Periodicities in the Daily Proton Fluxes from 2011 to 2019 Measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station from 1 to 100 GV

We present the precision measurement of the daily proton fluxes in cosmic rays from May 20, 2011 to October 29, 2019 (a total of 2824 days or 114 Bartels rotations) in the rigidity interval from 1 to 100 GV based on 5.5×109 protons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station. The proton fluxes exhibit variations on multiple timescales. From 2014 to 2018, we observed recurrent flux variations with a period of 27 days. Shorter periods of 9 days and 13.5 days are observed in 2016. The strength of all three periodicities changes with time and rigidity. The rigidity dependence of the 27-day periodicity is different from the rigidity dependences of 9-day and 13.5-day periods. Unexpectedly, the strength of 9-day and 13.5-day periodicities increases with increasing rigidities up to ∼10 GV and ∼20 GV, respectively. Then the strength of the periodicities decreases with increasing rigidity up to 100 GV.</p

Precision Measurement of the Proton Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from Rigidity 1 GV to 1.8 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precise measurement of the proton flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1 GV to 1.8 TV is presented based on 300 million events. Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the proton flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. We present the detailed variation with rigidity of the flux spectral index for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at high rigidities.</p

Longitudinal study of anterior segment inflammation by ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients with acute anterior uveitis

This study aimed to investigate dynamic changes in the anterior segment in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Acute anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 18 patients according to history and ocular examinations. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed and the results at three time-points (within 2 weeks of the uveitis attack, and at 2-4 weeks and 6 weeks after it) were analysed. The relationships between clinical manifestations and UBM findings were also evaluated. All investigated AAU patients showed severe ciliary injection, numerous dust keratic precipitates (KPs), aqueous flare and inflammatory cells, and were treated predominantly with corticosteroid and cycloplegic eyedrops. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a large number of cells in the anterior and posterior chamber, marked oedema and exudates in and around the iris and ciliary body within 2 weeks of AAU onset. These abnormalities were dramatically improved at 2-4 weeks and almost resolved at 6 weeks and thereafter. Ultrasound biomicroscopy reveals severe inflammatory changes in and around the ciliary body in patients with AAU. These signs rapidly resolve upon treatment

CD4(+)CD25(+)Tregs express an increased LAG-3 and CTLA-4 in anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

Background Regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells have been proven to be essential for maintenance of peripheral tolerance and autoimmune diseases. ACAID is a model of immune privilege in the eye. Relatively little is known about the role and phenotype of these regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells in ACAID. Methods Injection of OVA into the anterior chamber of BALB/C mice was performed to induce ACAID. The frequencies of splenic CD4+CD25+ Tregs and the expression of CTLA-4 and LAG-3 on these cells were determined by flow cytometry. Magnetic cell sorting was used to isolate CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25¿T cells. The function of CD4+CD25+ T cells was detected by in vitro immunosuppression assays and in vivo adoptive transfer. Results ACAID was successfully induced following an i.c. injection of OVA. Frequencies of CD4+CD25+ and Tregs were significantly increased in ACAID mice as compared to those in controls. The CD4+CD25+ T cells stimulated with OVA in ACAID mice showed a stronger suppressive ability in vitro than those seen in non-ACAID mice. CD4+CD25+ T cells from ACAID mice, but not from non-ACAID mice, were able to suppress DTH responses in an antigen-specific manner following adoptive transfer. The frequencies of CTLA-4 or LAG-3 on Tregs in ACAID mice were higher as compared with those in naive mice. Conclusion Splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells expressing CTLA4 and LAG3 play an important role in the induction of ACAI