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Let q ≥ 2 be an integer and let s q (n) be the sum-of-digits function in base q of the positive integer n. In this paper we obtain asymptotic formulae for the distribution of (s q (n 2 mod q k)) n < q k and (s p (n d mod p k)) n < p k in residue classes modulo m, where q ≥ 2 , m ≥ 2 and d ≥ 2 are general integers, p > 2 is a prime. Furthermore, we give exact identities for the distribution of (s p (n d mod p k)) n < p k in residue classes modulo p. The properties of Dirichlet character sums and exponential sums play an important role in the proof of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated during the last 50 years an increased incidence in testis cancer, male genital tract malformations (cryptorchidism and hypospadias) and a decrease in sperm quality in men. These three pathologies seem to be linked and to belong to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). It was suggested that TDS is a consequence of intra-uterine exposure to environmental compounds that disrupt the metabolism of native hormones. Such substances are so called endocrine disruptors (EDs). EDs are present in our daily environment such as food and water (through the use of pesticides), cosmetics, house-care products etc. Experimental models have been carried out to (i) establish a link between EDs exposure and SDT and (ii) identify the mechanisms that are involved in. After a brief definition of EDs and having underlined the importance of the window of exposure to EDs, several mechanisms will be described such as (i) intergenerational transmission (epigenetic), (ii) programmed cell death of testicular cells, (iii) modification of the androgenic signal and (iv) role of the germ cells-nourishing cells. To conclude, we will try to propose some biomarkers that would be useful to identify the potential link between fetal exposure to anti-androgenic EDs and male testicular pathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to study sets of integers with an average sum of digits. More precisely, let be a fixed integer, be the sum of the digits of in basis . Let such that, in any interval , is constant and near from We give an asymptotic for the number of integers such that and we prove that for every irrational the sequence is equidistributed mod 1, for satisfying . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

By using the multiplicative inverse modulo p, a large family of finite binary sequences is constructed with strong pseudorandom properties. The crucial tool in the proofs is an (additive) character sum estimate of Eichenauer--Hermann and Niederreiter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mauduit and Sárközy introduced and studied certain numerical parameters associated to finite binary sequences EN ∈ {−1, 1}N in order to measure their ‘level of randomness’. Those parameters, the normality measureN(EN), the well‐distribution measure W(EN), and the correlation measureCk(EN) of order k, focus on different combinatorial aspects of EN. In their work, amongst others, Mauduit and Sárközy (i) investigated the relationship among those parameters and their minimal possible value, (ii) estimated N(EN), W(EN) and Ck(EN) for certain explicitly constructed sequences EN suggested to have a ‘pseudorandom nature’, and (iii) investigated the value of those parameters for genuinely random sequences EN. In this paper, we continue the work in the direction of (iii) above and determine the order of magnitude of N(EN), W(EN) and Ck(EN) for typical EN. We prove that, for most EN ∈ {−1, 1}N, both W(EN) and N(EN) are of order √ N, while Ck(EN) is of order N log ( N k ) for any given 2 ⩽ k ⩽ N/4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fabric laundering is now a sophisticated chemical process involving a variety of operations including bleaching. The chemistry of peroxy bleaches is described including the use of novel organic compounds to provide effective bleaching at the lower temperatures of modern wash cycles. The instability of peroxy compounds is illustrated using cameo case histories to relate theory and practice. Techniques available for determining their thermochemistry are summarised. A model is provided for hazard and risk assessment of development projects in general (particularly those involving new molecules, processes or formulations) from ideas phase through exploratory laboratory investigations to pilot plant scale-up and eventual manufacture and commercial exploitation. This paper is a prelude to Part 2, which describes the determination of thermodynamic and kinetic properties of peroxy bleaches and discusses the implication of the results in terms of precautions for their safe storage and incorporation into detergent formulations during processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of a series of inorganic and organic peroxy bleaches were determined using adiabatic rate calorimetry and isothermal microcalorimetry. Results are compared to calculated oxygen balance values. The decomposition of the majority of the compounds is complex. Data indicate the need for cooling during the storage and transport for some materials evaluated. Although no overall structure/activity relationship could be established because of the diversity of molecular architectures studied, a combination of decomposition and activation energy data provides a means for hazard and risk classification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For an irrational rotation ± of the circle group T=R/Z and a piecewise absolutely continuous function f@&ratio;T’R, the unitary operator Vh(x)=e2Àif(x)h(x+±) on L2(T) is studied. It is shown that if f has a single discontinuity with non-integer jump then V is º-weakly mixing for some º with 0<#º#<1. In particular V has continuous singular spectrum. The property of º-weak mixing (with possible change of the value of º, 0<#º#<1) holds for all irrational rotations and, given ±, is stable under perturbations of f by functions with sufficiently small O(1/n)-norm. On the other hand, there exists a piecewise linear function f with two non-integer jumps such that the spectrum of V is continuous singular for one value of ± and Lebesgue for another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Do TNF-308 and -238 polymorphisms impact the embryo implantation rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women without female infertility factor? SUMMARY ANSWER The presence of the TNF-308A allele is associated with high implantation and multiple pregnancy rates in women without known infertility factors after ovarian hyperstimulation with exogenous FSH. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Multiple pregnancies are frequent after the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Single embryo transfer (SET) has been proposed as a simple way to prevent these risks. However, the extension of SET indications to patients not selected based on specific criteria is controversial because of reduced pregnancy rates. To date, the predictive value of the parameters used for SET (age, gynecological history of the patient and uterine characteristics) allows a pregnancy rate of ∼30%. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The potential predictive value of TNF polymorphisms (-308, rs1800629 and -238, rs361525) on implantation rate was evaluated in 424 women requiring IVF due to male fertility factors. This cohort retrospective study was conducted over 4 years in University-affiliated hospitals. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS The entire patient group included 424 women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) due to male fertility factors without the contribution of any female factor. From among this group, a selected patient group included 120 women with a normal karyotype, age under 38 years, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (Day-3 FSH) levels below 10 IU/l, a long agonist desensitization protocol associated with recombinant FSH treatment and a Caucasian background. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The TNF-238 polymorphism was not associated with implantation rate. In contrast, the presence of the TNF-308A allele was associated with increased Day 3-E2 levels as well as higher implantation and multiple pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer in women from the entire and selected patient groups. Moreover, in the selected patient group, the presence of the TNF-308A allele was also associated with a decrease in the miscarriage rate. The benefit of the TNF-308A allele in predicting implantation rates was not observed after the use of frozen embryos. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Future studies are needed to evaluate whether the TNF-308A allele might also be a biomarker in women with infertility factors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDING The TNF-308A allele may represent a good candidate for a potential predictive, non-invasive biomarker in the SET strategy. However, its impact should be evaluated in prospective studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST This study was conducted with financial support from the French Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Organon France for a FARO (Fond d'Aide à la Recherche Organon) fellowship (to V.T.) and CHU Nice PHRC (PHRC 09-279).There are no competing interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) are associated with androgen receptor (AR) signalling. AR functions are modulated by a variety of co-factors amongst which we identified the nucleophosmin (NPM/B23), a member of the histone chaperone family. Here, we show that NPM is overexpressed in PCa compared to normal adjacent tissues. AR and NPM interact in vitro and in vivo, and NPM is critical for androgen-dependent transcriptional activation in LNCaP cells as an anti-NPM siRNA downregulates transcription of a transfected androgen response element (ARE)-containing reporter promoter as well as expression of the endogenous androgen responsive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene. By investigating the effect of NPM on AR, we have also observed that NPM enhances AR binding to an ARE in vitro in electrophoretic gel mobility-shift assay experiments. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies further demonstrated that both AR and NPM associate with AREs of the PSA gene in vivo. Altogether, our data suggest that the molecular histone chaperone NPM could regulate AR functions by promoting assembly of AR-containing regulatory complexes and that high levels of NPM might alter AR functions in PCa.Oncogene (2008) 27, 2858–2867; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210942; published online 26 November 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated whether leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and other paracrine signals are required for the various steps of olfactory neurogenesis. Information on the assaying of changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of candidate mitogens; Identification of cells that upregulate LIF mRNA after olfactory bulb ablation; Biological relevance of LIF in olfactory neuron turnover.