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This letter proposes a novel dual-frequency reflective coding metasurface (CMS) composed of two types of improved C-shaped resonators. By loading a microstrip line and a ring, the electromagnetic (EM) coupling between the resonators is significantly reduced. Also, the microstrip line helps to improve reflection amplitude in the high band. As a result, the proposed CMS can independently control the amplitude and phase of cross-polarized waves in the frequency ranges of 8.6–9.4 GHz and 16.3–17.1 GHz. Based on this CMS, a bifocal metalens and a reflectarray (RA) antenna operating in the bands are designed, and the latter is fabricated and tested. The measured peak gains of the RA antenna are 21.6 dBi in 9.0 GHz band and 22.7 dBi in 16.8 GHz band. The aperture efficiencies are 30.7% and 22.8%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been proven that immune disorders are one of the vital risk factors of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and the presence of food intolerance seems to play an essential role in this. However, the impact of immune status induced by food intolerance on RPL has not been reported. This study utilized a targeted diet avoiding food intolerance as much as possible for each participant to investigate their effects on pregnancy outcomes in RPL patients with positive autoimmune markers. Methods: From January 2020 to May 2021, fifty-eight patients with RPL were enrolled. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of autoantibodies: the autoantibody-positive group (AP, n = 29) and the autoantibody-negative group (AN, n = 29). Their food-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies for 90 foods were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of immune parameters and the presence of gastrointestinal discomforts (diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers) were recorded before and after dietary conditioning, followed by the analysis of pregnancy outcomes. Results: Compared to the AN group, the patients in the AP group showed immune disorders at baseline, such as reduced levels of IL-4 and complement C3, and increased levels of IL-2 and total B cells. These parameters within the AP group were significantly improved after dietary conditioning that avoided food intolerance, while no significant changes were observed in the AN group. Patients in the AP group had significantly higher food-specific IgG antibodies for cow's milk (89.66% vs. 48.28%, p <.001), yolk (86.21% vs. 27.59%, p <.001), bamboo shoots (86.21% vs. 44.83%, p <.001) compared to those in the AN group. Additionally, gastrointestinal discomforts including diarrhea or constipation, eczema, and mouth ulcers were more common in the AP group than in the AN group. After 3-month dietary conditioning, these significantly improved characteristics were only observed in the AP group (p <.001). Finally, the baby-holding rate was higher in the AP group compared to the AN group (p <.05). Conclusions: The RPL patients in the AN group did not exhibit immune disorders, whereas those in the AP group experienced immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts. For patient with positive autoantibodies, dietary intervention may mitigate immune disorders and gastrointestinal discomforts, presenting a promising approach to enhance pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Lung cancer is one of the most common tumors with an unclear cause (Reck and Rabe 2017; Herbst et al. 2018). Due to the high incidence and mortality of [...], Small proline-rich protein 1A (SPRR1A) plays a critical role in regulating squamous cell differentiation. SPRR1A overexpression was reported to be closely related to the progression of some tumors, such as gastric cancer and colon cancer. However, the function of SPRR1A in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been elucidated. Here, we first examined the expression pattern of SPRR1A in LUAD tissues, which indicated that the SPRR1A expression level was significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared with normal lung tissues. High expression of SPRR1A was closely related to larger tumor size. LUAD patients with higher SPRR1A expression had poorer overall survival and SPRR1A was identified as an independent unfavorable prognosis factor. In addition, the effects of SPRR1A on lung cancer cells were tested through cellular experiments and the result demonstrated that knockdown of SPRR1A can suppress the proliferation and invasion capacities of tumor cells, while overexpressing SPRR1A exerted opposite effects. Finally, our findings were substantiated by the data obtained from in vivo xenografts using a mice model. In conclusion, LUAD patients with higher SPRR1A expression were more predisposed to poorer clinical outcomes and unfavorable prognoses, indicating the potential role of SPRR1A as a novel clinical biomarker and therapeutic target. Key words: small proline-rich protein 1A, lung adenocarcinoma, prognosis, proliferation, invasion La petite protéine riche en proline 1A (SPRR1A) joue un rôle essentiel dans la régulation de la différenciation des cellules squameuses. On a signalé que la surexpression de SPRR1A était étroitement liée à la progression de certaines tumeurs telles que le cancer gastrique et le cancer du côlon. Cependant, la fonction de SPRR1A dans l&apos;adénocarcinome pulmonaire (ACP) n&apos;a pas été élucidée. Ici, les auteurs ont d&apos;abord examiné le profil d&apos;expression de SPRR1A dans les tissus d&apos;ACP, révélant que le niveau d&apos;expression de SPRR1A était significativement accru dans les tissus d&apos;ACP par rapport aux tissus pulmonaires normaux. Une forte expression de SPRR1A était étroitement liée à une taille plus importante de la tumeur. Les patients atteints d&apos;ACP présentant une expression élevée de SPRR1A avaient une survie globale plus faible, SPRR1A étant identifiée comme un facteur indépendant de pronostic défavorable. En outre, les effets de SPRR1A sur les cellules cancéreuses du poumon ont été testés au moyen d&apos;expériences cellulaires et les résultats ont démontré que le knockdown de SPRR1A pouvait réprimer les capacités de prolifération et d&apos;invasion des cellules tumorales, tandis que la surexpression de SPRR1A exerçait des effets opposés. Enfin, ces résultats ont été corroborés par les données obtenues à partir de xénogreffes in vivo chez la souris. En conclusion, les patients atteints d&apos;ACP présentant une plus forte expression de SPRR1A étaient davantage prédisposés à présenter de moins bons résultats cliniques et un pronostic défavorable, ce qui indique le rôle potentiel de SPRR1A en tant que nouveau biomarqueur clinique et cible thérapeutique. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés: petite protéine riche en proline 1A, adénocarcinome pulmonaire, pronostic, prolifération, invasion

In this paper, a dual-frequency trifunctional metasurface (MS) consisting of three metal layers printed on two substrate layers is proposed. The low-frequency transmitted wave is regulated through a C-shaped slot etched in middle layer and C-shaped patches in top/bottom metal layers. High-frequency reflected waves can be regulate by the C-shaped slot etched in ring patch in top/bottom layers. Also, in top/bottom layers, C-shaped patches and slots operate in electric and magnetic resonant modes that the interference between transmitted and reflected waves is suppressed. This MS integrates three independent working modes, that is to say, it can reflect x-polarized waves propagating along +z/-z direction at high frequency and transmit x-polarized low-frequency waves from -z direction. Meanwhile, 360° phase coverage and continuous amplitude control from 0 to 1 can be independently achieved in three working modes. Based on this MS, an asymmetric spatial power divider is designed and measured. The measured results are consistent with the designed goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel simple cosine-shaped resonator is proposed in this paper, intended to reduce mutual coupling between units. The proposed methodology is based on resisting the propagation of surface waves. Initially, a configuration consisting of 2 × 3 cosine-shaped resonators placed between two patch antennas is designed, resulting in a reduction of over 13.5 dB at the frequency of 5.8 GHz. Subsequently, a fractal microstrip array antenna is employed as a test case to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed strategy. The radiating element is designed using a Koch snowflake fractal structure. A 4 × 4 microstrip array prototype antenna, fed by an aperture-coupled, corporate feeding structure, was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. Periodic arrangement of the cosine-shaped resonators around the radiation elements results in a 3.28% increase in impedance bandwidth. The measured results indicate an impedance bandwidth of 9.83% (5.54–6.11 GHz), an improvement in peak gain up to 20.46 dBi at the operating frequency, and a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 19.14% (5.21–6.32 GHz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the correlation between anti‐annexin A5 (aANXA5) antibody in the blood and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study based on singleton pregnancies of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from May 2018 to December 2022. Baseline characteristics were collected from all participants. Logistic regression and interaction effect analyses were utilized to examine the risk impact of aANXA5 on pregnancy complications, adjusting for age, BMI, abortion, ANA, and aCL. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) and threshold effect analysis were applied to explore the relationship between aANXA5 levels and preterm birth (PTB), as well as pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH). Results: The study included 501 participants, with 51 (10.2%) testing positive for aANXA5 and 450 (89.8%) testing negative. The aANXA5 positive group exhibited higher rates of ANA and antibodies to thyroglobulin (TGAb), along with increased incidences of PTB and PIH. Positive aANXA5 status was independently linked to an elevated risk of PTB (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.30–4.94) and PIH (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.54–11.62). Subsequent subgroup analysis indicated no significant interaction between the groups (p > 0.05). Threshold analysis revealed that the OR for PTB was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03–1.39) in participants with aANXA5 levels ≥ 32.77 ng/mL, and the OR for PIH was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.15–2.28) in those with aANXA5 levels ≥ 33.20 ng/mL. Conclusion: AANXA5 is independently associated with an increased risk of PTB and PIH. The identified optimal predictive cutoff values are 32.77 ng/mL for PTB and 33.20 ng/mL for PIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bifunctional metasurface (MS) operating at two frequencies is proposed to manipulate reflected and transmitted waves independently. The element is composed of a slot sandwiched by two C-shape spilt rings (CSRRs). The middle layer is the metal sheet etched the slots, and it is used to select polarization mode of reflection and transmission. Also, it isolates the reflection and transmission elements and eliminates the coupling between them. Therefore, the reflection or transmission amplitude and phase of the proposed MS can be regulated by the corresponding single metal layer compared with the current bifunctional elements. This is helpful to shorten design time. Also, a higher transmission amplitude is achieved with fewer substrate layers and lower profile. The reflection and transmission mode operate at 17.6 GHz and 12.6 GHz, respectively. As a proof of concept, a full-space multibeam generator is validated both numerically and experimentally and a full-space bifocal metalens is demonstrated numerically. The proposed MS provides a new kind of low cost, lightweight, and easily modularized planar devices for microwave applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaborative learning can effectively promote the development of higher‐order competencies, where learners collaborate via social interactions to explore and solve complex problems. It has been found that the effective occurrence of collaborative learning requires appropriate external guidance and support. In particular, collaborative interactions in open learning environments are more complex and difficult, which makes it important to provide dynamic interventions for learners according to different collaborative situations. However, the role of facilitators and the characteristics and mechanisms of their interventions have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Objectives: The study aims to uncover the characteristics and patterns of interaction among groups with different collaborative performance and facilitator performance in an open learning environment, and to explore the differentiated role of facilitators in this process. Method: Groups are categorised as high or low based on their collaborative performance and facilitator performance. This study used lag sequential analysis (LSA) and content analysis to explore the interaction patterns of groups with different collaborative performance and facilitator performance. Also, the different roles of facilitators were analysed by comparing the differences in interaction patterns of different collaborative performance groups. Results: The study found that groups with different collaborative performances and facilitator performances showed significant differences in interaction patterns, and the two had crossover effects. There is also variability in the role of facilitators in groups with different collaborative performance profiles. Patterns of transition between different layers of interaction can indicate the level of groups' collaborative engagement. Specific interaction patterns exist that are conducive to enhancing collaborative learning. Conclusions: The results of the study pointed out that groups with different collaborative performance and facilitator performance showed different characteristics of interaction patterns. The role of the facilitator in online collaborative learning is characterised by compensatory and merit‐promoting. High‐quality online collaboration is the result of multiple factors, including learners and facilitators working together. This study has practical implications for the design of instructional interventions for group collaboration in online learning communities. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Deep instructional interactions help stimulate group intelligence and promote knowledge creation and deep connections.The facilitation strategies of the instructional implementer in online collaborative learning contexts play an important role in guiding students to engage in interactions and promoting efficient learning.Facilitators need to adopt different intervention strategies for different learners and learning stages to advance collaborative task completion. What this paper adds: Group collaborative performance is closely related to the strength of the connection and the depth of interaction of group members.Roles of facilitator in online collaborative learning can be characterised by strong support, compensation, and merit promotion.High‐quality online collaboration is the result of multifactor interaction between learners and facilitators. Implications for practice and/or policy: Course organisers' rating scale proposed in this study can help screen and train facilitators with excellent attributes.Examining different roles of facilitators can help curriculum designers rationalise the design and organisation of collaborative instruction.When group collaboration is active, learners should be guided through activities for deeper interaction and exploration.When group collaboration is low‐spirited, learners should be encouraged to focus on the stage tasks and explore the tasks step by step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-element low-profile closely coupled dual-band MIMO antenna is demonstrated for WiMAX applications. Based on the principle of metasurface (MTS) decoupling, a double-layer MTS consisting of pairs of elliptic patches with two different sizes is proposed. The MTS is loaded above a coupled dual-band MIMO antenna, and the mutual coupling in the lower and upper band is reduced by the larger and smaller elliptic patches, respectively. The edge-to-edge distance of antenna elements is only 0.01 λ 0 (λ 0 is the free-space wavelength at 2.6 GHz). The measured results show that the working bandwidths of the MIMO antenna are 2.5–2.69 and 3.4–3.69 GHz. The −10 dB impedance bandwidths in two bands are 8.83% (2.49–2.72 GHz) and 8.50% (3.38–3.68 GHz), and the isolation between antenna elements is enhanced by 13.5 and 18.4 dB in two bands, respectively. Moreover, broadside radiation performances in two bands are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]