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Ting Duan,1,2,* Xin Yang,3,* Jingyu Kuang,4 Wenjie Sun,3 Jin Li,3 Juan Ge,3 Mohan Zhang,3 Xiaobo Cai,3 Peilin Yu,3 Jun Yang,5 Xinqiang Zhu6 1School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410073, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, People’s Republic of China; 6Medical Research Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xinqiang Zhu; Jun Yang, Email zhuxq@zju.edu.cn; gastate@zju.edu.cnPurpose: The uncoordinated-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase involved in autophagy, especially for the initiation stage. Previous studies have shown that ULK1 could be used as a prognostic marker in predicting poor progression-free survival and a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when treated with sorafenib; however, its role during hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be elucidated.Methods: CCK8 and colony formation assay were used to detect cell growth ability. Western blotting was performed to determine expression level of protein. Data from public database were downloaded to analyze expression of ULK1 at mRNA level and predict survival time. RNA-seq was conducted to reveal disturbed gene profile orchestrated by ULK1 depletion. A diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mice model was used to uncover the role of ULK1 in hepatocarcinogenesis.Results: ULK1 was up-regulated in liver cancer tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of ULK1 promoted apoptosis and suppressed proliferation of liver cancer cells. In in vivo experiments, Ulk1 depletion attenuated starvation-induced autophagy in mice liver, reduced diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic tumor number and size, and prevented tumor progression. Further, RNA-seq analysis revealed a close relationship between Ulk1 and immunity with significant changes in gene sets enriched in the interleukin and interferon pathways.Conclusion: ULK1 deficiency prevented hepatocarcinogenesis and inhibited hepatic tumor growth, and might be a molecular target for the prevention and treatment of HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, ULK1, RNA-sequencing, apoptosis, autophagy

Yuan Yang,1,2 Ting Cui,1 Zuoxiao Li,2 Jinglun Li,2 Ting Duan,3 Zhengzhou Yuan,2 Changyi Wang,1 Jincheng Wan,1 Cao Li,4 Shujiang Zhang,2 Ling Li,2 Fayun Hu,1 Bo Wu1 1Center of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Bo Wu; Fayun Hu, Center of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18980602142 ; +86-15902861270, Email dr.bowu@hotmail.com; hufayun2006@163.comObjective: This study examined the functional outcomes and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients owing to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation, presented during a late-time window (6– 24 hours after last seen well (LSW)) in a real-world practice.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis from a bi-center prospective cohort. According to the stroke treatment, patients with continuous Alberta Stroke Plan Early Aspect score (ASPECTS) ≥ 6 on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and moderate to good collateral state on CT angiography (CTA) were divided into EVT group and standard medical treatment (SMT) group. The primary outcome was the rate of functional independence (90-day mRS ≤ 2). Safety outcomes were the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and the 90-day mortality.Results: Among the 288 enrolled patients (53.5% male, median age 64 years), there were 167 patients in the EVT group and 121 in the SMT group. After multivariable adjustments for potential confounders, EVT was associated with functional independence (adjusted OR: 3.052; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.553– 5.997; p = 0.001). In the PSM cohort, 44.2% (42/95) of patients in the EVT group versus 18.9% (18/95) in the SMT group achieved functional independence (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.763– 6.517), and there was a significant difference favoring EVT over the SMT in the overall distribution of mRS (OR: 2.170, 95% CI: 1.302– 3.618) at 90 days. The rate of sICH did not differ between the EVT and SMT groups (10.5% vs 8.4%, p = 0.804) nor did 90-day mortality (18.9% vs 22.1%, p = 0.719). No interaction was found in p-values with statistical significance in subgroup analysis.Conclusion: This real-world experience suggests that EVT for late-presenting stroke patients, based on small core on NCCT and moderate to good collaterals on CTA, is associated with better outcomes than SMT alone, with no increase in sICH and 90-day mortality rates.Keywords: endovascular treatment, late time window, propensity score matching, real-world study

Objective: To assess the association between adenomyosis volume, as a reflection of its severity, and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at a comprehensive tertiary care institution and a tertiary maternal and child healthcare hospital, which are the main types of hospital providing maternal medical care in China. The study included pregnant women without adenomyosis (non‐AD cohort) who delivered between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021, and women with pregnancy complicated by adenomyosis (AD cohort) who delivered between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. Adenomyosis was diagnosed and measured using transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound up to 14 weeks of gestation. The adenomyosis volume (V) was calculated based on the sonographic measurement of three dimensions, using the formula V = (length × width × thickness) × 4/3π. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between adenomyosis and the risk of pregnancy complications. We also performed a sensitivity analysis among 226 pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis that had volume measurements available and 10 507 pregnancies without adenomyosis, using as a threshold for severe adenomyosis the 3rd quartile of adenomyosis volume. Results: The study group included 10 507 pregnant women in the non‐AD cohort and 321 in the AD cohort. Pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis had an increased risk of preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.39 (95% CI, 1.65–3.48)), spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (aOR, 2.57 (95% CI, 1.54–4.28)), placenta previa (aOR, 2.57 (95% CI, 1.41–4.67)), cervical incompetence (aOR, 9.70 (95% CI, 4.00–23.55)) and abnormal fetal presentation (aOR, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.39–3.00)), and there was also a non‐significant trend toward increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (aOR, 1.64 (95% CI, 0.94–2.85)). Sensitivity analysis revealed there was a greater risk in pregnancies with severe (≥ 757.5 cm3) vs mild adenomyosis of preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (aOR, 5.50 (95% CI, 2.80–10.82) vs aOR, 1.73 (95% CI, 0.98–3.05)), pre‐eclampsia (aOR, 4.94 (95% CI, 2.11–11.58) vs aOR, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.41–2.58)), placenta previa (aOR, 6.37 (95% CI, 2.39–17.04) vs aOR, 1.58 (95% CI, 0.60–4.19)) and cervical incompetence (aOR, 12.79 (95% CI, 2.87–56.93) vs aOR, 4.97 (95% CI, 1.25–19.77)) compared to pregnancies without adenomyosis. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks and the risk of abnormal fetal presentation was similar between the two subgroups. Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis, particularly those with severe adenomyosis, have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, placenta previa, cervical incompetence and abnormal fetal presentation. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tita Alissa Listyowardojo,1 Xiaoling Yan,2,3 Stephen Leyshon,1 Bobbie Ray-Sannerud,1 Xin Yan Yu,4 Kai Zheng,4 Tao Duan2,3 1Life Sciences Program, Group Technology and Research, DNV GL, Hovik, Norway; 2Quality and Safety Department, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, 3Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 4Healthcare Department, Business Assurance, DNV GL, Beijing, China Objective: To assess safety culture at a public maternity hospital in Shanghai, China, using a sequential mixed methods approach. The study was part of a bigger study looking at the application of the mixed methods approach to assess safety culture in health care in different organizations and countries.Methodology: A mixed methods approach was utilized by first distributing the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire measuring six safety culture dimensions and five independent items to all hospital staff (n=1482) working in 18 departments at a single hospital. Afterward, semistructured interviews were conducted using convenience sampling, where 48 hospital staff from nine departments at the same hospital were individually interviewed.Results: The survey received a response rate of 96%. The survey findings show significant differences between the hospital departments in almost all safety culture dimensions and independent items. Similarly, the interview findings revealed that there were different, competing priorities between departments perceived to result in a reduced quality of collaboration and bottlenecks in care delivery. Another major finding was that staff who worked more hours per week would perceive working conditions significantly more negatively. Issues related to working conditions were also the most common concerns discussed in the interviews, especially the issue on high workload. High workload was also reflected in the fact that 91.45% of survey respondents reported that they worked 40 hours or longer per week. Finally, interview findings complemented survey findings, thus providing a more complete and accurate picture of safety culture.Conclusion: Hospital leaders need to prioritize interventions focused on improving the quality of cross-department collaboration and reducing workload. A mixed methods assessment of safety culture provides more meaningful, targeted results, enabling leaders to prioritize and tailor improvement efforts to increase the impact of an intervention. Keywords: semi-structured interview, survey, one child policy, the safety attitudes questionnaire, safety climate

With the rapid development of China's dairy farming industry, it becomes difficult to breed and manage the increasing number of dairy cows. The smart agricultural enabled by edging techniques such as smart sensor, IoT, machine learning, etc. shows great potential to improve the scientific breeding and management of dairy cows. Using machine learning assisted computer vision to identify and classify the behavior of dairy cows can quickly determine the health status of dairy cows and improve management efficiency. However, there are still some challenges need to be addressed in the current behavior recognition of dairy cows. Due to the more complex background of dairy farms, the increase in the number of cows makes the mutual shading problem of dairy cows serious, which leads to the low efficiency of dairy cow behavior recognition. To address this challenge, this paper collected and labeled four types of 1,660 dairy daily behavior datasets and proposed a residual neural network (ResNet)-based dairy daily behavior recognition model. Experiments show that the proposed method is far superior to the baseline method in accuracy performance, and it provides inspiration for the behavior recognition of cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The perinatal outcomes in second-trimester abdominal circumference (AC) discordant twins are yet to be established. The aim of this study was to ascertain perinatal risks associated with second-trimester AC discordance in monochorionic (MC) twins. Method: We conducted a retrospective study of all MC twin pregnancies over a 7-year period. Intertwin AC discordance at 14–26 gestational weeks was analyzed in relation to Doppler abnormalities, obstetric complications, and perinatal adverse outcomes. Results: A total of 246 MC twin pregnancies were included in the analysis. The smaller twins of second-trimester AC discordant pairs were at increased prevalence of abnormal umbilical artery flow (50% versus 24%, p < .001) and low positive A wave of ductus venous flow (24% versus 9%, p = .002). The second-trimester AC discordant twins were at increased risk of oligohydramnios in smaller twin (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.37–4.32, p < .01), cardiomegaly in larger twin (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.01–8.60, p < .05), birth weight of either twin below the 10th percentile for gestational age (OR = 5.56, 95% CI = 2.67–11.59, p < .001), birth weight discordance > 25% (OR = 9.41, 95% CI = 4.46–19.87, p < .001), IUFD (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.76–6.05, p < .001), and severe neonatal morbidity (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.03–3.26, p < .05). The intact survival rate in discordant and concordant twin pairs was 70% and 89%, respectively (p < .001). Conclusions: Early and increase fetal surveillance of the second-trimester AC discordant twins should be utilized to establish perinatal risks, thus allowing prenatal care to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 60% of patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) die within the first 2-3 years. The prognosis for patients with KIRC and its metastases is poor. Ferroptosis and providing immunity are novel treatment targets for several cancers, including KIRC. Therefore, it is important to identify suitable ferroptosis- and immune-related signatures to predict the prognosis and diagnosis of patients with KIRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The corresponding data of patients with KIRC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen candidate biomarkers in patients with KIRC. RESULTS: We found that four FI-DEGs (BID, MET, LTB4R, and HMOX1) were independently associated with the overall survival of patients with KIRC. The prognosis and diagnosis model constructed using these four biomarkers could predict the outcome of KIRC, as measured by the receiver operating characteristic analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We identified 4 FI-DEGs that could be used as biomarkers in patients with KIRC. The present study not only contributes to understanding the roles of ferroptosis and immunity in the development of KIRC, but also to the diagnosis and prognosis of KIRC, although it remains to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the compressor performances at variable conditions, in this research, we used numerical simulation software to analyze and discuss the effects of three kinks of a wavy blade-end on an axial compressor cascade. One of the wavy blade-ends was a traditional structure with a wavy leading edge and a trailing edge (WBE_P). The other two wavy blades were new structures with a straight trailing edge and a wavy leading edge (WBE_R, WBE_S). The difference between WBE_R and WBE_S was that the blade profile used to form the wavy blade was different. For WBE_R, we obtained the wavy leading edge by rotating the element at different heights, and the trailing edge was the center of a circle. For WBE_S, we obtained the wavy leading edge by using a new element with a different camber angle. Because of the new geometry involving some discussions of a variety of parameters, we further discussed the geometric parameters and structure to guide the design and optimization of the blade. We drew some conclusions at the stable condition (6° incidence). For the first case (WBE_P), when the wavelength of the wavy blade-end was increased to 0.3 times the blade height, the total pressure loss was enhanced. When the wavelength was 0.2 times the blade height, the amplitude was 0.06 times the pitch, the minimum area of blocked range (Ab) and the total pressure loss coefficient ζ could be obtained, and the ζ and Ab were decreased by 5.49%, and 12.72% compared with the baseline. Furthermore, to weaken the influence of changed blade profile on the exit airflow angle, we proposed WBE_P and WBE_R with new structures. We further improved the flow-field characteristics of WBE_P by WBE_R, and the ζ and Ab decreased by 5.84% and 13.79% compared with the baseline. Additionally, the stall point was delayed from 7.5° to 7.7° incidence. Therefore, the wavy blade-end applied in the leading edge had a greater contribution to improving the flow characteristic, and the straight trailing edge was beneficial to maintaining the exit flow angle. WBE_S with a smoother blade surface did not show an advantage compared with WBE_R. WBE_R with a wavy blade-end leading edge and a straight trailing edge showed an advantage in improving the cascade performance, which was suitable for use in the stator from the last stage of a high-load axial compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript reports the synthesis, X-ray characterization and DFT study of a series of all-cis 1,4:2,3:5,8:6,7-tetraepoxynaphthalenes (decahydro-2,6:3,5-diepoxynaphtho[2,3-b:6,7-b′]bis(oxirene) derivatives) obtained by the tandem [4 + 2] cycloaddition between dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) and three difurans as bis-dienes (the IMDAF reaction). The "pincer"-type adduct formation is controlled by using kinetic conditions. For this work, we were only interested in the synthesis of "pincer"-type adducts to study the formation self-assembled dimers that are governed by quite short C–H⋯O H-bonds. The existence of the "through-space" alpha-effect in the "pincer"-type adducts increases their ability to establish bifurcated C–H⋯O2 H-bonds in the solid state. That is, the close distance between the O-bridge atoms provokes an interesting through space lone pair⋯lone pair (LP⋯LP) interaction that increases the H-bond acceptor ability of the O-atoms. It has been analyzed using DFT calculations, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces, quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules (QTAIM) and noncovalent interaction plot (NCIplot) index computational tools. This is the second study of the literature where "alpha-effect" hydrogen bonds (AEHBs) are described and studied. The novelty of the present work resides in the exhaustive epoxidation of the double bonds in the resulting "pincer"-type adducts that increases the number of possible H-bond acceptors in the target vicinal tetra-epoxynaphthalenes. The X-ray analyses of the three synthesized tetra-epoxides reveal that the AEHBs are predominant in the solid phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: One of the major limitations to the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the fungus Phoma medicaginis, which infects alfalfa and causes leaf spots. This study aims to understand alfalfa's response to P. medicaginis infection, the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and the effect of AMF on plant–pathogen interactions. Methods and Results: Transcriptome analysis (RNA‐seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in alfalfa infected by P. medicaginis and colonized by AMF Rhizophagus intraradices. AMF ameliorated the effects of P. medicaginis infection on alfalfa by reducing leaf spot incidence and disease index by 39·48 and 56·18% respectively. Inoculation with pathogen and AMF induced the activity of defence pathways, including peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase activities and jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid concentration. Plants showed differential expression of P. medicaginis resistance‐related genes, including genes belonging to pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins, chitinase activity, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and photosynthesis. Inoculation with AMF led to changes in the expression of genes involved in PR proteins, chitinase activity, phenylalanine metabolism and photosynthesis. Conclusion: The physiological and transcriptional changes caused by P. medicaginis infection in non‐mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal alfalfa provides crucial information for understanding AMF's association with pathogenic systems. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study showed that AMF alleviated alfalfa leaf spots demonstrating that AMF can serve as a biocontrol strategy for alfalfa disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the biocontrol of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funnelliformis mosseae and the rhizobium Sinorhizobium medicae on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, a severe soil‐borne fungal pathogen. Methods and Results: The effects of co‐inoculation of F. mosseae and S. medicae on alfalfa growth, nitrogen, phosphorus uptake and wilt caused by F. oxysporum were tested. Plant defence‐related chemicals were measured to reveal the biochemical mechanism by which alfalfa responds to pathogen infection and how it is regulated by AMF and rhizobium. Pathogen infection caused typical yellowing of alfalfa leaflets and significantly reduced plant AMF colonization. AMF or rhizobium alone and the co‐inoculation reduced the plant disease index by 83·2, 48·4 and 81·8% respectively. Inoculation with AMF or rhizobium alone increased the dry weight of alfalfa by more than 13 and 3 times respectively; it also increased plant chlorophyll content by 65·6 and 16·6% respectively. Co‐inoculation of AMF and rhizobium induced the plant to accumulate more disease‐related antioxidant enzymes, plant hydrolase and plant hormones, such as superoxide dismutase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, chitinase, and phenylalanine ammonialyase, abscisic acid, ethylene and H2O2, under pathogen stress. Conclusions: Co‐inoculation with F. mosseae and S. medicae offered complementarily improved alfalfa nutrient uptake and growth, which increased plant health. The co‐inoculation of AMF and rhizobium regulated plant physiological and biochemical processes and induced plants to produce defence‐related compounds, thus decreasing the severity of disease. The simultaneous application of F. mosseae and S. medicae is a potential biocontrol strategy to increase the systemic defence responses of alfalfa to Fusarium wilt. Significance and Impact of the Study: This research showed that complex plant–pathogen interactions are affected by rhizobium and AMF, providing insight into plant–microbiome interactions in the rhizosphere as well as the application of the microbiome in agriculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, superconductivity with a maximum superconducting transition onset temperature TC of 3.6K is reported in La1-xSmxCo2B2 in the concentration range 0.12⩽x⩽0.20. Substitution of magnetic Sm ions with 4f electrons for La is beneficial for superconductivity in the system. The low upper critical field of La0.8Sm0.2Co2B2 suggests that the dominant magnetic-field suppressing superconducting mechanism is the orbit pair-breaking effect. A special specific-heat anomaly is observed around TC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Adipose differentiation related protein (ADFP), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) are suspected to play an important role in determining intramuscular fat and in overall meat quality. 2. Yunnan’s top six famous chicken breeds (the Daweishan Mini, Yanjin Black-bone, Chahua, Wuding, Wuliangshan Black-bone and Piao chicken) are known for the high quality of their meat, but little is known about their expression of these three genes. 3. The present study aimed to examine the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes in different tissues of these six breeds at different development stages. The subcutaneous fat from the back midline and front, abdominal fat, liver and muscle tissue was sampled at 28, 49, 70, 91 and 112 days. The expression of ADFP, FATP1 and APOB was measured by real-time PCR. 4. The results showed that the expression of the three genes differed depending on age, tissue types and breeds. However, the expression of the three genes correlated with fat traits. In conclusion, the expression of the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes is associated with the fat traits of Yunnan’s top six chicken breeds. These results could help with molecular marker screening and marker-assisted breeding to improve the quality of poultry for meat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to investigate thermal stability of HfO2 on SiO2/Si substrate prepared by atomic layer deposition, followed by annealing at different temperature. Hf silicate and Hf silicide are formed at the interface of HfO2 and SiO2 during deposition. The Hf silicide disappears, while the amount of the Hf silicate is intensified after post-deposition annealing treatment at 400 °C. Phase separation of the Hf silicate layer occurs when the annealing temperature is over 400 °C, resulting in the Hf silicate decomposition into Si and Hf oxides. Moreover, crystallization at high temperature leads to grain boundaries formation, which deteriorates the gate leakage current, as observed by the electrical measurements. The similar annealing temperature dependence of both internal electric field and the amount of Hf silicate implies that the Hf silicate plays a key role in building up the internal electric field, which is attributed to generation of oxygen vacancies ( V o) in the Hf silicate layer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While new technologies can capture high-resolution normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a surrogate for biomass and leaf greenness, it is a challenge to efficiently apply this technology in a large breeding program. Here we validate a high-throughput phenotyping platform to dynamically monitor NDVI during the growing season for the contrasting wheat cultivars and managements. The images were rapidly captured (approximately 1 ha in 10 min) by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrying a multi-spectral camera (RedEdge) at low altitude (30–50 m, 2–5 cm 2 pixel size). NDVIs for individual plots were extracted from the reflectance at Red and Near Infrared wavelengths represented in a reconstructed and segmented ortho-mosaic. NDVI measured by UAV and RedEdge camera were strongly correlated with those measured by hand held GreenSeeker (R 2 = 0.85) but were offset with UAV readings about 0.2 units higher and more compressed. The high-throughput phenotyping platform captured the variation of NDVI among cultivars and treatments (i.e. irrigation, nitrogen and sowing). During the growing season, the NDVI approached saturation around flowering time (∼0.92), then gradually decreased until maturity (∼0.35). Strong correlations were found between image NDVI around flowering time and final yield (R 2 = 0.82). Given that the image NDVI includes signals from background (soil and senescenced leaves), ground cover from a high resolution hand-held camera was used to adjust the NDVI from UAV. This slightly increased the correlation between adjusted NDVI and yield (R 2 = 0.87). The high-throughput phenotyping platform in this study can be used in agronomy, physiology and breeding to explore the complex interaction of genotype, environment and management. Data fusion from ground and aerial sampling improved the accuracy of low resolution data to integrate observations across multiple scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scheme for the improvement of proton beam quality by the optimized dragging field from the interaction of ultraintense laser pulse with a complex double-layer target is proposed and demonstrated by one-dimensional particle-in-cell (Opic1D) simulations. The complex double-layer target consists of an overdense proton thin foil followed by a mixed hydrocarbon (CH) underdense plasma. Because of the existence of carbon ions, the dragging field in the mixed CH underdense plasma becomes stronger and flatter in the location of the proton beam than that in a pure hydrogen (H) underdense plasma. The optimized dragging field can keep trapping and accelerating protons in the mixed CH underdense target to high quality. Consequently, the energy spread of the proton beam in the mixed CH underdense plasma can be greatly reduced down to 2.6% and average energy of protons can reach to 9 GeV with circularly polarized lasers at intensities 2.74 × 1022 W/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The unified solution is studied for a beam of rectangular cross section. With the rotation defined in the average sense over the cross section, the kinematics with higher-order shear deformation models in axial displacement is first expressed in a unified form by using the fundamental higher-order term with some properties. The shear correction factor is then derived and discussed for the four commonly used higher-order shear deformation models including the third-order model, the sine model, the hyperbolic sine model and the exponential model. The unified solution is finally obtained for a beam subjected to an arbitrarily distributed load. The relation with that from the conventional beam theory is established, and therefore the difference is reasonably explained. A very good agreement with the elasticity theory validates the present solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2014 position on the caesarian section (CS) rate or range for optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes at population level. Topics include the WHO's proposal to create a tool to monitor CS rates at facility level, the lack of data on the association between CS rates and other outcomes such as stillbirths and pediatric outcomes, and WHO's plan to support countries in the implementation of classification for stratification of CS rates.

The magnetic structure and phase transitions in single-crystalline Mn3Sn with the D019 structure have been investigated by torque measurements and magnetic measurements. The results show that a triangular antiferromagnet (AFM) and a weak ferromagnet coexist above 270 K. At these temperatures, the torque measurements indicate a six-fold symmetry and another two-fold symmetry of the magnetic anisotropy. The [1120] direction is the lowest-energy state in the triangular configuration. At low temperatures, two AFM helix-phase states are found in an applied magnetic field (H): In one of them, the [1120] direction is the easiest deviation direction from the AFM state. In the other, it is the [0001] direction. The variation of the two states with temperature (T) and magnetic field is presented in an H-T phase diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of veno-venous (VV) anastomoses in a large cohort of monochorionic (MC) twin placentas with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) compared to a control group of MC placentas without TTTS.Methods: All TTTS placentas not treated with fetoscopic laser surgery (TTTS group) and examined at five international fetal therapy centers were included in this study and compared with a control group of MC placentas without TTTS (non-TTTS group). MC placentas were routinely injected with colored dye. We recorded the presence of VV and arterio-arterial (AA) anastomoses.Results: A total of 414 MC placentas were included in this study (TTTS group, n = 106; non-TTTS group, n = 308). The prevalence of VV anastomoses was significantly higher in the TTTS group than in the non-TTTS group, 36% (38/106) and 25% (78/308), respectively (p = .04; odds ratio (OR) 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.64). In the subgroup of MC placentas without AA anastomoses, the prevalence of VV anastomoses in the TTTS group and non-TTTS group was 32% (18/57) and 8% (2/25), respectively (p = .03; OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 1.13-24.98).Discussion: VV anastomoses are detected more frequently in TTTS placentas than in MC placentas without TTTS and may thus play a role in the development of TTTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The clinical significance of veno-venous (VV) anastomoses in monochorionic (MC) placentas remains inconclusive and controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the presence of VV anastomoses and clinical outcome in a large cohort of MC twin pregnancies. Methods All MC placentas injected with colored dye from 2002 to 2014 were included in the study. We excluded MC pregnancies managed with fetoscopic laser surgery. Results and Discussion A total of 384 MC placentas were analyzed. VV anastomoses were detected in 27% (104/384) of MC placentas. The prevalence of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in MC placentas with VV anastomoses was significantly higher compared to MC placentas without VV anastomoses, 20% (21/104) versus 10% (29/280), respectively (P = .01). The overall perinatal mortality in MC twins with and without VV anastomoses was 16% versus 10%, respectively (P = .02). Risk factor analysis showed the presence of VV anastomoses was associated with perinatal mortality (P = .02; odds ratio (OR): 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.79), but was not an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality (P = .26, OR: .66; 95% CI: .33–1.35) in MC twin pregnancies. However, VV anastomoses was associated with and was an independent risk factor for TTTS (P = .00, OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.72–7.47). VV anastomoses-related perinatal mortality may be due to the high rate of TTTS in MC twins with VV anastomoses. Conclusion The presence of VV anastomoses is correlated with TTTS and perinatal mortality, but is not an independent risk factor for perinatal mortality in MC twin pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine glucocorticoid (GC) exposure is associated with disturbances in feto-placental growth. This study aimed to investigate whether folic acid supplementation can prevent dexamethasone (Dex)-induced feto-placental growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice were subject to four different treatments, respectively: normal drinking water plus saline injection (NN), normal drinking water plus Dex injection (ND), drinking water supplemented with folic acid plus saline injection (FN), and drinking water supplemented with folic acid plus Dex injection (FD). Folic acid (100 μg/L) was administrated since 2 weeks before the mating and throughout pregnancy. Dex injection (100 μg/kg·d) was performed from E12.5 to E16.5. The placentas were collected at E17.5. RESULTS: The parameters including placental and fetal weight, the maximum placental diameter, volume of junctional and labyrinthine zones, and vascular density in the ND group were significantly smaller compared to the NN group. Except the maximum placental diameter, each of the above parameters in the FD group was significantly larger compared to the ND group.The levels of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein, and endothelial growth factor A, C (VEGFA, VEGFC) and placental growth factor (PIGF) mRNAs were significantly lower in the ND group compared to NN group. The VEGFA and PIGF mRNA level in the FD group was significantly higher than that in the ND group, as well as VEGFA and VEGFC protein level. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid may attenuate Dex-induced restriction on placental growth by elevating the expression of VEGFA and PIGF, and further raising vascular density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Not much is known on the definition, occurrence and characteristics of proximate umbilical cord insertions (PCI) in monochorionic (MC) placentas. The purpose of this study was to establish a reference range for the distance between cord insertions and to evaluate the prevalence and angio-architecture of MC placentas with PCI. Methods All MC placentas not treated with laser surgery were included in this study. The reference range of distance between cord insertions was created using the standard methodology proposed by Royston and Wright. We defined PCI as a cord insertion distance below the 5th centile. Results and discussion A total of 369 MC placentas were analyzed during this study period. The 5th centile was calculated by the equation: 0.027 × gestational age (weeks) +2.91 (cm), and ranged from 3.3 to 4 cm throughout gestation. Accordingly, 18 of the 369 (5%) MC placentas fulfilled the definition criteria for PCI. PCI occurred frequently in MC monoamniotic placentas (53%, 9/17) but were rare in MC diamniotic placentas (3%, 9/352). The prevalence of arterio-arterial and veno-venous anastomoses in MC placentas with and without PCI was respectively 100% versus 80% ( P = .12) and 56% versus 26% ( P = .01). PCI may be representative of later splitting of inner cell mass. Conclusion The threshold for PCI (5th centile) is approximately 4 cm throughout gestation. PCI are rare in MC diamniotic placentas, but are quite common in MC monoamniotic placentas. MC placentas with PCI are characterized by higher rates of superficial AA and/or VV anastomoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a newly described form of chronic twin transfusion. Previous observational studies noted a discordance between birth weight and individual placental share in TAPS. The purpose of this study was to investigate if fetal growth in monochorionic (MC) twins with TAPS is determined by placental share or by the net inter-twin blood transfusion. Methods All consecutive MC twin placentas of live-born twin pairs with and without TAPS examined at our center between June 2002 and February 2014 were included in this study. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels and individual placental share were evaluated at birth and correlated with birth weight share. We excluded MC twin pregnancies with twin–twin transfusion syndrome. Results A total of 270 MC twin pregnancies (TAPS group, n = 20; control group without TAPS, n = 250) were included in this study. Donors with TAPS had a lower birth weight than recipients in 90% (18/20) of cases, but a larger placental share in 65% (13/20) of cases. In the TAPS group, birth weight share was positively correlated with Hb share at birth ( P < 0.01) but not with placental share ( P = 0.54). In the control group without TAPS, birth weight share was strongly correlated with placental share ( P < 0.01) but not with Hb share ( P = 0.14). Discussion A relatively larger placental share may enable the survival of the anemic twin in TAPS. Conclusion In contrast with uncomplicated MC twins, fetal growth in MC twins with TAPS is determined primarily by the net inter-twin blood transfusion instead of placental share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the physiology that underlies the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal ( AM) colonization on outcomes of interactions between plants. We grew Medicago truncatula A17 and its AM-defective mutant dmi1 in intragenotypic (two plants per pot of the same genotype, x2) or intergenotypic (one plant of each genotype, 1 + 1) combinations, inoculated or not with Rhizophagus irregularis (formerly Glomus intraradices) or Gigaspora margarita. We measured plant growth, colonization, contributions of AM and direct P uptake pathways using 32P, and expression of plant Pi transporter genes at two levels of P supply. A17 (x2) responded positively to inoculation only at low P. The response was enhanced with 1 + 1 even at high P where colonization in A17 was reduced. With R. irregularis P uptake by the AM pathway was unaffected by P supply, whereas with G. margarita, the AM pathway was lower at high P, and direct uptake higher. Gene expression varied and was unrelated to P uptake through the two pathways. There was no evidence of plant control of P uptake via R. irregularis at high P but there was via G. margarita. Importantly, growth responses of plant genotypes grown alone did not predict outcomes of intergenotypic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim is to investigate the use of the ligase detection reaction (LDR) microarray to examine the difference of the single nucleotide between the pregnant woman and the fetus by cell-free DNA in the maternal plasma in congenital deafness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proband and the couples' venous blood samples and the amniotic fluid/ chorionic villi collected from seven deafness families for prenatal diagnosis were analyzed. The cell-free DNA from maternal plasma was examined to determine if they carried the mutations of GJB2 235delC. RESULTS: Three samples were found to carry the mutation of GJB2 235delC. It is in agreement with the sequencing results. The affected fetuses were suggested to take invasive procedure for confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: The chip may be a potential method to screen for congenital deafness based on maternal plasma DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an existence of a highly lossy interface mode (HLIM) in a designed plasmonic nanostructure for perfect absorption of the incident optical waves. Interactions between the single thin-metallic-layer (TML) and slits arrays for excitation of the HLIM in the proposed plasmonic absorber are investigated, and eigenfrequency formula for the HLIM is derived. Analytical and numerical results show that the HLIM is frequency-selective, opens a narrow and steep absorption band in photonic stopband of the slits arrays. Due to the HLIM lossy characteristic, surface plasmon polaritons are significantly trapped at the TML interface with absorption close to 100% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline calcium germanate nanowires with a diameter of 50–200 nm and length of several dozens of micrometres have been synthesized by a simple and facile hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results show that the crystalline calcium germanate nanowires are mainly composed of tetragonal Ca2GeO4, orthorhombic Ca2Ge7O16and triclinic CaGe2O5phases. The role of different growth conditions demonstrates that the hydrothemral temperature, reaction time, compactness, Ca source materials and surfactants play an essential role in the formation and size of the calcium germanate nanowires. The nucleation and crystalline growth mechanism are proposed to explain the formation and growth of the calcium germanate nanowires. The photoluminescence spectrum of the calcium germanate nanowires shows three fluorescence emission peaks centered at 421 nm, 488 nm and 529 nm, exhibiting a promising potential for optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdGeO nanowires have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal route in the absence of any surfactants. The diameter and length of the CdGeO nanowires with flat tips are 30-300 nm and several dozens of micrometers, respectivley. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results show that the nanowires are composed of monoclinic CdGeO phase. The growth condition dependence results show that the formation of the CdGeO nanowires undergoes three morphological changes from spherical particles to nanorods, and finally to nanowires. The photoluminescence spectrum of the CdGeO nanowires exhibits three fluorescence emission peaks centered at 422 nm, 490 nm and 528 nm showing the potential application for optical devices. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the two-child policy of China being inforced by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, focusing on the maternity care and concerns over shortage of obstetricians, sonographers, and midwives. They explore the challenges presented by older pregnant women for obstetricians, the growing challenge of morbidity adherent placenta, and the requirement of increased maternity care services for high-risk pregnancies.

In this Letter, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate electronic structures of HfO2 with various thicknesses on SiO2/Si substrate prepared by atomic layer deposition with post deposition annealing of 600 °C, which is compatible with a gate last process in the fabrication of complementary metal oxide semiconductor. The hafnium silicate formed between HfO2 and SiO2 interface plays a key role in generating an internal electric field. This can be attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies (Vo) at the interface. The XPS binding energy shifts of O 1s, Si 2p, and Hf 4f spectra with increasing HfO2 thicknesses can be explained by the presence of the internal field and differential charging effects. Electrical measurements of capacitor structures support the XPS result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]