Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, defined by a pathologic increase in the portal venous pressure. Increased resistance to portal blood flow, the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hyperte...Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, defined by a pathologic increase in the portal venous pressure. Increased resistance to portal blood flow, the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, is in part due to morphological changes occurring in chronic liver diseases. This results in rerouting of blood flow away from the liver through collateral pathways to low-pressure systemic veins. Through a variety of computed tomographic, sonographic, magnetic resonance imaging and angiographic examples, this article discusses the appearances and prevalence of both common and less common portosystemic collateral channels in the thorax and abdomen. A brief overview of established interventional radiologic techniques for treatment of portal hypertension will also be provided. Awareness of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful for assessing overall prognosis and planning proper management.展开更多
Phosphophoryn (PP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) are the most dominant non-collagenous proteins in dentin. PP is an extremely acidic protein that can function as a mineral nucleator for dentin mineralization. DSP was ...Phosphophoryn (PP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) are the most dominant non-collagenous proteins in dentin. PP is an extremely acidic protein that can function as a mineral nucleator for dentin mineralization. DSP was first identified in 1981, yet its functional significance is still controversial. Historically, these two proteins were considered to be independently synthesized and secreted by dental pulp cells into the developing dentin matrix. However, with the identification of the DSP coding sequence in 1994, followed2 years later by the finding that the PP coding sequence was located immediately downstream from the DSP sequence, it became immediately clear that DSP and PP proteins were derived from a single DSP-PP (i.e., dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP) transcript.Since DSPP cDNA became available, tremendous progress has been made in studying DSP-PP mRNA distribution and DSP generation from the DSP-PP precursor protein at specific cleavage sites by protease tolloid-related-1 (TLR1) or bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). The functions of DSP-PP and DSP were investigated via DSP-PP knockout (KO) and DSP knockin in DSP-PP KO mice. In addition, a number of in vitro studies aimed to elucidate DSPP and DSP function in dental pulp cells.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure for patients with periampullary cancers.This,however,is a major undertaking in most patients and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality...BACKGROUND:Pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure for patients with periampullary cancers.This,however,is a major undertaking in most patients and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the workup and follow-up of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy was initiated at our institution to improve the diagnosis,resection rate,mortality and morbidity.We undertook the study to assess the effect of this approach on diagnosis,resection rates and short-term outcomes such as morbidity and mortality.METHODS:A prospective database of patients presenting with periampullary cancers to a single surgeon between April 2004 and April 2010 was reviewed.All cases were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting comprising surgeons,gastroenterologists,radiologists,oncologists,radiation oncologists,pathologists and nursing staff.A standardized investigation and management algorithm was followed.Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.RESULTS:A total of 295 patients with a periampullary lesion were discussed and 178 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (resection rate 60%).Sixty-one patients (34%) required either a vascular or an additional organ resection.Eighty-nine patients experienced complications,of which the commonest was blood transfusion (12%).Thirty-four patients (19%) had major complications,i.e.grade 3 or above.There was no in-hospital,30-day or 60-day mortality.CONCLUSIONS:Pancreatoduodenectomy can safely be performed in high-volume centers with very low mortality.The surgeon’s role should be careful patient selection,intensive preoperative investigations,use of a team approach,and an unbiased discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting to optimize the outcome in these patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND In multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children(MIS-C)with coronavirus disease 2019,there was paucity of data from low-income and middle-income countries on cardiovascular involvement and its longitudinal ...BACKGROUND In multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children(MIS-C)with coronavirus disease 2019,there was paucity of data from low-income and middle-income countries on cardiovascular involvement and its longitudinal outcomes.We planned to estimate the pattern of cardiovascular involvement among children with MIS-C and its mid-term outcomes.AIM To determine association between cardiovascular abnormalities and clinical and laboratory parameters.To study the time-line for resolution of various abnormalities.METHODS In this prospective study done in a tertiary care hospital,270 were recruited from June 2020 to January 2022.Baseline demographic data and clinical presentation were recorded.Laboratory parameters and echocardiography were done at admission.Follow-up was done at 2 weeks,3 months,6 months and 1 year after diagnosis.Descriptive statistics were used for parametric and non-parametric data.Risk factors were identified by multivariate regression analysis.RESULTS The 211(78.2%)had cardiac involvement and 102 needed intensive care unit(ICU)admission.Cardiovascular abnormalities observed were shock 123(45.6%),coronary dilatation 28(10.4%),coronary aneurysm 77(28.5%),left ventricular(LV)dysfunction 78(29.3%),mitral regurgitation(MR)77(28.5%)and pericardial effusion 98(36.3%).Coronary artery aneurysm/dilatation during follow-up at 2 weeks and 1 year were 25.7%and 0.9%respectively.Multivariate regression analysis revealed breathlessness[odds ratio(OR)=3.91,95%CI:1.25-12.21,P=0.019]and hi-flow nasal cannula(HFNC)support(OR=8.5,95%CI:1.06-68.38,P=0.044)as predictors of cardiovascular involvement.Higher mean age(OR=1.16,95%CI:1.02-1.32,P=0.026),breathlessness(OR=4.99,95%CI:2.05-12.20,P<0.001),gallop(OR=4.45,95%CI:0.41-2.52,P=0.016),MR(OR=3.61,95%CI:1.53-8.53,P=0.004)and invasive ventilation(OR=4.01,95%CI:1.28-12.58,P=0.017)were predictive of LV dysfunction.Altered sensorium(OR=4.96,95%CI:2.23-11.02,P<0.001),headache(OR=6.61,95%CI:1.46-29.92,P=0.014),HFNC(OR=7.03,95%CI:2.04-24.29,P=0.002),non-rebreathing mask usage(OR=2展开更多
Recent technological advances in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis.High-throughput phenotyping(HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid a...Recent technological advances in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis.High-throughput phenotyping(HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid approach of monitoring and measuring multiple phenotypic traits related to the growth,yield,and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress.Researchers have conducted extensive experiments on HTP and developed techniques including spectral,fluorescence,thermal,and three-dimensional imaging to measure the morphological,physiological,and pathological resistance traits of cotton.In addition,ground-based and aerial-based platforms were also developed to aid in the implementation of these HTP systems.This review paper highlights the techniques and recent developments for HTP in cotton,reviews the potential applications according to morphological and physiological traits of cotton,and compares the advantages and limitations of these HTP systems when used in cotton cropping systems.Overall,the use of HTP has generated many opportunities to accurately and efficiently measure and analyze diverse traits of cotton.However,because of its relative novelty,HTP has some limitations that constrains the ability to take full advantage of what it can offer.These challenges need to be addressed to increase the accuracy and utility of HTP,which can be done by integrating analytical techniques for big data and continuous advances in imaging.展开更多
Themass production and the practical number of cryogenic quantum devices producible in a single chip are limited to the number of electrical contact pads and wiring of the cryostat or dilution refrigerator.It is,there...Themass production and the practical number of cryogenic quantum devices producible in a single chip are limited to the number of electrical contact pads and wiring of the cryostat or dilution refrigerator.It is,therefore,beneficial to contrast themeasurements of hundreds of devices fabricated in a single chip in one cooldown process to promote the scalability,integrability,reliability,and reproducibility of quantum devices and to save evaluation time,cost and energy.Here,we used a cryogenic on-chip multiplexer architecture and investigated the statistics of the 0.7 anomaly observed on the first three plateaus of the quantized conductance of semiconductor quantum point contact(QPC)transistors.Our single chips contain 256 split gate field-effect QPC transistors(QFET)each,with two 16-branch multiplexed source-drain and gate pads,allowing individual transistors to be selected,addressed and controlled through an electrostatic gate voltage process.A total of 1280 quantum transistors with nano-scale dimensions are patterned in 5 different chips of GaAs heterostructures.From the measurements of 571 functioning QFETs taken at temperatures T[1.4 K and T[40 mK,it is found that the spontaneous polarisation model and Kondo effect do not fit our results.Furthermore,some of the features in our data largely agreed with van Hove model with short-range interactions.Our approach provides further insight into the quantum mechanical properties and microscopic origin of the 0.7 anomaly in QFETs,paving the way for the development of semiconducting quantum circuits and integrated cryogenic electronics,for scalable quantum logic control,readout,synthesis,and processing applications.展开更多
Thermodynamic analysis of the reforming of methane with carbon dioxide alone （＂dry reforming＂） and with carbon dioxide and steam together （＂mixed reforming＂） is performed as part of a project which investigate...Thermodynamic analysis of the reforming of methane with carbon dioxide alone （＂dry reforming＂） and with carbon dioxide and steam together （＂mixed reforming＂） is performed as part of a project which investigates the suitability of these endothermic reactions for the storage of solar thermal energy. The Gibbs free energy minimization method was employed to identify thermodynamically optimal operating conditions for dry reforming as well as mixed reforming with a desired H2/CO molar ratio of 2. The non-stoichiometric equilibrium model was developed using FactSage software to conduct the thermodynamic calculations for carbon formation, H2/CO ratio, CH4 conversion and H2 yield as a function of reaction temperature, pressure and reactant molar ratios. Thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that in the mixed reforming process, optimal operating conditions in a carbon-free zone are under H2O/CH4 /CO2 =1.0/1.0/0.5, p = 1 to 10 bar and T = 800 to 850℃ for the production of syngas with a H2 /CO molar ratio of 2. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum H2 yield of 88.0% is achieved at 1 bar and 850℃ with a maximum CH4 conversion of 99.3%. In the dry reforming process, a carbon formation regime is always present at a CO2/CH4 molar ratio of 1 for T = 700 1000℃ and p = 1-30 bar, whereas a carbon-free regime can be obtained at a CO2/CH4 molar ratio greater than 1.5 and T≥800℃.展开更多
AIM:To investigate serum PC-594 fatty acid levels as a potential biomarker in North American pancreatic cancer(PaC) patients,and to compare its performance to CA19-9.METHODS:Using tandem mass spectrometry,we evaluated...AIM:To investigate serum PC-594 fatty acid levels as a potential biomarker in North American pancreatic cancer(PaC) patients,and to compare its performance to CA19-9.METHODS:Using tandem mass spectrometry,we evaluated serum PC-594 levels from 84 North American patients with confirmed PaC and 99 cancer-free control subjects.We determined CA19-9 levels by ELISA.Significance between Pa C patients and controls,and association with clinical variables was determined by analysis of variance and t-tests.Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,and PC-594 correlation with age and CA19-9 determined by regression analysis.RESULTS:Mean PC-594 levels were 3.7 times lower in Pa C patients compared to controls(P < 0.0001).The mean level in PaC patient serum was 0.76 ± 0.07 μmol/L,and the mean level in control subjects was 2.79 ± 0.15 μmol/L.There was no correlation between PC-594 and age,disease stage or gender(P > 0.05).Using 1.25 μmol/L as a PC-594 threshold produced a relative risk(RR) of 9.4(P < 0.0001,95%CI:5.0-17.7).The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve(ROCAUC) was 0.93(95%CI:0.91-0.95) for PC-594 and 0.85(95%CI:0.82-0.88) for CA19-9.Sensitivity at 90% specificity was 87% for PC-594 and 71% for CA19-9.Six Pa C patients with CA19-9 above 35 U/m L showed normal PC-594 levels,while 24 Pa C patients with normal CA19-9 showed low PC-594 levels.Eighty-five of the 99 control subjects(86%) showed normal levels of both markers.CONCLUSION:PC-594 biomarker levels are significantly reduced in North American Pa C patients,and showed superior diagnostic performance compared to CA19-9.展开更多
We employed a metallic wire grating loaded with graphene and operating in total internal reflection (TIR) geometry to realize deep and broadband THz modulation. The non-resonant field enhancement effect of the evanesc...We employed a metallic wire grating loaded with graphene and operating in total internal reflection (TIR) geometry to realize deep and broadband THz modulation. The non-resonant field enhancement effect of the evanescent wave in TIR geometry and in the subwavelength wire grating was combined to demonstrate a ～77% modulation depth (MD) in the frequency range of 0.2–1.4 THz. This MD, achieved electrically with a SiO_2∕Si gated graphene device, was 4.5 times higher than that of the device without a metal grating in transmission geometry. By optimizing the parameters of the metallic wire grating, the required sheet conductivity of graphene for deep modulation was lowered to 0.87 mS. This work has potential applications in THz communication and real-time THz imaging.展开更多
The roles that top predators play in regulating the structure and function of ecosystems have long been controversial. This is particularly the case when predators pose adverse risks for human life and/or economic int...The roles that top predators play in regulating the structure and function of ecosystems have long been controversial. This is particularly the case when predators pose adverse risks for human life and/or economic interests. The critique of literature on dingoes and their ecological roles in Australia provided by Allen et al. （2011） shows that top predators remain a potentially polarising issue. In opposition to Allen et al. we argue that these widespread patterns of species＇ abundances, attributed to the ef- fects of dingoes and evident at scales ranging from the foraging behaviour of individuals through to continental scale patterns of species abundances, constitute strong support for the mesopredator release hypothesis and provide evidence that dingoes benefit biodiversity conservation by inducing community wide trophic cascades. Harnessing the positive ecological effects of dingoes while at the same time minimising their impacts on agriculture is a major socio-political challenge in Australia [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 668-670].展开更多
Random lasers are a class of devices in which feedback arises from multiple elastic scattering in a highly disordered structure,providing an almost ideal light source for artefact-free imaging due to achievable low sp...Random lasers are a class of devices in which feedback arises from multiple elastic scattering in a highly disordered structure,providing an almost ideal light source for artefact-free imaging due to achievable low spatial coherence.However,for many applications ranging from sensing and spectroscopy to speckle-free imaging,it is essential to have high-radiance sources operating in continuous-wave(CW).In this paper,we demonstrate CW operation of a random laser using an electrically pumped quantum-cascade laser gain medium in which a bi-dimensional(2D)random distribution of air holes is patterned into the top metal waveguide.We obtain a highly collimated vertical emission at ~3 THz,with a 430 GHz bandwidth,device operation up to 110 K,peak(pulsed)power of 21 mW,and CW emission of 1.7 mW.Furthermore,we show that an external cavity formed with a movable mirror can be used to tune a random laser,obtaining continuous frequency tuning over 11 GHz.展开更多
Heat waves,and an increased number of warm days and nights,have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world.Although well adapted to semi-arid regions,cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures,par...Heat waves,and an increased number of warm days and nights,have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world.Although well adapted to semi-arid regions,cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures,particularly during flowering and boll development.To maintain lint yield potential without compromising its quality under high-temperature stress,it is essential to understand the effects of heat stress on various stages of plant growth and development,and associated tolerance mechanisms.Despite ongoing efforts to gather data on the effects of heat stress on cotton growth and development,there remains a critical gap in understanding the distinct influence of high temperatures during the day and night on cotton yield and quality.Also,identifying mechanisms and target traits that induce greater high day and night temperature tolerance is essential for breeding climate-resilient cotton for future uncertain climates.To bridge these knowledge gaps,we embarked on a rigorous and comprehensive review of published literature,delving into the impact of heat stress on cotton yields and the consequential losses in fiber quality.This review encompasses information on the effects of heat stress on growth,physiological,and biochemical responses,fertilization,cotton yield,and quality.Additionally,we discuss management options for minimizing heat stress-induced damage,and the benefits of integrating conventional and genomics-assisted breeding for developing heat-tolerant cotton cultivars.Finally,future research areas that need to be addressed to develop heat-resilient cotton are proposed.展开更多
Improving cotton irrigation management practices in West Texas is important for increasing farmers＇ profits and for sustainability of the Ogallala aquifer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects in fi...Improving cotton irrigation management practices in West Texas is important for increasing farmers＇ profits and for sustainability of the Ogallala aquifer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects in field controlled episodic drought conditions on cotton gas exchange. Irrigated cotton was subjected to water stress at different timings. Irrigation was interrupted at the squaring stage, early flowering stage, from three weeks at peak bloom, and from peak bloom to the crop termination. These episodic drought treatments were compared with cotton fully irrigated throughout the whole season. From 2010 to 2012, cotton cultivar FM9180 gas exchange was measured throughout the season using a LiCor-6400 portable photosynthesis system. In 2011 and 2012, measurements were also made on DP0935 cultivar. The cotton physiological parameters evaluated included photosynthesis, transpiration and temperature. From the several parameters evaluated, some relationships were presented. Episodic drought periods can affect leaf-level gas exchange and impact yield. Photosynthesis and yield were particularly sensitive to water deficit at early flowering. Despite an increase in leaf water use efficiency under water deficit, overall growth and yield were inhibited in all treatments with a stress component. Understanding the relative sensitivity at different growth stages can help with irrigation decisions when water resources are limited.展开更多
Background: Producing rainfed cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmenta...Background: Producing rainfed cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmental stages.Genetic variation created by Ethyl MethaneSulfonate(EMS) mutagen has successfully improved fiber quality of cotton. However, little is known about the effect of water deficit environments on fiber quality. Three EMS treated populations were advanced from the first to the fourth generation(M1 to M4) as bulk harvested populations. In2014, single-plant divergent selection was applied based on perceived morphological and agronomic differences seen during and at the end of the season.Results: Analyses from these selections in 2014-2016 showed significant(P< 0.05) improvement between and within populations for fiber traits(micronaire, length, strength, uniformity, and elongation) when compared with the original non-treated EMS source; some selections were found to have excellent fiber quality under diverse irrigationregimes.Conclusions: Some of these selections are being considered for germplasm release and could be useful for improving the fiber quality of cotton under water limited conditions, thereby helping to ensure the long-term survival of the cotton industry on the Texas High Plains.展开更多
Plants have two classes of myosins. While recent work has focused on class XI myosins showing that myosin XI is responsible for organelle motility and cytoplasmic streaming, much less is known about the role of myosin...Plants have two classes of myosins. While recent work has focused on class XI myosins showing that myosin XI is responsible for organelle motility and cytoplasmic streaming, much less is known about the role of myosin VIII in plant growth and development. We have used a combination of RNAi and insertional knockouts to probe myosin VIII function in the moss Physcomitrella patens. We isolated Amyo8ABCDE plants demonstrating that myosin VIII is not required for plant viability. However, myosin VIII mutants are smaller than wild-type plants in part due to a defect in cell size. Additionally, Amyo8ABCDE plants produce more side branches and form gametophores much earlier than wild-type plants. In the ab- sence of nutrient media, Amyo8ABCDE plants exhibit significant protonemal patterning defects, including highly curved protonemal filaments, morphologically defective side branches, as well as an increase in the number of branches. Exogenous auxin partially rescues protonemal defects in Amyo8ABCDE plants grown in the absence of nutrients. This result, together with defects in protonemal branching, smaller caulonemal ceils, and accelerated development in the Amyo8ABCDE plants, suggests that myosin VIII is involved in hormone homeostasis in P patens.展开更多
文摘Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, defined by a pathologic increase in the portal venous pressure. Increased resistance to portal blood flow, the primary factor in the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, is in part due to morphological changes occurring in chronic liver diseases. This results in rerouting of blood flow away from the liver through collateral pathways to low-pressure systemic veins. Through a variety of computed tomographic, sonographic, magnetic resonance imaging and angiographic examples, this article discusses the appearances and prevalence of both common and less common portosystemic collateral channels in the thorax and abdomen. A brief overview of established interventional radiologic techniques for treatment of portal hypertension will also be provided. Awareness of the various imaging manifestations of portal hypertension can be helpful for assessing overall prognosis and planning proper management.
文摘Phosphophoryn (PP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) are the most dominant non-collagenous proteins in dentin. PP is an extremely acidic protein that can function as a mineral nucleator for dentin mineralization. DSP was first identified in 1981, yet its functional significance is still controversial. Historically, these two proteins were considered to be independently synthesized and secreted by dental pulp cells into the developing dentin matrix. However, with the identification of the DSP coding sequence in 1994, followed2 years later by the finding that the PP coding sequence was located immediately downstream from the DSP sequence, it became immediately clear that DSP and PP proteins were derived from a single DSP-PP (i.e., dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP) transcript.Since DSPP cDNA became available, tremendous progress has been made in studying DSP-PP mRNA distribution and DSP generation from the DSP-PP precursor protein at specific cleavage sites by protease tolloid-related-1 (TLR1) or bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). The functions of DSP-PP and DSP were investigated via DSP-PP knockout (KO) and DSP knockin in DSP-PP KO mice. In addition, a number of in vitro studies aimed to elucidate DSPP and DSP function in dental pulp cells.
文摘BACKGROUND:Pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure for patients with periampullary cancers.This,however,is a major undertaking in most patients and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the workup and follow-up of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy was initiated at our institution to improve the diagnosis,resection rate,mortality and morbidity.We undertook the study to assess the effect of this approach on diagnosis,resection rates and short-term outcomes such as morbidity and mortality.METHODS:A prospective database of patients presenting with periampullary cancers to a single surgeon between April 2004 and April 2010 was reviewed.All cases were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting comprising surgeons,gastroenterologists,radiologists,oncologists,radiation oncologists,pathologists and nursing staff.A standardized investigation and management algorithm was followed.Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.RESULTS:A total of 295 patients with a periampullary lesion were discussed and 178 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (resection rate 60%).Sixty-one patients (34%) required either a vascular or an additional organ resection.Eighty-nine patients experienced complications,of which the commonest was blood transfusion (12%).Thirty-four patients (19%) had major complications,i.e.grade 3 or above.There was no in-hospital,30-day or 60-day mortality.CONCLUSIONS:Pancreatoduodenectomy can safely be performed in high-volume centers with very low mortality.The surgeon’s role should be careful patient selection,intensive preoperative investigations,use of a team approach,and an unbiased discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting to optimize the outcome in these patients.
文摘BACKGROUND In multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children(MIS-C)with coronavirus disease 2019,there was paucity of data from low-income and middle-income countries on cardiovascular involvement and its longitudinal outcomes.We planned to estimate the pattern of cardiovascular involvement among children with MIS-C and its mid-term outcomes.AIM To determine association between cardiovascular abnormalities and clinical and laboratory parameters.To study the time-line for resolution of various abnormalities.METHODS In this prospective study done in a tertiary care hospital,270 were recruited from June 2020 to January 2022.Baseline demographic data and clinical presentation were recorded.Laboratory parameters and echocardiography were done at admission.Follow-up was done at 2 weeks,3 months,6 months and 1 year after diagnosis.Descriptive statistics were used for parametric and non-parametric data.Risk factors were identified by multivariate regression analysis.RESULTS The 211(78.2%)had cardiac involvement and 102 needed intensive care unit(ICU)admission.Cardiovascular abnormalities observed were shock 123(45.6%),coronary dilatation 28(10.4%),coronary aneurysm 77(28.5%),left ventricular(LV)dysfunction 78(29.3%),mitral regurgitation(MR)77(28.5%)and pericardial effusion 98(36.3%).Coronary artery aneurysm/dilatation during follow-up at 2 weeks and 1 year were 25.7%and 0.9%respectively.Multivariate regression analysis revealed breathlessness[odds ratio(OR)=3.91,95%CI:1.25-12.21,P=0.019]and hi-flow nasal cannula(HFNC)support(OR=8.5,95%CI:1.06-68.38,P=0.044)as predictors of cardiovascular involvement.Higher mean age(OR=1.16,95%CI:1.02-1.32,P=0.026),breathlessness(OR=4.99,95%CI:2.05-12.20,P<0.001),gallop(OR=4.45,95%CI:0.41-2.52,P=0.016),MR(OR=3.61,95%CI:1.53-8.53,P=0.004)and invasive ventilation(OR=4.01,95%CI:1.28-12.58,P=0.017)were predictive of LV dysfunction.Altered sensorium(OR=4.96,95%CI:2.23-11.02,P<0.001),headache(OR=6.61,95%CI:1.46-29.92,P=0.014),HFNC(OR=7.03,95%CI:2.04-24.29,P=0.002),non-rebreathing mask usage(OR=2
文摘Recent technological advances in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis.High-throughput phenotyping(HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid approach of monitoring and measuring multiple phenotypic traits related to the growth,yield,and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress.Researchers have conducted extensive experiments on HTP and developed techniques including spectral,fluorescence,thermal,and three-dimensional imaging to measure the morphological,physiological,and pathological resistance traits of cotton.In addition,ground-based and aerial-based platforms were also developed to aid in the implementation of these HTP systems.This review paper highlights the techniques and recent developments for HTP in cotton,reviews the potential applications according to morphological and physiological traits of cotton,and compares the advantages and limitations of these HTP systems when used in cotton cropping systems.Overall,the use of HTP has generated many opportunities to accurately and efficiently measure and analyze diverse traits of cotton.However,because of its relative novelty,HTP has some limitations that constrains the ability to take full advantage of what it can offer.These challenges need to be addressed to increase the accuracy and utility of HTP,which can be done by integrating analytical techniques for big data and continuous advances in imaging.
基金financial support from EPSRC,UK.the China Scholarship Council(CSC)for its financial support.
文摘Themass production and the practical number of cryogenic quantum devices producible in a single chip are limited to the number of electrical contact pads and wiring of the cryostat or dilution refrigerator.It is,therefore,beneficial to contrast themeasurements of hundreds of devices fabricated in a single chip in one cooldown process to promote the scalability,integrability,reliability,and reproducibility of quantum devices and to save evaluation time,cost and energy.Here,we used a cryogenic on-chip multiplexer architecture and investigated the statistics of the 0.7 anomaly observed on the first three plateaus of the quantized conductance of semiconductor quantum point contact(QPC)transistors.Our single chips contain 256 split gate field-effect QPC transistors(QFET)each,with two 16-branch multiplexed source-drain and gate pads,allowing individual transistors to be selected,addressed and controlled through an electrostatic gate voltage process.A total of 1280 quantum transistors with nano-scale dimensions are patterned in 5 different chips of GaAs heterostructures.From the measurements of 571 functioning QFETs taken at temperatures T[1.4 K and T[40 mK,it is found that the spontaneous polarisation model and Kondo effect do not fit our results.Furthermore,some of the features in our data largely agreed with van Hove model with short-range interactions.Our approach provides further insight into the quantum mechanical properties and microscopic origin of the 0.7 anomaly in QFETs,paving the way for the development of semiconducting quantum circuits and integrated cryogenic electronics,for scalable quantum logic control,readout,synthesis,and processing applications.
文摘Thermodynamic analysis of the reforming of methane with carbon dioxide alone （＂dry reforming＂） and with carbon dioxide and steam together （＂mixed reforming＂） is performed as part of a project which investigates the suitability of these endothermic reactions for the storage of solar thermal energy. The Gibbs free energy minimization method was employed to identify thermodynamically optimal operating conditions for dry reforming as well as mixed reforming with a desired H2/CO molar ratio of 2. The non-stoichiometric equilibrium model was developed using FactSage software to conduct the thermodynamic calculations for carbon formation, H2/CO ratio, CH4 conversion and H2 yield as a function of reaction temperature, pressure and reactant molar ratios. Thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that in the mixed reforming process, optimal operating conditions in a carbon-free zone are under H2O/CH4 /CO2 =1.0/1.0/0.5, p = 1 to 10 bar and T = 800 to 850℃ for the production of syngas with a H2 /CO molar ratio of 2. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum H2 yield of 88.0% is achieved at 1 bar and 850℃ with a maximum CH4 conversion of 99.3%. In the dry reforming process, a carbon formation regime is always present at a CO2/CH4 molar ratio of 1 for T = 700 1000℃ and p = 1-30 bar, whereas a carbon-free regime can be obtained at a CO2/CH4 molar ratio greater than 1.5 and T≥800℃.
文摘AIM:To investigate serum PC-594 fatty acid levels as a potential biomarker in North American pancreatic cancer(PaC) patients,and to compare its performance to CA19-9.METHODS:Using tandem mass spectrometry,we evaluated serum PC-594 levels from 84 North American patients with confirmed PaC and 99 cancer-free control subjects.We determined CA19-9 levels by ELISA.Significance between Pa C patients and controls,and association with clinical variables was determined by analysis of variance and t-tests.Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,and PC-594 correlation with age and CA19-9 determined by regression analysis.RESULTS:Mean PC-594 levels were 3.7 times lower in Pa C patients compared to controls(P < 0.0001).The mean level in PaC patient serum was 0.76 ± 0.07 μmol/L,and the mean level in control subjects was 2.79 ± 0.15 μmol/L.There was no correlation between PC-594 and age,disease stage or gender(P > 0.05).Using 1.25 μmol/L as a PC-594 threshold produced a relative risk(RR) of 9.4(P < 0.0001,95%CI:5.0-17.7).The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve(ROCAUC) was 0.93(95%CI:0.91-0.95) for PC-594 and 0.85(95%CI:0.82-0.88) for CA19-9.Sensitivity at 90% specificity was 87% for PC-594 and 71% for CA19-9.Six Pa C patients with CA19-9 above 35 U/m L showed normal PC-594 levels,while 24 Pa C patients with normal CA19-9 showed low PC-594 levels.Eighty-five of the 99 control subjects(86%) showed normal levels of both markers.CONCLUSION:PC-594 biomarker levels are significantly reduced in North American Pa C patients,and showed superior diagnostic performance compared to CA19-9.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (61575125,61671308,61805148)Guangdong Foundation of Outstanding Young Teachers in Higher Education Institutions (YQ2015141)+4 种基金Guangdong Special Support Program of Top-notch Young Professionals (2015TQ01R453)Hong Kong Research Grants Council (14201415)Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund (ITS/371/16)UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)(EP/N022769/1)CUHK Global Travel Fund
文摘We employed a metallic wire grating loaded with graphene and operating in total internal reflection (TIR) geometry to realize deep and broadband THz modulation. The non-resonant field enhancement effect of the evanescent wave in TIR geometry and in the subwavelength wire grating was combined to demonstrate a ～77% modulation depth (MD) in the frequency range of 0.2–1.4 THz. This MD, achieved electrically with a SiO_2∕Si gated graphene device, was 4.5 times higher than that of the device without a metal grating in transmission geometry. By optimizing the parameters of the metallic wire grating, the required sheet conductivity of graphene for deep modulation was lowered to 0.87 mS. This work has potential applications in THz communication and real-time THz imaging.
文摘The roles that top predators play in regulating the structure and function of ecosystems have long been controversial. This is particularly the case when predators pose adverse risks for human life and/or economic interests. The critique of literature on dingoes and their ecological roles in Australia provided by Allen et al. （2011） shows that top predators remain a potentially polarising issue. In opposition to Allen et al. we argue that these widespread patterns of species＇ abundances, attributed to the ef- fects of dingoes and evident at scales ranging from the foraging behaviour of individuals through to continental scale patterns of species abundances, constitute strong support for the mesopredator release hypothesis and provide evidence that dingoes benefit biodiversity conservation by inducing community wide trophic cascades. Harnessing the positive ecological effects of dingoes while at the same time minimising their impacts on agriculture is a major socio-political challenge in Australia [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 668-670].
基金partly supported by the European Union ERC Consolidator Grant SPRINT(681379)the EPSRC Programme Grant‘HyperTerahertz’(EP/P021859/1)the support of the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation.
文摘Random lasers are a class of devices in which feedback arises from multiple elastic scattering in a highly disordered structure,providing an almost ideal light source for artefact-free imaging due to achievable low spatial coherence.However,for many applications ranging from sensing and spectroscopy to speckle-free imaging,it is essential to have high-radiance sources operating in continuous-wave(CW).In this paper,we demonstrate CW operation of a random laser using an electrically pumped quantum-cascade laser gain medium in which a bi-dimensional(2D)random distribution of air holes is patterned into the top metal waveguide.We obtain a highly collimated vertical emission at ~3 THz,with a 430 GHz bandwidth,device operation up to 110 K,peak(pulsed)power of 21 mW,and CW emission of 1.7 mW.Furthermore,we show that an external cavity formed with a movable mirror can be used to tune a random laser,obtaining continuous frequency tuning over 11 GHz.
基金supported by Cotton Incorporated(Project#22-494)。
文摘Heat waves,and an increased number of warm days and nights,have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world.Although well adapted to semi-arid regions,cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures,particularly during flowering and boll development.To maintain lint yield potential without compromising its quality under high-temperature stress,it is essential to understand the effects of heat stress on various stages of plant growth and development,and associated tolerance mechanisms.Despite ongoing efforts to gather data on the effects of heat stress on cotton growth and development,there remains a critical gap in understanding the distinct influence of high temperatures during the day and night on cotton yield and quality.Also,identifying mechanisms and target traits that induce greater high day and night temperature tolerance is essential for breeding climate-resilient cotton for future uncertain climates.To bridge these knowledge gaps,we embarked on a rigorous and comprehensive review of published literature,delving into the impact of heat stress on cotton yields and the consequential losses in fiber quality.This review encompasses information on the effects of heat stress on growth,physiological,and biochemical responses,fertilization,cotton yield,and quality.Additionally,we discuss management options for minimizing heat stress-induced damage,and the benefits of integrating conventional and genomics-assisted breeding for developing heat-tolerant cotton cultivars.Finally,future research areas that need to be addressed to develop heat-resilient cotton are proposed.
文摘Improving cotton irrigation management practices in West Texas is important for increasing farmers＇ profits and for sustainability of the Ogallala aquifer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects in field controlled episodic drought conditions on cotton gas exchange. Irrigated cotton was subjected to water stress at different timings. Irrigation was interrupted at the squaring stage, early flowering stage, from three weeks at peak bloom, and from peak bloom to the crop termination. These episodic drought treatments were compared with cotton fully irrigated throughout the whole season. From 2010 to 2012, cotton cultivar FM9180 gas exchange was measured throughout the season using a LiCor-6400 portable photosynthesis system. In 2011 and 2012, measurements were also made on DP0935 cultivar. The cotton physiological parameters evaluated included photosynthesis, transpiration and temperature. From the several parameters evaluated, some relationships were presented. Episodic drought periods can affect leaf-level gas exchange and impact yield. Photosynthesis and yield were particularly sensitive to water deficit at early flowering. Despite an increase in leaf water use efficiency under water deficit, overall growth and yield were inhibited in all treatments with a stress component. Understanding the relative sensitivity at different growth stages can help with irrigation decisions when water resources are limited.
基金funded by the Ogallala Aquifer Program with a collaborative project between Texas Tech University and USDA-ARS,PA,Cropping System Research Laboratory,Lubbock,TXUSDA-ARS(Project 3096-21000-019-00-D)(MU)
文摘Background: Producing rainfed cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) with high fiber quality has been challenging in the Texas High Plains because of extended periods of insufficient rainfall during sensitive boll developmental stages.Genetic variation created by Ethyl MethaneSulfonate(EMS) mutagen has successfully improved fiber quality of cotton. However, little is known about the effect of water deficit environments on fiber quality. Three EMS treated populations were advanced from the first to the fourth generation(M1 to M4) as bulk harvested populations. In2014, single-plant divergent selection was applied based on perceived morphological and agronomic differences seen during and at the end of the season.Results: Analyses from these selections in 2014-2016 showed significant(P< 0.05) improvement between and within populations for fiber traits(micronaire, length, strength, uniformity, and elongation) when compared with the original non-treated EMS source; some selections were found to have excellent fiber quality under diverse irrigationregimes.Conclusions: Some of these selections are being considered for germplasm release and could be useful for improving the fiber quality of cotton under water limited conditions, thereby helping to ensure the long-term survival of the cotton industry on the Texas High Plains.
文摘Plants have two classes of myosins. While recent work has focused on class XI myosins showing that myosin XI is responsible for organelle motility and cytoplasmic streaming, much less is known about the role of myosin VIII in plant growth and development. We have used a combination of RNAi and insertional knockouts to probe myosin VIII function in the moss Physcomitrella patens. We isolated Amyo8ABCDE plants demonstrating that myosin VIII is not required for plant viability. However, myosin VIII mutants are smaller than wild-type plants in part due to a defect in cell size. Additionally, Amyo8ABCDE plants produce more side branches and form gametophores much earlier than wild-type plants. In the ab- sence of nutrient media, Amyo8ABCDE plants exhibit significant protonemal patterning defects, including highly curved protonemal filaments, morphologically defective side branches, as well as an increase in the number of branches. Exogenous auxin partially rescues protonemal defects in Amyo8ABCDE plants grown in the absence of nutrients. This result, together with defects in protonemal branching, smaller caulonemal ceils, and accelerated development in the Amyo8ABCDE plants, suggests that myosin VIII is involved in hormone homeostasis in P patens.
