GW170817: Implications for the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from Compact Binary Coalescences

The LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations have announced the event GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the coalescence of two neutron stars. The merger rate of binary neutron stars estimated from this event suggests that distant, unresolvable binary neutron stars create a significant astrophysical stochastic gravitational-wave background. The binary neutron star component will add to the contribution from binary black holes, increasing the amplitude of the total astrophysical background relative to previous expectations. In the Advanced LIGO-Virgo frequency band most sensitive to stochastic backgrounds (near 25 Hz), we predict a total astrophysical background with amplitude Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.8_{-1.3}^{+2.7}×10^{-9} with 90% confidence, compared with Ω_{GW}(f=25  Hz)=1.1_{-0.7}^{+1.2}×10^{-9} from binary black holes alone. Assuming the most probable rate for compact binary mergers, we find that the total background may be detectable with a signal-to-noise-ratio of 3 after 40 months of total observation time, based on the expected timeline for Advanced LIGO and Virgo to reach their design sensitivity.

S-1 chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy after D1/D2 lymph node dissection in patients with node-positive gastric cancer: a phase I/II study

BACKGROUND

This phase I/II clinical trial investigated S-1 administered with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) as adjuvant therapy for node-positive gastric cancer. Patients had undergone radical resection and D1/D2 lymph node dissection.

METHODS

In phase I, patients received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy of IMRT (45 Gy in 25 fractions) with concurrent S-1 administered on a dose-escalation schedule to determine the recommended dose (RD). In phase II, the safety and efficacy of the RD of S-1 combined with IMRT were assessed.

RESULTS

We consecutively enrolled 73 patients (56 men; median age, 53 years; range, 29-73 years) and the phase I portion of the study included 27 patients. The RD of S-1 administered concomitantly with IMRT was 80 mg m^-2 day^-1 orally, twice daily. The phase II analysis included 52 patients (46 new patients plus 6 from phase I). 8 patients (15.4%) developed grade 3 or 4 toxicities. There were 21 recurrence events and 15 deaths (1 bowel obstruction, 14 gastric cancer). Three-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 62.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 48.5-75.9) and 70.0% (95% CI, 56.3-83.7), respectively. The median time to recurrence was 17.5 months (range, 3.8-42.0). The median time from recurrence to death was 7.0 months (range, 1.5-28.7).

CONCLUSIONS

S-1 combined with IMRT adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is safe and efficacious for advanced gastric cancer.

GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral

On August 17, 2017 at 12∶41:04 UTC the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo gravitational-wave detectors made their first observation of a binary neutron star inspiral. The signal, GW170817, was detected with a combined signal-to-noise ratio of 32.4 and a false-alarm-rate estimate of less than one per 8.0×10^{4}  years. We infer the component masses of the binary to be between 0.86 and 2.26  M_{⊙}, in agreement with masses of known neutron stars. Restricting the component spins to the range inferred in binary neutron stars, we find the component masses to be in the range 1.17-1.60  M_{⊙}, with the total mass of the system 2.74_{-0.01}^{+0.04}M_{⊙}. The source was localized within a sky region of 28  deg^{2} (90% probability) and had a luminosity distance of 40_{-14}^{+8}  Mpc, the closest and most precisely localized gravitational-wave signal yet. The association with the γ-ray burst GRB 170817A, detected by Fermi-GBM 1.7 s after the coalescence, corroborates the hypothesis of a neutron star merger and provides the first direct evidence of a link between these mergers and short γ-ray bursts. Subsequent identification of transient counterparts across the electromagnetic spectrum in the same location further supports the interpretation of this event as a neutron star merger. This unprecedented joint gravitational and electromagnetic observation provides insight into astrophysics, dense matter, gravitation, and cosmology.

GW170814: A Three-Detector Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Coalescence

On August 14, 2017 at 10∶30:43 UTC, the Advanced Virgo detector and the two Advanced LIGO detectors coherently observed a transient gravitational-wave signal produced by the coalescence of two stellar mass black holes, with a false-alarm rate of ≲1 in 27 000 years. The signal was observed with a three-detector network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 18. The inferred masses of the initial black holes are 30.5_{-3.0}^{+5.7}M_{⊙} and 25.3_{-4.2}^{+2.8}M_{⊙} (at the 90% credible level). The luminosity distance of the source is 540_{-210}^{+130}  Mpc, corresponding to a redshift of z=0.11_{-0.04}^{+0.03}. A network of three detectors improves the sky localization of the source, reducing the area of the 90% credible region from 1160   deg^{2} using only the two LIGO detectors to 60  deg^{2} using all three detectors. For the first time, we can test the nature of gravitational-wave polarizations from the antenna response of the LIGO-Virgo network, thus enabling a new class of phenomenological tests of gravity.

Structural and dynamical characteristics of flow units in metallic glasses

The metallic glasses (MGs) are conjectured to be heterogeneous—their microscopic structures are embedded with localized, soft and loosely packed atomic regions, which are termed as flow units (FUs). Detailed knowledges on the structure and dynamical features of FUs are essential for understanding the plasticity of MGs. In our study, by performing dynamical tests on MGs in molecular dynamics simulations, we show that mechanical hysteretic loops are formed in the strain-stress curves due to the undergoing plastic events. By analyzing the activated times of each atom in different dynamical tests, we map the exact locations of FUs and the distribution of their activation probability in the initial structure of MGs. More importantly, we demonstrate that the FUs are indeed liquid-like according to the Lindemann criterion of melting.

[The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy in clinical T1-3N1M0 breast cancer patients with pathological negative lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy]

Objective: To analyze the outcomes of clinical T1-3N1M0 breast cancer patients with pathological negative axillary lymph nodes (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and mastectomy, and investigate the role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Methods: A total of 185 patients with clinical T1-3N1M0 breast cancer treated between 1999 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with NAC and mastectomy, and achieved ypN0. Of them, 89 patients received additional PMRT and 96 patients did not. 101 patients had clinical stage Ⅱ disease. 84 patients had clinical stage Ⅲ disease. The rates of locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastasis (DM), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Univariate analysis was used to interpret the impact of clinical features and treatment on patients' outcome. Results: The 5-year rates of LRR, DM, DFS, and OS for all patients were 4.5%, 10.4%, 86.6%, and 97.1%, respectively. For patients with and without PMRT, the 5-year LRR rates were 1.1% and 7.5% (P=0.071), the 5-year DM rates were 5.1% and 15.0% (P=0.023), the 5-year DFS rates were 95.0% and 79.0% (P=0.008), and the 5-year OS rates were 100.0% and 94.5% (P=0.089) respectively. In univariate analysis, lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) was poor prognostic factor of LRR (P=0.001), < 40 years old and lack of PMRT was a poor prognostic factor for DM (P<0.05), lack of PMRT was a poor prognostic factor for DFS (P=0.008), primary lesion residual and mild-moderate pathological response to NAC were poor prognostic factors for OS (P<0.05). In the subgroup of Stage Ⅲ disease, for patients with and without PMRT, the 5-year LRR rates were 1.9% and 14.4% (P=0.041), the 5-year DFS rates were 91.9% and 67.4% (P=0.022), respectively. In the subgroup of Stage Ⅱ disease, for patients with and without PMRT, the 5-year DM rates were 0 and 11.5% (P=0.044), the 5-year DFS rates were 100.0% and 84.9% (P=0.023), respectively. Conclusions: The LRR rate of clinical T1-3N1M0 breast cancer patients who achieved ypN0 after NAC and mastectomy was low. PMRT decreased the DM rate and increased DFS rate in all patients, and significantly decreased the LRR rate in Stage Ⅲ disease. PMRT should be considered for patients with Stage Ⅲ disease, and further research is warranted to investigate the benefit of PMRT for Stage Ⅱ disease.

[The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes: results of a Chinese cohort from a multinational randomized controlled trial]

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of insulin degludec (IDeg) with those of insulin glargine (IGlar) in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: This was a 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, treat-to-target trial in 560 Chinese subjects with T2DM (men/women: 274/263, mean age 56 years, mean diabetes duration 7 years) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). Subjects were randomized 2∶1 to once-daily IDeg (373 subjects) or IGlar(187 subjects), both in combination with metformin. The primary endpoint was changes from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) after 26 weeks. Results: Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.2% in both groups to 6.9% in IDeg and 7.0% in IGlar, respectively. Estimated treatment difference (ETD) of IDeg-IGlar in change from baseline was -0.10% points (95%CI-0.25-0.05). The proportion of subjects achieving HbA1c<7.0% was 56.3%and 49.7% with IDeg and IGlar, respectively [estimated odds ratio of IDeg/IGlar: 1.26(95%CI 0.88-1.82)]. Numerically lower rateof overall confirmed hypoglycaemia and statistically significantly lower nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia were associated with IDeg compared with IGlar, respectively [estimated rateratio of IDeg/IGlar 0.69(95%CI 0.46-1.03), and 0.43(95%CI 0.19-0.97)]. No differences in other safety parameters were found between the two groups. Conclusions: IDeg was non-inferior to IGlar in terms of glycaemic control, and was associated with a statistically significantly lower rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia. IDeg is considered to be suitable for initiating insulin therapy in Chinese T2DM patients on OADs requiring intensified treatment. Clinical trail registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01849289.

Machine Learning Approach for Prediction and Understanding of Glass-Forming Ability

The prediction of the glass-forming ability (GFA) by varying the composition of alloys is a challenging problem in glass physics, as well as a problem for industry, with enormous financial ramifications. Although different empirical guides for the prediction of GFA were established over decades, a comprehensive model or approach that is able to deal with as many variables as possible simultaneously for efficiently predicting good glass formers is still highly desirable. Here, by applying the support vector classification method, we develop models for predicting the GFA of binary metallic alloys from random compositions. The effect of different input descriptors on GFA were evaluated, and the best prediction model was selected, which shows that the information related to liquidus temperatures plays a key role in the GFA of alloys. On the basis of this model, good glass formers can be predicted with high efficiency. The prediction efficiency can be further enhanced by improving larger database and refined input descriptor selection. Our findings suggest that machine learning is very powerful and efficient and has great potential for discovering new metallic glasses with good GFA.

[Corneal astigmatism among 2 085 age-related cataract patients before surgery]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and distribution of corneal astigmatism before surgery among age-related cataract patients in the Hubei area. Methods: Retrospective study. From January 1, 2012 to July 31, 2016, IOL Master measurements of all qualified cataract surgery candidates were retrospectively collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess the degree, distribution and type of corneal astigmatism. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of variables. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied for the comparison of variance for normally and non-normally distributed quantitative data among different age groups. Spearman's rank test was used to assess the relationship between age and corneal astigmatism. Results: The mean age of the 2 085 patients (3 586 eyes) involved was (73.1±9.43) years old, with more women (58.3%) than men. The mean value of corneal curvature was 44.33 D (95%CI: 44.28-44.39), and the mean corneal astigmatism was 1.06 D (range, 0.05 D to 6.74 D). K-S test indicated the distribution of corneal curvature was normal (P=0.18), while corneal astigmatism did not obey the normal distribution (P<0.01). Corneal astigmatism was between 0.25 D and 1.25 D in 67.7% of the eyes, >1.25 D in 29.7%, and<0.25 D in 4.2%. Corneal astigmatism degree increased with the age increase (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in corneal astigmatism between women and men (P=0.075). However, women had steeper corneal curvatures than men with statistical difference (P<0.01). Corneal astigmatism with the rule was observed in 29.0% of the eyes, while astigmatism against the rule was found in 53.0%. And astigmatism against the rule increased with age. Conclusion: Corneal astigmatism mostly distributes between 0.25 D and 1.25 D in age-related cataract patients who lived in Hubei. Corneal astigmatism degree increased with age, and the dominant type was astigmatism against the rule. There was no difference in astigmatism between men and women patients aged 50 years and above, but in 70- to 79-year-old patients, women had a higher astigmatism degree than men. The corneal curvature of women was steeper than men in general and in each age group. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 522-527).

[The effects and expression of Survivin and Aurora-b in laryngeal carcinoma]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the expression of Survivin and Aurora-b in laryngeal carcinoma and its clinical and pathological features, and to determine the possibility of Survivin and Aurora-b being a biomarker in laryngeal carcinoma diagnosis or being an predictor of overall survival (OS) in laryngeal carcinoma patients underwent surgical resection. Method:Eighty-six cases of laryngeal carcinoma tissues diagnosed by pathology were collected, and 86 cases of adjacent tissues and 22 cases of normal tissues were selected as control. The expression of Survivin and Aurora-b were detected by immunohistochemistry in laryngeal carcinoma, adjacent tissues and normal tissue. Result:Survivin and Aurora-b in laryngeal carcinoma were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues and normal tissues (P<0.01). The expression of Survivin protein was correlated with clinicopathological features such as lymph node metastasis and recurrence (P<0.05), but it was not related to the pathological features such as age, sex, clinical stage and differentiation. The expression of Aurora-b was correlated with the pathological grade clinical stag (TNM stage) and recurrence in laryngeal carcinoma (P<0.05). Survival curves show Survivin and Aurora-b in laryngeal cancer is associated with prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma. The result of COX regression analysis show that the expression of Aurora-b and recurrence are independent prognostic risk factors for postoperative patients with laryngeal carcinoma (P<0.05), while Survivin and lymph node metastasis are not independent prognostic factors influencing prognosis. Conclusion:Our study shows that Survivin and Aurora-b and their interaction may play an important role in the metastasis and prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma. The expression levels of Survivin and Aurora-b might be biomarkers for laryngeal carcinoma diagnosis and an independent predictor of OS after surgical resection, which would provide a novel insight into diagnosis and therapy of laryngeal carcinoma.

[Prognostic value of sequencing of radiotherapy and chemotherapy following breast-conserving surgery for patients with breast cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of sequencing of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy following breast-conserving surgery for patients with breast cancer. Methods: A total of 1 154 patients withT1-2N0-3M0 breast cancer retrospectively reviewed. All patients received sequential radiotherapy and chemotherapy following breast-conserving surgery. Among them, 603 patients received radiotherapy first and 551 patients received chemotherapy first. Log-rank tests were used to determine significance of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in the Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: The 5-year DFS and OS rates for all patients were 93.0% and 97.8%. The 5-year OS rate was 98.6% in the radiotherapy first group and 96.4% in the chemotherapy first group (P=0.191), and the corresponding DFS rate was 92.7% and 93.2% (P=0.430), respectively. Among the patients with Luminal A subtype, the 5-year OS rate was 99.6% in the radiotherapy first group and 97.8% in the chemotherapy first group (P=0.789). Among the patients with Luminal B subtype, the 5-year OS rate was 94.2% and 96.0%, respectively (P=0.680). Among the patients with triple negative breast cancer, the 5-year OS rate was 100% and 90.9%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P=0.019). Among the patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer, The 5-year DFS rate was 80.1% and 100%, respectively (P=0.045). Conclusions: The OS and DFS rates in the chemotherapy first group are not significantly different from those of radiotherapy first group after breast-conserving surgery. Patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer in chemotherapy first group have a much higher DFS rate than that of radiotherapy first group, whereas patients with triple negative breast cancer in radiotherapy first group have a better OS rate than that of chemotherapy first group. Further research is warranted to investigate the benefit of different molecular types in different sequencing of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after breast-conserving surgery.

Transition from Anomalous Hall Effect to Topological Hall Effect in Hexagonal Non-Collinear Magnet Mn3Ga

We report experimental observation of large anomalous Hall effect exhibited in non-collinear triangular antiferromagnet D0₁₉-type Mn₃Ga with coplanar spin structure at temperatures higher than 100 K. The value of anomalous Hall resistivity increases with increasing temperature, which reaches 1.25 μΩ · cm at a low field of ~300 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding room-temperature anomalous Hall conductivity is about 17 (Ω · cm)⁻¹. Most interestingly, as temperature falls below 100 K, a temperature-independent topological-like Hall effect was observed. The maximum peak value of topological Hall resistivity is about 0.255 μΩ · cm. The appearance of the topological Hall effect is attributed to the change of spin texture as a result of weak structural distortion from hexagonal to orthorhombic symmetry in Mn₃Ga. Present study suggests that Mn₃Ga shows promising possibility to be antiferromagnetic spintronics or topological Hall effect-based data storage devices.

[Textual research on the origin and producing area of Baitouweng (Radix Pulsatillae)]

Baitouweng (Pulsatilla Root), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, was first recorded in Shen nong ben cao jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) . Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel from Ranunculaceae had become the authentic source for the Baitouweng since the Song Dynasty, which was consistent with the Radix Pulsatillae collected in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Chuzhou, Anhui province, being regarded as the main producing area in ancient times, had been its genuine producing area since the period of Republic of China. From the Tang Dynasty to Ming Dynasty, the origin of Baitouweng recorded in the works of Chinese materia medica could also include P. cernua, P. dahurica and P. ambigua. Therefore, P. chinensis in Chuzhou, with large quantity and high quality, is a superior resource that need to increase its protection and further studies, whereas P. cernua, P. dahurica and P. ambigua have better to be used as local drugs.

Single-particle dynamics near the glass transition of a metallic glass

The single-particle dynamics of the glass-forming Cu_{50}Zr_{50} alloy, from the supercooled liquid well above the glass-transition temperature, T_{g} to the glassy state, is studied by using the molecular dynamics simulations. When the liquid is cooled below 1.2T_{g}, the dynamics heterogeneity characterized by the cage-jump motion becomes increasingly pronounced. The analyses based on the continuous time random walk method indicate that the liquid falls out of equilibrium in the present simulation time scale when it is cooled into the regime below 1.02T_{g}. However, we find that the jump length and the jump rate do not display the non-equilibrium behaviors even in the glassy state below T_{g}, which allows us to study the intrinsic dynamic characteristics through T_{g}. The mean waiting time between two successive jumps has a rapid growth following the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law as the non-equilibrium regime is approached, in analogy with the temperature behaviors of transport properties for fragile supercooled liquids. In contrast, the jump rate maintains the Arrhenius decay and the jump length has even a weaker temperature dependence when the liquid is cooled into glassy state. We find that a pronounced enhancement of the spatial correlation of jumps occurs accompanied by the glass transition: the string-like cooperative jumps dominate the fast motion instead of the uncorrelated and individual jumps. Our work offers an insight into the equilibrium effect of the single-particle dynamics in glass transition.

Fast Surface Dynamics of Metallic Glass Enable Superlatticelike Nanostructure Growth

Contrary to the formation of complicated polycrystals induced by general crystallization, a modulated superlatticelike nanostructure, which grows layer by layer from the surface to the interior of a Pd_{40}Ni_{10}Cu_{30}P_{20} metallic glass, is observed via isothermal annealing below the glass transition temperature. The generation of the modulated nanostructure can be solely controlled by the annealing temperature, and it can be understood based on the fast dynamic and liquidlike behavior of the glass surface. The observations have implications for understanding the glassy surface dynamics and pave a way for the controllable fabrication of a unique and sophisticated nanostructure on a glass surface to realize the properties' modification.

Understanding Atomic-Scale Features of Low Temperature-Relaxation Dynamics in Metallic Glasses

Being a key feature of a glassy state, low temperature relaxation has important implications on the mechanical behavior of glasses; however, the mechanism of low temperature relaxation is still an open issue, which has been debated for decades. By systematically investigating the influences of cooling rate and pressure on low temperature relaxation in the Zr₅₀Cu₅₀ metallic glasses, it is found that even though pressure does induce pronounced local structural change, the low temperature-relaxation behavior of the metallic glass is affected mainly by cooling rate, not by pressure. According to the atomic displacement and connection mode analysis, we further demonstrate that the low temperature relaxation is dominated by the dispersion degree of fast dynamic atoms rather than the most probable atomic nonaffine displacement. Our finding provides the direct atomic-level evidence that the intrinsic heterogeneity is the key factor that determines the low temperature-relaxation behavior of the metallic glasses.

[Clinical significance of serum allergen sIgE and peripheral blood EOS in patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps]

Objective:To explore the influnces of allergen sIgE and peripheral blood eosinophilic(EOS) on the severity and surgical outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps（CRSwNP）. Method:Eighty-nine patients with CRSwNP were enrolled. Before operation, allergen sIgE levels and peripheral blood EOS were detected.All patients were examined paranasal computed tomography(CT). After 3 and 6 months of operation, all patients were examined by nasal endoscopy，Allergen sIgE, peripheral blood EOS, nasal endoscopy score, and CT score were retrospective analyzed. According to the results of allergen sIgE the subjects were divided into two groups: the positive allergens group and negative allergens group. Result:Allergen sIgE were positive in 49 patients(the positive allergens group) and negative in 40 patients(the negative allergens group). The major allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus（39 patients） and cockroach（16 patients）. Between the positive allergens group and the allergens negative group, there were no statistically significant differences in peripheral blood EOS count and EOS percentage and CT scores and nasal endoscopy scores of 3-month postsurgery(P>0.05). There was signifigant diference in the nasal endoscopy scores of 6- month postsurgery between the two groups(P<0.05). In the 89 patients with CRSwNP, peripheral eosinophil count showed no significant correlation with CT image scores and 3-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores and 6-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores(r=0.119，0.180，0.126，P>0.05). Blood eosinophil percentage was not significantly correlated to CT image scores and 3-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores and 6-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores(r=0.167，0.263，0.140，P>0.05). Conclusion:Allergen sIgE has some impacts on postoperative outcomes but has no impact on the severity of CRSwNP. Peripheral eosinophil may not affect the severity and surgical outcomes of CRSwNP.

Effects of atomic interaction stiffness on low-temperature relaxation of amorphous solids

While low-temperature relaxations show significant differences among metallic glasses with different compositions, the underlying mechanism remains mysterious. Using molecular dynamics simulation, low-temperature relaxation of amorphous solids is investigated in model systems with different atomic interaction stiffness. It was found that as the interaction stiffness increases, the low-temperature relaxation is enhanced. The fraction of mobile atoms increases with increasing interaction stiffness, while the length scale of dynamical heterogeneity does not change. The enhanced relaxation may be due to increased dynamical heterogeneity. These findings provide a physical picture for better understanding the origin of low-temperature relaxation dynamics in amorphous solids, and the experimentally observed different β-relaxation behaviors in various metallic glasses.

[Application of R-based multiple seasonal ARIMA model, in predicting the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province]

OBJECTIVE

To apply the ' auto-regressive integrated moving average product seasonal model' in predicting the number of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province.

METHODS

In Shaanxi province, the trend of hand, foot and mouth disease was analyzed and tested, under the use of R software, between January 2009 and June 2015. Multiple seasonal ARIMA model was then fitted under time series to predict the number of hand, foot and mouth disease in 2016 and 2017.

RESULTS

Seasonal effect was seen in hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province. A multiple seasonal ARIMA (2,1,0)×(1,1,0)12 was established, with the equation as (1 -B)(1 -B12)Ln (Xt) =((1-1.000B)/(1-0.532B-0.363B(2))*(1-0.644B12-0.454B12(2)))*Epsilont. The mean of absolute error and the relative error were 531.535 and 0.114, respectively when compared to the simulated number of patients from Jun to Dec in 2015. RESULTS under the prediction of multiple seasonal ARIMA model showed that the numbers of patients in both 2016 and 2017 were similar to that of 2015 in Shaanxi province.

CONCLUSION

Multiple seasonal ARIMA (2,1,0)×(1,1,0)12 model could be used to successfully predict the incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi province.

Structural Signature of Plasticity Unveiled by Nano-Scale Viscoelastic Contact in a Metallic Glass

Room-temperature plasticity in metallic glasses (MGs) is commonly associated with local structural heterogeneity; however, direct observation of the subtle structural change caused by plasticity is vitally important but the data are extremely scarce. Based on dynamic atomic force microscopy (DAFM), here we show that plasticity-induced structural evolution in a Zr-Ni MG can be revealed via nano-scale viscoelastic contacts between an AFM tip and plastically deformed MG surface layers. Our experimental results clearly show a spatial amplification of the nano-scale structural heterogeneity caused by the distributed plastic flow, which can be linked to the limited growth, reorientation and agglomeration of some nano-scale energy-absorbing regions, which are reminiscent of the behavior of the defect-like regions with non-affine deformation as conceived in many theories and models. Furthermore, we are able to experimentally extract the thermodynamic properties of these nano-scale regions, which possess an energy barrier of 0.3–0.5 eV, about half of that for a typical shear transformation event that usually occurs at the onset of plasticity. The outcome of our current work sheds quantitative insights into the correlation between plasticity and structural heterogeneity in MGs.

[Effects of intranasal midazolam premedication on inhaled induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane of pediatric patients]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of intranasal midazolam premedication on children who undergoing inhaled induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane.

METHODS

One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)Ⅰ-Ⅱ children undergoing elective operations in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2014 to June 2015 were randomly assigned into 2 groups, and 50 cases in each group. Patients received different intranasal premedication giving 30 min before anesthesia: midazolam 0.3 mg/kg (control group) and normal saline (placebo group) 2 ml. The following data were observed: the anxiety scores of the children in the preoperative interview (T1), before intranasal premedication (T2), during the induction room play (T3) and in the beginning of sevoflurane-inhaled induction (T4) using Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS); the satisfaction scores of parents when children entering the operating room using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); and the cooperation scores of the children receiving the sevoflurane-inhaled induction using Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). The process of induction, the induction of sevoflurane and adverse incident were recorded.

RESULTS

The scores of m-YPAS of the induction room play (T3) and in the beginning of sevoflurane-inhaled induction (T4) of the control group were (26.48±9.04) and (40.88±17.31)scores, while those of the placebo group were (32.38±10.67) and (56.50±20.02) scores. The m-YPAS scores of the control group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group (t=2.983, 4.173, all P<0.05). The VAS of the control group and placebo group were (6.55±1.55) and (8.18±1.46) scores, the VAS of the control group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (t=5.504, P<0.05). The total time of induction of the control group was (84.35±22.47)s, which was significantly shorter than that of the placebo group((104.21±31.05)s, t=3.664, P<0.05). The scores of m-YPAS in the preoperative interview (T1), before intranasal premedication (T2), the scores of ICC, the time of closing eyes and excitement phase of 2 groups had no significant difference (all P>0.05). There was no adverse incident happened in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal midazolam provided as premedication can reduce the anxiety for children undergoing inhaled induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane, and shorten the time of induction. It's a safe and effective method for premedication of pediatric anesthesia.

[Prognostic differences of phenotypes in pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer: a large cohort study with cluster analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To find phenotypic subgroups of patients with pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer by means of cluster analysis and estimate the prognosis and clinicopathological features of these subgroups.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2013, 4979 patients with pT1-2N0 invasive breast cancer were recruited for hierarchical clustering analysis. Age (≤40, 41-70, 70+ years), size of primary tumor, pathological type, grade of differentiation, microvascular invasion, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) were chosen as distance metric between patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using Ward's method. Cophenetic correlation coefficient (CPCC) and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to validate clustering structures.

RESULTS

The CPCC was 0.603. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.617 (P<0.001), which indicated a good fit of hierarchy to the data. A twelve-cluster model seemed to best illustrate our patient cohort. Patients in cluster 5, 9 and 12 had best prognosis and were characterized by age >40 years, smaller primary tumor, lower histologic grade, positive ER and PR status, and mainly negative HER-2. Patients in the cluster 1 and 11 had the worst prognosis, The cluster 1 was characterized by a larger tumor, higher grade and negative ER and PR status, while the cluster 11 was characterized by positive microvascular invasion. Patients in other 7 clusters had a moderate prognosis, and patients in each cluster had distinctive clinicopathological features and recurrent patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified distinctive clinicopathologic phenotypes in a large cohort of patients with pT1-2N0 breast cancer through hierarchical clustering and revealed different prognosis. This integrative model may help physicians to make more personalized decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.

Shear-banding Induced Indentation Size Effect in Metallic Glasses

Shear-banding is commonly regarded as the “plasticity carrier” of metallic glasses (MGs), which usually causes severe strain localization and catastrophic failure if unhindered. However, through the use of the high-throughput dynamic nanoindentation technique, here we reveal that nano-scale shear-banding in different MGs evolves from a “distributed” fashion to a “localized” mode when the resultant plastic flow extends over a critical length scale. Consequently, a pronounced indentation size effect arises from the distributed shear-banding but vanishes when shear-banding becomes localized. Based on the critical length scales obtained for a variety of MGs, we unveil an intrinsic interplay between elasticity and fragility that governs the nanoscale plasticity transition in MGs. Our current findings provide a quantitative insight into the indentation size effect and transition mechanisms of nano-scale plasticity in MGs.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis contributing to coronoid process hyperplasia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between coronoid process hyperplasia and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and to analyze the pathological mechanism and clinical significance of coronoid process hyperplasia. Forty-four patients treated for TMJ ankylosis between January 2007 and December 2014 were studied retrospectively; 176 patients with normal TMJs served as controls. The original DICOM data were used to reconstruct the jaw, and a three-dimensional cephalometric analysis (SimPlant Pro software version 11.04) was performed to assess the association between the severity of TMJ ankylosis and the height of the coronoid process. The height of the coronoid process was 20.41±5.00mm in the case group and 14.86±2.67mm in the control group; there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). Long-standing TMJ ankylosis contributes to coronoid process hyperplasia. Therefore, attention should be drawn to the coronoid process in patients with TMJ ankylosis. A coronoidectomy together with arthroplasty is recommended in patients with TMJ ankylosis.

Memory Effect Manifested by a Boson Peak in Metallic Glass

We explore the correlation between a boson peak and structural relaxation in a typical metallic glass. Consistent with enthalpy recovery, a boson peak shows a memory effect in an aging-and-scan procedure. Single-step isothermal aging produces a monotonic decrease of enthalpy and boson peak intensity; for double-step isothermal aging, both enthalpy and boson peak intensity experience, coincidently, an incipient increase to a maximum and a subsequent decrease toward the equilibrium state. Our results indicate a direct link between slow structural relaxation and fast boson peak dynamics, which presents a profound understanding of the two dynamic behaviors in glass.

Revealing β-relaxation mechanism based on energy distribution of flow units in metallic glass

The β-relaxation, which is the source of the dynamics in glass state and has practical significance to relaxation and mechanical properties of glasses, has been an open question for decades. Here, we propose a flow unit perspective to explain the structural origin and evolution of β-relaxation based on experimentally obtained energy distribution of flow units using stress relaxation method under isothermal and linear heating modes. Through the molecular dynamics simulations, we creatively design various artificial metallic glass systems and build a direct relation between β-relaxation behavior and features of flow units. Our results demonstrate that the β-relaxation in metallic glasses originates from flow units and is modulated by the energy distribution of flow units, and the density and distribution of flow units can effectively regulate the β-relaxation behavior. The results provide a better understanding of the structural origin of β-relaxation and also afford a method for designing metallic glasses with obvious β-relaxation and better mechanical properties.

Towards understanding of heat effects in metallic glasses on the basis of macroscopic shear elasticity

It is shown that all heat effects taking place upon annealing of a metallic glass within the glassy and supercooled liquid states, i.e. heat release below the glass transition temperature and heat absorption above it, as well as crystallization-induced heat release, are related to the macroscopic shear elasticity. The underlying physical reason can be understood as relaxation in the system of interstitialcy-type ”defects” (elastic dipoles) frozen-in from the melt upon glass production.

Genome-wide association study of growth traits in the Jinghai Yellow chicken

Growth is one of the most economically important traits in the poultry industry. In this study, we identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes associated with growth traits of the Jinghai Yellow chicken. Genome-wide association studies were conducted using the Illumina 60 K SNP Chicken array to genotype 400 Jinghai Yellow chickens. For each bird, the body weights at hatching and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 16 weeks were recorded. The SNPs that were significantly associated with the growth traits were identified using the general linear regression model. The results revealed a total of 18 SNPs that reached Bonferroni genome-wide significance (P < 1.80E-6). Three proximal genes (BTRC, NLK, and NF1) were found to participate in the Wnt-signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Haplotype analysis identified 19 significant haplotypes and identified a region 152.4-156.3M on GGA1 affecting 3 growth traits (BW4, BW14, and BW16). These results may help identify the exact locations of body weight quantitative trait loci on a genome level and indicate variants that can be used for subsequent investigations for Jinghai Yellow chicken.

Genome-wide association study of growth traits in Jinghai Yellow chicken hens using SLAF-seq technology

In this study, we performed a new genome-wide association study using SLAF-seq technology. A total of 19 single nucleotide polymorphism effects involving nine different SNP markers reached 5% Bonferroni-corrected genome-wide significance. In addition, a 5-Mb region spanning 72.9-77.9 Mb on GGA4, exhibiting many significant SNP effects, was identified. The LDB2 gene in this region had a very strong association with body weight. Another SNP on GGA1, located in the INTS6 gene, had the strongest association with late body weight (weeks 10-16). Some of the SNPs that reached suggestive significance level overlapped with previously reported quantitative trait locus regions.

Communication: Non-monotonic evolution of dynamical heterogeneity in unfreezing process of metallic glasses

The relaxation dynamics in unfreezing process of metallic glasses is investigated by the activation-relaxation technique. A non-monotonic dynamical microstructural heterogeneities evolution with temperature is discovered, which confirms and supplies more features to flow units concept of glasses. A flow unit perspective is proposed to microscopically describe this non-monotonic evolution of the dynamical heterogeneities as well as its relationship with the deformation mode development of metallic glasses.

A Two-Stepped Culture Method for Efficient Production of Trichogenic Keratinocytes

Successful hair follicle (HF) neogenesis in adult life depends on the existence of both capable dermal cells and competent epidermal keratinocytes that recapitulate embryonic organogenesis through epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. In tissue engineering, the maintenance of trichogenic potential of adult epidermal cells, while expanding them remains a challenging issue. We found that although HF outer root sheath keratinocytes could be expanded for more than 100 passages as clonogenic cells without losing the proliferative potential with a 3T3J2 fibroblast feeder layer, these keratinocytes were unable to form new HFs when combined with inductive HF dermal papilla (DP) cells. However, when these high-passage keratinocytes were cocultured with HF DP cells for 4 days in vitro, they regained the trichogenic ability to form new HFs after transplantation. We found that the short-term coculture with DP cells enhanced both Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a signaling cascade key to HF development, and upregulated the expression of HF-specific genes, including K6, K16, K17, and K75, in keratinocytes, indicating that these cells were poised toward a HF fate. Hence, efficient production of trichogenic keratinocytes can be obtained by a two-stepped procedure with initial cell expansion with a 3T3J2 fibroblast feeder followed by short-term coculture with DP cells.

Compositional origin of unusual β-relaxation properties in La-Ni-Al metallic glasses

The β-relaxation of metallic glasses (MGs) bears nontrivial connections to their microscopic and macroscopic properties. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of the β-relaxation, we studied by dynamical mechanical measurements the change of its properties on varying the composition of La60Ni15Al25 in various ways. The properties of the β-relaxation turn out to be very sensitive to the composition. It is found that the isochronal loss peak temperature of β-relaxation, Tβ,peak, is effectively determined by the total (La + Ni) content. When Cu is added into the alloy to replace either La, Ni, or Al, the Tβ,peak increases with decrease of the (La + Ni) content. The trend is in accordance with data of binary and ternary MGs formed from La, Ni, Al, and Cu. Binary La-Ni MGs have pronounced β-relaxation loss peaks, well separated from the α-relaxation. In contrast, the β-relaxation is not resolved in La-Al and La-Cu MGs, showing up as an excess wing. For the ternary La-Ni-Al MGs, increase of La or Ni content is crucial to lower the Tβ,peak. Keeping the Al content fixed, increase of La content lowers the Tβ,peak further, indicating the more important role La plays in lowering Tβ,peak than Ni. The observed effects on changing the composition of La60Ni15Al25 lead to the conclusion that the properties of the β-relaxation are mainly determined by the interaction between the largest solvent element, La, and the smallest element, Ni. From our data, it is further deduced that La and Ni have high mobility in the MGs, and this explains why the β-relaxation in this La-based MGs is prominent and well resolved from the α-relaxation as opposed to Pd- and Zr-based MGs where the solvent and largest atoms, Pd and Zr, are the least mobile.

Genome-wide identification, classification, and analysis of heat shock transcription factor family in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis)

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide, and various methods exist for selection, propagation, and cultivation. The entire Chinese cabbage genome has been sequenced, and the heat shock transcription factor family (Hsfs) has been found to play a central role in plant growth and development and in the response to biotic and abiotic stress conditions, particularly in acquired thermotolerance. We analyzed heat tolerance mechanisms in Chinese cabbage. In this study, 30 Hsfs were identified from the Chinese cabbage genome database. The classification, phylogenetic reconstruction, chromosome distribution, conserved motifs, expression analysis, and interaction networks of the Hsfs were predicted and analyzed. Thirty BrHsfs were classified into 3 major classes (class A, B, and C) according to their structural characteristics and phylogenetic comparisons, and class A was further subdivided into 8 subclasses. Distribution mapping results showed that Hsf genes were located on 10 Chinese cabbage chromosomes. The expression profile indicated that Hsfs play differential roles in 5 organs in Chinese cabbage, and likely participate in the development of underground parts and regulation of reproductive growth. An orthologous gene interaction network was constructed, and included MBF1C, ROF1, TBP2, CDC2, and HSP70 5 genes, which are closely related to heat stress. Our results contribute to the understanding of the complexity of Hsfs in Chinese cabbage and provide a basis for further functional gene research.

A microfluidic device enabling high-efficiency single cell trapping

Single cell trapping increasingly serves as a key manipulation technique in single cell analysis for many cutting-edge cell studies. Due to their inherent advantages, microfluidic devices have been widely used to enable single cell immobilization. To further improve the single cell trapping efficiency, this paper reports on a passive hydrodynamic microfluidic device based on the "least flow resistance path" principle with geometry optimized in line with corresponding cell types. Different from serpentine structure, the core trapping structure of the micro-device consists of a series of concatenated T and inverse T junction pairs which function as bypassing channels and trapping constrictions. This new device enhances the single cell trapping efficiency from three aspects: (1) there is no need to deploy very long or complicated channels to adjust flow resistance, thus saving space for each trapping unit; (2) the trapping works in a "deterministic" manner, thus saving a great deal of cell samples; and (3) the compact configuration allows shorter flowing path of cells in multiple channels, thus increasing the speed and throughput of cell trapping. The mathematical model of the design was proposed and optimization of associated key geometric parameters was conducted based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. As a proof demonstration, two types of PDMS microfluidic devices were fabricated to trap HeLa and HEK-293T cells with relatively significant differences in cell sizes. Experimental results showed 100% cell trapping and 90% single cell trapping over 4 × 100 trap sites for these two cell types, respectively. The space saving is estimated to be 2-fold and the cell trapping speed enhancement to be 3-fold compared to previously reported devices. This device can be used for trapping various types of cells and expanded to trap cells in the order of tens of thousands on 1-cm(2) scale area, as a promising tool to pattern large-scale single cells on specific substrates and facilitate on-chip cellular assay at the single cell level.

Double anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flap for oral perforated defect reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of oral perforated defect reconstruction with a double anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flap through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 2010 to August 2013, eight patients with oral perforated defects secondary to oral cancer ablation involving the superior partial mandible or the posterior partial maxilla, with immediate reconstruction by double anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flaps, were retrospectively enrolled into this study.

RESULTS

All double anterior flaps were musculocutaneous flaps. Seven double flaps resulted in good functional and aesthetic outcomes with complete flap survival. One patient required operative exploration in the postoperative period due to thrombosis in the external jugular vein. After the salvage, one of the double flaps in the intraoral region resulted in partial failure of the superficial skin of the flap. No functional impairment at the donor sites occurred in any of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The double anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh flap is a feasible and acceptable technique for reconstruction of an oral perforated defect involving the mandible or the maxilla through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach. It presents a very acceptable aesthetic and functional result with the additional advantage of low morbidity at the donor site.

Evolution of atomic rearrangements in deformation in metallic glasses

Atomic rearrangements induced by shear stress are fundamental for understanding deformation mechanisms in metallic glasses (MGs). Using molecular dynamic simulation, the atomic rearrangements characterized by nonaffine displacements (NADs) and their spatial distribution and evolution with tensile stress in Cu50Zr50 MG were investigated. It was found that in the elastic regime the atomic rearrangements with the largest NADs are relatively homogeneous in space, but exhibit strong spatial correlation, become localized and inhomogeneous, and form large clusters as strain increases, which may facilitate the so-called shear transformation zones. Furthermore, initially they prefer to take place around Cu atoms which have more nonicosahedral configurations. As strain increases, the preference decays and disappears in the plastic regime. The atomic rearrangements with the smallest NADs are preferentially located around Cu atoms, too, but with more icosahedral or icosahedral-like atomic configurations. The preference is maintained in the whole deformation process. In contrast, the atomic rearrangements with moderate NADs distribute homogeneously, and do not show explicit preference or spatial correlation, acting as matrix during deformation. Among the atomic rearrangements with different NADs, those with largest and smallest NADs are nearest neighbors initially, but separating with increasing strain, while those with largest and moderate NADs always avoid to each other. The correlations in the fluctuations of the NADs confirm the long-range strain correlation and the scale-free characteristic of NADs in both elastic and plastic deformation, which suggests a universality of the scaling in the plastic flow in MGs.

The equipment for the preparation of micro and nanoscale metallic glassy fibers

A supercooled liquid extraction method and apparatus for micro and nanoscale metallic glassy fiber preparation was developed. Using the fiber fabrication equipment, micro to nanoscale metallic glassy fibers with diameter ranging from 70 nm to 300 μm can be obtained by wire drawing in the supercooled liquid region of metallic glasses via superplastic deformation. The obtained metallic glassy fibers possess precisely designed and controlled sizes, high structural uniformity and high degree of surface smoothness.

Flow unit perspective on room temperature homogeneous plastic deformation in metallic glasses

A mandrel winding method, which can realize remarkable homogeneous plastic deformation at room temperature for various metallic glasses, is applied to characterize plastic flow units and study their relationship with macroscopic deformations and relaxations. The method can provide information on the activation energy, activation time, size, intrinsic relaxation time, distribution, and density of flow units. We find the plasticity of a metallic glass can be controlled through modulating the features of flow units. The results have benefits for better understanding the structural origins of deformations and relaxations, and for designing metallic glasses with improved performances.

Microscopic dynamics perspective on the relationship between Poisson's ratio and ductility of metallic glasses

In metallic glasses a clear correlation had been established between plasticity or ductility with the Poisson's ratio νPoisson and alternatively the ratio of the elastic bulk modulus to the shear modulus, K/G. Such a correlation between these two macroscopic mechanical properties is intriguing and is challenging to explain from the dynamics on a microscopic level. A recent experimental study has found a connection of ductility to the secondary β-relaxation in metallic glasses. The strain rate and temperature dependencies of the ductile-brittle transition are similar to the reciprocal of the secondary β-relaxation time, τβ. Moreover, metallic glass is more ductile if the relaxation strength of the β-relaxation is larger and τβ is shorter. The findings indicate the β-relaxation is related to and instrumental for ductility. On the other hand, K/G or νPoisson is related to the effective Debye-Waller factor (i.e., the non-ergodicity parameter), f0, characterizing the dynamics of a structural unit inside a cage formed by other units, and manifested as the nearly constant loss shown in the frequency dependent susceptibility. We make the connection of f0 to the non-exponentiality parameter n in the Kohlrausch stretched exponential correlation function of the structural α-relaxation function, ϕ(t)=exp[-(t/τα)(1-n)]. This connection follows from the fact that both f0 and n are determined by the inter-particle potential, and 1/f0 or (1 - f0) and n both increase with anharmonicity of the potential. A well tested result from the Coupling Model is used to show that τβ is completely determined by τα and n. From the string of relations, (i) K/G or νPoisson with 1/f0 or (1 - f0), (ii) 1/f0 or (1 - f0) with n, and (iii) τα and n with τβ, we arrive at the desired relation between K/G or νPoisson and τβ. On combining this relation with that between ductility and τβ, we have finally an explanation of the empirical correlation between ductility and the Poisson's ratio νPoisson or K/G based on microscopic dynamical properties.

Maxillary reconstruction using vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap and iliac bone through modified lateral lip-submandibular approach

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to demonstrate total maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment alone and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach. At the same time, three-dimensional virtual technology was performed as well.

METHODS

Nine patients suffering from total maxillary defects, who had undergone maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach, were reviewed for this study. Before the surgery, patients' computed tomography scan data were virtually analyzed using SimPlant Pro software (version 11.04).

RESULTS

Healing courses were uneventful in all patients; acceptable maxillomandibular relationship, mouth opening, and speech were assessed as normal in all. There were no long-term functional limitations of the lower limb, even though all complain of dysfunction of the first toe, which developed the deformity of the claw toe in the end. Other complications did not occur such as diplopia, ectropion, flap necrosis, facial paralysis, and sensory numbness in the lower lip.

CONCLUSIONS

The maxillary reconstruction using 1 vascularized fibular osteomyocutaneous flap segment and nonvascularized iliac crest bone through the modified lateral lip-submandibular approach is a feasible and acceptable technique because of multiple advantages. Combined with the three-dimensional virtual technology, the technique can improve the postoperative outcomes.

Origin of intermittent plastic flow and instability of shear band sliding in bulk metallic glasses

Intermittent or serrated plastic flow is widely observed in the deformation of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) or other disordered solids at low temperatures. However, the underlying physical process responsible for the phenomena is still poorly understood. Here, we give an interpretation of the serrated flow behavior in BMGs by relating the atomic-scale deformation with the macroscopic shear band behavior. Our theoretical analysis shows that serrated flow in fact arises from an intrinsic dynamic instability of the shear band sliding, which is determined by a critical stiffness parameter in stick-slip dynamics. Based on this, the transition from serrated to nonserrated flow with the strain rate or the temperature is well predicted and the effects of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors on shear band stability can be quantitatively analyzed in BMGs. Our results, which are verified by a series of compression tests on various BMGs, provide key ingredients to fundamentally understand serrated flow and may bridge the gap between the atomic-scale physics and the larger-scale shear band dynamics governing the deformation of BMGs.

Long-term efficacy of stereotactic bilateral anterior cingulotomy and bilateral anterior capsulotomy as a treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term efficacy and adverse effects of stereotactic bilateral anterior cingulotomy (BACI) and bilateral anterior capsulotomy (BACA) as a treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients.

METHODS

Seven patients suffering from refractory OCD underwent stereotactic surgery and were followed for 12 months. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the efficacy. The test was taken before and 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean Y-BOCS scores decreased significantly from 32.9 ± 4.7 at baseline to 20.6 ± 5.3 after 12 months. Five out of the 7 patients showed a decrease of more than 35%. During the 12-month follow-up, the effective rate had increased from 28.6 to 71.4%. There were no significant adverse effects observed after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The BACI and BACA were effective for the treatment of refractory OCD, and no significant adverse effects on long-term follow-up were found.

Anelasticity-induced increase of the Al-centered local symmetry in the metallic glass La50Ni15Al35

The mechanism of anelastic deformation of metallic glasses is a fundamental issue of materials physics. A critical step toward atomic level understanding is the identification of measurable atomic level structural parameters that respond to anelastic deformation. We demonstrate that the electric-field-gradient tensor measured by means of (27)Al nuclear magnetic resonance in glassy La50Ni15Al35 is such a parameter and it reveals that anelasticity induces atomic processes that lead to increases of local site symmetry at Al sites. Such atomic processes could play an important role in the reversible slow β process.

Correlation between β relaxation and self-diffusion of the smallest constituting atoms in metallic glasses

In multicomponent metallic glasses, we demonstrate that diffusion and secondary (β) relaxation are closely related. The diffusion motion of the smallest constituting atoms takes place within the temperature and time regimes where the β relaxations are activated, and, in particular, the two processes have similar activation energies. We suggest cooperative stringlike atomic motion plays an important role in both processes. This finding provides additional insights into the structural origin of the β relaxations as well as the mechanisms of diffusions in metallic glasses.

Computer-assisted virtual technology in intracapsular condylar fracture with two resorbable long-screws

Our aim was to fix intracapsular condylar fractures (ICF) with two resorbable long screws using preoperative computer-assisted virtual technology. From February 2008 to July 2011, 19 patients with ICF were treated with two resorbable long screws. Preoperatively we took panoramic radiographs and spiral computed tomography (CT). Depending on their digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data, the dislocated condylar segments were restored using the SimPlant Pro™ software, version 11.04. The mean (SD) widths of the condylar head and neck from lateral to medial were 19.01 (1.28)mm and 13.84 (1.13)mm, respectively. In all patients, the mandibles and the ICF seen intraoperatively corresponded with the preoperative three-dimensional and virtual reposition. All patients were followed up for 6-46 months (mean 21). Occlusion and mouth opening had been restored completely in all but one patient, and absolute anatomical reduction was also achieved in most cases. Computer-assisted virtual technology plays an important part in the diagnosis of ICF, as well as in its preoperative design. Fixation with only two resorbable long screws is an effective and reliable method for fixing ICF.

Tensile plasticity in metallic glasses with pronounced β relaxations

Metallic glasses are commonly brittle, as they generally fail catastrophically under uniaxial tension. Here we show pronounced macroscopic tensile plasticity achieved in a La-based metallic glass which possesses strong β relaxations and nanoscale heterogeneous structures. We demonstrate that the β relaxation is closely correlated with the activation of the structural units of plastic deformations and global plasticity, and the transition from brittle to ductile in tension and the activation of the β relaxations follow a similar time-temperature scaling relationship. The results have implications for understanding the mechanisms of plastic deformation and structural origin of β relaxations as well as for solving the brittleness in metallic glasses.