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We investigate the thermodynamic instabilities of asymmetric nuclear matter (ANM) from the mechanical (isoscalar) and chemical (isovector) points of view in the framework of a statistical model that complies with the Thomas–Fermi approximation, employing the Myers and Swiatecki (MS) interactions. Our findings show that the spinodal instabilities drive the dense system towards lower asymmetry parameters, while neither pure mechanical nor pure chemical natures are predicted. Meanwhile, by paying attention to the behavior of the nuclear symmetry free energy, which plays a significant role in determining the chemical instability, the instability goes predominantly in the mechanical direction. The results of this model are consistent with those from other theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and composition of proto-neutron stars (PNSs) are studied by the equation of state (EOS) of hot baryonic matter in β −equilibrium. On the basis of the Landau Fermi-liquid theory (LFT), the Thomas-Fermi (TF) approximation is used in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) model to present an isentropic description of PNS matter including hyperons. Our findings for the PNS structure indicate that higher values of the proton abundance may exist at higher baryonic densities. In addition, the maximum mass of PNSs is increased by the effects of neutrino trapping and, therefore, rising of the lepton number, since the EOS of PNS matter becomes stiffer. However, this maximum value is slightly affected by the changes in the entropy per baryon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An isentropic description of the equation of state (EOS) for β -stable nuclear matter (BSNM) is presented in a semi-classical mean-field model. Within the Thomas–Fermi (TF) approximation, the Landau Fermi-liquid theory (LFT) is used in a self-consistent approach. Accordingly, isentropic thermodynamics of BSNM is investigated for the neutrino-free and neutrino-trapped cases. We find that the EOS for neutrino-trapped matter is stiffer than the one for neutrino-free matter. Our findings can set the stage for profound studies about the structure and composition of proto-neutron stars (PNSs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of state (EOS) of nuclear matter is investigated in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) approach. Starting from the phase-space NN-interaction of Myers and Swiatecki [ Nucl. Phys. A 601 (1996) 141], the EOS of nuclear matter by the Thomas-Fermi approximation is derived. A self-consistent semi-classical approach is presented by employing the Landau Fermi-Liquid theory (LFT). In our statistical approach, the phase-space occupation number can be expressed in terms of an extended effective mass which is affected by both temperature and nucleonic density. Accordingly, an explicit expression of the nucleonic chemical potential inside the nucleonic occupation number can be obtained. Special attention is also devoted to the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry free energy at different temperatures. The results of this model are compared with other theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the thermal effects on the EOS of dense nuclear matter, using a statistical approach where a semi-classical mean-field (MF) model based on the Thomas-Fermi (TF) approximation is introduced. Within this density-functional-based theory, the equation of state (EOS) of hot dense nuclear matter for different compositions of baryonic matter such as symmetric nuclear matter (SNM), pure neutron matter (PNM), and neutrino-free (neutrino-trapped) matter in β -equilibrium is investigated, while the contribution of photons is taken into account for only the β -equilibrated cases. The Landau effective mass, by which the thermal effects on dense matter can be judged, is also extracted from the cold single-particle (SP) potential of neutrons in phase space for both SNM and PNM. We show that the characteristic behavior of the nuclear symmetry free energy (SFE), especially at supra-saturation densities, has a clear relevance to the general influence of the temperature on the EOS. Based on the Γ-law approximation, a simple parametrization for the thermal properties of the EOS is provided by the thermal index Γ t h , while the presence of trapped neutrinos in β -equilibrated matter gives rise to significantly more consistency with the original astrophysical range 1.5 ≤ Γ t h ≤ 2. Our EOSs are then employed in an isentropic scheme to investigate the properties of a hot compact object under the assumption of the conserved baryonic mass, while complying with the current observational constraints on the structure of neutron stars (NSs). Within the present model, we cannot predict the possibility that the lighter component of GW190814 [1] is a massive cold neutron star (NS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of state (EOS) of hyperon-rich matter for neutron stars (NSs) is investigated in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) model. We present a new generalized baryon-baryon interaction in phase space to derive the EOS by the Thomas-Fermi approximation. Our findings have profound consequences for the structure and properties of NSs. Within this statistical model, the EOS of NS matter with hyperons is stiff enough. Consequently, the results for the maximum mass of NSs are consistent with and . It is also revealed that the hyperon-hyperon interactions slightly soften the EOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CCL20/macrophage inflammatory protein-3α ( MIP-3α) represents one of the potent chemoattractive proteins for dendritic cells ( DCs). Herein, we investigated whether in vivo genetic modification of tumour cells aimed at intratumoural production of MIP-3α might lead to accumulation of DCs in tumour tissue. Mice injected with CT26, received recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors (Ad MIP-3α) expressing MIP-3α protein. This was complemented by injections of Cp G. Interestingly, MIP-3α gene therapy combined with Cp G injections resulted in specific cytotoxicity. This was associated with significant suppression of tumour growth rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of strategies that utilize in vivo overexpression of chemokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the Thomas-Fermi approximation as a semi-classical mean-field method, by constructing hyperon-nucleon interaction, we find a phenomenological equation of state (EOS) for $\beta$-stable baryonic matter. Our findings have profound consequences for neutron stars (NS) properties and compositions. Among these consequences, strange hyperons in the baryonic structure produce a strong softening of the EOS and also reduce the corresponding maximum mass of neutron stars. We also study hadron-quark phase transition in the interior of neutron stars by using the MIT bag model for the quark phase. We have found that NS have a large population of baryons but they are not dense enough to form a pure quark phase structure in the interior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of state (EOS) of hybrid neutron star (HNS) matter is investigated within a model where the phase transition from non-strange baryonic matter to quark matter is described with the help of the Gibbs construction. We use the Myers and Swiatecki (MS) interactions of TF(96) and TF(90) to extract the EOS of β -stable nuclear matter from the Thomas–Fermi (TF) approximation in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) model. The EOS of the deconfined quark phase is obtained from the Nambu–Jona–Lasinio (NJL) model. In studying the EOS of HNS matter, we take into account the two-solar-mass constraint placed by the measurement of the masses of pulsars PSR J1614 − 2230, PSR J0348＋ 0432 and PSR J0740 + 6620. We find that the vector coupling of the NJL model has a strong influence on the formation of the stable HNSs. Our results show that the pure quark phase does not exist in the inner core of HNSs. As the repulsion in the quark matter EOS becomes stronger, the stable configurations of an HNS are formed at lower values of the stellar radius. The quark phase with larger repulsive vector interaction indicates smaller mixed phase region in the inner core of the same-mass HNSs. In addition, the stable HNSs occur at larger radii for the configurations constructed using the stiffer one of the two baryonic EOSs we considered [TF(90)]. • Baryon–quark mixed phase is studied in neutron star matter. • Thomas–Fermi approximation for nucleons and NJL model for quarks are used. • Vector coupling of NJL model plays a key role on the neutron star structure. • Existence of a pure quark phase is excluded in the core of neutron stars. • Mixed phase shrinks in the core of same-mass neutron stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The baryon-quark phase transition is studied for the equation of state (EOS) of neutron star (NS) matter. The Thomas-Fermi (TF) approximation is employed in a semiclassical mean-field (MF) model for the EOS of baryonic matter including hyperons. The EOS of quark matter is also extracted from the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model. The phase transition from baryons to quarks is considered in the NS structure under the Maxwell and Gibbs constructions. Our findings for the maximum mass of NSs, as compared with the almost 2M⊙ pulsars J1614-2230 and J0348+0432, indicate that a region of baryon-quark mixed phase can exist in the inner core of NSs, while the existence of a pure phase is not allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth factors and cytokines including FLT3 Ligand (FLT3L) have many applications in cellular and molecular biology studies, and also as therapeutical agents. FLT3L was expressed in Pichia pastoris through cloning from human leukemic K562 cell line as well as using a codon-optimized synthetic construct. Codon adaptation index (CAI) was increased from 55 in the native sequence up to 95 after optimization. Significant changes occurred in the codons for Pro, Arg, Leu and Ser toward the favored codons in P. pastoris. Both forms of expressed FLT3L (from the native and optimized sequences) were capable of stimulating proliferation of the FDC-P1 cells expressing human wild-type FLT3 (FD-FLT3-WT). Sequence optimization resulted in 55-fold increase in the yield of active FLT3L (290 μg/mL of product in the crude supernatant). Amino acid residues 27-162 are sufficient for the biological function of human FLT3L. Pichia pastoris is a highly efficient and cost-effective system for expression of endotoxin-free FLT3L; however, codon optimization is necessary for its optimal expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Middle Eastern and North African countries are undergoing nutrition transition, a transition which is associated with an increased burden of non-communicable diseases. This necessitates the evaluation of dietary patterns in these regions. The present study aimed to assess changes in dietary patterns in Middle Eastern and North African countries between 1961 and 2007.Design: Availability of energy and fifteen main food items during 1961-2007 was examined using FAO food balance sheets from the FAOSTAT database.Setting: Fifteen countries including nine in the Middle East and six in North Africa were selected and the average availability of total energy and different food items in these regions were compared.Results: Over the 47 years studied, energy and food availability (apart from animal fats and alcoholic beverages) has increased in the Middle East and North Africa. In both regions the proportion of energy derived from meat and vegetable oils has increased significantly while that from cereals decreased significantly. In addition, the proportion of energy from milk and dairy products and vegetables has shown an ascending trend in North Africa while the proportion of energy from fruits has shown a descending trend in the Middle East.Conclusions: The study results reveal an unfavourable trend towards a Westernized diet in the Middle East and, to a certain extent, in North Africa. Tailored nutritional education encouraging healthy eating for prevention of the burden of chronic diseases in these countries seems essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective – To estimate the frequency of cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVST) and its seasonal variation. Methods – A clinic-based prospective case-register study was conducted from 2001 to 2004. Hundred and twenty-two consecutive definite CVST patients (26 men and 96 women) treated in two major neurological centres of Isfahan, Iran, were included in the study. Part of examination included an assessment of CVST including conventional angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging and self-reported medical history. Population data were obtained from the 1996 Iran Census. The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 35.5 (11.9) years. Results – The annual frequency (95% confidence interval) of CVST was 12.3 (10.1, 14.5) per million in a population of 2,472,751, with higher rate in women than in men [19.9 (15.5, 23.9) women and 5.1 (3.2, 7.1) men] and with increasing age in women (up to 50 years), but not in men. The female/male ratio was 3.9 (2.5–6.0). The monthly frequency of CVST ranged from 0.6 per million (0.1, 1.1) in August to 2.1 (1.2, 3.0) in September. The seasonal CVST rate ranged from 2.2 per million (1.3, 3.2) in summer to 4.3 (3.1, 5.7) in autumn. The differences were statistically significant either for the months or season ( P < 0.05). Conclusion – The findings of this study show the CVST frequency in adults. More women than men are present with CVST and its frequency increased during autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]