Fano-like Resonance due to Interference with Distant Transitions.

Narrow optical resonances of atoms or molecules have immense significance in various precision measurements, such as testing fundamental physics and the generation of primary frequency standards. In these studies, accurate transition centers derived from fitting the measured spectra are demanded, which critically rely on the knowledge of spectral line profiles. Here, we propose a new mechanism of Fano-like resonance induced by distant discrete levels and experimentally verify it with Doppler-free spectroscopy of vibration-rotational transitions of CO_{2}. The observed spectrum has an asymmetric profile and its amplitude increases quadratically with the probe laser power. Our results facilitate a broad range of topics based on narrow transitions.

[Two case report of death from acute compound chlorfenapyr poisoning].

Chlorfenapyr is a moderately dangerous insecticide widely used in agriculture. The mortality of acute poisoning patients is high, and there is no effective treatment. This paper retrospectively analyzes the clinical data of two cases of compound chlorfenapyr poisoning. The main symptoms of the patients were high fever, sweating, gradual coma, increased creatine kinase and myoglobin, with delayed poisoning symptoms. Despite comprehensive treatment, both patients died eventually. It indicated that chlorfenapyr was highly toxic and had a high mortality. In addition to routine symptomatic treatment for patients with acute poisoning, blood purification treatment should be actively carried out in the early stage.

Quantum-enhanced radiometry via approximate quantum error correction.

Quantum sensing based on exotic quantum states is appealing for practical metrology applications and fundamental studies. However, these quantum states are vulnerable to noise and the resulting quantum enhancement is weakened in practice. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a quantum-enhanced sensing scheme with a bosonic probe, by exploring the large Hilbert space of the bosonic mode and developing both the approximate quantum error correction and the quantum jump tracking approaches. In a practical radiometry scenario, we attain a 5.3 dB enhancement of sensitivity, which reaches 9.1 × 10-4 Hz-1/2 when measuring the excitation population of a receiver mode. Our results demonstrate the potential of quantum sensing with near-term quantum technologies, not only shedding new light on the quantum advantage of sensing, but also stimulating further efforts on bosonic quantum technologies.

KLF15 reduces the level of apoptosis in mouse liver induced by sepsis by inhibiting p38MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis-induced acute liver injury (ALI) involves multiple systems in the body. The disease is acute and critical, with various symptoms, including extensive necrosis of liver cells. There is currently no effective treatment to deal with ALI in a timely manner. This study verified the therapeutic effect of Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) on ALI by studying its anti-apoptotic effect on the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We induced ALI in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GaIN). Recombinant mouse KLF15 was used to treat mice to examine the protective effects of KLF15 on mouse liver and the effects of apoptosis-related molecules. In addition, we cultured Kupffer cells and determined the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of KLF15 and its mechanism by overexpressing KLF15. RESULTS: Exogenous KLF15 effectively reduced the levels of TIBL, ALT, AST, and inflammatory factors (COX-2, MCP-1, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) in mouse serum. The results of HE staining also demonstrate that KLF15 improves the morphology of liver tissue. In addition, the expression of KLF15 in LPS-induced Kupffer cells was significantly reduced and KLF15 increased the viability of Kupffer cells and decreased the level of inflammation in Kupffer cells. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, KLF15 reduced the level of apoptosis in hepatocytes or Kupffer cells and inhibited the activity of the p38MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: KLF15 reduces the apoptosis and inflammation levels of liver and Kupffer cells by inhibiting the p38MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway and alleviates LPS/D-GaIN-induced ALI.

Nesfatin-1 alleviates acute lung injury through reducing inflammation and oxidative stress via the regulation of HMGB1.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lung injury (ALI) is the most common complication of sepsis, with rapid onset and high mortality. There is currently no effective treatment for ALI. Therefore, we looked for a good method of treating ALI by studying the effect and mechanism of Nesfatin-1 on ALI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used LPS to induce mouse and human alveolar epithelial cell line BEAS-2B to construct an ALI model. Recombinant Nesfatin-1 was administered subcutaneously to mice or used to stimulate BEAS-2B cells. We collected mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and mouse lung tissue to detect changes in inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels. In addition, we examined the expression changes of HMGB1 to study the mechanism of Nesfatin-1. RESULTS: Exogenous Nesfatin-1 significantly attenuated LPS-induced ALI and reduced inflammation levels and oxidative stress levels in mouse lung tissue. In cell experiments, Nesfatin-1 also reduced inflammation levels and oxidative stress levels in BEAS-2B cells. In addition, Nesfatin-1 reduced the expression of HMGB1 in mouse lung tissues and BEAS-2B cells, and decreased the activity of p38MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in the inflammation-related pathway downstream of HMGB1. However, after overexpression of HMGB1, the therapeutic effect of Nesfatin-1 on ALI was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: Nesfatin-1 regulates the expression of HMGB1 in alveolar epithelial cells. By reducing the expression of HMGB1, Nesfatin-1 can reduce the inflammation-related signaling pathway downstream of HMGB1 to reduce the level of inflammation and oxidative stress in alveolar epithelial cells, thereby alleviating ALI.

Effect of lncRNA CRNDE on sepsis-related kidney injury through the TLR3/NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed gene (CRNDE) in the kidney tissues of mice with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and its effect on KI, and to further explore its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 male C57 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups based on a random number table, including the control group (Sham group, n=20), sepsis-related KI group [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, n=20] and CRNDE inhibition group [LPS + CRNDE small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group, n=20]. Mice in LPS and LPS + CRNDE siRNA groups were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg LPS, while the tail vein was injected with 5 µL CRNDE siRNAs. After 12 h, the expression level of lncRNA CRNDE in kidney tissues of mice in each group was detected via Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). At the same time, 2 mL of orbital blood was collected from each mouse, and the levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were detected. Subsequently, kidney tissue samples were collected from mice in each group. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining was used to assess the injury of renal tubulointerstitium, followed by scoring. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied to detect cell injury in kidney tissues. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was adopted to examine the apoptosis in kidney tissues in mice of each group. Meanwhile, the distribution and expression of p65 in kidney tissues of mice in each group were determined via immunohistochemical staining. Finally, the expression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway in kidney tissues of mice in each group was detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the Sham group, lncRNA CRNDE level in the kidney of the LPS group was remarkably up-regulated (p<0.05). The levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in LPS + CRNDE siRNA group were notably lower than those of the LPS group (p<0.05). PAS staining results manifested that renal tubulointerstitial injury in the LPS group was significantly more serious than that of the LPS + CRNDE siRNA group (p<0.05). According to H&E staining results, serious edema, rupture and necrosis observed in kidney tissue cells of the LPS group. However, after the intervention of CRNDE siRNA, cell edema and necrosis were markedly relieved. In addition, TUNEL staining results indicated that the apoptotic level of kidney tissue cells in the LPS + CRNDE siRNA group was significantly lower than that of the LPS group (p<0.05). Subsequent immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that p65 expression in the LPS group increased significantly, which was markedly inhibited by CRNDE siRNA intervention (p<0.05). Furthermore, Western blotting displayed that CRNDE siRNA could effectively inhibit the activation of TLR3 and p65 in mouse kidney tissue induced by LPS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of CRNDE can reduce sepsis-induced KI by blocking the activation of the TLR3/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, CRNDE is expected to become a target for clinical treatment of sepsis-related KI.

[Reliability and validity of warning signs checklist for screening psychological, behavioral and developmental problems of children].

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of warning signs checklist developed by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHFPC), so as to determine the screening effectiveness of warning signs on developmental problems of early childhood. Method: Stratified random sampling method was used to assess the reliability and validity of checklist of warning sign and 2 110 children 0 to 6 years of age(1 513 low-risk subjects and 597 high-risk subjects) were recruited from 11 provinces of China. The reliability evaluation for the warning signs included the test-retest reliability and interrater reliability. With the use of Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ) and Gesell Development Diagnosis Scale (GESELL) as the criterion scales, criterion validity was assessed by determining the correlation and consistency between the screening results of warning signs and the criterion scales. Result: In terms of the warning signs, the screening positive rates at different ages ranged from 10.8%(21/141) to 26.2%(51/137). The median (interquartile) testing time for each subject was 1(0.6) minute. Both the test-retest reliability and interrater reliability of warning signs reached 0.7 or above, indicating that the stability was good. In terms of validity assessment, there was remarkable consistency between ASQ and warning signs, with the Kappa value of 0.63. With the use of GESELL as criterion, it was determined that the sensitivity of warning signs in children with suspected developmental delay was 82.2%, and the specificity was 77.7%. The overall Youden index was 0.6. Conclusion: The reliability and validity of warning signs checklist for screening early childhood developmental problems have met the basic requirements of psychological screening scales, with the characteristics of short testing time and easy operation. Thus, this warning signs checklist can be used for screening psychological and behavioral problems of early childhood, especially in community settings.

[Correlativity of subtype B viral transmission among elderly HIV-1 infected individuals in Yongding district, Zhangjiajie city, Hunan province].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of transmission correlativity regarding subtype B among elderly HIV-1 infected individuals in Yongding district, Zhangjiajie city, Hunan province and to explore a method on its traceability. Methods: A total of 43 newly diagnosed elderly HIV-1 Infected individuals in Yongding district were enrolled in this study. Pol area genes were amplified and sequenced by 'In house' method. Methods used to analyze the relationship related to HIV individuals transmission would include Bayesian phylogenetic tree and other epidemiological ones. Results: A total of 42 valid sequences were successfully obtained, with predominant strain as subtype B (80.95%, 34/42). All the 42 sequences were gathered into eight clusters. In each cluster, the genetic distance was significantly shorter than the average from the 34 subtype B strains (0.058 3). The HIV-1 infected individuals in one cluster had the same high-risk behaviors and the significantly patchy distributions were identified at the sites where the high-risk behaviors existed. Our results indicated that the local elderly HIV-infected individuals had high level of homology between geographical position and related behaviors. Conclusions: The patchy distribution between geographical position and behavior was associated among the elderly HIV-1 infected individuals. Guidance related to epidemic precise positioning and effective interventions was provided through the findings of this study.

Using fast moving electrode to achieve overvoltage breakdown of gas switch stressed with high direct voltages.

A small-scale fast risetime gas switch attached to a 50 Ω pulse forming line is tested. It includes a fast moving electrode and a fixed electrode. For the applied direct voltages, such as 2.8 kV, 2.0 kV, and 1.0 kV, the risetimes of this switch are tested to be ∼3.8 ns, ∼2.3 ns, and ∼1.1 ns, respectively, while the risetimes of a switch with two fixed electrodes are about ∼10.1 ns, ∼9.0 ns, and ∼3.6 ns. The results of high-speed photography and laser interferometry reveal that the moving electrode will obviously shorten discharge spark length but almost will not change the inter-electrodes gas pressure. The reason of shortening spark length is the existence of the discharge time delay of gas switch. After moving to the static breakdown spacing, the fast moving electrode will move on for an additional distance within the discharge time delay, which makes gas switch achieve overvoltage breakdown under high direct voltages and therefore leads to shorter spark length and faster switch risetime.

Linear up-conversion of orbital angular momentum.

We experimentally demonstrated that infrared light imprinted with orbital angular momentum (OAM) was linearly converted into visible light using four-wave mixing (FWM) via a ladder-type configuration in 85Rb atoms. Simultaneously, we theoretically simulated this linear conversion process, and the theoretical analysis was in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. A large single-photon detuning process was used to reduce the absorption of the atoms to the up-converted light and to avoid pattern formation in the FWM process. The multi-mode image linear conversion process is important for applications including image communications, astrophysics, and quantum information.

Cool and hot executive functions in medication-naive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare 'cool' [working memory (WM) and response inhibition] and 'hot' (delay aversion) executive functions (EFs) in children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: A total of 100 ADHD children (45 with family history of ADHD and 55 with no family history) and 100 healthy controls, all medication free, were tested on tasks related to the 'hot' (i.e. two choice-delay tasks) and 'cool' domains of EF (i.e. Digits backward, Corsi Block Task backward, Go/No-Go Task, Stop-Signal Task, and the Stroop). RESULTS: Compared with the controls, children with ADHD were found to perform significantly worse on one or more measures of response inhibition, WM, and delay aversion after controlling for co-morbidities and estimated IQ. In addition, comparisons between ADHD children with family history of ADHD and those with no family history found significant differences on measures of response inhibition and WM but not delay aversion. These results are largely supported by results of two logistic regressions. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD was found to be associated with deficits on both cool and hot EFs. There is also evidence to suggest that cool EFs impairment is related to a family history of ADHD. Findings of this study have helped to elucidate the nature and extent of EF deficits in children with ADHD.