Evidence of Hadronic Emission from the brightest-of-all-time GRB 221009A

Acceleration of hadrons in relativistic shocks has been long expected and invoked to model GRB high-energy photon and neutrino emissions. However, so far there has been no direct observational evidence of hadronic emission from GRBs. The B.O.A.T. ("brightest of all time") gamma-ray burst (GRB) 221009A had extreme energies (with an isotropic energy exceeding $10^{55}$ erg) and was detected in broad-band including the very-high-energy (VHE, $>100\,\rm GeV$) band up to $>10$ TeV. Here we perform a comprehensive spectral analysis of the GRB from keV to TeV energy range and perform detailed spectral and light curve modelings considering both the traditional synchrotron self-Compton process and the electromagnetic (EM) cascade process initiated by hadronic interactions by accelerated cosmic rays in the external shock. We find that the leptonic scenario alone is not adequate to account for the observations, whereas the proposed scenario with the combination of hadronic and leptonic components can well reproduce the multi-wavelength spectra and the light curve. This result reveals the existence of the accelerated hadronic component in the early afterglow of this extreme burst. According to this scenario, the observed TeV light curve should contain imprints of the prompt MeV emission.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, 3 tables. originally submitted version for Nature Astronom

Twist1 enhances hypoxia induced radioresistance in cervical cancer cells by promoting nuclear EGFR localization

Twist1 is a crucial transcription factor that regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition and involves in metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that Twist1 plays important role in hypoxia-induced radioresistance, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we investigated the change of Twist1 expression in human cervical squamous cancer cell line SiHa after hypoxia treatment. We also explored the role of Twist1 in radioresistance by manipulating the expression level of Twist1.We observed that hypoxia treatment elevated the expression of Twist1 in SiHa cells. Knockdown of Twist1 with siRNA increased the radiosensitivity of SiHa cells under hypoxia condition, accompanied by reduced levels of nuclear Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Conversely, overexpression of Twist1 led to increased radioresistance of SiHa cells, which in turn increased nuclear EGFR localisation and expression levels of nuclear DNA-PK. Moreover, concomitant high expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1? (HIF-1?) and Twist1 in primary tumors of cervical cancer patients correlated with the worse prognosis after irradiation treatment. Taken together, these data provide new insights into molecular mechanism underlying hypoxia-induced radio resistance in cervical cancer cells, and suggest that Twist1 is a promising molecular target to improve the efficacy of cancer radiotherapy

Structure and permeation of organic-inorganic hybrid membranes composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and polysilisesquioxane

Organic-inorganic hybrid membranes with high separation performance were prepared by the incorporation of polysilisesquioxane (PSS) into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix in order to solve the trade-off relationship between the selectivity and permeability of PVA membranes. The incorporation of the PSS resulted in a change in the physical and chemical structure of the hybrid membranes. The crystalline region in the hybrid membranes decreased with increasing PSS content. The hydrophilicity of the hybrid membranes increased when the PSS content is below 3 wt%, and then decreased. Silica particles formed on the surface and in the interior of the hybrid membranes due to the PSS conglomeration, and the surface roughness of the hybrid membranes increased linearly with increasing PSS content. The trade-off between permeability and selectivity was successfully solved using the hybrid membranes in pervaporation dehydration of tetrahydrofuran. The permselectivity and flux of the hybrid membranes increased simultaneously when the PSS content was below 2 wt%, whereas the permselectivity decreased when the PSS content was above 2 wt%. The hybrid membrane containing 2 wt% PSS had the highest separation factor of 1810.National Nature Science Foundation of China [50573063]; Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University ; Doctoral Program of Higher Education [2005038401

Poor-prognosis disclosure preference in cancer patient-caregiver dyads and its association with their quality of life and perceived stress: a cross-sectional survey in mainland China

Background This study attempted to examine the discordance between family caregivers and cancer patients in their poor-prognosis disclosure preferences in mainland China and then ascertained the associations between quality of life (QoL), perceived stress, and poor-prognosis disclosure preferences. Methods Six hundred fifty-one pairs of inpatients and their matched caregivers (participation rate = 92.2%) were recruited in this cross-sectional survey. A set of paired self-administered questionnaires were completed independently by patient–caregiver dyads. Results Fewer family caregivers than cancer patients felt that poor prognosis should be disclosed to patients (61.2% vs. 90.0%, p < 0.001). Patients' positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference was associated with patients' better QoL (p < 0.05) and caregivers' reduced perceived stress levels (p = 0.013). However, caregivers' poor-prognosis disclosure preference correlated only with their own physical state (p = 0.028). Moreover, the caregivers who concurred with patients in positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference were more likely to experience a better QoL (p < 0.05) and lower perceived stress levels (p = 0.048) in the III–IV stage subgroup. Conclusions There was a significant discrepancy in poor-prognosis disclosure preference between cancer patients and caregivers in China. The caregivers' preference of concealing poor prognosis from patients was not related to cancer patients' QoL or perceived stress. In addition, caregivers had better QoL and lower stress levels when they held the same positive poor-prognosis disclosure preference as the patients

Preparation and properties of Sr(Bi1-xNdx)(8)Ti7O27 ceramics for wireless technologies

Sr(Bi1-xNdx)(8)Ti7O27 ceramics for wireless technologies were prepared by a solid-state reaction route. Raw materials of SrCO3, Bi2O3, Nd2O3 and TiO2 were used. The mixture was ball-milled, dried, and hydro-pressed into pellets or formed into green body by gel-casting, which were then sintered at 1180-1300 degreesC. Sintering process was analyzed by TGA and DSC. Microstructure of ceramic body was observed by SEM. Crystalline phases of the ceramics were identified by X-ray diffraction. Dielectric properties of the samples were also measured, showing dielectric constant epsilon = 80-110 and Qf = 120-2100 GHz at 10 GHz. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V

Associations between impulsivity, aggression, and suicide in Chinese college students

BACKGROUND: Although there are accumulating data regarding the epidemiology of suicide in China, there are meager data on suicidal ideation and attempts among college students. Interestingly, elevated impulsivity is thought to facilitate the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicidal behavior. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the associations between suicide and the personality factors of impulsivity and aggression. METHODS: This study’s sampling method employed stratified random cluster sampling. A multi-stage stratified sampling procedure was used to select participants (n = 5,245). We conducted structured interviews regarding a range of socio-demographic characteristics and suicidal morbidity. The Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9) was used to acquire the information about thoughts of being better off dead or hurting themselves in some ways during the past two weeks. The impulsivity symptoms in this study were assessed with the BIS-11-CH (i.e., the Chinese version of the BIS-11), and the Aggressive symptoms were assessed with the BAQ. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) v.13.0 program (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Socio-demographic variables such as ethnic and gender were compared between groups, through the use of χ(2) tests. The nonparametric test (k Independent Sample test, Kruskal-Wallis H) was performed to determine differences between the personality factors of impulsivity and aggression and suicide. RESULTS: In total, 9.1% (n = 479) of the 5,245 students reported they have ever thought about committing suicide; and 1% (n = 51) reported a history of attempted suicide (attempters). The analyses detected significant differences in scores on cognitive impulsivity (p < 0.01), when comparing individuals who only had suicidal ideation and individuals who had attempted suicide. Moreover, significant differences were found between ideators only and attempters on scores of self-oriented attack (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation is prevalent among Chinese university students. Students with high aggression scores were more susceptible to committing suicide. Scores on self-oriented attack and cognitive impulsivity may be important factors for differentially predicting suicide ideation and suicide attempts

Salivary extracellular miRNAs for early detection and prognostication of esophageal cancer:a clinical study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) will facilitate curative treatment. We aimed to establish a micro-RNA (miRNA) signature derived from salivary extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) for early ESCC detection and prognostication.METHODS: Salivary EVP miRNA expression was profiled in a pilot cohort (n=54) using microarray. Area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and lasso regression analyses were used to prioritize miRNAs that discriminated ESCC patients from controls. Using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the candidates were measured in a discovery cohort (n=72) and cell lines. The prediction models for the biomarkers were derived from a training cohort (n=342) and validated in an internal cohort (n=207) and an external cohort (n=226).RESULTS: The microarray analysis identified 7 miRNAs for distinguishing ESCC patients from control subjects. Since one was not always detectable in the discovery cohort and cell lines, the other 6 miRNAs formed a panel. A signature of this panel accurately identified all-stage ESCC patients in the training cohort (AUROC=0.968) and was successfully validated in two independent cohorts. Importantly, this signature could distinguish early-stage (stage Ⅰ/ Ⅱ) ESCC patients from control subjects in the training cohort (AUROC=0.969, sensitivity=92.00%, specificity=89.17%), internal (sensitivity=90.32%, specificity=91.04%) and external (sensitivity=91.07%, specificity=88.06%) validation cohorts. Moreover, a prognostic signature based on the panel was established and efficiently predicted the high-risk cases with poor progression-free survival and overall survival.CONCLUSION: The salivary EVP-based 6-miRNA signature can serve as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification of ESCC. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031507.</p

Salivary extracellular miRNAs for early detection and prognostication of esophageal cancer:a clinical study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) will facilitate curative treatment. We aimed to establish a micro-RNA (miRNA) signature derived from salivary extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) for early ESCC detection and prognostication.METHODS: Salivary EVP miRNA expression was profiled in a pilot cohort (n=54) using microarray. Area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and lasso regression analyses were used to prioritize miRNAs that discriminated ESCC patients from controls. Using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the candidates were measured in a discovery cohort (n=72) and cell lines. The prediction models for the biomarkers were derived from a training cohort (n=342) and validated in an internal cohort (n=207) and an external cohort (n=226).RESULTS: The microarray analysis identified 7 miRNAs for distinguishing ESCC patients from control subjects. Since one was not always detectable in the discovery cohort and cell lines, the other 6 miRNAs formed a panel. A signature of this panel accurately identified all-stage ESCC patients in the training cohort (AUROC=0.968) and was successfully validated in two independent cohorts. Importantly, this signature could distinguish early-stage (stage Ⅰ/ Ⅱ) ESCC patients from control subjects in the training cohort (AUROC=0.969, sensitivity=92.00%, specificity=89.17%), internal (sensitivity=90.32%, specificity=91.04%) and external (sensitivity=91.07%, specificity=88.06%) validation cohorts. Moreover, a prognostic signature based on the panel was established and efficiently predicted the high-risk cases with poor progression-free survival and overall survival.CONCLUSION: The salivary EVP-based 6-miRNA signature can serve as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification of ESCC. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031507.</p