Power equalization method of a DFB fiber laser sensor array.

To reduce the output power ununiformity mainly caused by the exponential attenuation of pump power in a distributed feedback fiber laser (DFB FL) sensor array, a power equalization method based on array structure optimization is proposed. By analyzing the influencing factors of the output power flatness of the array, an output power prediction model of a DFB FL wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) array is established, and the standard deviation coefficient of the output power is proposed as the main evaluating indicator for assessing the output power flatness. An array structure optimization scheme based on the simulated annealing algorithm is designed, and the optimized array structure of the 64-element DFB FL sensor array is achieved. The results show that the power fluctuation of the optimized array is significantly reduced from universal 5-10 dB to smaller than 2.6 dB, while the performance of the DFB FL sensor array is improved with better noise floor and increased multiplexing capacity, as well as improved array design efficiency.

Polyimide-derived graphite barrier layer adhered to seed crystals to improve the quality of grown silicon carbide.

A facial method was developed to in situ fabricate a graphite layer on a SiC seed crystal to reduce the formation of defects during the growth of SiC ingots. The formulated PI matrix combined with an appropriate coupling agent could strongly adhere to SiC and be transformed into protective layers for SiC seed crystals during SiC growth. The thermally conductive graphite layers on SiC effectively reduce the backside diffusion of Si, inhibit the loss of Si from seed crystals during high-temperature growing process, and consequently lead to fewer defects formed in the SiC ingot. The graphitization degree, chemical state, roughness and morphology of films were investigated in this work.

[Expression and Significance of BLIMP-1 in Regulatory T Cells of Children with Aplastic Anemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of B lymphocyte-induced mature protein-1 (BLIMP-1) in regulatory T cells (Tregs) of children with aplastic anemia (AA), and analyze its correlation with the number of Tregs and the levels of inhibitory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß in plasma. METHODS: The peripheral blood samples of 10 newly diagnosed AA children and 10 healthy children were collected for experiment. qPCR was used to detect FOXP3 and PRDM1 mRNA expression levels. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Tregs, the expression of BLIMP-1 in Tregs, and the levels of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-17A, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-10 and TGF-ß in plasma. Pearson correlation model was used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of BLIMP-1 in Treg and the number of Tregs, as well as the levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß in plasma. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood of AA children was decreased significantly (P<0.001); The plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ in AA children were increased significantly (P=0.033, P=0.031, P=0.006), and IL-17A also was increased but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.052), while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß were significantly reduced (P=0.048, P=0.002). The relative expressions level of FOXP3 and PRDM1 mRNA in AA children were significantly lower than those in control group (P=0.037, P=0.016). The expression of BLIMP-1 protein in Tregs of AA children was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.001). The expression level of BLIMP-1 protein in Tregs was positively correlated with the percentage of Tregs in lymphocytes (r=0.671, P=0.001), and was also positively correlated with the levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß in plasma (r=0.500, P=0.029; r=0.486, P=0.030). CONCLUSION: The expression of BLIMP-1 in Tregs of AA children is impaired, and the low expression of BLIMP-1 is related to the decrease of the number in Tregs and IL-10 and TGF-ß expressions.

Effect of Chemical Seed Treatment on Rice False Smut Control in Field.

Rice false smut, caused by the pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens, is a severe emerging disease in China. It affects not only the quality of rice but also yields of rice production. To make clear the effect of chemical seed treatment on the rice false smut control in fields, during 2014 to 2017, four fungicides with different modes of action were used to treat rice seeds contaminated by false smut balls. In rice-growing seasons, samples of rice tissues were taken for detection of U. virens by using a specific nested PCR method at different rice-growing stages. In addition, the occurrence of rice false smut was investigated at maturation stage. Results showed that U. virens in plant tissues decreased significantly at the seedling stage upon chemical seed treatment. Four chemical treatments decreased the detection rate significantly (P < 0.01) compared with the water treatment, but no significant difference was observed among four chemical treatments. However, the detection rate did not decease significantly at the tillering and booting stages. Similarly, the final occurrence of rice false smut did not show significant difference between each chemical and water treatment. These results suggested that chemical seed treatment had only limited efficacy in preventing occurrence of rice false smut; application of fungicides at the booting stage or integrated use of fungicides and agricultural practices might give a better control for this disease.

[Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of IL2RA, IL-10 Gene and Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosisin in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL2RA and IL-10 gene with the pathogenesis of Epstein Barr Virus associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) in children and the effect of correlated SNPs on the prognosis of children with EBV-HLH. METHODS: For EBV-HLH group (51 cases), EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis (EBV-IM) group (48 cases) and EBV-positive healthy children group (52 cases), the genotypes at rs2104286, rs12722489, rs11594656 of IL2RA gene and rs1800896, rs1800871 and rs1800872 of IL-10 gene were detected with the SNaPshot technique. The distribution differences of genotype frequency and allele frequency of each SNP in each group were analyzed, and the correlated SNPs were taken as the research object for survival analysis. RESULTS: the frequency of AA genotype at rs1800896 of IL-10 gene in EBV-HLH group was higher than that in IM group (58.8% vs 25.0%) and healthy control group (58.8% vs 26.9%). The frequency of A allele in EBV-HLH group was higher than that in IM group (74.5% vs 54.2%) and healthy control group (74.5% vs 57.7%). Similarly, the frequency of AA genotype at rs2104286 of IL2RA gene in EBV-HLH group was higher than that in both IM (54.9% vs 27.1%) and healthy control group (54.9% vs 25.0%). The frequency of A allele in EBV-HLH group was higher than that in both IM (70.6% vs 51.0%) and healthy control group (70.6% vs 46.2%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves of EBV-HLH children with different genotypes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The polymorphism of rs1800896 in IL-10 gene and rs2104286 in IL2RA gene may be related with the incidence of EBV-HLH in children, and the AA genotype and A allele of the both sites may be the susceptible risk factors for EBV-HLH.

A Holey Graphene Additive for Boosting Performance of Electric Double-Layer Supercapacitors.

We demonstrate a facile and effective method, which is low-cost and easy to scale up, to fabricate holey graphene nanosheets (HGNSs) via ultrafast heating during synthesis. Various heating temperatures are used to modify the material properties of HGNSs. First, we use HGNSs as the electrode active materials for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). A synthesis temperature of 900 °C seems to be optimal, i.e., the conductivity and adhesion of HGNSs reach a compromise. The gravimetric capacitance of this HGNS sample (namely HGNS-900) is 56 F·g-1. However, the volumetric capacitance is low, which hinders its practical application. Secondly, we incorporate activated carbon (AC) into HGNS-900 to make a composite EDLC material. The effect of the AC:HGNS-900 ratio on the capacitance, high-rate performance, and cycling stability are systematically investigated. With a proper amount of HGNS-900, both the electrode gravimetric and volumetric capacitances at high rate charging/discharging are clearly higher than those of plain AC electrodes. The AC/HGNS-900 composite is a promising electrode material for nonaqueous EDLC applications.

Comparison of two dosages of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG) in treating children with severe aplastic anemia.

In this study, efficacy and safety of two different dosages of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG) combined with cyclosporine (CsA) in treating children with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) were compared. The clinical data of 122 SAA children treated by r-ATG/CsA between Jan 2005 and Jan 2017 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were retrospectively analyzed. The r-ATG dose of 55 cases was 2.5mg/(kg·d, group 1), and in the other 67 cases it was 3.5 mg/(kg·d, group 2). r-ATG was continuously administered for 5 days. In the 3rd and 6th month after treatment, the efficacy rate of group 2 was higher than that of group 1 (45.5% vs 26.4%, P=0.032; 54.5% vs 35.8%, P=0.042). In the 9th and 12th month after treatment, the efficacy rates of both groups were similar (71.2% vs 54.9%, P=0.077; 75.9% vs 68.6%, P=0.399). The incidence rates of serum diseases (74.5% vs 79.1%, P=0.551), short-term infection rates (76.4% vs 62.7%, P=0.105), early mortality (3.6% vs 1.5%, P=0.447), and 3-year overall survival rates (89.5% vs 90.1%, P=0.932) of both groups showed no significant differences. The r-ATG/CSA therapy was safe and effective towards SAA. The final efficacies and safety of the two r-ATG dosages were equal. However, the follow-up period in this study was relatively short, so the intergroup comparison of the long-term complications and survival rates needed to be further followed up.

[Comparison of Curative Effect between Fu Fang Huang Dai Pian and Arsenic Trioxide in Treatment of 45 Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Fu Fan Huang Dai Pian(RIF) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) regimens for treatment of children with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and to explore the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients. METHODS: The clinical data of 45 newly diagnosed APL children admitted in our hospital from January 2004 to May 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Among 45 APL children, 25 children were treated by chemotherapetic regimen including RIF (RIF group), another 20 children were treated by chemotherapeutic regimen including ATO (ATO group). The follow-up was performed in all APL children. The prognosis and incidence of side reactions from drugs in 2 groups were compared, and the high risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 49.8% months. In RIF group, no early death occured in 25 APL children; 5 cases did not achieve complete remission (CR) after induction therapy, CR rate was 88%. Out of 25 cases 2 caes relapsed, 3 cases died, 20 cases maintained contined CR (CCR), 2 cases failed to be followed-up. In ATO group, 2 cases suffered from early death, 5 cases did not achieve CR after induction therapy, CR rate was 90%, 2 caese relapsed and died, 15 cases maintained CCR, the follow-up failed in 1 caes. The 5 year- OS and EFS rate in all the patients were predicted as (82.2±6.2)% and (76.4±6.6)% respectively. The OS and EFS rate in RIF group were (86.1±7.4)% and (78.4±8.6)% respectively, which were significantly different from OS and EFS rate (76.4%±10.6%) and (74.0%±10.1%) respectively in ATO group (all P>0.05). As for the side reaction from drug, except for the cardiac damage (P<0.05), incidence of other side reactions was not significantly different between 2 groups (P>0.05). In addition, the 5 year-OS and EFS rates in APL children with CNSL were significantly lower than those in APL children without CNSL (all P<0.05), the 5 year OS and EFS rate in APL children did not reache M1 and with high risk were significantly lower than those in APL children reached M1 after induction therapy and with low and standerd risk (P<0.05 and P<0.05); the 5 year-OS and EFS rates did not correlate with age and sex. CONCLUSION: The Fu Fang Huang Dai Pian shows the therapeutic efficacy on APL children same as ATO, moreover, no obvious enhancement in incidence of side reactions is observed, therefore, the Fu Fang Huang Dai Pian is effective and safe for treatment of APL children. The CNSL, poor respond to treatment, high risk in clinical stratification are high risk factors affecting prognosis of patients.

[Familial Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Occurs in A Fetus at His Third Trimester-A Case Report].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and pathogenetic gene mutation in a fetus at his third trimester with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL). METHODS: Target region sequencing and high-throughput sequencing were used to detect pathogenetic gene mutations for familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a late onset HLH fetus. Pathogenetic gene mutations of the patient and his parents were verified by Sanger dideoxy sequencing. RESULTS: A male neonate, who had right pleural effusion, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly previously revealed by fetus ultrasound, was delivered at full-term by cesarean section. His clinical presentation showed recurrent fever, tachypenea, decreased breath sounds on right side, hepatosplenomegaly etc., which were gradually aggravating Lab.tests results were as follows: WBC 9.88×109/L, Hb 91 g/L, Plt 13×109/L, ALT 18 U/L,AST 69 U/L,TBIL 207.2 µmol/L, DBIL 183.5 µmol/L, TG 3.05 mmol/L, Fib 0.88 g/L, Serum ferritin 3 120 ng/ml and sIL-2R 57 420 U/ml. FCM showed that CD3-CD16+CD56+ cells reached to 3.60% in the pripheral blood. Haemophagocytes were occasionally found in the bone marrow. NK/NKT stimulation test showed a severe damage of degranulation of NK cells. Sequence analysis of genomic DNA from his peripheral blood demonstrated the compound heterozygous mutations of UNC13D gene: c.2448-13 G>A in exon26 and c.1055+1 G>A in exon12, both were pathogenetic mutations. In detailed family survey, it was confirmed that the mutation c.2448-13 G>A in exon26 was inherited from his mother and c.1055+1 G>A in exon12 from his father. CONCLUSION: A rare case of familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3) with late fetus onset who carried pathogenetic compound heterozygous mutations of UNC13D gene. Those neonates with recurrent fever, serous effusions and multiple organ failure should be screened for FHL. Identifying the pathogenic gene mutations laid the foundation of conceiving disease-free newborns.

[Outcome Comparison of Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Treated with Modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 Protocol].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 31 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 protocol. METHODS: The clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 31 children with Langerhans cells admitted in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The outcome of patients treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 or JLSG-96 protocols were compared by using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Among 31 children with LCH, 19 males and 12 females, 12 younger than 2 years old, and 19 older than 2 years old. LCH usually affected skeleton system(77.4%), skin(42.0%), liver(29.0%), spleen(19.4%), hematopoietic system(12.9%). The most common misdiagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection, malignancies, focal infection, and eczema. RESULTS: Response rate at week 6 was 76.9% in modified DAL-HX83/90 group and 94.1% in JLSG-96 group respectively, and no significant differences had been found between 2 groups. The 1-and 3-year overall survival rates of the patients treated with JLSG-96 protocol were 100% and 83.3%±15.2% respectively, while The 1-, 3-,5-year overall survival rates of those patients treated with the modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol were 70%±14.5%. The 1-and 3-year event-free rates of children treated with JLSG-96 protocol were 73.3%±11.4% and 66.7%±12.2%, respectively, while the 1-, 3-, 5-year event-free rates of those treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol were 50%±15.8%, 40%±15.6% and 26.7%±15% respectively. No differences were found between the 2 groups for OS or EFS. CONCLUSION: JLSG-96 protocol shows a better prognosis, and the risk of secondary malignancy caused by etoposide can be avoided. Early diagnosis of refractory LCH, specified grouping strategy and prolonged maintenance therapy may contribute to enhancing the EFS rates and reducing relapses.

Rice false smut fungus hijacks the rice nutrients supply by blocking and mimicking the fertilization of rice ovary.

Rice false smut disease is an increasing threat to rice production in the world. Despite of best efforts, research for the infection of the fungus has yielded equivocal and conflicting results about where and how the infection is initiated and developed. Here we show a stepwise infection pattern and sophisticated regulation during this process. Initial infection occurred on the filaments, which prevented the production of mature pollen thus blocked the pollination. In the following days, the pathogen invaded the stigmas and styles, occasionally the ovaries. Expression analysis indicated that the fungus mimicked a successful fertilization process and enabled the continuous supply of nutrients for fungus to produce false smut balls. The stepwise infection of flower organs and mimicry of ovary fertilization unveiled in this study guided the rice plant into supplying nutrients for false smut ball development and represents a new and unique biological process of host pathogen interactions.

The Y137H mutation of VvCYP51 gene confers the reduced sensitivity to tebuconazole in Villosiclava virens.

Management of rice false smut disease caused by Villosiclava virens is dependent on demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. Investigation of molecular mechanisms of resistance is therefore of upmost importance. In this study the gene encoding the target protein for DMI fungicides (VvCYP51) was cloned and investigated. The VvCYP51 gene in the resistant mutant revealed both a change from tyrosine to histidine at position 137 (Y137H) and elevated gene expression compared to the parental isolate. In order to determine which of these mechanisms was responsible for the reduced sensitivity to DMI fungicide tebuconazole, transformants expressing the mutated or the wild type VvCYP51 gene were generated. Transformants carrying the mutated gene were more resistant to tebuconazole compared to control transformants lacking the mutation, but the expression of the VvCYP51 gene was not significantly correlated with EC50 values. The wild type VvCYP51 protein exhibited stronger affinity for tebuconazole compared to the VvCYP51/Y137H in both molecular docking analysis and experimental binding assays. The UV-generated mutant as well as transformants expressing the VvCYP51/Y137H did not exhibit significant fitness penalties based on mycelial growth and spore germination, suggesting that isolates resistant to DMI fungicides based on the Y137H mutation may develop and be competitive in the field.

Genetic diversity analysis reveals that geographical environment plays a more important role than rice cultivar in Villosiclava virens population selection.

Rice false smut caused by Villosiclava virens is an economically important disease of grains worldwide. The genetic diversity of 153 isolates from six fields located in Wuhan (WH), Yichang Wangjia (YCW), Yichang Yaohe (YCY), Huanggang (HG), Yangxin (YX), and Jingzhou (JZ) in Hubei province of China were phylogenetically analyzed to evaluate the influence of environments and rice cultivars on the V. virens populations. Isolates (43) from Wuhan were from two rice cultivars, Wanxian 98 and Huajing 952, while most of the other isolates from fields YCW, YCY, HG, YX, and JZ originated from different rice cultivars with different genetic backgrounds. Genetic diversity of isolates was analyzed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The isolates from the same cultivars in Wuhan tended to group together, indicating that the cultivars had an important impact on the fungal population. The 110 isolates from individual fields tended to cluster according to geographical origin. The values of Nei's gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) showed that the genetic diversity among isolates was higher between than within geographical populations. Furthermore, mean genetic distance between groups (0.006) was higher than mean genetic distance within groups (0.0048) according to MEGA 5.2. The pairwise population fixation index (FST) values also showed significant genetic differentiation between most populations. Higher genetic similarity of isolates from individual fields but different rice cultivars suggested that the geographical factor played a more important role in the selection of V. virens isolates than rice cultivars. This information could be used to improve the management strategy for rice false smut by adjusting the cultivation measures, such as controlling fertilizer, water, and planting density, in the rice field to change the microenvironment.

[Treatment of children with multiple system Langerhans cell histiocytosis by Japan Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Study Group Protocol].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Japan Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Study Group (JLSG) Protocol in treatment of children suffering from multiple system langerhans cell histiocytosis (MS-LCH). The clinical features, therapeutic response and prognosis of 11 children who were diagnosed and treated by JLSG in our department during October 2004 through October 2011 were analyzed. Among all 11 cases, 8 males and 3 females, the age at diagnosis was from 3 month to 6.5 years old with a median age of 3 years old. There were 10 cases of LCH with multi-system involvement (MS-LCH) and 1 case of single-system involvement (SS-LCH). Among those MS-LCH patients, 5 patients had risk organ involvement, and the other 5 patients did not develop risk organ involvement. All patients had been treated with JLSG protocol. The results showed that 4 cases achieved good response after 6-week induction treatment and the time of drug discontinuation were 5 - 20 months without relapse; 3 cases achieved partial response after 6-week induction treatment, among them 1 case did not relapse after discontinuation of drugs for 19 months, 1 case was still receiving maintenance treatment, 1 case abandoned induction treatment; 4 patients got no response (NR) or progressive disease after 6-week of induction treatment and were switched to salvage therapy, among them, 2 patients had stopped treatment for 2 - 20 months without relapse, 1 patient was still receiving maintenance treatment, one had changed to another therapy. It is concluded that the most of childhood LCH can be effectively controlled by immunochemical therapy based on the JLSG protocol. For children with LCH who has a poor response after 6-week induction treatment, LCH can still be well controlled if switched to salvage treatment.

[Relationship of activation of Tos17 and rice adult plant resistance to bacterial blight].

to investigate whether rice adult plant resistance (APR) is related to activation of long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements, polymorphism of LTR retroelemnts Tos17 are studied using SSAP (Sequence-Specific Amplification Polymorphism) in seedlings and adult plants of rice cultivar Wase Aikoku 3 inoculated with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae, water and those untreated. Of 2000 fragments detected, 9 and 2 are activated in seedlings and adult plants induced by development, respectively; each 3 fragments are activated in seedlings and adult plants induced by pathogen, respectively. The number of activated Tos17 induced by development is more in seedlings than that in adult plants while it is equal due to pathogen induction in seedlings and adult plants, suggest that the activation of Tos17 induced by development probably associate with rice APR to bacterial blight.