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Deseeded sunflower is a heterogeneous lignocellulosic biomass that has not been well utilized due to the incomplete understanding of its biological structure. In this study, deseeded sunflower was fractioned into the stalk rind, stalk pith, receptacle, bract, bractlet, leaf blade, and petiole, and their anatomy, cell morphology, and fiber dimension were studied using light microscope, environmental scanning electron microscope, and fiber quality analyzer. The results showed that the major fractions were the stalk rind and receptacle (49.4 wt% and 28.1 wt%, respectively) and each of the other fractions was less than 10 wt% of the total biomass. The pith was only composed of parenchyma tissue, and the other fractions were composed of epidermal, parenchyma, and vascular tissues. The arrangement and number of vascular tissues were different among fractions. The fiber length in the stalk rind was 0.823 mm, the width was 21.3 μm, and the aspect ratio was 38.6. The content of fiber fines in other fractions was higher than 50%, and these fractions should be developed for other uses. Fractionation was judged to be an effective way to achieve high value utilization of deseeded sunflower.

Abstract The high-speed on/off valve (HSV) serves as the fundamental component responsible for generating discrete fluids within digital hydraulic systems. As the switching frequency of the HSV increases, the properties of the generated discrete fluid approach those of continuous fluids. Therefore, a higher frequency response characteristic of HSV is the key to ensure the control accuracy of digital hydraulic systems. However, the current research mainly focuses on its dynamic performance, but neglect its FRC. This paper presents a theoretical analysis demonstrating that the FRC of the HSV can be enhanced by minimizing its switching time. The maximum switching frequency (MSF) is mainly determined by opening dynamic performance when HSV operates with low switching duty ratio (SDR), whereas the closing dynamic performance limits the MSF when HSV operates with high SDR. Building upon these findings, the pre-excitation control algorithm (PECA) is proposed to reduce the switching time of the HSV, and consequently enhance its FRC. Experimental results demonstrate that PECA shortens the opening delay time of HSV by 1.12 ms, the closing delay time by 2.54 ms, and the closing moving time by 0.47 ms in comparison to the existing advanced control algorithms. As a result, a larger MSF of 417 Hz and a wider controllable SDR range from 20% to 70% were achieved at a switching frequency of 250 Hz. Thus, the proposed PFCA in this paper has been verified as an effective and promising approach for enhancing the control performance of digital hydraulic systems.

Abstract Mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) in the cytosol can trigger the innate immune sensor MDA5, and autoinflammatory disease due to type I IFN. Here, we show that a dominant negative mutation in the gene encoding the mitochondrial exonuclease REXO2 may cause interferonopathy by triggering the MDA5 pathway. A patient characterized by this heterozygous de novo mutation (p.T132A) presented with persistent skin rash featuring hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and acanthosis, with infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils around small blood vessels. In addition, circulating IgE levels and inflammatory cytokines, including IFNα, are found consistently elevated. Transcriptional analysis highlights a type I IFN gene signature in PBMC. Mechanistically, REXO2 (T132A) lacks the ability to cleave RNA and inhibits the activity of wild-type REXO2. This leads to an accumulation of mitochondrial dsRNA in the cytosol, which is recognized by MDA5, leading to the associated type I IFN gene signature. These results demonstrate that in the absence of appropriate regulation by REXO2, aberrant cellular nucleic acids may accumulate and continuously trigger innate sensors, resulting in an inborn error of immunity.

Adolescence is crucial for personality development, and sports play a significant role. This study investigates the impact of various sports on the personality traits of junior high and high school students in Shandong Province, focusing on neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Utilizing data from the “Database of Youth Health,” we employed Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) and Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) to analyze the effects of physical activity on personality development. Findings reveal that walking significantly enhances openness and decreased neuroticism, while jogging/running substantially improves extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Cross-country skiing, however, negatively impacts all assessed personality traits. In addition, the importance of gender differences in the relationship between physical activity and personality development was revealed. The results offer insights for promoting adolescent personality development through targeted sports activities.

Myofibroblastic sarcoma (MS) is a relatively rare malignant bone and soft tissue tumor, which originates from myofibroblasts, with some characteristics of both smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. It can develop in individuals at any age and can affect various regions, especially the head and neck; however, it is rarely reported retroperitoneally. Generally, this type of sarcoma is considered a low-grade malignancy, and cases classified as moderate and high-grade malignancy are rare. In this study, we describe a case of intermediate-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (IGMS) originating from the retroperitoneum, which was confirmed through pathological diagnosis. The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large, borderless mass located retroperitoneally with a significantly increased 18F-FDG uptake, accompanied by adjacent visceral and soft tissue infiltration and peripheral lymph node metastasis. The patient received chemotherapy for 3 weeks; however, the tumor did not shrink significantly. Therefore, the patient discontinued the treatment. After 5 months, his condition gradually deteriorated, which eventually led to death. Through this case report, the diagnosis and treatment of moderate malignant retroperitoneal myofibroblastoma were discussed, aiming to increase clinicians' understanding of this disease.

Abstract Background CircRNA‐encoded proteins (CEPs) are emerging as new players in health and disease, and function as baits for the common partners of their cognate linear‐spliced RNA encoded proteins (LEPs). However, their prevalence across human tissues and biological roles remain largely unexplored. The placenta is an ideal model for identifying CEPs due to its considerable protein diversity that is required to sustain fetal development during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate circRNA translation in the human placenta, and the potential roles of the CEPs in placental development and dysfunction. Methods Multiomics approaches, including RNA sequencing, ribosome profiling, and LC‐MS/MS analysis, were utilised to identify novel translational events of circRNAs in human placentas. Bioinformatics methods and the protein bait hypothesis were employed to evaluate the roles of these newly discovered CEPs in placentation and associated disorders. The pathogenic role of a recently identified CEP circPRKCB119aa in preeclampsia was investigated through qRT‐PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence imaging and phenotypic analyses. Results We found that 528 placental circRNAs bound to ribosomes with active translational elongation, and 139 were translated to proteins. The CEPs showed considerable structural homology with their cognate LEPs, but are more stable, hydrophobic and have a lower molecular‐weight than the latter, all of which are conducive to their function as baits. On this basis, CEPs are deduced to be closely involved in placental function. Furthermore, we focused on a novel CEP circPRKCB119aa, and illuminated its pathogenic role in preeclampsia; it enhanced trophoblast autophagy by acting as a bait to inhibit phosphorylation of the cognate linear isoform PKCβ. Conclusions We discovered a hidden circRNA‐encoded proteome in the human placenta, which offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying placental development, as well as placental disorders such as preeclampsia. Key points A hidden circRNA‐encoded proteome in the human placenta was extensively identified and systematically characterised. The circRNA‐encoded proteins (CEPs) are potentially related to placental development and associated disorders. A novel conserved CEP circPRKCB119aa enhanced trophoblast autophagy by inhibiting phosphorylation of its cognate linear‐spliced isoform protein kinase C (PKC) β in preeclampsia.

A spectropolarimeter based on spatial heterodyne spectroscopy and the channeled polarimetric technique (SSHSCP) is introduced. The SSHSCP uses a polarization grating for channel modulation, meaning that the Stokes parameter is no longer dependent on the wavenumber; this suppresses channel aliasing considerably and improves the polarization parameter reconstruction accuracy. The SSHSCP’s optical path structure is based on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer, ensuring efficient energy use. The spectral detection and polarization detection principles of the SSHSCP are derived, and a specific design example is presented. Simulations indicate that the SSHSCP can restore the target’s spectral and complete Stokes parameters with high accuracy for a broadband source and narrowband lines. The reconstructed Stokes parameter errors are of the order of 10−3 or less. The SSHSCP acquires spectral and polarization parameters in a single step and has no moving parts in a compact structure.

IntroductionEpithelioid hemangioma (EH) is an intermediate locally aggressive tumor that consists of epithelioid cells and endothelial cell differentiation, which can occur at any age, but is most common between the ages of 30 and 40 years. EH in the thoracic spine is rare, and accurate diagnosis is critical to treatment planning. Our aim was to explore the imaging and clinical data of thoracic spine EH to improve the understanding of this rare disease.MethodsFrom January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2023, a database of thoracic spine masses was retrospectively reviewed. Five patients with histologically proven thoracic spine EH and complete imaging available were identified and analyzed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were evaluated separately by two radiologists with more than 10 years of experience. Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT was conducted by two nuclear medicine diagnostic technologists with at least 5 years of experience.ResultsThe patients included three male and two female patients aged 23 to 56 years (mean age was 38.4 ± 14.3 years). All patients underwent CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT examination before treatment. Four patients were limited to one vertebral involvement, only one patient had multiple vertebral involvement, and all tumors involved the accessories, including one involving the posterior ribs. The maximum diameter of the tumor ranged from 2.7 to 4.3.ConclusionsCT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of thoracic spine EH have certain characteristics, and understanding these imaging findings will help to obtain accurate diagnosis before surgery.

Abstract Background Folic acid supplementation is recommended for reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the protective association of periconception folic acid supplements with birth defects in real-world setting. Methods This prospective, population-based cohort study utilized national preconception registered data of married Chinese couples planning a pregnancy within 6 months between 2010 and 2012 in Mainland China. Participated women are freely provided folic acid starting 3 months before conception till 3 months after conception. Birth defects were self-reported at 42 days postpartumn followup. R software (v4.0.2) was applied for statistical analyses. Results Complete data of 567,547 couples with pregnancy outcomes and folic acid supplementation were extracted for final analysis. A total of 74.7% women were with folic acid supplementation, and 599 birth defects were self-reported. The odd of birth defects was lower among women taking folic acid compared to their counterparts not taking (0.102% vs 0.116%, P

Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.

Abstract The objective of this study was retrospectively to analyze the clinical characteristics and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in Meigs syndrome (MS) patients. A total of 21 patients with MS induced by ovarian stromal tumors and 69 patients with pseudo-MS caused by ovarian cancer (OC-PMS) were subjected to evaluation using 18F-FDG PET/CT. Visual and semi-quantitative methods were employed to analyze the PET/CT findings. Visual analysis included recording whether the density of the primary tumor was uniform, whether there were cystic changes and calcifications, and the location of serous fluid accumulation. Semi-quantitative analysis involved the measurement of the tumor size, SUVmax, and SUVmean. No significant difference was observed in the size and density of primary tumors between the MS group and the OC-PMS group. However, the SUVmax and SUVmean of tumors in the MS group were found to be significantly lower than those in the OC-PMS group. The amount of serous cavity effusion caused by ovarian sex cord stromal tumors was found to be unrelated to the size of the tumor, SUVmax, and SUVmean but was positively correlated with the level of Ca125. MS patients have both benign ovarian tumors and ascites and/or pleural effusion, which may be accompanied by elevated Ca125 levels. This should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses for ovarian cancer. Understanding the PET/CT features of MS can facilitate the attainment of an accurate diagnosis before surgery.

Abstract Background In 2021, China had a population of 264·01 million individuals over the age of 60, indicating a high prevalence of chronic diseases. Among older adults, physical inactivity (PI) is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. However, few studies have been conducted on the correlation of physical activity (PA) with the economic status, geography and chronic disease risks in Chinese elderly. The objectives of this study were to better understand the distribution of PA among older adults in China and its relationship with economic status, geography, and chronic disease risks. Methods This study utilized data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) in 2020, post-COVID-19. The study employed a stratified, multistage, probabilistic sampling approach and included 11,396 adults over the age of 59 from 28 provinces in China. Data on demographics, the duration and intensity of PA, history of diseases and personalized factors influencing PA were collected via structured interviews by researchers. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis, employing a range of statistical methods including descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Bayesian networks, and chi-square tests. Results The prevalence of PI among older adults over 59 in China is 28·82%. Significant regional differences were observed in the duration of PA at different intensities. Older adults residing in more economically developed areas were more likely to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and exhibited longer sedentary behavior. Economic status and urban-rural disparities consistently emerged as direct influential factors across all intensity types. Chronic disease risks were significantly lower in active older adults compared to inactive ones. Lack of social guidance, family support, and personal inclination towards sedentary behavior were the main personalized factors affecting PA among older adults, and these factors could be relatively easily modified. Conclusions Economic status, geography, and living areas (urban and rural) significantly influenced the distribution of physical activities in China. Particularly, economic status and living areas acted as direct factors. Older adults reaching the recommended standards for PA had significantly lower chronic disease risks, highlighting the importance of improving personalized factors which are crucial for promoting PA.

The wall friction correlations of oscillatory natural circulation loops are highly loop-specific, making it difficult to perform 1-D system simulations before obtaining specific experimental data. To better predict the friction characteristics, the nonlinear dynamics of a toroidal single-phase natural circulation loop were numerically investigated, and the transition effect was considered. The k-kL-ω transitional turbulence and k-ω SST turbulence models were used to compute the flow characteristics of the loop under different heating powers varying from 0.48 to 1.0 W/cm2, and the results of both models were compared with previous experiments. The mass flow rates and friction factors predicted by the k-kL-ω model showed a better agreement with the experimental data than the results of the k-ω SST model. The oscillation frequencies calculated using both models agreed well with the experimental data. The k-kL-ω transitional turbulence model provided better friction-factor predictions in oscillatory natural circulation loops because it can reproduce the temporal and spatial variation of the wall shear stress more accurately by capturing the movement of laminar, transition turbulent zones inside unstable natural circulation loops. This study shows that transition effects are a possible explanation for the highly loop-specific friction correlations observed in various oscillatory natural circulation loops.

Primary clear cell carcinoma of liver (PCCCL) is a special and relatively rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is more common in people over 50 years of age, with a preference for men and a history of hepatitis B or C and/or cirrhosis. Herein, we present a case of a 60-year-old woman who came to our hospital for medical help with right upper abdominal pain. The imaging examination showed a low-density mass in the right lobe of his liver. In contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) or T1-weighted imaging, significant enhancement can appear around the tumor during the arterial phase, and over time, the degree of enhancement of the tumor gradually decreases. The lession showed obviously increased fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/CT. These imaging findings contribute to the diagnosis of PCCCL and differentiate it from other types of liver tumors.

Bisphenol AF (BPAF), an analogue of bisphenol A (BPA), is commonly found in manufacturing industries and known for its endocrine-disrupting properties. Despite potential similarities in adverse effects with BPA, limited toxicological data exist specifically for BPAF and its impact on male reproductive physiology. This mini-review aims to elucidate the influence of BPAF on the male reproductive system, focusing on estrogenic effects, effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and transgenerational reproductive toxicity. Additionally, we outline the current insights into the potential mechanisms underlying BPAF-induced male reproductive disorders. BPAF exposure, either directly or maternally, has been associated with detrimental effects on male reproductive functions, including damage to the blood-testis barrier (BTB) structure, disruptions in steroidogenesis, testis dysfunction, decreased anogenital distance (AGD), and defects in sperm and semen quality. Mechanistically, altered gene expression in the HPG axis, deficits in the steroidogenesis pathway, activation of the aromatase pathway, cascade effects induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of ERK signaling, and immunological responses collectively contribute to the adverse effects of BPAF on the male reproductive system. Given the high prevalence of male reproductive issues and infertility, along with the widespread environmental distribution of bisphenols, this study provides valuable insights into the negative effects of BPAF. The findings underscore the importance of considering the safe use of this compound, urging further exploration and regulatory attention to decrease potential risks associated with BPAF exposure.

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has become a new threat in recent years, owing to its rapidly increasing resistance to antibiotics and new effective therapies are needed to combat this pathogen. Phage therapy is considered to be the most promising alternative for treating CRAB infections. In this study, a novel phage, Ab_WF01, which can lyse clinical CRAB, was isolated and characterized from hospital sewage. The multiplicity of infection, morphology, one-step growth curve, stability, sensitivity, and lytic activity of the phage were also investigated. The genome of phage Ab_WF01 was 41, 317 bp in size with a GC content of 39.12% and encoded 51 open reading frames (ORFs). tRNA, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes were not detected in the phage genome. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that phage Ab_WF01 is a novel species of the genus Friunavirus, subfamily Beijerinckvirinae, and family Autographiviridae. The in vivo results showed that phage Ab_WF01 significantly increased the survival rate of CRAB-infected Galleria mellonella (from 0% to 70% at 48 h) and mice (from 0% to 60% for 7 days). Moreover, after day 3 post-infection, phage Ab_WF01 reduced inflammatory response, with strongly ameliorated histological damage and bacterial clearance in infected tissue organs (lungs, liver, and spleen) in mouse CRAB infection model. Taken together, these results show that phage Ab_WF01 holds great promise as a potential alternative agent with excellent stability for against CRAB infections.

Introduction Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects about 5% of Chinese pregnant women and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The first trimester screening model developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation, which uses the Bayes theorem to combine maternal characteristics and medical history together with measurements of biomarkers, has been proven to be effective and has superior screening performance to that of the traditional risk factor-based approach for the prediction of PE. Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin in women at risk for PE has resulted in a lower incidence of preterm-PE. However, there is no consensus on the preferred aspirin dosage for the prevention of preterm-PE. Evidence has also suggested that metformin has the potential benefit in preventing PE in pregnant women who are at high risk of the disorder.Method and analysis We present a protocol (V.2.0, date 17 March 2022) for the AVERT trial, which is a multicentre, double-blinded, 3-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) that uses an effective PE screening programme to explore the optimal dosage of aspirin and the role of metformin for the prevention of PE among high-risk pregnant women in China. We intend to recruit 66 000 singleton pregnancies without treatment of low-dose aspirin and metformin at 11–13 weeks’ gestation and all eligible women attending for their first trimester routine scan will be invited to undergo screening for preterm-PE by the combination of maternal factors, mean arterial pressure and placental growth factor. Women found to be at high risk of developing preterm-PE will be invited to take part in the RCT. This study will compare the incidence of preterm-PE with delivery at

Abstract Purpose Our preclinical studies showed that lycopene enhanced the anti‐prostate cancer efficacy of docetaxel in animal models. A phase I trial (NCT0149519) was conducted to identify an optimum dose of synthetic lycopene in combination with docetaxel (and androgen blockade [androgen deprivation therapy, ADT]), and to evaluate its effect on the safety and pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Methods Subjects were treated with 21‐day cycles of 75 mg/m2 docetaxel (and ADT), plus lycopene at 30, 90 or 150 mg/day. A Bayesian model averaging continual reassessment method was used to guide dose escalation. Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel and multiple correlative studies were carried out. Results Twenty‐four participants were enrolled, 18 in a dose escalation cohort to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and six in a pharmacokinetic cohort. Docetaxel/ADT plus 150 mg/day synthetic lycopene resulted in dose‐limiting toxicity (pulmonary embolus) in one out of 12 participants with an estimated probability of .106 and thus was chosen as the MTD. Lycopene increased the AUCinf and Cmax of plasma docetaxel by 9.5% and 15.1%, respectively. Correlative studies showed dose‐related changes in circulating endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor A, and reduction in insulin‐like growth factor 1R phosphorylation, associated with lycopene therapy. Conclusions The combination of docetaxel/ADT and synthetic lycopene has low toxicity and favourable pharmacokinetics. The effects of lycopene on biomarkers provide additional support for the toxicity‐dependent MTD definition. Highlights The maximum tolerated dose was identified as 150 mg/day of lycopene in combination with docetaxel/ADT for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer patients. Small increases in plasma exposure to docetaxel were observed with lycopene co‐administration. Mechanistically significant effects were seen on angiogenesis and insulin‐like growth factor 1 signalling by lycopene co‐administration with docetaxel/ADT.

Schwannomatosis is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary syndrome disease characterized by multiple schwannomas throughout the body, without bilateral vestibular schwannoma or dermal schwannoma. The most common location of schwannomatosis is the head and neck, as well as the limbs, while multiple schwannomas in the lumbosacral canal and lower extremities are relatively rare. In this study, we report a 79-year-old woman diagnosed with schwannomatosis. MRI and contrast-enhanced imaging revealed multiple schwannomas in both lower extremities. An 18F-FDG PET/CT examination revealed that in addition to multiple tumors with increased 18F-FDG uptake in both lower extremities, there was also an increased 18F-FDG uptake in a mass in the lumbosacral canal. These masses were confirmed to be schwannomas by pathology after surgery or biopsy. 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of schwannomas were correlated with MRI and pathological components. Antoni A area rich in tumor cells showed significant enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1WI, and PET/CT showed increased uptake of 18F-FDG in the corresponding area, while Antoni B region rich in mucus showed low enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1WI, accompanied by a mildly increased 18F-FDG uptake.

Metal ions are essential trace elements for all living organisms and play critical catalytic, structural, and allosteric roles in many enzymes and transcription factors. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), as an intracellular pathogen, is usually found in host macrophages, where the bacterium can survive and replicate. One of the reasons why Tuberculosis (TB) is so difficult to eradicate is the continuous adaptation of its pathogen. It is capable of adapting to a wide range of harsh environmental stresses, including metal ion toxicity in the host macrophages. Altering the concentration of metal ions is the common host strategy to limit MTB replication and persistence. This review mainly focuses on transcriptional regulatory proteins in MTB that are involved in the regulation of metal ions such as iron, copper and zinc. The aim is to offer novel insights and strategies for screening targets for TB treatment, as well as for the development and design of new therapeutic interventions.

Transflective electrochromic (EC) materials with the ability to dynamically adjust color in both reflection and transmission mode are extremely attractive for tunable filter, smart windows, and ultralow-power displays due to their wide applicability in dark and bright environment and unique tunability of optical properties. However, simultaneously brilliant multicolor modulation of both reflection and transmission in one EC film is challenging. Here, integrated and metal/dielectric structured EC electrode composed of three-layered Cr/Ag/WO3 (CAW) films are demonstrated. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the good conductivity, strong optical interference, and excellent substrate-film adhesion, these well-designed CAW films successfully demonstrate dynamic variegated modulation of both reflective and transmissive colors. This modulation encompasses a broad spectrum of hues, boasts high saturation, rapid response times, and exhibits impressive cycling stability. The flexible CAW film with superior bending stability is also achieved for the successful construction of the patterned flexible EC device.

Abstract The incidence of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis increases with the increasing time of rupture of membranes. Changes in the amount and categories of microbiomes in maternal and fetal environments after membrane rupture have yet to be discussed. In order to determine the microbiome diversity and signature in the maternal, intrauterine, and fetal environments of different durations following membrane rupture, we collected samples of fetal membrane, amniotic fluid, cord blood and maternal peripheral blood from singleton pregnant women and divided them into five groups according to the duration of membrane rupture. DNA was isolated from the samples, and the V3V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes was sequenced. We found that the alpha diversity of the fetal membrane microbiome increased significantly 12 h after membrane rupture, while the beta diversity of the amniotic fluid microbiome increased 24 h after membrane rupture. In cord blood, the mean proportion of Methylobacterium and Halomonadaceae reached the highest 12 h after membrane rupture, and the mean proportion of Prevotella reached the highest 24 h after membrane rupture. The LEfSe algorithm showed that Ruminococcus, Paludibaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotella were detected earlier in cord blood or maternal blood and then detected in fetal membranes or amniotic fluid, which may suggest a reverse infection model. In conclusion, the microbes may invade the placenta 12 h after membrane rupture and invaded the amniotic cavity 24 h after membrane rupture. In addition to the common ascending pattern of infection, the hematogenous pathway of intrauterine infection should also be considered among people with rupture of membranes.

Abstract Background Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs. Abnormal placenta and vascular function can lead to preeclampsia. Accumulating evidence has suggested a potential link between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and preeclampsia. As a placenta and endothelial-expressed circRNA, hsa_circ_0002348, may be promising to be the novel molecular target for preeclampsia. However, the function and mechanism of hsa_circ_0002348 in preeclampsia has not been elucidated. Materials and methods An overlap analysis of two circRNA profiles from placenta and endothelial cells was used to identify a functionally unknown circRNA, hsa_circ_0002348. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to detect its expression in the trophoblast cells and placental tissues. The mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preeclampsia was established to determine the in vivo role of hsa_circ_0002348. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, western blot, gain- and loss-of-function and rescue experiments were conducted to uncover the role of hsa_circ_0002348 and its interaction with miR-126-3p and BAK1 in regulating trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to examine the expression of miR-126-3p and BAK1 in mice and human placentas, respectively. Results Hsa_circ_0002348 was significantly increased in the preeclampsia placentas, and positively correlated with the severity of preeclampsia patients’ clinical manifestations. Its overexpression exacerbated preeclampsia-like features in the mouse model of LPS-induced preeclampsia. Functionally, hsa_circ_0002348 was found to inhibit trophoblast proliferation and promote trophoblast apoptosis. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0002348, as an endogenous miR-126-3p sponge, upregulated the expression of BAK1. Additionally, both hsa_circ_0002348 knockdown and miR-126-3p overexpression enhanced the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Conclusions Hsa_circ_0002348 might be a novel regulator of trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis through miR-126-3p/BAK1 axis in preeclampsia, which may serve as a potential target for detecting and treating preeclampsia.

Background. Altered maternal serum lipid metabolism is associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). However, its range in pregnancy and characteristic among different subgroups of HDPs are unclear. Methods. Pregnant women with HDP who underwent antenatal care and delivered in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University during January 2018 to August 2022 were enrolled. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), apolipoprotein (Apo)-A, B, and E, free fatty acids (FFA), and small and dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL) were measured during 4–16 weeks and 28–42 weeks of pregnancy. Results. A total of 2648 pregnant women were diagnosed with HDP, 1,880 of whom were enrolled for final analysis, including 983 (52.3%) preeclampsia (PE), 676 (36.0%) gestational hypertension (GH), and 221 (11.7%) chronic hypertension (CH). For all HDPs, serum TC, TG, LDLC, HDLC, Apo-A, Apo-B, Apo-E, and sdLDL increased significantly during pregnancy, while FFA decreased significantly. Notably, the levels of TC, LDLC, Apo-B, and sdLDL in PE group were equal to or lower than those in CH group at 4–16 weeks of pregnancy, but increased greatly during pregnancy (P

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a bacterial pathogen that can endure for long periods in an infected patient, without causing disease. There are a number of virulence factors that increase its ability to invade the host. One of these factors is lipolytic enzymes, which play an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of Mtb. Bacterial lipolytic enzymes hydrolyze lipids in host cells, thereby releasing free fatty acids that are used as energy sources and building blocks for the synthesis of cell envelopes, in addition to regulating host immune responses. This review summarizes the relevant recent studies that used in vitro and in vivo models of infection, with particular emphasis on the virulence profile of lipolytic enzymes in Mtb. A better understanding of these enzymes will aid the development of new treatment strategies for TB. The recent work done that explored mycobacterial lipolytic enzymes and their involvement in virulence and pathogenicity was highlighted in this study. Lipolytic enzymes are expected to control Mtb and other intracellular pathogenic bacteria by targeting lipid metabolism. They are also potential candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

There is a contradiction between the calculation accuracy and cost when computing the pressure and flow rate. A throttling characteristics prediction methodology for directional spool valve was proposed to balance the contradiction. The throttling characteristics were represented by the flow-number, defined as the product of the flow coefficient and the orifice area, to reveal simultaneously the mapping relationships of the two versus the spool geometry, stroke and flow rate. The pressure and flow rate characteristics at different strokes were obtained through the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations that were validated through bench testing. The concept of saturated flow-number theory was introduced to describe the effects of the flow rate on the flow-number. Models for the saturated flow-number and critical flow rate were established using the U-shape groove, a typical throttling structure, as an example to illustrate the effects of groove structure and opening. The throttling characteristics of the directional spool valve could be predicted by the flow-numbers of the combined grooves. The simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the prediction methodology achieves high calculation accuracy while incurring minimal costs. This methodology holds significant implications for the forward design of valve spool throttling structures.

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat to human populations. The emergence of multidrug-resistant “superbugs” in mycobacterial infections has further complicated the processes of curing patients, thereby resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and alternative treatment are important for improving the success and cure rates associated with mycobacterial infections and the use of mycobacteriophages is a potentially good option. Since each bacteriophage has its own host range, mycobacteriophages have the capacity to detect specific mycobacterial isolates. The bacteriolysis properties of mycobacteriophages make them more attractive when it comes to treating infectious diseases. In fact, they have been clinically applied in Eastern Europe for several decades. Therefore, mycobacteriophages can also treat mycobacteria infections. This review explores the potential clinical applications of mycobacteriophages, including phage-based diagnosis and phage therapy in mycobacterial infections. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current difficulties in phage therapy, providing insights into new treatment strategies against drug-resistant mycobacteria.

Despite the huge gas resources in the shale of the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation and Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery, commercial breakthroughs are mainly located inside the basin.The Southeast Chongqing, located in the basin margin transition zone, was intensively deformed by tectonic activities. As compared to the gas enrichment model of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale inside the basin, the basin margin transition zone requires better preservation conditions.According to the complicated structure patterns of the Wufeng and Longmaxi Formations in Southeast Chongqing, the preservation conditions are analyzed by the super position of structure evolution, uplift and exhumation, fault development, structural style, roof and floor conditions, and formation pressure. The results show that the basin margin is seriously uplifted and exhumated, with well-developed faults, forming a series of residual structural styles; natural gas leakage in the area close to the exhumation boundary and major faults contributed to the low formation pressure coefficient (less than 1.2). Sangtuoping syncline and Wulong syncline show good preservation conditions of shale gas because of the relatively less large faults and the far away from the exhumation area. Therefore, the late uplift, exhumation, and fault development are the main reasons for the gas leakage and the change of formation pressure from overpressure to normal pressure across the basin margin. Tectonic deformation is the fundament of current shale gas preservation in the structures of narrow and steep residual anticlines, broad and gentle residual synclines, and residual slopes. Finally, an evaluation standard was established for the preservation conditions of normal-pressure shale gas. According to this standard, favorable target areas are divided for normal shale gas in the study area.

As more and more loads start to join the electricity market and the role of loads in power system balancing and regulation becomes more and more important, the study of the response characteristics of polymorphic loads becomes more and more important. This paper firstly reviews the aggregation methods for loads, introduces its parameter aggregation model using temperature-controlled loads as an example, and introduces the use of machine learning methods to first cluster and then aggregate. It then reviews methods for the study of load response characteristics, with an increasing number of neural networks and hybrid neural networks being introduced into the field. Finally, a review of load uncertainty is presented, introducing sources of load uncertainty and methods for coping with load uncertainty.

ObjectivesFor marine nuclear power plants, the relative displacement of the pump supported by a vibration isolation system should be strictly restricted. In order to improve the shock resistance of a vibration isolation system with displacement limiters, the parameter optimization and parametric deviation influence are studied. MethodsThe theoretical model of a double-stage vibration isolation system with typical limiter parameters is established, the analysis of the shock response characteristics of the system is carried out using the direct integration method, the optimal limiter parameters are obtained using a genetic algorithm, and the influence of parameter deviation on the shock resistance of the system is studied. ResultsLimiter parameters significantly affect the shock response characteristics of the vibration isolation system. The optimal limiter parameters improve the shock resistance of the system, but parameter deviation has a great influence on shock resistance. Based on the influence of parameter deviation, a deviation control strategy is proposed in which the elastic parameter should have a positive deviation and the gap parameter a negative deviation. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy can effectively alleviate the shock resistance degradation caused by deviation.ConclusionsThe results of this study can be used to guide the design, manufacturing and variation control of limiters for vibration isolation systems.

Abstract Current non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) analyzes circulating fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal peripheral blood for selected aneuploidies or microdeletion/duplication syndromes. Many genetic disorders are refractory to NIPS largely because the maternal genetic material constitutes most of the total cfDNA present in the maternal plasma, which hinders the detection of fetus-specific genetic variants. Here, we developed an innovative sequencing method, termed coordinative allele-aware target enrichment sequencing (COATE-seq), followed by multidimensional genomic analyses of sequencing read depth, allelic fraction, and linked single nucleotide polymorphisms, to accurately separate the fetal genome from the maternal background. Analytical confounders including multiple gestations, maternal copy number variations, and absence of heterozygosity were successfully recognized and precluded for fetal variant analyses. In addition, fetus-specific genomic characteristics, including the cfDNA fragment length, meiotic error origins, meiotic recombination, and recombination breakpoints were identified which reinforced the fetal variant assessment. In 1129 qualified pregnancies tested, 54 fetal aneuploidies, 8 microdeletions/microduplications, and 8 monogenic variants were detected with 100% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity. Using the comprehensive cfDNA genomic analysis tools developed, we found that 60.3% of aneuploidy samples had aberrant meiotic recombination providing important insights into the mechanism underlying meiotic nondisjunctions. Altogether, we show that the genetic deconvolution of the fetal and maternal cfDNA enables thorough and accurate delineation of fetal genome which paves the way for the next-generation prenatal screening of essentially all types of human genetic disorders.

Abstract We report on a monolayer (ML) MoS2 belt-like single crystal directly fabricated on the Rutile-TiO2(001) surface via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We find that the photoluminescence (PL) behaviors in the ML MoS2 single crystal strongly depend on their shapes and the interface of MoS2/TiO2. Compared with the as-grown triangular ML MoS2, the PL peak position is in a blue shift and the PL intensity is increased for the as-grown ML MoS2 belt. Moreover, the PL peak position is in the blue shift by about 38 meV and the intensity is enhanced by nearly 15 times for the as-grown ML MoS2 belt crystal on TiO2 than those samples transferred onto SiO2/Si substrate. This special PL behavior can be attributed to the in-plane compressive strain that is introduced during the CVD growth of ML MoS2 belts confined by the substrate. The energy band of the strained ML MoS2 belt is changed with an up-shift in the conduction band minimum (VBM) and a down-shift in the valence band maximum (CBM), and the band gap is thus enlarged. This results in the energy band structural realignment in the interface of MoS2/TiO2, thereby weakening the charge transferring from the TiO2 substrate to MoS2 and suppressing the concentration of charged excitons to finally enhance the PL intensity of the ML MoS2 belt. The substrate-confined ML MoS2 belts provide a new route for tailoring light-matter interactions to upgrade their weak quantum yields and low light absorption, which can be utilized in optoelectronic and nanophotonic devices.

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on emulsifying properties of wheat germ protein (WGP) was studied in this paper. WGP was subjected to low frequency (20 kHz), high intensity ultrasonic treatment at different power (200, 400, 600, 800 W) for 10 min, or different time (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 min) at 400 W. The emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index of WGP were significantly improved, and the emulsion droplet was smaller and more uniform after ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound increased the adsorbed WGP concentration at the oil-water interface and reduced the interfacial tension, which explained the improved emulsifying properties of WGP. The investigation on molecular properties and protein conformation showed that ultrasound processing increased solubility, but decreased particle size and surface charge of WGP. Ultrasound processing resulted in the unfolding of the protein molecular structure indicated by the increase of surface hydrophobicity and surface free sulfhydryl group levels, and the decrease of intrinsic fluorescence intensity. Correlation analysis showed that the changes in WGP solubility, particle size, and surface hydrophobicity were the main driven factors for the improved emulsifying properties of WGP.

Scanless three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology has received extensive attention in recent years due to its rapid detection and system reliability. Compressed sensing imaging technology provides a new solution for the realization of scan-free 3D imaging. In this paper, a 3D imaging method based on dual-frequency laser phase ranging based on compressed sensing technology is introduced and realized. Using the combination of dual-frequency laser phase ranging and compressed sensing theory, two-dimensional range reconstruction from the time-domain light intensity signal collected by a single-point detector is performed. Aiming at the spatial sparsity of the target scene, this technology uses the compressed sensing algorithm to solve the phase information of the two-dimensional spatial distribution contained in the time domain signal so as to invert the 3D image information of the target scene and realize the effect of scanning-free 3D imaging. First, the feasibility of the system is verified by simulations, and the imaging effects of different reconstruction algorithms on different terrains are compared. Second, a non-scanning 3D imaging experimental platform is designed and built. Finally, the 3D images of multiple objects with 32 × 32 resolution are successfully reconstructed through experiments with a compression ratio of 0.25. The ranging accuracy of this system is 0.05 m. This work is promising for applications in multiple objects’ fast detections.

Balancing physical activity and studying is an important issue facing Chinese teenagers. Therefore, numerous studies have found that engaging in physical activity can promote academic performance among students. However, what is the optimal duration of physical activity? This study used data from the China Education Panel Survey, with a sample size of 18,009 valid respondents. General linear regression analysis was conducted using Stata 17 software to evaluate the effects of different durations of physical activity, cognitive ability, and physical Fitness on academic performance among adolescents. Furthermore, the “Bootstrap Mediation” method and the “Maximum Likelihood Estimation” method were used to analyze whether physical health and cognitive ability have significant mediating effects. The present study reveals the following findings: (1) There exists a non-linear relationship between students’ academic performance and the duration of physical exercise. The greatest improvement in academic performance is observed when the exercise duration reaches 2 hours. (2) Physical exercise can enhance students’ academic performance by promoting physical health and cognitive abilities. (3) Gender heterogeneity is observed, with the optimal exercise duration for male students being 2 hours, while female students exhibit the highest academic performance when exercising for one hour. This study provides theoretical guidance for research on adolescents’ participation in physical Activity and improving academic performance, enabling adolescents to engage in physical Activity more scientifically and rationally.

As an emerging endocrine-disrupting component with a chemical structure related to Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol AF (BPAF) has become widely distributed in the environment and human surroundings. Although numerous studies have focused on its reproductive toxicity, the impact of prenatal BPAF exposure on the reproductive system of adult male offspring, particularly testicular morphology and function, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains largely understudied. This study found prenatal BPAF exposure at a dose of 300 μg/kg b.w. induced a 32% loss of seminal vesicle weight, a 12% reduction in the anogenital distance index (AGI), and impairments to testicular morphology, such as a reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, as well as a more than 2 - fold decrease in testosterone level, and 41% and 19% reduction of sperm count and vitality, respectively, in the 10 week-old male offsprings. Testicular RNA-Seq data showed that 334 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily involved in several immunological processes, including host defense response, innate and adaptive immune response, cellular response to interferon (IFN)-β and γ, antigen processing and presentation, regulation of T cell activation, etc. Importantly, our results revealed a pattern recognition receptor — absent in melanoma-2 (Aim2) was significantly increased in the testes of exposed males, thus triggering a testicular innate antiviral immunological response, leading to an increase of F4/80+ and CD11b+ macrophage. Subsequently, Aim2 activated the downstream signaling nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), stimulated the transcription of IFN-β and -γ, and then induced cytokine production while upregulating MHC class II molecules to activate CD4+ and CD8+ Tcells, suggesting that an adaptive immune response was also elicited. The results demonstrated that prenatal BPAF exposure could provoke innate and adaptive immunological responses in the testes of adult males through the Aim2-NF-κB-IFNs signaling pathway. Our work provided insights into understanding the reproductive toxicity caused by BPAF and clarified the possible mechanisms, which offered a potential therapeutic target and treatment strategy for BPAF exposure-induced reproductive dysfunction.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global infectious disease primarily transmitted via respiratory tract infection. Presently, vaccination stands as the primary method for TB prevention, predominantly reliant on the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine. Although it is effective in preventing disseminated diseases in children, its impact on adults is limited. To broaden vaccine protection, efforts are underway to accelerate the development of new TB vaccines. However, challenges arise due to the limited immunogenicity and safety of these vaccines, necessitating adjuvants to bolster their ability to elicit a robust immune response for improved and safer immunization. These adjuvants function by augmenting cellular and humoral immunity against M. tuberculosis antigens via different delivery systems, ultimately enhancing vaccine efficacy. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes the current research progress on M. tuberculosis vaccines and their associated adjuvants, aiming to provide a valuable reference for the development of novel TB vaccines and the screening of adjuvants.

Abstract Purpose Incorporating crop residues into the soil is considered a sustainable and valuable method to alleviate soil deterioration caused by continuous monoculture in greenhouse production. However, the effect of vegetable residues retention on soil amendments is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the impacts of sweet pepper, tomato, and cucumber plant residues on soil microbial communities and plant growth of continuously cropped cucumber in a solar greenhouse. Methods The 16S rRNA and ITS1 rRNA genes were amplified, and high-throughput sequencing was performed to explore the impacts of vegetable residues incorporation on soil microbial communities. Additionally, soil chemical properties, cucumber root vigor, and fruit yield were measured to assess the impacts of vegetable residues incorporation on continuously cropped soil and cucumber growth. Results The results showed that incorporating vegetable residues could improve soil buffering capacity, increase the content of soil organic matter and available nutrients, and increased the diversity of soil microorganisms and improved community structure; vegetable residues increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi, while reducing the quantity of soil-borne pathogens such as Bacillariophyta and Acidobacteria. Similar results were observed for the fungal communities: the relative abundance of Ascomycota was decreased to varying degrees, while the relative abundance of Rozellomycota and Basidiomycota was raised. The results demonstrated that vegetable residues incorporation significantly increased cucumber root vigor and enhanced fruit yield. The effects of different types of residues on improving soil properties were ordered sweet pepper plant residues > cucumber plant residues > tomato plant residues, and 20% of sweet pepper plant residues incorporation had the most significant effect on crop yield. Conclusion In summary, returning vegetable residues alleviated soil continuous cropping obstacles by improving the soil fertility and the diversity and community structure of soil microorganisms, and consequently promoting the growth and yield of greenhouse-grown cucumbers. The findings demonstrated that returning vegetable residues was an effective and sustainable measure for soil amendment during continuous cropping in greenhouse production.

Abstract Background Despite international clinical guideline recommendations, implementation of Bayes-theorem based preeclampsia risk prediction model in first trimester among Chinese women is limited. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of this risk predictive strategy in reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Methods The study will be a randomized, stepped-wedge controlled trial conducted in eighteen hospitals in China. Stepped implementation of Bayes-theorem based risk prediction model will be delivered to hospitals in a random order to support the introduction of this prediction model of preeclampsia. A staged process will be undertaken to develop the risk prediction strategies, which comprise of: combined risk evaluation by maternal risk factors, medium arterial pressure, uterine artery pulse index and placenta growth factor during 11–13+6 gestational weeks, monthly follow up (including blood pressure, newly onset complications, adherence to aspirin). Repeated cross-sectional outcome data will be gathered weekly across all hospitals for the study duration. The primary outcome measures are the incidence of preeclampsia within 42 days postpartum. Data on resources expended during intervention development and implementation will be collected. The incidence of pregnancy related complications will be measured as secondary outcomes. Discussion This will be the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bayes-theorem based preeclampsia risk prediction strategies in first trimester by competing risk model validation. If positive changes in clinical practice are found, this evidence will support health service adoption of this risk prediction model to reduce the risk of preeclampsia among Chinese pregnant women. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, No. ChiCTR2100043520 (date registered:21/2/2021).

“k” is the electromechanical coupling factor, and determines the efficiency of conversion between electrical and mechanical energy or vice-versa in piezoelectric materials. Here, Yan et al. present an optimization strategy for “k” via texturing and covalency tuning that results in “k” values comparable to that of single crystals.

Abstract We aimed to establish a computerized diagnostic model to predict placenta accrete spectrum (PAS) disorders based on T2-weighted MR imaging. We recruited pregnant women with clinically suspected PAS disorders between January 2015 and December 2018 in our institution. All preoperative T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) MR images were manually outlined on the picture archive communication system terminal server. A nnU-Net network for automatic segmentation and the corresponding radiomics features extracted from the segmented region were applied to build a radiomics-clinical model for PAS disorders identification. Taking the surgical or pathological findings as the reference standard, we compared this computerized model’s diagnostic performance in detecting PAS disorders. In the training cohort, our model combining both radiomics and clinical characteristics yielded an accuracy of 0.771, a sensitivity of 0.854, and a specificity of 0.750 in identifying PAS disorders. In the testing cohort, this model achieved a segmentation mean Dice coefficient of 0.890 and yielded an accuracy of 0.825, a sensitivity of 0.830 and a specificity of 0.822. In the external validation cohort, this computer-aided diagnostic model yielded an accuracy of 0.690, a sensitivity of 0.929 and a specificity of 0.467 in identifying placenta increta. In the present study, a machine learning model based on preoperative T2WI-based imaging had high accuracy in identifying PAS disorders in respect of surgical and histological findings.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although increasing lines of evidence suggest that both the placenta and the decidua likely play roles in the pathogenesis of PE, the molecular mechanism of PE remains elusive partly because of the heterogeneity nature of the maternal-fetal interface. In this study, we perform single-cell RNA-seq on the placenta and the decidual from patients with late-onset PE (LOPE) and women in normal pregnancy. Analyses of single-cell transcriptomes reveal that in LOPE, there are likely a global development deficiency of trophoblasts with impaired invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) and increased maternal immune rejection and inflammation in the placenta, while there are likely insufficient decidualization of decidual stromal cells (DSC), increased inflammation, and suppressed regulatory functions of decidual immune cells. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PE.

A conical-diffraction-based cross-dispersed spatial heterodyne spectrometer (CDCDSHS) is presented. Conical diffraction is introduced, and one grating in the SHS is rolled around the central normal of its surface to expand the spectral range. The two-dimensional fringes are generated by the longitudinal-dispersion grating and the lateral-dispersion gratings through conical diffraction. Mathematical expressions are given for the parameter of an interferogram with varying spectral features and for the intensity distribution. Two examples are numerically simulated to demonstrate the performance of the spectrometer. The simulations show that the designed spectrometer can limit the interferogram of each spectral feature to be recorded by certain given rows of pixels on the charge-coupled device to avoid multiplexing disadvantages, and it can obtain clear features in each detailed spectrum with a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the conventional SHS while eliminating the need for filters or moving parts. Replacing the lateral-dispersion grating in the designed spectrometer with a mosaic grating can increase the spectral resolution and broaden the detectable spectral range. The designed spectrometer is also compact, very stable, and high-throughput. All mentioned advantages make the CDCDSHS a good prospect in broadband, high-resolution, high-sensitivity spectral measurement.

Drastic changes in the random load of an electromechanical system bring about a reliability problem for the proportional solenoid valve based on a thermal effect. In order to accurately and effectively express the thermal load of a proportional solenoid valve under random load conditions and to meet the requirements of online acquisition, adaptive anomaly detection, and the missing substitution of thermal load data, a thermal load prediction model based on the Kalman filter algorithm is proposed. Taking the compound operation process of an excavator as the object and based on the field testing of an excavator and the independent testing experiment of a proportional solenoid valve in a non-installed state, a method of obtaining historical samples of the proportional solenoid valve’s power and thermal load is given. The k-means clustering algorithm is used to cluster the historical samples of the power and thermal load corresponding to the working posture of a multi-tool excavator. The Grubbs criterion is used to eliminate the outliers in the clustering samples, and unbiased estimation is performed on the clustering samples to obtain the prediction model. The results show that the cross-validation of the sample data under the specific sample characteristics of the thermal load model was carried out. Compared with other methods, the prediction accuracy of the thermal load model based on the Kalman filter is higher, the adaptability is strong, and the maximum prediction deviation percentage is stable within 5%. This study has value as a reference for random cycle thermal load analyses of low-frequency electromechanical products.

Tight oil is a great potential resource for unconventional oil exploration and development. Determining the content of adsorbed tight oil in sandstone reservoirs and the factors controlling its content is crucial for the evaluation and development of tight oil resources. Using fluorescence petrography, environmental scanning electron microscopy, porosity as well as permeability analyses, high-pressure mercury intrusion, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, the present study analyzed the occurrence form, location, and relative content of free and adsorbed tight oils and effect of controlling factors on the content of adsorbed tight oil in sandstone reservoirs of the Chang 8 member in the Huaqing area of the Ordos Basin. The free tight oil mainly exists in residual intergranular, intergranular dissolved, intragranular dissolved, and dissolution-enlarged pores as well as some throats in the form of flakes with various areas and slender strips. The adsorbed tight oil mainly occurs on the surfaces of the mineral particles and mica fragments as well as in fractures, some throats or the intragranular as well as intergranular dissolved pores in the form of films with variable thicknesses and long strips. The lower limit of the pore radius at which free tight oil occurs in sandstone is approximately 0.1 μm and the adsorbed tight oil occurs on the surface of mineral particles and in spaces with pore radii of 0.02–0.3 μm. The contribution of free tight oil to total tight oil in the present study has highest and lowest content of 60.95% and 32.48%, respectively, with an average content of 50.14%. The contribution of adsorbed tight oil to total tight oil has highest and lowest content of 67.52% and 39.05%, respectively, with an average content of 49.86%. The content of adsorbed tight oil is generally proportional to the median pressure and inversely proportional to the porosity as well as permeability of the reservoir; particularly, porosity is relevant. The content of adsorbed tight oil is inversely proportional to the quartz content and directly proportional to the feldspar, carbonate cement, and clay mineral content of the sandstone.

Purpose The applicability of the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) in pregnancy is unknown. We aimed to identify redundant items and evaluate the Zung SDS’s structural validity. Method Two samples of pregnant women were invited from two districts in Shanghai (Yangpu sample, n = 6468 and Huangpu sample, n = 402). The Yangpu sample was randomly split into YGroup1/2/3. Item’s properties were evaluated via the item response theory in YGroup1. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were correspondingly executed in YGroup2 and YGroup3. Those items with discrimination parameter (α) lower than 0.65 or factor loading smaller than 0.4 were deleted from the scale. The final structure was validated in the Huangpu sample. Results Items 4 (sleep), 7 (weight loss), 8 (constipation) and 9 (tachyarrhythmia) exhibited low discrimination power. Items 2 (diurnal variation), 5 (appetite), 10 (fatigue) and 19 (suicide idea) made a low contribution to all factors. A three-factor model was eventually constructed as cognitive (Items 14, 16, 17, 18 and 20), psychomotor (Items 6, 11 and 12) and affective (Items 1, 3, 13 and 15). Conclusion The Zung SDS needs modification before applied to pregnant women in China. The items describing the overlap symptoms of the physical change in pregnancy and mood disorder should be deleted.

The procoagulant effect of microparticles (MPs) contributes to hypercoagulability-induced thrombosis. We provide preliminary findings of the MPs-Activated Clotting Time (MPs-ACT) assay to determine the procoagulant activity of MPs. MPs-rich plasma was obtained and recalcified. Changes in plasma viscoelasticity were evaluated and the time to the peak viscoelastic changes was defined as the MPs-ACT. MPs concentration was measured by flow cytometry. Coagulation products produced during plasma clotting were identified by fibrin and fibrinopeptide A. MPs were prepared in vitro and added to standard plasma to simulate pathological samples. In addition, reproducibility and sensitivity were evaluated. We confirmed the linear relationship between MPs-ACT and MP concentrations. Dynamic changes in fibrin production were depicted. We simulated the correlation between MPs-ACT and standard plasma containing MPs prepared in vitro. The reproducibility of high-value and low-value samples was 6.0% and 10.8%, respectively. MPs-ACT sensitively detected hypercoagulable samples from patients with pre-eclampsia, hip fractures, and lung tumors. MPs-ACT largely reflects the procoagulant effect of MPs. MPs-ACT sensitively and rapidly detects hypercoagulability with MPs-rich plasma. It may be promising for the diagnosis of hypercoagulable states induced by MPs.

This paper describes a Parallel-Double-Grating Spectrometer (PDGS) with ultrahigh resolution. Two plane reflection gratings are placed in parallel and staggered to form a dispersive component, through which the light passes multiple times, which greatly improves the dispersion capability of the spectrometer, and therefore the resolution. The diffraction characteristics of the dispersive component and the mathematical model of the PDGS are studied. The results of simulation show that using two reflection gratings with a groove density of 168 gr/mm, combined with spectral splicing technology, the PDGS can achieve a measurement waveband from 450 nm to 610 nm with a resolution better than 30.88 pm. Modifying the structural parameters of the PDGS extends the applicability of the optical path structure to spectral bands from ultraviolet to infrared.

Maximizing the health, productivity, and sustainability of ruminant animals is an essential societal goal for a variety of reasons including food security, impact on the environment, and global nutrition; however, monitoring the metabolism of ruminant animals is currently a time-consuming and imprecise process. An indwelling robot residing within the ruminant gut would likely revolutionize metabolic monitoring in ruminants by providing a new level of detail into the complex and stratified chemistry of fermentation that goes on hour by hour. Indwelling robots could become an essential tool for ruminant health monitoring because many of the health, productivity, and sustainability challenges experienced by ruminants can be indicated and potentially influenced by changes in biomarkers within the rumen. We believe next-generation ruminant health monitoring will evolve from continuous biomarker measurement, reliable data transmission, and precise locomotion, all of which can be enabled by advances in indwelling ruminal robot design. Within this review, we summarize the requirements of and progress toward engineering advancements necessary to develop field-deployable robots for ruminant metabolic monitoring. The vital elements of an autonomous indwelling medical robot include locomotion, localization, wireless data transmission, and wireless power transfer. The state-of-the-art technologies associated with each element are articulated in this review. The comprehensive techniques of locomotion, the approaches for precise localization, as well as technologies for wireless power and data transmission that will make the indwelling robot entirely autonomous are enunciated, with a special focus on ruminants. The evaluated indices are potentially useful not only to assess the health of the ruminant but also to refine and standardize the assessment protocols. The overview presented in this article on the advances, imperative requirements, and challenges enables the deployment of the ruminal robot for health monitoring in ruminants.