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The elastic adhesive contact of self-affine fractal rough surfaces against a rigid flat is simulated using the finite element method. An array of nonlinear springs, of which the force-separation law obeys the Lennard–Jones potential, is introduced to account for the interfacial adhesion. For fractal rough surfaces, the interfacial interaction is generally attractive for large mean gaps, but turns repulsive as the gap continuously shrinks. The interfacial interactions at the turning point corresponding to the spontaneous contact are shown for various surfaces. For relatively smooth surfaces, the probability density distributions of repulsion and attraction are nearly symmetric. However, for rougher surfaces, the simulation results suggest a uniform distribution for attraction but a monotonously decreasing distribution with a long tail for repulsion. The pull-off force rises with increasing ratio of the work of adhesion to the equilibrium distance, whereas decreases for solids with a higher elastic modulus and a larger surface roughness. The current study will be helpful for understanding the adhesion of various types of rough solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With traditional Chinese medicine playing an increasingly important role in human society, the scarcity of wild resources has become a key constraint to the development of the industry. For this study, optimized maximum entropy models were employed to predict the patterns and changes in potentially suitable distribution areas for Thesium chinense Turcz. in China, in the present (1970–2000) and future (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) under multiple climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The results showed that the predicted regions of high, medium, and low potential fitness zones were 6.19 × 104, 150.99 × 104, and 155.61 × 104 km2. The highly suitable areas were primarily found in Shandong and Shanxi Provinces. Furthermore, we found its relatively stable habitat was mainly distributed across South Central Shanxi, Eastern Gansu, and Midwest Guizhou. An analysis of the transfer of masses revealed that the potential habitat of the plant migrated in a northwesterly direction under various climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To summarize the evolution of Ilizarov technology in China, highlight important milestones, introduce the atmosphere of the era concerning the first uses and development of this technology, and share Chinese modification and experience in this field.Method: A thorough interview with senior ASAMI members of China and literature search and physical books in libraries was undertaken to summarize the history of Ilizarov technology in China.Results: The formal development of Ilizarov technology began when professor Ilizarov himself came to Beijing (1991) and gave a speech. In the following 31 years, his technology was rapidly developed through China, with many symposiums held and associations established including ASAMI China (2003) and ILLRS China (2015). Today, Ilizarov technology has become the main treatment of complex fractures, defects, nonunion, infections, deformities, and chronic ischemic ulcers of the limbs. In those years, Chinese scholars also developed some special treatment methods and made many modifications to Ilizarov external fixators.Conclusion: Ilizarov technology has developed in China for 31 years. It revolutionized the treatment of complex limb traumas, deformities, and diseases. In the treatment of millions of patients, Chinese scholars had many unique experiences and made modifications to this technology which is worthy to share with the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few mortality-scoring models are available for solid tumor patients who are predisposed to develop Escherichia coli–caused bloodstream infection (ECBSI). We aimed to develop a mortality-scoring model by using information from blood culture time to positivity (TTP) and other clinical variables. Methods: A cohort of solid tumor patients who were admitted to hospital with ECBSI and received empirical antimicrobial therapy was enrolled. Survivors and non-survivors were compared to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were adopted to identify the mortality-associated predictors. Risk scores were assigned by weighting the regression coefficients with corresponding natural logarithm of the odds ratio for each predictor. Results: Solid tumor patients with ECBSI were distributed in the development and validation groups, respectively. Six mortality-associated predictors were identified and included in the scoring model: acute respiratory distress (ARDS), TTP ≤ 8 h, inappropriate antibiotic therapy, blood transfusion, fever ≥ 39 °C, and metastasis. Prognostic scores were categorized into three groups that predicted mortality: low risk (< 10% mortality, 0–1 points), medium risk (10–20% mortality, 2 points), and high risk (> 20% mortality, ≥ 3 points). The TTP-incorporated scoring model showed excellent discrimination and calibration for both groups, with AUC being 0.833 vs 0.844, respectively, and no significant difference in the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (6.709, P = 0.48) and the chi-square test (6.993, P = 0.46). Youden index showed the best cutoff value of ≥ 3 with 76.11% sensitivity and 79.29% specificity. TTP-incorporated scoring model had higher AUC than no TTP-incorporated model (0.837 vs 0.817, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our TTP-incorporated scoring model was associated with improving capability in predicting ECBSI-related mortality. It can be a practical tool for clinicians to identify and manage bacteremic solid tumor patients with high risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the gene(s) responsible for flowering time in Arabidopsis has significant implications. We used the T-DNA insertion library of Arabidopsis thaliana to screen an early-flowering mutant that exhibits accelerated flowering under short-day conditions. AP22.65, a novel flowering-time gene in that species, was isolated and identified via genome-walking and bioinformatics analysis. The flowering time of AP22.65-complementing plants was similar to that of the Col-0 wild type (WT). Conversely, its overexpression delayed flowering. Consistent with this phenotype, expression of AP22.65 was decreased in the ap22.65-1 mutant, recovered in AP22.65-complementing plants, and increased in AP22.65-overexpressing plants. Compared with the WT, expression levels of critical genes in different flowering pathways, i.e., SPY, FLC, GI, CO, FT, and LFY, were down-regulated in loss-of-function mutants. Expression of AP22.65 was distributed in flowers, siliques, rosette leaves, and whole seedlings. Therefore, this gene may be a negative regulator of Arabidopsis flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HAMA response is a major challenge when murine antibodies are repeatedly administered for antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy in vivo. In this study we have achieved humanization of the anti-γ-seminoprotein E4B7 murine mAb by guided selection. Using optimal Ig Fab primers, human Fd and CL gene repertoires were amplified by RT-PCR from PBMCs of prostate cancer patients. The human Lc gene repertoire was first paired with the murine Fd gene of E4B7 mAb to construct a pComb3X hybrid Fab display library. This hybrid library was screened with purified γ-seminoprotein antigen. The human Fd gene repertoire was then paired with the selected human Lc to construct a fully human Fab library. After four more rounds of panning, completely human Fab antibodies specific for γ-seminoprotein were selected and further identified. First, using the E4B7 Fd gene as a template, light chain shuffling was achieved by panning the hybrid library. Then, using the selected Lc as a template, a human Fab antibody against γ-seminoprotein was produced through heavy chain Fd shuffling. Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry results demonstrated that the resulting human Fab antibody resembled the parental E4B7 mAb in that they both recognized the same epitope with similar affinities. Fluorescent cell staining and immunohistochemistry analysis further confirmed that this newly constructed human anti-γ-seminoprotein Fab antibody indeed specifically bound prostate cancer cells and tissue. Through guided-selection, we successfully produced a human anti-γ-seminoprotein Fab antibody. This work lays the foundation for optimal antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy of prostate cancer using a fully human Fab antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]