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Abstract The core advantage of metalenses over traditional bulky lenses lies in their thin volume and lightweight. Nevertheless, as the application scenarios of metalenses extend to the macro-scale optical imaging field, a contradiction arises between the increasing demand for large-aperture metalenses and the synchronous rise in design and processing costs. In response to the application requirements of metalens with diameter reaching the order of 104 λ or even 105 λ, this paper proposes a novel design method for fixed-height concentric-ring metalenses, wherein, under the constraints of the processing technology, a subwavelength 2D building unit library is constructed based on different topological structures, and the overall cross-section of the metalens is assembled. Compared to global structural optimization, this approach reduces computational resources and time consumption by several orders of magnitude while maintaining nearly identical focusing efficiency. As a result, a concentric-ring metalens with a designed wavelength of 632.8 nm and a diameter of 46.8 mm was developed, and a quasi-telecentric telescope system composed of aperture stop and metalens was constructed, achieving high-resolution detection within a 20° field of view. In the subsequent experiments, the unique weak polarization dependence and narrowband adaptability of the meta-camera are quantitatively analyzed and tested, and excellent imaging results were finally obtained. Our work not only ensures the narrowband optical performance but also promotes the simplicity and light weight of the metalens based telescopic system, which further advances the deep application of large-diameter metalenses in the field of astronomical observation.

Abstract Cerasus is a subgenus of Prunus in the family Rosaceae that is popular owing to its ornamental, edible, and medicinal properties. Understanding the evolution of the Cerasus subgenus and identifying selective trait loci in edible cherries are crucial for the improvement of cherry cultivars to meet producer and consumer demands. In this study, we performed a de novo assembly of a chromosome-scale genome for the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivar ‘Burlat’, covering 297.55 Mb and consisting of eight chromosomes with 33,756 protein-coding genes. The resequencing and population structural analysis of 384 Cerasus representative accessions revealed that they could be divided into four groups (Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4). We inferred that Group 1 was the oldest population and Groups 2, 3, and 4 were clades derived from it. In addition, we found selective sweeps for fruit flavor and improved stress resistance in different varieties of edible cherries (P. avium, P. cerasus, and P. pseudocerasus). Transcriptome analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes associated with key pathways, such as sucrose starch and sucrose metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway, between the leaves and fruits of P. avium. This study enhances the understanding of the evolutionary processes of the Cerasus subgenus and provides resources for functional genomics research and the improvement of edible cherries.

To explore the extraction method and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from sweet cherry fruits, the ultrasonic-assisted acidified methanol method was used to extract anthocyanins of sweet cherry fruit in this study. The effects of methanol concentration, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic temperature and ultrasonic time on sweet cherry anthocyanin yield were investigated. The antioxidant activity and stability of anthocyanins were evaluated. Results showed that optimal extraction of sweet cherry anthocyanins was achieved with the following conditions: methanol concentration of 90%, solid-liquid ratio of 1:20, ultrasonic temperature of 35 ℃, ultrasonic time of 10 min, and the anthocyanin content obtained under these conditions was (61.48±0.81) mg/100 g. Conditions of darkness, 20 °C, and pH1.0 enhanced the stability of sweet cherry anthocyanins. The thermal degradation of cherry anthocyanins followed the first-order reaction kinetic model. The antioxidant experimental results indicated that, the cherry anthocyanins had significant scavenging effects on DPPH, ABTS+, and OH radicals. When the maximum mass concentration was 120 μg/mL, the scavenging rates respectively were 69.64%, 47.94%, 55.01%. In summary, cherry anthocyanins would possess good antioxidant activity.

Abstract Background Placental accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder with bladder involvement is found to be associated with severe maternal and neonatal morbidity.When planning surgery or other treatments, a diagnosis and assessment of the invasiveness of placenta accreta spectrum disorder with bladder involvement are crucial.The detection of the depth of villi invasion can be accomplished with both MRI and US.The advent of three-dimensional Crystal Vue provides details additional information for scanning abnorma issue. Purpose Our goal was to compare and assess the diagnostic accuracy of 2D US combined with the 3D Crystal Vue and MRI in case of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) involving the bladder. Materials and methods 111 pregnancy patients between May 2019 and November 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University whether or not they had placenta previa were included in the study if they were diagnosed of having placenta increta (PI) or placenta percreta (PP).Both US and MRI were used to evaluate the pregnant women.Total 53 pregnant women were ultimately included in our analysis.53 patients were split into groups with and without bladder involvement. They underwent 2D US,3D Crystal Vue, and MRI.The visual features of every subject were noted. Next, we analyzed the fundamental information, associated medical history, pregnancy outcomes, and different US and MRI signals between the two groups. To determine the potential contributing factors of PAS complicated with bladder involvement, a univariate analysis was performed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify US and MRI findings predictive of bladder involvement in placenta accreta spectrum. Results Multiple logistic regression analysis found that the bridging vessels (OR, 31.76,95% CI, 1.64-614.31,p = 0.022) and the tramline sign “fully” obliterated on Crystal Vue feature (OR, 68.92;95%CI,6.76-702.35,p

ABSTRACT Objective The study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of single‐stage versus multistage endovascular treatment in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with Mirror Aneurysms. Materials and Methods Our research team performed a prospective study, focusing on the radiographic and clinical data of patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage, specifically those who presented with Mirror Aneurysms upon admission to our institutions. According to the different endovascular treatment stages, these patients were grouped into the multistage cohort and the single‐stage cohort. Result A total of 216 aneurysms were identified among the 108 patients, with every patient having one ruptured aneurysm. The duration of follow‐up was 2 years in both groups. In the single‐stage cohort, all 114 aneurysms in 57 patients were managed during a single session. During the 2‐year follow‐up, it was observed that 49 patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2. Five complications were encountered, including cerebral vasospasm in three patients, cerebral hemorrhage in one patient, and thromboembolism in one patient. In the multistage cohort, only the ruptured aneurysm (amounting to 51 in total) received treatment at the initial occurrence, while the remaining 51 aneurysms were addressed subsequently. Throughout the 2‐year follow‐up period, 46 subjects exhibited a modified Rankin scale score ≤2. Overall, four complications were documented, including cerebral vasospasm in two patients, a subarachnoid hemorrhage in one patient, and thromboembolism in one patient. Conclusion The safety and effectiveness of both endovascular treatment groups have been verified for patients with Mirror Aneurysms suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage. If feasible, single‐stage embolization should be considered a viable treatment option for these patients.

Abstract Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) exhibits highly aggressive clinical behavior, and the outcomes for relapsed/refractory patients are still poor. Recently, the mechanism underlying the effect of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which has not been fully defined in NKTCL, has attracted great attention. We explored how LMP1 promoted aerobic glycolysis via metabolic sequencing combined with mRNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry. Experimental assays were used to determine the effects of LMP1 and its downstream pathway on the function and glucose metabolism of NKTCL cells. The correlations between LMP1 expression in patients and their clinical features, treatment response, and prognosis were analyzed. Results show that LMP1 enhances NKTCL cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, inhibits apoptosis, and decreases gemcitabine sensitivity. In addition, LMP1 also enhances aerobic glycolysis in NKTCL cells, as indicated by increases in glucose uptake, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. Clinically, LMP1 expression is correlated with risk stratification, treatment response, and prognosis, and higher LMP1 expression indicates greater SUVmax for NKTCL patients. Mechanistically, LMP1 competitively binds to TRAF3 to promote cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis by regulating the noncanonical NF-κB pathway. The application of an NF-κB pathway inhibitor or reactivation of the NF-κB pathway affects aerobic glycolysis and the biological function of NKTCL cells. In summary, this study is the first to describe and define in detail how LMP1 affects glucose metabolism in NKTCL and might provide a novel perspective for further treatment.

Abstract Background The mortality of pneumonia in older adults surpasses that of other populations, especially with the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Under the influence of multiple factors, a series of geriatric syndromes brought on by age is one of the main reasons for the poor prognosis of pneumonia. This study attempts to analyze the impact of geriatric syndrome on the prognosis of pneumonia. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients over 65 years old with COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-negative community-acquired pneumonia (SN-CAP) were included in the research. General characteristics, laboratory tests, length of stay (LOS), and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) were collected. Multivariate regression analysis to determine the independent predictors of the severity, mortality, and LOS of COVID-19. At the same time, the enrolled subjects were divided into three categories by clustering analysis of 10 CGA indicators, and their clinical characteristics and prognoses were analyzed. Results A total of 792 subjects were included in the study, including 204 subjects of SN-CAP (25.8%) and 588 subjects (74.2%) of COVID-19. There was no significant difference between non-severe COVID-19 and SN-CAP regarding mortality, LOS, and CGA (P > 0.05), while severe COVID-19 is significantly higher than both (P

Abstract Background Whether asthma patients could benefit from home monitoring for fractional exhaled nitric oxide (flow of 50 mL/s, FeNO50) is unknown. We explore the application value of home monitoring FeNO50 in daily asthma management. Methods Twenty-two untreated, uncontrolled asthma patients were selected. Medical history, blood and sputum samples, pulmonary function, Asthma Control Test (ACT), and other clinical data of the subjects were collected. All subjects underwent daily monitoring for four weeks using a FeNO50 monitor and mobile spirometry (mSpirometry). The diurnal differences and dynamic changes were described. Compare the effect-acting time and the relative plateau of treatment between FeNO50 and mSpirometry monitoring. Results In the first two weeks, the morning median (IQR) level of FeNO50 was 44 (35, 56) ppb, which was significantly higher than the evening median level [41 (32, 53) ppb, P = 0.028]. The median (IQR) effect-acting time assessed by FeNO50 was 4 (3, 5) days, which was significantly earlier than each measure of mSpirometry (P < 0.05). FeNO50 reached the relative plateau significantly earlier than FEV1 (15 ± 2 days vs. 21 ± 3 days, P < 0.001). After treatment, the daily and weekly variation rates of FeNO50 showed a gradually decreasing trend (P < 0.05). The ACT score, sputum eosinophils, and blood eosinophils also significantly improved (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions The daily home monitoring of FeNO50 in asthmatic patients showed significant circadian rhythm, and the sensitivity of FeNO50 in evaluating the response to treatment was higher than mSpirometry. The daily and weekly variation rates of FeNO50 change dynamically with time, which may be used to assess the condition of asthma.

Abstract A large current ripple may arise in the finite control set model‐free predictive current control (FCS‐MFPCC) strategy because only one voltage vector can be applied during the whole control period. Therefore, an improved three‐vector‐based model‐free predictive current control (MFPCC) strategy to improve the current tracking performance is proposed by increasing the number of the applied voltage vector. Based on the extreme existence theorem for the function of two variables, the optimal voltage vector can be synthesized. Compared with the one‐vector‐based FCS‐model‐based predicted current control (FCS‐MBPCC) and two‐vector‐based FCS‐MBPCC in the time and frequency domains, the maximum tracking error is decreased by 42.17% and 48.58%, and the total harmonic distortion is decreased by 40.97% and 37.56%, respectively. Besides, compared with the previous three‐vector‐based strategy, the computational time of the proposed strategy is reduced from 57.6 to 45.89 μs, which is reduced by 20.33%. Furthermore, the switching frequency of the proposed method can be decreased by 70.3% compared with the deadbeat MFPCC. The experimental results in the time and frequency domains demonstrate that the proposed three‐vector‐based MFPCC can not only improve the current tracking performance but also improve robustness against parameter mismatches.

In view of the fact that the technology of polarization detection performs better at identifying targets through clouds and fog, the recognition ability of the space target detection system under haze conditions will be improved by applying the technology. However, due to the low ambient brightness and limited target radiation information during space target detection, the polarization information of space target is seriously lost, and the advantages of polarization detection technology in identifying targets through clouds and fog cannot be effectively exerted under the condition of haze detection. In order to solve the above problem, a dehazing enhancement strategy specifically applied to polarization images of space targets is proposed. Firstly, a hybrid multi-channel interpolation method based on regional correlation analysis is proposed to improve the calculation accuracy of polarization information during preprocessing. Secondly, an image processing method based on full polarization information inversion is proposed to obtain the degree of polarization of the image after inversion and the intensity of the image after dehazing. Finally, the image fusion method based on discrete cosine transform is used to obtain the dehazing polarization fusion enhancement image. The effectiveness of the proposed image processing strategy is verified by carrying out simulated and real space target detection experiments. Compared with other methods, by using the proposed image processing strategy, the quality of the polarization images of space targets obtained under the haze condition is significantly improved. Our research results have important practical implications for promoting the wide application of polarization detection technology in the field of space target detection.

This study presents a novel approach to address the autonomous stable tracking issue in electro-optical theodolite operating in closed-loop mode. The proposed methodology includes a multi-sensor adaptive weighted fusion algorithm and a fusion tracking algorithm based on a three-state transition model. A refined recursive formula for error covariance estimation is developed by integrating attenuation factors and least squares extrapolation. This formula is employed to formulate a multi-sensor weighted fusion algorithm that utilizes error covariance estimation. By assigning weighted coefficients to calculate the residual of the newly introduced error term and defining the sensor’s unique states based on these coefficients, a fusion tracking algorithm grounded on the three-state transition model is introduced. In cases of interference or sensor failure, the algorithm either computes the weighted fusion value of the multi-sensor measurement or triggers autonomous sensor switching to ensure the autonomous and stable measurement of the theodolite. Experimental results indicate that when a specific sensor is affected by interference or the off-target amount cannot be extracted, the algorithm can swiftly switch to an alternative sensor. This capability facilitates the precise and consistent generation of data, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the tracking system. Furthermore, the algorithm demonstrates robustness across various measurement scenarios.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different curing regimes on the strength of magnesium silicate hydrate cement (MSHC). The study employed various microscopic tests, including XRD, TG, SEM, and MIP, to analyze the underlying mechanisms. The research findings demonstrated that the use of short-term high-temperature curing under the two-stage variable temperature curing regime (TTC) significantly enhanced the early strength of MSHC, with a 3d strength exceeding 30 MPa. In contrast, under standard curing (SC), the strength was only around 2 MPa. The samples subjected to TTC did not exhibit the strength retrogression phenomenon observed under high-temperature curing in previous research, and a high-temperature curing duration of 48 h was found to be more beneficial for the strength development of MSHC. However, from a long-term perspective, the late-stage strength of the TTC samples was lower than that of the SC samples. Microscopic tests revealed that increasing the curing temperature substantially improved the early hydration degree of MSHC, reduced its porosity, and resulted in a more compact cement matrix, thereby enhancing the early strength. Under TTC, hydration continued in the later stage, leading to a decrease in porosity and promoting further strength growth. However, in the long-term, the microstructure of the TTC samples became loose, and the interface connection between silica particles and gel weakened. Compared to the SC samples, the TTC samples exhibited higher porosity, resulting in lower long-term strength.

Background and objectiveCurrent data on the optimal treatment modality for ruptured anterior communicating artery (AComA) aneurysms are limited. We conducted this multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) and microsurgical clipping (MC) for the treatment of ruptured AComA patients.MethodsPatients with ruptured AComA aneurysms were screened from the Chinese Multicenter Cerebral Aneurysm Database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for baseline characteristic imbalances between the EVT and MC groups. The safety outcomes included total procedural complications, procedure-related morbidity/death and remedial procedure for complication. The primary clinical outcome was 2-year functional independence measured by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score.ResultsThe analysis included 893 patients with ruptured AComA aneurysms (EVT: 549; MC: 346). PSM yielded 275 pairs of patients in the EVT and MC cohorts for comparison. Decompressive craniectomy being more prevalent in the MC group (19.3% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). Safety data revealed a lower rate of total procedural complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.99; p = 0.044) in the EVT group and similar rates of procedure-related morbidity/death (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.48–1.73; p = 0.880) and remedial procedure for complication (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 0.51–3.69, p = 0.657) between the groups. Compared with that of MC patients, EVT patients had a greater likelihood of functional independence (mRS score 0–2) at discharge (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.50; p = 0.008) and at 2 years (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.20–3.00; p = 0.005), a lower incidence of 2-year all-cause mortality (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31–0.93; p = 0.023) and a similar rate of retreatment (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.23–4.40; p = 1.000).ConclusionClinical outcomes after treatment for ruptured AComA aneurysms appear to be superior to those after treatment with MC, with fewer overall procedure-related complications and no increase in the retreatment rate. Additional studies in other countries are needed to verify these findings.

Abstract Background Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor-transduced T (CAR-T) cell therapy has become a promising immunotherapeutic strategy against haematologic malignancies. Methods In this study, four CAR-T cell lines (CD38-CAR, LMP1-CAR, CD38-LMP1 tandem CAR 1 and CD38-LMP1 tandem CAR 2) were generated. The effect of CAR-T cells against NKTCL cells was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of T cell activation markers and cytokines produced by CAR-T cells were detected by flow cytometry. Results The four CAR-T cell lines could effectively eliminate malignant NKTCL cells. They could be activated and produce inflammatory cytokines in a target-dependent manner. In vivo tests showed that the CAR-T cells exhibited significant antitumour effects in a xenotransplanted NKTCL mouse model. Conclusions In summary, four CAR-T cell lines exhibited significant cytotoxicity against NKTCL cells both in vitro and in vivo. These results indicated the effective therapeutic promise of CD38 and LMP1 CAR-T cells in NKTCL.

Abstract Background PARP inhibitor (PARPi), as a kind of DNA damage repair inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a highly aggressive malignancy, the treatment of which has long been a major challenge in the clinic. Here, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of PARPi, and the therapeutic value of PARPi combined with cisplatin in NKTCL. Methods The cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle of NKTCL cells were detected respectively by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The changes of mRNA expression and protein level were measured respectively by mRNA-sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. LMO2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Targeted knockdown of LMO2 was conducted by short hairpin RNA. The tumor xenograft models were established to evaluate the efficacy of drugs in vivo. Results PARPi inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in NKTCL cells. PARPi led to the accumulation of DNA damage by blocking DNA repair and DNA replication. Additionally, LMO2 deficiency reduced the sensitivity of NKTCL cells to PARPi. Finally, the combination of PARPi and cisplatin exhibited significant synergistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions In summary, we found that PARPi exerted an anti-tumor effect via LMO2 and synergized with cisplatin in NKTCL, which provides the theoretical basis for the clinical application of PARPi.

Grafting is the most important means of breeding peach, plum, apricot, and other fruit trees, and the selection of the rootstock is crucial to the quality of the grafting and the yield of the products. The traditional commonly used peach rootstock is susceptible to root-knot nematode infections, resulting in a decreased yield, while a variety of cherry plum rootstocks, Mirabolano 29C, is resistant to root-knot nematode. In this study, root-knot nematode infection experiments on seedlings of traditional peach rootstocks and Mirabolano 29C confirmed that Mirabolano 29C was indeed more resistant to root-knot nematodes. At the same time, we compared the roots of the root-knot nematode uninfected and infected Mirabolano 29C by transcriptome sequencing and found 3 176 differentially expressed genes. A further functional enrichment analysis of these genes found that the secondary metabolites, phenylpropane and flavonoids, may be responsible for the high resistance of Mirabolano 29C to root-knot nematodes. These results can provide a reference value for the disease resistance breeding of rootstocks.

Ultrasonic detection is one of the main methods for information detection and has advantages in soil detection. Ultrasonic signals attenuate in soil, resulting in unique propagation laws. This paper studies the propagation laws of ultrasound in soil, focusing on the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic continuous signals at the transducer–soil interface. This study uses excitation frequency and amplitude as experimental factors and employs the discrete element simulation method to analyze the vibration characteristics of soil particles. It reveals the relationship between changes in soil pressure at the interface and the movement of the transducer. The results show that the motion curve of the transmitting transducer lags behind the soil pressure changes, and the energy of the ultrasonic signal increases with higher excitation frequency and amplitude. Specifically, the peak value of the first wave |H0| at 40 kHz and 60 kHz is 210% and 263% of that at 20 kHz, respectively. When the excitation amplitude increases from 0.005 mm to 0.015 mm, the value of the peak value of other waves |H| increases by 323%. This paper preliminarily reveals the propagation laws of ultrasonic continuous signals at the transducer–soil interface, providing theoretical support for the development of ultrasonic soil property detection instruments.

It has been well documented that there is a two-way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Diabetes mellitus represents an established risk factor for chronic periodontitis. Conversely, chronic periodontitis adversely modulates serum glucose levels in diabetic patients. Activated immune and inflammatory responses are noted during diabetes and periodontitis, under the modulation of similar biological mediators. These activated responses result in increased activity of certain immune-inflammatory mediators including adipokines and microRNAs in diabetic patients with periodontal disease. Notably, certain microbes in the oral cavity were identified to be involved in the occurrence of diabetes and periodontitis. In other words, these immune-inflammatory mediators and microbes may potentially serve as biomarkers for risk assessment and therapy selection in diabetes and periodontitis. In this review, we briefly provide an updated overview on different potential biomarkers, providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic insights on periodontal complications and diabetes mellitus.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an incurable aggressive T-cell lymphoma closely correlated with Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV) infection. Chronic and consistent viral infection induces T-cell exhaustion. Herein, we describe T-cell dysfunction in NKTCL patients for the first time. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from age-matched healthy donors (HDs) and NKTCL patients were collected, and lymphocyte distributions, multiple surface inhibitory receptors (IRs), effector cytokine production and cell proliferation were determined by flow cytometry. PBMCs from HDs were cocultured with NKTCL cell lines to verify the clinical findings. IR expression was further assessed in NKTCL tumor biopsies using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC). NKTCL patients have higher frequencies than HDs of inhibitory T regulatory cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). T-cell distribution also varies between NKTCL patients and HDs. T cells from NKTCL patients demonstrated higher expression levels of multiple IRs than HDs. Meanwhile, T-cell proliferation and interferon-γ production was significantly reduced in NKTCL patients. More importantly, the number of EBV-specific cytotoxic cells was lower in NTKCL patients, and these cells demonstrated upregulation of multiple IRs and secreted fewer effector cytokines. Interestingly, NKTCL cells caused normal PBMCs to acquire T-cell exhaustion phenotypes and induced generation of Tregs and MDSCs. In line with ex vivo finding, mIHC results showed that CD8+ T cells from NKTCL tumor biopsies expressed much higher level of IRs compared with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia individuals. The immune microenvironment of NKTCL patients exhibited T-cell dysfunction and accumulation of inhibitory cell components, which may contribute to impaired antitumor immunity.

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive plasma cell malignancy, causing a number of deaths worldwide every year. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduced T‐cell therapy has been a promising immunotherapy against hematological malignancies. Methods In this study, we developed a second‐generation CAR construct and generated CAR‐T cells targeting CD38 molecule. Then effects of CAR‐T cells against MM cell lines were evaluated. Results CD38‐CAR‐T cells showed higher cytotoxicity to MM cell lines and primary MM cells than that of control T cells in vitro. Over 50% MM1.s and RPMI8226 cells were killed by CAR‐T cells even at effector to target ratio of 1:100. CAR‐T cells also showed an enhanced cytotoxicity against primary MM cells. CAR‐T cells could be activated and produced a variety of cytokines in a target‐dependent manner. In vivo test indicated that CAR‐T cells also showed significant antitumor effect on xenograft mice models. Conclusion These results indicated a promising therapeutic strategy of CD38‐CAR‐T cells against MM.

To precisely map cosmic structures and capture time-domain events, future large survey telescopes will be equipped with segmented detectors that greatly expand their field of view. Segment flatness and assembly accuracy will be essential for them to make accurate observations. Instead of physically measuring distances between adjacent mirror surfaces, our modified optical truss enables the angle (slope) between them to be calculated. Furthermore, we calculated the relative tilt and piston between the segmented detectors. The modified optical truss can measure the flatness of a mosaicked detector before and after it is assembled into a telescope. We reduced the volume, weight, and power of our device compared with earlier versions. Its angular accuracy is now better than 0.1 arcsecs, and, at a maximum scope of 500 µm, the linear accuracy of the new truss is better than 25 µm. In fact, accuracy and testing ranges are comparable to instruments found in optics labs.

Due to the rich water in the weathered layer of the free section, the prestressed anchor cable of the long-term operating slope is severely corroded and its mechanical properties are deteriorated, affecting the stability of the slope. Based on a certain number of long-term operation highway anchor cable excavation tests, the author found that the free section of the anchor cable orifice was seriously corroded. Currently, there is very little research on the relationship between the holding capacity of anchor cables and the degree of corrosion of the free section of the cable, and the research is mainly focused on the life of the anchor section. Therefore, the constitutive relationship of the cable body is established on the basis of corrosion force coupled statistical damage mechanics, and the relationship between the degree of corrosion of the cable body and the holding prestress of the operating slope anchor cables is derived using the load transfer method. The rationality of prestressed anchor cables on highway slopes during the operation period was verified by actual measurement. This study has positive significance for long-term stability analysis of slopes.

ABSTRACT Pneumatic seed metering devices are widely used in high-speed and precise corn seeding operations. The objective of this study was to analysis the high-speed seeding performance of a pneumatic precision seed metering device at seeding speed ≥12 km/h. In this study, full-factor experiments were conducted of an air-suction rotary-hub corn precision seed metering device at the early stage of development. Seed leaking was the primary failure mode, and the experimental factors had no evident regular influence on the repeat index. The negative pressure of 3-7 kPa had significantly positive and negative correlations with the qualified index and the leak index, whereas the seeding speed of 12-20 km/h was significantly negatively and positively correlated with the qualified index and the leak index, respectively. The leak index reached its greatest value of 32.48%, 15.61% and 66.77% when the negative pressure was 3 kPa, and it was always less than 10% when the negative pressure was greater than 6 kPa for the three corn seed varieties. The corn seed varieties with smaller sizes and regular shapes were more suitable for high-speed precision seeding operations above 12 km/h, and the negative pressure could be increased to improve the qualified index and reduce the leak index.

This study systematically describes research trends of “industrial design education in China” using bibliometrics mapping from 1992 to 2021. This study aims to sort out industrial design education's historical flow in China and analyze its intrinsic links with Chinese national policies. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to describe and analyze this study. A technique that combines policy historical analysis with a bibliometric review based on Citespace's knowledge mapping is used in this research. The study was conducted on 492 ″Industrial Design Education” papers included in the core collection database of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure between 1992 and 2021. The results obtained from this study are 1) Research on industrial design education in China has grown steadily over the past three decades and remained high-quality level; 2) The three main research themes are “Chinese culture,” “interdisciplinary cooperation” and “government, industry, academia and research” cooperation; 3) Innovation and entrepreneurship, evaluation system, Interdisciplinary, new engineering, and new liberal arts are the research hot spots of Chinese core journals; 4) Interdisciplinary construction in the context of new engineering, assessment system research in the context of high-quality development, and innovation and entrepreneurship education in the context of creative industry development are the future research directions.

In a distribution system, sparse reliable samples and inconsistent fault characteristics always appear in the dataset of neural network fault detection models because of high impedance fault (HIF) and system structural changes. In this paper, we present an algorithm called Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) based on the Reptile Algorithm (GANRA) for generating fault data and propose an evolution strategy based on GANRA to assist the fault detection of neural networks. First, the GANRA generates enough high-quality analogous fault data to solve a shortage of realistic fault data for the fault detection model’s training. Second, an evolution strategy is proposed to help the GANRA improve the fault detection neural network’s accuracy and generalization by searching for GAN’s initial parameters. Finally, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is considered as the identification fault model in simulation experiments to verify the validity of the evolution strategy and the GANRA under the HIF environment. The results show that the GANRA can optimize the initial parameters of GAN and effectively reduce the calculation time, the sample size, and the number of learning iterations needed for dataset generation in the new grid structures.

This paper focuses on the speed control of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for electric drives with model uncertainties and external disturbances. Conventional sliding mode control (CSMC) can only converge asymptotically in the infinite domain and will cause unacceptable sliding mode chattering. To improve the performance of the PMSM speed loop in terms of response speed, tracking accuracy, and robustness, a hybrid control strategy for a fixed-time-convergent sliding mode controller (FSMC) with a fixed-time-convergent sliding mode observer (FSMO) is proposed for PMSM speed regulation using the fixed-time control theory. Firstly, the FSMC is proposed to improve the convergence speed and robustness of the speed loop, which can converge to the origin within a fixed time independent of the initial conditions. Then, the FSMO is used as a compensator to further enhance the robustness of the speed loop and attenuate sliding mode chattering. Finally, simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the dynamic performance and robustness of the PMSM speed control system.

Cassegrain telescopes with larger apertures suffer significant optical pupil shifting errors caused by gravity and temperature gradients. This study constructs an optical model of a large Cassegrain telescope and a method to calculate and compensate its shifting error. First, the optical structure is simplified by incorporating only the most relevant telescope components, and the system optics is modeled using ray tracing. A computer-aided mounting-based method for calculating the misalignment error of primary and secondary mirrors is proposed, with the spatial position change of secondary mirrors as the input. Next, a compensation method based on the coma-free point theory of the Cassegrain system is proposed, with the main mirror’s optical axis as the reference. Finally, using a 4 m aperture telescope as an example, the gravity- and thermal-deformation-induced shifting error is simulated. Based on this simulation, the secondary mirror position is adjusted using a secondary mirror-adjustment mechanism Hexapod platform to compensate for the misalignment error. Both gravity and temperature are major causes of shift in the pupil position, with a maximum shift of 18 mm. After compensation, this shift is controlled within 1 mm. The modeling method and the simulation process mentioned in this research can also be used in the other relevant fields.

BackgroundThe impairment of atrial function and atrial-ventricular coupling in diseases with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has been increasingly recognized. This study compares left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) function, as well as LA-LV coupling, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hypertension (HTN) with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT).MethodsFifty-eight HCM patients, 44 HTN patients, and 25 healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled. LA and RA functions were compared among the three groups. LA-LV correlations were evaluated in the HCM and HTN groups.ResultsLA reservoir (LA total EF, ɛs, and SRs), conduit (LA passive EF, ɛe, SRe), and booster pump (LA booster EF, ɛa, SRa) functions were significantly impaired in HCM and HTN patients compared to healthy controls (HCM vs. HTN vs. healthy controls: ɛs, 24.8 ± 9.8% vs. 31.3 ± 9.3% vs. 25.2 ± 7.2%; ɛe, 11.7 ± 6.7% vs. 16.8 ± 6.9% vs. 25.5 ± 7.5%; ɛa, 13.1 ± 5.8% vs. 14.6 ± 5.5% vs. 16.5 ± 4.5%, p

Gut microbiota represents a hidden treasure vault encompassing trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal epithelial barrier of the host. In the past decade, numerous in-vitro, animal and clinical studies have revealed the profound roles of gut microbiota in maintaining the homeostasis of various physiological functions, especially immune modulation, and remarkable differences in the configuration of microbial communities between cancers and healthy individuals. In addition, although considerable efforts have been devoted to cancer treatments, there remain many patients succumb to their disease with the incremental cancer burden worldwide. Nevertheless, compared with the stability of human genome, the plasticity of gut microbiota renders it a promising opportunity for individualized treatment. Meanwhile, burgeoning findings indicate that gut microbiota is involved in close interactions with the outcomes of diverse cancer immunotherapy protocols, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Here, we reviewed the evidence for the capacity of gut microflora to modulate cancer immunotherapies, and highlighted the opportunities of microbiota-based prognostic prediction, as well as microbiotherapy by targeting the microflora to potentiate anticancer efficacy while attenuating toxicity, which will be pivotal to the development of personalized cancer treatment strategies.

The synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites has greatly facilitated the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors. We report a CH3NH3PbI3-xClx vertical-structure field-effect phototransistor (VFEPT) using Au/Ag NWs as transparent source electrode (TSE) and exhibiting wideband absorption in the 380 to 800 nm range. Due to the ultra-short channel (78 nm) of VFEPT, multiple circulating holes in laser-induced electron-hole pairs, thus achieving excellent photoconductivity. We further tested the photoelectric performance of VFEPT, which showed that the device had the responsivity (R) is 82.99A/W, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is 3.3 × 104% and the specific detectivity (D*) is 1.86 × 1012 Jones at VG = -2V, VSD = −5V. When VG = 2.5 V, VSD = 5 V, R reaches 109.15 A/W, EQE reaches 3.3 × 104% and D* reaches 2.45 × 1012 Jones. Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites provide a new approach for high-performance vertical-structured ultra-short channel perovskite photodetectors.

In response to the issues of high cost, limited detection accuracy, and significant measurement errors inherent in conventional manual techniques used to measure straw cover weight under the conservation tillage method, a dedicated straw cover weight detection machine was developed in the current study. This machine included a critical straw suction device that utilizes negative pressure to collect straw within a defined area. The efficiency of straw collection is affected by suction chamber structural parameters and transport pressure. With crushed corn straw as the research subject, the theoretical calculation of straw suspension velocity was used to determine the wind duct diameter, perform the initial design of the suction chamber structure, and select the appropriate fan. After conducting preliminary experiments, single-factor optimization tests, and orthogonal rotation experiments, we analyzed the flow field distribution patterns and identified the critical parameters for the straw cover weight suction unit. We found that the fan should operate at a speed of 2900 r/min, the diameter of the straw outlet should be 200 mm, the vertical height of the suction chamber should be 536 mm, and the bottom diameter of the suction chamber should be 800 mm. The optimization results were validated through simulation tests and bench tests, yielding an average near-ground airflow velocity of vj = 9.03 m/s and an average outlet airflow velocity of vo = 34.27 m/s, meeting the basic requirements of the suction unit. This study could provide a new approach and technical support for the automated detection of straw cover weight in conservation tillage areas.

Abstract Background Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease with a number of cytokines participating in its pathogenesis and progress. Interleukin (IL)-22, which is derived from lymphocytes, acts on epithelial cells and play a role in the chronic airway inflammation. However, the actual role of IL-22 in allergic asthma is still unclear. Therefore, we explored the effect of IL-22 on allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. Methods To evaluate the effect of IL-22 in an allergic asthma model, BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA; then the recombinant mouse IL-22 was administered intranasally 24 h prior to each challenge. The IL-22 levels in lung homogenates and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. AHR was evaluated through indicators including airways resistance (Rrs), elastance (Ers) and compliance (Crs); the inflammatory cell infiltration was assessed by quantification of differential cells counts in BALF and lung tissues stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E); IL-22 specific receptors were determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Results The concentration of IL-22 was significantly elevated in the OVA-induced mice compared with the control mice in lung homogenates and BALF. In the OVA-induced mouse model, IL-22 administration could significantly attenuate AHR, including Rrs, Ers and Crs, decrease the proportion of eosinophils in BALF and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration around bronchi and their concomitant vessels, compared with the OVA-induced group. In addition, the expression of IL-22RA1 and IL-10RB in the lung tissues of OVA-induced mice was significantly increased compared with the control mice, while it was dramatically decreased after the treatment with IL-22, but not completely attenuated in the IL-22-treated mice when compared with the control mice. Conclusion Interleukin-22 could play a protective role in an OVA-induced asthma model, by suppressing the inflammatory cell infiltration around bronchi and their concomitant vessels and airway hyperresponsiveness, which might associate with the expression of its heterodimer receptors. Thus, IL-22 administration might be an effective strategy to attenuate allergic airway inflammation.

The development of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a specific type of immunotherapy, in recent decades was a fantastic breakthrough for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, difficulties in collecting normal T cells from patients and the time cost of manufacturing CAR-T cells have limited the application of CAR-T-cell therapy. In addition, the termination of related clinical trials on universal CAR-T cell therapy has made further research more difficult. Natural killer (NK) cells have drawn great attention in recent years. Chimeric antigen receptor-NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a promising strategy in the treatment of malignant tumors because of its lack of potential for causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this review, we will address the advances in and achievements of CAR-NK cell therapy.

To solve the problem of low straw-cutting efficiency of single-disc openers of no-till planters under conditions of high soil moisture content, a single-disc furrowing and straw-cutting device was designed based on the support-cutting principle. To improve the straw-cutting ability of the disc opener when it operates under high-moisture-content soil conditions and to make sure that the straw that is not cut by the disc coulter can be cut smoothly by the disc opener, the support shovel was designed, and the operation mechanism of the support shovel device was analyzed. The soil moisture content, the support shovel’s entry angle, the support shovel’s entry gap angle, and the support shovel’s tip margin were identified as the factors influencing the device design through the theoretical analysis of the furrowing and straw-cutting device. Through the discrete element method (DEM), a single-factor simulation test was first conducted to analyze how different soil moisture contents affected the device’s ability to cut straw, and the results showed that the number of broken bonds was lowest when the soil moisture content was 20 ± 1%, and the time taken for the straw to be wholly cut off was also the longest. Then, a quadratic orthogonal simulation test was conducted to construct a regression model and optimize the parameters at the soil moisture content of 20 ± 1%, and the results revealed that the significant order of each factor’s influence on the number of broken bonds is as follows: entry gap angle, entry angle, and shovel tip margin. In addition, the device’s overall operation quality was better when the entry angle was 49°, the entry gap angle was 0°, and the shovel tip margin was 10 mm. At this time, the number of broken bonds was predicted to be 506. Finally, the simulation validation test was run, and the number of broken bonds was obtained to be 478, with a relative error of 5.6% from the predicted value. According to the optimal parameters to complete the device trial production and field test, the results show that the average cut-off rate of the device is 71.7%, the stability coefficient of the furrowing depth is 90.87%, and the performance of the furrow opening is excellent, which meets the requirements of a no-tillage seeding operation. This study can provide a reference for the design and improvement of no-tillage seeding machines under conditions of high soil moisture content.

A direct-injection straw deep-burial method was proposed to address the issues of insufficient depth and compaction during the process of straw deep burial. Based on the working principle of oblique cutting, an in situ soil-lifting shovel is designed for oblique cutting of soil and in situ lifting of soil, forming a deep burial space for straw. Elaborating on the working principle of the in situ soil-lifting shovel, we analyzed the stress situation of each stage during the operation process and determined the structural parameter values of the in situ soil-lifting shovel. Using the DEM simulation analysis method, the regression orthogonal simulation test is carried out with the soil-opening angle, the soil-lifting angle, and the camber angle of the in situ soil-lifting shovel as the test indicators, and the number of straws deeply buried and the operational resistance as the evaluation indicators. The regression equation and the response surface mathematical model were established to analyze the influence of the interaction of various factors on the operational performance of the in situ soil-lifting shovel. The simulation results showed that the significant order of effect on the number of straws buried deeply and the operational resistance was camber angle > soil-opening angle > soil-lifting angle. After optimization, the structural parameters were soil-opening angle of 17°, soil-lifting angle of 37°, camber angle of 30°, the corresponding number of straw buried was 228.29, and the operating resistance was 2840.45 N. The average value of operational resistance obtained from the field validation test was 3145.95 N, and the error with the simulation results was only 11%. The quantity of straw buried deeply was 90.21%. The straw deep burial experiment further indicates that the operation effect meets the agronomic requirements of straw deep burial.

To improve their spatial resolution and detection capabilities, future ground-based optical telescopes will have a size of 30 m, and the aperture of space telescopes will be increased to 10 m. Such large optical systems necessitate the development of large integrated testing equipment. In this study, spectrum and system alignment measurements and wavefront quality checking were performed using the sub-aperture detection method and a fiber-connected Photonics Scanning Pentaprism (PSP). First, the system was aligned using an optical truss, ensuring that the optical axis was properly positioned. Second, using a sub-aperture light beam though the entrance pupil, light spots were formed on the focal plane and transmitted to the spectrometer via fibers to obtain the corresponding spectral components. Then, by taking measurements at different system positions, a full-aperture spectrum response could be reached. Lastly, by photon-integrated interference on the focal plane, intensity interference fringes could be projected at the entrance pupil of the system. And the wavefront quality of the system could be verified by observing the fringe deformation. The measurement accuracy of the optical axis of the system is better than 2 mrad. The spectral measurement accuracy was better than 5%, and the wavefront measurement accuracy surpassed 0.1 wavelengths (1 wavelength = 633 nm). This study effectively enhanced the detection and in situ calibration capabilities of large telescope systems, ensuring that the performance requirements can be met in the design of future telescopes.

Linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) has been widely used to improve the tracking accuracy and anti-disturbance performance of telescope servo control under disturbances. However, the linear extended state observer (LESO) is sensitive to noise, and its bandwidth is limited by the resonant frequency of the telescope. To enhance the LARDC’s ability to attenuate disturbances, a novel cascade anti-disturbance structure (NCADS) with LADRC on the outer speed loop and a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDOB) on the inner current loop is proposed. The NDOB compensates for the dominant disturbance through feedforwarding the q-axis current reference, and the LESO compensates for the residual disturbance on the outer speed loop. First, the NCADS is introduced in a three-closed-loop control framework of PMSM. Then, the design method of the controller for each loop and the NDOB are presented, the parameter-tuning method based on bandwidth is demonstrated, and the convergence of the NDOB is proved. Furthermore, to improve the searching and tracking efficiency of wide-field survey telescopes, the nonlinear tracking differentiator (NTD) was modified to plan the transition process of the position loop, which only needs to set the maximum speed and acceleration of the telescope. Finally, simulations and experiments were performed on a 2.5-m-wide field survey telescope. The experimental results verify that the proposed NCADS method has a better anti-disturbance performance and higher tracking precision than the conventional method, and the improved NTD method does not need to tune parameters and achieved a fast and smooth transition process of the position loop.

Abstract Aberrant expression of miR-30d is associated with the development and progression of several human cancers. However, its biological roles and underlying mechanisms in pancreatic cancer are largely unknown. The expression of miR-30d in pancreatic cancer was evaluated in public databases and further valuated by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry in a cohort of pancreatic cancer patients. The role of miR-30d in the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells was determined using in vitro and in vivo assays. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to examine potential target genes of miR-30d. Luciferase reporter assay and functional rescue experiments were used to elucidate the mechanisms of miR-30d. miR-30d was found frequently decreased in pancreatic cancer compared with nontumor tissues, and downregulation of miR-30d predicted poor prognosis and early relapse of pancreatic cancer patients. Overexpression of miR-30d significantly repressed the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses identified sex-determining region Y-box 4 (SOX4) as a target gene of miR-30d. Mechanically, miR-30d exerted its tumor suppressive effect by directly targeting SOX4, which caused inhibition of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Overexpression of SOX4 partially antagonized the inhibitory effects of miR-30d. Our study demonstrated that dysregulation of the miR-30d/SOX4/PI3K-AKT axis promotes the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. These findings suggest miR-30d as a promising and reliable therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background Dental anxiety (DA) has an impact on the quality of dental treatment and may have long-lasting implications for children. A recent study introducing experiential learning (EL) into children’s oral health promotion resulted in better oral hygiene. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether EL can reduce children’s DA. Methods In September 2018, we recruited 988 children aged 7–8 years from 24 classes to participate in a cluster-randomized trial. Classes were randomly assigned to EL (in which children received a lively presentation on oral health and participated in a role play in a simulated dental clinic in the classroom) or the Tell-Show-Do (TSD) group (in which children received a conventional TSD behavior management). The primary outcome was the prevalence of high DA after the procedure of pit and fissure sealant (PFS), assessed by a modified Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. Secondary outcomes were changes in blood pressures (BP) and pulse rates (PR) before and after the PFS procedure. The intervention effects were estimated by means of mixed effect models, which included covariates of gender and school (and baseline value for BP and PR only), and a random cluster effect. Results In 396 children of the EL group who received the PFS treatment, the prevalence of high DA (score ≥ 38) was 18.5%, compared with 24.3% in 391 children of the TSD group (OR = 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.93; P = 0.019). The increases in BP and PR after the PFS were also significantly less in the EL group. Conclusion School-based experiential learning intervention before a dental visit is feasible and effective in reducing children’s dental anxiety during PFS. Trial registration The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 5 January 2020 (No.: ChiCTR2000028878 , retrospectively registered).

In this paper, the effects of quartz fibers on the resistivity, complex permittivity, complex permeability, and S-parameters of high-alumina cement pastes are investigated. Meanwhile, the change of microstructure after adding quartz fibers were analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that with the increase the content of quartz fiber, the real part of complex permittivity decreases, while the imaginary part of complex permittivity, dielectric loss tangent, and resistivity increased. At the same time, there are more small pores, and the interface situation is more complicated after adding quartz fiber. Therefore, the reflectivity decreases and the absorptivity increases, but the scope of increase in the absorptivity is smaller than the decrease in the reflectivity, resulting in an increase in the transmittivity. When the content of quartz fiber is 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60%, the average transmittance of high-alumina cement paste is increased by 3.69, 6.18, 15.51, and 21.03% respectively. It is indicated that the quartz fibers can improve the wave transmission properties of the high-alumina cement paste.

Large survey telescopes are vital for mapping dark energy and dark matter in the deep universe. This study presents a fiber-linked internal motion metrology system that aligns the mirrors and large lenses in the telescopes to enhance alignment accuracy by improving the image quality at a lower weight, volume, power, and cost. The internal motion system comprises a photonic laser beam projector capable of projecting multiple Gaussian beams onto the detector of the telescope. The specific spatial frequency aberration component is determined by combining Gaussian beam location and the geometry model of the telescope. Furthermore, integrating the proposed system with the curvature-sensing wavefront system enables more precise alignment and camera sensing. In the experimental tests, the location precision was within 10 μm, and the rotation precision improved to 5 arcsecs, fulfilling the alignment and motion monitoring requirements of large survey telescopes. The results of this study can be used as a reference to improve the performance of closed-loop bandwidth systems and active camera optics.

Cutting maize stalks using water jet cutting technology is a new method of stalk management before no-tillage sowing. Aiming to cut off the maize stalks (stems and stem nodes), we conducted an all-factor cutting experiment on stems and single-factor cutting experiments on stem nodes under different cutting parameters. The results showed that the cutoff ratio of the stems and stem nodes increased with water jet pressure and decreased with target distance and traverse speed. For cutting off the stems with a maximum traverse speed, the parameters were 120 MPa water jet pressure, 10 mm target distance, and 1371 mm/min traverse speed. When the target distance was 30 mm, the traverse speed was 4000 mm/min, and the water jet pressure was greater than or equal to 160 MPa, the cutoff ratio of stem nodes was 100%. Therefore, the water jet pressure ≥ 160 MPa, the target distance ≤ 10 mm, and the traverse speed ≤ 1371 mm/min were needed to cut off both. Moreover, bottom burrs, surface stripes, and cutting residue might appear due to the divergent and lagging characteristics of water jets. The results could provide basic data and technical support for cutting maize stalks with water jets.

To obtain accurate soil parameters and improve the accuracy of the acoustic-soil discrete element simulation model, we studied the model’s parameter calibration. The simulation test was carried out using the measured acoustic velocity and dominant frequency as the response value (index). Firstly, the Plackett—Burman test scheme was used to obtain the sensitivity ranking of soil parameters to the dominant frequency and velocity of the acoustic wave. The parameters that significantly affect the acoustic wave were obtained: Shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and coefficient of restitution. Then the Box—Behnken test scheme was used to establish the regression relationship between the dominant frequency and the velocity of the sound wave and Shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Coefficient of restitution. The results shows that the indexes that researchers focus on are different in different scenarios, and the sensitivity of soil parameters to different indicators is different, which results in different soil parameter values after calibration. This study analyzed the main factors affecting the accuracy of the acoustic-discrete element model in constructing the model, provided a method for improving the construction accuracy of the acoustic wave—soil discrete element model and provided a reference for the construction of discrete elements models in other fields.

Objectives: Proteomics and high connotation functional gene screening (HCS) were used to screen key functional genes that play important roles in the pathogenesis of venous malformation. Furthermore, this study was conducted to analyze and explore their possible functions, establish a gene mutation zebrafish model, and perform a preliminary study to explore their possible pathogenic mechanisms in venous malformation.Methods: Pathological and normal tissues from patients with disseminated venous malformation were selected for Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) proteomics analysis to identify proteins that were differentially expressed. Based on bioinformatics analysis, 20 proteins with significant differential expression were selected for HCS to find key driver genes and characterize the expression of these genes in patients with venous malformations. In vitro experiments were then performed using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). A gene mutant zebrafish model was also constructed for in vivo experiments to explore gene functions and pathogenic mechanisms.Results: The TMT results showed a total of 71 proteins that were differentially expressed as required, with five of them upregulated and 66 downregulated. Based on bioinformatics and proteomics results, five highly expressed genes and 15 poorly expressed genes were selected for functional screening by RNAi technology. HCS screening identified ACTA2 as the driver gene. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the expression of ACTA2 in the pathological tissues of patients with venous malformations and in control tissues, and the experimental results showed a significantly lower expression of ACTA2 in venous malformation tissues (P < 0.05). Cell assays on the human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) model showed that cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenic ability were all significantly increased in the ACTA2 over-expression group (P < 0.05), and that overexpression of ACTA2 could improve the inhibitory effect on vascular endothelial cell proliferation. We constructed an ACTA2-knockdown zebrafish model and found that the knockdown of ACTA2 resulted in defective vascular development, disruption of vascular integrity, and malformation of micro vein development in zebrafish. Further qPCR assays revealed that the knockdown of ACTA2 inhibited the Dll4/notch1 signaling pathway, Ephrin-B2 signaling pathway, and vascular integrity-related molecules and activated the Hedgehog signaling pathway.Conclusion: This study revealed that ACTA2 deficiency is an important factor in the pathogenesis of venous malformation, resulting in the disruption of vascular integrity and malformed vascular development. ACTA2 can be used as a potential biomarker for the treatment and prognosis of venous malformations.

Background: Currently, biotherapy is mainly administered to treat patients with severe asthma with the Type 2 (T2) inflammation phenotype. The variability of T2 inflammatory markers remains poorly understood. Objective: We aimed to describe the individual distributions of different biomarkers at varying thresholds and their variation patterns in participants with severe asthma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of participants who had completed 2 or more fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and peripheral blood eosinophil counts in our centre within 5 years. The individual distribution of biomarkers (blood or sputum eosinophils, FeNO, and serum total IgE) with repeated measurements at different thresholds was analysed. The varied patterns of biomarkers were analysed by cluster analysis. Results: A total of 241 eligible participants were screened. Through long-term longitudinal multiple measurements, we found that approximately 50% of severe asthmatics had blood eosinophil levels fluctuating around the threshold defined by biological agents. FeNO persisted at levels >19.5 ppb or 25 ppb in more than half of patients; about 30% of participants crossed this threshold. In our centre, 47.4% of participants consistently exceeded sputum eosinophils >3%, and 47.4% of patients crossed this threshold. Approximately 66.7% of participants had more than 50% alterations of serum total IgE, and 98.1% of participants continued to have IgE levels greater than 30 IU/mL. We used cluster analysis to classify variability and levels of FeNO and blood eosinophils and identified 4 patient clusters. Cluster 1 can be summarised as T2 severe asthma with low blood eosinophil levels and stability. Cluster 2 can be summarised as asthma with continuous increase and small fluctuations in various T2 inflammatory markers. Cluster 3 can be summarised as a non/low-T2 inflammatory phenotype. Cluster 4 can be summarised as a stable, moderate T2 inflammatory phenotype. Conclusion: We identified the distributions and variable patterns of the T2 inflammatory markers currently used to guide asthma biotherapy in clinical practice. The longitudinal comprehensive multiple assessments of T2 inflammatory markers provide support for initiating biologic therapy patients with severe asthma whose biomarker levels vary.

The challenge in addressing uncalibrated visual servoing (VS) control of robot manipulators with unstructured environments is to obtain appropriate interaction matrix and keep the image features in the field of view (FOV), especially when the non-Gaussian noise disturbance exists in the VS process. In this article, a hybrid control algorithm which combines bidirectional extreme learning machine (B-ELM) with smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is proposed to estimate interaction matrix and tackle visibility constraints. For VS, the nonlinear mapping between image features and interaction matrix is approximated using the B-ELM learning. To increase the capability of anti-interference, the SVSF is employed to re-estimate interaction matrix. A constraint function presenting feature coordinates and region boundaries is given and added to the velocity controller, which drags image features away from the restricted region and ensures the smoothness of the velocities. Since the camera and robot model parameters are not required in developing the control strategy, the servoing task can be fulfilled flexibly and simply. Simulation and experimental results on a conventional 6-degree-of-freedom manipulator verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

To improve the performance of pneumatic wheat seeding devices with the goal of achieving pneumatic wheat seeding in soil conditions with high moisture content and heavy clay texture in rice-wheat rotation areas, a simulation optimization study of a pneumatic wheat seeding device was carried out using computational fluid dynamics. In this model, airflow was described by ANSYS Fluent software as a continuous compressible gas phase. The effects of accelerating air pressure, throat distance and nozzle diameter on the steady airflow velocity, the steady airflow length and the inlet 2 negative pressure of airflow field were studied, and a response surface analysis was applied to optimize the pneumatic wheat seeding device. The optimal parameter combination was achieved, which was an acceleration pressure of 700 kPa, a throat distance of 20 mm, a nozzle diameter of 7.2 mm and an acceleration pressure of 700 kPa. Comparative verification results showed that the steady airflow velocity, the steady airflow length and inlet 2 negative pressure of the optimized pneumatic wheat seeding device were 718 m/s, 182 mm and 0.49 kPa by simulations, which were 37%, 3% and 17% greater than those of the original device, respectively. This finding illustrates that the CFD model could describe the characteristics of airflow field well in a pneumatic seeding device and that the regression model for parameter optimization was reliable. Numerical simulation of the airflow field based on CFD approach can provide a theoretical basis for improving the operating performance of a pneumatic seeding device.

To avoid the issues of seeds lying atop straw, where the seeds cannot germinate, during no-till maize seeding, a seed furrow cleaning device is proposed. The device uses rotating spring teeth and a curved sliding shovel to clear the straw from the seed furrow to the outside. The critical components of the side throwing mechanism, rotary disc and spring teeth design are analyzed, and the value range of the installation inclination angle, rotating speed and bending angle of spring teeth are determined. The force on the straw at the moment of starting to touch and throw it is analyzed theoretically in the three installation directions of forward inclination, radial and backward inclination on the rotary disc, and the backward inclination of the spring teeth is determined. A simulation model of the seed furrow cleaning device is established by using the discrete element method simulation software; the forwarding speed, rotating speed, installation inclination angle, and bending angle of spring teeth are used as influencing factors to carry out single-factor experiments. The influence characteristics of different parameters on seed ditch cleaning effect are analyzed from the aspects of straw cleaning quantity and soil disturbance. A field validation experiment is carried out, and the results show that when rotating speed is 180 r/min, installation inclination angle of spring teeth is 40°, and bending angle is 30°, the straw cleaning rate is 82.26%. The research could provide references to develop the no-till seeder for maize seeding.