New energy vehicles' technology innovation coordination strategy based on alliance negotiation under dual credit policy

The development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is one of the effective ways to alleviate carbon emissions, environmental pollution, and energy scarcity in the transportation sector. The Chinese government has innovatively proposed the "dual credit policy," but it is still a hot topic whether it can promote the NEVs' technological innovation. In this study, we construct game models and obtain the technological innovation strategies for NEVs under the dual credit policy, considering that the NEV supply chain contains one manufacturer and N suppliers. Further, we construct bargaining game models and study how to encourage manufacturers and suppliers to enhance technological innovation, realize supply chain coordination, and give the alliance strategy to maximize suppliers' profit. We found that the dual credit policy can effectively stimulate technological innovation, and the higher the credit price or technological innovation credit factor, the higher the technical level of NEVs. The findings could guide the government to adjust and revise the policy. Second, we found that the bargaining games could coordinate the NEV supply chain so that decentralized enterprises can achieve optimal technological innovation under centralized decision-making. Third, we found that suppliers can improve their profits by choosing a suitable alliance strategy under the manufacturer's different negotiating power.

The allocative efficiency of construction land quota in rural China: a perspective of bidders' behavior and regret psychology

The construction land quota pricing mechanism with cost plus pricing method is not sufficient to reflect its intrinsic value. This diminishes the willingness of farmers to voluntarily reclaim abandoned residential and other rural construction land, leading to suboptimal efficiency in rural land utilization and an excessive squandering of rural land resources. Thus, a sequential auction model with two stages for complementary goods was constructed, which considered the synergic characteristics between the land and quota. Further, regret psychology of bidder was considered in the case of winning or losing. A rational pricing mechanism has been developed to allocate construction land quotas, aiming to enhance farmers' motivation to the vacant homesteads of reclamation and revitalizing the stock of rural construction land. The results revealed that the regret psychology in the case of winning would decrease the transaction price of the quota, i.e., the greater the perceived regret in the case of winning, the more significant the reduction in the bidding price offered. Moreover, the regret psychology in the event of losing/failure would increase the transaction price of quota. Furthermore, publishing only the winner's price after the auction leads to the highest price of the quota offered by the bidder. In contrast, publishing only the loser's bidding price leads to the lowest transaction price of the quota offered by the bidder. In addition, the fee for delayed construction would increase the bidding price of the construction land quota. Therefore, local governments should consider announcing only the winner of price after the quota auction has ended. In addition, imposing a fee for delayed construction would enhance the transaction price of land quota, increase farmers' revenue from land reclamation, and incentivize farmers to reclaim unused rural land.

Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life after intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched study

PURPOSE

Our aim was to perform a propensity score-matched study to compare the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life following intersphincteric resection vs. low anterior resection (LAR) with very low anastomosis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent intersphincteric resection or low anterior resection with low anastomosis (≤ 4 cm from the anal verge) for rectal cancer between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. A propensity score-matching process was performed. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), EORC-QLQ C30, EORC-QLQ CR29, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), Wexner, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. The primary outcome was the presence of LARS at least 12 months after surgery. The second outcome was the postoperative quality of life of included patients.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, 128 patients were included, including 58 males and 70 females with a median age of 59.5. Patients in the intersphincteric resection group showed a higher incidence of incontinence to flatus (32.8% versus 14.0%, p = 0.043) and stools (42.2% versus 21.9%, p = 0.046), pain/discomfort (25.0% versus 7.8%, p = 0.001), and bowel dysfunction, while the LARS scores (15.0 versus 13.2, p = 0.461) and major LARS rates (26.6% versus 14.1%, p = 0.078) were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

ISR leads to increased bowel incontinence rate and increased anal pain, without affecting the grade of low anterior resection syndrome, fecal urgency, and clustering. LAR might be the preferred sphincteric-preserving approach when negative resection margins and a safe anastomosis are guaranteed. Patients should be fully informed about potential functional impairment after sphincter-preservation procedures.

Multidetector CT-derived tricuspid annulus measurements predict tricuspid regurgitation reduction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

AIM

To use multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT)-derived tricuspid annulus (TA) measurements to identify predictors for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) reduction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and to investigate the impact of TR change on prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, single-centre study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with concomitant baseline mild or more severe TR from April 2012 to April 2022. TA parameters were measured using MDCT.

RESULTS

The study comprised 266 patients (mean age 74.2 ± 7.6 years, 147 men) and 45.1% had more than one grade of TR reduction at follow-up. Independent predictors of TR reduction at follow-up were distance between TA centroid and antero-septal commissure (odd ratio [OR] 0.776; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.672-0.896, p=0.001), baseline TR of moderate or worse (OR 4.599; 95% CI: 2.193-9.648, p<0.001), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (OR 1.018; 95% CI: 1.002-1.035, p=0.027), age (OR 0.955; 95% CI: 0.920-0.993, p=0.019), and pre-existing atrial fibrillation (OR 0.209; 95% CI: 0.101-0.433, p<0.001). Patients without TR reduction had higher rates of rehospitalisation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.642; 95% CI: 0.413-0.998, p=0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

The MDCT-derived TA parameter was predictive of TR reduction after TAVR. Persistent TR after TAVR was associated with higher rates of rehospitalisation.

[Feasibility and safety of transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement for severe mitral regurgitation]

A prospective, single-center, single-arm, and open-design study was performed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement in the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic moderate-severe or severe mitral regurgitation at high-surgical risk and anatomically appropriate for the HighLife transseptal mitral valve replacement (TSMVR) system in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from December 2021 to August 2022 were enrolled. Four patients (1 male and 3 females) with severe mitral regurgitation were included, with a median age of 68.5 (64.0-77.0) years and a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score of 8.1% (6.4%-8.9%). Technical success was achieved in all the patients. There was no residual mitral regurgitation, paravalvular leakage, or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Three major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events occurred within 30 days after the procedure, including ventricular tachycardia, iatrogenic atrial septal defect closure, and heart failure readmission. The current study preliminarily demonstrates that transcatheter mitral valve replacement using the HighLife system via the transseptal approach for severe mitral regurgitation is feasible and relatively safe.

A novel single-base deletion of the RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2 gene associated with cleidocranial dysplasia

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare, autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by skeletal malformations and dental abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to explore the functional role of a novel mutation in the pathogenesis of CCD. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from family members of a Chinese patient with CCD. An analysis of their RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2) gene sequences was performed by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. The function of the mutant RUNX2 was studied by bioinformatics, real-time PCR, western blotting, and subcellular localization analysis. Sanger sequencing identified a novel single-base deletion (NM_001024630.4:c.132delG;NP_001019801.3: Val45Trpfs^* 99) in the RUNX2 gene present in the Chinese patient with CCD. In vitro, functional studies showed altered protein localization and increased expression of mutant RUNX2 mRNA and mutant Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the novel RUNX2 mutations significantly increased the transactivation activity of RUNX2 on the osteocalcin gene promoter. In conclusion, we identified a patient with sporadic CCD carrying a novel deletion/frameshift mutation of the RUNX2 gene and performed screening and functional analyses to determine the cause of the CCD phenotype. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of CCD.3.

The Effect of Metformin on the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Chondrocytes with a Hypertrophic Phenotype

Objective: To investigate the effect of metformin on the differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into chondrocytes with a hypertrophic phenotype and related mechanisms. Methods: BMSCs were induced to differentiate into cartilage in vitro. The mRNA expression of chondrocyte markers and hypertrophic markers was analyzed. BMSCs were induced in vitro with metformincontaining and metformin-free chondrogenic medium, and Col2, SOX9, Runx2, and Col10 mRNA expression and AMPK protein expression in the metformin group and the control group were analyzed. Results: BMSCs were positive after induction into chondrocytes. The mRNA expression of Col2 and SOX9 was significantly increased on day 7. The mRNA expression of Runx2 and Col10 was significantly elevated at 14 days. Treatment with metformin at a concentration of 10 mM significantly reduced the cell viability of BMSCs. Significantly more Col2 and SOX9 mRNA expression was present in the experimental group than in the control group, whereas Runx2 and Col10 mRNA levels were significantly lower. In addition, AMPK protein expression significantly improved when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Metformin inhibits the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes with a hypertrophic phenotype; metformin activates AMPK during inhibition of the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes with a hypertrophic phenotype.

Factors Influencing Intergovernmental Cooperation on Emission Reduction in Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration: An Evolutionary Game Theory Perspective

In this study, we introduced the realistic problem of a dynamic carbon tax, built several evolutionary game models for cooperative emission reduction by local governments, and determined the factors that influence governments' willingness to cooperate in emission reduction. The findings revealed that, first, the probability of governments opting for cooperative emission reduction strategies increases at different rates depending on the benefits and costs of cooperation. Second, externalities influence governments' willingness to cooperate in emission reduction during cooperative carbon emission reduction. Furthermore, the emergence of a free-riding situation reduces the effectiveness of intergovernmental cooperation in reducing carbon emissions. Third, carbon tax policy can influence the likelihood that local governments will choose cooperative emission reduction, and different carbon tax sizes have different effects on their willingness to choose cooperative emission reduction.

In Situ Construction of a Liquid Film Interface with Fast Ion Transport for Solid Sodium-Ion Batteries

Solid sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) are considered as one of the promising energy storage systems because of their high safety and high energy density. However, the sodium metal anode presents poor wettability with a solid electrolyte, resulting in high interface impedance and dendrite growth, which severely limits their application in practice. Herein, a novel liquid film (Na-BP) interface is constructed between sodium and solid electrolyte (Na₃Hf₂Si₂PO₁₂) with an excellent kinetic mass transfer ability and good fluidity, which could guarantee a close contact and fast charge transfer at interface. The symmetric cells with the designed interface show a high-rate and long-cycle performance and could cycle stably more than 1000 and 700 h at 0.2 and 0.5 mA cm^-2, respectively. The critical current density of the cells can reach 3.6 mA cm^-2 at room temperature, which is the highest value in similar works.

Injectable Hyaluronic Acid/Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells/Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Promotes the Repair of Radial Bone Defects in Rabbits

Background: Bone defects are common in orthopedics and can be caused by congenital diseases, trauma, infection, tumors and other reasons. The treatment of large-scale bone defects is a clinical problem faced by orthopedists. The development of tissue engineering technology is expected to solve this problem. Objective: To explore the effect of injectable hyaluronic acid/hUCMSC/BMP-2 on the healing of rabbit radial bone defects. Methods: X-ray examination and tissue specimens were examined to macroscopically observe bone defect healing; tetracycline fluorescence and vonKossa staining were performed to observe the formation of new bone, and H&E staining was performed to examine cartilage and trabecular bone formation. Results: The injectable hyaluronic acid/hUCMSC/BMP-2 could significantly promote the early repair of bone defects and accelerate the process of bone formation. Conclusion: The direct injection of hyaluronic acid/hUCMSC/BMP-2 into afresh bone defect site has a significant beneficial effect on early repair of the bone defect.

Designing a Novel Electrolyte Na3.2 Hf2 Si2.2 P0.8 O11.85 F0.3 for All-Solid-State Na-O2 Batteries

Sodium-air battery has great development potential due to its high energy density and high safety. However, most previous works are based on liquid electrolyte or polymer electrolyte, which will inevitably result in safety hazards such as electrolyte leakage and sodium dendrite growth. Herein, an all-solid-state Na-O₂ battery based on a well-designed NASICON-type electrolyte Na_3.2 Hf₂ Si_2.2 P_0.8 O_11.85 F_0.3 , which has high ionic conductivity (2.39 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 ) and excellent chemical stability, is developed. Collaborating with the reasonable humidity of the atmosphere, the battery shows good cycle stability. This research demonstrates that NASICON-type electrolyte Na_3.2 Hf₂ Si_2.2 P_0.8 O_11.85 F_0.3 has good application potential for all-solid-state Na-O₂ batteries and lays a solid foundation on the material preparation and optimization for developing high-energy sodium-air batteries.

Export trade structure transformation and countermeasures in the context of reverse globalization

With the development of economic globalization, the problem of unequal distribution of globalization dividends among and within countries has become increasingly serious, and reverse globalization has a great impact on the national economy and export trade. This paper uses the KOF Globalization Index and the world input-output tables in World Input-Output Database (WIOD), and empirically studies the transformation of a country’s export trade and export structure in the context of reverse globalization from the perspectives of world, country, industry, subdivided manufacturing and service industry. The results show that reverse globalization has a significant non-linear negative effect on economic development and export trade. Compared with developed and European Union (EU) countries, the exports of developing and non-EU countries are more affected by reverse globalization shocks. Reverse globalization has the greatest inhibition on the secondary industry exports, followed by the tertiary industry. The suppressive effects on the exports of 12 subdivided manufacturing and 14 subdivided service in China are significantly greater than that of the United States, but most of sub-industry exports in the United States are more sensitive. Besides, China’s exports of high-product-complexity industry such as metal products, medicinal chemicals, electrical and optical products and mechanical equipments are greatly affected by reverse globalization, while the exports of water transportation, construction, land transportation are relatively less restrained.

Effective guide for behaviour of farmers in the withdrawal of rural homesteads: An evolutionary game-based study

In this study, we determined how farmers can be effectively encouraged to withdraw from their idle homesteads, in addition to revitalising the rural construction land stock and realising the market-oriented allocation of land resources. We constructed an evolutionary game model under three scenarios: without penalty mechanism; with a static penalty mechanism; and with a dynamic penalty mechanism. Further, we explicitly describe the strategic behaviours and dynamic evolution processes of local governments and farmers during withdrawal from their rural homesteads. According to the results of the evolutionary stable strategy, under effect of the dynamic penalty mechanism, the strategy systems formed by local governments as well as farmers can gradually converge and stabilise after short-term shocks, compared with that under the no penalty and static penalty mechanisms. Overall, the penalty mechanism mitigates the instability in the game process during participants' incremental changes and strategy choices, while the dynamic mechanism is optimal. Both static and dynamic penalty mechanisms influence the binary equilibrium strategies of local governments as well as farmers, and farmers' strategies evolve towards this state of withdrawal from their homesteads with increasing penalty. When the model is dynamically improved, the probability of farmers' withdrawal of their homesteads increases with increasing penalty. Thus, clearly, the establishment of a penalty mechanism can promote stability of the participants' system; higher penalty implies higher motivation for farmers to withdraw their idle homesteads, enabling revitalisation of the rural stock of construction land and promotion of the optimal allocation of land resource elements.

Aberrant methylation-mediated downregulation of the LINC01554 gene accelerates the malignant progression and regulates the chemosensitivity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is diagnosed as a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, the associated mechanisms still need to be further investigated. The LINC01554 gene is confirmed to participate in the tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in LSCC has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the function and the potential mechanism of LINC01554 in LSCC, LINC01554 further was used as a molecular target for the diagnosis and molecular targeted therapy of LSCC. The microarray-based gene expression profiling of LSCC and its adjacent non-tumor tissue were used to identify the differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to verify the expression levels of LINC01554 in tissue and LSCC cell lines. The DNA methylation level of the LINC01554 promoter was detected by the application of bisulfite genomic sequencing (BGS), and the bisulfite conversion-specific/methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (BS-MSP) method. The effect of LINC01554 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of squamous cell carcinoma was assessed by MTS, wound healing, transwell, RT-qPCR, Western blot in vitro-cultured TU177 cells, and AMC-HN-8 cells. The microarray-based gene expression profiling identified the differentially expressed lncRNAs, including LINC01554, with downregulation in the LSCC tissue vs. normal tissue. The RT-qPCR verified the downregulation of LINC01554 in the LSCC tissue (P=0.0049) and LSCC cell (P=0.0020). The BGS and BS-MSP exhibited the hypermethylation level of the LINC01554 promoter, which mediated the downregulation of LINC01554. A gain-of-function experiment showed that LINC01554 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TU177 and AMC-HN-8. Subsequently, LINC01554 overexpression was shown to decrease cell viability in TU177 and AMC-HN-8 cells treated with cisplatin. Our findings indicated that the aberrant methylation-mediated downregulation of LINC01554 promoted malignant progression and cisplatin resistance in LSCC, and LINC01554 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for LSCC.

[Preliminary clinical experience of the novel transcatheter aortic valve system Prizvalve® for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the novel Prizvalve^® system in treating severe aortic stenosis. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, single-arm, observational study. A total of 11 patients with severe aortic stenosis with high risk or inappropriate for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were included, and TAVI was achieved with the Prizvalve^® system between March 2021 and May 2021 in West China Hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately after prosthesis implantation to evaluate mean transaortic gradient and maximal transaortic velocity. The device success rate was calculated, which was defined as (1) the device being delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn, (2) mean transaortic gradient<20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) or a maximal transaortic velocity<3 m/s post TAVI, and without severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak post TAVI. TTE was performed at 30 days after the surgery, and all-cause mortality as well as the major cardiovascular adverse events (including acute myocardial infarction, disabling hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) up to 30 days post TAVI were analyzed. Results: The age of 11 included patients were (78.1±6.3) years, with 8 males. A total of 10 patients were with NYHA functional class Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Devices were delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn successfully in all patients. Post-implant mean transaortic gradient was (7.55±4.08) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (1.78±0.44) m/s, and both decreased significantly as compared to baseline levels (both P<0.05). No severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak was observed post TAVI. Device success was achieved in all the 11 patients. No patient died or experienced major cardiovascular adverse events up to 30 days post TAVI. Mean transaortic gradient was (9.45±5.07) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (2.05±0.42) m/s at 30 days post TAVI, which were similar as the values measured immediately post TAVI (both P>0.05). Conclusions: TAVI with the Prizvalve^® system is a feasible and relatively safe procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis and at high risk or inappropriate for SAVR. Further clinical studies could be launched to obtain more clinical experience with Prizvalve^® system.

Auction mechanism on construction land quota with selection on land location

Due to unreasonable pricing, farmers have low enthusiasm for reclaiming their homesteads, which can be used to generate construction land quota. This paper studies how to design a feasible pricing mechanism to stimulate the enthusiasm of farmers. First, we analyze the practice that the local government gives the developers with quota the selection, the right to select the location of the land to be auctioned. Then, applying sequential auction theory, we propose first- and second-price sealed-bid sequential auction models and design quota auction pricing mechanisms. Through theoretical and numerical analysis, we obtain the equilibrium strategy and analyze the impact of selection and on developers’ bidding pricing on quota. The results show that the selection can enhance the developer’s quota bidding price and farmers’ income. And the higher the value of selection to the developer, the higher the quota bidding price and farmer’s income. Contrarily, the larger the number of developers, the smaller the quota bidding price and farmers’ income. Finally, the quota bidding price and farmers’ income in the second-price sealed-bid sequential auction are higher than in the first-price sealed-bid sequential auction.

Malignant acanthosis nigricans and diseases with extensive oral papillary hyperplasia

Oral papillary lesions represent a variety of developmental and neoplastic conditions. Early diagnoses of different papillary lesions are challenging for oral medicine specialists. Malignant acanthosis nigricans (MAN) is a rare cutaneous disorder and a potential marker of underlying hidden tumours. It is characterized by papillary lesions that always involve the oral mucosa. In oral medicine specialities, MAN is not well understood. When the early signs of MAN are extensive oral lesions and slight cutaneous pigmentation without obvious florid cutaneous papillomatosis, the diagnosis can be incorrect or delayed. Oral medicine specialists should ask affected patients to provide details of their medical history and conduct a timely systemic examination.

Impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Background

Calcified plaque is thought to adversely impact clinical outcomes but the impact of nodular calcification after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

Purpose

This study sought to explore the impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes.

Methods

Five-hundred culprit plaque with calcification were analysed from 495 ACS patients in whom PCI was performed. Plaques were divided into nodular calcification group (n=238) and non-nodular calcification group (n=262). Calcification is defined as an area with low back-scattering signal and a sharp border. Nodular calcification was defined as a protruding mass with an irregular surface, high backscattering, and signal attenuation on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Patients with nodular calcification were older (p&lt;0.001) and had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.006) compared to patients with non-nodular calcification. Lesion length (31 (25.2, 38.5) vs. 29 (22.8, 34.1), p&lt;0.001) was longer in plaques with nodular calcification. A higher prevalence of superficial calcium (p&lt;0.001) was observed in plaques with nodular calcification compared with non-nodular calcification group. Minimum stent area (MSA) (5.0 (3.9, 6.3) vs. 5.4 (4.2, 6.7), p=0.011) and stent expansion (70 (62.7, 81.8) vs. 75 (65.2, 86.6), p=0.004) were significantly smaller in the nodular calcification group than in the non-nodular calcification group. Independent predictors of nodular calcification were age (p&lt;0.001) lesion length (p=0.002) and calcium depth (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the presence of nodular calcification is associated with unfavourable outcomes with smaller minimum stent area and higher incidence of stent under expansion in patients with ACS treated with primary PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Gender-specific difference of clinical and plaque characteristics in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive artery (MINOCA): insights from optical coherence tomography

Background

To date, sparse data are available with regard to gender differences in coronary plaque morphology and composition as underlying mechanism of MINOCA.

Purpose

To assess the differences in coronary plaque morphology in culprit lesion between women and men with MINOCA using intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Methods

Totally, 7404 consecutives acute myocardial infarction patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography between 2016 and 2019 were screened. MINOCA were identified in 292 patients (mean age: 72.6% male, 54.1% with ST-segment elevation). Optical coherence tomography was performed in 190 patients (men, n=142).

Results

Women with MINOCA were older (62.5±10.6 vs. 54.0±11.5, P&lt;0.001) and more over 55 years (75.3% vs. 43.6%, P&lt;0.001). Although women with MINOCA more frequently presented with NSTEMI (56.8% vs. 41.7%, P=0.025) and prior coronary artery disease (CAD) (33.3% vs. 6.3%, P&lt;0.001), they were less likely smoker (27.2% vs. 58.8%, P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of plaque rupture, erosion and calcified nodule between men and women. However, women were more likely to have thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (39.6% vs. 22.5%, P=0.025).

Conclusion

Women with MINOCA were older, more frequently presented with NSTEMI and less smoking compared to men. Besides, more TCFA were observed in women.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Clinical and OCT plaque profilesProportion of clinical and OCT profiles

Sulforaphane overcomes T790M-mediated gefitinib resistance in vitro through epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on gefitinib-resistant cell lines with a T790 mutation (PC-9/AB11). The PC-9 and PC-9/AB11 cells were stained with H&E and visualized with a light microscope. The CCK-8 assay method was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of gefitinib and SFN on the cells. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were analyzed via flow cytometry. The cytotoxic interaction between the two drugs was evaluated in vitro using the combination index method, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and alterations in the signaling pathways were determined by Western blot analysis. Compared to the PC-9 cells, the gefitinib-resistant PC-9/AB11 cells acquired a T790M mutation and had characteristics in accordance with EMT. The combination of gefitinib and SFN induced dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in the PC-9 and PC-9/AB11 cells, while both induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis only in the PC-9/AB11 cells. The synergistic effect in the PC-9/AB11 cells was associated with this drug combination, as it caused an expression change of the epithelial (E-cadherin, claudin-1) and matrix proteins (vimentin, N-cadherin) in the cells, related to the reversal of EMT, as well as an expression change of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p-EGFR, p-AKT, and p-ERK proteins. In this study, SFN overcame T790M-mediated gefitinib resistance in vitro through EMT. Thus, a combination of gefitinib and SFN may be a beneficial treatment strategy for lung cancer patients with acquired resistance due to T790M mutation.

Supply chain coordination strategy for NEVs based on supplier alliance under dual-credit policy

In this paper, we assume that the supply chain for new energy vehicles (NEVs) consists of a manufacturer and N parts suppliers, considering that the R&D investment of both manufacturer and suppliers will affect the market demand of NEVs and NEVs credit, we construct decentralized and centralized decision-making models under the dual-credit policy to study the R&D investment strategy of supply chain enterprises. Furthermore, considering that suppliers can form alliances, we establish bargaining game models under the conditions of the non-alliance and alliance of suppliers, and discuss the coordination strategy for the NEVs supply chain. It is found that, under the dual-credit policy, the higher the credit coefficient of technology improvement, the higher the transaction price of credits, and the higher the R&D investment of supply chain. Dual-credit policy can effectively encourage NEVs supply chain to increase R&D investment, improve NEV technology level, and improve the profit of supply chain. Under the dual-credit policy, the increment profit distribution strategy based on a bargaining game model can coordinate the NEVs supply chain. When suppliers separately negotiate with the manufacturer, bringing the negotiation sequence forward, the supplier can get more profits. However, as the manufacturer has the right to determine the negotiation sequence, the supplier can only get the profit of the last round of negotiation, and the manufacturer can get excess profit. Forming a suppliers alliance can solve this problem effectively, and increase the profit of all suppliers when the alliance`s negotiating power is improved to a certain threshold.

Prospective evaluation of first-trimester screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia and its clinical applicability in China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, in a Chinese population, the performance of a screening strategy for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) using The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF)'s competing-risks model and to explore its clinical applicability in mainland China.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study including 10 899 women with singleton pregnancy who sought prenatal care at one of 13 hospitals, located in seven cities in mainland China, between 1 December 2017 and 30 December 2019. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and maternal serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation were measured and converted into multiples of the median using Chinese reference ranges. Individualized risk for preterm PE was calculated using the FMF algorithm. Prior risk was calculated based on maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric history. We evaluated the efficiency of the screening strategy using various combinations of biomarkers and analyzed its predictive performance for a composite of placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PE, placental abruption, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth, at fixed false-positive rates for preterm PE.

RESULTS

We identified 312 pregnancies that developed PE, of which 117 cases were diagnosed as preterm PE (< 37 weeks' gestation). There were 386 pregnancies complicated by severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome, including preterm PE, 146 cases of severe SGA (birth weight < 3^rd percentile) neonate, 61 cases with placental abruption and 109 cases of early preterm birth < 34 gestational weeks. The triple-marker model containing biomarkers MAP, UtA-PI and PAPP-A achieved, at fixed false-positive rates of 10%, 15% and 20%, detection rates for preterm PE of 65.0%, 72.7% and 76.1%, respectively, and detection rates for severe composite placenta-associated adverse outcome of 34.7%, 41.7% and 46.4%, respectively. Replacing PAPP-A with PlGF or adding PlGF to the model did not improve the performance. Of women screening positive for preterm PE at a fixed 5% false-positive rate, an estimated 30% developed at least one placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcome, including PE, placental abruption, SGA (birth weight < 10^th percentile) and preterm birth < 37 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The FMF competing-risks model for preterm PE was found to be effective in screening a mainland Chinese population. Women who screened positive for preterm PE had increased risk for other placenta-associated pregnancy complications. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Growth path of industrial clusters embedded in global value chain from the perspective of knowledge transfer: A fuzzy game approach

How local industrial clusters break through the lock-in status of low end of value chains and realize industrial upgrading in the development process of embedded global value chain is the central topic of current industrial development research. To explore how industrial clusters achieve the enhancement of their innovation capability and value chains when they are embedded in the global value chain, from the perspective of knowledge transfer and according to the differences in the knowledge levels of the local industrial clusters, three fuzzy game models of knowledge transfer paths were constructed, and the model of the realization mechanism of knowledge transfer and its stability condition was analyzed, which make clear the path of cluster growth under different embedding modes. Results show that although the mode of embedding and the path of knowledge transfer is different, the local industrial clusters can obtain external knowledge transfer by embedding in the global value chain; the knowledge transformation ability of local industrial clusters is the determining factor that the knowledge transfer can smoothly achieve and become stable. The conclusion also shows that the feasibility of the cross-sectional growth of industrial clusters by actively embed the global value chain and acquiring external knowledge transfer if the industrial clusters want to enhance their technology accumulation, their innovation ability, and their position in the global value chain.

Enhanced removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solution by surface modified activated carbon with bacteria

AIMS

The adsorption behaviour and mechanisms of the surface modified activated carbon with bacteria was evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

16S rRNA was employed to identify the hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. The bacteria was characterized by TEM and electron microscope. The surface modified activated carbon with bacteria was characterized by SEM. The adsorption behaviour was tested by static adsorption and dynamic adsorption.

CONCLUSION

The adsorption efficiency of the modified activated carbon was high when pH was weak acidic, and the adsorption capacity increased with the increase of temperature ranging from 20 to 35°C. The adsorption capacity peaked at 234·6 mg g^-1 at 25°C, which was sixfold higher than that of activated carbon. The pseudo-first-order kinetic can more accurately assess Congo red adsorption on the two adsorbents. The adsorption of Congo red by bacteria surface modified activated carbon fitted well with the Langmuir's model. The adsorption process was endothermic, and the biological floccules were formed during the adsorption. The physical adsorption is the main driving force.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results indicate that the bacteria surface-modified activated carbon can be used effectively as an adsorbent to eliminate Congo red from aqueous solutions.

Impact of macrophage infiltration in patients with st-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion: an in vivo optical coherence tomography study

Background

Chronic inflammatory infiltration is a common process for atherosclerosis development. However, autopsy studies reveal that incidence rate of inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in plaque erosion compared with plaque rupture.

Purpose

Studies performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed to establish the severity of plaque inflammation by assessing macrophage infiltration (MØI). In this study, we aimed at assessing the impaction of MØI in plaque erosion among patients with STEMI by using OCT.

Methods

A total of 1561 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) who underwent OCT imaging were enrolled in this study. According to the exclusion criteria, 312 patients with STEMI exhibiting plaque erosion were classified as MØI or no MØI.

Results

163 (52.2%) patients had MØI at the site of plaque erosion, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI and patients of MØI group were significantly older (P=0.015). The result of angiography showed the prevalence of multi-vessel disease appeared more frequency (P=0.021) and diameter stenosis% were higher (P=0.031) in MØI group. OCT results showed the minimum fibrous-cap thickness was thinner (P&lt;0.001) and the maximum lipid arc was larger (P=0.005) in MØI group. Some patients underwent imaging follow-up at 1 year. There was no significant difference in the culprit plaque morphology progress among two groups (Figure 1A-1D).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that plaque inflammation can increase culprit lesion severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with STEMI caused by plaque erosion.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Occurrence and risk assessment of heavy metals in an urban river supplied by reclaimed wastewater

Heavy metals in reclaimed water are a global problem that leads to ecological risks for the replenishment water body. This study investigated concentrations and ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River, Beijing, which is supplied by reclaimed water. Results showed that Cr was not detected in the sample, Cd and Pb exceeded threshold values according to regulations by 1.19% and 25.00%, respectively. The characterization of temporal and spatial of heavy metals was studied. The potential ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River were found to be low and safe. The risk decreased in the order Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > As by comprehensive index assessment; this changed to Pb > Cd > As > Ni > Cu > Zn according to potential ecological risk assessment. Pb posed the greatest ecological risks and was identified as most contaminated metal. According to discussion of sampling sites and water quality, it was proposed that reclaimed water and exogenous discharges were the main sources of the heavy metals identified. This should be considered when developing catchment management strategies for heavy metals elimination and protection of the aquatic environment. If a higher level of ecological risk management is required, Pb, Cd, and Cu should be considered first and should be removed in situ through ecological remediation methods. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Reclaimed water and exogenous discharges were the main sources of the heavy metals identified. The potential ecological risks posed by heavy metals in SH River were found to be low and safe. The risk decreased in the order Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > As by comprehensive index assessment. Potential ecological risk assessment showed Pb > Cd > As > Ni > Cu > Zn. Pb posed the greatest ecological risks and was identified as most contaminated metal.

An improved sequential auction with complementarity for pricing the construction land quota

The paradox between idle homesteads in rural areas and the shortage of construction land in urban areas is concerning. Hence, local governments encourage farmers to reclaim their idle homesteads and farmlands to generate quota. However, the current quota price, which is based on the land reclamation cost, is often inadequate to motivate farmers. This study proposed that the construction land quota and construction land are complementary items, and hence, their pricing should be studied simultaneously instead of independently. Therefore, the classical sequential auction model with complementarity was improved using the core characteristics of quota transactions and those were applied to design optimal pricing mechanisms. Subsequently, the influence of relevant factors on the bidding price was analysed. The results indicated that the bidding price decreases with an increase in the number of bidders and that a bidder’s revenue is at a loss when they acquire the quota but fail to obtain the land; hence, the revenue probability is lost. However, bidding prices increase when the fine of delaying construction increases. To raise the quota price and encourage relatively more farmers to reclaim their idle homesteads, local governments should appropriately increase the delaying construction fines or repurchase the quota at a premium from the bidder who acquires the quota but fails to obtain the land, which is beneficial for easing conflict between construction land demands and farmland protection and for promoting the sustainable development of China’s social economy.

Design of spherical aberration free liquid-filled cylindrical zoom lenses over a wide focal length range based on ZEMAX

A systematic design idea for liquid-filled cylindrical zoom lenses with ideal imaging quality over a wide focal length range is introduced in detail. The PWC method is used to calculate the initial structure parameters of the zoom lenses, and the optical design software ZEMAX is used to eliminate the spherical aberration at different focal lengths. Lenses named SLCL-Doublet are finally designed, which are formed by a symmetric liquid-core cylindrical lens (SLCL) filled with variable refractive index (RI) liquid and a doublet cylindrical lens capable of significantly weakening the spherical aberration. The focal length of the SLCL-Doublet continuously decreases from 101.406 mm to 54.162 mm as the liquid RI changes from 1.3300 to 1.5000. Calculated over 75% of the full aperture, the root mean square (RMS) spot radius of the SLCL-Doublet is always less than 7 µm over the whole focal length range, and the peak-to-valley wavefront error remains below the λ/4 limit when the focal length ranges from 62.373 mm to 65.814 mm, within which the lenses approach the diffraction limit, demonstrating improvement in the optical performance over that of previously designed liquid-core cylindrical lenses. The sources of potential fabrication and installation errors in the practical implementation of the SLCL-Doublet are also analyzed in detail. The SLCL-Doublet is demonstrated to be characterized by high imaging quality and easy installation, which enriches the types of core optical element for measuring the liquid RI and liquid diffusion coefficient and provides guarantee for improving the measurement accuracy.

Catalytic ozonation of emerging pollutant and reduction of toxic by-products in secondary effluent matrix and effluent organic matter reaction activity

In this study, the performance of LaCoO₃ (LCO) catalytic ozonation was evaluated comprehensively, including the degradation efficiency of benzotriazole (BZA) as a typical emerging pollutant, toxic bromate reduction and the disinfection by-products (DBPs) precursors removal ability in effluent organic matter (EfOM), as well as EfOM reactive activity in catalytic ozonation. Additionally, the reduction of toxic halogenated by-products in (catalytic) ozonation was reported, which was not focused on previous researches before. Results showed that LCO catalytic ozonation improved the removal efficiency of BZA, UV₂₅₄ and SUVA via enhanced HO· formation. Interestingly, LCO catalytic ozonation showed the ability on the reduction of aldehydes and toxic halogenated organic by-products. Moreover, the formed [trichloromethane (TCM)], [bromochloroacetonitrile (BCAN)] and [dichloroacetamide (DCAcAm)] decreased significantly in catalytic ozonation. Catalytic ozonation was also able to remove DBPs precursors to decline the formation of DBPs, such as TCM, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), trichloroacetonitrile (TCAN) and trichloronitromethane (TCNM). This process was involved in the transformation of EfOM in catalytic ozonation, which was confirmed by multi-spectrum methods, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) and hetero-spectral 2D-COS. In summary, LCO was shown to be an effective catalyst to improve the performance of the sole ozonation on the removal of emerging contaminants and DBPs precursors, as well as toxic by-products reduction. Additionally, the strategy of toxic by-products reduction in catalytic ozonation was proposed. Results indicated this technology was an important contribution on removal of refractory organics and formation of toxic by-products in water supply and wastewater treatment industry.

CYP2J2/EET reduces vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in chronic pressure overload mice

Growing evidence has well established the protective effects of CYP2J2/EET on the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study was to determine whether CYP2J2/EET has a preventive effect on atrial fibrillation (AF) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Wild‐type mice were injected with or without AAV9‐CYP2J2 before abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) operation. After 8 weeks, compared with wild‐type mice, AAC mice display higher AF inducibility and longer AF durations, which were remarkably attenuated with AAV9‐CYP2J2. Also, AAV9‐CYP2J2 reduced atrial fibrosis area and the deposit of collagen‐I/III in AAC mice, accompanied by the blockade of TGF‐β/Smad‐2/3 signalling pathways, as well as the recovery in Smad‐7 expression. In vitro, isolated atrial fibroblasts were administrated with TGF‐β1, EET, EEZE, GW9662, SiRNA Smad‐7 and pre‐MiR‐21, and EET was demonstrated to restrain the differentiation of atrial fibroblasts largely dependent on Smad‐7, due to the inhibition of EET on MiR‐21. In addition, increased inflammatory cytokines, as well as activated NF‐κB pathways induced by AAC surgery, were also significantly blunted by AAV9‐CYP2J2 treatment. These effects of CYP2J2/EET were partially blocked by GW9662, the antagonist of PPAR‐γ. In conclusion, this study revealed that CYP2J2/EET ameliorates atrial fibrosis through modulating atrial fibroblasts activation by disinhibition of MiR‐21 on Smad‐7, and attenuates atrial inflammatory response by repressing NF‐κB pathways, reducing the vulnerability to AF, and CYP2J2/EET exerts its role at least partially through PPAR‐γ activation. Our findings might provide a novel upstream therapeutic strategy for AF.

Time and laser ranging: a window of opportunity for geodesy, navigation and metrology

Recent progress in the domain of time and frequency (T/F) standards requires important improvements of existing time distribution links. Among these, the accuracy of time transfer is actually an important part of the concerns in order to establish and maintain time & space references from ground and/or space facilities. Several time transfers by laser link projects have been carried out over the past 10 years with numerous scientific and metrological objectives. Satellite Laser ranging (SLR) has proven to be a fundamental tool, offering a straightforward, conceptually simple, highly accurate and unambiguous observable. Depending on the mission, LR is used to transmit time over two-way or one-way distances from 500 to several millions of km. The following missions and their objectives employed this technique: European Laser Timing (ELT) at 450 km, Time Transfer by Laser Link (T2L2) at 1,336 km, Laser Time Transfer (LTT) at 36,000 km, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) at 350,000 km, and MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) at tens of million km. This article describes the synergy between SLR and T/F technologies developed on the ground and in space and as well as the state of the art of their exploitation. The performance and sources of limitation of such space missions are analyzed. It shows that current and future challenges lie in the improvement of the time accuracy and stability of the time for ground geodetic observatories. The role of the next generation of SLR systems is emphasized both in space and at ground level, from the point of view of GGOS and valuable exploitation of the synergy between time synchronization, ranging and data transfer.

P5004Peripheral neuropathy and increased risk of heart failure: a population-based longitudinal cohort study

Background

One of the main pathophysiological processes thought to be implicated in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy is a microvascular disease (MiVD) that is prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the role of MiVD in the development of heart failure (HF) is not known. T2D screening programmes identify three types of MiVD – retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Both retinopathy and nephropathy have been independently associated with the development of incident HF in observational cohort studies. There is less data on peripheral neuropathy and HF outcomes. This study aimed to determine the independent association of diabetic neuropathy with incident HF events in a large longitudinal population cohort of T2D patients with a detailed clinical follow-up that includes available echocardiographic data.

Design

This was a population-based longitudinal cohort study from the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland study (GoDARTS) from 1996 to 2016. A total of 9,598 patients with T2D were included with data available on hospital admissions, prescribing and other clinical variables including age, gender, smoking history, duration of T2D, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride, total LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. Neuropathy cases were identified using a well-validated record linkage method utilising neuropathic drug prescription records to identify cases of neuropathic pain and to monofilament testing that is used to diagnose neuropathy.

Results

There were 805 HF events. After adjustment for clinical variables, the presence of painful neuropathy related to a 57% increased risk of incident HF (HR 1.57, 95% CI = 1.32–1.89, p<0.001). A similar risk was also observed with diabetic neuropathy identified by monofilament testing with a 52% (HR 1.52, CI = 1.013–1.225, P<0.05) increased risk of incident HF.

Conclusions and relevance

Peripheral neuropathy, a feature of MiVD, may be pathophysiologically associated with the development of HF in patients with T2D and may be a therapeutic target.

Measurement of the Spin Tune Using the Coherent Spin Motion of Polarized Protons in a Storage Ring

This Letter reports the first spin tune measurement at high energies (24 and 255 GeV) with a driven coherent spin motion. To maintain polarization in a polarized proton collider, it is important to know the spin tune of the polarized proton beam, which is defined as the number of full spin precessions per revolution. A nine-magnet spin flipper has demonstrated high spin-flip efficiency in the presence of two Siberian snakes [H. Huang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 264804 (2018).10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.264804]. The spin flipper drives a spin resonance with a given frequency (or tune) and strength. When the drive tune is close to the spin tune, the proton spin direction is not vertical anymore, but precesses around the vertical direction. By measuring the precession frequency of the horizontal component, the spin tune can be precisely measured. A driven coherent spin motion and fast turn-by-turn polarization measurement are keys to the measurement. The vertical spin direction is restored after turning the spin flipper off and the polarization value is not affected by the measurement. The fact that this manipulation preserves the polarization makes it possible to measure the spin tune during the operation of a high energy accelerator.

Astragalosides modulates contractile function of toad gastrocnemius muscle

Huangqi (Radix Astragali) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine, it is an effective treatment for consumptive disease, such as the common cold, diarrhea, fatigue and cardiac diseases. Astragalosides (AST) is the main component of Huangqi. The purpose of this study is to investigate the modulation effect of AST on the skeletal muscle contractile function. Our results showed that the toad gastrocnemius muscle contractile response was significantly increased after the use of AST (25 mg/L, bath for the isolated muscle), which produced a left-ward shift of the contractile force-stimulation intensity curve. Moreover, AST also prevented the repetitive stimulation-induced decrease in muscle contractile force and recovery amplitude of muscle contraction. These results demonstrate that AST can affect contractile performance of toad gastrocnemius muscle and contribute to skeletal muscle anti-fatigue.

Measuring the mutual diffusion coefficient of heavy water in normal water using a double liquid-core cylindrical lens

The mutual diffusion coefficient of heavy water in normal water is measured over a temperature range of 20 to 40 °C using a novel method called the shift of equivalent refractive index slice (SERIS). The measured values range from 1.9086 × 10⁻⁵ to 3.0860 × 10⁻⁵ cm²/s and fit the Arrhenius equation well, and the calculated data from the equation are consistent with the literature values obtained by the interference method. The SERIS method is based on a double liquid-core cylindrical lens (DLCL); the front liquid core of the DLCL is used as both a liquid diffusion cell and a key imaging lens, and the resolvable minimum of liquid refractive index is δn = 6.15 × 10⁻⁵. The rear liquid core is used as an aplanatic lens, and the transversal spherical aberration is less than 1 μm. The SERIS method provides a new way to measure mutual diffusion coefficients of liquid and has the following advantages: visual measurement, use of a simplified device, and easy operation.

An entirely enclosed scanning tunnelling microscope capable of being fully immersed in liquid helium

We present an ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV)-sealed high-stability scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) that can be entirely immersed in liquid helium and readily used in a commercial Dewar or superconducting magnet. The STM head features a horizontal microscanner that can become standalone and ultrastable when the coarse approach inertial motor retracts. Low voltage is enough to operate the STM even at low temperature owing to the powerful motor. It is housed in a tubular chamber of 49 mm outer diameter, which can be pumped via a detachable valve (DV), UHV-sealed and remain sealed after the DV is removed. The entire so-sealed chamber can then be inserted into liquid helium, where in situ sample cleavage is done via vacuum bellow. This allows sample cleavage and STM measurements to take place in better UHV with higher cooling power. Quality atomic resolution images of graphite and charge density wave on 1T-TiSe₂ taken in ambient and 14 K conditions, respectively, are presented.

High Spin-Flip Efficiency at 255 GeV for Polarized Protons in a Ring With Two Full Siberian Snakes

In polarized proton collision experiments, it is highly advantageous to flip the spin of each bunch of protons during the stores to reduce the systematic errors. Experiments done at energies less than 2 GeV have demonstrated a spin-flip efficiency over 99%. At high energy colliders with Siberian snakes, a single magnet spin flipper does not work because of the large spin tune spread and the generation of multiple, overlapping resonances. A more sophisticated spin flipper, constructed of nine-dipole magnets, was used to flip the spin in the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. A special optics choice was also used to make the spin tune spread very small. A 97% spin-flip efficiency was measured at both 24 and 255 GeV. These results show that efficient spin flipping can be achieved at high energies using a nine-magnet spin flipper.