A compact and high-performance setup of capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D)

Capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) has the advantages of high throughput (simultaneous detection of multiple ions), high separation efficiency (higher than 105 theoretical plates) and rapid analysis capability (less than 5 min for common inorganic ions). A compact CE-C4D system is ideal for water quality control and on-site analysis. It is suitable not only for common cations (e.g. Na+, K+, Li+, NH4+, Ca2+, etc.) and anions (e.g. Cl-, SO42-, BrO3-, etc.) but also for some ions (e.g. lanthanide ions, Pb2+, Cd2+, etc.) that require complex derivatization procedures to be detected by ion chromatography (IC). However, an obvious limitation of the CE-C4D method is that its sensitivity (e.g. 0.3-1 μM for common inorganic ions) is often insufficient for trace analysis (e.g. 1 ppb or 20 nM level for common inorganic ions) without preconcentration. For this technology to become a powerful and routine analytical technique, the system should be made compact while maintaining trace analysis sensitivity. In this study, we developed an all-in-one version of the CE-C4D instrument with custom-made modular components to make it a convenient, compact and high-performance system. The system was designed using direct digital synthesis (DDS) technology to generate programmable sinusoidal waveforms with any frequency for excitation, a kilovolt high-voltage power supply for capillary electrophoresis separation, and an "effective" differential C4D cell with a low-noise circuitry for high-sensitivity detection. We characterized the system with different concentrations of Cs+, and even a low concentration of 20 nM was detectable without preconcentration. Moreover, the optimized CE-C4D setup was applied to analyse mixed ions at a trace concentration of 200 nM with excellent signal-to-noise ratios. In typical applications, the limits of detection based on the 3σ criterion (without baseline filtering) were 9, 10, 24, 5, and 12 nM for K+, Cs+, Li+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, respectively, and about 7, 6, 6 and 6 nM for Br-, ClO4-, BrO3- and SO42-, respectively. Finally, the setup was also applied for the analysis of all 14 lanthanide ions and rare-earth minerals, and it showed an improvement in sensitivity by more than 25 times.

[Annual progress of interventional diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in 2023]

A series of studies on the interventional diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis(TB)were carried out by domestic and foreign researchers in 2023. The combination of minimally invasive interventional procedures with endoscopes, guidance, material acquisition techniques by multiple ways and multichannel and highly accurate laboratory testing techniques is becoming more and more widely practiced clinically, which has played an important role in the accurate diagnosis of problematic TB. Diagnostic procedures for pulmonary TB, tracheobronchial TB, mediastinal lymphatic TB and extrapulmonary TB included conventional flexible bronchoscopy and specific types of bronchoscopy(ultrathin bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound), transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound and virtual bronchoscopic navigation system-guided forceps biopsy, thoracoscopic cryobiopsy of pleura, percutaneous biopsy, and so on. The time to diagnosis has been significantly reduced and the diagnostic efficacy has been improved by the clinical specimen detection using either Gene Xpert MTB/RIF, Ultra, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, metagenomic next-generation sequencing, or nanopore sequencing, etc. Interventional therapy was focused on the following diseases: pulmonary TB with massive hemoptysis, tracheobronchial TB, pleural TB and TB-related fistulas. Interventional treatment of tracheobronchial TB mainly included the application of rigid bronchoscopy, bronchoscopic cold and thermal ablation treatment, endoscopic clamp, dilatations of narrow airway with balloon and stent placement, etc. The interventional treatment of pulmonary TB complicated by massive hemoptysis included endovascular embolization, coated stent placement, etc. Interventional treatment of pleural TB involved the application of thoracoscopy, endoscopic forceps, the implantation of stent and other occlusive devices and the closure of fistulas with autologous fat transplantation. In this article, we reviewed the progress of interventional diagnosis and treatment of TB by the search of published literatures from October 2022 to September 2023.

[Application of modified fusion convergence index in intermittent exotropia]

Objective: To investigate a modified fusional convergence parameter-total convergence amplitude/distance angle and its relationship with exotropia control, stereoacuity, and other visual functions in intermittent exotropia. Methods: The cross-sectional study included children diagnosed with intermittent exotropia at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2020 to June 2021. A modification was made by combining total convergence amplitude using synoptophore and distance angle at distance using prism bars to calculate total convergence amplitude/distance angle. Exotropia control at distance and near measured by Office-based Scale for Assessing Control was classified as good control (scale 0-1) and poor control (scale 2-5). Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, χ2 test, logistic regression analysis, and mediation effect analysis. Results: The study included 212 patients, of which 105 (49.5%) were male and 107 (50.5%) were female. The median (interquartile range) age was 9.0 (8.0, 10.0) years. Of 211 cases, 201 (94.8%) had binocular fusional function, while 11 cases (5.2%) did not have binocular fusional function. Among patients with binocular fusional function, inverse correlation was observed between total convergence amplitude and exotropia control scores for both distance (r=-0.427, P<0.001) and near (r=-0.194, P=0.006). Total convergence amplitude/distance angle was an independent predictive factor for exotropia control at distance (OR=0.195; 95%CI, 0.060-0.630; P=0.006) and near (OR=0.252; 95%CI, 0.085-0.746; P=0.013). Stereoacuity at distance (OR=3.110; 95%CI, 1.311-7.379; P=0.010) and near (OR=2.780; 95%CI, 1.401-5.517; P=0.003) were also factors associated with distance exotropia control. Mediation analysis revealed that stereoacuity was not a mediating factor between the ratio and distance control (distance: P=0.066; near: P=0.181). In patients with ratio≥1.5 °/PD, all the 15 patients demonstrated good control. On the contrary, patients with ratio<1.5 °/PD showed worse exotropia control (distance: P=0.001; near: P=0.040) and larger angles of deviation (distance: P<0.001; near: P<0.001). Conclusion: The modified fusional ratio, total convergence amplitude/distance angle, combining synoptophore and prism bars, could be used to evaluate the severity of intermittent exotropia. A higher ratio may be associated with poorer exotropia control. Though it may also be associated with distance exotropia control, stereoacuity is not the mediating factor between the modified ratio and distance exotropia control.

[Research progress on AMPK activation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurrence and progression are associated with lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, inflammation, liver damage, fibrosis, and other factors. AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) is a key molecule that regulates bioenergy metabolism and participates in multiple biological processes, including lipid metabolism, autophagy, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Promoting AMPK activation can reduce hepatic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance, alleviate the development of NAFLD, reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, and inhibit the progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Occupancy of orbitals and the quadrupole collectivity in 45Sc nucleus

In the present work, the Doppler Shift Attenuation method (DSAM) was used to analyze the observed lineshapes of transitions from excited states in ⁴⁵Sc, populated in the reaction ³⁶Ar + ¹²C at a beam energy of 145 MeV. The interpretation and comparison of the experimental results have been performed with large-scale shell model calculations, involving different interactions like: GX1A, GX1J, FPD6, KB3 and ZBM2. KB3 and FPD6 (present work) interactions in the negative parity states, and in positive parity states ZBM2 are most pre-eminent in reproducing the results, due to the large configuration space describing strong collective effects. Furthermore, the present work also looks at the details of the shell model helping in improving the understanding for the occupancy of orbitals. The present investigation suggests the observation of stronger collectivity for positive parity states over negative parity states with predicted enhanced collectivity of states in ⁴⁵Sc nucleus.

[The progress in the clinical application of accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A)]

Accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio is an important concept in strabismus and amblyopia. Although AC/A ratio is a commonly used clinical index, most ophthalmologists do not have a thorough understanding of it, and there may be some deviations in its empirical application. In this paper, we reviewed the normal range, measuring method, classification, influencing factors and clinical application value of AC/A, aiming to provide the basis for the application of AC/A ratio in physical check-up of normal population, disease evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of strabismus patients.

[Analysis of the short-and medium-term curative effect of TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology treatment in acute portal vein thrombosis]

Objective: To evaluate the short- and medium-term clinical efficacy of TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology treatment in acute portal vein thrombosis. Methods: 63 cases with acute portal vein thrombosis treated in our center from May 2017 to July 2019 were studied retrospectively, including 49 males and 14 females, aged 35-61 (46 ± 5) years. TIPS approach (with/without) combined with Angiojet thrombus aspiration and gastroesophageal varices embolization was performed simultaneously according to the patient's condition. Regular follow-up for 3-33 (22 ± 3) months after surgery was used to observe the curative effect. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. Portal vein and superior mesenteric vein blood flow were returned to normal after the operation. Two cases of biliary tract injury were untreated. Simultaneously, two cases of intrahepatic arteriovenous fistula were treated with superselective arterial embolization. During the follow-up period, 47 cases (74.61%) had complete portal vein recanalization, 13 cases (20.63%) had partial recanalization, 3 cases (4.76%) had complete portal cavernoma, 7 cases (11.11%) had symptomatic hepatic encephalopathy, 1 case had received artificial liver treatment (1.59%), 1 case had peptic ulcer (11.11%), 6 cases (9.52%) had lost to follow-up, and there was no portal hypertension-related bleeding or death. Conclusion: TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology is safe, effective and feasible in the treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis, and the short- and medium-term clinical effects are satisfactory.

[Clinical analysis of 10 cases of acute occupational poisoning caused by acetonitrile]

Objective: To investigate the first aid diagnosis and treatment of acute inhalation acetonitrile poisoning and to improve the ability of clinicians to diagnose and treat the disease. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the diagnosis and treatment of 10 cases of acute occupational poisoning caused by acetonitrile gas, and clinical experience was summarized. Results: All the poisoned patients were cured and discharged after rescue and cooperation from various specialties. Conclusion: Acetonitrile poisoning treatment early to take the right first aid measures is the key, while safety education, training and enterprise supervision can not be ignored.

Properties of Neon, Magnesium, and Silicon Primary Cosmic Rays Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays, neon (Ne), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), measured in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV with 1.8×10^{6}  Ne, 2.2×10^{6}  Mg, and 1.6×10^{6}  Si nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. The Ne and Mg spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 3.65 GV. The three spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 86.5 GV, deviate from a single power law above 200 GV, and harden in an identical way. Unexpectedly, above 86.5 GV the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays Ne, Mg, and Si spectra is different from the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O. This shows that the Ne, Mg, and Si and He, C, and O are two different classes of primary cosmic rays.

Properties of Cosmic Helium Isotopes Measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the International Space Station of ^{3}He and ^{4}He fluxes are presented. The measurements are based on 100 million ^{4}He nuclei in the rigidity range from 2.1 to 21 GV and 18 million ^{3}He from 1.9 to 15 GV collected from May 2011 to November 2017. We observed that the ^{3}He and ^{4}He fluxes exhibit nearly identical variations with time. The relative magnitude of the variations decreases with increasing rigidity. The rigidity dependence of the ^{3}He/^{4}He flux ratio is measured for the first time. Below 4 GV, the ^{3}He/^{4}He flux ratio was found to have a significant long-term time dependence. Above 4 GV, the ^{3}He/^{4}He flux ratio was found to be time independent, and its rigidity dependence is well described by a single power law ∝R^{Δ} with Δ=-0.294±0.004. Unexpectedly, this value is in agreement with the B/O and B/C spectral indices at high energies.

Towards Understanding the Origin of Cosmic-Ray Electrons

Precision results on cosmic-ray electrons are presented in the energy range from 0.5 GeV to 1.4 TeV based on 28.1×10^{6} electrons collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station. In the entire energy range the electron and positron spectra have distinctly different magnitudes and energy dependences. The electron flux exhibits a significant excess starting from 42.1_{-5.2}^{+5.4}  GeV compared to the lower energy trends, but the nature of this excess is different from the positron flux excess above 25.2±1.8  GeV. Contrary to the positron flux, which has an exponential energy cutoff of 810_{-180}^{+310}  GeV, at the 5σ level the electron flux does not have an energy cutoff below 1.9 TeV. In the entire energy range the electron flux is well described by the sum of two power law components. The different behavior of the cosmic-ray electrons and positrons measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is clear evidence that most high energy electrons originate from different sources than high energy positrons.

Towards Understanding the Origin of Cosmic-Ray Positrons

Precision measurements of cosmic ray positrons are presented up to 1 TeV based on 1.9 million positrons collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station. The positron flux exhibits complex energy dependence. Its distinctive properties are (a) a significant excess starting from 25.2±1.8  GeV compared to the lower-energy, power-law trend, (b) a sharp dropoff above 284_{-64}^{+91}  GeV, (c) in the entire energy range the positron flux is well described by the sum of a term associated with the positrons produced in the collision of cosmic rays, which dominates at low energies, and a new source term of positrons, which dominates at high energies, and (d) a finite energy cutoff of the source term of E_{s}=810_{-180}^{+310}  GeV is established with a significance of more than 4σ. These experimental data on cosmic ray positrons show that, at high energies, they predominantly originate either from dark matter annihilation or from other astrophysical sources.

Observation of Complex Time Structures in the Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present high-statistics, precision measurements of the detailed time and energy dependence of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux and positron flux over 79 Bartels rotations from May 2011 to May 2017 in the energy range from 1 to 50 GeV. For the first time, the charge-sign dependent modulation during solar maximum has been investigated in detail by leptons alone. Based on 23.5×10^{6} events, we report the observation of short-term structures on the timescale of months coincident in both the electron flux and the positron flux. These structures are not visible in the e^{+}/e^{-} flux ratio. The precision measurements across the solar polarity reversal show that the ratio exhibits a smooth transition over 830±30 days from one value to another. The midpoint of the transition shows an energy dependent delay relative to the reversal and changes by 260±30 days from 1 to 6 GeV.

Precision Measurement of Cosmic-Ray Nitrogen and its Primary and Secondary Components with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement of the nitrogen flux with rigidity (momentum per unit charge) from 2.2 GV to 3.3 TV based on 2.2×10^{6} events is presented. The detailed rigidity dependence of the nitrogen flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index rapidly hardens at high rigidities and becomes identical to the spectral indices of primary He, C, and O cosmic rays above ∼700  GV. We observed that the nitrogen flux Φ_{N} can be presented as the sum of its primary component Φ_{N}^{P} and secondary component Φ_{N}^{S}, Φ_{N}=Φ_{N}^{P}+Φ_{N}^{S}, and we found Φ_{N} is well described by the weighted sum of the oxygen flux Φ_{O} (primary cosmic rays) and the boron flux Φ_{B} (secondary cosmic rays), with Φ_{N}^{P}=(0.090±0.002)×Φ_{O} and Φ_{N}^{S}=(0.62±0.02)×Φ_{B} over the entire rigidity range. This corresponds to a change of the contribution of the secondary cosmic ray component in the nitrogen flux from 70% at a few GV to <30% above 1 TV.

Observation of Fine Time Structures in the Cosmic Proton and Helium Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present the precision measurement from May 2011 to May 2017 (79 Bartels rotations) of the proton fluxes at rigidities from 1 to 60 GV and the helium fluxes from 1.9 to 60 GV based on a total of 1×10^{9} events collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station. This measurement is in solar cycle 24, which has the solar maximum in April 2014. We observed that, below 40 GV, the proton flux and the helium flux show nearly identical fine structures in both time and relative amplitude. The amplitudes of the flux structures decrease with increasing rigidity and vanish above 40 GV. The amplitudes of the structures are reduced during the time period, which started one year after solar maximum, when the proton and helium fluxes steadily increase. Above ∼3  GV the p/He flux ratio is time independent. We observed that below ∼3  GV the ratio has a long-term decrease coinciding with the period during which the fluxes start to rise.

[Efficacy of Pipeline embolization device in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms]

Objective: To summarize the safety and efficacy of Pipeline embolization device in the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms (maximum diameter ≥ 10 mm). Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 22 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated by Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) from February 2015 to July 2016 in the Zhengzhou University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The results about postoperative clinical and imaging follow-up and complications were evaluated. Results: The PED were successfully implanted in 22 patients with 22 intracranial aneurysms. Two aneurysms were treated with PED alone, and 20 aneurysms were treated with PED assisted coil embolization. Perioperative complications occurred in 3 patients (13.6%), and 1 patient died because aneurysm ruptured 3 days after operation. Nineteen patients (19 aneurysms) obtain imaging follow-up visit 3-17 months after operation, 13 of the 19 aneurysms (68.4%) received complete and subtotal occlusion, with no aneurysm recurrence. Eighteen patients obtain clinical follow-up visit 16-32 months after operation, with mRS (modified Rankin scale) score 1 in 5 patients, mRS score 0 in 13 patients, none developed new neurologic symptoms. Conclusions: PED has showed the high rate of obliteration for the treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms. But the complications needs to be further studied.

Leaf cell membrane stability-based mechanisms of zinc nutrition in mitigating salinity stress in rice

Excess salt affects about 955 million ha of arable land worldwide, and 49% of agricultural land is Zn-deficient. Soil salinity and zinc deficiency can intensify plant abiotic stress. The mechanisms by which Zn can mitigate salinity effects on plant functions are not well understood. We conducted an experiment to determine how Zn and salinity effects on rice plant retention of Zn, K⁺ and the salt ion Na⁺ affect chlorophyll formation, leaf cell membrane stability and grain yield. We examined the mechanisms of Zn nutrition in mitigating salinity stress by examining plant physiology and nutrition. We used native Zn-deficient soils (control), four salinity (EC) and Zn treatments - Zn 10 mg·kg^-1 (Zn₁₀ ), EC 5 dS·m^-1 (EC₅ ), Zn₁₀ +EC₅ and Zn₁₅ +EC₅ , a coarse rice (KS-282) and a fine rice (Basmati-515) in the study. Our results showed that Zn alone (Zn₁₀ ) significantly increased rice tolerance to salinity stress by promoting Zn/K⁺ retention, inhibiting plant Na⁺ uptake and enhancing leaf cell membrane stability and chlorophyll formation in both rice cultivars in native alkaline, Zn-deficient soils (P < 0.05). Further, under the salinity treatment (EC₅ ), Zn inputs (10-15 mg·kg^-1 ) could also significantly promote rice plant Zn/K⁺ retention and reduce plant Na⁺ uptake, and thus increased leaf cell membrane stability and grain yield. Coarse rice was more salinity-tolerant than fine rice, having significantly higher Zn/K⁺ nutrient retention. The mechanistic basis of Zn nutrition in mitigating salinity impacts was through promoting plant Zn/K⁺ uptake and inhibiting plant Na⁺ uptake, which could result in increased plant physiological vigour, leaf cell membrane stability and rice productivity.

Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report on the observation of new properties of secondary cosmic rays Li, Be, and B measured in the rigidity (momentum per unit charge) range 1.9 GV to 3.3 TV with a total of 5.4×10^{6} nuclei collected by AMS during the first five years of operation aboard the International Space Station. The Li and B fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 7 GV and all three fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 30 GV with the Li/Be flux ratio of 2.0±0.1. The three fluxes deviate from a single power law above 200 GV in an identical way. This behavior of secondary cosmic rays has also been observed in the AMS measurement of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O but the rigidity dependences of primary cosmic rays and of secondary cosmic rays are distinctly different. In particular, above 200 GV, the secondary cosmic rays harden more than the primary cosmic rays.

Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90×10^{6} helium, 8.4×10^{6} carbon, and 7.0×10^{6} oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.

Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the boron to carbon flux ratio (B/C) is important in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays. The precise measurement of the B/C ratio from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV, based on 2.3 million boron and 8.3 million carbon nuclei collected by AMS during the first 5 years of operation, is presented. The detailed variation with rigidity of the B/C spectral index is reported for the first time. The B/C ratio does not show any significant structures in contrast to many cosmic ray models that require such structures at high rigidities. Remarkably, above 65 GV, the B/C ratio is well described by a single power law R^{Δ} with index Δ=-0.333±0.014(fit)±0.005(syst), in good agreement with the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence which predicts Δ=-1/3 asymptotically.

Antiproton Flux, Antiproton-to-Proton Flux Ratio, and Properties of Elementary Particle Fluxes in Primary Cosmic Rays Measured with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement by AMS of the antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio in primary cosmic rays in the absolute rigidity range from 1 to 450 GV is presented based on 3.49×10^{5} antiproton events and 2.42×10^{9} proton events. The fluxes and flux ratios of charged elementary particles in cosmic rays are also presented. In the absolute rigidity range ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the antiproton p[over ¯], proton p, and positron e^{+} fluxes are found to have nearly identical rigidity dependence and the electron e^{-} flux exhibits a different rigidity dependence. Below 60 GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios each reaches a maximum. From ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios show no rigidity dependence. These are new observations of the properties of elementary particles in the cosmos.

Precision Measurement of the Helium Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays of Rigidities 1.9 GV to 3 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the precise rigidity dependence of the helium flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. A precise measurement of the helium flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1.9 GV to 3 TV based on 50 million events is presented and compared to the proton flux. The detailed variation with rigidity of the helium flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at rigidities larger than 100 GV. The rigidity dependence of the helium flux spectral index is similar to that of the proton spectral index though the magnitudes are different. Remarkably, the spectral index of the proton to helium flux ratio increases with rigidity up to 45 GV and then becomes constant; the flux ratio above 45 GV is well described by a single power law.

Precision Measurement of the Proton Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from Rigidity 1 GV to 1.8 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precise measurement of the proton flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1 GV to 1.8 TV is presented based on 300 million events. Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the proton flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. We present the detailed variation with rigidity of the flux spectral index for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at high rigidities.

Precision Measurement of the (e^{+}+e^{-}) Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present a measurement of the cosmic ray (e^{+}+e^{-}) flux in the range 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV based on the analysis of 10.6 million (e^{+}+e^{-}) events collected by AMS. The statistics and the resolution of AMS provide a precision measurement of the flux. The flux is smooth and reveals new and distinct information. Above 30.2 GeV, the flux can be described by a single power law with a spectral index γ=-3.170±0.008(stat+syst)±0.008(energy scale).

Electron and positron fluxes in primary cosmic rays measured with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ∼30  GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.

High statistics measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-500 GeV with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

A precision measurement by AMS of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 500 GeV based on 10.9 million positron and electron events is presented. This measurement extends the energy range of our previous observation and increases its precision. The new results show, for the first time, that above ∼200  GeV the positron fraction no longer exhibits an increase with energy.

First result from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station: precision measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-350 GeV

A precision measurement by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 350 GeV based on 6.8 × 10(6) positron and electron events is presented. The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily increasing from 10 to ∼ 250  GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude. The positron fraction spectrum shows no fine structure, and the positron to electron ratio shows no observable anisotropy. Together, these features show the existence of new physical phenomena.

Femtosecond laser-drilling-induced HgCdTe photodiodes

Femtosecond-laser drilling may induce holes in HgCdTe with morphology similar to that induced by ion-milling in loophole technique. So-formed hole structures are proven to be pn junction diodes by the laser beam induced current characterization as well as the conductivity measurement. Transmission and photoluminescence spectral measurements on a n-type dominated hole-array structure give rise to different results from those of an ion-milled sample.

New genotype of avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from tree sparrows in China

The 2004 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 disease in China led to a great poultry loss and society attention. A survey of avian influenza viruses was conducted on tree sparrows (Passer montanus) collected in China in 2004. Four viruses were isolated from free-living tree sparrows. The results of the whole-genome analysis indicated that an H5N1 virus with a new genotype is circulating among tree sparrows. The hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the new genotype were derived from Gs/Gd/96-like viruses and the nuclear protein gene descended from the 2001 genotype A H5N1 viruses, while the other inner genes originated from an unknown influenza virus. In experimental infection, all four viruses were highly pathogenic to chickens but not pathogenic to ducks or mice. The four tree sparrow viruses were different from the 2003 tree sparrow strain (genotype Z) in Hong Kong. The results suggested that H5N1 viruses might be distributed widely in tree sparrows.

High efficiency gene transfer into mammalian kidney cells using baculovirus vectors

Gene delivery into kidney cells is essential to the development of gene therapy for nephropathy. This paper describes the use of baculovirus Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) as a vector for gene delivery into several mammalian kidney cells. High-level expression of a reporter gene encoding for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) under a heterogonous promoter was observed in kidney cells from mouse, hamster, monkey, pig, and human. The level of transgene expression exhibited viral dose dependence and was enhanced by the addition of butyrate. Baculovirus transduction could also provided long-term target gene expression in kidney cell lines without cytotoxic effects. High efficiency transduction was also observed in primary mouse kidney cells. These results indicate that baculovirus can be used as a vector for kidney-directed gene transfer.

[Analysis of 19 cases adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity]

OBJECTIVE

To study the biological features of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity in order to provide a basis for its clinical treatment.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was made to 19 cases which were treated with operation combined with preoperative chemotherapy and radiation.

RESULT

5, 8, and 10 years' follow-ups conducted post treatment showed the local recurrence rates were 5.3%, 21.1%, and 31.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity is highlighted because of high-degree local infiltration, the specific anatomy of the cavity, and the difficulty of wide-ranging surgical resection. Preoperative chemotherapy combined with radiation has the advantages of extinguishing the recessive cancerous foci, inhibiting the primary foci and lowering local recurrences and cancerous metastases. Thus it constitutes an effective way to deal with this malignancy.

[Combined therapy for 121 cases of advanced cancer of the maxillary sinus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possibility of combined therapy (chemotherapy + surgery) for advanced cancer of maxillary sinus.

METHOD

Pre-operative radiation + surgery for 61 cases and preoperative chemotherapy + operation for 60 cases were performed. Radiotherapy referred to the use of linear accelerator and/or 60 Co with the dosage of 40-60 Gy. Chemotherapy referred to the administration of CDDP. VCR, and pingyangmycin.

RESULT

The survival rate observed in the 61 cases treated with radiation operation was 36.1%; while the other 60 cases treated by chemotherapy + operation had a survival rate of 31.1%.

CONCLUSION

The better way to treat advanced cancer of the maxillary sinus is pre-operative chemotherapy + surgery. In addition, repeated application of chemotherapy can raise the effect of surgical treatment.

Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on myocardial adrenoceptors and dopaminergic receptors following hemorrhagic shock in the rat

Although studies have indicated that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) produces various beneficial effects following low flow conditions, it remains unknown whether this agent has any salutary effect on myocardial alpha- and beta-adrenergic and dopaminergic (DA) receptors following hemorrhagic shock. To study this, rats (220-280 g) were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg and maintained for 1.5 h following shock. TRH or an equivalent volume of normal saline was administered. Receptor binding assay was carried out in myocardial plasma membrane preparations at 15 and 45 min after TRH administration. The results indicate that the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of myocardial alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and their affinity decreased significantly following hemorrhage. The Bmax of DA receptors was also reduced, while the affinity was not significantly affected by hemorrhagic insult. Administration of TRH (5 mg/kg body wt) at 1.5 h after the onset of hemorrhage, however, markedly increased the Bmax of myocardial beta-adrenergic and DA receptors. The decreased affinity of beta-adrenoceptors observed in hemorrhaged animals was also improved with TRH treatment. TRH did not, however, significantly affect the altered Bmax and affinity of alpha-adrenoceptors following hemorrhagic shock. These results suggest that TRH-induced upregulation of beta-adrenoceptor and DA receptor binding capacity and the enhanced affinity of beta-adrenoceptors may be one of the mechanisms by which TRH produces the beneficial effects following hemorrhagic shock.

[Clinical significance of the chemiluminescence (CL) of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and lymphocyte (LY) in bronchial asthma]

In the patients with bronchial asthma, the chemiluminescence (CL) of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and lymphocyte (LY) in blood had two peaks, maximal peak value decreased and peak time prolonged: cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, SOD in plasma decreased, IgE increased. The authors suggest that the pathogenetic mechanism of bronchial asthma may related to activated inflammatory cells, released mediators and inbalanced immuno opsonic functions.

[Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women and perinatal infants]

Perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was studied, using method of CMV-IgM ELISA, in 256 pregnant women at different periods and in the cord blood of 84 babies born by CMV positive mothers. Results showed that in 42 cases at early and midtrimester pregnancy, 17 were CMV-IgM positive with an infection rate of 40.48%. Among the 214 women at late pregnancy, 84 were positive (39.25%). There was a higher prevalence of perinatal morbidity, neonatal asphyxia, malformation, intrauterine death, and poor obstetrical outcome in the CMV positive mothers as compared with the CMV negative group (P < 0.01). This study showed that the presence of CMV-IgM indicated a recent or recurrent CMV infection during pregnancy and the babies should be carefully monitored.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: V. The effects of monoclonal antibodies and interferon on the levels of cyclic nucleotides in leukemic cell lines

After the leukemic cell lines were treated with monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) and interferon (IFN-alpha), the changes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the corresponding leukemic cell lines were measured by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that when the ratio of antigen to antibody was 80 to 1, the cAMP levels in the leukemic cell lines were obviously higher than those in the controls while the cGMP levels were obviously lower after being treated with the corresponding McAbs for 16-24 h (P < 0.001). The average level of intracellular cAMP was remarkably increased and that of cGMP underwent no significant changes in the leukemic cell lines after treatment with IFN-alpha.

[Preparation and isolation of chitin and chitosan from Kronopolites svenhedini (Verhoeff)]

Chitin was isolated from Kronopolites svenhedini and deacetylated to produce the derivative chitosan. The yield for chitin was 9%, and chitosan yield 57.4% and 77.5% respectively. After purification, their structures have been determined by spectroscopic methods.

[Remineralization of incipient caries studied by high-resolution electron microscopy]

The present study presents a study on the remineralization of enamel incipient caries by HREM (high-resolution electron microscopy). The electron-transparent specimens (200-100 A) were prepared with argon ion thinning technique. The result showed some special crystallites, single or conglomerate (mostly on both sides of sheath), their shape, size and degree of electron-transparency indicated that they might be remineralized crystallites. They were distributed in the centre and edge of the carious lesions. Two patterns of remineralization had been observed. One was formation of new crystallites, and the remineralized crystal nuclear during development were found under HREM. The other was growth of the original crystals. The HREM images directly showed that the remineralized crystallites' chemical structure was mainly apatite, but its characteristics should be further studied.

The management of cardiovascular complications in elderly patients with coronary heart disease subjected to major surgical operations

There was not a single cardiovascular mortality in 140 consecutive elderly patients with coronary heart disease who were subjected to major surgical operations. The age distribution, the varieties of coronary heart diseases, and surgical operations were listed. the preoperative preparation, management during and after the operations were presented. In the discussion (1), the well-coordinated teamwork among the physicians, surgeons, anesthetists, and nursing staff before, during, and after the operations was stressed. (2) The managements of various cardiovascular complications were discussed in detail. Illustrative case materials were presented whenever necessary.