Tunable VO2 cavity enables multispectral manipulation from visible to microwave frequencies

Optical materials capable of dynamically manipulating electromagnetic waves are an emerging field in memories, optical modulators, and thermal management. Recently, their multispectral design preliminarily attracts much attention, aiming to enhance their efficiency and integration of functionalities. However, the multispectral manipulation based on these materials is challenging due to their ubiquitous wavelength dependence restricting their capacity to narrow wavelengths. In this article, we cascade multiple tunable optical cavities with selective-transparent layers, enabling a universal approach to overcoming wavelength dependence and establishing a multispectral platform with highly integrated functions. Based on it, we demonstrate the multispectral (ranging from 400 nm to 3 cm), fast response speed (0.9 s), and reversible manipulation based on a typical phase change material, vanadium dioxide. Our platform involves tandem VO2-based Fabry-Pérot (F-P) cavities enabling the customization of optical responses at target bands independently. It can achieve broadband color-changing capacity in the visible region (a shift of ~60 nm in resonant wavelength) and is capable of freely switching between three typical optical models (transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance) in the infrared to microwave regions with drastic amplitude tunability exceeding 0.7. This work represents a state-of-art advance in multispectral optics and material science, providing a critical approach for expanding the multispectral manipulation ability of optical systems.

Broadband electromagnetic wave absorption using pure carbon aerogel by synergistically modulating propagation path and carbonization degree

Carbon materials were widely used as electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption due to their advantages of light weight, environmental resistance and high electrical conductivity. However, conventional means were typically available by combining carbon and other materials to achieve effective absorption. Herein, a novel strategy using pure carbon aerogel with oriented structure was reported to enhance the EM wave absorption by synergistically modulating the wave propagation path and carbonization degree. The aerogel contained proposed modified carbon nanofibers (MCNF) derived from bacterial cellulose (BC), and core-shell carbon nanofibers @ reduced oxide graphene (CNF@RGO). The oriented structure was induced by the temperature field, which manifests anisotropic EM constitutive parameters (εx ≠ εz) at different directions of incident wave. The carbonization degree was adjusted by varying the carbonization temperature. At the carbonization temperature of 700 °C, the maximum reflection loss and effective absorption bandwidth reached -53.94 dB and 7.14 GHz, respectively, enabling the aerogel to outperform its previous counterparts. To clarify the EM wave mode-of-action in conjunction, physical models of the aerogel were established in addition to finite element simulation and theoretical analysis. Notably, the aerogel with a density of 3.6 mg/cm3 featured ultra-light weight, superhydrophobicity, superior compressibility, and thermal insulation. Our work offers an efficient strategy for designing broadband and multifunctional EM wave absorption materials (EWAMs), promising great potentials in complex stealth equipment.

[Robotic-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft in complex ureteral stricture construction: experience of eight cases]

Objective: To examine the efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients with ureteral stricture admitted to the Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from May to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 2 females, aged (45.1±10.2) years (range: 34 to 64 years), body mass index (24.6±2.0) kg/m2 (range: 20.7 to 26.6 kg/m2). Five cases on the left side, 3 cases on the right side, the length of the ureteral structure was (3.1±0.7) cm (range: 2.2 to 4.5 cm). The value of preoperative serum creatinine was (113.8±22.3) μmol/L (range: 96 to 15 μmol/L). Before excising the structure segment, the titched anastomosed part of the dorsal wall of the ureter, and then the posteriorly augmented anastomotic, the remaining ventral side was augmented with a onlay lingual mucosa graft, then the omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment. The lingual mucosa graft with a length of 2.5 to 5.0 cm and a width of 1.0 to 1.5 cm was cut according to the actual structure. The surgery information of the patient, complications, and recent follow-up were recorded. Results: The operation under robot-assisted laparoscopy was performed successfully in the 8 patients without conversion to open surgery. The duration of the operation was (226.9±22.8) minutes (range: 210 to 255 minutes), estimated blood loss was (93.8±25.9) ml (range: 75 to 150 ml), the retention time of the postoperative drainage tube was (4.8±1.3) days (range: 3 to 7 days), and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was (11.1±3.6) days (range: 9 to 14 days). One week after the operation, the patient could pronounce correctly, enunciate clearly, and eat normally. Double J tubes were removed 4 to 8 weeks after the operation. The follow-up time in this group was 3 to 9 months, the follow-up patients underwent imaging and other examinations, which showed a significant improvement in hydronephrosis on the affected side, and the value of renal pelvic separation on the affected side was (1.4±0.8) cm (range: 0 to 2.3 cm). The serum creatinine value was (100.1±24.9) μmol/L (range: 76 to 155 μmol/L). Three months after the operation, the ureteroscopy showed that the ureter was smooth and the mucosa was normal. Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosal graft is a safe and feasible operation for complex ureteral stricture without serious complications, which provides a surgical option for repairing ureteral stricture.

Recent advances in metasurface design and quantum optics applications with machine learning, physics-informed neural networks, and topology optimization methods

As a two-dimensional planar material with low depth profile, a metasurface can generate non-classical phase distributions for the transmitted and reflected electromagnetic waves at its interface. Thus, it offers more flexibility to control the wave front. A traditional metasurface design process mainly adopts the forward prediction algorithm, such as Finite Difference Time Domain, combined with manual parameter optimization. However, such methods are time-consuming, and it is difficult to keep the practical meta-atom spectrum being consistent with the ideal one. In addition, since the periodic boundary condition is used in the meta-atom design process, while the aperiodic condition is used in the array simulation, the coupling between neighboring meta-atoms leads to inevitable inaccuracy. In this review, representative intelligent methods for metasurface design are introduced and discussed, including machine learning, physics-information neural network, and topology optimization method. We elaborate on the principle of each approach, analyze their advantages and limitations, and discuss their potential applications. We also summarize recent advances in enabled metasurfaces for quantum optics applications. In short, this paper highlights a promising direction for intelligent metasurface designs and applications for future quantum optics research and serves as an up-to-date reference for researchers in the metasurface and metamaterial fields.

Super-reflector enabled by non-interleaved spin-momentum-multiplexed metasurface

Electromagnetic wave multiplexing, especially for that occurring at different incidences (spatial-frequency multiplexing), is pivotal for ultrathin multifunctional interfaces and high-capacity information processing and communication. It is yet extremely challenging based on passive and compact wave elements, since the wave excitation and scattering channels are exclusively coupled through gradient phases and hence momentum matching condition at the interface. Here, we propose a spin-momentum multiplexed paradigm called a super-reflector enabling on-demand control of both retroreflections and anomalous reflections using a non-interleaved single-celled metasurface. By multiplexing four channels connecting two spin states excited onto each input of three spatial frequencies, a total of twelve channels are engineered, among which three are retroreflected channels and the residual are anomalous reflection ones. Our compound multiplexed super-reflector allows five degrees of freedom in circular polarization Jones' matrix, approaching the intrinsic upper limit of such planar metasurface. The concept has been experimentally verified by a proof-of-concept super-reflector at microwave frequency, showcasing twelve reflected beams and a high efficiency exceeding 90.6% defined as the ratio of reflected power to incidence for each channel beam. Our strategy opens a new avenue for angle multiplexing and angle-resolved metadevices toward the capacity limit of 2D planar Jones' matrix.

[Characteristics of mortality density of HIV/AIDS cases after diagnosis in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province, 2010-2020]

Objective: To analyze characteristics of mortality density and the influencing factors of HIV/AIDS after diagnosis in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province. Methods: The data were retrieved from HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information System and selected cases diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province during 2010-2020 and aged 15 years or older as the study objects. The method of retrospective cohort study was used to collect baseline and follow-up information, and characteristics of mortality density after HIV diagnosis were described. Death after HIV diagnosis was divided into 1-6 months, 7-12 months, and ≥13 months after HIV diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the associated factors of mortality density within six months after HIV diagnosis. Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for data processing and statistical analysis. Results: A total of 953 HIV/AIDS with 173 deaths were included during the study period. Most HIV/AIDS were men (89.19%, 850/953), single or divorced or widowed (76.50%, 729/953), educated in middle school and lower level (51.84%, 494/953), and men who have sex with men (77.02%, 734/953). There was a cumulative follow-up of 3 944.59 person-years, with an overall mortality density of 4.39 (95%CI: 3.79-5.07)/100 person- years. The mortality density was highest in 21.60 (95%CI: 18.04-25.86) 100 person-years within the first six months after diagnosis, then decreased to 2.02 (95%CI: 1.59-2.58)/100 person-years over 13 months or more after HIV diagnosis. HIV/AIDS who died within the first six months after diagnosis had a higher proportion of first CD4⁺T lymphocytes (CD4) counts untested (51.61%, 48/93) and AIDS-related deaths (32.26%, 30/93). In the multivariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazards regression model, mortality density within the first six months after HIV diagnosis was greater among HIV/AIDS who were older at diagnosis, detected by medical institutions, with lower first CD4 counts or no testing, and never receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Conclusions: Mortality density was generally low in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province during 2010-2020 and declined over the follow-up time. However, early diagnosis and immediate ART initiation should be strengthened. Attention should also be paid to follow-up care management and referral services for HIV/AIDS within the first six months after HIV diagnosis to reduce the risk of death after HIV diagnosis.

Circularly Polarized Antenna Array with Decoupled Quad Vortex Beams

Achieving multiple vortex beams with different modes in a planar microstrip array is pivotal, yet still extremely challenging. Here, a hybrid method combining both Pancharatnam−Berry (PB) phase that is induced by the rotation phase and excitation phase of a feeding line has been proposed for decoupling two orthogonal circularly polarized vortex beams. Theoretical analysis is derived for array design to generate quad vortex beams with different directions and an arbitrary number of topological charges. On this basis, two 8 × 8 planar arrays were theoretically designed in an X band, which are with topological charges of l1 = −1, l2 = 1, l3 = −1, and l4 = 1 in Case I and topological charges of l1 = −1, l2 = 1, l3 = −1, and l4 = 1 in Case II. To further verify the above theory, the planar array in Case I is fabricated and analyzed experimentally. Dual-LP beams are realized by using rectangular patch elements with two orthogonally distributed feeding networks on different layers based on two types of feeding: proximity coupling and aperture coupling. Both the numerical simulation and experimental measurement results are in good agreement and showcase the corresponding quad-vortex-beam characteristics within 8~12 GHz. The array achieves a measured S11 < −10 dB and S22 < −10 dB bandwidth of more than 33.4% and 29.2%, respectively. In addition, the isolation between two ports is better than −28 dB. Our strategy provides a promising way to achieve large capacity and high integration, which is of great benefit to wireless and radar communication systems.

Metamaterial Absorbers: From Tunable Surface to Structural Transformation

Since the first demonstration, remarkable progress has been made in the theoretical analysis, structural design, numerical simulation, and potential applications of metamaterial absorbers (MAs). With the continuous advancement of novel materials and creative designs, the absorption of MAs is significantly improved over a wide frequency spectrum from microwaves to the optical regime. Further, the integration of active elements into the MA design allows the dynamical manipulation of electromagnetic waves, opening a new platform to push breakthroughs in metadevices. In the last several years, numerous efforts have been devoted to exploring innovative approaches for incorporating tunability to MAs, which is highly desirable because of the progressively increasing demand on designing versatile metadevices. Here, a comprehensive and systematical overview of active MAs with adaptive and on-demand manner is presented, highlighting innovative materials and unique strategies to precisely control the electromagnetic response. In addition to the mainstream method by manipulating periodic patterns, two additional approaches, including tailoring dielectric spacer and transforming overall structure are called back. Following this, key parameters, such as operating frequency, relative tuning range, and switching speed are summarized and compared to guide for optimum design. Finally, potential opportunities in the development of active MAs are discussed.

Value of pseudopod sign on high-frequency ultrasound in predicting the pathological invasion of extramammary Paget's disease lesions

BACKGROUND

Vertical invasion of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is associated with poor prognosis. The usual vertical invasion route is directly downward or along the skin appendages. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) can be used to measure the EMPD lesion thickness, and visualize the pseudopod extensions due to skin appendage involvement. It is a non-invasive method for evaluating the extent of vertical invasion in EMPD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of HFUS in predicting the extent of vertical invasion in EMPD.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 85 patients with EMPD were divided into two groups based on the pathology: invasive EMPD (iEMPD) group (n = 13) and in situ EMPD group (n = 72). The clinical and HFUS features of both the groups were analyzed. The different types of pseudopodia morphology on HFUS were as follows: no pseudopodia, irregular bottom, small sphere, short strip, long strip, vase shape, and nodular convex. These were further stratified into low-risk and high-risk levels.

RESULTS

The clinical features were comparable between the two groups (P > .05). There were significant differences between the two groups in the HFUS features (lesion thickness, lesion shape, bottom shape, layer involvement, pseudopodia morphology, and color Doppler blood flow signal; all P < .05). The distribution of the pseudopodia morphology types in the in situ EMPD and iEMPD groups, was as follows: no pseudopodia, 30/72 and 0/13; irregular bottom, 5/72 and 0/13; small sphere, 5/72 and 0/13; short strip, 21/72 and 0/13; long strip, 8/72 and 3/13; vase shape, 3/72 and 3/13; and nodular convex, 0/72 and 7/13 (P < .05 for all). The sensitivity and specificity of high-risk pseudopodia in identifying iEMPD were 100% and 84.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HFUS provides morphological information regarding EMPD lesions. Risk stratification for pseudopodia can help to distinguish between iEMPD and in situ EMPD lesions.

Adaptable Invisibility Management Using Kirigami-Inspired Transformable Metamaterials

Many real-world applications, including adaptive radar scanning and smart stealth, require reconfigurable multifunctional devices to simultaneously manipulate multiple degrees of freedom of electromagnetic (EM) waves in an on-demand manner. Recently, kirigami technique, affording versatile and unconventional structural transformation, has been introduced to endow metamaterials with the capability of controlling EM waves in a reconfigurable manner. Here, we report for a kirigami-inspired sparse meta-architecture, with structural density of 1.5% in terms of the occupation space, for adaptive invisibility based on independent operations of frequency, bandwidth, and amplitude. Based on the general principle of dipolar management via structural reconstruction of kirigami-inspired meta-architectures, we demonstrate reconfigurable invisibility management with abundant EM functions and a wide tuning range using three enantiomers (A, B, and C) of different geometries characterized by the folding angle β. Our strategy circumvents issues of limited abilities, narrow tuning range, extreme condition, and high cost raised by available reconfigurable metamaterials, providing a new avenue toward multifunctional smart devices.

Polarization-insensitive 3D conformal-skin metasurface cloak

Electromagnetic metasurface cloaks provide an alternative paradigm toward rendering arbitrarily shaped scatterers invisible. Most transformation-optics (TO) cloaks intrinsically need wavelength-scale volume/thickness, such that the incoming waves could have enough long paths to interact with structured meta-atoms in the cloak region and consequently restore the wavefront. Other challenges of TO cloaks include the polarization-dependent operation to avoid singular parameters of composite cloaking materials and limitations of canonical geometries, e.g., circular, elliptical, trapezoidal, and triangular shapes. Here, we report for the first time a conformal-skin metasurface carpet cloak, enabling to work under arbitrary states of polarization (SOP) at Poincaré sphere for the incident light and arbitrary conformal platform of the object to be cloaked. By exploiting the foundry three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques to fabricate judiciously designed meta-atoms on the external surface of a conformal object, the spatial distributions of intensity and polarization of its scattered lights can be reconstructed exactly the same as if the scattering wavefront were deflected from a flat ground at any SOP, concealing targets under polarization-scanning detections. Two conformal-skin carpet cloaks working for partial- and full-azimuth plane operation are respectively fabricated on trapezoid and pyramid platforms via 3D printing. Experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations and both demonstrate the polarization-insensitive cloaking within a desirable bandwidth. Our approach paves a deterministic and robust step forward to the realization of interfacial, free-form, and full-polarization cloaking for a realistic arbitrary-shape target in real-world applications.

Deterministic Approach to Achieve Full-Polarization Cloak

Achieving full-polarization (σ) invisibility on an arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) platform is a long-held knotty issue yet extremely promising in real-world stealth applications. However, state-of-the-art invisibility cloaks typically work under a specific polarization because the anisotropy and orientation-selective resonant nature of artificial materials made the σ-immune operation elusive and terribly challenging. Here, we report a deterministic approach to engineer a metasurface skin cloak working under an arbitrary polarization state by theoretically synergizing two cloaking phase patterns required, respectively, at spin-up (σ+) and spin-down (σ−) states. Therein, the wavefront of any light impinging on the cloak can be well preserved since it is a superposition of σ+ and σ− wave. To demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability, several proof-of-concept metasurface cloaks are designed to wrap over a 3D triangle platform at microwave frequency. Results show that our cloaks are essentially capable of restoring the amplitude and phase of reflected beams as if light was incident on a flat mirror or an arbitrarily predesigned shape under full polarization states with a desirable bandwidth of ~17.9%, conceiving or deceiving an arbitrary object placed inside. Our approach, deterministic and robust in terms of accurate theoretical design, reconciles the milestone dilemma in stealth discipline and opens up an avenue for the extreme capability of ultrathin 3D cloaking of an arbitrary shape, paving up the road for real-world applications.

[Predictive factors of poor prognosis in children with acute kidney injury treated with renal replacement therapy]

Objective: To investigate the predictive factors of poor prognosis in children with acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, the clinical data were collected from 134 pediatric patients (82 male, 52 female) with AKI treated with RRT in six tertiary hospitals from May 2015 to June 2018. According to the serum creatinine level at discharge, the patients were divided into the favorable outcome group and unfavorable outcome group. The data of sex, age, primary diseases, AKI stage, time from diagnosis of AKI to start of RRT (h) and whether to start RRT within 24 hours, urine volume and complications between the two groups were compared. Continuous variables were compared by t test and Mann-Whitney U test, and percentage or proportions were compared by Chi square test. The predictive factors of adverse prognosis were analyzed by using univariate and unconditional binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The average age of the 134 AKI patients was (6±4) years. There were 114 patients (85.0%) in the favorable outcome group and 20 patients (15.0%) in the unfavorable outcome group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of sex (χ(2)=2.596, P=0.107), age (t=0.718, P=0.474), primary disease (χ(2)=2.076, P=0.722), AKI stage (χ(2)=0.004, P=0.998), time from diagnosis of AKI to start RRT (h) (P=0.745), whether to start RRT within 24 hours (χ(2)=0.016, P=0.899), urine volume (χ(2)=3.118, P=0.374), fluid overload (χ(2)=0.014, P=0.905), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (χ(2)=2.972, P=0.085), acidosis (χ(2)=3.204, P=0.073), hyperkalemia (χ(2)=2.829, P=0.093), the level of blood urea nitrogen (t=1.351, P=0.179) and serum creatinine (P=0.901) at the beginning of RRT. In the unfavorable outcome group, the proportion of patients with mechanical ventilation (45.0% (9/20) vs. 12.3% (14/114), χ(2)=12.811, P<0.01) and the incidence of extra organ injury (≥3) (30.0% (6/20) vs. 10.5% (12/114), χ(2)=6.365, P=0.041) were higher than those in the favorable outcome group. Logistic regression analysis showed that mechanical ventilation (OR=12.540, 95%CI: 3.376-46.577, P<0.01) and hyperkalemia (OR=4.611, 95%CI: 1.265-16.805, P=0.021) were the predictive factors of poor prognosis in patients with AKI treated with RRT. Conclusion: Mechanical ventilation and hyperkalemia may predict a poor prognosis in AKI patients treated with RRT.

Fish-borne trematode metacercariae detected in fish commonly used for raw consumption in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

Raw or undercooked fish dishes are the major sources of human infection of fishborne trematodes (FBT) and the situation of metacercarial infection in fish greatly affect the prevalence in humans, especially those fish that are commonly used for raw consumption. To investigate the situation of infection with metacercaria of FBT in fish often used to prepare raw fish dishes by local people to assess the risk of infection to humans in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. 345 fish belonging to five species of freshwater and one species of brackish water fish were collected from fishermen or small-scale fish dealers in Kim Son and Yen Khanh districts, Ninh Binh province between May 2017 and May 2018. Metacercaria of FBT was discovered by pepsin and hydrochloric acid digestion techniques and identified by the morphological and molecular analysis. Among examined fish, 44.06% infected with FBT metacercaria and the highest prevalence was in Cyprinus carpio (86.54%), Ctenopharyngodon idellus (78.43%) and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (66.67%) while Konosirus punctatus - the brackish water fish - were free from infection. Three species of FBT were found; namely Haplorchis pumilio (accounting for 99.84% of collected metacercariae), Haplorchis taichui and Clonorchis sinensis. The average density was 1.06 metacercariae per gram of freshwater fish and the highest number was of C. idellus (6.38 cysts/gram) followed by Cirrhinus molitorella and C. carpio. Results of the study show the high prevalence of infection of FBT metacercariae among freshwater fish often used to prepare raw fish dishes in Ninh Binh province. These findings suggest the need for greater awareness of the risk from raw fish dishes among public health authorities and people.

A Single Noninterleaved Metasurface for High-Capacity and Flexible Mode Multiplexing of Higher-Order Poincaré Sphere Beams

Cylindrical vector vortex beams, a particular class of higher-order Poincaré sphere beams, are generalized forms of waves carrying orbital angular momentum with inhomogeneous states-of-polarization on their wavefronts. Conventional methods as well as the more recently proposed segmented/interleaved shared-aperture metasurfaces for vortex beam generation are either severely limited by bulky optical setups or by restricted channel capacity with low efficiency and mode number. Here, a noninterleaved vortex multiplexing approach is proposed, which utilizes superimposed scattered waves with opposite spin states emanating from all meta-atoms in a coherent manner, counter-intuitively enabling ultrahigh-capacity, high-efficiency, and flexible generation of massive vortex beams with structured state-of-polarization. A series of exemplary prototypes, implemented by sub-wavelength-thick metasurfaces, are demonstrated experimentally, achieving kaleidoscopic vector vortex beams. This methodology holds great promise for structured wavefront shaping, vortex generation, and high information-capacity planar photonics, which may have a profound impact on transformative technological advances in fields including spin-Hall photonics, optical holography, compressive imaging, electromagnetic communication, and so on.

[Correlation between multi-slice spiral CT determined epicardial adipose tissue volume and atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To determine the relationship between volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) . Methods: A total of 207 patients who hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Nantong University Affiliated Hospital from January 2016 to June 2018 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups, including AF group (n=125) and sinus rhythm group (n=82). The AF group included 80 paroxysmal AF (PAF) and 45 persistent AF (PeAF) patients. Total EAT and left atrial EAT (LA-EAT) volume were measured using 256 rows of multi-slice spiral CT in all patients. Echocardiographic derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial diameter (LAD) were analyzed. Hospholipase A2 and blood lipids were examined in all patients. The baseline data and EAT volume of all groups were compared. The multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors related to the occurrence of AF. The correlation between total EAT volume and LA-EAT volume and LAD were analyzed by Pearson correlation. Result: The volume of total EAT in patients with sinus rhythm, AF, PAF and PeAF were (92.2±32.1), (136.0±46.0), (134.2±46.3) and (140.1±52.6)cm(3), respectively. The volume of LA-EAT in patients with sinus rhythm, AF, PeAF and PAF were (27.1±7.5), (39.2±19.2), (35.9± 17.0) and (45.1±21.5)cm(3), respectively. Total EAT and LA-EAT volume were significantly larger in PAF and PeAF groups than in sinus rhythm group (all P<0.01). The LA-EAT volume was larger in PeAF group than in PAF group (P<0.01), but total EAT volume was similar between two groups (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that total EAT volume (OR=1.202, 95%CI 1.083-1.334, P=0.001), LA-EAT volume (OR=1.051, 95%CI 1.003-1.101, P=0.037) and LAD (OR=1.019, 95%CI 1.005-1.032, P=0.006) were the independent related factors of AF. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the total EAT volume was positively correlated with LAD (r=0.466, P<0.01) and LA-EAT volume was positively correlated with LAD (r=0.290, P<0.01). Conclusion: The volume of total EAT and LA-EAT measured by 256-row multi-slice spiral CT is significantly correlated with the incidence of AF.

[Characteristics analysis and control countermeasures of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats in a city from 2009 to 2018]

Objective: To conduct a characteristic analysis of the case of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats for nearly ten years in a city, and to research on prevention and control measures, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention strategies. Methods: In July 2018, collecting the data of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats recorded by the Oceanic and Fishery Department & Health Sector from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2018, the accident characteristics of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in fishing boats was analyzed, and compared the differences of hydrogen sulfide poisoning under different classification statistics. Results: In the past ten years, there were 14 acute poisonings in the city, 34 people were poisoned and 12 deaths (the case fatality rate was 35.3%) . According to the types of fishing vessels, the majority number of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents, poisoned persons and deaths occurred on fishing boats, accounted for 71.4% (10/14) , 76.5% (26/34) and 75.0% (9/12) respectively. From the location of the accident, 85.7% (12/14) of the acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents occurred outside the fishing port. Fisher's exact test showed that the case fatality rate in within the fishing port was higher than that outside the fishing port (P=0.008) . From the cause of direct poisoning, the first three reasons were enter the fish room to rescue, enter the fish room to move fresh catch, to clean the fish room. The poisoning showed seasonal changes, Fisher's exact test showed that the fatality rate in summer was significantly higher than that in spring (P=0.044) , but there was no statistical significance in other seasons (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning of fishing boats in this city has a high case fatality rate, frequent collective poisoning, and showed seasonal changes. Blind rescue, incomplete facilities, and inadequate system are important factors leading to poisoning, so daily measures and rescue measures should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of poisoning and casualties.

[The development of malnutrition assessment criteria and the analysis of current problems]

It is well known that parenteral and enteral nutrition support is helpful to improve clinical outcomes in patients with malnutrition or nutritional risk, and surgical nutrition has been used in China for 40 years. However, there is still insufficient awareness of malnutrition among clinical workers. There were different opinions from many experts after the publications of the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) consensus of malnutrition assessment 2015 and ESPEN guidelines on definitions and terminology of clinical nutrition 2017. Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition has also been published in 2018. Though it is lack of clinical validation, it is a big step forward. In order to achieve better prevention and treatment of malnutrition in clinical work, this present paper analyzes and compares the core contents of malnutrition assessment (diagnosis) in recent years, proposes current practical strategy for Chinese clinical workers, emphasizes that GLIM criteria cannot replace the three steps named "screening-assessment-intervention" .

Targeting RAD50 increases sensitivity to radiotherapy in colorectal cancer cells

Radiotherapy resistance remains the major factor limiting the radiotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer. The Mre11-RAD50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex is known to play a critical role in the DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) repair pathways and thus facilitates radioresistance. Targeting MRN function can sensitize cancer cells to irradiation in some malignancies. In this study, we stably knocked down RAD50 protein in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, HCT116 and DLD1, and evaluated their response to irradiation as well as the DSB repair dynamics. We observed that downregulation of RAD50 sensitized CRC cells to irradiation with reduction in DSB repair efficiency after exposure to irradiation. In addition, RAD50 was found to be upregulated in CRC cancerous tissue samples compared to non-cancerous adjacent tissues (NATs) and in patients who were resistant to RT. Elevated RAD50 expression was associated with poor patient survival in CRC. In conclusion, targeting RAD50 can serve as an efficient strategy to sensitize CRC cells to irradiation. RAD50 protein may be used as a biomarker for patient survival in CRC.

Interference-assisted kaleidoscopic meta-plexer for arbitrary spin-wavefront manipulation

Achieving simultaneous polarization and wavefront control, especially circular polarization with the auxiliary degree of freedom of light and spin angular momentum, is of fundamental importance in many optical applications. Interferences are typically undesirable in highly integrated photonic circuits and metasurfaces. Here, we propose an interference-assisted metasurface-multiplexer (meta-plexer) that counterintuitively exploits constructive and destructive interferences between hybrid meta-atoms and realizes independent spin-selective wavefront manipulation. Such kaleidoscopic meta-plexers are experimentally demonstrated via two types of single-layer spin-wavefront multiplexers that are composed of spatially rotated anisotropic meta-atoms. One type generates a spin-selective Bessel-beam wavefront for spin-down light and a low scattering cross-section for stealth for spin-up light. The other type demonstrates versatile control of the vortex wavefront, which is also characterized by the orbital angular momentum of light, with frequency-switchable numbers of beams under linearly polarized wave excitation. Our findings offer a distinct interference-assisted concept for realizing advanced multifunctional photonics with arbitrary and independent spin-wavefront features. A variety of applications can be readily anticipated in optical diodes, isolators, and spin-Hall meta-devices without cascading bulky optical elements.

Thermal meta-device in analogue of zero-index photonics

Inspired by the developments in photonic metamaterials, the concept of thermal metamaterials has promised new avenues for manipulating the flow of heat. In photonics, the existence of natural materials with both positive and negative permittivities has enabled the creation of metamaterials with a very wide range of effective parameters. In contrast, in conductive heat transfer, the available range of thermal conductivities in natural materials is far narrower, strongly restricting the effective parameters of thermal metamaterials and limiting possible applications in extreme environments. Here, we identify a rigorous correspondence between zero index in Maxwell's equations and infinite thermal conductivity in Fourier's law. We also propose a conductive system with an integrated convective element that creates an extreme effective thermal conductivity, and hence by correspondence a thermal analogue of photonic near-zero-index metamaterials, a class of metamaterials with crucial importance in controlling light. Synergizing the general properties of zero-index metamaterials and the specific diffusive nature of thermal conduction, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a thermal zero-index cloak. In contrast with conventional thermal cloaks, this meta-device can operate in a highly conductive background and the cloaked object preserves great sensitivity to external temperature changes. Our work demonstrates a thermal metamaterial which greatly enhances the capability for molding the flow of heat.

Ultra-wideband and Polarization-Insensitive Perfect Absorber Using Multilayer Metamaterials, Lumped Resistors, and Strong Coupling Effects

We theoretically and experimentally proposed a new structure of ultra-wideband and thin perfect metamaterial absorber loaded with lumped resistances. The thin absorber was composed of four dielectric layers, the metallic double split ring resonators (MDSRR) microstructures and a set of lumped resistors. The mechanism of the ultra-wideband absorption was analyzed and parametric study was also carried out to achieve ultra-wideband operation. The features of ultra-wideband, polarization-insensitivity, and angle-immune absorption were systematically characterized by the angular absorption spectrum, the near electric-field, the surface current distributions and dielectric and ohmic losses. Numerical results show that the proposed metamaterial absorber achieved perfect absorption with absorptivity larger than 80% at the normal incidences within 4.52~25.42 GHz (an absolute bandwidth of 20.9GHz), corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of 139.6%. For verification, a thin metamaterial absorber was implemented using the common printed circuit board method and then measured in a microwave anechoic chamber. Numerical and experimental results agreed well with each other and verified the desired polarization-insensitive ultra-wideband perfect absorption.

Polarization-selective dual-wavelength gap-surface plasmon metasurfaces

In this paper, we present a general method to realize polarization-selective dual-wavelength gap-surface plasmon metasurfaces (GSPMs), which are composed of strongly anisotropic meta-atoms periodically arranged in a rectangular lattice with two degrees of freedom to independently control the reflection phase and amplitude of orthogonal linear polarizations at two discrete wavelengths. We design and demonstrate dual-wavelength GSPMs as polarization beam splitters and focusing metamirrors operating at 850 and 1550 nm simultaneously. Our work provides a general approach to design multiwavelength, multifunctional metasurfaces with various potential applications.

Effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile in male adults in northwest rural China

OBJECTIVES

To determine the individual and combined influences of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile in male adults in northwest rural China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

In total, 4614 subjects were enrolled in the cross-sectional study, performed between 2008 and 2012. The present study examined males aged ≥18 years from northwest rural China (n = 707). Data on current smoking and drinking status were collected. Logistic regression was used to estimate the individual and combined influences of smoking and alcohol consumption on lipid profile. Age, ethnic group, educational background, smoking (or alcohol consumption), waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were adjusted as confounders.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers, whereas HDL-C was lower in smokers. TG/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TG, lipid accumulation product and VAI were significantly higher in drinkers than non-drinkers. After adjustment for confounders, significant relationships were observed between smoking status and any dyslipidemia, low HDL-C and high VAI (odds ratios [ORs]: 2.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.25-5.15], 6.13 [95% CI: 2.84-13.25] and 4.39 [95% CI: 2.02-9.54], respectively). The OR for any dyslipidaemia was 1.94 (95% CI: 1.09-3.48) for subjects who smoke and drank alcohol compared with subjects who did not smoke or drink alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in lipid profile are correlated with smoking and alcohol consumption, which calls for intervention strategies to prevent dyslipidaemia and control risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Correction: Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies

Correction for 'Systematic investigation of the SERS efficiency and SERS hotspots in gas-phase deposited Ag nanoparticle assemblies' by L. B. He et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 5091-5101.

[Association between single nucleotide polymorphism of adenylyl cyclase 3 and essential hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between the tag single nucleotide polymorphism (tag SNP) of the adenylyl cyclase 3 (ADCY3) and the essential hypertension (EH).

METHODS

From April to July 2013, a total of 1 061 subjects diagnosed with EH and 1 218 control subjects were recruited from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Information was collected by face-to-face interview. Twelve tag SNPs were detected by ligase detection reaction technique.

RESULTS

After adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and other related factors, logistic regression analysis showed that 3 loci (rs11689546, rs7593130, rs2241759)were associated with EH. AG genotype of rs11689546 was associated with 0.494 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.494, 95%CI 0.246-0.993; compared with AA genotype). CT genotype of rs7593130 was associated with 1.596 times higher risk of EH (OR=1.596, 95%CI 1.009-2.524; compared with TT genotype), and CT/CC genotype of rs7593130 was associated with 1.627 times higher risk of EH (OR=1.627, 95%CI 1.034-2.559; compared with TT genotype). AG genotype of rs2241759 was associated with 0.669 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.669, 95%CI 0.503-0.891; compared with AA genotype), and CT/CC genotype of rs2241759 was associated with 0.687 times lower risk of EH (OR=0.687, 95%CI 0.518-0.911; compared with TT genotype).

CONCLUSION

The polymorphisms of ADCY3 are associated with lower (G allele of the rs11689546 locus and G allele of the rs2241759 locus) or higher (C allele of the rs7593130 locus) risk of essential hypertension.

Tunable Pancharatnam-Berry metasurface for dynamical and high-efficiency anomalous reflection

Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) metasurfaces have intrigued a great deal of interest in recent years for anomalous reflection/refraction, vortex plate, orbital angular momentum, flat lens, photonic spin hall effect (PSHE), holograms and reflect/transmit arrays. However, almost all designs are restricted to fixed electrical performance/functionality once the design is finished. Here, we report for the first time a strategy for PB metasurface with agile working frequency by involving each meta-atom with tunable PIN diodes. For verification, a tunable PB metasurface with frequency reconfigurability is designed and numerically characterized across C and X band. By controlling the external voltages imposed on the diodes, numerical results show that the operation band with 180° phase difference between orthogonal reflection coefficients can be dynamically controlled. As such, the resulting PB metasurface composed of these orderly rotated meta-atoms exhibits a broadband PSHE with nearly 100% conversion efficiency in the "On" state while switches to dual well-separated bands in the "Off" state. Our proposal, not confined to PHSE, set a solid platform for PB phase control and can be populated to any dual-functional and/or multifunctional devices with high integrity, stability and low cost.

Polarization-independent broadband meta-surface for bifunctional antenna

Functional integration is crucial and has become a research interest in recent years; however, available efforts suffer from low efficiency and narrow operating bandwidth. Here, we propose a novel strategy to design bifunctional meta-surface with high efficiency and largely enhanced bandwidth in reflection geometry. For demonstration, we designed and fabricated a bifunctional meta-surface which enables both focusing and anomalous reflection under different polarizations. The working bandwidth is significantly extended by using the dual-resonant three-turn meander-line resonator (TMLR) element which provides an almost consistent phase response within a large frequency interval. For potential applications, we engineered a bifunctional antenna by launching the designed meta-surface with proper feed sources. Numerical and experimental results coincide well, indicating bifunctionalities of high gain pencil-beam radiation (reflectarray) and beam steering radiation with comparable performances. Our results can stimulate the realizations of high-performance meta-surfaces and antenna systems.

Dynamical control on helicity of electromagnetic waves by tunable metasurfaces

Manipulating the polarization states of electromagnetic (EM) waves, a fundamental issue in optics, attracted intensive attention recently. However, most of the devices realized so far are either too bulky in size, and/or are passive with only specific functionalities. Here we combine theory and experiment to demonstrate that, a tunable metasurface incorporating diodes as active elements can dynamically control the reflection phase of EM waves, and thus exhibits unprecedented capabilities to manipulate the helicity of incident circular-polarized (CP) EM wave. By controlling the bias voltages imparted on the embedded diodes, we demonstrate that the device can work in two distinct states. Whereas in the “On” state, the metasurface functions as a helicity convertor and a helicity hybridizer within two separate frequency bands, it behaves as a helicity keeper within an ultra-wide frequency band in the “Off” state. Our findings pave the way to realize functionality-switchable devices related to phase control, such as frequency-tunable subwavelength cavities, anomalous reflectors and even holograms.

Phytoremediation of soils contaminated with phenanthrene and cadmium by growing willow (Salix × aureo-pendula CL 'j1011')

To assess the phytoremediation potential of an autochthonous willow (Salix × aureo-pendula CL 'J1011') for phenanthrene (PHE)-contaminated soils and PHE-cadmium (PHE-Cd) co-contaminated soils, we conducted field experiments in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethyl lactate were tested for individual and combined effects on the phytoremediation efficiency. For PHE-contaminated soils, willow plus ethyl lactate resulted in significant removal of PHE from soils after 45 days, and the PHE concentration in the shoots was significantly higher with than without ethyl lactate. For PHE-Cd co-contaminated soils, both willow plus EDTA and willow plus EDTA and ethyl lactate led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of PHE and Cd in the soils after 45 days, whereas willow alone did not. The PHE and Cd concentrations in the willow shoots were significantly enhanced in the presence of EDTA alone and with ethyl lactate, except for the PHE concentration in stems with EDTA alone. Under the same treatment, the presence of Cd had no significant influence on the PHE removal from soils. The results indicate the feasibility of using this willow together with both EDTA and ethyl lactate for the simultaneous removal of PHE and Cd from soils.

Ultrasound Findings of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm in Bile Duct and the Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

PURPOSE

To investigate the imaging features of intraductal papillary neoplasm in bile duct (IPNB) on baseline ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The imaging features on baseline ultrasound and CEUS in 16 pathologically proven IPNB lesions in 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Real-time contrast specific modes and contrast agent of SonoVue were used for CEUS.

RESULTS

Bile duct dilation was present in all patients. The mean lengths for the intraductal papillary adenomas and adenocarcinomas were 2.5 ± 1.1 (range, 1.2 - 4.2 cm) and 5.6 ± 2.0 cm (range, 3.3 - 9.8 cm) (P = 0.004). Three imaging types of IPNB on ultrasound were depicted: bile duct dilation with intraductal mass (n = 8), bile duct dilation without intraductal mass (n = 3), and cystic-solid mixed type (n = 5). On CEUS, solid components of 13 lesions appeared hyper- (n = 12) or iso-enhancement (n = 1) in the arterial phase whereas all showed hypo-enhancement in the portal and late phases. For 3 lesions of bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, CEUS showed non-enhancement during all phases. Pre-surgical CEUS and conventional ultrasound made correct diagnoses in 12 (75.0 %) and 5(31.3 %) of 16 IPNBs respectively (P = 0.04). For CECT, correct diagnosis was also achieved in 12 (75.0 %) of 16 lesions (P = 1.00, in comparison with CEUS).

CONCLUSIONS

IPNB should be taken into consideration when intraductal mass or cystic-solid mass with bile duct dilation, or remarkable bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, are found on US. Intraductal mass length > 3.0 cm is more commonly found in malignant IPNB. CEUS might facilitate the diagnosis of IPNB by easily excluding the possibility of commonly found sludge, nonshadowing stones, or blood clots.

Screening of highly informative and representative microsatellite markers for genotyping of major cultivated cotton varieties

We screened and assessed published cotton simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to establish a set of core SSR markers suitable for cotton major cultivars in China and analyzed genetic diversity based on the core marker set. Using a stepwise screening strategy, 12 leading cultivars for preliminary screening and 96 cultivars for rescreening were evaluated. A total of 184 polymorphic SSR markers were initially screened from 3299 candidates, and a core set of 52 SSR markers with wide genome coverage (2 markers per chromosome) was obtained. Among 96 major cultivars, 273 amplification genotypes were generated using the core marker set. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.28-0.83, with an average value of 0.56. The core SSR marker set detected on denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the band genotype was either a single or double band on conventional cultivars, while most were double bands (65.4%). Among 56 hybrids, the average heterozygosis rate was 35.8%, ranging from 7.1-55.4%. Eighteen of 96 cultivars had distinct band genotypes. The genetic diversity analyzed using the of NTSYS-pc V2.10 software indicated that the Yangtze River valley cotton region had the highest polymorphic level, followed by Xinjiang and then the Yellow River valley. The genetic basis of conventional cultivars was narrower than that of hybrids. The core marker set can be used for fingerprint construction, variety identification, and purity tests of major cotton cultivars in China.

Nonideal ultrathin mantle cloak for electrically large conducting cylinders

Based on the concept of the scattering cancellation technique, we propose a nonideal ultrathin mantle cloak that can efficiently suppress the total scattering cross sections of an electrically large conducting cylinder (over one free-space wavelength). The cloaking mechanism is investigated in depth based on the Mie scattering theory and is simultaneously interpreted from the perspective of far-field bistatic scattering and near-field distributions. We remark that, unlike the perfect transformation-optics-based cloak, this nonideal cloaking technique is mainly designed to minimize simultaneously several scattering multipoles of a relatively large geometry around considerably broad bandwidth. Numerical simulations and experimental results show that the antiscattering ability of the metasurface gives rise to excellent total scattering reduction of the electrically large cylinder and remarkable electric-field restoration around the cloak. The outstanding cloaking performance together with the good features of and ultralow profile, flexibility, and easy fabrication predict promising applications in the microwave frequencies.

High-directivity emissions with flexible beam numbers and beam directions using gradient-refractive-index fractal metamaterial

A three-dimensional (3D) highly-directive emission system is proposed to enable beam shaping and beam steering capabilities in wideband frequencies. It is composed of an omnidirectional source antenna and several 3D gradient-refractive-index (GRIN) lenses. To engineer a broadband impedance match, the design method for these 3D lenses is established under the scenario of free-space excitation by using a planar printed monopole. For realizations and demonstrations, a kind of GRIN metamaterial is proposed, which is constructed by non-uniform fractal geometries. Due to the non-resonant and deep-subwavelength features of the fractal elements, the resulting 3D GRIN metamaterial lenses have extra wide bandwidth (3 to 7.5 GHz), and are capable of manipulating electromagnetic wavefronts accurately, advancing the state of the art of available GRIN lenses. The proposal for the versatile highly-directive emissions has been confirmed by simulations and measurements, showing that not only the number of beams can be arbitrarily tailored but also the beam directions can be steerable. The proposal opens a new way to control broadband highly-directive emissions with pre-designed directions, promising great potentials in modern wireless communication systems.

Tunable ultrathin mantle cloak via varactor-diode-loaded metasurface

We propose a tunable strategy for the ultrathin mantle cloak via metasurface. The tunable cloak is implemented by loading varactor diodes between two neighboring horizontal metallic strips which constitute the metasurface. We demonstrate that the varactor diodes enable the capacitive reactance of the metasurface to be tunable from -157 Ω to -3 Ω when the DC bias voltage is properly changed. The active metasurface is then explored to cloak conformally a conducting cylinder. Both numerical and experiment results show that the cloaking frequency can be continuously controlled from 2.3 GHz to 3.7 GHz by appropriately adjusting the bias voltage. The flexible tunability and good cloaking performance are further examined by the measured field distributions. The advanced features of tunability, low profile, and conformal ability of the ultrathin cloak pave the way for practical applications of cloaking devices.

Rapid identification of red-flesh loquat cultivars using EST-SSR markers based on manual cultivar identification diagram strategy

Manual cultivar identification diagram is a new strategy for plant cultivar identification based on DNA markers, providing information to efficiently separate cultivars. We tested 25 pairs of apple EST-SSR primers for amplification of PCR products from loquat cultivars. These EST-SSR primers provided clear amplification products from the loquat cultivars, with a relatively high transferability rate of 84% to loquat; 11 pairs of primers amplified polymorphic products. After analysis of 24 red-fleshed loquat accessions, we found that only 7 pairs of primers could clearly separate all of them. A cultivar identification diagram of the 24 cultivars was constructed using polymorphic bands from the DNA fingerprints and EST-SSR primers. Any two of the 24 cultivars could be rapidly separated from each other, according to the polymorphic bands from the cultivars; the corresponding primers were marked in the correct position on the cultivar identification diagram. This red-flesh loquat cultivar identification diagram can separate the 24 red-flesh loquat cultivars, which is of benefit for loquat cultivar identification for germplasm management and breeding programs.

Significant association between lower pulse pressure and increasing levels of a novel type of phospholipid

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between pulse pressure and a novel type of phospholipid with solubility similar to that of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), designated as AP, which was reported to be elevated during ischemia. In this cross-sectional study, 416 hypertensive patients and 252 controls aged between 35 and 70 years were enrolled consecutively. Fasting blood samples were extracted for assays of phospholipids and other biomarkers. Compared to controls, the hypertensive patients had higher levels of both LPA [odds ratio (OR) = 3.83] and AP (OR = 4.30). Changes in blood pressure did not affect the levels of LPA or AP. However AP, but not LPA, levels were significantly higher in patients with lower or higher pulse pressure (Pearson χ(2) = 11.239, P = 0.001). For patients whose pulse pressure was ≤60 mmHg, plasma levels of AP were significantly negatively correlated with pulse pressure. However, this was not observed for LPA and nine other biomarkers, including lipoproteins. Plasma levels of AP increased in hypertensive patients with higher or lower pulse pressure. Thus, attention should be paid to the possibility of cerebral ischemia in hypertensive patients when they have abnormal pulse pressure, especially for those with relatively low pulse pressure.

Impacts of Bt rice expressing Cry1C or Cry2A protein on the performance of nontarget leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), under laboratory and field conditions

Transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) protein can effectively control target insects including stem borers and leaf folders. However, the potential effects of Bt rice on nontarget organisms including nontarget herbivores have not been fully evaluated. In the current study, ecological fitness parameters of the nontarget herbivore, Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), fed on T1C-19 (Cry1C) or T2A-1 (Cry2A) rice were compared with non-Bt rice (MH63) under laboratory conditions. A 2-yr field trial was also conducted to monitor the population dynamics of N. cincticeps in the Bt and control rice plots using the vacuum-suction machine and yellow sticky card traps. Laboratory results showed that there were no significant differences in some of biological parameters including egg developmental duration, adult fresh weight, adult longevity, and oviposition period when N. cincticeps fed on Bt or non-Bt rice was compared. However, the survival rate of N. cincticeps nymphs fed on T2A-1 Bt rice plants was significantly higher than that on the control. When N. cincticeps fed on T1C-19 Bt rice plants, its nymphal duration was significantly longer and fecundity significantly lower compared with those fed on both T2A-1 Bt and non-Bt rice plants; the preoviposition period of N. cincticeps fed on T1C-19 and T2A-1 Bt rice was also significantly shorter than those on non-Bt rice. Nonetheless, both seasonal density and population dynamics of N. cincticeps adults and nymphs were similar between Bt (T1C-19 and T2A-1) and non-Bt rice plots under field conditions. In conclusion, our results indicate that our two tested Bt rice lines would not lead to higher population of N. cincticeps. Long-term experiments to monitor the population dynamics of N. cincticeps at large scale need to be carried out to confirm the current results.

Compact dual-band circular polarizer using twisted Hilbert-shaped chiral metamaterial

We propose a kind of chiral metamaterial inspired from the fractal concept. The Hilbert fractal perturbation in the twisted split ring resonator element results in compact metamaterial and breaking mirror symmetry, which readily forms chirality over triple bands. The discrepancy between co-polarization conversion and cross-polarization conversion over multiple bands can be explored for multifunctional devices. A multiband circular polarizer is then numerically and experimentally studied in the X band based on the bilayered twisted Hilbert resonator with mutual 90° rotation. The ability of transforming linearly polarized incident waves to circularly polarized waves is unambiguously demonstrated with high conversion efficiency and large polarization extinction ratio of more than 20 dB across dual bands. Moreover, exceptionally strong optical activity and circular dichroism are also observed.

Construction of a primary DNA fingerprint database for cotton cultivars

Forty core primers were used to construct a DNA fingerprint database of 132 cotton species based on multiplex fluorescence detection technology. A high first successful ratio of 99.04% was demonstrated with tetraplex polymerase chain reaction. Forty primer pairs amplified a total of 262 genotypes among 132 species, with an average of 6.55 per primer and values of polymorphism information content varying from 0.340 to 0.882. Conflicting DNA homozygous ratios were found in various species. The highest DNA homozygous ratio was found in landrace standard cultivars, which had an 81.46% DNA homozygous ratio. The lowest occurred in a group of 2010 leading cultivars with a homozygous ratio of 63.04%. Genetic diversity of the 132 species was briefly analyzed using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means.

Ultra-small single-negative electric metamaterials for electromagnetic coupling reduction of microstrip antenna array

We report initially the design, fabrication and measurement of using waveguided electric metamaterials (MTM) in the design of closely-spaced microtrip antenna arrays with mutual coupling reduction. The complementary spiral ring resonators (CSRs) which exhibit single negative resonant permittivity around 3.5GHz are used as the basic electric MTM element. For verification, two CSRs with two and three concentric rings are considered, respectively. By properly arranging these well engineered waveguided MTMs between two H-plane coupled patch antennas, both numerical and measured results indicate that more than 8.4 dB mutual coupling reduction is obtained. The mechanism has been studied from a physical insight. The electric MTM element is electrically small, enabling the resultant antenna array to exhibit a small separation (λo/8 at the operating wavelength) and thus a high directivity. The proposed strategy opens an avenue to new types of antenna with super performances and can be generalized for other electric resonators.

Testing the utility of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 sequences for phylogenetic estimates of relationships between crane (Grus) species

Morphology and biogeography are widely used in animal taxonomy. Recent study has suggested that a DNA-based identification system, using a 648-bp portion of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), also known as the barcoding gene, can aid in the resolution of inferences concerning phylogenetic relationships and for identification of species. However, the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for identifying crane species is unknown. We amplified and sequenced 894-bp DNA fragments of CO1 from Grus japonensis (Japanese crane), G. grus (Eurasian crane), G. monacha (hooded crane), G. canadensis (sandhill crane), G. leucogeranus (Siberian crane), and Balearica pavonina (crowned crane), along with those of 15 species obtained from GenBank and DNA barcoding, to construct four algorithms using Tringa stagnatilis, Scolopax rusticola, and T. erythropus as outgroups. The four phylum profiles showed good resolution of the major taxonomic groups. We concluded that reconstruction of the molecular phylogenetic tree can be helpful for classification and that CO1 sequences are suitable for studying the molecular evolution of cranes. Although support for several deeper branches was limited, CO1 data gave remarkably good separations, especially considering that our analysis was based on just a fragment of the gene and that CO1 has generally been viewed as useful only for resolving shallow divergences.

Ent-16β,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid, a kaurane diterpene acid from Siegesbeckia pubescens, presents antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects in rats

The antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of ent-16β,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid (DDKA) isolated from Siegesbeckia pubescens were investigated with different methods both in vitro and in vivo. We tested the antithrombotic activity of DDKA in arterio-venous shunt model. The effects of DDKA on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, Thrombin-, Arachidonic acid-induced rat platelets aggregation were tested in vitro. We also assessed its bleeding side effect by measuring coagulation parameters after intravenous administration for 5 days and investigated the potential mechanisms underlying such activities. In vivo, DDKA significantly reduced thrombus weight in the model of arterio-venous shunt. Meanwhile, DDKA increased plasma cAMP level determined by radioimmunoassay in the same model. Notably, DDKA prolonged PT and APTT in rats after intravenous administration DDKA for successive 5 days. In vitro, pretreatment with DDKA on washed rat platelets significantly inhibited various agonists stimulated platelet aggregation and caused an increase in cAMP level in platelets activated by ADP. These findings support our hypothesis that DDKA possesses antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities. The mechanisms underlying such activities may involve the anticoagulatory effect and cAMP induction.

Genetic diversity of the azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi) gene pool as assessed by SSR markers

To facilitate the wider use of genetic resources including newly collected cultivated and wild azuki bean germplasm, the genetic diversity of the azuki bean complex, based on 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers, was evaluated and a core collection was developed using 616 accessions originating from 8 Asian countries. Wild germplasm from Japan was highly diverse and represented much of the allelic variation found in cultivated germplasm. The SSR results together with recent archaeobotanical evidence support the view that Japan is one center of domestication of azuki bean, at least for the northeast Asian azuki bean. Cultivated azuki beans from China, Korea, and Japan were the most diverse and were genetically distinct from each other, suggesting a long and relatively isolated history of cultivation in each country. Cultivated azuki beans from eastern Nepal and Bhutan were similar to each other and quite distinct from others. For two primers, most eastern Nepalese and Bhutanese cultivated accessions had null alleles. In addition, wild accessions from the Yangtze River region of China and the Himalayan region had a null allele for one or the other of these primers. Whether the distinct diversity of azuki bean in the Himalayan region is due to introgression or separate domestication events requires further study. In contrast, western Nepalese azuki beans showed an SSR profile similar to that of Chinese azuki beans. The genetic distinctness of cultivated azuki beans from Vietnam has been revealed for the first time. The specific alleles indicate that Vietnamese azuki beans have been cultivated in isolation from Chinese azuki beans for a long time. Wild germplasm from the Himalayan region showed the highest level of variation. Based on the results, Himalayan germplasm could be considered a novel gene source for azuki bean breeding. A comparison with mungbean SSR analysis revealed that the mean gene diversity of cultivated azuki bean (0.74) was much higher than that of cultivated mungbean (0.41). The reduction in gene diversity due to domestication, the domestication bottleneck, in azuki bean is not strong compared with that in mungbean.

Pharmacokinetic, Tissue Distribution, and Excretion of Puerarin and Puerarin-Phospholipid Complex in Rats

Puerarin is a potential therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases. But its poor oral bioavailability restricts its clinical application. In present study, as an evaluation of a formulation to improve the bioavailability of the drug, puerarin and its phospholipid complex were given to rats by intragastrically (i.g.) administration to compare pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion. Serum samples were obtained at designated times after a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg puerarin or its complex. Tissue samples (heart, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and brain), urine, and feces were collected and analyzed by a sensitive and specific high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method after i.g. administration of puerarin or its phospholipid complex. Compartmental and non-compartmental analyses were applied to the serum concentration versus time data. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using the 3P97 pharmacokinetic software package. An open two-compartment, first-order model was selected for pharmacokinetic modeling. The results showed that after i.g. administration of 400 mg/kg puerarin and its phospholipid complex (equivalent to 400 mg/kg of puerarin), the pharmacokinetic parameters of the two formulations were different. The serum concentrations reached peaks at 0.894+/-0.521 h and 0.435+/-0.261 h, respectively, indicating the complex was more readily absorbed in serum than puerarin. The maximum concentrations for puerarin and its complex were 1.367+/-0.586 mg.L(-1) and 2.202+/-1.28 mg.L(-1) and AUC were 5.779+/-1.662 mg.h. L(-1) and 8.456+/-0.44 mg.h L(-1), respectively, indicating a higher bioavailability for the complex. The widely distribution characteristics of puerarin and its complex in tissues post-i.g. administration was identical and in a descending order as follows: lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, and brain. However, the amount was different. Puerarin distribution was higher in heart, lung, and brain after administering the complex. The cumulative 72 h urinary excretion of puerarin after i.g. administration of puerarin and its complex accounted for 1.05%, 1.11% of the administered dose, respectively. The cumulative feces excretion of puerarin was 32.3% and 25.5%. To sum up, oral administration of puerarin phospholipid complex modified the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of puerarin and it could be an effective oral formulation for puerarin.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and molecular mechanisms of JCICM-6, a purified extract derived from an anti-arthritic Chinese herbal formula

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects and the molecular mechanisms of JCICM-6, a purified extract derived from an anti-arthritic Chinese herbal formula composed of Caulis Sinomenii, Aconiti laterralis Preparata, Rhizoma Curcumae longae, Radix Paeoniae albae, and Cortex Moutan, were examined for the first time. JCICM-6 was prepared using pharmaceutical extraction technology, purified by Amberlite XAD-7HP polymeric resin. Pharmacologically, in carrageenan-induced edema and carrageenan-evoked thermal hyperalgesia in paws of rats, the oral administration of JCICM-6 at dosages of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6g/kg demonstrated significant inhibition with a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies showed that JCICM-6 effectively decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines of IL-6 and IL-1beta and expression of COX-2 and iNOS proteins, and simultaneously elevated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in the carrageenan-injected rat paw tissues and exudates. The positive reference drug, indomethacin at a dosage of 10mg/kg, demonstrated inhibitory potency in both rat models, but it could not augment the production of IL-4, indicating JCICM-6 and indomethacin might possess different pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms although both have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rats. These results suggest that JCICM-6 would be a valuable candidate for further investigation as a new anti-arthritic drug.

Intranasal delivery of T-bet modulates the profile of helper T cell immune responses in experimental asthma

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is caused by aberrant helper T (T(H)) type 2 immune responses in susceptible individuals, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic airway inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion. Its prevalence continues to increase, but optimal treatment remains a challenge. The transcription factor T-bet is a master regulator of T(H)1 lineage commitment and strongly promotes interferon gamma expression during T(H)1 cell differentiation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of intranasal delivery of T-bet on the differentiation of T(H) cell subsets and airway inflammation in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA and challenged with nebulized OVA. Four days before the inhalation challenge, the sensitized mice were subjected to intranasal delivery of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying murine T-bet gene (AAV-T-bet). Expression of the transcription factors T-bet, GATA3, and Foxp3 was then assayed in the lungs, and airway histology was analyzed along with other inflammatory parameters, such as eosinophils and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum.

RESULTS

Intranasal administration of AAV-T-bet efficiently balanced the T(H)1/T(H)2 transcription factor and cytokine profile and significantly decreased the number of eosinophils in BAL fluid. It also resulted in a reduction of peribronchial inflammation scores and serum IgE levels in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice during the effector phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that intranasal delivery of T-bet can promote a T(H)1 immune response, restore a balanced Th immune response, and inhibit airway inflammation during the challenge phase in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.