Optimized strategies of cloud droplet distribution retrieval using satellite multi-directional polarimetric optical measurements: information content approach.

Multi-directional polarized optical sensors are increasingly vital in passive remote sensing, deepening our understanding of global cloud properties. Nevertheless, uncertainty lingers on how these observations can contribute to our knowledge of cloud diversity. The variability in cloud PSD (Particle Size Distribution) significantly influences a wide array of cloud characteristics, while unidentified factors in RT (Radiative Transfer) may introduce errors into the cloud PSD retrieval algorithm. Therefore, establishing unified evaluation criteria for both optical device configuration and inversion methods is crucial. Our study, based on Bayesian theory and RT, assesses the information content of both cloud effective radius and effective variance retrieval, along with the key factors affecting their retrieval in multi-directional polarized observations, using the calculation of DFS (Degree of Freedom for Signals).We consider the process of solar incidence, cloud scattering, and sensor reception, and discuss the impact of various sensor configurations, cloud characteristics, and other components on the retrieval of cloud PSD. Correspondingly, we observed a 48% improvement in the information content of cloud PSD with the incorporation of multi-directional polarized measurements in the rainbow region. Cloud droplet concentration significantly influences inversion, but its PSD does not cause monotonic linear interference on information content. The blending of particle mixtures with different PSD has a significant negative impact on DFS. In cases where the AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) is less than 0.5 and the COT (Cloud Optical Thickness) exceeds 5, the influence of aerosol and surface contributions on inversion can be neglected. Our findings would serve as a foundation for future instrument design improvements and enhancements to retrieval algorithms.

Dual-wavelength distributed feedback laser array based on four-phase-shifted sampled Bragg grating for terahertz generation.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a dual-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) laser array utilizing a four-phase-shifted sampled Bragg grating. By using this grating, the coupling coefficient is enhanced by approximately 2.83 times compared to conventional sampled Bragg gratings. The devices exhibit a stable dual-mode lasing achieved by introducing further π-phase shifts at 1/3 and 2/3 positions along the cavity. These devices require only one stage of lithography to define both the ridge waveguide and the gratings, mitigating issues related to misalignment between them. A dual-wavelength laser array has been fabricated with frequency spacings of 320 GHz, 500 GHz, 640 GHz, 800 GHz, and 1 THz. When integrated with semiconductor optical amplifiers, the output power of the device can reach 23.6 mW. Furthermore, the dual-wavelength lasing is maintained across a wide range of injection currents, with a power difference of <3 dB between the two primary modes. A terahertz (THz) signal has been generated through photomixing in a photoconductive antenna, with the measured power reaching 12.8 µW.

Identifying immune-related prognostic biomarkers in osteosarcoma: Development and validation of the tumor immune microenvironment risk model based on analysis of TCGA.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with limited effective therapeutic options. This study aimed to identify immune-related prognostic biomarkers and develop a prognostic model for osteosarcoma. METHODS: We performed integrated analysis of transcriptomic data and immune cell infiltration profiles of 84 osteosarcoma samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of the TIMErisk model. We also performed functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the TIMErisk model. RESULTS: We identified a seven-gene TIMErisk model (C2, APBB1IP, BST2, TRPV2, CCL5, GBP1, and F13A1) that was independently associated with overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. The TIMErisk model showed significant associations with immune cell infiltration and immunosuppressive gene expression. In addition, the TIMErisk model was associated with drug sensitivity, and we found that several immune checkpoint genes were significantly differentially expressed between high- and low-TIMErisk groups. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the TIMErisk model was associated with multiple immune-related pathways, including antigen processing and presentation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and T cell receptor signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our study identified a novel TIME-based prognostic model for osteosarcoma that incorporates immune-related genes and can be used to predict patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Our findings highlight the importance of the TIME microenvironment in osteosarcoma progression and suggest that immune-related biomarkers may have clinical significance in the management of osteosarcoma.

[Design and Testing of a Pressure Measurement and Adjustment Device for Fracture Ends].

Objective: To design and test a device which is capable of accurately measuring and dynamically adjusting the axial pressure at the fracture end in real-time. Methods: Upon completion of the design, the pressure measurement and adjustment device was implemented in a canine tibial fracture external fixation model. A pressure sensor was mounted at the fracture end, and the displayed values of the pressure sensor were used as the standard for comparison. The relationship between the displayed values of the measurement and adjustment device and the pressure sensor under identical conditions was examined. Results: The device was utilized in external fixation models of tibial fractures in five beagles. A linear correlation was observed between the displayed values of the device and the pressure sensor at the fracture end. The measurement values from the device could be transformed into fracture end pressure through the application of coefficients, thereby facilitating accurate measurement and dynamic adjustment of the fracture end pressure. Conclusion: The pressure measurement and adjustment device at the fracture end is easy to operate, enabling precise measurement and dynamic regulation of the pressure at the fracture end. It is well-suited for animal experiments aimed at investigating the impact of axial compression on fracture healing, demonstrating promising potential for experimental applications.

Millimeter-wave generation based on a monolithic dual-wavelength DFB laser with four phase-shifted sampled gratings and equivalent chirp technology.

A dual-wavelength DFB laser array based on four phase-shifted grating and equivalent chirp technology is first proposed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated. The dual-wavelength emitting is achieved by symmetrically introducing two π phase shifts into a chirped four phase-shifted sampled grating cavity. Meanwhile, the beating signal of the dual-wavelength output is stabilized by applying an electro-absorption modulator integrated at the rear of the cavity. Under different grating chirp rates, a series of RF signals from 66.8 GHz to 73.6 GHz with a linewidth of less than 210 kHz is obtained.

DFB laser array based on four phase-shifted sampled Bragg gratings with precise wavelength control.

A four-laser array based on sampled Bragg grating distributed feedback (DFB) lasers in which each sampled period contains four phase-shift sections is proposed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated. The wavelength spacing between adjacent lasers is accurately controlled to 0.8 nm ± 0.026 nm and the lasers have single mode suppression ratios larger than 50 dB. Using an integrated semiconductor optical amplifier, the output power can reach 33 mW and the optical linewidth of the DFB lasers can be as narrow as 64 kHz. This laser array uses a ridge waveguide with sidewall gratings and needs only one metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) step and one III-V material etching process, simplifying the whole device fabrication process, and meeting the requirements of dense wavelength division multiplexing systems.

FGF21-dependent alleviation of cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis by sodium butyrate.

Background: The beneficial effects of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and sodium butyrate (NaB) on protection against cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis are not well known. This study aimed to explore the effects of FGF21 and NaB on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis. Methods: Wild-type (WT) and FGF21 knockout (KO) mice received BDL surgery for 14 days. Liver fibrosis was assessed by Masson's staining for fibrosis marker expressions at the mRNA or protein levels. Adenovirus-mediated FGF21 overexpression in the WT mice was assessed against BDL damage. BDL surgeries were performed in WT and FGF21 KO mice that were administered either phosphate-buffered saline or NaB. The effects of NaB on the energy metabolism and gut microbiota were assessed using stable metabolism detection and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: BDL-induced liver fibrosis in the WT mice was accompanied by high induction of FGF21. Compared to the WT mice, the FGF21 KO mice showed more severe liver fibrosis induced by BDL. FGF21 overexpression protected against BDL-induced liver fibrosis, as proved by the decreasing α-SMA at both the mRNA and protein levels. NaB administration enhanced the glucose and energy metabolisms as well as remodeled the gut microbiota. NaB alleviated BDL-induced liver fibrosis in the WT mice but aggravated the same in FGF21 KO mice. Conclusion: FGF21 plays a key role in alleviating cholestasis-induced liver damage and fibrosis. NaB has beneficial effects on cholestasis in an FGF21-dependent manner. NaB administration can thus be a novel nutritional therapy for treating cholestasis via boosting FGF21 signaling and regulating the gut microbiota.

The role of iron-rich hydrosaline liquids in the formation of Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite deposits.

Kiruna-type iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits, an important source of iron, show close associations with andesitic subvolcanic intrusions. However, the processes of ore formation and the mechanism controlling iron concentration remain uncertain. Here, we report the widespread presence of high-temperature (>800°C) water-poor multisolid hydrosaline liquid inclusions in pre- and syn-ore minerals from IOA deposits of eastern China. These inclusions consistently homogenize to a liquid phase by vapor disappearance and mostly contain 3 to 10 wt % Fe, signifying a substantial capacity for iron transportation by such hydrosaline liquids. We propose that the hydrosaline liquids were likely immiscible from the dioritic magmas with high Cl/H2O in subvolcanic settings. Subsequent reaction with host rocks and/or decompression and cooling of the hydrosaline liquids is deemed responsible for the simultaneous formation of high-temperature alteration and magnetite ores, thereby providing important insights into the distinctive characteristics of IOA deposits in shallow magmatic-hydrothermal systems.

Conventional MRI for diagnosis of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord due to vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCD) is often found in vitamin B-12 deficiency and typically shows hyperintensity on T2-weighted images of the lateral and posterior columns. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of conventional magnetic resonance examination in diagnosing SCD. Thirty-six patients were clinically confirmed and retrospectively analyzed; conventional spine MRIs were available for all patients and eight of them had contrast enhancement MRIs. 19 out of 36 patients showed abnormal signal intensity on T2 weighted images with a sensitivity of 52.8%, among which 18 in the posterior aspect of the spinal cord and 1 in the anterior horn of the thoracic spinal cord The spinal cord abnormalities were seen at the cervical spine in 12 patients (33.3%) and at the thoracic spine in the other 7 patients (19.4%). Axial T2-weighted images showed symmetric linear T2-hyperintensity as an "inverted V" at the cervical spinal cord in 5 patients, which has been reported as a typical sign of SCD. For patients with thoracic spinal cord abnormalities, the bilateral paired nodular T2-hyperintensity looked like "binoculars" at the thoracic spinal cord. Only one out of the eight patients showed slight enhancement after injection with contrast agent. All the 36 patients reported clinical improvement after appropriate vitamin B-12 treatment. The two follow-up spine MRIs showed a decreased extent of the lesion. Therefore, conventional MRI is useful in the diagnosis and management of SCD caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency.