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Aging could regulate many biological processes in malignancies by regulating cell senescence. Consensus cluster analysis was conducted to differentiate TCGA sarcoma cases. LASSO cox regression analysis was performed to construct an aging-related prognostic signature. We identified two categories of TCGA-sarcoma with significant difference in prognosis, immune infiltration and chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Moreover, an aging-related prognostic signature was constructed for sarcoma, which had a good performance in predicting the 3-year and 5-year overall survival of sarcoma patients. We also identified a lncRNA MALAT1/miR-508-3p/CCNA2 regulatory axis for sarcoma. This stratification could provide more evidence for estimating prognosis and immunotherapy of sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite remote sensing has been widely utilized for petroleum detection offshore since oil spill is normally widespread. However, the onshore hydrocarbon detection is insufficient because the lower spectral resolution of previous satellites made it difficult to identify small scales of seepages. In this study, a dataset of the High-Resolution 5 satellite (GF-5) of China was chosen to directly detect hydrocarbon seeps in the Karamay area. First, an IDL program was used to remove the vertical tripe noise of the image to ensure the high quality of the image. Second, use principal component analysis (PCA) was combined with the classification and regression trees (CART) method RuleGen to process the image. The detected hydrocarbon information was enhanced by RGB color synthesis. The results show that the methods can detect hydrocarbon effectively. Field verification results show that the accuracy is 86.5%. This study provides an effective method for hydrocarbon detection using GF-5 data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a casting improvement process to enable the casting of Al-Cu alloy cylinder heads to achieve the required quality. The hot tearing defects generated in the fire face of the cylinder head during casting were simulated using MAGMA software. The simulation results show that the large wall thickness transition difference in the fire face of the cylinder head is the reason for the large temperature and stress gradient during solidification. Therefore, the first solution was optimised by forming the fire face as a whole into a flat plate, but the fire face centre area stress is still too high. The second optimisation option optimises the cold iron structure of the fire face, the probability of cracking in the fire face is reduced to 17%. These results have important reference significance for the optimisation of the Al-Cu alloy cylinder head hot tearing problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of T cells in controlling human cancers is well known. Their success requires continued persistence in vivo and efficient trafficking to tumor sites, requirements shared by other effectors such as Natural Killer (NK) cells. To date, cytokine IL2 remains the only clinically approved cytokine therapy available to expand, maintain, and activate these effector lymphoid cells, but toxicities can be severe. Cytokine IL15 offers similar T cell proliferation and activation properties, but without the unwanted side- effects seen with IL2. Several IL15-cytokine fusion proteins have been developed to improve their in vivo function, typically exploiting the IL15Rα to complex with IL15, to extend serum half-life and increase affinity for IL15β receptor on immune cells. Here we describe a novel IL15 complex incorporating the full- length IL15Ra to complex with wild type IL15 to form spontaneous trimers of dimers (6 IL15 + 6 IL15Rα) during co-expression, resulting in a substantial increase in serum half-life and enhancement of in vivo cytokine effect on IgG or T cell engaging antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicities, when compared to alternative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing techniques are widely used during petroleum exploration. However, limitations in spectral and spatial resolution mean that these techniques are used mainly to detect hydrocarbons either indirectly or under laboratory conditions. To investigate the spectral signatures of natural hydrocarbon-bearing features, we took spectral measurements from oil seeps and associated hydrocarbon-bearing materials in Karamay city, northwest China. The hydrocarbon content of 16 hydrocarbon-bearing samples was also determined to study the relationship between hydrocarbon content and spectral absorption. The results reveal a positive correlation between spectral absorption intensities at 1725 nm and hydrocarbon contents of >1 wt%. Thus, surface hydrocarbon content can be direct detection above a detection limit of around 1 wt% using this method. This result is not only instructive for petroleum exploration, but also important for environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study on the fatigue behavior of composite concrete specimen (CCS). An experimental program was conducted to obtain the fatigue-behavior of CCS at various stress ratios. Fifty-six CCS specimens of size 400 × 100 × 100 m m were tested under four-point flexural fatigue loading. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the interface between CA mortar and concrete materials, a surface analysis technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation was used in this study. Parallel with the SEM observations, the pore size distribution of CA mortar was studied by using BJH method. It is found that there exist obvious differences of flexural fatigue behavior between CCS and plain concrete specimens. According to the theory of material mechanics, the formula of dynamic elastic modulus in flexure is deduced. Based on the experimental results, the formula of dynamic elastic modulus and analysis of fatigue strain, the fatigue cumulative damage evolution equation is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment for primary liver cancer and their effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and liver function. A total of 258 patients were randomly allocated into the study group (n = 129) for treatment with microwave ablation and entecavir or the control group (n = 129) for treatment with microwave ablation alone. The levels of liver function indicators and serum HBV-DNA were determined in all patients before and after treatment. While no difference in total effective rate was observed, the levels of TBIL, AST, and ALT were decreased and the level of ALP was increased after treatment in both groups, and the change was more significant in the study group. Compared with that in the control group, the HBVDNA levels were significantly decreased in the study group. The study group also had higher KPS scores, higher 2-year survival rates, lower recurrence rates, and a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Compared with microwave ablation alone, microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment can improve liver function, serum HBV-DNA levels, and QOL in patients with primary liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial ovality is an inevitable problem in the process of pipe bends manufacturing which results in the stress redistribution of the pipe bends working at high temperature. In order to study the influence of ovality on creep life of pipe bends, full-size creep experiment of P92 pipe bend subjected to in-plane bending has been conducted. The creep strains and outside diameters of dangerous positions have been measured. The microstructures of three different positions of the pipe bend were compared through SEM and the results showed the number and size of the carbide precipitation were the largest at the flank of the pipe bend, which indicated that the creep damage developed fastest at the flank. The modified Kachanov--Robatnov constitutive equations were used to stimulate the creep of P92 pipe bends with FEA software. The representative stress, damage and multiaxiality distributions of the pipe bends have been discussed. The FEA results were consistent with the experimental results and the influence of initial ovality on creep life of P92 pipe bends were analyzed. The results showed that creep life of pipe bends reduced by the increase of ovality and their relationship coincided with the parabolic law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptotia is the fourth most common congenital auricular deformity, and it is more prevalent among Asians. A number of techniques for its correction have been introduced, and relatively favourable results have been achieved. We describe our experience with a technique for its correction using the square flap method designed on the temporal scalp and skin over the auricle. From 2001 to 2006 a total of 19 examples in 12 patients were treated. Seven patients had bilateral, and five had unilateral, cryptotia. Traction was applied to the upper part of the auricle to draw it away from the scalp, and the square flap method, consisting of two triangular flaps and one square flap, were designed on the temporal scalp and skin over the auricle. After the skin had been incised, the three flaps were freed completely, and the abnormal insertion of the auricular intrinsic muscles was detached. The flaps were then transposed, advanced, and sutured. There were no problems of viability in any patient, and all healed well. The follow-up period was 3 months to 2 years, with relatively favourable results. Function and appearance were satisfactory in all patients. The length of the helix was extended, and it was possible to increase the width of the upper part of the auricle. This technique is indicated in cases of mild to moderate cryptotia, and has many advantages, including simple and easy design, provision of enough skin for the upper and posterior portions of the auricle, sufficient depth of the auriculocephalic sulcus, and no additional skin grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of all treatments for fingertip amputation is to reconstruct the defects and meet the patient's needs. Sometimes an easy and versatile one-step procedure is needed. Between July 2005 and June 2006, 23 patients with amputated fingertips were treated with the linguiform rotation flap. It is a rotation advancement flap with the pedicle and a skin bridge usually on the volar side near the margin of the stump, and is based on one of the neurovascular bundles, the dorsal branches of the palmar digital arteries, the dorsal digital arteries, and the network among them. The follow-up period was 3 months to 1.5 years (mean 7.5 months), with relatively good results. The linguiform flap can be used for amputations at any level from the nailfold to the proximal interphalangeal joint to cover the exposed bone and tendon. The technique is simple and safe, and provides good protective padding. It is a good alternative for the reconstruction of fingertip amputations, particularly transverse, dorsal, and lateral oblique ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel zinc-molybdenum(V) phosphate hybrid polymer, Zn[Mo6O12(OH)3(PO4)2(HPO4)2]2[Zn6(H2O)8(phen)4] ··· 6H2O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), was prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, TGA and EPR spectra. The crystal structure analyses show that the compound is built from two anionic hexameric polyoxomolybdophosphate [Mo6O12(OH)3(PO4)2(HPO4)2]7- moieties, bridged by a central octahedral Zn2+ centre. The sandwich-type Zn[Mo6P4]2 dimers are connected via additional Zn2+ polyhedra, forming a two-dimensional network polymer. The luminescent properties of the title compound are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) derived from Bacillus subtilis NX-2 was investigated as a sorbent for heavy metal ions in batch adsorption experiments. The results showed that the heavy metal adsorption capacity of γ-PGA enhanced with the increase of pH, in the following order: Cr(III)>Cu(II)>Ni(II), within the pH range 3–5. The Langmuir sorption model effectively described the metal sorption of γ-PGA through the experiments of isotherm sorption, and it was deduced that the affinity of γ-PGA for metals was following the sequence: Cr(III)>Cu(II)>Ni(II). γ-PGA was also used to trap trace amounts of heavy metals from the electroplating wastewater, which were difficult to be entirely removed by the traditional hydroxide precipitation method. The results showed that Cr(III) and Ni(II) in the electroplating effluent decreased from 3.07 and 9.46 mg/l to 0.15 and 1.01 mg/l, respectively, and the treated solutions reached the effluent standard. Therefore, γ-PGA is satisfactory as a well biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals. The adsorption mechanism of γ-PGA binding heavy metals was also studied using HyperChem simulation and FT-IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SRS2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encoding a 3′→5′ DNA helicase is part of the postreplication repair pathway and functions to ensure proper repair of DNA damage arising during DNA replication through pathways that do not involve homologous recombination. Through a synthetic gene array analysis, genes that are essential when Srs2 is absent have been identified. Among these are MRC1, TOF1, and CSM3, which mediate the intra-S checkpoint response. srs2Δ mrc1Δ synthetic lethality is due to inappropriate recombination, as the lethality can be suppressed by genetic elimination of homologous recombination. srs2Δ mrc1Δ synthetic lethality is dependent on the role of Mrc1 in DNA replication but independent of the role of Mrc1 in a DNA damage checkpoint response, mrc1Δ, tof1Δ and csm3Δ mutants have sister chromatid cohesion defects, implicating sister chromatid cohesion established at the replication fork as an important factor in promoting repair of stalled replication forks through gap repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard traditional gem identification requires expert supervision, while sophisticated modern methods are time-consuming and expensive. In contrast, reflectance spectroscopy coupled with artificial intelligence is economical and convenient and does not require specialist supervision. This study established an artificial neural network model that consists of standard multilayered, feed-forward, and back-propagation neural networks, and obtained reflectance spectra of a transparent gem (almandine), an opaque gem (turquoise), several almandine imitations (agate, plastic, and glass), and several treated turquoise samples (dyed, impregnated, and Zachery treated) using an Analytical Spectral Devices spectrometer. The acquired spectra were used to train and test the artificial neural network model. The results show that the model can effectively discriminate between genuine and imitation gems of different classes. However, discrimination between natural and treated gems of same class is not as effective as discrimination of gems of different classes. The results suggest that an artificial neural network based on reflectance spectroscopy could serve as a useful tool for preliminary gem identification, and the advanced identification needs further training and investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect children's development, and their harm to health is pervasive throughout the life course. To identify ACEs and their risk factors in Chinese household with or without parental mental illness. A controlled study was conducted among 181 young adults with parental mental illness (positive group) and 201 demographically matched individuals without parental mental illness (negative group). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study the correlation between ACEs and their risk factors. The positive group suffered emotional abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and cumulative ACEs more frequently than the negative group. In the positive group, living in rural areas and having a low household economic status during childhood were identified as risk factors for cumulative ACEs, whereas a higher education level of the mother was a protective factor for cumulative ACEs in univariate analyses. Low household economic status remained an independent risk factor for cumulative ACEs in the positive group in multivariate analyses. Children living with parental mental illness are more vulnerable to ACEs, and our findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic factors in increasing the risk of ACEs. To alleviate the deleterious impact of parental mental illness on offspring, multidimensional supports are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibolites in the Shuixiakou area of the southern Dunhuang Orogenic Belt, southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), occur as lenses within hornblende-biotite-plagioclase gneiss or pelitic schist, exhibiting block-in-matrix feature of tectonic mélange. Three generations of metamorphic mineral assemblages (M1, M2, and M3) have been recognized in the garnet-bearing amphibolite lenses. The metamorphic prograde assemblage (M1) is documented with inclusion trails (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz) within garnet porphyroblasts, and are estimated to be formed under 610-690 °C and 6.5-10.2 kbar. The metamorphic peak assemblage (M2) consists of garnet + hornblende + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz in the matrix and records metamorphic peak P-T conditions of 720-750 °C and 13.4-14.7 kbar. The retrograde assemblage (M3) is represented by the symplectic assemblage (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± biotite ± magnetite) rimming the garnet porphyroblast, formed in the decompression stage under P-T conditions of 630-730 °C and 3.8-7.2 kbar. The derived metamorphic P-T paths show similar tight clockwise loops including nearly isothermal decompression processes, typical of orogenic metamorphism. SIMS dating of metamorphic zircons from the amphibolites confirm that the high-pressure metamorphism (M2) occurred at ca. 438-398 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel failure caused due to geologic heterogeneity and variability in both mining processes and tunnel arrangement in deep metal mines is very complex. In this paper, a quantitative risk assessment for deep tunnel failure was conducted using clustering and logistic regression. The study was performed by considering various representative evaluation indexes of geological conditions, mining disturbance, and microseismic (MS) data. Comprehensive Seismic Event Clustering (CSEC) methodology was used to analyse the MS data to filter noise data and identify seismic sources. Additionally, peak particle velocity (PPV) was used to quantitatively evaluate the influence of MS activities on the response of tunnel which would aid in determining the PPV distribution characteristics of a large regional tunnel. Furthermore, Excavation Vulnerability Potential (EVP) index was used to quantitatively evaluate the effect of site conditions on response of the tunnel. Thus, based on logistic regression, PPV and EVP were used to establish a risk assessment model to determine the tunnel damage levels and probability of damage occurrence. The successful application of the proposed method at the Ashele copper mine demonstrates that it is capable of conducting a risk assessment for tunnel failure in deep metal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to prove the concept of tumor-targeted drug delivery mediated by platelets. Doxorubicin (DOX) attached to nanodiamonds (ND-DOX) was investigated as the model payload drug of platelets. In vitro experiments first showed that ND-DOX could be loaded in mouse platelets in a dose-dependent manner with a markedly higher efficiency and capacity than free DOX. ND-DOX-loaded platelets (Plt@ND-DOX) maintained viability and ND-DOX could be stably held in the platelets for at least 4 hr. Next, mouse Lewis lung cancer cells were found to activate Plt@ND-DOX and thereby stimulate cargo unloading of Plt@ND-DOX. The unloaded ND-DOX was taken up by co-cultured cancer cells which consequently exhibited loss of viability, proliferation suppression and apoptosis. In vivo, Plt@ND-DOX displayed significantly prolonged blood circulation time over ND-DOX and DOX in mice, and Lewis tumor grafts demonstrated infiltration, activation and cargo unloading of Plt@ND-DOX in the tumor tissue. Consequently, Plt@ND-DOX effectively reversed the growth of Lewis tumor grafts which exhibited significant inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Importantly, Plt@ND-DOX displayed a markedly higher therapeutic potency than free DOX but without the severe systemic toxicity associated with DOX. Our findings are concrete proof of platelets as efficient and efficacious carriers for tumor-targeted nano-drug delivery with the following features: 1) large loading capacity and high loading efficiency, 2) good tolerance of cargo drug, 3) stable cargo retention and no cargo unloading in the absence of stimulation, 4) prolonged blood circulation time, and 5) excellent tumor distribution and tumor-activated drug unloading leading to high therapeutic potency and few adverse effects. Platelets hold great potential as efficient and efficacious carriers for tumor-targeted nano-drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine meadow plays important roles in the animal production and conservation of water resources in the upper basin of Yellow River. In recent decades, desertification of this alpine meadow has resulted in changes in vegetation and soil features, as well as threatening the ecosystem functions and security. A field study was conducted to explain the response of vegetation pattern and soil features to desertification of alpine meadows. Results of vegetation studies indicated that hygrophytes were gradually replaced by mesophytes, xerophytes, and some annual psammophilous plants, and that cover and herbaceous biomass decreased along with the progressive desertification. Vegetation height increased in the slightly desertified stage, and then decreased in the very severe stage. Species diversity decreased, suggesting that desertification of alpine meadow contributed to species loss. This study also indicated that soil features gradually declined with increasing desertification of alpine meadow with soil texture becoming coarser and water content decreasing gradually. Soil bulk density (0-20 cm layer) increased with increasing desertification, but in the deeper soil (20-40 cm layer) decreased from original vegetation to the moderately desertified stage, and then increased after the severely desertified stage. The difference between the topsoil and the deeper soil in both soil bulk density and soil moisture was greatest at the moderately desertified stage. Soil organic matter dramatically reduced with progressive desertification. Soil nutrients (total N, P and K) decreased greatly due to desertification. Soil pH (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm) showed no significant differences among desertification stages. Overall, desertification of alpine meadow decreased plant diversity, reduced dominance of palatable species and changed soil physical and chemical properties. Correlation analysis indicated that vegetation change has been regulated by soil texture, soil organic matter and soil water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism and electron transfer for pollutant dihydric phenol and biomolecule L-Cysteine (L-Cys) interaction in aqueous solution were studied by means of electrochemistry and UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Two forms of L-Cys, fixed on Au-electrode and free dissolved in the solution, were examined. The results showed that L-Cys of an ordered monolayer fixed on an Au electrode facilitated electron transfer and electrocatalytic redox of three isomers of dihydric phenol. However, free L-Cys does not show such facility. Furthermore, neither cleavage of the original chemical bond nor formation of a new chemical bond was observed in the molecules investigated, suggesting that L-Cys molecules may associate tightly with dihydric phenol molecules to form L-Cys · C 6 H 6 O 2 or (L-Cys) 2 · C 6 H 6 O 2 complex molecule via hydrogen-bonding. Different coordination numbers influence the electrochemical activity and behavior of associated complexes; thus, the function of biomolecules could be affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of erythropoietin (EPO) isoforms by using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has been a key study in the quality control of erythropoietin products. However, the current European Pharmacopeia method has been reported to provide poor reproducibility, tedious preconditioning, long separation times exceeding 60 min, and the employment of toxic reagents. In this study, a novel rapid CZE method, in which a double layer dynamic coating technique was developed for the determination of erythropoietin isoforms by the minimization of protein adsorption to the inner capillary walls and to accelerate the throughout of the protocol. The results obtained by the measured procedure were demonstrated to meet the European Pharmacopeia requirements. Real samples from different vendors were also analyzed. This rapid CZE method was shown to be suitable for the quality control (QC) erythropoietin with better reproducibility and higher sample throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaporation of protective chromia scales is expected to be a primary oxidation mechanism. An oxidation test of austenitic steel TP347HFG in supercritical water was carried out at 550 and 600°C under 25 MPa with a dissolved oxygen content of 2000 ppb. The results show that the protective chromia scale forms at the earlier stage and then disappears gradually with the increasing exposure time due to chromium evaporation in the presence of both dissolved oxygen and supercritical water. The effect of chromia evaporation on oxidation resistance of austenitic steels in supercritical water is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight or obese populations may have lower risk of osteoporotic fractures and higher bone mineral density (BMD), while bone strength is determined not only by bone material but also by bone structural parameters. Thus, the influence of body weight on bone geometry was examined in Chinese overweight adults. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore how total body lean mass (TBLM) and total body fat mass (TBFM) contribute to the variation of bone geometry at the femoral neck in Chinese overweight adults. Subjects and methods: Bone geometric parameters including section modulus (Z), cross-sectional area (CSA), subperiosteal width (W), cortical thickness (CT) and buckling ratio (BR) were compared in 100 overweight (body mass index, BMI ≥ 23) vs. 100 underweight subjects (BMI ≤ 18.5) in Chinese female and male adults aged 20-44 years by multiple regression analyses. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that both TBLM and TBFM were significantly higher in overweight subjects than in underweight subjects. Meanwhile, significant differences in bone geometric parameters (except W) were also detected between the overweight and underweight groups after adjustment for age and height in both sexes (p ≤ 0.001). Bone bending strength Z and axial strength CSA were 14% and 13% higher in females, as well as 18% and 20% higher in males in the overweight group than in the underweight group, respectively. The significant differences mentioned above were not observed when adjusted for TBLM, age, and height. TBLM seemed to be the strongest significant positive predictor of bone geometric parameters (p < 0.001), with the exception of W in both sexes and BR in females, while TBFM did not contribute significantly to the bone geometric parameters (p > 0.055 for both sexes). Conclusion: Bone geometry may adapt primarily to mechanical load as represented by TBLM, but TBFM seemed to have no independent effect on bone geometry in Chinese overweight subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]