双层壁涡轮叶片短径扇形气膜孔冷却性能数值研究

针对高冷效双层壁涡轮叶片表面应用短径扇形孔设计准则及强化气膜冷却,机理依旧不明的现状,本文利用流固弱耦合数值模拟技术研究了典型7-7-7和11-11-11扇形气膜孔应用于双层壁涡轮叶片设计的冷却特性。在宽范围吹风比下(0.6~2.4),比较了三种扇形气膜孔布置方案,包含叶片两侧同构布局7-7-7孔(简称SH1布局)和11-11-11孔(简称SH2布局)及新提出的异构布局(简称SH3布局),并以常规圆形孔作为比较依据。通过数值结果对比指出:在双层壁表面应用扇形孔代替圆形孔,最低可提升吸力面综合冷却效率17%,压力面7%。然而,扇形孔也会诱导两侧冷却性能差异扩大的现象。应用两侧孔型异构布局,要求在压力侧布置相较于吸力侧各向扩张角更大的扇形孔,可以有效改善叶片内部的流量配置,从而在提升综合冷却效率的基础上兼顾两侧温差缩小。在高吹风比条件下,上述异构诱发的冷却优势更为显著。但相对吸力侧、压力侧对扇形孔型结构参数的敏感性更大。因此,压力侧的异型孔气膜冷却挑战性更大。

Full waveform inversion based on hybrid gradient

The low-wavenumber components in the gradient of full waveform inversion(FWI)play a vital role in the stability of the inversion.However,when FWI is implemented in some high frequencies and current models are not far away from the real velocity model,an excessive number of low-wavenumber components in the gradient will also reduce the convergence rate and inversion accuracy.To solve this problem,this paper firstly derives a formula of scattering angle weighted gradient in FWI,then proposes a hybrid gradient.The hybrid gradient combines the conventional gradient of FWI with the scattering angle weighted gradient in each inversion frequency band based on an empirical formula derived herein.Using weighted hybrid mode,we can retain some low-wavenumber components in the initial lowfrequency inversion to ensure the stability of the inversion,and use more high-wavenumber components in the high-frequency inversion to improve the convergence rate.The results of synthetic data experiment demonstrate that compared to the conventional FWI,the FWI based on the proposed hybrid gradient can effectively reduce the low-wavenumber components in the gradient under the premise of ensuring inversion stability.It also greatly enhances the convergence rate and inversion accuracy,especially in the deep part of the model.And the field marine seismic data experiment also illustrates that the FWI based on hybrid gradient(HGFWI)has good stability and adaptability.

Mediating role of inflammatory indicators in the association between sleep status and blood pressure in centenarians:evidence from China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study

Objectives To conduct a comprehensive analysis in Hainan centenarians on the link between sleep status and their blood pressure status.Furthermore,the study also aims to explore how inflammatory indicators may mediate the relationship.Methods The China Hainan Centenarians Cohort Study(CHCCS)collected baseline data on sleep status,inflammatory indicators,and blood pressure data.The study used a mediation model to investigate how inflammatory indicators mediate the relationship between sleep status and blood pressure status.Result In this study,a total of 967 centenarians were included.The prevalence of hypertension among the centenarians was 71.4%.The analysis showed that centenarians with poor sleep quality had a 43%higher risk of hypertension compared to those with normal sleep quality(OR=1.43,95%CI:1.03-1.97).Additionally,centenarians with nighttime sleep durations of≤6 h or>9 h had higher proportions of high pulse pressure(PP),with OR values of 1.76(95%CI:1.18-2.63)and 2.07(95%CI:1.34-3.19),respectively.Mediation analysis illustrated that complement C3 played a mediating role in the relationship between sleep quality and hypertension,with an effect ratio of 2.4%.Similarly,lymphocyte count,the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),and the systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)were identified as mediating factors in the association between nighttime sleep duration and high PP,with effect ratios of 91.22%,36.93%,and 0.20%,respectively.Conclusion In centenarians,poor sleep quality raises the risk of hypertension,with complement C3 as a mediator.Additionally,nighttime sleep durations of≤6 h or>9 h increases the risk of high PP,mediated by lymphocyte count,NLR,and SII.

Effects of respiratory muscle training on post-stroke rehabilitation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Stroke often results in significant respiratory dysfunction in patients.Respiratory muscle training(RMT)has been proposed as a rehabilitative intervention to address these challenges,but its effectiveness compared to routine training remains debated.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of RMT on exercise tolerance,muscle strength,and pulmonary function in post-stroke patients.AIM To systematically assess the efficacy of RMT in improving exercise tolerance,respiratory muscle strength,and pulmonary function in patients recovering from a stroke,and to evaluate whether RMT offers a significant advantage over routine training modalities in enhancing these critical health outcomes in the post-stroke population.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a comprehensive search across PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was conducted on October 19,2023,without temporal restrictions.Studies were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on various forms of RMT,control groups,and outcome measures[including forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV),peak expiratory flow(PEF),maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP),maximal expiratory pressure(MEP),and 6-min walking test(6MWT)].Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were included.Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses,including those using the fixed-effect and random-effects models,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias assessment,were performed using Review Manager software.RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs were included.Results indicated significant improvements in MIP(12.51 cmH2O increase),MEP(6.24 cmH2O increase),and various pulmonary function parameters(including FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF).A substantial increase in 6MWT distance(22.26 meters)was also noted.However,the heterogeneity among studies was variable,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION RMT significantly enhances walking ability,respiratory muscle strength(MIP and MEP),and key pulmonary function parameters(FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF)in post-stroke patients.These findings support the incorporation of RMT into post-stroke rehabilitative protocols.

ZK60合金表面含纳米Y_(2)O_(3)微弧氧化涂层的体外降解、磨损性能和生物相容性

为了进一步降低镁合金微弧氧化(MAO)涂层的降解速率并提高其耐磨性能,通过在电解液中加入纳米Y_(2)O_(3)的方法,制备含纳米Y_(2)O_(3)的镁合金MAO涂层,并借助显微结构观察、磨损实验、电化学实验、浸泡实验和细胞毒性实验对其进行研究。结果表明,微弧氧化涂层中主要含有Ca_(8)YMg(PO_(4))_(7)和Y_(2)O_(3)颗粒,Ca_(8)YMg(PO_(4))_(7)能稳定涂层,纳米Y_(2)O_(3)能封闭微孔,从而降低涂层的降解速率,并提高其耐磨性。在Hank’s溶液中,涂层的降解速率从0.14 mm/a降至0.06 mm/a。在相同摩擦距离下,涂层体积损失从0.46 mm^(3)降至0.27 mm^(3)。MAO涂层具有良好的生物相容性,细胞相对增殖率(RGR)超过90%。含纳米Y_(2)O_(3)的MAO涂层具有良好的生物医学应用前景。

Eco-friendly aqueous foam stabilized by cellulose microfibers with great salt tolerance and high temperature resistance

A low-cost eco-friendly aqueous foam,especially the robust foam with great tolerance to high salinity and high temperature,is in great demand in the oil industry,e.g.,oil and gas well or geothermal well drilling.Herein,an ultra-stable aqueous foam was developed using the biodegradable cellulose microfiber(CMF)as a foam stabilizer.The foam stabilized by CMF shows excellent tolerance to the high concentration of NaCl(6.0 wt%)and CaCl_(2)(0.25 wt%)and the related drainage half-life times(T_(0.5))reach 1750 and 2340 s respectively.By contrast,the foams without CMF are completely drained(T_(0.5)=0 s)when NaCl concentration is greater than 6.0 wt%or CaCl_(2) concentration is greater than 0.20 wt%.Notably,T0.5 of the foams stabilized by CMF at these saline concentrations still can maintain above 1000 s even after aging at 120℃ for 16 h,exhibiting an outstanding foam-stabilizing performance at high temperature.Experimental results suggest that the salt and high-temperature tolerance of CMF in foam stabilization is attributed to the electrically uncharged surfaces,the formation of a gel-like structure and the excellent thermal stability.This work not only provides a promising candidate of aqueous foam stabilizer to deal with high temperature and high salinity but also presents a natural-based solution for an environmentally friendly drilling industry in the future.

Cholesterol paradox in the community-living old adults:is higher better?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations of lipid indicators and mortality in Beijing Elderly Comprehensive Health Cohort Study.METHODS A prospective cohort was conducted based on Beijing Elderly Comprehensive Health Cohort Study with 4499 com-munity older adults.After the baseline survey,the last follow-up was March 31,2021 with an average 8.13 years of follow-up.Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios(HR)with 95%CI for cardiovascular disease(CVD)death and all-cause death in associations with baseline lipid indicators.RESULTS A total of 4499 participants were recruited,and the mean levels of uric acid,body mass index,systolic blood pres-sure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting plasma glucose,total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)showed an upward trend with the increasing remnant cholesterol(RC)quarters(Ptrend<0.05),while the downward tr-end was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C).During the total 36,596 person-years follow-up,the CVD mortal-ity and all-cause mortality during an average 8.13 years of follow-up was 3.87%(95%CI:3.30%-4.43%)and 14.83%(95%CI:13.79%-15.86%)with 174 CVD death participants and 667 all-cause death participants.After adjusting for confounders,the higher level of TC(HR=0.854,95%CI:0.730-0.997),LDL-C(HR=0.817,95%CI:0.680-0.982)and HDL-C(HR=0.443,95%CI:0.271-0.724)were associated with lower risk of CVD death,and the higher level of HDL-C(HR=0.637,95%CI:0.501-0.810)were associated with lower risk of all-cause death.The higher level of RC(HR=1.276,95%CI:1.010-1.613)increase the risk of CVD death.Com-pared with the normal lipid group,TC≥6.20 mmol/L group and LDL-C≥4.10 mmol/L group were no longer associated with lower risk of CVD death,while RC≥0.80 mmol/L group was still associated with higher risk of CVD death.In normal lipid gr-oup,the higher levels of TC,LDL-C and HDL-C were related with lower CVD death.CONCLUSIONS In community older adults,higher levels of TC and HDL-C were associated with lower CVD mortality in normal lipid reference range.Higher RC was associated with higher CVD mortality,which may be a better lipid indicator for es-timating the CVD death risk in older adults.

Diagnostic performance of texture analysis in the differential diagnosis of perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease and glandular anal fistula

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulising Crohn's disease(PFCD)and glandular anal fistula have many similarities on conventional magnetic resonance imaging.However,many patients with PFCD show concomitant active proctitis,but only few patients with glandular anal fistula have active proctitis.AIM To explore the value of differential diagnosis of PFCD and glandular anal fistula by comparing the textural feature parameters of the rectum and anal canal in fat suppression T2-weighted imaging(FS-T2WI).METHODS Patients with rectal water sac implantation were screened from the first part of this study(48 patients with PFCD and 22 patients with glandular anal fistula).Open-source software ITK-SNAP(Version 3.6.0,http://www.itksnap.org/)was used to delineate the region of interest(ROI)of the entire rectum and anal canal wall on every axial section,and then the ROIs were input in the Analysis Kit software(version V3.0.0.R,GE Healthcare)to calculate the textural feature parameters.Textural feature parameter differences of the rectum and anal canal wall between the PFCD group vs the glandular anal fistula group were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.The redundant textural parameters were screened by bivariate Spearman correlation analysis,and binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the model of textural feature parameters.Finally,diagnostic accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve(AUC)analysis.RESULTS In all,385 textural parameters were obtained,including 37 parameters with statistically significant differences between the PFCD and glandular anal fistula groups.Then,16 texture feature parameters remained after bivariate Spearman correlation analysis,including one histogram parameter(Histogram energy);four grey level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)parameters(GLCM energy_all direction_offset1_SD,GLCM entropy_all direction_offset4_SD,GLCM entropy_all direction_offset7_SD,and Haralick correlation_all direction_offset7_SD);four texture parameters(Correlation_all direction_offset1_SD,cluster prominence_angle 90_offset4,Inertia_all direction_offset7_SD,and cluster shade_angle 45_offset7);five grey level run-length matrix parameters(grey level nonuniformity_angle 90_offset1,grey level nonuniformity_all direction_offset4_SD,long run high grey level emphasis_all direction_offset1_SD,long run emphasis_all direction_offset4_SD,and long run high grey level emphasis_all direction_offset4_SD);and two form factor parameters(surface area and maximum 3D diameter).The AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of the model of textural feature parameters were 0.917,85.42%,and 86.36%,respectively.CONCLUSION The model of textural feature parameters showed good diagnostic performance for PFCD.The texture feature parameters of the rectum and anal canal in FS-T2WI are helpful to distinguish PFCD from glandular anal fistula.

Sarcopenia affects the treatment and prognosis of colorectal cancer

Sarcopenia is a common complication of malnutrition.Patients with colorectal cancer are prone to secondary sarcopenia due to nutrient absorption,intestinal obstruction,metabolic disorders and other reasons.Nutritional status not only participates in the body’s normal function but also has an important impact on anti-tumor treatment.More and more evidence shows that sarcopenia has a negative effect on the treatment and prognosis of colorectal cancer.This article summarizes the related research,such as the influence of sarcopenia on the treatment of colorectal cancer.To evaluate the clinical value of sarcopenia in treating colorectal cancer and provide new ideas for the comprehensive treatment of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer.

寰椎椎弓根螺钉置入的解剖学及临床效果分析

目的研究寰椎椎弓根螺钉置入的解剖学及临床效果。方法选取46例由承德医学院解剖教研室提供的健康完整的寰椎标本予以解剖学测量,明确寰椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点与置钉的角度。选取2013年3月—2015年3月于承德医学院附属医院接受后路寰枢椎切开复位内固定术治疗的寰枢椎不稳患者30例为对照组,置钉方式为传统置钉。另取2015年8月—2017年8月同院接受后路寰枢椎切开复位内固定术治疗的寰枢椎不稳患者33例为实验组,以局部解剖标志为参考的寰椎徒手椎弓根置钉方式置钉。比较两组各项手术指标,手术前后Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表(ODI)及日本骨科协会评估治疗分数(JOA评分),术后并发症发生情况。结果实验组手术时间、术中失血量、置钉时间均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。手术前后两组患者ODI及JOA评分比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);而术后两组患者ODI评分均低于术前,JOA评分均高于术前,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论以局部解剖标志为参考的寰椎徒手椎弓根置钉方式置钉效果更佳,有利于改善患者的脊柱功能以及颈椎功能。

INPP5E基因影响小鼠胚胎神经管闭合的分子机制研究

目的探讨肌醇多聚磷酸5-磷酸酶(INPP5E)基因影响小鼠胚胎神经管闭合的分子机制。方法采用前期复制的神经管缺陷(NTD)小鼠模型,在体视显微镜下观察胚胎表型、苏木精-伊红染色情况,测量胚胎顶臀长、体重等指标;重亚硫酸盐测序法检测NTD组及对照组胚胎发育第11.5天小鼠胚胎神经组织中INPP5E基因启动子区DNA甲基化情况;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应和Western blotting检测胚胎神经组织中INPP5E蛋白和mRNA相对表达量;超高效液相色谱串联质谱法检测胚胎神经组织中叶酸(FA)、5-甲基四氢叶酸(5-MeTHF)、5-甲酰四氢叶酸(5-FoTHF)及同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平。结果NTD组小鼠胚胎神经组织INPP5E基因启动子区甲基化水平、INPP5E蛋白和mRNA相对表达量在胚胎发育第11.5天时较对照组低(P<0.05)。NTD组胚胎神经组织的FA和Hcy水平较对照组升高(P<0.05),而5-MeTHF和5-FoTHF水平较对照组低(P<0.05)。结论INPP5E基因在调节小鼠胚胎神经管闭合中起重要作用。FA代谢紊乱引起的INPP5E基因启动子区甲基化水平降低,可能通过影响其表达水平参与NTD的发生。

Focal autoimmune pancreatitis: Radiological characteristics help to distinguish from pancreatic cancer

AIM: To identify the radiological characteristics of focal autoimmune pancreatitis (f-AIP) useful for differentiation from pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and triple-phase computed tomography (CT) scans of 79 patients (19 with f-AIP, 30 with PC, and 30 with a normal pancreas) were evaluated retrospectively. A radiologist measured the CT attenuation of the pancreatic parenchyma, the f-AIP and PC lesions in triple phases. The mean CT attenuation values of the f-AIP lesions were compared with those of PC, and the mean CT attenuation values of pancreatic parenchyma in the three groups were compared. The diagnostic performance of CT attenuation changes from arterial phase to hepatic phase in the differentiation between f-AIP and PC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We also investigated the incidence of previously reported radiological findings for differentiation between f-AIP and PC. RESULTS: The mean CT attenuation values of f-AIP lesions in enhanced phases were significantly higher than those of PC (arterial phase: 60 ± 7 vs 48 ± 10, P < 0.05; pancreatic phase: 85 ± 6 vs 63 ± 15, P < 0.05; hepatic phase: 95 ± 7 vs 63 ± 13, P < 0.05). The mean CT attenuation values of f-AIP lesions were significantly lower those of uninvolved pancreas and normal pancreas in the arterial and pancreatic phase of CT (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), with no significant difference at the hepatic phase or unenhanced scanning (P = 0.4, P = 0.1). When the attenuation value increase was equal or more than 28 HU this was considered diagnostic for f-AIP, and a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 100% and an area under the ROC curve of 0.974 (95%CI: 0.928-1.021) were achieved. Five findings were more frequently observed in f-AIP patients: (1) sausageshaped enlargement; (2) delayed homogeneous enhancement; (3) hypoattenuating capsule-like rim; (4) irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and/or stricture of the common bile duct (CBD); and (5) MPD upstream dilation ≤ 5 mm. CONCLUSION: Analysis of a combination of CT and MRI findings could improve the diagnostic accuracy of differentiating f-AIP from PC.

Role of ethanol in the regulation of hepatic stellate cell function

Evidence has accumulated to suggest an important role of ethanol and/or its metabolites in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease. In this review, the fibrogenic effects of ethanol and its metabolites on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are discussed. In brief, ethanol interferes with retinoid metabolism and its signaling, induces the release of fibrogenic cytokines such as transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) from HSCs, up-regulates the gene expression of collagen I and enhances type I collagen protein production by HSCs. Ethanol further perpetuates an activated HSC phenotype through extracellular matrix remodeling. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms by which ethanol exerts these pro-fibrogenic effects on HSCs are reviewed.

Combined endovascular brachytherapy, sorafenib, and transarterial chemobolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus

AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined endovascular brachytherapy(EVBT),transarterial chemoembolization(TACE),and sorafenib to treat hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus(MPVTT).METHODS This single-center retrospective study involved 68 patients with unresectable HCC or those who were unfit for liver transplantation and percutaneous frequency ablation according to the BCLC classification. All patients had Child-Pugh classification grade A or B,Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)performance status of 0-2,and MPVTT. The patients received either EVBT with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib(group A,n = 37),or TACE with sorafenib(group B,n = 31). The time to progression(TTP) and overall survival(OS) were evaluated by propensity score analysis.RESULTS In the entire cohort,the 6-,12-,and 24-mo survival rates were 88.9%,54.3%,and 14.1% in group A,and 45.8%,0%,and 0% in group B,respectively(P < 0.001). The median TTP and OS were significantly longer in group A than group B(TTP: 9.0 mo vs 3.4 mo,P < 0.001; OS: 12.3 mo vs 5.2 mo,P < 0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort,the median OS was longer in group A than in group B(10.3 mo vs 6.0 mo,P < 0.001). Similarly,the median TTP was longer in group A than in group B(9.0 mo vs 3.4 mo,P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the EVBT combined with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib strategy was an independent predictor of favorable OS(HR = 0.18,P < 0.001). CONCLUSION EVBT combined with stent placement,TACE,and sorafenib might be a safe and effective palliative treatment option for MPVTT.

Effect of b value on monitoring therapeutic response by diffusion-weighted imaging

AIM： To explore the diffusion gradient b-factor that optimizes both apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） measurement and contrast-to-noise （CNR） for assessing tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization （TACE） in a rabbit model. METHODS： Twelve New Zealand white rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in the liver were treated with TACE. Diffusion-weighted imaging （DWI） with various b values was performed using the same protocol before and 3 d after treatment with TACE. ADC values and CNR of each tumor pre- and post-treatment with different b factors were analyzed. Correlation between ADC values and extent of necrosis in histological specimens was analyzed by a Pearson＇s correlation test.RESULTS： The quality of diffusion-weighted images diminished as the b value increased. A substantial decrease in the mean lesion-to-liver CNR was observed on both pre- and post-treatment DW images, the largest difference in CNR pre- and post-treatment was manifested at a b value of 1000 s/mm^2 （P = 0.036 ）. The effect of therapy on diffusion early after treatment was shown by a significant increase in ADCs （P = 0.007）, especially with large b factors （≥ 600 s/mm^2）. The mean percentage of necrotic cells present within the tumor was 76.3%-97.5%. A significant positive correlation was found between ADC values and the extent of necrosis with all b values except for b200, a higher relative coefficient between ADC values and percentage of necrosis was found on DWI with bl000 and b2000 （P = 0.002 and 0.006, respectively）. CONCLUSION： An increasing b value of up to 600 s/mm^2 would increase ADC contrast pre- and post-treatment, but decrease image quality. Taking into account both CNR and ADC measurement, diffusion-weighted imaging obtained with a b value of 1000 s/mm^2 is recommended for monitoring early hepatic tumor response to TACE.

Cross-modality PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT imaging for pancreatic cancer

AIM:To explore the diagnostic value of the crossmodality fusion images provided by positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT) and contrast-enhanced CT(CECT) for pancreatic cancer(PC).METHODS:Data from 70 patients with pancreatic lesions who underwent CECT and PET/CT examinations at our hospital from August 2010 to October 2012were analyzed.PET/CECT for the cross-modality image fusion was obtained using Ture D software.The diagnostic efficiencies of PET/CT,CECT and PET/CECT were calculated and compared with each other using aχ2 test.P<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS:Of the total 70 patients,50 had PC and 20had benign lesions.The differences in the sensitivity,negative predictive value(NPV),and accuracy between CECT and PET/CECT in detecting PC were statistically significant(P<0.05 for each).In 15 of the 31patients with PC who underwent a surgical operation,peripancreatic vessel invasion was verified.The differences in the sensitivity,positive predictive value,NPV,and accuracy of CECT vs PET/CT and PET/CECT vs PET/CT in diagnosing peripancreatic vessel invasionwere statistically significant(P<0.05 for each).In 19of the 31 patients with PC who underwent a surgical operation,regional lymph node metastasis was verified by postsurgical histology.There was no statistically significant difference among the three methods in detecting regional lymph node metastasis(P>0.05for each).In 17 of the 50 patients with PC confirmed by histology or clinical follow-up,distant metastasis was confirmed.The differences in the sensitivity and NPV between CECT and PET/CECT in detecting distant metastasis were statistically significant(P<0.05 for each).CONCLUSION:Cross-modality image fusion of PET/CT and CECT is a convenient and effective method that can be used to diagnose and stage PC,compensating for the defects of PET/CT and CECT when they are conducted individually.

Metabolic syndrome vs. its components for prediction of cardiovascular mortality： A cohort study in Chinese elderly adults

Objective The predictive value of the metabolic syndrome （MetS） for mortality from all-cause and cardiovascular disease （CVD） in the Chinese population is unclear. The aim of this present study was to compare MetS with its individual components as predictors of mortality in Chinese elderly adults. Methods A cohort of 1,535 subjects （994 men and 541 women） aged 50 years or older was selected from employees of a machinery factory in 1994 and followed until 2009. Cox models were used to estimate the hazard ratios （HRs） predicted by MetS according to the harmonized defmition and by its individual components. Results The baseline prevalence of MetS was 28.0% in men and 48.4% in women. During a median follow-up of 15 years, 414 deaths occurred, of these, 153 participants died from CVD. Adjusted for age and gender, the HRs of mortality from all-cause and CVD in participants with MetS were 1.47 （95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.20-1.80） and 1.96 （95%CI： 1.42-2.72）, respectively, compared with those without MetS. Non-significant higher risk of CVD mortality was seen in those with one or two individual components （HR = 1.22, 95%CI： 0.59-2.50; fir = 1.82, 95%CI： 0.91-3.64, respectively）, while a substantially higher risk of CVD mortality only appeared in those with 3, 4, or 5 components （H_R = 2.81-3.72）, compared with those with no components. On evaluating the MetS components individually, we found that, independent of MetS, only hypertension and impaired glucose predicted higher mortality. Conclusions The number of positive MetS components seems no more informative than classifying （dichotomous） MetS for CVD risks assessment in this Chinese cohort.

Resistin mediates the hepatic stellate cell phenotype

AIM: To describe the role of resistin in liver fibrosis. METHODS: For the in vivo animal study, Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) for 4 wk. Rat liver, adipose tissue (epididymal fat) and serum were analyzed for resistin expression. For the in vitro experiment, rat primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) were used. HSCs were exposed to recombinant resistin, and collagenⅠ, transforming growth factor β1, α smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and connective tissue growth factor expression were analyzed. Resistin gene and protein expression was quantified as was the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). The effects of resistin on HSC proliferation, migration and apoptosis were determined. The effects of resistin on KCs were also investigated. RESULTS: Following BDL, rat epididymal fat and serum rather than liver showed higher resistin expression compared to control rats. In liver, resistin was expressed in quiescent HSCs and KCs. Resistin treatment resulted in enhancement of TNFα , IL-6 , IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression and increased IL-6 and MCP-1 protein in HSCs. Resistin activated HSC phospho-MAPK/p38, and p38 inhibition diminished IL-6 and MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, resistin facilitated HSC proliferation and migration, but decreased apoptosis which was via an IL-6 and MCP-1 mechanism. Finally, resistin-induced transforming growth factor β1 from KCs enhanced HSC collagenⅠexpression. CONCLUSION: Resistin directly and indirectly modulates HSC behavior towards a more pro-fibrogenic phenotype.

Radiation dose distribution of liquid fueled thorium molten salt reactor

A liquid fueled thorium molten salt reactor(TMSR-LF),one of the Generation IV reactors,was designed by the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences.This study uses the‘rt code to calculate the neutron and gamma dose rate distributions around the reactor.Multiple types of tallies and variance reduction techniques were employed to reduce calculation time and obtain convergent calculation results.Based on the calculation and analysis results,the TMSR-LF1 radiation shield with a 60-cm serpentine concrete layer and a 120-cm ordinary concrete layer is able to meet radiation requirements.The gamma dose rate outside the reactor biological shield was 16.1 mSv h-1;this is higher than the neutron dose rate of 3.71×10^(–2)mSv h^(-1).The maximum thermal neutron flux density outside the reactor biological shield was 1.899103 cm^(-2)s^(-1),which was below the 19105 cm^(-2)s^(-1)limit.

Design and implementation of power and phase feedback control system for ICRH on EAST

Ion cyclotron wave resonance heating(ICRH) is one of the most important auxiliary methods to heat plasma in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak(EAST). Several megawatts of power is transmitted through separate coaxial lines and coupled with the plasma through arrays of loop antennas. The parameters of the ICRH system, including the injected power and phasing between antenna straps, are critical to the coupling efficiency of the power as well as the resulting impact on the heating efficiency. In this paper, we present a system for feedback control of the phase between the current straps and the ICRH power on EAST. The feedback control system was tested using both a matched dummy load and a plasma load, and it successfully maintained stable operation in the 2016 EAST campaign. Good control of the injected power and wave phases was achieved during edgelocalized mode operation.