Differential Flow of Protons in Au+Au Collisions at AGS Energies

We study the proton sideward and elliptic differential flow for Au+Au collisions at AGS energies (2 -- 8 A cdot GeV) in a microscopic relativistic transport model that includes all baryon resonances up to a mass of 2 GeV as well as string degrees of freedom for the higher hadronic excitations. In order to explore the sensitivity of the various differential flows to the nuclear equation of state (EoS) we use three different parameterizations of the scalar- and vector mean-fields, i.e. NL2 (soft), NL23 (medium) and NL3 (hard), with their momentum dependence fitted to the experimental Schrodinger equivalent potential (at normal nuclear matter density rho_0) up to kinetic energies of 1 GeV. We calculate the excitation function of sideward and elliptic flow within these parameter sets for Au+Au collisions and compare with the recent data from the E895 Collaboration as a function of rapidity, impact parameter and transverse momentum, respectively. We find that the best description of the differential data is provided by a rather 'stiff' EoS at 2 A cdot GeV (NL3) while at higher bombarding energies (4--8 A cdot GeV) a 'medium' EoS leads to the lowest chi^2 with respect to the data. However, the differences in the transverse and elliptic flows (from the different parameter sets) become of minor significance at 4--8 A cdot GeV. We attribute this insensitivity to a similar reduction of the vector potential in all models and to the dominance of string degrees of freedom at these bombarding energies.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures, submitted for publicatio

Baryon flow from SIS to AGS energies

We analyze the baryon sideward and elliptic flow from SIS (0.25 $\sim$ 2 A GeV) to AGS (2 $\sim 11.0A$GeV) energies for Au + Au collisions in the relativistic transport model RBUU that includes all baryon resonances up to a mass of 2 GeV as well as string degrees of freedom for the higher mass continuum. There are two factors which dominantly determine the baryon flow at these energies: the momentum dependence of the scalar and vector potentials and the resonance-string degrees of freedom. We fix the explicit momentum dependence of the nucleon-meson couplings within the NL3 parameter set by the nucleon optical potential up to 1 GeV of kinetic energy. When assuming the optical potential to vanish identically for $E_{kin} \geq 3.5$ GeV we simultaneously reproduce the sideward flow data of the FOPI, EOS, E895 and E877 collaborations, the elliptic flow data of the EOS, E895 and E877 collaborations, and approximately the rapidity and transverse mass distribution of protons at AGS energies. The gradual change from hadronic to string degrees of freedom with increasing bombarding energy can be viewed as a transition from {\it hadronic} to {\it string} matter, i.e. a dissolution of hadrons.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, corrected the figures and the tex

Absorption of phi mesons in near-threshold proton-nucleus reactions

In the framework of the nuclear spectral function approach for incoherent primary proton--nucleon and secondary pion--nucleon production processes we study the inclusive $\phi$ meson production in the interaction of 2.83 GeV protons with nuclei. In particular, the A-dependences of the absolute and relative $\phi$ meson yields are investigated within the different scenarios for its in-medium width as well as for the cross section ratio $\sigma_{pn \to pn{\phi}}/{\sigma_{pp \to pp{\phi}}}$. Our model calculations take into account the acceptance window of the ANKE facility used in a recent experiment performed at COSY. They show that the pion--nucleon production channel contributes distinctly to the $\phi$ creation in heavy nuclei in the chosen kinematics and, hence, has to be taken into consideration on close examination of the dependences of the phi meson yields on the target mass number with the aim to get information on its width in the medium. They also demonstrate that the experimentally unknown ratio $\sigma_{pn \to pn{\phi}}/{\sigma_{pp \to pp{\phi}}}$ has a weak effect on the A-dependence of the relative $\phi$ meson production cross section at incident energy of present interest, whereas it is found to be appreciably sensitive to the phi in-medium width, which means that this relative observable can indeed be useful to help determine the above width from the direct comparison the results of our calculations with the future data from the respective ANKE-at-COSY experiment.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figure

Albumin-associated free fatty acids induce macropinocytosis in podocytes

Podocytes are specialized epithelial cells in the kidney glomerulus that play important structural and functional roles in maintaining the filtration barrier. Nephrotic syndrome results from a breakdown of the kidney filtration barrier and is associated with proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and edema. Additionally, podocytes undergo changes in morphology and internalize plasma proteins in response to this disorder. Here, we used fluid-phase tracers in murine models and determined that podocytes actively internalize fluid from the plasma and that the rate of internalization is increased when the filtration barrier is disrupted. In cultured podocytes, the presence of free fatty acids (FFAs) associated with serum albumin stimulated macropinocytosis through a pathway that involves FFA receptors, the Gβ/Gγ complex, and RAC1. Moreover, mice with elevated levels of plasma FFAs as the result of a high-fat diet were more susceptible to Adriamycin-induced proteinuria than were animals on standard chow. Together, these results support a model in which podocytes sense the disruption of the filtration barrier via FFAs bound to albumin and respond by enhancing fluid-phase uptake. The response to FFAs may function in the development of nephrotic syndrome by amplifying the effects of proteinuria

Factores que influyen en la compra del tapaboca en consumidores paraguayos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19

The objective of this research study is to determine the factors that influence the purchase of masks in Paraguayan consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was based on a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive design approach. The population consisted of 521,559 inhabitants of Asunción with a sample size of 384 people and a response rate of 87%, that is, 333 participants successfully completed the survey. The only inclusion criterion was to live in the city of Asunción. The data collection instrument was composed of 11 closed questions, sent via WhatsApp for convenience in July 2020. The most relevant results were: 92.2% considered that the mask prevents COVID-19, 83.2% sought quality in the product and 59.9% they were willing to pay between 2,000 to 4,000 Gs. for each. It is concluded that there is awareness in the use of the mask in Paraguayan consumers, in addition to being a need for protection and mandatory use during the pandemic. At the same time, the most relevant factors in the decision to purchase the product translate into quality and as a means of protection against COVID-19.El objetivo de este estudio de investigación es determinar los factores que influyen en la compra del tapaboca en consumidores paraguayos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se basó en un enfoque cuantitativo de diseño no experimental, corte transversal y descriptivo. La población estuvo conformada por 521.559 habitantes de Asunción con un tamaño de muestra de 384 personas y tasa de respuesta del 87%, es decir, 333 participantes realizaron exitosamente la encuesta. El único criterio de inclusión fue de habitar en la ciudad de Asunción. El instrumento de recolección de datos estuvo compuesto por 11 preguntas cerradas, enviado vía WhatsApp por conveniencia en julio 2020. Los resultados más relevantes fueron: 92.2% consideraron que el tapaboca previene el COVID-19, 83.2% buscaron calidad en el producto y 59.9% estuvieron dispuestos a pagar entre 2.000 a 4.000 Gs. por cada uno. Se concluye que existe conciencia en el uso del tapabocas en los consumidores paraguayos, además de ser una necesidad de protección y utilización obligatoria durante la pandemia. Al mismo tiempo, los factores más relevantes en la decisión de la compra del producto se traducen en la calidad y como un medio de protección contra la COVID-19

Factores que influyen en la compra del tapaboca en consumidores paraguayos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19

The objective of this research study is to determine the factors that influence the purchase of masks in Paraguayan consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was based on a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional and descriptive design approach. The population consisted of 521,559 inhabitants of Asunción with a sample size of 384 people and a response rate of 87%, that is, 333 participants successfully completed the survey. The only inclusion criterion was to live in the city of Asunción. The data collection instrument was composed of 11 closed questions, sent via WhatsApp for convenience in July 2020. The most relevant results were: 92.2% considered that the mask prevents COVID-19, 83.2% sought quality in the product and 59.9% they were willing to pay between 2,000 to 4,000 Gs. for each. It is concluded that there is awareness in the use of the mask in Paraguayan consumers, in addition to being a need for protection and mandatory use during the pandemic. At the same time, the most relevant factors in the decision to purchase the product translate into quality and as a means of protection against COVID-19.El objetivo de este estudio de investigación es determinar los factores que influyen en la compra del tapaboca en consumidores paraguayos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se basó en un enfoque cuantitativo de diseño no experimental, corte transversal y descriptivo. La población estuvo conformada por 521.559 habitantes de Asunción con un tamaño de muestra de 384 personas y tasa de respuesta del 87%, es decir, 333 participantes realizaron exitosamente la encuesta. El único criterio de inclusión fue de habitar en la ciudad de Asunción. El instrumento de recolección de datos estuvo compuesto por 11 preguntas cerradas, enviado vía WhatsApp por conveniencia en julio 2020. Los resultados más relevantes fueron: 92.2% consideraron que el tapaboca previene el COVID-19, 83.2% buscaron calidad en el producto y 59.9% estuvieron dispuestos a pagar entre 2.000 a 4.000 Gs. por cada uno. Se concluye que existe conciencia en el uso del tapabocas en los consumidores paraguayos, además de ser una necesidad de protección y utilización obligatoria durante la pandemia. Al mismo tiempo, los factores más relevantes en la decisión de la compra del producto se traducen en la calidad y como un medio de protección contra la COVID-19

LYL1 gene amplification predicts poor survival of patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma: analysis of the Cancer genome atlas data

Background Somatic amplifications of the LYL1 gene are relatively common occurrences in patients who develop uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) as opposed to other cancers. This study was undertaken to determine whether such genetic alterations affect survival outcomes of UCEC. Methods In 370 patients with UCEC, we analysed clinicopathologic characteristics and corresponding genomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Patients were stratified according to LYL1 gene status, grouped as amplification or non-amplification. Heightened levels of cancer-related genes expressed in concert with LYL1 amplification were similarly investigated through differentially expressed gene and gene set enrichment analyses. Factors associated with survival outcomes were also identified. Results Somatic LYL1 gene amplification was observed in 22 patients (5.9%) with UCEC. Patients displaying amplification (vs. non-amplification) were significantly older at the time of diagnosis and more often were marked by non-endometrioid, high-grade, or advanced disease. In survival analysis, the amplification subset showed poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates (3-year PFS: 34.4% vs. 79.9%, P = 0.031; 5-year OS: 25.1% vs. 84.9%, P = 0.014). However, multivariate analyses adjusted for tumor histologic type, grade, and stage did not confirm LYL1 gene amplification as an independent prognostic factor for either PFS or OS. Nevertheless, MAPK, WNT, and cell cycle pathways were significantly enriched by LYL1 gene amplification (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions Despite not being identified as an independent prognostic factor in UCEC, LYL1 gene amplification is associated with other poor prognostic factors and correlated with upregulation of cancer-related pathways

Idarubicin Plus Behenoyl Cytarabine and 6-thioguanine Compares Favorably with Idarubicin Plus Cytarabine-based Regimen for Children with Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: 10-Year Retrospective, Multicenter Study in Korea

We investigated the outcome of idarubicin plus N4-behenoyl-1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine (BHAC)-based chemotherapy (BHAC group, n=149) compared to idarubicin plus cytarabine-based chemotherapy (cytarabine group, n=191) for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Between January 1996 and December 2005, 340 children with AML from 5 university hospitals in Korea received the BHAC-based or cytarabine-based chemotherapy, with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After induction therapy, 264 (77.6%) of 340 children achieved a complete remission (CR) and 43 (12%) achieved a partial remission (PR). The CR rate in the BHAC group was higher than in the cytarabine group (85.2% vs. 71.7%, P=0.004). However, the overall response rate (CR+PR) was not different between the two groups (93.3% vs. 87.9%, P=0.139). The 5-yr estimates of overall survival (OS) of children in the two groups were similar (54.9% for the BHAC group vs. 52.4% for the cytarabine group, P=0.281). Although the results were analyzed according to the treatment type and cytogenetic risk, the OS showed no significant difference between the BHAC group and the cytarabine group. In the present study, the clinical outcomes of the BHAC-based chemotherapy, consisting of BHAC, idarubicin, and 6-TG, are comparable to that of the cytarabine-based chemotherapy for childhood AML

Nucleon and hadron structure changes in the nuclear medium and impact on observables

We review the effect of hadron structure changes in a nuclear medium using the quark-meson coupling (QMC) model, which is based on a mean field description of non-overlapping nucleon (or baryon) bags bound by the self-consistent exchange of scalar and vector mesons. This approach leads to simple scaling relations for the changes of hadron masses in a nuclear medium. It can also be extended to describe finite nuclei, as well as the properties of hypernuclei and meson-nucleus deeply bound states. It is of great interest that the model predicts a variation of the nucleon form factors in nuclear matter. We also study the empirically observed, Bloom-Gilman (quark-hadron) duality. Other applications of the model include subthreshold kaon production in heavy ion collisions, D and D-bar meson production in antiproton-nucleus collisions, and J/Psi suppression. In particular, the modification of the D and D-bar meson properties in nuclear medium can lead to a large J/Psi absorption cross section, which explains the observed J/Psi suppression in relativistic heavy ion collisions.Comment: 143 pages, 77 figures, references added, a review article accepted in Prog. Part. Nucl. Phy

Evidence for a long-range component in the pion emission source in Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN) = 200 GeV

Emission source functions are extracted from correlation functions constructed from charged pions produced at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=200 GeV. The source parameters extracted from these functions at low k_T, give first indications of a long tail for the pion emission source. The source extension cannot be explained solely by simple kinematic considerations. The possible role of a halo of secondary pions from resonance emissions is explored.Comment: 334 authors, 6 pages, 3 figures, no tables. Submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett. Plain text data tables for the points plotted in figures for this and previous PHENIX publications are (or will be) publicly available at http://www.phenix.bnl.gov/papers.htm