Trace initial interaction from final state observable in relativistic heavy ion collisions

In order to trace the initial interaction in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collision in all azimuthal directions, two azimuthal multiplicity-correlation patterns -- neighboring and fixed-to-arbitrary angular-bin correlation patterns -- are suggested. From the simulation of Au + Au collisions at 200 GeV by using the Monte Carlo models RQMD with hadron re-scattering and AMPT with and without string melting, we observe that the correlation patterns change gradually from out-of-plane preferential one to in-plane preferential one when the centrality of collision shifts from central to peripheral, meanwhile the anisotropic collective flow v_2 keeps positive in all cases. This regularity is found to be model and collision energy independent. The physics behind the two opposite trends of correlation patterns, in particular, the presence of out-of-plane correlation patterns at RHIC energy, are discussed.Comment: 5pages, 4figure

Rapidity bin multiplicity correlations from a multi-phase transport model

The central-arbitrary bin and forward-backward bin multiplicity correlation patterns for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$= $7.7-62.4$ GeV are investigated within a multi-phase transport (AMPT) model. An interesting observation is that for $\sqrt{s_{NN}} <19.6$ GeV Au+Au collisions, these two correlation patterns both have an increase with the pseudorapidity gap, while for $\sqrt{s_{NN}} >19.6$ GeV Au+Au collisions, they decrease. We mainly discuss the influence of different evolution stages of collision system on the central-arbitrary bin correlations, such as the initial conditions, partonic scatterings, hadronization scheme and hadronic scatterings. Our results show that the central-arbitrary bin multiplicity correlations have different responses to partonic phase and hadronic phase, which can be suggested as a good probe to explore the dynamical evolution mechanism of the hot dense matter in high-energy heavy-ion collisions.Comment: 7pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in EPJ

Treating oligohydramnios with extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza: A randomized control trial

Hong-n&amp;uuml; Chu, Mei-juan ShenAffiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, 310016, Hangzhou, ChinaObjective: To determine whether purified herbal extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza can improve the amniotic fluid volume in pre-term oligohydramnios by improving uteroplacental circulation.Methods: Forty-three pregnant women with oligohydramnios received a daily intravenous dose of 30 mL of salvia extract mixed with 5% glucose 500 mL. A control group of 41 women received daily 5% glucose 500 mL only. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) was assessed at least twice a week by ultrasonographists who were blinded to the treatment. Both women and fetuses were monitored closely. The change in AFI was calculated and compared by paired t test within and between groups. The revised recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallel group randomized trials were used.Results: After a mean of 7.2 &amp;plusmn; 2.7 days&amp;rsquo; therapy, ranging from 3 to 18 days, the AFI increased significantly from a mean of 4.9 &amp;plusmn; 2.3 cm to a mean of 7.12 &amp;plusmn; 2.36 cm, by a mean of AFI 0.18 &amp;plusmn; 0.06 cm/day (paired t = 3.62, p &amp;lt; 0.005). In the control group, the AFI increased from a mean of 5.1 &amp;plusmn; 2.4 cm to a mean of 5.5 &amp;plusmn; 3.1 cm after a mean of 6.1 &amp;plusmn; 3.3 days&amp;rsquo; treatment, ranging from 4 to 15 days. The effect of salvia treatment on AFI in the salvia group was significantly greater than in the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). No side effects were observed in treated patients.Conclusion: Salvia miltiorrhiza is an effective Chinese medicine for the treatment of oligohydramnios.Keywords: Salvia miltiorrhiza, therapy, oligohydramnios, amniotic fluid inde

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with previous left ventricular assist device: a case report with specific emphasis on peri-operative logistics.

To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of this nature described in the literature. Sharing the authors experience with this case, particularly the technical challenges and post-operative management may aid other physicians facing similar scenarios. In this report, we describe a pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a patient with a previous left ventricular assist device (LVAD). A multidisciplinary approach, particularly close involvement of the advanced heart failure, mechanical heart and pancreas surgery teams was key to the success of this case. Major abdominal surgery in the setting of previous LVAD should be considered carefully, however, the LVAD should not be generalized as an absolute contraindication

Glial connexin expression and function in the context of Alzheimer's disease

AbstractA hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases is the reactive gliosis characterized by a phenotypic change in astrocytes and microglia. This glial response is associated with modifications in the expression and function of connexins (Cxs), the proteins forming gap junction channels and hemichannels. Increased Cx expression is detected in most reactive astrocytes located at amyloid plaques, the histopathological lesions typically present in the brain of Alzheimer's patients and animal models of the disease. The activity of Cx channels analyzed in vivo as well as in vitro after treatment with the amyloid β peptide is also modified and, in particular, hemichannel activation may contribute to neuronal damage. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent data that suggest glial Cx channels participate in the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics