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Purpose: Diagnosing Renal artery stenosis (RAS) presents challenges. This research aimed to develop a deep learning model for the computer-aided diagnosis of RAS, utilizing multimodal fusion technology based on ultrasound scanning images, spectral waveforms, and clinical information. Methods: A total of 1485 patients received renal artery ultrasonography from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were included and their color doppler sonography (CDS) images were classified according to anatomical site and left-right orientation. The RAS diagnosis was modeled as a process involving feature extraction and multimodal fusion. Three deep learning (DL) models (ResNeSt, ResNet, and XCiT) were trained on a multimodal dataset consisted of CDS images, spectrum waveform images, and individual basic information. Predicted performance of different models were compared with senior physician and evaluated on a test dataset (N = 117 patients) with renal artery angiography results. Results: Sample sizes of training and validation datasets were 3292 and 169 respectively. On test data (N = 676 samples), predicted accuracies of three DL models were more than 80% and the ResNeSt achieved the accuracy 83.49% ± 0.45%, precision 81.89% ± 3.00%, and recall 76.97% ± 3.7%. There was no significant difference between the accuracy of ResNeSt and ResNet (82.84% ± 1.52%), and the ResNeSt was higher than the XCiT (80.71% ± 2.23%, p < 0.05). Compared to the gold standard, renal artery angiography, the accuracy of ResNest model was 78.25% ± 1.62%, which was inferior to the senior physician (90.09%). Besides, compared to the multimodal fusion model, the performance of single-modal model on spectrum waveform images was relatively lower. Conclusion: The DL multimodal fusion model shows promising results in assisting RAS diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple strategy was presented for fabricating a Prussian blue (PB)/chitosan (CHIT)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite. A simple chemical reaction was used to form PB nanoparticles on the surface of an electrode modified with CHIT-MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the composite. PB-CHIT-MWCNTs were employed to construct an electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (HP) sensor. Tests showed that the sensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic ability toward the reduction of HP. The amperometric response was linear with concentrations of HP in the range of 1.0 µM-0.5 mM, with a detection limit of 0.1 μM (S/N = 3). In addition, this sensor showed excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, and it was satisfactorily applied for HP detection in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presented here addresses the problem of robust waveform design for collocated multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO) radar in the presence of clutter. Robust design is needed due to the fact that MIMO radar waveform design is often sensitive to estimation errors in the initial parameter estimates, which tries to systematically ease this sensitivity by including a parameter estimation error model into the optimisation issue. Following the min-max approach, the robust MIMO radar waveform design is considered in this study to improve the worst-case estimation accuracy in the presence of clutter on the basis of the Cramér-Rao bound. To tackle the resultant NP-hard problem, a new diagonal loading based iterative method is developed to design the waveform covariance matrix for improving the worst-case accuracy, each step in which can be formulated into a convex optimisation issue, and hence can be solved efficiently. An optimal solution to the initial issue can be obtained via the least squares fitting of the solution acquired by the iterative algorithm. Numerical simulations show the efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), has evolved resistance to various types of insecticides in the field. In the present study, the resistance of P. xylostella (designated Cya-SEL) to cyantraniliprole increased to 30.6 and 326-fold after 26 generations of selection, compared with the field population (TA) and susceptible population (LAB), respectively. The resistant population also had developed low to moderate levels of resistance to abamectin (3.3-fold), flubendiamide (14.1-fold), and chlorantraniliprole (24.3-fold). Synergism tests indicated that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) increased the toxicity of cyantraniliprole in the selected strain, i.e., synergism ratio was 2.8 and 3.3-fold, respectively. Reciprocal crosses were made between the susceptible (LAB) and resistant strain collected from Zengcheng (ZC). The degree of dominance and overlapping confidence intervals of LC50 values of F1 progenies (ZC × LAB and LAB × ZC) suggested an autosomal and incompletely recessive mode of resistance to cyantraniliprole. The test of monogenic inheritance based on a backcross of F1 progeny with the ZC population indicated that resistance to cyantraniliprole was controlled by multiple genes. Additionally, Cya-SEL had a lower reproductive ability and relative fitness than the other tested populations. These findings provide useful information for effective resistance management strategies against P. xylostella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pool-forming mechanism of coalbed methane has its own characteristics. In this paper, based on studies on the typical coal-bearing basins in China, it is pointed out that the reservoir formation of medium- to high-rank coalbed methane has experienced three critical stages: the coalbed methane generation and adsorption stage, the coalbed adsorption capacity enhancement stage, and the coalbed methane desorption-diffusion and preservation stage. The regional tectonic evolution, hydrodynamic conditions and sealing conditions play important roles in the stage of coalbed methane desorption-diffusion and preservation. Medium- to high-rank coalbed methane has three types of enrichment models, that is, the most favorable, the relatively favorable, and the unfavorable enrichment models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the grafting of styrene onto linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) using a technology of swelling and suspension copolymerization. Results showed that the copolymers' glass transition temperature increased after LLDPE was added, proving that polyethylene-g-polystyrene copolymer exists. The authors said that grafting efficiency was increased and the granulation rate was decreased following the addition of LLDPE.

Neoproterozoic rifting-related mafic igneous rocks are widely distributed both in the northern and southern margins of the Tarim Block, NW China. Here we report the geochronology and systematic whole-rock geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic mafic dykes and basalts along the southern margin of Tarim. Our zircon U-Pb age, in combination with stratigraphic constraint on their emplacement ages, indicates that the mafic dykes were crystallized at ca. 802 Ma, and the basalt, possibly coeval with the ca. 740 Ma volcanic rocks in Quruqtagh in the northern margin of Tarim. Elemental and Nd isotope geochemistry of the mafic dykes and basalts suggest that their primitive magma was derived from asthenospheric mantle (OIB-like) and lithospheric mantle respectively, with variable assimilation of crustal materials. Integrating the data supplied in the present study and that reported previously in the northern margin of Tarim, we recognize two types of mantle sources of the Neoproterozoic mafic igneous rocks in Tarim, namely the matasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) in the northern margin and the long-term enriched lithospheric mantle and asthenospheric mantle in the southern margin. A comprehensive synthesis of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks throughout the Tarim Block led to the recognition of two major episodes of Neoproterozoic igneous activities at ca. 820-800 Ma and ca. 780-740 Ma, respectively. These two episodes of igneous activities were concurrent with those in many other Rodinian continents and were most likely related to mantle plume activities during the break-up of the Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of spindle shaped hierarchical zinc gallate (ZnGa2O4) architectures was obtained through a simple hydrothermal process without the presence of any surface-active agent. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern indicated the formation of well crystallised in ZnGa2O4. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed that the spindle shaped hierarchical ZnGa2O4 architectures were constructed by octahedral ZnGa2O4. A feasible formation mechanism for the obtained spindle shaped ZnGa2O4 structure was proposed. The photocatalytic performance of the obtained ZnGa2O4 architectures was tested by the degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation. The result shows that spindle shaped ZnGa2O4 architectures have good photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of Ru microspheres by hydrothermal treated method in tungstosilicate acid H4SiW12O40, TSA solution is described. The particles are characterized by Xray diffraction analysis XRD and scanning electron microscopy SEM, respectively. The growth process of these microspheres has been examined. The results show that it is possible to synthesize and assemble other noble metal particles with unique superstructure. The characteristic catalytic behavior of the Ru microspheres is established by studying the decolorization of cango red in the presence of UV light. © 2009 WILEYVCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Role of fluorocarbon surfactant in the preparation of polytetrafluoroethylene‐modified polyacrylate emulsion is investigated. The fluorocarbon surfactant has an efficient preemulsification to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder. It enables PTFE powder to be introduced into the copolymer of n‐butyl acrylate, n‐methyl methacrylate, n‐styrene, and α‐methacrylic acid. Thereby, stable PTFE‐modified polyacrylate emulsion can be formed. The effects of fluorocarbon surfactant on the surface tension, particle size and particle size distribution of the emulsion, as well as the relation between fluorocarbon surfactant and the amount of PTFE powder are fully investigated. The particle size and the surface tension of emulsion strongly depend on the fluorocarbon surfactant concentration in the reaction system. The particle size distribution becomes narrower and the stability of the emulsion is improved with the increasing of the fluorocarbon surfactant concentration. According to the experiments, a possible mechanism of fluorocarbon surfactant in polymerization is proposed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics simulations were applied to investigate the diffusion behaviors of water molecules at temperatures ranging from 323 to 443 K inside amorphous polyacrylate. The results showed that the simulated diffusion coefficients and activation energies were similar to those of experiments. Moreover, the activation energy of water molecules at high temperatures was higher than that at low temperatures by 3.16 kcal mol−1, which was close to the hydrogen‐bonding energy between water and polyacrylate. An analysis of the experimental desorption curves of water molecules and their activation energies has confirmed that there are two forms of water molecules inside rubbery polyacrylate, namely, free water and bound water. In addition, it has been concluded that bound water molecules move from one polar group of polyacrylate to another, and this is followed by occasional jumps. Simulated information is very helpful in designing new polyacrylate latex systems and optimizing existent polyacrylate systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 884–891, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are a class of large hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HGRPs) found in almost all plant species, and have been implicated in various plant growth and developmental processes including xylogenesis. A total of six AGP-like genes or gene families have been cloned from differentiating pine xylem. In this study, seven different members of the ptaAGP5 gene family with between 54% and 73% similarity at the amino acid level were newly identified. Gene-specific primers were designed and relative transcript levels of 11 loblolly pine AGP and AGP-like genes were examined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Expression was examined in different tissues: earlywood and latewood; xylem from two populations; drought-stressed and well-watered roots; compression, opposite and vertical wood; and in vitro cultured cells induced for lignification. The different loblolly pine AGP and AGP-like genes showed varying expression patterns under the different conditions, suggesting different functions for each loblolly pine AGP. The results from this study also suggest that some AGPs are associated with xylogenesis, but not with lignification, and that different xylem AGPs probably have different functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eukaryotic cells, DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) cause the prompt phosphorylation of serine 139 at the carboxy terminus of histone H2AX to generate γ‐H2AX, detectable by Western blotting or immunofluorescence. The consensus sequence at the phosphorylation site implicates the phosphatidylinositol 3‐like family of protein kinases in H2AX phosphorylation. It remains open whether ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) is the major H2AX kinase, or whether other members of the family, such as DNA‐PK (DNA dependent protein kinase) or ATR (ATM and Rad3 related), contribute in a functionally complementary manner. To address this question, we measured global H2AX phosphorylation in cell lysates and foci formation in individual cells of either wild type or mutant (ATM or DNA‐PK) genetic background. Normal global phosphorylation kinetics is observed after irradiation in cells defective either in ATM or DNA‐PK alone, suggesting a complementary contribution to H2AX phosphorylation. This is further supported by the observation that initial H2AX phosphorylation is delayed when both kinases are inhibited by wortmannin, as well as when ATM is inhibited by caffeine in DNA‐PK deficient cells. However, robust residual global phosphorylation is detectable under all conditions of genetic or chemical inhibition suggesting the function of additional kinases, such as ATR. Treatment with wortmannin, caffeine, or UCN‐01 produces a strong DNA‐PK dependent late global hyperphosphorylation of H2AX, uncoupled from DNA DSB rejoining and compatible with an inhibition of late steps in DNA DSB processing. Evaluation of γ‐H2AX foci formation confirms the major conclusions made on the basis of global H2AX phosphorylation, but also points to differences particularly several hours after exposure to IR. The results in aggregate implicate DNA‐PK, ATM and possibly other kinases in H2AX phosphorylation. The functional significance and the mechanisms of coordination in space and time of these multiple inputs require further investigation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines positive and negative adaptors in T-cell signalling. Overview of T cell signalling; Adaptor proteins in T cells; Positive and negative regulators of T-cell signalling; Antigen recognition and T-cell activation.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic skin disorder characterized by infiltration of inflammatory elements, keratinocyte hyperproliferation and altered differentiation. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is not fully understood, there is solid evidence of a susceptibility locus in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. To investigate whether HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles are associated with genetic susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris in Chinese Han. The polymerase chain reaction–sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used to analyse the distribution of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles in 189 patients with psoriasis and 273 healthy controls. The HLA-DQA1*0104 (OR = 2.33, P = 0.0001154, Pc = 2.0 × 10−3), DQA1*0201 (OR = 3.36, P < 1.0 × 10−7, Pc < 1.0 × 10−6), DQB1*0201 (OR = 1.64, P = 0.0192, Pc > 0.05) and DQB1*0303 (OR = 1.55, P = 0.0377, Pc > 0.05) alleles were more prevalent in patients with psoriasis vulgaris than in controls, and HLA-DQA1*0501 (OR = 0.30, P = 0.0000039, Pc < 4.0 × 10−5) alleles were less prevalent. The HLA-DQA1*0104 (OR = 2.42, P = 0.0001159, Pc < 2.0 × 10−3), DQA1*0201 (OR = 3.74, P < 1.0 × 10−7, Pc < 1.0 × 10−6) and DQA1*0501 (OR = 0.30, P = 0.0000374, Pc < 4.0 × 10−4) alleles were only associated with type I psoriasis. HLA-DQA1*0104 and DQA1*0201 were more prevalent in patients with or without a family history of psoriasis. However, the DQA1*0501 allele was only more prevalent in patients without a family history of psoriasis. HLA-DQA1*0104 and DQA1*0201 alleles may be psoriasis susceptibility genes or may be in close linkage with the susceptibility genes. The HLA-DQA1*0501 allele seems to have a protective effect against the development of psoriasis vulgaris in Chinese Han. There may be a difference in genetic background between psoriasis patients with and without a family history of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]