AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated...AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated cirrhosis were included. Approximately 200 mL of the bone marrow of the patients was aspirated, and CD34+ stem cells were selected. Between 3 to 10 million CD34+ cells were isolated. The cells were slowly infused through the hepatic artery of the patients.RESULTS: Patient 1 showed marginal improvement in serum albumin and no significant changes in other test results. In patient 2 prothrombin time was decreased; however, her total bilirubin, serum creatinine, and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score worsened at the end of follow up. In patient 3 there was improvement in serum albumin, porthrombin time (PT), and MELD score. Patient 4 developed radiocontrast nephropathy after the procedure, and progressed to type 1 hepatorenal syndrome and died of liver failure a few days later. Because of the major side effects seen in the last patient, the trial was prematurely stopped.CONCLUSION: Infusion of CD34+ stem cells through the hepatic artery is not safe in decompensated cirrhosis. Radiocontrast nephropathy and hepatorenal syndrome could be major side effects. However, this study doesnot preclude infusion of CD34+ stem cells through other routes.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancerrelated death. The difficulty to diagnose early cancer stages...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancerrelated death. The difficulty to diagnose early cancer stages, the aggressive behaviors of HCC, and the poor effectiveness of therapeutic treatments, represent the reasons for the quite similar deaths per year and incidence number. Considering the fact that the diagnosis of HCC typically occurs in the advanced stages of the disease when the therapeutic options have only modest efficacy, the possibility to identify early diagnostic markers could be of significant benefit. So far, a large number of biomarkers have been associated to HCC progression and aggressiveness, but many of them turned out not to be of practical utility. This is the reason why active investigations are ongoing in this field. Given the huge amount of published works aimed at the identification of HCC biomarkers, in this review we mainly focused on the data published in the last year, with particular attention to the role of(1) molecular and biochemical cellular markers;(2) micro-interfering RNAs;(3) epigenetic variations; and(4) tumor stroma. It is worth mentioning that a significant number of the HCC markers described in the present review may be utilized also as targets for novel therapeutic approaches, indicating the tight relation between diagnosis and therapy. In conclusion, we believe that integrated researches among the different lines of investigation indicated above should represent the winning strategies to identify effective HCC markers and therapeutic targets.展开更多
The hot deformation characteristics of 1.4462 duplex stainless steel （DSS） were analyzed by considering strain partitioning between austenite and ferrite constituents. The individual behavior of ferrite and austenit...The hot deformation characteristics of 1.4462 duplex stainless steel （DSS） were analyzed by considering strain partitioning between austenite and ferrite constituents. The individual behavior of ferrite and austenite in microstructure was studied in an iso-stress condition. Hot compression tests were performed at temperatures of 800-1100~C and strain rates of 0.001-1 s-1. The flow stress was modeled by a hyperbolic sine constitutive equation, the corresponding constants and apparent activation energies were determined for the studied alloys. The constitutive equation and law of mixture were used to measure the contribution factor of each phase at any given strain. It is found that the contribution factor of ferrite exponentially declines as the Zener-HoUomon parameter （Z） increases. On the contrary, the austenite contribution polynomially increases with the increase of Z. At low Z values below 2.6. x 1015 （lnZ---35.5）, a negative contribution factor is determined for austenite that is attributed to dynamic recrystallization. At high Z values, the contribution factor of austenite is about two orders of magnitude greater than that of ferrite, and therefore, austenite can accommodate more strain. Microstructural characterization via electron back-scattered diffraction （EBSD） confirms the mechanical results and shows that austenite recrystallization is possible only at high temperature and low strain rate.展开更多
A control algorithm for improving vehicle handling was proposed by applying right angle to the steering wheel,based on the nonlinear adaptive optimal control(NAOC).A nonlinear 4-DOF model was initially developed,then ...A control algorithm for improving vehicle handling was proposed by applying right angle to the steering wheel,based on the nonlinear adaptive optimal control(NAOC).A nonlinear 4-DOF model was initially developed,then it was simplified to a 2-DOF model with reasonable assumptions to design observer and optimal controllers.Then a simplified model was developed for steering system.The numerical simulations were carried out using vehicle parameters for standard maneuvers in dry and wet road conditions.Moreover,the hardware in the loop method was implemented to prove the controller ability in realistic conditions.Simulation results obviously show the effectiveness of NAOC on vehicle handling and reveal that the proposed controller can significantly improve vehicle handling during severe maneuvers.展开更多
The aim of this study is to apply process mineralogy as a practical tool for further understanding and predicting the flotation kinetics of the copper sulfide minerals. The minerals' composition and association, g...The aim of this study is to apply process mineralogy as a practical tool for further understanding and predicting the flotation kinetics of the copper sulfide minerals. The minerals' composition and association, grain distribution, and liberation within the ore samples were analyzed in the feed, concentrate, and the tailings of the flotation processes with two pulp densities of 25 wt% and 30 wt%. The major copper-bearing minerals identified by microscopic analysis of the concentrate samples included chalcopyrite(56.2 wt%), chalcocite(29.1 wt%),covellite(6.4 wt%), and bornite(4.7 wt%). Pyrite was the main sulfide gangue mineral(3.6 wt%) in the concentrates. A 95% degree of liberation with d_(80) > 80 μm was obtained for chalcopyrite as the main copper mineral in the ore sample. The recovery rate and the grade in the concentrates were enhanced with increasing chalcopyrite particle size. Chalcopyrite particles with a d_(80) of approximately 100 μm were recovered at the early stages of the flotation process. The kinetic studies showed that the kinetic second-order rectangular distribution model perfectly fit the flotation test data. Characterization of the kinetic parameters indicated that the optimum granulation distribution range for achieving a maximum flotation rate for chalcopyrite particles was between the sizes 50 and 55 μm.展开更多
Low-salinity water injection has been utilized as a promising method for oil recovery in recent years. Low-salinity water flooding changes the ion composition or brine salinity for improving oil recovery. Recently, th...Low-salinity water injection has been utilized as a promising method for oil recovery in recent years. Low-salinity water flooding changes the ion composition or brine salinity for improving oil recovery. Recently, the application of nanoparticles with low-salinity water flooding has shown remarkable results in enhanced oil recovery(EOR). Many studies have been performed on the effect of nanofluids on EOR mechanisms. Their results showed that nanofluids can improve oil recovery when used in low-salinity water flooding. In this work, the effects of injection of low-salinity water and low-salinity nanofluid(prepared by adding SiO_2 nanoparticles to low-salinity water) on oil recovery were investigated. At first, the effects of ions were investigated with equal concentrations in low-salinity water flooding. The experimental results showed that the monovalent ions had better performance than the divalent ions because of them having more negative zeta potential and less ionic strength. Also, low-salinity water flooding recovered 6.1% original oil in place(OOIP) more than the high-salinity flooding. Contact angle measurements demonstrated that low-salinity water could reduce the contact angle between oil and water. Then in the second stage, experiments were continued by adding SiO_2 nanoparticles to the K+ solution which had the highest oil recovery at the first stage. The experimental results illustrated that the addition of Si02 nanoparticles up to 0.05 wt% increased oil recovery by about 4% OOIP more than the low-salinity water flooding.展开更多
To investigate incidence and survival of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients after liver transplantation.METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients who underwent liver transp...To investigate incidence and survival of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients after liver transplantation.METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients who underwent liver transplantation at Shiraz Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran) between August 2004 and March 2015. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected using a data gathering form.RESULTSThere were 40 cases of PTLD in the pediatric age group and 13 cases in the adult group. The incidence of PTLD was 6.25% in pediatric patients and 1.18% in adult liver transplant recipients. The post-PTLD survival of patients at 6 mo was 75.1% ± 6%, at 1 year was 68.9% ± 6.5% and at 5 years was 39.2% ± 14.2%. Higher serum tacrolimus level was associated with lower post-PTLD survival in pediatric patients (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.006-1.15, P = 0.032). A serum tacrolimus level over 11.1 ng/mL was predictive of post PTLD survival (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 52%, area under the curve = 0.738, P = 0.035).CONCLUSIONIncidence of PTLD in our liver transplant patients is comparable to other centers. Transplant physicians may consider adjustment of tacrolimus dose to maintain its serum level below this cutoff point.展开更多
Bio-based and nature-inspired solutions have been investigated recently to develop sustainable,resilient,and durable construction including but not limited to roadway infrastructures.This paper reviews state-of-the-ar...Bio-based and nature-inspired solutions have been investigated recently to develop sustainable,resilient,and durable construction including but not limited to roadway infrastructures.This paper reviews state-of-the-art studies on self-healing,self-cleaning and self-rejuvenating asphalt,and concrete construction.This review draws three conclusions.(1)Self-healing construction materials have the potential to significantly extend the service life of construction elements.Urban and industrial wastes such as food waste,biomass,metals have been used to create self-healing construction materials that are more environmentally friendly.(2)Self-cleaning construction materials not only remove pollution by repelling water on their superhydrophobic surface,but also cut building and infrastructure maintenance costs,while improving cities'air quality by degrading pollutants such as NOx.Pavement engineers have exploited self-cleaning characteristic to facilitate the de-icing of pavements and lengthening the service life of pavements.(3)Self-rejuvenating materials including bio-oils can revitalize materials and delay aging;bio-oils can also be used to make bio-binders,thereby reducing the need for petroleumbased binders.The optimum concentration of bio-oil for asphalt modification depends on the chemical structure of oils.Still,regardless of dosage,self-rejuvenating binders improve asphalt workability and performance at low temperatures and increase the resistance of the asphalt mix to fatigue and cracking.This review also identified critical research gaps,including(1)the lack of a reliable,unified,and standard method to accurately measure construction materials’self-healing,self-cleaning and self-rejuvenating properties;(2)the lack of longterm field performance data to conduct comprehensive life cycle assessment and life cycle analysis;(3)the lack of accurate technoeconomic analysis to facilitate market entry of abovementioned solutions.Addressing these gaps and determining contribution of nature-inspired and bio-based technol展开更多
In this study, strong ground motion record （SGMR） selection based on Eta （~/） as a spectral shape indicator has been investigated as applied to steel braced flame structures. A probabilistic seismic hazard disaggr...In this study, strong ground motion record （SGMR） selection based on Eta （~/） as a spectral shape indicator has been investigated as applied to steel braced flame structures. A probabilistic seismic hazard disaggregation analysis for the definition of the target Epsilon （ε） and the target Eta （η） values at different hazard levels is presented, taking into account appropriately selected SGMR＇s. Fragility curves are developed for different limit states corresponding to three representative models of typical steel braced frames having significant irregularities in plan, by means of a weighted damage index. The results show that spectral shape indicators have an important effect on the predicted median structural capacities, and also that the parameter r/is a more robust predictor of damage than searching for records with appropriate c values.展开更多
Whole rock major and trace element geochemistry together with zircon U-Pb ages and Sr-Nd isotope compositions for the Middle Eocene intrusive rocks in the Haji Abad region are presented. The granitoid hosts, including...Whole rock major and trace element geochemistry together with zircon U-Pb ages and Sr-Nd isotope compositions for the Middle Eocene intrusive rocks in the Haji Abad region are presented. The granitoid hosts, including granodiorite and diorite, yielded zircon U-Pb ages with a weighted mean value of 40.0 ± 0.7 Ma for the granodiorite phase. Mafic microgranular enclaves(MMEs) are common in these plutons, and have relatively low SiO_2 contents(53.04-57.08 wt.%) and high Mg#(42.6-60.1), probably reflecting a mantle-derived origin. The host rocks are metaluminous(A/CNK = 0.69-1.03), arc-related calc-alkaline, and I-type in composition, possessing higher SiO_2 contents(59.7-66.77 wt.%) and lower Mg#(38.6-52.2); they are considered a product of partial melting of the mafic lower crust. Chondritenormalized REE patterns of the MMEs and granitoid hosts are characterized by LREE enrichment and show slight negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu* = 0.60-0.93). The host granodiorite samples yield(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr);ratios ranging from 0.70498 to 0.70591,positive eNd(t) values varying from +0.21 to +2.3, and TDM2 ranging from 760 to 909 Ma, which is consistent with that of associated mafic microgranular enclaves(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i = 0.705111-0.705113, ε_(Nd)(t)= +2.14 to +2.16, T_(DM2) = 697-785 Ma). Petrographic and geochemical characterization together with bulk rock Nd-Sr isotopic data suggest that host rocks and associated enclaves originated by interaction between basaltic lower crust-derived felsic and mantlederived mafic magmas in an active continental margin arc environment.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the potential effects of chelidonine, the main alkaloid of Chelidonium majus, on telomerase activity and its regulation in HepG2 cells. METHODS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine for HepG2 cells was de...AIM： To investigate the potential effects of chelidonine, the main alkaloid of Chelidonium majus, on telomerase activity and its regulation in HepG2 cells. METHODS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine for HepG2 cells was determined by neutral red assay. A modified polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-based telomerase repeat amplification protocol was used to estimate relative telomerase activity in chelidonine-treated cells in comparison with the untreated control cells. Relative expression level of the catalytic subunit of telomerase （hTERT） gene and P-glycoprotein （pgp） were estimated using semi-quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. Cell senescence in treated cells was demonstrated using a 13-galactosidase test. RESULTS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine in HepG2 cells was not dose-dependent and tended to reach plateau immediately after the living cells were reduced in number to slightly higher than 50%. However, 12 μmol/L concentration of chelidonine was considered as LD50, where the maximal attainable effects were realized. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that the expression of pgp increased three-fold in chelidonine treated HepG2 cells in comparison with the untreated controls. MoP phologically, treated HepG2 cells showed apoptotic features after 24 h and a small fraction of cells appeared with single blister cell death. The relative expression level of Bcl-2 dropped to less than 50% of control cells at a sub-apoptotic concentration of chelidonine and subsequently increased to higher than 120% at LD50. Telomerase activity was reduced considerably after administration of very low doses of chelidonine, whereas higher concentrations of chelidonine did not remarkably enhance the effect. Real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated a drastic decrease in expression level of hTERT subunit of telomerase under treatment with chelidonine. Repeated treatment of cells with very low doses of chelidonine caused a decline in growth rate by 4 wk and many of the cells appeared to be aged with large volume and展开更多
Sandstone reservoirs often contain clay particles that can cause damage and reduce permeability during low-salinity water flooding.In this study,the effect of surfactants on fine migration in clay-rich sandstones and ...Sandstone reservoirs often contain clay particles that can cause damage and reduce permeability during low-salinity water flooding.In this study,the effect of surfactants on fine migration in clay-rich sandstones and its impact on oil recovery was investigated.First,the impact of surfactants on interparticle forces in fine-matrix,fine-fine,and oil-matrix systems was modeled.The results showed that both CTAB(cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide)and QS(quillaja saponin)cause EDL compaction,weakening the repulsive forces.However,SDS(sodium dodecyl sulfate)and TX(triton X-100)do not affect the EDL.Next,the effect of surfactants on IFT reduction and wettability alteration was experimentally investigated.All surfactants reduced IFT due to the surface excessive concentration mechanism.The wettability alteration experiment illustrated that although QS and CTAB compact EDL around oil and matrix particles leading to attraction force augmentation,they both alter wettability through adsorption on matrix and carboxylic groups present in crude oil,respectively.Surfactant aqueous solutions were then injected into various clay-rich sandstone sanpacks,which resulted in increased oil recovery.However,the mechanisms leading to enhanced oil recovery variedby surfactant type.CTAB increased recovery by 10%through IFT reduction and wettability alteration,while SDS and TX increased recovery by 12%and 9%,respectively,through wettability alteration and extreme fine migration.In contrast,partial fine migration in the QS flooding experiment reached a recovery increase of 18%.Permeability trends through experiments were also recorded.During CTAB injection,permeability did not reduce,while QS aqueous solution reduced rock permeability to 5 m D.SDS and TX reduced the magnitude of permeability to 2 m D.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that surfactants can effectively improve oil recovery in clay-rich sandstones by altering the interparticle forces,reducing IFT,and changing wettability.The results suggest that the type of surfactant used should 展开更多
In the present paper,the hydrodynamic performance of stepped planing craft is investigated by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)analysis.For this purpose,the hydrodynamic resistances of without step,one-step,and two-st...In the present paper,the hydrodynamic performance of stepped planing craft is investigated by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)analysis.For this purpose,the hydrodynamic resistances of without step,one-step,and two-step hulls of Cougar planing craft are evaluated under different distances of the second step and LCG from aft,weight loadings,and Froude numbers(Fr).Our CFD results are appropriately validated against our conducted experimental test in National Iranians Marine Laboratory(NIMALA),Tehran,Iran.Then,the hydrodynamic resistance of intended planing crafts under various geometrical and physical conditions is predicted using artificial neural networks(ANNs).CFD analysis shows two different trends in the growth rate of resistance to weight ratio.So that,using steps for planing craft increases the resistance to weight ratio at lower Fr and decreases it at higher Fr.Additionally,by the increase of the distance between two steps,the resistance to weight ratio is decreased and the porpoising phenomenon is delayed.Furthermore,we obtained the maximum mean square error of ANNs output in the prediction of resistance to weight ratio equal to 0.0027.Finally,the predictive equation is suggested for the resistance to weight ratio of stepped planing craft according to weights and bias of designed ANNs.展开更多
Group-2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2)are part of a growing family of innate lymphocytes known for their crucial role in both the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma.The activation and function of ILC2s are r...Group-2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2)are part of a growing family of innate lymphocytes known for their crucial role in both the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma.The activation and function of ILC2s are regulated by various activating and inhibitory molecules,with their balance determining the severity of allergic responses.In this study,we aim to elucidate the critical role of the suppressor molecule signal regulatory protein alpha(SIRPα),which interacts with CD47,in controlling ILC2-mediated airway hyperreactivity(AHR).Our data indicate that activated ILC2s upregulate the expression of SIRPα,and the interaction between SIRPαand CD47 effectively suppresses both ILC2 proliferation and effector function.To evaluate the function of SIRPαin ILC2-mediated AHR,we combined multiple approaches including genetically modified mouse models and adoptive transfer experiments in murine models of allergen-induced AHR.Our findings suggest that the absence of SIRPαleads to the overactivation of ILC2s.Conversely,engagement of SIRPαwith CD47 reduces ILC2 cytokine production and effectively regulates ILC2-dependent AHR.Furthermore,the SIRPα-CD47 axis modulates mitochondrial metabolism through the JAK/STAT and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways,thereby regulating NF-κB activity and the production of type 2 cytokines.Additionally,our studies have revealed that SIRPαis inducible and expressed on human ILC2s,and administration of human CD47-Fc effectively suppresses the effector function and cytokine production.Moreover,administering human CD47-Fc to humanized ILC2 mice effectively alleviates AHR and lung inflammation.These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of targeting the SIRPα-CD47 axis in the treatment of ILC2-dependent allergic asthma.展开更多
The purpose of this research study was to investigate the properties of polyurethane coatings based on lignin nano-particles.For this purpose,the prepared coatings were applied to pine wood surfaces and weathered arti...The purpose of this research study was to investigate the properties of polyurethane coatings based on lignin nano-particles.For this purpose,the prepared coatings were applied to pine wood surfaces and weathered artificially.Subsequently,color and gloss of the coatings were measured before and after the weathering test.Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM)micrographs prepared from the coatings showed that the average size of nano-particles in the polyurethane substrate was approximately 500 nm.Nuclear magnetic resonance(13C-NMR)spectroscopy showed that strong urethane bonds were formed in the nano-lignin-based polyurethane.Differential calorimetric analysis(DSC)test revealed that the glass-transition temperature(Tg)of lignin nanoparticles modified with diethylenetriamine(DETA)was 112.8℃ and Tg of lignin nano-particles modified with ethylenediamine(EDA)was 102.5℃,which is lower than the Tg of un-modified lignin(114.6℃)and lignin modified with DETA(126.8℃)and lignin modified with EDA(131.3℃).The coatings modified with lignin nano-particles had a greater change in gloss.The lignin nano-particles in the modified coating are trapping hydroxyl radicals which reduces photoactivity and yellowing of the polyurethane by about 3 times compared to unmodified polyurethane coatings.After weathering test,the nano-lignin-based coating had a rougher surface with a lower contact angle(0.78°)compared to the unmodified polyurethane coating(0.85°).展开更多
Electric and magnetic fields generated by lightning cause a serious hazard to various systems.Now wind turbine installations with higher power capacity are increasing.Higher power capacity requires higher height and s...Electric and magnetic fields generated by lightning cause a serious hazard to various systems.Now wind turbine installations with higher power capacity are increasing.Higher power capacity requires higher height and so there is more probability of lightning strike.Blades are the most probable components to be struck by lightning.The most common lightning protection system for the blades consists of several metallic receptors on the blade surface.Those are connected to the ground by metallic down-conductors placed inside the blade shell.This paper studies effects of the receptor configurations on protecting the blade against lightning strike.For this purpose,an analysis procedure based on finite element method(FEM)in COMSOL Multiphysics software environment is used.The voltage distribution around the blade is simulated for various configurations of receptors.The best configuration is presented.Simulations are performed on the blade model of a special wind turbine,which isVESTAS V47".展开更多
Coreflood,interfacial tension(IFT),contact angle,and phase behavior measurements were performed to investigate the viability of a hybrid of low-salinity water,surfactant,and CO_(2) flood enhanced oil recovery(EOR)proc...Coreflood,interfacial tension(IFT),contact angle,and phase behavior measurements were performed to investigate the viability of a hybrid of low-salinity water,surfactant,and CO_(2) flood enhanced oil recovery(EOR)process.Low-permeability carbonate reservoir cores were aged for eight weeks at reservoir temperature and pressure.Coreflood and contact angle between oil droplets and core surface measurements were performed.Additional contact angle measurements on sandstone and shale cores were also performed.The coreflood sequences were seawater flood,followed by low-salinity water flood,followed by surfactant floods until residual oil saturations to each flooding sequences and finally CO_(2) injection.Coreflood in low-permeability carbonate cores show that the hybrid EOR process produces incremental oil up to twenty-five percent beyond seawater flooding.Contact angle measurements on carbonate,sandstone and shale cores indicate that wettability alteration and IFT decrease are the main oil-mobilizing mechanisms in the hybrid EOR process.The hybrid EOR process mobilizes part of the residual oil because:(i)low-salinity brine improves wettability towards hydrophilic condition favorable for surfactant flooding;(ii)surfactant in lowsalinity water solubilizes some of the remaining oil as Winsor type IImicroemulsion and lowers IFT between oil and water;and(iii)CO_(2) will follow surfactant to mobilize more of the remaining oil in the wettability-improved condition.展开更多
文摘AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated cirrhosis were included. Approximately 200 mL of the bone marrow of the patients was aspirated, and CD34+ stem cells were selected. Between 3 to 10 million CD34+ cells were isolated. The cells were slowly infused through the hepatic artery of the patients.RESULTS: Patient 1 showed marginal improvement in serum albumin and no significant changes in other test results. In patient 2 prothrombin time was decreased; however, her total bilirubin, serum creatinine, and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score worsened at the end of follow up. In patient 3 there was improvement in serum albumin, porthrombin time (PT), and MELD score. Patient 4 developed radiocontrast nephropathy after the procedure, and progressed to type 1 hepatorenal syndrome and died of liver failure a few days later. Because of the major side effects seen in the last patient, the trial was prematurely stopped.CONCLUSION: Infusion of CD34+ stem cells through the hepatic artery is not safe in decompensated cirrhosis. Radiocontrast nephropathy and hepatorenal syndrome could be major side effects. However, this study doesnot preclude infusion of CD34+ stem cells through other routes.
基金Supported by "Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Trieste","Fondazione Benefica Kathleen Foreman Casali of Trieste" and Italian Minister of Instruction,University and Research(MIUR),No.PRIN 2010-11 and No.20109PLMH2
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancerrelated death. The difficulty to diagnose early cancer stages, the aggressive behaviors of HCC, and the poor effectiveness of therapeutic treatments, represent the reasons for the quite similar deaths per year and incidence number. Considering the fact that the diagnosis of HCC typically occurs in the advanced stages of the disease when the therapeutic options have only modest efficacy, the possibility to identify early diagnostic markers could be of significant benefit. So far, a large number of biomarkers have been associated to HCC progression and aggressiveness, but many of them turned out not to be of practical utility. This is the reason why active investigations are ongoing in this field. Given the huge amount of published works aimed at the identification of HCC biomarkers, in this review we mainly focused on the data published in the last year, with particular attention to the role of(1) molecular and biochemical cellular markers;(2) micro-interfering RNAs;(3) epigenetic variations; and(4) tumor stroma. It is worth mentioning that a significant number of the HCC markers described in the present review may be utilized also as targets for novel therapeutic approaches, indicating the tight relation between diagnosis and therapy. In conclusion, we believe that integrated researches among the different lines of investigation indicated above should represent the winning strategies to identify effective HCC markers and therapeutic targets.
文摘The hot deformation characteristics of 1.4462 duplex stainless steel （DSS） were analyzed by considering strain partitioning between austenite and ferrite constituents. The individual behavior of ferrite and austenite in microstructure was studied in an iso-stress condition. Hot compression tests were performed at temperatures of 800-1100~C and strain rates of 0.001-1 s-1. The flow stress was modeled by a hyperbolic sine constitutive equation, the corresponding constants and apparent activation energies were determined for the studied alloys. The constitutive equation and law of mixture were used to measure the contribution factor of each phase at any given strain. It is found that the contribution factor of ferrite exponentially declines as the Zener-HoUomon parameter （Z） increases. On the contrary, the austenite contribution polynomially increases with the increase of Z. At low Z values below 2.6. x 1015 （lnZ---35.5）, a negative contribution factor is determined for austenite that is attributed to dynamic recrystallization. At high Z values, the contribution factor of austenite is about two orders of magnitude greater than that of ferrite, and therefore, austenite can accommodate more strain. Microstructural characterization via electron back-scattered diffraction （EBSD） confirms the mechanical results and shows that austenite recrystallization is possible only at high temperature and low strain rate.
文摘A control algorithm for improving vehicle handling was proposed by applying right angle to the steering wheel,based on the nonlinear adaptive optimal control(NAOC).A nonlinear 4-DOF model was initially developed,then it was simplified to a 2-DOF model with reasonable assumptions to design observer and optimal controllers.Then a simplified model was developed for steering system.The numerical simulations were carried out using vehicle parameters for standard maneuvers in dry and wet road conditions.Moreover,the hardware in the loop method was implemented to prove the controller ability in realistic conditions.Simulation results obviously show the effectiveness of NAOC on vehicle handling and reveal that the proposed controller can significantly improve vehicle handling during severe maneuvers.
文摘The aim of this study is to apply process mineralogy as a practical tool for further understanding and predicting the flotation kinetics of the copper sulfide minerals. The minerals' composition and association, grain distribution, and liberation within the ore samples were analyzed in the feed, concentrate, and the tailings of the flotation processes with two pulp densities of 25 wt% and 30 wt%. The major copper-bearing minerals identified by microscopic analysis of the concentrate samples included chalcopyrite(56.2 wt%), chalcocite(29.1 wt%),covellite(6.4 wt%), and bornite(4.7 wt%). Pyrite was the main sulfide gangue mineral(3.6 wt%) in the concentrates. A 95% degree of liberation with d_(80) > 80 μm was obtained for chalcopyrite as the main copper mineral in the ore sample. The recovery rate and the grade in the concentrates were enhanced with increasing chalcopyrite particle size. Chalcopyrite particles with a d_(80) of approximately 100 μm were recovered at the early stages of the flotation process. The kinetic studies showed that the kinetic second-order rectangular distribution model perfectly fit the flotation test data. Characterization of the kinetic parameters indicated that the optimum granulation distribution range for achieving a maximum flotation rate for chalcopyrite particles was between the sizes 50 and 55 μm.
文摘Low-salinity water injection has been utilized as a promising method for oil recovery in recent years. Low-salinity water flooding changes the ion composition or brine salinity for improving oil recovery. Recently, the application of nanoparticles with low-salinity water flooding has shown remarkable results in enhanced oil recovery(EOR). Many studies have been performed on the effect of nanofluids on EOR mechanisms. Their results showed that nanofluids can improve oil recovery when used in low-salinity water flooding. In this work, the effects of injection of low-salinity water and low-salinity nanofluid(prepared by adding SiO_2 nanoparticles to low-salinity water) on oil recovery were investigated. At first, the effects of ions were investigated with equal concentrations in low-salinity water flooding. The experimental results showed that the monovalent ions had better performance than the divalent ions because of them having more negative zeta potential and less ionic strength. Also, low-salinity water flooding recovered 6.1% original oil in place(OOIP) more than the high-salinity flooding. Contact angle measurements demonstrated that low-salinity water could reduce the contact angle between oil and water. Then in the second stage, experiments were continued by adding SiO_2 nanoparticles to the K+ solution which had the highest oil recovery at the first stage. The experimental results illustrated that the addition of Si02 nanoparticles up to 0.05 wt% increased oil recovery by about 4% OOIP more than the low-salinity water flooding.
文摘To investigate incidence and survival of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients after liver transplantation.METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients who underwent liver transplantation at Shiraz Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran) between August 2004 and March 2015. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected using a data gathering form.RESULTSThere were 40 cases of PTLD in the pediatric age group and 13 cases in the adult group. The incidence of PTLD was 6.25% in pediatric patients and 1.18% in adult liver transplant recipients. The post-PTLD survival of patients at 6 mo was 75.1% ± 6%, at 1 year was 68.9% ± 6.5% and at 5 years was 39.2% ± 14.2%. Higher serum tacrolimus level was associated with lower post-PTLD survival in pediatric patients (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.006-1.15, P = 0.032). A serum tacrolimus level over 11.1 ng/mL was predictive of post PTLD survival (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 52%, area under the curve = 0.738, P = 0.035).CONCLUSIONIncidence of PTLD in our liver transplant patients is comparable to other centers. Transplant physicians may consider adjustment of tacrolimus dose to maintain its serum level below this cutoff point.
文摘Bio-based and nature-inspired solutions have been investigated recently to develop sustainable,resilient,and durable construction including but not limited to roadway infrastructures.This paper reviews state-of-the-art studies on self-healing,self-cleaning and self-rejuvenating asphalt,and concrete construction.This review draws three conclusions.(1)Self-healing construction materials have the potential to significantly extend the service life of construction elements.Urban and industrial wastes such as food waste,biomass,metals have been used to create self-healing construction materials that are more environmentally friendly.(2)Self-cleaning construction materials not only remove pollution by repelling water on their superhydrophobic surface,but also cut building and infrastructure maintenance costs,while improving cities'air quality by degrading pollutants such as NOx.Pavement engineers have exploited self-cleaning characteristic to facilitate the de-icing of pavements and lengthening the service life of pavements.(3)Self-rejuvenating materials including bio-oils can revitalize materials and delay aging;bio-oils can also be used to make bio-binders,thereby reducing the need for petroleumbased binders.The optimum concentration of bio-oil for asphalt modification depends on the chemical structure of oils.Still,regardless of dosage,self-rejuvenating binders improve asphalt workability and performance at low temperatures and increase the resistance of the asphalt mix to fatigue and cracking.This review also identified critical research gaps,including(1)the lack of a reliable,unified,and standard method to accurately measure construction materials’self-healing,self-cleaning and self-rejuvenating properties;(2)the lack of longterm field performance data to conduct comprehensive life cycle assessment and life cycle analysis;(3)the lack of accurate technoeconomic analysis to facilitate market entry of abovementioned solutions.Addressing these gaps and determining contribution of nature-inspired and bio-based technol
文摘In this study, strong ground motion record （SGMR） selection based on Eta （~/） as a spectral shape indicator has been investigated as applied to steel braced flame structures. A probabilistic seismic hazard disaggregation analysis for the definition of the target Epsilon （ε） and the target Eta （η） values at different hazard levels is presented, taking into account appropriately selected SGMR＇s. Fragility curves are developed for different limit states corresponding to three representative models of typical steel braced frames having significant irregularities in plan, by means of a weighted damage index. The results show that spectral shape indicators have an important effect on the predicted median structural capacities, and also that the parameter r/is a more robust predictor of damage than searching for records with appropriate c values.
文摘Whole rock major and trace element geochemistry together with zircon U-Pb ages and Sr-Nd isotope compositions for the Middle Eocene intrusive rocks in the Haji Abad region are presented. The granitoid hosts, including granodiorite and diorite, yielded zircon U-Pb ages with a weighted mean value of 40.0 ± 0.7 Ma for the granodiorite phase. Mafic microgranular enclaves(MMEs) are common in these plutons, and have relatively low SiO_2 contents(53.04-57.08 wt.%) and high Mg#(42.6-60.1), probably reflecting a mantle-derived origin. The host rocks are metaluminous(A/CNK = 0.69-1.03), arc-related calc-alkaline, and I-type in composition, possessing higher SiO_2 contents(59.7-66.77 wt.%) and lower Mg#(38.6-52.2); they are considered a product of partial melting of the mafic lower crust. Chondritenormalized REE patterns of the MMEs and granitoid hosts are characterized by LREE enrichment and show slight negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu* = 0.60-0.93). The host granodiorite samples yield(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr);ratios ranging from 0.70498 to 0.70591,positive eNd(t) values varying from +0.21 to +2.3, and TDM2 ranging from 760 to 909 Ma, which is consistent with that of associated mafic microgranular enclaves(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i = 0.705111-0.705113, ε_(Nd)(t)= +2.14 to +2.16, T_(DM2) = 697-785 Ma). Petrographic and geochemical characterization together with bulk rock Nd-Sr isotopic data suggest that host rocks and associated enclaves originated by interaction between basaltic lower crust-derived felsic and mantlederived mafic magmas in an active continental margin arc environment.
文摘AIM： To investigate the potential effects of chelidonine, the main alkaloid of Chelidonium majus, on telomerase activity and its regulation in HepG2 cells. METHODS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine for HepG2 cells was determined by neutral red assay. A modified polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-based telomerase repeat amplification protocol was used to estimate relative telomerase activity in chelidonine-treated cells in comparison with the untreated control cells. Relative expression level of the catalytic subunit of telomerase （hTERT） gene and P-glycoprotein （pgp） were estimated using semi-quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. Cell senescence in treated cells was demonstrated using a 13-galactosidase test. RESULTS： Cytotoxicity of chelidonine in HepG2 cells was not dose-dependent and tended to reach plateau immediately after the living cells were reduced in number to slightly higher than 50%. However, 12 μmol/L concentration of chelidonine was considered as LD50, where the maximal attainable effects were realized. Real-time RT-PCR data showed that the expression of pgp increased three-fold in chelidonine treated HepG2 cells in comparison with the untreated controls. MoP phologically, treated HepG2 cells showed apoptotic features after 24 h and a small fraction of cells appeared with single blister cell death. The relative expression level of Bcl-2 dropped to less than 50% of control cells at a sub-apoptotic concentration of chelidonine and subsequently increased to higher than 120% at LD50. Telomerase activity was reduced considerably after administration of very low doses of chelidonine, whereas higher concentrations of chelidonine did not remarkably enhance the effect. Real-time RT-PCR experiments indicated a drastic decrease in expression level of hTERT subunit of telomerase under treatment with chelidonine. Repeated treatment of cells with very low doses of chelidonine caused a decline in growth rate by 4 wk and many of the cells appeared to be aged with large volume and
文摘Sandstone reservoirs often contain clay particles that can cause damage and reduce permeability during low-salinity water flooding.In this study,the effect of surfactants on fine migration in clay-rich sandstones and its impact on oil recovery was investigated.First,the impact of surfactants on interparticle forces in fine-matrix,fine-fine,and oil-matrix systems was modeled.The results showed that both CTAB(cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide)and QS(quillaja saponin)cause EDL compaction,weakening the repulsive forces.However,SDS(sodium dodecyl sulfate)and TX(triton X-100)do not affect the EDL.Next,the effect of surfactants on IFT reduction and wettability alteration was experimentally investigated.All surfactants reduced IFT due to the surface excessive concentration mechanism.The wettability alteration experiment illustrated that although QS and CTAB compact EDL around oil and matrix particles leading to attraction force augmentation,they both alter wettability through adsorption on matrix and carboxylic groups present in crude oil,respectively.Surfactant aqueous solutions were then injected into various clay-rich sandstone sanpacks,which resulted in increased oil recovery.However,the mechanisms leading to enhanced oil recovery variedby surfactant type.CTAB increased recovery by 10%through IFT reduction and wettability alteration,while SDS and TX increased recovery by 12%and 9%,respectively,through wettability alteration and extreme fine migration.In contrast,partial fine migration in the QS flooding experiment reached a recovery increase of 18%.Permeability trends through experiments were also recorded.During CTAB injection,permeability did not reduce,while QS aqueous solution reduced rock permeability to 5 m D.SDS and TX reduced the magnitude of permeability to 2 m D.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that surfactants can effectively improve oil recovery in clay-rich sandstones by altering the interparticle forces,reducing IFT,and changing wettability.The results suggest that the type of surfactant used should
文摘In the present paper,the hydrodynamic performance of stepped planing craft is investigated by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)analysis.For this purpose,the hydrodynamic resistances of without step,one-step,and two-step hulls of Cougar planing craft are evaluated under different distances of the second step and LCG from aft,weight loadings,and Froude numbers(Fr).Our CFD results are appropriately validated against our conducted experimental test in National Iranians Marine Laboratory(NIMALA),Tehran,Iran.Then,the hydrodynamic resistance of intended planing crafts under various geometrical and physical conditions is predicted using artificial neural networks(ANNs).CFD analysis shows two different trends in the growth rate of resistance to weight ratio.So that,using steps for planing craft increases the resistance to weight ratio at lower Fr and decreases it at higher Fr.Additionally,by the increase of the distance between two steps,the resistance to weight ratio is decreased and the porpoising phenomenon is delayed.Furthermore,we obtained the maximum mean square error of ANNs output in the prediction of resistance to weight ratio equal to 0.0027.Finally,the predictive equation is suggested for the resistance to weight ratio of stepped planing craft according to weights and bias of designed ANNs.
基金supported by R01 HL144790,R01 HL151493,R01 AI145813,R01 AI169687,R01 HL151769,R01 HL 159804 grant from the National Institutes of Health,Public Health Service(O.A.).Schematic diagrams(Figure 4E and Figure 6K)were designed with Biorender.com.
文摘Group-2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2)are part of a growing family of innate lymphocytes known for their crucial role in both the development and exacerbation of allergic asthma.The activation and function of ILC2s are regulated by various activating and inhibitory molecules,with their balance determining the severity of allergic responses.In this study,we aim to elucidate the critical role of the suppressor molecule signal regulatory protein alpha(SIRPα),which interacts with CD47,in controlling ILC2-mediated airway hyperreactivity(AHR).Our data indicate that activated ILC2s upregulate the expression of SIRPα,and the interaction between SIRPαand CD47 effectively suppresses both ILC2 proliferation and effector function.To evaluate the function of SIRPαin ILC2-mediated AHR,we combined multiple approaches including genetically modified mouse models and adoptive transfer experiments in murine models of allergen-induced AHR.Our findings suggest that the absence of SIRPαleads to the overactivation of ILC2s.Conversely,engagement of SIRPαwith CD47 reduces ILC2 cytokine production and effectively regulates ILC2-dependent AHR.Furthermore,the SIRPα-CD47 axis modulates mitochondrial metabolism through the JAK/STAT and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways,thereby regulating NF-κB activity and the production of type 2 cytokines.Additionally,our studies have revealed that SIRPαis inducible and expressed on human ILC2s,and administration of human CD47-Fc effectively suppresses the effector function and cytokine production.Moreover,administering human CD47-Fc to humanized ILC2 mice effectively alleviates AHR and lung inflammation.These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of targeting the SIRPα-CD47 axis in the treatment of ILC2-dependent allergic asthma.
文摘The purpose of this research study was to investigate the properties of polyurethane coatings based on lignin nano-particles.For this purpose,the prepared coatings were applied to pine wood surfaces and weathered artificially.Subsequently,color and gloss of the coatings were measured before and after the weathering test.Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM)micrographs prepared from the coatings showed that the average size of nano-particles in the polyurethane substrate was approximately 500 nm.Nuclear magnetic resonance(13C-NMR)spectroscopy showed that strong urethane bonds were formed in the nano-lignin-based polyurethane.Differential calorimetric analysis(DSC)test revealed that the glass-transition temperature(Tg)of lignin nanoparticles modified with diethylenetriamine(DETA)was 112.8℃ and Tg of lignin nano-particles modified with ethylenediamine(EDA)was 102.5℃,which is lower than the Tg of un-modified lignin(114.6℃)and lignin modified with DETA(126.8℃)and lignin modified with EDA(131.3℃).The coatings modified with lignin nano-particles had a greater change in gloss.The lignin nano-particles in the modified coating are trapping hydroxyl radicals which reduces photoactivity and yellowing of the polyurethane by about 3 times compared to unmodified polyurethane coatings.After weathering test,the nano-lignin-based coating had a rougher surface with a lower contact angle(0.78°)compared to the unmodified polyurethane coating(0.85°).
文摘Electric and magnetic fields generated by lightning cause a serious hazard to various systems.Now wind turbine installations with higher power capacity are increasing.Higher power capacity requires higher height and so there is more probability of lightning strike.Blades are the most probable components to be struck by lightning.The most common lightning protection system for the blades consists of several metallic receptors on the blade surface.Those are connected to the ground by metallic down-conductors placed inside the blade shell.This paper studies effects of the receptor configurations on protecting the blade against lightning strike.For this purpose,an analysis procedure based on finite element method(FEM)in COMSOL Multiphysics software environment is used.The voltage distribution around the blade is simulated for various configurations of receptors.The best configuration is presented.Simulations are performed on the blade model of a special wind turbine,which isVESTAS V47".
基金The authors are grateful to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company(ADNOC)and the Petroleum Institute(PI)at Abu DhabiMarathon Center of Excellence for Reservoir Studies(MCERS)and Center for Earth Materials,Mechanics,Characterization(CEMMC)at Colorado School of Mines(CSM)for their support of this study.
文摘Coreflood,interfacial tension(IFT),contact angle,and phase behavior measurements were performed to investigate the viability of a hybrid of low-salinity water,surfactant,and CO_(2) flood enhanced oil recovery(EOR)process.Low-permeability carbonate reservoir cores were aged for eight weeks at reservoir temperature and pressure.Coreflood and contact angle between oil droplets and core surface measurements were performed.Additional contact angle measurements on sandstone and shale cores were also performed.The coreflood sequences were seawater flood,followed by low-salinity water flood,followed by surfactant floods until residual oil saturations to each flooding sequences and finally CO_(2) injection.Coreflood in low-permeability carbonate cores show that the hybrid EOR process produces incremental oil up to twenty-five percent beyond seawater flooding.Contact angle measurements on carbonate,sandstone and shale cores indicate that wettability alteration and IFT decrease are the main oil-mobilizing mechanisms in the hybrid EOR process.The hybrid EOR process mobilizes part of the residual oil because:(i)low-salinity brine improves wettability towards hydrophilic condition favorable for surfactant flooding;(ii)surfactant in lowsalinity water solubilizes some of the remaining oil as Winsor type IImicroemulsion and lowers IFT between oil and water;and(iii)CO_(2) will follow surfactant to mobilize more of the remaining oil in the wettability-improved condition.
