Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15  PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.

Quantifying peripapillary vessel density and retinal nerve fibre layer in type 1 diabetic children without clinically detectable retinopathy using OCTA

AIM

To quantify changes in radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (ppVD) and the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) in children with type 1 diabetes without clinical diabetic retinopathy by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), providing a basis for early retinopathy in children with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. A total of 30 patients (3-14y) with type 1 diabetes without clinical diabetic retinopathy (NDR group) were included. A total of 30 age-matched healthy subjects were included as the normal control group (CON group). The HbA1c level in the last 3mo was measured once in the NDR group. The pRNFL thickness and ppVD were automatically measured, and the mean pRNFL and ppVD were calculated in the nasal, inferior, temporal, and superior quadrants. The changes in ppVD and pRNFL in the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with CON group, the nasal and superior ppVDs decreased in the NDR group (all P<0.01). The thickness of the nasal pRNFL decreased significantly (P<0.01), while the inferior, temporal and superior pRNFLs slightly decreased but not significant in the NDR group (all P>0.05). Person and Spearman correlation analysis of ppVD and pRNFL thickness in each quadrant of the NDR group showed a positive correlation between nasal and superior (all P<0.01), while inferior and temporal had no significant correlation (all P>0.05). There was no significant correlation between the HbA1c level and ppVD and pRNFL in any quadrant (all P>0.05). There was no significant correlation between the course of diabetes mellitus and ppVD and pRNFL in any quadrant (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

ppVD and pRNFL decrease in eyes of children with type 1 diabetes before clinically detectable retinopathy and OCTA is helpful for early monitoring．.

[Research on Yaowang Temple based on local chronicles of Henan]

By looking up the local chronicles of the China Digital Chronicles Database and the China Chronicles Database, it was found that there are 450 kinds of local chronicles in Henan, of which 45 contain Yaowang Temple.According to these 45 kinds of local Chronicles, it can be seen that a total of 35 Yaowang temples were built in 25 counties (cities) of Henan, mostly distributed in the west, north and south of Henan, especially in the west. Among them, eight Yaowang temples recorded the construction time, from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, but most of them were built in the Qing Dynasty. There are records of the builders of the 8 Yaowang Temples, most of whom were local government officials. Qi Bo, Hua Tuo, Bian Que, Sun Simiao and Wei Cizang were recorded as Yaowang in three places, and Sun Simiao was enshrined in two of them. The architectural pattern of Yaowang Temple varies greatly from three courtyards to natural caves. Local chronicles contain all kinds of legends and stories about the Yaowang, which is a concrete embodiment of the belief in Yaowang. The belief in Yaowang not only carries people's thirst for health, but also prays for good weather.

[Distribution Characteristics and Environmental Driving Factors of Cyanobacteria Community in Impounded Lakes and Reservoirs in Shandong on the East Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project]

To investigate the distribution characteristics of the cyanobacteria community and the driving factors in impounded lakes and reservoirs in Shandong on the east route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, monthly samples of phytoplankton and the aquatic environment from Nansi Lake, Dongping Lake, Datun Reservoir, Donghu Reservoir, and Shuangwangcheng Reservoir were collected from May to November during 2010 to 2019. A total of 44 planktonic cyanobacteria taxa were identified with 23 filamentous cyanobacteria taxa. Pseudanabaena limnetica, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Microcystis wesenbergii were the dominant harmful cyanobacteria species, with a high detection frequency and abundance in all lakes and reservoirs. By analyzing the distribution characteristics of the cyanobacteria community in impounded lakes and reservoirs, we found that filamentous cyanobacteria had growth advantages in the water with large hydraulic disturbances, which should be the key points of cyanobacteria prevention and control in the future. Pearson correlation analysis and generalized linear fitting curve results showed that total nitrogen, total phosphorus, water temperature, and water depth played a key role in affecting the growth of P. limnetica, C. raciborskii, M. aeruginosa, and M. wesenbergii. The nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients could promote the growth of harmful cyanobacteria. Due to the good temperature adaptability, P. limnetica could still become the dominant species in early summer and late autumn, and C. raciborskii, M. aeruginosa, and M. wesenbergii had growth advantages when the water temperature was higher than 25℃. In addition, shallow water was more conducive to the growth of C. raciborskii. It was suggested that based on strengthening of the control of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient input in lakes and reservoirs, the key monitoring of P. limnetica in lakes should be conducted in early summer and late autumn, and the growth of C. raciborskii in shallow water areas should be paid close attention in the high temperature period to ensure the safety of water quality.

Measurement of Ultra-High-Energy Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission of the Galactic Plane from 10 TeV to 1 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

The diffuse Galactic γ-ray emission, mainly produced via interactions between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium and/or radiation field, is a very important probe of the distribution, propagation, and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this Letter, we report the measurements of diffuse γ rays from the Galactic plane between 10 TeV and 1 PeV energies, with the square kilometer array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Diffuse emissions from the inner (15°10  TeV). The energy spectrum in the inner Galaxy regions can be described by a power-law function with an index of -2.99±0.04, which is different from the curved spectrum as expected from hadronic interactions between locally measured cosmic rays and the line-of-sight integrated gas content. Furthermore, the measured flux is higher by a factor of ∼3 than the prediction. A similar spectrum with an index of -2.99±0.07 is found in the outer Galaxy region, and the absolute flux for 10≲E≲60  TeV is again higher than the prediction for hadronic cosmic ray interactions. The latitude distributions of the diffuse emission are consistent with the gas distribution, while the longitude distributions show clear deviation from the gas distribution. The LHAASO measurements imply that either additional emission sources exist or cosmic ray intensities have spatial variations.

[Impact of VA-ECMO combined with IABP and timing on outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock]

Objective: To investigate the impact of combined use and timing of arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock (AMICS). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock who received VA-ECMO support from the Heart Center of Lanzhou University First Hospital from March 2019 to March 2022 in the registration database of the Chinese Society for Extracorporeal Life Support were enrolled. According to combination with IABP and time point, patients were divided into VA-ECMO alone group, VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group. Data from 3 groups of patients were collected, including the demographic characteristics, risk factors, ECG and echocardiographic examination results, critical illness characteristics, coronary intervention results, VA-ECMO related parameters and complications were compared among the three groups. The primary clinical endpoint was all-cause death, and the safety indicators of mechanical circulatory support included a decrease in hemoglobin greater than 50 g/L, gastrointestinal bleeding, bacteremia, lower extremity ischemia, lower extremity thrombosis, acute kidney injury, pulmonary edema and stroke. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the survival outcomes of patients within 30 days of follow-up. Using VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group as reference, multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the effect of the combination of VA-ECMO+IABP at different time points on the prognosis of AMICS patients within 30 days. Results: The study included 68 AMICS patients who were supported by VA-ECMO, average age was (59.8±10.8) years, there were 12 female patients (17.6%), 19 cases were in VA-ECMO alone group, 34 cases in VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group and 15 cases in VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group. The success rate of ECMO weaning in the VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group was significantly higher than that in the VA-ECMO alone group and the VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (all P<0.05). Compared with the ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group, the other two groups had shorter ECMO support time, lower rates of acute kidney injury complications (all P<0.05), and lower rates of pulmonary edema complications in the ECMO alone group (P<0.05). In-hospital survival rate was significantly higher in the VA-ECMO+IABP concurrent group (28 patients (82.4%)) than in the VA-ECMO alone group (9 patients) and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (7 patients) (all P<0.05). The survival rate up to 30 days of follow-up was also significantly higher surviving patients within were in the ECMO+IABP concurrent group (26 cases) than in VA-ECMO alone group (9 patients) and VA-ECMO+IABP non-concurrent group (4 patients) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with the concurrent use of VA-ECMO+IABP, the use of VA-ECMO alone and non-concurrent use of VA-ECMO+IABP were associated with increased 30-day mortality in AMICS patients (HR=2.801, P=0.036; HR=2.985, P=0.033, respectively). Conclusions: When VA-ECMO is indicated for AMICS patients, combined use with IABP at the same time can improve the ECMO weaning rate, in-hospital survival and survival at 30 days post discharge, and which does not increase additional complications.

A tera-electron volt afterglow from a narrow jet in an extremely bright gamma-ray burst

Some gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have a tera-electron volt (TeV) afterglow, but the early onset of this has not been observed. We report observations with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory of the bright GRB 221009A, which serendipitously occurred within the instrument field of view. More than 64,000 photons >0.2 TeV were detected within the first 3000 seconds. The TeV flux began several minutes after the GRB trigger, then rose to a peak about 10 seconds later. This was followed by a decay phase, which became more rapid ~650 seconds after the peak. We interpret the emission using a model of a relativistic jet with half-opening angle ~0.8°. This is consistent with the core of a structured jet and could explain the high isotropic energy of this GRB.

First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus infecting Helichrysum bracteatum in China

Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum, Asteraceae) , an annual or biennial herb, is one of the most popular flowers in the world because of the colorful flowers and the long flowering period. However, the ornamental plants belonging to Asteraceae are susceptible to numerous viruses such as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) (Cucumovirus, Bromoviridae) , potato virus Y (Potyvirus, Potyviridae), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) (Tobamovirus, Virgaviridae), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) (Tobamovirus, Virgaviridae), chrysanthemum virus B (CVB) (Carlavirus, Betaflexiviridae), tomato aspermy virus (TAV) (Cucumovirus, Bromoviridae), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae, Tospoviridae), and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) (Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae, Orthotospovirus) resulting in severe yield loss (Verma et al. 2003; Raj et al. 2007; Kondo et al. 2011; Liu et al. 2014; Marys et al. 2014; Min et al. 2020; Gautam et al. 2021; Read et al. 2022; Supakitthanakorn et al. 2022). Among these viruses, the TSWV, a thrips-transmitted negative-stranded RNA virus, is well known to cause viral disease in several plant species while is less reported in Helichrysum, especially in China. In April 2021, viral attack symptoms were detected on the leaves of H. bracteatum during our routine checks in the greenhouse located at Shunyi District, Beijing, China, such as wilting, shrinking, chlorotic blotches, chlorotic ring spots. To investigate the virus infecting H. bracteatum, in total of 25 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic leaves were sampled and tested by the effective double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) using antisera against CMV, PVY/PVX, ToMV, TMV, CVB, TAV, TSWV, INSV, separately (Agdia, USA). Only the TSWV showed positive in symptomatic samples, and asymptomatic samples were all negative, which implied TSWV infection. To further confirm the virus type of TSWV isolated from H. bracteatum samples, the genomic RNA of the virus was isolated using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then was cloned, sequenced and analyzed. Total RNA of five symptomatic leaves (ELISA-positive) were extracted using the FastPure Plant Total RNA Isolation Kit (Vazyme, China), and then were reverse transcribed by HiScript II Reverse Transcriptase (Vazyme, China). Each genome segments were amplified using Phanta Max Super-Fidelity DNA Polymerase (Vazyme, China) with TSWV-specific primers newly designed and listed in Table S1. The PCR setup was as follow: 95°C for 30 s, followed by 35 cycles at 95°C for 30 s, 55°C for 30 s, and 72°C for 1.5 min, with a final extension at 72°C for 10 min. All PCR products were cloned into the TA/Blunt-Zero vector (Vazyme, China) and sequenced (GENEWIZ, Inc.). We assembled and then analyzed the evolutionary relationship of three genomic fragments, that is, TSWV-BJFC-Hb S (2923 bp), M (4785 bp) and L (8971 bp) using the BLAST tools. The results showed high similarity with TSWV-henan isolated from pepper in China (99.6% to TSWV-S (MT799179.1), 99.8 % to TSWV-M (MT799178.1) and 99.8 % TSWV-L (MT799177.1)). These sequences have been submitted to the GenBank (OM982910, OM982911 and OM937131). Taking all of these evidences together, the viral disease observed in H. bracteatum was closely associated with TSWV. TSWV is currently widespread in China, infecting Nasturtium, Chrysanthemum and cowpea (Xiao et al. 2015; Hu et al. 2018; Yu et al. 2021). Epidemics of TSWV have also been reported in several other countries such as Korea, North Carolina, Turkey and India (Renukadevi et al. 2015; Koehler et al. 2016; Kwak et al. 2021; Erilmez, S. 2022). This is the first report of TSWV infection on H. bracteatum in China. Due to the fast spread and serious economic losses of TSWV, the rapid detection may be the essential way to prevent this viral disease among crops (Macharia et al. 2014).

Inserting Single-Atom Zn by Tannic Acid Confinement To Regulate the Selectivity of Pd Nanocatalysts for Hydrogenation Reactions

Precisely controlling the selectivity of nanocatalysts has always been a hot topic in heterogeneous catalysis but remains difficult owing to their complex and inhomogeneous catalytic sites. Herein, an effective strategy to regulate the chemoselectivity of Pd nanocatalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions by inserting single-atom Zn into Pd nanoparticles is reported. Taking advantage of the tannic acid coating-confinement strategy, small-sized Pd nanoparticles with inserted single-atom Zn are obtained on the O-doped carbon-coated alumina. Compared with the pure Pd nanocatalyst, the Pd nanocatalyst with single-atom Zn insertion exhibits prominent selectivity for the hydrogenation of p-iodonitrobenzene to afford the hydrodeiodination product instead of nitro hydrogenation ones. Further computational studies reveal that the single-atom Zn on Pd nanoparticles strengthens the adsorption of the nitro group to avoid its reduction and increases the d-band center of Pd atoms to facilitate the reduction of the iodo group, which leads to enhanced selectivity. This work provides new guidelines to tune the selectivity of nanocatalysts with guest single-atom sites.

Constraints on Heavy Decaying Dark Matter from 570 Days of LHAASO Observations

The kilometer square array (KM2A) of the large high altitude air shower observatory (LHAASO) aims at surveying the northern γ-ray sky at energies above 10 TeV with unprecedented sensitivity. γ-ray observations have long been one of the most powerful tools for dark matter searches, as, e.g., high-energy γ rays could be produced by the decays of heavy dark matter particles. In this Letter, we present the first dark matter analysis with LHAASO-KM2A, using the first 340 days of data from 1/2-KM2A and 230 days of data from 3/4-KM2A. Several regions of interest are used to search for a signal and account for the residual cosmic-ray background after γ/hadron separation. We find no excess of dark matter signals, and thus place some of the strongest γ-ray constraints on the lifetime of heavy dark matter particles with mass between 10^{5} and 10^{9}  GeV. Our results with LHAASO are robust, and have important implications for dark matter interpretations of the diffuse astrophysical high-energy neutrino emission.

CdS-Modified TiO2 Nanotubes with Heterojunction Structure: A Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Glutathione

The formation of heterojunction structures can effectively prevent the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in semiconductors and result in the enhancement of photoelectric properties. Using TiO₂ nanotubes (prepared using the hydrothermal-impregnation method) as carriers, CdS-TiO₂NTs were fabricated as a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor, which can be used under visible light and can exhibit good PEC performance due to the existence of the heterojunction structure. The experimental results show that the prepared CdS-TiO₂NTs electrode had a linear response to 2-16 mM glutathione (GSH). The sensor's sensitivity and detection limit (LOD) were 102.9 µA·mM^-1 cm^-2 and 27.7 µM, respectively. Moreover, the biosensor had good stability, indicating the potential application of this kind of heterojunction PEC biosensor.

[Clinical value of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of retroperitoneal tumors]

Objective: To explore the clinical value of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of retroperitoneal tumors. Methods: The clinical data of 13 patients with retroperitoneal tumors treated with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The ablation effect was evaluated and the postoperative complications were observed. The changes of tumor volume before and after radiofrequency ablation were compared. Results: The symptoms of pain and dyspepsia were significantly improved after radiofrequency ablation, and the hospital stay was (9.2±2.9) days. The tumor was ablated completely in 10 cases, tumor residual in 1 case and tumor metastasis in 2 cases. One patient had postoperative duodenal perforation complicated with intra-abdominal infection, and no serious complications occurred in other patients. There were 20 lesions in 13 patients. The maximum diameter of 20 lesions before operation and 1, 3, 6 months after operation were (39.5±15.9) mm, (30.6±4.9)mm, (15.6±7.7) mm and (9.9±3.1) mm, respectively, the maximum diameters of 1, 3 and 6 months after operation were smaller than that before operation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation is a real-time, accurate, safe and effective minimally invasive treatment with few complications, and has a high clinical value for retroperitoneal tumors.

A food-grade vector for Streptococcus thermophilus based on the α-complementation of β-galactosidase

Streptococcus thermophilus is a common yogurt starter that consumes lactose as its primary carbon source. The enzyme β-galactosidase is essential for the lactose metabolism and the growth of this species. Streptococcus thermophilus appears to be a promising cell factory. Food-grade vectors have advantages in heterologous protein expression. This study aimed to determine whether the β-galactosidase of S. thermophilus has the α-complementary characteristic and to develop a novel food-grade vector based on this phenomenon. The N-terminal 7 to 36 AA residues of the β-galactosidase in S. thermophilus were deleted. The obtained mutant S. thermophilus Δα lost β-galactosidase activity and growth ability in the lactose medium. Subsequently, plasmids expressing α-fragments with different lengths of 1 to 36 (Sα1), 1 to 53 (Sα2), and 1 to 88 (Sα3) AA were constructed and transformed into S. thermophilus Δα. Recombinant S. thermophilus Δα expressing Sα2 or Sα3 recovered the ability to grow in the lactose medium, and their β-galactosidase activity accounted for 24.5% or 11.5% of the wild strain, respectively. These results indicated that the α-complementation system of β-galactosidase existed in S. thermophilus. Based on the characteristic, a food-grade vector pSEα was constructed. Except for Sα2, vector pSEα expressed the α-donor derived from E. coli β-galactosidase. This facilitated the construction of recombinant plasmids in E. coli DH5α and thus improved the transformation efficiency of S. thermophilus. Green fluorescent protein as a reporter protein could be highly expressed in S. thermophilus using this vector. As a result, pSEα is an efficient and safe vector for S. thermophilus with potential food applications.

Microwave-field sensing via electromagnetically induced absorption of Rb irradiated by three-color infrared lasers

A microwave electric field sensing has been set up based on a three-color electromagnetically induced absorption in rubidium vapor cell via cascading transitions. All transitions are irradiated by infrared lasers: a 780 nm laser servers as probe to monitor the optical transmittancy via transition 5S_1/2→P_3/2;, a 776 nm laser and a 1260 nm laser are used to couple the states 5P_3/2 and 5D_5/2 and states 5D_5/2 and 44F_7/2, respectively. We find that a frequency detuning ∼2π × ( - 40) MHz of the 776 nm dressing beam prefers to a better signal-to-noise ratio for the probe beam. The off-resonance greatly depresses the double resonance pumping effect. A demonstration measurement for the electric field of microwave 1.18988 GHz, corresponding to the coupling resonance between two adjacent Rydberg states 44F_7/2 and 44F_9/2, gives a sensitivity of 55.79(23)nVcm^-1/Hz and a smallest discernible electric field of 78.9(33) nVcm^-1 in time scale of 500 ms.

[Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke) collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences]

Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke), collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, was examined with the field method. It was found some issues existed both in the recording and description of Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke) collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in the electronic catalogue of ancient books and in the General catalogue of ancient books of traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Guo Zhong Yi Gu Ji Zong Mu), in terms of the same version with different registration, wrong publication time, some contents missed in publication, and the version actually not collected.

Lanthipeptides from the Same Core Sequence: Characterization of a Class II Lanthipeptide Synthetase from Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-88

Class II lanthipeptide synthetases (LanMs) are relatively promiscuous to core peptide variations. Previous studies have shown that different LanMs catalyze identical reactions on the same core sequence fused to their respective cognate leaders. We characterized a new LanM enzyme from Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-88, MalM, and demonstrated that MalM and ProcM exhibited disparate dehydration and cyclization patterns on identical core peptides. Our study provided new insights into the regioselectivity of LanMs and showcased an appropriate strategy for lanthipeptide structural diversity engineering.

Biochemical Reconstitution Reveals the Biosynthetic Timing and Substrate Specificity for Thioamitides

Thioamitides are apoptosis-inducing ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) with substantial post-translational modifications (PTMs), whose biosynthetic details remain elusive. We reconstituted their key PTMs through in vitro enzymatic reactions and gene coexpressions in E. coli and rigorously demonstrated the order of those modifications. Notably, thioamitide biosynthesis involves N- to C-terminal thioamidations and employs both leader-dependent and leader-independent reactions followed by leader removal by successive degradation. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of thioamitide biosynthesis and lays the foundation for thioamitide engineering in E. coli.

[Effect of Composite Leaching on Cadmium Removal Efficiency in Plow Layer Soil of Agricultural Land and Its Functional Regulation]

In order to explore the feasibility of soil leaching and the remediation of agricultural land polluted by medium (heavy) cadmium (Cd), the soil column was used to simulate in-situ leaching, and the citric acid (CA)+ferric chloride (FeCl₃) composite leaching agent was selected. Under the optimal concentration combination and the addition amount of the composite leaching agent, the distribution characteristics of Cd in the plow-layer soil and below were investigated. The influence of the leaching process on soil health and the regulation effect of biochar were also investigated. The results showed that:① 0.1 mol·L^-1 CA and 0.01 mol·L^-1 FeCl₃ were the best concentration combinations; under this concentration combination, when the eluent reached 9 pore volume, the content of Cd in the 20 cm soil column was lower than the risk screening value of 0.4 mg·kg^-1 (GB 15618-2018) in the corresponding pH value of the tested soil after leaching. ② Under the optimal leaching conditions, the longitudinal distribution of Cd in the 60 cm soil column showed that the content of total Cd increased with the increase in soil depth after leaching, and the leachate of the soil column contained a certain amount of Cd, indicating that the leaching process promoted the downward migration of Cd. The content of available Cd in the soil after composite leaching also increased with the increase in soil depth, which was partly due to the change in exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cd in different soil layers. ③ A portion of the soil health indexes and enzyme activities decreased after CA+FeCl₃ composite leaching. The addition of biochar can improve the health status of the soil after leaching; the soil health indexes and enzyme activities were restored significantly, and the risk of Cd reactivation also decreased after the addition of biochar. The results showed that part of Cd in the soil can be leached below the plow layer by CA+FeCl₃ composite leaching; however, the leaching process may have a certain impact on soil health, and biochar has a significant effect on the recovery of soil after leaching.

Exploring Lorentz Invariance Violation from Ultrahigh-Energy γ Rays Observed by LHAASO

Recently, the LHAASO Collaboration published the detection of 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources above 100 TeV, with the highest energy photon reaching 1.4 PeV. The first detection of PeV γ rays from astrophysical sources may provide a very sensitive probe of the effect of the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which results in decay of high-energy γ rays in the superluminal scenario and hence a sharp cutoff of the energy spectrum. Two highest energy sources are studied in this work. No signature of the existence of the LIV is found in their energy spectra, and the lower limits on the LIV energy scale are derived. Our results show that the first-order LIV energy scale should be higher than about 10^{5} times the Planck scale M_{Pl} and that the second-order LIV scale is >10^{-3}M_{Pl}. Both limits improve by at least one order of magnitude the previous results.

PLA2 mediates the innate immune response in Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis

The eicosanoid signaling pathway mediates insect immune reactions to a wide range of stimuli. This pathway begins with the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) from the hydrolysis of phospholipids catalyzed by phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂ ). We report here that the PLA₂ inhibitor, dexamethasone (DEX), impaired the innate immune response including nodulation, encapsulation, and melanization in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae, while AA partially reversed these effects of DEX. We cloned a full-length complementary DNA encoding a PLA₂ , designated as OfsPLA₂ , from O. furnacalis. The open reading frame of OfsPLA₂ encodes a 195-amino acid residue protein with a 22-residue signal peptide. Sequence alignment analyses indicated that O. furnacalis PLA₂ might be a Group III secretory PLA₂ . The highest transcript levels of OfsPLA₂ were detected in the fat body, and its transcript levels increased dramatically after infection with Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, or Beauveria bassiana. Recombinant OfsPLA₂ significantly induced prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation in larval hemolymph in the presence of Ca²⁺ and encapsulation of agarose beads. Injection of recombinant OfsPLA₂ into larvae resulted in increased transcript levels of attacin, defencin, and moricin-3 genes. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the eicosanoid signaling pathway in the innate immune response of O. furnacalis larvae and provide new information about the roles of O. furnacalis secretory PLA₂ in activating PPO and antimicrobial peptide production.

Peta-electron volt gamma-ray emission from the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a bright source of gamma rays powered by the Crab Pulsar's rotational energy through the formation and termination of a relativistic electron-positron wind. We report the detection of gamma rays from this source with energies from 5 × 10^-4 to 1.1 peta-electron volts with a spectrum showing gradual steepening over three energy decades. The ultrahigh-energy photons imply the presence of a peta-electron volt electron accelerator (a pevatron) in the nebula, with an acceleration rate exceeding 15% of the theoretical limit. We constrain the pevatron's size between 0.025 and 0.1 parsecs and the magnetic field to ≈110 microgauss. The production rate of peta-electron volt electrons, 2.5 × 10³⁶ ergs per second, constitutes 0.5% of the pulsar spin-down luminosity, although we cannot exclude a contribution of peta-electron volt protons to the production of the highest-energy gamma rays.

Extended Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission Surrounding PSR J0622+3749 Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

We report the discovery of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source around the location of the middle-aged (207.8 kyr) pulsar PSR J0622+3749 with the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The source is detected with a significance of 8.2σ for E>25  TeV assuming a Gaussian template. The best-fit location is (right ascension, declination) =(95.47°±0.11°,37.92°±0.09°), and the extension is 0.40°±0.07°. The energy spectrum can be described by a power-law spectrum with an index of -2.92±0.17_{stat}±0.02_{sys}. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of the LHAASO source has been found from the radio to sub-TeV bands. The LHAASO observations are consistent with the scenario that VHE electrons escaped from the pulsar, diffused in the interstellar medium, and scattered the interstellar radiation field. If interpreted as the pulsar halo scenario, the diffusion coefficient, inferred for electrons with median energies of ∼160  TeV, is consistent with those obtained from the extended halos around Geminga and Monogem and much smaller than that derived from cosmic ray secondaries. The LHAASO discovery of this source thus likely enriches the class of so-called pulsar halos and confirms that high-energy particles generally diffuse very slowly in the disturbed medium around pulsars.

Ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 petaelectronvolts from 12 γ-ray Galactic sources

The extension of the cosmic-ray spectrum beyond 1 petaelectronvolt (PeV; 10¹⁵ electronvolts) indicates the existence of the so-called PeVatrons-cosmic-ray factories that accelerate particles to PeV energies. We need to locate and identify such objects to find the origin of Galactic cosmic rays¹. The principal signature of both electron and proton PeVatrons is ultrahigh-energy (exceeding 100 TeV) γ radiation. Evidence of the presence of a proton PeVatron has been found in the Galactic Centre, according to the detection of a hard-spectrum radiation extending to 0.04 PeV (ref. ²). Although γ-rays with energies slightly higher than 0.1 PeV have been reported from a few objects in the Galactic plane^3-6, unbiased identification and in-depth exploration of PeVatrons requires detection of γ-rays with energies well above 0.1 PeV. Here we report the detection of more than 530 photons at energies above 100 teraelectronvolts and up to 1.4 PeV from 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources with a statistical significance greater than seven standard deviations. Despite having several potential counterparts in their proximity, including pulsar wind nebulae, supernova remnants and star-forming regions, the PeVatrons responsible for the ultrahigh-energy γ-rays have not yet been firmly localized and identified (except for the Crab Nebula), leaving open the origin of these extreme accelerators.

Cellulomonas taurus sp. nov., a novel bacteria with multiple hydrolase activity isolated from livestock, and potential application in wastewater treatment

A Gram-positive, smooth, sub-transparent, faint yellow,0.5-0.7 µm diameter, rod shaped aerobic or facultative aerobic strain P40-2^Twas isolated from livestock farms in Northeast China. Strain P40-2^T grew at 25-40 °C (optimum 30-38 °C), and in 0-4% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%) in LB medium. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain P40-2^T belongs to the class Cellulomonas and is most closely related to C. denverensis strain W6929, C. pakistanensis strain NCCP-11and C. hominis strain CE40.DNA-DNA hybridization rate of strain P40-2^T was 29%, and the ANI with C.denverensisstrainW6929 was 85.33%. The genome is 3437431 bp long with a G + C content of 71.99%. Of the 3177 predicted genes, 3119 were protein-coding genes and 58 were RNA encoding genes. The chemotaxonomic data: menaquinone was MK-9(H₄), anteiso-C_15: 0, C_16:0 and anteiso-C_17: 0 were the major cellular fatty acids, and the main cell-wall amino acids were ornithine,alanine, glycine and glutamate. The cell wall peptidogly can sugars included glucose, rhamnose, galactose and mannose. The polar lipid present were DPG, PG, PE, and PIM. On the basis of DNA-DNA relatedness, phylogenetic position, complete genome sequence and physiological characteristics, strain P40-2^T can be differentiated from other species of the genus Cellulomonas with validly published names and thus represents a novel species, for which the name Cellulomonas taurus is proposed. The type strain is Cellulomonas taurus P40-2^T (= CGMCC No.1.17732^T).The acute toxicity test in mice showed that LD₅₀ of strain P40-2^T was rather high with 1.5 × 10¹¹ CFU/mouse, which indicated low pathogenicity. Drug susceptibility showed that strainP40-2^T was resistant to most antibiotics and only sensitive to six antibiotics. Strain P40-2^T contained a variety of hydrolytic enzymes including the ability to hydrolyze cellulose, β-glucan, chitin, xylan, and casein. Microbial flocculant MBF-P40 for sewage was prepared with strain P40-2^T, after strain P40-2^T was confirmed that had good flocculation effect. MBF-P40 was used to prepare flocculation rate of 99.40%. MBF-P40 treatmented sewage from eight different sources. Flocculation rate for pig farm wastewater was 96.07%, COD removal rate is 71.05%, ammonia nitrogen removal rate is 18.22%. The result shows that MBF-P40 has a good flocculation effect, and good prospect of development and application for wastewater treatment.

MiR-20b is implicated in preeclampsia progression via the regulation of myeloid cell leukemin-1

Preeclampsia (PE) may induce gestational failure, threatening a significant number of pregnant women. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to participate in PE progression, whereas the precise functions and potential mechanisms of miR-20b in placental trophoblast cells as well as in PE progression remain poorly understood. In the present study, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to detect expressions of miR-20b and myeloid cell leukemin- 1(MCL-1) mRNA. Cell viability was investigated by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assays. Cell invasion and migration abilities were determined by Transwell assays. Western blot was performed to detect MCL-1 protein expressions. The interaction between miR-20b and MCL-1 was investigated by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assay. The results of the study demonstrated that miR-20b was highly expressed in placental tissues of patients with PE. Moreover, miR-20b overexpression inhibited HTR8/ SVneo cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Furthermore, MCL-1 was targeted by miR-20b, and MCL-1 restoration could partially attenuate the effect of miR-20b on HTR8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, the results indicate that miR-20b may contribute to PE through inhibiting proliferation, invasion and migration of placental trophoblast cells by targeting MCL-1. Therefore, miR-20b may be used as a notable biomarker for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of PE. MiR-20b targeting MCL-1 deserves further investigation in order to explore their potential role in PE.

[Effect of Biochar on Changes of the Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Respiration and Bacterial Community Structure]

To explore the effects of biochar on the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration and microbial community structure, the soil was subjected to an indoor culture test under two major treatments which were control (CK) and the addition of 3% (mass ratio) biochar (BC). Each major treatment contained four temperature conditions. We analyzed the changes in soil CO₂ emission, the content of different soil organic carbon, and the characteristics of the soil bacterial community. The results showed that:①The input of biochar to soil respiration under various temperature conditions was promoted in the early stage and inhibited in the later stage, and after 14 days of cultivation, the input of biochar significantly reduced the temperature sensitivity Q₁₀ values of soil respiration. ② For soil organic carbon fractions, the decline rate of the content of soil inert organic carbon under the CK treatment increased with increasing temperature, and was sensitive to the changes in temperature. However, the input of biochar significantly reduced the temperature sensitivity of the soil inert organic carbon, and narrowed its decline rate under each temperature condition. The decline rate did not increase with increasing temperature. ③The 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that at the end of the cultivation, the relative abundance of Massilia in the soil of the CK treatment decreased with increasing temperature, and the input of biochar significantly increased its temperature sensitivity, making the decline rate increase. In contrast to Massilia, the relative abundance of Haliangium in soil of the CK treatment increased significantly with increasing temperature, and the input of biochar significantly reduced its temperature sensitivity, rendering the difference of relative abundance between each temperature condition not significant. This study shows that the input of biochar can significantly reduce the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration, which is related to decreased temperature sensitivity of soil inert organic carbon, and the change in the relative abundance of Massilia and Haliangium after the input of biochar.

Pepsin and Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Carcinomas

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas are common malignant tumors of the head and neck, and the incidence of both is increasing. Laryngopharyngeal reflux refers to the retrograde flow of gastric contents into the larynx, oropharynx, and/or nasopharynx. It remains controversial whether laryngopharyngeal reflux is a risk factor for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. The refluxing substances mainly include hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and occasionally bile acids and bile salts, as well as bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Loss of epithelium in the mucous membrane of the larynx and hypopharynx is thought to be caused by pepsin. Here, we review the relationships between laryngopharyngeal reflux and both laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas, as well as the significance of pepsin, methods of clinical detection, and the mechanism of carcinogenesis.

[Effects of Different Coagulants on Co-manganese Oxides Filter Media for Removing Ammonium and Manganese from Surface Water in Summer and Autumn]

Under high temperatures in summer and autumn, the effects of FeCl₃, PFC, and PAFC on co-manganese oxides filter media for removing ammonium and manganese from surface water were investigated. The results showed that FeCl₃ can be hydrolyzed easily, thus reducing the pH of the water and the residual iron in the water were not conducive to the removal of ammonium and manganese. Transforming the coagulant FeCl₃ into PFC can effectively recover the removal effect of ammonium and manganese. After being pre-treated by PAFC, removal of ammonium and manganese during the filtering operation remained stable and excellent. Simultaneously, the structural characteristics of the filter material were analyzed. Different coagulants caused different changes of shape of filter media. As FeCl₃ is a coagulant, the slow increase in specific surface area is not beneficial to removal of ammonium and manganese. Additionally, the results of FTIR spectra indicated that coagulants have different influences on the group of Fe-OH bonds of filter media. This study provides a theoretical basis for the study of the effects of water quality factors on the removal of ammonium and manganese from surface water.

[Analysis of related factors affecting evolution of recent small subcortical infarcts with cerebral small vessel disease]

Objective: To explore related factors affecting evolution of recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI) with small-artery occlusion. Methods: A total of 96 RSSI patients with RSSI were admitted from Shanghai Tongji Hospital between January 2015 and December 2018. The age of patients containing 60 men was 64.5 (58-73) years, and MRI follow-up time was 11.6 (6.3-11.8) months. Clinical information of patients, images data at baseline head MRI and evolution outcomes at follow-up MRI were collected. All patients were divided into cavitation group (lacunes) and no cavitation group (white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and disappearance) to analyze related factors. Results: Fifty-nine cases (61.5%) developed to cavities, 32 cases (33.3%) were focal WMH, and 5 cases (5.2%) disappeared.In the univariate analysis, RSSI maximum diameter on the DWI or T(2)WI sequence of cavitation group was significantly higher than non-cavitation group, but male proportion was lower (11.6 (9.9-16.6) vs 8.6 (6.9-13.0) mm, 11.8 (9.7-16.2) vs 8.8 (6.7-13.1) mm, 54.2% vs 75.7%, all P<0.05). In Logistic regression analysis,the maximum diameter on DWI sequence was an independent predictor of cavity formation (P=0.022,OR=1.138).When conducting quantitative analysis of infarct diameter and taking infarct maximum diameter ≤10 mm group as reference, the cavitation risk of maximum diameter>15 mm group was about 7.5 times higher (P=0.010, OR=7.464). The maximum diameter of 10-15 mm lost predictive value for cavity formation (P=0.129, OR=2.444). Conclusions: About 61.5% of RSSI develop to cavitation and 38.5% to WMH or disappear. The RSSI showing larger diameter on DWI has a greater possibility of cavitation.

Application of Multiple Kits in Special Parentage Testing Cases

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the genetic polymorphism of 21 autosome STR loci in Han population of Shandong Province and the cases with loci mutation or allelic loss typed by Goldeneye® DNA identification system 25A.

METHODS

Totally 40 autosome STR loci types of 273 unrelated individuals in Han population of Shandong Province were typed by Goldeneye® DNA identification system 25A and 22NC, and the genetic polymorphism of 21 STR loci in those was analysed. Meanwhile, six cases with loci mutation were analysed by adding the tests with Goldeneye® DNA identification system 22NC, 20Y and 17X. Another three cases with allelic loss were tested by AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR and analysed by gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The genetic parameters of 21 autosome STR loci in Han population of Shandong Province were obtained. When STR loci were added up to 40, five of those with loci mutation met the identification requirements, and the results of X-STR or Y-STR types were consistent with that of STR loci. There was another duo case with one suspected loci mutation, biological source of six STR loci genotypes could not be found in the genotypes of supposed father. The Y-STR genotype of two individuals was identical that indicated both of them came from same paternal line. However, the fatherhood was excluded according to the autosome STR loci system. For two cases with allelic loss on D18S51, base mutation or loss were found in the primer binding domain of mother and child by gene sequencing. Another mother-child case with allelic loss on D13S317 was certified by AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR kit.

CONCLUSIONS

The 21 autosome STR loci in Han population of Shandong Province have high polymorphism, which can be used in routine cases of paternity identification. For some duo cases with loci mutation, Goldeneye® DNA identification system 25A cannot satisfy the identification requirements, thus more autosome STR loci should be added properly. For the cases with allelic loss, the problem can be resolved by gene sequencing or using different merchant kits.

[Genetic Polymorphisms of 19 STR Loci in Populations of Three Culture Region in Shandong]

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the genetic polymorphisms of 19 autosomal STR loci in Han population of east, middle-northwest and southwest-south Shandong and to explore its genetic relationships among the population of these three regions.

METHODS

STR loci of 1 044 unrelated Han individuals in three Shandong regions were typed with a Goldeneye® DNA ID System 20A kit. The allele frequency and population genetics parameters of 19 autosomal STR loci were statistically analysed by Modified-Powerstates software. The genetic distances among the population in three regions were calculated by Arlequin v3.5 software. The phylogenetic tree was conducted using MEGA v4.0 software.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 19 autosomal STR loci were detected with the H values greater than 0.7, PIC values greater than 0.7, and DP values greater than 0.9 in the populations of all three Shandong regions. Among the populations in these three regions, the genetic distance between the populations in middle-northwest and southwest-south Shandong was closest （F_st=0.000 16）, followed by east and southwest-south Shandong （F_st=0.0003 6）. The genetic distance between the populations in east and middle-northwest Shandong was the farthest （F_st=0.000 66, P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

The 19 autosomal STR loci show good genetic polymorphisms in Han population of three Shandong regions, and 15 of them are high. There are genetic differences between the populations in east and middle-northwest Shandong.

[Antimicrobial susceptibility and drug-resistance genes of Yersinia spp. of retailed poultry in 4 provinces of China]

Objective: To monitor the antimicrobial resistance and drug-resistance genes of Yersinia enterocolitis, Y. intermedia and Y. frederiksenii recovered from retailed fresh poultry of 4 provinces of China. Methods: The susceptibility of 25 isolated Yersinia spp. to 14 classes and 25 kinds of antibiotics was determined by broth microdilution method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute). The antibiotic resistance genes were predicted with antibiotic resistance genes database (ARDB) using whole genome sequences of Yersinia spp. Results: In all 22 Y. enterocolitis tested, 63.7% (14 isolates), 22.8% (5 isolates), 4.6% and 4.6% of 1 isolates exhibited the resistance to cefoxitin, ampicillin-sulbactam, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. All the 25 isolates were multi-drug resistant to more than 3 antibiotics, while 64.0% of isolates were resistant to more than 4 antibiotics. A few Y. enterocolitis isolates of this study were intermediate to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Most Yersinia spp. isolates contained antibiotic resistance genes mdtG, ksgA, bacA, blaA, rosAB and acrB, and 5 isolates recovered from fresh chicken also contained dfrA1, catB2 and ant3ia. Conclusion: The multi-drug resistant Yersinia spp. isolated from retailed fresh poultry is very serious in the 4 provinces of China, and their contained many kinds of drug-resistance genes.

Symmetry-Breaking Assisted Landau-Zener Transitions in Rydberg Atoms

We report the observation of a controlled Landau-Zener transition (LZT) in Rydberg atoms by breaking the symmetry of the underlying Hamiltonian. For a nonhydrogenic Rydberg atom inside a changing electric (F) field, a LZT occurs between the avoided crossing energy levels of neighboring Rydberg states only for a sufficiently high changing rate. If a transverse magnetic (B) field is applied as we implement, the atomic level symmetry is broken, which causes the Stark manifolds denoted by a different |m| (m is the magnetic quantum number) to interact with each other. The mixed state levels end up pushing the adiabatically repelled target states closer and additionally they serve as stepping stones for the sequential LZTs between the neighboring sublevels. Such a feature significantly decreases the changing rate required for an efficient LZT inside a pure electric field. We report experimental observations that support the above scenario. It opens a versatile approach for engineering a controlled LZT in more general systems.

Partial Recovery of Mitochondrial Function of Vitrified Porcine MII Stage Oocytes During Post-Thaw Incubation

　　The survival of porcine oocytes is still very low after cryopreservation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether and when the mitochondrial function of vitrified porcine oocytes could be recovered post-thaw.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mitochondrial potential, ROS level, ATP content, apoptotic rate, caspase activity, and parthenogenetics developmental ability of thawed porcine oocytes were measured after culture in vitro for 0, 1, 2 or 4 h.

RESULTS

Mitochondrial potential after 2 h and 4 h post-thaw culture were 1.19 and 1.26, significantly lower than that of fresh oocytes but much higher than the groups cultured for 0 h and 1 h (P<0.05). Cryopreservation increased the ROS level in oocytes considerably, which decreased only after 2 to 4 h incubation following thaw. ATP content increased gradually over time and recovered to the level comparable to that of fresh oocytes after 4 h. Pan caspase levels increased after cryopreservation and reached the highest level at 1 h incubation. Thereafter it decreased to a low value, but still higher than fresh oocytes. Oocytes showing an early apoptotic event decreased upon 2 to 4 h incubation. The parthenogenetic cleavage and blastocyst rates were the highest (19.8% and 5.6%) after 2 h incubation.

CONCLUSION

The recovery of mitochondrial function could complete after 2 to 4 h post-thaw incubation. Post-thaw incubation for 2 to 4 h reduced apoptotic events and improved parthenogenetic developmental ability of vitrified porcine MII stage oocytes.

[Risk factors for central neck lymph node metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the impact factors for central neck lymph node metastases(CLNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods: A total of 498 patients with PTC who underwent total or hemi-thyroidectomy plus central neck lymph node dissection between January 2014 and July 2016 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological characteristics, thyroid function parameters and US findings that associated with CLNM of PTC. A nomogram was developed to predict the probability of CLNM. The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) was used to estimate the efficiency of the nomogram. Results: Among 498 patients, 284 patients were affected by CNLM. The sensitivity and specificity of US in predicting PTC metastasis in the central neck were 31.3% and 88.3%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that gender, age, number and size of suspicious malignant nodules in thyroid, and suspicious lymph node metastasis detected by ultrasonography were independently correlated with CLNM. The ROC showed that the AUC was 0.748, with sensitivity of 80.8%, and specificity of 59.8%. Conclusions: Gender, age, number and size of suspicious malignant nodules in thyroid, suspicious lymph node metastasis were predictive factors for CLNM in patients with PTC. The nomogram developed based on related factors with CLNM is more sensitive than sonographic central neck lymph node features in predicting the probability of CLNM.

The RopGEF2-ROP7/ROP2 Pathway Activated by phyB Suppresses Red Light-Induced Stomatal Opening

Circadian rhythm of stomatal aperture is mainly regulated by light/darkness. Blue and red light induce stomatal opening through different mechanisms that are mediated by special receptors. ROP2, a member of Rho GTPase family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsisthaliana), has been found to negatively regulate light-induced stomatal opening. However, the upstream guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) RopGEFs have not been revealed, and it is unclear which photoreceptor is required for the action of RopGEFs-ROPs. Here, we showed that RopGEF2 acted as a negative regulator in phytochrome B (phyB)-mediated red light-induced stomatal opening. Meanwhile, ROP7, another member of ROP family, acting redundantly with ROP2, was regulated by RopGEF2 in this process. RopGEF2 interacted with ROP7 and ROP2 and enhanced their intrinsic nucleotide exchange rates. Furthermore, the direct interactions between phyB and RopGEF2 were detected in vitro and in plants, and phyB enhanced the GEF activity of RopGEF2 toward both ROP7 and ROP2 under light. In addition, RopGEF4 functioned redundantly with RopGEF2 in red light-induced stomatal opening by activating both ROP7 and ROP2, and RopGEF2/RopGEF4 acted genetically downstream of phyB; however, the GEF activity of RopGEF4 was not directly enhanced by phyB. These results revealed that red light-activated phyB enhances the GEF activities of RopGEF2 and RopGEF4 directly or indirectly, and then activate both ROP7 and ROP2 in guard cells. The negative mechanism triggered by phyB prevents the excessive stomatal opening under red light.

[Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of implant supported overdentures on the oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of implant related treatment on the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of edentulous patients. Methods: The CNKI, Wanfang database and Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases that include randomized clinical trials comparing implant supported overdentures with conventional complete denture for edentulous patients were retrived. Nine studies involving 769 cases were included and meta-analysis was conducted. Results: The standardized mean difference (SMD) of oral health impact profile (OHIP) score was 1.63 (95%CI: 1.25-2.02) and improved after implant related treatment, which was significantly better than the conventional complete denture (0.87, 95% CI: 0.54-1.20). Conclusions: Implant supported overdentures improved patient's OHRQoL and showed better performance compared to the overdentures complete dentures.

Characterization of the Transcriptomes of Lgr5+ Hair Cell Progenitors and Lgr5- Supporting Cells in the Mouse Cochlea

Cochlear supporting cells (SCs) have been shown to be a promising resource for hair cell (HC) regeneration in the neonatal mouse cochlea. Previous studies have reported that Lgr5+ SCs can regenerate HCs both in vitro and in vivo and thus are considered to be inner ear progenitor cells. Lgr5+ progenitors are able to regenerate more HCs than Lgr5- SCs, and it is important to understand the mechanism behind the proliferation and HC regeneration of these progenitors. Here, we isolated Lgr5+ progenitors and Lgr5- SCs from Lgr5-EGFP-CreERT2/Sox2-CreERT2/Rosa26-tdTomato mice via flow cytometry. As expected, we found that Lgr5+ progenitors had significantly higher proliferation and HC regeneration ability than Lgr5- SCs. Next, we performed RNA-Seq to determine the gene expression profiles of Lgr5+ progenitors and Lgr5- SCs. We analyzed the genes that were enriched and differentially expressed in Lgr5+ progenitors and Lgr5- SCs, and we found 8 cell cycle genes, 9 transcription factors, and 24 cell signaling pathway genes that were uniquely expressed in one population but not the other. Last, we made a protein–protein interaction network to further analyze the role of these differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, we present a set of genes that might regulate the proliferation and HC regeneration ability of Lgr5+ progenitors, and these might serve as potential new therapeutic targets for HC regeneration.

Second-order nonlinearity induced transparency

In analogy to electromagnetically induced transparency, optomechanically induced transparency was proposed recently in [Science330, 1520 (2010)SCIEAS0036-807510.1126/science.1195596]. In this Letter, we demonstrate another form of induced transparency enabled by second-order nonlinearity. A practical application of the second-order nonlinearity induced transparency is to measure the second-order nonlinear coefficient. Our scheme might find applications in quantum optics and quantum information processing.

[Up-regulation of DLK1 in non-small cell lung cancer and the relevant molecular mechanism]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

The expression levels of DLK1 protein in 204 NSCLC tissues were examined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and the correlation between DLK1expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Bisulfate sequencing PCR (BSP) of DNA samples from the tumor tissues of 18 NSCLC patients was performed to evaluate the DNA methylation status of CpG island in the DLK1 promoter region, and also compared with the corresponding IHC staining of DLK1 protein in the same samples.

RESULTS

Among the 102 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissue specimens and their adjacent normal bronchial epithelia, DLK1 was up-regulated in 72 and 37 samples, respectively (P=0.001), and among 102 adenocarcinomas (ADC) tissues and their adjacent alveolar tissues, DLK1 was up-regulated in 77 and 7 samples, respectively (P<0.001). In addition, overexpression of DLK1 was significantly associated with histological type, clinical stage and tumor size of NSCLC (P<0.05 for all). The expression of DLK1protein was inversely correlated with its promoter methylation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

DLK1 expression is up-regulated in NSCLCs, which may be due, at least in part, to the DNA hypomethylation in the promoter region of theDLK1 gene.

[Job burnout and related influencing factors in community medical staff in Nanchong, China]

Objective: To investigate job burnout and related influencing factors in community medical staff in Nanchong, China. Methods: From June to July, 2015, cluster random sampling was performed to select 181 medical staff members in Nanchong Community Health Service Center as study subjects. The Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI) was used to measure the level of job burnout. Results: The overall detection rate of job burnout in community medical staff in Nanchong was 95.0%, and among these staff members with job burnout, 119 (65.7%) had mild job burnout, 44 (24.3%) had moderate job burnout, and 9 (5.0%) had severe job burnout. There were significant differences in the scores of emotional exhaustion and reduced sense of personal accomplishmentbetween the medical staff members with different ages (F=5.820 and 3.180, both P<0.05) . There was a significant difference in the score of emotional exhaustion between the medical staff members with different working years (F=2.909, P<0.05) . There was also a significant difference in the score of reduced sense of personal accomplishment between the medical staff members with different types of work (F=5.797, P<0.05) , and the nurses had the lowest score. Conclusion: The medical staff members in Nanchong have a high incidence rate of job burnout, with the feature of reduced sense of personal accomplishment. An old age, long working years, and nursing occupation are major risk factors for job burnout.