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We report on the use of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) for multi-gas detection. Photoacoustic (PA) spectra of mixtures of water (H 2 O), ammonia (NH 3 ), and methane (CH 4 ) were measured in the mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range using a mid-infrared (MIR) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) light source. Highly overlapping absorption spectra are a common challenge for gas spectroscopy. To mitigate this, we used a partial least-squares regression (PLS) method to estimate the mixing ratio and concentrations of the individual gasses. The concentration range explored in the analysis varies from a few parts per million (ppm) to thousands of ppm. Spectra obtained from HITRAN and experimental single-molecule reference spectra of each of the molecular species were acquired and used as training data sets. These spectra were used to generate simulated spectra of the gas mixtures (linear combinations of the reference spectra). Here, in this proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate that after an absolute calibration of the QEPAS cell, the PLS analyses could be used to determine concentrations of single molecular species with a relative accuracy within a few % for mixtures of H 2 O, NH 3 , and CH 4 and with an absolute sensitivity of approximately 300 (±50) ppm/V, 50 (±5) ppm/V, and 5 (±2) ppm/V for water, ammonia, and methane, respectively. This demonstrates that QEPAS assisted by PLS is a powerful approach to estimate concentrations of individual gas components with considerable spectral overlap, which is a typical scenario for real-life adoptions and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown how very small differences in the background environment of a supercell can yield different outcomes, particularly in terms of tornado production. In this study, we use a novel convection initiation technique to simulate six supercells with a focus on their early development. Each experiment is identical, except for the strength of thermal forcing for the initial convection initiation. Each experiment yields a mature supercell, but differences in storm-scale characteristics like updraft speed, cold pool temperature deficit, and vertical vorticity development abound. Of these, the time when the midlevel updraft strengthens is most strongly related to initiation strength, with stronger thermal forcing favoring quicker updraft development. The same is true for the low-level updraft, with the additional relationship that stronger thermal forcing also tends to yield stronger low-level updrafts for around the first 2 h of the simulations. The experiments with faster updraft development tend to be associated with more rapid surface vortex intensification; however, cold pool evolution differs between simulations with weaker versus stronger thermal forcing. Stronger thermal forcing also yields deviant rightward storm motion earlier in the supercell's life cycle that remains more consistent for the duration of the simulation. These results highlight the range of supercellular outcomes that are possible across a background environment due to differences in storm-scale initiation strength. They are also of potential importance for predicting the paths and tornado potential of supercells in real time. Significance Statement: Despite a better understanding of processes related to tornado production in supercell thunderstorms, forecasters still have difficulty discriminating between tornadic and nontornadic supercells in close proximity to each other within the same severe weather event. In this study, we use six simulations of supercells to examine how these different outcomes can occur. Our results show that, given the same background environment, a storm that is more strongly initiated will exhibit faster updraft development and, possibly, quicker tornado production. The opposite can be said for storms that are more weakly initiated. Differences in initiation strength are also associated with different storm motions. These findings inspire future work to better relate supercell evolution to characteristics of initiation and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senior centre staff members seemingly have an important organisational and administrative role, as well as engage in outreach activities, referral and follow‐up in relation to health issues among senior centre users. However, their role in health promotion and illness prevention is easily overlooked and under researched. This study aimed to explore municipal senior centre staffs' awareness of and response to signs of deteriorating health or well‐being among users. A multisite ethnographic field study was conducted at seven municipal senior centres in Denmark from November 2019 to February 2020. Data were obtained from participant observation and semi‐structured individual interviews with 16 staff members. A thematic analysis strategy helped identify themes of importance. Senior centre staff followed a process of three steps when remaining aware of and responding to signs of deteriorating health and well‐being among users: detecting, tracing and reacting. Three themes with corresponding subthemes were identified: Establishing close and trusting relationships, facilitating a community feeling and utilising joint collaboration. Each subtheme was linked to some or all of the three steps in the process. The municipal senior centre staff had a strong and explicit focus on detecting, tracing and reacting to signs of deteriorating health and well‐being among senior centre users. This makes the senior centres a promising arena for illness prevention and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytic orchids exhibit varying degrees of phorophyte tree specificity. We performed a pilot study to investigate why epiphytic orchids prefer or avoid certain trees. We selected two orchid species, Panisea uniflora and Bulbophyllum odoratissimum co-occurring in a forest habitat in southern China, where they showed a specific association with Quercus yiwuensis and Pistacia weinmannifolia trees, respectively. We analysed a number of environmental factors potentially influencing the relationship between orchids and trees. Difference in bark features, such as water holding capacity and pH were recorded between Q. yiwuensis and P. weinmannifolia, which could influence both orchid seed germination and fungal diversity on the two phorophytes. Morphological and molecular culture-based methods, combined with metabarcoding analyses, were used to assess fungal communities associated with studied orchids and trees. A total of 162 fungal species in 74 genera were isolated from bark samples. Only two genera, Acremonium and Verticillium, were shared by the two phorophyte species. Metabarcoding analysis confirmed the presence of significantly different fungal communities on the investigated tree and orchid species, with considerable similarity between each orchid species and its host tree, suggesting that the orchid-host tree association is influenced by the fungal communities of the host tree bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal welfare is one of the pillars in organic broiler production, evident in practices such as utilizing slower-growing hybrids and maintaining lower stocking densities for the birds. However, despite these efforts, skepticism and uncertainty remain regarding the extent to which animal welfare objectives are achieved in organic farming. The primary aim of this study was to compare animal-based measures assessing positive and negative welfare between organic and conventional broiler chickens in Denmark. The selected positive welfare indicators included Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA) and observations of play behavior in an open-space test. An additional aim of this study was to examine the reliability of the method by having all QBA observations done by two observers. Negative welfare indicators included walking ability assessed using the 6-point Bristol gait score method and fearfulness assessed using a novel object test. Welfare assessments were conducted on-farm before slaughter at 31–33 days of age for conventional birds and at 49–55 days of age for organic birds. The results from the QBA indicated differences between organic and conventional production systems (P = 0.001). Specifically, organic broilers exhibited higher levels of active, energetic, positively occupied, happy, and agitated behaviors. Notably, the outcome of the QBA was influenced by the observer (P = 0.001); on average, one observer tended to assign higher scores specifically for depressed and distressed behaviors, while the other observer allocated higher scores to the remaining behavioral terms. Moreover, organic broilers tended to show better walking abilities than conventional broilers (P = 0.064). Fear responses were similar across both production systems. Finally, organic broilers demonstrated a lower frequency of play behavior in open spaces compared to conventional broilers (P = 0.001). Conventional birds may have expressed more play behavior due to the greater contrast between the sudden availability of open space and their typical stocking density, resulting in increased compensatory play. This presents a challenge since a higher frequency of play is often considered an indicator of positive welfare, but we speculate whether in this study, it might suggest a restriction of spontaneous play due to space limitations caused by the high stocking density in the conventional production system. As a result, when additional space becomes available, it could lead to a rebound effect. Future research should explore how stocking density influences play behavior in broiler chickens, including measures of both spontaneous play and stimulated play during controlled test situations. • The outcome of the Qualitative Behavior Assessment was influenced both by the observer and by the production system. • Conventional broiler flocks expressed more play behavior in an open-space test. • There were no differences in the fear response between conventional and organic broiler chickens. • Organic broiler chickens tended to walk better than conventional broilers. • The higher amount of play expressed by conventional broilers may be an indicator of a rebound effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Medication abortion is safe and effective, yet access is limited by a strict Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that prohibits pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone. Given the ability of primary care providers (PCPs) to expand medication abortion access, we assessed PCP perspectives on how lifting the mifepristone REMS would affect the provision of medication abortion in primary care.Study Design: We conducted a qualitative study of PCPs and administrators in Illinois with experience or interest in providing medication abortion care at their practice. The final sample (N=19) consisted of seven family medicine physicians, three nurse practitioners, four certified nurse midwives, and five administrators. We queried participants on how removing the REMS to allow pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone would affect their ability to provide medication abortion. We conducted interviews via telephone and used ATLAS.ti to manage our transcripts; we analyzed these data for major themes regarding pharmacy dispensing.Results: Primary care providers expressed support for pharmacy dispensing due to its ability to help normalize medication abortion, reduce implementation barriers in primary care, and expand abortion access. Further challenges to address if the REMS restrictions are lifted include federal funding restrictions on abortion, concerns about unsupervised mifepristone use, and pharmacy cooperation.Conclusion: Removing the mifepristone REMS to allow pharmacy dispensing could help normalize medication abortion care, facilitate provision in primary care, and address disparities in abortion access.Implications: Our findings illuminate novel benefits of removing the mifepristone REMS and highlight methods to promote successful implementation of pharmacy dispensing. Combined with prior literature, these results support prompt reevaluation and removal of the REMS to align medication abortion care with evidence-based practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of near-ground storm-relative helicity (SRH) in supercell and tornado processes and how surface friction can play a role. In this study, we use an analytical approach to examine how uniform changes to the ground-relative wind profile above the near-ground layer influence SRH within the near-ground layer. We show how the ground-relative influence of surface friction alters the near-ground shear profile. For idealized semicircular and straight shear profiles, increasing preexisting ground-relative flow above the near-ground layer yields increasing SRH. The magnitude of the SRH increase is sensitive to storm motion, with more deviant motion yielding greater SRH increases given the same increase in ground-relative flow. Supercells may be more susceptible to storm-induced SRH enhancements given their deviant motion and ability to increase ground-relative flow in the background environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the fear tests used in the welfare assessments of broiler chickens assume that birds will withdraw from a given stimulus if they are fearful. However, fear test responses may also depend on the amount of space available in the broilers' environment. As broiler chickens grow, the available space decreases, which, together with a decline in walking ability, may bias the results of fear tests. In the present study, we aimed to examine the relationship between space availability and measures of fear in broiler chickens. We hypothesized that broilers kept in pens with lower space availability would show reduced withdrawal in two movement-dependent fear tests, the stationary person test (SPT) and the novel object test (NOT), as space restrictions would limit the birds' ability to move away. Fast-growing broilers (Ross 708) were housed at similar target stocking densities (34 kg/m2) until 27 days of age, after which an experimental intervention was introduced in which half of the pens were provided with additional space, reducing the target stocking density to 16 kg/m2. The fear tests were conducted when the birds were 21, 27 (before the change in space availability), 29, and 37 days old. Statistical analyses were performed in R using Generalized Additive Models. We found no effect of space availability on the measures of the SPT (P = 0.32). Space availability seemingly had a temporary effect on the measures of the NOT, as birds housed in the larger pens (16 kg/m2) showed increased withdrawal compared to the birds housed in the smaller pens (34 kg/m2) at 29 days of age (P = 0.04). However, no difference was found at 37 days of age (P = 0.63), and, therefore, we speculate whether the temporary effect at 29 days of age was due to the novelty of the environment rather than due to increase in space availability per se. We conclude that space availability had no effect on the outcome of the SPT and that it, overall, had no lasting effect on the outcome of the NOT. We speculate whether our findings might be explained by our chosen levels of stocking density for the smaller pens, as these may not have been sufficiently high to limit the birds' ability to respond to the fear tests used, i.e. the birds, although space restricted, still had the option of being outside of proximity of the presented stimuli. • Measurements of fear of humans were not influenced by space availability. • Space availability had minimal effect on the measured fear responses to a novel object. • Stocking densities used may not have been sufficiently high to limit the birds' ability to respond to the fear tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims An arbuscular mycorrhiza is a mutualistic symbiosis with plants as carbon providers for fungi. However, achlorophyllous arbuscular mycorrhizal species are known to obtain carbon from fungi, i.e. they are mycoheterotrophic. These species all have the Paris type of arbuscular mycorrhiza. Recently, two chlorophyllous Paris -type species proved to be partially mycoheterotrophic. In this study, we explore the frequency of this condition and its association with Paris -type arbuscular mycorrhiza. Methods We searched for evidence of mycoheterotrophy in all currently published 13C, 2H and 15N stable isotope abundance patterns suited for calculations of enrichment factors, i.e. isotopic differences between neighbouring Paris - and Arum -type species. We found suitable data for 135 plant species classified into the two arbuscular mycorrhizal morphotypes. Key Results About half of the chlorophyllous Paris -type species tested were significantly enriched in 13C and often also enriched in 2H and 15N, compared with co-occurring Arum -type species. Based on a two-source linear mixing model, the carbon gain from the fungal source ranged between 7 and 93 % with ferns > horsetails > seed plants. The seed plants represented 13 families, many without a previous record of mycoheterotrophy. The 13C-enriched chlorophyllous Paris -type species were exclusively herbaceous perennials, with a majority of them thriving on shady forest ground. Conclusions Significant carbon acquisition from fungi appears quite common and widespread among Paris -type species, this arbuscular mycorrhizal morphotype probably being a pre-condition for developing varying degrees of mycoheterotrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being the largest estuary on the west coast of North America, no in-depth survey of microbial communities in San Francisco Bay (SFB) waters currently exists. In this study, we analyze bacterioplankton and archaeoplankton communities at several taxonomic levels and spatial extents (i.e., North versus South Bay) to reveal patterns in alpha and beta diversity. We assess communities using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene in 177 water column samples collected along a 150-km transect over a 2-year monthly time-series. In North Bay, the microbial community is strongly structured by spatial salinity changes while in South Bay seasonal variations dominate community dynamics. Along the steep salinity gradient in North Bay, we find that operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 97% identity) have higher site specificity than at coarser taxonomic levels and turnover ("species" replacement) is high, revealing a distinct brackish community (in oligo-, meso-, and polyhaline samples) from fresh and marine end-members. At coarser taxonomic levels (e.g., phylum, class), taxa are broadly distributed across salinity zones (i.e., present/abundant in a large number of samples) and brackish communities appear to be a mix of fresh and marine communities. We also observe variations in brackish communities between samples with similar salinities, likely related to differences in water residence times between North and South Bay. Throughout SFB, suspended particulate matter is positively correlated with richness and influences changes in beta diversity. Within several abundant groups, including the SAR11 clade (comprising up to 30% of reads in a sample), OTUs appear to be specialized to a specific salinity range. Some other organisms also showed pronounced seasonal abundance, including Synechococcus, Ca. Actinomarina, and Nitrosopumilus-like OTUs. Overall, this study represents the first in-depth spatiotemporal survey of SFB microbial communities and provides insight into how planktonic microorganisms have specialized to different niches along the salinity gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discreet heterotrophs: green plants that receive fungal carbon through Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhiza Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM); Arum maculatum; Arum-type; mycoheterotrophy; Paris quadrifolia; Paris-type; stable isotope natural abundance EN arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) Arum maculatum Arum-type mycoheterotrophy Paris quadrifolia Paris-type stable isotope natural abundance 960 966 7 04/20/20 20200515 NES 200515 Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) represents a symbiosis between plants and Glomeromycotina fungi, and it is distributed throughout the plant kingdom and all terrestrial ecosystems. Arbuscules presumably are the site of mineral nutrient fluxes from fungus to plant, and together with intercellular hyphae are also involved in photosynthate transfer from plant to fungus (Smith & Smith, [49]; Dickson I et al. i , [13]; Wipf I et al. i , [56]). In recent years a steadily increasing number of such species have been identified as "partial mycoheterotrophs", because their stable isotope composition values lie between nonmycoheterotrophic neighboring plants and full mycoheterotrophs (Hynson I et al. i , [25], [27]; Gebauer I et al. i , [20]). [Extracted from the article]

In a living tree crown, the surface expands from year to year and the limbs of the tree thicken, as a consequence of primary and secondary growth. An epiphytic plant fixed on a bark surface is thus subject to constant and, at times, rapid successional change, to which the epiphyte must acclimate or die. These changes concern physical and chemical development in the bark substrate and changes in microclimatic conditions. Thus, the width of the tolerance range of an epiphytic species in principle defines its typical longevity. Epiphytes are distributed in a non-random fashion with respect to crown part occupied, the zone of habitation being delimited by the youngest crown position offering conditions for establishment and the position preventing further survival of the epiphytic species in question. The orchid life cycle is crucially dependent on other organisms, such as pollinating animals and symbiotic fungi, but the relationship between epiphytic orchid and phorophyte tree is currently receiving the least attention, despite the likely relevance for conservation of rare and threatened orchid species. Although many correlative studies have recorded occurrence of mature epiphytic orchids, the dynamics created by the growth of the phorophyte are often disregarded. We call for more experimental approaches, such as transplantation studies of seeds and seedlings, to reveal the still largely unknown mechanisms by which orchid distribution is biased towards certain phorophyte species, age stages and crown positions. We provide a compilation of noteworthy cases that could serve as starting points for studies into bias mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective It is recommended that positives in immunoassay drug screens be followed up with more specific confirmatory testing. The drug package insert for pantoprazole mentions reports of false-positive urine screening tests for tetrahydrocannabinol in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors, but no method details or data are given, referenced, or found in literature searches. Thus, we investigated this using our laboratory's assay. Methods A spiked sample and samples from 32 patients taking a proton pump inhibitor were analyzed using the EMIT II Plus Cannabinoid assay with a 20 ng/mL cutoff. Additionally, we examined urine samples from 50 patients with false-positive or low-positive screens for evidence of a proton pump inhibitor. To determine whether O-desmethyl pantoprazole sulfate, the major metabolite, shares any structural or electrostatic similarity to suggest a basis for cross-reactivity in the immunoassay, we used computational techniques for analyses. Molecular electrostatic potential energy (MEP) maps were calculated for the global minimum conformers, and the maximum common substructure Tanimoto similarity was calculated for the modeled compounds. Results Neither the spiked sample nor the patient samples were found to screen positive. None of the false-positive or low-positive screens were found to contain a proton pump inhibitor. Computational studies showed very little similarity in shape or electrostatics between the two molecules. Conclusions We find no supporting evidence of pantoprazole as the cause of false positives in the EMIT II Plus Cannabinoid assay and caution the use of proton pump inhibitors as an explanation for tetrahydrocannabinol immunoassay false positives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The intravenous (IV) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) regimen used worldwide in paracetamol overdose is complex with three separate weight-based doses and is associated with a high incidence of adverse events including non-allergic anaphylactoid reactions (NAARs). In 2012, Denmark adopted the two-bag IV NAC regimen which combined the first two infusions of the three-bag regimen and kept the third infusion unchanged. We compared the safety and efficacy of the two-bag IV NAC regimen with the traditional Danish three-bag regimen. Methods: A medical chart review was conducted in three Danish medical centers from January 2012 through December 2014. Safety and efficacy data were compared for patients who received the traditional infusion protocol in Denmark or the 20-h two-bag IV regimen. Results: Four hundred and ninety-three cases received the two-bag regimen and 274 received the three-bag regimen. The overall incidence of NAARs was 9% with all being mild to moderate in intensity. Fewer subjects in the two-bag group (4%) developed NAARs compared to 17% in the three-bag group (p < .001). Overall, 31 patients (4%) developed hepatotoxicity. There was no apparent difference in hepatotoxicity rates between the groups and no deaths or liver transplants. Patients receiving the two-bag regimen had fewer interruptions or delays (5%) compared to the three-bag regimen cohort (12%). Overall, there were very few medication errors reported (1%). Conclusions: The incidence of NAARs was lower in patients receiving acetylcysteine in a two-bag regimen compared to the traditional Danish three-bag regimen without an apparent reduction in efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Orchidaceae as sister group to the remainder of Asparagales, and identify the sequence of early branching lineages in Orchidaceae. Orchid seedling mycorrhiza ( OSM) involving rhizoctonious fungi is distributed widely in all subfamilies, including the first branching ones, and its status as a founding event is thus supported. OSM is recognized as one element in the character syndrome that distinguishes orchid biology, and we argue that OSM was the first to evolve. We also discuss the possible evolutionary origins of OSM in Asparagales. The prevalent mycobionts suggest a derivation from a pathogenic relationship, and sister group comparison offers little support for derivation from other mycorrhizal relationships. A combination of in situ sowings and molecular identification of seedling mycobionts has established that a broad range of fungi besides rhizoctonious mycelia are presently involved in OSM, presumably evolving secondarily and often in parallel in different orchid clades. Structural features and internal patterns of mycobiont behaviour appear to have remained largely the same, implying that OSM needs only minor physiological adjustment to accommodate new mycobionts. Such modifications will have involved checkpoints for recognition/rejection and the formation/breakdown of pelotons. These physiological mechanisms are so far largely unknown. The trophic versatility of the mycobionts and the apparently easy shifts could be a main factor in the ecological adaptability of orchids and proliferation of the family. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 175, 313-327. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being the largest extant family of flowering plants, few fossils of Orchidaceae have been described, and unambiguous finds have first appeared in the last decade. Orchid pollinaria attached to insect pollinators embedded in amber are exceptional sources of information about orchids from the past but may not always be recognized by collectors and insect specialists. We here describe an orchid anther cap with pollinia and caudicular viscin threads as Succinanthera baltica gen. nov. & sp. nov. attached to a fungus gnat embedded in Baltic amber. With an age of 40–55 Myr, this is the oldest orchid fossil known at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid mycorrhiza probably affects about 25 000 plant species and thus roughly one tenth of all higher plants. Histologically, this symbiosis resembles other kinds of endomycorrhiza, the fungal hyphae growing within living plant cells. Considerable evidence, however, suggests that it is not a two-way exchange relationship and thus not potentially mutualistic, such as the wide-spread endomycorrhiza between plants and Glomalean fungi, known as arbuscular mycorrhiza. During the achlorophyllous seedling stage orchids are obligately dependent on the fungi; some species remain so through life, while others establish photosynthesis but to varying degrees remain facultatively dependent of /responsive to fungal infection as adults. None of the fungi involved are so far known to depend on the symbiosis with orchids. Transfer of organic carbon compounds from hyphae to the orchid has been demonstrated repeatedly, but it is not clear to what extent this takes place during a biotrophic phase while the intracellular hyphae remain intact, or during the subsequent extensive degradation of the hyphal coils. The advantage of viewing orchid mycorrhiza basically as a unilateral mycophagous relationship, in spite of hypothetical beneficial spin-offs to the mycobiont, is that it provides a conceptual framework similar to that of other parasitic or fungivore relationships; mechanisms known in such relationships could be searched for in future studies of the orchid–fungus symbiosis. These could include mechanisms for recognition, attraction and selection of fungi, physiological regulation of internal hyphal growth, breakdown, and material transfer, nutritional consequences of the plant's preference(s) and trophic changes, fungal avoidance mechanisms, and consequences at population and ecosystem levels. A whole range of possible life strategies becomes apparent that could support divergent evolution and lead to the proliferation of species that has indeed occurred in the orchid family. We outline some of the possible physiological mechanisms and ecological implications of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischaemia results in enhanced endothelin B ( ETB) receptor-mediated contraction and receptor protein expression in the affected cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells ( SMC). Organ culture of cerebral arteries is a method to induce similar alterations in ETB receptor expression. We suggest that rapid and sustained reduction in wall tension/stretch is a possible trigger mechanism for this vascular remodelling. Isolated rat middle cerebral artery ( MCA) segments were incubated in a wire myograph with or without mechanical stretch, prior to assessment of their contractile response to the selective ETB receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c. The involvement of extracellular regulated kinase ( ERK) 1/2 and focal adhesion kinase ( FAK) was studied by their specific inhibitors U0126 and PF-228, respectively. Compared with their stretched counterparts, unstretched MCA segments showed a significantly increased ETB receptor-mediated contractile response after 12 hr of incubation, which was attenuated by either U0126 or PF-228. The functionally increased ETB-mediated contractility could be attributed to two different mechanisms: (i) a difference in ETB receptor localization from primarily endothelial expression to SMC expression and (ii) an increased calcium sensitivity of the SMCs due to an increased expression of the calcium channel transient receptor potential canonical 1. Collectively, our results present a possible mechanism linking lack of vessel wall stretch/tension to changes in ETB receptor-mediated contractility via triggering of an early mechanosensitive signalling pathway involving ERK1/2 and FAK signalling. A mechanism likely to be an initiating factor for the increased ETB receptor-mediated contractility found after cerebral ischaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described the protocorm and seedling mycorrhiza of Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion.

Several validated fear tests rely on animals' ability to approach or avoid a fear-provoking stimulus. However, as broiler chickens often suffer from walking impairments, inaccurate conclusions concerning their fear levels may be drawn. In the present study, the relationships between age, fear responses, and walking ability was studied in 12 fast-growing broiler chicken flocks on two conventional farms. Welfare assessments were performed when the birds were 21, 27, and 33 days old. Fear levels were assessed through two fear tests: The Stationary Person Test (SPT) and the Novel Object Test (NOT). Walking ability was assessed using the 6-point Bristol scale for gait scores. It was found that walking ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Overall, the interaction between age and walking ability affected the outcome of both the SPT (SPT: P = 0.004) and the NOT (NOT: P = 0.016). The outcome of the SPT at the different ages indicated that fear levels decreased with increasing gait scores at 21 and 33 days of age, whereas the fear levels increased with increasing gait scores at 27 days of age. In comparison, the outcome of the NOT suggested that the fear response increased with increasing gait scores for ages 21 and 27. However, at age 33 days, increasing gait scores caused only a slight increase in the fear response. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the Stationary Person Test and the Novel Object Test may be influenced by poor walking ability. The results from this study suggest that walking impairment should be taken into consideration when performing the fear tests in question. The study further highlights the need to investigate other conditions, such as space limitations, that may affect the applicability of fear tests. • Fear responses were influenced by an interaction between age and walking ability. • Higher gait score lowered fear responses in SPT but increased fear responses in NOT. • Walking impairments might lead to false assumptions of fear levels in broiler flocks. • Several other conditions in the birds' environment may affect the outcome of a range of fear tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

*Background Seedling recruitment is essential to the sustainability of any plant population. Due to the minute nature of seeds and early-stage seedlings, orchid germination in situ was for a long time practically impossible to ob serve, creating an obstacle towards understanding seedling site requirements and fluctuations in orchid populations. The introduction of seed packet techniques for sowing and retrieval in natural sites has brought with it important in sights, but many aspects of orchid seed and germination biology remain largely unexplored. *Key Considerations The germination niche for orchids is extremely complex, because it is defined by requirements not only for seed lodging and germination, but also for presence of a fungal host and its substrate. A mycobiont that the seedling can parasitize is considered an essential element, and a great diversity of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota have now been identified for their role in orchid seed germination, with fungi identifiable as imperfect Rhizoctonia species predominating. Specificity patterns vary from orchid species employing a single fungal lineage to species associating individually with a limited selection of distantly related fungi. A suitable organic carbon source for the mycobiont constitutes another key requirement. Orchid germination also relies on factors that generally influence the success of plant seeds, both abiotic, such as light/shade, moisture, substrate chemistry and texture, and biotic, such as competitors and antagonists. Complexity is furthermore increased when these factors influence seeds/seedling, fungi and fungal substrate differentially. *Conclusions A better understanding of germination and seedling establishment is needed for conservation of or child populations. Due to the obligate association with a mycobiont, the germination niches in orchid species are extremely complex and varied. Microsites suitable for germination can be small and transient, and direct observation is difficult. An experimental approach using several levels of environmental manipulation/control is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To estimate if newly diagnosed patients with different subphenotypes of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) differ with respect to subclinical retinal microvascular structure or diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: This population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 340 patients (675 eyes) classified patients with recently diagnosed T2DM in different subphenotypes according to beta cell function and insulin sensitivity in to; classical (n = 218), hyperinsulinaemic (n = 86), insulinopenic (n = 20), or LADA (n = 16). Retinal 6‐field images were graded according to the International Clinical DR Severity Scale by a retinal expert. Retinal microvascular structures were analysed in eyes by a semiautomatic software. Results: Median age and duration of diabetes were 58.1 (49.9; 65.5) and 0.9 (0.5; 2.4) years, respectively, and 56.8% were male. In a multivariate linear mixed model regression analysis of eyes without DR (n = 570), there was no statistically significant difference in retinal venular or arteriolar width between subtypes and patients with classical T2DM. In addition, eyes from different subphenotypes did not differ according to vessel density, tortuosity or fractal dimension. In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, HbA1c, diabetes duration, body mass index, mean arterial blood pressure and history of cardiovascular disease, there was a tendency towards persons with hyperinsulinaemic T2DM to be more likely to have DR (OR 1.97, 95% CI 0.95; 4.09) compared to classical T2DM. Conclusion: We found no difference in retinal microvascular structure in patients with newly diagnosed subtypes of T2DM. However, DR may be more prevalent in newly diagnosed patients with hyperinsulinaemic T2DM compared to individuals with classical T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work has shown that for high-penetration renewable electricity systems, it is less expensive to install higher capacity of renewables and to allow generation to exceed load during some hours, rather than to build so much storage that all electricity can be used to meet electrical load. Because excess electricity appears to be cost-optimum, this raises the question as to whether the excess electricity, which in the case of wind power is predominately produced in colder weather, might displace other fuels for purposes such as heat. This study models using excess electricity for heating, based on an analysis of electricity and heat use in a TSO in the North-Eastern part of the United States (PJM Interconnection). The heating system was modeled as heat pump based district heating (HPDH) with thermal energy storage (TES). Thus, excess electricity is transformed into heat, which is easy and cheap to store near the point of use. As an alternative to HPDH, the use of distributed electrical resistive heating coupled with high temperature thermal storage (HTS) was also assessed. In both cases, a natural gas fired boiler (NGB) was modeled to be installed in the building for back-up heat. An algorithm that calculates the total cost of a unit of heat was used to determine the economically optimal size of the system's main components and the influence that natural gas (NG) and electricity prices have on this optimum. It was found that a system based on heat pumps (HP) and centralized thermal storage supplies building heat at a lower or similar cost than conventional systems. In most cases electric resistive heating with HTS was found to be less cost-effective than HPDH. The consumption of natural gas can be reduced to as little as 3% of that used by an entirely NG-based heater. Also, thermal energy storage was found to be crucial when it comes to reducing the need for fossil fuels for heating (in this model, as backup heat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Orchid seeds are minute and covered with a thin coat, yet they often have a long life after dispersal. They are notorious for low and irregular germination, in nature as well as in vitro. Since orchids are often rare species of conservational and commercial interest, reproduction by seeds is an important concern. The purpose of this study was to learn more about the resilience of these highly specialized seeds and stimulatory processes toward germination. * Methods: We studied testa and embryos of Cypripedium calceolus to identify natural components in intact seeds and the impact of 7 yr in soil in its natural habitat. We also analyzed the effects of Ca(OCl)2, used technically to enhance germination for cultivation in vitro. For the first time with this kind of plant material, we used attenuated total reflectance--Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, an ideal method for minute sample sizes and surface selectivity. Thus, we could link treatments with changes in seed surface chemistry. * Key results: A lignin-like polymer is an essential testa component that undergoes degradation by soil or hypochlorite processes. In both cases, we found a build-up of CaCO3 on the testa, which could interact with lignin to enhance germination. Very minor changes occurred in embryo reserve nutrient content after a long sojourn underground, which supports their continued viability. * Conclusions: We suggest that degradation of lignin and enrichment of the testa surface with CaCO3 are important stimulants of germination both in the habitat and during laboratory sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence is a decisive factor in achieving a successful response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection. No previous studies have been conducted regarding HIV treatment adherence in Guinea-Bissau. In this study we assessed barriers and facilitators to patient ART adherence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adult, HIV infected individuals receiving ART at a HIV treatment centre in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The grounded theory method was used to gather and analyse data. Results indicated that HIV-related knowledge was a determining factor for optimal adherence. The facilitators were experienced treatment benefits and complementing social networks. The barriers were treatment-related costs and competing livelihood needs; poor clinic infrastructure; perceived stigma; and traditional practices. Our findings indicate that good ART adherence, especially in resource-limited settings, requires that patients achieve adequate HIV-related knowledge. More studies on HIV-related knowledge and adherence among HIV infected individuals are currently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a flexible method for constructing curvelet-type frames. These curvelet-type systems have the same sparse representation properties as curvelets for appropriate classes of smooth functions, and the flexibility of the method allows us to give a constructive description of how to construct curvelet-type systems with a prescribed nature such as compact support in direct space. The method consists of using the machinery of almost diagonal matrices to show that a system of curvelet molecules which is sufficiently close to curvelets constitutes a frame for curvelet-type spaces. Such a system of curvelet molecules can then be constructed using finite linear combinations of shifts and dilates of a single function with sufficient smoothness and decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The human serotonin transporter (hSERT) is responsible for reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from the synaptic cleft and is target for antidepressant medicine. Differential hSERT activity caused by genetic polymorphisms is believed to affect the risk of developing depression and, moreover, to affect the response to antidepressant therapy. The hSERT contains in the second extracellular loop (EL2) two sites for N-linked glycosylation that are critical for functional transporter expression. Here we examine a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in EL2 that gives rise to a potential third glycosylation site due to substitution of a lysine at position 201 with an asparagine (K201N). In agreement with introduction of an additional glycosylation site, western blot analysis showed migration of hSERT K201N corresponding to a higher molecular weight than wild type hSERT upon expression in both HEK293 cells and primary cultures of cortical neurons. An increase in molecular weight was not observed after removal of glycans with peptide N-glycosidase F (PNGase F). Quantitative analysis of western blots indicated significantly increased total transporter expression (∼30%) for hSERT K201N as compared to hSERT in both cell systems. The increase in expression was accompanied by corresponding significant increases in the number of [3H]citalopram binding sites and in the V max for [3H]5-HT uptake. Characterization of mutants carrying all possible combinations of glycosylation sites demonstrated clear correlation between the number of glycosylation sites and the level of transporter activity, and showed that K201N could substitute for either one of the two original glycosylation sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prior research links optimism to physical health, but the strength of the association has not been systematically evaluated. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analytic review to determine the strength of the association between optimism and physical health. The findings from 83 studies, with 108 effect sizes (ESs), were included in the analyses, using random-effects models. Overall, the mean ES characterizing the relationship between optimism and physical health outcomes was 0.17, p < .001. ESs were larger for studies using subjective (versus objective) measures of physical health. Subsidiary analyses were also conducted grouping studies into those that focused solely on mortality, survival, cardiovascular outcomes, physiological markers (including immune function), immune function only, cancer outcomes, outcomes related to pregnancy, physical symptoms, or pain. In each case, optimism was a significant predictor of health outcomes or markers, all p < .001. Optimism is a significant predictor of positive physical health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the association of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity with the use of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in chronic heart failure. Patients who survived their first hospitalization because of heart failure and subsequently use NSAID, as indicated on the records of National Patient Registry in Denmark, were employed as the subjects of the study. Data analysis was then performed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results of the study were discussed. It concludes that the used of NSAID increases risk of death and cardiovascular morbidity of patients with heart failure.

Meristematic activity in the bud meristem of Abies nordmanniana was visualized by ubiquitin immunohistochemical localization from before bud break and throughout shoot expansion. Ubiquitin was detected in meristematic cells either in the cytosol or nucleus, or both, depending on tissue type and developmental stage. During winter dormancy, ubiquitin was only observed in the protodermal/hypodermal layers, but at bud break in mid May, the signal expanded to the entire shoot tip. At the end of May, a clear zonation in ubiquitin localization appeared that lasted about one month. Throughout this period, ubiquitin was barely detectable in a central group of cells that might indicate an organizing center with stem cells. At the end of June, coinciding with the transition from scale leaf to needle primordia production, ubiquitin again was more prevalent in the peripheral cell layers. During shoot expansion, a strong ubiquitin signal developed in the axil of all needles. Most of these signals later disappeared, except for those few axils where buds actually developed. A strong ubiquitin signal was also observed in cells lining the young resin ducts. Our data showed that ubiquitin may be used as a marker for metabolic activity associated with seasonal development in the apical meristem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The role of leptin in development of mammary gland secretory function was studied during the periparturient period in dairy goats. Changes in mammary leptin and leptin receptor (short cytoplasmic form) expression were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and related to changes in milk and plasma leptin concentrations from 5 weeks pre-partum to 7 weeks post-partum. It was further investigated if systemic leptin concentration in the neonate is affected by milk leptin intake. We found no evidence of accumulation of leptin in colostrum pre-partum. Pre- and post-partum milk leptin concentrations were similar, but interestingly, leptin increased markedly post-partum to reach a peak 2 days after parturition (P =0.01). Plasma leptin concentrations were higher pre-partum than post-partum (P <0.05), decreased at parturition and arterio-venous differences for leptin across the mammary gland were at no time significantly different from zero. Plasma leptin does thus not appear to be involved in regulation of milk leptin. Both leptin and the short cytoplasmic form of its receptor were expressed in the mammary gland. The highest leptin receptor expression was observed pre-partum and decreased post-partum. Expression of leptin was relatively constant except for an increase in the last week prior to parturition. Our results can neither confirm nor exclude that increased leptin and/or leptin receptor synthesis is responsible for regulation of milk leptin in the early post-partum period. The physiological significance of the distinct peak in milk leptin 2 days post-partum needs to be understood. We did not find evidence that milk leptin can be absorbed, and thus play a role in systemic regulation, of the neonatal goat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To study the initiation of and long-term refill persistency with statins and beta-blockers after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) according to income and education. Design and setting: Linkage of individuals through national registers of hospitalisations, drug dispensation, income and education. Participants: 30 078 patients aged 30-74 years surviving first hospitalisation for AMI in Denmark between 1995 and 2001. Main outcome measures: Initiation of statin or beta-blocker treatment (out-patient claim of prescriptions within 6 months of discharge) and refill persistency (first break in treatment lasting at least 90 days, and re-initiation of treatment after a break). Results: When simultaneously estimating the effect of income and education on initiation of treatment, the effect of education attenuated and a clear income gradient remained for both drugs. Among patients aged 30-64 years, high income (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-1.35) and medium income (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.06-1.20) was associated with initiation of statin treatment compared with low income. The risk of break in statin treatment was lower for patients with high (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.66- 0.82) and medium (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.74-0.92) income compared with low income, whereas there was a trend in the opposite direction concerning a break in beta-blocker treatment. There was no gradient in re-initiation of treatment. Conclusion: Patients with low compared with high income less frequently initiated preventive treatment post- AMI, had worse long-term persistency with statins, but tended to have better persistency with beta-blockers. Low income by itself seems not to be associated with poor long-term refill persistency post-AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulus formation and convection initiation are examined near a cold front–dryline “triple point” intersection on 24 May 2002 during the International H2O Project (IHOP). A new Lagrangian objective analysis technique assimilates in situ measurements using time-dependent Doppler-derived 3D wind fields, providing output 3D fields of water vapor mixing ratio, virtual potential temperature, and lifted condensation level (LCL) and water-saturated (i.e., cloud) volumes on a subdomain of the radar analysis grid. The radar and Lagrangian analyses reveal the presence of along-wind (i.e., longitudinal) and cross-wind (i.e., transverse) roll circulations in the boundary layer (BL). A remarkable finding of the evolving radar analyses is the apparent persistence of both transverse rolls and individual updraft, vertical vorticity, and reflectivity cores for periods of up to 30 min or more while moving approximately with the local BL wind. Satellite cloud images and single-camera ground photogrammetry imply that clouds tend to develop either over or on the downwind edge of BL updrafts, with a tendency for clouds to elongate and dissipate in the downwind direction relative to cloud layer winds due to weakening updrafts and mixing with drier overlying air. The Lagrangian and radar wind analyses support a parcel continuity principle for cumulus formation, which requires that rising moist air parcels achieve their LCL before moving laterally out of the updraft. Cumuli form within penetrative updrafts in the elevated residual layer (ERL) overlying the moist BL east of the triple point, but remain capped by a convection inhibition (CIN)-bearing layer above the ERL. Dropsonde data suggest the existence of a convergence line about 80 km east of the triple point where deep lifting of BL moisture and locally reduced CIN together support convection initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life cycle of the 2 June 1995 Dimmitt, Texas, tornado cyclone, observed during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX), is described. The tornado cyclone here is defined as a significantly axisymmetric flow larger than the visible tornado and characterized by increasing angular momentum with increasing radius. Its life cycle included three phases with somewhat differing evolution of angular momentum, herein called intensifying, transition, and weakening. During the intensifying stage, the funnel and debris cloud gradually increased in size. The azimuthally averaged secondary circulation of the larger-scale tornado cyclone, as determined using high-resolution single-Doppler data obtained by a mobile radar, was primarily inward and upward, consistent with the presence of a wall cloud outside the tornado. The azimuthally averaged angular momentum increased monotonically away from the tornado, so inward advection allowed the angular momentum to increase slowly with time in part of the tornado cyclone. During the transition phase, downdrafts began to occur within the tornado cyclone. The transport of angular momentum by the secondary circulation nearly was offset by eddy flux convergence of angular momentum so that the azimuthally averaged angular momentum tendency was only weakly negative at most radii. The tornado was visually impressive during this stage, featuring a 400-m diameter debris cloud extending to cloud base, while the surrounding wall cloud shrank and eroded. During the weakening phase, the funnel and debris cloud gradually shrank, and the funnel went through a rope stage prior to disappearing. The weakening phase was characterized by extensive downdrafts at all radii outside the tornado, and large-scale near-ground outflow as observed by mobile mesonet systems in a portion of the tornado cyclone. The secondary circulation acted to transport smaller angular momentum downward from aloft, and outward along the ground. All terms of the angular momentum budget became negative throughout most of the low-level (0–800-m AGL) tornado cyclone during the weakening phase. Several hypotheses for this evolution are evaluated, including changes in water loading in the tornado cyclone, cooling of the near-ground air, and the distribution of tangential velocity with height with its concomitant influence on the nonhydrostatic vertical pressure gradient force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results from a clinical study that examined a relationship between patient adherence to various pharmacotherapies and long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Types of drugs in this study include statins, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Calcium channel blockers were considered a control drug in this study, due to a lack of survival benefits proven by clinical trials. The authors found that adherence-related mortality benefits associated with evidence-based pharmacotherapies are mediated by drug effects more so than by drug adherence behavior of patients.

Main branches of Abies nordmanniana Spach. were examined through their first growth season from subapical buds around the leader bud to fully expanded shoots. Plagiotropism was evident in branch orientation, which was almost horizontal, as well as in the orientation of buds developing on the branches. Auxin transport capacity was predominantly basipetal (> 90%) and consistently higher in the middle part of the branch than in the distal and proximal ends. Auxin transport capacity was higher on the dorsal side of the branch during the short initial hyponastic growth phase, but the difference disappeared when the branch became horizontal. No dorsal-ventral differences could be detected in young horizontal branches in concentrations of indole acetic acid, cytokinins, gibberellins or abscisic acid. Branch orientation was unaffected by decapitation of the leader apex or by decapitation and replacement with exogenous auxin. However, decapitation resulted in a less plagiotropic bud arrangement on the branches, and auxin application to the leader bud scar counteracted this effect. Thus, a signal originating in the stem seems to be involved in regulating branch bud positioning, whereas the horizontal branch orientation must rely on a different mechanism, presumably autonomic within the branch. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper develops a definition of a supercell reflectivity feature called the descending reflectivity core (DRC). This is a reflectivity maximum pendant from the rear side of an echo overhang above a supercell weak-echo region. Examples of supercells with and without DRCs are presented from two days during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX), as well as one day with tornadic high-precipitation supercell storms in central Kansas. It was found that in all cases, tornado formation was preceded by the descent of a DRC. However, the sample reported herein is much too small to allow conclusions regarding the overall frequency of DRC occurrence in supercells, or the frequency with which DRCs precede tornado formation. Although further research needs to be done to establish climatological frequencies, the apparent relationship observed between DRCs and impending tornado formation in several supercells is important enough to warrant publication of preliminary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how self-regulatory models can be used to understand people's response to health threats. The article begins with a general discussion of the principles and assumptions of self-regulatory models of behavior. Two distinct lines of research are then presented addressing two important processes of adaptive self-regulation. First, we provide a brief overview of the literature on optimism and adjustment to chronic disease and other health outcomes. Second, we present an overview of the process of disengagement from unattainable goals, focusing on recent research. We close by making recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study how income and educational level influence mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Design and setting: Prospective analysis using individual level linkage of registries in Denmark. Participants: All patients 30-74 years old hospitalised for the first time with AMI in Denmark in 1995-2002. Main outcome measures: Relative risk (RR) of 30 day mortality and long term mortality (31 days until 31 December 2003) associated with income (adjusted for education) or educational level (adjusted for income) and further adjusted for sex, age, civil status, and comorbidity. Results: The study identified 21 391 patients 30-64 years old and 16 169 patients 65-74 years old. The 30 day mortality was 7.0% among patients 30-64 years old and 15.9% among those 65-74 years old. Among patients surviving the first 30 days, the long term mortality was 9.9% and 28.3%, respectively. The adjusted RR of 30 day mortality and long term mortality among younger patients with low compared with high income was 1.54 (95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.79) and 1.65 (1.45 to 1.85), respectively. The RR of 30 day and long term mortality among younger patients with low compared with high education was 1.24 (1.03 to 1.50) and 1.33 (1.1 to 1.59), respectively. The RR of 30 day and long term mortality among older patients with low compared with high income was 1.27 (1.15 to 1.41) and 1.38 (1.27 to 1.50), respectively. Older high and low education patients did not differ in mortality. Conclusion: This study shows that both educational level and income substantially and independently affect mortality after AMI, indicating that each indicator has specific effects on mortality and that these indicators are not interchangeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study outpatient statin use after first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Denmark between 1995 and 2002 and to determine the predictors of statin use. This is a nationwide population-based study using administrative registries. Patients with first AMI between 1995 and 2002 older than 30 years of age and alive 6 months after discharge ( n = 45 219) were identified through the National Patient Registry. The statins purchased by these patients within 6 months after discharge were determined using the Registry of Medicinal Product Statistics, a nationwide prescription database. Statin use following AMI increased from 13% in 1995 to 61% in 2002. In 2002, 81% of patients aged 30–64 years used statins. Older patients used fewer statins, but use increased more among patients aged 75–84 years: from 1.3% to 43%. Use in elderly patients did not differ according to gender in 2000–02, but young men used more than younger women. In 2000–02, patients with diabetes (odds ratio (OR): 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.95) and with heart failure (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.64–0.76) were undertreated; this trend was present throughout the period. In this nationwide study, younger patients after AMI had high statin use in 2002, but high-risk patients such as those with diabetes and heart failure were still being undertreated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile mesonet line normal, time-to-space converted data analysis on three meridional drylines that occurred in west Texas on 10 June 1999 and 5 May 2000 are presented herein; two occurred in a quiescent environment on 5 May 2000. Based on the data, the mixing zone across the dryline was composed of a series of large horizontal moisture differentials that were highly variable in width, ranging from 5 km down to several hundred meters. The largest dewpoint differential sampled was 10.0°C over 185 m. Concurrent with a deceleration of dryline movement to nearly stationary, and while moisture differentials strengthened, surface-based mesoscale vertical circulations with horizontal diameters of 2 km down to less than 300 m were resolved in the data, and visual observations were made of numerous, strongly rotating dust devils. The estimated diameters of the largest dust devils were ∼80–100 m and ∼1 km deep, and these persisted for tens of minutes. All vortices were found to move along or adjacent to the zones of moisture differential. Additionally, when the circulations were observed, spatially isolated cumulus clouds located along the dryline exhibited rapid vertical development. It is plausible that the vortices protect an ascending air parcel by inhibiting mixing, thus allowing the parcel to reach its local lifting condensation level and level of free convection with relatively greater buoyancy than parcels not contained in vortices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1) belongs to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. Though CRF is involved in the aetiology of several stress-related disorders, including depression and anxiety, details of CRFR1 regulation such as internalization remain uncharacterized. In the present study, agonist-induced internalization of CRFR1 in HEK293 cells was visualized by confocal microcopy and quantified using the radioligand125I-labelled sauvagine. Recruitment ofβ-arrestin 1 in response to receptor activation was demonstrated by confocal microscopy. The extent of125I-labelled sauvagine stimulated internalization was significantly impaired by sucrose, indicating the involvement of clathrin-coated pits. No effect on the extent of internalization was observed in the presence of the second messenger dependent kinase inhibitors H-89 and staurosporine, indicating that cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C are not prerequisites for CRFR1 internalization. Surprisingly, deletion of all putative phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal tail, as well as a cluster of putative phosporylation sites in the third intracellular loop, did not affect receptor internalization. However, these mutations almost abolished the recruitment ofβ-arrestin 1 following receptor activation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CRFR1 internalization is independent of phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal tail and third intracellular loop, and the degree ofβ-arrestin 1 recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an accurate automated technique of terrestrial photogrammetry that is applied to weather images obtained in uncontrolled circumstances such as unknown focal length and 3D camera orientation (azimuth and tilt of the optical axis, and roll about this axis), principal point unmarked on the image, and undetermined lens horizon. With the possible exception of the principal point, these quantities are deduced rapidly by a computer algorithm, with input consisting of accurate azimuth and elevation angles of landmarks that appear in the image. The algorithm works for wide-angle as well as for telephoto images and is more accurate than previous methods, which are based on assumptions of small angles and zero roll. Results are insensitive to the exact position of the principal point for telephoto images. For wide-angle photography, the principal point can be determined only if there is a sufficient number of accurately measured landmarks with diverse azimuth and elevation angles. If all the landmarks have low elevation angles, the principal point is impossible to determine and must be assumed to lie at the intersection of the diagonals of the uncropped image. The algorithm also provides the azimuth and elevation angle of any object, given the position of its image in the photograph. A photogrammetric search technique is described for finding an entity, which is visible in one camera's photography, in the simultaneous image obtained from a different direction by a second camera. Once the same object has been identified in both images, its 3D position is determined by triangulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solubility data are presented as equations from which the oxygen concentration of arbitrary media may be calculated with an accuracy of about 1%. These equations, covering the range 5–40 °C, are based on measurements with a modification of the physical method of St. Helen and Fatt (I. Fatt, Polarographic Oxygen Sensors, CRC Press, Cleveland (1976)). Solutions of the following compounds were measured: EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), EGTA (ethyleneglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid), glucose, Hepes (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid), lactobionic acid (galactosylgluconic acid), magnesium chloride, mannitol, Mes (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid), potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, sucrose, taurine, and Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane). The present data are compared with solubility data obtained with the method involving oxidation of calibrated amounts of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (e.g., R.W. Estabrook, Methods Enzymol. 10 (1967) 41–47) and with the kinetic method of Reynafarje et al. (Anal. Biochem. 145 (1985) 406–418). It is concluded that the former method produces reliable results provided that some simple precautions are taken. The kinetic method, however, appears to have produced calibration errors up to about 5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This note updates a previous study that utilized a baseline climatology of soundings associated with large hail, significant tornadoes, and 10 or more cloud-to-ground lightning flashes from 1992. Expanding on the earlier analysis, it is shown that three modified forecast parameters have more value in distinguishing between environments that favor significant tornadoes and those that favor large hail but no significant tornadoes, in the climatological data. These parameters are storm-relative helicity in the 0-1-km layer adjacent to the ground, energy-helicity index computed from this measure of helicity, and the convective available potential energy that accrues from the surface to 3 km above ground level. In addition, this note provides caveats regarding the interpretation of the climatological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the affectation of lateral bud and shoot removalon the growth of abies nordmanniana. Mechanisms of the strategicdistribution of resources among the aboveground parts; Analysis ofthree-way general linear model; Summary of treatment affects onfive morphological characters.

Summary • The mycorrhiza of orchids represents an energy source that may replace or supplement photosynthesis. Dependency on mycotrophy in adult life stages would thus be expected to be inversely related to the prevalence of phototrophic structures. • The phenology of underground parts and mycorrhizal infection were monitored in five terrestrial species differing in leaf phenology (and thus in phototrophic strategy): Goodyera pubescens (evergreen), Tipularia discolor (wintergreen), Galearis spectabilis and Liparis lilifolia (summergreen) and Corallorhiza odontorhiza (chlorophyll deficient), growing sympatrically in a North American deciduous forest. • Mycorrhizal infection was extensive in T. discolor roots and C. odontorhiza rhizomes. Only the proximal part of roots was infected in G. pubescens, and mycorrhizal colonisation was patchy in roots and tubers of G. spectabilis and localized in the rhizome in L. lilifolia. Mycotrophic roots were long-lived (1.5–3 yrs) determinate structures and mycorrhizal infection reached maximum intensity 2–6 months after development. Mycotrophy appeared to be active all year round in mature organs. • The phenology of mycotrophic roots and patterns of mycorrhizal infection were not related to the leafy season. The hypothesis that phototrophic and mycotrophic nutrition alternate through the seasons could not be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of porcine CGRP (pCGRP) in concentrations from 10–10 to 10–8 mol L–1 on the motility and on the release of substance P, neurokinin A, somatostatin and gastrin in the antrum using the isolated perfused porcine antrum as experimental model. In addition, we studied the localization of CGRP by immunohistochemistry in the porcine antrum. CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found mainly in the submucous layer and in the external muscle coat, where they were seen in all layers, and in the ganglia of the myenteric nervous plexus. The frequency of contraction was significantly and dose-dependently increased from a basal level of 11.8 ± 0.5 contractions per 5 min to 24.4 ± 3.6 contractions per 5 min at pCGRP 10–8 mol L–1. At this dose, the release of substance P and neurokinin A was significantly increased to 470 ± 149% and 217 ± 26%, respectively, compared to basal release. The effect of pCGRP was unaffected by the addition of the nonpeptide antagonists for the NK-1 (CP-99994) and NK-2 receptors (SR48968), both at 10–6 mol L–1, whereas atropine (10–6 mol L–1) completely abolished the motor effect of pCGRP. The release of somatostatin was significantly increased by 154 ± 15% in response to CGRP at 10–8 mol L–1. The release of gastrin was unaffected by pCGRP. In conclusion, pCGRP increases contractile activity in the porcine antrum, an effect that involves cholinergic mechanisms but is independent of the release of substance P and neurokinin A. in addition, pCGRP increases the release of somatostatin but has no effect on gastrin release in the isolated perfused porcine antrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the results of an analysis of airflow evolution in the Newcastle-Graham, Texas storm complex of May 29, 1994. Description of atmospheric conditions on the afternoon of May 29, 1994; Evolution of the Newcastle and Graham mesocyclones; Examination of the vorticity evolution of airflow entering the base of the Newcastle updraft.