Universality of the three-body parameter for Efimov states in ultracold cesium

We report on the observation of triatomic Efimov resonances in an ultracold gas of cesium atoms. Exploiting the wide tunability of interactions resulting from three broad Feshbach resonances in the same spin channel, we measure magnetic-field dependent three-body recombination loss. The positions of the loss resonances yield corresponding values for the three-body parameter, which in universal few-body physics is required to describe three-body phenomena and, in particular, to fix the spectrum of Efimov states. Our observations show a robust universal behavior with a three-body parameter that stays essentially constant.

Observation of χ(c1) decays into vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ

Using (106±4)×10⁻⁶ ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e⁺e⁻ collider, we present the first measurement of decays of χ(c1) to vector meson pairs φφ, ωω, and ωφ. The branching fractions are measured to be (4.4±0.3±0.5)×10⁻⁴, (6.0±0.3±0.7)×10⁻⁴, and (2.2±0.6±0.2)×10⁻⁵, for χ(c1)→φφ, ωω, and ωφ, respectively, which indicates that the hadron helicity selection rule is significantly violated in χ(cJ) decays. In addition, the measurement of χ(cJ)→ωφ provides the first indication of the rate of doubly OZI-suppressed χ(cJ) decay. Finally, we present improved measurements for the branching fractions of χ(c0) and χ(c2) to vector meson pairs.

A Rac1/PAK1 cascade controls β-catenin activation in colon cancer cells

P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is associated with colon cancer progression and metastasis, whereas the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we show that downregulation of PAK1 in colon cancer cells reduces total β-catenin level, as well as cell proliferation. Mechanistically, PAK1 directly phosphorylates β-catenin proteins at Ser675 site and this leads to more stable and transcriptional active β-catenin. Corroborating these results, PAK1 is required for full Wnt signaling, and superactivation of β-catenin is achieved by simultaneous knockdown of adenomatous polyposis coli protein and activation of PAK1. Moreover, we show that Rac1 functions upstream of PAK1 in colon cancer cells and contributes to β-catenin phosphorylation and accumulation. We conclude that a Rac1/PAK1 cascade controls β-catenin S675 phosphorylation and full activation in colon cancer cells. Supporting this conclusion, overexpression of PAK1 is observed in 70% of colon cancer samples and is correlated with massive β-catenin accumulation.

Serum γ-glutamyltransferase and associated damage among a She Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

It has been suggested that serum γ-glutamyltransferase is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality and atherosclerosis. The present study is to investigate the relationship between serum γ-glutamyltransferase and potential associated damage in an adult She Chinese population.

METHOD

A multistage, stratified, cluster, random sampling method was used to select an ethnically representative group of individuals aged 20-80 years in the general population. Brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity was used to assess arterial stiffness in the general population and the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System was used to detect diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy among populations with diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 5385 subjects were entered into the analysis. Serum γ-glutamyltransferase levels were classified into four groups using the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles as cut points (males: < 20, 20-29, 29-52 and > 52 U/l; females: < 13, 13-18, 18-25 and > 25 U/l). As compared with the first quartile, the relative risks of arterial stiffness were 1.418, 1.667 and 2.394 in the other three categories, respectively (test for trend P < 0.05). After adjustment in five models, serum γ-glutamyltransferase was still a risk factor of arterial stiffness. We found inverted U-shape curves in both genders and the third quartile (male: 29 52 U/l; female: 18-25 U/l) had the highest odds ratios of 1.640 and 1.529, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that high serum γ-glutamyltransferase concentrations were directly associated with the increased risk of arterial stiffness, in general, and with peripheral polyneuropathy in subjects with diabetes in an ethnic She Chinese population. Alcohol use, gender, BMI and blood pressure were related to serum γ-glutamyltransferase and were involved in the relationship between serum γ-glutamyltransferase and brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity.

Different expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase family members in rat dorsal root ganglia and their changes after peripheral nerve injury

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2 are important in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain behavior induced by peripheral nerve injury. The enzymatic activity of MMP9 and MMP2 is balanced specifically by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) and TIMP2, respectively. In present study, we measured the effect of peripheral nerve injury on the expression of TIMP1 and TIMP2 in adult dorsal root ganglia (DRG). A dramatic increase of TIMP1 mRNA and a decrease of TIMP2 in DRG after sciatic nerve transection (SNT) were displayed through a real-time PCR method. Furthermore, data showed by in situ hybridization that TIMP1 mRNA was only localized in DRG satellite cells under normal conditions. TIMP1 mRNA was increased in satellite cells, and induced within sensory neurons after SNT. Analysis of neuronal profiles showed that induced TIMP1 mRNA was mainly contained in small and medium DRG neurons. Further study displayed that induced TIMP1 mRNA was predominantly present in activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3)-positive injured DRG neurons. Comparatively, TIMP2 mRNA was mostly contained within sensory neurons and the overall amount decreased at the late stage after nerve injury. These data showed different change of TIMPs in DRG after peripheral nerve injury.

Construction of tissue-engineered composite intervertebral disc and preliminary morphological and biochemical evaluation

The aim of this study was to construct tissue-engineered composite intervertebral disc (IVD) consisting of demineralized bone matrix gelatin (DBMG) and collagen II/hyaluronate/chondroitin-6-sulfate (CII/HyA-CS) scaffolds seeded with anulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, respectively. The cell-scaffold hybrids were implanted in the subcutaneous space of the dorsum of athymic mice and harvested at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At each time point, the gross and histological morphology and biochemical properties were evaluated. Our results are as following: the gross morphology and histology of the composite resembled those of native IVD. Morphological studies revealed progressive tissue formation and junction integration between AF and NP regions. Biochemical composition detection indicated that the content of DNA, proteoglycan and hydroxyproline increased with time, and were similar to native tissue at 12 weeks. All these results demonstrated the feasibility of creating a tissue-engineered composite IVD with similar morphological and biochemical properties to the native tissue.

Behavioral, chronic and mental health in minority women: results from the national Latino Asian American study

Introduction

Asian Americans and Latino women underutilize mental health services.

Studies show Asian American women have higher depression scores and less physical activity than their male counterparts. Ethnic minorities are deterred from seeking mental health care in a timely manner or from following appropriate treatment guidelines. Asian American women are less likely to seek mental health services compared to Latina and white women. Mental health issues in Asian and Latina women may be masked by psychosomatic complaints. Data from the National Latino Asian American Study, the first comprehensive epidemiological study of Asian Americans and Latinos in the USA.

Objectives

To examine the behavioral, chronic and mental health issues in Latina and Asian American women.

Methods

3,012 Asian American and Latina American women from six ethnic subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican Americans) from metropolitan areas were interviewed. Measures include behavioral, drug, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues, and frequency of health service seeking using T-tests and ANOVA.

Results

The results showed Asian Americans women have less heart disease compared with Latina American women, but higher rates of smoking. More Filipinos rated their health as “Excellent” compared with Chinese and Vietnamese, and experience less major depressive disorder than their Asian counterparts. All three Asian American subgroups experience less anxiety than Latina American women.

Conclusions

While raters of mental health problems may be low, they are unique in how they manifest themselves, and in the distinct ways in which they seek health services. There are marked differences among major ethnic subgroups.

Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stages II and III urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

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Background: Level 1 evidence supports the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) prior to cystectomy in patients with stage II and III urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. However, the utilization of NC in appropriate patients prior to cystectomy is unknown. Here we examine the use of and potential predictors for the use of NC prior to cystectomy.

Methods: The Kentucky Cancer Registry was reviewed from the years 2000 to 2007 for patients undergoing cystectomy for stage II and III (T2-4aN0M0) bladder cancer. Histologic subtypes of bladder cancer other than urothelial carcinoma were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to examine factors associated with the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to cystectomy.

Results: A total of 223 patients undergoing cystectomy during the study period were identified. Median age was 66 years and 74% of patients were male. The majority of patients, 66%, had AJCC stage II disease. 6.3% (14/223) of patients received NC prior to cystectomy. Bivariate analysis did not reveal significant differences in age, gender, stage, geographic location, or insurance status when comparing patients receiving and not receiving NC prior to cystectomy. Year of treatment was significantly associated with the use of NC with 2.8% and 9.6% of patients receiving NC between the years 2000–2003 and 2004–2007, respectively (p = 0.034). Year of diagnosis remained significantly associated with the use of NC on multiple logistic regression (OR 4.23, CI 1.12–15.9).

Conclusions: Although a significant increase in the number of patients receiving NC prior to cystectomy has been observed since 2003, the overall utilization of NC remains low despite the proven survival benefit noted in randomized trials. Further investigation of the low utilization of NC in this population is warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Recent Advances in Solid Hydrogen Storage Systems

Hydrogen energy offers great promise as an energy alternative. Hydrogen technologies can reduce and eliminate the release of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel combustion, the main cause of global warming. One of the main challenges is hydrogen storage. Storing hydrogen in the solid-state hydride form holds a volumetric advantage over compressed and liquid hydrogen states. Solid hydrogen storage systems also have features of low-pressure operation, compactness, safety, tailorable delivery pressure, excellent absorption /desorption kinetics, modular design for easy scalability, and long cycle life.

In this paper, solid hydrogen storage systems (such as portable power canisters, lightweight fiber wrapped vessels, and aluminum tubular vessels, developed by Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC) will be discussed. A system of four canisters each storing approximately 80 grams of reversible hydrogen is shown to run a 1 kW PEM fuel cell for more than 247 minutes at full power. Canisters show no plastic deformation after more than 500 charge/discharge cycles. The measured strain on canister surfaces indicates that DOT stress limits are not exceeded. The canisters are in the early commercialization stage for uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and auxiliary power unit (APU) applications.

A lightweight fiber-wrapped vessel engineered with metal hydride and internal heat exchanger is being developed for onboard applications. At the system level, the vessel has a volumetric energy density of 50 grams of hydrogen per liter and a gravimetric density of 1.6 wt.%. The vessel is capable of storing 3 kg of hydrogen with a fast refueling capability. Ninety percent of the storable hydrogen can be refueled in 10 minutes at 1500 psig. The vessel can easily release the hydrogen at a rate of 350 slpm at 70°C.

Aluminum tubular vessels are being designed and tested for bulk storage and infrastructure applications including stationary power, hydrogen shipment and hydrogen service stations. The tubular vessel dimensions may be designed for specific applications. For example, a tubular vessel 6 inches in diameter and 62 inches in length can store up to 1 kg of hydrogen.

Confirmation of the X(1835) and observation of the resonances X(2120) and X(2370) in J/ψ→γπ+π-η'

With a sample of (225.2±2.8)×10(6) J/ψ events registered in the BESIII detector, J/ψ→γπ(+)π(-)η(') is studied using two η(') decay modes: η(')→π(+)π(-)η and η(')→γρ(0). The X(1835), which was previously observed by BESII, is confirmed with a statistical significance that is larger than 20σ. In addition, in the π(+)π(-)η(') invariant-mass spectrum, the X(2120) and the X(2370), are observed with statistical significances larger than 7.2σ and 6.4σ, respectively. For the X(1835), the angular distribution of the radiative photon is consistent with expectations for a pseudoscalar.

Measurement of the parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetry for W± boson production in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV

We report the first measurement of the parity-violating single-spin asymmetries for midrapidity decay positrons and electrons from W+ and W- boson production in longitudinally polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The measured asymmetries, A(L)(W+) = -0.27 ± 0.10(stat.) ± 0.02(syst.) ± 0.03(norm.) and A(L)(W-) = 0.14 ± 0.19(stat.) ± 0.02(syst.) ± 0.01(norm.), are consistent with theory predictions, which are large and of opposite sign. These predictions are based on polarized quark and antiquark distribution functions constrained by polarized deep-inelastic scattering measurements.

Effects of Aluminum Doping on The Phase Stability and Electrochemical Properties of LiCoO2 and LiMnO2

Aluminum is of interest as a constituent for Li battery electrodes due to its low cost and low mass, and because ab initio calculations indicate that solid solution of LiAlO2 with LiMO2 (M = transition metal) in the α-NaFeO2 structure can increase intercalation voltage [1]. In this study, we investigated the effect of Al doping on LiCoO2 and LiMnO2. Single phase LiAlyCo1-yO2 has been synthesized up to y = 0.5 by firing homogenous hydroxide precursors. A systematic increase in the open circuit voltage is observed with Al content. In LiAlyMn1-yO2, the addition of LiAlO2 stabilizes LiMnO2 in the α-NaFeO2 structure under conditions where neither endmember is stable in the structure. High reversible capacity was obtained over both a 4 V and 3 V plateau, indicating that the compound transforms to a spinel-related structure during cycling, but that the cooperative Jahn-Teller distortion is suppressed.

Characterization of the Viscoelastic Behavior of Polyaniline Solutions for Fiber Spinning

Solutions of emeraldine base(EB) in DMPU have been successfully spun into fibers and characterized according to their morphology, mechanical and electrical properties. This study presents results for as-spun (undrawn) fibers. The viscoelastic behavior of EB spin solutions have been investigated with dynamic measurements of the complex moduli, first normal stress coefficient, and complex viscosity. A knowledge of the viscoelastic behavior of emeraldine base solutions is crucial for effective processing into fibers and films.

Effect of Alloy Composition on the Structure of Zr Based Metal Alloys

The structures of Ovonic multi-element, multi-phase Zr-based transition metal alloys for hydrogen storage are studied. The alloys are designed to be multi-phase materials. The hexagonal and diamond cubic structures, known as C14 and C15 Laves structures respectively, are the two major hydrogen storage phases in the alloys. In both C14 and C 15 structures, Zr and Ti are the elements typically occupying the hydride former (A) sites and V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni the catalytic (B) sites. Based on the application of Ovshinsky's design principles for disordered materials, both A and B sites are compositionally disordered by the corresponding elements in cubic (C15) structure. However, the hexagonal (C14) structure has two distinct B sites, B(I) and B(Il) with a 1:3 ratio. Preliminary neutron diffraction studies indicate that the B(I) sites are predominantly occupied by Ni and the B(ll) sites are randomly mixed with V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni. It is then proposed that the formula of the hexagonal structure should become A2B(I)IB(II) 3 in the current multi-element Zr-based alloys. Minor phases close to the structures of Zr7Ni10, Zr9Ni11, and ZrO2 are also present in some alloys. The average electron concentration factor (e/a) derived from the alloy composition dictates the alloy structures. The alloys with higher electron concentration factor (> 7.1) favor the diamond cubic structure. On the other hand, the hexagonal structure is associated with the alloys with lower electron concentration factor (< 6.5). The alloys having electron concentration factors in between are mixtures of the diamond cubic and hexagonal structures.

Evidence for ψ' decays into γπ0 and γη

The decays ψ'→γπ(0), γη and γη' are studied using data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e(+)e(-) collider. The processes ψ'→γπ(0) and ψ'→γη are observed for the first time with signal significances of 4.6σ and 4.3σ, respectively. The branching fractions are determined to be B(ψ'→γπ(0))=(1.58±0.40±0.13)×10(-6), B(ψ'→γη)=(1.38±0.48±0.09)×10(-6), and B(ψ'→γη')=(126±3±8)×10(-6), where the first errors are statistical and the second ones systematic.

Adenosine 2A receptor is protective against renal injury in MRL/lpr mice

OBJECTIVE

Adenosine is considered as a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive molecule. We examined the roles of A2A-adenosine receptor (A(2A)R) in the progression of lupus nephritis.

METHODS

MRL/lpr mice were given a selective A(2A)R agonist, CGS21680 (0.4 mg/kg per day, i.p.) while control mice received saline only. After 8 weeks of treatment, mice were sacrificed for assessment of functional and histological parameters as well as inflammatory infiltration in the kidneys. MCP-1, IFN-γ, MHC-II and A(2A)R mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. Expression of A(2A)R and nuclear NFκB p65 protein was determined by Western blot analysis. Levels of anti-dsDNA antibody and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

CGS21680 treatment resulted in significant decrease in proteinuria, blood urea and creatinine as well as improvement in renal histology. Renal macrophage and T-cell infiltration were significantly attenuated in association with suppressed expression of MCP-1, IFN-γ and MHC-II. CGS21680 treatment reduced the level of serum anti-dsDNA and renal immune complex deposition. CGS21680 inhibited the activation of NFκB and suppressed the expression of IFN-γ, MCP-1 and MHC-II in MRL/lpr splenocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

A(2A)R activation suppressed inflammation in the kidneys of MRL/lpr mice and can be considered as a novel therapeutic approach for human lupus nephritis.

CC chemokine ligand 21 enhances the immunogenicity of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 upon assistance of TLR2

CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is a known attractant for CCR7-positive (CCR7+) cells, but its additional role in the immunogenicity of CCR7+ cells remains poorly understood. This study explored the effects of CCL21-CCR7 ligation on cancer immunogenicity and related antitumor immune response, in the presence and absence of mitomycin C (MMC) treatment. CCL21-CCR7 binding upregulated human leukocyte antigen class I-restricted tumor antigen presentation with increased expression of human leukocyte antigen class I and transporter associated with antigen processing-1. In addition, CCL21 restrained the tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors FasL and transforming growth factor-β. Consequently, CCL21 facilitated cancer-educated lymphocytes reaction in vitro. In the tumor-bearing mouse, CCL21 inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival via lymphocytes, especially in CCR7+ cancer cells. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor 2 activation of lymphocytes assisted the tumor-suppression functions of CCL21, in vitro and in vivo. This study implies that CCL21 improved the immunogenicity of the CCR7+ breast cancer cell line even with MMC treatment and triggered antitumor response by lymphocytes. These findings provide a new insight into the research and application of CCL21-associated antitumor response.

Measurement of the bottom quark contribution to nonphotonic electron production in p + p collisions at √s=200 GeV

The contribution of B meson decays to nonphotonic electrons, which are mainly produced by the semileptonic decays of heavy-flavor mesons, in p + p collisions at √s=200  GeV has been measured using azimuthal correlations between nonphotonic electrons and hadrons. The extracted B decay contribution is approximately 50% at a transverse momentum of pT≥5  GeV/c. These measurements constrain the nuclear modification factor for electrons from B and D meson decays. The result indicates that B meson production in heavy ion collisions is also suppressed at high pT.