ3, N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA)/choline (Cho), NAA/creatinine (Cr), and Cho/Cr were measured in both temporal lobes. Patients were divided into three groups according to time after completion of radiotherapy: group 1, less than 6 months; group 2, 6-12 months; group 3, more than 12 months. Mean values for each parameter were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Mean FA in group 1 was significantly lower compared to group 3 and the control group (p 0.05). Group-wise comparisons of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values among all the groups were not significantly different. Eigenvalue λ1 was significantly lower in groups 1 and 3 compared to the control group (p 0.05). NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr were significantly lower in each group compared to the control group (p 0.01 for both). The decrease in NAA/Cho was greatest in group 1. There were no significant between-group differences regarding Cho/Cr.A combination of DTI and (1)H-MRS can be used to detect radiation-induced brain injury, in patients treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

We propose a new scheme of attosecond pulse generation by starting from a narrow-band transform-limited high-power solid-state laser and phase lock the fundamental and its first four cascaded harmonics generated by the second-order nonlinear optical processes. The relative phase among the optical fields of the harmonics can be maintained a constant at least for thousands of nanosecond pulses. The worst-case relative phase fluctuation is 0.04π rad. It is shown that sub-single-cycle (~ 0.37 cycle) sub-femtosecond (360 attosecond) pulses with carrier-envelope phase (CEP) control can be generated in this manner. The peak intensity of each pulse exceeds 1014 W/cm2 when it is focused to a spot size of 20 μm. We also demonstrate synthesis of square and saw-tooth waveforms.

The Orchidaceae is a family of flowering plants native to China, members of which possess high ornamental and pharmacological value. Many members of the family Orchidaceae are susceptible to infection by both Odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus (ORSV) and Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV). Symptoms of viral infection include ringspots, mosaics, mottles, chlorotic streaks, and stripes on the leaves, and viral infections cause significant losses in the commercial value of these plants. However, there are no effective measures to control ORSV and CymMV. Therefore, it is vital to identify viral epidemics through the rapid and efficient detection of these two viruses, in order to limit their economic damage. We have developed an assay for detecting co-infection of members of the Orchidaceae by ORSV and CymMV. The coat protein (CP) genes from ORSV and CymMV were cloned and the CPs were expressed in vitro and used to generate two virus-specific polyclonal antisera that were validated by western blotting. Polyclonal anti-ORSV-CP and anti-CymMV-CP antisera were used simultaneously to develop a bi-immunocapture reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (BIC RT-PCR) assay. We demonstrated that the BIC RT-PCR assay was sensitive and specific, and provided a valuable tool for the early detection of ORSV and CymMV in leaf sap extracts from plants of the Orchidaceae.

This paper briefly outlines the current status of CODAC system of the EAST tokamak. Integrated central system has been working for synchronizing all the subsystems and responsible for the integral safety protection by interlock. Data acquisition system has been established for the discharge with duration up to 100 seconds. Various data visualization tools such as EASTVIEWER to view the flux surfaces, RTSCOPE to view plasma boundary and CCD image in real-time, WEBSCOPE to view the diagnostic data via a web browser and EASTVOD to view and search plasma discharge image at different time, haven developed for EAST operation. Plasma control system is inherited from DIII-D, and has been matured to a stage to feedback control the EAST plasma shape, density and current in real time.

Dry treatment using a combination of UV and ozone can readily change the surface of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic. This treatment is also effective for buckypapers. Heating in a vacuum at an elevated temperature (650–750 °C) can reverse the surface state from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic. The UV & ozone treatment causes the least amount of damage to the stripe-like carbon nanotube patterns. The effect of rough surface on apparent contact angles of CNT forests was discussed to explain the origin of superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity.

The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) was the first shaped tokamak of mega-ampere scale to achieve plasma utilizing a fully superconducting poloidal field coil system, and it is ...