Acute Uveitis in Neovascular Glaucoma Patient after a Single Dose of Travoprost

A 38-year-old man with no history of uveitis developed neovascular glaucoma (NVG) due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). He had a history of ocular surgery with placement of glaucoma drainage implants (GDI), ultrasonic phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation in both eyes. The patient had undergone a recent pars plana vitrectomy with complete panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) to clear vitreous hemorrhage in his right eye. To prevent progressive optic nerve damage, travoprost was tentatively administered because of inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control following surgery, laser treatment, and topical administration of many other IOP-lowering drugs. The patient experienced severe vision loss associated with acute anterior and intermediate uveitis. We consider it a rare complication due to the NVG patient’s vulnerability following ocular surgery. Given that acute uveitis developed rapidly and required time to resolve, systemic corticosteroid treatment could be considered to accelerate the resolution of inflammation.

反事实分析+过程追踪:社会科学因果推断的整合进路

因果推断存在多种途径,然而近来兴起的因果推断讨论却明显倒向了“反事实分析”。为了帮助形成更加完整的因果推断认识,论文从因果本体论、认识论出发,结合因果推断的形式与类型,梳理出反事实分析与过程追踪两种因果推断途径,论证它们的因果推断比较优势及其互补性,指出反事实分析和过程追踪分别在识别因果关系和挖掘因果机制上占据比较优势,只有将二者结合,才能对因果形成较全面的理解。对此,文章以中国的治理场景为例,选取制度创新与制度效能转化、政策创新生成两个研究情境,论述了反事实分析和过程追踪的结合何以帮助理解中国之治。论文有助于完善因果推断三角研究,讲好中国故事,同时对于推进社会科学研究方法的纵深思考也具有参考价值。

Investigation of reflection anisotropy induced by micropipe defects on the surface of a 4H-SiC single crystal using scanning anisotropy microscopy

Optical reflection anisotropy microscopy mappings of micropipe defects on the surface of a 4H-SiC single crystal are studied by the scanning anisotropy microscopy(SAM)system.The reflection anisotropy(RA)image with a'butterfly pattern'is obtained around the micropipes by SAM.The RA image of the edge dislocations is theoretically simulated based on dislocation theory and the photoelastic principle.By comparing with the Raman spectrum,it is verified that the micropipes consist of edge dislocations.The different patterns of the RA images are due to the different orientations of the Burgers vectors.Besides,the strain distribution of the micropipes is also deduced.One can identify the dislocation type,the direction of the Burgers vector and the optical anisotropy from the RA image by using SAM.Therefore,SAM is an ideal tool to measure the optical anisotropy induced by the strain field around a defect.

Mitochondrial genomes of Tapes dorsatus and Cardita variegata:insights into Heteroconchia phylogeny

Heteroconchia,a widespread and abundant aquatic invertebrate,is an important clade of bivalve mollusks.The relationship between the three branches of Heteroconchia,Palaeoheterodonta,Archiheterodonta,and Euheterodonta has become a main controversy in molecular studies of the relationships between bivalves.In the present study,we assembled the complete mitochondrial genomes of Tapes dorsatus(Veneridae)and Cardita variegata(Carditidae)using high-throughput sequencing.C.variegata is the first mitochondrial genome belonging to the family Carditidae to be reported.We used 12 protein coding genes(excluding atp8)from the complete mitochondrial genomes of 146 species to recover the internal relationships of Heteroconchia.Our results support the traditional view of early branching of Palaeoheterodonta and the recovery of the monophyly of Palaeoheterodonta,Anomalodesmata,Imparidentia.Rearrangement analysis show that gene arrangement within Venerida was highly variable.Time-calibrated phylogenetic studies based on a relaxed molecular clock model suggested that Veneridae originated approximately 337.62 million years ago(Ma)and split into two major clades,whereas Carditidae originated approximately 510.09 Ma.Our results provide evidence of the internal relationships of Heteroconchia.

Phase-locked single-mode terahertz quantum cascade lasers array

We demonstrated a scheme of phase-locked terahertz quantum cascade lasers(THz QCLs)array,with a single-mode pulse power of 108 mW at 13 K.The device utilizes a Talbot cavity to achieve phase locking among five ridge lasers with first-order buried distributed feedback(DFB)grating,resulting in nearly five times amplification of the single-mode power.Due to the optimum length of Talbot cavity depends on wavelength,the combination of Talbot cavity with the DFB grating leads to better power amplification than the combination with multimode Fabry-Perot(F-P)cavities.The Talbot cavity facet reflects light back to the ridge array direction and achieves self-imaging in the array,enabling phase-locked operation of ridges.We set the spacing between adjacent elements to be 220μm,much larger than the free-space wavelength,ensuring the operation of the fundamental supermode throughout the laser's dynamic range and obtaining a high-brightness far-field distribution.This scheme provides a new approach for enhancing the single-mode power of THz QCLs.

Effect of contact materials on the transient characteristics of vacuum arc plasma and anode erosion

In this study, the mechanisms of the anode phenomena and anode erosion with various contact materials were investigated. Arc parameters were calculated, and the anode temperature was predicted with a transient self-consistent model. The simulation results predicted a constricted arc column and obvious anode phenomena in Cu–Cr alloy contacts than in W–Cu alloy contacts.This observation could be the reason for the concentrated anode erosion in Cu–Cr alloys. For the contacts made by pure tungsten(W) and W–Cu alloy, the anode temperature increased rapidly because of the low specific heat of W. However, the maximum energy flux from the arc column to the anode surface was lower than in other cases. The simulation results were compared with experimental results.

Research progress on the role of adipocyte exosomes in cancer progression

Exosomes,minute vesicles ubiquitously released by diverse cell types,serve as critical mediators in intercellular communication.Their pathophysiological relevance,especially in malignancies,has garnered significant attention.A meticulous exploration of the exosomal impact on cancer development has unveiled avenues for innovative and clinically valuable techniques.The cargo conveyed by exosomes exerts transformative effects on both local and distant microenvironments,thereby influencing a broad spectrum of biological responses in recipient cells.These membranebound extracellular vesicles(EVs)play a pivotal role in delivering bioactive molecules among cells and organs.Cellular and biological processes in recipient cells,ranging from stromal cell reprogramming to immunological responses,extracellular matrix formation,and modulation of cancer cell activation,expansion,and metastasis,are subject to exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication.Moreover,exosomes have been implicated in endowing cancer cells with resistance to treatment.Extensive research has explored the potential of exosomes as therapeutic targets and diagnostic indicators.This comprehensive review seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the pivotal components and roles of exosomes in tumorigenesis,growth,progression,and therapeutic responses.The insights into the multifaceted involvement of exosomes in malignant cancers are essential for the scientific community,fostering the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies in the relentless pursuit of cancer.

Cryptococcus splenic abscess in primary biliary cholangitis: a case report

Chronic liver diseases,including primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),are recognized as immunosuppressive conditions due to the impaired functionality of hepatic sinusoidal Kupffer cells.[1]PBC is specifically characterized by cholangitis and progressive liver pathology,which may eventually lead to cirrhosis.The compromised liver function and reduced efficacy of Kupffer cells in patients with PBC weaken their cell-mediated immune responses,increasing their susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens such as Cryptococcus.[2]Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus,which is distributed worldwide and exhibits diverse clinical presentations.[3]Most case reports on cryptococcal infections are associated with HIV infection or other conditions that compromise the immune system.[4]Case reports related to primary biliary cholangitis are rare.Therefore,this case report underscores a rare cryptococcal infection in a patient with primary biliary cholangitis,emphasizing the need to consider opportunistic infections in those with compromised liver function and immune dysregulation.

Gene characterization and phylogenetic analysis of four mitochondrial genomes in Caenogastropoda

Caenogastropoda is a highly diverse group,containing~60%of all existing gastropods.Species in this subclass predominantly inhabit marine environments and have a high ecological and economic value.Owing to the increase in relevant phylogenetic studies,our understanding of between species relatedness in Caenogastropoda has improved.However,the biodiversity,taxonomic status,and phylogenetic relationships of this group remain unclear.In the present study,we performed next-generation sequencing of four complete mitochondrial genomes from three families(Buccinidae,Columbellidae,and Cypraeidae)and the four mitogenomes were classical circular structures,with a length of 16177 bp in Volutharpa ampullacea,16244 bp in Mitrella albuginosa,16926bp in Mauritia arabica asiatica and 15422 bp in Erronea errones.Base composition analysis indicated that whole sequences were biased toward A and T.Then compared them with 171 complete mitochondrial genomes of Caenogastropoda.The phylogenetic relationship of Caenogastropoda derived from Maximum Likelihood(ML)and Bayesian Inference(BI)trees constructed based on CDS sequences was consistent with the results of traditional morphological analysis,with all three families showing close relationships.This study supported Caenogastropoda at the molecular level as a separate clade of Mollusca.According to our divergence time estimations,Caenogastropoda was formed during the middle Triassic period(~247.2–237 Ma).Our novel mitochondrial genomes provide evidence for the speciation of Caenogastropoda in addition to elucidating the mitochondrial genomic evolution of this subclass.

MiR-30a-5p alleviates LPS-induced HPMEC injury through regulation of autophagy via Beclin-1

Background:Sepsis,a type of systemic disease,can impact nearly all organs,tissues and cells.Among them,endothelial cells are amongst thefirst to be affected and respond to the insult.In this study,we investigated the protective effects of microRNA-30a-5p(miR-30a-5p)on human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(HPMECs)treated with lipolysaccharide(LPS).Methods:An in vitro model of sepsis was established in HPMECs with the use of LPS.Transfecting with different tools(mimetic and inhibitor)to modify miR-30a-5p expression.Cell viability,proliferation and apoptosis were detected by the CCK-8 assay,the EdU kit andfluorescence staining,respectively.The autophagy-related protein and mRNA expression,the number of autophagosomes were separately examined through Western blot analysis,qPT-PCR and confocal microscopy.TargetScan and the luciferase reporter assays were used to probe target genes interacting with miR-30a-5p.Results:LPS caused a reduction in the viability and proliferation of HPMECs,as well as an elevation in the number of apoptotic cells.Subsequently,we observed that miR-30a-5p might play a role in preventing LPS-induced inhibition of cell damage and decreasing HPMEC apoptosis,suggesting the potential function of miR-30a-5p in this injury process.Finally,we confirmed that miR-30a-5p exerts its protective effect by regulating cell autophagy,possibly by targeting Beclin-1.Conclusion:Our study provided evidence that autophagy is a crucial aspect in the protective role of miR-30a-5p against LPS-induced HPMEC injury,identifying a promising target for sepsis-related endothelial cell injury.

历史环境再生中类型学设计方法与数据支持的教学探索

对于城市研究与设计而言,作为底层逻辑的类型学方法与新兴的数据支持工具结合,将转变传统纯形态学的方法范式,推进更加理性的城市科学决策。本文归纳了历史环境保护的历程和目前国际上广泛认同的历史环境再生观念,结合天津大学建筑系3个城市设计课题的教学案例,探讨了在教学过程中采用延续型再生、活力型再生、记忆型再生3种策略激活历史环境的模式与意义。

The class B heat shock factor HSFB1 regulates heat tolerance in grapevine

Grape is a widely cultivated crop with high economic value.Most cultivars derived from mild or cooler climates may not withstand increasing heat stress.Therefore,dissecting the mechanisms of heat tolerance in grapes is of particular significance.Here,we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of Vitis davidii‘Tangwei’(heat tolerant)and Vitis vinifera‘Jingxiu’(heat sensitive)grapevines after exposure to 25°C,40°C,or 45°C for 2 h.More differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected in‘Tangwei’than in‘Jingxiu’in response to heat stress,and the number of DEGs increased with increasing treatment temperatures.We identified a class B Heat Shock Factor,HSFB1,which was significantly upregulated in‘Tangwei’,but not in‘Jingxiu’,at high temperature.VdHSFB1 from‘Tangwei’and VvHSFB1 from‘Jingxiu’differ in only one amino acid,and both showed similar transcriptional repression activities.Overexpression and RNA interference of HSFB1 in grape indicated that HSFB1 positively regulates the heat tolerance.Moreover,the heat tolerance of HSFB1-overexpressing plants was positively correlated to HSFB1 expression level.The activity of the VdHSFB1 promoter is higher than that of VvHSFB1 under both normal and high temperatures.Promoter analysis showed that more TATA-box and AT∼TATA-box cis-elements are present in the VdHSFB1 promoter than the VvHSFB1 promoter.The promoter sequence variations between VdHSFB1 and VvHSFB1 likely determine the HSFB1 expression levels that inf luence heat tolerance of the two grape germplasms with contrasting thermotolerance.Collectively,we validated the role of HSFB1 in heat tolerance,and the knowledge gained will advance our ability to breed heat-tolerant grape cultivars.

Quantum cascade lasers grown by MOCVD

Sharing the advantages of high optical power,high efficiency and design flexibility in a compact size,quantum cascade lasers(QCLs)are excellent mid-to-far infrared laser sources for gas sensing,infrared spectroscopic,medical diagnosis,and defense applications.Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition(MOCVD)is an important technology for growing high quality semiconductor materials,and has achieved great success in the semiconductor industry due to its advantages of high efficiency,short maintenance cycles,and high stability and repeatability.The utilization of MOCVD for the growth of QCL materials holds a significant meaning for promoting the large batch production and industrial application of QCL devices.This review summarizes the recent progress of QCLs grown by MOCVD.Material quality and the structure design together determine the device performance.Research progress on the performance improvement of MOCVD-grown QCLs based on the optimization of material quality and active region structure are mainly reviewed.

Anti-symmetric sampled grating quantum cascade laser for mode selection

For mode selection in a quantum cascade laser(QCL),we demonstrate an anti-symmetric sampled grating(ASG).The wavelength of the-1-th mode of this laser has been blue-shifted more than 75 nm(~10 cm^(-1))compared with that of an ordinary sampled grating laser with an emission wavelength of approximately 8.6μm,when the periodicities within both the base grating and the sample grating are kept constant.Under this condition,an improvement in the continuous tuning capability of the QCL array is ensured.The ASG structure is fabricated in holographic exposure and optical photolithography,thereby enhancing its flexibility,repeatability,and cost-effectiveness.The wavelength modulation capability of the two channels of the grating is insensitive to the variations in channel size,assuming that the overall waveguide width remains constant.The output wavelength can be tailored freely within a certain range by adjusting the width of the ridge and the material of the cladding layer.

Cushioning Performance of Hilbert Fractal Sandwich Packaging Structures under Quasi-Static Compressions

The sandwich structure of cushioning packaging has an important influence on the cushioning performance.Mathematical fractal theory is an important graphic expression.Based on Hilbert fractal theory,a new sandwich structure was designed.The generation mechanism and recurrence formula of theHilbert fractal were expressed by Lin’s language,and the second-orderHilbert sandwich structure was constructed fromthermoplastic polyurethane.The constitutive model of the hyperelastic body was established by using the finite element method.With the unit mass energy absorption as the optimization goal,the fractal sandwich structure was optimized,and the best result was obtained when the order was 2.5 and the unit layer thickness was 0.75 mm.TheHilbert sandwich structure was compared with the rice-shaped sandwich structure commonly used in industry,and the Hilbert fractal structure had better energy absorption.This has practical significance for the development and application of newcushioning packaging structures.

Recognition mechanism and sequence optimization of organophosphorus pesticides aptamers for better monitoring contaminations in food

Aptamers as a kind of biological recognition element have shown great potential in monitoring and the rapid quantification of organophosphorus pesticides(OPPs). However, molecules of OPPs are structurally similar and original aptamers selected by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment are usually long-chain bases, which hamper the further application under OPPs-aptamer recognition. The aim of the research was to develop a new strategy to design oligonucleotide sequences for binding OPPs by combination of experimental and molecular modeling methods. 3D models of aptamers binding OPPs were constructed, and binding energy and the most probable binding site for the OPPs were then determined by molecular docking, and the binding sites were further confirmed by the results of 2-AP replaced experiments. Based on the docking results, a new aptamer for detection 4 representative OPPs with only 29 bases was designed by reasonable truncation and mutation of the reported aptamer(named S4-29). The interaction between this new aptamer and OPPs were analyzed by molecular docking, microscale thermophoresis, circular dichroism and fluorometric analysis. The results revealed that the new aptamer exhibit more superior recognition performance to OPPs, which can be promote the monitoring ability of OPPs contaminations in food.

VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a regulatory feedback loop to balance anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape

Anthocyanins are essential for the quality of perennial horticultural crops,such as grapes.In grapes,ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5(HY5)and MYBA1 are two critical transcription factors that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis.Our previous work has shown that Vitis vinifera B-box protein 44(VvBBX44)inhibits anthocyanin synthesis and represses VvHY5 expression in grape calli.However,the regulatory mechanism underlying this regulation was unclear.In this study,we found that loss of VvBBX44 function resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation in grapevine callus.VvBBX44 directly represses VvMYBA1,which activates VvBBX44.VvMYBA1,but not VvBBX44,directly modulates the expression of grape UDP flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase(VvUFGT).We demonstrated that VvBBX44 represses the transcriptional activation of VvUFGT and VvBBX44 induced by VvMYBA1.However,VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 did not physically interact in yeast.The application of exogenous anthocyanin stimulated VvBBX44 expression in grapevine suspension cells and tobacco leaves.These findings suggest that VvBBX44 and VvMYBA1 form a transcriptional feedback loop to prevent overaccumulation of anthocyanin and reduce metabolic costs.Our work sheds light on the complex regulatory network that controls anthocyanin biosynthesis in grapevine.

Grapevine plantlets respond to different monochromatic lights by tuning photosynthesis and carbon allocation

The quality of planting materials is the foundation for productivity,longevity,and berry quality of perennial grapevines with a long lifespan.Manipulating the nursery light spectrum may speed up the production of healthy and high-quality planting vines but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.Herein,the effects of different monochromatic lights(green,blue,and red)on grapevine growth,leaf photosynthesis,whole-plant carbon allocation,and transcriptome reprograming were investigated with white light as control.Results showed that blue and red lights were favorable for plantlet growth in comparison with white light.Blue light repressed excessive growth,significantly increased the maximum net photosynthetic rate(Pn)of leaves by 39.58%and leaf specific weight by 38.29%.Red light increased the dry weight of the stem by 53.60%,the starch content of the leaf by 53.63%,and the sucrose content of the stem by 230%.Green light reduced all photosynthetic indexes of the grape plantlet.Photosynthetic photon flux density(PPFD)/Ci–Pn curves indicated that blue light affected photosynthetic rate depending on the light intensity and CO2 concentration.RNA-seq analysis of different organs(leaf,stem,and root)revealed a systematic transcriptome remodeling and VvCOP1(CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1),VvHY5(ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5),VvHYH(HY5 HOMOLOG),VvELIP(early light-induced protein)and VvPIF3(PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3)may play important roles in this shoot-to-root signaling.Furthermore,the correlation network between differential expression genes and physiological traits indicated that VvpsbS(photosystem II subunit S),Vvpsb28(photosystem II subunit 28),VvHYH,VvSUS4(sucrose synthase 4),and VvALDA(fructose-bisphosphate aldolase)were pertinent candidate genes in responses to different light qualities.Our results provide a foundation for optimizing the light recipe of grape plantlets and strengthen the understanding of light signaling and carbon metabolism under different monochromatic lights.

MicroRNAs in heart and circulation during physical exercise

Exercise training is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. MicroRNAs （miRNAs, miRs） are a class of conserved non-coding RNAs and play a wide-ranging role in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. Exercise training alters the expression levels of large amounts ofmiRNAs in the heart. In addition, circulating miRNAs appear to be regulated by exercise training. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs during physical exercise intervention in various cardiovascular diseases, including pathologic cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The regulatory role of circulating miRNAs after exercise training was also reviewed. In conclusion, miRNAs might be a valuable target for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and have great potential as biomarkers for assessment of physical performance.2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.on behalf of Shanghai University of Sport. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license. （http：//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/）.

增塑剂对聚氯乙烯溶胶凝胶塑化流变性能的影响

研究了不同增塑剂制备的聚氯乙烯(PVC)溶胶复数黏度(η)随温度或时间的流变性能变化情况,并探讨了引起流变性能差异的原因。结果表明,随温度升高或时间延长,η呈先降低,后由缓慢上升至急速上升,形成1个肩峰并达到最大值,最后又逐步减小的非正态分布趋势。各PVC溶胶在流变曲线的前3个阶段,η差异明显——第1阶段,η主要与增塑剂黏度成正比;第2、第3阶段——η主要与增塑剂的增塑效率和溶解度参数有关;第4阶段——约在160℃或30min后,各流变曲线趋于重合,η的大小无明显差异。