Realization of a quantum interface between stationary and flying qubits is a requirement for long-distance quantum communication and distributed quantum computation. The prospects for integrating ...many qubits on a single chip render solid-state spins promising candidates for stationary qubits. Certain solid-state systems, including quantum dots and nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond, exhibit spin-state-dependent optical transitions, allowing for fast initialization, manipulation and measurement of the spins using laser excitation. Recent progress has brought spin photonics research in these materials into the quantum realm, allowing the demonstration of spin-photon entanglement, which in turn has enabled distant spin entanglement as well as quantum teleportation. Advances in the fabrication of photonic nanostructures hosting spin qubits suggest that chips incorporating a high-efficiency spin-photon interface in a quantum photonic network are within reach.
Preoperative evaluation of the number of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the basis of individual treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). However, the routinely used preoperative ...determination method is not accurate enough.
We enrolled 730 LAGC patients from five centers in China and one center in Italy, and divided them into one primary cohort, three external validation cohorts, and one international validation cohort. A deep learning radiomic nomogram (DLRN) was built based on the images from multiphase computed tomography (CT) for preoperatively determining the number of LNM in LAGC. We comprehensively tested the DLRN and compared it with three state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, we investigated the value of the DLRN in survival analysis.
The DLRN showed good discrimination of the number of LNM on all cohorts overall C-indexes (95% confidence interval): 0.821 (0.785–0.858) in the primary cohort, 0.797 (0.771–0.823) in the external validation cohorts, and 0.822 (0.756–0.887) in the international validation cohort. The nomogram performed significantly better than the routinely used clinical N stages, tumor size, and clinical model (P < 0.05). Besides, DLRN was significantly associated with the overall survival of LAGC patients (n = 271).
A deep learning-based radiomic nomogram had good predictive value for LNM in LAGC. In staging-oriented treatment of gastric cancer, this preoperative nomogram could provide baseline information for individual treatment of LAGC.
•Evaluation of the lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the basis of individual treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).•Deep leaning radiomic nomogram (DLRN) based on CT images can preoperatively determine the number of LNM in LAGC.•DLRN is significantly superior to the routinely used clinical N stages, tumor size, and clinical model.•DLRN is significantly associated with the overall survival of LAGC.
Entanglement has a central role in fundamental tests of quantum mechanics as well as in the burgeoning field of quantum information processing. Particularly in the context of quantum networks and ...communication, a main challenge is the efficient generation of entanglement between stationary (spin) and propagating (photon) quantum bits. Here we report the observation of quantum entanglement between a semiconductor quantum dot spin and the colour of a propagating optical photon. The demonstration of entanglement relies on the use of fast, single-photon detection, which allows us to project the photon into a superposition of red and blue frequency components. Our results extend the previous demonstrations of single-spin/single-photon entanglement in trapped ions, neutral atoms and nitrogen-vacancy centres to the domain of artificial atoms in semiconductor nanostructures that allow for on-chip integration of electronic and photonic elements. As a result of its fast optical transitions and favourable selection rules, the scheme we implement could in principle generate nearly deterministic entangled spin-photon pairs at a rate determined ultimately by the high spontaneous emission rate. Our observation constitutes a first step towards implementation of a quantum network with nodes consisting of semiconductor spin quantum bits.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
To enhance the process stability and densification, semi-melt step has been introduced when fabricating the TiC/high Nb–TiAl nanocomposite via electron beam melting. The homogenous TiAl matrix ...microstructure with dispersed nano-scale carbides was realised. During the EBM melt, most TiC nanoparticles dissolved and Ti2AlC formed with near-spherical and rod-like shapes. The particles had an influence on solidification behaviour and the subsequent microstructural degradation. High Nb–TiAl nanocomposites with 1.2 wt% TiC addition exhibited a duplex microstructure with dispersed carbides, while a nearly lamellar microstructure (carbide-free) was found in samples with 0.6 and 0.8 wt% TiC. Furthermore, a lower scanning speed resulted in higher relative density, greater Al loss, increased α2-phase but reduced carbide fractions. The microhardness of 433 ± 10 HV0.2, ultimate tensile strength of 657 ± 155 MPa and fracture toughness of 8.1 ± 0.1 MPa√m in 1.2 wt% TiC/high Nb–TiAl nanocomposite processed by EBM are very promising. In addition, the compressive yield strength of 1085 ± 55 MPa, fracture strength of 2698 ± 34 MPa and strain to fracture of 26.1 ± 1.0%, are superior to those processed by conventional means. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms have been interpreted on the basis of crack path observation.
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•Electron beam melted TiC/high Nb–TiAl nanocomposite.•Semi-melt step helps to achieve good process stability and densification.•A homogeneous TiAl matrix microstructure with dispersed nano-scale carbides leading to promising mechanical properties.•The evolution of nano-TiC, solidification microstructure and degradation have been elucidated.
Aims: To identify and compare microbiota in Chinese liquor Daqu, which were produced in the different regions using different production process.
Methods and Results: The DNA exacted from Daqu ...samples was used as a template for PCR with universal primers of 16S rRNA, 26S rRNA and 18S rRNA, respectively. The amplicons were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). It was observed that the bacterial DGGE profile indicated high diversity and predominance of lactic acid bacteria. The results showed that Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Pichia anomal were dominant yeast species and that several non‐Saccharomyces yeasts including Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Debaryomyces hansenii, Issatchenkia orientalis and Trichosporon asahii were also detected. As for fungal DGGE, Aspergillus oryzae and Absidia blakesleeana were the most common species amongst different samples. Based on the DGGE analysis, a few differences in community structure were found between Daqu samples.
Conclusions: A variety of bacteria, yeast and moulds were identified in Daqu samples, in addition to the present knowledge obtained mainly through the traditional culture‐dependent methods. Moreover, production temperature played a more decisive role on the formation of micro‐organism composition in Daqu than geographical region.
Significance and Impact of the Study: PCR–DGGE technique was used in this study to fully observe and asses all microbial community (including bacteria, yeast and mould) in Chinese liquor Daqu for the first time and proved to be effective in profiling Daqu microbial diversity.
Purpose
To investigate whether growth hormone (GH) could improve pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium by clinical study and laboratory experiments.
Materials and methods
Ninety-three ...patients were randomized to either the GH-received group (40) or the routine exogenous administration of estrogens control group (53) for clinical study. The human endometrial carcinoma cell line RL95-2 was used for testing the role of GH with Western blot and real-time PCR by exposure to various concentrations of GH (0.1 nM,1 nM,10 nM,100 nM).
Results
Patients treated with GH had a significantly (
P
< 0.05) greater endometrium thickness on day 3 (7.87±0.72 vs 6.34±0.86), higher implantation rates (24.4% vs 10.5%) and greater clinical pregnancy rates (42.5% vs 18.9%) compared with the control group. No adverse events were associated with the use of GH. Administration of GH significantly up-regulated the expression of VEGF, ItgB3 and IGF-I expression in RL95-2 cells at both mRNA and protein levels (
P
< 0.05). AG490, an inhibitor of JAK2, nearly completely inhibited the up-regulative effect of GH through the JAK2-STAT5 pathway, and GH-induced effects could be mediated through autocrine IGF-I together with its hepatic counterpart. IGF-I mRNA was detected in the RL95-2 cells.
Conclusion
GH may improve pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium who undergo frozen embryo transfer by acting on human endometrial cells to promote proliferation and vascularization and to up-regulate receptivity-related molecular expression.
The peak of COVID-19 infections in China has just passed, and symptomatic manifestations in patients vary widely, with a minority experiencing severe morbidity and mortality. Early detection of ...adverse outcomes remains critical for clinical governance and prognosis in COVID-19. This review synthesized both national and international studies relevant to the prognostic evaluation of COVID-19 and summarized the prognostic implications of demographics (age and gender), specific laboratory parameters, adjunctive examination results, complications, and comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. Pertinent laboratory parameters chiefly included markers of inflammation, coagulation function, and electrolytic balance. Adjunctive examinations included thoracic CT and electrocardiographic evaluations. Major complications and comorbid conditions included thrombotic episodes, co-infections, secondary infections, chronic pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular diseases, acute and chronic renal diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrov
We report here the long‐term results of HLA‐mismatched kidney transplantation without maintenance immunosuppression (IS) in 10 subjects following combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation. All ...subjects were treated with nonmyeloablative conditioning and an 8‐ to 14‐month course of calcineurin inhibitor with or without rituximab. All 10 subjects developed transient chimerism, and in seven of these, IS was successfully discontinued for 4 or more years. Currently, four subjects remain IS free for periods of 4.5–11.4 years, while three required reinstitution of IS after 5–8 years due to recurrence of original disease or chronic antibody‐mediated rejection. Of the 10 renal allografts, three failed due to thrombotic microangiopathy or rejection. When compared with 21 immunologically similar living donor kidney recipients treated with conventional IS, the long‐term IS‐free survivors developed significantly fewer posttransplant complications. Although most recipients treated with none or two doses of rituximab developed donor‐specific antibody (DSA), no DSA was detected in recipients treated with four doses of rituximab. Although further revisions of the current conditioning regimen are planned in order to improve consistency of the results, this study shows that long‐term stable kidney allograft survival without maintenance IS can be achieved following transient mixed chimerism induction.
The authors evaluate the long‐term results of HLA‐mismatched kidney transplantation without maintenance immunosuppression in 10 subjects following combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation in comparison with 21 immunologically similar living donor kidney recipients who were treated with conventional immunosuppression.
Amino-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-NH2) was directly grafted onto carbon fiber surface by covalent bonding in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites. The ...effect of surface modification on the properties of carbon fiber and the resulting carbon fiber composites was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). As revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), GO-NH2 was successfully grafted on the carbon fiber surface. From dynamic contact angle analysis (DCAT) and XPS values, such GO-NH2 grafted carbon fiber exhibited significant improvements in surface energy and functional groups of the carbon fiber surface, which lead to an increase of 36.4% in the IFSS of its composites. Such hierarchical reinforcement shows great potential for enhancing interfacial properties in carbon fiber-reinforced composites.
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•Amino-functionalized graphene oxide was grafted onto carbon fibers by covalent bonding.•The functionalized carbon fiber exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion.•The functional groups on the hierarchical reinforcement are tunable to meet different demands.
A key component of cytoprotective gene regulation is the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), also known as nuclear factor erythroid 2‐like 2, from the gene ...NFE2L2. Under normal conditions, Nrf2 in the cell is targeted for proteasomal degradation by its inhibitor Kelch‐like ECH‐associated inhibitor 1 (Keap1). When stimulated by oxidative stress, electrophiles, or kinase activation, conformational changes in the Nrf2‐Keap1 complex inhibit proteasomal degradation of Nrf2, facilitating an increase in the amount of Nrf2 that binds to antioxidant response element sequences in the promoter regions of a variety of antioxidant, detoxification, and metabolic control genes. Nrf2 activation is mostly associated with beneficial cytoprotective gene regulation, but it can also have deleterious effects. For example, gene mutations in some types of cancers can lead to constitutive activation of Nrf2 and give the tumor cells growth advantages and increased drug resistance. Because cases exist where Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling is either too low or too high, there is great interest in the development of both Nrf2 activators and Nrf2 inhibitors as the basis of new therapies.
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