Search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson to a pair of pseudoscalars in the μμbb and ττbb final states

A search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson (H ) with a mass of 125Ge V to a pair of light pseudoscalars a 1 is performed in final states where one pseudoscalar decays to two b quarks and the other to a pair of muons or τ leptons. A data sample of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te V corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 recorded with the CMS detector is analyzed. No statistically significant excess is observed over the standard model backgrounds. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level (CL ) on the Higgs boson branching fraction to μ μ b b and to τ τ b b , via a pair of a 1 s. The limits depend on the pseudoscalar mass m a 1 and are observed to be in the range (0.17-3.3) × 10 - 4 and (1.7-7.7) × 10 - 2 in the μ μ b b and τ τ b b final states, respectively. In the framework of models with two Higgs doublets and a complex scalar singlet (2HDM+S), the results of the two final states are combined to determine upper limits on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 → ℓ ℓ b b ) at 95% CL , with ℓ being a muon or a τ lepton. For different types of 2HDM+S, upper bounds on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) are extracted from the combination of the two channels. In most of the Type II 2HDM+S parameter space, B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) values above 0.23 are excluded at 95% CL for m a 1 values between 15 and 60Ge V .

Mediating Zn Ions Migration Behavior via β-Cyclodextrin Modified Carbon Nanotube Film for High-Performance Zn Anodes

Metallic Zn is considered as a promising anode material because of its abundance, eco-friendliness, and high theoretical capacity. However, the uncontrolled dendrite growth and side reactions restrict its further practical application. Herein, we proposed a β-cyclodextrin-modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (CD-MWCNT) layer for Zn metal anodes. The obtained CD-MWCNT layer with high affinity to Zn can significantly reduce the transfer barrier of Zn2+ at the electrode/electrolyte interface, facilitating the uniform deposition of Zn2+ and suppressing water-caused side reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell assembled with CD-MWCNT shows a significantly enhanced cycling durability, maintaining a cycling life exceeding 1000 h even under a high current density of 5 mA cm-2. Furthermore, the full battery equipped with a V2O5 cathode displays an unparalleled long life. This work unveils a promising avenue toward the achievement of high-performance Zn metal anodes.

[Nutritional support treatment for short bowel syndrome related intestinal failure]

Intestinal failure is a syndrome characterized by a diminished intestinal function that is inadequate to maintain normal digestion and absorption, leading to systemic metabolic disorder and requiring long-term nutritional supplementation to sustain health and growth. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is one of the primary causes of intestinal failure. Given the significant differences among SBS patients, nutritional treatment strategies should emphasize individualization. This review focuses on SBS, combining its anatomical and pathological characteristics, to introduce nutritional support treatment plans and experiences for patients with intestinal failure.

Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.1) standard deviations. Events are selected by requiring exactly two leptons (one electron and one muon) of opposite charge, moderate missing transverse momentum, and a photon. The measured fiducial cross section for WWγ is 5.9±0.8(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.7(modeling)  fb, in agreement with the next-to-leading order quantum chromodynamics prediction. The analysis is extended with a search for the associated production of the Higgs boson and a photon, which is generated by a coupling of the Higgs boson to light quarks. The result is used to constrain the Higgs boson couplings to light quarks.

New Structures in the J/ψJ/ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J/ψJ/ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135  fb^{-1}. Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638_{-38}^{+43}(stat)_{-31}^{+16}(syst)  MeV. Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847_{-28}^{+44}(stat)_{-20}^{+48}(syst)  MeV, which is consistent with the X(6900) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134_{-25}^{+48}(stat)_{-15}^{+41}(syst)  MeV. Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference.

Search for Scalar Leptoquarks Produced via τ-Lepton-Quark Scattering in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in τ-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a τ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays. Limits are set on the product of the leptoquark production cross section and branching fraction and interpreted as exclusions in the plane of the leptoquark mass and the leptoquark-τ-quark coupling strength.

Surface modulation of zinc anodes by foveolate ZnTe nanoarrays for dendrite-free zinc ion batteries

Zinc metal is widely considered as the primary option for constructing various aqueous batteries due to its cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the Zn anode continues to be plagued by parasitic reactions and dendrite growth in aqueous electrolytes, limiting the practical implementation of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) for large-scale energy storage. Herein, a foveolate ZnTe nanoarray is developed as a protective layer to enhance the chemical reversibility during Zn plating/stripping. The semi-conductive ZnTe with excellent ionic conductivity and hydrophobicity can effectually prevent the corrosion reactions, hydrogen generation and dendritic growth on the surface of the Zn anode. As a result, the Zn@ZnTe symmetrical cells achieve ultrahigh cycling stability (over 2800 h at 2 mA cm-2 and 1 mA h cm-2) and simultaneously deliver a low voltage hysteresis of 28 mV. Additionally, the durable Zn@ZnTe//V2O5 cells exhibit a remarkable capacity retention of 96.7% after 3000 cycles, surpassing that of the Zn//V2O5 cells. This work provides a straightforward and low-cost strategy to regulate the interface chemistry of the Zn anode, which may open a way for the development of practical ZIBs.

Search for Inelastic Dark Matter in Events with Two Displaced Muons and Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for dark matter in events with a displaced nonresonant muon pair and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} of proton-proton (pp) collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV produced by the LHC in 2016-2018. No significant excess over the predicted backgrounds is observed. Upper limits are set on the product of the inelastic dark matter production cross section σ(pp→A^{'}→χ_{1}χ_{2}) and the decay branching fraction B(χ_{2}→χ_{1}μ^{+}μ^{-}), where A^{'} is a dark photon and χ_{1} and χ_{2} are states in the dark sector with near mass degeneracy. This is the first dedicated collider search for inelastic dark matter.

Luminosity determination using Z boson production at the CMS experiment

The measurement of Z boson production is presented as a method to determine the integrated luminosity of CMS data sets. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data, recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2017 at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Events with Z bosons decaying into a pair of muons are selected. The total number of Z bosons produced in a fiducial volume is determined, together with the identification efficiencies and correlations from the same data set, in small intervals of 20pb - 1 of integrated luminosity, thus facilitating the efficiency and rate measurement as a function of time and instantaneous luminosity. Using the ratio of the efficiency-corrected numbers of Z bosons, the precisely measured integrated luminosity of one data set is used to determine the luminosity of another. For the first time, a full quantitative uncertainty analysis of the use of Z  bosons for the integrated luminosity measurement is performed. The uncertainty in the extrapolation between two data sets, recorded in 2017 at low and high instantaneous luminosity, is less than 0.5%. We show that the Z boson rate measurement constitutes a precise method, complementary to traditional methods, with the potential to improve the measurement of the integrated luminosity.

Fabrication and Characterization of an Electro-Compacted Collagen/Elastin/Hyaluronic Acid Sheet as a Potential Skin Scaffold

The development of biomimetic structures with integrated extracellular matrix (ECM) components represents a promising approach to biomaterial fabrication. Here, an artificial ECM, comprising the structural protein collagen I and elastin (ELN), as well as the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), is reported. Specifically, collagen and ELN are electrochemically aligned to mimic the compositional characteristics of the dermal matrix. HA is incorporated into the electro-compacted collagen-ELN matrices via adsorption and chemical immobilization, to give a final composition of collagen/ELN/HA of 7:2:1. This produces a final collagen/ELN/hyaluronic acid scaffold (CEH) that recapitulates the compositional feature of the native skin ECM. This study analyzes the effect of CEH composition on the cultivation of human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFs) and immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). It is shown that the CEH scaffold supports dermal regeneration by promoting HDFs proliferation, ECM deposition, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. The CEH scaffolds are also shown to support epidermis growth by supporting HaCaTs proliferation, differentiation, and stratification. A double-layered epidermal-dermal structure is constructed on the CEH scaffold, further demonstrating its ability in supporting skin cell function and skin regeneration.

Amino-Functionalized Interfacial Layer Enables an Ultra-Uniform Amorphous Solid Electrolyte Interphase for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Based Batteries

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) are emerging as desirable energy storage systems because of their high capacity, low cost, and inherent safety. However, the further application of ZBBs still faces many challenges, such as the issues of uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe parasitic reactions occurring at the Zn anode. Herein, an amino-grafted bacterial cellulose (NBC) film is prepared as artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for the Zn metal anodes, which can significantly reduce zinc nucleation overpotential and lead to the dendrite-free deposition of Zn metal along the (002) crystal plane more easily without any external stimulus. More importantly, the chelation between the modified amino groups and zinc ions can promote the formation of an ultra-even amorphous SEI upon cycling, reducing the activity of hydrate ions, and inhibiting the water-induced side reactions. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with NBC film exhibits lower overpotential and higher cyclic stability. When coupled with the V2 O5 cathode, the practical pouch cell achieves superior electrochemical performance over 1000 cycles.

Observation of τ Lepton Pair Production in Ultraperipheral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We present an observation of photon-photon production of τ lepton pairs in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions. The measurement is based on a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 404  μb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-} process is observed for τ^{+}τ^{-} events with a muon and three charged hadrons in the final state. The measured fiducial cross section is σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-})=4.8±0.6(stat)±0.5(syst)  μb, where the second (third) term corresponds to the statistical (systematic) uncertainty in σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}) in agreement with leading-order QED predictions. Using σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}), we estimate a model-dependent value of the anomalous magnetic moment of the τ lepton of a_{τ}=0.001_{-0.089}^{+0.055}.

Search for Exotic Higgs Boson Decays H→AA→4γ with Events Containing Two Merged Diphotons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

We present the first direct search for exotic Higgs boson decays H→AA, A→γγ in events with two photonlike objects. The hypothetical particle A is a low-mass spin-0 particle decaying promptly to a merged diphoton reconstructed as a single photonlike object. We analyze the data collected by the CMS experiment at sqrt[s]=13  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 136  fb^{-1}. No excess above the estimated background is found. We set upper limits on the branching fraction B(H→AA→4γ) of (0.9-3.3)×10^{-3} at 95% confidence level for masses of A in the range 0.1-1.2 GeV.

[Development and validation of a prognostic prediction model for patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ colon cancer incorporating high-risk pathological features]

Objective: To examine a predictive model that incorporating high risk pathological factors for the prognosis of stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ colon cancer. Methods: This study retrospectively collected clinicopathological information and survival outcomes of stage Ⅰ~Ⅲ colon cancer patients who underwent curative surgery in 7 tertiary hospitals in China from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. A total of 1 650 patients were enrolled, aged (M(IQR)) 62 (18) years (range: 14 to 100). There were 963 males and 687 females. The median follow-up period was 51 months. The Cox proportional hazardous regression model was utilized to select high-risk pathological factors, establish the nomogram and scoring system. The Bootstrap resampling method was utilized for internal validation of the model, the concordance index (C-index) was used to assess discrimination and calibration curves were presented to assess model calibration. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves after risk grouping, and Cox regression was used to compare disease-free survival between subgroups. Results: Age (HR=1.020, 95%CI: 1.008 to 1.033, P=0.001), T stage (T3:HR=1.995,95%CI:1.062 to 3.750,P=0.032;T4:HR=4.196, 95%CI: 2.188 to 8.045, P<0.01), N stage (N1: HR=1.834, 95%CI: 1.307 to 2.574, P<0.01; N2: HR=3.970, 95%CI: 2.724 to 5.787, P<0.01) and number of lymph nodes examined (≥36: HR=0.438, 95%CI: 0.242 to 0.790, P=0.006) were independently associated with disease-free survival. The C-index of the scoring model (model 1) based on age, T stage, N stage, and dichotomous variables of the lymph nodes examined (<12 and ≥12) was 0.723, and the C-index of the scoring model (model 2) based on age, T stage, N stage, and multi-categorical variables of the lymph nodes examined (<12, 12 to <24, 24 to <36, and ≥36) was 0.726. A scoring system was established based on age, T stage, N stage, and multi-categorical variables of lymph nodes examined, the 3-year DFS of the low-risk (≤1), middle-risk (2 to 4) and high-risk (≥5) group were 96.3% (n=711), 89.0% (n=626) and 71.4% (n=313), respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed among groups (P<0.01). Conclusions: The number of lymph nodes examined was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival after curative surgery in patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ colon cancer. Incorporating the number of lymph nodes examined as a multi-categorical variable into the T and N staging system could improve prognostic predictive validity.

Observation of Same-Sign WW Production from Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first observation of the production of W^{±}W^{±} bosons from double parton scattering processes using same-sign electron-muon and dimuon events in proton-proton collisions is reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV using the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. Multivariate discriminants are used to distinguish the signal process from the main backgrounds. A binned maximum likelihood fit is performed to extract the signal cross section. The measured cross section for production of same-sign W bosons decaying leptonically is 80.7±11.2(stat) _{-8.6}^{+9.5}(syst)±12.1(model)  fb, whereas the measured fiducial cross section is 6.28±0.81(stat)±0.69(syst)±0.37(model)  fb. The observed significance of the signal is 6.2 standard deviations above the background-only hypothesis.

Observation of the Rare Decay of the η Meson to Four Muons

A search for the rare η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} double-Dalitz decay is performed using a sample of proton-proton collisions, collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC with high-rate muon triggers during 2017 and 2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 101  fb^{-1}. A signal having a statistical significance well in excess of 5 standard deviations is observed. Using the η→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay as normalization, the branching fraction B(η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-})=[5.0±0.8(stat)±0.7(syst)±0.7(B_{2μ})]×10^{-9} is measured, where the last term is the uncertainty in the normalization channel branching fraction. This work achieves an improved precision of over 5 orders of magnitude compared to previous results, leading to the first measurement of this branching fraction, which is found to agree with theoretical predictions.

Search for Nonresonant Pair Production of Highly Energetic Higgs Bosons Decaying to Bottom Quarks

A search for nonresonant Higgs boson (H) pair production via gluon and vector boson (V) fusion is performed in the four-bottom-quark final state, using proton-proton collision data at 13 TeV corresponding to 138  fb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analysis targets Lorentz-boosted H pairs identified using a graph neural network. It constrains the strengths relative to the standard model of the H self-coupling and the quartic VVHH couplings, κ_{2V}, excluding κ_{2V}=0 for the first time, with a significance of 6.3 standard deviations when other H couplings are fixed to their standard model values.

Measurements of the Higgs boson production cross section and couplings in the W boson pair decay channel in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Production cross sections of the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W bosons are measured in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis targets Higgs bosons produced via gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and in association with a W or Z boson. Candidate events are required to have at least two charged leptons and moderate missing transverse momentum, targeting events with at least one leptonically decaying W boson originating from the Higgs boson. Results are presented in the form of inclusive and differential cross sections in the simplified template cross section framework, as well as couplings of the Higgs boson to vector bosons and fermions. The data set collected by the CMS detector during 2016-2018 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The signal strength modifier μ , defined as the ratio of the observed production rate in a given decay channel to the standard model expectation, is measured to be μ = 0 . 95 - 0.09 + 0.10 . All results are found to be compatible with the standard model within the uncertainties.

Probing Heavy Majorana Neutrinos and the Weinberg Operator through Vector Boson Fusion Processes in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search exploiting the vector boson fusion process to probe heavy Majorana neutrinos and the Weinberg operator at the LHC is presented. The search is performed in the same-sign dimuon final state using a proton-proton collision dataset recorded at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, collected with the CMS detector and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The results are found to agree with the predictions of the standard model. For heavy Majorana neutrinos, constraints on the squared mixing element between the muon and the heavy neutrino are derived in the heavy neutrino mass range 50 GeV-25 TeV; for masses above 650 GeV these are the most stringent constraints from searches at the LHC to date. A first test of the Weinberg operator at colliders provides an observed upper limit at 95% confidence level on the effective μμ Majorana neutrino mass of 10.8 GeV.

[Application of triangle stability mechanical model in the layer separation of transanal total mesorectal excision]

Transanal total mesorectal resection (taTME) has come a long way since it was first used in the clinic in 2010.The learning curve of this procedure is long due to different surgical approaches, different perspectives and different anatomical positions. Many surgeons experience complications during this procedure. Although the advantages and problems of this procedure have been reported in much literature, the anatomy and operation methods of taTME introduced in literatures and training centers are too complicated, which makes many surgeons encounter difficulties in carrying out taTME surgery. According to the author's experience in learning and carrying out this operation, spatial expansion process of ultralow rectal cancer was divided into three stages. At each stage, according to different pulling forces, three different schemes of triangular stability mechanics model were adopted for separation. From point to line, from line to plane, the model can protect the safety of peripheral blood vessels and nerves while ensuring total mesorectal excision . This model simplifies the complex surgical process and is convenient for beginners to master taTME surgical separation skills.

Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

Movement of cerebrospinal fluid tracer into brain parenchyma and outflow to nasal mucosa is reduced at 24 h but not 2 weeks post-stroke in mice

BACKGROUND

Recent data indicates that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are disturbed after stroke. Our lab has previously shown that intracranial pressure rises dramatically 24 h after experimental stroke and that this reduces blood flow to ischaemic tissue. CSF outflow resistance is increased at this time point. We hypothesised that reduced transit of CSF through brain parenchyma and reduced outflow of CSF via the cribriform plate at 24 h after stroke may contribute to the previously identified post-stroke intracranial pressure elevation.

METHODS

Using a photothrombotic permanent occlusion model of stroke in C57BL/6 adult male mice, we examined the movement of an intracisternally infused 0.5% Texas Red dextran throughout the brain and measured tracer efflux into the nasal mucosa via the cribriform plate at 24 h or two weeks after stroke. Brain tissue and nasal mucosa were collected ex vivo and imaged using fluorescent microscopy to determine the change in CSF tracer intensity in these tissues.

RESULTS

At 24 h after stroke, we found that CSF tracer load was significantly reduced in brain tissue from stroke animals in both the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres when compared to sham. CSF tracer load was also reduced in the lateral region of the ipsilateral hemisphere when compared to the contralateral hemisphere in stroke brains. In addition, we identified an 81% reduction in CSF tracer load in the nasal mucosa in stroke animals compared to sham. These alterations to the movement of CSF-borne tracer were not present at two weeks after stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicates that influx of CSF into the brain tissue and efflux via the cribriform plate are reduced 24 h after stroke. This may contribute to reported increases in intracranial pressure at 24 h after stroke and thus worsen stroke outcomes.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{β} isotopes in commercial reactors.

A portrait of the Higgs boson by the CMS experiment ten years after the discovery

In July 2012, the ATLAS and CMS collaborations at the CERN Large Hadron Collider announced the observation of a Higgs boson at a mass of around 125 gigaelectronvolts. Ten years later, and with the data corresponding to the production of a 30-times larger number of Higgs bosons, we have learnt much more about the properties of the Higgs boson. The CMS experiment has observed the Higgs boson in numerous fermionic and bosonic decay channels, established its spin-parity quantum numbers, determined its mass and measured its production cross-sections in various modes. Here the CMS Collaboration reports the most up-to-date combination of results on the properties of the Higgs boson, including the most stringent limit on the cross-section for the production of a pair of Higgs bosons, on the basis of data from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 teraelectronvolts. Within the uncertainties, all these observations are compatible with the predictions of the standard model of elementary particle physics. Much evidence points to the fact that the standard model is a low-energy approximation of a more comprehensive theory. Several of the standard model issues originate in the sector of Higgs boson physics. An order of magnitude larger number of Higgs bosons, expected to be examined over the next 15 years, will help deepen our understanding of this crucial sector.

Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Fission by Daya Bay and PROSPECT

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

Band-selective Holstein polaron in Luttinger liquid material A0.3MoO3 (A = K, Rb)

(Quasi-)one-dimensional systems exhibit various fascinating properties such as Luttinger liquid behavior, Peierls transition, novel topological phases, and the accommodation of unique quasiparticles (e.g., spinon, holon, and soliton, etc.). Here we study molybdenum blue bronze A_0.3MoO₃ (A = K, Rb), a canonical quasi-one-dimensional charge-density-wave material, using laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our experiment suggests that the normal phase of A_0.3MoO₃ is a prototypical Luttinger liquid, from which the charge-density-wave emerges with decreasing temperature. Prominently, we observe strong renormalizations of band dispersions, which are recognized as the spectral function of Holstein polaron derived from band-selective electron-phonon coupling in the system. We argue that the strong electron-phonon coupling plays an important role in electronic properties and the charge-density-wave transition in blue bronzes. Our results not only reconcile the long-standing heavy debates on the electronic properties of blue bronzes but also provide a rare platform to study interesting excitations in Luttinger liquid materials.

MiR-34a-5p inhibits fibroblast‑like synoviocytes proliferation via XBP1

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease mainly manifested by joint damage. Its mechanism is not completely clear at present. Previous studies have found that microRNA-34a-5p (miR-34a-5p) is involved in the development of many inflammatory diseases. In this study, we intended to study the role and mechanism of miR-34a-5p in the development of RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We predicted that miR-34a-5p could directly inhibit the expression of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). We analyzed whether miR-34a-5p could inhibit XBP1 expression by Real-time Quantitative PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the proliferation of fibroblast‑like synoviocytes (FLS). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted by FLS were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to detect the expression of XBP1 and Luciferase assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-34a-5p and XBP1.

RESULTS

We found that miR-34a-5p expression is lower in RA synovial tissue compared to osteoarthritis (OA). Moreover, miR-34a-5p inhibited the proliferation of FLS and inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by FLS. According to the prediction, we found that miR-34a-5p may bind to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of XBP1, thereby inhibiting its expression. Through functional experiments and Luciferase experiments, we showed that miR-34a-5p can directly target XBP1, thereby inhibiting its expression.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, miR-34a-5p can directly inhibit the expression of XBP1, ultimately inhibit the proliferation of FLS, and inhibit the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by FLS. This study can provide new ideas for the treatment of RA.

Effects of concentrated growth factor and nanofat on aging skin of nude mice induced by D-galactose

This investigation studied the effect of concentrated growth factor and nanofat on aging skin of nude mice induced by D-galactose. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: 5 mice in the control group were fed normally without any intervention, 9 mice were treated with concentrated growth factor (CGF), 9 mice were treated with nanofat (NF), 9 mice were treated with CGF+NF, and 9 mice in the model group (no treatment after subcutaneous injection of D-galactose). Relevant indicators are measured and recorded. In skin and serum, SOD and GSH content in the model group were significantly lower than those in other groups (P<0.05), and the MDA of the three treatment groups was significantly lower than that of the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the contents of total collagen, type I collagen and type III collagen in the NF group and model group were decreased in different degrees (P<0.05); the contents of elastin and elastic fiber in the skin of nude mice in the model group and NF group were significantly decreased. Compared with the model group, he number of CD31 and VEGF in the treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.01); the skin AGE content of three treatment groups was significantly lower (P<0.05). These findings suggest that concentrated growth factor and nanofat may have a significant effect on delaying aging skin induced by D-galactose in nude mice.

Ventilation and air cleaning to limit aerosol particle concentrations in a gym during the COVID-19 pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 can spread by close contact through large droplet spray and indirect contact via contaminated objects. There is mounting evidence that it can also be transmitted by inhalation of infected saliva aerosol particles. These particles are generated when breathing, talking, laughing, coughing or sneezing. It can be assumed that aerosol particle concentrations should be kept low in order to minimize the potential risk of airborne virus transmission. This paper presents measurements of aerosol particle concentrations in a gym, where saliva aerosol production is pronounced. 35 test persons performed physical exercise and aerosol particle concentrations, CO₂ concentrations, air temperature and relative humidity were obtained in the room of 886 m³. A separate test was used to discriminate between human endogenous and exogenous aerosol particles. Aerosol particle removal by mechanical ventilation and mobile air cleaning units was measured. The gym test showed that ventilation with air-change rate ACH = 2.2 h^-1, i.e. 4.5 times the minimum of the Dutch Building Code, was insufficient to stop the significant aerosol concentration rise over 30 min. Air cleaning alone with ACH = 1.39 h^-1 had a similar effect as ventilation alone. Simplified mathematical models were engaged to provide further insight into ventilation, air cleaning and deposition. It was shown that combining the above-mentioned ventilation and air cleaning can reduce aerosol particle concentrations with 80 to 90% , depending on aerosol size. This combination of existing ventilation supplemented with air cleaning is energy efficient and can also be applied for other indoor environments.

Apocynin ameliorates cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

The aim was to investigate the improvement properties of apocynin and its potential mechanism on diabetes-associated cognitive decline.

METHODS

In this study, the model of diabetic rat was established by STZ (50 mg/kg) and treated with apocynin (16 mg/kg/d for 12 weeks). The cognitive ability was evaluated by Morris water maze test. The indicators of oxidative stress (SOD and MDA) were analyzed by spectrophotometer. The inflammatory cytokines were measured by real time-PCR and ELISA. The protein expressions of Nrf-2, HO-1, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Treatment with apocynin ameliorated diabetes-related learning and memory injury, as represented by decreasing escape latency and enhancement of the number of times of crossing platform, in the Morris water maze test. In hippocampus, apocynin markedly augmented SOD activity and inhibited MDA level to alleviate oxidative stress. Moreover, apocynin obviously relieved inflammatory reaction by suppressing TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations. Concomitantly, apocynin also statistically enhanced Nrf-2 and HO-1 protein expression to improve DACD. Lastly, apocynin notably ameliorated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio by regulating Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression to mitigate apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results have shown that apocynin may be a valid therapeutic agent against DACD via modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis (Tab. 1, Fig. 18, Ref. 35).

Budesonide and Poractant Alfa prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia via triggering SIRT1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate effect of budesonide combining Poractant Alfa on preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 preterm infants were involved. pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and blood gas analysis were evaluated. Peripheral blood was collected and mononuclear cells were isolated. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected with laser confocal. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in PBMCs was detected using immunofluorescence. SIRT1 and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease 1 (SENP1) were detected with Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with group B, pH value and PO2 were improved significantly in group C and D (p<0.01). Compared with group B, oxygen inhalation duration, rate of having a respirator assisted ventilation, and using pulmonary surfactant (PS) again, and BPD incidence were significantly decreased in other groups (p<0.05). BPD incidence in group D was less than group C (χ2=4.00, p<0.05). Compared with control group, ROS level of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) group was significantly increased, SENP1 was increased, and SIRT1 was decreased in SIRT1 group. Compared with NRDS, when budesonide combined with Poractant Alfa, ROS decreased, SENP1 decreased, SIRT1 nuclear pulp shuttling rate reduced, nuclear SIRT1 increased (p<0.01). Compared with control, ROS level of NRDS group was significantly increased, SENP1 increased, and SIRT1 in nucleus decreased (p<0.05). Compared with NRDS group, when treated with budesonide and Poractant Alfa, ROS levels decreased, SENP1 decreased, nuclear SIRT1 increased (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Budesonide combining Poractant Alfa can prevent BPD in preterm infants by activating the SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Improved Constraints on Sterile Neutrino Mixing from Disappearance Searches in the MINOS, MINOS+, Daya Bay, and Bugey-3 Experiments

Searches for electron antineutrino, muon neutrino, and muon antineutrino disappearance driven by sterile neutrino mixing have been carried out by the Daya Bay and MINOS+ collaborations. This Letter presents the combined results of these searches, along with exclusion results from the Bugey-3 reactor experiment, framed in a minimally extended four-neutrino scenario. Significantly improved constraints on the θ_{μe} mixing angle are derived that constitute the most constraining limits to date over five orders of magnitude in the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2}, excluding the 90% C.L. sterile-neutrino parameter space allowed by the LSND and MiniBooNE observations at 90% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<13  eV^{2}. Furthermore, the LSND and MiniBooNE 99% C.L. allowed regions are excluded at 99% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<1.6 eV^{2}.

Pure transanal endoscopic colectomy for ascending colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that pure transanal endoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, the role of pure transanal endoscopic colectomy in ascending colon cancer (ACC) treatment has not been evaluated. We report a case of transanal endoscopic surgery for ACC.

METHODS

A 35-year-old woman was treated for ACC, using a transanal endoscopic surgery device as the operation platform, and pure transanal endoscopic right hemicolectomy without transabdominal assistance was safely performed. An instrument suture, side-to-side, ileocolic anastomosis was performed. Operative time was 245 min and intraoperative blood loss was 60 ml.

RESULTS

The patient recovered well from the surgery. Compared with the traditional approach, this approach was less invasive and resulted in satisfactory outcomes and cosmesis (no scar).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of pure transanal endoscopic colectomy without abdominal assistance to ACC appears to be feasible and safe.

[Innovation, development and improvement of transanal endoscopic instruments]

According to the main features of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME), we have designed a series of patented operating techniques, such as anal retractor, anal speculum and transanal port, to reduce the difficulty of transanal operation, shorten the surgeon's learning curve, and expand the indications of transanal surgery.

THU0252 CORRELATION BETWEEN DISEASE ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH IN SLE PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTION STUDY WITH SELF-ASSESSMENTS BASED ON SMART SYSTEM OF DISEASE MANAGEMENT (SSDM) MOBILE TOOLS

Background:

WHO survey showed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Chinese population and Chinese patients with chronic diseases were between 3.1% - 4.2% and 3.1% - 7.3%, respectively. SLEDAI-2K and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are commonly used to evaluate SLE patients’ disease activity and mental health. All the Assessments were mainly performed by health professionals (HCPs) with paper questionnaire previously. SSDM is a novel smart disease management tool that allows patients to do self-assessments on SLEDAI-2K and HADS by mobile App.

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with SLE and to analyze the potential association between disease activity of SLE and mental health.

Methods:

Under the guidance and training by HCPs, SLE patients downloaded SSDM and performed self-assessments bundle of SLEDAI-2K and HADS with SSDM. SLEDAI-2K <=4, 5-9, 10-14 and >=15 are defined SLE inactive, low (LDA), moderate (MDA) and high (HDA) disease activity, respectively. SLEDAI-2K score <= 4 is set as the main criteria for Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and achievement of T2T. HADS score >=8 can be diagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Results:

From June 2016 to Jan 2020, 3,332 SLE patients (199 male, 3,133 female) with a mean age of 36.34 ± 12.80 (10-91) years and the median disease duration of 3.43 years from 216 hospitals performed bundle self-assessments for 4,967 times in total. According to the HADS and SLEDAI-2K Assessment results, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in all patients was 36.7% and 39.3% respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the WHO survey in Chinese population and chronic disease patients. The proportion of patients achieved and failed on LLDAS was 53% and 47%, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety (A) and depression (D) was 19% and 27% among LLDAS achievers; 41% and 47% among LLDAS failures, respectively (pA<0.01, pD<0.01).

According to SLEDAI-2K, in LLDAS, LDA, MDA and HDA subgroups, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 19%, 30%, 37%, 54% and 27%, 36%, 44%, 61%, respectively. The correlation coefficients of anxiety (A) and depression (D) with SLEDAI-2K were rA=0.9957 and rD=0.9819. It suggested that with the increase of disease activity, the proportion of SLE patients with anxiety and depression increased significantly. (Figure 1)

Conclusion:

Conclusion: Higher prevalence of anxiety and depression were Associated with higher levels of disease activity in SLE patients. SSDM is an effective mobile interface to monitor and study entanglement of disease activity and mental health in SLE patients, which build a foundation for proactive interventions physically and mentally in future.

References:

Acknowledgments:

SSDM was developed by Shanghai Gothic Internet Technology Co., Ltd.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared