Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Enhanced antitumor efficacy through microwave ablation in combination with immune checkpoints blockade in breast cancer: A pre-clinical study in a murine model

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of microwave ablation (MWA) in combination with immune checkpoints blockade in the treatment of breast cancer using the 4T1 tumor-bearing mice model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated tumor-bearing mice with MWA, programmed cell death protein1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) blockade (P+C), MWA plus PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade (combination therapy), or no-treatment. Survival time was evaluated with the Kaplan-Meyer method comparing survival curves by log-rank test. On day 15 after MWA, five mice from the combination therapy group received tumor rechallenge with 4T1 or CT26 cells and the volumes of rechallenge tumor were calculated every 5 days. Immune cells were identified by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, and the concentrations of plasma interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The combination therapy significantly prolonged tumor-bearing mice survival compared to no-treatment group, P+C group or MWA group (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively) and protected most surviving mice from 4T1 tumor rechallenge (P=0.002) but not CT26 tumor rechallenge (P=0.905). Both local and systemic CD8+ T-cell responses were induced by MWA (all P<0.05) and further augmented by subsequent administration of PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade (all P<0.05). Plasma IFN-γ concentrations were significantly elevated in the combination therapy group compared to no-treatment group, P+C group or MWA group (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MWA combined with immune checkpoints blockade could synergistically enhance antitumor efficacy with augmented specific immune responses, and the combination therapy is a promising approach to treat breast cancer.

Tissue Engineering Scheming by Artificial Intelligence

Tissue engineers are often confused when seeking the most effective, economical and secure scheme for tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to generate tissue engineering schemes with artificial intelligence instead of human intelligence. The experimental data of tissue engineered cartilage were integrated and standardized with a centralized database, and a scheme engine was developed using artificial intelligent methods (artificial neural networks and decision trees). The scheme engine was trained with existing cases in the database, and then was used to generate tissue engineering schemes for new experimental animals. Following the schemes generated by the artificial intelligent system, we cured 18 of the 20 experimental animals. In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a powerful method for decision making in the tissue engineering realm.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

Particle size specific distribution of perfluoro alkyl substances in atmospheric particulate matter in Asian cities

Seasonal and local characteristics of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) were examined using size-segregated particles including an ultrafine range. The examination included sampling and analysis of ambient particles collected at four sites located in different environments in three different countries, Japan (Kanazawa and Okinawa), Hong Kong and India. To minimize the evaporation artefacts derived from PFASs during the sampling, an air sampler that permitted particles smaller than 0.1 μm (PM_0.1) to be separated at a moderate pressure drop (<5-15 kPa), was used for all of the air sampling procedures. In the case of Kanazawa, a local city in Japan, the concentration of PFASs was found to be dominated by carboxylates, especially PFOA, PFNA and PFDA regardless of the particle size and sampling period. Ultrafine particles were found to be the largest contributor to the mass fraction of PFCAs, while the maximum PFOS mass fractions were determined to be in the coarse-sized fractions. The seasonal difference in the total PFAS concentration can be largely attributed to precipitation. The results were basically similar for all sites that were examined. The type of land use may be a more influencing factor on the mass fraction of the PFASs than the country of origin. The dependency of PFAS mass fraction on the specific surface of the particle suggests that ultrafine PFAS particles are segregated, not only by gas deposition but could also be segregated by a mechanism involving compositional dependence or the primary source of the particles. Other possible sources of PFASs, other than from traffic are also possible.

[Mediator effect analysis of the trait coping style on job stress and fatigue of the military personnel stationed in plateau and high cold region]

Objective: To investigate the fatigue status of military personnel stationed in plateau and high cold region, and to analyze the mediator effect of trait coping style on job stress and fatigue. Methods: In October 2010, with the method of cluster random sampling survey, 531 military personnel stationed in plateau and high cold region were chosen as subject. The fatigue status were evaluated by the Chinese version multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) , job stress were evaluated by the Job Stress Survey (JSS) , and trait coping style were evaluated by the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ) . Results: According to the information of different population characteristics, mean rank of physical fatigue about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group (Z=-2.200, P<0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group (Z=-2.781, P<0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group (Z=-3.026, P<0.05) ; mean rank of physical fatigue about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group (Z=-4.045, P<0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group (Z=-2.182, P<0.05) ; mean rank of mental fatigue about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group (Z=-2.879, P<0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group (Z=-3.647, P<0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation were significant statistical difference among the military officers, sergeancy and soldier group (F=18.965, P<0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores were significant statistical difference among the military officers, sergeancy and soldier group (F=14.711, P<0.05) . The score of negative coping style were positively correlated with the score of physical fatigue (r(s)=0.129) , reduced activity (r(s)=0.123) , reduced motivation (r(s)=0.149) and general fatigue (r(s)=0.174) respectively, the score of organizational support lack strength were positively correlated with the score of physical fatigue (r(s)=0.090) , reduced activity (r(s)=0.098) , reduced motivation (r(s)=0.099) and general fatigue (r(s)=0.130) respectively. The mediator effect of negative coping style on the job stress and fatigue was 0.013 (P<0.01) . Conclusion: The fatigue statuses of the urban (town) group and the up or equal 20-years old age group are poor, and the negative coping style plays mediator effect on the job stress and fatigue.

UBE2S, a novel substrate of Akt1, associates with Ku70 and regulates DNA repair and glioblastoma multiforme resistance to chemotherapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain cancer in adults. However, the molecular events underlying carcinogenesis and their interplay remain elusive. Here, we report that the stability of Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2S (UBE2S) is regulated by the PTEN/Akt pathway and that its degradation depends on the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Mechanistically, Akt1 physically interacted with and phosphorylated UBE2S at Thr 152, enhancing its stability by inhibiting proteasomal degradation. Additionally, accumulated UBE2S was found to be associated with the components of the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) complex and participated in the NHEJ-mediated DNA repair process. The association of Ku70 with UBE2S was enhanced, and the complex was recruited to double-stranded break (DSB) sites in response to etoposide treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of UBE2S expression inhibited NHEJ-mediated DSB repair and rendered glioblastoma cells more sensitive to chemotherapy. Overall, our findings provide a novel drug target that may serve as the rationale for the development of a new therapeutic approach.

Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50  GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.

Cross-sectional survey on public health informatics workforce in China: issues, developments and the future

OBJECTIVE

To explore the current situation and issues related to the development of the public health informatics (PHI) workforce in provincial and prefectural centers for disease control and prevention (CDCs) in China, and to describe the corresponding strategies to address these issues for the future.

STUDY DESIGN

National cross-sectional study.

METHODS

One thousand two hundred and eighty-one respondents were selected at random from provincial and prefectural CDCs. The survey used a self-administered, structured questionnaire with an online data collection tool that integrated data quality control and user management. The questionnaire was divided into seven main categories. Score percentage of satisfaction and proportion in each part were calculated. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, stratifying by country region, CDC level, job role and educational level.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty staff from provincial CDCs and 1121 staff from prefectural CDCs were selected. Only 7.4% (33/445) of prefectural CDCs were not involved in this survey, due to lack of PHI practitioners. CDC staff in the eastern region were predominantly aged 30-39 years (39.5%), which was much younger compared with the other regions (P = 0.0012). Only 34 respondents (2.7%) had academic majors in both health and information technology. More staff had Master's degrees and a higher level of education (18.7%) in the eastern region compared with the other regions (P < 0.0001). Staff in the eastern region in high-level positions and with a higher level of education were more knowledgeable about PHI strategy. Prefectural CDC staff were more satisfied with their work and training than provincial CDC staff. In the eastern region, 34.9% of staff were hired through competitive recruitment, and 57.8% of staff had received a job description with detailed information about their responsibilities, which was higher than in the other regions. Staff in the western region were more likely to leave if a better job became available (37.7%) compared with staff in the other regions (P = 0.0116).

CONCLUSION

This study found regional disparities in PHI workforce development, possibly related to disparities in overall regional development. Findings showed a severe shortage of staff with a background in PHI, and occupational development paths were clearly lacking. Based on this study of current workforce issues, a comprehensive strategy for PHI workforce development in China has been described.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

New erythromycin derivatives enhance β-lactam antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Newly synthesized erythromycin derivatives were screened for synergy with oxacillin and other β-lactam antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA ATCC43300 and some clinically isolated MRSA were used. Several erythromycin derivatives were found to possess high synergism with oxacillin against MRSA. The newly synthesized erythromycin derivatives were also tested for their inhibitory effects against MRSA, either separately or in combination with oxacillin, using serial broth dilution, disc diffusion, Etest strips, growth curves and time-kill curves. A representative derivative, SIPI-8294, could potentiate almost all β-lactam antibiotics tested against the model strain MRSA ATCC43300 from 4 to 128 times and had synergism with oxacillin against 12 of 16 clinical isolates of MRSA under one-fourth of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compounds. This is the first report on the synergistic activity of these new erythromycin derivatives. These findings provide a new choice for the treatment of infection caused by MRSA and lead us to further study the synergistic mechanism.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is the first report on the synergy of anti-MRSA between new erythromycin derivatives and β-lactam antibiotics in vitro. The results show that although the erythromycin derivatives have poor anti-MRSA effects alone, they possess high synergism with oxacillin against MRSA ATCC43300 and clinically isolated MRSA. These novel compounds can significantly reduce the dosage of β-lactam antibiotics against MRSA, while this synergistic effect is different from the combination of β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors. The research may provide a new choice for the treatment of infection caused by MRSA and be useful to the research and development of new combination of medicines.

Effect of intra-abdominal volume increment on lungs in hemorrhagic shock

PURPOSE

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) causes lung dysfunction in patients after hemorrhagic shock resuscitation. We performed intra-abdominal volume increment (IAVI) to IAH and studied its effect on pulmonary function.

METHODS

Eight minipigs established for IAH model by exsanquination until shock, incomplete blockage of portal vein and overload resuscitation were randomly divided into IAVI group (n=4) and sham-operated control group (n=4). Bladder pressure, arterial blood gas analysis and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans were measured. The minipigs were sacrificed 26 h after surgery, and lung samples were harvested for measuring the wet-to-dry weight ratio and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTS

Compared with sham-operated control group, the respiratory rate and paCO2 remarkably decreased and paO2 notably increased at 8 and 12 h in the IAVI group. The bladder pressure also notably decreased at 8, 12, and 22 h after IAVI treatment. However, a significant improvement in diaphragm height was observed at 22 h after IAVI treatment. The wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lungs in IAVI group was also significantly higher than that that in the sham-operated control group.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that IAVI surgery could improve the damaged pulmonary function caused by IAH after hemorrhagic shock resuscitation (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 21).

Spontaneous neuronal activity predicts intersubject variations in executive control of attention

Executive control of attention regulates our thoughts, emotion and behavior. Individual differences in executive control are associated with task-related differences in brain activity. But it is unknown whether attentional differences depend on endogenous (resting state) brain activity and to what extent regional fluctuations and functional connectivity contribute to individual variations in executive control processing. Here, we explored the potential contribution of intrinsic brain activity to executive control by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) as an index of spontaneous brain activity, we found that ALFF in the right precuneus (PCUN) and the medial part of left superior frontal gyrus (msFC) was significantly correlated with the efficiency of executive control processing. Crucially, the strengths of functional connectivity between the right PCUN/left msFC and distributed brain regions, including the left fusiform gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus and right precentral gyrus, were correlated with individual differences in executive performance. Together, the ALFF and functional connectivity accounted for 67% of the variability in behavioral performance. Moreover, the strength of functional connectivity between specific regions could predict more individual variability in executive control performance than regionally specific fluctuations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that spontaneous brain activity may reflect or underpin executive control of attention. It will provide new insights into the origins of inter-individual variability in human executive control processing.

TSG-6 mediates the effect of tendon derived stem cells for rotator cuff healing

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) were able to reduce fibrovascular tissues formation via TNF alpha-stimulated gene/protein 6 (6TSG-6) in various animal models. At the same time, tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) were able to promote rotator cuff healing; however, the mechanism is still unknown.

AIM

To investigate the role of TSG-6 in the treatment of rotator cuff healing with TDSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

45 rats underwent unilateral detachment and repair of the supraspinatus tendon. 15 animals received TDSCs in a fibrin glue carrier(Group A), 15 received TSG-6 silenced TDSCs (Group B), and 15 received fibrin glue for control (Group C). Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks and evaluated for the biomechanical testing. Statistical analysis was performed with an independent t test with significance set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

The ultimate stress was greater in the TDSCs group (4.91 ± 1.41 N/mm(2)) as compared with the Control group (2.99 ± 1.04 N/mm(2)) (p < 0.05). However, when silent the expression of TSG-6, the TSG-6 silenced group (3.36 ± 0.96 N/mm(2)) showed no benefit over the control group (p = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

TSG-6 mediates the function of TDSCs to improve the structure and the attachment strength of the healing tendon-bone interface.