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We have investigated the origins of photoluminescence from quantum dot (QD) layers prepared by alternating depositions of sub-monolayers and a few monolayers of size-mismatched species, termed as sub-monolayer (SML) epitaxy, in comparison with their Stranski–Krastanov (SK) QD counterparts. Using measured nanostructure sizes and local In-compositions from local-electrode atom probe tomography as input into self-consistent Schrödinger–Poisson simulations, we compute the 3D confinement energies, probability densities, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra for both InAs/GaAs SML- and SK-QD layers. A comparison of the computed and measured PL spectra suggests one-dimensional electron confinement, with significant 3D hole localization in the SML-QD layers that contribute to their enhanced PL efficiency in comparison to their SK-QD counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information about seasonal variation in the fatty acid (FA) composition of bulk tak milk and its relationship with dietary factors in Taiwan remains to be completed. This study aimed to determine the average FA composition of milk in different seasons and collect dietary information to investigate the relationship between dietary characteristics and lactation performance, including FA concentration in bulk tank milk. Methods: Bulk tank milk samples were collected monthly from 90 dairy farms across Taiwan for two years to capture seasonal variations. Additionally, 36 bulk tank milk samples from three farms were collected monthly from August 2022 to July 2023. Result: Milk production (kg/day), fat (%), crude protein (%), true protein (%), lactose (%) and solids-not-fat (%) were significantly higher in the cold season than in the hot and warm seasons (P<0.05) over the studied period. In contrast, somatic cell counts were significantly lower in the cold season than in the hot and warm seasons (P<0.05). Total saturated FA and C14:0 concentrations were significantly higher in the cold season than in the hot and warm seasons (P<0.05). In contrast, the C18:1 concentration was significantly higher in the hot and warm seasons than in the cold season (P<0.05). However, the C18:0 concentration did not differ significantly by season. Fat and FA concentrations varied significantly among three selected dairy farms (P<0.05). Milk fat only differed significantly between the three farms in the hot season, with Farm B having the lowest milk fat concentration (P<0.05). FA concentrations showed significant seasonal effects at all three farms. These results provide an overview of milk FA variation and identify the critical factors influencing variation in bulk tank milk fat and individual farm FA concentrations: dietary ether extract content and forage choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on High Magnetic field Helicon eXperiment, considering the parabolic distribution and Gaussian distribution of radial plasma density, HELIC code was used to study the influence of temperature and pressure gradient on power deposition, electric field, and current density of Helicon Wave Plasma. Three different gradients (positive, negative, and zero gradient) were selected. The results show that positive temperature gradient is beneficial to increase the relative absorption power at the center of plasma. Compared with negative and zero pressure gradients, positive pressure gradient increases the relative absorption power and weakens the current density at the center of plasma, and increases the electric field intensity at the edge of plasma. Larger edge heating will cause the relative absorption power at edge to rise rapidly, which is not conducive to the coupling at the center of plasma. In practical experiments, it is particularly important to reduce the heating effect at edge by cooling the antenna itself. Three different gradients of temperature and pressure have little effect on electric field intensity and current density in plasma, and the variation trend is basically similar, which proves the stability of the antenna mode: m = 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the influence of non-stoichiometry and local atomic environments on carrier transport in GaAs(N)Bi alloy films using local-electrode atom probe tomography (LEAP) in conjunction with time-resolved terahertz photoconductivity measurements. The local concentrations of N, Bi, and excess As, as well as Bi pair correlations, are quantified using LEAP. Using time-resolved THz photoconductivity measurements, we show that carrier transport is primarily limited by excess As, with the highest carrier mobilities for layers with yBi > 0.035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We probe the conduction-band offsets (CBOs) and confined states at GaAs/GaAsNBi quantum wells (QWs). Using a combination of capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and self-consistent Schrödinger–Poisson simulations based on the effective mass approximation, we identify an N-fraction dependent increase in CBO, consistent with trends predicted by the band anti-crossing model. Using the computed confined electron states in conjunction with photoluminescence spectroscopy data, we show that N mainly influences the conduction band and confined electron states, with a relatively small effect on the valence band and confined hole states in the quaternary QWs. This work provides important insight toward tailoring CBO and confined electron energies, both needed for optimizing infrared optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic waste (e-waste) has a complex composition and contains numerous pollutants. Noticeable pollutant is lead, which can affect environment and human health, and has been the focus of increasing attention. It is an essential component of electronic products, and inappropriate disposal of e-waste can result in severe lead pollution. At present, recycling of lead from urban mineral resources, such as spent lead-acid batteries, cathode-ray tube glass, and waste printed circuit boards, has been the major form of lead recovery rather than smelting from the primary ore. Lead is a heavy metal element and can be harmful. Despite measures taken for many years to prevent and control lead poisoning, lead is a hazard that remains an unresolved problem of various e-waste recycling processes. This study presents the current status of lead recovery from e-wastes and electronic equipment and reviews related technological progress. The current status of lead recovery using various types of e-waste treatment technology is discussed, and a range of technological principles, advantages, and disadvantages are analyzed to provide references and new ideas for lead recycling from e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effects of silicon ion implantation on the crystallization kinetics and grain size low-pressure chemical vapor deposited amorphous silicon on oxidized silicon substrate using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental procedure; Results; Discussion and conclusions.

In animals, differentiation of germline from soma usually takes place during embryogenesis. Genes and their products that are preferentially expressed in the embryonic germ cells are regarded as candidates for maintaining germline fate or promoting germline identity. In Drosophila, for example, the protein encoded by the germline gene vasa is specifically restricted to the germ cells, while products of the gap gene hunchback (hb), a somatic gene, are preferentially expressed in the neuroblasts. In this study, we report the expression of both messenger RNA and protein encoded by Aphb, an hb orthologue in the asexual viviparous pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, in germ cells as well as in neuroblasts. We infer that expression of Aphb messenger RNA in the germ cells during the formation of germaria is required for the anterior localization of Aphb in the protruding oocytes. Germarial expression and anterior localization of ApKrüppel was also identified but, unlike Aphb, its expression was not detected in the migrating germ cells. Very similar patterns of hb expression were also identified in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, suggesting that germline expression of hb is conserved within the Aphididae. To date, this pattern of hb germline expression has not been reported in other insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monoclonal antibody was prepared by the hybridoma technology. It reacted only with the protein of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and not with that of Chromatomyia horticola Goureau or Liriomyza sativae Blanchard in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was effective even after being diluted more than 8.192 x 106-fold. The detection sensitivity of the antibody was 31.3 ±g/ml under controlled conditions. Positive reaction was achieved with all laboratory-reared L. trifolii samples, including larvae, pupae, and adults. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system was successfully established to detect L. trifolii in the field. This antibody was successfully used to determine the L. trifolii collected in different locations, from different host plants, and in different seasons. More than 50% of leafminers collected on Brassica chinensis var chinensis, Apium graveolens (Miller) Persoon, Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walpers, Phaseolus vulgaris L., Lactuca sativa L., and Chrysanthemum coronarium (L.) Cassini ex Spach were L. trifolii, indicating that those six plant species might be the preference host plants of L. trifolii. Population of L. trifolii peaked in September, October, or November in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. These results suggest a great potential of using this McAb for precisely identifying L. trifolii and monitoring the population dynamics of L. trifolii in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bladder hernias are relatively rare condition while only accounts for 1-4 % of inguinal hernias. It is not the surgery but the diagnosis that remain the major challenges of clinical practice. Methods: Herein, we report five cases of bladder hernias with different clinical presentation, and review of current literature. Results: The definite diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and multiple urographic imaging. Sonography is a preferred image modality for its inexpensive and noninvasive nature. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) could depict the anatomic details of the hernia lesion and its relationship with the surrounding pelvic organs. Although bladder herniation is not a malignant condition, it can be fatal due to iatrogenic surgical complications. Conclusions: In addition to current indications, refractory urinary tract infection should be viewed as another indication of partial cystectomy. Besides, repeated urography should be considered as the tool to ensure the result of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitively-combined inductively-coupled nitrogen (N) plasma discharges were investigated to nitridize ultrathin HfO2 films (5 nm) for leakage improvement. The result of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows N incorporation into the HfO2 films. In terms of the plasma chemical and surface processes, nitridation samples show great improvements in surface structure and the leakage current property (it decreases from 4.6 × 10−4 to 2.1 × 10−7 A cm−2), while the leakage current is independent of the morphology. The radical concentration of N atoms increases with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) power. This kind of capacitively-coupled plasma (CCP) combined with ICP modes is capable of modulating the electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) based on the power levels of ICP and can facilitate tuning of the N2 discharge dissociation characteristics. By modulating the EEPFs depending on the power levels of CCP and ICP, the radical concentration of the N atom increases by the electron–neutrals collision dependence on the high-energy electron, resulting in more N atoms incorporated in HfO2 films. The lower effective electron temperature and ion energy were obtained with ICP power, causing less film surface damage. Therefore, N atoms possess intrinsic effects that drastically reduce the electron leakage current through HfO2 dielectrics by deactivating the oxygen vacancy related gap states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene, indole-3-butyric acid ( IBA)- RESPONSE ( IBR) 3, is thought to participate in peroxisomal β-oxidation of IBA to indole-3-acetic acid. Here we show that IBR3 may also play a role in Arabidopsis thaliana defence response to microbial pathogens. IBR3 is up-regulated during infection by virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv . tomato ( Pst) DC3000 bacteria. Although mutant ibr3-4 did not show a pathogen phenotype, lines overexpressing IBR3 demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to Pst DC3000. Increased susceptibility phenotypes of IBR3 overexpressors were correlated with defective SA defence signalling and impairment of pattern-triggered immunity ( PTI) activation. Notably, reactive oxygen species production was reduced in IBR3 overexpressors after treatment with the microbe-associated molecular patterns flg22 and efl26. Later PTI responses, such as accumulation of FRK1 transcripts and callose deposition were also reduced in transgenics overexpressing IBR3 after inoculation with the Type III secretion system deficient bacterial mutant Pst DC3000 hrcC or treatment with flg22 or elf26. Importantly, overexpression of IBR3 did not affect indole-3-acetic acid content or auxin-responsive gene expression. These results suggest a novel role for IBR3 in A. thaliana defence response against bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously we identified anterior localization of hunchback ( Aphb) m RNA in oocytes and early embryos of the parthenogenetic and viviparous pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, suggesting that the breaking of anterior asymmetry in the oocytes leads to the formation of the anterior axis in embryos. In order to study posterior development in the asexual pea aphid, we cloned and analysed the developmental expression of caudal ( Apcad), a posterior gene highly conserved in many animal phyla. We found that transcripts of Apcad were not detected in germaria, oocytes and embryos prior to the formation of the blastoderm in the asexual (viviparous) pea aphid. This unusual expression pattern differs from that of the existing insect models, including long- and short-germ insects, where maternal cad m RNA is passed to the early embryos and forms a posterior-anterior gradient. The first detectable Apcad expression occurred in the newly formed primordial germ cells and their adjacent blastodermal cells during late blastulation. From gastrulation onward, and as in other insects, Apcad m RNA is restricted to the posteriormost region of the germ band. Similarly, in the sexual (oviparous) oocytes we were able to identify anterior localization of Aphb m RNA but posterior localization of Apcad was not detected. This suggests that cad-driven posterior development is not conserved during early embryogenesis in asexual and sexual pea aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dipteran Drosophila, the genes bicoid and hunchback work synergistically to pattern the anterior blastoderm during embryogenesis. bicoid, however, appears to be an innovation of the higher Diptera. Hence, in some non-dipteran insects, anterior specification instead relies on a synergistic interaction between maternally transcribed hunchback and orthodenticle. Here we describe how orthologues of hunchback and orthodenticle are expressed during oogenesis and embryogenesis in the parthenogenetic and viviparous form of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. A. pisum hunchback ( Aphb) mRNA is localized to the anterior pole in developing oocytes and early embryos prior to blastoderm formation – a pattern strongly reminiscent of bicoid localization in Drosophila. A. pisum orthodenticle ( Apotd), on the other hand, is not expressed prior to gastrulation, suggesting that it is the asymmetric localization of Aphb, rather than synergy between Aphb and Apotd, that regulates anterior specification in asexual pea aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes miniaturized bandpass filters with double-folded substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) resonators using multilayer low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Formed by inserting a metal plate with two orthogonal slots into the cavity, the double-folded SIW resonator is used for the circuit size reduction with its footprint about a quarter of the conventional TE101 mode. With LTCC technology, there is more flexibility to organize the cavities of filters because of the 3-D arrangement. The vertically stacked cavities are coupled by "L"- or "U"-shaped slots, and if arranged horizontally, by an inductive window on the common sidewall or a suspended stripline between the cavities. Through experimental measurements and simulations at both the Ka- V-bands, it has been demonstrated that the proposed filter has compact sizes and good frequency responses. The area of the fully stacked Chebyshev filter has 88% size reduction in comparison with a three-pole planar waveguide filter, while the vertically stacked quasi-elliptic filter has 74% size reduction in comparison with a four-pole planar waveguide filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note suggests nomenclature for dealing with the units of various astronomical quantities that are used with the relativistic time scales TT, TDB, TCB and TCG. It is suggested to avoid wordings like “TDB units” and “TT units” and avoid contrasting them to “SI units”. The quantities intended for use with TCG, TCB, TT or TDB should be called “TCG-compatible”, “TCB-compatible”, “TT-compatible” or “TDB-compatible”, respectively. The names of the units second and meter for numerical values of all these quantities should be used without any adjectives. This suggestion comes from a special discussion forum created within IAU Commission 52 “Relativity in Fundamental Astronomy”. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We establish the sufficient optimality conditions for a minimax programming problem involving p fractional n-set functions under generalized invexity. Using incomplete Lagrange duality, we formulate a mixed-type dual problem which unifies the Wolfe type dual and Mond-Weir type dual in fractional n-set functions under generalized invexity. Furthermore, we establish three duality theorems: weak, strong, and strict converse duality theorem, and prove that the optimal values of the primal problem and the mixed-type dual problem have no duality gap under extra assumptions in the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To devise an ex vivo model to test the efficacy of irrigation (static/dynamic) in removing a bio-molecular film from root canal walls. Methodology Forty human teeth with single straight canals were randomly allocated to two groups for static ( n = 20) or dynamic ( n = 20) irrigation. The root canals were prepared to different apical sizes (20, 40) and tapers (0.04, 0.08). The teeth were split longitudinally into two, stained collagen was applied to the canal surfaces and the tooth reassembled in a silicone matrix for dynamic or static irrigation. Digital images of the canal surface were taken before and after irrigation with 9, 18, 27 and 36 mL solution. The percentage of canal surface covered with stained collagen was quantified (ipWin4®). The data were analysed using paired t-tests and linear regression models. Results All the five explanatory variables: ‘volume of irrigant used’, ‘mode of irrigation’, ‘orientation of open port of needle’, ‘corono-apical level of canal’ and ‘root canal dimension’ had a significant ( P < 0.001) influence on outcome of irrigation. The corono-apical level of canal was the most dominating factor. After irrigation, the apical third had 19.9% and 33.8% less area covered with the bio-molecular film than the middle and coronal thirds respectively. Conclusions The stained collagen bio-molecular film could not be removed completely by either static or dynamic irrigation. Factors influencing removal, in rank order of decreasing priority, were: corono-apical level, apical size and taper of canal preparation, and dynamic/static irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study the effects of listening to music on gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy humans. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded using surface electrogastrography from 17 healthy volunteers before and for 30 min after they listened to music. All subjects listened to the same music. Ten perceived the music as enjoyable and seven did not. The percentages of normal slow wave, dominant frequency and dominant power did not differ significantly between baseline and during music intervention. An analysis of covariance model that included the subjects’ feelings about the music and dominant power showed significantly higher dominant power during music intervention in subjects who enjoyed the music (p < 0.01). In the individuals who enjoyed the music, dominant power (55.0 ± 9.2 dB) was significantly higher during music intervention than at baseline (49.5 ± 6.8 dB, p = 0.03). In the subjects who did not enjoy the music, dominant power was significantly lower during music intervention than at baseline (48.8 ± 6.8 and 55.7 ± 6.2 dB, respectively; p < 0.01). Listening to enjoyable music increases the amplitude of gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy humans. Music therapy may improve gastric motility and may be used to stimulate gastric emptying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kozai resonance of Kuiper Belt objects is explored using a model of a circular-restricted three-body problem. We use an analytical approach to find the topological structure of the plane of the eccentricity and the argument of perihelion. We find that objects inside the 2:3 and 1:2 resonances can be inside the Kozai resonance, with their arguments of perihelion ω librating around 90° or 270°. This is consistent with the fact that Pluto is inside both the 2:3 resonance and the Kozai resonance. Furthermore, objects outside the mean-motion resonances are also found to be inside the Kozai resonance. We discover that there are stable equilibrium points of ω at 90° and 270°, but not at 0° and 180° as was shown in the work of Thomas & Morbidelli. To verify our results, numerical experiments are carried out with various longitudes of the node and mean anomalies. In these experiments, some test particles are found to be in the Kozai resonance around 90° for one billion years, and the libration amplitudes of their arguments of perihelion are small. This is in agreement with our analytical results. No particles are found to stay inside the Kozai resonance around ω= 0° or 180°, although some particles exist temporarily in the Kozai resonance around ω= 0° or 180°. We conclude that the Kozai resonance around ω= 90° or 270° exists both inside and outside the mean-motion resonance for Kuiper Belt objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Warfarin is a mainstay of therapy for conditions associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, the use of this common agent is fraught with complications and little is known regarding inter-individual variation in warfarin response. Objective: We tested for association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 and average weekly warfarin dose required to maintain patients at their desired anticoagulation target. Methods: The sample consisted of 93 European-American patients from anticoagulation clinics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Data on mean weekly warfarin dose were collected over a mean treatment period of 20.6 months. ANCOVA models were used and haplotype analysis was performed. Results: Three of six VKORC1 SNPs were found to be very strongly associated with the average warfarin dose required to achieve the target international normalised ratio (INR; p<0.0001). The mean weekly dose by genotype ranged from approximately 27 to 47 mg. There was no evidence for an association between either of the two CYP2C9 polymorphisms studied, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. CYP2C9*3 was significantly (p=0.05) associated with average warfarin dosage after adjustment for VKORCI*1173. Conclusions: These results are of considerable clinical interest and confirm recently published results regarding the role of these two genes in modifying warfarin metabolism and maintenance dosage. The consistent findings regarding the role of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 in warfarin metabolism and maintenance dosage represent a clinically useful proof of principal for the use of pharmacogenomic information in medicine and may lead to improved understanding of warfarin's actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-20 belongs to the IL-10 family and is involved in the pathogenesis of keratinocyte hyperproliferation in vivo. Endothelial cells express IL-20 receptors. To explore the function of IL-20 on endothelial cells, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) with human IL-20 and analyzed its effect on endothelial cells. IL-20 induced proliferation of endothelial cells and the activity was specifically blocked by anti-human-IL-20 monoclonal antibody and soluble (s)IL-20 receptor (R)1 and sIL-20R2. An alternatively spliced variant of IL-20 was isolated and also was shown to induce proliferation of HUVECs and HMECs. Treatment of HUVECs with both IL-10 and IL-20 demonstrated that IL-10 antagonized the activity of IL-20 because it diminished IL-20-induced proliferation of HUVECs. IL-20 significantly induced HUVECs migration and vascular tube formation on Matrigel in vitro. In vivo, IL-20 also enhanced tumor angiogenesis. Incubation of IL-20 with HUVECs induced transcripts of bFGF, VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-8. Furthermore, incubation of HUVECs with IL-20 induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK. Thus, IL-20 is a pleiotropic cytokine and promotes angiogenesis.Genes and Immunity (2006) 7, 234–242. doi:10.1038/sj.gene.6364291; published online 2 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute renal failure (ARF) is a life-threatening entity that frequently complicates advanced liver disease. This study documents a number of factors that may predispose to or precipitate ARF and influence outcomes in patients with advanced liver disease. Comparisons are also made between subgroups of patients with viral and alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis in those with ARF. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review over one year of 127 consecutive hospital admissions in 82 patients who were diagnosed with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C) in a tertiary care center. A diagnosis of ARF was made in 29 admissions and another 98 admissions not complicated by ARF served as controls. This study evaluated different etiologies of ARF and developed a database which included clinical features, biochemical parameters, the etiology of cirrhosis, possible predisposing factors, and precipitating events. Version II of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Physiology Scoring system (APACHE II) was applied to predict short-term hospital mortality rates. Results: ARF occurred in 29 admissions over the one-year study period (23%). The mean age of these patients was 56.8 ± 12.0 years, and 73% were men. The patients with ARF had significant hyponatremia and higher levels of serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and white cell counts on admission than the controls. Patients who developed ARF were more likely to have had infection, especially septicemia, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Mortality rate in the patients with ARF was much higher than in those patients without ARF (72% vs. 13%, p < 0.00 1). The patients with viral cirrhosis and ARF were found to have higher leukocyte counts, serum bilirubin levels, and more frequent incidence of infection, septicemia and GI bleeding compared to the patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ARF. Those with viral hepatitis were also significantly older and had more frequent incidence of ascites, but had lower levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and less frequent incidence of encephalopathy. Conclusions The risk of ARF is significantly increased in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis presenting with marked hyperbilirubinemia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes, infection, and GI bleeding. The presence of ARF leads to higher mortality rates in both viral and alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. This beneficial effect of HBO involves inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and subsequent nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. We sought to investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) on this HBO inhibition of iNOS induction and acute lung injury in septic rat lungs.Methods: Before the experiment, 72 rats were randomly allocated to receive HBO or air treatment. With or without HBO pre-treatment, the rats were further divided into the following subgroups (n = 6): (i) LPS injection, (ii) normal saline (N/S) injection, (iii) hemin (a HO-1 inducer) plus LPS, (iv) hemin alone, (v) tin protoporphyrin (SnPP; a HO-1 inhibitor) plus LPS, and (vi) SnPP alone. All rats were maintained for 6 h and then sacrificed with a high-dose pentobarbital injection. Lung injuries and relevant enzymes expression were thus assayed.Results: Histological analysis, PMNs/alveoli ratio, and wet/dry weight ratio measurements demonstrated that LPS caused significant lung injury and HBO and/or hemin significantly attenuated this LPS-induced lung injury. Increased pulmonary iNOS expression and NO production were associated with lung injury. Induction of HO-1, by HBO and/or hemin, significantly attenuated this LPS-induced iNOS expression and acute lung injury. SnPP, on the contrary, offset the effects of HBO and worsened the LPS-induced lung injury.Conclusions: HBO may act through inhibiting pulmonary iNOS expression to attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury in septic rats. Furthermore, this HBO attenuation of iNOS expression involves HO-1 induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizures and epilepsy in adults are important and increasingly common clinical problems. Despite this, the investigation of seizures in adults with astrocytic tumors remains a grey area. The incidence and influencing factors of preoperative and postoperative seizures were evaluated in 101 patients of 45 years or older with supratentorial astrocytic tumors. Preoperative seizures occurred in 14 (14%) patients. Seizures at presentation were significantly correlated with pathological grades of astrocytic tumors (p=0.0318). The risk of seizures at presentation was greatest in patients with well-differentiated astrocytomas as compared with anaplastic astrocytomas (Odds ratio=4.364, p=0.056) or glioblastomas multiforme (Odds ratio=5.673, p=0.007). There was no association of preoperative seizures with age, sex, location or site of the tumors. Postoperative seizures occurred in 18 (18%) patients, including 8 (8/14, 57%) recurrent seizures and 10 (10/87, 12%) late-onset seizures. Postoperative seizures were significantly correlated with the presence of preoperative seizures (p=0.0003). The presence of preoperative seizures was potentially predictive of postoperative seizures when evaluated by logistic regression model (Odds ratio=6.650). Thirteen (72%) of 18 patients with postoperative seizures were associated with tumor recurrence in 7 cases, hemorrhage in 3 cases and malignant progression in 3 cases. There was no association of postoperative seizures with age, sex, location or site of the tumors, grades of tumors, type of preoperative seizures, duration of preoperative seizures, serum level of anticonvulsant drug, extent of surgery, postoperative radiation or chemotherapy. The patients with preoperative seizures had a higher risk of postoperative seizures and should be carefully monitored. Imaging examination of brain to exclude the possibilities of tumor recurrence or hemorrhage is warrantable in supratentorial astrocytoma patients with postoperative seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We simulated more than a hundred possible orbits of the Neptune Trojan 2001 QR322 for the age of the Solar system. The orbits were generated randomly according to the probability density derived from the covariance matrix of the orbital elements. The test trajectories librate around Neptune's L4 point, with amplitudes varying from 40° to 75° and libration periods varying from 8900 to 9300 yr. The ν18 secular resonance plays an important role. There is a separatrix of the resonance so that the resonant angle switches irregularly between libration and circulation. The orbits are chaotic, with observed Lyapunov times from 1.7 to 20 Myr, approximately. The probability of escape to a non-Trojan orbit in our simulations was low, and only occurred for orbits starting near the low-probability edge of the orbital element distribution (largest values of initial semimajor axis and small eccentricity). This suggests that the Trojan may well be a primordial object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated satellite cell changes in mouse L4 and L5 spinal ganglia 14 days after unilateral transection of sciatic and saphenous nerves. The ganglia were studied under the electron microscope in single and serial sections, and by dye injection. Satellite cell responses to axon injury of the neurons with which they are associated included the formation of bridges connecting previously separate perineuronal sheaths and the formation of new gap junctions, resulting in more extensive cell coupling. Some possible consequences of these satellite cell reactions are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]