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With the aid of the recent Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) measurements made onboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft, we construct empirical models for the vertical density distributions of 12 species in the dayside Martian ionosphere over the altitude range of 150-450 km, from abundant species such as O+2, CO+2, and O+ to trace species such as HO+2 and OCOH+. Two different sets of formulism are proposed to parameterize the ion density distribution characterized either by a distinctive layer structure or by a near exponential decay above 150 km. Both the solar control and magnetic control of ion distribution are taken into account in our modelings. In general, our empirical models are in good agreement with the NGIMS measurements. The full set of parameters constrained by data-model comparison is tabulated for reference. This allows the easy computation of any individual ion density profile for a unique combination of solar zenith angle, solar extreme ultraviolet flux, and ambient magnetic elevation, which in turn facilitates comparisons with photochemical model results. The empirical models reported in this study are an extension of previous empirical models constructed for the electron distribution in the dayside Martian ionosphere using both radar sounding and radio occultation data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution provides a large data set to explore the ion composition and structure of the Martian ionosphere. Here, the dayside measurements are used to investigate the minor ion density profiles with distinctive peaks above 150 km, revealing a systematic trend of decreasing peak altitude with increasing ion mass. We specifically focus on a subset of species including O+, N 2+/CO+, C+, N+, He+, and O++, all of which are mainly produced via direct photoionization of parent neutrals. Our analysis reveals weak or no variation with solar zenith angle (SZA) in both peak density and altitude, which is an expected result because these ion peaks are located within the optically thin regions subject to the same level of solar irradiance independent of SZA. In contrast, the solar cycle variations of peak density and altitude increase considerably with increasing solar activity, as a result of enhanced photoionization frequency and atmospheric expansion at high solar activities. He+ serves as an exception in that its peak density increases toward large SZA and meanwhile shows no systematic variation with solar activity. The thermospheric He distribution on Mars should play an important role in determining these observed variations. Finally, the peak altitudes for all species are elevated by at least several km within the weakly magnetized regions, possibly attributable to the suppression of vertical diffusion by preferentially horizontal magnetic fields in these regions. Key Points: The peak density and altitude for most minor ion species produced via direct photoionization show weak or no SZA variationThe minor ion peak density and altitude tend to increase significantly with increasing solar activityThe minor ion peak density and altitude show clear and consistent difference between the strongly and weakly magnetized regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-yr study was conducted across western Canada to evaluate the residual effects of preceding crops (PCs) and past N rate management on the economics of subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.). Field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), canola and wheat harvested for grain, and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown and harvested for grain or as a green manure were direct seeded in 2009. Canola was seeded in 2010, barley in 2011, and canola again in 2012 with fertilizer N applied at varying rates for each crop. Spring wheat grown in 2013 and canola in 2014, both without N application, were used to determine residual PC and residual N effects. The positive benefit of legume PCs on the annual crop net revenue (NR) of wheat and canola crops diminished over time. Residual N from previously applied N had positive effects on annual wheat NR in 2013, but only the highest application rate contributed significantly to canola NR in 2014. The NR was greatest with an annual fertilization program based on regional production capacity, but under the dry conditions of the Canadian prairies excess N remaining in the soil after crop production could remain in the soil as residual N to be used by following crops. While generally insufficient to optimize crop production, residual N can reduce the economic risk from over-application of fertilizer if N is not utilized by the crop due to adverse growing conditions in the year of fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for treating abdominal wall endometrioses (AWE).Design: A retrospective study.Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in China.Population: Patients with abdominal wall endometriosis.Methods: From August 2010 to April 2014, 32 patients with AWE were treated with USgHIFU in our hospital. USgHIFU treatment was performed with the Model JC-200 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Tumor Therapeutic System. The symptom relief and the adverse effects were evaluated after USgHIFU ablation.Main Outcome Measures: USgHIFU as a new treatment option for patients with AWE.Results: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that all lesions were successfully ablated with USgHIFU. The follow-up results showed that the average volume of AWE lesions at 6 months after USgHIFU was significantly smaller than that before treatment (2.80 ± 0.12 versus 1.33 ± 0.31 cm3 ). The pain scores at 6 months after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.80 ± 2.64 versus 1.80 ± 0.3). The non-perfused volume (indicative of successful ablation) was measured in all patients immediately after treatment, ranging from 0.9 to 2.1 cm3 (median: 1.6 cm3 ), and the fractional ablation ranged from 87% to 100% (median: 94%). Local oedema was observed in these patients, lasting for 1-3 days only. No severe complications occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusions: Based on our study, USgHIFU ablation is a safe and effective method for treating AWE.Tweetable Abstract: As a non-invasive treatment technique, HIFU could be used to treat abdominal wall endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y-chromosome-specific haplotypes (Y-haplotypes) constructed using single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y- SNPs) in the MSY (male-specific region of the Y-chromosome) are valuable in population genetic studies. But sequence variants in the yak MSY region have been poorly characterized so far. In this study, we screened a total of 16 Y-chromosome-specific gene segments from the ZFY, SRY, UTY, USP9Y, AMELY and OFD1Y genes to identify Y- SNPs in domestic yaks. Six novel Y- SNPs distributed in the USP9Y (g.223C>T), UTY19 (g.158A>C and g.169C>T), AMELY2 (g.261C>T), OFD1Y9 (g.165A>G) and SRY4 (g.104G>A) loci, which can define three Y-haplotypes ( YH1, YH2 and YH3) in yaks, were discovered. YH1 was the dominant and presumably most ancient haplotype based on the comparison of UTY19 locus with other bovid species. Interestingly, we found informative UTY19 markers (g.158A>C and g.169C>T) that can effectively distinguish the three yak Y-haplotypes. The nucleotide diversity was 1.7 × 10−4 ± 0.3 × 10−4, indicating rich Y-chromosome diversity in yaks. We identified two highly divergent lineages ( YH1 and YH2 vs. YH3) that share similar frequencies ( YH1 + YH2: 0.82-0.89, YH3: 0.11-0.18) among all three populations. In agreement with previous mt DNA studies, we supported the hypothesis that the two highly divergent lineages ( YH1 and YH2 vs. YH3) derived from a single gene pool, which can be explained by the reunion of at least two paternal populations with the divergent lineages already accumulated before domestication. We estimated a divergence time of 408 110 years between the two divergent lineages, which is consistent with the data from mitochondrial DNA in yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the genetic diversity and paternal origin of Chinese cattle, 302 males from 16 Chinese native cattle breeds as well as 30 Holstein males and four Burma males as controls were analysed using four Y- SNPs and two Y- STRs. In Chinese bulls, the taurine Y1 and Y2 haplogroups and indicine Y3 haplogroup were detected in seven, 172 and 123 individuals respectively, and these frequencies varied among the Chinese cattle breeds examined. Y2 dominates in northern China (91.4%), and Y3 dominates in southern China (90.8%). Central China is an admixture zone, although Y2 predominates overall (72.0%). The geographical distributions of the Y2 and Y3 haplogroup frequencies revealed a pattern of male indicine introgression from south to north China. The three Y haplogroups were further classified into one Y1 haplotype, five Y2 haplotypes and one Y3 haplotype in Chinese native bulls. Due to the interplay between taurine and indicine types, Chinese cattle represent an extensive reservoir of genetic diversity. The Y haplotype distribution of Chinese cattle exhibited a clear geographical structure, which is consistent with mt DNA, historical and geographical information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous studies have reported immortalization and tumorigenicity of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transduced with exogenous human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). We also have established a line of hMSCs transduced with hTERT (hTERT–hMSCs) and we have cultured these cells for 290 population doublings (PDs) during which they demonstrated a large proliferation potential but with no tumorigenicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protein expression profile of hTERT–hMSCs with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to be able to analyse the effects of exogenous hTERT on protein expression in hMSCs. Materials and methods: We generated proteome maps of primary hMSCs and hTERT–hMSCs at PD 95 and PD 275. Results: A total of 1543 ± 145 protein spots in gels of primary MSCs at PD 12, 1611 ± 186 protein spots in gels of hTERT–hMSCs at PD 95 and 1451 ± 126 protein spots in gels of hTERT–hMSCs at 275 PD were detected. One hundred of these were successfully identified, including 20 which were differentially expressed. Conclusions: The results suggest that sustaining levels of prohibitin and p53 expression along with differential expression of proteins in hTERT–hMSCs provide an insight into lack of transforming activity of hTERT–hMSCs during cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the prenatal imaging findings of a rare case of cephalothoracopagus janiceps disymmetros diagnosed at 28 weeks' gestation. Two-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated janiceps conjoined female twins with a single fused cranial vault, duplicated cerebra, two faces, four eyeballs, a fused thorax, two hearts, two thoracic spines, eight limbs and polyhydramnios. Three-dimensional and power Doppler ultrasound established the definitive classification of cephalothoracopagus conjoined twins and displayed the shared circulation between the two separate hearts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 25 August 2018, the China Seismo‐Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) encountered the first intense geomagnetic storm event since its launch on 2 February 2018. The main purpose of this work is to check in‐flight performance of the assembled payloads onboard CSES, as well as to investigate the ionosphere perturbations induced by this geomagnetic storm. The study shows that all investigated parameters simultaneously respond to the different phases of the geomagnetic storm, verifying the measuring capabilities of the assembled payloads onboard CSES. Specifically, the magnetic field obtained from the high‐precision magnetometer fits well with that obtained by the Swarm satellite, clearly demonstrating the development phase of the storm; joint analysis using the Langmuir probe, plasma analyzer, electric field detector, and GNSS occultation receiver data demonstrate that this is a positive storm event and that electric field penetration is the possible mechanism for the disturbance in the ionosphere. During this storm event, some significant ELF/VLF waves are also excited and there is enhancement of the energetic electron flux (of energy <1 MeV). These main features are consistent with results from previous works, indicating the excellent performance of the search coil magnetometer and high‐energy particle detector. Key Points: The comprehensive parameters from CSES are presentedThe measuring capabilities of the assembled payloads onboard CSES are demonstrated through an intense geomagnetic storm eventCSES observation shows that a positive storm event and the electric field penetration should play important role [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of acute appendicitis due to recurrent metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma involving only appendix, without the evidence of abdominal carcinomatosis 2 years after initial diagnosis of the primary gastric lesion. This case, in contrast to other previously reported cases that carried a dismal prognosis, had survived without tumour recurrent for more than 1 year after appendectomy, while this report was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextraction, a remediation strategy for lead (Pb)-contanunated soils that removes soil Ph through plant uptake and harvest, may be enhanced by use of synthetic chelates. We evaluated Pb desorption from four contaminated soils (total Pb 1278-14 349 mg kg-1) by seven chelates (CDTA, DTPA, EDDHA, EGTA, HEDTA, HEIDA, and NTA) at three rates (0.2, 2.0, and 20 mmol chelate kg soil-1) . The three most effective chelates (CDTA, DTPA, and HEDTA) were used in greenhouse studies with an uncontaminated soil and a Pb-contaminated soil (total Pb = 3212 mg kg-1) to determine the effect of chelate type and rate on growth, Pb uptake, and plant elemental composition. Lead desorption varied with chelate and soil and increased with chelate rate, averaging 948 mg Pb kg-1 at the 20mmol kg-1rate vs. 28 mg Pb kg-1 by the control. The general ranking of chelate effectiveness, based on total Ph desorbed, was HEDTA > CDTA > DTPA > EGTA > HEIDA > EDDHA - NTA. Plant uptake of Pb from the contaminated soil was enhanced by CDTA, DTPA, andHEDTA, but with even the most effective treatment (corn, high CDTA rate), the amount of Pb extracted by plants was rather low (0.4 kg Pb ha-1). Lead extractable by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) (TCLP) was increased from 9 mg L-1in the control to from 47 to 174 mg L in soils treated with 20 mmol kg-1CDTA or DTPA and chelates generally caused a shift in Ph from resistant to more soluble chemical fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for treating abdominal wall endometrioses (AWE)., Design: A retrospective study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in China., Population: Patients with abdominal wall endometriosis., Methods: From August 2010 to April 2014, 32 patients with AWE were treated with USgHIFU in our hospital. USgHIFU treatment was performed with the Model JC-200 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Tumor Therapeutic System. The symptom relief and the adverse effects were evaluated after USgHIFU ablation., Main Outcome Measures: USgHIFU as a new treatment option for patients with AWE., Results: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that all lesions were successfully ablated with USgHIFU. The follow-up results showed that the average volume of AWE lesions at 6 months after USgHIFU was significantly smaller than that before treatment (2.80 ± 0.12 versus 1.33 ± 0.31 cm 3 ). The pain scores at 6 months after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.80 ± 2.64 versus 1.80 ± 0.3). The non-perfused volume (indicative of successful ablation) was measured in all patients immediately after treatment, ranging from 0.9 to 2.1 cm 3 (median: 1.6 cm 3 ), and the fractional ablation ranged from 87% to 100% (median: 94%). Local oedema was observed in these patients, lasting for 1-3 days only. No severe complications occurred during the follow-up period., Conclusions: Based on our study, USgHIFU ablation is a safe and effective method for treating AWE., Tweetable Abstract: As a non-invasive treatment technique, HIFU could be used to treat abdominal wall endometriosis., (© 2017 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)