Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 7 TeV

The production of the strange and double-strange baryon resonances ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) has been measured at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 7 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Transverse momentum spectra for inelastic collisions are compared to QCD-inspired models, which in general underpredict the data. A search for the [Formula: see text] pentaquark, decaying in the [Formula: see text] channel, has been carried out but no evidence is seen.

Exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons in ultraperipheral p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

We present the first measurement at the LHC of exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons, in ultraperipheral proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Events are selected with a dimuon pair produced either in the rapidity interval, in the laboratory frame, 2.5<y<4 (p-Pb) or -3.6<y<-2.6 (Pb-p), and no other particles observed in the ALICE acceptance. The measured cross sections σ(γ+p→J/ψ+p) are 33.2±2.2(stat)±3.2(syst)±0.7(theor)  nb in p-Pb and 284±36(stat)_{-32}^{+27}(syst)±26(theor)  nb in Pb-p collisions. We measure this process up to about 700 GeV in the γp center of mass, which is a factor of two larger than the highest energy studied at HERA. The data are consistent with a power law dependence of the J/ψ photoproduction cross section in γp energies from about 20 to 700 GeV, or equivalently, from Bjorken x scaling variable between ∼2×10^{-2} and ∼2×10^{-5}, thus indicating no significant change in the gluon density behavior of the proton between HERA and LHC energies.

Measurement of prompt D-meson production in p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of the prompt charmed mesons D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} and their charge conjugate in the rapidity interval -0.96<y_{cms}<0.04 were measured in p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The nuclear modification factor R_{pPb}, quantifying the D-meson yield in p-Pb collisions relative to the yield in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, is compatible within the 15%-20% uncertainties with unity in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. No significant difference among the R_{pPb} of the four D-meson species is observed. The results are described within uncertainties by theoretical calculations that include initial-state effects. The measurement adds experimental evidence that the modification of the momentum spectrum of D mesons observed in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to pp collisions is due to strong final-state effects induced by hot partonic matter.

Measurement of quarkonium production at forward rapidity in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

The inclusive production cross sections at forward rapidity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S) and [Formula: see text](2S) are measured in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.35 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel and the signal yields are evaluated by fitting the [Formula: see text] invariant mass distributions. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity [Formula: see text], over the ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances and for [Formula: see text]. The measured cross sections integrated over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. The results are compared to measurements performed by other LHC experiments and to theoretical models.

Production of Endoglucanase, Beta-glucosidase and Xylanase by Bacillus licheniformis Grown on Minimal Nutrient Medium Containing Agriculture Residues

Bacillus licheniformis was grown in minimal nutrient medium containing 1% (w/v) of distillers dried grain with soluble (DDGS), palm kernel meal (PKM), wheat bran (WB) or copra meal (CM), and the enzyme activity of endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, xylanase and reducing sugars was measured to investigate a possibility of using cost-effective agricultural residues in producing cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes. The CM gave the highest endoglucanase activity of 0.68 units/mL among added substrates at 48 h. CM yielded the highest titres of 0.58 units/ml of β-glucosidase, compared to 0.33, 0.23, and 0.16 units/mL by PKM, WB, and DDGS, respectively, at 72 h. Xylanase production was the highest (0.34 units/mL) when CM was added. The supernatant from fermentation of CM had the highest reducing sugars than other additional substrates at all intervals (0.10, 0.12, 0.10, and 0.11 mg/mL respectively). It is concluded that Bacillus licheniformis is capable of producing multiple cellulo- and hemicellololytic enzymes for bioethanol production using cost-effective agricultural residues, especially CM, as a sole nutrient source.

Spatially varying regularization of deconvolution in 3D microscopy

Confocal microscopy has become an essential tool to explore biospecimens in 3D. Confocal microcopy images are still degraded by out-of-focus blur and Poisson noise. Many deconvolution methods including the Richardson-Lucy (RL) method, Tikhonov method and split-gradient (SG) method have been well received. The RL deconvolution method results in enhanced image quality, especially for Poisson noise. Tikhonov deconvolution method improves the RL method by imposing a prior model of spatial regularization, which encourages adjacent voxels to appear similar. The SG method also contains spatial regularization and is capable of incorporating many edge-preserving priors resulting in improved image quality. The strength of spatial regularization is fixed regardless of spatial location for the Tikhonov and SG method. The Tikhonov and the SG deconvolution methods are improved upon in this study by allowing the strength of spatial regularization to differ for different spatial locations in a given image. The novel method shows improved image quality. The method was tested on phantom data for which ground truth and the point spread function are known. A Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence value of 0.097 is obtained with applying spatially variable regularization to the SG method, whereas KL value of 0.409 is obtained with the Tikhonov method. In tests on a real data, for which the ground truth is unknown, the reconstructed data show improved noise characteristics while maintaining the important image features such as edges.

Hepatic purinergic signaling gene network expression and its relationship with inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in blood from peripartal dairy cattle

The liver plays a central role in allowing dairy cattle to make a successful transition into lactation. In liver, as in other tissues, extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides trigger cellular responses through adenosine and ATP receptors. Adenosine triphosphate and certain nucleotides serve as signals that can heighten purinergic receptor activation in several pathologic processes. We evaluated the mRNA expression of genes associated with the purinergic signaling network in liver tissue during the peripartal period. Seven multiparous Holstein cows were dried off at d -50 relative to expected parturition and fed a controlled-energy diet (net energy for lactation=1.24 Mcal/kg of DM) for ad libitum intake during the entire dry period. After calving, all cows were fed a common lactation diet (net energy for lactation=1.65 Mcal/kg of DM) until 30 DIM. Biopsies of liver were harvested at d -10, 7, and 21 for mRNA expression of 9 purinergic receptors, 7 ATP and adenosine transport channels, and 10 enzymes associated with ATP hydrolysis. Blood collected at d -21, -10, 7, 14, and 21 was used to measure concentrations of inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The expression of type 1 purinergic receptors (ADORA2A and ADORA3), several nucleoside hydrolases [ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 7 (ENTPD7), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (ENPP2), ENPP3, and adenosine deaminase (ADA)], and a type 2 purinergic receptor (P2RX7) was downregulated after calving. In contrast, the expression of type 2 purinergic receptors (P2RX4 and PR2Y11), an ATP release channel (gap junction hemichannel GJB1), and an adenosine uptake protein (SLC29A1) followed the opposite response, increasing after calving and remaining elevated through 21 d. Haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and reactive oxygen metabolite concentrations increased gradually from d -21 d through at least d 7. The opposite response was observed for albumin, paraoxonase, α-tocopherol, and nitric oxide, which decreased gradually to a nadir at 7 and 14 d. Our results suggest that alterations after calving of the expression of hepatic purinergic signaling genes could be functionally important because in nonruminants, they play roles in bile formation, glucose metabolism, cholesterol uptake, inflammation, and steatosis. The correlation analysis provided evidence of a link between purinergic signaling genes and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Energy dependence of the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles in pp collisions measured by ALICE

Differential cross sections of charged particles in inelastic pp collisions as a function of p_T have been measured at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. The p_T spectra are compared to NLO-pQCD calculations. Though the differential cross section for an individual [Formula: see text] cannot be described by NLO-pQCD, the relative increase of cross section with [Formula: see text] is in agreement with NLO-pQCD. Based on these measurements and observations, procedures are discussed to construct pp reference spectra at [Formula: see text] up to p_T=50 GeV/c as required for the calculation of the nuclear modification factor in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions.

Directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity relative to the spectator plane in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV relative to the collision symmetry plane defined by the spectator nucleons. A negative slope of the rapidity-odd directed flow component with approximately 3 times smaller magnitude than found at the highest RHIC energy is observed. This suggests a smaller longitudinal tilt of the initial system and disfavors the strong fireball rotation predicted for the LHC energies. The rapidity-even directed flow component is measured for the first time with spectators and found to be independent of pseudorapidity with a sign change at transverse momenta p(T) between 1.2 and 1.7  GeV/c. Combined with the observation of a vanishing rapidity-even p(T) shift along the spectator deflection this is strong evidence for dipolelike initial density fluctuations in the overlap zone of the nuclei. Similar trends in the rapidity-even directed flow and the estimate from two-particle correlations at midrapidity, which is larger by about a factor of 40, indicate a weak correlation between fluctuating participant and spectator symmetry planes. These observations open new possibilities for investigation of the initial conditions in heavy-ion collisions with spectator nucleons.

Hepatic apolipoprotein M (apoM) overexpression stimulates formation of larger apoM/sphingosine 1-phosphate-enriched plasma high density lipoprotein

Apolipoprotein M (apoM), a lipocalin family member, preferentially associates with plasma HDL and binds plasma sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a signaling molecule active in immune homeostasis and endothelial barrier function. ApoM overexpression in ABCA1-expressing HEK293 cells stimulated larger nascent HDL formation, compared with cells that did not express apoM; however, the in vivo role of apoM in HDL metabolism remains poorly understood. To test whether hepatic apoM overexpression increases plasma HDL size, we generated hepatocyte-specific apoM transgenic (APOM Tg) mice, which had an ∼3-5-fold increase in plasma apoM levels compared with wild-type mice. Although HDL cholesterol concentrations were similar to wild-type mice, APOM Tg mice had larger plasma HDLs enriched in apoM, cholesteryl ester, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, and S1P. Despite the presence of larger plasma HDLs in APOM Tg mice, in vivo macrophage reverse cholesterol transport capacity was similar to that in wild-type mice. APOM Tg mice had an ∼5-fold increase in plasma S1P, which was predominantly associated with larger plasma HDLs. Primary hepatocytes from APOM Tg mice generated larger nascent HDLs and displayed increased sphingolipid synthesis and S1P secretion. Inhibition of ceramide synthases in hepatocytes increased cellular S1P levels but not S1P secretion, suggesting that apoM is rate-limiting in the export of hepatocyte S1P. Our data indicate that hepatocyte-specific apoM overexpression generates larger nascent HDLs and larger plasma HDLs, which preferentially bind apoM and S1P, and stimulates S1P biosynthesis for secretion. The unique apoM/S1P-enriched plasma HDL may serve to deliver S1P to extrahepatic tissues for atheroprotection and may have other as yet unidentified functions.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Charmonium and e+e- pair photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]

The ALICE Collaboration at the LHC has measured the J/ψ and ψ' photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]. The charmonium is identified via its leptonic decay for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 23 μb-1. The cross section for coherent and incoherent J/ψ production in the rapidity interval -0.9 Collapse

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J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

Design and performance of an ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope operating at dilution refrigerator temperatures and high magnetic fields

We describe the construction and performance of a scanning tunneling microscope capable of taking maps of the tunneling density of states with sub-atomic spatial resolution at dilution refrigerator temperatures and high (14 T) magnetic fields. The fully ultra-high vacuum system features visual access to a two-sample microscope stage at the end of a bottom-loading dilution refrigerator, which facilitates the transfer of in situ prepared tips and samples. The two-sample stage enables location of the best area of the sample under study and extends the experiment lifetime. The successful thermal anchoring of the microscope, described in detail, is confirmed through a base temperature reading of 20 mK, along with a measured electron temperature of 250 mK. Atomically resolved images, along with complementary vibration measurements, are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the vibration isolation scheme in this instrument. Finally, we demonstrate that the microscope is capable of the same level of performance as typical machines with more modest refrigeration by measuring spectroscopic maps at base temperature both at zero field and in an applied magnetic field.

D meson elliptic flow in noncentral Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 Tev

Azimuthally anisotropic distributions of D0, D+, and D*+ mesons were studied in the central rapidity region (|y|<0.8) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV per nucleon-nucleon collision, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The second Fourier coefficient v2 (commonly denoted elliptic flow) was measured in the centrality class 30%-50% as a function of the D meson transverse momentum pT, in the range 2-16  GeV/c. The measured v2 of D mesons is comparable in magnitude to that of light-flavor hadrons. It is positive in the range 2<pT<6  GeV/c with 5.7σ significance, based on the combination of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Myeloid cell-specific ABCA1 deletion does not worsen insulin resistance in HF diet-induced or genetically obese mouse models

Obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance. The membrane lipid transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) promotes formation of nascent HDL particles. ABCA1 also dampens macrophage inflammation by reducing cellular membrane cholesterol and lipid raft content. We tested the hypothesis that myeloid-specific ABCA1 deletion may exacerbate insulin resistance by increasing the obesity-associated chronic low-grade inflammation. Myeloid cell-specific ABCA1 knockout (MSKO) and wild-type (WT) mice developed obesity, insulin resistance, mild hypercholesterolemia, and hepatic steatosis to a similar extent with a 45% high-fat (HF) diet feeding or after crossing into the ob/ob background. Resident peritoneal macrophages and stromal vascular cells from obese MSKO mice accumulated significantly more cholesterol. Relative to chow, HF diet markedly induced macrophage infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression to a similar extent in adipose tissue of WT and MSKO mice. Among pro-inflammatory cytokines examined, only IL-6 was highly upregulated in MSKO-ob/ob versus ob/ob mouse peritoneal macrophages, indicating a nonsignificant effect of myeloid ABCA1 deficiency on obesity-associated chronic inflammation. In conclusion, myeloid-specific ABCA1 deficiency does not exacerbate obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation and has minimal impact on the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in both HF diet-induced and genetically obese mouse models.

Measurement of inelastic, single- and double-diffraction cross sections in proton-proton collisions at the LHC with ALICE

Measurements of cross sections of inelastic and diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions at LHC energies were carried out with the ALICE detector. The fractions of diffractive processes in inelastic collisions were determined from a study of gaps in charged particle pseudorapidity distributions: for single diffraction (diffractive mass MX <200 GeV/c2) [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text]; for double diffraction (for a pseudorapidity gap Δη>3) σDD/σINEL=0.11±0.03,0.12±0.05, and [Formula: see text], respectively at [Formula: see text]. To measure the inelastic cross section, beam properties were determined with van der Meer scans, and, using a simulation of diffraction adjusted to data, the following values were obtained: [Formula: see text] mb at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The single- and double-diffractive cross sections were calculated combining relative rates of diffraction with inelastic cross sections. The results are compared to previous measurements at proton-antiproton and proton-proton colliders at lower energies, to measurements by other experiments at the LHC, and to theoretical models.

Net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 TeV

We report the first measurement of the net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV, measured with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The dynamical fluctuations per unit entropy are observed to decrease when going from peripheral to central collisions. An additional reduction in the amount of fluctuations is seen in comparison to the results from lower energies. We examine the dependence of fluctuations on the pseudorapidity interval, which may account for the dilution of fluctuations during the evolution of the system. We find that the fluctuations at the LHC are smaller compared to the measurements at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and as such, closer to what has been theoretically predicted for the formation of a quark-gluon plasma.

Gene expression profiling of allogeneic islet grafts in an experimental mouse model before rejection or tolerance phenotypes arise

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that an HY antigen-mismatched islet transplantation can induce peripheral tolerance. However, the factors that initiate the peripheral tolerance are not clear. This study was designed to examine which genes were most important for the induction of peripheral tolerance.

METHODS

Islets from female Balb/c and male C57BL/6 mice were transplanted underneath the left perirenal capsule of female C57BL/6 recipient mice rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Before rejection or tolerance phenotypes arose, we harvested islet grafts for cDNA microarray analysis.

RESULTS

Minor antigen-mismatched islets transplanted into recipient mice showed no rejection or tolerance phenotypes until 12 days posttransplantation. When we confirmed, decreased functional islet grafts and increased inflammatory cell infiltration. Gene expression profiles revealed differences in expression among groups. Major histocompatibility complex-mismatched islets induced upregulation of 209 genes and downregulation of 10 genes compared with the HY antigen-mismatched islet (2-fold; P < .05). Of these, 3 genes exhibited significant changes in expression levels in Balb/c donor islet grafts compared with C57BL/6 donor islet grafts: Gad1, Gdf10, and Scg2 (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that 3 genes showed a significant relationship to protection against graft rejection. The identification of these genes may help to understand signaling pathways, involved in the communication between transplanted islet grafts and recipients in vivo.

Psychological profile (anxiety and depression) in patients with oral lichen planus: a controlled study

AIM

The influence of psychological disturbances in oral lichen planus (OLP) still bears some controversy. This study aimed at assessing levels of anxiety and depression in OLP patients and control subjects, using a self-report scale questionnaire.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 91 consecutive OLP patients (71 female and 20 male; mean age 52.9 years) and 87 subjects as a control group (69 female and 18 male; mean age 52.7 years). Data collected of both groups included age, sex, race, medical records and systemic disease. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using, respectively, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Data were analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests as appropriate, and by Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was found when the level of anxiety and depression was compared between the OLP and control using Chi-square and Fisher's tests (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the score in 2 out of 20 items of the STAI-T scale (but none of the CES-D) was significantly higher in OLP patients (P<0.05). The analysis by gender showed that the female and male OLP patients presented a significantly higher score for one item in the STAI-T scale (respectively question 4 and 20) but none in the CES-D scale, as compared with that of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings do not support that either anxiety or depression has any role in the development of OLP lesions.

Transverse momentum distribution and nuclear modification factor of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum (p(T)) distribution of primary charged particles is measured in minimum bias (non-single-diffractive) p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The p(T) spectra measured near central rapidity in the range 0.5<p(T) <20 GeV/c exhibit a weak pseudorapidity dependence. The nuclear modification factor R(pPb) is consistent with unity for p(T) above 2 GeV/c. This measurement indicates that the strong suppression of hadron production at high p(T) observed in Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC is not due to an initial-state effect. The measurement is compared to theoretical calculations.

Pseudorapidity density of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density measured over four units of pseudorapidity in nonsingle-diffractive p+Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV is presented. The average value at midrapidity is measured to be 16.81±0.71 (syst), which corresponds to 2.14±0.17 (syst) per participating nucleon, calculated with the Glauber model. This is 16% lower than in nonsingle-diffractive pp collisions interpolated to the same collision energy and 84% higher than in d+Au collisions at s√(s(NN))=0.2 TeV. The measured pseudorapidity density in p+Pb collisions is compared to model predictions and provides new constraints on the description of particle production in high-energy nuclear collisions.

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge-dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 0.8 are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudorapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge-dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.

Wearable textile battery rechargeable by solar energy

Wearable electronics represent a significant paradigm shift in consumer electronics since they eliminate the necessity for separate carriage of devices. In particular, integration of flexible electronic devices with clothes, glasses, watches, and skin will bring new opportunities beyond what can be imagined by current inflexible counterparts. Although considerable progresses have been seen for wearable electronics, lithium rechargeable batteries, the power sources of the devices, do not keep pace with such progresses due to tenuous mechanical stabilities, causing them to remain as the limiting elements in the entire technology. Herein, we revisit the key components of the battery (current collector, binder, and separator) and replace them with the materials that support robust mechanical endurance of the battery. The final full-cells in the forms of clothes and watchstraps exhibited comparable electrochemical performance to those of conventional metal foil-based cells even under severe folding-unfolding motions simulating actual wearing conditions. Furthermore, the wearable textile battery was integrated with flexible and lightweight solar cells on the battery pouch to enable convenient solar-charging capabilities.

Pion, kaon, and proton production in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

In this Letter we report the first results on π(±), K(±), p, and p production at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV, measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The p(T) distributions and yields are compared to previous results at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV and expectations from hydrodynamic and thermal models. The spectral shapes indicate a strong increase of the radial flow velocity with sqrt[s(NN)], which in hydrodynamic models is expected as a consequence of the increasing particle density. While the K/π ratio is in line with predictions from the thermal model, the p/π ratio is found to be lower by a factor of about 1.5. This deviation from thermal model expectations is still to be understood.

Measurement of the cross section for electromagnetic dissociation with neutron emission in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of neutron emission in electromagnetic dissociation of ^{208}Pb nuclei at the LHC is presented. The measurement is performed using the neutron zero degree calorimeters of the ALICE experiment, which detect neutral particles close to beam rapidity. The measured cross sections of single and mutual electromagnetic dissociation of Pb nuclei at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV with neutron emission are σ(singleEMD)=187.4 ± 0.2(stat)(-11.2)(+13.2) (syst) b and σ(mutualEMD) = 5.7 ± 0.1(stat) ± 0.4(syst) b, respectively. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from a relativistic electromagnetic dissociation model.

Production of muons from heavy flavor decays at forward rapidity in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration has measured the inclusive production of muons from heavy-flavor decays at forward rapidity, 2.5<y<4, in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76  TeV. The p(t)-differential inclusive cross section of muons from heavy-flavor decays in pp collisions is compared to perturbative QCD calculations. The nuclear modification factor is studied as a function of p(t) and collision centrality. A weak suppression is measured in peripheral collisions. In the most central collisions, a suppression of a factor of about 3-4 is observed in 6<p(t)<10  GeV/c. The suppression shows no significant p(t) dependence.

Myeloid cell-specific ABCA1 deletion protects mice from bacterial infection

RATIONALE

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a critical role in eliminating excess free cholesterol from tissues by effluxing cellular free cholesterol and phospholipids to lipid-poor apolipoprotein AI. Macrophage ABCA1 also dampens proinflammatory myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88-dependent toll-like receptor signaling by reducing cellular membrane free cholesterol and lipid raft content, indicating a role of ABCA1 in innate immunity. However, whether ABCA1 expression has a role in regulating macrophage function in vivo is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether macrophage ABCA1 expression impacts host defense function, including microbial killing and chemotaxis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Myeloid cell-specific ABCA1 knockout (MSKO) vs wild-type mice were infected with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) for 36 hours or 72 hours before euthanasia. Lm-induced monocytosis was similar for wild-type and MSKO mice; however, MSKO mice were more resistant to Lm infection, with significantly less body weight loss, less Lm burden in liver and spleen, and less hepatic damage 3 days postinfection. In addition, Lm-infected MSKO mouse livers had: (1) greater monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 expression; (2) more monocyte/macrophage infiltration; (3) less neutral lipid accumulation; and (4) diminished expression of lipogenic genes. MSKO macrophages showed enhanced chemotaxis toward chemokines in vitro and increased migration from peritoneum in response to lipopolysaccharide in vivo. Lm infection of wild-type macrophages markedly reduced expression of ABCA1 protein, as well as other cholesterol export proteins (such as ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 and apolipoprotein E).

CONCLUSIONS

Myeloid-specific ABCA1 deletion favors host response to and clearance of Lm. Macrophage Lm infection reduces expression of cholesterol export proteins, suggesting that diminished cholesterol efflux enhances innate immune function of macrophages.

J/ψ suppression at forward rapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV

The ALICE experiment has measured the inclusive J/ψ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV down to zero transverse momentum in the rapidity range 2.5 < y < 4. A suppression of the inclusive J/ψ yield in Pb-Pb is observed with respect to the one measured in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The nuclear modification factor, integrated over the 0%-80% most central collisions, is 0.545 ± 0.032(stat) ± 0.083(syst) and does not exhibit a significant dependence on the collision centrality. These features appear significantly different from measurements at lower collision energies. Models including J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase can describe our data.

Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate atherosclerosis by favorably altering monocyte subsets and limiting monocyte recruitment to aortic lesions

OBJECTIVE

Fish oil, containing omega-3 fatty acids, attenuates atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acid-enriched oils are atheroprotective through alteration of monocyte subsets and their trafficking into atherosclerotic lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout and apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice were fed diets containing 10% (calories) palm oil and 0.2% cholesterol, supplemented with an additional 10% palm oil, echium oil (containing 18:4 n-3), or fish oil. Compared with palm oil-fed low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice, echium oil and fish oil significantly reduced plasma cholesterol, splenic Ly6C(hi) monocytosis by ≈50%, atherosclerosis by 40% to 70%, monocyte trafficking into the aortic root by ≈50%, and atherosclerotic lesion macrophage content by 30% to 44%. In contrast, atherosclerosis and monocyte trafficking into the artery wall was not altered by omega-3 fatty acids in apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice; however, Ly6C(hi) splenic monocytes positively correlated with aortic root intimal area across all diet groups. In apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice, fish oil reduced the percentage of blood Ly6C(hi) monocytes, despite an average 2-fold higher plasma cholesterol relative to palm oil.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of splenic Ly6C(hi) monocytes parallels the appearance of atherosclerotic disease in both low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout and apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids favorably alter monocyte subsets independently from effects on plasma cholesterol and reduce monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic lesions.

Haloperidol and clozapine block formation of autophagolysosomes in rat primary neurons

Early intervention and maintenance treatment for schizophrenia patients may prolong the duration of exposure to antipsychotic agents; however, there have been few studies on the neurotoxicity of these agents. Here, we investigated the effects of antipsychotics on cell viability and autophagy in rat primary neurons. Cultured cortical neurons obtained from rat embryos were treated with various concentrations of haloperidol and clozapine, and the neuronal toxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Autophagosomes were quantitated by measuring the level of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3-II) by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Autophagic flux was assayed using bafilomycin A1 and GFP-mCherry-LC3 transfection. Haloperidol and clozapine decreased the viability of neurons in vitro in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. We also observed increased accumulation of autophagosomes after antipsychotic treatment. Using bafilomycin A1 and GFP-mCherry-LC3 transfection, we discovered that haloperidol and clozapine inhibited autophagosome turnover resulting in a dysfunctional autophagic process, including impaired lysosomal fusion. Together, these results suggest that haloperidol and clozapine negatively affect neuronal viability, possibly by blocking autophagolysosome formation.

J/ψ polarization in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration has studied J/ψ production in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV at the LHC through its muon pair decay. The polar and azimuthal angle distributions of the decay muons were measured, and results on the J/ψ polarization parameters λ(θ) and λ(φ) were obtained. The study was performed in the kinematic region 2.5<y<4, 2<p(t)<8 GeV/c, in the helicity and Collins-Soper reference frames. In both frames, the polarization parameters are compatible with zero, within uncertainties.

Macrophage 12/15 lipoxygenase expression increases plasma and hepatic lipid levels and exacerbates atherosclerosis

12/15 lipoxygenase (12/15LO) oxidizes polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to form bioactive lipid mediators. The role of 12/15LO in atherosclerosis development remains controversial. We evaluated atherosclerosis development and lipid metabolism in 12/15LO-LDL receptor (LDLr) double knockout (DK) vs. LDLr knockout (SK) mice fed a PUFA-enriched diet to enhance production of 12/15LO products. Compared with SK controls, DK mice fed a PUFA-enriched diet had decreased plasma and liver lipid levels, hepatic lipogenic gene expression, VLDL secretion, and aortic atherosclerosis and increased VLDL turnover. Bone marrow transplantation and Kupffer cell ablation studies suggested both circulating leukocytes and Kupffer cells contributed to the lipid phenotype in 12/15LO-deficient mice. Conditioned medium from in vitro incubation of DK vs. SK macrophages reduced triglyceride secretion in McArdle 7777 hepatoma cells. Our results suggest that, in the context of dietary PUFA enrichment, macrophage 12/15LO expression adversely affects plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism, resulting in exacerbated atherosclerosis.

Insular cortex is a trait marker for pain processing in fibromyalgia syndrome--blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging study in Korea

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the variability in cerebral activation according to pain intensity and the association between variability in cerebral activation and clinical features in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

METHODS

Nineteen FMS female patients and 22 age-matched healthy female controls were enrolled in this study. Changes in cerebral activation area were measured using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast fMRI after application of both medium and high pressure stimuli to the left thumbnail bed.

RESULTS

We identified the insular cortex (IC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) as regions of interest (ROIs) in this analysis. Cerebral activation at the bilateral IC in response to high pressure stimuli was significantly greater in FMS patients than it was in the controls, whereas there were no differences in BOLD signal changes in the STG regions between FMS patients and controls, irrespective of pain level. Prominent signal changes at both ROIs in FMS patients were noted between high and medium pressure (p<0.001 contralateral IC, p=0.001 for ipsilateral IC, p=0.008 for contralateral STG, and p=0.049 for ipsilateral STG). BOLD signal changes on the contralateral STG after medium stimuli were correlated with tender point count (r=0.586, p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed more distinct signal variability in the ICs in FMS patients than in those of controls in response to high pressure stimuli. The IC can therefore be considered to be a region susceptible to pain perception in FMS patients.