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Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) was employed to monitor the isothermal polymerization processes of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) formed by the alternating copolymerization of methyl cyanoacetate (MCA) and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA) at different temperatures in real time. P(MCA‐DEGDMA) is a polyether containing functional groups (O, CN, COOCH3) which can promote the transport of ions Li+, thereby having the potential to apply in polymer electrolytes. It is beneficial to investigate the effect of temperature and time on P(MCA‐DEGDMA) polymerization and choose a suitable synthesis strategy through dielectric monitoring. A time‐ and temperature‐dependent relaxation process induced by orientational polarization of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain was observed over a frequency range from 10 kHz to 4 × 106 Hz. The time to reach polymerization equilibrium (tequ) and the dielectric conversion were determined through the time variations of the conductivity at low frequency (κl). The polymerization process shows the characteristic of "fast followed by slow," and the tequ can be advanced by raising the polymerization temperature. In addition, by discussing the monitoring time dependence of relaxation time (τ) and permittivity (ε), it was concluded that the extent of polymerization (α) for P(MCA‐DEGDMA) at 40°C is the largest, and the optimal polymerization temperature is between 30 and 50°C. Furthermore, the free activation energy (ΔG), activation enthalpy (ΔH), and activation entropy (ΔS) of the relaxation process caused by the motion of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain in three temperature ranges (10–20°C, 30–40°C, 50–60°C) were calculated by using Eyring's equation, from which the physical image of various structures and conformations of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain during monitoring was proposed. Considering the effect of temperature on the generation and migration of free ions, and on the structure and conformation of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain, some suggestions for the synthesis of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) are given: during the polymerization, the temperature is controlled at 10°C in the early stage and then gradually raised to 40°C, which may be beneficial to improving the extent of polymerization of P(MCA‐DEGDMA). Our work may be helpful to investigate the polymerization process of polyether obeying the same synthesis mechanism with P(MCA‐DEGDMA). It can be proven that DS is useful in detecting the inner information of the system changing over time through our work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a spatial econometric model, this study investigates the impact of international friendship cities on urban exports in China at the city level. The results demonstrate a significant spatial spillover effect of international friendship cities on China's urban exports, benefiting not only the local area but also the neighbouring cities. Mechanism tests indicate that international friendship cities foster export growth in both local and adjacent cities by accumulating international social capital. Additionally, we identify a spatial spillover interval (within 700 km) and a siphonic interval (beyond 800 km) in the effect of international friendship cities on the urban exports of surrounding cities. This study sheds light on the role of international friendship cities in driving urban export growth in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is challenging in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients, due to the overlapping clinical manifestations and atypical imaging patterns compared to patients without HBV. Purpose: To investigate the preoperative imaging characteristics of iCCA in patients with HBV in comparison to those without HBV. Study Type: Retrospective. Subjects: 431 patients with histopathologically confirmed iCCA (143 HBV‐positive and 288 HBV‐negative patients) were retrospectively enrolled from three institutes, and patients were allocated to the training (n = 302) and validation (n = 129) cohorts from different institutes or time period; 100 matching HBV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were also enrolled. Field Strength/Sequence: 1.5‐T and 3‐T, including T1‐ and T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted and dynamic gadopentetate dimeglumine‐enhanced imaging. Assessment: Clinical and MRI features were analyzed and compared between HBV‐positive and HBV‐negative patients with iCCA, and between HBV‐positive patients with iCCA and HCC. Statistical Tests: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with odds ratio (OR) to identify independent features for discriminating HBV‐associated iCCA. Diagnostic model generation by incorporating independent features, and the performance for discrimination was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics with the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). AUCs were compared by the DeLong's method. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared to patients without HBV, washout or degressive enhancement pattern (OR = 51.837), well‐defined tumor margin (OR = 8.758) and no peritumoral bile duct dilation (OR = 4.651) were independent significant features for discriminating HBV‐associated iCCAs. All these features were also the predominant MRI manifestations for HBV‐associated HCC. The combined index showed an AUC of 0.798 (95% CI 0.748–0.842) in the training cohort and an AUC of 0.789 (95% CI 0.708–0.856) in the validation cohort for discrimination. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were all >70%, which was superior to each single feature alone in both cohorts. [Correction added after first online publication on 29 June 2023. The Field Strength/Sequence has been updated from 5‐T to 1.5‐T.] Data Conclusion: Preoperative MRI may help to discriminate HBV‐associated iCCA. Evidence Level: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil heat flux at the ground surface (G) is an essential component of energy for the recirculation of water and other masses on the land surface. However, direct measurement is difficult and inaccurate, and available data are inadequate owing to the inconvenience of installing the heat sensor plate immediately beneath the true surface. Additionally, thermal properties such as the diffusivity, conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity are intricately influenced by water, vegetation, labile weather, and environmental conditions. Errors of estimation for them from indirect measurement of water content can be substantial and almost impossible without adequately and accurately determination of the soil parameters in situ. In this study, a more general parabolic heat equation is analytically solved for thermal diffusion of gradually varying state properties, and an inverse method is used to determine the parameters so that the properties and G can be simultaneously obtained at a site of measurement. Comparison and validation against data from a numerical model and experimental‐site measurements indicate well agreement and consistency. The retrieved G reveals relatively larger in scale that indicates a non‐negligible disparity from the under‐surface plate measured and the estimations by previous heat‐correction methods, suggesting that G should be regarded more significant in roles for the studies of near‐surface processes, particularly in rather dry conditions and in sub‐diurnal time scale. The present inversion provides some insights into the soil thermal physics of the land surface. Finally, a formula is suggested for the completion of the plate‐based heat flux measurements. Plain Language Summary: Being of a critical component for land surface energy and a link to the cycles of water and other masses, various methods were proposed to estimate the ground surface‐soil heat flux. However, even the most accurate model might not be able to provide an acceptable value in the field owing to the lack of directly measured flux and its associated intricate state properties in the ground surface soil layer. This study provides an analytical method to solve the problem of gradually varying thermal state utilizing advantages of the proposed analytical solution to integrate an analytical inversion for the state parameters using measured temperatures and soil heat flux at the sensors level. We believe that this study made contribution in this direction because the proposed way can simultaneously reconstruct the in situ thermal state and retrieve the surface flux without knowing the parameters beforehand. Therefore, it should interest the readership of JGR‐Atmospheres, as cycles of local and global heat, water, and other masses are closely related to the surface soil regulation that is still not yet well understood. Therefore, the proposed method can be instrumental in better acquiring and understanding the processes of these global processes. Key Points: We proposed an analytic solution and a parameter inversion method for ground surface soil thermal problem under gradually varying conditionsThe state property and ground surface heat flux can be simultaneously inversed and retrieved from soil measurements in situSome evidences, such as surface energy balance and hysteresis effect, were preliminarily revealed from the single experimental site data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages are a key and heterogeneous cell population involved in endometrial repair and regeneration during the menstrual cycle, but their role in the development of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) and sequential endometrial fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we reported that CD301+ macrophages were significantly increased and showed their most active interaction with profibrotic cells in the endometria of IUA patients compared with the normal endometria by single‐cell RNA sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and experimental verification. Increasing CD301+ macrophages promoted the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into myofibroblasts and resulted in extracellular matrix accumulation, which destroyed the physiological architecture of endometrial tissue, drove endometrial fibrosis, and ultimately led to female infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mechanistically, CD301+ macrophages secreted GAS6 to activate the AXL/NF‐κB pathway, upregulating the profibrotic protein synthesis. Targeted deletion of CD301+ macrophages or inhibition of AXL by Bemcentinib blunted the pathology and improved the outcomes of pregnancy in mice, supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting CD301+ macrophages for treating endometrial fibrosis. Synopsis: This study highlights the role of CD301+ macrophages in facilitating endometrial fibrosis in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) through the GAS6/AXL/NF‐κB pathway. By depleting CD301+ macrophages or employing the pharmacological inhibitor Bemcentinib to target AXL, the progression of fibrosis can be suppressed, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes in mice. CD301+ macrophages exhibit elevated levels in the endometrial fibrosis of IUA patients.CD301+ macrophages secrete GAS6, activating the AXL/NF‐κB pathway and promoting fibrosis.Depletion of CD301+ macrophages or treatment with the AXL inhibitor Bemcentinib shows promising potential for treating endometrial fibrosis and enhancing pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of anticipatory emotions induced by episodic future thinking on the basic decision‐process of delay discounting and preventive behaviors during the most stringent COVID‐19 "lockdown" period in China. We define anticipatory emotions as any discrete emotions induced from anticipating decision outcomes and felt during decision‐making. In an online study conducted with healthy volunteers, anticipatory emotions were induced and appraised by asking participants to rate various emotions they feel when thinking they may be infected by COVID‐19 (N = 246). The participants in the control group reported their present emotions during the COVID‐19 pandemic (N = 245). Compared with the control group, the participants in the anticipatory emotion group had a higher future‐oriented preference for monetary rewards, with a significantly lower delay discounting rate. These participants also had a higher intention to engage in proactive, preventive behaviors. The likelihood estimate of being infected by COVID‐19 mediated these effects. Moreover, anticipatory disgust increased the preference for larger‐and‐later rewards. Anticipatory emotions induced by future thinking guide fast and rational decision‐making in a health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess whether PGT conducted with previously untested vitrified embryos affect the clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 49 patients who underwent biopsy on vitrification‐warming embryos for PGT were enrolled from January 2016 to January 2019. The cleavage‐stage embryos were thawed and cultured into the blastocyst stage for biopsy. During this period, 195 patients underwent routine PGT and FET, whose embryos were biopsied before frozen were used as the control group. The clinical outcomes were further compared between the two groups after a 1:2 PSM. Results: There were 47 transferable blastocysts in 30 patients, while 19 patients without transferable embryos, who performed biopsy on vitrification‐warming embryos for PGT. During this study period, 27 patients have already underwent FET with the clinical pregnancy rate was 66.7% (18/27). After 1:2 PSM, 24 patients in the biopsy on vitrification‐warming embryo group and 48 patients in the control group were compared, the clinical pregnancy rate (68.8% vs. 70.8%, p = 0.86), miscarriage rate (18.2% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.86), or live birth rate (52.1% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.40) had no significant difference. And the transferable blastocyst rate or the clinical pregnancy rate in the vitrification‐warming cleavage‐stage embryo group was not significantly different from those in the vitrification‐warming blastocyst group. In addition, the PGT clinical outcomes of biopsy on vitrification‐warming embryos had no significant difference between IVF‐fertilized embryos and ICSI‐fertilized embryos. Conclusion: Biopsy on the vitrification‐warming embryos with a dual vitrified cryopreservation does not affect the embryo quality or the PGT clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS) has been shown to be effective in diagnosing muscle invasion of bladder cancer (BC) in primary patients. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of VI‐RADS in a BC target population which included post‐treatment patients, and to determine the repeatability. Study Type: Prospective. Population Seventy‐three patients (42 with primary BC, 31 with post‐treatment BC). Field Strength/Sequence: 3.0 T MRI with propeller fast spin‐echo T2WI, echo planer imaging diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (DCEI). Assessment VI‐RADS scores were independently assessed by five radiologists with different levels of experience. The diagnostic efficiency in each group (primary and post‐treatment) and of each radiologist was assessed. Statistical Tests: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were calculated to evaluate VI‐RADS diagnostic performance. Interobserver agreement was assessed using weighted Kappa statistics. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: At the corresponding cut‐off, AUC values of three groups range from 0.936 to 0.947 and AUC values of five observers range from 0.901 to 0.963. There was no significant difference between the AUCs in the primary and post‐treatment groups (P = 0.870). The cut‐off of the whole group and the post‐treatment group was ≥4, and the cut‐off of the primary group was ≥3. The Kappa values of interobserver agreements range from 0.709 to 0.923. Conclusions: After expanding the target population to include post‐treatment patients, VI‐RADS still has good diagnostic efficacy and repeatability. VI‐RADS could potentially be a preoperative staging tool for post‐treatment patients. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem, precise functional and pathological assessment is beneficial to better treatment. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can evaluate non‐Gaussian diffusion and may help to assess renal pathology and function. Purpose: To assess pathological and functional alterations in CKD using DKI compared with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). Study Type: Prospective study. Population: 70 CKD patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Field Strength: 1.5 T. Assessment: All participants underwent DKI, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) of renal parenchyma were acquired. Correlation between renal parenchymal ADC, MD, MK, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), pathological scores were assessed. The diagnostic efficacy of ADC, MD, and MK for assessing the degree of renal pathological injury were compared. Statistical Tests: ANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis. Results: The cortical ADC, MD were significantly higher than medulla for all participants, whereas medullary MK was significantly higher than cortex (P < 0.01). Whether eGFR reduced or not, renal parenchymal MK were significantly higher in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between eGFR and ADC (cortex, r = 0.562; medulla, r = 0.527), and negative correlation between eGFR and MK (cortex, r = −0.786; medulla, r = −0.709) (all P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between MK and glomerular injury (cortex, r = 0.681; medulla, r = 0.652), tubulointerstitial lesion (cortex, r = 0.650; medulla, r = 0.599) (all P < 0.001). For discrimination between mild and m‐s renal injury group, the AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.723, 0.655, 0.864 and medulla: 0.718, 0.581, 0.829. The AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.708, 0.679, 0.770 and medulla: 0.713, 0.830, 0.780 for differentiating control group from mild renal injury group. Data Conclusion: DKI is practicable for noninvasive assessment of renal pathology and function of CKD, DKI offer better diagnostic performance than DWI. Evidence Level : 1 Technical Efficacy : 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the temperature dependence of small signal performance of GaN‐on‐diamond high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) at an ambient temperature range from 0°C to 125°C. The temperature influence on the parasitic resistances together with the intrinsic parameters is investigated, and the temperature coefficients of these parameters are extracted from measured data. For comparison, a GaN‐on‐SiC device is also investigated. These results are important for the development and application of the GaN‐on‐diamond HEMT technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of copolymers are prepared via cationic ring‐opening polymerization with 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) and trioxymethylene (TOM) as monomers. The crystallization behaviors of the copolymers can be suppressed by adjusting the ratio of DOL/TOM. With LiBF4 as a source for a BF3 initiator, copolymer electrolytes (CPEs) can be prepared in situ inside cells without needing nonelectrolyte catalysts or initiators. The ionic conductivities and Li+ diffusion coefficients (DLi+) of the CPEs increase with a decreasing DOL/TOM ratio in a certain range. The CPE with a DOL/TOM ratio of 8/2 has the highest ionic conductivity as well as DLi+ and shows excellent interfacial compatibility with lithium (Li) metal anodes. Li–Li symmetric cells can be uniformly plated/stripped for more than 1200 h. Furthermore, LiFePO4–Li cells with 8/2‐CPE display stable cycling performance for over 400 cycles. This strategy is a promising approach for the preparation of high‐performance polymer electrolytes and is sure to promote their application in Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a low‐power 16‐bit 1‐MS/s successive approximation register analogue‐to‐digital converter (SAR ADC) for medical instrument applications. A foreground digital‐domain calibration method simultaneously correcting mismatch errors in capacitive digital‐to‐analogue converter (CDAC) and 'segment error' of split‐CDAC array is proposed. The split‐CDAC architecture combines a Vcm‐free technique in a floating CDAC scheme. The Vcm‐free technique avoids a power hungry Vcm generator, and the floating CDAC scheme allows the conversion of a high‐voltage input signal with low supply voltage and without a significant attenuation of the input signal. Moreover, a modified direct‐switching SAR logic is adopted to improve the conversion speed. The prototype was fabricated in a 0.18 µm 1P6M Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology, and achieves 86.16 dB signal‐to‐noise and distortion ratio and an Figure of Merit (FOM) of 0.41 pJ/conversion‐step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Because chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide problem, accurate pathological and functional evaluation is required for planning treatment and follow-up. Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can assess both capillary perfusion and tissue diffusion and may be helpful in evaluating renal function and pathology.Purpose: To evaluate functional and pathological alterations in CKD by applying IVIM-DWI.Study Type: Prospective study.Subjects: In all, 72 CKD patients who required renal biopsy and 20 healthy volunteers.Field Strength: 1.5T.Assessment: All subjects underwent IVIM-DWI of the kidneys, and image analysis was performed by two radiologists. The mean values of true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were acquired from renal parenchyma. Correlation between IVIM-DWI parameters and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as pathological damage, were assessed.Statistical Tests: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired sample t-test and Spearman correlation analysis.Results: The paired sample t-test revealed that IVIM-DWI parameters were significantly lower in medulla than cortex for both patients and controls (P < 0.01). Regardless of whether eGFR was reduced, ANOVA revealed that f values of renal parenchyma were significantly lower in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between eGFR and D (cortex, r = 0.466, P < 0.001; medulla, r = 0.491, P < 0.001), and between eGFR and f (cortex, r = 0.713, P < 0.001; medulla, r = 0.512, P < 0.001). Negative correlations were found between f and glomerular injury (cortex, r = -0.773, P < 0.001; medulla, r = -0.629, P < 0.001), and between f and tubulointerstitial lesion (cortex, r = -0.728, P < 0.001; medulla, r = -0.547, P < 0.001).Data Conclusion: IVIM-DWI might be feasible for noninvasive evaluation of renal function and pathology of CKD, especially in detection of renal insufficiency at an early stage.Level Of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1251-1259. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust 0.1‐µm GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) technology is developed for high‐speed mixed‐signal circuits of considerable complexity. The baseline 0.1‐µm depletion‐mode HEMT exhibits a peak cut‐off frequency of 100 GHz and a peak maximum oscillation frequency of 165 GHz. A 501‐stage monolithically integrated enhancement/depletion‐mode ring oscillator incorporating 1006 GaN HEMTs is demonstrated with a low propagation delay of 7.3 ps/stage, verifying the uniformity and high performance of the devices. For the first time, a 16 GS/s 3‐bit digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) core using GaN technology is implemented. A static output voltage swing as large as 1.5 V is achieved, validating the advantage of GaN technology for use in large‐dynamic‐range circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem To define a more precise parameter for a better understanding of natural killer ( NK) cells and its relation with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in women with recurrent implantation failure ( RIF). Method of study The percentages of CD56+ cells, CD57+ cells and Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium and blood from 23 normal controls and 32 women with RIF were measured by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Results Women with RIF had significantly increased ratio of CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells in both the endometrium ( P<.01) and blood ( P<.05), and decreased percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium ( P<.05). There was a significant negative correlation between CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio and the percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the blood of RIF patients ( P<.05). Conclusion Our study provides a novel assessment parameter, CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio, to evaluate NK cells and its relation with Tregs in RIF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were used as a sustainable additive to improve the hydrophilicity, permeability, antifouling, and mechanical properties of blend membranes. Different CNC loadings (0-1.2 wt %) in cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were studied. The blend membranes were prepared by a phase-inversion process, and their chemical structure and morphological properties were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, porosity, and mean pore size and contact angle measurement. The blend membranes became more porous and more interconnected after the addition of CNCs. The thickness of the top layer decreased and a few large holes in the porous substrate appeared with increasing CNC loading. In comparison with the pure CA membranes, the pure water flux of the blend membranes increased with increasing CNC loading. It reaches a maximum value of 76 L m−2 h−1 when the CNC loading was 0.5 wt %. The antifouling properties of the CA membrane were significantly improved after the addition of CNCs, and the flux recovery ratio value increased to 68% with the addition of 0.5 wt % CNCs. In comparison with that of the pure CA membranes, the tensile strength of the composite membranes increased by 47%. This study demonstrated the importance of using sustainable CNCs to achieve great improvements in the physical and chemical performance of CA ultrafiltration membranes and provided an efficient method for preparing high-performance membranes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43946. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolithically integrated enhancement/depletion (E/D)-mode AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) are being developed for high-speed mixed-signal applications. Partially recessed gate combined with buffered gate insulator produce remarkably improved trade-off between the threshold voltage (1.4 V) and current density (848 mA mm−1) in the E-mode device. Record peak transconductances of 311 and 248 mA mm−1 are obtained for D- and E-mode MIS-HEMTs, respectively. A direct-coupled FET logic (DCFL) 51-stage ring oscillator implemented using the MIS-HEMT technique is fabricated, which exhibits high-speed performance with an oscillation frequency of 908 MHz and a high output voltage swing of 1.48 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual‐mode complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) receiver operating from 1 to 2 GHz is presented. The proposed receiver employs a switchable low‐noise amplifier (LNA) and two separated down‐conversion paths to realise dual‐mode operation. For receiving weak signals without large blockers, the receiver works in the high‐gain mode which adopts the common gate (CG)–common source (CS) LNA and the active‐mixer‐based down‐conversion path to achieve high gain and low noise figure (NF). In the case of large in‐band blockers, the receiver works in the high linearity mode, which uses the LNA as a low‐noise transimpedance amplifier followed by a 25% duty‐cycle current‐driving passive mixer and a transimpedance amplifier based on current buffer to obtain high in‐band linearity. Implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology, this receiver achieves 4.9 dB NF and a voltage gain range of 29.4–92.6 dB in high‐gain mode, whereas +0.9 dBm in‐band input‐referred third‐order interception and a voltage gain range of 15.8–20.1 dB in high linearity mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationships between changes in serum urate levels and dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) results during urate-lowering therapy (ULT) and to investigate the effects of treatment duration and drugs on changes in DE-CT results. Methods: Forty-four patients diagnosed with gout were enrolled in this investigation. DE-CT was conducted on the foot at baseline and the end of follow-up (6-24 months). Crystals were classified as: (i) L, number of large crystals with diameter ≥ 3 mm; (ii) S, number of small crystals with diameter < 3 mm; (iii) T, total number of crystals; and (iv) Vmax, volume of the maximal crystal. Results: Number of urate crystals (L, S as well as T) and Vmax decreased significantly through ULT. Significant decrease of urate crystal numbers and/or Vmax was observed in different follow-up groups, and the decrease in serum urate levels was positively related to the decrease of T (r = 0.43, P = 0.04) and Vmax (r = 0.63, P = 0.04). Moreover, analysis of covariance results demonstrated significant effects of treatment duration and serum urate levels on results of DE-CT. Conclusion: Both urate crystal numbers and Vmax decreased significantly during ULT. Additionally, ULT duration and serum urate levels had significant effects on the decrease of Vmax and number of large crystals measured by DE-CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and its oxidized product dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) were introduced as the reinforcing filler in epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) thermosetting polymer. The composites comprising up to 25 wt % cellulose fillers were obtained via a solution casting. The reinforcing effects of the cellulose were evaluated by microstructure analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile and thermal stability tests. The results showed that at the same filler concentration, DAC led to higher stretching strength, modulus, and break elongation than MCC. The 5 wt % DAC loading in ESO polymer exhibits the highest toughness and thermal stability due to the good dispersion and interfacial interaction between DAC and ESO polymer matrix. The increased storage modulus and glass transition temperature also indicate the cellulose fillers impart stiffness to the composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42488. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter proposes an operational‐amplifier free with an embedded passive gain technique to implement an oversampling, noise shaping successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs. In the proposed scheme, the comparator noise, quantisation noise, settling errors and DAC thermal noise are alleviated. A third‐order noise shaping SAR ADC with inserted passive gain design in 40 nm CMOS technology is well suited for low power application because of using passive elements like capacitors and switches. Due to the oversampling and shaping scheme, the structure can be used for high‐speed and high‐resolution operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate features of urate deposition in gout and the association between these features and attacks of gouty arthritis using dual-energy computed tomography ( CT). Methods Dual-energy CT scans of both feet were performed in 80 consecutive patients with gout and 22 with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Results Overall, 333 areas of urate deposition were found in patients with gout. The most commonly affected sites were the first metatarsophalangeal joint ( MPJ; 57/333), the distal area of the first toe (59/333) and the calcaneal bone (61/333). For episodes of the first MPJ arthritis, urate deposits in the flexor pollicis longus muscle tendon ( P = 0.02), as well as solitary and punctate depositions ( P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) were positively related to the acute attacks. For episodes of arthritis around the ankle, deposits in the area, including the talus and inferior tibia, were associated with attacks of arthritis at the ankle ( P = 0.02); additionally, deposits in the flexor tendon adjacent to the inferior tibia ( P < 0.01) and a punctiform conformation were significantly associated with attacks of arthritis ( P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed that deposits around the first MPJ ( OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.32, 8.17) or around the talus and inferior tibia ( OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.11, 7.15) would increase the risk of an attack of arthritis. Conclusions Dual-energy CT imaging can be used to detect and analyze the features of urate deposition in patients with gout. Specific features of the deposits appeared to be associated with acute attacks of gouty arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physics-based models have been increasingly developed in recent years and applied to simulate the braiding process and evolution of channel units in braided rivers. However, limited attention is given to lowland braided rivers where the transport of suspended sediment plays a dominant role. In the present study, a numerical model based on the basic physics laws of hydrodynamics and sediment transport is used to simulate the evolution process of a braided river dominated by suspended load transport. The model employs a fractional method to simulate the transport of graded sediments and uses a multiple-bed-layer approach to represent the sediment sorting process. An idealized braided river has been produced, with the hydrodynamic, sediment transport and morphological processes being analysed. In particular, the formation process of local pool-bar units in the predicted river has been investigated. A sensitivity analysis has also been undertaken to investigate the effects of grid resolution and an upstream perturbation on the model prediction. A variety of methods are applied to analyse the geometrical and topographical properties of the modelled river. Self-organizing characteristics related to river geometry and topography are analysed by state-space plots, which indicate a close relationship with the periodical erosion and deposition cycles of braiding. Cross-sectional topography and slope frequency display similar geometries to natural rivers. Scaling characteristics are found by correlation analysis of bar parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dams affect ecosystems, but their physical link to the variations in fluvial fluxes and downstream ecological consequences are inadequately understood. After estimating the current effects of the Three Gorges project and other reservoirs upstream on the Yangtze River on the fluvial phosphorus (P) in the middle and lower Yangtze River, we further investigated the long-term effects of dams on the fluvial regimes of P and P-enriched sediment (PES). Simultaneously measured P distributions with sediment size (PDSS) from the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) proved that the areal density of particulate P (PP) bound on graded sediment can be measured using the surface area concentration of the total sediment. A PDSS relationship is obtained and the selective transport and long-term sedimentation of P are simulated using a nonuniform suspended sediment model, which incorporates the PDSS formula. The computations revealed that a reservoir would significantly lower the downstream availability of P in the dry season and promote high pulses of P in summer when the reservoir is flushed as sedimentation accumulates. As a result, the P buffering and replenishing mechanism in the pristine ecosystem from upstream supplies and local re-suspension are permanently eliminated when a regulating reservoir is built upstream. This change is irreversible if reservoir regulation continues. Changes could potentially aggravate the existing P-limitation, decrease the water's ability to adjust nutrient/pollutant fluctuations, accumulate a greater surplus of carbon and nitrogen, and even exacerbate blooms in favorable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct conversion transmitter with low noise and low power is presented in this article.A quadrature driver amplifier is used to remove the Inphase-Quadrature crosstalk in a passive mixer operating with 50% duty cycle local oscillator (LO). In the quadrature LO generation, an inductor-less injection-locked frequency divider is utilized to reduce the phase noise contribution with cost of a small current and area. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS process, a transmitter prototype is designed for wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) application. Measurement results show that the proposed transmitter achieves 1 dBm maximum output power at 2.53 GHz, 1.7% error vector magnitude (EVM), and −158.5 dBc/Hz output noise at the receiver (RX) band, eliminating the need for the surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter in a traditional transmitter design, with an area of 0.18 mm2 and a total power consumption of 37.8 mW. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1217-1221, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27571 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We have developed a morphologic method to investigate the relaxation processing of the stretched polymer chains in melts, in which an atomic force microscope probe was used to shear the surface of an isotactic polypropylene melt to obtain the isolated shish-kebab structure. We present the results of the time dependence of length of the isolated shish-kebab structure and the stress dependence of the kebab density along the direction of shish in this paper. Our results demonstrate that the shear-oriented polymer melts show the relaxation dynamics of worm-like chain where the length deficit of the isolated shish-kebab structure is scaled with the relaxation time as a power of 1/3. The melting behavior of shish-kebab structure was also investigated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 907-914 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymethacrylate with semiconducting side chains ( P1), synthesized by free radical polymerization, was used as a donor material for polymer solar cells. P1 is of high molecular weight ( Mn = 82 kg mol−1), good thermal stability, narrow band gap (1.87 eV), and low-lying HOMO energy level (−5.24 eV). P1 possesses not only the good film-forming ability of polymers but also the high purity of small organic molecules. Power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 0.63% and 1.22% have been obtained for solar cells with M1:PC71BM and P1:PC71BM as the active layers, respectively. With PC61BM as the acceptor, PCEs of M1 and P1 based devices decrease to 0.61% and 0.76%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that free radical polymerization can be used to prepare polymer donors for photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem The objective of this study was to determine whether there was any association between the peripheral blood CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells ( Treg cells) and implantation success in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization ( IVF) treatment. Method of study Prospective observational study of 101 randomly selected women who underwent IVF treatment for tubal factor from May 2011 to June 2011. The percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells and the expression levels of Foxp3 and CTLA4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs) were recorded and their relations to IVF treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results Treg cells were significantly elevated in the pregnant group ( P = 0.03). The expression level of Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs from pregnant group also significantly increased ( P = 0.02). A receiver operating characteristic analysis (area under curve = 0.631) found that those women with Treg cells >0.6%, the pregnancy rate and live birth rate were much higher as compared to women with Treg cells below this level ( P < 0.05). An increase of Treg cells in the peripheral blood was associated with a better IVF treatment outcome ( OR 4.3, 95% CI = 1.76-10.48), with a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 71%. Conclusion An elevated level of circulating Treg cells was associated with increased rates of pregnancy and live birth in IVF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a 0.5 V X-band low noise amplifier (LNA) composed of two common-source stages is designed and fabricated with 0.18 um CMOS technology.Based on the structure of cascaded common-source stages and forward body bias technology, the supply voltage is reduced. Measurement results show that the circuit can operate at supply voltage of 0.5 V with 8 mA current occupation. The gain is 9.1 dB, noise figure is 5.0 dB, and IIP3 is −8.5 dBm at frequency of 8.9 GHz. The whole performance of the amplifier defined by two kinds of figure-of-merits is compared with some published LNAs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:17-20, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25641 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Extensive studies have demonstrated that Th1 type immunity is predominant in pre-eclampsia, but there is little concern with regard to the intracellular mechanisms behind this initial T-cell polarization. In this study, we investigated whether the imbalance of the T-cell transcription factors contributes to it. Method of study A total of 15 pre-eclamptic patients and 15 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The expression levels of transcription factors for Th1 (T-bet), Th2 (GATA3), Th17 (RORc) and Treg (FOXP3) cells, together with the Th1/Th2 status, were simultaneously investigated in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and decidua. Results The expression levels of FOXP3 mRNA were decreased in both PBMCs and decidua from pre-eclamptic patients compared with healthy pregnant women ( P < 0.05), and T-bet mRNA and RORc mRNA were significantly increased ( P < 0.05), while Th1/Th2 balance shifted toward the Th1 immunity. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between FOXP3 mRNA and Th1 cells ( P < 0.05), and the expression level of T-bet mRNA correlated strongly with Th1 cells ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Decreased expression of FOXP3 mRNA and increased expression of T-bet mRNA may contribute to Th1 type immunity predominant in pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal human prostate (NHP) epithelial cells undergo senescence in vitro and in vivo but the potential role of senescent NHP cells in prostate tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here we show that senescent NHP cells enhance the in vivo tumorigenicity of low-tumorigenic LNCaP prostate cancer and low/non-tumorigenic subset of cells (called L cells) isolated from multiple bulk-cultured prostate (and other) cancer cell lines. Subsequent studies suggest cell-cell fusion as a potential mechanism for senescent NHP cell-enhanced tumor development. Using fluorescently tagged tumor cells and/or NHP cells, we find that NHP cells, like fibroblasts, can undergo fusion with unfractionated tumor cells or the L cells. Using 293T-L cells as the model cell system, we verify NHP and 293T-L cell fusion by using differential RT-PCR, karyotyping, and gene expression analyses. Further experiments demonstrate that senescent NHP cells that have lost progenitor markers, accumulated p16INK4a (p16) protein expression, and acquired the AR mRNA expression, appear to be the preferential fusion targets. Strikingly, the tumorigenicity of the NHP/293T-L hybrid cells was inhibited by exogenous p16 as well as hTERT. Chromosomal analyses revealed that hTERT probably inhibited the in vivo tumorigenicity by maintaining genomic stability. These results suggest that senescent NHP cells, like senescent fibroblasts, may promote tumor development and that one of the mechanisms underlying the senescent NHP cell-enhanced tumorigenicity could be through cell fusion. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) metal anodes are regarded as a promising pathway to meet the rapidly growing requirements on high energy density cells, owing to their highest gravimetric capacity (3840 mAh g−1) and their lowest redox potential. The application of Li metal anodes, however, is still hindered by undesired dendrites formation and endless consumption of liquid electrolyte due to a continuous reaction on interface of electrolyte/Li‐metal without a stable solid–electrolyte–interface (SEI) layer. A stable protection layer is formed on Li metal anode by in situ transferring the coating layer from polymer separator. The Li anode protection strategy is developed with an in situ formed protection layer transferred through the reduction of a coating layer on polymer separator. A PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) coating layer on polypropylene (PP) separator is reduced by Li metal anode to produce a Pb metal containing composite layer, which could form Pb–Li alloy and adhere to the surface of Li metal anode after the reaction and improves the Li plating/stripping efficiency owing to the formation of a more homogenized electric field. Both the Li/Li symmetric cells and LiFePO4/Li cells with this PZT precoated PP separators exhibit significantly improved Coulombic efficiency and cycling life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that investigates geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REE) of Baijintaizi gold deposit in Kang Ding County, Si Chuan Province, China. The study mentions that granite, silicide granite shows strongly negative Europium (Eu) anomaly whereas pyrite and quartz mineral of gold-bearing quartz vein in the deposit shows positive Eu anomalies. Also the study reveals that the deposit may be associated with deep magma.

The article discusses the research study conducted to examine the geological features and genesis of Scheelite Deposit in Pingtan, Chengbu County, Hunan Province, China. Topics discussed include exposure of magmatic rock, stratum, and ore structure, genesis of mineral deposits and tectonic fracture zone, and metasomatic deposit.

Problem: To define a more precise parameter for a better understanding of natural killer (NK) cells and its relation with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF)., Method of Study: The percentages of CD56+ cells, CD57+ cells and Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium and blood from 23 normal controls and 32 women with RIF were measured by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry., Results: Women with RIF had significantly increased ratio of CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells in both the endometrium (P<.01) and blood (P<.05), and decreased percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium (P<.05). There was a significant negative correlation between CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio and the percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the blood of RIF patients (P<.05)., Conclusion: Our study provides a novel assessment parameter, CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio, to evaluate NK cells and its relation with Tregs in RIF patients., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)