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Background The role of fibrocytes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) is unknown. We sought to enumerate blood and tissue fibrocytes in COPD and determine the association of blood fibrocytes with clinical features of disease. Methods Utilizing flow cytometry to identify circulating, collagen type 1+ cells, we found two populations: (i) CD45+ CD34+ (fibrocytes) and (ii) CD45+ CD34− [myeloid-derived suppressor cell ( MDSC)-like fibrocytes] cells in stable COPD ( n = 41) and control ( n = 29) subjects. Lung resection material from a separate group of subjects with ( n = 11) or without ( n = 11) COPD was collected for tissue fibrocyte detection. We examined circulating fibrocyte populations for correlations with clinical parameters including quantitative computed tomography (q CT) and determined pathways of association between correlated variables using a path analysis model. Results Blood and tissue fibrocytes were not increased compared to control subjects nor were blood fibrocytes associated with lung function or q CT, but were increased in eosinophilic COPD. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell-like fibrocytes were increased in COPD compared to controls [2.3 (1.1-4.9), P = 0.038]. Our path analysis model showed that collagen type 1 intensity for MDSC-like fibrocytes was positively associated with lung function through associations with air trapping, predominately in the upper lobes. Conclusion We have demonstrated that two circulating populations of fibrocyte exist in COPD, with distinct clinical associations, but are not prevalent in proximal or small airway tissue. Blood MDSC-like fibrocytes, however, are increased and associated with preserved lung function through a small airway-dependent mechanism in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Immunological biomarkers are the key to the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ( ABPA) and fungal sensitisation, but how these relate to clinically relevant outcomes is unclear. Objectives To assess how fungal immunological biomarkers are related to fixed airflow obstruction and radiological abnormalities in moderate to severe asthma. Methods Cross-sectional study of 431 asthmatics. Inflammatory biomarkers, lung function and an IgE fungal panel to colonising filamentous fungi, yeasts and fungal aeroallergens were measured. CT scans were scored for the presence of radiological abnormalities. Factor analysis informed the variables used in a k-means cluster analysis. Fixed airflow obstruction and radiological abnormalities were then mapped to these immunological variables in the cluster analysis. Results 329 (76.3%) subjects were sensitised to ≥ 1 fungi. Sensitisation to Aspergillus fumigatus and/or Penicillium chrysogenum was associated with a lower post-bronchodilator FEV1 compared with those not sensitised to fungi ((73.0 (95% CI 70.2-76) vs. 82.8 (95% CI 78.5-87.2)% predicted, P < 0.001), independent of atopic status ( P = 0.005)), and an increased frequency of bronchiectasis (54.5%, P < 0.001), tree-in-bud (18.7%, P < 0.001) and collapse/consolidation (37.5%, P = 0.002). Cluster analysis identified three clusters: (i) hypereosinophilic ( n = 71, 16.5%), (ii) high immunological biomarker load and high frequency of radiological abnormalities ( n = 34, 7.9%) and (iii) low levels of fungal immunological biomarkers ( n = 326, 75.6%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance IgE sensitisation to thermotolerant filamentous fungi, in particular A. fumigatus but not total IgE, is associated with fixed airflow obstruction and a number of radiological abnormalities in moderate to severe asthma. All patients with IgE sensitisation to A. fumigatus are at risk of lung damage irrespective of whether they meet the criteria for ABPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the spintronic effect on the growth mechanism of pentacene thin films on ferromagnetic oxide. It mentions that the pentacene molecules formed the flat islands which grows and shows a strong anisotropy. Also mentioned is that the use of nucleation energy and diffusion barrier energy to estimate the nucleus size of molecules and pentacene-based spintronic devices and carbon monoxide electrodes shows the magnetoresistive effects on room temperature.

This study examines the experiences of Afro-Cuban immigrants in non-traditional settlement sites in the Southwest. Drawing on 45 interviews with Afro-Cubans in Austin, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, we explore how our respondents position themselves relative to the local Mexican-origin population. Specifically, we focus on the implications of “Hispanic” identity in these cities as a category that is heavily tied to Mexican origin, “brownness,” and the suspicion of illegality. As Afro-Cubans, our respondents face a different racialization process than many non-black Latino immigrants, in that their blackness marks them as outside the bounds of regional constructions of Hispanic identity. Furthermore, the absence of significant numbers of Afro-origin immigrants creates an immediate association with citizenship that accompanies blackness in these locales. Our respondents recognize that they are assigned very different identities than the Mexican immigrants who work alongside them. Moreover, as they articulate identities in a US context, many of our respondents look to Miami Cubans as an example of their anticipated trajectory. Contrasting their perceptions of the success of Miami Cubans with the problems they perceive in the local Mexican-origin community, our respondents further distance themselves from a stigmatized Hispanic identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the immigrant experiences of Afro-Cubans throughout the U.S. While research has documented the successful adaptation of Cubans in Miami, Florida, this interview survey was conducted in Texas and New Mexico. The study looks at the manner in which racial and ethnic identities are developed in Afro-Cuban immigrants from both self-appraisal and external classification from others. The study describes a complex identification process in which Afro-Cubans attempt to maintain their identity as Cubans and blacks while being externally classified as either black or Hispanic.

The potential risk from cultural and religious practices involving mercury in Latino and Caribbean communities raises central methodological and ethical questions for risk assessment and risk communication. Here, specific cultural practices unfamiliar to most risk professionals carry significant inherent risks in the eyes of those professionals but not necessarily in the eyes of practitioners. Practitioners' past experience and history as targets of religious suppression and anti-immigrant sentiment create a reluctance to engage with researchers or public health officials in risk assessment or preventive risk communication efforts. The potential for the risk—in this case mercury contamination in dwellings—to extend beyond the practicing community to future occupants adds to public health concern. Understanding the risks of these practices requires both an understanding of the cultural and political context, beliefs, and behaviors of mercury users and an understanding of the fate and transport of mercury in typical use scenarios. In this study, we employed ethnographic methods (interviews and participant observation) to understand beliefs and behavior about mercury use as well as quantitative modeling and measurement to estimate and assess potential exposures. This represents a new methodology tailored to situations in which traditional activities or observances that are integral components of cultural identity pose risks in and of themselves. Our findings indicate that there are different types of mercury use stemming from different cultural and religious traditions that result in different levels of exposure. Many of the mercury uses that can result in the highest exposures to mercury vapors have previously been attributed to the religious tradition of Santeria, but appear instead to have their roots outside of the religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to photo detection using pixel Hybrid Photon Detectors (pixel-HPD's) has been adopted for the LHCb-RICH detector. These devices use a hybrid pixel detector inside an evacuated photo tube providing high-precision, low noise detection of Cherenkov radiation. The approach takes advantage of modern CMOS technology offering many advantages over more traditional techniques. These advantages include extremely high sensitivity, low noise and fast readout. A major technological challenge was the encapsulation of a hybrid pixel detector inside a photo detector tube. The fabrication of the HPD tube involves packaging of the pixel detector assembly onto a ceramic carrier to form the photo-anode and the subsequent bake out of the pixel anode under vacuum. Both processes involve high temperatures. A fine pitch solder bump-bonding technique, which is compatible with the manufacture of hybrid photo detectors, has been developed. The technology and the tests used for qualifying the new process for pixel-HPD production are described. More than 40 pixel detector assemblies have been produced with almost all showing <1% of missing pixels. A number of assemblies were baked out using temperature cycles identical to those used for pixel-HPD manufacture. None of the assemblies demonstrated any degradation. SEM photos clearly indicate the reliability of the process. 10 pixel-HPD tubes have been produced using this new bump-bonding process and those behave according to expectations. The pixel-HPD is the first of a new generation of photo detector tubes suitable for RICH and other visible photon sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To understand and characterize exposure to and use of elemental mercury among practitioners of Afro-Cuban religions in Hudson County, New Jersey, USA. Design. Participant observation and open-ended interviews with 22 religious supply store employees and practitioners of Santeria, Espiritismo or Palo Mayombe probed respondents’ knowledge and use of mercury, as well as their beliefs about its benefits and risks. Including a cultural and religious insider as part of the research team was crucial in working with this relatively closed community. Results. Seventeen of the 21 practitioners reported using mercury or mercury compounds in various forms of practice and in services that they provide to clients. The contained nature of these uses suggests that accidental spills, as opposed to the practices themselves, emerge as the greatest exposure concern for this population. Mercury was never recommended to clients for individual use. This restriction appears to be rooted in the way the religion is practiced and in the way santeros receive compensation, not in a perception of mercury as hazardous. Most practitioners were aware that mercury can be hazardous, but were not familiar with the most significant exposure pathway, inhalation of mercury vapor. A climate of fear surrounds the use of mercury in this community, so that health concerns pale in comparison to fear of reprisal from authorities. Among those who sell or formerly sold mercury, several shared the erroneous belief that it was illegal to sell mercury in New Jersey. Conclusion. Despite widespread reported use, there were no reports of practices believed to result in the highest exposures. To reduce exposure in the community, interventions presenting general information on mercury hazards and instructions for cleaning up spills are recommended. To address insider–outsider dynamics and the climate of fear, educational materials should be accessible to the community and avoid any mention of religious practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pixel hybrid photon detector (HPD) has been developed according to the specific requirements of the LHCb ring imaging Cherenkov counters. This detector comprises a silicon pixel detector bump-bonded to a binary readout chip to achieve a fast 25-ns readout and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The detector performance was characterized by varying the pixel threshold, the tube high voltage, the silicon bias voltage, and the determination of the photoelectron detection efficiency. Furthermore, accelerated ageing and high pixel occupancy tests were performed to verify the long-term stability. The results were obtained using Cherenkov light and a fast pulsed light emitting diode. The results of all measurements agree with the expectations and fulfill the design goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assess the exposure of elemental mercury vapor from cultural and religious practices in the United States. Availability and extent of use of mercury; Impact of mercury on living spaces; Interviews with mercury users.

Background Severe asthma is a heterogeneous disease. Defining its phenotypic heterogeneity is likely to shed light upon its immunopathogenesis and direct therapy. We sought to determine the relationship between phenotypes of severe asthma and sputum mediator profiles. Methods Subjects were recruited from a Difficult Asthma Clinic at a single centre (n=164) and assessments of lung function, atopic status, asthma control and sputum induction were undertaken. Sputum was obtained and supernatants were analysed for 23 mediators using the Meso-Scale Discovery platform. We performed k-means cluster analysis to determine clinical clusters using the baseline characteristics and sputum differential counts. The pattern of mediator expression was determined by factor analysis to identify biological factors. The biological factors were related to the clinical clusters and subjects stratified by asthma control, exacerbation frequency, treatment and sputum cell counts. The repeatability of the individual clinical characteristics and biological mediators was assessed in paired samples in 106 subjects and in three samples in 66 subjects. Results We identified four clinical clusters and five biological factors. The biological factors were differentially expressed in subjects stratified by sputum cell counts, asthma control and exacerbation frequency, but were not significantly different across the clinical clusters. The within subject repeatability of mediators was moderate; biological factors were consistent and tracked with sputum cell counts for the repeated visits. Conclusions Sputum mediator profiling of severe asthma revealed repeatable biological factors that were strongly associated with cellular profiles and inform our understanding of asthma phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]