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Cold spray technology can obtain coatings in a solid state, suitable for deposition protection, repair, and additive manufacturing. In order to further expand the application areas of cold spraying nozzles, especially the inner surface of the components or areas where a Straight-line conical nozzle cannot be applied, because the study of the throat of the nozzle with the angle will directly reduce the total length of the nozzle (the horizontal direction), hence, the spray with the angle will show its advantage. This study discusses the influence of the throat structure of the conical cold spray nozzle on the acceleration characteristics, including the throat’s size, length, and angle. The results show the following. Firstly, under the premise of keeping the shrinkage ratio and divergence ratio unchanged at normal temperature, the throat diameter is between 2–6 mm in size, and the maximum growth rate exceeds 20 m/s. When the throat exceeds 6mm, the growth rate of the outlet slows down, and the growth rate is only 8 m/s. Secondly, the length of the throat has little effect on the acceleration characteristics, the total range fluctuated from 533 to 550 m/s, and 11 mm length of the throat is the closest to 0mm. Additionally, the 90° throat angle has the least effect on the acceleration characteristics. Finally, the particle trajectory is affected by inlet pressure, injection pressure, particle size, and other factors.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disease involving neurocutaneous abnormalities. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the neurofibromas and café-au-lait spots. Mutation in the NF 1 gene causes NF1. The NF 1 gene encodes neurofibromin. In this study, we found a 31-year-old Chinese boy with NF1. He presented only with café-au-lait spots over the whole body. The proband’s mother had a severe phenotype with neurofibroma and café-au-lait macules over her whole body, mostly in the facial region. A novel multi exon deletion c.(4661+1_4662-1)_(5748+1_5749-1)del; [EX36_39DEL] on the NF 1 gene has been identified in the proband. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) confirmed that this mutation is co-segregated well and was inherited from the proband’s mother. The mutation was absent in the proband’s father and normal individuals. The novel multi exon deletion results in the formation of a truncated NF1 protein that caused the NF1 phenotype in this family. Our present study also emphasized the significance of rapid, accurate and cost-effective screening for the patient with NF1 by next generation sequencing (NGS).

Studying tropical hydroclimate and productivity change in the past is critical for understanding global climate dynamics. Northwest Australia is an ideal location for investigating Australian monsoon dynamics, the variability of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), and their impact on past productivity and Pacific warm pool evolution, which remain poorly understood during the 40 kyr world in the mid‐early Pleistocene. In this study, we present multi‐proxy records from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1483 in the Timor Sea spanning the last 2,000 ka, including orbitally‐resolved records from the 40 kyr world between 2,000 and 1,300 ka. Our results suggest that northwest Australia underwent a step of increased aridification and that productivity in the Timor Sea declined during the transition from ∼1,700 to ∼1,400 ka. We attribute this aridification to the reduced moisture supply to this region caused by the ITF restriction and warm pool contraction. We ascribe the declined productivity to a decrease in the nutrient supply of the Pacific source water associated with global nutrient redistribution. At orbital timescale, multiple mechanisms, including sea level changes, monsoon, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) dynamics, and variations in the ITF and Walker circulation could have controlled variations of productivity and terrigenous input in the Timor Sea during the 40 kyr world. Our bulk nitrogen and benthic carbon isotope records suggest a strong coupling to biogeochemical changes in the Pacific during this period. This research contributes to a better understanding of tropical hydroclimate and productivity changes during the 40 kyr world. Plain Language Summary: The northwest Australian region is located at the southwestern edge of the Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool and experiences a seasonal monsoon climate. Oceanic and climate conditions in this region are also strongly influenced by the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), which is the only tropical pathway in the modern ocean connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans and providing the main conduit for the exchange of water, salt, and heat between these oceans. These conditions make northwest Australia a strategic location to explore Australian monsoon dynamics, the variability of the ITF, and the interaction between tropical hydroclimate and productivity in the past. However, these processes are poorly documented during the 40 kyr world in the mid‐early Pleistocene, when glacial‐interglacial cycles mainly varied at the 41 kyr obliquity band. Here, we present multiple‐proxy marine records from a site directly impacted by the ITF and we examine terrigenous input and productivity changes in this region over the last 2,000 kyr. Our results suggest that northwest Australia underwent a step of increased aridification and that productivity in the Timor Sea declined during the transition from ∼1,700 to ∼1,400 ka, due to restriction of the ITF, warm pool contraction, and decreased nutrient supply from the Pacific source water. Key Points: Northwest Australia underwent aridification from ∼1,700 to 1,400 ka due to restricted Indonesian Throughflow and warm pool contractionDecreased productivity in the Timor Sea from ∼1,700 to 1,400 ka reflected decreased nutrient supply from Pacific source waterOrbital variation in productivity and terrigenous input in the Timor Sea during the 40 kyr world are driven by multiple mechanisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Neuroinflammation caused by excessive microglial cell activation and the subsequent death of dopaminergic neurons plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Saikosaponin A (Ssa), a triterpene saponin derived from Radix Bupleuri, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. This research aimed to investigate whether Ssa has a therapeutic effect on PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BV2 microgliaand SH-SY5Y cells were treated with a neurotoxin N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and Ssa. Cell viability, apoptosis, inflammatory reactions, and expression levels of oxidative stress mediators were assessed. A PD rat model was created by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), followed by the Ssa treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation. Open-field test (OFT) was performed to evaluate the locomotion of the rats. The underlying mechanism of Ssa effect in PD was explored using network pharmacology analysis and verified experimentally. RESULTS: Ssa dampened neuronal apoptosis and had anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress proprieties in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells and BV2 microglia. As shown in in-vivo experiments, Ssa reduced MPTP-mediated neuronal apoptosis and motor dysfunction and lowered the expression of inflammatory factors and oxidative stressors in the substantia nigra (SN) of the PD rat. Additionally, Ssa inactivated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that Ssa prevents dopaminergic neurodegeneration caused by microglia activation by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of the combined transplantation of a bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for the repair of large-area skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who had received bilateral ALTP flap reconstructions for large-area skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities were retrospectively analyzed. The areas of the skin and soft tissue defects were measured preoperatively (18.0×11.0 - 38.0×15.0 cm2). The wounds were on the forearm, elbow, upper arm, foot, and lower leg. Color Duplex Sonography (CDS) was used to localize the site where the perforator artery of the bilateral thighs penetrated the deep fascia. The selected area was evaluated according to the number of perforating branches and the range of supply. The flap areas and repairable range were further evaluated according to the number of perforating branches detected during the operation to determine whether to retain the deep fascia. It is important to design and adjust the anastomosis of the vascular pedicle according to the specific situation on transfer of the flap to the recipient site. The donor sites of all the patients in the study were closed in the first stage. The amount of bleeding and the blood supply to the flap after vascular anastomosis were evaluated during the operation. The postoperative survival of the flap and complications, such as bleeding, infection, and arteriovenous crisis, were closely monitored. All patients were followed-up at one, three, and six months after surgery to assess their satisfaction with the appearance of the flap transplantation and the recovery of limb function. RESULTS: The bilateral ATLP flaps survived successfully in all 12 cases and all donor sites were closed in the first stage. No post-surgery complications, including hematoma, wound dehiscence, and infection, were observed at the donor sites, resulting in high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Combined transplantation of bilateral ALTP flaps can repair large-area skin and soft tissue defects in one stage, which not only reduces the number of operations and hospitalization costs but also reduces the damage to the limbs caused by the cutting of large-area flaps from only one side. The accuracy of the surgery was improved by ultrasound-assisted localization. In summary, combined transplantation of bilateral ALTP is a rational yet effective way to repair large-area skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic skyrmions are promising candidates for next-generation information carriers. Many concepts and prototypes for skyrmion-based devices have been proposed, and most of the studies are based on the motion of isolated skyrmion. Nevertheless, so far, a comprehensive research of multi-skyrmion motion and related device design are still lacking. In this work, a skyrmion subtracter and a skyrmion diverter based on multi-skyrmion motion are numerically demonstrated in a voltage-gated synthetic antiferromagnetic racetrack. It shows that the number of skyrmions along an array n can be subtracted by an integer from 1 to n by proper control of the driving current density and the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy in a narrow racetrack, realizing the function of a skyrmion subtracter. Moreover, when the width of racetrack increases, a single array of skyrmions along the racetrack direction can redistribute along the voltage gate due to the blocking effect of the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy. As a result, the single array of skyrmions can split into several arrays, realizing the function of a skyrmion diverter. Our results thus provide guidelines for designing novel racetrack-type skyrmionic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uveitis is a type of ocular inflammatory disease caused by various etiologies, for which corticosteroids are the main treatment. Dexamethasone Intravitreal implant (DEX-I) has been widely used in the treatment of uveitis across the world. Then, new indications and complications appeared. This review aims to summarize the use of DEX-I in uveitis in the past 10 years. We summarized the clinical data (baseline characteristics, efficacy and safety) and discussed controversies by retrospectively analyzing the articles and cases published in PubMed and Web of Science using the terms "Ozurdex", OR "intravitreal dexamethasone implant", AND "uveitis" from 2010 to 2022. DEX-I is effective in reducing edema, improving inflammation and improving vision when treating various conditions of uveitis including infectious, no-infectious, pediatric uveitis, and surgery-related applications. The efficacy of DEX-I as a monotherapy is related to the following: etiology and course of disease, treatment of systemic diseases, patients' toleration after multiple injections, economic situation, etc. In addition, intravitreal corticosteroids implantation may replace systemic therapy in some patients. In terms of safety, the incidence of high intraocular pressure is about 20.52%, and the incidence of cataract is about 15.51%. DEX-I can effectively treat non-infectious uveitis and some infectious uveitis such as suspected tuberculosis, and its safety is controllable. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of monotherapy and to expand more indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice drip irrigation cultivation is an efficient water-saving cultivation technique. However, it is a special water environment for rice, which makes rice vulnerable to water shortage during the whole growth period or at a certain stage. In this study, five water treatments were set up: drip irrigation regimes (DI), water deficient irrigation for 15 days at panicle differentiation stage (T1), booting stage (T2), flowering stage (T3) and grain filling stage (T4). Results indicated that the T1 treatment reduced the yield most, about 30.6% lower than that in DI treatment. T1 treatment significantly decreased the number of secondary branches and grains per panicle. The T2 and T3 treatment reduced the seed-setting rate of rice and led to yield reduction. The grain weight of grains on bottom secondary branches in T4 treatment was significantly decreased. Overall, In the drip irrigation management, further water shortage at different growth stages will lead to a reduction of yield. Therefore, in production practice, it is necessary to ensure adequate irrigation (soil water content kept 90% of the field water capacity at least) from the beginning of reproductive growth, especially in panicle differentiation stage. This provides a direction for breeding and water management under drip irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]