Search

Full-wave solutions of Maxwell's equations break down at low frequencies. Existing methods for solving this problem either are inaccurate or incur additional computational cost. In this paper, a fast full-wave finite-element-based solution is developed to eliminate the low-frequency breakdown problem in a reduced system of order one. It is applicable to general 3-D problems involving ideal conductors as well as nonideal conductors immersed in inhomogeneous, lossless, lossy, and dispersive materials. The proposed method retains the rigor of a theoretically rigorous full-wave solution recently developed for solving the low-frequency breakdown problem, while eliminating the need for an eigenvalue solution. Instead of introducing additional computational cost to fix the low-frequency breakdown problem, the proposed method significantly speeds up the low-frequency computation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

At present, the development and utilization of natural gas have been accelerated, natural gas to liquid oil (GTL) technology becomes an important way for high - quality use of natural gas. This article summarized the latest progress of natural gas to liquid oil technology abroad in recent years, it also introduced development of GTL technology in China, which an be a reference for GTL technology upgrading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survey data collected from individual investors indicate that about 46% of investors reported they felt happy from the investment in stock market. The overall happiness of life, age, investment return, and the amount of investment directly affect the well-being of investors from investment. The happier people consider themselves in general life, the more happiness they can get from their investment. There is an U-shape relationship between the investors' age and their happiness in investment. Both young and old investors get more happiness than middle-aged investors. Long-run rather than short-run investment return has a positive effect on happiness. The relative amount of investment compared with the total family asset is positively associated with the investment happiness, while the absolute amount of investment is negatively associated with the happiness. In addition, cognitive bias, investment objectives, personality and other related factors can affect the investment return or the overall happiness in life, and they can indirectly affect the happiness in investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To study the gene mutations of homeobox transcription factor(CSX/NKX2.5) associated with a Chinese family with secundum atrial septal defect(ASD). Methods: Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to check all the members in the family with ASD, and single strand conformation polymorphism analysis(SSCP) was used to check 126 normal control people for detecting the mutations of CSX/NKX2.5 gene. Results: Three mutations, G270A(Glu32Lys), G378A(Glu68Lys)andG390A(Glu72Lys) were identified in CSX/NKX2.5 gene of ASD patients. However, the other members in the family with ASD and the control did not have such gene mutations. Conclusion: These mutations of CSX/NKX2.5 gene, which were identified in a Chinese family, may be one of the secundum ASD etiologic causes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel dual-linearly-polarized microstrip antenna array with series-feeding configuration is presented. Dual-linear polarization is excited by upper side-feeding and lower aperture-coupled feeding. Meanwhile, the series-feeding configuration is realized by a composite right/left-handed transmission line. Compared with the traditional parallel and series-fed configuration, this array is of simple structure, small area, and high efficiency. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1366–1369, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21678 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder which is characterized by periodic attacks of muscle weakness associated with a decrease in the serum potassium level. The skeletal muscle calcium channel a-subunit geneCACNA1Sis a major disease-causing gene for HypoPP, however, only three specific HypoPP-causing mutations, Arg528His, Arg1,239His and Arg1,239Gly, have been identified inCACNA1Sto date. In this study, we studied a four-generation Chinese family with HypoPP with 43 living members and 19 affected individuals. Linkage analysis showed that the causative mutation in the family is linked to theCACNA1Sgene with a LOD score of 6.7. DNA sequence analysis revealed a heterozygous C to G transition at nucleotide 1,582, resulting in a novel 1,582C?G (Arg528Gly) mutation. The Arg528Gly mutation co-segregated with all affected individuals in the family, and was not present in 200 matched normal controls. The penetrance of the Arg528Gly mutation was complete in male mutation carriers, however, a reduced penetrance of 83% (10/12) was observed in female carriers. No differences were detected for age-at-onset and severity of the disease (frequency of symptomatic attacks per year) between male and female patients. Oral intake of KCl is effective in blocking the symptomatic attacks. This study identifies a novel Arg528Gly mutation in theCACNA1Sgene that causes HypoPP in a Chinese family, expands the spectrum of mutations causing HypoPP, and demonstrates a gender difference in the penetrance of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of tumor biomarkers in liquid biopsies requires high sensitivity and low-cost biosensing strategies. However, few traditional techniques can satisfy the requirements of target amplification-free and fluorescence-free at the same time. In this study, we have proposed a novel strategy for ctDNA detection with the combination of terahertz spectroscopy and the CRISPR/Cas12 system. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is activated by the target ctDNA, resulting in a series of reactions leading to the formation of an Au-Fe complex. This complex is easily extracted with magnets and when dropped onto the terahertz metamaterial sensor, it can enhance the frequency shift, providing sensitive and selective sensing of the target ctDNA. Results show that the proposed terahertz biosensor exhibits a relatively low detection limit of 0.8 fM and a good selectivity over interference species. This detection limit is improved by three orders of magnitude compared with traditional biosensing methods using terahertz waves. Furthermore, a ctDNA concentration of 100 fM has been successfully detected in bovine serum (corresponding to 50 fM in the final reaction system) without amplification., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 Optica Publishing Group.)

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of 193 Chinese patients with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS)., Methods: By using keywords "McCune-Albright syndrome", "Albright syndrome", or " fibrous dysplasia " as the search terms, 193 cases of MAS reported in China from January 1990 to November 2022 from the Wanfang data, CNKI, VIP, PubMed, and Embase databases were obtained, and their clinical data was retrospectively analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were carried out by using t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and X 2 test., Results: The 193 MAS patients had included 42 males and 151 females, with the median first-visit age of females being younger than males. The typical triad group had accounted for 46.1% of patients, and the middle first-visit and diagnosis age was younger than the atypical group. The primary reason for first-visit in males of MAS was fibrous dysplasia (FD), whilst that in females of MAS was peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). FD has occurred in 84.5% of the patients, with an average age of onset age being 6.1 years old, and 90% was ≤ 16 years of age. Endocrine hyperfunction was found in 79.3% of the patients, with a higher proportion in females compared with males (P < 0.05). Pituitary involvement was seen in 21.8% of the patients, and the incidence of craniofacial FD and cranial nerve compression was significantly higher in those with elevated growth hormone (GH) than without (P < 0.05). Café-au-Lait Spots were noted in 86.5% of the patients, and 28.3% (28/99) had located on the different side of FD., Conclusion: Most MAS patients had atypical manifestations and multi-systemic involvement. It is more common and occurs earlier in females. The most common reasons for initial diagnosis in male and female patients were FD and PPP, respectively. Patients with elevated GH should be examined for cranial nerve compression.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of thermocoagulation in women with biopsy-confirmed cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or less after colposcopy referral., Material and Methods: A longitudinal study was performed. Women who were diagnosed with cervical LSIL or chronic cervicitis underwent scheduled follow-up examinations with cytology and human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping for two years after the initial management with thermocoagulation or observation without treatment. All women underwent scheduled follow-up with combined cytology and HPV test at 6th months, 12th months, and 24th months after the initial management. Both HPV clearance and cytological regression were included in the analysis, with clinical cure defined as normal cytology and negative HPV results., Results: A total of 221 women were included. The histopathological results identified 136 (61.54%) patients with LSIL and 85 (38.46%) with chronic cervicitis. Of these, 113 (51.13%) received thermocoagulation therapy, and 108 (48.87%) chose observation. The 2-year follow-up rate was 91.40%. Women who received thermocoagulation presented a significantly higher probability of cure for two years than those who chose observation (62.86% vs 39.18%, p < 0.001). This preponderance was not observed in the subgroup analysis regarding women with cervical cervicitis (54.17% vs 41.38%, p = 0.277) but was observed in women with LSILs (70.18% vs 38.24%, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Thermocoagulation may be indicated for patients with cervical LSILs as an effective outpatient procedure in clinical practice.

Objective: To report on two cases affected with immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX)., Methods: Two unrelated Chinese infants affected with IPEX were investigated. Case 1 was a 4-month-old boy with neonatal diabetes and severe enteropathy. Case 2 was a 6-day newborn boy with neonatal diabetes and ketoacidosis. DNA samples of the two infants and their parents were sequenced for FOXP3 gene mutations. Suspected mutations were verified among 100 unrelated healthy controls. The function of mutations was predicted with bioinformatics software., Results: Both infants had onset of the disease during neonatal period, and manifested insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, persistent diarrhea, eczema and malnutrition. In case 1, a novel splice site mutation was identified in intron 9 (c.967+3A>T) of the FOXP3 gene, for which his mother was a carrier. For case 2, a missense mutation (c.1150G>A) was detected in exon 11 of the FOXP3 gene, for which his mother was also a carrier. The IVS9 c.967+3A mutation was not detected among the 100 healthy controls. As predicted with Human Splicing Finder software, the c.967+3A>T mutation may influence the splicing of mRNA and affect the function of protein., Conclusion: Both cases had typical clinical manifestation of the IPEX syndrome, among whom a novel splice site mutation (IVS9 c.967+3A>T) and a missense mutation (c.1150G>A) of the FOXP3 gene were identified. The clinical manifestation of the IPEX syndrome may be variable and the mortality is high. FOXP3 gene sequencing is recommended when insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is diagnosed during the neonatal period.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of a cesarean scar pregnancy compared with uterine artery embolization (UAE) and intra-arterial methotrexate infusion combined with uterine curettage. In this retrospective cohort study, 31 patients were treated with HIFU (HIFU group), and 45 patients were treated with UAE (UAE group). We compared the treatment and recovery of the patients, including follow-up. After UAE treatment, serum levels of the β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin declined significantly on the first day, and the residual lesions disappeared in 3-17 wk. One patient underwent hysterectomy; intrauterine adhesions were found by hysteroscopic examination after 6 mo in 2 patients, whose menstrual function did not return to normal. The remainder of the 42 patients recovered normal menstrual functioning during the 3- to 18-wk follow-up. In the patients who underwent HIFU treatment, serum β-HCG levels did not decline rapidly; serum β-HCG levels increased in many patients and then declined to normal steadily within 2-12 wk. Lesions detached in 3-14 wk in all patients, and menstrual functioning was recovered in 3-9 wk without uterine curettage. Compared with the UAE group, the HIFU group had less pain and fewer complications; the patients in the HIFU group were not hospitalized or anesthetized and had lower costs. HIFU is an efficient, tolerable and non-invasive treatment., (Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the mutation of PAX6 gene in a Chinese family affected with congenital aniridia., Methods: Blood samples were drawn from family members, and DNA was analyzed by direct sequencing., Results: A heterozygous mutation (c.151 G>A) was identified in the PAX6 gene in the proband and other patients from the family. The same mutation was not found among unaffected family members and 160 unrelated healthy controls., Conclusion: A novel mutation in the PAX6 gene has been identified in a Chinese family affected with aniridia.

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy on moderate and severe allergic rhinitis via the comparison evaluation of western medicine., Methods: Sixty cases of moderate and severe allergic rhinitis were divided into an acupuncture group (30 cases) and a western medicine group (30 cases). In the acupuncture group, the main acupoints included Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangxing (GV 23), Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Xuehai (SP 10), Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), etc. The supplementary points were selected according to syndrome differentiation. In the western medicine group, budesonide nasal spray and cetirizine tablets were prescribed. All the cases were treated for 8 weeks in the two groups. Separately, before treatment, in 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of clinical symptoms and physical signs were observed and the clinical efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups., Results: In 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, eye itching and turbinate hypertrophy, the score of physical signs and total score were all reduced apparently as compared with those before treatment (all P<0. 05). The differences were not significant between the acupuncture group and the western medicine group (all P>0. 05). The total effective rates were 90. 0% (27/30) and 93. 4% (28/30) in the acupuncture group after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and were 76. 6% (23/30) and 80. 0% (24/30) in the western medicine group separately, without significant difference in comparison (all P>0. 05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture achieves the similar efficacy on moderate and severe allergic rhinitis as western medicine. It is the safe therapy and has no apparent adverse reactions.

Objective: To identify mutations of dystrophin gene in a Chinese pedigree affected with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)., Methods: Clinical data from the pedigree was collected. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing analysis were applied to detect the potential mutations. Restriction enzyme digestion was carried out to determine whether the mutation was present in 118 healthy controls. Clustal software was applied for analyzing the conservation of altered amino acids., Results: DNA sequencing analysis has identified a heterozygous missense mutation c.7578G>C (p.Gln2526His) mutation in exon 52 of the dystrophin gene in the proband and his mother. The same mutation was absent in the 118 healthy controls. Restriction enzyme digestion has confirmed above result. Clustal analysis indicated that the altered amino acid is highly conserved in mammals., Conclusion: The results revealed a novel missense mutation (c.7578G>C) of the dystrophin gene in DMD patients.

To compare the diagnostic value of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) with that of c-reactive protein (CRP) for detecting chorioamnionitis (CAM) in serum of women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM), 55 pregnant women with PROM, including 18 pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and 20 normal pregnant women at term (TPROM) were studied. Maternal serum were measured by Sandwish enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) for sICAM. CAM was histologically confirmed after delivery. The results revealed that (1) maternal serum levels of sICAM-1 and CRP were significantly higher in women with PROM than those without it; (2) maternal serum levels of sICAM-1 and CRP were significantly higher in women with CAM than those without it; (3) serum levels of sICAM-1 in PPROM women were similar to those in TPROM women, whereas serum levels of CRP in PPROM women were significantly higher than those in TPROM women; (4) the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Kappa index and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of maternal serum sICAM-1 (cutoff 104.7 ng/ml) and CRP (cutoff 1.03 mg/dl) for diagnosing CAM were 100%, 91.2%, 87.5%, 100%, 0.20, 0.995 and 81.0%, 73.5%, 65.4%, 86.2%, 0.13, 0.811, respectively; (5) among the mild histological CAM group, severe histological CAM group and clinical CAM group, the difference in maternal serum levels of sICAM-1 were significantly (P<0.001), with the order of concentration from high level to low level corresponding to the severity of CAM. It is concluded that maternal serum level of ICAM-1 is superior to that of CRP as biomarker for diagnosing intraamniotic infection in pregnant women with PROM.