A study on the treatment effects of Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide on non-alcoholic fatty liver in mice by modulating gut microbiota

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide (CPP) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. The findings demonstrated that CPP improved free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and effectively reduced liver steatosis and epididymal fat weight in NAFLD mice, as well as decreased serum levels of TG, TC, AST, ALT, and LDL-C. Furthermore, CPP exhibited inhibitory effects on the expression of fatty acid synthesis genes FASN and ACC while activating the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes CPT1A and PPARα. Additionally, CPP reversed disturbances in intestinal microbiota composition caused by HFD consumption. CPP decreased the firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased Akkermansia abundance, and elevated levels of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content specifically butyric acid and acetic acid. Our results concluded that CPP may intervene in the development of NAFLD by regulating of intes-tinal microbiota imbalance and SCFAs production. Our study highlights that CPP has a potential to modulate lipid-related pathways via alterations to gut microbiome composition thereby ex-erting inhibitory effects on obesity and NAFLD development.

Polysaccharide from Panax japonicus C.A. Mey prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development based on regulating liver metabolism and gut microbiota in mice

In this study, a new polysaccharide (PSPJ) with specific molecular weight and monosaccharide compositions was isolated and purified from the water extract of Panacis Japonici Rhizoma (PJR). 16S rRNA analysis and untargeted metabolomic analysis were used to assess PSPJ's efficacy in averting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study indicated that PSPJ significantly reduced liver fat accumulation, the increase in blood lipids and ALT caused by HFD, indicating that PSPJ can prevent NAFLD. We demonstrated through cell experiments that PSPJ does not directly affect liver cells. The gut microbiota disorder and alterations in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) induced by the high-fat diet (HFD) were ameliorated by PSPJ, as evidenced by the analysis of 16S rRNA. In particular, supplementing PSPJ reduced the abundance of Turicibacter, Dubosiella, and Staphylococcus, and increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Blautia, and Lactobacillus. Untargeted metabolomic analysis shows that PSPJ improves liver metabolic disorders by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and retinol metabolism. The findings of our investigation indicate that PSPJ has the potential to modulate liver metabolism through alterations in the composition of intestinal bacteria, hence preventing NAFLD.

Cellular evidence of communication strategies for small intestinal high endothelial cells: Ultrastructural insights of nano-scale exosomes and autophagy

Although several immune related cells of small intestine play an essential role in the intestinal homeostasis. However, information related to ultrastructural evidence of Nano-scale exosomes-multivesicular bodies and autophagic pathway in the high endothelial cells (HECs) of the small intestine in laying birds is still ambiguous. In present study, the HECs secreted the early endosome (ee), late endosome (le) and multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in the lamina propria of layer small intestine was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Besides that, in the cytoplasm of HECs showed many autophagosomes were directly associated with lysosomes and mitochondria. Further, the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that, the immunoreactivity and immuno-signaling of Nano-scale exosome related proteins, cluster of differentiation (CD63) and tumor susceptibility gene (TSG101), and autophagic related proteins, autophagic related gene (ATG7) and microtubule-associated protein light chain (LC3) were strong positive expression in the lamina propria of small intestine. These results prove that HECs play a well-known immunological role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. In summary, these findings indicate that the small intestine's HECs have developed an innovative way of communication.

[Analysis of conventional echocardiographic features in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients complicated with left ventricular apical aneurysm]

Objective: To explore the basic characteristics of conventional echocardiography of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) patients complicating with left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients who underwent echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and were diagnosed with ApHCM complicated with LVAA by CMR at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from August 2012 to July 2017 were enrolled. According to whether LVAA was detected by echocardiography, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups: LVAA detected by echocardiography group and LVAA not detected by echocardiography group. Clinical data of the two groups were compared to analyze the causes of missed diagnosis by echocardiography. Results: A total of 21 patients were included, of whom 67.0% (14/21) were males, aged (56.1±16.5) years. Patients with chest discomfort accounted for 81.0% (17/21), palpitation 38.1% (8/21), syncope 14.3% (3/21). ECG showed that 21 (100%) patients had ST-T changes and 18 (85.7%) had deep T-wave invertion. Echocardiography revealed ApHCM in 17 cases (81.0%) and LVAA in 7 cases (33.3%). The mean left ventricular apical aneurysm diameter was 33.0 (18.0, 37.0) mm, and left ventricular ejection fraction was (66.5±6.6) %, and left ventricular apex thickness was (21.0±6.3) mm. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction was presented in 4 cases and middle left ventricular obstruction in 10 cases. The mean left ventricular apical aneurysm diameter of LVAA detected by echocardiography was greater than that of LVAA not detected by echocardiography (25.0 (18.0, 28.0) mm vs. 16.0 (12.3, 21.0) mm, P=0.006). Conclusions: Conventional echocardiography examination has certain limitations in the diagnosis of ApHCM. Smaller LVAA complicated with ApHCM is likely to be unrecognized by echocardiography. Clinicians should improve their understanding of this disease.

Prediction of knee pain improvement over two years for knee osteoarthritis using a dynamic nomogram based on MRI-derived radiomics: a proof-of-concept study

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a nomogram to detect improved knee pain in osteoarthritis (OA) by integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics signature of subchondral bone and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Participants were selected from the Vitamin D Effects on Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) study. The primary outcome was 20% improvement of knee pain score over 2 years in participants administrated either vitamin D or placebo. Radiomics features of subchondral bone and clinical characteristics from 216 participants were extracted and analyzed. The participants were randomly split into the training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 8:2. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select features and generate radiomics signatures. The optimal radiomics signature and clinical indicators were fitted into a nomogram using multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The nomogram showed favorable discrimination performance [AUC_training, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.79), AUC_validation, 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.96)] as well as a good calibration. Additional contributing value of fusion radiomics signature to the nomogram was statistically significant (NRI, 0.23; IDI, 0.14, P < 0.001 in training cohort and NRI, 0.29; IDI, 0.18, P < 0.05 in validating cohort). Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of nomogram.

CONCLUSION

The radiomics-based nomogram comprising the MR radiomics signature and clinical variables achieves a favorable predictive efficacy and accuracy in differentiating improvement in knee pain among OA patients. This proof-of-concept study provides a promising way to predict clinically meaningful outcomes.

Inspiratory hyperoxia suppresses lung cancer metastasis through a MYC/SLC1A5-dependent metabolic pathway

The lack of knowledge about the effect of inspiratory hyperoxia on the lung-specific tumour microenvironment and progression of lung cancer has attracted considerable attention. This study proposes that inspiratory hyperoxia has special significance for the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells. The effects of different oxygenation parameters on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of lung cancer cells were systematically evaluated in vitro and in vivo Our results reveal that inspiratory hyperoxia treatment (60% oxygen, 6 h·day^-1) not only has no tumour progression-promoting effects, but also suppresses lung cancer metastasis and promotes long-term survival. In addition, we combined transcriptome, proteome and metabolome analysis and found that hyperoxia treatment induced significant intracellular metabolic changes in lung cancer cells. Overall, we established that MYC/SLC1A5-induced metabolic reprogramming and glutamine addiction is a new mechanism that drives lung cancer metastasis, which can be significantly suppressed by inspiratory hyperoxia treatment. These findings are relevant to the debate on the perils, promises and antitumour effect of inspiratory hyperoxia, especially for patients with lung cancer.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor maintains tight junction stability after myocardial infarction in rats through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

PURPOSE

The impairment of the coronary microcirculatory barrier caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is closely related to poor prognosis. Recently, pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) has been proven to be a promising cardiovascular protective drug. In this study, we demonstrated the protective role of PEDF in endothelial tight junctions (TJs) and the vascular barrier in AMI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), echocardiography and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the size of infarcted myocardium area and cardiac function in myocardial tissue, and the distribution of tight junction proteins in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAEC). Dextran leakage assay and Transwell were used to assess the extent of vascular and HCAEC leakage. PCR and Western blot were used to detect tight junction-related mRNA and protein, and signaling pathway protein expression.

RESULTS

PEDF effectively reduced the infarction area and improved cardiac function in AMI rats, and lowered the leakage in AMI rats' angiocarpy and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated HCAEC. Furthermore, PEDF upregulated the expression of TJ mRNA and proteins in vivo and vitro. Mechanistically, PEDF inhibited the expression of phosphorylated low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (p-LRP6) and active β-catenin under OGD, thus suppressing the activation of the classical Wnt pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These novel findings demonstrated that PEDF maintained the expression of TJ proteins and endothelial barrier integrity by inhibiting the classical Wnt pathway during AMI.

Strategies to Attenuate Myocardial Infarction and No-Reflow Through Preservation of Vascular Integrity by Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor

The phenomenon of no-reflow seriously limits the therapeutic value of coronary recanalization and leads to poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential role of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in stabilizing endothelial cell junction, reducing vascular permeability and maintaining a quiescent vasculature. In this study, intramyocardial gene delivery was performed 5 days before the acute myocardial infarction/recanalization experiment in male rats. Positron emission tomography perfusion imaging with ¹³N-NH₃ indicated PEDF to promote microvascular reperfusion significantly 4 h postcoronary occlusion. PEDF was observed to maintain the stability of endothelial adherens junctions (AJs), thus preventing the occurrence of no-reflow. PEDF reduced the hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin endocytosis through PEDF/LR/Src/VE-cadherin S665 axis in vitro, which was remarkably observed to maintain endothelial AJs. Generally, PEDF might function as a relevant target for therapeutic vasculoprotection by way of regulating the phosphorylation level of VE-cadherin according to our data, thus being crucial for preventing no-reflow.

The role of LR-TIMAP/PP1c complex in the occurrence and development of no-reflow

BACKGROUND

The presence of no-reflow can increase the risk of major adverse cardiac events and is widely regarded as an important sign of serious prognosis. Previous studies show that laminin receptor (LR) is closely related to the morphology and function of microvessels. However, whether LR is involved in the occurrence and development of no-reflow is still unknown.

METHODS

In vivo, positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging was performed to detect the effects of intramyocardial gene (LR-AAV and LR-siRNA-AAV) delivery treatment on the degree of no-reflow. In vitro, LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to identify the LR phosphorylation sites of human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 4 h. Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the phosphorylation levels of LR at residues Tyr47 (phospho-Tyr47-LR/pY47-LR) and Thr125 (phospho-Thr125-LR/pT125-LR) and their effects on the phosphorylation of VE-cadherin residue Ser665 (phospho-Ser665-VE-cad).

FINDINGS

LR over-expression, LR^T125A (phosphonull) and LR^Y47A (phosphonull) treatments were found to reduce the level of phospho-Ser665-VE-cad, and subsequently maintain adherent junctions and endothelial barrier integrity in hypoxic environments. Mechanistically, TIMAP/PP1c can combine with LR on the cell membrane to form a novel LR-TIMAP/PP1c complex. The level of pY47-LR determined the stability of LR-TIMAP/PP1c complex. The binding of TIMAP/PP1c on LR activated the protein phosphatase activity of PP1c and regulated the level of pT125-LR.

INTERPRETATION

This study demonstrates that low level of phospho-LR reduces no-reflow area through stabilizing the LR-TIMAP/PP1c complex and promoting the stability of adherens junctions, and may help identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of no-reflow.

Preparation and Characterization of Protein-loaded PFC Nanoemulsions for the Treatment of Heart Diseases by Pulmonary Administration

In the treatment of heart disease, strategies for the targeted delivery of protein therapeutics to the heart by inhalation are still immature. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are inert chemicals with good biocompatibility, and unique physico-chemical properties that have recently led to their applications in numerous fields. In this study, we combined the advantages of protein-phospholipid complexes and PFC emulsions and then synthesized protein-loaded PFC nanoemulsions (PNEs) to test whether, after inhalation, these nanoemulsions could deliver therapeutic proteins to the heart. After preparing protein-phospholipid complexes by lyophilization, we obtained PNEs by extrusion. The particle size and surface charge of PNEs were about 140 nm and -50 mV, respectively. In vitro results showed that the PNEs had a fine particle fraction of 35% and exhibited sustained protein release. Translocation studies were done using three types of pulmonary epithelial cells, and ~7% translocation was observed in the Calu-3 cell line. Further, they were easily absorbed by cells and had therapeutic effects in culture. In vivo results showed that the PNEs successfully delivered proteins to the myocardial tissue of rats and reduced ischemic myocardial injury caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study suggests that inhalation of PNEs is a new potential strategy to deliver proteins to cardiac tissues for treating heart diseases.

Coronary Collateral Microcirculation Reserve Becomes Vestigial with Aging

INTRODUCTION

Our previous study indicated that coronary collateral microcirculation reserve (CCMR), native collaterals, transports blood flow to an ischemic area to reduce ischemic tissue injury. This study aimed to observe the changes of CCMR in the hearts of different month-old rats.

METHODS

We selected 2-, 8-, 16-, and 24-month-old rats as the research objects to monitor the changes of CCMR in rats with aging. After acute myocardial infarction, lectin-FITC was injected into the femoral vein vessels of rats to mark CCMR vessels in the ischemic area.

RESULTS

Results of the lectin-FITC perfusion experiment indicated that the number and collagen IV coverage of CCMR vessels declined with aging. Moreover, data suggested a correlation between endothelial nitric oxide synthase and a decline in the number of CCMR vessels.

CONCLUSION

Aging causes CCMR decline in rats.

An especial transition phase of hospitals: the adaptation of hospital operations to the development of COVID-19 and policy adjustments

The ongoing pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) remains a significant issue for global health, economics, and society. In order to balance epidemic control and economic recovery, many countries have successively announced the gradual relaxation of some lockdown restrictions. Hospitals and medical staff constitute the backbone in this war against COVID-19. In response to this serious situation, many hospitals went into emergency and impaired healthcare access to patients with conditions other than COVID-19. Therefore, gradually promoting hospital operations and functions back to the new normal is important, especially when this outbreak has been effectively controlled. In this study, we introduce existing and potential problems that could seriously affect people’s health. Additionally, we propose that an especial transition phase between the emergency and regular modes of hospitals can be well adapted to the current situation.

Native Coronary Collateral Microcirculation Reserve in Rat Hearts

Background We occasionally noticed that native collateral blood flow showed a recessive trend in the early stages of acute myocardial infarction in rats, which greatly interferes with the accurate assessment of native collateral circulation levels. Here, we sought to recognize the coronary collateral circulation system in depth, especially the microcirculation part, on this basis. Methods and Results In this study, we detected native collateral flow with positron emission tomography perfusion imaging in rats and found that the native flow is relatively abundant when it is initially recruited. However, this flow is extremely unstable in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction and quickly fails. We used tracers to mark the collateral in an ischemic area and a massive preformed collateral network was labeled. The ultrastructures of these collateral microvessels are flawed, which contributes to extensive leakage and consequent interstitial edema in the ischemic region. Conclusions An unrecognized short-lived native coronary collateral microcirculation reserve is widely distributed in rat hearts. Recession of collateral blood flow transported by coronary collateral microcirculation reserve contributes to instability of native collateral blood flow in the early stage of acute myocardial infarction. The immature structure determines that these microvessels are short-lived and provide conditions for the development of early interstitial edema in acute myocardial infarction.

Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Increases Native Collateral Blood Flow to Improve Cardiac Function and Induce Ventricular Remodeling After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background

We previously found that the structural defects of the coronary collateral microcirculation reserve (CCMR) prevent these preformed collateral vessels from continuously delivering the native collateral blood and supporting the ischemic myocardium in rats. Here, we tested whether these native collaterals can be remodeled by artificially increasing pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) expression and demonstrated the mechanism for this stimulation.

Methods and Results

We performed intramyocardial gene delivery (PEDF‐lentivirus, 2×10⁷ TU) along the left anterior descending coronary artery to artificially increase the expression of PEDF in the tissue of the region for 2 weeks. By blocking the left anterior descending coronary artery, we examined the effects of PEDF on native collateral blood flow and CCMR. The results of positron emission tomography perfusion imaging showed that PEDF increased the native collateral blood flow and significantly inhibited its decline during acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the number of CCMR vessels decreased and the size increased. Similar results were obtained from in vitro experiments. We tested whether PEDF induces CCMR remodeling in a fluid shear stress–like manner by detecting proteins and signaling pathways that are closely related to fluid shear stress. The nitric oxide pathway and the Notch‐1 pathway participated in the process of CCMR remodeling induced by PEDF.

Conclusions

PEDF treatment activates the nitric oxide pathway, and the Notch‐1 pathway enabled CCMR remodeling. Increasing the native collateral blood flow can promote the ventricular remodeling process and improve prognosis after acute myocardial infarction.

Differential MicroRNA Expressions in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Are Predictive of Renal Allograft Function

BACKGROUND

The present diagnostic methods for detecting graft damage after kidney transplantation are either invasive or not available early enough. The microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been suggested as promising biomarkers.

METHODS

Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we identified 9 miRNAs (miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-223, miR-211, miR-486, miR-155, miR-10b, miR-30a, and let-7c) related to the human renal allograft status in PBMCs from 104 kidney transplant recipients.

RESULTS

The miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-223 were significantly upregulated and miR-10b was significantly downregulated in recipients with abnormal levels of serum creatinine 3 to 4 weeks after initial sample collection. Moreover, the miR-142-5p and miR-142-3p were also found to be significantly upregulated in recipients with abnormal levels of cystatin C. Through a combination of the validated miRNAs, receiver operating characteristic analyses yielded the highest area under the curve value of 0.7913 and 0.7063 in predicting the levels of serum creatinine and cystatin C, respectively. In the testing stage, the developed models correctly predicted allograft function in 16 to 17 of 22 recipients (false rate, 22.7%-27.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs in PBMCs of recipients hold great promise to be used as predictive and noninvasive biomarkers after transplantation.

PEDF increases GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake in rat ischemic myocardium via PI3K/AKT pathway in a PEDFR-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

Targeted increase in glucose uptake of ischemic myocardium is a potential therapeutic strategy for myocardial ischemia. PEDF presents a profound moderating effect on glucose metabolism of cells, but its role is still controversial. Here, we try to demonstrate the direct effect of PEDF on glucose uptake in ischemic myocyte and to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lentivirus vectors carrying PEDF gene were delivered into the myocardium to locally overexpress PEDF in a myocardial ischemia/reperfusion rat model. PET imaging showed that PEDF local overexpression increased [¹⁸F]-FDG uptake of ischemic myocardium. In vitro, PEDF directly increased the glucose uptake in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. The expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) on plasma membrane of hypoxic cardiomyocytes was significantly upregulated by PEDF, but its total amount was not changed. The increased glucose uptake and cardioprotective effects induced by PEDF were blocked by the GLUT4 inhibitor indinavir. PEDF-mediated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake increase in hypoxic cardiomyocytes were prevented by phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor or AKT inhibitor. The PEDF-mediated glucose uptake was also diminished when PEDF receptor (PEDFR) was downregulated or potent phospholipase A2 enzymatic activity was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

PEDF can increase glucose uptake in ischemic myocardium through a PEDFR-dependent mechanism, involving PI3K/AKT signaling and GLUT4 translocation.

Is the spider a good biological control agent for Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)?

Spiders, as predators of insects and other invertebrates, are an important part of the natural enemies, and they are recognized as an important biological control agent. Plutellaxylostella (Linnaeus, 1758), the diamondback moth (DBM), is a well-known and destructive insect pest of brassicaceous crops worldwide. Here, we analyzed the functional responses of four spiders (Araneae) – Ebrechtellatricuspidata (Fabricius, 1775) (Thomisidae), Pardosalaura (Karsch, 1879) (Lycosidae), Pardosaastrigera (Koch, 1878) (Lycosidae), and Pardosapseudoannulata (Bösenberg &amp; Strand, 1906) (Lycosidae) – on P.xylostella larvae. We also analyzed intraspecific disturbances in the predation reaction and the intensity of scrambling competition of the spiders to P.xylostella larvae. Our results demonstrated that the functional responses of four spiders of different genera were in line with the Holling II model. Two Lycosidae spiders (P.astrigera and P.pseudoannulata) had the potential to control P.xylostella, and female and male spiders that belonged to the same species had different functional responses to P.xylostella. The functional responses of female predation of P.astrigena, P.laura, and P.pseudoannulata was stronger than the males, but male E.tricuspidatus had stronger functional responses to predation than females. We used the Hassell model to describe the intraspecific disturbance experiments of four spiders. There were intraspecific disturbances in the predation reactions of spiders, indicating that the predation ratio of spiders decreased in relation to the increase of its density, and with the increase of spider density, the intensity of scrambling competition of the spider increased.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] cross section in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] TeVand limits on anomalous gauge couplings

A measurement of the W boson pair production cross section in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV is presented. The data collected with the CMS detector at the LHC correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.4[Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] candidates are selected from events with two charged leptons, electrons or muons, and large missing transverse energy. The measured [Formula: see text] cross section is [Formula: see text], consistent with the standard model prediction. The [Formula: see text] cross sections are also measured in two different fiducial phase space regions. The normalized differential cross section is measured as a function of kinematic variables of the final-state charged leptons and compared with several perturbative QCD predictions. Limits on anomalous gauge couplings associated with dimension-six operators are also given in the framework of an effective field theory. The corresponding 95 % confidence level intervals are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], in the HISZ basis.

Forward-backward asymmetry of Drell-Yan lepton pairs in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

A measurement of the forward-backward asymmetry [Formula: see text] of oppositely charged lepton pairs ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) produced via [Formula: see text] boson exchange in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] is presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text] collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The measurement of [Formula: see text] is performed for dilepton masses between 40[Formula: see text] and 2[Formula: see text] and for dilepton rapidity up to 5. The [Formula: see text] measurements as a function of dilepton mass and rapidity are compared with the standard model predictions.

Ecological speciation in sympatric palms: 1. Gene expression, selection and pleiotropy

Ecological speciation requires divergent selection, reproductive isolation and a genetic mechanism to link the two. We examined the role of gene expression and coding sequence evolution in this process using two species of Howea palms that have diverged sympatrically on Lord Howe Island, Australia. These palms are associated with distinct soil types and have displaced flowering times, representing an ideal candidate for ecological speciation. We generated large amounts of RNA‐Seq data from multiple individuals and tissue types collected on the island from each of the two species. We found that differentially expressed loci as well as those with divergent coding sequences between Howea species were associated with known ecological and phenotypic differences, including response to salinity, drought, pH and flowering time. From these loci, we identified potential ‘ecological speciation genes’ and further validate their effect on flowering time by knocking out orthologous loci in a model plant species. Finally, we put forward six plausible ecological speciation loci, providing support for the hypothesis that pleiotropy could help to overcome the antagonism between selection and recombination during speciation with gene flow.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross section in the all-jets final state in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

The cross section for [Formula: see text] production in the all-jets final state is measured in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 [Formula: see text] at the LHC with the CMS detector, in data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 18.4 [Formula: see text]. The inclusive cross section is found to be [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. The normalized differential cross sections are measured as a function of the top quark transverse momenta, [Formula: see text], and compared to predictions from quantum chromodynamics. The results are reported at detector, parton, and particle levels. In all cases, the measured top quark [Formula: see text] spectra are significantly softer than theoretical predictions.

Study of B Meson Production in p+Pb Collisions at √[S(NN)]=5.02 TeV Using Exclusive Hadronic Decays

The production cross sections of the B^{+}, B^{0}, and B_{s}^{0} mesons, and of their charge conjugates, are measured via exclusive hadronic decays in p+Pb collisions at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The data set used for this analysis corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 34.6  nb^{-1}. The production cross sections are measured in the transverse momentum range between 10 and 60  GeV/c. No significant modification is observed compared to proton-proton perturbative QCD calculations scaled by the number of incoherent nucleon-nucleon collisions. These results provide a baseline for the study of in-medium b quark energy loss in Pb+Pb collisions.

Measurement of differential cross sections for Higgs boson production in the diphoton decay channel in pp collisions at [Formula: see text]

A measurement is presented of differential cross sections for Higgs boson (H) production in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. The analysis exploits the [Formula: see text] decay in data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text] collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The cross section is measured as a function of the kinematic properties of the diphoton system and of the associated jets. Results corrected for detector effects are compared with predictions at next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics, as well as with predictions beyond the standard model. For isolated photons with pseudorapidities [Formula: see text], and with the photon of largest and next-to-largest transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) divided by the diphoton mass [Formula: see text] satisfying the respective conditions of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the total fiducial cross section is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text].

Decoration of Si-nanowires-grafted Si micropillar array with Ag nanoparticles for photoelectrocatalytic dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol

The energetic photoelectrochemical performance of an Ag nanoparticle-decorated Si-nanowire-grafted Si micropillar array and its capability in the control of halogenated pollutants are reported.

Measurement of the differential cross section for top quark pair production in pp collisions at [Formula: see text]

The normalized differential cross section for top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production is measured in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8[Formula: see text] at the CERN LHC using the CMS detector in data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text]. The measurements are performed in the lepton[Formula: see text]jets ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]jets) and in the dilepton ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]) decay channels. The [Formula: see text] cross section is measured as a function of the kinematic properties of the charged leptons, the jets associated to b quarks, the top quarks, and the [Formula: see text] system. The data are compared with several predictions from perturbative quantum chromodynamic up to approximate next-to-next-to-leading-order precision. No significant deviations are observed relative to the standard model predictions.

Palmitate induces ER calcium depletion and apoptosis in mouse podocytes subsequent to mitochondrial oxidative stress

Pathologic alterations in podocytes lead to failure of an essential component of the glomerular filtration barrier and proteinuria in chronic kidney diseases. Elevated levels of saturated free fatty acid (FFA) are harmful to various tissues, implemented in the progression of diabetes and its complications such as proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of palmitate cytotoxicity in cultured mouse podocytes. Incubation with palmitate dose-dependently increased cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, impaired ATP synthesis and elicited apoptotic cell death. Palmitate not only evoked mitochondrial fragmentation but also caused marked dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Consistently, palmitate upregulated ER stress proteins, oligomerized stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in the subplasmalemmal ER membrane, abolished the cyclopiazonic acid-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ increase due to depletion of luminal ER Ca²⁺. Palmitate-induced ER Ca²⁺ depletion and cytotoxicity were blocked by a selective inhibitor of the fatty-acid transporter FAT/CD36. Loss of the ER Ca²⁺ pool induced by palmitate was reverted by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor edelfosine. Palmitate-dependent activation of PLC was further demonstrated by following cytosolic translocation of the pleckstrin homology domain of PLC in palmitate-treated podocytes. An inhibitor of diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase, which elevates cytosolic DAG, strongly promoted ER Ca²⁺ depletion by low-dose palmitate. GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor, partially prevented palmitate-induced ER Ca²⁺ loss. Remarkably, the mitochondrial antioxidant mitoTEMPO inhibited palmitate-induced PLC activation, ER Ca²⁺ depletion and cytotoxicity. Palmitate elicited cytoskeletal changes in podocytes and increased albumin permeability, which was also blocked by mitoTEMPO. These data suggest that oxidative stress caused by saturated FFA leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and ER Ca²⁺ depletion through FAT/CD36 and PLC signaling, possibly contributing to podocyte injury.

Measurements of the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] production cross sections in the [Formula: see text] channel in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and combined constraints on triple gauge couplings

Measurements of the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] production cross sections in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8[Formula: see text] are presented. Candidate events for the leptonic decay mode [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes an electron or a muon, are reconstructed and selected from data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.1 (19.6)[Formula: see text] at 7 (8)[Formula: see text] collected with the CMS experiment. The measured cross sections, [Formula: see text] at 7[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] at 8[Formula: see text], are in good agreement with the standard model predictions with next-to-leading-order accuracy. The selected data are analyzed to search for anomalous triple gauge couplings involving the [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] final state. In the absence of any deviation from the standard model predictions, limits are set on the relevant parameters. These limits are then combined with the previously published CMS results for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] in 4[Formula: see text] final states, yielding the most stringent constraints on the anomalous couplings.

Constraints on the pMSSM, AMSB model and on other models from the search for long-lived charged particles in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text]

Stringent limits are set on the long-lived lepton-like sector of the phenomenological minimal supersymmetric standard model (pMSSM) and the anomaly-mediated supersymmetry breaking (AMSB) model. The limits are derived from the results presented in a recent search for long-lived charged particles in proton-proton collisions, based on data collected by the CMS detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider. In the pMSSM parameter sub-space considered, 95.9 % of the points predicting charginos with a lifetime of at least 10 ns are excluded. These constraints on the pMSSM are the first obtained at the LHC. Charginos with a lifetime greater than 100 ns and masses up to about 800 GeV in the AMSB model are also excluded. The method described can also be used to set constraints on other models.

Evidence for Collective Multiparticle Correlations in p-Pb Collisions

The second-order azimuthal anisotropy Fourier harmonics, v2, are obtained in p-Pb and PbPb collisions over a wide pseudorapidity (η) range based on correlations among six or more charged particles. The p-Pb data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35  nb-1, were collected during the 2013 LHC p-Pb run at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02  TeV by the CMS experiment. A sample of semiperipheral PbPb collision data at √sNN=2.76  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.5  μb-1 and covering a similar range of particle multiplicities as the p-Pb data, is also analyzed for comparison. The six- and eight-particle cumulant and the Lee-Yang zeros methods are used to extract the v2 coefficients, extending previous studies of two- and four-particle correlations. For both the p-Pb and PbPb systems, the v2 values obtained with correlations among more than four particles are consistent with previously published four-particle results. These data support the interpretation of a collective origin for the previously observed long-range (large Δη) correlations in both systems. The ratios of v2 values corresponding to correlations including different numbers of particles are compared to theoretical predictions that assume a hydrodynamic behavior of a p-Pb system dominated by fluctuations in the positions of participant nucleons. These results provide new insights into the multiparticle dynamics of collision systems with a very small overlapping region.

Distributions of topological observables in inclusive three- and four-jet events in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

This paper presents distributions of topological observables in inclusive three- and four-jet events produced in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7[Formula: see text] with a data sample collected by the CMS experiment corresponding to a luminosity of 5.1[Formula: see text]. The distributions are corrected for detector effects, and compared with several event generators based on two- and multi-parton matrix elements at leading order. Among the considered calculations, MadGraph interfaced with pythia6 displays the overall best agreement with data.

Constraints on parton distribution functions and extraction of the strong coupling constant from the inclusive jet cross section in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

The inclusive jet cross section for proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7[Formula: see text] was measured by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC with data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.0[Formula: see text]. The measurement covers a phase space up to 2[Formula: see text] in jet transverse momentum and 2.5 in absolute jet rapidity. The statistical precision of these data leads to stringent constraints on the parton distribution functions of the proton. The data provide important input for the gluon density at high fractions of the proton momentum and for the strong coupling constant at large energy scales. Using predictions from perturbative quantum chromodynamics at next-to-leading order, complemented with electroweak corrections, the constraining power of these data is investigated and the strong coupling constant at the Z boson mass [Formula: see text] is determined to be [Formula: see text], which is in agreement with the world average.

Search for a standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a top-quark pair and decaying to bottom quarks using a matrix element method

A search for a standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a top-quark pair and decaying to bottom quarks is presented. Events with hadronic jets and one or two oppositely charged leptons are selected from a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.5[Formula: see text] collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in [Formula: see text] collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8[Formula: see text]. In order to separate the signal from the larger [Formula: see text]  + jets background, this analysis uses a matrix element method that assigns a probability density value to each reconstructed event under signal or background hypotheses. The ratio between the two values is used in a maximum likelihood fit to extract the signal yield. The results are presented in terms of the measured signal strength modifier, [Formula: see text], relative to the standard model prediction for a Higgs boson mass of 125[Formula: see text]. The observed (expected) exclusion limit at a 95 % confidence level is [Formula: see text] (3.3), corresponding to a best fit value [Formula: see text].

Search for dark matter, extra dimensions, and unparticles in monojet events in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

Results are presented from a search for particle dark matter (DM), extra dimensions, and unparticles using events containing a jet and an imbalance in transverse momentum. The data were collected by the CMS detector in proton-proton collisions at the LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text]at a centre-of-mass energy of 8[Formula: see text]. The number of observed events is found to be consistent with the standard model prediction. Limits are placed on the DM-nucleon scattering cross section as a function of the DM particle mass for spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. Limits are also placed on the scale parameter [Formula: see text] in the Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos, and Dvali (ADD) model of large extra dimensions, and on the unparticle model parameter [Formula: see text]. The constraints on ADD models and unparticles are the most stringent limits in this channel and those on the DM-nucleon scattering cross section are an improvement over previous collider results.

Nuclear effects on the transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in pPb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles are measured by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in pPb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text], in the range [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and pseudorapidity [Formula: see text] in the proton-nucleon center-of-mass frame. For [Formula: see text][Formula: see text], the charged-particle production is asymmetric about [Formula: see text], with smaller yield observed in the direction of the proton beam, qualitatively consistent with expectations from shadowing in nuclear parton distribution functions (nPDF). A pp reference spectrum at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] is obtained by interpolation from previous measurements at higher and lower center-of-mass energies. The [Formula: see text] distribution measured in pPb collisions shows an enhancement of charged particles with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] compared to expectations from the pp reference. The enhancement is larger than predicted by perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations that include antishadowing modifications of nPDFs.

Measurement of J/ψ and ψ(2S) Prompt Double-Differential Cross Sections in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=7 TeV

The double-differential cross sections of promptly produced J/ψ and ψ(2S) mesons are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=7 TeV, as a function of transverse momentum p_{T} and absolute rapidity |y|. The analysis uses J/ψ and ψ(2S) dimuon samples collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.55 and 4.90 fb^{-1}, respectively. The results are based on a two-dimensional analysis of the dimuon invariant mass and decay length, and extend to p_{T}=120 and 100 GeV for the J/ψ and ψ(2S), respectively, when integrated over the interval |y|<1.2. The ratio of the ψ(2S) to J/ψ cross sections is also reported for |y|<1.2, over the range 10<p_{T}<100 GeV. These are the highest p_{T} values for which the cross sections and ratio have been measured.

Precise determination of the mass of the Higgs boson and tests of compatibility of its couplings with the standard model predictions using proton collisions at 7 and 8[Formula: see text]

Properties of the Higgs boson with mass near 125[Formula: see text] are measured in proton-proton collisions with the CMS experiment at the LHC. Comprehensive sets of production and decay measurements are combined. The decay channels include [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] pairs. The data samples were collected in 2011 and 2012 and correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 5.1[Formula: see text] at 7[Formula: see text] and up to 19.7[Formula: see text] at 8[Formula: see text]. From the high-resolution [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] channels, the mass of the Higgs boson is determined to be [Formula: see text]. For this mass value, the event yields obtained in the different analyses tagging specific decay channels and production mechanisms are consistent with those expected for the standard model Higgs boson. The combined best-fit signal relative to the standard model expectation is [Formula: see text] at the measured mass. The couplings of the Higgs boson are probed for deviations in magnitude from the standard model predictions in multiple ways, including searches for invisible and undetected decays. No significant deviations are found.

Measurement of the inclusive 3-jet production differential cross section in proton-proton collisions at 7 TeV and determination of the strong coupling constant in the TeV range

This paper presents a measurement of the inclusive 3-jet production differential cross section at a proton-proton centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5[Formula: see text]collected with the CMS detector. The analysis is based on the three jets with the highest transverse momenta. The cross section is measured as a function of the invariant mass of the three jets in a range of 445-3270 GeV and in two bins of the maximum rapidity of the jets up to a value of 2. A comparison between the measurement and the prediction from perturbative QCD at next-to-leading order is performed. Within uncertainties, data and theory are in agreement. The sensitivity of the observable to the strong coupling constant [Formula: see text] is studied. A fit to all data points with 3-jet masses larger than 664 GeV gives a value of the strong coupling constant of [Formula: see text].

Search for decays of stopped long-lived particles produced in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text]

A search has been performed for long-lived particles that could have come to rest within the CMS detector, using the time intervals between LHC beam crossings. The existence of such particles could be deduced from observation of their decays via energy deposits in the CMS calorimeter appearing at times that are well separated from any proton-proton collisions. Using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 18.6[Formula: see text] of 8[Formula: see text] proton-proton collisions, and a search interval corresponding to 281 h of trigger livetime, 10 events are observed, with a background prediction of [Formula: see text] events. Limits are presented at 95 % confidence level on gluino and top squark production, for over 13 orders of magnitude in the mean proper lifetime of the stopped particle. Assuming a cloud model of R-hadron interactions, a gluino with mass [Formula: see text]1000[Formula: see text] and a top squark with mass [Formula: see text]525[Formula: see text] are excluded, for lifetimes between 1 [Formula: see text]s and 1000[Formula: see text]. These results are the most stringent constraints on stopped particles to date.

Measurements of differential and double-differential Drell-Yan cross sections in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

Measurements of the differential and double-differential Drell-Yan cross sections in the dielectron and dimuon channels are presented. They are based on proton-proton collision data at [Formula: see text] recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text]. The measured inclusive cross section in the [Formula: see text] peak region (60-120[Formula: see text]), obtained from the combination of the dielectron and dimuon channels, is [Formula: see text], where the statistical uncertainty is negligible. The differential cross section [Formula: see text] in the dilepton mass range 15-2000[Formula: see text] is measured and corrected to the full phase space. The double-differential cross section [Formula: see text] is also measured over the mass range 20 to 1500[Formula: see text] and absolute dilepton rapidity from 0 to 2.4. In addition, the ratios of the normalized differential cross sections measured at [Formula: see text] and 8[Formula: see text] are presented. These measurements are compared to the predictions of perturbative QCD at next-to-leading and next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders using various sets of parton distribution functions (PDFs). The results agree with the NNLO theoretical predictions computed with fewz 3.1 using the CT10 NNLO and NNPDF2.1 NNLO PDFs. The measured double-differential cross section and ratio of normalized differential cross sections are sufficiently precise to constrain the proton PDFs.

Search for monotop signatures in proton-proton collisions at √s=8 TeV

Results are presented from a search for new decaying massive particles whose presence is inferred from an imbalance in transverse momentum and which are produced in association with a single top quark that decays into a bottom quark and two light quarks. The measurement is performed using 19.7  fb^{-1} of data from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. No deviations from the standard model predictions are observed and lower limits are set on the masses of new invisible bosons. In particular, scalar and vector particles, with masses below 330 and 650 GeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level, thereby substantially extending a previous limit published by the CDF Collaboration.