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Kick detection is crucial for ensuring process safety of drilling operation. Detection of a kick at early stage leaves more time for the drilling crew to take necessary actions. In this work, a novel intelligent model is proposed for early kick detection, which incorporates feature transformation, cost-sensitive dataset construction, and ensemble learning. It applies 7 wellhead feature parameters as input. The model is trained and tested with the field data of a shale gas reservoir in Sichuan. The model performances under different data dimensions and misclassification costs are evaluated. It is found that when the data dimension is 6 and the misclassification cost is 3, the model has the best classification ability (Total Cost=0.9, Accuracy=0.998, Recall=0.990, Precision=0.986). The low false alarm rate helps to minimize wastage of drilling time. The ablation experiment and the comparison with conventional sampling methods unanimously prove the superiority of the proposed model. Datasets with various sizes and imbalance ratios are tested and the model shows satisfactory accuracy. The formula of the optimal misclassification cost is derived for the instruction of field application. The early kick detection performance of the proposed model is better than the existed methods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV16) is the most prevalent etiologic agent associated with cervical cancer, and its early proteins E5, E6 and E7 play important roles in cervical epithelium transformation to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and even cervical cancer. Hence, these oncoproteins are ideal target antigens for developing immunotherapeutic vaccines against HPV-associated infection and cervical cancer. Currently, multi-epitope vaccines have been a promising strategy for immunotherapy for viral infection or cancers. In this study, the E5aa28-46, E6aa37-57 and E7aa26-57 peptides were selected and linked to form a novel multi-epitopes vaccine (E765m), which was inserted into the major immune dominant region (MIR) of hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBc) to construct a HBc-E765m chimeric virus-like particles (cVLPs). The immunogenicity and immunotherapeutic effect of the cVLPs vaccine was evaluated in immunized mice and a tumor-bearing mouse model. The results showed that HBc-E765m cVLPs elicited high E5-, E6- and E7- specific CTL and serum IgG antibody responses, and also relatively high levels of the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-5. More importantly, the cVLPs vaccine significant suppressed tumor growth in mice bearing E5-TC-1 tumors. Our findings provide strong evidence that this novel HBc-E765m cVLPs vaccine could be a candidate vaccine for specific immunotherapy in HPV16-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a numerical simulation is conducted to analyze an engineering practice pertaining to the in panel 2347, the discussion is focused on the following aspects: the influence of fault mining activation on fragmentation of surrounding rock in roof, surrounding rock failure of unsupported roadway under static load alone, surrounding rock failure of unsupported roadway under dynamic load and static load combination, damage of surrounding rock in supporting roadway under dynamic load and static load combination. The results show that, for the roadway surrounding rock with obvious dynamic disturbance, the compressive stress value can eliminate the influence of the tensile stress wave generated by the reflection of the compressive stress disturbance wave on the roadway wall. In the roadway support, it should provide a certain compressive stress to the surrounding rock of the surrounding roadway wall. An anchor support surrounding rock can significantly inhibit the tensile crack, shear the crack expansion and dislocation slip of coal gang, and it can also alleviate the tensile, compressive and shear failure of the roof carbonaceous mudstone. Because the dynamic load has a significant damage to the carbonaceous mudstone between roof anchors, it is necessary to reduce the anchor spacing and row spacing or enhance the stiffness and active stress of the protective surface member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turner syndrome (TS) is a congenital disease caused by complete or partial loss of one X chromosome. Low bone mineral status is a major phenotypic characteristic of TS that can not be fully explained by X chromosome loss, suggesting other autosomal-linked mutations may also exist. Therefore, the present study aimed to detect potential genetic mutations in TS through examination of copy number variation (CNV). Seventeen patients with TS and 15 healthy volunteer girls were recruited. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) was performed on whole blood genomic DNA (gDMA) from the 17 TS patients and 15 healthy volunteer girls to identify potential CNVs. The abnormal CNV of one identified gene (CARD11) was verified by quantitative PCR. All cases diagnosed had TS based on genotype examination and physical characteristics, including short stature and premature ovarian failure. Three rare CNVs, located individually at 7p22.3, 7p22.2, and Xp22.33, where six genes (TTYH3, AMZ1, GNA12, BC038729, CARD11, and SHOX (stature homeobox)) are located, were found in TS patients. Quantitative PCR confirmed the CNV of CARD11 in the genome of TS patients. Our results indicate that CARD11 gene is one of the mutated genes involved in TS disease. However, this CNV is rare and its contribution to TS phenotype requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A major role of the PhyR-NepR-σ(EcfG) cascade in the general stress response was demonstrated for some bacterial species and considered as conserved in Alphaproteobacteria. The σ(EcfG) factor activates its target genes in response to diverse stresses and NepR represents its anti-sigma factor. PhyR comprises a response regulator domain and a sigma factor domain and acts as anti-sigma factor antagonist. The facultative phototrophic alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides harbours a PhyR homolog in the same genomic context as found in other members of this class. Results: Our study reveals increased expression of the phyR gene in response to superoxide, singlet oxygen, and diamide and also an effect of PhyR on rpoE expression. RpoE has a central role in mounting the response to singlet oxygen in R. sphaeroides. Despite these findings a mutant lacking PhyR was not significantly impeded in resistance to oxidative stress, heat stress or osmotic stress. However a role of PhyR in membrane stress is demonstrated. Conclusion: These results support the view that the effect of the PhyR-NepR-σ(EcfG) cascade on diverse stress responses varies among members of the Alphaproteobacteria. In the facultative phototroph Rhodobacter sphaeroides PhyR plays no major role in the general stress or the oxidative stress response but rather has a more specialized role in defense of membrane stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. (2n = 4x = 28; genomes PPPP) is one of the wild species closely related to cultivated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which possesses a number of superior agronomic traits and thus represents a valuable resource for wheat improvement. Development of wheat--A. cristatum addition lines is usually considered to be the first step in transferring desirable alien genes into common wheat from A. cristatum. In this study, we report a novel wheat--A. cristatum 2P disomic addition line II-9-3, which contained 42 wheat chromosomes and a pair of A. cristatum chromosomes as revealed by genomic in situ hybridization. The homoeologous relationship between A. cristatum and wheat chromosomes was determined using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing markers specific to the A. cristatum 2P chromosome. Moreover, II-9-3 displayed high resistance to powdery mildew at both seedling and adult stages. Genetic analysis was conducted using an F2 population made by crossing II-9-3 with the susceptible cultivar Fukuhokomugi (Fukuho), and the results indicated that powdery mildew resistance was attributable to A. cristatum 2P chromosome in II-9-3. Besides, the resistance spectrum of II-9-3 was quite broad, as it was found resistant to all the 17 Bgt isolates prevalent in northern China. Taken together, this study will provide applicable methods for both genetically characterizing wheat addition lines with alien chromosomes and also novel germplasm potentially valuable in wheat resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to determine the water vapor pressure over a corrosive substance was developed and tested with 85.5±0.4% phosphoric acid. The water vapor pressure was obtained at a range of temperatures from ~25 °C to ~200 °C using Raman spectrometry. The acid was placed in an ampoule and sealed with a reference gas (either hydrogen or methane) at a known pressure (typically ~0.5 bar). By comparing the Raman signals from the water vapor and the references, the water pressure was determined as a function of temperature. A considerable amount of data on the vapor pressure of phosphoric acid are available in the literature, to which our results could successfully be compared. A record value of the vapor pressure, 3.40 bar, was determined at 210 °C. The method required a determination of the precise Raman scattering ratios between the substance, water, and the used reference gas, hydrogen or methane. In our case the scattering ratios between water and reference ν1 Q-branches were found to be 1.20±0.03 and 0.40±0.02 for H2 and CH4, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orthogonal test including heavy metal, matrixes, passivation agents, and five plants was conducted. The results showed that Cyperus alternifolius performed the best among the 5 kinds of plants in the comprehensive absorptive amount of the 4 kinds of heavy metals named Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn, the following is Radix ophiopogonis. EDTA showed the best inhibitory effects on the absorptive amounts of heavy metals. The governance effects of the 4 kinds of passivation agents were in the order of EDTA > lime > organic fertilizer > silicon fertilizer. Perlite was the most favorable matrix for plants to absorbing the heavy metals, and the governance effects of the 5 kinds of matrix were in the order of perlite > mushroom dreg > soil > furnace slag > river sand. Plants showed the most significant purification effects on the contaminated soil when soil contains low concentration heavy metals. The path analysis showed that plant varieties played a much more important role in heavy metal absorption than that of the plants biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To better understand national data sources and evaluate time trends in road traffic fatalities (RTF) in China. Methods. We reviewed national sources on RTF data. These included population-based report from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), sample-based estimates from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Disease Surveillance Points System (DSP), as well as model-based estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). Results. All data sources have limitations in coverage, representativeness or overreliance on model specifications. Despite the discrepancies in methodologies and estimates, all sources indicated an increase in RTF before 2005. Since then, MPS and GBD indicated a decrease, DSP showed plateauing, and MOH and WHO suggested increasing fatalities. However, despite any recent decline, RTF remain high. Conclusions. The divergent trends in RTF across data sets in China implies a challenge to understanding China's experience with addressing RTF. China needs to reconcile data sources and further improve road safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study regarding the aversion of maternal death by the use of contraceptives in 172 countries including Australia, Denmark and Iceland. It is concluded that 44.3 percent of maternal deaths were prevented every year with contraceptive use. Several tables on topics including maternal mortality ratios, maternal deaths and maternal deaths avoided by contraceptive use are also presented.

Two-pion Hanbury-Brown-Twiss (HBT) correlations for central Pb-Pb collisions at the Large-Hadron-Collider (LHC) energy of √sNN = 2.76 TeV are investigated with the microscopic transport model ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics. The transverse momentum dependence of the Pratt-Bertsch HBT radii is extracted from a three-dimensional Gaussian fit to the correlator in the longitudinal comoving system. Qualitative agreement with the ALICE data is obtained, however Rout is overpredicted by nearly 50%. The LHC results are also compared to data from the STAR experiment at RHIC. For both energies we find that the calculated R0 : Rs ratio is always larger than data, indicating that the emission in the model is less explosive than observed in the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The updated ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, a microscopic transport model, is used to study the directed and elliptic collective flows and the nuclear stopping in Au+Au collisions at incident energies covered by INDRA and lower-energy FOPI experiments. It is seen clearly that these observables are sensitive to both the potential terms (including isoscalar and isovector parts as well as the momentum dependent term) in the equation of state (EoS) and the collision term [including the Pauli blocking and the medium-modified nucleon-nucleon elastic cross section (NNECS)]. The momentum modifications of both, the mean-field potentials and the density dependent NNECS, are found to affect the collectivity of heavy-ion collisions. At INDRA energies (⩽ 150 MeV/nucleon) the dynamic transport with a soft EoS with momentum dependence and with the momentum-modified density-dependent NNECS describes the directed flow exhibited by hydrogen isotopes (Z = 1) emitted at midrapidity fairly well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the UrQMD and the CRAB analyzing program, HBT correlators of nucleons and pions are calculated with beam energies ranging from SIS up to RHIC. It is found that the HBT correlator and the ratio between the HBT radii RO and RS are sensitive to the stiffness of the EoS. A relatively stiff EoS is favored from the RO/RS ratio of pions. For the two-nucleon correlation at SIS beam energies, it is found that both the symmetry potential energy and conditions of constructing clusters at the late stage influence the correlator with the same power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delays associated with the use of Foundation Fieldbus (FF) Hi networks within control loops are investigated in this paper. A Smar IF302 device, a Smar F1302 device, a DeltaV distributed control system (DCS), a Honeywell C300 DCS, and a National Instrument (NI) FF Hi workstation are used to implement test loops with the control-in-the-field architecture. Analytical and experimental evaluations are performed with a test loop using hardwired analog channels as a benchmark. Three segments of FF-H1-network-induced delays are identified, their analytical models are developed, and suggestions to potentially reduce the delays are provided. Furthermore, it is found that an unexpected additional delay of one macrocycle may be introduced, probably depending on whether the analog input (AI) block within the IF302 device is executed as scheduled. In conclusion, significant delays could be introduced if the traditional analog channels of a DCS are replaced by an FF Hi network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UrQMD results of the HBT correlation of two-identical particles (pions, kaons, and Lambdas) at freeze-out in heavy ion collisions (HICs) from AGS to RHIC energies are shown. When the cascade mode is considered, the "lifetime" of the emission source is larger than the experimentally observed values at all investigated energies. After the mean-field potentials for both confined and "pre-formed" hadrons are considered, it is found that the inclusion of potential interactions pushes down the HBT RO and pulls up the RS so that the HBT time-related puzzle disappears and the HBT radii of pions and kaons and even those of Λs with large transversemomenta follow the mT-scaling fairly well. Furthermore, it is seen to reproduce the proper stopping power for net protons and to improve the elliptic flow at large transverse momenta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform a systematic analysis of several HBT parameters in heavy ion collisions from Ebeam= 2 AGeV to within the UrQMD transport approach and compare the results to experimental data where available. We find that the 'lifetime' of the emission source as calculated from is larger than the experimentally observed values at all investigated energies. The calculated volume of the pion source (Vf) is found to increase monotonously with increasing beam energy, and the experimentally observed decrease of the measured Vfat AGS is not seen. Finally, we calculate the mean free path ?f= 0.5 ? 1 fm of pions at freeze-out and find a good description of the experimental data above the AGS energy region, supporting the suggestion of a universal kinetic decoupling criterion up to the highest RHIC energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes were doped in phosphoric acid solutions of different concentrations at room temperature. The doping chemistry was studied using the Scatchard method. The energy distribution of the acid complexation in polymer membranes is heterogeneous, that is, there are two different types of sites in PBI for the acid doping. The protonation constants of PBI by phosphoric acid are found to be 12.7 L mol−1 (K1) for acid complexing sites with higher affinity, and 0.19 L mol−1 (K2) for the sites with lower affinity. The dissociation constants for the complexing acid onto these two types of PBI sites are found to be 5.4 × 10−4 and 3.6 × 10−2, respectively, that is, about 10 times smaller than that of aqueous phosphoric acid in the first case but 5 times higher in the second. The proton conducting mechanism is also discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2989–2997, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double-folding method is used to calculate the nuclear and Coulomb interaction between two deformed nuclei with arbitrary orientations. A simplified Skryme-type interaction is adopted. The contributions of the nuclear and Coulomb interactions due to the deformation and orientation of the nuclei are evaluated for the driving potential used in the description of heavy-ion fusion reaction. So far there is no satisfactory theory to describe the evolution of the dynamical nuclear deformation and orientations during the heavy-ion fusion process. Our results estimate the magnitude of the above effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contributions of δ-isovector-scalar and ρ-isovector-vector meson-exchanges to nucleon–nucleon elastic cross-sections (ECS) are studied based on QHD-type effective Lagrangian within the framework of the RBUU transport theory. The detailed expressions of ECS for symmetric nuclear system have also obtained. The medium correction of ρ-meson mass and a proper symmetry energy coefficient are selected in order to fix a set of suitable coupling constants for δ and ρ exchanges with the constraint of free ECS as a function of energy. The respective δ and ρ contributions to free ECS as a function of energy are also shown and it is found they both affect the neutron–proton and neutron–neutron (proton–proton) ECS on the contrary way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal/Ferroelectrics/Metal/Insulator/Si (MFMIS) and Metal/Ferroelectrics/ Insulator/Si (MFIS) one-transistor devices are being proposed for non-volatile memory applications. In order to determine the basic theory of one-transistor memory devices, we use equivalent circuits to model and calculate the basic properties of one-transistor memory devices. The capacitance of MFMIS and MFIS capacitors, memory windows, operation voltages, threshold voltages, and both switching and retention properties of one-transistor memory devices have also been calculated. According to the modeling and calculation, the ferroelectric materials with lower dielectric constant (ℇ), low polarization (P R ), appropriate coercive field and square hysteresis loop are required for one-transistor memory devices and low voltage applications. High dielectric constant insulator materials may improve the performance of one-transistor memory devices. In addition, the effects of depolarization fields, leakage current, and defect density on the switching and retention properties of one-transistor memory devices are also calculated. Based on the modeling and calculation, the retention problem dealing with depolarization fields and leakage current is a big challenge for one-transistor memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a cluster of stem and progenitor cells isolated from adipose tissue, holds significant promise for application in regenerative medicine. However, the existing methods for SVF isolation are time-consuming and expensive. Thus, in this study, we explored a new method of SVF extraction--ultrasound-assisted SVF isolation (USASI)--and compared the viability and characteristics of SVF isolated using different methods. Methods: SVF extraction methods using different combinations of ultrasound power, ultrasound time, collagenase dosage, and collagenase digestion time were compared with those of the control group (collagenase digestion method). The cell yield and vitality of the SVF were evaluated via cell counting and trypan blue staining. The cell components and immunophenotypes of freshly isolated SVF were analyzed using flow cytometry. The proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of the SVF were also identified. Results: Ultrasonication at 95 W-20 kHz for 30 s followed by digestion with 0.15% collagenase for 30 min was identified as the most suitable parameter for the USASI method in isolating SVF, as recommended based on the evaluation of various tested conditions. The USASI method significantly reduced the collagenase dosage and shortened the digestion time. Compared to the collagenase digestion method, the USASI method had a higher cell yield and cell viability, with no adverse effects on cell components, proliferative capacity, or multipotential differentiation capacity. Conclusion: With reduced processing time, lower collagenase dosage, and increased cell yield without impairing the viability and characteristics of SVF, USASI holds the potential to emerge as a time-saving and cost-effective method for future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melanocytic nevus is mainly treated by complete or partial removal. However, predicting the risk of malignant transformation of melanocytic nevi and which treatment patients should receive, surgical or nonsurgical management, to gain the best results and aesthetic outcomes is controversial. Methods: Global literature on melanocytic nevus treatment, published between 1997 and 2022, was scanned using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Microsoft Office Excel, CiteSpace V, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, Bibliometrix, and Biblioshiny packages in R were used for the bibliometric analysis to summarize the leading countries, institutions, professors, and research trends in this field. Results: This study included 1 723 articles. Publications and citations exhibited positive trends over the past 20 years. The United States had the most productive organizations and publications in the comprehensive worldwide cooperation network, and China was recently one of the most active major participants. Professor Giovanni Pellacani, whose H-index, G-index, and M-index ranked first in this field, founded a virtual biopsy using reflectance confocal microscopy. In addition, Krengel and Kinsler contributed significantly to diagnosing and treating melanocytic nevi. The top 25 keywords in recent years were mostly about the mechanisms and risk factors for the malignant transformation of nevi. Conclusion: The future trend for melanocytic nevi treatment is to specify genotype-phenotype and genotypeoutcome correlations, choose proper therapy to reduce the risk of malignant transformation, and simultaneously achieve the best aesthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high energy heavy ion collisions and interacting cold atom systems, large elliptic flow anisotropies have been observed. For the large opacity (ρσL∼10³) of the latter hydrodynamics is a natural consequence, but for the small opacity (ρσL∼1) of the former the hydrodynamic description is questionable. To shed light onto the situation, we simulate the expansion of a low density argon ion (or atom) system, initially trapped in an elliptical region, under the Coulomb interaction (or elastic scattering). Significant elliptic anisotropy is found in both cases, and the anisotropy depends on the initial spatial eccentricity and the density of the system. The results may provide insights into the physics of anisotropic flow in high energy heavy ion collisions and its role in the study of quantum chromodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable neurostimulators make it possible to research and treat brain disorders for a long period of time. However, metal objects such as device cases and inner copper layers of the printed circuit board (PCB) lower the energy transfer efficiency and can even present safety risks due to the eddy currents in these metals. The use of a fractal pattern slot in the metal to suppress the eddy currents is proposed and a rechargeable neurostimulator with deformed H-shape fractal slots in the PCB inner copper layers is described. The results show that the use of an H-shaped fractal pattern slot is effective over a relatively wide frequency range and the maximum temperature of the neurostimulator is in the range of 34.5-39.5°C, which indicates that the device can be used safely for long-term animal studies and even in the clinical treatment of brain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scar contractions caused by trauma or burns can cause secondary physical dysfunction and disfigurement. Many minimally invasive methods for scar contraction have shown limited applicability and efficacy. This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of intralesional collagenase injections for scar contraction treatment. Methods: Patients with contracted scars who had limited joint movement and physical disfiguration for >1 year were enrolled in this single-blind, randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to February 2018 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. Collagenase was injected into the firm-contracted scar (15 U/cm²) three times at 4-week intervals in the multiple treatment group and once in the single treatment group, and a placebo injection was performed in the control group. Scar length and skin texture were documented at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups. The safety of the collagenase treatment was also evaluated. Results: The contracted scar was significantly elongated after both single and multiple collagenase treatments. The results showed that, compared to a one-time treatment, repeated injections were more effective at 12 weeks, with an average improvement of 26.83 (15.79%). At 12 weeks, 78.9% of the patients in the multiple group and 52.9% in the single group achieved significant improvement at 12 weeks. No severe adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Intralesional collagenase injection showed promising results in improving scar contraction and provides an alternative treatment for patients. Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-IIR-16009910. Registered November 18, 2016. Prospective registration, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With an aggravated social ageing level, the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is gradually increasing, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be an early form of Alzheimer's disease. How to distinguish diseases in the early stage for the purposes of early diagnosis and treatment is an important topic. Aims The purpose of our study was to investigate the differences in brain cortical thickness and surface area among elderly patients with AD, elderly patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and normal controls (NC). Methods 20 AD patients, 21 aMCIs and 25 NC were recruited in the study. FreeSurfer software was used to calculate cortical thickness and surface area among groups. Results The patients with AD had less cortical thickness both in the left and right hemisphere in 17 of the 36 brain regions examined than the patients with aMCI or NC. The patients with AD also had smaller cerebral surface area both in the left and right hemisphere in 3 of the 36 brain regions examined than the patients with aMCI or NC. Compared with the NC, the patients with aMCI only had slight atrophy in the inferior parietal lobe of the left hemisphere, and no significant difference was found. Conclusion AD, as well as aMCI (to a lesser extent), is associated with reduced cortical thickness and surface area in a few brain regions associated with cognitive impairment. These results suggest that cortical thickness and surface area could be used for early detection of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors focus on the term prefabrication, which is used in flap surgery. They inform that the term was coined by researcher Z. Y. Shen and researcher L.F. Guo et al. defined the term as a two stage process including implantation of a vascular pedicle to the donor tissue and a transfer of the neovascularized tissue. They also mention that prefabrication should include the introduction of vasculature and then augmentation of blood flow.

Genistein is an important chemopreventive agent against atherosclerosis and cancer. However, whether genistein is effective in the treatment of lung cancer, and its underlying mechanism, remains to be determined. The present study demonstrated that genistein treatment of A549 lung cancer cells decreased viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis. Additionally, A549 cells exhibited significantly increased reactive oxygen species formation and cytochrome-c leakage, and activated caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and apoptosis inducing factor expression levels, which are involved in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) signaling pathways were significantly downregulated by genistein treatment. In conclusion, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells was associated with inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/ and NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathways, which implicates genistein as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate femtoscopic pp correlations using the UrQMD approach combined with a correlation afterburner. The dependence of pp correlations on the charged particle multiplicity and formation time in p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7 TeV is explored and compared to present ALICE data. The data allow us to constrain the formation time in the string fragmentation to tf [?] 0.8 fm/c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that typically carry a dismal prognosis. Given the insensitivity of these tumors to traditional chemotherapy and the absence of effective targeted drugs, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Photothermal therapy (PTT) including near- infrared laser at the third biowindow (NIR-III) has demonstrated significant potential in cancer theranostics due to its minimally invasive nature and excellent therapeutic outcomes. However, the passive utilization of photothermal agents (PTAs) with poor target specificity and biocompatibility substantially hinders the clinical translation and application of this method. Methods: We evaluated the efficiency, safety, and underlying mechanisms of NIR-III without PTAs in the treatment of MPNSTs. The photothermal performance and tissue penetration capability of the NIR-III laser were evaluated in human MPNST cell lines using CCK-8, Calcein-AM and propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays. The tumor xenografted mice model was used for evaluating the efficacy and biosafety of NIR-III photothermal ablation. Finally, the underlying mechanisms of NIR- III treatment, explored by whole-transcriptome sequencing, are further verified by RT-qPCR. Results: We found that although the NIR-III photothermal treatment efficiency varied among individuals, which was possibly influenced by different endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, the expected antineoplastic effect was ultimately achieved after adjustment of the power density and radiation duration. Conclusions: The present study provides an intriguing noninvasive therapy for MPNSTs that accelerates the clinical translation of PTT while avoiding the biocompatibility issues arising from PTAs. Funding: This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (82102344; 82172228); Shanghai Rising Star Program supported by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (20QA1405600); Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (22ZR1422300); Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (19JC1413) ; "Chenguang Program" supported by Shanghai Education Development Foundation (SHEDF) (19CG18); Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty (shslczdzk00901); Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (SSMU-ZDCX20180700). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, based on one updated version of the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model in which the Skyrme-like (parabolic) isospin- and momentum-dependent interaction is included, the effect of the neutron-proton effective mass splitting (NPEMS) on flows in heavy-ion collisions at the Fermi-energy domain (between 40 and 100 MeV/nucleon) is focused. Using various Skyrme interactions (all exhibiting similar values of isoscalar incompressibility but very different NPEMS), both rapidity- and transverse-momentum-dependent directed and elliptic flows of free neutrons and protons are calculated. Our calculations show that the effect of NPEMS on the flows of free nucleons is more obvious at Elab = 100 MeV/nucleon than at 40 MeV/nucleon. At Elab = 100 MeV/nucleon, the directed flows of both neutrons and protons are easily affected by the NPEMS, while the elliptic flow of protons is not very sensitive to the NPEMS at both energies. It is suggested that the directed flow is better than the elliptic flow for probing the NPEMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the spin-orbit coupling in heavy ion collisions is investigated based on an updated version of the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, in which the Skyrme potential energy density functional is employed. And in particular, the spin-orbit coupling effects on the directed and elliptic flows of free nucleons emitted from 197Au + 197Au collisions as functions of both the beam energy and the impact parameter are studied. Our results show that the net contribution of the spin-orbit term to flows of nucleons is negligible, whereas a directed flow splitting between spin-up and spin-down nucleons is visible, especially at large impact parameters, and a peak of the splitting is found at the beam energy around 150 MeV/nucleon. We also found that the directed flow splitting between spin-up and spin-down neutrons is comparable with the neutron directed flow difference calculated by a soft and a stiff symmetry energy, indicating that the directed flow of neutrons cannot be used to pin down the stiffness of symmetry energy any more without considering the spin degree of freedom in models in the case of spin polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This paper presents a system dynamics computer simulation model to illustrate unintended consequences of apparently rational allocations to curative and preventive services. Methods A modeled population is subject to only two diseases. Disease A is a curable disease that can be shortened by curative care. Disease B is an instantly fatal but preventable disease. Curative care workers are financed by public spending and private fees to cure disease A. Nonpersonal, preventive services are delivered by public health workers supported solely by public spending to prevent disease B. Each type of worker tries to tilt the balance of government spending towards their interests. Their influence on the government is proportional to their accumulated revenue. Results The model demonstrates effects on lost disability-adjusted life years and costs over the course of several epidemics of each disease. Policy interventions are tested including: i) an outside donor rationally donates extra money to each type of disease precisely in proportion to the size of epidemics of each disease; ii) lobbying is eliminated; iii) fees for personal health services are eliminated; iv) the government continually rebalances the funding for prevention by ring-fencing it to protect it from lobbying. The model exhibits a "spend more get less" equilibrium in which higher revenue by the curative sector is used to influence government allocations away from prevention towards cure. Spending more on curing disease A leads paradoxically to a higher overall disease burden of unprevented cases of disease B. This paradoxical behavior of the model can be stopped by eliminating lobbying, eliminating fees for curative services, and ring-fencing public health funding. Conclusions We have created an artificial system as a laboratory to gain insights about the trade-offs between curative and preventive health allocations, and the effect of indicative policy interventions. The underlying dynamics of this artificial system resemble features of modern health systems where a self-perpetuating industry has grown up around disease-specific curative programs like HIV/AIDS or malaria. The model shows how the growth of curative care services can crowd both fiscal and policy space for the practice of population level prevention work, requiring dramatic interventions to overcome these trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the newly updated version of the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, the transverse-velocity dependence of the elliptic flow of free nucléons from 197Au+197Au collisions at the incident energy 400 MeV/nucleon is studied within different windows of the normalized c.m. rapidity yo. It is found that the elliptic flow difference vn2 -- vp2 and ratio in2/vp2 of neutrons versus protons are sensitive to the density dependence of the symmetry energy, especially the ratio vn2/vp2 at small transverse velocity in the intermediate rapidity intervals 0.4 < |y0| < 0.6. By comparing either transverse-momentum-dependent or integrated FOPI/LAND elliptic flow data of nucléons and hydrogen isotopes with calculations using various Skyrme interactions, all exhibiting similar values of isoscalar incompressibility but very different density dependences of the symmetry energy, a moderately soft to linear symmetry energy is extracted, in good agreement with previous UrQMD or Tiibingen QMD model calculations but contrast with results obtained with n~/n+ yield ratios in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Skyrme potential energy density functional is introduced into the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics model and the updated version is applied to studying the directed and elliptic flows of light particles (protons, neutrons, deuterons, tritons, ³He, and 4He) in 197Au + 197Au collisions at beam energies 150, 250, and 400 MeV/nucleon. The results are compared with the recent FOPI experimental data. It is found that the yields and collective flows of light particles can be described quite well. The influence of the equation of state, medium-modified nucleon-nucleon elastic cross sections (NNECS) and cluster recognition criteria on the directed and elliptic flows is studied in detail. It is found that the flows of light particles are sensitive to the medium-modified NNECS, but not sensitive to the isospin dependent cluster recognition criteria. It seems difficult, however, even with the new data and calculations, to obtain a more accurate constraint on the nuclear incompressibility K0 than the interval 200-260 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Access to improved sanitation plays an important role in child health through its impact on diarrheal mortality and malnutrition. Inequities in sanitation coverage translate into health inequities across socio-economic groups. This paper presents the differential impact on child mortality and diarrheal incidence of expanding sanitation coverage across wealth quintiles in Nepal. Methods: We modeled three scale up coverage scenarios at the national level and at each of the 5 wealth quintiles for improved sanitation in Nepal in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST): equal for all quintiles, realistically pro-poor and ambitiously pro-poor. Results: The results show that equal improvement in sanitation coverage can save a total of 226 lives (10.7% of expected diarrhea deaths), while a realistically pro-poor program can save 451 child lives (20.5%) and the ambitiously pro-poor program can save 542 lives (24.6%). Conclusions: Pro-poor policies for expanding sanitation coverage have the ability to reduce population level health inequalities which can translate into reduced child diarrheal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massive scars of face and neck cause severe esthetic and functional problems in patients. To achieve better outcomes, in this study, we demonstrate the use of the expanded lateral thoracic pedicle flap, which provides a large and thin flap that matches the face and neck area in color and texture with minimal donor site morbidities. Methods: Firstly, a tissue expander was embedded in the lateral thoracic region. After water inflation, the expanded lateral thoracic flap was elevated as a pedicle flap and was then transferred to replace scar tissue of the head and neck. Doppler ultrasound examinations were employed pre-operatively to identify the path of the nutrient arteries of the flap. A surgical delay procedure was performed two weeks prior to flap transfer. Results: Ten patients were treated with this method. For 9 patients, the outcomes were satisfactory and were not characterized by obvious flap contraction after 3-17 months of follow-up. The final patient sustained flap necrosis in the distal one-third of the flap. The donor sites were primarily closed in 80% of the cases. Conclusions: The expanded lateral thoracic pedicle flap proved to be a reliable method with satisfactory outcomes for skin reconstruction of the face and neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magic angle spinning solid-state NMR is a unique technique to study atomic-resolution structure of biomacromolecules which resist crystallization or are too large to study by solution NMR techniques. However, difficulties in obtaining sufficient number of long-range distance restraints using dipolar coupling based spectra hamper the process of structure determination of proteins in solid-state NMR. In this study it is shown that high-resolution structure of proteins in solid phase can be determined without the use of traditional dipolar-dipolar coupling based distance restraints by combining the measurements of pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) with Rosetta calculations. The PCSs were generated by chelating exogenous paramagnetic metal ions to a tag 4-mercaptomethyl-dipicolinic acid, which is covalently attached to different residue sites in a 56-residue immunoglobulin-binding domain of protein G (GB1). The long-range structural restraints with metal-nucleus distance of up to ∼20 Å are quantitatively extracted from experimentally observed PCSs, and these are in good agreement with the distances back-calculated using an X-ray structure model. Moreover, we demonstrate that using several paramagnetic ions with varied paramagnetic susceptibilities as well as the introduction of paramagnetic labels at different sites can dramatically increase the number of long-range restraints and cover different regions of the protein. The structure generated from solid-state NMR PCSs restraints combined with Rosetta calculations has 0.7 Å root-mean-square deviation relative to X-ray structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the light of the recent Large Hadron Collider data on proton-proton and lead-lead collisions, we examine the question of the multiplicity scaling of Hanbury-Brown-Twiss (HBT) radii in relativistic nuclei and particle interactions. Within the Ultrarelativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics transport approach we study a large variety of system sizes at different beam energies and extract the HBT radii. In the calculation, we find a good scaling of the radii as a function of charged particle multiplicity, if the change in the multiplicity is caused by a change of centrality at the same energy. However, the scaling is only approximate when the energy, √s, is changed and breaks down when comparing proton-proton to nucleus-nucleus reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fusion hindrance in heavy-ion collisions is studied in the framework of the two-center liquid drop model. It appears that the neck and the radial degrees of freedom might both be hampered by an inner potential barrier on their path between the contact configuration to the compound nucleus. Heavy-ion reactions with and without the two kinds of fusion hindrance are classified through systematic calculations. It is found that the number of reactions without radial fusion hindrance is much smaller than that without neck fusion hindrance, and for both kinds of fusion hindrance the number of reactions without fusion hindrance at small mass-asymmetry parameter α is smaller than that at large α. In the formation of a given compound nucleus, if a reaction with αc is not hindered, then other reactions with α>αc are also not hindered, as is well known experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics model, in which the Lorentz covariant treatment of nuclear mean-field potential is considered, the fluctuations of net-baryon, net-charge, and deuteron multiplicity distributions in Au+Au head-on collisions at √sNN=3.0-5.0 GeV are calculated. The results show that the nuclear mean-field potential can significantly enhance the magnitude of baryon number fluctuations in narrow rapidity windows, and this enhancement rapidly weakens with increasing beam energy. However, for proton and net-charge number fluctuations, the mean-field effects are less noticeable than that for baryon number. In addition, for net-charge number fluctuations, the negative binomial distribution agrees well with the calculated results at the midpseudorapidity window. Finally, the event-by-event fluctuations of deuteron number in the coalescence production picture are calculated as well, and it is found that its cumulant ratios decrease linearly with increasing the average multiplicity of deuterons per event, i.e., increase with increasing beam energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages (Mφs) can be used as a part of cell-based cancer immunotherapy. However, they may be hampered by a failure to effectively and stably regulate their polarization state to enhance their tumoricidal effects. In this work, mechanical stretch (MS), as a biology-free modulatory method, was shown to enhance M1 polarization and tumoricidal effects. By using an in vitro Flexcell Tension system, we found that murine Mφ RAW264.7 cells showed higher M1 polarization-related mRNA expression and cytokine release after MS. Further molecular analyses found that focal adhesion kinase and NF-κB activation occurred in the MS-induced M1 polarization. Coculture of MS-preconditioned Mφ with B16F10 skin melanoma cells in vitro showed that the proliferation of B16F10 cells decreased, whereas caspase-3-induced apoptosis increased. Importantly, the injection of MS-preconditioned Mφ into murine skin melanomas in vivo impeded tumor growth; lesions were characterized by increased amounts of M1 Mφ, decreased tumor cell proliferation, and increased tumor cell apoptosis in the tumor microenvironment. Together, our results suggest that MS could be used as a simple preconditioning approach to prepare tumoricidal M1 Mφ for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic susceptibility may be involved in the onset of recurrent miscarriage. Previous studies have shown that some genetic polymorphisms that regulate cell migration are associated with susceptibility to recurrent miscarriage. The SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) may regulate the migration and invasion of multiple tumor cells and is related to susceptibility to various diseases. However, whether lncRNA SOX2OT polymorphisms are related to recurrent miscarriage susceptibility is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the lncRNA SOX2OT rs9839776 C>T polymorphism and recurrent miscarriage susceptibility. We recruited 570 subjects with recurrent miscarriage and 578 healthy control subjects from a population in southern China and used the TaqMan method for genotyping. We found a significant association between the rs9839776 CT genotype in the SOX2OT gene and an increased risk for recurrent miscarriage (CT vs CC: adjusted OR = 1:357, 95%CI = 1:065 - 1:728, P = 0:0134). However, we did not observe any significant associations between the recurrent miscarriage risk and the number of miscarriages in different age groups. In conclusion, our study indicated that the rs9839776 CT genotype may contribute to an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage in the southern Chinese population and that rs9839776 may act as a prognostic biomarker in recurrent miscarriage patients. However, an experiment-based study with a larger sample size should be performed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of nuclear matter under extreme conditions of high temperature, density, and isospin asymmetry have attracted wide attention in recent years. At present, heavy ion reactions in combination with corresponding model simulations are one of the most important ways to investigate this subject. It is known that a strong magnetic field can be created in heavy ion collisions. However, its effect on the motion of charged particles is usually neglected in previous transport model simulations. In this work, within the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, the temporal evolution and spatial distribution of the internal magnetic field are calculated. The magnetic field strength is found to reach about eB470MeV² (B8×1016 G) for Au + Au collisions at Elab=1GeV/nucleon with impact parameter of 7 fm. The magnetic field in Cu + Au collisions exhibits somewhat different spatial distribution from that in Au + Au collisions. The magnetic field is found to affect the directed flow of pions at forward and backward rapidities to some extent, dependent of the impact parameter and beam energy while the effect on the elliptic flow is small. In addition, the effects of the magnetic field on the p-/p+ ratio over the whole rapidity range and the elliptic flow difference v2n-v2p between neutrons and protons at forward and backward rapidities are on the same order as those from the nuclear symmetry energy. The v2n-v2p difference in the midrapidity region is not strongly affected by the magnetic field, and the total p-/p+ yield ratio is immune to it. It is advisable to include the magnetic field effects in future studies using pion flow, pion yield ratio, and nucleon elliptic flow difference to probe the symmetry energy at super saturation densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 ormore subunits. Type II deformities were further divided into type IIa deformities, whichmainly involve the anterior region, and type IIb deformities, whichmainly 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 fromother 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the newly updated version of the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, a systematic investigation of the effects of in-medium nucleon-nucleon (NN) elastic cross section on the collective flow and the stopping observables in 197Au+197Au collisions at beam energies from 40 to 150 MeV/nucleon is performed. Simulations with the medium correction factors F=σin-mediumNN/σfreeNN=0.2,0.3,0.5 and the one obtained with the FU3FP1 parametrization which depends on both the density and the momentum are compared to the FOPI and INDRA experimental data. It is found that, to best fit the experimental data of the slope of the directed flow and the elliptic flow at midrapidity as well as the nuclear stopping, the correction factors of F=0.2 and 0.5 are required for reactions at beam energies of 40 and 150 MeV/nucleon, respectively. Whereas calculations with the FU3FP1 parametrization can simultaneously reproduce these experimental data reasonably well. And, the observed increasing nuclear stopping with increasing beam energy in experimental data can also be reproduced by using the FU3FP1 parametrization, whereas the calculated stopping power in Au + Au collisions with beam energies from 40 to 150MeV/nucleon almost remains constant when taking F equal to a fixed value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the newly updated version of the ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model, the pion potentials obtained from the in-medium dispersion relation of the Δ-hole model and from the modified phenomenological approach are further introduced. Both the rapidity y0 and transverse-velocity ut0 dependence of directed v1 and elliptic v2 flows of π+ and π- charged mesons produced from Au+Au collisions at two beam energies of 1.0 and 1.5 GeV/nucleon and within a large centrality region of 0

Low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG)-based supramolecular hydrogels, self-assembled by small molecules via noncovalent interactions, have recently attracted great attention due to their unique structure-property relationship and potential applications spanning from functional materials to biomedical devices. Unfortunately, many LMWG-based supramolecular hydrogels are mechanically weak and can not even be handled by conventional tensile and tearing tests. Here, we propose several design principles to fabricate new LMWG-based hydrogels with a true double-network structure (G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gels), consisting of the supramolecular self-assembly of guanosine, B(OH)3 and KOH as the first, physical G4•K+ network and the covalently cross-linked poly(N,N'-dimethyacrylamide) (PDMAAm) as the second, chemical network. Different from those LMWG-based supramolecular hydrogels, G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gels exhibit high tensile properties (elastic modulus = 0.307 MPa, tensile stress = 0.273 MPa, tensile strain = 17.62 mm/mm, and work of extension = 3.23 MJ/m³) and high toughness (tearing energies = 1640 J/m²). Meanwhile, the dynamic, noncovalent bonds in the G4•K+ network can reorganize and reform after being broken, resulting in rapid self-recovery property and excellent fatigue resistance. The stiffness/toughness of G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gels can be recovered by 65%/58% with 1 min resting at room temperature, and the recovery rates are further improved with the increase of temperatures and resting times. Interestingly, G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gels also exhibit UV-triggered luminescence due to the unique G4-quartet structure in the G4•K+ supramolecular first network. A new toughening mechanism is proposed to interpret the high strength and toughness of G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gels. We believe that our design principles, along with new G4•K+/PDMAAm DN gel system, will provide a new viewpoint for realizing the tough and strong LMWG-based gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]