Miniature tunable Airy beam optical meta-device

Tunable Airy beams with controllable propagation trajectories have sparked interest in various fields,such as optical manipulation and laser fabrication.Existing research approaches encounter challenges related to insufficient compactness and integration feasibility,or they require enhanced tunability to enable real-time dynamic manipulation of the propagation trajectory.In this work,we present a novel method that utilizes a dual metasurface system to surpass these limitations,significantly enhancing the practical potential of the Airy beam.Our approach involves encoding a cubic phase profile and two off-axis Fresnel lens phase profiles across the two metasurfaces.The validity of the proposed strategy has been confirmed through simulation and experimental results.The proposed meta-device addresses the existing limitations and lays the foundation for broadening the applicability of Airy beams across diverse domains,encompassing light-sheet microscopy,laser fabrication,optical tweezers,etc.

Preliminary study of metabonomic changes during the progression of atherosclerosis in miniature pigs

Background:To explore potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis(AS)and provide basic data for further research on AS,the characteristics of serum metabolomics during the progression of AS in mini-pigs were observed dynamically.Methods:An AS model in Bama miniature pigs was established by a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet.Fasting serum samples were collected monthly for metabolomics and serum lipid detection.At the end of the treatment period,pathological analysis of the abdominal aorta and coronary artery was performed to evaluate the lesions of AS,thereby distinguishing the susceptibility of mini-pigs to AS.The metabolomics was de-tected using a high-resolution untargeted metabolomic approach.Statistical analysis was used to identify metabolites associated with AS susceptibility.Results:Based on pathological analysis,mini-pigs were divided into two groups:a susceptible group(n=3)and a non-susceptible group(n=6).A total of 1318 metabo-lites were identified,with significant shifting of metabolic profiles over time in both groups.Dynamic monitoring analysis highlighted 57 metabolites that exhibited an ob-vious trend of differential changes between two groups with the advance of time.The KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)pathway enrichment analysis in-dicated significant disorders in cholesterol metabolism,primary bile acid metabolism,histidine metabolism,as well as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism.Conclusions:During the progression of AS in mini-pigs induced by high-cholesterol/high-fat diet,the alterations in serum metabolic profile exhibited a time-dependent pattern,accompanied by notable disturbances in lipid metabolism,cholesterol me-tabolism,and amino acid metabolism.These metabolites may become potential bio-markers for early diagnosis of AS.

Light-based 3D printing of stimulus-responsive hydrogels forminiature devices:recent progress and perspective

Miniature devices comprising stimulus-responsive hydrogels with high environmental adaptability are now considered competitive candidates in the fields of biomedicine,precise sensors,and tunable optics.Reliable and advanced fabricationmethods are critical formaximizing the application capabilities ofminiature devices.Light-based three-dimensional(3D)printing technology offers the advantages of a wide range of applicable materials,high processing accuracy,and strong 3D fabrication capability,which is suitable for the development of miniature devices with various functions.This paper summarizes and highlights the recent advances in light-based 3D-printed miniaturized devices,with a focus on the latest breakthroughs in lightbased fabrication technologies,smart stimulus-responsive hydrogels,and tunable miniature devices for the fields of miniature cargo manipulation,targeted drug and cell delivery,active scaffolds,environmental sensing,and optical imaging.Finally,the challenges in the transition of tunable miniaturized devices from the laboratory to practical engineering applications are presented.Future opportunities that will promote the development of tunable microdevices are elaborated,contributing to their improved understanding of these miniature devices and further realizing their practical applications in various fields.

Online pharmaceutical process analysis of Chinese medicine using a miniature mass spectrometer: Extraction of active ingredients as an example

The automation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pharmaceuticals has driven the development of process analysis from offline to online.Most of common online process analytical technologies are based on spectroscopy,making the identification and quantification of specific ingredients still a challenge.Herein,we developed a quality control(QC)system for monitoring TCM pharmaceuticals based on paper spray ionization miniature mass spectrometry(mini-MS).It enabled real-time online qualitative and quantitative detection of target ingredients in herbal extracts using mini-MS without chromatographic separation for the first time.Dynamic changes of alkaloids in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(Fuzi)during decoction were used as examples,and the scientific principle of Fuzi compatibility was also investigated.Finally,the system was verified to work stably at the hourly level for pilot-scale extraction.This mini-MS based online analytical system is expected to be further developed for QC applications in a wider range of pharmaceutical processes.

Whole-genome sequencing study to identify candidate markers indicating susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Bama miniature pigs

Background:Hundreds of single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites have been found to be potential genetic markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,SNPs related to T2DM in minipigs have been less reported.This study aimed to screen the T2DM-susceptible candidate SNP loci in Bama minipigs so as to improve the success rate of the minipig T2DM model.Methods:The genomic DNAs of three Bama minipigs with T2DM,six sibling lowsusceptibility minipigs with T2DM,and three normal control minipigs were compared by whole-genome sequencing.The T2DM Bama minipig-specific loci were obtained,and their functions were annotated.Meanwhile,the Biomart software was used to perform homology alignment with T2DM-related loci obtained from the human genome-wide association study to screen candidate SNP markers for T2DM in Bama miniature pigs.Results:Whole-genome resequencing detected 6960 specific loci in the minipigs with T2DM,and 13 loci corresponding to 9 diabetes-related genes were selected.Further,a set of 122 specific loci in 69 orthologous genes of human T2DM candidate genes were obtained in the pigs.Collectively,a batch of T2DM-susceptible candidate SNP markers in Bama minipigs,covering 16 genes and 135 loci,was established.Conclusions:Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis of the orthologous genes in pigs that corresponded to the human T2DM-related variant loci successfully screened out T2DM-susceptible candidate markers in Bama miniature pigs.Using these loci to predict the susceptibility of the pigs before constructing an animal model of T2DM may help to establish an ideal animal model.

Miniaturized power detection module operating in millimeter wave band

The miniaturized broadband detection module can be embedded into the microwave application system such as the front end of the transmitter to detect the power or other parameters in real time.It is highly prospective in military and scientific research.In this paper,a broadband power detection module operating at 26.5 GHz-40.0 GHz is designed by using low-barrier Schottky diode as the detector and a comparator for threshold output.This module can dynamically detect the power range between-10 dBm and 10 dBm with the detection accuracy of 0.1 dB.Further,the temperature compensation circuit is also applied to improve the measurement error.As a result,the resulted error low to±1 dB in the temperature range of -55℃ to +85℃ is achieved.The designed module is encapsulated by a Kovar alloy with a small volume of 9 mm×6 mm×3 mm.This endows the designed module the advantages of small size,easy integration,and low cost,and even it is applicable to high-reliability environments such as satellites.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis on cDNA of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene from Wuzhishan Miniature Pig

[Objective] cDNA of growth hormone releasing hormone （GHRH） receptor gene from Wuzhishan miniature pig was cloned and its sequence was also analyzed. [Method] Using genomic DNA extracted from porcine ear tissues of Wuzhishan miniature pig as the template, three pairs of primers were designed by the reported cDNA sequence of porcine GHRH, and cDNA was also amplified by RT-PCR. After being recovered and purified, PCR products were ligated to pMD18-T and then transformed into Escherichia coli DH5a. The transformation products were analyzed by PCR and double enzyme digestion to screen positive clones, and the positive clones were sequenced after identification in LB liquid medium. [ Result] cDNA of Wuzhishan miniature pig GHRH receptor gene was obtained successfully, and its length was 1 577 bp coding 423 amino acids. BLAST analysis showed that there were only 23 nuoleotides in difference between this fragment and pomine GHRH receptor gene, and its homology was 98%. However, both GHRH receptor genes were constituted by 423 amino acids with the sequence homology of 96%. [ Conclusion] This study provides theoretical basis for further studies on the dwarf mechanism of Wuzhishan miniature pig.

Cloning and cDNA Sequence Analysis of SLA-DQA Gene from Hainan Wuzhishan Miniature Pig

[ Objective] The study aimed to lay a foundation for studying immune recognition mechanism in xenotransplantation. [ Method] SLA- DQA gene of Hainan Wuzhishan miniature pig was cloned by RT-PCR and sequenced. J-Result] The SLA-DQA gene sequence of Wuzhishan minia- ture pig contained 768 nucleotides, among which 1 -765 were the complete open reading frame, encoding 255 amino acids. SLA-DQA cDNA se- quence and its deduced amino acid sequence of Wuzhishan miniature pig were most similar to those of the other miniature pigs in China. When compared with corresponding cDNA sequences and the amino acid sequences in other species, the homology with human was obviously higher than that with mouse. [ Conclusion] As the Chinese pig breed suitable for xenotransplantation, Wuzhishan miniature pig has significant importance to ser- ial studies on immunogenetics characteristics.

Heat Stress Upregulates the Expression of TLR4 and Its Alternative Splicing Variant in Bama Miniature Pigs

Alternative splicing is a cellular mechanism in eukaryotes that results in considerable diversity ofgene products. It plays an important role in several diseases and cellular signal regulation. Heat stress is a major factor that induces immunosuppression in pigs. Little is known about the correlation between alternative splicing and heat stress in pigs. Therefore, this study aimed to clone, sequence and quantify the alternative splicing variant of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in Bama miniature pigs （Sus scrofa domestica） following exposure to heat stress. The results showed that the second exon of TLR4 was spliced and 167 bp shorter in the alternative splicing variant, and the protein was putatively identified as a type of truncated membrane protein consisting of extramembrane, transmembrane and intramembrane regions lacking a signal peptide. Further, it was not a non- classical secretory protein. Five potential reference genes were screened for their potential as reliable standards to quantify the expression of TLR4 alternative spliced variants by real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR）. The stability of these reference genes was ranked using the geNorm and NormFinder programs, and ribosomal protein L4 （RPL4） and TATA box-binding protein （TBP） were found to be the two genes showing the most stable expression in the in vitro cultured peripheral blood mononuclear ceils （PBMCs） during heat shock. The mRNA level of the TLR4 gene （both classical and spliced） in stressed pigs increased significantly （P〈0.05）. Further, the expression levels of the alternative spliced variant of TLR4 （TLR4-ASV） showed a 2-3 folds increase in heat-stressed PBMCs as compared to control pigs. The results of the present study suggested that heat shock might modulate the host immune response by regulating the expressions of TLR4 and its alternative splicing variant.

A Satellite-borne Miniature Ion Mass Spectrometer for Space Plasma

The miniature design technology is an important trend in space exploration.Mass spectrometer is used extensively in the space environment detection.The miniature ion mass spectrometer utilizes a 127° cylindrical electrostatic analyzer accompanied with a Time of Flight(TOF)unit based on ultrathin carbon foil to measure the energy spectra and composition of space plasma.The Time of Flight technique has been used broadly in space plasma measurement.A new type of miniature method for the ion mass spectrometer is introduced.The total mass of the instrument is1.8 kg and the total power consumption is 2.0 W.The calibration results show that the energy measurement range is 8.71~43550eV,the energy resolution is 1.86%and the ion mass from 1 amu(1 amu= 1.67 × 10^(-27)kg) to 58 amu can be resolved by the miniature mass spectrometer.The miniature ion mass spectrometer also has a potential to be increased in the field of view by an electrostatic deflecting system to extend its application in space plasma detection.The miniature ion mass spectrometer has been selected for pre-study of Chinese Strategic Priority Research Program on Space Science.

Nucleus Transfer Efficiency of Ear Fibroblast Cells Isolated from Bama Miniature Pigs at Various Ages

Summary： Somatic cell nucleus transfer （SCNT） has been considered the most effective method for conserving endangered animals and expanding the quantity of adult animal models. Bama miniature pigs are genetically stable and share similar biological features to humans. These pigs have been used to establish animal models for human diseases, and for many other applications. However, there is a pan- city of studies on the effect of ear fibroblasts derived from different age of adult Bama miniature pigs on nucleus transfer （NT）. The present study examined the NT efficiency of ear fibroblasts from fetal, new- born, 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 12-month-old miniature pigs by using trypan blue staining, flow cytometry and NT technique, etc., and the cell biological function and SCNT efficiency were compared between groups. The results showed that ear fibroblasts grew well after passage in each group. Spindle-shaped cells ini- tially predominated, and gradually declined with increase of culture time and replaced by polygonal cells. Irregular cell growth occurred in the 2-month-old group and the elder groups. The growth curves of the ear fibroblasts were ＂S-shaped＂ in different age groups. The cell proliferation of postnatal ear fi- broblasts, especially those from 2-, 4-, 6-, 12-month-old miniature pigs was significantly different from that of fetus ear fibroblasts （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Two-month- and 4-month-old ear fibroblasts had a sig- nificantly higher proportion of G1 stage cells （85% to 91%） than those at 6 and 12 months （66% to 74%, P〈0.01）. The blastocyst rate of reconstructed embryos originating from newborn, 1-, 2-, 4-month-old donor pigs was 6.06% to 7.69% with no significant difference from that in fetus fibroblast group （8.06%）. It was concluded that 〈4-month-old adult Bama miniature pigs represent a better donor cell resource than elder pigs.

Identification of the miniature pig inbred line by skin allograft

Skin grafting has been used as one of the most reliable tests to determine the genetic stability of laboratory animal such as mice and rats inbred line, but no identification of swine inbred lines by skin grafting has been reported. At present, Wuzhishan miniature pig （WZSP） inbred line has acquired the F24 individuals in China. In order to verify whether WZSP inbred line had D^en cultivated successfully, allogeneic skin grafts and related research were performed on F20 individuals of WZSP inbreeding population, compared with a control group of autologous transplantation. We observed the transplant recipients＇ wounds, detected peripheral blood-related indicators interleukin-2, 4 and 10, CD4~ and CD8~ lymphocytes, and conducted hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Masson＇s staining of skin to judge whether the immune rejection reactions occurred within 28 days after transplantation. Chr. 7 genomic heterozygosity of 48 WZSP individuals from F20 to F22 was analyzed by high-density single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） chips （60 000 SNPs）. The result showed that there were no significant differences in graft skin, the plasma interleukin-2, 4, 10, CD4~ and CD8~, HE and Masson＇s staining results between the allograft and autograft groups, and no immune rejection occurred on the allograft group. We found that 11 genes in Chr. 7 of major histocompatibility complex （MHC） I and MHC II were homozygous which confirmed that immune antibody of the allograft and autograft groups were highly identical and also provided a theoretical basis to no immune rejection occurred on the allograft in the inbred WZSP. The result proved that the WZSP inbred line had been cultivated successfully for the first time in the world. The test methods also provide a scientific basis for the identification of swine and mammal inbred lines.

A Computer Program for Automatic Watering Based on Potential Evapotranspiration by Penman Method and Predicted Leaf Area in Miniature Pot Rose Production

In this study, we developed a computer program for automatic prediction of watering time point by considering the environmental factors such as solar radiation, air temperature and relative humidity based on the multiple linear regression equation of leaf area and Penman Method. The experiments were carried out for a year in two watering experimental plots, one of which was controlled by pF value, and the other by the computer program. After comparing the results of the two plots, the following findings were obtained. In the computer program plot, the observed and predicted values of both leaf area and evapotranspiration indicated significant correlation at the 1% level, which suggested that the computer program had high prediction accuracy. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the two experimental plots with respects to the plant height, plant diameter, leaf area, leaf number, fresh weight, and dry weight, which demonstrated that the plants in the computer program plot had normal growth. On the other hand, although the number of flower buds and flowering shoots showed higher values at the end of certain cultivations in the computer program plot than those in pF value plot, we proposed that it was due to the effect of cumulative daily solar radiation in the greenhouse, rather than the watering. Thus, we have reached the conclusion that the computer program for automatic prediction of watering time point developed by this study has high applicability in miniature pot rose production.

Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials recorded from miniature pigs and rats

Objective:To report vestibular evoked myogenic potentials from different recording sites(neck extensor or masseter muscles) in miniature pigs and rats.Methods:Potentials were recorded using 1000 Hz tone bursts from the neck extensor muscle or masseter muscle in normal adult Bama miniature pigs and rats anesthetized with 3%pentobarbital sodium and Sumianxin Ⅱ.Results:At 80 dB SPL,the first positive wave(P wave) of VEMPs was recognizable in 58%of rats with a latency of 6.45±0.23 ms and an amplitude of 1.45±0.49 μV when recorded from the neck extensor muscle,and in 50%of rats with a latency of 6.38±0.34 ms and an amplitude of 1.57±0.35 μV when recorded from the masseter muscle.In miniature pigs,at the same stimulus intensity,P wave was recognizable in 58%of the animals with a latency of 7.65±0.64 ms and an amplitude of 1.66±0.34 μV when recorded from the neck extensor muscle,and in 50%of the animals with a latency of 7.65±0.64 ms and an amplitude of 0.31±0.28 μV when recorded from the masseter muscle.Conclusion:VEMP can be induced from both neck extensor and masseter muscles in the miniature pig and rat.For a given species,the site of recording affects P wave induction rate and amplitude but not latency.Consistency and repeatability analysis suggests that the masseter muscle is a better recording site in miniature pigs while the cervical extensor is a better recording site in rats.For a given recording site,both latency and amplitude of the P wave are slightly greater in miniature pigs than in rats.

Application of sodium alginate microspheres in ischemic stroke modeling in miniature pigs

The miniature pig is an optimal animal model for studying nervous system disease because of its physiologic and pathologic features. However, the rete mirabile composed of arteries and veins at the skull base limits their application as a model of ischemic stroke by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The present study investigated the possibility of establishing an ischemic stroke model in the miniature pig by blocking the skull base retia with sodium alginate microspheres. Three Bama miniature pigs were used. Using the monitor of C-arm X-ray machine, sodium aiginate microspheres （100-300 pm）, a novel embolic material, were injected through the femoral artery, aortic arch, common carotid artery, ascending pharyngeal artery and the retia. Results were evaluated using carotid arteriography, MRI, behavior observation and histology. The unilateral rete mirabile was completely blocked, resulting in disturbance in blood supply to the basal ganglia, astasia of the dght hind limb and salivation. MRI and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed an evident infarction focus in the basal ganglia. These findings indicate that sodium alginate microspheres are a suitable embolic material for blocking the skull base retia in miniature pigs to establish an ischemic stroke models.

Ratcheting Behavior of Weld Joints Under Uniaxial Cyclic Loading Using Miniature Specimen

Because of the size limitation of weld joints in different regions, the traditional standard bar specimen is not suitable to investigate the mechanical properties of weld joints. In this study, miniature specimens were extracted from specific regions(base metal, weld metal, and three heat-affected zones) of API X80 and X70 weld joints. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to obtain the mechanical properties of different regions, and then uniaxial ratcheting tests were conducted to investigate the ratcheting behaviors of the different regions under the same peak and nominal stresses. Under both the tensile tests and ratcheting tests, the weld joints exhibit heterogeneous results, such as different mechanical properties and ratcheting behaviors, which were region dependent. Furthermore, the yield strength and yield-to-tensile strength ratio contribute differently to the ratcheting response.

A Miniature Robotic Plane Meteorological Sounding System

This article presents a miniature robotic plane meteorological sounding system (RPMSS), which consists of three major subsystems: a miniature robotic plane, an air-borne meteorological sounding and ?ight control system, and a ground-based system. Take-o? and landing of the miniature aircraft are guided by radio control, and the ?ight of the robotic plane along a pre-designed trajectory is automatically piloted by an onboard navigation system. The observed meteorological data as well as all ?ight information are sent back in real time to the ground, then displayed and recorded by the ground-based computer. The ground-based subsystem can also transmit instructions to the air-borne control subsystem. Good system performance has been demonstrated by more than 300 hours of ?ight for atmospheric sounding.

Minimally invasive open dismembered pyeloplasty technique: Miniature incision, muscle-splitting dissection, and nopelvis reduction in children

Objective:To report the outcomes and complications of open dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty with miniature incision in treating children’s ureteropelvic junction obstruction.Methods:Between March 2007 and April 2011,109 children with a mean age of 2 years and 8 months old with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty.Clinical manifestations,radiographic assessments,incision size,surgery time,hospital stay,and complication rate were recorded.All patients had a documented ureteropelvic junction obstruction(having T1/2 more than 20 min in diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid[DTPA]scan)with symptomatic stenosis or decreased kidney function(differential function<40%).Pyeloplasty was done by a retroperitoneal flank approach with miniature incision without pelvis reduction.One surgeon did all the surgeries.Success rate and complications were assessed in a 3-year follow-up.Results:Mean surgery time was 52 min(47e60 min).Incision size was 18e28 mm.Mean hospital stay was 3 days(2e8 days).The surgery was successful in 98.2%of patients with a mean follow-up time of 36 months(success was defined as disappearance of symptoms,if present,with improved ultrasound imaging results or Reno graphic parameters).The complication rate was 7.33%,including urinary leakage,double-J urethral stent dislocation and infection.Conclusion:Open dismembered pyeloplasty is a safe,technically feasible and effective therapy in treatment of children’s ureteropelvic junction obstruction.It takes a short time to do,requires a small incision and has few complications and a short recovery period.

MICRODISSECTION OF MINIATURE PIG EAR

Objective To investigate the suitability of miniature pigs as an animal model for otological research. Methods Microdissection of the temporal bone was performed on 10 miniature pigs and recorded on photo-graphs. Results The morphology and measurement of the external, middle and inner ear and the lateral re-cess of the miniature pigs were obtained by microdissection. Conclusion Compared to traditional animal models, the miniature pig may be a better model for biomedical research because of its many similarities in physiological functions with humans. Similarities of the temporal bone structures, including the external, middle and inner ear and the lateral recess, between the miniature pig and human make the animal a poten-tially useful model for otological research.

Characterization and map-based cloning of miniature2-m1, a gene controlling kernel size in maize

Kernel development plays an important role in determining kernel size in maize.Here we present the cloning and characterization of a maize gene,nitrate transporter1.5(NRT1.5),which controls small kernel phenotype by playing an important role in kernel development.A novel recessive small kernel mutant miniature2-m1(mn2-m1)was isolated from self-pollinated progenies of breeding materials.The mutant spontaneously showed small kernel character arresting both embryo and endosperm development at an early stage after pollination.Utilizing 21 polymorphic SSR markers,the mn2-m1 locus was limited to a 209.9-kb interval using 9176 recessive individuals of a BC1 segregating population from mn2-m1/B73.Only one annotated gene was located in this 209.9 kb region,Zm00001 d019294,which was predicted to encode nitrate transporter1.5(NRT1.5).Allelism tests confirmed that mn2-m1 was allelic to miniature2-m2(mn2-m2)and miniature2-710 B(mn2-710 B).The mn2-m1 and mn2-m2 alleles both had nucleotide deletions in the coding region resulting in premature termination,and the mn2-710 B allele had some missence mutations.Subcellular localization showed that Miniature 2(MN2)is localized in the plasma membrane.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis revealed that the expression of MN2 and some genes involved in the basal endosperm transfer layer(BETL)and embryo surrounding region(ESR)development were affected in mn2-m1 seeds.These results suggested that MN2 plays an important role in maize seed development.