Search for long-lived particles decaying to jet pairs

A search is presented for long-lived particles with a mass between 25 and 50 [Formula: see text] and a lifetime between 1 and 200[Formula: see text] in a sample of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text] TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.62 [Formula: see text], collected by the LHCb detector. The particles are assumed to be pair-produced by the decay of a standard model-like Higgs boson. The experimental signature of the long-lived particle is a displaced vertex with two associated jets. No excess above the background is observed and limits are set on the production cross-section as a function of the long-lived particle mass and lifetime.

The mitochondrial thioredoxin is required for liver development in zebrafish

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are a class of small molecular redox proteins that play an important role in scavenging abnormally accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) is one member of this family located in mitochondria. Trx2 protects cells from increased oxidative stress and has anti-apoptosis function. Knockout of Trx2 in mice led to early embryonic lethality. However, the essential role of Trx2 during embryogenesis remains unclear. To further investigate the role of Trx2 during embryonic development, we performed Trx2 knockdown in zebrafish and investigated the regulation role of Trx2 during embryonic development. Our results indicate that Trx2 had a high expression in early zebrafish embryos and its knockdown in zebrafish led to defective liver development mainly due to increased hepatic cell death. The increased ROS and the imbalance of members of the Bcl-2 family were involved in cell death induced by Trx2 suppression in zebrafish. The dysregulation of Bax, puma and Bcl-xl promoted the reduction of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential and the mitochondria membrane permeabilization (MMP), which initiated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Additionally, we found that the increase of relocated GAPDH in mitochondria may be another factor responsible for the mitochondrial catastrophe.

Measurement of Bc+ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at √[s]=8 TeV

Production of Bc+ mesons in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV is studied with data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0  fb-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of production cross sections times branching fractions between the Bc+→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays is measured as a function of transverse momentum and rapidity in the regions 0<pT<20  GeV/c and 2.0<y<4.5. The ratio in this kinematic range is measured to be (0.683±0.018±0.009)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.

Genetic parameters for different growth scales in GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Body weight, length, width and depth at two growth stages were observed for a total of 5015 individuals of GIFT strain, along with a pedigree including 5588 individuals from 104 sires and 162 dams was collected. Multivariate animal models and a random regression model were used to genetically analyse absolute and relative growth scales of these growth traits. In absolute growth scale, the observed growth traits had moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.321 to 0.576, while pairwise ratios between body length, width and depth were lowly inherited and maximum heritability was only 0.146 for length/depth. All genetic correlations were above 0.5 between pairwise growth traits and genetic correlation between length/width and length/depth varied between both growth stages. Based on those estimates, selection index of multiple traits of interest can be formulated in future breeding program to improve genetically body weight and morphology of the GIFT strain. In relative growth scale, heritabilities in relative growths of body length, width and depth to body weight were 0.257, 0.412 and 0.066, respectively, while genetic correlations among these allometry scalings were above 0.8. Genetic analysis for joint allometries of body weight to body length, width and depth will contribute to genetically regulate the growth rate between body shape and body weight.

HLA-C*06:103, a novel allele was identified in a Chinese patient awaiting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

HLA-C*06:103 shows four nucleotides difference from that of HLA-C*06:02:01:01.

Identification a novel HLA-B*27:105 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor by polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing

HLA-B*27:105 has one nucleotide change from HLA-B*27:04:01 at nucleotide position 404 from G to A.

Identification of a novel HLA-A*02:06:14 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing in a Chinese bone marrow donor

HLA*02:06:14 differs from HLA-A*02:06:01 by a single nucleotide substitution G > A at position 246.

Observation of two new Ξ(b)(-) baryon resonances

Two structures are observed close to the kinematic threshold in the Ξ(b)(0)π(-) mass spectrum in a sample of proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb(-1), recorded by the LHCb experiment. In the quark model, two baryonic resonances with quark content bds are expected in this mass region: the spin-parity J(P)=(1/2)(+) and J(P)=(3/2)(+) states, denoted Ξ(b)('-) and Ξ(b)(*-). Interpreting the structures as these resonances, we measure the mass differences and the width of the heavier state to be m(Ξ(b)('-))-m(Ξ(b)(0))-m(π(-))=3.653±0.018±0.006  MeV/c(2), m(Ξ(b)(*-))-m(Ξ(b)(0))-m(π(-))=23.96±0.12±0.06  MeV/c(2), Γ(Ξ(b)(*-))=1.65±0.31±0.10  MeV, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The width of the lighter state is consistent with zero, and we place an upper limit of Γ(Ξ(b)('-))<0.08  MeV at 95% confidence level. Relative production rates of these states are also reported.

Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 diversity and identification of ten novel KIR2DL3 alleles in the Chinese Han population

KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 are important inhibitory receptors that recognize a subset of HLA-C allelic products carrying Ser77 and Asn80. In this study, we have determined KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 diversity in the Chinese Han population by a PCR sequence-based typing. Based on sequencing, the coding regions of 166 Chinese Han individuals, seven new polymorphic sites (238G>A, 405G>A, 476A>G, 550G>A, 608G>A, 789T>C, 947T>C) were found. KIR2DL2*00301, *00101, KIR2DL3*00101,*00201,*013, *015 and ten new KIR2DL3 variants (KIR2DL3*00105, 00106, 00107, 00108, 019, 020, 021, 022, 023 and 024) were identified, of which KIR2DL3*00101 was the most frequent allele. Compared with the sequences of KIR2DL3*00101, all sequences of 2DL3*00105, 2DL3*00106, 2DL3*00107 and 2DL3*00108 had one nucleotide substitution(789T>C, 261C>T, 489G>A and 405G>A),but none resulted in amino acid change. An A>G substitution was observed in nucleotide position 476 in 2DL3*019, 608 G>A in 2DL3*020, 824T>C in 2DL3*021 and 238 G>A in 2DL3*023. In addition, 2DL3*022 probably arose from 2DL3*00201 with a nucleotide substitution G>A at 550. There were more HLA-C1 positive individuals than HLA-C2. In conclusion, the data of allelic polymorphism for KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 were obtained in the Chinese Han population and ten novel KIR2DL3 alleles were identified.

Precision measurement of CP violation in B(S)(0)→J/ΨK+K- decays

The time-dependent CP asymmetry in B(s)(0)→J/ψK+K- decays is measured using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb-1, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. In a sample of 96,000 B(s)(0)→J/ψK+K- decays, the CP-violating phase ϕs is measured, as well as the decay widths ΓL and ΓH of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B(s)(0)-B[over ¯]s0 system. The values obtained are ϕs=-0.058±0.049±0.006  rad, Γs≡(ΓL+ΓH)/2=0.6603±0.0027±0.0015  ps-1, and ΔΓs≡ΓL-ΓH=0.0805±0.0091±0.0032  ps-1, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second, systematic. These are the most precise single measurements of those quantities to date. A combined analysis with Bs0→J/ψπ+π- decays gives ϕs=-0.010±0.039  rad. All measurements are in agreement with the standard model predictions. For the first time, the phase ϕs is measured independently for each polarization state of the K+K- system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Measurement of the semileptonic CP asymmetry in B0-B[over ¯]0 mixing

The semileptonic CP asymmetry in B0-B[over ¯]0 mixing, a(sl)(d), is measured in proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb-1, recorded by the LHCb experiment. Semileptonic B0 decays are reconstructed in the inclusive final states D-μ+ and D*-μ+, where the D- meson decays into the K+π-π- final state and the D*- meson into the D[over ¯]0(→K+π-)π- final state. The asymmetry between the numbers of D(*)-μ+ and D(*)+μ- decays is measured as a function of the decay time of the B0 mesons. The CP asymmetry is measured to be a(sl)(d)=(-0.02±0.19±0.30)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the most precise measurement of a(sl)(d) to date and is consistent with the prediction from the standard model.

Electromagnetic wave absorption and dielectric-modulation of metallic perovskite lanthanum nickel oxide

Metallic LaNiO₃ powder shows excellent EM absorption due to arc-discharge effect, which can modulate the complex permittivity of LNO–FeCo/C composites.

Cervical ripening agent dinoprostone for delivery induction in late pregnancy mothers: experiences of 685 cases

The failure of labor induction often requires following cesarean section and suffering of patients. Cervical ripening is therefore critical in clinical care of pregnant mothers. The present study demonstrated the use of dinoprostone in cervical ripening for delivery induction in 685 cases of pregnancy mothers. The authors conclude that dinoprostone is a very useful and safe drug for delivery induction. The combined use of oxytocin and careful monitoring of all body symptoms are important for the clinical safety.

Increased dosage of cyclosporine induces myopathy with increased seru creatine kinase in an elderly patient on chronic statin therapy

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The concomitant administration of atorvastatin and cyclosporine has been shown to increase the serum concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A, which may be associated with the elevation of creatine kinase and an increased risk of myopathy. Our objective is to report on a case of statin-induced myopathy associated with concomitant use of cyclosporine and other contributing factors.

CASE SUMMARY

An 88-year-old Chinese male patient with comorbidities received polypharmacy treatment, including atorvastatin and cyclosporine. After the dosage of cyclosporine was increased to 300 mg every day for 8 months, the patient developed body pain and leg weakness, with a serum creatine kinase increase and evidence on magnetic resonance imaging of muscle oedema.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Cyclosporine is a moderate inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 isoenzyme, which is known to increase the serum level of atorvastatin. We hypothesized that the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of atorvastatin-induced myopathy are the result of its interaction with high dosage of cyclosporine.

Liposomes tethered to a biopolymer film through the hydrophobic effect create a highly effective lubricating surface

Liposomal coatings are formed on films of a biopolymer, hydrophobically modified chitosan (hm-chitosan), containing dodecyl groups as hydrophobes along the polymer backbone. The alkyl groups insert themselves into the liposome bilayer through hydrophobic interactions and thus tether liposomes, leading to a densely packed liposome layer on the film surface. Such liposomal surfaces exhibit effective lubrication properties due to their high degree of hydration, and reduce the coefficient of friction to the biologically-relevant range. The compliancy and robustness of these tethered liposomes allow retention on the film surface upon repeated applications of shear. Such liposome coated films have potential applications in biolubrication.

Precision measurement of the mass and lifetime of the Ξb⁻ baryon

We report on measurements of the mass and lifetime of the Ξ(b)⁻ baryon using about 1800 Ξ(b)⁻ decays reconstructed in a proton-proton collision data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb⁻¹ collected by the LHCb experiment. The decays are reconstructed in the Ξ(b)⁻→Ξ(c)⁰π⁻, Ξ(c)⁰→pK⁻K⁻π⁺ channel and the mass and lifetime are measured using the Λ(b)⁰→Λ(c)⁺π⁻ mode as a reference. We measure M(Ξ(b)⁻)-M(Λ(b)⁰)=178.36±0.46±0.16  MeV/c², (τ(Ξ(b)⁻)/τ(Λ(b)⁰)=1.089±0.026±0.011, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. These results lead to a factor of 2 better precision on the Ξ(b)⁻ mass and lifetime compared to previous best measurements, and are consistent with theoretical expectations.

Plant lectins, from ancient sugar-binding proteins to emerging anti-cancer drugs in apoptosis and autophagy

Ubiquitously distributed in different plant species, plant lectins are highly diverse carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin. They have interesting pharmacological activities and currently are of great interest to thousands of people working on biomedical research in cancer-related problems. It has been widely accepted that plant lectins affect both apoptosis and autophagy by modulating representative signalling pathways involved in Bcl-2 family, caspase family, p53, PI3K/Akt, ERK, BNIP3, Ras-Raf and ATG families, in cancer. Plant lectins may have a role as potential new anti-tumour agents in cancer drug discovery. Thus, here we summarize these findings on pathway- involved plant lectins, to provide a comprehensive perspective for further elucidating their potential role as novel anti-cancer drugs, with respect to both apoptosis and autophagy in cancer pathogenesis, and future therapy.