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Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based hybrid photocatalysts have recently emerged as a new class of functional materials for solar energy conversion. Here, we synthesized a novel visible-light-responsive Ag-assisted attapulgite/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst (ATP/g-C3N4-Ag) by depositing Ag nanoparticles onto the surface of ATP/g-C3N4, which is fabricated by introducing a thin layer of g-C3N4 onto the ATP surface (pre-grafted by (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (KH560)). The products were fully characterized by XRD, FT-IR, BET, XPS, UV–vis, TEM and Raman techniques. Results show that g-C3N4 thin layer is uniformly loaded onto the ATP surface by forming a new chemical bond (Si-O-C), which results from the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN2) between KH560 and melamine. Comparing with g-C3N4 and ATP/g-C3N4, ATP/g-C3N4-Ag exhibits remarkably enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity in degradation of methyl orange (MO). The highest decomposition rate of MO reaches 96.70% within 20 min, which remains unchanged after 4 cycles. The possible photocatalytic mechanism is investigated by photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis, and radical trapping experiments. Results suggest that OH and O2− are the main active species, and numerous electrons on the Ag surface will be utilized to generate considerable amount of O2− and OH for the degradation of MO.

Measuring residual aberrations up to second order using a crystalline specimen in transmission electron microscope is challenging. Here, we show by good examples of both experimental and simulated images that it is feasible to measure aberrations up to the second-order, using minimum amplitude contrast criterion for the exit wave function reconstructed. We propose a two-steps strategy for the task: (i) Firstly measuring defocus and two-fold astigmatism simultaneously to avoid error accumulation and to reduce the number of dimensions in parameters space. (ii) Then, with minimized misleading effects (or errors) in defocus and two-fold astigmatism, estimations of three-fold astigmatism and coma can be conducted more efficiently and effectively. Influences of other factors such as specimen structure, resolution and specimen thickness on the validity of the method are also discussed in detail. Our study provides a practical procedure for correcting residual aberrations in image wave using crystalline materials, which can then facilitate application of exit wave reconstruction technique to materials research.

HESS J1843–033 is a very high energy gamma-ray source whose origin remains unidentified. This work presents, for the first time, the energy spectrum of gamma rays beyond 100 TeV from the HESS J1843–033 region using the data recorded by the Tibet air shower array and its underground muon detector array. A gamma-ray source with an extension of 0.°34 ± 0.°12 is successfully detected above 25 TeV at (α, δ) = (281.°09 ± 0.°10, −3.°76 ± 0.°09) near HESS J1843–033 with a statistical significance of 6.2σ, and the source is named TASG J1844–038. The position of TASG J1844–038 is consistent with those of HESS J1843–033, eHWC J1842–035, and LHAASO J1843–0338. The measured gamma-ray energy spectrum in 25 TeV < E < 130 TeV is described with dN / dE = ( 9.70 ± 1.89 ) × 10 − 16 (E/40 TeV)−3.26±0.30 TeV−1 cm−2 s−1, and the spectral fit to the combined spectra of HESS J1843–033, LHAASO J1843–0338, and TASG J1844–038 implies the existence of a cutoff at 49.5 ± 9.0 TeV. Associations of TASG J1844–038 with SNR G28.6–0.1 and PSR J1844–0346 are also discussed in detail for the first time.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role and expression pattern of LIM-domain binding protein 2 (LDB2) in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We studied the expression pattern of LDB2 in lung adenocarcinoma based on data from the online databases TCGA, GEO and CPTAC, and the results were verified in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells using immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The relationship between LDB2 and the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma was analyzed using GEPIA and GEO databases. We further analyzed the role of LDB2 in regulating cell behaviors in a H1299 cell model over-expressing LDB2 using cell counting, soft agar colony forming assay and flow cytometry. The m(6)A binding sites on LDB2 were confirmed by bioinformatics analysis and MeRIP-qPCR assays. The effect of YTHDC2 on LDB2 was examined using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the binding of YTHDC2 to the transcript of LDB2 was verified with RIP-qPCR assays. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify YTHDC2 functioning via m(6)A sites. RESULTS: LDB2 expression was significantly decreased in lung adenocarcinoma in comparison with normal tissues based on data from TCGA, GEPIA and CPTAC, and the same results were obtained from 80 lung adenocarcinoma tissues and 17 adjacent normal tissues. Similarly, LDB2 expression was decreased in lung adenocarcinoma cells as compared with 16HBE cells. The data from Prognoscan and GEPIA suggested that a high LDB2 expression was positively correlated with a more favorable outcome of lung adenocarcinoma patients. LDB2-overexpressing H1299 cells showed a significant inhibition of proliferative activity with cell cycle arrest in S phage. Bioinformatics analysis and MeRIP-qPCR assay confirmed the presence of m(6)A sites on LDB2. The m(6)A reader YTHDC2 was positively related with LDB2 in lung adenocarcinoma based on data from GEPIA (r=0.22). Overexpression YTHDC2 significantly enhanced LDB2 expression in H1299 cells by about 19.35 folds. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that YTHDC2 enhanced the promoter activity in the wild-type group but not in deletion group. CONCLUSION: LDB2 expression can be up-regulated by m(6)A reader YTHDC2 in lung adenocarcinoma to inhibit the proliferation of the tumor cells in vitro.

BackgroundAntibodies directed to the angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R) were found to be increased in patients with SSc ad they predict mortality and SSc complications (1, 2). In vitro studies suggested an involvement in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc).ObjectivesHere, we aim to determine the contribution and functions of AT1R autoantibodies (Abs) in vivo and in vitro as well as their capacity to recognize AT1R from different species.MethodsC57BL/6J mice were immunized with membrane-embedded human AT1R or empty membrane as control. Phenotypic properties of various organs were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL apoptosis assay. A monoclonal (m)AT1R Ab was generated based upon this mouse model by hybridoma technology and transferred into C57BL/6J mice. Mice deficient for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells and AT1Ra/b served as controls. In vitro, Abs responses towards AT1R were measured using rat cardiomyocytes, human epithelial cells, AT1R-transfected HEK293 cells and primary human monocytes.ResultsAT1R-immunized mice developed perivascular skin and lung inflammation, lymphocytic alveolitis, weak endothelial apoptosis and skin fibrosis, not present in controls or mice deficient for CD4+ T and B cells. The contribution of AT1R Abs to skin manifestations and interstitial lung disease was demonstrated by application of a mAT1R Ab, which induced skin and lung inflammation, not observed in the AT1Ra/b knockout mice. IgG from immunized mice containing AT1R Abs and/or the mAT1R Ab activated rat cardiomyocytes and human monocytes. Treatment of AT1R-transfected HEK293 cells with the mAT1R Ab enhanced AT1R signaling in the presence of the endogenous agonist Angiotensin II.ConclusionOur immunization strategy successfully induced AT1R Abs, contributing to inflammation and most likely to fibrosis via activation of AT1R. Therefore, AT1R Abs are valuable targets for future therapies in SSc and possibly other AT1R Ab-related diseases.References[1]Riemekasten, G. et al. Involvement of functional autoantibodies against vascular receptors in systemic sclerosis. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 70, 530–536 (2011).[2]Becker, M. O. et al. Vascular receptor autoantibodies in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 190, 808–817 (2014).Figure 1.AT1R immunization and induction of AT1R Abs in C57BL/6J mice induced lymphocytic alveolitis in bronchoalveolar fluid (A), interstitial lung disease (B) with increased inflammatory score (C)Figure 2.AT1R immunization and induction of AT1R Abs in C57BL/6J mice induced skin fibroses (A) as determined by collagen content (B) and skin thickness (C).AcknowledgementsThis manuscript was founded by the German Research Council RI1056/11-1-3 and the Excellence Cluster Precision Medicine in Inflammation and by the BMBF-founded Mesinflame project.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared.

LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) is a second-generation direct dark matter experiment with spin-independent WIMP-nucleon scattering sensitivity above $1.4 \times 10^{-48}$ cm$^{2}$ for a WIMP mass of 40 GeV/c$^{2}$ and a 1000 d exposure. LZ achieves this sensitivity through a combination of a large 5.6 t fiducial volume, active inner and outer veto systems, and radio-pure construction using materials with inherently low radioactivity content. The LZ collaboration performed an extensive radioassay campaign over a period of six years to inform material selection for construction and provide an input to the experimental background model against which any possible signal excess may be evaluated. The campaign and its results are described in this paper. We present assays of dust and radon daughters depositing on the surface of components as well as cleanliness controls necessary to maintain background expectations through detector construction and assembly. Finally, examples from the campaign to highlight fixed contaminant radioassays for the LZ photomultiplier tubes, quality control and quality assurance procedures through fabrication, radon emanation measurements of major sub-systems, and bespoke detector systems to assay scintillator are presented., Comment: 45 pages (79 inc. tables), 7 figures, 9 tables

Many promising pharmaceutically active compounds have low solubility in aqueous environments and their encapsulation into efficient drug delivery vehicles is crucial to increase their bioavailability. Lipodisq nanoparticles are approximately 10 nm in diameter and consist of a circular phospholipid bilayer, stabilized by an annulus of SMA (a hydrolysed copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride). SMA is used extensively in structural biology to extract and stabilize integral membrane proteins for biophysical studies. Here, we assess the potential of these nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles, determining their cytotoxicity and the in vivo excretion pathways of their polymer and lipid components. Doxorubicin-loaded Lipodisqs were cytotoxic across a panel of cancer cell lines, whereas nanoparticles without the drug had no effect on cell proliferation. Intracellular doxorubicin release from Lipodisqs in HeLa cells occurred in the low-pH environment of the endolysosomal system, consistent with the breakdown of the discoidal structure as the carboxylate groups of the SMA polymer become protonated. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that, unlike other nanoparticles injected intravenously, most of the Lipodisq components were recovered in the colon, consistent with rapid uptake by hepatocytes and excretion into bile. These data suggest that Lipodisqs have the potential to act as delivery vehicles for drugs and contrast agents.

Many promising pharmaceutically active compounds have low solubility in aqueous environments and their encapsulation into efficient drug delivery vehicles is crucial to increase their bioavailability. Lipodisq nanoparticles are approximately 10 nm in diameter and consist of a circular phospholipid bilayer, stabilized by an annulus of SMA (a hydrolysed copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride). SMA is used extensively in structural biology to extract and stabilize integral membrane proteins for biophysical studies. Here, we assess the potential of these nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles, determining their cytotoxicity and thein vivoexcretion pathways of their polymer and lipid components. Doxorubicin-loaded Lipodisqs were cytotoxic across a panel of cancer cell lines, whereas nanoparticles without the drug had no effect on cell proliferation. Intracellular doxorubicin release from Lipodisqs in HeLa cells occurred in the low-pH environment of the endolysosomal system, consistent with the breakdown of the discoidal structure as the carboxylate groups of the SMA polymer become protonated. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that, unlike other nanoparticles injected intravenously, most of the Lipodisq components were recovered in the colon, consistent with rapid uptake by hepatocytes and excretion into bile. These data suggest that Lipodisqs have the potential to act as delivery vehicles for drugs and contrast agents.

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is one prevalent fatal malignancy in gynecology. Currently, there is an imperative need to better investigate the pathogenesis of OC. Accumulating evidence has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in OC occurrence and development. In this study, we mainly investigated the potential roles of miR-18a in OC progression.We first examined miR-18a expressions in OC tissue samples and cell lines using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, OC patients involved in current study were assigned into two groups based on the mean miR-18a expression level. Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out to assess the overall survival rate of miR-18a in OC patients. Next, we investigated whether miR-18a could regulate OC cell proliferation abilities by using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays. Next, transwell assay was used to detect the effects of miR-18a on cell invasion and migration. We further performed Luciferase reporter assays by cotransfecting with miR-18a mimics and the Luciferase reporter vector containing CBX7 3'UTR-WT or MUT. We then performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays to determine the expression of CBX7 in OC tissues.QRT-PCR results indicated that miR-18a expressions were notably decreased in OC related cell lines and tissues. Moreover, the low miR-18a expression was related to the malignant phenotype and poor prognosis of OC patients. Overexpression of miR-18a in OC cells could prominently suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities via modulating ERK/MAPK pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, CBX7 was confirmed as a functional target of miR-18a, indicating that miR-18a exerted the suppressive functions in OC cells partially via the regulation of CBX7. Additionally, restoration of miR-18a remarkably reduced the OC tumor growth in vivo.Taken together, our study rationally suggested that miR-18a may serve as an effective diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for OC.

To detect the expression of long intergenic non-coding ribonucleic acid (LINC) 01535 in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) tissues and cells, and to investigate the influences of LINC01535 on the proliferation and apoptosis of ESCC cells and the possible mechanism.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to determine the relative expression of LINC01535 in 43 cases of ESCC tissues and human esophageal cancer cells (KYSE30, EC9706, TE-13, and Ecal09) compared with human esophageal mucosal epithelial cells (HET-1A). The esophageal cancer cells with the highest expression were selected and transfected with small interfering RNA (si)-LINC01535 (experimental group) or si-negative control (NC) (control group). The interference efficiency was measured via qRT-PCR assay. Regulatory effects of LINC01535 on cell proliferative capacity was examined through colony formation assay and cell proliferation assay [Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8)]. Cell cycle and apoptosis influenced by LINC01535 were detected via flow cytometry. Western blotting was applied to determine the expression changes in the molecular markers of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway.LINC01535 expression in ESCC tissues and cells was remarkably higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues and esophageal mucosal epithelial cells. Knockdown of LINC01535 decreased proliferative capacity, arrested cell cycle in G1/G0 phase, and increased apoptotic rate of ESCC cells. The expressions of the molecular markers of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway were altered after knockdown of LINC01535. The above results illustrated that LINC01535 accelerated the proliferation but repressed the apoptosis of ESCC cells by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.The expression of LINC01535 is up-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and the highly expressed LINC01535 promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of ESCC cells by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings provide new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.

1例主诉为"间断腹痛、呕吐2个月余，加重3 d"的患儿就诊于北京儿童医院血液科，经过相关化验及基因测序检查，最终诊断为异常纤维蛋白原血症。以反复动、静脉血栓形成的异常纤维蛋白原血症临床罕见。.

Deep underground environments are ideal for low background searches due to the attenuation of cosmic rays by passage through the earth. However, they are affected by backgrounds from $\gamma$-rays emitted by $^{40}$K and the $^{238}$U and $^{232}$Th decay chains in the surrounding rock. The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment will search for dark matter particle interactions with a liquid xenon TPC located within the Davis campus at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, Lead, South Dakota, at the 4,850-foot level. In order to characterise the cavern background, in-situ $\gamma$-ray measurements were taken with a sodium iodide detector in various locations and with lead shielding. The integral count rates (0--3300~keV) varied from 596~Hz to 1355~Hz for unshielded measurements, corresponding to a total flux in the cavern of $1.9\pm0.4$~$\gamma~$cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$. The resulting activity in the walls of the cavern can be characterised as $220\pm60$~Bq/kg of $^{40}$K, $29\pm15$~Bq/kg of $^{238}$U, and $13\pm3$~Bq/kg of $^{232}$Th., Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures

We combined multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network and Markov Chain (MC) modeling with object-based image analysis (OBIA) to map and predict land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Stoney Creek Watershed (SCW), British Columbia, Canada. Unsupervised classification was performed using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) images to produce LULC maps of years 1986, 1999 and 2016. The classification resulted in an overall accuracy of 91.50%. The results show that coniferous forest in SCW experienced a sharp loss while agriculture area increased (4.77% land gain) from 1986 to 2016. LULC scenarios were predicted through MLP neural network and MC modeling based on LULC change analysis data and transition potential. The results indicated that ‘Coniferous Forest’ LULC type had the highest (3.38% land loss) transition potential and ‘Water’ and ‘Urban Area’ LULC types had the lowest transition potential. Application of the proposed method provided valuable information of LULC patterns and dynamics for planners and researchers. The method also has the potential for improved management in other watersheds with similar LULC types.

HinOTORI is a new telescope supported by an international collaboration project between China and Japan. It is a 50 centimeter telescope equipped with simultaneous three-color imagers (u', R C, and I C bands). It is located at Ali Observatory at an altitude of 5100m. Thanks to the high altitude and extreme dryness, Ali site is one of the most suitable sites for optical astrometry. HinOTORI telescope aims at detecting optical transients such as the counterparts of gravitational wave (GW) sources, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts (GRB) and so on. This paper describes the site information, design of simultaneous three-color optical layout, system instruments and whole control system. We also report some telescope characterisations for three bands (u'/R C/I C) respectively, such as Hartmann constant (0.49”/0.56”/0.60”), best focus position (3.922/3.920/3.903 mm), PSF FWHM size (3.755/3.328/3.167pixels), total transmittance and limiting magnitude (15.69/17.57/17.05mag, 10 σ 30 seconds exposure time). With different airmass observation data, the atmospheric extinction coefficients of three bands (0.366/0.061/0.026) were also derived.

1. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the mitochondrial genome and molecular phylogeny of Lueyang black-bone chicken, and provide molecule base to preserve and explore the specific chicken strain. 2. Based on sequencing and clustering, the complete mitochondrial DNA map and sequences of Lueyang black-bone chicken were revealed, and two phylogenetic trees of Lueyang black-bone chickens based on D-loop sequences and the mitochondrial genome were constructed. 3. The results showed that the complete mitochondrial genome of Lueyang black-bone chickens is 16,784bp in size, consisting of 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and one non-coding control region. The base composition of the complete mtDNA sequence is 30.28% for A, 23.78% for T, 32.42% for C, 13.52% for G. Additionally, 10 haplotypes of D-loop sequences in 32 Lueyang black-bone chickens were detected, which were distributed into 4 clades (A, B, C and E). 4. It was concluded that genetic diversity is wide in Lueyang black-bone chickens, and this strain has multiple maternal origins from different regions in China and neighbouring regions.

Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), a crucial adaptor protein localized on mitochondria, plays vital roles in various biological processes. Autophagy and apoptosis are two independent and closely linked cell death pathways. But whether MAVS could induce apoptosis and autophagy in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD cells) and what is the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis still remains elusive. Here, we reveal that overexpression of MAVS could trigger both apoptosis and autophagy in RD cells. Interestingly, MAVS-induced apoptosis was dependent on the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Also, it was found that inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) enhanced MAVS-induced apoptosis resulting in increased cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Meanwhile, autophagy induction by rapamycin resulted in decreased MAVS-induced apoptosis. In addition, we found that MAVS expression was inhibited upon Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) infection and overexpression of MAVS could inhibit CA16 replication. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into the link between apoptosis and autophagy induced by MAVS overexpression in RD cells and gains a greater understanding of MAVS-induced antiviral functions, which provide new targets for CA16 treatment. Keywords: CA16; MAVS; apoptosis; autophagy.

To explore the relationship between AK5 and gastric cancer.The in situ levels of AK5 in the GC tissues from 255 patients were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation between AK5 expression and the clinicopathological parameters was analyzed by Pearson correlation, and the prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis. The transcriptome data of 14 human GC cell lines deposited in the CCLE database were analyzed, and two lines were selected for functional studies. AK5 was knocked down in the AZ521 and MKN74 cells using siRNA, and their proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Annexin-V staining, respectively. In addition, the apoptosis and autophagy of the markers were detected by Western blotting.Patients expressing high AK5 levels in the tumor tissues had significantly shorter survival compared to low-expressing group. In addition, AK5 expression was associated with T stage and N stage and was an independent prognostic factor. AK5 knockdown in the AZ521 and MKN74 cells significantly inhibited proliferation and autophagy, and increased apoptosis.AK5 is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for GC.