The earliest human occupation of the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau 40 thousand to 30 thousand years ago

The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and one of the most demanding environments ever inhabited by humans. We investigated the timing and mechanisms of its initial colonization at the Nwya Devu site, located nearly 4600 meters above sea level. This site, dating from 40,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest Paleolithic archaeological site yet identified globally. Nwya Devu has yielded an abundant blade tool assemblage, indicating hitherto-unknown capacities for the survival of modern humans who camped in this environment. This site deepens the history of the peopling of the "roof of the world" and the antiquity of human high-altitude occupations more generally.

Biomechanics of Blast TBI With Time-Resolved Consecutive Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Loads

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has become a signature casualty of recent military operations. In spite of significant clinical and preclinical TBI research, current understanding of injury mechanisms and short- and long-term outcomes is limited. Mathematical models of bTBI biomechanics may help in better understanding of injury mechanisms and in the development of improved neuroprotective strategies. Until present, bTBI has been analyzed as a single event of a blast pressure wave propagating through the brain. In many bTBI events, the loads on the body and the head are spatially and temporarily distributed, involving the primary intracranial pressure wave, followed by the head rotation and then by head impact on the ground. In such cases, the brain microstructures may experience time/space distributed (consecutive) damage and recovery events. The paper presents a novel multiscale simulation framework that couples the body/brain scale biomechanics with micro-scale mechanobiology to study the effects of micro-damage to neuro-axonal structures. Our results show that the micro-mechanical responses of neuro-axonal structures occur sequentially in time with “damage” and “relaxation” periods in different parts of the brain. A new integrated computational framework is described coupling the brain-scale biomechanics with micro-mechanical damage to axonal and synaptic structures.

[A large scale cohort study on AIDS in communities in Dali, Yunnan province, 2014-2015]

Objective: To understand HIV incidence in community residents and epidemiological characteristics of newly detected HIV infection cases in Dali, Yunnan province. Methods: A cohort study was conducted among 146 720 community residents who were tested to be HIV negative during 2010-2011, they were followed-up from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Results: A total of 136 356 community residents received follow up (92.9%). The follow-up time was 0.23-5.40 years (medium: 3.43 years), cumulatively 459 675 person years, and 78 people were found to be HIV positive. The incidence rate of HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years. The incidence rate was 0.037/1 000 person years in age group 15-29 years, 0.288/1 000 person years in age group 30-44 years, 0.210/1 000 person years in age group 45-59 years, 0.204/1 000 person years in age ≥60 years; 0.213/1 000 person years in males, 0.130/1 000 person years in females; 0.248/1 000 person years in Han ethnic group, 0.149/1 000 person years in Minorities; 0.194/1 000 in people with education level ≤ junior middle school, 0.046/1 000 person years in people with education level > junior middle school; 0.070/1 000 person years in the unmarried, 0.194/1 000 person years in the married and 0.425/1 000 person years in the divorced/widowed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that being male (HR=1.731), aged 30-44 years (HR=13.158), aged 45-59 years (HR=10.329), aged ≥60 years (HR=8.291), unmarried (HR=3.162) and divorced/widowed (HR=2.689) were the risk factors for HIV infection, while the education level > junior middle school (HR=0.132) was the protective factor for HIV infection. Conclusions: By medium 3.43 years follow up, the cohort study showed that incidence rate HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years in the community residents in Dali. Male, middle aged and old people, people with low education level, the unmarried and the divorced/widowed had relatively higher risk to be infected with HIV, Close attention should be paid to the prevention and control of AIDS in these populations.

Robust Twin Pairs of Weyl Fermions in Ferromagnetic Oxides

The ferromagnetic Weyl semimetals with inversion symmetry usually possess odd pairs of Weyl fermions. Here, we present an inversion eigenvalue argument to dictate the existence of even pairs of ferromagnetic Weyl fermions. We show, by a combination of first-principles calculations and symmetry analyses, that this exotic topological feature can be verified in ferromagnetic oxides in different space groups. In particular, a realistic candidate, i.e., hollandite RbCr_{4}O_{8} with a high Curie temperature (∼295  K), hosts intriguing twin pairs of Weyl fermions, which are robustly stable against perturbations. Moreover, our effective model and symmetry analysis show that the twin pairs of Weyl fermions originate from a mirrored nodal ring pair. The nontrivial surface states and Fermi arcs of RbCr_{4}O_{8} are clearly visible, further revealing the topological features. This work strengthens the understanding of the parity analysis in exploring ferromagnetic topological materials with unconventional fermionic excitations.

Velocity-space sensitivity of time-of-flight neutron spectrometer at EAST in deuterium plasma

The Time-Of-Flight Enhanced Diagnostics (TOFED) neutron spectrometer with a double-ring structure has been installed at the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to perform advanced neutron emission spectroscopy diagnosis for deuterium plasma. In order to reduce the random coincidence from the background neutrons and gamma-rays, TOFED was moved outside the experimental hall and placed in the newly-built nuclear diagnostics laboratory in 2017. In this paper, the instrument-specific weight functions of TOFED are derived by taking the instrument response matrix and the radial line of sight in this new layout into consideration. The results show that the instrument is predominantly sensitive to counter-passing particles in the region where time-of-flights < 69.4 ns, while events at higher time-of-flights (corresponding lower neutron energies) are mostly representative of co-passing ions. The instrument-specific weight functions express the relationship between data in a given channel of the spectrum and the velocity space region that contributes to that. The results can be applied for energetic particle physics studies at EAST, in particular to compare data from different diagnostic techniques.

[Biomonitoring application in the exposome assessment]

Biomonitoring can be applied to assess internal exposure and environmental exposure by exposure markers with providing internal exposure to biological characterization and individual exposure information, which is a key tool to evaluate the risk exposure to disease by biological alternation information. With the development of high throughput, broad spectrum and high efficiency screening and detection technology, biomonitoring is defined as traditional biological monitoring (targeted monitoring) and non targeted monitoring analysis (exposomic approaches). An exposomic approach differs from traditional biomonitoring in that it can theoretically include all exposures of potential health significance, whether they are derived from exogenous sources. Both traditional and nontraditional biomonitoring methods should be used to understand the complexity of exposures faced throughout the lifespan. Through hybrid approaches, emerging techniques and the integration of bioinformatics, and developing the detection methods for low abundance chemicals, improving the differentiation ability between endogenous and exogenous chemical, the health outcomes and exposures can be widely recognized and characterized, which can finally contribute to improving the precise prevention and intervention for diseases under the new exposomic model.

[Feasibility and safety of paclitaxel-eluting balloon for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of treating de novo coronary lesions with paclitaxel-eluting balloon. Methods: This is a retrospective study, which enrolled 76 patients with 80 de novo coronary lesions treated with paclitaxel-eluting balloons(<30% residual stenosis and there was no blood flow limited dissection after pretreatment) from April 2015 to November 2016 in Guangdong general hospital. The data of basic characteristics,procedures,devices and follow-up information were retrieved and analyzed. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization. Results: (1)The age was (63.3±10.3) years. There were 68.4%(52/76) acute coronary syndrome patients, prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 36.8%(28/76), and 64.5%(49/76)patients with at least one high bleeding risk. (2)The lesion length was (17.4±7.6)mm, and the stenosis was (88.1±8.2)%.The reference vessel diameter≥2.75 mm accounted for 51.2% (41/80), and bifurcation stenosis accounted for 67.5%(54/80). (3)53.7%(43/80) lesions were pretreated with scoring balloon to optimize plaque modification. The paclitaxel-eluting balloon length and diameter were (22.3±5.5)mm and (2.74±0.52)mm.The residual stenosis was (12.3±10.3)%. Procedural success was 88.8%(71/80).Bail-out stenting rate was 5.0%(4/80). (4)The median follow-up duration was 12(6, 25) months. Primary endpoint occurred in 3 cases (3.9%), including 2 cardiac deaths(1 patient died of recurrent myocardial infarction, and 1 patient died of acute heart failure induced by severe mitral insufficiency), and one patient receivedtarget lesion revascularization. Conclusion: In case of no more than 30% residual stenosis and no blood flow limited dissection after lesion pretreatment,it is safe and feasible to treat de novo coronary lesionsusing paclitaxel-eluting balloon.

[Experts consensus on the management of the right heart function in critically ill patients]

To establish the experts consensus on the right heart function management in critically ill patients. The panel of consensus was composed of 30 experts in critical care medicine who are all members of Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaboration Group (CHTC Group). Each statement was assessed based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) principle. Then the Delphi method was adopted by 52 experts to reassess all the statements. (1) Right heart function is prone to be affected in critically illness, which will result in a auto-exaggerated vicious cycle. (2) Right heart function management is a key step of the hemodynamic therapy in critically ill patients. (3) Fluid resuscitation means the process of fluid therapy through rapid adjustment of intravascular volume aiming to improve tissue perfusion. Reversed fluid resuscitation means reducing volume. (4) The right ventricle afterload should be taken into consideration when using stroke volume variation (SVV) or pulse pressure variation (PPV) to assess fluid responsiveness.(5)Volume overload alone could lead to septal displacement and damage the diastolic function of the left ventricle. (6) The Starling curve of the right ventricle is not the same as the one applied to the left ventricle,the judgement of the different states for the right ventricle is the key of volume management. (7) The alteration of right heart function has its own characteristics, volume assessment and adjustment is an important part of the treatment of right ventricular dysfunction (8) Right ventricular enlargement is the prerequisite for increased cardiac output during reversed fluid resuscitation; Nonetheless, right heart enlargement does not mandate reversed fluid resuscitation.(9)Increased pulmonary vascular resistance induced by a variety of factors could affect right heart function by obstructing the blood flow. (10) When pulmonary hypertension was detected in clinical scenario, the differentiation of critical care-related pulmonary hypertension should be a priority. (11) Attention should be paid to the change of right heart function before and after implementation of mechanical ventilation and adjustment of ventilator parameter. (12) The pulmonary arterial pressure should be monitored timingly when dealing with critical care-related pulmonary hypertension accompanied with circulatory failure.(13) The elevation of pulmonary aterial pressure should be taken into account in critical patients with acute right heart dysfunction. (14) Prone position ventilation is an important measure to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance when treating acute respiratory distress syndrome patients accompanied with acute cor pulmonale. (15) Attention should be paid to right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling during the management of right heart function. (16) Right ventricular diastolic function is more prone to be affected in critically ill patients, the application of critical ultrasound is more conducive to quantitative assessment of right ventricular diastolic function. (17) As one of the parameters to assess the filling pressure of right heart, central venous pressure can be used to assess right heart diastolic function. (18). The early and prominent manifestation of non-focal cardiac tamponade is right ventricular diastolic involvement, the elevated right atrial pressure should be noticed. (19) The effect of increased intrathoracic pressure on right heart diastolic function should be valued. (20) Ttricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an important parameter that reflects right ventricular systolic function, and it is recommended as a general indicator of critically ill patient. (21) Circulation management with right heart protection as the core strategy is the key point of the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. (22) Right heart function involvement after cardiac surgery is very common and should be highly valued. (23) Right ventricular dysfunction should not be considered as a routine excuse for maintaining higher central venous pressure. (24) When left ventricular dilation, attention should be paid to the effect of left ventricle on right ventricular diastolic function. (25) The impact of left ventricular function should be excluded when the contractility of the right ventricle is decreased. (26) When the right heart load increases acutely, the shunt between the left and right heart should be monitored. (27) Attention should be paid to the increase of central venous pressure caused by right ventricular dysfunction and its influence on microcirculation blood flow. (28) When the vasoactive drugs was used to reduce the pressure of pulmonary circulation, different effects on pulmonary and systemic circulation should be evaluated. (29) Right atrial pressure is an important factor affecting venous return. Attention should be paid to the influence of the pressure composition of the right atrium on the venous return. (30) Attention should be paid to the role of the right ventricle in the acute pulmonary edema. (31) Monitoring the difference between the mean systemic filling pressure and the right atrial pressure is helpful to determine whether the infusion increases the venous return. (32) Venous return resistance is often considered to be a insignificant factor that affects venous return, but attention should be paid to the effect of the specific pathophysiological status, such as intrathoracic hypertension, intra-abdominal hypertension and so on. Consensus can promote right heart function management in critically ill patients, optimize hemodynamic therapy, and even affect prognosis.

Computational modeling of drug transport across the in vitro cornea

A novel quasi-3D (Q3D) modeling approach was developed to model networks of one dimensional structures like tubes and vessels common in human anatomy such as vascular and lymphatic systems, neural networks, and respiratory airways. Instead of a branching network of the same tissue type, this approach was extended to model an interconnected stack of different corneal tissue layers with membrane junction conditions assigned between the tissues. The multi-laminate structure of the cornea presents a unique barrier design and opportunity for investigation using Q3D modeling. A Q3D model of an in vitro rabbit cornea was created to simulate the drug transport across the cornea, accounting for transcellular and paracellular pathways of passive and convective drug transport as well as physicochemistry of lipophilic partitioning and protein binding. Lipophilic Rhodamine B and hydrophilic fluorescein were used as drug analogs. The model predictions for both hydrophilic and lipophilic tracers were able to match the experimental measurements along with the sharp discontinuities at the epithelium-stroma and stroma-endothelium interfaces. This new modeling approach was successfully applied towards pharmacokinetic modeling for use in topical ophthalmic drug design.

[Evaluation of health effect among occupational population exposed to nano-titanium dioxide: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To characterize the health effects of nano-titanium dioxide exposure in an occupational cohort. Methods: Eighty-five male employees of a nano-titanium dioxide manufacturing enterprise in Shandong Province were evaluated in September 2014. Forty-four were exposed to nano-titanium dioxide (exposure group), and 41 were not exposed to nano-titanium dioxide (control group). We collected employees' basic information, smoking and drinking history, previous medical history, family history, and occupational history. Differences in blood pressure, hematological parameters, and blood biochemistry between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of nano-titanium dioxide exposure on blood pressure, hematological parameters, and blood biochemistry indices after controlling for age, smoking, drinking, and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-five employees from the exposure group and 25 employees from the control group were selected at random for measurement of genetic damage by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Poisson regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of nano-titanium dioxide exposure on micronucleus frequency or micronucleus cell frequency after controlling for age, smoking, drinking, and BMI. Results: The median (P₂₅-P₇₅) surface area concentration of particles deposited in the tracheobronchial region, the surface area concentration of particles deposited in the alveolar region, and particle number concentration in the exposure group were 35.35(24.31-57.42) μ m²/cm³, 173.09(116.27-270.72) μ m²/cm³, and 40 244.00 (17 803.50-78 679.00) /cm³, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those in the control group 33.90 (27.44-43.29) μm²/cm³, 150.50(125.82-192.87)μm²/cm³, and 18 721.00 (12 721.00-51 898.50)/cm³, respectively. Z values were 15.47, 15.96, and 14.54, respectively (P<0.001 for all three values). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that exposure to nano-titanium dioxide contributed most to the alteration of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, creatinine, and LDL-C, with standardized regression coefficients of 0.23, -0.51, and 0.30, respectively (P<0.05 for all three values), after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, and BMI. There were no significant differences in micronucleus frequency and micronucleus cell frequency between the exposure group (3.00‰ (1.50‰-5.00‰) and 3.00‰ (2.00‰-4.00‰), respectively) and control group (2.00‰ (1.00‰-4.50‰) and 2.00‰ (1.00‰-4.00‰), respectively); P>0.05 for all comparisons. Poisson regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, and BMI, there was still no statistically significant correlation between nano-titanium dioxide exposure and micronucleus frequency (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 0.81-1.54) or micronucleus cell frequency (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 0.75-1.51); P>0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion: Nano-titanium dioxide particles exerted some health effects on the occupationally-exposed cohort, whose hematological parameters and blood biochemistry were influenced to some degree. However, a potential link between occupational exposure to nano-titanium dioxide and blood pressure or induction of genetic damage or was not found.

A quasi-3D wire approach to model pulmonary airflow in human airways

The models used for modeling the airflow in the human airways are either 0-dimensional compartmental or full 3-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. In the former, airways are treated as compartments, and the computations are performed with several assumptions, thereby generating a low-fidelity solution. The CFD method displays extremely high fidelity since the solution is obtained by solving the conservation equations in a physiologically consistent geometry. However, CFD models (1) require millions of degrees of freedom to accurately describe the geometry and to reduce the discretization errors, (2) have convergence problems, and (3) require several days to simulate a few breathing cycles. In this paper, we present a novel, fast-running, and robust quasi-3D wire model for modeling the airflow in the human lung airway. The wire mesh is obtained by contracting the high-fidelity lung airway surface mesh to a system of connected wires, with well-defined radii. The conservation equations are then solved in each wire. These wire meshes have around O(1000) degrees of freedom and hence are 3000 to 25 000 times faster than their CFD counterparts. The 3D spatial nature is also preserved since these wires are contracted out of the actual lung STL surface. The pressure readings between the 2 approaches showed minor difference (maximum error = 15%). In general, this formulation is fast and robust, allows geometric changes, and delivers high-fidelity solutions. Hence, this approach has great potential for more complicated problems including modeling of constricted/diseased lung sections and for calibrating the lung flow resistances through parameter inversion.

[Application of long term video electroencephalogram and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in detection of cognition in patients with benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes]

Objective: To study the relationship between the changes of brain network and cognition in patients with benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) by using long term video electroencephalogram (VEEG) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) technology. Methods: Eleven patients with right-handed were recruited (from April 2015 to September 2016) from epilepsy specialist outpatients and functional department of neurosurgery of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. They all underwent the long term VEEG monitoring (one sleep cycle was included at least). According to the spike-wave index (SWI) during slow ware sleep, they were divided into two groups: SWI<50% (5 cases) and SWI≥50% (6 cases). All the patients were assessed with cognitional test including language, execution, memory and attention. They also underwent the head MRI, RS-fMRI examinations. Then the results were comparatively analysed. Results: (1)There were no statisticaly significance in sex, age, age of onset, disease course, total number of seizures, years of education (P>0.05). The Full Intelligence Quotient (FIQ) (87±18), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) (88±15) and Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) (89±20) of SWI≥50% group were lower than SWI<50% group(118±8, 114±11, 119±5) and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). (2)There was a negative correlation between the FIQ (P=0.002), VIQ (P=0.006), PIQ (P=0.001) and SWI. The FIQ, VIQ and PIQ had no correlation with the sex, age, age of onset, disease course, total number of seizures, years of education (P>0.05). (3)Compared with SWI<50% group, SWI≥50% group showed increased regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the bilateral precentral gyrus, premotor area and the subcortical structure, the right temporal lobe and the bilateral insular lobe(P<0.05); while they showed decreased ReHo in the posterior cingulate gyrus, right posterior inferior temporal lobe and right occipital lobe(P<0.05). Conclusion: The change of the brain network which is caused by the paradoxical and constant discharge during slow ware sleep in patients with BECTS may affect the development of cognition.

[Pre- and post-orthotopic heart transplantation electrocardiogram characteristics of 998 patients]

Objective: To analyze pre- and post-operation electrocardiograms (ECGs) features of patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), and provide evidences for identifying and analyzing post OHT ECGs. Methods: Nine hundreds and ninty-eight pre- and post- OHT standard 12-leads ECGs from 110 consecutive patients, who underwent OHT in our hospital from May 2008 to May 2014, were analyzed. Results: The mean heart rate(HR)was (86.9±16.4) beats per minute before OHT, and (100.0±0.4) beats per minute after OHT. P wave's amplitude, duration, amplitude multiplied by duration of donor heart in lead Ⅱ were (0.124±0.069)mV, (111.1±17.2)ms, (14.34±9.51)mV·ms before OHT; (0.054±0.037)mV, (86.9±27.0)ms, (5.02±4.03)mV·ms at 1 month after OHT; (0.073±0.049)mV, (93.9±17.5) ms, (7.00±4.81)mV·ms at 6 years after OHT. ECGs rotation occurred in 83.64%(92/110) patients after OHT, and prevalence of clockwise rotation was 76.36%(84/110). Sinus tachycardia was evidenced in 99.09%(109/110) patients after OHT, and incomplete right bundle branch block was present in 60.91%(67/110) patients after OHT. Pseudo complete atrioventricular block mostly occurred at 2 days after OHT. Prevalence of double sinus rhythm was 27.95%(263/941) post OHT, 40% of them occurred between the 1st and the 2nd month post OHT; the atrial rate of recipient hearts was (104.0±10.2) beats per minucte between the 3rd and the 6th month post OHT, and was (95.3±4.2) beats per minucte between the 4th year and the 5th year. P wave's amplitude, duration, amplitude multiplied by duration of recipient heart in lead Ⅱ were (0.066±0.055) mV, (52.8±34.7) ms, (4.67±4.95) mV·ms at 1 month after OHT, (0.043±0.040)mV, (44.4±40.5) ms , (3.11±3.61) mV·ms between the 1st year and 2nd year after OHT. The absolute value of P-wave(originating from the donor heart) terminal force in chest leads increased in 48.99%(461/941) patients post OHT, the P-wave terminal force of V(1) , V(2) and V(3) were -0.044(-0.066, -0.028), -0.060(-0.087, -0.038), -0.035(-0.056, 0) mm·s. Notched P wave in chest leads was presented in 10.31%(97/941) patients post OHT. PR segment depression in chest leads occurred in 60.24%(100/166) patients between the 3rd month and the 6th month, the incidence of PR segment depression in V(1) , V(2) and V(3) was 21.04%(198/941), 37.41%(352/941) and 28.69%(270/941), respectively. Conclusions: OHT is related to significantly changed ECGs. The mean HR increased significantly after OHT, then decreased gradually after half a year to one year, but it was still higher than preoperative mean HR after five or six years; the P waves of donor heart were usually inconspicuous or small in first month after OHT, and they became bigger after 2 months, and their duration and amplitude then became relatively steady afterwards. ECGs rotation, especially the clockwise rotation, was common post OHT. A variety of arrhythmias originating from the donor heart including sinus tachycardia and incomplete right bundle branch block could be found. Pseudo complete atrioventricular block could also be found in the early phase after OHT. With the extension of time, the incidence of double sinus rhythm reduced gradually. The atrial rate and P wave of recipient heart presented with a tendency to become lower. The absolute value of P-waves(originating from the donor heart) terminal force in chest leads (mainly V(1), V(2) and V(3)) increased, notched P waves in chest leads (mainly V(1), V(2)) and PR segments depression in chest leads (mainly V(2), V(3) and V(4)) also belong to typical post OHT ECGs features.

Three-dimensional cavity nanoantennas with resonant-enhanced surface plasmons as dynamic color-tuning reflectors

As plasmonic antennas for surface-plasmon-assisted control of optical fields at specific frequencies, metallic nanostructures have recently emerged as crucial optical components for fascinating plasmonic color engineering. Particularly, plasmonic resonant nanocavities can concentrate lightwave energy to strongly enhance light-matter interactions, making them ideal candidates as optical elements for fine-tuning color displays. Inspired by the color mixing effect found on butterfly wings, a new type of plasmonic, multiresonant, narrow-band (the minimum is about 45 nm), high-reflectance (the maximum is about 95%), and dynamic color-tuning reflector is developed. This is achieved from periodic patterns of plasmonic resonant nanocavities in free-standing capped-pillar nanostructure arrays. Such cavity-coupling structures exhibit multiple narrow-band selective and continuously tunable reflections via plasmon standing-wave resonances. Consequently, they can produce a variety of dark-field vibrant reflective colors with good quality, strong color signal and fine tonal variation at the optical diffraction limit. This proposed multicolor scheme provides an elegant strategy for realizing personalized and customized applications in ultracompact photonic data storage and steganography, colorimetric sensing, 3D holograms and other plasmon-assisted photonic devices.

Measurement and simulation of the response function of time of flight enhanced diagnostics neutron spectrometer for beam ion studies at EAST tokamak

The 2.5 MeV TOFED (Time-Of-Flight Enhanced Diagnostics) neutron spectrometer with a double-ring structure has been installed at Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to perform advanced neutron emission spectroscopy diagnosis of deuterium plasmas. This work describes the response function of the TOFED spectrometer, which is evaluated for the fully assembled instrument in its final layout. Results from Monte Carlo simulations and dedicated experiments with pulsed light sources are presented and used to determine properties of light transport from the scintillator. A GEANT4 model of the TOFED spectrometer was developed to calculate the instrument response matrix. The simulated TOFED response function was successfully benchmarked against measurements of the time-of-flight spectra for quasi-monoenergetic neutrons in the energy range of 1-4 MeV. The results are discussed in relation to the capability of TOFED to perform beam ion studies on EAST.

Neutron emission spectroscopy of DT plasmas at enhanced energy resolution with diamond detectors

This work presents measurements done at the Peking University Van de Graaff neutron source of the response of single crystal synthetic diamond (SD) detectors to quasi-monoenergetic neutrons of 14-20 MeV. The results show an energy resolution of 1% for incoming 20 MeV neutrons, which, together with 1% detection efficiency, opens up to new prospects for fast ion physics studies in high performance nuclear fusion devices such as SD neutron spectrometry of deuterium-tritium plasmas heated by neutral beam injection.

Response function of single crystal synthetic diamond detectors to 1-4 MeV neutrons for spectroscopy of D plasmas

A Single-crystal Diamond (SD) detector prototype was installed at Joint European Torus (JET) in 2013 and the achieved results have shown its spectroscopic capability of measuring 2.5 MeV neutrons from deuterium plasmas. This paper presents measurements of the SD response function to monoenergetic neutrons, which is a key point for the development of a neutron spectrometer based on SDs and compares them with Monte Carlo simulations. The analysis procedure allows for a good reconstruction of the experimental results. The good pulse height energy resolution (equivalent FWHM of 80 keV at 2.5 MeV), gain stability, insensitivity to magnetic field, and compact size make SDs attractive as compact neutron spectrometers of high flux deuterium plasmas, such as for instance those needed for the ITER neutron camera.

[Resting-state functional magnetic resonance study of the brain's network of the temporal lobe epilepsy patients with depression]

OBJECTIVE

To study brain networks of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to investigate whether TLE brain dysfunction have an impact on depression, using resting state functional magnetic resonance (RS-fMRI) detection technology.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients with TLE were included in this study. According to Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton's Depression Scale (HAMD)-17 score, we divided them into two groups: depression group 9 cases, non-depression group 9 cases. All patients underwent 3.0T MRI , RS-fMRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examinations and then the results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Disease course of depression group was longer than non-depression group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). RS-fMRI examination showed that depression group had more active brain areas and more extral temporal active areas than non-depression group (P<0.05). By compared with the non-depression group, we found more strong active brain areas including thalamus, and the default-mode network which involved in prefrontal cortex, precuneus, ventral anterior cingulate and hippocampus. We found the NAA and NAA/Cho+ Cr of the hippocampus which were ipsilateral to the advantage discharge side were decreased in 5/9 cases with depression in MRS and 3/5 cases had hippocampal atrophy, while the non-depression group had no obvious abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

The brain default-mode network activity in TLE patients with depression is increased and there is more extral temporal activation than the non-depression group; furthermore abnormal hippocampus structure is more common in depression group, which suggests that epileptic brain dysfunction may affect the development of depression.

[Effects of cystectomy for ovary benign cyst on ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycle]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of previous cystectomy for ovary benign cyst on ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) cycles.

METHODS

Totally 622 infertility patients were retrospectively investigated who underwent first IVF/ICSI-ET cycle in Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from January 2013 to June 2014. There were 153 cases who had been removed ovarian cyst by cystectomy surgeries recruited as study group, in which 44 cases of ovarian endometriosis cyst, 35 cases of benign ovarian teratomas, 67 cases of simple ovarian cyst and 7 cases of ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. In contrast, 469 infertility patients with tubal-factor infertility or male factor were included as control group. The age-matched women in the control group had no ovarian surgery previously. The indicators of ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome were analyzed between two groups. The influence of different types of ovarian cysts on ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI-ET cycles were also studied, ovarian endometriosis cyst was studied as Group A, and Group B consisted of benign ovarian teratomas, simple ovarian cyst and mucinous cystadenoma.

RESULTS

(1) The significantly lower serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) level (median: 1.92 versus 2.90 mg/L), antral follicle count (AFC; median: 12.0 versus 13.0), retrieved oocytes (12±5 versus 13±6) and the number of embryo cryopreserved (median: 1.0 versus 3.0) were found in study group compared with control group (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between two group for the following parameters, such as basal FSH level, the total dosage of gonadotropin duration and the total dosage of gonadotropin (all P>0.05). A better clinical pregnancy rate was achieved in control group (61.6%, 241/391) than that in study group (61.4%, 81/132), but no significant difference was existed (P=0.96). (2) Compared to Group B, Group A had fewer AFC, lower serum AMH level, retrieved oocytes and the number of embryo cryopreserved (11±4 versus 13±5; 1.65 versus 2.15 mg/L; 9±4 versus 13±5; 0 versus 2.0; all P< 0.01). There was a lower clinical pregnancy rate in Group A than that in Group B [50.0% (19/38) versus 66.0% (62/94)], accompanying with higher abortion rate [3/19 versus 9.7% (6/62)], but no differences were observed (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian reserve declines after the cystectomy for ovarian benign cysts and the cystectomy has a negative impact on IVF/ICSI-ET cycle, resulting in a decrease of the number of retrieved oocytes and the number of embryo cryopreserved, but do not influence clinical pregnancy outcome. Ovarian reserve is impaired more seriously by cystectomy for ovarian endometriosis cyst than other ovarian benign cyst.

[Stereotactic brain biopsy guided by iMRI co-registration combined with PET/CT]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical value of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) coregistration combined with position emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in stereotactic brain biopsy.

METHODS

Forty nine patients with intracranial lesions were operated by stereotactic biopsy from June 2010 to June 2015 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. Seventeen patient's operation was guided by iMRI only (group A), thirty two patients' operation was guided by iMRI and PET/CT (group B). The diagnosis success rate and operation related complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

PET/CT and iMRI were integrated successfully in all cases of group B. Fourteen patients (82.4%) of group A and all 32 patients (100%) of group B had final diagnosis confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical observation. The diagnosis success rate of group B was higher than group A (P<0.05). There were 5 patients in total who had postoperative complication, 2 (11.8%) in group A and 3 (9.3%) in group B, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

PET/CT based metabolic imaging can be automatically integrated with standard MRI guided stereotactic biopsy. Compared with iMRI only, the combined treatment improves diagnosis success rate without increasing complications; it's safe, and has high clinical efficacy.

Cloning and characterization of defense-related genes from Populus szechuanica infected with rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina

Characterization of defense-related genes is critical for breeding disease-resistant poplar varieties and for better management and control of leaf rust disease. In the present study, full-length cDNAs of five Populus szechuanica defense-related (PsDR) genes, pathogen-related protein 1 (PsPR1), β-1,3-glucanase (PsGns), thaumatin-like protein 1 (PsTLP1), thaumatin-like protein 2 (PsTLP2), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PsPAL), were cloned from the leaves of P. szechuanica infected with Melampsora larici-populina (MLP). PsPR1 (728 bp), PsGns (1189 bp), PsTLP1 (929 bp), PsTLP2 (885 bp), and PsPAL (2586 bp) were predicted to encode 161, 347, 245, 225, and 711 amino acid residue-containing proteins with isoelectric points of 8.53, 4.96, 4.51, 7.32, and 5.87, respectively. Moreover, the deduced PsDR proteins displayed more than 90% similarity to proteins from other Populus species. In response to the avirulent isolate, Sb052, and the virulent isolate, Th053, of MLP, the expression of PsDR genes was rapidly up-regulated in the leaves of P. szechuanica, peaked at 2 or 7 days post-inoculation (dpi), with levels in the incompatible interaction being higher than those in the compatible interaction. Meanwhile, the expression of PsDR genes (except for PsGns) was also differentially up-regulated at 3, 7, or 18 dpi in the petioles of the infected leaves, leaves next to the inoculated leaves, and in the top buds of the infected plants, respectively, compared to that at 0 dpi. These results suggest that these PsDR genes could play distinctive roles in the defense response of poplar against rust infection.