Vibrating capacitive electrostatic potential sensor based on a double cantilever tuning fork.

In this work, a vibrating capacitive sensor utilizing dual cantilever tuning fork resonance for electrostatic potential modulation was designed and fabricated. Initially, an electrostatic induction model was established, and the principle of non-contact electrostatic potential measurement was analyzed to identify the key factors influencing the sensor's performance. Subsequently, the vibration mode of the tuning fork was simulated to determine the mechanical dimensions of the tuning fork and the driving frequency of the piezoelectric crystal. Additionally, the concept of enhancing the uniformity of the electric field near the sensor by employing a shield plate was proposed. Simultaneously, the optimal mechanical parameters of the shielding plate were determined through multi-physical field simulation to improve the sensor's linearity. Finally, a compact calibration device was designed to measure the key performance parameters of the non-contact electrostatic potential sensor. The results demonstrate that the sensor has a measurement range of -10 to 10 kV, a measurement accuracy better than ±3%, and a linearity of 0.46%. This work offers an alternative solution for non-contact potential measurement.

CDC42 governs normal oviduct multiciliogenesis through activating AKT to ensure timely embryo transport.

Ciliated and secretory cells are two major cell types that comprise the oviduct epithelia. Accumulating evidences support a role of oviductal multiciliated epithelia for embryo transport, however the mechanisms underlying this specialized cell type differentiation remain elusive. Here, we report that CDC42 depletion in oviduct epithelia hampers the morphogenesis of multiciliated cell, and results in embryo retention, leading to early pregnancy failure. Utilizing the oviduct organoid model, we further observed that CDC42 guides secretory cells transition into multiciliated cells independent of its GTPase activity and the well-known Notch pathway. Further exploration uncovered the AKT as a novel indispensable regulator for multiciliated cells differentiation, whose activity was maintained by CDC42 through interacting with the p110ß. Consistently, re-activating AKT partially incites multiciliated cells differentiation in Cdc42 knockout oviductal organoids. Finally, low levels of CDC42 and phospho-AKT with reduced multiciliated cells in the oviduct are observed in women with ectopic pregnancy. Collectively, we provide previously unappreciated evidence that CDC42-AKT signaling is a critical determinant for morphogenesis of oviduct multiciliated cell, which possesses the clinical application in understanding the pathology of ectopic pregnancy and facilitating the development of prevention strategies.

The Treatment Strategy of Cleidocranial Dysplasia: Combined Orthodontic and Orthognathic Treatment.

Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare autosomal-dominant condition that affects ossification. The main symptoms of this cleidocranial dysplasia patient include craniofacial abnormalities, hypoplasia of clavicles, narrow thorax, retarded exfoliation of deciduous teeth, retarded eruption of permanent teeth, and multiple impacted supernumerary teeth. The aim of this treatment was to correct the craniofacial abnormalities and provide an adequate functional reconstruction of the occlusion. The patient was treated with a multidisciplinary therapeutic protocol including removal of supernumerary teeth, surgical exposure of impacted teeth, orthodontic, and orthognathic surgery. After 6 years' follow-up, the treatment objectives of acceptable occlusion, normal function, and acceptable profile were achieved.