SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING POLARIZATION SELECTIVE ELEMENT

A system includes a surface relief grating configured to forwardly diffract an input beam as two linearly polarized beams. The system also includes a waveplate optically coupled with the surface relief grating and configured to convert the two linearly polarized beams into two circularly polarized beams having orthogonal circular polarizations. The two circularly polarized beams having orthogonal circular polarizations interfere with one another to generate a polarization interference pattern

Pharmacogenetic testing through the direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe.

BACKGROUND: Rapid advances in scientific research have led to an increase in public awareness of genetic testing and pharmacogenetics. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies, such as 23andMe, allow consumers to access their genetic information directly through an online service without the involvement of healthcare professionals. Here, we evaluate the clinical relevance of pharmacogenetic tests reported by 23andMe in their UK tests. METHODS: The research papers listed under each 23andMe report were evaluated, extracting information on effect size, sample size and ethnicity. A wider literature search was performed to provide a fuller assessment of the pharmacogenetic test and variants were matched to FDA recommendations. Additional evidence from CPIC guidelines, PharmGKB, and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group was reviewed to determine current clinical practice. The value of the tests across ethnic groups was determined, including information on linkage disequilibrium between the tested SNP and causal pharmacogenetic variant, where relevant. RESULTS: 23andMe offers 12 pharmacogenetic tests to their UK customers, some of which are in standard clinical practice, and others which are less widely applied. The clinical validity and clinical utility varies extensively between tests. The variants tested are likely to have different degrees of sensitivity due to different risk allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns across populations. The clinical relevance depends on the ethnicity of the individual and variability of pharmacogenetic markers. Further research is required to determine causal variants and provide more complete assessment of drug response and side effects. CONCLUSION: 23andMe reports provide some useful pharmacogenetics information, mirroring clinical tests that are in standard use. Other tests are unspecific, providing limited guidance and may not be useful for patients without professional interpretation. Nevertheless, DTC companies like 23andMe act as a powerful intermediate step to integrate pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice

Serum Starvation Induced Cell Cycle Synchronization Facilitates Human Somatic Cells Reprogramming

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a valuable model for regenerative medicine and human disease research. To date, however, the reprogramming efficiency of human adult cells is still low. Recent studies have revealed that cell cycle is a key parameter driving epigenetic reprogramming to pluripotency. As is well known, retroviruses such as the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) require cell division to integrate into the host genome and replicate, whereas the target primary cells for reprogramming are a mixture of several cell types with different cell cycle rhythms. Whether cell cycle synchronization has potential effect on retrovirus induced reprogramming has not been detailed. In this study, utilizing transient serum starvation induced synchronization, we demonstrated that starvation generated a reversible cell cycle arrest and synchronously progressed through G2/M phase after release, substantially improving retroviral infection efficiency. Interestingly, synchronized human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and adipose stem cells (ASC) exhibited more homogenous epithelial morphology than normal FBS control after infection, and the expression of epithelial markers such as E-cadherin and Epcam were strongly activated. Futhermore, synchronization treatment ultimately improved Nanog positive clones, achieved a 15–20 fold increase. These results suggested that cell cycle synchronization promotes the mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and facilitates retrovirus mediated reprogramming. Our study, utilization of serum starvation rather than additional chemicals, provide a new insight into cell cycle regulation and induced reprogramming of human cells

Modeling and Simulation of Traction Power Supply System for High-Speed Maglev Train

The electromagnetic suspension high-speed maglev train system uses long-stator linear synchronous motors (LLSMs) as levitation and traction mechanisms. In this paper, the modeling and simulation of the traction power supply system for the maglev train are performed. The simulation models include transformers, converters, variable-length cables and LLSMs of both two sides and two ends; meanwhile, the corresponding control and segmented power supply strategies, including the two-step method and three-step method, are implemented. Based on the system model, the operational performance of the high-speed maglev power supply control system is verified, and the fault performances under open circuit and short circuit are also analyzed. The whole simulation modeling and results have important reference significance for the research of high-speed maglev technology

STUDY ON THE CAGE STRENGTH OF CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT UNDER LIMIT ANGLE

Cage is one of the key components of constant velocity joint.The cage is in the dangerous situation when the CV joint in the limit Angle,thus the strength of the cage under the limit Angle plays an important role in meeting the requirements for the design and manufacturing.The strength of cage was studied by experiment and the finite element simulation.First of all,stress state and dangerous area were obtained through simulation under the condition of the limit Angle and torque.The fracture torque of the cage was studied by torsion test.Finally,the hardness of the cage was measured by the micro hardness tester,and the distribution regulation that the strength of the cage was obtained by the transformation of the hardness and strength.The results show that the cage strength meets the requirements.This study can provide technical basis for design and manufacturing

Effect of thermal treatment on the phase structure and electrical properties of Ce<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">_x</i>Gd_{1-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">x</i>}O_2-_{<span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-GB">d</span>} electrolytes

1513-1519A series of Ce<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">xGd1-xO2-d electrolytes has been prepared by typical and improved sol-gel methods with different thermal treatment conditions. The Ce<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">xGd1-xO2-d phase structures have been characterized by XRD and Raman spectroscopy, and the electrolytes properties studied by the AC impedance spectroscopy. It is found that the improved sol-gel method is beneficial for the formation of CeO2-based or Gd2O3-based solid solutions and consequently oxygen vacancies, through which the electrolytes can absorb and desorb oxygen continuously, resulting in improved electrical conductivity. Amongst the studied electrolytes, the Ce0.6Gd0.4O2-d-A electrolyte prepared by typical method and the Ce0.6Gd0.4O2-d-N electrolyte prepared by improved method show the highest electrical conductivity

Analysis of the natural collapse course of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on the matrix model

Abstract Background There are many predictions about the progression of natural collapse course of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Here, we aimed to combine the three classical prediction methods to explore the progression of the natural collapse course. Methods This retrospective study included 127 patients admitted to our hospital from October 2016 to October 2017, in whom the femoral head had not collapsed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the collapse risk factors, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used for femoral head survival analysis. The collapse rate of the femoral head was recorded within 5 years based on the matrix model. The specificity of the matrix model was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 127 patients with a total of 202 hips were included in this study, and 98 hips collapsed during the follow-up period. Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that the predictive ability of the matrix model was stronger than Association Research Circulation Osseous staging, Japanese Investigation Committee classification, and area (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that the median survival time of femoral head in patients was 3 years. The result of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the matrix model had better predictive value (AUC = 0.771, log-rank test: P < 0.001). Conclusion We creatively combined the three classical prediction methods for evaluating the progression of the natural collapse course based on the matrix model and found that the higher the score of the matrix model, the higher the femoral head collapse rate. Specifically, the matrix model has a potential value in predicting femoral head collapse and guiding treatment selection

<span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA" lang="EN-US">Preparation and characterization of high surface area α-AlF₃</span>

927-930High surface area -AlF3 has been prepared by a carbon hard template method, Wherein -Al2O3 is immersed with sucrose aqueous solution and the dried mixture thermally treated under N2 flow at 450 oC to obtain the C@-Al2O3. C@-Al2O3 can be completely transformed to C@-AlF3 with hydrogen fluoride at 400 oC. After the carbon template in C@-AlF3 is removed by high temperature combustion, a high surface area -AlF3 (66 m2 g-1) is obtained. It is found that the fluorination process is crucial for the resulting -AlF3. Although high fluorination temperature is favorable to the formation of -AlF3, it also results in the decline of surface area.</span