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The mechanism underlying giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) formation is not fully understood. According to recent research, NRAS gene mutation is the main driving factor in GCMN. Melanocytic precursor cells proliferate during the embryonic stage after acquiring NRAS mutations. However, why GCMN undergoes intense proliferation in the embryonic stage and then stops postnatally remains unknown. The current theory for this phenomenon is that the GCMN undergoes oncogene-induced senescence. However, there is not enough evidence to indicate that senescence induces growth arrest in GCMN. In this study, we hypothesized that the expression level of the NRAS gene changes dynamically during the development and differentiation of neural crest cells into melanocytes and that the NRAS expression level determines whether the cell proliferates or becomes quiescent.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most deadly skin cancer worldwide. Despite advances in the treatments of CMM, its incidence and mortality rates are still increasing. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of RNA modification and has attracted increasing interest in cancer initiation and progression. However, the role of m6A regulators in CMM and their correlation with prognosis remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that by applying consensus clustering, all CMM patient cases can be divided into two clusters based on overall expression levels of 25 m6A genes. We systematically analyzed the prognostic value of the 25 m6A RNA methylation regulators in CMM and found that ELAVL1, ABCF1, and IGF2BP1 yield the highest scores for predicting the prognosis of CMM. Accordingly, we derived a risk signature consisting of three selected m6A genes as an independent prognostic marker for CMM and validated our findings with data derived from a different CMM cohort. Next, we determined that CNVs in m6A genes had a significant negative impact on patient survival. The mRNA expression levels of m6A genes were correlated with CNV mutation. Moreover, in the selected three risk signature m6A regulators, GSEA analysis showed that they were closely correlated with inflammation and immune pathways. TME analysis proved that m6A gene expressions were negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration. In conclusion, m6A regulators are vital participants in CMM pathology; and ELAVL1, ABCF1, and IGF2BP1 mRNA levels are valuable factors for prognosis prediction and treatment strategy development.

With the rapid growth of installed capacity of renewable energy, the problem of renewable energy curtailment has become prominent. In this paper, an evaluation method of renewable energy accommodation considering the correlation of wind and solar power is presented. Firstly, renewable energy stochastic models are established based on the copula function. Secondly, this paper proposes an evaluation method of accommodation capacity of renewable energy which considers economic index, reliability index, and curtailment of renewable energy. Then, the reliability and the curtailment rate are converted into the economic index. Finally, the influence factors of renewable energy accommodation such as evaluation index and the correlation of wind and solar power are compared in a provincial power grid. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model in this paper performs better than the traditional model.

The restoration of unit is the basis of the whole power system restoration. The start-up sequence of units has an influence on both the target network reconstruction whose goal nodes are units which are selected to supply with cranking power and the total power generation capability over a restoration period during network reconstruction. This paper provides a multi-objective optimization model of unit restoration of which optimization goals are to minimize the restoration cost of the target network and to maximize the total power generation capability. The weight of lines is dynamically set to extent the search space for avoiding the loss of the optimal solution when the target network is reconstructed. The model is solved by differential evolution and estimation of distribution algorithm (DE-EDA). Simulation results on IEEE 30-bus system show that the proposed optimization model and algorithm are able to find the solutions which have better convergence and are better spread; the effectiveness of the proposed optimization model and algorithm is further validated by the simulation result on Shandong west power grid of China.

Background Various techniques have been developed for postburn neck reconstruction, but a treatment algorithm is needed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated for postburn neck contracture at our institution between February 2008 and December 2015. Necks were divided into one anterior subunit and two lateral subunits marked by the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Deformities were categorized into three types according to their size and location. Type I deformities involve less than one subunit, type II deformities involve at least one subunit but less than two subunits, and type III deformities affect two or more subunits. Type II deformities were further divided into type IIa deformities, which mainly involve the anterior region, and type IIb deformities, which mainly involve the lateral region. Results Local random pattern flaps were constructed for type I deformities. Pedicled flaps from the anterior chest and supraclavicular areas were preferred for type IIa deformities, and pedicled flaps from the back were preferred for type IIb deformities. Pedicled flaps from other areas were the second choice for type II deformities, followed by free and prefabricated flaps. For type III deformities, bipedicled flaps were usually required. At a follow-up of at least 12 months, all patients showed near-normal neck function, and aesthetic features were significantly improved. Conclusion The proposed classification and treatment algorithm for postburn neck reconstruction may help achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Operational performance of trains in railway system is gaining irresistibly increasing attention with the higher and higher requirements on energy efficiency and punctuality. Improving train operational performance by optimizing train trajectory has been studied for a long time, but few results are presented regarding train drivers' activities, which is an important factor in railway system as the trains are ultimately operated by train drivers. Driver Advisory System (DAS) is becoming more and more concerned in response to the urgent requirements of improving operational performance of railway trains. This paper aims to provide an approach for improving energy efficiency and punctuality of railway trains taking advantage of DAS. A traction-distance-based algorithm for optimizing train trajectory and advisory information is designed, and an experiment platform including train driving simulation and prototype DAS is built to evaluate the proposed approach. Considering both trajectory optimization and train driver's driving activities, this work explores an intelligent approach to improve operational performance of railway trains, and will undoubtedly be meaningful in leading to better energy economization and on-time performance of railway system.

Resection of a prominent mandibular angle is commonly used in Eastern society to improve the lower one third facial proportion. Historically, this procedure had a high complication rate, such as severe bleeding, asymmetry of the angle reduction, and "second mandibular angle." A safer and more effective way of performing such procedures is needed. The aim of this study is to introduce 3 instruments, a tunable guide handpiece, milling cutter, and flywheel, which were invented by the author, as well as a related ostectomy technique for correcting prominent mandibular angles using a modified full-thickness marginal ostectomy of the mandibular corpus angle, named the "stamp perforation" technique. This technique has 4 highlights: First, it ensures a smooth symmetric contour. Second, it prevents the risks of rupture of the inferior alveolar vessel and facial artery, ensuring the safety of this approach. Third, the "stamp perforation" technique eases the removal of bone fragments, shortening the operation time. Fourth, the recovery time of patients treated with this approach is much shorter than with the traditional approaches. From January 2006 to January 2016, 1106 patients underwent the surgery to contour the prominent mandible angles, and satisfactory results were achieved. Thus, we recommend the instruments as well as the "stamp perforation" technique for correcting prominent mandibular angles, and we hope that our 10 years of experience could provide a reference for other plastic surgeons.

Background Conventional reconstructive methods fail to achieve satisfactory results in total eyelid defect cases. Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation might provide both good appearance and function for these patients. We developed an orthotopic periorbital transplantation model in rats to facilitate further experimentation in this field. Methods In anatomical studies, the vascular distribution to and innervation of the periorbital unit were identified and recorded. Then, according to the anatomical studies, eight orthotopic transplantations and two transplantations with pedicle ligation were performed. The posterior facial vein and the external carotid artery were selected as the graft pedicles, while the temporal and upper zygomatic facial nerves were used for graft innervation. All transplanted eyelids were assessed daily. Micro-CT scanning and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the grafts were performed 60 days after the operation. Results In total, 90% of recipients tolerated the operation well. All grafts without pedicle ligation survived, and new hair growth was observed. The position of the eyelid was maintained, and eyelid function was partially restored. In the recipients with graft pedicle ligation, the grafts became necrotic and mummified within four to five days. Micro-CT of the surviving grafts showed a good blood supply, and histological staining revealed normal morphology. Conclusions A periorbital subunit orthotopic transplantation model was established, which might facilitate future eyelid allotransplantation-related experimentation.

Background For patients with healthy skin in the cervical region, the expanded cervical flap method is highly recommended for resurfacing facial skin defects. Many methods exist that use an expanded cervical flap. However, a gold standard for selecting the appropriate method for each patient is lacking. Here, we introduce 5 basic principles for how to use an expanded cervical flap and an algorithm for selecting the appropriate method. Methods The authors reviewed the medical records for all patients treated with an expanded cervical flap to restore a facial skin lesion in Shanghai's Ninth People's Hospital between 2010 and 2015. Results We summarized the 5 techniques according to different types of facial deformities: (1) an advancement of the expanded cervical flap; (2) an expanded cervical flap that is rotated toward the temporal side (the rotation pivot is located in the angle of the mandible); (3) an expanded cervical flap that is rotated toward the nasal side (the rotation pivot is located in the mentum; (4) an expanded cervical flap that is rotated cephalically along the midline toward the lower third of the face (the rotation pivot is located in the bilateral angle of the mandible); and (5) a prefabricated cervical flap that is used with superficial temporal vessels. Conclusion By using this algorithm and following five basic principles, all facial defects except for those on the nose and forehead can be resurfaced using an expanded cervical skin flap.

Skin grafts are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Increasing the early vascularization of skin grafts is a key factor in improving skin grafting. In this study, we use platelet-rich plasma gel as an adipose-derived stem cell scaffold to assist the growth of rat skin grafts. ADSCs were successfully isolated and seeded into the PRP gel. Using a Lewis rat model, we found the PRP gel + ADSCs significantly improved the properties of the transplanted skin grafts, increased the skin thickness and improved the collagen arrangement. PRP gel + ADSCs promoted skin neovascularization by elevating the expression of the vascularization factors VEGF, BFGF and PDGFB. Taken together, our study indicated that ADSCs combined with PRP have a potentiation effect on improving skin grafts by promoting angiogenesis, providing an innovative approach and a theoretical basis for its clinical application.

Unlike the trains in metro systems, trains in main line railway are operated by train drivers without automatic train control (ATO) systems. In addition, infrastructure, running environment and driver controller devices are also more complex and various. As a result, disturbances or even disruptions may influence the train driving process and disorganize normal train driving process. Driver Advisory System (DAS) has been studied and developed for many years with the main goal to guide train drivers towards better driving performance, and most efforts were put on energy-efficient and punctual driving under normal operational situations. This paper proposes an approach of intelligent DAS (iDAS) to assist train drivers improve driving performance under disturbance situations. Simulative experiments show that the proposed approach can effectively help the train drivers to be aware of, to handle and to recover to normal operation under typical disturbances.

Background: The face is one of the most important regions of the human body and contains complicated and delicate features that define the identity of a person. Treatment for extensive facial deformities requires resurfacing of the extensive skin defects and restoring the missing features. To date, it remains a major challenge to the reconstructive surgeons. Methods: The authors reviewed their patients of Type III and Type IV facial deformities to introduce an integrated method for total facial reconstruction. The entire management included flap prefabrication, skin over-expansion, bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation, and multistaged revisions to reshape the face contours. The treatment details and postoperative results were presented. Aesthetic and functional status scores were independently evaluated to analyze the effectiveness of this intervention. Results: Forty-two patients with severe facial deformities were included. In 2 patients of total face reconstruction, bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation was conducted. Each patient had facial reconstruction with a prefabricated flap (range 23 x 18-32 x 30 cm(2)) that resurfaced the entire defect. Tip necrosis occurred in 2 patients. The aesthetic and functional status scores were statistically improved. Good skin compliance, normal contours, and emotional expression were noted. Conclusions: The integrated method is a reliable and excellent option for extensive facial deformities involving both central and peripheral facial units while avoiding multiflap reconstructions. It creates a desirable coverage with minimal scars, which are both important for a "perceived normal'' face.

Background Finger allotransplantation is a promising treatment for severe finger destruction. However, more research is required to decrease the risks of this procedure to a level at which the clinical use of this non–life-saving procedure is justified. A proper animal model is essential for the required experiments. Methods In this article, we established a toe transplantation model based on anatomic studies. A tapered dose of Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as an immunosuppressive therapy in the Brown Norway-to-Lewis allotransplantation experimental group, whereas isotransplantation or allotransplantation without treatment or with ligated pedicles was performed on the control groups. Recipients were assessed daily after operation for any signs of rejection and complications. On postoperative day 90, skin graft test was used to test the level of donor-specific tolerance in the recipients. On postoperative day 120, x-rays and micro-computed tomographies were performed for bone morphology evaluation. The chimerism in the recipient peripheral blood, lymph node, spleen, and thymus was tested by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining. And histologic study of the toe grafts and skin grafts were carried out. Results The blood supply of the toe graft was confirmed, and accordingly, transplantations were performed. The isografts survived indefinitely. The allografts with ligated pedicles experienced necrosis within 5 d. The allografts without treatment exhibited necrosis within 14 d. Forty percent, 20%, and 40% of the allografts associated with the CsA treatment experienced severe rejection, mild rejection, and nonrejection, according to gross graft appearance, respectively. Skin grafting tests showed three different types of results. X-rays and micro-computed tomographies reveal nearly normal bone morphologies in the bone structures of all surviving animals with grafts. Low levels of donor-specific chimerism were detected in the peripheral blood samples. Spleen, lymph node, and thymus chimerism were also confirmed in the long-term surviving animals with allografts. Histologic evaluation of the long-term survivals revealed similar graft morphologies in the isografts and the nonrejected allografts, inflammatory cell infiltration in the mildly rejected allografts, and degraded cutaneous appendages in the severely rejected allografts. Conclusions We established a toe allotransplantation model. Moreover, the low rate of chimerism did not introduce specific tolerance, which might explain the high rejection rate. This model might facilitate future research in finger allotransplantation.

In urban rail transit, the train trajectory is a set of the operational conditions, including acceleration, cruising, coasting, and deceleration, that capture the dynamics of the train’s movement. The train trajectory optimization problem aims at searching an optimal combination of the operational conditions and thus improving the energy efficiency of the whole operation process. It is difficult to obtain the optimal solution of train trajectory optimization by traditional methods because the train operation is a multi-state procedure and suffers to multiple constraints. In this paper, railway line division rules in both micro and macro scopes are presented for quickly generating the train trajectory under multiple constraints, which fits the actual situation of the line better. Furthermore, the Elitist Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is used to automatically determine the number and location of coasting points under multiple constraints of the speed limits, grade profiles and curve radius, which is more suitable for solving train trajectory optimization than traditional cases. Finally, some experiments results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed searching algorithm by a better performance upon the optimization of energy-efficient train trajectory.

The information exchange gap between current operation control and dynamic scheduling in high-speed railway systems (HRSs) still exists, and this gap has hindered the further integrative improvement of HRSs. This paper aims to explore a feasible solution to bridging the information exchange gap for further improving the efficiency of HRSs, with the parallel intelligent systems for integrated HRS operation control and dynamic scheduling first analyzed and constructed using the ACP approach, that is, “artificial systems” (A), “computational experiments,” (C) and “parallel execution” (P). Then, on the basis of the constructed parallel intelligent systems, experiments on several typical scenarios in HRSs are conducted to achieve a set of control and management strategies for actual HRSs. Experimental results show that a number of powerful tools provided by the proposed parallel intelligent systems can be utilized not only to study the current HRSs, but also to further undertake research on integrated operation control and dynamic scheduling for HRSs.

Background For extensive postburn neck deformities, the preexpanded flaps in the upper back region were used and gained a uniform skin appearance and esthetic contours. Free-style perforator-based free-tissue transfer that represents the most recent advance in reconstructive surgery may provide more versatility of these flaps. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients treated at our institution for postburn neck contracture from March 2010 to May 2016. Various upper back flaps were designed according to the dominant perforators and the shape of the defect after fully releasing the neck contracture. Results Thirty-one patients received neck reconstructions with the versatile applications of the preexpanded upper back perforator flaps. Tip necrosis was observed in one case, and the others survived completely. The donor sites were all primarily closed. No incision dehiscence was observed. Conclusion The free-style design has significantly increased the potential and versatility of the upper back flaps in reconstruction of severe neck scar contracture.

In this report, we present a rat orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation model. Eight forelimbs were transplanted from Brown Norway rats to Lewis rats. Axillary vessels of transplant were used as the vascular pedicles, which were anastomosed to the external jugular vein and common carotid artery of the recipient rat. The ulnar, radial, and median nerves were also repaired. Among rats, a tapered dose of cyclosporine was administered in five rats. In other three rats, no immunosuppressive therapy was given. The viability and signs of rejection of transplanted forelimbs, sensation recovery, bone healing, and histology were assessed up to the 90th postoperative day. All of rats but one survived surgery. All of transplanted forelimbs survived. In the rats treated with cyclosporine the transplanted forelimbs achieved long-term survival with motion and sensation recovery. On 90th day after surgery, bone healing was achieved. There was no sign of rejection in histology. In the rats without cyclosporine treatment, the transplanted forelimbs experienced tissue necrosis started from day 12 postoperatively. This experimental study showed the feasibility of orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation in the rat model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:672-675, 2016.

This paper proposes an optimization method of train scheduling for metro lines with a train dwell time model according to passenger demand. An optimization problem of train scheduling is established with constraints of a headway equation, passenger equation, and train dwell time equation, where the train dwell time is modeled as a function of boarding and alighting passenger volumes. The aim of the optimization problem is to minimize the waiting time of passengers and train operation cost. Lagrangian duality theory is adopted to solve this optimization problem with high dimensionality. Finally, simulation results illustrate that this method is efficient to generate the train schedule, which meets the passengers' exchanging requirements between trains and platforms. The contribution of this paper is that a dwell time model is introduced in train schedule optimization, which provides the possibility of reducing the operation cost in the precondition that the exchanging time of passengers between platforms and trains is assured.

Background The aim of this research was to develop a rat model for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the elbow. Methods We developed an animal model for VCA of the elbow in rats. Microvascular VCA was performed in 9 rats across a major histocompatibility barrier. Three different immunosuppressive regimens were provided. Joint mobility and weight-bearing capability were assessed throughout 90 days of life. Pedicle patency, bone blood flow, and histologic analyses were performed. Results In the cyclosporine group, forelimb activity was recovered during the postoperative 90 days. The extremity that was operated on was used in daily activities. There was minimal motion or use of the limb in the cyclosporine taper and control groups. The vascular pedicles were patent at the time of death in the cyclosporine-treated group but not in the remaining groups. Micro-computed tomography scan performed 3 months after transplantation revealed union at the bone junctions, and the elbow joint appeared grossly normal on death in the cyclosporine treatment group only. Incomplete healing was observed in the other 2 groups, and the elbow joints were grossly destroyed. Histologic examination revealed normal cartilage and bone cells in the cyclosporine-treated group, whereas the nontreated groups demonstrated lymphocytic infiltration and loss of normal histologic features. Flow cytometry of blood samples obtained on days 14, 30, 60, and 90 showed no recipient cell chimerism in any of the groups. Conclusions We developed an animal model for elbow VCA. Immunosuppressed animals regained nearly normal function of forelimbs and maintained grossly normal elbow cartilage. Without cyclosporine treatment, the elbow transplants were rejected.

Background Prefabricated flaps are an ideal alternative to repair massive and complex tissue defects. Nevertheless, the risk of necrosis due to unpredictable blood supplies is a major obstacle to the application of prefabricated flaps. The survival of a prefabricated flap depends on the neovascularization between the vascular carrier and the donor tissue. Here, we proposed that the iron chelator, desferrioxamine (DFX), owned therapeutic effects that promoted the neovascularization of prefabricated flaps. Methods An abdominal prefabricated flap model was created in rats via a 2-stage operation. The rats were allocated into 4 groups as follows: 2 groups of rats received DFX treatments during the first or the second stage of the operation, respectively; 1 group of rats received a delay procedure 1 week before the second operation; and the final group was used as a blank control. Flap survival rates and capillary densities were evaluated between groups. The influence of DFX on the dermal fibroblasts was also studied in vitro. Results Desferrioxamine treatment during the first stage of the operation greatly increased flap survival rate compared to the blank control. The results were similar to those produced by the delay treatment. The vessel count results were consistent with the flap survival rate findings. In vitro, DFX treatment up-regulated the expression levels of several angiogenic factors in the dermal fibroblasts. Nevertheless, DFX treatment during the second stage of the operation was therapeutically detrimental. Conclusions The application of DFX around the time of vascular carrier implantation greatly promoted neovascularization of prefabricated flaps, but was therapeutically detrimental after the flaps had been elevated.

Temporary ectopic implantation has been performed in clinical practice to salvage devascularized amputated tissues for delayed replantation purpose. In this study, we established a series of segmental forelimb ectopic implantation models in rats, including forelimb, forearm, forepaw, digit, and double forelimbs, to mimic the clinical context. Time of amputated limbs harvesting in donors and ectopic implantation process in recipients were recorded. Survival time and mortalities of recipients were also recorded. Sixty days after ectopic implantation, a full-field laser perfusion imager (FLPI) was used to detect the blood flow of amputated limbs and micro-CT imaging was used to examine bone morphological changes. Histological sections of amputated limbs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate pathological changes. Implanted amputated limbs in all models achieved long term survival and there were no obvious morphological and histological changes were found according to results of micro-CT and histology study. Thus, a series of rat segmental forelimb temporary ectopic implantation models have been well established. To our knowledge, this is the first rodent animal model related to forelimb temporary ectopic implantation. These models might facilitate further research related to salvage, reconstruction and better aesthetic and functional outcome of upper extremity/digit in temporary ectopic implantation scenario.

Purpose Reduction malarplasty is one of the most common esthetic surgical procedures performed in the Asian population. Traditional procedures have several complications, such as bone nonunion, malunion, cheek drooping, and damage to the infraorbital nerve and maxillary sinus. Therefore, a more straightforward and effective method of reducing the width of the midface is needed. In this study, we introduce an infracture technique using inward displacement of the zygomatic arch without fixation. Patients and Methods A total of 680 patients received zygoma reduction using our method from 2012 to 2016 in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Minhang Shanghai Hospital. Radiologic and photographic documentation was completed preoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 24 months. The preoperative and postoperative photographs were compared. Results All patients were satisfied with their results. The mean operation time was approximately 35 minutes. The patients were discharged 5 days after the surgical procedure, and the mean recovery time was 2 weeks. The continuity of the outer cortex of the zygomatic complex and excellent bone union were observed in all patients 6 months postoperatively. The malar prominence underwent relapse in 23 patients and was reset. Conclusions The new method that we developed has been proved safe and effective. It has 3 advantages. First, cheek drooping is avoided, and the damage caused by periosteum dissection on the whole zygomaticomaxillary area is limited. Second, bony fixation is unnecessary; thus the risk of bone nonunion, malunion, and a step-off deformity caused by improper fixation or looseness is prevented. Third, the operation time and the recovery time are short.

Although expanded flaps have been shown to survive longer than unexpanded flaps, flap necrosis still occurs, particularly when a deep back cut has been made. Overcautious design can avoid necrosis but leads to inefficient usage of the expanded flap. In this study, we tested a surgical delay method to prevent partial necrosis and maximize the use of the expanded flap. Ten patients with 13 expanders were included in this series. The surgical delay was performed 2 weeks before the final flap transfer. The survival of the delayed flaps was compared with that in previous cases without surgical delay. All 13 expanded flaps exhibited complete survival, which was significantly better than the 27.5% partial flap necrosis observed in nondelayed cases. Surgical delay can decrease the risk of necrosis in an expanded flap caused by a back cut and can thus maximize flap use.

Background In the reconstruction of facial burn scars, large, thin, color-matching flaps are desirable due to aesthetic and functional demands. There have been many reports using prefabricated flaps to resurface facial skin lesions. However, an algorithm to select the most suitable treatment option for the individual patient is lacking. Methods An algorithm for facial resurfacing based on three types of prefabricated flaps from the cervical, periclavicular, and lateral thoracic area was setup, and 15 were patients treated accordingly. Results All 15 prefabricated flaps survived. Minor necrosis at the distal flap edge developed in three cases. After a follow-up of at least 6 months, all patients showed satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusion By individual selection of the most suitable option among these three types of prefabricated flaps, satisfactory resurfacing can be achieved for most facial burn scars.

Rapid load restoration after large-scale power system blackouts is of virtual importance to reduce economic losses. Network reconfiguration is an essential foundation of load restoration. Incorporating the preference for different objectives, a network reconfiguration approach based on preference-based multiobjective optimization is proposed for network reconfiguration schemes. On the one hand, considering the influences of generators, lines and loads, three evaluation indicators are proposed as objectives to establish a preference multiobjective optimization model. On the other hand, a preference-based discrete nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (PD-NSGA-II) is designed considering the preference and high discreteness of the suggested model. For efficient decision making, the algorithm is equipped with two sorts of population and two dominance relations to obtain solutions with required quantity and high quality. The simulation results demonstrate that the preference-based multiobjective optimization can reasonably leverage the tradeoff among different factors about network reconfiguration. Furthermore, comparison with other algorithms indicates the efficiency of PD-NSGA-II in solving network reconfiguration optimization problems.

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a new dimension in reconstructive surgery. Generally, these procedures are offered for quality of life and functional indications rather than life-saving indications. Controversy exists, therefore, over the indications and risk/benefit ratios of VCA. Transplantation failure is a basic measurable risk of VCA. In this report we attempt to analyze perioperative factors associated with failures. Such factors are generally independent of technical performance and can be assessed to better define regulations applied to VCA. Ninety-one VCA procedures were identified, and 18 (19.8%) of them failed. Significant (P < 0.05) failure rates were associated with idiosyncratic cases (100%), cases performed without psychological screening (56.3%), cases performed without competent social support systems (44%), and cases done in developing countries (52.4%). A substantial but not significant failure rate was observed in cases performed without institutional review (36.4%). These findings suggest that institutional, professional, social, and ethical standards applied to VCA should require clarification of perioperative risk managements for any clinical VCA program, because such managements can be critical factors in determining outcome. The special character of these transplantation procedures suggest the concept of identity-defining vascularized composite allotransplantation (IVCA), for which psychological screening and third-party supervision is recommended.

BACKGROUND Conventional reconstructive methods fail to achieve satisfactory results in total eyelid defect cases. Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation might provide both good appearance and function for these patients. The structure of the eyelid is exceptional because it simultaneously consists of skin, connective tissue, the striated muscle, fiber structure, aponeuroses, and mucosa. Thus, before clinical application of eyelid allotransplantation, more experiments are needed to clarify the impact of ischemia, immunal suppressive agents, and deinnervation effects on these sophisticated structures. We developed an heterotopic periorbital transplantation model in rats to facilitate further experiment in this field. METHODS Twenty-five inbred male Lewis rats were used for anatomy study (n=10), and as donors or recipients of the operations (n=10). In the anatomy study, the vascular distribution and innervation to the periorbital unit was identified and recorded. Then, according to the anatomy study, 10 heterotopic transplantations and 2 transplantations with pedicle ligated were performed. The posterior facial vein and the external carotid artery are selected as the graft pedicle. All transplanted eyelids were assessed daily. Micro-CT scanning and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the grafts were performed 60 days after the operation. RESULTS All recipients tolerated the operation well. All grafts without pedicles ligated survived and new hair growth was observed. All of the transplanted eyelids were pink and pliable during the entire observation period, and we did not observe any signs of arterial or venous occlusion. In the recipients with graft pedicle ligated, the grafts were necrosed and mummified within 4 to 5 days. MicroCT of the survived grafts showed good blood supply and histologic staining revealed normal histologic morphologies. CONCLUSIONS Our study proved the anatomical feasibility of periorbital transplantation by establishing a heterotopic transplantation model, which might facilitate future eyelid allotransplantation-related experiments.

Energy efficiency has become one of the major concerns in railway operation today. Generation of energy-efficient train trajectories can be modeled as solving a complex optimization problem with nonlinear and time-varying variables under multiple constraints of equality and inequality, as train operation is a dynamically vacillating process due to complex railway operational conditions. In recent years Driver Advisory System (DAS) is introduced as the system to deliver optimized energy-efficient trajectory to train operation through advisory to the driver based on static or real-time railway operation information. This work proposes a prototype DAS design using a PC as central unit and a smartphone as on-board unit, with a bi-directional message exchange between central unit and on-board unit. An energy-distribution based model and optimization algorithm is developed to derive and to adjust train trajectories. Simulation results are demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the approach and methods.

The objective of power system restoration is to re store the load as soon as possible, while the successful start-up of generator is the precondition of load recovery and the emphasis of power system restoration. In this paper, both the generator start-up sequence and the restoration path are considered. A preference multi-objective model which considers the difference of the objectives' importance is proposed. To get the most preferred alternatives, a non-r-dominance sorting genetic algorithm II (r-NSGA-II) is used to solve the model. The reference point determination method and solution set scale controlling method are proposed to improve the algorithm, which makes the solution set scale controllable and the preference to be better expressed. Simulation results show that the proposed method has practical value when solving the generator start-up problem for network reconfiguration.

In this report, we present a rat orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation model. Eight forelimbs were transplanted from Brown Norway rats to Lewis rats. Axillary vessels of transplant were used as the vascular pedicles, which were anastomosed to the external jugular vein and common carotid artery of the recipient rat. The ulnar, radial, and median nerves were also repaired. Among rats, a tapered dose of cyclosporine was administered in five rats. In other three rats, no immunosuppressive therapy was given. The viability and signs of rejection of transplanted forelimbs, sensation recovery, bone healing, and histology were assessed up to the 90

This paper proposes an optimization method of train schedule for metro line, which will make the timetable, including train dwell time, in line with passenger demand. This method is also provide space for timetable improvement in robustness and energy-saving. Train dwell time is modeled to calculate an optimal dwell time at each station for boarding and alighting passengers, except headway equation and passenger equation. Train operation schedule includes the train dwell time at stations, running time between adjacent stations and headway, where dwell time at stations determines the process of passenger exchanging between stations and trains. A train schedule model is established with constrains of headway equations, passenger equations, and train dwell time equations, where the train dwell time is modeled as a function of the passenger boarding and alighting volumes. The aim of the optimal problem is to minimize the waiting time of passengers and operation cost directly or indirectly. Lagrangian duality theory is adopted to solve this optimal problem. Simulation results illustrate that this method is efficient to generate the train schedule, which meets the passengers exchanging requirements between trains and platforms.

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a new dimension in reconstructive surgery. Generally, these procedures are offered for quality of life and functional indications rather than life-saving indications. Controversy exists, therefore, over the indications and risk/benefit ratios of VCA. Transplantation failure is a basic measurable risk of VCA. In this report we attempt to analyze perioperative factors associated with failures. Such factors are generally independent of technical performance and can be assessed to better define regulations applied to VCA. Ninety-one VCA procedures were identified, and 18 (19.8%) of them failed. Significant (P0.05) failure rates were associated with idiosyncratic cases (100%), cases performed without psychological screening (56.3%), cases performed without competent social support systems (44%), and cases done in developing countries (52.4%). A substantial but not significant failure rate was observed in cases performed without institutional review (36.4%). These findings suggest that institutional, professional, social, and ethical standards applied to VCA should require clarification of perioperative risk managements for any clinical VCA program, because such managements can be critical factors in determining outcome. The special character of these transplantation procedures suggest the concept of identity-defining vascularized composite allotransplantation (IVCA), for which psychological screening and third-party supervision is recommended.