Potential effect of the World Health Organization's 2011-2015 global leprosy strategy on the prevalence of grade 2 disability: a trend analysis.
To assess different countries' chances of attaining the 2011-2015 global leprosy target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to assess the strategy's effect on the prevalence of grade 2 disability (G2D). Trends in G2D rate were analysed for Brazil, China, India and Thailand and figures were compared with the WHO target: a 35% decrease by 2015 relative to the 2010 baseline. To estimate the prevalence of G2D in 2015 and 2035 for each country three assumptions were made: (i) maintenance of the current trend; (ii) attainment of the WHO target, and (iii) reduction of G2D by 50% every 5 years relative to 2010. Since 1995, the G2D rate has decreased every 5 years in Brazil, China, India and Thailand by 12.7% (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.6-18.3), 7.7% (95% CI: 1.1-12.8), 53.7% (95% CI: 38.1-65.4) and 35.9% (95% CI: 23.4-46.3), respectively. New cases with G2D detected after 2010 will contribute 15% (Brazil), 3% (China), 2.5% (India) and 4% (Thailand) to the total prevalence of G2D in 2015. If no policies are changed, between 2015 and 2035, the prevalence of G2D will decrease by more than half in China, India and Thailand, and by 16% in Brazil. The implications of attaining the WHO target are different for each country and using indicators other than G2D prevalence will help monitor progress. The strategy will not immediately reduce the prevalence of G2D, but if it is applied consistently over the next 25 years, its long-term effect can be substantial.


Occupational survey of airborne metal exposures to welders, metalworkers, and bystanders in small fabrication shops.
The objective of this study was to characterize worker exposure to airborne metal and particulate matter in shops where multiple types of metalworking tasks were performed. The sampling strategy included full-shift and task-based personal samples on workers who performed flux-cored arc welding, personal samples on workers performing non-welding metalworking tasks, and area samples near welders, representing bystanders to welding. Size-fractionated particulate matter adjacent to welding activities was measured using real-time monitoring devices. Samples were analyzed for 21 individual metals, of which 8 were frequently detected. Exceedance fractions were calculated based on the distribution of results for each frequently detected metal. Exceedance fractions were <5% for all metals, except manganese (6% of the REL, 55% of the inhalable TLV-TWA and 91% of the respirable TLV-TWA) and iron oxide (10% of the REL and TLV-TWA) for Shop 1 bystander samples, manganese (68% for the inhalable TLV-TWA and 98% of the respirable TLV-TWA) for welder samples, and manganese (35% for the inhalable TLV-TWA and 80% of the respirable TLV-TWA) and iron oxide (12% for the PEL and 23% for the REL and TLV-TWA) for metalworker samples. Particulate matter concentrations measured at distances of 0.9-1.5 m and 2.1-2.7 m from the welder were within the same order of magnitude. The results of this study allow for comparison to health-based exposure limits for select individual components of welding fume with a low to medium degree of censorship.


Intraoperative assessment of parathyroid perfusion using indocyanine green angiography in robotic thyroidectomy.
In recent da Vinci robot systems (Intuitive Surgical), near-infrared fluorescence imaging (Firefly technology) has been used. With this technique, it is possible for surgeons to see important structures well beyond the limits of their eyes; hence, surgeons can safely operate and make critical decisions accurately using image-guided surgery. Because parathyroid glands (PTGs) are small and embedded in the surrounding tissues, such as lymph nodes and fat, it is often very hard for surgeons to identify PTGs. To preserve PTGs well, the surgeon must be able to accurately identify PTGs, preserve the vasculature surrounding, and maintain the perfusion to PTGs. Herein, we report an assessment of PTG perfusion using indocyanine green angiography in transoral robotic thyroidectomy.


Citrate-Based Fluorescent Biomaterials.
Fluorescence imaging has emerged as a promising technique for monitoring and assessing various biologically relevant species in cells and organisms, driving the demand for effective fluorescent agents with good biocompatibility and high fluorescence performance. However, traditional fluorescent agents, such as quantum dots (QDs) and organic dyes, either suffer from toxicity concerns or poor fluorescence performance (e.g., low photobleaching-resistance). In this regard, citrate-based fluorescent biomaterials, which are synthesized from the natural and biocompatible precursor of citric acid (CA), have become competitive alternatives for fluorescence imaging owing to their biocompatibility, cost effectiveness, straightforward synthetic routes, flexible designability, as well as strong fluorescence with adjustable excitation/emission wavelengths. Accordingly, numerous citrate-based biomaterials, including carbon dots (CDs), biodegradable photoluminescent polymers (BPLPs), and small molecular fluorophores, have been developed and researched in the past few decades. This review discusses recent progress in the research and development of citrate-based fluorescent materials with emphasis on their design and synthesis considerations, material properties, fluorescence properties and mechanisms, as well as biomedical applications. It is expected that this review will provide an insightful discussion on the citrate-based fluorescent biomaterials, and lead to innovations for the next generation of fluorescent biomaterials and fluorescence-based biomedical technology.


Ginkgo biloba: A Cognitive Enhancer?
Ginkgo biloba is an herb often used as an alternative treatment to improve cognitive functions. Like most herbal treatments, the use of ginkgo is poorly regulated by government agencies, on the basis of either its efficacy or its health risks. This article reviews the experimental evidence available regarding efficacy, neurobiological actions, and health risks. Findings obtained in studies of humans often include demonstrations of rather mild cognitive enhancement. Interpretation of these findings is complicated by somewhat inconsistent findings, by experimental designs that do not permit identification of cognitive functions susceptible to the influence of ginkgo, and by the paucity of direct comparisons with other treatments. The number of peer-reviewed reports of studies in nonhuman animals is surprisingly small. In this small set, the findings reveal mild behavioral effects that might be attributable to actions on cognitive functions. However, these experiments in rodents, like those in humans, do not involve the use of designs to assess ginkgo's effects on particular cognitive attributes, and generally do not include direct comparisons with other treatments. Interpretation of the findings is further complicated by evidence, obtained in studies of both humans and rats, showing that a single administration of the treatment enhances performance on cognitive measures. If ginkgo has effects on cognition, there should be effects evident on biological processes as well. Neurobiological studies have largely examined the effects of chronic ginkgo administration, mirroring the most common design in behavioral studies. However, the addition of findings that single administration of ginkgo may influence behavior directs biological investigations to short-term actions of the treatment. Biological effects of ginkgo include vasodilation, protection of neurons from oxidative stress, and actions mediated by effects via neurotransmitters. Adverse reactions to ginkgo consumption have been observed but are relatively rare. Collectively, the behavioral literature reviewed cannot be used conclusively to document or to refute the efficacy of ginkgo in improving cognitive functions. At best, the effects seem quite modest. In particular, it is questionable whether effects of ginkgo, if present, are equal to those obtained by administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, hearing an arousing story, or ingesting glucose.


The Impact of Frequency Scale on the Response Sensitivity and Reliability of Cortical Neurons to 1/fβ Input Signals.
What type of principle features intrinsic inside of the fluctuated input signals could drive neurons with the maximal excitations is one of the crucial neural coding issues. In this article, we examined both experimentally and theoretically the cortical neuronal responsivity (including firing rate and spike timing reliability) to input signals with different intrinsic correlational statistics (e.g., white-type noise, showed 1/f0 power spectrum, pink noise 1/f, and brown noises 1/f2) and different frequency ranges. Our results revealed that the response sensitivity and reliability of cortical neurons is much higher in response to 1/f noise stimuli with long-term correlations than 1/f0 with short-term correlations for a broad frequency range, and also higher than 1/f2 for all frequency ranges. In addition, we found that neuronal sensitivity diverges to opposite directions for 1/f noise comparing with 1/f0 white noise as a function of cutoff frequency of input signal. As the cutoff frequency is progressively increased from 50 to 1,000 Hz, the neuronal responsiveness increased gradually for 1/f noise, while decreased exponentially for white noise. Computational simulations of a general cortical model revealed that, neuronal sensitivity and reliability to input signal statistics was majorly dominated by fast sodium inactivation, potassium activation, and membrane time constants.


The pathogenesis of experimental membranous glomerulonephritis induced with homologous nephritogenic tubular antigen.
The renal tubular epithelial antigen (Tub-Ag) of rats was solublized by Pronase and purified by gel filtration and acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified Tub-Ag was a glycoprotein with S20,W value of 8.4. Utilizing radiolabeled Tug-Ag, a sensitive radioimmunoassay for Tub-Ag and homologous antibody (anti-Tub-Ag) was developed. Tub-Ag activity associated with a protein of the same molecular size was demonstrated in the serum, as well as in Pronase extracts of all the organs tested, including kidney, liver, lung, spleen, intestine, stomach, and heart. The physiochemical properties of the Tub-Ag of rats and its distribution were essentially the same as the Tub-Ag of humans, which had been found in immune deposits in the kidney of some patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis. Rats were immunized with the purified Tub-Ag emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant and followed for Tub-Ag and anti-Tub-Ag in the serum, as well as for proteinuria and immunohistological changes in the kidney. Serum Tub-Ag dropped sharply after 20 days, when anti-Tub-Ag appeared in the circulation. Persistent, massive proteinuria appeared still later, more than 30 days after injection, when anti-Tub-Ag disappeared and Tub-Ag reappeared in the serum of some of those rats. In others, anti-Tub-Ag in the serum persisted throughout the observation period of 90 days. The pathology of the kidney of the rats with proteinuria was that of a typical membranous glomerulonephritis; thickening of glomerular capillary walls with granular deposits of gamma-globulin and Tub-Ag was observed. On the basis of these results, Tub-Ag in the serum, probably released from cellular membranes of various organs as a physiological metabolite, is considered to maintain the pathological process in the kidney by providing the antigen continuously to form immune complexes.


Effect of early onset otitis media on brainstem and cortical auditory processing.
Otitis media (OM) leads to significant reduction in the hearing sensitivity. The reduced auditory input, if in the early years of life when the auditory neural system is still maturing, may adversely influence the structural as well as functional development of the system. Past research has reported abnormalities in both the structure and function of brainstem nuclei following auditory deprivation, but, it has not necessarily focused on children who had OM in their first year of life. It can also be said that if auditory processing is affected at the brainstem level because of early onset OM (reduced auditory input in the crucial periods of neural development), then, it may be said that auditory processing is also affected at the cortical level because it receives distorted input from the brainstem. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to document the effects of early onset OM on auditory processing, if any, at the brainstem as well as at cortical levels. A related purpose of the study was to investigate the persistence of the effects of early onset OM, if any, on auditory processing. A cross sectional approach and a standard group comparison design was used in the study. Thirty children, who had OM between 6 and 12 months of age and who were in the age range of 3.1 - 5.6 years participated in the study. Children with OM were divided into 3 groups based on their age. Click evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and late latency responses (LLRs) were recorded from these children, and the responses were compared with those from age and gender matched normal children without any history of OM. The data from the 2 groups was statistically analyzed through independent t test. Pearson's Product Moment correlation was computed to examine the relationship between results of ABR and LLR in children with early onset OM. The mean central conduction time was significantly increased and the mean amplitude of wave I and III of ABRs was significantly reduced in children with early onset OM compared to normal children. Also, the latency of all LLR waves was significantly less in children with early onset OM than in normal children. However, significant differences in mean values of either ABR or LLR (latencies or interwave intervals as the case may be) were observed only in 3-year old children. There was a significant, but negative association between central conduction time and latency of LLRs. OM in the first year of life leads to negative effects on brainstem signal processing even if it has occurred only for a short duration (maximum of 3 months). In such a situation, auditory cortical structures probably show compensatory changes through central gain to offset the prolonged central conduction time. Although the results of the present study showed that the negative effects of early onset OM (occurring in the first year of life) on auditory processing disappeared by the time the children were 4.1 years, there is need for longitudinal studies on this to confirm the findings.


Mapping QTL for Sex and Growth Traits in Salt-Tolerant Tilapia (Oreochromis spp. X O. mossambicus).
In aquaculture, growth and sex are economically important traits. To accelerate genetic improvement in increasing growth in salt-tolerant tilapia, we conducted QTL mapping for growth traits and sex with an F2 family, including 522 offspring and two parents. We used 144 polymorphic microsatellites evenly covering the genome of tilapia to genotype the family. QTL analyses were carried out using interval mapping for all individuals, males and females in the family, respectively. Using all individuals, three suggestive QTL for body weight, body length and body thickness respectively were detected in LG20, LG22 and LG12 and explained 2.4% to 3.1% of phenotypic variance (PV). When considering only males, five QTL for body weight were detected on five LGs, and explained 4.1 to 6.3% of PV. Using only females from the F2 family, three QTL for body weight were detected on LG1, LG6 and LG8, and explained 7.9-14.3% of PV. The QTL for body weight in males and females were located in different LGs, suggesting that in salt-tolerant tilapia, different set of genes 'switches' control the growth in males and females. QTL for sex were mapped on LG1 and LG22, indicating multigene sex determination in the salt-tolerant tilapia. This study provides new insights on the locations and effects of QTL for growth traits and sex, and sets the foundation for fine mapping for future marker-assisted selection for growth and sex in salt-tolerant tilapia aquaculture.


Hybrid integrated InP-Si3N4 diode laser with a 40-Hz intrinsic linewidth.
We demonstrate a hybrid integrated and widely tunable diode laser with an intrinsic linewidth as narrow as 40 Hz, achieved with a single roundtrip through a low-loss feedback circuit that extends the cavity length to 0.5 meter on a chip. Employing solely dielectrics for single-roundtrip, single-mode resolved feedback filtering enables linewidth narrowing with increasing laser power, without limitations through nonlinear loss. We achieve single-frequency oscillation with up to 23 mW fiber coupled output power, 70-nm wide spectral coverage in the 1.55 μm wavelength range with 3 mW output and obtain more than 60 dB side mode suppression. Such properties and options for further linewidth narrowing render the approach of high interest for direct integration in photonic circuits serving microwave photonics, coherent communications, sensing and metrology with highest resolution.


Comparative evaluation of salivary soluble CD44 levels in periodontal health and disease.
Inflammation, immunoactivation, and malignant diseases are associated with increased plasma levels of soluble CD44 (sCD44). Serum sCD44 has been recognized as a diagnostic marker in smoking-induced diseases. (1) To assess the levels of salivary sCD44 in periodontal health and disease. (2) To compare the levels of salivary sCD44 in smokers and nonsmokers. (3) To assess if salivary sCD44 levels could be used as a diagnostic marker for periodontitis. A total of 60 patients were divided into three groups viz. Group A - healthy, Group B - aggressive periodontitis and Group C - chronic periodontitis (Subdivided into C1 - chronic periodontitis smokers and C2 - chronic periodontitis nonsmokers). The plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth and clinical attachment level; along with the radiographs were recorded. The saliva sample collected at baseline was stored at -80°C. The sCD44 levels were analyzed using ELISA. ANOVA test and Mann-Whitney's test was used to compare readings between all the groups and Pearson correlation was calculated for CD44 and all the clinical parameters in each group. Highest mean sCD44 was recorded in Group C2 followed by Group C1. The GI was positively correlated with CD44 levels in chronic periodontitis group. Contrary to previous reports nonsmokers subjects had higher CD44 levels as compared to smoker. Soluble CD44 levels were positively correlated with periodontal disease. Thus, salivary sCD44 could be considered as a one of the biomarker for periodontitis that is, aggressive and chronic periodontitis.


The case for examining fluid flow in municipal solid waste at the pore-scale - A review.
In this paper, we discuss recent efforts from the last 20 years to describe transport in municipal solid waste (MSW). We first discuss emerging themes in the field to draw the reader's attention to a series of significant challenges. We then examine contributions regarding the modelling of leachate flow to study transport via mechanistic and stochastic approaches, at a variety of scales. Since MSW is a multiphase, biogeochemically active porous medium, and with the aim of providing a picture of transport phenomena in a wider context, we then discuss a selection of studies on leachate flow incorporating some of the complex landfill processes (e.g. biodegradation and settlement). It is clear from the literature survey that our understanding of transport phenomena exhibited by landfilled waste is far from complete. Attempts to model transport have largely consisted of applying representative elementary-scale models (the smallest volume which can be considered representative of the entire waste mass). Due to our limited understanding of fluid flow through landfilled waste, and the influence of simultaneously occurring biogeomechanical processes within the waste mass, elementary-scale models have been unable to fully describe the flow behaviour of MSW. Pore-scale modelling and experimental studies have proven to be a promising approach to study fluid flow through complex porous media. Here, we suggest that pore-scale modelling and experimental work may provide valuable insights into transport phenomena exhibited by MSW, which could then be used to revise elementary-scale models for improved representation of field-scale problems.


Interspecies control of development during mammalian gastrulation.
Gastrulation represents a pivotal phase of development and aberrations during this period can have major consequences, from minor anatomical deviations to severe congenital defects. Animal models are used to study gastrulation, however, there is considerable morphological and molecular diversity of gastrula across mammalian species. Here, we provide an overview of the latest research on interspecies developmental control across mammals. This includes single-cell atlases of several mammalian gastrula which have enabled comparisons of the temporal and molecular dynamics of differentiation. These studies highlight conserved cell differentiation regulators and both absolute and relative differences in differentiation dynamics between species. Recent advances in in vitro culture techniques have facilitated the derivation, maintenance and differentiation of cell lines from a range of species and the creation of multi-species models of gastrulation. Gastruloids are three-dimensional aggregates capable of self-organising and recapitulating aspects of gastrulation. Such models enable species comparisons outside the confines of the embryo. We highlight recent in vitro evidence that differentiation processes such as somitogenesis and neuronal maturation scale with known in vivo differences in developmental tempo across species. This scaling is likely due to intrinsic differences in cell biochemistry. We also highlight several studies which provide examples of cell differentiation dynamics being influenced by extrinsic factors, including culture conditions, chimeric co-culture, and xenotransplantation. These collective studies underscore the complexity of gastrulation across species, highlighting the necessity of additional datasets and studies to decipher the intricate balance between intrinsic cellular programs and extrinsic signals in shaping embryogenesis.


Managing the long term care of inflammatory bowel disease patients: The cost to European health care providers.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (which includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), is a chronic condition characterised by substantial morbidity. Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients are considered expensive to manage, hence accurate estimates of care costs are crucial to help healthcare providers plan clinical management. The aim of this study is to estimate the cost of care for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis patients in the United Kingdom and Western mainland Europe. Decision models were built to simulate the natural disease history of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, informed by United Kingdom and European clinical pathways. A healthcare provider perspective was adopted, model inputs were informed by published sources and expert opinion, and UK healthcare costs were used (2008 prices). Cohorts of 25 year old patients presenting with symptoms of varying severity were modelled over ten years, and annual treatment costs calculated per patient. The average annual cost of care per Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis patient was £631/£762 (United Kingdom) and £838/£796 (Europe). Most costs were incurred immediately following diagnosis, particularly in European Crohn's patients, reflecting the earlier use of more aggressive treatments. Surgery, hospitalisation, and the use of biological therapies and mesalazine (in Ulcerative Colitis) were key cost drivers. The total annual cost to the United Kingdom National Health Service of caring for Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients was estimated to be £131million. This study confirms that Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients are expensive to manage and illustrates the importance of differentiating between alternative clinical management scenarios.


[n-3 fatty acid evaluation in eighteen Mexican marine fishes as functional food].
The objective of the present work was to characterize the n-3 fatty acid composition of eighteen species of Mexican marine fishes and to evaluate their potential as functional food. Total lipids and fatty acid (FA) compositions were obtained of the edible portion of the fish, by solvent extraction and gas chromatography. Fifty percent of the studied species proceeded of the Mexican Pacific and the remainder from the Gulf of Mexico. The total lipid content varied from 0.76 to 7.13 g/100g. Averages of 58.51, 58.74 and 132.85 mg/100g of flesh were obtained for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, respectively. In all the samples the n-3 fatty acids identified in order of abundance were (mg/100g), C22:6n-3 (DHA) (85.02), C20:5 n-3 (EPA)(16.22), C18:3 n-3 (ALA)(1.95) and the C20:3 n-3 was found only in four species (range from 0.08 to 12.99 mg/100g). Twenty-seven percent of the fishes exhibited low (4 to 40), 66% intermediate (70 to 170) and 7% high values (200 to 300 mg/100g) of n-3 FA. The latter species were identified as picuda (Sphyraena agentea) and sargo (Lagodon rhomboides). Since international standards recommend a daily regular consumption form 200 to 650 mg of EPA + DHA/day as beneficial for good health, it is therefore suggested as functional food.


[Therapeutic monitoring of antibiotics: New methodologies: biosensors].
The pharmacokinetics of antibiotics, especially in severely ill patients, may be profoundly altered due to multiple pathophysiological changes. Recent studies have shown that empiric dosing recommendations for ICU patients are inadequate to effectively treat a broad range of susceptible organisms and need to be reconsidered. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an important mean for optimizing drug utilization and doses for the purpose of improving the clinical effectiveness. However, it is very challenging to quantify plasma antibiotic concentrations in clinical situations as a routine practice, because of the high costs and complexities associated with advanced instrumental techniques. Currently there are not routine and low cost methods to determine the presence and concentration of β-lactam antibiotics in plasma patients in a clinical setup. Indeed, such analytical methods are based on chromatographic techniques mainly used in research. Here we describe and comment different techniques, focusing on our preliminary experience using biosensors.


Evaluation of XSTAT® and QuickClot® Combat Gauze® in a Swine Model of Lethal Junctional Hemorrhage in Coagulopathic Swine.
Hemorrhage is associated with most potentially survivable deaths on the battlefield. Effective and field-tested products are lacking to treat junctional and noncompressible injuries. XSTAT® is a newly developed, U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved product designed to treat junctional hemorrhage. The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care has recently approved the product for use as part of its treatment guidelines, but data are lacking to assess its efficacy in different wounding patterns and physiologic states. Dilutional coagulopathy was induced in 19 large (70-90kg), healthy, male swine by replacing 60% of each animal's estimated blood volume with room temperature Hextend ®. After dissection, isolation, and lidocaine incubation, uncontrolled hemorrhage was initiated by transection of both axillary artery and vein. Free bleeding was allowed to proceed for 30 seconds until intervention with either XSTAT or QuickClot® Combat Gauze® (CG) followed by standard backing. Primary outcomes were survival, hemostasis, and blood loss. XSTAT-treated animals achieved hemostasis in less time and remained hemostatic longer than those treated with CG. Less blood was lost during the first 10 minutes after injury in the XSTAT group than the CG group. However, no differences in survival were observed between XSTAT-treated and CG-treated groups. All animals died before the end of the observation period except one in the XSTAT-treated group. XSTAT performed better than CG in this model of junctional hemorrhage in coagulopathic animals. Continued testing and evaluation of XSTAT should be performed to optimize application and determine appropriate indications for use.


Hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres with high and durable capabilities for lithium and sodium storage.
To improve the energy storage performance of carbon-based materials, considerable attention has been paid to the design and fabrication of novel carbon architectures with structural and chemical modifications. Herein, we report that hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon (HPNC) nanospheres originating from acidic etching of metal carbide/carbon hybrid nanoarchitectures can be employed as high-performance anode materials for both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The structural advantages of HPNC nanospheres are that the exceptionally-high content of nitrogen (17.4 wt%) can provide abundant electroactive sites and enlarge the interlayer distance (∼3.5 Å) to improve the capacity, and the large amount of micropores and mesopores can serve as reservoirs for storing lithium/sodium ions. In LIBs, HPNC based anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 1187 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1, a great rate performance of 470 mA h g-1 at 5000 mA g-1, and outstanding cycling stabilities with a capacity of 788 mA h g-1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g-1. In SIBs, HPNC based anodes exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 357 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 and high long-term stability with a capacity of 136 mA h g-1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g-1.


Motogenic sites in human fibronectin are masked by long range interactions.
Fibronectin (FN) is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein important for development and wound healing in vertebrates. Recent work has focused on the ability of FN fragments and embryonic or tumorigenic splicing variants to stimulate fibroblast migration into collagen gels. This activity has been localized to specific sites and is not exhibited by full-length FN. Here we show that an N-terminal FN fragment, spanning the migration stimulation sites and including the first three type III FN domains, also lacks this activity. A screen for interdomain interactions by solution-state NMR spectroscopy revealed specific contacts between the Fn N terminus and two of the type III domains. A single amino acid substitution, R222A, disrupts the strongest interaction, between domains (4-5)FnI and (3)FnIII, and restores motogenic activity to the FN N-terminal fragment. Anastellin, which promotes fibril formation, destabilizes (3)FnIII and disrupts the observed (4-5)FnI-(3)FnIII interaction. We discuss these findings in the context of the control of cellular activity through exposure of masked sites.


Tetraethylenepentamine-directed controllable synthesis of wurtzite ZnSe nanostructures with tunable morphology.
A novel tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)-directed method has been successfully developed for the controlled synthesis of ZnSe particles with distinctive morphologies, including nanobelts, nanowires, and hierarchically solid/hollow spheres. These structures, self-assembled from nanobelts and nanorods, have been synthesized by adjusting the reaction parameters, such as the solvent composition, reaction temperature, and the aging time. Results reveal that the volume ratio of H2O and TEPA plays a crucial role in the final morphology of ZnSe products. The mechanisms of phase formation and morphology control of ZnSe particles are proposed and discussed in detail. The products have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction, high-resolution TEM, Raman spectra and luminescence spectroscopy. The as-prepared ZnSe nanoparticles display shape- and size-dependent photoluminescent optical properties. This is the first time to report preparation of complex hollow structures of ZnSe crystals with hierarchy through a simple solution-based route. This synthetic route is designed to exploit a new H2O/TEPA/N2H4H2O system possibly for the preparation of other semiconductor nanomaterials.


Prolactin stimulation in multiple sclerosis--an indicator of disease subtypes and activity?
Prolactin (PRL) belongs to the growth and lactogenic hormone family and has potent immunomodulating properties. Mild hyperprolactinemia has been found to enhance several autoimmune diseases and increased PRL plasma levels have been described in the experimental multiple sclerosis (MS) model while the PRL antagonist bromocriptine was able to suppress the disease. As studies of PRL serum levels in MS have led to conflicting results we investigated further the question of prolactin alterations in MS. We correlated PRL baseline values in a large sample of 132 MS patients with disease course and activity. Furthermore, inhibitory (bromocriptine) and stimulatory (metoclopramide) tests were performed in a subsample (n = 39) to gain functional information. We found no correlation of baseline values with disease course or activity. Nevertheless in the regression analysis of stimulatory test results, 14% of the variance was attributable to disease activity. In conclusion PRL does not seem to be relevant as an activity marker in the whole MS population.


Tailoring bimetallic alloy surface properties by kinetic control of self-diffusion processes at the nanoscale.
Achieving control of the nanoscale structure of binary alloys is of paramount importance for the design of novel materials with specific properties, leading to, for example, improved reaction rates and selectivity in catalysis, tailored magnetic behavior in electronics, and controlled growth of nanostructured materials such as graphene. By means of a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we show that the complex self-diffusion mechanisms determining these key properties can be mostly defined by kinetic rather than energetic effects. We explain how in the Ni-Cu system nanoscale control of self-diffusion and segregation processes close to the surface can be achieved by finely tuning the relative concentration of the alloy constituents. This allows tailoring the material functionality and provides a clear explanation of previously observed effects involved, for example, in the growth of graphene films and in the catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide.


A nearest neighbour approach by genetic distance to the assignment of individual trees to geographic origin.
During the past decade, the use of DNA for forensic applications has been extensively implemented for plant and animal species, as well as in humans. Tracing back the geographical origin of an individual usually requires genetic assignment analysis. These approaches are based on reference samples that are grouped into populations or other aggregates and intend to identify the most likely group of origin. Often this grouping does not have a biological but rather a historical or political justification, such as "country of origin". In this paper, we present a new nearest neighbour approach to individual assignment or classification within a given but potentially imperfect grouping of reference samples. This method, which is based on the genetic distance between individuals, functions better in many cases than commonly used methods. We demonstrate the operation of our assignment method using two data sets. One set is simulated for a large number of trees distributed in a 120km by 120km landscape with individual genotypes at 150 SNPs, and the other set comprises experimental data of 1221 individuals of the African tropical tree species Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sapelli) genotyped at 61 SNPs. Judging by the level of correct self-assignment, our approach outperformed the commonly used frequency and Bayesian approaches by 15% for the simulated data set and by 5-7% for the Sapelli data set. Our new approach is less sensitive to overlapping sources of genetic differentiation, such as genetic differences among closely-related species, phylogeographic lineages and isolation by distance, and thus operates better even for suboptimal grouping of individuals.


Experience with intrawound vancomycin powder for posterior cervical fusion surgery.
Recent studies have reported that the local delivery of vancomycin powder is associated with a decrease in spinal surgical site infection. This retrospective cohort study compares posterior cervical fusion cases before and after the routine application of spinal vancomycin powder to evaluate the ability of local vancomycin powder to prevent deep wound infection after posterior cervical spinal fusion. Posterior cervical fusion spinal surgeries performed at a single institution were reviewed from January 2011 to July 2013. Each cohort's baseline characteristics, operative data, and rates of wound infection were compared. Associations between infection and vancomycin powder, with and without propensity score adjustment for risk factors, were determined using logistic regression. A total of 289 patients (174 untreated and 115 treated with vancomycin powder) were included in the study. The cohorts were similar in terms of baseline and operative variables. No significant change in deep wound infection rate was seen between the control group (6.9%) and intervention group (5.2%, p = 0.563). Logistic regression, with and without propensity score adjustment, demonstrated that the use of vancomycin powder did not impact the development of surgical site infection (OR 0.743 [95% CI 0.270-2.04], p = 0.564) and (OR 0.583 [95% CI 0.198-1.718], p = 0.328), respectively. Within the context of an ongoing debate on the effectiveness of locally administered vancomycin powder, the authors found no significant difference in the incidence of deep wound infection rates after posterior cervical fusion surgery with routine use of locally applied vancomycin powder. Future prospective randomized series are needed to corroborate these results.


Changes in the Transmission Dynamic of Chikungunya Virus in Southeastern Senegal.
In Senegal, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle and causes sporadic cases or small outbreaks in rural areas. However, little is known about the influence of the environment on its transmission. To address the question, 120 villages were randomly selected in the Kedougou region of southeastern Senegal. In each selected village, 10 persons by randomly selected household were sampled and tested for specific anti-CHIKV IgG antibodies by ELISA. We investigated the association of CHIKV seroprevalence with environmental variables using logistic regression analysis and the spatial correlation of village seroprevalence based on semivariogram analysis. Fifty-four percent (51%-57%) of individuals sampled during the survey tested positive for CHIKV-specific IgG. CHIKV seroprevalence was significantly higher in populations living close to forested areas (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.90 (1.42-2.57)), and was negatively associated with population density (OR = 0.76 (0.69-0.84)). In contrast, in gold mining sites where population density was >400 people per km2, seroprevalence peaked significantly among adults (46% (27%-67%)) compared to all other individuals (20% (12%-31%)). However, traditional gold mining activities significantly modify the transmission dynamic of CHIKV, leading to a potential increase of the risk of human exposition in the region.


Neural correlates of affect processing and aggression in methamphetamine dependence.
Methamphetamine abuse is associated with high rates of aggression but few studies have addressed the contributing neurobiological factors. To quantify aggression, investigate function in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and assess relationships between brain function and behavior in methamphetamine-dependent individuals. In a case-control study, aggression and brain activation were compared between methamphetamine-dependent and control participants. Participants were recruited from the general community to an academic research center. Thirty-nine methamphetamine-dependent volunteers (16 women) who were abstinent for 7 to 10 days and 37 drug-free control volunteers (18 women) participated in the study; subsets completed self-report and behavioral measures. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed on 25 methamphetamine-dependent and 23 control participants. We measured self-reported and perpetrated aggression and self-reported alexithymia. Brain activation was assessed using fMRI during visual processing of facial affect (affect matching) and symbolic processing (affect labeling), the latter representing an incidental form of emotion regulation. Methamphetamine-dependent participants self-reported more aggression and alexithymia than control participants and escalated perpetrated aggression more following provocation. Alexithymia scores correlated with measures of aggression. During affect matching, fMRI showed no differences between groups in amygdala activation but found lower activation in methamphetamine-dependent than control participants in the bilateral ventral inferior frontal gyrus. During affect labeling, participants recruited the dorsal inferior frontal gyrus and exhibited decreased amygdala activity, consistent with successful emotion regulation; there was no group difference in this effect. The magnitude of decrease in amygdala activity during affect labeling correlated inversely with self-reported aggression in control participants and perpetrated aggression in all participants. Ventral inferior frontal gyrus activation correlated inversely with alexithymia in control participants. Contrary to the hypotheses, methamphetamine-dependent individuals may successfully regulate emotions through incidental means (affect labeling). Instead, low ventral inferior frontal gyrus activity may contribute to heightened aggression by limiting emotional insight.


[Validation of a modified version of SODA questionnaire (severity of dyspepsia assessment) adapted to Peru for evaluating evolution of symptoms severity in patients with dyspepsia].
To validate SODA (severity of dyspepsia assessment) questionnaire in our population for evaluating symptoms severity in patients with dyspepsia. Content and appearance validity were measured, and then a modified questionnaire was developed. A pilot test was made and reliability, construct validity and responsiveness were measured. An adequate content and appearance validity were obtained. On the pilot test, reliability of the complete questionnaire and by components had Cronbach alpha values over 0,7. Construct validity of SODA was evaluated by correlating modified SODA results with SF-36 scores using Pearson test: -0.72 (p<0.001). When we compared results of modified SODA questionnaire and the score of a question about subjective perception of the disease using Spearman test we obtained similar results: 0.72 (p<0.001). Two means of SODA questionnaire scores, before and after treatment, were compared using Student's T test, and a significant difference was found, (p<0.001) with a drop mean of 5.70 ±5.33. Modified SODA questionnaire meets all criteria of validity and it could be used to measure dyspepsia severity and its evolution in a Peruvian population.


Pain Perception and Stabilometric Parameters in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After a Pilates Exercise Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Various exercise interventions, such as Pilates exercises and traditional physical therapy methods, are employed to decrease low back pain (LBP). Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is distinct from LBP, however, as the distribution of pain is restricted to the region between the costal margin and the inferior gluteal. The aim of our randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a program of Pilates exercises on pain perception and stabilometric parameters in patients with NSLBP.Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated, using a 1:1 scheme, to either the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG completed a 14-week program of Pilates exercises, performed thrice per week under the supervision of an exercise specialist, while the CG was managed with a social program only. Measures of posturography and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for pain perception were obtained at baseline (T0) and after the 14 weeks of intervention (T)1.Posturography measures improved for patients in the EG, with both eyes open and eyes closed (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in posturography in the CG. ODI decreased significantly in both groups over the 14 weeks of the study protocol: EG, T0, 13.7 ± 5.0 compared with T1, 6.5 ± 4.0 (P < 0.001); and CG, T0, 10.7 ± 7.8 compared with T1, 8.4 ± 7.8 (P < 0.01). A greater extent of reduction in pain was achieved in the EG.The Pilates exercise program yielded improvements in pain and posturography outcomes. Our study also confirms the applicability of posturography in evaluating postural instability in patients with NSLBP. Due to our relatively small study group, future studies would be necessary to confirm our findings.


The effect of perinatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammatory markers and allergic diseases: a systematic review.
Maternal supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may modulate immune responses and allergy in neonates and children. To determine if n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduces risk for childhood allergic disease. We searched Medline and all evidence-based medicine reviews for randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of n-3 PUFA and placebo supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation on childhood allergic diseases and inflammatory cytokines. We included studies reporting on food allergy, response to the egg skin prick test (SPT), atopy and asthma in infancy and childhood as well as production of interleukin-13 and interferon-gamma, two cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. For assessment of inclusion, two authors reviewed all abstracts for suitability and independently extracted data. Two-by-two tables were constructed and odds ratios (OR) were calculated for the outcomes: response to the SPT, food allergy, atopy and asthma in childhood. The assays differed so data on inflammatory markers were reported in narrative form. Five randomised controlled trials (n = 949) were included. n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy reduced 12-month prevalence of positive egg SPT (two trials, 12/87 versus 32/100, OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16, 0.70) and childhood asthma (two trials, 10/303 versus 17/179, OR 0.349, 95% CI 0.154, 0.788) and significantly reduced cord blood interleukin-13 levels. Supplementation during lactation did not prevent asthma, food allergy or atopy. n-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy decreases childhood asthma and response to SPT.


Recognition of hepatitis B surface antigen by human T lymphocytes. Proliferative and cytotoxic responses to a major antigenic determinant defined by synthetic peptides.
The antigenic sites for human T lymphocytes on hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg) were studied by using synthetic oligopeptides. T cell lines of the helper/inducer class, which were isolated from hepatitis B vaccine recipients, were found to react strongly and in an Ag-specific way with peptides corresponding to a sequence of 10 to 30 amino acids near the amino terminus of the HBsAg molecule. Cells with surface expression of the antigenic determinant contained in these synthetic peptides induced both proliferative and cytotoxic responses in the hepatitis B-specific T cells. The results indicate that amino acid residues 24-27 of HBsAg could be directly involved in this T cell determinant. Inhibition studies with mAb to MHC class II Ag and target cells from various HLA-typed individuals suggest that some T cell responses to this determinant of HBsAg might be restricted by the DPw4 molecule. However, the possibility exists that more than one of the MHC class II molecules could be involved as restricting elements of T cell responses to this synthetic peptide. In vivo experiments with synthetic peptides such as those described here are needed to demonstrate the possibility of enhancing HBsAg immune responses in some individuals.


Paternal easiRNAs regulate parental genome dosage in Arabidopsis.
The regulation of parental genome dosage is of fundamental importance in animals and plants, as exemplified by X-chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation. The 'triploid block' is a classic example of dosage regulation in plants that establishes a reproductive barrier between species differing in chromosome number1,2. This barrier acts in the embryo-nourishing endosperm tissue and induces the abortion of hybrid seeds through a yet unknown mechanism 3 . Here we show that depletion of paternal epigenetically activated small interfering RNAs (easiRNAs) bypasses the triploid block in response to increased paternal ploidy in Arabidopsis thaliana. Paternal loss of the plant-specific RNA polymerase IV suppressed easiRNA formation and rescued triploid seeds by restoring small-RNA-directed DNA methylation at transposable elements (TEs), correlating with reduced expression of paternally expressed imprinted genes (PEGs). Our data suggest that easiRNAs form a quantitative signal for paternal chromosome number and that their balanced dosage is required for post-fertilization genome stability and seed viability.


Gastrointestinal helminths increase Bordetella bronchiseptica shedding and host variation in supershedding.
Co-infected hosts, individuals that carry more than one infectious agent at any one time, have been suggested to facilitate pathogen transmission, including the emergence of supershedding events. However, how the host immune response mediates the interactions between co-infecting pathogens and how these affect the dynamics of shedding remains largely unclear. We used laboratory experiments and a modeling approach to examine temporal changes in the shedding of the respiratory bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica in rabbits with one or two gastrointestinal helminth species. Experimental data showed that rabbits co-infected with one or both helminths shed significantly more B. bronchiseptica, by direct contact with an agar petri dish, than rabbits with bacteria alone. Co-infected hosts generated supershedding events of higher intensity and more frequently than hosts with no helminths. To explain this variation in shedding an infection-immune model was developed and fitted to rabbits of each group. Simulations suggested that differences in the magnitude and duration of shedding could be explained by the effect of the two helminths on the relative contribution of neutrophils and specific IgA and IgG to B. bronchiseptica neutralization in the respiratory tract. However, the interactions between infection and immune response at the scale of analysis that we used could not capture the rapid variation in the intensity of shedding of every rabbit. We suggest that fast and local changes at the level of respiratory tissue probably played a more important role. This study indicates that co-infected hosts are important source of variation in shedding, and provides a quantitative explanation into the role of helminths to the dynamics of respiratory bacterial infections.


Renegotiating sexual intimacy in the context of altered embodiment: the experiences of women with breast cancer and their male partners following mastectomy and reconstruction.
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatments can have a profound impact upon women's well-being, body image, and sexual functioning, but less is known about the relational context of their coping and the impact upon their intimate partners. Our study focuses upon couples' experiences of breast cancer surgery, and its impact on body image and sexual intimacy. Utilizing a dyadic design, we conducted 8 semistructured individual interviews, with 4 long-term heterosexual couples, after the women had undergone mastectomy with reconstruction. Interviews explored both partners' experiences of diagnosis, decision-making, and experiences of body image and sexual intimacy. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was adopted; this is a qualitative research approach characterized by in-depth analysis of the personal meaning of experiences. Findings illustrate the positive acceptance that partners may express toward their wives' postsurgical bodies. They illuminate ways in which gendered coping styles and normative sexual scripts may shape couples' negotiations of intimacy around "altered embodiment." Reciprocal communication styles were important for couples' coping. The management of expectations regarding breast reconstruction may also be helpful. The insights from the dyadic, multiple perspective design suggest that psychologists must situate the meaning of supportive relationships and other protective factors in the context of complex life events and histories, in order to understand and support people's developing responses to distress.


Mortality, Morbidity, and Developmental Outcomes in Infants Born to Women Who Received Either Mefloquine or Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine as Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy: A Cohort Study.
Little is known about the effects of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) on the health of sub-Saharan African infants. We have evaluated the safety of IPTp with mefloquine (MQ) compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for important infant health and developmental outcomes. In the context of a multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of IPTp with MQ compared to SP in pregnancy carried out in four sub-Saharan countries (Mozambique, Benin, Gabon, and Tanzania), 4,247 newborns, 2,815 born to women who received MQ and 1,432 born to women who received SP for IPTp, were followed up until 12 mo of age. Anthropometric parameters and psychomotor development were assessed at 1, 9, and 12 mo of age, and the incidence of malaria, anemia, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and mortality were determined until 12 mo of age. No significant differences were found in the proportion of infants with stunting, underweight, wasting, and severe acute malnutrition at 1, 9, and 12 mo of age between infants born to women who were on IPTp with MQ versus SP. Except for three items evaluated at 9 mo of age, no significant differences were observed in the psychomotor development milestones assessed. Incidence of malaria, anemia, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and mortality were similar between the two groups. Information on the outcomes at 12 mo of age was unavailable in 26% of the infants, 761 (27%) from the MQ group and 377 (26%) from the SP group. Reasons for not completing the study were death (4% of total study population), study withdrawal (6%), migration (8%), and loss to follow-up (9%). No significant differences were found between IPTp with MQ and SP administered in pregnancy on infant mortality, morbidity, and nutritional outcomes. The poorer performance on certain psychomotor development milestones at 9 mo of age in children born to women in the MQ group compared to those in the SP group may deserve further studies. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00811421.


Service preferences among family caregivers of the terminally ill.
The ability of families to assume caregiving responsibilities is contingent on material, social, and professional support. Inadequate or inappropriate support to the terminally ill and their family caregivers can result in the misuse of resources and add burden to the family. In this report, we describe service preferences among informal caregivers of the terminally ill. Three hundred seventy-three caregivers participated in telephone interviews at two points in time: when the terminally ill person was designated as palliative and 5 months subsequent to the first interview. In the case that the care recipient died during the study period, the caregiver participated in the interview three months after the death. After reviewing possible services received by the care recipients and caregivers, caregivers were asked to identify the five services they found most valuable and which services they would have liked to have had or received more of when caregiving. The five services caregivers reported as most valuable included: in-home nursing care, (90.7%); family physicians, (45.6%); medical specialists, (46.4%); housekeeping, (23.6%); and, religious support, (11.3%). The five most frequently reported services that family caregivers would have liked to have received or had more available included: housekeeping, (13.1%); caregiver respite, (10.2%); in-home nursing care, (8.0%); personal support workers, (4.6%); and, self-help/support groups, (3.8%). Analyses revealed that most (64.8%) perceived service needs were of a supportive nature for caregivers. Caregiver perceptions of the value and perceived need of services were consistent over time and into bereavement. Logistic regression analyses suggested that younger caregivers who were not employed, reported higher levels of burden and cared for someone with a diagnosis of cancer had greater perceived service needs. The findings reported in this paper provide important insights into caregiver perceptions of valued services when caring for a terminally ill family member. These finding also highlight the stability of caregiver service perceptions over time and into bereavement.


Visual information processing deficits as biomarkers of vulnerability to schizophrenia: an event-related potential study in schizotypy.
We aimed to clarify the importance of early visual processing deficits for the formation of cognitive deficits in the schizophrenia spectrum. We carried out an event-related potential (ERP) study using a computerised delayed matching to sample working memory (WM) task on a sample of volunteers with high and low scores on the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The amplitudes of the visual ERPs to the encoding and retrieval stimuli in the task were measured using the BESA software. The hypothesis was that the high schizotypes would have deficits in early visual processing (reduced P1 amplitude) and working memory similar to those observed in schizophrenia. The high schizotypy group identified fewer previously encoded target cues than the low schizotypy group in the WM task and their mean cue-evoked P1 amplitudes were significantly reduced, both in the encoding and the retrieval phases of the task. Accuracy on the WM task correlated with the P1 amplitude. None of the later components (N1 and P2) were significantly different between the groups, nor were there differences in performance on the CANTAB tests. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that trait vulnerability to schizophrenia is associated with impaired early visual processing which may contribute to impaired cognitive memory performance. However, the high schizotypes are apparently able to compensate for the visual processing deficits and perform normally when stimuli are presented for longer as in the CANTAB tasks. This study adds to growing evidence that the schizophrenia spectrum is characterized by early sensory abnormalities.


[Systematization of approaches to the organization of prevention of mental disorders veterans of combat veterans.]
For the purpose of methodological justification of the use of new approaches to the organization of psychiatric care for veterans of military operations in departmental general hospital health care institutions, the analysis of existing problems in providing psychiatric care to retired combatants with mental disorders of the system of the Ministry of internal Affairs (MIA) of Russia was carried out. It is shown that the existing organizational approaches have a number of significant drawbacks and do not fully provide quality therapy and medical and psychological rehabilitation to this contingent. Proposed in the development Concept of the psychiatric service of MIA to provide targeted prevention work with ex-combatants, current employees of power structures, including early diagnosis of early forms of mental disorders, timely provision of treatment & rehabilitation help with subsequent systematic monitoring of their mental health in government health facilities. This will not only improve the quality of diagnosis of mental disorders, but also improve the treatment of psychopathological disorders, reduce the stigma of psychiatric care and systematize the directions of work with this contingent at the stages of secondary prevention of changes in mental functions.


Practical retrieval of land surface emissivity spectra in 8-14 μm from hyperspectral thermal infrared data.
A practical physics-based regression method was developed and evaluated for nearly real time estimate of land surface emissivity spectra in 8-14 μm from hyperspectral thermal infrared data. Two spectral emissivity libraries and one atmospheric profile database fully covering all the possible situations for clear sky conditions were elaborately selected to simulate the radiances at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The regression coefficients were determined by the main principal components of emissivity spectra and those of simulated brightness temperature at TOA using a ridge regression method. The experience with the simulated Interferometer Atmospheric Sounding Instrument (IASI) data showed that the emissivity spectra could be retrieved under clear sky conditions with root mean square errors of 0.015 and 0.03 for 714-970 cm(-1) (10.3-14.0 μm) and 970-1250 cm(-1) (8.0-10.3 μm), respectively, for various land surface and atmospheric conditions. This indicates the proposed method may be robust and applicable for all hyperspectral infrared sensors.


Adjuvant tamoxifen reduces subsequent breast cancer in women with estrogen receptor-positive ductal carcinoma in situ: a study based on NSABP protocol B-24.
The NSABP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project) B-24 study demonstrated significant benefit with adjuvant tamoxifen in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after lumpectomy and radiation. Patients were enrolled without knowledge of hormone receptor status. The current study retrospectively evaluated the relationship between receptors and response to tamoxifen. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) were evaluated in 732 patients with DCIS (41% of original study population). An experienced central laboratory determined receptor status in all patient cases with available paraffin blocks (n = 449) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using comprehensively validated assays. Results for additional patients (n = 283) determined by various methods (primarily IHC) were available from enrolling institutions. Combined results were evaluated for benefit of tamoxifen by receptor status at 10 years and overall follow-up (median, 14.5 years). ER was positive in 76% of patients. Patients with ER-positive DCIS treated with tamoxifen (v placebo) showed significant decreases in subsequent breast cancer at 10 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; P < .001) and overall follow-up (HR, 0.60; P = .003), which remained significant in multivariable analysis (overall HR, 0.64; P = .003). Results were similar, but less significant, when subsequent ipsilateral and contralateral, invasive and noninvasive, breast cancers were considered separately. No significant benefit was observed in ER-negative DCIS. PgR and either receptor were positive in 66% and 79% of patients, respectively, and in general, neither was more predictive than ER alone. Patients in NSABP B-24 with ER-positive DCIS receiving adjuvant tamoxifen after standard therapy showed significant reductions in subsequent breast cancer. The use of adjuvant tamoxifen should be considered for patients with DCIS.


Drosophila neuroligin 1 promotes growth and postsynaptic differentiation at glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions.
Precise apposition of presynaptic and postsynaptic domains is a fundamental property of all neuronal circuits. Experiments in vitro suggest that Neuroligins and Neurexins function as key regulatory proteins in this process. In a genetic screen, we recovered several mutant alleles of Drosophila neuroligin 1 (dnlg1) that cause a severe reduction in bouton numbers at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). In accord with reduced synapse numbers, these NMJs show reduced synaptic transmission. Moreover, lack of postsynaptic DNlg1 leads to deficits in the accumulation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, scaffold proteins, and subsynaptic membranes, while increased DNlg1 triggers ectopic postsynaptic differentiation via its cytoplasmic domain. DNlg1 forms discrete clusters adjacent to postsynaptic densities. Formation of these clusters depends on presynaptic Drosophila Neurexin (DNrx). However, DNrx binding is not an absolute requirement for DNlg1 function. Instead, other signaling components are likely involved in DNlg1 transsynaptic functions, with essential interactions organized by the DNlg1 extracellular domain but also by the cytoplasmic domain.


Biogeography of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Ecuador: implications for the design of control strategies.
Chagas disease control strategies strongly depend on the triatomine vector species involved in Trypanosoma cruzi transmission within each area. Here we report the results of the identification of specimens belonging to various species of Triatominae captured in Ecuador (15 species from 17 provinces) and deposited in the entomological collections of the Catholic University of Ecuador (Quito), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil), the Natural History Museum London (UK), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), the National Institute of Hygiene (Quito), and the Vozandes Hospital (Quito). A critical review of published information and new field records are presented. We analysed these data in relation to the life zones where triatomines occur (11 life zones, excluding those over 2,200 m altitude), and provide biogeographical maps for each species. These records are discussed in terms of epidemiological significance and design of control strategies. Findings relevant to the control of the main vector species are emphasised. Different lines of evidence suggest that Triatoma dimidiata is not native to Ecuador-Peru, and that synanthropic populations of Rhodnius ecuadoriensis in southern Ecuador-northern Peru might be isolated from their sylvatic conspecifics. Local eradication of T. dimidiata and these R. ecuadoriensis populations might therefore be attainable. However, the presence of a wide variety of native species indicates the necessity for a strong longitudinal surveillance system.


Influences on Case-Managed Community Aged Care Practice.
Case management has been widely implemented in the community aged care setting. In this study, we aimed to explore influences on case-managed community aged care practice from the perspectives of community aged care case managers. We conducted 33 semistructured interviews with 47 participants. We drew these participants from a list of all case managers working in aged care organizations that provided publicly funded case management program(s)/packages in Victoria, Australia. We used a multilevel framework that included such broad categories of factors as structural, organizational, case manager, client, and practice factors to guide the data analysis. Through thematic analysis, we found that policy change, organizational culture and policies, case managers' professional backgrounds, clients with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and case management models stood out as key influences on case managers' practice. In the future, researchers can use the multilevel framework to undertake implementation research in similar health contexts.


Seasonal and long-term trends in atmospheric PAH concentrations: evidence and implications.
Atmospheric monitoring data for selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were compiled from remote, rural and urban locations in the UK, Sweden, Finland and Arctic Canada. The objective was to examine the seasonal and temporal trends, to shed light on the factors which exert a dominant influence over ambient PAH levels. Urban centres in the UK have concentrations 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than in rural Europe and up to 3 orders of magnitude higher than Arctic Canada. Interpretation of the data suggests that proximity to primary sources 'drives' PAH air concentrations. Seasonality, with winter (W) > summer (S), was apparent for most compounds at most sites; high molecular weight compounds (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene) showed this most clearly and consistently. Some low molecular weight compounds (e.g. phenanthrene) sometimes displayed S>W seasonality at some rural locations. Strong W>S seasonality is linked to seasonally-dependent sources which are greater in winter. This implicates inefficient combustion processes, notably the diffusive domestic burning of wood and coal. However, sometimes seasonality can also be strongly influenced by broad changes in meteorology and air mass origin (e.g. in the Canadian Arctic). The datasets examined here suggest a downward trend for many PAHs at some sites, but this is not apparent for all sites and compounds. The inherent noise in ambient air monitoring data makes it difficult to derive unambiguous evidence of underlying declines, to confirm the effectiveness of international source reduction measures.


First Report of Stem Bleeding in Coconut Caused by Ceratocystis paradoxa in Hainan, China.
Stem bleeding of coconut was discovered in 2009 in Hainan, China. Affected trunk areas exhibited dark discoloration and a reddish brown or rust-colored liquid bleeding from different points. Stem tissues under the lesions rotted and became brownish yellow to black. Affected plants died within 3 to 4 months after stem symptoms first appeared. Stem bleeding of coconut is known to occur in production areas worldwide. The disease was first reported in Sri Lanka (1), caused severe damage to PB-121 hybrids in Indonesia (2), and is now known to occur in many other coconut-producing countries. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of the disease in China. A fungus was isolated from lesion margins of diseased coconut trees. Colonies on potato dextrose agar (PDA) were white, became black 1 to 2 days later, and emitted a strong, fruity aroma. The fungus produced conidia, which were cylindrical, colorless to pale brown, and 6.9 to 14.9 × 3.1 to 6.0 μm, and oval, black chlamydospores that were 7.9 to 19.4 × 4.6 to 11.0 μm. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth ranged from 25 to 35°C and it did not grow at temperatures lower than 5°C or higher than 40°C. On the basis of these characteristics, the fungus was identified as Ceratocystis paradoxa (Dade) C. Moreau (anamorph Thielaviopsis paradoxa (de Seynes) Höhn). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified from genomic DNA with primers ITS1 and ITS4 and the PCR products were sequenced (GenBank Accession No. JQ039332). BLAST analysis showed 99% sequence similarity with C. paradoxa (GenBank Accession No. HQ248205.1). Pathogenicity of the fungus was tested by inoculating 10, 3-year-old coconut trees of the cv. green tall at the 12-leaf stage in the field. Agar plugs (5 mm in diameter) from the periphery of 7-day-old C. paradoxa colonies grown on PDA were placed on healthy trunks, rachis, and leaves, which were either wounded or unwounded. Wounds were made with a sterilized cork borer. Sites of the inoculations were wrapped with plastic tape to prevent desiccation; the experiment was repeated three times. Controls received plain PDA discs. Two weeks after inoculation, characteristic rusty brown lesions appeared only on wounded plants that were inoculated with the fungus. A brownish liquid oozed from the points of inoculation. Controls did not show signs of disease development. C. paradoxa was reisolated from the diseased tissues. Infection occurred on wounded sites only, suggesting that wounds may be required for infection. To prevent stem bleeding of coconut trees by C. paradoxa, vigilant cultural practices must be maintained to avoid causing wounds on the trees. References: (1) S. A. Alfieri. Plant Pathol. Circular No. 53. Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry, 1967. (2) D. R. N. Warwick and E. E. M. Passos. Trop. Plant Pathol. 34:175, 2009.


Regulation of p53 levels by the E1B 55-kilodalton protein and E4orf6 in adenovirus-infected cells.
The adenovirus type 5 243R E1A protein induces p53-dependent apoptosis in the absence of the 19- and 55-kDa E1B polypeptides. This effect appears to result from an accumulation of p53 protein and is unrelated to expression of E1B products. We now report that in the presence of the E1B 55-kDa polypeptide, the 289R E1A protein does not induce such p53 accumulation and, in fact, is able to block that induced by E1A 243R. This inhibition also requires the 289R-dependent transactivation of E4orf6 expression. E4orf6 is known to form complexes with the E1B 55-kDa protein and to function both in the transport and stabilization of viral mRNA and in shutoff of host cell protein synthesis. We demonstrated that the block in p53 accumulation is not due to the generalized shutoff of host cell metabolism. Rather, it appears to result from a mechanism targeted specifically to p53, most likely involving a decrease in the stability of p53 protein. The E1B 55-kDa protein is known to interact with both E4orf6 and p53, and as demonstrated recently by others, we showed that E4orf6 also binds directly to p53. Thus, multiple interactions between all three proteins may regulate p53 stability, resulting in the maintenance of low levels of p53 following virus infection.


New vistas in malignant mesothelioma: MicroRNA architecture and NRF2/MAPK signal transduction.
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and testes. The most common form is asbestos-linked MM that is etiologically linked to repeated asbestos exposure with a long latency period, although non-asbestos MM has also been reported. Late diagnosis, poor survival rates, lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers act as major impediments in the clinical management of MM. Despite advances in immune checkpoint inhibition and CAR T-cell-based therapies, MM which is of different histologic subtypes remains challenging to treat. We review microRNAs (miRNAs) and the miRNA interactome implicated in MM which can be useful as circulating miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis of MM and as biomarkers for prognostication in MM. Further, we underscore the relevance of the NRF2/MAPK signal transduction pathway that has been implicated in MM which may be useful as druggable targets or as biomarkers of predictive response. In addition, since MM is driven partly by inflammation, we elucidate chemopreventive phytochemicals that are beneficial in MM, either via crosstalk with the NRF2/MAPK pathway or via concerted anticancer mechanisms, and may be of benefit as adjuvants in chemotherapy. Taken together, a multifactorial approach comprising identification of miRNA target hubs and NRF2/MAPK biomarkers along with appropriately designed clinical trials may enable early detection and faster intervention in MM translating into better patient outcomes for this aggressive cancer.


Autecological properties of 3-chlorobenzoate-degrading bacteria and their population dynamics when introduced into sediments.
Ecologically significant properties of wild-type and genetically engineered bacteria capable of degrading 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB) were compared in the laboratory, and isolates were introduced into streambed sediments in microcosms to observe their population dynamics. 3-CB metabolism, growth on algal extract, temperature optima, and ingestion by protozoa were ecological properties considered relevant to the persistence of these bacteria if introduced into nature. Cell-specific Vmax for 3-CB metabolism and cell-specific mineralization rates each spanned approximately 2 orders of magnitude, but isolates did not rank consistently. The Ks for 3-CB metabolism for Alcaligenes sp. BR60 was approximately 40-fold lower than the mean value for the other isolates, which differed only approximately 4-fold among themselves. All isolates grew on an algal extract nearly as well as on tryptone-yeast extract, implying potential for survival on natural metabolic substrates in situ. Most isolates had temperature optima that were 3-15 degrees C higher than maximum stream water temperature (22 degrees C). Ciliates preferentially ingested P. acidovorans M3GY, and either P. putida RC-4(pSI30) or its parent strain were least preferred, but microflagellates did not exhibit consistent preferences. Fluorescent antibodies were prepared against isolates to permit detection of target cells in natural communities. In three different microcosm experiments the cell densities of introduced isolates declined over a period of days. In one experiment, 3-CB additions (100 mg/L) led to increases of P. alcaligenes C-0 and P. acidovorans M3GY cell densities within 1 day, although P. putida RC-4(pSI30) took 4 days. In a second experiment, the persistence of P. putida RC-4(pSI30) and its parent strain P. putida RC-4 were compared and rates of initial population decline were not statistically different. 3-CB addition stimulated the growth of other organisms while densities of the P. putida strains further declined. In a third experiment exposure to 100 mg 3-CB/L slowed the rate of decline of P. acidovorans M3GY densities compared to a 10 mg/L concentration or unamended control. Competition with the native flora was a significant factor affecting the persistence of introduced 3-CB degraders.


Cervical cancer survival in sub-Saharan Africa by age, stage at diagnosis and Human Development Index: A population-based registry study.
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in African women. We sought to estimate population-based survival and evaluate excess hazards for mortality in African women with cervical cancer, examining the effects of country-level Human Development Index (HDI), age and stage at diagnosis. We selected a random sample of 2760 incident cervical cancer cases, diagnosed in 2005 to 2015 from 13 population-based cancer registries in 11 countries (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe) through the African Cancer Registry Network. Of these, 2735 were included for survival analyses. The 1-, 3- and 5-year observed and relative survival were estimated by registry, stage and country-level HDI. We used flexible Poisson regression models to estimate the excess hazards for death adjusting for age, stage and HDI. Among patients with known stage, 65.8% were diagnosed with Stage III-IV disease. The 5-year relative survival for Stage I-II cervical cancer in high HDI registry areas was 67.5% (42.1-83.6) while it was much lower (42.2% [30.6-53.2]) for low HDI registry areas. Independent predictors of mortality were Stage III-IV disease, medium to low country-level HDI and age >65 years at cervical cancer diagnosis. The average relative survival from cervix cancer in the 11 countries was 69.8%, 44.5% and 33.1% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Factors contributing to the HDI (such as education and a country's financial resources) are critical for cervical cancer control in SSA and there is need to strengthen health systems with timely and appropriate prevention and treatment programmes.


Studies on the structure and mechanism of a bacterial protein toxin by analytical ultracentrifugation and small-angle neutron scattering.
Pneumolysin, an important virulence factor of the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a pore-forming toxin which also possesses the ability to activate the complement system directly. Pneumolysin binds to cholesterol in cell membrane surfaces as a prelude to pore formation, which involves the oligomerization of the protein. Two important aspects of the pore-forming activity of pneumolysin are therefore the effect of the toxin on bilayer membrane structure and the nature of the self-association into oligomers undergone by it. We have used analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) to investigate oligomerization and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to investigate the changes in membrane structure accompanying pore formation. Pneumolysin self-associates in solution to form oligomeric structures apparently similar to those which appear on the membrane coincident with pore formation. It has previously been demonstrated by us using site-specific chemical derivatization of the protein that the self-interaction preceding oligomerization involves its C-terminal domain. The AUC experiments described here involved pneumolysin toxoids harbouring mutations in different domains, and support our previous conclusions that self-interaction via the C-terminal domain leads to oligomerization and that this may be related to the mechanism by which pneumolysin activates the complement system.SANS data at a variety of neutron contrasts were obtained from liposomes used as model cell membranes in the absence of pneumolysin, and following the addition of toxin at a number of concentrations. These experiments were designed to allow visualization of the effect that pneumolysin has on bilayer membrane structure resulting from oligomerization into a pore-forming complex. The structure of the liposomal membrane alone and following addition of pneumolysin was calculated by the fitting of scattering equations directly to the scattering curves. The fitting equations describe scattering from simple three-dimensional scattering volume models for the structures present in the sample, whose dimensions were varied iteratively within the fitting program. The overall trend was a thinning of the liposome surface on toxin attack, which was countered by the formation of localized structures thicker than the liposome bilayer itself, in a manner dependent on pneumolysin concentration. At the neutron contrast match point of the liposomes, pneumolysin oligomers were observed. Inactive toxin appeared to bind to the liposome but not to cause membrane alteration; subsequent activation of pneumolysin in situ brought about changes in liposome structure similar to those seen in the presence of active toxin. We propose that the changes in membrane structure on toxin attack which we have observed are related to the mechanism by which pneumolysin forms pores and provide an important perspective on protein/membrane interactions in general. We discuss these results in the light of published data concerning the interaction of gramicidin with bilayers and the hydrophobic mismatch effect.


Thresholds for detection and awareness of masked facial stimuli.
It has been suggested that perception without awareness can be demonstrated by a dissociation between performance in objective (forced-choice) and subjective (yes-no) tasks, and such dissociations have been reported both for simple stimuli and more complex ones including faces. However, signal detection theory (SDT) indicates that the subjective measures used to assess awareness in such studies can be affected by response bias, which could account for the observed dissociation, and this was confirmed by Balsdon and Azzopardi (2015) using simple visual targets. However, this finding may not apply to all types of stimulus, as the detectability of complex targets such as faces is known to be affected by their configuration as well as by their stimulus energy. We tested this with a comparison of forced-choice and yes-no detection of facial stimuli depicting happy or angry or fearful expressions using a backward masking paradigm, and using SDT methods including correcting for unequal variances in the underlying signal distributions, to measure sensitivity independently of response criterion in 12 normal observers. In 47 out 48 comparisons there was no significant difference between sensitivity (da) in the two tasks: hence, across the range of expressions tested it appears that the configuration of complex stimuli does not enhance detectability independently of awareness. The results imply that, on the basis of psychophysical experiments in normal observers, there is no reason to postulate that performance and awareness are mediated by separate processes.


Risk group characteristics and viral transmission clusters in South-East Asian patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE and subtype B.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 epidemics in Asian countries are driven by varying exposures. The epidemiology of the regional pandemic has been changing with the spread of HIV-1 to lower-risk populations through sexual transmission. Common HIV-1 genotypes include subtype B and circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE. Our objective was to use HIV-1 genotypic data to better quantify local epidemics. TASER-M is a multicenter prospective cohort of HIV-infected patients. Associations between HIV exposure, patient sex, country of sample origin and HIV-1 genotype were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Phylogenetic methods were used on genotypic data to investigate transmission relationships. A total of 1086 patients from Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines were included in analyses. Proportions of male patients within countries varied (Thailand: 55.6%, Hong Kong: 86.1%, Malaysia: 81.4%, Philippines: 93.8%; p < 0.001) as did HIV exposures (heterosexual contact: Thailand: 85.7%, Hong Kong, 46.2%, Malaysia: 47.8%, Philippines: 25.0%; p < 0.001). After adjustment, we found increased subtype B infection among men who have sex with men, relative to heterosexual-reported exposures (odds ratio = 2.4, p < 0.001). We further describe four transmission clusters of eight to 15 treatment naïve, predominantly symptomatic patients (two each for subtype B and CRF01_AE). Risk-group subpopulations differed with respect to the infecting HIV-1 genotype. Homosexual exposure patients had higher odds of being infected with subtype B. Where HIV-1 genotypes circulate within countries or patient risk-groups, local monitoring of genotype-specific transmissions may play a role in focusing public health prevention strategies. Phylogenetic evaluations provide complementary information for surveillance and monitoring of viruses with high mutation rates such as HIV-1 and Ebola.


Sudarshan Kriya yoga improves quality of life in healthy people living with HIV (PLHIV): results from an open label randomized clinical trial.
Improving quality of life (QOL) of healthy people living with HIV (PLHIV) is critical needing home-based, long-term strategy. Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) intervention is acknowledged for its positive impact on health. It is hypothesised that SKY would improve PLHIV's QOL, justifying an evaluation. In this open label randomized controlled pilot trial, 61 adult PLHIV with CD4 count more than 400 cells/µl and Karnofsky scale score above 70 were enrolled. Those with cardiac disease, jaundice, tuberculosis, or on antiretroviral therapy/yoga intervention were excluded. All were given standard care, randomized to SKY intervention (31: I-SKY) and only standard of care in control (30: O-SOC) arms. The I-SKY participants were trained for six days to prepare for daily practice of SKY at home for 30 min. A validated 31-item WHOQOL-HIVBREF questionnaire was used to document effect in both arms from baseline to three visits at 4 wk interval. Baseline QOL scores, hypertension and CD4 count were similar in both arms. An overall 6 per cent improvement of QOL scores was observed in I-SKY group as compared to O-SOC group, after controlling for baseline variables like age, gender, education and occupation ( p =0.016); 12 per cent for physical ( p =0.004), 11 per cent psychological (p =0.023) and 9 per cent level of independence (p =0.001) domains. Improvement in I-SKY observed at post-training and in the SKY adherence group showed increase in these two domains. A significant improvement in QOL scores was observed for the three health related QOL domains in SKY intervention arm. This low cost strategy improved physical and psychological state of PLHIV calling for upscaling with effective monitoring for sustainability of quality of life.


Risk assessment at hazardous waste-contaminated sites with variability of population characteristics.
Risk assessment is considered to be an effective scientific tool which enables decisionmakers to manage hazardous waste-contaminated sites in a cost-effective manner while preserving public health. However, the current risk assessment framework proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has limitations in addressing the true variability of population characteristics. This study proposed a methodology that is different from the existing framework by accounting for the true variability of population characteristics. The key differences of the proposed methodology and the existing framework are the (1) use of the transient exposure concentration; (2) use of the entire population rather than a representative ideal individual; (3) use of age- and gender-based population subgroups to represent population characteristics; (4) use of a population growth model to represent growth dynamics; and (5) presentation of risk through a risk profile with risk summarized through a single indicator, potential cancer incidences (PCI). The proposed methodology was applied in a ground water contamination scenario due to benzene to determine its applicability. The results of the study showed that age-based variability of population characteristics is important in predicting the population risk while gender played a small role. The existing US EPA methodology and its variation using age-independent variability of population characteristics overestimate the risk given by PCI substantially, and therefore, the decisions can lead to costly cleanup goals. Population risk is not a single value but a distribution due to the contribution from ditferent individuals of the exposed population. Hence, the decision criterion proposed in this study, PCI, is found to be a useful indicator to describe population carcinogenic risk to the society under a variety of conditions and scenarios.


Preparation, stabilization and characterization of TiO(2) on thin polyethylene films (LDPE). Photocatalytic applications.
An innovative way to fix preformed nanocrystalline TiO(2) on low-density polyethylene film (LDPE-TiO(2)) is presented. The LDPE-TiO(2) film was able to mediate the complete photodiscoloration of Orange II using about seven times less catalyst than a TiO(2) suspension and proceeded with a photonic efficiency of approximately 0.02. The catalyst shows photostability over long operational periods during the photodiscoloration of the azo dye Orange II. The LDPE-TiO(2) catalyst leads to full dye discoloration under simulated solar light but only to a 30% TOC reduction since long-lived intermediates generated in solution seem to preclude full mineralization of the dye. Physical insight is provided into the mechanism of stabilization of the LDPE-TiO(2) composite during the photocatalytic process by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adherence of TiO(2) on LDPE is investigated by electron microscopy (EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thickness of the TiO(2) film is seen to vary between 1.25 and 1.69 microm for an unused LDPE-TiO(2) film and between 1.31 and 1.50 microm for a sample irradiated 10h during Orange II discoloration pointing out to a higher compactness of the TiO(2) film after the photocatalysis.


Anisotropic velocity-dependent vortex forces: two-level atoms in two-dimensional standing waves.
We consider the velocity-dependent light pressure force on a two-level atom interacting with a two-dimensional nearly resonant standing-wave light field. We show that there can be anisotropic cooling-heating forces that will cool the atoms along one field axis while heating them along the perpendicular axis. The force is identified as a spontaneous vortex force associated with the local traveling-wave character of the two-dimensional field. We provide a simple interpretation of this anomalous force in terms of the interplay between the vortical momentum flow of the light field and a motion-induced population transfer between the ground and excited atomic states.


Evaluation of Chlorine Dioxide Irrigation Solution on the Microhardness and Surface Roughness of Root Canal Dentin.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorine dioxide and various other more common irrigation solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of root canal dentin. Fifty human maxillary central incisors were sectioned longitudinally and treated for 1 minute with 5 ml of the following aqueous solutions (v/v%): Group 1: 13.8% chlorine dioxide, Group 2: 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Group 3: 7% maleic acid, Group 4: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (5 ml/min), Group 5: Saline (control). Specimens were subjected to microhardness and surface roughness testing. Chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite reduced the microhardness more than other test agents. The highest surface roughness was produced with maleic acid. Chlorine dioxide should be used cautiously during chemomechanical preparation of the root canal system in order to prevent untoward damage to the teeth.


Genotypic effects on the frequency of homoeologous and homologous recombination in Brassica napus × B. carinata hybrids.
We investigated the influence of genotype on homoeologous and homologous recombination frequency in eight different Brassica napus (AAC(n)C(n)) × B. carinata (BBC(c)C(c)) interspecific hybrids (genome composition C(n)C(c)AB). Meiotic recombination events were assessed through microsatellite marker analysis of 67 unreduced microspore-derived progeny. Thirty-four microsatellite markers amplified 83 A-, B-, C(n)- and C(c)-genome alleles at 64 loci, of which a subset of seven markers amplifying 26 alleles could be used to determine allele copy number. Hybrid genotypes varied significantly in loss of A- and B-genome alleles (P < 0.0001), which ranged from 6 to 22% between hybrid progeny sets. Allele copy number analysis revealed 19 A-C, 3 A-B and 10 B-C duplication/deletion events attributed to homoeologous recombination. Additionally, 55 deletions and 19 duplications without an accompanying dosage change in homoeologous alleles were detected. Hybrid progeny sets varied in observed frequencies of loss, gain and exchange of alleles across the A and B genomes as well as in the diploid C genome. Self-fertility in hybrid progeny decreased as the loss of B-genome loci (but not A-genome loci) increased. Hybrid genotypes with high levels of homologous and homoeologous exchange may be exploited for genetic introgressions between B. carinata and B. napus (canola), and those with low levels may be used to develop stable synthetic Brassica allopolyploids.


Transcriptional activation by TAL1 and FUS-CHOP proteins expressed in acute malignancies as a result of chromosomal abnormalities.
Proteins that appear to participate in transcriptional control of gene expression are increasingly implicated in leukemias and malignant solid tumors. We report here that the N-terminal domains of the proteins TAL1 (ectopically activated in T-cell acute leukemias after chromosomal abnormalities caused by V-D-J recombinase error) (V, variable; D, diversity; J, joining) and FUS-CHOP (a liposarcoma tumor-specific fusion protein that is produced as a result of a chromosomal translocation) can function as transcription activators of specific responsive reporter genes. The result with TAL1 provides evidence that transcriptional activation can be mediated by a gene activated by translocation in T-cell acute leukemias. In the case of the liposarcoma, transactivation by the FUS-CHOP protein occurs because the FUS transcriptional activation domain is added to the DNA-binding CHOP protein normally lacking such activity. Therefore, the association of transcriptional activation and DNA-binding elements is a common consequence in proteins activated or newly created as fusion proteins after chromosomal translocations in acute leukemias and in malignant solid tumors.


Predicting biopsy outcome after mammography: what is the likelihood the patient has invasive or in situ breast cancer?
As many as 1,000,000 breast biopsies are performed annually in the United States. Although substantial effort has been devoted to estimating breast cancer risk, there have been no studies to predict outcome in women undergoing breast biopsy. A population-based study was undertaken to develop and test models for predicting the probability of invasive breast cancer and/or ductal carcinoma-in-situ in 7670 women undergoing breast biopsy after mammography. Logistical prediction models were developed by using data from 6129 randomly selected women and tested with data from the remaining women. The overall cancer prevalence among women undergoing biopsy was 22.4%. Prevalence in women with mammograms highly suggestive of malignancy (category 5) was 84.6%, with minimal variation in individual cancer probabilities due to age. A total of 24.6% of women with suspicious mammograms (category 4) had cancer, but individual probability estimates ranged from .01 to .86, depending on age, presence of a lump, previous biopsy, menopausal status, and use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. These variables also influenced biopsy outcome in women with other mammography assessments (categories 0-3), but the overall prevalence was lower (8.6%), and estimated probabilities ranged from .01 to .45. When cancer was present, the probability of invasive disease was influenced by mammogram assessment category, absence of mammogram calcifications, and presence of a lump. The probabilities of invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma-in-situ in women undergoing biopsy can be more accurately predicted by using clinical characteristics in addition to mammography findings. This information could potentially influence decisions regarding immediate biopsy or continued surveillance.