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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and serious acute inflammatory disease with high severity rate and mortality. Inflammation and oxidative stress play an extremely important role in the development of AP disease. Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐modified iridium nanoparticles (IrNP‐PVP) have multienzyme mimetic activity, and the aim of this article is to discuss the therapeutic alleviative effects of the ultrasmall nanozymes IrNP‐PVP on AP through their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. IrNP‐PVP were proved to inhibit inflammation and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular level. The synthetic IrNP‐PVP exhibit remarkable antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities in the prevention and treatment of AP mice by establishing murine AP model, which can reduce the oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The results of this article indicated that the ultrasmall nanozymes IrNP‐PVP effectively alleviate AP via scavenging ROS as well as suppressing inflammation both in vivo and in vitro, which might provide enormous promise for the AP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intrapulmonary ectopic thyroid gland is exceedingly rare since the ectopic thyroid was discovered. Only eight cases have been reported in the worldwide literature. We present a case of multiple intrapulmonary ectopic thyroid glands with nodular goiter in a 10-year-old girl. Case presentation: The girl was found with multiple intrapulmonary nodules in bilateral lungs during the treatment of nodular goiter. The intrapulmonary lesions were initially thought to be a high possibility of metastatic cancer. A computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was performed, and the pathological examination confirmed that the diagnosis was ectopic intrapulmonary thyroid. Conclusion: The ectopic intrapulmonary thyroid should be considered when children with nodular goiter presenting with suspected metastases in the lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for crop mapping has become a crucial way to improve classification accuracy, especially in cloudy and rainy areas. However, the acquisition of optical images is significantly unstable due to the influence of cloudy and rainy weather, which seriously restricts the application of this method in practice. To solve this problem, this study proposed an optical-SAR imagery-based rice mapping method which has the advantages of less dependence on optical images, easy operation and high classification accuracy. To account for the trait of sparse availability of optical images, this method only needs one clear sky optical image in the rice growth period and combined it with multi-temporal SAR images to achieve a high accuracy rice mapping result. Meanwhile, this paper also proposed a comprehensively multi-scale segmentation parameter optimization algorithm, which considers the area consistency, shape error and location difference between the segmented object and reference object, and adopts an orthogonal experiment approach. Based on the optical image, the boundaries of the parcel objects can be segmented, which were subsequently used to perform the object-oriented classification. The results show that the overall accuracy of the proposed method in Yangzhou City is 94.64%. Moreover, according to a random pick test, it is encouraging that the proposed method has strong robustness in response to the instability of the acquisition time of SAR images. A relatively high overall accuracy of 90.09% suggested that the proposed method can provide a reliable rice mapping result in cloudy and rainy areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral initiation is a major phase change in the spermatophyte, where developmental programs switch from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. It is a key phase of flowering in tea-oil trees that can affect flowering time and yield, but very little is known about the molecular mechanism of floral initiation in tea-oil trees. A 12-year-old Camellia oleifera (cultivar 'changlin53') was the source of experimental materials in the current study. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the key stage of floral initiation, and transcriptome analysis was used to reveal the transcriptional regulatory network in old leaves involved in floral initiation. We mined 5 DEGs related to energy and 55 DEGs related to plant hormone signal transduction, and we found floral initiation induction required a high level of energy metabolism, and the phytohormones signals in the old leaves regulate floral initiation, which occurred at stage I and II. Twenty-seven rhythm-related DEGs and 107 genes associated with flowering were also identified, and the circadian rhythm interacted with photoperiod pathways to induce floral initiation. Unigene0017292 (PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR), Unigene0046809 (LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL), Unigene0009932 (GIGANTEA), Unigene0001842 (CONSTANS), and Unigene0084708 (FLOWER LOCUS T) were the key genes in the circadian rhythm-photoperiod regulatory network. In conjunction with morphological observations and transcriptomic analysis, we concluded that the induction of floral initiation by old leaves in C. oleifera 'changlin53' mainly occurred during stages I and II, floral initiation was completed during stage III, and rhythm–photoperiod interactions may be the source of the main signals in floral initiation induced by old leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless electric vehicle charging technology is developing in the direction of high power levels. However, more generated heat brought by higher power will accelerate the system's aging and can even lead to damage. An excellent thermal design for the magnetic coupler can reduce each part's maximum temperature, ensuring long-term operation reliability. Therefore, in this article, the magnetic coupler's thermal estimation and design are studied based on a 6.6 kW wireless electric vehicle charging system. First, the calculation method of internal resistance of a litz coil, core loss, and eddy current loss of a shielding aluminum plate are studied. Considering the influence of thermal fields on material properties, each part's power loss calculation formula is further modified to improve the accuracy. After that, heat dissipation research is carried out. The heat dissipation measures, such as filling the surface of the shielding aluminum plate with thermal conductive silicone grease, are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the heat dissipation measures is verified by simulation and experiments. The experiment shows that the error between the power loss value of each part calculated by simulation and measured by the experiment is less than 15%, and the maximum temperature of the magnetic coupler is controlled below 80 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)VD3) and Vitamin D3 (VD3) supplemented in the diet of weaned piglets on their growth performance, bone quality, intestinal integrity, immune function and antioxidant capacity. A total of 192 weaned piglets were allocated into four groups and they were fed a control diet containing 2000 IU VD3 (negative control, NC), NC + 100 ppm colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), NC + 2000 IU VD3 (VD3) and NC + 2000 IU 25(OH)VD3 (25(OH)VD3). The results showed that 25(OH)VD3 improved the growth performance, bone quality and antioxidase activity of piglets compared with the other groups. Meanwhile, 25(OH)VD3 up-regulated ileal mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins and host defense peptides. The VD3 group had an increased intestinal sIgA content and mRNA expression of pBD-1 compared with the NC group. Both groups of VD3 and 25(OH)VD3 altered the microbial β-diversity compared with the NC group, and 25(OH)VD3 increased ileal concentrations of acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, our findings indicated that a regular dosage of 2000 IU VD3 in the weaned piglets' diet did not achieve optimal antioxidant capacity and immune function. 25(OH)VD3 had better growth performance than VD3 at the same inclusion level, which is associated with the improved intestinal integrity and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The armature of the electromagnetic reconnection launcher (EMRCL) plays a key role in accelerating large-mass loads, which have attracted extensive attention in past years. In this article, the effects of the armature thickness, length, and width on the performance of the EMRCL are analyzed for designing a high-strength and high-efficiency armature. First, according to the deformation and Von Mises’ stress distribution of the armature in the electromagnetic structure field, the armature thickness should be six times the skin depth. Then, the orthogonal experiment method results demonstrate that the armature speed tends to a saturated value with increasing length and width. Finally, a three-stage EMRCL platform with a load of 10 kg was constructed to verify the accuracy of the simulation results of three armatures with different lengths and widths. The experimental results show that the speed of 80 $\times120$ mm2 armature can reach 11.26 m/s, which is a significant increase of 23 times than the 40 $\times120$ mm2 armature and is consistent with the simulation results. It indicates that the optimal armature length is 1.2 times the coil length, and the optimal width is 1.3 times the coil width. This research provides a valuable reference for the armature design of EMRCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a design of bipolar nonsalient pole (BNSP) transmitter, which originates from motor theory, for high-power EV dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system is proposed. To analyze and evaluate BNSP transmitter in aspect of principle, characteristic, and performance, the existing I-type, S-type, and N-type transmitters in DWPT application are classified as bipolar salient pole (BSP) transmitter, which establishes a reference for comparing. The design parameters and other contrast conditions of BNSP and BSP transmitters are given. Coupling flux and leakage flux of BNSP transmitter are analyzed by comparing the magnetic models and the finite-element models of BNSP and BSP transmitters. Based on the modular design in practical application, the sensitivity of coupling performance to the module gap in BNSP and BSP transmitters is analyzed and compared in simulation. All theoretical results are verified by contrast experiments. The maximum effective mutual inductance of BNSP transmitter is about 31.0% larger than that of BSP transmitter, and the efficiency of the system with output power of 10 kW is 93.5% with BNSP transmitter, about 2.4% higher than that with BSP transmitter. Besides, BNSP transmitter needs 5.9% shorter Litz wire and 53.1% smaller volume of cores, which makes it smaller in size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iodine plays an important role in pregnancy. How to maintain adequate iodine intake amongst pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy to prevent adverse birth outcomes in central China is a challenge for clinical practice.Methods: 870 pregnant women and their infants were enrolled in the study. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Maternal and newborn information were obtained during follow-up. Multinomial logistic regression models were established.Results: Median UIC of pregnant women was 172 ± 135 μg/L which is currently considered to be sufficient. Multivitamin supplements containing iodine, iodized salt intake and frequent milk intake were significantly associated with higher UIC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for more than adequate iodine (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L). Iodine-rich diet was significantly related to heavier birthweight, larger head circumference and longer femur length of the newborns while more than adequate iodine intake (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L) was a risk factor for macrosomia. Logistic regression models based on potential risk factors involving iodine containing supplements and iodine-rich diet were established to predict and screen pregnant women with high risk of more than adequate iodine intake among local pregnant women in different trimesters and guide them to supplement iodine reasonably to prevent the risk.Conclusions: Multivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for maternal UIC ≥ 250 μg/L which was a risk factor for macrosomia. Iodine monitoring models were established to provide guidance for pregnant women to reduce the risk of more than adequate iodine intake, thereby contributing to reduce the risk of having a macrosomia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective extraction and visualization of complex target features from volume data are an important task, which allows the user to analyze and get insights of the complex features, and thus to make reasonable decisions. Some state-of-the-art techniques allow the user to perform such a task by interactively exploring in multiple linked parameter space views. However, interactions in the parameter space using trial and error may be unintuitive and time-consuming. Furthermore, switching between multiple views may be distracting. Some other state-of-the-art techniques allow the user to extract the complex features by directly interacting in the data space and subsequently visualize the extracted features in 3D view. They are intuitive and effective techniques for the user, as the user is familiar with the data space, and they do not require many trial and error to get the features. However, these techniques usually generate less accurate features. In this paper, we proposed a semiautomatic Gaussian mixture model-based target feature extraction and visualization method, which allows the user to quickly label single or multiple complex target features using lasso on two slices of the volume data and subsequently visualize the automatically extracted features in 3D view. We have applied it to various univariate or multivariate volume datasets from the medical field to demonstrate its effectiveness. Moreover, we have performed both qualitative and quantitative experiments to compare its results against the results from two state-of-the-art techniques and the ground truths. The experimental results showed that our method is able to generate the closest results to the ground truth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small size and narrow distribution are the key factors to improve performances of metal nanocrystals due to nanosize effect. Here, a silver‐alkylamine complex–mediated single micelle, a one‐pot approach, for controlled synthesis of monodisperse silver nanocrystals, in which oleylamine molecules play key roles serving both as complex agent and as micellar coalescence blocker is reported. After the synthesis, monodisperse products can be directly collected through subsequent single‐step separation as the particle size is finely adjusted during the synthesis. Dual‐soluble silver oleylamine complex is prepared through liquid phase complexing and is used as oil‐soluble precursor in single reverse micelle. The as‐synthesized silver nanocrystals are very uniform with a controlled size of 6.00 ± 0.29 or 8.0 ± 0.40 nm and a narrow size distribution with a standard deviation (σ) of ≈5.0%. The protocol offers a general platform for fast synthesis of noble metal nanocrystals with rationally designed size and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary Chinese herb medicine extracted from Dandelion root on growth performance, serum immune markers, faecal bacterial community and their metabolites in weaned pigs. The results showed that dietary Dandelion root extract (CHE) supplementation decreased (P <.05) the diarrhoea frequency, but had no effect on growth performance of weaned pigs. Dietary CHE supplementation increased (P <.05) propionate and butyrate concentrations in faecal samples of pigs. Moreover, dietary CHE supplementation increased (P <.05) IL-6 concentration and decreased (P <.05) IL-4 concentration in serum. Pigs in the CHE group had lower (P <.05) relative abundance of Clostridiaceae_1 on family level and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 on genus level in faeces. In conclusion, dietary CHE supplementation increased the concentration of faecal butyrate, improved immune function and altered relative abundance and composition of faecal microflora in weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific and reasonable prediction of energy consumption in WEDM process is the key for energy-saving optimization of wire-cutting process in the design stage. The existing research about WEDM energy-saving studies mainly focus on the pulsed power control strategies. And, the research on non-pulsed energy consumption of WEDM is deficient. The non-pulsed energy consumption takes up a larger proportion in the whole WEDM process through theoretical analysis and case verification, and the energy consumption characteristics are equally representative. Therefore, the paper analyzes the energy characteristics based on non-pulsed energy consumption subunits of WEDM. A non-pulsed auxiliary energy consumption and feeding energy prediction model is established, and a WEDM machine tool is used for the experiment. The accuracy of the prediction model proposed in this paper can reach more than 96%. The raise and establishment of the model provides the basis for energy saving optimization of the subsequent wire cutting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the DE, ME, and apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in different wheat cultivars fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, twelve crossbred growing barrows were allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design to determine the DE and ME contents of 12 different wheat cultivars. In Exp. 2, twelve growing barrows with a simple T-cannula were used to determine the AID and SID of AA in 10 different wheat cultivars. Pigs were randomly allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design and fed one nitrogen-free diet and 10 different cultivars of wheat diets. Among different wheat cultivars, the concentrations of GE, CP, NDF, ADF, and starch ranged from 4,385 to 4,458 kcal/kg, 12.95% to 18.14%, 9.16% to 13.89%, 1.93% to 2.92% and 60.81% to 70.77%, respectively (DM basis). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the DE, ME values, and the ATTD of GE in 12 different cultivars of wheat in Exp. 1. The DE and ME contents and the ATTD of GE ranged (P < 0.05) from 3,922 to 4,067 kcal/kg DM, 3,759 to 3,941 kcal/kg DM and 88.14% to 90.31%, respectively. The best prediction equations of DE and ME for different cultivars of wheat cultivars were DE = −2,738 – (40.8 × % ADF) + (1.7 × GE) – (51.5 × % Xylans) – (95.7 × % Ash) + (22.3 × % EE), R 2 = 0.98, and ME = −2,990 + (1.7 × GE) – (50.2 × % Xylans) – (87.6 × % Ash), R 2 = 0.88, respectively. There were also differences (P < 0.05) in the AID and SID of CP and indispensable AA, expect for His, in 10 wheat cultivars in Exp. 2. The AID and SID of CP, Lys, and Met ranged (P < 0.05) from 82.02% to 89.46%, 74.13% to 84.73%, 87.35% to 92.49% and 87.56% to 94.04%, 80.56% to 89.89%, 89.56% to 94.45%, respectively. In conclusion, the chemical composition, energy contents, and most AA digestibility in different cultivars of wheat varied widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the immunopharmacological function of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and normal mice were administered either APS or saline intraperitoneally once daily. The changes in galectin-1 expression in different organs of the mice were detected by ELISA, Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. The percentages of apoptotic CD8 T cells from spleens of APS-treated diabetic mice were measured by flow cytometry. We found that the expression of galectin-1 was increased in serum of APS-treated diabetic mice compared to the non-treated diabetic mice (* p < 0.05). Increased galectin-1 was mainly expressed in the muscle of APS-treated mice. In vitro, APS up-regulated the expression of galectin-1 in muscle cells in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage of apoptotic CD8 T cells in spleens of APS-treated mice was positively correlated with the concentration of APS treatment, and the blocking of galectin-1 in vivo by specific antibody reduced the percentage of apoptotic CD8 T cells in APS-treated mice. Our findings indicated that APS could up-regulate the expression of galectin-1 in muscle of T1DM mice, resulting in the apoptosis of CD8 T cells. This may be an important mechanism by which APS protects β cells of the pancreatic islets from apoptosis induced by CD8 T cells in T1DM in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-digestible polysaccharides are of great significance to human and animal intestinal health. Cellulose, arabinoxylan, β−glucan and glucomannan were selected in the present study to investigate the fermentation characteristics and fiber-degrading enzyme kinetics by inoculating pig fecal microbiota in vitro. Our results showed that fermentation of arabinoxylan and β-glucan produced the highest amount of acetate and lactate, respectively. The abundance of Prevotella_9 was the highest in β-glucan group and positively correlated with lactate and acetate. Glucomannan fermentation produced the highest amount of butyrate, and the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_XPB_1014_group and Bacteroides were the lowest. A significant negative correlation was found between Lachnospiraceae_XPB_1014_group, Bacteroides and butyrate. Exo-β-1,4-xylanase had the highest activity at 24 h during arabinoxylan fermentation. The activity of β-glucosidase and β-mannosidase at 36 h were higher than those at 15 h in the glucomannan group. The abundance of Prevotella_9 was positively correlated with β-glucosidase while Lachnospiraceae_XPB_1014_group and Bacteroides were negatively correlated with β-xylosidase. Our findings demonstrated the β-glucan and arabinoxylan promote proliferation of Prevotella_9, with the preference to secret β-glucosidase, β-mannosidase and the potential to produce lactate and acetate. Butyrate production can be improved by inhibiting the proliferation of Lachnospiraceae_XPB_1014_group and Bacteroides, which have the lack of potential to secret β-xylosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]