Lived Experience of Women Who Underwent Early Removal of Long-Acting Family Planning Methods in Bedesa Town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study.
Long-acting family planning method (LAFP) is a low-cost yet effective method of reducing maternal mortality, limiting and spacing childbirth. In Ethiopia, the family planning prevalence rate rises from 15% in 2005 to 36% in 2016. However, the discontinuation rate of LAFP is still high in the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of women who underwent early removal of long-acting family planning methods in Bedesa town, Southern Ethiopia. An interpretative phenomenological study design was employed. Women aged 15-49 years who removed LAFP therapy in the past 12 months were our sampled population. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) by using open-ended structured interview guide. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 participants from the family planning logbook registration of Bedesa health center. The interview continued until information saturation was reached. Open code version 4.03 was used to code and facilitate analysis. Transcripts were read and re-read separately to identify emerging themes. A thematic analysis technique was used. This study revealed that the side effects, seeking more children and the husband's opposition were the main reason for early removal of LAFP. Amongst side effects, heavy and irregular menses were occurred most frequently. Besides, there were various myths and misconceptions about family planning methods. It also noted that the counseling services provided by health professionals were not adequate. Side effects, desired to have more children, and the husband's opposition are the most important reason of early removal of LAFP methods. Furthermore, there were misunderstanding, fear and rumors raised by women about each method. Hence, greater public awareness on family planning should be delivered to change community perception on LAFP methods.


An antigen common to a wide range of bacteria. I. The isolation of a 'common antigen' from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In crude water-soluble extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 64 antigens can be demonstrated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis in agarose with polyvalent Pseudomonas-immunoglobulin. One of these antigens cross-reacts with antigens prepared from bacteria of a wide range of taxonomic groups. Monospecific immunoglobulins to this antigen (Common Antigen) were produced by immunization with the appropriate immunocomplex extracted from agarose. Common Antigen was purified by the combination of two fractionation methods: Precipitation of the crude extract with 18% (w/v) sodium sulfate, followed by gel filtration of the supernatant on a Sephadex G-200 column. By this method, 35% of Common Antigen from the crude extract was recovered, more than half of the fractions electrophoretically pure. Electrophoresis of reduced Common Antigen on a dodecyl sodium sulfate polyacrylamide gel revealed two protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 59-62 000 and 62-65 000, respectively. The untreated antigen, however, passed a column of Sephadex G-200 with the void volumen, indicating a substance of high molecular weight (> 4-600 000).


Influence of spatial distribution with blur on fluctuations in accommodation.
We investigated the influence of spatial distribution of retinal image with blur on the waveform of microfluctuations in accommodation. We studied changes in accommodation in 8 young emmetropic subjects (21.88 +/- 2.36 years old), who viewed monocularly a target with the natural pupil. The spatial frequency of the target was varied from 0.85 to 15 cpd in 7 steps, and the blur intensity was increased in 7 steps to obtain a Gaussian distribution of retinal image. Continuous accommodation signals were recorded using an eye-tracking infrared optometer with a sampling frequency of 40.98 Hz, and analyzed with a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyzer. The power spectra of the low frequency component (LFC, < 0.6 Hz) and the high frequency component (HFC) at approximately 1.9 Hz were calculated for each target with a frequency resolution of 0.02 Hz. Microfluctuations in accommodation increased as the blur was increased and decreased at further increases in blur intensity level. Microfluctuations peaked at a lower blur level as the spatial frequency was increased. Power spectral analysis revealed that these changes in the microfluctuations could be attributed mainly to increases of power in the LFC. Blurring of the edge and reduction in contrast provided accommodative cues, inducing microfluctuations in accommodation, and the LFC increased as the target sharpness was reduced, possibly in an attempt by the accommodation system to maintain the sharpness of the retinal image under poor stimulus conditions. However, when the blur level was increased, the amount of blur was indistinguishable and microfluctuations in accommodation decreased.


Association of comorbidity and health service usage among patients with dementia in the UK: a population-based study.
The majority of people with dementia have other long-term diseases, the presence of which may affect the progression and management of dementia. This study aimed to identify subgroups with higher healthcare needs, by analysing how primary care consultations, number of prescriptions and hospital admissions by people with dementia varies with having additional long-term diseases (comorbidity). A retrospective cohort study based on health data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) was conducted. Incident cases of dementia diagnosed in the year starting 1/3/2008 were selected and followed for up to 5 years. The number of comorbidities was obtained from a set of 34 chronic health conditions. Service usage (primary care consultations, hospitalisations and prescriptions) and time-to-death were determined during follow-up. Multilevel negative binomial regression and Cox regression, adjusted for age and gender, were used to model differences in service usage and death between differing numbers of comorbidities. Data from 4999 people (14 866 person-years of follow-up) were analysed. Overall, 91.7% of people had 1 or more additional comorbidities. Compared with those with 2 or 3 comorbidities, people with ≥6 comorbidities had higher rates of primary care consultations (rate ratio (RR) 1.31, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.36), prescriptions (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.57 to 1.81), and hospitalisation (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.44 to 1.83), and higher risk of death (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.78). In the UK, people with dementia with higher numbers of comorbidities die earlier and have considerably higher health service usage in terms of primary care consultations, hospital admissions and prescribing. This study provides strong evidence that comorbidity is a key factor that should be considered when allocating resources and planning care for people with dementia.


Histopathologic effects of discitis on neural tissues: an experimental study.
To determine the cause of neurologic symptoms and signs seen in discitis, the neural histopathologic effects of discitis were investigated in an experimental study carried out on rats. Groups of seven rats each had their intervertebral discs inoculated with either Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or a control solution. Histopathologic examinations of the spinal cord and nerve roots were performed after 3 weeks. On histopathologic examination, vacuolar myelopathy in the spinal cord and vacuolar neuropathy within the nerve roots near the junction with the spinal cord were found. The severity and form of vacuolar myelopathy varied according to the bacteria used for inoculation. The myelopathy and neuropathy seen in this rat model of bacterial discitis might be the result of an immunologic mechanism and could be responsible for the neurologic signs and symptoms of discitis in patients.


GR-127935-sensitive mechanism mediating hypotension in anesthetized rats: are 5-HT5B receptors involved?
The 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR-127935, inhibits hypotensive responses produced by the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B/1D and 5-HT7 receptor agonist, and 5-HT5A/5B receptor ligand, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), in rats. This work further characterized the above mechanism using more selective 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor antagonists. Also, expression of 5-HT5A and 5-HT5B receptor mRNAs in blood vessels was searched by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Decreases in diastolic blood pressure induced by 5-CT (0.001-10 μg/kg, intravenously) were analyzed in anesthetized rats that had received intravenous vehicle (1 mL/kg), SB-224289 (5-HT1B antagonist; 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg), BRL15572 (5-HT1D antagonist; 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg), SB-224289 + BRL15572 (0.3 mg/kg, each), or SB-224289 + BRL15572 (0.3 mg/kg, each) + GR-127935 (1 mg/kg). Because only the latter treatment inhibited 5-CT-induced hypotension, suggestive of a mechanism unrelated to 5-HT1B/1D receptors, the effects of antagonists/ligands at 5-HT5A (SB-699551, 1 mg/kg), 5-HT6 (SB-399885, 1 mg/kg), and 5-HT1B/1D/5A/5B/7 receptors (ergotamine, 0.1 mg/kg) on 5-CT-induced hypotension were tested. Interestingly, only ergotamine blocked 5-CT-induced responses; this effect closely paralleled that of SB-224289 + BRL-15572 + GR-127935. Neither did ergotamine nor GR-127935 inhibit hypotensive responses induced by the 5-HT7 receptor agonist, LP-44. Faint but clear bands corresponding to 5-HT5A and 5-HT5B receptor mRNAs in aorta and mesenteric arteries were detected. Results suggest that the GR-127935-sensitive mechanism mediating hypotension in rats is unrelated to 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT5A, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors. This mechanism, however, resembles putative 5-HT5B receptors.


First reported case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome occurring in a weightlifter.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an increasingly well recognised clinical and radiological condition. Here we report on the first known published case of PRES in a weightlifter. We present a 34-year-old man with acute onset visual disturbance and expressive dysphasia which occurred after an intensive gym session.


Differential effect of platelet-rich plasma fractions on β1-integrin signaling, collagen biosynthesis, and prolidase activity in human skin fibroblasts.
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), supernatant of PRP (SPRP) obtained by centrifugation, and supernatant of activated PRP (SActi-PRP) obtained by Ca2+ solution-treated PRP on collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity, and β1-integrin signaling in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Incubation of fibroblasts with 5% PRP for 24 h contributed to ~5-fold increase in collagen biosynthesis compared to the control. In the cells treated with 5% of SPRP or SActi-PRP, collagen biosynthesis showed a 3-fold increase of the control. PRP, SPRP, and SActi-PRP stimulated prolidase activity similar to collagen biosynthesis. Collagen biosynthesis and prolidase activity are regulated by β1-integrin receptor signaling. Incubation of fibroblasts with PRP for 24 h contributed to a dose-dependent increase in the expression of β1-integrin receptor, while SActi-PRP increased the process to a much lower extent. SPRP had no effect on the β1-integrin receptor expression. All the studied fractions of blood increased the expression of FAK as well as the expression of phosphorylated MAP-kinases. However, PRP was found to be the most effective stimulator of expression of these particular kinases. These studies suggest that a complex of factors, including growth factors, adhesion molecules, and prolidase contained in PRP, all evoke growth and collagen-promoting activities in human dermal fibroblasts.


Single-Cell Heterogeneity Restorative Chimeric Engineering Nanoparticles for Alleviating Antibody-Mediated Allograft Injury.
Disturbance of single-cell transcriptional heterogeneity is an inevitable consequence of persistent donor-specific antibody (DSA) production and allosensitization. However, identifying and efficiently clearing allospecific antibody repertoires to restore single-cell transcriptional profiles remain challenging. Here, inspired by the high affinity of natural bacterial proteins for antibodies, a genetic engineered membrane-coated nanoparticle termed as DSA trapper by the engineering chimeric gene of protein A/G with phosphatidylserine ligands for macrophage phagocytosis was reported. It has been shown that DSA trappers adsorbed alloreactive antibodies with high saturation and activated the heterophagic clearance of antibody complexes, alleviating IgG deposition and complement activation. Remarkably, DSA trappers increased the endothelial protective lineages by 8.39-fold, reversed the highly biased cytotoxicity, and promoted the proliferative profiles of Treg cells, directly providing an obligate immune tolerant niche for single-cell heterogeneity restoration. In the mice of allogeneic transplantation, the DSA trapper spared endothelial from inflammatory degenerative rosette, improved the glomerular filtration rate, and prolonged the survival of allogeneic mice from 23.6 to 78.3 days. In general, by identifying the lineage characteristics of rejection-related antibodies, the chimeric engineered DSA trapper realized immunoadsorption and further phagocytosis of alloantibody complexes to restore the single-cell genetic architecture of the allograft, offering a promising prospect for the treatment of alloantibody-mediated immune injury.


Gender Inequalities in Remote Settings: Analysis of 105,025 Medical Records of a Rural Hospital in Ethiopia (2005-2015).
Gender inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa are deemed relevant but data to support this view are scanty. Retrospective analysis of a large dataset of 105,025 patients admitted to an Ethiopian rural private, non-for-profit hospital over a 11 years period (2005-2015). Since 2001, the hospital and the local community are involved in a long-term, comprehensive and externally-supported health care intervention. The total number of admissions was higher for females (61.9% of the total) mainly because of the high frequency of admissions for obstetrics conditions. The total male-to-female ratio (M:F) was 0.6. Except for malaria, men had more admissions for the other leading causes, with the highest M:F being found for injuries (2.7) and musculoskeletal diseases (1.7). Overall, excluding admissions for pregnancy-related issues, the M:F was 1.4. The frequency of admissions changed with age and gender. Female admissions prevailed in the reproductive age period (from 15 to 44 years of age) while males admissions prevailed in the younger and older age groups. The case fatality rate was higher for men (M:F = 2.0). The total M:F and the M:F excluding pregnancy-related admissions did not change during the study period. Gender inequalities do exist in rural remote setting but tend to affect women differently during their lifespan. Even if gender inequalities generally favor males, the substantial proportion of admissions for pregnancy-related situations is encouraging.


Density effects on electronic configurations in dense plasmas.
We present a quantum mechanical model to describe the density effects on electronic configurations inside a plasma environment. Two different approaches are given by starting from a quantum average-atom model. Illustrations are shown for an aluminum plasma in local thermodynamic equilibrium at solid density and at a temperature of 100 eV and in the thermodynamic conditions of a recent experiment designed to characterize the effects of the ionization potential depression treatment. Our approach compares well with experiment and is consistent in that case with the approach of Stewart and Pyatt to describe the ionization potential depression rather than with the method of Ecker and Kröll.


Injectable in situ self-cross-linking hydrogels based on poly(L-glutamic acid) and alginate for cartilage tissue engineering.
Injectable hydrogels as an important biomaterial class have been widely used in regenerative medicine. A series of injectable poly(l-glutamic acid)/alginate (PLGA/ALG) hydrogels were fabricated by self-cross-linking of hydrazide-modified poly(l-glutamic acid) (PLGA-ADH) and aldehyde-modified alginate (ALG-CHO). Both the degree of PLGA modification and the oxidation degree of ALG-CHO could be adjusted by the amount of activators and sodium periodate, respectively. The effect of the solid content of the hydrogels and oxidation degree of ALG-CHO on the gelation time, equilibrium swelling, mechanical properties, microscopic morphology, and in vitro degradation of the hydrogels was examined. Encapsulation of rabbit chondrocytes within hydrogels showed viability of the entrapped cells and good biocompatibility of the injectable hydrogels. A preliminary study exhibited injectability and rapid in vivo gel formation, as well as mechanical stability, cell ingrowth, and ectopic cartilage formation. The injectable PLGA/ALG hydrogels demonstrated attractive properties for future application in a variety of pharmaceutical delivery and tissue engineering, especially in cartilage tissue engineering.


A case of glioblastoma multiforme with long term survival: can we predict the outcome?
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) presents a major challenge for a neurosurgeon as the most common primary malignant tumour of the central nervous system. The median life span after the diagnosis still remains between 6 months to 1 year even after gross total excision of the tumour. However, few patients survive long and develop recurrence after a substantial time interval. The exact reason behind the long term survival in GBM cases remains obscure. However, few predictors have been identified of late. Young age, p53 positivity, O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation, aggressive surgical resection and a good pre-operative Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) have been identified with good survival rates in these select cases. Immunohistochemistry forms an integral part of a glioblastoma work up and it must be done in each and every case as it may provide crucial insights regarding prognosis. We report a rare case of glioblastoma multiforme with a long term survival of 20 years. This patient developed a frontal cystic tumour bilaterally in these 20 years and is still leading an active life. The clinical summary, imaging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry along with relevant literature have been discussed.


Whole Exome Sequencing in 16p13.11 Microdeletion Patients Reveals New Variants Through Deductive and Systems Medicine Approaches.
The 16p13.11 microdeletion, whose prevalence in the general population is about 0.04%, is known in literature as a predisposition factor to neurodevelopmental disorders, being found in about 0.13% of patients with schizophrenia, in 0.5-0.6% of patient with epilepsy, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aggressiveness. The goal of this study was to identify a specific gene set pattern unique for the affected patients in comparison with other familial components. Due to the incomplete penetrance of this copy number variant (CNV), we studied by whole exome sequencing (WES), with particular regard of 850 SFARI genes, three families with an affected member carrier of inherited 16p13.11 and 16p13.11p12.3 microdeletion and one family with an affected member with a de novo 16p13.11 microdeletion. By combining a deductive approach together with personalized network models, we identified gene signatures potentially capable of explaining the clinical phenotype. Candidate variants in genes of interest were identified as possibly involved in determining the neurological phenotype of the four patients, such as compound heterozygosity in CECR2, variants in MTOR and RICTOR genes, compound heterozygous single nucleotide variants in the LRRK2 gene. Moreover, genes present in the microdeletion region were partially present as central nodes, with a focus on NDE1. No additional pathogenetic or uncertain CNVs were found in all four patients. No significant variants were detected in genes included in the microdeletion in patients 1, 2 and 3, excluding the finding of unmasked recessive variants. In conclusion, WES is a fundamental tool in the genetic investigation of patients having a predisposing variant, which is not sufficient to define the clinical phenotype. Moreover, the analysis of WES data using Systems medicine tools, such as personalized network models, led to the prioritization of genes on a high throughput scale and to discover variants in genes that were not prioritized at first.


Exploration of the metal coordination region of concanavalin A for its interaction with human norovirus.
Rapid methods for the detection and clinical treatment of human norovirus (HuNoV) are needed to control foodborne disease outbreaks, but reliable techniques that are fast and sensitive enough to detect small amounts of HuNoV in food and aquatic environments are not yet available. We explore the interactions between HuNoV and concanavalin A (Con A), which could facilitate the development of a sensitive detection tool for HuNoV. Biophysical studies including hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed that when the metal coordinated region of Con A, which spans Asp16 to His24, is converted to nine alanine residues (mCon AMCR), the affinity for HuNoV (GII.4) diminishes, demonstrating that this Ca2+ and Mn2+ coordinated region is responsible for the observed virus-protein interaction. The mutated carbohydrate binding region of Con A (mCon ACBR) does not affect binding affinity significantly, indicating that MCR of Con A is a major region of interaction to HuNoV (GII.4). The results further contribute to the development of a HuNoV concentration tool, Con A-immobilized polyacrylate beads (Con A-PAB), for rapid detection of genotypes from genogroups I and II (GI and GII). This method offers many advantages over currently available methods, including a short concentration time. HuNov (GI and GII) can be detected in just 15 min with 90% recovery through Con A-PAB application. In addition, this method can be used over a wide range of pH values (pH 3.0 - 10.0). Overall, this rapid and sensitive detection of HuNoV (GI and GII) will aid in the prevention of virus transmission pathways, and the method developed here may have applicability for other foodborne viral infections.


Do high translucency zirconia shades contribute to the degree of conversion of dual-cure resin cements?
The opacity of the zirconia ceramic restoration may influence the degree of conversion (%DC) of dual-cured resin cements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion of resin luting agents photocured under different high translucency zirconia shades. The opacity of each ceramic shade was evaluated. The opacity percentage of Lava Frame and three Lava Plus High Translucency Zirconia ceramic shades (W1, A2, and B4) was determined. A spectrophotometer MiniScan was used to measure the opacity percentage of each specimen (0.7 mm thick) and then the opacity was calculated. Specimens from three different resin cements (Panavia F2.0, RelyX Unicem 2 Automix Self-Adhesive, and PermaFlo DC) were prepared with 100-µm thickness. The specimens were photocured according to the manufacturers' instructions under a ceramic block (0.7 mm thick). Specimens photocured without the ceramic block were used as control. Fifteen groups (n = 3) were evaluated. Micro-ATR/FTIR (micro-attenuated total reflectance/Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy) spectrometry was used to evaluate the extent of polymerization of all specimens after 24 hours. The %DC was determined using experimentally polymerized versus maximally polymerized composite. The opacity percentages (mean ± SD) of W1, Lava Frame, A2, and B4 ceramics were 72.41% ± 0.04%, 74.24% ± 0.09%, 77.63% ± 0.11%, and 78.17% ± 0.12%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in %DC among the different cements investigated (P = .003) and a statistical difference in %DC was also found among the different ceramic shades studied (P = .030). For the Lava Frame and A2 ceramic blocks, the resin cements tested presented the lowest %DC except for the RelyX Unicem resin cement. The %DC of RelyX Unicem 2 cement under low zirconia opacities (W1 and Lava Frame) was greater compared to high zirconia opacities (A2 and B4). For the Panavia F2.0 cement, no effect on the %DC under different high translucency shades was observed. The highest %DC of PermaFlo cement was exhibited when the ceramic shade W1 was used. Dual-cured resin cements exhibited different degrees of conversion depending on the opacity of the zirconia restoration. However, different brands demonstrated higher or lower dependency of the light transmittance on their degree of conversion.


Catalogue of the primary types of marine molluscan taxa described by Tommaso Allery Di Maria, Marquis of Monterosato, deposited in the Museo Civico di Zoologia, Roma.
We have compiled a complete list of new marine molluscan taxa introduced by Tommaso Allery Di Maria, Marquis of Monterosato (1841-1927). The dates of publication of every single work have been checked against available evidence, and an updated bibliography is also presented. Finally, the type material of all marine taxa expected to be in the collection Monterosato (presently preserved in the Museo Civico di Zoologia in Rome) has been searched in the main collection, and all retrieved specimens have been catalogued. A large majority of the material has been found, representative specimens of each taxon have been illustrated, and remarks on nomenclature and taxonomy have been provided yielding 42 new synonymies, 46 nominal taxa rediscovered, and 6 new combinations.


Epigenetic Status of H19-Igf2 Imprinted Genes and Loss of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in the Brain of Cloned Goats.
In mammals, the imprinted genes play vital roles in development and are generally controlled by DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). Recently, it was discovered that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is a stable epigenetic modification; however, its functions in cloned animal genomes have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we interrogated and quantified the 5-hmC levels in the brain of cloned goats and discovered upregulation of Uhrf1 (p < 0.001), Dnmt1 (p < 0.05), Dnmt3a (p < 0.05), Igf2 (p < 0.01), and H19 (p < 0.05) and downregulation of Dnmt3b (p < 0.001), Tet1 (p < 0.001), Tet2 (p < 0.05), Tet3 (p < 0.001), Mecp2 (p < 0.05), and Igf2r (p < 0.05) in deceased cloned goat tissues compared with the normal controls. We demonstrated that DNA methylation was increased at H19 ICR (51.33% ± 2.03% vs. 93.07% ± 3.06%; p < 0.01) and that DNA was hypomethylated at Igf2 ICR (4.57% ± 1.48% vs. 7.63% ± 1.83%; p > 0.05) in the brain of deceased cloned goats. Finally, we showed that within the cloned goat brain genome, the amount of genome-wide 5-hmC was significantly decreased (0.083% ± 0.026% vs. 0.024% ± 0.007%; p < 0.05), whereas the 5-hmC levels within H19 and Igf2 CCGG sites were not significantly altered (0.17% ± 0.09% vs. 0.03% ± 0.01%; p > 0.05) in the brain of deceased cloned goats. Our data bring further experimental evidence regarding the abnormalities in 5-hmC and advance our current understanding of the role of 5-hmC in cloned animals.


Growth, morphology, structure and characterization of L-histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid single crystal.
L-Histidinium dihydrogen arsenate orthoarsenic acid (LHAS) crystals were grown by the slow evaporation method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirms monoclinic structure. The growth rates of various planes of LHAS crystals were estimated by morphological study. Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots were analyzed to investigate the intermolecular interactions at 0.002 a.u. present in the crystal structure. The functional groups and phase behavior of the compound are studied by FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition at 307 K was observed in dielectric studies. The piezoelectric charge coefficients of the grown crystal were found to be 2 pC/N. The values of coercive field (Ec), remnant polarization (Pr) and spontaneous polarization (Ps) in the hysteresis loop are found to be 5.236 kV cm(-1), 0.654 µC cm(-2) and 2.841 µC cm(-2), respectively. Piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity are reported for the first time in LHAS crystals. The mechanical strength was confirmed from microhardness study and void volume. Due to the low value of the dielectric constant, and good piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, LHAS crystals can be used in microelectronics, sensors and advanced electronic devices.


Literature review, report, and analysis of genotype and clinical phenotype of a rare case of ulnar-mammary syndrome.
The clinical characteristics of Ulnar-mammary syndrome (UMS) caused by mutations in TBX3 (T-Box transcription factor 3) were studied and the correlation between genotype and clinical phenotype were analyzed to improve awareness and early diagnosis of the disease. The clinical data of a boy aged 13 years and 5 months with left forearm deformity and growth retardation as the main features were analyzed. Genomic exon detection was performed, and the results were verified by Sanger sequencing. Simultaneously, we performed literature review to analyze the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes. The clinical manifestations in the child were short stature, ulnar hypoplasia of the forearm, hypohidrosis, retracted nipple, micropenis, and cryptorchidism. Laboratory examination revealed hyperthyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Imaging results displayed delayed bone age, small pituitary gland, and persistence of Rathke's cleft cyst. The results of the exome sequencing revealed the deletion of AGA at positions 1121-1,124 of TBX3, which resulted in a frameshift mutation (c.1121-1124del AGAG; pGlu374fs). According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) assessment, the mutation is a pathogenic variant. A definitive diagnosis of UMS was made on the basis of the clinical phenotype of the patient. The Chinese and English literature were reviewed to analyze the correlation between TBX3 genotype and clinical phenotype. UMS is a rare hereditary disease caused by mutations in TBX3. There is significant clinical heterogeneity associated with the variants of this gene. To our knowledge, this mutation site in TBX3 has been reported for the first time, thereby expanding the mutation spectrum of this gene.


The nursing shortage and potential solutions: an overview.
Successfully solving the nephrology nursing shortage will require multiple strategies on national and local levels. Retaining current nephrology nurses is a key strategy. In addition, we, as a specialty, must help recruit people into nursing, and recruit student nurses and graduate nurses into the field of nephrology nursing. This article will describe the national nursing shortage and discuss how to create work environments that promote retention and satisfaction.


Protein 4.1 deficiency associated with an altered binding to the spectrin-actin complex of the red cell membrane skeleton.
Protein 4.1 has been defined as a major component of the subcortical skeleton of erythrocytes. It binds the spectrin--actin scaffold through a 10-kD internal domain. This binding requires an essential 21-amino acid sequence motif, Motif I, which is retained by alternative splicing at the late stage of erythroid differentiation. We here analyze the molecular basis of heterozygous 4.1(-) hereditary elliptocytosis, associated with protein 4.1 partial deficiency, in nine related French families. cDNA sequencing revealed a single codon deletion (AAA) resulting in a lysine residue deletion within the 10-kD binding domain, 3' of Motif I. The mutated allele was designated allele 4.1 Aravis. In order to assess the functional effect of the codon deletion, recombinant 10-kD constructs were made and various binding assays were performed using spectrin, purified spectrin-actin complex, or red cell membranes. These experiments demonstrated that the deletion of the Lys residue clearly prevents the binding capacity. Similar results were obtained with a construct containing the Lys residue but lacking Motif I. These data strongly suggest that the binding site to the spectrin-actin complex must contain the Lys 447 (or 448), and therefore resides not only on Motif I but extends 3' of this essential motif.


The influence of bone loss on the three adult age markers of the innominate.
To evaluate the influence of bone loss on the three adult age markers of the innominate, 30 males and 30 females aged between 16 and 80 years coming from the British Coventry collection were analyzed. The pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and acetabulum age variables were evaluated following the descriptions of Schmitt, Buckberry-Chamberlain, and Rissech, respectively. The second metacarpal cortical index was used to evaluate bone loss. Possible sexual differences in metrical variables were explored by a Student t-test taking into account the entire sample. The possible relationships between the cortical index and the three age methods' stages were assessed by the Kruskall-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. There were no sexual differences in the cortical index. In general, we observed no significant differences between the cortical index in the different stages of the pubic symphysis, auricular surface, or acetabulum variables in men and women. Most correlation coefficients are negatives, and their absolute values are between 0.001 and 0.44, indicating an extremely low influence of bone loss on the analyzed variables. Our findings suggest little influence of bone loss in the three ageing methods. However, further research on this topic is necessary. This is the first study to analyze the influence of bone loss in the ageing changes undergone by the variables of the three adult age indicators of the innominate taking into account both sexes.


A New Method of Predicting the Parameters of the Rotational Friction Welding Process Based on the Determination of the Frictional Heat Transfer in Ti Grade 2/AA 5005 Joints.
The article presents an original approach to determining the basic parameters of rotational friction welding (RFW) based on the analysis of friction heat transfer at the faying surfaces. Dissimilar Ti Grade 2/AA 5005 joints were used to demonstrate the method. The work established that for the analyzed joint, the optimum temperature at the faying surface that allow for a good quality weld to be obtained should be ~505 °C. On this basis, a map of optimal parameters was developed to achieve this temperature. This approach could potentially allow for more precise control of the welding process, leading to better joint quality and performance. The paper includes both a description of the technological process of friction welding and an attempt to explain the mechanism of the phenomena occurring in the welding area. The numerical calculations presented in the article were carried out using the ADINA System v. 9.8.2, which allows for the consideration of heat friction in the axial symmetric thermo-mechanical model. Frictional resistance was determined by the temperature-dependent friction coefficient. The assumed thermo-mechanical model required the determination of elastic-plastic properties versus temperature for the analyzed materials. The simulations of the friction welding were carried out for the different welding parameters and time. The different variants of friction welding were modelled.


Disturbances in melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature rhythms after major surgery.
It has been suggested that circadian rhythm disturbances are present after major surgery and that this may play a role in the development of postoperative sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and cardiovascular morbidity. The objective of this study was to examine the profile of melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature rhythms before and after major surgery. Blood samples (melatonin and cortisol) and core body temperature readings were collected every hour in the 24-h period prior to surgery and the 48 h after surgery from 11 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. All patients had private rooms. Light exposure was controlled and monitored. Phase markers [50% dim light melatonin onset (DLMO 50%) and offset (DLMOff 50%), cortisol and core body temperature acrophase] for the three circadian rhythm profiles were calculated before and after surgery. The correlation between the melatonin rhythm and time of surgery, duration of surgery and opioid use was examined. A median delay in the onset of melatonin was seen on the first postoperative day [median DLMO 50% 22:46 hours (range: 21:15-01:08 hours) on the preoperative day compared with 23:54 hours (range: 19:09-02:46 hours) on the first postoperative day; P </= 0.05] . A significant positive correlation existed between the duration of surgery and the time of melatonin onset (r = 0.67, P </= 0.05) . There was a significantly reduced basal secretion of melatonin immediately after surgery, with a subsequent significant increase in maximum melatonin values on the second postoperative night. A median delay of up to 4 h was seen in the timing of the peak of the temperature rhythm on the second postoperative day. Both cortisol secretion and core body temperature were increased after surgery and did not return to preoperative values in the 48 h of the postoperative study period. No significant correlation between opioid dose and the basal or maximum melatonin levels or the time of melatonin onset was found. We found disturbances in three circadian markers after major surgery. The clinical consequences of postoperative circadian disturbances should be investigated further in the future.


[Malignant rheumatoid arthritis].
Malignant rheumatoid arthritis (MRA) is designated as rheumatoid arthritis with vasculitis, but MRA is commonly called rheumatoid vasculitis in western countries. Patients with MRA show a variety of symptoms and signs based on vasculitis. The clinical features include subcutaneous nodule, skin ulcer, pericarditis, myocarditis, pleuritis, pneumonitis, intestinal infarction, mononeuritis multiplex and other involvements. The cause of the various vascular lesions in MRA has not been clearly defined, but a number of observations suggest that they result from injury induced by immune complexes, especially, those containing rheumatoid factor (RF). The theory of self-associated IgG RF has been proposed. MRA is usually treated with steroid, and steroid pulse therapy and immunosuppressants are highly useful for severe MRA.


Long-term cognitive impairment associated with caudate stroke.
Neuropsychiatric findings were examined in 91 patients with acute focal subcortical lesions to determine whether cognitive outcome would differ depending on whether the head of the caudate or other subcortical structures were injured. Patients were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and modified Present State Examination. Patients were reexamined at short-term (3 to 6 months) or long-term (1 to 2 years) follow-up. There were no significant intergroup differences in the MMSE scores at the initial evaluation or at short-term follow-up. At long-term follow-up, however, patients with either right or left caudate lesions had significantly lower MMSE scores than patients with other subcortical lesions. A significant number of patients with caudate infarction deteriorate in their intellectual function between 1 and 2 years after stroke. This phenomenon could be mediated through disruption of cortical projections to the caudate.


First-line tepotinib for a very elderly patient with metastatic NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation and high PD-L1 expression.
Optimal treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mesenchymal epithelial transition gene (MET) exon 14 skipping mutation has not been established yet. MET inhibitors were demonstrated to be effective and tolerated in patients with this condition, while evidence on safety and efficacy of immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy in this population is limited. Here we report the case of an 86-year-old male with metastatic NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation and with high programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (tumor proportion score ≥50%). The patient received the MET inhibitor tepotinib as first-line treatment, achieving a partial response, with G2 peripheral edema as adverse event that was successfully managed with temporary discontinuation, dose reduction, diuretics and physical therapy. After 31 months, the patient is still receiving tepotinib, with an ongoing response. Tepotinib is a valuable therapeutic option for first-line treatment of older patients with NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation, even in the presence of high PD-L1 expression.


Encoded multichromophore response for simultaneous label-free detection.
The self-assembly of molecularly precise nanostructures is widely expected to form the basis of future high-speed integrated circuits, but the technologies suitable for such circuits are not well understood. In this work, DNA self-assembly is used to create molecular logic circuits that can selectively identify specific biomolecules in solution by encoding the optical response of near-field coupled arrangements of chromophores. The resulting circuits can detect label-free, femtomole quantities of multiple proteins, DNA oligomers, and small fragments of RNA in solution via ensemble optical measurements. This method, which is capable of creating multiple logic-gate-sensor pairs on a 2 x 80 x 80-nm DNA grid, is a step toward more sophisticated nanoscale logic circuits capable of interfacing computers with biological processes.


Attentional asymmetries in peripheral vision.
Previous research on the use of peripheral vision to identify two spatially separated stimuli simultaneously has led to the conclusion that the focus of attention has the form of a symmetric ellipse with a broader expansion along the horizontal compared to the vertical meridian. However, research on pseudoneglect has indicated that attention is not symmetrically distributed to the whole visual field. Here, we test if the attention window is indeed symmetrical with regard to its shape and resolution during peripheral vision. The results indicate that the position of those stimuli relative to the focus of attention influences the ability to identify a given set of stimuli. Specifically, stimuli presented to the left and top of the fixation point were more frequently identified correctly compared to those presented to the right bottom. That is, the attention window is rather not symmetric, which must be considered in future studies on the nature of the focus of attention.


Changes in obsessive/compulsive patients as measured by the Leyton Inventory before and after treatment with clomipramine.
The Leyton Obsessional Inventory has been found to be a useful measure in assessing patients before and after treatment with clomipramine. Mean scores for symptoms and interference altered significantly during the course of treatment. The Leyton Obsessional Inventory, however, lacks external validation owing to the absence of some valid alternative quantification. In the absence of such external validation it seems justifiable to use the mean Leyton score diagnostically but not as a sole indication of severity or response to treatment.


Australia's Efforts to Improve Food Security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Australia is a wealthy country; however, available evidence suggests that food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has not yet been achieved. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote, regional, and urban parts of Australia experience food insecurity for a number of reasons that usually include low income and a lack of access to affordable and healthy food. The much higher rate of illness and disease that this population experiences compared to non-indigenous Australians is directly related to food insecurity. This paper examines the food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recent Australian government efforts to combat this problem. The paper first considers what constitutes a human rights-based approach to achieving food security. Second, it describes the food insecurity that currently exists among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the three pillars of food access, food availability, and food use. Third, the paper critically examines recent and current Australian government policy aimed at improving food security. The paper concludes with some reflections regarding how the Australian government can improve its efforts to achieve food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


Dysfunctional activated protein C (PC Cádiz) in a patient with thrombotic disease.
The partial characterization of a dysfunctional protein C (PC), provisionally named "PC Cádiz", in a 45-year-old male patient suffering from recurrent venous thrombosis is described. The only defect found in laboratory assays for haemostasis and hepatic function was a half normal level of both amidolytic and anticoagulant protein C activity, measured by different functional assays that use thrombin-thrombomodulin complex and a snake venom to activate protein C. Protein C antigen was always found to be within normal levels. Two young daughters of the propositus were found to have the same defect. Double-crossed immunoelectrophoresis, performed in the presence and absence of Ca2+ in the first dimension, showed no clear differences between patient and control PC. PC adsorption to barium salts was also found to be normal. Measurement of the PC activation peptide in the barium citrate eluates after PC activation showed no significant differences between patient and 10 normal controls, the concentration of this peptide being very similar to that of PC zymogen in the same eluates before PC activation. These results indicate that this abnormal PC is able to be normally activated by thrombin-thrombomodulin complex but does not exhibit serine protease activity, probably due to a defect in the PC molecule near the active site center.


Nonparametric analysis of competing risks data with event category missing at random.
In competing risks setup, the data for each subject consist of the event time, censoring indicator, and event category. However, sometimes the information about the event category can be missing, as, for example, in a case when the date of death is known but the cause of death is not available. In such situations, treating subjects with missing event category as censored leads to the underestimation of the hazard functions. We suggest nonparametric estimators for the cumulative cause-specific hazards and the cumulative incidence functions which use the Nadaraya-Watson estimator to obtain the contribution of an event with missing category to each of the cause-specific hazards. We derive the propertied of the proposed estimators. Optimal bandwidth is determined, which minimizes the mean integrated squared errors of the proposed estimators over time. The methodology is illustrated using data on lung infections in patients from the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry.


Cell-mediated immune response of human lymphocytes to influenza A/USSR (H1N1) virus infection.
Cell-mediated immunity to influenza A/USSR (H1N1) virus was assessed by measuring transformation response and interferon production by Ficoll-Hypaque-purified peripheral blood lymphocytes from children and adults. Lymphocyte transformation was found to be related to the individual's previous experience with H1N1 influenza virus. Lymphocyte cultures, obtained from adults who had their last contact with the H1N1 virus over 20 years ago, were able to transform when incubated with H1N1 influenza antigens. This response suggests that influenza virus can induced long-term cell-mediated immunity for periods of at least 20 years. Interferon produced by stimulated lymphocytes was found to be unrelated to previous contact with influenza H1N1 virus; seronegative as well as seropositive individuals were capable of producing interferon in response to viral antigens. The interferon produced was type I.


[A study on correlation of hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer to vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and fibronectin].
To study the correlation of hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin- 2 and fibronectin (FN). The transcription and expression of VEGF, angiopoietin- 2 and FN were detected by semiquantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (SQRT- PCR) and immunohistochemical staining in the specimens from sixty patients with colorectal cancer. The mRNA transcription and expression levels of VEGF, angiopoietin- 2 and FN in colorectal cancer tissues were obviously higher than those in paratumor normal tissues P< 0.05. The transcription and expression levels of VEGF were correlated with tumor invasion P< 0.05,Dukes' stage P< 0.05,and lymph node and/or hepatic metastasis P< 0.05. Angiopoietin expression and transcription levels were correlated with tumor differentiation. The expression of FN in extra cellular matrix (ECM) was significantly higher (P< 0.05),whereas ECM in basement membrane was significantly lower in cancer tissues than that in paratumor normal tissues (P< 0.05),which both were correlated with tumor invasion P< 0.05,Dukes' stage P< 0.05,and lymph node metastasis P< 0.05. Absence of FN protein in basement membrane was also correlated with hepatic metastasis. Colorectal cancer cells can secrete VEGF and contribute to metastasis and proliferation of tumor by stimulating the growth of tumor vessel. Both of VEGF and angiopoietin- 2 contribute to angiogenesis and the decrease of FN in basement membrane of cancer tissue is an important primary factor of hepatic metastasis.


Connecdenn, a novel DENN domain-containing protein of neuronal clathrin-coated vesicles functioning in synaptic vesicle endocytosis.
Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) are responsible for the endocytosis of multiple cargo, including synaptic vesicle membranes. We now describe a new CCV protein, termed connecdenn, that contains an N-terminal DENN (differentially expressed in neoplastic versus normal cells) domain, a poorly characterized protein module found in multiple proteins of unrelated function and a C-terminal peptide motif domain harboring three distinct motifs for binding the alpha-ear of the clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP-2). Connecdenn coimmunoprecipitates and partially colocalizes with AP-2, and nuclear magnetic resonance and peptide competition studies reveal that all three alpha-ear-binding motifs contribute to AP-2 interactions. In addition, connecdenn contains multiple Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding motifs and coimmunoprecipitates with the synaptic SH3 domain proteins intersectin and endophilin A1. Interestingly, connecdenn is enriched on neuronal CCVs and is present in the presynaptic compartment of neurons. Moreover, connecdenn has a uniquely stable association with CCV membranes because it resists extraction with Tris and high-salt buffers, unlike most other CCV proteins, but it is not detected on purified synaptic vesicles. Together, these observations suggest that connecdenn functions on the endocytic limb of the synaptic vesicle cycle. Accordingly, disruption of connecdenn interactions with its binding partners through overexpression of the C-terminal peptide motif domain or knock down of connecdenn through lentiviral delivery of small hairpin RNA both lead to defects in synaptic vesicle endocytosis in cultured hippocampal neurons. Thus, we identified connecdenn as a component of the endocytic machinery functioning in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, providing the first evidence of a role for a DENN domain-containing protein in endocytosis.


Time-resolved molecular beam mass spectrometry of the initial stage of particle formation in an Ar/He/C2H2 plasma.
The temporal evolution of the neutral plasma chemistry products in a capacitively coupled plasma from argon/helium/acetylene is followed via molecular beam mass spectrometry with a time resolution of 100 ms. Several chemistry pathways are resolved. (i) The formation of C2nH2 (n = 2-5) molecules proceeds via the following sequence: the production of highly reactive C2H radicals in electron impact dissociation of C2H2 is followed by C2H induced chain polymerization of C2nH2 (n = 1-4). (ii) CnH4 (n = 4, 5, 6) compounds are detected already at an early stage of the discharge excluding polymerization reactions with C2H radical being responsible for their formation. Instead, vinylidene reactions with acetylene or mutual neutralization reactions of ionic species are proposed as sources of their formation. (iii) Surface reactions are identified as the source of C8H6. The measured hydrocarbon molecules represents possible precursors for negative ion formation via dissociative electron attachment reactions and can hence play a crucial role in particle nucleation. On the basis of the comparison of our data with available experimental and modeling results for acetylene plasmas in the literature, we propose C2nH2 (n > 1) molecules as important precursors for negative ion formation.


Joint photographic experts group (JPEG) compatible data compression of mammograms.
We have developed a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compatible image compression scheme tailored to the compression of digitized mammographic images. This includes a preprocessing step that segments the tissue area from the background, replaces the background pixels with a constant value, and applies a noise-removal filter to the tissue area. The process was tested by performing a just-noticeable difference (JND) study to determine the relationship between compression ratio and a reader's ability to discriminate between compressed and noncompressed versions of digitized mammograms. We found that at compression ratios of 15:1 and below, image-processing experts are unable to detect a difference, whereas at ratios of 60:1 and above they can identify the compressed image nearly 100% of the time. The performance of less specialized viewers was significantly lower because these viewers seemed to have difficulty in differentiating between artifact and real information at the lower and middle compression ratios. This preliminary study suggests that digitized mammograms are very amenable to compression by techniques compatible with the JPEG standard. However, this study was not designed to address the efficacy of image compression process for mammography, but is a necessary first step in optimizing the compression in anticipation of more elaborate reader performance (ROC) studies.


Usefulness of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Inflammation and increased platelet activation play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has recently been reported as a new independent predictor for major adverse cardiovascular events in cardiovascular diseases. To investigate the relation between PLR and cardiovascular mortality in patients with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI) or both. In our retrospective study, 602 consecutive patients who were admitted to a large tertiary hospital with the diagnosis of symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to their PLR as follows: high PLR (PLR > 142) and low PLR (PLR ≤ 142) groups. During the follow-up period (median: 33.8 months (interquartile range: 21-45)), 131 deaths occurred out of 602 (21.8%) patients. Cardiovascular mortality was found to be significantly higher in the high PLR group compared to the low PLR group (31.6% vs. 17.2 %; p < 0.001). Even after adjustment for various risk factors, PLR > 142 and age were found to be independent predictors of long-term cardiovascular mortality in Cox regression analysis (hazard ratios (95% confidence interval): 1.03 (1.01-1.04) and 1.04 (1.02-1.06), p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, which is one of the parameters of routine complete blood count, reflects increased inflammatory status, platelet activation and aggregation. PLR is a cheap and readily available marker that has the ability to improve risk stratification provided by conventional risk scores in predicting long-term cardiovascular mortality in PAOD.


A retrospective review of light- and laser-based management of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to manage and often refractory to medical management. Light and laser therapies have been utilized in the field of dermatology to treat a variety of skin conditions, but more recently were studied in the management of HS. Usually performed as outpatient procedures with a low risk of complications, they offer several advantages to traditional cold knife surgical procedures. We reviewed the various light- and laser-based treatments studied in HS and compared their efficacy. Outcome measures were not standardized, which made comparison difficult. Studies performed were few in number and often limited by small patient samples. Larger, randomized controlled trials that compare these treatment modalities to medical and surgical management are needed. Despite their limitations, light- and laser-based therapies are promising treatment options for patients with refractory HS.


Molecular regulation of prostate cancer by Galectin-3 and estrogen receptor.
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among men worldwide. This cancer is hormone-dependent; therefore, androgen, estrogen, and their receptors play an important role in development and progression of this disease, and in emergence of the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins which are frequently altered (upregulated or downregulated) in a wide range of tumors, participating in different stages of tumor development and progression, but the molecular mechanisms which regulate its expression are still poorly understood. This review provides an overview of the current and emerging knowledge on Galectin-3 in cancer biology with focus on prostate cancer and the interplay with estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways, present in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. We suggest a molecular mechanism where ER, Galectin-3 and β-catenin can modulate nuclear transcriptional events, such as, proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Despite a number of achievements in targeted therapy for prostate cancer, CRPC may eventually develop, therefore new effective drug targets need urgently to be found. Further understanding of the role of Galectin-3 and ER in prostate cancer will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer development and the future treatment of this disease.


[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in hazardous drinkers].
Excess alcohol consumption has been associated with multiple pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The consumption of large amounts of alcohol (hazardous drinking) facilitates acid regurgitation by reducing the pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter and slowing both oesophageal motility and gastric emptying. Regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage involved lower alcohol doses also have been shown to induce decreased pressure in lower oesophageal, decrease in oesophageal motility and enhanced risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be important risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. For identification of hazardous drinking patients we can use AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test). AUDIT has been created by World Health Organization experts as a simple screening test looking for hazardous drinking people.


Collagen Turnover Biomarkers Associate with Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Decrease with Guselkumab Treatment in a Phase 3 Clinical Trial (DISCOVER-2).
Guselkumab, a novel interleukin-23p19 subunit monoclonal antibody, has been shown to effectively improve the diverse manifestations of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in two phase 3 trials (DISCOVER-1, DISCOVER-2). Serum concentrations of extracellular matrix (ECM) biomarkers at baseline and following treatment with guselkumab were evaluated in patients with active PsA, and the relationship of these biomarkers with baseline PsA characteristics and clinical response to guselkumab treatment was explored. Serum samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, 24, and 52 from a selected subset (N = 260) of the 739 biologic-naïve patients with PsA treated with guselkumab 100 mg every 4 or 8 weeks or placebo in DISCOVER-2. Demographically matched healthy controls (N = 76) were used for comparison. The samples were analyzed for ECM biomarkers associated with collagen degradation (C1M, C2M, C3M, C4M, C6M, C10C) and collagen formation (PRO-C1, PRO-C2, PRO-C3, PRO-C4, PRO-C6). Baseline concentrations of collagen degradation biomarkers C1M, C3M, C4M, and C6M and collagen formation biomarkers PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 were significantly higher (i.e., ≥ 1.25-fold and false discovery rate adjusted p < 0.05) in PsA patients than in healthy controls. Serum C1M, C3M, C4M, and C6M levels declined from baseline in guselkumab-treated patients in both dosing regimens. In addition, guselkumab-treated ACR20 responders (≥ 20% improvement in American College of Rhematology response criteria) had significantly lower C1M levels than ACR20 nonresponders. These data demonstrate that serum collagen biomarkers are elevated in patients with PsA compared with healthy controls and that treatment with guselkumab decreases levels of C1M, C3M, C4M, and C6M. Importantly, C1M serves as a biomarker that associates with improvement of joint signs and symptoms. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03158285.


Doing what I like.
I have spent my entire professional life at Harvard Medical School, beginning as a medical student. I have enjoyed each day of a diverse career in four medical subspecialties while following the same triad of preclinical areas of investigation-cysteinyl leukotrienes, mast cells, and complement-with occasional translational opportunities. I did not envision a career with a predominant preclinical component. Such a path simply evolved because I chose instinctively at multiple junctures to follow what proved to be propitious opportunities. My commentary notes some of the highlights for each area of interest and the mentors, collaborators, and trainees whose counsel has been immensely important at particular intervals or over an extended period.


Corneal surface morphology following excimer laser ablation with humidified gases.
To compare the effects of blowing dry (nitrogen or helium) and humidified gases over the corneal surface during photorefractive keratectomy. Excimer laser myopic ablations were performed on porcine eyes (10 per group) using humidified and dry nitrogen and helium gas under ambient conditions. Surface smoothness was quantified with light and electron microscopy. Corneas that were ablated using humidified gas were smooth and equivalent to those ablated under ambient conditions. Dry nitrogen and helium blowing resulted in increased surface irregularity evident on light and electron microscopy (P < .001). The pseudomembranes in the humidified gas and ambient air groups had fewer surface discontinuities than did those in the nonhumdified gas groups and appeared to have a thinner electron-dense surface layer. The blowing of humidified gas during excimer laser corneal ablation produces a smoother surface than does the blowing of dry gas and is comparable to that produced under ambient (no blowing) conditions. Maintaining corneal moisture is important in photorefractive keratectomy. If blowing gas is necessary to remove debris from the surface, the gas should be humidified.


Detection of lymphoma in bone marrow by whole-body positron emission tomography.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a whole-body imaging technique using 18 fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), whose uptake is increased in tumor cells. Published studies have shown PET to be an effective method of staging lymphoma and to be more sensitive than CT at detecting extranodal disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the increased marrow uptake of FDG observed in some lymphoma patients during routine staging PET scans represented marrow involvement by disease. PET scans of 50 patients with Hodgkin's (12) and non-Hodgkin's (38) lymphoma were analyzed by three independent observers and the marrow graded as normal or abnormal using a visual grading system. Unilateral iliac crest marrow aspirates and biopsies were performed on all patients. The PET scan and marrow histology agreed in 39 patients (78%), being concordant positive in 13 and concordant negative in 26 patients. In 8 patients the PET scan showed increased FDG uptake but staging biopsy was negative; in 4 of these 8 patients the PET scan showed a normal marrow background with focal FDG "hot spots" distant from the site biopsied. In 3 patients the marrow biopsy specimen was positive but the PET scan normal; 2 of these 3 patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma whose malignant cells did not take up FDG at lymph node or marrow disease sites. Therefore, there were only 5 patients (10%) in whom there was a difference between the PET scan and biopsy result which could not be fully explained. Visual interpretation of marrow FDG uptake during whole-body staging PET scans can correctly assess marrow disease status in a high proportion of lymphoma patients. PET has the potential to reduce the need for staging marrow biopsy.


The osmotically sensitive potassium and sodium compartments of synaptosomes.
1. Synaptosomes are pinched-off nerve terminals whose components can be liberated by osmotic ;shock'. A synaptosome preparation run through a Sephadex column that was eluted with an iso-osmotic solution retained its small ions, whereas when the column was eluted hypo-osmotically the small ions were lost. In this way the osmotically sensitive Na(+) and K(+) of synaptosomes were measured. Measurements of the lactate dehydrogenase occluded within the synaptosome were also made. The release of osmotically sensitive Na(+) and K(+) and occluded lactate dehydrogenase had similar characteristics with respect to the degree of osmotic ;shock' necessary and the action of lytic agents. 2. The distribution of osmotically sensitive Na(+), K(+) and occluded lactate dehydrogenase in the subfractions of a crude mitochondrial preparation was examined. The synaptosome fraction was the richest source of these constituents. 3. On standing at 5 degrees in iso-osmotic solution Na(+) and K(+) were lost from synaptosomes, whereas the amount of occluded lactate dehydrogenase remained stable, suggesting that the synaptosome membrane retained its integrity but that Na(+) and K(+) diffused through it out of the osmotically sensitive compartment. 4. The uptake of Na(+) and K(+) into the osmotically sensitive compartment was examined. At 5 degrees the rates of uptake of Na(+) and K(+) were found to be equal to the rates of loss of these ions when correction to a uniform concentration gradient had been made. K(+) travelled across the membrane slightly faster than Na(+), the rate of K(+) movement being about 1.0mumuequiv.cm.(-2)sec.(-1) under a concentration gradient of 0.1m. Active transport is not thought to contribute to the ion movements under the conditions used. 5. The amount of K(+) taken up into the osmotically sensitive compartment as a function of the external concentration was examined. Since the uncharged molecule d-[(14)C]galactose distributes across the synaptosome membrane similarly to K(+) there is not thought to be a synaptosomal trans-membrane potential. The volume of the osmotically sensitive compartment was measured by this method and found to agree with estimates of the synaptosomal volume made from morphological studies. In media of low ionic strength synaptosomes exhibit a Donnan effect. 6. It is concluded from these studies that the osmotically sensitive compartment represents the inner volume of the synaptosome, which is completely separated from the outside environment by a diffusion barrier having many of the general properties of a biological membrane.


Effect of preoperative dexamethasone on edema of oral and extra-oral structures following trans-oral decompression and posterior fusion.
We investigated the anti-edema effect of intravenous dexamethasone in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in 40 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for trans-oral decompression and posterior fusion. Patients were divided into two groups to receive either placebo or 10 mg dexamethasone one hour prior to induction of anesthesia. After anesthesia induction, oral structures were graded as swelling grade 0 at direct laryngoscopy. Duration of trans-oral surgery, duration of posterior fusion, and total duration of surgery were recorded. After completion of surgery, direct laryngoscopy was repeated, and swelling was graded from 1 to 4. Patients who had a swelling grade of 1 or 2 were extubated while grades of 3 and 4 were transferred to a neurosurgical intensive care unit, and re-assessments were performed 12 hours apart. Patients with swelling grades of 1 and 2 were extubated on each assessment. On statistical analysis of the results, the study found that in comparison to placebo, patients in the dexamethasone group were extubated earlier (P < 0.006, Chi Square for trend). Total duration of surgery and duration of posterior fusion were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in patients who had swelling grade >2 than in patients who had swelling grade < or =2 at completion of surgery (192.50 +/- 16.26, 356.07 +/- 17.06 minutes versus. 158.27 +/- 9.07, 311.41 +/- 14.06 minutes).


History of the Department of Surgery at Albany Medical Center.
Surgeons have always played an integral role in the history of the Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College. In addition to supporting vital patient care and teaching programs, the Department of Surgery has played an important administrative role providing the college with five deans. The origins of the Department of Surgery reach back to 1910 when the American Medical Association-sponsored Flexner report proposed dramatic changes in the structure and format of medical education in the United States. In response to the recommendations of the report, the medical center restructured its faculty and curriculum to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing profession. One result of this reorganization was the formation of the Department of Surgery in 1912. Dr. Arthur Elting was named the first Chair of the Department in 1915. This report will review the history of the Department, focusing on the eight surgeons who have served as Chair.


Urine labeling with orally applied marker substances in drug substitution therapy.
The compliance of 581 drug addicts attending six methadone substitution outpatient clinics was determined over a period of 18 months. Urine from these patients was labeled following oral administration of low molecular weight polyethylene glycols as marker substances. These substances were measured in approx. 5800 urine samples. A protocol for applying marker substances and ways to prevent substitution of urine samples were evaluated. Normal values for marker substances in urine were determined. The results suggest that this labeling procedure is a new diagnostic tool to prevent manipulation of urine samples by drug addicts receiving substitution therapy.


Cavernous Hemangiomas of the Pediatric Calvaria.
This series reports 2 pediatric cases of calvarial cavernous hemangioma (cavernoma, cavernous malformation) treated surgically at Children's Hospital Colorado between 2008 and 2010. Both cases presented as painless bony masses which enlarged over time. Both patients underwent surgical resection without complication and have remained recurrence free since surgery. Because so few cases have been reported among pediatric populations, little is known regarding the epidemiology and prognosis of calvarial cavernous hemangiomas in children. These cases represent interesting additions to the small body of literature on these rare tumors.


Unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation using a chemotherapy-only preparative regimen for adults with high-risk acute myelogenous leukemia.
Limited data are available for adults undergoing unrelated donor (URD) BMT for AML using chemotherapy-only preparative regimens. Previous studies incorporated irradiation, included adults and children, and excluded secondary leukemia. Herein we report long-term outcomes for adults with poor-prognostic AML receiving a novel regimen of busulfan (16 mg/kg), cytarabine (8,000 mg/m(2)), and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) (BAC), followed by URD BMT. From June 1995 through October 2001, 45 adults were enrolled. Adverse features included unfavorable cytogenetics (49%), secondary AML (47%), leukemia at transplant (42%), and extramedullary disease (16%). At time of BMT, 23 were in remission (12 CR1) while 22 had leukemia. Four (9%) died early. Acute and chronic GVHD rates were 44 and 67%, respectively. Seventeen (38%) were disease-free 52 months post-BMT; 13 were leukemia-free (eight CR1) at transplant. Eleven relapsed. Three-year DFS and OS were 42 and 46%, respectively. DFS and OS were longer, and relapses less, for those in CR at time of BMT. Secondary leukemia, cytogenetics, cell dose, and GVHD did not influence outcome. In poor-risk AML, BAC provided cytoreduction comparable to reported TBI-containing regimens, when administered for URD BMT. With decreasing treatment-related mortality, it is justified to proceed early to URD BMT for patients with poor prognostic features.


Theoretical insights into the π-hole interactions in the complexes containing triphosphorus hydride (P3H3) and its derivatives.
The π-hole of triphosphorus hydride (P3H3) and its derivatives Z3X3 (Z = P, As; X = H, F, Cl, Br) was discovered and analyzed. MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations were performed on the π-hole interactions in the HCN...Z3X3 complexes and the mutual influence between π-hole interactions and the hydrogen bond in the HCN...HCN...Z3X3 and HCN...Z3X3...HCN complexes studied. The π-hole interaction belongs to the typical closed-shell noncovalent interaction. The linear relationship was found between the most positive electrostatic potential of the π-hole (VS,max) and the interaction energy. Moreover, the VS,max of the π-hole was also found to be linearly correlated to the electrostatic energy term, indicating the important contribution of the electrostatic energy term to the π-hole interaction. There is positive cooperativity between the π-hole interaction and the hydrogen bond in the termolecular complexes. The π-hole interaction has a greater influence on the hydrogen bond than vice versa. The mutual enhancing effect between the π-hole interaction and the hydrogen bond in the HCN...HCN...Z3X3 complexes is greater than that in the HCN...Z3X3...HCN complexes.


Structural Polymorphism in a Self-Assembled Tri-Aromatic Peptide System.
Self-assembly is a process of key importance in natural systems and in nanotechnology. Peptides are attractive building blocks due to their relative facile synthesis, biocompatibility, and other unique properties. Diphenylalanine (FF) and its derivatives are known to form nanostructures of various architectures and interesting and varied characteristics. The larger triphenylalanine peptide (FFF) was found to self-assemble as efficiently as FF, forming related but distinct architectures of plate-like and spherical nanostructures. Here, to understand the effect of triaromatic systems on the self-assembly process, we examined carboxybenzyl-protected diphenylalanine (z-FF) as a minimal model for such an arrangement. We explored different self-assembly conditions by changing solvent compositions and peptide concentrations, generating a phase diagram for the assemblies. We discovered that z-FF can form a variety of structures, including nanowires, fibers, nanospheres, and nanotoroids, the latter were previously observed only in considerably larger or co-assembly systems. Secondary structure analysis revealed that all assemblies possessed a β-sheet conformation. Additionally, in solvent combinations with high water ratios, z-FF formed rigid and self-healing hydrogels. X-ray crystallography revealed a "wishbone" structure, in which z-FF dimers are linked by hydrogen bonds mediated by methanol molecules, with a 2-fold screw symmetry along the c-axis. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed conformations similar to the crystal structure. Coarse-grained MD simulated the assembly of the peptide into either fibers or spheres in different solvent systems, consistent with the experimental results. This work thus expands the building block library for the fabrication of nanostructures by peptide self-assembly.


Endovascular treatment of aneurysms arising from the basilar artery trunk and branches.
This study reports our experience with the endovascular treatment of basilar artery (BA) trunk and branch aneurysms. Subjects included 16 patients with BA trunk and branch aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment in our hospital from October 2000 to October 2009, including four patients with associated arteriovenous malformation (AVM), two with associated moyamoya disease, one with multiple aneurysms at adjacent sites, and one with a distant aneurysm. Endovascular coil embolization, together with stent or balloon assistance when necessary, or while occluding the parent artery was performed. Associated diseases were managed intraoperatively or in the second stage, or treated with gamma knife radiotherapy, or followed up. Two patients with unsuccessful embolization died of re-rupture at the fourth month and fifth month follow-up. The remaining 14 patients reported good outcomes and experienced no re-rupture of either the aneurysm or associated disease. Angiographic follow-ups were conducted for the 14 patients for six to 12 months. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination at the last follow-up showed no recurrence of the BA trunk and branch aneurysms. Together, BA trunk and branch aneurysms should be actively managed via endovascular techniques to prevent serious consequences due to aneurysm rupture and bleeding. Favorable outcomes can be obtained by the proper selection of endovascular treatment regimens.


Load and distribution of organic matter and nutrients in a separated household wastewater stream.
Wastewater from a source-separated sanitation system connected to 24 residential flats was analysed for the content of organic matter and nutrients and other key parameters for microbiological processes used in the treatment and reuse of wastewater. Black water (BW) was the major contributor to the total load of organic matter and nutrients in the wastewater, accounting for 69% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 83% of total nitrogen (N) and 87% of phosphorus (P). With a low COD/N ratio and high content of free ammonia, treating BW alone is a challenge in traditional biological nitrogen removal approaches. However, its high nitrogen concentration (1.4-1.7 g L(-1)) open up for nutrient reuse as well as for novel, more energy efficient N-removal technologies. Grey water (GW) contained low amounts of nutrients relative to organic matter, and this may limit biological treatment processes under certain conditions. GW contains a higher proportion of soluble, readily degradable organic substances compared with BW, which facilitates simple, decentralized treatment approaches. The concentration of organic matter and nutrients varied considerably between our study and other studies, which could be related to different toilet flushing volumes and water use habits. The daily load per capita, on the other hand, was found to be in line with most of the reported studies.


Prevalence of headache and migraine in schoolchildren.
To determine the prevalence rates of the various causes of severe headache in schoolchildren, with special emphasis on migraine and its impact on school attendance. Population based study in two stages, comprising an initial screening questionnaire followed by clinical interviews and examination of children with symptoms and a control group of asymptomatic children matched for age and sex. 67 primary and secondary schools in the city of Aberdeen. 2165 children, representing a random sample of 10% of schoolchildren in Aberdeen aged 5-15 years. (a) the prevalence of migraine (International Headache Society criteria) and of other types of headache; (b) the impact of migraine on school attendance. The estimated prevalence rates of migraine and tension headache were 10.6% (95% confidence interval 9.1 to 12.3) and 0.9% (0.5 to 1.5) respectively. The estimated prevalence rates for migraine without aura and migraine with aura were 7.8% (95% confidence interval 6.5 to 9.3) and 2.8% (2.0 to 3.8) respectively. In addition, 10 children (0.7%) had headaches which, though lasting less than two hours, also fulfilled the International Headache Society criteria for migraine, 14 (0.9%) had tension headaches, and 20 (1.3%) had non-specific recurrent headache. The prevalence of migraine increased with age, with male preponderance in children under 12 and female preponderance thereafter. Children with migraine lost a mean of 7.8 school days a year due to all illnesses (2.8 days (range 0-80) due to headache) as compared with a mean of 3.7 days lost by controls. Migraine is a common cause of headache in children and causes significantly reduced school attendance.


Endometrial carcinoma arising in a large polypoid adenomyoma of the uterus.
A case of endometrial carcinoma arising in a large adenomyomatous polyp is described in a 75-year-old woman. The malignant element appeared to be a mixed adenosquamous carcinoma that was embedded in diffuse adenomyomatous infiltration. The lesion was entirely intramural, and the surface endometrium was atrophic and not neoplastic. The absence of endometrial involvement led to a 6-year delay before hysterectomy was carried out. Pathologic study of the radically excised uterus showed evidence of metastasis to one paraaortic lymph node. Since this appears to be the first example of such an event, the English literature was reviewed for the associated findings of adenomyosis and carcinoma in an intramural setting with noninvolvement of the surface endometrium.


A comparison between unilateral transverse process-pedicle and bilateral puncture techniques in percutaneous kyphoplasty.
A prospective comparative study. To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures using unilateral transverse process-pedicle and bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). PKP is a widely used vertebral augmentation procedure for treating painful vertebral compression fractures. A percutaneous bilateral approach is typically used to access the vertebral body. Many previous studies have reported excellent clinical results with PKP. In contrast, numerous complications and problems have also been reported, such as puncture difficulty, cement leakage, and adjacent vertebral fracture. This prospective study included 316 patients with single-level lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, 224 females and 92 males with a mean age of 71.5 years. Randomized patients underwent PKP using 2 different puncture techniques. The patients were followed up postoperatively and were assessed mainly with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes. Clinical outcomes were evaluated mainly using the visual analogue scale for pain and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire for health status. Radiological outcomes were assessed mainly on the basis of radiation dose, bone cement distribution, vertebral body height, and kyphotic angle. Patients were followed up from 12 to 28 months, with an average of 16.8 months. One hundred fifty-eight patients were treated with unilateral method and 151 patients were treated with bilateral method. In the unilateral group, the volume of the injected cement and radiation dose were significantly less than that in the bilateral group. All patients in both groups had significantly less pain after the procedures, compared with their preoperative period pain. No statistically significant differences were observed when visual analogue scale and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were compared between the groups. Both unilateral and bilateral groups showed insignificant decrease in the kyphotic angle during the follow-ups. The kyphotic angle in the unilateral group improved more significantly than in the bilateral group. In the bilateral group, 16 patients had obvious pain in the puncture sites at 1 month postoperatively caused by facet joint violation. With local block treatment, the pain disappeared in all patients at the last follow-up. Both bilateral and unilateral PKP are relatively safe and provide effective treatment for patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. However, unilateral PKP received less radiation dose and operation time, it also offered a higher degree of deformity correction and resulted in less complication than bilateral PKP.


Psychosocial factors and traumatic dental injuries among adolescents.
To examine the association of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and psychosocial factors in adolescents and to identify psychological profiles associated with TDI. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 531 students aged 13-16 years. Data were collected through oral examination and a structured interview with the adolescents, in conjunction with a questionnaire answered by their mothers. Associations between TDI and independent variables were analysed using a model-based approach, while an exploratory data analysis was applied to identify homogenous clusters of adolescents in relation to their sense of coherence (SoC), perception of parental support and their mothers' SoC. These clusters were examined further for associations with TDI and psychosocial variables. The prevalence of TDI was 15.8%. Adolescents with high TDI prevalence were males, nonfirstborns, or those frequently engaging in physical activity. In addition, both their own SoC and that of their mother were low and they reported low parental support. They were also prone to complaining about the behaviour of their peer group. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) demonstrated three homogenous clusters. The cluster with the highest scores for all psychological variables included adolescents with low TDI prevalence, low paternal punishment, spacious home environment, high Family Affluence Scale (FAS) score, good school grades, few complaints about schoolmates and higher maternal education. Psychosocial factors appear to influence an adolescent's risk of TDI. High parental support, high own and maternal SoC and a higher socioeconomic status (SES) are typical of adolescents with low TDI experience.


Transformation from an easy-plane to an easy-axis antiferromagnetic structure in the mixed rare-earth ferroborates Pr x Y1-x Fe3(BO3)4: magnetic properties and crystal field calculations.
The magnetic structure of the mixed rare-earth system Pr x Y1-x Fe3(BO3)4 (x = 0.75, 0.67, 0.55, 0.45, 0.25) was studied via magnetic and resonance measurements. These data evidence the successive spin reorientation from the easy-axis antiferromagnetic structure formed in PrFe3(BO3)4 to the easy-plane one of YFe3(BO3)4 associated with the weakening of the magnetic anisotropy of the Pr subsystem due to its diamagnetic dilution by nonmagnetic Y. This reorientation occurs through the formation of an inclined magnetic structure, as was confirmed by our previous neutron research in the range of x = 0.67 ÷ 0.45. In the compounds with x = 0.75 and 0.67 whose magnetic structure is close to the easy-axis one, a two-step spin reorientation takes place in the magnetic field H||c. Such a peculiarity is explained by the formation of an interjacent inclined magnetic structure with magnetic moments of Fe ions located closer to the basal plane than in the initial state, with these intermediate states remaining stable in some ranges of the magnetic field. An approach based on a crystal field model for the Pr(3+) ion and the molecular-field approximation is used to describe the magnetic characteristics of the system Pr x Y1-x Fe3(BO3)4. With the parameters of the d-d and f-d exchange interactions, of the magnetic anisotropy of the iron subsystem and of the crystal field parameters of praseodymium thus determined, it is possible to achieve a good agreement between the experimental and calculated temperature and field dependences of the magnetization curves (up to 90 kOe) and magnetic susceptibilities (2-300 K).


ADAPTIVE RADIATION AND THE TOPOLOGY OF LARGE PHYLOGENIES.
The idea that some organisms possess adaptive features that make them more likely to speciate and/or less likely to go extinct than closely related groups, suggests that large phylogenetic trees should be unbalanced (more species should occur in the group possessing the adaptive features than in the sister group lacking such features). Several methods have been used to document this type of adaptive radiation. One problem with these attempts is that evolutionary biologists may overlook balanced phylogenies while focusing on a few impressively unbalanced ones. To overcome this potential bias, we sampled published large phylogenies without regard to tree shape. These were used to test whether or not such trees are consistently unbalanced. We used recently developed null models to demonstrate that the shapes of large phylogenetic trees: 1) are similar among angiosperms, insects, and tetrapods; 2) differ from those expected due to random selection of a phylogeny from the pool of all trees of similar size; and 3) are significantly more unbalanced than expected if species diverge at random, therefore, conforming to one prediction of adaptive radiation. This represents an important first step in documenting whether adaptive radiation has been a general feature of evolution.


Clinical and academic use of electronic and print books: the Health Sciences Library System e-book study at the University of Pittsburgh.
The purpose of the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) electronic book (e-book) study was to assess use, and factors affecting use, of e-books by all patron groups of an academic health sciences library serving both university and health system-affiliated patrons. A web-based survey was distributed to a random sample (n=5,292) of holders of library remote access passwords. A total of 871 completed and 108 partially completed surveys were received, for an approximate response rate of 16.5%-18.5%, with all user groups represented. Descriptive and chi-square analysis was done using SPSS 17. Library e-books were used by 55.4% of respondents. Use by role varied: 21.3% of faculty reported having assigned all or part of an e-book for class readings, while 86% of interns, residents, and fellows reported using an e-book to support clinical care. Respondents preferred print for textbooks and manuals and electronic format for research protocols, pharmaceutical, and reference books, but indicated high flexibility about format choice. They rated printing and saving e-book content as more important than annotation, highlighting, and bookmarking features. Respondents' willingness to use alternate formats, if convenient, suggests that libraries can selectively reduce title duplication between print and e-books and still support library user information needs, especially if publishers provide features that users want. Marketing and user education may increase use of e-book collections.


Distinctive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor functional phenotypes of rat ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons.
Dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is thought to contribute generally to pleasure, reward, and drug reinforcement and has been implicated in nicotine dependence. nAChRs expressed in the VTA exhibit diverse subunit compositions, but the functional and pharmacological properties are largely unknown. Here, using patch-clamp recordings in single DAergic neurons freshly dissociated from rat VTA, we clarified three functional subtypes of nAChRs (termed ID, IID and IIID receptors) based on whole-cell current kinetics and pharmacology. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that comparing to ID, IID receptor-mediated current had faster activation and decay constant and IIID receptor-mediated current had larger current density. Pharmacologically, ID receptor-mediated current was sensitive to the alpha4beta2-nAChR agonist RJR-2403 and antagonist dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE); IID receptor-mediated current was sensitive to the selective alpha7-nAChR agonist choline and antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA); while IIID receptor-mediated current was sensitive to the beta4-containing nAChR agonist cytisine and antagonist mecamylamine (MEC). The agonist concentration-response relationships demonstrated that IID receptor-mediated current exhibited the highest EC(50) value compared to ID and IIID receptors, suggesting a relatively low agonist affinity of type IID receptors. These results suggest that the type ID, IID and IIID nAChR-mediated currents are predominately mediated by activation of alpha4beta2-nAChR, alpha7-nAChR and a novel nAChR subtype(s), respectively. Collectively, these findings indicate that the VTA DAergic neurons express diversity and multiplicity of functional nAChR subtypes. Interestingly, each DAergic neuron predominantly expresses only one particularly functional nAChR subtype, which may have distinct but important roles in regulation of VTA DA neuronal function, DA transmission and nicotine dependence.


Primate Visual Perception: Motivated Attention in Naturalistic Scenes.
Research has consistently revealed enhanced neural activation corresponding to attended cues coupled with suppression to unattended cues. This attention effect depends both on the spatial features of stimuli and internal task goals. However, a large majority of research supporting this effect involves circumscribed tasks that possess few ecologically relevant characteristics. By comparison, natural scenes have the potential to engage an evolved attention system, which may be characterized by supplemental neural processing and integration compared to mechanisms engaged during reduced experimental paradigms. Here, we describe recent animal and human studies of naturalistic scene viewing to highlight the specific impact of social and affective processes on the neural mechanisms of attention modulation.


Delineation of Continuous Domains in Proteins by Differences of Free Energy.
Domain is a protein architecture under proteins' tertiary structure,which can be identified in most of proteins. Different combinations of domains lead to the formation of diverse tertiary structures with diverse function for proteins. The delineation of domains for a protein is important not only conceptually but also practically. Unfortunately, up to now there is not an ideal means to achieve that. This paper proposes a method for domain delineation based on the maximum refolding free energy. The criteria are more or less objective. By using this method, 50 proteins are analyzed. The boundaries for most proteins agree with the data reported in literature. There are a few examples that seem more reasonable, although they are not identical with those in literature.


Ground state potential energy surfaces and bound states of M-He dimers (M=Cu,Ag,Au): a theoretical investigation.
We present an ab initio investigation on the ground state interaction potentials [potential energy surface (PES)] between helium and the group 11 metal atoms: copper, silver, and gold. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous theoretical PESs proposed for Cu-He and Au-He, and a single one for Ag-He [Z. J. Jakubek and M. Takami, Chem. Phys. Lett. 265, 653 (1997)], computed about 10 years ago at MP2 level and significantly improved by our study. To reach a high degree of accuracy in the determination of the three M-He potentials (M=Cu,Ag,Au), we performed extensive series of test computations to establish the appropriate basis set, the theoretical method, and the computational scheme for these systems. For each M-He dimer we computed the PES at the CCSD(T) level of theory, starting from the reference unrestricted Hartree-Fock wave function. We described the inner shells with relativistic small core pseudopotentials, and we adopted high quality basis sets for the valence electrons. We also performed CCSDT computations in a limited set of M-He internuclear distances, adopting a medium-sized basis set, such as to define for each dimer a CCSD(T) to CCSDT correction term and to improve further the quality of the CCSD(T) interaction potentials. The Cu-He complex has minimum interaction energy (E(min)) of -28.4 microhartree at the internuclear distance of 4.59 A (R(min)), and the short-range repulsive wall starts at 4.04 A (R(E=0)). Quite interestingly, the PES of Ag-He is more attractive (E(min)=-33.8 microhartree) but presents nearly the same R(min) and R(E=0) values, 4.60 and 4.04 A, respectively. The interaction potential for Au-He is markedly deeper and shifted at shorter distances as compared to the lighter complexes, with E(min)=-69.6 microhartree, R(min)=4.09 A and R(E=0)=3.60 A. As a first insight in the structure of M-He(n) aggregates, we determined the rovibrational structure of the three M-He dimers. The Cu-He and Ag-He potentials support just few rotational excitations, while the Au-He PES admits also a bound vibrational excitation.